Investigation of Wireless LAN for IEC 61850 based Smart Distribution Substations

The IEC 61850 standard is receiving acceptance worldwide to deploy Ethernet Local Area Networks (LANs) for electrical substations in a smart grid environment. With the recent growth in wireless communication technologies, wireless Ethernet or Wireless LAN (WLAN), standardized in IEEE 802.11, is gaining interest in the power industry for substation automation applications, especially at the distribution level. Low Voltage (LV) / Medium Voltage (MV) distribution substations have comparatively low time-critical performance requirements. At the same time, expensive but high data-rate fiber-based Ethernet networks may not be a feasible solution for the MV/LV distribution network. Extensive work is carried out to assess wireless LAN technologies for various IEC 61850 based smart distribution substation applications: control and monitoring; automation and metering; and over-current protection. First, the investigation of wireless LANs for various smart distribution substation applications was initiated with radio noise-level measurements in total five (27.6 and 13.8 kV) substations owned by London Hydro and Hydro One in London, ON, Canada. The measured noise level from a spectrum analyzer was modeled using the Probability Distribution Function (PDF) tool in MATLAB, and parameters for these models in the 2.4 GHz band and 5.8 GHz band were obtained. Further, this measured noise models were used to simulate substation environment in OPNET (the industry-trusted communication networking simulation) tool. In addition, the efforts for developing dynamic models of WLAN-enabled IEC 61850 devices were initiated using Proto-C programming in OPNET tool. The IEC 61850 based devices, such as Protection and Control (P&C) Intelligent Electronic Devices (IEDs) and Merging Unit (MU) were developed based on the OSI-7 layer stack proposed in IEC 61850. The performance of various smart distribution substation applications was assessed in terms of average and maximum message transfer delays and throughput. The work was extended by developing hardware prototypes of WLAN enabled IEC 61850 devices in the R&D laboratory at University of Western Ontario, Canada. P&C IED, MU, Processing IED, and Echo IED were developed using industrial embedded computers over the QNX Real Time Operating System (RTOS) platform. The functions were developed using hard real-time multithreads, timers, and so on to communicate IEC 61850 application messages for analyzing WLAN performance in terms of Round Trip Time (RTT) and throughput. The laboratory was set up with WLAN-enabled IEC 61850 devices, a commercially available WLAN Access Point (AP), noise sources, and spectrum and network analyzers. Performance of various smart distribution substation applications is examined within the developed laboratory. Finally, the performance evaluation was carried out in real-world field testing at 13.8 and 27.6 kV distribution substations, by installing the devices in substation control room and switchyard. The RTT of IEC 61850 based messages and operating time of the overcurrent protection using WLAN based communication network were evaluated in the harsh environment of actual distribution substations. The important findings from the exhaustive investigation were discussed throughout this work

A comparative study of effects of Triphala and Tetracycline gel on root conditioning: A scanning electron microscopic study

Background: Remnants of dental calculus, contaminated cementum, and subgingival plaque act  as  a  physical  barrier  between  periodontal  tissues  and  root  surfaces,  which  inhibits  the formation of new attachment. Treatment of denuded root surface using various chemicals and antimicrobial agents with scaling and root planing helps in active periodontal regeneration. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the demineralizing effects of Triphala and 1% Tetracycline HCl gel on root conditioning using a Scanning Electron Microscope. Settings and  design:  A  total  of  50  hemi-sectioned  root  samples  were  obtained  from  25 extracted,  and  root  planed  samples.  These  were  divided  into  two  groups,  Group  1:  1% Tetracycline HCl gel and Group 2: Triphala. Materials and method: The two root conditioning agents were applied with cotton pellets on the sectioned roots. The samples were then examined under the scanning electron microscope. Statistical analysis used: Data obtained was compiled on a MS Office Excel Sheet. Inter group comparison was done using Mann Whitney U test. Comparison of frequencies of categories of variables with groups was done using Chi Square Test. Results: The root conditioning agents used in this study were found to be equally effective in removing the smear layer.  &nbsp

Pulmonary edema following generalized tonic clonic seizures is directly associated with seizure duration

PurposePostictal pulmonary edema (PPE) is almost invariably present in human and animal cases of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) coming to autopsy. PPE may be a contributing factor in SUDEP. The incidence of postictal PPE is unknown. We retrospectively investigated PPE following generalized tonic clonic seizures (GTCS) in the epilepsy monitoring unit.MethodsChest X-Rays (CXR) following each GTCS were obtained in 24 consecutive patients. Relationship of CXR abnormality to seizure duration, ictal/postictal oxygen desaturation (SpO2), apnea and presence of postictal generalized EEG suppression (PGES) was investigated using logistic regression.ResultsEleven of 24 patients had CXR abnormalities following a GTCS. In these 11 patients, 22 CXR were obtained and abnormalities were present in 15 CXR. Abnormalities included PPE in 7 patients, of which 2 also had focal infiltrates. In 4 patients focal infiltrates were present without PPE. There was no significant difference in mean time to CXR (225 min) following GTCS in the abnormal CXR group versus the normal group of patients (196 min). Mean preceding seizure duration was longer (p=0.002) in GTCS with abnormal CXR (259.7 sec) versus GTCS with normal CXR (101.2 sec). Odds-ratio for CXR abnormality was 20.46 (p=0.006) with seizure duration greater than 100 sec versus less than 100 sec. On multivariable analysis, only the seizure duration was a significant predictor of CXR abnormality (p=0.015).ConclusionsRadiographic abnormalities are not uncommon following GTCS. The presence of CXR abnormality is significantly associated with the duration of the preceding GTCS. Severe, untreated PPE may be relevant to the pathophysiology of SUDEP

Replicating Viral Vector-Based Vaccines for COVID-19: Potential Avenue in Vaccination Arena

The “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)” is the third member of human coronavirus (CoV) that is held accountable for the current “coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)” pandemic. In the past two decades, the world has witnessed the emergence of two other similar CoVs, namely SARS-CoV in 2002 and MERS-CoV in 2013. The extent of spread of these earlier versions was relatively low in comparison to SARS-CoV-2. Despite having numerous reports inclined towards the zoonotic origin of the virus, one cannot simply sideline the fact that no animal originated CoV is thus far identified that is considered similar to the initial edition of SARS-CoV-2; however, under-sampling of the diverse variety of coronaviruses remains a concern. Vaccines are proved to be an effective tool for bringing the end to such a devastating pandemic. Many vaccine platforms are explored for the same but in this review paper, we will discuss the potential of replicating viral vectors as vaccine carriers for SARS-CoV-2

Rectal Radiation Dose and Clinical Outcomes in Prostate Cancer Patients Treated With Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy With and Without Hydrogel

BackgroundPatients with prostate cancer treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) may experience gastrointestinal (GI) toxicity. The hydrogel may mitigate this toxicity by reducing the rectal radiation dose. The purpose of this study is to compare rectal radiation dose and GI toxicity in patients receiving prostate SBRT with and without hydrogel.MethodsConsecutive patients treated with SBRT between February 2017 and January 2020 with and without hydrogel were retrospectively identified. Baseline characteristics including prostate volume, rectal diameter, body mass index (BMI), age, pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA), Gleason score, T-stage, and androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) usage were compared. Dosimetric outcomes (V40Gy, V36Gy, V32Gy, V38Gy, and V20Gy), rates of acute (≤90 days) and late (>90 days) GI toxicity, and PSA outcomes were evaluated for patients with and without hydrogel.ResultsA total of 92 patients were identified (51 hydrogel and 41 non-hydrogel). There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics. Rectal V38(cc) was significantly less in the hydrogel group (mean 0.44 vs. mean 1.41 cc, p = 0.0002), and the proportion of patients with V38(cc) < 2 cc was greater in the hydrogel group (92% vs. 72%, p = 0.01). Rectal dose was significantly lower for all institutional dose constraints in the hydrogel group (p < 0.001). The hydrogel group experienced significantly less acute overall GI toxicity (16% hydrogel vs. 28% non-hydrogel, p = 0.006), while the difference in late GI toxicity trended lower with hydrogel but was not statistically significant (4% hydrogel vs. 10% non-hydrogel, p = 0.219). At a median follow-up of 14.8 months, there were no biochemical recurrences in either group.ConclusionHydrogel reduces rectal radiation dose in patients receiving prostate SBRT and is associated with a decreased rate of acute GI toxicity

Conventional and Novel Diagnostic Tools for the Diagnosis of Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Accurate identification at an early stage of infection is critical for effective care of any infectious disease. The “coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)” outbreak, caused by the virus “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)”, corresponds to the current and global pandemic, characterized by several developing variants, many of which are classified as variants of concern (VOCs) by the “World Health Organization (WHO, Geneva, Switzerland)”. The primary diagnosis of infection is made using either the molecular technique of RT-PCR, which detects parts of the viral genome’s RNA, or immunodiagnostic procedures, which identify viral proteins or antibodies generated by the host. As the demand for the RT-PCR test grew fast, several inexperienced producers joined the market with innovative kits, and an increasing number of laboratories joined the diagnostic field, rendering the test results increasingly prone to mistakes. It is difficult to determine how the outcomes of one unnoticed result could influence decisions about patient quarantine and social isolation, particularly when the patients themselves are health care providers. The development of point-of-care testing helps in the rapid in-field diagnosis of the disease, and such testing can also be used as a bedside monitor for mapping the progression of the disease in critical patients. In this review, we have provided the readers with available molecular diagnostic techniques and their pitfalls in detecting emerging VOCs of SARS-CoV-2, and lastly, we have discussed AI-ML- and nanotechnology-based smart diagnostic techniques for SARS-CoV-2 detection

Conventional and Novel Diagnostic Tools for the Diagnosis of Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants

Accurate identification at an early stage of infection is critical for effective care of any infectious disease. The “coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)” outbreak, caused by the virus “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)”, corresponds to the current and global pandemic, characterized by several developing variants, many of which are classified as variants of concern (VOCs) by the “World Health Organization (WHO, Geneva, Switzerland)”. The primary diagnosis of infection is made using either the molecular technique of RT-PCR, which detects parts of the viral genome’s RNA, or immunodiagnostic procedures, which identify viral proteins or antibodies generated by the host. As the demand for the RT-PCR test grew fast, several inexperienced producers joined the market with innovative kits, and an increasing number of laboratories joined the diagnostic field, rendering the test results increasingly prone to mistakes. It is difficult to determine how the outcomes of one unnoticed result could influence decisions about patient quarantine and social isolation, particularly when the patients themselves are health care providers. The development of point-of-care testing helps in the rapid in-field diagnosis of the disease, and such testing can also be used as a bedside monitor for mapping the progression of the disease in critical patients. In this review, we have provided the readers with available molecular diagnostic techniques and their pitfalls in detecting emerging VOCs of SARS-CoV-2, and lastly, we have discussed AI-ML- and nanotechnology-based smart diagnostic techniques for SARS-CoV-2 detection