High-Torque-Density Low-Cost Magnetic Gear Utilizing Hybrid Magnets and Advanced Materials

Two major challenges of existing high-performance magnetic gears are: (i) High content of rare-earth permanent magnets which results in high cost as well as price fluctuation; (ii) Conflict between mechanical and electromagnetic performances, especially in the design of highspeed rotor. A magnetic gear using a blend of magnet types, i.e NdFeB, or Dy-free NdFeB and ferrites, is proposed in this paper. The goal is to bring down the cost while retaining comparable torque-transducing performance to a baseline magnetic gear only using rare-earth NdFeB magnets. A variety of topologies based on different combinations of magnet types and geometric shapes have been studied and compared. In addition, the potential impact of using an advanced dual-phase material is evaluated. The goal is to eliminate the well-known tradeoff between rotor mechanical integrity and PM flux leakage

Bipolar versus fixed-head hip arthroplasty for femoral neck fractures in elderly patients

Between 2002 and 2007, fifty elderly patients with displaced femoral neck fractures were treated with hip replacement at Emergency Hospital, Mansoura University. Patients were randomly selected, 25 patients had either cemented or cementless bipolar prosthesis, and another 25 patients had either cemented or cementless fixed-head prosthesis. There were 34 women and 16 men with an average age of 63.5 years (range between 55 and 72 years). All patients were followed up both clinically and radiologically for an average 4.4 years (range between 2 and 6 years). At the final follow-up, the average Harris hip score among the bipolar group was 92 points (range between 72 and 97 points), while the fixed-head group was 84 points (range between 65 and 95 points). Radiologically, joint space narrowing more than 2 mm was found in only 8% (2 patients) among the bipolar group, and in 28% (7 patients) of the fixed-head group. Through the follow-up period, total hip replacement was needed in two cases of the bipolar group and seven cases of the fixed-head group. Bipolar hemiarthroplasty offered a better range of movement with less pain and more stability than the fixed-head hemiarthroplasty in elderly patients with displaced femoral neck fractures

STUDENTS’ LOYALTY: DOES VALUE CO-CREATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS MATTER?

This study investigates the influence for intrinsic and extrinsic motives on customers` participation in value co-creation activities (CPVCA), beside examining the direct and indirect impact for CPVCA on customers` loyalty. Quantitative research approach is used, while the study population encompasses all Lebanese private universities students. A questionnaire was developed to gather data from 403 universities` students who were chosen using the convenience sampling technique. PLS-SEM was adopted to examine the study proposed scale validity and the relationships between its latent variables. The current study results indicate a positive influence for both intrinsic and extrinsic motives on CPVCA. Also, the findings reveal a significant direct relationship among CPVCA and customer loyalty, as well as an indirect relationship via mediating brand experience

Institutional smart buildings energy audit

Smart buildings and Fuzzy based control systems used in Buildings Management System (BMS), Building Energy Management Systems (BEMS) and Building Automation Systems (BAS) are a point of interests among researcher and stake holders of buildings’ developing sector due to its ability to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore this paper will review, investigates define and evaluates the use of fuzzy logic controllers in smart buildings under subtropical Australia’s subtropical regions. In addition the paper also will define the latest development, design and proposed controlling strategies used in institutional buildings. Furthermore this paper will highlight and discuss the conceptual basis of these technologies including Fuzzy, Neural and Hybrid add-on technologies, its capabilities and its limitation

Full term delivery of a Harlequin ichthyosis baby: a case report

Harlequin ichthyosis (HI) is one of the most severe and rare autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI), characterized by severe hyperkeratosis, extensive fissuring and a variable degree of cutaneous malformations. Here we report a case of 22 years old female patient in her first pregnancy. The baby was born at 39 weeks of gestation from non-consanguineous parents. At birth the baby had thick skin with deep fissures. The baby was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and survived for 11 days

Prediction Model for Construction Cost and Duration in Jordan

Risk is mitigated in the course of reliable prediction. A probabilistic model is proposed to predict the risk effects on time and cost of construction projects. Project managers and consultants can use the model in estimating project cost and duration based on historic data. Statistical regression models and sample tests are developed using real data of 140 projects. The research objective is to develop a model to predict project cost and duration based on historic data of similar projects. The model result can be used by project managers in the planning phase to validate the schedule critical path time and project budget. Research methodology is steered per the following progression: i) Conduct nonparametric test for project cost and time performance. ii) Develop generic multiple-regression models to predict project cost and duration using historic performance data. iii) The percent prediction error is statistically analyzed; and found to be substantial; thus, iv) Custom multiple regression models are developed for each project type to obtain statistically reliable results. In conclusion, the 95% point estimation of error margin= ±0.035%. Therefore, at a probability of 95%, the proposed model predicts the project cost and duration with a precision of ±0.035% of the mean cost and time

Mid-Gut Carcinoid Tumour Presenting as Suspected Orbital Metastasis

Although metastasis of carcinoid tumours of the intestine is rare, it has been reported in several organs, mainly in the lungs, the liver and less commonly in the orbits. We report a 50-year-old male patient who presented at Hamad General Hospital, Doha, Qatar, in 2016 with central abdominal pain, distention, nausea and vomiting for the previous four days. The patient had unilateral right- sided exophthalmos for two years prior to presentation. Following an abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan and an ultrasound guided biopsy, the patient was diagnosed with extensive multi-focal metastatic carcinoid tumour of the small bowel and mesentery; histopathology confirmed the diagnosis. Subsequently, the patient underwent a laparotomy and small bowel resection and was administered somatostatin therapy. One week postoperatively, the patient developed an acute increase in his right eye exophthalmos. CT, magnetic resonance imaging and scintigraphy scans revealed an orbital metastatic lesion, which probably originated from the previously diagnosed carcinoid tumour. The orbital metastasis was treated with somatostatin therapy and the patient was lost to follow-up when he left the country.Keywords: Carcinoid Tumor; Orbital Neoplasm; Metastasis; Exophthalmos; Scintigraphy; Case Report; Qatar

Automated Competency Management System: An Advanced Approach to Competence Management Efficiency

In this study, a structure for an automated competency management system model is presented. The system involves an advanced approach to competency identification and evaluation that takes into account the prediction of future activities in competency development. Once competencies are identified and graded for all resources, they are then matched to running projects via a domain of action related to each project. The acknowledged competencies are then linked to a time management factor, or the occupational rate, in a manner that the percentage of time dispensed by each resource on a project in a domain of action including a defined competency is shown. An enrollment criterion for the automated competency management system is proposed. The presented model may be applied for both products and services. Keywords: automation, competency, job models, organizational processe

Productivity Improvement of Pre-cast Concrete Installation

The production process of pre-cast concrete installation is analyzed to investigate possible ways for onsite productivity improvement. Although manufactured construction enjoys higher quality and productivity, it is observed that it suffers delays compared to site built construction. Delay causes and respective severity are analyzed for improvement. Firstly, the production process is investigated using the production delay model. Forty cycle data are used in the analysis. The comparative impact and severity are measured for five delay causes, namely: labor, environmental, management, equipment and material on overall system productivity. It is found via the production delay analysis that material, followed by equipment availability then labor were major contributors to system delay. Secondly, statistical analysis on the installation cycle time of three pre-cast component types is carried out, in order to insure whether the delay observed via the first step is attributed to variation of pre-cast pieces. The data used in step one above were not pertinent to product type; therefore, other 90 cycle data are utilized in the statistical analysis, which indicated high variability in cycle time due to product type. Improvement can be achieved through proper scheduling of project equipment and resources. In addition, improvement should target the reduction of installation cycle time variability due to product type