Performance Parameters Research Articles

The Azawak zebu bred at the Toukounous experimental centre in Niger: reproduction performance and estimation of genetic parameters.

The aim of this study was to estimate the genetic parameters of the reproductive performance of the Azawak zebu, bred on station during the period 1981 to 2007, in order to contribute to the implementation of an effective selection programme for improving the zootechnical performance of cattle herds. The data contained records of 2453 calvings from 650 Azawak cows, daughters of 55 bulls, all bred at the Toukounous experimental centre (Niger). Non-genetic factors were evaluated using linear mixed models and genetic parameters were estimated using REML procedures with a multi-trait animal model. The effects of year and calving rank were significant (P < 0.001) for the three reproductive traits studied. Heritability was low for age at first calving (h2 = 0.09 ± 0.03) and calf birth weight (h2 = 0.07 ± 0.03). It was moderate for calving interval (h2 = 0.30 ± 0.04) indicating the possibility of genetic improvement of this trait by selection. Repeatability estimates for calf birth weight and calving interval were 0.10 ± 0.02 and 0.42 ± 0.03 respectively. Calving interval had very strong and significant genetic correlations with age at first calving (0.84 ± 0.08) and calf birth weight (-0.40 ± 0.20). There was also a significantly favourable genetic correlation between calf weight at birth and age at first calving (-0.32 ± 0.25), implying a simultaneous improvement in all three reproductive traits through selection. An increase in heritability of calf birth weight was observed after the active phase of the program, reflecting an overly open selection scheme. These genetic parameter estimates suggest that the three reproductive traits could be used in selection index with the aim to improve the three reproductive traits of Azawak cattle.

Investigation of Performance Specifications for Marshall Mixes Using Performance-Based Mix Design Methodology

This paper presents a comprehensive study for developing the performance specifications for the Marshall mixes using the performance-based mix design (PMD) methodology. The specification describes the desired levels of fundamental engineering properties for predicting performance during mix design or quality assurance checks at the time of construction. In this study, the bituminous concrete mixture was designed through complementing volumetric criteria with performance tests such as dynamic creep and the indirect tensile asphalt cracking test for evaluating resistance against rutting and fatigue cracking, respectively. This study considers different factors such as five different types of design aggregate gradations (mid-gradation, fine-coarse gradation, coarse gradation, coarse-fine gradation, and fine gradation), three binder types (VG-30, VG-40, and PMB-40), and five levels of compactive efforts (35, 50, 75, 90, and 110 blows on each face). The study finds the effect of design aggregate gradation, binder type, and compactive effort on the rutting and cracking resistance of bituminous mixes. The research study also comprehends the influence of volumetric properties on the performance parameters. Further, it establishes the initial performance criteria for rutting and cracking for Marshall mixes. The performance space diagram (PSD) has also been plotted, portraying the overall performance (acceptable, desirable, or unsatisfactory performance regions) of bituminous mixtures based on rutting resistance and cracking resistance. This paper highlights and advocates the integration of these performance-based specifications into the Marshall mix design specifications for improving pavement characteristics and extending overall service life.

Antibacterial performance of nanosecond laser irradiated zirconium-based bulk metallic glass.

Bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) have garnered significant attention in recent decades due to the outstanding physical, chemical, and biomedical characteristics. The biomedical application of metallic glass also received extensive attention. This report investigates the interplay among antibacterial performance, crystallization and processing parameters of Zr-based bulk metallic glass (Zr-BMG) following nanosecond laser irradiation. We examined surface morphology, crystallization behavior, surface quality, binding energy, and ion release properties post-laser irradiation. Additionally, we evaluated the generation of reactive oxygen species upon immersion of Zr-BMG in phosphate-buffered saline using the 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin diacetate method. Staphylococcus aureus was chosen to assess Zr-BMG's antibacterial performance, while mouse osteoblasts were utilized to investigate in vitro cytotoxicity. Our findings revealed that at laser energy intensities below 0.08 J/mm2, the amorphous structure of Zr-BMG remained intact after irradiation. Moreover, laser irradiation significantly enhanced the antibacterial performance of Zr-BMG. The release rate of ion, concentration of reactive oxygen species, and antibacterial properties exhibited direct proportionality to laser energy intensity. However, surfaces exhibiting high antibacterial efficacy also displayed elevated cytotoxicity. The surface irradiated with a 7 μJ ablation pulse and 200 mm/s irradiation speed demonstrated a superior balance between antibacterial and cytotoxic properties while maintaining an amorphous state. We hope this research can provide theoretical reference and data support for the application of metallic glass in biomedical application.

Joint Decoding Technique for Collision Resolution in Non-orthogonal Multiple Access Environment

Multiple access technologies have grown hand in hand from the first generation to the 5th Generation (5G) with both performance and quality improvement. Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access (NOMA) is the recent multiple access technology adopted in the 5G communication technology. Capacity requirements of wireless networks have grown to a large extent with the penetration of ultra-high-definition video transmission, Internet of Things (IoT), and virtual reality applications taking ground in the recent future. This paper develops the Physical Layer Network Coding (PNC) for collision resolution in a NOMA environment with two users. Traditionally NOMA uses Successive Interference Cancellation (SIC) for collision resolution. While additionally a decoding algorithm is added along with SIC to improve the performance of the collision resolution. MATLAB-based simulation is developed on the NOMA environment with two users using Viterbi coding, Low-Density Parity Check (LDPC), and Turbo coding. Performance parameters of Bit Error Rate (BER) and throughput are compared for these three algorithms. It is observed that the Turbo coding performed better among these three algorithms both in the BER and throughput. The BER obtained from the SIC- Turbo is found to be performing well with an increase of about 14% from the ordinary SIC implementation. The performance of the collision resolution has increased by 13% to 14% when joint decoding techniques are used and thus increasing the throughput of the NOMA paradigm.

Heating Energy Performance Gap in Vulnerable Households: Identification and Impact of Associated Variables

Reducing energy consumption in the construction sector is urgently needed. In Chile, where income distribution is unequal and the cost of energy is high, energy demand is seriously affected, especially in vulnerable households. Hence, it is essential to establish public policies with more realistic energy-saving goals to address this situation. However, reliably predicting the energy performance of buildings remains a challenge. For this reason, this study aims to identify and evaluate the impact of the variables associated with energy performance in vulnerable households in Central-Southern Chile and propose values that would reduce the gap. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to achieve this, adjusting the energy performance parameters in a base model with data analyzed using local standards. In addition, field information was collected in 93 households to obtain the actual energy consumption. The main results show that the variables that most impacted performance were infiltration, COP, heating setpoints, and schedules, which generated a 60% difference between the theoretical and actual consumption.

The Relation between Parameters of Physical Performance and Depression in Consecutive Hospitalized Geriatric Patients with Heart Failure

Background: In the geriatric population, the risk of cardiometabolic diseases is strongly influenced by comorbidities. The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of depression among hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF) and to assess the relation between physical performance and depression in this population. Methods: We included consecutive hospitalized patients with HF aged &gt;65 years. The depression symptoms were evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), the physical performance was assessed using the grip strength measurements, the Back Scratch Test, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), the Five Times Sit to Stand Test (5 × SST), and the 6 min walk test. Results: We included 206 patients (134 females and 72 males, median age 82 years (77–86) years). Altogether, 33% of participants had signs of depression. The association was found between depression severity and economic status (p = 0.001), stressful events (p = 0.005), self-reported general health status (p = 0.001), and heart failure severity assessed by the New York Heart Association class (NYHA), p = 0.003. The Back Scratch Test, the TUGT, and the 5xSST were associated with depression severity in a univariable regression analysis (β coefficient 0.04 [95% CI 0.00–0.08], 0.20 [95% CI 0.12–0.27], 0.18 [95% CI 0.07–0.27], respectively); however, when adjusted for co-factors, the TUGT and the 5xSST (0.17 [95% CI 0.08–0.26] and 0.14 [95% CI 0.02–0.26], respectively) were significantly related to the GDS score. Grip strength and the 6 min walk test were not related to the GDS score in the univariable nor multivariable analysis. These findings were confirmed in the logistic analyses. Conclusions: Our study indicated a high incidence of depression among elderly hospitalized patients with heart failure. Depression severity in older patients with HF is related to physical performance decline as assessed by the Timed Up and Go Test and the Five Times Sit to Stand Test. Grip strength and the 6 min walk test are not related to the GDS score in this population.

Applications of Organic Acids in Poultry Production: An Updated and Comprehensive Review

Feed additive antibiotics have been used for many decades as growth promotors or antibacterial substances worldwide. However, the adverse impacts of using antibiotics in animal or poultry feeds are not widely recognized. Therefore, the search for alternatives, such as probiotics, prebiotics, phytobiotics, post-biotics, bacteriophages, enzymes, essential oils, or organic acids (OAs), has become urgent. OAs are produced by beneficial intestinal bacteria through the fermentation of carbohydrates. OAs and their salts are still used as feed preservatives. They have long been added to feed in order to minimize contamination and the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, reduce deterioration, and prolong the shelf life of feed commodities. Moreover, they have been mostly added to poultry feed as a blend to obtain maximal beneficial effects. The supplementation of poultry with OAs could improve the growth performance parameters and carcass traits, promote the utilization of nutrients, boost the immune response, and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, this review article provides valuable insights into the potential benefits of using OAs in reducing microbial load, enhancing performance parameters in broilers and layers, improving gut health, and boosting the immune response.

Impact of Different Drip Emitter Types on Hydraulic Performance and Wetted Zone Characteristics in Okra Cultivation

Drip irrigation system is the most efficient and economical method for irrigation vegetable production. The study aimed to design and evaluate the hydraulic performance of three different types of emitter namely Regular gauge (RG), Compensating pressure (CP) and non-compensating pressure (NCP) using okra as a test of a crop. This study was conducted at the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Science, Zamzam University in 2023. The treatments were laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. Parameters of hydraulic performance of drip emitters were average discharge (Qavg %), discharge variation (Qvar), coefficient uniformity (CU %), coefficient of manufacture variation (CV), emission uniformity (EU %) and statistical uniformity (US %). The results showed that the values of (CU%), (CV), (EU%), (US%) and percentage emitters clogging (Pclog%) were 99.52%, 0.49, 68.01%, 74.14%, 2.8% and 99.32%, 0.36, 52.06%, 63.47%, 1.65% and 99.09%, 0.26, 40.07%, 51.05%, 0.85% for non-compensating pressure (NCP), compensating pressure (CP) and regular gauge (RG respectively. It is considered coefficient uniformity (CU %), was good and found to be within the excellent range while discharge variation (Qvar) was found to be within the desirable range, emission uniformity (EU %), coefficient of manufacture variation (CV), and statistical uniformity (Us %) were found to be within the range of poor, low, acceptable and unacceptable. Thus, the study recommended the best type of emitter was regular gauge (RG), because it has the highest crop yield and water productivity as compared to other emitters, non-compensating pressure emitters (NCP) and compensating pressure emitters (CP)

Trade-offs between selection of crude protein and tannins in growing lambs.

Tannins are phenolic compounds that provide benefits to ruminants due to their protein-binding affinities and antioxidant properties. However, tannins may also have negative orosensorial and postingestive effects that decrease feed intake. This study explored how lambs trade-off the ingestion of crude protein (CP) with the ingestion of potentially beneficial and toxic condensed and hydrolyzable tannins, and the ensuing impacts on diet digestibility, animal performance, and blood parameters. Thirty-two lambs were housed in individual pens for 8 weeks and had access to two isoenergetic diets that varied in the concentration of CP (High-HP or Low-LP) and the presence of a mix of condensed and hydrolyzable tannins (4% DM). Animals were assigned to 4 treatment groups (N=8 lambs/group) and received a simultaneous offer of: HP and LP (Control); HP and LP+tannins (HP-LP+); HP+tannins and LP (HP+LP-); and both HP and LP with tannins (HP+LP+). All lambs preferred HP over LP and they avoided tannins in the diets (P < 0.001). Dry matter and CP intake were the lowest in HP+LP- (P < 0.0001), and DMD did not differ between Control and the other groups (P > 0.05), but it was greater for HP-LP+ (P < 0.0001). Crude protein digestibility was greater for groups without tannins in HP (P < 0.0001), but ADG did not differ among treatments (P > 0.05). No differences between Control and HP+LP+ were found in plasma antioxidant activity, total phenolic concentration, or haptoglobin concentration (P > 0.05). Intake of tannins was HP+LP+ > HP+LP- > HP-LP+ (P < 0.0001), and fecal excretion of nitrogen (N) was HP+LP+ > HP-LP+ = HP+LP- > Control (P < 0.05). In addition, intake of tannins with both diets reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration relative to Control (P < 0.05), thus suggesting a shift in the partitioning of N excretion from urine to feces. In summary, lambs prioritized selection of HP over LP, regardless of the presence of a tannin extract in either or both diets. Nevertheless, lambs modulated their tannin consumption as a function of the specific diet where the tannin extract was added, with increasing levels of intake as tannins were present in just LP, then in just HP, and finally in both diets. Dietary tannins did not constrain ADG and resulted in a shift in the partitioning of N excretion from urine to feces. Such shifts have been found to result in reduced production of environmental pollutants such as ammonia, nitrous oxide, and nitrates.

An Improved and Secured 3-Factor Authentication Scheme for WSN in IoT Based Applications

Wireless Sensor Networks (WSN) has top-notch capacity for numerous domains of utility due to the potential to sense and apprehend unattended environments. IoT is playing an increasingly more essential position in clever healthcare, smart transportation and elegant grid using WSN. Therefore, challenges like privacy and data security associated with IoT wireless sensor networks because of sensor node being captured easily, consume less computing energy and low storage. Designing a secure authentication scheme will enable secure communication in WSN. Here, we proposed a improved three-factor authentication scheme for WSN utilizing biometric, password and smart card withstand against security attacks. Subsequently, by comparing the security, functional and performance parameters of our proposed scheme to the other schemes, our scheme provides better and efficient one. Therefore, our scheme is fairly workout in real time IoT applications involved in WSN scenario.

Facilitators and barriers of long-term exercise adherence in healthcare workers formerly suffering from post-COVID-19 syndrome : Aqualitative 1-year follow-up and quantitative pilot study of the COFIT trial.

Early exercise intervention studies showed promising positive effects of physical exercising on post-COVID-19symptoms; however, little is known about long-term training adherence and what influences it. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 17participants of the 8‑week original exercise intervention study. Facilitators and barriers were identified via thematic analysis and compared between those participants who continued their regular exercise behavior (continuous exercise group, CEG, n = 7) and those who stopped exercising (discontinuous exercise group, DEG, n = 10). Physical performance parameters and questionnaires regarding psychological health dimensions and work ability were assessed analogously to the original study. Qualitative analysis showed that two of the top three facilitators, (improving physical and mental health, sport has high priority) were the same in both groups. The respective third of the top three facilitators was (re)build physical and cognitive performance in the CEG and training in the group in the DEG. The top three barriers (exhaustion, sport has little priority, procrastination) were not only the same in both groups but also in the same order. The strongest post-COVID-19 associated facilitator for long-term exercise adherence is when the need for further reconditioning is felt. The strongest post-COVID-19 associated barrier is exhaustion. Availability of exercising in agroup is akey factor in increasing long-term exercise adherence.

Resource Allocation Approach of Avionics System in SPO Mode Based on Proximal Policy Optimization

Single-Pilot Operations (SPO) mode is set to reshape the decision-making process between human-machine and air-ground operations. However, the limited on-board computing resources impose greater demands on the organization of performance parameters and the optimization of process efficiency in SPO mode. To address this challenge, this paper first investigates the flexible requirements of avionics systems arising from changes in SPO operational scenarios, then analyzes the architecture of Reconfigurable Integrated Modular Avionics (RIMA) and its resource allocation framework in the context of scarcity and configurability. A “mission-function-resource” mapping relationship is established between the reconfiguration service elements of SPO mode and avionics resources. Subsequently, the Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) algorithm is introduced to simulate the resource allocation process of IMA reconfiguration in SPO mode. The objective optimization process is transformed into a sequential decision-making problem by considering constraints and optimization criteria such as load, latency, and power consumption within the feasible domain of avionics system resources. Finally, the resource allocation scheme for avionics system reconfiguration is determined by controlling the probability of action selection during the interaction between the agent and the environment. The experimental results show that the resource allocation scheme based on the PPO algorithm can effectively reduce power consumption and latency, and the DRL model has strong anti-interference and generalization. This enables avionics resources to respond dynamically to the capabilities required in SPO mode and enhances their ability to support the aircraft mission at all stages.

Wafer-Sized CsPbBr3/CsPbCl3 Heterojunction: Breaking the Trade-Off between Sensitivity and Dark Current for Efficient X-ray Detector.

Polycrystalline lead halide perovskite finds promising use in fabricating X-ray detectors with a large lateral size, adjustable thickness, and diverse synthesis processes. However, a large dark current hinders its development for weak signal detection. Herein, we propose a multistep pressing strategy for manufacturing a CsPbBr3/CsPbCl3 heterojunction wafer for a reduced dark current X-ray detector, and the device keeps a high sensitivity value after the insertion of a barrier by heterojunction; thus, the trade-off between sensitivity and dark current can be broken. The X-ray detector with a metal-semiconductor-metal structure yields a sensitivity of 6.32 × 104 μC Gyair-1 cm-2 at a bias of 12 V, a 1/f noise of 1.02 × 10-13 A/Hz-1/2, and a detection limit of 66.58 nGy s-1. These performance parameters are considerably better than those of a similar X-ray detector based on the single-structure wafer. The improved device performance of the heterostructure X-ray detector is ascribed to the suppressed carrier recombination, enhanced carrier transportation of the heterojunction, and strong X-ray attenuation of the CsPbCl3 layer. The pixel array device is further used in imaging applications. Hence, this study provides an efficient strategy for fabricating heterostructure polycrystalline lead halide perovskite wafers for use in high-performance wafer-based X-ray detectors.

3D monitors improve performance on the HUGO™ RAS system: a randomised trial.

Robot-assisted surgery is used worldwide, allowing surgeons to perform complex surgeries with increased precision and flexibility. It offers technical benefits compared to traditional laparoscopic surgery due to its utilization of both 3D vision and articulated instruments. The objective was to investigate the isolated effect of 3D- versus 2D monitors when working with articulated instruments in robot-assisted surgery. Surgical novices (medical students, n = 31) were randomized to simulation-based training with either the 3D vision switched on or off. Both groups completed each of the four exercises six times over two sessions on the Medtronic Hugo™ RAS system simulator. The outcome was the simulator performance parameters and a visual discomfort questionnaire. For the efficiency parameters, we found that both groups improved over time (p < 0.001) and that the intervention group (3D) consistently outperformed the control (2D) group (p < 0.001). On the other hand, we didn't find any significant difference in the error metrics, such as drops (p-values between 0.07 and 0.57) and instrument collisions (p-values between 0.09 and 0.26). Regarding Visual Discomfort, it was significantly more difficult for the 3D group to focus (p = 0.001). 3D monitors for an open robotic console improve efficiency and speed compared to 2D monitors in a simulated setting when working with articulated instruments.

A Grey Relational Analysis of the Micro Arc Oxidation Process Parameters and Their Effects on Ti-6Al-7Nb Coating Performance and Corrosion Resistance for Biomedical Uses

Abstract In current investigation micro arc oxidation of Ti6Al7Nb alloy was done to improve its surface properties and corrosion resistance. Mixture of Na2SiO3, Na3PO412H2O and KOH is used as electrolyte. MAO treated Ti6Al7Nb specimens were examined using X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine their morphology and phase composition. It was observed that electrolyte composition is simultaneously included in the growing oxide layer during MAO process. From electrochemical study it was found that corrosion resistance of the Ti6Al7Nb increases during EIS testing in 0.9% NaCl solution. It was found that frequency, duty cycle, current and processing time effect the surface roughness, thickness, hardness and corrosion resistance of coating. Out of above mention parameters frequency and duty cycle has major impact on performance parameters. The objective of current investigation is to find out effects MAO process parameters on coating performance parameters such as coating thickness, hardness, surface roughness and corrosion resistance. At duty cycle of 50%, frequency 500 Hz, current 300mA and processing duration 7.5 minutes, highest coating thickness 32.96 μm and surface roughness 3.3680μm was obtained. Process parameters have the influence on pore size, biggest average pore size 3.8519μm was obtained at duty cycle of 50%, frequency 500Hz, current 300mA and processing duration 7.5 minutes. Grey relational analysis is done to determine which process variable has the most influence on performance parameters. From grey relational analysis technique, it was observed that duty cycle 50%, frequency 500 Hz, current 300 mA, and processing time 7.5 minutes are ideal process parameters for higher coating thickness, hardness, surface roughness and better corrosion resistance. From grey relation analysis it was also found that frequency has most significant impact on performance parameters after that duty cycle, then current and at last processing time.

Performance, ruminal and fecal microbiome of lambs fed diets supplemented with probiotics.

The present study aimed to investigate the impact of adding two doses of a commercial probiotic on productive performance, ruminal and fecal microbiome in growing lambs. Forty-two Texel or Ile de France crossbred lambs aged 86.9 ± 8.0days (body weight: 27.4 ± 3.7kg) were distributed into three groups: basal diet without probiotic supplementation (CG); basal diet + 1g/animal/day of probiotic (GP1) and basal diet + 5g/animal/day of probiotic (GP5). The experimental period was 84days. The weight was evaluated weekly and dry matter intake (DMI) and leftovers were measured daily. At the end of the experiment, lambs were slaughtered. Feces and rumen fluid were collected for microbiome analysis and rumen fragments for histological evaluation. The use of probiotics did not affect weight gain, but GP1 showed a higher silage and DMI intake than CG (p < 0.001). The CG had a greater thickness of keratinized epithelium and stratum corneum (< 0.001) than GP1 and GP5, and greater total papilla width (p = 0.039) than GP1. There was no difference in the general abundance in the rumen and fecal microbiomes. GP5 had a higher proportion of Azoarcus and Dialister taxa in the rumen fluid (p = 0.012 and p = 0.017, respectively) and higher proportion of Treponema and Fibrobacter taxa in the fecal microbiome (p = 0.015 and p = 0.026, respectively), whereas CG had a higher proportion of Anaeroplasma than the other groups (p = 0.032). These results demonstrated the benefits of probiotics for ruminal epithelium protection and microbial diversity. However, there was no effect on performance parameters.

A linear shaped charge cutting model for brittle flat plates

The dynamic response and damage fracture of brittle materials under explosive cutting have always been important research issues in the fields of military, aerospace, and other engineering fields. In this paper, a linear shaped charge cutting model for explosive cutting of brittle materials is proposed. This model suggests that explosive cutting is caused by the combined effects of jet penetration, spallation, and impact fracture. Theoretical calculation models for jet penetration, spallation, and impact fracture were constructed, and the concept of impact strength was introduced to establish dynamic mechanical performance parameters for brittle materials. A calculation program for explosive cutting of brittle materials was developed using the Python language, which can calculate the jet penetration depth, spallation thickness, and impact fracture thickness by inputting parameters such as the size and mechanical properties of the linear shaped charge and target plate, and determine whether the target plate can be successfully cut. Subsequently, a series of explosion cutting experiments and numerical simulations for brittle target plates were conducted to verify the accuracy of the calculation program. The results indicate a high degree of consistency between simulation, experimentation, and program calculation results. This work can provide guidance and promotion for the design and application of explosive energy harvesting cutters.

Triple Jump Performance Parameters and Inter-Limb Asymmetry in the Kinematic Parameters of the Approach Run in International and Paralympic-Level Class T46/T47 Male Athletes

Background/Objectives: The triple jump is included in the Paralympic Athletics competition. The aim of the research was to examine the relationship of the phase ratios and the inter-limb asymmetry in the spatiotemporal parameters of the approach run in Paralympic and international-level Class T46/T47 triple jumpers. Methods: Eleven Class T46/T47 male athletes were recorded during the examined competitions. Step length (SL), frequency (SF), and average velocity (ASV) for the late approach run as well as the length and the percentage distribution of each jumping phase (hop, step, jump) were measured using a panning video analysis method. The inter-limb asymmetry was estimated using the symmetry angle. Results: No significant inter-limb asymmetry was found (p &gt; 0.05). In addition, SL, SF, and ASV were not different (p &gt; 0.05) between the steps initiated from the ipsilateral and the contralateral leg regarding the impaired arm. However, the direction of asymmetry for SF was towards the ipsilateral leg to the impaired arm in the majority of the examined athletes. The maximum speed of the approach was correlated with the triple jump distance and the magnitude of asymmetry for AVS was correlated with the vertical take-off velocity and angle for the step. Conclusions: Since the distance of the triple jump related with the peak approach speed added the negative correlation of peak approach speed with the magnitude of the symmetry angle for SL, it is suggested to minimize the asymmetries in the step characteristics during the approach run to improve triple jump performance in Class T46/T47 jumpers.

A compact wideband MIMO antenna with efficient isolation for S and C-bands applications

This work explored a wideband Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) antenna that has a compact rectangular shape, a rectangular stair slot, and a C-shaped metamaterial for isolation improvement. A wideband antenna has been developed and fabricated to determine the effectiveness of a specified metamaterial. To get minimum mutual coupling, the C-shaped metamaterial is positioned between the two rectangular antennas. According to the simulation, the MIMO antenna operates between 2.61 GHz and 7.64 GHz (5.03 GHz). Peak gain of the designed MIMO antenna from 3.4 to 9.1 dB. The envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) is < 0.03, diversity gain (DG) is > 9.99, mean effective gain (MEG) is < − 3 dB, and channel capacity loss (CCL) 0.005 is accomplished. The measured and simulated outcomes are in close acceptance of the performance parameter. Thus, the designed MIMO antenna is ascendancy for S and C-band applications such as Wi-Fi, Satellite up and downlink, and 5G.

Role of inter- and extra-lesion tissue, transfer learning, and fine-tuning in the robust classification of breast lesions

Accurate and unbiased classification of breast lesions is pivotal for early diagnosis and treatment, and a deep learning approach can effectively represent and utilize the digital content of images for more precise medical image analysis. Breast ultrasound imaging is useful for detecting and distinguishing benign masses from malignant masses. Based on the different ways in which benign and malignant tumors affect neighboring tissues, i.e., the pattern of growth and border irregularities, the penetration degree of the adjacent tissue, and tissue-level changes, we investigated the relationship between breast cancer imaging features and the roles of inter- and extra-lesional tissues and their impact on refining the performance of deep learning classification. The novelty of the proposed approach lies in considering the features extracted from the tissue inside the tumor (by performing an erosion operation) and from the lesion and surrounding tissue (by performing a dilation operation) for classification. This study uses these new features and three pre-trained deep neuronal networks to address the challenge of breast lesion classification in ultrasound images. To improve the classification accuracy and interpretability of the model, the proposed model leverages transfer learning to accelerate the training process. Three modern pre-trained CNN architectures (MobileNetV2, VGG16, and EfficientNetB7) are used for transfer learning and fine-tuning for optimization. There are concerns related to the neuronal networks producing erroneous outputs in the presence of noisy images, variations in input data, or adversarial attacks; thus, the proposed system uses the BUS-BRA database (two classes/benign and malignant) for training and testing and the unseen BUSI database (two classes/benign and malignant) for testing. Extensive experiments have recorded accuracy and AUC as performance parameters. The results indicate that the proposed system outperforms the existing breast cancer detection algorithms reported in the literature. AUC values of 1.00 are calculated for VGG16 and EfficientNet-B7 in the dilation cases. The proposed approach will facilitate this challenging and time-consuming classification task.