Minute Intervals Research Articles

Knockdown and Toxicity of Essential Oils from the Rhizome of Zingiber officinale (L) and the Bud of Syzygium aromaticum (L) to Periplaneta americana (L)

The American cockroach (Periplanata americana) is an important peridomestic pest that is responsible for the mechanical transmission of several disease pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the knockdown and toxicity effects of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) essential oils against Periplanata americana. Oils were extracted from the rhizomes and buds of ginger and cloves plants respectively. The oils were extracted using the hydrodistillation method and were serially diluted in 20% tween 80 solution to obtain seven concentrations (5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400μl/ml). Whatman No.1 filter paper was smeared with 1ml of each concentration of the oil and allowed to dry. Adult P. americana were exposed to the treated filter paper in a glass jar. Each experimental set up and the control had 20 adult cockroaches each. The control experiment had the cockroaches exposed to 1ml of 20% tween 80 solution. Each experiment was replicated 4 times. The knockdown effect was observed at 10 minutes intervals for 60 minutes while the mortality count was recorded after 24 and 48 hours. After 20 minutes of exposure to cloves oil, 100% knockdown was observed in the highest concentration (400μl/ml). For ginger oil, complete knockdown was observed in the highest concentration (400μl/ml) after 30 minutes of exposure. Both ginger and clove oil showed increased mortality as the concentration increased. After 48 hours of exposure, 100% mortality of adult P. americana were recorded in both oils at the highest concentration of 400μl/ml. While 25% and 40% mortality recorded at the lowest concentration of 5μl/ml for ginger and clove oil respectively at 48 hours. There was no mortality recorded in the control. Clove oil was more potent than ginger oil, this was judged by the 48 hours LC50 value of 7.344μl/ml while the 48 hour LC50 value for ginger oil was 56.564μl/ml. It was concluded from the study that both ginger and clove oils exhibited significant knockdown and toxicity activity against P. americana. Thus, it is recommended that the essential oils from these plants should be incorporated in the production of botanical pesticides for the management of P. americana, which is a well-known mechanical vector and common household’s pest.

Optimal active and reactive energy management for a smart microgrid system under the Moroccan grid pricing code

This article presents an innovative active and reactive energy management system (AR-EMS) specifically designed for residential buildings in Morocco, seamlessly integrated with a Smart Microgrid (SMG) and the Electrical Power Grid (EPG) supplier. The considered SMG incorporates a Photovoltaic system (PV) and an Energy Storage System (ESS). In Morocco, the EPG utilizes a Range Tariff System (RTS), where the tariff structure depends on the total energy consumed at the end of each month. Hence, the proposed AR-EMS is designed to computes optimal active and reactive power setpoints of each source at 15-minute intervals for the next 30 days, based on forecasts of energy consumption and PV power production. The AR-EMS consists of two distinct layers: the Long-Term Optimization Layer (LTOL) and the Short-Term Optimization Layer (STOL). The LTOL focuses on optimizing active and reactive power flow over an extended time horizon of 30 days, relying on forecasted data. In contrast, the STOL involves short-term forecasting and energy optimization over the next 24-hour horizon, addressing the LTOL forecasting uncertainties. The proposed strategy emphasizes a multi-objective problem aiming at minimizing both active and reactive energy bill, ESS degradation cost, Peak-to-Average Ratio (PAR) and carbon emissions. The considered problem is solved using a metaheuristic algorithm, specifically the Lexicographic approach within the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) method. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, two comparative analyses are conducted. The first involves the impact of time horizons on the energy cost and the management performances within the Moroccan context. The second comparison, highlights the benefits and shortfalls of using simultaneous active and reactive power management, comparing it with a system exclusively managing active power (A-EMS). Both compared strategies are evaluated using the Moroccan tariff RTS and real world data. The comparative analysis highlights the advantages of the proposed AR-EMS, demonstrating benefits in terms of active and reactive energy bill reduction by 58.9% and 83.2%, respectively, and showcases a 49.3% reduction in carbon emissions while improving the EPG power factor by 6% compared to A-EMS, In conclusion, the optimization results are encouraging the Moroccan government to further develop the installation of SMGs.

Visual Mapping of Operating Theater Team Dynamics and Communication for Reflexive Feedback and Surgical Practice Optimization.

Effective operating theater (OT) communication and teamwork are essential to optimal surgical outcomes. We mapped the OT team dynamics and infection control practices using visual methods to guide reflexive feedback and optimize perioperative practices. Data were gathered from adult gastrointestinal surgical teams at a tertiary hospital in India using observations, sociograms (communication mapping tool), and focus group discussions (FGDs). Our methods aimed to map team communication, roles and responsibilities in infection-related practices, and door openings. Qualitative data were thematically analyzed. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Data were gathered from 10 surgical procedures (over 51 hours) using 16 sociograms, 15 traffic flow maps, and 3 FGDs. Senior surgeons directly influence team hierarchies, dynamics, and communication. While the surgeons, anesthetic residents, and technicians lead most tasks during procedures, the scrub nurse acts as a mediator coordinating activity among role players across hierarchies. Failing to provide the scrub nurse with complete details of the planned surgery leads to multiple door openings to fetch equipment and disposables. Traffic flow observed in 15-minute intervals corresponds to a mean frequency of 56 door openings per hour (min: 16; max: 108), with implications for infection control. Implementing the World Health Organization surgical safety checklist was inconsistent across pathways and does not match reported compliance data. Human factors research is important in optimizing surgical teamwork. Using visual methods to provide feedback to perioperative teams on their communication patterns and behaviors, provided an opportunity for contextualized enhancement of infection prevention and control practices.

Evaluation of lingual oscillometric blood pressure measurement in anaesthetized pigs

ObjectiveTo evaluate the agreement between measurements of invasive blood pressure (IBP) and oscillometric blood pressure from the tongue (OBPton) using a multiparameter monitor. Study designUnblinded, prospective, experimental study. AnimalsA total of 12 female Large White crossbreed pigs. MethodsPigs undergoing experimental procedures that required arterial cannula placement were recruited. A blood pressure cuff with the closest width to 40% of the circumference of the tongue was placed rostral to the lingual frenulum. Systolic, mean and diastolic IBP and OBPton were measured simultaneously at 5 minute intervals. Agreement between paired measurements was examined using Bland–Altman analysis. Mean bias, precision (standard deviation of mean bias), 95% limits of agreement, correlation coefficients and percentage of measurements within 10 and 20 mmHg of IBP were calculated. ResultsThe total numbers of paired measurements recorded were 124, 126 and 124 for systolic, mean and diastolic blood pressures, respectively. The mean bias, precision and 95% limits of agreement for systolic OBPton were 11.5, 11.5 (–11.1 to 34.2), for mean OBPton 5.6, 5.7 (–5.7 to 16.8) and for diastolic OBPton 7.6, 10.1 (–12.1 to 27.4) mmHg. Correlation coefficients were greater than 0.9 for mean OBPton only. More than 50% of measurements were within 10 mmHg of IBP and 80% of measurements were within 20 mmHg of IBP for mean and diastolic OBPton only. Conclusions and clinical relevanceThe tongue as a cuff site for oscillometric blood pressure measurement is a useful site for measuring mean arterial, but not systolic or diastolic blood pressure in anaesthetized Large White crossbreed pigs. This technique fulfils the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine criteria for measuring mean arterial pressure but not systolic or diastolic arterial pressure.

Pupillary Light Reflex Reveals Melanopsin System Alteration in the Background of Myopia-26, the Female Limited Form of Early-Onset High Myopia.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pupillary light reflex (PLR) to chromatic flashes in patients with early-onset high-myopia (eoHM) without (myopic controls = M-CTRL) and with (female-limited myopia-26 = MYP-26) genetic mutations in the ARR3 gene encoding the cone arrestin. Participants were 26 female subjects divided into 3 groups: emmetropic controls (E-CTRL, N = 12, mean age = 28.6 ± 7.8years) and 2 myopic (M-CTRL, N = 7, mean age = 25.7 ± 11.5years and MYP-26, N = 7, mean age = 28.3 ± 15.4years) groups. In addition, one hemizygous carrier and one control male subject were examined. Direct PLRs were recorded after 10-minute dark adaptation. Stimuli were 1-second red (peak wavelength = 621nm) and blue (peak wavelength = 470nm) flashes at photopic luminance of 250 cd/m². A 2-minute interval between the flashes was introduced. Baseline pupil diameter (BPD), peak pupil constriction (PPC), and postillumination pupillary response (PIPR) were extracted from the PLR. Group comparisons were performed with ANOVAs. Dark-adapted BPD was comparable among the groups, whereas PPC to the red light was slightly reduced in patients with myopia (P = 0.02). PIPR at 6 seconds elicited by the blue flash was significantly weaker (P < 0.01) in female patients with MYP-26, whereas it was normal in the M-CTRL group and the asymptomatic male carrier. L/M-cone abnormalities due to ARR3 gene mutation is currently claimed to underlie the pathological eye growth in MYP-26. Our results suggest that malfunction of the melanopsin system of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) is specific to patients with symptomatic MYP-26, and may therefore play an additional role in the pathological eye growth of MYP-26.

Increased Neuromuscular Activity, Force Output, and Resistance Exercise Volume When Using 5-Minute Compared with 2-Minute Rest Intervals Between the Sets.

McMahon, G, Best, N, Coulter, T, and Erskine, RM. Increased neuromuscular activation, force output and resistance exercise volume when using 5-minute compared with 2-minute rest intervals between the sets. J Strength Cond Res 38(9): 1527-1534, 2024-Longer rest intervals between resistance exercise (RE) sets may promote greater muscle hypertrophy and strength gains over time by facilitating the completion of greater training volume and intensity. However, little is known about the acute neuromuscular responses to RE sets incorporating longer vs. shorter rest intervals. Using a within-subject, crossover design, 8 healthy, young subjects completed 2 separate acute bouts of 4 sets of 8 × 3-s maximal isometric contractions using either a 2-minute (REST-2) or 5-minute (REST-5) rest interval between sets. Peak torque (PT) and electromyography (EMG) were measured pre and 5 minutes postexercise. Peak torque and mean torque (MT), EMG, mean, and median frequencies were measured during each set, whereas blood lactate (BLa), heart rate (HR), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured following each set. Peak torque and MT were lower ( p < 0.05) in sets 3 and 4, and sets 2-4 in REST-2 compared with REST-5, respectively. Electromyography and BL were lower and higher, respectively, in REST-2 vs. REST-5. There was no main effect of condition on HR or RPE. Pre-to-post exercise reductions in PT (-17 ± 9% vs. -4 ± 7%) and EMG (-29 ± 14% vs. -10 ± 7%) were greater ( p < 0.001) in REST-2 vs. REST-5. Total exercise volume was less in REST-2 vs. REST-5 (9,748 ± 2296 N·m -1 vs. 11,212 ± 2513 N·m -1 , p < 0.001). These results suggest that incorporating 5-minute between-set rest intervals into a resistance exercise session facilitates improved neuromuscular function, increased exercise volume, and less metabolic stress compared with 2-minute rest intervals. Thus, 5-minute rest intervals may be more efficacious for promoting muscle hypertrophy and strength gains in a chronic resistance training program.

Investigating the effects of partitioning temperature fluctuations on the mechanical properties of ASTM A36 carbon steel using Q-P-T heat treatment: an experimental study

In the continuum of time and technological advancement, the use of metals, specifically carbon steel, has significantly increased as primary materials in various operational and industrial domains, including tool fabrication and automotive components. To meet the evolving demands of industries, precise heat treatment processes have been developed to enhance the metallic properties. This study specifically focused on the application of the Quenching-Partitioning-Tempering (Q-P-T) method to ASTM A36 steel. The study investigated different partitioning temperatures, namely 300℃, 350℃, and 400℃, with 15-minute intervals. A comprehensive set of mechanical tests, including hardness, tensile, and microstructural analyses, were conducted to assess the response of the material to the treatment. The results reveal significant findings: a partitioning temperature of 300℃ yields the highest hardness value of 164 Vickers Hardness Number (VHN). Furthermore, the tensile tests demonstrate that a partitioning temperature of 300℃ is optimal, achieving a maximum stress value of 515.73 MPa. Conversely, a partitioning temperature of 400℃ exhibits the highest strain value at 21.08% and the highest elastic modulus value at 11.47 GPa. Microstructural evaluations highlighted the presence of pearlite and ferrite phases, with the partitioning temperature of 300°C displaying the highest proportion of pearlite phase at 38.5%. This meticulous investigation expands our understanding of metallurgy and underscores the intricate relationship between partitioning temperatures and the mechanical properties of ASTM A36 steel. It provides valuable insights for material design and application methodologies and facilitates advancements in industrial practices

New-Onset Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation and Preoperative Sleep in Cardiac Surgical Patients

BackgroundNew-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in older adults. Poor preoperative sleep quality is a putative modifiable risk factor. The relationships between new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation and preoperative sleep structure in older adults undergoing elective cardiac surgery were investigated at a single center. MethodsThis was a prespecified substudy within a prospective observational study of perioperative electroencephalographic markers (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT03291626). We analyzed preoperative sleep recordings from 71 cardiac surgical patients aged ≥60 years without a prior history of atrial fibrillation. Overnight recordings were acquired using a consumer-grade headband and underwent manual sleep staging. Electroencephalographic slow wave activity (power in the 0.5-4 Hz frequency band) was computed in 1-minute intervals for non-rapid eye movement sleep stages. Associations between new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation incidence and sleep measures were evaluated using univariate logistic regression models and multivariate logistic regression models including age and sex. ResultsNew-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation was present in 22 of 71 (31%) patients. A higher preoperative percentage of total sleep time in non-rapid eye movement stage 1 was associated with new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (median difference of 5.4%, P = .0002, Mann-Whitney U-test), independent of age and sex. No associations were observed between new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation and other sleep metrics, including slow wave activity (all P > .05, Mann-Whitney U-test). ConclusionsExcess preoperative non-rapid eye movement stage 1 sleep, consistent with greater sleep fragmentation, is a potential modifiable target for mitigating new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation risk in older adults undergoing elective cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass.

Preliminary assessment of group composition and activity pattern of the critically endangered Bornean Banded Langur Presbytischrysomelaschrysomelas in Tanjung Datu National Park.

The Bornean banded langur (Presbytischrysomelaschrysomelas) is critically endangered species primarily found in Sarawak, Malaysia. Albeit this species is in peril, the ecology knowledge of this endemic species of Borneo is still scarce. Thus, a rapid survey employing total count and scan sampling method was conducted between July to August 2023 at Tanjung Datu National Park (TDNP), Sarawak to observe the social interaction of species with the environment. The behaviour of langur was recorded by employing scanning sampling method at 10 minutes intervals. This study sought to provide preliminary data on behavioural ecology of the Bornean banded langur within the national park. During the survey, three groups (consisting two to seven individuals) and a solitary male Bornean banded langur were recorded. The langurs were observed in both dipterocarp forests and coastal forests within the park. The daily activities of the Bornean banded langurs in TDNP were predominantly resting (31%), moving (29%), feeding (26%), vocalizing (14%), but not engaging in other social activities such as grooming, playing and mating. Knowing the behavioural ecological status as well as understanding ecology by identifying the activity pattern of langur is essential to government authorities and pertinent stakeholders to implement conservation strategies for the Bornean banded langur and their habitats.

The PAD-adapted 30-20-10 during Nordic walking: A new exercise training session in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease.

This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a peripheral artery disease (PAD)-adapted 30-20-10 Nordic walking session in patients with symptomatic PAD and to compare the cardiovascular response of this new training session to a traditional walking (TW) and 4 × 4 minutes Nordic walking session. This is a prospective observational study. Patients with Fontaine stage II PAD were included. Patients participated in Nordic walking sessions, which were randomly assigned as TW, 4 × 4 minute intervals, and peripheral artery disease adapted 30-20-10 exercise session (PAD-adapted 30-20-10 sessions). PAD-adapted 30-20-10 and 4 × 4 minutes sessions consisted of 4 repetitions of 4 minutes of effort followed by 3 minutes of passive recovery. PAD-adapted 30-20-10 session was characterized by 4 continuous 1-min repetitions at 3 different walking speeds [high (30 seconds), moderate (20 seconds) and low (10 seconds)]. During the 4 × 4 minutes session, patients were asked to cover the maximal distance at a constant speed. During TW session, patients were asked to walk at a speed inducing moderate-to-severe claudication pain. Heart rate, rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and claudication pain intensity using a visual analog scale were assessed. The perceived enjoyment of each session was assessed using a visual analog scale ranging from 0 (not enjoyable) to 10 (very enjoyable). Eleven patients with chronic symptomatic PAD were included (62 ± 13 years; 54% women). The mean heart rate during the time of effort was significantly higher in PAD-adapted 30-20-10 group than in 4 × 4 minutes and TW groups (127 ± 12, 122 ± 12, 114 ± 11 bpm, respectively; P ≤ .001). The mean rating of perceived exertion (16 ± 1, 15 ± 1, 13 ± 1; P ≤ .001) and claudication pain intensity (8 ± 1, 7 ± 1; 7 ± 1 mm; P ≤ .019) were significantly higher during PAD-adapted 30-20-10 sessions than during 4 × 4 minutes and TW sessions. The perceived enjoyment was similar among sessions (8.7 ± 1.6 for TW, 8.6 ± 1.7 for 4 × 4 minutes, and 8.8 ± 1.8 mm for PAD-adapted 30-20-10 sessions; P = .935). The PAD-adapted 30-20-10 session is feasible and induces higher cardiovascular stimulation and claudication pain than 4 × 4 minutes and TW procedures in patients with symptomatic PAD. Despite these different responses, a similar perceived enjoyment among the sessions has been shown. Future investigations are needed to examine the effects of this new training session in these patients.

Effect of Computer Tasks in Straight Gaze on Corneal Topographic Indices.

To investigate the effect of the near visual task of movie-watching in the straight gaze position on corneal topographic parameters. Thirty myopic young adults with an average age of 25.10 4.13 years were recruited for the study. The designed near visual task consisted of watching a movie in the straight gaze position at a distance of 40 cm for 30 minutes. Corneal topography was performed using Oculus Keratograph 4 (OCULUS, Wetzlar, Germany) before and immediately after watching the movie, as well as at 10, 20, and 30 minutes intervals after completing this near visual task. Zernike coefficients, asphericity indices, refractive parameters, and diagnostic indices of keratoconus were recorded for statistical analysis. Movie-watching at a close distance solely using the straight gaze position had no effect on Zernike coefficients (P 0.130). Also, watching the movie had no effect on other corneal topography parameters including irregularities (P = 0.208), spherical eccentricity (P = 0.270), maximum decentration (P = 0.553), axis of maximum decentration (P = 0.186), peripheral astigmatism (P = 0.179), and average asphericity of the quadrants at 10 to 30º (P 0.163). The results of the present study showed that watching movies in the straight gaze position had no effect on corneal topographic parameters and did not cause errors in corneal topographic measurements.

The impact of time to defibrillation on return of spontaneous circulation in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with recurrent shockable rhythms

ObjectiveOptimal timing for subsequent defibrillation attempts for Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients with recurrent VF/pVT is uncertain. We investigated the relationship between VF/pVT duration and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in OHCA patients with recurrent shockable rhythms. MethodsWe analyzed data from the Salt Lake City Fire Department (SLCFD) spanning from 2012 to 2023. The implementation of rhythm-filtering technology since 2011 enabled real-time rhythm interpretation during CPR, with local protocols allowing early defibrillation for recurrent/refractory VF/pVT cases. We included patients experiencing four or five episodes of VF and pVT rhythms and employed generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression analysis to examine the association between VF/pVT durations preceding recurrent defibrillation and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). ResultsAnalysis of 622 appropriate shocks showed that patients achieving ROSC had significantly shorter median VF/pVT duration than those who did not achieve ROSC (0.83 minutes vs. 1.2 minutes, p = 0.004). Adjusted analysis of those with 4 VF/pVT episodes (N = 142) revealed that longer VF/pVT durations were associated with lower odds of achieving ROSC (odds ratio: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.72–0.93, p = 0.005). Every one-minute delay in intra-arrest defibrillation is predicted to decrease the likelihood of achieving ROSC by 19%. ConclusionEvery one-minute increase in intra-arrest VF/pVT duration was associated with a statistically significant 19% decrease in the chance of achieving ROSC. This highlights the importance of reducing time to shock in managing recurrent VF/pVT. The findings suggest reevaluating the current recommendations of two minutes intervals for rhythm check and shock delivery.

Character of Convective Systems Producing Short-Term Heavy Precipitation in Central China Revealed by Kilometer and Minute Interval Observations

Character of Convective Systems Producing Short-Term Heavy Precipitation in Central China Revealed by Kilometer and Minute Interval Observations

Advancing ICU patient care with a Real-Time predictive model for mechanical Power to mitigate VILI

BackgroundInvasive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV) in Intensive Care Units (ICU) significantly increases the risk of Ventilator-Induced Lung Injury (VILI), necessitating careful management of mechanical power (MP). This study aims to develop a real-time predictive model of MP utilizing Artificial Intelligence to mitigate VILI. MethodologyA retrospective observational study was conducted, extracting patient data from Clinical Information Systems from 2018 to 2022. Patients over 18 years old with more than 6 h of IMV were selected. Continuous data on IMV variables, laboratory data, monitoring, procedures, demographic data, type of admission, reason for admission, and APACHE II at admission were extracted. The variables with the highest correlation to MP were used for prediction and IMV data was grouped in 15-minute intervals using the mean. A mixed neural network model was developed to forecast MP 15 min in advance, using IMV data from 6 h before the prediction and current patient status. The model’s ability to predict future MP was analyzed and compared to a baseline model predicting the future value of MP as equal to the current value. ResultsThe cohort consisted of 1967 patients after applying inclusion criteria, with a median age of 63 years and 66.9 % male. The deep learning model achieved a mean squared error of 2.79 in the test set, indicating a 20 % improvement over the baseline model. It demonstrated high accuracy (94 %) in predicting whether MP would exceed a critical threshold of 18 J/min, which correlates with increased mortality. The integration of this model into a web platform allows clinicians real-time access to MP predictions, facilitating timely adjustments to ventilation settings. ConclusionsThe study successfully developed and integrated in clinical practice a predictive model for MP. This model will assist clinicians allowing for the adjustment of ventilatory parameters before lung damage occurs.

Pariah Dog at the Chittagong University Campus: Home Range, Activity Pattern and Breeding

Home range, activity pattern and breeding aspects of the pariah dog (Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus, 1786) were studied at the Chittagong University Campus in Chittagong of Bangladesh during September 2012 to January 2013. The average home range encircled during daytime by a pack was 10,120 m2. The activity pattern of two dog packs was monitored through scan sampling methods at 15 minutes intervals. The dogs spent their diurnal time in resting (24.5%), sitting and basking (17.1%), standing (2.4%), moving and walking (16.2%), running (17.5%), sleeping (5.3%), feeding, foraging and drinking (6.3%), social behavior (2.9%) and territorial behavior (7.8%). Parturition occurred from September to January and the peak period was in November. The average litter size was 4.7 (range 1-12, n=10). and the overall survival rate of puppies was 2.6 per litter (i.e., 55.32%) up to January. The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci. 8(1&amp;2): 21-32, 2013

Enhancing Solar Power Forecasting using Grasshopper optimization and Whale Optimization Algorithm

Solar power forecasting is essential for effectively integrating solar energy into the power system. Accurate forecasting allows for more effective power system planning, operation, and management. In this research work, we employed the Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm (GOA) and Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) to choose features for solar power forecasting utilizing time series data from the OPSD dataset. The dataset contains measurements taken at 15-minute intervals, giving a wealth of data for training and verifying forecasting algorithms. The WOA is used to adjust the parameters of a forecasting model, hence increasing its accuracy and reliability. The suggested approach's performance is evaluated on a large-scale dataset, with training, validation, and test sets of 100,000, 50,000, and 51,347 data points, respectively. The results show that the WOA is effective at improving solar power forecasting accuracy, which contributes to the efficient use of renewable energy resources.

Time under tension and mechanical variables in the bench press exercise at different rest intervals

Purpose: To analyze the behavior of time under tension (TUT), total work (TW), power (PW), mean velocity (MV), and number of repetitions (NR) during the bench press exercise with distinct rest intervals. Methods: Twenty-one wrestling athletes (body mass: 81.27 ± 14.25kg; height: 1.74 ± 0.07m) completed 5 sets, each consisting of a maximum of 10 repetitions, with either a 1-minute rest interval (RI1) or a 3-minute rest interval (RI3). Results: TUT was higher in RI3 when compared to RI1 in set 5 (p&lt;0.001). NR was higher in RI3 compared to RI1 in set 3 (p=0.016), set 4 (p=0.021), and set 5 (p&lt;0.001). TW was higher in RI3 compared to RI1 in set 3 (p=0.005), set 4 (p=0.007), and set 5 (p&lt;0.001). MV was higher in RI3 compared to RI1 in set 4 (p=0.029) and set 5 (p&lt;0.001). PW was higher in RI3 compared to RI1 in set 4 (p=0.044) and set 5 (p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The behavior of consecutive sets with a similar number of repetitions but with an increase in TUT or sets with a similar TUT but with a lower number of repetitions were found. Third set appears to be a point of performance reduction worth considering depending on the exercise's goal. Keywords: time under tension; number of repetitions; bench press; rest interval between sets; mechanical variables.

The Effect of Menthol Ice on Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Patients' Thirst, Dry Mouth, Mouth Taste, and Bad Mouth Odor: A Randomized Controlled Trial

PurposeThis study aimed to determine the effect of menthol ice application on thirst, dry mouth, mouth taste, and bad mouth odor in patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the postoperative period. DesignThe study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial with an experimental design. MethodsThe study sample consisted of 90 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy and met the inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into three groups by randomization program. Patients in the menthol ice and ice popsicle (ice prepared with drinking water only) group were administered menthol ice/ice popsicle (10ml) twice at 20 minutes intervals. Patients in the control group did not receive any intervention. Routine practices of the clinic were performed by the nurses of the general surgery clinic. Postoperative thirst intensity, severity of dry mouth, bad taste, and bad odor in the mouth were evaluated at 0, 20, and 40 minutes. FindingsThere was no statistically significant difference between the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients in the control group, menthol ice group, and ice popsicle group (p>0.05). It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of thirst intensity and severity of dry mouth at times in patients in the control group, menthol ice, and ice popsicle group at the 20th and 40th minutes after the application (p<0.01). It was found that there was a statistically significant difference between the bad taste and bad odor sensation scores of the patients in the control and intervention groups at the 20th and 40th minutes after the application (p<0.05). ConclusionThe study concluded that menthol ice and ice popsicle application are effective strategies to reduce the intensity of thirst, severity of dry mouth, bad taste, and bad odor in postoperative patients.

#2470 Isolated diastolic hypertension in hemodialysis patients

Abstract Background and Aims Isolated diastolic hypertension (IDH) is relatively rare in the general population (prevalence about 6.5%, Front Cardiovasc Med. 2021;8:810105) and of uncertain etiologic implications. The prevalence of this alteration in the hemodialysis (HD) population and the etiologic implications of IDH have not been studied. Method We investigated the prevalence and the risk for all-cause death and cardiovascular events of isolated diastolic hypertension in a population of 534 HD patients enrolled in 7 centres in 3 European countries (the EURECA-m working group). BP was measured by a golden standard method in this population (48 h ABPM) using well-validated instruments (AAMI/ESH/ISO). Along with recommendations by the European Society of Hypertension guidelines, recordings were made at 15-minute intervals during the day and 30 minutes at night. According to a consensus document by the EURECAm working group (Nephrol Dial Transplant. 2019;34:1542-1548), isolated diastolic hypertension was defined as 48 h diastolic BP &amp;gt; 80 mmHg with a systolic BP &amp;lt;130. Results Among 534 HD patients, thirty-one (5.8%) had isolated diastolic HTN, which is very close to the prevalence estimated in the general population (6.5%). During a mean follow-up of 2.6 years, 138 patients died, 188 had at least one CV event, and 249 experienced the combined event. In univariate analyses, diastolic hypertension was associated with death (HR 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05-0.86, P = 0.03) and the combined outcome of death and CV events (HR 0.42, 95% CI: 0.20-0.88, P = 0.02). However, these associations were no longer significant after adjustment for age and sex (all P &amp;gt; 0.45). Additional sensitivity analyses substantially confirmed these findings. No effect modification by age or gender was observed in these associations. Conclusion In a large cohort of HD patients studied by state-of-the-art 48-hour BP monitoring, the prevalence of isolated diastolic hypertension in HD patients (5.8%) is close to that registered in the general population (6.5%). This alteration predicts the risk for clinical outcomes in unadjusted analyses but not after adjustment for age and sex. Isolated diastolic hypertension is as rare as it is in the general population and unlikely to contribute to the high risk of adverse clinical outcomes in the dialysis population.

#2990 Prevalence and risk factors of altered control of BP during the night in a large hemodialysis population investigated by 48 hours ABPM

Abstract Background and Aims Altered BP control during the night (non-dipping, reverse dipping and nocturnal hypertension) is recognized as a powerful risk factor for death and CV events in the hemodialysis (HD) population. However, these alterations have been described in relatively small studies and the epidemiology and risk factors for subtypes non-dipping and nocturnal hypertension are still poorly characterized in the current literature. We investigated the problem in a large Registry (The EURECAm Registry) that is the sole that adopted state of the art 48 h ABPM recording in the HD population. Method We included in this analysis 534 HD patients, enrolled in 7 centers, led by members of the EURECA-m working group, in 3 European countries. 48 h ABPM was measured by using well validated instruments (AAMI/ESH/ISO). As recommended by the European Society of Hypertension guidelines, recordings were made at 15-minute intervals during the day and 30 minutes during the night. Hypertension was defined as 48 h blood pressure (BP) &amp;gt;130/80, nocturnal hypertension as a nighttime BP &amp;gt;120/70 mmHg, non-dipping as a night/day systolic BP fall &amp;lt;10% and reverse dipping as a night/day ratio &amp;gt;1. Results Among 534 HD patients, 317 were hypertensive and. 217 normotensive. As many as 274 patients were non-dippers (51%), 32% were reverse dippers, and 381 (71%) had nocturnal hypertension. Of note, forty-one per cent of non-dippers, 37% of reverse dippers and 19% of patients with nocturnal hypertension were normotensives. As expected, the majority of reverse dippers (87%) had frank nocturnal hypertension. In a combined analysis of non-dippers and reverse dippers, as compared to dippers, these patients more frequently exhibited atrial fibrillation and had lower Heart Rate both pre-dialysis (72± 11 vs 77±13 bpm, P = 0.004) and post-dialysis (74± 13 vs 78±14 bpm, P = 0.03) and lower serum albumin (3.9±0.4 vs 4.0±0.3 g/dL, P = 0.02) but did not differ for age and gender. Conclusion In a large cohort of HD patients investigated by the state-of-the-art technique, 48 h ABPM alterations in the nocturnal BP profile were almost universal, and nocturnal hypertension was the more prevalent alteration, followed by non-dipping and reverse dipping. These alterations were independent of age and gender. Long-term, granular follow-up analyses are warranted to identify the prognostic value of these alterations.