Exhaustive Testing Research Articles

Effects Of Carbohydrate-Electrolyte Solution Supplementation On Fluid Retention And Aerobic Capacity After Exhaustive Exercise

Rehydration, or restoration of fluid spaces, is important when exhaustive endurance exercise (EEE) has compromised hydration status. Previous studies only investigated the effects of carbohydrate-electrolyte solution (CE) supplementation to facilitate replacement after exercise induced dehydration. CE supplementation for 1 hour before and 1 hour after EEE may play an important role in fluid retention and enhancing aerobic capacity. PURPOSE: To examine the effects of CE supplementation on fluid retention and aerobic capacity after EEE. METHODS: In a double-blind, crossover and counterbalanced designed study, nineteen health male participants were asked to intake ORS-SH@, an oral rehydration solution, (150 mL four times within an hour) or placebo (water) for 1 hour before and 1 hour after EEE. All participants completed graded exercise test to exhaustion on treadmill for determination of maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) before supplementation, and then completed the exhaustive endurance exercise test at the intensity of 70% VO2max for 60 min. Then, the exercise intensity increased at 90% VO2max until exhaustion after supplementation. The average heart rate, maximal heart rate, running time to exhaustion and peak oxygen uptake were recorded during the exercise period. The body weight was recorded 15-min, 30-min, 45-min and 60-min of after EEE to calculate the dehydration rate and beverage hydration index (BHI). RESULTS: The dehydration rates in participants with ORS-SH@ treatment at 15-min, 30-min and 45-min of after EEE were significantly lower than with placebo treatment (-1.77±0.50% vs. -2.06±0.66%; -1.69±0.54% vs. -1.95±0.66%; -1.48±0.51% vs. -1.76±0.65%, respectively, p < .05). In addition, the BHI in participants with ORS-SH@ treatment at 15-min, 30-min and 45-min of after EEE (1.19±0.36, 1.22±0.43 and 1.27±0.54) were significantly higher than with placebo treatment (p < .05). However, there were no significant differences in other variables between treatments. CONCLUSIONS: ORS-SH@ supplementation can effectively enhance fluid retention after EEE. However, ORS-SH@ supplementation had no benefits on aerobic capacity. Supported by Panion & BF Biotech Inc. (Grant No: A-107-077)

Towards Standardized Instructions For Measuring Perception Of Effort And Muscle Pain During Physical Exercise

PURPOSE: Perceptions of effort (PE) and muscle pain (MP) influence performance and engagement in regular physical exercise. Literature-based standardized instructions describe PE as resulting from multiple sensory cues including “aches”. This description of PE creates a possible confound when PE and MP are being considered separately. This project uses standardised, confound-free instructions and tests their validity during cycling exercise. METHODS: After removing confounding factors from PE’s instructions (Borg, 1998), we used The Borg CR Scales® Folder (Borg, 2008) to adapt these instructions to the CR100 scale®. MP was measured with instructions available from Cook et al. 1997 and adapted to the CR100 scale®. For availability in English and French, the instructions were translated and back-translated following standardised procedure. Semantic validity was confirmed by bilingual participants (N = 8) during pilot testing. Then, twenty-two participants visited the laboratory thrice. During the first visit, participants performed an incremental test to exhaustion to determine their cycling peak power output (PPO). During both visits 2 and 3 (randomized order), subjects performed four 1 min cycling bouts at 4 workloads (40, 60, 80, 100% PPO) twice. The bouts were separated by either 15 min of rest or a time to exhaustion test at 80% PPO. PE and quadriceps MP intensity were assessed during each exercise. Differences were tested using Friedman tests on the values reported at each workload and the change scores between workloads. RESULTS: During the incremental test, changes in PE and MP in response to changes in workloads were dissociated only for power outputs below 50% PPO (P < 0.001). During the 1 min cycling bouts, changes in PE and MP in response to changes in workloads were dissociated (P < 0.001). Following completion of the time to exhaustion test, PE and MP increased (P < 0.001). During each exercise, PE was higher than MP (~10 a.u., P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The observed difference in the intensity of PE and MP, as well as their response to changes in workload provide experimental support in favour of the use of confound-free instructions to monitor PE and MP during cycling exercise. Future studies should test this possibility for other exercise modalities involving similar and other muscle groups.

Comparison Of The Wingate Anaerobic Test And The New Power Bike Test On Anaerobic Power

Anaerobic power (AP) is the one of the most important factors influencing athletic performance in many sports. Although the Wingate anaerobic test (WAT) has been the most representative measurement for assessing AP, exhaustive testing procedure limits its use in the lab. Recently, the New Power Bike test (NPT) was developed and can measure anaerobic power with maximal pedaling for only four seconds without load. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to 1) compare the power output between the WAT and the NPT and 2) examine relationships among WAT, NPT, and vertical jump test (VJT). METHODS: Thirty-seven participants (age, 26.65±4.16 years; height, 169.2±9.56 cm; weight, 84.49±20.10 kg) went through AP measurements using the WAT, NPT, and VJT. The participant conducted VJT and either WAT or NPT randomly on the first visit. Participants then performed either WAT or NPT via a counterbalanced design on second visit with one-week interval. The Pearson correlation coefficient were computed among the WAT, NPT, and VJT scores and the effect size was evaluated with Cohen’s d. Variance between the variables was calculated with the coefficient of determination (r2). The statistical significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: There were significant positive correlations between the WAT and NPT in the mean of peak power (MPP) (r = 0.727, p <0.001) and mean of relative peak power (MRPP) (r = 0.388, p = 0.018), respectively. The MPP (976.18±344.17 W) and MRPP (11.47±2.60 W/kg) of the NPT were significantly higher than the MPP (705.67±249.30 W) and MRPP (8.34±2.55 W/kg) of WAT. There were positive correlations in MPP between NPT and VJT (r = 0.620, p < 0.001) between the WAT and VJT (r = 0.399, p = 0.015). Also, there were significant correlation (r(35) = .25, p =.014, d = 5.1) in MRPP between WAT and VJT, with shared variance between the variables at 0.6%. CONCLUSION: There were significant positive correlations between the WAT and NPT in MPP and MRPP. The NPT also showed greater correlation with field test (VJT). So, the NPT can be a good alternative measurement with lesser efforts for assessing anaerobic power and predict athletic performance in the field.

Effects Of w’ Depletion On The Torque Velocity Relationship In Cycling

The torque-velocity (T-v) curve has been used to study the effects of energy expenditure on contractile muscles at various workloads related to VO2max. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to further quantify changes to the T-v curve, but based on anaerobic energy (W’) expenditure at powers above Critical Power (CP6). METHODS: A group of 10 subjects (37.8 ± 11.6 yrs, 72.8 ± 16.2 kg, 1.75 ± .11 m) performed a Time to Exhaustion Test (TTE) interspersed with 6-second sprints to generate their T-v curve at 3 stages of W’ expenditure: after initial warmup (FRESH), fatigued (after 2 minutes at CP6, 2MIN), and at TTE. RESULTS: ANOVA results indicated a statistically significant decrease in normalized Maximal Power (Pmax) from FRESH to 2MIN (16.89%, p<.0005), 2MIN to TTE (24.71%, p=.004), and from FRESH to TTE (41.6% p=.04). Statistically significant decreases in normalized Maximal Velocity (vo) were seen from FRESH to 2MIN (14.1%, p<.0005), from 2MIN to TTE (11.8%, p=.001), and FRESH to TTE (25.9%, p<.0005). No significant changes occurred in Maximal Torque (To). Linear regression models were run using W’ expended to explain variations in Pmax, vo, and To. There were significant negative correlations for To (P = 0.020) and significant strong negative correlations for Pmax (P < 0.005), and vo (P < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This suggests that W’ expenditure can be used to predict the performance parameters Torque (To), Shortening velocity (vo), and Maximal Power (Pmax) during continuous cycling above Critical Power.

The Effects Of Sliver Perch Essence On Body Weight And Endurance Capacity

PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of sliver perch essence (SPE) on the anti-fatigue effect and body weight gain (BW). METHODS: Thirty-six Wistar rats were weight-matched and assigned into three groups, including: control (water placebo, n = 12), L-SPE (6.2 ml/kg BW/day, n = 12), and H-SPE (31 ml/kg BW/day, n = 12), and SPE were orally administrated for 32 consecutive days. The swimming exhaustive test (with 3% BW load attached on the tail) was used to evaluate the swimming endurance performance in response to SPE supplementation. All data were expressed as mean ± SEM, and ANOVA was used to examine the differences in swimming capacity and BW change among groups. Duncan multiple range t-test was used as post-hoc test. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: After SPE supplementation, the BW gain was not different among the three groups. However, the BW gain slowed down after the 22nd day, the weight gain of the H-SPE group was significantly lower than that of the control group (11.34%, p=0.038). When normalizing with caloric intake, both L-SPE (-19.75%) and H-SPE (-18.9%) showed significantly less weight-gain compared to control group (p=0.016 and p=0.022, respectively), but there was no difference between L-SPE and H-SPE. The swimming time to exhaustion was significantly higher in the L-SPE but not H-SPE than in the control group (p=0.031). CONCLUSION: The results showed that 32-days of SPE supplementation can promote the swimming endurance capacity and attenuate the weight gain in the rodent models. Keywords: anti-fatigue, calorie, swim, weight gain

Total Dietary Antioxidant Intake Including Polyphenol Content: Is it Capable to Fight against Increased Oxidants within the Body of Ultra-Endurance Athletes?

The role of dietary antioxidants on exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative stress has been well investigated. However, the contribution of total dietary antioxidant capacity on exogenous antioxidant defense and exercise performance has commonly been disregarded. The aims of the present investigation were to examine (i) the effects of dietary total antioxidant intake on body antioxidant mechanisms, and (ii) an exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative damage in ultra-endurance athletes. The study included 24 ultra-marathon runners and long-distance triathletes (12 male and 12 female) who underwent an acute exhaustive exercise test (a cycle ergometer (45 min at 65% VO2max) immediately followed by a treadmill test (75% VO2max to exhaustion). Oxidative stress-related biomarkers (8-isoprostaglandin F2alpha (8-iso PGF2a), total oxidant status (TOS, total antioxidant status (TAS)) in plasma were collected before and after exercise. Oxidative stress index was calculated to assess the aspect of redox balance. Blood lactate concentrations and heart rate were measured at the 3rd and 6th min after exercise. Dietary antioxidant intake was calculated using the ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) assay. Dietary total antioxidant intake of the subjects was negatively correlated with pre-exercise TOS concentrations (rs = −0.641 in male, and rs = −0.741 in females) and post- vs. pre- (∆) 8-iso PGF2a levels (rs = −0.702 in male; p = 0.016, and rs = −0.682 in females; p = 0.024), and positively correlated with ∆ TAS concentrations (rs = 0.893 in males; p = 0.001, and rs = 0.769 in females; p = 0.002) and post- exercise lactate concentrations (rs = 0.795 for males; p = 0.006, and rs = 0.642 for females; p = 0.024). A positive meaningful (p = 0.013) interaction was observed between time at exhaustion and dietary antioxidant intake (rs = 0.692) in males, but not in females. In conclusion, the determination of total dietary antioxidant intake in ultra-endurance athletes may be crucial for gaining a better perspective on body antioxidant defense against exhaustive exercise-induced oxidative stress. However, the effects of dietary antioxidant on exercise performance and recovery rate needs further investigation.

The effects of constant and fluctuating elevated pCO2 levels on oxygen uptake rates of coral reef fishes

Ocean acidification, resulting from increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, can affect the physiological performance of some fishes. Most studies investigating ocean acidification have used stable pCO2 treatments based on open ocean predictions. However, nearshore systems can experience substantial spatial and temporal variations in pCO2. Notably, coral reefs are known to experience diel fluctuations in pCO2, which are expected to increase on average and in magnitude in the future. Though we know these variations exist, relatively few studies have included fluctuating treatments when examining the effects of ocean acidification conditions on coral reef species. To address this, we exposed two species of damselfishes, Amblyglyphidodon curacao and Acanthochromis polyacanthus, to ambient pCO2, a stable elevated pCO2 treatment, and two fluctuating pCO2 treatments (increasing and decreasing) over an 8 h period. Oxygen uptake rates were measured both while fish were swimming and resting at low-speed. These 8 h periods were followed by an exhaustive swimming test (Ucrit) and blood draw examining swimming metrics and haematological parameters contributing to oxygen transport. When A. polyacanthus were exposed to stable pCO2 conditions (ambient or elevated), they required more energy during the 8 h trial regardless of swimming type than fish exposed to either of the fluctuating pCO2 treatments (increasing or decreasing). These results were reflected in the oxygen uptake rates during the Ucrit tests, where fish exposed to fluctuating pCO2 treatments had a higher factorial aerobic scope than fish exposed to stable pCO2 treatments. By contrast, A. curacao showed no effect of pCO2 treatment on swimming or oxygen uptake metrics. Our results show that responses to stable versus fluctuating pCO2 differ between species - what is stressful for one species many not be stressful for another. Such asymmetries may have population- and community-level impacts under higher more variable pCO2 conditions in the future.

Mechanism and effects of fructose diphosphate on anti-hypoxia fatigue and learning memory ability.

This study aims to investigate the mechanisms through which fructose diphosphate (FDP) causes anti-hypoxia and anti-fatigue effects and improves learning and memory. Mice were divided into three groups: low-dose FDP (FDP-L), high-dose FDP (FDP-H), and a control group. Acute toxic hypoxia induced by carbon monoxide, sodium nitrite, and potassium cyanide and acute cerebral ischemic hypoxia were used to investigate the anti-hypoxia ability of FDP. The tests of rod-rotating, mouse tail suspension, and swimming endurance were used to explore the anti-fatigue effects of FDP. The Morris water maze experiment was used to determine the impact of FDP on learning and memory ability. Poisoning-induced hypoxic tests showed that mouse survival time was significantly prolonged in the FDP-L and FDP-H groups compared with the control group (p < 0.05). In the exhaustive swimming test, FDP significantly shortened struggling time and prolonged the time of mass-loaded swimming; the rod-rotating test showed that endurance time was significantly prolonged by using FDP (p < 0.05). FDP significantly decreased lactate and urea nitrogen levels and increased hepatic and muscle glycogen and glucose transporter-4 and Na+-K+-ATPase (p < 0.05). To conclude, FDP enhances hypoxia tolerance and fatigue resistance and improves learning and memory ability through regulating glucose and energy metabolism.

Fréchet PDF based Matched Filter Approach for Retinal Blood Vessels Segmentation

Background and ObjectiveRetinal pathology diseases such as glaucoma, obesity, diabetes, hypertension etc. have deadliest impact on life of human being today. Retinal blood vessels consist of various significant information which are helpful in detection and treatment of these diseases. Therefore, it is essential to segment these retinal vessels. Various matched filter approaches for segmentation of retinal blood vessels are reported in the literature but their kernel templates are not appropriate to vessel profile resulting poor performance. To overcome this, a novel matched filter approach based on Fréchet probability distribution function has been proposed. MethodsImage processing operations which we have used in the proposed approach are basically divided into three major stages viz; pre processing, Fréchet matched filter and post processing. In pre processing, principle component analysis (PCA) method is used to convert color image into grayscale image thereafter contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization (CLAHE) is applied on obtained grayscale to get enhanced grayscale image. In Fréchet matched filter, exhaustive experimental tests are conducted to choose optimal values for both Fréchet function parameters and matched filter parameters to design new matched filter. In post processing, entropy based optimal thresholding technique is applied on obtained MFR image to get binary image followed by length filtering and masking methods are applied to generate to a clear and whole vascular tree. ResultsFor evaluation of the proposed approach, quantitative performance metrics such as average specificity, average sensitivity and average accuracy and root mean square deviation (RMSD) are computed in the literature. We found the average specificity 97.24%, average sensitivity 72.78%, average accuracy 95.09% for STARE dataset while average specificity 97.61%, average sensitivity 73.07%, average accuracy 95.44% for DRIVE dataset. Average RMSD values are found 0.07 and 0.04 for STARE and DRIVE databases respectively. ConclusionsFrom experimental results, it can be observed that our proposed approach outperforms over latest and prominent works reported in the literature. The cause of improved performance is due to better matching between vessel profile and Fréchet template.

A new cladistic insight on comparative anatomy and phylogeny of rudists (Bivalvia, Hippuritida)

The phylogenetic history of rudist bivalves is reviewed using a cladistic analysis based on 41 morphological shell characters and a new topology is proposed. A novel approach to rudist comparative anatomy has enabled the mapping of homologous zones. We highlight that ‘pallial canals’ can be homologous to four specific cavities that have merged during rudist evolution. The characters of the myophores and muscle insertions have also been reappraised using a hierarchical scheme. We formalize, for the first time, the complex diversification of rudist myophores by constructing tree-like characters that can contain up to six informative states for each of the four myophores. All characters have been coded as independent features. This has enabled the identification of different evolutionary rates of change between left and right valves and allows the recognition of the various morphoanatomic responses of one valve to the structural changes of the other. All characters have been coded in hierarchies and analysed in three-taxon analysis. Taxonomic sampling composed of two species per family allows an exhaustive monophyly test of all families of the suborder Hippuritidina. Only the families Polyconitidae, Plagioptychidae, Radiolitidae and Hippuritidae are found to be monophyletic. The two superfamilies are both found to be polyphyletic. The Hippuritidae is found to be the sister group of the Radiolitidae. Pachytraga is found as the sister group of all the rudists with pallial canals except Sellaea. Two evolutionary radiations in rudists are dated, using the cladistic concept of temporal hierarchy, to the Hauterivian + and the Albian+.

VLSI Implementation of Linear Feedback Shift Register (LFSR) based Test Pattern Generator for Pseudo Exhaustive Testing

Advanced strides of improvement in programmable logic density, enhancements in speed and hardware description language (HDL) are empowering design engineers to implement highly performing and testable digital systems. Linear feedback shift registers (LFSR) are the critical elements in the testing and self testing of contemporary complex electronic systems like processors, Built-in-self-test (BIST) controllers and integrated circuits (ICs) etc. Fundamentally BIST is a Design-for-Testability (DFT) technique meant to configure testing functions physically with the circuit under test (CUT). To enhance the percentage of fault coverage as a part of BIST operations (testing the IC), LFSRs are deployed (as test pattern generator) to generate the test vectors inside logic BIST for testing digital systems. Proposed work is focused upon designing a fast adder based variable length pseudorandom binary sequence pattern generator (PRBSPG) and experimental validations. LFSR possess characteristics of high speed, better encoding efficiency, high fault coverage, low test volume data and low power consumption specially suitable in processing environment where uniform distribution random numbers are required. Verilog HDL is employed for structuring the modular design units while Xilinx ISE tool is deployed for validating the proposed LFSR design work and associated modular units.

Annelida, a Robot for Removing Hydrate and Paraffin Plugs in Offshore Flexible Lines: Development and Experimental Trials

Summary Methane hydrates and paraffin plugs on flexible lines are concerns in offshore production. They may stop wells for months, causing high financial losses. Sometimes, operators use depressurization techniques for hydrate removal. Another strategy is using coiled tubing or a similar unit to perform local heating or solvent injection. However, frequently these strategies are not successful. In those cases, a rig may perform the operation, or the line may be lost. We developed a robotic system to perform controlled local heating and remove obstructions. The system developed can access the line from the production platform. It uses a self-locking system to exert high traction forces. An umbilical with neutral buoyancy and low friction coefficient allows significant friction reduction. It allows moving upward and in pipes with a large number of curves. Coiled tubing and similar units cannot do that. Carbon fiber vessels and compact circuits give the flexibility to move inside 4-in. flexible pipes. In addition, a novel theoretical model allows the cable traction calculation using an evolution of the Euler-Eytelwein equation. Experimental tests validated this model using curved pipes, both empty and filled with fluid, and using different loads. Experimental tests also confirmed the external layer traction resistance. Furthermore, the carbon fiber vessels were pressure tested, indicating a collapse resistance of 57 MPa (8,300 psi). Besides, exhaustive tests of the onboard electronics and the surface control system guarantee the communication reliability. In addition, a theoretical model allowed the design of the 25 kN (5.6 kip) traction system considering the self-locking system, the contact with the wall, and a diameter range. Four prototypes allowed us to compare hydraulic and electric drive systems, validate the self-locking mechanism up to its limit, analyze the hydraulic system for leg opening and translation, and prove the traction capacity. Finally, a theoretical model allowed the local heating system and the temperature to increase. The experimental validation of the system on a cooled environment demonstrated its ability to increase temperature. Further, it allowed the obstruction removal in a controlled manner, avoiding damage to the polymeric layer of the flexible line.

Acute effect of sodium bicarbonate supplementation by resistant training practices

Currently, the use of sodium bicarbonate (SB) as an ergogenic supplement has been linked to improved performance in several high-intensity and short time interval modalities because it is a natural buffer of the body fluids of the human body. This study aimed to evaluate the acute effect of SB supplementation on muscle strength endurance of resistance training practitioners. Crossover clinical trial, placebo-controlled (PL), and single-masked, included 10 trained adult men. The maximum repetition (1RM) and exhaustion tests with 80% 1RM were performed in the extensor chair and direct thread. In all sessions, the volunteers were verbally stimulated, the total maximum repetitions in the exercises and the blood lactate concentration were measured. SB was supplemented at a dose of 0.3 g/kg body mass. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. The Shapiro–Wilk test was used to evaluate the normality of the data, and the Student’s t-test was used for independent and paired samples. The size of the Cohen’s effect was calculated, and the significance level was set at p&lt;0.05. Comparing the supplements, no significant differences were found in all variables tested. However, when comparing pretest and posttest periods, significant differences were found between lactate concentrations, with considerably large effect sizes (&gt; 1.00). SB supplementation by endurance training practitioners induces blood alkalosis, which reduces fatigue and possibly improves muscle strength endurance. Keywords: resistance exercise, ergogenic, metabolic acidosis, muscular fatigue, performance.

Effects of Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 on exercise-induced disruption of gastrointestinal integrity

PurposeThe aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of the probiotic Escherichia coli strain Nissle 1917 (EcN) on the exercise-induced disruption of gastrointestinal (GI) integrity and the associated release of damage and inflammatory markers.MethodsAfter a pre-performance test, 19 untrained subjects (aged 18–35 years) passed two identical exhaustive treadmill exercise tests in an intensity corresponding to 60–80% VO2max in a test–retest design. The exercise tests were separated by a time period of 4 weeks. During this period, all subjects ingested 5 ml of an EcN suspension daily. Serum samples were taken before, immediately following and 3 h after both exercise tests. They were analyzed for indicators of GI integrity (zonulin; claudin-3; LPS), various damage and redox markers (I-FABP, GOT; GPT; TBARS) and inflammatory parameters (hsCRP; leucocytes). GI complaints were evaluated by a questionnaire.ResultsThe intake of EcN resulted in a significantly lower increase in I-FABP and TBARS after exercise (p < 0.05). In contrast, no effect of EcN supplementation was found for hsCRP and leucocyte numbers. Similarly, no differences were found for levels of zonulin and claudin-3. Exercise-associated GI complaints were not affected by the probiotic supplement.ConclusionThe probiotic EcN reduced the exercise-associated increase in oxidative stress. This antioxidative mechanism probably leads to a reduction of GI epithelial damage after exhaustive exercise. The lack of EcN effects on other markers of GI permeability and systemic inflammation is most likely due to an inadequate exercise load, with rather small and insignificant exercise effects on these parameters.

Assessment of Ordinary Kriging and Inverse Distance Weighting Methods for Modeling Chromium and Cadmium Soil Pollution in E-Waste Sites in Douala, Cameroon.

Background.Several studies have demonstrated that chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd) have adverse impacts on the environment and human health. These elements are present in electronic waste (e-waste) recycling sites. Several interpolation methods have been used to evaluate geographical impacts on humans and the environment.Objectives.The aim of the present paper is to compare the accuracy of inverse distance weighting (IDW) and ordinary kriging (OK) in topsoil analysis of e-waste recycling sites in Douala, Cameroon.Methods.Selecting the proper spatial interpolation method is crucial for carrying out surface analysis. Ordinary kriging and IDW are interpolation methods used for spatial analysis and surface mapping. Two sets of samples were used and compared. The performances of interpolation methods were evaluated and compared using cross-validation.Results.The results showed that the OK method performed better than IDW prediction for the spatial distribution of Cr, but the two interpolation methods had the same result for Cd (in the first set of samples). Results from Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests showed that the data were normally distributed in the study area. The p value (0.302 and 0.773) was greater than 0.05 for Cr and for Cd (0.267 and 0.712). In the second set of samples, the OK method results (for Cd and Cr) were greatly diminished and the concentrations dropped, looking more like an average on the maps. However, the IDW interpolation gave a better representation of the concentration of Cd and Cr on the maps of the study area. For the second set of samples, OK and IDW for Cd and Cr had more similar results, especially in terms of root mean square error (RMSE).Conclusions.Many parameters were better identified from the RMSE statistic obtained from cross-validation after exhaustive testing. Inverse distance weighting appeared more adequate in limited urban areas.Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests

Influence of Hesperidin on Systemic Immunity of Rats Following an Intensive Training and Exhausting Exercise.

Intensive training and exhausting exercise can disrupt innate and acquired immunity. The flavanone hesperidin has shown immunomodulatory properties in physiological and some pathological conditions, and positive effects on exercise-induced oxidative stress. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether it also prevents exhausting exercise-induced immune alterations. The aim of this study was to establish the effect of oral hesperidin supplementation on the systemic immune system in rats following an intensive training and exhausting exercise. For this purpose, female Wistar rats were randomized into an intensive training group or a sedentary group. Intensive training was induced by running in a treadmill 5 days per week (including two exhausting tests) for five weeks. Throughout the training period, 200 mg/kg of hesperidin or vehicle was administered by oral gavage three times per week. At the end, blood, thymus, spleen and macrophages were collected before, immediately after and 24 h after an additional final exhaustion test. Hesperidin supplementation enhanced natural killer cell cytotoxicity and the proportion of phagocytic monocytes, attenuated the secretion of cytokines by stimulated macrophages, prevented the leukocytosis induced by exhaustion and increased the proportion of T helper cells in the thymus, blood and spleen. These results suggest that hesperidin can prevent exhausting exercise-induced immune alterations.

Data-driven nonparametric Li-ion battery ageing model aiming at learning from real operation data – Part A: Storage operation

• A calendar ageing model is developed under the Gaussian process framework. • A new covariance function is composed, tailored to Li-ion battery ageing prediction. • Especial emphasis on the ability of the model to learn from new data observations. • Sensitivity analysis of the model, and analysis of the uncertainty quantification. • Validation with 32 cells, for broad range of static and dynamic storage conditions. Conventional Li-ion battery ageing models, such as electrochemical, semi-empirical and empirical models, require a significant amount of time and experimental resources to provide accurate predictions under realistic operating conditions. At the same time, there is significant interest from industry in the introduction of new data collection telemetry technology. This implies the forthcoming availability of a significant amount of real-world battery operation data. In this context, the development of ageing models able to learn from in-field battery operation data is an interesting solution to mitigate the need for exhaustive laboratory testing. In a series of two papers, a data-driven ageing model is developed for Li-ion batteries under the Gaussian Process framework. A special emphasis is placed on illustrating the ability of the Gaussian Process model to learn from new data observations, providing more accurate and confident predictions, and extending the operating window of the model. This first paper focusses on the systematic modelling and experimental verification of cell degradation through calendar ageing. A specific covariance function is composed, tailored for use in a battery ageing application. Over an extensive dataset involving 32 cells tested during more than three years, different training possibilities are contemplated in order to quantify the minimal number of laboratory tests required for the design of an accurate ageing model. A model trained with only 18 tested cells achieves an overall mean-absolute-error of 0.53% in the capacity curves prediction, after being validated under a broad window of both dynamic and static temperature and SOC storage conditions.

A Pre-Workout Supplement of Ketone Salts, Caffeine, and Amino Acids Improves High-Intensity Exercise Performance in Keto-Naïve and Keto-Adapted Individuals

Background: Acute ingestion of ketone supplements alters metabolism and potentially exercise performance. No studies to date have evaluated the impact of co-ingestion of ketone salts with caffeine and amino acids on high intensity exercise performance, and no data exists in Keto-Adapted individuals. Methods: We tested the performance and metabolic effects of a pre-workout supplement containing beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) salts, caffeine, and amino acids (KCA) in recreationally-active adults habitually consuming a mixed diet (Keto-Naïve; n = 12) or a ketogenic diet (Keto-Adapted; n = 12). In a randomized and balanced manner, subjects consumed either the KCA consisting of ∼7 g BHB (72% R-BHB and 28% S-BHB) with ∼100 mg of caffeine, and amino acids (leucine and taurine) or Water (control condition) 15 minutes prior to performing a staged cycle ergometer time to exhaustion test followed immediately by a 30 second Wingate test. Results: Circulating total BHB concentrations increased rapidly after KCA ingestion in KN (154 to 732 μM) and KA (848 to 1,973 μM) subjects and stayed elevated throughout recovery in both groups. Plasma S-BHB increased >20-fold 15 minutes after KCA ingestion in both groups and remained elevated throughout recovery. Compared to Water, KCA ingestion increased time to exhaustion 8.3% in Keto-Naïve and 9.8% in Keto-Adapted subjects (P < 0.001). There was no difference in power output during the Wingate test between trials. Peak lactate immediately after exercise was higher after KCA (∼14.9 vs 12.7 mM). Conclusion: These results indicate that pre-exercise ingestion of a moderate dose of R- and S-BHB salts combined with caffeine, leucine and taurine improves high-intensity exercise performance to a similar extent in both Keto-Adapted and Keto-Naïve individuals.

Influence of transition metal based SCR catalyst on the NOx emissions of diesel engine at low exhaust gas temperatures

In this experimental study, silver nitrate (AgNO3) – tetraamin palladium (II) nitrate solution (Pd(NO3)2·4NH3) – titanium dioxide (TiO2) based catalyst was synthesized with the impregnation method for hydrocarbon-selective catalytic reduction (HC-SCR) system. In this system, 2-propanol and different mixtures of 2-propanol and adBlue were used as reducing agents and the effect of the synthesized catalyst on NOx conversion efficiency was investigated. The structural and chemical properties of the catalysts were performed by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffractometer (XRD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) instruments. Experiments were conducted using the prepared catalyst in a temperature ranging from 170 °C to 300 °C at intervals of 10 °C, and 1 space velocity (SV) of 30000 h−1 at the SCR exhaust test performance system. The tests were also performed using 2 cylinders, V-type diesel engine with constant speed of 3000 rpm and at four different engine loads (1, 2, 3 and 4 kW). In conclusion, the highest NOx conversion rate recorded in the tests was 68.1% at 4 kW engine load, 100% 2-propanol spraying condition. In addition to this, it was demonstrated that 2-propanol has positive effect on NOx conversion rate in comparison with abBlue reductant.

Ensemble Techniques-Based Software Fault Prediction in an Open-Source Project

Software engineering repositories have been attracted by researchers to mine useful information about the different quality attributes of the software. These repositories have been helpful to software professionals to efficiently allocate various resources in the life cycle of software development. Software fault prediction is a quality assurance activity. In fault prediction, software faults are predicted before actual software testing. As exhaustive software testing is impossible, the use of software fault prediction models can help the proper allocation of testing resources. Various machine learning techniques have been applied to create software fault prediction models. In this study, ensemble models are used for software fault prediction. Change metrics-based data are collected for an open-source android project from GIT repository and code-based metrics data are obtained from PROMISE data repository and datasets kc1, kc2, cm1, and pc1 are used for experimental purpose. Results showed that ensemble models performed better compared to machine learning and hybrid search-based algorithms. Bagging ensemble was found to be more effective in the prediction of faults in comparison to soft and hard voting.