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A Hybrid Artificial Intelligence Model for Accurate Prediction of Gas Emissions in Power Plant Turbines
Get PDFThermal power plants are the main contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. The prediction of the emission supports the decision makers and environmental sustainability. The objective of this study is to enhance the accuracy of emission prediction models, supporting more effective real-time monitoring and enabling informed operational decisions that align with environmental compliance efforts. This paper presents a data-driven approach for the accurate prediction of gas emissions, specifically nitrogen oxides (NOx) and carbon monoxide (CO), in natural gas power plants using an optimized hybrid machine learning framework. The proposed model integrates a Feedforward Neural Network (FFNN) trained using Particle Swarm Optimization to capture the nonlinear emission dynamics under varying gas turbine operating conditions. To further enhance predictive performance, the K-Nearest Neighbor (K-NN) algorithm serves as a post-processing method to enhance IPSO-FFNN predictions through adjustment and refinement, improving overall prediction accuracy, while Neighbor Component Analysis is used to identify and rank the most influential operational variables. The study makes a significant contribution through the combination of NCA feature selection with PSO global optimization, FFNN nonlinear modelling, and K-NN error correction into one unified system, which delivers precise emission predictions. The model was developed and tested using a real-world dataset collected from gas-fired turbine operations, with validated results demonstrating robust accuracy, achieving Root Mean Square Error values of 0.355 for CO and 0.368 for NOx. When benchmarked against conventional models such as standard FFNN, Support Vector Regression, and Long Short-Term Memory networks, the hybrid model achieved substantial improvements, up to 97.8% in Mean Squared Error, 95% in Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and 85.19% in RMSE for CO; and 97.16% in MSE, 93.4% in MAE, and 83.15% in RMSE for NOx. These results underscore the model’s potential for improving emission prediction, thereby supporting enhanced operational efficiency and adherence to environmental standards
Expression and significance of ALDH1A1, CD44, and OCT3/4 stem cell markers in glioblastoma tissues: an immunohistochemical study in Iraqi patients
Get PDFCancers of the brain and nervous system are among the top five most common malignancies affecting both men and women in Iraq. Improvements in diagnostic techniques alongside increased medical awareness have facilitated earlier detection, thereby potentially improving patient outcomes. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been recognized as key players in the initiation, progression, and recurrence of tumors, including glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. These CSCs are characterized by specific markers that contribute to tumor growth, resistance to therapy, and poor prognosis. In this study, we collected 26 glioma tissue samples from Iraqi patients and classified them according to tumor grade. Using immunohistochemical methods, we investigated the expression patterns of three important CSC markers-ALDH1A1, CD44, and OCT3/4-across different glioblastoma grades. Our findings demonstrated a significant upregulation of cytoplasmic ALDH1A1 and membrane-bound CD44 in higher-grade tumors (grades III and IV), with P-values of less than 0.0174 and 0.0013, respectively. Additionally, nuclear OCT3/4 expression was markedly increased in these advanced tumor grades (P < 0.05), suggesting a role in tumor aggressiveness and stemness. These data provide compelling evidence that ALDH1A1, CD44, and OCT3/4 are not only involved in glioblastoma progression but may also serve as useful prognostic biomarkers. Furthermore, their elevated presence in more malignant tumors highlights their potential as targets for novel therapeutic interventions aimed at improving treatment efficacy and patient survival. This study thus contributes valuable insights into the molecular landscape of glioblastoma in the Iraqi population and sets a foundation for future research in targeted cancer therapy
The effectiveness of bisphosphonates vs denosumab in people with dementia or frailty post hip fracture:a multi-database cohort study
Get PDFBrief rationale: The effectiveness of bisphosphonates versus denosumab after hip fracture, especially in people with dementia or frailty, remains unclear. Bisphosphonates were associated with a higher rate of subsequent fracture and a lower mortality rate in men. There are no differences by dementia or frailty status. Significance of the paper: Sex may influence antiresorptive treatment choice. The relative effectiveness of first-line antiresorptive medications post-hip fracture in people with dementia or frailty is not understood. We investigated the risk of a subsequent fracture and death in people prescribed bisphosphonates or denosumab following hip fracture, including in people with dementia and frailty. Parallel population-based cohort studies were conducted in Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. People aged ≥ 50 prescribed or dispensed a bisphosphonate or denosumab within 60 days of discharge following their first hip fracture were included. Subgroup analyses were conducted for people with dementia, frailty, women, and men. Outcomes were second hip fracture, any subsequent fracture, and death. Inverse probability of treatment weighted Cox and competing risk models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and subdistribution hazard ratios (sHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for outcomes. Results across jurisdictions were combined using meta-analyses. There were 18,292 bisphosphonate users and 8560 denosumab users. Bisphosphonates versus denosumab were associated with similar rates of second hip fracture (sHR 1.13; 95% CI 0.76-1.69) and mortality (HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.94-1.04), but higher rates of any subsequent fracture (sHR 1.16; 95% CI 1.11-1.21), including in men (sHR1.27; 95% CI 1.15-1.42) but not in women (sHR 1.23; 95% CI 1.00-1.52), or in people with dementia or frailty. Men who used bisphosphonates had lower rates of mortality (HR 0.90; 95% CI 0.81-0.99) than men who used denosumab. Bisphosphonate users had higher rates of subsequent fracture than denosumab users. Mortality rates in men were lower with bisphosphonates than denosumab. There were no significant differences by dementia and frailty status. [Abstract copyright: © 2025. The Author(s).
The future is built by all:unearthing barriers to women’s career progression and retention in the construction industry
No full textThe construction industry remains fragmented and male-dominated, with research often overlooking women’s contributions and workplace experiences. This study examined the challenges and opportunities shaping female participation in the sector. Using a quantitative design, purposive sampling targeted experienced female construction professionals, generating 102 valid responses. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, mean ranking, exploratory factor analysis, and Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE). The findings reveal systemic challenges, including entrenched gender stereotypes, inadequate mentorship, exclusionary workplace policies, limited networking opportunities, and insufficient family-support structures. The FSE identified three dominant barrier clusters: safety, representation and discrimination; job security and physical health; and work–life balance and family support. Specific issues such as poor childcare provision and limited access to leadership pathways further constrain women’s progression and retention. Despite these barriers, women continue to influence organisational practices, highlighting opportunities for innovation, inclusive leadership, and sectoral transformation. This study offers an empirical examination of the barriers that hinder women’s career growth and long-term inclusion in Ghana’s construction sector. The research proposes a framework outlining the barriers, analytical process, and strategic interventions for women’s inclusion. The study calls for targeted interventions, inclusive workplace cultures, strengthened mentorship, and gender-responsive policies to make construction an equitable and attractive career path for women
Development of a Sun Protection Factor for contact lenses (CL-SPF)
Get PDFObjective Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of sunscreen products is well recognised by consumers. This study explored how SPF could be applied to ultraviolet radiation (UV) protection from contact lenses (CL-SPF). Methods and analysis UV transmission through 15 commercially available contact lenses and three spectacle lens materials was measured with a deuterium light source and spectrophotometer. CL-SPF values were calculated using the standard in vitro method used to test and label skin products. Ray tracing was applied to two sunglass designs to assess the effect of solar angle and head orientation on light reaching the ocular surface. Cellular damage profile of human corneal and conjunctival cells across the UV range was assessed in vitro to inform an SPF equivalent for CLs. Results CLs tested fell into three categories: CL-SPF with no UV blocker=1.0–2.0 (equivalent to using no sunscreen); CL-SPF with Class 2 UV blocker=12.3–24.8 (equivalent to SPF15); and CL-SPF with Class 1 UV blocker=59.6–66.2 (equivalent to SPF 50+). Despite the UV-blocking characteristics of sunglasses, ocular surface protection can be substantially reduced at certain solar angle and head orientation combinations; on average, 76%–89% of light was prevented from reaching the ocular surface depending on the intensity of the tint (80%–20% transmission). The data also suggest that cell damage and death of ocular surface cells has a similar profile to that of the skin, but conjunctival cells are more susceptible to UV damage. Conclusion CL-SPF is a viable metric to communicate the protection from the absorption/transmission of UV radiation that CLs offers wearers. However, a contact lens will only project the area of the ocular surface it covers, which is limited to mainly the cornea and internal eye tissues with soft CLs
On building effective symbiotic relationships between micro-organisations. A community OR perspective
Get PDFBuilding symbiotic relationships within communities is crucial. Community OR plays a significant role in this process. This paper views communities as integrative processes that foster supportive environments, enabling individuals to enhance their performance while maintaining their identity and pursuing collective goals. This balance is achieved through mutualistic relationships among members. The proposed methodology, based on an in-depth study of previous examples and the authors’ experience, integrates individual preferences and goals to systematically build knowledge. This leads to high-quality interactions that enhance both individual and collective performances. A key aspect is the concept of ‘language’, which analyzes and makes explicit interactions that facilitate community-building. The framework includes a ‘vocabulary’ of individual actions as shared resources and a ‘syntax’ of rules for their use. Three vignettes illustrate the framework, examining the languages of quid pro quo, customers’ needs, and interactions. The first two languages show limitations in fostering mutualistic relationships, while the Language for Interactions emphasizes collaboration and collective resource-building, enabling open-ended contributions and shared enrichment. This approach is a novel contribution to Community OR, proposing a self-organized framework for building supportive communities, addressing systemic challenges, and developing resilient collectives without external dependency
Relative importance of tear homeostatic signs for the diagnosis of dry eye disease
Get PDFAim Disease misdiagnosis is more likely if standardised diagnostic criteria are not used. This study systematically examined the effect on diagnosing dry eye disease (DED), when tests for evaluating tear film homeostasis were included/excluded from a multi-test protocol. Method For 1427 participants across five sites, data for the full suite of diagnostic tests defined in the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society Dry Eye Workshop II (TFOS DEWS II) Diagnostic Methodology report algorithm were evaluated; diagnostic sensitivity was calculated when individual signs were removed, and when different combinations of signs were required. Results Evaluating just one of the three TFOS DEWS II homeostatic signs resulted in between 12.3% and 36.2% of patients who met the DED diagnostic criteria not being assigned this diagnosis. While comprehensive ocular surface staining evaluation, including corneal, conjunctival and lid margin staining, in combination with symptoms had the highest sensitivity (87.7%) of the three markers, the sensitivity dropped to 44.6% if only corneal staining was evaluated. Omitting either non-invasive tear breakup time or osmolarity each dropped the sensitivity by <5%. The prevalence of DED was substantially reduced if a diagnosis required symptoms and two of the three signs to be present (by 43.7% to 61.2%) and by 65.9% if all three signs indicating a loss of tear film homeostasis were required. The analysis did not change significantly across differing severities of DED symptoms. Conclusions The TFOS DEWS II diagnostic algorithm of symptoms plus assessing for a tear film or ocular surface sign can be considered a robust and appropriate approach for DED diagnosis
How managers ‘make meaning’ of business tournament rituals
Get PDFIn this paper, we examine how managers ‘make meaning’ of business tournament rituals (BTRs)— recognition-based contests in which participating firms get social endorsements and winners receive prestigious awards. In exploring two UK BTRs, we found that managerial orienting systems, made up of beliefs about the identity of their firm, competitors, and customers, and what it takes to compete in their environments, drive managers to compete in BTRs. Their interpretive view of BTRs as sources of strategic capabilities and hard market power, we argue, is constructed, and projected to the viewing public through a set of four distinct but ‘durationally indivisible’temporal frames: validating identity and values, competence signalling, product/service differentiation,and market and industry visibility; these may operate in combination or serially account for the observed managerial preoccupation with BTRs. We discuss the implications of our findings for theory, practice, and future research
Perceptions of science, science communication, and climate change attitudes in 68 countries – the TISP dataset
Get PDFScience is integral to society because it can inform individual, government, corporate, and civil society decision-making on issues such as public health, new technologies or climate change. Yet, public distrust and populist sentiment challenge the relationship between science and society. To help researchers analyse the science-society nexus across different geographical and cultural contexts, we undertook a cross-sectional population survey resulting in a dataset of 71,922 participants in 68 countries. The data were collected between November 2022 and August 2023 as part of the global Many Labs study “Trust in Science and Science-Related Populism” (TISP). The questionnaire contained comprehensive measures for individuals’ trust in scientists, science-related populist attitudes, perceptions of the role of science in society, science media use and communication behaviour, attitudes to climate change and support for environmental policies, personality traits, political and religious views and demographic characteristics. Here, we describe the dataset, survey materials and psychometric properties of key variables. We encourage researchers to use this unique dataset for global comparative analyses on public perceptions of science and its role in society and policy-making
‘A Culmination of Many Factors’: Opportunities, Arenas, and Challenges to Malaysia’s Dominant Regime
Get PDFThe victory of the opposition Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition in the 2018 Malaysian election was a political earthquake, as it saw the end of over 60 years of rule by the dominant Barisan Nasional (BN) regime. Victory for the coalition resulted from a number of factors, as opponents came together to craft a strategy that was able to overcome an extensive system of social control that the BN regime had built and reinforced during its time in power. The aim of the paper is to examine how civil society and political actors were able to craft a coalition that was sufficiently robust to challenge the dominant position of the BN regime. In doing so, the findings point to the role and impact of civil society in a context of weakening elite control. Drawing on interviews conducted with civil society actors shortly after the election, the paper identifies the key actors involved, how they formulated claims, and the importance of connecting the protest and electoral arenas to achieve their ends
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