Role of End-ring Configuration in Shaping IE4 Induction Motor Performance

The performance characteristics,particularly the starting performance of direct line-fed induction motors,which are mainly influenced by the design of the rotor,are crucial considerations for end-users.It is quite a challenging issue for motor manufacturers to enhance the starting performance of existing mass-produced motors with minimal modifications and expenses.In this paper,a simple and cost-effective method to improve the starting performance of a commercial squirrel-cage induction motor(SCIM)is proposed.The influence of geometric parameters of the end-ring on the performance characteristics,including starting(locked rotor)torque,pull-up and break down torque,starting current,rotor electric parameters,current density,power losses,and efficiency have been comprehensively investigated.It has been revealed that among the other end-ring design parameters,the ring thickness has a significant effect on the performance characteristics.An optimal end-ring thickness is determined,and its performance characteristics have been compared to those of its initial counterpart.Numeric and parametric analyses have been conducted using a 2D time-stepping finite element method(FEM).The FEM results were validated using experimental measurements obtained from an 11 kW SCIM prototype.

Evaluation of periglacial landforms and formation of soil properties on the Mount Honaz,SW Türkiye

The main aim of this study is to explain periglacial processes on the summits of Mount Honaz(2571 m a.s.l.),define periglacial landforms,and determine the relationships between morphometric features and topographic factors.Mud circles,stony earth circles,non sorted steps,and non sorted stripes were identified on the summits of Mount Honaz.Pearson's correlation coefficient(r)and linear regression analyses were performed by taking metric measurements from 125 periglacial landforms to describe their morphometric features(length,width,height)of periglacial landforms and explain the relationships between them and topographic factors(elevation,slope).To explain the relationships between periglacial landforms and soil properties,soil samples from 11 periglacial landforms were taken and analysed.Periglacial landforms,which continue to develop on the summits of Mount Honaz today,have been evaluated with present climate data.Analysis of soil samples indicates a notable impact of parent material on the genesis of periglacial landforms.The high ratio of organic matter in mud circle and non sorted step landforms and the high lime ratio in stony earth circle landforms prove a strong relationship between the formation mechanisms of landforms and the soil properties.Furthermore,it is consistent with the findings obtained from the analysis that severe periglacial processes and washing and scavenging events are experienced more on the northern slopes.

Multi-aspect analysis of ureteral access sheath usage in retrograde intrarenal surgery: A RIRSearch group study

Objective:To evaluate the effect of ureteral access sheath(UAS)use and calibration change on stone-free rate and complications of retrograde intrarenal surgery(RIRS).Methods:Data from 568 patients undergoing RIRS for kidney or upper ureteral stones were retrospectively included.Firstly,patients were compared after 1:1 propensity score matching,according to UAS usage during RIRS(UAS used[+]87 and UAS non-used[−]87 patients).Then all UAS+patients(n=481)were subdivided according to UAS calibration:9.5-11.5 Fr,10-12 Fr,11-13 Fr,and 13-15 Fr.Primary outcomes of the study were the success and complications of RIRS.Results:Stone-free rate of UAS+patients(86.2%)was significantly higher than UAS−patients(70.1%)after propensity score matching(p=0.01).Stone-free rate increased with higher caliber UAS(9.5-11.5 Fr:66.7%;10-12 Fr:87.0%;11-13 Fr:90.6%;13-15 Fr:100%;p<0.001).Postoperative complications of UAS+patients(11.5%)were significantly lower than UAS−patients(27.6%)(p=0.01).Complications(8.7%)with 9.5-11.5 Fr UAS was lower than thicker UAS(17.2%)but was not statistically significant(p=0.09).UAS usage was an independent factor predicting stone-free status or peri-and post-operative complications(odds ratio[OR]3.654,95%confidence interval[CI]1.314-10.162;OR 4.443,95%CI 1.350-14.552;OR 4.107,95%CI 1.366-12.344,respectively).Conclusion:Use of UAS in RIRS may increase stone-free rates,which also increase with higher caliber UAS.UAS usage may reduce complications;however,complications seemingly increase with higher UAS calibration.

Portocaval shunts'role in gut microbiota and hepatic encephalopathy:The gut-to-brain pathway

I read the study by Zhao et al with great interest.Although the study design was quite complicated,it was successful in raising awareness of science and relevant researchers.Thirty patients with liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension secondary to chronic hepatitis B were included in the study.They were treated for variceal bleeding and underwent trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt to prevent the recurrence of variceal bleeding and to reduce portal pressure.The authors evaluated the effects of changes in gut microbiota(GM)on hepatic encephalopathy secondary to portocaval bypass.The GM is greatly affected by local and general factors,including herbal and medical drugs,a person's dietary characteristics(carnivorous,vegan,vegetarian),supplementary foods,drinking water sources,and living in a city center or town.Therefore,I congratulate Zhao et al for their concise and comprehensive study on a multifactorial subject.

Compression properties of cost-efficient porous expanded clay reinforced AA7075 syntactic foams fabricated by industrial-oriented die casting technology

In today’s manufacturing industries,hard competition between rival firms makes it compulsory for researchers to design lighter and cheaper machine components due to the megatrends of cost-effectiveness and anti-pollution.At this point,aluminum syntactic foams(ASFs)are new-generation engineering composites and come into the upfront as a problem-solver.Owing to their features like low density,sufficient elongation,and perfect energy absorption ability,these advanced foams have been considerably seductive for many industrial sectors nowadays.In this study,an industrial-oriented automatic die casting technology was used for the first time to manufacture the combination of AA7075/porous expanded clay(PEC).Micro evaluations(optical and FESEM)reveal that there is a homogenous particle distribution in the foam samples,and inspections are compatible with the other ASF studies.Additionally,T6 aging heat treatment was operated on one half of the produced foams to explore the probable impact of aging on the compressive responses.Attained results show that PEC particles can be an alternative to expensive hollow spheres used in the previous works.Besides,a favorable relationship is ascertained between the aging treatment and mechanical properties such as compression strength and plateau strength.

Recognizing and addressing the challenges of gastrointestinal tuberculosis

In this editorial,we comment on the article by Ali et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.This case report shed light on a particularly rare manifestation of this disease-primary gastrointestinal tuberculosis(GTB)presenting as gastric outlet obstruction.GTB presents diagnostic challenges due to its nonspecific symptoms and lack of highly accurate diagnostic algorithms.This editorial synthesizes epidemiological data,risk factors,pathogenesis,clinical presentations,diagnostic methods,and therapies to raise awareness about GTB.GTB constitutes 1%-3%of all tuberculosis cases globally,with 6%-38%of patients also having pulmonary tuberculosis.Pathogenesis involves various modes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex entry into the gastrointestinal system,with the terminal ileum and ileocecal valve commonly affected.Clinical presentation varies,often resembling other intra-abdominal pathologies,necessitating a high index of suspicion.Diagnostic tools include a combination of biochemical,microbiological,radiological,and endoscopic assessments.Antitubercular medication remains the cornerstone of treatment,supplemented by surgical intervention in severe cases.Multidisciplinary management involving gastroenterologists,surgeons,pulmonologists,and infectious disease specialists is crucial for optimal outcomes.Despite advancements,timely diagnosis and management challenges persist,underscoring the need for continued research and collaboration in addressing primary GTB.

Acellular dermal matrices in reconstructive surgery;history,current implications and future perspectives for surgeons

Large-scale defects of body in the reconstructive surgical practice,and the help-lessness of their repair with autologous tissues,have been an important factor in the development of artificial biological products for the temporary,definitive,or staged repair of these defects.A major advance in the field of plastic and other reconstructive surgery in this regard has been the introduction and successful use of acellular dermal matrices(ADMs).In recent years,not only the type of tissue from which ADMs are produced,product range,diversity and areas of use have increased,but their use in reconstructive fields,especially in post oncologic breast surgery,has become highly regarded and this has favored ADMs to be a potential cornerstone in specific and well-defined surgical fields in future.It is essential that reconstructive surgeons become familiar with some of the ADM’s as well as the advantages and limitations to their use.This review not only provides basic science and clinical evidence of the current use of ADMs in wide range of surgical fields but also targets to keep them as an important backdrop in the arma-mentarium of reconstructive surgeons.Brief considerations of possible future directions for ADMs are also conducted in the end.

Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells may be a viable treatment modality in cerebral palsy

BACKGROUND Cerebral palsy(CP)describes a group of disorders affecting movement,balance,and posture.Disturbances in motor functions constitute the main body of CP symptoms.These symptoms surface in early childhood and patients are affected for the rest of their lives.Currently,treatment involves various pharmacotherapies for different types of CP,including antiepileptics for epilepsy and Botox A for focal spasticity.However,none of these methods can provide full symptom relief.This has prompted researchers to look for new treatment modalities,one of which is mesenchymal stem cell therapy(MSCT).Despite being a promising tool and offering a wide array of possibilities,mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)still need to be investigated for their efficacy and safety.AIM To analyze the efficacy and safety of MSCT in CP patients.METHODS Our sample consists of four CP patients who cannot stand or walk without external support.All of these cases received allogeneic MSCT six times as 1×106/kg intrathecally,intravenously,and intramuscularly using umbilical cord-derived MSCs(UC-MSC).We monitored and assessed the patients pre-and post-treatment using the Wee Functional Independence Measure(WeeFIM),Gross Motor Function Classification System(GMFCS),and Manual Ability Classification Scale(MACS)instruments.We utilized the Modified Ashworth Scale(MAS)to measure spasticity.RESULTS We found significant improvements in MAS scores after the intervention on both sides.Two months:Rightχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046,leftχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046;four months:Rightχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046,leftχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046;12 months:Rightχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046,leftχ^(2)=4000,P=0.046.However,there was no significant difference in motor functions based on WeeFIM results(P>0.05).GMFCS and MACS scores differed significantly at 12 months after the intervention(P=0.046,P=0.046).Finally,there was no significant change in cognitive functions(P>0.05).CONCLUSION In light of our findings,we believe that UC-MSC therapy has a positive effect on spasticity,and it partially improves motor functions.

Interobserver and intraobserver reliability of skull base angles measured on magnetic resonance images

BACKGROUND Determination of platybasia and basilar kyphosis are significant parts of routine cranial magnetic resonance(MR)interpretations.These situations may explain a patient’s symptoms or may be associated with other anomalies.AIM To indicate the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the skull base angles(SBA)(Koenigsberg standard)and modified SBA(mSBA)measurement techniques.METHODS In total,391 patients who had undergone cranial MR imaging were re-assessed regarding the SBA measurements.The SBA and mSBA techniques were used on MR images.Two reviewers independently measured the same angles twice within a 15-day interval,using different monitors.Intraclass correlation coefficient(ICC)was calculated to reveal the intraobserver and interobserver agreements.RESULTS There was an excellent agreement between reviewers regarding both angle measurements(ICC was 0.998 for SBA and mSBA).Excellent agreement levels were also observed for intraobserver measurements.ICC was 0.998 for SBA and 0.999 for mSBA for reviewer 1.ICC was 0.997 for SBA and 0.999 for mSBA according to the measurement results of reviewer 2.Higher SBA and mSBA values were observed for females compared to males.There was no correlation between SBA and age for SBA.However,a negative and low-level correlation was observed between mSBA values and age for both reviewers.CONCLUSION SBA and mSBA measurements indicated excellent agreement regarding interobserver and intraobserver differences.The study results showed that SBA angles were reliable measurement techniques to be used on MR images.

Gastric metastasis of small cell lung carcinoma:A rare but noteworthy entity to consider

Small cell lung carcinoma(SCLC)is an aggressive malignancy known for its propensity for early and extensive metastatic spread.Gastric metastasis,where cancer cells disseminate from the lung to the stomach,is a rare but increasingly recognized complication of SCLC.This review provides a comprehensive overview of gastric metastasis in SCLC,addressing its clinical significance,diagnostic challenges,management strategies,and prognosis.Additionally,it examines the broader metastatic patterns of SCLC and compares them with other malignancies known for gastric metastasis.Gastric metastasis in SCLC,though infrequent,is clinically significant and often indicates advanced disease with a poor prognosis.SCLC typically metastasizes to the liver,brain,bones,and adrenal glands,with the stomach being an unusual site.The incidence of gastric meta-stasis ranges from 1%to 5%in autopsy studies,although this may be underes-timated due to diagnostic difficulties and asymptomatic early lesions.Diagnosing gastric metastasis presents several challenges,including the asymptomatic nature of many cases,limitations of conventional imaging techniques,and difficulties in distinguishing metastatic lesions from primary gastric cancer via endoscopy.Histopathological diagnosis requires careful examination to identify SCLC cells through their characteristic small cell morphology and neuroendocrine markers.Management of gastric metastasis in SCLC typically involves a multidisciplinary approach.Systemic therapy,pri-marily chemotherapy,remains the cornerstone of treatment,with palliative care addressing symptoms and complications.Surgical intervention is usually reserved for specific cases requiring symptomatic relief.The prognosis for patients with gastric metastasis from SCLC is generally poor,reflecting the advanced stage of the disease.Median survival is significantly re-duced compared to patients without gastric metastasis.This review emphasizes the need for enhanced awareness and early detection to improve patient outcomes and highlights the importance of ongoing research into better diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

The Level of Psychosocial Skills of Nurses Caring for Cancer Patients and Affecting Factors:Results of a Multicenter Study

Caring for cancer patients requires both technical and psychosocial nursing skills.The aim of this study was to determine the psychosocial care skill levels of nurses and affecting factors.This multicenter,cross-sectional study was conducted with 1,189 nurses providing direct care to adult cancer patients in 32 hospitals in 12 geographical regions of Turkey.A questionnaire,the Psychosocial Skills Form,and the Professional Quality of Life Scale were used to collect the data.Nurses’psychosocial skill level was in the range of 2.72±0.98 and 2.47±0.89 out of four points.Communication skills such as empathic response,active listening,and the ability to provide information were found to be at a higher level than skills such as the activation of social support systems,therapeutic touch,and development of coping methods.Approximately 40%of nurses had received psychosocial care training,and 87%were interested in receiving additional psychosocial training.Gender,educational status,previous training in psychosocial care,and work experience with cancer patients were shown to affect psychosocial skill levels.There was a positive relationship between the level of psychosocial skills and the level of compassion satisfaction,and a negative relationship between the level of psychosocial skills and the level of burnout and compassion fatigue(p<0.05).Nurses perceive themselves as having a medium to high level of psychosocial skills yet desire additional training.The results of this study may contribute to the development of training programs according to the needs of nurses who care for cancer patients.

Evaluation of Nylon 6 and Nylon 66 Cord Fabrics for Scooter Tyre Production under Different Curing Conditions

Cord fabric is a critical material used in the manufacture of tyres and various composite materials to increase durability and strength. The tyre consists of many layers of cord fabric, with each layer being referred to as a cord ply. These layers are strategically positioned within the tyre’s internal structure, particularly in the tread and sidewall areas, to improve handling, durability and impact resistance. The cord fabric also serves a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity of the tyre, ensuring that it retains its contour and resists deformations under different operating conditions. This study discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using Nylon 6 (NY6) and Nylon 66 (NY66) cord fabrics in scooter tire production, with a focus on their mechanical behavior under varying curing temperatures and pressures. It was observed that while the curing time for both NY6 and NY66 remained consistent across different platen temperatures and pressures, their mechanical properties showed significant differences. NY6, known for its flexibility and impact resistance, exhibited greater changes in cord-breaking strength and elongation with increasing temperature, showing a marked decrease in breaking strength at higher temperatures. In contrast, NY66 maintained better stability and performance under similar conditions.

Exploration of Green Alternatives to 6PPD (P-Phenylenediamine) Used as Antiozonant and Antioxidant in the Rubber Industry

Antiozonants and antioxidants are additives commonly used in the rubber industry to enhance the durability and performance of rubber products. Ozone, present in the atmosphere, can cause rubber to degrade over time through a process known as ozone cracking. These rubber additives are added to rubber compounds to protect against this degradation. They work by reacting with ozone, preventing it from attacking and breaking the molecular chains in the rubber, helping to maintain the structural integrity of the rubber product. It is now well known that 6PPD contributes to the extension of the service life of rubber products. However, recent studies have shown that 6PPD can be harmful to the environment, especially when end-of-life tyres (ELTs) are contaminated with the water. With the effect of ozone, 6PPD is converted to 6PPD quinone, which is toxic enough to kill some sensitive fish species such as Coho Salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch). This study drew attention to new chemical compounds and natural products that can be used as antiozonants and antioxidants in the rubber industry instead of 6PPD. Although the scientific studies are promising, the fact that 6PPD is still used in production shows that more scientific studies and social awareness need to be developed in this area.

Embracing different languages and local differences:Coconstructive patient simulation strengthens host countries’clinical training in psychiatry

BACKGROUND Global education in psychiatry is heavily influenced by knowledge from Western,high-income countries,which obscures local voices and expertise.AIM To adapt a human simulation model to psychiatric education in a context that is specific to local languages and cultures.METHODS We conducted an observational study consisting of six human simulation sessions with standardized patients from two host countries,speaking their native languages,and following an adaptation of the co-constructive patient simulation(CCPS)model.As local faculty became increasingly familiar with the CCPS approach,they took on the role of facilitators—in their country’s native language.RESULTS Fifty-three learners participated:19 child and adolescent psychiatry trainees and 3 faculty members in Türkiye(as a group that met online during 3 consecutive months);and 24 trainees and 7 faculty in Israel(divided into 3 groups,in parallel in-person sessions during a single training day).Each of the six cases reflected local realities and clinical challenges,and was associated with specific learning goals identified by each case-writing trainee.CONCLUSION Human simulation has not been fully incorporated into psychiatric education:The creation of immersive clinical experiences and the strengthening of reflective practice are two areas ripe for development.Our adaptations of CCPS can also strengthen local and regional networks and psychiatric communities of practice.Finally,the model can help question and press against hegemonies in psychiatric training that overshadow local expertise.

Effect of asymmetric rolling process on the microstructure,mechanical properties and texture of AZ31 magnesium alloys sheets produced by twin roll casting technique

Symmetric rolling(SR)and asymmetric rolling(ASR)processes were carried out on 6 mm thick AZ31 magnesium alloy sheets that were produced by twin roll casting(TRC)technique.Before rolling processes,sheets were heat treated in order to obtain a homogenized microstructure.In this study,for the ASR process the rolling speed ratio between upper roller and lower was selected as 1.25.Both SR and ASR processes were utilized with 40%reduction per passes using 2 pass schedule for a total reduction ratio of 0.67.Symmetric and asymmetric rolled sheets were characterized using optical microscopy(OM),scanning electron microscopy(SEM)and transmission electron microscopy(TEM)techniques.Texture measurements were performed by using X-ray diffraction(XRD)technique and mechanical properties were investigated by tensile tests and also hardness measurements.

High-resolution seismicity imaging and early aftershock migration of the 2023 Kahramanmara?(SE Türkiye)M_W7.9&7.8 earthquake doublet

We build a high-resolution early aftershock catalog for the 2023 SE Türkiye seismic sequence with PALM,a seamless workflow that sequentially performs phase picking,association,location,and matched filter for continuous data.The catalog contains 29,519 well-located events in the two mainshocks rupture region during 2023-02-01–2023-02-28,which significantly improves the detection completeness and relocation precision compared to the public routine catalog.Employing the new PALM catalog,we analyze the structure of the seismogenic fault system.We find that the Eastern Anatolian Fault(EAF)that generated the first M_(W)7.9 mainshock is overall near-vertical,whereas complexities are revealed in a small-scale,such as subparallel subfaults,unmapped branches,and stepovers.The seismicity on EAF is shallow(<15 km)and concentrated in depth distribution,indicating a clear lock-creep transition.In contrast,the SürgüFault(SF)that is responsible for the second M_(W)7.8 mainshock is shovel-shaped for the nucleation segment and has overall low dip angles(~40°–80°).Aftershocks on the SF distribute in a broad range of depth,extending down to~35 km.We also analyze the temporal behavior of seismicity,discovering no immediate foreshocks within~5 days preceding the first mainshock,and no seismic activity on the SF before the second mainshock.

Machine Learning and Classical Forecasting Methods Based Decision Support Systems for COVID-19

From late 2019 to the present day,the coronavirus outbreak tragically affected the whole world and killed tens of thousands of people.Many countries have taken very stringent measures to alleviate the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)and are still being implemented.In this study,various machine learning techniques are implemented to predict possible confirmed cases and mortality numbers for the future.According to these models,we have tried to shed light on the future in terms of possible measures to be taken or updating the current measures.Support Vector Machines(SVM),Holt-Winters,Prophet,and Long-Short Term Memory(LSTM)forecasting models are applied to the novel COVID-19 dataset.According to the results,the Prophet model gives the lowest Root Mean Squared Error(RMSE)score compared to the other three models.Besides,according to this model,a projection for the future COVID-19 predictions of Turkey has been drawn and aimed to shape the current measures against the coronavirus.

Numerical Study on the Hydrodynamic Performance of Antifouling Paints

This study presents a simple numerical method that can be used to evaluate the hydrodynamic performances of antifouling paints.Steady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations were solved through a finite volume technique,whereas roughness was modeled with experimentally determined roughness functions.First,the methodology was validated with previous experimental studies with a flat plate.Second,flow around the Kriso Container Ship was examined.Lastly,full-scale results were predicted using Granville’s similarity law.Results indicated that roughness has a similar effect on the viscous pressure resistance and frictional resistance around a Reynolds number of 10^7.Moreover,the increase in frictional resistance due to roughness was calculated to be approximately 3%-5%at the ship scale depending on the paint.

Synthesis and characterization of salt-impregnated anodic aluminum oxide composites for low-grade heat storage

Thermochemical heat storage(THS)systems have recently attracted a lot of attention in research and development.In this study,an anodic aluminum oxide(AAO)template,fabricated by a two-step anodization method,was used for the first time as the matrix material for a THS system.Different salts were studied as thermochemical materials for their suitability in low-grade heat storage application driven by solar energy for an open system.Compositions were prepared by absorbing CaCl2,MgCl2,LiCl,LiNO3 and mixtures of these salts under a vacuum in an AAO matrix.Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to examine the morphology of the produced AAO composites.Thermal energy storage capacities of the composites were characterized using a differential scanning calorimeter.Characterization analysis showed that anodized Al plates were suitable matrix materials for THS systems,and composite sorbent prepared with a 1:1 ratio LiCl/LiNO3 salt mixture had the highest energy value among all composites,with an energy density of 468.1 k J·kg-1.

Reactive oxygen species and chemokines: Are they elevated in the esophageal mucosa of children with gastroesophageal reflux disease?

AIM: To determine the role of inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in childhood reflux esophagitis. METHODS: A total of 59 subjects who had complaints suggesting GERD underwent esophagogastroduoden oscopy. Endoscopic and histopathologic diagnosis of reflux esophagitis was established by Savary-Miller and Vandenplas grading systems, respectively. Esophageal biopsy specimens were taken from the esophagus 20% proximal above the esophagogastric junction for conventional histopathological examination and the measurements of ROS and cytokine levels. ROS were measured by chemiluminescence, whereas IL-8 and MCP-1 levels were determined with quantitative immunometric ELISA on esophageal tissue. Esophagealtissue ROS, IL-8 and MCP-1 levels were compared among groups with and without endoscopic/histo- pathologic esophagitis. RESULTS: Of 59 patients 28 (47.5%) had normal esophagus whereas 31 (52.5%) had endoscopic esophagitis. In histopathological evaluation, almost 73% of the cases had mild and 6.8% had moderate degree of esophagitis. When ROS and chemokine levels were compared among groups with and without endoscopic esophagitis, statistical difference could not be found between patients with and without esophagitis. Although the levels of ROS, IL-8 and MCP-1 were found to be higher in the group with histopathological reflux esophagitis, this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the grade of esophagitis is usually mild or moderate during childhood and factors apart from ROS, IL-8 and MCP-1 may be involved in the pathogenesis of reflux esophagitis in children.