Vibrations of a Single Degree Freedom System

The purpose of the present experiment is to analyse the effect of damping, mass and spring on a system The objectives of the presented experiment are as follows - To determine the natural frequency of the single-degree of freedom (SDOF) system. - To determine the damping parameters of the dashpot. - To determine the effects of damping, mass, and stiffness on the system response. - To compare the measured results with simulated results in Simulink

Palestinian Health Research System: Moving Forward

The importance of a Health Research System (HRS), as an instrument for developing and enabling health systems, is increasing, particularly in developing countries. As a consequence of this growing awareness also within the World Health Organization (WHO), there are many new approaches and initiatives to ensure the national HRSs be strengthened and well-functioned to address the countries' health needs through formulating and analyzing these systems particularly in fragile and resources constraint countries. Assessing the perceptions of system performers is an essential part of a comprehensive system analysis, which seeks to recognize a system’s strengths and limitations with a perspective towards achieving improvements. The present study focused on investigating four key pillars of the system in Palestine. First, it assessed the HRS concept and its importance among systems performers. Second, it evaluated their satisfaction with overall HRS performance and the political attention towards health research. Third, it examined the stewardship functions, governance, policy, and priorities, as a central pillar of this system. Fourth, it analyzed stakeholders’ roles and the status of research capacity. Based on these four axes of analysis, key gaps and avenues of solutions towards achieving a comprehensive HRS strengthening in Palestine were identified. The study targeted three sectors, namely relevant government institutions, schools of public health and major local and international health agencies. A qualitative analytic approach was used where data was collected through 52 in-depth interviews and 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) with 104 policymakers, academics, directors, and experts. In the first part, the study found the level of understanding of HRS concepts among health experts in Palestine is inadequate and not sufficiently conceptualized for the application. The second part found that the HRS in Palestine is remarkably underperforming with a significant lack of political support and engagement. The third part revealed that the stewardship functions are problematic, meaning that a system for health research in Palestine is still not embodied mainly due to a missing structural and regulatory framework and dispersed HR work. It is also found that the Ethical Review and Clearance (ERC) is weak, a policy or a strategy dedicated to health research is lacking, and low levels of knowledge and experience in research prioritization amid of lack of consensus. The fourth part found key findings: low involvement of society, private, local and the international sectors; a substantial weakness in the role of international agencies in supporting health research; and significant deficit in HRS capacity. This deficit is due to the fact that research in Palestine is externally and individually-funded, limited and unsustainable, and importantly, moderate research quality, as well as knowledge transfer and translation are not well-conceptualized and inappropriately performed. The study also identified main further common gaps as follows: lack of HR culture, systems values and principles; structure; policy; resources; defined roles; connection and network; evidence-informed concepts; and politic impacts. The study has recommended further empirical research to be investigated whether in Palestine and could be so in the region. Understanding the reasons behind the apparent lack of knowledge on HRS concepts and assessing the HR performance and impact, based on defined quantitative indicators, are essential research. Moreover, assessments on HR stewardship functions with regards to the institutional functionality and applicability, as well as a national HR capacity assessment using qualitative and quantitative measurements are deserve to be implemented. Once the HRS is structured, a national comprehensive system analysis is required to investigate inputs, processes, and outputs dimensions. The study offered crucial actions to be translated into policy-making levels. First, launching a strategic dialogue on HRS strengthening among actors to ensure a solid commitment, a collective involvement, and a national consensus. This move should pave the ways towards two substantial actions, building a unified national HR body and formulating a national strategy, both are integrated into the structure of Palestinian HCS, that has to include conceptual, regulatory, legal, technical and ethical aspects. Under this body and through this strategy, actions to improve HR prioritization, ERC, HRS awareness, HR performance, HR resources and capacity e.g. research quality, knowledge transfer, and translation, are fundamental components must be integrated and improved. In doing so, operational policies for HR resources and capacity have to be established, along with guidelines, indicators, and mechanisms for HR prioritization, performance, quality, knowledge diffusion and utilization that essentially required to be formulated and adhered. Also, effective networks communications, dynamic coordination, and systematic education and training programs are further feasible actions towards achieving a comprehensive HRS strengthening. This study proofed very worthwhile because it met a longer-standing local demand, as well as was aligned with regional and global strategic directions. Consequently, getting the system pillars well-enabled is possible and yields meaningful benefits to the health system and other development sectors in Palestine. This system analysis attempt opened up new avenues for any future endeavors and for the new generation of health research, HRS, and health system strengthening in Palestine and in the region in general

Reaction of citric acid with calcite.

Title page, table of contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University of Adelaide Library.This study is the first one to examine the reaction of citric acid with calcite over a wide range of parameters. Its main focus is to study the effects of different parameters such as initial citric acid concentration and temperature on the citric-calcite reaction. A rotating disk apparatus was used to study the reaction of calcite (CaC0₃) with citric acid. Using the rotating disk theory, the calcite dissolution rates in citric acid solutions were evaluated as a function of rotating speed, initial concentration of citric acid, concentration of magnesium (Mg²⁺) & Iron (Fe³⁺) ions, temperature, and pressure. In addition, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) technique was used to explore the precipitation mechanism of calcium citrate during the reaction of citric acid with calcite. Using this technique, several factors affecting the precipitation of calcium citrate were identified. In this research, citric acid was found to be an effective stimulation fluid at pH values < 4, rotational speeds of (100-1,000 rpm), initial citric acid concentration of 1-7.5 wt%, pressure values of 1,000-1,500 psi, and temperatures of 25-50oC. However, SEM analysis has shown that calcium citrate precipitation occurred during the reaction at the calcite disk. The precipitation of calcium citrate was found be function of disk rotational speed, initial citric acid concentration, and the concentration of both Mg²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions. More calcium citrate precipitated at high rotational speeds and high initial citric acid concentration. The presence of both Mg²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions minimized the precipitation of calcium citrate. The rate of calcite dissolution in citric acid was found to be mainly dependent on the rotational speed. In general, at low rotational speeds, below 500 rpm, the calcite dissolution is mainly governed by the mass-transfer rate, while at high rotational speed, above 500 rpm, it is controlled by the surface-reaction rate. The mass-transfer and the surface-reaction mechanism were investigated thoroughly. Using the rotating disk theory, the overall mass transfer coefficient was determined at various rotational speeds, initial citric acid concentrations, and temperature values. The effective diffusion coefficient of citric as was determined at various citric acid concentrations and various temperature values. In addition, the apparent activation energy of calcite dissolution in mass-transfer regime was found to be 37.9 kJ/mol. Finally, a simplified expression was developed to model the reaction kinetics of citric acid with calcite. The model parameters: reaction order, and activation energy were found to be 0.833 and 63.1 kJ/mol, respectively. This study highlights the importance of the initial acid concentration, temperature, and calcium citrate precipitation on the citric acid reaction with calcite. Another important outcome is the effect of various key parameters on the performance of citric acid as a stand-alone stimulation fluid at conditions similar to those present in a typical field case. Findings based on this work provide new insights into the applications, usage, and potential limitations of citric acid. Factors controlling downhole reaction of citric acid with calcite are also disclosed.Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Australian School of Petroleum, 201

Solar Powered Water Pump System

Solar energy is the most abundant source of energy in the world. Solar power is not only an answer to today’s energy crisis but also an environmental friendly form of energy. Photovoltaic generation is an efficient approach for using the solar energy. Solar panels (an array of photovoltaic cells) are nowadays extensively used for running street lights, for powering water heaters and to meet domestic loads. The cost of solar panels has been constantly decreasing which encourages its usage in various sectors. One of the application of this technology is used in irrigation systems for farming. Solar powered irrigation system can be a suitable alternative for farmers in the present state of energy crisis in India. This a green way for energy production which provides free energy once an initial investment is made. In this project we propose an automatic irrigation system using solar power which drives water pumps to pump water from bore well to a tank and the outlet valve of tank is automatically regulated using controller and moisture sensor to control the flow rate of water from the tank to the irrigation field which optimizes the use of water. The paper is divided into 6 sections discussing the literature survey, proposed solution, implementation, cost analysis and results and conclusion, references. Cost effective solar power can be the answer for all our energy needs. Solar powered smart irrigation systems are the answer to the Indian farmer. This system consists of solar powered water pump along with an automatic water flow control using a moisture sensor. It is the proposed solution for the present energy crisis for the Indian farmers. This system conserves electricity by reducing the usage of grid power and conserves water by reducing water losses

Heart diseases diagnosis using HMM

The bare ear and the stethoscope were until recently of great help in classifying most heart diseases especially those related to valve problems. The newly developed electronic stethoscope and phonocardiography represent useful tools for recording heart sound signals. In this paper a diagnostic technique for heart diseases using heart sounds is suggested. Wavelet decomposition and mel cepstrum are used for feature extraction. Classification of the different heart diseases is then done using hidden Markov models (HMM). Three different techniques have been used and compared. The obtained recognition rates (RR) were 97.3%, 98.2%, and 99.1%

An Update on Larynx Cancer

Abstract: The exact causes of larynx cancer are not fully understood, but certain risk factors have been identified. • Tobacco use: Smoking, as well as smokeless tobacco use, increases the risk of developing larynx cancer. • Alcohol consumption: Excessive and long-term alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of larynx cancer. The risk is even higher for individuals who both smoke and drink alcohol. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection: Certain strains of HPV, primarily HPV type 16, have been linked to an increased risk of larynx cancer. Common signs and symptoms of larynx cancer may include: • Hoarseness or voice changes that persist for more than two weeks. • Persistent sore throat or pain in the throat. • Ear pain. The diagnosis of larynx cancer involves a thorough examination by a healthcare professional, including a physical examination of the throat and neck. Additional tests such as imaging studies (e.g., CT scan, MRI) and a biopsy may be performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the stage of cancer. Treatment options for larynx cancer depend on various factors including the stage and location of the cancer, as well as the overall health of the patient. Treatment modalities may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these approaches. It's important for individuals experiencing any persistent symptoms related to the larynx or voice changes to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis. Keywords: larynx cancer, smokeless tobacco, HPV) infection. Title: An Update on Larynx Cancer Author: Wael Mohammed Alkhaldi, Salman Fahad Aldawsari, Zakaria Said Bohassan, Meshari Dhahawi Alanazi International Journal of Healthcare Sciences ISSN 2348-5728 (Online) Vol. 11, Issue 1, April 2023 - September 2023 Page No: 276-289 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 22-September-2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8369372 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/an-update-on-larynx-cancerInternational Journal of Healthcare Sciences, ISSN 2348-5728 (Online), Research Publish Journals, Website: www.researchpublish.co

The effect of COVID-19 on the characteristics of adult emergency department visits:A retrospective cohort tertiary hospital experience in Riyadh

BACKGROUND: On March 2, 2020, Saudi Arabia identified the first positive COVID-19 case. Since then, several aspects of the COVID-19 impact on Emergency Departments (EDs) use have been reported. The objective of this study is to describe the pattern and characteristics of Emergency Department visits during the COVID-19 pandemic period, compared with the same period in the previous year, including the patients’ demographic information, acuity level, length of stay, and admission rate. METHODS: Data were collected from King Abdulaziz Medical City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The health records of all the patients who presented at the Emergency Department from January 2019 to September 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The variations in the patient and the visit characteristics were described for the periods before and during COVID-19. RESULTS: The records of 209,954 patients who presented at the Emergency Department were retrieved. In contrast to 2019, the number of visits during the pandemic period reduced by 23%. A dramatic decrease was observed after the announcement of the first COVID-19 diagnosed case in Saudi Arabia, and subsequently the numbers gradually increased. The patients who presented at the Emergency Department during the pandemic period were slightly older (mean age, 43.1 versus 44.0 years), more likely to be older, more urgent and had a higher admission rate compared to the pre-pandemic period. There was a slight increase in visits during the daytime curfew hours and a decrease during the nighttime. CONCLUSION: We report a considerable decrease in the number of Emergency Department visits. The reduction was higher in non-urgent and less urgent cases. Patients presenting at the Emergency Department during the curfew times were more likely to stay longer in the Emergency Department and more likely to be admitted, compared with the pre-pandemic period

7. Long term results of quadrangular autologous pericardial patch reconstruction of the pulmonary artery during arterial switch operation on post-

The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the technique of Quadrangular Fresh Autologous Pericardial Patch for the reconstruction of the pulmonary artery in Arterial Switch Operation (ASO) to prevent the post-operative pulmonary artery stenosis (PAS). A total of 287 consecutive infants with transposition of great arteries were treated with ASO in our center between January 2000 and September 2014. The mean age was (7.76days) and mean weight was (3.67kg). The new pulmonary arterial root was reconstructed with a fresh quadrangular autologous patch. The technique includes extensive mobilization of both pulmonary artery branches and direct suturing of the parch to 2/3 of the annulus of the new pulmonary artery trunk first, and then reconstruction finish by the re-suspension of the posterior commissure of the new pulmonary valve inside the patch. Patients were examined using trans-thoracic echocardiography consecutively at discharge form the hospital, and at 3–6 months and yearly after discharge. The mean follow up time was 78 months. The early mortality was 5.19% (17 patients), and there were no late mortality. The highest mortality was reported during the beginning of the pediatric surgical program. The mortality for the last 100 patients was 1%. The pressure gradient across the pulmonary valve in 249 patients (87%, was less than 20mmHg. Mild pulmonary stenosis (pressure gradient of 20–40mmHg) was present in 32 patients (11.14%) and moderate pulmonary stenosis with gradient 40–60mmHg was manifested in 4 patients (1.39%). Reconstruction of the new Pulmonary artery during the ASO, using the quadrangular autologous fresh pericardial patch, is effective and reproducible in reducing the incidence of post-operative pulmonary stenosis

Decolonising global health evaluation: Synthesis from a scoping review

As decolonisation awareness and activism amplifies in the mainstream masses and within academic realms across a variety of fields, the time is right to converge parallel movements to decolonise the fields of global health and evaluation by restructuring relations of dependency and domination reified through the “foreign gaze”1 or “white gaze.” We conducted a review of relevant records with the following inclusion criteria–they define or advocate for the decolonisation of global health evaluation or explicate methods, policies or interventions to decolonise global health evaluation published by advocates of the decolonisation movement from both fields. These records were derived following a systematic article search by the lead autthor on Google, Google Scholar, NewsBank, and PubMed using the following keywords: “decolonising” and “global health,” “evaluation,” or “global health evaluation” replicating a digital search strategy utilized by scoping reviews across a variety of topics. Because the topic of interest is nascent and still emerging, the date range was not restricted. The lead author screened abstracts retrieved from the search. In total, 57 records, ranging in publication date from 1994 to 2020, were selected and charted for this review. We reviewed these records to identify socio-ecological factors that influence the decolonisation of global health evaluation, such as decolonising minds; reorienting funders and reforming funding mechanisms; and investing in sustainable capacity exchange. In doing so, we reflected on our positionality as well as our internalisation and potential reinforcement of colonial relations in the process of reporting our results. In the context of turmoil and transition due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our scoping review offers a starting point to embark on a journey first to transform and decolonise global health evaluation and then to achieve the greater goal of equity and justice