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This developed combined plant focuses on the thermodynamic and environmental impact analysis of clean and sustainable electricity, heating, green hydrogen, and distilled water production with geothermal energy. This work includes a double flashing geothermal cycle, a reheat CO2Rankine cycle (re-tRC), a desalination unit (MED), and PEM electrolysis. Using energetic and exergetic efficiency methodologies, the system's performance changes are examined parametrically. The results are impressive: our system produces a net of 1,857 kW of electricity, and 28.33 kgs-1distilled water. As a result, the system can produce 0.004595 kgs-1of green hydrogen at 18.40% energy efficiency and 17.71% exergy efficiency.

Introduction:Epilepsy is a group of neurologic disorders with clinical and genetic heterogeneity. Epilepsy often affects children; thus, early diagnosis and precise treatment are vital to protecting the standard of life of a child. Progress in epilepsy-related gene discovery has caused enormous novelty in specific epilepsy diagnoses. Genetic testing using next-generation sequencing is now reachable, leading to higher diagnosis ratios and understanding of the disease’s underlying mechanisms. The study’s primary aim was to identify the genetic etiology based on targeted next-generation sequence analysis data and to calculate the diagnostic value of the epilepsy gene panel in the 0–17 age-group diagnosed with epilepsy. The secondary aim was to demonstrate the significance of periodic reinterpretation of variant of uncertain significance (VUS) variants and genotype-phenotype correlation. Methods:This retrospective study comprised 107 patients with epilepsy aged 8 months to 17 years, for whom a targeted gene panel covered 110 genes. VUS variants were reanalyzed, and genotype-phenotype correlation was performed. Results:In the initial evaluation, causal variants were described in 23 patients (21.5%). After reinterpretation of VUS, we detected causal variants in 30 out of 107 patients (28%). By reinterpreting the VUS and evaluating genotype-phenotype correlations, we enhanced our diagnostic value by 30.32%. After reinterpretation of VUS variants, the ACMG classification of 36 variants, including 15 benign (31%), 15 likely benign (31%), 5 likely pathogenic (10%), and 1 pathogenic (2%), were redefined. We most frequently detected causal variants in TSC2(n= 5), GRIN2A(n= 4), and ALDH7A1(n= 4) genes. Conclusion:The predictive value for epilepsy panel testing was 28% in the cohort. Our study revealed the importance of reanalysis of VUS variants and contributed to enriching the mutation spectrum in epilepsy.

In this research work, thermodynamic modelling and assessment are conducted to produce sustainable outputs using the energetic and exergetic efficiency approaches. The suggested cycle comprises a reheat carbon dioxide-based Brayton cycle for power production, a solar parabolic collector cycle, a proton exchange membrane unit for hydrogen generation, a reverse osmosis desalination unit for freshwater generation and a hot water generation process. The developed combined plant can provide 1,131 kW of clean power and 0.001978 kg/s green hydrogen. Moreover, the entire irreversibility is computed as 8,224 kW, in which the maximum irreversibility occurs in the solar collector. Finally, the developed multigeneration plant has 47.99% energetic performance and 17.14% exergetic performance.

In this research, a novel geothermal power-based combined plant is planned for various valuable products generation. A flash-binary geothermal plant, an organic Rankine cycle plant, a transcritical-CO2plant, a hydrogen production plant, and a magnetic refrigeration plant are integrated together to generate beneficial products. In the evaluation part of the paper, thermodynamic analyses, validation studies, and parametric studies are performed. According to the assessment outputs, the total power production is found as 20,220 kW, the heating capacity is 8,726 kW, and the cooling generation rate is 1,341 kW. In addition, the hydrogen production rate of the designed energy plant is 0.0124 kg/s.

Questionnaire forms (QFs) are used in the evaluation of all patients presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs). Our study aims to investigate the compatibility of the three QFs with each other and to investigate the relationship between education level and complete completion of these forms.

AbstractIn this study, a self-sensing smart structure was developed with a novel approach. Electromagnetic wave based self-sensing structure designed by sending waves to the reinforced concrete structure through the reinforcement by using a coaxial cable. EM measurements were based on estimating the reflected EM waves through the reinforced concrete. Correlations between reflected EM wave, damage in reinforced concrete and strength development in concrete was estimated. According to test results, it was seen that with increasing crack width of reinforced concrete by applying monotonic load, reflection of EM wave through the reinforced concrete decreased. It was also seen that with strength development of the concrete, reflection of EM through the reinforced concrete increased. In the light of the findings of this study it can be said that, damage assessment and monitoring strength development of the reinforced concrete is possible in real time with applying the proposed novel technique.

In this paper, the hydrogen production and liquefaction option by utilising the waste heat from the raw material preheating sub-unit of cement facility are investigated thermodynamically. The gas turbine plant and Rankine cycle are chosen to generate power and, also in order to generate hydrogen, a part of the produced power is used for PEM electrolysis. In these conditions, the hydrogen generation from analysed integrated plant is computed as 0.028 kg/s. The energetic and exergetic effectiveness of Brayton and Rankine cycles integrated with the waste heat recovery process in the cement facility are computed as 58.24% and 42.17%, respectively, for the chosen working condition. It is also asserted that increasing the input temperature of gas turbine depended on the cyclone gas temperature, and increases the exergy efficiency of the investigated system.

In this study, a novel solar energy assisted multigeneration energy plant by using the solar radiation as a renewable energy resource is designed to produce some useful products, such as electricity, heating-cooling, and hydrogen, and modelled to increase the system performance. This designed multigeneration energy system consists of the solar power tower, steam Rankine cycles, absorption heating-cooling system, Cu-Cl thermochemical cycle, and hydrogen liquefaction unit. A thermodynamic assessment is developed by using the energetic and exergetic analyses to determine the irreversibilities of Cu-Cl thermochemical reaction-based integrated system at different working conditions. The energy and exergy performances of solar power assisted multigeneration system are computed as 22.21% and 14.02%. In the present study, the highest exergy destruction of this plant is determined for the solar power tower, and also, 5,738 and 4,812 kW of exergy destruction happens in the heliostat and central receiver, respectively. Moreover, the parametric works are carried out by changing the reference conditions and design indicators.

In this study, two geothermal-based energy systems that provide beneficial outputs of hydrogen, electricity and hot-water are proposed. In this study, two thermoelectric generators are included in the second system, unlike the first system, proposed to analyse the impact of thermoelectric generators on plant performance. For comprehensive thermodynamic and performance analysis of the proposed systems, the proposed systems are modelled according to thermodynamic equilibrium equations. The parametric works are performed to address the impact of different system indicators affecting the useful outputs and performance of the modelled systems. In addition, the performance evaluation of the modelled systems is conducted in comparison with several working fluids. The energetic and exergetic efficiencies of the designed first cycle are 40.4% and 31.57%, while the energetic and exergetic efficiencies of the suggested second cycle are found as 49.36% and 41.79%. The hydrogen generation realised by both proposed systems per unit time is 0.001196 kg/s.

The purpose of this study was to compare once daily (QD) usage of 4 and 8 mg of silodosin in patients divided as those with moderate and with severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTSs) according to International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) categories in terms of effectiveness and adverse events.

Objectives:Nasal cavity schwannomas are exceedingly rare, benign neoplasms that pose challenges in clinical differentiation from other nasal tumors. Methods:This study presents 5 cases of nasal cavity schwannoma treated surgically over a 10 year period, along with a review of the literature. Results:The most prevalent symptoms included unilateral nasal obstruction and intermittent nosebleeds. Tumors originated from various nasal sites, including the septum, middle conchae, lateral nasal wall, and alar mucosa. All surgeries were conducted transnasally, with 3 tumors excised en bloc, and the remaining two subjected to piecemeal resection. Ancient schwannoma was identified in 4 cases. No instances of recurrence were observed during the average 61 month follow-up period. Conclusions:The definitive diagnosis of schwannomas necessitates histopathological examination. An endoscopic approach to the nasal cavity, obviating the need for external intervention, proved highly effective and appropriate for both diagnosis and symptom alleviation.

In this paper, a thermodynamic examination of novel solar-thermochemical assisted integrated system is designed for multigeneration purpose. This multigeneration system consists of six sub-systems that are the solar dish collector (SDC) system, double stage-organic Rankine cycle (DS_ORC), organic Rankine cycle (ORC), single effect absorption cooling (SEAC), hybrid magnesium chlorine (Mg-Cl) thermochemical system, and hydrogen liquefaction system. In this regard, the parametric study is given to examine how the whole thermodynamic performance integrated system are affected by way of various factors, such as reference temperature, solar irradiation, thermochemical reaction temperature, compression pressure. Furthermore, the overall energetic, exergetic performance and overall exergy destruction rate of multigeneration system are investigated. The exergy destruction rate and exergetic performance of Mg-Cl cycle are computed as 12,400 kW and 43.85%. Furthermore, the energetic and exergetic efficiency of overall multigeneration system are computed as 54.17% and 50.46%.

In this paper, an integrated power plant is designed for multigeneration and a parametric study is performed for integrated energy plant design. At the same time, optimisation studies of integrated energy plant with parametric assessment are carried out. The energetic and exergetic performances of integrated system have been computed as 51.28% and 46.67%. Total electricity and hydrogen production rate from investigated plant are 5,650.6 kW and 0.00436 kg/s. Moreover, the overall exergy destruction rate is found as 18,345 kW. Thermodynamic analysis data show that some parameters in the system are more effective on system efficiency and cost than other parameters. By using parametric study, these parameters are determined as biomass flow rate, gas turbine inlet temperature, gas turbine inlet pressure and air compressor compression ratio. These parameters are utilised as the decision variable in the optimisation study. Optimal points of the integrated energy system are shown on the Pareto front.

In this paper, the thermodynamic performance evaluations of the two-stage cooling cycle are investigated comparatively for different refrigerants under the same operating conditions. Due to their environmentally friendly properties, CO2, R600, R600a, R161, and R134a are selected as the refrigerants. The change in energy performance coefficient (COPen) and exergy performance coefficient (COPex) of the defined cycle are investigated according to the various indicators, such as reference temperature, gas cooler outlet temperature and pressure. Results are shown that, at the evaporator temperature of −5°C and the gas cooler outlet temperature of 40°C, the COPenof the cooling cycle are 1.644, 1.603, 1.452, 2.0356 and 1.928 for the refrigerants CO2, R600, R600a, R161 and R134a, respectively. Furthermore, COPexof the cycle are computed as 25.94%, 15.57%, 14.07%, 19.73% and 18.68% for the same refrigerants in the same order. In addition, the overall exergy destruction rate of the cooling cycle for CO2refrigerant is calculated as 145.69 kW.

•A new geothermal-based multigeneration energy plant is developed and investigated.•Energy and exergy efficiencies of the plant are determined as 46.87% and 44.13%.•The major irreversibilities are determined for possible plant improvements.•The hydrogen generation option is investigated and potentially evaluated.

In this study, the energetic and exergetic analyses of a cement plant for clinker production are investigated. The exergy destruction rate, energy and exergy efficiency of process components are presented by using the thermodynamic balance equations. The energetic and exergetic efficiencies of cement plant are calculated as 60.78%, and 46.11%, respectively. The rotary kiln, raw mill and cooler component have the maximum exergy destruction rate among the other process components. The exergy efficiency of rotary kiln, raw mill and cooler component are calculated as 57.36%, 33.52% and 49.46%, respectively. Also, to analyse the cement plant performance more comprehensively, the parametric studies are conducted to determine the impacts of different design variables, such as rotary kiln temperature and raw material mass flow rate, and feedstock coal chemical properties and varying of ambient temperature on the energy efficiency, exergy efficiency and exergy destruction rate of plant components.

In this study, energy and exergy analyses and also parametric study of the solar and biomass-based energy system for multi-generation are conducted. The exergy analysis results have given that solar collector and biomass combustion chamber have the maximum exergy destruction rate of the integrated process parts. According to the thermodynamic analysis findings, energy efficiencies of the system parts for the solar and biomass-based integrated process change between 23.98-99.31% and 28.47-98.24%, respectively. Also, it is found that the integrated process for the solar and biomass mode has the maximum energy efficiency as 59.16% and 57.41%, respectively, and exergy efficiency as 54.23% and 52.47%, respectively.

This study presents the conclusions of the thermodynamic analysis of a multi-generation energy system operating in two modes: solar and biomass mode. Energy and exergy efficiencies, exergy destruction rate, power and heat transfer rate, environmental impact assessment of the integrated system components and whole system are analysed for investigating irreversibility in all system components, system efficiency and potential CO2reduction for sustainable development. The results show that energy and exergy efficiencies for solar mode are found as 51.32% and 46.75%, respectively, whereas for biomass mode energy and exergy efficiencies are calculated as 47.44% and 45.43%, respectively. Parametric studies are also conducted to understand the impacts of some significant design parameters, such as ambient temperature, solar radiation flux on the concentrating collector and mass flow rate of the biomass fuel, on the system performance, environmental effect, exergy destruction rate and exergy efficiency.

In this paper, a novel integrated solar and wind energy-based system for electricity and hydrogen generation is examined. This system consists of the photovoltaic, solar pond, wind turbine, organic Rankine cycle (ORC), PEM electrolyser, PEM fuel cell, hydrogen and oxygen storage sub-systems. Thermodynamic analysis, environmental impact assessment and also parametric studies are analysed to research the impacts of various working parameters on the exergy destruction rates and exergy efficiencies of the integrated system parts and whole system. The energy and exergy efficiencies for the renewable-based integrated system are found to be 46.9% and 36.5% at reference temperature and pressure condition, respectively. In addition, the results of this paper indicate that the primary sources of irreversibilities in the integrated system are the solar pond system and ORC system. Finally, environmental impact assessments show that the emissions of CO2in kg per kWh for power generation are lower for the wind turbine and PV systems.

•An innovative solar energy-based multigeneration plant is proposed.•Thermodynamic and environmental impact assessment is modeled and investigated.•Clean and sustainable hydrogen and ammonia generation are examined.•To generate power, a transcritical CO2-based Rankine cycle system is integrated.•Overall energy and exergy efficiencies are 29.04% and 27.43%, respectively.

To establish whether etanercept, a TNF- antagonist, is an alternative and effective treatment on facial nerve after crush injury.

Turkish building stock is commonly composed of reinforced concrete moment resisting frames. Recent earthquakes in Turkey resulted thousands of failed or heavily damaged residential houses and office buildings. In addition of the earthquake failures, reinforced concrete structures may also failed only under their own weight. There are several examples such as Hicret Apartment in Diyarbakir (1983), Zumrut Apartment in Konya, in central Anatolia, Huzur Apartment in Istanbul (2007). On February 2nd, 2004 a 9-story reinforced concrete building in Konya (Zumrut Apartment) collapsed leaving 92 people dead. The first author of the paper was governmentally charged about the investigation of the failure causes. Carrot samples were taken from the concrete columns and steel samples were obtained from the disaster area. The dimensions of the structural members were determined. The structure was modeled in three dimensional space and vertical collapse analyses were conducted. The one of the main cause of failure was determined as the creep of the concrete occurred in excessively loaded columns. The main reasons of the damages and failures were determined to be the insufficiency in material quality, mistakes made in load selection and the inappropriate load-carrying dimensions. The construction mistakes and not obeying the design drawings are the other flaws. In this paper detailed information about the structure, creep analyses and vertical collapse analyze results were depicted in understandable format.

The demand for more flexibility in the design and strengthening of concrete structures has resulted in an increased use of anchoring systems. Adhesive anchors are widely used in seismic strengthening applications to add new structural members or sections to existing concrete members. To safely design such anchors, it is very important to know their tensile capacity under axial tensile forces. This paper explores the pullout capacity of single adhesive anchors loaded in tension in un-cracked concrete. To this end 142 single anchor tests including edge effect (located near a concrete edge) were obtained from literature. The formulated three-layered artificial neural network method (ANN) was trained using 75% of the data set by using different learning algorithms. The methods were tested with the remaining 25% of the data set. The variables taken into account in this study are anchor diameter, embedment length, concrete body height and edge distance. It was determined that experimental data can be estimated to a notably close extent via the ANN model.

AbstractAdhesive anchors are widely used in seismic strengthening applications to add new structural members or sections to existing concrete members due to their high tensile and compressive strengths, low cost, and easy and fast installation. To safely design such anchors, it is very important to know their pullout capacity under axial tensile forces. This paper explores the pullout capacity of both single and groups of adhesive anchors loaded in tension in uncracked concrete. Quadruple anchor groups were considered for group effect. To this end, 142 single anchor tests including edge effect (located near a concrete edge) and 175 quadruple group anchor tests (totally 317 tests) were obtained from literature. The formulated three-layered artificial neural network method (ANN) was trained using 75% of the data set by using different learning algorithms. The methods were tested with the remaining 25%. The variables taken into account in this study are anchor diameter, embedment length, concrete compressive strength, concrete body height, edge distance (for single anchors), and anchor spacing (for group anchors). It was determined that experimental data can be estimated to a notably close extent via the ANN model.

Objectives:Correcting nasal dorsal deformities and irregularities often requires biological or alloplastic materials. In rhinoplasty, a frequent postoperative problem is a rough and rigid nasal dorsum. The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the feasibility of using diced cartilage grafts wrapped in amniotic membrane for soft tissue augmentation.Methods:Diced cartilage grafts wrapped with amniotic membrane were transplanted to a subcutaneous tunnel that was made in the back in 20 rats. After 2 months, the histopathologic changes that occurred in the grafts were examined by light microscopy.Results:When the diced cartilage grafts wrapped in amniotic membrane were examined, each graft displayed different viability rates.Conclusions:In soft tissue augmentation, especially in the nasal dorsum, amniotic membrane can be used to keep the diced cartilage viable and adjoined.

In this study, an energy, exergy and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) analysis of a Flat–Plate (FP) collector, a Photovoltaic (PV) system and a Photovoltaic–Thermal (PV–T) collector is carried out for better evaluation. It is observed that instantaneous energy, daily energy and exergy efficiency of the FP collector, the PV system and the PV/T collector vary between 53–61%, 19–30%, 23–37% and 56–74%, 11–15%, 21–34% and 2–7%, 6–22% and 8–16%, respectively. The energy and CO₂ payback time of these solar collectors varies between 2, 12, 3.8 and 1.6, 3.6 and 1.8 years, respectively. Thermodynamic and LCA analysis show that a considerable amount of electrical and thermal energy is generated by the PV–T collector and the sustainability of the system is improved. Hence, the PV system has features better for the PV–T collector, especially when both electricity and heat are required for domestic applications.

In this paper, the thermodynamic modelling of exergy loss, exergy efficiency, exergy destruction rate, environmental destruction coefficient, improvement potential, exergy destruction factor, relative irreversibility, productivity lack and exergetic factor of ground source heat pump (GSHP) system are investigated. The results show that these exergy indexes should be used integratively. Compressor has the maximum exergy destruction rate, followed by the condenser and ground heat exchanger. Exergy efficiencies are obtained as 54.54% and 38.52% for the GSHP unit and whole system, respectively. Related parametric studies concerning about exergy destruction rate and exergy efficiency of the system components are carried out at different ambient temperatures.

The most common method for strengthening reinforced concrete frames that have insufficient earthquake resistance is the addition of reinforced concrete (RC) shear walls to the structural system. In recent years, the idea of constructing the shear walls not inside but outside the building was preferred and applied in order to decrease the cost of strengthening processes and without limiting the utilisation of the building. The most important problem of this application is that the architectural requirements of buildings can be hindered because of the shear walls constructed out of the axes; this can be solved by connecting the exterior shear walls to the existing frame using coupling beams and leaving a certain spacing between them. In this study, the contribution of the strengthening method called ‘external shear wall application via coupling beam’ on the behaviour of the existing frame under lateral loading conditions was investigated. For this purpose, one reference frame, one reference shear wall and two frames strengthened with external shear walls using coupling beams were produced and tested under reversed-cyclic lateral loading. The strengthened frames were constructed by connecting the external shear wall to the frame by making RC and steel coupling beam applications to determine the behaviour differences between them. In conclusion, the strengthening method made a considerable contribution to the frame that was insufficient against earthquake effects in terms of lateral load carrying capacity, rigidity and energy dissipation capacity.

This paper undertakes a study on energetic and exergetic performance evaluation of various types of coals in Turkey, such as Armutcuk, Amasra, Zonguldak and Catalagzy hard coals and Tuncbilek, Beypazari, Cayirhan, Afsin, Soma, Yatagan, Can and Sorgun lignites for gasification purposes, where syn-gas may subsequently be used for the production of electricity, heat, hydrogen, etc. in industry. The chemical exergy contents of these coals are determined and compared for a potential use in gasification, and their energetic and exergetic efficiencies are also assessed for performance comparison. In the analysis, exergetic efficiencies are evaluated for an idealised gasifier in which chemical equilibrium is reached, ashes of coals are not considered and heat losses are neglected. It is observed that coals having lower heating value have higher gasification efficiency, and the ratios of hydrogen to chemical exergy of coal are related to the gasification process efficiencies of this coal.

The main objective of the study is to estimate wind power potential of Turkey and provide suitable data for evaluating potential wind power by using the wind data collected at 23 different wind-monitoring stations. In this study, energy and exergy analyses of wind power are used to estimate wind power potential in these areas. Exergy analysis of wind power is investigated according to air temperature and pressure at inlet and outlet of wind turbine; energy generated and heat loss from wind turbine. Also, energy and exergy analyses of wind power and capacity factor, energy and exergy efficiencies at 10, 25 and 50 m are given for these wind-monitoring stations.

Background The aim of this study was to compare the compatibility of Alloderm, Dacron, Gore-Tex, and autologous cartilage graft materials with host tissues in nasal septal perforation repair surgery.Methods The materials were placed into the nasal septum of 16 New Zealand rabbits. At the end of the 3rd month, septums of the rabbits were removed totally and reactions, such as inflammation; foreign body giant cell; or fibrosis that developed in the surrounding tissue against the implant material were evaluated.Results Acute inflammation reactions occurred mostly with Gore-Tex. There were no differences between groups according to chronic inflammation. When the number of reactions and tissue compatibility were taken into consideration, cartilage performed the best followed by Alloderm. There were more reactions with Dacron, but it still showed compatibility.Conclusion Cartilage was found to be the best material followed by Alloderm and Dacron, but Gore-Tex was found unsuitable.

The Zumrut Apartment Building in Turkey collapsed completely and suddenly on February 2, 2004, killing 92 people. A few months later, on October 29, 2004, cracks occurred on two reinforced concrete columns in the basement of the Altinbasak Apartment Building, about 500 m away from the Zumrut Building. In both cases the collapses occurred spontaneously, and were not related to an earthquake or other external causes. At the end of the investigations performed in situ and on the project documents, the main reasons for the collapse and damage were determined to be the mistakes made in the design load selection, the inappropriate dimensions of the load-carrying members, poor material quality, and poor soil conditions.The main aim of this study was to investigate the causes of the collapse and damage to these two buildings by considering the significant mistakes made during the design and construction stages. In addition, the research and observations performed on the buildings and the results from tests made on specimens taken from them, will be presented in this paper. A discussion of the values obtained from computer models of the buildings using the finite element method is also presented, and their relationship to the damages observed in the buildings, especially on the vertical load-bearing members.

The Zumrut Apartment Building in Turkey collapsed completely and suddenly on February 2, 2004, killing 92 people. A few months later, on October 29, 2004, cracks occurred on two reinforced concrete columns in the basement of the Altinbasak Apartment Building, about 500 m away from the Zumrut Building. In both cases the collapses occurred spontaneously, and were not related to an earthquake or other external causes. At the end of the investigations performed in situ and on the project documents, the main reasons for the collapse and damage were determined to be the mistakes made in the design load selection, the inappropriate dimensions of the load-carrying members, poor material quality, and poor soil conditions.The main aim of this study was to investigate the causes of the collapse and damage to these two buildings by considering the significant mistakes made during the design and construction stages. In addition, the research and observations performed on the buildings and the results from tests made on specimens taken from them, will be presented in this paper. A discussion of the values obtained from computer models of the buildings using the finite element method is also presented, and their relationship to the damages observed in the buildings, especially on the vertical load-bearing members.

In the symmetric crack problem considered the material is both oriented and graded. The properties of the medium is assumed to vary monotonously in the x 1 -direction, x 1 and x 2 are the principal axes of orthotropy, and the crack is located along the x 1 -axis. The loading is such that x 2 =0 is a plane of symmetry. The mode I crack problem for the inhomogeneous orthotropic plane is formulated and the solution is obtained for various loading conditions and material parameters. In the formulation four independent engineering constants, E 11 , E 22 , G 12 and ν 12 , are replaced by a stiffness parameter E = √E 11 E 22 , a stiffness ratio c = (E 11 /E 22 ) , a Poisson's ratio ν = √ν 12 ν 21 and a shear parameter κ = E/2G 12 − ν . The results show that the stress intensity factors are independent of E and c and generally the effect of κ and ν on the stress intensity factors is not very significant. The exception is the values of κ approaching − 1, where the physical range of κ is − 1κ < ∞ . In the isotropic case the kernel of the related integral equation is evaluated in closed form, which simplifies the numerical solution and improves the accuracy of the results.

The ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) and I-gel, both second-generation supraglottic airway devices have been compared in previous studies but with inconsistent results regarding their safety and efficacy. Their influence on the hypopharyngeal mucosa have not been evaluated before under videolaryngoscopy.

In this paper, the design of a new integrated system that uses geothermal energy-based as a renewable energy source and performance analysis in terms of different criteria is performed. In order to reveal the importance of geothermal energy, many useful outputs are obtained from this integrated plant designed. The useful products from the geothermal power-based multigeneration system are power, cooling-heating, fresh-hot water, drying, and hydrogen. To generate these outputs, the multigeneration system consists of six sub-plants, namely the Kalina cycle, hydrogen production, cooling cycle, dryer process, fresh and hot water production plant. A parametric evaluation is carried out to show in which direction different design parameters affect system performance. Based on the comprehensive analysis and assessment study, the energetic efficiency for the integrated plant is found to be 59.93% while the exergetic efficiency is 57.18% which more truly reflects the practicality. Finally, the exergetic assessment results show that the Kalina cycle and the hydrogen generation plant have the maximum exergy destruction rate among the other sub-plants of geothermal based combined plant.

In this study, geothermal energy is considered as a renewable energy source to finally provide various useful outputs such as electricity, hydrogen, fresh and hot water, drying, heating, and cooling. In this regard, a new geothermal power-based multigenerational system is proposed to meet these demands in an environmentally benign manner and studied thermodynamically by considering energy and exergy approaches and investigating parametrically. A combination of geothermal energy is used to achieve the most promising hydrogen generation rates and high plant performances. The results of this study indicate that the energy and exergy efficiency values of the entire plant for the selected operating conditions become 38.41% and 42.57%. In addition to the thermodynamic analysis performed, numerous parametric studies are performed to reveal how operating conditions and state parameters affect the overall system performance. According to the parametric analyses results, for given ranges, an increase in ambient temperature, separator working temperature, geothermal fluid temperature, and geothermal fluid mass flowrate have positive impact on both energy and exergy efficiency of the integrated system and useful products generation rate as well.

Objectives:We tested the effect of radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of palatal myoclonus refractory to other therapeutic regimens.Methods:A 20-year-old patient who presented with palatal myoclonus and annoying rhythmic objective clicking noise was treated with a radiofrequency generator with topical and local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.Results:The clicking noise was abolished within 3 to 4 days of the radiofrequency ablation. The rhythmic, jerky movements of the soft palate were confirmed to be absent 2 weeks later with electromyographic studies. The patient has been symptom-free for 6 months, and no side effects have occurred.Conclusions:As a new indication, radiofrequency ablation may effectively abolish abnormal movements of the soft palate and relieve associated tinnitus.