179 research outputs found

    Multi-criteria reliability optimization for a complex system with a bridge structure in a fuzzy environment : A fuzzy multi-criteria genetic algorithm approach

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    Abstract: Optimizing system reliability in a fuzzy environment is complex due to the presence of imprecise multiple decision criteria such as maximizing system reliability and minimizing system cost. This calls for multi-criteria decision making approaches that incorporate fuzzy set theory concepts and heuristic methods. This paper presents a fuzzy multi-criteria nonlinear model, and proposes a fuzzy multi-criteria genetic algorithm (FMGA) for complex bridge system reliability design in a fuzzy environment. The algorithm uses fuzzy multi-criteria evaluation techniques to handle fuzzy goals, preferences, and constraints. The evaluation approach incorporates fuzzy preferences and expert choices of the decision maker in regards to cost and reliability goals. Fuzzy evaluation gives the algorithm flexibility and adaptability, yielding near-optimal solutions within short computation times. Results from computational experiments based on benchmark problems demonstrate that the FMGA approach is a more reliable and effective approach than best known algorithm, especially in a fuzzy multi-criteria environment

    Tensile properties of long untreated and alkali treated Napier grass fiber strands/epoxy composites

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    Napier grass fiber strands were extracted using the combined mechanical and water retting process. The extracted fiber strands were treated with various proportions (5, 10 and 15% w/v) of NaOH solution to improve their surface morphology and bonding with the resin. This study investigates the Tensile properties of composites made by reinforcing alkali treated, long Napier grass fiber strands in to epoxy resin with different orientations (0º). The composites were prepared with 0, 5, 10, and 15% of alkali treatment and with a fiber loading (weight %) of 10, 20, and 30%. The effect of alkali treatment, orientation and fiber loading on the tensile strength of the composites was analyzed using universal testing machine. Quantitative results from this study will be useful for more accurate design of Napier grass fiber strand reinforced composite materials for possible automotive applications

    Acute cycling exercise and hippocampal subfield function and microstructure in healthy older adults

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    Aging is associated with deterioration in dentate gyrus (DG) and CA3, both crucial hippocampal subfields for age susceptible memory processes such as mnemonic discrimination (MD). Meanwhile, a single aerobic exercise session alters DG/CA3 function and neural activity in both rats and younger adults and can elicit short-term microstructural alterations in the hippocampus of older adults. However, our understanding of the effects of acute exercise on hippocampal subfield integrity via function and microstructure in older adults is limited. Thus, a within subject-design was employed to determine if 20-min of moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise alters bilateral hippocampal subfield function and microstructure using high-resolution functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) during an MD task (n = 35) and high angular resolution multi-shell diffusion imaging (n = 31), in healthy older adults, compared to seated rest. Following the exercise condition, participants exhibited poorer MD performance, particularly when their perception of effort was higher. Exercise was also related to lower MD-related activity within the DG/CA3 but not CA1 subfield. Finally, after controlling for whole brain gray matter diffusion, exercise was associated with lower neurite density index (NDI) within the DG/CA3. However, exercise-related differences in DG/CA3 activity and NDI were not associated with differences in MD performance. Our results suggest moderate to vigorous aerobic exercise may temporarily inhibit MD performance, and suppress DG/CA3 MD-related activity and NDI, potentially through neuroinflammatory/glial processes. However, additional studies are needed to confirm whether these short-term changes in behavior and hippocampal subfield neurophysiology are beneficial and how they might relate to long-term exercise habits

    Study of Electrocardiographic Abnormalities in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and its Correlation With Severity

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    Introduction: The current study aimed to identify the electrocardiographic (ECG) changes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and their correlation to severity. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 100 patients with COPD with expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)20 pack-years, being more common in males in their 5th decade of life. Moreover, low FEV1 values were associated with ECG abnormalities. As the duration/severity of the disease rises, ECG abnormalities become more common. To avoid cardiac mortality and morbidity, all COPD patients should undergo cardiac examination through ECG for the management of co-morbidities

    Synthesis of Novel Benzamide- piperazine-sulfonamide Hybrids as Potential Anticancer Agents

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    The synthesis of a series of substituted hippuric acid (2-benzamidoacetic acid) derivatives containing arylsulfonylpiperazine nucleus (3a–j, 4a–j) is described. The compounds were synthesized by coupling hippuric/4-fluorohippuric acid with various arylsulfonylpiperazines using N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N-ethylcarbodiimide (EDCI). The structures of all the new compounds were confirmed by IR, NMR and MS spectral data. All the synthesized compounds have been evaluated for their in vitro cytotoxicity towards five human cancer cell lines of different origins viz. HeLa (Cervical), A549 (Lung), A375 (Skin), MD-AMB-231(Breast) and T98G (brain) and their IC50 values were determined. Among the compounds tested, 3b, 3d, 3g, 4c and 4e displayed significant cytotoxic activity (IC50 = 24.2–38.2 µM). T98G was the most sensitive cell line towards the compounds studied followed by HeLa, A375, A549 and MD-AMB-231. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

    HANDHELD MONEY DEPOSIT AND WITHDRAWAL CELL BANKING GADGET

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    The primary concept of the micro-bank product is the financial institution should employ special persons which are licensed because the business correspondents (BC) to hold a micro-bank machine together. Each Business correspondents will most likely be allotted to a particular handheld guaranteed electronic doorstep banking system machine. The bank’s commensurate huge clientele isn’t inside the urban level however, inside the frequently pretermitted rural areas. The micro-bank technique is always attached to the central banking server using GSM communication. During this paper an assured handheld doorstep banking industry proven to as Micro-bank machine should certainly grant plan to totally free styles in rural areas and remote places for example cities. The micro-bank machine that will get the OTP information will record breaking speed of the feel of this message. Light tasks like acquiring away and off to the ATM and retreating cash cause humans in cities lose their operating hrs. and, consequently, miss a big live in the profit also. The look can also be operated within as well as on the far side within the regular banking hrs. The primary goal within the handheld machine should be to administer banking services like money withdrawals and money deposit while not the individual ever striving having a bank during remote areas wherever a GSM cellular association isn’t possible

    Comparison of Modified Mallampati Classification and Acromio-Axillo-Suprasternal Notch Index in Predicting Difficult Laryngoscopy: A Prospective cohort study.

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    Background: Difficult airway management remains a major concern in anesthesia, with unanticipated intubation failures increasing perioperative morbidity and mortality. Accurate preoperative identification of at-risk patients is essential for safe airway management and reducing complications like hypoxia and failed intubation. Among airway assessment tools, the Modified Mallampati Classification (MMP) and Acromio-Axillo-Suprasternal Notch Index (AASNI) are commonly used. This study compared the predictive accuracy of MMP and AASNI in forecasting difficult visualization of the larynx (DVL) during direct laryngoscopy. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 106 adult patients aged between 18 and 60 years, scheduled for elective surgeries requiring general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation. Each patient underwent preoperative airway assessments using MMP and AASNI. During laryngoscopy, the Cormack-Lehane (CL) grading was recorded. Diagnostic parameters—sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), odds ratio, and likelihood ratios—were calculated to evaluate the predictive performance of MMP and AASNI. Results: Of the 106 participants, 58 (54.7%) were male and 48 (45.3%) were female. The mean age was 38.11 ± 9.88 years, with the majority aged 40–50 years (38.7%). The average BMI was 24.75 ± 2.33 kg/m². AASNI showed higher sensitivity (83.3%) and NPV (93.9%) compared to MMP (41.67% and 83.7%, respectively), while MMP had greater specificity (87.8%). Both tools shared equal PPV (50%) and diagnostic accuracy (77.36%). AASNI demonstrated a higher odds ratio (15.5 vs. 5.14) and lower negative likelihood ratio (0.220 vs. 0.664), confirming superior predictive performance. Conclusion: AASNI is a more reliable and objective predictor of difficult laryngoscopy than MMP. It enhances preoperative airway assessment and supports better preparedness for airway management. Recommendations: Routine use of AASNI is recommended in pre-anesthetic evaluations. Future multicentric studies with larger, diverse populations are warranted to further validate its effectiveness and generalizability

    Multicomponent Click Synthesis of β-Hydroxy/Benzyl 1,2,3- Triazoles Catalyzed by Magnetically Recyclable Nano Iron Oxide in Water

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    Abstract: Iron oxide nanoparticles have been found to effectively catalyze the multicomponent synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles from azide precursors, such as epoxides and organic halides in water. The formation of the product proceeds in one pot through a mechanism that involves in situ generated organic azide intermediate, followed by rapid ring closure of this intermediate with terminal alkynes. In the presence of nano-Fe 2 O 3 , click reaction proceeds in short reaction times and the resulting products are obtained in good yields. Aqueous reaction medium, easy recovery of catalyst, efficient recycling and high stability of the catalyst render the protocol sustainable and economic

    A Survey on Legionnaires Disease and Benefits of Using IoT and Artificial Intelligence for Control Measures

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    In this paper, we summarized Legionella, its outbreaks, detection techniques, compliance, and traditional control measures. We proposed the benefits of using a Remote temperature monitoring and tap flushing system that can be implemented with the help of Internet of Things (IOT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Legionella bacteria is usually found in all types of water systems and soil. Humans are affected by breathing Aerosols from the infected sources. Figure 2 shows the major sources of Legionella and its routes to human exposure. It is asymptomatic in most individuals but can cause Pontiac fever, Legionnaires disease and can lead to severe Pneumonia. People with weak immune systems, the old aged and smokers are most susceptible to legionaries' disease. There are no distinct symptoms for legionnaires disease, so it is unnoticed or neglected most of the time. Legionellaceae family consists of more than 50 species of which Legionella Pneumophila is the most common serogroup which causes Legionnaires disease. Temperature between 20°C to 50°C is most suitable for its growth. Artificial water systems like water tanks, Domestic water distribution systems, Spa pools, Cooling towers are some of the major sources of legionella. Legionella bacteria grows on Biofilms and stagnant water in supply pipes and water systems. There is detailed guidance and legislation to maintain these systems to prevent legionella outbreaks. A remote temperature monitoring and a remote outlet flushing solution can help the legionella organizations to keep the water systems compliant and safe from Legionella. A sensor network for remote monitoring of water temperatures and initiating outlet flushes can help reduce the manual efforts
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