A flexible AC distribution system device for a microgrid

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Smart distribution network device for microgrid applications

This paper focuses on the design of a smart distribution network device for improving the power quality and reliability of the overall power distribution system that the microgrid is connected to. The control design employs a newly developed Model Predictive Control algorithm which optimizes the steady-state and the transient control problems separately to achieve a faster computational time for large power systems. Kalman filters are also employed as state observers to identify the required signals needed for monitoring purposes as well as to extract the harmonic spectra of the grid voltage and the load currents. The design concept is verified through different test case scenarios to demonstrate the capability of the proposed device and the results obtained are discussed. © 2012 IEEE.published_or_final_versio

Coordinated control and energy management of distributed generation inverters in a microgrid

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Brain connectivity during the processing of nouns and verbs: a dynamic Bayesian network analysis

Dynamic Bayesian network was used to study the connections among the brain regions activated during processing of nouns and verbs. Under simplifying assumptions, we arrived at a dynamic Bayesian network learning algorithm with reduced time complexity, which allowed us to test all possible connectivity models exhaustively and choose the best model based on the Bayesian information criterion (BIC) score. We found a posterior to anterior flow of processing of both nouns and verbs. The left medial frontal gyrus was found to play an important role in the network. For verb processing, strong involvements of motor cortex and cerebellum were found.published_or_final_versio

Mirizzi syndrome associated with hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: This is the first case report of Mirizzi syndrome associated with hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old man presented with painful obstructive jaundice and weight loss. Computed tomography showed a hilar mass in the liver. Following an episode of haemobilia, angiography demonstrated a pseudoaneurysm of a branch of the right hepatic artery that was embolised. At surgery, a gallstone causing Mirizzi type II syndrome was found to be responsible for the biliary obstruction and a necrotic inflammatory mass and haematoma were found to be extending into the liver. The mass was debrided and drained, the obstructing stones removed and the bile duct drained with a t-tube. The patient made a full recovery. CONCLUSION: This case highlights another situation where there may be difficulty in differentiating Mirizzi syndrome from biliary tract cancer.Published versio

Lymph node density in silicosis: its relationship with lung function and clinical parameters

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Assessment of nine markers for phylogeny, species and haplotype identification of Kappaphycus species and Eucheuma denticulatum (Solieriaceae, Rhodophyta)

Molecular studies have contributed to the taxonomy of carrageenan-producing Kappaphycus spp. and Eucheuma denticulatum. However, unresolved species complexes and the lack of standardization in the use of genetic markers impede the identification of specimens and the delineation of a robust taxonomic framework. Here, nine molecular markers (cox1, cox2–3 spacer, cox2, cox3, COB, ITS, psbA, UPA and rbcL) were used to generate a multilocus phylogeny for 113 fresh eucheumatoid samples and four herbarium specimens. Analyses of species delineation and genetic distances confirmed the monophyly of currently accepted taxa. These analyses suggest that clades previously reported as K. striatus KS1 and KS2 are conspecific, and that E. denticulatum EDA ‘spinosum’ and EDB ‘endong/cacing’ are also conspecific. The results also unveiled possible new taxa from Hawaii and Indonesia. Each molecular marker and combinations thereof were assessed with regard to species identification, ease of amplification and sequencing, and haplotype characterization. All genetic markers recorded at least 94% success in the amplification and sequencing of fresh specimens, with cox1 being the most phylogenetically informative. Automatic partitioning, phylogenetic and tree-based assessments showed cox1, cox2–3 spacer, cox2 and rbcL were able to correctly identify species while cox1+ rbcL, COB+rbcL, cox2+ rbcL or cox1+ COB+rbcL trees best represented the phylogeny with consistently high nodal support. Among individual markers, cox1 identified the greatest number of haplotypes, while UPA, partial rbcL (750 bp), ITS, cox3 and cox2–3 spacer were able to retrieve information from herbarium specimens of 12–16 years of age. These molecular results provide a basis for a database essential for the taxonomic framework, cultivar development and germplasm conservation of eucheumatoids

Inhaled corticosteroid therapy in bronchiectasis - a 12-month study

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Patients’ impact on the hidden curriculum of medical students a qualitative study on undergraduate medical students

Aim: To explore and understand professional practice development through medical students’ observation of patient’s responses towards the medical students, illness, and hospital staff. Methodology: Semi-structured focused group discussions were conducted between 3rd September 2019 and 3rd May 2020 using non-probability purposive sampling. Three focused groups were conducted with fourth year medical students (n=19) to discuss about their third-year clinical placement experience. The focused group discussions were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis framework to label the concepts, attached code to the data, and the codes were subsequently grouped into similar themes. Themes that emerged from the interpretation of the coded data were identified. Results: Four main themes emerged from the focus groups: (1) Student’s observation on patient’s responses towards students, illness, and staff; (2) Patient’s perspectives towards students; (3) Students were affected by the experience; and (4) Factors influencing patient’s responses to students, illness, and staff. The impact of patient’s behaviour has influenced students’ professional practice in two ways. The first impact is collaboration of students’ observation during clinical placement with what has been learned through the written curriculum. The second impact is through a hidden curriculum. Conclusions: The hidden curriculum has influenced our students’ learning through observation of new aspects and implementation of the learned written curriculum. Students can aspire medical educators, doctors, and medical staff to adopt approaches and attitudes that have a positive impact on students’ professional practice and to acknowledge that they are the role models for the new generation’s learning through the hidden curriculum

A cross-sectional survey on cold chain management of vaccines in Cebu, Philippines

Background: Appropriate cold chain management is the foundation of safety and quality of vaccines. Objectives: This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the cold chain management of the rural health units of Consolacion and Liloan, Cebu, Philippines on August to September 2017. Methods: Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, which was developed based on previous studies of cold chain survey. The questionnaire was administered to one personnel who is responsible for the storage and maintenance of vaccines in each public health center (PHC). Results: Of 42 targeted PHCs, only 52.4% (n=22) agreed to join in the study. The results of the study indicated that storage units and equipments were available in all 22 PHCs, even though only five of them (22.7%) stored vaccines. The majority of PHCs (90.9%, n=20) did not have access to a generator and only 9% (n=2) had a voltage stabilizer connected to the refrigerator. Refrigerators that were equipped with thermometer were only found in 68.2% (n=15) PHCs. No statistically significant relationship was found (p=0.159) between the statuses of PHCs to store vaccine and the level of knowledge of health professionals assigned to manage the vaccine. Conclusions: Primary health centers that store vaccines have at least one functional refrigerator and freezer and alternative power sources. Contingency plans in the event of mechanical and power failure as well as proper temperature monitoring are needed. Personnel handling vaccines must be updated on proper storage and transport of such like the use of cold boxes and ice packs to maintain cold chain. Improvement of cold-chain management for vaccines in Cebu City’s PHCs was necessary