Goal Research Articles

Palliative care screening tools and patient outcomes: a systematic review

BackgroundPalliative care (PC) refers to providing patients with physical, psychological, mental, and other care and humanistic care services in a multidisciplinary collaborative mode with end-of-stage patients and family members as...

Numerical analysis of evaporation process in the heating column of a solar water desalination plant under various geometries, ambient conditions, solar radiations, and time steps

Solar-powered desalination offers a promising and sustainable method for producing potable water. In this study, the heating column of a solar desalination powerplant is numerically investigated under different novel geometric/structure scenarios, various solar/ambient conditions and different seawater salinity through different time steps. The primary objective is to identify the optimal configuration that maximizes water evaporation within the heating cylinder which has not been carried out before. Initially, four distinct heating cylinder configurations are examined under a fixed time step. The most promising configuration is then selected and evaluated under a broader range of ambient conditions and the same time step. The influence of solar radiation throughout the day is also analyzed. Finally, the evaporation process is simulated for the selected geometrical and environmental conditions across different time steps ranging from 60 to 300 s. The findings reveal that incorporating fins alone, a glass cover alone, and a combination of both fins and a glass cover could enhance the volume fraction of vapor by approximately 8 %, 33.3 % and 10.6 %, respectively, compared to the baseline configuration without fins or a glass cover. However, the evaporation rate for the glass cover configuration increased with rising ambient air temperature. Additionally, the highest evaporation is observed at 15:00 p.m., corresponding to the peak solar radiation intensity. Under optimal conditions, the heating cylinder achieved a promising vapor volume fraction of approximately 78.2 % after 300 s. These findings offer valuable insights for optimizing solar desalination system design. By increasing the salinity of the water from 0 to 75 %, the value of steam volume fraction is reduced from 77 % to 60 % for a given time step.

Level and stability of self-esteem mediate relationships between personality traits and life satisfaction: Bayesian multilevel modeling with annual data

ABSTRACT This study examined the relationships among the Big Five personality traits, self-esteem levels, self-esteem stability, and life satisfaction over a 15-year period. The primary objectives were to examine whether: (1) self-esteem stability contributed to the prediction of life satisfaction beyond self-esteem level, and (2) both self-esteem level and stability mediated the associations between personality traits and life satisfaction. Bayesian multilevel modelling was conducted on a sample of Dutch adults (N = 4,880), with self-esteem stability operationalised using within-person variance and mean square successive difference. Results indicated that higher levels of self-esteem and self-esteem stability were significantly associated with greater life satisfaction. All Big Five traits predicted higher self-esteem level, while emotional stability and conscientiousness emerged as robust predictors of self-esteem stability with both stability operationalizations. Self-esteem level mediated the relationship between all personality traits and life satisfaction. However, self-esteem stability only mediated the effects of emotional stability and conscientiousness on life satisfaction across both operationalizations of stability. This study provides new insights into the importance of self-esteem stability, in addition to self-esteem level, in shaping well-being. These findings underscore self-esteem levels and dynamics as a crucial mechanism linking personality dispositions to life evaluations.

Assessing the possible influence of human activities on sediment transport in the Saskatchewan River and its delta

Sediment transport is a complex, multi-dimensional process. With the advancement in computing power and sophistication of computer applications over recent decades, it has become possible to conduct detailed analysis and simulations of soil erosion and sediment transport. The primary objective of this study was to examine and predict the potential influence of human activities on sediment transport. This was achieved by analyzing sediment transport in the Saskatchewan River beneath the E.B. Campbell Dam and in the Saskatchewan River Delta. The Hydrologic Engineering Center's-River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) was deployed to ascertain the sediment transport capacity and estimate erosion, sedimentation, and riverbed changes. Cross-sectional data, flow data, and sediment data were used in conjunction with HEC-RAS. The simulation results reveal that sediment transport below the E.B. Campbell Dam is limited, leading to notable sediment erosion. The selected study area has witnessed significant erosion during high-flow periods, particularly in the event of floods. Between 2012 and 2019, the riverbed elevation at the selected survey site decreased by approximately 0.45 m. The study findings corroborate that the Saskatchewan River and its delta have been impacted by human activities. Potential erosion and deposition below the E.B. Campbell Dam have been simulated for the selected site. The aim is to provide decision-makers or related stakeholders with insight into how dam operations can be adjusted to decrease erosion while sustaining hydrological, ecological, and environmental outcomes from human activities.

Systematic review protocol to determine the most effective pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for the management of acute methamphetamine toxicity

IntroductionThis study describes the protocol for a systematic review. The systematic review will address experiences of managing methamphetamine intoxication, specifically violence and agitation related to intoxication, in the emergency department...

Exploring the conflict risk characteristics of air weaving sections in Metroplex terminal areas with flight trajectory data and adaptive graph spatial-temporal transformer

Metroplex terminal areas is involved with numerous air weaving sections, where various types of arrival and departure traffic flows intersect or converge, leading to high-risk aircraft conflicts and inefficient Metroplex operation. The primary objective of this study is to explore the conflict risk characteristics of operational interactions between airports in Metroplex terminal areas with large-scale trajectory data, including risk evaluation, risk propagation and risk prediction. One complete month of ADS-B trajectory data is collected from a representative multi-airport system in Central and South China to illustrate the procedure. Specifically, flight trajectories are firstly clustered within Metroplex terminal areas, and a trajectory-tube model is then built to characterize the airport flows within the same cluster. Then, a clustering-based collision probability calculation method is proposed to evaluate the risk of air weaving sections. The spatial patterns of risks in air weaving sections reveal that operational interactions among Metroplex airports are quite different under various runway configurations. Furthermore, an adaptive graph spatial-temporal transformer (ASTT) network is developed to predict the future risk of each air weaving section in Metroplex terminal areas. The results indicate that the developed ASTT network can collaboratively encode the spatiotemporal characteristics in the air weaving section risk data, which achieves more accurate and robust prediction performance than other compared models during multiple look-ahead time steps. Moreover, the adaptive spatial graph technique designed in the ASTT can also reveal the hidden risk propagation effects among air weaving sections. The results of this study could provide insightful suggestions to air traffic authorities for developing effective coordination and conflict mitigation strategies, such as redesigning flight procedures, reallocating routes, and optimizing aircraft sequences to enhance the efficiency and safety of Metroplex operations.

The Transition in Economic Theory from Linear to Circular for the Sustainability - A Case Study

The ability of our society to endure and expand while preserving enough natural resources for future generations to live is known as sustainability. Sustainable development, which combines structures, procedures, and local, national, and international support, supports its long-term goal. It is the high time, when the world is looking for the environmental conservation, conservation of the planet's biodiversity, social progress and better life style for the environment means a transition for the sustainability. The economy needs to undergo a profound transition because it was built on the principles of "take, make, consume, and discard" and the so-called "linear model," which was based on the idea that resources were infinite and easily accessible from the start of capital accumulation and the industrial revolution. According to this study, a product's value can only be increased by staying within the circularity loop, which means moving from the current linear model paradigm to a circular model. Study also reveals that the businesses and production units that want to generate a competitive edge while using fewer resources need to redesign and restructure their current processes. And it is highly required that the very last resort should be resource disposal and incineration. It is therefore highlighted that the program for the usage of material resources in respect to the global 2030 plan will not be implemented effectively unless the concept of a "circular economy" is adopted in place of the "linear economy." The author of this article examines how the "linear" to "circular" economy changes using a few chosen cases, offering a comprehensive grasp of the topic and the mechanisms of global transformation.

Incidence, risk factors and long-term outcomes for extubation failure in intensive care unit in patients with obesity A retrospective analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study

BackgroundNo large observational study has compared the incidence and risk factors for extubation failure within 48 hours and during intensive care unit (ICU) stay in the same cohort of unselected critically ill patients with and without obesity. Research questionWhich are the incidence and risk factors of extubation failure in patients with and without obesity? Study design and methodsIn this prospective multicenter observational FREE-REA study in 26 intensive care units, the primary objective was to compare the incidence of extubation failure within 48 hours in patients with and without obesity. Secondary objectives were to describe and to identify the independent specific risk factors for extubation failure using first a logistic regression model and second a decision tree analysis. ResultsOf 1,370 extubation procedures analyzed, 288 (21%) were performed in patients with obesity and 1082 (79%) in patients without obesity. The incidence of extubation failure within 48 hours among patients with or without presence of obesity was 23/288 (8.0%) versus 118/1082 (11%) respectively; unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.71 95% confidence interval (CI, 0.45-1.13), P=0.15); alongside patients with obesity receiving significantly more noninvasive ventilation (87/288, 30% versus 233/1082, 22%, P=0.002) and physiotherapy (165/288, 57% versus 527/1082, 49%, P=0.02) than patients without obesity. Risk factors for extubation failure also differed according to obesity status: female gender [adjusted (a)OR 4.88 95%CI(1.61-13.9), P=0.002] and agitation before extubation [aOR 6.39 95%CI (1.91-19.8), P=0.001] in patients with obesity; absence of strong cough before extubation [aOR 2.38 95%CI (1.53-3.84), P=0.0002] and duration of invasive mechanical ventilation before extubation [aOR 1.03 per day 95%CI (1.01-1.06), P=0.01] in patients without obesity. The decision tree analysis found similar risk factors. InterpretationOur findings indicate that anticipation and application of preventive measures for patients with obesity before and after extubation led to similar rate of extubation failure among patients with and without obesity. Clinical trial registrationNCT XXX

Numerical simulation of morphological evolution in a gravel-bed meandering river during floods: a case study on the Sai-Jiang river

ABSTRACT The water velocity undergoes a significant increase during the initial stage of floods. The present study focuses on investigating the scours and silting occurring in an S-shaped gravel-bed river. The primary objective is to analyze the impact of 10-year flood events on both the riverbed and bank stability. This river is located in the Sai-jiang River reach, Fujian Province, China. A numerical model of riverbed scours and silting is herein tested. The research results indicate that the morphological evolution of the whole river section is affected in the early stage of flood evolution; however, in the later stage, some key places such as the bridge and the river land are still greatly affected. The apex of the river bend is in close proximity to the downstream river island, resulting in scour at the head of the river island that deviates from conventional patterns of head scour and tail siting. Furthermore, the presence of artificial structures like bridges exacerbates the scour and silting processes in river beds during flood events. For this case, the riverbed adjacent to the Banzhong Bridge pier experienced a widening of approximately 50 m and downstream extension of around 300 m, with a maximum vertical scouring depth of 2.87 m.

Functional outcomes and participants’ perspectives during short-term application of spinal stimulation in individuals with spinal cord injury

Objective The primary objective of this study was to quantify changes in performance of task-specific motor activities over 12 motor rehabilitation sessions with lumbosacral spinal cord stimulation (SCS) via either transcutaneous stimulation or epidural stimulation. Both stimulation modalities have been used in recent years to restore functions lost to spinal cord injury (SCI). Secondary outcomes examine participants’ perspectives captured via the User Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) upon study completion to further understand their perception of SCS. Methods Six individuals with SCI completed 12 sessions with one modality of SCS during supine and/or side-lying, seated forward reaching, and standing activities. Changes in volitional lower extremity movement, the number of points of contact needed at hips and/or knees to facilitate standing, and changes in seated forward reaching distance were used to quantify performance. The UEQ was administered to gauge participants’ perspectives following use of SCS to enable functions impaired due to SCI. Results For all participants, performance of motor activities improved with SCS compared to without stimulation. Responses for the UEQ showed an overall positive perception of trialing SCS with rehabilitation to enhance motor functions impaired by SCI. Conclusions Regardless of injury severity, location of injury, time since SCI, or SCS modality, all participants experienced gains in motor function in the presence of SCS combined with a condensed rehabilitation program. However, no evidence of sustained motor functions was found in the absence of SCS. UEQ results highlight the positive perception of SCS with rehabilitation as well as the importance of consulting persons with lived experience of SCS during clinical trial design and protocol development. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05095454.

Inhibition of myotube formation by platelet-derived growth factor subunit B in QM7 cells.

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the role and regulatory mechanisms of Platelet-derived Growth Factor Subunit B (PDGFB) in muscle differentiation. In this study, a vector for PDGFB was designed and transfected into quail muscle cells to investigate its role and regulatory mechanism during muscle formation. To investigate the inhibitory mechanisms of PDGFB on myogenic differentiation, the mRNA expression levels of various genes and the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK 1/2), both known to regulate muscle development and differentiation were compared. PDGFB-overexpressed (OE) cells formed morphologically shorter and thinner myotubes and demonstrated a smaller total myotube area than did the control cells. This result was also confirmed at the molecular level by a reduced amount of myosin heavy chain protein in the PDGFB-OE cells. Therefore, PDGFB inhibits the differentiation of muscle cells. Additionally, the expression of myogenin (MYOG) significantly decreased in the PDGFB-OE cells on days 2 and 4 compared with that in the control cells. The phosphorylation of ERK 1/2, an upstream protein that inhibits MYOG expression, increased in the PDGFB-OE cells on day 4 compared with that in the control cells. The decreased expression of MYOG in the PDGFB-OE cells increased by inhibition ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. PDGFB may suppress myogenesis by reducing MYOG expression through ERK 1/2 phosphorylation. These findings can help understand muscle differentiation and potentially improve poultry meat production.

PENG ZU Study on Healthy Aging in China (PENG ZU Cohort): Design and Goals.

Life expectancy is increasing, leading to the continuous aging of the population in China. Enhancing the health status of the older population is crucial to achieving healthy aging. The primary objective of the PENG ZU Study on Healthy Aging in China (PENG ZU Cohort) is to understand the natural progression of health status among the aging Chinese population. Specifically, the PENG ZU cohort aims to identify and validate multidimensional aging markers, uncover the underlying mechanisms of systemic aging and functional decline, and develop novel strategies and measures to delay functional decline and adverse health outcomes, while maintaining overall good health. The PENG ZU cohort consists of 26,000 individuals aged 25 to 89 years from seven major geographical regions in China. Diversified data and biospecimens are collected according to standardized procedures at baseline and follow-up visits. Baseline recruitment for the PENG ZU cohort was completed in October 2021. The extensive analysis of multidimensional health-related data and bioresources collected from the cohort is anticipated to develop methods for evaluating functional status and elucidating multilevel, cross-scale interactions and regulatory mechanisms of healthy aging. The findings from this study will enhance the understanding of health changes due to aging, facilitate efficient and effective interventions to maintain functional ability, and reduce the incidence and severity of age-related diseases, thereby further promoting healthy aging.

The Influence of the Problem Posing Learning Model on Students' Mathematical Problem Solving Abilities in One-Variable Linear Materials

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of the problem posing learning model on the mathematical problem solving abilities of seventh-grade students in the topic of one-variable linear equations. The study aims to determine the extent to which the problem posing learning model influences students' mathematical problem solving abilities at SMPN 2 Gading. Additionally, the study seeks to examine the students' learning activities during the implementation of the problem posing learning model in the context of one-variable linear equations, and to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing the problem posing learning model for seventh-grade students at SMPN 2 Gading. The sampling technique employed in this study is purposive sampling with a simple random sampling approach. The data collection involves essay questions comprising three items to assess students' mathematical problem solving abilities. These questions were pre-tested for validity, reliability, distinguishing power, and level of difficulty. The findings of the research indicate a significant influence of the problem posing learning model on the mathematical problem solving abilities of seventh-grade students at SMPN 2 Gading. The effect size value is reported to be 4.202, indicating a substantial impact. Moreover, the study observes a change in student activities during the learning process, with an increase in student engagement, particularly during the second meeting. The implementation of the problem posing learning model for seventh-grade students at SMPN 2 Gading is reported to have proceeded smoothly from the first to the last meeting.

Queuing analysis for improving performance in bacterial vaccine quality control process

The aim of the research is to analyze and improve the performance of the vaccine quality control queuing system to reduce delays and achieve the firm’s long-term goal on vaccine production capacity. The research focuses on the Bacterial Vaccine Quality Control (BVQC) at the largest vaccine manufacturers in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. The vaccines handled by BVQC include TT, DTP, BCG, BioTT, BioTd, DT, Td, and DTP-Hb-Hib. The BVQC operates a queuing system with eight servers, each assigned a fixed task. The existing system experienced delays ranging from 13 % to 61 % from January to June 2022. After identifying the queuing characteristics of the existing system, improvement proposals were suggested by modifying the assignment of the servers. This proposal was then simulated in November 2022, resulting in improved performance with no delays, a reduction in the length of the queue in the system (Lq) from 2.88 to 2.59, and a reduction in the average time spent in the system (Ws) from 0.0099 to 0.0044. The research suggests that modifying server assignments can be an effective method for improving the performance of a queuing system in vaccine quality control. This can lead to reduced delays, optimized queue lengths, and improved overall efficiency, potentially enhancing the firm’s ability to meet vaccine demand in the future.

Assessment of DNA/RNA Defend Pro: An Inactivating Sample Collection Buffer for Enhanced Stability, Extraction-Free PCR, and Rapid Antigen Testing of Nasopharyngeal Swab Samples.

This study comprehensively evaluated the DNA/RNA Defend Pro (DRDP) sample collection buffer, designed to inactivate and stabilize patient samples. The primary objectives were to assess DRDP's efficacy in ensuring sample stability, facilitating extraction-free polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and ensuring compatibility with rapid antigen testing (RAT). Ninety-five diagnostic nasopharyngeal swab samples tested for influenza virus (influenza A), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV A), and/or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were 10-fold diluted with DRDP and anonymized. Initial characterization and retesting of these samples using cobas Liat confirmed 88 samples as positive, validating the presence of viral targets. Results from rapid antigen testing showed lower sensitivity compared to nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) but maintained perfect specificity, with 40 out of 88 positive samples by cobas Liat also testing positive for RAT. Direct RT-qPCR of DRDP-diluted samples demonstrated robust compatibility, with 72 out of 88 samples positive for cobas Liat also testing positive by direct RT-qPCR. Non-concordant results could be explained by the 200-fold lower input of extraction-free NAAT. Stability testing involved incubating 31 positive samples at 4 °C, 20 °C, and 37 °C for 7 days, with extraction-free NAAT. DRDP guaranteed viral RNA stability at all temperatures for influenza A, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV A, showing stability up to 7 days at 4 °C. In conclusion, DRDP is an effective stabilizing medium compatible with direct RT-qPCR and rapid antigen testing and shows great potential for optimizing diagnostic processes, particularly in resource-limited or time-sensitive scenarios.

Eco-Friendly Nanotechnology in Rheumatoid Arthritis: ANFIS-XGBoost Enhanced Layered Nanomaterials

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints, which can lead to joint damage and disability over time. Nanotechnology in RA treatment involves using nano-scale materials to improve drug delivery efficiency, specifically targeting inflamed tissues and minimizing side effects. The study aims to develop and optimize a new class of eco-friendly and highly effective layered nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery in the treatment of RA. The study's primary objective is to develop and optimize a new class of layered nanomaterials that are both eco-friendly and highly effective in the targeted delivery of medications for treating RA. Also, by employing a combination of Adaptive Neuron-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) machine learning models, the study aims to precisely control nanomaterials synthesis, structural characteristics, and release mechanisms, ensuring delivery of anti-inflammatory drugs directly to the affected joints with minimal side effects. The in vitro evaluations demonstrated a sustained and controlled drug release, with an Encapsulation Efficiency (EE) of 85% and a Loading Capacity (LC) of 10%. In vivo studies in a murine arthritis model showed a 60% reduction in inflammation markers and a 50% improvement in mobility, with no significant toxicity observed in major organs. The machine learning models exhibited high predictive accuracy with a Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of 0.667, a correlation coefficient (r) of 0.867, and an R2 value of 0.934. The nanomaterials also demonstrated a specificity rate of 87.443%, effectively targeting inflamed tissues with minimal off-target effects. These findings highlight the potential of this novel approach to significantly enhance RA treatment by improving drug delivery precision and minimizing systemic side effects.

Cognitive Effects of Three β-Adrenoceptor Acting Drugs in Healthy Volunteers and Patients with Parkinson's Disease.

Noradrenergic signaling declines in Parkinson's disease (PD) following locus coeruleus neurodegeneration. Epidemiologic studies demonstrate that β-acting drugs slow PD progression. The primary objective was to compare the safety and effects of 3 β-adrenoceptor (β-AR) acting drugs on central nervous system (CNS) function after a single dose in healthy volunteers (HVs) and evaluate the effects of multiple doses of β-AR acting drugs in HVs and PD-patients. In Part A, HVs received single doses of 32 mg salbutamol, 160μg clenbuterol, 60 mg pindolol and placebo administered in a randomized, 4-way cross-over study. In Part B (randomized cross-over) and Part C (parallel, 2:1 randomized), placebo and/or clenbuterol (20μg on Day 1, 40μg on Day 2, 80μg on Days 3-7) were administered. CNS functions were assessed using the NeuroCart test battery, including pupillometry, adaptive tracking and recall tests. Twenty-seven HVs and 12 PD-patients completed the study. Clenbuterol improved and pindolol reduced the adaptive tracking and immediate verbal recall performance. Clenbuterol and salbutamol increased and pindolol decreased pupil-to-iris ratios. Clenbuterol was selected for Parts B and C. In Part B, clenbuterol significantly increased performance in adaptive tracking with a tendency toward improved performance in immediate and delayed verbal recall. In Part C trends toward improved performance in immediate and delayed verbal recall were observed in PD-patients. Typical cardiovascular peripheral β 2-AR effects were observed with clenbuterol. This study demonstrates the pro-cognitive effects of clenbuterol in HVs with similar trends in PD-patients. The mechanism of action is likely activation of β2-ARs in the CNS.

Identifying key genes against rutin on human colorectal cancer cells via ROS pathway by integrated bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant global health challenge, characterized by substantial prevalence variations across regions. This study delves into the therapeutic potential of rutin, a polyphenol abundant in fruits, for treating CRC. The primary objectives encompass identifying molecular targets and pathways influenced by rutin through an integrated approach combining bioinformatic analysis and experimental validation. Employing Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), the study focused on identifying potential differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with CRC, specifically those involved in regulating reactive oxygen species, metabolic reprogramming, cell cycle regulation, and apoptosis. Utilizing diverse databases such as GEO2R, CTD, and Gene Cards, the investigation revealed a set of 16 targets. A pharmacological network analysis was subsequently conducted using STITCH and Cytoscape, pinpointing six highly upregulated genes within the rutin network, including TP53, PCNA, CDK4, CCNEB1, CDKN1A, and LDHA. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis predicted functional categories, shedding light on rutin's potential impact on antioxidant properties. KEGG pathway analysis enriched crucial pathways like metabolic and ROS signaling pathways, HIF1a, and mTOR signaling. Diagnostic assessments were performed using UALCAN and GEPIA databases, evaluating mRNA expression levels and overall survival for the identified targets. Molecular docking studies confirmed robust binding associations between rutin and biomolecules such as TP53, PCNA, CDK4, CCNEB1, CDKN1A, and LDHA. Experimental validation included inhibiting colorectal cell HT-29 growth and promoting cell growth with NAC through MTT assay. Flow cytometric analysis also observed rutin-induced G1 phase arrest and cell death in HT-29 cells. RT-PCR demonstrated reduced expression levels of target biomolecules in HT-29 cells treated with rutin. This comprehensive study underscores rutin's potential as a promising therapeutic avenue for CRC, combining computational insights with robust experimental evidence to provide a holistic understanding of its efficacy.

Analysis of the performance of jacketed vessel using hybrid nanofluids in Aspen Plus

ABSTRACT Computer Simulation is used as an effective tool to analyse the performance of processes in industries. One such simulation tool, Aspen Plus, is used in this work to analyse the performance of a jacketed vessel along with the heat exchanger and pump for hybrid nanofluids. Hybrid nanofluids, are advanced fluids engineered by combining nanoparticles of different materials with base fluids like water, are introduced into the jacketed vessel with the primary objective of improving thermal management. The nanofluids are passed into the jacketed vessel to take away the heat of the fluid inside the vessel. The hot nanofluid coming out from the jacketed vessel is cooled using an air-cooled heat exchanger, and it is pumped again to the jacketed vessel. The performance of the jacketed vessel is compared with using water as a thermal fluid and the heat duty is found to be higher for nanofluids than water. The pressure drop and the velocity of the heat exchanger were also analysed for both hybrid nanofluids and water.

Data-based models to investigate protective piles effects on the scour depth about oblong-shaped bridge pier

The primary objective of this study is to examine the suitability of employing a machine learning models (MLMs) comprising Support Vector Machine (SVM), Gene Expression Programming (GEP), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) algorithms to emulate the influence of geometric and geotechnical parameters of the piles on the scour depth reduction about the oblong-shaped bridge pier. A dataset consisting of 90 laboratory observations was utilized, allocating 70 % of the data for the training and 30 % for the testing the MLMs. An oblong-shaped bridge pier of diameter D, was positioned and subjected to a rectangular flume featuring an erodible bed comprising sand sediment particles of D50 = 1.7 mm under clear water and subcritical flow conditions. The spacing between the piles, LD, the angle of pile orientation with respect to the flow, θ, and the Froude number, Fr, were identified as independent parameters through the dimensional analysis and Buckingham-Π theory. The MLMs’ performance were assessed employing root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of determination (R2), and developed discrepancy ratio (DDR). The outcomes, affirming the predictive capacity of all MLMs included, revealed that the GEP model employing a three-gene configuration exhibited superior accuracy compared to the other two MLMs. Specifically, the performance indicators (RMSE, MAE, R2, DDR) during the training and testing phases were (0.0433, 0.033, 0.981, 6.8) and (0.054, 0.045, 0.958, 4.81) respectively. The sensitivity analysis elucidated the hierarchy of influential variables as follows: Fr, LD and θ.