Intelligent agent simulator in massive crowd

Crowd simulations have many benefits over real-life research such as in computer games, architecture and entertainment. One of the key elements in this study is to include elements of decision-making into the crowd. The aim of this simulator is to simulate the features of an intelligent agent to escape from crowded environments especially in one-way corridor, two-way corridor and four-way intersection. The addition of the graphical user interface enables intuitive and fast handling in all settings and features of the Intelligent Agent Simulator and allows convenient research in the field of intelligent behaviour in massive crowd. This paper describes the development of a simulator by using the Open Graphics Library (OpenGL), starting from the production of training data, the simulation process, until the simulation results. The Social Force Model (SFM) is used to generate the motion of agents and the Support Vector Machine (SVM) is used to predict the next step for intelligent agent

Thermal, mechanical, and physical properties of seaweed/sugar palm fibre reinforced thermoplastic sugar palm Starch/Agar hybrid composites

The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of sugar palm fibre (SPF) on the mechanical, thermal and physical properties of seaweed/thermoplastic sugar palm starch agar (TPSA) composites. Hybridized seaweed/SPF filler at weight ratio of 25:75, 50:50 and 75:25 were prepared using TPSA as a matrix. Mechanical, thermal and physical properties of hybrid composites were carried out. Obtained results indi- cated that hybrid composites display improved tensile and flexural properties accompanied with lower impact resistance. The highest tensile (17.74 MPa) and flexural strength (31.24 MPa) was obtained from hybrid composite with 50:50 ratio of seaweed/SPF. Good fibre-matrix bonding was evident in the scan- ning electron microscopy (SEM) micrograph of the hybrid composites’ tensile fracture. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis showed increase in intermolecular hydrogen bonding following the addition of SPF. Thermal stability of hybrid composites was enhanced, indicated by a higher onset degradation temperature (259 ◦C) for 25:75 seaweed/SPF composites than the individual seaweed com- posites (253 ◦C). Water absorption, thickness swelling, water solubility, and soil burial tests showed higher water and biodegradation resistance of the hybrid composites. Overall, the hybridization of SPF with seaweed/TPSA composites enhances the properties of the biocomposites for short-life application; that is, disposable tray, plate, etc

Lactobacillus fermentum LAB 9-fermented soymilk with enriched isoflavones and antioxidants improved memory In vivo

This study examined lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-fermented soymilk for their ability in hydrolyzing glucosides to aglycones and corresponding antioxidant capacity and memory enhancing effect. Twelve LAB isolated from Malaysian fermented food and milk products were incubated in commercially available soymilk for 48 h. Generally, soymilk supported LAB growth and significantly increased (p<0.05) conversion to bioactive aglycone by 2.1-6.5 fold when compared to unfermented soymilk. Lactobacillus fermentum LAB 9- fermented soymilk, in particular, was presented with increased total phenolic content (+10%) as opposed to unfermented soymilk. Lactobacilli (LAB 10-12)- and pediococci (LAB 5)-fermented soymilk elicited maximal DPPH radical-scavenging activity. LAB 1, 7, 8, 9 and 12 exhibited significantly higher (p<0.05) ferrous ion chelating activity when compared to control. Interestingly, LAB 9 had significantly improved memory deficit (p<0.05) in LPS-challenged mice. LAB-enriched nutritional value of soymilk could be useful against oxidative stress and memory deficit

Effect of DLC Coating on Tribological Behavior of Cylinder Liner-piston Ring Material Combination When Lubricated with Jatropha Oil

AbstractThe expansion of modern engines would have been unfeasible without advanced lubricant chemistry and proper lubricant formulation. Introduction of diamond like carbon (DLC) coatings opens further possibilities in improving performance of engine and transmission components, which cannot longer be achieved only by lubricant design.DLC coatings show extremely good promise for a number of applications in automotive components as they exhibit excellent tribological properties. In this paper, the tribological performance of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C: H)DLC coating with Jatropha oil was evaluated using a four ball Tribometer also with commercial synthetic lubrication oil (SAE 40) used as base lubricant. Experimental results demonstrated that the hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C: H)DLC coating exhibited better performance with Jatropha oil in terms of wear and friction under similar operating conditions compared to the uncoated stainless. Thus, usage of hydrogenated amorphous carbon (a-C: H)DLC coating with Jatropha oil in the long run may have a positive impact on engine life

Optimizing the mercerisation effect on the mode I fracture toughness of Bambusa Vulgaris bamboo using surface response method.

Alkaline treatment is widely being promoted to treat natural fibres and improves the fibre bundle surface for better interlocking with the polymer matrix. The aim of this study is to optimize the merceration parameter including natrium hydroxide (NaOH) concentration, soaking and drying time for Bambusa Vulgaris bamboo using response surface methodology (RSM). Here, the treatment conditions were employed by the Box-Behnken design (BBD). The comparative study of the treated and untreated fibre on crack propagation behaviour, Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness (GIC) of the bamboo along the longitudinal direction test was carried out. Through the statistical analysis approach (ANOVA), it is suggested that bamboo treated with 1.5 wt.% concentration of NaOH is capable to reach the fracture toughness value up to 367.25 J/m2. It is also shown that all proposed variables for treatment in this study (i.e., the concentration of the NaOH is highly significant with the 2.85 hours of soaking and drying for 72.5 hours)

Assessment of <i>Helicobacter pylori </i>cytotoxin-associated Gene A (Cag A) protein and its association with ferritin and vitamin B12 deficiencies among adult healthy asymptomatic residents in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

Introduction: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) serves as an effective epidemiological site for assessing Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection due to its diverse population. However, comprehensive studies on the prevalence of H. pylori in the UAE are notably scarce. In depth prevalence studies are needed as a preventive measure against gastric cancer and other emerging extra gastric diseases associated with H. pylori infection. Aim: This study aimed to assess H. pylori infection and its virulent oncoprotein, the Cytotoxin-Associated Gene (Cag A) and its association with ferritin and vitamin B12 deficiencies. Methods: The study was conducted on 1094 healthy asymptomatic volunteers residents in the Sharjah Emirate, UAE. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to assess H. pylori infection using H. pylori antibodies (IgG), and detection of CagA protein using Cag A antibody (IgG) in the human serum. Ferritin and vitamin B12 serum levels were assessed and correlated to H. pylori infection. Results: This study focuses mainly on the assessment of H. pylori and its virulent factor CagA, in relation to vitamin B12 and ferritin deficiencies. Remarkably, 49.6 % of the participants were detected positive for H. pylori, with over half of these cases involving CagA positive strains. Notably, among Emirati participants, 76.11 % of those with H. pylori infection were CagA positive. Statistical analysis revealed a significant correlation between H. pylori, CagA level, and ferritin/vitamin B12 deficiencies. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of timely detection and eradication of H. pylori not only as a preventive strategy against gastric cancer but also as an effective strategy to rescue the adverse effects from ferritin and vitamin B12 deficiencies, thereby improving the overall health outcomes of individuals affected by H. pylori infection.</p

Comparison of the spine kinematics by defining lumbar as single and multi-segmental in completing critical daily task

The change of the spinal curvature in completing a variety of daily tasks is essential to independent living. There is still a lack of studies highlighting the lumbar segmental contribution during sit-to-stand (STS) and stand-to-flexion (STF) usingnon-invasive study. The purpose of this study is to compare the spine kinematics by defining lumbar as a single and multi-segmental during continuous daily motion in healthy Asian adults using a non-invasive approach. During STS, most subjects implementedkyphotic lumbar curve during the early stage of motion which revealed poor posture implementation and significant differences in the lumbar kinematics which were only noticeable at specific phases between both approaches. A significant difference in multi-segmental behaviour was observed only at the end of the motion. All three segments displayed different time responses during the transition from kyphotic to lordotic curve. Passive/delayed behavior within the lower lumbar segment was observed between 0-50% of motion completion. During STF, statistically significant differences were found between assuming lumbar as a single and multi-segment in all phases. This in vitro study identified characteristic motion patterns in the lumbar spine during daily motions. The results provided a clear description of the healthy spinal condition of adults and may serve to identify specific multi-segmental contribution