Cyber-Physical Security of Power Distribution Systems

Smart grids have been witnessing continuous and rapid radical developments in the recent years. With the aim towards a more sustainable energy system, the share of distributed generation resources is ever-increasing and transforming the traditional operations of the power grids. Along with these allocated resources, an ensemble of smart measurement devices, multiple communication layers, sophisticated distributed control techniques and interconnection of system equipment represent the pillars that support the modernization of these power networks. This progress has undoubtedly enabled a more efficient and accurate operation of the power networks. At the same time, it has created vulnerability points and challenges that endanger the safety and security of the smart grids operation. The cyber-physical security of smart grids has consequently become a priority and a major challenge to ensure a reliable and safe operation of the power grid. The resiliency of the grid depends on our ability to design smart grid that can withstand threats and be able to mitigate against different attack scenarios. Cyber-physical security is currently an active area of research, and threats that target critical operation components have been classified and investigated in the literature. However, many of the research efforts have focused on the threats on the transmission level, with the intention of extending the protection, detection and mitigation strategies to the distribution level. Nevertheless, many of the performed analysis is not suitable for Power Distribution Systems (PDS) due to the inherently different characteristics of these systems. This thesis first investigates and addresses the stealthy False Data Injection (FDI) attacks on the PDS, which target the Distribution Systems Optimal Power (DSOPF) Flow and are not detectable by traditional Bad Data Detection (BDD) methods. The attacks formulation is based on the Branch Current State Estimation (BCSE), which allows separation of the phases, thus full analysis on the unbalanced three-phase system is performed. In specific, it is shown how an adversary, having access to system measurements and topology, is able to maximize the system losses. By launching FDI attacks that target the Distribution Systems State Estimation (DSSE), the adversary constructs the attack vectors that drive the objective function in the opposite direction of optimality. Optimal attack strategy effects is investigated. The results demonstrate the increase in system losses after corrupting the measurements. Second, a machine learning technique is proposed as a protection measure against the cyber-physical threats to detect the FDI attacks. Although FDI vectors cannot be detected by conventional BDD techniques, exploiting the historical data enables a more thorough analysis and a better detection advantage of anomalies in the measurements. Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN) is applied on the stream of data measurements to identify any anomaly, which represents a compromised measurement, by analyzing multiple points across the measurement vector and multiple time steps. The temporal correlation of data points is the basis of identifying attack vectors. The results of the RNN model indicate an overall strong ability to detect the stealthy attacks

Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (aSAH) and Hydrocephalus: Fact and Figures

Hydrocephalus (HCP) occurs due to the injurious effect of subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). It causes increased morbidity and mortality. It can be acute and frequently occurs within 48 hours and up to 7 days. Subacute hydrocephalus may occur up to 14 days and is chronic if remained or develops after 2 weeks of the subarachnoid haemorrhage. Acute hydrocephalus after aneurysmal subarachnoid (aSAH) bleeding is non-communicating or obstructive and occurs due to physical obstruction by a clot, the effect of blood in the subarachnoid space, and inflammation. Chronic hydrocephalus is due to fibrosis and adhesion, which hampers cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) absorption and increased secretion of CSF from gliosis. Various risk factors for developing hydrocephalus in aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage patients range from female gender to high severity scores. Acute hydrocephalus frequently requires diversion drainage of CSF by external ventricular drain (EVD); it usually subsides within a week, and EVD is removed. Fewer patients will develop or continue to have hydrocephalus, requiring either short or longer shunting of the CSF namely by ventriculoperitoneal shunt or other modes of CSF drainage

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Correlation between contractile properties of quadriceps muscle and functional performance in runners with patellofemoral pain syndrome

Article accepted.The article will be published here soon.Pending final quality checks

Potentiometric Carbon Quantum Dots-Based Screen-Printed Arrays for Nano-Tracing Gemifloxacin as a Model Fluoroquinolone Implicated in Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a neglected issue that poses a serious global threat to public health, causing long-term negative consequences at both humanitarian and economic levels. Herein, we report an unprecedented economic fabrication method of seven potentiometric screen-printed sensors for the ultra-trace determination of gemifloxacin (GEMI) as a model of the fluoroquinolones antibiotics deeply involved in the growing AMR problem. Sensors were constructed by depositing homemade carbon ink on a recycled X-ray sheet, patterned using stencils printed with an office printer in simple, cost-effective steps requiring no sophisticated equipment. Four sensors were modified using carbon quantum dots (CQDs) synthesized from dextrose through a single-step method. Sensors exhibited a linear response in the concentration ranges 10−5–10−2 M (sensors 1, 3 and 4), 10−6–10−3 M (sensor 2) and 10−6–10−2 M (sensors 5, 6 and 7). LOD allowed tracing of the target drug at a nano-molar level down to 210 nM. GEMI was successfully determined in pharmaceutical formulations and different water samples without any pretreatment steps with satisfactory recovery (96.93–105.28% with SD values < 3). All sensors revealed a long lifetime of up to several months and are considered promising tools for monitoring water quality and efficiency of water treatment measures

Potentiometric Carbon Quantum Dots-Based Screen-Printed Arrays for Nano-Tracing Gemifloxacin as a Model Fluoroquinolone Implicated in Antimicrobial Resistance

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a neglected issue that poses a serious global threat to public health, causing long-term negative consequences at both humanitarian and economic levels. Herein, we report an unprecedented economic fabrication method of seven potentiometric screen-printed sensors for the ultra-trace determination of gemifloxacin (GEMI) as a model of the fluoroquinolones antibiotics deeply involved in the growing AMR problem. Sensors were constructed by depositing homemade carbon ink on a recycled X-ray sheet, patterned using stencils printed with an office printer in simple, cost-effective steps requiring no sophisticated equipment. Four sensors were modified using carbon quantum dots (CQDs) synthesized from dextrose through a single-step method. Sensors exhibited a linear response in the concentration ranges 10−5–10−2 M (sensors 1, 3 and 4), 10−6–10−3 M (sensor 2) and 10−6–10−2 M (sensors 5, 6 and 7). LOD allowed tracing of the target drug at a nano-molar level down to 210 nM. GEMI was successfully determined in pharmaceutical formulations and different water samples without any pretreatment steps with satisfactory recovery (96.93–105.28% with SD values < 3). All sensors revealed a long lifetime of up to several months and are considered promising tools for monitoring water quality and efficiency of water treatment measures.https://doi.org/10.3390/chemosensors901000

Primary localised amyloidosis of the urinary bladder: A recurrent and progressive disease

الملخص: ينتج الداء النشواني الأولي من ترسب لييفات بروتين الأميلويد في المساحة خارج الخلية، وفي كثير من الأحيان يشمل المثانة البولية. نعرض حالة مريض ذكر عمره ٤١ عاما تم تشخيصه بالداء النشواني الأولي للمثانة البولية، وتم استئصال ورم في المثانة عن طريق الإحليل مرتين قبل ٤ أعوام. دخل المريض المستشفى مؤخرا، عن طريق وحدة الطوارئ يعاني من بول دموي واضح غير مؤلم. وأظهرت الأشعة المقطعية للبطن والحوض ورما في المثانة أكبر من الذي تم ذكره سابقا. وتم إعادة تنظير للمثانة واستئصال الورم وأظهر التشريح المرضي للنسيج الداء النشواني الأولي للمثانة البولية. كما تم إجراء فحص شامل لاستبعاد الداء النشواني الشامل. Abstract: Primary amyloidosis results from the deposition of amyloid protein fibrils in the extracellular space and rarely involves the urinary bladder. We present a 41-year-old man who was diagnosed with primary amyloidosis of the urinary bladder and underwent two sessions of transurethral resection of the bladder mass 4 years prior. Recently, the patient was admitted through the emergency with painless frank haematuria. Computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis revealed a bladder mass that was larger than the previously reported mass. A repeat cystoscopy and resection of the mass was performed. Histopathological examination of the resected tissue revealed primary amyloidosis of the urinary bladder. A comprehensive examination was performed to exclude systemic amyloidosis. الكلمات المفتاحية: المثانة البولية, ورم حميد, الداء النشواني, متكرر, مترقي, بول دموي, Keywords: Amyloidosis, Benign tumour, Haematuria, Progressive, Recurrent, Urinary bladde

Synergistic Anti-Angiogenic Effect of Combined VEGFR Kinase Inhibitors, Lenvatinib, and Regorafenib: A Therapeutic Potential for Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer currently affects more than two million women worldwide, and its incidence is steadily increasing. One of the most essential factors of invasion and metastasis of breast cancer cells is angiogenesis and non-angiogenic vascularization. Lenvatinib and Regorafenib share the same anti-angiogenic effect by inhibiting vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs subtypes 1 to 3) and have been approved for treating different types of cancer. Methods: We investigated Lenvatinib and Regorafenib effects on a well-established in-vitro model of breast cancer using MCF-7 (estrogen, progesterone receptor-positive, and HER2-negative), MDA-MB-231 (triple negative), as well as Human Umbilical Vascular Endothelial Cell line (HUVEC) cell lines. We performed the cell viability assay on four groups of cells, which included a control group, a Lenvatinib treated only group, a Regorafenib treated only group, and a group treated with a combination of both drugs at 24, 48, and 72 h. Data were analyzed as means &plusmn; standard deviation, and the drug&ndash;drug interactions with Compusyn software. Cellular migration assay, tube formation assay, and Western blots were conducted to determine the functional and the protein expression of downstream signals such as Caspase-9, anti-apoptotic Survivin, P-ERK, and total-ERK in the control and treatment groups. Results: MCF-7 cells showed a reduction in cell survival rates with higher dosing and longer incubation periods with each drug and with the combination of drugs. A synergistic interaction was identified (CI &lt; 1) with both drugs on MCF7 at different dose combinations and at a higher dose in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, there was a marked decrease in the anti-angiogenic effect of both drugs in tube formation assay using MDA-MB-231 cells and survivin protein expression in MCF-7, and those antitumor markers showed a better outcome in drug combination than the use of each drug alone. Conclusion: Our result is the first to report the synergistic anti-angiogenic potential of combination therapy of Lenvatinib and Regorafenib. Therefore, it shows their therapeutic potential in breast cancer, including the aggressive types. Further studies are warranted to confirm and explore this therapeutic approach