Optimal multiple-steps single-tuned harmonic filters under time-varying conditions

Nowadays, considering the time-varying nature of harmonic sources is a significant trend in the power quality studies. In this research, the optimum sizing of multiple-steps passive LC compensator for maximum power factor and minimum transmission loss for non-linear loads under time varying conditions of background harmonic voltages, system impedance, and load impedance, is determined. The source harmonic voltages are varying in time independently of each other. The equivalent system impedance is given by varying the Thevenin impedance over a finite period. The functioning of the concerned LC filter is explained through a representative case study. Simulation results illustrate the viability of the suggested approach

Intraosseous Lipoma of Calcaneus as a Rare Cause of Heel Pain

Bone lipoma is a rare, primary and benign tumor. In recent years, its detection rate is higher as a result of the increasing use of accurate and more detailed cross-sectional imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) plus the utilization of advanced histological diagnostic facilities. The radiographic appearance on x-ray is not usually characteristic of this lesion and therefore requires differential diagnostics conducted for a long time. However, CT and MRI allow for a tissue-specific diagnosis. The microscopic features are usually those of mature adipose tissue. Sometimes, still, pathological reports may show discordance with radiologic findings. For optimal management, surgical curettage and packing with autogenous bone grafts is usually recommended if the lesion is causing the pain or if the correct diagnosis cannot otherwise be obtained. Our case is a 43-year-old female patient who presented to our clinic with chronic left foot pain. Pain was localized over the left heel with radiation to surrounding areas. The radiological diagnosis of intraosseous lipoma was made based on CT imaging and confirmed later through biopsy. Surgical intervention was needed after failure of conservative management. Curettage of all lesion and packing with autogenous bone grafts was done. Postoperatively, the patient showed remarkable improvement and follow up consultations showed good healing and no signs of recurrence

Synthesis and Reactivity of 6-Iodo-4H-3,1-Benzoxazin-4-one Towards Nitrogen Nucleophiles and Their Antimicrobial Activities

In attempt to find new pharmacological active molecules, we synthesized 6-iodo-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one and allowed it to react with some nitrogen nucleophiles namely; hydroxylamine hydrochloride, hydrazine hydrate, fomamide, aliphatic amine, aromatic amines, aralkyl amine, different amino acids, heteryl amines, ethanolamine and sodium azide to afford annelated quinazolinone derivatives and other related systems. The synthesized compounds were characterized with the help of spectroscopic techniques including IR, 1H-NMR and Mass spectra. Also their antimicrobial activities were screened against different strains of bacteria and fungi. Keywords: 6-Iodo-4H-3,1-benzoxazin-4-one; quinazolinone derivatives;  nitrogen nucleophiles; antimicrobial activity

Single puncture percutaneous nephrolithomy for management of complex renal stones

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The purpose of this report is to assess the safety and efficacy of single lower pole access for multiple and branched renal calculi. A prospective non randomized clinical study included 26 patients with complex renal stones (9 patients had branched renal stones and the other 17 had multiple renal stones) in the period from May 2003 to May 2004. Mean patient age was 42 years ± 13.2 (range 18 to 67 years). All patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) via a single lower calyceal puncture. Small stones were intactly extracted by a range of stone graspers while large stones (smallest diameter more than 1 cm) were disintegrated using either the pneumatic EMS Swiss lithoclast or Holmium YAG laser. Flexible nephroscope was used for stones inaccessible by the rigid instruments.</p> <p>Findings</p> <p>Overall stone-free rate was 74.8%. Patients with residual stones were managed by one session of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL). Mean operative time was (80 minutes ± 27.4) for branched stones and (49.1 minutes ± 15.9) for multiple stones. No significant blood loss reported. Perforation of pelvicalyceal system occurred in 2 patients (11.5%) with no serious sequelae. Only 1 patient developed secondary hemorrhage which necessitated blood transfusion and selective angio-embolization.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>In our hands, the efficacy and safety of single lower calyceal puncture PCNL in management of complex renal stones are comparable to those of the general procedure stated in literature.</p

Confidentiality and Mental Health/Chaplaincy Collaboration

Confidentiality can both facilitate and inhibit working relationships of chaplains and mental health professionals addressing the needs of service members and veterans in the United States. Researchers conducted this study to examine opportunities for improving integration of care within the Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Interviews were conducted with 198 chaplains and 201 mental health professionals in 33 DoD and VA facilities. Using a blended qualitative research approach, researchers identified several themes from the interviews, including recognition that integration can improve services; chaplaincy confidentiality can facilitate help seeking behavior; and mental health and chaplain confidentiality can inhibit information sharing and active participation on interdisciplinary teams. Cross-disciplinary training on confidentiality requirements and developing policies for sharing information across disciplines is recommended to address barriers to integrated service delivery

Choice of suitable referral hospital to improve the financial result of hospital operations and quality of patient care under a Neutrosophic Environment

The referral cooperation hospital choice has been studied to better rationalize the allocation of healthcare assets and enhance the efficacy of resource utilization. Choosing hospitals to work within a collaborative referral arrangement is a crucial step in the patient-referral process. A referral cooperative hospital is chosen after careful consideration of these aspects to guarantee that patients will get the kind of detailed treatment that is appropriate for their condition. The concept of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) is used due to various criteria. The VIKOR method is the MCDM method used in this paper to rank the referral cooperation hospitals. The VIKOR method is integrated with the single-valued neutrosophic set to overcome uncertain information. The single-valued neutrosophic VIKOR method is applied to a case study in Egypt. We achieved quality of care as the best criterion from the eleven criteria used

Report on needs and priorities in the field of international cooperation agreements on water management in the target MACs

This report aims to provide a revision of the water related goals within the international agreements joined by the three case study countries,Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia, while emphasizing the critical points that should be developed and reinforced in the near future through an integrated approach for water policies, initiatives and management