Quality Of Fit Research Articles

A class of improved fractional physics informed neural networks

Physics informed neural networks (PINNs) are a type of deep learning framework which can use the knowledge of physical laws to facilitate the learning of various forward and inverse problems. PINNs have displayed significant efficiency in numerical computation, but there are still some limitations such as their inability in tackling differential equations with oscillations or singular perturbation. To alleviate this difficulty, a new deep learning framework called improved fractional physics informed neural networks (IFPINNs) is proposed in this paper. Compared to PINNs, the calculation in the weight propagation between layers is replaced with nonlinear functions rather than linear ones. This new architecture allows for a better usage of physical information of differential equations, thus leading to an improved fitting quality for the cases with high oscillations or singular perturbation. Under certain conditions, IFPINNs can be degenerated into PINNs. Moreover, this paper investigates the performance of IFPINNs in dealing with fractional differential equations with time-fractional orders ranging from 1 to 2. The numerical results demonstrate the proposed architecture can achieve a higher accuracy for various integral and fractional differential equations.

Impact of adapted taekwondo vs. multicomponent training on health status in independent older women: a randomized controlled trial.

This study, called the TKD and Aging Project, aimed to analyze and compare the effects of an adapted taekwondo program concerning multicomponent training on blood pressure, morphological variables, food consumption frequency, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), physical fitness, handgrip strength, and postural balance in independent older women. A randomized controlled trial study was conducted with parallel groups for 8 weeks (24 sessions of 60 min each), employing a double-blind design and incorporating repeated measures. Twenty-eight older women initially participated in the intervention. Three participants were excluded because they did not participate in the re-assessments. Thus, 14 older women from the adapted taekwondo group (TKD; age: 62.86 ± 2.38 years) and 11 from the multicomponent training group (MCT; age: 63.18 ± 1.94 years) participated in the final analysis. A two-factor mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) model with repeated measures was performed to measure the time × group effect. The TKD showed significant improvements in the mental health (p = 0.024; ES = 0.91) and general health (p < 0.001; ES = 0.75) dimensions of the HRQoL, as well as in the chair stand (p = 0.001; ES = 1.18), arm curl (p < 0.001; ES = 2.10), 2-min step (p < 0.001; ES = 1.73), and chair sit-and-reach (p = 0.001; ES = 0.91) tests. Additionally, it showed a significant reduction in postural balance for the eyes-closed condition in the center of the pressure area (p = 0.021; ES = 0.89), mean velocity (p = 0.004; ES = 0.79), and mediolateral velocity (p < 0.001; ES = 1.26). However, the MCT showed significant increases in the general health (p = 0.013; ES = 0.95) dimension of the HRQoL and a significant reduction (p = 0.039; ES = 0.28) in the mediolateral velocity of postural balance for the eyes-closed condition. Multiple comparisons showed that the TKD scored significantly higher in the chair stand (p = 0.017; ES = 1.79), arm curl (p = 0.003; ES = 1.77), and 2-min step (p = 0.018; ES = 0.91) tests than the MCT. Compared to multicomponent training, taekwondo improves postural balance and provides better benefits in terms of physical fitness and HRQoL for older women. Therefore, it is possible to recommend it as a safe physical activity strategy, as long as it is well-dosed, since it showed high adherence to intervention in older women.

Statistical Characteristics of Geometry, Density and Porosity of Individual Ore Particles: A Case Study

This study aims to develop a methodology to describe and predict the statistical characteristics of individual ore particles in terms of length, width, height, volume, mass, area, circularity, aspect ratio, density, and porosity. The mean value, standard deviation, and appropriate distribution function were calculated or identified for each data set of a given particle property in a given size fraction. It was found that the mean value and the standard deviation of the same particle property can either be predicted from particle size or be approximated by a constant. The best-fit distribution of each kind of particle property was identified by the Anderson–Darling test using Minitab software. Generally, the data sets with the same particle property but different size fractions and ore types follow the same distribution. A methodology was developed to predict the distribution of individual particle properties in a given size fraction by particle size, and the fitting quality is good in most cases. The statistical characteristics of individual ore particles can improve the precise processing of ore feed in concentrators, the preparation of feed samples for lab-scale testing, the calibration of image analysis of ore particle size distribution, etc.

Physical Fitness Variables, General Health, Dementia and Quality of Life in Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The average life expectancy of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) is increasing. However, living more years does not mean living better, leading to the need for research on comorbidities associated with the aging process. Associated with this process are the physical characteristics most prevalent in an individual with IDD: low levels of all physical capacities, the accumulation of central fat, hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and hypertension, variables considered to be some of the main risk factors of the onset of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases, and variables that can negatively impact quality of life (QoL). Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate a sample of 21 institutionalized adults with IDD (42.81 ± 10.99 years old) in terms of their anthropometric characteristics, body composition, general health status, functional capacity, neuromuscular capacity, and dementia/cognitive function, and the possible associations with QoL. All assessments were performed in the laboratory of the Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education-University of Coimbra. Participants, in the present study, have low levels of physical fitness and high metabolic and cardiovascular markets, which need to be improved. On the other hand, functional and neuromuscular ability seems to be associated with QoL (p ≤ 0.05). This study highlights the role of primary and secondary care providers in diagnosis, prevention, and supporting individuals with IDDs to promote QoL.

Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer Have Significant Levels of Impaired Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Inflammatory Markers, and Poor Quality of Life Outcomes

Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer Have Significant Levels of Impaired Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Inflammatory Markers, and Poor Quality of Life Outcomes

Consumption of ultraprocessed foods through item response theory

ObjectiveThis is a psychometric study aimed at proposing a scale for estimating the consumption of ultraprocessed foods using item response theory. MethodsFood consumption data from a representative sample of 2515 adolescent individuals aged 18 and 19 from the third phase of the Ribeirão Preto, Pelotas, and São Luís Brazilian Birth Cohorts Consortium were used. The instrument used was a validated food frequency questionnaire. The selection of ultraprocessed foods items occurred through exploratory factor analysis. Items with factor loadings > 0.30 and commonality > 0.20 were applied in Samejima's graded response model and had unidimensionality (variance = 28.0%) as well as good quality of fit (comparative fit index and Tucker-Lewis index > 0.90 and root mean square error of approximation < 0.08). Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests were used to assess latent trait levels in thirds (low, moderate, and high), according to food consumption variables. ResultsThe information provided by the test covers the entire latent trait continuum, reinforcing its ability to estimate ultraprocessed foods consumption. Foods classified as in natura had a decline in consumption as the level of ultraprocessed foods consumption increased. Ultraprocessed foods were directly proportional to the latent trait (P < 0.05). The highest level of latent trait concentrated the highest median of total energy intake (P < 0.05). ConclusionsThe proposed ultraprocessed foods consumption scale presents an estimation of consistency and is a potential brief tool for use in assessing the consumption of this food group.

Effects of Crossfit® and street running practice on anthropometric, lipids parameters, cardiorespiratory fitness and sleep quality.

Street running (SR) and CrossFit® (CF) have different characteristics ranging from aerobic training to high intensity. This study aimed to describe the subject's physical training, anthropometric and lipid parameters, cardiorespiratory fitness and sleep quality and duration. Cross-sectional, study, that collected personal data, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), anthropometric assessment, cardiorespiratory fitness, and lipid profile. The subjects were separated in CF group (CFG) and SR group (SRG). The SRG training frequency was lower (P=0.006), had better maximum oxygen consumption (V̇O<inf>2max</inf>) levels (P<0.001). 59.3% of the SRG had excellent V̇O<inf>2max</inf>. Cardiorespiratory fitness (49.97 mL/kg/min; P=0.001) and Body Mass Index (BMI) were positively related in SR (P=0.031). An inverse correlation was found between V̇O<inf>2max</inf> and body fat percentage (BF%) (SRG: P=0.001; CFG: P=0.013). Sleep duration is strongly and inversely associated with PSQI. There was a correlation between total cholesterol (TC) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.020), TC and triglycerides (TGs) (P=0.029) and levels of TGs and BMI (P=0.008) in SRG. In the CFG group, there was a correlation of TC between TGs levels (P=0.025), light-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P<0.001) and BMI (P=0.050). The SR have a higher V̇O<inf>2max</inf> although they train less than the CF practitioners regardless of factors such as BF%, gender and age.

1774P PC-PEP, a comprehensive daily six-month home-based prostate cancer: Patient empowerment program improves quality of life, physical fitness, and urinary function outcomes among prostate cancer patients with localized disease - Secondary analyses of a randomized clinical trial

1774P PC-PEP, a comprehensive daily six-month home-based prostate cancer: Patient empowerment program improves quality of life, physical fitness, and urinary function outcomes among prostate cancer patients with localized disease - Secondary analyses of a randomized clinical trial

Compatibility as a Prerequisite: Research on the Factors Influencing the Continuous Use Intention of In-vehicle Games Based on Diffusion of Innovations Theory

As an emerging game category, in-vehicle games have great development potential, but the factors influencing users’ acceptance and continuance intention of in-car games were still not determined. This study used the three perceived attributes of Diffusion of Innovations Theory, compatibility, complexity, and relative advantage, as basis and introduced perceived habits, fit, interaction quality, experience, play value, and continuous use intention to establish the users’ continuance intention model of in-vehicle games. The results of 305 valid questionnaires indicate that compatibility and play value have significant positive influence on continuance intention, of which fit shows stronger effect; perceived habits have significant influence on fit and interaction quality; both fit and quality have significant influence on experience; experience have significant influence on play value. The results of this study can provide reference for promotion design of in-vehicle games and important guidance for future development for in-vehicle game industry.

Calibration of microwave antenna for porous materials moisture evaluation using frequency domain analysis

The article presents the possibility to use microwave contactless measuring system for evaluation of moisture of porous media, mainly building materials utilizing the frequency domain analysis. In the article the description of microwave sensing technique is presented and the methods of microwave data analysis described. In the second part of the manuscript, microwave readouts are presented and the apparent permittivity values estimated in the red brick samples depending on moisture. With the calculated data, calibration model is estimated and fitting quality evaluated. Using the achieved data and calculated values the potential of microwave sensing technique is evaluated and advantages and disadvantages presented.

Theoretical and methodological foundations for forensic commodity examination of garment products

The examination of garment products is a popular type of forensic commodity expertise in proceedings related to the protection of the interests of Ukrainian producers, business entities in the sale and rental of garment products, as well as the investigation of offences related to export and import operations.&#x0D; Based on the study of the legislative framework for conducting forensic commodity research of garment products, as well as regulatory documents on the methodology for assessing the quality of garments for various purposes, the author states that there is still no unified list of control objects to be studied in the course of garment examination.&#x0D; The article is devoted to the problems of methodology for forensic commodity examination of garments. It has been established that the lack of unified terminology causes differences in the interpretation of methodological guidelines for conducting examinations and differences in the interpretation of research results. The fundamental differences between the purpose, composition of materials and market conditions of a particular type of garment can significantly affect the choice of research methods. In this regard, the article considers the nomenclature of objects of forensic commodity examination of garments, which makes it possible to streamline the expert’s actions in accordance with the specifics of the object of study. The nomenclature identifies the following groups of indicators for the examination of garments: compliance of the product and control label details with the requirements of regulatory documentation, correspondence of appearance, adequacy of the type of materials used for sewing the garment, safety of materials, quality of fit of the garment, quality of manufacture of the garment, correspondence of linear measurements to nominal values, and market value of identical (similar) goods.

Analysis of Corneo-scleral Measurements and Ocular Biometry as Predictors of Scleral Lens Parameters: A Review

Purpose. In the latest years, the interest in scleral lenses is progressively increasing among practitioners and patients from all around the world. An optimal lens fit is necessary to ensure patient comfort and visual quality. However, it is not straightforward to estimate the appropriate scleral lens parameters for a particular patient. This review paper aims to summarize the current state of knowledge in predictors of scleral lens parameters based on corneo-scleral shape. Material and Methods. Literature was reviewed from PubMed. A total of 33 articles were specifically selected for the current study. Results. Even though not all available corneo-scleral meas- urements may be helpful in the fitting experience, the re- fractive state of the cornea, corneal flattest and steepest keratometry, scleral toricity, and axial length have proven to influence the scleral lens parameters and, consequently, the quality of scleral lens fit. Conclusion. The usefulness of corneal, scleral, and corneo- scleral measures is reviewed and critically evaluated. A special effort was made to highlight the clinical implications of the findings. Keywords Corneal topography, scleral profile, profilometry, myopia progression, axial length, contact lens fitting

Activities of Daily Living, Physical Activity, Physical Fitness and Quality of Life in Children with Congenital Heart Disease: A Case-Control Study.

Despite reports of reduced physical fitness in children with congenital heart disease (CHD), no specific performance evaluations for activities of daily living have been conducted. The aim was to compare the activities of daily living, quality of life, posture, physical fitness and physical activity levels of children with CHD with healthy controls (HC). The study included 30 children aged 6-14 diagnosed with moderate or severe CHD and 30 age-sex-matched HC. The sociodemographic and clinical data of the participants were recorded. All participants went through several tests, namely the TGlittre-P test for activities of daily living, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) for functional capacity, the Fitnessgram test battery for physical fitness, the hand dynamometer for measuring grip strength, the pedometer for measuring physical activity, and both the child and parents reported the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) for evaluating the quality of life, in addition to posture analyses. Values of p < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Individuals with CHD had a longer TGlittre-P test completion time and a shorter 6MWT distance than HC (TGlittre-P: CHD 3.45 [3.24-4.02]min vs. HC 3.10 [2.57-3.23]min, 6MWT: CHD 514.00 [412.50-566.00]m vs. HC 591.50 [533.00-631.00]m). For the CHD group, sit-ups, push-ups, trunk lift, and sit-and-reach test scores within the Fitnessgram battery, grip strength, posture, and quality of life scores were lower than those for the HC group. Physical activity levels were similar in the groups. The performance of activities of daily living, functional capacity, physical fitness, posture, and quality of life of children with moderate and severe CHD were affected compared to healthy peers.

Analyzing force measurements of multi-cellular clusters comprising indeterminate geometries.

Multi-cellular biomimetic models often comprise heterogenic geometries. Therefore, quantification of their mechanical properties-which is crucial for various biomedical applications-is a challenge. Due to its simplicity, linear fitting is traditionally used in analyzing force-displacement data of parallel compression measurements of multi-cellular clusters, such as tumor spheroids. However, the linear assumption would be artificial when the contact geometry is not planar. We propose here the integrated elasticity (IE) regression, which is based on extrapolation of established elastic theories for well-defined geometries, and is free, extremely simple to apply, and optimal for analyzing coarsely concave multi-cellular clusters. We studied here the quality of the data analysis in force measurements of tumor spheroids comprising different types of melanoma cells, using either the IE or the traditional linear regressions. The IE regression maintained excellent precision also when the contact geometry deviated from planarity (as shown by our image analysis). While the quality of the linear fittings was relatively satisfying, these predicted smaller elastic moduli as compared to the IE regression. This was in accordance with previous studies, in which the elastic moduli predicted by linear fits were smaller compared to those obtained by well-established methods. This suggests that linear regressions underestimate the elastic constants of bio-samples even in cases where the fitting precision seems satisfying, and highlights the need in alternative methods as the IE scheme. For comparison between different types of spheroids we further recommend to increase the soundness by regarding relative moduli, using universal reference samples.

Optimal degrees of freedom of the lower extremities for human walking and running

Determining the degrees of freedom (DOF) of the linked rigid-body model, representing a multi-body motion of the human lower extremity, is one of the most important procedures in locomotion analysis. However, a trade-off exists between the quality of data fitting and the generalizability of the model. This study aimed to determine the optimal DOF of the model for the lower extremities that balance the goodness-of-fit and generalizability of the model during walking and running using Akaike’s information criterion (AIC). Empirically obtained kinematic data for the lower extremities during walking and running were fitted by models with 9, 18, or 22 DOF. The relative quality of these models was assessed using their bias-corrected AIC (cAIC) value. A significant simple main effect of the model was found on the cAIC value for both walking and running conditions. Pairwise comparisons revealed that the cAIC value of the 18-DOF model was significantly smaller than that of the 9-DOF (walking: p < 0.001, running: p = 0.010) and 22-DOF (walking: p < 0.001, running: p < 0.001) models. These findings suggest that the 18-DOF model is optimal for representing the lower extremities during walking and running, in terms of goodness-of-fit and generalizability.

Separation of methyl ethyl ketone - methanol azeotrope by ionic liquids: Thermodynamic and molecular mechanism

In this work, three ionic liquids (ILs) based on acetate, namely tetraethylammonium acetate ([N2222][Ac]), 1-hexyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium acetate ([HMMIM][Ac]), and tributylmethylammonium acetate ([N4441][Ac]) were selected to separate the methyl ethyl ketone - methanol azeotrope. The vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data of the binary system (methyl ethyl ketone + methanol) and the ternary systems (methyl ethyl ketone + methanol + IL) were measured at 101.3 kPa. It was found that all the experimental data were thermodynamically consistent and the three ionic liquids could effectively eliminate the azeotropic phenomenon at a specific concentration. The separation ability of the three ionic liquids is [N2222][Ac] > [HMMIM][Ac] > [N4441][Ac]. The NRTL model was used to correlate the VLE data and was found to have an excellent quality of fit. Moreover, the quantum chemical calculations, COSMO-RS model, and FT-IR analysis were used synergistically to provide microscopic insights into the separation mechanism of ionic liquids.

Feasibility of delivering supervised exercise training following surgical resection and during adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PRECISE): a case series

IntroductionPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is an aggressive neoplasm, with surgical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy the only curative treatment. Treatment-related toxicities place a considerable burden on patients although exercise training has shown promise is helping to manage such adversities and facilitate rehabilitation. The feasibility and safety of exercise training as a supportive therapy during adjuvant chemotherapy remains unknown.MethodsPatients with PDAC were screened post-surgical resection and enrolled in a 16-week, progressive, concurrent exercise programme alongside their chemotherapy regimen. Feasibility was the primary objective detailing recruitment, retention and adherence rates throughout as well as the safety and fidelity of the intervention. Secondarily, the impact on functional fitness and patient-reported outcomes was captured at baseline, post-intervention and 3-month follow up.ResultsEight patients consented to participate in this trial, with five proceeding to enrol in exercise training. Concurrent exercise training is feasible and safe during adjuvant chemotherapy and prevented an expected decline in functional fitness and patient-reported outcomes during this time.DiscussionThis case series provides preliminary evidence that concurrent exercise training during adjuvant therapy is safe, feasible and well tolerated, preventing an expected decline in functional fitness, muscular strength and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Given the adverse effects of treatment, these findings are promising and provide further evidence for the inclusion of exercise training as a standard of care for surgical rehabilitation and managing treatment-related toxicities. Future research should explore the impact of exercise training during neoadjuvant chemotherapy, with prehabilitation now standard practice for borderline resectable disease.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04305067, prospectively registered 12/03/2020, https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04305067.

Data-driven process adjustment policies for quality improvement

Common objectives in machine learning research are to predict the output quality of manufacturing processes, to perform root cause analysis in case of reduced quality, and to propose intervention strategies. The cost of reduced quality must be weighed against the cost of the interventions, which depend on required downtime, personnel costs, and material costs. Furthermore, there is a risk of false negatives, i.e., failure to identify the true root causes, or false positives, i.e., adjustments that further reduce the quality. A policy for process adjustments describes when and where to perform interventions, and we say that a policy is worthwhile if it reduces the expected operational cost. In this paper, we describe a data-driven alarm and root cause analysis framework, that given a predictive and explanatory model trained on high-dimensional process and quality data, can be used to search for a worthwhile adjustment policy. The framework was evaluated on large-scale simulated process and quality data. We find that worthwhile adjustment policies can be derived also for problems with a large number of explanatory variables. Interestingly, the performance of the adjustment policies is almost exclusively driven by the quality of the model fits. Based on these results, we discuss key areas of future research, and how worthwhile adjustment policies can be implemented in real world applications.

Potassium carbonate impregnation and torrefaction of wood block for thermal properties improvement: Prediction of torrefaction performance using artificial neural network

Catalytic torrefaction using potassium carbonate (K2CO3) impregnation is a pretreatment method demonstrated to catalyze wood powder's thermal degradation for energy use. In this study, beech wood boards were impregnated with K2CO3, with the aim to scale up from the studies on wood powder found in the literature. The beech boards were impregnated with five different concentrations and torrefied at 300°C for four durations (5–60 min). The impregnation procedure was successful with a linear increase of K content in wood from 0.103 wt% for raw to 0.207 wt% for the 0.012 M sample. The weight loss during torrefaction increased with the increasing potassium (K) content in wood, reaching a maximum increase of 27.17% between 0.012 M and washed (no K2CO3) after 30 min. For the longest duration, the extent of the catalytic action of K decreased, similar to what is observed in wood powder. After 60 min torrefaction, potassium increased the torrefaction severity index by up to 10% and the higher heating value (HHV) by up to 55%. Potassium efficiently increased the fixed carbon and decreased the volatile matter to values comparable to coal by catalyzing the devolatilization during torrefaction. The atomic H/C and O/C ratios shifted to similar ratios as coal. The energy yield (EY) was above 80% for the shorter durations but dropped drastically at 30 and 60 min torrefaction. The prediction of the solid yield (SY), energy yield (EY), and enhancement factor of the HHV (EF) through an artificial neural network was robust with a fit quality R2≥0.999. The proposed method for catalytic torrefaction on wood boards was efficient and could be used prior to grinding and transportation for bioenergy production. This process could decrease the production costs of biomass fuel to compete with fossil fuels.

VLE measurement of binary systems 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium-based ionic liquids and ethanol or water

Experimental vapor–liquid equilibrium (VLE) data for binary systems of ethanol or water with four ionic liquids (ILs) comprising 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation and different anions were measured at atmospheric pressure within a broad region of IL concentrations, IL mole fraction ranging between 0 and 0.7 or even 0.87. Siwoloboff procedure of vapor–liquid phase transition temperature measurement was applied to estimate VLE of the binary mixtures. Obtained t–x data were fitted assuming ideal vapor and non-ideal liquid phase behavior, using the original NRTL equation to calculate component activity coefficients. VLE description results are presented in form of equilibrium diagrams and as the variation of activity coefficients with mixture composition. Quality of the VLE data fitting was assessed based on root mean square deviations and mean deviations in temperature. Some experimental binary t–x data sets were compared to those available in literature (measured in much narrower concentration range) or predicted from ternary VLE data. The selection of ILs in this study was related to the separation of ethanol−water mixture by extractive distillation. Principal IL selection criterium was its ability to affect the ethanol–water relative volatility. Thermodynamic description of the VLE data of IL-containing systems within a wide concentration range is an essential building block of the mathematical model of separation devices, especially in case of regeneration equipment where concentrated IL is present.