Exploration Robot Controlled by an Android Application

Exploration Robot Controlled by an Android Application (ERCAA), University of Palestine Faculty of Information TechnologyIn recent years, with the pace of technological development, people have become more and more demanding in terms of quality of life. At the same time, there is an increasing need for bringing and merging new ideas of technology to create new products. That need is stemming out of the big curiosity of people to try new technologies that helps and entertain them in their daily life. A robot is usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by computer and electronic programming. Many robots have been built for manufacturing purpose and can be found in factories around the world. We have designed ROBOT which can be controlled using an APP of android mobile. This Robot is provided with Camera on it to empowers user to explore. We have developed the remote buttons in the android app by which we can control the robot motion and the Camera View with them. And in which we use Wi-Fi communication to interface controller and android. Controller can be interfaced to the Wi-Fi module. According to commands received from android the robot motion can be controlled. Robot can be reprogrammable and tooling can be interchanged to provide for multiple applications according to the Arduino Chip we use. We have used the Android, C, HTML Programming Languages to develop each of the Application and the Hardware components and electronic Chips. Following, is the test analysis section, which discusses whether the proposed system met its objectives. Performance is also evaluated near the end of the paper along with possible extensions of the system

K-means based cluster analysis of residential smart meter measurements

A clustering module based on the k-means cluster analysis method was developed. Smart meter based residential load profiles were used to validate the clustering module. Several case studies were implemented using daily and segmented load profiles of individual and aggregated smart meters. Simulation results defined in terms of the relationship between the clustering ratio and the segmentation time window reveal that the minimum clustering ratio is obtained for the shortest time window of segmentation. Results also show that a small number of clusters is recommended for highly correlated load profiles

Role of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in the pathogenesis of psoriasis

Background : Psoriasis is a chronic immune-inflammatory-mediated disease characterized by epidermal hyperplasia and angiogenesis. Recently, vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs, including VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3) were found to be expressed in normal human epidermis and associated with proliferation and migration of keratinocytes. Objective: The purpose of this study is to investigate the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2) in psoriatic patients Methods: 100 consenting psoriatic patients(males and females) aged 20-60 years who attended out patients clinic of dermatology in Al-Sadr Medical City in AL-Najaf city -Iraq. Psoriasis area and severity index assessment was done for each patient. Blood samples was collected for vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 and receptor 2 measurement. Result: The serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 in addition to receptor 2 were significantly increased in all group of psoriatic patients compared to healthy controls (P<0.001) . Conclusion: The serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1 in addition to receptor 2 had significant role in evolution of psoriatic plaque. Keywords: Serum vascular endothelial growth receptor 1, Serum vascular endothelial growth receptor 2,Psoriasis area and severity index, Psoriasis. List of abbreviation: sVEGFR= serum vascular endothelial growth receptor, PASI = Psoriasis area and severity index, SD=standard deviation , ECs=endothelial cells. ELISA= Enzyme Linked Immuno Linked Sorbant Assay

State estimation of medium voltage distribution networks using smart meter measurements

Distributed generation and low carbon loads are already leading to some restrictions in the operation of distribution networks and higher penetrations of e.g. PV generation, heat pumps and electric vehicles will exacerbate such problems. In order to manage the distribution network effectively in this new situation, increased real-time monitoring and control will become necessary. In the future, distribution network operators will have smart meter measurements available to them to facilitate safe and cost-effective operation of distribution networks. This paper investigates the application of smart meter measurements to extend the observability of distribution networks. An integrated load and state estimation algorithm was developed and tested using residential smart metering measurements and an 11 kV residential distribution network. Simulation results show that smart meter measurements, both real-time and pseudo measurements derived from them, can be used together with state estimation to extend the observability of a distribution network. The integrated load and state estimation algorithm was shown to produce accurate voltage magnitudes and angles at each busbar of the network. As a result, the algorithm can be used to enhance distribution network monitoring and contro

k-means based load estimation of domestic smart meter measurements

A load estimation algorithm based on kk-means cluster analysis was developed. The algorithm applies cluster centres – of previously clustered load profiles – and distance functions to estimate missing and future measurements. Canberra, Manhattan, Euclidean, and Pearson correlation distances were investigated. Several case studies were implemented using daily and segmented load profiles of aggregated smart meters. Segmented profiles cover a time window that is less than or equal to 24 h. Simulation results show that Canberra distance outperforms the other distance functions. Results also show that the segmented cluster centres produce more accurate load estimates than daily cluster centres. Higher accuracy estimates were obtained with cluster centres in the range of 16–24 h. The developed load estimation algorithm can be integrated with state estimation or other network operational tools to enable better monitoring and control of distribution networks

Local Energy Systems in Iraq: Neighbourhood Diesel Generators and Solar Photovoltaic Generation

Iraqis experience interruptions of the public electricity supply of up to 18 hours a day. In response, private entrepreneurs and the Local Provincial Councils (LPCs) have installed an estimated 55,000–80,000 diesel generators, each rated typically between 100 and 500 kVA. The generators supply neighbourhoods through small, isolated distribution networks to operate lighting, fans and small appliances when power is not available from the public supply. A single radial live conductor connects each customer to the generator and payment for the electricity is based on a monthly charge per ampere. The operation and regulation of the neighbourhood diesel generator networks was reviewed through a comprehensive literature survey, site visits and interviews conducted with local operators and assemblers of the generator sets. The electricity is expensive, the generators can only supply small loads, have considerable environmental impact and the unusual single wire distribution practice is potentially hazardous. However, the use of the generators is likely to continue in the absence of any alternative electricity supply. The diesels and networks are poorly regulated and there is scope to enforce existing standards and develop a new standard to address the hazards of the connection practice. The chapter goes on to assess the possibilities of using small photovoltaic systems for power generation in Iraq

Comparison of Saudi child versus parent‑report of child tooth‑brushing practices

Objective: This cross‑sectional study compared Saudi children’s tooth‑brushing practices as reported by children and parents and then matched the agreement of reports.Materials and Methods: A sample of 100 Saudi parents and their children of ages 8–12 years participated in this cross‑sectional investigation. A self‑administered structured questionnaire regarding the current tooth‑brushing practice and habits at home was filled by the child. The same questionnaire was filled independently by parents.Results: Mothers were more likely to teach children about tooth‑brushing and fathers were minimally helping children during tooth‑brushing. Mothers were the first to teach the children and approximately 33% of the children started brushing their teeth by age 5. Children and parents reported that children clean their teeth using a tooth‑brush (73.74% and 76.77%), miswak (5.05% and 5.05%), or both (21.21% and 18.18%), respectively.Conclusions: There was some agreement between reported tooth‑brushing practice of children and their parents. It is important to question both the child and parent regarding oral hygiene practice and compare their answers to get more broad knowledge about their practices. Approximately, one‑third of the children started brushing their teeth by age 5, which differs from recommended oral hygiene practices.Keywords: Dental plaque, oral health education, oral hygiene, patient education, tooth‑brushin

Integrated load and state estimation using domestic smart meter measurements

The UK Government is promoting the decarbonisation of the power sector. The electrification of transport and heating, installation of distributed generators, development of smart grids and creation of an electricity and gas smart metering system are in progress. Higher penetrations of distributed generation and low carbon loads may lead to operational difficulties in distribution networks. Therefore, increased real-time monitoring and control becomes a necessary requirement. Distribution network operators will have available to them smart meter measurements to facilitate safe and cost-effective operation of distribution networks. This thesis investigates the application of smart meter measurements to extend the observability of distribution networks. Three main aspects were covered in this work: 1. The development of a cluster analysis algorithm to extract consumption patterns from smart meter measurements. Th

Impact of PAI-1 4G/5G and C > G polymorphisms in acute ST elevation myocardial infarction and stable angina patients: A single center Egyptian study

Background: Many genetic factors, including polymorphisms in the genes regulating blood coagulation and fibrinolysis have been proposed as risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). PAI-1 is the chief inhibitor of tissue plasminogen activator and urokinase plasminogen activator. PAI-1 has a crucial role in regulation of fibrinolysis.Aim of the study: Is to investigate the association between Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G, PAI-1C/G polymorphisms and CAD. In addition, studying the relation of these polymorphisms to the level of active PAI-1 in Egyptian patients presenting to a single tertiary center in Cairo.Subjects and methods: One hundred and forty-four patients were included in this study: 42 STEMI (ST elevation myocardial infarction) patients, 63 stable angina patients, and 39 as a control group. Detection of PAI-1 4G/5G and C > G polymorphisms was done using allele specific polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) respectively. Plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity was detected using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results: In the studied CAD patients, PAI-14G/5G polymorphism showed 31.7%, and 68.3% for 5G/5G, and (4G/5G + 4G/4G) respectively; however for the control group, 5G/5G, and (4G/5G + 4G/4G) were detected in 21.6%, and 78.4% respectively (p value 0.59). The genotypic frequencies for PAI-1C/G in CAD patients accounted for 27% (CC), 73% (CG + GG); while in the control group these frequencies were 35.3%, and 64.7% respectively (p value 1.43).Conclusion: No significant association between PAI-1 4G/5G and C > G polymorphisms and the risk of coronary artery disease or the activity level of PAI-1 among the studied Egyptian population sample. However, STEMI patients showed significant presence of combined mutant allele of both genes more frequently.Keywords: Coronary artery disease, Plasminogen activator inhibitor, Genetic polymorphism, 4G/5G, C>