Impact of fill factor on input current ripple of photovoltaic system

This paper discusses the impact of fill factor on the input current ripple of the photovoltaic module and the loss effect on power extracted. Photovoltaic module's P-V curve produces exponential curve. The curvature of this curve indicates the fill factor of the particular cell; hence, by increasing the fill factor, the available extracted power increases. Yet, this paper states that losses due to photovoltaic current increases by increasing the fill factor

Image Reconstruction of a Charge Coupled Device Based Optical Tomographic Instrumentation System for Particle Sizing

This research investigates the use of charge coupled device (abbreviated as CCD) linear image sensors in an optical tomographic instrumentation system used for sizing particles. The measurement system, consisting of four CCD linear image sensors are configured around an octagonal shaped flow pipe for a four projections system is explained. The four linear image sensors provide 2,048 pixel imaging with a pixel size of 14 micron × 14 micron, hence constituting a high-resolution system. Image reconstruction for a four-projection optical tomography system is also discussed, where a simple optical model is used to relate attenuation due to variations in optical density, [R], within the measurement section. Expressed in matrix form this represents the forward problem in tomography [S] [R] = [M]. In practice, measurements [M] are used to estimate the optical density distribution by solving the inverse problem [R] = [S]−1[M]. Direct inversion of the sensitivity matrix, [S], is not possible and two approximations are considered and compared—the transpose and the pseudo inverse sensitivity matrices

An exploratory randomised trial of a simple, brief psychological intervention to reduce subsequent suicidal ideation and behaviour in patients admitted to hospital for self-harm.

Background Implementation intentions link triggers for self-harm with coping skills and appear to create an automatic tendency to invoke coping responses when faced with a triggering situation. Aims To test the effectiveness of implementation intentions in reducing suicidal ideation and behaviour in a high-risk group. Method Two hundred and twenty-six patients who had self-harmed were randomised to: (a) forming implementation intentions with a ‘volitional help sheet’; (b) self-generating implementation intentions without help; or (c) thinking about triggers and coping, but not forming implementation intentions. We measured self-reported suicidal ideation and behaviour, threats of suicide and likelihood of future suicide attempt at baseline and then again at the 3-month follow-up. Results All suicide-related outcome measures were significantly lower at follow-up among patients forming implementation intentions compared with those in the control condition (ds>0.35). The volitional help sheet resulted in fewer suicide threats (d = 0.59) and lowered the likelihood of future suicide attempts (d = 0.29) compared with patients who self-generated implementation intentions. Conclusions Implementation intention-based interventions, particularly when supported by a volitional help sheet, show promise in reducing future suicidal ideation and behaviour

Current control of grid connected three phase current source inverter based on medium power renewable energy system

Current source inverter (CSI) features simple converter structure and inherent voltage boost capability. In addition, it provides low instantaneous rate of voltage change with respect to time in comparison to voltage source inverter (VSI) and multilevel inverter (MLI). Nonetheless, CSI does not outshine as grid interfacing unit in photovoltaic (PV) generation system. This is because of requirement of large sizing of dc-link inductor and sluggish performance during light load condition. Contemplating both advantages and disadvantages of CSI, this work is aimed to investigate and analyze the superiority of CSI in PV system. The proposed system employs direct regular-sampled pulse width modulation (DRSPWM) as modulator and multi-loop proportional-integral (PI) in synchronous frame as the controller. The grid-connected CSI system is further evaluated along with photovoltaic maximum power point tracking (PV-MPPT) control. Simulation verification highlighted that the option of using CSI as medium power PV grid integration unit in exchanging active-reactive power with grid network is very satisfactory. In addition, balanced sinusoidal output currents with acceptable harmonic limit are successfully achieved; like other topologies in PV grid integration. The proposed CSI system is proved to be able to track the references in event of varying input condition from PV array. The theoretical equations and modeling are described, and the simulation are conducted in MATLAB / Simulink platform

The Effects of a Culturally Sensitive, Empowerment-Focused, Community-Based Health Promotion Program on Health Outcomes of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes

Th e purpose of the present study was to test the effects of a culturally sensitive, health empowerment- focused, community- based health promotion program tailored to adult patients with type 2 diabetes on these patients’ body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, and self- reported blood glucose levels, treatment adherence, and stress levels. Study participants (N = 130) consisted mostly of African Americans (70%) and Hispanic/ Latinos (22.3%) who were divided almost evenly between an intervention group and wait- list control group. Th e tested health promotion program is informed by Health Self- Empowerment Theory. At post- test, program participants in the intervention group as compared to those in the control group demonstrated significantly lower levels of BMI, diastolic blood pressure, and physical stress. Implications of these study findings for future similar programs and research are discussed

Ethyl 4-(2-hydroxy­ethyl­amino)-3-nitro­benzoate

In the title compound, C11H14N2O5, the mol­ecular structure is stabilized by an intra­molecular N—H⋯O hydrogen bond, which generates an S(6) ring motif. The nitro group is twisted slightly from the attached benzene ring, forming a dihedral angle of 5.2 (2)°. In the crystal packing, inter­molecular O—H⋯O and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds link the mol­ecules into a three-dimensional network. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin, the refined ratio of the twin components being 0.264 (2):0.736 (2)

Over-use of thyroid testing in Canadian and UK primary care in frequent attenders : a cross-sectional study

Dr Greiver is supported through the Gordon F. Cheesbrough Research Chair in Family and Community Medicine from North York General Hospital.Background Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a common test used to detect and monitor clinically significant hypo- and hyperthyroidism. Population based screening of asymptomatic adults for thyroid disorders is not recommended. Objective The research objectives were to determine patterns of TSH testing in Canadian and English primary care practices, as well as patient and physician practice characteristics associated with testing TSH for primary care patients with no identifiable indication. Methods In this two-year cross-sectional observational study, Canadian and English electronic medical record databases were used to identify patients and physician practices. Cohorts of patients aged 18 years or older, without identifiable indications for TSH testing, were generated from these databases. Analyses were performed using a random-effects logistic regression to determine patient and physician practice characteristics associated with increased testing. We determined the proportion of TSH tests done concurrently with at least one common screening blood test (lipid profile or hemoglobin A1c). Standardized proportions of TSH test per family practice were used to examine the heterogeneity in the populations. Results At least one TSH test was done in 35.97 % (N=489,663) of Canadian patients and 29.36% (N=1,030,489) of English patients. Almost all TSH tests in Canada and England (95.69% and 99.23% respectively) were within the normal range (0.40-5.00 mU/L). A greater number of patient-physician encounters was the strongest predictor of TSH testing. 51.40% of TSH tests in Canada and 76.55% in England were done on the same day as at least one other screening blood test. There was no association between practice size and proportion of asymptomatic patients tested. Conclusions This comparative binational study found TSH patterns suggestive of over-testing and potentially thyroid disorder screening in both countries. There may be significant opportunities to improve appropriateness of TSH ordering in Canada and England and therefore improve allocation of limited system resources.PostprintPeer reviewe

Body mass index and distribution of body fat can influence sensory detection and pain sensitivity.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of body fat percentage and its distribution on sensory detection and pain sensitivity responses to experimentally induced noxious stimuli in otherwise pain-free individuals. METHODS: Seventy-two participants were divided into three equal groups according to their body mass index (BMI: normal, overweight and obese). Percentage body fat was estimated using a four-site skinfold method. Measurements of cold pressor pain threshold, tolerance and intensity; contact thermal sensory detection and heat pain threshold and tolerance (TSA-II - NeuroSensory Analyzer, Medoc); and blunt pressure pain threshold (algometer, Somedic SenseLab AB) were taken at the waist and thenar eminence. RESULTS: Mean ± SD pressure pain threshold of the obese group (620.72 ± 423.81 kPa) was significantly lower than normal (1154.70 ± 847.18 kPa) and overweight (1285.14 ± 998.89 kPa) groups. Repeated measures ANOVA found significant effects for site for cold detection threshold (F1,68  = 8.3, p = 0.005) and warm detection threshold (F1,68  = 38.69, p = 0.001) with waist having lower sensory detection thresholds than thenar eminence. For heat pain threshold, there were significant effects for site (F1,68  = 4.868, p = 0.031) which was lower for waist compared with thenar eminence (mean difference = 0.89 °C). CONCLUSION: Obese individuals were more sensitive than non-obese individuals to pressure pain but not to thermal pain. Body sites may vary in their response to different types and intensities of stimuli. The inconsistency of findings within and between research studies should catalyse further research in this field. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provided evidence that body mass index and distribution of body fat can influence sensory detection and pain sensitivity. Obese individuals were more sensitive than normal range body mass index individuals to pressure pain but not to thermal pain. Pain response varied according to subcutaneous body fat at different body sites. These findings strengthen arguments that weight loss should be a significant aspect of a pain management programme for obese pain patients

Trends in end digit preference for blood pressure and associations with cardiovascular outcomes in Canadian and UK primary care : a retrospective observational study

This study received funding through a grant by the North York Genera Hospital Foundation’s Exploration Fund. MG held an investigator award from the Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto and was supported by a research stipend from North York General Hospital. The Canadian Primary Care Sentinel Surveillance Network was a committee of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and was funded through a contribution agreement with the Public Health Agency of Canada.Objectives: To study systematic errors in recording blood pressure (BP) as measured by end digit preference (EDP); to determine associations between EDP, uptake of Automated Office BP (AOBP) machines and cardiovascular outcomes. Design: Retrospective observational study using routinely collected electronic medical record data from 2006 to 2015 and a survey on year of AOBP acquisition in Toronto, Canada in 2017. Setting: Primary care practices in Canada and the UK. Participants: Adults aged 18 years or more. Main outcome measures: Mean rates of EDP and change in rates. Rates of EDP following acquisition of an AOBP machine. Associations between site EDP levels and mean BP. Associations between site EDP levels and frequency of cardiovascular outcomes. Results:  707 227 patients in Canada and 1 558 471 patients in the UK were included. From 2006 to 2015, the mean rate of BP readings with both systolic and diastolic pressure ending in zero decreased from 26.6% to 15.4% in Canada and from 24.2% to 17.3% in the UK. Systolic BP readings ending in zero decreased from 41.8% to 32.5% in the 3 years following the purchase of an AOBP machine. Sites with high EDP had a mean systolic BP of 2.0 mm Hg in Canada, and 1.7 mm Hg in the UK, lower than sites with no or low EDP. Patients in sites with high levels of EDP had a higher frequency of stroke (standardised morbidity ratio (SMR) 1.15, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.17), myocardial infarction (SMR 1.16, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.19) and angina (SMR 1.25, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.28) than patients in sites with no or low EDP. Conclusions:  Acquisition of an AOBP machine was associated with a decrease in EDP levels. Sites with higher rates of EDP had lower mean BPs and a higher frequency of adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The routine use of manual office-based BP measurement should be reconsidered.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe