Minute Intervals Research Articles

Asymptotic normality of Nadaraya–Waton kernel regression estimation for mixing high-frequency data

High-frequency data is widely used and studied in many fields, especially in the econometrics and statistics. In this paper, the asymptotic normality of Nadaraya–Waton (NW) kernel regression estimator under ρ-mixing high-frequency data is studied. We first derive some moment inequalities for ρ-mixing high-frequency data, and then use them to study the asymptotic normality of NW kernel regression estimator, and give Berry–Esseen upper bounds. The numerical simulations report that the kernel regression estimator of high-frequency data has good asymptotic normality. Our empirical analysis is to fit the correlation between the five minute interval price increment and the corresponding trading volume for the Shanghai Stock Exchange Index, Entrepreneurship Index and Real Estate Index. These kernel regression curves better reflect people's investment behaviour.

Characterization of parameters for the analysis of objective measures of non-nutritive sucking of newborns.

To propose a methodology for analyzing data generated by an instrument measuring non-nutritive sucking pressure in newborns. An analytical observational study was developed, with a cross-sectional design, considering the data collected from 24 full-term newborns without complications. Three collections from each neonate were analyzed, with duration of 2 minutes and a 2-minute interval between them. The defined parameters were extracted using a program developed in Matlab®. The results were obtained by analyzing and comparing 12 variables at a 5% confidence level. Comparison of manual and computerized analyzes was also carried out using the intraclass correlation coefficient. The multiple comparison between the three collection moments showed that the significant statistical differences occurred between collections one and two and two and three. When analyzing and comparing each variable separately, it was noted that the second collection showed: greater number of sucking groups, greater number of suctions, less time to start the sucking groups, longer time of sucking groups, less number of sporadic suctions, higher mean pressure values and with less standard deviation, more number of pauses with shorter time of pauses. The intraclass correlation coefficient revealed almost perfect agreement for the 12 evaluated parameters. The 12 variables analyzed are relevant, especially in the second collection. The Matlab® program proved to be viable and effective in extracting and analyzing parameters, showing high agreement when compared to manual evaluation.

The Effect of Exercise Volume on Depressive-Related Behaviors and Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Serum Testosterone Levels

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of training volume on depression-related behaviors and serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and testosterone in mice. Male NMRI mice, approximately 80 days old and weighing 20 to 23 grams, were used in this study. Methods and Materials: They were kept under a 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle at a temperature of 23±1°C, with adequate food and water provided. The male NMRI mice, approximately 80 days old and weighing 20 to 23 grams, were kept under a 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle at a temperature of 23±1°C, with adequate food and water provided. From 90 days old to 118 days old, the animals underwent swimming exercise for 4 weeks. They were divided into two groups: long-term training volume and short-term training volume. The short-term swimming group included one session of short-term training, while the long-term group included three sessions of long-term training with 10-minute swimming periods and 15-minute rest intervals between each session. The water depth and swimming duration gradually increased from 5 to 15 centimeters (second to fourth week) and from 20 (second to third week) to 30 (fourth week) minutes per day. The non-exercised animals were placed in a round tank without water for a duration similar to that of the exercised animals. Results: The results showed a significant difference in immobility duration between the control group and the two training groups, as well as between the two training groups (P ≤ 0.05). There was also a significant difference in depression levels between the two training groups and between the long-term training group and the control group (P ≤ 0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the short-term training group and the control group (P ≥ 0.05). Post hoc test results indicated a significant difference in BDNF levels between the control group and the long-term training group (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant difference in testosterone levels between the control group and both the short-term and long-term training groups (P ≤ 0.05), but no difference between the two training groups (P ≥ 0.05). Conclusion: Based on the overall results of the study, different training volumes have varying effects on depression and BDNF levels, with long-term training producing greater effects.

Repetitive Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation to Improve Working Memory: An EEG-fNIRS Study.

Transcranial electrical stimulation has demonstrated the potential to enhance cognitive functions such as working memory, learning capacity, and attentional allocation. Recently, it was shown that periodic stimulation within a specific duration could augment the human brain's neuroplasticity. This study investigates the effects of repetitive transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS; 1 mA, 5 Hz, 2 min duration) on cognitive function, functional connectivity, and topographic changes using both electroencephalography (EEG) and functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Fifteen healthy subjects were recruited to measure brain activity in the pre-, during-, and post-stimulation sessions under tACS and sham stimulation conditions. Fourteen trials of working memory tasks and eight repetitions of tACS/sham stimulation with a 1-minute intersession interval were applied to the frontal cortex of the participants. The working memory score, EEG band-wise powers, EEG topography, concentration changes of oxygenated hemoglobin, and functional connectivity (FC) were individually analyzed to quantify the behavioral and neurophysiological effects of tACS. Our results indicate that tACS increases: i) behavioral scores (i.e., 15.08, ) and EEG band-wise powers (i.e., theta and beta bands) compared to the sham stimulation condition, ii) FC of both EEG-fNIRS signals, especially in the large-scale brain network communication and interhemispheric connections, and iii) the hemodynamic response in comparison to the pre-stimulation session and the sham condition. Conclusively, the repetitive theta-band tACS stimulation improves the working memory capacity regarding behavioral and neuroplasticity perspectives. Additionally, the proposed fNIRS biomarkers (mean, slope), EEG band-wise powers, and FC can be used as neuro-feedback indices for closed-loop brain stimulation.

Susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) to public health insecticides in Southern Afar Region, Ethiopia.

Mosquito-borne viral diseases such as dengue fever, chikungunya, and yellow fever have been documented in Ethiopia since the 1960s. However, the efficacy of public health insecticides against Aedes aegypti that transmits these viruses remains poorly understood in the country, particularly in the Afar Region. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the susceptibility status of Ae. aegypti to deltamethrin, permethrin, alpha-cypermethrin, pirimiphos-methyl, bendiocarb, and propoxur insecticides. Larvae and pupae of Aedes species were collected from Awash Arba, Awash Sebat, and Werer towns of the Afar Region of Ethiopia during July-October 2022, brought to the Aklilu Lemma Institute of Pathobiology, insectary and reared to adults. Non-blood-fed, 3-5 days-old females Ae. aegypti were exposed to pyrethroid, carbamate, and organophosphate insecticide impregnated papers in tube test following the standard guidelines. Knockdown rates were noted at 10 minutes interval until one hour. The mortality in mosquitoes was recorded 24 hours after 60 minutes of exposure. The mortality rates of Ae. aegypti exposed to propoxur were 87% in all the study towns. Similarly, 88% mortality in Ae. aegypti was recorded when tested with bendiocarb in Awash Sebat and Awash Arba towns. Suspected resistance of Ae. aegypti (95% mortality) to alpha-cypermethrin was observed in Awash Arba town. However, Ae. aegypti collected from all the three sites was observed to be susceptible to deltamethrin, permethrin, and pirimiphos-methyl. Ae. aegypti was resistant to 0.1% bendiocarb and 0.1% propoxur and possibly resistant to 0.05% alpha-cypermethrin. On the other hand, it was susceptible to 0.05% deltamethrin, 0.75% permethrin, and 0.25% pirimiphos-methyl. Thus, vector control products with deltamethrin, permethrin, and pirimiphos-methyl can be used in the control of adult Ae. aegypti in the Afar Region of Ethiopia. However, further studies should be carried out to evaluate the susceptibility status of Ae. aegypti to alpha-cypermethrin in the Awash Arba area.

Assessing the Solar Activity and Geomagnetic Disturbance during Minimum Phase of Solar Cycle 24 across the Globe.

Understanding solar activity and its implications on the Earth’s environment has become necessary. Most importantly, events that characterized the minimum phase of solar cycle 24 (2019) and geomagnetic disturbance experienced during this period calls for an assessment. To assess this, the study has therefore used INTERMAGNET data from geomagnetic stations across the globe during the solar minimum year of solar cycle 24. A total of nine geomagnetic stations data of five disturbed days in a month were used, and were averaged in a minute interval for year 2019. The stations were selected with reference to their geomagnetic locations (latitudes and longitudes) as well as analyzing their horizontal magnetic field (H-Component) from the X and Y component of the geomagnetic field to reveal the variance in the global pattern of solar variations. The seasonal variations were studied across various latitudes and longitudes to understand the impact of solar activities on the earth surface as a result of geomagnetic field disturbance on Earth’s magnetosphere at the end of cycle 24 (2019). The results of stations revealed ABK and DRV with 350nT and 150nT of H component respectively which are the highest while other stations have 60nT below. This study shows that low geomagnetic disturbance was witnessed during the end of the cycle due to the minimum solar activity which was as a result of low number of sunspot during this period.

Assessing the Impact of Temporal Resolution Using BSM1 on the Performance of Machine Learning

Objectives : This study aims to establish efficient strategies for data-driven operational management by examining the variations in machine learning modeling outcomes and data characteristics based on data acquisition intervals and methods.Methods : The BSM1 was used to simulate wastewater treatment facilities and to generate influent and effluent water quality data at 15-minute intervals. The generated data was processed by volume reduction through down sampling and data characteristic observation via resampling techniques, including up sampling through interpolation. Subsequently, the study involved a comparative analysis of the performance of 30 machine learning models built with the down sampled data.Results and Discussion : As data acquisition interval increased (i.e., down sampling progressed), <i>R</i><sup>2</sup> decreased and RMSE increased. When using the mean value as a representation, data accuracy was high, and error loss was minimal. Utilizing the maximum value as a representation helped maintain data characteristics and reduce information loss. Simple interpolation methods did not yield improved data accuracy. Furthermore, with wider data acquisition intervals, the practical predictive performance of machine learning models decreased, and the models experienced a sharp decline in performance when data became insufficient.Conclusion : For models requiring the ability to detect changes rather than accuracy, utilizing the maximum value over a specific period proves to be effective. The measurement interval of data emerges as a significant factor affecting the performance of machine learning models, with models developed under different measurement intervals often failing to demonstrate the expected performance. In this study, we have implemented all stages of data preprocessing, classification, training, and validation using LabVIEW, confirming the potential for integrating data analysis processes into LabVIEW, a widely used platform in the fields of control and measurement.

Effect of Acute Caffeine Exposure on Blood Glucose and Hepatic Glycogen Content in Normal and Thyroidectomized Male Wistar Rats.

Acute caffeine exposure had been shown to induce hyperglycemia however; the influence of thyroid hormones on the caffeine-induced hyperglycemia is yet to be established. The present study was therefore designed to investigate the effect of caffeine exposure on blood glucose and hepatic glycogen content in thyroidectomized rats. Sixty adult male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 10 groups as I-X (n=6). Rats in groups I, III, V, VII and IX were given normal saline, caffeine, prazosin + caffeine, propranolol +caffeine, combined prazosin+ propranolol+caffeine injections respectively while rats in groups II, IV, VI, VIII and X were thyroidectomized and treated in similar manner as the normal rats respectively. Surgical removal of the thyroid gland was done in the thyroidectomised groups while sham-operation was done in Normal group to serve as control. After healing and following an overnight fast, the rats were anaesthetized and the femoral vein and carotid artery were cannulated for drug administration and blood glucose measurement respectively. After stabilization, following basal measurements, rats from each group were injected normal saline or caffeine (6mg/kg) while another sets were pre-treated prazosin (0.2 mg/kg), propanolol (0.5 mg/kg) or their combination before caffeine administration. Blood glucose was then monitored for 60 minutes post-injection of caffeine at 5 minutes interval. Liver samples were collected at the end of the observation period for glycogen content determination. Caffeine caused significant increased blood glucose levels in both normal and thyroidectomized rats which were up to 210% and 180% respectively at the peak of their responses. Liver glycogen content of the thyroidectomized rats (3.11 ± 0.20 mg/100g tissue weight) was significantly higher than the normal rats (1.91 ± 0.43 mg/100g tissue weight). These glycogen contents were significantly reduced by caffeine in both normal (0.25 ± 0.04 mg/100g tissue weight) and thyroidectomized rats (1.65 ± 0.16 mg/100g tissue weight) when compared with their controls. The caffeine effects on blood glucose and hepatic glycogen content were abolished by pretreatment with propanolol or a combination of prazosin and propanolol in both normal and thyroidectomized rats but pretreatment with prazosin caused only significant reduction in hyperglycemic response to caffeine. The findings of this study suggest that caffeine-induced hyperglycemia in both normal and thyroidectomized rats are mediated through both alpha and beta adrenoceptors.

Roosting Behaviour and Population of Indian Mynas; & its Correlation with Sunset (light intensity) and the Time of Arrival

Abstract: Communal roosting behaviour is a very fascinating phenomenon that has been observed in numerous avian species wherein many birds stay together during night or daytime. Size of communal roosts may range from 5-6 individuals (e.g. Peafowl, drongo) to over 10,000 birds (e.g. Indian myna, crow, parakeets). Such birds have tendency to flock on their roost-ward journey. In this research, we observed communal roosting behaviour and population of Indian Myna (Acridotheres tristis). We identified one of the communal roosts of Indian Myna in Vaikunth Crematorium, Navi Peth area Pune and counted their population size at the time of their arrival to the roost during sunset on a fortnightly basis for a year by point count method. Census records were taken at 5 minutes interval on the number of flocks and flock sizes of these birds arriving to the communal roost in the evening. Also, recorded the light intensities over those intervals with the help of photometer. Our objective was to find out their population size and changes in the size at this particular roost and also to find out the correlation between the time of sunset (light intensity) and their time of arrival to the roost. This study illustrates the effect of light intensity on their roosting behaviour and analysis of any seasonal and monthly changes observed during the data collection period from 2 consecutive post breeding periods.

Cardiac and physico-chemical responses to xylazine and fentanyl analgesia in Bubalus bubalis

The minor surgical intervention and safe restraining requires sedation and analgesia especially in furious animals like buffaloes which can be achieved by using proper combination of sedative and analgesic drugs. The combination of xylazine with opioids is an effective way to achieve sedation and analgesia in cattle and horses. Six apparently healthy buffaloes having minor wounds were included in the present study. The sedation was accomplished by fentanyl (5 µg per kg b.wt) plus xylazine (0.05 mg per kg b.wt) intravenously. Physiological, hematobiochemical and electrocardiographic parameters were observed at different time interval after the administration of drugs. Following the administration of medicine, there was a significant reduction in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial blood pressure, hemoglobin, and packed cell volume. Respiration rate increased significantly at 30 minutes interval. PR interval and QT interval increased significantly at 20 minutes and 15 minutes respectively of the observation period, whereas a significant increase in the duration of ST segment was noticed from 15 minutes to 30 minutes. The present study revealed that the drug combination has no deleterious effects on cardiopulmonary, hematobiochemical and physiological parameters during the observation period.

The adsorbent GREEN SYNTHESIS OF CHARCOLATED ADSORBENT DERIVED FROM PUNICA GRANTANUM STEMS AND ITS APPLICATION IN DYE REMOVAL OF METHYL ORANGE, CHROMOSEINT BLUE, ERIOCHROME BLACK -T AND MALACHITE GREEN

The existence of dye molecules prolonged in water effluents of special concern is removed through green synthesized Punica Grantanum stem adsorbent (PGSA) embedded in removal of dye as methyl orange, Chromoseint blue, Eriochrome black-T, malachite green. Charcolated adsorbent was subjected to characterization as, SEM, TEM and FTIR. PGSA was employed in parametric study of effect of pH, effect of adsorbent dose on dye removal, effect of adsorbent on concentration of dye and effect of temperature on dye removal. Maximum removal of dye was observed at basic pH 8, as adsorbent dose of 0.5g give maximum removal of dye molecules. Maximum dye concentration of 1×10-5M show best result for dye removal and 30°C temperature was effective for various dyes giving removal efficiency. Experimental work was conducted on UV-Visible spectrophotometer with time gradient of 15 minutes time interval up to 180 minutes. So, this study revels use of charcolated adsorbent of Punica Grantanum stem is effective for dye removal purpose.

Effect of training load on lower limb power and jumping ability of professional soccer players

Research objective: The main research objective is to analyze the effects of training load on the lower limb power and jumping ability used in the maximum strength phase I during the preparatory period after the fall round league games among professional soccer players. Materials and Methods: The research material was a selected group of soccer players (n = 56) of the first Polish league, representing a similar sports level with a minimum of 4 years of training experience in the league and in the age range of 22 to 28 years. The study is focused on comparing two strength training programs which have been based on varying the intensity of training (% 1 RM). The first group performed training with an external load of 50-60% of 1RM (SG1), while the second group performed training with a load of 70-80% of 1RM (SG2). The training plan ran over 4 weeks (2 sessions per week; 4-number of series; 5-number of repetitions; 3-minute interval time between series; 2-minute interval time between exercise), with pre- and post-tests which included: anthropometry, 1RM, peak power output with 50% (unilateral), 60% (bilateral) (SG1) and 70% (unilateral), 80% 1RM (bilateral) (SG2) in the leg press, squat, and CMJ. The use of pneumatic devices the Keiser Leg Press A420 and Keiser Air Squat A300 (Keiser, Fresno, CA, USA) was used to measure the generated power of the lower limb muscles (leg press, squat). The dynamometric device Force Decks Dual Force Plate System (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) was used to measure the jumping ability (CMJ). Results: Analyzing the changes in power generated during leg presses and during squats, it should be concluded that the results in both groups improved. However, the changes in the SG1 group, using an external load of 50-60% 1RM, were significantly greater. Interestingly, in the SG2 group, using an external load of 70-80% 1RM, the level of power generated by the right lower limb during the unilateral squat decreased after training. Similarly, to the jumping ability, greater changes were recorded in the SG1 group after completing the training program. The SG1 group with training using an external load of 50-60% 1RM achieved significantly better results than the SG2 group with training using an external load of 70-80% 1RM for 7 variables: bilateral leg press, unilateral leg press (right lower limb), unilateral leg press (left lower limb), bilateral squat, unilateral squat (right lower limb), power [W/kg] and the speed [m/s] of the jump. It was also possible to observe a certain increasing trend in the results in the unilateral squat (left lower limb) and countermovement jump height (CMJ), while not statistically significant. Conclusions: The method of using moderate and heavy loads can be used in the maximum strength phase I during the preparatory period after the fall round league games as an effective solution to improve the results in terms of power and jumping ability generated by soccer players. The main findings of the present study were as follows: training with an external load of 50-60% 1RM during the preparatory period after the fall round league games is more effective in improving muscle power and jumping ability (power [W/kg] and the speed [m/s] of the jump) soccer players than training with an external load of 70-80% 1RM.

Comparison of Hemodynamic Changes and Their Management Following Subarachnoid Block Between Normotensive and Preeclamptic Women Undergoing Cesarean Section

Introduction. Spinal anesthesia (SA) is widely used for cesarean sections, yet its safety in preeclamptic patients remains uncertain. This study explores the use of subarachnoid block (SAB) in preeclamptic parturients during cesarean sections. Patients and Methods. This study was a single-center hospital-based controlled clinical trial. 30 normotensive and 30 preeclamptic women undergoing cesarean section were included in the study. Heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and SpO2 were evaluated at one, three, five, seven, nine, 11, 13, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55 and 60 minutes intervals after giving the block. The independent samples t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results. In the normotensive (group N) vs. preeclamptic (group PE) comparison, significant differences in weight, SBP, DBP, and MAP were noted, with higher values in group PE (p<0.05). Heart rates and oxygen saturation were comparable. Mephentermine consumption was notably higher in normotensive women compared to preeclamptic women (p<0.001). Conclusion. Severe preeclamptic women exhibit significantly higher SBP, DBP, and MAP compared to normotensive women undergoing cesarean section following subarachnoid block. However, SAB does not impact heart rate and oxygen saturation. Importantly, hypotension following spinal anesthesia is less common in severe preeclamptic patients, indicating its potential safety in this group.

Comparison of Various Devices Used in the Evaluation of Vertical Jump Height

This study aimed to compare force plate, motion analysis, and mobile application methods for calculating vertical jump height. Twenty-nine male college students (age: 22.4 ± 1.0 years; height: 178.1 ± 6.2cm; body weight: 71.2 ± 8.0 kg) voluntarily participated in the study. Two countermovement jumps (CMJ) with 1-minute intervals on a force platform (BERTEC 4060-10) were performed. The countermovement jump performances were captured using an iPhone 11 (Apple Inc., USA). The experimental setup involved using three high-speed cameras, specifically the My Jump 2 and SIMI Motion 7.5. Obtained results from hip displacement (HD) data with motion analysis system showed that participants had significantly lower vertical jump height calculated from motion capture (p = 0.01; -8.3 ± 3.86, 95%CI; MyJump2-SIMI_HD = 1.24/3.30). It was also found that calculations from left and right foot displacement were higher than My Jump 2 results (95%CI; MyJump2-SIMI_RF = 0.66/2.93) and 95%CI (MyJump2-SIMI_LF) = (-0.63/2.65). In contrast, force plate calculations, known as the gold standard in the literature, were very similar to My Jump (95%CI; MyJumpII-FP) = (2.38/4.01). The findings indicate that the My Jump 2, used for assessing vertical jump height, may be a reliable alternative for determining vertical jump height instead of setting up gold standard methods. Individuals' athletic performance abilities and birth, gender, and sports preferences should be considered. Finally, when coaches or sports scientists intend to measure CMJ, My Jump 2 application can be recommended as a laboratory application as well as a practical and valid measurement method, especially for field applications.

Dystocia due to Incomplete Cervical Dilatation in Goat and its Non-Surgical Management

A four-year-old non-descript doe in her third parity was presented to Referral Veterinary Polyclinic, ICAR-IVRI with a clinical history of failure to deliver kid even after completion of the gestation period. The doe was showing intermittent straining since 24 hours and visual examination could not detect any genital discharge from the vulva. Per-vaginal examination revealed one finger dilatation (external os) indicating that the dystocia was due to insufficient cervical dilation. The induction treatment was advised along with CMC massaging of cervix for 10 minutes at every 30 minutes interval. After 2 hours following therapy, the cervix was fully dilated and first water bag appeared at vulva. Per-vaginal delivery was performed with gentle traction yielding two live fetuses. The doe was recovered uneventfully and treatment with antibiotics and supportive therapy was advised for three days.

Onset and duration of action of escalating doses of atracurium in anesthetized healthy goats

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to describe the onset and duration of action of escalating doses of atracurium in healthy, anesthetized goats. Study designRandomized, blinded, triple crossover study.Animals A total of eight (five males and three females) healthy goats weighing 42.7–123.5 kg and aged from 11 months to 8 years. MethodsGoats were anesthetized three times with propofol and anesthesia was maintained with isoflurane. One of three doses of atracurium was administered intravenously 30 minutes after induction: 0.25 mg kg–1 (AT25), 0.5 mg kg–1 (AT50) or 0.75 mg kg–1 (AT75). Acceleromyographic train-of-four ratio (TOFR) followed by train-of-four counts (TOFC) were recorded at 30 second intervals after atracurium administration to determine blockade onset (TOFC = 0). The TOFR followed by TOFC were recorded at 5 minute intervals until return to pre-atracurium baseline (TOFR = 1.0). Normally distributed data were analyzed with repeated measures anova and a Tukey multiple comparison test. Data not normally distributed were analyzed with a Friedman test and a Dunn’s multiple comparison test. ResultsFor AT50 and AT75, 100% of goats achieved TOFC = 0 after atracurium administration. For AT25, however, 87.5% of goats achieved TOFC = 0 after atracurium administration. The onset time was shorter for AT75 [1.5 (0.5–1.5) minutes; median (range)] than for AT25 [2 (1–4) minutes] (p = 0.048). The duration of action [from onset time to complete reversal (TOFR = 1.0)] was significantly shorter for AT25 (52 ± 12 minutes, mean ± SD) than for AT50 (77 ± 18 minutes) (p < 0.001) and AT75 (85 ± 16 minutes) (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in duration between AT50 and AT75 (p = 0.238). Conclusions and clinical relevanceDoses of 0.5 and 0.75 mg kg–1 atracurium may produce complete neuromuscular blockade in healthy, anesthetized goats.

Fuzzy modelling as an intelligent tool to study animal behaviour: An application to birds with environmental enrichment

This study aimed to apply fuzzy modeling to the behavioral responses and physical activity of broiler chickens with and without environmental enrichment. 96 Cobb broiler chicks, raised in a controlled environment, 48 birds for each treatment (T1 = presence and T2 = absence of environmental enrichment) at different ages (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks old) during the two production cycles were used. The behavioral assessment was carried out by recording the images for later analysis at the following observation times: 8–9 am, 12–1 pm and 4–5 pm, totaling three hours of observation per rearing week (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) at 5 min intervals of between image compositions. The experimental design was completely randomized in a split-plot, and the treatments and subplots were allocated to the weeks of rearing of the birds, containing 48 repetitions. The activity level of birds was based on behavioral data of broiler birds, in which fuzzy modeling was applied. Input variables (locomotion and activity) and output variables (activity level) of the fuzzy system were applied. During the first three weeks of life, the birds showed a moderate activity level, according to the fuzzy classification (between 0.300 and 0.450) between the two proposed treatments. At weeks 5 and 6, high levels of flock activity were characteristic of the group housed in an environment with the presence of environmental enrichment, while birds housed in the environment without enrichment showed a moderate level of activity at all times. At the times when high levels of activity were reported, the same behavior as in week 4 was observed: the activity level increased due to high values of “activity” behaviors, while “walking” behaviors remained in the moderate range. The fuzzy modeling revealed that the use of environmental enrichment (ladder with perch) increased the activity level of broilers in the last weeks, which displayed the highest levels of activity (mobility) of the birds. The use of fuzzy logic in behavioural responses allowed a greater global clarification of the birds' behavioural response pattern, while the traditional approach showed an increase in specific responses, which leads us to conclude that both approaches can be used synergistically.

Hybrid state-estimation in combined heat and electric network using SCADA and AMI measurements

State-estimation plays a vital role to monitor, observe and understand the combined heat and electric network. In this paper, a hybrid framework is presented to accurately estimate the system states of electric distribution network and heat network, using the limited non-redundant measurements obtained from supervisory control and data acquisition and advanced metering infrastructure systems. The presented hybrid framework involves two steps, namely, the state-forecasting and the state-estimation. The state-forecasting uses a deep neural network to forecast the system states at every fifteen minutes interval, while these forecasted states are further used by the hybrid estimator, which uses a robust extended Kalman filter to estimate the system states with help of both datasets corresponding to supervisory control and data acquisition and advanced metering infrastructure systems, at hourly interval. The proposed framework does not completely rely on the system model at different instants. The effectiveness of the method is validated through thorough comparisons with simulation studies carried out using the Barry Island test system, United Kingdom. Satisfactory performance is observed even with the presence of bad data in the measurements.

Thoughtful paths of Nature Park „Ogres Zilie kalni”

In many countries around the world, urbanization has led to a disconnection from nature within major cities and this has prompted increased research into the significance of nature in the daily lives of urban residents. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, people began to visit the walking trails en masse and the habit has continued even after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study, which was conducted in July of 2023 is a part of a broader research initiative aimed at enhancing recreational opportunities and optimizing the physical and wellness benefits provided by walking paths. The research is centered on the "Ogres Zilie kalni" nature park, which features recreational and activity trails. For a majority of residents, these walking paths and ski tracks are vital for recreation. The research's objective is to outline the planning principles for the nature park's trail network, drawing not only from landscape architecture but also from the field of environmental psychology. This holistic approach is expected to yield better recreational outcomes and subsequently improve human health. The primary goal of this study is to investigate how different types of nature walking trails impact human attention dynamics. Using Schulte's Tables, a psychological method, the study assessed how various stimuli in trail planning and route selection influence human attention. The research results do not offer a definitive answer regarding the influence of path type on attention dynamics. However, the findings indicate that attention dynamics tend to improve after the second or third measurement, typically occurring at 20-30 minute intervals. This aligns with the theory that 20 minutes is sufficient for attention reset. Attention dynamics then diminish towards the end of the walk due to physical exhaustion. It was hypothesized that adequate rest could lead to improved dynamics. In the modelling of the walking path network and route selection, cognitive factors such as the purpose of the walk, group participation, individual walks, social interactions, and the perception of the three-dimensional spatial environment serve as the foundation for designing the layout of walking paths. The study raises intriguing and complex research questions, further complicated by the diverse groups involved, including students, families, and the elderly. Social factors play a pivotal role in determining the optimal path for both fundamental research and practical applications. Understanding the mechanisms and information sources guiding decision-making in path selection should encompass not only psychological but also social aspects. This comprehensive approach will contribute to a better understanding of path planning for psychological wellness and the cultivation of emotionally positive behavioural patterns.

Modelling of Prosumer Behaviour in Peer-to-Peer Energy Trading Environment Through Markov Chain Analysis

The emergence of distributed generation has become significant over the last few years, bringing several challenges to traditional grid-connected electricity distribution systems. Technical limitations of integrating these new renewable distributed generation to the existing electricity grid made new avenues to change the way of energy consumption, which converted traditional consumers to prosumers. Peer-to-peer energy trading platforms enable these prosumers to trade electricity with their neighbours in microgrids where new electricity markets emerge with new technologies. This research introduces a concept of peer-to-peer energy trading for grid-connected electricity distribution networks. In its initial phase, the study models prosumer load sharing for households equipped with solar PV and battery energy storage. This modelling employs a Markov chain, where energy share states are determined by parameters in a Markov transition probability matrix. These parameters are varied during different time intervals of the day, reflecting varying cost components under a Time-of-Use (TOU) tariff structure. This approach enables prosumers to meet their load demand cost-effectively, fostering engagement in peer-to-peer energy exchanges. The proposed Markov model is simulated with 15-minute spot pricing intervals, demonstrating effective management of prosumer load demands in the peer-to-peer market environment, showcasing the potential benefits of this innovative energy trading approach.