Performance evaluation for high speed vehicle in VANET

Vehicular Ad hoc Networks (VANETs) is a high dynamic emerging technology for supporting wireless communication among vehicles. Communication via routing packets over the high-speed vehicles is a challenging task. Vehicles mobility speed can varies depending on the road specification. However in highways speed can be increased up to 120 – 200 Km/hr. moving in high speed can affect the efficiency of data delivery. In particular V2I traffic where moving car trying to deliver data to fixed space units which are designed to collected and process data from vehicles. In this paper, we investigated the consequences on increasing vehicle mobility speed in term of data delivery evaluation metrics including network throughput, delay and packet delivery ration. Results shows that in high speed mobility VANET, network throughput it decreased, and packet delivery ration is decreased as well

Reasons for the slow uptake of embodied carbon estimation in the Sri Lankan building sector

Global carbon reduction is not merely a responsibility of environmentally advanced developed countries, but also a responsibility of developing countries regardless of their less impact on global carbon emissions. In recognition of that, Sri Lanka as a developing country has initiated promoting green building construction as one reduction strategy. However, notwithstanding the increasing attention on Embodied Carbon (EC) reduction in the global building sector, they still mostly focus on Operational Carbon (OC) reduction (through improving operational energy). An adequate attention has not yet been given on EC estimation and reduction. Therefore, this study aims to identify the reasons for the slow uptake of EC estimation in the Sri Lankan building sector. To achieve this aim, 16 numbers of global barriers to estimate EC were identified through existing literature. They were then subjected to a pilot survey to identify the significant reasons for the slow uptake of EC estimation in the Sri Lankan building sector. A questionnaire with a three-point Likert scale was used to this end. The collected data were analysed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that 11 of 16 challenges/ barriers are highly relevant as reasons for the slow uptake in estimating EC in buildings in Sri Lanka while the other five challenges/ barriers remain as moderately relevant reasons. Further, the findings revealed that there are no low relevant reasons.Eventually, the paper concluded that all the known reasons are significant to the Sri Lankan building sector and it is necessary to address them in order to upturn the attention on EC reduction. Keywords — Embodied carbon emissions, embodied carbon estimation, global carbon reduction, Sri Lankan building secto

Comparison of Clinico-Pathological Presentations of Triple-Negative versus Triple-Positive and HER2 Iraqi Breast Cancer Patients

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy among the Iraqi population. Affected patients exhibit different clinical behaviours according to the molecular subtypes of the tumour. AIM: To identify the clinical and pathological presentations of the Iraqi breast cancer subtypes identified by Estrogen receptors (ER), Progesterone receptors (PR) and HER2 expressions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The present study comprised 486 Iraqi female patients diagnosed with breast cancer. ER, PR and HER2 contents of the primary tumours were assessed through immunohistochemical staining; classifying the patients into five different groups: Triple Negative (ER/PR negative/HER2 negative), Triple Positive (ER/PR positive/HER2 positive), Luminal A (ER/PR positive/HER2 negative), HER2 enriched ((ER/PR negative/HER2 positive) and all other subtypes. RESULTS: The major registered subtype was the Luminal A which was encountered in 230 patients (47.3%), followed by the Triple Negative (14.6%), Triple Positive (13.6%) and HER2 Enriched (11.5%). Patients exhibiting the Triple Negative subtype were significantly younger than the rest of the groups and presented with larger size tumours. A significant difference in the distribution of the breast cancer stages was displayed (p < 0.05); the most advanced were noted among those with HER2 enriched tumours who exhibited the highest frequency of poorly differentiated carcinomas and lymph node involvement. CONCLUSION: The most significant variations in the clinicopathological presentations were observed in the age and clinical stage of the patients at diagnosis. Adoption of breast cancer molecular subtype classification in countries with limited resources could serve as a valuable prognostic marker in the management of aggressive forms of the disease

The Impact of Eating behaviours and Training Practices on Health in Female Physique Athletes: A Multi-Method Exploration

Female physique (FP) athletes are judged subjectively on aesthetic appearance and posing ability. Typically, an annual season is divided into an off-season (which can last a number of months to even a year) and an in-season which involves a pre-competition phase (approximately 12-24 weeks), competition week (normally the final 7 days prior to competition) and a recovery phase. Engaging in prolonged and/or acute weight loss practices can induce physiological and psychological strain that may result in negative long-term consequences. The profile of weight history and dieting behaviours used by FP athletes is still largely unknown. Additionally, few studies have assessed the physiological, psychological and social health implications involved in physique sports across different phases of the annual season. Therefore, the main aim of this thesis was to investigate the impact of eating and training practices on health implications in FP athletes. Understanding these aspects will promote awareness regarding the requirements to be a FP athlete, whilst also ensuring physique athletes’ health and welfare is optimal. Study 1 (Chapter 3) investigated the weight loss history, practices and influential sources of information about dieting during the pre-competition phase in 158 FP athletes stratified by division and experience level. It was aimed to determine the relationship between experience level and division, and weight management practices. This is crucial for determining whether there is a need for tailored awareness and targeted education for FP athletes with varying levels of experience competing in different divisions. Eating attitudes and behaviours were assessed to identify whether athletes were at risk of developing an eating disorder. Using a cross-sectional research design, FP athletes completed an anonymous online self-reported survey consisting of the Rapid Weight Loss Questionnaire and Eating Attitudes Test-26. Athletes reported using chronic gradual dieting (94%), food restriction (64%) and excessive exercise (84%), followed by acute body water manipulation via water loading (73%). There were no associations between division or experience and these practices. Nevertheless, division significantly impacted absolute (P<0.01), and relative (P=0.03) weight regain with Figure athletes (a specific division within female physique sports) showing the greatest increase in body mass (5.5%) 7-days following competition. Overall, 37% of FP athletes were at risk of developing an eating disorder, mirroring rates in other leanness-focused elite sports (35% out of 61 athletes (Kong and Harris, 2014), but higher than the general population (3-10% out of 2444 male and female individuals) (McEnery et al., 2016). Additionally, 42% of FP athletes used two pathogenic weight control methods (Laxatives, diet pills and diuretics use and binge eating) with 34% of Figure novice athletes (≤1 year of competition experience) indicating binge eating at least once a week. The coach (89%) and other athletes (73%) were identified as key influences on athletes’ dieting practices and weight loss. Although most female athletes acquire their body composition using acute and chronic methods, the prevalence of athletes identified with disordered eating symptoms and engaging in pathogenic weight control methods is concerning. Having quantified a high prevalence of the use of gradual dieting, food restrictions and excessive exercise during pre-competition in study 1 (Chapter 3), study 2 (Chapter 4) aimed to document self-reported dietary intake, training practices and psychological states during the pre-competition phase in FP athletes. In an observational study design, nine free-living natural (i.e., drug-free) FP athletes completed a three-day weighed food diary, training diary and perceived well-being and mood states questionnaires for three days at three separate time-points (-12 weeks, -4 weeks and -1 week) prior to competition. A reduction in BM (60.9 ± 8.1 kg to 55.6 ± 8.9 kg, Δ5.3kg ± 3.4; P 0.05). Macronutrient distribution did not differ between time-points (P>0.05), except for energy intake per meal between -12WK (188.7 142.6 kcal.day-1and -1WK (152.5 134.1 kcal.day-1; 95% CI=1 to 71 kcal.day-1, F2,14 = 5.43, P=0.04). Assessing timing and quantity of within-days macronutrients intakes of pre-competition is crucial for understanding if and how these athletes distribute their nutrition, to support the performance, recovery, and adaptation goals of training. Alongside dietary changes, FP athletes increased total aerobic training duration per day (99 ± 68 to 168 ± 85 min.day-1; P=0.02; ES=-0.85, 95% CI= -1.82 to 0.11) from -12 weeks to -4 week pre-competition, and reduced resistance training loads (1555 672 to 377 161 arbitrary units (AU); P<0.01; ES=2.30, 95% CI = 1.11 to 3.49) from -12 weeks to -1 weeks pre-competition. Within the mood sub-scales, vigour was significantly reduced from -12WK (8 ± 3 AU) to -1WK (5 ± 2 AU; 95% CI=0 to 6 AU; P=0.01; ES=1.09, 95% CI = 0.10 to 2.08). These data suggest FP athletes elicit moderate decreases in BM prior to competition via moderate to large adjustments to energy and training practices. Consequently, only vigour was affected in nine FP athletes during pre-competition. Study 3 (Chapter 5) was a case report assessing the physiological and psychological responses of an experienced FP athlete during the phases of the in-season, representing a late pre-competition phase (Phase 1: -4 weeks before competition), a competition week (Phase 2: -1 week and -2 days before competition) and a recovery phase (Phase 3: +4 and +12 weeks after competition). The athlete experienced a rebound of body mass (+10 kg, +19% from Phase 1) and hyperinsulinemia (>174 pmol.L-1) during the 12 weeks of recovery (Phase 3). Potential health consequences associated with relative energy deficiency in sport were also observed, as evidenced by self-reported oligomenorrhea (presented at the start of the study), suppressed RMRratio (0.90) (the ratio of RMR measured to predictive RMR using the Harris-Benedict equation BM equation), free triiodothyronine (2.6-3.0 pmol.L-1) and testosterone concentrations (0.3 nmol.L-1) when comparing against clinical reference values, and increased mood disturbance (total mood disturbance score = 35-39 AU) in Phase 2. This data showed that after a 12-week overfeeding recovery period following prolonged energy restriction, an experienced international-level FP athlete exhibited rebound hyperphagia. Additionally, some psychological and physiological negative effects observed in the pre-competition phases did not fully recover at 12 weeks post-competition (Phase 3). Competitive physique sports can place physiological and psychological demands on the athlete (Study 2 and Study 3: Chapter 4 and 5), however, exploratory studies on the lived experiences of FP athletes, especially in relation to health, wellbeing and social life, are scarce. The purpose of this study (Chapter 6) was therefore to shift the lens to a qualitative approach and explore ten FP athletes’ personal lived experiences within the sport (during their recovery phase or in the off-season). A two-part semi-structured interview was completed. Using a six-step thematic analysis, the overall theme of this study was a ‘dynamic physical, psychological and social rollercoaster experience’. Within this, five key subthemes were identified: Starting the journey, body changes, public success with private isolation, physical and psychological tension and aftercare which manifest themselves uniquely at different stages of the ‘rollercoaster experience’. Participants also provided suggestions for the management of health and welfare in physique sports, which included tailored regulations and coach education. Findings offer insights into the complex interplay between the body composition ideal, culture and dieting practices, and how this results in biological, psychological, and social health implications. Taken together, this thesis provides observational insights into the weight management of FP athletes by assessing both eating and training practices, along with an exploration of the physiological and psychological effects in physique sports. The findings of this thesis serve as a call to action to the bodybuilding and fitness organisations, in enhancing the education packages for athletes themselves and key stakeholders in the sport. Moreover, future research should design, implement and pilot test a multidisciplinary support system in the organisations to identify how FP athletes can be best supported throughout the annual season

Experimental investigation of modified solar still productivity under variable climatic conditions

Conversion of untreated water into drinking water using solar distillation technology can be considered as the most viable methods in the dry climate regions and remote areas. The productivity of solar stills influences by various conditions such as design, operational and environmental conditions. The current paper includes a practical investigation of the effects the climatic conditions on the fresh water production from modified single-slope solar still in Russia. Results analysis showed that the mechanism of heat transfer and mass transfer within the solar still depend on environmental parameters. The heat transfer coefficients have been gradually increased from the early morning after 08:00 am and reached the highest value at the noon then decrease gradually afternoon to reach the lowest value at 20:00 pm. The maximum value of coefficient of heat transfer by evaporation found to be 12.1 W/m2. K at 17:00 pm on 19.06.2019, then 9.9 W/m2. K at 17:00 pm on 18.06.2019, and 2 W/m2. K at 18:00 pm on 17.06.2019. Therefore, a noticeable improvement in the fresh water productivity from solar still has been observed with increasing solar radiation intensity, ambient temperature and decreasing relative humidity. The amount of production during a cloudy day was 287 ml/m2, 620 ml/m2 for a partial cloudy day and 950 ml/m2 during a sunny day. © 2020 WITPress. All rights reserved

Hot Press Joining Optimization of Polyethylene to Aluminium Alloy AA6061-T6 Lap Joint Using Design of Experiments

The hot press method is used to join a poly-ethylene (thickness = 4 mm) with an aluminium alloy (AA6061-T6, thickness = 1.5 mm). In order to achieve the joint success, anodizing processes have been done on the surface of the aluminium samples. The conditions are; current density (200Amp. /m2), temperature (24 oC), sulfur acid (15%) and anodizing time (60 minute). Three joint parameters are used with different levels; Two values of temperature (115 and 135 oC), three values of pressure (2, 6, 10 bar) and the pressing time are (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 min.). The welded specimens are tested by shear, microstructure, energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) test. The shear test results are analyzed using design of experiments (DOE). Minimum and maximum shear tensile strength are found at the first level of temperature (T = 115 oC), (F min = 680N, F max = 2800N). From Pareto chart, the applied pressure has the heights effect on the shear tensile strength of the welded specimens as comparing with temperature and welding time. The main effect plot shows that the optimum value of shear tensile strength is obtained at the welding conditions (T = 135 oC, P = 6 bar, t = 3 minute).The tested specimens exhibit a dislocation, extension and necking in the region of polymer with a ductile fracture. The interlock percentage of polymer element is approximately (11 micron). The melting point and glass transmission temperature of (PE) are decreased.The hot press method is used to join a poly-ethylene plate of thickness 4 mm with an aluminium alloy AA6061-T6 plate of thickness 1.5 mm. A preanodizing process is crucial for the success of such joint. The anodizing was performed under a current density of 200 A/m2, temperature 24°C, sulphuric acid 5 wt.% and for a 60 minutes. Three period parameters were considered in the hot pressing process; temperature: 115 and 135°C, pressure: 2, 6, and 10 bar and pressing time: 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 minutes. The joint specimens are tested by shear tensile test, microstructure, energy dispersive spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetric and thermo grvanometric analysis. The results of shear tensile were analyzed using design of experiments. Minimum and maximum shear tensile force were found at temperature T = 115°C where; Fmin = 680N and Fmax = 2800 N. From Pareto chart, the applied pressure had the most significant effect on the shear tensile force of the joint specimens compared to temperature and joining time. The main effect plot showed that optimum value of shear tensile force was obtained at joining conditions of T = 135°C, P = 6 bar and t = 3 minutes. The tested specimens exhibited an interfacial shear failure, extension and necking in the region of polymer with a ductile fracture. The mechanical interlocking of polymer element in the anodizing surface is approximately 15 µm. The melting point and glass transmission temperature of PE are decreased after the hot press

A narrative review on female physique athletes: the physiological and psychological implications of weight management practices

Physique competitions are events in which aesthetic appearance and posing ability are valued above physical performance. Female physique athletes are required to possess high lean body mass and extremely low fat mass in competition. As such, extended periods of reduced energy intake and intensive training regimens are used with acute weight loss practices at the end of the precompetition phase. This represents an increased risk for chronic low energy availability and associated symptoms of relative energy deficiency in sport, compromising both psychological and physiological health. Available literature suggests that a large proportion of female physique athletes report menstrual irregularities (e.g., amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea), which are unlikely to normalize immediately postcompetition. Furthermore, the tendency to reduce intakes of numerous essential micronutrients is prominent among those using restrictive eating patterns. Following competition, reduced resting metabolic rate, and hyperphagia, is also a concern for these female athletes, which can result in frequent weight cycling, distorted body image, and disordered eating/eating disorders. Overall, female physique athletes are an understudied population, and the need for more robust studies to detect low energy availability and associated health effects is warranted. This narrative review aims to define the natural female physique athlete, explore some of the physiological and psychological implications of weight management practices experienced by female physique athletes, and propose future research directions

Antimicrobial resistance and pathogenicity of Escherichia coli isolated from common dairy products in the Lebanon

In a recent study, bacteria have been isolated from popular Lebanese dairy products, which had been collected in the Beqaa Valley, in north-eastern Lebanon. The foods investigated were two cheeses (shankleesh and baladi) and a dried fermented mixture of yogurt and wheat grains (kishk). Bacterial colonies on McConkey and sorbitol-McConkey agar that showed the morphology of Escherichia coli were biochemically tested and then classified, using PCR-based assays, into the various strains of pathogenic and non-pathogenic E. coli. Some of the confirmed E. coli isolates were proven to be pathogenic, including two identified as E. coli O157:H7. When the pathogenic isolates were tested for their susceptibility to 10 different antibiotics (all commonly used, by clinicians and veterinarians, for the treatment of infections with Gram-negative bacteria), each tested isolate was found to be highly resistant to at least one antibiotic. It therefore appears that, in Lebanon, some popular dairy products pose a public-health hazard, acting as vehicles for the transmission of drug-resistant pathogens. © The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine 2009

The Reliability of Red Flags in Spinal Cord Compression

Background: Acute low back pain is a common cause for presentation to the emergency department (ED). Since benign etiologies account for 95% of cases, red flags are used to identify sinister causes that require prompt management. Objectives: We assessed the effectiveness of red flag signs used in the ED to identify spinal cord and cauda equine compression. Patients and Methods: It was a retrospective cohort study of 206 patients with acute back pain admitted from the ED. The presence or absence of the red flag symptoms was assessed against evidence of spinal cord or cauda equina compression on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: Overall, 32 (15.5%) patients had compression on MRI. Profound lower limb neurologic examination did not demonstrate a statistically significant association with this finding. The likelihood ratio (LR) for bowel and bladder dysfunction (sensitivity of 0.65 and specificity of 0.73) was 2.45. Saddle sensory disturbance (sensitivity of 0.27 and specificity of 0.87) had a LR of 2.11. When both symptoms were taken together (sensitivity of 0.27 and specificity of 0.92), they gave a LR of 3.46. Conclusions: The predictive value of the two statistically significant red flags only marginally raises the clinical suspicion of spinal cord or cauda equina compression. Effective risk stratification of patients presenting to the ED with acute back pain is crucial; however, this study did not support the use of these red flags in their current form