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Due to the limitations of the initial rapidly exploring random tree (RRT) algorithm, robotics faces challenges in path planning. This study proposes the integration of the metaheuristic salp swarm algorithm (SSA) to enhance the RRT algorithm, resulting in a new algorithm termed IRRT-SSA. The IRRT-SSA addresses issues inherent in the original RRT, enhancing efficiency and path-finding capabilities. A detailed explanation of IRRT-SSA is provided, emphasizing its distinctions from the core RRT. Comprehensive insights into parameterization and algorithmic processes contribute to a thorough understanding of its implementation. Comparative analysis demonstrates the superior performance of IRRT-SSA over the basic RRT, showing improvements of approximately 49, 54, and 54% in average path length, number of nodes, and number of iterations, respectively. This signifies the enhanced effectiveness of the proposed method. Theoretical and practical implications of IRRT-SSA are highlighted, particularly its influence on practical robotic applications, serving as an exemplar of tangible benefits.

Non-Strict Feedback (NSF) physical systems are broader than Strict-Feedback (SF) systems. The system state variables depend on their system functions, unlike SF systems that the system variables do not depend on their system function. Consequently, NSF physical systems are challenging to control. To address this control challenge in NSF physical systems, this research proposed an Event-Triggered (ET) adaptive backstepping control method based on Single Input Interval Type-2 Fuzzy (SIIT-2F) for NSF system with input delay. The effect of the method is examined on a third order system using transient and steady state performance as a metric. The ET mechanism prompts due to violation of a predefined condition (mismatch between the actuator and the controller), uncertainty of the system dynamics was handled by the Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN). The input delay was handled by a developed auxiliary system, and the SIIT-2F was used to minimize error between state variables and auxiliary states of the adaptive backstepping controller. The results of this work were compared with adaptive neural control for NSF method. The method has an average percentage performance improvement of23% peak overshoot for state variables; and 47% for adaptive variables, the average performance improvement for the absolute peak undershoot are 50%, and 60% respectively for the state and auxiliary variables. In addition, the settling time average performance improvement is 11%, 21%, and 10% for state, auxiliary, and adaptive variables, respectively. The results of this study underline that the ET based SIIT-2F controller improved the performance of NSF systems compared to the adaptive neural control method.

The concept of reliability has gained widespread use in various fields, including manufacturing. This paper examines a system consisting of five components, including a bridge network component. The components are assumed to be identical and have a varying failure rate over time, with a unit half-logistic geometric distribution. The study focuses on analyzing properties such as the mean time to failure (MTTF), α-fractiles, and reliability equivalence factor (REF). To improve the bridge system, the reduction and duplication methods are implemented. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of these methods.

Conduction system pacing (CSP) has been emerging over the last decade as a pacing option instead of conventional right ventricular (RV) pacing and biventricular (BiV) pacing. Numerous case reports, some observational studies and a few randomized control trials have looked at optimum pacing strategies for heart failure (HF) with left bundle branch block (LBBB) or cases where left ventricular (LV) dysfunction is anticipated due to chronic RV pacing (RVP). Evolution of pacing strategies from standard RVP to septal RVP, BiV pacing and now CSP have shown improving hemodynamic responses and possible ease of implantation of CSP systems. In this review article, we review the literature on the evolution of CSP and common scenarios where it might be beneficial.

Background: Oxidative stress is a contributing factor in 30%–80% of infertile men. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of coenzyme Q10 on dexamethasone-induced oxidative stress in rats testes. Materials and Methods: Sixteen male Wistar rats were divided into four groups of four: group 1 (control) received 1 mL of distilled water daily orally; group 2 received dexamethasone 0.2 mg/kg/day intraperitoneally; group 3 received coenzyme Q10 30 mg/kg/day orally; and group 4 received dexamethasone and coenzyme Q10 via the same routes. Testicular total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities as well as testicular histopathological changes were compared among groups. Results: Although testicular SOD was lower in groups 3 and 4, dexamethasone and coenzyme Q10 treatment did not significantly alter TAC, SOD, CAT, or histopathological features of rats testes. Conclusion: Dexamethasone (0.2 mg/kg/day) and coenzyme Q10 (30 mg/kg/day) may have no impact on gonadal oxidative stress, antioxidant capacity, or spermatogenesis in rats testes with these doses.

Introduction. Schwannoma, also known as neurilemmoma, is a rare but one of the most common tumors of the peripheral nerves. It originates from Schwann cells of the peripheral nerve sheaths. Schwannoma mostly occurs in adults between 20 to 70 years of age. The regions where the tumor most commonly occurs are the head and neck, but it can occur almost anywhere in the body or the organs. Schwannomas are usually up to 2.5 cm in size but may grow to 4–5 cm. In this study, the rare case of large schwannoma of the median nerve in the distal part of the forearm is presented. Case report. A 46-year-old male patient was referred to a plastic surgeon with a diagnosis of lipoma on the anterior side of the distal third of the left forearm. Ultra-sound and magnetic resonance imaging were done, and the surgery was performed after that. An encapsulated tumor of the median nerve was found, and the tumor was completely removed without nerve damage. Histological analysis showed a benign schwannoma of cellular type and biphasic shape. In the postoperative course, there was transient paresthesia. One year after surgery, no tumor recurrence nor neurological deficit was recorded. Conclusion. Schwannoma is the most common benign tumor of peripheral nerves. Schwannomas over 5 cm in size are extremely rare. Appropriate physical examination, pre-operative imaging studies, and histological verification are required for the final diagnosis. The method of choice in treating large schwannomas is complete surgical excision.

Allyson Shrikhande,1,2 Soha Patil,1,2 Merzia Subhan,1,2 Erika Moody,1,2 Janaki Natarajan,1,2 Yogita Tailor,1,2 Marjorie Mamsaang,1,2 Neha James,1,2 Kimberlee Leishear,1,2 Rakhi Vyas,1,2 Sandra Sandhu,1,2 Tayyaba Ahmed,1,2 Rosemarie Filart,1,2 Gabrielle Daniel,1,2 Iris Kerin Orbuch,3,4 Yaniv Larish,1,2 Lora Liu1,2 1Pelvic Rehabilitation Medicine Clinical Research Foundation, West Palm Beach, FL, USA; 2The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA; 3Providence St John’s Hospital, Santa Monica, CA, USA; 4Advanced Gynecologic Laparoscopy Center, Los Angeles, CA, USACorrespondence: Allyson Shrikhande, Email AShrikhande@pelvicrehabilitation.comPurpose: The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy of a multimodal, outpatient neuromuscular protocol in treating remaining sensitization and myofascial pain in endometriosis patients post-surgical excision.Patients and Methods: A retrospective longitudinal study was conducted for women aged 22 to 78 with a history of surgically excised endometriosis. 60 women with an average duration of pain of 8.63 ± 7.65 years underwent a treatment protocol consisting of ultrasound guided trigger point injections, peripheral nerve blocks, and pelvic floor physical therapy for 6 weeks. Concomitant cognitive behavioral therapy once weekly for a total of 12 weeks was also undertaken. Pain intensity and pelvic functionality were assessed at new patient consults and 3-month follow ups using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Functional Pelvic Pain Scale (FPPS).Results: At new patient consults, average VAS and FPPS were 7.45 ± 2.11 (CI 6.92– 7.98) and 14.35 ± 6.62 (CI 12.68 − 16.02), respectively. At 3-month follow ups, average VAS and FPPS decreased to 4.12 ± 2.44 (CI 3.50– 4.73; p < 0.001) and 10.3 ± 6.55 (CI 8.64– 11.96; p < 0.001), respectively. Among FPPS categories, sleeping, intercourse, and working showed the highest statistical significance.Conclusion: Data suggests the multimodal protocol was effective in treating the remaining underlying sensitization and myofascial pain seen in Endometriosis patients post-surgical excision, particularly in decreasing pain and improving function during work and intercourse.Keywords: chronic pelvic pain, peripheral sensitization, central sensitization, myofascial dysfunction

One of the ways to minimize fossil fuel consumption is to optimize the feedwater heaters of the power plants. The newly-built power plants work optimally at their design conditions; however, by aging, they often deviate from those conditions. Therefore, new optimal conditions are required to be determined for them. In this study, invoking a Predictive Model, the impact of different configurations of the feedwater heaters on the performance of the power plant is examined. It is shown that there are optimal values for the pressure of closed feedwater heaters. Following the optimization procedure of Conjugate Directions Method, the optimal pressures for bleeding off steam for all the closed feedwater heaters and the deaerator are achieved, simultaneously. The multi-variable optimization is carried out based on the maximal energy and exergy efficiencies as well as the maximal net delivered power of the cycle.

The free piston engine linear generator (FPELG) is a simple structure engine with only two main parts, i.e., the linear generator and a free piston engine, which has less friction, low emission, high thermal efficiency, and multi-fuel engine. However, the pistons move freely; thus, piston motion control (PMC) is a crucial technical challenge that affects both the performance and stability of FPELG. This review addresses different control techniques and operation parameters of FPELG. Through this review, a new taxonomy method is proposed based on two main groups of control strategies, i.e., the linear-FPE and others-FPE control. The linear-FPE control is classified into the PMC, linear electric machine control, switching control, and combined control. According to this taxonomy, a selection of previous studies was thoroughly analyzed to identify new research directions related to FPELG. The statistical analysis and observations demonstrate that very few studies have used advanced control techniques, e.g., fuzzy logic, neural network, and PID with the genetic algorithm controls, for the FPELG. Some operation parameters require further investigation. Therefore, based on this review, researchers can explore new research directions and select a suitable technique to solve PMC issues of FPELG. This review thus constitutes a useful reference for researchers.