Physical Attributes Research Articles

Development and verification of real-time hybrid model test delay compensation method for monopile-type offshore wind turbines

The real-time hybrid model (RTHM) test is adept at addressing the scale contradiction, the lack of fidelity in wind modelling in hydrodynamic testing facilities and spatial constraints inherent in conventional monopile-type offshore wind turbine (OWT) model testing methods, thus emerging as an effective avenue for conducting physical model tests of Monopile-type OWTs. This method entails the reproduction of aerodynamic loads or platform motions using loading device or vibration tables. Time delays in the physical attributes of the loading device and signal transmission processes within the system can result in error accumulation, with the potential to impact overall system stability. Moreover, time delay compensation algorithms for hybrid model test systems with force control loading can easily generate excessive noise, leading to system divergence. As a result, time delay has emerged as a technical challenge in the RTHM test. To address this issue, this paper has developed second-order and third-order polynomial extrapolation algorithms, alongside an adaptive compensation algorithm. The adaptive compensation algorithm employs the least squares method to identify parameters of the loading system, enabling it to address variations in the time delay of the experimental system caused by the nonlinearity of the loading system and changes in the physical properties of the model. The feasibility and effects of time delay compensation for various algorithms are validated through numerical simulation. Results indicate that the adaptive compensation algorithm surpasses second and third-order polynomial extrapolation compensation algorithms in terms of accuracy and compensation effectiveness. To validate the applicability of the adaptive compensation algorithm, a RTHM test was conducted. Across rotor thrust force (RotThrust) and tower top displacement, there was an average reduction of approximately 5 % and 9 % in the maximum and minimum synchronization errors, respectively. This highlights the efficacy of the delay compensation algorithm in practical applications, notably diminishing time delay errors within the experimental system. The adaptive compensation algorithm continuously adjusts and updates parameters, enhancing the adaptability of the compensation process to time-varying systems.

Assessing the Preservation Effectiveness: A Comparative Study of Plasma Activated Water with Various Preservatives on Capsicum annuum L. (Jalapeño and Pusa Jwala)

The study investigates the efficacy of plasma-activated water (PAW) in preserving green chillies (jalapeño and pusa jwala) and compared it with various household fruits and vegetables cleaners’ solutions. PAW was prepared using a pencil plasma jet with air as the plasma forming gas. The results of visual analysis revealed that PAW-treated chillies maintain their fresh appearance even after 21 days, exhibiting significantly lower spoilage compared to control (ultrapure milli-Q water) and fruits and vegetables cleaners’ solutions. PAW demonstrated antimicrobial properties, effectively reducing microbial growth and spoilage on chillies over the storage period. Physical attributes, such as weight loss and firmness, are evaluated. It has been observed that PAW-treated chillies exhibit lower weight loss and higher firmness, indicating better membrane integrity and moisture retention. Microbial resistance was notably higher in PAW-treated chillies compared to control and when cleaning solutions were used. CIELAB color analysis revealed that PAW-treated chillies retain greenness, and color, freshness, outperforming control and cleaners. Sensory evaluation, including visual inspection, smell, taste, and touch, consistently favored PAW-treated chillies, emphasizing their superiority in terms of enhancement in shelf-life. Biochemical analysis revealed that PAW-treated chillies either maintain or show enhancement in nutritional attributes such as soluble sugar, protein, and ascorbic acid concentrations. Phenol concentration (antioxidant activity) remained stable across treatments. Overall, the study underscores the positive impact of PAW treatment on preserving the membrane integrity, antimicrobial resistance, sensory quality, and nutritional attributes of green chillies, making PAW an alternative for extending their shelf life.

Rethinking the Complexities of the Body and Disability: Theological Account

The biological aspect of human embodiment frequently constitutes the primary basis for personal assessment, with an emphasis on rationality, free choice, material well-being, and happiness as fundamental attributes of worth. This perspective is also evident in cultural practices of body modification, which reflect societal standards and identity expression. The promotion of standards of bodily appearance that are often considered unrealistic within contemporary culture has the effect of creating a social environment in which those who do not conform to these standards are rejected and stigmatized. This can include individuals with disabilities, the elderly, or those with chronic illnesses and different bodily appearances. In the majority of cases, the so-called ‘body capital’ culture views the disabled body through the lens of a person’s physical appearance, which is, to a certain extent, associated with a biological dysfunction or reflects a kind of physical disability or vulnerable corporeality. This paper seeks to examine perspectives on the body through the lenses of major discourses surrounding disability, biblical anthropology, and disability theology. These perspectives advocate for the intrinsic dignity and value of the disabled body, challenging contemporary norms and projections upon the body, by underscoring the biographical, interdependent, and spiritual dimensions of human embodiment. This approach stands as an alternative to the reductionist view of the body, which prioritizes physical attributes over a comprehensive understanding of complete personhood.

Deciphering the role of plasticizers and solvent systems in hydrophobic polymer coating on hydrophilic core

The type of plasticizer and the choice of solvent or co-solvents used for coating of a hydrophilic core can greatly impact the permeability, porosity, and mechanical strength of the polymer film. Although, Ethylcellulose (EC) is an old polymer, it is a polymer of choice for modifying the drug release due to its inherent properties. The ability of polymers like EC alone to form a diffusion-controlling membrane with good mechanical properties is limited. To modulate the drug release as per the desired profile and modify the film properties, ethylcellulose is often used with hydrophilic hypromellose (HPMC) along with plasticizers. The main focus of the current study was the identification of an appropriate solvent system and plasticizer for the ethylcellulose-hypromellose polymer combination. The study evaluated the coating solution properties, the feasibility and efficiency of the process, the physical attributes of the tablet, the surface properties of the polymer film, the in-vitro drug release and behavior, and the impact of curing time on surface properties and drug release, among other factors.The isopropyl alcohol-water mixture (9:1) produced a homogeneous film in comparison to films produced by other solvents. Although both hydrophilic and hydrophobic plasticizers produce homogeneous films, hydrophilic plasticizers have a higher rate of drug diffusion than hydrophobic plasticizers. During the tablet curing and stability study, the drug release from the polymeric film coating with triethyl citrate decreased moderately and with polyethylene glycol decreased significantly. The presence of hydrophobic plasticizers, viz., dibutyl sebacate and acetyl tributyl citrate, in the polymeric film coating does not impact drug release. For the combination of ethylcellulose and hypromellose, it was found that a mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water (9:1) worked better as a solvent for coating solutions, and hydrophobic plasticizers lower the risk associated with coating ethylcellulose and hypromellose together.

In pursuit of precısion: assessing the impact of physical attributes on change of direction speed ın women's cricket

Cricket demands a unique blend of athleticism, strategy, and precision, with physical fitness crucial in achieving sports excellence. While previous research has highlighted the importance of physical attributes such as speed, explosive power, and agility, the complex interactions between these factors about change of direction speed (CODS) still need to be better understood. This study investigated the relationship between CODS and key physical measures among female cricket players, providing insights into the factors influencing athletic performance in cricket. Thirty female cricketers (aged 16-26 years) participated in the study, undergoing assessments of CODS, speed, vertical jump, and broad jump. Statistical analyses, including Pearson correlation coefficients, multiple regression analysis, and ANOVA, were employed to examine the relationships between these physical measures and CODS. Reliability was deemed to be poor (<0.3), moderate (0.4<0.6), and strong (0.7≤) based on prior research. Significant positive correlations were observed between agility and acceleration and maximal speed tests, underscoring the importance of speed in cricket performance. Furthermore, moderate to strong negative correlations were found between CODS and explosive lower body power tests, highlighting the significance of lower body explosiveness for rapid directional shifts in cricket. Regression analysis revealed that speed, broad jump, and vertical jump collectively contributed to a strong predictive model for agility. Enhancing speed, explosive power, and agility through targeted training interventions could improve cricket players' on-field performance and competitive edge. Overall, this study contributes to understanding the complex interactions between physical attributes and cricket performance, offering practical insights for player development and strategic improvement. Key Words: Change of Direction Speed; Physical Attributes; Explosive Power; Agility

The Use of Triaxial Accelerometers and Machine Learning Algorithms for Behavioural Identification in Domestic Dogs (Canis familiaris): A Validation Study.

Assessing the behaviour and physical attributes of domesticated dogs is critical for predicting the suitability of animals for companionship or specific roles such as hunting, military or service. Common methods of behavioural assessment can be time consuming, labour-intensive, and subject to bias, making large-scale and rapid implementation challenging. Objective, practical and time effective behaviour measures may be facilitated by remote and automated devices such as accelerometers. This study, therefore, aimed to validate the ActiGraph® accelerometer as a tool for behavioural classification. This study used a machine learning method that identified nine dog behaviours with an overall accuracy of 74% (range for each behaviour was 54 to 93%). In addition, overall body dynamic acceleration was found to be correlated with the amount of time spent exhibiting active behaviours (barking, locomotion, scratching, sniffing, and standing; R2 = 0.91, p < 0.001). Machine learning was an effective method to build a model to classify behaviours such as barking, defecating, drinking, eating, locomotion, resting-asleep, resting-alert, sniffing, and standing with high overall accuracy whilst maintaining a large behavioural repertoire.

Evaluation of spray drying microencapsulation for folic acid fortification of dried rice vermicelli (Khanom Jeen)

This study evaluated spray drying (SD) microencapsulation of folic acid for physicochemical properties and its overall suitability for fortification of dried rice vermicelli. The SD microcapsules were formulated to achieve 30 µg of folic acid per 100 g of flour. The formula was homogenized into a 2% solid phase and made into a dry powder by the SD dryer, and the fortified dough was produced and dried in the final step. Fortified samples were analyzed for chemical and physical attributes, sensory evaluation, folic acid content, and stability in processing. The physical quality testing, water content, and the aw values were significantly different from controls (P < 0.05). The acid content was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Color difference, as assessed by a colorimeter, was significant (P < 0.05). In the mixing, extrusion, and first and second washing steps, the coatings effectively prevented loss of folic acid during processing at 15, 12, 38, and 7% by wet weight, respectively. The folic acid content decreased significantly in the first 2 months of storage. In conclusion, for the fortification of flour this method was suitable and the SD microencapsulating technique can protect against folic acid loss during processing.

Cuprophilic Interactions in Polymeric [Cu10O2(Mes)6]n.

The properties of cuprophilic compounds and the underlying fundamental principles responsible for the Cu(I)···Cu(I) interactions have been the subject of intense research as their diverse structural and physical attributes are being explored. In this light, we performed a new study of the compound [Cu10O2(Mes)6] reported by Haakansson et al. using state of the art experimental and theoretical analysis techniques. Doing this, we found the compound to be a polymer in the solid state, best written as [Cu10O2(Mes)6]n, with unsupported Cu(I)···Cu(I) contacts linking the monomers (2.776 Å). The monomeric unit also exhibits various cuprophilic contacts bridged by mesityl and/or oxo ligands. The compound was analyzed in its solid state, revealing luminescent properties resulting from two distinct fluorescent emissions, as well as in solution, in which its polymeric structure reversibly decomposes. A quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis based on density functional theory (DFT) calculations allows to characterize the various Cu(I)···Cu(I) contacts, in which only a few, and not necessarily the shortest, are associated with a bond critical point. Additionally, an energy decomposition analysis of the bonding between monomers indicates that it is dominated by dispersion forces in which the ligands play a dominant role, resulting in bonding energies significantly larger than found in previous DFT investigations based on less bulky models.

Effects of graphene oxide and silane‐grafted graphene oxide on chitosan packaging nanocomposite films for bread preservation

AbstractThis study aims to investigate the dual effects of (3‐aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES)‐grafted‐GO (A‐g‐GO), and titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the novel chitosan (CS) packaging nanocomposite films developed via the solution‐casting method. The chemical properties of GO and A‐g‐GO were assessed using FTIR and XRD. Subsequently, the chemical, structural, and physical attributes of all chitosan packaging nanocomposite films were analyzed through FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, AFM, water contact angle analysis, and food packaging tests. Successful silanization of GO by APTES was first confirmed. The highest surface roughness value was observed in the CS/A‐g‐GO/TiO2 film (16.574 nm) compared to pristine CS and other nanocomposite films. Incorporating GO into the CS matrix improved its thermal stability, suggesting robust bonding between GO and the polymer matrix. The addition of A‐g‐GO slightly decreased the contact angle value (107.7° for CS/A‐g‐GO), whereas TiO2 increased contact angles (117.3° for CS/GO/TiO2 and 119.4° for CS/A‐g‐GO/TiO2), suggesting a more hydrophilic structure with GO and A‐g‐GO and a more hydrophobic structure with TiO2. Bread samples showed no structural distortion over 40 days. Therefore, the dual impacts of A‐g‐GO and TiO2 on the pristine CS film imply that the resulting CS/A‐g‐GO/TiO2 film exhibits potential as an exceptionally efficient packaging material for prolonging the freshness of bread.

Physicochemical, Nutritional, and Antioxidant Properties of Traditionally Fermented Thai Vegetables: A Promising Functional Plant-Based Food.

Fermented plant-based products were gathered from various regions in Thailand and categorized into 10 types of traditional commercial vegetables. Different vegetable materials and natural fermentation methods influence the diverse physical, chemical, nutritional, and functional attributes of the products. All the traditionally fermented Thai vegetable samples collected showed physicochemical properties associated with the fermentation process, contributing to the nutritional and functional quality of the final products. Achieving consistent research results is challenging due to the intricate nature of food matrices and biochemical processes during fermentation. The roles of microorganisms, especially probiotics, are crucial in delivering health benefits through fermented foods. Traditionally fermented Thai vegetable foods contain high levels of total soluble solids, titratable acidity, and salinity in pickled shallot and ginger as a result of the natural fermentation process and the ingredients used. The research findings were confirmed using a hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)-derived dendrogram pattern. The nutritional compositions, total phenolic contents, and antioxidant activities varied among the different types of vegetables. The correlations among lipid, protein, fiber, total soluble solid (TSSs), total titratable acidity (TTA), and salinity as potential biomarkers in fermented vegetable products were examined. The results suggest that traditionally fermented Thai vegetable products significantly impacted food research by enhancing the quality and preserving the authenticity of traditionally fermented Thai vegetables.

Unveiling the DFT perspectives on structural, elastic, electronic, optical and thermal properties of XMn2As2 (X = Ca, Sr)

A comprehensive first-principles investigation of XMn2As2 (X = Ca, Sr) materials using Density Functional Theory (DFT) have used in this study. Variety of physical attributes, including thermal, mechanical, electronic, optical and elastic anisotropic properties are explored. Lattice parameters and crystal structures showed excellent agreement with previous experimental data. The findings reveal that CaMn2As2 and SrMn2As2 exhibit notable elastic anisotropy, and satisfy the Born criteria for mechanical stability. The calculated elastic moduli are consistent with previously published values. The metallic nature of these compounds is demonstrated through band structure and density of states (DOS) analyses. Optical property analyses, including energy loss function, electrical conductivity, reflectivity, dielectric constant, refractive index, and absorption coefficient, highlight the potential of these materials for optoelectronic and photovoltaic applications. Notably, SrMn2As2 displays an exceptionally low minimum thermal conductivity compared to CaMn2As2, indicating its potential as a superior Thermal Barrier Coating (TBC) material.

Effect of micropillar density on morphology and migration of low and high metastatic potential breast cancer cells

Study of cell migration in cancer is crucial to the comprehension of the processes and factors that govern tumor spread. Cancer cells migrate invading tissues, causing alterations in cell adhesion, cytoskeleton, and signaling pathways. Little is known about the physical attributes of cancer cells that change when interacting with microenvironments. In this work, the local topography of the ECM has been mimicked through micropillar array substrates. MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells, exhibiting high and low metastatic potential, respectively, were analyzed. Differences in morphology and migration of the cells were investigated by examining the cell spreading area, circularity, aspect ratio, migration speed, and migration path. This work encountered that none of the studied cell lines have preferential orientation migrating on uniform patterns. In contrast, cell migration on graded patterns shows preferential orientation along the longitudinal direction from sparser to denser zones which is significantly influenced by substrate stiffness and indicates that both cell lines can sense the spacing gradient and respond to this topographical cue. The migration speed of the breast cancer cell lines significantly decreases from the sparse to medium to dense zones, registering higher values for the MDA-MB-231.

Association between Physico Biochemical Parameters of Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) cv. Umran under Cold Storage

Aim: The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between the physical and biochemical attributes of Indian jujube or ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lamk.) cultivar Umran, affected by treatments applied after harvest and stored under cold storage conditions. Place and Duration: This investigation was conducted at Horticulture Department of SKN Agriculture University, Jobner in the month of February to March, 2019. Methodology: The fruits treated with calcium chloride (CaCl2) (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%) and gibberellic acid (GA3) (20, 40 and 60ppm) while being maintained in cold storage. The experiment was carried out utilizing a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), consisting of seven treatments and three replications. The study evaluated multiple attributes of fruits, such as physiological weight loss, marketability, pulp percentage, total soluble solids, titratable acidity, ascorbic acid, total sugars and reducing sugars. Results: The correlation analysis revealed a highly significant positive correlation between the weight of the fruit and various quality measures, such as marketability (r = 0.959), pulp percent (r =0.846), total soluble solids (r =0.947), titratable acidity (r =0.998), ascorbic acid (r =0.991), total sugars (r =0.980) and reducing sugars (r =0.963). While, a strong negative association was observed between the fruit's weight and PLW (r =-0.947). The linear regression model provides additional evidence for this relationship revealed that changes in fruit weight were responsible for a substantial amount of the differences observed in the evaluated quality attributes. The values of the coefficients of determination (r²) varied between 0.747 and 0.996. Conclusion: The strong correlations and regression model provide valuable insights for improving post-harvest handling and storage practices, leading to enhanced preservation of fruit quality during cold storage.

Probiotic set yogurt infused with orange pulp: A multifaceted evaluation of nutritional, antioxidant, and physical attributes.

Fortification of yogurt with orange pulp tends to increase its protein network strength resulting in reduced syneresis. The aim of the current study was to prepare set-type orange yogurt with cow milk, skim milk powder, guar gum, and orange pulp at 0%, 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, and 4.0% concentrations, respectively. The changes in proximate, total soluble solid, antioxidant activity, ascorbic acid, and syneresis were assessed. Yogurt was stored for consecutive three weeks during that duration all attributes were evaluated weekly. Set-type orange pulp incorporated yogurt significantly increased the fat (3.91% to 4.9%), protein (3.90% to 3.94%), moisture (84% to 84.80%), total soluble solids (16.01% to 18.51%), ascorbic acid (16.99% to 20.43%), and syneresis (28.90% to 29.94%), respectively. Overall results indicate that 4% orange pulp-enriched set-type yogurt presented more stable parameters as compared to other formulas.

Effective removal of different dyes using run-of-mine and processed coal samples

Coal, traditionally utilised solely for combustion, is now being investigated for its potential as an adsorbent in purifying drinking water by eliminating hazardous metal ions. Limited research exists regarding its effectiveness in reducing organic dye levels. Presented here are the outcomes of an extensive investigation into various carbon samples' efficacy as adsorbents for wastewater color removal. Samples of coal sourced from Western Coalfield Limited (WCL) were meticulously processed and characterized, encompassing run-of-mine coal and acid-leached coal. A comprehensive array of techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy, was employed for coal characterization. Proximate analysis and gross calorific value (GCV) were employed to assess coal's physical attributes. The adsorption behavior of methylene blue (MB) and crystal violet (CV) on coal was scrutinized, varying factors such as contact time, pH, initial MB and CV concentrations, and adsorbent doses. Optimal adsorption parameters for MB were determined as pH 2, initial concentration of 1 ppm, 0.2 g adsorbent dose, and 60 min contact time. For CV, optimal conditions were pH 8, initial concentration of 6 ppm, 0.4 g adsorbent dose, and 45 min contact time. MB adsorption kinetics favored the pseudo-second-order reaction model, with Freundlich isotherms providing a better fit than Langmuir isotherms. Conversely, CV adsorption kinetics favored the pseudo-second-order reaction model, with Langmuir isotherms exhibiting a superior fit compared to Freundlich isotherms.

Muscle strength in sport climbing: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to synthesize the literature comparing muscle strength and endurance characteristics between 1) sport climbers and non-climbing controls; 2) sport climbers at different performance levels; and 3) boulderers and lead climbers. A systematic literature search (PubMed, Embase and SportDiscus) was performed. Inclusion criteria involved participants aged ≥18, muscular performance measurements and comparisons of either: climbers and non-climbers, boulder climbers and lead-climbers, or climbers of different levels. Meta-analyses comparing grip strength and muscle endurance of the forearm between sport climbers and non-climbers, and finger strength between boulders and lead climbers were conducted providing the standardized mean difference (SMD). A total of 960 climbers and 301 non-climbers were included in the study. The data showed: 1) Compared to non-climbers, climbers showed significantly higher grip strength: SMD 1.82 (95% CI 1.23; 2.41, P<0.001) and underarm endurance: SMD 0.70 (95% CI 0.17; 1.24, P=0.01); 2) compared to lead-climbers, boulder climbers showed significantly higher finger strength: SMD 1.08 (95% CI 0.54; 1.62, P<0.001); 3) higher-level climbers showed better finger strength, grip strength, forearm endurance and powerslap when compared to lower-level climbers. Climbers had superior grip strength and forearm endurance compared to non-climbers. High-level climbers exhibited better finger strength, grip strength, forearm endurance and powerslap, when compared to lower-level climbers. Finally, boulder climbers exhibited greater finger strength than lead-climbers. These findings expand our understandings of climbers' physical attributes across disciplines and levels.

Rock outcrops as interglacial refugia for plants: Ecological evidence from the forest‐steppe transition of Patagonia

AbstractIn the forest‐steppe transition of Patagonia from Argentina, the intense physical variability promotes the occurrence of contrasting vegetation units, among which is the saxicolous meadow developed on rock outcrops. In temperate and tropical regions, these geoforms of highly variable climate and topography, and poor soil development play an ecological and evolutionary role disproportionate to their reduced area. In Aguas Frías (38°46′S, 70°54′W), the range, diversity, density and adaptation of vascular plant species growing in the saxicolous meadow were compared to those of the surrounding steppe, forest and hygrophilous meadow. We hypothesize that rock outcrops exhibit a compositionally and functionally divergent, cold‐adapted flora of a previously more widespread distribution, allowing them to be categorized as refugia for species whose range retreated during the current interglacial. In comparison to the other units, the saxicolous meadow exhibited a small area, low plant cover, high total, native and rare species richness, high density and diversity of species, high richness of unique families and species and an exclusive presence of (rock) ferns. It also presented a high richness of endemic species with more extreme latitudinal and altitudinal distribution, particularly &gt;46° S and &gt;3000 m a.s.l. The similarity of species between the saxicolous meadow and the other units was low. Chamaephytes and nanophanerophytes were dominants, hemicryptophytes and geophytes were infrequent and mesophanerophytes and therophytes were absent. Equivalent results in terms of area of rock outcrops, and origin, strategy, composition, diversity and range of species were found in different regions. The biological and physical attributes would allow these outcrops to be characterized as reduced habitats of high diversity which could be acting as refugia for cold‐adapted plants. Conservation actions must prevent and mitigate the effects of fire, biological invasion and cattle grazing that represent the current threats to this ecosystem.

Infant bronchial tree simulator: Success of a built-from-scratch model for single lung isolation

BackgroundOne-lung ventilation in infants is a high-risk procedure. Complications include endotracheal tube occlusion, with grave consequences. Although there are commercially available bronchoscopy simulators, there are no realistic models of infant patients. This limits access to training opportunities that would ensure safe and efficient lung isolation. To bridge this gap, we developesd a realistic infant bronchial tree model for single lung intubation and evaluated preliminary validity evidence of its features and clinicians’ ability to perform critical skills associated with pediatric one-lung ventilation. MethodsUsing computed tomography imaging, a stereolithography file of an infant airway was generated to 3D print a model. This model was inserted into a commercially available airway trainer to allow lung isolation using standard bronchoscopy techniques. Ten experienced pediatric anesthesiologists independently evaluated the simulator’s physical attributes, realism, value, and relevance using a 29-item paper survey and rated using 4-point rating scales (4 = highest). Participants’ ability to complete 5 critical tasks was self-reported using 5-point rating scales (5 = too easy). Item and domain mean ratings were calculated, and comments reviewed. ResultsOverall, reviews were positive, with mean scores indicating adequate realism and high value. Specific challenges were associated with right mainstem bronchus and upper lobe takeoff. Performance scores indicated that most tasks were “somewhat easy to perform,” suggesting that the model’s anatomy did not hinder physicians’ ability to perform one-lung ventilation. ConclusionPreliminary findings indicate that the novel simulator holds promise for training in lung isolation techniques after refinement. Future research will target refinement, expanding evaluation, and developing a comprehensive curriculum and competency assessment program.

Enhancement of mechanical strength in lightweight EPS geopolymer composites using coconut fiber

This study examines the effect of coconut fiber (CF) on the mechanical properties of a sustainable building material known as lightweight ambient-cured geopolymer composites (CFLWGC). Coconut fibers, with mean diameter 0.4 mm and lengths of 2, 4, and 6 cm, were incorporated into the composite at varying contents (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2% by binder mass) to study their effect on CFLWGC. The resulting CFLWGC was thoroughly charaffigcterized for its physical and mechanical attributes, including density, workability, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength. Results showed that incorporating coconut fibers significantly improved mechanical properties with optimal compressive strength of 11.265 MPa (30% increase) and highest split tensile strength of 1.464 MPa (35% improvement) at 4 cm fiber length and 1% content. However, excessive fiber volume or length reduced compressive strength to 7.821 MPa (25% decrease) and split tensile strength to 0.548 MPa (62.5% reduction). Longer fiber lengths (6 cm) and higher fiber contents generally decreased tensile strength, indicating that while moderate fiber addition enhances performance, excessive fiber volume or length negatively impacts the composites’ mechanical properties.

Investigation of the gamma ray shielding properties of Epoxy based on Bi2O3/GO nanocomposite

Abstract One of the important carbon materials, graphene oxide (GO), has several oxygen-containing functional groups. Due to its unique structure, it has attracted increasing interest in multidisciplinary studies of physical and chemical attributes. In this work, Bismuth Oxide nanoparticles (Bi2O3) is prepared and functionalized with graphene oxide nanosheets (Bi2O3-GO). The Bi2O3 and Bi2O3-GO nanocomposite were mixed with epoxy by changing the percentages to 1%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10%. The study used a hyper-pure germanium detector to investigate the attenuation characteristics of the prepared samples. Ba133, Cs137, and Co60 point sources were used at photon energies of 81, 276, 302, 356, and 383 keV for Ba133, 661 keV for Cs137, and 1173 and 1332 keV for Co60. The linear attenuation coefficient, mass attenuation coefficient, half-value layer, and tenth-value layer were estimated to investigate the radiation shielding characteristics of the prepared samples. The linear attenuation coefficient (μ) values varied from 0.45 to 0.88, 0.23 to 0.89, and 0.31 to 0.77 for Ba133, Cs137, and Co60, respectively. The mass attenuation coefficient (μm) values varied from 0.18 to 0.50, 0.19 to 0.50, and 0.15 to 0.50 for Ba133, Cs137, and Co60, respectively. Half-value layer (HVL) values varied from 0.79 to 1.55, 0.78 to 3.07, and 0.9 to 2.26 for Ba133, Cs137, and Co60, respectively. Tenth-value layer (TVL) values varied from 2.61 to 5.16, 2.58 to 10.19, and 2.98 to 7.51 for Ba133, Cs137, and Co60, respectively.