CZT-Based Harmonic Analysis in Smart Grid Using Low-Cost Electronic Measurement Boards

This paper validates the use of a harmonic analysis algorithm on a microcontroller to perform measurements of non-stationary signals in the context of smart grids. The increasing presence of electronic devices such as inverters of distributed generators (DG), power converters of charging stations for electric vehicles, etc. can drain non-stationary currents during their operation. A classical fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm may not have sufficient spectral resolution for the evaluation of harmonics and inter-harmonics. Thus, in this paper, the implementation of a chirp-Z transform (CZT) algorithm is suggested, which has a spectral resolution independent from the observation window. The CZT is implemented on a low-cost commercial microcontroller, and the absolute error is evaluated with respect to the same algorithm implemented in the LabVIEW environment. The results of the tests show that the CZT implementation on a low-cost microcontroller allows for accurate measurement results, demonstrating the feasibility of reliable harmonic analysis measurements even in non-stationary conditions on smart grids

Carbohydrate Metabolism Is Essential for the Colonization of Streptococcus thermophilus in the Digestive Tract of Gnotobiotic Rats

Streptococcus thermophilus is the archetype of lactose-adapted bacterium and so far, its sugar metabolism has been mainly investigated in vitro. The objective of this work was to study the impact of lactose and lactose permease on S. thermophilus physiology in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of gnotobiotic rats. We used rats mono-associated with LMD-9 strain and receiving 4.5% lactose. This model allowed the analysis of colonization curves of LMD-9, its metabolic profile, its production of lactate and its interaction with the colon epithelium. Lactose induced a rapid and high level of S. thermophilus in the GIT, where its activity led to 49 mM of intra-luminal L-lactate that was related to the induction of mono-carboxylic transporter mRNAs (SLC16A1 and SLC5A8) and p27Kip1 cell cycle arrest protein in epithelial cells. In the presence of a continuous lactose supply, S. thermophilus recruited proteins involved in glycolysis and induced the metabolism of alternative sugars as sucrose, galactose, and glycogen. Moreover, inactivation of the lactose transporter, LacS, delayed S. thermophilus colonization. Our results show i/that lactose constitutes a limiting factor for colonization of S. thermophilus, ii/that activation of enzymes involved in carbohydrate metabolism constitutes the metabolic signature of S. thermophilus in the GIT, iii/that the production of lactate settles the dialogue with colon epithelium. We propose a metabolic model of management of carbohydrate resources by S. thermophilus in the GIT. Our results are in accord with the rationale that nutritional allegation via consumption of yogurt alleviates the symptoms of lactose intolerance

Perspectives on utilization of edible coatings and nano-laminate coatings for extension of postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables

It is known that in developing countries, a large quantity of fruit and vegetable losses results at postharvest and processing stages due to poor or scarce storage technology and mishandling during harvest. The use of new and innovative technologies for reducing postharvest losses is a requirement that has not been fully covered. The use of edible coatings (mainly based on biopolymers) as a postharvest technique for agricultural commodities has offered biodegradable alternatives in order to solve problems (e.g., microbiological growth) during produce storage. However, biopolymer-based coatings can present some disadvantages such as: poor mechanical properties (e.g., lipids) or poor water vapor barrier properties (e.g., polysaccharides), thus requiring the development of new alternatives to solve these drawbacks. Recently, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising tool in the food processing industry, providing new insights about postharvest technologies on produce storage. Nanotechnological approaches can contribute through the design of functional packing materials with lower amounts of bioactive ingredients, better gas and mechanical properties and with reduced impact on the sensorial qualities of the fruits and vegetables. This work reviews some of the main factors involved in postharvest losses and new technologies for extension of postharvest storage of fruits and vegetables, focused on perspective uses of edible coatings and nano-laminate coatings.María L. Flores-López thanks Mexican Science and Technology Council (CONACYT, Mexico) for PhD fellowship support (CONACYT Grant Number: 215499/310847). Miguel A. Cerqueira (SFRH/BPD/72753/2010) is recipient of a fellowship from the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT, POPH-QREN and FSE Portugal). The authors also thank the FCT Strategic Project of UID/ BIO/04469/2013 unit, the project RECI/BBB-EBI/0179/2012 (FCOMP-01-0124-FEDER-027462) and the project ‘‘BioInd Biotechnology and Bioengineering for improved Industrial and AgroFood processes,’’ REF. NORTE-07-0124-FEDER-000028 Co-funded by the Programa Operacional Regional do Norte (ON.2 – O Novo Norte), QREN, FEDER. Fundação Cearense de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico – FUNCAP, CE Brazil (CI10080-00055.01.00/13)

Effects of hospital facilities on patient outcomes after cancer surgery: an international, prospective, observational study

Background Early death after cancer surgery is higher in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) compared with in high-income countries, yet the impact of facility characteristics on early postoperative outcomes is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the association between hospital infrastructure, resource availability, and processes on early outcomes after cancer surgery worldwide.Methods A multimethods analysis was performed as part of the GlobalSurg 3 study-a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study of patients who had surgery for breast, colorectal, or gastric cancer. The primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 30-day major complication rates. Potentially beneficial hospital facilities were identified by variable selection to select those associated with 30-day mortality. Adjusted outcomes were determined using generalised estimating equations to account for patient characteristics and country-income group, with population stratification by hospital.Findings Between April 1, 2018, and April 23, 2019, facility-level data were collected for 9685 patients across 238 hospitals in 66 countries (91 hospitals in 20 high-income countries; 57 hospitals in 19 upper-middle-income countries; and 90 hospitals in 27 low-income to lower-middle-income countries). The availability of five hospital facilities was inversely associated with mortality: ultrasound, CT scanner, critical care unit, opioid analgesia, and oncologist. After adjustment for case-mix and country income group, hospitals with three or fewer of these facilities (62 hospitals, 1294 patients) had higher mortality compared with those with four or five (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.85 [95% CI 2.58-5.75]; p<0.0001), with excess mortality predominantly explained by a limited capacity to rescue following the development of major complications (63.0% vs 82.7%; OR 0.35 [0.23-0.53]; p<0.0001). Across LMICs, improvements in hospital facilities would prevent one to three deaths for every 100 patients undergoing surgery for cancer.Interpretation Hospitals with higher levels of infrastructure and resources have better outcomes after cancer surgery, independent of country income. Without urgent strengthening of hospital infrastructure and resources, the reductions in cancer-associated mortality associated with improved access will not be realised

PANC Study (Pancreatitis: A National Cohort Study): national cohort study examining the first 30 days from presentation of acute pancreatitis in the UK

Abstract Background Acute pancreatitis is a common, yet complex, emergency surgical presentation. Multiple guidelines exist and management can vary significantly. The aim of this first UK, multicentre, prospective cohort study was to assess the variation in management of acute pancreatitis to guide resource planning and optimize treatment. Methods All patients aged greater than or equal to 18 years presenting with acute pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria, from March to April 2021 were eligible for inclusion and followed up for 30 days. Anonymized data were uploaded to a secure electronic database in line with local governance approvals. Results A total of 113 hospitals contributed data on 2580 patients, with an equal sex distribution and a mean age of 57 years. The aetiology was gallstones in 50.6 per cent, with idiopathic the next most common (22.4 per cent). In addition to the 7.6 per cent with a diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis, 20.1 per cent of patients had a previous episode of acute pancreatitis. One in 20 patients were classed as having severe pancreatitis, as per the Atlanta criteria. The overall mortality rate was 2.3 per cent at 30 days, but rose to one in three in the severe group. Predictors of death included male sex, increased age, and frailty; previous acute pancreatitis and gallstones as aetiologies were protective. Smoking status and body mass index did not affect death. Conclusion Most patients presenting with acute pancreatitis have a mild, self-limiting disease. Rates of patients with idiopathic pancreatitis are high. Recurrent attacks of pancreatitis are common, but are likely to have reduced risk of death on subsequent admissions. </jats:sec

The Impact of Applying Sustainable Leadership Principles on Achieving the Characteristics of a Smart Organisation: A Field Study

Важливість сталого розвитку та захисту навколишнього середовища є одними з найважливіших основ сучасних бізнес-організацій, які називають розумними. Ми покладаємо першочергову відповідальність за це на керівництво організації, оскільки саме воно може підтримувати питання сталого розвитку та вважає їх частиною своєї робочої етики. Тому метою нашого дослідження є визначення найважливіших принципів сталого лідерства, які можуть сприяти досягненню характеристик розумної організації. Особливо в державних лікарнях Алжиру, оскільки вони є найважливішими закладами обслуговування в країні. Крім того, інтелект бізнес-організацій не означає прискорення в придбанні та розвитку інформаційно-комунікаційних технологій. Однак він також включав екологічні, соціальні та економічні стандарти. Щоб досягти мети дослідження, ми переглянули найважливішу інтелектуальну літературу, яка стосується двох змінних (стійке лідерство та розумна організація), на додаток до розробки анкети для збору інформації, розділеної на три основні осі. Він був розповсюджений серед вибірки працівників державних лікарень у Джельфі (Алжир). Ми використовували статистичні програми (SPSS, smart pls) для обробки даних з анкети. Тести показали кілька важливих результатів, зокрема принцип збереження та соціальної справедливості. має важливий вплив на досягнення характеристик розумних організацій у державних лікарнях Джельфи. Це вказує на те, що керівництво лікарень надає великого значення цим двом принципам. Воно прагне зберегти ресурси, що використовуються шляхом розумного використання. Воно також вважає, що соціальна справедливість серед членів суспільства є одним із його пріоритетів, особливо тому, що ми знаємо, що ці лікарні є державними та доступними, орієнтованими на всіх громадян без винятку Кілька важливих рекомендацій, серед яких необхідність підтримки зусиль збереження та соціальної справедливості для лікарень для забезпечення продовження прийняття характеристик розумних організацій.Вони також повинні переглянути втілення принципів сталого лідерства, працюючи над поглибленням стійкості та консолідацією її серед лідерів, а потім експортуючи свої ідеї всередині та за межі організації.The importance of sustainability and environmental protection are among the most important pillars of contemporary business organisations that are described as intelligent. We attribute the first responsibility for this to the organisation’s leadership because it is the one that can support sustainability issues and considers them as part of its work ethics. Therefore, the objective of our study is to identify the most important principles of sustainable leadership that can contribute to achieving the characteristics of a smart organisation. Especially in Algerian public hospitals, because they are the most important service institutions in the country. In addition, the intelligence of business organisations does not mean the acceleration in acquiring and developing information and communication technology. However, it has also included environmental, social, and economic standards. In order to achieve the objective of the study, we reviewed the most important intellectual literature that dealt with the two variables (sustainable leadership and intelligent organisation), in addition to designing a questionnaire to collect information divided into three main axes. It was distributed to a sample of employees in public hospitals in Djelfa (Algeria. We used statistical programs (SPSS, smart pls) to process the data from the questionnaire. The tests showed several important results, including that the principle of conservation and social justice has an important impact on achieving the characteristics of smart organisations in public hospitals in Djelfa. This indicates that the leadership of hospitals attaches great importance to these two principles. It seeks to conserve the resources used through prudent use. It also considers that social justice among members of society is one of its priorities, especially since we know that these hospitals are public and accessible, aimed at all citizens without exception. Several important recommendations, among them the need to support the efforts of conservation and social justice for hospitals to ensure the continuation of adopting the characteristics of smart organisations. They should also reconsider the embodiment of the principles of sustainable leadership by working to deepen sustainability and consolidate it among its leaders and then exporting their ideas inside and outside the organisation

Aspects épidémiologiques et virologiques de la conjonctivite à adénovirus en Tunisie

International audienceHuman adenoviruses (HAdV) are the main cause of viral conjunctivitis. In Tunisia and North Africa more generally, there is no regular nationwide surveillance program that monitors viruses causing conjunctivitis and keratoconjunctivitis. In this study, we report the results of HAdV screening in conjunctival samples collected for over 14 years in Tunisia. A total of 282 conjunctival samples received between 2000 and 2013 were investigated. Detection and identification of genotype were performed by PCR-sequencing at the hexon gene; 64.5% of samples (n = 182) revealed positive by PCR detection without correlation noted between infection, age, sex, social class or clinical manifestations of viral conjunctivitis. HAdV-D8 was the largely predominant genotype in Tunisia, representing 81.3% of all isolates, and was detected continuously from 2000 to 2013. Minor co-circulating genotypes were also identified HAdV-E4, HAdV-B3, B55 and HAdV-B7 accounting for 10.7%, 4.9%, 1.9% and 0.9% of isolates, respectively. In conclusion, this work reports epidemiological data on adenoviral conjunctivitis from a region where such information is very scarce and contributes to a better knowledge of the worldwide distribution of causative genotypes. It also presents an approach for the identification of circulating HAdV in the country and demonstrates the importance of molecular tools for both detection and identification of genotypes, which allow rapid virological investigation, especially during epidemics.Les adénovirus humains (HAdV) sont les principales causes de conjonctivite virale. L’incidence des conjonctivites à HAdV n’est pas assez documentée dans certains pays qui n’ont pas établi des programmes nationaux de surveillance, notamment en Tunisie et en Afrique du Nord plus généralement. Dans cette étude, nous rapportons les résultats de la recherche des HAdV dans les prélèvements conjonctivaux collectés sur plus de 14 années, en Tunisie. Au total, 282 prélèvements conjonctivaux reçus entre 2000 et 2013, ont été investigués. La détection et l’identification du génotype ont été réalisées par PCR-séquençage au niveau du gène de l’hexon. Les HAdV ont été détectés dans 64,5 % des cas sans noter de corrélation entre l’infection, l’âge, le sexe, la classe sociale ou les manifestations cliniques de la conjonctivite virale. L’analyse phylogénétique a montré que HAdV-D8 est le génotype majeur (81,3 %) en Tunisie ayant une circulation continue durant plus que 14 ans, de 2000 à 2013. D’autres génotypes mineurs ont également été détectés : HAdV-E4, HAdV-B3, B55 et HAdV-B7, comptant pour 10,7 %, 4,9 %, 1,9 % et 0,9 % des isolats, respectivement. En conclusion, ce travail rapporte les données épidémiologiques sur la conjonctivite adénovirale d’une région où cette information est très rare et contribue à une meilleure connaissance de la distribution mondiale des génotypes pathogènes. Il démontre également l’importance des techniques moléculaires aussi bien pour la détection des HAdV que pour l’identification des génotypes permettant une investigation virologique rapide des cas d’où l’intérêt de leur utilisation surtout en cours d’épidémies