Configurable Operational Amplifier Architectures Based on Oxide Resistive RAMs

International audienceThis paper introduces memristor-based operational amplifiers in which semiconductor resistors are suppressed and replaced by memristors. The ability of the memristive elements to hold several resistance states is exploited to design programmable closed-loop operational amplifiers. An inverting operational amplifier, an integrator and a differentiator are studied. Such designs are developed based on a calibrated memristor model, and offer dynamic configurability to realize different gains and corner frequencies at reduced chip area

Local injection of autologous platelet rich plasma and corticosteroid in treatment of lateral epicondylitis and plantar fasciitis: Randomized clinical trial

AbstractAim of the workThis randomized controlled study was designed to compare the effectiveness of local injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) and local steroid in reducing pain and improving function in a cohort of patients with tennis elbow (TE) and plantar fasciitis (PF).Patients and methodsThe study population comprised two groups; Group 1 patients with TE (n=30) and Group 2 patients with PF (n=30). In each group patients were allocated randomly to receive either a steroid or PRP injections. All patients filled in visual analog scale (VAS), disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score for TE and foot health status questionnaire (FHSQ) for PF at base line and after 6weeks.ResultsRelative to TE group of patients significant differences were observed between VAS and DASH scores at base line and 6weeks after treatment in both groups (p<0.001). While no significant differences were observed relative to VAS and DASH score changes between both groups (p>0.05). In PF patients comparison of VAS and FHSQ at base line and 6weeks after treatment between control group and PRP group showed significant differences for VAS (p=0.005 and p<0.001, respectively), and for FHSQ (p=0.03 and p<0.001, respectively). While highly significant difference were observed between both groups regarding VAS and FHSQ changes (p=0.001).ConclusionLocal injection of autologous PRP proved to be a promising form of therapy for TE and PF. It is both safe and effective in relieving pain and improving function and superior to local steroids in PF

Green flocculant performance for wastewater treatment using cactus plant powder: A mini-review

The use of reclaimed wastewater has emerged as one of the most effective strategies to address the global water scarcity issue. However, concerns arise due to the presence of various chemical residuals resulting from the diverse range of chemical products used during the treatment process. These residuals can pose significant threats to human health and the environment. As a solution to this problem, the utilization of cactus plant powder in water treatment has garnered increasing attention among researchers. This bio-material alternative offers several advantages, such as being biodegradable, non-toxic, and cost-effective. Chemical flocculants, though widely used, can lead to environmental problems due to their persistence and bioaccumulation in living organisms. In contrast, cactus-based bio-flocculants provide a more environmentally friendly approach to water treatment. The objective of this study is to investigate various methods of preparing cactus-based bio-flocculants and examine their performance in reducing turbidity, chemical oxygen demand, total suspended matter, total dissolved matter, and heavy metals in wastewater. Furthermore, the research delves into the impact of cactus preparation and application conditions on the efficiency of the treatment process

Removal of Carbofuran Pesticide from Aqueous Solution by Adsorption onto Animal Bone Meal as New Low Cost Adsorbent

The objective of this study is to investigate the Carbofuran pesticide adsorption from aqueous solution using animal bone meal as an alternative low cost adsorbent. The effects of various experimental factors; adsorbent dose, initial Carbofuran concentration, contact time, solution pH and particle size of adsorbent were studied by using the batch technique. The results showed that Carbofuran adsorption equilibrium was rapidly attained after 70 min of contact time. A maximum of 98.3% removal of the Carbofuran pesticide was observed by 25 mg of Animal Bone Meal (ABM). Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models were applied for the analysis of equilibrium adsorption data obtained. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was 18.5 mg/g. The characteristic results; dimensionless separation factor, R L , and the adsorption intensity, n, showed that animal bone meal can be employed as an alternative to commercial adsorbents in the removal of Carbofuran pesticide from aqueous solution.Keywords: Animal Bone Meal, Carbofuran, Adsorption Isotherms, Water treatment

Infective endocarditis following COVID-19 pneumonia: about two cases

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a pandemic and public health crisis across the world. The severity of this situation is escalating in certain populations, particularly when the COVID-19 diagnosis may delay the recognition of more dramatic illnesses such as infective endocarditis, which is a dreaded complication in patients with cardiac disease. We report the case of two patients who presented with infective endocarditis initially mistaken for COVID-19 pneumonia, which was responsible for a delay in diagnosis. We discuss the diagnostic difficulties as well as the management of this complication in the COVID-19 era. As a physician, one must remain alert to this dreaded complication, especially in patients with a cardiac history, in order to prevent it, detect it early, and manage it in time

Analyse chimique et sensorielle de l’huile d’argane

To ensure argan oil quality, a combination of physico-chemical and sensory methods is necessary. Utility and importance of these methods in the Moroccan norm for argan oil are presented. Our demonstration is based on four types of argan oil 1) edible argan oil that is prepared from mechanically pressed roasted kernels, 2) beauty oil that is prepared from mechanically pressed non-roasted kernels, 3) artisanally prepared argan oil extracted by manual pressing and 4) artisanally prepared argan oil extracted by manual pressing of goat-digested kernels. Fresh, each kind if oil was classified as « extra virgin » according to the moroccan norm (NM 08.05.090). However, only edible argan oil prepared from mechanically pressed roasted kernels displayed the best physico-chemical and sensorial profile.Pour assurer la qualité de l’huile d’argane, une combinaison de méthodes physicochimiques et sensorielles est indispensable. L’utilité et l’importance des méthodes retenues par la norme marocaine sont présentées. Pour illustrer cette démonstration nous avons choisi quatre types d’huile d’argane 1) l’huile alimentaire qui est obtenue par pressage mécanique d’amandons torréfiés, 2) l’huile de beauté obtenue par pressage mécanique d’amandons non torréfiés, 3) l’huile artisanale obtenue par pressage manuel d’amandons torréfiés et 4) l’huile artisanale préparée traditionnellement à partir de noix régurgitées par les chèvres. Fraichement préparées, toutes ces huiles peuvent être classées comme des huiles extra vierges selon la norme marocaine (NM 08.05.090). Toutefois, l’huile de presse alimentaire a présenté les meilleurs critères de qualité physico chimique et sensorielle

Right atrial thrombus, junctional tachycardia, and critical lower limb ischemia: three rare complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can engender multi-system inflammatory syndrome. Its main symptoms are cardiovascular and thromboembolic problems that can develop into severe complications. The present case is about a 55-year-old patient who was admitted for critical ischemia of the right lower limb and necrosis of the right forefoot. The patient was infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) one month before her admission. The patient also has cardiovascular risks including type 2 diabetes and hypertension. The performance of ultrasounds revealed a thrombus in the right atrium and the pulmonary artery, and arteriography detected an occlusion of the right popliteal joint for which she had an endovascular recanalization and amputation of the right forefoot. This case highlights that SARS-CoV-2 infection could be considered a serious cardiovascular disease requiring cardiovascular explorations to initiate hospital management and avoid severe complications