Influence of kNN-Based Load Forecasting Errors on Optimal Energy Production

This paper presents a study of the influence of the accuracy of hourly load forecasting on the energy planning and operation of electric generation utilities. First, a k Nearest Neighbours (kNN) classification technique is proposed for hourly load forecasting. Then, obtained prediction errors are compared with those obtained results by using a M5’. Second, the obtained kNN-based load forecast is used to compute the optimal on/off status and generation scheduling of the units. Finally, the influence of forecasting errors on both the status and generation level of the units over the scheduling period is studied

Predicting numbers of successful new products to launch using soft computing techniques : a case of firms from manufacturing sector industries

Predicting numbers of new products to be launched by the firms in a particular time period is considered as the most mystified and strategically important decision. Importance of this aspect could be realized by looking at the low success rate of new products in the market. Identifying numbers of new products potentially accepted by the market may reduce the investment and scant resources consumption by firms. In this study, statistical multiple linear regression, and artificial neural network techniques modeled as simple and cascaded networks combined with nature inspired algorithm have been implemented. Artificial neural network has shown significant performance results and further cascading helps in enhancing the prediction accuracy along with better convergence capability of the developed models for the predicament

Preparation and Characterization of a Renewable Starch-g-(MA-DETA) Copolymer and Its Adjustment for Dye Removal Applications

Maleic anhydride-diethylenetriamine grafted on starch (st-g-(MA-DETA)) was synthesized through graft copolymerization, and the different parameters (copolymerization temperature, reaction time, concentration of initiator and monomer concentration) affecting starch graft percentage were studied to achieve the maximum grafting percentage. The maximum grafting percentage was found to be 29.17%. The starch and grafted starch copolymer were characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, NMR, and TGA analytical techniques to describe copolymerization. The crystallinity of starch and grafted starch was studied by XRD, confirming that grafted starch has a semicrystalline nature and indicating that the grafting reaction took place typically in the amorphous region of starch. NMR and IR spectroscopic techniques confirmed the successful synthesis of the st-g-(MA-DETA) copolymer. A TGA study revealed that grafting affects the thermal stability of starch. An SEM analysis showed the microparticles are distributed unevenly. Modified starch with the highest grafting ratio was then applied to celestine dye removal from water using different parameters. The experimental results indicated that St-g-(MA-DETA) has excellent dye removal properties in comparison to native starch

Does the Behavior of Pediatric Patients towards Dental Treatment Influence the Pattern of Adjacent (Sound, Decayed, and Filled) Proximal Surfaces in Primary Molars?

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the influence of patient behavior toward dental treatment on the presence of adjacent (sound, decayed, or filled) proximal surfaces in the primary molars. The study included a records review of 2226 pediatric patients. Records were eligible if the patients were in primary or mixed dentition, and if they included a complete set of bitewings and periapical intraoral radiographs of all their primary molars. Four calibrated reviewers used intraoral radiographs to record the sound, decayed, and filled proximal distal surfaces of the first primary molars and the mesial surfaces of the second primary molars. Demographical variables were reported from patients’ medical records including gender, age, medical history, nationality, and patient behavior. Patients’ behaviors were evaluated using Frankl’s Behavior Rating Scale. The Pearson correlation was used to test the association between the sound, decayed, and filled distal surfaces of the first primary molars and the mesial surface of the second primary molar. High correlations of ≥0.6 were further tested in simple and multiple linear regression models to test the influence of patients’ behaviors on these correlations after adjusting for demographical factors. All tests were performed at 5% significance level A. A total of 1194 records met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. There was a high positive correlation between the sound, decayed, and filled distal surfaces of the first primary molar and similar surfaces on the mesial of the second primary molars (0.66, 0.61, and 0.60, respectively). Compared to cooperative patients, the adjusted estimate of the mean decayed mesial surface of the second primary molar increased significantly for non-cooperative patients by 0.1 (95% CI = 0.16–0.53). On the contrary, the adjusted estimate of the mean sound mesial surfaces of the second primary molars decreased significantly by 0.09 for non-cooperative patients, compared to those who were cooperative (95% CI = −0.52–−0.15). Patient cooperation did not significantly influence the mean of the filled mesial surfaces of the second primary molars (adjusted B = 0.01, 95% CI = −0.05–0.09). Educating parents and clinicians about the influence of children’s behaviors on oral health is highly encouraged to improve treatment outcomes and reduce the progression of dental caries. The implementation of specific behavior management techniques is also important to reduce dental fear and anxiety

The impact of COVID-19 disease lockdown on adult Saudi hypertensive patients in Ha’il region, KSA: Cross sectional study

Background: In December 2019, a pandemic emerged from Wuhan, China, caused by a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS COV-2) due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, various governments and health authorities implemented various measures to prevent the spread of the disease. The quarantine was the most effective measure; however, it has a negative effect on chronically diseased patients, especially hypertensive patients. In this study, we aim to explore the impact of the coronavirus disease lockdown on hypertensive patients in Saudi Arabia in terms of their quality of life and routine checkups. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was designed and distributed to 226 patients with hypertension. Data was collected using Google form and then analyzed using SPSS, and A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study shows correlation between the pandemic and increase stress level among 65.9% of participants. 40.3% of participants reported that the measurements of blood pressure during the pandemic were much higher, and 47.3% of patients refused to visit health care facilities for their regular follow-ups during the lockdown. Also 63% of patients had developed complications from hypertension during the pandemic

Association between handgrip strength and metabolic syndrome in relation to gender and adiposity among middle aged and older Saudi populations

AbstractAim This cross-sectional study investigated the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and handgrip strength (HGS) with respect to sex and adiposity in Saudi men (n = 287) and women (n = 268).Material and methods Anthropometry, body composition, HGS, and blood biochemistry were measured. The average age of the study population was 57.65 ± 9.3 years (men = 55.1 ± 9.3 years, women = 60.4 ± 9.3 years). We report that HGS/body mass index (BMI), HGS/weight, and HGS/fat (%) were significantly higher in controls than in patients with MetS in men but not in women. According to the ROC analysis, relative HGS (RHGS) was higher than HGS alone in the association with MetS, which was significant for men (p < 0.01). At lower quartiles of HGS, the probability of MetS was higher in women, and the same was found in men in the lower quartiles of HGS/%Fat. Multinomial regression revealed significant associations between age and adiposity and MetS in men and HGS in women. Additionally, the linear regression of age, HGS, and weight exhibited significant associations between HGS with WC in both sexes.Conclusion A higher risk of MetS in the lower quartiles of HGS was found in women, and adiposity moderated the relationship between HGS and MetS in men