Extra Tool Research Articles

Optimized sizing of a pumping system using the Scilab software

Climate change represents, today, one of the greatest challenges regarding the availability of water resources for the cultivation of food and raw materials of plant origin that the world's population so badly needs. Sugarcane, due to its high added value to produce several products and whose accumulation of sucrose is mainly due to a perfect dosage of water, brought to light the need to obtain new irrigation strategies, thus aiming at a more sustainable, efficient and economical management of water consumption in this sector. As an alternative to this challenge, drip irrigation stood out, which allowed not only a more precise control of water dosage, but also essential nutrients for the development of sugarcane. Taking advantage of this, a sugar and alcohol plant in the interior of the state of São Paulo, whose identity will be preserved, made several investments to implement this system on its farms and one of these projects will be discussed in detail about the dimensioning of the entire piping network. which involves the pumping system, from water collection to discharge into a storage tank, responsible for supplying the dripping, using a pre-dimensioned pump and respecting the specifications defined by the client for this work. In addition, the free software Scilab was used to implement the piping and pumping sizing procedure, as an extra tool, in addition to development in Excel.

Analysis of the effectiveness and efficiency of the Indonesian metastatic bone disease of unknown origin algorithm (INA-MBD): time to diagnosis and cost to diagnosis : Quasi-experimental study

Background Patients with Metastatic Bone Disease (MBD) often present with complaints of pain and multiple osteolytic lesions findings. Remarkably, 30% of these cases exhibit an undetected primary lesion. Hence, categorizing them as MBD of unknown origin. The diagnostic processes of patients with MBD of unknown origin typically takes up to four months, rendering it as a catastrophic disease with the second-highest financial burden. Given its urgency, it is necessary to develop a evidence-based consensus for managing cases of MBD with an unknown origin. Purpose This study aimed to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of treating patients with MBD of unknown origin through the application of the INA-MBD algorithm. Research method A quasi-experimental study with a pretest and post-test design was conducted with a total of 128 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were consecutively enrolled and categorized into two groups: the intervention group with the INA-MBD algorithm and the non-intervention group without the INA-MBD algorithm. The primary outcomes were the cost and time to diagnose MBD of unknown origin. The proposed measuring tool was the INA-MBD algorithm. Furthermore, for the cost-to-diagnosis variable, an extra measurement tool was used, which were summaries of the patient’s medical bill including hospital stays and medical procedures. The analysis of data related to the time-to-diagnosis variable was conducted using the Log Rank regression test, and cost-to-diagnosis variable was carried out using co-variance test.

Non-interference slow tool servo turning method for complex surfaces with large undulation changes

Complex curved surface parts are integral to the mechanical industry, demanding precise machining techniques. Multi-axis slow tool servo turning has emerged as an efficient method due to its high precision and quality. However, the challenge of severe tool flank interference arises, especially on surfaces with large undulation changes. Conventional methods, such as increasing tool clearance angles or adding extra tool axes, detrimentally affect machining precision and stability. To address this, a non-interference toolpath planning method is proposed for complex surfaces with large undulation changes. The approach begins with establishing geometric models of the single-point diamond turning tool and typical complex surfaces, followed by analyzing the mechanism and evolution of tool flank interference. By considering geometric parameters and vector relationships, the practical tool clearance angles are calculated. And then a criterion for subregion division is introduced and the non-cutting stroke is designed, accounting for the maximal acceleration of machine tool axis. Multi-pass toolpaths are generated to navigate different subregions while avoiding interference by transforming spindle rotation direction. Furthermore, a method is proposed to optimize toolpath stitching in practical machining regions, ensuring continuous and smooth transitions while maintaining machining precision and surface quality. Experimental validation, conducted on a hyperbolic paraboloid surface with large undulation changes, demonstrates a significant reduction in surface roughness (Sa) from 380.503 nm to 75.664 nm—a reduction of 80.115 %. The proposed method not only enhances machining precision and surface quality but also extends tool life and improves working conditions. This research offers vital guidance for non-interference toolpath planning in engineering practice.

Analysis of the effectiveness and efficiency of the Indonesian metastatic bone disease of unknown origin algorithm (INA-MBD): time to diagnosis and cost to diagnosis : Quasi-experimental study

Background Patients with Metastatic Bone Disease (MBD) often presenting with complaints of pain and multiple osteolytic lesions findings. Remarkably, 30% of these cases exhibit an undetected primary lesion. Hence, categorizing them as MBD of unknown origin. The diagnostic processes of patients with MBD of unknown origin typically takes up to four months, rendering it as a catastrophic disease with the second-highest financial burden. Given its urgency, it is necessary to develop a systematic and evidence-based consensus for managing cases of MBD with an unknown origin. Purpose This study aimed to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of treating patients with MBD of unknown origin through the application of the INA-MBD algorithm. Research method A quasi-experimental study with a pretest and post-test design was conducted with a total of 128 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The patients were consecutively enrolled and categorized into two groups: the intervention group with the INA-MBD algorithm and the non-intervention group without the INA-MBD algorithm. The primary outcomes were the cost and time to diagnose MBD of unknown origin. The proposed measuring tool was the INA-MBD algorithm. Furthermore, for the cost-to-diagnosis variable, an extra measurement tool was used, which were summaries of the patient’s medical bill including hospital stays and medical procedures. The analysis of data related to the time-to-diagnosis variable was conducted using the Log Rank regression test, and cost-to-diagnosis variable was carried out using co-variance test.

The effectiveness of automated writing evaluation: a structural analysis approach

Modern advancement in learning technologies and tools has presented innovative written corrective feedback (WCF) methods based on artificial intelligence (AI) and existing corpora. Research has shown that these tools are perceived as exciting and useful by students, yet studies on their effectiveness and impact on students’ writing are relatively insufficient. To this end, the present study investigated the effectiveness of Grammarly writing assistant as perceived by 98 undergraduates who used the tool for a 14-week semester. The study adopted a questionnaire based on a modified technology acceptance model (TAM). The gathered data was analyzed using SmartPLS 3 software. The results revealed that different factors predict students’ perceptions about Grammarly and their intention to use it. Some of these factors were not presupposed. The findings imply using Grammarly as an extra learning tool rather than a basic one. It is suggested that future research on the efficacy of Grammarly should adopt longitudinal and experimental approaches.

Metaverse cannot be an extra marketing immersive tool to increase sales in tourism cities

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse the metaverse platform in a social context to better understand the future of this tool in tourism cities and how this can help to improve the well-being of residents in both digital and physical scenarios.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper, the current and probable developments in the metaverse, and its use in tourism cities and companies have been investigated. Moreover, this study develops, collects and examines the main metaverse definitions by expert authors and organizations as a methodology to ensure the transparency and credibility of the metaverse analysis.FindingsFindings suggest that the fusion of the metaverse and tourism cities must create residents’ services and experiences in the new MetaTourPolis to help interact and connect citizens with the city’s institutions and companies, as well as make tourism cities more attractive, innovative, environmentally friendly and healthier places to live. Metaverse will bring new changes for residents and tourists, in fact, this virtual platform is already changing and improving the residents’ quality of life and people with disabilities in tourism cities. For instance, the metaverse platform has been implemented in Seoul, Santa Monica and Dubai MetaTourPolis to interact with their residents, including people with disabilities, to resolve bureaucratic and administrative problems, avoiding this group and the rest of the residents travelling by bus or car to the city’s institutions. In addition, several metaverse applications based on softbot tutors or metaverse virtual social centres have been developed to improve blind and impaired people, and elderly people’ quality of life, respectively.Originality/valueA new concept called “MetaTourPolis” has been included to stage the relationship between tourism cities and the metaverse platform, where the fusion of metaverse and the new tourism polis of the 21st century will be at the service of citizens, tourists and companies, to create more sustainable, efficient, quantitative and environmental tourism cities.

Polymerization of benzoxazine impregnated in porous carbons. A scalable and low-cost route to smart copper-ion absorbents with saturation indicator function

Porous carbon materials are common materials used for sensor and absorbent applications. A novel approach for functionalizing porous carbons through the impregnation of porous carbon black with benzoxazine monomers, followed by thermal polymerization is introduced herein. The method not only establishes a new avenue for the functionalization of porous carbons but also endows the resulting material with both copper ion-binding and sensing properties. We showcase the versatility of the technique by illustrating that the polymerization of phenols with benzoxazine monomers serves as an extra tool to customize absorption- and sensing properties. Experimental validation involved testing the method on carbon black as a porous substrate, which was impregnated with both bisphenol-a benzoxazine and a combination of bisphenol-a benzoxazine and alizarin. The resulting materials were assessed for their dual functionality as both an absorbent and a sensor for copper ions by varied copper ion concentrations and exposure times. The dye absorption test demonstrated a notable capacity to accumulate copper ions from dilute solutions. Electrochemical characterization further confirmed the effectiveness of the modified carbons, as electrodes produced from inks were successful in detecting copper ions accumulated from 50 μM Cu2+ solutions. With this work, we aspire to set the steppingstone towards a facile functionalization of porous carbon materials towards water purification applications.

Histopathological prognostic factors in post NACT ovarian cancers: A retrospective study

Epithelial ovarian carcinoma is the most common type of all the ovarian cancers. The patients with advanced stage are initially treated with neo-adjuvant chemotherapy followed by interval debulking surgery. The high mortality rate is mainly due to advanced stage disease at initial presentation. This a retrospective study carried out in department of pathology at Bhagwan Mahaveer cancer hospital, Jaipur. The retrospective cases data was collected and analyzed from patient records on basis of inclusion and exclusion criteria.: Patients of advanced ovarian cancer with fibrosis grade 3, necrosis grade 2, presence of psammoma bodies, presence of collagen deposition, low Ki67 index, positive ER status were associated with longer DFS (p value= 0.014,0.029,0.033,0.028,0.001 and 0.001 respectively) and OS (P value 0.025,0.005,0.002,0.015,0.001 and 0.001 respectively).We propose that the prognostic histopathological parameters analysed in our study in post NACT patients of ovarian carcinoma should be reported in final histopathological report, as these factors can provide an extra tool for clinicians to optimize patient management and care.

Why do wealth advisors stay or leave their firms?

AbstractWe study the determinants associated with wealth advisors' consideration to leave or say at financial planning firms. Utilizing self‐determination theory as the foundational theoretical framework and focusing on the psychological aspect of the decision, we develop a structural equation model that defines the factors relating to work satisfaction, affective work commitment, and turnover intention in the wealth management profession. We provide evidence for the roles played by autonomous motivation, reward, and punishment in determining job retention and affective work commitment among wealth advisors in the United States. By showing the importance of autonomous motivation on retention, we are offering the wealth management industry one extra tool to influence employee retention.

Efficient cutting path planning for a non-spherical tool based on an iso-scallop height distance field

Iso-scallop height machining means, when machining a freeform surface, the scallop height between any two neighboring tool paths on the surface will be a constant (i.e., the given threshold), which is preferable among various freeform surface machining strategies due to its high machining efficiency as well as better machine tool’s dynamics. However, all the existing iso-scallop height path planning methods pertain to only the ball-end or flat-end types of tools. In recent years, the non-spherical cutting tool has become more and more popular, especially for five-axis machining of complex freeform surfaces, majorly owing to its non-constant curvature which can be utilized to adaptively fit the tool to the surface to both avoid the local gouging and enlarge the cutting width. However, there have been no reported works on iso-scallop height five-axis tool path generation for a non-spherical tool, and, in this paper, we present one. Specifically, we first define and construct two fields on the surface to be machined-the collision-free tool orientation field (vector) and the iso-scallop height distance field (scalar). The iso-lines of the scalar field and their associated tool orientation field vectors then naturally serve as potential iso-scallop height five-axis tool paths, and we present a propagation-based algorithm to construct the desired tool path from the iso-lines. The computer simulation and physical cutting experiments confirm that everywhere on the surface, except maybe near the saddle curves of the scalar filed, the scallop height is exactly the given threshold. By adding the saddle curves as extra tool paths, the final machined surface then is assured of the required scallop height requirement.

Computerized analysis of hypomimia and hypokinetic dysarthria for improved diagnosis of Parkinson's disease

Background and ObjectiveAn aging society requires easy-to-use approaches for diagnosis and monitoring of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease (PD), so that clinicians can effectively adjust a treatment policy and improve patients' quality of life. Current methods of PD diagnosis and monitoring usually require the patients to come to a hospital, where they undergo several neurological and neuropsychological examinations. These examinations are usually time-consuming, expensive, and performed just a few times per year. Hence, this study explores the possibility of fusing computerized analysis of hypomimia and hypokinetic dysarthria (two motor symptoms manifested in the majority of PD patients) with the goal of proposing a new methodology of PD diagnosis that could be easily integrated into mHealth systems. MethodsWe enrolled 73 PD patients and 46 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, who performed several speech/voice tasks while recorded by a microphone and a camera. Acoustic signals were parametrized in the fields of phonation, articulation and prosody. Video recordings of a face were analyzed in terms of facial landmarks movement. Both modalities were consequently modeled by the XGBoost algorithm. ResultsThe acoustic analysis enabled diagnosis of PD with 77% balanced accuracy, while in the case of the facial analysis, we observed 81% balanced accuracy. The fusion of both modalities increased the balanced accuracy to 83% (88% sensitivity and 78% specificity). The most informative speech exercise in the multimodality system turned out to be a tongue twister. Additionally, we identified muscle movements that are characteristic of hypomimia. ConclusionsThe introduced methodology, which is based on the myriad of speech exercises likewise audio and video modality, allows for the detection of PD with an accuracy of up to 83%. The speech exercise - tongue twisters occurred to be the most valuable from the clinical point of view. Additionally, the clinical interpretation of the created models is illustrated. The presented computer-supported methodology could serve as an extra tool for neurologists in PD detection and the proposed potential solution of mHealth will facilitate the patient's and doctor's life.

USING THE VOSCREEN APPLICATION AS A PEDAGOGICAL TOOL TO IMPROVE STUDENTS’ LISTENING AND READING SKILLS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE

This research paper introduces the Voscreen application as an extra pedagogical tool that EFL teachers can use in the classroom as an attempt to improve students’ listening and reading skills. Also, it shows how digital resources can promote an engaging, interactive, and efficient learning. Our research can be classified as a bibliographical study of a descriptive nature, since we propose to analyze studies developed by some scholars. Therefore, as a theoretical base, we had the studies of Gil (1994), Paiva (2013), Taylan (2018), Tucker-Seeley (2005), Singhal (1997) and Stosic (2015). We believe that the new social demand requires that teachers should include digital resources in their pedagogical practices to enhance the quality of their classes. Also, we believe that the use of interactive applications can be a good strategy adopted by teachers. due to the fact that students are already inserted in this technological context.

Tiktok as a Learning Media in Teaching Speaking Skill: EFL Students’ Perception

This study intended to investigate how students feel about utilizing TikTok as a learning tool to develop their speaking abilities. Social media is crucial to modern living, especially advancing education in the digital age. TikTok, one of the most popular social media platforms, is presently thought to be able to help students with their speaking abilities. The data from this research were statements from interview sessions conducted by five students in 11th grade at SMA Sejahtera Surabaya as a data source. The results obtained from this study were 3 different perceptions held by students. First, TikTok can be utilized as an extra learning tool because it offers a wide variety of information that allows students to master subjects that they don't understand in class. Second, TikTok may be utilized as an interactive learning tool since it offers engaging features that encourage students to actively participate in class. In addition, the duration of the video is quite short so that students don't get bored easily. Finally, TikTok can increase students' level of confidence in speaking English because TikTok provides various kinds of English-speaking exercises that can improve students' speaking skills and make them more confident.

A Distinctive Metabolomics Profile and Potential Biomarkers for Very Long Acylcarnitine Dehydrogenase Deficiency (VLCADD) Diagnosis in Newborns.

Very long-chain acylcarnitine dehydrogenase deficiency (VLCADD) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder associated with fatty acid β-oxidation and characterized by genetic mutations in the ACADVL gene and accumulations of acylcarnitines. VLCADD, developed in neonates or later adults, can be diagnosed using newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) or genetic sequencing. These techniques have limitations, such as a high false discovery rate and variants of uncertain significance (VUS). As a result, an extra diagnostic tool is needed to deliver improved performance and health outcomes. As VLCADD is linked with metabolic disturbance, we postulated that newborn patients with VLCADD could display a distinct metabolomics pattern compared to healthy newborns and other disorders. Herein, we applied an untargeted metabolomics approach using liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS) to measure the global metabolites in dried blood spot (DBS) cards collected from VLCADD newborns (n = 15) and healthy controls (n = 15). Two hundred and six significantly dysregulated endogenous metabolites were identified in VLCADD, in contrast to healthy newborns. Fifty-eight and one hundred and eight up- and down-regulated endogenous metabolites were involved in several pathways such as tryptophan biosynthesis, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism and pantothenate, and CoA biosynthesis. Furthermore, biomarker analyses identified 3,4-Dihydroxytetradecanoylcarnitine (AUC = 1), PIP (20:1)/PGF1alpha) (AUC = 0.982), and PIP2 (16:0/22:3) (AUC = 0.978) as potential metabolic biomarkers for VLCADD diagnosis. Our findings showed that compared to healthy newborns, VLCAADD newborns exhibit a distinctive metabolic profile, and identified potential biomarkers that can be used for early diagnosis, which improves the identification of the affected patients earlier. This allows for the timely administration of proper treatments, leading to improved health. However, further studies with large independent cohorts of VLCADD patients with different ages and phenotypes need to be studied to validate our potential diagnostic biomarkers and their specificity and accuracy during early life.

Sustainability Assessment Techniques and Potential Sustainability Accreditation Tools for Energy-Product Systems Modelling

The modelling of complex technological systems serves as the foundation for enhancing process performance, including sustainability features (triple-bottom line). The European Green Deal, proposed in 2019, aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and foster a resource-independent economy. Such a change must be carefully planned. Comprehensive sustainability protocols and guidelines are necessary to describe the standardized methodological procedure, the environmental certification procedures that allow market comparability and identification of the best solutions, the databases, the calculation tools and software, and the benchmark and target with which to make comparison. Policies and regulatory or incentive instruments promote the broad adoption of these approaches and ensure that policies reduce environmental, economic, and social impacts. This paper consists in an overview of sustainability assessment tools’ role in energy policy and short- and long-term modeling of more eco-friendly energy-product systems. Additionally, the paper explores these methods’ pros and cons in planning, analyzing, and optimizing energy/product systems, also according to the circular economy paradigm. All of these strategies aim to help the decision-maker make more consistent judgments by taking into consideration essential objective, such as end user or stakeholder demands, and minimizing subjective elements. An extensive listing of Sustainability accreditation and communication tools is provided. Sustainability assessment is an evaluation and optimization method that promotes sustainable development in all political planning and decision-making. It examines the social, economic, and environmental effects, finds conflicting goals, and recommends early optimization. Potentially, sustainability assessment should be integrated into the political planning process and depend on domain-specific research and assessments that currently exist or are planned, such as in combination with decision-making. Sustainability assessment is not designed to be an extra analytical tool. A sector-specific environmental or economic study from a strategic environmental analysis or regulatory effect analysis may be crucial to a sustainability assessment.

Cooper pair splitting controlled by a temperature gradient.

Electrons in two different normal metallic electrodes attached to a sufficiently thin superconducting island may become entangled due to the effect of Cooper pair splitting. This phenomenon is of fundamental importance and may also have serious implications for developing quantum communication technologies. One way to identify Cooper pair splitting is to analyze long-range cross correlations of fluctuating currents in three-terminal hybrid normal-superconducting-normal nanostructures. Here, we theoretically investigate non-trivial behavior of cross-correlated non-local shot noise in the presence of a temperature gradient. We suggest that applying a temperature gradient may serve as an extra tool to control the phenomenon of Cooper pair splitting.

Protein-Bound Uremic Toxins and Inflammation Process in Hemodialysis Patients: Is There a Role for Adsorption Hemodiafiltration?

Introduction: Despite major advances in the field of dialysis, there are still some unmet needs such as reducing inflammation through adequate depuration. It is well known that the wide spectrum of pro-inflammatory and pro-atherosclerotic uremic toxins are inefficiently removed by current dialysis techniques. Adsorption seems to be an extra tool to remove toxins, but its effect and optimization have not been widely studied. The aim of this report was to present preliminary results regarding the possibility of performing hemodiafiltration with a highly adsorptive polymethylmethacrylate membrane. Methods: The study was first conducted in 10 patients in which the safety and feasibility of hemodiafiltration with PMMA BG-U 2.1 membrane were tested through measurement of hemolysis indices, transmembrane pressures, and dialysis adequacy. Twenty patients were prospectively observed for 18-month period in which they consecutively underwent standard hemodialysis, standard post-dilution hemodiafiltration, and polymethylmethacrylate-based post-dilution hemodiafiltration. Protein-bound uremic toxins concentrations and inflammatory markers were measured throughout the observed period. Results: HDF-PMMA was inferior to HDF in convective volume, but KT/V was similar, and no differences were noted in operating pressures during the two treatments. During HDF-PMMA period of treatment, we observed a significant reduction of CPR levels, and HDF-PMMA was superior to all other treatments in hepcidin removal even if this did not significantly affect hemoglobin levels. HDF-PMMA could significantly reduce indoxyl sulfate (indoxyl) concentration over a period of 6 months but not for p-cresyl sulfate (p-cresyl). Conclusion: PMMA BG-U 2.1 membrane can be safely and efficiently used in hemodiafiltration. Moreover, as these preliminary results show, adding adsorption properties to convection and diffusion enabled an increased removal of indoxyl uremic toxin associated to a reduction in inflammation markers as CRP and hepcidin without any negative impact on albumin levels.

Polyphasic Systematics of the Fungicolous Genus Cladobotryum Based on Morphological, Molecular and Metabolomics Data.

(1) Background: Species of the anamorphic genus Cladobotryum, are known for their fungicolous lifestyle, making them important mycopathogens in fungiculture. Many morphological, ecological, and molecular phylogenetic studies of the genus have been done to date, but taxonomic uncertainties and challenges still remain. Fungal secondary metabolites, being vastly diverse, are utilised as an extra tool in fungal systematics. Despite being studied for their potentially bioactive compounds, Cladobotryum species are insufficiently investigated regarding metabolomics. (2) Methods: The aim of this study is the identification of Greek strains of Cladobotryum by integrating morphological data, ITS-based phylogeny, and 1H NMR-based metabolomics into a polyphasic approach. (3) Results: Twenty-three strains, isolated from sporophores of macromycetes inhabiting diverse Greek ecosystems, were morphologically identified as Cladobotryum apiculatum, C. fungicola, C. mycophilum, C. varium, C. verticillatum, and Hypomyces rosellus (anamorph C. dendroides), whereas seven strains, which produced red-pigmented metabolites, presented an ambiguous taxonomic position at the species level. Molecular phylogenetics and metabolomics corroborated the morphological findings. (4) Conclusions: Thorough morphological study, ITS region-based phylogeny, and NMR-based metabolomics contribute complementarily to resolving the genus Cladobotryum systematics.

Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin (NGAL) in Peritoneal Dialytic Effluent: Preliminary Results on the Comparison between Two Different Methods in Patients with and without Peritonitis

Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is a lipocalin involved in the immune response and is significantly high in the peritoneal dialytic effluent (PDE) of peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients with inflammation of the peritoneum membrane (peritonitis). The focus of this study was to match two different techniques for peritoneal NGAL evaluation: NGAL point-of-care test-POCT (NGAL Dipstick—NGALds) versus the laboratory-based NGAL assay and with the white cell count in PDE. In this study, we included 30 PD patients: 17 with peritonitis and 13 without. Peritoneal NGAL was tested by a turbidimetric immunoassay and by NGALds. We noticed a good positive linear correlation between the POCT results and the laboratory-based test and between the peritoneal NGALds and white cell count in PDE (both, p < 0.01). NGALds values resulted in being elevated in patients with peritonitis (300 ng/mL, IQR 300–600) in comparison to patients without (100 ng/mL, IQR 50–150) (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the NGALds test was performed in a median time of 20 mins (IQR 18–21) in comparison with the median time of 65 mins (IQR 55–69) necessary for the laboratory-based test (p < 0.01). The results of the NGALds were coherent with the laboratory-based NGAL and with the white cell count in PDE; furthermore, it was a user-friendly method with real-time findings. NGALds could be an extra tool for the diagnosis of peritonitis, helpful at the bedside of the patient, shortening the length of diagnosis, and if the laboratory-based NGAL test is not accessible.

Appraising the Optimal Power Flow and Generation Capacity in Existing Power Grid Topology with Increase in Energy Demand

Several socioeconomic factors such as industrialization, population growth, evolution of modern technologies, urbanization and other social activities do heavily influence the increase in energy demand. A thorough understanding of the effects of energy demand to power grid is highly essential for effective planning and operation of a power system network in terms of the available generation and transmission line capacities. This paper presents an optimal power flow (OPF) with the aim to determine the exact nodes through which the network capacities can be increased. The problem is formulated as a Direct Current (DC) OPF model, which is a linearized version of an Alternating Current (AC) OPF model. The DC-OPF model was solved as a single period OPF problem. The model was tested in several case studies using the topology of the IEEE test systems, and the computation speeds of the different cases were compared. The results suggested dual variables of the problem’s constraints as an extra tool for the network designer to see where to increase the network capacities.