Mitsubishi Electric (Netherlands)

BACKGROUND: Hilar obstructions remain a challenge with regard to diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: In the period from 1984 to 1990, 82 patients underwent resective surgery under the presumptive diagnosis of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (Klatskin tumor). The diagnosis was based on the combined appearances on direct cholangiography and ultrasonography in all cases, with the use of various other imaging modalities in some cases. RESULTS: The perioperative findings from an experienced surgical team were usually thought to be compatible with bile duct carcinoma. However, histologic examination of the resected specimens revealed benign fibrosing or localized sclerosing lesions in 11 patients (13.4%). CONCLUSIONS: The current state of diagnostic imaging fails as yet to discriminate reliably between benign and malignant hilar lesions. Whereas the immediate therapeutic consequences may be equal (resection followed by hepaticojejunostomy), the late consequences differ in a major way because benign disease has a much better prognosis. In the presence of suspicious hilar obstruction, operable lesions should not be treated by "palliative" intubational techniques and radiation therapy without a firm diagnosis of malignancy. However, overtreatment (extended liver resection, vascular reconstruction, and liver transplantation) should be avoided as well when a benign lesion has not been ruled out.

Environmental context There are great concerns around current wide usage of copper-based agrochemicals. We compare the fate of nano- and conventional forms of copper, in particular their resistance to wash-off by rain (rainfastness), following their application to citrus leaves. Results showing large differences between the formulations in the amount and forms of copper washed from the leaves provide essential information to optimise agrochemical efficacy while minimising the environmental impact. Abstract This study compares the rainfastness of nine forms of Cu, including nano and conventional Cu-based fungicide formulations, as well as their salt or bulk equivalents. Rainfastness is the ability to resist wash-off; it is a key property for improving pesticide formulations and for assessing the potential transfer of pesticides to the soil. A new protocol was developed to characterise losses of Cu from treated leaves. It consisted of dipping the leaves in rainwater and then in an acid/ethanol mixture followed by size fractionation. The proportion of Cu lost by wash-off from citrus leaves ranged from <2 % (Tribasic, nCuO or Cu(OH)2) up to 93 % (CuSO4) of the initial amount of Cu applied. Intermediate Cu losses were observed for formulations with silica (nano)particles (9–14 % of applied Cu), Kocide (22 %), ChampDP (31 %), and a formulation with graphene oxide (47 %). Smaller particles generally resulted in less wash-off, possibly due to stronger attachment to the leaf surface, but other factors such as the particle shape and solubility also played an essential role. The retention of nCuO to the leaves was particularly high, and the exact mechanisms involved (e.g. foliar uptake) deserve further work. Most of the Cu was washed off in its ionic form (>74 %). Two Cu formulations (one commercial formulation and the formulation with graphene oxide) also showed wash off in significant proportions of Cu (~17 %) in the nano-sized fraction. This study provides essential information on the amounts and forms of Cu that may reach the soil after the application of Cu-based agrochemicals. The great diversity in behaviour across the range of formulations considered highlights the need for more systematic research to fully exploit the potential improvements of current agrochemicals through (nano)formulation technologies.

A checklist and a key are given for the 62 species of Phytoseiidae of Turkey. Two species Neoseiulus marginatus (Wainstein) and Transeius wainsteini (Gomelauri), which are new records from Turkey, as well as Transeius herbarius (Wainstein) are redescribed. Amblyseius enab El-Badry, Amblyseius rusticana Athias-Henriot, Typhlodromus tenuis Westerboer, and Typhlodromus intercalaris Livshitz and Kuznetsov are recognized as suspected junior synonyms of Amblyseius swirskii Athias-Henriot, Amblyseiella setosa Muma, T. herbarius (Wainstein), and Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) invectus Chant, respectively. We accept a previous conclusion on the species concept of Phytoseius plumifer (Canestrini and Fanzago) and consider removing Phytoseius finitimus Ribaga from synonymy with P. plumifer.

Silicone breast implants (SBIs) have been subject to scientific scrutiny since the 1960's because of their potential link with systemic disease symptoms. Breast implant illness (BII) is a cluster of over 56 (systemic) symptoms attributed by patients to their SBIs. BII remains an unofficial medical diagnosis, although its symptoms include but are not limited to the clinical manifestations of autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). The aim of this study was to prospectively analyse the effect of explantation on clinical manifestations of ASIA/BII symptoms, as well as to compare (breast-surgery specific) QoL in patients pre- and postoperatively while recording relevant perioperative/patient data. A prospective cohort study was conducted on 140 patients consulting a single surgeon for explantation of SBIs at a single clinic from 2019 to 2021 via their general practitioner, a medical specialist or self-referral. Of all patients, medical (implant) history, lifestyle factors and biometric data were obtained. Patients filled out a novel ASIA/BII symptom-survey termed the ASIA-scale, three domains of the SF-36 and the augmentation module of the BREAST-Q before and four months after the operation. A total of 109 patients completed both the pre- and postoperative survey with a mean follow-up duration of 205 days. There was a significant decrease in all individual symptom scores as well as ASIA-scale summary scores after explantation (p < .001). All SF-36 subdomains showed significant improvement postoperatively (p < .001). The BREAST-Q subdomain 'satisfaction with breasts' improved significantly after explantation (p = .036). No statistically significant association was found between any clinical parameters (such as age, capsulectomy, rupture etc.) and the recovery of symptom scores. This is the largest prospective cohort study on SBI explantation to date showing significant improvement of the most common systemic complaints in SBI patients as well as improvement of satisfaction with breasts and overall quality of life.

Typhloseiulus peculiaris (Kolodochka, 1980) and Phytoseius spoofi (Oudemans, 1915) found for the first time in Guilan Province, Iran are reported. Keys are provided to distinguish species of Typhloseiulus Chant and McMurtry and the Phytoseiidae of Iran. Neoseiulus kermanicus Daneshvar, 1987, N. oryzacolus Daneshvar, 1987 and Phytoseius tropicalis Daneshvar, 1987 are recognised as junior synonyms of N. barkeri Hughes, 1948, N. imbricatus (Corpuz-Raros and Rimando, 1966) and P. plumifer (Canestrini and Fanzago, 1876), respectively. Typhlodromus (Anthoseius) iranensis Daneshvar (1987) is suspected to be a junior synonym of T. (A.) kazachstanicus Wainstein, 1958 and Paraseiulus jirofticus Daneshvar, 1987 is considered a nomen dubium. Remarks on the status of Transeius caspiansis (Denmark and Daneshvar, 1982) are also given.

Accurate prediction of cavitation is an important feature in hydrodynamic bearing modeling. Especially for thermo-hydrodynamic modeling, it is crucial to use a mass-conservative cavitation algorithm. This paper introduces a new mass-conserving Reynolds cavitation algorithm, which provides fast convergence and easy implementation in finite element models. The proposed algorithm is based on a variable transformation for both the pressure and mass fraction, which is presented in the form of a complementary condition. Stabilization in the streamline and crosswind direction is provided by artificial diffusion. The model is completed by including a simple and efficient thermal model and is validated using the numerical values of a reference plain journal bearing experiment under steady-state conditions. In addition, a transient analysis is performed of a journal bearing subjected to a harmonic load. It is shown that the proposed cavitation algorithm results are in good agreement with the reference measurement results. Moreover, the algorithm proves to be stable and requires only a small number of iterations to convergence in the Reynolds-based finite element model.

A B S T R A C T ■ The TV talent show Idols has been one of the most successful entertainment programmes internationally in recent years. In an attempt to explain the song contest's popularity, this article analyses the content of two seasons of the Dutch version of Idols, with particular attention to the ritual structure. The content analysis shows that the ritual meaning of Idols lies in the representation of harmony and ranking. By criticizing and disgracing `bad' contestants as a ritual of abjection, while at the same time glorifying the battle of the finalists as a classic rite of passage, an imaginary community is created with a fixed social order and a definable morality. Idols is thus able to serve as a platform for the articulation, representation and discussion of contemporary values. ■

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify the principal determinants that are longitudinally associated with the performance of social roles in the first 3 years following a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. DESIGN: Inception cohort with 5 measurements over 3 years. PATIENTS: A total of 156 patients recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. METHOD: Performance of social roles was measured using the 2 role functioning and the social sub-scales of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form 36. Potential determinants (n = 43) were divided into the following clusters: patient and disease characteristics (n = 12), psychosocial characteristics (n = 10), basic functions (n = 18) and basic activities (n = 3). Multivariate longitudinal regression analyses were performed with generalized estimating equations. A backwards selection procedure for every cluster per outcome reduced the large number of potential determinants. In order to determine whether longitudinal associations are present the selected determinants were entered into an overall regression model. RESULTS: Twenty-three candidate determinants were selected. Vitality, measured with the SF36 sub-scale vitality, the T2-weighted supratentorial lesion load and the perceived amount of social support, measured with the Social Support List Discrepancies, were longitudinally associated with the performance of social roles in 2 or 3 of the models. CONCLUSION: Vitality, the perceived amount of social support, and disease activity, i.e. the T2-weighted supratentorial lesion load, determine the performance of social roles in the early stages of multiple sclerosis.

The electromagnetic actuators are widely used in the industry due to their simple structure, force characteristics, and low manufacturing costs. However, from control point of view, they are nonlinear systems. In this brief, clustering-based system identification experiments as well as a piecewise mathematical model are described. Furthermore, a model-based fault detection and isolation of the actuator is presented, when the armature movement is sensed indirectly, by sensing only the armature current.

BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is a very common surgical emergency, but its etiology and pathology remain incompletely understood. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate epidemiological aspects of acute appendicitis related to skin color, gender and age. METHODS: Five-hundred patients operated on for acute appendicitis, and other 500 patients treated for different diseases and considered as a control group were studied at "Hospital das Clinicas", Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil. Gender, age and skin color were investigated. The results were compared by chi-square test. RESULTS: There was no prevalence related to gender. A significant prevalence of white patients (73.8%) was verified in this series. The number of white men with appendicitis was significantly higher than white men in the control group. The incidence of black patients with appendicitis was significantly lower than black patients of the control group. The mean age was 23.2 years old for the white patients with appendicitis and 32.3 years old for the black patients. CONCLUSIONS: The present paper shows an evident relation between appendicitis and white skin color.

A Micro-Grid has a small capacity of the system compared with conventional power system. When the Micro-Grid is disconnected from power system and operated under islanding condition, the problems of the power quality such as frequency fluctuation and voltage fluctuation can occur. This paper presents the “local control" method of improvement of the power quality in order to solve the problem. The suggested method is to use an inverter of a battery which is an energy storage system in the Micro-Grid and to improve frequency fluctuation and voltage fluctuation in Micro-Grid islanding operation. The impact of the method is investigated in this paper by analysis using HYPERSIM. Additionally, it is shown that the local control is developed and verified by field test in the Micro-Grid under islanding operation.

Journal bearings are used to support rotors in a wide range of applications. In order to ensure reliable operation, accurate analyses of these rotor-bearing systems are crucial. Coupled analysis of the rotor and the journal bearing is essential in the case that the rotor is flexible. The accuracy of prediction of the model at hand depends on its comprehensiveness. In this study, we construct three bearing models of increasing modeling comprehensiveness and use these to predict the response of two different rotor-bearing systems. The main goal is to evaluate the correlation with measurement data as a function of modeling comprehensiveness: 1D versus 2D pressure prediction, distributed versus lumped thermal model, Newtonian versus non-Newtonian fluid description and non-mass-conservative versus mass-conservative cavitation description. We conclude that all three models predict the existence of critical speeds and whirl for both rotor-bearing systems. However, the two more comprehensive models in general show better correlation with measurement data in terms of frequency and amplitude. Furthermore, we conclude that a thermal network model comprising temperature predictions of the bearing surroundings is essential to obtain accurate predictions. The results of this study aid in developing accurate and computationally-efficient models of flexible rotors supported by plain journal bearings.

In a quest to reduce fuel consumption and emissions of automotive combustion engines, friction losses from many different sources need to be minimized. For modern designs of turbochargers commonly used in the automotive industry, reduction of friction losses results in better efficiency and also contributes to a faster transient response. The thrust bearing is one of the main contributors to the mechanical losses of a turbocharger. Therefore, it is crucial to optimize the design of the thrust bearing so that it has minimum friction losses while keeping sufficient thrust carrying capacity. One of the main challenges of turbocharger thrust bearing design, is that rotation speed is not fixed: the turbocharger may have a rotation speed which varies between 0 to as much as 250 kRPM. Moreover, the thrust bearing generates considerable heat, which changes the temperature of the oil film and its surroundings. In the present work, the design of the thrust bearing of an automotive turbocharger has been optimized. A CFD-based Thermohydrodynamic (THD) computational approach has been developed, taking into consideration heat dissipation, conjugate heat transfer throughout the bearing domain including the surrounding parts, as well as shear thinning and cavitation in the lubricant domain. An optimizer has been coupled to the CFD solver, with the aim of identifying bearing designs with reduced friction losses. Two bearing concepts have been evaluated: a taper-land design—which is a commonly applied thrust bearing concept—as well as a pocket bearing design. The resulting optimum pocket designs exhibit improved performance, in comparison to the optimum taper-land design. The present results indicate that (a) the pocket design concept can substantially contribute to further reducing the friction losses of a turbocharger, and (b) optimal design parameters of pocket bearings depend on the specific application (size, operating conditions), therefore detailed calculations should be performed to verify optimum performance.

A new electromagnetically actuated vacuum circuit breaker (VCB) has been designed and developed on the basis of the transient electromagnetic analysis coupled with motion. The VCB has three advanced bi-stable electromagnetic actuators, which control each phase independently. The VCB serves as a synchronous circuit breaker as well as a standard circuit breaker. In this work, the flux delay due to the eddy current is analytically formulated using the delay time constant of the actuator coil current, thereby leading to accurate driving behavior. With this analytical method, the electromagnetic mechanism for a 24kV rated VCB has been optimized; and as a result, the driving energy is reduced to one fifth of that of a conventional VCB employing spring mechanism, and the number of parts is significantly decreased. Therefore, the developed VCB becomes compact, highly reliable and highly durable.

We have developed a new environmentally fitted 24kV cubicle-type gas insulated switchgear (C-GIS) applying our dry air insulation technology and the electromagnetic actuation technology. Firstly, we clarified the relationship between the breakdown field strength at the tip/edge of high-voltage electrode in dry air and the field utilization factor expressing non-uniformity of the insulation gap. Based on the relationship, we designed the most suitable configuration and arrangement of the parts such as high-voltage conductors, disconnecting blades and some mechanical parts in a gas vessel. We succeeded in reducing both the number of insulation barriers and their size, compared with the former product. To reduce them, we produced some sample gaps simulated a practical insulation gap in the C-GIS and investigated its breakdown voltage dependence on the barrier height. Secondly, to apply the electromagnetic actuators for the operation mechanisms of the vacuum circuit breaker, we developed a new coupled analysis method that estimates the movement of a plunger inside the electromagnetic actuator and the electric current flowing through a closing/opening coil. Based on the analysis method, we could reduce both the number of the parts and close/open energy 45% and 80%, respectively, compared with the former spring-charged mechanism.

Total automation of the aviaries and constant changes in the facilities of broilers have been generated to the time of the year, and many models of sheds can be found on the field with different purposes. Being one of the most modern follow-ups of animal husbandry, the poultry industry is growing every year in terms of technology in poultry accommodation facilities. However, for each region the meteorological factors that can affect the production of the birds must be observed, and from there choose the type of shed that meets the conditions of that region. In this review the intention is to bring information about the breeding and thermal conditioning systems in poultry facilities, as well as their impact on welfare and meat production. In addition to genetic improvement, management, sanitation and adequate nutrition for birds, the facilities have significant importance mainly in the area of animal comfort, considering that in situations that generate stress the animal has a great difficulty in expressing all its genetic potential. In this context, a properly satisfactory return-to-production facility for improving environmental conditions within animal facilities by controlling temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, and air velocity and quality. The control of the environment is one of the preponderant characteristics to guarantee the comfort and well-being of the birds and to improve the quality of the final product.

During a survey on the mites associated with stored rice and decayed rice bran in northern Iran, Guilan province, four species of Stigmaeidae (Acari: Prostigmata) were found. All four species, namely Stigmaeus elongatus Berlese, Stigmaeus candidus Fan and Li, Storchia pacifica (Summers) and Storchia robusta (Berlese), are new to the fauna of Guilan province, and S. pacifica is new to Iran. Keys are provided for all the species of Storchia in the world and species of Stigmaeus found in Iran and neighboring countries. Stigmaeus mazandaranicus Faraji and Ueckermann is recognized as a junior synonym of S. candidus.

Eustigmaeus jiangxiensis Hu, Chen and Huang, collected from weeds in southwest France, is redescribed and illustrated. Eustigmaeus mineus Barilo, 1989, E. fani Dogan, 2005 and E. kentingensis Tseng, 1982 are suspected synonyms of Eustigmaeus arcticus (Wood, 1972) (= Ledermuelleria arctica Wood, 1972), E. rhodomela (Koch, 1841) and E. anauniensis (Canestrini, 1889), respectively. A key to the known species of Eustigmaeus of Europe is provided.

Bearing faults account for a large majority of the faults in a three-phase induction motor. Recently, many research activities were focused on the diagnosis of bearing faults by motor current signature analysis. However, the effective frequency band is not fully understood in terms of the diagnosis of the bearing fault. Moreover, the temporal change in motor stator current spectrum with faulty bearing has not been sufficiently investigated. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the characteristic frequency band and to evaluate the temporal change in the power spectral density of stator current by using powder contaminated bearing before complete halt of the motor. Experiments were performed with normal and powder contaminated bearings in the induction motor. The diagnosis technique for the powder contaminated bearing is discussed based on the experimental results.

&lt;div class="section abstract"&gt;&lt;div class="htmlview paragraph"&gt;Turbocharging has become the favored approach for downsizing internal combustion engines to reduce fuel consumption and CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; emissions, without sacrificing performance. Matching a turbocharger to an engine requires a balance of various design variables in order to meet the desired performance. Once an initial selection of potential compressor and turbine options is made, corresponding performance maps are evaluated in 1D engine cycle simulations to down-select the best combination. This is the conventional matching procedure used in industry and is ‘passive’ since it relies on measured maps, thus only existing designs may be evaluated. In other words, turbine characteristics cannot be changed during matching so as to explore the effect of design adjustments. Instead, this paper presents an ‘adaptive’ matching methodology for the turbocharger turbine. By coupling an engine cycle simulation to a turbine meanline model (‘in-the-loop’), adjustments in turbine geometry are reflected in both the exhaust boundary conditions and overall engine performance. Running the coupled engine-turbine model within an optimization framework, the optimal turbine design evolves. The methodology is applied to a Renault 1.2 L turbocharged gasoline engine, to minimize fuel consumption over given full- and part-load operating points, while meeting performance constraints. Despite the current series production turbine being a very good match already, and with optimization restricted to a few turbine geometric parameters, the full-load case predicted a significant cycle-averaged BSFC reduction of 3.5 g/kWh, while the part-load optimized design improved BSFC by 0.9 g/kWh. No engine design parameters were changed, so further efficiency gains would be possible through simultaneous engine-turbocharger optimization. The proposed methodology is not only useful for improving existing designs; it can also develop a bespoke turbine geometry in new engine projects where there is no previously available match. For these reasons, ‘adaptive’ turbo matching will become the standard approach in the automotive industry.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;