Use Data Mining Techniques to Identify Parameters That Influence Generated Power in Thermal Power Plant

The goal of this paper is to identify the parameters that influence the amount of power generated by steam power plants. Data mining tools were used to prove that influencing parameters are differ according to the current status of power plant. Waikato environment for Knowledge analysis (Weka) was used for feature selection and building the prediction model. An initial comparison between many algorithms for each data set was reported. Then the prediction model was built using linear regression algorithm, because it shows the highest correlation coefficient between parameters, and minimum errors. The selected model predicts the generated power using all available parameters as predictors. Although this is not a practical method for power prediction, because not all predictors are controllable, but it reflects how much a parameter influence the amount of generated power. Evaluation results of these models were discussed and a detailed analysis sheet was prepared, to prove that data mining is the best way to predict the amount of generated power, and show the health status of steam power plant

A General scheme for dithering multidimensional signals, and a visual instance of encoding images with limited palettes

AbstractThe core contribution of this paper is to introduce a general neat scheme based on soft vector clustering for the dithering of multidimensional signals that works in any space of arbitrary dimensionality, on arbitrary number and distribution of quantization centroids, and with a computable and controllable quantization noise. Dithering upon the digitization of one-dimensional and multi-dimensional signals disperses the quantization noise over the frequency domain which renders it less perceptible by signal processing systems including the human cognitive ones, so it has a very beneficial impact on vital domains such as communications, control, machine-learning, etc. Our extensive surveys have concluded that the published literature is missing such a neat dithering scheme. It is very desirable and insightful to visualize the behavior of our multidimensional dithering scheme; especially the dispersion of quantization noise over the frequency domain. In general, such visualization would be quite hard to achieve and perceive by the reader unless the target multidimensional signal itself is directly perceivable by humans. So, we chose to apply our multidimensional dithering scheme upon encoding true-color images – that are 3D signals – with palettes of limited sets of colors to show how it minimizes the visual distortions – esp. contouring effect – in the encoded images

Three Dimensional (3D) Echocardiography as a Tool of Left Ventricular Assessment in Children with Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Comparison to Cardiac MRI

BACKGROUND: Left ventricular (LV) volumes and ejection fraction (EF) is Strong prognostic indicators for DCM. Cardiac MRI (CMRI) is a preferred technique for LV volumes and EF assessment due to high spatial resolution and complete volumetric datasets. Three-dimensional echocardiography is a promising new technique under investigations. AIM: Evaluate 3D echocardiography as a tool in LV assessment in DCM children about CMRI. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 20 DCM children (LVdiastolic diameter < 2 Z score, LVEF < 35%) at Children s Hospital, Ain-Shams University (gp1) (mean age 6.6 years) were compared to 20 age and sex-matched children as controls (gp2). Patients were subjected to: clinical examination, conventional echocardiography, automated 3D LV quantification, 3D speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE) (VIVID E9 Vingmed, Norway) and CMRI (Philips Achieva Nova, 1.5 Tesla scanner) for LV end systolic volume (LVESV), LVend diastolic volume (LVEDV) that were indexed to body surface area, EF% and wall motion abnormalities assessment. RESUTS: No statistically significant difference was found between automated 3D LV quantification echocardiography, 3D-STE, and CMRI in ESV/BSA and EDV/BSA assessment (p = 1, 0.99 respectively), between automated LV quantification echocardiography and CMRI in EF% assessment (p = 0.99) and between CMRI and 3D-STE in LV Global hypokinesia detection (P = 0.255). As for segmental hypokinesia CMRI was more sensitive [45% of patients vs. 40%, (P = 0,036), basal septal hypokinesia 85% vs. 75%, (p = 0.045), mid septal hypokinesia 80% vs. 65%, (p = 0.012) and lateral wall hypokinesia 75% vs. 65%, (p = 0.028)]. CONCLUSION: Automated 3D LV quantification echocardiography and 3D-STE are reliable tools in LV volumetric and systolic function assessment about CMRIas a standard method. 3D speckle echocardiography is comparable to CMRI in global wall hypokinesia detection but less sensitive in segmental wall hypokinesia which mandates further studies

Inelastic analysis of composite sections

This paper describes the development of a numerical algorithm used for the inelastic analysis of composite sections subjected to combined axial force and bending moment. The algorithm is based on finding the strain distribution across the section for a given applied loads and mechanical properties of the materials. The application of algorithm is illustrated by analysing a reinforced concrete section. The stress–strain relationship adopted for the concrete is based on a non-linear monotonic model, which is capable of predicting both ascending and descending (softening) parts of the stress–strain curve. For the reinforcing steel, the relation assumed to be bi-linear elasto-plastic in tension and compression. The developed algorithm predicts the exact mode of strain distribution for elastic, plastic and elasto-plastic stages of behaviour. Newton–Raphson concept has been implemented to determine the strain distribution across the section. The algorithm can be used to analyse both regular and irregular cross-section geometry, different materials with single or multi-layered steel bars

The Impact of Antiepileptic Drugs on Thyroid Function in Children with Epilepsy: New Versus Old

 Abstract ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of traditional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) versus newer AEDs on the thyroid hormone profile of children with epilepsy.Materials & MethodsA total of 80 children with epilepsy were included in this study and were divided into two groups. Group 1 included 40 children with epilepsy on traditional AEDs, and group 2 included 40 children with epilepsy on newer AEDs. Forty healthy children were also included as the control group (group 3). We analyzed the serum levels of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).Results: Epileptic children treated with traditional drugs showed a statistically significant decrease in the serum fT4 and increase in TSH concentrations compared to the control group (P < 0.001). Whereas epileptic children treated with newer drugs showed no statistically significant changes in the serum fT3, fT4 and TSH concentrations compared to the control group Conclusions: Traditional AEDs have a significant impact in the thyroid hormone profile compared to the newer AEDs

Role of Sucralfate in Promoting Healing of Post Band Variceal Ulcer

Background: The role of Sucralfate to be slightly superior to placebo in accelerating the healing process of oesophageal ulcerations after sclerotherapy had been elicited. Currently, its role in the healing process of oesophageal ulcerations after ligation has not been clarified.Objectives: to assess the use of sucralfate after variceal band ligation and to clarify its role in healing of post variceal band ligation ulcers. Methods: Sixty two patients with oesophageal varices eligible for band ligation represented the population of the study. The patients were allocated into two groups: Group I (study group): Included 31 patients in whom endoscopic band ligation was done then received sucralfate 1 gm every 6 hours for 2 weeks. Group II (control group): Included 31 patients in whom endoscopic band ligation was done then received placebo every 6 hours for 2 weeks.  Results: During the follow up endoscopy, 2 weeks after band ligation we observed that: All post-banding ulcers in both groups were superficial, 12 patients (38.7%) in the study group developed post-band ulcers versus 23 patients (74.2%) in the control group with a statistically significant difference (p-value, 0.005). Also, there was a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding the size of the post banding ulcers as the mean size of ulcers was 2.7 mm ± 1.2 in study group whereas it was 3.8mm ± 1.7 in control group with P value (0.043).Conclusion: Sucralfate has a significant role in decreasing the rate of occurrence of variceal post-banding ulcers and as well their size.Key words: Endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVL); Sucralfate; Clinical pharmac

Surgical Management of Lumbar Spine Fractures and Dislocations

Background: Lumbar spine fractures and dislocations, which are part of the thoracolumbar region, are critical injuries with significant morbidity. The epidemiological shift in the median age of injury and the high prevalence of these injuries, particularly in the T10-L2 region, highlight the necessity for effective therapeutic interventions. With advancements in spine biomechanics, imaging technologies, and surgical techniques, there has been a paradigm shift from conservative to surgical management, though high-quality comparative studies remain limited. Objective: To synthesize recent data on the epidemiology, evaluation, and management of lumbar spine fractures and dislocations, and to elucidate the comparative efficacy of surgical interventions and conservative approaches in optimizing patient outcomes. Method: This paper conducts a comprehensive review of epidemiological data on thoracolumbar traumatic injuries, diagnostic techniques, and management strategies, especially focusing on surgical interventions. The review also details specific surgical techniques utilized for lumbar spine fractures and their underlying rationale. Findings and Conclusion: Thoracolumbar injuries primarily affect the transitional zone (T11-L2) and show a higher incidence in males aged between 20 and 40. Imaging, especially CT scans, offers a definitive diagnostic approach, with MRI providing insights on soft tissue interactions. While historically, conservative methods dominated therapeutic interventions, surgical techniques, including Posterior Instrumentation, Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (ALIF), Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF), and Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF), are increasingly being utilized. Some specific fractures even warrant a combined posterior-anterior surgical approach. Notably, certain case studies highlight the potential for superior outcomes with surgical intervention, even in the absence of neurological deficits. Selecting the appropriate management strategy should be tailored to individual patient factors, nature of the injury, and available expertise and resources

Accessibility to biologics and its impact on disease activity and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in Kuwait

Objective: Biologics are indicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in case of persistent high disease activity despite conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cDMARDs) or patients with contraindications to cDMARDs or poor prognostic factors. The purpose of this study was to compare the prescription rates of biologics in Kuwaiti and non-Kuwaiti patients and to assess whether this had an impact on disease activity and quality of life in RA patients. Methods: Data were extracted from the Kuwait Registry for Rheumatic Diseases. Adult patients who satisfied the ACR classification criteria for RA from four major hospitals in Kuwait were evaluated from February 2013 through May 2018. The treatment agents, disease activity, and quality of life of Kuwaiti patients were compared with non-Kuwaiti patients. Results: A total of 1651 RA patients were included; 806 (48.8%) were Kuwaiti patients. Among Kuwaiti patients, 62.5% were on biologic drugs in comparison with 14% of non-Kuwaiti patients. In comparison with non-Kuwaiti patients, Kuwaiti patients had significantly lower numbers of swollen joints (p < 0.001) and disease activity score-28 scores (p = 0.02) and less steroid use (p < 0.001) yet a significantly higher health assessment questionnaire-disability index (p < 0.001). Regression analysis showed that DAS-28 scores were significantly associated with the treatment type (p < 0.001) and that nationality was significantly predictive of the treatment type (p < 0.001). Conclusion: In the setting of easy accessibility to treatment for Kuwaiti patients, biologics were prescribed by rheumatologists at a higher rate than for non-Kuwaitis. This may explain the lower disease activity and the lower rate of steroid use in Kuwaiti patients than non-Kuwaitis. Key points: • Significant discrepancies in the rates of prescribing biologic therapies between KP and NKP in Kuwait were observed. • Several treatment outcomes were significantly better in the KP group than in the NKP group even after adjustment of confounding factors. • The poor access to biologic therapies was suggested to limit the effectiveness of RA treatments in the NKP group

A calcineurin–Hoxb13 axis regulates growth mode of mammalian cardiomyocytes

10.1038/s41586-020-2228-6Nature5827811271-27

Antimicrobial resistance among migrants in Europe: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: Rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are rising globally and there is concern that increased migration is contributing to the burden of antibiotic resistance in Europe. However, the effect of migration on the burden of AMR in Europe has not yet been comprehensively examined. Therefore, we did a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify and synthesise data for AMR carriage or infection in migrants to Europe to examine differences in patterns of AMR across migrant groups and in different settings. METHODS: For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, and Scopus with no language restrictions from Jan 1, 2000, to Jan 18, 2017, for primary data from observational studies reporting antibacterial resistance in common bacterial pathogens among migrants to 21 European Union-15 and European Economic Area countries. To be eligible for inclusion, studies had to report data on carriage or infection with laboratory-confirmed antibiotic-resistant organisms in migrant populations. We extracted data from eligible studies and assessed quality using piloted, standardised forms. We did not examine drug resistance in tuberculosis and excluded articles solely reporting on this parameter. We also excluded articles in which migrant status was determined by ethnicity, country of birth of participants' parents, or was not defined, and articles in which data were not disaggregated by migrant status. Outcomes were carriage of or infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms. We used random-effects models to calculate the pooled prevalence of each outcome. The study protocol is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42016043681. FINDINGS: We identified 2274 articles, of which 23 observational studies reporting on antibiotic resistance in 2319 migrants were included. The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or AMR infection in migrants was 25·4% (95% CI 19·1-31·8; I2 =98%), including meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (7·8%, 4·8-10·7; I2 =92%) and antibiotic-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (27·2%, 17·6-36·8; I2 =94%). The pooled prevalence of any AMR carriage or infection was higher in refugees and asylum seekers (33·0%, 18·3-47·6; I2 =98%) than in other migrant groups (6·6%, 1·8-11·3; I2 =92%). The pooled prevalence of antibiotic-resistant organisms was slightly higher in high-migrant community settings (33·1%, 11·1-55·1; I2 =96%) than in migrants in hospitals (24·3%, 16·1-32·6; I2 =98%). We did not find evidence of high rates of transmission of AMR from migrant to host populations. INTERPRETATION: Migrants are exposed to conditions favouring the emergence of drug resistance during transit and in host countries in Europe. Increased antibiotic resistance among refugees and asylum seekers and in high-migrant community settings (such as refugee camps and detention facilities) highlights the need for improved living conditions, access to health care, and initiatives to facilitate detection of and appropriate high-quality treatment for antibiotic-resistant infections during transit and in host countries. Protocols for the prevention and control of infection and for antibiotic surveillance need to be integrated in all aspects of health care, which should be accessible for all migrant groups, and should target determinants of AMR before, during, and after migration. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Imperial Biomedical Research Centre, Imperial College Healthcare Charity, the Wellcome Trust, and UK National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Healthcare-associated Infections and Antimictobial Resistance at Imperial College London