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The linear induction motor based on local public transport has turned out to be more cost-effective in respect of energy cost as well as maintenance. This is due to the fact that linear induction motors constitute a strong durability rate, simple geometrical structure, large force application capability, and independent adhesiveness that make the motor more advanced than conventional motors based on propulsion systems. The single linear induction motor for urban transit modeled by T-type equivalent circuit model enhancement is proposed in this paper. For the proposed system, a double-sided and single-sided linear induction motor is described. For the linear induction motor, the converter control strategies are implemented which is responsive to the velocity and force/current control system, and their integrated performance propulsion drives is described in this paper. Finally, the efficiency and other intrinsic factors needed for the structure's performance assessment are derived. The relationship between penetration depth and frequency is performed and the penetration rapidly drops at low frequencies and tends to stabilize beyond 10 Hz, with the Al having a relatively larger penetration depth. Finally, the performance analysis such as variation in the number of poles, mechanical air gap, penetration depth and frequency variations are calculated on the basis of various features. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that the vast majority of brand extensions fail, it is important to understand how extension failure influences consumer judgments of the parent brand that launched the extension. In the brand extension literature, there is a paucity of research on the role of consumer characteristics in influencing response to such failures. To fill this gap, the present research examines the impact of consumers' implicit theory orientation—their perspective on whether personality traits are malleable versus fixed—on the severity of negative feedback effects following extension failure. Seven studies show that entity theorists, who believe in the fixedness of personality traits, penalize parent brands more than incremental theorists, who endorse trait malleability. This brand penalty effect arises because as compared to incremental theorists, entity theorists are motivated to view brands as a cohesive group and therefore equate extension failure with the diminishment of the overarching parent brand. This effect is more likely when brand cohesiveness is low or ambiguous, but it is less likely when brand cohesiveness is high. Furthermore, while entity theorists are more likely to reduce brand evaluations after extension failure, the two groups do not differ in parent brand evaluations after extension success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In females of the South Asia region, vitamin D deficiency has been highly prevalent. This can be due to non-access to sunlight, sunblock, home-stay, and poor dietary intake, Insufficient intake of vitamin D and calcium can lead to bone loss, especially in postmenopausal females. Aim: The present study aimed to comparatively assess the bone mineral density and vitamin D levels in premenopausal and postmenopausal females of India. Methods: The study assessed 200 premenopausal females constituting the controls and 200 postmenopausal females constituting the test group. In all 400 subjects, vitamin D levels were assessed to note vitamin D deficiency. This was followed by scanning (DEXA scan) for bone mineral density. The data gathered was statistically assessed to get results. Results: Moderate deficiency of Vitamin D was higher in a post-menopause group with 43% (n=86) females and had a lower incidence in the pre-menopausal control group with 15% (n=30) females with moderate deficiency of vitamin D. For the severe deficiency, it had a high incidence in post-menopausal females with 36% (n=72) females and a low incidence of severe vitamin D deficiency was seen in the pre-menopausal control group with 2% (n=4) females. In premenopausal females, low bone mineral density was seen in 34% (n=68) of study subjects and was very low in 1% (n=2) females. In the study group of post-menopausal females, the bone mineral density was low in 62% (n=124) of the study subjects and was very low in 24% (n=48) of the study subjects. For BMD and 25 OHD levels, the difference in the two groups was statistically significant with p<0.001. Conclusion: The present study shows the effect of menopause on bone mineral density and vitamin D levels. There is a significant difference in bone mineral density and levels of vitamin D in postmenopausal females and females of reproductive age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to high precision, high speed, and high fault tolerance capability, the linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) is applied in digital control technologies as well as electronic switching devices. The LSRM is considered as a good substitute for conventional linear drive systems for long-way transportation. In this paper, a single-stator and double-stator longitudinal flux-type LSRM for high-speed transit system is proposed. Since the flux in the longitudinal arrangement is in the same alignment as the motion of the translator, the proposed system is easier to construct, mechanically stable with minimum eddy current loss. It also produces the magnetic flux along the direction of motion, which makes it highly suitable for high-speed linear transit application. The proposed conceptual LSRM differs from the conventional LSRM, in such a way that the active stator holds the excitation windings, while at the same time it acts as a translational body that moves over the stationary translator bed. The motor characterization is performed in ANSYS electromagnetic simulation tool, to determine the applied forces, coupling inductance, and strength of the magnetic field of the proposed LSRM for the traction propulsion system. The finite element analysis (FEA) is utilized here to analyze the modeled configuration, for verification of the design and performance prediction of the proposed LSRM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear Motors are potential candidates for replacing traditional rotary motors in high-speed transit systems. Linear Switched Reluctance Motor (LSRM) is the widely researched motor for such applications. This paper presents a design for linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) with an improved propulsion force profile. The proposed motor consists of moving translator for direct drive transmission, without the use of mechanical gears. The stator contains a split-teethed stator structure. The proposed motor has more translator teeth than stator teeth. This paper includes a new design methodology for the proposed combination of stator and translator. The motor is designed and analyzed using 3-D finite-element method (FEM). The proposed motor has been optimized using a parameter-based cumulative deterministic optimization algorithm (PBCDOA) for further improving the force profile. The FEM results demonstrate the effectiveness of the design procedure and better force performance of the proposed topology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetism forms a mandatory topic in the syllabus of undergraduate and graduate courses in electrical engineering. This topic involves many physical and mathematical concepts like curl, divergence, gradient for field determination and representation. These concepts are not only difficult to understand but also often lead to poor learning because of the imaginations and non-visualization of electric and magnetic fields. A correct understanding of fields and its distribution is necessary to understand the working, design and optimization of electrical machines. This paper presents a finite element method (FEM) based educational tool that allows the technical students to visualize electromagnetic (EM) fields inside the EM systems. This tool therefore provides a better understanding of the design and optimization of various electrical devices. This paper shows an example of a 2-pole linear machine to visualize the distribution of the magnetic field in a non-linear circuit. This machine extends to form a linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) using step-by-step design and optimization procedure along with the user guide interface programmed in FEM based ANSYS Maxwell software. This motor is used as an example to visualize magnetic fields using FEM software in complex circuits and can be used as a good educational tool for students. The paper incorporates the validation of the design procedure through FEM simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implicit theories are the beliefs that individuals hold regarding the nature of human and nonhuman attributes, as well as more global phenomena. Over the past three decades, social and consumer psychologists have garnered a rich set of findings from investigating the processing and judgmental impact of implicit theories on various facets of people's day‐to‐day lives. This review begins with a brief summary of the history of implicit theory research before explicating its current state in consumer psychology. The review categorizes the current, and rather fragmented, landscape of the consumer psychology of implicit theories into three broad areas: brands, persuasion, and consumption behaviors. We conclude our review by contributing to an expanding dialogue regarding the future of consumer research pertaining to implicit theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linear Motors forms an integral part of propulsion systems used in linear motor propelled high-speed transport systems. Generally, motors such as linear induction and linear synchronous are preferred worldwide for these applications. In spite of showing the immense capabilities, linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) is still under research for applications in high-speed systems. This paper focuses on a LSRM with enhanced propulsion force for the application in high-speed transportation systems. It has a linear structure with moving translator for direct force transmission and two-teeth in each stator pole to attain better force performance. In the proposed motor, translator teeth count is more as compared to the stator teeth count. A 6/16 LSRM with three- phase split-teeth stator has been proposed. The performance of the proposed 6/16 LSRM has been compared with 6/4 and 6/8 three-phase conventional motors to highlight the improvements in the proposed motor. The paper also modifies the proposed 6/16 LSRM into 12/32 configuration to analyse its force ripple reduction capability. The performance of the 6/16 is compared with the 12/32 LSRM. All the motors are modelled and analysed in 3D with the help of finite-element analysis (FEA). The paper optimizes the 6/16 LSRM using parameter based cumulative deterministic optimization algorithm (PBCDOA) to maximize its propulsion force. The FEA based analysis shows better force performance for the proposed motor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, multilevel inverter (MLI) is gaining immense popularity due to reduced total harmonic distortion, lower electromagnetic interference, and high quality output waveform in high/medium voltage applications. The reduced part count (RPC)-MLI has attracted the researchers by providing higher number of output voltage level with reduced part count as compared to the classical topologies (cascaded H-bridge, neutral point clamped, and flying capacitor). But the discussion over their suitability for particular application is not yet explored completely. In this paper, some of the recently proposed RPC-MLI topologies are reviewed and analysed. RPC-MLI topologies are compared on the basis of number of switches, driver circuits, diodes, standing/blocking voltage across the switches, and switching losses for grid interfacing application. These topologies are simulated here under the same load and input source condition using real time simulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the long-term treatment outcome of conventional and hypofractionation radiotherapy in postmastectomy cancer breast patients. Material and Methods: A total of 140 postmastectomy breast cancer patients were included in this retrospective study, who were treated from 2012 to 2014 with chemotherapy and various fractionation radiotherapy schedules. Radiotherapy treatment records for study group-I received radiotherapy 4256 cGy in 16 fractions over 31/2 weeks, group-II patients received 4005 cGy in 15 fractions over 3 weeks, and conventional radiotherapy group-III received 5000 cGy in 25 fractions over 5 weeks. Results: The median follow-up of patients from all groups was 60 months (range 9 to 111 months). There were 39 cases with disease failure, 13 (26%) in group I (42.56 Gy), 16 (40%) in group II (40.05 Gy), and 10 (20%) in group III (50 Gy). There were 4 locoregional recurrences (LRRs), two isolated, and 11 distant failures in group I, 3 LRRs (1 isolated LRR) and 15 distant failures in group II, and only one LRR and 9 distant failures in group III. The disease-free survival (DFS) were 74%, 60%, and 80%, respectively, in groups I, II, and III (P =0.044). Conclusion: The long-term results of this study show that hypofractionation radiotherapy in postmastectomy cases is well tolerated and acute and late side effects are also comparable to conventional fractionation. In our study, locoregional and distant failure seems slightly higher with hypofractionation schedules than in other studies, highlighting the need for more studies with long-term follow-up in postmastectomy patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a nine-level inverter topology is proposed with the least number of switches and other components for fault tolerant (FT) operation. The proposed fault tolerant topology requires only one additional switch to execute the fault tolerant operation. The proposed topology also results in reduced total harmonic distortion (THD) as compared with other reported fault tolerant topologies for a 9-level output. A detailed analysis of the topology is presented and the fault tolerant operation is demonstrated under any single, double, triple, and quadruple switch faults using MATLAB/ Simulation and OPALRT hardware in loop (HIL) real time simulator. The proposed concept is validated for single and multiple switch faults and R-L load variation on a low scale laboratory hardware set-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, an improvisation of cross-connected sources based multilevel inverter (CCS-MLI) topology is presented in terms of maximization of levels. The proposed modified CCS-MLI will boost the output levels with the addition of one bidirectional switch in the existing CCS-MLI. The proposed modified topology lowers the switches number, diodes, gate drivers, dc power supplies, size, installation area and the cost of the system in comparison with conventional topologies and existing CCS-MLI. Working of the proposed topology is presented through a mathematical modelling and switching table. Finally, to confirm the effective performance of the proposed topology, simulation results by MATLAB/simulation and experimental results are given. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The linear switched reluctance motor (LSRM) has emerged to be the most promising alternative due to the development of power controllers in the past years. In this paper, a novel configuration of LSRM with an active-stator-passive-translator is proposed for the traction propulsion system. It comprises a short active stator retrofitted with the transit mover, while a long stationary translator is considered as rail guidance of the system. In this paper, high grade M-19 cold-rolled non-oriented steel is utilized for manufacturing the stator and translator cores. The proposed configuration of electric locomotive makes use of force generated from linear switched reluctance motors to propel it on parallel rails and pushes the coaches attached to the wagon for carrying the functional load. Finally, the motor characterization is performed in ANSYS electromagnetic simulation tool, to determine the applied forces, coupling inductance, and strength of magnetic field of the proposed LSRM for the traction propulsion system. Thus, the experimental evaluation is carried out for various parameters to depict the sustainability and suitability of the LSRM for high-speed transition system. Proposed configuration of electric traction system [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-cost electric vehicles (EVs) prefer induction motor (IM) based drive systems which are mostly operated with 2-level inverters (2LIs) because they require fewer component counts and minimum control complexity. While an IM operated with 2LI has a higher total harmonic distortion (THD) and lower efficiency. An indirect current vector control (ICVC) scheme is an effective and simplest control scheme used for IM of EVs. This ICVC scheme required one speed sensor and three current sensors which increased its cost and control complexity. Therefore, in this paper, a cascaded H-bridge 3-level inverter (CHB-3LI) fed IM drive (IMD) is presented. A modified ICVC scheme having only one speed sensor is presented and used to control the CHB-3LI fed IMD. The steady-state and transient performances of CHB-3LI fed IMD with the modified ICVC scheme are analyzed through simulation in MATLAB Simulink and validated through experiments on a developed laboratory setup. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The perianal fistulas are commonly observed in 4th-5th age group of patients with male predilection. This disease present with complaints of discharge (most common), pain, swelling, Pruritis & fever. Objectives: to access the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of MRI in perianal fistulas in comparison to surgical findings. Methods. 60 patients of 22 to 72 year age group with clinically suspected and confirmed by MRI were selected for the study. Most common clinical presentation in this study were discharge (93%) followed by pain (70.0%). Most common fistula type was intersphincteric in 40(66.7%) followed by transsphincteric which were 14(23.3%). Associated abscess cavity seen in 15 cases (25%). On MR Fistulography, horseshoeing seen in 2 (3.3%) cases which was also confirmed preoperatively. Intersphincteric fistula was the most common type of the perianal fistulas followed by transsphincteric type with Grade 1 followed by Grade 2. Low fistulas prevalence was much more than high fistulas. Simple non branching fistulas were more common as compare to branching fistulas. Conclusion. Magnetic resonance fistulography is a reliable imaging, most sensitive and specific modality, for assessment of perianal anatomy, fistulous tracts and their associated ramification and abscesses, and became an ideal imaging modality for assessment of perianal fistulas, which showed accurate correlation with surgical findings and aided in surgery planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of distributed generators in distribution networks is proved highly reliable and economical. In utility practice at the present time, accidental islanding is an undesirable mode of operation as it can harm the personnel and other connected systems. Therefore, islanding must be detected and the islanded distributed generators must be disconnected from the rest of the system. This paper proposes a new islanding detection method which provides a reliable detection in two levels. At first level wavelet energy entropy is used as an indicator to suspect islanding and activate second level method. Second level method is an active frequency drift method with positive feedback and pulsating chopping fraction that vary the output voltage frequency of distributed generators to realize the anti islanding protections. The performance of the proposed method is simulated in MATLAB environment. The proposed algorithm provides fast islanding detection with least disturbance in inverter’s grid connected operation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilevel inverters (MLIs) have been developed to a matured level for generating high quality output voltage, used in numerous applications. Conventional MLIs has been received more attention due to their remarkable use in medium-voltage applications. But use of high number of part counts in conventional MLIs increase the intricacy of circuitry and controlling both results in high expenses and reduced reliability. Therefore, development of newer topologies is an active attention to reduce part count compared to the conventional MLIs. This paper presents an exhaustive review of recently proposed reduced part count MLIs for grid integration application on the basis of selection of components, comparative factors and their suitability. It is aimed at presenting a state of the art on configuration, working and their features to researchers, inventors, and application engineers dealing with multilevel inverters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilevel inverter (MLI) is gaining rapid popularity in high/medium power applications due to low THD and high quality output waveform. Recently, the MLI topologies with reduced part count has attracted the researchers by offering higher number of output voltage level with reduced part count as compared to classical topologies (CHB, NPC and FC). It is observed that these recently proposed topologies are aimed to increase the output level with less number of components but the discussion over their suitability for a particular application is not yet explored completely. The main purpose of this paper is to provide an instructive review and analysis of existing MLIs with reduced part count. An exhaustive comparison of MLIs are assessed based on the number of switches, standing/blocking voltage across the switches, conduction losses, switching losses and cost. With the outcome of comparison results, suitable structure of MLI can be judged with reduced number of components and losses for given applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reduced part count multilevel inverters (RPC-MLIs), an emerging technology for grid interfacing applications of renewable energy sources. RPC-MLIs overcome the limitations of conventional two-level and classical multilevel inverters (NPC, FC and CHB) by the use of reduced part counts for generation of same number of levels in the output. Focus of this paper is on to present review of the RPC-MLIs for researchers and engineers and classification of all the topologies. RPC-MLIs are compared considering its circuit complexity and performance. The comparison exposes advantages and disadvantages of topologies, as well as a wide spectrum for future research. This paper also draws the most potential topology in the field of grid integrated applications. Promising topology is simulated here under the same load and input source condition using real time simulator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wind energy conversion system (WECS) is interfaced with the utility system through power electronic converters which plays an important role in the integration of wind power into the electric grid. The main power quality disturbances due to integration of WECS to grid are variation in power and harmonics. To maintain grid synchronization and to keep total harmonic distortion (THD) within operational limits, appropriate control schemes are required for the grid side converter. The main objective of grid side controller is to control the power delivered to the grid, grid synchronization, to supply high quality power to grid and to meet grid code compliance. In this paper control schemes used in grid interfaced wind energy conversion system for generator side and grid side converter control, are reviewed thoroughly. The paper presents a comparative study of rotor flux oriented control and direct torque control (DTC) techniques applied in generator side converter of permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) drives for wind turbine application. For grid side converter, various control schemes are developed mainly based on voltage oriented control (VOC) or on direct power control (DPC). The performance of VOC based control system basically depends on method applied for current control. A comparative study is done among them and findings are tabulated. Integration requirements of wind turbine to grid, grid synchronization and requirement of monitoring unit are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a multilevel inverter that has been conceptualized to reduce component count, particularly for a large number of output levels. It comprises floating input dc sources alternately connected in opposite polarities with one another through power switches. Each input dc level appears in the stepped load voltage either individually or in additive combinations with other input levels. This approach results in reduced number of power switches as compared to classical topologies. The working principle of the proposed topology is demonstrated with the help of a single-phase five-level inverter. The topology is investigated through simulations and validated experimentally on a laboratory prototype. An exhaustive comparison of the proposed topology is made against the classical cascaded H-bridge topology. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Electrification of vehicular systems, partial or complete, has emerged as an attractive and sustainable alternative for futuristic transportation systems. This so-called electric vehicular technology (EVT) has engaged auto-manufacturers and researchers to primarily focus on fuel economy, driving range, performance, and costs. These parameters are influenced by the design and performance of electric propulsion system (EPS) for vehicular application and its suitable integration with various electrical and mechanical apparatus. This paper primarily presents a comprehensive study of EPS. To present the study in synthesis, a survey of important constituents of EPS is first carried out with techno-economic perspectives. Contemporary configurations of conventional and electrified vehicles are then discussed along with their respective advantages and limitations. EPS is considered to be the heart of EVT, and, therefore, components of a standard EPS are discussed and comparative analyses are carried out in terms of present trends, ongoing technological advancements and future challenges. In addition, power flow control and management algorithms for EVT are also briefed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptive control involves modifying the control law used by the controller to cope with the fact that the parameters of the system being controlled change drastically owing to change in environmental conditions or in the system itself. The adaptive control process continuously and automatically measures the dynamic behaviour of plant, compares it with the desired output and uses the difference to vary adjustable system parameters or to generate an actuating signal in such a way that optimal performance can be maintained regardless of system changes. This paper deals with the application of different adaptive schemes in the control system and provides a detailed comparison between the schemes on the basis of their approach to deal with the control problem. A comparative analysis is presented to show the effectiveness of adaptive control techniques during transients in the area of power quality improvement with a shunt active power filter. A classified list of more than 90 publications on this topic is also given for quick reference. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper presents the design and implementation of a simple neutral point potential (NPP) regulator for a three-level diode-clamped inverter employing a sine-triangle regulator in conjunction with a closed-loop controller with reduced switching losses. The regulator principle is based on adding a continuous variable offset voltage which regulates the midpoint potential of the dc bus. The novelty of the proposed NPP regulator is in the determination of the magnitude of variable offset voltage based upon the average value, peak-to-peak amplitude, total harmonic distortions, and third harmonic content in NPP. Aside from maintaining dc-bus voltage balance, the proposed regulator leads to a significant reduction in the voltage distortion at the NP, resulting in the reduction of the required dc-bus capacitance. It also reduces the switching losses of the inverter by inserting the “no-switching” zone within each half cycle of the fundamental voltage wave. Analytical, computer simulation, and experimental results verifying the approach are presented in this paper for various load power factor angles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In recent decades, factors such as the worldwide growing concern for pollution induced climate changes, increasingly stringent emission norms for vehicles and depleting petroleum resources coupled with volatility in their prices have motivated and accelerated development of sustainable and clean alternatives for transportation systems. Electrification of vehicular technology (EVT) is considered as a promising and sustainable alternative for future transportation systems. In evolution of EVT, instability of fuel price, fuel economy, range, performance and costs are the governing factors and prime concerns for researchers, auto manufacturers and customers. These factors are decided by the design of the electric propulsion system (EPS) for vehicular application and its suitable integration with various electrical and mechanical components. In this paper, a comparative overview of EVT along with a comprehensive analysis of EPS and a brief discussion on power flow control and management algorithms for EVT is presented. The paper also highlights the ongoing technological advancements and future challenges in the roadmap of EPS for the electrification of vehicular technology. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Suitable integration of more than one energy sources is an interesting and challenging task that attracts attention of the researchers. Integration of several energy sources profoundly depends on the power electronic converters which interface multiple energy sources having different V–I characteristics. Therefore, suitable integration and better utilization of energy source demands, well designed and efficient interfacing circuitry. In this paper, a non isolated multiple source DC/DC converter (MSC) is proposed. The generation of MSC using pulsating source cells as a building block has been discussed briefly. The proposed converter is proficient for energy diversification from renewable and storage energy sources individually or simultaneously. It has the capability to operate either in buck, boost or buck–boost mode of operation with possibility of bidirectional power flow. It offers simplicity in structure with inherent bypass circuit, flexibility in control scheme and reliability in operation. In addition, a power management control algorithm for proposed converter has also been discussed. The proposed concept has been investigated through detailed device level simulation using MATLAB/Simulink environment. Experimental implementation and validation have been carried out on a low power prototype using digital signal processor (DSP) TMS320F2812. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

An enhancement in dynamic performance of a traditional DTC drive can be achieved by a robust speed control algorithm while the steady state performance depends upon the switching strategy selected for minimization of torque ripples and an efficient flux control loop. In this paper a new torque ripple reduction technique with a modified look up table incorporating a larger number of synthesized non zero active voltage vectors is utilized to overcome the limitations of the conventionally controlled DTC drive. A fuzzy logic based speed controller and a low pass filter with tunable cutoff frequency for flux estimation is proposed in this paper. The proposed study is investigated through simulation and experimentally validated on a test drive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Recently multilevel inverters are gaining popularity due to reduced voltage stress across power switches and low total harmonic distortion (THD) output voltage waveform. However, device count increases with increased voltage levels. This paper presents a novel multilevel topology which is capable of obtaining all additive and subtractive combinations of input DC levels in the output waveform. Though all such levels can be obtained using the proposed topology, the actual number of levels depends on the DC source arrangement. A comparison is made between proposed topology and the classical multilevel topologies on the basis of device count and number of levels in the output voltage waveform. A detailed study of the proposed topology is presented through the example of a nine-level inverter. Appropriate modulation scheme is also presented. The proposed concept is analyzed through simulation studies and verified experimentally. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Three studies document that consumers'' implicit theories about the fixedness/malleability of personality guide brand personality updating in a brand extension context. The first two studies show that extension fit with the parent brand impacts brand personality updating only for incremental (vs. entity theorists). Specifically, for incremental theorists, brand personality is enhanced (vs. diluted) when extension fit is poor (vs. good), and only when brand personality is salient. The third study identifies conditions under which entity theorists focus on brand personality. Interestingly, overall evaluations of the parent brand and extension vary only with extension fit. Implications of our research are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Renewable energy systems have developed wide interest to supply electricity in remote areas as well as for distributed power generation particularly during peak loads. Fuel-cell-based power generation is also gaining popularity in residential applications as well as distributed power generation due to its cleanliness, portability, and suitability for electricity and heat generation. Development of a suitable power electronic interface to make the technology viable is still a challenge. This paper presents modeling, simulation, and experimental study of a fuel cell (FC) power plant (FCPP) suitable for stand-alone application as well as for microgrid/grid interface. A single-stage pulsewidth modulation inverter is selected as power electronic interface between FC and grid. A mathematical model is developed in per unit system to define the power limits in terms of FC, converter, and power system parameters. The simulation model is developed in MATLAB environment with control scheme implementation in \ssi qd reference frame for investigation. A prototype of single-stage FCPP is developed in the laboratory to validate the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a new topological structure for symmetrical cascaded multilevel inverters. The proposed circuit consists of cross-connected separate symmetrical DC sources which can generate number of levels equal to that of a cascaded H-bridge topology with reduced number of power switches. It is especially suitable for utility interfacing of renewable energy sources. It also offers the possibility of a transformer less and filter less operation. The working principle of the proposed topology is explained with the help of a single-phase five level inverter. Simulation results are obtained in matlab/simulink environment and are verified experimentally on a laboratory prototype. An exhaustive comparison of the proposed topology is made with the classical cascaded H-bridge topology, especially with the considerations of conduction losses and cost-effectiveness. The proposed topology results in the reduction of number of power switches, losses, installation area, and converter cost and thus can be implemented as an effective and efficient power electronic interface for renewable sources of energy with the utility grid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The issue of renewable energy is becoming significant due to increasing power demand, instability of the rising oil prices and environmental problems. Among the various renewable energy sources, fuel cell is gaining more popularity due to their higher efficiency, cleanliness and cost-effective supply of power demanded by the consumers. This paper presents a comprehensive review of different fuel cell technologies with their working principle, advantages, disadvantages and suitability of applications for residential/grid-connected system, transportation, industries and commercial applications. Development of mathematical model of fuel cell required for simulation study is discussed. This paper also focuses on the necessity of a suitable power-conditioning unit required to interface the fuel cell system with standalone/grid applications. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) has the potential to improve recovery and preservation of Donation after Cardiac Death (DCD) livers, including uncontrolled DCD livers. However, current perfusion solutions lack the needed substrates to improve energy recovery and minimize hepatic injury, if warm ischemic time (WIT) is extended. This proof-of-concept study tested the hypothesis that the University of Wisconsin (UW) solution supplemented with anaplerotic substrates, calcium chloride, thromboxane A2 inhibitor, and antioxidants could improve HMP preservation and minimize reperfusion injury of warm ischemic livers. Preflushed rat livers subjected to 60 min WIT were preserved for 5 h with standard UW or supplemented UW (SUW) solution. Post preservation hepatic functions and viability were assessed during isolated perfusion with Krebs-Henseleit solution. Livers preserved with SUW showed significantly (p < .001) improved recovery of tissue ATP levels (μ mol/g liver), 2.06 ± 0.10 (mean ± SE), as compared to the UW group, 0.70 ± 0.10, and the level was 80% of that of fresh control livers (2.60 ± 0.13). At the end of 1 h of rewarming, lactate dehydrogenase (U/L) in the perfusate was significantly (p < .05) lower in the SUW group (429 ± 58) as compared to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) (781 ± 12) and the UW group (1151 ± 83). Bile production (μ g/min/g liver) was significantly (p < .05) higher in the SUW group (280 ± 13) as compared to the IR (224 ± 24) and the UW group (114 ± 14). The tissue edema formation assessed by tissue wet-dry ratio was significantly (p < .05) higher in UW group. Histology showed well-preserved hepatic structure in the SUW group. In conclusion, this study suggests that HMP with SUW solution has the potential to restore and preserve livers with extended WIT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four studies, using chronic and situational self-construal, supported the proposition that individualists (collectivists) focus on within-category richness (between-category differentiation). Collectivists judged paired products as less similar than individualists did, but only at the higher level of a category hierarchy (studies 1 and 2). Further, collectivists were more context driven in product ratings in a categorization task (study 3). Study 4 focused on high-level pairs and found that under high involvement, chronic self-construal dominated judgments. Under low involvement, chronic and situational construals interacted: individualists (collectivists) were less (more) amenable to the situational construal. Implications for self-construal and categorization research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three experiments examine how prevention-focused and promotion-focused consumers evaluate the comparison brand and what information they anchor on in direct comparative ads framed positively or negatively. Negative (vs. positive) frames lead prevention-focused respondents to exhibit higher evaluations for the advertised brand and lower evaluations for the comparison brand. Under promotion focus, positive (vs. negative) frames lead to more favorable attitudes toward the advertised brand with no difference in attitudes for the comparison brand. Preference for consistency is posited as a possible process explanation. We also find an evaluation order effect: prevention-focused (promotion-focused) individuals evaluate the comparison (advertised) brand first. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Firms routinely offer warranties, often as attempts to differentiate their offerings from those of competitors. Despite this practice common to virtually every consumer durable category, extant research has been inconclusive regarding the effect of warranties on quality judgments. One potential limitation of these prior investigations is the failure to model a key element of a product warranty�consumer-side transaction costs associated with warranty redemption. In this article, we introduce the role of consumer-side transaction costs associated with warranty redemption and examine the joint impact of warranty length and warranty redemption costs for brand names of varying strength on consumers' judgments of product quality. Two experiments show that warranty length signals security but not quality, and that perceived quality increases as consumers' warranty redemption costs decrease, provided that the warranty length is short. Different dimensions or aspects of warranties have different effects on perceived quality. The implications of the results for understanding conflicting findings in the warranty-quality literature are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the consequences of regulatory focus on exposure to two types of comparative advertising frames--a maximal claim ("brand A is superior to brand B") and a minimal claim ("brand A is equivalent or similar to brand B")--in three experiments. In experiment 1, we manipulated these frames, basing the sponsor brand's claim on comparison with an existing brand. In experiment 2, we operationalized the frames using a comparison featuring a sponsor brand targeting an established standard (Food and Drug Administration guidelines). A third experiment provided convergent evidence for the process underlying these effects. Consistent with theoretical reasoning, we found that promotion-focused individuals were more persuaded by maximal comparisons while prevention-focused individuals were either equally persuaded by the two frames or more persuaded by minimal frames. For prevention-focused individuals, maximal frames represented either a "no loss" or a "deviation from the norm." The no loss representation led to maximal and minimal frames being equally persuasive. The deviation from the norm representation led to greater negative elaboration on maximal frames, making them less persuasive than minimal frames. For promotion-focused people, a maximal frame simply represented a gain over a minimal frame, and hence it induced more favorable elaboration and greater persuasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liver transplantation is often the only effective treatment for end stage liver diseases resulting from cirrhosis, hepatitis, progressive jaundice, and biliary atresia. Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) preservation may enhance donor pool by extending preservation time and reclaiming marginal donor livers including those from non-heart beating donors (NHBD), as demonstrated in the kidney. However, current HMP protocols have not been successful in improving extended preservation of livers and the major cause of preservation injury remains unknown. An intravital microscopy study was conducted to understand the flow dynamics of sinusoidal perfusion during 24 h HMP with cold modified University of Wisconsin (UW) solution. Fluorescein isothiocynate (FITC) labeled albumin was utilized to visualize microvascular space and FITC labeled red blood cells (RBCs) were used to visualize flow dynamics during HMP. A heterogeneous flow pattern with regions of red cell stasis was observed after 24-h HMP. To examine the cause of red cell stasis, intravital and confocal microscopy studies of endothelial cells (ECs) structure labeled with DiI acetylated low-density lipoprotein (DiI acLDL) were conducted. These studies suggest that morphological changes in EC structures occurred during 24 h HMP, which may cause obstruction to the sinusoidal flow. Histological findings confirm these results. As a result, heterogeneous flow pattern, red cell stasis, and edema occur, which may lead to the failure of these tissues following extended HMP. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper presents a new control algorithm for a shunt active power filter to compensate harmonics and reactive power required by nonlinear loads. If the utility voltage is distorted, active power filter (APF) allows similar level of distortion in the compensated source current. Therefore, the resultant source currents have the same waveform as that of the supply voltage, thereby attributing the responsibility of utility and customer at the point of common coupling (PCC). Due to similar shape of the source voltage and currents, reactive power is compensated completely. The proposed scheme provides an additional feature of compensation of either only harmonics, or both harmonics and reactive power simultaneously, based on the desired capacity of the APE Various simulation results are presented with ideal and distorted mains voltage and compared with other algorithms. Proposed algorithm is implemented as a prototype to verify the simulation results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents complete design, simulation, and experimental investigations on a 3-phase shunt active power filter to compensate harmonics and the reactive power requirement of nonlinear loads. The paper describes the complete design aspects of power circuit elements and control circuit parameters. The compensation process is based on sensing line currents only, an approach different from conventional methods that require the harmonics and reactive volt-ampere requirement of the load. Various simulation results are presented to study the performance during steady-state and transient conditions to validate the design. A laboratory prototype has been developed to verify the simulation results. The control scheme is realized on a dedicated micro-controller-based system. PWM pattern generation is based on carrierless hysteresis-based current control to obtain the switching signals. Based on simulation and experimental results it can be concluded that the compensation process is simple and easy to implement. The spectral performance shows that the active filter brings the THD of the system well below 5%, the limit imposed by the IEEE-519 standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research in motivated reasoning has examined processing of information that is consistent or inconsistent with one's preferences. This paper extends the work by examining the micro-processes of the processing of such information. In addition, it examines the moderating impact of preference strength and argument quality on processing of and judgments associated with preference-consistent and preference-inconsistent information. Across 2 studies, evidence was obtained suggesting that preference-inconsistent information is processed in greater depth as well as in a more biased manner. Findings are also reported indicating that when preferences are weak, people are less resistant to changing their preferences, particularly when exposed to strong arguments accompanying preference-inconsistent information. Implications for comparative advertising in a consumer marketing context are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research has found that search and experience attribute claims are processed differently by consumers, with search attribute claims typically being more believable than experience attribute claims. It is, however, routinely the case that marketers desire to promote a product by making a claim featuring an experience attribute. The marketing literature has largely neglected the issue of how to enhance persuasion of experience attribute claims. The purpose of this research was to fill this void. We reason that source credibility impacts the receipt of experience claims and search claims differently. We then report results of 2 experiments featuring 2 different types of sources in the context of 2 different categories that suggest a source high in credibility can be employed to make experience claims more persuasive. The contributions our study makes to the persuasion literature and avenues for future research are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We employed an attributional framework to test the differences between comparative and noncomparative ads when different attribute types were featured. Our experimental findings suggest that noncomparative ads might be more believable than comparative ads for experience attribute claims; however, for search attribute claims, the 2 might elicit similar levels of believability. We also find some support for the attributional underpinnings of lower believability associated with comparative-experience claims. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show how motivation affects reasoning through reliance on a biased set of cognitive processes. We manipulate the level of brand preference experimentally and expose subjects to a message that is either consistent or inconsistent with their manipulated preference. Further, the message contains either strong or weak arguments. In two experiments, we find that preference-inconsistent information is processed more systematically and is counterargued more than preference-consistent information, in addition, experiment 2 shows that strong arguments are more persuasive than weak arguments in the preference-inconsistent condition. We employ the heuristic-systematic model of persuasion and its sufficiency principle as a framework to understand the psychological mechanism that underlies the biased processing of preference-inconsistent information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, feasibility, tolerability, and toxicity of concurrent chemotherapy and brachytherapy for locally advanced cervical carcinoma.Materials and Methods: Forty patients of cervical carcinoma were included in this study. The study period ranges from October 2016 to September 2019. Patients were evaluated and treated as per the protocol: external beam radiotherapy (50 Gy in 25 fractions) and concurrent weekly chemotherapy with injection (Inj.) cisplatin (30 mg/m2) followed by high-dose rate brachytherapy (3 fractions of 7 Gy each) and concurrent chemotherapy Inj. cisplatin (30 mg/m2).Results: Out of 40 patients enrolled in the study, 36 patients completed the treatment (17 Stage II and 19 Stage III). The incidence of Grade I and II skin toxicities were 78% and 10%, respectively. The incidence of genitourinary toxicities with respect to Grade I and II were 72% and 12%, respectively. There were Grade III hematological toxicities in two patients and the brachytherapy treatment was delayed for 4-6 days. The overall complete response was found in 28 (78%) patients, partial response in six (16.7%) patients, and progressive disease in two (5.6%) patients at 3 months of follow-up. On the last follow-up, 21 (58%) patients were disease-free and there was disease failure in seven patients (5 local recurrence and 2 with distant metastasis).Conclusion: Brachytherapy with the addition of concurrent chemotherapy is effective and feasible with acceptable toxicity for advanced stages of carcinoma cervix. This study upholds an interesting approach that can be regarded as feasible and tolerable for cervical cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various addiction patterns, dietary habits, associated medical problems and socioeconomic status in gastro-intestinal malignancies: A prospective study in rural area of Maharashtra, India. Jain Vandana S., MD, Professor & Head Kawale Darshana, MBBS, Senior Resident Jain Shailendra M., MD, Professor Waghmare Chaitali, MD, Associate Professor Pemmaraju Gopal, MBBS, Senior Resident Abstract Background: Gastro intestinal (GI) malignancies (from Esophagus to anus) are increasing with advancing age, various addictions and poor dietary habits. Early detection is difficult till patient notices symptoms. Primary prevention by knowing various risk factors and early symptom awareness will help in the healthier outcome. Objectives: This study is carried out to see various addiction patterns, dietary habits, associated medical problems and socioeconomic status with various sites involved in GI malignancies, in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Western Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods: This prospective study is designed to know about various addiction patterns, dietary habits, associated medical problems and socioeconomic status, along with age, sex, various sites and the stage at first visit of all histopathologically proven cases of gastrointestinal malignancies reporting in the Department of Radiotherapy & Oncology for treatment. Oral cavity to cricopharyngeal carcinomas is included in head and neck malignancies. Carcinoma esophagus, carcinoma stomach, carcinoma small intestine, colorectal (colon and Rectum) and anal canal carcinomas are considered in gastrointerstitial malignancies (and for this study). Data collection was done from Feb 2016 to Dec 2016 for the period of eleven months. A detailed questionnaire was filled after taking written informed consent from the patient. Once the target of 100 patients was achieved all the data was compiled and analyzed for the study. Patients unable to provide or not willing to give desired information are excluded from the study. Results and Conclusions: In this study out of total 100 registeredcases of GI malignancy, 61 were males and 39 were females, which show male preponderance. Most of the patients belonged to lower and upper lower class (64%) as per modified B G Prasad classification. Various histopathological types recorded were Squamous cell carcinoma (35), Adenocarcinoma (60), Adenosquamous carcinoma (2), Basaloid carcinoma (2) and Gastro intestinal stromal tumor (GIST (2)). Associated medical illnesses were rarely observed (only two cases with Diabetes Mellitus and three with Hypertension) and they were on regular treatment. One patient was on anti- retroviral therapy for HIV, two were positive for HBsAg and one for VDRL. The commonest site involved was Esophagus (41) followed by Recto sigmoid, colon & caecum, stomach & anal canal (29, 14, 13 & 2 respectively). Mean age was 59.1 years. The youngest patient was 28 years and oldest was 86 years old. 45 cases were above 60 years and only five were below 30 years of age. 85% of cases were in advanced stage of disease (III & IV). Details of various addictions alone and in combinations with duration of consumption are shown in table no-1. Commonest addiction for all sites was smokeless tobacco (SLT). 81% of cases were non-vegetarian; only 16% were pure vegetarian, details of dietary habits is shown in table-2. Gastrointestinal malignancy is showing increasing trends in India. This study gives an idea about various risk factors for the increasing trends of gastro-intestinal malignancy. The present study shows that carcinoma Esophagus is the commonest & cancer recto sigmoid in second commonest GI malignancy. Mostly the cases were addicted to one or other addiction and were taking regularly nonvegetarian diet. Awareness program for harmful effects of various addictions, the importance of vegetarian diet (high fiber) and about the early symptoms of GI malignancy will help in health promotion, prevention of various malignancies & early diagnosis of disease as well as better treatment outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research investigates when and how comparative advertising effectiveness is shaped by social dominance orientation (SDO), that is, the degree to which one desires to maintain the status quo in social hierarchies. We examine these issues with regard to "challenger vs. leader" comparisons that seek to change the relative standing of competitors in a product category by documenting the superiority of challenger brands over market leaders. Findings demonstrate that the resistance to change characterizing high (vs. low) SDO individuals makes them respond (1) less favorably to "challenger vs. leader" comparisons that seek to alter the existing category hierarchy and (2) more favorably to "leader vs. challenger" comparisons that preserve this status quo in the category hierarchy. The theoretical implications of these findings are discussed, as are avenues for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given curiosity's characterization as a motivational drive for knowledge, prior research has primarily focused on curiosity's positive effects on knowledge exploration, information acquisition, and learning. Once the desired knowledge has been acquired, curiosity is said to be satisfied. But what happens if curiosity is left unsatisfied? Across five experiments, spanning four domains of indulgence-related decisions and relying on different methods of curiosity elicitation, the present research sheds light on an unexpected yet crucial consequence of curiosity—that unsatisfied curiosity tempts indulgent consumption in domains unrelated to the source of the curiosity. This effect is explained by a generalized desire for rewards. Experiments 1–3 establish and replicate the proposed mediation model of curiosity —› desire for rewards —› indulgence, employing manipulation-of-process, moderation-of-process, and measurement-of-process experimental designs. Experiment 4 utilizes neurophysiological data to indicate brain activation in the insular cortex for unsatisfied (vs. satisfied) curiosity. Experiment 5 addresses the role of cognitive depletion as a possible alternative mechanism. In summary, this article demonstrates that the hunger for information that accompanies unsatisfied curiosity is converted into a generalized desire for rewards, which in turn tempts indulgence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents an investigation on mitigation of current harmonics, using Cascaded H-bridge Multilevel Converter (CHB-MLC)-based Shunt Active Power Filter (SAPF). Development and analysis of SAPF for harmonic compensation in distribution network for power quality improvement has been discussed. In the proposed work, transformer-less CHB MLC is used which reduces weight and cost of the system. Moreover, a novel controller based on average power method is adopted for generation of compensation active filter current. In order to generate switching signals, multi-carrier Alternate Phase Opposition Disposition (APOD) — Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) schemes are used. The proposed CHB-MLC SAPF reduces the source current THD below 5%. The results are simulated in MATLAB/Simulink and demonstrate the effective mitigation of current harmonics with APOD-PWM schemes. Opal-RT OP4500 real-time digital simulator is used to validate the proposed scheme under different steady state and transient conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global energy consumption is increasing day by day. This increased energy demand can only be fulfilled through large-scale renewable energy integration. This article presents the mathematical modeling, control, and integration of a bio-fuel prime mover fed self-excited induction generator (SEIG) for medium voltage direct current (MVDC) ship power system. A three-phase current controlled voltage source inverter (VSI) working as a static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) injects compensating currents at the point of common coupling (PCC) for harmonic elimination and regulation of the generated voltage under varying load. The VSI is connected at the PCC through a three-phase zig-zag/star transformer which reduces the voltage stress at the DC link. An indirect current technique based controller is used to generate gating pulses for the STATCOM. The MVDC load zone is modeled as an integral sliding mode controlled DC-DC converter feeding ship service loads in shipboard system. Hardware realization of the proposed system has been implemented with 3.7kW induction generator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]