Improvement of Synchronous Machine Dynamic Characteristics via Neural Network Based Controllers

This paper presents Simulation and experimental study aimed at investigating the effectiveness of an adaptive artificial neural network stabilizer on enhancing the damping torque of a synchronous generator. For this purpose, a power system comprising a synchronous generator feeding a large power system through a short tie line is considered. The proposed adaptive neuro-control system consists of two multi-layered feed forward neural networks, which work as a plant model identifier and a controller. It generates supplementary control signals to be utilized by conventional controllers. The details of the interfacing circuits, sensors and transducers, which have been designed and built for use in tests, are presented. The synchronous generator is tested to investigate the effect of tuning a Power System Stabilizer (PSS) on its dynamic stability. The obtained simulation and experimental results verify the basic theoretical concepts

Clinical and radiological outcomes of arthroscopic subcoracoid decompression for idiopathic coracoid impingement, a stepped approach

Background: Idiopathic subcoracoid impingement is considered now as a well-established cause of anterior shoulder pain. There are multiple techniques reported for management of subcoracoid impingement. Open decompression and reattachment of conjoint tendon as well as arthroscopic resection of coracoid tip. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of arthroscopic stepwise approach for management of idiopathic coracoid impingment.Methods: This prospective therapeutic case series study included 26 consecutive patients suffering from anterior shoulder pain and were diagnosed as subcoracoid impingement. All cases were evaluated preoperatively and followed up for 12 months after surgery both clinically and radiologically. Arthroscopic subcoracoid decompression, coracoplasty and arthroscopic repair of partial subscapularis tear if present were done for all cases.Results: The mean age at the time of surgery was 45.3±5.4years. At the final follow up, the mean VAS score improved significantly to 0.8±0.8points postoperatively (p<0.01). The mean Constant score improved significantly to 87.8±7.8 at the final follow-up (p<0.001). The mean UCLA score improved significantly to 32.1±2.4 at the end of follow-up (P<0.001)Conclusions: Coracoid impingement should be in mind when evaluating any patient with anterior shoulder pain. The arthroscopic management in form of bone, bursal and tendon procedures (triple attack) is a good treatment to relieve clinical symptoms with excellent patient reported outcomes.

Interleukin-12 levels in Egyptian children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), arising through a complex interaction of immune, genetic and environmental factors, results from autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing β cells. Cytokines are critical to the function of both innate and adaptive immune responses. Interleukin-12 p40 production influences T cell response, and may therefore be important in T1DM pathogenesis. Objective: to study the changes in IL12 levels in children with T1DM. Study design: fifty T1DM children among those attending diabetes clinic at Zagazig University hospitals, were included in the study. They were 27 males and 23 females (mean age, 9.19 ± 3.3 years). Thirty age and sex matched healthy children were serving as a control group. All children were subjected to full history taking, physical examination, complete blood count (CBC), random blood sugar, glycated hemoglobin (HBA1C) and serum IL-12 levels assessed by ELISA. Results: Diabetic children had significantly higher white blood cell count, HBA1C, and IL12 levels than healthy children. While there was no effect of gender on IL12 levels, there were significant increase in IL12 levels in newly diagnosed cases, those with higher body mass index and those who had the poorest glycemic control. Conclusion: type 1 diabetes is associated with elevation of IL-12 levels. This association is more evident in both newly diagnosed and poorly controlled patients indicating a relevant role of IL-12 in the pathogenesis of the disease.Keywords: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, Interleukin 12, EgyptEgypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2013;11(1):41-4

Experimental Results of a Wind Energy Conversion System with STATCOM Using Fuzzy Logic Controller

This paper describes a complete implementation of the experimental voltage regulation of a wind energy conversion system using STATCOM. Firstly conventional control technique is used which is proportional plus integral controller. The control technique is performed using a PC computer through a suitable interfacing and opt-isolating facilities. Secondly fuzzy logic controller is facilitated in this scheme to improve the performance of the experimental setup. Several efforts are done to choose the suitable gains of the fuzzy controller to achieve superior performance of the wind system. Experimental results of the system show the effectiveness of the proposed technique in regulating the output voltage. Thanks to the operation of the STATCOM in controlling the reactive power of the system to fix the output voltage at the desired value regardless of the wind speed

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis as a cause of bronchial asthma in children

Background: Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) occurs in patients with asthma and cystic fibrosis. When aspergillus fumigatus spores are inhaled they grow in bronchial mucous as hyphae. It occurs in non immunocompromised patients and belongs to the hypersensitivity disorders induced by Aspergillus. Objective: To diagnose cases of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis among asthmatic children and define the association between the clinical and laboratory findings of aspergillus fumigatus (AF) and bronchial asthma. Methods: Eighty asthmatic children were recruited in this study and divided into 50 atopic and 30 non-atopic children. The following were done: skin prick test for aspergillus fumigatus and other allergens, measurement of serum total IgE, specific serum aspergillus fumigatus antibody titer IgG and IgE (AF specific IgG and IgE) and absolute eosinophilic count. Results: ABPA occurred only in atopic asthmatics, it was more prevalent with decreased forced expiratory volume at the first second (FEV1). Prolonged duration of asthma and steroid dependency were associated with ABPA. AF specific IgE and IgG were higher in the atopic group, they were higher in Aspergillus fumigatus skin prick test positive children than negative ones .Wheal diameter of skin prick test had a significant relation to the level of AF IgE titer. Skin prick test positive cases for aspergillus fumigatus was observed in 32% of atopic asthmatic children. Conclusion: ABPA occurs in 1/3 of atopic asthmatic children and is related to the duration and severity of asthma.Keywords: Aspergillosis, bronchial asthma, childrenEgypt J Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2012;10(2):95-10

Evaluation of Propolis Gel in Two Different Polymeric Systems as an Adjunctive Aid to Non-Surgical Therapy in the Management of Stage III Grade B Periodontitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: The goal of this study was to clinically evaluate the effect of propolis gel in different polymeric systems as an adjunct to non-surgical therapy in the management of periodontitis patients. Methods: A total of 30 patients with stage III grade B periodontitis were divided into the following three groups: group I patients, who received propolis in a chitosan polymer gel with non-surgical therapy, group II patients, who received propolis in a polyox polymer gel with non-surgical therapy, and group III patients who served as a control treated with non-surgical therapy only. Clinical parameters were assessed at baseline, one month, and three months. Results: At three months, the mean gingival index (GI) of groups I and II was the same (0.6 ±0.52), and there was no change in the mean GI in group III. There was a reduction in the mean probing depth (PD) in group I (4.80 ±0.63) and group II (4.90 ±0.74) at the end of the study. The greatest percent gain in clinical attachment level (CAL) was noted in group II (17.26 ±6.71) followed by group I (5.93 ±9.87), whereas the least percent decrease was noted in group III (3.67 ±7.77). Conclusion: The adjunctive use of propolis in a polyox polymer with non-surgical therapy demonstrated superior clinical results over the use of propolis in a chitosan polymer in periodontitis patients

Environmental effects of ozone depletion, UV radiation and interactions with climate change : UNEP Environmental Effects Assessment Panel, update 2017

Peer reviewe

The Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 2 Inhibits Complement Component 1q Effector Mechanisms and Exerts Detrimental Effects during Pneumococcal Pneumonia

Phagocytosis and inflammation within the lungs is crucial for host defense during bacterial pneumonia. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-2 was proposed to negatively regulate TLR-mediated responses and enhance phagocytosis by macrophages, but the role of TREM-2 in respiratory tract infections is unknown. Here, we established the presence of TREM-2 on alveolar macrophages (AM) and explored the function of TREM-2 in the innate immune response to pneumococcal infection in vivo. Unexpectedly, we found Trem-2(-/-) AM to display augmented bacterial phagocytosis in vitro and in vivo compared to WT AM. Mechanistically, we detected that in the absence of TREM-2, pulmonary macrophages selectively produced elevated complement component 1q (C1q) levels. We found that these increased C1q levels depended on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ (PPAR-δ) activity and were responsible for the enhanced phagocytosis of bacteria. Upon infection with S. pneumoniae, Trem-2(-/-) mice exhibited an augmented bacterial clearance from lungs, decreased bacteremia and improved survival compared to their WT counterparts. This work is the first to disclose a role for TREM-2 in clinically relevant respiratory tract infections and demonstrates a previously unknown link between TREM-2 and opsonin production within the lungs