EXERGY-BASED ECOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF GENERALIZED IRREVERSIBLE HEAT PUMP SYSTEM

A reverse Carnot cycle forms the basis of all heat-pump cycles in providing heating and cooling loads. The optimal exergy-based Ecological analysis of an irreversible Heat-pump system with the losses of heat resistance, heat leak and internal irreversibility has been carried out by taking into account Exergy based ecological function (E) as an objective in the viewpoint of Finite-Time-Thermodynamics (FTT) or Entropy Generation Minimization (EGM). Exergy is defined here as the power required minus the lost power. The effects of irreversibilities along with internal heat leakage on coefficient on the performance of the system are investigated. The exergy based Ecological function decreases steadily with irreversibilites and heat leakages in the system. COP in such a system increases with the cycle temperature ratio. If a heat pump cycle is optimized with above mentioned criterion, there is a trade-off between its coefficient of Performance and the heating load it provides

Object Pose Detection to Enable 3D Interaction from 2D Equirectangular Images in Mixed Reality Educational Settings

In this paper, we address the challenge of estimating the 6DoF pose of objects in 2D equirectangular images. This solution allows the transition to the objects’ 3D model from their current pose. In particular, it finds application in the educational use of 360° videos, where it enhances the learning experience of students by making it more engaging and immersive due to the possible interaction with 3D virtual models. We developed a general approach usable for any object and shape. The only requirement is to have an accurate CAD model, even without textures of the item, whose pose must be estimated. The developed pipeline has two main steps: vehicle segmentation from the image background and estimation of the vehicle pose. To accomplish the first task, we used deep learning methods, while for the second, we developed a 360° camera simulator in Unity to generate synthetic equirectangular images used for comparison. We conducted our tests using a miniature truck model whose CAD was at our disposal. The developed algorithm was tested using a metrological analysis applied to real data. The results showed a mean difference of 1.5° with a standard deviation of 1° from the ground truth data for rotations, and 1.4 cm with a standard deviation of 1.5 cm for translations over a research range of ±20° and ±20 cm, respectively

Comparison between monopolar and bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostatic hyperplasia – A randomized controlled study

Introduction: Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is characterized by an unregulated proliferation of smooth muscle, glandular epithelium and connective tissue within the prostate. In Surgical intervention Monopolar TURP and Bipolar TURP are safe, standard and effective techniques. Both are widely used in the surgical treatment for BPH. B-TURP is the new benchmark modality which has decreased incidence of hyponatremia and bleeding. Objectives: To compare the clinical outcomes of the two procedures with respect to Efficacy of the procedures in relation to resected prostatic tissue, Resection time, IPSS, Qmax, Fall in Serum Sodium in the post-operative period and post-op complications. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Surgery, Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly with the objective to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of M-TURP and B-TURP. 118 patients were randomly divided into two groups. Randomization was done using the software available at http://www.randomizer.org/. There were 59 patients in each group. Results: The mean change in hemoglobin and serum sodium was significantly (p<0.05) more in the M-TURP group. The resection time with significantly less in M-TURP and the mean post-operative Q-max (ml/sec) was 17.42±1.23 and 17.97±0.94 in M-TURP and B-TURP respectively with significant difference (p=0.008). The mean Post void residual urine was significantly higher in M-TURP (76.61ml) than in B-TURP (67.56 ml) group (p<0.05) post-operatively. Conclusion: Overall, the results of M-TURP and B-TURP are generally similar. Hemoglobin and serum sodium decreased more post-operatively in M-TURP. The complication rate was low in both the groups but TUR syndrome occurred only in M-TURP patients. Both methods can be used safely in BPH surgery, but B-TURP is safer in long duration surgery. QOL was statistically similar in M-TURP and B-TURP and significantly improved in both the groups

A comparative feedback between traditional Copper-T 380 A and Etherena T Cu 380 A a Innovative loading and inserting device to provide a safe and convenient method of IUD insertion

Objectives: To establish comparative results related to insertion of Copper-T 380A using traditional method of insertion versus an innovative inserter (Etherena). Comparison parameters included ease of insertion, fundal placement, time taken to insert, training needs, client comfort and perception during use of different types of Uterine Sound. Methods: A comparative single-blinded study was conducted in Muzaffarnagar Medical College, India. One Hundred randomly selected women enrolled between October-2020 and March-2021 for the study. All participants were counselled for family planning, met eligibility criteria, and requested for interval IUD. Resident doctors, with experience in traditional Copper-T insertions prior to study implementation, performed insertions after getting training for Etherena insertion. For traditional Copper-T, metallic uterine soundwhereas a disposable Uterine Sound with Etherena was used. Results: Post-insertion ultrasonography showed successful placement of IUD to the fundus in 100% of the cases in both groups.The mean distance from the fundus was 1.82 mm and 3.7mm respectively in Etherena v/s Copper-T group, as assessed by ultrasonography. Mean time taken for the process in both groups was similar (≈90 seconds); it was more consistent in Etherena vs Copper-T. The setting of uterine depth measurement on inserter was easy in 98% vs 88% cases in Etherena v/s Copper-T.Sounding related pain or discomfort was reported in 2% cases of Etherena group vs 48% in Copper-T. Client satisfaction levels reported were 98% for Etherena and 72% for Copper-T. No case of trauma or perforation observed in either group. Conclusions: The innovative & safe insertion process using Etherena makes Copper-T 380A insertions more convenient and accessible and significantly comfortable from the client perspective

Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervix

Due to deficiencies of clinical staging, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging is being increasingly used in the pre-treatment work-up of cervical cancer. Lymph node status, as evaluated by advanced imaging modalities, is also being incorporated into management algorithms. Familiarity with MR imaging features will lead to more accurate staging of cervical cancer. Awareness of impact of staging on management will enable the radiologists to tailor the report to clinically and surgically relevant information. This article emphasizes the guidelines on the MR staging criteria, dependence of newer treatments on imaging staging and lymph node involvement, and MR imaging in post-treatment surveillance of cervical cancer

Outcome Measures and Variables Affecting Prognosis of Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy: WFNS Spine Committee Recommendations

Zileli, Mehmet/0000-0002-0448-3121WOS: 000488270600007PubMed: 31607075This study is conducted to review the literature systematically to determine most reliable outcome measures, important clinical and radiological variables affecting the prognosis in cervical spondylotic myelopathy patients. A literature search was performed for articles published during the last 10 years. As functional outcome measures we recommend to use modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association scale, Nurick's grade, and Myelopathy Disability Index. Three clinical variables that affect the outcomes are age, duration of symptoms, and severity of the myelopathy. Examination findings require more detailed study to validate their effect on the outcomes. the predictive variables affecting the outcomes are hand atrophy, leg spasticity, Bonus, and Babinski's sign. Among the radiological variables, the curvature of the cervical spine is the most important predictor of prognosis. Patients with instability are expected to have a poor surgical outcome. Spinal cord compression ratio is a critical factor for prognosis. High signal intensity on T2-weighted magnetic resonance images is a negative predictor for prognosis. the most important predictors of outcome are preoperative severity and duration of symptoms. T2 hyperintensity and cord compression ratio can also predict outcomes. New radiological tests may give promising results in the future

Catalysts for nitrogen reduction to ammonia

The production of synthetic ammonia remains dependent on the energy- and capital-intensive Haber–Bosch process. Extensive research in molecular catalysis has demonstrated ammonia production from dinitrogen, albeit at low production rates. Mechanistic understanding of dinitrogen reduction to ammonia continues to be delineated through study of molecular catalyst structure, as well as through understanding the naturally occurring nitrogenase enzyme. The transition to Haber–Bosch alternatives through robust, heterogeneous catalyst surfaces remains an unsolved research challenge. Catalysts for electrochemical reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia are a specific focus of research, due to the potential to compete with the Haber–Bosch process and reduce associated carbon dioxide emissions. However, limited progress has been made to date, as most electrocatalyst surfaces lack specificity towards nitrogen fixation. In this Review, we discuss the progress of the field in developing a mechanistic understanding of nitrogenase-promoted and molecular catalyst-promoted ammonia synthesis and provide a review of the state of the art and scientific needs for heterogeneous electrocatalysts