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Gas turbine engines include a plethora of rotating modules, and each module consists of numerous components. A component’s mechanical fault can result in excessive engine vibrations. Identification of the root cause of a vibration fault is a significant challenge for both engine manufacturers and operators. This paper presents a case study of vibration fault detection and isolation applied at a Rolls-Royce T-56 turboprop engine. In this paper, the end-to-end fault diagnosis process from starting system faults to the isolation of the engine’s shaft that caused excessive vibrations is described. This work contributes to enhancing the understanding of turboprop engine behaviour under vibration conditions and highlights the merit of combing information from technical logs, maintenance manuals and engineering judgment in successful fault diagnosis. First published online 22 January 2020

The paper deals with research results of electronic fuel system injection (FSI) and its possible measurement for diagnostic analysis. In the parts of the paper the design and operation of a typical fuel injection system is described and its electronic part is analysed. The procedure for the detection of the injector malfunction based on the analysis of differential current characteristic has also been proposed. In the end the differences in the electrical parameters of the individual fuel injectors on the based comparison of reference and failure current are shown.

Non-Invasive Inspection (NII) has become a fundamental tool in modern industrial maintenance strategies. Remote and online inspection features keep operators fully aware of the health of industrial assets whilst saving money, lives, production and the environment. This paper conducted crucial research to identify suitable sensing techniques for machine health diagnosis in an NII manner, mainly to detect machine shaft misalignment and gearbox tooth damage for different types of machines, even those installed in a hostile environment, using literature on several sensing tools and techniques. The researched tools are critically reviewed based on the published literature. However, in the absence of a formal definition of NII in the existing literature, we have categorised NII tools and methods into two distinct categories. Later, we describe the use of these tools as contact-based, such as vibration, alternative current (AC), voltage and flux analysis, and non-contact-based, such as laser, imaging, acoustic, thermographic and radar, under each category in detail. The unaddressed issues and challenges are discussed at the end of the paper. The conclusions suggest that one cannot single out an NII technique or method to perform health diagnostics for every machine efficiently. There are limitations with all of the reviewed tools and methods, but good results possible if the machine operational requirements and maintenance needs are considered. It has been noted that the sensors based on radar principles are particularly effective when monitoring assets, but further comprehensive research is required to explore the full potential of these sensors in the context of the NII of machine health. Hence it was identified that the radar sensing technique has excellent features, although it has not been comprehensively employed in machine health diagnosis.

Theranostics is a rapidly advancing field that is driving significant advancements in the healthcare industry by providing individualized medical solutions. Demand for theranostics is increasing over time and has led to the creation of theranostics-enabling high-tech technological centers. This review investigated the potential advantages and drawbacks of consolidating theranostics resources within technologically advanced facilities, particularly in developing nations, and led to three main observations: 1) The centralization of theranostics resources can lead to improved research, cost efficiency, and quality of healthcare services; 2) Developing countries may encounter hurdles such as resource allocation, infrastructure development, and skill acquisition, but these risks can be mitigated; 3) High-tech centers can play a major role in fostering innovation and advancing theranostics industry in these countries. In conclusion, this paper provides insights into the potential of high-tech centers as a pivotal point in the evolution of healthcare in developing countries. It calls for more funding support, in-depth research and collaborative efforts to overcome the challenges and harness the full potential of theranostics, as it has already occurred in some countries.

This paper aims to analyse the results of the comparative study of the characteristic frequencies, in terms of Power Spectral Density (PSD), generated by an SKF6322 bearing in a rotational blower. Among all the analysed frequencies, we have focused on the ones generated by the shaft rotation speed, the one on the blades and the ones of the SKF6322 bearing, such as the tracks, the cage and the balls. For this study, we followed the ISO 10816 criteria, both in the sampling part and in the data analysis, using the speed values in terms of PSD, which improves the results in both high and low frequencies. This study can be used to predict the performance of bearings and their future failure, determining the most decisive frequency, the one with the highest incidence and the relative influence of each one on the different positions and monitoring coordinate axes. This procedure can be applied to improve the predictive maintenance protocol in order to improve the performance, efficiency and reliability of the equipment with bearings in their systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulse palpation is the cornerstone of the classical medicine of the Huángdì Neijīng (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic), and forms the majority of the text's approach to diagnostics and subsequent needling of the primary channels (jīngmai). Rényíng/cùnk;ŏu pulse diagnosis is a ratio-based palpation method dependent on the strength of two pulses felt simultaneously at the wrist and neck, in order to determine a state of excess or insufficiency in the six pairings of the twelve primary channels. Considered a central diagnostic method of the Hàn dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE) era of Chinese medicine, this paper will discuss the theory behind this unique diagnostic method and the basic principles of practice and application based on primary source and clinical research of the Huángdì Neijīng. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review concerns the challenges and perspectives of on-site non-invasive measurements applied to wall mosaics. Wall mosaics, during the centuries, decorated numerous buildings, nowaday being part of world cultural heritage. The preservation and maintenance of these valuable decorations are undoubtedly directly dependent on identifying possible problems that could affect their hidden structure. On-site non-invasive methods, using different contact or no-contact technologies, can offer support in this specific field of application. The choice of the appropriate technique or combination of different techniques depends, in general, on the depth of investigation, the resolution, the possibility to have direct contact with the surfaces or, on the contrary, limited accessibility of the wall mosaics due to their location (e.g., vaults), as well as deterioration problems, (e.g., voids, detachments, or humidity effects). This review paper provides a brief overview of selected recent studies regarding non-invasive methods applied to the analysis of wall mosaics. This review, discussing the assessment of advantages and limitations for each method here considered, also considers possible future developments of imaging techniques in this specific context for cultural heritage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leptospirosis remains one of the most widespread zoonotic diseases in the world and Ukraine, in particular. Ukrainian clinicians have been faced with early detection of the disease due to the availability of only a serological method for routine diagnostics in Ukraine, namely the microscopic agglutination test (MAT). This paper demonstrates the first results of the complex application of MAT and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for routine verification of leptospirosis, which were first applied simultaneously in Lviv Oblast of Ukraine in 2016. We examined the sera of 150 patients clinically suspected of leptospirosis, 31 of whom were treated at the Lviv Oblast Clinical Hospital for Infectious Diseases (LOCHID). The application of PCR during the first seven days of the disease allowed increasing the share of confirmed leptospirosis cases by 16,1% in patients that were treated in LOCHID during 2016-2017. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Immunological testing for tuberculosis has been one of the most rapidly developing areas in the last decade. A new-generation immunological skin test, Diaskintest (DST), has been developed in the Russian Federation and successfully implemented into clinical practice since 2009. This article presents the results of a meta-analysis of publications reporting data on the use of the recombinant tuberculosis allergen DST (n = 121) from 2009 to 2019 included in Russian and international databases. The analysis included a total of 61 papers consistent with the study design, which cumulatively presented the results of 3,777,083 patients tested with DST (83.0%). The obtained data showed that the overall diagnostic sensitivity of the test in this population, regardless of age, was 86.0%, with 98.0% negative results. It was found that the intensity of the immune response of tuberculosis patients to specific ESAT-6 and CFP-10 antigens of DST may depend on the biological properties of the pathogen characteristic to various Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypes, tuberculosis severity, and the presence of concomitant diseases. These factors are more prevalent in the adult population. In children, however, the test sensitivity reaches 100%. The proportion of positive DST results in HIV-positive patients tested for tuberculosis was 60.0%. The analysis showed that the accuracy (overall validity) of DST was 95.1% in the total studied population (95% confidence interval [CI]: 95.06–95.1) and 92.4% in HIV-positive patients (95% CI: 91.9–92.7). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) based lab-on-chip (LoC) technology, which combines on-chip sample handling with integrated sensing, heralds the production of revolutionary biomedical devices capable of detecting pathogenic DNA at the point-of-care (PoC) and diagnosing infectious diseases. The ion-sensitive field effect transistor’s (ISFET) inherent sensitivity to hydrogen ions makes them ideal for pairing with DNA amplification reactions to form adept LoC diagnostic devices. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art of CMOS-based LoC devices for DNA detection and discusses electric field actuation as an opportunity for enhanced sensing capabilities. Following our previous review centred on instrumentation, we provide an overview of reported architectures in recent years which have led to portable ISFET-based devices for PoC diagnostics. We then discuss the use of dielectrophoresis (DEP) for electric field manipulation of DNA using low-power, CMOS-compatible microelectrodes. The technique enables positioning of DNA close to ISFET sensing regions to localise hydrogen ion production. This provides a signal boost to the ISFETs that lowers the limit-of-detection and time-to-result of the device, as well as providing a means of on-chip sample preparation. Major challenges include electrode spoiling reactions, hindering electrokinetic effects, and the strong dependence of trapping efficiency on applied voltage. The combination of an ISFET LoC platform with a DEP actuation system is expected to represent a landmark step for the next generation of PoC diagnostics devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Przegląd Elektrotechniczny is the property of Przeglad Elektrotechniczny and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this paper, we review hybrid approaches for fault detection and fault diagnosis (FDD) that combine data-driven analysis with physics-based and knowledge-based models to overcome a lack of data and to increase the FDD accuracy. We categorize these hybrid approaches according to the steps of an extended common workflow for FDD. This gives practitioners indications of which kind of hybrid FDD approach they can use in their application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diesel generator sets (DGU) are very widely used in autonomous power supply systems. An example is marine power plants, diesel locomotives with electric power transmission, uninterruptible power supply units, etc. The power of ship DGUs reaches 2–6 or more MW in one unit. The number of units on ships can be different, but, as a rule, at least two. In this paper, we propose a method of monitoring the dynamic electromechanical system "diesel synchronous generator". The method aims at using a synchronous generator machine as a multifunctional accurate and sensitive sensor for diagnostic parameters of the electromechanical system. The proposed method of technical diagnostics is based on continuous monitoring of non-uniformity of diesel torque, fluctuations in the instantaneous angular velocity and instantaneous angular acceleration of the diesel crankshaft. These data are the results of a spectral analysis of stator currents and voltages of a synchronous generator. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite a decreasing incidence of tuberculosis (TB) over the last decades in Switzerland, the frequency of newly diagnosed tuberculous spondylitis has remained stable. It occurs most frequently in old, immunocompromised persons and/or persons who have moved to Switzerland from TB endemic areas. It is a chronic manifestation of TB, which is characterized by 'cold abscesses', neurological deficits and kyphotic spinal deformity. Tuberculous spondylitis is often diagnosed with a delay, which can lead to higher morbidity and treatment complexity. Antibiotic therapy is essential in tuberculous spondylitis. Surgical interventions aim to obtain samples, decompress nervous structures, obtain pain control and, if necessary, deformity correction/stabilization. This paper provides an overview of the modern diagnostic and therapeutic management of tuberculous spondylitis in Switzerland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automation in power generation, distribution and transmission has advanced from a semi-automated to fully autonomous approach. This work presents some of the implementations of a transmission and distribution transformer monitoring model for the creation of a management system of these assets, whose topology was elaborated based on IEC 61850. The implementation incorporates the creation of two new LN ' s,: (B) - Diagnosis of the Degradation of the Isolation System of Transformers; (E) - Life Expectancy of the Isolation System of Transformers, post asset recovery action. In order to subsidize the structure of the new LN's Groups, a pilot asset management system was implemented for two transformers from Copel Transmissão e Distribuição (Pilarzinho Substation in Curitiba, Paraná). In this work two new LN's were proposed for groups (B) and (E) respectively: "Degradation of the Transformer Isolation System (paper-oil) - BIOP", and "Remaining Utility Life of the Transformer Insulation System - ELTR ". These LNs were used in the experimental electronic area (IEDs) of the pilot project area, using the Hadrom Xtorm Remote Terminal Unit (ALTUS, IEC 61850 compatible) and evaluated and validated in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are an important component in the field of biomedical diagnostics. Because of its unique physicochemical properties, AuNPs have been widely used in biomedical applications such as photothermal cancer therapy, drug delivery, optical imaging, labeling, and biosensing. In this review, we have described synthesis and characterization techniques for AuNPs with recent advancements. Characterization of AuNPs has played an important role in directing its application in various fields and elaborated understanding of its functioning. The characterization techniques used for the analysis of AuNPs utilize its intrinsic properties, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and size-dependent shift in absorption. These properties of AuNPs are furthermore used for the characterization of bioconjugated AuNPs. Surface conjugation of the AuNPs with biomolecules is explored widely for its use in numerous biosensing applications. Biosensor-based diagnostic devices use AuNPs conjugated with a sensing probe for the detection of a specific analyte. AuNPs are also commonly used as a colorimetric sensor in various point-of-care diagnostic techniques. Lateral flow immunosensing (LFIS) technique utilizes AuNPs for the rapid and sensitive detection of various analytes. LFIS is a paper-based detection technique, where the sample containing the analyte flows through the membrane, interacts with immobilized counterparts, and produces results using a detection probe. AuNPs are used as color markers in LFIS, and the presence of an analyte is indicated by the appearance of colored lines on the membrane. The color is a result of the accumulation of AuNP complexes containing the analyte and probe. Effect of characterization parameters of AuNPs on the sensitivity of LFIS, advantages, and disadvantages of using AuNPs for LFIS are discussed concerning the recent reports. Recent applications of AuNPs in LFIS development for the detection of various biomarkers are summarized comprehensively in the table. The review may offer significant insight into the utility of AuNPs for application in the LFIS technique for future development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Facial nerve electrodiagnostics is a well-established and important tool for decision making in patients with facial nerve diseases. Nevertheless, many otorhinolaryngologist—head and neck surgeons do not routinely use facial nerve electrodiagnostics. This may be due to a current lack of agreement on methodology, interpretation, validity, and clinical application. Electrophysiological analyses of the facial nerve and the mimic muscles can assist in diagnosis, assess the lesion severity, and aid in decision making. With acute facial palsy, it is a valuable tool for predicting recovery. Methods: This paper presents a guideline prepared by members of the International Head and Neck Scientific Group and of the Multidisciplinary Salivary Gland Society for use in cases of peripheral facial nerve disorders based on a systematic literature search. Results: Required equipment, practical implementation, and interpretation of the results of facial nerve electrodiagnostics are presented. Conclusion: The aim of this guideline is to inform all involved parties (i.e. otorhinolaryngologist—head and neck surgeons and other medical specialists, therapeutic professionals and the affected persons) and to provide practical recommendations for the diagnostic use of facial nerve electrodiagnostics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is a non-progressive disorder of movement and posture due to a static insult to the brain. In CP, the depth of investigation is guided by the patients' medical history and their clinical examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has a high yield and is widely used for investigation in CP. Case presentation: In this paper, we report a novel DDX3X variant in a girl afflicted with the X-linked mental retardation-102 (MRX102). The girl had been misdiagnosed with CP in her early life based on a comprehensive clinical evaluation and associated clinical features, such as developmental delay, reduced activities of the arms and legs, and abnormal brain MRI. Subsequently, whole-exome sequencing was applied to better distinguish between CP and actual MRX102 with similar characteristics. Conclusions: We report on a de novo heterozygous DDX3X variant mimicking cerebral palsy and suggest a thorough and conscientious review during diagnosis of CP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dermoid cysts are benign congenital lesions occurring in about 80% in the ovaries and testicles and only in about 1.6-7% are they found in the head and neck region, mainly in the midline of the body. Case report: A rare case of congenital dermoid cyst in the central compartment of the neck is presented. It was diagnosed when the patient was 10 years old; later at age 22 the patient was re-diagnosed and qualified for surgical treatment. The paper outlines the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures performed. It demonstrates the value of appropriate tests and exclusion of other possible diseases. Conclusions: Dermoid cysts are a rare disorder affecting mainly the ovaries and testicles which require detailed diagnostics as a part of differential diagnosis. In most cases, they do not cause severe symptoms and often require only simple surgical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Heavy-tailedness is not formally considered for time series of counts. • The paper is the first attempt for modelling heavy-tailedness. • The proposed INAR model can capture other common features of dependent counts. • The considered model outperforms other models. • Numbers of cases, NSF fundings and transactions are analyzed, respectively. Count data frequently exhibit overdispersion, zero inflation and even heavy-tailedness (the tail probabilities are non-negligible or decrease very slowly) in practical applications. Many models have been proposed for modelling count data with overdispersion and zero inflation, but heavy-tailedness is less considered. The proposed model, a new integer-valued autoregressive process with generalized Poisson-inverse Gaussian innovations, is capable of capturing these features. The generalized Poisson-inverse Gaussian family is very flexible, which includes Poisson distribution, Poisson inverse Gaussian distribution, discrete stable distribution and so on. Stationarity and ergodicity of this model are investigated and the expressions of marginal mean and variance are provided. Conditional maximum likelihood is used for estimating the parameters, and consistency and asymptotic normality for the estimators are presented. Further, we consider the h -step forecast and diagnostics for the proposed model. The proposed model is applied to three real data examples. In the first example, we consider the monthly number of cases of Polio, which validates that the proposed model can take into account count data with excessive zeros. Then, we illustrate the use of the proposed model through an application to the numbers of National Science Foundation fundings. Finally, we apply the proposed model to the numbers of transactions in 5-min intervals for the stock traded at Empire District Electric Company. The second and third examples show that the proposed model has a good performance in modelling heavy-tailed count data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibration signals generated during circuit breaker (CB) closing or opening operations contain rich information of operating mechanism (OM), transmission mechanism, and interrupter(s). Effective feature extraction method can mine the information as a criterion for diagnosis and maintenance. However, due to the very complicated mechanical system and extremely short operation time of CB, the vibration signal is highly nonlinear and non-stationary, which makes it very difficult to precisely extract effective features for machinery fault diagnosis. Chaotic nonlinear dynamic technique provides a new way to study the complex vibration signals. In this paper, phase space reconstruction is utilized to study the effect of faults on the chaotic attractor (the trajectories in multidimensional phase space) behavior. The power spectrum and Lyapunov exponent proof the existence of chaos in the CB's vibration signals. The invariant measures and ergodic quantities such as the largest Lyapunov exponent (LLE), correlation dimension (CD) and Kolmogorov entropy (KE) which can be estimated on the reconstructed attractor are presented as a set of new features for fault diagnosis. The estimation of these features was tested on the experimental data sets recorded from a 12-kV, 1250-A vacuum CB and a 252-kV, 4000-A SF6 CB, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Military Engineer / Hadmérnök is the property of National University of Public Service and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Condition monitoring (CM) data should undergo through preprocessing to extract health indicators (HIs) for proper system health assessment. Machine health indicators provide vital information about health state of subcomponents(s) or overall system. There are many techniques in the literature used to construct HIs from CM data either for failure diagnostics or prognostics purposes. The majority of proposed HI extraction methods are mostly application specific (e.g. gearbox, shafts, and bearings etc.). This paper provides an overview of the used techniques and proposes an HI extraction, evaluation, and selection framework for monitoring of different applications. The extracted HIs are evaluated through a compatibility test where they can be used in either failure diagnostics or prognostics. An HI selection is carried out by a new hybrid feature goodness ranking metric in feature evaluation. The selected features are then used in fusion to get the representative component HI. Several case study CM data are used to demonstrate the essentiality of the proposed framework in component monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the development and study of the method to determine the parameters of the balancing devices of three-phase power supply systems, based on the analysis of the system operation mode with the subsequent graphoanalytical determination of the parameters of balancing and full compensation of reactive power. Complex methods of analysis of linear electrical circuits are used. The proposed method allows obtaining in a graphoanalytical way a numerical solution to the problem of balancing currents in a line and compensation of reactive power in a three-phase power supply system with an asymmetric load. The calculation results show that the application of the proposed method initiates significant balancing of currents in the lines of a three-phase power supply system. The unbalance coefficient in the reverse sequence decreased from 32.9% to 1.25%. The phase difference between the voltage vectors of the phase EMF and currents does not exceed 0.7 electrical degrees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review provides a summary of current approaches to Niemann-Pick disease type C (NP-C) dia g - nostics with an emphasis on novel laboratory techniques. NP-C is a severe autosomal recessive neurovisceral disorder and the recent availability of disease-modifying therapies increases the importance of its timely dia gnosis. The hereditary deficiency of cholesterol transporter proteins (NPC1 or NPC2) in NP-C leads to abnormal intracellular lipid traffi cking. Clinical suspicion for NP-C has to be confirmed by bio chemical and/ or molecular genetic methods. Novel bio markers in serum or plasma and advanced sequencing techniques now have a prominent role in NP-C dia gnostics. In a subset of patients, it is necessary to use several complementary techniques for confi rmation of NP- Cdia gnosis, including advanced bio chemical and cellular assays discussed in the paper. These methods therefore have to be available in a specialized laboratory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continuous surveillance for foot‐and‐mouth disease (FMD) in endemic settings such as West Africa is imperative to support improved local and regional control plans, with the long‐term goal of regional eradication. This paper describes the genetic characterization of FMD viruses (FMDV) obtained from outbreaks in Nigeria (n = 45) and Cameroon (n = 15) during 2016 and from archival samples (n = 3) retrieved from a 2014 outbreak in Nigeria. These viruses were analysed in the context of previously published FMDV sequences from the region. Four FMDV serotypes: O, A, SAT1 and SAT2, were detected. Phylogenetic analyses of the VP1 coding sequences indicate the continuity of FMDV serotype O East Africa‐3 (O/EA‐3), serotype A AFRICA genotype G‐IV (A/AFRICA/G‐IV) and serotype South African Territories (SAT) 2 lineage VII (SAT2/VII). The FMDV SAT1 topotype X (SAT1/X), which emerged in Nigeria in 2015, continued to be associated with outbreaks in the region during 2016, and SAT1 is reported for the first time from Cameroon. Additionally, a re‐emergence or re‐introduction of the serotype O West Africa (O/WA) topotype in Nigeria is described herein. Our findings indicate a consistent, pan‐serotypic relationship between FMDV strains detected in Cameroon and Nigeria. Additionally, FMDV strains from West Africa obtained in this study were genetically related to those occurring in East and North Africa. These phylogenetic relationships suggest that animal movements (pastoralism and/or trade) are important factors for virus spread across the African continent. These data provide critical baselines which are a necessary component of Stages 0 and 1 of the Progressive Control Pathway of FMD (PCP‐FMD). Specifically, characterizing the existing virus strains (risk) provides the basis for the comprehensive risk‐based control plan which is the requisite criteria for Nigeria's transition to Stage 2 of PCP‐FMD, and for coordinated regional control of FMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Diagnostics and elimination of airflow separation effects draw essential attention of researchers in the areas of energy generation, civil engineering, and aerospace due to unwanted and harmful interaction of separated airflow with different structures. In aviation, distortion of the intake airflows of an aircraft engine, known as intake separation, not only reduces the efficiency of the engine due to decrease in air intake but also interacts with engine structural components, for example, blades, significantly increasing their vibration. This leads to fatigue and subsequent accelerated failure of these components. Therefore, health monitoring and diagnostics of the intake separation effects using structural health monitoring (SHM) framework are of high importance for ensuring both optimal engine performance and its safe operation. In the present paper, a novel health monitoring technology based on advanced signal processing, the integrated higher order spectral technique, is applied for the first time in worldwide terms for in‐service intake separation diagnostics in aircraft engine using casing vibration data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Faults during machining processes generate negative impacts on productivity, product quality and scrap rate. In recent years, the research of leveraging deep learning algorithms for developing fault diagnostics approaches has been actively conducted. However, the approaches have not been widely adopted by industries yet due to their inadaptability in addressing varying working conditions throughout machining process lifecycles. To overcome the limitation, this paper presents a novel deep transfer learning enabled adaptive diagnostics approach. In the approach, firstly, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is designed to perform diagnostics on machining processes. Then, a transfer learning strategy is incorporated into the CNN to enhance the approach's adaptability for different machining conditions via the following steps: (1) Input datasets from machining conditions are optimally aligned to facilitate cross-domain data reuse; and (2) Weights of the trained CNN are regularized to minimize feature distribution mismatches to implement domain transfer learning. Based on the steps, the CNN can be adaptively applied across the conditions, and thereby re-training processes for the CNN from scratch can be alleviated. The developed approach was validated and benchmarked based on different parameters and settings. In the experiments, comparative results indicate that the approach achieved 94% in accuracy, which was significantly higher than other approaches without transfer learning mechanisms. Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 27th CIRP Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) Conference. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Maintenance & Reliability / Eksploatacja i Niezawodność is the property of Polish Scientific & Technical Society Consumables, Polish Maintenance Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Slovak Journal for Educational Sciences / Pedagogika is the property of Slovak Academy of Sciences, Slovak Educational Research Society and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Summary: Multistate capture–recapture models are a useful tool to help to understand the dynamics of movement within discrete capture–recapture data. The standard multistate capture–recapture model, however, relies on assumptions of homogeneity within the population with respect to survival, capture and transition probabilities. There are many ways in which this model can be generalized so some guidance on what is really needed is highly desirable. Within the paper we derive a new test that can detect heterogeneity in transition propensity and show its good power by using simulation and application to a Canada goose data set. We also demonstrate that existing tests which have traditionally been used to diagnose memory are in fact sensitive to other forms of transition heterogeneity and we propose modified tests which can distinguish between memory and other forms of transition heterogeneity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper deals with the issues of the combined radio wave and thermal test methods for nondestructive testing of polymer composite materials (PCM) in laboratory and factory conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electric motor (EM) is one of the main components of any system. The EM quality is set at the design and manufacturing stages, and its technical condition is maintained during operation. Therefore, the development of methods for the EM quality determining at its all life cycle stages is urgent. In the paper, for the first time, we proposed the system approach to traction EM quality estimation on the vibration parameter basis. This approach differs in that the study of EM vibration is carried out in 1/3 octave spectrum of frequencies from 50 Hz to 10 kHz (dB), which allows revealing all existing faults or "weak places" of EM. This method is universal for all types of EM. It is based on the results of the large-scale experiments using the system analysis and the objectives tree method and allows combining individual problem solutions to improve the quality of design, manufacture, and operation of EM into a single integrated system of quality assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite interest, no one to the best of our knowledge has compared the physical, mechanical, and tribological properties of nitride-based TiAlN and CrAlSiN coatings, nor diamond-like ion-plasma coatings (DLC). In order to identify the physical and mechanical properties, including the elastic modulus E and hardness H, we used nanoindentation methods, while experimental tribological testing of coatings was carried out on a TRB tribometer (Anton Paar TriTec SA). These tests revealed that during operation in the contact area of splined joints, a multilayer coating has better mechanical properties than a monolayer one under the testing conditions at specific loads comparable to operating loads. At the same time, a DLC coating features a much lower friction coefficient than do nitride systems. In addition, the paper presents the results of keeping friction units under observation by the acoustic emission (AE) method, which makes it possible to determine the running-in time for both coated and uncoated friction units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In hydraulic pump system various states can occur caused by mechanical and physical phenomena. To detect them, the Short Time Fourier Transform (STFT) is applied. This paper will consider an application of STFT to monitor and evaluate hydraulic pump system operation in different states of operation. For measurements of pressure and flow changes in pump, hydraulic tester and Data AcQuisition (DAQ) card was used for evaluation of qualitative and quantitative changes in the system. Results of hydraulic pump's operation will be shown on Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) charts and STFT spectrograms plots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper considers the relationship between the supporting subsoil of the roadbed and the parameters of seismic records of train movements. Experimental examples and mathematical modeling show that when processing seismic records, it is possible to detect at an early stage changes in the supporting roadbed subsoil due to possible degradation in the strength and deformation properties soils. Practical problems of using various seismic sensors and their location for railway roadbed modeling are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Directions for the development of diagnostics of domestic automotive and combine machinery are considered in the paper. The target analysis of the current situation was carried out, and perspective directions of agricultural engineering development were defined. Innovative methods and technology of continuous performance (remote diagnostics) and quality control of domestic automotive and agricultural machinery are presented. A distinctive feature of the method is periodically performed remote technical diagnostics and, as a result, early detection and prediction of defects and malfunctions, which contributes to the timely elimination of technical failures during motor maintenance, improving the reliability and efficiency of operation of automotive and combine machinery. The novelty of the proposed technology is remote diagnostics with the use of a continuous diagnostics system, which makes it possible to predict the malfunctioning behavior and recommend measures to change the properties of the exposed object. The system provides both the owner and the service company with information about upcoming events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focus of customers only on the best model' parameters of urban wheel transport with electric drive (trolley-, electric- and hybrids) presented at the world market today leads to objective lag minimum in five and more years from the achievable technical/technological world level. This paper targeted to create on example of serially made trolley-bus (T-bus) models an objective dataset for determining and extrapolation the trends of its perfection physically informative indicators. The consecutive application of the ordinary least squares method and modified Kendall-Theil robust method to small selections of the offered indicator' trends received. Reasonable by the theory of similarity and dimensional analysis the model' structure and the kernel of perfection level index obtained and characterized by the possibility of its periodic upgrading in accordance with the customers and designers requirements. The classification of the drive axle generations in electric drive traction transmissions, considers analysis of its structure and construction's elements, proposed. On example of the known traction transmissions' structures the circuit-logical technique of taking notes its reliability at express diagnostics of the certain T-bus model perfection level developed. Further increasing of some numeric markers of energy efficiency, load capacity, comfort, ergonomics and operational reliability of the T-buses by adequate linear trends is confirmed. Accented, that the open access to the dataset of the vehicle' perfection level indicators is one of the foremost challenges in methodology of its CAE-methods optimal design and have practical significance to improve such products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an up-to-date review of the problems related to the generation, detection and mitigation of strong electromagnetic pulses created in the interaction of high-power, high-energy laser pulses with different types of solid targets. It includes new experimental data obtained independently at several international laboratories. The mechanisms of electromagnetic field generation are analyzed and considered as a function of the intensity and the spectral range of emissions they produce. The major emphasis is put on the GHz frequency domain, which is the most damaging for electronics and may have important applications. The physics of electromagnetic emissions in other spectral domains, in particular THz and MHz, is also discussed. The theoretical models and numerical simulations are compared with the results of experimental measurements, with special attention to the methodology of measurements and complementary diagnostics. Understanding the underlying physical processes is the basis for developing techniques to mitigate the electromagnetic threat and to harness electromagnetic emissions, which may have promising applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The picosecond optical Kerr gate is an effective method for the separation of long-lived laser induced interference from instantaneous Raman scattering. In this paper, an application of the Kerr-gated Raman spectroscopy in combustion environment was demonstrated. The fast gating provided by a Kerr effect based optical shutter extends Raman spectroscopy measurements to sooty flames and flames rich in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The optical setup of the Kerr gate is described in detail and the gating time, efficiency and spatial uniformity of the ultrafast shutter are reported. To demonstrate the concept, the Kerr-gated Raman spectroscopy was applied in a laminar CH 4 /air diffusion flame to evaluate the capability to extract a Raman spectrum under different interference levels. In the region deemed inaccessible with µs-gated Raman spectroscopy, the laser induced interference was effectively suppressed by the Kerr gate. A test was also conducted in a C 2 H 4 /air premixed flame to explore the limitation of the Kerr-gated Raman technique. The result shows that after combining with polarization separation, Raman spectra can be extracted from locations with 65 ppb soot volume fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The early detection of and rapid response to invasive species (EDRR) depends on accurate and rapid identification of non-native species. The 2016–2018 National Invasive Species Council Management Plan called for an assessment of US government (federal) capacity to report on the identity of non-native organisms intercepted through early detection programs. This paper serves as the response to that action item. Here we summarize survey-based findings and make recommendations for improving the federal government's capacity to identify non-native species authoritatively in a timely manner. We conclude with recommendations to improve accurate identification within the context of EDRR by increasing coordination, maintaining taxonomic expertise, creating an identification tools clearinghouse, developing and using taxonomic standards for naming and identification protocols, expanding the content of DNA and DNA Barcode libraries, ensuring long-term sustainability of biological collections, and engaging and empowering citizens and citizen science groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the stages and results of a pedagogical experiment on verifying effectiveness of pedagogical conditions for the development of physics and mathematics teachers’ self-educational competence in the system of in-service education. Diagnostics that were selected for each of the identified components of selfeducational competence of physics and mathematics teachers (motivation and person, cognitive and informative, organization and activity, evaluation and reflection) are described. Significant positive dynamics of development of self-educational competence of participants of experimental group on the basis of comparison of the data received at a formative stage of pedagogical experiment is proved [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the diagnostics of the state of formation of personal and professional qualities of future social workers being able to carry out street social work. While undergoing the study, it has been found that the professional readiness of street social work specialists involves the formation of such a level of professional skills and competence of future social workers that will allow them to perform the various functions of street social work successfully. Interpersonal interaction with clients of street social work provides for the presence of such specialists' traits as: empathy, compromise and speed of thinking, diplomacy in relations with others, optimism in perception of reality, communicativeness, sociability, high mental capacity, comprehensiveness of interests, mood stability, independence, initiative and business orientation in professional activity. To study the state of formation of the listed qualities of future social workers, we conducted a diagnostic study among students of second-fifth years-of-study of specialty "Social work" of Khmelnitsky National University. Diagnostic results show that the majority of future social workers, while studying in higher educational institution, have sufficiently low indicators of formation of both personal and professional qualities. They are diagnosed with low levels of business orientation and professional motivation for street social work, as well as low level of manifestation of diplomacy, pessimism in the perception of reality, rigid thinking, low mental capacity, changeability of interests, multilevel of mood, dependency, lack of initiative. Therefore, we propose to develop and introduce psychologicalpedagogical and social-pedagogical conditions (for the formation of future social workers' professional readiness for street social work) into the educational process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ensuring the reliability of the steam turbine is fundamental task for its proper operation. Early detection of any failure avoids material and financial losses. A very important task in turbomachinery diagnostics is monitoring of rotating blades vibration, especially in terms of the last stages of low-pressure turbine parts, where, in general, the vibration can reach the important level due the blades length. The commonly used methods are based on stress evaluation using strain gauges or on the non-contact measurement of blade tips – blade tip-timing (BTT) method. Rising demand for low-cost monitoring systems suitable for blade monitoring has led to development of a new approach based on signal processing of standard turbine instrumentation. The symptoms of blade vibration could be also visible in signals from relative shaft vibration (SV) sensors, which are standardly installed in turbine journal bearings. This paper illustrates the principles and possibilities of the approach based on processing of SV signals for monitoring of actual state of rotating blades. Finally, the comparison of parallel measurements using SV and BTT in operation of steam turbine reveals the properties and advantages of both methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Nocturia or waking at night, to urinate is a common cause of awakenings and may lead to sleep disturbance, impaired somatic health, impaired quality of life, and increased mortality. The aim of this report is to point out and discuss the aspects and issues that need to be addressed to improve the care of nocturia. Methods: This paper is a report of the presentations and subsequent discussion of a Think Tank session at the annual International Consultation on Incontinence‐Research Society (ICI‐RS) in June 2018 in Bristol. Results and conclusion: Nocturia is a known risk factor for in‐hospital falls. Unfortunately, its assessment in acutely hospitalized (older) people is not the current practice and ward‐based care plans are not tailored to this symptom. A new care pathway for hospitalized patients who have nocturia should be considered. More research into the relation of cardiovascular disorders and nocturnal polyuria (NP) is warranted and management of NP patients may be improved by involving a cardiologist in their management. There is definitely a need for phenotyping nocturia in relation to bladder capacity, filling phase, and emptying phase symptoms and how to treat the different phenotypes. In the near future, smart automated monitoring devices and applications might help us to diagnose and treat nocturia with less efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and implementation of rapid molecular diagnostics for tuberculosis (TB) drug-susceptibility testing is critical to inform treatment of patients and to prevent the emergence and spread of resistance. Optimal trial planning for existing tests and those in development will be critical to rapidly gather the evidence necessary to inform World Health Organization review and to support potential policy recommendations. The evidence necessary includes an assessment of the performance for TB and resistance detection as well as an assessment of the operational characteristics of these platforms. The performance assessment should include analytical studies to confirm the limit of detection and assay ability to detect mutations conferring resistance across globally representative strains. The analytical evaluation is typically followed by multisite clinical evaluation studies to confirm diagnostic performance in sites and populations of intended use. This paper summarizes the considerations for the design of these analytical and clinical studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is devoted to materials testing by the acoustic emission (AE) method, which is the analysis of models and diagnostic parameters to assess the probability of detection of a defect in steel structures. The paper proposes to evaluate the emissivity of the material quantitatively by the number and dynamics of the accumulation of acoustic emission impulses. Experimental studies were carried out on pearlitic structural steels, including the loading of samples with fatigue cracks. It was established that the number of AE impulses emitted during loading of an object with a fatigue crack is a random variable corresponding to the normal distribution law. The results show that an estimate of the number of AE impulses emitted during the loading of samples with fatigue cracks can be obtained by distributing the multiplicative parameter D of the Palmer-Heald model by taking into account the maximum value of the applied load. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper presents short review of research problems, applied methods for solving problems and main results obtained by the researchers in Laboratory for Thermal Engineering and Energy (LTE) of the "Vinča" Institute of Nuclear Sciences, Belgrade, Serbia dealing with pulverized coal combustion processes and technologies for reduction of pollutions problems at thermal power plants in a period since 2000. The presented results were published in numerous studies realized for different users, Ph. D., Masters, and Specialist thesis, in international and domestic scientific journals and monographs, presented at numerous international and domestic scientific conferences, etc. Presented research projects and results of applied research projects realized at pulverized coal combustion thermal power plants clearly show that LTE team was involved in key activities of rehabilitation and modernization, including implementation of best available technologies for pollution reduction at thermal power plants, in the region of South East Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The temperature, velocity, and size of hot metal sparks are essential to understanding their ability to ignite flammable materials. However, existing measurement methods have limitations to achieve detailed, in situ measurements of these parameters. This paper describes a methodology that combines color-ratio pyrometry and particle streak tracing velocimetry, together with digital image processing to obtain non-intrusive measurements of the temperature, velocity, and size of multiple sparks in a spray. Furthermore, these measurements can be performed using a properly calibrated commercially available color digital camera. The principle of the measurement is firstly introduced, and the repeatability and accuracy of the method are validated via a designed experiment. Then the method is performed to measure the temperature and velocity of metal (steel) sparks in sprays generated by abrasive cutting. Measurements of initial spark temperatures and velocities are reported, as well as the evolution of the temperature and velocity along the flight path of the sparks. Observed initial spark temperature in this work mostly ranged within 1500°C to 1700°C. Results show evidence of both melting and oxidation of the sparks. Different blade speeds are used to understand their effect on spark velocity and temperature. The results of this study can be used as input parameters for spark oxidation and transport models, which in turn can be used to assess the hazards of spark sprays in wildland spot fires, ignition, explosions of flammable gaseous mixtures and dust clouds, and for monitoring and optimizing the material processes such as thermal-spray coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]