Distributed storage manager system for synchronized and scalable AV services across networks

This article has been made available through the Brunel Open Access Publishing Fund - Copyright @ 2011 Hindawi Publishing CorporationThis paper provides an innovative solution, namely, the distributed storage manager that opens a new path for highly interactive and personalized services. The distributed storage manager provides an enhancement to the MHP storage management functionality acting as a value added middleware distributed across the network. The distributed storage manager system provides multiple protocol support for initializing and downloading both streamed and file-based content and provides optimum control mechanisms to organize the storing and retrieval of content that are remained accessible to other multiple heterogeneous devices

TECHNO-ECONOMIC INVESTIGATION OF DIFFERENT ALTERNATIVES OF IMPROVING SIMPLE GAS TURBINE INTEGRATION OPTIONS

This study investigated the effect of integrating various models proposed to improve a simple gas turbine power plant. A computer program was developed in Matlab software was used to simulate the performance parameters. The energy and exergy analysis of the plant was carried out. The energy and exergy analysis result revealed that both energy and exergy efficiency of plant is low as a result three improvement options were considered. They include Model 1: reducing inlet air cooling (IAC) of the compressor by using the wasted energy in the natural gas pressure drop station. Model 2: recovering wasted energy in the exhaust through heat recovery steam generator (HRSG) and injecting steam into the combustion chamber and lastly Model 3: by combining the two methods. The result showed that among the three methods of improving the plant investigated Model 3 was found to boost power output of the plant from 28.3 MW to 78.4 MW while the thermal and exergetic efficiency improved by 25.5 and 23.6% respectively. Furthermore, from economic and environmental point of view, the lowest levelized cost of electricity as well as the specific emissions was observed in Model 3. Consequently, Model 3 is selected as the best option in improving the simple gas turbine.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v36i3.2

Exergetic Modelling of Oil-Fired Steam Boilers

The performance variables and potential for energy savings in oil-fired industrial steam boilers were studied. Operational parameters of steam boilers using low pour fuel oil (LPFO) and diesel were used to determine thermodynamic properties of material streams and exergetic parameters. Analysis of thermodynamic properties on exergetic performance of boilers was conducted. Exergetic models developed are also presented. The ratio of the energy to exergy efficiencies of the heat exchanging unit and of the entire steam boiler was determined as 1.4 and 1.8614 respectively. The average overall boiler exergy destruction decreased by 14.62%, as the evaporation ratio increased from 10 to 14 though heat loss in boiler was found to increase with increases in evaporation ratio. Developed models in this study could be employed to analyse and estimate exergetic performance indices of oil-fired steam boilers in order to enhance their efficiencies and reduce energy wastage.http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v33i4.1

The state of ambient air quality in Pakistan—a review

Background and purpose: Pakistan, during the last decade, has seen an extensive escalation in population growth, urbanization, and industrialization, together with a great increase in motorization and energy use. As a result, a substantial rise has taken place in the types and number of emission sources of various air pollutants. However, due to the lack of air quality management capabilities, the country is suffering from deterioration of air quality. Evidence from various governmental organizations and international bodies has indicated that air pollution is a significant risk to the environment, quality of life, and health of the population. The Government has taken positive steps toward air quality management in the form of the Pakistan Clean Air Program and has recently established a small number of continuous monitoring stations. However, ambient air quality standards have not yet been established. This paper reviews the data being available on the criteria air pollutants: particulate matter (PM), sulfur dioxide, ozone, carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and lead. Methods: Air pollution studies in Pakistan published in both scientific journals and by the Government have been reviewed and the reported concentrations of PM, SO2, O3, CO, NO2, and Pb collated. A comparison of the levels of these air pollutants with the World Health Organization air quality guidelines was carried out. Results: Particulate matter was the most serious air pollutant in the country. NO2 has emerged as the second high-risk pollutant. The reported levels of PM, SO2, CO, NO2, and Pb were many times higher than the World Health Organization air quality guidelines. Only O3 concentrations were below the guidelines. Conclusions: The current state of air quality calls for immediate action to tackle the poor air quality. The establishment of ambient air quality standards, an extension of the continuous monitoring sites, and the development of emission control strategies are essential. © Springer-Verlag 2009

ASSESSMENT OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDES AND PRACTICES ON RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE AMONG CARDIAC PATIENTS IN AMRAN CITY, YEMEN

Background: All three layers of the heart—the pericardium, myocardium, and endocardium (including the valves)—may sustain irreversible damage as a result of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Rheumatic heart disease is the result of valvular damage caused by an abnormal immune response to group a streptococcal infection, usually during childhood. The study aims to achieve the assessment of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) on rheumatic heart disease among cardiac patients in Amran city, Yemen. Method: The descriptive analytical method was used. The questionnaire was used as a tool for collecting data the research sample was (121) of those accompanying rheumatic heart patients in clinics and medical centers in the city of Amran, and they were selected in a simple random method. The data was analyzed and processed statistically using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program (SPSS) and many statistical methods, and after conducting the data analysis process and testing the study hypotheses. Result: The study found that heart patients in Amran have knowledge about rheumatic heart disease causes and symptoms, but lack knowledge about risk factors and disease history. Most suffer from arthritis and do not practice regular exercise. There were no significant differences in opinions about rheumatic heart disease and risk factors among heart patients due to variables like gender, age, education, and living conditions. Rural residents showed statistically significant differences. Conclusions: The study reveals that patients with rheumatic heart disease have the highest knowledge about the causes and symptoms, but also the risk factors associated with the disease. The knowledge of the disease's history is the most common, followed by rheumatic fever. Arthritis is the most common risk factor. The study found no significant differences in opinions among heart patients in Amran, but significant differences were observed in rural residents' opinions due to factors like gender, age, and living conditions.                   Peer Review History: Received 13 May 2024;   Reviewed 14 July 2024; Accepted 22 August; Available online 15 September 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. Sally A. El-Zahaby, Pharos University in Alexandria, Egypt, [email protected] Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dina Abd Elfattah Eldakhs, Pharos university (PUA), Egypt,  [email protected]  Prof. Hassan A.H. Al-Shamahy, Sana'a University, Yemen, [email protected]

Pyrolysis of waste biomass: investigation of fast pyrolysis and slow pyrolysis process conditions on product yield and gas composition

High temperature fast pyrolysis of wood, rice husk and forestry wood residue was carried out in a laboratory scale fixed bed reactor. The results were compared with pyrolysis of the biomass samples in a different reactor under slow pyrolysis conditions. There was a marked difference in product yield depending on heating rate, for example the gas yield from slow pyrolysis was 24·7 wt-% for wood, 24·06 wt-% for rice husks and 24·01 wt-% for forestry residue; however, for fast pyrolysis, the gas yields were 78·63, 66·61 and 73·91 wt-% respectively. There were correspondingly significantly lower yields of oil and char from fast pyrolysis, whereas for slow pyrolysis, oil and char yields were higher. The composition of the product gases was also influenced by the heating rate. In additional experiments, the influence of pyrolysis temperature was investigated under fast pyrolysis conditions from 750 to 1050°C. It was found that the increase in temperature increased overall gas yield and also increased hydrogen gas concentration with a decrease in CH4, CO2 and C2–C4 hydrocarbons. High gas yields of ∼90 wt-% conversion of the biomass to gas was obtained during the pyrolysis of biomass at 1050°C. Steam was also added to the fast pyrolysis system to enhance the hydrogen production. The amount of hydrogen produced was found to significantly increase in the presence of added steam

Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and mortality of HIV, 1980–2017, and forecasts to 2030, for 195 countries and territories: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study 2017

Background Understanding the patterns of HIV/AIDS epidemics is crucial to tracking and monitoring the progress of prevention and control efforts in countries. We provide a comprehensive assessment of the levels and trends of HIV/AIDS incidence, prevalence, mortality, and coverage of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for 1980–2017 and forecast these estimates to 2030 for 195 countries and territories. Methods We determined a modelling strategy for each country on the basis of the availability and quality of data. For countries and territories with data from population-based seroprevalence surveys or antenatal care clinics, we estimated prevalence and incidence using an open-source version of the Estimation and Projection Package—a natural history model originally developed by the UNAIDS Reference Group on Estimates, Modelling, and Projections. For countries with cause-specific vital registration data, we corrected data for garbage coding (ie, deaths coded to an intermediate, immediate, or poorly defined cause) and HIV misclassification. We developed a process of cohort incidence bias adjustment to use information on survival and deaths recorded in vital registration to back-calculate HIV incidence. For countries without any representative data on HIV, we produced incidence estimates by pulling information from observed bias in the geographical region. We used a re-coded version of the Spectrum model (a cohort component model that uses rates of disease progression and HIV mortality on and off ART) to produce age-sex-specific incidence, prevalence, and mortality, and treatment coverage results for all countries, and forecast these measures to 2030 using Spectrum with inputs that were extended on the basis of past trends in treatment scale-up and new infections. Findings Global HIV mortality peaked in 2006 with 1·95 million deaths (95% uncertainty interval 1·87–2·04) and has since decreased to 0·95 million deaths (0·91–1·01) in 2017. New cases of HIV globally peaked in 1999 (3·16 million, 2·79–3·67) and since then have gradually decreased to 1·94 million (1·63–2·29) in 2017. These trends, along with ART scale-up, have globally resulted in increased prevalence, with 36·8 million (34·8–39·2) people living with HIV in 2017. Prevalence of HIV was highest in southern sub-Saharan Africa in 2017, and countries in the region had ART coverage ranging from 65·7% in Lesotho to 85·7% in eSwatini. Our forecasts showed that 54 countries will meet the UNAIDS target of 81% ART coverage by 2020 and 12 countries are on track to meet 90% ART coverage by 2030. Forecasted results estimate that few countries will meet the UNAIDS 2020 and 2030 mortality and incidence targets. Interpretation Despite progress in reducing HIV-related mortality over the past decade, slow decreases in incidence, combined with the current context of stagnated funding for related interventions, mean that many countries are not on track to reach the 2020 and 2030 global targets for reduction in incidence and mortality. With a growing population of people living with HIV, it will continue to be a major threat to public health for years to come. The pace of progress needs to be hastened by continuing to expand access to ART and increasing investments in proven HIV prevention initiatives that can be scaled up to have population-level impact

SHOPPING MALL AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

The objective to design Heating, Ventilation & Air conditioning (HVAC) system for a commercial Building, with simultaneously controls its temperature, humidity, cleanliness, proper distribution, noise level, heat load calculation, fresh air, exhaust, duct design, pipe design, equipment selection and layout of accessories such as indoor and outdoor unit of the project. Cooling load will be calculated on E20 form. Indeed, today the emphasis is no more on understanding air conditioning ‘products’ but on creating ‘solutions’ and not just solutions, but ‘customized solutions’ that suit specific cooling needs of specific business and establishment

Prevalence and demographics of anxiety disorders: a snapshot from a community health centre in Pakistan

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The developing world is faced with a high burden of anxiety disorders. The exact prevalence of anxiety disorders in Pakistan is not known. There is a need to develop an evidence base to aid policy development on tackling anxiety and depressive disorders in the country. This is the first pilot study to address the prevalence of anxiety disorders and their association with sociodemographic factors in Pakistan.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A cross-sectional study was conducted among people visiting Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), a tertiary care facility in Karachi, Pakistan. The point prevalence of anxiety amongst the sample population, which comprised of patients and their attendants, excluding all health care personnel, was assessed using the validated Urdu version of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The questionnaire was administered to 423 people. Descriptive statistics were performed for mean scores and proportions.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The mean anxiety score of the population was 5.7 ± 3.86. About 28.3% had borderline or pathological anxiety. The factors found to be independently predicted with anxiety were, female sex (odds ratio (OR) = 2.14, 95% CI 1.36–3.36, p = 0.01); physical illness (OR = 1.67, 95% CI 1.06–2.64, p = 0.026); and psychiatric illness (OR = 1.176, 95% CI 1.0–3.1, p = 0.048). In the final multivariate model, female sex (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2, 95% CI 1.28–3.22) and physical illness (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI 0.97–2.48) were found to be significant.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Further studies via nationally representative surveys need to be undertaken to fully grasp the scope of this emerging public health issue in Pakistan.</p

Does left atrial volume affect exercise capacity of heart transplant recipients?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Heart transplant (HT) recipients demonstrate limited exercise capacity compared to normal patients, very likely for multiple reasons. In this study we hypothesized that left atrial volume (LAV), which is known to predict exercise capacity in patients with various cardiac pathologies including heart failure and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is associated with limited exercise capacity of HT recipients.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>We analyzed 50 patients [age 57 ±2 (SEM), 12 females] who had a post-HT echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPX) within 9 weeks time at clinic follow up. The change in LAV (ΔLAV) was also computed as the difference in LAV from the preceding one-year to the study echocardiogram. Correlations among the measured parameters were assessed with a Pearson's correlation analysis.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>LAV (n = 50) and ΔLAV (n = 40) indexed to body surface area were 40.6 ± 11.5 ml·m^-2and 1.9 ± 8.5 ml·m^-2·year^-1, data are mean ± SD, respectively. Indexed LAV and ΔLAV were both significantly correlated with the ventilatory efficiency, assessed by the VE/VCO₂slope (r = 0.300, p = 0.038; r = 0.484, p = 0.002, respectively). LAV showed a significant correlation with peak oxygen consumption (r = -0.328, p = 0.020).</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Although our study is limited by a retrospective study design and relatively small number of patients, our findings suggest that enlarged LAV and increasing change in LAV is associated with the diminished exercise capacity in HT recipients and warrants further investigation to better elucidate this relationship.</p