Study of the generator/motor operation of induction machines in a high frequency link space power system

Static power conversion systems have traditionally utilized dc current or voltage source links for converting power from one ac or dc form to another since it readily achieves the temporary energy storage required to decouple the input from the output. Such links, however, result in bulky dc capacitors and/or inductors and lead to relatively high losses in the converters due to stresses on the semiconductor switches. The feasibility of utilizing a high frequency sinusoidal voltage link to accomplish the energy storage and decoupling function is examined. In particular, a type of resonant six pulse bridge interface converter is proposed which utilizes zero voltage switching principles to minimize switching losses and uses an easy to implement technique for pulse density modulation to control the amplitude, frequency, and the waveshape of the synthesized low frequency voltage or current. Adaptation of the proposed topology for power conversion to single-phase ac and dc voltage or current outputs is shown to be straight forward. The feasibility of the proposed power circuit and control technique for both active and passive loads are verified by means of simulation and experiment

Safety of Needle Electromyography in Critically Ill Patients

Introduction: To evaluate the safety of needle electromyography (EMG) in critically ill intensive care unit (ICU) patients who are on anticoagulants and have comorbidities that increase the risk of bleeding and infections. Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of critically ill patients who underwent needle EMG studies. The most common complications followed by needle EMG were reviewed and classified based upon common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTAC) criteria. Descriptive statistics were reported using the frequencies and percentages for categorical variables. The mean and interquartile range is used for continuous variables. All analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistic Version 21, IMB Inc., Chicago, IL. Results: Twenty-nine patients were included. 17 (58.6%) were males with a mean age of 60.8 +/- 16.7 years.  The mean PT, PTT, and INR were 15.2 sec, 36.5 seconds, and 1.13, respectively. Fourteen (48.2%) patients in this cohort were treated with low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), and an additional 8 (27.5%) patients were administered subcutaneous (SC) heparin for deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis. Therapeutic heparin was being used in 3 (10.3%) patients and sequential compression devices (SCDs) in 4 (13.7%) patients. A total of 228 muscles were tested. Among them, 38 (16.6%) were deep muscles. There were no major bleeding complications at the time of the procedure and for the next seven days in any of the patients, including those with multiple medical comorbidities. All our patients met the grade 1 scale in the severity of adverse events criteria proposed by CTCAE. Conclusion: Needle EMG is safe in critically ill ICU patients on anticoagulants and multiple comorbidities including those that increase the risk of bleeding and infection

Moderator role in green product purchases.

Abstract: Opinion polls consistently show large majorities of Americans supporting efforts to protect and improve the planet’s ability to sustain life. However, when it comes to environmentally preferable products, firms attract relatively small shares compared with conventional products. The present study examined the effect intentions (Verbal Commitment – VC) , emotions (Affect – Aff) and two moderators (Perceived Consumer Effectiveness – a PCE and Faith in Others – FIO) have on purchase (Actual Commitment – AC) of environmentally preferable products. Support was found for a direct influence of intentions aided by emotions – affect (Aff) – on AC, purchasing of environmentally preferable products. PCE was also found to be a favorable moderator on actual commitment (AC), buying environmentally preferable purchases and FIO positively influenced Aff and PCE, as in a cheerleader effect. The former finding regarding PCE is consistent with other studies, while the latter finding with respect to FIO represents a possible new dimension for FIO, which previously was thought to have a negative “free-rider” or “let-others-do-it” effect on actual commitment to purchase environmentally preferable products

The Lymphoedema Genitourinary Cancer Questionnaire in urology follow‐up clinics

Is the Lymphoedema Genitourinary Cancer Questionnaire (LGUCQ) useful to men treated for genitourinary cancer through facilitating symptom disclosure? Lymphoedema can be debilitating and progressive and its association with bladder, prostate, testicular and penile cancer, either as a consequence of treatment or progressive disease is well recognized. However, lymphoedema is generally unrecognized during follow‐up. Research on genitourinary cancer‐related lymphoedema is sparse with a lack of reliable prevalence figures. A lack of empirical understanding of the experiences of these men led to the development of the LGUCQ, a simple two‐sided tool to facilitate self‐reporting of symptoms and difficulties associated with lymphoedema. Related pilot work suggests that written self‐report tools enable men to disclose more sensitive information than they would verbally. However, the LGUCQ had not been formally evaluated in an uro‐oncology department to identify the benefits from the perspective of the patients and health professionals. Thematic analysis of completed LGUCQs and interviews with patients and staff were performed. Emergent themes included the perceived barriers to symptom disclosure, the LGUCQ as facilitator and pragmatic addition, the support needs of patients and health professionals and refinements required for roll out. Issues limiting identification of lymphoedema within uro‐oncology services existed. Findings suggest the inclusion of the LGUCQ within uro‐oncology clinics could lead to earlier identification of lymphoedema. Patients could identify genital oedema problems with the LGUCQ increasing prompt and accurate disclosure and normalizing the experience

Lacrimal Gland Involvement in Lymphomatoid Granulomatosis and Review of the Literature

Objective. To describe the clinicoradiological and histopathological findings in a case of lacrimal gland enlargement secondary to lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LG) and to review the literature. Design. Case report and systematic literature review. Methods. A 75-year-old woman presented with right ptosis. Computerised tomography showed lacrimal gland enlargement, and biopsy done was inconclusive. She subsequently developed pulmonary symptoms and underwent transbronchial biopsy that was diagnosed as LG. Pub Med and OVID databases were searched using the term “orbit/eye involvement in lymphomatoid granulomatosis”. Articles that predated the databases were gathered from current references. Results. The patient underwent lacrimal gland biopsy which revealed necrotic and inflamed tissue with no further categorisation but transbronchial biopsy helped in establishing the diagnosis of LG. On initiation of prednisolone and cyclophosphamide, her orbital lesion resolved but the patient died following massive pulmonary hemorrhage within a month of diagnosis. Conclusion. Ophthalmic involvement in LG is very rare. Varied presentations are due to central nervous system involvement, vasculitis, or infiltration of ocular or orbital structures. LG is an angiocentric and angiodestructive granulomatous disorder and can involve any tissue, thus accounting for the variable presentations reported in literature

Laparoscopic orchidopexy in persistent Mullerian duct syndrome

Purpose When faced with the diagnosis of PMDS, the question still remains as to  what is the best approach to Müllerian structures. The aim of this study was to  describe a novel operative approach considering the vascular anatomy and malignant potential of these structures.Methods Two boys with PMDS underwent orchidopexy by means of en-masse descent of Müllerian-gonad complex onto the scrotum. The gonads were biopsied and fixed in the scrota and the Müllerian structures occupied the region of the median raphe.Results The operating time was the same as that taken for orchidopexy. The children were discharged on the day after surgery and were well at 6-month follow-up.Conclusion The preservation of Müllerian structures and placement in the scrotum allow for easy palpation and recognition of changes in size and consistency  heralding malignancy. The risk of operative injury to the vas and vessels is minimized.Keywords: laparoscopic orchidopexy, persistent Mu¨ llerian duct syndrome, undescended testi

Relative efficiency of foreign and domestic Banks

This paper seeks to examine empirically whether foreign banks on an average operate with greater efficiency and so attain higher levels of productivity and profitability. For this purpose, first, a stochastic frontier production function for the banking industry is estimated and bank-wise technical efficiency is computed. In the second stage, the authors compare the mean efficiency level of foreign banks with that of domestic banks. In addition, foreign and domestic banks are also compared with respect to the other measures of performance, namely, productivity and profitability. The result shows that the efficiency levels of group of foreign banks and domestic banks are not significantly different. The comparison of labour (or branch) productivity and profitability between domestic and foreign banks revealed that the same are respectively higher for the latter group. In wake of these findings, authors feel that the higher productivity and profitability of foreign banks are the consequences of their particular operational characteristics and strategies and preferential treatment rendered to them by the government of India