Search

Bone tissue was studied in 56 postmenopausal women (mean age 62.30 ± 2.74 years), of which 46 patients who worked in unfavorable working conditions had a decreased bone mineral density (BMD) (osteoporosis (OP) — in 31 women, osteomalacia (OM) — in 13); 10 women had no metabolic changes in bone tissue (BT). A BT scan fragment was obtained during surgery for a fracture of the femoral neck. Non-decalcified QD sections were prepared, the functional activity of the QD cell nuclei was determined using the method of differential staining of nuclei with different functional activity. Morphological changes in OP and OM have both common features and differences. The common is the thinning of the bone rods, the expansion of the canals of osteons, the presence of cell-free areas, and cell-free lacunae. In contrast to OP, OM presents with the thickness and area of the osteoid increase, a less pronounced decrease in oxyphyllin matrix, a higher functional activity of BT cells. A decrease in BMD and the occurrence of low-energy fractures may result not only from OP but also OM. When prescribing treatment, it is necessary to carry out diffe-rential diagnostic measures that determine the cause of the decrease in bone mass., Досліджували кісткову тканину (КТ) 56 постменопаузальних жінок (середній вік — 62,30 ± 2,74 року), із них 46 пацієнток, які працювали в несприятливих виробничих умовах, мали зниження мінеральної щільності кісткової тканини (МЩКТ): остеопороз (ОП) — у 31 жінки, остеомаляція (ОМ) — у 15; 10 жінок були без метаболічних змін КТ. Фрагмент КТ отримували під час оперативного втручання щодо перелому шийки стегнової кістки. Готували недекальциновані зрізи КТ, функціональну активність ядер клітин КТ визначали за допомогою диференціального методу забарвлення ядер із різною функціональною активністю. Морфологічні зміни при ОП та ОМ мають загальні ознаки та відмінності. Спільним є витончення кісткових балок, розширення каналів остеонів, наявність безклітинних ділянок і безклітинних лакун. Відмінності: при ОМ збільшення товщини та площі остеоїда, менш виражене зменшення оксифілії матриксу, більш висока функціональна активність клітин КТ. Зниження МЩКТ та виникнення низькоенергетичних переломів може бути результатом не тільки ОП, але й ОМ. При призначенні лікування необхідно провести диференційно-діагностичні заходи, що визначають причину зниження кісткової маси.

Ентеровірусні менінгіти посiдають провідне місце в етіологічній структурі менінгітів. У роботі наведено аналіз 44 історій хвороби дітей з ентеровірусним менінгітом. Виявлено наступні особливості: серозні менінгіти ентеровірусної етіології характеризуються легким або середньотяжким перебiгом; зберігається характерна для ентеровірусної інфекції літньо-осіння сезонність. Рiвень С-реактивного бiлка є надійним рутинним критерієм у вирішенні питання про емпіричне застосування антибіотиків при ентеровірусному менінгіті. Надійним і вірогiдним способом верифікації етіологічного діагнозу ентеровірусного менінгіту є визначення РНК вірусу в лікворі (полімеразна ланцюгова реакція). У частки дітей виявлені зміни на електрокардіограмі, що дозволило запідозрити міокардит. У зв’язку з цим доцільно включити кардіообстеження (визначення МВ-фракції креатинфосфокінази, ультразвукове дослідження серця, електрокардіографія) в обов’язковий перелік досліджень при встановленні діагнозу ентеровірусної інфекції, у тому числі при ентеровірусному менінгіті. Ентеровірусний менінгіт у дітей перебігав у легкій або середньотяжкій формі без летальних кiнцiв і залишкових явищ, iз повним клінічним одужанням. Лікування обмежувалося нетривалою патогенетичною інфузійною терапією.

Problem statement. The problem of improving the learning process can be solved by increasing the educational collections of minerals and rocks that can be found every day, but for various reasons, do not pay attention to them. The best samples of various stone materials were usually used for cladding. Similarly, in the external and internal cladding of the academy buildings were used varieties of rocks that differ in strength, color, texture, structure and inclusions of minerals and are the best examples of decorative building materials. Purpose of the article. All this diverse stone decoration of the Academy can be used in the educational process, in particular, for the study of minerals and rocks within the discipline “Engineering Geology”, which is read to all students of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, as well as the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Ecology. Conclusion. All this diverse stone decoration of the Academy is quite possible to use in the educational process, in particular, for the study of minerals and rocks in the framework of teaching the discipline “Engineering Geology”, which is read to all students of the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, as well as the Faculty of Civil Engineering and Ecology. Thanks to the polished surface of large slabs of facing rocks, it is possible to visually and more fully identify rocks while studying the relevant disciplines, which is convenient for teaching students of all specialties. It is expedient to use facing materials of buildings of educational institution in the course of studying of geological disciplines, especially for students-architects for what it is necessary to provide target excursions on buildings of academy. Various rocks, with which the interior elements are faced, serve as a good addition to the existing educational collections of the Department of Engineering Geology and Geotechnics.

The results of Monte Carlo simulation and test reflectometry experiments on the “Gorizont” neutron reflectometer (on the IN-06 pulsed neutron source at INR RAS) after its upgrade with a two-dimensional detector with a positioning system are presented. The two-dimensional detector makes it possible to use the instrument not only for neutron reflectometry, but also for small angle neutron scattering. Estimates of the instrument resolution and the spectra of the neutron beam at different collimations have been obtained using Monte Carlo simulation. Test reflectometry experiments have been performed on mirrors with known characteristics. The characteristics match the manufacturer’s data with an error of 5%, obtained from the simulation.

MotivationThe application of genome-wide chromosome conformation capture (3C) methods to prokaryotes provided insights into the spatial organization of their genomes and identified patterns conserved across the tree of life, such as chromatin compartments and contact domains. Prokaryotic genomes vary in GC content and the density of restriction sites along the chromosome, suggesting that these properties should be considered when planning experiments and choosing appropriate software for data processing. Diverse algorithms are available for the analysis of eukaryotic chromatin contact maps, but their potential application to prokaryotic data has not yet been evaluated.ResultsHere, we present a comparative analysis of domain calling algorithms using available single-microbe experimental data. We evaluated the algorithms’ intra-dataset reproducibility, concordance with other tools and sensitivity to coverage and resolution of contact maps. Using RNA-seq as an example, we showed how orthogonal biological data can be utilized to validate the reliability and significance of annotated domains. We also suggest that in silico simulations of contact maps can be used to choose optimal restriction enzymes and estimate theoretical map resolutions before the experiment. Our results provide guidelines for researchers investigating microbes and microbial communities using high-throughput 3C assays such as Hi-C and 3C-seq.Availability and implementationThe code of the analysis is available at https://github.com/magnitov/prokaryotic_cids.Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

The research work was carried out with the information and evaluation of executed contracts for the execution of works in the Sanitation Services Provider Entity (EPS TACNA SA) Period 2012 - 2018, this investigation has the purpose of design a contract management model to improve the project management in sanitation works in the EPS TACNA SA; During this period of execution of works by CONTRACT MODE we have been able to see an innumerable numbers of queries, contradictions, omissions, negligence; having to be acquitted by the Supervision or directly by the Project Consultant. This confusing project generates risks in the projects executed by EPS Tacna SA, which in many cases cause the investments to be affected by paralyzes, unjustified delays finally in arbitration and this implies that they do not maintain their investment cycle and therefore loss of entity. FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) is an international organization of standards for engineering and consulting construction best known by the family of FIDIC contract templates. This is how the new changes in the updating of the basic norms in the Peruvian State, they make every use of international recognized administrative standards, either as a basis for proposal or the writing of the final document. It is necessary to find a contract administration model to improve the project management in sanitation works so we need to plant a standard contract model that can control and overcome these shortcomings when they are executed in the EPS TACNA S.A. This research will yield a contract administration model that helps to manage a sanitation project from the initial lidding stage; good pro, contract signature, execution and the project closine is also proposed a standard contract model normative OSCE whit International regulations and contracts FIDIC, what will serve as the basis of solving the main problem

The prescription of drugs in pediatrics is currently associated with problems. Therapists are often faced with "off-label drug use", the lack of drugs in appropriate doses for children and, the need to develop appropriate dosage forms.

Immunosuppressants used in organ transplant patients increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. This study aimed to evaluate patient behaviours towards skin cancer prevention methods and to understand characteristics of a future prevention strategy based on patients' perspective. Carenity, a global online patient community, enabled the recruitment of 200 adult patients with solid organ transplants from four European countries: France, Italy, Spain and Germany. Most patients were well informed about the risk of skin cancer, but only 27% (53/200) monitored their skin. Most patients exposed themselves to intense sun exposure once a month or more. Nevertheless, more than half of patients were motivated to use additional prevention strategies and limit their sun exposure. The most appropriate prevention strategy was reported to be the use of a cosmetically attractive, water-resistant, paraben/fragrance-free cream. A one-size-fits-all approach is not an appropriate prevention strategy and an adapted approach based on patients' preferences may significantly contribute to better compliance and adherence.

As a typical branch of active thermography techniques, eddy current pulsed thermography (ECPT) has been used to detect surface and subsurface defects in many scenarios. Among different applications, localization and characterization of rolling contact fatigue cracking (a common angular defect) in rail tracks has gained more attentions. This paper investigates three features for the inclination angle characterization of artificial angular defects. Specifically, one pixel-level and two spatial-level features, i.e., max pixel response, skewness- and kurtosis-based spatial features, are proposed to build the relations to the inclination angle. Based on the 3D FEM, the simulation results show that the relation between the max pixel response and the inclination angle is non-monotonic under different heating pulses. In contrast, the skewness- and kurtosis-based spatial features can give overall monotonic relations to the inclination angle under the condition that a longer pocket length (≥0.38 mm) occurs and a longer heating pulse (≥100 ms) is used. Further, the above simulation results were experimentally verified.

Objective To explore decision support systems (DSS) used in spine-pelvic surgery, analyze its functional possibilities and approaches that allow the surgeon to make a correct decision. Material and methods Functional possibilities with modern DSSs used in surgery of spine-pelvic complex were reviewed with unified criteria using websites of DSS manufacturers and publications in scientific journals. Results MediCAD, TraumaCAD, Surgimap, Sectra AB and OrthoView are most common DSSs used for spine and hip surgery planning. The above systems can be applied in orthopedic surgery of several independent anatomical regions (e.g., spine, pelvis, femur, tibia, foot). But none of the systems can be applied to spine-pelvic complex. DSS facilitates only geometrical planning with geometric measurements, simulation of physiologically normal location of anatomical elements as well as selection and semi-automatic implant positioning. Conclusion Both geometrical planning and biomechanical simulation are required to achieve positive long-term follow-up of surgical treatment. Biomechanical simulation allows assessment of an extent and pattern of injury caused by malalignment of spine-pelvic complex and surgical intervention planning with the help of reconstruction options offered. The use of DSS should involve geometric planning, biomechanical simulation of the expected surgical outcome and prediction of a long-term follow-up. Introduction of DSS into clinical practice will facilitate the quality of medical care and rehabilitation with concurrent optimization of the national expenditure on health care.

Training programmes for road transport jobs and positions vary significantly across Europe and worldwide. The training programmes are highly developed and specialised in some countries, being strategically managed at a national level, whilst in many countries, training in particular for lower-skilled positions, is mostly organised and managed in-house by companies, and just a few national formal training schemes are available. Therefore, it is necessary to identify potential gaps in the availability of training schemes and programmes in the road transport sector, to support further development of new programmes or the improvement of existing ones. This paper is centered on the analysis of existing training programmes and schemes for road transport primarily in Europe, but additionally Australia is also added in the study. A data set has been collected and statistically analysed for a number of countries. Different job categories in road transport have been studied. A comparison of results is presented showing a vast diversity and lack of standard in skills development for road transport. The study did not identify any evidence for any harmonised procedure and best practices in skills development for road transport amongst the countries under study. Instead, it appears that each country has developed and implemented training programmes and courses for a specific audience, targeting a specific learning outcome.

The relevance of the article consists in the most frequent use of computer-aided information systems in all human sectors, including building management. These measures implementation may entail more efficient resource use and make citizens lives easier and better. The study seeks to develop a model for computer-aided project managing residential complexes and business centers based on digital technologies. For this reason, the following tasks were completed: we studied the theoretical issues of computer- aided real estate management; defined the product requirements from the perspective management company; analyzed the usefulness of introducing a product for a management company; evaluated the economic efficiency. We have identified solutions that help save and optimize the use of resources. Under this study we identified the solutions enforcing careful and optimized use of resources.

Summary In this paper, the convolutional neural network algorithm for the detection of the signals from weak local earthquakes is presented. Traditionally, algorithms based on the classical STA/LTA methods are used for the detection of the signals from earthquakes. Recently, algorithms based on neural networks were used too. However, existing solutions are designed to detect and determine the arrival times of waves from strong earthquakes and are ineffective at a low signal-to-noise ratio. The work presents the detailed structure of the neural network, as well as the processes of preprocessing and training the network. It is important that the datasets for the training and for testing the algorithm were taken from different local networks of seismological monitoring. A comparison of the results of testing the algorithm on real records was carried out with the MER algorithm. It is shown that, in contrast to MER, on continuous records with a duration of three days, the proposed algorithm worked without false triggers.

En América Latina más de 100 millones de personas no tienen acceso a una energía limpia, asequible y constante. En Colombia, esto sucede en las denominadas Zonas No- Interconectadas - ZNI con una población de más de 2 millones de personas, que viven en regiones con abundantes y diversos recursos energéticos renovables. En este artículo se presenta una metodología para el diseño de microrredes en zonas aisladas, partiendo de la evaluación de recursos energéticos renovables locales. Una microrred es un sistema que usa varias fuentes y utiliza tecnologías de conversión de energías renovables en electricidad para proveer de electricidad zonas asiladas. Estas “microrredes” inteligentes consisten en un sistema energético que integra la generación, transmisión, distribución y uso final de la energía, de manera eficiente y amigable con el medio ambiente, y con un mínimo impacto socio-cultural, permitiendo el intercambio de información entre todos los componentes del sistema para un óptimo control. Por ello, es de suma importancia desarrollar un acertado análisis y evaluación de recursos energéticos, con el objetivo de optimizar al máximo el diseño de microrredes In Latin America, more than 100 million people do not have access to clean, affordable and constant energy. In Colombia, this happens in the so-called Non-Interconnected Zones - ZNI with a population of more than 2 million people, who live in regions with abundant and diverse renewable energy resources. This paper presents a methodology for the design of microgrids in isolated areas, based on the evaluation of local renewable energy resources. A microgrid is a system that uses several sources and uses renewable energy conversion technologies in electricity to provide electricity to isolated areas. These intelligent "microgrids" consist of an energy system that integrates the generation, transmission, distribution and final use of energy, in an efficient and friendly way with the environment, and with a minimum socio-cultural impact, allowing the exchange of information between All system components for optimal control. Therefore, it is very important to develop an accurate analysis and evaluation of energy resources, with the aim of maximizing the design of microgrids

In this work, we proposed and demonstrated an efficient optoelectronic system capable to detect 1 gram of salt per liter of water (0.1% salinity) in real time employing optical fiber technology as sensing medium and embedded systems of National Instruments Company to get an accurate instrumentation process. In addition, the sensitivity of this salinity sensor can be enhanced by reducing the diameter of the optical fiber sensor structure ( by employing a controlled tapering process. More specifically, the sensitivity of this device has been raised from 141.933 nm/Refractive Index Unit (RIU) for an un-tapered sensor structure to 352.915 nm/RIU for a tapered sensor structure . In fact, considering that the tapered sensor structure provides an approximately linear response with a maximum sensitivity of 0.6624 nm / % salt, the percentage of salt is easily identified by monitoring the peak wavelength response.

[EN] The importance of modelling and simulation in the field of railway systems has greatly increased in the last decades. Various commercial simulation packages have been developed and are used to analyse the dynamic performance of railway systems. However, although sometimes the user needs to analyse various non-standard solutions, the possibility to integrate further modifications into the structure of such software is quite limited. Therefore, in some cases, in particular for specific modelling and analysis tasks, a feasible option is to develop flexible and robust simulation tools capable of using different configurations by modifying the models performing the dynamic analysis. The paper presents the mathematical modelling background and the conceptual design of a new of a new computational tool for the dynamic simulation of railway vehicle systems. The formulations employed in the proposed mathematical model are based on the multibody techniques. The developed model uses a combined frame of references that allows the use of independent coordinates without the possibility to have singularity configurations depending on the rotation sequence. The simulation tool is designed in a flexible form that enables the study of different configurations of the railway vehicles, as well as various track combinations.

Однією із важливих міжнародних практик внутрішнього аудиту є застосування ризик-орієнтованого планування при виборі об’єктів та суб’єктів аудиту. В процесі дослідження проаналізовано відповідність діяльності з внутрішнього аудиту національним стандартам з одночасною імплементацією міжнародних стандартів професійної практики на основі ризик-орієнтованого планування. В статті узагальнено наукові дискусії з питання приведення внутрішнього аудиту у відповідності до міжнародних стандартів, оцінки ризиків в процесі здійснення ризик-орієнтованого планування аудиторської діяльності та вивчення практичного ефекту від впровадження системи ризик-орієнтованого планування. Доведено, що станом на сьогодні, сил підрозділів служби внутрішнього аудиту є недостатньо для проведення суцільної перевірки всіх військових частин, установ, організацій Міністерства оборони України. Сформульована необхідність у якісному плануванні заходів аудиторських перевірок з метою охоплення саме таких об’єктів, в яких ідентифіковано найбільші загрози та ризики. Питання ризик-орієнтованого планування внутрішнього аудиту розкрито в наступній логічній послідовності: визначено загальну регламентацію зазначеного процесу, проведено аналіз складових ризик-орієнтованого планування та запропоновано методику розробки плану на підставі ризик-орієнтованого відбору об’єктів аудиту. Зокрема, детально розглянуто питання стосовно визначення ризиків, проведення оцінки ризиків за відповідними критеріями, визначення ризиків за допомогою балів. В ході проведеного дослідження емпірично підтверджено та теоретично доведено, що ризик-орієнтоване планування є невід’ємною і важливою складовою аудиторської діяльності. Доведено важливість даного напрямку в контексті отриманого економічного ефекту від превентивних заходів. На основі зробленого аналізу, виявлено наявні проблеми і обґрунтовано комплекс теоретичних і практичних рекомендації з метою удосконалення зазначеного процесу в Міністерстві оборони України та практичного застосування розроблених методичних підходів із ризик-орієнтовного планування. Результати проведеного дослідження можуть бути корисними в процесі планування аудиторської діяльності на відповідний період.

The prospects for the homodyne recording of backscattered radiation of an Er fiber laser in measuring velocity and in Doppler spectroscopy are investigated. The sensitivity and accuracy of measuring velocity are estimated. It is shown that this method can be used to control laser-induced hydrodynamic flows that form upon the laser evaporation of biotissues.

In vitro perforation of gelatin-based biomodels and myocardium tissue by powerful CO2 and YAG:Er laser pulses is considered. Features of the thermal and shock-wave effects on the walls of the laser channel are investigated. Patterns of laser channeling in gelatin by a single YAG:Er laser pulse were studied.

This article presents a new type of whitening filter (allowing the “passing” of some noise sources) applied to process the data recorded in LIGO’s GW150914 and GW151226 events. This new analysis shows that in the GW150914 event, the signals from the collision of two black holes are very similar to the 32.5 Hz noise sources observed in both of LIGO’s detectors. It also points out that these 32.5 Hz noise sources are powered by a 30 Hz sub harmonic, coming from the 60 Hz power system. In the GW1226 event, the same analysis points out that the NR template is very similar to the 120 Hz noise source. Therefore, the signals recorded in these events were probably generated by some small changes with the 60 Hz frequency in the US power grid. This can be caused, for example, by a power variation in the DC link, which can appear in both detectors in the same 10 ms time window. As this kind of power grid occurrence did not change the voltage levels, it may have gone unnoticed by LIGO’s electrical power supply’s monitoring system.

Perovskite solar cells based on CH3NH3PbI3 and related materials have reached impressive efficiencies that, on a lab scale, can compete with established solar cell technologies, at least in short-term observations. Despite frequently voiced concerns about the solubility of the lead salts that make up the absorber material, several life cycle analyses have come to overall positive conclusions regarding the environmental impact of perovskite solar cell (PSC) production. Their particularly short energy payback time (EBPT) in comparison to other established PV technologies makes them truly competitive. Several studies have identified valuable components such as FTO, gold and high temperature processes as the most significant contributors to the environmental impact of PSCs. Considering these findings, we have developed a rapid dismantling process allowing the recovery of all major components, saving raw materials, energy and production time in the fabrication of recycled PSCs. We demonstrate that the performance of PSCs fabricated from recycled substrates can compete with that of devices fabricated from virgin materials.

It is proved strictly based on general relativity that two important factors are neglected in LIGO experiments by using Michelson interferometers so that fatal mistakes were caused. One is that the gravitational wave changes the wavelength of light. Another is that light’s speed is not a constant when gravitational waves exist. According to general relativity, gravitational wave affects spatial distance, so it also affects the wavelength of light synchronously. By considering this fact, the phase differences of lasers were invariable when gravitational waves passed through Michelson interferometers. In addition, when gravitational waves exist, the spatial part of metric changes but the time part of metric is unchanged. In this way, light’s speed is not a constant. When the calculation method of time difference is used in LIGO experiments, the phase shift of interference fringes is still zero. So the design principle of LIGO experiment is wrong. It was impossible for LIGO to detect gravitational wave by using Michelson interferometers. Because light’s speed is not a constant, the signals of LIGO experiments become mismatching. It means that these signals are noises actually, caused by occasional reasons, no gravitational waves are detected really. In fact, in the history of physics, Michelson and Morley tried to find the absolute motion of the earth by using Michelson interferometers but failed at last. The basic principle of LIGO experiment is the same as that of Michelson-Morley experiment in which the phases of lights were invariable. Only zero result can be obtained, so LIGO experiments are destined failed to find gravitational waves.

Railway tunnel inspection and monitoring has predominantly been a visual and manual procedure, which is time-consuming and subjective, giving rise to variance in standards and quality. Thus, alternative, novel, automated techniques need to be developed, for more efficient and reliable tunnel examination. The reported research aimed to investigate the application of a laser scanning technique for the inspection of tunnel degradation and structural integrity. The proposed method may either substitute or supplement traditional survey techniques, being more efficient, and contributing thus to the standardisation of tunnel inspections. For the purpose of investigating the applicability and accuracy of laser scanning in tunnels, a set of tunnel lining models was constructed for laboratory tests, with the objective of determining the quality of the imaging. Initial tests were carried out using a performant laser scanner and demonstrated the feasibility of the concept. As a result, refined laboratory models were built, and experiments conducted, to establish the quality and precision of laser scanning imaging, for condition monitoring of tunnels. The experimental results indicate that the laser scanning technique used in this research has high potential for detecting the tunnel condition, monitoring the depth of weathered mortar, spalling bricks etc. with high accuracy in static scanning mode.

In the recent decades, the vehicle lighweighting problem has been addressed through various methodologies by different researchers and industries. Significant effort has been made recently to develop lightweight structural solutions by employing state-of-the-art and emerging materials, manufacturing processes and technologies. The presented research aimed to investigate the possibility of designing vehicle lightweight structures using advanced steel grades and novel structural profiles developed by industry by integrating smart design and manufacturing solutions. A case study was developed in the presented paper on a freight wagon structure. The structural stress analysis of the new lightweight design has been carried out through Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for validating the proposed solutions. The FEA considered the standard loading scenarios, taking into account both the static and dynamic operational loads, and the results were evaluated against the traditional design of a similar benchmark homologated vehicle. The results demonstrate that novel steel products can be successfully employed for designing sustainable and feasible lightweight vehicle structures.

Considering the advances of lightweight materials, such as Aluminium, Magnesium and composite materials, as well as their growing use in various applications, the demand for dissimilar materials joining methods is increasing, as more modern hybrid structures in various industries are using these novel materials which need to be joined either between them or with traditional ones. The paper presents the results of a project aimed to develop a simple and efficient tool for the selection of suitable joining methods for a large variety of dissimilar materials, and capable to provide a summary of technical information, including process parameters and limitations, required equipment, joint structural performances, etc. for each selected method. The dissimilar joining selection tool DIJO-S was developed using Excel environment, which is very accessible to most of the users, user friendly and visually attractive by using the functions of Visual Basic. After processing the input data, the selection tool provides not just the summary of the suitable joining methods, but also detailed process fiches, which support the user for selecting the best feasible option.

This study presents three-dimensional full transient numerical simulations of a horizontal axis hydrokinetic turbine, HAHT with particular emphasis on the analysis of its hydrodynamic characteristics. Hydrokinetic turbine performance is studied using a time-accurate Reynolds-averaged NavierStokes (RANS) commercial solver. A physical transient rotorstator model with a sliding mesh technique is used to capture changes in flow field at a particular time step. A shear stress transport (SST) turbulence model has been employed to model the turbulent features of the flow. The studied rotor has three blades, based on NACA4412 airfoil. Two operation conditions have been considered: shaft parallel to the incoming flow (SP configuration) and shaft inclined an angle  around 30o regarding the main stream (SI configuration). As a result, the decrement of the hydrodynamic performance of the turbine with the inclined axis is quantitatively evaluated regarding that of the parallel axis. Moreover, a preliminary study of the vorticity dynamics in the wake of the inclined rotor is performed

Combination vaccines offer protection against multiple diseases with fewer injections. This study evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of an investigational diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and meningococcal serogroup C (MenC) heptavalent combination vaccine (heptavalent vaccine) given as 4 doses at 2, 3, 4 and 12-18 months of age.In this randomized, open, phase II study (NCT00970307/NCT01171989) conducted in Poland, 421 infants were enrolled to receive the heptavalent vaccine or licensed comparator vaccines. Immunogenicity against study vaccine antigens was measured prior to and 1 month after primary and booster vaccinations. Safety and reactogenicity of the vaccines were also evaluated.The primary noninferiority objectives of the MenC and Hib immune responses induced by the heptavalent vaccine versus comparator vaccines were reached after primary vaccination, but no statistical conclusion could be drawn after booster dose. One month after primary and booster vaccinations, ≥98.4% of the heptavalent vaccine recipients were seroprotected for MenC and Hib. Exploratory analyses indicated that the heptavalent vaccine induced higher postprimary vaccination antibody geometric mean concentrations against Hib, but lower postprimary and postbooster vaccinations geometric mean titers against MenC compared with the relevant comparator vaccines. The reactogenicity profiles of the vaccines were acceptable, although 1 infant vaccinated with the heptavalent vaccine experienced a serious adverse event (thrombocytopenia) considered possibly related to vaccination.The heptavalent vaccine was immunogenic and had a clinically acceptable safety profile when administered to infants and toddlers.

The characteristics of the interactions between the wheel and track significantly influence a number of features of the running performance of vehicles, wheelset lifecycles and the vehicles' impact on track. Determining the characteristics of the wheel-track interactions is essential in both vehicle and track design, for the selection of vehicle and track specifications, including the wheelset specifications. The optimization of the wheel on track system is key to minimize life cycle costs, improve performance and maintain safety. Obtaining actual test data to validate and support simulations can be an expensive and time consuming exercise. The paper firstly describes a cost effective portable measuring system that was recently developed to be easily and rapidly applied to vehicles and track for testing of new and improved designs, with a lower investment than traditional dynamics measurement systems. Example measurements of bogie dynamics carried out on a full-scale test track, on different designs of equivalent bogies, under different conditions, are further presented and discussed. The proposed methodology allows fast prediction of the wheel-track interaction effects on the running gear, which would support selection decisions intended to optimize specific criteria of vehicle design, such as minimizing wheel wear and wheelset life cycle costs.

The European Railway Agency (ERA) has estimated that over 500 freight train derailments are happening every year on open line, costing the EU27 Member States more than 200 million Euros per year. Given the projected freight market growth in Europe, it is essential to ensure the reduction of the number of freight train derailments. The paper summarises the most relevant results achieved within the first part of the European FP7 funded project D-RAIL, which aims to make significant improvements in the detection and prevention of derailments, and the mitigation of their subsequent effects. It presents a comprehensive overview of recent mainline freight train derailments in Europe (with a major focus on their causes and impacts), and an extensive investigation on supervision and monitoring systems and their efficiency. This work also provides conclusions and recommendations to the safety authorities and European key organisations, responsible for accident reporting methodologies and impact analysis.

In this work we have investigated properties of passive mode-locked fiber laser based on spectral filtering and self-phase modulation effects. We achieved single-pulse mode-lock operation without external source using relaxation oscillations and accurately setting pump power. Numerical analysis of pulse generation in laser has been performed.

The EU funded project TransNew has analysed the transport research capabilities of new member, associated states, and third countries connected to the European Research Area. The project covered all transport modes and focused on the evaluation of the research potential and results in each mode.The paper summarises the comprehensive evaluation of rail research capabilities of analysed countries, which aimed to identify the main actors who can make an active contribution to the common rail research objectives, and their representative results. The evaluation employed both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the essential constituents of both major aspects concerning the research capability, i.e. the existing potential and results achieved by rail research in each country. National policies, research organisations and researchers, as well as their results in rail research, were identified, analysed and compared.Finally, taking into consideration all relevant findings, the research work is offering recommendations addressed both to transport research policy makers (national and European), and to rail researchers.

The European Rail Research Advisory Council (ERRAC) was set up in 2001 with the goal of helping to revitalise the European rail sector by making it more competitive, fostering increased innovation and guiding research efforts at the European level. The ERRAC Project Evaluation Working Group (EWG) determines the market impact of previous rail research to improve use of research funding and to ensure a strategic approach to the prioritisation of rail research. Individual projects are evaluated after they have been completed to ensure successful dissemination of project results in order to ensure that the results of previous rail research can be taken into account for future projects and avoid weak market uptake of results by learning the lessons of previous research.The EWG provides intelligence based on the project evaluations for input into future European Framework Programmes. ERRAC EWG has evaluated over 50 finished projects from the ERRAC database which has details of all Rail-related past and current rail research funded by the European Commission. A methodology has been developed to evaluate the market impact of projects and assess the contribution of evaluated projects to the ERRAC ROADMAPS and Strategic Rail Research Agenda (SRRA) goals. This information provides inputs to EC Project officers during the negotiation phase and during the course of the projects for project review.EWG has evaluated successfully finished rail research projects in order to analyse the success/failure factors related to actual market uptake and determine market uptake from an industry perspective in order to determine the return on research investment. This coordination activity helps to provide ideas for new European and national projects with a real potential for implementation and therefore a significant market uptake. The ERRAC EWG has developed the database to provide rapid access to information on results of rail research projects, deliverables etc., as well as lessons learnt and possible contributions to the attainment of the goals of the Rail Vision 2020 in coherence with SRRA and in the future RAIL VISION 2050.

The increased use of renewable energy resources for rural electrification has encouraged research and experimental projects decreasing designs uncertainties. This paper presents a deep and critical review of the design of micro hydro-generation technologies for river applications. This article shows three principal aspects: design, analysis and computational tools to study vertical micro-turbines, including the ones that are not vertical but that are relevant for the actual research. An exhaustive review is presented and analyzed hereafter. An in-depth review analysis focused on design is carried out. As a result of this work, it is clear that despite the need for interest in using renewable resources technologies, there is still a lack of research about design focused on computational analysis, as evidenced by the limited number of publications so far.

Energy efficiency and fail-safety of modern wind turbines (WT) are largely determined by their ability to the temporal “tuning” under the spatial variability of the wind field.

This study will develop a methodology to measure and find the energy efficiency in arc furnaces, crucible furnaces and cupola furnaces. Those are the only ones used in the small metal casting industries in Cali. The methodology initiates with the elaboration of a survey and contacting a sample OF local companies, then, continues with technical visits, measurements, analysis and results and finally, we obtain conclusions and give some specific recommendations to the companies

BACKGROUND The immunogenicity and safety of the investigational diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, hepatitis B, poliomyelitis, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and meningococcal serogroup C (MenC) heptavalent combination vaccine were compared with those of licensed control vaccines. METHODS In this open, phase II, randomized study (NCT01090453), 480 infants from Germany, France and Canada received the heptavalent vaccine (Hepta group) or hexavalent and monovalent MenC control vaccines (HexaMenC group) co-administered with a 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine at 2, 4 and 12 months of age. Immunogenicity was measured 1 month after the second primary dose, and before and 1 month after the booster dose. Safety and reactogenicity were also evaluated. RESULTS Non-inferiority of immune responses to MenC and Hib induced by 2-dose primary vaccination with the heptavalent vaccine versus control vaccines was demonstrated. In exploratory analyses, postprimary and postbooster functional antibody geometric mean titers against MenC tended to be lower (1119.5 vs. 3200.5; 2653.8 vs. 6028.4) and antibody geometric mean concentrations against Hib higher (1.594 vs. 0.671 μg/mL; 17.678 vs. 13.737 μg/mL) in the Hepta versus the HexaMenC group. The heptavalent and control vaccines were immunogenic to all other antigens, although immune responses to poliovirus were lower than expected in both groups. No differences in safety and reactogenicity profiles were detected between groups. CONCLUSIONS The heptavalent vaccine induced non-inferior MenC and Hib responses compared with control vaccines. Both vaccination regimens, when administered at 2, 4 and 12 months of age, had comparable safety profiles and were immunogenic to all antigens, with lower-than-expected responses to poliomyelitis.

A brief description of three Russian simulation codes, integrated together for simulation of power plant fuel elements behaviour under loose coolant accident (LOCA) and RIA accidents, is presented. Simulation code PULSAR-2 is intended for simulation of fuel behaviour before accidents and created the initial dates for subsequent codes. Code PULSAR + is intended for fuel elements behaviour simulation under accident conditions. This code simulated the cladding stress and strain state, fuel and cladding destruction. Coolant behaviour is simulated with the help of hydraulic code STALACTITE.

The constructional strength of details provided during whole complex technological process of manufacturing. Under the research, the possibility of structural-parametrical optimization of the system "material-technology-product" on the basis of the optical-structural machine analysis and developed methods of microstructural measurements and structural-phenomenological criteria of damage was shown.

In this article, a new kind of led emitter diode is used. The HB-LED (High Brightness Light Emitter Diode), were selected and tested and the results compared with existing light sources used in the Universidad Autonoma de Occidente. Results shows better visual perception of space and great energy savings between 41% and 73% of power consumption compared with actual technology such as high pressure sodium bulbs and energy saving light bulb. The usage of HB-LED reduce the cost of solar systems used as power sources of illumination

The actual development of wind energy in several countries around the world become it as the fastest growing power generation technology between green and clean technologies. Almost 50% of the installed wind turbines are induction generators. With the increase of induction instead of synchronous generators, electrical networks are experiencing different disturbances, which require permanent transient and small signal stability studies. This article presents an analysis of a small signal stability study in the first wind park installed in Colombia. In this analysis a software VORTEXOFT developed by the authors is used for aerodynamic purposes. A modal analysis and eigenvalues were done considering high level of wind power penetration. The results obtained indicate that the proposed method effectively identifies the stability operational point for a high level of wind power.