This study quantifies the potential of a 4.0 kW air source heat pump (ASHP) unit retrofitted to 12.0 kW, 1000 L electric boiler coupled storage tank. A data acquisition system was built monitor performance and ASHP water heater. The annual electrical energy saving load factor reduction from because retrofit 34,805.94 kWh 0.124. net present value payback period 1.60 years. Wilcoxon rank sum test...

One of the main principles in a design of experiment is to use blocking factors whenever it is possible. On the other hand, if the blocking information is not precisely defined and subjective in nature, it is usually discarded. This paper introduces a new design that utilizes available subjective information on experimental units to create artificial blocking factors and develops a rank-sum tes...

Abstract: We extend to rank-based tests of multivariate independence the Chernoff-Savage and Hodges-Lehmann classical univariate results. More precisely, we show that the Taskinen, Kankainen and Oja (2004) normal-score rank test for multivariate independence uniformly dominates – in the Pitman sense – the classical Wilks (1935) test, which establishes the Pitman non-admissibility of the latter,...

To improve the performance of arithmetic optimization algorithm (AOA) and solve problems in AOA, a novel improved AOA using multi-strategy approach is proposed. Firstly, circle chaotic mapping used to increase diversity population. Secondly, math optimizer accelerated (MOA) function optimized by means composite cycloid proposed convergence speed algorithm. Meanwhile, symmetry balance global sea...

PURPOSE One of the most important factors in evaluating the quality of fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) is their gap. The purpose of this study was to compare the marginal and internal gap of two different metal-ceramic crowns, casting and selective laser sintering (SLS), before and after porcelain firing. Furthermore, this study evaluated whether metal-ceramic crowns made using the SLS have the ...

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to measure marginal bone loss from the implant-abutment microgap to the bone crest between multiple freestanding implants functionally loaded for up to 7.5 years in the posterior jaws. Materials and Methods: Patients consecutively treated for the replacement of missing posterior teeth were included in the study. Using the implant-abutment interface, which ...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Time-resolved 3D-DSA (4D-DSA) enables viewing vasculature from any desired angle and time frame. We investigated whether these advantages may facilitate treatment planning and the feasibility of using 4D-DSA as a single imaging technique in AVM/dural arteriovenous fistula radiosurgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty consecutive patients (8 dural arteriovenous fistulas and...

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS Although considered less invasive and therefore less morbid than laryngoscopy under general anesthesia, prior research shows that transnasal flexible endoscopic (TNFE) procedures are associated with a significant increase in heart rate and blood pressure. The purpose of this review was to identify the most stimulating portion of the procedure to potentially provide a targe...

BACKGROUND Diagnostic tools available in low-income countries are often really basic even if patients can be as sick as those of the richer countries. Point-of-care ultrasound could be a solution for this problem. We studied the impact of ultrasound at the Holy Spirit Hospital, Makeni, Sierra Leone. METHODS This is a prospective, observational study on outpatients presenting at the HSH. We en...

PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of a combined macular buckle under direct vision and 23-gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling in refractory macular hole retinal detachment (MHRD) with extreme high axial myopia. DESIGN Prospective, randomised controlled study. PARTICIPANTS The study included 98 eyes of 98 patients of MHRD with extreme high axial (>3...