Allocation of distributed generation and battery switching stations for electric vehicle using whale optimiser algorithm

With the increasing demand for electrical vehicles (EVs) in the existing distribution system due to road traffic sustainability, fuel costs reduction, and environmental improvement by the promotion of low carbons in transportation, system planners need to minimise energy losses and improve voltage profile of the grid. Few studies resolved these issues via optimum placement of distributed generation (DG) and battery switching station (BSS) units in distribution system; however, these techniques considered only active power loss minimisation with various methodological limitations. Therefore, a new application of whale optimiser algorithm (WOA) is proposed to solve these limitations. The simultaneous placement based approach of the units has been adopted to minimise active and reactive energy losses of 33- and 69-bus distribution systems. System performance has been analyzed based on multiple technical criteria, such as system loading factor, voltage profile improvement, and active and reactive power loss reduction indices. The results of WOA have been proven to be superior to those of artificial bee colony and gravitational search algorithms. Therefore, the proposed methodology can guide energy planners in determining optimal allocation of multiple DG and BSS units in their systems,; in addition to the expected energy loss reduction within the system, BSS, and DG planning and operational constraints

An Estimate of a Frequency Characterizing the Electrochemical Stability of a Gold Electrode Modified by MHDA Thiol in Different Ways

A theoretical investigation aimed at estimating a characteristic frequency in the medium-low frequency domain in which the impedance response of a given interface measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is almost constant, constitutes the basic idea of this work. A theoretical model was subsequently applied to the data resulting from EIS measurements performed on gold electrodes modified by various ways of 16-mercaptohexadecanoic acid (MHDA) thiol functionalization. Analysis of these data revealed a direct relationship between the way the substrate was modified and this characteristic frequency. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

Pelvic exenteration and composite sacral resection in the surgical treatment of locally recurrent rectal cancer

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of rectal cancer recurrence after surgery is 5–45%. Extended pelvic resection which entails En-bloc resection of the tumor and adjacent involved organs provides the only true possible curative option for patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer.AimTo evaluate the surgical and oncological outcome of such treatment.Patients and methodsBetween 2006 and 2012 a consecutive series of 40 patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer underwent abdominosacral resection (ASR) in 18 patients, total pelvic exenteration with sacral resection in 10 patients and extended pelvic exenteration in 12 patients. Patients with sacral resection were 28, with the level of sacral division at S2–3 interface in 10 patients, at S3–4 in 15 patients and S4–5 in 3 patients.ResultsForty patients, male to female ratio 1.7:1, median age 45years (range 25–65years) underwent extended pelvic resection in the form of pelvic exenteration and abdominosacral resection. Morbidity, re-admission and mortality rates were 55%, 37.5%, and 5%, respectively. Mortality occurred in 2 patients due to perineal flap sepsis and massive myocardial infarction. A R0 and R1 sacral resection were achieved in 62.5% and 37.5%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate was 22.6% and the 4-year recurrence free survival was 31.8%.ConclusionExtended pelvic resection as pelvic exenteration and sacral resection for locally recurrent rectal cancer are effective procedures with tolerable mortality rate and acceptable outcome. The associated morbidity remains high and deserves vigilant follow up

Primary Fibrosarcoma of the Testicle with Puzzling Post-surgery Presentation: Mimicking Recurrence

Sarcomas of the testis are extremely rare tumors, their incidence being difficult to assess accurately. The authors report a case of a 21-year-old male, presented with painless scrotal swelling that increased in size insidiously within three months. The examination revealed a 10 cm right testicular swelling—hard, not tender and oval in shape. Testicular ultrasound revealed right heterogenous testicular mass. Tumor markers (Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) and alpha fetoprotein) were normal. CT chest and abdomen were normal. Radical orchidectomy was done through an inguinal approach. Histopathology showed testicular fibrosarcoma with spindle cells. After one month, the patient noticed reappearance of a swelling in the right hemiscrotum. Right inguinal exploration with massive resection of the recurrent scrotal mass was done. Histopathology revealed inflammatory process dominated by stitch granuloma. In conclusion, the recurrence rate of testicular sarcomas is high following radical orchidectomy, but still there was a place of non-malignant massthat looks like recurrence; it might occur like nonspecific inflammatory mass and stich granuloma

Design and comparison of printed antennas using meander line technique

The interest for compact antennas in wireless communication increase due to the portability and mobility of the communication devices. Generally, an antenna at low frequency exhibits in large physical size. This project investigates the design of an antenna at 400 MHz. The simulation of the antenna has been performed using CST MWS. Since medical applications are dealing with low frequency, it will lead to large size of antenna which brings a challenge for wireless personal area network (WPAN). It is well known that the antenna performance decreases (according to Chu’s equation) as the size of antenna decreases. Therefore, antenna miniaturization using Meander Line (ML) will be taking place to overcome the challenges. Thus, this paper presents a comparison between i) printed dipole antenna without meander line technique, ii) printed dipole with meander line technique and iii) printed monopole antenna with meander line technique. The results show that an estimation of reduction size by 50% can be achieved using Meander Line technique

Characterization of Rhizobial Bacteria Nodulating Astragalus corrugatus and Hippocrepis areolata in Tunisian Arid Soils

Fifty seven bacterial isolates from root nodules of two spontaneous legumes (Astragalus corrugatus and Hippocrepis areolata) growing in the arid areas of Tunisia were characterized by phenotypic features, 16S rDNA PCR-RFLP and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Phenotypically, our results indicate that A. corrugatus and H. areolata isolates showed heterogenic responses to the different phenotypic features. All isolates were acid producers, fast growers and all of them used different compounds as sole carbon and nitrogen source. The majority of isolate grew at pHs between 6 and 9, at temperatures up to 40°C and tolerated 3% NaCl concentrations. Phylogenetically, the new isolates were affiliated to four genera Sinorhizobium, Rhizobium, Mesorhizobium and Agrobacterium. About 73% of the isolates were species within the genera Sinorhizobium and Rhizobium. The isolates which failed to nodulate their host plants of origin were associated to Agrobacterium genus (three isolates)

Equal Lives: Parenthood and Caring in the Workplace

Equal Lives reveals that men and women have very similar attitudes and desires in relation to balancing work and caring responsibilities. During 2018, over 10,000 employees told us about their experiences, attitudes and aspirations in relation to balancing professional employment with personal caring responsibilities for both children and adults. Equal Lives shows that caring responsibilities outside of work impacts how engaged employees are at work, their ability to progress and impetus to leave, as well as relationships within teams at work. It suggests that if employers are to create healthy and productive workplace cultures they will need to recognise individual employee needs and aspirations outside of work; taking steps to reduce the gap between their employees’ attitudes and the reality of day-to-day organisational behaviours. Currently, in the UK, nine in ten households with dependent children have working parents

Résilience de la lentille au changement climatique au Maroc : principales réalisations en amélioration génétique, biotechnologie et gestion des cultures

Au Maroc, la lentille est cultivée dans des conditions pluviales et sa productivité est fortement influencée par les aléas climatiques, notamment la quantité et la distribution des précipitations, ainsi que les hautes températures. Dans ce contexte, l’augmentation de la production est tributaire de plusieurs facteurs, notamment l’utilisation de variétés améliorées, la maîtrise de l’itinéraire technique et des bonnes pratiques agricoles permettant une meilleure efficience d’utilisation de l’eau. Les recherches conduites à l’échelle nationale ont abouti au développement des nouvelles variétés améliorées et la mise ne place des nouvelles pratiques culturales, comme le semis direct, qui pourraient aboutir à une meilleure résilience face au changement climatique notamment en termes de tolérance à la sècheresse et aux hautes températures et de mécanisation. En effet, certaines nouvelles variétés sélectionnées lors des expérimentations pluriannuelles ont montré une meilleure tolérance au déficit hydrique et à la chaleur grâce à des caractéristiques morphologiques, phénologiques et physiologiques. D’autre part, des travaux de recherche en caractérisation des ressources génétiques (populations locales, espèces sauvages) ont permis d’identifier des sources de tolérance/résistance à ces stress abiotiques qui ont été intégrées en tant que parents dans la phase amont des programmes de création variétale. Néanmoins, il est important de renforcer les initiatives de transfert de technologies adéquates pour promouvoir l’utilisation des obtentions variétales et des techniques d’adaptation par les agriculteurs afin de mieux valoriser les acquis de recherche. D’autre part, il est essentiel de poursuivre la collection et l’exploration des ressources génétiques et la création des nouvelles variétés en ciblant en priorité les caractères agronomiques, morphologiques, physiologiques et qualitatifs.  Cela répondrait aux besoins des agriculteurs, des consommateurs et des industriels en matière de résilience au changement climatique, de rentabilité et de qualité nutritive. L’intégration des technologies modernes de phénotypage et de génotypage ainsi que l’utilisation des techniques de speed breeding dans le programme d’amélioration génétique est une étape importante pour améliorer le gain génétique et accélérer le développement de nouvelles variétés dotées des traits d’intérêts, notamment la stabilité du rendement face aux variations climatiques caractérisées par les faibles précipitations et la récurrence des épisodes de chaleur

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

Clinical significance of altered nm23-H1, EGFR, RB and p53 expression in bilharzial bladder cancer

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Clinical characterization of bladder carcinomas is still inadequate using the standard clinico-pathological prognostic markers. We assessed the correlation between <it>nm23-H1</it>, <it>Rb, EGFR </it>and <it>p53 </it>in relation to the clinical outcome of patients with muscle invasive bilharzial bladder cancer (MI-BBC).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p><it>nm23-H1</it>, <it>Rb, EGFR and p53 </it>expression was assessed in 59 MI-BBC patients using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription (RT-PCR) and was correlated to the standard clinico-pathological prognostic factors, patient's outcome and the overall survival (OS) rate.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Overexpression of <it>EGFR </it>and <it>p53 </it>proteins was detected in 66.1% and 35.6%; respectively. Loss of <it>nm23-H1</it>and <it>Rb </it>proteins was detected in 42.4% and 57.6%; respectively. Increased <it>EGFR and </it>loss of <it>nm23-H1 </it>RNA were detected in 61.5% and 36.5%; respectively. There was a statistically significant correlation between <it>p53 </it>and <it>EGFR </it>overexpression (<it>p </it>< 0.0001), <it>nm23 </it>loss (protein and RNA), lymph node status (<it>p </it>< 0.0001); between the incidence of local recurrence and <it>EGFR </it>RNA overexpression (p= 0.003) as well as between the incidence of metastasis and altered <it>Rb </it>expression (<it>p </it>= 0.026), <it>p53 </it>overexpression (<it>p </it>< 0.0001) and mutation (<it>p </it>= 0.04). Advanced disease stage correlated significantly with increased <it>EGFR </it>(protein and RNA) (<it>p </it>= 0.003 & 0.01), reduced <it>nm23-H1 </it>RNA (<it>p </it>= 0.02), altered <it>Rb </it>(<it>p </it>= 0.023), and <it>p53 </it>overexpression (<it>p </it>= 0.004). OS rates correlated significantly, in univariate analysis, with <it>p53 </it>overexpression (<it>p </it>= 0.011), increased <it>EGFR </it>(protein and RNA, <it>p </it>= 0.034&0.031), <it>nm23-H1 RNA </it>loss (<it>p </it>= 0.021) and aberrations of ≥ 2 genes. However, multivariate analysis showed that only high <it>EGFR </it>overexpression, metastatic recurrence, high tumor grade and the combination of ≥ 2 affected markers were independent prognostic factors.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p><it>nm23-H1, EGFR </it>and <it>p53 </it>could be used as prognostic biomarkers in MI-BBC patients. In addition to the standard pathological prognostic factors, a combination of these markers (≥ 2) has synergistic effects in stratifying patients into variable risk groups. The higher is the number of altered biomarkers, the higher will be the risk of disease progression and death.</p