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Knowing the level of energy efficiency is essential for substantiating investment decisions, operation and maintenance of energy consuming equipment and machines. Urban public transport is an important consumer of energy and, at the same time, an important source of pollution of the urban environment with greenhouse gases and micro particles. The present paper is aimed to identify the level of the energy performance of a public transport car fleet, having buses equipped with Diesel engines. The analysis methodology and the mathematical model used are applicable to other similar structures. The obtained results are valid for the analyzed car fleet, highlighting the values of the energy performance indicators, on the whole, by bus categories and for each bus from the park component. Based on the results obtained within the energy audit, comparisons are made for the level of energy performance with similar consumers, and feasible measures to improve energy efficiency are identified.

Knowing energy performance level of an energy consumer is essential for substantiating the decisions for development, operation and maintenance. Energy performance level is highlighted through consecrated indicators which are obtained by means of energy balance. The present paper is a synthesis of electric energy balance that was done within a mixed fodder factory (MFF). In the first part a short presentation of the consumer (MFF) is presented and also analysis methodology. After that we refer to specificities regarding the energy balance model (EB) applied and to characterization elements of typical processes for MFF. An important part of the paper is dedicated to present the obtained results and the energy performance level. In the last part of the paper we present the conclusion of energy audit (EA) and the recommendations to improve the energy performance level.

Knowledge of energy performance indicators is essential to substantiate investment decisions in energy facilities. Energy audit is the procedure by which energy performance indicators can be assessed and identified measures to improve them. Considering the share and the potential to improve the efficiency of cogeneration sources for the production of thermal and electrical energy, the determination of their performance indicators based on energy audits is essential for achieving the goals of reducing energy consumption. This paper is a synthesis of the results obtained in performing the energy audit of a cogeneration source serving an industrial consumer. After describing the general framework, the justification of the concern and the presentation of the defining elements of characterization of the analyzed installation, the second part of the paper refers to the specificities of the applied complex energy balance model. Next, reference is made to the methodology for obtaining input quantities in energy balance models and mass balance sheets. The final part of the paper presents the results obtained, the values of the performance indicators, the measures for improving the energy efficiency and the general conclusions of the analysis.

The effects of the omnipresence of the electromagnetic field are certain and recognized. Assessing as accurately as possible these effects, which characterize random phenomena require the use of statistical-probabilistic calculation. This paper aims at assessing the probability of exceeding the admissible values of the characteristic sizes of the electromagnetic field - magnetic induction and electric field strength. The first part justifies the need for concern and specifies how to approach it. The mathematical model of approach and treatment is presented in the second part of the paper and the results obtained with reference to 14 power stations are synthesized in the third part. In the last part, are formulated the conclusions of the evaluations.

This article is structured in three parts. The first part is justifying the utility of developing PIEE, in the light of legal requirements, by companies that consume at least 1000 toe/year, but also in the light of the usefulness of PIEE in increasing both energy and economic efficiency of the organizations concerned. The second part contains a methodology of analysis and a synthesis of the specifications on the energy consumption of the TC and energy performance indicator of these. Internal (between STC) and external (other TC) comparisons enable to identify the development potential of ENEF for the TC analyzed. The last part of the article represents the conclusions of the analysis.

The paper is about de level of electricity quality in the power network and at power consumers from an urban area. The analysis was done at the request of local electricity company. After highlighting the importance of preoccupations, electricity nonquality effects and regulatory framework, in the paper is presented the working methodology and results synthesis. The last part of the paper contains the conclusions of the study.

The paper contains a synthesis of the EU and Romania objectives and targets from the perspective of the principles of sustainable development. After evoking the overwhelming importance of achieving the vital goal Net Zero Emission - Greenhouse gas emissions, the second part of the paper presents the synthesis of EU legislation to achieve this objective. In chapter 3 of the paper, the National Strategies relevant to the enrollment in the objectives of the European Green Deal are evoked, and in the last part, the conclusions of the analysis are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy efficiency improvement program for an organization that consumes a significant amount of energy is an important document, both through fulfillment of obligations and especially through utility of identified measures on improving EnEF. and economic. After evoking the regulatory framework and the usefulness of this concerns, the paper presents the working methodology in making identifications MIEnEF for a TC and the results for Turism Felix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geothermal resources are included in the category of regenerative energetic resources, which through a real exploitation can assure the satisfying desideratum of long living development under energetic aspect. Considering the fact that the measurements used for evaluating the feasibility indicators of the geothermal energy efficiency have a random character, the stochastic treatment of these evaluations is legitimate. In the paper, after a short justification on the utility of the concern, there is presented the evaluation methodology in stochastic way upon the GEES feasibility and a case study. The final part comprises the conclusions of the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives a summary of operational reliability results carried out on high voltage equipment (HVE) that are in Brasov SDEE management. The paper is structured in four parts. In the first part is made a brief presentation of HVE that are in Brasov SDEE management. The second part present the important elements that characterize the HVE operational reliability study. Part three summarizes synthetically the results of the analysis. It presents the values of the HVE operational reliability indicators in the period under review (2003-2010). The comments are about defects types, number of events and their hierarchy. The last part presents the conclusions of the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper has four parts. In the first part are presented generalities about technical diagnosis, as in the second part is synthesized the methods and equipments used in technical diagnosis of power transformers. The second part describes the concerns and the results of the authors, scientific papers regarding the technical diagnosis of the power transformers of the distribution systems of electric energy, enclosing perspectives viewing the deepening of technical diagnosis, applied to these transformers. The last part of the paper includes the conclusion of the investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific problems of the urban public transport system in the literature of the field are widely reflected; the main targets are to increase the efficiency, the quality of service and to reduce their impact on the environment. The electric driven transport is an alternative that may operate according to these targets. This article inscribes in the actual concerns dedicated to optimize the tram parks with which the urban public transport companies (UPTC) operate, using an optimizing criterion, which leads to an efficient and quality transport service. In this article, after evoking the importance of this concern, the mathematical model of optimization is elaborated in two variants (general and simplified). The proposed analysing model is for an applied UPTC that operates a mixed system (trams + buses), in real level of reliability conditions of trams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is part of traditional concerns of Energy Engineering Department from University of Oradea, aiming operational performances identification of equipment of power systems in collaboration with specialists who operates these systems. Based on previous analysis results, existing in databases which are updated yearly and using fundamental reliability indicators, this paper aims to highlight the 3D evolution of equipment operational availability, admitting a random variation of fundamental reliability and maintainability indicators of equipment. After justification of the need of these preoccupations, in the second part of paper, it is presented the mathematical model that stands at the base of 3D representation of operational availability. The third part contains the results referring to EEP from Bihor county PS. In the last part the conclusions are drawn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper summarizes the results obtained from measurements carried out on trams operated with DC motors at the request of Oradea Transport Company (OTL). It aims on achieving a comparative analysis electrically driven trams (EDT) with d.c. motors (DCM), in terms of energy performance, based on a defined synthetic indicator and evaluated in the paper. The paper is structured in four parts. After presenting the importance of this analysis, through the significant use of electric energy (EE) in urban public transport and a brief description of the system under analysis, the second part of the paper presents the workings and results with respect to 21 pieces of EDTDCM. Comparative interpretation of the results and conclusions of the analysis are contained in Part three of the paper and in the last part is specified the need and how to further research this area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geothermal energy resources (GER) can be used for both electricity generation and direct uses depending on the temperature and the chemistry of the resources. Being included in regenerative energy sources, GER was not been developed to its full potential. Given the fact that the measurements used to assess reliability indicators exploitation of geothermal energy have a random character, stochastic approach to these assessments is well-founded. This paper presents an evaluation methodology of stochastic approach regarding the geothermal energy reliability and a case study where this method was applied to. The conclusions are presented in the final part of the analysis of the evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliability of basic aggregates has an important role in safe operation of thermoelectric power plants (TEPP). For this reason a reliability study has been made using simulation software @ Risk. Using this program has been made a stochastic modeling of assessing reliability of basic TEPP aggregates. After a brief justification of the need to assess the reliability of TEPP, is presented the working methodology. Further, are presented the results of a case study followed by conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Production of electricity and heat in cogeneration in high power efficiency conditions strictly depends on Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant's basic equipment availability. Related to this, a study on forecast reliability of determinant subsystems, in producing combined heat and power, meaning - steam boilers, steam turbines and electric generators, was made. The study that concluded with the presented results has been made in CHP plant Oradea considering a few, presumable operating schemes, three for summer and two for winter period. For each of these five variants, Reliability Block Diagram (RBD) has been prepared, then there were determined the reliability and availability of each subsystem considering their maintainability and different time periods assigned for corrective maintenance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper aims to present a model of availability analysis for hybrid systems by using adequate simulation software and adapting classical computation models of power systems main reliability and availability indicators. As simulation software we used HOMER program and for indicators calculus the reliability diagrams method. We obtained hybrid power system different configuration availability data. The last part of the analysis the conclusions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

this paper contains the research results made for SDEE Oradea, basing on the contract no. 30947 / 2010, with subject of "Identifying and experimenting of some solutions of recovering the energy losses in the transformers of electric station". The article is a synthesis of the research rapport elaborated at the end of the research, structured in five parts that deals the useful of the research, evaluating the potential of the released heat in power transformers, existent and possible solutions obtained in electric stations managed by the beneficiary and conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work is structured on 5 parts. In the first part it is made reference to the theme's actuality in terms of the necessity to apply the technical diagnosis to the electric power transformers in order to ensure the corresponding level of electricity supply service. Onwards, it is specified the set of stress and state indicators, by presenting the calculation relations proposed by the authors for the stress indicators' assessment. The third part contains the model proposed for being used in order to assess the exceeding risk of normal values by the two sets of sizes. In the fourth part it is presented a synthesis of the obtained results, and in the last part the conclusions of the analysis are rendered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focuses on short-term forecast of electricity consumption of the industrial consumers using artificial neural networks. The paper is divided into six parts. The first part presents an introduction of the problem analysed. In the second part we present the database containing time series, with hourly average power of the analysed consumers. The following two parts contain a description of the programming environment, and that of the model used. Based on forecasts, conclusions are drawn in the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper work puts grounds and gives details of the analysis regarding the environment impact of the thermal energy management systems of the urban centers. After presenting the high actuality context, it is presented succinct the characteristics that define the system which is the object of the studied case - the thermal energy management system (TEMS) of Oradea Municipality (OM). In order to stabilize the TEMS structure it is proposed to be applied an optimization model having the function to minimize the costs of producing thermal energy (TE) from primary resources (PR) accessible in the area and having as restrictions the environment impact, as in the maximum availability of the PR. Starting with the three possible scenario for the TEMS of the urban centers (centralized, decentralized and individual) and taking into account the reality of the TEMS analysis, in the paper work are given 8 plausible options of evolution in the next 20 years of TEMS of OM. The comparative analysis of the 8 versions it is made with taking into account the following: the environmental impact evaluated by the quantity of emissions, the TE production evolution and electric energy (EE), the global price of the penalization given by the emissions, the proportion: global environment impact/ total produced energy. The results reflect clear options of evolving of TEMS and provide the specialists with an approach methodology and a way of treating the evolving of TEMS so that it can obtain the structural and functional optimization of TEMS, at the same time with reducing the environment impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper has a structure in four parts. In the first part is justified the concern of the authors regarding the electric energy audit (EEA). In the second part are presented the synthesis of the work style in elaboration of EEA at S.C. CELESTICA ROMÂNIA S.A. The third part contains the synthesis of the results, as in the last part are given the conclusions obtained from analyzes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study synthetically presents the advantages that it has, in certain conditions, the solution of district heating compared to individual heating. To describe the energetic efficiency of these two heating solutions, a calculus of the global energetic efficiency is presented. The result of these calculations, processed in graphic form, reflects the cases which the adoption of district heating system is justified, a system in which the production of thermal and electric energy is realized in cogeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is structured in five parts. The first part studies the global and national framework of development of renewable energy sources. Part two contains the map of renewable energy potential on four components (solar, wind, geothermal and biomass) and the resulting map. The third part is intended to describe the technical solution of a solar geothermal solar hybrid system proposed by the authors to supply with heat the consumers in areas that have the two primary sources of energy. Part Four presents the results of the technical-economic analysis conducted with regard to the version of application of the geothermal solar hybrid system and the last part presents the conclusions of the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper gives a summary of operational reliability results carried out on medium voltage equipment (MVE) that are in Brasov SDEE management. The paper is structured in four parts. In the first part is made a brief presentation of MVE that are in Brasov SDEE . The second part present the important elements that characterize the MVE operational reliability study. Part three summarizes synthetical the results of the analysis. It presents the values of the MVE operational reliability indicators in the period under review (2003-2010). The comments are about defects types, number of events and their hierarchy. The last part presents the conclusiond of the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an improved mathematical model, to calculate power and energy losses within asynchronous machine(ASM) which operates in harmonic regime(HR) and respectively the simulations done on presented model basis on technological lines(TL) composed by asynchronous motors with known characteristics, made in Romania. After a brief review of some aspects regarding operation of ASM in HR, in the second part of the paper is presented the algorithm and mathematical model applied on energetic performances simulation of ASM which operates in HR. The third part presents the result of simulations done based on mathematical model to a known structure power consumer, respectively S.C. „CONGIPS" S.A. from city of Oradea. The last part of the paper expresses the resulted conclusions of the analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The work is structured on 5 parts. In the first part it is made reference to the theme's actuality in terms of the necessity to apply the technical diagnosis to the electric power transformers in order to ensure the corresponding level of electricity supply service. Onwards, it is specified the set of stress and state indicators, by presenting the calculation relations proposed by the authors for the stress indicators' assessment. The third part contains the model proposed for being used in order to assess the exceeding risk of normal values by the two sets of sizes. In the fourth part it is presented a synthesis of the obtained results, and in the last part the conclusions of the analysis are rendered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper has a structure of four parts. In the first part is justified the concern of the authors regarding the electric energy audit (EEA). In the second part are specified the Al alloy moulding machines that make the contour of the EEA. The third part contains a synthesis of the results, and in the last part are given the conclusions obtained from analyses [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper has a structure of four parts. In the first part is justified the concern of the authors regarding the electric energy audit (EEA). In the second part are specified the entities and the work style in elaboration of EEA for an energetic consumer that produces pieces made of aluminium alloy. The third part contains the synthesis of the results, as in the last part are given the conclusions obtained from analyzes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is structured in five parts. In the first part is presented the actual state of preoccupations, principles and hypothesis applied by the authors, to evaluate the electric distribution networks efficiency (EDN). In the second part is presented the mathematical model for evaluation of the distortion and non-symmetrical regime (DNSR) its impact on the energetic performances of the electric transformer - that is the main equipment of EDN. The measurement in EDN and DNSR, viewing the affects of the power performances, makes the third part of the paper. There are denoted the mathematical absolute and relative values, of EDN efficiency in DNSR toward the reference regime (RR). In the fourth part are presented the results of the researches as well as the conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is structured in five parts. In the first part is presented the specific issues of risk level evaluation. Part two consists of a bibliographical summary regarding the electromagnetic field (EMF), emphasizing EMF with industrial frequency. In the third part is given the methodology proposed and applied by the authors to make an assessment of risk level at which is exposed the human body in EMF. The fourth part includes the results summary, referring on the measured magnitudes and the values of risk level obtained by applying the proposed models. The results refer at two case studies conducted by the authors in public domain [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is structured in five parts. In the first part is evoked the importance of the topic and current concerns. In the second part are presented the general pattern of reliability of the relay - the core of the protection subsystems (SSP). In part three are presented the models for evaluation of the proposed development of the reliability of the SSP, based on the general model, given the structure of the SSP and their functions in urban medium voltage electrical networks (UMVEN). In part four are given the results of operational reliability evaluation for SSP as in the last part of the analysis the conclusions are presented [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is structured in five parts. The first part is evoked the importance of the topic and current concerns. In the second part are presented the general pattern of reliability of the relay - the core of the automation subsystem (SSA). In the third part are given the models for the proposed development reliability evaluation in SSA, based on the general model, for a given structure of SSA and their functions in urban medium voltage electric networks (UMVEN). In part four are given the results of operational reliability evaluation for SSA as in the last part of the analysis the conclusions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 46-year-old female patient presented with photosensitivity, symmetric arthritis, episodic plantar pain and strikingly redundant plantar skin folds, likely due to lipoatrophy after recurrent episodes of plantar panniculitis. In this context, leukopenia with lymphopenia, thrombocytopenia and positive antinuclear antibodies were revelatory for systemic lupus erythematosus. However, a small cerebriform plantar collagenoma, along with discrete dysmorphic features with downslanting palpebral fissures and mild right ptosis, second and third syndactyly and a larger first right toe since childhood, and early-onset bilateral ovarian cystadenoma, suggested a minimal Proteus syndrome. Genetic confirmation could not be performed. As adipose tissue dysregulation may be a feature of Proteus syndrome, the possible mechanisms leading to localized lipoatrophy in this setting are discussed. This case enlights intriguing links between adipogenesis, inflammation and dysmorphology. From a practical point of view, finding and treating an over-imposed inflammation could help limit damage in a hamartomatous syndrome.

Background: Our aim was to investigate the prevalence and clinical relevance of inherited complement and antibody deficiency states in a large series of patients with various autoimmune rheumatologic diseases (ARD) with juvenile onset., Methods: A total number of 117 consecutive patients from 2 tertiary referral hospitals were included in the study. All patients underwent genetic screening for type I C2 deficiency and C4 allotyping. Serum levels of immunoglobulin classes measured systematically throughout their regular medical care were recorded retrospectively., Results: Our cohort of patients included 84 with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), 21 with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 6 with systemic vasculitis, 2 with juvenile scleroderma, 2 with idiopathic uveitis, 1 with mixed connective tissue disease and 1 with SLE/scleroderma overlap syndrome. We have found 16 patients with evidence of primary immunodeficiency in our series (13.7%), including 7 with C4 deficiency, 5 with selective IgA deficiency, 3 with C2 deficiency and 2 with unclassified hypogammaglobulinemia (one also presented C4D). Of the 84 patients with JIA, 4 (4.8%) had a complement deficiency, which was less prevalent than in the SLE cohort (23.8%), but all of them have exhibited an aggressive disease. Most of our patients with primary antibody deficiencies showed a more complicated and severe disease course and even the co-occurrence of two associated autoimmune diseases (SLE/scleroderma overlap syndrome and SLE/autoimmune hepatitis type 1 overlap)., Conclusions: Our findings among others demonstrate that complement and immunoglobulin immunodeficiencies need careful consideration in patients with ARD, as they are common and might contribute to a more severe clinical course of the disease.

This paper examines how two techniques of the Particle Swarm Optimization method (PSO) can be used to solve the Economic Power Dispatch (EPD) problem. The mathematical model of the EPD is a nonlinear one, PSO algorithms being considered efficient in solving this kind of models. Also, PSO has been successfully applied in many complex optimization problems in power systems. The PSO techniques presented here are applied to three case studies, which analyze power systems having four, six, respectively twenty generating units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study is to compare and correlate US evaluation with clinical scores of the disease activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and concomitant fibromyalgia (FM)., Material and Methods: Ten patients diagnosed with RA according to the 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria and associated FM based on the ACR 1990 classification criteria and two control groups, one with RA (10 patients) and one with FM (10 patients), were included. Clinical assessment was performed and the disease activity scores were calculated. Synovial/tenosynovial hypertrophy, fluid collections in grey scale (GS), and Power Doppler (PD) US assessed by US in the 28 joints included in the disease activity score 28 (DAS28)., Results: GS US score and PD US scores were correlated with DAS28 only in patients with RA (Pearson r coefficients 0.3 and 0.5). Mean DAS28 score was significantly higher in the RA/FM group, compared to RA and FM (5.6 versus 4.6 versus 4.5, respectively). Patients with RA/FM had similar median US scores to RA patients, while in FM group significantly lower median US scores were detected (16 versus 9.5 versus 0 for GS US and 3.5 versus 1.5 versus 0 for PD US, respectively)., Conclusions: Disease activity scores should be interpreted with caution in patients with RA and FM. When available, US should be used to guide treatment decisions in patients with RA and FM.

Aim: To evaluate the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints (MCP2 and 5) in healthy subjects by ultrasonography (US) using a high frequency transducer (18 MHz) and to verify the interobserver agreement., Material and Methods: We enrolled 50 healthy volunteers (37 women, age between 30-58 years, mean age 41.7 years, divided into 3 groups according to age: 30-39, 40-49, and 50-58 years). The subjects were successively evaluated by 4 rheumatologists: 2 experienced (team A) and 2 beginners (team B) in US. Seven dorsal and palmar longitudinal scanning positions and a supplementary scan for MCP cartilage were performed. The bone surface (erosions, osteophytes), the intra-articular content (synovial thickening and vascularization, 4 grade scale), and the aspect of the metacarpal head cartilage were analyzed. The anterior palmar recess was measured. The time for examination was recorded., Results: Erosions were detected in 7% of joints by team A and 2% by team B (p<0.05, kappa agreement 0.567) in subjects over 40 years. The agreement by team A in the detection of the erosions was very good (kappa value 0.83). A moderate positive correlation was obtained between the presence of erosions and age (r= 0.401, p=0.004). Osteophytes were identified only on the dorsal scan in subjects over 50 years (in 3.5% of joints team A, 1.5% team B, p>0.05, kappa value 0.421). No grade 1 synovitis was observed by team A but 4 joints with grade 1 synovitis were identified by team B (p<0.05) from the dorsal scan. The dimensions of the palmar recess had large distribution (MCP 2 between 0.55-1.3 mm; MCP 5 between 0.6-1.2 mm). No statistical significant differences were obtained when comparing the dimensions of the two hands, the values obtained in age-groups (all p>0.05). No statistical significant correlations were obtained between the dimensions of palmar recess and the body mass index or dominant hand (all p>0.05). No pathological findings were found in the examination of the metacarpal head cartilage. Power Doppler investigation found the presence of grade 1 signal in 2.5% joints by team A and 1.5% by team B (p>0.05) only in the dorsal scans. The mean time for examination was 7.8+/-1.74 min in team A and 13.78+/-2.96 min in team B (p<0.05)., Conclusions: In healthy subjects pathological findings are occasionally encountered, especially erosions and osteophytes. Using an 18 MHz transducer the aspect of grade 1 synovitis was not encountered in healthy non-inflammatory MCP joints. There is a permanent need for standardized training and examination in musculoskeletal US.

This paper navigates the critical role of hydrogen in catalyzing a sustainable energy transformation. This review delves into hydrogen production methodologies, spotlighting green and blue hydrogen as pivotal for future energy systems because of their potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Through a comprehensive literature review and a bibliometric analysis, this study underscores the importance of technological advancements, policy support, and market incentives in promoting hydrogen as a key energy vector. It also explores the necessity of expanding renewable energy sources and international cooperation to secure a sustainable, low-carbon future. The analysis highlights the importance of scalable and cost-effective hydrogen production methods, such as solar-thermochemical and photo-electrochemical processes, and addresses the challenges posed by resource availability and geopolitical factors in establishing a hydrogen economy. This paper serves as a guide for policy and innovation toward achieving global sustainability goals, illustrating the essential role of hydrogen in the energy transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Systemic sclerosis is a systemic connective tissue disease whose main pathophysiological mechanism is a progressive fibrosis of internal organs and skin leading to thickening and induration. Blood vessels may also be involved. However, systemic scleroderma is not the only disease causing cutaneous sclerosis. There is a group of diseases that mimic scleroderma in their clinical presentation - these are scleroderma-like syndromes. A distinction can be made between syndromes of inflammatory/autoimmune, genetic, metabolic, toxic, drug-induced, occupational, paraneoplastic and syndromes caused by deposition disorders. In the following paper, we have reviewed the literature on scleroderma-like syndromes. We have outlined the factors predisposing to the development of each disease, its pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic and treatment process and the differences between each syndrome and systemic scleroderma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a comprehensive analysis of utilizing TensorFlow Lite on mobile phones for the on-edge medical diagnosis of lung diseases. This paper focuses on the technical deployment of various deep learning architectures to classify nine respiratory system diseases using X-ray imagery. We propose a simple deep learning architecture that experiments with six different convolutional neural networks. Various quantization techniques are employed to convert the classification models into TensorFlow Lite, including post-classification quantization with floating point 16 bit representation, integer quantization with representative data, and quantization-aware training. This results in a total of 18 models suitable for on-edge deployment for the classification of lung diseases. We then examine the generated models in terms of model size reduction, accuracy, and inference time. Our findings indicate that the quantization-aware training approach demonstrates superior optimization results, achieving an average model size reduction of 75.59%. Among many CNNs, MobileNetV2 exhibited the highest performance-to-size ratio, with an average accuracy loss of 4.1% across all models using the quantization-aware training approach. In terms of inference time, TensorFlow Lite with integer quantization emerged as the most efficient technique, with an average improvement of 1.4 s over other conversion approaches. Our best model, which used EfficientNetB2, achieved an F1-Score of approximately 98.58%, surpassing state-of-the-art performance on the X-ray lung diseases dataset in terms of accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity. The model experienced an F1 loss of around 1% using quantization-aware optimization. The study culminated in the development of a consumer-ready app, with TensorFlow Lite models tailored to mobile devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkaptonuria is a rare disease with autosomal recessive inheritance and variable expression. The weight-bearing joint involvement and spondylitis-like vertebral changes occur only after the 3rd decade. Musculoskeletal ultrasonographic findings in alkaptonuria were only rarely described, consisting mainly into enthesopathy and non-synovial tendon degeneration. We present the case of a 50 years old man with alkaptonuria and discuss the ultrasonographic findings and the relationship of the disease with chondrocalcinosis. The tendinous and synovial aspect may be peculiar and it could therefore allow recognition and screening for alkaptonuria, along with clinical and radiologic data.

Systemic AL amyloidosis is one of the differential diagnosis of chronic musculoskeletal disease, especially when swollen and painful joints is associated with claw hands. Ultrasound evaluation is a good diagnosis tool, showing a characteristic joint and tendon involvement and assisting in guided biopsy procedure. We report a 55 year old caucasian woman, diagnosed for two years with RA without improvement under different DMARDs, admitted for fixed flexion contractures of both hands ("claw hands"), worsening pain and swelling of small joints of hands and feet, elbows and shoulders. Pad shoulder sign and bilateral anterior wrist and elbow pads, macroglossia, thickened skin of fingers and ecchymotic rashes on forearm and around eyes were observed. Ultrasound examinations showed subdeltoid and bicipitoradial bursitis, presence of inhomogeneous hypoechoic material around bicipital tendons and tenosinovitis of the extensor tendons of the hand, and synovial thickening of elbow and shoulder joints. Complete analysis of the bone marrow biopsy and biopsy specimens from subacromial bursa were positive for AL amyloidosis.

Systemic sclerosis is a systemic connective tissue disease whose main pathophysiological mechanism is a progressive fibrosis of internal organs and skin leading to thickening and induration. Blood vessels may also be involved. However, systemic scleroderma is not the only disease causing cutaneous sclerosis. There is a group of diseases that mimic scleroderma in their clinical presentation - these are scleroderma-like syndromes. A distinction can be made between syndromes of inflammatory/autoimmune, genetic, metabolic, toxic, drug-induced, occupational, paraneoplastic and syndromes caused by deposition disorders. In the following paper, we have reviewed the literature on scleroderma-like syndromes. We have outlined the factors predisposing to the development of each disease, its pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic and treatment process and the differences between each syndrome and systemic scleroderma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses the increasing interest in sustainability across various domains in Romania, including education, agriculture, hydrology, culture, heritage, construction, energy, waste management, healthcare, economics, public transportation, border regions, textile industry, and rural areas. The document highlights specific research studies conducted by scholars from the University of Oradea, covering a wide range of topics related to sustainability. The articles provide valuable insights into the complex relationship between education, research, innovation, and sustainability, and offer diverse perspectives on achieving sustainability in different sectors. This collection of articles is a valuable resource for library patrons conducting research on sustainability in Romania. [Extracted from the article]

In the quest for sustainable and energy-efficient building solutions, the incorporation of phase change materials (PCMs) into building envelopes emerges as a groundbreaking strategy. PCMs, renowned for storing and releasing thermal energy during phase transitions, stand as a promising avenue to curtail energy consumption while enhancing thermal performance. This study rigorously explores the potential energy savings and thermal comfort benefits achievable through PCM integration into building envelopes. Multiple energy simulations are conducted on a residential building model in diverse locations, including Irbid, Amman, and Aqaba in Jordan, and the city of Oradea in Romania, utilizing the EnergyPlus simulation tool embedded in DesignBuilder software v7.0.2.006. The results reveal that BioPCM®, derived from renewable biomass, significantly elevates thermal performance owing to its heightened latent heat of fusion. Optimal outcomes materialize with a PCM melting point of 23 °C, a configuration closer to the interior surface, and a thickness of 37.1 mm. The study underscores the superior performance in moderate climates (Irbid and Amman) compared to hot-dry climates (Aqaba) and cold-wet climates (Oradea, Romania). Financially and environmentally, incorporating PCM in Amman demonstrates potential annual energy savings of 5476.14 kWh, translating to a cost reduction of 1150 USD/year, and a decrease in GHG emissions by 2382.31 kgCO2eq. The estimated payback period for PCM incorporation in external walls is four years, robustly emphasizing the feasibility and multifaceted benefits of this energy-efficient solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]