Search

Any communication scheme's principal goal is providing error-free data transmission. By increasing the rate at which data could be transmitted through a channel and maintaining a given error rate, this coding is advantageous. The message bits to be transmitted will gradually receive more bits thanks to the convolution (channel) encoder. At the receiver end of the channel, a Viterbi decoder is utilized in order to extract original message sequence from the received data. Widely utilized error correction approaches in communication systems for the enhancement of bit error rate (BER) performance are Viterbi decoding and convolutional encoding. The Viterbi decoder and convolution encoder rate for constraints with lengths of 2 and 6 and bit rates of 1⁄2 and 1⁄3 are shown in this study in the presence of (1/f) noise. The performance regarding the convolutional encoding/hard decision Viterbi decoding forward error correction (FEC) method affects the simulation outcomes. The findings demonstrate that the BER as function of signal to noise ratio (SNR) acquired for uncoded binary phase shift keying (BPSK) with the existence of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) is inferior to that acquired with the use of a hard decision Viterbi decoder.

The optimal design of the automatic voltage regulators for a synchronous machine are positively reflected on the quality of voltage stability. This paper is concerned with the design of an AVR by adopting three control techniques. The first one was designed according to the traditional proportional integration-derived (PID) controller while the fuzzy logic was adopted in design the second powerful controller, finally the fuzzy PID controller for an automatic voltage regulator (AVR) based on fuzzy logic technology, selftuning fuzzy proportional integration-derived (STFPID) have been designed to tuning the gains of the PID controller (KP, KI and KD). To confirm the efficiency of the proposed control systems, a simulation was carried out, and the results showed that the designed STFPID controller achieves the best performance of the AVR system, and gives the preferable tracking low rise time, lower overshoot, least stetting time, minimal steady state error, and gives the ideal response against PID and fuzzy logic technology.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop an automated deep-learning algorithm for the detection and 3D segmentation of incidental jaw lesions in maxillofacial CBCT scans.Materials and Methods: The dataset included 82 CBCT scans with and without histologically confirmed benign bone lesions, obtained from three CBCT devices using different imaging protocols. The dataset consisted of axial CBCT images and was divided into training dataset (20,214 axial images), validation dataset (4,530 axial images) and testing dataset (6,795 axial images). A Mask-RCNN based deep-learning algorithm segmented the bone lesion in each axial image. The analysis of sequential slices improved the mask RCNN performance and assisted in classifying each CBCT case as containing bone lesions or not. Thereafter, the algorithm generated a 3D segmentation of the lesions. Results: The accuracy of the algorithm for classifying each CBCT case as either containing bone lesions or not, was 100%. The algorithm performance for detecting lesions in individual axial images showed high sensitivity (95.9%) and high precision (98.9%).Conclusions: Our deep learning algorithm can detect incidental bone lesions in CBCT scans with high accuracy, high sensitivity and high precision and is highly recommended for bone lesion detection and follow-up in CBCT imaging. Clinical relevance: The increasing number of CBCT scans performed worldwide dictates a clinical need for developing an automated tool, which will review, detect and volumetrically demonstrate incidental bone lesions in CBCT scans with high accuracy and low false-positive rate.

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a bisexual and self-pollinated legume. It improves the soil fertility through its natural ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen with its symbiotic bacteria. Salinity is one of the most important abiotic stress factors affecting plant growth. γ-radiation is a very effective tool for inducing mutations in many plants. This study evaluated the γ-radiation effect on germination, cell division and plant growth of first-generation plants. Seeds of seven chickpea varieties were irradiated with γ-radiation doses ranging between 50 Gy and 600 Gy. Non-significant differences in germination percentage were recorded for seeds exposed to 50 Gy, 100 Gy, and 200 Gy of γ-radiation in comparison to the corresponding controls except ILC 484. The mitotic index (MI) of root cells increased at the low doses of 50 Gy, 100 Gy and 200 Gy comparing and reduced at the higher doses in all chickpea varieties to the control. All doses of γ-radiation induced a variable range of chromosomal abnormalities; the most common were bridges, laggard chromosomes, stickiness at metaphase, chromosome breaks, micronuclei and binucleate cells. The 300 Gy to 600 Gy doses induced degradation of nuclear membranes. The salinity treatments at 25 mM NaCl and 60 mM NaCl reduced seedling’s growth of all cultivars. The dose of 100 Gy alleviated the impact of salinity at a concentration of 25 mM NaCl for all varieties, except FLIP 84-188 and FLIP 97-263. The 60 mM NaCl treatment significantly reduced early growth of all cultivars and its effect was not alleviated by the γ-radiation.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop an automated deep-learning algorithm for the detection and 3D segmentation of incidental jaw lesions in maxillofacial CBCT scans.Materials and Methods: The dataset included 82 CBCT scans with and without histologically confirmed benign bone lesions, obtained from three CBCT devices using different imaging protocols. The dataset consisted of axial CBCT images and was divided into training dataset (20,214 axial images), validation dataset (4,530 axial images) and testing dataset (6,795 axial images). A Mask-RCNN based deep-learning algorithm segmented the bone lesion in each axial image. The analysis of sequential slices improved the mask RCNN performance and assisted in classifying each CBCT case as containing bone lesions or not. Thereafter, the algorithm generated a 3D segmentation of the lesions. Results: The accuracy of the algorithm for classifying each CBCT case as either containing bone lesions or not, was 100%. The algorithm performance for detecting lesions in individual axial images showed high sensitivity (95.9%) and high precision (98.9%).Conclusions: Our deep learning algorithm can detect incidental bone lesions in CBCT scans with high accuracy, high sensitivity and high precision and is highly recommended for bone lesion detection and follow-up in CBCT imaging. Clinical relevance: The increasing number of CBCT scans performed worldwide dictates a clinical need for developing an automated tool, which will review, detect and volumetrically demonstrate incidental bone lesions in CBCT scans with high accuracy and low false-positive rate.

Introduction and importance: Gastric outlet obstruction can result from any pathological process that causes intrinsic blockage or extrinsic pressure on the distal stomach and duodenum. Gallstone related gastric outlet obstruction is a well-known entity classically due to a cholecystoenteric fistula formation. Case presentation: We present here a case of a 36-year-old man who presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain associated with marked nausea and vomiting. Abdominal CT scan done in the emergency department revealed a large impacted infundibular gallstone with signs of acute cholecystitis, associated with prominent gastric distention. Gastric outlet obstruction was due to stenosis at the duodenal level from external compression by the large impacted stone with no evidence of fistula. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed with total resolution of symptoms. Clinical discussion: Gastric outlet obstruction can be secondary to many etiologies, and notably gallstone disease. Classically this is due to formation of a cholecystoenteric fistula and intrinsic obstruction by the migrated stone. Our case is unique in that a large impacted infundibular gallstone caused gastric outlet obstruction with absence of any fistula or gallstone migration. Conclusion: Gastric outlet obstruction due to external compression by a non-migrated gallstone is a rare undescribed entity. Surgical treatment should not be delayed to prevent complications and fistula formation., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

Benzodiazepines are known for their variety of applications. Herein, the corrosion inhibition efficiency on carbon steel in 1 M HCl solution in the presence and absence of two synthesized benzodiazepines 4-(2-Oxopropylidene)-1-propargyl-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-3H-1,5-benzodiazepin-2-one (PTB) and 1-decyl-4-(2-oxopropylidene)-1,2,4,5-tetrahydro-3H-1,5-benzodiazepine-2-one (DTB) was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods at various concentrations from 10−3 to 10−6 K. The obtained structures were characterized using NMR spectroscopy. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements showed that 1,5-benzodiazepine derivatives act as a mixed type inhibitor. The various parameters of activation determining the kinetic data such as energy, enthalpy and entropy of the inhibitors were evaluated and discussed. The adsorptive behavior of PTB and DTB followed Langmuir-type isotherm. The standard free energies of adsorption were negative due to better inhibition performance. DFT calculations at the B3LYP/6-31 + G (d,p) level of theory in polarizable continuum model reveal that the high inhibition of efficiency of DTB compared with PTB may refer mainly to the easy electron transfer from the former to the carbon steel surface.

Microbial-based self-healing of concrete represents innovative technology for improving micro-crack sealing. Microbial bioactivity can induce calcite-precipitation in concrete, which seals micro-cracks. In this respect, two Egyptian bacterial isolates were selected and identified, as Bacillus subtilis (Bs) and Bacillus megaterium (Bm) using MALDI-TOF/MS-Biotyper(®). Peak patterns of the bacterial ribosomal proteins showed a high match between samples and standards, which verified species consistency. Bs and Bm were added to the mortar mixture in two concentrations (0.5%, 1%) of cement weight, then the mechanical and physical properties were tested throughout a 180-day time course. The compressive strength of Bm0.5 bacterial mortar samples was increased by 21.4% after 28 days, as compared to control. The rate of water absorption of Bm samples was decreased by 12.4% after 180 days. Bacterial mortar samples showed significant restoration of compressive strength than the original samples by 44%, 21%, and 52.6% for Bs1, Bm0.5, and Bs0.5, respectively. SEM and EDAX analyses confirmed that bacterial samples were denser with fewer voids than the control, as a result of microbial nanosized calcite-precipitation. DTA verified that the amount of CaCO(3) and its degree of crystallinity were increased in the bacterial mortar samples. Load–deflection of reinforced-laminates for bacterial mortar samples showed ductile behavior and less deformation as compared to control. In this work, novel concrete with improved mechanical and physical properties has been developed using selected Egyptian microorganisms, it can promote self-healing of micro-cracks with improved durability of the concrete. The application of self-healing bioconcrete can reduce the inspection and maintenance costs. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02781-0.

Pleural effusion is a common disease and represents the disturbance of the normal mechanism of fluid formation and drainage from the pleural space. Aim of the study: was to evaluate the effect of implementing standardized nursing care on chest expansion and pulmonary function for patients with pleural effusion. Patients and Methods: randomized prospective research design was used to conduct this study; the study was carried out at Assiut University Hospitals. The study sample consisted of study group (30 patients) who received standardized nursing care by using chest physiotherapy and control group (30 patients) who received only routine hospital care. Chest expansion and pulmonary function were assessed before and after exercises in both groups, the study was conducted in one year. Tools: three tools were used. Results: show that there was a statistical significant difference between study and control groups in relation to chest expansion and pulmonary function (P-value < 0.05). Conclusion: Implementing standardized nursing care was significantly effective in improving chest expansion and pulmonary function in patients with pleural effusion. Recommendations: Implementing standardized nursing care in patients with pleural effusion is important for improving chest expansion and pulmonary function.

BACKGROUND Duodenal and ampullary carcinoids are very rare tumors accounting respectively for 2% and 0.03% of all carcinoid tumors. Clinical findings vary according to the location of the tumor within the periampullary region; with epigastric pain being the most common presenting symptom in duodenal carcinoids and jaundice the most common clinical finding in ampullary carcinoids. Treatment options include pancreaticoduodenectomy, local excision, and endoscopic excision. CASE REPORT In this case report, we present a 60-year-old male who presented with a one-week history of intractable epigastric pain. He was diagnosed with duodenal periampullary carcinoid tumor and treated with local excision. CONCLUSIONS Although duodenal and ampullary carcinoid tumors may have different clinical presentations, as well as histochemistry characteristics and metastatic potential, they appear to benefit from the same surgical treatment.

Self-healing mechanisms are new techniques used to improve structures durability. Two species of Bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and B. megaterium) were added to rich cement pastes. Cement based bacteria were tested under compression. The two mixes were compared with a control mix to study the bacterial effect on cement paste compressive strength. Ferrocement laminates were cast using the bacterial mixes and the control mix. Laminates were tested under flexural loading until failure. Tested laminates were kept moisturized. Laminates were reloaded after two months. Test results showed that bacterially based systems have the ability to heal and restore the material to its original state when damaged. Bacterially based system seems promising and sustainable.

In the present work, some lube oil additives were prepared by synthesis of polyisobutylene succinic anhydride and reacted with pentaerythritol and with glycerol, then the two products were reacted with different amines (ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine). The structure of the prepared compounds was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and the molecular weights. The efficiency of the prepared additives as antioxidants and detergents/dispersants was investigated. It was found that the efficiency increases with increasing the NH group in the amine used. The best prepared additive as antioxidant and detergent/dispersant was prepared by using tetraethylenepentamine.

In the present work, some polymeric additives were prepared to use as viscosity index improvers and pour point depressants for lube oil via copolymerization of hexadecylacrylate and dodecylacrylate with styrene. Structure of the prepared compounds was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. The molecular weights of the prepared copolymers were determined by using gel permeation chromatograph. The efficiency of the prepared terpolymers as viscosity index improvers and pour point depressants for lube oil was investigation. It was found that all the prepared terpolymers are effective as viscosity index improvers and pour point depressants. The viscosity index of the prepared terpolymers increases with increasing the concentration of the additives and increases by increasing the percentage of hexadecylacrylate until 70%. The best result for viscosity index of the prepared terpolymers is when the percentage of styrene is 10%. The pour point of the prepared compound decreases with dec...

Natural radioactivity was estimated in building materials using γ-spectroscopic method. Samples of granite, bricks, concrete and ceramic were collected from different places in Egypt. Samples were prepared for physical and mechanical properties measurements as well as the radioactive content. Gamma spectrometer composed of NaI crystal connected to ORTEC analyzer was used for radioactive measurements. Standard sample was prepared with the same geometry factor in NIS using a standard source traceable to NIST. Data of 238U, 232Th and 40K activities were collected, where the effective dose was calculated by the aid of UNSCEAR. Diffusion equation was used to estimate the Radon animation rate from the building materials used in model rooms estimated. It was found that the average of 238U, 232Th and 40K in the studied materials were for granite 63.4, 2.42, 1010.91 Bq/kg, for bricks 20.12, 3.75, 27.25 Bq/kg and for concrete 34.23, 2.36, 506.357Bq/kg. In spite of using materials with permissible activity concentration, the radon emission in model rooms was beyond the safe limits for inhabitants. The maximum dose from Rn concentration was 1.23 mSv/y. This concentration was affected by the space dimension, passing time and the building material radioactivity as well as ventilation. The most powerful factor affecting the radon concentration is the ventilation.

In the present work, some polymeric additives based on octadecene-maleic anhydride copolymer were prepared and evaluated as multifunctional lube oil additives (viscosity index improvers, pour point depressants, and detergent/dispersant additives). The octadecene-maleic anhydride copolymer reacted with different alcohols (dodecyl, hexadecyl, octadecyl, and docosanol) to prepare four different types of esters then were aminated with different types of amines (dodecyl, hexadecyl, and octadecyl) to prepare another three copolymeric additives. Structures of the prepared compounds were confirmed by infrared (IR) spectroscopy and determination of molecular weight was made using gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The percentage of esterification and amination were determined by 1HNMR. The efficiencies of the prepared compounds as viscosity index improvers, pour point depressants, and detergents/dispersants were investigated. It was found that the efficiency of the prepared compound as viscosity index i...

The effect and optimization of using self-compacting rubberized concrete was investigated by using Taguchi method. Design of experiment was performed via orthogonal array to accommodate four factors with four levels. These factors were the percentage of fine rubber, coarse rubber, fly ash and viscocrete in the concrete mix. The signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to study the performance characteristics of self-compacting rubberized concrete (SCRC). Rubberized concrete can be improved using the concrete proportioned as self-compacting concrete. The results indicate that there was a reduction in the strength with increasing rubber content but there was an increase in impact resistance. However, the replacement of 10% of coarse aggregate with coarse rubber gave more strength than that of zero rubber mix by 124% at 90 days. Replacement of 20% of both fine and coarse aggregates with fine and coarse rubber respectively, increased impact resistance by 453% compared to the corresponding SCRC control mix.

In the present work, some polymeric additives based on styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer were prepared and evaluated as multifunction lube oil additives (viscosity index improvers, pour point depressants, and detergent-dispersant additives). The styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer reacted with different alcohols (dodecyl alcohol, hexadecyl alcohol, octadecyl alcohol, and docosanol) to prepare four different types of esters and aminated with different types of amines (dodecyl amine, hexadecyl amine, and octadecyl amine) to prepare another three co-polymeric additives. Structure of the prepared compounds was confirmed by I.R. spectroscopy. The molecular weights of the prepared copolymers were determined by using gel permeation chromatograph and the percentage of esterification and amination were determined by 1HNMR. The efficiencies of the prepared compounds as viscosity index improvers, pour point depressants, and detergents-dispersants were investigated. It was found that the efficiency of the pr...

In the present work, some Mannich bases have been prepared by using different polyethylenepolyamines. Phosphosulphurized Mannich bases have been also prepared by reaction of prepared Mannich bases with P2S5. Structure of the prepared compounds was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy and the molecular weights determination. The efficiency of the prepared additives as antioxidants and detergents/dispersants was investigated. It was found that the efficiency increases with increasing the NH groups in the amine used. The best prepared additive as antioxidant and detergent/dispersant was obtained by using triethylenetetramine.