Solar Panels String Predictive and Parametric Fault Diagnosis Using Low-Cost Sensors

This work proposes a method for real-time supervision and predictive fault diagnosis applicable to solar panel strings in real-world installations. It is focused on the detection and parametric isolation of fault symptoms through the analysis of the Voc-Isc curves. The method performs early, systematic, online, automatic, permanent predictive supervision, and diagnosis of a high sampling frequency. It is based on the supervision of predictive electrical parameters easily accessible by the design of its architecture, whose detection and isolation precedes with an adequate margin of maneuver, to be able to alert and stop by means of automatic disconnection the degradation phenomenon and its cumulative effect causing the development of a future irrecoverable failure. Its architecture design is scalable and integrable in conventional photovoltaic installations. It emphasizes the use of low-cost technology such as the ESP8266 module, ASC712-5A, and FZ0430 sensors and relay modules. The method is based on data acquisition with the ESP8266 module, which is sent over the internet to the computer where a SCADA system (iFIX V6.5) is installed, using the Modbus TCP/IP and OPC communication protocols. Detection thresholds are initially obtained experimentally by applying inductive shading methods on specific solar panels.

Regional/Neutron Overpower Protection (ROP/NOP)

There are independent, separate, and diverse ROP/NOP systems for the two SDS. Each ROP/NOP system consists of a number of flux detectors (see Section 5.4.3) which provide prompt measurements of neutron flux throughout the core. The detectors are mounted inside assemblies that penetrate the core, perpendicular to the fuel channels, vertically or horizontally. The system for SDS1 uses vertical detectors, the one for SDS2 uses horizontal detectors. Detectors are judiciously distributed to monitor the neutron flux throughout the core. In the CANDU 6, a total of 58 ROP detectors are used: 34 for SDS1 and 24 for SDS2. The number and location of detectors in the core are selected in an analysis whose objective is to ensure that as small a number of detectors as possible protect the reactor by tripping a SDS when local high powers threaten reactor safety from any flux shape that could arise in the operating reactor, while at the same time providing adequate margin-to-trip (MTT) to avoid possible restrictions on reactor operating power.

Laparoscopic resection of small bowel gist: a case report

Small bowel bleed accounts for approximately 5% of all gastrointestinal bleeding. While arteriovenous malformation is the commonest cause of small bowel bleeding, other causes include inflammatory bowel disease, small bowel tumours, ulcers and polyps make up the rest. Tumours range from benign adenomas, hamartomas and leiomyomas to malignant GISTs, adenocarcinomas or lymphomas. We reported a case of a jejunal GIST causing intermittent bleeding. Upper and lower GI endoscopy did not find any abnormality and the diagnosis was made through computerized tomography. It showed a mid-jejunal tumour that was in close proximity to the distal duodenum. The rest of the hollow and solid organs were normal. The patient was prepared and underwent laparoscopic assessment. The tumour was mobile, arising from proximal jejunum and did not show infiltration or adhesions to nearby viscera. A segmental resection with adequate margin was performed laparoscopically and extracted through the umbilical port wound. The pathology report revealed an intermediate GIST with clear margins. Laparoscopic assessment should ideally be carried prior to any resection of small bowel tumours. Uncomplicated small bowel resections can safely be done laparoscopically with good oncological outcome and faster patient recovery.

Advanced Techniques in the Percutaneous Ablation of Liver Tumours

Percutaneous ablation is an accepted treatment modality for primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver metastases. The goal of curative ablation is to cause the necrosis of all tumour cells with an adequate margin, akin to surgical resection, while minimising local damage to non-target tissue. Aside from the ablative modality, the proceduralist must decide the most appropriate imaging modality for visualising the tumour and monitoring the ablation zone. The proceduralist may also employ protective measures to minimise injury to non-target organs. This review article discusses the important considerations an interventionalist needs to consider when performing the percutaneous ablation of liver tumours. It covers the different ablative modalities, image guidance, and protective techniques, with an emphasis on new and advanced ablative modalities and adjunctive techniques to optimise results and achieve satisfactory ablation margins.

The utility of simultaneous CT-guided localization for multiple pulmonary nodules using microcoil before video-assisted thoracic surgery

Background To evaluate the feasibility and safety of microcoil in simultaneous localization for multiple pulmonary nodules before video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Methods Twenty-eight consecutive patients (26 two-nodule, 2 three-nodule; 58 nodules in total; Group A) underwent simultaneous CT-guided localization of multiple pulmonary nodules before VATS using microcoil. Successful targeting, localization, and VATS were defined as implantation of microcoil at the target site on CT image which was obtained immediately after the marking procedure, visualization of nodule location, and complete resection of the target nodule with adequate margin, respectively. Meanwhile, the clinical characteristics, localization procedure-related variables of the nodules and procedure-related complications in group A were also assessed and compared with those in a control group (221 single-localization procedures in 221 patients; Group B). Results Similar rates of successful targeting, localization and VATS were observed in group A and B (96.6% vs. 98.2%; 91.4% vs. 91.0%; 100% vs. 99.1%). Although the rate of overall complications (including localized pneumothorax and intrapulmonary hemorrhage) was a bit higher in group A than that in group B (32.8% vs. 30.8%, p = 0.771), only minor complications were observed in the subjects of the two groups with no need for further treatment. In addition, the duration of simultaneous localization procedures was significantly longer than that of single localization (24 ± 7.5 vs.13 ± 6 min, p < 0.001). Conclusions CT-guided simultaneous microcoil localization for multiple pulmonary nodules before VATS was clinically feasible and safe with acceptable increase in the procedure time. Compared with localization for a single pulmonary nodule, simultaneous microcoil localizations for multiple nodules were prone to pneumothorax and hemorrhage. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups.

The utility of simultaneous CT-guided localization for multiple pulmonary nodules using microcoil before Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery

Background: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of microcoil in simultaneous localization for multiple pulmonary nodules before video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS).Methods: Twenty-eight consecutive patients (26 two-nodule, 2 three-nodule; 58 nodules in total; Group A) underwent simultaneous CT-guided localization of multiple pulmonary nodules before VATS using microcoil. Successful targeting, localization, and VATS were defined as implantation of microcoil at the target site on CT image which was obtained immediately after the marking procedure, visualization of nodule location, and complete resection of the target nodule with adequate margin, respectively. Meanwhile, the clinical characteristics, localization procedure-related variables of the nodules and procedure-related complications in group A were also assessed and compared with those in a control group (221 single-localization procedures in 221 patients; Group B). Results: Similar rates of successful targeting, localization and VATS were observed in group A and B (96.6% vs 98.2%; 91.4% vs 91.0%; 100% vs 99.1%). Although the rate of overall complications (including localized pneumothorax and intrapulmonary hemorrhage) was a bit higher in group A than that in group B (32.8% vs 30.8%, p=0.771), only minor complications were observed in the subjects of the two groups with no need for further treatment. In addition, the duration of simultaneous localization procedures was significantly longer than that of single localization (24±7.5 vs 13±6 min, p<0.001).Conclusions: CT-guided simultaneous microcoil localization for multiple pulmonary nodules before VATS was clinically feasible and safe with acceptable increase in the procedure time. Compared with localization for a single pulmonary nodule, simultaneous microcoil localizations for multiple nodules were prone to pneumothorax and hemorrhage. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups.

Microsatellite-Stable Radiation-Induced Angiosarcoma after Breast-Conserving Surgery: A Case Report

Radiation-induced angiosarcoma (RIAS) after breast-conserving surgery is quite rare. Risk factors for RIAS have yet to be identified, due largely to the very low incidence of this disease. The etiologic mechanisms of RIAS are not understood, although some reports suggest that genome instability may contribute to RIAS development. An 81-year-old Japanese woman presented to our hospital after developing multiple dark purple nodules on her left breast. She had undergone breast-conserving surgery for left breast cancer and adjuvant radiotherapy for the conserved breast 9 years earlier. Punch biopsy of one of the dark purple nodules was performed and the pathological diagnosis was angiosarcoma. She underwent total mastectomy with an adequate margin, and skin collected from her left thigh was grafted onto the site. Pathologically, the surgical margin was negative. The tumor was negative for microsatellite instability (MSI). Considering her age, she has remained under careful observation with neither systemic treatment nor adjuvant radiation. The only standard therapy for RIAS currently available is complete resection. Hence, early detection is crucial to obtain an adequate margin, followed by careful observation after breast-conserving surgery. It is also essential to reveal the tumor etiology, and for that purpose, we believe that the MSI status may be beneficial for the further investigation of RIAS.