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ABSTRACT In ultrasonic fatigue tests, the VHCF properties can be determined in a reasonable time. Nevertheless, the high frequency can affect the fatigue behavior for some materials. This study investigated the fatigue capability of 34CrNiMo6 and 42CrMo4 steels, both of which find widespread applications in several mechanical components. These steels were carried out for conventional and ultrasonic fatigue tests under fully reversed testing conditions. A microplasticity strain amplitude was calculated, indicating an order of magnitude decreases around 10–100, when compared with the experimental results from low‐frequency tests. Cyclic strain rates were estimated for each steel and correlated with the number of cycles to failure. A conversion constant was obtained by fitting a curve to convert the high frequency results into theoretical results at low frequency. The experimental and predicted results were evaluated. The results proved the relevance of the strain rate in frequency effect. The converted results showed strong agreement with the experimental results in low‐frequency tests for the steels being studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Caterpillars are important as food for many insectivorous birds. Their availability is highly seasonal in temperate regions. Global warming is known to advance this seasonality and can change the selection pressure on the seasonal timing of avian reproduction. Time series on caterpillar abundance and timing are often based on quantifying caterpillar faeces (called frass). Accurate estimates of caterpillar abundance and timing within and between years require temperature correction, the topic of this study. To estimate caterpillar abundance, we measured the rate of caterpillar frass production under tree crowns. To calculate the frass to caterpillar biomass conversion factor we kept wild caught caterpillars of a number of abundant species in cages outside and fed them daily with fresh leaves (Quercus robur or Betula sp.) in two studies, Dwingelderveld (Dv) and Hoge Veluwe (HV), in different time periods. We monitored caterpillar body mass and frass production on a 24-h time base to calculate the conversion factor as a function of temperature, study site, tree species and caterpillar species. One study (HV) concerned a reanalysis of earlier published data. The conversion factor strongly depended on ambient temperature, almost doubling from around 8 to 15 when daily temperatures reduced from 15 to 10°C, and differed somewhat between study areas and caterpillar species. Yet in 20 of 34 published studies that estimated seasonality in caterpillar abundance on the basis of frass fall, temperature was not corrected for. We illustrate the importance of the temperature correction of frass to mass conversion factors by comparing variation in raw frass data and temperature corrected caterpillar biomass estimates during the spring for 12 nest boxes in 16 years in the Dwingelderveld. We advise temperature correction of frass fall based estimates of caterpillar abundance in woodland, preferably based on local measurements in the study area and period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quantitative imaging is a crucial step for dosimetry in radionuclide therapies. Traditionally, SPECT/CT imaging is quantified based on scanner-specific conversion factors or self-calibration, but recently absolute quantification methods have been introduced in commercial SPECT reconstruction software (Broad Quantification, Siemens Healthineers). In this phantom study we investigate the accuracy of three quantification methods for holmium-166 SPECT/CT imaging, and provide recommendations for clinical dosimetry. Methods: One cylindrical phantom, filled with a homogeneous holmium-166-chloride activity concentration solution, was imaged at one time point to determine a scanner-specific conversion factor, and to characterize the spatial dependency of the activity concentration recovery. One Jaszczak phantom with six fillable spheres, 10:1 sphere-to-background ratio, was imaged over a large range of holmium-166 activities (61-3130 MBq). The images were reconstructed with either an ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM, Flash3D-reconstruction; scanner-specific quantification or self-calibration quantification) or an ordered subset conjugate gradient (OSCG, xSPECT-reconstruction; Broad Quantification) algorithm. These three quantification methods were compared for the data of the Jaszczak phantom and evaluated based on whole phantom recovered activity, activity concentration recovery coefficients (ACRC), and recovery curves. Results: The activity recovery in the Jaszczak phantom was 28–115% for the scanner-specific, and 57–97% for the Broad Quantification quantification methods, respectively. The self-calibration-based activity recovery is inherently always 100%. The ACRC for the largest sphere (Ø60 mm, ~ 113 mL) ranged over (depending on the activity level) 0.22–0.89, 0.76–0.86, 0.39–0.72 for scanner-specific, self-calibration and Broad Quantification, respectively. Conclusion: Of the three investigated quantification methods, the self-calibration technique produces quantitative SPECT images with the highest accuracy in the investigated holmium-166 activity range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the adoption of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers, the European Commission requested EFSA to update its 'Guidance on safety evaluation of sources of nutrients and bioavailability of the nutrient from the sources' regarding the scientific principles and data requirements for the scientific assessment of all new forms of micronutrients and to derive a conversion factor for new micronutrient sources or forms of micronutrients to be authorised for addition to foods, including food supplements. This guidance outlines the scientific principles that the NDA Panel will consider for the assessment of the safety and the quantification of the relative bioavailability of new sources of micronutrients, which applicants are requested to consider when preparing their applications. It also outlines the data requirements for dossiers. Applicants should integrate the data presented in different sections to provide their overall considerations on how the information provided supports the safety of the new micronutrient source and the quantification of its relative bioavailability compared to a reference source under the proposed conditions of use. As preparatory work for the development of this guidance, EFSA launched an Expert Survey and held an online workshop on 9th March 2023 inviting scientific input from stakeholders and scientific experts, the report of which is now available online in the EFSA's webpage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Quantitative imaging is a crucial step for dosimetry in radionuclide therapies. Traditionally, SPECT/CT imaging is quantified based on scanner-specific conversion factors or self-calibration, but recently absolute quantification methods have been introduced in commercial SPECT reconstruction software (Broad Quantification, Siemens Healthineers). In this phantom study we investigate the accuracy of three quantification methods for holmium-166 SPECT/CT imaging, and provide recommendations for clinical dosimetry. Methods One cylindrical phantom, filled with a homogeneous holmium-166-chloride activity concentration solution, was imaged at one time point to determine a scanner-specific conversion factor, and to characterize the spatial dependency of the activity concentration recovery. One Jaszczak phantom with six fillable spheres, 10:1 sphere-to-background ratio, was imaged over a large range of holmium-166 activities (61-3130 MBq). The images were reconstructed with either an ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM, Flash3D-reconstruction; scanner-specific quantification or self-calibration quantification) or an ordered subset conjugate gradient (OSCG, xSPECT-reconstruction; Broad Quantification) algorithm. These three quantification methods were compared for the data of the Jaszczak phantom and evaluated based on whole phantom recovered activity, activity concentration recovery coefficients (ACRC), and recovery curves. Results The activity recovery in the Jaszczak phantom was 28–115% for the scanner-specific, and 57–97% for the Broad Quantification quantification methods, respectively. The self-calibration-based activity recovery is inherently always 100%. The ACRC for the largest sphere (Ø60 mm, ~ 113 mL) ranged over (depending on the activity level) 0.22–0.89, 0.76–0.86, 0.39–0.72 for scanner-specific, self-calibration and Broad Quantification, respectively. Conclusion Of the three investigated quantification methods, the self-calibration technique produces quantitative SPECT images with the highest accuracy in the investigated holmium-166 activity range.

This paper defines a conversion factor included in the European technical specification for the design of fibre–polymer composite structures that considers the effects of moisture on the mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites exposed to natural weathering. The first part of the paper presents a field investigation about the durability of four pultruded glass fiber–reinforced polymer (GFRP) structures in service for 11–22 years in a Mediterranean climate. Their performance was evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis and mechanical tests on small-scale coupons. The changes of thermophysical and mechanical properties showed low-to-moderate degradation. The second part of the paper presents the design-oriented methodology to define the moisture conversion factor. The results from the experimental study and those gathered from a literature data survey on the retention of mechanical properties of FRP materials after long-term exposure to natural weathering were analyzed. Based on these data and statistical considerations, a value of 0.85 was adopted for the natural weathering moisture conversion factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The results of determining the stability and variability of the main characteristic of glass capillary reference viscometers — conversion coefficient — by analyzing a set of data on viscometers having different diameters of the measuring capillary are presented. It is shown that the mean values of the sample differ from the mean values of the symmetric normal distribution curves within (2–4) %, as well as the correspondence of statistics to the normal distribution law by means of the inverse standard function and histograms showing the degree of correspondence of the sample distribution to the theoretical one.

Variable fluorescence measurements provide automatic and rapid estimates of electron-based photosynthesis. However, electron transport rates (ETR) to phytoplankton production vary greatly due to biological physiology and environmental stress along the Changjiang River to the adjacent seawater, where the turbid riverside, nutrient-rich river plume, and seawater are divided by the sediment front and plume front. We assessed the light responses of ETR, 18O-labeled gross primary production (GPP), and O2-based net community production (NCP) during the bloom season at the Changjiang River Estuary. The distribution of phytoplankton and potential photosynthesis efficiency were positively correlated, exhibiting offshore decreasing trends and peaking around the upwelling areas. The conversion factors of ΦGPP (mol e- per mol O2 production) ranged from 0.8 to 31.8, and ΦNCP ranged from 0.9 to 36.9, respectively. Φe: O increased from the nutrient-rich Changjiang diluted water (CDW) to the nutrient-poor seawater. Although ΦGPP and ΦNCP were linearly related to non-photochemical quenching (R² > 0.5) in the CDW, this relationship was decoupled in offshore seawater due to P-limitation, light stress, and shifts in the phytoplankton community. A better relationship between ΦGPP and ΦNCP was quantified usingmultiple linear analyses with the light attenuation coefficient (Kd), euphotic depth (Zeu), salinity, nutrients, and temperature (p< 0.001). This improvement in accuracy represents a major step forward for widespread and accurate fluorometry-based GPP and NCP applications at high temporal and spatial resolutions in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The derivation of the particulate-backscattering coefficient (bbp) from Lidar signals is highly influenced by the parameter χp(π), which is defined by χp(π) = bbp/(2πβp(π)). This parameter facilitates the correlation of the particulate-volume-scattering function at 180°, denoted βp(π), with bbp. However, studies exploring the global and seasonal fluctuations of χp(π) remain sparse, largely due to measurement difficulties of βp(π) in the field conditions. This study pioneers the global data collection for χp(π), integrating bbp observations from Biogeochemical Argo (BGC-Argo) floats and βp(π) data from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) spaceborne lidar. Our findings indicate that χp(π) experiences significant seasonal differences globally, peaking during summer and nadiring in winter. The global average χp(π) was calculated as 0.40, 0.48, 0.43, and 0.35 during spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The daytime values of χp(π) slightly exceeded those registered at night. To illuminate the seasonal variations in χp(π) in 26 sea regions worldwide, we deployed passive ocean color data MODIS bbp and active remote sensing data CALIOP βp(π), distinguishing three primary seasonal change patterns—the "summer peak", the "decline", and the "autumn pole"—with the "summer peak" typology being the most common. Post recalibration of the CALIOP bbp product considering seasonal χp(π) variations, we observed substantial statistical improvements. Specifically, the coefficient of determination (R2) markedly improved from 0.84 to 0.89, while the root mean square error (RMSE) declined from 4.0 × 10−4 m−1 to 3.0 × 10−4 m−1. Concurrently, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) also dropped significantly, from 31.48% to 25.27%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many legacy information systems are currently being clouded. This is due to the advantage of being able to respond flexibly to the changes in user needs and system environment while reducing the initial investment cost of IT infrastructure such as servers and storage. The infrastructure of the information system migrated to the cloud is being integrated through the API connections, while being subdivided by using MSA (Micro Service Architecture) internally. DBMS (Database Management System) is also becoming larger after cloud migration. Scale calculation in most layers of the application architecture can be measured and calculated from auto-scaling perspective, but the method of hardware scale calculation for DBMS has not been established as standardized methodology. If there is an error in hardware scale calculation of DBMS, problems such as poor performance of the information system or excessive auto-scaling may occur. In addition, evaluating hardware size is more crucial because it also affects the financial cost of the migration. CPU is the factor that has the greatest influence on hardware scale calculation of DBMS. Therefore, this paper aims to calculate the conversion factor for CPU scale calculation that will facilitate the cloud migration between heterogeneous DBMS. In order to do that, we utilize the concept and definition of hardware capacity planning and scale calculation in the on-premise information system. The methods to calculate the conversion factor using TPC-H tests are proposed and verified. In the future, further research and testing should be conducted on the size of the segmented CPU and more heterogeneous DBMS to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed test model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using extensive legacy and new datasets, two equations of whole-tree green density, defined as the ratio of the green weight of stem wood with bark (GWob) divided either by the stem outside-bark volume (Vob) or by the stem inside-bark volume (Vib), were developed along with individual tree Vob , Vib , and GWob equations for loblolly and slash pines. The green density equations indicated that the GWob / Vob ratio increases while the GWob / Vib ratio decreases with an increase in tree size for both species. The transition from low-intensity management to intensive management has a notable impact on tree green weight characteristics. Generally, trees from older established plantations exhibited a higher GWob / Vob ratio compared with trees from more recently established plantations, spanning both loblolly and slash pines. Study Implications : Derived whole-tree green density equations, alongside updated stem green weight and volume equations, are valuable tools for estimating the volume and green weight of entire stem boles, facilitating volume-to-green-weight conversion for specific sections for loblolly and slash pines, the primary commercial timber species in the southern United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background We investigated mortality in workers of the world's largest chrysotile mine and enrichment factories located in the town of Asbest, Russian Federation. Methods This historical cohort study included all workers employed for at least 1 year between 1975 and 2010 and follow-up until the end of 2015. Cumulative exposure to dust was estimated based on workers' complete occupational history linked to dust measurements systematically collected from the 1950s. Exposure to chrysotile fibers was estimated using dust-to-fiber conversion factors. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated as mortality rate ratios in Poisson regression models. Results A total of 30 445 (32% women) workers accumulated 721 312 person-years at risk and 11 110 (36%) died. Of the workers, 54% had more than 30 years since their first exposure. We found an exposure-response between cumulative dust and lung cancer mortality in men. No clear association with dust exposure but a modest increase in the highest category of fiber exposure was seen for lung cancer in women. Mesothelioma mortality was increased (RR = 7.64, 95% CI = 1.18 to 49.5, to at least 80 fibers per cm3 years and RR = 4.56, 95% CI = 0.94 to 22.1, to at least 150 mg/m3 years [dust]), based on 13 deaths. For colorectal and stomach cancer, there were inconsistent associations. No associations were seen for laryngeal or ovarian cancer. Conclusion In this large-scale epidemiological study in the world's largest active asbestos mine, we confirmed an increased risk of mesothelioma with high fiber exposure and an increasing mortality for lung cancer in men with increasing dust exposure. Less clear-cut increased lung cancer mortality was seen in the women. Continued mortality follow-up is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Following the adoption of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on food information to consumers, the European Commission requested EFSA to update its ‘Guidance on safety evaluation of sources of nutrients and bioavailability of the nutrient from the sources’ regarding the scientific principles and data requirements for the scientific assessment of all new forms of micronutrients and to derive a conversion factor for new micronutrient sources or forms of micronutrients to be authorised for addition to foods, including food supplements. This guidance outlines the scientific principles that the NDA Panel will consider for the assessment of the safety and the quantification of the relative bioavailability of new sources of micronutrients, which applicants are requested to consider when preparing their applications. It also outlines the data requirements for dossiers. Applicants should integrate the data presented in different sections to provide their overall considerations on how the information provided supports the safety of the new micronutrient source and the quantification of its relative bioavailability compared to a reference source under the proposed conditions of use. As preparatory work for the development of this guidance, EFSA launched an Expert Survey and held an online workshop on 9th March 2023 inviting scientific input from stakeholders and scientific experts, the report of which is now available online in the EFSA's webpage.

The protein content of feed and food ingredients has traditionally been estimated using a universal nitrogen-to-protein conversion factor (NPCF) of 6.25, assuming all proteins contain 16% nitrogen (N) and all N originates from protein. However, these assumptions are often inaccurate. Specific NPCFs have been proposed to determine the “true” protein (TP) content but are rarely implemented. This study explored the relationship between TP and N content in feed and food ingredients, proposing a predictive equation for TP based on N. Data for specific NPCFs (Ka and Kp) and N values from 55 ingredients (45 plant-based, 5 meat, 3 dairy, 1 egg, and 1 yeast product) were compiled. Simple linear regression evaluated four models: Models A and B (all 55 ingredients, TP based on Ka and Kp) and Models C and D (52 ingredients, excluding dairy, TP based on Ka and Kp). All models showed a significant linear relationship (P < 0.0001). Model C provided the best fit, with TP = 5.61 × N (R² = 0.999, Root MSE = 0.92). This study suggests that the TP of feed and food ingredients can be accurately predicted by multiplying N content by 5.61, offering a more precise approach to protein estimation.

By virtue of the high strength, cost-efficiency and green construction, the expanded stiffened deep-cement-mixing (ESDCM) piles with steel cores own a great prospect to be applied for soft soil treatment in coastal and riverside regions. The dual-interface feature is a crucial factor affecting the bearing capacity of the ESDCM piles. However, the confining pressure characteristics of pile cores and the interface characteristics of steel pipe-soil-cement are unclear, limiting the practical application of ESDCM piles. Hence, in this work, we investigate the mechanical characteristics of the inner interface of ESDCM piles with steel cores via confining pressure transfer test and inner interface shear tests. The results demonstrate that the soil-cement column can withstand over 90 % of the confining pressure exerted on the outer interface, suggesting that the pile core may not be affected by confining pressure. Model piles with different steel cores have different interface failure modes, which can be described using either a three-segment or two-segment constitutive equation. Changing the inner interface structure has been proven to be a highly efficient pathway for enhancing the bearing capacity and adhesion conversion factor of the ESDCM pile. Compared with the smooth steel cores, the adhesion conversion factor can be reinforced up to 114.3 % by employing ribbed steel cores. Then, a model-pile bearing capacity calculation formula was established and verified for reliability. Moreover, the formula of a single pile based on inner interface shaft resistance was further proposed in combination with the actual operating conditions. This study highlights the mechanical characteristics of the inner interface of ESDCM piles, which guides engineering design and construction.

A calibration curve is required for reliable and accurate quantitative real-time PCR analysis of genetically modified (GM) organisms, necessitating the use of reference materials as calibrators. In this study, two types of DNA calibrators—plasmid DNA (pDNA) and genomic DNA (gDNA)—were used to quantify four GM soybean events (SYHT0H2, MON87751, DAS-44406-6, and DAS-81419-2). The PCR efficiency and linearity for the calibrators adhered to the CODEX guidelines. The conversion factor (Cf) was calculated as the ratio of copies of GM events to those of endogenous genes using the pDNA calibration curve. To assess the accuracy and repeatability of these assays, quantification at GM levels of 3% and 1% was performed. Based on our results, we believe that the pDNA calibrator assessed in this study can be used as a reference material for GMO quantitative analysis and can replace gDNA, especially considering the ease of management and advantages of mass production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laser-assisted simulation technique has played a crucial role in the investigation of dose rate effects of silicon-based devices and integrated circuits, due to its exceptional advantages in terms of flexibility, safety, convenience, and precision. In recent years, wide band gap materials, known for their strong bonding and high ionization energy, have gained increasing attention from researchers and hold significant promise for extensive applications in specialized environments. Consequently, there is a growing need for comprehensive research on the dose rate effects of wide band gap materials. In response to this need, the use of laser-assisted simulation technology has emerged as a promising approach, offering an effective means to assess the efficacy of investigating these materials and devices. This paper focused on investigating the feasibility of laser-assisted simulation to study the dose rate effects of wide band gap semiconductor devices. Theoretical conversion factors for laser-assisted simulation of dose rate effects of GaN-based and SiC-based devices were been provided. Moreover, to validate the accuracy of the conversion factors, pulsed laser and dose rate experiments were conducted on GaN-based and SiC-based PIN diodes. The results demonstrate that pulsed laser radiation and γ-ray radiation can produce highly similar photocurrent responses in GaN-based and SiC-based PIN diodes, with correlation coefficients of 0.98 and 0.974, respectively. This finding reaffirms the effectiveness of laser-assisted simulation technology, making it a valuable complement in studying the dose rate effects of wide band gap semiconductor devices.

EFSA was asked by the European Commission to provide scientific assistance with respect to the EFSA adopted scientific opinion on 'Safety of calcidiol monohydrate produced by chemical synthesis as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283', including its bioavailability as a metabolite of vitamin D3 when added for nutritional purposes to food supplements. On 5 July 2023, EFSA adopted the 'Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin D, including the derivation of a conversion factor for calcidiol monohydrate'. This opinion concerns an updated exposure assessment for vitamin D and proposes a conversion factor for calcidiol monohydrate into vitamin D3 of 2.5 for labelling purposes. In addition, in reference to the EFSA opinion on the safety of calcidiol monohydrate, the Commission had received a letter from the pharmaceutical company EirGen Pharma Ltd requesting a revision of this opinion based on new data concerning calcidiol. Based on the information and data considered in this scientific technical report, EFSA concludes that the novel food calcidiol monohydrate proposed for use in food supplements is a bioavailable source of the biologically active metabolite of vitamin D, i.e. 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D, that a conversion factor of 2.5 reflects the relative bioavailability of calcidiol vs vitamin D3 under the proposed conditions of use and use levels, and that it is safe under the proposed conditions of use and use levels, i.e. up to 10 μg/day for children ≥ 11 years old and adults, including pregnant and lactating women, and up to 5 μg/day for children 3–10 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the process of solving the tasks of extracting low-potential environmental heat from open bodies of water when using heat pump systems with collectors immersed in the body of water, there is a need to obtain information about the depth of temperature changes in the body of water, which determines the layer of water that actively interacts with the Earth's atmosphere. In the cold season, the temperature in it drops, and in the warm season it rises. It is known that the efficiency of the heat pump system depends on both the temperature difference at the outlet of the heat pump condenser and the inlet to its evaporator, and the stability of the temperature of the heat energy source. The temperature at the inlet to the heat pump evaporator is determined by the temperature of the medium at the place of installation of the thermal energy collector. And taking into account the fact that the collector of the hydrothermal system usually sinks to the bottom of the reservoir, the task of determining not so much the change in water temperature in the reservoir itself as the temperature at the watersoil boundary, at the bottom of the reservoir, that is, the study of thermo physical processes occurring in water under the influence of both exogenous and and endogenous factors. The main feature of the hydrothermal thermal energy production system is the combination of technical and natural elements of such systems. At the same time, the natural source of thermal energy is located in an environment that is not easily accessible for observation. The paper provides a description of the developed experimental hydrothermal heat pump system and the research methodology. Field studies were conducted to analyze the influence of bottom heat flows on the daily regime of a small open water body. Changes in the temperature of water and the bottom of open water bodies in the city where the experimental system is located are practically determined. It is shown that as a result of taking into account the heat exchange with the bottom, the temperature at the depth of the reservoir increases and decreases near the surface. This leads to an increase in the turbulent flow from the atmosphere and a decrease in heat output due to long-wave radiation, as a result of which the average temperature of the reservoir increases. The mathematical apparatus for analytical calculation of the depth of temperature wave propagation in water during the construction of hydrothermal heat pump systems is described. The basic mathematical apparatus for describing such processes includes differential equations that take into account the dependence of temperature on time and spatial coordinates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen fixation can be a substantial flux of new biologically available nitrogen (N) into some aquatic ecosystems. The most commonly used method for measuring N2-fixation is the acetylene reduction method, which measures nitrogenase activity. This method requires the assumption of a theoretical ratio of ethylene produced to N2-fixed unless the estimates are calibrated using 15N2 as a tracer. We measured N2-fixation using both the acetylene reduction method and 15N2 uptake methods to examine the ratio of ethylene produced to N2-fixed (C2H4:N2), estimate controls on variation in this ratio, and quantify the immediate release of N2-fixed as dissolved N. We estimated N2-fixation for benthic biofilms and separated Nostoc in four streams in Wyoming, Little Laramie River, Ditch Creek, Spread Creek, and Polecat Creek. Estimates of the C2H4:N2 ratio for any one stream and date ranged from 1.6 to 7.1 with a group-level mean of 3.8. Immediate release of N2-fixed as dissolved organic and inorganic N was < 1% of N2-fixation. Ethylene production increased 1.8 times faster than N2-fixation as temperature increased showing strong control of temperature in the C2H4:N2 ratio. Temperature contributed substantially to the variability in ratios of ethylene produced to N2-fixed. Slight differences in the C2H4:N2 ratio can considerably alter N2-fixation estimates particularly in N2-fixation dominated stream biofilms, thus when calibrating using a range of temperatures may be essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The derivation of the particulate-backscattering coefficient (bbp) from Lidar signals is highly influenced by the parameter χp(π), which is defined by χp(π) = bbp/(2πβp(π)). This parameter facilitates the correlation of the particulate-volume-scattering function at 180°, denoted βp(π), with bbp. However, studies exploring the global and seasonal fluctuations of χp(π) remain sparse, largely due to measurement difficulties of βp(π) in the field conditions. This study pioneers the global data collection for χp(π), integrating bbp observations from Biogeochemical Argo (BGC-Argo) floats and βp(π) data from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) spaceborne lidar. Our findings indicate that χp(π) experiences significant seasonal differences globally, peaking during summer and nadiring in winter. The global average χp(π) was calculated as 0.40, 0.48, 0.43, and 0.35 during spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. The daytime values of χp(π) slightly exceeded those registered at night. To illuminate the seasonal variations in χp(π) in 26 sea regions worldwide, we deployed passive ocean color data MODIS bbp and active remote sensing data CALIOP βp(π), distinguishing three primary seasonal change patterns—the “summer peak”, the “decline”, and the “autumn pole”—with the “summer peak” typology being the most common. Post recalibration of the CALIOP bbp product considering seasonal χp(π) variations, we observed substantial statistical improvements. Specifically, the coefficient of determination (R2) markedly improved from 0.84 to 0.89, while the root mean square error (RMSE) declined from 4.0 × 10−4 m−1 to 3.0 × 10−4 m−1. Concurrently, the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) also dropped significantly, from 31.48% to 25.27%.

Based on the analysis of thermohydraulic processes and the structural and functional structure of the proposed system of heat and cold supply of buildings, a multifactorial dependence of the actual conversion coefficient was established to assess the efficiency of transformation of the heat taken from the soil massif and ventilation air. It allows modeling the individual influence of the initial parameters and operational modes of the system in the search for rational conditions for the highly efficient use of energy flows for heat and cooling supply of buildings during the corresponding periods of the year. The results of a qualitative assessment of the multifactorial interrelation of the actual conversion coefficient substantiated the possibility of energy efficient operation of the analyzed system, which is provided under the design conditions of the heating period when the ratio of circulating flow rate through the evaporator and condenser of heat pump is higher than 1.8, which is rational for sports, recreation, shopping and entertainment complexes. The improved structural and functional arrangement of the system based on a binary low-temperature source increases the efficiency of vapor compression transformation of energy flows, indirectly confirming the advisability of maximizing the use of the energy potential of ventilation air during the year with a corresponding accumulation of excess heat in the soil mass, and, consequently, the possibility of reducing the depth of expensive wells or the number of probe heat exchangers.

Abstract EFSA was asked by the European Commission to provide scientific assistance with respect to the EFSA adopted scientific opinion on ‘Safety of calcidiol monohydrate produced by chemical synthesis as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283’, including its bioavailability as a metabolite of vitamin D3 when added for nutritional purposes to food supplements. On 5 July 2023, EFSA adopted the ‘Scientific opinion on the tolerable upper intake level for vitamin D, including the derivation of a conversion factor for calcidiol monohydrate’. This opinion concerns an updated exposure assessment for vitamin D and proposes a conversion factor for calcidiol monohydrate into vitamin D3 of 2.5 for labelling purposes. In addition, in reference to the EFSA opinion on the safety of calcidiol monohydrate, the Commission had received a letter from the pharmaceutical company EirGen Pharma Ltd requesting a revision of this opinion based on new data concerning calcidiol. Based on the information and data considered in this scientific technical report, EFSA concludes that the novel food calcidiol monohydrate proposed for use in food supplements is a bioavailable source of the biologically active metabolite of vitamin D, i.e. 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D, that a conversion factor of 2.5 reflects the relative bioavailability of calcidiol vs vitamin D3 under the proposed conditions of use and use levels, and that it is safe under the proposed conditions of use and use levels, i.e. up to 10 μg/day for children ≥ 11 years old and adults, including pregnant and lactating women, and up to 5 μg/day for children 3–10 years of age.

Maintainability is an important universal quality characteristic that reflects the convenience, speed and economy of weapon and equipment maintenance. Making full use of multi-source data to accurately verify the degree to which the developed equipment meets the maintainability requirements is an important basis for equipment identification and acceptance. To solve the low reliability of equipment maintainability verification results caused by inaccurate comprehensive prior distribution obtained by fusing multi-source and different populations' prior data, a method of data conversion and fusion is proposed. A data conversion model based on the mean value ratio of failure mode maintenance data is constructed. The conversion factor is defined according to objective data to convert the different populations' prior data to the same populations. Next, a comparison of the prior distribution fitting performance of Bayes bootstrap, bootstrap, and two improved sample-resampling methods to are used obtain the closest fitting distribution to the true distribution. By constructing a multi-source data fusion model based on improved KL divergence, a symmetrical KL divergence is constructed to describe the similarity between each prior distribution and the field distribution for the weighted fusion of multi-source prior distribution in addition to determining and testing the normal comprehensive prior distribution. The results show that the conversion and fusion method effectively converts the multi-source and different populations’ maintainability prior data and obtains an accurate, comprehensive prior distribution by fusion, laying the foundation for applying the Bayes test method to verify the quantitative index of equipment maintainability.

In natural waters, total dissolved solids (TDS) are usually estimated from electrical conductivity (EC) by applying a conversion factor (f). However, defining this conversion factor for mining influenced water is more complex since this type of water is highly mineralized and has complex chemical matrices. So, the present work aimed to establish a new conversion factor to estimate TDS from the classic parameters usually analyzed for the hydrochemical characterization of these contaminated waters. A total of 121 mining influenced water samples were collected in three mining areas representing pollution scenarios, such as acidic streams, acidic lagoons, and pit lakes. The parameters analyzed were pH, EC, sulfate, acidity, and TDS. The statistical analysis showed that TDS and acidity are related, with a high and significant correlation (r ≥ 0.964, ρ < 0.001), suggesting that this parameter could be an appropriate indicator to estimate the TDS. Moreover, although acidity analysis also involves laboratory work, the time and effort required are considerably less than the gravimetric determination of TDS. Hierarchical cluster analysis applied to these samples allowed the definition of seven classes, and their specific fmedian was calculated employing TDS/Acidity. Then, seven conversion factors were obtained for mining influenced water based on sulfate concentration and acidity degree. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following two requests from the European Commission (EC), the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the revision of the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin D and to propose a conversion factor (CF) for calcidiol monohydrate into vitamin D3 for labelling purposes. Vitamin D refers to ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), and calcidiol monohydrate. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted to assess the relative bioavailability of calcidiol monohydrate versus vitamin D3 on serum 25(OH)D concentrations, and for priority adverse health effects of excess vitamin D intake, namely persistent hypercalcaemia/hypercalciuria and endpoints related to musculoskeletal health (i.e. falls, bone fractures, bone mass/density and indices thereof). Based on the available evidence, the Panel proposes a CF for calcidiol monohydrates of 2.5 for labelling purposes. Persistent hypercalciuria, which may be an earlier sign of excess vitamin D than persistent hypercalcaemia, is selected as the critical endpoint on which to base the UL for vitamin D. A lowest‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level (LOAEL) of 250 μg/day is identified from two randomised controlled trials in humans, to which an uncertainty factor of 2.5 is applied to account for the absence of a no‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level (NOAEL). A UL of 100 μg vitamin D equivalents (VDE)/day is established for adults (including pregnant and lactating women) and for adolescents aged 11–17 years, as there is no reason to believe that adolescents in the phase of rapid bone formation and growth have a lower tolerance for vitamin D compared to adults. For children aged 1–10 years, a UL of 50 μg VDE/day is established by considering their smaller body size. Based on available intake data, European populations are unlikely to exceed the UL, except for regular users of food supplements containing high doses of vitamin D. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: There is a need for conversion of SARS‐CoV‐2 serology data from different laboratories to a harmonized international unit. We aimed to compare the performance of multiple SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody serology assays among 25 laboratories across 12 European countries. Materials and Methods: To investigate this we have distributed to all participating laboratories a panel of 15 SARS‐CoV‐2 plasma samples and a single batch of pooled plasma calibrated to the WHO IS 20/136 standard. Results: All assays showed excellent discrimination between SARS‐CoV‐2 seronegative plasma samples and pre‐vaccinated seropositive plasma samples but differed substantially in raw antibody titres. Titres could be harmonized to binding antibody units per millilitre by calibration in relation to a reference reagent. Conclusion: The standardization of antibody quantification is of paramount importance to allow interpretation and comparison of serology data reported in clinical trials in order to identify donor cohorts from whom the most effective convalescent plasma can be collected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Food enzymes are used for technical purposes in the production of food ingredients or foods‐as‐consumed. In the European Union, the safety of a food enzyme is evaluated by EFSA on the basis of a technical dossier provided by an applicant. Dietary exposure is an integral part of the risk assessment of food enzymes. To develop exposure models specific to each food manufacturing process in which food enzymes are used, different input data are required which are then used in tandem with technical conversion factors. This allows the use levels of food enzyme to be related to food consumption data collected in dietary surveys. For each food manufacturing process, EFSA identified a list of food groups (FoodEx1 classification system) and collated technical conversion factors. To ensure a correct and uniform application of these input data in the assessment of food enzyme dossiers, stakeholders were consulted via open calls‐for‐data. In addition to publishing and updating the identified input parameters on an annual basis, single‐process‐specific calculators of the Food Enzyme Intake Models (FEIMs) have been developed. These calculators have been deposited at https://zenodo.org/ since 2018 for open access. By 2023, EFSA had compiled the input data for a total of 40 food manufacturing processes in which food enzymes are employed. In this document, the food manufacturing processes are structured, food groups classified initially in the FoodEx1 system are translated into the FoodEx2 system, and technical factors are adjusted to reflect the more detailed and standardised FoodEx2 nomenclature. The development of an integrated FEIM‐web tool using this collection of input data is carried out for a possible release in 2024. This tool will be able to estimate the exposure to the food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) when employed in multiple food manufacturing processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The combined use of low-potential soil heat and air flows in heat pump heat supply systems allows for its regulated redistribution in the processes of customers’ consumption. Herewith, the intensity of energy extraction by the soil heat exchanger decreases, excess heat is accumulated with a decrease in the depth of wells, and the costs of installing and operating probe heat exchangers are also reduced. An improved version of the conceptual arrangement of a vapor compression system for heat and cool supply of buildings based on the integrated heat of soil and ventilation air has been developed. Its distinguished features are the possibility of automatic redistribution of generated heat flows in the subsystems of customers’ heat consumption and accumulation of excess part in the soil mass. When the system is operating in the warm season with the extraction of heat only for hot water supply, there is a more intensive accumulation of excess heat of the ventilation air in the soil mass, which restores its temperature in the accumulation mode for further use with the coming of the heating period. Multifactor analytical dependences of the heat flows of the main equipment have been established, taking into account the initial parameters and operating conditions of the structural subsystems for the extraction, transformation and consumption of heat, which are the basis for determining the energy potential of vapor compression heat and cold supply using a binary low-temperature source.

The effectiveness of methane mitigation in ruminant livestock production systems depends on the accuracy of estimating methane emission factors and providing accurate emission inventories. Following the Paris Climate agreement, it is recommended that countries adopt the Tier-2 approach for estimating enteric methane emissions from ruminants instead of the Tier-1 approach currently used by most countries. This study sought to provide base line enteric methane emission estimates for the Tuli and Mashona Sanga cattle breeds in Zimbabwe using the IPCC Tier-2 model. Using animal characterization data collected from 412 cattle from Grasslands Research Institute and 406 cattle from Makoholi Research Institute, net energy requirements were estimated. From this and the estimate for digestibility, gross energy intake and dry matter intake were estimated. Gross energy intakes and the estimated methane conversion factor were used to estimate enteric methane emissions. Mean emission factors for Tuli were 45.1, 56, 28.5, 28.4 and 20.6 kg CH4/head/year for cows, bulls, heifers, steers and calves, respectively. For Mashona, they were 47.8, 51.9, 29, 29.1 and 20.7 kgCH4/head/year for cows, bulls, heifers, steers and calves, respectively. Generally, estimated Tier-2 emission factors were significantly different from the IPCC Tier-1 default emission factors. This study concluded that enteric methane emission factors estimated using the IPCC Tier-2 model offer insights into the controversial use of the default IPCC Tier-1 emission factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Following two requests from the European Commission (EC), the EFSA Panel on Nutrition, Novel Foods and Food Allergens (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the revision of the tolerable upper intake level (UL) for vitamin D and to propose a conversion factor (CF) for calcidiol monohydrate into vitamin D3 for labelling purposes. Vitamin D refers to ergocalciferol (vitamin D2), cholecalciferol (vitamin D3), and calcidiol monohydrate. Systematic reviews of the literature were conducted to assess the relative bioavailability of calcidiol monohydrate versus vitamin D3 on serum 25(OH)D concentrations, and for priority adverse health effects of excess vitamin D intake, namely persistent hypercalcaemia/hypercalciuria and endpoints related to musculoskeletal health (i.e. falls, bone fractures, bone mass/density and indices thereof). Based on the available evidence, the Panel proposes a CF for calcidiol monohydrates of 2.5 for labelling purposes. Persistent hypercalciuria, which may be an earlier sign of excess vitamin D than persistent hypercalcaemia, is selected as the critical endpoint on which to base the UL for vitamin D. A lowest‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level (LOAEL) of 250 μg/day is identified from two randomised controlled trials in humans, to which an uncertainty factor of 2.5 is applied to account for the absence of a no‐observed‐adverse‐effect‐level (NOAEL). A UL of 100 μg vitamin D equivalents (VDE)/day is established for adults (including pregnant and lactating women) and for adolescents aged 11–17 years, as there is no reason to believe that adolescents in the phase of rapid bone formation and growth have a lower tolerance for vitamin D compared to adults. For children aged 1–10 years, a UL of 50 μg VDE/day is established by considering their smaller body size. Based on available intake data, European populations are unlikely to exceed the UL, except for regular users of food supplements containing high doses of vitamin D.

Abstract Food enzymes are used for technical purposes in the production of food ingredients or foods‐as‐consumed. In the European Union, the safety of a food enzyme is evaluated by EFSA on the basis of a technical dossier provided by an applicant. Dietary exposure is an integral part of the risk assessment of food enzymes. To develop exposure models specific to each food manufacturing process in which food enzymes are used, different input data are required which are then used in tandem with technical conversion factors. This allows the use levels of food enzyme to be related to food consumption data collected in dietary surveys. For each food manufacturing process, EFSA identified a list of food groups (FoodEx1 classification system) and collated technical conversion factors. To ensure a correct and uniform application of these input data in the assessment of food enzyme dossiers, stakeholders were consulted via open calls‐for‐data. In addition to publishing and updating the identified input parameters on an annual basis, single‐process‐specific calculators of the Food Enzyme Intake Models (FEIMs) have been developed. These calculators have been deposited at https://zenodo.org/ since 2018 for open access. By 2023, EFSA had compiled the input data for a total of 40 food manufacturing processes in which food enzymes are employed. In this document, the food manufacturing processes are structured, food groups classified initially in the FoodEx1 system are translated into the FoodEx2 system, and technical factors are adjusted to reflect the more detailed and standardised FoodEx2 nomenclature. The development of an integrated FEIM‐web tool using this collection of input data is released in 2024. This webtool is able to estimate the exposure to the food enzyme–total organic solids (TOS) when employed in single or multiple food manufacturing processes.

Total biomass and areal biomass density are often necessary to establish ecological relationships and enable informed management decisions, in particular setting fisheries catch limits. Further refining these estimates to sub-population biomass based on length informs ecological models of predator-prey dynamics, ecosystem energy transfer and biogeochemical cycles; however, measures of uncertainty in these per-length biomass estimates are needed. We present a statistical method to calculate the per-length biomass of Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) from conversion factors using acoustic and net sample data. Variability in krill length-frequency, and wetmass introduced by net sampling is also explored through non-parametric bootstrapping. We applied this method on a 1 mm length window to active acoustic and net sample data collected during an Antarctic krill biomass survey in CCAMLR Division 58.4.2 (62 – 67°S; 55 – 80°E, with a survey area of 775,732 km2) performed between February – March 2021. We found that 77% of the total estimated biomass was attributable to krill of length 14 – 49 mm. The largest biomass of krill in a single length bin was estimated as 340,000 t (95% CI: 148,000 - 408,000 t) and was found in the 49 mm length bin (i.e., 48.5 to 49.5 mm). This method will allow future surveys (with sufficient data) to estimate biomass of krill on a per-length basis along with associated uncertainty (confidence intervals) derived from net sampling and so may be used to provision size-based ecosystem models with krill biomass.

The European Union (EU) has committed to supporting the United Nations' efforts in line with the Paris Agreement for addressing climate change and has set ambitious targets to reduce primary energy consumption and emissions. Similar commitments have also been set by EU-27 member states. For this purpose, it is necessary to use a primary energy factor (PEF) for converting electricity use to primary energy units and for assessing energy conservation measures. Lower PEFs reflect efficiency improvements in power generation, an increased share of renewable energy sources in the fuel mix for electricity generation, and lower transmission and distribution losses. Over the past decades, there have been intensive efforts and notable progress in the EU-27 for increasing the use of renewables in the energy mix for electricity generation. However, the EU default PEF value for electricity was not regularly updated and remained at 2.5 for several years till it was finally recalculated at 2.1 in the 2018 recast of the Energy Efficiency Directive. This paper reviews different calculation options for estimating the PEF for electricity from official annual statistics, presents the historical evolution of the calculated conversion factors, and provides simple linear correlations for projecting the PEF values that can be used to facilitate more-realistic forward-looking calculations and assess national energy efficiency, climate change, or decarbonization plans in EU-27 member states. A more detailed analysis and case studies on the impacts of this work are illustrated for Greece and Poland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An urgent task in the design of complex local energy supply systems (cluster) using renewable energy sources (RES) is to take into account the experience of operating specific types of equipment in real conditions. The paper considers the possibility of effective use as an element of the energy cluster of the buffer storage system of the heat pump system as a thermal energy accumulator to provide multi-purpose objects with thermal energy. The buffer storage is a part of the low-capacity system for obtaining heat energy, which is part of the general system (unit), which consists of a buffer storage of the heat carrier, a heat pump and fan coils. The structural diagram of the energy cluster and the place of the low-capacity thermal energy production system in it are given. The working layout of the experimental hydrothermal heat pump system developed and constructed at the Institute of Renewable Energy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, which includes a buffer storage device, is presented. The research methodology is described. The characteristics of the measuring equipment installed on the experimental setup, which was used to obtain data in the process of conducting research, are given. The results of research work, obtained in the course of theoretical calculations and conducted experimental studies of the effectiveness of the buffer storage of the hydrothermal heat pump system as a thermal energy accumulator, are outlined. The calculation of the conversion factor of the "water-to-water" heat pump in the heating system of a room with an area of up to 100 m2 with the use of fan coils and buffer storage of thermal energy of different capacities is given. The calculation of the required volume of the heat carrier and the capacity of the buffer storage, per one kilowatt of produced thermal energy, was performed to ensure the autonomous operation of the heat pump system, where it performs the function of a battery and a collector of thermal energy at the same time. A sufficient volume of coolant and battery capacity per kilowatt of thermal energy produced by the heat pump to ensure stable operation of the hydrothermal heat pump system as a whole was determined. It has been experimentally confirmed and theoretically substantiated that the buffer storage of the heat pump system is a necessary element of the system, it performs both the function of a shock absorber and significantly increases the efficiency of the heat pump system as a whole. Including the buffer storage device, depending on the thermal load, it can work independently as an autonomous source of low-potential thermal energy. Conclusions were made that further research on the possibility of use as a source to maintain the necessary energy potential in the buffer storage of the heat pump system, the solar system for heating water, has a perspective. But it is relevant to carry out research on the comparison of the efficiency of the complex operation of the solar system for heating water and the heat pump, where the heat exchange takes place: first, in the circuit of the evaporator of the heat pump; secondly, in the circuit of the condenser of the heat pump. The work was carried out as part of the scientific research work: "Development of energy clusters to provide multi-purpose objects with electric and thermal energy using renewable and hydrogen energy technologies (code: "Energy-guarantor")" [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, the Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organization (CPHEEO), India, emphasized extreme rainfall analysis based on the probabilistic approach. The extreme rainfall analysis was performed using hourly rainfall data for Ahmedabad city, India. The analysis was carried out to obtain (a) clock hour correction factor (CHCF) for annual maximum rainfall series (AMS) and partial duration maximum rainfall series (PDS); (b) empirical factors for converting PDS to AMS for different return period extreme rainfall; and (c) conversion factors for various return period 24-h maximum rainfall. The AMS and PDS were fitted with generalized extreme value and generalized Pareto distribution, respectively, for fixed window (FW) and sliding window (SW). The CHCF for daily maximum rainfall for AMS and PDS were 1.134 and 1.139, respectively, against 1.15 suggested by IS 5542: 2003. The empirical factor for converting PDS to AMS for a 2-year return period of 24-h extreme rainfall (FW) was found to be 0.86. The conversion factor for 24-hextreme rainfall PDS (FW) from a 50-year return period to a 5-year return period was found to be 0.54. The empirical and conversion factors derived in the present study for Ahmedabad city are site-specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some expensive and challenging laboratory or field tests must be done to obtain the engineering properties of rocks. For avoiding time and cost consumption, some researchers have used simple tests to estimate some engineering properties. The friction-transfer test is partially destructive and can estimate the rock uniaxial compressive strength (UCS) using experimental equations or a previously prepared calibration graph. In this study, some engineering properties of seven types of limy rocks from Qom formation, collected from Hamadan province, were estimated using friction-transfer test results. Regression analysis between friction-transfer and physical properties tests show that the best relationship is between porosity (n%) and friction-transfer value (T) and torsion angle (θ) (R2 = 0.74). Friction-transfer engineering property regression analysis shows that the best relation is obtained between Brazilian tensile strength (BTS) and T, θ, because of the higher R2 (0.80). Relatively high coefficients of the determination indicate that the friction transfer can successfully predict the UCS of rocks. A conversion factor equal to 0.48 was obtained for estimating UCS by T values for this study data. Highlights: •The friction-transfer test is partially destructive, which can be used to estimate the rock uniaxial compressive strength indirectly. •Regression analysis shows that the best relation obtained between Brazilian Tensile Strength and Friction-transfer, torsion angle, because of the higher R2 (0.80). •Relatively high coefficients of the determination indicate that the friction-transfer can successfully predict the UCS of rocks. •The conversion factor equal to 0.48 was obtained for estimating uniaxial compressive strength by friction-transfer values for this study data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical composition of zirconium alloy ingots of the Zr-Nb~Ti system was studied. The ingot of the experimen- tal zirconium alloy was smelted by the method of complex melting. Ingots with a diameter of 120 mm were obtained by a single vacuum-are remelting in a copper crystallizer of consumable electrodes with a diameter of 50 mm, previously obtained by vacuum-are remelting with a non-consumable electrode in a vacuum arc furnace. This method allows obtaining chemically homogeneous ingots. The content of the main alloying elements was assessed using a scanning microscope, and of oxygen — using a gas analyzer. The transition coefficients of the charge elements at vacuum-arc remelting with a consumable electrode are determined. It is established that the content of the main alloying elements in the ingots of vacuum-are remelting corresponds to their estimated composition. The chemical composition of Zr-Nb~ Tialloy ingots was studied, and it was shown that the material is characterized by a fairly high homogeneity through- out the ingot structure without signs of zonal segregation. The results of the microanalysis established the absence of heterogeneity in the study area. Examination of the ingot metal by ultrasonic flaw detection of the alloy showed the absence of internal structural defects. Thus, a complex technology that includes vacuum-arc remelting with a non-con- sumable electrode in a vacuum arc sealing furnace and vacuum-arc remelting in a crystallizer with a consumable copper electrode is an effective way to obtain zirconium alloy ingots of the Zr-Nb-Ti system. This technology eliminates the shortcomings of other existing technologies and provides high-quality ingots of zirconium alloy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors have developed an improved version of the vapor compression system for heating and cooling civil buildings on the basis of the soil and ventilation air integrated energy. It is characterized by increased energy efficiency and the possibility of redistribution with automatic regulation of generated heat in subsystems. The results of the analytical study of the system established a multifactorial dependence of the actual conversion factor and led to greater efficiency in the transformation of the extracted heat from the soil and ventilation air. It simulates the multifactorial effect of the initial parameters and operating conditions on the possibility of highly efficient use of integrated energy in cold, warm and transitional periods of the year. The integrated use of soil energy and air flows in heat pump heating systems is distinguished by the possibility of its controlled redistribution with a decrease in the intensity of heat extraction via a ground heat exchanger, as well as the possibility of reducing the depth of the wells and the corresponding costs for the arrangement and operation of probe heat exchangers.

The patent system of taxation in the Russian Federation and the conditions for its application have changed several times since 2006. In connection with the abolition of the single imputed income tax from 2021, the relevance of the application of the patent tax system increases. The article analyses the development of the patent tax system, its role in budget revenues, identifies positive and negative aspects, and problematic issues of its application in connection with the changes made since 2021. The authors carried out a comparative study of statistical data on taxation for the city of Moscow and the Chuvash Republic. The paper performed the theoretical calculation of the potential annual income for certain types of economic activity in the conditions of the updated patent taxation system for the city of Moscow and certain regions: the Republic of Tatarstan, the Chuvash Republic and the Republic of Mari El. According to the results of the study, it is concluded that it is advisable to regulate the cost of patents for the subjects of the Russian Federation.