Direct CP violation in neutral kaon decays

The final result is presented of the NA48 Experiment performed at CERN SPS neutral kaon beams on the direct CP violation parameter Re(epsilon'/epsilon), as maesured from the decay rates of neutral kaons into two pions. The data collected in years 1997-2001 yield the evidence for direct CP violation with Re(epsilon'/epsilon)=(14.7+-2.2)10^-4. Description of expermental method and systematics, comparison with world data and some discussion of implications for theory are given.Comment: 5 pp., 3 figs, presented on behalf of NA48 Collaboration at PASCOS 2003 Conference, Mumbai, India, 2-8 Jan 2003, to appear in Praman

Optimal Observer Synthesis for Microgrids With Adaptive Send-on-Delta Sampling Over IoT Communication Networks

State estimation is one of the main challenges in the microgrids, due to the complexity of the system dynamics and the limitations of the communication network. In this regard, a novel real-time event-based optimal state estimator is introduced in this paper, which uses the proposed adaptive send-on-delta (SoD) non-uniform sampling method over wireless sensors networks. The proposed estimator requires low communication bandwidth and incurs lower computational resource cost. The threshold for the SoD sampler is made adaptive based on the average communication link delay, which is computed in a distributed form using the event-based average consensus protocol. The SoD non-uniform signal sampling approach reduces the traffic over the wireless communication network due to the events transmitted only when there is a level crossing in the measurements. The state estimator structure is extended on top of the traditional Kalman filter with the additional stages for the fusion of the received events. The error correction stage is further improved by optimal reconstruction of the signals using projection onto convex sets (POCS) algorithm. Finally, an Internet of things (IoT) experimental platform based on LoRaWAN and IEEE 802.11 (WiFi) protocols is developed to analyse the performance of the state estimator for the IEEE 5 Bus case study microgrid

Psychometric assessment of beck scale for suicidal ideation (BSSI) in general population in Tehran

Background: Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (BSSI) is a widely used instrument to assess suicidality. However, there is only limited information about the psychometric characteristics of BSSI in the Persian language. In this study, we investigated the validity, reliability and factor structure of the BSSI in the general population of Tehran. Methods: Initially, 900 questionnaire packages were distributed to the general population of Tehran (response rate: 59 percent), using cluster random sampling method. The questionnaire package consisted of a demographic questionnaire, the Persian translation of the BSSI, Symptom checklist-90- Revised (SCL-90-R), Beck Hopelessness Inventory (BHI) and Philips Social Support Appraisal Scale. Internal consistency and correlations of the BSSI scores with other constructs were investigated. Factor analysis was done using principal component method. Results: The Cronbach's alpha coefficients of the screening part and the whole scale were satisfactory (>0.8). The scores of both the screening part and the total scale in individuals who experienced suicidal attempt were higher than others. Both the screening part and the total scale had a positive correlation with depression and Global Severity Index in SCL-90-R, and a negative correlation with social support. The scores of the screening part had a positive correlation with anxiety, psychoticism, hostility and hopelessness as well. The screening part consisted of a single factor which explains 60 of the total variance. Conclusion: The Persian translation of the BSSI has desirable psychometric properties in research setting. However, the clinical usage of the scale remains to be explored, and the factor structure of the whole questionnaire should be assessed in a clinical sample

Comparison of Masculine and Feminine Gender Roles in Iranian Patients with Gender Identity Disorder

Introduction: Gender identity disorders (GID) are heterogeneous disorders that may be influenced by culture and social norms. Aim: The aim of this study was to determine masculine and feminine gender roles in a group of Iranian patients with GID and compare these roles with two control groups. Methods: Twelve male-to-female (MF) and 27 female-to-male (FM) individuals with GID referred to Tehran Psychiatric Institute in Tehran, I. R. Iran were evaluated by self-report inventories and were compared with two groups of healthy controls (81 men and 89 women). Diagnoses were established based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Data analysis was done using analysis of variance and chi-squared test. Main Outcome Measures: Masculine and feminine gender roles were assessed by two questionnaires: (i) Gender-Masculine (GM) and Gender-Feminine (GF) scales derived from the Minnesota Multiphasic Inventory-2 (MMPI-2); (ii) Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI). Results: In the scales of masculinity, MF-GID individuals scored as male controls, but lower than female controls. FM-GID individuals scored similar to female controls and higher than male controls. In femininity scales, MF-GID individuals and control women seemed similar, and both scored higher than the other groups. FM-GID persons were considered less feminine than both controls in the GF scale of MMPI-2, but not in the BSRI. In both scales, FM-GID persons had higher scores than control women and MF-GID individuals. Conclusion: Iranian FM-GID individuals were less feminine than normal men. However, MF-GID individuals were similar to normal women or more feminine. Cultural considerations remain to be investigated. Alavi K, Eftekhar M and Jalali Nadoushan AH. Comparison of masculine and feminine gender roles in Iranian patients with gender identity disorder. Sex Med 2015;3:261-268. © 2015 International Society of Sexual Medicine

Microgrid Optimal State Estimation Over IoT Wireless Sensor Networks With Event-Based Measurements

In a microgrid, real-time state estimation has always been a challenge due to several factors such as the complexity of computations, constraints of the communication network and low inertia. In this paper, a real-time event-based optimal linear state estimator is introduced, which uses the send-on-delta data collection approach over wireless sensors networks and exhibits low computation and communication resources cost. By employing the send-on-delta event-based measurement strategy, the burden over the wireless sensor network is reduced due to the transmission of events only when there is a significant variation in the signals. The state estimator structure is developed based on the linear Kalman filter with the additional steps for the centralized fusion of events data and optimal reconstruction of signals by projection onto convex sets. Also for the practical feasibility analysis, this paper developed an Internet of things prototype platform based on LoRaWanprotocol that satisfies the requirements of the proposed state estimator in a microgrid

Polymers near Metal Surfaces: Selective Adsorption and Global Conformations

We study the properties of a polycarbonate melt near a nickel surface as a model system for the interaction of polymers with metal surfaces by employing a multiscale modeling approach. For bulk properties a suitably coarse grained bead spring model is simulated by molecular dynamics (MD) methods with model parameters directly derived from quantum chemical calculations. The surface interactions are parameterized and incorporated by extensive quantum mechanical density functional calculations using the Car-Parrinello method. We find strong chemisorption of chain ends, resulting in significant modifications of the melt composition when compared to an inert wall.Comment: 8 pages, 3 figures (2 color), 1 tabl

Forecast Based Consensus Control for DC Microgrids Using Distributed Long Short-Term Memory Deep Learning Models

In a microgrid, renewable energy sources (RES) exhibit stochastic behavior, which affects the microgrid continuous operation. Normally, energy storage systems (ESSs) are installed on the main branches of the microgrids to compensate for the load-supply mismatch. However, their state of charge (SoC) level needs to be balanced to guarantee the continuous operation of the microgrid in case of RES unavailability. This paper proposes a distributed forecast-based consensus control strategy for DC microgrids that balances the SoC levels of ESSs. By using the load-supply forecast of each branch, the microgrid operational continuity is increased while the voltage is stabilized. These objectives are achieved by prioritized (dis)charging of ESSs based on the RES availability and load forecast. Each branch controller integrates a load forecasting unit based on long short-term memory (LSTM) deep neural network that adaptively adjusts the (dis)charging rate of the ESSs to increase the microgrid endurability in the event of temporary generation insufficiencies. Furthermore, due to the large training data requirements of the LSTM models, distributed extended Kalman filter algorithm is used to improve the learning convergence time. The performance of the proposed strategy is evaluated on an experimental 380V DC microgrid hardware-in-the-loop test-bench and the results confirm the achievement of the controller objectives

Efficacy of topical phenytoin on chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis; a pilot study

"nBackground and the Purpose of the Study: Oral mucositis is one of the most common complications of malignancy chemotherapy. As yet, no absolute treatment has been demonstrated to be effective for chemotherapy- induced oral mucositis. This study evaluates the effectiveness of phenytoin mouthwash as a wound healing agent, on the basis of stimulating effects on fibroblast proliferation. "nMaterials and Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, placebo- controlled clinical trial; twelve patients received phenytoin mouthwash (0.5%) or placebo for about two weeks. Oral pain severity was scored on the daily basis using a VAS (visual analogue scale) of 10 centimeters. National Cancer Institute (NCI) scale was used to grade the intensity of mucositis. To determine the effect of treatment, a quality of life questionnaire, consisting of 35 queries, was filled out for all patients. Statistical analyses of data was performed using Mann- Whitney test. "nResults: The average time for complete remission of mucositis in phenytoin- treated group was less than that of the placebo group. The quality of life improved dramatically in the phenytoin group with the healing process being more evident in the first week. Furthermore, reduction in the wound area was greater in the phenytoin group than controls at the end of the first week of treatment. Both groups eventually demonstrated reduction in pain intensity; however no statistically significant difference was observed between two groups. "nConclusion: Phenytoin mouthwash accelerated wound healing and resolution of mucositis and improved life quality impressively

Suicide Prevention and Follow-Up Services: A Narrative Review

Previous suicide attempt is the most important predictor of death by suicide. Thus preventive interventions after attempting to suicide is essential to prevent reattempts. This paper attempts to determine whether phone preventive interventions or other vehicles (postal cards, email and case management) are effective in reattempt prevention and health promotion after discharge by providing an overview of studies on suicide reattempts. The research investigated in this review conducted from 1995 to 2014. A total of 26 cases related to the aim of this research were derived from 36 English articles with the aforementioned keywords Research shows that providing comprehensive aids, social support, and follow-up after discharge can significantly prevent suicide reattempts. Several studies showed that follow-up support (phone calls, crisis cards, mails, postal cards.) after discharge can significantly decrease the risk of suicide. More randomized controlled trials (RCT) are required to determine what factors of follow-up are more effective than other methods

Thermodynamics of a Bardeen black hole in noncommutative space

In this paper, we examine the effects of space noncommutativity on the thermodynamics of a Bardeen charged regular black hole. For a suitable choice of sets of parameters, the behavior of the singularity, horizon, mass function, black hole mass, temperature, entropy and its differential, area and energy distribution of the Bardeen solution have been discussed graphically for both noncommutative and commutative spaces. Graphs show that the commutative coordinates extrapolate all such quantities (except temperature) for a given set of parameters. It is interesting to mention here that these sets of parameters provide the singularity (essential for $r_h>0$) and horizon ($f(r_h)=0$ for $r_h>0$) for the black hole solution in noncommutative space, while for commutative space no such quantity exists.Comment: 17 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in Canadian J. Physic