Determination of Optimal Tightened Normal Tightened Plan Using a Genetic Algorithm

Designing a tightened normal tightened sampling plan requires sample sizes and acceptance number with switching criterion. An evolutionary algorithm, the genetic algorithm, is designed to identify optimal sample sizes and acceptance number of a tightened normal tightened sampling plan for a specified consumer’s risk, producer’s risk, and switching criterion. Optimal sample sizes and acceptance number are obtained by implementing the genetic algorithm. Tables are reported for various choices of switching criterion, consumer’s quality level, and producer’s quality level

Augmented Reality Marketing-Impact on Intrinsic Motivation and Optimal User Experiences

Augmented reality marketing (AR marketing) has emerged as a transformative tool with the promise of a captivating user experience through the use of technology. Through the lens of flow theory, this study examines and seeks to understand how AR marketing triggers intrinsic motivation and fosters optimal user experiences. Based on the concept of flow theory which elucidates the psychological state of deep engagement and enjoyment, this research-in-progress proposes to examine how AR marketing campaigns can cultivate flow experiences to enhance attitudes towards both, the advertisement and the brand. This research-in-progress will adopt a mixed-methods approach involving quantitative surveys and qualitative analyses, to explore the interplay between flow experiences, attitudes, and user engagement in AR marketing contexts. By examining key components of flow theory, such as clear goals, immediate feedback, and balance between skill and challenge, the research aims to identify strategies for designing AR marketing experiences that facilitate flow states and subsequently influence attitudes towards the advertisement and the brand. The findings of the study are expected to have significant implications for marketing and technology academicians and practitioners. Additionally, the findings will guide industry practitioners in leveraging AR technology to create immersive and impactful brand experiences, ultimately fostering positive attitudes and stronger consumer relationships in an increasingly digital landscape

Induction of Early Biomarkers in a Thrombus-Induced Sheep Model of Ischemic Heart Failure

The levels of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) are known to be increased in the sera of subjects with heart failure. Existing models do not account for the biomass of thrombus that occurs in patients undergoing myocardial infarction. In this study, we compared the expressions of sheep-derived genes for BNP, MCP-1, and atrial natriuretic peptide in a new large-animal model of thrombus-induced heart failure. Thrombus of autologous platelets was injected directly into the left circumflex coronary arteries of sheep. Cardiac ischemic injury was evaluated by troponin I levels, and heart failure progression was monitored with the aid of echocardiogram-based evaluation. After outlined time intervals, the sheep were killed and their hearts excised for tissue sampling. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests were performed to establish gene and protein expressions. At 72 hours after embolization, myocardial BNP and MCP-1 expressions had increased significantly in the ischemic region, compared either with the nonischemic region or with tissue from healthy sheep. As heart failure progressed to 90 days after embolization, the expression of BNP in the ischemic region decreased, whereas its expression in the nonischemic region increased several fold. In contrast, MCP-1 gene expression showed no changes in either tissue after 90 days of embolization. Plasma levels of BNP, determined by Western blot and ELISA, also correlated with the gene-expression studies. Our results show regional changes in BNP and MCP-1, as well as differences in the expression of these 2 genes

Lipolysis Needed for Chylomicron Uptake?

Despite clinical evidence that postprandial lipemia and chylomicrons could contribute to atherosclerosis, direct evidence is lacking. The study by Weinstein et al 1 provides evidence to suggest that intact chylomicrons might be atherogenic by using genetically altered mice lacking Gpihbp1 protein, which may play a major role in the lipolysis of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins. However, the study does not rule out a contribution by remnants or limited lipolysis by other potential enzymes or pathways. It might be intriguing to determine the contribution of cholesterol derivatives in the chylomicrons to the lesions and the nature of the lesions. </jats:p