Psycho-Physiologically-Based Real Time Adaptive General Type 2 Fuzzy Modelling and Self-Organising Control of Operator's Performance Undertaking a Cognitive Task

—This paper presents a new modelling and control fuzzy-based framework validated with real-time experiments on human participants experiencing stress via mental arithmetic cognitive tasks identified through psycho-physiological markers. The ultimate aim of the modelling/control framework is to prevent performance breakdown in human-computer interactive systems with a special focus on human performance. Two designed modelling/control experiments which consist of carrying-out arithmetic operations of varying difficulty levels were performed by 10 participants (operators) in the study. With this new technique, modelling is achieved through a new adaptive, self-organizing and interpretable modelling framework based on General Type-2 Fuzzy sets. This framework is able to learn in real-time through the implementation of a re-structured performance-learning algorithm that identifies important features in the data without the need for prior training. The information learnt by the model is later exploited via an Energy Model Based Controller that infers adequate control actions by changing the difficulty level of the arithmetic operations in the human-computer-interaction system; these actions being based on the most current psycho-physiological state of the subject under study. The real-time implementation of the proposed modelling and control configurations for the human-machine-interaction under study shows superior performance as compared to other forms of modelling and control, with minimal intervention in terms of model re-training or parameter re-tuning to deal with uncertainties, disturbances and inter/intra-subject parameter variability

Flame Retardant and Mechanical Properties of Modified Paper Using Inorganic Salts for Packaging Applications

The paper sheet prepared from unbleached rice straw containing different concentration of inorganic salts, that work as flame retardant additives (Lithium hydroxide one hydrate (LiOH.1H2O), Magnesium hydroxide (Mg (OH)2. 15H2O), aluminum sulphate (Al2(SO4)3) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3)) were investigated using horizontal burning test against flame retardant. Also, the prepared paper sheets were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and Infrared spectroscopy (IR). Furthermore, the water absorption was determined. In addition, the mechanical properties (breaking length, tear factor and burst factor) of the prepared paper sheet were evaluated. Correspondingly, the physical (structure and mechanical) properties of the prepared paper sheet were enhanced in terms of tensile, tear factor and water absorption. Also, delaying firing process will help in protecting the materials from burning, saving many of economic effect. So the prepared paper sheet can be used for different industrial applications especially in packaging applications

Producing ice cream with concentrated cactus pear pulp: A preliminary study

Abstract Red cactus pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) pulp was tested for some technological and chemical characteristics. The pulp was concentrated up to 30°Brix then added at four levels (0, 5, 10 and 15%) to basic ice cream mix. The basic mix contained 0.5% gelatin, 8% fat and 10.5% milk solids non-fat (MSNF), and 16% sucrose. Some of rheological parameters of both mixes and resultant ice cream samples, in addition to some technological characteristics of resultant ice cream samples were measured. The rheological properties of all ice cream mixes before and after aging showed that the flow behavior of mixes is non-Newtonian besides being pseudoplastic behavior. While specific gravity and weight per gallon of resultant ice cream samples increased by increasing of added pulp, overrun decreased. Sensory evaluation of resultant ice cream samples showed that sample with 5% cactus was very desirable and very close to control sample. This work shows the possibility of producing a new product of ice cream using cactus pear pulp as a good fruit substitute

Pathogenesis and Clinical Relevance of Candida Biofilms in Vulvovaginal Candidiasis

The ability of Candida spp. to form biofilms is crucial for its pathogenicity, and thus, it should be considered an important virulence factor in vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) and recurrent VVC (RVVC). Its ability to generate biofilms is multifactorial and is generally believed to depend on the site of infection, species and strain involved, and the microenvironment in which the infection develops. Therefore, both cell surface proteins, such as Hwp1, Als1, and Als2, and the cell wall-related protein, Sun41, play a critical role in the adhesion and virulence of the biofilm. Immunological and pharmacological approaches have identified the NLRP3 inflammasome as a crucial molecular factor contributing to host immunopathology. In this context, we have earlier shown that Candida albicans associated with hyphae-secreted aspartyl proteinases (specifically SAP4-6) contribute to the immunopathology of the disease. Transcriptome profiling has revealed that non-coding transcripts regulate protein synthesis post-transcriptionally, which is important for the growth of Candida spp. Other studies have employed RNA sequencing to identify differences in the 1,245 Candida genes involved in surface and invasive cellular metabolism regulation. In vitro systems allow the simultaneous processing of a large number of samples, making them an ideal screening technique for estimating various physicochemical parameters, testing the activity of antimicrobial agents, and analyzing genes involved in biofilm formation and regulation (in situ) in specific strains. Murine VVC models are used to study C. albicans infection, especially in trials of novel treatments and to understand the cause(s) for resistance to conventional therapeutics. This review on the clinical relevance of Candida biofilms in VVC focuses on important advances in its genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics. Moreover, recent experiments on the influence of biofilm formation on VVC or RVVC pathogenesis in laboratory animals have been discussed. A clear elucidation of one of the pathogenesis mechanisms employed by Candida biofilms in vulvovaginal candidiasis and its applications in clinical practice represents the most significant contribution of this manuscript

Acne and sun exposure: epidemiology, feelings and behaviours in Mediterranean countries

Background. Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease with a great impact on quality of life.Differences in latitude and sun exposure can totally change the characteristics of the disease. No universally accepted epidemiologic data are currently available. Objective. The aim of this study is to collect epidemiological data about acne, its severi- ty and its management during the summer months in different ethnic groups of the Mediterranean area. Methods. We analysed 355 acne patients (198 Italian, 85 Egyptian and 72 Croatian), between the ages of 12 and 40, and interviewed 80 dermatologists (40 Italian, 20 Egyptian, 20 Croatian) about their habitual therapeutic protocols. A group of expert der- matologists developed a questionnaire for acne patients to gather epidemiologic data and to assess their attitude towards therapy during summertime. Another questionnaire was created for dermatologists, to evaluate their approach to acne management and treat- ment during the summer. Results and discussion. Our results show that summer is an important period for the man- agement of acne in these three countries: a lot of differences in behaviour among patients were registered. Egyptian patients tend to continue therapy during the summer compared to Italian and Croatian patients

Using Silica Nanoparticles and Neemoil Extract as New Approaches to Control Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Tomato under Field Conditions

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of silica nanoparticles and neem oil extract at different concentrations compared with recommended chemical insecticide (imidacloprid) against T. absoluta under field conditions. Study Design: Seven treatments plus control in randomized complete block design (RCB) at four replicates. Place and Duration of Study: This experiment was carried out at El-Ryiad region, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate under field conditions during two tomato growing seasons; 2012 and 2013. Methodology: About 0.14 hectar (1400 m2) was transplanted with Star variety seedlings as one of the most common variety cultivated at Kafr El-Sheikh region. Recommended agricultural practices were adopted normally. The nano silica size was 20 nm with a purity of 99.99% at three concentrations and neem oil at three concentrations also compared with chemical insecticide with recommended dose. To calculate the percentage of T. absoluta reduction, Henderson Tilton's formula was used. Also, the number and the weight of tomato fruits at harvest from 20 plants (5 plants/replicate) were recorded and estimating the Vitamin C (mg/100 g of sample) and Total Soluble Solids percentage (TSS %) as a quality parameters. Results: Using silica nanoparticles reduced significantly the numbers of T. absoluta larvae followed by neem oil extract compared with check (without any treatments). There were not significant differences between using silica nanoparticles and imidacloprid (p>0.05) in control T. absoluta. There were not significant differences when analyzing the content of tomato fruits resulting from the different treatments compared to the check, however, must be taken into account the residual impact of the chemical pesticide. The results also showed a significant increase in the weight and size of tomato fruits as a result of the silica nanoparticles treatment. Conclusion: Silica nanoparticles was effective in control T. absoluta under field condition with high yield in tomato. Also, we need more study to showed the side effects on natural enemies during using silica nanoparticles

Using Silica Nanoparticles and Neemoil Extract as New Approaches to Control Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) in Tomato under Field Conditions

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of silica nanoparticles and neem oil extract at different concentrations compared with recommended chemical insecticide (imidacloprid) against T. absoluta under field conditions. Study Design: Seven treatments plus control in randomized complete block design (RCB) at four replicates. Place and Duration of Study: This experiment was carried out at El-Ryiad region, Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate under field conditions during two tomato growing seasons; 2012 and 2013. Methodology: About 0.14 hectar (1400 m2) was transplanted with Star variety seedlings as one of the most common variety cultivated at Kafr El-Sheikh region. Recommended agricultural practices were adopted normally. The nano silica size was 20 nm with a purity of 99.99% at three concentrations and neem oil at three concentrations also compared with chemical insecticide with recommended dose. To calculate the percentage of T. absoluta reduction, Henderson Tilton's formula was used. Also, the number and the weight of tomato fruits at harvest from 20 plants (5 plants/replicate) were recorded and estimating the Vitamin C (mg/100 g of sample) and Total Soluble Solids percentage (TSS %) as a quality parameters. Results: Using silica nanoparticles reduced significantly the numbers of T. absoluta larvae followed by neem oil extract compared with check (without any treatments). There were not significant differences between using silica nanoparticles and imidacloprid (p>0.05) in control T. absoluta. There were not significant differences when analyzing the content of tomato fruits resulting from the different treatments compared to the check, however, must be taken into account the residual impact of the chemical pesticide. The results also showed a significant increase in the weight and size of tomato fruits as a result of the silica nanoparticles treatment. Conclusion: Silica nanoparticles was effective in control T. absoluta under field condition with high yield in tomato. Also, we need more study to showed the side effects on natural enemies during using silica nanoparticles

دراسة تآكل النحاس بالقياسات الطيفية

Spectrophotometric measurements were used to study corrosion of copper in aqueous solutions containing the four following depolarizers: K2Cr2O-j, K2S2O8, Fe(NH4)(SC>4)2 and CCI3COOH. A silica cell was used for the corrosion studies as well as spectrophotometric measurements. It was found that the reaction of copper with these compounds is first order and diffusionally-controlled except in the case of CCI3COOH which proved to be kinetically controlled. The spectrophotometric method was utilized to study the effect of some amino acids and some amines on the corrosion rate of copper in the solutions of depolarizers. It was found that both amino acids and amines act as inhibitors. The inhibition coefficient of amines increased with the number of amino groups in the compound. Potentiodynamic polarization technique was used to clarify the role of depolarizers in the kinetics of the corrosion process. It appears that the main role of these compounds is to depolarize the cathodic first order overall reaction. The spectrophotometric method proved to be precise, effective and fast to study corrosion processes, in particular those with coloured metal cations.استخدمت القياسات الطيفية في دراسة تأكل النحاس في المحاليل المائية المحتوية على أربع من منقصات الاستقطاب هي ثاني كرومات البوتاسيوم ، وفوق كبريتات البوتاسيوم ، وكبريتات الحديديك والأمنيوم ، وثلاثي كلورو حمض الخليك . وقد استخدمت خلية من السيليكا لدراسة التأكل وفي نفس الوقت كخلية طيفية ، وقد تبين أن تفاعل النحاس مع هذه المركبات من الرتبة الأولى ذو تحكم انتشاري فيما عكدا ثلاثي كلورو حمض الخليك فله تحكم كيناتيكي . وقد استخدمت طريقة القياسات الطيفية لدراسة تأثير بعض الأحماض الأمينية وبعض الأمينات على معدلات تأكل النحاس في محاليل منقصات الاستقطاب . ‏وقد أتضح من هذه الدراسة أن كلا من الأحماض الأمينية والأمينات تسلك كمثبطات وتم حساب معامل التثبيط لها جميعا ، ووجد أنه يعتمد على عدد مجموعات الأمين في المركب . فكلما ازداد عدد هذه المجموعات كلما كان المركب عاملا مثبطا أقوى . ‏وتم استخدام منحنيات الاستقطاب من النوع حركي الجهد لتوضيح دور منقصات الاستقطاب في كيناتيكا التأكل ، وأتضح أن الدور الرئيسي الذي تلعبه هذه المركبات هو إنقاص استقطاب الكاثود بتفاعل شامل من الرتبة الأولى . ‏وفي الخلاصة يمكن القول أن القياسات الطيفية تزودنا بطريقة دقيقة وفعالة وسريعة لدراسة عمليات التأكل وبالذات في الفلزات التي لها كانيونات ملونة

Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier Performance using Different Host Materials in the Band 1450-1650 Nm: A Comparative Study

A numerical investigation of the performance characteristics of erbium doped fiber amplifier using different host materials is presented. The emission and absorption curves of each of these hosts are fitted to Guassian fitting parameters. A software program is then implemented to calculate the gain coefficient, gain spectrum and the equivalent input noise factors in forward and reverse directions. The hosts under consideration are: almino-germanosilicate, bismuth, LiNbO3, tellurite, sodium niobium phosphate, oxyfluoride silicate, Al2O3 and fluoride phosphate glasses. The corresponding gain covers the 1450-1650 nm wavelength range