Simulation Procedure Research Articles

A simulated annealing algorithm for randomizing weighted networks.

Scientific discovery in connectomics relies on network null models. The prominence of network features is conventionally evaluated against null distributions estimated using randomized networks. Modern imaging technologies provide an increasingly rich array of biologically meaningful edge weights. Despite the prevalence of weighted graph analysis in connectomics, randomization models that only preserve binary node degree remain most widely used. Here we propose a simulated annealing procedure for generating randomized networks that preserve weighted degree (strength) sequences. We show that the procedure outperforms other rewiring algorithms and generalizes to multiple network formats, including directed and signed networks, as well as diverse real-world networks. Throughout, we use morphospace representation to assess the sampling behavior of the algorithm and the variability of the resulting ensemble. Finally, we show that accurate strength preservation yields different inferences about brain network organization. Collectively, this work provides a simple but powerful method to analyze richly detailed next-generation connectomics datasets.

The effects of stress on surgical performance: a systematic review.

Acute stress, the psychological response to short-term challenging stimuli, is frequently encountered in the high-pressure environment of the operating theatre. Surgeon stress is associated with deterioration in surgical performance, surgical team working and compromised patient safety. Given these concerns, the aim of this review was to understand the impact of acute stress on surgical performance in technical and non-technical domains as well as patient outcomes. A systematic review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases were searched for studies examining acute stress in medical professionals during real or simulated surgical procedures that reported performance outcomes in technical and non-technical skills. Risk of bias assessment was conducted using appropriate tools for each study design. Out of 1445 identified studies, 19 met the inclusion criteria. In simulated environments, acute stress consistently led to impairment in both technical and non-technical skills during surgical procedures. Technical skill deterioration included higher procedural error rates, longer task completion times and diminished instrument handling. Non-technical skills, such as teamwork and communication, also were impaired under stress conditions. Real-world studies echoed these findings, demonstrating acute stress resulting in higher error rates and impaired non-technical skills. No studies identified surgeon stress as having a causal relationship with patient outcomes. Acute stress significantly impacts both technical and non-technical skills during surgical procedures, impairing performance in simulated and real-world surgical environments. Despite the growing understanding of the detrimental effects of stress, gaps remain in comprehensively assessing its impact on patient outcomes. Further research is warranted to develop reliable stress measurement methods applicable in surgical settings and explore effective stress management strategies.

Assessment of the risk of Staphylococcus aureus infection associated with the consumption of braised beef meat sold on the streets in Côte d'Ivoire

Braised beef meat sold on the streets, a meat product that poses a potential risk of food poisoning to humans. This study was to assess the risk of foodborne infection by S. aureus associated with the consumption of braised beef in Côte d’Ivoire, to improve food safety in this country. A preliminary survey was first carried out in six (06) separate towns in Cȏte d'Ivoire, among consumers (n = 900) and sellers (n = 300) of braised beef meat with a view to characterizing the behavior of these actors. A microbiological analysis was then carried out in accordance with the ISO 6888-1/-3 standard (1999) on 189 samples of this braised beef meat taken from various sales outlets in these towns. A risk model was developed. The risk of infection linked to the consumption of this braised beef was estimated using the Monte Carlo simulation procedure. The results of the consumer survey showed that the percentage of the population consuming braised beef meat (BBM) was 74.4%, with an average consumption of 114.3 ± 0.5 g/person/day. Microbiological analysis revealed the isolation of 92% S. aureus with a mean load of 6.0 ± 0.19 log10∙cfu/g greater than 105 CFU/g. The probability of ingesting a dose greater than 108 S. aureus bacteria ranged from 4.2% to 4.3%. Braised beef meat sold in the streets of Côte d'Ivoire's towns and cities poses a real risk of infection. S. aureus is one of the causes. S. aureus-associated gastroenteritis is caused by failure to observe simple hygiene rules. The risk of infection should be mitigated by cleaning up the places where this product is sold and promoting good hygiene practices in the informal sector.

Energy optimization of an institutional building to reduce the energy and air conditioning demand

Around 40 percent of global energy is used by buildings, and in Pakistan, the building sector consumes 23 % of total energy consumption. Significant energy savings can be achieved by improving building envelope designs, operational practices, and retrofitting existing buildings. This study aims to reduce the energy and air conditioning demand of an institutional building in Islamabad's hot and humid climate. EQuest is used to optimize key building parameters, such as wall insulation, roof insulation, window types, windows-to-wall ratio (WWR), windows shading, building orientation, and cooling set point. These parameters are categorized into various market options. A market survey was conducted to collect technical specifications and prices of the building's sub-parameters. This study also investigates the potential for achievable energy savings by implementing the recommendations published by the Energy Conservation Building Code of Pakistan (ECBC-2023). The building model is calibrated using actual and simulated building data, following ASHRAE Guide 14 criteria, yielding an MBE of 4.55 % and a CV (RMSE) of 9.3 %. Moreover, the study validates the simulation procedure of EQuest software. After calibration, this model assesses the energy performance of various parameters. Results demonstrate that retrofitting the building can save 24.28 % of energy compared to the baseline building. The retrofit cost is estimated at 51.56 million Pakistani rupees (US $185,669) with a payback period of 4.45 years. The study pioneers the application of ECBC and concludes that a code compliant building can save up to 17.05 %, with a cost of 24.36 million rupees (US $87,721) and a payback period of 3 years.

Manual Uterine Aspiration Simulation for Emergency Medicine Learners.

Manual uterine aspiration is a potentially lifesaving procedure for treating patients with hemorrhagic complications of early pregnancy loss. While early pregnancy loss is a common diagnosis seen in the emergency department, manual uterine aspiration education is lacking for emergency medicine physicians. We designed a 90-minute procedural skills training session for 30 emergency medicine learners. The session included a brief lecture and video demonstration, followed by two micro-skills stations before finally completing the simulated procedure in its entirety. At each station, learners were asked to verbalize the steps and landmarks for the procedure before performing them on models. Participants completed a combined pre-post survey evaluating their perceived knowledge of the procedure and self-efficacy in performing the procedure. Thirty learners who participated in the workshop were surveyed, with a 100% response rate. All participants reported increased comfort with the procedure and knowledge about the procedure. All participants completed a successful simulated procedure. Participants also indicated increased interest in learning more about manual uterine aspiration and its potential application within the emergency medicine physician's scope of practice. We developed a workshop to train emergency medicine learners in manual uterine aspiration to stop life-threatening hemorrhage in the setting of early pregnancy loss. The workshop was well received by learners and increased their self-efficacy and desire for additional training with this procedure. Similar curricula should be tried at other institutions.

Considerations for a Micromirror Array Optimized for Compressive Sensing (VIS to MIR) in Space Applications.

Earth observation (EO) is crucial for addressing environmental and societal challenges, but it struggles with revisit times and spatial resolution. The EU-funded SURPRISE project aims to improve EO capabilities by studying space instrumentation using compressive sensing (CS) implemented through spatial light modulators (SLMs) based on micromirror arrays (MMAs) to improve the ground sampling distance. In the SURPRISE project, we studied the development of an MMA that meets the requirements of a CS-based geostationary instrument working in the visible (VIS) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectral ranges. This paper describes the optical simulation procedure and the results obtained for analyzing the performance of such an MMA with the goal of identifying a mirror design that would allow the device to meet the optical requirements of this specific application.

Design of dual peak star shaped metamaterial absorber for S and C band sensing applications

This paper presents the detailed design configuration and investigation of a small-scale dual-band metamaterial absorber (MTMA) for solid and liquid sensing applications. The overall dimension of the MTMA unit cell is 10 × 10 × 1.57 mm3 and constitutes an affordable FR-4 substrate. The absorber exhibits dual absorption peaks at 3.470 GHz for the S-band and 7.219 GHz for the C-band, respectively. Both absorption characteristics have been validated through comprehensive simulation and experimental procedures. The dual-band absorption rate exceeded 99% during simulations, and experimental validation showed an absorption rate above 98%. For sensing applications, various solid materials, including different Rogers substrates ( RT 5880, RT 5870, RT 4003 and RT 4835) and liquids such as sunflower and crown oil, were utilized. Our findings indicate that the proposed MTMA achieves a maximum Q-factor of 191 and a sensitivity of up to 2.5 for both solid and liquid sensing applications compared to previous studies. The simulation and experimental validation of the result indicate that suggested MTMA can be effectively used in different sensing applications such as the medical and communications industry.

Analysis of Reliability for the Electrical Industries Company in Diyala using Modified Extension Weibull Distribution (An Application and Simulation study)

In this paper defining modified extension Weibull distribution, reliability function and hazerd function, we explain the maximum likelihood method under type one censoring sample. The censored samples play an important role in reliability analysis .In this paper we estimate and derived modified extension Weibull distribution whith three parameters under the censored samples type one by maximum likelihood estimation method depend on Newton-Raphson method. Then we applied simulation procedure using Monte-Carlo technique to estimate reliability function under different samples sizes and various initial values for the parameters for all estimated parameters of modified extension Weibull model by used MATLAB program. Finally we find the probability density function f(t), reliability function R(t),and hazard function h(t) for real data which get it from (Diyala province Company) is one of the formations of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals. Paper type: Research paper

Retrofit Measures for Aircraft Noise Reduction: Simulation Benchmark and Impact Assessment

DLR, German Aerospace Center, has developed a low-noise retrofit to reduce noise generation of a conventional midrange transportation aircraft, i.e., measures to the airframe and engine exhaust nozzle. Selected measures have been installed onboard of DLR’s flying testbed Advanced Technology Research Aircraft and been subject to a flyover noise campaign. The aircraft in its original configuration and the modified aircraft have been tested and measured in flyover campaigns in 2016 and 2019, respectively. Initial simulation models have been derived from the results and previous component simulations and wind tunnel tests to account for the new reduction measures within DLR’s system noise prediction tool Parametric Aircraft Noise Analysis Module (PANAM). This paper presents the developed measures as selected for the flight test campaigns. An overview of the conducted flight tests is provided. The overall noise simulation process, including aircraft and engine design, flight simulation, and noise prediction, is presented. Simulation results obtained from this process are then compared to the measured levels from the flight campaigns. Estimated simulation uncertainties from PANAM can now be directly compared to differences between measured and simulated levels. Finally, a parameter study is conducted in order to assess the reduction potential of the novel retrofit measures along different simulated flight procedures. Spatial noise distribution in sound exposure level contours is assessed.

Experimental and computational assessment of the heat transfer exchange in evacuated tube receiver using helical external fins

This study examines the performance of solar thermal systems with a longitudinal finned tube, utilizing both experimental and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) methods. The University of Technology in Baghdad manufactured two copper tubes, one with a smooth surface and the other with a longitudinal fin, for the experiments. The research examines thermal efficiency and useful energy extraction across varying flow rates of 2, 3, 5, and 6 LPM. The experimental results show significant differences in the performance of the smooth-surfaced tube compared to the helically finned tube at different flow rates. At 2 LPM, the smooth-surfaced tube shows a gradual increase in useful power from 248.7 W at 8:00 to 1506 W at 13:00, which corresponds to available solar energy to the collectors ranging from 2400 W to 3084 W, resulting in a thermal efficiency between 17 % and 20 %.In contrast, the finned tube has higher Qu values, starting at 442.15 W at 8:00 and 538.7 W at 13:00, while Qs range from 2415 W to 3087 W. Thus, the thermal efficiency of this tube ranges from 10 % to 52 %. Conversely, at higher flow rates, both systems show comparable thermal efficiencies. Comparative analysis between the experimental results and the ANSYS results indicates agreement within a reasonable margin of error, confirming the validity of the computational simulation procedure. The CFD results were consistent with the experimental data, showing a similar trend in thermal efficiency and useful energy extraction for both smooth tubes and finned tubes. A higher temperature difference typically indicates greater heat absorption and heat transfer efficiency, reflecting a more efficient use of solar radiation. The error rate between the experimental and ANSYS results was no >12 %. The study confirms the role of longitudinal fins in improving the efficiency of vacuum tube solar collectors.

Electroacupuncture Protocol for Sensory and Motor Function Recovery After Orthognathic Surgery: a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Orthognathic surgery is utilized to rectify facial deformities, but it can lead to neurosensory alterations. Electroacupuncture has been shown to enhance sensitivity and motor functions in patients post-surgery. However, its application in traumatic facial injuries remains inadequately researched. To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on sensitivity and orofacial function in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery. A randomized clinical trial involving patients undergoing bimaxillary orthognathic surgery and genioplasty who are randomly allocated to either a physiotherapy (PT) or physiotherapy plus electroacupuncture group (PTEA). Participants will be allocated to their respective therapies for a duration of six weeks. The PT group will receive a 50-minute physical therapy session along with 30 minutes of simulated procedure. The PTEA group will receive 50 minutes of physical therapy followed by 30 minutes of electroacupuncture. Before treatment, sensitivity will be assessed using the SMILE Sensitivity Test-BAURU kit, edema will be evaluated using the MD Anderson Cancer Center Head and Neck Lymphedema protocol, range of motion will be measured using a digital caliper, and muscle pain and fatigue will be gauged using numerical scales. The chewing function will be evaluated using the Chewing Quality Assessment Questionnaire. All assessments will be repeated at three and six months following the initiation of treatment. This study may provide reliable and high-quality clinical evidence regarding the impact of electroacupuncture on restoring altered sensation and motor function in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.

Artificial Neural Network to Predict Curvature Light Shelf Design Related Daylighting Optimization on Office Spaces

Energy Optimization in building design field now has been revolutionized due to AI and machine learning applications. Leveraging daylight to reduce artificial lighting consumption holds promise for significant energy savings, yet the nonlinear nature of daylight patterns poses challenges in prediction and optimization. This study proposes a novel approach to automated light shelf design using machine learning algorithms, specifically artificial neural networks (ANNs) such as recurrent neural networks (RNN) by long short term memory (LSTM), to accelerate daylighting simulation and optimization processes. The methodology employed two distinct approaches: Firstly, we employed the theoretical-analytical approach to explore methods for utilizing machine learning in natural lighting and light shelf parameters. Second, the practical and applied method involved creating a predictive model for designing the light shelf using appropriate AI and ML techniques. This model is based on an office geometry model at the El Arish weather file in Egypt, four-dimensional training room models with three internal zones-oriented south. Rhinoceros and Grasshopper, two parametric simulation tools, are used to normalize and optimize light shelf parameters like geometry cross-section, curvature surface, width, height position, depth, tilt angle, and reflectance materials. Then, the Galapagos plug-in and Colibri2 are used for dataset creation and optimization. The results demonstrate that automated light shelf operation has a significant impact on internal daylighting quality. RNNs enable rapid prediction of optimization models, reducing time consumption in the early design phase. ML facilitates decision-making by generating evaluative criteria from user-selected design options. RNNs were classified as good and bad and used LSTM to enhance prediction accuracy for efficient illuminance values metric in zones 1 and 2. Challenges include increasing the simulation procedure's efficiency. The results of model accuracy reached 99%. Hence, future research should prioritize resolving the previously identified concerns. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of ML-driven approaches in early design phases to optimize building energy consumption and pave the way for sustainable architectural practices.

Comparative analysis of mechanical and drilling properties: Human skull vs. 3D-printed replicas for neurosurgical training

Neurosurgery is one of the most difficult surgical disciplines, making neurosurgical simulation crucial for learners. 3D printing is increasingly used for this simulation due to its accessibility and cost-effectiveness compared to conventional methods. Previous studies have qualitatively evaluated the efficacy of 3D printing models for burr hole and craniotomy simulation using surgeon feedback. This study quantitatively evaluates the mechanical properties of human skulls and compares them with 3D-printed skulls to identify the necessary materials and technologies for accurate replication in neurosurgical training. Vickers hardness, compression, and drilling simulation tests were conducted on human cadaveric skulls and 3D-printed models manufactured using Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), Stereolithography (SLA), and Material Jetting (MJ) technologies. Uniaxial force during a simulated burr hole procedure was measured as drilling progressed through the outer table (OT), diploë and inner table (IT) of the skull. The results showed that different 3D printing technologies and materials have qualities corresponding to each of the three layers of the human skull. For instance, the White Resin 40 model was the closest match to the OT of human skull, exhibiting the lowest mean difference of drilling modulus of 1.98. The OT of the human skull had a Vickers hardness of 38.6 ± 5 HV0.05. The closest 3D-printed models were SLA White at 16.6 ± 0.3 HV0.05 and Rigid 10K at 65.7 ± 3 HV0.05. In terms of mechanical properties, the human skull demonstrated a compression modulus that closely matched the SkullSTN 2, PC 60, PEEK 40, and PEEK 60, with differences of less than 0.1 GPa. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of drilling simulation tests in evaluating various materials and infills to refine models before neurosurgeon evaluation, enabling the identification of an optimal 3D-printed training model for simulating burr hole procedures.

Study the Influence of Impact on the Filled Tube of Aluminum 6082-T6 Alloy by Consideration of Temperature using FEM

In this study, a numerical analysis of the impact behavior of a hollow tube made of aluminum 6082-T6 alloy in accordance with ISO 13314-2011 was conducted using FEM. ANSYS was utilized to execute the simulation procedure utilizing the Explicit Dynamic tool. The geometry of the present study consists of a 900 mm-long tube with a diameter of 60 x 2 mm, which was designed using SpaceClaim in Ansys. The model has meshed with a sweep-type mesh utilizing local coordinates. As a result, quadratic elements were utilized to simulate every impactor effect. The convergence of the mesh was determined in accordance with the equivalent strain analysis. The scope of the inquiry is limited to the mechanical behavior and energy conservation that occurs after the impact technique. The energy that is responsible for each and every sort of energy has been recognized. Instability was observed in both the internal and kinetic energies, with the latter reaching a maximum value of three electro-megajoules. Within each of the three axes, the directional deformation of the tube has been outlined. For a period of forty millimeters, the parallel axis of the impactor has undergone the greatest degree of maximum deformation that it has ever encountered. The equivalent stress, also known as von Mises, was measured in combination with the length of the tube, and it was discovered that it reached its highest point at 450 millimeters at the site of impact with 950 megapascal stresses.

Analysis of Reliability for the Electrical Industries Company in Diyala using Modified Extension Weibull Distribution (An Application and Simulation study)

In this paper defining modified extension Weibull distribution, reliability function and hazerd function, we explain the maximum likelihood method under type one censoring sample. The censored samples play an important role in reliability analysis .In this paper we estimate and derived modified extension Weibull distribution whith three parameters under the censored samples type one by maximum likelihood estimation method depend on Newton-Raphson method. Then we applied simulation procedure using Monte-Carlo technique to estimate reliability function under different samples sizes and various initial values for the parameters for all estimated parameters of modified extension Weibull model by used MATLAB program. Finally we find the probability density function f(t), reliability function R(t),and hazard function h(t) for real data which get it from (Diyala province Company) is one of the formations of the Ministry of Industry and Minerals. Paper type: Research paper

Using mobile EEG to study auditory work strain during simulated surgical procedures

Surgical personnel face various stressors in the workplace, including environmental sounds. Mobile electroencephalography (EEG) offers a promising approach for objectively measuring how individuals perceive sounds. Because surgical performance does not necessarily decrease with higher levels of distraction, EEG could help guide noise reduction strategies that are independent of performance measures. In this study, we utilized mobile EEG to explore how a realistic soundscape is perceived during simulated laparoscopic surgery. To examine the varying demands placed on personnel in different situations, we manipulated the cognitive demand during the surgical task, using a memory task. To assess responses to the soundscape, we calculated event-related potentials for distinct sound events and temporal response functions for the ongoing soundscape. Although participants reported varying degrees of demand under different conditions, no significant effects were observed on surgical task performance or EEG parameters. However, changes in surgical task performance and EEG parameters over time were noted, while subjective results remained consistent over time. These findings highlight the importance of using multiple measures to fully understand the complex relationship between sound processing and cognitive demand. Furthermore, in the context of combined EEG and audio recordings in real-life scenarios, a sparse representation of the soundscape has the advantage that it can be recorded in a data-protected way compared to more detailed representations. However, it is unclear whether information get lost with sparse representations. Our results indicate that sparse and detailed representations are equally effective in eliciting neural responses. Overall, this study marks a significant step towards objectively investigating sound processing in applied settings.

Numerical Analysis of the Influence of the Rolling Speed on the Cold Rolling under Specific Thermal Condition of the AA 5052-O Aluminum Alloy

In this study, the behavior of the rolling process of the AA 5052 aluminum alloy plate has been investigated using numerical data. An FEM technique was utilized in order to make a prediction regarding the impact that the rolling speed has on the cold rolling of the AA 5052-O aluminum alloy. In order to carry out the simulation procedure, the static structure tool was considered. The geometry of the situation. The total deformation, stresses, including von and normal stresses, and energy have all been the subject of investigation for the simulation that is now being performed. In both the axial and radial directions, the deformation has been investigated using numerical methods. It is possible to get a maximum result of 550 and 140 mm, respectively. at a speed of 200 revolutions per minute, the energy reached 8 kilojoules. It has been established that both normal and von mises stresses have been established. A total of 3.6 and 1.9 MPa are the numerical results that the stress has produced.

User Datagram Protocol Parametric Analysis for Maximum Transmission Unit in High-Definition Video Transmission for 1080p and 720p

This article analyses the parametric used for Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU) in User Datagram Protocol (UDP) for online video streaming based on 1080p HD video and 720p HD video. Using a one-to-one node network design, this article has offered an investigation of the performance of UDP in NS3. UDP experiences rather considerable packet losses during the simulation procedure by contrasting the pertinent performance indicators. The selection of the video streaming applications over UDP as an example relates the requirements for group video conferencing and the computation of packet sizes. Understanding the simulation's results can help network administrators deal with network problems involving video streaming, video conferencing, or any other applications that might be connected to the associated protocol.

From knowledge to action: Assessing the effectiveness of immersive virtual reality training on safety behaviors in confined spaces using the Kirkpatrick model

Safety in the industrial sector is paramount, with national legislations establishing specific regulations to reduce accidents. These regulations emphasize risk removal and proper operator training as preventive measures. However, traditional training can be time-consuming and costly, leading companies to meet only the minimum requirements. In particular, confined spaces pose significant dangers, often resulting in fatal, cascading accidents due to a lack of proper safety procedures. Therefore, effective training is crucial to mitigate these risks.Advanced technologies like Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) present new opportunities for cost-effective and extensive training campaigns by eliminating the risks associated with real environment training, offering a safe yet realistic experience.Despite the widespread adoption of IVR training applications in industrial research, there is a notable lack of systematic approaches to evaluate their effectiveness. Conducting such evaluations is crucial to ascertain their impact on essential training outcomes, including participant engagement, knowledge transfer, and enhanced safety behavior during work activities.To address this gap, we developed an IVR-based training platform for confined space safety procedures and established a systematic validation procedure using the Kirkpatrick model to assess its effectiveness compared to conventional training methods. Results demonstrate that IVR training provides an excellent user experience, better knowledge transfer than the traditional approach, and improved performance in simulated procedures, reducing execution errors and completion times. This dual focus on creating and validating the IVR system underscores its potential as an effective training tool in hazardous environments such as confined spaces, where proper training can prevent tragic fatalities.

Computational prediction of impact sound insulation of a timber floor excited by an ISO standard tapping machine

During the last decades, researchers have actively developed procedures to predict impact sound insulation of timber slabs and floors using the finite element method (FEM). Since the simulations have mainly been performed in the low frequencies, a full understanding of their suitability for research and development (R&D) purposes has not yet been created. The object of the study reported in this paper was to determine the applicability of a modern FEM simulation procedure for predicting the normalised impact sound pressure level Ln of a full timber floor, when information provided by material manufacturers is used as input data. Force excitation caused by the ISO standard tapping machine was determined utilizing explicit time integration and FEM. The modelling of sound radiation itself was performed in a frequency domain FEM analysis. The models of a timber floor in its construction stages were constructed before the laboratory measurements of impact sound insulation so that the set-up corresponded to a simulated R&D task. Based on the prediction results, the applied procedure was considered suitable for R&D purposes and needs for further studies were identified.