Les Cicatrices Retractiles Post-Brulures Du Membre Inferieur Chez L’Enfant

PubMed Central

Sankale, A.A.; Manyacka Ma Nyemb, P.; Coulibaly, N.F.; Ndiaye, A.; Ndoye, M.

2010-01-01

Summary Il s'agit d'une étude faisant ressortir les aspects épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques des séquelles de brûlures du membre inférieur chez l'enfant, à propos de 42 cas colligés au service de chirurgie infantile de l'Hôpital Aristide Le Dantec (Sénégal). L'âge moyen retrouvé est de 5 ans et 3 mois, et le sex-ratio garçons/filles de 1,8/1. La brûlure thermique est causée par une flamme dans 33% des cas, par un liquide chaud dans 21% des cas, et par des braises dans 21% des cas. Les cicatrices rétractiles intéressent le genou et le creux poplité dans 47% des cas et le pied dans 45% des cas. Elles sont bilatérales dans 21% des cas, et concernent une autre localisation associée dans 21% des cas. Quant aux brides, 21% ont bénéficié d'une chirurgie, avec un délai moyen de 3 ans et 2 mois après la brûlure. Cette procédure chirurgicale consiste en une plastie en Z dans 91% des cas, à laquelle est associée une greffe de peau dans 54% des cas. Une rééducation fonctionnelle est pratiquée chez 54% des opérés. Parallèlement aux données de la littérature, nos résultats montrent que l'optimisation de la prise en charge passe par une meilleure prévention des accidents domestiques et une bonne codification thérapeutique. PMID:21991202

Visual grading characteristics and ordinal regression analysis during optimisation of CT head examinations.

PubMed

Zarb, Francis; McEntee, Mark F; Rainford, Louise

2015-06-01

To evaluate visual grading characteristics (VGC) and ordinal regression analysis during head CT optimisation as a potential alternative to visual grading assessment (VGA), traditionally employed to score anatomical visualisation. Patient images (n = 66) were obtained using current and optimised imaging protocols from two CT suites: a 16-slice scanner at the national Maltese centre for trauma and a 64-slice scanner in a private centre. Local resident radiologists (n = 6) performed VGA followed by VGC and ordinal regression analysis. VGC alone indicated that optimised protocols had similar image quality as current protocols. Ordinal logistic regression analysis provided an in-depth evaluation, criterion by criterion allowing the selective implementation of the protocols. The local radiology review panel supported the implementation of optimised protocols for brain CT examinations (including trauma) in one centre, achieving radiation dose reductions ranging from 24 % to 36 %. In the second centre a 29 % reduction in radiation dose was achieved for follow-up cases. The combined use of VGC and ordinal logistic regression analysis led to clinical decisions being taken on the implementation of the optimised protocols. This improved method of image quality analysis provided the evidence to support imaging protocol optimisation, resulting in significant radiation dose savings. • There is need for scientifically based image quality evaluation during CT optimisation. • VGC and ordinal regression analysis in combination led to better informed clinical decisions. • VGC and ordinal regression analysis led to dose reductions without compromising diagnostic efficacy.

Evaluation experimentale et theorique du comportement a la flexion de nouveaux poteaux en materiaux composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Metiche, Slimane

La demande croissante en poteaux pour les differents reseaux d'electricite et de telecommunications a rendu necessaire l'utilisation de materiaux innovants, qui preservent l'environnement. La majorite des poteaux electriques existants au Canada ainsi qu'a travers le monde, sont fabriques a partir de materiaux traditionnels tel que le bois, le beton ou l'acier. Les motivations des industriels et des chercheurs a penser a d'autres solutions sont diverses, citons entre autre: La limitation en longueur des poteaux en bois ainsi que la vulnerabilite des poteaux fabriques en beton ou en acier aux agressions climatiques. Les nouveaux poteaux en materiaux composites se presentent comme de bons candidats a cet effet, cependant; leur comportement structural n'est pas connu et des etudes theoriques et experimentales approfondies sont necessaires avant leur mise en marche a grande echelle. Un programme de recherche intensif comportant plusieurs projets experimentaux, analytiques et numeriques est en cours a l'Universite de Sherbrooke afin d'evaluer le comportement a court et a long termes de ces nouveaux poteaux en Polymeres Renforces de Fibres (PRF). C'est dans ce contexte que s'inscrit la presente these, et notre recherche vise a evaluer le comportement a la flexion de nouveaux poteaux tubulaires coniques fabriques en materiaux composites par enroulement filamentaire et ce, a travers une etude theorique, ainsi qu'a travers une serie d'essais de flexion en "grandeur reelle" afin de comprendre le comportement structural de ces poteaux, d'optimiser la conception et de proposer une procedure de dimensionnement pour les utilisateurs. Les poteaux en Polymeres Renforces de Fibres (PRF) etudies dans cette these sont fabriques avec une resine epoxyde renforcee de fibres de verre type E. Chaque type poteaux est constitue principalement de trois zones ou les proprietes geometriques (epaisseur, diametre) et les proprietes mecaniques sont differentes d'une zone a l'autre. La difference entre ces proprietes est due au nombre de couches utilisees dans chaque zone ainsi qu'a l'orientation des fibres de chaque couche. Un total de vingt-trois prototypes de dimensions differentes; ont ete testes en flexion jusqu'a la rupture. Deux types de fibres de verre de masses lineaires differentes, ont ete utilisees afin d'evaluer l'effet du type de fibres sur le comportement a la flexion. Un nouveau montage experimental permettant de tester tous les types de poteaux en PRF a ete dimensionne et fabrique selon les recommandations decrites dans les normes ASTM D 4923-01 et ANSI C 136.20-2005. Un modele analytique base sur la theorie des poutres en elasticite lineaire est propose dans cette these. Ce modele predit avec une bonne precision le comportement experimental charge---deflexion ainsi que la deflexion maximale au sommet des poteaux en PRF; constitues de plusieurs zones de caracteristiques geometriques et mecaniques differentes. Une procedure de dimensionnement des poteaux en PRF, basee sur les resultats experimentaux obtenus dans le cadre de la presente these, est egalement proposee. Les resultats obtenus dans le cadre de la presente these permettront le developpement et l'amelioration des regles de conception utiles et pratiques a l'usage des concepteurs et des industriels du domaine des poteaux en PRF. Les retombees de cette recherche sont a la fois economiques et technologiques, car les resultats obtenus constitueront une banque de donnees qui contribueront au developpement des normes de calcul, et par consequent a l'optimisation des materiaux utilises, et serviront a valider de futurs resultats et modeles theoriques.

Optimisation de l'émission du continuum femtoseconde de lumière blanche entre 600 nm et 800 nm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramstein, S.; Mottin, S.

2005-06-01

Un dispositif de spectroscopie avec résolution du temps de vol des photons en milieu diffus a été développé. Celui-ci repose sur l'utilisation d'un continuum de lumière blanche généré par focalisation d'un laser amplifié (830 nm, 1 kHz, 0.5 W, 170 fs) dans de l'eau déminéralisée. Afin d'optimiser spectralement et en puissance la source blanche sur la fenêtre spectrale 600 800 nm, une étude de la mise en forme spatio-temporelle avant autofocalisation de l'impulsion laser par le milieu a été menée. Cette mise en forme est effectuée de manière spatiale en changeant la focale de la lentille de focalisation et de manière temporelle en changeant le taux de compression de l'impulsion. L'étude montre que le cône de lumière émise possède plus de puissance dans la fenêtre spectrale d'intérêt pour des focales longues. Sur la fenêtre 600-800 nm, le rendement énergétique intégré varie de 5%, avec une focalef=6cm, à 15%, avec une focale f = 30 cm. La mise en forme temporelle montre des effets similaires avec les mêmes ordres de grandeur.

Optimisation of insect cell growth in deep-well blocks: development of a high-throughput insect cell expression screen.

PubMed

Bahia, Daljit; Cheung, Robert; Buchs, Mirjam; Geisse, Sabine; Hunt, Ian

2005-01-01

This report describes a method to culture insects cells in 24 deep-well blocks for the routine small-scale optimisation of baculovirus-mediated protein expression experiments. Miniaturisation of this process provides the necessary reduction in terms of resource allocation, reagents, and labour to allow extensive and rapid optimisation of expression conditions, with the concomitant reduction in lead-time before commencement of large-scale bioreactor experiments. This therefore greatly simplifies the optimisation process and allows the use of liquid handling robotics in much of the initial optimisation stages of the process, thereby greatly increasing the throughput of the laboratory. We present several examples of the use of deep-well block expression studies in the optimisation of therapeutically relevant protein targets. We also discuss how the enhanced throughput offered by this approach can be adapted to robotic handling systems and the implications this has on the capacity to conduct multi-parallel protein expression studies.

Comparaison de méthodes d'identification des paramètres d'une machine asynchrone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bellaaj-Mrabet, N.; Jelassi, K.

1998-07-01

Interests, in Genetic Algorithms (G.A.) expands rapidly. This paper consists initially to apply G.A. for identifying induction motor parameters. Next, we compare the performances with classical methods like Maximum Likelihood and classical electrotechnical methods. These methods are applied on three induction motors of different powers to compare results following a set of criteria. Les algorithmes génétiques sont des méthodes adaptatives de plus en plus utilisée pour la résolution de certains problèmes d'optimisation. Le présent travail consiste d'une part, à mettre en œuvre un A.G sur des problèmes d'identification des machines électriques, et d'autre part à comparer ses performances avec les méthodes classiques tels que la méthode du maximum de vraisemblance et la méthode électrotechnique basée sur des essais à vides et en court-circuit. Ces méthodes sont appliquées sur des machines asynchrones de différentes puissances. Les résultats obtenus sont comparés selon certains critères, permettant de conclure sur la validité et la performance de chaque méthode.

Approaches to S&T Cost Modeling at the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory/Vehicle Aeronautics Directorate

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-09-01

fassent, si rien ne change par ailleurs. plus proche de l’ing~ni~rie du vivant . Une vdritable optimisation des 6ldinents de soutien logistique A bord...s souvent dans les arbres l’utilisation en service. fonctionnels, peuvent 8tre recueillies plus facilement dans un tableau crois6 avec les divers syst

Effet de l'énergie du faisceau d'ions servant à l'assistance du dépôt de matériaux organiques utilisés pour réaliser des diodes électroluminescentes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Antony, R.; Moliton, A.; Ratier, B.

1998-06-01

Light emitting diode based on the structure ITO/Alq3/Ca-Al lead to enhanced quantum efficiency when the Alq3 active layer is obtained by IBAD (Ion Beam Assisted Deposition): with Iodine ions, the optimization (quantum efficiency multiplied by a factor10) is obtained for an ion energy equal to 100eV. La réalisation de diodes électroluminescentes basées sur la structure ITO/Alq3/Ca-Al conduit à des performances améliorées lorsque le dépôt de la couche active Alq3 est effectué avec l'assistance d'un faisceau d'ions; l'optimisation (rendement quantique interne accru d'un ordre de grandeur) correspond à des ions Iode d'énergie 100eV.

Comparison of the genetic algorithm and incremental optimisation routines for a Bayesian inverse modelling based network design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nickless, A.; Rayner, P. J.; Erni, B.; Scholes, R. J.

2018-05-01

The design of an optimal network of atmospheric monitoring stations for the observation of carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations can be obtained by applying an optimisation algorithm to a cost function based on minimising posterior uncertainty in the CO2 fluxes obtained from a Bayesian inverse modelling solution. Two candidate optimisation methods assessed were the evolutionary algorithm: the genetic algorithm (GA), and the deterministic algorithm: the incremental optimisation (IO) routine. This paper assessed the ability of the IO routine in comparison to the more computationally demanding GA routine to optimise the placement of a five-member network of CO2 monitoring sites located in South Africa. The comparison considered the reduction in uncertainty of the overall flux estimate, the spatial similarity of solutions, and computational requirements. Although the IO routine failed to find the solution with the global maximum uncertainty reduction, the resulting solution had only fractionally lower uncertainty reduction compared with the GA, and at only a quarter of the computational resources used by the lowest specified GA algorithm. The GA solution set showed more inconsistency if the number of iterations or population size was small, and more so for a complex prior flux covariance matrix. If the GA completed with a sub-optimal solution, these solutions were similar in fitness to the best available solution. Two additional scenarios were considered, with the objective of creating circumstances where the GA may outperform the IO. The first scenario considered an established network, where the optimisation was required to add an additional five stations to an existing five-member network. In the second scenario the optimisation was based only on the uncertainty reduction within a subregion of the domain. The GA was able to find a better solution than the IO under both scenarios, but with only a marginal improvement in the uncertainty reduction. These results suggest that the best use of resources for the network design problem would be spent in improvement of the prior estimates of the flux uncertainties rather than investing these resources in running a complex evolutionary optimisation algorithm. The authors recommend that, if time and computational resources allow, that multiple optimisation techniques should be used as a part of a comprehensive suite of sensitivity tests when performing such an optimisation exercise. This will provide a selection of best solutions which could be ranked based on their utility and practicality.

Contrôle cohérent de la dynamique de fragmentation d'agrégats alcalins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindinger, A.; Lupulescu, C.; Le Roux, J.; Bartelt, A.; Vajda, Š.; Wöste, L.

2004-11-01

Les agrégats métalliques présentent des propriétés extraordinaires, en particulier chimiques et catalytiques, qui dépendent fortement de leur taille. Ce comportement en fait des candidats idéaux pour l'analyse en temps réel de processus photo-induits ultrarapides, le but ultime étant la conduite de scénarios de contrôle cohérent. Nous avons réalisé des expériences d'ionisation multiphotonique non stationnaire sur de petits agrégats alcalins de différentes tailles et dans différents états électroniques rovibrationnels, y compris leur état fondamental, sondant ainsi leur dynamique ondulatoire, leur orientation structurelle, leur transfert de charge et leur dissociation. Les processus observés dépendent grandement des paramètres du faisceau laser d'excitation, tels que sa phase, son amplitude et sa durée ; cette sensibilité plaide pour l'emploi d'un système de contrôle rétroactif permettant de générer les formes d'impulsion optimales. Les caractéristiques spectrales et temporelles de ces dernières reflètent les propriétés du système étudié ainsi que les processus photochimiques que l'irradiation y induit. Nous présentons d'abord la dynamique vibrationelle d'états électroniques excités, liés, dissociatifs et prédissociatifs, des dimères et trimères alcalins. Suit une description du principe d'observation par pompage optique par effet Raman stimulé de la dynamique d'un paquet d'onde dans l'état électronique fondamental. Puisque les paramètres de l'impulsion d'excitation influencent de façon significative le poids des différentes trajectoires dans l'espace des phases, nous avons mené des expériences sur les canaux de fragmentation concurrents d'une réaction photo-induite, en étudiant les différents embranchements des voies d'ionisation et de fragmentation de Na{2}K excité électroniquement. L'utilisation d'un algorithme évolutif, pour l'optimisation de la phase et de l'amplitude de l'onde électromagnétique appliquée, permit d'influencer significativement la quantité résultante d'ions parents ou fragments. Des propriétés intéressantes sont déduites de la forme des impulsions laser optimales obtenues, qui révèlent la période de vibration moléculaire et qui, combinées aux courbes de potentiel, permettent de proposer les trajectoires que l'optimisation impose aux paquets d'onde. Pour finir, nous avons étudié comment une variété plus grande d'agrégats, en contribuant au canal de fragmentation NaK, influe sur la forme optimale d'impulsion. Là encore, la structure de cette dernière apporte des éclaircissements sur les canaux de fragmentation empruntés durant le processus de contrôle.

Revetements nanostructures pour la protection des metaux dans les environnements marins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brassard, Jean-Denis

L'objectif de cette recherche est de verifier qu'un materiau superhydrophobe peut diminuer l'adherence et l'accumulation de la glace tout en conservant de bonnes proprietes anticorrosion. Afin de verifier cette assertion, trois familles de nouveaux revetements micros et nanostructures, identifiees par les lettres A, B, et C, ont ete developpes de facon a pouvoir en determiner l'efficacite glaciophobe en relation avec l'angle de contact particulier a chaque structure obtenue. Les revetements ont tous ete optimises pour que l'angle de contact et l'adherence au substrat soient maximaux. Les trois revetements optimises sont les suivants: Le revetement A a ete developpe pour application sur l'acier galvanise. Les microrugosites creees sont celles de la structure de la couche du zinc electrodepose en surface et les nanorugosites sont celles creees par le film de silicone copolymerise nanostructure. Un temps optimal de 10 min a ete retenu pour l'electrodeposition du zinc, ce dernier maximisant l'angle de contact a 155° lorsqu'enduit d'un film de silicone de 100 nm d'epaisseur. Le revetement B a ete developpe pour application sur un alliage d'aluminium. Les microrugosites creees sont celles de la microstructure granulaire obtenue par gravure de l'aluminium immerge dans un bain de HCl et les nanorugosites sont celles creees d'un meme film nanostructure de silicone copolymerise. La valeur optimale du temps de gravure est de 8 minutes et donne l'angle de contact le plus eleve a 154°, lorsqu'enduit du meme film de silicone de 100 nm d'epaisseur depose sur le revetement A. Le revetement C a ete developpe pour etre applique indifferemment sur tout substrat degraisse d'aluminium ou d'acier. Les microrugosites et les nanorugosites sont celles creees par les agregats de nanoparticules de ZnO rendues hydrophobes melangees au silicone qui sont pulverisees sur une couche d'appret composee de silicone et de polymethylhydrosiloxane. On obtient alors un produit composite rigide ou les nanoparticules de ZnO enrobees de silane sont imbriquees dans le reseau nanostructure de silicone copolymerise. Le revetement C produit de cette facon satisfaisait a la norme ASTM d'adherence a un substrat, mais n'est pas superhydrophobe, restant seulement hydrophobe avec un angle de contact reduit de 123°. Tous les revetements optimises developpes montrent un niveau de resistance a la corrosion beaucoup plus eleve que leur substrat tant en polarisation qu'en impedance electrochimique. Toutefois aucune relation entre l'hydrophobicite et le niveau de resistance a la corrosion n'a ete etablie. Il a seulement ete determine que ce sont la nature chimique de l'interface, a savoir ses proprietes electriques en isolation, son hydrophobicite et la presence d'air, de meme que l'epaisseur qui sont les deux aspects essentiels a respecter pour avoir de bonnes proprietes anticorrosion. Les trois revetements A, B, et C ont ete evalues quant a la reduction d'adherence et d'accumulation evaluee dans les environnements givrants rencontres en mer arctique. En premiere position, le revetement superhydrophobe B avec un angle de contact de 154°et un facteur de reduction l'adherence (ARF) de la glace sur l'aluminium de 14 et de la quantite accumulee 5% moindre. En seconde position, le revetement superhydrophobe A avec un angle de contact de 155° et un facteur ARF de 6, lequel n'a pas ete evalue en accumulation; et en troisieme position le revetement hydrophobe C avec un facteur de reduction de 3, lequel ne reduit pas la masse de glace accumulee. Deux mecanismes ont ete trouves responsables de l'adherence a la glace sur les revetements developpes soient: 1. l'effet d'ancrage diminue par la presence de nanorugosites hydrophobes recouvrant les microrugosites pouvant adsorber de l'air et 2. L'effet de la quantite d'air adsorbe dans la structure de l'interface, a savoir que pour des angles de contact egaux, si la quantite d'air augmente dans la microstructure, donc un Rrms plus eleve, ferait que l'adherence serait diminuee. Le fait que le revetement B possede un ARF plus eleve que le revetement A, alors qu'ils ont un angle de contact semblable, a 1° pres, est explique par le fait que la valeur des hauteurs des microrugosites Rrms y est plus elevee. Les essais d'accumulation en embruns marins ont permis d'observer que le revetement superhydrophobe accumulait moins de glace que ceux hydrophobe et hydrophile. Cette diminution peut s'expliquer par le fait que les gouttelettes d'eau surfondues vont rouler sans y adherer a cause de la nature superhydrophobe. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Modelisation de photodetecteurs a base de matrices de diodes avalanche monophotoniques pour tomographie d'emission par positrons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Corbeil Therrien, Audrey

La tomographie d'emission par positrons (TEP) est un outil precieux en recherche preclinique et pour le diagnostic medical. Cette technique permet d'obtenir une image quantitative de fonctions metaboliques specifiques par la detection de photons d'annihilation. La detection des ces photons se fait a l'aide de deux composantes. D'abord, un scintillateur convertit l'energie du photon 511 keV en photons du spectre visible. Ensuite, un photodetecteur convertit l'energie lumineuse en signal electrique. Recemment, les photodiodes avalanche monophotoniques (PAMP) disposees en matrice suscitent beaucoup d'interet pour la TEP. Ces matrices forment des detecteurs sensibles, robustes, compacts et avec une resolution en temps hors pair. Ces qualites en font un photodetecteur prometteur pour la TEP, mais il faut optimiser les parametres de la matrice et de l'electronique de lecture afin d'atteindre les performances optimales pour la TEP. L'optimisation de la matrice devient rapidement une operation difficile, car les differents parametres interagissent de maniere complexe avec les processus d'avalanche et de generation de bruit. Enfin, l'electronique de lecture pour les matrices de PAMP demeure encore rudimentaire et il serait profitable d'analyser differentes strategies de lecture. Pour repondre a cette question, la solution la plus economique est d'utiliser un simulateur pour converger vers la configuration donnant les meilleures performances. Les travaux de ce memoire presentent le developpement d'un tel simulateur. Celui-ci modelise le comportement d'une matrice de PAMP en se basant sur les equations de physique des semiconducteurs et des modeles probabilistes. Il inclut les trois principales sources de bruit, soit le bruit thermique, les declenchements intempestifs correles et la diaphonie optique. Le simulateur permet aussi de tester et de comparer de nouvelles approches pour l'electronique de lecture plus adaptees a ce type de detecteur. Au final, le simulateur vise a quantifier l'impact des parametres du photodetecteur sur la resolution en energie et la resolution en temps et ainsi optimiser les performances de la matrice de PAMP. Par exemple, l'augmentation du ratio de surface active ameliore les performances, mais seulement jusqu'a un certain point. D'autres phenomenes lies a la surface active, comme le bruit thermique, provoquent une degradation du resultat. Le simulateur nous permet de trouver un compromis entre ces deux extremes. Les simulations avec les parametres initiaux demontrent une efficacite de detection de 16,7 %, une resolution en energie de 14,2 % LMH et une resolution en temps de 0.478 ns LMH. Enfin, le simulateur propose, bien qu'il vise une application en TEP, peut etre adapte pour d'autres applications en modifiant la source de photons et en adaptant les objectifs de performances. Mots-cles : Photodetecteurs, photodiodes avalanche monophotoniques, semiconducteurs, tomographie d'emission par positrons, simulations, modelisation, detection monophotonique, scintillateurs, circuit d'etouffement, SPAD, SiPM, Photodiodes avalanche operees en mode Geiger

Identification des parametres du moteur de l'avion Cessna Citation X pour la phase de croisiere a partir des tests en vol et a base des reseaux de neurones =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaag, Mahdi

La disponibilite des modeles precis des avions est parmi les elements cles permettant d'assurer leurs ameliorations. Ces modeles servent a ameliorer les commandes de vol et de concevoir de nouveaux systemes aerodynamiques pour la conception des ailes deformables des avions. Ce projet consiste a concevoir un systeme d'identification de certains parametres du modele du moteur de l'avion d'affaires americain Cessna Citation X pour la phase de croisiere a partir des essais en vol. Ces essais ont ete effectues sur le simulateur de vol concu et fabrique par CAE Inc. qui possede le niveau D de la dynamique de vol. En effet, le niveau D est le plus haut niveau de precision donne par l'autorite federale de reglementation FAA de l'aviation civile aux Etats-Unis. Une methodologie basee sur les reseaux de neurones optimises a l'aide d'un algorithme intitule le "grand deluge etendu" est utilisee dans la conception de ce systeme d'identification. Plusieurs tests de vol pour differentes altitudes et differents nombres de Mach ont ete realises afin de s'en servir comme bases de donnees pour l'apprentissage des reseaux de neurones. La validation de ce modele a ete realisee a l'aide des donnees du simulateur. Malgre la nonlinearite et la complexite du systeme, les parametres du moteur ont ete tres bien predits pour une enveloppe de vol determinee. Ce modele estime pourrait etre utilise pour des analyses de fonctionnement du moteur et pourrait assurer le controle de l'avion pendant cette phase de croisiere. L'identification des parametres du moteur pourrait etre realisee aussi pour les autres phases de montee et de descente afin d'obtenir son modele complet pour toute l'enveloppe du vol de l'avion Cessna Citation X (montee, croisiere, descente). Cette methode employee dans ce travail pourrait aussi etre efficace pour realiser un modele pour l'identification des coefficients aerodynamiques du meme avion a partir toujours des essais en vol. None None None

VLSI Technology for Cognitive Radio

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

VIJAYALAKSHMI, B.; SIDDAIAH, P.

2017-08-01

One of the most challenging tasks of cognitive radio is the efficiency in the spectrum sensing scheme to overcome the spectrum scarcity problem. The popular and widely used spectrum sensing technique is the energy detection scheme as it is very simple and doesn’t require any previous information related to the signal. We propose one such approach which is an optimised spectrum sensing scheme with reduced filter structure. The optimisation is done in terms of area and power performance of the spectrum. The simulations of the VLSI structure of the optimised flexible spectrum is done using verilog coding by using the XILINX ISE software. Our method produces performance with 13% reduction in area and 66% reduction in power consumption in comparison to the flexible spectrum sensing scheme. All the results are tabulated and comparisons are made. A new scheme for optimised and effective spectrum sensing opens up with our model.

Optimisation of decentralisation for effective Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) through the case study of Indonesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grady, A.; Makarigakis, A.; Gersonius, B.

2015-09-01

This paper investigates how to optimise decentralisation for effective disaster risk reduction (DRR) in developing states. There is currently limited literature on empirical analysis of decentralisation for DRR. This paper evaluates decentralised governance for DRR in the case study of Indonesia and provides recommendations for its optimisation. Wider implications are drawn to optimise decentralisation for DRR in developing states more generally. A framework to evaluate the institutional and policy setting was developed which necessitated the use of a gap analysis, desk study and field investigation. Key challenges to decentralised DRR include capacity gaps at lower levels, low compliance with legislation, disconnected policies, issues in communication and coordination and inadequate resourcing. DRR authorities should lead coordination and advocacy on DRR. Sustainable multistakeholder platforms and civil society organisations should fill the capacity gap at lower levels. Dedicated and regulated resources for DRR should be compulsory.

Transport aérien longue distance des brûlés graves: revue de la littérature et application pratique

PubMed Central

Leclerc, T.; Hoffmann, C.; Forsans, E.; Cirodde, A.; Boutonnet, M.; Jault, P.; Tourtier, J.-P.; Bargues, L.; Donat, N.

2015-01-01

Summary Les brûlés graves nécessitent une prise en charge multidisciplinaire dans des centres hautement spécialisés. La rareté de ces centres impose souvent le transport aérien médicalisé longue distance. Cependant, il y a peu de données publiées sur ces transferts. Dans cette mise au point, pour optimiser la prise en charge des brûlés dès qu’un transport aérien est décidé ou même seulement envisagé, nous proposons d’extraire de cette littérature limitée des principes simples s’appuyant aussi sur l’expérience pratique du Service de Santé des Armées françaises. Nous décrivons d’abord comment les contraintes aéronautiques peuvent affecter le transport de brûlés graves à bord d’aéronefs. Nous abordons ensuite la régulation de ces missions, en analysant les risques associés au transport aérien des brûlés graves et leurs implications sur les indications, la chronologie et les modalités du transport. Enfin, nous développons la conduite de la mission, comprenant la préparation du matériel et des consommables avant le vol, l’évaluation et la mise en condition du patient avant l’embarquement, et la poursuite de la prise en charge en vol. PMID:26668564

Fabrication et caracterisation de nanocristaux de silicium localises, realises par gravure electrochimique pour des applications nanoelectroniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayari-Kanoun, Asma

Ce travail de these porte sur le developpement d'une nouvelle approche pour la localisation et l'organisation de nanocristaux de silicium realises par gravure electrochimique. Cette derniere represente une technique simple et peu couteuse par rapport aux autres techniques couramment utilisees pour la fabrication de nanocristaux de silicium. L'idee de ce travail a ete d'etudier la nanostructuration de minces couches de nitrure de silicium, d'environ 30 nm d'epaisseur pour permettre par la suite un arrangement periodique des nanocristaux de silicium. Cette pre-structuration est obtenue de facon artificielle en imposant un motif periodique via une technique de lithographie par faisceau d'electrons combinee avec une gravure plasma. Une optimisation des conditions de lithographie et de gravure plasma ont permis d'obtenir des reseaux de trous de 30 nm de diametre debouchant sur le silicium avec un bon controle de leur morphologie (taille, profondeur et forme). En ajustant les conditions de gravure electrochimique (concentration d'acide, temps de gravure et densite de courant), nous avons obtenu des reseaux -2D ordonnes de nanocristaux de silicium de 10 nm de diametre a travers ces masques de nanotrous avec le controle parfait de leur localisation, la distance entre les nanocristaux et leur orientation cristalline. Des etudes electriques preliminaires sur ces nanocristaux ont permis de mettre en evidence des effets de chargement. Ces resultats tres prometteurs confirment l'interet des nanocristaux de silicium realises par gravure electrochimique dans le futur pour la fabrication a grande echelle de dispositifs nanoelectroniques. Mots-cles : localisation, organisation, nanocristaux de silicium, gravure electrochimique, lithographie electronique, gravure plasma, nitrure de silicium.

Strategies facilitant les tests en pre-certification pour la robustesse a l'egard des radiations =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Souari, Anis

Les effets des radiations cosmiques sur l'electronique embarquee preoccupent depuis. quelques decennies les chercheurs interesses par la robustesse des circuits integres. Plusieurs. recherches ont ete menees dans cette direction, principalement pour les applications spatiales. ou l’environnement de leur deploiement est hostile. En effet, ces environnements sont denses. en termes de particules qui, lorsqu’elles interagissent avec les circuits integres, peuvent. mener a leur dysfonctionnement, voir meme a leur destruction. De plus, les effets des. radiations s’accentuent pour les nouvelles generations des circuits integres ou la diminution. de la taille des transistors et l’augmentation de la complexite de ces circuits augmentent la. probabilite d’apparition des anomalies et par consequence la croissance des besoins de test. L’expansion de l’electronique grand public (commercial off-the-shelf, COTS) et l’adoption. de ces composants pour des applications critiques comme les applications avioniques et. spatiales incitent egalement les chercheurs a doubler les efforts de verification de la fiabilite. de ces circuits. Les COTS, malgre leurs meilleures caracteristiques en comparaison avec les. circuits durcis tolerants aux radiations qui sont couteux et en retard en termes de technologie. utilisee, sont vulnerables aux radiations. Afin d’ameliorer la fiabilite de ces circuits, une evaluation de leur vulnerabilite dans les. differents niveaux d’abstraction du flot de conception est recommandee. Ceci aide les. concepteurs a prendre les mesures de mitigation necessaires sur le design au niveau. d’abstraction en question. Enfin, afin de satisfaire les exigences de tolerance aux pannes, des. tests tres couteux de certification, obtenus a l’aide de bombardement de particules (protons, neutrons, etc.), sont necessaires. Dans cette these, nous nous interessons principalement a definir une strategie de precertification. permettant d’evaluer d’une facon realiste la sensibilite des circuits integres face. aux effets des radiations afin d’eviter d’envoyer des circuits non robustes a la phase tres. couteuse de la certification. Les circuits cibles par nos travaux sont les circuits integres. programmables par l’usager (FPGA) a base de memoire SRAM et le type de pannes ciblees, causees par les radiations, est les SEU (single event upset) consistant a un basculement de. l’etat logique d’un element de memoire a son complementaire. En effet, les FPGA a base de. memoire SRAM sont de plus en plus demandes par la communaute de l’aerospatial grace a. leurs caracteristiques de prototypage rapide et de reconfiguration sur site mais ils sont. vulnerables face aux radiations ou les SEU sont les pannes les plus frequentes dans les. elements de memoire de type SRAM. Nous proposons une nouvelle approche d’injection de. pannes par emulation permettant de mimer les effets des radiations sur la memoire de. configuration des FPGA et de generer des resultats les plus fideles possibles des resultats des. tests de certification. Cette approche est basee sur la consideration de la difference de. sensibilite des elements de memoire de configuration lorsqu’ils sont a l’etat '1' et a l’etat '0', observee sous des tests acceleres sous faisceaux de protons au renomme laboratoire. TRIUMF, dans la procedure de generation des sequences de test dans le but de mimer la. distribution des pannes dans la memoire de configuration. Les resultats des experimentations. de validation montrent que la strategie proposee est efficace et genere des resultats realistes. Ces resultats revelent que ne pas considerer la difference de sensibilite peut mener a une. sous-estimation de la sensibilite des circuits face aux radiations. Dans la meme optique d’optimisation de la procedure d’injection des pannes par emulation, a. savoir le test de pre-certification, nous proposons une methodologie permettant de maximiser. la detection des bits critiques (bits provoquant une defaillance fonctionnelle s’ils changent. d’etat) pour un nombre bien determine de SEU (qui est le modele de pannes adopte) ou de. maximiser la precision de l’estimation de nombre des bits critiques. Pour ce faire, une. classification des bits de configuration en differents ensembles est tout d’abord mise en. oeuvre, selon leur contenu, les ressources qu’ils configurent et leur criticite. Ensuite, une. evaluation de la sensibilite de chaque ensemble est accomplie. Enfin, la priorisation. d’injection des pannes dans les ensembles les plus sensibles est recommandee. Plusieurs. scenarios d’optimisation d’injection des pannes sont proposes et les resultats sont compares. avec ceux donnes par la methode conventionnelle d’injection aleatoire des pannes. La. methodologie d’optimisation proposee assure une amelioration de plus de deux ordres de. grandeur. Une derniere approche facilitant l’evaluation de la sensibilite des bits configurant les LUT. (look up table) de FPGA, les plus petites entites configurables du FPGA permettant. d’implementer des fonctions combinatoires, utilises par un design est presentee. Elle permet. l’identification facile et sans cout en termes d’utilisation du materiel ou d’outils externes des. bits des LUT. L’approche proposee est simple et efficace, offrant une couverture de pannes. de 100 % et applicable aux nouvelles generations des FPGA de Xilinx. Les approches proposees contribuent a repondre aux exigences du cahier des charges de cette. these et a achever les objectifs definis. Le realisme et la maximisation de l’estimation de la. vulnerabilite des circuits sous test offerts par les nouvelles approches assurent le. developpement d’une strategie de test en pre-certification efficace. En effet, la premiere. approche d’injection de pannes considerant la difference de sensibilite relative des elements. de memoire selon leur contenu genere des resultats donnant une erreur relative atteignant. 3.1 % quand compares aux resultats obtenus a TRIUMF alors que l’erreur relative donnee. par la comparaison des resultats d’une injection conventionnelle aleatoire de pannes avec. ceux de TRIUMF peut atteindre la valeur de 75 %. De plus, l’application de cette approche a. des circuits plus conventionnels montre que 2.3 fois plus d’erreurs sont detectees en. comparaison avec l’injection aleatoire des pannes. Ceci suggere que ne pas considerer la. difference de sensibilite relative dans la procedure d’emulation peut mener a une sousestimation. de la sensibilite du design face aux radiations. Les resultats de la deuxieme. approche proposee ont ete aussi compares aux resultats d’une injection aleatoire de pannes. L’approche proposee, maximisant le nombre des bits critiques inverses, permet d’atteindre. un facteur d’acceleration de 108 de la procedure d’injection des pannes en comparaison a. l’approche aleatoire. Elle permet aussi de minimiser l’erreur d’estimation du nombre des bits. critiques pour atteindre une valeur de ±1.1 % calculee pour un intervalle de confiance de. 95 % tandis que la valeur d’erreur d’estimation des bits critiques generee par l’approche. aleatoire d’injection des pannes pour le meme intervalle de confiance peut atteindre ±8.6 %. Enfin, la derniere approche proposee d’injection de pannes dans les LUT se distingue des. autres approches disponibles dans la litterature par sa simplicite tout en assurant une. couverture maximale de pannes de 100 %. En effet, l’approche proposee est independante. des outils externes permettant d’identifier les bits configurant les LUT qui sont obsoletes ou. ne supportent pas les nouvelles generations des FPGA. Elle agit directement sur les fichiers. generes par l’outil de synthese adopte.

Subject Specific Optimisation of the Stiffness of Footwear Material for Maximum Plantar Pressure Reduction.

PubMed

Chatzistergos, Panagiotis E; Naemi, Roozbeh; Healy, Aoife; Gerth, Peter; Chockalingam, Nachiappan

2017-08-01

Current selection of cushioning materials for therapeutic footwear and orthoses is based on empirical and anecdotal evidence. The aim of this investigation is to assess the biomechanical properties of carefully selected cushioning materials and to establish the basis for patient-specific material optimisation. For this purpose, bespoke cushioning materials with qualitatively similar mechanical behaviour but different stiffness were produced. Healthy volunteers were asked to stand and walk on materials with varying stiffness and their capacity for pressure reduction was assessed. Mechanical testing using a surrogate heel model was employed to investigate the effect of loading on optimum stiffness. Results indicated that optimising the stiffness of cushioning materials improved pressure reduction during standing and walking by at least 16 and 19% respectively. Moreover, the optimum stiffness was strongly correlated to body mass (BM) and body mass index (BMI), with stiffer materials needed in the case of people with higher BM or BMI. Mechanical testing confirmed that optimum stiffness increases with the magnitude of compressive loading. For the first time, this study provides quantitative data to support the importance of stiffness optimisation in cushioning materials and sets the basis for methods to inform optimum material selection in the clinic.

Multi-objective optimisation of wastewater treatment plant control to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

PubMed

Sweetapple, Christine; Fu, Guangtao; Butler, David

2014-05-15

This study investigates the potential of control strategy optimisation for the reduction of operational greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment in a cost-effective manner, and demonstrates that significant improvements can be realised. A multi-objective evolutionary algorithm, NSGA-II, is used to derive sets of Pareto optimal operational and control parameter values for an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant, with objectives including minimisation of greenhouse gas emissions, operational costs and effluent pollutant concentrations, subject to legislative compliance. Different problem formulations are explored, to identify the most effective approach to emissions reduction, and the sets of optimal solutions enable identification of trade-offs between conflicting objectives. It is found that multi-objective optimisation can facilitate a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions without the need for plant redesign or modification of the control strategy layout, but there are trade-offs to consider: most importantly, if operational costs are not to be increased, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions is likely to incur an increase in effluent ammonia and total nitrogen concentrations. Design of control strategies for a high effluent quality and low costs alone is likely to result in an inadvertent increase in greenhouse gas emissions, so it is of key importance that effects on emissions are considered in control strategy development and optimisation. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimisation of warpage on thin shell part by using particle swarm optimisation (PSO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norshahira, R.; Shayfull, Z.; Nasir, S. M.; Saad, S. M. Sazli; Fathullah, M.

2017-09-01

As the product nowadays moving towards thinner design, causing the production of the plastic product facing a lot of difficulties. This is due to the higher possibilities of defects occur as the thickness of the wall gets thinner. Demand for technique in reducing the defects increasing due to this factor. These defects has seen to be occur due to several factors in injection moulding process. In the study a Moldflow software was used in simulating the injection moulding process. While RSM is used in producing the mathematical model to be used as the input fitness function for the Matlab software. Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) technique is used in optimising the processing condition to reduce the amount of shrinkage and warpage of the plastic part. The results shows that there are a warpage reduction of 17.60% in x direction, 18.15% in y direction and 10.25% reduction in z direction respectively. The results shows the reliability of this artificial method in minimising the product warpage.

Optimisation of composite bone plates for ulnar transverse fractures.

PubMed

Chakladar, N D; Harper, L T; Parsons, A J

2016-04-01

Metallic bone plates are commonly used for arm bone fractures where conservative treatment (casts) cannot provide adequate support and compression at the fracture site. These plates, made of stainless steel or titanium alloys, tend to shield stress transfer at the fracture site and delay the bone healing rate. This study investigates the feasibility of adopting advanced composite materials to overcome stress shielding effects by optimising the geometry and mechanical properties of the plate to match more closely to the bone. An ulnar transverse fracture is characterised and finite element techniques are employed to investigate the feasibility of a composite-plated fractured bone construct over a stainless steel equivalent. Numerical models of intact and fractured bones are analysed and the mechanical behaviour is found to agree with experimental data. The mechanical properties are tailored to produce an optimised composite plate, offering a 25% reduction in length and a 70% reduction in mass. The optimised design may help to reduce stress shielding and increase bone healing rates. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimisation of active suspension control inputs for improved performance of active safety systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Čorić, Mirko; Deur, Joško; Xu, Li; Tseng, H. Eric; Hrovat, Davor

2018-01-01

A collocation-type control variable optimisation method is used to investigate the extent to which the fully active suspension (FAS) can be applied to improve the vehicle electronic stability control (ESC) performance and reduce the braking distance. First, the optimisation approach is applied to the scenario of vehicle stabilisation during the sine-with-dwell manoeuvre. The results are used to provide insights into different FAS control mechanisms for vehicle performance improvements related to responsiveness and yaw rate error reduction indices. The FAS control performance is compared to performances of the standard ESC system, optimal active brake system and combined FAS and ESC configuration. Second, the optimisation approach is employed to the task of FAS-based braking distance reduction for straight-line vehicle motion. Here, the scenarios of uniform and longitudinally or laterally non-uniform tyre-road friction coefficient are considered. The influences of limited anti-lock braking system (ABS) actuator bandwidth and limit-cycle ABS behaviour are also analysed. The optimisation results indicate that the FAS can provide competitive stabilisation performance and improved agility when compared to the ESC system, and that it can reduce the braking distance by up to 5% for distinctively non-uniform friction conditions.

Effects of postnatal administration of diethylstilbestrol on puberty and thyroid function in male rats.

PubMed

Shin, Jae-Ho; Kim, Tae Sung; Kang, Il Hyun; Kang, Tae Seok; Moon, Hyun Ju; Han, Soon-Young

2009-10-01

To examine the effects of diethylstilbestrol (DES) on male pubertal development and thyroid function, juvenile male Sprague-Dawley rats were given DES daily by oral intubation at doses of 10, 20 and 40 microg/kg/day from postnatal day 33 for 20 days. Prepuce separation was significantly delayed at the dose of 20 microg/kg/day and above in the DES-treated rats. DES treatment induced a significant reduction in the weights of testes, epididymides, the ventral prostate, seminal vesicles plus coagulating glands and fluid, levator ani bulbocavernosus muscles, Cowper's glands and the glans penis. The weights of the liver and adrenals increased in the DES-treated animals. DES caused a dose-dependent reduction in germ cells; in particular the spermatids were mainly affected. The serum levels of testosterone and luteinizing hormone were significantly reduced in the DES-treated groups, but that of estradiol decreased. No differences were observed in the serum thyroxine levels of the control and DES-treated groups. In microscopic observation of the DES-treated animals, degeneration of germ cells and tubular atrophy in the testis were noted, but there were no microscopic changes in the thyroid. These results indicate that DES affected the pubertal development of juvenile male rats and that its mode of action may be related to alterations in hormone levels.

Détection et prise en charge efficace à l’urgence d’une luxation de Lisfranc à faible vélocité

PubMed Central

Mayich, D. Joshua; Mayich, Michael S.; Daniels, Timothy R.

2012-01-01

Résumé Objectif Améliorer la capacité des médecins de soins primaires de reconnaître les mécanismes et les présentations courantes des luxations de Lisfranc à basse vélocité (LLF) et mieux faire comprendre le rôle de l’imagerie et les principes des soins primaires dans les cas de LLF à basse vélocité. Sources des données Une recension des ouvrages spécialisés dans MEDLINE a été effectuée et les résultats ont été résumés, concernant notamment l’anatomie et les mécanismes, les diagnostics cliniques et par imagerie et les principes de la prise en charge en milieu de soins primaires. Message principal Les LLF à basse vélocité sont le résultat de divers mécanismes et, à l’examen clinique et à l’imagerie, les signes révélateurs sont très peu perceptibles. Il faut donc un fort degré de suspicion et de prudence dans la prise en charge de ce type de blessure. Conclusion Si on met en pratique quelques principes thérapeutiques dans la prise en charge des LLF à basse vélocité, qui sont potentiellement dévastatrices si elles ne sont pas reconnues, et ce, dès leur présentation, il est possible d’optimiser l’issue de telles blessures.

Principes et réalisation d'une chaîne laser femtoseconde haute intensité basée sur le saphir dopé au titane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Blanc, Catherine

We present the initial study, the realisation and the characterisation of a high intensity femtosecond laser chain. This chain is able to produce intensities higher than 10^18 W/cm2 on target, at a 10 Hertz repetition rate. We present first fondamentals principles of chirped pulse propagation mechanisms: group velocity dispersion, self-phase modulation, self-focusing, and gain saturation. Then after describing the spectroscopic properties of titanium doped sapphire (Ti:S), we discuss near infrared femtosecond oscillators able to be amplified in Ti:S medium, and describe our home made Kerr Lens mode locked femtosecond Ti:S oscillator. The high intensity laser chain is based on the Chirped Pulse Amplification concept, which consists in stretching the pulse before its amplification in order to avoid non-linear effects such self-focusing or breakdown, and then recompressing it to its initial pulse duration. We have developed two compact and efficient multipass amplifiers for femtosecond chirped pulse amplification. With only two of these devices, we obtain an amplification factor of 10^8, which corresponds to a peak power of ˜ 0.5 terawatt after compression. We analyse in details the performances of this system and its advantages in terms of its high quantum yield (0.3), flexibility, and optical quality. Some observed spectral distortion on chirped pulses is simply explained by a gain saturation model. High dynamic pulse temporal control is crucial for interaction experiments. For this reason, we have developed a third order sampling autocorrelator. This device is able to measure 100 fs pulses with more than 8 orders of magnitude. I compare our obtained performances to other femtosecond systems and I analyse the best way to increase the energy, reduce the pulse duration and optimise focusing in order to reach the 10^19 W/cm2 regime. Ce mémoire présente les études préliminaires, la réalisation et la caractérisation d'une chaîne dite "de haute intensité" en régime femtosecondes. Cette installation est capable de produire sur cible des intensités supérieures à 10^18 W/cm2 à une récurrence de 10 tirs par seconde. Nous présentons tout d'abord les principes fondamentaux de la propagation d'impulsions étirées dans un milieu amplificateur en mettant en évidence les principaux mécanismes mis en jeu dans ce processus : la dispersion de vitesse de groupe, l'automodulation de phase, l'autofocalisation et la saturation du gain. Une analyse des différentes possibilités quant au choix de la source initiale capable d'émettre des impulsions de durée femtoseconde dans le domaine du proche infrarouge est réalisée après la présentation des caractéristiques spectroscopiques du saphir dopé au titane. Sont en particulier décrits en détail le principe et le fonctionnement de l'oscillateur au saphir dopé au titane à autoblocage de modes que nous avons construit à cet effet. L'amplification jusqu'aux puissances de l'ordre du terawatt repose sur le concept "CPA" d'amplification d'impulsions à dérive de fréquence. Nous explorons ici la voie des amplificateurs à multipassages suivant des configurations déjà développées pour les amplificateurs à colorants. Une attention particulière a été portée sur les méthodes de réglage, la fiabilité, la stabilité et la qualité du profil spatial du faisceau. D'autre part, une modélisation rend parfaitement compte des effets de saturation dans les amplificateurs. Les impulsions obtenues après compression ont une énergie de l'ordre de 60 mJ et une durée de l'ordre de 130 fs. La partie suivante est consacrée à une étude des problèmes d'étirement et de recompression pour tenter d'expliquer les raisons de cette recompression imparfaite. Finalement, un paramètre encore plus crucial pour la physique de l'interaction sur cible solide sans création d'un préplasma est le contraste des impulsions. Nous décrivons donc l'appareil de mesure capable d'effectuer des autocorrélations avec une dynamique dépassant 10^8 permettant d'observer un éventuel pied d'énergie à ce niveau. Les problèmes de propagation d'impulsions lumineuses ultra intenses sont ensuite abordés, pour optimiser la focalisation du faisceau jusqu'à des intensités de 10^18 W/cm2. Dans une discussion finale, les performances de cette installation sont comparées à celles des systèmes développés par ailleurs et nous réalisons une étude plus prospective des étapes à mettre en oeuvre afin d'augmenter l'énergie amplifiée, diminuer la durée des impulsions et optimiser la focalisation, le but à atteindre étant le régime des 10^19 W/cm2.

Caracterisation des melanges developpes pour le moulage basse pression des poudres metalliques (LPIM) =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fareh, Fouad

Le moulage par injection basse pression des poudres metalliques est une technique de fabrication qui permet de fabriquer des pieces possedant la complexite des pieces coulees mais avec les proprietes mecaniques des pieces corroyees. Cependant, l'optimisation des etapes de deliantage et de frittage a ete jusqu'a maintenant effectuee a l'aide de melange pour lesquels la moulabilite optimale n'a pas encore ete demontree. Ainsi, la comprehension des proprietes rheologiques et de la segregation des melanges est tres limitee et cela presente le point faible du processus de LPIM. L'objectif de ce projet de recherche etait de caracteriser l'influence des liants sur le comportement rheologique des melanges en mesurant la viscosite et la segregation des melanges faible viscosite utilises dans le procede LPIM. Afin d'atteindre cet objectif, des essais rheologiques et thermogravimetriques ont ete conduits sur 12 melanges. Ces melanges ont ete prepares a base de poudre d'Inconel 718 de forme spherique (chargement solide constant a 60%) et de cires, d'agents surfactants ou epaississants. Les essais rheologiques ont ete utilises entre autre pour calculer l'indice d'injectabilite ?STV des melanges, tandis que les essais thermogravimetriques ont permis d'evaluer precisement la segregation des poudres dans les melanges. Il a ete demontre que les trois (3) melanges contenant de la cire de paraffine et de l'acide stearique presentent des indices alpha STV plus eleves qui sont avantageux pour le moulage par injection des poudres metalliques (MIM), mais segregent beaucoup trop pour que la piece fabriquee produise de bonnes caracteristiques mecaniques. A l'oppose, le melange contenant de la cire de paraffine et de l'ethylene-vinyle acetate ainsi que le melange contenant seulement de la cire de carnauba segregent peu voire pas du tout, mais possedent de tres faibles indices alphaSTV : ils sont donc difficilement injectables. Le meilleur compromis semble donc etre les melanges contenant de la cire (de paraffine, d'abeille et de carnauba) et de faible teneur en acide stearique et en ethylene-vinyle acetate. Par ailleurs, les lois physiques preexistantes ont permis de confirmer les resultats des essais rheologiques et thermogravimetriques, mais aussi de mettre en evidence l'influence de la segregation sur les proprietes rheologiques des melanges. Ces essais ont aussi montre l'effet de constituants de liant et du temps passe a l'etat fondu sur l'intensite de la segregation dans les melanges. Les melanges contenants de l'acide stearique segregent rapidement. La caracterisation des melanges developpes pour le moulage basse pression des poudres metalliques doit etre obtenue a l'aide d'une methode de courte duree pour eviter la segregation et de mesurer precisement l'aptitude a l'ecoulement de ces melanges.

Technology Insertion and Management: Options for the Canadian Forces

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

Minister of National Defence, 2010 © Sa Majesté la Reine ( en droit du Canada), telle que représentée par le ministre de la Défense nationale, 2010...semble indiquer qu’un changement de paradigme est en cours dans la façon dont les militaires élaborent et emploient la technologie à utiliser avec leurs...coûts-avantages fondée sur l’optimisation des options en matière d’insertion technologique. ii DRDC CORA TM 2010-015 This page

L’évaluation du risque cardiaque avant l’utilisation de stimulants chez les enfants et les adolescents

PubMed Central

Bélanger, SA; Warren, AE; Hamilton, RM; Gray, C; Gow, RM; Sanatani, S; Côté, J-M; Lougheed, J; LeBlanc, J; Martin, S; Miles, B; Mitchell, C; Gorman, DA; Weiss, M; Schachar, R

2009-01-01

Les décisions en matière de réglementation et les documents scientifiques au sujet de la prise en charge du trouble de déficit de l’attention avec hyperactivité (TDAH) soulèvent des questions quant à l’innocuité des médicaments et à l’évaluation convenable à effectuer avant le traitement afin de déterminer la pertinence d’une pharmacothérapie. Ce constat est particulièrement vrai en présence de cardiopathies structurelles ou fonctionnelles. Le présent article contient l’analyse des données disponibles, y compris les publications révisées par des pairs, des données tirées du site Web de la Food and Drug Administration des États-Unis au sujet des réactions indésirables déclarées chez des enfants qui prennent des stimulants, ainsi que des données de Santé Canada sur le même problème. Des lignes directrices consensuelles sur l’évaluation pertinente sont proposées d’après l’apport des membres de la Société canadienne de pédiatrie, de la Société canadienne de cardiologie et de l’Académie canadienne de psychiatrie de l’enfant et de l’adolescent, qui possèdent notamment des compétences et des connaissances précises tant dans le secteur du TDAH que de la cardiologie pédiatrique. Le présent document de principes prône une anamnèse et un examen physique détaillés avant la prescription de stimulants et s’attarde sur le dépistage des facteurs de risque de mort subite, mais il ne contient pas de recommandations systématiques de dépistage électrocardiographique ou de consultations avec un spécialiste en cardiologie, à moins que les antécédents ou que l’examen physique ne le justifient. Le document contient un questionnaire pour repérer les enfants potentiellement vulnérables à une mort subite (quel que soit le type de TDAH ou les médicaments utilisés pour le traiter). Même si les recommandations dépendent des meilleures données probantes disponibles, le comité s’entend pour affirmer que d’autres recherches s’imposent pour optimiser l’approche de ce scénario clinique courant.

Modélisation de matériaux chiraux à structures hétérogènes (modèle MTWC) : théorie, validations expérimentales et applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mariotte, F.; Sauviac, B.; Héliot, J. Ph.

1995-10-01

After a brief overview of the concept of electromagnetic chirality, this paper deals with a numerical simulation of isotropic composites with metallic chiral inclusions: computations of permittivity, permeability and chirality parameter as functions of frequency are presented. The theoretical results are, step by step, compared with measurements of chiral composites at microwave frequencies. The application of such media in Radar Cross-Section (RCS) management and control is discussed. The introduction of chiral inclusions seems to make impedance matching possible and may lead to attractive shields with lower reflectivity and larger bandwidth. However the optimization of material characteristics necessary to get a specific absorber remains a difficult task. Après un bref rappel du principe de la chiralité, cet article présente une modélisation des propriétés effectives des matériaux hétérogènes à inclusions chirales métalliques : calcul de la permittivité, perméabilité et coefficient de chiralité du composite en fonction de la fréquence. Les résultats théoriques sont validés, pas à pas, par des mesures effectuées sur des composites chiraux de natures différentes. L'application de tels matériaux à la conception de matériaux absorbant les ondes électromagnétiques est ensuite envisagée. Les inclusions chirales semblent offrir la possibilité de régler l'impédance à l'interface air-milieu absorbant permettant ainsi de concevoir des absorbants micro-ondes plus performants en terme d'atténuation ou de largeur de bande. L'optimisation des caractéristiques des matériaux pour obtenir des performances données restent néanmoins très délicate.

Reduction of Military Vehicle Acquisition Time and Cost through Advanced Modelling and Virtual Simulation (La reduction des couts et des delais d’acquisition des vehicules militaires par la modelisation avancee et la simulation de produit virtuel)

DTIC Science & Technology

2003-03-01

nations, a very thorough examination of current practices. Introduction The Applied Vehicle Technology Panel (AVT) of the Research and Technology...the introduction of new information generated by computer codes required it to be timely and presented in appropriate fashion so that it could...military competition between the NATO allies and the Soviet Union. The second was the introduction of commercial, high capacity transonic aircraft and

Analysis of power gating in different hierarchical levels of 2MB cache, considering variation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jafari, Mohsen; Imani, Mohsen; Fathipour, Morteza

2015-09-01

This article reintroduces power gating technique in different hierarchical levels of static random-access memory (SRAM) design including cell, row, bank and entire cache memory in 16 nm Fin field effect transistor. Different structures of SRAM cells such as 6T, 8T, 9T and 10T are used in design of 2MB cache memory. The power reduction of the entire cache memory employing cell-level optimisation is 99.7% with the expense of area and other stability overheads. The power saving of the cell-level optimisation is 3× (1.2×) higher than power gating in cache (bank) level due to its superior selectivity. The access delay times are allowed to increase by 4% in the same energy delay product to achieve the best power reduction for each supply voltages and optimisation levels. The results show the row-level power gating is the best for optimising the power of the entire cache with lowest drawbacks. Comparisons of cells show that the cells whose bodies have higher power consumption are the best candidates for power gating technique in row-level optimisation. The technique has the lowest percentage of saving in minimum energy point (MEP) of the design. The power gating also improves the variation of power in all structures by at least 70%.

Non-linearite et couplages lumiere-matiere en electrodynamique quantique en circuit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bourassa, Jerome

L'électrodynamique quantique en circuit est un contexte unique pour l'optique quantique et le calcul quantique. Dans cette architecture où des qubits supraconducteurs, composés de jonctions Josephson, sont fortement couplés au champ électromagnétique de résonateurs coplanaires, la dynamique du système est semblable à celle des atomes dans des cavités optiques. La polyvalence de la conception des circuits supraconducteurs permet d'étudier l'interaction lumière-matière de différents régimes et manières. Ainsi, plusieurs qubits peuvent être couplés à un seul résonateur afin de les enchevêtrer. Une jonction Josephson peut également être intégrée directement au résonateur afin de produire une interaction non linéaire entre les photons. De la même manière, il a été suggéré que le couplage qubitrésonateur pourrait devenir l'échelle d'énergie dominante du système : le régime de couplage ultrafort. Malgré que la dynamique qubit-résonateur soit bien comprise, les modèles actuels ne permettent pas de prédire correctement les effets dispersifs du résonateur sur les qubits tels : le décalage de Lamb, l'interaction d'échange virtuelle et le temps de relaxation. Comme il n'y a pas non plus de modèle général permettant de déterminer les caractéristiques d'un résonateur non linéaire, on comprend mal comment rendre la non-linéarité plus forte, ni même si le régime de couplage ultrafort peut être physiquement réalisé dans ces circuits. Dans le cadre de ma thèse, je me suis intéressé à la modélisation de qubits et de résonateurs afin de mieux comprendre l'interaction lumière-matière en circuits, dans le but de développer des conceptions alternatives d'architectures plus performantes ou qui explorent des régimes d'interactions méconnus. Pour ce faire, j'ai développé une méthode analytique générale permettant de trouver l'hamiltonien exact de circuits distribués non linéaires, une méthode basée sur la mécanique lagrangienne et la représentation des modes propres d'oscillation. La grande qualité de la méthode réside dans la description analytique détaillée des paramètres de l'hamiltonien du système en fonction de la géométrie et des caractéristiques électromagnétiques du circuit. Non seulement le formalisme développé réconcilie le modèle quantique avec l'électromagnétisme classique et la théorie des circuits, mais va bien au-delà en formulant d'importantes prédictions sur la nature des interactions et l'influence des fluctuations du vide du résonateur sur la dynamique des qubits supraconducteurs. À l'aide d'exemples numériques réalistes et compatibles avec les technologies actuelles, je montre comment de simples optimisations de conception permettraient d'augmenter grandement l'efficacité et la rapidité d'exécution de calculs quantiques avec l'architecture, en plus d'atteindre des régimes de non-linéarité et de couplage lumière-matière inédits. En permettant de mieux comprendre l'interaction lumière-matière dans les circuits et d'optimiser l'architecture afin d'atteindre de nouveaux régimes de couplages, la méthode d'analyse de circuit développée dans cette thèse permettra de tester et raffiner nos connaissances sur l'électrodynamique quantique et la physique quantique. Mots-clés: Information quantique, électrodynamique quantique, supraconductivité, électromagnétisme, qubit supraconducteur, résonateur non linéaire, couplage ultrafort, effet Kerr.

Modelling of auctioning mechanism for solar photovoltaic capacity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Poullikkas, Andreas

2016-10-01

In this work, a modified optimisation model for the integration of renewable energy sources for power-generation (RES-E) technologies in power-generation systems on a unit commitment basis is developed. The purpose of the modified optimisation procedure is to account for RES-E capacity auctions for different solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity electricity prices. The optimisation model developed uses a genetic algorithm (GA) technique for the calculation of the required RES-E levy (or green tax) in the electricity bills. Also, the procedure enables the estimation of the level of the adequate (or eligible) feed-in-tariff to be offered to future RES-E systems, which do not participate in the capacity auctioning procedure. In order to demonstrate the applicability of the optimisation procedure developed the case of PV capacity auctioning for commercial systems is examined. The results indicated that the required green tax, in order to promote the use of RES-E technologies, which is charged to the electricity customers through their electricity bills, is reduced with the reduction in the final auctioning price. This has a significant effect related to the reduction of electricity bills.

Patient-tailored Drug-eluting Stent Choice - A Solution for Patients with Diabetes: Proceedings of Two Satellite Symposia Held at EuroPCR in May 2015 in Paris.

PubMed

Mountfort, Katrina; Mehran, Roxana; Colombo, Antonio; Stella, Pieter; Romaguera, Rafael; Sardella, Gennaro

2015-09-01

Although second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) have improved outcomes in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs), important unmet needs remain. Two symposia at EuroPCR 2015 focused on two challenging scenarios. First, patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) have generally inferior outcomes following PCI. The Cre8™ stent (manufactured by CID Spa, member of Alvimedica Group) has shown unique efficacy in subpopulations of patients with DM during clinical trials. A live case in a patient with diabetes illustrated the challenges of complex multivessel disease. Second, optimising stent selection towards devices that have demonstrated complete and early endothelialisation offers the potential to reduce the duration of dual antiplatelet therapy. The Cre8™ DES features a polymer-free platform and has been associated with low rates of in-stent thrombosis.

Algorithmes de couplage RANS et ecoulement potentiel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallay, Sylvain

Dans le processus de developpement d'avion, la solution retenue doit satisfaire de nombreux criteres dans de nombreux domaines, comme par exemple le domaine de la structure, de l'aerodynamique, de la stabilite et controle, de la performance ou encore de la securite, tout en respectant des echeanciers precis et minimisant les couts. Les geometries candidates sont nombreuses dans les premieres etapes de definition du produit et de design preliminaire, et des environnements d'optimisations multidisciplinaires sont developpes par les differentes industries aeronautiques. Differentes methodes impliquant differents niveaux de modelisations sont necessaires pour les differentes phases de developpement du projet. Lors des phases de definition et de design preliminaires, des methodes rapides sont necessaires afin d'etudier les candidats efficacement. Le developpement de methodes ameliorant la precision des methodes existantes tout en gardant un cout de calcul faible permet d'obtenir un niveau de fidelite plus eleve dans les premieres phases de developpement du projet et ainsi grandement diminuer les risques associes. Dans le domaine de l'aerodynamisme, les developpements des algorithmes de couplage visqueux/non visqueux permettent d'ameliorer les methodes de calcul lineaires non visqueuses en methodes non lineaires prenant en compte les effets visqueux. Ces methodes permettent ainsi de caracteriser l'ecoulement visqueux sur les configurations et predire entre autre les mecanismes de decrochage ou encore la position des ondes de chocs sur les surfaces portantes. Cette these se focalise sur le couplage entre une methode d'ecoulement potentiel tridimensionnelle et des donnees de section bidimensionnelles visqueuses. Les methodes existantes sont implementees et leurs limites identifiees. Une methode originale est ensuite developpee et validee. Les resultats sur une aile elliptique demontrent la capacite de l'algorithme a de grands angles d'attaques et dans la region post-decrochage. L'algorithme de couplage a ete compare a des donnees de plus haute fidelite sur des configurations issues de la litterature. Un modele de fuselage base sur des relations empiriques et des simulations RANS a ete teste et valide. Les coefficients de portance, de trainee et de moment de tangage ainsi que les coefficients de pression extraits le long de l'envergure ont montre un bon accord avec les donnees de soufflerie et les modeles RANS pour des configurations transsoniques. Une configuration a geometrie hypersustentatoire a permis d'etudier la modelisation des surfaces hypersustentees de la methode d'ecoulement potentiel, demontrant que la cambrure peut etre prise en compte uniquement dans les donnees visqueuses.

Development and optimisation of atorvastatin calcium loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) for enhancing oral bioavailability: in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

PubMed

Kassem, Abdulsalam M; Ibrahim, Hany M; Samy, Ahmed M

2017-05-01

The objective of this study was to develop and optimise self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) of atorvastatin calcium (ATC) for improving dissolution rate and eventually oral bioavailability. Ternary phase diagrams were constructed on basis of solubility and emulsification studies. The composition of ATC-SNEDDS was optimised using the Box-Behnken optimisation design. Optimised ATC-SNEDDS was characterised for various physicochemical properties. Pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic and histological findings were performed in rats. Optimised ATC-SNEDDS resulted in droplets size of 5.66 nm, zeta potential of -19.52 mV, t 90 of 5.43 min and completely released ATC within 30 min irrespective of pH of the medium. Area under the curve of optimised ATC-SNEDDS in rats was 2.34-folds higher than ATC suspension. Pharmacodynamic studies revealed significant reduction in serum lipids of rats with fatty liver. Photomicrographs showed improvement in hepatocytes structure. In this study, we confirmed that ATC-SNEDDS would be a promising approach for improving oral bioavailability of ATC.

Intensité thérapeutique optimale : comment mesurer l'intensité d'une association radiothérapie-chimiothérapie ?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ganem, G.; Dubray, B.

1998-04-01

Treatment intensification is needed to overcome the disappointing efficacy of anticancer treatments used as a single modality. The conception, comparison and optimization of radiotherapy - chemotherapy combinations is hampered by the lack of a common tool enabling the clinicians to quantify the effects of the association of different treatment modalities. Such a difficulty is mainly due to chemotherapy (large array of drugs, pharmacological uncertainties), but is also the consequence of end-point multiplicity (tumour control, normal tissue injury) and tumour biology complexity. L'intensification thérapeutique est une nécessité face à l'efficacité insuffisante des traitements anticancéreux utilisés séparément. La conception, la comparaison, et l'optimisation des modalités possibles d'association de radiothérapie et de chimiothérapie est considérablement gênée par l'absence d'un outil permettant de mesurer l'efficacitéé résultante de la combinaison d'agents thérapeutiques différents. Cette difficulté provient essentiellement de l'usage de la chimiothérapie (nombreuses drogues, pharmacocinétique mal connue), mais aussi de la multiplicité des critères de jugement (action anti-tumorale, lésions des tissus sains) et de la complexité de la biologie tumorale.

Identification de lois constitutives et de lois de frottement adaptées aux grandes vitesses de sollicitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalverny, O.; Capéraa, S.; Pantalé, O.; Sattouf, C.

2002-12-01

Cet article présente une méthodologie d'identification de lois constitutives et de lois de contact adaptées aux matériaux métalliques sous chargement dynamique à grande vitesse de déformation. Les essais sont effectués à partir de montages expérimentaux adaptés à un lanceur à gaz permettant d'obtenir une vitesse de projectile de l'ordre de 350m/s pour une masse totale de 30gr. Le premier essai consiste en un impact de Taylor correspondant à un chargement mécanique de type compression. Le second essai de type “extrusion conique" permet la détermination des lois de frottement à grande vitesse. La procédure générale d'identification des lois de comportement à partir d'essais dynamiques se fait au moyen d'une analyse post-mortem des échantillons et de la corrélation entre ces résultats expérimentaux et un modèle numérique des essais. Pour les deux cas précédemment cités, nous présentons la configuration optimale d'essai ainsi que les résultats obtenus à partir d'un algorithme d'optimisation de type Levenberg-Marquard.

Conception de lois de pilotage robustes et sequencement de gains par l'approche de systemes lineaires a parametres variants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hentabli, Kamel

Cette recherche s'inscrit dans le cadre du projet de recherche Active Control Technology entre l'Ecole de Technologie Superieure et le constructeur Bombardier Aeronautique . Le but est de concevoir des strategies de commandes multivariables et robustes pour des modeles dynamiques d'avions. Ces strategies de commandes devraient assurer a l'avion une haute performance et satisfaire des qualites de vol desirees en l'occurrence, une bonne manoeuvrabilite, de bonnes marges de stabilite et un amortissement des mouvements phugoides et rapides de l'avion. Dans un premier temps, nous nous sommes principalement interesses aux methodes de synthese LTI et plus exactement a l'approche Hinfinity et la mu-synthese. Par la suite, nous avons accorde un interet particulier aux techniques de commande LPV. Pour mener a bien ce travail, nous avons envisage une approche frequentielle, typiquement Hinfinity. Cette approche est particulierement interessante, dans la mesure ou le modele de synthese est construit directement a partir des differentes specifications du cahier des charges. En effet, ces specifications sont traduites sous forme de gabarits frequentiels, correspondant a des ponderations en entree et en sortie que l'on retrouve dans la synthese Hinfinity classique. Par ailleurs, nous avons utilise une representation de type lineaire fractionnelle (LFT), jugee mieux adaptee pour la prise en compte des differents types d'incertitudes, qui peuvent intervenir sur le systeme. De plus, cette representation s'avere tres appropriee pour l'analyse de la robustesse via les outils de la mu-analyse. D'autre part, afin d'optimiser le compromis entre les specifications de robustesse et de performance, nous avons opte pour une structure de commande a 2 degres de liberte avec modele de reference. Enfin, ces techniques sont illustrees sur des applications realistes, demontrant ainsi la pertinence et l'applicabilite de chacune d'elle. Mots cles. Commande de vol, qualites de vol et manoeuvrabilite, commande robuste, approche Hinfinity , mu-synthese, systemes lineaires a parametres variants, sequencement de gains, transformation lineaire fractionnelle, inegalite matricielle lineaire.

Evaluation des prescriptions antibiotiques au service des urgences de l’Hôpital Militaire d’Instruction Mohammed V (HMIMV)

PubMed Central

Elbouti, Anass; Rafai, Mostafa; Chouaib, Naoufal; Jidane, Said; Belkouch, Ahmed; Bakkali, Hicham; Belyamani, Lahcen

2016-01-01

Cette étude à pour objectifs de décrire les pratiques des prescriptions, évaluer leur pertinence et leur conformité aux règles d’utilisations et étudier les facteurs susceptibles de les influencer. Il s’agit d’une étude transversale d’évaluation des prescriptions antibiotiques portant sur 105 patients réalisée au service des urgences médico-chirurgicales de l’H.M.I.Med V de Rabat sur une période d’un mois. Le recueil des données était fait à l’aide d’un questionnaire rapportant les données démographiques et anamnestiques, les antécédents, la notion d’allergie, les données spécifiques de l’examen clinique, les données para cliniques, la prescription détaillée de l’antibiotique. Les données récoltées ont été ensuite évaluées par un médecin référent, chargé d’indiquer les éventuelles erreurs de traitement. Parmi les infections ayant motivé la prescription des antibiotiques, les affections des systèmes respiratoires et urinaires étaient au premier rang, les familles d’antibiotiques les plus couramment employées sont les pénicillines, les quinolones et les céphalosporines. 74 prescriptions soit (70,5%) étaient à la fois pertinentes et conformes contre 9 prescriptions soit (8,6%) justifiées mais non pertinentes et 6 prescriptions soit (5,7%) étaient jugées injustifiées par le médecin référent par absence d’infection. Les évaluations des pratiques médicales sont rarement menées dans les établissements de santé; c’est dans ce cadre que nous avons voulu nous inscrire en produisant cette étude afin d’améliorer la pertinence de nos prescriptions antibiotiques et d’optimiser leur conformité aux différentes recommandations. PMID:28292124

Elaboration de nouvelles approches micromecaniques pour l'optimisation des performances mecaniques des materiaux heterogenes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aboutajeddine, Ahmed

Les modeles micromecaniques de transition d'echelles qui permettent de determiner les proprietes effectives des materiaux heterogenes a partir de la microstructure sont consideres dans ce travail. L'objectif est la prise en compte de la presence d'une interphase entre la matrice et le renforcement dans les modeles micromecaniques classiques, de meme que la reconsideration des approximations de base de ces modeles, afin de traiter les materiaux multiphasiques. Un nouveau modele micromecanique est alors propose pour tenir compte de la presence d'une interphase elastique mince lors de la determination des proprietes effectives. Ce modele a ete construit grace a l'apport de l'equation integrale, des operateurs interfaciaux de Hill et de la methode de Mori-Tanaka. Les expressions obtenues pour les modules globaux et les champs dans l'enrobage sont de nature analytique. L'approximation de base de ce modele est amelioree par la suite dans un nouveau modele qui s'interesse aux inclusions enrobees avec un enrobage mince ou epais. La resolution utilisee s'appuie sur une double homogeneisation realisee au niveau de l'inclusion enrobee et du materiau. Cette nouvelle demarche, permettra d'apprehender completement les implications des approximations de la modelisation. Les resultats obtenus sont exploites par la suite dans la solution de l'assemblage de Hashin. Ainsi, plusieurs modeles micromecaniques classiques d'origines differentes se voient unifier et rattacher, dans ce travail, a la representation geometrique de Hashin. En plus de pouvoir apprecier completement la pertinence de l'approximation de chaque modele dans cette vision unique, l'extension correcte de ces modeles aux materiaux multiphasiques est rendue possible. Plusieurs modeles analytiques et explicites sont alors proposee suivant des solutions de differents ordres de l'assemblage de Hashin. L'un des modeles explicite apparait comme une correction directe du modele de Mori-Tanaka, dans les cas ou celui ci echoue a donner de bons resultats. Finalement, ce modele de Mori-Tanaka corrige est utilise avec les operateurs de Hill pour construire un modele de transition d'echelle pour les materiaux ayant une interphase elastoplastique. La loi de comportement effective trouvee est de nature incrementale et elle est conjuguee a la relation de la plasticite de l'interphase. Des simulations d'essais mecaniques pour plusieurs proprietes de l'interphase plastique a permis de dresser des profils de l'enrobage octroyant un meilleur comportement au materiau.

Algorithmes et architectures pour ordinateurs quantiques supraconducteurs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Blais, Alexandre

Depuis sa formulation, la theorie de l'information a ete basee, implicitement, sur les lois de la physique classique. Une telle formulation est toutefois incomplete puisqu'elle ne tient pas compte de la realite quantique. Au cours des vingt dernieres annees, l'expansion de la theorie de l'information englobant les effets purement quantiques a connu un interet grandissant. La realisation d'un systeme de traitement de l'information quantique, un ordinateur quantique, presente toutefois de nombreux defis. Dans ce document, on s'interesse a differents aspects concernant ces defis. On commence par presenter des concepts algorithmiques comme l'optimisation de calculs quantiques et le calcul quantique geometrique. Par la suite, on s'interesse au design et a differents aspects de l'utilisation de qubits bases sur les jonctions Josephson. En particulier, un nouveau design de qubit supraconducteur est suggere. On presente aussi une approche originale pour l'interaction entre qubits. Cette approche est tres generale puisqu'elle peut etre appliquee a differents designs de qubits. Finalement, on s'interesse a la lecture des qubits supraconducteurs de flux. Le detecteur suggere ici a l'avantage de pouvoir etre decouple du qubit lorsqu'il n'y a pas de mesure en cours.

Les psychoses de l’épileptique: approche clinique à propos d'un cas

PubMed Central

Charfi, Nada; Trigui, Dorsaf; Ben Thabet, Jihène; Zouari, Nasreddine; Zouari, Lobna; Maalej, Mohamed

2014-01-01

Pour discuter les liens entre épilepsie et psychose, les auteurs rapportent l'observation d'une fille âgée de 22 ans, traitée pour épilepsie fronto-temporale, adressée en psychiatrie pour des hallucinations sensorielles et cénesthésiques et un délire mystique et d'influence, apparus secondairement et non améliorés par le traitement antiépileptique. Les symptômes psychotiques, chez l’épileptique, peuvent entrer dans le cadre de psychoses intercritiques, post-critiques ou alternatives. Pour le cas rapporté, les symptômes psychotiques étaient intercritiques et chroniques. Il s'agissait vraisemblablement d'une psychose schizophréniforme. Dans ce type de psychose, une indifférence affective et une restriction des activités sont rarement rencontrés, alors que les fluctuations rapides de l'humeur sont fréquentes. Les thématiques délirantes sont assez souvent mystiques, alimentées par des hallucinations auditives et par des hallucinations visuelles inhabituelles. Les troubles négatifs sont rares. Les psychoses épileptiques n'ont pas été identifiées comme des entités nosographiques dans les systèmes de classification psychiatrique (DSM-IV et CIM-10), ce qui pose un problème de reconnaissance de ces troubles. Une collaboration entre psychiatre et neurologue devient ainsi nécessaire pour mieux comprendre cette comorbidité complexe, éviter les erreurs diagnostiques et optimiser la prise en charge. PMID:25309665

Optimisation des trajectoires d'un systeme de gestion de vol d'avions pour la reduction des couts de vol

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sidibe, Souleymane

The implementation and monitoring of operational flight plans is a major occupation for a crew of commercial flights. The purpose of this operation is to set the vertical and lateral trajectories followed by airplane during phases of flight: climb, cruise, descent, etc. These trajectories are subjected to conflicting economical constraints: minimization of flight time and minimization of fuel consumed and environmental constraints. In its task of mission planning, the crew is assisted by the Flight Management System (FMS) which is used to construct the path to follow and to predict the behaviour of the aircraft along the flight plan. The FMS considered in our research, particularly includes an optimization model of flight only by calculating the optimal speed profile that minimizes the overall cost of flight synthesized by a criterion of cost index following a steady cruising altitude. However, the model based solely on optimization of the speed profile is not sufficient. It is necessary to expand the current optimization for simultaneous optimization of the speed and altitude in order to determine an optimum cruise altitude that minimizes the overall cost when the path is flown with the optimal speed profile. Then, a new program was developed. The latter is based on the method of dynamic programming invented by Bellman to solve problems of optimal paths. In addition, the improvement passes through research new patterns of trajectories integrating ascendant cruises and using the lateral plane with the effect of the weather: wind and temperature. Finally, for better optimization, the program takes into account constraint of flight domain of aircrafts which utilize the FMS.

Optimisation of the hybrid renewable energy system by HOMER, PSO and CPSO for the study area

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khare, Vikas; Nema, Savita; Baredar, Prashant

2017-04-01

This study is based on simulation and optimisation of the renewable energy system of the police control room at Sagar in central India. To analyse this hybrid system, the meteorological data of solar insolation and hourly wind speeds of Sagar in central India (longitude 78°45‧ and latitude 23°50‧) have been considered. The pattern of load consumption is studied and suitably modelled for optimisation of the hybrid energy system using HOMER software. The results are compared with those of the particle swarm optimisation and the chaotic particle swarm optimisation algorithms. The use of these two algorithms to optimise the hybrid system leads to a higher quality result with faster convergence. Based on the optimisation result, it has been found that replacing conventional energy sources by the solar-wind hybrid renewable energy system will be a feasible solution for the distribution of electric power as a stand-alone application at the police control room. This system is more environmentally friendly than the conventional diesel generator. The fuel cost reduction is approximately 70-80% more than that of the conventional diesel generator.

Approches pour la reduction de l'impact de defaut dans le transport d'energie du parc eolien offshore via VSC-HVDC =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benadja, Mounir

Dans ce travail est presente un systeme de generation d'energie d'un parc eolien offshore et un systeme de transport utilisant les stations VSC-HVDC connectees au reseau principal AC onshore. Trois configurations ont ete etudiees, modelisees et validees par simulation. Dans chacune des configurations, des contributions ameliorant les cotes techniques et economiques sont decrites ci-dessous : La premiere contribution concerne un nouvel algorithme MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) utilise pour l'extraction de la puissance maximale disponible dans les eoliennes des parcs offshores. Cette technique d'extraction du MPPT ameliore le rendement energetique de la chaine de conversion des energies renouvelables notamment l'energie eolienne a petite et a grande echelles (parc eolien offshore) qui constitue un probleme pour les constructeurs qui se trouvent confrontes a developper des dispositifs MPPT simples, moins couteux, robustes, fiables et capable d'obtenir un rendement energetique maximal. La deuxieme contribution concerne la reduction de la taille, du cout et de l'impact des defauts electriques (AC et DC) dans le systeme construit pour transporter l'energie d'un parc eolien offshore (OWF) vers le reseau principal AC onshore via deux stations 3L-NPC VSCHVDC. La solution developpee utilise des observateurs non-lineaires bases sur le filtre de Kalman etendu (EKF). Ce filtre permet d'estimer la vitesse de rotation et la position du rotor de chacune des generatrices du parc eolien offshore et de la tension du bus DC de l'onduleur DC-AC offshore et des deux stations 3L-NPC-VSC-HVDC (offshore et onshore). De plus, ce developpement du filtre de Kalman etendu a permis de reduire l'impact des defauts AC et DC. Deux commandes ont ete utilisees, l'une (commande indirect dans le plan abc) avec EKF integre destinee pour controler le convertisseur DC-AC offshore et l'autre (commande d-q) avec EKF integre pour controler les convertisseurs des deux stations AC-DC et DC-AC tout en tenant compte des entrees de chacune des stations. L'integration des observateurs non-lineaires (EKF) dans le controle des convertisseurs permet de resoudre le probleme des incertitudes de mesure, des incertitudes dans la modelisation, en cas du dysfonctionnement ou de panne des capteurs de mesure ainsi que le probleme de l'impact des defauts (AC et DC) sur la qualite d'energie dans les systemes de transmission. Ces estimations contribuent a rendre le cout global du systeme moins cher et sa taille moins encombrante ainsi que la reduction de l'impact des defauts (AC et DC) sur le systeme. La troisieme contribution concerne la reduction de la taille, du cout et de l'impact des defauts electriques (AC et DC) dans le systeme construit pour transporter l'energie d'un parc eolien offshore (OWF) vers le reseau principal AC onshore via deux stations VSC-HVDC. La solution developpee utilise des observateurs non-lineaires bases sur le filtre de Kalman etendu (EKF). Ce filtre permet d'estimer la vitesse de rotation et la position du rotor de chacune des generatrices du parc eolien et de la tension du bus DC de l'onduleur DC-AC offshore. La contribution porte surtout sur le developpement des deux commandes des deux stations. La premiere, la commande non-lineaire modifiee pour controler le premier convertisseur de la station VSC-HVDC offshore assurant le transfert de la puissance generee par le parc eolien vers la station VSC-HVDC onshore. La deuxieme commande non-lineaire modifiee avec integration de la regulation de la tension du bus DC et de la commande a modele de reference adaptative (MRAC) pour la compensation des surintensites et surtensions durant les defauts AC et DC. On peut constater que lors d'un defaut AC au PCC (Point of Common Coupling) du cote reseau onshore, la profondeur de l'impact du defaut AC sur l'amplitude des courants du reseau principal AC onshore qui etait reduit a 60% par les travaux de recherche (Erlich, Feltes et Shewarega, 2014), comparativement a la nouvelle commande proposee MRAC qui reduit la profondeur de l'impact a 35%. Lors de l'apparition des defauts AC et DC, une reduction de l'impact des defauts sur l'amplitude des courants de reseau AC terrestre et du temps de reponse a ete observee et la stabilite du systeme a ete renforcee par l'utilisation de la commande adaptative basee sur le modele de reference MRAC. La quatrieme contribution concerne une nouvelle commande basee sur le mode de glissement (SM) appliquee pour la station VSC-HVDC qui relie le parc eolien offshore (OWF) au reseau principal AC. Ce parc est compose de dix eoliennes basees sur des generatrices synchrones a aimant permanent (VSWT/PMSGs) connectees en parallele et chacune est controlee par son propre convertisseur DC-DC. Une comparaison des performances entre la commande SM et de la commande non-lineaire avec des controleurs PI pour les deux conditions (presence et absence de defaut DC) a ete analysee et montre la superiorite de la commande par SM. Un prototype du systeme etudie a echelle reduite a ete realise et teste au laboratoire GREPCI en utilisant la carte dSPACE-DS1104 pour la validation experimentale. L'analyse et la simulation des systemes etudies sont developpees sous l'environnement Matlab/Simulink/Simpowersystem. Les resultats obtenus a partir des configurations developpees sont valides par simulation et par experimentation. Les performances sont tres satisfaisantes du point de vue reponse dynamique, reponse en regime permanent, stabilite du systeme et qualite de l'energie.

Optimisation and establishment of diagnostic reference levels in paediatric plain radiography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paulo, Graciano do Nascimento Nobre

Purpose: This study aimed to propose Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) in paediatric plain radiography and to optimise the most frequent paediatric plain radiography examinations in Portugal following an analysis and evaluation of current practice. Methods and materials: Anthropometric data (weight, patient height and thickness of the irradiated anatomy) was collected from 9,935 patients referred for a radiography procedure to one of the three dedicated paediatric hospitals in Portugal. National DRLs were calculated for the three most frequent X-ray procedures at the three hospitals: chest AP/PA projection; abdomen AP projection; pelvis AP projection. Exposure factors and patient dose were collected prospectively at the clinical sites. In order to analyse the relationship between exposure factors, the use of technical features and dose, experimental tests were made using two anthropomorphic phantoms: a) CIRSTM ATOM model 705; height: 110cm, weight: 19kg and b) Kyoto kagakuTM model PBU-60; height: 165cm, weight: 50kg. After phantom data collection, an objective image analysis was performed by analysing the variation of the mean value of the standard deviation, measured with OsiriX software (Pixmeo, Switzerland). After proposing new exposure criteria, a Visual Grading Characteristic image quality evaluation was performed blindly by four paediatric radiologists, each with a minimum of 10 years of professional experience, using anatomical criteria scoring. Results: DRLs by patient weight groups have been established for the first time. ESAKP75 DRLs for both patient age and weight groups were also obtained and are described in the thesis. Significant dose reduction was achieved through the implementation of an optimisation programme: an average reduction of 41% and 18% on KAPP75 and ESAKP75, respectively for chest plain radiography; an average reduction of 58% and 53% on KAPP75 and ESAKP75, respectively for abdomen plain radiography; and an average reduction of 47% and 48% on KAPP75 and ESAKP75, respectively for pelvis plain radiography. Conclusion: Portuguese DRLs for plain radiography were obtained for paediatric plain radiography (chest AP/PA, abdomen and pelvis). Experimental phantom tests identified adequate plain radiography exposure criteria, validated by objective and subjective image quality analysis. The new exposure criteria were put into practice in one of the paediatric hospitals, by introducing an optimisation programme. The implementation of the optimisation programme allowed a significant dose reduction to paediatric patients, without compromising image quality. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Use of DES in mildly separated internal flow: dimples in a turbulent channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tay, Chien Ming Jonathan; Khoo, Boo Cheong; Chew, Yong Tian

2017-12-01

Detached eddy simulation (DES) is investigated as a means to study an array of shallow dimples with depth to diameter ratios of 1.5% and 5% in a turbulent channel. The DES captures large-scale flow features relatively well, but is unable to predict skin friction accurately due to flow modelling near the wall. The current work instead relies on the accuracy of DES to predict large-scale flow features, as well as its well-documented reliability in predicting flow separation regions to support the proposed mechanism that dimples reduce drag by introducing spanwise flow components near the wall through the addition of streamwise vorticity. Profiles of the turbulent energy budget show the stabilising effect of the dimples on the flow. The presence of flow separation however modulates the net drag reduction. Increasing the Reynolds number can reduce the size of the separated region and experiments show that this increases the overall drag reduction.

Elaboration de revetements nanocomposites avec des proprietes superhydrophobes, semi-conductrices et photocatalytiques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Madidi, Fatima Zahra

Les lignes aeriennes de transport et de distribution de l'energie electrique sont souvent exposees a diverses contraintes. Parmi celles-ci, la pollution des isolateurs constitue l'un des facteurs de premiere importance dans la fiabilite du transport d'energie. En effet, la presence de pollution sur les isolateurs lorsqu'elle est humidifiee entraine la diminution de leur performance electrique en favorisant l'apparition d'arcs de contournement. De telles pannes peuvent parfois causer des impacts socioeconomiques importants. Par ailleurs, le developpement de nouveaux revetements pour ces isolateurs peut s'averer un moyen efficace pour les proteger contre l'apparition de l'arc de contournement. Les revetements superhydrophobes ont fait l'objet de nombreuses etudes au cours de ces dernieres annees. Ces surfaces sont preparees en combinant une rugosite nano-microstructuree avec une faible energie de surface. En outre, de telles surfaces ont de nombreuses applications si elles sont durables et n'ont pas d'effets nocifs sur l'environnement. L'objectif principal de la presente etude vise d'abord l'elaboration de revetements superhydrophobes, puis l'etude de leur duree de vie, leurs proprietes dielectriques et photocatalytiques. Une grande variete de materiaux a faible energie de surface peuvent etre utilises pour le developpement de ces revetements. Dans cette recherche, le caoutchouc de silicone (CS) est employe car il presente de nombreuses proprietes, notamment une forte hydrophobie, une resistance aux rayonnements ultraviolets, et une bonne tenue au feu sans degagement de produits toxiques. Toutefois, le point faible de ces materiaux est la degradation de leurs proprietes hydrophobes. Afin d'ameliorer certaines proprietes du caoutchouc de silicone, des nanoparticules seront additionnees au polymere de base. La technique d'elaboration des revetements consiste a ajouter des nanoparticules de dioxyde de titane (TiO2) au polymere de base, par des methodes ayant un potentiel d'applications industrielles. Les parametres d'elaboration ont ete optimises afin d'obtenir des revetements stables presentant des angles de contact eleves avec des gouttelettes d'eau et de faibles hysteresis. Apres avoir obtenu des surfaces superhydrophobes, des tests de stabilite ont ete effectues dans des conditions de vieillissement accelere tels que l'immersion dans des solutions aqueuses avec differents pH et conductivites ou la degradation par rayonnement UV. Les resultats obtenus ont montre que l'ajout de nanoparticules de dioxyde de titane au caoutchouc de silicone permet d'ameliorer l'hydrophobie et la stabilite de ce polymere. Les revetements superhydrophobes obtenus ont pu maintenir leur superhydrophobicite apres plusieurs jours d'immersion dans differentes solutions aqueuses. Ils presentent aussi une bonne stabilite lorsqu'ils sont exposes aux rayons UV ainsi qu'une stabilite mecanique. De plus, on a pu developper des revetements nanocomposites et microcomposites avec de bonnes proprietes dielectriques. L'etude des proprietes photocatalytiques des revetements superhydrophobes ont montre que l'adsorption des molecules reactives (polluants) sur la surface du catalyseur (TiO2) est le parametre cle de l'activite photocatalytique. L'augmentation de la concentration de TiO2 conduit a une diminution de la concentration du polluant et par consequent a un excellent rendement photocatalytique.

Détermination de la vitesse de coupe en usinage à l'aide des réseaux de neurones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amor, Noureddine; Noureddine, Ali; Kherfane, Riad Lakhdar

2018-02-01

En usinage par enlèvement de copeaux, il est nécessaire de connaître des éléments tels que la géométrie à obtenir, la matière à usiner, le type d'opération, la machine-outil, l'outil de coupe, la profondeur de passe, l'avance, la vitesse de coupe. Ces trois derniers éléments quantifiables sont déterminés à l'aide de tables, abaques, logiciel informatique dédié, ou système CFAO, offrant une large gamme de choix mais manquant de transparence et de flexibilité. La contribution de cet article est d'appliquer les techniques d'intelligence artificielle basées sur les réseaux de neurones artificiels (RNA) au développement d'un système de décision pour le choix des paramètres de coupe. Pour modéliser la vitesse de coupe, nous utilisons un RNA avec un algorithme de rétro-propagation. Des valeurs expérimentales provenant d'un abaque source serviront à construire et établir le RNA pour estimer la valeur de la vitesse de coupe, utilisant comme données un certain nombre de paramètres d'influence. La validité des résultats obtenus montre que cette méthode peut être appliquée avec succès et que son utilisation dans le domaine de l'usinage peut contribuer à optimiser les conditions de coupe par un choix plus précis et plus rapide de la vitesse de coupe.

Tanlock loop noise reduction using an optimised phase detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Al-kharji Al-Ali, Omar; Anani, Nader; Al-Qutayri, Mahmoud; Al-Araji, Saleh

2013-06-01

This article proposes a time-delay digital tanlock loop (TDTL), which uses a new phase detector (PD) design that is optimised for noise reduction making it amenable for applications that require wide lock range without sacrificing the level of noise immunity. The proposed system uses an improved phase detector design which uses two phase detectors; one PD is used to optimise the noise immunity whilst the other is used to control the acquisition time of the TDTL system. Using the modified phase detector it is possible to reduce the second- and higher-order harmonics by at least 50% compared with the conventional TDTL system. The proposed system was simulated and tested using MATLAB/Simulink using frequency step inputs and inputs corrupted with varying levels of harmonic distortion. A hardware prototype of the system was implemented using a field programmable gate array (FPGA). The practical and simulation results indicate considerable improvement in the noise performance of the proposed system over the conventional TDTL architecture.

An evaluation of selected methods for the decontamination of cattle hides prior to skinning.

PubMed

Small, A; Wells-Burr, B; Buncic, S

2005-02-01

The effectiveness of different decontamination treatments in reducing microbial loads on cattle hides was assessed. The 10-s hide treatments were conducted using a wet-and-dry vacuum cleaner filled with one of the liquids (heated to 50 °C) indicated below, followed or not by 10-min drying in the air. Also, the hide was clipped, followed or not by 10-s singeing using a hand-held blowtorch. Before and after each decontamination treatment, the hide was sampled (100 cm(2) areas) by a sponge-swabbing method to compare the total viable counts of bacteria (TVC). The largest bacterial reduction (P<0.001; 2.31log(10) cfu/cm(2)) was achieved by singeing of previously clipped hide. Treatment of hide with a food industry sanitizer solution (10% Betane Plus) resulted in significant reductions of 1.80 (P<0.001) and 1.98log(10) cfu/cm(2) (P<0.001) without and with subsequent drying, respectively. Treatment of hide with a food industry disinfectant (P3-Topactive DES) significantly reduced TVC by 0.97 (P<0.001) and 1.18log(10) cfu/cm(2) (P<0.001) without and with subsequent drying, respectively. Treatments of hide with water alone or with a food-safe detergent solution (Formula 963B), or hide clipping alone, did not produce significant decontamination effects. Since hide contamination is associated with microbial contamination of the carcasses, the results indicate that post-killing/pre-skinning hide decontamination (used alone, or in combination with carcass decontamination) has a potential to improve microbial meat safety. Nevertheless, further research is required to optimise the efficacy of these treatments in the reduction of specific pathogens under commercial conditions.

Formability Extension of Aerospace Alloys for Tube Hydroforming Applications =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Melissa

L'hydroformage de tube est un procede novateur de mise en forme du metal qui utilise la pression d'un fluide, generalement de l'eau, dans une matrice fermee pour deformer plastiquement des pieces d'epaisseur faible et fabriquer ainsi des composants tubulaires de geometries complexes. Ce procede possede de nombreux avantages tels que la reduction du poids des pieces, la diminution des couts lies a l'outillage et l'assemblage, la reduction du nombre d'etapes de fabrication et l'excellent etat de surface des pieces hydroformees. Cependant, malgre tous ces atouts, l'hydroformage reste un procede marginal dans le domaine aerospatial a cause de plusieurs facteurs dont la formabilite limitee des alliages aeronautiques. L'objectif principal de la recherche conduite dans le cadre de cette these est d'etudier une methode pour augmenter la formabilite de deux alliages aeronautiques designes par l'utilisation d'un procede de mise en forme multi-etapes qui inclue des cycles de mise en forme suivis d'etapes de traitement thermique intermediaires. Une revue de litterature exhaustive sur les methodes existantes pour ameliorer la formabilite des materiaux vises ainsi que les traitements thermiques d'adoucissement disponibles a permis d'etablir une procedure experimentale appropriee. Ce procede comprend plusieurs sequences de mise en forme suivie de traitement thermique successives jusqu'a l'obtention de la piece finale. L'insertion d'etapes de traitements thermiques intermediaires ainsi que la combinaison " deformation + traitement thermique " influencent le comportement mecanique et metallurgique des alliages. De ce fait, une caracterisation complete des materiaux a ete conduite a chaque etape du procede. D'un point de vue mecanique, l'effet des traitements thermiques et plus generalement du procede multi-etapes sur les proprietes mecaniques et lois constitutives des alliages a ete etudie en detail. Au niveau metallurgique, l'influence du procede sur les caracteristiques microstructurales des alliages tels la taille de grains, les phases en presence et la texture a ete analysee. Ces deux etudes paralleles ont permis de comprendre de facon complete et detaillee l'impact des modifications metallurgiques induites par le procede multietapes sur le comportement mecanique macroscopique et les proprietes finales de la piece.

The Dark Energy Survey Image Processing Pipeline

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morganson, E.; Gruendl, R. A.; Menanteau, F.; Carrasco Kind, M.; Chen, Y.-C.; Daues, G.; Drlica-Wagner, A.; Friedel, D. N.; Gower, M.; Johnson, M. W. G.; Johnson, M. D.; Kessler, R.; Paz-Chinchón, F.; Petravick, D.; Pond, C.; Yanny, B.; Allam, S.; Armstrong, R.; Barkhouse, W.; Bechtol, K.; Benoit-Lévy, A.; Bernstein, G. M.; Bertin, E.; Buckley-Geer, E.; Covarrubias, R.; Desai, S.; Diehl, H. T.; Goldstein, D. A.; Gruen, D.; Li, T. S.; Lin, H.; Marriner, J.; Mohr, J. J.; Neilsen, E.; Ngeow, C.-C.; Paech, K.; Rykoff, E. S.; Sako, M.; Sevilla-Noarbe, I.; Sheldon, E.; Sobreira, F.; Tucker, D. L.; Wester, W.; DES Collaboration

2018-07-01

The Dark Energy Survey (DES) is a five-year optical imaging campaign with the goal of understanding the origin of cosmic acceleration. DES performs a ∼5000 deg2 survey of the southern sky in five optical bands (g, r, i, z, Y) to a depth of ∼24th magnitude. Contemporaneously, DES performs a deep, time-domain survey in four optical bands (g, r, i, z) over ∼27 deg2. DES exposures are processed nightly with an evolving data reduction pipeline and evaluated for image quality to determine if they need to be retaken. Difference imaging and transient source detection are also performed in the time domain component nightly. On a bi-annual basis, DES exposures are reprocessed with a refined pipeline and coadded to maximize imaging depth. Here we describe the DES image processing pipeline in support of DES science, as a reference for users of archival DES data, and as a guide for future astronomical surveys.

Optimisation of active suspension control inputs for improved vehicle handling performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Čorić, Mirko; Deur, Joško; Kasać, Josip; Tseng, H. Eric; Hrovat, Davor

2016-11-01

Active suspension is commonly considered under the framework of vertical vehicle dynamics control aimed at improvements in ride comfort. This paper uses a collocation-type control variable optimisation tool to investigate to which extent the fully active suspension (FAS) application can be broaden to the task of vehicle handling/cornering control. The optimisation approach is firstly applied to solely FAS actuator configurations and three types of double lane-change manoeuvres. The obtained optimisation results are used to gain insights into different control mechanisms that are used by FAS to improve the handling performance in terms of path following error reduction. For the same manoeuvres the FAS performance is compared with the performance of different active steering and active differential actuators. The optimisation study is finally extended to combined FAS and active front- and/or rear-steering configurations to investigate if they can use their complementary control authorities (over the vertical and lateral vehicle dynamics, respectively) to further improve the handling performance.

Endommagement d'un composite polypropylène renforcé par des fibres de verre courtes : approche expérimentale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Laksimi, Abdelouahed; Bounouas, Lahsen; Benmedakhene, Salim; Azari, Zitoun; Imad, Abdellatif

To obtain good mechanical performance of the composite material, it is important to optimise the fibres ratio as well as the fibre/matrix interface quality which have influence on the damage. The main objective of this study is to determine the structural parameters influence on damage evolution concerning two types of polypropylene glass fibres composites. With a classical approach of damage mechanical theory which consists of load-unload tensile tests, acoustic emission permits to detect and follow damage mechanisms during loading. Fractographic analysis highlights the different assumptions and conclusions for this study.

Modeling nitrate-nitrogen load reduction strategies for the des moines river, iowa using SWAT

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schilling, K.E.; Wolter, C.F.

2009-01-01

The Des Moines River that drains a watershed of 16,175 km2 in portions of Iowa and Minnesota is impaired for nitrate-nitrogen (nitrate) due to concentrations that exceed regulatory limits for public water supplies. The Soil Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to model streamflow and nitrate loads and evaluate a suite of basin-wide changes and targeting configurations to potentially reduce nitrate loads in the river. The SWAT model comprised 173 subbasins and 2,516 hydrologic response units and included point and nonpoint nitrogen sources. The model was calibrated for an 11-year period and three basin-wide and four targeting strategies were evaluated. Results indicated that nonpoint sources accounted for 95% of the total nitrate export. Reduction in fertilizer applications from 170 to 50 kg/ha achieved the 38% reduction in nitrate loads, exceeding the 34% reduction required. In terms of targeting, the most efficient load reductions occurred when fertilizer applications were reduced in subbasins nearest the watershed outlet. The greatest load reduction for the area of land treated was associated with reducing loads from 55 subbasins with the highest nitrate loads, achieving a 14% reduction in nitrate loads achieved by reducing applications on 30% of the land area. SWAT model results provide much needed guidance on how to begin implementing load reduction strategies most efficiently in the Des Moines River watershed. ?? 2009 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.

Load-sensitive dynamic workflow re-orchestration and optimisation for faster patient healthcare.

PubMed

Meli, Christopher L; Khalil, Ibrahim; Tari, Zahir

2014-01-01

Hospital waiting times are considerably long, with no signs of reducing any-time soon. A number of factors including population growth, the ageing population and a lack of new infrastructure are expected to further exacerbate waiting times in the near future. In this work, we show how healthcare services can be modelled as queueing nodes, together with healthcare service workflows, such that these workflows can be optimised during execution in order to reduce patient waiting times. Services such as X-ray, computer tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging often form queues, thus, by taking into account the waiting times of each service, the workflow can be re-orchestrated and optimised. Experimental results indicate average waiting time reductions are achievable by optimising workflows using dynamic re-orchestration. Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Developpement et validation d'un outil base sur l'acoustique geometrique pour le diagnostic du bruit de nacelle

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minard, Benoit

De nos jours, la problématique du bruit généré par les avions est devenue un point de développement important dans le domaine de l'aéronautique. C'est ainsi que de nombreuses études sont faites dans le domaine et une première approche consiste à modéliser de façon numérique ce bruit de manière à réduire de façon conséquente les coûts lors de la conception. C'est dans ce contexte qu'un motoriste a demandé à l'université de Sherbrooke, et plus particulièrement au groupe d'acoustique de l'Université de Sherbrooke (GAUS), de développer un outil de calcul de la propagation des ondes acoustiques dans les nacelles mais aussi pour l'étude des effets d'installation. Cet outil de prédiction leur permet de réaliser des études afin d'optimiser les traitements acoustiques (« liners »), la géométrie de ces nacelles pour des études portant sur l'intérieur de la nacelle et des études de positionnement des moteurs et de design pour les effets d'installation. L'objectif de ce projet de maîtrise était donc de poursuivre le travail réalisé par [gousset, 2011] sur l'utilisation d'une méthode de lancer de rayons pour l'étude des effets d'installation des moteurs d'avion. L'amélioration du code, sa rapidité, sa fiabilité et sa généralité étaient les objectifs principaux. Le code peut être utilisé avec des traitements acoustiques de surfaces («liners») et peut prendre en compte le phénomène de la diffraction par les arêtes et enfin peut être utilisé pour réaliser des études dans des environnements complexes tels que les nacelles d'avion. Le code développé fonctionne en 3D et procéde en 3 étapes : (1) Calcul des faisceaux initiaux (division d'une sphère, demi-sphère, maillage des surfaces de la géométrie) (2) Propagation des faisceaux dans l'environnement d'étude : calcul de toutes les caractéristiques des rayons convergents (amplitude, phase, nombre de réflexions, ...) (3) Reconstruction du champ de pression en un ou plusieurs points de l'espace à partir de rayons convergents (sommation des contributions de chaque rayon) : sommation cohérente. Le code (GA3DP) permet de prendre en compte les traitements de surface des parois, la directivité de la source, l'atténuation atmosphérique et la diffraction d'ordre 1. Le code a été validé en utilisant différentes méthodes telles que la méthode des sources-images, la méthode d'analyse modale ou encore la méthode des éléments finis de frontière. Un module Matlab a été créé spécialement pour l'étude des effets d'installation et intégré au code existant chez Pratt & Whitney Canada. Mots-clés : Acoustique géométrique - Ray-Tracing - Lancer de faisceaux - Diffraction - Sommation Cohérente - Niveau de Pression.

Etude energetique et modelisation d'un Systeme Hybride Eolien-Diesel avec stockage d'Air Comprime (SHEDAC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, Nicolas

Actuellement le Canada et plus specialement le Quebec, comptent une multitude de sites isoles dont !'electrification est assuree essentiellement par des generatrices diesel a cause, principalement, de l'eloignement du reseau central de disuibution electrique. Bien que consideree comme une source fiable et continue, 1 'utilisation des generatrices diesel devient de plus en plus problematique d'un point de vue energetique, economique et environnemental. Dans le but d'y resoudre et de proposer une methode d'approvisionnement plus performante, mains onereuse et plus respectueuse de l'environnement, l'usage des energies renouvelables est devenu indispensable. Differents travaux ont alors demontre que le couplage de ces energies avec des generauices diesel, formant des systemes hybrides, semble etre une des meilleures solutions. Parmi elles, le systeme hybride eolien-diesel avec stockage par air comprime (SHEDAC) se presente comme une configuration optimale pour 1 'electrification des sites isoles. En effet, differentes etudes ont permis de mettre en avant l'efficacite du stockage par air comprime, par rapport a d'autres technologies de stockage, en complement d'un systeme hybride eolien-diesel. Plus precisement, ce systeme se compose de sous-systemes qui sont: des eoliennes, des generatrices diesel et une chaine de compression et de stockage d'air comprime qui est ensuite utilisee pour suralimenter les generatrices. Ce processus permet ainsi de reduire Ia consommation en carburant tout en agrandissant la part d'energie renouvelable dans Ia production electrique. A ce jour, divers travaux de recherche ont pennis de demontrer I' efficacite d 'un tel systeme et de presenter une variete de configurations possibles. A travers ce memoire, un logiciel de dimensionnement energetique y est elabore dans le but d'unifom1iser !'approche energetique de cette technologie. Cet outil se veut etre une innovation dans le domaine puisqu'il est actuellement impossible de dimensionner un SHEDAC avec les outils existants. Un etat de l'art specifique associe a une validation des resultats a ete realise dans le but de proposer un logiciel fiable et performant. Dans une logique visant !'implantation d'un SHEDAC sur un site isole du Nord-du-Quebec, le logiciel developpe a ete, ensuite, utilise pour realiser une etude energetique permettant d' en degager la solution optimale a mettre en place. Enfin, a l' aide des outils et des resultats obtenus precedemment, !'elaboration de nouvelles strategies d'operation est presentee dans le but de demontrer comment le systeme pourrait etre optimise afm de repondre a differentes contraintes techniques. Le contenu de ce memoire est presente sous forme de trois articles originaux, soumis a des joumaux scientifiques avec cornite de lecture, et d'un chapitre specifique presentant les nouvelles strategies d 'operation. Ils relatent des travaux decrits dans le paragraphe precedent et permettent d'en deduire un usage concluant et pertinent du SHEDAC dans un site isole nordique.

Drug eluting stents: To evolve or dissolve?

PubMed

Bharadwaj, Prashant; Chadha, D S

2016-10-01

Currently, percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES) is the most commonly employed modality in the treatment of patients with coronary artery disease. PCI has come of age over the last four decades with enormous forays in the technology and drugs which have greatly enhanced its capability. Angioplasty and bare metal stents were plagued by high failure rates on account of restenosis leading to repeat revascularization procedures. Insights into pathophysiology of instent restenosis (ISR) and neointimal hyperplasia triggered the development of DES. The dreamlike remarkable reduction in ISR with DES was enthusiastically welcomed. Soon thereafter emerged the spectre of very late stent thrombosis (VLST) with DES. VLST was a new entity seen predominantly with DES and pathological insights as to the cause was instrumental in the development and efficacy of new generation DES. This review will highlight the evolution and present day DES for coronary interventions.

Mise en oeuvre et caracterisation de pieces autotrempantes elaborees avec de nouveaux alliages meres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouchemit, Arslane Abdelkader

: L'autotrempabilite des aciers en metallurgie des poudres (MP) permet d'obtenir des pieces ayant une microstructure de trempe (martensite et/ou bainite), et ce, directement lors du refroidissement a la sortie du four de frittage (frittage industriel : 10 45 °C/min [550 a 350 °C]). Cela permet entre autres d'eliminer les traitements thermiques d'austenisation et de trempe (a l'eau : ≈ 2700 °C/min ou a l'huile : ≈ 1100 °C/min [550 a 350 °C] [17]) generalement requis apres le frittage afin d'obtenir une microstructure martensitique. Ainsi, le procede de fabrication est simplifie, moins couteux et la distorsion des pieces due au refroidissement rapide lors de la trempe est evitee. De plus, l'utilisation des bains d'huile est eliminee ce qui rend le procede plus securitaire et ecologique. Les principaux parametres commandant l'autotrempabilite sont : le taux de refroidissement et la composition chimique de l'acier. De nos jours, les systemes de refroidissement a convection forcee combines aux fours industriels permettent d'obtenir des taux de refroidissement eleves a la sortie des fours (60 300 °C/min [550 a 350 °C]) [18, 19]. De plus, le taux de refroidissement critique induisant la formation de la structure de trempe est largement influence par la composition chimique de l'acier. Ainsi, plus l'acier est allie (jusqu'a une certaine limite), plus ce taux de refroidissement critique est moindre. Le molybdene, le nickel et le cuivre sont les elements usuellement utilises en MP. Cependant, le manganese et le chrome sont moins couteux et ont un impact plus marque sur l'autotrempabilite, malgre cela, ils sont rarement utilises a cause de leur susceptibilite a l'oxydation et la degradation de la compressibilite causee par le manganese. L'objectif principal de ce projet est de developper des melanges autotrempants en ajoutant des alliages meres (MA : MA1, MA2 et MA4) fortement allies au manganese (5 15 %m) et au chrome (5 15 %m) qui contiennent beaucoup de carbone (≈ 4 %m) developpes par Ian Bailon-Poujol lors de sa maitrise [20]. La haute teneur en carbone de ces alliages meres assure la protection des elements d'alliage susceptibles a l'oxydation durant toutes les etapes du procede : dans le bain liquide lors de la fusion et l'atomisation a l'eau, pendant le broyage ainsi que lors du frittage des pieces contenant ces alliages meres. Precedemment, Ian Bailon-Poujol avait etudie le broyage de certains alliages meres atomises a l'eau et avait amorce le developpement de melanges autotrempants ainsi que des etudes de diffusion des elements d'alliage. Pour ce projet, le developpement des melanges autotrempants a implique l'optimisation de toutes les etapes de la mise en oeuvre afin d'obtenir les meilleures proprietes possibles des melanges avant frittage (ecoulement, resistance a cru...) et apres frittage (durete, microstructure...), et ce, pour des alliages meres atomises a l'eau par Ian Bailon-Poujol ainsi qu'un alliage mere de chimie similaire qui fut atomise au gaz. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Women's Support, Women's Work: Child Care in an Era of Deficit Reduction, Devolution, Downsizing and Deregulation = Le soutien aux femmes, le travail des femmes et la garde d'enfants a l'ere de la reduction du deficit, du transfert des responsabilites, de la reduction de la taille de l'Etat et de la dereglementation.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Doherty, Gillian; Friendly, Martha; Oloman, Mab

Among the multiplicity of objectives that high quality child care can meet is the pivotal goal of promoting equality for women. Child care has consequences for women both as mothers and as providers of care for other people's children. Thus, women have a powerful stake in child care policy. Canada has no national child care policy, and its child…

The Dark Energy Survey Image Processing Pipeline

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Morganson, E.; et al.

The Dark Energy Survey (DES) is a five-year optical imaging campaign with the goal of understanding the origin of cosmic acceleration. DES performs a 5000 square degree survey of the southern sky in five optical bands (g,r,i,z,Y) to a depth of ~24th magnitude. Contemporaneously, DES performs a deep, time-domain survey in four optical bands (g,r,i,z) over 27 square degrees. DES exposures are processed nightly with an evolving data reduction pipeline and evaluated for image quality to determine if they need to be retaken. Difference imaging and transient source detection are also performed in the time domain component nightly. On amore » bi-annual basis, DES exposures are reprocessed with a refined pipeline and coadded to maximize imaging depth. Here we describe the DES image processing pipeline in support of DES science, as a reference for users of archival DES data, and as a guide for future astronomical surveys.« less

Déterminants de l'utilisation des méthodes contraceptives dans la zone de santé Mumbunda à Lubumbashi, République Démocratique du Congo

PubMed Central

Matungulu, Charles Matungulu; Kandolo, Simon Ilunga; Mukengeshayi, Abel Ntambue; Nkola, Angèle Musau; Mpoyi, Dorcas Ilunga; Mumba, Sylvie Katanga; Kabamba, Julie Ndayi; Cowgill, Karen; Kaj, Françoise Malonga

2015-01-01

Introduction Augmenter la prévalence contraceptive s'incarne dans les objectifs des tous les acteurs des programmes qui visent de réduire la mortalité maternelle et infantile, d'améliorer la santé reproductive des adolescents, de lutter contre le VIH/SIDA et les infections sexuellement transmissible (IST), de promouvoir le bien-être familial et de ralentir la croissance démographique. L'objectif de cette étude était de déterminer la prévalence contraceptive moderne et identifier les facteurs qui sont liés à l'utilisation des méthodes contraceptives dans la zone de santé de Mumbunda. Méthodes Une étude transversale à visé analytique a été effectuée auprès des femmes âgées de 15 à 49 ans en union maritale, de Mai à Juin 2014. Grâce à un questionnaire pré testé et validé, nous avons récolté les données par interview sur les caractéristiques sociodémographiques, obstétricales ainsi que sur la pratique contraceptive. Le logiciel SPSS version 21 nous a permis d'analyser les données. Résultats Au total 500 femmes ont été incluses dans cette étude dont l’âge moyen était de 27,9±6,1 ans. La prévalence contraceptive moderne était de 27,6%. L'attitude (ORa= 4,79; IC95%: 1,59-14,43; p<0,001), le niveau de connaissance des méthodes contraceptives (ORa=1,87; IC95%: 1,22-2,87; p<0,001), le soutien du conjoint (ORa=1,87; IC95%: 1,22-2,87; p<0,001) étaient significativement associés à l'utilisation des méthodes contraceptives modernes. Conclusion Tout effort d'augmentation de la prévalence contraceptive devrait cibler l'attitude, le niveau de connaissance de méthodes et le soutien du conjoint afin d'optimiser l'utilisation de la contraception moderne dans la zone de santé (ZS) Mumbunda. PMID:26977237

Mesure Objective De L'attenuation et De L'effet D'occlusion Des Protecteurs Auditifs a Partir Des Potentiels Evoques Stationnaires et Multiples =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valentin, Olivier

Selon l'Organisation mondiale de la sante, le nombre de travailleurs exposes quotidiennement a des niveaux de bruit prejudiciables a leur audition est passe de 120 millions en 1995 a 250 millions en 2004. Meme si la reduction du bruit a la source devrait etre toujours privilegiee, la solution largement utilisee pour lutter contre le bruit au travail reste la protection auditive individuelle. Malheureusement, le port des protecteurs auditifs n'est pas toujours respecte par les travailleurs car il est difficile de fournir un protecteur auditif dont le niveau d'attenuation effective est approprie a l'environnement de travail d'un individu. D'autre part, l'occlusion du canal auditif induit une modification de la perception de la parole, ce qui cree un inconfort incitant les travailleurs a retirer leurs protecteurs. Ces deux problemes existent parce que les methodes actuelles de mesure de l'effet d'occlusion et de l'attenuation sont limitees. Les mesures objectives basees sur des mesures microphoniques intra-auriculaires ne tiennent pas compte de la transmission directe du son a la cochlee par conduction osseuse. Les mesures subjectives au seuil de l'audition sont biaisees a cause de l'effet de masquage aux basses frequences induit par le bruit physiologique. L'objectif principal de ce travail de these de doctorat est d'ameliorer la mesure de l'attenuation et de l'effet d'occlusion des protecteurs auditifs intra-auriculaires. L'approche generale consiste a : (i) verifier s'il est possible de mesurer l'attenuation des protecteurs auditifs grâce au recueil des potentiels evoques stationnaires et multiples (PEASM) avec et sans protecteur auditif (protocole 1), (ii) adapter cette methodologie pour mesurer l'effet d'occlusion induit par le port de protecteur auditifs intra-auriculaires (protocole 2), et (iii) valider chaque protocole par l'intermediaire de mesures realisees sur sujets humains. Les resultats du protocole 1 demontrent que les PEASM peuvent etre utilises pour mesurer objectivement l'attenuation des protecteurs auditifs : les resultats obtenus a 500 Hz et 1 kHz demontrent que l'attenuation mesuree a partir des PEASM est relativement equivalente a l'attenuation calculee par la methode REAT, ce qui est en accord avec ce qui etait attendu puisque l'effet de masquage induit par le bruit physiologique aux basses frequences est relativement negligeable a ces frequences. Les resultats du protocole 2 demontrent que les PEASM peuvent etre egalement utilises pour mesurer objectivement l'effet d'occlusion induit par le port de protecteurs auditifs : l'effet d'occlusion mesure a partir des PEASM a 500 Hz est plus eleve que celui calcule par l'intermediaire de la methode subjective au seuil de l'audition, ce qui est en accord avec ce qui etait attendu puisqu'en dessous d'1 kHz, l'effet de masquage induit par le bruit physiologique aux basses frequences est source de biais pour les resultats obtenus par la methode subjective car il y a surestimation des seuils de l'audition en basse frequence lors du port de protecteurs auditifs. Toutefois, les resultats obtenus a 250 Hz sont en contradiction avec les resultats attendus. D'un point de vue scientifique, ce travail de these a permis de realiser deux nouvelles methodes innovantes pour mesurer objectivement l'attenuation et l'effet d'occlusion des protecteurs auditifs intra-auriculaires par electroencephalographie. D'un point de vue sante et securite au travail, les avancees presentees dans cette these pourraient aider a concevoir des protecteurs auditifs plus performants. En effet, si ces deux nouvelles methodes objectives etaient normalisees pour caracteriser les protecteurs auditifs intra-auriculaires, elles pourraient permettre : (i) de mieux apprehender l'efficacite reelle de la protection auditive et (ii) de fournir une mesure de l'inconfort induit par l'occlusion du canal auditif lors du port de protecteurs. Fournir un protecteur auditif dont l'efficacite reelle est adaptee a l'environnement de travail et dont le confort est optimise permettrait, sur le long terme, d'ameliorer les conditions des travailleurs en minimisant le risque lie a la degradation de leur appareil auditif. Les perspectives de travail proposees a la fin de cette these consistent principalement a : (i) exploiter ces deux methodes avec une gamme frequentielle plus etendue, (ii) explorer la variabilite intra-individuelle de chacune des methodes, (iii) comparer les resultats des deux methodes avec ceux obtenus par l'intermediaire de la methode "Microphone in Real Ear" (MIRE) et (iv) verifier la compatibilite de chacune des methodes avec tous les types de protecteurs auditifs. De plus, pour la methode de mesure de l'effet d'occlusion utilisant les PEASM, une etude complementaire est necessaire pour lever la contradiction observee a 250 Hz.

La fragilité

PubMed Central

Lee, Linda; Heckman, George; Molnar, Frank J.

2015-01-01

Résumé Objectif Aider les médecins de famille à mieux reconnaître la fragilité et ses répercussions sur la prise en charge des patients âgés. Sources des données Une recension a été effectuée dans PubMed-MEDLINE de 1990 à 2013 pour trouver des articles rédigés en anglais exclusivement, à l’aide des groupes suivants de mots clés et d’en-têtes MeSH : frail elderly, frail, frailty; aged, geriatrics, geriatric assessment, health services for the aged; primary health care, community health services et family practice. Message principal La fragilité est fréquente, en particulier chez les personnes âgées atteintes de maladies chroniques complexes comme l’insuffisance cardiaque et la bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive. De nouvelles données probantes démontrent l’importance de la fragilité comme facteur de prédiction d’issues indésirables chez les personnes plus âgées. Quoiqu’on ne s’entende actuellement pas sur les meilleures façons d’évaluer et de diagnostiquer la fragilité en soins primaires, des marqueurs individuels de la fragilité comme la lenteur de la démarche offrent des moyens pratiques prometteurs de dépister la fragilité. La détection de la fragilité en soins primaires peut offrir la possibilité de retarder la progression de la fragilité au moyen d’interventions proactives comme l’exercice. La reconnaissance de l’existence de la fragilité peut orienter un counseling approprié et la prise de mesures préventives anticipatoires pour les patients lorsqu’on envisage des interventions médicales. Elle peut aussi aider à cerner des problèmes concomitants qui contribuent à la fragilité et l’influencent et à en optimiser la prise en charge. Les recherches futures devraient se pencher sur la détermination de moyens pratiques et efficaces pour évaluer et prendre en charge de manière appropriée ces patients vulnérables au niveau des soins primaires. Conclusion En dépit de son importance, on a accordé peu d’attention au concept de la fragilité en médecine familiale. La fragilité peut aisément passer inaperçue parce que ses manifestations sont souvent subtiles, de progression lente et, par conséquent, elle peut être méprise pour un vieillissement normal. La formation des médecins a insisté sur des maladies médicales spécifiques plutôt que sur la vulnérabilité globale. Pour les médecins en soins primaires, la reconnaissance de la fragilité peut les aider à offrir un counseling approprié aux patients et aux membres de leur famille au sujet des risques des interventions médicales.

A Closed-Loop Optimal Neural-Network Controller to Optimize Rotorcraft Aeromechanical Behaviour. Volume 1; Theory and Methodology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leyland, Jane Anne

2001-01-01

Given the predicted growth in air transportation, the potential exists for significant market niches for rotary wing subsonic vehicles. Technological advances which optimise rotorcraft aeromechanical behaviour can contribute significantly to both their commercial and military development, acceptance, and sales. Examples of the optimisation of rotorcraft aeromechanical behaviour which are of interest include the minimisation of vibration and/or loads. The reduction of rotorcraft vibration and loads is an important means to extend the useful life of the vehicle and to improve its ride quality. Although vibration reduction can be accomplished by using passive dampers and/or tuned masses, active closed-loop control has the potential to reduce vibration and loads throughout a.wider flight regime whilst requiring less additional weight to the aircraft man that obtained by using passive methads. It is ernphasised that the analysis described herein is applicable to all those rotorcraft aeromechanical behaviour optimisation problems for which the relationship between the harmonic control vector and the measurement vector can be adequately described by a neural-network model.

Strong constraint on modelled global carbon uptake using solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence data.

PubMed

MacBean, Natasha; Maignan, Fabienne; Bacour, Cédric; Lewis, Philip; Peylin, Philippe; Guanter, Luis; Köhler, Philipp; Gómez-Dans, Jose; Disney, Mathias

2018-01-31

Accurate terrestrial biosphere model (TBM) simulations of gross carbon uptake (gross primary productivity - GPP) are essential for reliable future terrestrial carbon sink projections. However, uncertainties in TBM GPP estimates remain. Newly-available satellite-derived sun-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF) data offer a promising direction for addressing this issue by constraining regional-to-global scale modelled GPP. Here, we use monthly 0.5° GOME-2 SIF data from 2007 to 2011 to optimise GPP parameters of the ORCHIDEE TBM. The optimisation reduces GPP magnitude across all vegetation types except C4 plants. Global mean annual GPP therefore decreases from 194 ± 57 PgCyr -1 to 166 ± 10 PgCyr -1 , bringing the model more in line with an up-scaled flux tower estimate of 133 PgCyr -1 . Strongest reductions in GPP are seen in boreal forests: the result is a shift in global GPP distribution, with a ~50% increase in the tropical to boreal productivity ratio. The optimisation resulted in a greater reduction in GPP than similar ORCHIDEE parameter optimisation studies using satellite-derived NDVI from MODIS and eddy covariance measurements of net CO 2 fluxes from the FLUXNET network. Our study shows that SIF data will be instrumental in constraining TBM GPP estimates, with a consequent improvement in global carbon cycle projections.

Amélioration des performances du procédé de soudage TIG sur un acier au carbone et un alliage d'aluminium par dépôt de silice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sire, Stéphane; Marya, Surendar

This Note presents ways to improve the weld penetration potential of TIG process by optimising silica application around the joints in a plain carbon steel and an aluminium alloy 5086. Whereas for plain carbon steels, full coverage of joint improves penetration, the presence of a blank zone around the joint in the flux coating on aluminium 5086 using AC-TIG seems to be the best solution for cosmetic and deep welds. To cite this article: S. Sire, S. Marya, C. R. Mecanique 330 (2002) 83-89.

Multiobjective optimisation of bogie suspension to boost speed on curves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milad Mousavi-Bideleh, Seyed; Berbyuk, Viktor

2016-01-01

To improve safety and maximum admissible speed on different operational scenarios, multiobjective optimisation of bogie suspension components of a one-car railway vehicle model is considered. The vehicle model has 50 degrees of freedom and is developed in multibody dynamics software SIMPACK. Track shift force, running stability, and risk of derailment are selected as safety objective functions. The improved maximum admissible speeds of the vehicle on curves are determined based on the track plane accelerations up to 1.5 m/s2. To attenuate the number of design parameters for optimisation and improve the computational efficiency, a global sensitivity analysis is accomplished using the multiplicative dimensional reduction method (M-DRM). A multistep optimisation routine based on genetic algorithm (GA) and MATLAB/SIMPACK co-simulation is executed at three levels. The bogie conventional secondary and primary suspension components are chosen as the design parameters in the first two steps, respectively. In the last step semi-active suspension is in focus. The input electrical current to magnetorheological yaw dampers is optimised to guarantee an appropriate safety level. Semi-active controllers are also applied and the respective effects on bogie dynamics are explored. The safety Pareto optimised results are compared with those associated with in-service values. The global sensitivity analysis and multistep approach significantly reduced the number of design parameters and improved the computational efficiency of the optimisation. Furthermore, using the optimised values of design parameters give the possibility to run the vehicle up to 13% faster on curves while a satisfactory safety level is guaranteed. The results obtained can be used in Pareto optimisation and active bogie suspension design problems.

Multidetector CT radiation dose optimisation in adults: short- and long-term effects of a clinical audit.

PubMed

Tack, Denis; Jahnen, Andreas; Kohler, Sarah; Harpes, Nico; De Maertelaer, Viviane; Back, Carlo; Gevenois, Pierre Alain

2014-01-01

To report short- and long-term effects of an audit process intended to optimise the radiation dose from multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT). A survey of radiation dose from all eight MDCT departments in the state of Luxembourg performed in 2007 served as baseline, and involved the most frequently imaged regions (head, sinus, cervical spine, thorax, abdomen, and lumbar spine). CT dose index volume (CTDIvol), dose-length product per acquisition (DLP/acq), and DLP per examination (DLP/exa) were recorded, and their mean, median, 25th and 75th percentiles compared. In 2008, an audit conducted in each department helped to optimise doses. In 2009 and 2010, two further surveys evaluated the audit's impact on the dose delivered. Between 2007 and 2009, DLP/exa significantly decreased by 32-69 % for all regions (P < 0.001) except the lumbar spine (5 %, P = 0.455). Between 2009 and 2010, DLP/exa significantly decreased by 13-18 % for sinus, cervical and lumbar spine (P ranging from 0.016 to less than 0.001). Between 2007 and 2010, DLP/exa significantly decreased for all regions (18-75 %, P < 0.001). Collective dose decreased by 30 % and the 75th percentile (diagnostic reference level, DRL) by 20-78 %. The audit process resulted in long-lasting dose reduction, with DRLs reduced by 20-78 %, mean DLP/examination by 18-75 %, and collective dose by 30 %. • External support through clinical audit may optimise default parameters of routine CT. • Reduction of 75th percentiles used as reference diagnostic levels is 18-75 %. • The effect of this audit is sustainable over time. • Dose savings through optimisation can be added to those achievable through CT.

Radiation dose optimisation for conventional imaging in infants and newborns using automatic dose management software: an application of the new 2013/59 EURATOM directive.

PubMed

Alejo, L; Corredoira, E; Sánchez-Muñoz, F; Huerga, C; Aza, Z; Plaza-Núñez, R; Serrada, A; Bret-Zurita, M; Parrón, M; Prieto-Areyano, C; Garzón-Moll, G; Madero, R; Guibelalde, E

2018-04-09

Objective: The new 2013/59 EURATOM Directive (ED) demands dosimetric optimisation procedures without undue delay. The aim of this study was to optimise paediatric conventional radiology examinations applying the ED without compromising the clinical diagnosis. Automatic dose management software (ADMS) was used to analyse 2678 studies of children from birth to 5 years of age, obtaining local diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in terms of entrance surface air kerma. Given local DRL for infants and chest examinations exceeded the European Commission (EC) DRL, an optimisation was performed decreasing the kVp and applying the automatic control exposure. To assess the image quality, an analysis of high-contrast resolution (HCSR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and figure of merit (FOM) was performed, as well as a blind test based on the generalised estimating equations method. For newborns and chest examinations, the local DRL exceeded the EC DRL by 113%. After the optimisation, a reduction of 54% was obtained. No significant differences were found in the image quality blind test. A decrease in SNR (-37%) and HCSR (-68%), and an increase in FOM (42%), was observed. ADMS allows the fast calculation of local DRLs and the performance of optimisation procedures in babies without delay. However, physical and clinical analyses of image quality remain to be needed to ensure the diagnostic integrity after the optimisation process. Advances in knowledge: ADMS are useful to detect radiation protection problems and to perform optimisation procedures in paediatric conventional imaging without undue delay, as ED requires.

Etude critique de la prise en charge de 159 personnes âgées en consultation de psychiatrie

PubMed Central

Ben Thabet, Jihène; Ammar, Yousra; Charfi, Nada; Zouari, Lobna; Zouari, Nasreddine; Gaha, Lotfi; Maalej, Mohamed

2014-01-01

Introduction Le phénomène de vieillissement des populations est associé à une augmentation de la prévalence de la morbidité liée à l’âge. La prescription des psychotropes chez le sujet âgé est de plus en plus fréquente dans les institutions, les doses sont de plus en plus élevées, avec un recours fréquent à une poly pharmacothérapie. Nous nous sommes proposé de décrire les conduites thérapeutiques chez le sujet âgé consultant en psychiatrie, en vue de les confronter aux dernières recommandations en la matière. Méthodes L’étude était de type rétrospectif et descriptif. Elle a concerné les sujets âgés d'au moins 60 ans ayant consulté pour la première fois en psychiatrie, au CHU Hédi Chaker à Sfax, en 2010 ou 2011. Résultats Nous avons colligé 159 dossiers. L’âge moyen était de 73 ans. La démence et les troubles de l'humeur étaient les diagnostics les plus fréquents. Sur le plan thérapeutique, une poly thérapie faite d'au moins deux psychotropes de familles différentes a été prescrite pour 55,9%. Chez 60.3% des sujets, le traitement a été prescrit d'emblée à dose complète. Aucun dossier ne faisait état d'une prise en charge psychothérapeutique. Conclusion La prise en charge des malades de notre étude n’était pas conforme aux recommandations, notamment en matière d'association médicamenteuse, de progression des doses et d'association de la psychothérapie à la pharmacothérapie. L'information des médecins et leur sensibilisation aux particularités du sujet âgé contribuerait à optimiser les soins qui leur sont prodigués, y compris en psychiatrie. PMID:25120873

Paediatric x-ray radiation dose reduction and image quality analysis.

PubMed

Martin, L; Ruddlesden, R; Makepeace, C; Robinson, L; Mistry, T; Starritt, H

2013-09-01

Collaboration of multiple staff groups has resulted in significant reduction in the risk of radiation-induced cancer from radiographic x-ray exposure during childhood. In this study at an acute NHS hospital trust, a preliminary audit identified initial exposure factors. These were compared with European and UK guidance, leading to the introduction of new factors that were in compliance with European guidance on x-ray tube potentials. Image quality was assessed using standard anatomical criteria scoring, and visual grading characteristics analysis assessed the impact on image quality of changes in exposure factors. This analysis determined the acceptability of gradual radiation dose reduction below the European and UK guidance levels. Chest and pelvis exposures were optimised, achieving dose reduction for each age group, with 7%-55% decrease in critical organ dose. Clinicians confirmed diagnostic image quality throughout the iterative process. Analysis of images acquired with preliminary and final exposure factors indicated an average visual grading analysis result of 0.5, demonstrating equivalent image quality. The optimisation process and final radiation doses are reported for Carestream computed radiography to aid other hospitals in minimising radiation risks to children.

Statistical optimisation techniques in fatigue signal editing problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nopiah, Z. M.; Osman, M. H.; Baharin, N.; Abdullah, S.

2015-02-01

Success in fatigue signal editing is determined by the level of length reduction without compromising statistical constraints. A great reduction rate can be achieved by removing small amplitude cycles from the recorded signal. The long recorded signal sometimes renders the cycle-to-cycle editing process daunting. This has encouraged researchers to focus on the segment-based approach. This paper discusses joint application of the Running Damage Extraction (RDE) technique and single constrained Genetic Algorithm (GA) in fatigue signal editing optimisation.. In the first section, the RDE technique is used to restructure and summarise the fatigue strain. This technique combines the overlapping window and fatigue strain-life models. It is designed to identify and isolate the fatigue events that exist in the variable amplitude strain data into different segments whereby the retention of statistical parameters and the vibration energy are considered. In the second section, the fatigue data editing problem is formulated as a constrained single optimisation problem that can be solved using GA method. The GA produces the shortest edited fatigue signal by selecting appropriate segments from a pool of labelling segments. Challenges arise due to constraints on the segment selection by deviation level over three signal properties, namely cumulative fatigue damage, root mean square and kurtosis values. Experimental results over several case studies show that the idea of solving fatigue signal editing within a framework of optimisation is effective and automatic, and that the GA is robust for constrained segment selection.

Statistical optimisation techniques in fatigue signal editing problem

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nopiah, Z. M.; Osman, M. H.; Baharin, N.

Success in fatigue signal editing is determined by the level of length reduction without compromising statistical constraints. A great reduction rate can be achieved by removing small amplitude cycles from the recorded signal. The long recorded signal sometimes renders the cycle-to-cycle editing process daunting. This has encouraged researchers to focus on the segment-based approach. This paper discusses joint application of the Running Damage Extraction (RDE) technique and single constrained Genetic Algorithm (GA) in fatigue signal editing optimisation.. In the first section, the RDE technique is used to restructure and summarise the fatigue strain. This technique combines the overlapping window andmore » fatigue strain-life models. It is designed to identify and isolate the fatigue events that exist in the variable amplitude strain data into different segments whereby the retention of statistical parameters and the vibration energy are considered. In the second section, the fatigue data editing problem is formulated as a constrained single optimisation problem that can be solved using GA method. The GA produces the shortest edited fatigue signal by selecting appropriate segments from a pool of labelling segments. Challenges arise due to constraints on the segment selection by deviation level over three signal properties, namely cumulative fatigue damage, root mean square and kurtosis values. Experimental results over several case studies show that the idea of solving fatigue signal editing within a framework of optimisation is effective and automatic, and that the GA is robust for constrained segment selection.« less

Optimisation of MSW collection routes for minimum fuel consumption using 3D GIS modelling.

PubMed

Tavares, G; Zsigraiova, Z; Semiao, V; Carvalho, M G

2009-03-01

Collection of municipal solid waste (MSW) may account for more than 70% of the total waste management budget, most of which is for fuel costs. It is therefore crucial to optimise the routing network used for waste collection and transportation. This paper proposes the use of geographical information systems (GIS) 3D route modelling software for waste collection and transportation, which adds one more degree of freedom to the system and allows driving routes to be optimised for minimum fuel consumption. The model takes into account the effects of road inclination and vehicle weight. It is applied to two different cases: routing waste collection vehicles in the city of Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, and routing the transport of waste from different municipalities of Santiago Island to an incineration plant. For the Praia city region, the 3D model that minimised fuel consumption yielded cost savings of 8% as compared with an approach that simply calculated the shortest 3D route. Remarkably, this was true despite the fact that the GIS-recommended fuel reduction route was actually 1.8% longer than the shortest possible travel distance. For the Santiago Island case, the difference was even more significant: a 12% fuel reduction for a similar total travel distance. These figures indicate the importance of considering both the relief of the terrain and fuel consumption in selecting a suitable cost function to optimise vehicle routing.

Les inconvénients de perdre du poids

PubMed Central

Bosomworth, N. John

2012-01-01

Résumé Objectif Explorer les raisons pour lesquelles la perte de poids à long terme échoue la plupart du temps et évaluer les conséquences de diverses trajectoires pondérales, y compris la stabilité, la perte et le gain. Source des données Les études qui évaluent les paramètres pondéraux dans la population sont en majorité observationnelles. Des données probantes de niveau I ont été publiées pour évaluer l’influence des interventions relatives au poids sur la mortalité et la qualité de vie. Message principal Seulement un petit pourcentage des personnes qui désirent perdre du poids réussissent à le faire de manière durable. La mortalité est la plus faible chez les personnes se situant dans la catégorie de poids élevé-normal et surpoids. La trajectoire pondérale la plus sécuritaire est la stabilité du poids avec une optimisation de la condition physique et métabolique. Il est démontré que la mortalité est plus faible chez les personnes ayant des comorbidités reliées à l’obésité si elles perdent du poids. Il est aussi établi que la qualité de vie sur le plan de la santé est meilleure chez les personnes obèses qui perdent du poids. Par contre, la perte de poids chez une personne obèse autrement en santé est associée à une mortalité accrue. Conclusion La perte de poids est recommandable seulement chez les personnes qui ont des comorbidités reliées à l’obésité. Les personnes obèses en santé qui veulent perdre du poids devraient être informées qu’il peut y avoir des risques à le faire. Une stratégie qui se traduit par un indice de masse corporelle stable avec une condition physique et métabolique optimisée, peu importe le poids, est l’option d’intervention la plus sécuritaire en ce qui concerne le poids.

Decreased ghrelin and des-acyl ghrelin plasma levels in patients affected by pharmacoresistant epilepsy and maintained on the ketogenic diet.

PubMed

Marchiò, Maddalena; Roli, Laura; Giordano, Carmela; Trenti, Tommaso; Guerra, Azzurra; Biagini, Giuseppe

2018-03-23

The gastric hormones ghrelin and des-acyl ghrelin have been found to be altered in patients treated with antiepileptic drugs. However, it is unknown if these hormones could be modified by other antiepileptic treatments, such as the ketogenic diet. Especially, a reduction in ghrelin levels could be relevant in view of the growth retardation observed under ketogenic diet treatment. For this reason we aimed to determine the changes in ghrelin and des-acyl ghrelin plasma levels in children affected by refractory epilepsy and treated with the ketogenic diet up to 90 days. Both peptides were measured by immunoassays in plasma obtained from 16 children. Ghrelin plasma levels were progressively reduced by the ketogenic diet, reaching a minimum corresponding to 42% of basal levels after 90 days of ketogenic diet (P < 0.05, Duncan's test). Des-acyl ghrelin plasma levels were similarly affected, reaching minimal levels at 30 days (65% of basal levels), and maintaining a significant reduction until 90 days after the onset of ketogenic diet (P < 0.01 for both time intervals). No significant changes in growth were observed during the monitored period of ketogenic diet administration. Ghrelin and des-acyl ghrelin are downregulated by the ketogenic diet in children affected by refractory epilepsy. Although no significant changes in growth were observed during the short time period of our investigation, the reduction in ghrelin availability may explain the reported growth retardation found in children treated with the ketogenic diet in the long-term. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism. All rights reserved.

Double protection passive pour les equipages de l’helicoptere d’attaque Tigre : Concept et etude experimentale (Design and Experimental Study of the Passive Double Hearing Protection for the Crew of the Attack Helicopter Tiger)

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-04-01

alain.leger@fr.thalesgroup.com THALES Aerospace Rue Toussaint Catros 33187 Le Haillan FRANCE RESUME Les coques des écouteurs du casque Topowl ont...déjà fait l’objet d’une étude visant à optimiser leur protection auditive dans les stricts budgets de masse et de volume impartis. La présente...techniques audio (p. 17-1 – 17-14). Compte rendu de réunion RTO-MP-HFM-123, Communication 17. Neuilly-sur-Seine, France : RTO. Disponible sur le site

Expert Opinion: Optimising Stent Deployment in Contemporary Practice: The Role of Intracoronary Imaging and Non-compliant Balloons.

PubMed

Seth, Ashok; Gupta, Sajal; Pratap Singh, Vivudh; Kumar, Vijay

2017-09-01

Final stent dimensions remain an important predictor of restenosis, target vessel revascularisation (TVR) and subacute stent thrombosis (ST), even in the drug-eluting stent (DES) era. Stent balloons are usually semi-compliant and thus even high-pressure inflation may not achieve uniform or optimal stent expansion. Post-dilatation with non-compliant (NC) balloons after stent deployment has been shown to enhance stent expansion and could reduce TVR and ST. Based on supporting evidence and in the absence of large prospective randomised outcome-based trials, post-dilatation with an NC balloon to achieve optimal stent expansion and maximal luminal area is a logical technical recommendation, particularly in complex lesion subsets.

Reticulation des fibres lignocellulosiques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landrevy, Christel

Pour faire face à la crise économique la conception de papier à valeur ajoutée est développée par les industries papetières. Le but de se projet est l'amélioration des techniques actuelles de réticulation des fibres lignocellulosiques de la pâte à papier visant à produire un papier plus résistant. En effet, lors des réactions de réticulation traditionnelles, de nombreuses liaisons intra-fibres se forment ce qui affecte négativement l'amélioration anticipée des propriétés physiques du papier ou du matériau produit. Pour éviter la formation de ces liaisons intra-fibres, un greffage sur les fibres de groupements ne pouvant pas réagir entre eux est nécessaire. La réticulation des fibres par une réaction de « click chemistry » appelée cycloaddition de Huisgen entre un azide et un alcyne vrai, catalysée par du cuivre (CuAAC) a été l'une des solutions trouvée pour remédier à ce problème. De plus, une adaptation de cette réaction en milieux aqueux pourrait favoriser son utilisation en milieu industriel. L'étude que nous désirons entreprendre lors de ce projet vise à optimiser la réaction de CuAAC et les réactions intermédiaires (propargylation, tosylation et azidation) sur la pâte kraft, en milieu aqueux. Pour cela, les réactions ont été adaptées en milieu aqueux sur la cellulose microcristalline afin de vérifier sa faisabilité, puis transférée à la pâte kraft et l'influence de différents paramètres comme le temps de réaction ou la quantité de réactifs utilisée a été étudiée. Dans un second temps, une étude des différentes propriétés conférées au papier par les réactions a été réalisée à partir d'une série de tests papetiers optiques et physiques. Mots Clés Click chemistry, Huisgen, CuAAC, propargylation, tosylation, azidation, cellulose, pâte kraft, milieu aqueux, papier.

Modelisation des emissions de particules microniques et nanometriques en usinage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khettabi, Riad

La mise en forme des pieces par usinage emet des particules, de tailles microscopiques et nanometriques, qui peuvent etre dangereuses pour la sante. Le but de ce travail est d'etudier les emissions de ces particules pour fins de prevention et reduction a la source. L'approche retenue est experimentale et theorique, aux deux echelles microscopique et macroscopique. Le travail commence par des essais permettant de determiner les influences du materiau, de l'outil et des parametres d'usinage sur les emissions de particules. E nsuite un nouveau parametre caracterisant les emissions, nomme Dust unit , est developpe et un modele predictif est propose. Ce modele est base sur une nouvelle theorie hybride qui integre les approches energetiques, tribologiques et deformation plastique, et inclut la geometrie de l'outil, les proprietes du materiau, les conditions de coupe et la segmentation des copeaux. Il ete valide au tournage sur quatre materiaux: A16061-T6, AISI1018, AISI4140 et fonte grise.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of risk-reduction measures to reach water safety targets.

PubMed

Lindhe, Andreas; Rosén, Lars; Norberg, Tommy; Bergstedt, Olof; Pettersson, Thomas J R

2011-01-01

Identifying the most suitable risk-reduction measures in drinking water systems requires a thorough analysis of possible alternatives. In addition to the effects on the risk level, also the economic aspects of the risk-reduction alternatives are commonly considered important. Drinking water supplies are complex systems and to avoid sub-optimisation of risk-reduction measures, the entire system from source to tap needs to be considered. There is a lack of methods for quantification of water supply risk reduction in an economic context for entire drinking water systems. The aim of this paper is to present a novel approach for risk assessment in combination with economic analysis to evaluate risk-reduction measures based on a source-to-tap approach. The approach combines a probabilistic and dynamic fault tree method with cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA). The developed approach comprises the following main parts: (1) quantification of risk reduction of alternatives using a probabilistic fault tree model of the entire system; (2) combination of the modelling results with CEA; and (3) evaluation of the alternatives with respect to the risk reduction, the probability of not reaching water safety targets and the cost-effectiveness. The fault tree method and CEA enable comparison of risk-reduction measures in the same quantitative unit and consider costs and uncertainties. The approach provides a structured and thorough analysis of risk-reduction measures that facilitates transparency and long-term planning of drinking water systems in order to avoid sub-optimisation of available resources for risk reduction. Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Influence of dissimilatory metal reduction on fate of organic and metal contaminants in the subsurface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lovley, Derek R.; Anderson, Robert T.

Dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms have the ability to destroy organic contaminants under anaerobic conditions by oxidizing them to carbon dioxide. Some Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms can also reductively dechlorinate chlorinated contaminants. Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms can reduce a variety of contaminant metals and convert them from soluble forms to forms that are likely to be immobilized in the subsurface. Studies in petroleum-contaminated aquifers have demonstrated that Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms can be effective agents in removing aromatic hydrocarbons from groundwater under anaerobic conditions. Laboratory studies have demonstrated the potential for Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms to remove uranium from contaminated groundwaters. The activity of Fe(III)-reducing microorganisms can be stimulated in several ways to enhance organic contaminant oxidation and metal reduction. Molecular analyses in both field and laboratory studies have demonstrated that microorganisms of the genus Geobacter become dominant members of the microbial community when Fe(III)-reducing conditions develop as the result of organic contamination, or when Fe(III) reduction is artificially stimulated. These results suggest that further understanding of the ecophysiology of Geobacter species would aid in better prediction of the natural attenuation of organic contaminants under anaerobic conditions and in the design of strategies for the bioremediation of subsurface metal contamination. Des micro-organismes simulant la réduction du fer ont la capacité de détruire des polluants organiques dans des conditions anérobies en les oxydant en dioxyde de carbone. Certains micro-organismes réducteurs de fer peuvent aussi dé-chlorer par réduction des polluants chlorés. Des micro-organismes réducteurs de fer peuvent réduire tout un ensemble de métaux polluants et les faire passer de formes solubles à des formes qui sont susceptibles d'être immobilisées dans le milieu souterrain. Des études d'aquifères pollués par du pétrole ont montré que des micro-organismes réducteurs de fer peuvent être des agents efficaces pour éliminer les hydrocarbures aromatiques des eaux souterraines dans des conditions anérobies. Des études en laboratoire ont montré que des micro-organismes réducteurs de fer avaient la capacité d'éliminer l'uranium d'eaux souterraines polluées. L'activité de micro-organismes réducteurs de fer peut être stimulée de différentes manières pour augmenter l'oxydation de polluants organiques et la réduction de métaux. Des analyses moléculaires concernant des études de terrain et de laboratoire ont montré que des micro-organismes du genre Geobacter deviennent les membres dominants de la communauté microbienne quand les conditions de réduction en Fe(III) sont réalisées à la suite d'une pollution organique, ou lorsque la réduction en Fe(III) est stimulée artificiellement. Ces résultats laissent penser que des connaissances supplémentaires sur l'écophysiologie des espèces Geobacter devraient aider à une meilleure prédiction de la diminution naturelle des teneurs en polluants organiques dans des conditions anérobies, ainsi qu'à la définition de stratégies de dépollution biologique de pollutions souterraines par les métaux. Algunos microorganismos Fe(III)-reductores son capaces de destruir selectivamente determinados contaminantes orgánicos en condiciones anaerobias, oxidándolos a dióxido de carbono. Otros de estos microorganismos Fe(III)-reductores pueden reducir, bien compuestos clorados, bien una gran variedad de metales, que dejan de ser solubles y se inmovilizan en el subsuelo. Estudios realizados en acuéferos contaminados por petróleo muestran que los microorganismos Fe(III)-reductores pueden ser unos agentes muy eficientes para eliminar los hidrocarburos aromáticos de las aguas subterráneas en condiciones anaerobias, mientras que estudios de laboratorio muestran el potencial de estos microorganismos para eliminar uranio. La actividad de los microorganismos Fe(III)-reductores se puede estimular para conseguir una mayor eficiencia en la oxidación de contaminantes orgánicos y en la reducción de metales. Diversos análisis moleculares en estudios de campo y de laboratorio muestran que los microorganismos del género Geobacter se convierten en los miembros dominantes de la comunidad microbiana cuando se desarrollan condiciones Fe(III)-reductoras, bien como resultado de la contaminación orgánica, bien por estimulación artificial. En consecuencia, se hace necesario un mayor entendimiento de la ecofisiologéa de los microorganismos del género Geobacter para mejorar las predicciones sobre atenuación natural de los contaminantes orgánicos bajo condiciones anaerobias y para el diseño de estrategias de biorremediación del subsuelo en los casos de contaminación por metales.

Use or Reduction of Propagation and Noise Effects in Distributed Military Systems: Electromagnetic Wave Propagation Panel Symposium Held in Rethymno, Crete, Greece on 15-18 October 1990 (Utilisation ou Reduction des Effets de la Propagation et du Bruit dans les Systemes Militaires Distribues)

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-06-01

resolution are essential. The resulting frequency Paul A K., Anharmonic Frequency Analysis, pattern would be nonuniform and would change Mati. Comp...veloppement laire donnte par Ia relation empiri- de la trainte ainsi que Ie mouvemnent des par que 1231 ticules neutres dans Ia haute atmosph~re. log D...1515, 1973b. Bahar, E., Depolarization in nonuniform multi- layered structures--Full wave solutions, J. Math. Phys,, 15(2), 202-208, 1974, Ba , and M

Recommended Practices for Measurement of Gas Path Pressures and Temperatures for Performance Assessment of Aircraft Turbine Engines and Components (Les Methodes Recommandees pour la Mesure de la Pression et de la Temperature de la Veine Gazeuse en Vue de l’Evaluation des Performances des Turbines Aeronautiques et de leurs Composants

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-06-01

reduction software , prior to converting all remaining test which requires internal compensation. T he r sidual effect is pressures to engineering units...Reduction Conversion of Millivolts to Engineering Units. Carrying out numerical integrations to obtain area and mass weighted averages for various...Performance Assessment of Aircraft Turbine Engines and Components (Les MWthodes Recommande’es pour la Mesure de la Pression et de ]a Temperature de la

Microbial degradation of chloroethenes in groundwater systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bradley, Paul M.

The chloroethenes, tetrachloroethene (PCE) and trichloroethene (TCE) are among the most common contaminants detected in groundwater systems. As recently as 1980, the consensus was that chloroethene compounds were not significantly biodegradable in groundwater. Consequently, efforts to remediate chloroethene-contaminated groundwater were limited to largely unsuccessful pump-and-treat attempts. Subsequent investigation revealed that under reducing conditions, aquifer microorganisms can reductively dechlorinate PCE and TCE to the less chlorinated daughter products dichloroethene (DCE) and vinyl chloride (VC). Although recent laboratory studies conducted with halorespiring microorganisms suggest that complete reduction to ethene is possible, in the majority of groundwater systems reductive dechlorination apparently stops at DCE or VC. However, recent investigations conducted with aquifer and stream-bed sediments have demonstrated that microbial oxidation of these reduced daughter products can be significant under anaerobic redox conditions. The combination of reductive dechlorination of PCE and TCE under anaerobic conditions followed by anaerobic microbial oxidation of DCE and VC provides a possible microbial pathway for complete degradation of chloroethene contaminants in groundwater systems. Résumé Les chloroéthanes, tétrachloroéthane (PCE) et trichloroéthane (TCE) sont parmi les polluants les plus communs trouvés dans les aquifères. Depuis les années 1980, on considère que les chloroéthanes ne sont pas significativement biodégradables dans les aquifères. Par conséquent, les efforts pour dépolluer les nappes contaminées par des chloroéthanes se sont limités à des tentatives de pompage-traitement globalement sans succès. Des travaux ultérieurs ont montré que dans des conditions réductrices, des micro-organismes présents dans les aquifères peuvent, par réduction, dégrader les PCE et TCE en composés moins chlorés, comme le dichloréthane (DCE) et le chlorure de vinyl (VC). Bien que des études de laboratoire réalisées avec des micro-organismes adaptés aux composés halogénés montrent que la réduction complète en éthane est possible, dans la plupart des nappes la réaction de déchloration par réduction s'arrête apparemment au DCE et au VC. Cependant, des recherches récentes menées sur des sédiments d'un aquifère et d'alluvions ont démontré que l'oxydation microbienne de ces descendants réduits peut se produire de manière significative dans des conditions de redox anérobies. La déchloration par réduction de PCE et de TCE dans des conditions anérobies suivie par une oxydation microbienne anérobie des DCE et VC fournit une piste microbienne possible pour obtenir une dégradation complète des chloroéthanes polluants dans les aquifères. Resumen Los cloroetanos (tetracloroetano PCE y tricloroetano TCE) son contaminantes muy habituales en los acuíferos. Hasta 1980 se consideraba que los cloroetanos no eran biodegradables y, por tanto, los métodos de rehabilitación en acuíferos contaminados con cloroetanos se limitaban al pump-and-treat, generalmente con poco éxito. Posteriormente se vio que, en condiciones reductoras, algunos microorganismos pueden reducir PCE y TCE a unos subproductos menos clorados, como el dicloroetano (DCE) y el cloruro de vinilo (VC). Aunque estudios de laboratorio recientes sugieren que la reducción completa a etano es posible, en la mayoría de los sistemas acuíferos la decloración suele detenerse en los DCE o VC. Sin embargo, investigaciones más recientes en acuíferos y sedimentos fluviales demuestran que la oxidación microbiana de estos subproductos puede ser importante bajo condiciones redox anaerobias. La combinación de la reducción de PCE y TCE en condiciones anaerobias seguida de la oxidación microbiana anaerobia de DCE y VC proporciona un método potencial para la degradación total de los cloroetanos en los sistemas acuíferos.

Discontinuous permeable adsorptive barrier design and cost analysis: a methodological approach to optimisation.

PubMed

Santonastaso, Giovanni Francesco; Bortone, Immacolata; Chianese, Simeone; Di Nardo, Armando; Di Natale, Michele; Erto, Alessandro; Karatza, Despina; Musmarra, Dino

2017-09-19

The following paper presents a method to optimise a discontinuous permeable adsorptive barrier (PAB-D). This method is based on the comparison of different PAB-D configurations obtained by changing some of the main PAB-D design parameters. In particular, the well diameters, the distance between two consecutive passive wells and the distance between two consecutive well lines were varied, and a cost analysis for each configuration was carried out in order to define the best performing and most cost-effective PAB-D configuration. As a case study, a benzene-contaminated aquifer located in an urban area in the north of Naples (Italy) was considered. The PAB-D configuration with a well diameter of 0.8 m resulted the best optimised layout in terms of performance and cost-effectiveness. Moreover, in order to identify the best configuration for the remediation of the aquifer studied, a comparison with a continuous permeable adsorptive barrier (PAB-C) was added. In particular, this showed a 40% reduction of the total remediation costs by using the optimised PAB-D.

Robustness analysis of bogie suspension components Pareto optimised values

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mousavi Bideleh, Seyed Milad

2017-08-01

Bogie suspension system of high speed trains can significantly affect vehicle performance. Multiobjective optimisation problems are often formulated and solved to find the Pareto optimised values of the suspension components and improve cost efficiency in railway operations from different perspectives. Uncertainties in the design parameters of suspension system can negatively influence the dynamics behaviour of railway vehicles. In this regard, robustness analysis of a bogie dynamics response with respect to uncertainties in the suspension design parameters is considered. A one-car railway vehicle model with 50 degrees of freedom and wear/comfort Pareto optimised values of bogie suspension components is chosen for the analysis. Longitudinal and lateral primary stiffnesses, longitudinal and vertical secondary stiffnesses, as well as yaw damping are considered as five design parameters. The effects of parameter uncertainties on wear, ride comfort, track shift force, stability, and risk of derailment are studied by varying the design parameters around their respective Pareto optimised values according to a lognormal distribution with different coefficient of variations (COVs). The robustness analysis is carried out based on the maximum entropy concept. The multiplicative dimensional reduction method is utilised to simplify the calculation of fractional moments and improve the computational efficiency. The results showed that the dynamics response of the vehicle with wear/comfort Pareto optimised values of bogie suspension is robust against uncertainties in the design parameters and the probability of failure is small for parameter uncertainties with COV up to 0.1.

The desA and desB genes from Clostridium scindens ATCC 35704 encode steroid-17,20-desmolase.

PubMed

Devendran, Saravanan; Mythen, Sean M; Ridlon, Jason M

2018-06-01

Clostridium scindens is a gut microbe capable of removing the side-chain of cortisol, forming 11β-hydro-xyandrostenedione. A cortisol-inducible operon ( desABCD ) was previously identified in C. scindens ATCC 35704 by RNA-Seq. The desC gene was shown to encode a cortisol 20α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20α-HSDH). The desD encodes a protein annotated as a member of the major facilitator family, predicted to function as a cortisol transporter. The desA and desB genes are annotated as N-terminal and C-terminal transketolases, respectively. We hypothesized that the DesAB forms a complex and has steroid-17,20-desmolase activity. We cloned the desA and desB genes from C. scindens ATCC 35704 in pETDuet for overexpression in Escherichia coli The purified recombinant DesAB was determined to be a 142 ± 5.4 kDa heterotetramer. We developed an enzyme-linked continuous spectrophotometric assay to quantify steroid-17,20-desmolase. This was achieved by coupling DesAB-dependent formation of 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione with the NADPH-dependent reduction of the steroid 17-keto group by a recombinant 17β-HSDH from the filamentous fungus, Cochliobolus lunatus The pH optimum for the coupled assay was 7.0 and kinetic constants using cortisol as substrate were K m of 4.96 ± 0.57 µM and k cat of 0.87 ± 0.076 min -1 Substrate-specificity studies revealed that rDesAB recognized substrates regardless of 11β-hydroxylation, but had an absolute requirement for 17,21-dihydroxy 20-ketosteroids. Copyright © 2018 Devendran et al.

Optimisation of ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration of sweet potato (Ipomea batatas) using response surface methodology.

PubMed

Oladejo, Ayobami Olayemi; Ma, Haile

2016-08-01

Sweet potato is a highly nutritious tuber crop that is rich in β-carotene. Osmotic dehydration is a pretreatment method for drying of fruit and vegetables. Recently, ultrasound technology has been applied in food processing because of its numerous advantages which include time saving, little damage to the quality of the food. Thus, there is need to investigate and optimise the process parameters [frequency (20-50 kHz), time (10-30 min) and sucrose concentration (20-60% w/v)] for ultrasound-assisted osmotic dehydration of sweet potato using response surface methodology. The optimised values obtained were frequency of 33.93 kHz, time of 30 min and sucrose concentration of 35.69% (w/v) to give predicted values of 21.62, 4.40 and 17.23% for water loss, solid gain and weight reduction, respectively. The water loss and weight reduction increased when the ultrasound frequency increased from 20 to 35 kHz and then decreased as the frequency increased from 35 to 50 kHz. The results from this work show that low ultrasound frequency favours the osmotic dehydration of sweet potato and also reduces the use of raw material (sucrose) needed for the osmotic dehydration of sweet potato. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry.

Etude des phenomenes dynamiques ultrarapides et des caracteristiques impulsionnelles d'emission terahertz du supraconducteur YBCO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Savard, Stephane

Les premieres etudes d'antennes a base de supraconducteurs a haute temperature critique emettant une impulsion electromagnetique dont le contenu en frequence se situe dans le domaine terahertz remontent a 1996. Une antenne supraconductrice est formee d'un micro-pont d'une couche mince supraconductrice sur lequel un courant continu est applique. Un faisceau laser dans le visible est focalise sur le micro-pont et place le supraconducteur dans un etat hors-equilibre ou des paires sont brisees. Grace a la relaxation des quasiparticules en surplus et eventuellement de la reformation des paires supraconductrices, nous pouvons etudier la nature de la supraconductivite. L'analyse de la cinetique temporelle du champ electromagnetique emis par une telle antenne terahertz supraconductrice s'est averee utile pour decrire qualitativement les caracteristiques de celle-ci en fonction des parametres d'operation tels que le courant applique, la temperature et la puissance d'excitation. La comprehension de l'etat hors-equilibre est la cle pour comprendre le fonctionnement des antennes terahertz supraconductrices a haute temperature critique. Dans le but de comprendre ultimement cet etat hors-equilibre, nous avions besoin d'une methode et d'un modele pour extraire de facon plus systematique les proprietes intrinseques du materiau qui compose l'antenne terahertz a partir des caracteristiques d'emission de celle-ci. Nous avons developpe une procedure pour calibrer le spectrometre dans le domaine temporel en utilisant des antennes terahertz de GaAs bombarde aux protons H+ comme emetteur et detecteur. Une fois le montage calibre, nous y avons insere une antenne emettrice dipolaire de YBa 2Cu3O7-delta . Un modele avec des fonctions exponentielles de montee et de descente du signal est utilise pour lisser le spectre du champ electromagnetique de l'antenne de YBa 2Cu3O7-delta, ce qui nous permet d'extraire les proprietes intrinseques de ce dernier. Pour confirmer la validite du modele choisi, nous avons mesure les proprietes intrinseques du meme echantillon de YBa2Cu3O7- delta avec la technique pompe-visible et sonde-terahertz donnant, elle aussi, acces aux temps caracteristiques regissant l'evolution hors-equilibre de ce materiau. Dans le meilleur scenario, ces temps caracteristiques devraient correspondre a ceux evalues grace a la modelisation des antennes. Un bon controle des parametres de croissance des couches minces supraconductrices et de fabrication du dispositif nous a permis de realiser des antennes d'emission terahertz possedant d'excellentes caracteristiques en terme de largeur de bande d'emission (typiquement 3 THz) exploitables pour des applications de spectroscopie resolue dans le domaine temporel. Le modele developpe et retenu pour le lissage du spectre terahertz decrit bien les caracteristiques de l'antenne supraconductrice pour tous les parametres d'operation. Toutefois, le lien avec la technique pompe-sonde lors de la comparaison des proprietes intrinseques n'est pas direct malgre que les deux techniques montrent que le temps de relaxation des porteurs augmente pres de la temperature critique. Les donnees en pompe-sonde indiquent que la mesure du temps de relaxation depend de la frequence de la sonde, ce qui complique la correspondance des proprietes intrinseques entre les deux techniques. De meme, le temps de relaxation extrait a partir du spectre de l'antenne terahertz augmente en s'approchant de la temperature critique (T c) de YBa2Cu 3O7-delta. Le comportement en temperature du temps de relaxation correspond a une loi de puissance qui est fonction de l'inverse du gap supraconducteur avec un exposant 5 soit 1/Delta 5(T). Le travail presente dans cette these permet de mieux decrire les caracteristiques des antennes supraconductrices a haute temperature critique et de les relier aux proprietes intrinseques du materiau qui les compose. De plus, cette these presente les parametres a ajuster comme le courant applique, la puissance de la pompe, la temperature d'operation, etc, afin d'optimiser l'emission et les performances de ces antennes supraconductrices entre autres pour maximiser leur etendue en frequence dans une perspective d'application en spectroscopie terahertz. Cependant, plusieurs des resultats obtenus soulevent la difficulte de decrire l'etat hors-equilibre et la necessite de developper une theorie pour le supraconducteur YBa2 Cu3O7-delta

Error discrimination of an operational hydrological forecasting system at a national scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jordan, F.; Brauchli, T.

2010-09-01

The use of operational hydrological forecasting systems is recommended for hydropower production as well as flood management. However, the forecast uncertainties can be important and lead to bad decisions such as false alarms and inappropriate reservoir management of hydropower plants. In order to improve the forecasting systems, it is important to discriminate the different sources of uncertainties. To achieve this task, reanalysis of past predictions can be realized and provide information about the structure of the global uncertainty. In order to discriminate between uncertainty due to the weather numerical model and uncertainty due to the rainfall-runoff model, simulations assuming perfect weather forecast must be realized. This contribution presents the spatial analysis of the weather uncertainties and their influence on the river discharge prediction of a few different river basins where an operational forecasting system exists. The forecast is based on the RS 3.0 system [1], [2], which is also running the open Internet platform www.swissrivers.ch [3]. The uncertainty related to the hydrological model is compared to the uncertainty related to the weather prediction. A comparison between numerous weather prediction models [4] at different lead times is also presented. The results highlight an important improving potential of both forecasting components: the hydrological rainfall-runoff model and the numerical weather prediction models. The hydrological processes must be accurately represented during the model calibration procedure, while weather prediction models suffer from a systematic spatial bias. REFERENCES [1] Garcia, J., Jordan, F., Dubois, J. & Boillat, J.-L. 2007. "Routing System II, Modélisation d'écoulements dans des systèmes hydrauliques", Communication LCH n° 32, Ed. Prof. A. Schleiss, Lausanne [2] Jordan, F. 2007. Modèle de prévision et de gestion des crues - optimisation des opérations des aménagements hydroélectriques à accumulation pour la réduction des débits de crue, thèse de doctorat n° 3711, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale, Lausanne [3] Keller, R. 2009. "Le débit des rivières au peigne fin", Revue Technique Suisse, N°7/8 2009, Swiss engineering RTS, UTS SA, Lausanne, p. 11 [4] Kaufmann, P., Schubiger, F. & Binder, P. 2003. Precipitation forecasting by a mesoscale numerical weather prediction (NWP) model : eight years of experience, Hydrology and Earth System

Lap time simulation and design optimisation of a brushed DC electric motorcycle for the Isle of Man TT Zero Challenge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dal Bianco, N.; Lot, R.; Matthys, K.

2018-01-01

This works regards the design of an electric motorcycle for the annual Isle of Man TT Zero Challenge. Optimal control theory was used to perform lap time simulation and design optimisation. A bespoked model was developed, featuring 3D road topology, vehicle dynamics and electric power train, composed of a lithium battery pack, brushed DC motors and motor controller. The model runs simulations over the entire ? or ? of the Snaefell Mountain Course. The work is validated using experimental data from the BX chassis of the Brunel Racing team, which ran during the 2009 to 2015 TT Zero races. Optimal control is used to improve drive train and power train configurations. Findings demonstrate computational efficiency, good lap time prediction and design optimisation potential, achieving a 2 minutes reduction of the reference lap time through changes in final drive gear ratio, battery pack size and motor configuration.

Facteurs de risque de l'inobservance thérapeutique chez les patients schizophrènes: étude cas- témoins'

PubMed Central

Aarab, Chadya; Elghazouani, Fatima; Aalouane, Rachid; Rammouz, Ismail

2015-01-01

Les progrès réalisés dans le traitement de la schizophrénie n'ont jusqu'ici pas modifié de manière radicale l'importance de l'adhésion des patients à leur médication. L'objectif de ce travail est d'identifier les facteurs de risque de l'abandon du traitement sur un échantillon marocain de malades schizophrènes. C'est une étude transversale menée au centre psychiatrique universitaire de Fès sur une période de 4 mois. Les malades inclus présentaient une schizophrénie ou un trouble schizo-affectif, sélectionnés en deux groupes observant et non observant. L’évaluation de l'observance a été faite par un hétéro-questionnaire comprenant une liste de causes d'abandon du traitement avec des réponses par oui ou non et à l'aide de l’échelle MARS (Medication Adherence Rating Scale). Le traitement statistique des résultats a été réalisé par le logiciel Epi Info version 3.5.1. On a recruté 164 participants, 112 étaient des malades non observants à leur traitement (cas) et 52 patients bien observants (témoins). L’âge moyen est 31 ans, avec une prédominance masculine. Les facteurs de risque d'inobservance thérapeutique sont: l’âge jeune, le sexe masculin, le célibat, les troubles addictifs. Les principales raisons d'abandon du traitement sont le changement fréquent du médecin, le manque d'informations sur la maladie, un mauvais insight et les effets secondaires des antipsychotiques. Le groupe de schizophrènes non adhérents à leur traitement pharmacologique avait un score élevé à l’échelle MARS dans 80% cas. Ces résultats doivent être pris en considération par le personnel soignant pour optimiser l'observance thérapeutique chez les patients souffrant de schizophrénie. PMID:26161196

Identification des objets et detection de leur alignement en utilisant la technologie RFID

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahma, Zayoud

De nos jours, les vehicules motorises sont essentiels dans notre vie quotidienne, d'ou la necessite de leur approvisionnement en carburant. L'approvisionnement en carburant peut entrainer certains inconvenients, tels que: les files d'attente, la disponibilite non-continuelle du carburant et les fraudes. Les problemes d'attente et de disponibilite non-continuelle du carburant peuvent etre facilement resolus en allant a une autre station d'essence aux alentours si disponibles. Par contre le probleme de fraudes est plus difficile a resoudre. De ce fait, decoule notre solution qui consiste a developper un systeme intelligent pour la gestion d'approvisionnement en carburant afin de remedier a ce probleme de fraudes. Pour des raisons de surete, il faut eviter les risques d'etincelles dans l'environnement du carburant. En particulier, il convient de ne pas utiliser un systeme utilisant 1'electricite proche de la pompe, du tuyau ou du reservoir du carburant du vehicule. Nous avons choisi la technologie RFID (Radio Frequency IDentification) et avons opte pour l'utilisation des etiquettes passives, etant donne que les etiquettes semi-passives ou actives contiennent une batterie electrique et sont nettement plus cheres. Un vehicule motorise sera identifie avec une etiquette RFID passive collee au-dessus du goulot de son reservoir. Deux autres etiquettes RFID seront placees sur le pistolet de sorte que le flux du carburant ne sera autorise que lorsque les trois etiquettes sont alignees. Notre travail etait a la demande d'une entreprise petroliere ayant une chaine internationale de stations de carburant. Le travail consiste en la conception, par la recherche, du systeme requis et s'articule sur l'optimisation de la topologie des antennes et des etiquettes de sorte que le systeme juge qu'il y a alignement lorsque le bec du pistolet est fonce dans le goulot du reservoir, et par consequent autorise le versement du carburant. Dans tous les autres cas, le systeme doit juger qu'il n'y a pas alignement et par consequent le flux du carburant n'est pas autorise. Mots cles: RFID, identification, localisation, alignement, fraudes, station-service.

Mal-Development of the Penis and Loss of Fertility in Male Rats Treated Neonatally with Female Contraceptive 17α-Ethinyl Estradiol: A Dose-Response Study and a Comparative Study with a Known Estrogenic Teratogen Diethylstilbestrol

PubMed Central

Mathews, Ensa; Braden, Tim D.; Williams, Carol S.; Williams, John W.; Bolden-Tiller, Olga; Goyal, Hari O.

2009-01-01

The objectives of this study were to find a minimal dose of 17α-ethinyl estradiol (EE) that is detrimental to the developing penis and fertility and to compare estrogenic effects between EE and diethylstilbestrol (DES). Neonatal rats received EE at 10 ng (1 μg/kg), 100 ng, 1 μg, or 10 μg per pup on alternate days from postnatal days 1 to 11 (dose-response study) or received EE or DES at 100 ng per pup daily from postnatal days 1 to 6 (comparative study). Effects of EE were dose dependent, with ≥ 100-ng dose inducing significant (p < 0.05) reductions in penile length, weight, and diameter. Additionally, the penis was malformed, characterized by underdeveloped os penis and accumulation of fat cells. Fertility was 0% in the ≥ 1-μg groups, in contrast to 60% in the 100-ng group and 100% in the 10-ng and control groups. Animals treated with ≥ 10 ng had significant reductions in the weight of bulbospongious muscle, testis, seminal vesicle, epididymal fat pad, and in epididymal sperm numbers. A comparison of EE and DES effects showed similar reductions in penile weight and length and the weight of bulbospongiosus muscle, testis, seminal vesicle, epididymis, and epididymal fat pad in both adolescent and adult rats. While 5/6 control males sired, only 1/6 in the EE group and 0/6 in the DES group sired. Hence, neonatal exposure to EE at 10 ng (environmentally relevant dose) adversely affects male reproductive organs. A dose ten times higher than this leads to permanently mal-developed penis and infertility. Furthermore, EE and DES exposures show similar level of toxicity to male reproductive organs. PMID:19729556

Coil optimisation for transcranial magnetic stimulation in realistic head geometry.

PubMed

Koponen, Lari M; Nieminen, Jaakko O; Mutanen, Tuomas P; Stenroos, Matti; Ilmoniemi, Risto J

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) allows focal, non-invasive stimulation of the cortex. A TMS pulse is inherently weakly coupled to the cortex; thus, magnetic stimulation requires both high current and high voltage to reach sufficient intensity. These requirements limit, for example, the maximum repetition rate and the maximum number of consecutive pulses with the same coil due to the rise of its temperature. To develop methods to optimise, design, and manufacture energy-efficient TMS coils in realistic head geometry with an arbitrary overall coil shape. We derive a semi-analytical integration scheme for computing the magnetic field energy of an arbitrary surface current distribution, compute the electric field induced by this distribution with a boundary element method, and optimise a TMS coil for focal stimulation. Additionally, we introduce a method for manufacturing such a coil by using Litz wire and a coil former machined from polyvinyl chloride. We designed, manufactured, and validated an optimised TMS coil and applied it to brain stimulation. Our simulations indicate that this coil requires less than half the power of a commercial figure-of-eight coil, with a 41% reduction due to the optimised winding geometry and a partial contribution due to our thinner coil former and reduced conductor height. With the optimised coil, the resting motor threshold of abductor pollicis brevis was reached with the capacitor voltage below 600 V and peak current below 3000 A. The described method allows designing practical TMS coils that have considerably higher efficiency than conventional figure-of-eight coils. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Un accumulateur echangeur de chaleur hybride pour la gestion simultanee des energies solaire et electrique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ait Hammou, Zouhair

Cette etude porte sur la conception d'un accumulateur echangeur de chaleur hybride (AECH) pour la gestion simultanee des energies solaire et electrique. Un modele mathematique reposant sur les equations de conservation de la quantite d'energie est expose. Il est developpe pour tester differents materiaux de stockage, entre autres, les materiaux a changement de phase (solide/liquide) et les materiaux de stockage sensible. Un code de calcul est mis en eeuvre sur ordinateur, puis valide a l'aide des resultats analytiques et numeriques de la litterature. En parallele, un prototype experimental a echelle reduite est concu au laboratoire afin de valider le code de calcul. Des simulations sont effectuees pour etudier les effets des parametres de conception et des materiaux de stockage sur le comportement thermique de l'AECH et sur la consommation d'energie electrique. Les resultats des simulations sur quatre mois d'hiver montrent que la paraffine n-octadecane et l'acide caprique sont deux candidats souhaitables pour le stockage d'energie destine au chauffage des habitats. L'utilisation de ces deux materiaux dans l'AECH permet de reduire la consommation d'energie electrique de 32% et d'aplanir le probleme de pointe electrique puisque 90% de l'energie electrique est consommee durant les heures creuses. En plus, en adoptant un tarif preferentiel, le calcul des couts lies a la consommation d'energie electrique montre que le consommateur adoptant ce systeme beneficie d'une reduction de 50% de la facture d'electricite.

Bitumen recovery from oil sands using deep eutectic solvent and its aqueous solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pulati, Nuerxida

Oil sands compose a significant proportion of the world's known oil reserves. Oil sands are also known as tar sands and bituminous sands, are complex mixtures of sand, clays, water and bitumen, which is "heavy" and highly viscous oil. The extraction and separation of bitumen from oil sands requires significant amount of energy and large quantities of water and poses several environmental challenges. Bitumen can be successfully separated from oil sands using imidazolium based ionic liquids and nonpolar solvents, however, ionic liquids are expensive and toxic. In this thesis, the ionic liquid alternatives- deep eutectic solvent, were investigated. Oil sands separation can be successfully achieved by using deep eutectic solvents DES (choline chloride and urea) and nonpolar solvent naphtha in different types of oil sands, including Canadian ("water-wet"), Utah ("oil-wet") and low grade Kentucky oil sands. The separation quality depends on oil sands type, including bitumen and fine content, and separation condition, such as solvent ratio, temperature, mixing time and mechanical centrifuge. This separation claims to the DES ability to form ion /charge layering on mineral surface, which results in reduction of adhesion forces between bitumen and minerals and promote their separation. Addition of water to DES can reduce DES viscosity. DES water mixture as a media, oil sands separation can be achieved. However, concentration at about 50 % or higher might be required to obtain a clear separation. And the separation efficiency is oil sands sample dependent. The highest bitumen extraction yield happened at 75% DES-water solution for Utah oil sands samples, and at 50 60% DES-water solutions for Alberta oil sands samples. Force curves were measured using Atomic Force Microscopy new technique, PeakForce Tapping Quantitative Nanomechanical Mapping (PFTQNM). The results demonstrate that, by adding DES, the adhesion force between bitumen and silica and dissipation energy will decrease comparing to DI water. At higher concentration DES solution (>80%DES), the amount of decrease can be up to 80-90%. In lower concentration, at about 50% decrease was observed. The results provide fundamental insights into the mechanism of bitumen separation from oil sands. The reduction of adhesion force between bitumen and minerals (silica) in DES media is the main reason which facilitates the separation between them, which by means existence of DES will favor bitumen and minerals separation. Comparing to other techniques, DES based separation is environmentally compatible and economically viable. The separation can easily happen at room temperature. Choline chloride and urea are biodegradable, environmentally compatible, accessible in large scale and easily prepared by mixing and heating (<80 °C). Further improvement is needed regarding to separation quality and efficiency, either in the direction of developing better separation techniques or by looking for chemical additives which can improve separation and reduce environmental side-effects.

Decreased Desmin expression in the developing diaphragm of the nitrofen-induced congenital diaphragmatic hernia rat model.

PubMed

Takahashi, Toshiaki; Friedmacher, Florian; Zimmer, Julia; Puri, Prem

2016-12-01

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is presumed to originate from defects in the primordial diaphragmatic mesenchyme, mainly comprising of muscle connective tissue (MCT). Thus, normal diaphragmatic morphogenesis depends on the structural integrity of the underlying MCT. Developmental mutations that inhibit normal formation of diaphragmatic MCT have been shown to result in CDH. Desmin (DES) is a major filament protein in the MCT, which is essential for the tensile strength of the developing diaphragm muscle. DES -/- knockout mice exhibit significant reductions in stiffness and elasticity of the developing diaphragmatic muscle tissue. Furthermore, sequence changes in the DES gene have recently been identified in human cases of CDH, suggesting that alterations in DES expression may lead to diaphragmatic defects. This study was designed to investigate the hypothesis that diaphragmatic DES expression is decreased in fetal rats with nitrofen-induced CDH. Time-mated Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to either nitrofen or vehicle on gestational day 9 (D9). Fetuses were harvested on selected time-points D13, D15 and D18, and dissected diaphragms (n = 72) were divided into control and nitrofen-exposed specimens (n = 12 per time-point and experimental group, respectively). Laser-capture microdissection was used to obtain diaphragmatic tissue elements. Diaphragmatic gene expression of DES was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Immunofluorescence double staining for DES was combined with the mesenchymal marker GATA4 to evaluate protein expression and localization in developing fetal diaphragms. Relative mRNA expression levels of DES were significantly decreased in pleuroperitoneal folds on D13 (1.49 ± 1.79 vs. 3.47 ± 2.32; p < 0.05), developing diaphragms on D15 (1.49 ± 1.41 vs. 3.94 ± 3.06; p < 0.05) and fully muscularized diaphragms on D18 (2.45 ± 1.47 vs. 5.12 ± 3.37; p < 0.05) of nitrofen-exposed fetuses compared to controls. Confocal laser scanning microscopy demonstrated markedly diminished immunofluorescence of DES mainly in diaphragmatic MCT, which was associated with a reduction of proliferating mesenchymal cells in nitrofen-exposed fetuses on D13, D15 and D18 compared to controls. Decreased expression of DES in the fetal diaphragm may disturb the basic integrity of myofibrils and the cytoskeletal network during myogenesis, causing malformed MCT and leading to diaphragmatic defects in the nitrofen-induced CDH model.

Understanding the role of monolayers in retarding evaporation from water storage bodies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fellows, Christopher M.; Coop, Paul A.; Lamb, David W.; Bradbury, Ronald C.; Schiretz, Helmut F.; Woolley, Andrew J.

2015-03-01

Retardation of evaporation by monomolecular films by a 'barrier model' does not explain the effect of air velocity on relative evaporation rates in the presence and absence of such films. An alternative mechanism for retardation of evaporation attributes reduced evaporation to a reduction of surface roughness, which in turn increases the effective vapour pressure of water above the surface. Evaporation suppression effectiveness under field conditions should be predictable from measurements of the surface dilational modulus of monolayers and research directed to optimising this mechanism should be more fruitful than research aimed at optimising a monolayer to provide an impermeable barrier.

Improving the Fit of a Land-Surface Model to Data Using its Adjoint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raoult, Nina; Jupp, Tim; Cox, Peter; Luke, Catherine

2016-04-01

Land-surface models (LSMs) are crucial components of the Earth System Models (ESMs) which are used to make coupled climate-carbon cycle projections for the 21st century. The Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES) is the land-surface model used in the climate and weather forecast models of the UK Met Office. In this study, JULES is automatically differentiated using commercial software from FastOpt, resulting in an analytical gradient, or adjoint, of the model. Using this adjoint, the adJULES parameter estimation system has been developed, to search for locally optimum parameter sets by calibrating against observations. We present an introduction to the adJULES system and demonstrate its ability to improve the model-data fit using eddy covariance measurements of gross primary production (GPP) and latent heat (LE) fluxes. adJULES also has the ability to calibrate over multiple sites simultaneously. This feature is used to define new optimised parameter values for the 5 Plant Functional Types (PFTS) in JULES. The optimised PFT-specific parameters improve the performance of JULES over 90% of the FLUXNET sites used in the study. These reductions in error are shown and compared to reductions found due to site-specific optimisations. Finally, we show that calculation of the 2nd derivative of JULES allows us to produce posterior probability density functions of the parameters and how knowledge of parameter values is constrained by observations.

Intrinsic mechanical properties and strengthening methods in inorganic crystalline materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mecking, H.; Hartig, Ch.; Seeger, J.

1991-06-01

The paper deals with strength and fracture in metals, ceramics and intermetallic compounds. The emphasis is on the interrelation between microstructure and macroscopic behavior and how the concepts for alloy design are mirroring this interrelationship. The three materials classes are distinguished by the physical nature of the atomic bonding forces. In metals metallic bonding predominates which causes high ductility but poor strength. Accordingly material development concentrates on production of microstructures which optimize the yield strength without unacceptable loss in ductility. In ceramics covalent bonding prevails which results in high hardness and high elastic stiffness but at the same time extreme brittleness. Contrary to the metal-ease material development aims at a kind of pseudo ductility in order to rise the fracture toughness to sufficiently high levels. In intermetallic phases the atomic bonds are a mixture of metallic and covalent bonding where depending on the alloying system the balance between the two contributions may be quite different. Accordingly the properties of intermetallics are in the range between metals and ceramics. By a variety of microstructural measures their properties can be changed in direction. either towards metallic or ceramic behavior. General rules for alloy design are not available, rather every system demands very specific experience since properties depend to a considerable part on intrinsic properties of lattice defects such as dislocations, antiphase boundaries, stacking faults and grain boundaries. Cet article traite de la résistance et de la fracture des métaux, des céramiques et des composés intermétalliques. L'accent est mis sur les correspondances entre la microstructure et le comportement macroscopique ainsi que sur la façon dont de tels concepts se reflètent dans la création de nouveaux alliages. C'est la nature des forces de liaisons qui distingue chaque type de matériaux. Dans les métaux, les liaisons métalliques dominent, ce qui entraîne une grande ductilité mais une médiocre résistance. En conséquence, dans le développement de nouveaux matériaux on cherche préférentiellement à produire des microstructures qui optimisent la résistance élastique sans perte inacceptable de ductilité. Dans les céramiques, les liaisons covalentes prédominent; ceci entraîne une dureté élevée, une grande rigidité, mais en même temps une extrême fragilité. Au contraire des métaux, le développement de ces matériaux vise à obtenir une pseudoductilité afin d'amener la tenacité à des niveaux suffisamment élevés. Dans les phases intermétalliques les liaisons atomiques correspondent à un mélange de liaisons métalliques et covalentes. La contribution de chacune d'entre elles varie en fonction du système allié. En conséquence, les propriétés des intermétalliques se situent entre celles des métaux et des céramiques. Par divers changements microstructuraux des propriétés peuvent être déplacées pour se rapprocher d'un comportement de type métallique ou de type céramique. Donner des règles générales pour la création de nouveaux alliages n'est pas possible car chaque système demande à être testé, les propriétés dépendent en effet, pour une part considérable, des propriétés intrinsèques des défauts de réseau comme les dislocations, les parois d'antiphase ou les joints de grains.

Epidémiologie et facteurs de risque des complications respiratoires majeures après chirurgie de l'aorte abdominale au CHU Ibn Sina, Maroc

PubMed Central

Awab, Almahdi; Elahmadi, Brahim; Lamkinsi, Tarik; El Moussaoui, Rachid; El Hijri, Ahmed; Azzouzi, Abderrahim; Alilou, Mustapha

2013-01-01

Introduction L'incidence des complications respiratoires postopératoires (CRPO) reste très diversement appréciées selon les critères diagnostiques retenues dans les différentes études, ce qui la fait varier de 5 à plus de 50%. Les CRPO majeurs après chirurgie de l'aorte abdominale sont responsables d'une grande morbi-mortalité pouvant aller jusqu’à 36%, d'une durée d'hospitalisation et d'un coût plus importants. Ainsi dans l'optique d'améliorer notre prise en charge périopératoire de la chirurgie de l'aorte, nous avons décidé de mener une étude pour dresser le profil épidémiologique et déterminer les facteurs de risque des complications respiratoires dans notre contexte Méthodes Il s'agit d'une étude de cohorte rétrospective du mois de Janvier 2007 au mois de décembre 2011 portant sur l'ensemble des patients opérés pour pathologie aortique au bloc opératoire central de l'hôpital Ibn Sina de Rabat, Maroc. Résultats Cent vingt cinq patients ont été inclus dans notre étude, 24 patients ont été opérés pour anévrysme de l'aorte abdominale et 101 patients pour lésion occlusive aortoiliaque. Dans notre série 22 malades soit 17,6% ont présenté une complication respiratoire majeure avec, une reventilation dans 4,8% des cas, une difficulté de sevrage de la ventilation artificielle dans 3,2% des cas, une pneumopathie dans 4% des cas, un syndrome de détresse respiratoire aigue (SDRA) dans 4% des cas et une nécessité de fibroaspiration bronchique dans 1,6% des cas. En analyse univariée: l’âge, la présence d'une BPCO avec dyspnée stade 3 ou 4, la présence d'une anomalie à l'EFR préopératoire, la présence d'un stade avancé (III ou IV) de LOAI et la reprise chirurgicale étaient statistiquement associés à la survenue d'une complication respiratoire postopératoire. En analyse multivariée, seule une anomalie à l'EFR en préopératoire constituait un facteur de risque indépendant de survenue d'une complication respiratoire postopératoire dans notre série avec un Odds Ratio (OR): 11,5; un Intervalle de Confiance (IC) à 95% de (1,6 - 85,2) et un p = 0,016. Conclusion Au terme de notre étude, il nous parait donc nécessaire pour diminuer l'incidence des CRPO majeurs dans notre population, d'agir sur les facteurs que nous jugeons modifiables tel l'amélioration de l’état respiratoire basal moyennant une préparation respiratoire préopératoire, s'intégrant dans un véritable programme de réhabilitation et associant une rééducation à l'effort, une kinésithérapie incitative ainsi qu'une optimisation des thérapeutiques habituelles. PMID:23504435

Identification of the contribution of contact and aerial biomechanical parameters in acrobatic performance

PubMed Central

Haering, Diane; Huchez, Aurore; Barbier, Franck; Holvoët, Patrice; Begon, Mickaël

2017-01-01

Introduction Teaching acrobatic skills with a minimal amount of repetition is a major challenge for coaches. Biomechanical, statistical or computer simulation tools can help them identify the most determinant factors of performance. Release parameters, change in moment of inertia and segmental momentum transfers were identified in the prediction of acrobatics success. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relative contribution of these parameters in performance throughout expertise or optimisation based improvements. The counter movement forward in flight (CMFIF) was chosen for its intrinsic dichotomy between the accessibility of its attempt and complexity of its mastery. Methods Three repetitions of the CMFIF performed by eight novice and eight advanced female gymnasts were recorded using a motion capture system. Optimal aerial techniques that maximise rotation potential at regrasp were also computed. A 14-segment-multibody-model defined through the Rigid Body Dynamics Library was used to compute recorded and optimal kinematics, and biomechanical parameters. A stepwise multiple linear regression was used to determine the relative contribution of these parameters in novice recorded, novice optimised, advanced recorded and advanced optimised trials. Finally, fixed effects of expertise and optimisation were tested through a mixed-effects analysis. Results and discussion Variation in release state only contributed to performances in novice recorded trials. Moment of inertia contribution to performance increased from novice recorded, to novice optimised, advanced recorded, and advanced optimised trials. Contribution to performance of momentum transfer to the trunk during the flight prevailed in all recorded trials. Although optimisation decreased transfer contribution, momentum transfer to the arms appeared. Conclusion Findings suggest that novices should be coached on both contact and aerial technique. Inversely, mainly improved aerial technique helped advanced gymnasts increase their performance. For both, reduction of the moment of inertia should be focused on. The method proposed in this article could be generalized to any aerial skill learning investigation. PMID:28422954

Optimisation of 12 MeV electron beam simulation using variance reduction technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jayamani, J.; Termizi, N. A. S. Mohd; Kamarulzaman, F. N. Mohd; Aziz, M. Z. Abdul

2017-05-01

Monte Carlo (MC) simulation for electron beam radiotherapy consumes a long computation time. An algorithm called variance reduction technique (VRT) in MC was implemented to speed up this duration. This work focused on optimisation of VRT parameter which refers to electron range rejection and particle history. EGSnrc MC source code was used to simulate (BEAMnrc code) and validate (DOSXYZnrc code) the Siemens Primus linear accelerator model with the non-VRT parameter. The validated MC model simulation was repeated by applying VRT parameter (electron range rejection) that controlled by global electron cut-off energy 1,2 and 5 MeV using 20 × 107 particle history. 5 MeV range rejection generated the fastest MC simulation with 50% reduction in computation time compared to non-VRT simulation. Thus, 5 MeV electron range rejection utilized in particle history analysis ranged from 7.5 × 107 to 20 × 107. In this study, 5 MeV electron cut-off with 10 × 107 particle history, the simulation was four times faster than non-VRT calculation with 1% deviation. Proper understanding and use of VRT can significantly reduce MC electron beam calculation duration at the same time preserving its accuracy.

Disappearing and reappearing differences in drug-eluting stent use by race.

PubMed

Federspiel, Jerome J; Stearns, Sally C; Reiter, Kristin L; Geissler, Kimberley H; Triplette, Matthew A; D'Arcy, Laura P; Sheridan, Brett C; Rossi, Joseph S

2013-04-01

Drug-eluting coronary stents (DES) rapidly dominated the marketplace in the United States after approval in 2003, but utilization rates were initially lower among African American patients. We assess whether racial differences persisted as DES diffused into practice. Medicare claims data were used to identify coronary stenting procedures among elderly patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Regression models of the choice of DES versus bare mental stent controlled for demographics, ACS type, co-morbidities and hospital characteristics. Diffusion was assessed in the short run (2003-2004) and long run (2007), with the effect of race calculated to allow for time-varying effects. The sample included 381,887 Medicare beneficiaries treated with stent insertion; approximately 5% were African American. Initially (May 2003-February 2004), African American race was associated with lower DES use compared to other races (44.3% versus 46.5%, P < 0.01). Once DES usage was high in all patients (March-December 2004), differences were not significant (79.8% versus 80.3%, P = 0.45). Subsequent concerns regarding DES safety caused reductions in DES use, with African Americans having lower use than other racial groups in 2007 (63.1% versus 65.2%, P < 0.01). Racial disparities in DES use initially disappeared during a period of rapid diffusion and high usage rates; the reappearance of disparities in use by 2007 may reflect DES use tailored to unmeasured aspects of case mix and socio-economic status. Further work is needed to understand whether underlying differences in race reflect decisions regarding treatment appropriateness. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Low power test architecture for dynamic read destructive fault detection in SRAM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takher, Vikram Singh; Choudhary, Rahul Raj

2018-06-01

Dynamic Read Destructive Fault (dRDF) is the outcome of resistive open defects in the core cells of static random-access memories (SRAMs). The sensitisation of dRDF involves either performing multiple read operations or creation of number of read equivalent stress (RES), on the core cell under test. Though the creation of RES is preferred over the performing multiple read operation on the core cell, cell dissipates more power during RES than during the read or write operation. This paper focuses on the reduction in power dissipation by optimisation of number of RESs, which are required to sensitise the dRDF during test mode of operation of SRAM. The novel pre-charge architecture has been proposed in order to reduce the power dissipation by limiting the number of RESs to an optimised number of two. The proposed low power architecture is simulated and analysed which shows reduction in power dissipation by reducing the number of RESs up to 18.18%.

Optimisation of solar synoptic observations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klvaña, Miroslav; Sobotka, Michal; Švanda, Michal

2012-09-01

The development of instrumental and computer technologies is connected with steadily increasing needs for archiving of large data volumes. The current trend to meet this requirement includes the data compression and growth of storage capacities. This approach, however, has technical and practical limits. A further reduction of the archived data volume can be achieved by means of an optimisation of the archiving that consists in data selection without losing the useful information. We describe a method of optimised archiving of solar images, based on the selection of images that contain a new information. The new information content is evaluated by means of the analysis of changes detected in the images. We present characteristics of different kinds of image changes and divide them into fictitious changes with a disturbing effect and real changes that provide a new information. In block diagrams describing the selection and archiving, we demonstrate the influence of clouds, the recording of images during an active event on the Sun, including a period before the event onset, and the archiving of long-term history of solar activity. The described optimisation technique is not suitable for helioseismology, because it does not conserve the uniform time step in the archived sequence and removes the information about solar oscillations. In case of long-term synoptic observations, the optimised archiving can save a large amount of storage capacities. The actual capacity saving will depend on the setting of the change-detection sensitivity and on the capability to exclude the fictitious changes.

Impact of bioresorbable versus permanent polymer on longterm vessel wall inflammation and healing: a comparative drug-eluting stent experimental study.

PubMed

Wilson, Gregory J; McGregor, Jennifer; Conditt, Gerard; Shibuya, Masahiko; Sushkova, Natalia; Eppihimer, Michael J; Hawley, Steven P; Rouselle, Serge D; Huibregtse, Barbara A; Dawkins, Keith D; Granada, Juan F

2018-02-20

Drug-eluting stents (DES) have evolved to using bioresorbable polymers as a method of drug delivery. The impact of bioresorbable polymer on long-term neointimal formation, inflammation, and healing has not been fully characterised. This study aimed to evaluate the biological effect of polymer resorption on vascular healing and inflammation. A comparative DES study was performed in the familial hypercholesterolaemic swine model of coronary stenosis. Permanent polymer DES (zotarolimus-eluting [ZES] or everolimus-eluting [EES]) were compared to bioresorbable polymer everolimus-eluting stents (BP-EES) and BMS. Post implantation in 29 swine, stents were explanted and analysed up to 180 days. Area stenosis was reduced in all DES compared to BMS at 30 days. At 180 days, BP-EES had significantly lower area stenosis than EES or ZES. Severe inflammatory activity persisted in permanent polymer DES at 180 days compared to BP-EES or BMS. Qualitative para-strut inflammation areas (graded as none to severe) were elevated but similar in all groups at 30 days, peaked at 90 days in DES compared to BMS (p<0.05) and, at 180 days, were similar between BMS and BP-EES but were significantly greater in DES. BP-EES resulted in a lower net long-term reduction in neointimal formation and inflammation compared to permanent polymer DES in an animal model. Further study of the long-term neointima formation deserves study in human clinical trials.

Developpement d'une commande pour une hydrolienne de riviere et optimisation =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tetrault, Philippe

Suivant le developpement des energies renouvelables, la presente etude se veut une base theorique quant aux principes fondamentaux necessaires au bon fonctionnement et a l'implementation d'une hydrolienne de riviere. La problematique derriere ce nouveau type d'appareil est d'abord presentee. La machine electrique utilisee dans l'application, c'est-a-dire la machine synchrone a aimants permanents, est etudiee : ses equations dynamiques mecaniques et electriques sont developpees, introduisant en meme temps le concept de referentiel tournant. Le fonctionnement de l'onduleur utilise, soit un montage en pont complet a deux niveaux a semi-conducteurs, est explique et mit en equation pour permettre de comprendre les strategies de modulation disponibles. Un bref historique de ces strategies est fait avant de mettre l'emphase sur la modulation vectorielle qui sera celle utilisee pour l'application en cours. Les differents modules sont assembles dans une simulation Matlab pour confirmer leur bon fonctionnement et comparer les resultats de la simulation avec les calculs theoriques. Differents algorithmes permettant de traquer et maintenir un point de fonctionnement optimal sont presentes. Le comportement de la riviere est etudie afin d'evaluer l'ampleur des perturbations que le systeme devra gerer. Finalement, une nouvelle approche est presentee et comparee a une strategie plus conservatrice a l'aide d'un autre modele de simulation Matlab.

Thermal-economic optimisation of a CHP gas turbine system by applying a fit-problem genetic algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ferreira, Ana C. M.; Teixeira, Senhorinha F. C. F.; Silva, Rui G.; Silva, Ângela M.

2018-04-01

Cogeneration allows the optimal use of the primary energy sources and significant reductions in carbon emissions. Its use has great potential for applications in the residential sector. This study aims to develop a methodology for thermal-economic optimisation of small-scale micro-gas turbine for cogeneration purposes, able to fulfil domestic energy needs with a thermal power out of 125 kW. A constrained non-linear optimisation model was built. The objective function is the maximisation of the annual worth from the combined heat and power, representing the balance between the annual incomes and the expenditures subject to physical and economic constraints. A genetic algorithm coded in the java programming language was developed. An optimal micro-gas turbine able to produce 103.5 kW of electrical power with a positive annual profit (i.e. 11,925 €/year) was disclosed. The investment can be recovered in 4 years and 9 months, which is less than half of system lifetime expectancy.

Optimisation on pretreatment of rubber seed (Hevea brasiliensis) oil via esterification reaction in a hydrodynamic cavitation reactor.

PubMed

Bokhari, Awais; Chuah, Lai Fatt; Yusup, Suzana; Klemeš, Jiří Jaromír; Kamil, Ruzaimah Nik M

2016-01-01

Pretreatment of the high free fatty acid rubber seed oil (RSO) via esterification reaction has been investigated by using a pilot scale hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) reactor. Four newly designed orifice plate geometries are studied. Cavities are induced by assisted double diaphragm pump in the range of 1-3.5 bar inlet pressure. An optimised plate with 21 holes of 1mm diameter and inlet pressure of 3 bar resulted in RSO acid value reduction from 72.36 to 2.64 mg KOH/g within 30 min of reaction time. Reaction parameters have been optimised by using response surface methodology and found as methanol to oil ratio of 6:1, catalyst concentration of 8 wt%, reaction time of 30 min and reaction temperature of 55°C. The reaction time and esterified efficiency of HC was three fold shorter and four fold higher than mechanical stirring. This makes the HC process more environmental friendly. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of preventive (beta blocker) treatment, behavioural migraine management, or their combination on outcomes of optimised acute treatment in frequent migraine: randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Holroyd, Kenneth A; Cottrell, Constance K; O'Donnell, Francis J; Cordingley, Gary E; Drew, Jana B; Carlson, Bruce W; Himawan, Lina

2010-09-29

To determine if the addition of preventive drug treatment (β blocker), brief behavioural migraine management, or their combination improves the outcome of optimised acute treatment in the management of frequent migraine. Randomised placebo controlled trial over 16 months from July 2001 to November 2005. Two outpatient sites in Ohio, USA. 232 adults (mean age 38 years; 79% female) with diagnosis of migraine with or without aura according to International Headache Society classification of headache disorders criteria, who recorded at least three migraines with disability per 30 days (mean 5.5 migraines/30 days), during an optimised run-in of acute treatment. Addition of one of four preventive treatments to optimised acute treatment: β blocker (n=53), matched placebo (n=55), behavioural migraine management plus placebo (n=55), or behavioural migraine management plus β blocker (n=69). The primary outcome was change in migraines/30 days; secondary outcomes included change in migraine days/30 days and change in migraine specific quality of life scores. Mixed model analysis showed statistically significant (P≤0.05) differences in outcomes among the four added treatments for both the primary outcome (migraines/30 days) and the two secondary outcomes (change in migraine days/30 days and change in migraine specific quality of life scores). The addition of combined β blocker and behavioural migraine management (-3.3 migraines/30 days, 95% confidence interval -3.2 to -3.5), but not the addition of β blocker alone (-2.1 migraines/30 days, -1.9 to -2.2) or behavioural migraine management alone (-2.2 migraines migraines/30 days, -2.0 to -2.4), improved outcomes compared with optimised acute treatment alone (-2.1 migraines/30 days, -1.9 to -2.2). For a clinically significant (≥50% reduction) in migraines/30 days, the number needed to treat for optimised acute treatment plus combined β blocker and behavioural migraine management was 3.1 compared with optimised acute treatment alone, 2.6 compared with optimised acute treatment plus β blocker, and 3.1 compared with optimised acute treatment plus behavioural migraine management. Results were consistent for the two secondary outcomes, and at both month 10 (the primary endpoint) and month 16. The addition of combined β blocker plus behavioural migraine management, but not the addition of β blocker alone or behavioural migraine management alone, improved outcomes of optimised acute treatment. Combined β blocker treatment and behavioural migraine management may improve outcomes in the treatment of frequent migraine. Clinical trials NCT00910689.

L’alimentation des enfants ayant une déficience neurologique

PubMed Central

2009-01-01

La malnutrition, qu’il s’agisse de sous-alimentation ou de suralimentation, est courante chez les enfants ayant une déficience neurologique. Les besoins en énergie sont difficiles à définir au sein de cette population hétérogène. De plus, on manque d’information sur ce qui constitue la croissance normale chez ces enfants. Des facteurs non nutritionnels peuvent influer sur la croissance, mais des facteurs nutritionnels, tels qu’un apport calorique insuffisant, des pertes excessives d’éléments nutritifs et un métabolisme énergétique anormal, contribuent également au retard de croissance de ces enfants. La malnutrition est liée à une importante morbidité, tandis que la réadaptation nutritionnelle améliore l’état de santé global. Le soutien nutritionnel doit faire partie intégrante de la prise en charge des enfants ayant une déficience nutritionnelle et viser non seulement à améliorer l’état nutritionnel, mais également la qualité de vie des patients et de leur famille. Au moment d’envisager une intervention nutritionnelle, il faut tenir compte du dysfonctionnement oromoteur, du reflux gastro-œsophagien et de l’aspiration pulmonaire, et une équipe multidisciplinaire doit se concerter. Il faut repérer rapidement les enfants vulnérables à des troubles nutritionnels et procéder à une évaluation de leur état nutritionnel au moins une fois par année, et plus souvent chez les nourrissons et les jeunes enfants ou chez les enfants qui risquent de souffrir de malnutrition. Il faut optimiser l’apport oral s’il est sécuritaire, mais entreprendre une alimentation entérale chez les enfants ayant un dysfonctionnement oromoteur qui provoque une aspiration marquée ou chez ceux qui sont incapables de maintenir un état nutritionnel suffisant au moyen de l’apport oral. Il faut réserver l’alimentation par sonde nasogastrique aux interventions à court terme, mais si une intervention nutritionnelle prolongée s’impose, il faut envisager la gastrostomie. Il faut réserver les mesures antireflux aux enfants présentant un reflux gastro-œsophagien considérable. Il faut surveiller étroitement la réponse du patient à l’intervention nutritionnelle afin d’éviter une prise de poids excessive après l’amorce de l’alimentation entérale, et privilégier les préparations pédiatriques afin d’éviter les carences en micronutriments. PMID:20592968

Technique distribuee de gestion de la charge sur le reseau electrique et ring-tree: Un nouveau systeme de communication P2P

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ayoub, Simon

Le reseau de distribution et de transport de l'electricite se modernise dans plusieurs pays dont le Canada. La nouvelle generation de ce reseau que l'on appelle smart grid, permet entre autre l'automatisation de la production, de la distribution et de la gestion de la charge chez les clients. D'un autre cote, des appareils domestiques intelligents munis d'une interface de communication pour des applications du smart grid commencent a apparaitre sur le marche. Ces appareils intelligents pourraient creer une communaute virtuelle pour optimiser leurs consommations d'une facon distribuee. La gestion distribuee de ces charges intelligentes necessite la communication entre un grand nombre d'equipements electriques. Ceci represente un defi important a relever surtout si on ne veut pas augmenter le cout de l'infrastructure et de la maintenance. Lors de cette these deux systemes distincts ont ete concus : un systeme de communication peer-to-peer, appele Ring-Tree, permettant la communication entre un nombre important de noeuds (jusqu'a de l'ordre de grandeur du million) tel que des appareils electriques communicants et une technique distribuee de gestion de la charge sur le reseau electrique. Le systeme de communication Ring-Tree inclut une nouvelle topologie reseau qui n'a jamais ete definie ou exploitee auparavant. Il inclut egalement des algorithmes pour la creation, l'exploitation et la maintenance de ce reseau. Il est suffisamment simple pour etre mis en oeuvre sur des controleurs associes aux dispositifs tels que des chauffe-eaux, chauffage a accumulation, bornes de recharges electriques, etc. Il n'utilise pas un serveur centralise (ou tres peu, seulement lorsqu'un noeud veut rejoindre le reseau). Il offre une solution distribuee qui peut etre mise en oeuvre sans deploiement d'une infrastructure autre que les controleurs sur les dispositifs vises. Finalement, un temps de reponse de quelques secondes pour atteindre 1'ensemble du reseau peut etre obtenu, ce qui est suffisant pour les besoins des applications visees. Les protocoles de communication s'appuient sur un protocole de transport qui peut etre un de ceux utilises sur l'Internet comme TCP ou UDP. Pour valider le fonctionnement de de la technique de controle distribuee et le systeme de communiction Ring-Tree, un simulateur a ete developpe; un modele de chauffe-eau, comme exemple de charge, a ete integre au simulateur. La simulation d'une communaute de chauffe-eaux intelligents a montre que la technique de gestion de la charge combinee avec du stockage d'energie sous forme thermique permet d'obtenir, sans affecter le confort de l'utilisateur, des profils de consommation varies dont un profil de consommation uniforme qui represente un facteur de charge de 100%. Mots-cles : Algorithme Distribue, Demand Response, Gestion de la Charge Electrique, M2M (Machine-to-Machine), P2P (Peer-to-Peer), Reseau Electrique Intelligent, Ring-Tree, Smart Grid

Comparative bioactivation of the novel anti-tuberculosis agent PA-824 in Mycobacteria and a subcellular fraction of human liver

PubMed Central

Dogra, M; Palmer, BD; Bashiri, G; Tingle, MD; Shinde, SS; Anderson, RF; O'Toole, R; Baker, EN; Denny, WA; Helsby, NA

2011-01-01

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE PA-824 is a 2-nitroimidazooxazine prodrug currently in Phase II clinical trial for tuberculosis therapy. It is bioactivated by a deazaflavin (F420)-dependent nitroreductase (Ddn) isolated from Mycobacterium tuberculosis to form a des-nitro metabolite. This releases toxic reactive nitrogen species which may be responsible for its anti-mycobacterial activity. There are no published reports of mammalian enzymes bioactivating this prodrug. We have investigated the metabolism of PA-824 following incubation with a subcellular fraction of human liver, in comparison with purified Ddn, M. tuberculosis and Mycobacterium smegmatis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH PA-824 (250 µM) was incubated with the 9000×g supernatant (S9) of human liver homogenates, purified Ddn, M. tuberculosis and M. smegmatis for metabolite identification by liquid chromatography mass spectrometry analysis. KEY RESULTS PA-824 was metabolized to seven products by Ddn and M. tuberculosis, with the major metabolite being the des-nitro product. Six of these products, but not the des-nitro metabolite, were also detected in M. smegmatis. In contrast, only four of these metabolites were observed in human liver S9; M3, a reduction product previously proposed as an intermediate in the Ddn-catalyzed des-nitrification and radiolytic reduction of PA-824; two unidentified metabolites, M1 and M4, which were products of M3; and a haem-catalyzed product of imidazole ring hydration (M2). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS PA-824 was metabolized by des-nitrification in Ddn and M. tuberculosis, but this does not occur in human liver S9 and M. smegmatis. Thus, PA-824 was selectively bioactivated in M. tuberculosis and there was no evidence for ‘cross-activation’ by human enzymes. PMID:20955364

Fibrose kystique atypique

PubMed Central

Schram, Carrie A.

2012-01-01

Résumé Objectif Passer en revue le diagnostic des patients atteints de fibrose kystique (FK) atypique. Sources des données On a procédé à une recension exhaustive dans MEDLINE (de 1950 à la troisième semaine de mai 2009), dans MEDLINE In-Process and Other Non-Indexed Citations and Cases (de 1950 à la troisième semaine de 2009) et dans EMBASE (de 1980 à la quatrième semaine de mars 2009). On a aussi passé en revue le site web de Fibrose kystique Canada et on a consulté son plus récent rapport des inscriptions de données sur les patients. Message principal La FK atypique est une forme moins intense du trouble de la FK, qui est associée à des mutations du gène régulateur de la conductance transmembranaire de la fibrose kystique. Au lieu d’avoir les symptômes classiques, les personnes atteintes d’une FK atypique pourraient avoir une légère dysfonction d’un seul système organique et avoir ou non des concentrations de chlorure élevées dans la sueur. La FK atypique est un trouble très diversifié affectant différents systèmes organiques à divers degrés. Les symptômes du patient peuvent aussi fluctuer avec le temps; par ailleurs, certains signes et symptômes cliniques touchant les systèmes respiratoire, gastro-intestinal, endocrinien et métabolique et génito-urinaire devraient signaler aux médecins la possibilité d’une FK. Les patients atteints d’une FK atypique ont moins d’hospitalisations durant l’enfance que ceux qui ont une FK classique et le diagnostic peut passer inaperçu pendant de nombreuses années, parfois même jusqu’à l’âge adulte. Conclusion Même si les patients atteints d’une FK atypique ont une espérance de vie plus longue que les personnes atteintes de la forme classique, les issues à long terme pour de nombreuses personnes qui ont la forme atypique sont inconnues. Il est important de conseiller les patients à propos de la possibilité d’une manifestation future de la maladie. Renseigner les patients à propos de la FK peut les aider à comprendre leurs symptômes, à modifier leur mode de vie pour optimiser leur santé, à réduire l’incidence des complications et à recevoir au besoin du counseling sur la planification familiale.

Reduction of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli by process and recipe optimisation in dry-fermented sausages.

PubMed

Heir, E; Holck, A L; Omer, M K; Alvseike, O; Høy, M; Måge, I; Axelsson, L

2010-07-15

Outbreaks of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) linked to dry-fermented sausages (DFSs) have emphasized the need for DFS manufacturers to introduce measures to obtain enhanced safety and still maintain the sensory qualities of their products. To our knowledge no data have yet been reported on non-O157:H7 VTEC survival in DFS. Here, the importance of recipe and process variables on VTEC (O157:H7 and O103:H25) reductions in two types of DFS, morr and salami, was determined through three statistically designed experiments. Linear regression and ANOVA analyses showed that no single variable had a dominant effect on VTEC reductions. High levels of NaCl, NaNO(2), glucose (low pH) and fermentation temperature gave enhanced VTEC reduction, while high fat and large casing diameter (a(w)) gave the opposite effect. Interaction effects were small. The process and recipe variables showed similar effects in morr and salami. In general, recipes combining high batter levels of salt (NaCl and NaNO(2)) and glucose along with high fermentation temperature that gave DFS with low final pH and a(w), provided approximately 3 log(10) reductions compared to approximately 1.5 log(10) reductions obtained for standard recipe DFS. Storage at 4 degrees C for 2 months provided log(10) 0.33-0.95 additional VTEC reductions and were only marginally affected by recipe type. Sensory tests revealed only small differences between the various recipes of morr and salami. By optimisation of recipe and process parameters, it is possible to obtain increased microbial safety of DFS while maintaining the sensory qualities of the sausages. 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Very late stent thrombosis with second generation drug eluting stents compared to bare metal stents: Network meta-analysis of randomized primary percutaneous coronary intervention trials.

PubMed

Philip, Femi; Stewart, Susan; Southard, Jeffrey A

2016-07-01

The relative safety of drug-eluting stents (DES) and bare-metal stents (BMS) in primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) continues to be debated. The long-term clinical outcomes between second generation DES and BMS for primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) using network meta-analysis were compared. Randomized controlled trials comparing stent types (first generation DES, second generation DES, or BMS) were considered for inclusion. A search strategy used Medline, Embase, Cochrane databases, and proceedings of international meetings. Information about study design, inclusion criteria, and sample characteristics were extracted. Network meta-analysis was used to pool direct (comparison of second generation DES to BMS) and indirect evidence (first generation DES with BMS and second generation DES) from the randomized trials. Twelve trials comparing all stents types including 9,673 patients randomly assigned to treatment groups were analyzed. Second generation DES was associated with significantly lower incidence of definite or probable ST (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39-0.89), MI (OR 0.59, 95% CI 0.39-0.89), and TVR at 3 years (OR 0.50: 95% CI 0.31-0.81) compared with BMS. In addition, there was a significantly lower incidence of MACE with second generation DES versus BMS (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34-0.74) at 3 years. These were driven by a higher rate of TVR, MI and stent thrombosis in the BMS group at 3 years. There was a non-significant reduction in the overall and cardiac mortality [OR 0.83, 95% CI (0.60-1.14), OR 0.88, 95% CI (0.6-1.28)] with the use of second generation DES versus BMS at 3 years. Network meta-analysis of randomized trials of primary PCI demonstrated lower incidence of MACE, MI, TVR, and stent thrombosis with second generation DES compared with BMS. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Randomized comparison of cost-saving and effectiveness of oral rapamycin plus bare-metal stents with drug-eluting stents: three-year outcome from the randomized oral rapamycin in Argentina (ORAR) III trial.

PubMed

Rodriguez, Alfredo E; Rodriguez-Granillo, Alfredo M; Antoniucci, David; Mieres, Juan; Fernandez-Pereira, Carlos; Rodriguez-Granillo, Gaston A; Santaera, Omar; Rubilar, Bibiana; Palacios, Igor F; Serruys, Patrick W

2012-09-01

The Oral Rapamycin in ARgentina (ORAR) III trial is a randomized study comparing a strategy of oral rapamycin (OR) plus bare-metal stent (BMS) versus a strategy of drug-eluting stents (DES) in patients with de novo coronary lesions. The purpose of this study was to assess the 3 years cost-effectiveness outcome of each strategy. OR after BMS has been associated with reduction of target vessel revascularization (TVR) although its value in long-term efficacy in comparison with DES is unknown. In three hospitals in Buenos Aires, Argentina, 200 patients were randomized to OR plus BMS (n = 100) or DES (n = 100). Primary objectives were costs and effectiveness. Cost analysis included in-hospital and follow-up costs. Safety was defined as the composite of death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke. Efficacy was defined as TVR. Baseline characteristics between groups were similar. The 3-year follow-up rate was 99%. Cardiac mortality was 2% and 5% in OR group and DES group, respectively (P = 0.44). The composite of death, MI and stroke rate was 11% in OR group and 20% in DES group (P = 0.078). TVR rate was 14.5% in OR group and 17.6% in DES group (P = 0.50), respectively. Three year cumulative costs were significantly lower in the OR arm as compared to the DES arm (P = 0.0001) and DES strategy did not result cost-effective according to the non-inferiority test. At 3 years follow-up, there were no differences in effectiveness between the two strategies, and DES strategy was not more cost-effective as compared to OR plus BMS. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Identifizierung der Nitratabbauprozesse und Prognose des Nitratabbaupotenzials in den Sedimenten des Hessischen Rieds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kludt, Christoph; Weber, Frank-Andreas; Bergmann, Axel; Knöller, Kay; Berthold, Georg; Schüth, Christoph

2016-09-01

Microbial denitrification contributes significantly to the mitigation of nitrate contamination in sedimentary aquifers by reducing nitrate coupled to the consumption of organic carbon (heterotrophic) and iron sulphides like pyrite (autotrophic). However, these phases are often only present in trace amounts and can become depleted, so that denitrification will eventually cease. In order to implement measures within the EC-Water Framework Directive, we investigated the denitrification potential and the denitrification processes in the sediments of the Hessian Ried. The reduction potential was quantified and characterized by solid-phase analyses of drill core samples. Depth-oriented investigations of hydrochemistry (i.e. stable isotopes, N2Excess) allowed determining nitrate input, reduction progress and average reduction kinetics upstream of selected wells. Despite low sulphide contents (max. 123 mg-S/kg), autotrophic denitrification was typically the dominant process. The results can be used to delineate risk areas, downstream of which denitrification can be expected to cease in the near future.

Structured syncope care pathways based on lean six sigma methodology optimises resource use with shorter time to diagnosis and increased diagnostic yield.

PubMed

Martens, Leon; Goode, Grahame; Wold, Johan F H; Beck, Lionel; Martin, Georgina; Perings, Christian; Stolt, Pelle; Baggerman, Lucas

2014-01-01

To conduct a pilot study on the potential to optimise care pathways in syncope/Transient Loss of Consciousness management by using Lean Six Sigma methodology while maintaining compliance with ESC and/or NICE guidelines. Five hospitals in four European countries took part. The Lean Six Sigma methodology consisted of 3 phases: 1) Assessment phase, in which baseline performance was mapped in each centre, processes were evaluated and a new operational model was developed with an improvement plan that included best practices and change management; 2) Improvement phase, in which optimisation pathways and standardised best practice tools and forms were developed and implemented. Staff were trained on new processes and change-management support provided; 3) Sustaining phase, which included support, refinement of tools and metrics. The impact of the implementation of new pathways was evaluated on number of tests performed, diagnostic yield, time to diagnosis and compliance with guidelines. One hospital with focus on geriatric populations was analysed separately from the other four. With the new pathways, there was a 59% reduction in the average time to diagnosis (p = 0.048) and a 75% increase in diagnostic yield (p = 0.007). There was a marked reduction in repetitions of diagnostic tests and improved prioritisation of indicated tests. Applying a structured Lean Six Sigma based methodology to pathways for syncope management has the potential to improve time to diagnosis and diagnostic yield.

Assessment of energy-saving strategies and operational costs in full-scale membrane bioreactors.

PubMed

Gabarrón, S; Ferrero, G; Dalmau, M; Comas, J; Rodriguez-Roda, I

2014-02-15

The energy-saving strategies and operational costs of stand-alone, hybrid, and dual stream full-scale membrane bioreactors (MBRs) with capacities ranging from 1100 to 35,000 m(3) day(-1) have been assessed for seven municipal facilities located in Northeast Spain. Although hydraulic load was found to be the main determinant factor for the energy consumption rates, several optimisation strategies have shown to be effective in terms of energy reduction as well as fouling phenomenon minimization or preservation. Specifically, modifications of the biological process (installation of control systems for biological aeration) and of the filtration process (reduction of the flux or mixed liquor suspended solids concentration and installation of control systems for membrane air scouring) were applied in two stand-alone MBRs. After implementing these strategies, the yearly specific energy demand (SED) in flat-sheet (FS) and hollow-fibre (HF) stand-alone MBRs was reduced from 1.12 to 0.71 and from 1.54 to 1.12 kW h(-1) m(-3), respectively, regardless of their similar yearly averaged hydraulic loads. The strategies applied in the hybrid MBR, namely, buffering the influent flow and optimisation of both biological aeration and membrane air-scouring, reduced the SED values by 14%. These results illustrate that it is possible to apply energy-saving strategies to significantly reduce MBR operational costs, highlighting the need to optimise MBR facilities to reconsider them as an energy-competitive option. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Structured Syncope Care Pathways Based on Lean Six Sigma Methodology Optimises Resource Use with Shorter Time to Diagnosis and Increased Diagnostic Yield

PubMed Central

Martens, Leon; Goode, Grahame; Wold, Johan F. H.; Beck, Lionel; Martin, Georgina; Perings, Christian; Stolt, Pelle; Baggerman, Lucas

2014-01-01

Aims To conduct a pilot study on the potential to optimise care pathways in syncope/Transient Loss of Consciousness management by using Lean Six Sigma methodology while maintaining compliance with ESC and/or NICE guidelines. Methods Five hospitals in four European countries took part. The Lean Six Sigma methodology consisted of 3 phases: 1) Assessment phase, in which baseline performance was mapped in each centre, processes were evaluated and a new operational model was developed with an improvement plan that included best practices and change management; 2) Improvement phase, in which optimisation pathways and standardised best practice tools and forms were developed and implemented. Staff were trained on new processes and change-management support provided; 3) Sustaining phase, which included support, refinement of tools and metrics. The impact of the implementation of new pathways was evaluated on number of tests performed, diagnostic yield, time to diagnosis and compliance with guidelines. One hospital with focus on geriatric populations was analysed separately from the other four. Results With the new pathways, there was a 59% reduction in the average time to diagnosis (p = 0.048) and a 75% increase in diagnostic yield (p = 0.007). There was a marked reduction in repetitions of diagnostic tests and improved prioritisation of indicated tests. Conclusions Applying a structured Lean Six Sigma based methodology to pathways for syncope management has the potential to improve time to diagnosis and diagnostic yield. PMID:24927475

Inhibition of DES-induced DNA adducts by diallyl sulfide: implications in liver cancer prevention.

PubMed

Green, Mario; Thomas, Ronald; Gued, Lisa; Sadrud-Din, Sakeenah

2003-01-01

Diethylstilbesterol (DES) is known to cause cancer in humans and animals. Diallyl sulfide (DAS), a component of garlic, has been shown to prevent various types of cancer, presumably via metabolic modulation. Previously, we have demonstrated that DAS prevents the oxidation and reduction of DES in vitro. We hypothesize that DAS will inhibit the metabolism of DES in vivo thus preventing the formation of DES-induced DNA adducts. To test this hypothesis, five groups of five male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated as follows: the control received 0.5 ml of corn oil daily for four days. The second group received 50 mg/kg DAS daily for four days. The third group received 50 mg/kg DAS daily for four days followed by 150 mg/kg DES on day five. The fourth group received 400 mg/kg DAS on day five followed by 150 mg/kg DES. The fifth group received 150 mg/kg DES on day five. All of the rats were sacrificed on day five, 4 h after DES treatment. DNA was isolated from the liver and analyzed by 32P-post-labeling for DNA adducts. The in vitro study was performed utilizing four reactions described as follows: the control reaction contained 200 microg DNA, microsomes (346 microg protein/ml), and 10 mM DES; no oxidation co-factor (cumen hydroperoxide) was added. The second reaction, a complete oxidation system, contained 200 microg DNA, microsomes (346 microg protein/ml), 30 mM cumen hydroperoxide, and 10 mM DES. The third reaction contained 200 microg DNA, microsomes (346 microg protein/ml), 30 mM cumen hydroperoxide, 50 mM DAS, and 10 mM DES. The fourth reaction contained 200 microg DNA, microsomes (346 microg protein/ml), 30 mM cumen hydroperoxide, 100 mM DAS, and 10 mM DES. All of the in vitro reactions were buffered with 100 mM KPO4 pH 7.4 and incubated for 30 min at 37 degrees C. DNA was extracted and analyzed by 32P-post-labeling. We found that DAS inhibited the formation of DES-induced DNA adducts in a dose-dependent fashion. We have shown that DES-induced DNA adducts were inhibited in rats that received DAS pre-treatment and co-treatment with DES. These results suggest that DAS directly inhibits the metabolism of DES thus preventing the formation of DNA adducts. In addition to directly inhibiting the metabolism of DES, DAS appears to alter the expression of the metabolic machinery such that DES-induced adducts are inhibited. The inhibition of DES-induced DNA adducts by DAS may prevent the initiation of estrogen-induced cancer.

ICRP publication 121: radiological protection in paediatric diagnostic and interventional radiology.

PubMed

Khong, P-L; Ringertz, H; Donoghue, V; Frush, D; Rehani, M; Appelgate, K; Sanchez, R

2013-04-01

Paediatric patients have a higher average risk of developing cancer compared with adults receiving the same dose. The longer life expectancy in children allows more time for any harmful effects of radiation to manifest, and developing organs and tissues are more sensitive to the effects of radiation. This publication aims to provide guiding principles of radiological protection for referring clinicians and clinical staff performing diagnostic imaging and interventional procedures for paediatric patients. It begins with a brief description of the basic concepts of radiological protection, followed by the general aspects of radiological protection, including principles of justification and optimisation. Guidelines and suggestions for radiological protection in specific modalities - radiography and fluoroscopy, interventional radiology, and computed tomography - are subsequently covered in depth. The report concludes with a summary and recommendations. The importance of rigorous justification of radiological procedures is emphasised for every procedure involving ionising radiation, and the use of imaging modalities that are non-ionising should always be considered. The basic aim of optimisation of radiological protection is to adjust imaging parameters and institute protective measures such that the required image is obtained with the lowest possible dose of radiation, and that net benefit is maximised to maintain sufficient quality for diagnostic interpretation. Special consideration should be given to the availability of dose reduction measures when purchasing new imaging equipment for paediatric use. One of the unique aspects of paediatric imaging is with regards to the wide range in patient size (and weight), therefore requiring special attention to optimisation and modification of equipment, technique, and imaging parameters. Examples of good radiographic and fluoroscopic technique include attention to patient positioning, field size and adequate collimation, use of protective shielding, optimisation of exposure factors, use of pulsed fluoroscopy, limiting fluoroscopy time, etc. Major paediatric interventional procedures should be performed by experienced paediatric interventional operators, and a second, specific level of training in radiological protection is desirable (in some countries, this is mandatory). For computed tomography, dose reduction should be optimised by the adjustment of scan parameters (such as mA, kVp, and pitch) according to patient weight or age, region scanned, and study indication (e.g. images with greater noise should be accepted if they are of sufficient diagnostic quality). Other strategies include restricting multiphase examination protocols, avoiding overlapping of scan regions, and only scanning the area in question. Up-to-date dose reduction technology such as tube current modulation, organ-based dose modulation, auto kV technology, and iterative reconstruction should be utilised when appropriate. It is anticipated that this publication will assist institutions in encouraging the standardisation of procedures, and that it may help increase awareness and ultimately improve practices for the benefit of patients. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Cost-effectiveness of drug-eluting stents versus bare-metal stents in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention.

PubMed

Baschet, Louise; Bourguignon, Sandrine; Marque, Sébastien; Durand-Zaleski, Isabelle; Teiger, Emmanuel; Wilquin, Fanny; Levesque, Karine

2016-01-01

To determine the cost-effectiveness of drug-eluting stents (DES) compared with bare-metal stents (BMS) in patients requiring a percutaneous coronary intervention in France, using a recent meta-analysis including second-generation DES. A cost-effectiveness analysis was performed in the French National Health Insurance setting. Effectiveness settings were taken from a meta-analysis of 117 762 patient-years with 76 randomised trials. The main effectiveness criterion was major cardiac event-free survival. Effectiveness and costs were modelled over a 5-year horizon using a three-state Markov model. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios and a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve were calculated for a range of thresholds for willingness to pay per year without major cardiac event gain. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed. Base case results demonstrated that DES are dominant over BMS, with an increase in event-free survival and a cost-reduction of €184, primarily due to a diminution of second revascularisations, and an absence of myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis. These results are robust for uncertainty on one-way deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses. Using a cost-effectiveness threshold of €7000 per major cardiac event-free year gained, DES has a >95% probability of being cost-effective versus BMS. Following DES price decrease, new-generation DES development and taking into account recent meta-analyses results, the DES can now be considered cost-effective regardless of selective indication in France, according to European recommendations.

Economic evaluation of drug-eluting stents in coronary angioplasty.

PubMed

Santos, Ricardo; Pereira, Hélder

2005-11-01

Coronary angioplasty has revolutionized the treatment of coronary artery disease, from the first balloon angioplasty to the current era of drug-eluting stents (DES), which were developed to eliminate the bare metal stent's (BMS) Achilles' heel, restenosis. DES have an extremely low restenosis rate but are significantly more expensive and need more prolonged dual antiplatelet therapy. Restenosis has a generally benign prognosis and is not associated with higher mortality or major adverse cardiovascular events, which has limited the penetration of DES, whose only advantage is the reduction of restenosis. Economic evaluation of DES is therefore of paramount importance for assessing their appropriate use. In randomized trials in which they are compared with BMS, economic evaluation is advantageous for DES, with good cost-effectiveness ratios for both cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) and cost per revascularization avoided. However, these trials have two major limitations--the angiographic follow-up protocol and selection of patients with lower risk--and so their results do not accurately reflect reality. Other studies with unselected populations and cost-effectiveness models show that there is an economic advantage in the use of DES in groups with higher risk of restenosis, but not for the whole population undergoing angioplasty. Use of DES will be more appropriate if we can identify populations with a higher likelihood of restenosis, because these are the patients that will benefit most from their use and in whom they will be economically advantageous.

Developpement des betons semi autoplacants a rheologie adaptee pour des infrastructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sotomayor Cruz, Cristian Daniel

Au cours des dernières décennies, les infrastructures canadiennes et québécoises comportent plusieurs structures en béton armé présentant des problèmes de durabilité dus aux conditions climatiques sévères, à la mauvaise conception des structures, à la qualité des matériaux, aux types des bétons choisis, aux systèmes de construction ou à l'existence d'événements incontrôlables. En ce qui concerne le choix du béton pour la construction des infrastructures, une vaste gamme de béton divisée en deux principaux types peut être utilisée: le béton conventionnel vibré (BCV) et le béton autoplaçant (BAP). Dans le cas d'un BCV, la consolidation inadéquate par vibration a été un problème récurrent, occasionnant des dommages structuraux. Ceci a conduit à une réduction de la durabilité et à une augmentation du coût d'entretien et de réparation des infrastructures. Rien que l'utilisation d'un BAP a des avantages tels que l'élimination de la vibration, la réduction des coûts de main d'oeuvre et l'amélioration de la qualité des structures, néanmoins, le coût initial d'un BAP par rapport à un BCV ne permet pas encore de généraliser son utilisation dans l'industrie de la construction. Ce mémoire présente la conception d'une nouvelle gamme de béton semi-autoplaçant pour la construction des infrastructures (BSAP-I) exigeant une vibration minimale. Il s'agit de trouver un équilibre optimal entre la rhéologie et le coût initial du nouveau béton pour conférer une bonne performance structurale et économique aux structures. Le programme expérimental établi a premièrement permis d'évaluer la faisabilité d'utilisation des BSAP-I pour la mise en place des piliers d'une infrastructure de pont à Sherbrooke. En plus, l'utilisation d'un plan d'expériences a permis l'évaluation de trois paramètres de formulation sur les propriétés des mélanges de BSAP-I à l'état frais et durci. Finalement, l'évaluation de la performance des BSAP-I optimisés à travers une caractérisation complète des propriétés mécaniques et de la durabilité a été réalisée. A la suite de cette étude, les résultats obtenus nous permettent de conclure que : (1) L'utilisation d'un BSAP-I avec un gros granulat de 5 - 14 mm, des rapports E/L = 0,37 et S/G = 0,52 et une teneur en air de 6 à 9% a été possible en conférant un équilibre optimal fluidité / stabilité à l'état frais, ainsi qu'un niveau de thixotropie adéquate au chantier permettant d'optimiser la conception du coffrage des piliers de pont et de conférer des qualités de surfaces très acceptables de ces infrastructures. (2) La méthode adaptée pour l'essai L-Box contenant 2 barres et une vibration de 5 secondes a permis de bien caractériser la capacité de remplissage d'un BSAP-I. (3) L'utilisation d'un plan factoriel 23 a permis d'obtenir des modèles statistiques fiables, capables de prédire les propriétés rhéologiques à l'état frais et les résistances en compression des BSAP-I avec des dosages en liant entre 370 et 420 kg/m3, des rapports E/L entre 0,34 et 0,40 et S/G entre 0,47 et 0,53. (4) Des mesures de vitesse d'écoulement T40 d'un BSAP-I sont très semblables à celles d'un BAP. En plus, des valeurs T40 montrent une bonne corrélation linéaire avec celles de T400 mesurés dans la boîte L-Box. (5) À la frontière du BAP et du BCV, une bande rhéologique possédant un τ0 entre 30 et 320 Pa et un η entre 10 et 140 Pa.s a été trouvée pour la conception optimale des BSAP-I. (6) Les BSAP-I optimisés ont également conféré une très bonne performance à l'état frais, en permettant maintenir un bon équilibre entre la rhéologie et la stabilité dans le temps, lorsqu'on utilise une énergie de vibration minimale pour amorcer son écoulement. (7) À l'état durci Les BSAP-I ont conféré une bonne performance présentant des résistances mécaniques élevées et des niveaux négligeables de pénétration aux ions chlores, de perte de masse par écaillage et des attaques par le gel/dégel. (8) L'utilisation des ciments combinés possédant de la fumée de silice, du laitier et de la cendre volante ont permis améliorer le comportement rhéologique et minimiser le retrait par séchage des BSAP-I dans le temps. Mots-clés : Béton autoplaçant (BAP), capacité de remplissage, pression hydrostatique, rhéologie, seuil de cisaillement, thixotropie, maniabilité.

Dynamic ambulance reallocation for the reduction of ambulance response times using system status management.

PubMed

Lam, Sean Shao Wei; Zhang, Ji; Zhang, Zhong Cheng; Oh, Hong Choon; Overton, Jerry; Ng, Yih Yng; Ong, Marcus Eng Hock

2015-02-01

Dynamically reassigning ambulance deployment locations throughout a day to balance ambulance availability and demands can be effective in reducing response times. The objectives of this study were to model dynamic ambulance allocation plans in Singapore based on the system status management (SSM) strategy and to evaluate the dynamic deployment plans using a discrete event simulation (DES) model. The geographical information system-based analysis and mathematical programming were used to develop the dynamic ambulance deployment plans for SSM based on ambulance calls data from January 1, 2011, to June 30, 2011. A DES model that incorporated these plans was used to compare the performance of the dynamic SSM strategy against static reallocation policies under various demands and travel time uncertainties. When the deployment plans based on the SSM strategy were followed strictly, the DES model showed that the geographical information system-based plans resulted in approximately 13-second reduction in the median response times compared to the static reallocation policy, whereas the mathematical programming-based plans resulted in approximately a 44-second reduction. The response times and coverage performances were still better than the static policy when reallocations happened for only 60% of all the recommended moves. Dynamically reassigning ambulance deployment locations based on the SSM strategy can result in superior response times and coverage performance compared to static reallocation policies even when the dynamic plans were not followed strictly. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Estimating the potential for industrial waste heat reutilization in urban district energy systems: method development and implementation in two Chinese provinces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tong, Kangkang; Fang, Andrew; Yu, Huajun; Li, Yang; Shi, Lei; Wang, Yangjun; Wang, Shuxiao; Ramaswami, Anu

2017-12-01

Utilizing low-grade waste heat from industries to heat and cool homes and businesses through fourth generation district energy systems (DES) is a novel strategy to reduce energy use. This paper develops a generalizable methodology to estimate the energy saving potential for heating/cooling in 20 cities in two Chinese provinces, representing cold winter and hot summer regions respectively. We also conduct a life-cycle analysis of the new infrastructure required for energy exchange in DES. Results show that heating and cooling energy use reduction from this waste heat exchange strategy varies widely based on the mix of industrial, residential and commercial activities, and climate conditions in cities. Low-grade heat is found to be the dominant component of waste heat released by industries, which can be reused for both district heating and cooling in fourth generation DES, yielding energy use reductions from 12%-91% (average of 58%) for heating and 24%-100% (average of 73%) for cooling energy use in the different cities based on annual exchange potential. Incorporating seasonality and multiple energy exchange pathways resulted in energy savings reductions from 0%-87%. The life-cycle impact of added infrastructure was small (<3% for heating) and 1.9% ~ 6.5% (cooling) of the carbon emissions from fuel use in current heating or cooling systems, indicating net carbon savings. This generalizable approach to delineate waste heat potential can help determine suitable cities for the widespread application of industrial waste heat re-utilization.

Optimisation of rocker sole footwear for prevention of first plantar ulcer: comparison of group-optimised and individually-selected footwear designs.

PubMed

Preece, Stephen J; Chapman, Jonathan D; Braunstein, Bjoern; Brüggemann, Gert-Peter; Nester, Christopher J

2017-01-01

Appropriate footwear for individuals with diabetes but no ulceration history could reduce the risk of first ulceration. However, individuals who deem themselves at low risk are unlikely to seek out bespoke footwear which is personalised. Therefore, our primary aim was to investigate whether group-optimised footwear designs, which could be prefabricated and delivered in a retail setting, could achieve appropriate pressure reduction, or whether footwear selection must be on a patient-by-patient basis. A second aim was to compare responses to footwear design between healthy participants and people with diabetes in order to understand the transferability of previous footwear research, performed in healthy populations. Plantar pressures were recorded from 102 individuals with diabetes, considered at low risk of ulceration. This cohort included 17 individuals with peripheral neuropathy. We also collected data from 66 healthy controls. Each participant walked in 8 rocker shoe designs (4 apex positions × 2 rocker angles). ANOVA analysis was then used to understand the effect of two design features and descriptive statistics used to identify the group-optimised design. Using 200 kPa as a target, this group-optimised design was then compared to the design identified as the best for each participant (using plantar pressure data). Peak plantar pressure increased significantly as apex position was moved distally and rocker angle reduced ( p  < 0.001). The group-optimised design incorporated an apex at 52% of shoe length, a 20° rocker angle and an apex angle of 95°. With this design 71-81% of peak pressures were below the 200 kPa threshold, both in the full cohort of individuals with diabetes and also in the neuropathic subgroup. Importantly, only small increases (<5%) in this proportion were observed when participants wore footwear which was individually selected. In terms of optimised footwear designs, healthy participants demonstrated the same response as participants with diabetes, despite having lower plantar pressures. This is the first study demonstrating that a group-optimised, generic rocker shoe might perform almost as well as footwear selected on a patient by patient basis in a low risk patient group. This work provides a starting point for clinical evaluation of generic versus personalised pressure reducing footwear.

Novel reductive-reductive mode electrochemical detection of Rohypnol following liquid chromatography and its determination in coffee.

PubMed

Honeychurch, Kevin C; Davidson, Gwen M; Brown, Emma; Hart, John P

2015-01-01

Rohypnol (flunitrazepam) has been successfully determined in coffee by high performance liquid chromatography dual electrode detection (LC-DED) in the dual reductive mode. Initial studies were performed to optimise the chromatographic conditions and these were found to be 50% acetonitrile, 50% 50 mM pH 2.0 phosphate buffer at a flow rate of 0.75 mL min(-1), employing a Hypersil C18, 5 μm, 250 mm × 4.6 mm column. Cyclic voltammetric studies were made to ascertain the redox behaviour of Rohypnol at a glassy carbon electrode over the pH range 2-12. Hydrodynamic voltammetry was used to optimise the applied potential at the generator and detector cells; these were identified to be -2.4 V and +0.8 V for the redox mode and -2.4 V and -0.1 V for the dual reductive mode respectively. A linear range of 0.5-100 μg mL(-1), with a detection limit of 20 ng mL(-1) was obtained for the dual reductive mode. Further studies were then performed to identify the optimum conditions required for the LC-DED determination of Rohypnol in beverage samples. A convenient and rapid method for the determination of Rohypnol in beverage samples was developed using a simple sample pre-treatment procedure. A recovery of 95.5% was achieved for a sample of white coffee fortified at 9.6 μg mL(-1) Rohypnol. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Systeme microfluidique d'analyse sanguine en temps reel pour l'imagerie moleculaire chez le petit animal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Convert, Laurence

De nouveaux radiotraceurs sont continuellement développés pour améliorer l'efficacité diagnostique en imagerie moléculaire, principalement en tomographie d'émission par positrons (TEP) et en tomographie d'émission monophotonique (TEM) dans les domaines de l'oncologie, de la cardiologie et de la neurologie. Avant de pouvoir être utilisés chez les humains, ces radiotraceurs doivent être caractérisés chez les petits animaux, principalement les rats et les souris. Pour cela, de nombreux échantillons sanguins doivent être prélevés et analysés (mesure de radioactivité, séparation de plasma, séparation d'espèces chimiques), ce qui représente un défi majeur chez les rongeurs à cause de leur très faible volume sanguin (˜1,4 ml pour une souris). Des solutions fournissant une analyse partielle sont présentées dans la littérature, mais aucune ne permet d'effectuer toutes les opérations dans un même système. Les présents travaux de recherche s'insèrent dans le contexte global d'un projet visant à développer un système microfluidique d'analyse sanguine complète en temps réel pour la caractérisation des nouveaux radiotraceurs TEP et TEM. Un cahier des charges a tout d'abord été établi et a permis de fixer des critères quantitatifs et qualitatifs à respecter pour chacune des fonctions de la puce. La fonction de détection microfluidique a ensuite été développée. Un état de l'art des travaux ayant déjà combiné la microfluidique et la détection de radioactivité a permis de souligner qu'aucune solution existante ne répondait aux critères du projet. Parmi les différentes technologies disponibles, des microcanaux en résine KMPR fabriqués sur des détecteurs semiconducteurs de type p-i-n ont été identifiés comme une solution technologique pour le projet. Des détecteurs p-i-n ont ensuite été fabriqués en utilisant un procédé standard. Les performances encourageantes obtenues ont mené à initier un projet de maîtrise pour leur optimisation. En parallèle, les travaux ont été poursuivis avec des détecteurs du commerce sous forme de gaufres non découpées. Un premier dispositif intégrant des canaux en KMPR sur ces gaufres a permis de valider le concept démontrant le grand potentiel de ces choix technologiques et incitant à poursuivre les développements dans cette voie, notamment en envisageant des expériences animales. L'utilisation prolongée des canaux avec du sang non dilué est cependant particulièrement exigeante pour les matériaux artificiels. Une passivation à l'albumine a permis d'augmenter considérablement la compatibilité sanguine de la résine KMPR. Le concept initial, incluant la passivation des canaux, a ensuite été optimisé et intégré dans un système de mesure complet avec toute l'électronique et l'informatique de contrôle. Le système final a été validé chez le petit animal avec un radiotraceur connu. Ces travaux ont donné lieu à la première démonstration d'un détecteur microfluidique de haute efficacité pour la TEP et la TEM. Cette première brique d'un projet plus global est déjà un outil innovant en soi qui permettra d'augmenter l'efficacité du développement d'outils diagnostiques plus spécifiques principalement pour l'oncologie, la cardiologie et la neurologie. Mots clefs : imagerie moléculaire, tomographie d'émission par positrons (TEP), tomographie d'émission monophotonique (TEM), microfluidique, détecteur de radioactivité, KMPR, diodes p-i-n, hémocompatibilité.

Diethylstilbestrol Exposure in Neonatal Mice Induces Changes in the Adulthood in the Immune Response to Taenia crassiceps without Modifications of Parasite Loads

PubMed Central

Nava-Castro, Karen E.; Morales-Montor, Jorge; Ortega-Hernando, Alejandra; Camacho-Arroyo, Ignacio

2014-01-01

Industrial growth has increased the exposition to endocrine disruptor compounds (EDC's), which are exogenous agents with agonist or antagonist action of endogenous steroid hormones that may affect the course of parasite infections. We wanted to determine if the exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), an estrogen agonist, to both male and female mice affected the immune response and their susceptibility to T. crassiceps cysticercosis. In all infected groups, females showed higher parasite loads than males, and neonatal DES administration did not modify this pattern. In the spleen, noninfected mice showed sex-related differences in the percentage of the CD8+ subpopulation, but DES decreased the percentage of CD3+, CD19+, and CD8+ subpopulations in infected mice. In the mesenteric lymphatic node (MNL), DES showed a dimorphic effect in the percentage of CD19+ cells. Regarding estrogen receptor alpha (ER-α) expression, DES treatment induced a reduction in the expression of this receptor in both noninfected female and male mice in the spleen, which was decreased only in males in CD3+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in MNL cell subpopulations. Our study is the first one to demonstrate that DES neonatal treatment in male and female mice affects the immune cell percentage, without effect on the susceptibility to T. crassiceps cysticercosis. PMID:25243144

Ultra-hydrophilic stent platforms promote early vascular healing and minimise late tissue response: a potential alternative to second-generation drug-eluting stents.

PubMed

Kolandaivelu, Kumaran; Bailey, Lynn; Buzzi, Stefano; Zucker, Arik; Milleret, Vincent; Ziogas, Algirdas; Ehrbar, Martin; Khattab, Ahmed A; Stanley, James R L; Wong, Gee K; Zani, Brett; Markham, Peter M; Tzafriri, Abraham R; Bhatt, Deepak L; Edelman, Elazer R

2017-04-20

Simple surface modifications can enhance coronary stent performance. Ultra-hydrophilic surface (UHS) treatment of contemporary bare metal stents (BMS) was assessed in vivo to verify whether such stents can provide long-term efficacy comparable to second-generation drug-eluting stents (DES) while promoting healing comparably to BMS. UHS-treated BMS, untreated BMS and corresponding DES were tested for three commercial platforms. A thirty-day and a 90-day porcine coronary model were used to characterise late tissue response. Three-day porcine coronary and seven-day rabbit iliac models were used for early healing assessment. In porcine coronary arteries, hydrophilic treatment reduced intimal hyperplasia relative to the BMS and corresponding DES platforms (1.5-fold to threefold reduction in 30-day angiographic and histological stenosis; p<0.04). Endothelialisation was similar on UHS-treated BMS and untreated BMS, both in swine and rabbit models, and lower on DES. Elevation in thrombotic indices was infrequent (never observed with UHS, rare with BMS, most often with DES), but, when present, correlated with reduced endothelialisation (p<0.01). Ultra-hydrophilic surface treatment of contemporary stents conferred good healing while moderating neointimal and thrombotic responses. Such surfaces may offer safe alternatives to DES, particularly when rapid healing and short dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) are crucial.

A bacterial aromatic aldehyde dehydrogenase critical for the efficient catabolism of syringaldehyde.

PubMed

Kamimura, Naofumi; Goto, Takayuki; Takahashi, Kenji; Kasai, Daisuke; Otsuka, Yuichiro; Nakamura, Masaya; Katayama, Yoshihiro; Fukuda, Masao; Masai, Eiji

2017-03-15

Vanillin and syringaldehyde obtained from lignin are essential intermediates for the production of basic chemicals using microbial cell factories. However, in contrast to vanillin, the microbial conversion of syringaldehyde is poorly understood. Here, we identified an aromatic aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene responsible for syringaldehyde catabolism from 20 putative ALDH genes of Sphingobium sp. strain SYK-6. All these genes were expressed in Escherichia coli, and nine gene products, including previously characterized BzaA, BzaB, and vanillin dehydrogenase (LigV), exhibited oxidation activities for syringaldehyde to produce syringate. Among these genes, SLG_28320 (desV) and ligV were most highly and constitutively transcribed in the SYK-6 cells. Disruption of desV in SYK-6 resulted in a significant reduction in growth on syringaldehyde and in syringaldehyde oxidation activity. Furthermore, a desV ligV double mutant almost completely lost its ability to grow on syringaldehyde. Purified DesV showed similar k cat /K m values for syringaldehyde (2100 s -1 ·mM -1 ) and vanillin (1700 s -1 ·mM -1 ), whereas LigV substantially preferred vanillin (8800 s -1 ·mM -1 ) over syringaldehyde (1.4 s -1 ·mM -1 ). These results clearly demonstrate that desV plays a major role in syringaldehyde catabolism. Phylogenetic analyses showed that DesV-like ALDHs formed a distinct phylogenetic cluster separated from the vanillin dehydrogenase cluster.

A bacterial aromatic aldehyde dehydrogenase critical for the efficient catabolism of syringaldehyde

PubMed Central

Kamimura, Naofumi; Goto, Takayuki; Takahashi, Kenji; Kasai, Daisuke; Otsuka, Yuichiro; Nakamura, Masaya; Katayama, Yoshihiro; Fukuda, Masao; Masai, Eiji

2017-01-01

Vanillin and syringaldehyde obtained from lignin are essential intermediates for the production of basic chemicals using microbial cell factories. However, in contrast to vanillin, the microbial conversion of syringaldehyde is poorly understood. Here, we identified an aromatic aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene responsible for syringaldehyde catabolism from 20 putative ALDH genes of Sphingobium sp. strain SYK-6. All these genes were expressed in Escherichia coli, and nine gene products, including previously characterized BzaA, BzaB, and vanillin dehydrogenase (LigV), exhibited oxidation activities for syringaldehyde to produce syringate. Among these genes, SLG_28320 (desV) and ligV were most highly and constitutively transcribed in the SYK-6 cells. Disruption of desV in SYK-6 resulted in a significant reduction in growth on syringaldehyde and in syringaldehyde oxidation activity. Furthermore, a desV ligV double mutant almost completely lost its ability to grow on syringaldehyde. Purified DesV showed similar kcat/Km values for syringaldehyde (2100 s−1·mM−1) and vanillin (1700 s−1·mM−1), whereas LigV substantially preferred vanillin (8800 s−1·mM−1) over syringaldehyde (1.4 s−1·mM−1). These results clearly demonstrate that desV plays a major role in syringaldehyde catabolism. Phylogenetic analyses showed that DesV-like ALDHs formed a distinct phylogenetic cluster separated from the vanillin dehydrogenase cluster. PMID:28294121

Developpement d'une methode calorimetrique de mesure des pertes ac pour des rubans supraconducteurs a haute temperature critique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dolez, Patricia

Le travail de recherche effectue dans le cadre de ce projet de doctorat a permis la mise au point d'une methode de mesure des pertes ac destinee a l'etude des supraconducteurs a haute temperature critique. Pour le choix des principes de cette methode, nous nous sommes inspires de travaux anterieurs realises sur les supraconducteurs conventionnels, afin de proposer une alternative a la technique electrique, presentant lors du debut de cette these des problemes lies a la variation du resultat des mesures selon la position des contacts de tension sur la surface de l'echantillon, et de pouvoir mesurer les pertes ac dans des conditions simulant la realite des futures applications industrielles des rubans supraconducteurs: en particulier, cette methode utilise la technique calorimetrique, associee a une calibration simultanee et in situ. La validite de la methode a ete verifiee de maniere theorique et experimentale: d'une part, des mesures ont ete realisees sur des echantillons de Bi-2223 recouverts d'argent ou d'alliage d'argent-or et comparees avec les predictions theoriques donnees par Norris, nous indiquant la nature majoritairement hysteretique des pertes ac dans nos echantillons; d'autre part, une mesure electrique a ete realisee in situ dont les resultats correspondent parfaitement a ceux donnes par notre methode calorimetrique. Par ailleurs, nous avons compare la dependance en courant et en frequence des pertes ac d'un echantillon avant et apres qu'il ait ete endommage. Ces mesures semblent indiquer une relation entre la valeur du coefficient de la loi de puissance modelisant la dependance des pertes avec le courant, et les inhomogeneites longitudinales du courant critique induites par l'endommagement. De plus, la variation en frequence montre qu'au niveau des grosses fractures transverses creees par l'endommagement dans le coeur supraconducteur, le courant se partage localement de maniere a peu pres equivalente entre les quelques grains de matiere supraconductrice qui restent fixes a l'interface coeur-enveloppe, et le revetement en alliage d'argent. L'interet d'une methode calorimetrique par rapport a la technique electrique, plus rapide, plus sensible et maintenant fiable, reside dans la possibilite de realiser des mesures de pertes ac dans des environnements complexes, reproduisant la situation presente par exemple dans un cable de transport d'energie ou dans un transformateur. En particulier, la superposition d'un courant dc en plus du courant ac habituel nous a permis d'observer experimentalement, pour la premiere fois a notre connaissance, un comportement particulier des pertes ac en fonction de la valeur du courant dc decrit theoriquement par LeBlanc. Nous avons pu en deduire la presence d'un courant d'ecrantage Meissner de 16 A, ce qui nous permet de determiner les conditions dans lesquelles une reduction du niveau de pertes ac pourrait etre obtenue par application d'un courant dc, phenomene denomme "vallee de Clem".

The development and optimisation of a primary care-based whole system complex intervention (CARE Plus) for patients with multimorbidity living in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation

PubMed Central

O'Brien, Rosaleen; Fitzpatrick, Bridie; Higgins, Maria; Guthrie, Bruce; Watt, Graham; Wyke, Sally

2016-01-01

Objectives To develop and optimise a primary care-based complex intervention (CARE Plus) to enhance the quality of life of patients with multimorbidity in the deprived areas. Methods Six co-design discussion groups involving 32 participants were held separately with multimorbid patients from the deprived areas, voluntary organisations, general practitioners and practice nurses working in the deprived areas. This was followed by piloting in two practices and further optimisation based on interviews with 11 general practitioners, 2 practice nurses and 6 participating multimorbid patients. Results Participants endorsed the need for longer consultations, relational continuity and a holistic approach. All felt that training and support of the health care staff was important. Most participants welcomed the idea of additional self-management support, though some practitioners were dubious about whether patients would use it. The pilot study led to changes including a revised care plan, the inclusion of mindfulness-based stress reduction techniques in the support of practitioners and patients, and the stream-lining of the written self-management support material for patients. Discussion We have co-designed and optimised an augmented primary care intervention involving a whole-system approach to enhance quality of life in multimorbid patients living in the deprived areas. CARE Plus will next be tested in a phase 2 cluster randomised controlled trial. PMID:27068113

Digital radiography: are the manufacturers' settings too high? Optimisation of the Kodak digital radiography system with aid of the computed radiography dose index.

PubMed

Peters, Sinead E; Brennan, Patrick C

2002-09-01

Manufacturers offer exposure indices as a safeguard against overexposure in computed radiography, but the basis for recommended values is unclear. This study establishes an optimum exposure index to be used as a guideline for a specific CR system to minimise radiation exposures for computed mobile chest radiography, and compares this with manufacturer guidelines and current practice. An anthropomorphic phantom was employed to establish the minimum milliamperes consistent with acceptable image quality for mobile chest radiography images. This was found to be 2 mAs. Consecutively, 10 patients were exposed with this optimised milliampere value and 10 patients were exposed with the 3.2 mAs routinely used in the department of the study. Image quality was objectively assessed using anatomical criteria. Retrospective analyses of 717 exposure indices recorded over 2 months from mobile chest examinations were performed. The optimised milliampere value provided a significant reduction of the average exposure index from 1840 to 1570 ( p<0.0001). This new "optimum" exposure index is substantially lower than manufacturer guidelines of 2000 and significantly lower than exposure indices from the retrospective study (1890). Retrospective data showed a significant increase in exposure indices if the examination was performed out of hours. The data provided by this study emphasise the need for clinicians and personnel to consider establishing their own optimum exposure indices for digital investigations rather than simply accepting manufacturers' guidelines. Such an approach, along with regular monitoring of indices, may result in a substantial reduction in patient exposure.

Sequential projection pursuit for optimised vibration-based damage detection in an experimental wind turbine blade

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hoell, Simon; Omenzetter, Piotr

2018-02-01

To advance the concept of smart structures in large systems, such as wind turbines (WTs), it is desirable to be able to detect structural damage early while using minimal instrumentation. Data-driven vibration-based damage detection methods can be competitive in that respect because global vibrational responses encompass the entire structure. Multivariate damage sensitive features (DSFs) extracted from acceleration responses enable to detect changes in a structure via statistical methods. However, even though such DSFs contain information about the structural state, they may not be optimised for the damage detection task. This paper addresses the shortcoming by exploring a DSF projection technique specialised for statistical structural damage detection. High dimensional initial DSFs are projected onto a low-dimensional space for improved damage detection performance and simultaneous computational burden reduction. The technique is based on sequential projection pursuit where the projection vectors are optimised one by one using an advanced evolutionary strategy. The approach is applied to laboratory experiments with a small-scale WT blade under wind-like excitations. Autocorrelation function coefficients calculated from acceleration signals are employed as DSFs. The optimal numbers of projection vectors are identified with the help of a fast forward selection procedure. To benchmark the proposed method, selections of original DSFs as well as principal component analysis scores from these features are additionally investigated. The optimised DSFs are tested for damage detection on previously unseen data from the healthy state and a wide range of damage scenarios. It is demonstrated that using selected subsets of the initial and transformed DSFs improves damage detectability compared to the full set of features. Furthermore, superior results can be achieved by projecting autocorrelation coefficients onto just a single optimised projection vector.

Conversion of DST Group Shape Optimisation Software for Increased Portability across Computing Platforms

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-05-01

reduction achieved is small due to the starting shape being near optimal. The general arrangement and x-y coordinate system are shown in Figure 23...Optimization, Vol. 28, pp. 55–68, 2004. [3] M Heller, J Calero, S Barter , RJ Wescott, J Choi. Fatigue life extension program for LAU-7 missile launcher

Rapid Globalization of Medical Device Clinical Development Programs in Japan　- The Case of Drug-Eluting Stents.

PubMed

Murakami, Madoka; Suzuki, Yuka; Tominaga, Toshiyoshi

2018-02-23

Delays in the introduction to the Japanese market of drug-eluting stents (DES) developed overseas (i.e., "device lag") decreased sharply between 2004 and 2012. The reduction accompanied a shift in clinical development from a succession pattern (initial product development and approval overseas followed by eventual entrance into the Japanese market) to parallel development (employing multiregional clinical trials (MRCTs)). Although resource-intensive in the short-term, MRCTs are proving to be an effective tool in simultaneous global product development. Creative study designs and the absence of significant ethnic differences in Japanese subjects regarding DES safety and efficacy and the pharmacokinetic behavior of their coating drugs propel this process. More general factors such as medical need and industry incentivization also encourage this shift. Physicians' preference for DES over other percutaneous coronary interventions, the expanding global DES market, and streamlined development and approval prospects each motivate industry to continue investing in DES product development. The efforts of various stakeholders were also integral to overcoming practical obstacles, and contributions by 'Harmonization by Doing' and a premarket collaboration initiative between the USA and Japan were particularly effective. Today, USA/Japan regulatory cooperation is routine, and Japan is now integrated into global medical device development. MRCTs including Japanese subjects, sites, and investigators are now commonplace.

Advances in drug eluting stents – focus on the Endeavor® zotarolimus stent

PubMed Central

Bridges, Jonathan; Cutlip, Donald

2009-01-01

Coronary artery disease remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Over the last 30 years, the development of coronary artery angioplasty and stenting has drastically reduced mortality during acute coronary syndromes while also reducing symptoms of chronic coronary artery disease. Unfortunately, the placement of stents in a coronary artery can be complicated by in-stent thrombosis or restenosis. In 2003–2004, a new generation of stents was introduced to the market with the goal of reducing the rate of restenosis. These stents, called drug eluting stents (DES), are coated with a pharmacological agent designed to reduce the neointimal hyperplasia associated with restenosis. Within a year, approximately 80% of all percutaneous coronary interventions performed within the US involved placement of a DES. In 2006, a controversy arose about the possibility of a statistically significant increased risk of acute stent thrombosis associated with DES especially when used for an “off label” indication. This risk was attributed to delayed endothelization. This controversy has led to a reduction in the use of DES along with longer use of dual platelet inhibition with aspirin and clopidogrel. Recently Medtronic introduced a new DES to the market called the Endeavor® stent – a zotarolimus eluting stent. PMID:22915908

Radiation-Induced Noncancer Risks in Interventional Cardiology: Optimisation of Procedures and Staff and Patient Dose Reduction

PubMed Central

Khairuddin Md Yusof, Ahmad

2013-01-01

Concerns about ionizing radiation during interventional cardiology have been increased in recent years as a result of rapid growth in interventional procedure volumes and the high radiation doses associated with some procedures. Noncancer radiation risks to cardiologists and medical staff in terms of radiation-induced cataracts and skin injuries for patients appear clear potential consequences of interventional cardiology procedures, while radiation-induced potential risk of developing cardiovascular effects remains less clear. This paper provides an overview of the evidence-based reviews of concerns about noncancer risks of radiation exposure in interventional cardiology. Strategies commonly undertaken to reduce radiation doses to both medical staff and patients during interventional cardiology procedures are discussed; optimisation of interventional cardiology procedures is highlighted. PMID:24027768

The Effect of Temperature on Kinetics and Diffusion Coefficients of Metallocene Derivatives in Polyol-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents

PubMed Central

Bahadori, Laleh; Chakrabarti, Mohammed Harun; Manan, Ninie Suhana Abdul; Hashim, Mohd Ali; Mjalli, Farouq Sabri; AlNashef, Inas Muen; Brandon, Nigel

2015-01-01

The temperature dependence of the density, dynamic viscosity and ionic conductivity of several deep eutectic solvents (DESs) containing ammonium-based salts and hydrogen bond donvnors (polyol type) are investigated. The temperature-dependent electrolyte viscosity as a function of molar conductivity is correlated by means of Walden’s rule. The oxidation of ferrocene (Fc/Fc+) and reduction of cobaltocenium (Cc+/Cc) at different temperatures are studied by cyclic voltammetry and potential-step chronoamperometry in DESs. For most DESs, chronoamperometric transients are demonstrated to fit an Arrhenius-type relation to give activation energies for the diffusion of redox couples at different temperatures. The temperature dependence of the measured conductivities of DES1 and DES2 are better correlated with the Vogel-Tamman-Fulcher equation. The kinetics of the Fc/Fc+ and Cc+/Cc electrochemical systems have been investigated over a temperature range from 298 to 338 K. The heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant is then calculated at different temperatures by means of a logarithmic analysis. The glycerol-based DES (DES5) appears suitable for further testing in electrochemical energy storage devices. PMID:26642045

Co-culture of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and macrophages attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in human corneal epithelial cells.

PubMed

Jeong, Won-Yong; Kim, Ji-Hye; Kim, Chan-Wha

2018-05-01

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is considered as an ocular surface inflammatory disease. Previous studies have shown inflammation plays an important role in the progression and onset of DES. Co-culture of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) and macrophages showed immunomodulatory effects via regulation of cytokine regulation. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the interaction of these cells on in vitro DES model. The conditioned media (CM) from macrophages, HBMSCs, and HBMSCs + macrophages were treated to human corneal epithelial cells, which showed significant reduction in IL-1α and IL-1β expression levels in HBMSCs + macrophages group. Moreover, the IL-1 Receptor Antagonist (IL-1RA) was highly expressed in the CM from the HBMSCs + macrophages group. Wounded eyes of mice were treated with IL-1RA at 0-100 ng/mL for 16 h, the wound size was reduced. The results of this study might lead to the identification of new therapeutic targets for DES.

Discrete event simulation for healthcare organizations: a tool for decision making.

PubMed

Hamrock, Eric; Paige, Kerrie; Parks, Jennifer; Scheulen, James; Levin, Scott

2013-01-01

Healthcare organizations face challenges in efficiently accommodating increased patient demand with limited resources and capacity. The modern reimbursement environment prioritizes the maximization of operational efficiency and the reduction of unnecessary costs (i.e., waste) while maintaining or improving quality. As healthcare organizations adapt, significant pressures are placed on leaders to make difficult operational and budgetary decisions. In lieu of hard data, decision makers often base these decisions on subjective information. Discrete event simulation (DES), a computerized method of imitating the operation of a real-world system (e.g., healthcare delivery facility) over time, can provide decision makers with an evidence-based tool to develop and objectively vet operational solutions prior to implementation. DES in healthcare commonly focuses on (1) improving patient flow, (2) managing bed capacity, (3) scheduling staff, (4) managing patient admission and scheduling procedures, and (5) using ancillary resources (e.g., labs, pharmacies). This article describes applicable scenarios, outlines DES concepts, and describes the steps required for development. An original DES model developed to examine crowding and patient flow for staffing decision making at an urban academic emergency department serves as a practical example.

Estrogen-Induced Developmental Disorders of the Rat Penis Involve Both Estrogen Receptor (ESR)- and Androgen Receptor (AR)-Mediated Pathways1

PubMed Central

Goyal, H.O.; Braden, T.D.; Williams, C.S.; Williams, J.W.

2009-01-01

This study tested the hypothesis that the estrogen receptor (ESR) pathway, androgen receptor (AR) pathway, or both mediate estrogen-induced developmental penile disorders. Rat pups received diethylstilbestrol (DES), with or without the ESR antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI) or the AR agonist dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or testosterone (T), from Postnatal Days 1 to 6. Testicular T concentration, penile morphology and morphometry, and/or fertility was determined at age 7, 28, or 150 days. DES treatment alone caused 90% reduction in the neonatal intratesticular T surge; this reduction was prevented by ICI coadministration, but not by DHT or T coadministration. Unlike the T surge, coadministration of ICI and coadministration of DHT or T mitigated penile deformities and loss of fertility. Generally, ICI, DHT, or T treatment alone did not alter penile morphology; however, fertility was 20% that of controls in ICI-treated rats vs. 70%–90% in DHT- or T-treated rats. The lower fertility in the rats treated with ICI alone could be due to altered sexual behavior, as these males did not deposit vaginal plugs. In conclusion, observations that both an ESR antagonist and AR agonists prevent penile deformities and infertility suggest that both pathways are involved in estrogen-induced penile disorders. Observations that coadministration of ICI, but not DHT or T, prevents the DES-induced reduction in the neonatal T surge suggest that, although ICI exerts its mitigating effect both at the level of Leydig cells and penile stromal cells, DHT and T do so only at the level of stromal cells. PMID:19420389

Analysis of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) to characterize microbial communities in aquifers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Green, Christopher T.; Scow, Kate M.

This paper reviews published applications of lipid-based biochemical techniques for characterizing microbial communities in aquifers and other deep subsurface habitats. These techniques, such as phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, can provide information on a variety of microbial characteristics, such as biomass, physiology, taxonomic and functional identity, and overall community composition. In addition, multivariate statistical analysis of lipid data can relate spatial or temporal changes in microbial communities to environmental factors. The use of lipid-based techniques in the study of groundwater microbiology is advantageous because they do not require culturing and can provide quantitative data on entire communities. However, combined effects of physiological and phylogenetic changes on the lipid composition of a community can confound interpretation of the data, and many questions remain about the validity of various lipid techniques. Despite these caveats, lipid-based research has begun to show trends in community composition in contaminated and pristine aquifers that contribute to our understanding of groundwater microbial ecology and have potential for use in optimization of bioremediation of groundwater pollutants. Résumé Ce papier passe en revue les applications des techniques biochimiques basées sur les lipides pour caractériser les communautés microbiennes présentes dans les aquifères et dans les autres habitats souterrains profonds. Ces techniques, telles que l'analyse des acides gras phospholipidiques (PLFA), peuvent fournir des informations sur un ensemble de caractères microbiens, tels que la biomasse, la physiologie, l'identité taxonomique et fonctionnelle, et surtout la composition de la communauté. En outre, l'analyse statistique multivariée des données sur les lipides peut établir les liens entre des changements spatiaux ou temporels dans la communauté microbienne et des facteurs environnementaux. L'utilisation des techniques basées sur les lipides dans l'étude de la microbiologie des eaux souterraines est intéressante parce qu'elle ne nécessite pas de mise en culture et qu'elle peut fournir des données quantitatives sur les communautés dans leur ensemble. Toutefois, les effets combinés de changements physiologiques et phylogénétiques sur la composition d'une communauté peuvent brouiller l'interprétation des données de nombreuses questions se posent sur la validité des différentes techniques lipidiques. Malgré ces oppositions, la recherche basée sur les lipides a commencéà montrer des tendances dans la composition des communautés dans les aquifères pollués et dans ceux non perturbés ces résultats contribuent ainsi à notre compréhension de l'écologie microbienne des eaux souterraines et montrent qu'il existe un potentiel pour leur utilisation en vue d'une optimisation de la dépollution biologique des eaux souterraines. Resumen Se revisan distintas técnicas bioquímicas que se basan en el análisis de lípidos para caracterizar las comunidades microbianas en hábitats subsuperficiales, incluyendo acuíferos. Estas técnicas, entre las que se incluye el análisis de ácidos grasos fosfolípidos (PLFA), pueden proporcionar información sobre toda una serie de características de las comunidades microbianas, como su biomasa, fisiología, identidad taxonómica y funcional y composición. Además, el análisis estadístico multivariado de los datos de lípidos permite relacionar los cambios espaciales o temporales en las comunidades microbianas con factores ambientales. Las técnicas basadas en lípidos son muy útiles para el estudio microbiológico de las aguas subterráneas, puesto que no requieren cultivos y además proporcionan datos cuantitativos de comunidades completas. Sin embargo, la acción combinada de los cambios fisiológicos y filogenéticos en la composición de lípidos en una comunidad pueden confundir la interpretación de los datos, por lo existen muchas cuestiones abiertas respecto a la validez de algunas de estas técnicas. A pesar de estas dificultades, estas técnicas han permitido detectar diferentes tendencias en la composición de las comunidades en acuíferos con y sin contaminación, lo que contribuye a nuestro entendimiento de la ecología microbiana de los acuíferos. Este último aspecto tiene un uso potencial en la optimización de los métodos de biorremediación de acuíferos.

Decreasing the overall environmental impact of the Dutch diet: how to find healthy and sustainable diets with limited changes.

PubMed

Kramer, Gerard Fh; Tyszler, Marcelo; Veer, Pieter Van't; Blonk, Hans

2017-06-01

To find diets optimised on nutrition and environmental impact close to the current Dutch diet and to identify the most effective and acceptable options for mitigating environmental impact. Linear programming was used to optimise diets of Dutch men and women aged 9-69 years, divided into ten age-gender groups. The analysis included nutrient composition, a metric for popularity and life cycle assessments of 207 food products. Greenhouse gas emissions, fossil energy use and land occupation were used to calculate a weighted score for the overall environmental impact. Optimised diets were solutions that minimised changes to the current diet while satisfying all nutritional constraints, with stepwise reductions in environmental impact. The Netherlands. Dutch children and adults aged 9-69 years. Meat was always reduced. Vegetable, fruit and dairy contents remained similar, while bread, fatty fish and legumes increased. The extent of changes depended on age and gender. Beverages were not heavily reduced. Nutrients critical for the outcome were α-linoleic acid, retinol, Ca, Na, Se, dietary fibre, SFA, thiamin and Fe (women of childbearing age). Total protein, essential amino acids and carbohydrates were not critical. Reducing meat is the most effective option for lowering the environmental impact of diets in all age-gender groups. Reducing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages is another option. Leaving out fish and dairy products are not. The differences in nutritional requirements related to age and gender have a significant effect on the composition of the optimised diets.

Percutaneous coronary intervention with oral sirolimus and bare metal stents has comparable safety and efficacy to treatment with drug eluting stents, but with significant cost saving: long-term follow-up results from the randomised, controlled ORAR III (Oral Rapamycin in ARgentina) study.

PubMed

Rodriguez, Alfredo E; Maree, Andrew; Tarragona, Sonia; Fernandez-Pereira, Carlos; Santaera, Omar; Rodriguez Granillo, Alfredo M; Rodriguez-Granillo, Gaston A; Russo-Felssen, Miguel; Kukreja, Neville; Antoniucci, David; Palacios, Igor F; Serruys, Patrick W

2009-06-01

Previous randomised studies have shown a significant reduction in restenosis when oral rapamycin (OR) is administered to patients undergoing bare metal stent (BMS) implantation. How this regimen compares to drug eluting stents (DES) is unknown. Two-hundred patients with de novo coronary lesions were randomised to treatment with OR plus BMS (100 pts) or with DES (100 pts). OR was given as a bolus of 10 mg per day before PCI followed by daily doses of 3 mg during following 13 days. Primary endpoints were to compare hospital, follow-up and overall cost at one, two, three and five years of follow-up. The secondary endpoints included death, myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke and were analysed as major adverse cardiovascular events (MACCE). Target vessel (TVR) and target lesion revascularisation (TLR) were independently analysed. Costs included procedural resources, hospitalisation, medications, repeat revascularisation procedures and professional fees. Baseline demographic, clinical and angiographic characteristics were similar. At 18.3 +/- 7 months of follow-up, the initial strategy of OR plus BMS resulted in significant cost saving when compared to DES (p=0.0001). TLR rate was 8.2% with DES and 7.0% with OR plus BMS (p=0.84), similarly no differences in TVR rate in both groups was seen (10.6% and 10.5% in OR and DES group respectively, p=0.86). Non-inferiority testing, determined that DES therapy failed to be cost saving compared to OR in all possible cost scenarios. A strategy of OR plus BMS is cost saving compared to DES in patients undergoing PCI for de novo coronary lesions.

Effect of primary amines on magnetic properties of Fe-Ni films electroplated in a DES-based plating bath

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yanai, T.; Akiyoshi, T.; Yamaguchi, T.; Takashima, K.; Morimura, T.; Nakano, M.; Fukunaga, H.

2018-05-01

Fe-Ni alloy films were electroplated in DES-based plating baths with various primary amines, and we investigated the effect of the primary amines on the magnetic and the structural properties of the films. The primary amines of ammonium sulfamate, DL-α-alanine and L-glutamic acid reduced the coercivity and the surface roughness of the Fe-rich films (Fe > 70 at.%), and the reduction tendencies of the coercivity and the roughness show good agreement with the result of our previous study on another primary amine of glycine. From the results for the TEM observation, we found that the texture of the Fe-rich film is clearly different from that for the Fe-poor one (Fe < 30 at.%), and we concluded that the primary amines are effective additives for the Fe-rich films electroplated in the DES-based plating baths.

Identification of transformer fault based on dissolved gas analysis using hybrid support vector machine-modified evolutionary particle swarm optimisation

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

Early detection of power transformer fault is important because it can reduce the maintenance cost of the transformer and it can ensure continuous electricity supply in power systems. Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) technique is commonly used to identify oil-filled power transformer fault type but utilisation of artificial intelligence method with optimisation methods has shown convincing results. In this work, a hybrid support vector machine (SVM) with modified evolutionary particle swarm optimisation (EPSO) algorithm was proposed to determine the transformer fault type. The superiority of the modified PSO technique with SVM was evaluated by comparing the results with the actual fault diagnosis, unoptimised SVM and previous reported works. Data reduction was also applied using stepwise regression prior to the training process of SVM to reduce the training time. It was found that the proposed hybrid SVM-Modified EPSO (MEPSO)-Time Varying Acceleration Coefficient (TVAC) technique results in the highest correct identification percentage of faults in a power transformer compared to other PSO algorithms. Thus, the proposed technique can be one of the potential solutions to identify the transformer fault type based on DGA data on site. PMID:29370230

Identification of transformer fault based on dissolved gas analysis using hybrid support vector machine-modified evolutionary particle swarm optimisation.

PubMed

Illias, Hazlee Azil; Zhao Liang, Wee

2018-01-01

Early detection of power transformer fault is important because it can reduce the maintenance cost of the transformer and it can ensure continuous electricity supply in power systems. Dissolved Gas Analysis (DGA) technique is commonly used to identify oil-filled power transformer fault type but utilisation of artificial intelligence method with optimisation methods has shown convincing results. In this work, a hybrid support vector machine (SVM) with modified evolutionary particle swarm optimisation (EPSO) algorithm was proposed to determine the transformer fault type. The superiority of the modified PSO technique with SVM was evaluated by comparing the results with the actual fault diagnosis, unoptimised SVM and previous reported works. Data reduction was also applied using stepwise regression prior to the training process of SVM to reduce the training time. It was found that the proposed hybrid SVM-Modified EPSO (MEPSO)-Time Varying Acceleration Coefficient (TVAC) technique results in the highest correct identification percentage of faults in a power transformer compared to other PSO algorithms. Thus, the proposed technique can be one of the potential solutions to identify the transformer fault type based on DGA data on site.

Calibration of phoswich-based lung counting system using realistic chest phantom.

PubMed

Manohari, M; Mathiyarasu, R; Rajagopal, V; Meenakshisundaram, V; Indira, R

2011-03-01

A phoswich detector, housed inside a low background steel room, coupled with a state-of-art pulse shape discrimination (PSD) electronics is recently established at Radiological Safety Division of IGCAR for in vivo monitoring of actinides. The various parameters of PSD electronics were optimised to achieve efficient background reduction in low-energy regions. The PSD with optimised parameters has reduced steel room background from 9.5 to 0.28 cps in the 17 keV region and 5.8 to 0.3 cps in the 60 keV region. The Figure of Merit for the timing spectrum of the system is 3.0. The true signal loss due to PSD was found to be less than 2 %. The phoswich system was calibrated with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory realistic chest phantom loaded with (241)Am activity tagged lung set. Calibration factors for varying chest wall composition and chest wall thickness in terms of muscle equivalent chest wall thickness were established. (241)Am activity in the JAERI phantom which was received as a part of IAEA inter-comparison exercise was estimated. This paper presents the optimisation of PSD electronics and the salient results of the calibration.

Application of the adjoint optimisation of shock control bump for ONERA-M6 wing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nejati, A.; Mazaheri, K.

2017-11-01

This article is devoted to the numerical investigation of the shock wave/boundary layer interaction (SWBLI) as the main factor influencing the aerodynamic performance of transonic bumped airfoils and wings. The numerical analysis is conducted for the ONERA-M6 wing through a shock control bump (SCB) shape optimisation process using the adjoint optimisation method. SWBLI is analyzed for both clean and bumped airfoils and wings, and it is shown how the modified wave structure originating from upstream of the SCB reduces the wave drag, by improving the boundary layer velocity profile downstream of the shock wave. The numerical simulation of the turbulent viscous flow and a gradient-based adjoint algorithm are used to find the optimum location and shape of the SCB for the ONERA-M6 airfoil and wing. Two different geometrical models are introduced for the 3D SCB, one with linear variations, and another with periodic variations. Both configurations result in drag reduction and improvement in the aerodynamic efficiency, but the periodic model is more effective. Although the three-dimensional flow structure involves much more complexities, the overall results are shown to be similar to the two-dimensional case.

Alkaline dehydration of anion-exchanged human urine: Volume reduction, nutrient recovery and process optimisation.

PubMed

Simha, Prithvi; Senecal, Jenna; Nordin, Annika; Lalander, Cecilia; Vinnerås, Björn

2018-06-02

In urine-separating sanitation systems, bacterial urease enzymes can hydrolyse urea to ammonia during the pipe transport and storage of urine. The present study investigated whether it was possible to reduce the urine volume without losing the nitrogen as ammonia. A method for stabilising the urine prior to dehydration was developed. Briefly, fresh human urine was stabilised by passage through an anion-exchanger, added to an alkaline media (wood ash or alkalised biochar), and dehydrated. Urine dehydration was investigated at three temperatures: 40, 45 and 50 °C. The influence of various factors affecting the dehydration process was modelled and the rate of urine dehydration was optimised. Results indicated that 75% (v/v) of the urine has to pass through the ion-exchanger for alkaline stabilisation of urine to occur. At all investigated temperatures, the dehydrator accomplished >90% volume reduction of ion-exchanged urine, > 70% N retention and 100% recovery of P and K. To realise high degree of nutrient valorisation, this study proposes combining source-separation of human urine with alkaline dehydration. Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Random matrix theory filters and currency portfolio optimisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Daly, J.; Crane, M.; Ruskin, H. J.

2010-04-01

Random matrix theory (RMT) filters have recently been shown to improve the optimisation of financial portfolios. This paper studies the effect of three RMT filters on realised portfolio risk, using bootstrap analysis and out-of-sample testing. We considered the case of a foreign exchange and commodity portfolio, weighted towards foreign exchange, and consisting of 39 assets. This was intended to test the limits of RMT filtering, which is more obviously applicable to portfolios with larger numbers of assets. We considered both equally and exponentially weighted covariance matrices, and observed that, despite the small number of assets involved, RMT filters reduced risk in a way that was consistent with a much larger S&P 500 portfolio. The exponential weightings indicated showed good consistency with the value suggested by Riskmetrics, in contrast to previous results involving stocks. This decay factor, along with the low number of past moves preferred in the filtered, equally weighted case, displayed a trend towards models which were reactive to recent market changes. On testing portfolios with fewer assets, RMT filtering provided less or no overall risk reduction. In particular, no long term out-of-sample risk reduction was observed for a portfolio consisting of 15 major currencies and commodities.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kakoniti, Androula; Georgiou, Gregoria; Neophytou, Marina

Two-dimensional steady-state simulations have been performed using the standard k-e turbulence model coupled with the heat transfer models available in the CFD software FLUENT 6.1, in order to examine the impact of radiation on the Urban Heat Island phenomenon. Specifically, the impact of radiation in three typical urban areas of Cyprus during the summer period is examined. The first geometry considered represents a typical suburban area and is termed as the reference geometry. The second geometry represents an area at the centre of a town with higher buildings and relatively narrower roads. The third geometry, on the other hand, describesmore » a suburban area with wider roads and larger houses than the reference model. Computed values for air temperature in the urban street canyon have indicated that the increase in temperature associated with radiative heat transfer can be reduced by optimising the canyon geometry and, ultimately, help to mitigate the human thermal discomfort. The present study has also revealed that the selection of construction materials can be optimised to offer further reductions in the air temperature of the urban environment. It can be concluded that the combined effect of these remedies can lead to reductions in the energy consumption for building air-conditioning over the summer period.« less

Une alternative au cobalt pour la synthese de nanotubes de carbone monoparoi par plasma inductif thermique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carrier, Jean-Francois

Les nanotubes de carbone de type monoparoi (C-SWNT) sont une classe recente de nanomateriaux qui ont fait leur apparition en 1991. L'interet qu'on leur accorde provient des nombreuses proprietes d'avant-plan qu'ils possedent. Leur resistance mecanique serait des plus rigide, tout comme ils peuvent conduire l'electricite et la chaleur d'une maniere inegalee. Non moins, les C-SWNT promettent de devenir une nouvelle classe de plateforme moleculaire, en servant de site d'attache pour des groupements reactifs. Les promesses de ce type particulier de nanomateriau sont nombreuses, la question aujourd'hui est de comment les realiser. La technologie de synthese par plasma inductif thermique se situe avantageusement pour la qualite de ses produits, sa productivite et les faibles couts d'operation. Par contre, des recherches recentes ont permis de mettre en lumiere des risques d'expositions reliees a l'utilisation du cobalt, comme catalyseur de synthese; son elimination ou bien son remplacement est devenu une preoccupation importante. Quatre recettes alternatives ont ete mises a l'essai afin de trouver une alternative plus securitaire a la recette de base; un melange catalytique ternaire, compose de nickel, de cobalt et d'oxyde d'yttrium. La premiere consiste essentiellement a remplacer la proportion massique de cobalt par du nickel, qui etait deja present dans la recette de base. Les trois options suivantes contiennent de nouveaux catalyseurs, en remplacement au Co, qui sont apparus dans plusieurs recherches scientifiques au courant des dernieres annees: le dioxyde de zircone (ZrO2), dioxyde de manganese (MnO2) et le molybdene (Mo). La methode utilisee consiste a vaporiser la matiere premiere, sous forme solide, dans un reacteur plasma a haute frequence (3 MHz) a paroi refroidi. Apres le passage dans le plasma, le systeme traverse une section dite de "croissance", isolee thermiquement a l'aide de graphite, afin de maintenir une certaine plage de temperature favorable a la synthese de C-SWNT. Le produit final est par la suite recolte sur des filtres metalliques poreux, une fois le systeme mis a l'arret. Dans un premier temps, une analyse thermodynamique, calculee avec le logiciel Fact-Sage, a permis de mettre en lumiere l'etat des differentes produits et reactifs, tout au long de leur passage dans le systeme. Elle a permis de reveler la similitude de composition de la phase liquide du melange catalytique ternaire de base, avec celui du melange binaire, avec nickel et oxyde d'yttrium. Par la suite, une analyse du bilan d'energie, a l'aide d'un systeme d'acquisition de donnees, a permis de determiner que les conditions operatoires des cinq echantillons mis a l'essai etaient similaires. Au total, le produit final a ete caracterise a l'aide de six methodes de caracterisations differentes : l'analyse thermogravimetrique, la diffraction de rayons X, la microscopie electronique a balayage a haute resolution (HRSEM), la microscopie electronique a transmission (MET), la spectroscopie RAMAN, ainsi que la mesure de la surface specifique (BET). Les resultats de ces analyses ont permis de constater, de facon coherente, que le melange a base de molybdene etait celui qui produisait la moins bonne qualite de produit. Ensuite, en ordre croissant, s'en suivait du melange a base de MnO2 et de ZrO2. Le melange de reference, a base de cobalt, est au deuxieme rang en matiere de qualite. La palme revient au melange binaire, dont la proportion est double en nickel. Les resultats de ce travail de recherche permettent d'affirmer qu'il existe une alternative performante au cobalt pour effectuer la synthese de nanotubes de carbone monoparoi, par plasma inductif thermique. Cette alternative est l'utilisation d'un melange catalytique binaire a base de nickel et d'oxyde d'yttrium. Il est suggere que les performances plus faibles des recettes alternatives, moins performantes, pourraient etre expliquees par le profil thermique fixe du reacteur. Ceci pourrait favoriser certains melanges, au detriment des autres, qui possedent des proprietes thermodynamiques differentes. Le montage, l'equipement, ainsi que les parametres d'operations, pourraient etre modifies en fonction de ces catalyseurs afin d'optimiser la synthese. Mots cles : nanotubes de carbone mono paroi, plasma inductif thermique, cobalt, nickel, dioxyde de zirconium, dioxyde de manganese, molybdene, trioxyde d'yttrium et noir de carbone

Reduction of In-Stent Restenosis by Cholesteryl Ester Transfer Protein Inhibition.

PubMed

Wu, Ben J; Li, Yue; Ong, Kwok L; Sun, Yidan; Shrestha, Sudichhya; Hou, Liming; Johns, Douglas; Barter, Philip J; Rye, Kerry-Anne

2017-12-01

Angioplasty and stent implantation, the most common treatment for atherosclerotic lesions, have a significant failure rate because of restenosis. This study asks whether increasing plasma high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels by inhibiting cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity with the anacetrapib analog, des-fluoro-anacetrapib, prevents stent-induced neointimal hyperplasia. New Zealand White rabbits received normal chow or chow supplemented with 0.14% (wt/wt) des-fluoro-anacetrapib for 6 weeks. Iliac artery endothelial denudation and bare metal steel stent deployment were performed after 2 weeks of des-fluoro-anacetrapib treatment. The animals were euthanized 4 weeks poststent deployment. Relative to control, dietary supplementation with des-fluoro-anacetrapib reduced plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity and increased plasma apolipoprotein A-I and HDL cholesterol levels by 53±6.3% and 120±19%, respectively. Non-HDL cholesterol levels were unaffected. Des-fluoro-anacetrapib treatment reduced the intimal area of the stented arteries by 43±5.6% ( P <0.001), the media area was unchanged, and the arterial lumen area increased by 12±2.4% ( P <0.05). Des-fluoro-anacetrapib treatment inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by 41±4.5% ( P <0.001). Incubation of isolated HDLs from des-fluoro-anacetrapib-treated animals with human aortic smooth muscle cells at apolipoprotein A-I concentrations comparable to their plasma levels inhibited cell proliferation and migration. These effects were dependent on scavenger receptor-B1, the adaptor protein PDZ domain-containing protein 1, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt activation. HDLs from des-fluoro-anacetrapib-treated animals also inhibited proinflammatory cytokine-induced human aortic smooth muscle cell proliferation and stent-induced vascular inflammation. Inhibiting cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity in New Zealand White rabbits with iliac artery balloon injury and stent deployment increases HDL levels, inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, and reduces neointimal hyperplasia in an scavenger receptor-B1, PDZ domain-containing protein 1- and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt-dependent manner. © 2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Persistently Altered Epigenetic Marks in the Mouse Uterus After Neonatal Estrogen Exposure

PubMed Central

Jefferson, Wendy N.; Chevalier, Dominique M.; Phelps, Jazma Y.; Cantor, Amy M.; Padilla-Banks, Elizabeth; Newbold, Retha R.; Archer, Trevor K.; Kinyamu, H. Karimi

2013-01-01

Neonatal exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) causes permanent alterations in female reproductive tract gene expression, infertility, and uterine cancer in mice. To determine whether epigenetic mechanisms could explain these phenotypes, we first tested whether DES altered uterine expression of chromatin-modifying proteins. DES treatment significantly reduced expression of methylcytosine dioxygenase TET oncogene family, member 1 (TET1) on postnatal day 5; this decrease was correlated with a subtle decrease in DNA 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in adults. There were also significant reductions in histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), histone lysine acetyltransferase 2A (KAT2A), and histone deacetylases HDAC1, HDAC2, and HDAC3. Uterine chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to analyze the locus-specific association of modified histones with 2 genes, lactoferrin (Ltf) and sine oculis homeobox 1 (Six1), which are permanently upregulated in adults after neonatal DES treatment. Three histone modifications associated with active transcription, histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation (H3K9ac), H3 lysine 4 trimethylation (H3K4me3), and H4 lysine 5 acetylation (H4K5ac) were enriched at specific Ltf promoter regions after DES treatment, but this enrichment was not maintained in adults. H3K9ac, H4K5ac, and H3K4me3 were enriched at Six1 exon 1 immediately after neonatal DES treatment. As adults, DES-treated mice had greater differences in H4K5ac and H3K4me3 occupancy at Six1 exon 1 and new differences in these histone marks at an upstream region. These findings indicate that neonatal DES exposure temporarily alters expression of multiple chromatin-modifying proteins and persistently alters epigenetic marks in the adult uterus at the Six1 locus, suggesting a mechanism for developmental exposures leading to altered reproductive function and increased cancer risk. PMID:24002655

Estrogen-Induced Maldevelopment of the Penis Involves Down-Regulation of Myosin Heavy Chain 11 (MYH11) Expression, a Biomarker for Smooth Muscle Cell Differentiation1

PubMed Central

Okumu, L.A.; Bruinton, Sequoia; Braden, Tim D.; Simon, Liz; Goyal, Hari O.

2012-01-01

ABSTRACT Cavernous smooth muscle cells are essential components in penile erection. In this study, we investigated effects of estrogen exposure on biomarkers for smooth muscle cell differentiation in the penis. Neonatal rats received diethylstilbestrol (DES), with or without the estrogen receptor (ESR) antagonist ICI 182,780 (ICI) or the androgen receptor (AR) agonist dihydrotestosterone (DHT), from Postnatal Days 1 to 6. Tissues were collected at 7, 10, or 21 days of age. The smooth muscle cell biomarker MYH11 was studied in depth because microarray data showed it was significantly down-regulated, along with other biomarkers, in DES treatment. Quantitative real time-PCR and Western blot analyses showed 50%–80% reduction (P ≤ 0.05) in Myh11 expression in DES-treated rats compared to that in controls; and ICI and DHT coadministration mitigated the decrease. Temporally, from 7 to 21 days of age, Myh11 expression was onefold increased (P ≥ 0.05) in DES-treated rats versus threefold increased (P ≤ 0.001) in controls, implying the long-lasting inhibitory effect of DES on smooth muscle cell differentiation. Immunohistochemical localization of smooth muscle alpha actin, another biomarker for smooth muscle cell differentiation, showed fewer cavernous smooth muscle cells in DES-treated animals than in controls. Additionally, DES treatment significantly up-regulated Esr1 mRNA expression and suppressed the neonatal testosterone surge by 90%, which was mitigated by ICI coadministration but not by DHT coadministration. Collectively, results provided evidence that DES treatment in neonatal rats inhibited cavernous smooth muscle cell differentiation, as shown by down-regulation of MYH11 expression at the mRNA and protein levels and by reduced immunohistochemical staining of smooth muscle alpha actin. Both the ESR and the AR pathways probably mediate this effect. PMID:22976277

Comparison of the long-term safety and efficacy of drug-eluting and bare-metal stent implantation in saphenous vein grafts.

PubMed

Latib, Azeem; Ferri, Luca; Ielasi, Alfonso; Cosgrave, John; Godino, Cosmo; Bonizzoni, Erminio; Romagnoli, Enrico; Chieffo, Alaide; Valgimigli, Marco; Penzo, Carlo; Carlino, Mauro; Michev, Iassen; Sangiorgi, Giuseppe M; Montorfano, Matteo; Airoldi, Flavio; Colombo, Antonio

2010-06-01

Concerns about the long-term safety of drug-eluting stents (DES) in saphenous vein grafts has become an area of controversy and uncertainty. In this retrospective registry, we compared the outcomes in 127 patients (143 lesions) treated with DES from April 2002 to June 2006 (DES group) with 131 patients (160 lesions) treated with bare-metal stents in the preceding 36 months (bare-metal stent group). End points analyzed were cumulative death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization at 2 years after stent implantation. The DES group was significantly (P<0.05) more complex with a greater frequency of diabetes (33.1%versus 15.3%), older grafts (11.6+/-5.3 years versus 9.6+/-5.2 years), restenotic lesions (23.8% versus 4.4%), total occlusions (7.7% versus 1.2%), and smaller grafts (3.16+/-0.66 mm versus 3.44+/-0.76 mm) treated with longer stents (34.1+/-25.1 mm versus 22.7+/-11.6 mm). At 2 years, there was no statistical difference in death (8.7% versus 7.8%), myocardial infarction (6.3% versus 9.4%), or target vessel revascularization (19.7% versus 24.2%) between DES and bare-metal stents, respectively. A propensity analysis to adjust for baseline differences suggested that there was no observed association between DES and increased mortality (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.21 to 2.44; P=0.60) but possibly an association with a reduction in target vessel revascularization (hazard ratio, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.66; P=0.002). Despite being implanted in patients and lesions more complex than the bare-metal stent group, there was no observed association between DES implantation in saphenous vein grafts and an increase in late mortality. DES may maintain their efficacy in reducing revascularization rates in diseased saphenous vein grafts over a 2-year follow-up period.

The Effect of Cilostazol on the Angiographic Outcome of Drug-Eluting Coronary Stents Angiographic Analysis of the CILON-T (Influence of CILostazol-Based Triple Antiplatelet Therapy ON Ischemi Complication after Drug-Eluting StenT Implantation) Trial.

PubMed

Suh, Jung-Won; Lee, Seung-Pyo; Park, KyungWoo; Kang, Hyun-Jae; Koo, Bon-Kwon; Cho, Young-Seok; Youn, Tae-Jin; Chae, In-Ho; Choi, Dong-Ju; Rha, Seung-Woon; Bae, Jang-Ho; Kwon, Taek-Geun; Bae, Jang-Whan; Cho, Myeong-Chan; Kim, Hyo-Soo

2017-12-12

It is not clear if anti-restonotic effect of cilostazol is consistent for different types of drug-eluting stents (DES).The purpose of this study was to compare the anti-proliferative effect of cilostazol between DAT and TAT with consideration of confounding influences of DES type.Nine hundred and fifteen patients were randomized to either dual antiplatelet therapy (DAT; aspirin and clopidogrel) or triple antiplatelet therapy (TAT; aspirin, clopidogrel, and cilostazol) in the previous CILON-T trial. After excluding 70 patients who received both or neither stents, we analyzed 845 patients who received exclusively PES or ZES, and compared in-stent late loss at 6 months between both antiplatelet regimens (DAT versus TAT).Baseline angiographic and clinical characteristics were similar between the DAT (656 lesions in 425 patients) and the TAT group (600 lesions in 420 patients). The 6-month follow-up angiography was completed in 745 patients (88.2%). Quantitative coronary angiography showed that TAT significantly reduced in-stent late loss (DAT 0.62 ± 0.62 mm versus TAT 0.54 ± 0.49 mm, P = 0.015). Stent type, diabetes or lesion length did not interact with difference of late loss. However, reduction of late loss by cilostazol did not lead to a significant reduction in the rate of target lesion revascularization (TLR) (DAT 7.8% versus TAT 6.9%, P = 0.69) due to a nonlinear relationship found between late loss and TLR.The TAT group showed less in-stent late loss as compared to the DAT group. This was consistently observed regardless of DES type, lesion length, or diabetic status. However, reduction of late loss by cilostazol did not lead to a significant reduction in TLR.

Disease activity-guided dose optimisation of adalimumab and etanercept is a cost-effective strategy compared with non-tapering tight control rheumatoid arthritis care: analyses of the DRESS study.

PubMed

Kievit, Wietske; van Herwaarden, Noortje; van den Hoogen, Frank Hj; van Vollenhoven, Ronald F; Bijlsma, Johannes Wj; van den Bemt, Bart Jf; van der Maas, Aatke; den Broeder, Alfons A

2016-11-01

A disease activity-guided dose optimisation strategy of adalimumab or etanercept (TNFi (tumour necrosis factor inhibitors)) has shown to be non-inferior in maintaining disease control in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with usual care. However, the cost-effectiveness of this strategy is still unknown. This is a preplanned cost-effectiveness analysis of the Dose REduction Strategy of Subcutaneous TNF inhibitors (DRESS) study, a randomised controlled, open-label, non-inferiority trial performed in two Dutch rheumatology outpatient clinics. Patients with low disease activity using TNF inhibitors were included. Total healthcare costs were measured and quality adjusted life years (QALY) were based on EQ5D utility scores. Decremental cost-effectiveness analyses were performed using bootstrap analyses; incremental net monetary benefit (iNMB) was used to express cost-effectiveness. 180 patients were included, and 121 were allocated to the dose optimisation strategy and 59 to control. The dose optimisation strategy resulted in a mean cost saving of -€12 280 (95 percentile -€10 502; -€14 104) per patient per 18 months. There is an 84% chance that the dose optimisation strategy results in a QALY loss with a mean QALY loss of -0.02 (-0.07 to 0.02). The decremental cost-effectiveness ratio (DCER) was €390 493 (€5 085 184; dominant) of savings per QALY lost. The mean iNMB was €10 467 (€6553-€14 037). Sensitivity analyses using 30% and 50% lower prices for TNFi remained cost-effective. Disease activity-guided dose optimisation of TNFi results in considerable cost savings while no relevant loss of quality of life was observed. When the minimal QALY loss is compensated with the upper limit of what society is willing to pay or accept in the Netherlands, the net savings are still high. NTR3216; Post-results. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Modelling of enterobacterial loads to the Baie des Veys (Normandy, France).

PubMed

Lafforgue, Michel; Gerard, Laure; Vieillard, Celine; Breton, Marguerite

2018-06-01

The Baie des Veys (Normandy, France) has abundant stocks of shellfish (oyster and cockle farms). Water quality in the bay is affected by pollutant inputs from a 3500 km 2 watershed and notably occasional episodes of contamination by faecal coliforms. In order to characterise enterobacterial loads and develop a plan of action to improve the quality of seawater and shellfish in the bay, a two-stage modelling procedure was adopted. This focused on Escherichia coli and included a catchment model describing the E. coli releases, and the transport and die-off of this bacteria up to the coast. The output from this model then served as input for a marine model used to determine the concentration of E. coli in seawater. A total 60 scenarios were tested, including different wind, tidal, rainfall and temperature conditions and accidental pollution events, for both current situations and future scenarios. The modelling results highlighted the impact of rainfall on E. coli loadings to the sea, as well as the effects of sluice gates and tidal cycles, which dictated the use of an hourly timescale for the modelling process. The coupled models also made it possible to identify the origin of these enterobacteria as found in shellfish harvesting areas, both in terms of the contributing watercourses and the sources of contamination of those watercourses. The tool can accordingly be used to optimise remedial action. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Steady and Transient Performance Prediction of Gas Turbine Engines Held in Cambridge, Massachusetts on 27-28 May 1992; in Neubiberg, Germany on 9-10 June 1992; and in Chatillon/Bagneux, France on 11-12 June 1992 (Prediction des Performances des Moteurs a Turbine a Gaz en Regimes Etabli et Transitoire)

DTIC Science & Technology

1992-05-01

the basis of gas generator speed implies both reduction in centrifugal stress and turbine inlet temperature . Calculations yield the values of all...and Transient Performance Calculation Method for Prediction, Analysis 3 and Identification by J.-P. Duponchel, J.I oisy and R.Carrillo Component...thrust changes without over- temperature or flame out. Comprehensive mathematical models of the complete power plant (intake-gas generator -exhaust) plus

Réduction in situ des ions nitrate dans des eaux par les bactéries indigènes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelouas, Abdesselam; Deng, Lijun; Nuttall, Eric; Lutze, Werner; Fritz, Bertrand; Crovisier, Jean-Louis

1999-02-01

We studied the possibility of cleaning groundwater contaminated with nitrate ions using indigenous bacteria. The groundwater occurs in a site located near a former vegetable farm near Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA) and contains up to 500 mg·L -1 of nitrate ion. Batch and column experiments using groundwater and local sediment showed that indigenous bacteria catalyzed the nitrate ions reduction. Sodium acetate was selected as the best carbon source for the in situ application. As expected, the best conditions for denitrification were encountered in situ. Nitrate ions and their byproducts were reduced to nitrogen gas within 5 days.

Isotopic micro generators 1 volt; Les microgenerateurs radioisotopiques 1 volt (in French)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bomal, R.; Devin, B.; Delaquaize, P.

1969-07-01

Various configurations for electrical isotopic generators in the milliwatt range are investigated; these generators are not of the classical thermoelectric type. The four following energy conversion method are examined : thermionic, thermo-photovoltaic, radio-voltaic, wired thermoelectric. The calculus has been conducted having in view not the best energy conversion efficiency, but the need to attain directly 1 volt output voltage. High temperature {sup 238}Pu sources (T above 1000 ) are isolated by multi layer thermal insulation material of the Moly/Alumina type. Optimised application is given for number 1 and 2 here above. Thermionic is interesting by its compactness and Wired-thermoelectric ismore » cheap, simple and rugged. Both method do not allow to extend output voltage range far above 1 volt. TPV and RV, can be designed for multi volt application. Radio-voltaic is 1 per cent efficient but irradiation defects in the semiconductor induced by high energy radiations can strongly limit the lifetime of the generator. Isotope sources technology is the determining factor for these micro generators. (author) [French] Cette etude examine les types de generateurs electriques realisables a partir de sources isotopiques en dehors du procede thermoelectrique classique. Les quatre procedes suivants sont examines: thermoionique, thermophoto-voltaique, radiovoltaique, thermoelectrique a fils. Les calculs sont conduits sans souci exagere du rendement de conversion pour aboutir a une puissance electrique delivree de 0,2 a 1 mW sous une tension au moins egale a 1 volt. Le probleme des sources thermiques de {sup 238}Pu a haute temperature (T > 1000 C) est resolu avec une isolation a structure multi-couche moly-alumine. L'optimalisation est calculee en vue d'une utilisation dans les procedes 1 et 2. Le procede 1 est interessant par sa compacite et le procede 4 par sa simplicite, sa robustesse et son prix de revient; mais avec ces deux generateurs on ne peut obtenir plus d'un volt en charge. Les procedes 2 et 3 peuvent delivrer des tensions de plusieurs volts. Le radiovoltaique donne des rendements de 1 pour cent, mais la creation de defauts dans le reseau cristallin du semiconducteur avec les particules de grande energie peut limiter son utilisation. Les performances de ces differents modes de conversion sont conditionnees avant tout par les technologies des sources isotopiques. (auteur)« less

Analyse des interactions energetiques entre un arena et son systeme de refrigeration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seghouani, Lotfi

La presente these s'inscrit dans le cadre d'un projet strategique sur les arenas finance par le CRSNG (Conseil de Recherche en Sciences Naturelles et en Genie du Canada) qui a pour but principal le developpement d'un outil numerique capable d'estimer et d'optimiser la consommation d'energie dans les arenas et curlings. Notre travail s'inscrit comme une suite a un travail deja realise par DAOUD et coll. (2006, 2007) qui a developpe un modele 3D (AIM) en regime transitoire de l'arena Camilien Houde a Montreal et qui calcule les flux de chaleur a travers l'enveloppe du batiment ainsi que les distributions de temperatures et d'humidite durant une annee meteorologique typique. En particulier, il calcule les flux de chaleur a travers la couche de glace dus a la convection, la radiation et la condensation. Dans un premier temps nous avons developpe un modele de la structure sous la glace (BIM) qui tient compte de sa geometrie 3D, des differentes couches, de l'effet transitoire, des gains de chaleur du sol en dessous et autour de l'arena etudie ainsi que de la temperature d'entree de la saumure dans la dalle de beton. Par la suite le BIM a ete couple le AIM. Dans la deuxieme etape, nous avons developpe un modele du systeme de refrigeration (REFSYS) en regime quasi-permanent pour l'arena etudie sur la base d'une combinaison de relations thermodynamiques, de correlations de transfert de chaleur et de relations elaborees a partir de donnees disponibles dans le catalogue du manufacturier. Enfin le couplage final entre l'AIM +BIM et le REFSYS a ete effectue sous l'interface du logiciel TRNSYS. Plusieurs etudes parametriques on ete entreprises pour evaluer les effets du climat, de la temperature de la saumure, de l'epaisseur de la glace, etc. sur la consommation energetique de l'arena. Aussi, quelques strategies pour diminuer cette consommation ont ete etudiees. Le considerable potentiel de recuperation de chaleur au niveau des condenseurs qui peut reduire l'energie requise par le systeme de ventilation de l'arena a ete mis en evidence. Mots cles. Arena, Systeme de refrigeration, Consommation d'energie, Efficacite energetique, Conduction au sol, Performance annuelle.

ATLAS software configuration and build tool optimisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rybkin, Grigory; Atlas Collaboration

2014-06-01

ATLAS software code base is over 6 million lines organised in about 2000 packages. It makes use of some 100 external software packages, is developed by more than 400 developers and used by more than 2500 physicists from over 200 universities and laboratories in 6 continents. To meet the challenge of configuration and building of this software, the Configuration Management Tool (CMT) is used. CMT expects each package to describe its build targets, build and environment setup parameters, dependencies on other packages in a text file called requirements, and each project (group of packages) to describe its policies and dependencies on other projects in a text project file. Based on the effective set of configuration parameters read from the requirements files of dependent packages and project files, CMT commands build the packages, generate the environment for their use, or query the packages. The main focus was on build time performance that was optimised within several approaches: reduction of the number of reads of requirements files that are now read once per package by a CMT build command that generates cached requirements files for subsequent CMT build commands; introduction of more fine-grained build parallelism at package task level, i.e., dependent applications and libraries are compiled in parallel; code optimisation of CMT commands used for build; introduction of package level build parallelism, i. e., parallelise the build of independent packages. By default, CMT launches NUMBER-OF-PROCESSORS build commands in parallel. The other focus was on CMT commands optimisation in general that made them approximately 2 times faster. CMT can generate a cached requirements file for the environment setup command, which is especially useful for deployment on distributed file systems like AFS or CERN VMFS. The use of parallelism, caching and code optimisation significantly-by several times-reduced software build time, environment setup time, increased the efficiency of multi-core computing resources utilisation, and considerably improved software developer and user experience.

Energy and wear optimisation of train longitudinal dynamics and of traction and braking systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conti, R.; Galardi, E.; Meli, E.; Nocciolini, D.; Pugi, L.; Rindi, A.

2015-05-01

Traction and braking systems deeply affect longitudinal train dynamics, especially when an extensive blending phase among different pneumatic, electric and magnetic devices is required. The energy and wear optimisation of longitudinal vehicle dynamics has a crucial economic impact and involves several engineering problems such as wear of braking friction components, energy efficiency, thermal load on components, level of safety under degraded or adhesion conditions (often constrained by the current regulation in force on signalling or other safety-related subsystem). In fact, the application of energy storage systems can lead to an efficiency improvement of at least 10% while, as regards the wear reduction, the improvement due to distributed traction systems and to optimised traction devices can be quantified in about 50%. In this work, an innovative integrated procedure is proposed by the authors to optimise longitudinal train dynamics and traction and braking manoeuvres in terms of both energy and wear. The new approach has been applied to existing test cases and validated with experimental data provided by Breda and, for some components and their homologation process, the results of experimental activities derive from cooperation performed with relevant industrial partners such as Trenitalia and Italcertifer. In particular, simulation results are referred to the simulation tests performed on a high-speed train (Ansaldo Breda Emu V250) and on a tram (Ansaldo Breda Sirio Tram). The proposed approach is based on a modular simulation platform in which the sub-models corresponding to different subsystems can be easily customised, depending on the considered application, on the availability of technical data and on the homologation process of different components.

Control of a flexible link by shaping the closed loop frequency response function through optimised feedback filters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Del Vescovo, D.; D'Ambrogio, W.

1995-01-01

A frequency domain method is presented to design a closed-loop control for vibration reduction flexible mechanisms. The procedure is developed on a single-link flexible arm, driven by one rotary degree of freedom servomotor, although the same technique may be applied to similar systems such as supports for aerospace antennae or solar panels. The method uses the structural frequency response functions (FRFs), thus avoiding system identification, that produces modeling uncertainties. Two closed-loops are implemented: the inner loop uses acceleration feedback with the aim of making the FRF similar to that of an equivalent rigid link; the outer loop feeds back displacements to achieve a fast positioning response and null steady state error. In both cases, the controller type is established a priori, while actual characteristics are defined by an optimisation procedure in which the relevant FRF is constrained into prescribed bounds and stability is taken into account.

Moteurs piézo-électriques à onde progressive : I. Modélisation de la conversion d'énergie mécanique à l'interface stator/rotor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Minotti, P.; Le Moal, P.; Buchaillot, L.; Ferreira, A.

1996-10-01

The modeling of traveling wave type piezoelectric motors involves a large variety of mechanical and physical phenomena and therefore leads to numerous approaches and models. The latter, mainly based on phenomenological and numerical (based on Finite Element Method) analyses, are not suitable for current objectives oriented toward the development of efficient C.A.D. tools. As a result, an attempt is done to investigate analytical approaches, in order to theoretically model the mechanical energy conversion at the stator/rotor interface. This paper is the first in a serie of three articles devoted to the modeling of such rotative motors. After a short description of the operating principles specific to the piezomotors, the mechanical and tribological assumptions made for the driving mechanism of the rotor are briefly described. Then it is shown that the kinematic and dynamic modeling of the stator, combined with the static representation of the stator/rotor interface, gives an efficient way in order to perform the calculation of the loading characteristics of the driving shaft. Finally, the specifications of a new software named C.A.S.I.M.M.I.R.E., which has been recently developed on the basis of our earlier mechanical modeling, are described. In the last of these three papers, the theoretical simulations performed on SHINSEI Japanese motors will show to be close to the experimental data and that the results reported in this paper will lead to the structural optimization of future traveling wave ultrasonic motors. La modélisation des moteurs piézo-électriques à onde progressive implique une grande variété de phénomènes physiques et mécaniques. Cette variété conduit à des approches et modèles tout aussi nombreux et variés, qui reposent principalement sur des analyses phénoménologiques et numériques (Méthode Élements Finis), et ne permettent pas de répondre aux éxigences actuelles concernant le développement d'outils C.A.O. performants. Cette nécessité nous a conduits à développer une modélisation théorique analytique de la conversion d'énergie à l'interface stator/rotor. Ce papier est le premier d'une série de trois articles consacrés à la modélisation des moteurs piézo-électriques rotatifs. Après une rapide description des principes de fonctionnement de ces piézomoteurs, les hypothèses mécaniques et tribologiques concernant le mécanisme d'entraînement du rotor sont énoncées succinctement. On démontre ensuite que la modélisation cinématique et dynamique du stator, combinée à une représentation statique du comportement à l'interface stator/rotor, autorise l'évaluation des caractéristiques en charge des moteurs à onde progressive. Enfin, le logiciel baptisé C.A.S.I.M.M.I.R.E., récemment développé sur la base de la modélisation mécanique précédente, est présenté puis testé. Dans le dernier article de cette série, nous confirmerons la validité des simulations théoriques issues de ce logiciel, à partir de la caractérisation expérimentale de moteurs japonais de la firme SHINSEI. Ce nouveau logiciel constitue d'ores et déjà un outil performant en vue de l'optimisation des futurs moteurs à onde progressive, et a déjà fait l'objet d'une première exploitation en milieu industriel.

Early changes in cytokine expression in peste des petits ruminants disease.

PubMed

Baron, Jana; Bin-Tarif, Abdelghani; Herbert, Rebecca; Frost, Lorraine; Taylor, Geraldine; Baron, Michael D

2014-02-22

Peste des petits ruminants is a viral disease of sheep and goats that has spread through most of Africa as well as the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent. Although, the spread of the disease and its economic impact has made it a focus of international concern, relatively little is known about the nature of the disease itself. We have studied the early stages of pathogenesis in goats infected with six different isolates of Peste des petits ruminants virus representing all four known lineages of the virus. No lineage-specific difference in the pathogenicity of the virus isolates was observed, although there was evidence that even small numbers of cell culture passages could affect the degree of pathogenicity of an isolate. A consistent reduction in CD4+ T cells was observed at 4 days post infection (dpi). Measurement of the expression of various cytokines showed elements of a classic inflammatory response but also a relatively early induction of interleukin 10, which may be contributing to the observed disease.

Efficacy of an Optimised Bacteriophage Cocktail to Clear Clostridium difficile in a Batch Fermentation Model

PubMed Central

Nale, Janet Y.; Redgwell, Tamsin A.; Millard, Andrew; Clokie, Martha R. J.

2018-01-01

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a major cause of infectious diarrhea. Conventional antibiotics are not universally effective for all ribotypes, and can trigger dysbiosis, resistance and recurrent infection. Thus, novel therapeutics are needed to replace and/or supplement the current antibiotics. Here, we describe the activity of an optimised 4-phage cocktail to clear cultures of a clinical ribotype 014/020 strain in fermentation vessels spiked with combined fecal slurries from four healthy volunteers. After 5 h, we observed ~6-log reductions in C. difficile abundance in the prophylaxis regimen and complete C. difficile eradication after 24 h following prophylactic or remedial regimens. Viability assays revealed that commensal enterococci, bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, total anaerobes, and enterobacteria were not affected by either regimens, but a ~2-log increase in the enterobacteria, lactobacilli, and total anaerobe abundance was seen in the phage-only-treated vessel compared to other treatments. The impact of the phage treatments on components of the microbiota was further assayed using metagenomic analysis. Together, our data supports the therapeutic application of our optimised phage cocktail to treat CDI. Also, the increase in specific commensals observed in the phage-treated control could prevent further colonisation of C. difficile, and thus provide protection from infection being able to establish. PMID:29438355

Optimisation of composite metallic fuel for minor actinide transmutation in an accelerator-driven system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Uyttenhove, W.; Sobolev, V.; Maschek, W.

2011-09-01

A potential option for neutralization of minor actinides (MA) accumulated in spent nuclear fuel of light water reactors (LWRs) is their transmutation in dedicated accelerator-driven systems (ADS). A promising fuel candidate dedicated to MA transmutation is a CERMET composite with Mo metal matrix and (Pu, Np, Am, Cm)O 2-x fuel particles. Results of optimisation studies of the CERMET fuel targeting to increasing the MA transmutation efficiency of the EFIT (European Facility for Industrial Transmutation) core are presented. In the adopted strategy of MA burning the plutonium (Pu) balance of the core is minimized, allowing a reduction in the reactivity swing and the peak power form-factor deviation and an extension of the cycle duration. The MA/Pu ratio is used as a variable for the fuel optimisation studies. The efficiency of MA transmutation is close to the foreseen theoretical value of 42 kg TW -1 h -1 when level of Pu in the actinide mixture is about 40 wt.%. The obtained results are compared with the reference case of the EFIT core loaded with the composite CERCER fuel, where fuel particles are incorporated in a ceramic magnesia matrix. The results of this study offer additional information for the EFIT fuel selection.

Fractures in sport: Optimising their management and outcome

PubMed Central

Robertson, Greg AJ; Wood, Alexander M

2015-01-01

Fractures in sport are a specialised cohort of fracture injuries, occurring in a high functioning population, in which the goals are rapid restoration of function and return to play with the minimal symptom profile possible. While the general principles of fracture management, namely accurate fracture reduction, appropriate immobilisation and timely rehabilitation, guide the treatment of these injuries, management of fractures in athletic populations can differ significantly from those in the general population, due to the need to facilitate a rapid return to high demand activities. However, despite fractures comprising up to 10% of all of sporting injuries, dedicated research into the management and outcome of sport-related fractures is limited. In order to assess the optimal methods of treating such injuries, and so allow optimisation of their outcome, the evidence for the management of each specific sport-related fracture type requires assessment and analysis. We present and review the current evidence directing management of fractures in athletes with an aim to promote valid innovative methods and optimise the outcome of such injuries. From this, key recommendations are provided for the management of the common fracture types seen in the athlete. Six case reports are also presented to illustrate the management planning and application of sport-focussed fracture management in the clinical setting. PMID:26716081

Early life disruption to the ghrelin system with over-eating is resolved in adulthood in male rats.

PubMed

Sominsky, Luba; Ziko, Ilvana; Nguyen, Thai-Xinh; Andrews, Zane B; Spencer, Sarah J

2017-02-01

Early life overweight is a significant risk factor for developmental programming of adult obesity due to changes in the availability of metabolic factors crucial for the maturation of brain appetite-regulatory circuitry. The appetite-stimulating hormone, ghrelin, has been recently identified as a major regulator of the establishment of hypothalamic feeding pathways. Ghrelin exists in circulation in two major forms, as acylated and des-acylated ghrelin. While most research has focused on acyl ghrelin, the role of neonatal des-acyl ghrelin in metabolic programming is currently unknown. Here we assessed the influences of early life overfeeding on the ghrelin system, including acyl and des-acyl ghrelin's ability to access the hypothalamus in male rats. Our data show that early life overfeeding influences the ghrelin system short-term, leading to an acute reduction in circulating des-acyl ghrelin and increased expression of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC). These changes are associated with increased neuronal activation in response to exogenous acyl, but not des-acyl, ghrelin in the ARC and the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Interestingly, while we observed no differences in the accessibility of the ARC to acyl or des-acyl ghrelin, less exogenous acyl ghrelin reaches the PVN in the neonatally overfed. Importantly, the influences of neonatal overfeeding on the ghrelin system were not maintained into adulthood. Therefore, while early life overfeeding results in excess body weight and stimulates acute changes in the brain's sensitivity to metabolic signals, this developmental mal-programming is at least partially alleviated in adulthood. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Biological effect on drug distribution and vascular healing via paclitaxel-coated balloon technology in drug eluting stent restenosis swine model.

PubMed

Li, Yan; Tellez, Armando; Rousselle, Serge D; Dillon, Krista N; Garza, Javier A; Barry, Chris; Granada, Juan F

2016-07-01

To evaluate the biological effect of a paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB) technology on vascular drug distribution and healing in drug eluting stent restenosis (DES-ISR) swine model. The mechanism of action and healing response via PCB technology in DES-ISR is not completely understood. A total of 27 bare metal stents were implanted in coronary arteries and 30 days later the in-stent restenosis was treated with PCB. Treated segments were harvested at 1 hr, 14 days and 30 days post treatment for the pharmacokinetic analysis. In addition, 24 DES were implanted in coronary arteries for 30 days, then all DES-ISRs were treated with either PCB (n = 12) or uncoated balloon (n = 12). At day 60, vessels were harvested for histology following angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). The paclitaxel level in neointimal tissue was about 18 times higher (P = 0.0004) at 1 hr Cmax , and retained about five times higher (P = 0.008) at day 60 than that in vessel wall. A homogenous distribution of paclitaxel in ISR was demonstrated by using fluorescently labeled paclitaxel. Notably, in DES-ISR, both termination OCT and quantitative coronary angioplasty showed a significant neointimal reduction and less late lumen loss (P = 0.05 and P = 0.03, respectively) post PCB versus post uncoated balloon. The PES-ISR + PCB group displayed higher levels of peri-strut inflammation and fibrin scores compared to the -limus DES-ISR + PCB group. In ISR, paclitaxel is primarily deposited in neointimal tissue and effectively retained over time following PCB use. Despite the presence of metallic struts, a uniform distribution was characterized. PCB demonstrated an equivalent biological effect in DES-ISR without significantly increasing inflammation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Comparison of neointimal hyperplasia with drug-eluting stents versus bare metal stents in patients undergoing intracoronary bone-marrow mononuclear cell transplantation following acute myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Villa, Adolfo; Arnold, Roman; Sánchez, Pedro L; Gimeno, Federico; Ramos, Benigno; Cantero, Teresa; Fernández, Maria Eugenia; Sanz, Ricardo; Gutiérrez, Oliver; Mota, Pedro; García-Frade, Javier; San Román, José Alberto; Fernández-Avilés, Francisco

2009-06-15

The aims of this study were to assess the safety of drug-eluting stent (DES) use and to compare the incidence of in-stent restenosis (ISR) and neointimal hyperplasia formation according to the type of stent implanted (DES vs bare-metal stents [BMS]) in patients who underwent intracoronary bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation after acute ST elevation myocardial infarction. Fifty-nine patients with successfully revascularized ST elevation myocardial infarction (37 using BMS and 22 using DES) underwent paired angiographic examinations at baseline and 6 to 9 months after the intracoronary injection of 91 million +/- 56 million autologous bone marrow mononuclear cells. A subgroup of 30 patients also underwent serial intravascular ultrasound examinations. Off-line angiographic assessment showed 4 cases of binary ISR, primarily in BMS (3 cases), and no major adverse cardiac events were associated with stent type (mean follow-up period 41 +/- 10 months). At follow-up, angiographic late luminal loss was significantly lower in patients with DES than in those patients with BMS (0.35 +/- 0.66 vs 0.71 +/- 0.38 mm, p = 0.011). Multivariate analysis identified the use of DES (beta = -0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.57 to -0.26, p = 0.03) and a smaller baseline reference vessel diameter (beta = 0.29, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.54, p = 0.02) as independent predictors of lower late loss. Moreover, intravascular ultrasound showed a significant reduction of in-stent neointimal hyperplasia formation related to DES use compared with BMS use (Delta neointimal hyperplasia volume 5.4 mm(3) [95% CI 2.7 to 28.1] vs 35.9 mm(3) [95% CI 22.0 to 43.6], p = 0.035). In conclusion, these findings suggest that the use of DES is safe and may prevent ISR and neointimal hyperplasia formation in patients who undergo intracoronary bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation after a successfully revascularized ST elevation myocardial infarction.

Optimised anaerobic treatment of house-sorted biodegradable waste and slaughterhouse waste in a high loaded half technical scale digester.

PubMed

Resch, C; Grasmug, M; Smeets, W; Braun, R; Kirchmayr, R

2006-01-01

Anaerobic co-digestion of organic wastes from households, slaughterhouses and meat processing industries was optimised in a half technical scale plant. The plant was operated for 130 days using two different substrates under organic loading rates of 10 and 12 kgCOD.m(-3).d(-1). Since the substrates were rich in fat and protein components (TKN: 12 g.kg(-1) the treatment was challenging. The process was monitored on-line and in the laboratory. It was demonstrated that an intensive and stable co-digestion of partly hydrolysed organic waste and protein rich slaughterhouse waste can be achieved in the balance of inconsistent pH and buffering NH4-N. In the first experimental period the reduction of the substrate COD was almost complete in an overall stable process (COD reduction >82%). In the second period methane productivity increased, but certain intermediate products accumulated constantly. Process design options for a second digestion phase for advanced degradation were investigated. Potential causes for slow and reduced propionic and valeric acid degradation were assessed. Recommendations for full-scale process implementation can be made from the experimental results reported. The highly loaded and stable codigestion of these substrates may be a good technical and economic treatment alternative.

Optimization of Surface Roughness and Wall Thickness in Dieless Incremental Forming Of Aluminum Sheet Using Taguchi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamedon, Zamzuri; Kuang, Shea Cheng; Jaafar, Hasnulhadi; Azhari, Azmir

2018-03-01

Incremental sheet forming is a versatile sheet metal forming process where a sheet metal is formed into its final shape by a series of localized deformation without a specialised die. However, it still has many shortcomings that need to be overcome such as geometric accuracy, surface roughness, formability, forming speed, and so on. This project focus on minimising the surface roughness of aluminium sheet and improving its thickness uniformity in incremental sheet forming via optimisation of wall angle, feed rate, and step size. Besides, the effect of wall angle, feed rate, and step size to the surface roughness and thickness uniformity of aluminium sheet was investigated in this project. From the results, it was observed that surface roughness and thickness uniformity were inversely varied due to the formation of surface waviness. Increase in feed rate and decrease in step size will produce a lower surface roughness, while uniform thickness reduction was obtained by reducing the wall angle and step size. By using Taguchi analysis, the optimum parameters for minimum surface roughness and uniform thickness reduction of aluminium sheet were determined. The finding of this project helps to reduce the time in optimising the surface roughness and thickness uniformity in incremental sheet forming.

Assessing the impact of typeface design in a text-rich automotive user interface.

PubMed

Reimer, Bryan; Mehler, Bruce; Dobres, Jonathan; Coughlin, Joseph F; Matteson, Steve; Gould, David; Chahine, Nadine; Levantovsky, Vladimir

2014-01-01

Text-rich driver-vehicle interfaces are increasingly common in new vehicles, yet the effects of different typeface characteristics on task performance in this brief off-road based glance context remains sparsely examined. Subjects completed menu selection tasks while in a driving simulator. Menu text was set either in a 'humanist' or 'square grotesque' typeface. Among men, use of the humanist typeface resulted in a 10.6% reduction in total glance time as compared to the square grotesque typeface. Total response time and number of glances showed similar reductions. The impact of typeface was either more modest or not apparent for women. Error rates for both males and females were 3.1% lower for the humanist typeface. This research suggests that optimised typefaces may mitigate some interface demands. Future work will need to assess whether other typeface characteristics can be optimised to further reduce demand, improve legibility, increase usability and help meet new governmental distraction guidelines. Practitioner Summary: Text-rich in-vehicle interfaces are increasingly common, but the effects of typeface on task performance remain sparsely studied. We show that among male drivers, menu selection tasks are completed with 10.6% less visual glance time when text is displayed in a 'humanist' typeface, as compared to a 'square grotesque'.

Assessing the impact of typeface design in a text-rich automotive user interface

PubMed Central

Reimer, Bryan; Mehler, Bruce; Dobres, Jonathan; Coughlin, Joseph F.; Matteson, Steve; Gould, David; Chahine, Nadine; Levantovsky, Vladimir

2014-01-01

Text-rich driver–vehicle interfaces are increasingly common in new vehicles, yet the effects of different typeface characteristics on task performance in this brief off-road based glance context remains sparsely examined. Subjects completed menu selection tasks while in a driving simulator. Menu text was set either in a ‘humanist’ or ‘square grotesque’ typeface. Among men, use of the humanist typeface resulted in a 10.6% reduction in total glance time as compared to the square grotesque typeface. Total response time and number of glances showed similar reductions. The impact of typeface was either more modest or not apparent for women. Error rates for both males and females were 3.1% lower for the humanist typeface. This research suggests that optimised typefaces may mitigate some interface demands. Future work will need to assess whether other typeface characteristics can be optimised to further reduce demand, improve legibility, increase usability and help meet new governmental distraction guidelines. Practitioner Summary: Text-rich in-vehicle interfaces are increasingly common, but the effects of typeface on task performance remain sparsely studied. We show that among male drivers, menu selection tasks are completed with 10.6% less visual glance time when text is displayed in a ‘humanist’ typeface, as compared to a ‘square grotesque’. PMID:25075429

Application of an automation system and a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for the optimal operation of a membrane adsorption hybrid system.

PubMed

Smith, P J; Vigneswaran, S; Ngo, H H; Nguyen, H T; Ben-Aim, R

2006-01-01

The application of automation and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems to municipal water and wastewater treatment plants is rapidly increasing. However, the application of these systems is less frequent in the research and development phases of emerging treatment technologies used in these industries. This study involved the implementation of automation and a SCADA system to the submerged membrane adsorption hybrid system for use in a semi-pilot scale research project. An incremental approach was used in the development of the automation and SCADA systems, leading to the development of two new control systems. The first system developed involved closed loop control of the backwash initiation, based upon a pressure increase, leading to productivity improvements as the backwash is only activated when required, not at a fixed time. This system resulted in a 40% reduction in the number of backwashes required and also enabled optimised operations under unsteady concentrations of wastewater. The second system developed involved closed loop control of the backwash duration, whereby the backwash was terminated when the pressure reached a steady state. This system resulted in a reduction of the duration of the backwash of up to 25% and enabled optimised operations as the foulant build-up within the reactor increased.

Kinematic models of the upper limb joints for multibody kinematics optimisation: An overview.

PubMed

Duprey, Sonia; Naaim, Alexandre; Moissenet, Florent; Begon, Mickaël; Chèze, Laurence

2017-09-06

Soft tissue artefact (STA), i.e. the motion of the skin, fat and muscles gliding on the underlying bone, may lead to a marker position error reaching up to 8.7cm for the particular case of the scapula. Multibody kinematics optimisation (MKO) is one of the most efficient approaches used to reduce STA. It consists in minimising the distance between the positions of experimental markers on a subject skin and the simulated positions of the same markers embedded on a kinematic model. However, the efficiency of MKO directly relies on the chosen kinematic model. This paper proposes an overview of the different upper limb models available in the literature and a discussion about their applicability to MKO. The advantages of each joint model with respect to its biofidelity to functional anatomy are detailed both for the shoulder and the forearm areas. Models capabilities of personalisation and of adaptation to pathological cases are also discussed. Concerning model efficiency in terms of STA reduction in MKO algorithms, a lack of quantitative assessment in the literature is noted. In priority, future studies should concern the evaluation and quantification of STA reduction depending on upper limb joint constraints. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimization of Ozonation Process for the Reduction of Excess Sludge Production from Activated Sludge Process of Sago Industry Wastewater Using Central Composite Design

PubMed Central

Subha, B.; Muthukumar, M.

2012-01-01

Sago industries effluent containing large amounts of organic content produced excess sludge which is a serious problem in wastewater treatment. In this study ozonation has been employed for the reduction of excess sludge production in activated sludge process. Central composite design is used to study the effect of ozone treatment for the reduction of excess sludge production in sago effluent and to optimise the variables such as pH, ozonation time, and retention time. ANOVA showed that the coefficient determination value (R 2) of VSS and COD reduction were 0.9689 and 0.8838, respectively. VSS reduction (81%) was achieved at acidic pH 6.9, 12 minutes ozonation, and retention time of 10 days. COD reduction (87%) was achieved at acidic pH 6.7, 8 minutes of ozonation time, and retention time of 6 days. Low ozonation time and high retention time influence maximum sludge reduction, whereas low ozonation time with low retention time was effective for COD reduction. PMID:22593666

A multicenter, randomized study to test immunosuppressive therapy with oral prednisone for the prevention of restenosis after percutaneous coronary interventions: cortisone plus BMS or DES versus BMS alone to eliminate restenosis (CEREA-DES) - study design and rationale.

PubMed

Ribichini, Flavio; Tomai, Fabrizio; De Luca, Giuseppe; Boccuzzi, Giacomo; Presbitero, Patrizia; Pesarini, Gabriele; Ferrero, Valeria; Ghini, Anna S; Pastori, Francesca; De Luca, Leonardo; Zavalloni, Denis; Soregaroli, Daniela; Garbo, Roberto; Franchi, Elena; Marino, Paolo; Minelli, Massimo; Vassanelli, Corrado

2009-02-01

Several randomized trials and registries have shown a reduction of restenosis after coronary angioplasty with drug-eluting stents (DESs) compared with bare metal stents (BMSs). However, cost-efficacy analysis and long-term outcome of DESs compared to BMSs deserve further assessment. Moreover, concern has been raised regarding adverse clinical events occurring late after DES implantation, in particular, late stent thrombosis related to the suspension of dual antiplatelet therapy. The use of a short-cycle oral treatment with prednisone at immunosuppressive dose after BMS implantation has shown remarkable efficacy in reducing restenosis in nondiabetic patients, with very low additional cost and without the need for long-term dual antiplatelet therapy. Such results are however limited by small sample size. Cortisone plus BMS or DES versus BMS alone to Eliminate Restenosis is an independent, prospective, multicenter, randomized study. It will randomize 375 nondiabetic patients with coronary artery disease in three different arms to BMS (control group), DES (DES group) or BMS followed by a 40-day prednisone treatment (prednisone group). The DES and the prednisone groups will be compared to the control group to investigate the expected clinical advantage. The primary endpoint of the study is the event-free survival of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and recurrence of ischemia-needing repeated target vessel revascularization at 1 year. Secondary endpoints are the event-free survival analysis at 2 and 3 years, the restenosis rate at 9 months, and cost-effectiveness at 1, 2 and 3 years. The expected primary endpoint rates are 90% for DESs and for prednisone-treated patients and 77% for BMSs. The study was designed as a superiority trial, to compare DES, and BMS and prednisone, with BMS alone. A sample size of 118 patients per group provides an 80% power, assuming a complete 12-month follow-up information available for each patient. To obviate for cases of drop out, the sample size was increased to 375 patients to be enrolled in five Italian hospitals. This study will provide a magnitude of the net clinical and economic benefits of DES and of the safety and efficacy of BMS and cortisone compared to the standard use of BMS alone in nondiabetic patients with coronary artery disease.

Fissuration d'un composite a matrice ceramique dans une application de piece statique de turbine a gaz

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lebel, Larry

Une procedure experimentale a ete developpee pour caracteriser les mecanismes de deterioration et la durabilite de materiaux composites a matrice ceramique (CMC) dans une application de piece statique de turbine a gaz. Tandis que la plupart des essais de caracterisation publies sur les materiaux CMC ont ete realises sous des conditions de chargement controle, la presente recherche tente de reproduire la relaxation des contraintes qui se produit normalement dans une piece statique a haute temperature. Dans l'experience proposee, un echantillon planaire de forme haltere est chauffe de facon cyclique sur une de ses faces et refroidi sur l'autre, tout en etant contraint dans ses deplacements. La contrainte de flexion resultante au centre de l'echantillon, mesuree par une cellule de charge, correspond a la contrainte de flexion qui a ete prealablement predite au centre des panneaux d'une chambre a combustion generique. Un materiau CMC multicouche compose d'une matrice d'alumine poreuse et de fibres NextelMD 720 a ete utilise pour developper l'experience. Des essais de calibration ont d'abord ete realises en utilisant un systeme de chauffage par lampe infrarouge, atteignant jusqu'a 1160 °C a la surface de l'echantillon. Un systeme laser au CO2 a par la suite ete utilise pour realiser des essais de deterioration a haute puissance, atteignant en fin d'essai des temperatures de surface excedant la limite de 1200 °C du materiau et des differences de temperature a travers l'epaisseur de plus de 1000 °C. Sous la puissance de chauffage imposee a amplitude constante, l'accumulation de dommage a fait en sorte d'augmenter la temperature en surface et les gradients de temperature a travers le materiau. Une reduction de la contrainte dans le temps a ete observee a cause du fluage, de la fissuration et de la delamination du materiau sous la condition de confinement du deplacement, menant a une stabilisation du niveau de dommage a une certaine profondeur dependant de la contrainte thermique initiale. La procedure de caracterisation developpee s'avere etre un outil prometteur pour developper de nouveaux types de materiaux, de meme que pour comparer la durabilite de materiaux existants sous des conditions representatives de pieces statiques de turbine a gaz. None

Path integrals with higher order actions: Application to realistic chemical systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lindoy, Lachlan P.; Huang, Gavin S.; Jordan, Meredith J. T.

2018-02-01

Quantum thermodynamic parameters can be determined using path integral Monte Carlo (PIMC) simulations. These simulations, however, become computationally demanding as the quantum nature of the system increases, although their efficiency can be improved by using higher order approximations to the thermal density matrix, specifically the action. Here we compare the standard, primitive approximation to the action (PA) and three higher order approximations, the Takahashi-Imada action (TIA), the Suzuki-Chin action (SCA) and the Chin action (CA). The resulting PIMC methods are applied to two realistic potential energy surfaces, for H2O and HCN-HNC, both of which are spectroscopically accurate and contain three-body interactions. We further numerically optimise, for each potential, the SCA parameter and the two free parameters in the CA, obtaining more significant improvements in efficiency than seen previously in the literature. For both H2O and HCN-HNC, accounting for all required potential and force evaluations, the optimised CA formalism is approximately twice as efficient as the TIA formalism and approximately an order of magnitude more efficient than the PA. The optimised SCA formalism shows similar efficiency gains to the CA for HCN-HNC but has similar efficiency to the TIA for H2O at low temperature. In H2O and HCN-HNC systems, the optimal value of the a1 CA parameter is approximately 1/3 , corresponding to an equal weighting of all force terms in the thermal density matrix, and similar to previous studies, the optimal α parameter in the SCA was ˜0.31. Importantly, poor choice of parameter significantly degrades the performance of the SCA and CA methods. In particular, for the CA, setting a1 = 0 is not efficient: the reduction in convergence efficiency is not offset by the lower number of force evaluations. We also find that the harmonic approximation to the CA parameters, whilst providing a fourth order approximation to the action, is not optimal for these realistic potentials: numerical optimisation leads to better approximate cancellation of the fifth order terms, with deviation between the harmonic and numerically optimised parameters more marked in the more quantum H2O system. This suggests that numerically optimising the CA or SCA parameters, which can be done at high temperature, will be important in fully realising the efficiency gains of these formalisms for realistic potentials.

The development of response surface pathway design to reduce animal numbers in toxicity studies

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

Background This study describes the development of Response Surface Pathway (RSP) design, assesses its performance and effectiveness in estimating LD50, and compares RSP with Up and Down Procedures (UDPs) and Random Walk (RW) design. Methods A basic 4-level RSP design was used on 36 male ICR mice given intraperitoneal doses of Yessotoxin. Simulations were performed to optimise the design. A k-adjustment factor was introduced to ensure coverage of the dose window and calculate the dose steps. Instead of using equal numbers of mice on all levels, the number of mice was increased at each design level. Additionally, the binomial outcome variable was changed to multinomial. The performance of the RSP designs and a comparison of UDPs and RW were assessed by simulations. The optimised 4-level RSP design was used on 24 female NMRI mice given Azaspiracid-1 intraperitoneally. Results The in vivo experiment with basic 4-level RSP design estimated the LD50 of Yessotoxin to be 463 μg/kgBW (95% CI: 383–535). By inclusion of the k-adjustment factor with equal or increasing numbers of mice on increasing dose levels, the estimate changed to 481 μg/kgBW (95% CI: 362–566) and 447 μg/kgBW (95% CI: 378–504 μg/kgBW), respectively. The optimised 4-level RSP estimated the LD50 to be 473 μg/kgBW (95% CI: 442–517). A similar increase in power was demonstrated using the optimised RSP design on real Azaspiracid-1 data. The simulations showed that the inclusion of the k-adjustment factor, reduction in sample size by increasing the number of mice on higher design levels and incorporation of a multinomial outcome gave estimates of the LD50 that were as good as those with the basic RSP design. Furthermore, optimised RSP design performed on just three levels reduced the number of animals from 36 to 15 without loss of information, when compared with the 4-level designs. Simulated comparison of the RSP design with UDPs and RW design demonstrated the superiority of RSP. Conclusion Optimised RSP design reduces the number of animals needed. The design converges rapidly on the area of interest and is at least as efficient as both the UDPs and RW design. PMID:24661560

Optimisation of entrapped activated carbon conditions to remove coloured compounds from winery wastewaters.

PubMed

Devesa-Rey, R; Bustos, G; Cruz, J M; Moldes, A B

2011-06-01

The objective of this work was to study the entrapped conditions of activated carbon in calcium-alginate beads for the clarification of winery wastewaters. An incomplete 3(3) factorial design was carried out to study the efficiency of activated carbon (0.5-2%); sodium alginate (1-5%); and calcium chloride (0.050-0.900 M), on the following dependent variables: colour reduction at 280, 465, 530 and 665 nm. The activated carbon and calcium chloride were the most influential variables in the colour reduction. Nearly 100% colour reductions were found for the wavelengths assayed when employing 2% of activated carbon, 5% of sodium alginate and intermediate concentrations of calcium chloride (0.475 M). Instead, other conditions like, 2% of activated carbon, 4% of sodium alginate and 0.580 M of calcium chloride can also give absorbance reductions close to 100%. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The optimisation of electrokinetic remediation for heavy metals and radioactivity contamination on Holyrood-Lunas soil (acrisol species) in Sri Gading Industrial Area, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia.

PubMed

Mohamed Johar, S; Embong, Z

2015-11-01

The optimisation of electrokinetic remediation of an alluvial soil, locally named as Holyrood-Lunas from Sri Gading Industrial Area, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia, had been conducted in this research. This particular soil was chosen due to its relatively high level of background radiation in a range between 139.2 and 539.4 nGy h(-1). As the background radiation is correlated to the amount of parent nuclides, (238)U and (232)Th, hence, a remediation technique, such as electrokinetic, is very useful in reducing these particular concentrations of heavy metal and radionuclides in soils. Several series of electrokinetics experiments were performed in laboratory scale in order to study the influence of certain electrokinetic parameters in soil. The concentration before (pre-electrokinetic) and after the experiment (post-electrokinetic) was determined via X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis technique. The best electrokinetic parameter that contributed to the highest achievable concentration removal of heavy metals and radionuclides on each experimental series was incorporated into a final electrokinetic experiment. Here, High Pure Germanium (HPGe) was used for radioactivity elemental analysis. The XRF results suggested that the most optimised electrokinetic parameters for Cr, Ni, Zn, As, Pb, Th and U were 3.0 h, 90 volts, 22.0 cm, plate-shaped electrode by 8 × 8 cm and in 1-D configuration order whereas the selected optimised electrokinetic parameters gave very low reduction of (238)U and (232)Th at 0.23 ± 2.64 and 2.74 ± 23.78 ppm, respectively. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Laser surface texturing of cast iron steel: dramatic edge burr reduction and high speed process optimisation for industrial production using DPSS picosecond lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bruneel, David; Kearsley, Andrew; Karnakis, Dimitris

2015-07-01

In this work we present picosecond DPSS laser surface texturing optimisation of automotive grade cast iron steel. This application attracts great interest, particularly in the automotive industry, to reduce friction between moving piston parts in car engines, in order to decrease fuel consumption. This is accomplished by partially covering with swallow microgrooves the inner surface of a piston liner and is currently a production process adopting much longer pulse (microsecond) DPSS lasers. Lubricated interface conditions of moving parts require from the laser process to produce a very strictly controlled surface topography around the laser formed grooves, whose edge burr height must be lower than 100 nm. To achieve such a strict tolerance, laser machining of cast iron steel was investigated using an infrared DPSS picosecond laser (10ps duration) with an output power of 16W and a repetition rate of 200 kHz. The ultrashort laser is believed to provide a much better thermal management of the etching process. All studies presented here were performed on flat samples in ambient air but the process is transferrable to cylindrical geometry engine liners. We will show that reducing significantly the edge burr below an acceptable limit for lubricated engine production is possible using such lasers and remarkably the process window lies at very high irradiated fluences much higher that the single pulse ablation threshold. This detailed experimental work highlights the close relationship between the optimised laser irradiation conditions as well as the process strategy with the final size of the undesirable edge burrs. The optimised process conditions are compatible with an industrial production process and show the potential for removing extra post)processing steps (honing, etc) of cylinder liners on the manufacturing line saving time and cost.

A novel pathogenicity gene is required in the rice blast fungus to suppress the basal defenses of the host.

PubMed

Chi, Myoung-Hwan; Park, Sook-Young; Kim, Soonok; Lee, Yong-Hwan

2009-04-01

For successful colonization and further reproduction in host plants, pathogens need to overcome the innate defenses of the plant. We demonstrate that a novel pathogenicity gene, DES1, in Magnaporthe oryzae regulates counter-defenses against host basal resistance. The DES1 gene was identified by screening for pathogenicity-defective mutants in a T-DNA insertional mutant library. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that this gene encodes a serine-rich protein that has unknown biochemical properties, and its homologs are strictly conserved in filamentous Ascomycetes. Targeted gene deletion of DES1 had no apparent effect on developmental morphogenesis, including vegetative growth, conidial germination, appressorium formation, and appressorium-mediated penetration. Conidial size of the mutant became smaller than that of the wild type, but the mutant displayed no defects on cell wall integrity. The Deltades1 mutant was hypersensitive to exogenous oxidative stress and the activity and transcription level of extracellular enzymes including peroxidases and laccases were severely decreased in the mutant. In addition, ferrous ion leakage was observed in the Deltades1 mutant. In the interaction with a susceptible rice cultivar, rice cells inoculated with the Deltades1 mutant exhibited strong defense responses accompanied by brown granules in primary infected cells, the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the generation of autofluorescent materials, and PR gene induction in neighboring tissues. The Deltades1 mutant displayed a significant reduction in infectious hyphal extension, which caused a decrease in pathogenicity. Notably, the suppression of ROS generation by treatment with diphenyleneiodonium (DPI), an inhibitor of NADPH oxidases, resulted in a significant reduction in the defense responses in plant tissues challenged with the Deltades1 mutant. Furthermore, the Deltades1 mutant recovered its normal infectious growth in DPI-treated plant tissues. These results suggest that DES1 functions as a novel pathogenicity gene that regulates the activity of fungal proteins, compromising ROS-mediated plant defense.

A simple method for low-contrast detectability, image quality and dose optimisation with CT iterative reconstruction algorithms and model observers.

PubMed

Bellesi, Luca; Wyttenbach, Rolf; Gaudino, Diego; Colleoni, Paolo; Pupillo, Francesco; Carrara, Mauro; Braghetti, Antonio; Puligheddu, Carla; Presilla, Stefano

2017-01-01

The aim of this work was to evaluate detection of low-contrast objects and image quality in computed tomography (CT) phantom images acquired at different tube loadings (i.e. mAs) and reconstructed with different algorithms, in order to find appropriate settings to reduce the dose to the patient without any image detriment. Images of supraslice low-contrast objects of a CT phantom were acquired using different mAs values. Images were reconstructed using filtered back projection (FBP), hybrid and iterative model-based methods. Image quality parameters were evaluated in terms of modulation transfer function; noise, and uniformity using two software resources. For the definition of low-contrast detectability, studies based on both human (i.e. four-alternative forced-choice test) and model observers were performed across the various images. Compared to FBP, image quality parameters were improved by using iterative reconstruction (IR) algorithms. In particular, IR model-based methods provided a 60% noise reduction and a 70% dose reduction, preserving image quality and low-contrast detectability for human radiological evaluation. According to the model observer, the diameters of the minimum detectable detail were around 2 mm (up to 100 mAs). Below 100 mAs, the model observer was unable to provide a result. IR methods improve CT protocol quality, providing a potential dose reduction while maintaining a good image detectability. Model observer can in principle be useful to assist human performance in CT low-contrast detection tasks and in dose optimisation.

Novel anti-malarial combinations and their toxicity.

PubMed

Angus, Brian

2014-05-01

Artemisinin combination therapy for the treatment of uncomplicated malaria includes artemether plus lumefantrine, artesunate plus amodiaquine, artesunate plus mefloquine, artesunate plus sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine and dihydroartemisinin plus piperaquine. These drugs are safe and efficacious at present. The emergence of artemisinin resistant parasites in SE Asia means that there is a need to optimise drug dosing and investigate novel therapies to maintain the impressive reduction in malaria mortality which has been seen in the past decade.

Caracterisation thermique de modules de refroidissement pour la photovoltaique concentree

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Collin, Louis-Michel

Pour rentabiliser la technologie des cellules solaires, une reduction du cout d'exploitation et de fabrication est necessaire. L'utilisation de materiaux photovoltaiques a un impact appreciable sur le prix final par quantite d'energie produite. Une technologie en developpement consiste a concentrer la lumiere sur les cellules solaires afin de reduire cette quantite de materiaux. Or, concentrer la lumiere augmente la temperature de la cellule et diminue ainsi son efficacite. Il faut donc assurer a la cellule un refroidissement efficace. La charge thermique a evacuer de la cellule passe au travers du recepteur, soit la composante soutenant physiquement la cellule. Le recepteur transmet le flux thermique de la cellule a un systeme de refroidissement. L'ensemble recepteur-systeme de refroidissement se nomme module de refroidissement. Habituellement, la surface du recepteur est plus grande que celle de la cellule. La chaleur se propage donc lateralement dans le recepteur au fur et a mesure qu'elle traverse le recepteur. Une telle propagation de la chaleur fournit une plus grande surface effective, reduisant la resistance thermique apparente des interfaces thermiques et du systeme de refroidissement en aval vers le module de refroidissement. Actuellement, aucune installation ni methode ne semble exister afin de caracteriser les performances thermiques des recepteurs. Ce projet traite d'une nouvelle technique de caracterisation pour definir la diffusion thermique du recepteur a l'interieur d'un module de refroidissement. Des indices de performance sont issus de resistances thermiques mesurees experimentalement sur les modules. Une plateforme de caracterisation est realisee afin de mesurer experimentalement les criteres de performance. Cette plateforme injecte un flux thermique controle sur une zone localisee de la surface superieure du recepteur. L'injection de chaleur remplace le flux thermique normalement fourni par la cellule. Un systeme de refroidissement est installe a la surface opposee du recepteur pour evacuer la chaleur injectee. Les resultats mettent egalement en evidence l'importance des interfaces thermiques et les avantages de diffuser la chaleur dans les couches metalliques avant de la conduire au travers des couches dielectriques du recepteur. Des recepteurs de multiples compositions ont ete caracterises, demontrant que les outils developpes peuvent definir la capacite de diffusion thermique. La repetabilite de la plateforme est evaluee par l'analyse de l'etendue des mesures repetees sur des echantillons selectionnes. La plateforme demontre une precision et reproductibilite de +/- 0.14 ° C/W. Ce travail fournit des outils pour la conception des recepteurs en proposant une mesure qui permet de comparer et d'evaluer l'impact thermique de ces recepteurs integres a uri module de refroidissement. Mots-cles : cellule solaire, photovoltaique, transfert de chaleur, concentration, resistances thermiques, plateforme de caracterisation, refroidissement

Electrochemically driven three-phase interlines into insulator compounds: electroreduction of solid SiO2 in molten CaCl2.

PubMed

Xiao, Wei; Jin, Xianbo; Deng, Yuan; Wang, Dihua; Hu, Xiaohong; Chen, George Z

2006-08-11

The electrochemical reduction of solid SiO2 (quartz) to Si is studied in molten CaCl2 at 1173 K. Experimental observations are compared and agree well with a novel penetration model in relation with electrochemistry at the dynamic conductor|insulator|electrolyte three-phase interlines. The findings show that the reduction of a cylindrical quartz pellet at certain potentials is mainly determined by the diffusion of the O(2-) ions and also the ohmic polarisation in the reduction-generated porous silicon layer. The reduction rate increases with the overpotential to a maximum after which the process is retarded, most likely due to precipitation of CaO in the reaction region (cathodic passivation). Data are reported on the reduction rate, current efficiency and energy consumption during the electroreduction of quartz under potentiostatic conditions. These theoretical and experimental findings form the basis for an in-depth discussion on the optimisation of the electroreduction method for the production of silicon.

Laser polishing of 3D printed mesoscale components

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhaduri, Debajyoti; Penchev, Pavel; Batal, Afif; Dimov, Stefan; Soo, Sein Leung; Sten, Stella; Harrysson, Urban; Zhang, Zhenxue; Dong, Hanshan

2017-05-01

Laser polishing of various engineered materials such as glass, silica, steel, nickel and titanium alloys, has attracted considerable interest in the last 20 years due to its superior flexibility, operating speed and capability for localised surface treatment compared to conventional mechanical based methods. The paper initially reports results from process optimisation experiments aimed at investigating the influence of laser fluence and pulse overlap parameters on resulting workpiece surface roughness following laser polishing of planar 3D printed stainless steel (SS316L) specimens. A maximum reduction in roughness of over 94% (from ∼3.8 to ∼0.2 μm Sa) was achieved at the optimised settings (fluence of 9 J/cm2 and overlap factors of 95% and 88-91% along beam scanning and step-over directions respectively). Subsequent analysis using both X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GDOES) confirmed the presence of surface oxide layers (predominantly consisting of Fe and Cr phases) up to a depth of ∼0.5 μm when laser polishing was performed under normal atmospheric conditions. Conversely, formation of oxide layers was negligible when operating in an inert argon gas environment. The microhardness of the polished specimens was primarily influenced by the input thermal energy, with greater sub-surface hardness (up to ∼60%) recorded in the samples processed with higher energy density. Additionally, all of the polished surfaces were free of the scratch marks, pits, holes, lumps and irregularities that were prevalent on the as-received stainless steel samples. The optimised laser polishing technology was consequently implemented for serial finishing of structured 3D printed mesoscale SS316L components. This led to substantial reductions in areal Sa and St parameters by 75% (0.489-0.126 μm) and 90% (17.71-1.21 μm) respectively, without compromising the geometrical accuracy of the native 3D printed samples.

Improving Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation by Incorporating Nondominated Solutions

PubMed Central

Lim, Kian Sheng; Ibrahim, Zuwairie; Buyamin, Salinda; Ahmad, Anita; Naim, Faradila; Ghazali, Kamarul Hawari; Mokhtar, Norrima

2013-01-01

The Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm is widely used to solve multiobjective optimisation problems. This algorithm optimises one objective using a swarm of particles where their movements are guided by the best solution found by another swarm. However, the best solution of a swarm is only updated when a newly generated solution has better fitness than the best solution at the objective function optimised by that swarm, yielding poor solutions for the multiobjective optimisation problems. Thus, an improved Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm is introduced by incorporating the nondominated solutions as the guidance for a swarm rather than using the best solution from another swarm. In this paper, the performance of improved Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm is investigated using performance measures such as the number of nondominated solutions found, the generational distance, the spread, and the hypervolume. The results suggest that the improved Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm has impressive performance compared with the conventional Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm. PMID:23737718

Improving Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation by incorporating nondominated solutions.

PubMed

Lim, Kian Sheng; Ibrahim, Zuwairie; Buyamin, Salinda; Ahmad, Anita; Naim, Faradila; Ghazali, Kamarul Hawari; Mokhtar, Norrima

2013-01-01

The Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm is widely used to solve multiobjective optimisation problems. This algorithm optimises one objective using a swarm of particles where their movements are guided by the best solution found by another swarm. However, the best solution of a swarm is only updated when a newly generated solution has better fitness than the best solution at the objective function optimised by that swarm, yielding poor solutions for the multiobjective optimisation problems. Thus, an improved Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm is introduced by incorporating the nondominated solutions as the guidance for a swarm rather than using the best solution from another swarm. In this paper, the performance of improved Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm is investigated using performance measures such as the number of nondominated solutions found, the generational distance, the spread, and the hypervolume. The results suggest that the improved Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm has impressive performance compared with the conventional Vector Evaluated Particle Swarm Optimisation algorithm.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Knight, Stephen P, E-mail: stephen.knight@health.qld.gov.au

The aim of this review was to develop a radiographic optimisation strategy to make use of digital radiography (DR) and needle phosphor computerised radiography (CR) detectors, in order to lower radiation dose and improve image quality for paediatrics. This review was based on evidence-based practice, of which a component was a review of the relevant literature. The resulting exposure chart was developed with two distinct groups of exposure optimisation strategies – body exposures (for head, trunk, humerus, femur) and distal extremity exposures (elbow to finger, knee to toe). Exposure variables manipulated included kilovoltage peak (kVp), target detector exposure and milli-ampere-secondsmore » (mAs), automatic exposure control (AEC), additional beam filtration, and use of antiscatter grid. Mean dose area product (DAP) reductions of up to 83% for anterior–posterior (AP)/posterior–anterior (PA) abdomen projections were recorded postoptimisation due to manipulation of multiple-exposure variables. For body exposures, the target EI and detector exposure, and thus the required mAs were typically 20% less postoptimisation. Image quality for some distal extremity exposures was improved by lowering kVp and increasing mAs around constant entrance skin dose. It is recommended that purchasing digital X-ray equipment with high detective quantum efficiency detectors, and then optimising the exposure chart for use with these detectors is of high importance for sites performing paediatric imaging. Multiple-exposure variables may need to be manipulated to achieve optimal outcomes.« less

Reducing postponements of elective pediatric cardiac procedures: analysis and implementation of a discrete event simulation model.

PubMed

Day, Theodore Eugene; Sarawgi, Sandeep; Perri, Alexis; Nicolson, Susan C

2015-04-01

This study describes the use of discrete event simulation (DES) to model and analyze a large academic pediatric and test cardiac center. The objective was to identify a strategy, and to predict and test the effectiveness of that strategy, to minimize the number of elective cardiac procedures that are postponed because of a lack of available cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) capacity. A DES of the cardiac center at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia was developed and was validated by use of 1 year of deidentified administrative patient data. The model was then used to analyze strategies for reducing postponements of cases requiring CICU care through improved scheduling of multipurpose space. Each of five alternative scenarios was simulated for ten independent 1-year runs. Reductions in simulated elective procedure postponements were found when a multipurpose procedure room (the hybrid room) was used for operations on Wednesday and Thursday, compared with Friday (as was the real-world use). The reduction Wednesday was statistically significant, with postponements dropping from 27.8 to 23.3 annually (95% confidence interval 18.8-27.8). Thus, we anticipate a relative reduction in postponements of 16.2%. Since the implementation, there have been two postponements from July 1 to November 21, 2014, compared with ten for the same time period in 2013. Simulation allows us to test planned changes in complex environments, including pediatric cardiac care. Reduction in postponements of cardiac procedures requiring CICU care is predicted through reshuffling schedules of existing multipurpose capacity, and these reductions appear to be achievable in the real world after implementation. Copyright © 2015 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Biodegradable Polymers Influence the Effect of Atorvastatin on Human Coronary Artery Cells

PubMed Central

Strohbach, Anne; Begunk, Robert; Petersen, Svea; Felix, Stephan B.; Sternberg, Katrin; Busch, Raila

2016-01-01

Drug-eluting stents (DES) have reduced in-stent-restenosis drastically. Yet, the stent surface material directly interacts with cascades of biological processes leading to an activation of cellular defense mechanisms. To prevent adverse clinical implications, to date almost every patient with a coronary artery disease is treated with statins. Besides their clinical benefit, statins exert a number of pleiotropic effects on endothelial cells (ECs). Since maintenance of EC function and reduction of uncontrolled smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation represents a challenge for new generation DES, we investigated the effect of atorvastatin (ATOR) on human coronary artery cells grown on biodegradable polymers. Our results show a cell type-dependent effect of ATOR on ECs and SMCs. We observed polymer-dependent changes in IC50 values and an altered ATOR-uptake leading to an attenuation of statin-mediated effects on SMC growth. We conclude that the selected biodegradable polymers negatively influence the anti-proliferative effect of ATOR on SMCs. Hence, the process of developing new polymers for DES coating should involve the characterization of material-related changes in mechanisms of drug actions. PMID:26805825

The effects of anesthetic agents on pupillary function during general anesthesia using the automated infrared quantitative pupillometer.

PubMed

Shirozu, Kazuhiro; Setoguchi, Hidekazu; Tokuda, Kentaro; Karashima, Yuji; Ikeda, Mizuko; Kubo, Makoto; Nakamura, Katsuya; Hoka, Sumio

2017-04-01

Pupil reactivity can be used to evaluate central nervous system function and can be measured using a quantitative pupillometer. However, whether anesthetic agents affect the accuracy of the technique remains unclear. We examined the effects of anesthetic agents on pupillary reactivity. Thirty-five patients scheduled for breast or thyroid surgery were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into four groups based on the technique used to maintain anesthesia: a sevoflurane-remifentanil (SEV/REM) group, a sevoflurane (SEV) group, a desflurane-remifentanil (DES/REM) group, and a propofol-remifentanil (PRO/REM) group. We measured maximum resting pupil size (MAX), reduction pupil size ratio (%CH), latency duration (LAT) and neurological pupil index (NPi). A marked reduction in MAX and %CH compared with baseline was observed in all groups, but LAT was unchanged during surgery. NPi reduced within the first hour of surgery in the SEV/REM, SEV, and DES/REM groups, but was not significantly different in the PRO/REM group. Compared with the PRO/REM group, mean %CH and NPi in patients anesthetized with SEV/REM, SEV or DES/REM were markedly lower at 1 h after surgery had commenced. There was no correlation between NPi and bispectral index. Fentanyl given alone decreased pupil size and %CH in light reflex, but did not change the NPi. NPi was decreased by inhalational anesthesia not but intravenous anesthesia. The difference in pupil reactivity between inhalational anesthetic and propofol may indicate differences in the alteration of midbrain reflexs in patients under inhalational or intravenous anesthesia.

A joint technique for sidelobe suppression and peak-to-average power ratio reduction in non-contiguous OFDM-based cognitive radio networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sivadas, Namitha Arackal; Mohammed, Sameer Saheerudeen

2017-02-01

In non-contiguous orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (NC-OFDM)-based interweave cognitive radio networks, the sidelobe power of secondary users (SUs) must be strictly controlled to avoid the interference between the SUs and the primary users (PUs) of the adjacent bands. Similarly, the inherent issue of high peak-to-average power ratio (PAPR) of the OFDM signal is another drawback of the cognitive radio communication system based on the NC-OFDM technology. A few methods are available in the literature to solve either of these problems individually, while in this paper, we propose a new method for the joint minimisation of sidelobe power and PAPR in NC-OFDM-based cognitive radio networks using Zadoff-Chu (ZC) sequence. In this method, the sidelobe power suppression of SUs is benefited by PUs and the PAPR is reduced for SUs. We modelled a new optimisation problem for minimising the sidelobe power with a constraint on the maximum tolerable PAPR and sidelobe power. The proper selection of ZC sequence, which is crucial for minimising both the issues simultaneously, is achieved by solving the proposed optimisation problem. The proposed technique is shown to provide 7 dB and 20 dB reduction in PAPR and sidelobe power, respectively, without causing any signal distortion along with the improvement in bit error rate (BER) performance.

Cost accounting in a surgical unit in a teaching hospital--a pilot study.

PubMed

Malalasekera, A P; Ariyaratne, M H; Fernando, R; Perera, D; Deen, K I

2003-09-01

Economic constraints remain one of the major limitations on the quality of health care even in industrialised countries. Improvement of quality will require optimising facilities within available resources. Our objective was to determine costs of surgery and to identify areas where cost reduction is possible. 80 patients undergoing routine major and intermediate surgery during a period of 6 months were selected at random. All consumables used and procedures carried out were documented. A unit cost was assigned to each of these. Costing was based on 3 main categories: preoperative (investigations, blood product related costs), operative (anaesthetic charges, consumables and theatre charges) and post-operative (investigations, consumables, hospital stay). Theatre charges included two components: fixed (consumables) and variable (dependent on time per operation). The indirect costs (e.g. administration costs, 'hotel' costs), accounted for 30%, of the total and were lower than similar costs in industrialised nations. The largest contributory factors (median, range) towards total cost were, basic hospital charges (30%; 15 to 63%); theatre charges fixed (23%; 6 to 35%) and variable (14%; 8 to 27%); and anaesthetic charges (15%; 1 to 36%). Cost reduction in patients undergoing surgery should focus on decreasing hospital stay, operating theatre time and anaesthetic expenditure. Although definite measures can be suggested from the study, further studies on these variables are necessary to optimise cost effectiveness of surgical units.

Optimising the decellularization of human elastic cartilage with trypsin for future use in ear reconstruction.

PubMed

Rahman, Shafiq; Griffin, Michelle; Naik, Anish; Szarko, Matthew; Butler, Peter E M

2018-02-15

Decellularized scaffolds can induce chondrogenic differentiation of stem cells. This study compares different methods to optimise the decellularization of auricular cartilage. The process consisted of an initial 12 hour dry freeze thaw which froze the cartilage specimens in an empty tube at -20 °C. Samples were allowed to thaw at room temperature followed by submersion in phosphate buffer solution in which they were frozen at -20 °C for a 12 hour period. They were then allowed to thaw at room temperature as before. Protocol A subsequently involved subjecting specimens to both deoxyribonuclease and sodium deoxycholate. Protocol B and C were adaptations of this using 0.25% trypsin (7 cycles) and a 0.5 molar solution of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (3 hours for each cycle) respectively as additional steps. Trypsin accelerated the decellularization process with a reduction in DNA content from 55.4 ng/μL (native) to 17.3 ng/μL (P-value < 0.05) after 14 days. Protocol B showed a faster reduction in DNA content when compared with protocol A. In comparison to protocol C after 14 days, trypsin also showed greater decellularization with a mean difference of 11.7 ng/μL (P-value < 0.05). Histological analysis with H&E and DAPI confirmed depletion of cells at 14 days with trypsin.

Evaluation of efficacy of metal artefact reduction technique using contrast media in Computed Tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusob, Diana; Zukhi, Jihan; Aziz Tajuddin, Abd; Zainon, Rafidah

2017-05-01

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of metal artefact reduction using contrasts media in Computed Tomography (CT) imaging. A water-based abdomen phantom of diameter 32 cm (adult body size) was fabricated using polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) material. Three different contrast agents (iodine, barium and gadolinium) were filled in small PMMA tubes and placed inside a water-based PMMA adult abdomen phantom. The orthopedic metal screw was placed in each small PMMA tube separately. These two types of orthopedic metal screw (stainless steel and titanium alloy) were scanned separately. The orthopedic metal crews were scanned with single-energy CT at 120 kV and dual-energy CT at fast kV-switching between 80 kV and 140 kV. The scan modes were set automatically using the current modulation care4Dose setting and the scans were set at different pitch and slice thickness. The use of the contrast media technique on orthopedic metal screws were optimised by using pitch = 0.60 mm, and slice thickness = 5.0 mm. The use contrast media can reduce the metal streaking artefacts on CT image, enhance the CT images surrounding the implants, and it has potential use in improving diagnostic performance in patients with severe metallic artefacts. These results are valuable for imaging protocol optimisation in clinical applications.

An approach to optimised control of HVAC systems in indoor swimming pools

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ribeiro, Eliseu M. A.; Jorge, Humberto M. M.; Quintela, Divo A. A.

2016-04-01

Indoor swimming pools are recognised as having a high level of energy consumption and present a great potential for energy saving. The energy is spent in several ways such as evaporation heat loss from the pool, high rates of ventilation required to guarantee the indoor air quality, and ambient temperatures with expressive values (typically 28-30°C) required to maintain conditions of comfort. This paper presents an approach to optimising control of heat ventilation and air conditioning systems that could be implemented in a building energy management system. It is easily adapted to any kind of pool and results in significant energy consumption reduction. The development and validation of the control model were carried out with a building thermal simulation software. The use of this control model in the case study building could reduce the energy efficiency index by 7.14 points (7.4% of total) which adds up to an energy cost saving of 15,609€ (7.5% of total).

Detection of bremsstrahlung radiation of 90Sr-90Y for emergency lung counting.

PubMed

Ho, A; Hakmana Witharana, S S; Jonkmans, G; Li, L; Surette, R A; Dubeau, J; Dai, X

2012-09-01

This study explores the possibility of developing a field-deployable (90)Sr detector for rapid lung counting in emergency situations. The detection of beta-emitters (90)Sr and its daughter (90)Y inside the human lung via bremsstrahlung radiation was performed using a 3″ × 3″ NaI(Tl) crystal detector and a polyethylene-encapsulated source to emulate human lung tissue. The simulation results show that this method is a viable technique for detecting (90)Sr with a minimum detectable activity (MDA) of 1.07 × 10(4) Bq, using a realistic dual-shielded detector system in a 0.25-µGy h(-1) background field for a 100-s scan. The MDA is sufficiently sensitive to meet the requirement for emergency lung counting of Type S (90)Sr intake. The experimental data were verified using Monte Carlo calculations, including an estimate for internal bremsstrahlung, and an optimisation of the detector geometry was performed. Optimisations in background reduction techniques and in the electronic acquisition systems are suggested.

Design and development of vitamin C-encapsulated proliposome with improved in-vitro and ex-vivo antioxidant efficacy.

PubMed

Parhizkar, Elahehnaz; Rashedinia, Marzieh; Karimi, Maryam; Alipour, Shohreh

2018-06-06

Vitamin C, as an antioxidant additive in pharmaceutical and food products, is susceptible to environmental conditions, and new design strategies are needed to enhance its stability. The aim of this study is to prepare vitamin C proliposome using film deposition on the carrier by applying different factors, and optimise the characteristics of the obtained powder using the design expert ® software. The optimised formulation demonstrated acceptable flowability with 20% vitamin C loading. This formulation released about 90% vitamin C within 2 h and showed higher (1.7-fold) in-vitro antioxidant activity. Ex-vivo antioxidant activity was 1.9 and 1.6 times higher in brain and liver cells, respectively. A 27% reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) level of liver cell was obtained comparing free vitamin C. Therefore, this study results suggest that the vitamin C-encapsulated proliposome powder might be an appropriate carrier for oral drug delivery of vitamin C with better antioxidant efficacy.

Bombesin, somatostatin, and related peptides: actions on thermoregulation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, M.R.

1981-11-01

Bombesin acts within the anterior hypothalamic preoptic area to interfere with thermoregulation in the rat. The body temperature (T/sub b/) of animals receiving bombesin varies in parallel with ambient temperature (T/sub a/). Bombesin-induced reduction of T/sub b/ in animals at low T/sub a/ is associated with a marked reduction of oxygen consumption (Vo/sub 2/). Some somatostatin-related peptides, e.g., desAA/sup 1,2,4,5,12,13/ (D-Trp/sup 8/)-somatostatin (ODT8-SS), act within the brain to prevent bombesin-induced reduction of Vo/sub 2/ and T/sub b/. ODT8-SS also produces hyperthermia not associated with an increase in Vo/sub 2/.

Design of optimised backstepping controller for the synchronisation of chaotic Colpitts oscillator using shark smell algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fouladi, Ehsan; Mojallali, Hamed

2018-01-01

In this paper, an adaptive backstepping controller has been tuned to synchronise two chaotic Colpitts oscillators in a master-slave configuration. The parameters of the controller are determined using shark smell optimisation (SSO) algorithm. Numerical results are presented and compared with those of particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm. Simulation results show better performance in terms of accuracy and convergence for the proposed optimised method compared to PSO optimised controller or any non-optimised backstepping controller.

Health effects of adopting low greenhouse gas emission diets in the UK

PubMed Central

Milner, James; Green, Rosemary; Dangour, Alan D; Haines, Andy; Chalabi, Zaid; Spadaro, Joseph; Markandya, Anil; Wilkinson, Paul

2015-01-01

Objective Dietary changes which improve health are also likely to be beneficial for the environment by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). However, previous analyses have not accounted for the potential acceptability of low GHG diets to the general public. This study attempted to quantify the health effects associated with adopting low GHG emission diets in the UK. Design Epidemiological modelling study. Setting UK. Participants UK population. Intervention Adoption of diets optimised to achieve the WHO nutritional recommendations and reduce GHG emissions while remaining as close as possible to existing dietary patterns. Main outcome Changes in years of life lost due to coronary heart disease, stroke, several cancers and type II diabetes, quantified using life tables. Results If the average UK dietary intake were optimised to comply with the WHO recommendations, we estimate an incidental reduction of 17% in GHG emissions. Such a dietary pattern would be broadly similar to the current UK average. Our model suggests that it would save almost 7 million years of life lost prematurely in the UK over the next 30 years and increase average life expectancy by over 8 months. Diets that result in additional GHG emission reductions could achieve further net health benefits. For emission reductions greater than 40%, improvements in some health outcomes may decrease and acceptability will diminish. Conclusions There are large potential benefits to health from adopting diets with lower associated GHG emissions in the UK. Most of these benefits can be achieved without drastic changes to existing dietary patterns. However, to reduce emissions by more than 40%, major dietary changes that limit both acceptability and the benefits to health are required. PMID:25929258

Health effects of adopting low greenhouse gas emission diets in the UK.

PubMed

Milner, James; Green, Rosemary; Dangour, Alan D; Haines, Andy; Chalabi, Zaid; Spadaro, Joseph; Markandya, Anil; Wilkinson, Paul

2015-04-30

Dietary changes which improve health are also likely to be beneficial for the environment by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). However, previous analyses have not accounted for the potential acceptability of low GHG diets to the general public. This study attempted to quantify the health effects associated with adopting low GHG emission diets in the UK. Epidemiological modelling study. UK. UK population. Adoption of diets optimised to achieve the WHO nutritional recommendations and reduce GHG emissions while remaining as close as possible to existing dietary patterns. Changes in years of life lost due to coronary heart disease, stroke, several cancers and type II diabetes, quantified using life tables. If the average UK dietary intake were optimised to comply with the WHO recommendations, we estimate an incidental reduction of 17% in GHG emissions. Such a dietary pattern would be broadly similar to the current UK average. Our model suggests that it would save almost 7 million years of life lost prematurely in the UK over the next 30 years and increase average life expectancy by over 8 months. Diets that result in additional GHG emission reductions could achieve further net health benefits. For emission reductions greater than 40%, improvements in some health outcomes may decrease and acceptability will diminish. There are large potential benefits to health from adopting diets with lower associated GHG emissions in the UK. Most of these benefits can be achieved without drastic changes to existing dietary patterns. However, to reduce emissions by more than 40%, major dietary changes that limit both acceptability and the benefits to health are required. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Reducing ambulance response times using discrete event simulation.

PubMed

Wei Lam, Sean Shao; Zhang, Zhong Cheng; Oh, Hong Choon; Ng, Yih Ying; Wah, Win; Hock Ong, Marcus Eng

2014-01-01

The objectives of this study are to develop a discrete-event simulation (DES) model for the Singapore Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and to demonstrate the utility of this DES model for the evaluation of different policy alternatives to improve ambulance response times. A DES model was developed based on retrospective emergency call data over a continuous 6-month period in Singapore. The main outcome measure is the distribution of response times. The secondary outcome measure is ambulance utilization levels based on unit hour utilization (UHU) ratios. The DES model was used to evaluate different policy options in order to improve the response times, while maintaining reasonable fleet utilization. Three policy alternatives looking at the reallocation of ambulances, the addition of new ambulances, and alternative dispatch policies were evaluated. Modifications of dispatch policy combined with the reallocation of existing ambulances were able to achieve response time performance equivalent to that of adding 10 ambulances. The median (90th percentile) response time was 7.08 minutes (12.69 minutes). Overall, this combined strategy managed to narrow the gap between the ideal and existing response time distribution by 11-13%. Furthermore, the median UHU under this combined strategy was 0.324 with an interquartile range (IQR) of 0.047 versus a median utilization of 0.285 (IQR of 0.051) resulting from the introduction of additional ambulances. Response times were shown to be improved via a more effective reallocation of ambulances and dispatch policy. More importantly, the response time improvements were achieved without a reduction in the utilization levels and additional costs associated with the addition of ambulances. We demonstrated the effective use of DES as a versatile platform to model the dynamic system complexities of Singapore's national EMS systems for the evaluation of operational strategies to improve ambulance response times.

Protective effects of carbenoxolone, an 11β-HSD1 inhibitor, against chemical induced dry eye syndrome.

PubMed

Na, Yoon-Ju; Choi, Kyoung-Jin; Park, Sung Bum; Sung, Hye-Rim; Jung, Won Hoon; Kim, Hee Youn; Rhee, Sang Dal; Kim, Ki Young

2017-11-01

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a disorder of the eye due to tear deficiency or excessive evaporation that causes damage to the eye and is associated with discomfort and dryness. 11β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD1) is an enzyme that converts inactive cortisone to active cortisol. Recently, 11β-HSD1 has been expressed in human and rodent eyes and has been recognized as a target of glaucoma. In this study, the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of topical carbenoxolone, an 11β-HSD1 inhibitor, were investigated in benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-treated human conjunctival epithelial cells and a rat DES model. In the in vitro study, carbenoxolone dose-dependently inhibited cell death and 11β-HSD1 activity in BAC-treated human conjunctival epithelial cells. For the in vivo study, carbenoxolone or a solvent was administered to the BAC-induced DES model twice daily. BAC-treated rat eyes showed significant increases in ocular surface damage, a reduction of tears, decrease corneal thickness, corneal basement membrane destruction, apoptosis in the conjunctival epithelium, and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and 11β-HSD1. These effects of BAC were reversed by topical carbenoxolone treatment. These results demonstrate that carbenoxolone can prevent DES by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine expression and cell death of the corneal and conjunctival epithelium via inhibition of both 11β-HSD1 activity and expression in the eyes of BAC-treated rats. It is suggested that topical 11β-HSD1 inhibitors may provide a new therapeutic window in the prevention and/or treatment of DES.

The short- and long-term outcomes of percutaneous intervention with drug-eluting stent vs bare-metal stent in saphenous vein graft disease: An updated meta-analysis of all randomized clinical trials.

PubMed

Kheiri, Babikir; Osman, Mohammed; Abdalla, Ahmed; Ahmed, Sahar; Bachuwa, Ghassan; Hassan, Mustafa

2018-05-11

The use of drug-eluting stents (DES) vs bare-metal stents (BMS) in saphenous vein graft (SVG) lesions remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis of all randomized clinical trials comparing the outcomes of DES with BMS in SVG percutaneous coronary interventions. A search of PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, and Clinicaltrials.gov was performed for all randomized clinical trials. We evaluated the short- and long-term clinical outcomes of the following: all-cause mortality, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), definite/probable stent thrombosis, target lesion revascularization (TLR), and target-vessel revascularization (TVR). From a total of 1582 patients in 6 randomized clinical trials, 797 had DES and 785 had BMS. Patients with DES had lower short-term MACE, TLR, and TVR in comparison with BMS (odds ratio [OR]: 0.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35-0.91, P = 0.02; OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.19-0.99, P = 0.05; and OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.22-0.95, P = 0.04, respectively). However, there were no different outcomes for all-cause mortality (P = 0.63) or stent thrombosis (P = 0.21). With long-term follow-up, there were no significant reductions of MACE (P = 0.20), TLR (P = 0.57), TVR (P = 0.07), all-cause mortality (P = 0.29), and stent thrombosis (P = 0.76). The use of DES in SVG lesions was associated with lower short-term MACE, TLR, and TVR in comparison with BMS. However, there were no significant differences with long-term follow-up. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Assessing communication as one of the drivers of urban resilience to weather extremes.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vicari, Rosa; Schertzer, Daniel

2016-04-01

The quality of science and technology communication has become more challenging due to the fact that access to information has hugely increased in terms of variety and quantity. This is a consequence of different factors, among others the development of public relations by research institutes and the pervasive role of digital media (Bucchi 2013; Trench 2008). A key question is how can we objectively assess science and technology communication? Relatively few studies have been dedicated to the definition of pertinent indicators and standards (Neresini and Bucchi 2011). This research aims to understand how communication strategies, addressed to the general public, can optimise the impact of research findings in hydrology for resilient cities and how this can be assessed. Indeed urban resilience to extreme weather events relies both on engineering solutions and increased awareness of urban communities as it was highlighted by the FP7 SMARTesT project and the experiences carried out in the framework of TOMACS (Tokyo Metropolitan Area Convective Studies for Resilient Cities) and CASA (Engineering Research Center for Collaborative Adaptative Sensing of the Atmosphere, supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation). Communication assessment should be included in an alternative approach to evaluate urban resilience to weather extremes. Various qualitative and quantitative methods to monitor communication exist. According to this study, resilience indicators shouldn't only consider communication infrastructures but should also assess communication processes and their interactions with other resilience drivers; furthermore quantitative variables are considered as particularly relevant. Last, but not least, interesting inputs are provided by those case studies that exploit resilience assessment campaigns as an opportunity to practice participatory communication. This research is being led in the framework of the Chair Hydrology for Resilient Cities, co-founded by Veolia, Fondation des Ponts, and École des Ponts ParisTech.

The C.SAR Cougar, an Example of Optimization of an Existing Helicopter. (Le Cougar C.SAR, un exemple d’optimisation d’un helicoptere existant)

DTIC Science & Technology

2000-04-01

Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188...PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) EUROCOPTER Aeroport International de Marseille-Provence 13725 Marseille Cedex France 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING...P.JAILLET & T. GIACINO EUROCOPTER AMroport International de Marseille-Provence 13725 Marseille Cedex, France 0. Sommaire: Les principales exigences pour ce

Methodologie experimentale pour evaluer les caracteristiques des plateformes graphiques avioniques

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Legault, Vincent

Within a context where the aviation industry intensifies the development of new visually appealing features and where time-to-market must be as short as possible, rapid graphics processing benchmarking in a certified avionics environment becomes an important issue. With this work we intend to demonstrate that it is possible to deploy a high-performance graphics application on an avionics platform that uses certified graphical COTS components. Moreover, we would like to bring to the avionics community a methodology which will allow developers to identify the needed elements for graphics system optimisation and provide them tools that can measure the complexity of this type of application and measure the amount of resources to properly scale a graphics system according to their needs. As far as we know, no graphics performance profiling tool dedicated to critical embedded architectures has been proposed. We thus had the idea of implementing a specialized benchmarking tool that would be an appropriate and effective solution to this problem. Our solution resides in the extraction of the key graphics specifications from an inherited application to use them afterwards in a 3D image generation application.

Optimisation des structures métalliques fléchies dans un calcul plastique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geara, F.; Raphael, W.; Kaddah, F.

2005-05-01

The steel structure is a type of construction that is very developed in civil engineering. In the phase of survey and then of execution and installation of a metal work, the phase of conception is often the place of discontinuities that prevents the global optimization of material steel. In our survey, we used the traditional approach of optimization that is essentially based on the minimization of the weight of the structure, while taking advantages of plastic properties of steel in the case of a bending structure. It has been permitted because of to the relation found between the areas of the sections of the steel elements and the plastic moment of these sections. These relations have been drawn for different types of steel. In order to take advantages of the linear programming, a simplification has been introduced in transforming these relation to linear relations, which permits us to use simple methods as the simplex theorem. This procedure proves to be very interesting in the first phases of the survey and give very interesting results.

Contribution of the Cerebellum in Cue-Dependent Force Changes During an Isometric Precision Grip Task.

PubMed

Kutz, Dieter F; Schmid, Barbara C; Meindl, Tobias; Timmann, Dagmar; Kolb, Florian P

2016-08-01

The "raspberry task" represents a precision grip task that requires continuous adjustment of grip forces and pull forces. During this task, subjects use a specialised grip rod and have to increase the pull force linearly while the rod is locked. The positions of the fingers are unrestrained and freely selectable. From the finger positions and the geometry of the grip rod, a physical lever was derived which is a comprehensive measurement of the subject's grip behaviour. In this study, the involvement of the cerebellum in establishing cued force changes (CFC) was examined. The auditory stimulus was associated with a motor behaviour that has to be readjusted during an ongoing movement that already started. Moreover, cerebellar involvement on grip behaviour was examined. The results show that patients presenting with degenerating cerebellar disease (CBL) were able to elicit CFC and were additionally able to optimise grip behaviour by minimising the lever. Comparison of the results of CBL with a control group of healthy subjects showed, however, that the CFC incidence was significantly lower and the reduction of the lever was less in CBL. Hence, the cerebellum is involved not only in the classical conditioning of reflexes but also in the association of sensory stimuli with complex changes in motor behaviour. Furthermore, the cerebellum is involved in the optimisation of grip behaviour during ongoing movements. Recent studies lead to the assumption that the cerebello-reticulo-spinal pathway might be important for the reduced optimisation of grip behaviour in CBL.

Probabilistic Sizing and Verification of Space Ceramic Structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Denaux, David; Ballhause, Dirk; Logut, Daniel; Lucarelli, Stefano; Coe, Graham; Laine, Benoit

2012-07-01

Sizing of ceramic parts is best optimised using a probabilistic approach which takes into account the preexisting flaw distribution in the ceramic part to compute a probability of failure of the part depending on the applied load, instead of a maximum allowable load as for a metallic part. This requires extensive knowledge of the material itself but also an accurate control of the manufacturing process. In the end, risk reduction approaches such as proof testing may be used to lower the final probability of failure of the part. Sizing and verification of ceramic space structures have been performed by Astrium for more than 15 years, both with Zerodur and SiC: Silex telescope structure, Seviri primary mirror, Herschel telescope, Formosat-2 instrument, and other ceramic structures flying today. Throughout this period of time, Astrium has investigated and developed experimental ceramic analysis tools based on the Weibull probabilistic approach. In the scope of the ESA/ESTEC study: “Mechanical Design and Verification Methodologies for Ceramic Structures”, which is to be concluded in the beginning of 2012, existing theories, technical state-of-the-art from international experts, and Astrium experience with probabilistic analysis tools have been synthesized into a comprehensive sizing and verification method for ceramics. Both classical deterministic and more optimised probabilistic methods are available, depending on the criticality of the item and on optimisation needs. The methodology, based on proven theory, has been successfully applied to demonstration cases and has shown its practical feasibility.

Proposals for Solutions to Problems Related to the Use of F-34 (SFP) and High Sulphur Diesel on Ground Equipment Using Advanced Reduction Emission Technologies (Propositions de solutions aux problemes lies a l’utilisation de F-34 (SFP) et de diesel a haute teneur en soufre pour le materiel terrestre disposant de technologies avancees de reduction des emissions)

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-09-01

In a two - stage process the urea decomposes to ammonia (NH3) which then reacts with the nitrogen oxides (NOx) and leads to formation of nitrogen and...Sulphur Fuel (HSF) is a potential problem to NATO forces when vehicles and equipment are fitted with advanced emission reduction devices that require Low...worldwide available, standard fuel (F-34) and equipment capable of using such high sulphur fuels (HSF). Recommendations • Future equipment fitted with

Warpage optimisation on the moulded part with straight-drilled and conformal cooling channels using response surface methodology (RSM) and glowworm swarm optimisation (GSO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hazwan, M. H. M.; Shayfull, Z.; Sharif, S.; Nasir, S. M.; Zainal, N.

2017-09-01

In injection moulding process, quality and productivity are notably important and must be controlled for each product type produced. Quality is measured as the extent of warpage of moulded parts while productivity is measured as a duration of moulding cycle time. To control the quality, many researchers have introduced various of optimisation approaches which have been proven enhanced the quality of the moulded part produced. In order to improve the productivity of injection moulding process, some of researches have proposed the application of conformal cooling channels which have been proven reduced the duration of moulding cycle time. Therefore, this paper presents an application of alternative optimisation approach which is Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with Glowworm Swarm Optimisation (GSO) on the moulded part with straight-drilled and conformal cooling channels mould. This study examined the warpage condition of the moulded parts before and after optimisation work applied for both cooling channels. A front panel housing have been selected as a specimen and the performance of proposed optimisation approach have been analysed on the conventional straight-drilled cooling channels compared to the Milled Groove Square Shape (MGSS) conformal cooling channels by simulation analysis using Autodesk Moldflow Insight (AMI) 2013. Based on the results, melt temperature is the most significant factor contribute to the warpage condition and warpage have optimised by 39.1% after optimisation for straight-drilled cooling channels and cooling time is the most significant factor contribute to the warpage condition and warpage have optimised by 38.7% after optimisation for MGSS conformal cooling channels. In addition, the finding shows that the application of optimisation work on the conformal cooling channels offers the better quality and productivity of the moulded part produced.

Results of a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Visomitin Eye Drops in Patients with Dry Eye Syndrome.

PubMed

Brzheskiy, Vladimir V; Efimova, Elena L; Vorontsova, Tatiana N; Alekseev, Vladimir N; Gusarevich, Olga G; Shaidurova, Ksenia N; Ryabtseva, Alla A; Andryukhina, Olga M; Kamenskikh, Tatiana G; Sumarokova, Elena S; Miljudin, Eugeny S; Egorov, Eugeny A; Lebedev, Oleg I; Surov, Alexander V; Korol, Andrii R; Nasinnyk, Illia O; Bezditko, Pavel A; Muzhychuk, Olena P; Vygodin, Vladimir A; Yani, Elena V; Savchenko, Alla Y; Karger, Elena M; Fedorkin, Oleg N; Mironov, Alexander N; Ostapenko, Victoria; Popeko, Natalia A; Skulachev, Vladimir P; Skulachev, Maxim V

2015-12-01

This article presents the results of an international, multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled clinical study of Visomitin (Mitotech LLC, Moscow, Russian Federation) eye drops in patients with dry eye syndrome (DES). Visomitin is the first registered (in Russia) drug with a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant (SkQ1) as the active ingredient. In this multicenter (10 sites) study of 240 subjects with DES, study drug (Visomitin or placebo) was self-administered three times daily (TID) for 6 weeks, followed by a 6-week follow-up period. Seven in-office study visits occurred every 2 weeks during both the treatment and follow-up periods. Efficacy measures included Schirmer's test, tear break-up time, fluorescein staining, meniscus height, and visual acuity. Safety measures included adverse events, slit lamp biomicroscopy, tonometry, blood pressure, and heart rate. Tolerability was also evaluated. This clinical study showed the effectiveness of Visomitin eye drops in the treatment of signs and symptoms of DES compared with placebo. The study showed that a 6-week course of TID topical instillation of Visomitin significantly improved the functional state of the cornea; Visomitin increased tear film stability and reduced corneal damage. Significant reduction of dry eye symptoms (such as dryness, burning, grittiness, and blurred vision) was also observed. Based on the results of this study, Visomitin is effective and safe for use in eye patients with DES for protection from corneal damage. Mitotech LLC.

Mutation breeding of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with lower methanol content and the effects of pectinase, cellulase and glycine in sugar cane spirits.

PubMed

Liang, Ming-Hua; Liang, Ying-Jie; Wu, Xiao-Na; Zhou, Shi-Shui; Jiang, Jian-Guo

2015-07-01

To decrease the methanol content of the sugar cane sprits, mutagenesis of ultraviolet (UV) coupled with diethyl sulfate (DES) was used to generate a mutant of Saccharomyces cerevisiae with lower methanol content. Meanwhile, the effects of the additions of pectinase, cellulase and glycine on the production of methanol in sugar cane spirits were evaluated. After mutagenesis of UV coupled with DES, a mutant S. cerevisiae DU9 with low production of methanol (97.3 ± 1.7 mg/L) was selected, with a 12.3% decrease of that of S. cerevisiae D4 only with DES treatment, and with a 27.8% reduction of that of the strain without any treatment. Pectinase and cellulase significantly increased the methanol levels of the sugar cane spirits. The results showed that there was linear relationship between glycine (concentration within 0∼0.9 g/L) and methanol in sugar cane sprits and the linear equation was y = 104.7 × -4.79 with the conversion rate of glycine conversion to methanol as 24.56%. Mutagenesis of UV coupled with DES is an efficient way to generate a mutant of S. cerevisiae with lower methanol content. Also, it is necessary to control the additions of pectinase, cellulase and glycine in the fermentation medium, and other unknown ways to generate methanol metabolic pathway in yeasts may need further study. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.

Nanomedicine for the reduction of the thrombogenicity of stent coatings

PubMed Central

Karagkiozaki, Varvara C; Logothetidis, Stergios D; Kassavetis, Spyridon N; Giannoglou, George D

2010-01-01

The treatment of patients with drug-eluting stents (DES) continues to evolve with the current emergence of DES technology that offers a combination of pharmacological and mechanical approaches to prevent arterial restenosis. However, despite the promising short-term and mid-term outcomes of DES, there are valid concerns about adverse clinical effects of late stent thrombosis. In this study, we present an example of how nanomedicine can offer solutions for improving stent coating manufacturing, by producing nanomaterials with tailored and controllable properties. The study is based on the exploitation of human platelets response towards carbon-based nanocoatings via atomic force microscope (AFM). AFM can facilitate the comprehensive analysis of platelets behavior onto stent nanocoatings and enable the study of thrombogenicity. Platelet-rich plasma from healthy donors was used for the real-time study of biointerfacial interactions. The carbon nanomaterials were developed by rf magnetron sputtering technique under controllable deposition conditions to provide favorable surface nanotopography. It was shown that by altering the surface topography of nanocoatings, the activation of platelets can be affected, while the carbon nanocoatings having higher surface roughness were found to be less thrombogenic in terms of platelets adhesion. This is an actual solution for improving the stent coating fabrication. PMID:20463940

Using Optimisation Techniques to Granulise Rough Set Partitions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crossingham, Bodie; Marwala, Tshilidzi

2007-11-01

This paper presents an approach to optimise rough set partition sizes using various optimisation techniques. Three optimisation techniques are implemented to perform the granularisation process, namely, genetic algorithm (GA), hill climbing (HC) and simulated annealing (SA). These optimisation methods maximise the classification accuracy of the rough sets. The proposed rough set partition method is tested on a set of demographic properties of individuals obtained from the South African antenatal survey. The three techniques are compared in terms of their computational time, accuracy and number of rules produced when applied to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) data set. The optimised methods results are compared to a well known non-optimised discretisation method, equal-width-bin partitioning (EWB). The accuracies achieved after optimising the partitions using GA, HC and SA are 66.89%, 65.84% and 65.48% respectively, compared to the accuracy of EWB of 59.86%. In addition to rough sets providing the plausabilities of the estimated HIV status, they also provide the linguistic rules describing how the demographic parameters drive the risk of HIV.

An evaluation of in-plane shields during thoracic CT.

PubMed

Foley, S J; McEntee, M F; Rainford, L A

2013-08-01

The object of this study was to compare organ dose and image quality effects of using bismuth and barium vinyl in-plane shields with standard and low tube current thoracic CT protocols. A RANDO phantom was scanned using a 64-slice CT scanner and three different thoracic protocols. Thermoluminescent dosemeters were positioned in six locations to record surface and absorbed breast and lung doses. Image quality was assessed quantitatively using region of interest measurements. Scanning was repeated using bismuth and barium vinyl in-plane shields to cover the breasts and the results were compared with standard and reduced dose protocols. Dose reductions were most evident in the breast, skin and anterior lung when shielding was used, with mean reductions of 34, 33 and 10 % for bismuth and 23, 18 and 11 % for barium, respectively. Bismuth was associated with significant increases in both noise and CT attenuation values for all the three protocols, especially anteriorly and centrally. Barium shielding had a reduced impact on image quality. Reducing the overall tube current reduced doses in all the locations by 20-27 % with similar increases in noise as shielding, without impacting on attenuation values. Reducing the overall tube current best optimises dose with minimal image quality impact. In-plane shields increase noise and attenuation values, while reducing anterior organ doses primarily. Shielding remains a useful optimisation tool in CT and barium is an effective alternative to bismuth especially when image quality is of concern.

Analysis of optimisation method for a two-stroke piston ring using the Finite Element Method and the Simulated Annealing Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaliszewski, M.; Mazuro, P.

2016-09-01

Simulated Annealing Method of optimisation for the sealing piston ring geometry is tested. The aim of optimisation is to develop ring geometry which would exert demanded pressure on a cylinder just while being bended to fit the cylinder. Method of FEM analysis of an arbitrary piston ring geometry is applied in an ANSYS software. The demanded pressure function (basing on formulae presented by A. Iskra) as well as objective function are introduced. Geometry definition constructed by polynomials in radial coordinate system is delivered and discussed. Possible application of Simulated Annealing Method in a piston ring optimisation task is proposed and visualised. Difficulties leading to possible lack of convergence of optimisation are presented. An example of an unsuccessful optimisation performed in APDL is discussed. Possible line of further optimisation improvement is proposed.

Hydrodynamic Drag Reduction

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-01

Computational Engineering unstructured RANS/LES/DES solver , Tenasi, was used to predict drag and simulate the free surface flow around the ACV over a...using a second-order accurate Roe approximate Riemann scheme, while viscous fluxes are evaluated using a second-order directional derivative approach...Predictions of rigid body ship motions for the SI75 container ship in incident waves and methodology for a one-way coupling of the Tenasi flow solver

Optimisation of wavelength modulated Raman spectroscopy: towards high throughput cell screening.

PubMed

Praveen, Bavishna B; Mazilu, Michael; Marchington, Robert F; Herrington, C Simon; Riches, Andrew; Dholakia, Kishan

2013-01-01

In the field of biomedicine, Raman spectroscopy is a powerful technique to discriminate between normal and cancerous cells. However the strong background signal from the sample and the instrumentation affects the efficiency of this discrimination technique. Wavelength Modulated Raman spectroscopy (WMRS) may suppress the background from the Raman spectra. In this study we demonstrate a systematic approach for optimizing the various parameters of WMRS to achieve a reduction in the acquisition time for potential applications such as higher throughput cell screening. The Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) of the Raman bands depends on the modulation amplitude, time constant and total acquisition time. It was observed that the sampling rate does not influence the signal to noise ratio of the Raman bands if three or more wavelengths are sampled. With these optimised WMRS parameters, we increased the throughput in the binary classification of normal human urothelial cells and bladder cancer cells by reducing the total acquisition time to 6 s which is significantly lower in comparison to previous acquisition times required for the discrimination between similar cell types.

Multidisciplinary design optimisation of a recurve bow based on applications of the autogenetic design theory and distributed computing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fritzsche, Matthias; Kittel, Konstantin; Blankenburg, Alexander; Vajna, Sándor

2012-08-01

The focus of this paper is to present a method of multidisciplinary design optimisation based on the autogenetic design theory (ADT) that provides methods, which are partially implemented in the optimisation software described here. The main thesis of the ADT is that biological evolution and the process of developing products are mainly similar, i.e. procedures from biological evolution can be transferred into product development. In order to fulfil requirements and boundary conditions of any kind (that may change at any time), both biological evolution and product development look for appropriate solution possibilities in a certain area, and try to optimise those that are actually promising by varying parameters and combinations of these solutions. As the time necessary for multidisciplinary design optimisations is a critical aspect in product development, ways to distribute the optimisation process with the effective use of unused calculating capacity, can reduce the optimisation time drastically. Finally, a practical example shows how ADT methods and distributed optimising are applied to improve a product.

A New Hemodynamic Ex Vivo Model for Medical Devices Assessment.

PubMed

Maurel, Blandine; Sarraf, Christophe; Bakir, Farid; Chai, Feng; Maton, Mickael; Sobocinski, Jonathan; Hertault, Adrien; Blanchemain, Nicolas; Haulon, Stephan; Lermusiaux, Patrick

2015-11-01

In-stent restenosis (ISR) remains a major public health concern associated with an increased morbidity, mortality, and health-related costs. Drug-eluting stents (DES) have reduced ISR, but generate healing-related issues or hypersensitivity reactions, leading to an increased risk of late acute stent thrombosis. Assessments of new DES are based on animal models or in vitro release systems, which have several limitations. The role of flow and shear stress on endothelial cell and ISR has also been emphasized. The aim of this work was to design and first evaluate an original bioreactor, replicating ex vivo hemodynamic and biological conditions similar to human conditions, to further evaluate new DES. This bioreactor was designed to study up to 6 stented arteries connected in bypass, immersed in a culture box, in which circulated a physiological systolo-diastolic resistive flow. Two centrifugal pumps drove the flow. The main pump generated pulsating flows by modulation of rotation velocity, and the second pump worked at constant rotation velocity, ensuring the counter pressure levels and backflows. The flow rate, the velocity profile, the arterial pressure, and the resistance of the flow were adjustable. The bioreactor was placed in an incubator to reproduce a biological environment. A first feasibility experience was performed over a 24-day period. Three rat aortic thoracic arteries were placed into the bioreactor, immersed in cell culture medium changed every 3 days, and with a circulating systolic and diastolic flux during the entire experimentation. There was no infection and no leak. At the end of the experimentation, a morphometric analysis was performed confirming the viability of the arteries. We designed and patented an original hemodynamic ex vivo model to further study new DES, as well as a wide range of vascular diseases and medical devices. This bioreactor will allow characterization of the velocity field and drug transfers within a stented artery with new functionalized DES, with experimental means not available in vivo. Another major benefit will be the reduction of animal experimentation and the opportunity to test new DES or other vascular therapeutics in human tissues (human infrapopliteal or coronary arteries collected during human donation). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Etude analytique du fonctionnement des moteurs à réluctance alimentés à fréquence variable

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sargos, F. M.; Gudefin, E. J.; Zaskalicky, P.

1995-03-01

In switched reluctance motors fed by a constant voltage source (like a battery) at high frequencies, the current becomes unpredictable and often cannot reach a given reference value, because of the variation of the inductances with the rotor position ; the “motional” m.m.f. generates commutation troubles which increase with the frequency. An optimal control as well as an approximate design of the motor require a quick and simple calculation of currents, powers and losses ; now, in principle, the non-linear electrical equation needs a numerical resolution, whose results cannot be extrapolated. By linearizing this equation by intervals, the method proposed here allows to express analytically, in any case, the phase currents, the torque and the copper losses, when the feeding voltage itself is constant by intervals. The model neglects saturation, but a simple adjustment of the inductance (chosen ad libitum) allows to deal with it. The calculation is immediate and perfectly accurate as long as the machine parameters themselves are well defined. Some results are given as examples for two usual feeding modes. Dans les machines à réluctance alimentées à haute fréquence par une source à tension constante, comme une batterie, le courant varie de manière difficilement prévisible, à cause de la variation des inductances avec la position du rotor, et souvent ne parvient pas à s'établir à une valeur de consigne imposée ; la f.é.m. “motionnelle” engendre des difficultés de communication qui s'aggravent avec l'augmentation de fréquence jusqu'à empêcher le fonctionnement. Tant pour optimiser la commande que pour dimensionner approximativement un moteur ; on doit pouvoir calculer simplement et rapidement le courant et la puissance ; or l'équation électrique, non linéaire, doit en principe être résolue numériquement et les résultats ne sont pratiquement pas extrapolables. En linéarisant par intervalles cette équation, la méthode proposée ici permer d'exprimer analytiquement et dans tous les cas les courants de phase, la puissance fournie et les pertes Joule, lorsque la tension aux bornes de l'enroulement est constante par morceaux. Le modèle utilisé néglige la saturation ; mais il est possible de tenir compte de celle-ci par des ajustements, facilement calculables, de la courbe d'inductance, quelle que soit son allure. Les calculs sont immédiats et parfaitement précis pour autant que les paramètres soient bien définis. Quelques résultats sont donnés à titre d'exemple, pour deux modes d'alimentation usuels.

Effects of ultrasound and temperature on copper electro reduction in Deep Eutectic Solvents (DES).

PubMed

Mandroyan, Audrey; Mourad-Mahmoud, Mahmoud; Doche, Marie-Laure; Hihn, Jean-Yves

2014-11-01

This paper concerns a preliminary study for a new copper recovery process from ionic solvent. The aim of this work is to study the reduction of copper in Deep Eutectic Solvent (choline chloride-ethylene glycol) and to compare the influence of temperature and the ultrasound effects on kinetic parameters. Solutions were prepared by dissolution of chloride copper salt CuCl2 (to obtain Copper in oxidation degree II) or CuCl (to obtain Copper in oxidation degree I) and by leaching metallic copper directly in DES. The spectrophotometry UV-visible analysis of the leached solution showed that the copper soluble form obtained is at oxidation degree I (Copper I). Both cyclic voltammetry and linear voltammetry were performed in the three solutions at three temperatures (25, 50 and 80°C) and under ultrasonic conditions (F=20kHz, PT=5.8W) to calculate the mass transfer diffusion coefficient kD and the standard rate coefficient k°. These parameters are used to determine that copper reduction is carried out via a mixed kinetic-diffusion control process. Temperature and ultrasound have the same effect on mass transfer for reduction of Cu(II)/Cu(I). On the other hand, temperature is more beneficial than ultrasound for mass transfer of Cu(I)/Cu. Standard rate constant improvement due to temperature increase is of the same order as that obtained with ultrasound. But, by combining higher temperature and ultrasound (F=20kHz, PT=5.6W at 50°C), reduction limiting current is increased by a factor of 10 compared to initial conditions (T=25°C, silent), because ultrasonic stirring is more efficient in lower viscosity fluid. These values can be considered as key-parameters in the design of copper recovery in global processes using ultrasound. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Stereoselective reduction of aromatic ketones by a new ketoreductase from Pichia glucozyma.

PubMed

Contente, Martina Letizia; Serra, Immacolata; Brambilla, Marta; Eberini, Ivano; Gianazza, Elisabetta; De Vitis, Valerio; Molinari, Francesco; Zambelli, Paolo; Romano, Diego

2016-01-01

A new NADPH-dependent benzil reductase (KRED1-Pglu) was identified from the genome of the non-conventional yeast Pichia glucozyma CBS 5766 and overexpressed in E. coli. The new protein was characterised and reaction parameters were optimised for the enantioselective reduction of benzil to (S)-benzoin. A thorough study of the substrate range of KRED1-Pglu was conducted; in contrast to most other known ketoreductases, KRED1-Pglu prefers space-demanding substrates, which are often converted with high stereoselectivity. A molecular modelling study was carried out for understanding the structural determinants involved in the stereorecognition experimentally observed and unpredictable on the basis of steric properties of the substrates. As a result, a new useful catalyst was identified, enabling the enantioselective preparation of different aromatic alcohols and hydroxyketones.

Highlights of the 70th Flight Mechanics Panel Symposium on Flight Vehicle Development Time and Cost Reduction.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-01

u’at ’rq 1,.o A. Neviani Ae rmac - v .’ i t,,-, ary to, do- chi S.p.A., Ttalv. The success and I effectiveness of a concept demonstration- periencct...Vehicle Development and Cost Reduction *T 2 V ~ ’EE IP OVO~ 14 DATE OF REPORT (ear, Month, Day) r AC O %* Confierence C) V 3 September 1987 13 * (()I DES...CAD-CAM, pro’totype maniufacturing, and computer- integrated manufacturing. r* NAA’ A . IFAS~T ?I ABSTRACT SECU)RITY Cl ASS;F:(A rO(N -. v - l ArME AS

Optimisation in radiotherapy. III: Stochastic optimisation algorithms and conclusions.

PubMed

Ebert, M

1997-12-01

This is the final article in a three part examination of optimisation in radiotherapy. Previous articles have established the bases and form of the radiotherapy optimisation problem, and examined certain types of optimisation algorithm, namely, those which perform some form of ordered search of the solution space (mathematical programming), and those which attempt to find the closest feasible solution to the inverse planning problem (deterministic inversion). The current paper examines algorithms which search the space of possible irradiation strategies by stochastic methods. The resulting iterative search methods move about the solution space by sampling random variates, which gradually become more constricted as the algorithm converges upon the optimal solution. This paper also discusses the implementation of optimisation in radiotherapy practice.

Methodologie de conception numerique d'un ventilateur helico-centrifuge basee sur l'emploi du calcul meridien

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lallier-Daniels, Dominic

La conception de ventilateurs est souvent basée sur une méthodologie « essais/erreurs » d'amélioration de géométries existantes ainsi que sur l'expérience de design et les résultats expérimentaux cumulés par les entreprises. Cependant, cette méthodologie peut se révéler coûteuse en cas d'échec; même en cas de succès, des améliorations significatives en performance sont souvent difficiles, voire impossibles à obtenir. Le projet présent propose le développement et la validation d'une méthodologie de conception basée sur l'emploi du calcul méridien pour la conception préliminaire de turbomachines hélico-centrifuges (ou flux-mixte) et l'utilisation du calcul numérique d'écoulement fluides (CFD) pour la conception détaillée. La méthode de calcul méridien à la base du processus de conception proposé est d'abord présentée. Dans un premier temps, le cadre théorique est développé. Le calcul méridien demeurant fondamentalement un processus itératif, le processus de calcul est également présenté, incluant les méthodes numériques de calcul employée pour la résolution des équations fondamentales. Une validation du code méridien écrit dans le cadre du projet de maîtrise face à un algorithme de calcul méridien développé par l'auteur de la méthode ainsi qu'à des résultats de simulation numérique sur un code commercial est également réalisée. La méthodologie de conception de turbomachines développée dans le cadre de l'étude est ensuite présentée sous la forme d'une étude de cas pour un ventilateur hélico-centrifuge basé sur des spécifications fournies par le partenaire industriel Venmar. La méthodologie se divise en trois étapes: le calcul méridien est employé pour le pré-dimensionnement, suivi de simulations 2D de grilles d'aubes pour la conception détaillée des pales et finalement d'une analyse numérique 3D pour la validation et l'optimisation fine de la géométrie. Les résultats de calcul méridien sont en outre comparés aux résultats de simulation pour la géométrie 3D afin de valider l'emploi du calcul méridien comme outil de prédimensionnement. Mots-clés Turbomachines hélico-centrifuges, Calcul méridien, Simulation numérique d'écoulement fluide, Conception numérique de turbomachines.

Reduction of low frequency vibration of truck driver and seating system through system parameter identification, sensitivity analysis and active control

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xu; Bi, Fengrong; Du, Haiping

2018-05-01

This paper aims to develop an 5-degree-of-freedom driver and seating system model for optimal vibration control. A new method for identification of the driver seating system parameters from experimental vibration measurement has been developed. The parameter sensitivity analysis has been conducted considering the random excitation frequency and system parameter uncertainty. The most and least sensitive system parameters for the transmissibility ratio have been identified. The optimised PID controllers have been developed to reduce the driver's body vibration.

Modélisation à long terme et optimisation du stock d'énergie des installations solaires autonomes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maafi, A.; Delorme, C.

1996-04-01

A sizing approach of storage capacity for autonomous solar system has been developed by analyzing the difference between solar radiation input and energy demand on long-term periods. This approach has been implemented using series of daily global irradiation data recorded or generated on a horizontal surface in the meteorological stations of Abidjan (Ivory Coast), Algiers and Tamanrasset (Algeria) and Carpentras (France). The obtained results show that for an energy demand equaling the pluriannual mean of solar irradiation a storage of several months is needed to obtain the autonomy of solar systems located in Algiers, Carpentras and Tamanrasset. It should be too expensive investment to set-up such solar systems in these locations. Therefore, the size of the storage is minimized by using a non-zero initial energy storage and reducing the energy demand. This procedure show that it is possible to provide every day a programmed energy using autonomous solar systems which are competitive economically. Une approche de dimensionnement de la capacité de stockage des installations solaires autonomes a été développé. Elle est basée sur l'analyse de la différence entre l'énergie incidente et la consommation requise. Cette méthode a été mise au point à partir de données journalières d'irradiation globale enregistrées ou reconstituées sur plan horizontal dans les stations météorologiques d'Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire), d'Alger et de Tamanrasset (Algérie) et de Carpentras (France). Pour une demande énergétique correspondant à la production moyenne pluriannuelle d'énergie solaire, les résultats montrent qu'un stockage de plusieurs mois est requis pour garantir l'autonomie de fonctionnement des installations solaires implantées à Alger, Carpentras et Tamanrasset. L'autonomie ainsi obtenue n'est pas économiquement rentable. Aussi, la taille du stockage a été minimisée en utilisant un stock initial d'énergie au démarrage de l'installation et en réduisant la consommation. Ceci a permis de montrer que la couverture de besoins énergétiques planifiés à l'aide d'installations solaires autonomes, compétitives sur le plan économique, est possible.

Texture analysis of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) Fe alloys by X-ray and neutron diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Béchade, J. L.; Mathon, M. H.; Branger, V.; Réglé, H.; Alamo, A.

2002-07-01

The ferritic ODS alloys studied were obtained by mechanical alloying. This strengthening method is very attractive, in particular for nuclear applications. In order to ensure the alloy a good compromise between mechanical resistance and ductility at high temperatures, it is necessary to control the microstructure and in particular the evolution during the recrystallization. First, a preliminary study, performed by X ray diffraction and optical microscopy, shows several grain growth mechanisms ; in particular, the “abnormal” grain growth mechanism which conducts to a large grain size [1], [2]. After annealing (3600s at 1470^{circ}C), the 30% cold-worked (swaging) alloys exhibit an heterogeneous microstructure with a large grains size ( 200 to 500 μm) in the heart and near the surface of the material when the intermediate zone is inhabited by small grains ( 1 μm). Fora higher cold-work level (60%), large size grains are only present in the periphery of the material. On account of the large grain size and strong heterogeneity of the microstructure, texture analysis using laboratory x-ray beam in not well adapted and so we have decided to use neutron beam. The neutron diffraction texture analysis has been performed at the Laboratoire Léon Brillouin on the 6T1 diffractometer on 2 different rods of the alloy (corresponding to the reduction ratios of 30% and 60%). Specific samples have been machined to characterise separately the zones with a different microstructure. After deformation, the alloys exhibit a typical α-fibre texture \\{ hkl \\} <1l0> whatever the area of the sample and the reduction ratio. After recrystallization, a very inhomogeneous texture is evidenced through the thickness of the sample, in particular for the rod deformed with a reduction ratio of 30% : in the heart and in the periphery of the rod, a “single-crystal” type texture is observed; the a fibre remains for the intermediate diameter of the rod. For the rod cold rolled with a reduction ratio of 60%, the α-fibre keeps on the heart of the material and as in the precedent case, a “single-crystal” type texture is observed near the surface of the sample. EBSD measurements have been performed to explicit at a local scale this behaviour and in order to furnish some input data for the simulation of static recrystallization. Les aciers ferritiques avec dispersion d'oxydes étudiés sont obtenus par métallurgie des poudres, ce qui leur confère une résistance mécanique accrue à haute température notamment pour des applications nucléaires. La difficulté pour l'utilisation de tels alliages réside dans la maîtrise de leur microstructure au cours de l'élaboration en particulier durant la recristallisation. Une première étude en diffraction des rayons-x et en métallographie optique a permis de révéler différents mécanismes de croissance du grain lors de la recristallisation, notamment une croissance “anormale” conduisant à une taille de grain très importante [t], [2]. Après recuit (3600s à 1470^{circ}C), précédé par un écrouissage de 30% sur des barres (par martelage) on voit apparaître une microstructure hétérogène à gros grains ( 200 à 500 μm) au coeur et en surface externe de la barre alors que la zone intermédiaire est peuplée de grains fins (sim 1 μm). Pour un écrouissage plus élevé (60%), après le même recuit, on ne voit apparaître des gros grains qu'en périphérie de la barre. Pour ce type de microstructure fortement hétérogène et à gros grains, la diffraction des rayons-x pour l'analyse de texture est mal adaptée, ce qui nous a conduit à utiliser la diffraction des neutrons sur le diffractomètre 6TI du Laboratoire Léon Brillouin. Les deux matériaux, écrouis de 30% et 60%, ont été analysés en réalisant des échantillons particuliers permettant d'étudier séparément le coeur et la périphérie. Après déformation, les deux échantillons présentent une texture de fibre α \\{ hkl \\} <1l0> en tout point de la barre. Après recristallisation, on retrouve une texture très hétérogène suivant le rayon de la barre, notamment après 30% : le coeur et la périphérie de la barre présentent une texture de type “mono-cristal”, la zone intermédiaire restant une fibre α. Après écrouissage de 60%, on garde la fibre α au coeur de la barre, la périphérie présentant, comme pour l'écrouissage précédent, une texture de type “mono-cristal”. Des analyses en EBSD ont également été réalisées pour foumir des éléments de compréhension sur les mécanismes locaux de recristallisation afin de simuler la recristallisation statique de ses alliages via une approche numérique.

Pertinence et limitations de la loi de Mott dans les isolants désordonnés

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ladieu, François; Sanquer, Marc

Twenty five years ago, Mott's law was established in order to describe electrical transport in disordered insulators at low temperature. In this review, we briefly summarize the different theoretical steps involved in the rigourous derivation of Mott's law. We stress upon the fact that Mott's law gives the mean conductance of an ensemble of macroscopic samples as long as electron-electron interactions remain negligible. We then study what happens when at least one of the key assumptions of Mott's law no longer holds. We first focus on systems whose size — at least in one dimension — is not macroscopic: the optimization involved in Mott's law is no longer relevant for the measured conductance. Eventually, we try to gather different works dealing with electron-electron interactions. It is now established that interactions generally produce a stronger divergence for the electrical resistance than the one predicted by Mott's law at the lowest temperatures. But the exact shape of this divergence, as well as its interpretation, remain debated. We try to make a link between Efros and Shklovskii 's work and their famous "Coulomb gap" and a more recent work about granular media. In this latter work, the size of the grains is the key parameter for the shape of the divergence of the resistance at low temperature. We suggest this could indicate a way for a model accounting for the different shapes of divergence of the electrical resistance at the lowest temperatures. Furthermore this framework of granular media allows us to deal with non linear regime: we explain the main differences between the predictions of the hot electrons model and the ones recently derived for a d -dimensional network of grains. Il y a déjà un quart de siècle que la loi de Mott a été établie afin de décrire le transport dans les milieux isolants désordonnés à basse température. Dans cet article de revue, nous rappelons brièvement les diverses étapes théoriques nécessaires à l'établissement rigoureux de la loi de Mott. Nous insistons sur le fait que la loi de Mott ne donne que la conductance moyenne d'un ensemble d'échantillons macroscopiques, tant que les interactions entre électrons restent négligeables. Nous étudions ensuite ce qu'il se passe lorsque l'on lève au moins l'une des hypothèses nécessaires à l'établissement de la loi de Mott. Nous nous penchons d'abord sur le cas des systèmes dont au moins une dimension n'est pas macroscopique : l'optimisation contenue dans la loi de Mott n'est alors plus représentative de la conductance mesurée. Enfin, nous essayons de rassembler des travaux relatifs aux effets des interactions entre électrons. S'il est acquis que, de façon générale, les interactions entraînent une divergence de la résistance plus rapide que ne le prédit la loi de Mott aux plus basses températures, la forme exacte de cette divergence ainsi que son interprétation restent encore sujets à caution. Nous rapprochons le travail d'Efros et Shklovskii et leur célèbre "gap de Coulomb" d'un travail plus récent sur les milieux granulaires dans lequel la taille des grains joue un rôle discriminant sur la nature de la divergence de la résistance à basse température. Nous suggérons que ce rapprochement ouvre une piste pour un modèle rendant compte de manière unifiée des diverses divergences mesurées à basse température pour la résistance électrique. Cette incursion dans les modèles granulaires nous permet aussi d'aborder la question des non linéarités en exposant les différences entre les prédictions du modèle des électrons chauds et celles proposées récemment pour un réseau de grains en dimension d .

Wind energy resource modelling in Portugal and its future large-scale alteration due to anthropogenic induced climate changes =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carvalho, David Joao da Silva

The high dependence of Portugal from foreign energy sources (mainly fossil fuels), together with the international commitments assumed by Portugal and the national strategy in terms of energy policy, as well as resources sustainability and climate change issues, inevitably force Portugal to invest in its energetic self-sufficiency. The 20/20/20 Strategy defined by the European Union defines that in 2020 60% of the total electricity consumption must come from renewable energy sources. Wind energy is currently a major source of electricity generation in Portugal, producing about 23% of the national total electricity consumption in 2013. The National Energy Strategy 2020 (ENE2020), which aims to ensure the national compliance of the European Strategy 20/20/20, states that about half of this 60% target will be provided by wind energy. This work aims to implement and optimise a numerical weather prediction model in the simulation and modelling of the wind energy resource in Portugal, both in offshore and onshore areas. The numerical model optimisation consisted in the determination of which initial and boundary conditions and planetary boundary layer physical parameterizations options provide wind power flux (or energy density), wind speed and direction simulations closest to in situ measured wind data. Specifically for offshore areas, it is also intended to evaluate if the numerical model, once optimised, is able to produce power flux, wind speed and direction simulations more consistent with in situ measured data than wind measurements collected by satellites. This work also aims to study and analyse possible impacts that anthropogenic climate changes may have on the future wind energetic resource in Europe. The results show that the ECMWF reanalysis ERA-Interim are those that, among all the forcing databases currently available to drive numerical weather prediction models, allow wind power flux, wind speed and direction simulations more consistent with in situ wind measurements. It was also found that the Pleim-Xiu and ACM2 planetary boundary layer parameterizations are the ones that showed the best performance in terms of wind power flux, wind speed and direction simulations. This model optimisation allowed a significant reduction of the wind power flux, wind speed and direction simulations errors and, specifically for offshore areas, wind power flux, wind speed and direction simulations more consistent with in situ wind measurements than data obtained from satellites, which is a very valuable and interesting achievement. This work also revealed that future anthropogenic climate changes can negatively impact future European wind energy resource, due to tendencies towards a reduction in future wind speeds especially by the end of the current century and under stronger radiative forcing conditions.

Energetic Materials Hazard Initiation: DoD Assessment Team Final Report

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-05-05

which the Department of De - fense is now emphasizing (JROC, 1986). Although this aspect of hazards reduction primarily involves fielded systems and the...source of deficiency in the impact testing. Some efforts are reported in which phototransistors, IR sensors and/or pressure sensors are used to detect...Montgomery (1959), and Moore (1973). Recent research on the electrostatic discharge sensitivity of solid propellant samples was begun at Societe Nationale des

OptiPhy, a technical-economic optimisation model for improving the management of plant protection practices in agriculture: a decision-support tool for controlling the toxicity risks related to pesticides.

PubMed

Mghirbi, Oussama; LE Grusse, Philippe; Fabre, Jacques; Mandart, Elisabeth; Bord, Jean-Paul

2017-03-01

The health, environmental and socio-economic issues related to the massive use of plant protection products are a concern for all the stakeholders involved in the agricultural sector. These stakeholders, including farmers and territorial actors, have expressed a need for decision-support tools for the management of diffuse pollution related to plant protection practices and their impacts. To meet the needs expressed by the public authorities and the territorial actors for such decision-support tools, we have developed a technical-economic model "OptiPhy" for risk mitigation based on indicators of pesticide toxicity risk to applicator health (IRSA) and to the environment (IRTE), under the constraint of suitable economic outcomes. This technical-economic optimisation model is based on linear programming techniques and offers various scenarios to help the different actors in choosing plant protection products, depending on their different levels of constraints and aspirations. The health and environmental risk indicators can be broken down into sub-indicators so that management can be tailored to the context. This model for technical-economic optimisation and management of plant protection practices can analyse scenarios for the reduction of pesticide-related risks by proposing combinations of substitution PPPs, according to criteria of efficiency, economic performance and vulnerability of the natural environment. The results of the scenarios obtained on real ITKs in different cropping systems show that it is possible to reduce the PPP pressure (TFI) and reduce toxicity risks to applicator health (IRSA) and to the environment (IRTE) by up to approximately 50 %.

Design of a compact antenna with flared groundplane for a wearable breast hyperthermia system.

PubMed

Curto, Sergio; Prakash, Punit

2015-01-01

Currently available microwave hyperthermia systems for breast cancer treatment do not conform to the intact breast and provide limited control of heating patterns, thereby hindering an effective treatment. A compact patch antenna with a flared groundplane that may be integrated within a wearable hyperthermia system for the treatment of the intact breast disease is proposed. A 3D simulation-based approach was employed to optimise the antenna design with the objective of maximising the hyperthermia treatment volume (41 °C iso-therm) while maintaining good impedance matching. The optimised antenna design was fabricated and experimentally evaluated with ex vivo tissue measurements. The optimised compact antenna yielded a -10 dB bandwidth of 90 MHz centred at 915 MHz, and was capable of creating hyperthermia treatment volumes up to 14.4 cm(3) (31 mm × 28 mm × 32 mm) with an input power of 15 W. Experimentally measured reflection coefficient and transient temperature profiles were in good agreement with simulated profiles. Variations of + 50% in blood perfusion yielded variations in the treatment volume up to 11.5%. When compared to an antenna with a similar patch element employing a conventional rectangular groundplane, the antenna with flared groundplane afforded 22.3% reduction in required power levels to reach the same temperature, and yielded 2.4 times larger treatment volumes. The proposed patch antenna with a flared groundplane may be integrated within a wearable applicator for hyperthermia treatment of intact breast targets and has the potential to improve efficiency, increase patient comfort, and ultimately clinical outcomes.

Réduction des nitrates et de l'uranium par les bactéries indigènes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abdelouas, Abdesselam; Lutze, Werner; Nuttall, Eric

1998-07-01

A bioremediation concept has been developed to clean up ground water contaminated with nitrate (1200 mg·L -1) and uranium (0.25 mg·L -1). We studied the Tuba City mill tailings site, Arizona, USA. Indigenous bacteria capable of catalyzing the reduction of NO 3- and U(VI) were identified in the ground water and in the host rock, the Navajo sandstone. After complete reduction of O 2 and NO 3- within one week, U(VI) was reduced and precipitated as uraninite. Final uranium concentrations < 15 μg·L -1 were reached after a few weeks at 24 °C. Iron sulfide also precipitated as a result of reduction of Fe(III) on the sand surface and sulfate in the ground water. U(VI) was not reduced by sulfide. It was found that enzymatic reduction of U(VI) is faster than abiotic reduction under the conditions given by the composition of the ground water.

Aquifer/aquitard interfaces: mixing zones that enhance biogeochemical reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McMahon, P. B.

2001-01-01

Several important biogeochemical reactions are known to occur near the interface between aquifer and aquitard sediments. These reactions include O2 reduction; denitrification; and Fe3+, SO42-, and CO2 (methanogenesis) reduction. In some settings, these reactions occur on the aquitard side of the interface as electron acceptors move from the aquifer into the electron-donor-enriched aquitard. In other settings, these reactions occur on the aquifer side of the interface as electron donors move from the aquitard into the electron-acceptor-enriched, or microorganism-enriched, aquifer. Thus, the aquifer/aquitard interface represents a mixing zone capable of supporting greater microbial activity than either hydrogeologic unit alone. The extent to which biogeochemical reactions proceed in the mixing zone and the width of the mixing zone depend on several factors, including the abundance and solubility of electron acceptors and donors on either side of the interface and the rate at which electron acceptors and donors react and move across the interface. Biogeochemical reactions near the aquifer/aquitard interface can have a substantial influence on the chemistry of water in aquifers and on the chemistry of sediments near the interface. Résumé. Il se produit au voisinage de l'interface entre les aquifères et les imperméables plusieurs réactions biogéochimiques importantes. Il s'agit des réactions de réduction de l'oxygène, de la dénitrification et de la réduction de Fe3+, SO42- et CO2 (méthanogenèse). Dans certaines situations, ces réactions se produisent du côté imperméable de l'interface, avec des accepteurs d'électrons qui vont de l'aquifère vers l'imperméable riche en donneurs d'électrons. Dans d'autres situations, ces réactions se produisent du côté aquifère de l'interface, avec des donneurs d'électrons qui se déplacent de l'imperméable vers l'aquifère riche en accepteurs d'électrons ou en microorganismes. Ainsi, l'interface aquifère/imperméable constitue une zone de mélange capable de supporter une plus grande activité microbienne que chacune des deux unités hydrogéologiques seules. L'extension des réactions biogéochimiques dans la zone de mélange et la largeur de cette zone dépendent de plusieurs facteurs, dont l'abondance et la solubilité des accepteurs et des donneurs d'électrons de chaque côté de l'interface, et le taux de réaction et de déplacement des accepteurs et des donneurs d'électrons au travers de cette interface. Les réactions biogéochimiques au voisinage de l'interface aquifère/imperméable peuvent avoir une influence appréciable sur le chimisme de l'eau des aquifères et sur celui des sédiments au niveau de l'interface. Resúmen. Es conocido que varias reacciones biogeoquímicas de importancia pueden tener lugar cerca de la interfaz entre los sedimentos de un acuífero y de un acuitardo. Entre ellas, destaca la reducción del O2, la denitrificación, y la reducción del Fe+3, SO4-2 y CO2 (metanogénesis). En algunos casos, estas reacciones se producen en la región cercana al acuitardo, ya que los dadores de electrones se mueven desde éste hacia el acuífero, el cual está enriquecido en aceptores de electrones o en microorganismos. Así, la interfaz acuífero/acuitardo constituye una zona de mezcla que es capaz de sustentar una actividad microbiana mayor que cualquier unidad hidrogeológica por sí misma. El alcance de las reacciones biogeoquímicas en la zona de mezcla y el ancho de esta zona de mezcla depende de varios factores, como la abundancia y la solubilidad de los aceptores y dadores de electrones en ambas caras de la interfaz y la velocidad a la que los aceptores y dadores de electrones reaccionan y se mueven a través de la interfaz. Las reacciones biogeoquímicas cerca de la interfaz acuífero/acuitardo pueden tener una influencia substancial en la hidroquímica de los acuíferos y en la química de los sedimentos cerca de la superficie.

Reduction of excess sludge production using mechanical disintegration devices.

PubMed

Strünkmann, G W; Müller, J A; Albert, F; Schwedes, J

2006-01-01

The usability of mechanical disintegration techniques for the reduction of excess sludge production in the activated sludge process was investigated. Using three different disintegration devices (ultrasonic homogeniser, stirred media mill, high pressure homogeniser) and different operational parameters of the disintegration, the effect of mechanical disintegration on the excess sludge production and on the effluent quality was studied within a continuously operated, laboratory scale wastewater treatment system with pre-denitrification. Depending on the operational conditions and the disintegration device used, a reduction of excess sludge production of up to 70% was achieved. A combination of mechanical disintegration with a membrane bioreactor process with high sludge age is more energy effective concerning reduction of sludge production than with a conventional activated sludge process at lower sludge ages. Depending on the disintegration parameters, the disintegration has no, or only minor, negative effect on the soluble effluent COD and on the COD-removal capacity of the activated sludge process. Nitrogen-removal was slightly deteriorated by the disintegration, whereas the system used was not optimised for nitrogen removal before disintegration was implemented.

Functionalization of graphene using deep eutectic solvents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hayyan, Maan; Abo-Hamad, Ali; AlSaadi, Mohammed AbdulHakim; Hashim, Mohd Ali

2015-08-01

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have received attention in various applications because of their distinctive properties. In this work, DESs were used as functionalizing agents for graphene due to their potential to introduce new functional groups and cause other surface modifications. Eighteen different types of ammonium- and phosphonium-salt-based DESs were prepared and characterized by FTIR. The graphene was characterized by FTIR, STA, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and TEM. Additional experiments were performed to study the dispersion behavior of the functionalized graphene in different solvents. The DESs exhibited both reduction and functionalization effects on DES-treated graphene. Dispersion stability was investigated and then characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and zeta potential. DES-modified graphene can be used in many applications, such as drug delivery, wastewater treatment, catalysts, composite materials, nanofluids, and biosensors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation on the use of DESs for graphene functionalization.

Functionalization of graphene using deep eutectic solvents.

PubMed

Hayyan, Maan; Abo-Hamad, Ali; AlSaadi, Mohammed AbdulHakim; Hashim, Mohd Ali

2015-12-01

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have received attention in various applications because of their distinctive properties. In this work, DESs were used as functionalizing agents for graphene due to their potential to introduce new functional groups and cause other surface modifications. Eighteen different types of ammonium- and phosphonium-salt-based DESs were prepared and characterized by FTIR. The graphene was characterized by FTIR, STA, Raman spectroscopy, XRD, SEM, and TEM. Additional experiments were performed to study the dispersion behavior of the functionalized graphene in different solvents. The DESs exhibited both reduction and functionalization effects on DES-treated graphene. Dispersion stability was investigated and then characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy and zeta potential. DES-modified graphene can be used in many applications, such as drug delivery, wastewater treatment, catalysts, composite materials, nanofluids, and biosensors. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation on the use of DESs for graphene functionalization.

Ticagrelor with aspirin or alone in high-risk patients after coronary intervention: Rationale and design of the TWILIGHT study.

PubMed

Baber, Usman; Dangas, George; Cohen, David J; Gibson, C Michael; Mehta, Shamir R; Angiolillo, Dominick J; Pocock, Stuart J; Krucoff, Mitchell W; Kastrati, Adnan; Ohman, E Magnus; Steg, Philippe Gabriel; Badimon, Juan; Zafar, M Urooj; Chandrasekhar, Jaya; Sartori, Samantha; Aquino, Melissa; Mehran, Roxana

2016-12-01

Dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) is necessary to prevent thrombosis yet increases bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with drug-eluting stents (DES). Antiplatelet monotherapy with a potent P2Y 12 receptor antagonist may reduce bleeding while maintaining anti thrombotic efficacy compared with conventional DAPT. TWILIGHT is a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial evaluating the comparative efficacy and safety of antiplatelet monotherapy versus DAPT in up to 9000 high-risk patients undergoing PCI with DES. Upon enrollment after successful PCI, all patients will be treated with open label low-dose aspirin (81-100 mg daily) plus ticagrelor (90 mg twice daily) for 3 months. Event-free patients will then be randomized in a double-blind fashion to low-dose aspirin versus matching placebo with continuation of open-label ticagrelor for an additional 12 months. The primary hypothesis is that a strategy of ticagrelor monotherapy will be superior with respect to the primary endpoint of bleeding academic research consortium type 2, 3 or 5, while maintaining non-inferiority for ischemic events compared with ticagrelor plus ASA. TWILIGHT is the largest study to date that is specifically designed and powered to demonstrate reductions in bleeding with ticagrelor monotherapy versus ticagrelor plus ASA beyond 3 months post-procedure in a high-risk PCI population treated with DES. The trial will provide novel insights with respect to the potential role of ticagrelor monotherapy as an alternative for long-term platelet inhibition in a broad population of patients undergoing PCI with DES. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Optimisation on processing parameters for minimising warpage on side arm using response surface methodology (RSM) and particle swarm optimisation (PSO)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rayhana, N.; Fathullah, M.; Shayfull, Z.; Nasir, S. M.; Hazwan, M. H. M.; Sazli, M.; Yahya, Z. R.

2017-09-01

This study presents the application of optimisation method to reduce the warpage of side arm part. Autodesk Moldflow Insight software was integrated into this study to analyse the warpage. The design of Experiment (DOE) for Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was constructed and by using the equation from RSM, Particle Swarm Optimisation (PSO) was applied. The optimisation method will result in optimised processing parameters with minimum warpage. Mould temperature, melt temperature, packing pressure, packing time and cooling time was selected as the variable parameters. Parameters selection was based on most significant factor affecting warpage stated by previous researchers. The results show that warpage was improved by 28.16% for RSM and 28.17% for PSO. The warpage improvement in PSO from RSM is only by 0.01 %. Thus, the optimisation using RSM is already efficient to give the best combination parameters and optimum warpage value for side arm part. The most significant parameters affecting warpage are packing pressure.

Metaheuristic optimisation methods for approximate solving of singular boundary value problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sadollah, Ali; Yadav, Neha; Gao, Kaizhou; Su, Rong

2017-07-01

This paper presents a novel approximation technique based on metaheuristics and weighted residual function (WRF) for tackling singular boundary value problems (BVPs) arising in engineering and science. With the aid of certain fundamental concepts of mathematics, Fourier series expansion, and metaheuristic optimisation algorithms, singular BVPs can be approximated as an optimisation problem with boundary conditions as constraints. The target is to minimise the WRF (i.e. error function) constructed in approximation of BVPs. The scheme involves generational distance metric for quality evaluation of the approximate solutions against exact solutions (i.e. error evaluator metric). Four test problems including two linear and two non-linear singular BVPs are considered in this paper to check the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed algorithm. The optimisation task is performed using three different optimisers including the particle swarm optimisation, the water cycle algorithm, and the harmony search algorithm. Optimisation results obtained show that the suggested technique can be successfully applied for approximate solving of singular BVPs.

Optimisation study of a vehicle bumper subsystem with fuzzy parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farkas, L.; Moens, D.; Donders, S.; Vandepitte, D.

2012-10-01

This paper deals with the design and optimisation for crashworthiness of a vehicle bumper subsystem, which is a key scenario for vehicle component design. The automotive manufacturers and suppliers have to find optimal design solutions for such subsystems that comply with the conflicting requirements of the regulatory bodies regarding functional performance (safety and repairability) and regarding the environmental impact (mass). For the bumper design challenge, an integrated methodology for multi-attribute design engineering of mechanical structures is set up. The integrated process captures the various tasks that are usually performed manually, this way facilitating the automated design iterations for optimisation. Subsequently, an optimisation process is applied that takes the effect of parametric uncertainties into account, such that the system level of failure possibility is acceptable. This optimisation process is referred to as possibility-based design optimisation and integrates the fuzzy FE analysis applied for the uncertainty treatment in crash simulations. This process is the counterpart of the reliability-based design optimisation used in a probabilistic context with statistically defined parameters (variabilities).

Supplémentation préconceptionnelle en acide folique / multivitamines pour la prévention primaire et secondaire des anomalies du tube neural et d'autres anomalies congénitales sensibles à l'acide folique.

PubMed

Wilson, R Douglas

2016-12-01

Offrir des renseignements à jour sur l'utilisation pré et postconceptionnelle d'acide folique par voie orale, avec ou sans supplément de multivitamines / micronutriments, aux fins de la prévention des anomalies du tube neural et d'autres anomalies congénitales. Ces renseignements aideront les médecins, les sages-femmes, les infirmières et les autres professionnels de la santé à contribuer aux efforts de sensibilisation des femmes quant à l'utilisation et aux posologies adéquates de la supplémentation en acide folique / multivitamines, avant et pendant la grossesse. RéSULTATS: La littérature publiée a été récupérée par l'intermédiaire de recherches menées dans PubMed, Medline, CINAHL et la Cochrane Library en janvier 2011 au moyen d'un vocabulaire contrôlé et de mots clés appropriés (p. ex. « folic acid », « prenatal multivitamins », « folate sensitive birth defects », « congenital anomaly risk reduction », « pre-conception counselling »). Les résultats ont été restreints aux analyses systématiques, aux études observationnelles et aux essais comparatifs randomisés / essais cliniques comparatifs publiés en anglais entre 1985 et juin 2014. Les recherches ont été mises à jour de façon régulière et intégrées à la directive clinique jusqu'en juin 2014. La littérature grise (non publiée) a été identifiée par l'intermédiaire de recherches menées dans les sites Web d'organismes s'intéressant à l'évaluation des technologies dans le domaine de la santé et d'organismes connexes, dans des collections de directives cliniques, dans des registres d'essais cliniques, et auprès de sociétés de spécialité médicale nationales et internationales. COûTS, RISQUES ET AVANTAGES: Les coûts financiers sont ceux de la supplémentation quotidienne en vitamines et de la consommation d'un régime alimentaire santé enrichi en folate. Les risques sont ceux qui sont liés à une association signalée entre la supplémentation alimentaire en acide folique et des modifications épigénétiques fœtales / la probabilité accrue d'obtenir une grossesse gémellaire. Ces associations pourraient devoir être prises en considération avant la mise en œuvre d'une supplémentation en acide folique. La supplémentation en acide folique par voie orale (ou l'apport alimentaire en folate combiné à un supplément de multivitamines / micronutriments) a pour avantage de mener à une baisse connexe du taux d'anomalies du tube neural et peut-être même des taux d'autres complications obstétricales et anomalies congénitales particulières. La qualité des résultats est évaluée au moyen des critères décrits par le Groupe d'étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs (Tableau 1). DéCLARATION SOMMAIRE: RECOMMANDATIONS. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Developpement d'un catalyseur nickel-alumine efficace pour le reformage de diesel a la vapeur d'eau et etude du systeme reactionnel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fauteux-Lefebvre, Clemence

Le developpement de sources d'energie alternatives fiables et efficaces est aujourd'hui une necessite. L' interet dans le reformage d'hydrocarbures liquides est ainsi croissant puisqu'il s'agit d'une voie pour l'alimentation des piles a combustible. Les piles a combustible ont une efficacite pour la conversion d'energie en electricite plus grande que celle des moteurs a combustion et font ainsi partie de la recherche de solution en efficacite energetique. Ces piles consomment de l'hydrogene comme combustible pour produire de l'electricite, d'ou l'interet pour le reformage. En effet, cette reaction permet de produire de l'hydrogene et du monoxyde de carbone (un autre combustible des piles a combustible a electrolyte solide) a partir d'hydrocarbure liquide, notamment le diesel. Les piles pourraient donc etre integrees avec une unite de reformage leur fournissant directement le combustible necessaire a partir de diesel. Dans ce projet de recherche, un nouveau catalyseur de nickel sous forme de spinelle nickel-alumine (spinelle NiAl2O4 sur support d'alumine et de zircone stabilisee avec yttria) a ete developpe et teste en laboratoire pour du reformage de propane, d'hydrocarbures liquides et de diesel, a la vapeur d'eau. Par ailleurs, une methode d'ajout des reactifs novatrice a ete utilisee afin de diminuer la pyrolyse precedant le reformage, en utilisant une emulsion. Les resultats de reformage d'hydrocarbures purs ont montre des concentrations tres pres de l'equilibre thermodynamique et une activite constante sans desactivation du catalyseur ni formation de carbone, et ce avec des ratios H2O/C de moins de 2.5 et des temperatures d'operation variant entre 630 °C et 750 °C. Lors de tests effectues en utilisant du diesel fossile, a 705°C, avec un debit volumique des reactifs de plus de 50 000 cm3gcat-1h-1 et un ratio H2O/C de moins de 2.5, l'activite a ete maintenue pendant plus de 15 heures, malgre une operation en cycles. L'analyse du catalyseur apres cette utilisation n'a montre aucun carbone significatif sur la surface.- En comparaison, un catalyseur de nickel metallique sur support d'Al2O3 et YSZ a ete utilise dans des conditions similaires. Il y a eu desactivation du catalyseur et obstruction du reacteur par du carbone apres trois heures d'operation. L'analyse de ce catalyseur a permis de verifier qu'il etait recouvert de carbone en filament. L'analyse du systeme reactionnel a montre que la reaction est controlee par la reaction de. surface et non par le transfert de masse. Par ailleurs, les analyses des catalyseurs de spinelle ont demontre qu'il n'y avait pas de modification de sa forme chimique ni de reduction du spinelle en nickel metallique apres l'utilisation. Mots cles : Reformage a la vapeur, diesel, hydrocarbure liquide, catalyseur, spinelle nickel-alumine, equilibre thermodynamique

Improving radiation hardness in space-based Charge-Coupled Devices through the narrowing of the charge transfer channel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hall, D. J.; Skottfelt, J.; Soman, M. R.; Bush, N.; Holland, A.

2017-12-01

Charge-Coupled Devices (CCDs) have been the detector of choice for imaging and spectroscopy in space missions for several decades, such as those being used for the Euclid VIS instrument and baselined for the SMILE SXI. Despite the many positive properties of CCDs, such as the high quantum efficiency and low noise, when used in a space environment the detectors suffer damage from the often-harsh radiation environment. High energy particles can create defects in the silicon lattice which act to trap the signal electrons being transferred through the device, reducing the signal measured and effectively increasing the noise. We can reduce the impact of radiation on the devices through four key methods: increased radiation shielding, device design considerations, optimisation of operating conditions, and image correction. Here, we concentrate on device design operations, investigating the impact of narrowing the charge-transfer channel in the device with the aim of minimising the impact of traps during readout. Previous studies for the Euclid VIS instrument considered two devices, the e2v CCD204 and CCD273, the serial register of the former having a 50 μm channel and the latter having a 20 μm channel. The reduction in channel width was previously modelled to give an approximate 1.6× reduction in charge storage volume, verified experimentally to have a reduction in charge transfer inefficiency of 1.7×. The methods used to simulate the reduction approximated the charge cloud to a sharp-edged volume within which the probability of capture by traps was 100%. For high signals and slow readout speeds, this is a reasonable approximation. However, for low signals and higher readout speeds, the approximation falls short. Here we discuss a new method of simulating and calculating charge storage variations with device design changes, considering the absolute probability of capture across the pixel, bringing validity to all signal sizes and readout speeds. Using this method, we can optimise the device design to suffer minimum impact from radiation damage effects, here using detector development for the SMILE mission to demonstrate the process.

The Baker's Yeast Reduction of Keto-Esters in Organic Solvents: A One Week Research Project for Undergraduate Students

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

North, Michael

1998-05-01

An experiment has been designed which allows final year undergraduate students to carry out a mini-research project in one week and thus get a flavour of the joys and tribulations of conducting chemical research before they undertake a major research project. The experiment is an investigation into the reduction of alpha- or beta-keto esters using non-fermenting Baker's yeast in petroleum ether. There are a number of advantages to this method of using Baker's yeast, including a reduction in the amount of organic solvent used, and a much simplified purification procedure. During the course of the mini-project, the substrate specificity of the yeast is investigated, and the conditions for the optimisation of a particular keto ester are determined. Each product is analysed by a variety of analytical techniques including polarimetry, IR, NMR, and GC. In addition, the use of correct stereochemical nomenclature to describe prochiral, and chiral compounds as well as chemical reactions are discussed.

Methods of Model Reduction for Large-Scale Biological Systems: A Survey of Current Methods and Trends.

PubMed

Snowden, Thomas J; van der Graaf, Piet H; Tindall, Marcus J

2017-07-01

Complex models of biochemical reaction systems have become increasingly common in the systems biology literature. The complexity of such models can present a number of obstacles for their practical use, often making problems difficult to intuit or computationally intractable. Methods of model reduction can be employed to alleviate the issue of complexity by seeking to eliminate those portions of a reaction network that have little or no effect upon the outcomes of interest, hence yielding simplified systems that retain an accurate predictive capacity. This review paper seeks to provide a brief overview of a range of such methods and their application in the context of biochemical reaction network models. To achieve this, we provide a brief mathematical account of the main methods including timescale exploitation approaches, reduction via sensitivity analysis, optimisation methods, lumping, and singular value decomposition-based approaches. Methods are reviewed in the context of large-scale systems biology type models, and future areas of research are briefly discussed.

Life cycle assessment of biohydrogen and biomethane production and utilisation as a vehicle fuel.

PubMed

Patterson, Tim; Esteves, Sandra; Dinsdale, Richard; Guwy, Alan; Maddy, Jon

2013-03-01

Environmental burdens for the production and utilisation of biomethane vehicle fuel or a biohydrogen/biomethane blend produced from food waste or wheat feed, based on data from two different laboratory experiments, have been compared. For food waste treated by batch processes the two stage system gave high hydrogen yields (84.2l H2kg(-1) VS added) but a lower overall energy output than the single stage system. Reduction in environmental burdens compared with diesel was achieved, supported by the diversion of waste from landfill. For wheat feed, the semi continuously fed two stage process gave low hydrogen yields (7.5l H2kg(-1) VS added) but higher overall energy output. The process delivers reduction in fossil fuel burdens, and improvements in process efficiencies will lead to reduction in CO2 burdens compared with diesel. The study highlights the importance of understanding and optimising biofuel production parameters according to the feedstock utilised. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

CAMELOT: Computational-Analytical Multi-fidElity Low-thrust Optimisation Toolbox

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Di Carlo, Marilena; Romero Martin, Juan Manuel; Vasile, Massimiliano

2018-03-01

Computational-Analytical Multi-fidElity Low-thrust Optimisation Toolbox (CAMELOT) is a toolbox for the fast preliminary design and optimisation of low-thrust trajectories. It solves highly complex combinatorial problems to plan multi-target missions characterised by long spirals including different perturbations. To do so, CAMELOT implements a novel multi-fidelity approach combining analytical surrogate modelling and accurate computational estimations of the mission cost. Decisions are then made using two optimisation engines included in the toolbox, a single-objective global optimiser, and a combinatorial optimisation algorithm. CAMELOT has been applied to a variety of case studies: from the design of interplanetary trajectories to the optimal de-orbiting of space debris and from the deployment of constellations to on-orbit servicing. In this paper, the main elements of CAMELOT are described and two examples, solved using the toolbox, are presented.

Boundary element based multiresolution shape optimisation in electrostatics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bandara, Kosala; Cirak, Fehmi; Of, Günther; Steinbach, Olaf; Zapletal, Jan

2015-09-01

We consider the shape optimisation of high-voltage devices subject to electrostatic field equations by combining fast boundary elements with multiresolution subdivision surfaces. The geometry of the domain is described with subdivision surfaces and different resolutions of the same geometry are used for optimisation and analysis. The primal and adjoint problems are discretised with the boundary element method using a sufficiently fine control mesh. For shape optimisation the geometry is updated starting from the coarsest control mesh with increasingly finer control meshes. The multiresolution approach effectively prevents the appearance of non-physical geometry oscillations in the optimised shapes. Moreover, there is no need for mesh regeneration or smoothing during the optimisation due to the absence of a volume mesh. We present several numerical experiments and one industrial application to demonstrate the robustness and versatility of the developed approach.

Tail mean and related robust solution concepts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogryczak, Włodzimierz

2014-01-01

Robust optimisation might be viewed as a multicriteria optimisation problem where objectives correspond to the scenarios although their probabilities are unknown or imprecise. The simplest robust solution concept represents a conservative approach focused on the worst-case scenario results optimisation. A softer concept allows one to optimise the tail mean thus combining performances under multiple worst scenarios. We show that while considering robust models allowing the probabilities to vary only within given intervals, the tail mean represents the robust solution for only upper bounded probabilities. For any arbitrary intervals of probabilities the corresponding robust solution may be expressed by the optimisation of appropriately combined mean and tail mean criteria thus remaining easily implementable with auxiliary linear inequalities. Moreover, we use the tail mean concept to develope linear programming implementable robust solution concepts related to risk averse optimisation criteria.

A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR MANAGING RADIATION DOSE TO PATIENTS IN DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY USING REFERENCE DOSE LEVELS.

PubMed

Almén, Anja; Båth, Magnus

2016-06-01

The overall aim of the present work was to develop a conceptual framework for managing radiation dose in diagnostic radiology with the intention to support optimisation. An optimisation process was first derived. The framework for managing radiation dose, based on the derived optimisation process, was then outlined. The outset of the optimisation process is four stages: providing equipment, establishing methodology, performing examinations and ensuring quality. The optimisation process comprises a series of activities and actions at these stages. The current system of diagnostic reference levels is an activity in the last stage, ensuring quality. The system becomes a reactive activity only to a certain extent engaging the core activity in the radiology department, performing examinations. Three reference dose levels-possible, expected and established-were assigned to the three stages in the optimisation process, excluding ensuring quality. A reasonably achievable dose range is also derived, indicating an acceptable deviation from the established dose level. A reasonable radiation dose for a single patient is within this range. The suggested framework for managing radiation dose should be regarded as one part of the optimisation process. The optimisation process constitutes a variety of complementary activities, where managing radiation dose is only one part. This emphasises the need to take a holistic approach integrating the optimisation process in different clinical activities. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Peak-bone-mass development in young adults: effects of study program related levels of occupational and leisure time physical activity and exercise. A prospective 5-year study.

PubMed

Kemmler, W; Bebenek, M; von Stengel, S; Bauer, J

2015-02-01

Young adulthood is characterized by profound life-style changes. This study suggests that reduction of sport or exercise, induced by alteration of the occupational situation, negatively impacts generation/maintenance of peak bone mass. In order to compensate occupational-related reductions of physical activity, workplace exercise programs will be helpful. Only few studies have determined the effect of physical activity or physical exercise on bone mineral density (BMD) in the period of late skeletal maturation, i.e. around peak bone mass. The aim of this article was to determine the long-term effect of different levels of physical activity and exercise directly and indirectly derived by occupation during young adulthood. Sixty-one male and female dental students (DES) and 53 male and female sport students (SPS) 21±2 years old were accompanied over the course (4.8±0.5 years) of their study program. BMD at the lumbar spine (LS), hip, and whole body (WB) were determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Parameters of physical activity increased non-significantly in both groups with no relevant differences between the groups. Indices of exercise, however, increased significantly in the SPS group while a significant decrease was assessed for the DES group. Independent of gender, BMD of the SPS increased significantly (p≤0.007) at all skeletal sites (LS, 2.4±3.9%; hip, 1.6±3.5%; WB, 1.8±2.8%) while BMD of the DES remained unchanged at LS (-0.6±4.4%, p=0.432) and WB (0.5±1.9%, p=0.092) but decreased significantly at the hip (-1.9±4.3%, p=0.010). BMD-changes at LS, hip, and WB differ significantly between SPS and DES (p≤0.017). Results remained unchanged after adjusting for baseline BMD-values that differed (p=0.030 to p=0.082) in favor of the SPS group. Changes of exercise levels directly or indirectly caused by occupational factors during young adulthood significantly affected generation and/or maintenance of peak bone mass. Compensatory exercise is thus highly relevant for bone health of young adults.

PRAXIS: a low background NIR spectrograph for fibre Bragg grating OH suppression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Horton, Anthony; Ellis, Simon; Lawrence, Jon; Bland-Hawthorn, Joss

2012-09-01

Fibre Bragg grating (FBG) OH suppression is capable of greatly reducing the bright sky background seen by near infrared spectrographs. By filtering out the airglow emission lines at high resolution before the light enters the spectrograph this technique prevents scattering from the emission lines into interline regions, thereby reducing the background at all wavelengths. In order to take full advantage of this sky background reduction the spectrograph must have very low instrumental backgrounds so that it remains sky noise limited. Both simulations and real world experience with the prototype GNOSIS system show that existing spectrographs, designed for higher sky background levels, will be unable to fully exploit the sky background reduction. We therefore propose PRAXIS, a spectrograph optimised specifically for this purpose. The PRAXIS concept is a fibre fed, fully cryogenic, fixed format spectrograph for the J and H-bands. Dark current will be minimised by using the best of the latest generation of NIR detectors while thermal backgrounds will be reduced by the use of a cryogenic fibre slit. Optimised spectral formats and the use of high throughput volume phase holographic gratings will further enhance sensitivity. Our proposal is for a modular system, incorporating exchangeable fore-optics units, integral field units and OH suppression units, to allow PRAXIS to operate as a visitor instrument on any large telescope and enable new developments in FBG OH suppression to be incorporated as they become available. As a high performance fibre fed spectrograph PRAXIS could also serve as a testbed for other astrophotonic technologies.

Optimisation modelling to assess cost of dietary improvement in remote Aboriginal Australia.

PubMed

Brimblecombe, Julie; Ferguson, Megan; Liberato, Selma C; O'Dea, Kerin; Riley, Malcolm

2013-01-01

The cost and dietary choices required to fulfil nutrient recommendations defined nationally, need investigation, particularly for disadvantaged populations. We used optimisation modelling to examine the dietary change required to achieve nutrient requirements at minimum cost for an Aboriginal population in remote Australia, using where possible minimally-processed whole foods. A twelve month cross-section of population-level purchased food, food price and nutrient content data was used as the baseline. Relative amounts from 34 food group categories were varied to achieve specific energy and nutrient density goals at minimum cost while meeting model constraints intended to minimise deviation from the purchased diet. Simultaneous achievement of all nutrient goals was not feasible. The two most successful models (A & B) met all nutrient targets except sodium (146.2% and 148.9% of the respective target) and saturated fat (12.0% and 11.7% of energy). Model A was achieved with 3.2% lower cost than the baseline diet (which cost approximately AUD$13.01/person/day) and Model B at 7.8% lower cost but with a reduction in energy of 4.4%. Both models required very large reductions in sugar sweetened beverages (-90%) and refined cereals (-90%) and an approximate four-fold increase in vegetables, fruit, dairy foods, eggs, fish and seafood, and wholegrain cereals. This modelling approach suggested population level dietary recommendations at minimal cost based on the baseline purchased diet. Large shifts in diet in remote Aboriginal Australian populations are needed to achieve national nutrient targets. The modeling approach used was not able to meet all nutrient targets at less than current food expenditure.

Assessing the potential impacts of a revised set of on-farm nutrient and sediment 'basic' control measures for reducing agricultural diffuse pollution across England.

PubMed

Collins, A L; Newell Price, J P; Zhang, Y; Gooday, R; Naden, P S; Skirvin, D

2018-04-15

The need for improved abatement of agricultural diffuse water pollution represents cause for concern throughout the world. A critical aspect in the design of on-farm intervention programmes concerns the potential technical cost-effectiveness of packages of control measures. The European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD) calls for Programmes of Measures (PoMs) to protect freshwater environments and these comprise 'basic' (mandatory) and 'supplementary' (incentivised) options. Recent work has used measure review, elicitation of stakeholder attitudes and a process-based modelling framework to identify a new alternative set of 'basic' agricultural sector control measures for nutrient and sediment abatement across England. Following an initial scientific review of 708 measures, 90 were identified for further consideration at an industry workshop and 63 had industry support. Optimisation modelling was undertaken to identify a shortlist of measures using the Demonstration Test Catchments as sentinel agricultural landscapes. Optimisation selected 12 measures relevant to livestock or arable systems. Model simulations of 95% implementation of these 12 candidate 'basic' measures, in addition to business-as-usual, suggested reductions in the national agricultural nitrate load of 2.5%, whilst corresponding reductions in phosphorus and sediment were 11.9% and 5.6%, respectively. The total cost of applying the candidate 'basic' measures across the whole of England was estimated to be £450 million per annum, which is equivalent to £52 per hectare of agricultural land. This work contributed to a public consultation in 2016. Copyright © 2017 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Highly selective and sensitive simple sensor based on electrochemically treated nano polypyrrole-sodium dodecyl sulphate film for the detection of para-nitrophenol.

PubMed

Arulraj, Abraham Daniel; Vijayan, Muthunanthevar; Vasantha, Vairathevar Sivasamy

2015-10-29

An ultrasensitive and highly selective electrochemical sensor for the determination of p-nitrophenol (p-NP) was developed based on electrochemically treated nano polypyrrole/sodium dodecyl sulphate film (ENPPy/SDS film) modified glassy carbon electrode. The nano polypyrrole/sodium dodecyl sulphate film (NPPy/SDS film) was prepared and treated electrochemically in phosphate buffer solution. The surface morphology and elemental analysis of treated and untreated NPPy/SDS film were characterized by FESEM and EDX analysis, respectively. Wettability of polymer films were analysed by contact angle test. The hydrophilic nature of the polymer film decreased after electrochemical treatment. Effect of the pH of electrolyte and thickness of the ENPPy/SDS film on determination of p-NP was optimised by cyclic voltammetry. Under the optimised conditions, the p-NP was determined from the oxidation peak of p-hydroxyaminophenol which was formed from the reduction of p-NP in the reduction segment of cyclic voltammetry. A very good linear detection range (from 0.1 nM to 100 μM) and the best LOD (0.1 nM) were obtained for p-NP with very good selectivity. This detection limit is below to the allowed limit in drinking water, 0.43 μM, proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and earlier reports. Moreover, ENPPy/SDS film based sensor exhibits high sensitivity (4.4546 μA μM(-1)) to p-NP. Experimental results show that it is a fast and simple sensor for p-NP. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

SU-F-J-16: Planar KV Imaging Dose Reduction Study

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gershkevitsh, E; Zolotuhhin, D

Purpose: IGRT has become an indispensable tool in modern radiotherapy with kV imaging used in many departments due to superior image quality and lower dose when compared to MV imaging. Many departments use manufacturer supplied protocols for imaging which are not always optimised between image quality and radiation dose (ALARA). Methods: Whole body phantom PBU-50 (Kyoto Kagaku ltd., Japan) for imaging in radiology has been imaged on Varian iX accelerator (Varian Medical Systems, USA) with OBI 1.5 system. Manufacturer’s default protocols were adapted by modifying kV and mAs values when imaging different anatomical regions of the phantom (head, thorax, abdomen,more » pelvis, extremities). Images with different settings were independently reviewed by two persons and their suitability for IGRT set-up correction protocols were evaluated. The suitable images with the lowest mAs were then selected. The entrance surface dose (ESD) for manufacturer’s default protocols and modified protocols were measured with RTI Black Piranha (RTI Group, Sweden) and compared. Image quality was also measured with kVQC phantom (Standard Imaging, USA) for different protocols. The modified protocols have been applied for clinical work. Results: For most cases optimized protocols reduced the ESD on average by a factor of 3(range 0.9–8.5). Further reduction in ESD has been observed by applying bow-tie filter designed for CBCT. The largest reduction in dose (12.2 times) was observed for Thorax lateral protocol. The dose was slightly increased (by 10%) for large pelvis AP protocol. Conclusion: Manufacturer’s default IGRT protocols could be optimised to reduce the ESD to the patient without losing the necessary image quality for patient set-up correction. For patient set-up with planar kV imaging the bony anatomy is mostly used and optimization should focus on this aspect. Therefore, the current approach with anthropomorphic phantom is more advantageous in optimization over standard kV quality control phantoms and SNR metrics.« less

BluePyOpt: Leveraging Open Source Software and Cloud Infrastructure to Optimise Model Parameters in Neuroscience.

PubMed

Van Geit, Werner; Gevaert, Michael; Chindemi, Giuseppe; Rössert, Christian; Courcol, Jean-Denis; Muller, Eilif B; Schürmann, Felix; Segev, Idan; Markram, Henry

2016-01-01

At many scales in neuroscience, appropriate mathematical models take the form of complex dynamical systems. Parameterizing such models to conform to the multitude of available experimental constraints is a global non-linear optimisation problem with a complex fitness landscape, requiring numerical techniques to find suitable approximate solutions. Stochastic optimisation approaches, such as evolutionary algorithms, have been shown to be effective, but often the setting up of such optimisations and the choice of a specific search algorithm and its parameters is non-trivial, requiring domain-specific expertise. Here we describe BluePyOpt, a Python package targeted at the broad neuroscience community to simplify this task. BluePyOpt is an extensible framework for data-driven model parameter optimisation that wraps and standardizes several existing open-source tools. It simplifies the task of creating and sharing these optimisations, and the associated techniques and knowledge. This is achieved by abstracting the optimisation and evaluation tasks into various reusable and flexible discrete elements according to established best-practices. Further, BluePyOpt provides methods for setting up both small- and large-scale optimisations on a variety of platforms, ranging from laptops to Linux clusters and cloud-based compute infrastructures. The versatility of the BluePyOpt framework is demonstrated by working through three representative neuroscience specific use cases.

Basis for the development of sustainable optimisation indicators for activated sludge wastewater treatment plants in the Republic of Ireland.

PubMed

Gordon, G T; McCann, B P

2015-01-01

This paper describes the basis of a stakeholder-based sustainable optimisation indicator (SOI) system to be developed for small-to-medium sized activated sludge (AS) wastewater treatment plants (WwTPs) in the Republic of Ireland (ROI). Key technical publications relating to best practice plant operation, performance audits and optimisation, and indicator and benchmarking systems for wastewater services are identified. Optimisation studies were developed at a number of Irish AS WwTPs and key findings are presented. A national AS WwTP manager/operator survey was carried out to verify the applied operational findings and identify the key operator stakeholder requirements for this proposed SOI system. It was found that most plants require more consistent operational data-based decision-making, monitoring and communication structures to facilitate optimised, sustainable and continuous performance improvement. The applied optimisation and stakeholder consultation phases form the basis of the proposed stakeholder-based SOI system. This system will allow for continuous monitoring and rating of plant performance, facilitate optimised operation and encourage the prioritisation of performance improvement through tracking key operational metrics. Plant optimisation has become a major focus due to the transfer of all ROI water services to a national water utility from individual local authorities and the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive.

Light and lightened mirrors for astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fappani, Denis

2008-07-01

For ground-based astronomy, more and more large telescopes are emerging all around the world. Similarly to space borne telescopes, for which the use of lightened optics has always been a baseline for purpose of mass reduction of payloads, same kinds of lightened/light mirrors are then now more and more intensively used also for ground-based instrumentation for astronomy, requiring larger and larger components. Through several examples of typical past realizations (class 0.5m-1m) for different astronomical projects requiring light or lightened mirrors for different reasons (optimisation of mass and stiffness, reduction of thermal inertia, increasing of dynamic performance for fast scanning purpose,....), the presentation will point out issues for lightening design, manufacturing and control of such parts, as well as brief overview of the corresponding existing "state of the art" for these technologies in SESO.

Entwicklung von umwelt- und naturschutzgerechten Verfahren der landwirtschaftlichen Landnutzung für das Biosphärenreservat Schorfheide-Chorin

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meyer-Aurich, Andreas

1999-11-01

Mit der vorliegenden Arbeit werden exemplarisch Chancen und Grenzen der Integration von Umwelt- und Naturschutz in Verfahren der ackerbaulichen Landnutzung aufgezeigt. Die Umsetzung von Zielen des Umwelt- und Naturschutzes in Verfahren der Landnutzung ist mit verschiedenen Schwierigkeiten verbunden. Diese liegen zum einen in der Konkretisierung der Ziele, um diese umsetzen zu können, zum anderen in vielfach unzulänglichem Wissen über den Zusammenhang zwischen unterschiedlichen Formen der Landnutzung und insbesondere den biotischen Naturschutzzielen. Zunächst wird die Problematik der Zielfestlegung und Konkretisierung erörtert. Das Umweltqualitätszielkonzept von Fürst et al. (1992) stellt einen Versuch dar, Ziele des Umwelt- und Naturschutzes zu konkretisieren. Dieses Konzept haben Heidt et al. (1997) auf einen Landschaftsausschnitt von ca. 6000 ha im Biosphärenreservat Schorfheide-Chorin im Nordosten Brandenburgs angewendet. Eine Auswahl der von Heidt et al. (1997) formulierten Umweltqualitätsziele bildet die Basis dieser Arbeit. Für die ausgewählten Umweltqualitätsziele wurden wesentliche Einflussfaktoren der Landnutzung identifiziert und ein Bewertungssystem entwickelt, mit dem die Auswirkungen von landwirtschaftlichen Anbauverfahren auf diese Umweltqualitätsziele abgebildet werden können. Die praktizierte Landnutzung von 20 Betrieben im Biosphärenreservat Schorfheide-Chorin wurde von 1994 bis 1997 hinsichtlich ihrer Auswirkungen auf die Umweltqualitätsziele analysiert. Die Analyse ergab ein sehr differenziertes Bild, das zum Teil Unterschiede in der Auswirkung auf die Umweltqualitätsziele für den Anbau einzelner Kulturen oder für bestimmte Betriebstypen zeigte. Es zeigte sich aber auch, dass es bei der Gestaltung des Anbaus einzelner Kulturarten große Unterschiede gab, die für Umweltqualitätsziele Bedeutung haben. Neben der Analyse der Landnutzung im Biosphärenreservat Schorfheide-Chorin wurde ein System entwickelt, mit dem die modellhafte Abbildung von Verfahren der Landnutzung möglich ist. Die Modellverfahren wurden in eine umfangreiche Datenbank eingebunden. Sie wurden mit Hilfe eines Fuzzy- Regelsystems hinsichtlich ihrer Auswirkungen auf die Umweltqualitätsziele bewertet. Die systematisch bewerteten Verfahren wurden in ein Betriebsmodell integriert, womit eine weitergehende Analyse der Zielbeziehungen und die Berechnung von Szenarien mit unterschiedlichen Rahmenbedingungen ermöglicht wurde. Die Analyse der Beziehung verschiedener Ziele zueinander (Zieldivergenz, Zielkonvergenz) zeigte, dass sich mit der Verfolgung vieler Umweltqualitätsziele auch positive Effekte für andere Umweltqualitätsziele ergaben. Teilweise konnte allerdings auch eine Zieldivergenz festgestellt werden, die auf mögliche Zielkonflikte hinweist. Bei der Analyse der Szenarienergebnisse zeigte sich, dass die vorgeschlagenen Veränderungen von Rahmenbedingungen vielfach eine Verschlechterung für verschiedene Umweltqualitätsziele mit sich bringen. Eine Ursache dafür liegt darin, dass bei der Definition der Szenarien die Bedeutung der Stilllegungen unterschätzt wurde. The objective of this research was to show the opportunities and limitations associated with integrating of environmental goals into agricultural land use management. For this purpose, the impact of agricultural land uses on six environmental quality goals was analysed for an approximately 16.000 ha study region within the biosphere reserve Schorfheide-Chorin in north-eastern Brandenburg (Germany). The environmental quality goals considered were protection of ground water, preservation of groundwater recharge, protection of the soil against wind and water erosion and preservation of animal species typical of the agricultural landscape, in particular partridge, amphibians and cranes. For each environmental quality goal, an evaluation framework is presented which enables an assessment of the impact of agricultural land uses on the environmental quality goals. The evaluation framework was applied to assess the impact of land uses of twenty farms in the study area from 1994 to 1997. It was demonstrated that the impact of agricultural land uses on the environmental quality of the region is very complex, and - although some crops did significantly impact certain aspects, one factor did not overwhelmingly contribute to the overall environmental quality. The evaluation framework was integrated further into a system of modelled cropping practices for optimisation calculations. For this purpose, a model framework was established based on a MS Access database. In the database, cropping practices for 17 crops are stored. Inputs and yields are adapted to the site-specific yield potential. In addition to the cropping practices, the model framework is comprised of an evaluation module and optimisation module. Hence, the impact of the cropping practices can be assessed for each site. This model framework provides the basis for optimisation calculations to forecast various land uses under different conditions. A step-wise integration of the environmental quality goals into the optimisation algorithm of a model farm allows for showing trade-offs between economic and ecological goals. The results of the trade-offs show that an improvement of ecological goal achievement is possible with little impact on the gross margin, as long as the improvement is less than 30% of the starting situation. If improvements greater than 30% are desired, very high losses of gross margin must be taken into consideration. Another result of the calculations shows that high achievements of environmental quality goals often correlate with the percentage of set-aside land within the total area.

Application of Three Existing Stope Boundary Optimisation Methods in an Operating Underground Mine

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Erdogan, Gamze; Yavuz, Mahmut

2017-12-01

The underground mine planning and design optimisation process have received little attention because of complexity and variability of problems in underground mines. Although a number of optimisation studies and software tools are available and some of them, in special, have been implemented effectively to determine the ultimate-pit limits in an open pit mine, there is still a lack of studies for optimisation of ultimate stope boundaries in underground mines. The proposed approaches for this purpose aim at maximizing the economic profit by selecting the best possible layout under operational, technical and physical constraints. In this paper, the existing three heuristic techniques including Floating Stope Algorithm, Maximum Value Algorithm and Mineable Shape Optimiser (MSO) are examined for optimisation of stope layout in a case study. Each technique is assessed in terms of applicability, algorithm capabilities and limitations considering the underground mine planning challenges. Finally, the results are evaluated and compared.

Design Optimisation of a Magnetic Field Based Soft Tactile Sensor

PubMed Central

Raske, Nicholas; Kow, Junwai; Alazmani, Ali; Ghajari, Mazdak; Culmer, Peter; Hewson, Robert

2017-01-01

This paper investigates the design optimisation of a magnetic field based soft tactile sensor, comprised of a magnet and Hall effect module separated by an elastomer. The aim was to minimise sensitivity of the output force with respect to the input magnetic field; this was achieved by varying the geometry and material properties. Finite element simulations determined the magnetic field and structural behaviour under load. Genetic programming produced phenomenological expressions describing these responses. Optimisation studies constrained by a measurable force and stable loading conditions were conducted; these produced Pareto sets of designs from which the optimal sensor characteristics were selected. The optimisation demonstrated a compromise between sensitivity and the measurable force, a fabricated version of the optimised sensor validated the improvements made using this methodology. The approach presented can be applied in general for optimising soft tactile sensor designs over a range of applications and sensing modes. PMID:29099787

Optimisation de fonctionnements de pompe à chaleur chimique : synchronisation et commande du procédé

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cassou, T.; Amouroux, M.; Labat, P.

1995-04-01

We present the mathematical modelling of a chemical heat pump and the associated simulator. This simulator is able to determine the influence of different parameters (which would be associated to the heat exchanges or to the chemical kinetics), but also to simulate the main operating modes. An optimal management of process represents the objective to reach; we materialize it by a continuous and steady production of the power delivered by the machine. Nous présentons le modèle mathématique d'un pilote de pompe à chaleur chimique et le simulateur numérique correspondant. Ce simulateur est capable de déterminer l'influence de divers paramètres (qu'ils soient liés aux échanges de chaleur ou à la cinétique chimique), mais aussi de simuler les principaux modes de fonctionnement. Une gestion optimale du procédé représente le but à atteindre: une conduite optimisée du système permet, par une gestion des différentes phases, une production continue et stable de la puissance délivrée par la machine.

Electroproduction Exclusive des Mesons f0(980) et f2(1270) sur le Proton a JLab avec le Detecteur CLAS (in English; French)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garillon, Brice

We present in this report our results for the exclusive electroproduction of f0(980) and f2(1270) off the proton. The data were taken during the e1-6 experiment (2001-2002) with the CLAS detector of Jff?erson Laboratory, using a 5.754 GeV beam and a liquid hydrogen target. We have measured for the first time the reduced differential cross sections for these two processes, in the kinematical region 1:5 < Q2 < 4:33 GeV2 and 0:15 < xB < 0:55. We propose an interpretation of our results according to a Regge-based model. An alternative analysis of the data in terms of partial waves amplitudesmore » as well as in terms of moments of the decay angular distributions has also been attempted. Finally, we have performed the calibration of the photomultipliers of the Central Neutron Detector (CND), to be installed in the CLAS12 detector. The CND has been optimised for the study of the n-DVCS process (Deeply Virtual Compton Scattering off the neutron).« less

Eatwell Guide: modelling the dietary and cost implications of incorporating new sugar and fibre guidelines.

PubMed

Scarborough, Peter; Kaur, Asha; Cobiac, Linda; Owens, Paul; Parlesak, Alexandr; Sweeney, Kate; Rayner, Mike

2016-12-21

To model food group consumption and price of diet associated with achieving UK dietary recommendations while deviating as little as possible from the current UK diet, in order to support the redevelopment of the UK food-based dietary guidelines (now called the Eatwell Guide). Optimisation modelling, minimising an objective function of the difference between population mean modelled and current consumption of 125 food groups, and constraints of nutrient and food-based recommendations. The UK. Adults aged 19 years and above from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008-2011. Proportion of diet consisting of major foods groups and price of the optimised diet. The optimised diet has an increase in consumption of 'potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates' (+69%) and 'fruit and vegetables' (+54%) and reductions in consumption of 'beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins' (-24%), 'dairy and alternatives' (-21%) and 'foods high in fat and sugar' (-53%). Results within food groups show considerable variety (eg, +90% for beans and pulses, -78% for red meat). The modelled diet would cost £5.99 (£5.93 to £6.05) per adult per day, very similar to the cost of the current diet: £6.02 (£5.96 to £6.08). The optimised diet would result in increased consumption of n-3 fatty acids and most micronutrients (including iron and folate), but decreased consumption of zinc and small decreases in consumption of calcium and riboflavin. To achieve the UK dietary recommendations would require large changes in the average diet of UK adults, including in food groups where current average consumption is well within the recommended range (eg, processed meat) or where there are no current recommendations (eg, dairy). These large changes in the diet will not lead to significant changes in the price of the diet. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

Introduction of Energy and Climate Mitigation Policy Issues in Energy - Environment Model of Latvia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klavs, G.; Rekis, J.

2016-12-01

The present research is aimed at contributing to the Latvian national climate policy development by projecting total GHG emissions up to 2030, by evaluating the GHG emission reduction path in the non-ETS sector at different targets set for emissions reduction and by evaluating the obtained results within the context of the obligations defined by the EU 2030 policy framework for climate and energy. The method used in the research was bottom-up, linear programming optimisation model MARKAL code adapted as the MARKAL-Latvia model with improvements for perfecting the integrated assessment of climate policy. The modelling results in the baseline scenario, reflecting national economic development forecasts and comprising the existing GHG emissions reduction policies and measures, show that in 2030 emissions will increase by 19.1 % compared to 2005. GHG emissions stabilisation and reduction in 2030, compared to 2005, were researched in respective alternative scenarios. Detailed modelling and analysis of the Latvian situation according to the scenario of non-ETS sector GHG emissions stabilisation and reduction in 2030 compared to 2005 have revealed that to implement a cost effective strategy of GHG emissions reduction first of all a policy should be developed that ensures effective absorption of the available energy efficiency potential in all consumer sectors. The next group of emissions reduction measures includes all non-ETS sectors (industry, services, agriculture, transport, and waste management).

BluePyOpt: Leveraging Open Source Software and Cloud Infrastructure to Optimise Model Parameters in Neuroscience

PubMed Central

Van Geit, Werner; Gevaert, Michael; Chindemi, Giuseppe; Rössert, Christian; Courcol, Jean-Denis; Muller, Eilif B.; Schürmann, Felix; Segev, Idan; Markram, Henry

2016-01-01

At many scales in neuroscience, appropriate mathematical models take the form of complex dynamical systems. Parameterizing such models to conform to the multitude of available experimental constraints is a global non-linear optimisation problem with a complex fitness landscape, requiring numerical techniques to find suitable approximate solutions. Stochastic optimisation approaches, such as evolutionary algorithms, have been shown to be effective, but often the setting up of such optimisations and the choice of a specific search algorithm and its parameters is non-trivial, requiring domain-specific expertise. Here we describe BluePyOpt, a Python package targeted at the broad neuroscience community to simplify this task. BluePyOpt is an extensible framework for data-driven model parameter optimisation that wraps and standardizes several existing open-source tools. It simplifies the task of creating and sharing these optimisations, and the associated techniques and knowledge. This is achieved by abstracting the optimisation and evaluation tasks into various reusable and flexible discrete elements according to established best-practices. Further, BluePyOpt provides methods for setting up both small- and large-scale optimisations on a variety of platforms, ranging from laptops to Linux clusters and cloud-based compute infrastructures. The versatility of the BluePyOpt framework is demonstrated by working through three representative neuroscience specific use cases. PMID:27375471

Recovery of radiation-induced dry eye and corneal damage by pretreatment with adenoviral vector-mediated transfer of erythropoietin to the salivary glands in mice.

PubMed

Rocha, Eduardo M; Cotrim, Ana P; Zheng, Changyu; Riveros, Paola Perez; Baum, Bruce J; Chiorini, John A

2013-04-01

Therapeutic doses of radiation (RTx) causes dry eye syndrome (DES), dry mouth, and as in other sicca syndromes, they are incurable. The aims of this work are as follows: (a) to evaluate a mouse model of DES induced by clinically relevant doses of radiation, and (b) to evaluate the protective effect of erythropoietin (Epo) in preventing DES. C3H female mice were subjected to five sessions of RTx, with or without pre-RTx retroductal administration of the AdLTR2EF1a-hEPO (AdEpo) vector in the salivary glands (SG), and compared with naïve controls at Day 10 (10d) (8 Gy fractions) and 56 days (56d) (6 Gy fractions) after RTx treatment. Mice were tested for changes in lacrimal glands (LG), tear secretion (phenol red thread), weight, hematocrit (Hct), and markers of inflammation, as well as microvessels and oxidative damage. Tear secretion was reduced in both RTx groups, compared to controls, by 10d. This was also seen at 56d in RTx but not AdEpo+RTx group. Hct was significantly higher in all AdEpo+RTx mice at 10d and 56d. Corneal epithelium was significantly thinner at 10d in the RTx group compared with AdEpo+RTx or the control mice. There was a significant reduction at 10d in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-R2 in LG in the RTx group that was prevented in the AdEpo+RTx group. In conclusion, RTx is able to induce DES in mice. AdEpo administration protected corneal epithelia and resulted in some recovery of LG function, supporting the value of further studies using gene therapy for extraglandular diseases.

Incidence and Predictors of reCurrent Restenosis After Drug-coated Balloon Angioplasty for Restenosis of a drUg-eluting Stent: The ICARUS Cooperation.

PubMed

Cassese, Salvatore; Xu, Bo; Habara, Seiji; Rittger, Harald; Byrne, Robert A; Waliszewski, Matthias; Pérez-Vizcayno, María José; Gao, Runlin; Kastrati, Adnan; Alfonso, Fernando

2017-09-12

The incidence and predictors of recurrent restenosis after drug-coated balloon (DCB) angioplasty for drug-eluting stent (DES) restenosis remain poorly studied. We sought to evaluate the incidence and predictors of recurrent restenosis among participants in randomized controlled trials receiving DCB angioplasty for DES restenosis. The clinical and lesion data of individuals enrolled in 6 randomized controlled trials of DCB angioplasty for DES restenosis were pooled. All patients included in this report were assigned to receive paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty with the SeQuent Please DCB (B Braun, Melsungen, Germany). The current analysis focused on participants with available follow-up angiography at 6 to 9 months. The incidence of recurrent restenosis, defined as diameter restenosis ≥ 50% in the in-segment area at follow-up angiography, and its clinical and angiographic predictors were evaluated. A total of 546 patients were combined in a single dataset. Angiographic follow-up at 6 to 9 months was available for 484 patients (88.6%) with 518 treated lesions. Recurrent restenosis was detected in 101 (20.8%) patients. On multivariable analysis, lesion length (OR, 1.58; 95%CI, 1.10-2.26; P=.012 for 5mm increase) and vessel size (OR, 1.42; 95%, 1.12-1.79; P=.003 for 0.5mm reduction) were independently associated with recurrent restenosis. In the largest cohort to date of individuals with angiographic surveillance after DCB angioplasty for DES restenosis, we demonstrated that recurrent restenosis occurs in approximately 1 out of 5 patients. Predictors of recurrent restenosis are increased lesion length and small vessel size. Copyright © 2017 Sociedad Española de Cardiología. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Cost effectiveness of drug eluting coronary artery stenting in a UK setting: cost-utility study.

PubMed

Bagust, A; Grayson, A D; Palmer, N D; Perry, R A; Walley, T

2006-01-01

To assess the cost effectiveness of drug eluting stents (DES) compared with conventional stents for treatment of symptomatic coronary artery disease in the UK. Cost-utility analysis of audit based patient subgroups by means of a simple economic model. Tertiary care. 12 month audit data for 2884 patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention with stenting at the Cardiothoracic Centre Liverpool between January 2000 and December 2002. Risk of repeat revascularisation within 12 months of index procedure and reduction in risk from use of DES. Economic modelling was used to estimate the cost-utility ratio and threshold price premium. Four factors were identified for patients undergoing elective surgery (n = 1951) and two for non-elective surgery (n = 933) to predict risk of repeat revascularisation within 12 months. Most patients fell within the subgroup with lowest risk (57% of the elective surgery group with 5.6% risk and 91% of the non-elective surgery group with 9.9% risk). Modelled cost-utility ratios were acceptable for only one group of high risk patients undergoing non-elective surgery (only one patient in audit data). Restricting the number of DES for each patient improved results marginally: 4% of stents could then be drug eluting on economic grounds. The threshold price premium justifying 90% substitution of conventional stents was estimated to be 112 pound sterling (212 USD, 162 pound sterling) (sirolimus stents) or 89 pound sterling (167 USD, 130 pound sterling) (paclitaxel stents). At current UK prices, DES are not cost effective compared with conventional stents except for a small minority of patients. Although the technology is clearly effective, general substitution is not justified unless the price premium falls substantially.

Optimisation of GaN LEDs and the reduction of efficiency droop using active machine learning

DOE PAGES

Rouet-Leduc, Bertrand; Barros, Kipton Marcos; Lookman, Turab; ...

2016-04-26

A fundamental challenge in the design of LEDs is to maximise electro-luminescence efficiency at high current densities. We simulate GaN-based LED structures that delay the onset of efficiency droop by spreading carrier concentrations evenly across the active region. Statistical analysis and machine learning effectively guide the selection of the next LED structure to be examined based upon its expected efficiency as well as model uncertainty. This active learning strategy rapidly constructs a model that predicts Poisson-Schrödinger simulations of devices, and that simultaneously produces structures with higher simulated efficiencies.

Optimising the inactivation of grape juice spoilage organisms by pulse electric fields.

PubMed

Marsellés-Fontanet, A Robert; Puig, Anna; Olmos, Paola; Mínguez-Sanz, Santiago; Martín-Belloso, Olga

2009-04-15

The effect of some pulsed electric field (PEF) processing parameters (electric field strength, pulse frequency and treatment time), on a mixture of microorganisms (Kloeckera apiculata, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus hilgardii and Gluconobacter oxydans) typically present in grape juice and wine were evaluated. An experimental design based on response surface methodology (RSM) was used and results were also compared with those of a factorially designed experiment. The relationship between the levels of inactivation of microorganisms and the energy applied to the grape juice was analysed. Yeast and bacteria were inactivated by the PEF treatments, with reductions that ranged from 2.24 to 3.94 log units. All PEF parameters affected microbial inactivation. Optimal inactivation of the mixture of spoilage microorganisms was predicted by the RSM models at 35.0 kV cm(-1) with 303 Hz pulse width for 1 ms. Inactivation was greater for yeasts than for bacteria, as was predicted by the RSM. The maximum efficacy of the PEF treatment for inactivation of microorganisms in grape juice was observed around 1500 MJ L(-1) for all the microorganisms investigated. The RSM could be used in the fruit juice industry to optimise the inactivation of spoilage microorganisms by PEF.

On an efficient multilevel inverter assembly: structural savings and design optimisations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Choupan, Reza; Nazarpour, Daryoush; Golshannavaz, Sajjad

2018-01-01

This study puts forward an efficient unit cell to be taken in use in multilevel inverter assemblies. The proposed structure is in line with reductions in number of direct current (dc) voltage sources, insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), gate driver circuits, installation area, and hence the implementation costs. Such structural savings do not sacrifice the technical performance of the proposed design wherein an increased number of output voltage levels is attained, interestingly. Targeting a techno-economic characteristic, the contemplated structure is included as the key unit of cascaded multilevel inverters. Such extensions require development of applicable design procedures. To this end, two efficient strategies are elaborated to determine the magnitudes of input dc voltage sources. As well, an optimisation process is developed to explore the optimal allocation of different parameters in overall performance of the proposed inverter. These parameters are investigated as the number of IGBTs, dc sources, diodes, and overall blocked voltage on switches. In the lights of these characteristics, a comprehensive analysis is established to compare the proposed design with the conventional and recently developed structures. Detailed simulation and experimental studies are conducted to assess the performance of the proposed design. The obtained results are discussed in depth.

Patient information, education and self-management in bronchiectasis: facilitating improvements to optimise health outcomes.

PubMed

Hester, Katy L M; Newton, Julia; Rapley, Tim; De Soyza, Anthony

2018-05-22

Bronchiectasis is an incurable lung disease characterised by irreversible airway dilatation. It causes symptoms including chronic productive cough, dyspnoea, and recurrent respiratory infections often requiring hospital admission. Fatigue and reductions in quality of life are also reported in bronchiectasis. Patients often require multi-modal treatments that can be burdensome, leading to issues with adherence. In this article we review the provision of, and requirement for, education and information in bronchiectasis. To date, little research has been undertaken to improve self-management in bronchiectasis in comparison to other chronic conditions, such as COPD, for which there has been a wealth of recent developments. Qualitative work has begun to establish that information deficit is one of the potential barriers to self-management, and that patients feel having credible information is fundamental when learning to live with and manage bronchiectasis. Emerging research offers some insights into ways of improving treatment adherence and approaches to self-management education; highlighting ways of addressing the specific unmet information needs of patients and their families who are living with bronchiectasis. We propose non-pharmacological recommendations to optimise patient self-management and symptom recognition; with the aim of facilitating measurable improvements in health outcomes for patients with bronchiectasis.

Sensewheel: an adjunct to wheelchair skills training

PubMed Central

Taylor, Stephen J.G.; Holloway, Catherine

2016-01-01

The purpose of this Letter was to investigate the influence of real-time verbal feedback to optimise push arc during over ground manual wheelchair propulsion. Ten healthy non-wheelchair users pushed a manual wheelchair for a distance of 25 m on level paving, initially with no feedback and then with real-time verbal feedback aimed at controlling push arc within a range of 85°–100°. The real-time feedback was provided by a physiotherapist walking behind the wheelchair, viewing real-time data on a tablet personal computer received from the Sensewheel, a lightweight instrumented wheelchair wheel. The real-time verbal feedback enabled the participants to significantly increase their push arc. This increase in push arc resulted in a non-significant reduction in push rate and a significant increase in peak force application. The intervention enabled participants to complete the task at a higher mean velocity using significantly fewer pushes. This was achieved via a significant increase in the power generated during the push phase. This Letter identifies that a lightweight instrumented wheelchair wheel such as the Sensewheel is a useful adjunct to wheelchair skills training. Targeting the optimisation of push arc resulted in beneficial changes in propulsion technique. PMID:28008362

Economic impact of optimising antiretroviral treatment in human immunodeficiency virus-infected adults with suppressed viral load in Spain, by implementing the grade A-1 evidence recommendations of the 2015 GESIDA/National AIDS Plan.

PubMed

Ribera, Esteban; Martínez-Sesmero, José Manuel; Sánchez-Rubio, Javier; Rubio, Rafael; Pasquau, Juan; Poveda, José Luis; Pérez-Mitru, Alejandro; Roldán, Celia; Hernández-Novoa, Beatriz

2018-03-01

The objective of this study is to estimate the economic impact associated with the optimisation of triple antiretroviral treatment (ART) in patients with undetectable viral load according to the recommendations from the GeSIDA/PNS (2015) Consensus and their applicability in the Spanish clinical practice. A pharmacoeconomic model was developed based on data from a National Hospital Prescription Survey on ART (2014) and the A-I evidence recommendations for the optimisation of ART from the GeSIDA/PNS (2015) consensus. The optimisation model took into account the willingness to optimise a particular regimen and other assumptions, and the results were validated by an expert panel in HIV infection (Infectious Disease Specialists and Hospital Pharmacists). The analysis was conducted from the NHS perspective, considering the annual wholesale price and accounting for deductions stated in the RD-Law 8/2010 and the VAT. The expert panel selected six optimisation strategies, and estimated that 10,863 (13.4%) of the 80,859 patients in Spain currently on triple ART, would be candidates to optimise their ART, leading to savings of €15.9M/year (2.4% of total triple ART drug cost). The most feasible strategies (>40% of patients candidates for optimisation, n=4,556) would be optimisations to ATV/r+3TC therapy. These would produce savings between €653 and €4,797 per patient per year depending on baseline triple ART. Implementation of the main optimisation strategies recommended in the GeSIDA/PNS (2015) Consensus into Spanish clinical practice would lead to considerable savings, especially those based in dual therapy with ATV/r+3TC, thus contributing to the control of pharmaceutical expenditure and NHS sustainability. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier España, S.L.U. and Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica. All rights reserved.

Physiological effects and optimisation of nasal assist-control ventilation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in respiratory failure

PubMed Central

Girault, C.; Chevron, V.; Richard, J. C.; Daudenthun, I.; Pasquis, P.; Leroy, J.; Bonmarchand, G.

1997-01-01

BACKGROUND: A study was undertaken to investigate the effects of non- invasive assist-control ventilation (ACV) by nasal mask on respiratory physiological parameters and comfort in acute on chronic respiratory failure (ACRF). METHODS: Fifteen patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were prospectively and randomly assigned to two non-invasive ventilation (NIV) sequences in spontaneous breathing (SB) and ACV mode. ACV settings were always optimised and therefore subsequently adjusted according to patient's tolerance and air leaks. RESULTS: ACV significantly decreased all the total inspiratory work of breathing (WOBinsp) parameters, pressure time product, and oesophageal pressure variation in comparison with SB mode. The ACV mode also resulted in a significant reduction in surface diaphragmatic electromyographic activity to 36% of the control values and significantly improved the breathing pattern. SB did not change the arterial blood gas tensions from baseline values whereas ACV significantly improved both the PaO2 from a mean (SD) of 8.45 (2.95) kPa to 13.31 (2.15) kPa, PaCO2 from 9.52 (1.61) kPa to 7.39 (1.39) kPa, and the pH from 7.32 (0.03) to 7.40 (0.07). The respiratory comfort was significantly lower with ACV than with SB. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the clinical benefit of non-invasive ACV in the management of ACRF in patients with COPD results in a reduced inspiratory muscle activity providing an improvement in breathing pattern and gas exchange. Despite respiratory discomfort, the muscle rest provided appears sufficient when ACV settings are optimised. 


 PMID:9337827

Modelling predicts that tolerance to drought during reproductive development will be required for high yield potential and stability of wheat in Europe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semenov, Mikhail A.; Stratonovitch, Pierre; Paul, Matthew J.

2017-04-01

Short periods of extreme weather, such as a spell of high temperature or drought during a sensitive stage of development, could result in substantial yield losses due to reduction in grain number and grain size. In a modelling study (Stratonovitch & Semenov 2015), heat tolerance around flowering in wheat was identified as a key trait for increased yield potential in Europe under climate change. Ji et all (Ji et al. 2010) demonstrated cultivar specific responses of yield to drought stress around flowering in wheat. They hypothesised that carbohydrate supply to anthers may be the key in maintaining pollen fertility and grain number in wheat. It was shown in (Nuccio et al. 2015) that genetically modified varieties of maize that increase the concentration of sucrose in ear spikelets, performed better under non-drought and drought conditions in field experiments. The objective of this modelling study was to assess potential benefits of tolerance to drought during reproductive development for wheat yield potential and yield stability across Europe. We used the Sirius wheat model to optimise wheat ideotypes for 2050 (HadGEM2, RCP8.5) climate scenarios at selected European sites. Eight cultivar parameters were optimised to maximise mean yields, including parameters controlling phenology, canopy growth and water limitation. At those sites where water could be limited, ideotypes sensitive to drought produced substantially lower mean yields and higher yield variability compare with tolerant ideotypes. Therefore, tolerance to drought during reproductive development is likely to be required for wheat cultivars optimised for the future climate in Europe in order to achieve high yield potential and yield stability.

Need for Optimisation of Immunisation Strategies Targeting Invasive Meningococcal Disease in the Netherlands.

PubMed

Bousema, Josefien Cornelie Minthe; Ruitenberg, Joost

2015-09-13

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is a severe bacterial infectious disease with high mortality and morbidity rates worldwide. In recent years, industrialised countries have implemented vaccines targeting IMD in their National Immunisation Programmes (NIPs). In 2002, the Netherlands successfully implemented a single dose of meningococcal serogroup C conjugate vaccine at the age of 14 months and performed a single catch-up for children ≤18 years of age. Since then the disease disappeared in vaccinated individuals. Furthermore, herd protection was induced, leading to a significant IMD reduction in non-vaccinated individuals. However, previous studies revealed that the current programmatic immunisation strategy was insufficient to protect the population in the foreseeable future. In addition, vaccines that provide protection against additional serogroups are now available. This paper describes to what extent the current strategy to prevent IMD in the Netherlands is still sufficient, taking into account the burden of disease and the latest scientific knowledge related to IMD and its prevention. In particular, primary MenC immunisation seems not to provide long-term protection, indicating a risk for possible recurrence of the disease. This can be combatted by implementing a MenC or MenACWY adolescent booster vaccine. Additional health benefits can be achieved by replacing the primary MenC by a MenACWY vaccine. By implementation of a recently licensed MenB vaccine for infants in the NIP, the greatest burden of disease would be targeted. This paper shows that optimisation of the immunisation strategy targeting IMD in the Netherlands should be considered and contributes to create awareness concerning prevention optimisation in other countries. © 2015 by Kerman University of Medical Sciences.

Optimisation of quantitative lung SPECT applied to mild COPD: a software phantom simulation study.

PubMed

Norberg, Pernilla; Olsson, Anna; Alm Carlsson, Gudrun; Sandborg, Michael; Gustafsson, Agnetha

2015-01-01

The amount of inhomogeneities in a (99m)Tc Technegas single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) lung image, caused by reduced ventilation in lung regions affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is correlated to disease advancement. A quantitative analysis method, the CVT method, measuring these inhomogeneities was proposed in earlier work. To detect mild COPD, which is a difficult task, optimised parameter values are needed. In this work, the CVT method was optimised with respect to the parameter values of acquisition, reconstruction and analysis. The ordered subset expectation maximisation (OSEM) algorithm was used for reconstructing the lung SPECT images. As a first step towards clinical application of the CVT method in detecting mild COPD, this study was based on simulated SPECT images of an advanced anthropomorphic lung software phantom including respiratory and cardiac motion, where the mild COPD lung had an overall ventilation reduction of 5%. The best separation between healthy and mild COPD lung images as determined using the CVT measure of ventilation inhomogeneity and 125 MBq (99m)Tc was obtained using a low-energy high-resolution collimator (LEHR) and a power 6 Butterworth post-filter with a cutoff frequency of 0.6 to 0.7 cm(-1). Sixty-four reconstruction updates and a small kernel size should be used when the whole lung is analysed, and for the reduced lung a greater number of updates and a larger kernel size are needed. A LEHR collimator and 125 (99m)Tc MBq together with an optimal combination of cutoff frequency, number of updates and kernel size, gave the best result. Suboptimal selections of either cutoff frequency, number of updates and kernel size will reduce the imaging system's ability to detect mild COPD in the lung phantom.

[Optimising the rehabilitation discharge report of the German statutory pension insurance: the recipients' and users' perspectives].

PubMed

Ahnert, J; Ladwig, J; Holderied, A; Brüggemann, S; Vogel, H

2014-06-01

Given the significance of documentation and information transfer in the health-care system as well as new technological options, there is a need for continuously modifying and enhancing the pension insurance's rehabilitation discharge report while taking into account the benefits and expenses associated with it. Among the regular discharge report recipients/users are general practitioners, medical specialists, socio-medical consultants of the German pension insurance and other health-care providers and funding agencies (e. g., statutory health insurance, federal labour agency), external socio-medical consultants, judges in charge of social legislation issues, pension insurance administrators, and rehabilitation quality assurance officials. In the context of a broader project on the optimisation of the pension insurance's rehabilitation discharge report, the specific needs and interests of its recipients/users as well as suggestions concerning the improvement of structure and content of the discharge report were assessed. Discharge report recipients/users were asked via questionnaire to indicate how frequently they use certain information from the report for their work. They were also asked to state objections/areas of concern and sugges­tions for improvement. 400 recipients/users filled in the questionnaire. More than half of the respondents considered the discharge report too long. Sugges­tions for shortening the report centred on avoiding redundancies and including standardised response items instead of free text passages. User groups differed with regard to the content that should be subject to reductions. The non-representative sample notwithstanding, the survey's results have rendered important starting points for optimising the statutory pension insurance's discharge report. © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Optimisation of nano-silica modified self-compacting high-Volume fly ash mortar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Achara, Bitrus Emmanuel; Mohammed, Bashar S.; Fadhil Nuruddin, Muhd

2017-05-01

Evaluation of the effects of nano-silica amount and superplasticizer (SP) dosage on the compressive strength, porosity and slump flow on high-volume fly ash self-consolidating mortar was investigated. Multiobjective optimisation technique using Design-Expert software was applied to obtain solution based on desirability function that simultaneously optimises the variables and the responses. A desirability function of 0.811 gives the optimised solution. The experimental and predicted results showed minimal errors in all the measured responses.

Approaches to optimal aquifer management and intelligent control in a multiresolutional decision support system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Orr, Shlomo; Meystel, Alexander M.

2005-03-01

Despite remarkable new developments in stochastic hydrology and adaptations of advanced methods from operations research, stochastic control, and artificial intelligence, solutions of complex real-world problems in hydrogeology have been quite limited. The main reason is the ultimate reliance on first-principle models that lead to complex, distributed-parameter partial differential equations (PDE) on a given scale. While the addition of uncertainty, and hence, stochasticity or randomness has increased insight and highlighted important relationships between uncertainty, reliability, risk, and their effect on the cost function, it has also (a) introduced additional complexity that results in prohibitive computer power even for just a single uncertain/random parameter; and (b) led to the recognition in our inability to assess the full uncertainty even when including all uncertain parameters. A paradigm shift is introduced: an adaptation of new methods of intelligent control that will relax the dependency on rigid, computer-intensive, stochastic PDE, and will shift the emphasis to a goal-oriented, flexible, adaptive, multiresolutional decision support system (MRDS) with strong unsupervised learning (oriented towards anticipation rather than prediction) and highly efficient optimization capability, which could provide the needed solutions of real-world aquifer management problems. The article highlights the links between past developments and future optimization/planning/control of hydrogeologic systems. Malgré de remarquables nouveaux développements en hydrologie stochastique ainsi que de remarquables adaptations de méthodes avancées pour les opérations de recherche, le contrôle stochastique, et l'intelligence artificielle, solutions pour les problèmes complexes en hydrogéologie sont restées assez limitées. La principale raison est l'ultime confiance en les modèles qui conduisent à des équations partielles complexes aux paramètres distribués (PDE) à une échelle donnée. Alors que l'accumulation d'incertitudes et, par conséquent, la stockasticité ou l'aléat a augmenté la perspicacité et amis en lumière d'importantes relations entre l'incertitude, la fiabilité, le risque, et leur effet sur les coûts de fonctionnement, il a également (a) introduit une complexité additionnelle qui résulte dans un pouvoir prohibitif des moyens de calcul informatique même pour une simple estimation de l'incertitude; et (b) a conduita une reconnaissance de notre manque d'aptitude à maîtriser l'incertitude totale même en introduisant tous les paramètres connus de l'incertitude. La représentation du changement est introduit: une adaptation de nouvelles méthodes de contrôle intelligent qui va relâcher la dépendance à la rigidité des algorithmes, aux calculs informatiques intensifs, à la PDE stockastique, et qui modifiera l'emphase entre les MRDS—systèmes interactifs d'aide à la décision de multiresolutionelle (flexibles, adaptables et orientables selon les objectifs)—avec un fort apprentissage non (orienté vers l'anticipation plutôt que la prédiction), et une capacité d'optimisation efficiente très élevée, qui pourrait apporter le besoin de solutions pour la modélisation des problèmes de management des aquifères réalistes. Cet article met en lumière les liens entre les développements passés et les futurs moyens d'optimisation, de gestion et de contrôle des systèmes hydrogéologiques. A pesar de nuevos avances notables en hidrología estocástica y las adaptaciones de métodos avanzados de investigación de operaciones, control estocástico, e inteligencia artificial, las soluciones de problemas complejos del mundo real en hidrogeología han sido bastante limitadas. La principal razón es la dependencia definitiva en modelos de primer-principio que conducen a ecuaciones parciales diferencias de parámetro distribuido complejas (PDE) a una escala dada. Mientras que la adición de incertidumbre, y por lo tanto, estocasticidad o aleatoriedad ha incrementado la profundidad y resaltado relaciones importantes entre la incertidumbre, confiabilidad, riesgo, y su efecto en la función de costo, la adición también ha permitido (a) introducir complejidad adicional que resulta en potencia computacional excesiva aún para un solo parámetro incierto/aleatorio; y (b) llevar a reconocer nuestra discapacidad para evaluar la incertidumbre completa aún cuando se incluyen todos los parámetros inciertos. Se introduce un cambio paradigmático: una adaptación de nuevos métodos de control de inteligencia que relajarála dependencia en PDE estocásticas, rígidas y de uso computacional intensivo, cambiando el énfasis hacia un sistema de apoyo de decisiones de propósitos múltiples (MRDS) adaptivo, flexible, y orientadoa objetivos con fuerte aprendizaje sin supervisión (orientado a la anticipación más que a la predicción) con fuerte capacidad de optimización eficiente, lo cual podría aportar las soluciones necesarias a los problemas de manejo reales con los acuíferos. El artículo resalta los vínculos entre desarrollos pasados y control/planificación/optimización futura de sistemas hidrogeológicos.

Advanced treatment planning using direct 4D optimisation for pencil-beam scanned particle therapy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bernatowicz, Kinga; Zhang, Ye; Perrin, Rosalind; Weber, Damien C.; Lomax, Antony J.

2017-08-01

We report on development of a new four-dimensional (4D) optimisation approach for scanned proton beams, which incorporates both irregular motion patterns and the delivery dynamics of the treatment machine into the plan optimiser. Furthermore, we assess the effectiveness of this technique to reduce dose to critical structures in proximity to moving targets, while maintaining effective target dose homogeneity and coverage. The proposed approach has been tested using both a simulated phantom and a clinical liver cancer case, and allows for realistic 4D calculations and optimisation using irregular breathing patterns extracted from e.g. 4DCT-MRI (4D computed tomography-magnetic resonance imaging). 4D dose distributions resulting from our 4D optimisation can achieve almost the same quality as static plans, independent of the studied geometry/anatomy or selected motion (regular and irregular). Additionally, current implementation of the 4D optimisation approach requires less than 3 min to find the solution for a single field planned on 4DCT of a liver cancer patient. Although 4D optimisation allows for realistic calculations using irregular breathing patterns, it is very sensitive to variations from the planned motion. Based on a sensitivity analysis, target dose homogeneity comparable to static plans (D5-D95  <5%) has been found only for differences in amplitude of up to 1 mm, for changes in respiratory phase  <200 ms and for changes in the breathing period of  <20 ms in comparison to the motions used during optimisation. As such, methods to robustly deliver 4D optimised plans employing 4D intensity-modulated delivery are discussed.

Mechanical characterization of polymers and composites with a servohydraulic high-speed tensile tester

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Béguelin, Ph.; Barbezat, M.; Kausch, H. H.

1991-12-01

This study is concerned with the measurement of the mechanical behaviour of polymers and composites at intermediate strain rates. It illustrates with two examples, the application of a high speed servohydraulic testing machine and a newly designed optical extensometer. In the first part of the study, the dynamic nature of high speed tensile testing with servohydraulic apparatus is discussed, and a damping technique is proposed. In the second part, this technique has been applied to the measurement of the tensile properties of annealed and unannealed neat PEEK at strain rates between 3 × 10^{-2} and 2,4 × 10^2 s^{-1}. Both materials show increased yield stress and drawing stress with increasing strain rate. However, annealed specimens have been shown to exhibit superior mechanical properties. In the third part, mode I delamination tests have been performed on unidirectional IM6/PEEK composites at nominal strain rates between 1 × 10^{-6} and 8 × 10^{-1} s^{-1}. At the higher velocities the analysis is performed by means of FFT filtering. A moderate reduction in interlaminar fracture toughness was found with increasing loading rate. Cette étude aborde la mesure des propriétés mécaniques des polymères et composites soumis à des vitesses de déformation moyennes. Elle illustre au travers de deux exemples l'utilisation d'une machine d'essais servo-hydraulique à grande vitesse. Elle présente également un capteur optique d'extensométrie de conception nouvelle. Dans la première partie de l'étude, la nature vibratoire des essais de traction à vitesse élevée réalisés sur une machine servo-hydraulique est discutée, et une technique d'amortissement est proposée. Dans une deuxième partie, cette technique est appliquée à l'étude des propriétés en traction du PEEK non recuit et recuit dans le domaine des vitesses de déformation de 3 × 10^{-2} à 2,4 × 10^2 s^{-1}. Les résultats montrent un accroissement systématique de la contrainte au seuil plastique ainsi que de la contrainte conventionnelle de rupture. Ces essais confirment que le traitement thermique de recuit accroît les propriétés mécaniques. La troisième partie de l'étude porte sur des essais de délaminage en mode I d'un composite unidirectionnel IM6/PEEK à des vitesses de déformations nominales comprises entre 1 × 10^{-6} et 8 × 10^{-1} s^{-1}. Aux vitesses les plus élevées on a recours au filtrage par la FFT pour l'analyse de la mesure de la force. Les résultats mettent en évidence une légère diminution des propriétés interlaminaires lorsque les vitesses de déformation augmentent.

Aile adaptable : Design du systeme d'actionnement de l'aileron rigide, caracterisation des capteurs de pression et instrumentation pour des tests statiques =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vincent, Jean-Baptiste

This Master's thesis is part of a multidisciplinary optimisation project initiated by the Consortium for Research and Innovation in Aerospace in Quebec (CRIAQ) ; this project is about designing and manufacturing a morphing wing demonstrator. The morphing design adopted in this project is based on airfoil thickness variation applied to the upper skin. This morphing generates a change in the laminar to turbulent boundary layer transition position on top of the wing. The position of this transition area leads to significant changes in the aerodynamic performance of the wing. The study presented here focuses on the design of the conventional aileron actuation system and on the characterization of the high sensitivity differential pressure sensors installed on the upper skin in order to determine the laminar to turbulent transition position. Furthermore, the study focuses on the data acquisition system for the morphing wing structural test validation. The aileron actuation system is based on a linear actuator actuated by a brushless motor. The component choice is presented as well as the command method. A static validation as well as wind tunnel validation is presented. The pressure sensor characterization is performed by installing three of those high sensitivity differential pressure sensors in a bi-dimensional known airfoil. This study goes through the process of determining the sensor position in order to observe the transition area by using a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) statistic approach. The validation of the laminar to turbulent transition position is carried out with a series of wind tunnel tests. A structural test has been executed in order to validate the wing structure. This Master's thesis shows the data acquisition system for the microstrain measurement installed inside the morphing wing. A hardware and software architecture description is developed and presented as well as the practical results.

Mutual information-based LPI optimisation for radar network

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Chenguang; Zhou, Jianjiang; Wang, Fei; Chen, Jun

2015-07-01

Radar network can offer significant performance improvement for target detection and information extraction employing spatial diversity. For a fixed number of radars, the achievable mutual information (MI) for estimating the target parameters may extend beyond a predefined threshold with full power transmission. In this paper, an effective low probability of intercept (LPI) optimisation algorithm is presented to improve LPI performance for radar network. Based on radar network system model, we first provide Schleher intercept factor for radar network as an optimisation metric for LPI performance. Then, a novel LPI optimisation algorithm is presented, where for a predefined MI threshold, Schleher intercept factor for radar network is minimised by optimising the transmission power allocation among radars in the network such that the enhanced LPI performance for radar network can be achieved. The genetic algorithm based on nonlinear programming (GA-NP) is employed to solve the resulting nonconvex and nonlinear optimisation problem. Some simulations demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is valuable and effective to improve the LPI performance for radar network.

A novel global Harmony Search method based on Ant Colony Optimisation algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fouad, Allouani; Boukhetala, Djamel; Boudjema, Fares; Zenger, Kai; Gao, Xiao-Zhi

2016-03-01

The Global-best Harmony Search (GHS) is a stochastic optimisation algorithm recently developed, which hybridises the Harmony Search (HS) method with the concept of swarm intelligence in the particle swarm optimisation (PSO) to enhance its performance. In this article, a new optimisation algorithm called GHSACO is developed by incorporating the GHS with the Ant Colony Optimisation algorithm (ACO). Our method introduces a novel improvisation process, which is different from that of the GHS in the following aspects. (i) A modified harmony memory (HM) representation and conception. (ii) The use of a global random switching mechanism to monitor the choice between the ACO and GHS. (iii) An additional memory consideration selection rule using the ACO random proportional transition rule with a pheromone trail update mechanism. The proposed GHSACO algorithm has been applied to various benchmark functions and constrained optimisation problems. Simulation results demonstrate that it can find significantly better solutions when compared with the original HS and some of its variants.

Le role du phytoplancton de petite taille (<20 mum) dans les variations des proprietes optiques des eaux du Saint-Laurent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mas, Sebastien

Les mesures satellitaires de couleur des oceans sont largement determinees par les proprietes optiques inherentes (IOPs) des eaux de surface. D'autre part, le phytoplancton de petite taille (<20 mum) est le plus souvent dominant dans les oceans, et peut donc etre une source importante de variation des IOPs dans les oceans. Dans ce contexte, le but principal de ce doctorat etait de definir l'impact du phytoplancton (<20 mum) sur les variations des proprietes optiques de l'Estuaire et du Golfe du Saint-Laurent (Canada). Afin d'atteindre cet objectif, il etait necessaire de determiner en milieu controle les facteurs de variabilite des proprietes optiques cellulaires et des IOPs du phytoplancton (<20 mum) des eaux du Saint-Laurent, et d'evaluer la contribution du phytoplancton (<20 mum) aux proprietes optiques totales des eaux du Saint-Laurent. Des experiences en laboratoire ont montre que les variations des proprietes optiques des cellules phytoplanctoniques soumises a un cycle jour-nuit, ainsi qu'a des changements concomitants d'intensite lumineuse, peuvent contribuer significativement a la variabilite des proprietes optiques observee en milieu naturel. D'autres experiences ont, quant a elles, mis en evidence que les variations des proprietes optiques des cellules phytoplanctoniques dues aux phases de croissance peuvent alterer les IOPs des oceans, particulierement pendant les periodes de floraison. De plus, la presence de bacteries et de particules detritiques peut egalement affecter la variabilite des IOPs totales, notamment la diffusion. Au printemps, dans l'Estuaire et le Golfe du Saint-Laurent, la contribution du phytoplancton <20 mum aux IOPs presentait des differences regionales evidentes pour les proprietes d'absorption et de diffusion. En plus de la variabilite spatiale, les proprietes optiques cellulaires presentaient des variations journalieres, et ce particulierement pour le picophytoplancton. Enfin, la plupart des differences observees dans les proprietes biooptiques, particulierement l'absorption, etaient attribuables a la contribution du phytoplancton <20 mum. Ceci confirme l'importance de la structure de taille des communautes phytoplanctoniques dans les modeles bio-optiques appliques au Saint-Laurent. L'ensemble des resultats a permis de mettre en evidence l'importance des mecanismes de photoacclimatation et de synchronisation du cycle cellulaire du phytoplancton sur les variations journalieres des IOPs, ainsi que de l'etat physiologique relie au stade de croissance sur les variations temporelles a long terme des IOPs. De plus, le phytoplancton <20 mum contribue de maniere importante aux IOPs et a leur variabilite dans l'Estuaire et le Golfe du St-Laurent, et ce particulierement pour l'absorption. Cette etude de doctorat souligne donc l'importance du phytoplancton <20 mum sur la variabilite des IOPs des oceans.

CuO based catalysts on modified acidic silica supports tested in the de-NOx reduction.

PubMed

Bennici, Simona; Gervasini, Antonella; Lazzarin, Marta; Ragaini, Vittorio

2005-03-01

A series of dispersed CuO catalysts supported on modified silica supports with Al2O3 (SA), TiO2 (ST), and ZrO2 (SZ) were prepared optimising the adsorption method of copper deposition assisted by ultrasound treatment, already reported in a previous paper (S. Bennici, A. Gervasini, V. Ragaini, Ultrason. Sonochem. 10 (2003) 61). The obtained catalysts were characterized in their bulk (atomic absorption, X-ray diffraction, temperature programmed reduction) and surface (N2 adsorption, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy) properties. The morphology of the finished materials was not deeply modified compared with that of the relevant supports. The employed complemented techniques evidenced a well dispersed CuO phase with a copper-support interaction on the most acidic supports (SA and SZ). The catalyst performances were studied in the reaction of selective catalytic reduction of NOx with ethene in oxidizing atmosphere in a flow apparatus under variable times (0.360-0.072 s) and temperatures (200-450 degrees C). The catalysts prepared on the most acidic supports (SA and SZ) were the most active and selective towards N2 formation. They showed a particular interesting activity in the reaction of NO2 reduction besides that of NO reduction.

Compensation for the signal processing characteristics of ultrasound B-mode scanners in adaptive speckle reduction.

PubMed

Crawford, D C; Bell, D S; Bamber, J C

1993-01-01

A systematic method to compensate for nonlinear amplification of individual ultrasound B-scanners has been investigated in order to optimise performance of an adaptive speckle reduction (ASR) filter for a wide range of clinical ultrasonic imaging equipment. Three potential methods have been investigated: (1) a method involving an appropriate selection of the speckle recognition feature was successful when the scanner signal processing executes simple logarithmic compressions; (2) an inverse transform (decompression) of the B-mode image was effective in correcting for the measured characteristics of image data compression when the algorithm was implemented in full floating point arithmetic; (3) characterising the behaviour of the statistical speckle recognition feature under conditions of speckle noise was found to be the method of choice for implementation of the adaptive speckle reduction algorithm in limited precision integer arithmetic. In this example, the statistical features of variance and mean were investigated. The third method may be implemented on commercially available fast image processing hardware and is also better suited for transfer into dedicated hardware to facilitate real-time adaptive speckle reduction. A systematic method is described for obtaining ASR calibration data from B-mode images of a speckle producing phantom.

Amine dehydrogenases: efficient biocatalysts for the reductive amination of carbonyl compounds.

PubMed

Knaus, Tanja; Böhmer, Wesley; Mutti, Francesco G

2017-01-21

Amines constitute the major targets for the production of a plethora of chemical compounds that have applications in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and bulk chemical industries. However, the asymmetric synthesis of α-chiral amines with elevated catalytic efficiency and atom economy is still a very challenging synthetic problem. Here, we investigated the biocatalytic reductive amination of carbonyl compounds employing a rising class of enzymes for amine synthesis: amine dehydrogenases (AmDHs). The three AmDHs from this study - operating in tandem with a formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii (Cb-FDH) for the recycling of the nicotinamide coenzyme - performed the efficient amination of a range of diverse aromatic and aliphatic ketones and aldehydes with up to quantitative conversion and elevated turnover numbers (TONs). Moreover, the reductive amination of prochiral ketones proceeded with perfect stereoselectivity, always affording the ( R )-configured amines with more than 99% enantiomeric excess. The most suitable amine dehydrogenase, the optimised catalyst loading and the required reaction time were determined for each substrate. The biocatalytic reductive amination with this dual-enzyme system (AmDH-Cb-FDH) possesses elevated atom efficiency as it utilizes the ammonium formate buffer as the source of both nitrogen and reducing equivalents. Inorganic carbonate is the sole by-product.

La planification préalable des soins pour les patients en pédiatrie

PubMed Central

2008-01-01

RÉSUMÉ Les progrès médicaux et technologiques ont permis d’ac-croître les taux de survie et d’améliorer la qualité de vie des nourrissons, des enfants et des adolescents ayant des maladies chroniques mettant la vie en danger. La planifi-cation préalable des soins inclut le processus relié aux discussions sur les traitements essentiels au maintien de la survie et la détermination des objectifs des soins de longue durée. Les dispensateurs de soins pédiatriques ont l’obligation éthique d’assimiler cet aspect des soins médicaux. Le présent document de principes vise à aider les dispensateurs de soins à discuter de la planification préalable des soins des patients pédiatriques dans diverses situations. La planification préalable des soins exige des communications efficaces afin de clarifier les objectifs des soins et de s’entendre sur les traitements pertinents ou non pour réaliser ces objectifs, y compris les mesures de réanimation et les mesures palliatives.

An optimal policy for a single-vendor and a single-buyer integrated system with setup cost reduction and process-quality improvement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shu, Hui; Zhou, Xideng

2014-05-01

The single-vendor single-buyer integrated production inventory system has been an object of study for a long time, but little is known about the effect of investing in reducing setup cost reduction and process-quality improvement for an integrated inventory system in which the products are sold with free minimal repair warranty. The purpose of this article is to minimise the integrated cost by optimising simultaneously the number of shipments and the shipment quantity, the setup cost, and the process quality. An efficient algorithm procedure is proposed for determining the optimal decision variables. A numerical example is presented to illustrate the results of the proposed models graphically. Sensitivity analysis of the model with respect to key parameters of the system is carried out. The paper shows that the proposed integrated model can result in significant savings in the integrated cost.

Reduction of aerobic and lactic acid bacteria in dairy desludge using an integrated compressed CO2 and ultrasonic process.

PubMed

Overton, Tim W; Lu, Tiejun; Bains, Narinder; Leeke, Gary A

Current treatment routes are not suitable to reduce and stabilise bacterial content in some dairy process streams such as separator and bactofuge desludges which currently present a major emission problem faced by dairy producers. In this study, a novel method for the processing of desludge was developed. The new method, elevated pressure sonication (EPS), uses a combination of low frequency ultrasound (20 kHz) and elevated CO 2 pressure (50 to 100 bar). Process conditions (pressure, sonicator power, processing time) were optimised for batch and continuous EPS processes to reduce viable numbers of aerobic and lactic acid bacteria in bactofuge desludge by ≥3-log fold. Coagulation of proteins present in the desludge also occurred, causing separation of solid (curd) and liquid (whey) fractions. The proposed process offers a 10-fold reduction in energy compared to high temperature short time (HTST) treatment of milk.

Mining nutrigenetics patterns related to obesity: use of parallel multifactor dimensionality reduction.

PubMed

Karayianni, Katerina N; Grimaldi, Keith A; Nikita, Konstantina S; Valavanis, Ioannis K

2015-01-01

This paper aims to enlighten the complex etiology beneath obesity by analysing data from a large nutrigenetics study, in which nutritional and genetic factors associated with obesity were recorded for around two thousand individuals. In our previous work, these data have been analysed using artificial neural network methods, which identified optimised subsets of factors to predict one's obesity status. These methods did not reveal though how the selected factors interact with each other in the obtained predictive models. For that reason, parallel Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (pMDR) was used here to further analyse the pre-selected subsets of nutrigenetic factors. Within pMDR, predictive models using up to eight factors were constructed, further reducing the input dimensionality, while rules describing the interactive effects of the selected factors were derived. In this way, it was possible to identify specific genetic variations and their interactive effects with particular nutritional factors, which are now under further study.

On the design and optimisation of new fractal antenna using PSO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rani, Shweta; Singh, A. P.

2013-10-01

An optimisation technique for newly shaped fractal structure using particle swarm optimisation with curve fitting is presented in this article. The aim of particle swarm optimisation is to find the geometry of the antenna for the required user-defined frequency. To assess the effectiveness of the presented method, a set of representative numerical simulations have been done and the results are compared with the measurements from experimental prototypes built according to the design specifications coming from the optimisation procedure. The proposed fractal antenna resonates at the 5.8 GHz industrial, scientific and medical band which is suitable for wireless telemedicine applications. The antenna characteristics have been studied using extensive numerical simulations and are experimentally verified. The antenna exhibits well-defined radiation patterns over the band.

Effect of structural changes of lignocelluloses material upon pre-treatment using green solvents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gunny, Ahmad Anas Nagoor; Arbain, Dachyar; Jamal, Parveen

2017-04-01

The Malaysia Biomass strategy 2020 stated that the key step of biofuel production from biomass lies on the pretreatment process. Conventional `pre-treatment' methods are `non-green" and costly. The recent green and cost-effective biomass pretreatment is using new generation of Ionic Liquids also known as Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs). DESs are made of renewable components are cheaper, greener and the process synthesis are easier. Thus, the present paper concerns with the preparation of various combination of DES and to study the effect of DESs pretreatment process on microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a model substrate. The crystalline structural changes were studied using using X-ray Diffraction Methods, Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and surface area and pore size analysis. Results showed reduction of crystalline structure of MCC treated with the DESs and increment of surface area and pore size of MCC after pre-treatment process. These results indicated the DES has successfully converted the lignocelluloses material in the form suitable for hydrolysis and conversion to simple sugar.

Electrodeposition of Zn and Cu-Zn alloy from ZnO/CuO precursors in deep eutectic solvent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xie, Xueliang; Zou, Xingli; Lu, Xionggang; Lu, Changyuan; Cheng, Hongwei; Xu, Qian; Zhou, Zhongfu

2016-11-01

The electrodeposition of Zn and Cu-Zn alloy has been investigated in choline chloride (ChCl)/urea (1:2 molar ratio) based deep eutectic solvent (DES). Cyclic voltammetry study demonstrates that the reduction of Zn(II) to Zn is a diffusion-controlled quasi-reversible, one-step, two electrons transfer process. Chronoamperometric investigation indicates that the electrodeposition of Zn on a Cu electrode typically involves three-dimensional instantaneous nucleation with diffusion-controlled growth process. Micro/nanostructured Zn films can be obtained by controlling the electrodeposition potential and temperature. The electrodeposited Zn crystals preferentially orient parallel to the (101) plane. The Zn films electrodeposited under more positive potentials and low temperatures exhibit improved corrosion resistance in 3 wt% NaCl solution. In addition, Cu-Zn alloy films have also been electrodeposited directly from CuO-ZnO precursors in ChCl/urea-based DES. The XRD analysis indicates that the phase composition of the electrodeposited Cu-Zn alloy depends on the electrodeposition potential.

Improving Energy Efficiency for the Vehicle Assembly Industry: A Discrete Event Simulation Approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oumer, Abduaziz; Mekbib Atnaw, Samson; Kie Cheng, Jack; Singh, Lakveer

2016-11-01

This paper presented a Discrete Event Simulation (DES) model for investigating and improving energy efficiency in vehicle assembly line. The car manufacturing industry is one of the highest energy consuming industries. Using Rockwell Arena DES package; a detailed model was constructed for an actual vehicle assembly plant. The sources of energy considered in this research are electricity and fuel; which are the two main types of energy sources used in a typical vehicle assembly plant. The model depicts the performance measurement for process- specific energy measures of painting, welding, and assembling processes. Sound energy efficiency model within this industry has two-fold advantage: reducing CO2 emission and cost reduction associated with fuel and electricity consumption. The paper starts with an overview of challenges in energy consumption within the facilities of automotive assembly line and highlights the parameters for energy efficiency. The results of the simulation model indicated improvements for energy saving objectives and reduced costs.

The effects of dissociation on information processing for analogue trauma and neutral stimuli: a laboratory study.

PubMed

Olsen, Shira A; Beck, J Gayle

2012-01-01

This study investigated the effects of high and low levels of dissociation on information processing for analogue trauma and neutral stimuli. Fifty-four undergraduate females who reported high and low levels of trait dissociation were presented with two films, one depicting traumatic events, the other containing neutral material. Participants completed a divided attention task (yielding a proxy measure of attention), as well as explicit memory (free-recall) and implicit memory (word-stem completion) tasks for both films. Results indicated that the high DES group showed less attention and had poorer recall for the analogue trauma stimuli, relative to the neutral stimuli and the low DES group. These findings suggest that high levels of trait dissociation are associated with reductions in attention and memory for analogue trauma stimuli, relative to neutral stimuli and relative to low trait dissociation. Implications for the role of cognitive factors in the etiology of negative post-trauma responses are discussed. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Characterization of the biochemical-pathway of uranium (VI) reduction in facultative anaerobic bacteria.

PubMed

Mtimunye, Phalazane J; Chirwa, Evans M N

2014-10-01

Cultures of U(VI) reducing bacteria sourced from abandoned uranium mine tailing dam were evaluated for their ability to reduce U(VI) to U(IV). The species in the cultures reduced U(VI) in solutions with initial U(VI) concentration up to 400mgL(-)(1) under a near neutral pH of 6.5. The electron flow pathway and fate of reduced species was also analysed in the individual species in order to evaluate the potential for control and optimisation of the reduction potential at the biochemical level. The results showed that U(VI) reduction in live cells was completely blocked by the NADH-dehydrogenase inhibitor, rotenone (C23H22O6), and thioredoxin inhibitor, cadmium chloride (CdCl2), showing that U(VI) reduction involves the electron flow through NADH-dehydrogenase, a primary electron donor to the electron transport respiratory (ETR) system. Mass balance analysis of uranium species aided by visual and electron microscopy suggest that most U(VI) reduction occurred on the cell surface of the isolated species. This finding indicates the possibility of easy uranium recovery for beneficial use through biological remediation. Should the U(VI) be reduced inside the cell, recovery would require complete disruption of the cells and therefore would be difficult. The study contributes new knowledge on the underlying mechanisms in the U(VI) reduction in facultative anaerobes. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Lignes directrices canadiennes sur l’utilisation sécuritaire et efficace des opioïdes pour la douleur chronique non cancéreuse

PubMed Central

Kahan, Meldon; Wilson, Lynn; Mailis-Gagnon, Angela; Srivastava, Anita

2011-01-01

Résumé Objectif Présenter aux médecins de famille un résumé clinique pratique sur la prescription d’opioïdes à des populations particulières en se fondant sur les recommandations faites dans les lignes directrices canadiennes sur l’utilisation sécuritaire et efficace des opioïdes pour la douleur chronique non cancéreuse. Qualité des données Pour produire les lignes directrices, les chercheurs ont effectué une synthèse critique de la littérature médicale en insistant plus précisément sur les études de l’efficacité et de la sécurité des opioïdes dans des populations particulières. Message principal Les médecins de famille peuvent atténuer les risques de surdose, de sédation, d’usage abusif et de dépendance grâce à des stratégies adaptées à l’âge et à l’état de santé des patients. Dans le cas de patients à risque de dépendance, on devrait réserver les opioïdes aux douleurs nociceptives ou neuropathiques bien définies qui n’ont pas répondu aux traitements de première intention. Il faut procéder lentement au titrage des opioïdes, avec des dispensations fréquentes et une étroite surveillance pour dépister tout signe d’usage abusif. Une dépendance aux opioïdes suspectée est prise en charge au moyen d’une thérapie structurée aux opioïdes, d’un traitement à la méthadone ou à la buprénorphine ou encore d’un traitement fondé sur l’abstinence. Les patients souffrant de troubles de l’humeur ou d’anxiété ont tendance à avoir une réponse analgésique atténuée aux opioïdes, sont à risque plus élevé d’usage abusif et prennent souvent des sédatifs qui interagissent défavorablement avec les opioïdes. Il faut prendre des précautions semblables à celles utilisées avec d’autres patients à risque élevé. Il faut faire un sevrage progressif si la douleur du patient demeure sévère même avec un essai adéquat de thérapie aux opioïdes. Chez les personnes âgées, la sédation, les chutes et la surdose peuvent être minimisées en utilisant des doses initiales faibles, un titrage plus lent, un sevrage des benzodiazépines et une bonne éducation des patients. Dans le cas des femmes enceintes qui prennent des opioïdes chaque jour, il faut faire un sevrage progressif et cesser complètement. Si ce n’est pas possible, il faut administrer la dose efficace la plus faible. Les femmes enceintes qui ont une dépendance aux opioïdes devraient recevoir un traitement à la méthadone. Les adolescents sont à risque élevé de surdose d’opioïdes, d’usage abusif et de dépendance. Les patients qui ont des adolescents qui vivent à la maison devraient entreposer leurs opioïdes dans un lieu sûr. Les adolescents ont rarement besoin d’une thérapie à long terme aux opioïdes. Conclusion Les médecins de famille doivent tenir compte de l’âge, de la condition psychiatrique, du degré de risque de dépendance du patient et d’autres facteurs quand ils prescrivent des opioïdes pour la douleur chronique.

Instant polysaccharide-based emulsions: impact of microstructure on lipolysis.

PubMed

Torcello-Gómez, Amelia; Foster, Timothy J

2017-06-21

The development of emulsion-based products through optimisation of ingredients, reduction in energy-input during manufacture, while fulfilling healthy attributes, are major objectives within the food industry. Instant emulsions can meet these features, but comprehensive studies are necessary to investigate the effect of the initial formulation on the final microstructure and, in turn, on the in vitro lipolysis, comprising the double aim of this work. The instant emulsion is formed within 1.5-3 min after pouring the aqueous phase into the oil phase which contains a mixture of emulsifier (Tween 20), swelling particles (Sephadex) and thickeners (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, HPMC, and guar gum, GG) under mild shearing (180 rpm). The creation of oil-in-water emulsions is monitored in situ by viscosity analysis, the final microstructure visualised by microscopy and the release of free fatty acids under simulated intestinal conditions quantified by titration. Increasing the concentration and molecular weight (M w ) of GG leads to smaller emulsion droplets due to increased bulk viscosity upon shearing. This droplet size reduction is magnified when increasing the M w of HPMC or swelling capacity of viscosifying particles. In addition, in the absence of the emulsifier Tween 20, the sole use of high-Mw HPMC is effective in emulsification due to combined increased bulk viscosity and interfacial activity. Hence, optimisation of the ingredient choice and usage level is possible when designing microstructures. Finally, emulsions with larger droplet size (>20 μm) display a slower rate and lower extent of lipolysis, while finer emulsions (droplet size ≤20 μm) exhibit maximum rate and extent profiles. This correlates with the extent of emulsion destabilisation observed under intestinal conditions.

Location, timing and extent of wildfire vary by cause of ignition

USGS Publications Warehouse

Syphard, Alexandra D.; Keeley, Jon E.

2015-01-01

The increasing extent of wildfires has prompted investigation into alternative fire management approaches to complement the traditional strategies of fire suppression and fuels manipulation. Wildfire prevention through ignition reduction is an approach with potential for success, but ignitions result from a variety of causes. If some ignition sources result in higher levels of area burned, then ignition prevention programmes could be optimised to target these distributions in space and time. We investigated the most common ignition causes in two southern California sub-regions, where humans are responsible for more than 95% of all fires, and asked whether these causes exhibited distinct spatial or intra-annual temporal patterns, or resulted in different extents of fire in 10-29-year periods, depending on sub-region. Different ignition causes had distinct spatial patterns and those that burned the most area tended to occur in autumn months. Both the number of fires and area burned varied according to cause of ignition, but the cause of the most numerous fires was not always the cause of the greatest area burned. In both sub-regions, power line ignitions were one of the top two causes of area burned: the other major causes were arson in one sub-region and power equipment in the other. Equipment use also caused the largest number of fires in both sub-regions. These results have important implications for understanding why, where and how ignitions are caused, and in turn, how to develop strategies to prioritise and focus fire prevention efforts. Fire extent has increased tremendously in southern California, and because most fires are caused by humans, ignition reduction offers a potentially powerful management strategy, especially if optimised to reflect the distinct spatial and temporal distributions in different ignition causes.

Optimisation Modelling to Assess Cost of Dietary Improvement in Remote Aboriginal Australia

PubMed Central

Brimblecombe, Julie; Ferguson, Megan; Liberato, Selma C.; O'Dea, Kerin; Riley, Malcolm

2013-01-01

Background The cost and dietary choices required to fulfil nutrient recommendations defined nationally, need investigation, particularly for disadvantaged populations. Objective We used optimisation modelling to examine the dietary change required to achieve nutrient requirements at minimum cost for an Aboriginal population in remote Australia, using where possible minimally-processed whole foods. Design A twelve month cross-section of population-level purchased food, food price and nutrient content data was used as the baseline. Relative amounts from 34 food group categories were varied to achieve specific energy and nutrient density goals at minimum cost while meeting model constraints intended to minimise deviation from the purchased diet. Results Simultaneous achievement of all nutrient goals was not feasible. The two most successful models (A & B) met all nutrient targets except sodium (146.2% and 148.9% of the respective target) and saturated fat (12.0% and 11.7% of energy). Model A was achieved with 3.2% lower cost than the baseline diet (which cost approximately AUD$13.01/person/day) and Model B at 7.8% lower cost but with a reduction in energy of 4.4%. Both models required very large reductions in sugar sweetened beverages (−90%) and refined cereals (−90%) and an approximate four-fold increase in vegetables, fruit, dairy foods, eggs, fish and seafood, and wholegrain cereals. Conclusion This modelling approach suggested population level dietary recommendations at minimal cost based on the baseline purchased diet. Large shifts in diet in remote Aboriginal Australian populations are needed to achieve national nutrient targets. The modeling approach used was not able to meet all nutrient targets at less than current food expenditure. PMID:24391790

Spent lithium-ion battery recycling - Reductive ammonia leaching of metals from cathode scrap by sodium sulphite.

PubMed

Zheng, Xiaohong; Gao, Wenfang; Zhang, Xihua; He, Mingming; Lin, Xiao; Cao, Hongbin; Zhang, Yi; Sun, Zhi

2017-02-01

Recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries has attracted wide attention because of their high content of valuable and hazardous metals. One of the difficulties for effective metal recovery is the separation of different metals from the solution after leaching. In this research, a full hydrometallurgical process is developed to selectively recover valuable metals (Ni, Co and Li) from cathode scrap of spent lithium ion batteries. By introducing ammonia-ammonium sulphate as the leaching solution and sodium sulphite as the reductant, the total selectivity of Ni, Co and Li in the first-step leaching solution is more than 98.6% while it for Mn is only 1.36%. In detail understanding of the selective leaching process is carried out by investigating the effects of parameters such as leaching reagent composition, leaching time (0-480min), agitation speed (200-700rpm), pulp density (10-50g/L) and temperature (323-353K). It was found that Mn is primarily reduced from Mn 4+ into Mn 2+ into the solution as [Formula: see text] while it subsequently precipitates out into the residue in the form of (NH 4 ) 2 Mn(SO 3 ) 2 ·H 2 O. Ni, Co and Li are leached and remain in the solution either as metallic ion or amine complexes. The optimised leaching conditions can be further obtained and the leaching kinetics is found to be chemical reaction control under current leaching conditions. As a result, this research is potentially beneficial for further optimisation of the spent lithium ion battery recycling process after incorporating with metal extraction from the leaching solution. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

An evaluation of a multi-site community pharmacy-based chronic obstructive pulmonary disease support service.

PubMed

Wright, David; Twigg, Michael; Barton, Garry; Thornley, Tracey; Kerr, Clare

2015-02-01

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive chronic condition that can be effectively managed by smoking-cessation, optimising prescribed therapy and providing treatment to prevent chest infections from causing hospitalisation. The government agenda in the UK is for community pharmacists to become involved in chronic disease management, and COPD is one area where they are ideally located to provide a comprehensive service. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a community pharmacy-based COPD service on patient outcomes. Patients in one UK location were recruited over a 10-week period to receive a community pharmacy-based COPD support service consisting of signposting to or provision of smoking-cessation service, therapy optimisation and recommendation to obtain a rescue pack containing steroid and antibiotic to prevent hospitalisation as a result of chest infection. Data were collected over a 6-month period for all recruited patients. Appropriate clinical outcomes, patient reported medication adherence, quality of life and National Health Service (NHS) resource utilisation were measured. Three hundred six patients accessed the service. Data to enable comparison before and after intervention was available for 137 patients. Significant improvements in patient reported adherence, utilisation of rescue packs, quality of life and a reduction in routine general practitioner (GP) visits were identified. The intervention cost was estimated to be off-set by reductions in the use of other NHS services (GP and accident and emergency visits and hospital admissions). Results suggest that the service improved patient medicine taking behaviours and that it was cost-effective. © 2014 Community Pharmacy Futures. International Journal of Pharmacy Practice published by. John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

Fault tree analysis for integrated and probabilistic risk analysis of drinking water systems.

PubMed

Lindhe, Andreas; Rosén, Lars; Norberg, Tommy; Bergstedt, Olof

2009-04-01

Drinking water systems are vulnerable and subject to a wide range of risks. To avoid sub-optimisation of risk-reduction options, risk analyses need to include the entire drinking water system, from source to tap. Such an integrated approach demands tools that are able to model interactions between different events. Fault tree analysis is a risk estimation tool with the ability to model interactions between events. Using fault tree analysis on an integrated level, a probabilistic risk analysis of a large drinking water system in Sweden was carried out. The primary aims of the study were: (1) to develop a method for integrated and probabilistic risk analysis of entire drinking water systems; and (2) to evaluate the applicability of Customer Minutes Lost (CML) as a measure of risk. The analysis included situations where no water is delivered to the consumer (quantity failure) and situations where water is delivered but does not comply with water quality standards (quality failure). Hard data as well as expert judgements were used to estimate probabilities of events and uncertainties in the estimates. The calculations were performed using Monte Carlo simulations. CML is shown to be a useful measure of risks associated with drinking water systems. The method presented provides information on risk levels, probabilities of failure, failure rates and downtimes of the system. This information is available for the entire system as well as its different sub-systems. Furthermore, the method enables comparison of the results with performance targets and acceptable levels of risk. The method thus facilitates integrated risk analysis and consequently helps decision-makers to minimise sub-optimisation of risk-reduction options.

Revisiting the role of durable polymers in cardiovascular devices.

PubMed

Mori, Hiroyoshi; Otsuka, Fumiyuki; Gupta, Anuj; Jinnouchi, Hiroyuki; Torii, Sho; Harari, Emanuel; Virmani, Renu; Finn, Aloke V

2017-11-01

Polymers are an essential component of drug-eluting stents (DES) used to control drug release but remain the most controversial component of DES technology. There are two types of polymers employed in DES: durable polymer based DES (DP-DES) and biodegradable polymer DES (BP-DES). First-generation DES were exclusively composed of DP and demonstrated increased rates of late stent failure due in part to poor polymer biocompatibility. Newer generations DES use more biocompatible durable polymers or biodegradable polymers. Areas covered: We will cover issues identified with 1st-generation DP-DES, areas of success and failure in 2nd-generation DP-DES and examine the promise and shortcomings of BP-DES. Briefly, fluorinated polymers used in 2nd-generation DP-DES have excellent anti-thrombogenicity and better biocompatibility than 1st-generation DES polymers. However, these devices lead to persistent drug exposure to the endothelium which impairs endothelial function and predisposes towards neoatherosclerosis. Meanwhile, BP-DES has shortened the duration of drug exposure which might be beneficial for endothelial functional recovery leading to less neoatherosclerosis. However, it remains uncertain whether the long-term biocompatibility of bare metal surfaces is better than that of polymer-coated metals. Expert commentary: Each technology has distinct advantages, which can be optimized depending upon the particular characteristics of the patient being treated.

Etude numerique et experimentale de la reponse vibro-acoustique des structures raidies a des excitations aeriennes et solidiennes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mejdi, Abderrazak

Les fuselages des avions sont generalement en aluminium ou en composite renforces par des raidisseurs longitudinaux (lisses) et transversaux (cadres). Les raidisseurs peuvent etre metalliques ou en composite. Durant leurs differentes phases de vol, les structures d'avions sont soumises a des excitations aeriennes (couche limite turbulente : TBL, champs diffus : DAF) sur la peau exterieure dont l'energie acoustique produite se transmet a l'interieur de la cabine. Les moteurs, montes sur la structure, produisent une excitation solidienne significative. Ce projet a pour objectifs de developper et de mettre en place des strategies de modelisations des fuselages d'avions soumises a des excitations aeriennes et solidiennes. Tous d'abord, une mise a jour des modeles existants de la TBL apparait dans le deuxieme chapitre afin de mieux les classer. Les proprietes de la reponse vibro-acoustique des structures planes finies et infinies sont analysees. Dans le troisieme chapitre, les hypotheses sur lesquelles sont bases les modeles existants concernant les structures metalliques orthogonalement raidies soumises a des excitations mecaniques, DAF et TBL sont reexamines en premier lieu. Ensuite, une modelisation fine et fiable de ces structures est developpee. Le modele est valide numeriquement a l'aide des methodes des elements finis (FEM) et de frontiere (BEM). Des tests de validations experimentales sont realises sur des panneaux d'avions fournis par des societes aeronautiques. Au quatrieme chapitre, une extension vers les structures composites renforcees par des raidisseurs aussi en composites et de formes complexes est etablie. Un modele analytique simple est egalement implemente et valide numeriquement. Au cinquieme chapitre, la modelisation des structures raidies periodiques en composites est beaucoup plus raffinee par la prise en compte des effets de couplage des deplacements planes et transversaux. L'effet de taille des structures finies periodiques est egalement pris en compte. Les modeles developpes ont permis de conduire plusieurs etudes parametriques sur les proprietes vibro-acoustiques des structures d'avions facilitant ainsi la tache des concepteurs. Dans le cadre de cette these, un article a ete publie dans le Journal of Sound and Vibration et trois autres soumis, respectivement aux Journal of Acoustical Society of America, International Journal of Solid Mechanics et au Journal of Sound and Vibration Mots cles : structures raidies, composites, vibro-acoustique, perte par transmission.

Effectiveness of an implementation optimisation intervention aimed at increasing parent engagement in HENRY, a childhood obesity prevention programme - the Optimising Family Engagement in HENRY (OFTEN) trial: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Bryant, Maria; Burton, Wendy; Cundill, Bonnie; Farrin, Amanda J; Nixon, Jane; Stevens, June; Roberts, Kim; Foy, Robbie; Rutter, Harry; Hartley, Suzanne; Tubeuf, Sandy; Collinson, Michelle; Brown, Julia

2017-01-24

Family-based interventions to prevent childhood obesity depend upon parents' taking action to improve diet and other lifestyle behaviours in their families. Programmes that attract and retain high numbers of parents provide an enhanced opportunity to improve public health and are also likely to be more cost-effective than those that do not. We have developed a theory-informed optimisation intervention to promote parent engagement within an existing childhood obesity prevention group programme, HENRY (Health Exercise Nutrition for the Really Young). Here, we describe a proposal to evaluate the effectiveness of this optimisation intervention in regard to the engagement of parents and cost-effectiveness. The Optimising Family Engagement in HENRY (OFTEN) trial is a cluster randomised controlled trial being conducted across 24 local authorities (approximately 144 children's centres) which currently deliver HENRY programmes. The primary outcome will be parental enrolment and attendance at the HENRY programme, assessed using routinely collected process data. Cost-effectiveness will be presented in terms of primary outcomes using acceptability curves and through eliciting the willingness to pay for the optimisation from HENRY commissioners. Secondary outcomes include the longitudinal impact of the optimisation, parent-reported infant intake of fruits and vegetables (as a proxy to compliance) and other parent-reported family habits and lifestyle. This innovative trial will provide evidence on the implementation of a theory-informed optimisation intervention to promote parent engagement in HENRY, a community-based childhood obesity prevention programme. The findings will be generalisable to other interventions delivered to parents in other community-based environments. This research meets the expressed needs of commissioners, children's centres and parents to optimise the potential impact that HENRY has on obesity prevention. A subsequent cluster randomised controlled pilot trial is planned to determine the practicality of undertaking a definitive trial to robustly evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the optimised intervention on childhood obesity prevention. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02675699 . Registered on 4 February 2016.

Retour vers le futur: l'expérience des patients et le lien avec la qualité, la sécurité et le rendement financier.

PubMed

Cochrane, Bonnie S; Hagins, Mitch; King, John A; Picciano, Gino; McCafferty, Maureen M; Nelson, Brian

2015-11-01

Au Canada, l'amélioration de l'expérience des patients est devenue une priorité des politiques de santé. Le perfectionnement et la normalisation des outils et systèmes pour surveiller les mesures de l'expérience des patients augmentent, tandis que la tendance vers une plus grande reddition de compte sur des améliorations durables et abordables se confirme. Pour de nombreux professionnels de la santé, ce phénomène fait foi d'un intérêt renouvelé pour les besoins et priorités fondamentaux des patients, après des décennies où les changements structurels et technologiques ont dominé les programmes de santé. Pour les leaders en santé canadiens, l'amélioration de l'expérience des patients comporte actuellement de grands défis et de belles possibilités. À cet égard, l'expérience des organisations partenaires du groupe Studer au Canada est à la fois pertinente et instructive. Ces organisations ont adopté un modèle, du nom de Evidence-Based Leadership (EBL, ou leadership fondé sur des données probantes), qui favorise et soutient l'harmonisation de l'ensemble des activités et des comportements, conformément à des objectifs organisationnels précis, y compris des améliorations mesurables de l'expérience des patients. Le présent article expose des études de cas d'organisations qui ont adopté l'EBL. Ces organisations ont réalisé des progrès rapides en matière d'indicateurs de l'expérience des patients, ainsi que dans des secteurs essentiels comme les résultats cliniques, la sécurité et le rendement financier. Les données émergentes sur les facteurs et processus qui sous-tendent ces améliorations sont également abordées. © 2015 Collège canadien des leaders en santé

Occurrence and distribution of pesticides in streams of the Eastern Iowa Basins, 1996-98

USGS Publications Warehouse

Schnoebelen, Douglas J.; Kalkhoff, Stephen J.; Becher, Kent D.

2001-01-01

Occurrence of pesticide compounds varied by landform region. The triazine herbicides, atrazine and cyanazine and their degradates were present in significantly greater concentrations in the Southern Iowa Drift Plain (predominantly loess soils) than either the Des Moines Lobe or the Iowan Surface (predominantly till soils). Less atrazine and cyanazine are applied to till soils because of pH and organic carbon content. Alachlor, metolachlor, and acetochlor have often been used to offset triazine pesticide reductions in area with till soils.

Integration of Monte-Carlo ray tracing with a stochastic optimisation method: application to the design of solar receiver geometry.

PubMed

Asselineau, Charles-Alexis; Zapata, Jose; Pye, John

2015-06-01

A stochastic optimisation method adapted to illumination and radiative heat transfer problems involving Monte-Carlo ray-tracing is presented. A solar receiver shape optimisation case study illustrates the advantages of the method and its potential: efficient receivers are identified using a moderate computational cost.

Topology optimisation for natural convection problems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alexandersen, Joe; Aage, Niels; Andreasen, Casper Schousboe; Sigmund, Ole

2014-12-01

This paper demonstrates the application of the density-based topology optimisation approach for the design of heat sinks and micropumps based on natural convection effects. The problems are modelled under the assumptions of steady-state laminar flow using the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations coupled to the convection-diffusion equation through the Boussinesq approximation. In order to facilitate topology optimisation, the Brinkman approach is taken to penalise velocities inside the solid domain and the effective thermal conductivity is interpolated in order to accommodate differences in thermal conductivity of the solid and fluid phases. The governing equations are discretised using stabilised finite elements and topology optimisation is performed for two different problems using discrete adjoint sensitivity analysis. The study shows that topology optimisation is a viable approach for designing heat sink geometries cooled by natural convection and micropumps powered by natural convection.

A supportive architecture for CFD-based design optimisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ni; Su, Zeya; Bi, Zhuming; Tian, Chao; Ren, Zhiming; Gong, Guanghong

2014-03-01

Multi-disciplinary design optimisation (MDO) is one of critical methodologies to the implementation of enterprise systems (ES). MDO requiring the analysis of fluid dynamics raises a special challenge due to its extremely intensive computation. The rapid development of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) technique has caused a rise of its applications in various fields. Especially for the exterior designs of vehicles, CFD has become one of the three main design tools comparable to analytical approaches and wind tunnel experiments. CFD-based design optimisation is an effective way to achieve the desired performance under the given constraints. However, due to the complexity of CFD, integrating with CFD analysis in an intelligent optimisation algorithm is not straightforward. It is a challenge to solve a CFD-based design problem, which is usually with high dimensions, and multiple objectives and constraints. It is desirable to have an integrated architecture for CFD-based design optimisation. However, our review on existing works has found that very few researchers have studied on the assistive tools to facilitate CFD-based design optimisation. In the paper, a multi-layer architecture and a general procedure are proposed to integrate different CFD toolsets with intelligent optimisation algorithms, parallel computing technique and other techniques for efficient computation. In the proposed architecture, the integration is performed either at the code level or data level to fully utilise the capabilities of different assistive tools. Two intelligent algorithms are developed and embedded with parallel computing. These algorithms, together with the supportive architecture, lay a solid foundation for various applications of CFD-based design optimisation. To illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed architecture and algorithms, the case studies on aerodynamic shape design of a hypersonic cruising vehicle are provided, and the result has shown that the proposed architecture and developed algorithms have performed successfully and efficiently in dealing with the design optimisation with over 200 design variables.

Preface: Materiaux 2010

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheikhrouhou, Abdelwaheb

2012-02-01

The national conference 'MATERIAUX 2010', which took place in Mahdia (Tunisia), from 4-7 November 2010 was organized by The 'Tunisian Materials Research Society: Tu-MRS' in collaboration with the Materials Physics Laboratory of Sfax 'LPM', Faculty of Sciences, Sfax University and the Research Unit ' Physique, Informatique et Mathématiques ', Faculty of Sciences, Gafsa University The First National Conference on Materials 'MATERIAUX 2006' was organized in Douz (Tunisia) in December 2006. This was followed by 'MATERIAUX 2007' held in Hammamet (Tunisia) in April 2007 and the National Conference 'MATERIAUX 2009' organized jointly with the Second 'Journées Internationales de la Physique des Matériaux et Applications: JIPMA 2009' in Gafsa (Tunisia) from 20-24 December 2009. 'MATERIAUX 2010' is intended to provide an excellent opportunity for National, Maghreb and International researchers to make their own work on materials known to a wider audience and to have discussions with other participants. This conference will also be an opportunity to exchange experiences, create and consolidate cooperation between different research structures in the Maghreb countries and also the countries around the Mediterranean. This conference will equally promote research development, contribution to collaboration between universities and the socio-economical milieu. More than 300 senior researchers, Professors, PhD and Masters students attended this conference from Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, France, Spain and Canada. Several researchers, engineers and managers from industrial firms also attended. The conference consisted of plenary talks (8), oral contributions (40) and poster presentations (250). The topics of the Conference were: Nano-materials, nano-systems, thin films, surfaces and interfaces, applications Multifunctionnal materials, magnetic materials, dielectric materials, superconducting materials, applications,... Materials for electronics, informatics and communication Ceramics, glasses, polymers Natural materials (phosphates, clay,...) Metallic materials, alloys, metallurgy,... Others (materials and environment, materials and energy, biomaterials,...) I want to thank the scientific committee, the organizing committee, the local committee and everyone who contributed to the organization of this meeting for their invaluable efforts in order to guarantee the complete success of this conference. Abdelwaheb Cheikhrouhou President of 'Tu-MRS' Chairman of the Conference 'MATERIAUX 2010' Conference photograph Committies Organizing Committee Chairman CHEIKHROUHOU Abdelwaheb (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) Members ALAYA Sahbi (Faculté des Sciences de Gabès) BENNACEUR Raouf (Faculté des Sciences de Tunis) BEN SALEM Mohamed (Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte) CHEIKHROUHOU-KOUBAA Wissem (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) EL JANI Belgacem (Faculté des Sciences de Monastir) EZZAOUIA Hatem (Centre de Recherches et de Technologies de l'Energie, Technopole de Borj Cédria) LAMLOUMI Jilani (Ecole Supérieure des Sciences et Techniques de Tunis) REZIG Bahri (Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Tunis) Local Committee Chairman CHEIKHROUHOU Abdelwaheb (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) Members CHEIKHROUHOU-KOUBAA Wissem (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) KOUBAA Mohamed (Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie de Sfax) NJEH Anwar (Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes d'Ingénieurs de Sfax) BEN SALAH Issam (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) TAKKALI Férid (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) REGAIEG Yassin (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) OTHMANI Safa (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) MNASSRI Rafik (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) Secretariat BEN GHOZLEN Afifa (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) BOUGHARIOU Sana (Faculté des Sciences de Sfax) Scientific Committee M. ADDOU, Faculté des Sciences de Kénitra (Morocco) N. AMDOUNI, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) M. BACCOUCHE, Faculté des Sciences d'Annaba (Algeria) H. BATIS, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) A. BELAFHAL, Faculté des Sciences d'El Jadida (Morocco) M.H. BEN GHOZLEN, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) R. BENNACEUR, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) B. BENYOUCEF, Université Abou Bakr Belkaid, Tlemcen (Algeria) M. BEN SALEM, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte (Tunisia) B. BESSAIES, Centre de Recherches et Technologies de l'Energie (Tunisia) H. BOUCHRIHA, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) W. BOUJELBEN, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) A. CHEIKHROUHOU, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) W. CHEIKHROUHOU-KOUBAA, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) R. CHTOUROU, Centre de Recherches et Technologies de l'Energie (Tunisia) M. DEBBABI, Ecole Nationale d'Ingénieurs de Monastir (Tunisia) A. DAKHLAOUI, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte (Tunisia) A. DINIA, Université de Strasbourg (France) B. ELJANI, Faculté des Sciences de Monastir (Tunisia) A. ELJAZOULI, Faculté des Sciences Ben Msik, Casablanca (Morocco) Z. FAKHFAKH, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) A. GASMI, Faculté des Sciences d'Annaba (Algeria) A. GHARBI, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) R. GHARBI, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) K. GUIDARA, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) H. GUERMAZI, Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes d'Ingénieurs de Sfax (Tunisia) S. GUERMAZI, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) M. HADDAD, Faculté des Sciences de Meknès (Morocco) A. HAJ AMARA, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte (Tunisia) D. HAMANA, Faculté des Sciences de Constantine (Algeria) N. KAMOUN, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) S. KADDOUR-CHARFI, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) M. KADDOUR, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) M. KHITOUNI, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) T. MHIRI, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax (Tunisia) Y. MLIK, Institut Préparatoire aux Etudes Scientifiques et Techniques (Tunisia) N. MLIKI, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) A. NJAH, Faculté des Sciences de Gafsa (Tunisia) M. OUESLATI, Faculté des Sciences de Tunis (Tunisia) K. ZELLAMA, Faculté des Sciences d'Amiens (France) Invited Speakers AMMAR-MERIAH Souad, ITODYS, Université Paris Diderot (France) BEN SALEM Mohamed, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université du 7 Novembre á Carthage (Tunisia) CHEIKHROUHOU Abdelwaheb, Faculté des Sciences de Sfax, Université de Sfax (Tunisia) DAKHLAOUI Amel, Faculté des Sciences de Bizerte, Université du 7 Novembre á Carthage (Tunisia) DJABBAR Ahmed, Université des Sciences et des Technologies de Lille (France) DURASTANTI Félix, Centre d'Etudes et Recherche en Thermique, Environnement et Systèmes (C.E.R.T.E.S.), Université Paris Est- Créteil (France) FERY-FORGUES Suzanne, Université Paul Sabatier, Toulouse (France) GIRAUD Romain, Laboratoire de Photonique et de Nanostructures, CNRS/LPN, Marcoussis (France)

Optimisation of SOA-REAMs for hybrid DWDM-TDMA PON applications.

PubMed

Naughton, Alan; Antony, Cleitus; Ossieur, Peter; Porto, Stefano; Talli, Giuseppe; Townsend, Paul D

2011-12-12

We demonstrate how loss-optimised, gain-saturated SOA-REAM based reflective modulators can reduce the burst to burst power variations due to differential access loss in the upstream path in carrier distributed passive optical networks by 18 dB compared to fixed linear gain modulators. We also show that the loss optimised device has a high tolerance to input power variations and can operate in deep saturation with minimal patterning penalties. Finally, we demonstrate that an optimised device can operate across the C-Band and also over a transmission distance of 80 km. © 2011 Optical Society of America

Les effets des interfaces sur les proprietes magnetiques et de transport des multicouches nickel/iron et cobalt/silver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veres, Teodor

Cette these est consacree a l'etude de l'evolution structurale des proprietes magnetiques et de transport des multicouches Ni/Fe et nanostructures a base de Co et de l'Ag. Dans une premiere partie, essentiellement bibliographique, nous introduisons quelques concepts de base relies aux proprietes magnetiques et de transport des multicouches metalliques. Ensuite, nous presentons une breve description des methodes d'analyse des resultats. La deuxieme partie est consacree a l'etude des proprietes magnetiques et de transport des multicouches ferromagnetiques/ferromagnetiques Ni/Fe. Nous montrerons qu'une interpretation coherente de ces proprietes necessite la prise en consideration des effets des interfaces. Nous nous attacherons a mettre en evidence, a evaluer et a etudier les effets de ces interfaces ainsi que leur evolution, et ce, suite a des traitements thermiques tel que le depot a temperature elevee et l'irradiation ionique. Les analyses correlees de la structure et de la magnetoresistance nous permettront d'emettre des conclusions sur l'influence des couches tampons entre l'interface et le substrat ainsi qu'entre les couches elles-memes sur le comportement magnetique des couches F/F. La troisieme partie est consacree aux systemes a Magneto-Resistance Geante (MRG) a base de Co et Ag. Nous allons etudier l'evolution de la microstructure suite a l'irradiation avec des ions Si+ ayant une energie de 1 MeV, ainsi que les effets de ces changements sur le comportement magnetique. Cette partie debutera par l'analyse des proprietes d'une multicouche hybride, intermediaire entre les multicouches et les materiaux granulaires. Nous analyserons a l'aide des mesures de diffraction, de relaxation superparamagnetique et de magnetoresistance, les evolutions structurales produites par l'irradiation ionique. Nous etablirons des modeles qui nous aideront a interpreter les resultats pour une serie des multicouches qui couvrent un large eventail de differents comportements magnetiques et ceci en fonction de l'epaisseur de la couche magnetique de Co. Nous verrons que dans ces systemes les effets de l'irradiation ionique sont fortement influences par l'energie de surface ainsi que par l'enthalpie de formation, largement positive pour le systeme Co/Ag.

Impact of the calibration period on the conceptual rainfall-runoff model parameter estimates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Todorovic, Andrijana; Plavsic, Jasna

2015-04-01

A conceptual rainfall-runoff model is defined by its structure and parameters, which are commonly inferred through model calibration. Parameter estimates depend on objective function(s), optimisation method, and calibration period. Model calibration over different periods may result in dissimilar parameter estimates, while model efficiency decreases outside calibration period. Problem of model (parameter) transferability, which conditions reliability of hydrologic simulations, has been investigated for decades. In this paper, dependence of the parameter estimates and model performance on calibration period is analysed. The main question that is addressed is: are there any changes in optimised parameters and model efficiency that can be linked to the changes in hydrologic or meteorological variables (flow, precipitation and temperature)? Conceptual, semi-distributed HBV-light model is calibrated over five-year periods shifted by a year (sliding time windows). Length of the calibration periods is selected to enable identification of all parameters. One water year of model warm-up precedes every simulation, which starts with the beginning of a water year. The model is calibrated using the built-in GAP optimisation algorithm. The objective function used for calibration is composed of Nash-Sutcliffe coefficient for flows and logarithms of flows, and volumetric error, all of which participate in the composite objective function with approximately equal weights. Same prior parameter ranges are used in all simulations. The model is calibrated against flows observed at the Slovac stream gauge on the Kolubara River in Serbia (records from 1954 to 2013). There are no trends in precipitation nor in flows, however, there is a statistically significant increasing trend in temperatures at this catchment. Parameter variability across the calibration periods is quantified in terms of standard deviations of normalised parameters, enabling detection of the most variable parameters. Correlation coefficients among optimised model parameters and total precipitation P, mean temperature T and mean flow Q are calculated to give an insight into parameter dependence on the hydrometeorological drivers. The results reveal high sensitivity of almost all model parameters towards calibration period. The highest variability is displayed by the refreezing coefficient, water holding capacity, and temperature gradient. The only statistically significant (decreasing) trend is detected in the evapotranspiration reduction threshold. Statistically significant correlation is detected between the precipitation gradient and precipitation depth, and between the time-area histogram base and flows. All other correlations are not statistically significant, implying that changes in optimised parameters cannot generally be linked to the changes in P, T or Q. As for the model performance, the model reproduces the observed runoff satisfactorily, though the runoff is slightly overestimated in wet periods. The Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) ranges from 0.44 to 0.79. Higher NSE values are obtained over wetter periods, what is supported by statistically significant correlation between NSE and flows. Overall, no systematic variations in parameters or in model performance are detected. Parameter variability may therefore rather be attributed to errors in data or inadequacies in the model structure. Further research is required to examine the impact of the calibration strategy or model structure on the variability in optimised parameters in time.

Multi-Objectivising Combinatorial Optimisation Problems by Means of Elementary Landscape Decompositions.

PubMed

Ceberio, Josu; Calvo, Borja; Mendiburu, Alexander; Lozano, Jose A

2018-02-15

In the last decade, many works in combinatorial optimisation have shown that, due to the advances in multi-objective optimisation, the algorithms from this field could be used for solving single-objective problems as well. In this sense, a number of papers have proposed multi-objectivising single-objective problems in order to use multi-objective algorithms in their optimisation. In this article, we follow up this idea by presenting a methodology for multi-objectivising combinatorial optimisation problems based on elementary landscape decompositions of their objective function. Under this framework, each of the elementary landscapes obtained from the decomposition is considered as an independent objective function to optimise. In order to illustrate this general methodology, we consider four problems from different domains: the quadratic assignment problem and the linear ordering problem (permutation domain), the 0-1 unconstrained quadratic optimisation problem (binary domain), and the frequency assignment problem (integer domain). We implemented two widely known multi-objective algorithms, NSGA-II and SPEA2, and compared their performance with that of a single-objective GA. The experiments conducted on a large benchmark of instances of the four problems show that the multi-objective algorithms clearly outperform the single-objective approaches. Furthermore, a discussion on the results suggests that the multi-objective space generated by this decomposition enhances the exploration ability, thus permitting NSGA-II and SPEA2 to obtain better results in the majority of the tested instances.

Fiabilité des structures mécaniques adaptatives: effet de la panne des actionneurs ou des capteurs sur la stabilité

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fall, H.; Charon, W.; Kouta, R.

2002-12-01

Ces dernières décennies, des activités significatives dans le monde étaient dirigées autour du contrôle actif. Le but de ces recherches était essentiellement d'améliorer les performances, la fiabilité et la sécurité des systèmes. Notamment dans le cas des structures soumises à des vibrations aléatoires. D'importants travaux ont été consacré à l'utilisation des “matériaux intelligents” comme capteurs et actionneurs. Cette article propose l'analyse de la fiabilité des systèmes mécaniques en étudiant les pannes des actionneurs ou des capteurs. L'effet de ces pannes sur la stabilité et la performance du système y est démontré. Les méthodologies de conception y sont rappelées. Des exemples numériques sont fournis à travers le contrôle d'un panneau sous chargement dynamique pour illustrer la méthode proposée.

Global nuclear industry views: challenges arising from the evolution of the optimisation principle in radiological protection.

PubMed

Saint-Pierre, S

2012-01-01

Over the last few decades, the steady progress achieved in reducing planned exposures of both workers and the public has been admirable in the nuclear sector. However, the disproportionate focus on tiny public exposures and radioactive discharges associated with normal operations came at a high price, and the quasi-denial of a risk of major accident and related weaknesses in emergency preparedness and response came at an even higher price. Fukushima has unfortunately taught us that radiological protection (RP) for emergency and post-emergency situations can be much more than a simple evacuation that lasts 24-48 h, with people returning safely to their homes soon afterwards. On optimisation of emergency and post-emergency exposures, the only 'show in town' in terms of international RP policy improvements has been the issuance of the 2007 Recommendations of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). However, no matter how genuine these improvements are, they have not been 'road tested' on the practical reality of severe accidents. Post-Fukushima, there is a compelling case to review the practical adequacy of key RP notions such as optimisation, evacuation, sheltering, and reference levels for workers and the public, and to amend these notions with a view to making the international RP system more useful in the event of a severe accident. On optimisation of planned exposures, the reality is that, nowadays, margins for further reductions of public doses in the nuclear sector are very small, and the smaller the dose, the greater the extra effort needed to reduce the dose further. If sufficient caution is not exercised in the use of RP notions such as dose constraints, there is a real risk of challenging nuclear power technologies beyond safety reasons. For nuclear new build, it is the optimisation of key operational parameters of nuclear power technologies (not RP) that is of paramount importance to improve their overall efficiency. In pursuing further improvements in the international RP system, it should be clearly borne in mind that the system is generally based on protection against the risk of cancer and hereditary diseases. The system also protects against deterministic non-cancer effects on tissues and organs. In seeking refinements of such protective notions, ICRP is invited to pay increased attention to the fact that a continued balance must be struck between beneficial activities that cause exposures and protection. The global nuclear industry is committed to help overcome these key RP issues as part of the RP community's upcoming international deliberations towards a more efficient international RP system. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Ltd.

Influence of skin ageing features on Chinese women's perception of facial age and attractiveness

PubMed Central

Porcheron, A; Latreille, J; Jdid, R; Tschachler, E; Morizot, F

2014-01-01

Objectives Ageing leads to characteristic changes in the appearance of facial skin. Among these changes, we can distinguish the skin topographic cues (skin sagging and wrinkles), the dark spots and the dark circles around the eyes. Although skin changes are similar in Caucasian and Chinese faces, the age of occurrence and the severity of age-related features differ between the two populations. Little is known about how the ageing of skin influences the perception of female faces in Chinese women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the contribution of the different age-related skin features to the perception of age and attractiveness in Chinese women. Methods Facial images of Caucasian women and Chinese women in their 60s were manipulated separately to reduce the following skin features: (i) skin sagging and wrinkles, (ii) dark spots and (iii) dark circles. Finally, all signs were reduced simultaneously (iv). Female Chinese participants were asked to estimate the age difference between the modified and original images and evaluate the attractiveness of modified and original faces. Results Chinese women perceived the Chinese faces as younger after the manipulation of dark spots than after the reduction in wrinkles/sagging, whereas they perceived the Caucasian faces as the youngest after the manipulation of wrinkles/sagging. Interestingly, Chinese women evaluated faces with reduced dark spots as being the most attractive whatever the origin of the face. The manipulation of dark circles contributed to making Caucasian and Chinese faces being perceived younger and more attractive than the original faces, although the effect was less pronounced than for the two other types of manipulation. Conclusion This is the first study to have examined the influence of various age-related skin features on the facial age and attractiveness perception of Chinese women. The results highlight different contributions of dark spots, sagging/wrinkles and dark circles to their perception of Chinese and Caucasian faces. Résumé Objectifs Le vieillissement entraine des changements caractéristiques de l'apparence de la peau du visage. Parmi ces changements on distingue les éléments topographiques (relâchement de la peau et rides), les taches brunes et les cernes sur le contour de l'œil. Bien que ces modifications cutanées avec l'âge soient similaires pour les visages caucasiens et chinois; leur âge d'apparition et leur degré de sévérité varient entre ces deux populations. Il y a très peu d'informations disponibles liées à l'influence du vieillissement cutané sur la perception des visages féminins par les femmes chinoises. L'objectif de cette étude est d'évaluer la contribution des différents signes de vieillissement à la perception de l'âge et d'attirance chez ces femmes. Methodes Des photos de visages de femmes caucasiennes et chinoises d'environ 60 ans ont été manipulées de façon à réduire séparément les signes suivants: (i) le relâchement de la peau et les rides, (ii) les taches brunes, et (iii) les cernes. Enfin, tous les signes ont été atténués ensemble (iv). Des participantes chinoises ont estimé, à partir de ces photos, l'écart d'âge entre la version originale et chaque version modifiée; elles ont également évalué l'attirance des visages originaux et modifiés. Resultats Les femmes chinoises ont jugé les visages chinois plus jeunes après correction des taches qu'après correction des rides/relâchement, alors que les visages caucasiens ont été perçus les plus jeunes après correction des rides/relâchement. Les femmes chinoises ont jugé que les visages avec correction des taches étaient les plus attirants quelle que soit l'origine du visage. La manipulation des cernes a entraîné un rajeunissement des 2 types de visages et les a rendus plus attirants, même si l'effet observé était moindre que pour les autres corrections. Conclusion Il s'agit de première étude qui examine l'influence de plusieurs signes de vieillissement cutanés sur la perception de l'âge et de l'attirance des visages par les femmes chinoises. Les résultats mettent en évidence que les taches, les rides/relâchement et les cernes contribuent différemment à leur perception des visages chinois et caucasiens. PMID:24712710

Optimal tyre usage for a Formula One car

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tremlett, A. J.; Limebeer, D. J. N.

2016-10-01

Variations in track temperature, surface conditions and layout have led tyre manufacturers to produce a range of rubber compounds for race events. Each compound has unique friction and durability characteristics. Efficient tyre management over a full race distance is a crucial component of a competitive race strategy. A minimum lap time optimal control calculation and a thermodynamic tyre wear model are used to establish optimal tyre warming and tyre usage strategies. Lap time sensitivities demonstrate that relatively small changes in control strategy can lead to significant reductions in the associated wear metrics. The illustrated methodology shows how vehicle setup parameters can be optimised for minimum tyre usage.

Methodology of shell structure reinforcement layout optimization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Szafrański, Tomasz; Małachowski, Jerzy; Damaziak, Krzysztof

2018-01-01

This paper presents an optimization process of a reinforced shell diffuser intended for a small wind turbine (rated power of 3 kW). The diffuser structure consists of multiple reinforcement and metal skin. This kind of structure is suitable for optimization in terms of selection of reinforcement density, stringers cross sections, sheet thickness, etc. The optimisation approach assumes the reduction of the amount of work to be done between the optimization process and the final product design. The proposed optimization methodology is based on application of a genetic algorithm to generate the optimal reinforcement layout. The obtained results are the basis for modifying the existing Small Wind Turbine (SWT) design.

Optimising ICT Effectiveness in Instruction and Learning: Multilevel Transformation Theory and a Pilot Project in Secondary Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mooij, Ton

2004-01-01

Specific combinations of educational and ICT conditions including computer use may optimise learning processes, particularly for learners at risk. This position paper asks which curricular, instructional, and ICT characteristics can be expected to optimise learning processes and outcomes, and how to best achieve this optimization. A theoretical…

Diethylstilbestrol-Induced Mouse Hypospadias: “Window of Susceptibility”

PubMed Central

Sinclair, Adriane Watkins; Cao, Mei; Baskin, Laurence; Cunha, Gerald R.

2016-01-01

Hypospadias, an abnormality affecting the penile urethra, is one of the most prevalent congenital malformations afflicting human males. The morphology of hypospadias is markedly different in humans versus mice reflecting substantial differences in penile development in humans and mice. Estrogens such as diethylstilbestrol (DES) elicit mouse penile malformations, but the types of penile abnormalities differ depending on whether DES treatment is prenatal or neonatal. To define the actual “window of susceptibility” to the adverse effects of DES, pregnant mice and their neonatal pups were injected subcutaneously with 200ng/gbw DES every other day from embryonic day 12 to 18 (DES E12-E18), postnatal day 0 to 10 (DES P0-P10), embryonic day 12 to postnatal day 10 (DES E12 to P10), postnatal day 5 to 15 (DES P5 to P15), and postnatal day 10 to 20 (DES P10 to P20). Aged-matched controls received sesame oil vehicle. After euthanasia at 10, 15, 20 and 60 days, penises were analyzed by gross morphology, histology and morphometry. Penises of all 5 groups of DES-treated mice were reduced in size, which was confirmed by morphometric analysis of internal penile structures. The most profound effects were seen in the DES E12-P10, DES P0-P10, and DES P5-P15 groups, thus defining a DES “programming window”. For all parameters, DES treatment from P10-P20 showed the most mild of effects. Adverse effects of DES on the MUMP cartilage and erectile bodies observed shortly after the last DES injection reverted to normality in the DES P5-P15, but not in the E12-P10 and P0-P10 groups, in which MUMP cartilage and erectile body malformations persisted into adulthood, again emphasizing a “window of susceptibility” in the early neonatal period. PMID:26810244

La manucure et la pédicure dans la ville de Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso): pratiques et risqué

PubMed Central

Korsaga-Somé, Nina; Andonaba, Jean Baptiste; Ouédraogo, Muriel Sidnoma; Tapsoba, Gilbert Patrice; Ilboudo, Léopold; Savadogo, Cérina; Barro-Traoré, Fatou; Niamba, Pascal; Traoré, Adama

2016-01-01

La manucure-pédicure est l'ensemble des soins esthétiques des mains, des pieds et des ongles. Au Burkina Faso, l'usage des produits de manucure-pédicure, les techniques utilisées ainsi que les risques encourus restent méconnus. L'objectif de notre étude était d’évaluer la pratique de la manucure-pédicure dans la ville de Ouagadougou. Nous avons mené une étude transversale descriptive de décembre 2010 à novembre 2012 incluant tout les praticiens ayant au moins six mois d'expérience dans l'activité et les clients présents sur les lieux au moment de l'enquête. Nous avons interrogé au total 313 praticiens et 313 clients. L’âge moyen des praticiens était de 19 ans et celui des clients de 32,2 ans. Les praticiens fixes étaient en majorité des femmes (96,87%), ceux mobiles surtout des hommes (68,37%), et 64,53% des clients étaient des femmes. Le pourcentage de praticiens n'ayant pas reçu de formation professionnelle était de 93,92%. 29,7% des praticiens faisaient tremper les instruments pendant au moins dix minutes dans de l'eau de javel; 75,71% savaient que l'utilisation de certains outils étaient dangereux et 26,51% étaient avaient présenté des effets secondaires. Parmi les clients, 40,25% savaient que le matériel utilisé comportait des risques et 30,35% avaient été victimes d'accidents. Les soins de manucure et de pédicure se font dans les salons de coiffure par des coiffeuses non formées à l'exercice de la profession La provenance et la composition des produits n'est pas connues. Des produits non recommandés sont utilisés (shampooing pour trempage des pieds, lame de rasoir et ciseaux pour raclage des pieds). Le recours à la manucure et/ou pédicure est parfois nécessaire mais cela ne doit pas faire perdre de vue les risques encourus. Une sensibilisation des clients et une formation des praticiens semblent nécessaires pour minimiser les risques. PMID:27642448

La prise en charge des troubles de santé mentale par les omnipraticiens du Québec

PubMed Central

Fleury, Marie-Josée; Farand, Lambert; Aubé, Denise; Imboua, Armelle

2012-01-01

Résumé Objectif Cette recherche vise à documenter la prise en charge des troubles mentaux (TM) par les omnipraticiens. Type d’étude Il s’agit d’une étude mixte intégrant un questionnaire auto-administré et des entrevues qualitatives. La banque de données administratives des actes médicaux de la Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec a aussi été analysée. Contexte La province de Québec. Participants Un total de 1415 omnipraticiens de différents lieux de pratiques ont été sollicités pour le questionnaire; 970 ont été rejoints. Un sous-groupe de 60 omnipraticiens a été rejoint pour les entrevues. Principaux paramètres à l'étude La prévalence annuelle des consultations reliées à des TM courants (TMC) ou graves (TMG), les pratiques cliniques, les pratiques de collaboration, les facteurs facilitant ou entravant la prise en charge des TM, ainsi que les recommandations pour l’amélioration du système de soins. Résultats Le taux de réponse a été de 41% (n = 398 omnipraticiens) pour le questionnaire et de 63% (n = 60) pour les entrevues. Environ 25 % des visites chez les omnipraticiens sont associées à des TM. Presque tous les omnipraticiens prennent en charge des TMC et se sentent compétents pour le faire, à l’inverse de la situation retrouvée pour les TMG. Près de 20 % des TMC sont référés (principalement à des intervenants psychosociaux), alors que près de 75 % des TMG sont référés (surtout en psychiatrie et à l’urgence). Plus de 50 % des omnipraticiens affirment n’entretenir aucun contact avec l’une ou l’autre des ressources de santé mentale. Plusieurs facteurs influencent la prise en charge des TM: les profils des patients (complexité des TM, troubles concomitants); les caractéristiques des omnipraticiens (réseau informel, formation); la culture professionnelle (travail en silo, mécanismes cliniques formalisés); le milieu institutionnel (multidisciplinarité, salariat); l’organisation des services (ressources; coordination formalisée) et l’environnement (politiques). Conclusion Le rôle clé des omnipraticiens et leur soutien à la prise en charge des TM ont été démontrés, spécifiquement pour les TMC. Pour une prise en charge optimale des soins primaires de santé mentale, des stratégies à composantes multiples, dont les soins partagés, devraient être davantage déployées.

Automated model optimisation using the Cylc workflow engine (Cyclops v1.0)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gorman, Richard M.; Oliver, Hilary J.

2018-06-01

Most geophysical models include many parameters that are not fully determined by theory, and can be tuned to improve the model's agreement with available data. We might attempt to automate this tuning process in an objective way by employing an optimisation algorithm to find the set of parameters that minimises a cost function derived from comparing model outputs with measurements. A number of algorithms are available for solving optimisation problems, in various programming languages, but interfacing such software to a complex geophysical model simulation presents certain challenges. To tackle this problem, we have developed an optimisation suite (Cyclops) based on the Cylc workflow engine that implements a wide selection of optimisation algorithms from the NLopt Python toolbox (Johnson, 2014). The Cyclops optimisation suite can be used to calibrate any modelling system that has itself been implemented as a (separate) Cylc model suite, provided it includes computation and output of the desired scalar cost function. A growing number of institutions are using Cylc to orchestrate complex distributed suites of interdependent cycling tasks within their operational forecast systems, and in such cases application of the optimisation suite is particularly straightforward. As a test case, we applied the Cyclops to calibrate a global implementation of the WAVEWATCH III (v4.18) third-generation spectral wave model, forced by ERA-Interim input fields. This was calibrated over a 1-year period (1997), before applying the calibrated model to a full (1979-2016) wave hindcast. The chosen error metric was the spatial average of the root mean square error of hindcast significant wave height compared with collocated altimeter records. We describe the results of a calibration in which up to 19 parameters were optimised.

Reliability of clinical impact grading by healthcare professionals of common prescribing error and optimisation cases in critical care patients.

PubMed

Bourne, Richard S; Shulman, Rob; Tomlin, Mark; Borthwick, Mark; Berry, Will; Mills, Gary H

2017-04-01

To identify between and within profession-rater reliability of clinical impact grading for common critical care prescribing error and optimisation cases. To identify representative clinical impact grades for each individual case. Electronic questionnaire. 5 UK NHS Trusts. 30 Critical care healthcare professionals (doctors, pharmacists and nurses). Participants graded severity of clinical impact (5-point categorical scale) of 50 error and 55 optimisation cases. Case between and within profession-rater reliability and modal clinical impact grading. Between and within profession rater reliability analysis used linear mixed model and intraclass correlation, respectively. The majority of error and optimisation cases (both 76%) had a modal clinical severity grade of moderate or higher. Error cases: doctors graded clinical impact significantly lower than pharmacists (-0.25; P < 0.001) and nurses (-0.53; P < 0.001), with nurses significantly higher than pharmacists (0.28; P < 0.001). Optimisation cases: doctors graded clinical impact significantly lower than nurses and pharmacists (-0.39 and -0.5; P < 0.001, respectively). Within profession reliability grading was excellent for pharmacists (0.88 and 0.89; P < 0.001) and doctors (0.79 and 0.83; P < 0.001) but only fair to good for nurses (0.43 and 0.74; P < 0.001), for optimisation and error cases, respectively. Representative clinical impact grades for over 100 common prescribing error and optimisation cases are reported for potential clinical practice and research application. The between professional variability highlights the importance of multidisciplinary perspectives in assessment of medication error and optimisation cases in clinical practice and research. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press in association with the International Society for Quality in Health Care. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com

Optimisation of lateral car dynamics taking into account parameter uncertainties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Busch, Jochen; Bestle, Dieter

2014-02-01

Simulation studies on an active all-wheel-steering car show that disturbance of vehicle parameters have high influence on lateral car dynamics. This motivates the need of robust design against such parameter uncertainties. A specific parametrisation is established combining deterministic, velocity-dependent steering control parameters with partly uncertain, velocity-independent vehicle parameters for simultaneous use in a numerical optimisation process. Model-based objectives are formulated and summarised in a multi-objective optimisation problem where especially the lateral steady-state behaviour is improved by an adaption strategy based on measurable uncertainties. The normally distributed uncertainties are generated by optimal Latin hypercube sampling and a response surface based strategy helps to cut down time consuming model evaluations which offers the possibility to use a genetic optimisation algorithm. Optimisation results are discussed in different criterion spaces and the achieved improvements confirm the validity of the proposed procedure.

Distributed optimisation problem with communication delay and external disturbance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tran, Ngoc-Tu; Xiao, Jiang-Wen; Wang, Yan-Wu; Yang, Wu

2017-12-01

This paper investigates the distributed optimisation problem for the multi-agent systems (MASs) with the simultaneous presence of external disturbance and the communication delay. To solve this problem, a two-step design scheme is introduced. In the first step, based on the internal model principle, the internal model term is constructed to compensate the disturbance asymptotically. In the second step, a distributed optimisation algorithm is designed to solve the distributed optimisation problem based on the MASs with the simultaneous presence of disturbance and communication delay. Moreover, in the proposed algorithm, each agent interacts with its neighbours through the connected topology and the delay occurs during the information exchange. By utilising Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, the delay-dependent conditions are derived for both slowly and fast time-varying delay, respectively, to ensure the convergence of the algorithm to the optimal solution of the optimisation problem. Several numerical simulation examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.

An effective pseudospectral method for constraint dynamic optimisation problems with characteristic times

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiao, Long; Liu, Xinggao; Ma, Liang; Zhang, Zeyin

2018-03-01

Dynamic optimisation problem with characteristic times, widely existing in many areas, is one of the frontiers and hotspots of dynamic optimisation researches. This paper considers a class of dynamic optimisation problems with constraints that depend on the interior points either fixed or variable, where a novel direct pseudospectral method using Legendre-Gauss (LG) collocation points for solving these problems is presented. The formula for the state at the terminal time of each subdomain is derived, which results in a linear combination of the state at the LG points in the subdomains so as to avoid the complex nonlinear integral. The sensitivities of the state at the collocation points with respect to the variable characteristic times are derived to improve the efficiency of the method. Three well-known characteristic time dynamic optimisation problems are solved and compared in detail among the reported literature methods. The research results show the effectiveness of the proposed method.

Medicines optimisation: priorities and challenges.

PubMed

Kaufman, Gerri

2016-03-23

Medicines optimisation is promoted in a guideline published in 2015 by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Four guiding principles underpin medicines optimisation: aim to understand the patient's experience; ensure evidence-based choice of medicines; ensure medicines use is as safe as possible; and make medicines optimisation part of routine practice. Understanding the patient experience is important to improve adherence to medication regimens. This involves communication, shared decision making and respect for patient preferences. Evidence-based choice of medicines is important for clinical and cost effectiveness. Systems and processes for the reporting of medicines-related safety incidents have to be improved if medicines use is to be as safe as possible. Ensuring safe practice in medicines use when patients are transferred between organisations, and managing the complexities of polypharmacy are imperative. A medicines use review can help to ensure that medicines optimisation forms part of routine practice.

Application of 3D printed customized external fixator in fracture reduction.

PubMed

Qiao, Feng; Li, Dichen; Jin, Zhongmin; Gao, Yongchang; Zhou, Tao; He, Jinlong; Cheng, Li

2015-01-01

Long bone fracture is common in traumatic osteopathic patients. Good reduction is beneficial for bone healing, preventing the complications such as delayed union, nonunion, malunion, but is hard to achieve. Repeated attempts during the surgery would increase the operation time, cause new damage to the fracture site and excessive exposure to radiation. Robotic and navigation techniques can help improve the reduction accuracy, however, the high cost and complexity of operation have limited their clinical application. We combined 3D printing with computer-assisted reduction technique to develop a customised external fixator with the function of fracture reduction. The original CT data obtained by scanning the fracture was imported to computer for reconstructing and reducing the 3D image of the fracture, based on which the external fixator (named as Q-Fixator) was designed and then fabricated by 3D printing techniques. The fracture reduction and fixation was achieved by connecting the pins inserted in the bones with the customised Q-Fixator. Experiments were conducted on three fracture models to demonstrate the reduction results. Good reduction results were obtained on all three fractured bone models, with an average rotation of 1.21°(± 0.24), angulation of 1.84°(± 0.28), and lateral displacement of 2.22 mm(± 0.62). A novel customised external fixator for long bone fracture reduction was readily developed using 3D printing technique. The customised external fixator had the advantages of easy manipulation, accurate reduction, minimally invasion and experience-independence. Future application of the customised external fixator can be extended to include the fixation function with stress adjustment and potentially optimise the fracture healing process. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effets de la formation sur la violence conjugale

PubMed Central

Zaher, Eman; Keogh, Kelly; Ratnapalan, Savithiri

2014-01-01

Résumé Objectif Décrire et évaluer l’efficacité de la formation concernant la violence conjugale pour améliorer les connaissances et permettre la reconnaissance et la prise en charge par les médecins des femmes victimes de violence. Sources des données On a fait une recension dans la base de données des révisions systématiques de Cochrane, MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC et EMBASE pour trouver des articles publiés entre le 1e janvier 2000 et le 1e novembre 2012. Des recherches manuelles ont complété cette recension pour cerner des articles pertinents à l’aide d’une stratégie de recherche combinant des textes, mots et expressions MeSH. Sélection des études On a choisi des études randomisées contrôlées qui portaient sur des interventions éducatives à l’intention des médecins et fournissaient des données sur les effets des interventions. Synthèse On a inclus 9 études randomisées contrôlées qui décrivaient différentes approches pédagogiques et diverses mesures des résultats. Trois études examinaient les effets d’interventions éducatives pour des médecins en formation postdoctorale et ont constaté une augmentation des connaissances, mais il n’y a eu aucun changement dans le comportement en ce qui a trait à l’identification des victimes de violence conjugale. Six études portaient sur des interventions éducatives pour des médecins en pratique active. Trois d’entre elles utilisaient une approche à multiples facettes pour les médecins, qui combinait une formation ainsi que des interventions de soutien de la part du système pour changer les comportements des médecins, comme une sensibilisation générale accrue à la violence conjugale au moyen de brochures et d’affiches, des aide-mémoire pour rappeler aux médecins comment identifier les victimes, des moyens pour faciliter l’accès des médecins à des services de soutien pour les victimes, la réalisation d’audits et la fourniture de rétroaction. Les interventions éducatives à multiples facettes prenaient la forme d’ateliers interactifs, d’apprentissage sur le web et de formation expérientielle. Une autre étude utilisait des discussions de groupes témoins et de la formation et a permis de constater une amélioration dans le signalement de la violence conjugale par les médecins. Les 2 autres études ont relevé une meilleure perception par les médecins en pratique de leur confiance en eux à l’aide d’apprentissage par problèmes en ligne. Conclusion Il a été difficile de déterminer quelle stratégie pédagogique était la plus efficace étant donné que les interventions éducatives et les mesures des résultats variaient entre les études choisies. De brèves interventions pour les médecins en formation postdoctorale amélioraient les connaissances mais ne semblaient pas influencer les comportements. La formation en ligne sous forme d’apprentissage par problèmes améliorait les perceptions des médecins en pratique, leurs connaissances et leurs habiletés quant à la prise en charge de la violence conjugale. La formation des médecins combinée à des interventions de soutien de la part du système semblait bénéfique aux victimes de violence conjugale et augmentait le nombre de demandes de consultations auprès des ressources de soutien à leur intention.

La prévention de l’étouffement et de la suffocation chez les enfants

PubMed Central

Cyr, Claude

2012-01-01

RÉSUMÉ L’étouffement, la suffocation et la strangulation sont responsables de graves blessures non intentionnelles chez les enfants et constituent des causes importantes de décès non intentionnels chez les nourrissons et les tout-petits. Presque la totalité des décès et des blessures attribuables à un étouffement, une suffocation ou une strangulation sont évitables. Le présent document de principes traite des définitions, de l’épidémiologie et des stratégies de prévention efficaces de ces blessures. Des recommandations qui combinent des démarches pour améliorer la sécurité, incluant des recherches, de la surveillance, des lois et des normes, la conception des produits et l’éducation, sont présentées. Les dispensateurs de soins pédiatriques devraient encourager les parents et autres personnes qui s’occupent d’enfants à apprendre la réanimation cardiorespiratoire (RCR) et les premiers soins en cas d’étouffement, et leur offrir des conseils préventifs adaptés à l’âge de leur enfant lors des bilans de santé réguliers afin de prévenir ces blessures.

Measuring Effects and Success in Influence Operations: Challenges, Limitations and Opportunitites

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-04-01

domaines de la psychologie , de l’anthropologie et de la sociologie, ainsi que sur des entrevues menées auprès de pionniers des technologies de...documents issus des domaines de la psychologie , de l’anthropologie et de la sociologie, ainsi que sur des entrevues menées auprès de pionniers des...la psychologie , de l’anthropologie et de la sociologie, ainsi que sur des entrevues menées auprès de pionniers des technologies de l’intelligence

Implementation Cryptography Data Encryption Standard (DES) and Triple Data Encryption Standard (3DES) Method in Communication System Based Near Field Communication (NFC)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ratnadewi; Pramono Adhie, Roy; Hutama, Yonatan; Saleh Ahmar, A.; Setiawan, M. I.

2018-01-01

Cryptography is a method used to create secure communication by manipulating sent messages during the communication occurred so only intended party that can know the content of that messages. Some of the most commonly used cryptography methods to protect sent messages, especially in the form of text, are DES and 3DES cryptography method. This research will explain the DES and 3DES cryptography method and its use for stored data security in smart cards that working in the NFC-based communication system. Several things that will be explained in this research is the ways of working of DES and 3DES cryptography method in doing the protection process of a data and software engineering through the creation of application using C++ programming language to realize and test the performance of DES and 3DES cryptography method in encrypted data writing process to smart cards and decrypted data reading process from smart cards. The execution time of the entering and the reading process data using a smart card DES cryptography method is faster than using 3DES cryptography.

Multi-Optimisation Consensus Clustering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Jian; Swift, Stephen; Liu, Xiaohui

Ensemble Clustering has been developed to provide an alternative way of obtaining more stable and accurate clustering results. It aims to avoid the biases of individual clustering algorithms. However, it is still a challenge to develop an efficient and robust method for Ensemble Clustering. Based on an existing ensemble clustering method, Consensus Clustering (CC), this paper introduces an advanced Consensus Clustering algorithm called Multi-Optimisation Consensus Clustering (MOCC), which utilises an optimised Agreement Separation criterion and a Multi-Optimisation framework to improve the performance of CC. Fifteen different data sets are used for evaluating the performance of MOCC. The results reveal that MOCC can generate more accurate clustering results than the original CC algorithm.

Optimised collision avoidance for an ultra-close rendezvous with a failed satellite based on the Gauss pseudospectral method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Xiaoyu; Zhang, Jingrui; Lu, Shan; Zhang, Yao; Sun, Yue

2016-11-01

This paper presents a trajectory planning algorithm to optimise the collision avoidance of a chasing spacecraft operating in an ultra-close proximity to a failed satellite. The complex configuration and the tumbling motion of the failed satellite are considered. The two-spacecraft rendezvous dynamics are formulated based on the target body frame, and the collision avoidance constraints are detailed, particularly concerning the uncertainties. An optimisation solution of the approaching problem is generated using the Gauss pseudospectral method. A closed-loop control is used to track the optimised trajectory. Numerical results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.

Allocation of solid waste collection bins and route optimisation using geographical information system: A case study of Dhanbad City, India.

PubMed

Khan, D; Samadder, S R

2016-07-01

Collection of municipal solid waste is one of the most important elements of municipal waste management and requires maximum fund allocated for waste management. The cost of collection and transportation can be reduced in comparison with the present scenario if the solid waste collection bins are located at suitable places so that the collection routes become minimum. This study presents a suitable solid waste collection bin allocation method at appropriate places with uniform distance and easily accessible location so that the collection vehicle routes become minimum for the city Dhanbad, India. The network analyst tool set available in ArcGIS was used to find the optimised route for solid waste collection considering all the required parameters for solid waste collection efficiently. These parameters include the positions of solid waste collection bins, the road network, the population density, waste collection schedules, truck capacities and their characteristics. The present study also demonstrates the significant cost reductions that can be obtained compared with the current practices in the study area. The vehicle routing problem solver tool of ArcGIS was used to identify the cost-effective scenario for waste collection, to estimate its running costs and to simulate its application considering both travel time and travel distance simultaneously. © The Author(s) 2016.

Sci—Thur PM: Imaging — 06: Canada's National Computed Tomography (CT) Survey

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wardlaw, GM; Martel, N; Blackler, W

2014-08-15

The value of computed tomography (CT) in medical imaging is reflected in its' increased use and availability since the early 1990's; however, given CT's relatively larger exposures (vs. planar x-ray) greater care must be taken to ensure that CT procedures are optimised in terms of providing the smallest dose possible while maintaining sufficient diagnostic image quality. The development of CT Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) supports this process. DRLs have been suggested/supported by international/national bodies since the early 1990's and widely adopted elsewhere, but not on a national basis in Canada. Essentially, CT DRLs provide guidance on what is considered goodmore » practice for common CT exams, but require a representative sample of CT examination data to make any recommendations. Canada's National CT Survey project, in collaboration with provincial/territorial authorities, has collected a large national sample of CT practice data for 7 common examinations (with associated clinical indications) of both adult and pediatric patients. Following completion of data entry into a common database, a survey summary report and recommendations will be made on CT DRLs from this data. It is hoped that these can then be used by local regions to promote CT practice optimisation and support any dose reduction initiatives.« less

Development of Low-Fat Soft Dough Biscuits Using Carbohydrate-Based Fat Replacers

PubMed Central

Singh, Gurmukh; Kumbhar, B. K.

2013-01-01

Experiments were conducted to develop low-fat soft dough biscuits using carbohydrate-based fat replacers (maltodextrin and guar gum). A central composite rotatable design was used to optimise the level of sugar 24–36%, composite fat (fat 10.5–24.5%, maltodextrin 10.4–24%, and guar gum 0.1–0.5%), ammonium bicarbonate 0.5–2.5%, and water 20–24% for production of low-fat biscuits. Diameter (P < 0.01) and stress-strain ratio (P < 0.05) decreased significantly with increase in the amount of sugar. There was a significant decrease (P < 0.01) in spread ratio at high amount of water. Hardness was significantly affected by the interactions of ammonium bicarbonate with sugar (P < 0.05) and fat (P < 0.1). The optimum level of ingredients obtained for low-fat biscuits was sugar 31.7 g, fat 13.55 g, maltodextrin 21.15 g, guar gum 0.3 g, ammonium bicarbonate 2.21 g, and water 21 mL based on 100 g flour. The fat level in the optimised low-fat biscuit formulation was found to be 8.48% as compared to 22.65% in control; therefore, the reduction in fat was 62.5%. PMID:26904603

Genome and epigenome engineering CRISPR toolkit for in vivo modulation of cis-regulatory interactions and gene expression in the chicken embryo.

PubMed

Williams, Ruth M; Senanayake, Upeka; Artibani, Mara; Taylor, Gunes; Wells, Daniel; Ahmed, Ahmed Ashour; Sauka-Spengler, Tatjana

2018-02-23

CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering has revolutionised all aspects of biological research, with epigenome engineering transforming gene regulation studies. Here, we present an optimised, adaptable toolkit enabling genome and epigenome engineering in the chicken embryo, and demonstrate its utility by probing gene regulatory interactions mediated by neural crest enhancers. First, we optimise novel efficient guide-RNA mini expression vectors utilising chick U6 promoters, provide a strategy for rapid somatic gene knockout and establish a protocol for evaluation of mutational penetrance by targeted next-generation sequencing. We show that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of transcription factors causes a reduction in their cognate enhancer-driven reporter activity. Next, we assess endogenous enhancer function using both enhancer deletion and nuclease-deficient Cas9 (dCas9) effector fusions to modulate enhancer chromatin landscape, thus providing the first report of epigenome engineering in a developing embryo. Finally, we use the synergistic activation mediator (SAM) system to activate an endogenous target promoter. The novel genome and epigenome engineering toolkit developed here enables manipulation of endogenous gene expression and enhancer activity in chicken embryos, facilitating high-resolution analysis of gene regulatory interactions in vivo . © 2018. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd.

Development of Porous Piezoceramics for Medical and Sensor Applications.

PubMed

Ringgaard, Erling; Lautzenhiser, Frans; Bierregaard, Louise M; Zawada, Tomasz; Molz, Eric

2015-12-21

The use of porosity to modify the functional properties of piezoelectric ceramics is well known in the scientific literature as well as by the industry, and porous ceramic can be seen as a 2-phase composite. In the present work, examples are given of applications where controlled porosity is exploited in order to optimise the dielectric, piezoelectric and acoustic properties of the piezoceramics. For the optimisation efforts it is important to note that the thickness coupling coefficient k t will be maximised for some non-zero value of the porosity that could be above 20%. On the other hand, with a good approximation, the acoustic velocity decreases linearly with increasing porosity, which is obviously also the case for the density. Consequently, the acoustic impedance shows a rather strong decrease with porosity, and in practice a reduction of more than 50% may be obtained for an engineered porous ceramic. The significance of the acoustic impedance is associated with the transmission of acoustic signals through the interface between the piezoceramic and some medium of propagation, but when the porous ceramic is used as a substrate for a piezoceramic thick film, the attenuation may be equally important. In the case of open porosity it is possible to introduce a liquid into the pores, and examples of modifying the properties in this way are given.

An optimized low-power voltage controlled oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shah, Kriyang; Le, Hai Phuong; Singh, Jugdutt

2007-01-01

This paper presents an optimised low-power low-phase-noise Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) for Bluetooth wireless applications. The system level design issues and tradeoffs related to Direct Conversion Receiver (DCR) and Low Intermediate Frequency (IF) architecture for Bluetooth are discussed. Subsequently, for a low IF architecture, the critical VCO performance parameters are derived from system specifications. The VCO presented in the paper is optimised by implementing a novel biasing circuit that employs two current mirrors, one at the top and the other one at the bottom of the cross-coupled complementary VCO, to give the exact replica of the current in both the arms of current mirror circuit. This approach, therefore, significantly reduces the system power consumption as well as improves the system performance. Results show that, the VCO consumes only 281μW of power at 2V supply. Its phase noise performance are -115dBc/Hz, -130dBc/Hz and -141dBc/Hz at the offset frequency of 1MHz, 3MHz and 5MHz respectively. Results indicate that 31% reduction in power consumption is achieved as compared to the traditional VCO design. These characteristics make the designed VCO a better candidate for Bluetooth wireless application where power consumption is the major issue.

Modifying landing mat material properties may decrease peak contact forces but increase forefoot forces in gymnastics landings.

PubMed

Mills, Chris; Yeadon, Maurice R; Pain, Matthew T G

2010-09-01

This study investigated how changes in the material properties of a landing mat could minimise ground reaction forces (GRF) and internal loading on a gymnast during landing. A multi-layer model of a gymnastics competition landing mat and a subject-specific seven-link wobbling mass model of a gymnast were developed to address this aim. Landing mat properties (stiffness and damping) were optimised using a Simplex algorithm to minimise GRF and internal loading. The optimisation of the landing mat parameters was characterised by minimal changes to the mat's stiffness (<0.5%) but increased damping (272%) compared to the competition landing mat. Changes to the landing mat resulted in reduced peak vertical and horizontal GRF and reduced bone bending moments in the shank and thigh compared to a matching simulation. Peak bone bending moments within the thigh and shank were reduced by 6% from 321.5 Nm to 302.5Nm and GRF by 12% from 8626 N to 7552 N when compared to a matching simulation. The reduction in these forces may help to reduce the risk of bone fracture injury associated with a single landing and reduce the risk of a chronic injury such as a stress fracture.

Préoccupations de carrière chez les médecins de travail des groupements de Médecine de travail en Tunisie

PubMed Central

Merchaoui, Irtyah; Chouchène, Asma; Bouanène, Ines; Chaari, Néila; Zrafi, Wassim; Henchi, Adnène; Akrout, Mohamed; Amri, Charfeddine

2017-01-01

Introduction L'insatisfaction de carrière des médecins de travail (MT) peut influencer leur performance et la qualité des prestations fournies. L'objectif de notre étude est d'évaluer la satisfaction au travail des MT du terrain de l'ensemble des Groupements de médecine de travail (GMT) de la Tunisie et préciser les facteurs déterminants. Méthodes Il s'agit d'une étude nationale transversale portant sur les MT de 22 GMT, basée sur le questionnaire, validé SAPHORA JOB. Résultats 58% des MT des GMT étaient insatisfaits de leur carrière. La satisfaction de carrière était statistiquement influencée par le nombre d'entreprises en charge (p=0,016), l'organisation du travail (p=0,010),le ressenti du métier (p=0,011),le salaire (p‹10-3) et l'information sur la réglementation en vigueur (p=0,047). Conclusion L'homogénéisation des grilles salariales et des échelons de carrière des MT des GMT basée sur une révision des textes législatifs est indiquée. L'amélioration de l'organisation et des conditions de travail peut permettre un épanouissement au travail et une amélioration des prestations. PMID:28819472

Do doctors' attachment styles and emotional intelligence influence patients' emotional expressions in primary care consultations? An exploratory study using multilevel analysis.

PubMed

Cherry, M Gemma; Fletcher, Ian; Berridge, Damon; O'Sullivan, Helen

2018-04-01

To investigate whether and how doctors' attachment styles and emotional intelligence (EI) might influence patients' emotional expressions in general practice consultations. Video recordings of 26 junior doctors consulting with 173 patients were coded using the Verona Coding Definition of Emotional Sequences (VR-CoDES). Doctors' attachment style was scored across two dimensions, avoidance and anxiety, using the Experiences in Close Relationships: Short Form questionnaire. EI was assessed with the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test. Multilevel Poisson regressions modelled the probability of patients' expressing emotional distress, considering doctors' attachment styles and EI and demographic and contextual factors. Both attachment styles and EI were significantly associated with frequency of patients' cues, with patient- and doctor-level explanatory variables accounting for 42% of the variance in patients' cues. The relative contribution of attachment styles and EI varied depending on whether patients' presenting complaints were physical or psychosocial in nature. Doctors' attachment styles and levels of EI are associated with patients' emotional expressions in primary care consultations. Further research is needed to investigate how these two variables interact and influence provider responses and patient outcomes. Understanding how doctors' psychological characteristics influence PPC may help to optimise undergraduate and postgraduate medical education. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Improving target coverage and organ-at-risk sparing in intensity-modulated radiotherapy for cervical oesophageal cancer using a simple optimisation method.

PubMed

Lu, Jia-Yang; Cheung, Michael Lok-Man; Huang, Bao-Tian; Wu, Li-Li; Xie, Wen-Jia; Chen, Zhi-Jian; Li, De-Rui; Xie, Liang-Xi

2015-01-01

To assess the performance of a simple optimisation method for improving target coverage and organ-at-risk (OAR) sparing in intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for cervical oesophageal cancer. For 20 selected patients, clinically acceptable original IMRT plans (Original plans) were created, and two optimisation methods were adopted to improve the plans: 1) a base dose function (BDF)-based method, in which the treatment plans were re-optimised based on the original plans, and 2) a dose-controlling structure (DCS)-based method, in which the original plans were re-optimised by assigning additional constraints for hot and cold spots. The Original, BDF-based and DCS-based plans were compared with regard to target dose homogeneity, conformity, OAR sparing, planning time and monitor units (MUs). Dosimetric verifications were performed and delivery times were recorded for the BDF-based and DCS-based plans. The BDF-based plans provided significantly superior dose homogeneity and conformity compared with both the DCS-based and Original plans. The BDF-based method further reduced the doses delivered to the OARs by approximately 1-3%. The re-optimisation time was reduced by approximately 28%, but the MUs and delivery time were slightly increased. All verification tests were passed and no significant differences were found. The BDF-based method for the optimisation of IMRT for cervical oesophageal cancer can achieve significantly better dose distributions with better planning efficiency at the expense of slightly more MUs.

Mercury methylation and reduction potentials in marine water: An improved methodology using 197Hg radiotracer.

PubMed

Koron, Neža; Bratkič, Arne; Ribeiro Guevara, Sergio; Vahčič, Mitja; Horvat, Milena

2012-01-01

A highly sensitive laboratory methodology for simultaneous determination of methylation and reduction of spiked inorganic mercury (Hg(2+)) in marine water labelled with high specific activity radiotracer ((197)Hg prepared from enriched (196)Hg stable isotope) was developed. A conventional extraction protocol for methylmercury (CH(3)Hg(+)) was modified in order to significantly reduce the partitioning of interfering labelled Hg(2+) into the final extract, thus allowing the detection of as little as 0.1% of the Hg(2+) spike transformed to labelled CH(3)Hg(+). The efficiency of the modified CH(3)Hg(+) extraction procedure was assessed by radiolabelled CH(3)Hg(+) spikes corresponding to concentrations of methylmercury between 0.05 and 4ngL(-1). The recoveries were 73.0±6.0% and 77.5±3.9% for marine and MilliQ water, respectively. The reduction potential was assessed by purging and trapping the radiolabelled elemental Hg in a permanganate solution. The method allows detection of the reduction of as little as 0.001% of labelled Hg(2+) spiked to natural waters. To our knowledge, the optimised methodology is among the most sensitive available to study the Hg methylation and reduction potential, therefore allowing experiments to be done at spikes close to natural levels (1-10ngL(-1)). Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dimensionnement des actionneurs électriques alimentés à fréquence variable sous faible tension

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biedinger, J.-M.; Vilain, J.-P.

1999-09-01

In Part I we present a multidisciplinary analysis model for the prediction of functional connections between the design variables and the electromagnetical, electrical and thermal performances of a brushless permanent magnet motor. In this paper we have elaborated a design methodology for electrical motors supplied from a variable-frequency low-voltage source. The objective is to take into account the influence of the inverter's dynamics from the beginning of the design, for the same reasons as we do for electromechanical and thermal constraints. The procedure is based on a Sequential Quadratic Programming optimization method. Two techniques are used to take into account the influence of the inverter: the first one develops the performance analysis with the multidisciplinary model; the second one considers the inverter's current reference as a supplementary optimization variable for the control of the design. Optimization difficulties linked to the chopping of the converter are discuted in connection with a sensitivity analysis of the torque, with respect to the inverter's current reference; a method is proposed to enhance the performances of the algorithm. The method has been applied to the design of a permanent magnet brushless DC motor used in the propulsion system of an electrical scooter; evolution of the design with the complexity level of analysis model is evidenced. Dans une première partie nous avons développé un modèle d'analyse pluridisciplinaire qui établissait les dépendances fonctionnelles entre les variables de conception et les performances magnéto-électro-thermiques d'un moteur brushless à aimants permanents. Dans cet article nous décrivons une procédure de dimensionnement adaptée à la conception de la machine alimentée à fréquence variable sous faible tension. L'objectif est d'intégrer la dynamique du convertisseur électronique dès la phase initiale du dimensionnement, au même titre que les spécifications électromécaniques et thermiques. La procédure est gérée par une méthode d'optimisation déterministe de type Programmation Quadratique Séquentielle. Elle intègre l'influence du convertisseur au moyen de deux spécificités : la première consiste à évaluer les fonctions du problème d'optimisation sur la base du module d'analyse pluridisciplinaire ; la deuxième permet de contrôler l'évolution du dimensionnement au travers de variables d'optimisation dont la liste inclut les consignes de la commande en courant du convertisseur. Les difficultés d'optimisation liées au mode de fonctionnement discret du convertisseur sont discutées au regard du calcul de la sensibilité du couple électromagnétique envers la consigne de courant du convertisseur ; une méthode est proposée pour assurer la robustesse de la procédure en présence du convertisseur. L'application porte sur le dimensionnement d'un moteur à aimants permanents de type “brushless trapézoïdal" destiné à la traction d'un scooter électrique ; l'évolution de la structure optimale avec le degré de complexité du module d'analyse est mise en évidence.

Dielectric elastomer for stretchable sensors: influence of the design and material properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jean-Mistral, C.; Iglesias, S.; Pruvost, S.; Duchet-Rumeau, J.; Chesné, S.

2016-04-01

Dielectric elastomers exhibit extended capabilities as flexible sensors for the detection of load distributions, pressure or huge deformations. Tracking the human movements of the fingers or the arms could be useful for the reconstruction of sporting gesture, or to control a human-like robot. Proposing new measurements methods are addressed in a number of publications leading to improving the sensitivity and accuracy of the sensing method. Generally, the associated modelling remains simple (RC or RC transmission line). The material parameters are considered constant or having a negligible effect which can lead to serious reduction of accuracy. Comparisons between measurements and modelling require care and skill, and could be tricky. Thus, we propose here a comprehensive modelling, taking into account the influence of the material properties on the performances of the dielectric elastomer sensor (DES). Various parameters influencing the characteristics of the sensors have been identified: dielectric constant, hyper-elasticity. The variations of these parameters as a function of the strain impact the linearity and sensitivity of the sensor of few percent. The sensitivity of the DES is also evaluated changing geometrical parameters (initial thickness) and its design (rectangular and dog-bone shapes). We discuss the impact of the shape regarding stress. Finally, DES including a silicone elastomer sandwiched between two high conductive stretchable electrodes, were manufactured and investigated. Classic and reliable LCR measurements are detailed. Experimental results validate our numerical model of large strain sensor (>50%).

An Overview of the Canadian Forces’ Second Generation Capability-Based Planning Analytical Process

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-09-01

gestion et intgration des capacités Feuille de route des capacits stratégiques Produits clès Plan d’investissement Plan de capacités de défense...méthodes de recherche opérationnelle objectives et subjectives permet- tant la mise en œuvre du volet « planification, gestion et intégration des ...pacités, la gestion des capacités et l’intégration des capacités. Le processus comprend des intrants, des méthodes

Paternité des articles et intérêts concurrents : une analyse des recommandations aux auteurs des journaux traitant de pratique pharmaceutique

PubMed Central

Courbon, Ève; Tanguay, Cynthia; Lebel, Denis; Bussières, Jean-François

2014-01-01

RÉSUMÉ Contexte : La présence d’auteurs honorifiques et fantômes ainsi que les intérêts concurrents représentent des difficultés bien documentées, liées à la publication d’articles scientifiques. Il existe des lignes directrices encadrant la rédaction et la publication de manuscrits scientifiques, notamment celles de l’International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). Objectifs : L’objectif principal de cette étude descriptive et transversale visait à recenser les instructions portant sur la paternité des articles et les intérêts concurrents provenant des recommandations aux auteurs des journaux traitant de pratique pharmaceutique. L’objectif secondaire visait à déterminer des mesures correctrices pour une paternité des articles plus transparente. Méthode : La recherche a débuté par l’identification des journaux traitant de pratique pharmaceutique. La consultation des instructions aux auteurs des journaux a permis ensuite de recenser les recommandations destinées à éviter les problèmes de paternité des articles et d’intérêts concurrents. Finalement, les membres de l’équipe de recherche se sont consultés afin de définir des mesures correctrices possibles à l’intention des chercheurs. Résultats : Des 232 journaux traitant de pharmacie, 33 ont été définis comme traitant de pratique pharmaceutique. Un total de 24 (73 %) journaux mentionnaient suivre la politique de l’ICMJE, 14 (42 %) demandaient aux auteurs de remplir un formulaire de déclaration d’intérêts concurrents au moment de la soumission de l’article, 17 (52 %) présentaient une définition de la qualité d’auteur et 5 (15 %) demandaient de détailler les contributions de chaque auteur. Une grille de 40 critères a été élaborée pour définir l’attribution du statut d’auteur. Conclusion : Moins de la moitié des journaux demandait aux auteurs de transmettre un formulaire de déclaration des intérêts concurrents au moment de la soumission d’un article et seulement la moitié des journaux avait donné une définition de la qualité d’auteur. La publication scientifique de travaux sur les pratiques pharmaceutiques n’est pas à l’abri des manques de transparence liés à la publication. L’utilisation d’une grille décrivant la contribution de chaque auteur et la publication en ligne des travaux peuvent contribuer à limiter ces risques. PMID:24970938

Mechanisms and Patterns of Intravascular Ultrasound In-Stent Restenosis Among Bare Metal Stents and First- and Second-Generation Drug-Eluting Stents.

PubMed

Goto, Kosaku; Zhao, Zhijing; Matsumura, Mitsuaki; Dohi, Tomotaka; Kobayashi, Nobuaki; Kirtane, Ajay J; Rabbani, LeRoy E; Collins, Michael B; Parikh, Manish A; Kodali, Susheel K; Leon, Martin B; Moses, Jeffrey W; Mintz, Gary S; Maehara, Akiko

2015-11-01

The most common causes of in-stent restenosis (ISR) are intimal hyperplasia and stent under expansion. The purpose of this study was to use intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to compare the ISR mechanisms of bare metal stents (BMS), first-generation drug-eluting stents (DES), and second-generation DES. There were 298 ISR lesions including 52 BMS, 73 sirolimus-eluting stents, 52 paclitaxel-eluting stents, 16 zotarolimus-eluting stents, and 105 everolimus-eluting stent. Mean patient age was 66.6 ± 1.1 years, 74.2% were men, and 48.3% had diabetes mellitus. BMS restenosis presented later (70.0 ± 66.7 months) with more intimal hyperplasia compared with DES (BMS 58.6 ± 15.5%, first-generation DES 52.6 ± 20.9%, second-generation DES 48.2 ± 22.2%, p = 0.02). Although reference lumen areas were similar in BMS and first- and second-generation DES, restenotic DES were longer (BMS 21.8 ± 13.5 mm, first-generation DES 29.4 ± 16.1 mm, second-generation DES 32.1 ± 18.7 mm, p = 0.003), and stent areas were smaller (BMS 7.2 ± 2.4 mm(2), first-generation DES 6.1 ± 2.1 mm(2), second-generation DES 5.7 ± 2.0 mm(2), p <0.001). Stent fracture was seen only in DES (first-generation DES 7 [5.0%], second-generation DES 8 [7.4%], p = 0.13). In conclusion, restenotic first- and second-generation DES were characterized by less neointimal hyperplasia, smaller stent areas, longer stent lengths, and more stent fractures than restenotic BMS. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Developpement de techniques de diagnostic non intrusif par tomographie optique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dubot, Fabien

Que ce soit dans les domaines des procedes industriels ou de l'imagerie medicale, on a assiste ces deux dernieres decennies a un developpement croissant des techniques optiques de diagnostic. L'engouement pour ces methodes repose principalement sur le fait qu'elles sont totalement non invasives, qu'elle utilisent des sources de rayonnement non nocives pour l'homme et l'environnement et qu'elles sont relativement peu couteuses et faciles a mettre en oeuvre comparees aux autres techniques d'imagerie. Une de ces techniques est la Tomographie Optique Diffuse (TOD). Cette methode d'imagerie tridimensionnelle consiste a caracteriser les proprietes radiatives d'un Milieu Semi-Transparent (MST) a partir de mesures optiques dans le proche infrarouge obtenues a l'aide d'un ensemble de sources et detecteurs situes sur la frontiere du domaine sonde. Elle repose notamment sur un modele direct de propagation de la lumiere dans le MST, fournissant les predictions, et un algorithme de minimisation d'une fonction de cout integrant les predictions et les mesures, permettant la reconstruction des parametres d'interet. Dans ce travail, le modele direct est l'approximation diffuse de l'equation de transfert radiatif dans le regime frequentiel tandis que les parametres d'interet sont les distributions spatiales des coefficients d'absorption et de diffusion reduit. Cette these est consacree au developpement d'une methode inverse robuste pour la resolution du probleme de TOD dans le domaine frequentiel. Pour repondre a cet objectif, ce travail est structure en trois parties qui constituent les principaux axes de la these. Premierement, une comparaison des algorithmes de Gauss-Newton amorti et de Broyden- Fletcher-Goldfarb-Shanno (BFGS) est proposee dans le cas bidimensionnel. Deux methodes de regularisation sont combinees pour chacun des deux algorithmes, a savoir la reduction de la dimension de l'espace de controle basee sur le maillage et la regularisation par penalisation de Tikhonov pour l'algorithme de Gauss-Newton amorti, et les regularisations basees sur le maillage et l'utilisation des gradients de Sobolev, uniformes ou spatialement dependants, lors de l'extraction du gradient de la fonction cout, pour la methode BFGS. Les resultats numeriques indiquent que l'algorithme de BFGS surpasse celui de Gauss-Newton amorti en ce qui concerne la qualite des reconstructions obtenues, le temps de calcul ou encore la facilite de selection du parametre de regularisation. Deuxiemement, une etude sur la quasi-independance du parametre de penalisation de Tikhonov optimal par rapport a la dimension de l'espace de controle dans les problemes inverses d'estimation de fonctions spatialement dependantes est menee. Cette etude fait suite a une observation realisee lors de la premiere partie de ce travail ou le parametre de Tikhonov, determine par la methode " L-curve ", se trouve etre independant de la dimension de l'espace de controle dans le cas sous-determine. Cette hypothese est demontree theoriquement puis verifiee numeriquement sur un probleme inverse lineaire de conduction de la chaleur puis sur le probleme inverse non-lineaire de TOD. La verification numerique repose sur la determination d'un parametre de Tikhonov optimal, defini comme etant celui qui minimise les ecarts entre les cibles et les reconstructions. La demonstration theorique repose sur le principe de Morozov (discrepancy principle) dans le cas lineaire, tandis qu'elle repose essentiellement sur l'hypothese que les fonctions radiatives a reconstruire sont des variables aleatoires suivant une loi normale dans le cas non-lineaire. En conclusion, la these demontre que le parametre de Tikhonov peut etre determine en utilisant une parametrisation des variables de controle associee a un maillage lâche afin de reduire les temps de calcul. Troisiemement, une methode inverse multi-echelle basee sur les ondelettes associee a l'algorithme de BFGS est developpee. Cette methode, qui s'appuie sur une reformulation du probleme inverse original en une suite de sous-problemes inverses de la plus grande echelle a la plus petite, a l'aide de la transformee en ondelettes, permet de faire face a la propriete de convergence locale de l'optimiseur et a la presence de nombreux minima locaux dans la fonction cout. Les resultats numeriques montrent que la methode proposee est plus stable vis-a-vis de l'estimation initiale des proprietes radiatives et fournit des reconstructions finales plus precises que l'algorithme de BFGS ordinaire tout en necessitant des temps de calcul semblables. Les resultats de ces travaux sont presentes dans cette these sous forme de quatre articles. Le premier article a ete accepte dans l'International Journal of Thermal Sciences, le deuxieme est accepte dans la revue Inverse Problems in Science and Engineering, le troisieme est accepte dans le Journal of Computational and Applied Mathematics et le quatrieme a ete soumis au Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy & Radiative Transfer. Dix autres articles ont ete publies dans des comptes-rendus de conferences avec comite de lecture. Ces articles sont disponibles en format pdf sur le site de la Chaire de recherche t3e (www.t3e.info).

Fabrication of Organic Radar Absorbing Materials: A Report on the TIF Project

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-05-01

thickness, permittivity and permeability. The ability to measure the permittivity and permeability is an essential requirement for designing an optimised...absorber. And good optimisations codes are required in order to achieve the best possible absorber designs . In this report, the results from a...through measurement of their conductivity and permittivity at microwave frequencies. Methods were then developed for optimising the design of

Acrylamide in cereal and cereal products: a review on progress in level reduction.

PubMed

Konings, E J M; Ashby, P; Hamlet, C G; Thompson, G A K

2007-01-01

In March 2006, a joint workshop was organized by the European Commission and the Confederation of EU Food and Drink Industries (CIAA) to discuss current knowledge and achievements in the reduction of acrylamide levels. This paper focuses on the progress made with cereal products. At present, the reduction options available are applicable to a limited number of cereal products and are product-specific. The following are the most promising: * Adjustment of time and temperature during baking. * Extend fermentation times where feasible. * Substitution of ammonium bicarbonate with alternatives where feasible. * Avoid or minimise use of reducing sugars where possible. * Maintenance of uniform control of the colour and avoidance of very high baking temperature where possible. The most promising near-term technical solution is the use of asparaginase. This enzyme has the potential to achieve a 60-90% reduction for some products made from dough or batter, which can be held for a time. In the longer term, the optimisation of agronomy and plant breeding for wheat has the potential to reduce acrylamide in all foods on any scale, whether domestic or industrial. Importantly, nutritional and toxicological issues, other than acrylamide, must also be considered so as to ensure that the steps taken to reduce acrylamide levels do not have other adverse effects on diet.

Amine dehydrogenases: efficient biocatalysts for the reductive amination of carbonyl compounds

PubMed Central

Mutti, Francesco G.

2017-01-01

Amines constitute the major targets for the production of a plethora of chemical compounds that have applications in the pharmaceutical, agrochemical and bulk chemical industries. However, the asymmetric synthesis of α-chiral amines with elevated catalytic efficiency and atom economy is still a very challenging synthetic problem. Here, we investigated the biocatalytic reductive amination of carbonyl compounds employing a rising class of enzymes for amine synthesis: amine dehydrogenases (AmDHs). The three AmDHs from this study – operating in tandem with a formate dehydrogenase from Candida boidinii (Cb-FDH) for the recycling of the nicotinamide coenzyme – performed the efficient amination of a range of diverse aromatic and aliphatic ketones and aldehydes with up to quantitative conversion and elevated turnover numbers (TONs). Moreover, the reductive amination of prochiral ketones proceeded with perfect stereoselectivity, always affording the (R)-configured amines with more than 99% enantiomeric excess. The most suitable amine dehydrogenase, the optimised catalyst loading and the required reaction time were determined for each substrate. The biocatalytic reductive amination with this dual-enzyme system (AmDH–Cb-FDH) possesses elevated atom efficiency as it utilizes the ammonium formate buffer as the source of both nitrogen and reducing equivalents. Inorganic carbonate is the sole by-product. PMID:28663713

NATO Human Resources (Manpower) Management (Gestion des ressources humaines (effectifs) de l’OTAN)

DTIC Science & Technology

2012-02-01

performances , la gestion des récompenses et du salaire, et la motivation du personnel. En conséquence, il faut que la gestion des ressources humaines...importance au fil du temps. Les ressources humaines, chargées à l’origine de l’embauche, du licenciement, de la paie et de la gestion des ...les effets des systèmes d’évaluation des performances ;

Determination dans les Installations au Sol des Parametres Aerodynamiques de Stabilite des Aeronefs (Determination in Ground Facilities of Aerodynamic Stability Parameters of Aircraft),

DTIC Science & Technology

1979-06-01

7 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 12 CHAPITRE I : ELEMENTS DE DYNAMIQUE...daone Ie texts. 12 INTRODUCTION La ddtermination des ddrivdes adrodynamiques de stabilitd, en soufflerie et au tunnel de tir, aur des maquettes...ddtection des forces eat effectuds de fegon classiqus depuis plus de vingt ana par des barreaux d’acier dquipds de jauges de contrainte, gdndralament en

Electronic Messaging for the 90s (Les Messageries Electroniques des Annees 90)

DTIC Science & Technology

1993-05-01

des autres unitds (un programme peut par exemple inclure un algorithme de 2. L CICULAIONDE ’INFRMAION recherche dans des donn~es...dit quc le rdseau, en particulier le r.dseau distant, cette coopdration homme /macbine. aifre des performances bien infirieures A celles des ordinateurs...dans ce sens, entre constructeurs d’ordinateurs, des opdrations traitementltransport. constructeurs didquipements de t~ l ~communications et exploitants de

Using the verona coding definitions of emotional sequences (VR-CoDES) and health provider responses (VR-CoDES-P) in the dental context.

PubMed

Wright, Alice; Humphris, Gerry; Wanyonyi, Kristina L; Freeman, Ruth

2012-10-01

To show if cues, concerns and provider responses (defined in VR-CoDES and VR-CoDES-P manuals) are present, can be reliably coded and require additional advice for adoption in a dental context. Thirteen patients in a dental practice setting were videoed with either their dentist or hygienist and dental nurse present in routine treatment sessions. All utterances were coded using the Verona systems: VR-CoDES and the VR-CoDES-P. Rates of cue, concerns and provider responses described and reliability tested. The VR-CoDES and VR-CoDES-P were successfully applied in the dental context. The intra-rater ICCs for the detection of cues and concerns and provider response were acceptable and above 0.75. A similar satisfactory result was found for the inter-rater reliability. The VR-CoDES and the VR-CoDES-P are applicable in the dental setting with minor supporting guidelines and show evidence of reliable coding. The VR-CoDES and the VR-CoDES-P may be helpful tools for analysing patient cues and concerns and the dental professionals' responses in the dental context. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Etude de pratiques d'enseignement relatives a la modelisation en sciences et technologies avec des enseignants du secondaire

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aurousseau, Emmanuelle

Les modeles sont des outils amplement utilises en sciences et technologies (S&T) afin de representer et d’expliquer un phenomene difficilement accessible, voire abstrait. La demarche de modelisation est presentee de maniere explicite dans le programme de formation de l’ecole quebecoise (PFEQ), notamment au 2eme cycle du secondaire (Quebec. Ministere de l'Education du Loisir et du Sport, 2007a). Elle fait ainsi partie des sept demarches auxquelles eleves et enseignants sont censes recourir. Cependant, de nombreuses recherches mettent en avant la difficulte des enseignants a structurer leurs pratiques d’enseignement autour des modeles et de la demarche de modelisation qui sont pourtant reconnus comme indispensables. En effet, les modeles favorisent la conciliation des champs concrets et abstraits entre lesquels le scientifique, meme en herbe, effectue des allers-retours afin de concilier le champ experimental de reference qu’il manipule et observe au champ theorique relie qu’il construit. L’objectif de cette recherche est donc de comprendre comment les modeles et la demarche de modelisation contribuent a faciliter l’articulation du concret et de l’abstrait dans l’enseignement des sciences et des technologies (S&T) au 2eme cycle du secondaire. Pour repondre a cette question, nous avons travaille avec les enseignants dans une perspective collaborative lors de groupes focalises et d’observation en classe. Ces dispositifs ont permis d’examiner les pratiques d’enseignement que quatre enseignants mettent en oeuvre en utilisant des modeles et des demarches de modelisation. L’analyse des pratiques d’enseignement et des ajustements que les enseignants envisagent dans leur pratique nous permet de degager des connaissances a la fois pour la recherche et pour la pratique des enseignants, au regard de l’utilisation des modeles et de la demarche de modelisation en S&T au secondaire.

Effets des electrons secondaires sur l'ADN

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boudaiffa, Badia

Les interactions des electrons de basse energie (EBE) representent un element important en sciences des radiations, particulierement, les sequences se produisant immediatement apres l'interaction de la radiation ionisante avec le milieu biologique. Il est bien connu que lorsque ces radiations deposent leur energie dans la cellule, elles produisent un grand nombre d'electrons secondaires (4 x 104/MeV), qui sont crees le long de la trace avec des energies cinetiques initiales bien inferieures a 20 eV. Cependant, il n'y a jamais eu de mesures directes demontrant l'interaction de ces electrons de tres basse energie avec l'ADN, du principalement aux difficultes experimentales imposees par la complexite du milieu biologique. Dans notre laboratoire, les dernieres annees ont ete consacrees a l'etude des phenomenes fondamentaux induits par impact des EBE sur differentes molecules simples (e.g., N2, CO, O2, H2O, NO, C2H 4, C6H6, C2H12) et quelques molecules complexes dans leur phase solide. D'autres travaux effectues recemment sur des bases de l'ADN et des oligonucleotides ont montre que les EBE produisent des bris moleculaires sur les biomolecules. Ces travaux nous ont permis d'elaborer des techniques pour mettre en evidence et comprendre les interactions fondamentales des EBE avec des molecules d'interet biologique, afin d'atteindre notre objectif majeur d'etudier l'effet direct de ces particules sur la molecule d'ADN. Les techniques de sciences des surfaces developpees et utilisees dans les etudes precitees peuvent etre etendues et combinees avec des methodes classiques de biologie pour etudier les dommages de l'ADN induits par l'impact des EBE. Nos experiences ont montre l'efficacite des electrons de 3--20 eV a induire des coupures simple et double brins dans l'ADN. Pour des energies inferieures a 15 eV, ces coupures sont induites par la localisation temporaire d'un electron sur une unite moleculaire de l'ADN, ce qui engendre la formation d'un ion negatif transitoire dans un etat electronique dissociatif, cette localisation est suivie d'une fragmentation. A plus haute energie, la dissociation dipolaire (i.e., la formation simultanee d'un ion positif et negatif) et l'ionisation jouent un role important dans le dommage de l'ADN. L'ensemble de nos resultats permet d'expliquer les mecanismes de degradation de l'ADN par les EBE et d'obtenir des sections efficaces effectives des differents types de dommages.

PubMed

Belaid, Loubna; Cloos, Patrick; Ridde, Valéry

2017-04-20

Cette étude vise à décrire la mobilisation des représentations ethnoculturelles par des agents et des gestionnaires de santé pour expliquer l'échec partiel d'une politique de santé maternelle et discuter des conséquences potentielles de ces représentations sur l'accès aux soins de santé des populations.MÉTHODES : Il s'agit d'une recherche qualitative de type socio-anthropologique mobilisant des entretiens approfondis, des discussions informelles, des observations non participantes menées dans les centres de santé et une analyse documentaire. Les entretiens ont été menés auprès de 16 agents de santé et de 10 gestionnaires. Les entretiens ont été enregistrés sous support numérique et transcrits. L'étude s'est déroulée dans le district sanitaire de Djibo au Burkina Faso.RÉSULTATS : L'identification ethnique, les coutumes relatives à l'accouchement (pudeur, discrétion, présence féminine), le statut social des femmes (le faible pouvoir décisionnel), le nomadisme et l'organisation sociale des populations et leurs résistances au changement sont érigés comme des obstacles « culturels » à la politique de santé. L'usage largement répandu de ces représentations par les agents et les gestionnaires de santé contribue à réprimander les populations et à masquer les facteurs structurels qui ont pourtant une influence plus importante sur l'utilisation des services de santé maternelle. Cette recherche met en lumière le danger de l'usage excessif des représentations ethnoculturelles teintées de culturalisme dans les pratiques et les politiques de santé publique en véhiculant des stéréotypes à l'égard de certains groupes de population. Pour comprendre le succès ou l'échec des politiques sanitaires, il demeure important de considérer la qualité du contact avec le système de santé, les facteurs structurels notamment les capacités des ménages à faire face aux dépenses des soins de santé et des distances entre les villages et les centres de santé. Ces éléments permettraient de mieux comprendre les disparités constatées à l'égard des indicateurs d'utilisation des services de santé.

Hydrogen Sulfide Regulates the Cytosolic/Nuclear Partitioning of Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenase by Enhancing its Nuclear Localization.

PubMed

Aroca, Angeles; Schneider, Markus; Scheibe, Renate; Gotor, Cecilia; Romero, Luis C

2017-06-01

Hydrogen sulfide is an important signaling molecule comparable with nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide in plants. The underlying mechanism of its action is unknown, although it has been proposed to be S-sulfhydration. This post-translational modification converts the thiol groups of cysteines within proteins to persulfides, resulting in functional changes of the proteins. In Arabidopsis thaliana, S-sulfhydrated proteins have been identified, including the cytosolic isoforms of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase GapC1 and GapC2. In this work, we studied the regulation of sulfide on the subcellular localization of these proteins using two different approaches. We generated GapC1-green fluorescent protein (GFP) and GapC2-GFP transgenic plants in both the wild type and the des1 mutant defective in the l-cysteine desulfhydrase DES1, responsible for the generation of sulfide in the cytosol. The GFP signal was detected in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of epidermal cells, although with reduced nuclear localization in des1 compared with the wild type, and exogenous sulfide treatment resulted in similar signals in nuclei in both backgrounds. The second approach consisted of the immunoblot analysis of the GapC endogenous proteins in enriched nuclear and cytosolic protein extracts, and similar results were obtained. A significant reduction in the total amount of GapC in des1 in comparison with the wild type was determined and exogenous sulfide significantly increased the protein levels in the nuclei in both plants, with a stronger response in the wild type. Moreover, the presence of an S-sulfhydrated cysteine residue on GapC1 was demonstrated by mass spectrometry. We conclude that sulfide enhances the nuclear localization of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japanese Society of Plant Physiologists. All rights reserved. For permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Simulation-based decision support framework for dynamic ambulance redeployment in Singapore.

PubMed

Lam, Sean Shao Wei; Ng, Clarence Boon Liang; Nguyen, Francis Ngoc Hoang Long; Ng, Yih Yng; Ong, Marcus Eng Hock

2017-10-01

Dynamic ambulance redeployment policies tend to introduce much more flexibilities in improving ambulance resource allocation by capitalizing on the definite geospatial-temporal variations in ambulance demand patterns over the time-of-the-day and day-of-the-week effects. A novel modelling framework based on the Approximate Dynamic Programming (ADP) approach leveraging on a Discrete Events Simulation (DES) model for dynamic ambulance redeployment in Singapore is proposed in this paper. The study was based on the Singapore's national Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. Based on a dataset comprising 216,973 valid incidents over a continuous two-years study period from 1 January 2011-31 December 2012, a DES model for the EMS system was developed. An ADP model based on linear value function approximations was then evaluated using the DES model via the temporal difference (TD) learning family of algorithms. The objective of the ADP model is to derive approximate optimal dynamic redeployment policies based on the primary outcome of ambulance coverage. Considering an 8min response time threshold, an estimated 5% reduction in the proportion of calls that cannot be reached within the threshold (equivalent to approximately 8000 dispatches) was observed from the computational experiments. The study also revealed that the redeployment policies which are restricted within the same operational division could potentially result in a more promising response time performance. Furthermore, the best policy involved the combination of redeploying ambulances whenever they are released from service and that of relocating ambulances that are idle in bases. This study demonstrated the successful application of an approximate modelling framework based on ADP that leverages upon a detailed DES model of the Singapore's EMS system to generate approximate optimal dynamic redeployment plans. Various policies and scenarios relevant to the Singapore EMS system were evaluated. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Method for Decentralised Optimisation in Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saramäki, Jari

2005-06-01

We outline a method for distributed Monte Carlo optimisation of computational problems in networks of agents, such as peer-to-peer networks of computers. The optimisation and messaging procedures are inspired by gossip protocols and epidemic data dissemination, and are decentralised, i.e. no central overseer is required. In the outlined method, each agent follows simple local rules and seeks for better solutions to the optimisation problem by Monte Carlo trials, as well as by querying other agents in its local neighbourhood. With proper network topology, good solutions spread rapidly through the network for further improvement. Furthermore, the system retains its functionality even in realistic settings where agents are randomly switched on and off.

Thermal buckling optimisation of composite plates using firefly algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kamarian, S.; Shakeri, M.; Yas, M. H.

2017-07-01

Composite plates play a very important role in engineering applications, especially in aerospace industry. Thermal buckling of such components is of great importance and must be known to achieve an appropriate design. This paper deals with stacking sequence optimisation of laminated composite plates for maximising the critical buckling temperature using a powerful meta-heuristic algorithm called firefly algorithm (FA) which is based on the flashing behaviour of fireflies. The main objective of present work was to show the ability of FA in optimisation of composite structures. The performance of FA is compared with the results reported in the previous published works using other algorithms which shows the efficiency of FA in stacking sequence optimisation of laminated composite structures.

Distributed convex optimisation with event-triggered communication in networked systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Jiayun; Chen, Weisheng

2016-12-01

This paper studies the distributed convex optimisation problem over directed networks. Motivated by practical considerations, we propose a novel distributed zero-gradient-sum optimisation algorithm with event-triggered communication. Therefore, communication and control updates just occur at discrete instants when some predefined condition satisfies. Thus, compared with the time-driven distributed optimisation algorithms, the proposed algorithm has the advantages of less energy consumption and less communication cost. Based on Lyapunov approaches, we show that the proposed algorithm makes the system states asymptotically converge to the solution of the problem exponentially fast and the Zeno behaviour is excluded. Finally, simulation example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.

"Voici des fruits, des fleurs, des feuilles et des branches" et pourquoi pas des legumes? ("Here are Fruits, Flowers, Leaves, and Branches" and Why Not Vegetables?).

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Zundert, Danielle

1986-01-01

Describes an experiment in teaching language to young children through nature study. Activities are outlined, including the linguistic, cognitive, and cultural objectives for each. Brief illustrated descriptions are also given. (MSE)

US Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Programmes : Links to Readiness and Retention

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-01-01

la Direction des opérations, Bureau du sous-chef d’état-major pour la ... gestion des emprises et garnisons de l’US Army, Washington, DC. Il enseigne au Département de philosophie du Northern Virginia Community College...américaine à l’intention des personnels militaires et des familles, et des variables mesurant l’état de préparation des forces et la fidélisation de

Aircraft Disinsection: A Guide for Military and Civilian Air Carriers (Desinsectisation des aeronefs: Un guide a l’intention des responsables des transports aeriens civils et militaires)

DTIC Science & Technology

1996-04-01

regulations. - Ceratitis capitata (Mediterranean fruit fly). Quarantine regulations generally reduce - Rhagoletis pomonella (Apple maggot). the chances of a...d’insectes nuisibles dans un pays, en 6vitant des risques pour la sant6 des 6quipages, pour la s~curit6 de 1’a~ronef et pour l’industrie. Ce rapport examine 1...diffrrents officiels responsables de la r~glementation des insectes nuisibles introduits, de l’inscription des pesticides et de leur utilisation en

Contrôler la douleur et réduire l’usage abusif d’opioïdes

PubMed Central

Kotalik, Jaro

2012-01-01

Résumé Objectif Aider les médecins de famille à faire un juste équilibre sur le plan de l’éthique dans leurs pratiques de prescription d’opioïdes. Source des données Une recension des articles en anglais publiés entre 1985 et 2011 a été effectuée dans MEDLINE. La majorité des données probantes étaient de niveau III. Message principal Il est essentiel de suivre les guides de pratique clinique quand on prescrit des opioïdes, sauf s’il est démontré qu’une autre option est justifiée. De plus, quand on réfléchit à la pertinence de prescrire des opioïdes et aux nombreuses implications sur le plan de l’éthique, il est utile de fonder sa décision sur l’application des principes éthiques de la bienfaisance, de la non-malfaisance, du respect de l’autonomie et de la justice. En outre, il est essentiel de se tenir au fait des changements dans les lois et la règlementation, ainsi qu’à propos des registres électroniques provinciaux des ordonnances d’opioïdes. Conclusion Les médecins doivent s’assurer que la douleur de leurs patients est bien évaluée et prise en charge. Le contrôle optimal de la douleur peut exiger la prescription d’opioïdes. Cependant, l’obligation de soulager la douleur doit être exercée en juste équilibre avec l’acquittement de la responsabilité tout aussi importante de ne pas exposer les patients au risque de dépendance et de ne pas créer de possibilités de détournement de drogues, de trafic et de dépendance chez d’autres personnes. Les principes éthiques fondamentaux offrent un cadre de réflexion qui peut aider les médecins à prendre des décisions appropriées sur le plan de l’éthique au sujet de la prescription d’opioïdes.

Approche à l’endroit des blessures traumatiques à la main en soins primaires

PubMed Central

Cheung, Kevin; Hatchell, Alexandra; Thoma, Achilleas

2013-01-01

Résumé Objectif Passer en revue la prise en charge initiale des blessures traumatiques communes à la main que voient les médecins de soins primaires. Sources des données Nous avons examiné les données cliniques probantes et les ouvrages spécialisés récents cernés par des recherches dans la base de données électronique MEDLINE. Nous avons utilisé l’opinion d’experts pour compléter les recommandations dans les domaines où les données scientifiques étaient rares. Message principal Les médecins de soins primaires sont couramment appelés à prendre en charge des patients victimes de blessures traumatiques à la main. Dans le contexte d’un cas clinique, nous examinons l’évaluation, le diagnostic et la prise en charge initiale des traumatismes communs à la main. La présentation et la prise en charge des blessures au lit de l’ongle, des amputations de l’extrémité du doigt, des doigts en maillet, des fractures à la main, des lacérations de tendons, des morsures et de la ténosynovite infectieuse seront aussi discutées. Les principes de la prise en charge des blessures traumatiques à la main comportent la réduction et l’immobilisation des fractures, la prescription d’imagerie radiographique post-réduction, l’obtention d’un recouvrement par les tissus mous, la prévention et le traitement des infections et l’assurance d’une prophylaxie antitétanique. Conclusion Il est essentiel d’assurer une évaluation et une prise en charge appropriées des blessures traumatiques à la main pour prévenir une morbidité considérable à long terme dans une population autrement en santé. La reconnaissance sans délai des blessures qui nécessitent une demande de consultation urgente ou rapide auprès d’un chirurgien spécialiste de la main est également critique.

Relation entre les caractéristiques des table-bancs et les mesures anthropométriques des écoliers au Benin

PubMed Central

Falola, Stève Marjelin; Gouthon, Polycarpe; Falola, Jean-Marie; Fiogbe, Michel Armand; Nigan, Issiako Bio

2014-01-01

Introduction Le mobilier scolaire et la posture assise en classe sont souvent impliqués dans l'apparition des douleurs rachidiennes, influant de fait sur la qualité des tâches réalisées par les apprenants. Aucune étude n'a encore vérifié le degré d'adéquation entre les caractéristiques du mobilier et celles des écoliers au Bénin. L'objectif de cette étude transversale est donc de déterminer la relation entre les dimensions des table-bancs utilisées en classe et les mesures anthropométriques des écoliers au Bénin. Methods Elle a été réalisée avec un échantillon probabiliste de 678 écoliers, âgés de 4 à 17 ans. Les mesures anthropométriques des écoliers et les mensurations relatives aux longueurs, largeurs et hauteurs des table-bancs ont été mesurées, puis intégrées aux équations proposées dans la littérature. Les pourcentages des valeurs situées hors des limitesacceptables, dérivées de l'application des équations ont été calculés. Results La largeur et la hauteur des table-bancs utilisées par les écoliers étaient plus élevées (p < 0,05) que les valeurs de référence recommandées par les structures officielles de contrôle et de production des mobiliers scolaires au Bénin. Quel que soit le sexe, il y avait une inadéquation entre la largeur du banc et la longueur fesse-poplité, puis entre la hauteur de la table et la distance coude-bancdes écoliers. Conclusion Les résultats suggèrent de prendre en compte l’évolution des mesures anthropométriques des écoliers dans la confection des table-bancs, afin de promouvoir de bonnes postures assises en classe et de réduire le risque de troubles du rachis. PMID:25317232

Guide de pratique clinique pour les lésions cérébrales traumatiques légères et les symptômes persistants

PubMed Central

Marshall, Shawn; Bayley, Mark; McCullagh, Scott; Velikonja, Diana; Berrigan, Lindsay

2012-01-01

Résumé Objectif Présenter les nouvelles lignes directrices sur la prise en charge des lésions cérébrales traumatiques légères (LCTL) et les symptômes persistants post-commotion (SPPC) afin de renseigner et d’orienter les médecins qui prennent en charge des patients qui se remettent d’une LCTL. Qualité des données On a effectué une recherche des guides de pratique clinique existants portant sur les LCTL et une synthèse critique des ouvrages scientifiques évaluant le traitement des SPPC. Étant donné la rareté des conseils sur la prise en charge des SPPC dans les travaux sur les lésions cérébrales traumatiques, une deuxième recherche documentaire a été faite pour recenser les guides de pratique clinique et les synthèses critiques concernant la prise en charge de ces symptômes communs dans la population en général. On a convoqué des professionnels de la santé provenant de différentes disciplines et régions du Canada et de l’étranger à une conférence consensuelle d’experts pour examiner les lignes directrices et les données probantes existantes et élaborer un guide complet pour la prise en charge des LCTL et des SPPC. Message principal À l’aide d’un processus Delphi modifié, on a produit 71 recommandations portant sur le diagnostic et la prise en charge des LCTL et des SPPC. De plus, on a inclus dans le guide de nombreuses ressources et des outils pour faciliter la mise en œuvre des recommandations. Conclusion Un guide de pratique clinique a été élaboré pour aider les professionnels de la santé à fournir des soins fondés sur les données probantes et les pratiques exemplaires à la population complexe de personnes qui ont des SPPC à la suite d’une LCTL.

La singularité du patient tuberculeux dans le système de santé: l'expérience du Burkina Faso

PubMed Central

Zerbo, Roger

2013-01-01

La démarche pluridisciplinaire s'impose de plus en plus dans le secteur de la santé dans le contexte africain, où les parcours thérapeutiques sont pluriels et les rapports des usagers des centres de santé sont complexes et peu satisfaisants. La compréhension des représentations de la maladie est nécessaire pour offrir des soins appropriés certes, mais l'expérience individuelle des malades représente également une source de savoir. Les données ont été collectées à travers des entretiens semi-directifs, le recueil des récits de vie et des observations participantes. Cet article rend compte d'une expérience d'implication de socio-anthropologue dans la mise en œuvre d'un programme de santé publique au Burkina Faso en vue d'une amélioration de la prise en charge des malades tuberculeux. L'analyse des données à été conduite dans une visée réflexive. Les perspectives socio-anthropologiques ont révélé que l'expérience des anciens malades tuberculeux peut être mise à profit afin d'apporter des changements dans les relations thérapeutiques et l'intégration sociale des autres malades. Cette idée à été mise en application pour tenir lieu d'une traduction des analyses anthropologiques en actes pour un changement. L'article évoque la manière dont l'approche socio-anthropologique au sein d'un programme de santé, peut mettre en évidence le potentiel des malades à être des acteurs importants dans le fonctionnement des services de soins et leur propre bien-être. Dans cette situation, la démarche théorique implique la réflexivité de l'anthropologue, mais également un regard critique sur les modes d'intervention en santé publique. PMID:24009798

Influence du comportement des accompagnants sur le vécu des patients admis pour hémorragies digestives hautes au CHU campus de Lomé (Togo)

PubMed Central

Bagny, Aklesso; Dusabe, Angelique; Bouglouga, Oumboma; Lawson-ananisoh, Mawuli Late; Kaaga, Yeba Laconi; Djibril, Mohaman Awalou; Soedje, Kokou Mensah; Dassa, Simliwa Kolou; Redah, Datouda

2014-01-01

Introduction L'hémorragie digestive haute est une urgence, qui constitue souvent pour les patients un danger mortel suscitant inquiétude et agitation. Dans cet état, le patient dépend de ses accompagnants pour ses soins et pour honorer le traitement; mais souvent, il a été observé une discordance entre l'urgence et les comportements des accompagnants. Le but de cette étude était de décrire les facteurs socioéconomiques et psychologiques pouvant influencer les comportements des accompagnants des patients admis pour HDH, estimer l'indice de relation entre ces comportements et les facteurs associés d'une part et le vécu des patients admis pour HDH d'autre part. Méthodes Il s'agit d'une étude prospective menée de Septembre 2010 à Juin 2011 (soit 10 mois). Nous avions utilisé l'entretien semi-dirigé et l'observation directe pour collecter nos données, ces dernières avaient été traitées par les méthodes statistiques et d'analyse de contenu. Résultats Dans la présente étude, les comportements des accompagnants des patients admis pour HDH sont en majorité marqués par l'abandon (84%) et le manque de sollicitude (80,2%). Ces comportements sont souvent stimulés par les facteurs socioéconomiques tels que les difficultés économiques (83,2%), des conflits intrafamiliaux (85,1%) et des représentations (maladie incurable ou envoûtement) de la maladie par les accompagnants (73,3%) des cas. Quant aux patients, ils vivent ces comportements comme étant des menaces de mort ou des rejets (77,20%) et comme étant une dévalorisation ou une humiliation de la part de leurs accompagnants (70,30%). Les résultats confirment l'existence de lien significatif entre les comportements des accompagnants et les facteurs socio économiques, entre les comportements des accompagnants et des facteurs psychologiques, et entre le vécu des patients admis pour l'HDH et les comportements des accompagnants. Conclusion Des études ultérieures devraient aborder les points non touchés dans cette étude. Certes, elle a apporté un plus dans la compréhension du vécu des patients admis pour HDH et des comportements de leurs accompagnants. Cependant, elle est loin d'avoir épuisé les différents contours de la problématique de la présente étude. PMID:25848453

Etude de l'amelioration de la qualite des anodes par la modification des proprietes du brai

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bureau, Julie

La qualite des anodes produites se doit d'etre bonne afin d'obtenir de l'aluminium primaire tout en reduisant le cout de production du metal, la consommation d'energie et les emissions environnementales. Or, l'obtention des proprietes finales de l'anode necessite une liaison satisfaisante entre le coke et le brai. Toutefois, la matiere premiere actuelle n'assure pas forcement la compatibilite entre le coke et le brai. Une des solutions les plus prometteuses, pour ameliorer la cohesion entre ces deux materiaux, est la modification des proprietes du brai. L'objectif de ce travail consiste a modifier les proprietes du brai par l'ajout d'additifs chimiques afin d'ameliorer la mouillabilite du coke par le brai modifie pour produire des anodes de meilleure qualite. La composition chimique du brai est modifiee en utilisant des tensioactifs ou agents de modification de surface choisis dans le but d'enrichir les groupements fonctionnels susceptibles d'ameliorer la mouillabilite. L'aspect economique, l'empreinte environnementale et l'impact sur la production sont consideres dans la selection des additifs chimiques. Afin de realiser ce travail, la methodologie consiste a d'abord caracteriser les brais non modifies, les additifs chimiques et les cokes par la spectroscopie infrarouge a transformee de Fourier (FTIR) afin d'identifier les groupements chimiques presents. Puis, les brais sont modifies en ajoutant un additif chimique afin de possiblement modifier ses proprietes. Differentes quantites d'additif sont ajoutees afin d'examiner l'effet de la variation de la concentration sur les proprietes du brai modifie. La methode FTIR permet d'evaluer la composition chimique des brais modifies afin de constater si l'augmentation de la concentration d'additif enrichit les groupements fonctionnels favorisant l'adhesion coke/brai. Ensuite, la mouillabilite du coke par le brai est observee par la methode goutte- sessile. Une amelioration de la mouillabilite par la modification a l'aide d'un additif chimique signifie une possible amelioration de l'interaction entre le coke et le brai modifie. Afin de completer l'evaluation des donnees recueillies, les resultats de la FTIR et de la mouillabilite sont analyses par le reseau neuronal artificiel afin de mieux comprendre les mecanismes sous-jacents. A la lumiere des resultats obtenus, les additifs chimiques les plus prometteurs sont selectionnes afin de verifier l'effet de leur utilisation sur la qualite des anodes. Pour ce faire, des anodes de laboratoire sont produites en utilisant des brais non modifies et des brais modifies avec les additifs chimiques selectionnes. Par la suite, les anodes sont carottees afin de les caracteriser en determinant certaines de leurs proprietes physiques et chimiques. Enfin, les resultats des echantillons d'anodes faites d'un meme brai non modifie et modifie sont compares afin d'evaluer l'amelioration de la qualite des anodes. Finalement, un examen de l'impact possible de l'utilisation d'un additif chimique pour modifier le brai sur la consommation energetique et en carbone ainsi que la quantite d'aluminium produit est realise. Afin de modifier le brai, trois differents additifs chimiques sont selectionnes, soit un tensioactif et deux agents de modification de surface. L'analyse FTIR des experimentations menees sur les brais modifies demontre que deux additifs ont modifie la composition chimique des brais experimentes. L'analyse des resultats des tests goutte-sessile laisse supposer qu'un brai modifie par ces deux additifs ameliore possiblement l'interaction avec les cokes employes dans cette etude. L'analyse par reseau neuronal artificiel des donnees recueillies permet de mieux comprendre le lien entre la composition chimique d'un brai et sa capacite de mouillabilite avec un coke. La caracterisation des echantillons d'anodes produites permet d'affirmer que ces deux additifs peuvent ameliorer certaines des proprietes anodiques comparativement aux echantillons standards. L'analyse des resultats demontre que l'un des deux additifs semble donner des resultats plus prometteurs. Au final, les travaux realises au cours de ce projet demontrent qu'il est possible d'ameliorer la qualite anodique en modifiant les proprietes du brai. De plus, l'analyse des resultats obtenus fournit une meilleure comprehension des mecanismes entre un brai et un additif chimique.

Optimising operational amplifiers by evolutionary algorithms and gm/Id method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tlelo-Cuautle, E.; Sanabria-Borbon, A. C.

2016-10-01

The evolutionary algorithm called non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is applied herein in the optimisation of operational transconductance amplifiers. NSGA-II is accelerated by applying the gm/Id method to estimate reduced search spaces associated to widths (W) and lengths (L) of the metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect-transistor (MOSFETs), and to guarantee their appropriate bias levels conditions. In addition, we introduce an integer encoding for the W/L sizes of the MOSFETs to avoid a post-processing step for rounding-off their values to be multiples of the integrated circuit fabrication technology. Finally, from the feasible solutions generated by NSGA-II, we introduce a second optimisation stage to guarantee that the final feasible W/L sizes solutions support process, voltage and temperature (PVT) variations. The optimisation results lead us to conclude that the gm/Id method and integer encoding are quite useful to accelerate the convergence of the evolutionary algorithm NSGA-II, while the second optimisation stage guarantees robustness of the feasible solutions to PVT variations.

A Bayesian Approach for Sensor Optimisation in Impact Identification

PubMed Central

Mallardo, Vincenzo; Sharif Khodaei, Zahra; Aliabadi, Ferri M. H.

2016-01-01

This paper presents a Bayesian approach for optimizing the position of sensors aimed at impact identification in composite structures under operational conditions. The uncertainty in the sensor data has been represented by statistical distributions of the recorded signals. An optimisation strategy based on the genetic algorithm is proposed to find the best sensor combination aimed at locating impacts on composite structures. A Bayesian-based objective function is adopted in the optimisation procedure as an indicator of the performance of meta-models developed for different sensor combinations to locate various impact events. To represent a real structure under operational load and to increase the reliability of the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system, the probability of malfunctioning sensors is included in the optimisation. The reliability and the robustness of the procedure is tested with experimental and numerical examples. Finally, the proposed optimisation algorithm is applied to a composite stiffened panel for both the uniform and non-uniform probability of impact occurrence. PMID:28774064

Structural-electrical coupling optimisation for radiating and scattering performances of active phased array antenna

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Congsi; Wang, Yan; Wang, Zhihai; Wang, Meng; Yuan, Shuai; Wang, Weifeng

2018-04-01

It is well known that calculating and reducing of radar cross section (RCS) of the active phased array antenna (APAA) are both difficult and complicated. It remains unresolved to balance the performance of the radiating and scattering when the RCS is reduced. Therefore, this paper develops a structure and scattering array factor coupling model of APAA based on the phase errors of radiated elements generated by structural distortion and installation error of the array. To obtain the optimal radiating and scattering performance, an integrated optimisation model is built to optimise the installation height of all the radiated elements in normal direction of the array, in which the particle swarm optimisation method is adopted and the gain loss and scattering array factor are selected as the fitness function. The simulation indicates that the proposed coupling model and integrated optimisation method can effectively decrease the RCS and that the necessary radiating performance can be simultaneously guaranteed, which demonstrate an important application value in engineering design and structural evaluation of APAA.

DryLab® optimised two-dimensional high performance liquid chromatography for differentiation of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine based methamphetamine samples.

PubMed

Andrighetto, Luke M; Stevenson, Paul G; Pearson, James R; Henderson, Luke C; Conlan, Xavier A

2014-11-01

In-silico optimised two-dimensional high performance liquid chromatographic (2D-HPLC) separations of a model methamphetamine seizure sample are described, where an excellent match between simulated and real separations was observed. Targeted separation of model compounds was completed with significantly reduced method development time. This separation was completed in the heart-cutting mode of 2D-HPLC where C18 columns were used in both dimensions taking advantage of the selectivity difference of methanol and acetonitrile as the mobile phases. This method development protocol is most significant when optimising the separation of chemically similar chemical compounds as it eliminates potentially hours of trial and error injections to identify the optimised experimental conditions. After only four screening injections the gradient profile for both 2D-HPLC dimensions could be optimised via simulations, ensuring the baseline resolution of diastereomers (ephedrine and pseudoephedrine) in 9.7 min. Depending on which diastereomer is present the potential synthetic pathway can be categorized.

Les conseils des cliniciens canadiens en matière de commotion dans le sport sont-ils cohérents?

PubMed Central

Carson, James D.; Rendely, Alexandra; Garel, Alisha; Meaney, Christopher; Stoller, Jacqueline; Kaicker, Jatin; Hayden, Leigh; Moineddin, Rahim; Frémont, Pierre

2016-01-01

Résumé Objectif Comparer les connaissances et l’utilisation des recommandations concernant la prise en charge de la commotion dans le sport (CDS) démontrées par les spécialistes de la médecine du sport et de l’exercice (SMSE) et les urgentologues afin d’évaluer la réussite du transfert des connaissances sur la CDS au Canada. Conception Un sondage à choix multiples envoyé par courriel et autoadministré par des SMSE et des urgentologues. La validité du contenu du sondage a fait l’objet d’une évaluation. Contexte Canada. Participants Le sondage a été complété entre mai et juillet 2012 par des SMSE qui ont réussi l’examen menant au diplôme de l’Académie canadienne de la médecine du sport et de l’exercice et des urgentologues qui n’avaient pas ce diplôme. Principaux paramètres à l’étude La connaissance et l’identification des sources d’information sur la prise en charge des commotions, l’utilisation des stratégies de diagnostic de la commotion et l’utilisation d’une terminologie courante et cohérente dans l’explication des stratégies de repos aux patients après une CDS. Résultats Le taux de réponse était de 28 % (305 sur 1085). Les taux de réponse par les SMSE et les urgentologues se situaient respectivement à 41 % (147 sur 360) et 22 % (158 sur 725). Parmi les répondants, 41 % des urgentologues et 3 % des SMSE n’étaient pas au courant de l’existence de déclarations consensuelles sur la commotion dans le sport; 74 % des SMSE utilisaient « habituellement ou toujours » la version 2 de l’Outil d’évaluation de la commotion dans le sport (SCAT2), tandis que 88 % des urgentologues n’utilisaient jamais le SCAT2. Aucune réponse uniforme n’a été documentée à la question visant à connaître les meilleurs modes de repos cognitif. Conclusion Nous avons cerné des différences et un manque d’uniformité chez les SMSE et les urgentologues dans la mise en application des recommandations concernant les patients ayant subi une CDS. Il semble que le SCAT2 soit davantage utilisé dans le milieu des SMSE que dans le contexte de l’urgence. Des efforts plus poussés de transfert des connaissances et en recherche devraient atténuer les obstacles à des conseils plus uniformes donnés par les médecins qui soignent des patients ayant subi une CDS.

Soins primaires aux adultes ayant une déficience développementale

PubMed Central

Sullivan, William F.; Berg, Joseph M.; Bradley, Elspeth; Cheetham, Tom; Denton, Richard; Heng, John; Hennen, Brian; Joyce, David; Kelly, Maureen; Korossy, Marika; Lunsky, Yona; McMillan, Shirley

2011-01-01

Résumé Objectif Mettre à jour les lignes directrices canadiennes de 2006 sur les soins primaires aux adultes ayant une déficience développementale (DD) et présenter des recommandations pratiques fondées sur les connaissances actuelles pour traiter des problèmes de santé particuliers chez des adultes ayant une DD. Qualité des preuves Des professionnels de la santé expérimentés participant à un colloque et un groupe de travail subséquent ont discuté et convenu des révisions aux lignes directrices de 2006 en se fondant sur une recherche documentaire exhaustive, la rétroaction obtenue des utilisateurs du guide de pratique et les expériences cliniques personnelles. La plupart des preuves disponibles dans ce domaine viennent de l’opinion d’experts ou de déclarations consensuelles publiées (niveau III). Message principal Les adultes ayant une DD ont des problèmes de santé complexes, dont plusieurs diffèrent de ceux de la population en général. De bons soins primaires permettent d’identifier les problèmes de santé particuliers dont souffrent les adultes ayant une DD pour améliorer leur qualité de vie et leur accès aux soins de santé et prévenir la morbidité et le décès prématuré. Ces lignes directrices résument les problèmes de santé générale, physique, comportementale et mentale des adultes ayant une DD que devraient connaître les professionnels des soins primaires et présentent des recommandations pour le dépistage et la prise en charge en se basant sur les connaissances actuelles que les cliniciens peuvent mettre en pratique. En raison de l’interaction des facteurs biologiques, psychoaffectifs et sociaux qui contribuent à la santé et au bien-être des adultes ayant une DD, ces lignes directrices insistent sur la participation des aidants, l’adaptation des interventions, au besoin, et la consultation auprès de divers professionnels de la santé quand ils sont accessibles. Elles mettent aussi en évidence la nature éthique des soins. Les lignes directrices sont formulées dans le contexte d’un cadre éthique qui tient compte des questions comme le consentement éclairé et l’évaluation des bienfaits pour la santé par rapport aux risques de préjudice. Conclusion La mise en œuvre des lignes directrices proposées ici améliorerait la santé des adultes ayant une DD et minimiserait les disparités sur les plans de la santé et des soins de santé entre les adultes ayant une DD et la population en général.

Prenatal diethylstilbestrol induces malformation of the external genitalia of male and female mice and persistent second-generation developmental abnormalities of the external genitalia in two mouse strains

PubMed Central

Mahawong, Phitsanu; Sinclair, Adriane; Li, Yi; Schlomer, Bruce; Rodriguez, Esequiel; Max, Ferretti M.; Liu, Baomei; Baskin, Laurence S.; Cunha, Gerald R.

2014-01-01

Potential trans-generational influence of diethylstilbestrol (DES) exposure emerged with reports of effects in grandchildren of DES-treated pregnant women and of reproductive tract tumors in offspring of mice exposed in utero to DES. Accordingly, we examined the trans-generational influence of DES on development of external genitalia (ExG) and compared effects of in utero DES exposure in CD-1 and C57BL/6 mice injected with oil or DES every other day from gestational days 12 to 18. Mice were examined at birth, and on 5 to 120 days postnatal to evaluate ExG malformations. Of 23 adult (≥60 days) prenatally DES-exposed males, features indicative of urethral meatal hypospadias (see text for definitions) ranged from 18 to 100% in prenatally DES-exposed CD-1 males and 31 to 100% in prenatally DES-exposed C57BL/6 males. Thus, the strains differed in the incidence of male urethral hypospadias. Ninety-one percent of DES-exposed CD-1 females and 100% of DES-exposed C57BL/6 females had urethral-vaginal fistula. All DES-exposed CD-1 and C57BL/6 females lacked an os clitoris. None of the prenatally oil-treated CD-1 and C57BL/6 male and female mice had ExG malformations. For the second-generation study, 10 adult CD-1 males and females, from oil- and DES-exposed groups, respectively, were paired with untreated CD-1 mice for 30 days, and their offspring evaluated for ExG malformations. None of the F1 DES-treated females were fertile. Nine of 10 prenatally DES-exposed CD-1 males sired offspring with untreated females, producing 55 male and 42 female pups. Of the F2 DES-lineage adult males, 20% had exposed urethral flaps, a criterion of urethral meatal hypospadias. Five of 42 (11.9%) F2 DES lineage females had urethral-vaginal fistula. In contrast, all F2 oil-lineage males and all oil-lineage females were normal. Thus, prenatal DES exposure induces malformations of ExG in both sexes and strains of mice, and certain malformations are transmitted to the second-generation. PMID:25449352

Shape Optimisation of Holes in Loaded Plates by Minimisation of Multiple Stress Peaks

DTIC Science & Technology

2015-04-01

UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Shape Optimisation of Holes in Loaded Plates by Minimisation of Multiple Stress Peaks Witold Waldman and Manfred...minimising the peak tangential stresses on multiple segments around the boundary of a hole in a uniaxially-loaded or biaxially-loaded plate . It is based...RELEASE UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Shape Optimisation of Holes in Loaded Plates by Minimisation of Multiple Stress Peaks Executive Summary Aerospace

Navigating catastrophes: Local but not global optimisation allows for macro-economic navigation of crises

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Harré, Michael S.

2013-02-01

Two aspects of modern economic theory have dominated the recent discussion on the state of the global economy: Crashes in financial markets and whether or not traditional notions of economic equilibrium have any validity. We have all seen the consequences of market crashes: plummeting share prices, businesses collapsing and considerable uncertainty throughout the global economy. This seems contrary to what might be expected of a system in equilibrium where growth dominates the relatively minor fluctuations in prices. Recent work from within economics as well as by physicists, psychologists and computational scientists has significantly improved our understanding of the more complex aspects of these systems. With this interdisciplinary approach in mind, a behavioural economics model of local optimisation is introduced and three general properties are proven. The first is that under very specific conditions local optimisation leads to a conventional macro-economic notion of a global equilibrium. The second is that if both global optimisation and economic growth are required then under very mild assumptions market catastrophes are an unavoidable consequence. Third, if only local optimisation and economic growth are required then there is sufficient parametric freedom for macro-economic policy makers to steer an economy around catastrophes without overtly disrupting local optimisation.

Methodes iteratives paralleles: Applications en neutronique et en mecanique des fluides

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qaddouri, Abdessamad

Dans cette these, le calcul parallele est applique successivement a la neutronique et a la mecanique des fluides. Dans chacune de ces deux applications, des methodes iteratives sont utilisees pour resoudre le systeme d'equations algebriques resultant de la discretisation des equations du probleme physique. Dans le probleme de neutronique, le calcul des matrices des probabilites de collision (PC) ainsi qu'un schema iteratif multigroupe utilisant une methode inverse de puissance sont parallelises. Dans le probleme de mecanique des fluides, un code d'elements finis utilisant un algorithme iteratif du type GMRES preconditionne est parallelise. Cette these est presentee sous forme de six articles suivis d'une conclusion. Les cinq premiers articles traitent des applications en neutronique, articles qui representent l'evolution de notre travail dans ce domaine. Cette evolution passe par un calcul parallele des matrices des PC et un algorithme multigroupe parallele teste sur un probleme unidimensionnel (article 1), puis par deux algorithmes paralleles l'un mutiregion l'autre multigroupe, testes sur des problemes bidimensionnels (articles 2--3). Ces deux premieres etapes sont suivies par l'application de deux techniques d'acceleration, le rebalancement neutronique et la minimisation du residu aux deux algorithmes paralleles (article 4). Finalement, on a mis en oeuvre l'algorithme multigroupe et le calcul parallele des matrices des PC sur un code de production DRAGON ou les tests sont plus realistes et peuvent etre tridimensionnels (article 5). Le sixieme article (article 6), consacre a l'application a la mecanique des fluides, traite la parallelisation d'un code d'elements finis FES ou le partitionneur de graphe METIS et la librairie PSPARSLIB sont utilises.

Mise au point du rheometre a cisaillement annulaire pour l'etude de rheologie d'un mastic bitumineux avec verre incorpore =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El Mansouri, Souleimane

Dans le domaine viscoelastique lineaire (VEL, domaine des petites deformations), le comportement thermomecanique du bitume et du mastic bitumineux (melange uniforme de bitume et de fillers) a ete caracterise au Laboratoire des Chaussees et Materiaux Bitumineux (LCMB) de l'Ecole de technologie superieure (ETS) avec l'appui de nos partenaires externes : la Societe des Alcools du Quebec (SAQ) et Eco Entreprises Quebec (EEQ). Les proprietes rheologiques des bitumes et des mastics ont ete mesurees grâce a un nouvel outil d'investigation appele, Rheometre a Cisaillement Annulaire (RCA), sous differentes conditions de chargement. Cet appareil permet non seulement de solliciter des eprouvettes de tailles importantes par rapport a celles utilisees lors des essais classiques, mais aussi d'effectuer des essais en conditions quasi-homogenes, ce qui permet de donner acces a la loi de comportement des materiaux. Les essais sont realises sur une large gamme de temperatures et de frequences (de -15 °C a 45°C et de 0,03Hz a 10 Hz). Cette etude a ete menee principalement pour comparer le comportement d'un bitume avec celui d'un mastic bitumineux dans le domaine des petites deformations. neanmoins, dans une seconde perspective, on s'interesse a l'influence des fillers de verre de post-consommation sur le comportement d'un mastic a faibles niveaux de deformations en comparant l'evolution des modules complexes de cisaillements (G*) d'un mastic avec fillers de verre et un mastic avec fillers conventionnels (calcaire). Enfin, le modele analogique 2S2P1D est utilise pour simuler le comportement viscoelastique lineaire des bitumes et des mastics bitumineux testes lors de la campagne experimentale.

Membrane fluidization by alcohols inhibits DesK-DesR signalling in Bacillus subtilis.

PubMed

Vaňousová, Kateřina; Beranová, Jana; Fišer, Radovan; Jemioła-Rzemińska, Malgorzata; Matyska Lišková, Petra; Cybulski, Larisa; Strzałka, Kazimierz; Konopásek, Ivo

2018-03-01

After cold shock, the Bacillus subtilis desaturase Des introduces double bonds into the fatty acids of existing membrane phospholipids. The synthesis of Des is regulated exclusively by the two-component system DesK/DesR; DesK serves as a sensor of the state of the membrane and triggers Des synthesis after a decrease in membrane fluidity. The aim of our work is to investigate the biophysical changes in the membrane that are able to affect the DesK signalling state. Using linear alcohols (ethanol, propanol, butanol, hexanol, octanol) and benzyl alcohol, we were able to suppress Des synthesis after a temperature downshift. The changes in the biophysical properties of the membrane caused by alcohol addition were followed using membrane fluorescent probes and differential scanning calorimetry. We found that the membrane fluidization induced by alcohols was reflected in an increased hydration at the lipid-water interface. This is associated with a decrease in DesK activity. The addition of alcohol mimics a temperature increase, which can be measured isothermically by fluorescence anisotropy. The effect of alcohols on the membrane periphery is in line with the concept of the mechanism by which two hydrophilic motifs located at opposite ends of the transmembrane region of DesK, which work as a molecular caliper, sense temperature-dependent variations in membrane properties. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Optimisation techniques in vaginal cuff brachytherapy.

PubMed

Tuncel, N; Garipagaoglu, M; Kizildag, A U; Andic, F; Toy, A

2009-11-01

The aim of this study was to explore whether an in-house dosimetry protocol and optimisation method are able to produce a homogeneous dose distribution in the target volume, and how often optimisation is required in vaginal cuff brachytherapy. Treatment planning was carried out for 109 fractions in 33 patients who underwent high dose rate iridium-192 (Ir(192)) brachytherapy using Fletcher ovoids. Dose prescription and normalisation were performed to catheter-oriented lateral dose points (dps) within a range of 90-110% of the prescribed dose. The in-house vaginal apex point (Vk), alternative vaginal apex point (Vk'), International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU) rectal point (Rg) and bladder point (Bl) doses were calculated. Time-position optimisations were made considering dps, Vk and Rg doses. Keeping the Vk dose higher than 95% and the Rg dose less than 85% of the prescribed dose was intended. Target dose homogeneity, optimisation frequency and the relationship between prescribed dose, Vk, Vk', Rg and ovoid diameter were investigated. The mean target dose was 99+/-7.4% of the prescription dose. Optimisation was required in 92 out of 109 (83%) fractions. Ovoid diameter had a significant effect on Rg (p = 0.002), Vk (p = 0.018), Vk' (p = 0.034), minimum dps (p = 0.021) and maximum dps (p<0.001). Rg, Vk and Vk' doses with 2.5 cm diameter ovoids were significantly higher than with 2 cm and 1.5 cm ovoids. Catheter-oriented dose point normalisation provided a homogeneous dose distribution with a 99+/-7.4% mean dose within the target volume, requiring time-position optimisation.

Le patrimoine astronomique provençal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rous, M.; Figon, P.; Guyot, S.

2012-12-01

L'OSU OAMP/Institut Pythéas porte les missions de conservation, inventaire et valorisation du patrimoine. Suite à la fusion de l'Observatoire de Marseille et du Laboratoire d'Astronomie Spatiale en 2000 pour créer le Laboratoire d'Astrophysique de Marseille, le déménagement des équipes sur le site de Château-Gombert en 2008 a soulevé le problème du devenir des collections des deux sites d'origine. Nous ferons le bilan des actions passées en matière de conservation et de valorisation de ce riche patrimoine : versement à l'inventaire général du Ministère de la Culture, classement de 22 instruments au titre des Monuments Historiques, inventaire et numérisation des archives anciennes, montage d'expositions et réalisation du catalogue Telescopium, 400 ans de lunettes et de télescopes. Nous présenterons les actions en cours: mesures de conservation préventive, inventaire des archives et des instruments. Nous parlerons enfin des projets: création d'un espace d'exposition permanente, participation à des expositions temporaires.

Préface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schober, Helmut; Fischer, Henry; Leclercq-Hugeux, Françoise

2003-09-01

L'École Thématique “Structure et Dynamique des Systèmes Désordonnés” [1] s'inscrit dans le cadre des écoles organisées sous l'impulsion de la Société Française de la Neutronique (SFN). Elle s'est deroulée en mai 2002 sur la Presqu'île de Giens (Var) en première partie des 11émes Journées de la Diffusion Neutronique. L'Édition de ces cours constitue ainsi le cinquième ouvrage introduisant les techniques neutroniques et leurs apports à differentes thématiques [2]. Le désordre est un facteur déterminant pour pratiquement toutes les propriétés des matériaux. Il est inhérent dans les matériaux amorphes ou liquides, mais il détermine également les propriétés mécaniques et électroniques d'autres composés d'importance technologique comme les matériaux métalliques, dont l'aspect “désordonné” est moins évident. Le désordre enfin joue un rôle essentiel dans tout ce que touche à la vie. En fait, il est difficile d'imaginer des systèmes, à part quelques exceptions rares comme l'hélium ou le silicium de haute pureté, où il n'y ait pas de désordre. En dehors de cet aspect pratique, la description scientifique du désordre atomique pose toujours des problèmes fondamentaux faute de concepts pertinents. Une des tâches importantes du scientifique ou de l'ingenieur est de préciser quel genre de désordre existe à une échelle d'espace et de temps donnée. Un materiau peut très bien être homogène à l'échelle atomique et présenter des défauts ou des hétrogéneité visibles à l'œil et inversement. De même, un système désordonné à un instant donné, peut apparaître ordonné si on moyenne dans le temps. Les techniques de diffusion des neutrons sont idéales pour aborder ces questions. Les neutrons sondent directement les noyaux et ont à la fois des longueurs d'ondes proches des distances inter atomiques et des énergies avoisinant celles des excitations élémentaires de la matière condensée. Ils permettent ainsi une observation directe et non-destructive des positions et des mouvements atomiques. La gamme des distances et des temps sondés par les neutrons autorisent aussi bien de suivre le mouvement des atomes à l'échelle inter atomique que l'évolution d'une structure soit mésoscopique soit macroscopique sur des temps de moins d'une picoseconde à plusieurs heures. La gamme des techniques de diffusion utilisées pour couvrir un tel champ d'application est naturellement très large : différents types de diffractomètres permettent des études de structure atomique trés pointue et résolue dans le temps. Les spectromètres nous donnent accès à la dynamique d'une dizaine de femto- à plusieurs nanosecondes. La diffusion aux petits angles, la reflectomètrie et finalement la tomographie nous permettent de regarder la structure et la dynamique d'objets plus grands. Il était illusoire de prétendre couvrir la totalité des systèmes désordonnés et l'ensemble des techniques de diffusion neutronique pertinentes au cours d'une école de 3 jours. Nous avons donc été amené à nous concentrer sur les liquides, les verres, les cristaux plastiques et les polymères. Ce choix s'est imposé par le souhait d'introduire les concepts de base, en acceptant de sacrifier certains domaines d'applications. Il va de soi que l'étude approfondie de systèmes mettant en jeu plusieurs échelles de distance (structure moléculaire, portée des corrélations entre les molécules) et de temps (relaxations caractéristiques des divers phenomènes dynamiques selon leur extension spatiale) implique une pluralité de techniques expérimentales, complémentaires des différentes techniques neutroniques disponibles. Un des objectifs de cette école etait donc de préciser les domaines de pertinence des différentes techniques neutroniques disponibles en en situant la complémentarité avec d'autres approches instrumentales (diffraction des rayons X, EXAFS, RMN, etc.). Enfin la confrontation avec les résultats obtenus par simulation et modélisation numérique est essentielle à la compréhension des processus élémentaires dans ces systèmes complexes. En première partie de cet ouvrage, on trouvera une description géntrale des systèmes désordonnés et une introduction aux techniques de diffusion de neutrons. Pour la partie concernant la structure, une revue des techniques de diffraction est suivie par des applications à des systèmes de complexité croissante (liquides métalliques simples, alliages liquides, semiconducteurs fondus, solutions aqueuses, verres d'oxydes). L'apport des méthodes de variation de longueur de diffusion (substitution isotopique pour les mesures aux neutrons, diffusion anomale des rayons X ou combinaison de ces deux techniques) permet la détermination des facteurs de structures partiels. Pour la dynamique, on a privilégié une approche introduisant progressivement le désordre en passant des solides aux liquides. Le concept de diffusion puis les particularités dynamiques des verres sont ensuite présentés et illustrés par des exemples concrets. Enfin la dernière partie est consacrée à la simulation numérique des propriétés dynamiques des verres et des liquides et à la modélisation de la structure par méthode de Monte Carlo inverse (RMC) à partir de l'ensemble des données expérimentales existant pour un système donné. La communauté française a joué un rôle important dans le développement des techniques neutroniques dédites à l'étude des systèmes désordonnés et y a acquis une competence reconnue. Nous avons essayé, dans cet ouvrage, de privilégier les aspects pédagogiques des cours, pour les rendre accessibles aux scientifiques francophones non spécialistes en diffusion des neutrons. Nous saluons ici l'effort de rédaction, en langue française, des différents intervenants et souhaitons que cet ouvrage puisse participer à la formation et au renouvellement de la communauté neutronique française. Helmut Schober et Henry Fischer (Editeurs scientifiques) Françoise Leclercq-Hugeux (Présidente de la SFN)

Is a wake-up call in order? Review of the evidence for awake craniotomy.

PubMed

Paldor, Iddo; Drummond, Katharine J; Awad, Mohammed; Sufaro, Yuval Z; Kaye, Andrew H

2016-01-01

Awake craniotomy (AC) has been used in increasing frequency in the past few decades. It has mainly been used for resection of intrinsic tumors, but also, rarely, for other pathologies. The vast majority of reports specific to one pathology, however, have focused on resection of low grade glioma in the awake setting. Tumors in eloquent areas have mainly been resected when the patient is awake for the purpose of preservation of function. Motor function is the most documented, and most successfully preserved function. Other functions are harder to localize with direct electrical stimulation (DES), and thus more difficult to preserve. The success rate of DES localization correlates to the rate of function preservation. The effect of AC on extent of resection is inconsistent in the literature. Other functions, such as sensory and visuospatial recognition, have been protected during AC, but this is best performed in large, referral centers that have experience with the procedure. Other benefits to AC, such as cost-effectiveness and reduction in patient pain and anxiety, have also been reported. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Dimensions rurales-urbaines de la gestion scolaire en contexte de décroissance des clientèles et des compression budgétaires

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crespo, Manuel; Haché, Jean B.; Desranleau, Claude

1985-12-01

Using data collected in a provincial poll and provided by the Ministry of Education of Quebec, this article analyzes the impact of the urban-rural variable on different aspects of the management of school commissions at a time of economic recession and population decrease. The reduction in school enrollees as much as that of the educational personnel is more considerable in the urban environment than the rural one. When analyzing the consequences of management strategies in all assessments the decrease in enrolments and the urban-rural variable show constant results. Although some of these effects are direct, in most cases, however, they tend to be indirect because of the decrease in the number of staff members. In general, the consequences of management are less positive in the urban environment than in the rural one. Finally, according to the respondents the quality of the service linked to teaching has deteriorated more so in the urban environment than compared to the rural one.

Quantification des besoins en intrants antipaludiques: contribution à l'actualisation des hypothèses pour la quantification des intrants de prise en charge des cas de paludisme grave en République Démocratique du Congo

PubMed Central

Likwela, Joris Losimba; Otokoye, John Otshudiema

2015-01-01

Les formes graves de paludisme à Plasmodium falciparum sont une cause majeure de décès des enfants de moins de 5 ans en Afrique Sub-saharienne. Un traitement rapide dépend de la disponibilité de médicaments appropriés au niveau des points de prestation de service. La fréquence des ruptures de stock des commodités antipaludiques, en particuliers celles utilisées pour le paludisme grave, avait nécessité une mise à jour des hypothèses de quantification. Les données issues de la collecte de routine du PNLP de 2007 à 2012 ont été comparées à celles rapportés par d'autres pays africains et utilisées pour orienter les discussions au cours d'un atelier organisé par le PNLP et ses partenaires techniques et financiers afin de dégager un consensus national. La proportion des cas de paludisme rapportés comme grave en RDC est resté autour d'une médiane de 7% avec un domaine de variation de 6 à 9%. Hormis la proportion rapportée au Kenya (2%), les pays africains ont rapporté une proportion de cas grave variant entre 5 et 7%. Il apparaît que la proportion de 1% précédemment utilisée pour la quantification en RDC a été sous-estimée dans le contexte de la gestion des cas graves sur terrain. Un consensus s'est dégagé autour de la proportion de 5% étant entendu que des efforts de renforcement des capacités seraient déployés afin d'améliorer le diagnostic au niveau des points de prestation des services. PMID:26213595

Soins primaires aux adultes ayant des déficiences intellectuelles et développementales

PubMed Central

Sullivan, William F.; Diepstra, Heidi; Heng, John; Ally, Shara; Bradley, Elspeth; Casson, Ian; Hennen, Brian; Kelly, Maureen; Korossy, Marika; McNeil, Karen; Abells, Dara; Amaria, Khush; Boyd, Kerry; Gemmill, Meg; Grier, Elizabeth; Kennie-Kaulbach, Natalie; Ketchell, Mackenzie; Ladouceur, Jessica; Lepp, Amanda; Lunsky, Yona; McMillan, Shirley; Niel, Ullanda; Sacks, Samantha; Shea, Sarah; Stringer, Katherine; Sue, Kyle; Witherbee, Sandra

2018-01-01

Résumé Objectif Mettre à jour les Lignes directrices consensuelles canadiennes 2011 en matière de soins primaires aux adultes ayant une déficience développementale. Méthodes Des médecins de famille et d’autres professionnels de la santé expérimentés dans les soins aux personnes ayant des DID ont examiné et synthétisé les récentes connaissances empiriques, d’écosystèmes, expertes et expérientielles. Un système a été conçu pour catégoriser la qualité des recommandations. Recommandations Les adultes ayant des DID sont un groupe hétérogène de patients qui présentent des affections médicales et des facteurs qui influent sur leur santé, qui diffèrent de ceux qui touchent les autres membres de la communauté de par leur nature, leurs manifestations, leur gravité ou leur complexité. Ces personnes nécessitent une approche de soins et des interventions adaptées à leurs besoins. Les présentes lignes directrices offrent des conseils en matière de normes de soins. Nous avons incorporé des références à des outils cliniques et à d’autres ressources pratiques. Les approches de soins décrites ici s’appliquent aussi à d’autres groupes de patients ayant un déficit cognitif ou de la communication, ou d’autres déficits des fonctions adaptatives. Conclusion À titre de fournisseurs de soins de première ligne, les médecins de famille jouent un rôle vital de promotion de la santé et de bien-être auprès des adultes ayant des DID. Ces lignes directrices peuvent les aider à prendre des décisions avec les patients et les aidants naturels. PMID:29650617

Gravitational lensing in observational cosmology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nottale, L.

This paper reviews some previous theoretical and observational results concerning the various effects of gravitational lensing, and also presents still unpublished results in this field. The theoretical section deals with the Optical Scalar Equation (OSE) approach. We recall the form of these equations, which relate the deformations of the cross sectional area of a light beam to the material and energetic distribution it encounters, via the two basic contributions to lensing, the matter or Ricci term and the shear term. The introduction of a new distance, the optical distance, allows to write the OSE in a simplified way from which new solutions are easily derived. We demonstrate here that a general form may be obtained for the amplification formula in the exact relativistic treatment, provided the Universe is assumed to be Friedmannian in the mean. New results are also presented concerning the probability distribution of amplifications, the relation from matter term to shear terms (the first ones give the mean of the second ones) and the problem of energy conservation. We recall how our method let to an analytical formula yielding the amplification by any number of lenses placed anywhere along the line of sight and present new general solutions for lensing by large scale density inhomogeneities. The gravitational redshift effects are also considered, either due to the crossing by photons of inhomogeneities, or intrinsic to them ; generalized solutions to the last problem are given. Some observational evidence concerning various lensing effects, either statistical or applying to individual sources, are considered. We first recall how the dependence of the amplification formula on the various physical parameters points towards the optimisation of lensing by very rich clusters of galaxies lying at redshifts around 0.7, which may give rise to very large amplifications for reasonable values of the density parameter. Recent results concerning a statistical effect of amplification of Brightest Cluster Galaxies by foreground clusters are analysed, including the discussion of a selection effect precisely due to gravitational luminosity amplification. It results in an artificial increase of the deceleration parameter of the Universe measured from the Hubble diagram of these objects. We recall our proposal that the sample of distant 3C radiogalaxies of redshift > 1 is strongly perturbed by lensing effects, mostly by foreground clusters of galaxies (i.e. only the luminosity is changed without image multiplication), but also for some objects by galaxies, producing gravitational mirages. The case of 3C324, for which definite evidence for multiple imaging has been recently obtained, is described, including detailed modelling of the lensing configuration. We present a highly significant statistical effect of lensing on absorption line QSOs due to matter lying at the absorption redshifts. Microlensing is also considered, and we recall our recent proposal that the variability of some among the OVV QSOs turning to BL Lac at maximum brightness, like the eruptive object 0846 +51W1, is a consequence of microlensing by stars or compact objects constituting foreground galaxy halos. Finally, discrepant redshift associations are considered. We recall how the case of anomalous quintets of galaxies have been explained by the gravitational lensing effects of quartets halos on background galaxies. Then we present evidence that the Arp QSO-galaxy associations may be the result of the combined lensing effects of several superposed galaxies, groups and clusters. Cet article présente une revue de certains résultats théoriques et observationnels concernant les divers effets de lentille gravitationnelle, complétée par des résultats nouveaux non encore publiés. Dans la partie théorique, nous considérons essentiellement l'approche relativiste employant les équations scalaires optiques. La forme de ces équations est rappelée : elles relient les diverses déformations subies par la section d'un faisceau lumineux au cours de sa propagation, à la distribution matérielle et énergétique qu'il rencontre sur son trajet entre la source et l'observateur. Les deux contributions aux effets d'optique apparaissant dans ces équations (et leurs solutions) sont les termes de matière et les termes de cisaillement. Nous montrons comment une nouvelle distance peut être introduite, la distance optique, en fonction de laquelle les équations se simplifient et de nouvelles solutions analytiques peuvent être établies. En particulier, nous démontrons que la formule d'amplification gravitationnelle peut s'écrire sous une forme très générale sous la simple hypothèse que l'Univers est en moyenne de type Friedmann-Robertson-Walker. De nouveaux résultats sont aussi présentés concernant la distribution de probabilité des amplifications, les rapports entre termes de matière et termes de cisaillement (les premiers donnant la moyenne des seconds), et le problème de la conservation de l'énergie. Nous rappelons comment une formule analytique peut être obtenue pour des amplifications multiples et présentons des solutions nouvelles au problème de l'amplification par des hétérogénéités à très grande échelle. Enfin, les effets de décalages spectraux gravitationnels sont aussi considérés, qu'ils soient dus à des effets de traversée d'excès de densité, ou intrinsèques à ceux-ci ; dans ce dernier cas, une généralisation de solutions déjà connues est proposée. On considère ensuite le problème de la mise en évidence observationnelle des divers effets d'optique gravitationnelle, qu'ils soient de nature statistique ou qu'ils concernent des objets individuels. A la suite d'une analyse décrivant la dépendance de la formule d'amplification en fonction des différents paramètres y intervenant, nous insistons tout particulièrement sur le rôle cosmologique que jouent probablement les amas de galaxies très riches de décalages spectraux autour de 0,7 qui peuvent donner lieu à des amplifications quasi-infinies. La mise en évidence récente d'un effet statistique d'amplification par des amas d'avant-plan sur les galaxies les plus brillantes des amas est rappelée, ainsi que celle d'un important effet de sélection observationnel, précisément dû aux amplifications, qui augmente artificiellement la valeur de q0 mesurée à partir du diagramme de Hubble. L'extrapolation de cet effet à des objets plus lointains nous a conduit à proposer que les radiogalaxies lointaines du catalogue 3C de z < 1 étaient fortement affectées par les effets de lentille gravitationnelle, essentiellement par les amas (qui les amplifient la plupart du temps sans multiplication d'image), mais aussi dans certains cas par des galaxies qui peuvent alors provoquer des effets de mirage. Le cas de 3C324, pour lequel des preuves observationelles de multiplication d'image ont été récemment obtenues, est analysé en particulier ; un modèle détaillé en est présenté. Un autre effet statistique récemment démontré concerne les quasars à raies d'absorption, dont la luminosité est fortement corrélée à l'amplification prédite par de la matière située aux décalages spectraux d'absorption. On considère également les effets de microlentille : nous rappelons notre proposition récente que la variabilité de certains OVVs tels que le BL Lac éruptif 0846 + 51W1 est une conséquence du passage d'étoiles ou d'objets compacts du halo de galaxies intervenantes devant les régions centrales d'un quasar. Le lien entre effets d'optique gravitationnelle et associations de décalages spectraux discordants est évoqué. Le cas des quintets de galaxies discordant a été récemment expliqué par les effets (amplification, agrandissement, changement de densité superficielle d'objets lointains) des halos de groupes compacts de galaxies. Nous démontrons pour finir que les associations QSOsgalaxies de Arp peuvent s'expliquer par les effets de lentille gravitationnelle combinés de plusieurs galaxies, groupes et amas vus en superposition.

Effets de l'humidite sur la propagation du delaminage dans un composite carbone/epoxy sollicite en mode mixte I/II

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LeBlanc, Luc R.

Les materiaux composites sont de plus en plus utilises dans des domaines tels que l'aerospatiale, les voitures a hautes performances et les equipements sportifs, pour en nommer quelques-uns. Des etudes ont demontre qu'une exposition a l'humidite nuit a la resistance des composites en favorisant l'initiation et la propagation du delaminage. De ces etudes, tres peu traitent de l'effet de l'humidite sur l'initiation du delaminage en mode mixte I/II et aucune ne traite des effets de l'humidite sur le taux de propagation du delaminage en mode mixte I/II dans un composite. La premiere partie de cette these consiste a determiner les effets de l'humidite sur la propagation du delaminage lors d'une sollicitation en mode mixte I/II. Des eprouvettes d'un composite unidirectionnel de carbone/epoxy (G40-800/5276-1) ont ete immergees dans un bain d'eau distillee a 70°C jusqu'a leur saturation. Des essais experimentaux quasi-statiques avec des chargements d'une gamme de mixites des modes I/II (0%, 25%, 50%, 75% et 100%) ont ete executes pour determiner les effets de l'humidite sur la resistance au delaminage du composite. Des essais de fatigue ont ete realises, avec la meme gamme de mixite des modes I/II, pour determiner 1'effet de 1'humidite sur l'initiation et sur le taux de propagation du delaminage. Les resultats des essais en chargement quasi-statique ont demontre que l'humidite reduit la resistance au delaminage d'un composite carbone/epoxy pour toute la gamme des mixites des modes I/II, sauf pour le mode I ou la resistance au delaminage augmente apres une exposition a l'humidite. Pour les chargements en fatigue, l'humidite a pour effet d'accelerer l'initiation du delaminage et d'augmenter le taux de propagation pour toutes les mixites des modes I/II. Les donnees experimentales recueillies ont ete utilisees pour determiner lesquels des criteres de delaminage en statique et des modeles de taux de propagation du delaminage en fatigue en mode mixte I/II proposes dans la litterature representent le mieux le delaminage du composite etudie. Une courbe de regression a ete utilisee pour determiner le meilleur ajustement entre les donnees experimentales et les criteres de delaminage en statique etudies. Une surface de regression a ete utilisee pour determiner le meilleur ajustement entre les donnees experimentales et les modeles de taux de propagation en fatigue etudies. D'apres les ajustements, le meilleur critere de delaminage en statique est le critere B-K et le meilleur modele de propagation en fatigue est le modele de Kenane-Benzeggagh. Afin de predire le delaminage lors de la conception de pieces complexes, des modeles numeriques peuvent etre utilises. La prediction de la longueur de delaminage lors des chargements en fatigue d'une piece est tres importante pour assurer qu'une fissure interlaminaire ne va pas croitre excessivement et causer la rupture de cette piece avant la fin de sa duree de vie de conception. Selon la tendance recente, ces modeles sont souvent bases sur l'approche de zone cohesive avec une formulation par elements finis. Au cours des travaux presentes dans cette these, le modele de progression du delaminage en fatigue de Landry & LaPlante (2012) a ete ameliore en y ajoutant le traitement des chargements en mode mixte I/II et en y modifiant l'algorithme du calcul de la force d'entrainement maximale du delaminage. Une calibration des parametres de zone cohesive a ete faite a partir des essais quasi-statiques experimentaux en mode I et II. Des resultats de simulations numeriques des essais quasi-statiques en mode mixte I/II, avec des eprouvettes seches et humides, ont ete compares avec les essais experimentaux. Des simulations numeriques en fatigue ont aussi ete faites et comparees avec les resultats experimentaux du taux de propagation du delaminage. Les resultats numeriques des essais quasi-statiques et de fatigue ont montre une bonne correlation avec les resultats experimentaux pour toute la gamme des mixites des modes I/II etudiee.

MO-DE-204-03: Radiology Dose Optimisation - An Australian Perspective

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schick, D.

2016-06-15

The main topic of the session is to show how dose optimization is being implemented in various regions of the world, including Europe, Australia, North America and other regions. A multi-national study conducted under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) across more than 50 less resourced countries gave insight into patient radiation doses and safety practices in CT, mammography, radiography and interventional procedures, both for children and adults. An important outcome was the capability development on dose assessment and management. An overview of recent European projects related to CT radiation dose and optimization both to adults and children will be presented.more » Existing data on DRLs together with a European methodology proposed on establishing and using DRLs for paediatric radiodiagnostic imaging and interventional radiology practices will be shown. Compared with much of Europe at least, many Australian imaging practices are relatively new to the task of diagnostic imaging dose optimisation. In 2008 the Australian Government prescribed a requirement to periodically compare patient radiation doses with diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), where DRLs have been established. Until recently, Australia had only established DRLs for computed tomography (CT). Regardless, both professional society and individual efforts to improved data collection and develop optimisation strategies across a range of modalities continues. Progress in this field, principally with respect to CT and interventional fluoroscopy will be presented. In the US, dose reduction and optimization efforts for computed tomography have been promoted and mandated by several organizations and accrediting entities. This presentation will cover the general motivation, implementation, and implications of such efforts. Learning Objectives: Understand importance of the dose optimization in Diagnostic Radiology. See how this goal is achieved in different regions of the World. Learn about the global trend in the dose optimization and future prospectives. M. Rehani, The work was a part of the work of IAEA where I was an employee and IAEA is a United Nations organization.« less

Mouse hypospadias: A critical examination and definition

PubMed Central

Sinclair, Adriane Watkins; Cao, Mei; Shen, Joel; Cooke, Paul; Risbridger, Gail; Baskin, Laurence; Cunha, Gerald R.

2016-01-01

Hypospadias is a common malformation whose etiology is based upon perturbation of normal penile development. The mouse has been previously used as a model of hypospadias, despite an unacceptably wide range of definitions for this malformation. The current paper presents objective criteria and a definition of mouse hypospadias. Accordingly, diethylstilbestrol (DES) induced penile malformations were examined at 60 days postnatal (P60) in mice treated with DES over the age range of 12 days embryonic to 20 days postnatal (E12 to P20). DES-induced hypospadias involves malformation of the urethral meatus, which is most severe in DES E12-P10, DES P0-P10 and DES P5-P15 groups and less so or absent in the other treatment groups. A frenulum-like ventral tether between the penis and the prepuce was seen in the most severely affected DES-treated mice. Internal penile morphology was also altered in the DES E12-P10, DES P0-P10 and DES P5-P15 groups (with little effect in the other DES treatment groups). Thus, adverse effects of DES are a function of the period of DES treatment and most severe in the P0 to P10 period. In “estrogen mutant mice” (NERKI, βERKO, αERKO and AROM+) hypospadias was only seen in AROM+ male mice having genetically-engineered elevation is serum estrogen. Significantly, mouse hypospadias was only seen distally at and near the urethral meatus where epithelial fusion events are known to take place and never in the penile midshaft, where urethral formation occurs via an entirely different morphogenetic process. PMID:27068029

Caracterisation des proprietes dielectriques de materiaux composites a base de polyethylene terephtalate recycle =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mebarki, Fouzia

Cette etude vise a etudier la possibilite d'utiliser des materiaux composites a matrice thermoplastique pour des applications electriques comme les supports des systemes d'allumage dans les moteurs d'automobile. Nous nous interessons plus particulierement aux composites a base de polyethylene terephtalate (PET) recycle. Les isolants classiques comme le PET ne peuvent pas satisfaire toutes les exigences. L'introduction des renforts comme les fibres de verre et le mica peuvent ameliorer les caracteristiques mecaniques de ces materiaux. Toutefois, cette amelioration peut etre accompagnee d'une diminution des proprietes electriques surtout que ces materiaux doivent operer sous contraintes thermiques et electriques tres severes. Afin d'estimer la duree de vie de ces isolants, des essais de vieillissement accelere ont ete effectues a une frequence de 300Hz dans une plage de temperature allant de la temperature ambiante a 140°C. L'etude a haute temperature permettra de determiner la temperature de service des materiaux candidats. Des essais de la rupture dielectrique ont ete realises sur un grand nombre d'echantillon selon la norme ASTM D-149 relative aux mesures de rigidite dielectrique des isolants solides. Ces tests ont permis de deceler les echantillons problematiques et de verifier la qualite de ces isolants solides. Les differentes connaissances acquises lors de cette analyse ont servi a predire les performances des materiaux en service et vont permettre a la compagnie Groupe Lavergne d'apporter des ameliorations au niveau des formulations existantes et par la suite developper un materiau ayant les proprietes electriques et thermiques adequates pour ce type d'application. None None None None

[Not Available].

PubMed

Belmir, R; Fejjal, N; El Omari, M; El Mazouz, S; Gharib, N; Abassi, A; Belmahi, A

2008-09-30

Les accidents électriques par haute tension (AEHT) provoquent des brûlures profondes par effet Joule le long des axes vasculo-nerveux entre les points d'entrée et de sortie, qui sont le siège de lésions délabrantes. Les Auteurs rapportent une série de dix cas d'AEHT admis au service de chirurgie réparatrice et de brûlés de l'Hôpital Ibn Sina de Rabat à travers laquelle ils étudient les caractéristiques épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques. Tous les patients étaient des adultes de sexe masculin dont l'âge moyen était de 31 ans. Dans 70% des cas, ces brûlures étaient secondaires à un contact avec les distributeurs d'électricité avec une surface brûlée inférieure à 20%. Le traitement des lésions électrothermiques a nécessité des interventions itératives avec amputation des segments de membres nécrosés dans 70% des cas, dont les suites étaient marquées par des séquelles fonctionnelles invalidantes. La prévention des AEHT, en particulier pour les accidents du travail au sein des professions exposées, reste fondamentale.

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) and Cancer

MedlinePlus

... Genetics Services Directory Cancer Prevention Overview Research Diethylstilbestrol (DES) and Cancer On This Page What is DES? ... outlined in the table below. Fertility Problems in DES Daughters ( 7 ) Fertility Complication Hazard Ratio Percent Cumulative ...

Des recommandations probantes pour surveiller l’innocuité des antipsychotiques de deuxième génération chez les enfants et les adolescents

PubMed Central

Pringsheim, Tamara; Panagiotopoulos, Constadina; Davidson, Jana; Ho, Josephine

2012-01-01

HISTORIQUE : Au Canada, l’utilisation d’antipsychotiques, notamment les antipsychotiques de deuxième génération (ADG), a augmenté de façon considérable depuis cinq ans chez les enfants ayant des troubles de santé mentale. Ces médicaments ont le potentiel de causer de graves complications métaboliques et neurologiques lorsqu’on les utilise de manière chronique. OBJECTIF : Synthétiser les données probantes relatives aux effets secondaires métaboliques et neurologiques précis associés à l’usage d’ADG chez les enfants et fournir des recommandations probantes sur la surveillance de ces effets secondaires. MÉTHODOLOGIE : Les auteurs ont procédé à une analyse systématique des essais cliniques contrôlés des ADG auprès d’enfants. Ils ont fait des recommandations à l’égard de la surveillance de l’innocuité des ADG d’après un modèle de classification fondé sur le système GRADE (système de notation de l’évaluation et de l’élaboration des recommandations). Lorsque les données probantes n’étaient pas suffisantes, ils fondaient leurs recommandations sur le consensus et l’avis d’experts. Un groupe consensuel multidisciplinaire a analysé toutes les données probantes pertinentes et est parvenu à un consensus à l’égard des recommandations. RÉSULTATS : Les recommandations probantes portant sur la surveillance de l’innocuité des ADG figurent dans les présentes lignes directrices. Les auteurs indiquent la qualité des recommandations relatives à des examens physiques et tests de laboratoire précis à l’égard de chaque ADG à des moments déterminés. CONCLUSION : De multiples essais aléatoires et contrôlés ont permis d’évaluer l’efficacité de bon nombre des ADG utilisés pour traiter les troubles de santé mentale en pédiatrie. Toutefois, leurs avantages ne sont pas sans risques : on observe à la fois des effets secondaires métaboliques et neurologiques chez les enfants traités au moyen d’ADG. Le risque de prise de poids, d’augmentation de l’indice de masse corporelle et de taux lipidiques anormaux est plus élevé à l’utilisation d’olanzapine, suivie de la clozapine et de la quétiapine. Quant au risque d’effets secondaires neurologiques des traitements, il est plus élevé à l’utilisation de rispéridone, d’olanzapine et d’aripiprazole. Des interventions de surveillance pertinentes des effets secondaires amélioreront la qualité des soins des enfants traités à l’aide de ces médicaments. PMID:24082813

Etude aerodynamique d'un jet turbulent impactant une paroi concave

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

LeBlanc, Benoit

Etant donne la demande croissante de temperatures elevees dans des chambres de combustion de systemes de propulsions en aerospatiale (turbomoteurs, moteur a reaction, etc.), l'interet dans le refroidissement par jets impactant s'est vu croitre. Le refroidissement des aubes de turbine permet une augmentation de temperature de combustion, ce qui se traduit en une augmentation de l'efficacite de combustion et donc une meilleure economie de carburant. Le transfert de chaleur dans les au bages est influence par les aspects aerodynamiques du refroidissement a jet, particulierement dans le cas d'ecoulements turbulents. Un manque de comprehension de l'aerodynamique a l'interieur de ces espaces confinees peut mener a des changements de transfert thermique qui sont inattendus, ce qui augmente le risque de fluage. Il est donc d'interet pour l'industrie aerospatiale et l'academie de poursuivre la recherche dans l'aerodynamique des jets turbulents impactant les parois courbes. Les jets impactant les surfaces courbes ont deja fait l'objet de nombreuses etudes. Par contre des conditions oscillatoires observees en laboratoire se sont averees difficiles a reproduire en numerique, puisque les structures d'ecoulements impactants des parois concaves sont fortement dependantes de la turbulence et des effets instationnaires. Une etude experimentale fut realisee a l'institut PPRIME a l'Universite de Poitiers afin d'observer le phenomene d'oscillation dans le jet. Une serie d'essais ont verifie les conditions d'ecoulement laminaires et turbulentes, toutefois le cout des essais experimentaux a seulement permis d'avoir un apercu du phenomene global. Une deuxieme serie d'essais fut realisee numeriquement a l'Universite de Moncton avec l'outil OpenFOAM pour des conditions d'ecoulement laminaire et bidimensionnel. Cette etude a donc comme but de poursuivre l'enquete de l'aerodynamique oscillatoire des jets impactant des parois courbes, mais pour un regime d'ecoulement transitoire, turbulent, tridimensionnel. Les nombres de Reynolds utilises dans l'etude numerique, bases sur le diametre du jet lineaire observe, sont de Red = 3333 et 6667, consideres comme etant en transition vers la turbulence. Dans cette etude, un montage numerique est construit. Le maillage, le schema numerique, les conditions frontiere et la discretisation sont discutes et choisis. Les resultats sont ensuite valides avec des donnees turbulentes experimentales. En modelisation numerique de turbulence, les modeles de Moyennage Reynolds des Equations Naviers Stokes (RANS) presentent des difficultes avec des ecoulements instationnaires en regime transitionnel. La Simulation des Grandes Echelles (LES) presente une solution plus precise, mais au cout encore hors de portee pour cette etude. La methode employee pour cette etude est la Simulation des Tourbillons Detaches (DES), qui est un hybride des deux methodes (RANS et LES). Pour analyser la topologie de l'ecoulement, la decomposition des modes propres (POD) a ete egalement ete effectuee sur les resultats numeriques. L'etude a demontre d'abord le temps de calcul relativement eleve associe a des essais DES pour garder le nombre de Courant faible. Les resultats numeriques ont cependant reussi a reproduire correctement le basculement asynchrone observe dans les essais experimentaux. Le basculement observe semble etre cause par des effets transitionnels, ce qui expliquerait la difficulte des modeles RANS a correctement reproduire l'aerodynamique de l'ecoulement. L'ecoulement du jet, a son tour, est pour la plupart du temps tridimensionnel et turbulent sauf pour de courtes periodes de temps stable et independant de la troisieme dimension. L'etude topologique de l'ecoulement a egalement permit la reconaissances de structures principales sousjacentes qui etaient brouillees par la turbulence. Mots cles : jet impactant, paroi concave, turbulence, transitionnel, simulation des tourbillons detaches (DES), OpenFOAM.

Synthesis of substituted tetrahydroisoquinolines by lithiation then electrophilic quench.

PubMed

Talk, Ruaa A; Duperray, Alexia; Li, Xiabing; Coldham, Iain

2016-06-07

Substituted N-tert-butoxycarbonyl (Boc)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines were prepared and treated with n-butyllithium in THF at -50 °C to test the scope of the metallation and electrophilic quench. The lithiation was optimised by using in situ ReactIR spectroscopy and the rate of rotation of the carbamate was determined. The 1-lithiated intermediates could be trapped with a variety of electrophiles to give good yields of 1-substituted tetrahydroisoquinoline products. Treatment with acid or reduction with LiAlH4 allows conversion to the N-H or N-Me compound. The chemistry was applied to the efficient total syntheses of the alkaloids (±)-crispine A and (±)-dysoxyline.

Development and characterization of morin hydrate-loaded micellar nanocarriers for the effective management of Alzheimer's disease.

PubMed

Singh, Manpreet; Thakur, Vandana; Deshmukh, Rahul; Sharma, Amit; Rathore, M S; Kumar, Ajay; Mishra, Neeraj

2018-03-01

The aim of this study was to prepare and characterise oral delivery of morin hydrate-loaded micellar nanocarriers using Pluronic P127 and Pluronic F123 for the effective management of Alzheimer's disease. After administration of formulation brain and blood drug concentration were found to be highest for optimised morin hydrate-loaded micellar nanocarriers as compared to plain morin hydrate. Significant (p < 0.05) reduction in assessed pharmacodynamic parameters was observed after administration of morin hydrate-loaded micellar nanocarriers as compared to disease control group. Chronic treatment with morin-loaded micelles significantly increased the memory in AlCl 3 induced Alzheimer's disease in Wistar rats.

Reference governors for controlled belt restraint systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

van der Laan, E. P.; Heemels, W. P. M. H.; Luijten, H.; Veldpaus, F. E.; Steinbuch, M.

2010-07-01

Today's restraint systems typically include a number of airbags, and a three-point seat belt with load limiter and pretensioner. For the class of real-time controlled restraint systems, the restraint actuator settings are continuously manipulated during the crash. This paper presents a novel control strategy for these systems. The control strategy developed here is based on a combination of model predictive control and reference management, in which a non-linear device - a reference governor (RG) - is added to a primal closed-loop controlled system. This RG determines an optimal setpoint in terms of injury reduction and constraint satisfaction by solving a constrained optimisation problem. Prediction of the vehicle motion, required to predict future constraint violation, is included in the design and is based on past crash data, using linear regression techniques. Simulation results with MADYMO models show that, with ideal sensors and actuators, a significant reduction (45%) of the peak chest acceleration can be achieved, without prior knowledge of the crash. Furthermore, it is shown that the algorithms are sufficiently fast to be implemented online.

Optimisation of low temperature extraction of banana juice using commercial pectinase.

PubMed

Sagu, Sorel Tchewonpi; Nso, Emmanuel Jong; Karmakar, Sankha; De, Sirshendu

2014-05-15

The objective of this work was to develop a process with optimum conditions for banana juice. The procedure involves hydrolyzing the banana pulp by commercial pectinase followed by cloth filtration. Response surface methodology with Doehlert design was utilised to optimize the process parameters. The temperature of incubation (30-60 °C), time of reaction (20-120 min) and concentration of pectinase (0.01-0.05% v/w) were the independent variables and viscosity, clarity, alcohol insoluble solids (AIS), total polyphenol and protein concentration were the responses. Total soluble sugar, pH, conductivity, calcium, sodium and potassium concentration in the juice were also evaluated. The results showed reduction of AIS and viscosity with reaction time and pectinase concentration and reduction of polyphenol and protein concentration with temperature. Using numerical optimization, the optimum conditions for the enzymatic extraction of banana juice were estimated. Depectinization kinetics was also studied at optimum temperature and variation of kinetic constants with enzyme dose was evaluated. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

RADIATION PROTECTION CABIN FOR CATHETER-DIRECTED LIVER INTERVENTIONS: OPERATOR DOSE ASSESSMENT.

PubMed

Maleux, Geert; Bergans, Niki; Bosmans, Hilde; Bogaerts, Ria

2016-09-01

The number and complexity of interventional radiological procedures and in particular catheter-directed liver interventions have increased substantially. The current study investigates the reduction of personal doses when using a dedicated radiation protection cabin (RPC) for these procedures. Operator and assistant doses were assessed for 3 series of 20 chemoinfusion/chemoembolisation interventions, including an equal number of procedures with and without RPC. Whole body doses, finger doses and doses at the level of knees and eyes were evaluated with different types of TLD-100 Harshaw dosemeters. Dosemeters were also attached on the three walls of the RPC. The operator doses were significantly reduced by the RPC, but also without RPC, the doses appear to be limited as a result of thorough optimisation with existing radiation protection tools. The added value of the RPC should thus be determined by the outcome of balancing dose reduction and other aspects such as ergonomic benefits. © The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions, please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Carbon nanotubes for voltammetric determination of sulphite in some beverages.

PubMed

Silva, Erika M; Takeuchi, Regina M; Santos, André L

2015-04-15

In this work, a square-wave voltammetric method based on sulphite electrochemical reduction was developed for quantification of this preservative in commercial beverages. A carbon-paste electrode chemically modified with multiwalled carbon nanotubes was used as the working electrode. Under the optimised experimental conditions, a linear response to sulphite concentrations from 1.6 to 32 mg SO2 L(-1) (25-500 μmol L(-1) of sulphite), with a limit of detection of 1.0 mg SO2 L(-1) (16 μmol L(-1) of sulphite), was obtained. This method does not suffer interference from other common beverage additives such as ascorbic acid, fructose, and sucrose, and it enables fast and reliable sulphite determination in beverages, with minimal sample pretreatment. Despite its selectivity, the method is not applicable to red grape juice or red wine samples, because some of their components produce a cathodic peak at almost the same potential as that of sulphite reduction. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Optimisation of wire-cut EDM process parameter by Grey-based response surface methodology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kumar, Amit; Soota, Tarun; Kumar, Jitendra

2018-03-01

Wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) is one of the advanced machining processes. Response surface methodology coupled with Grey relation analysis method has been proposed and used to optimise the machining parameters of WEDM. A face centred cubic design is used for conducting experiments on high speed steel (HSS) M2 grade workpiece material. The regression model of significant factors such as pulse-on time, pulse-off time, peak current, and wire feed is considered for optimising the responses variables material removal rate (MRR), surface roughness and Kerf width. The optimal condition of the machining parameter was obtained using the Grey relation grade. ANOVA is applied to determine significance of the input parameters for optimising the Grey relation grade.

Relations de Dispersion et Diffusion des Glueballs et des Mesons dans la Theorie de Jauge U(1)(2+1) Compacte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmed, Chaara El Mouez

Nous avons etudie les relations de dispersion et la diffusion des glueballs et des mesons dans le modele U(1)_{2+1} compact. Ce modele a ete souvent utilise comme un simple modele de la chromodynamique quantique (QCD), parce qu'il possede le confinement ainsi que les etats de glueballs. Par contre, sa structure mathematique est beaucoup plus simple que la QCD. Notre methode consiste a diagonaliser l'Hamiltonien de ce modele dans une base appropriee de graphes et sur reseau impulsion, afin de generer les relations de dispersion des glueballs et des mesons. Pour la diffusion, nous avons utilise la methode dependante du temps pour calculer la matrice S et la section efficace de diffusion des glueballs et des mesons. Les divers resultats obtenus semblent etre en accord avec les travaux anterieurs de Hakim, Alessandrini et al., Irving et al., qui eux, utilisent plutot la theorie des perturbations en couplage fort, et travaillent sur un reseau espace-temps.

[Isolation, identification and characterization of a diethylstilbestrol-degrading bacterial strain Serratia sp].

PubMed

Xu, Ran-Fang; Sun, Min-Xia; Liu, Juan; Wang, Hong; Li, Xin; Zhu, Xue-Zhu; Ling, Wan-Ting

2014-08-01

Utilizing the diethylstilbestrol (DES)-degrading bacteria to biodegrade DES is a most reliable technique for cleanup of DES pollutants from the environment. However, little information is available heretofore on the isolation of DES-degrading bacteria and their DES removal performance in the environment. A novel bacterium capable of degrading DES was isolated from the activated sludge of a wastewater treatment plant. According to its morphology, physiochemical characteristics, and 16S rDNA sequence analysis, this strain was identified as Serratia sp.. The strain was an aerobic bacterium, and it could degrade 68.3% of DES (50 mg x L(-1)) after culturing for 7 days at 30 degrees C, 150 r x min(-1) in shaking flasks. The optimal conditions for DES biodegradation by the obtained strain were 30 degrees C, 40-60 mg x L(-1) DES, pH 7.0, 5% of inoculation volume, 0 g x L(-1) of added NaCl, and 10 mL of liquid medium volume in 100 mL flask.

Les bons conseils de la naissance à la maternelle

PubMed Central

Rourke, Leslie; Leduc, Denis; Constantin, Evelyn; Carsley, Sarah; Rourke, James; Li, Patricia

2013-01-01

Résumé Objectif Donner un aperçu de la version 2011 du Relevé postnatal Rourke (RPR), qui comporte aussi des nouveautés dans son site web et de nouvelles initiatives connexes et qui intègre les données des ouvrages scientifiques récents sur les soins de santé préventifs à l’intention des enfants de 0 à 5 ans. Qualité des données À l’instar des versions antérieures du RPR, la nouvelle édition présente des recommandations identifiées comme se fondant sur des preuves suffisantes, acceptables ou consensuelles, selon les classifications adoptées par le Groupe d’étude canadien sur les soins de santé préventifs en 2011. Message principal De nouveaux renseignements et des recommandations sont présentés concernant la surveillance de la croissance, la nutrition et la vaccination contre la varicelle, les pneumocoques, les méningocoques et le rotavirus. Il y a maintenant de bonnes données probantes en faveur de l’adaptation canadienne des courbes de croissance de l’Organisation mondiale de la Santé, du dépistage universel des problèmes d’audition chez le nouveau-né et du recours à des stratégies de réduction de la douleur liée à la vaccination. On a mis à jour les conseils anticipatoires concernant la sécurité durant le sommeil, la supervision de la santé des enfants en foyer d’accueil, le trouble du spectre de l’alcoolisation fœtale, les facteurs de risque nécessitant le dépistage du plomb et de l’anémie, les soins dentaires et la santé buccale. Parmi les nouvelles rubriques dans le site web du RPR, on peut mentionner une section présentant des ressources pour les parents, des modifications à l’intention de populations particulières, comme les personnes vivant au Nunavut, une version du RPR qui met en évidence en un coup d’œil les modifications à la version de 2009 et une expansion de la fonction d’exploration du RPR accompagnée des hyperliens connexes menant aux renseignements pertinents. On peut aussi avoir accès au RPR sous forme d’une page par visite. Le Collège des médecins de famille du Canada et la Société canadienne de pédiatrie ont donné leur aval au RPR de 2011. Les versions nationale et ontarienne sont disponibles en français et en anglais. Conclusion Le RPR de 2011 est un outil pratique, mis à jour, fondé sur des données probantes de transposition du savoir concernant les soins de santé préventifs aux enfants de la naissance à l’âge de 5 ans. Il propose des ressources exhaustives dans le web à l’intention des professionnels de la santé, des étudiants, des résidents et des parents.

Controle optique de qubits lies a des centres isoelectroniques d'azote dans le GaAs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ethier-Majcher, Gabriel

Le traitement de l'information quantique est un domaine de recherche actuellement en pleine effervescence car il laisse entrevoir une revolution dans notre facon de traiter et d'echanger de l'information. D'une part, l'ordinateur quantique promet de resoudre des problemes comme la factorisation d'un polynome de facon beaucoup plus efficace qu'un ordinateur classique. D'autre part, les communications quantiques promettent l'echange d'information de facon fondamentalement inviolable. Afin de tirer pleinement profit de ces nouvelles technologies, il sera avantageux de construire des reseaux quantiques. Dans un tel reseau, des processeurs quantiques, les noeuds, seront connectes par des photons voyageant dans des fibres optiques. Les reseaux quantiques permettront de deployer les communications quantiques a grande echelle et de creer des super-ordinateurs quantiques. La realisation de reseaux quantiques necessitera des interfaces optiques pouvant echanger l'information de facon coherente entre un qubit (bit d'information quantique) et un photon. L'implementation de telles interfaces dans un systeme physique s'avere un important defi scientifique et technologique. Or, les systemes actuellement envisages a cette fin souffrent d'un faible couplage avec la lumiere ou encore de grandes inhomogeneites, constituant des obstacles a la realisation de reseaux a grande echelle. Dans cette these, le potentiel des centres isoelectroniques pour realiser des interfaces optiques est evalue. Deux types de qubits lies a des paires d'azote dans le GaAs sont consideres : les qubits excitoniques et les qubits de spin electronique, controlables par l'intermediaire d'excitons charges. Le controle optique complet des qubits excitoniques est demontre, ce qui constitue la premiere realisation du genre dans les centres isoelectroniques. L'observation d'excitons charges dans ce systeme, liant a la fois des trous lourds et des trous legers, laisse entrevoir de nouvelles possibilites afin de manipuler des spins electroniques. Les excitons et excitons charges lies aux paires d'azote sont etudies par la photoluminescence resolue spatialement. Le controle des qubits excitoniques est realisee a l'aide d'impulsions laser resonantes avec un etat excitonique et l'etat du qubit est lu par sa fluorescence en resonance. Une experience de rotations de Rabi est realisee pour demontrer un controle sur la population du qubit. Cette experience permet d'extraire un moment dipolaire moyen de 27 D pour l'exciton.

Caracterisation des proprietes acoustiques des materiaux poreux a cellules ouvertes et a matrice rigide ou souple

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salissou, Yacoubou

L'objectif global vise par les travaux de cette these est d'ameliorer la caracterisation des proprietes macroscopiques des materiaux poreux a structure rigide ou souple par des approches inverses et indirectes basees sur des mesures acoustiques faites en tube d'impedance. La precision des approches inverses et indirectes utilisees aujourd'hui est principalement limitee par la qualite des mesures acoustiques obtenues en tube d'impedance. En consequence, cette these se penche sur quatre problemes qui aideront a l'atteinte de l'objectif global precite. Le premier probleme porte sur une caracterisation precise de la porosite ouverte des materiaux poreux. Cette propriete en est une de passage permettant de lier la mesure des proprietes dynamiques acoustiques d'un materiau poreux aux proprietes effectives de sa phase fluide decrite par les modeles semi-phenomenologiques. Le deuxieme probleme traite de l'hypothese de symetrie des materiaux poreux selon leur epaisseur ou un index et un critere sont proposes pour quantifier l'asymetrie d'un materiau. Cette hypothese est souvent source d'imprecision des methodes de caracterisation inverses et indirectes en tube d'impedance. Le critere d'asymetrie propose permet ainsi de s'assurer de l'applicabilite et de la precision de ces methodes pour un materiau donne. Le troisieme probleme vise a mieux comprendre le probleme de transmission sonore en tube d'impedance en presentant pour la premiere fois un developpement exact du probleme par decomposition d'ondes. Ce developpement permet d'etablir clairement les limites des nombreuses methodes existantes basees sur des tubes de transmission a 2, 3 ou 4 microphones. La meilleure comprehension de ce probleme de transmission est importante puisque c'est par ce type de mesures que des methodes permettent d'extraire successivement la matrice de transfert d'un materiau poreux et ses proprietes dynamiques intrinseques comme son impedance caracteristique et son nombre d'onde complexe. Enfin, le quatrieme probleme porte sur le developpement d'une nouvelle methode de transmission exacte a 3 microphones applicable a des materiaux ou systemes symetriques ou non. Dans le cas symetrique, on montre que cette approche permet une nette amelioration de la caracterisation des proprietes dynamiques intrinseques d'un materiau. Mots cles. materiaux poreux, tube d'impedance, transmission sonore, absorption sonore, impedance acoustique, symetrie, porosite, matrice de transfert.

Dissociation in bipolar disorder: Relationships between clinical variables and childhood trauma.

PubMed

Hariri, Aytül Gursu; Gulec, Medine Yazici; Orengul, Fatma Fariha Cengiz; Sumbul, Esra Aydin; Elbay, Rumeysa Yeni; Gulec, Huseyin

2015-09-15

The dissociative experiences of patients with bipolar disorder (BD) differ from those of patients with other psychiatric disorders with regard to certain features. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the clinical variables of BD and childhood trauma using the factor structure, psychometric features, and potential subdimensions of the Dissociative Experience Scale (DES). This study included 200 BD patients who were in a remission period and 50 healthy volunteers. The BD patients were recruited from two psychiatry clinic departments in Turkey. The sociodemographic data of the two groups and their scores on the DES and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ)-28 were compared. The overall DES scores and the scores for each DES item accurately and reliably measured dissociation in the BD patients (item-total correlation r scores: >0.20, Cronbach's alpha: 0.95), and a factor analysis revealed two subdimensions of the DES for BD: identity confusion/alteration (SubDES-1) and amnesia and depersonalization/derealization (SubDES-2). Although age at onset of BD was significantly correlated with both subdimensions, illness duration was significantly correlated only with the SubDES-2. Of all the subjects, 19.5% (39/200 patients) were identified as having dissociative experiences by the DES-Taxon (DES-T), and subjects in this subscale (DES-T-positive) had significantly higher total scores on the CTQ-28 as well as higher scores on each subgroup of this scale. The highest CTQ-28 subgroup score was emotional neglect, which was followed by emotional abuse and physical neglect and then sexual abuse and physical abuse. There was a significant correlation between total scores on the CTQ-28 and SubDES-2 but none of the CTQ-28 subscale scores was significantly correlated with either SubDES-1 or SubDES-2. The DES sufficiently and reliably identified the experience of dissociative symptoms on the part of BD patients, and a factor analysis revealed two subdimensions of BD on this scale. In particular, DES-T-positive subjects experienced a greater amount of childhood trauma and, as a result, had an earlier age at onset of BD. Additionally, SubDES-2, which was associated with amnesia and depersonalization/derealization, was closely related to illness duration. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Review of Van earthquakes form an orthopaedic perspective: a multicentre retrospective study.

PubMed

Guner, Savas; Guner, Sukriye Ilkay; Isik, Yasemin; Gormeli, Gokay; Kalender, Ali Murat; Turktas, Ugur; Gokalp, Mehmet Ata; Gozen, Abdurrahim; Isik, Mustafa; Ozkan, Sezai; Turkozu, Tulin; Karadas, Sevdegul; Ceylan, Mehmet Fethi; Ediz, Levent; Bulut, Mehmet; Gunes, Yusuf; Gormeli, Ayse; Erturk, Cemil; Eseoglu, Metehan; Dursun, Recep

2013-01-01

This is a descriptive analysis, of victims of Turkey's October 23, 2011 and November 21, 2011 Van earthquakes. The goal of this study is investigated the injury profile of the both earthquakes in relation to musculoskeletal trauma. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 3,965 patients admitted to in seven hospitals. A large share of these injuries were soft tissue injuries, followed by fractures, crush injuries, crush syndromes, nerve injuries, vascular injuries, compartment syndrome and joint dislocations. A total of 73 crush injuries were diagnosed and 31 of them were developed compartment syndrome. The patients with closed undisplaced fractures were treated with casting braces. For closed unstable fractures with good skin and soft-tissue conditions, open reduction and internal fixation was performed. All patients with open fracture had an external fixator applied after adequate debridement. Thirty one of 40 patients with compartment syndrome were treated by fasciotomy. For twelve of them, amputation was necessary. The most common procedure performed was debridement, followed by open reduction and internal fixation and closed reduction-casting, respectively. The results of this study may provide the basis for future development of strategy to optimise attempts at rescue and plan treatment of survivors with musculoskeletal injuries after earthquakes.

Developpement d'un modele analytique pour l'analyse en elasticite lineaire de champs de deformation et contrainte au sein d'un polycristal. comparaison avec la methode des elements finis =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bretin, Remy

L'endommagement par fatigue des materiaux est un probleme courant dans de nombreux domaines, dont celui de l'aeronautique. Afin de prevenir la rupture par fatigue des materiaux il est necessaire de determiner leur duree de vie en fatigue. Malheureusement, dues aux nombreuses heterogeneites presentes, la duree de vie en fatigue peut fortement varier entre deux pieces identiques faites dans le meme materiau ayant subi les memes traitements. Il est donc necessaire de considerer ces heterogeneites dans nos modeles afin d'avoir une meilleure estimation de la duree de vie des materiaux. Comme premiere etape vers une meilleure consideration des heterogeneites dans nos modeles, une etude en elasticite lineaire de l'influence des orientations cristallographiques sur les champs de deformations et de contraintes dans un polycristal a ete realisee a l'aide de la methode des elements finis. Des correlations ont pu etre etablies a partir des resultats obtenus, et un modele analytique en elasticite lineaire prenant en compte les distributions d'orientations cristallographiques et les effets de voisinage a pu etre developpe. Ce modele repose sur les bases des modeles d'homogeneisation classique, comme le schema auto-coherent, et reprend aussi les principes de voisinage des automates cellulaires. En prenant pour reference les resultats des analyses elements finis, le modele analytique ici developpe a montre avoir une precision deux fois plus grande que le modele auto-coherent, quel que soit le materiau etudie.

Contribution a l'etude et au developpement de nouvelles poudres de fonte

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boisvert, Mathieu

L'obtention de graphite libre dans des pieces fabriquees par metallurgie des poudres (M/P) est un defi auquel plusieurs chercheurs se sont attardes. En effet, la presence de graphite apres frittage ameliore l'usinabilite des pieces, permettant donc de reduire les couts de production, et peut aussi engendrer une amelioration des proprietes tribologiques. L'approche utilisee dans cette these pour tenter d'obtenir du graphite libre apres frittage est par l'utilisation de nouvelles poudres de fontes atomisees a l'eau. L'atomisation a l'eau etant un procede de production de poudres relativement peu couteux qui permet de grandes capacites de production, le transfert des decouvertes de ce doctorat vers des applications industrielles sera donc economiquement plus favorable. En plus de l'objectif d'obtenir du graphite libre apres frittage, un autre aspect important des travaux est le controle de la morphologie du graphite libre apres frittage. En effet, il est connu dans la litterature des fontes coulees/moulees que la morphologie du graphite influencera les proprietes des fontes, ce qui est aussi vrai pour les pieces de M/P. Les fontes ductiles, pour lesquelles le graphite est sous forme de nodules spheroidaux isoles les uns des autres, possedent des proprietes mecaniques superieures aux fontes grises pour lesquelles le graphite est sous forme lamellaire et continu dans la matrice. Les resultats presentes dans cette these montrent qu'il est possible, dans des melanges contenant des poudres de fontes, d'avoir un controle sur la morphologie du graphite et donc sur les proprietes des pieces. Le controle de la morphologie du graphite a principalement ete realise par le type de frittage et le phenomene de diffusion " uphill " du carbone cause par des gradients en silicium. En effet, pour les frittages en phase solide, tous les nodules de graphite sont presents a l'interieur des grains de poudre apres frittage. Pour les frittages en phase liquide, l'intensite de la diffusion " uphill " permet de conserver plus ou moins de graphite nodulaire a l'interieur des regions riches en silicium, alors que le reste du graphite precipite sous forme lamellaire/vermiculaire dans les regions interparticulaires. L'etude des poudres de fontes et la recherche des mecanismes regissant la morphologie du graphite dans les fontes coulees/moulees nous ont amenes a produire des poudres de fontes traitees au magnesium avant l'atomisation. Plusieurs resultats fondamentaux ont ete obtenus de la caracterisation des poudres traitees au magnesium et de leur comparaison avec des poudres de chimies similaires non traitees au magnesium. D'abord, il a ete possible d'observer des bifilms d'oxyde de silicium dans la structure du graphite primaire d'une poudre de fonte grise hypereutectique. Il s'agit des premieres images montrant la structure double de ces defauts, venant ainsi appuyer la theorie elaboree par le professeur John Campbell. Ensuite, il a ete montre que le traitement au magnesium forme une atmosphere protectrice gazeuse autogeneree qui empeche l'oxydation de la surface du bain liquide et donc, la formation et l'entrainement des bifilms. Le role du magnesium sur la morphologie du graphite est de diminuer le soufre en solution en formant des precipites de sulfure de magnesium et ainsi d'augmenter l'energie d'interface graphite-liquide. En reponse a cette grande energie d'interface graphite-liquide, le graphite cherche a minimiser son ratio surface/volume, ce qui favorise la formation de graphite spheroidal. De plus, deux types de germination ont ete observes dans la poudre de fonte hypereutectique traitee au magnesium. Le premier type est une germination heterogene sur un nombre limite de particules faites de magnesium, d'aluminium, de silicium et d'oxygene. Le deuxieme type est une germination homogene des nodules dans certaines regions du liquide plus riches en silicium. L'observation du centre reel tridimensionnel, en microscopie electronique en transmission en haute resolution, d'un des nodules ayant subi une germination homogene a permis de confirmer que le mode de croissance du graphite spheroidal se produit selon le modele de la croissance en feuille de chou. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Caracterisation environnementale des emissions atmospheriques d'une source fixe et creation d'un outil de gestion dynamique =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fournier, Marie-Claude

Une caracterisation des emissions atmospheriques provenant des sources fixes en operation, alimentees au gaz et a l'huile legere, a ete conduite aux installations visees des sites no.1 et no.2. La caracterisation et les calculs theoriques des emissions atmospheriques aux installations des sites no.1 et no.2 presentent des resultats qui sont en dessous des valeurs reglementaires pour des conditions d'operation normales en periode hivernale et par consequent, a de plus fortes demandes energetiques. Ainsi, pour une demande energetique plus basse, le taux de contaminants dans les emissions atmospheriques pourrait egalement etre en dessous des reglementations municipales et provinciales en vigueur. Dans la perspective d'une nouvelle reglementation provinciale, dont les termes sont discutes depuis 2005, il serait souhaitable que le proprietaire des infrastructures visees participe aux echanges avec le Ministere du Developpement Durable, de l'Environnement et des Parcs (MDDEP) du Quebec. En effet, meme si le principe de droit acquis permettrait d'eviter d'etre assujetti a la nouvelle reglementation, l'application de ce type de principe ne s'inscrit pas dans ceux d'un developpement durable. L'âge avance des installations etudiees implique la planification d'un entretien rigoureux afin d'assurer les conditions optimales de combustion en fonction du type de combustible. Des tests de combustion sur une base reguliere sont donc recommandes. Afin de supporter le processus de suivi et d'evaluation de la performance environnementale des sources fixes, un outil d'aide a la gestion de l'information environnementale a ete developpe. Dans ce contexte, la poursuite du developpement d'un outil d'aide a la gestion de l'information environnementale faciliterait non seulement le travail des personnes affectees aux inventaires annuels mais egalement le processus de communication entre les differents acteurs concernes tant intra- qu'inter-etablissement. Cet outil serait egalement un bon moyen pour sensibiliser le personnel a leur consommation energetique ainsi qu'a leur role dans la lutte contre les emissions polluantes et les gaz a effets de serre. En outre, ce type d'outil a pour principale fonction de generer des rapports dynamiques pouvant s'adapter a des besoins precis. Le decoupage coherent de l'information associe a un developpement par modules offre la perspective d'application de l'outil pour d'autres types d'activites. Dans ce cas, il s'agit de definir la part commune avec les modules existants et planifier les activites de developpement specifiques selon la meme demarche que celle presentee dans le present document.

Favorable effect of optimal lipid-lowering therapy on neointimal tissue characteristics after drug-eluting stent implantation: qualitative optical coherence tomographic analysis.

PubMed

Jang, Ji-Yong; Kim, Jung-Sun; Shin, Dong-Ho; Kim, Byeong-Keuk; Ko, Young-Guk; Choi, Donghoon; Jang, Yangsoo; Hong, Myeong-Ki

2015-10-01

Serial follow-up optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to evaluate the effect of optimal lipid-lowering therapy on qualitative changes in neointimal tissue characteristics after drug-eluting stent (DES) implantation. DES-treated patients (n = 218) who received statin therapy were examined with serial follow-up OCT. First and second follow-up OCT evaluations were performed approximately 6 and 18 months after the index procedure, respectively. Patients were divided into two groups, based on the level of low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), which was measured at the second follow-up. The optimal lipid-lowering group (n = 121) had an LDL-C reduction of ≥50% or an LDL-C level ≤70 mg/dL, and the conventional group (n = 97). Neointimal characteristics were qualitatively categorized as homogeneous or non-homogeneous patterns using OCT. The non-homogeneous group included heterogeneous, layered, or neoatherosclerosis patterns. Qualitative changes in neointimal tissue characteristics between the first and second follow-up OCT examinations were assessed. Between the first and second follow-up OCT procedures, the neointimal cross-sectional area increased more substantially in the conventional group (0.4 mm(2) vs. 0.2 mm(2) in the optimal lipid-lowering group, p = 0.01). The neointimal pattern changed from homogeneous to non-homogeneous less often in the optimal lipid-lowering group (1.3%, 1/77, p < 0.001) than in the conventional group (15.3%, 11/72, p = 0.44). Optimal LDL-C reduction was an independent predictor for the prevention of neointimal pattern change from homogeneous to non-homogeneous (odds ratio: 0.05, 95% confidence interval: 0.01∼0.46, p = 0.008). Our findings suggest that an intensive reduction in LDL-C levels can prevent non-homogeneous changes in the neointima and increases in neointimal cross-sectional area compared with conventional LDL-C controls. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Les soins aux enfants et aux adolescents des familles des militaires canadiens : les considérations particulières

PubMed Central

Rowan-Legg, Anne

2017-01-01

Résumé Les familles des militaires font face à de nombreux facteurs de stress, tels que les réinstallations fréquentes, les longues pério des de séparation familiale, l’isolement géographique du réseau de soutien de la famille élargie et le déploiement en zones très dangereuses. Les enfants et les adolescents des familles des militaires vivent les mêmes trajectoires développementales et motivationnelles que leurs homologues civils, mais ils sont également aux prises avec des pressions et des facteurs de stress liés à leur développement qui sont inhabituels et qui leur sont imposés par les exigences de la vie militaire. Les effets de la vie militaire sur les familles et les enfants commencent à être admis et mieux caractérisés. Il est essentiel de comprendre les préoccupations propres aux enfants et aux adolescents des familles des militaires et de mobiliser les ressources nécessaires pour les soutenir afin de répondre à leurs besoins en matière de santé.

Mouse hypospadias: A critical examination and definition.

PubMed

Sinclair, Adriane Watkins; Cao, Mei; Shen, Joel; Cooke, Paul; Risbridger, Gail; Baskin, Laurence; Cunha, Gerald R

2016-12-01

Hypospadias is a common malformation whose etiology is based upon perturbation of normal penile development. The mouse has been previously used as a model of hypospadias, despite an unacceptably wide range of definitions for this malformation. The current paper presents objective criteria and a definition of mouse hypospadias. Accordingly, diethylstilbestrol (DES) induced penile malformations were examined at 60 days postnatal (P60) in mice treated with DES over the age range of 12 days embryonic to 20 days postnatal (E12-P20). DES-induced hypospadias involves malformation of the urethral meatus, which is most severe in DES E12-P10, DES P0-P10 and DES P5-P15 groups, and less so or absent in the other treatment groups. A frenulum-like ventral tether between the penis and the prepuce was seen in the most severely affected DES-treated mice. Internal penile morphology was also altered in the DES E12-P10, DES P0-P10 and DES P5-P15 groups (with little effect in the other DES treatment groups). Thus, adverse effects of DES are a function of the period of DES treatment and most severe in the P0-P10 period. In "estrogen mutant mice" (NERKI, βERKO, αERKO and AROM+) hypospadias was only seen in AROM+ male mice having genetically-engineered elevation is serum estrogen. Significantly, mouse hypospadias was only seen distally at and near the urethral meatus where epithelial fusion events are known to take place and never in the penile midshaft, where urethral formation occurs via an entirely different morphogenetic process. Copyright © 2016 International Society of Differentiation. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Lignes directrices sur la prise en charge en soins primaires des céphalées chez l’adulte

PubMed Central

Becker, Werner J.; Findlay, Ted; Moga, Carmen; Scott, N. Ann; Harstall, Christa; Taenzer, Paul

2015-01-01

Résumé Objectif Accroître l’utilisation d’approches éclairées par des données probantes pour diagnostiquer, investiguer et traiter en soins primaires les céphalées des patients. Qualité des données Une recherche documentaire exhaustive a été effectuée pour trouver des lignes directrices et des révisions systématiques publiées entre janvier 2000 et mai 2011. La grille d’évaluation de la qualité des recommandations pour la pratique clinique AGREE a servi à l’analyse critique des lignes directrices. Les 6 guides de pratique clinique de la plus grande qualité ont servi de base dans le processus d’adaptation. Message principal Un groupe d’élaboration multidisciplinaire de professionnels des soins primaires ont formulé 91 recommandations précises à l’aide d’un processus consensuel. Les recommandations portent sur le diagnostic, l’investigation et la prise en charge de la migraine, de la céphalée de tension, de la céphalée due à une surmédication et de la céphalée vasculaire de Horton. Conclusion Un guide de pratique clinique adapté au contexte des soins de santé au Canada a été produit en suivant un processus d’adaptation de lignes directrices dans le but d’aider les professionnels de toutes les disciplines des soins primaires à dispenser des soins éclairés par des données probantes aux patients souffrant de céphalées.

Radar response to crop residue cover and tillage application on postharvest agricultural surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McNairn, Heather

Les informations sur les pratiques de conservation des sols comme le labourage et la gestion des residus de culture sont requises afin d'estimer avec exactitude les risques d'erosion des sols. Quoique les micro-ondes soient sensibles aux conditions d'humidite et aux proprietes geometriques des surfaces, il n'en demeure pas moins que l'on connait encore peu sur la sensibilite des micro-ondes polarisees lineaires ou des parametres polarimetriques du ROS en fonction des caracteristiques des residus. A partir de donnees prises a l'aide d'un diffusometre monte sur un camion en 1996 et lors d'une mission SIR-C menee en 1994, cette recherche a demontre que les micro-ondes sont sensibles a la fois a la quantite et au type de couverture de residus, de meme qu'a la teneur en eau des residus. La reponse des polarisations croisees lineaires et de plusieurs parametres polarimetriques, incluant la hauteur pedestre, a permis d'observer qu'une diffusion volumique importante avait lieu en presence de vegetation senescente qui se tenait debout et pour les champs non laboures. La diffusion de surface dominait cependant pour les champs avec de faibles quantites de residus et des residus plus fins. La recherche a toutefois demontre que des conditions de surface complexes etaient crees par differentes combinaisons de residus et de pratiques de labourage. Par consequent, il faudra attendre que des donnees multi-polarisees ou polarimetriques soient acquises par les capteurs prevus a bord du satellite canadien RADARSAT-2 et du satellite ENVISAT de l'Agence spatiale europeenne avant de pouvoir completement caracteriser les champs apres la recolte.

[Outstanding problems of normal and pathological morphology of the diffuse endocrine system].

PubMed

Iaglov, V V; Iaglova, N V

2011-01-01

The diffuse endocrine system (DES)--a mosaic-cellular endoepithelial gland--is the biggest part of the human endocrine system. Scientists used to consider cells of DES as neuroectodermal. According to modem data cells of DES are different cytogenetic types because they develop from the different embryonic blastophyllum. So that any hormone-active tumors originated from DES of the digestive, respiratory and urogenital system shouldn't be considered as neuroendocrinal tumors. The basic problems of DES morphology and pathology are the creation of scientifically substantiated histogenetic classification of DES tumors.

Systemic solutions for multi-benefit water and environmental management.

PubMed

Everard, Mark; McInnes, Robert

2013-09-01

The environmental and financial costs of inputs to, and unintended consequences arising from narrow consideration of outputs from, water and environmental management technologies highlight the need for low-input solutions that optimise outcomes across multiple ecosystem services. Case studies examining the inputs and outputs associated with several ecosystem-based water and environmental management technologies reveal a range from those that differ little from conventional electro-mechanical engineering techniques through methods, such as integrated constructed wetlands (ICWs), designed explicitly as low-input systems optimising ecosystem service outcomes. All techniques present opportunities for further optimisation of outputs, and hence for greater cumulative public value. We define 'systemic solutions' as "…low-input technologies using natural processes to optimise benefits across the spectrum of ecosystem services and their beneficiaries". They contribute to sustainable development by averting unintended negative impacts and optimising benefits to all ecosystem service beneficiaries, increasing net economic value. Legacy legislation addressing issues in a fragmented way, associated 'ring-fenced' budgets and established management assumptions represent obstacles to implementing 'systemic solutions'. However, flexible implementation of legacy regulations recognising their primary purpose, rather than slavish adherence to detailed sub-clauses, may achieve greater overall public benefit through optimisation of outcomes across ecosystem services. Systemic solutions are not a panacea if applied merely as 'downstream' fixes, but are part of, and a means to accelerate, broader culture change towards more sustainable practice. This necessarily entails connecting a wider network of interests in the formulation and design of mutually-beneficial systemic solutions, including for example spatial planners, engineers, regulators, managers, farming and other businesses, and researchers working on ways to quantify and optimise delivery of ecosystem services. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Topology optimisation of micro fluidic mixers considering fluid-structure interactions with a coupled Lattice Boltzmann algorithm

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munk, David J.; Kipouros, Timoleon; Vio, Gareth A.; Steven, Grant P.; Parks, Geoffrey T.

2017-11-01

Recently, the study of micro fluidic devices has gained much interest in various fields from biology to engineering. In the constant development cycle, the need to optimise the topology of the interior of these devices, where there are two or more optimality criteria, is always present. In this work, twin physical situations, whereby optimal fluid mixing in the form of vorticity maximisation is accompanied by the requirement that the casing in which the mixing takes place has the best structural performance in terms of the greatest specific stiffness, are considered. In the steady state of mixing this also means that the stresses in the casing are as uniform as possible, thus giving a desired operating life with minimum weight. The ultimate aim of this research is to couple two key disciplines, fluids and structures, into a topology optimisation framework, which shows fast convergence for multidisciplinary optimisation problems. This is achieved by developing a bi-directional evolutionary structural optimisation algorithm that is directly coupled to the Lattice Boltzmann method, used for simulating the flow in the micro fluidic device, for the objectives of minimum compliance and maximum vorticity. The needs for the exploration of larger design spaces and to produce innovative designs make meta-heuristic algorithms, such as genetic algorithms, particle swarms and Tabu Searches, less efficient for this task. The multidisciplinary topology optimisation framework presented in this article is shown to increase the stiffness of the structure from the datum case and produce physically acceptable designs. Furthermore, the topology optimisation method outperforms a Tabu Search algorithm in designing the baffle to maximise the mixing of the two fluids.

Person-centred medicines optimisation policy in England: an agenda for research on polypharmacy.

PubMed

Heaton, Janet; Britten, Nicky; Krska, Janet; Reeve, Joanne

2017-01-01

Aim To examine how patient perspectives and person-centred care values have been represented in documents on medicines optimisation policy in England. There has been growing support in England for a policy of medicines optimisation as a response to the rise of problematic polypharmacy. Conceptually, medicines optimisation differs from the medicines management model of prescribing in being based around the patient rather than processes and systems. This critical examination of current official and independent policy documents questions how central the patient is in them and whether relevant evidence has been utilised in their development. A documentary analysis of reports on medicines optimisation published by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), The King's Fund and National Institute for Health and Social Care Excellence since 2013. The analysis draws on a non-systematic review of research on patient experiences of using medicines. Findings The reports varied in their inclusion of patient perspectives and person-centred care values, and in the extent to which they drew on evidence from research on patients' experiences of polypharmacy and medicines use. In the RPS report, medicines optimisation is represented as being a 'step change' from medicines management, in contrast to the other documents which suggest that it is facilitated by the systems and processes that comprise the latter model. Only The King's Fund report considered evidence from qualitative studies of people's use of medicines. However, these studies are not without their limitations. We suggest five ways in which researchers could improve this evidence base and so inform the development of future policy: by facilitating reviews of existing research; conducting studies of patient experiences of polypharmacy and multimorbidity; evaluating medicines optimisation interventions; making better use of relevant theories, concepts and tools; and improving patient and public involvement in research and in guideline development.

Hypocalcémie

PubMed Central

Fong, Jeremy; Khan, Aliya

2012-01-01

Résumé Objectif Présenter aux médecins de famille une approche fondée sur des données probantes pour le diagnostic et la prise en charge de l’hypocalcémie. Qualité des données On a fait une recherche documentaire dans MEDLINE et EMBASE pour cerner des articles parus de 2000 à 2010 portant sur le diagnostic et la prise en charge de l’hypocalcémie. Les niveaux des données (de I à III) sont indiqués, le cas échéant et, dans la plupart des études, les données se situent aux niveaux II et III. On a aussi examiné les références des ouvrages appropriés pour trouver des articles pertinents. Message principal L’hypocalcémie est habituellement attribuable à des taux insuffisants d’hormones parathyroïdes ou de vitamine D ou à une résistance à ces hormones. Le traitement consiste surtout à administrer des suppléments de calcium et de vitamine D par voie orale, ainsi que de magnésium s’il y a carence. On peut intensifier davantage le traitement avec des diurétiques thiazidiques, des chélateurs de phosphore et un régime à faible teneur en sel et en phosphore quand on traite une hypocalcémie secondaire à une hypoparathyroïdie. Une carence en calcium aiguë et dangereuse pour la vie exige un traitement au moyen de calcium intraveineux. Les recommandations thérapeutiques actuelles se fondent largement sur l’opinion d’experts cliniciens et de rapports de cas publiés, car il n’y a pas suffisamment de données probantes disponibles tirées d’études cliniques contrôlées. Au nombre des complications des thérapies actuelles, on peut mentionner l’hypercalciurie, la néphrocalcinose, l’insuffisance rénale et la calcification des tissus mous. La thérapie actuelle est limitée par les fluctuations du calcium sérique. Quoique ces complications soient bien reconnues, les effets sur le bien-être général, l’humeur, la fonction cognitive et la qualité de vie, ainsi que les risques de complications, n’ont pas été adéquatement étudiés. Conclusion Les médecins de famille jouent un rôle central dans l’éducation des patients à propos de la prise en charge à long terme et des complications de l’hypocalcémie. À l’heure actuelle, la prise en charge est sous-optimale et marquée par des fluctuations dans le calcium sérique et l’absence d’une thérapie de remplacement des hormones parathyroïdes homologuée pour l’hypoparathyroïdie.

L’offre des services de vaccination en milieu urbain, au Cameroun: étude de cas du District de Santé de Djoungolo

PubMed Central

Ngomba, Armelle Viviane; Kollo, Basile; Bita, André Fouda; Djouma, Fabrice Nembot; Edengue, Jean Marie; Elongue, Marie Josée; Adiogo, Dieudonné

2016-01-01

Introduction Les métropoles camerounaises concentrent un nombre croissant d'enfants cibles, non atteints par les services de vaccination de routine. Méthodes Une étude transversale descriptive, basée sur échantillonnage exhaustif des formations sanitaires légales offrant en routine des services de vaccination a été réalisée dans le district de santé de Djoungolo, (ville de Yaoundé). L'évaluation de l'offre des services de vaccination a été calquée sur l'approche « Atteindre Chaque District ». Résultats Des 70 formations sanitaires ayant participé à l'étude, 3 (4,3%) disposaient d'un micro plan actualisé pour la vaccination de routine. Des 63 (89,4%) formations sanitaires possédant un réfrigérateur fonctionnel, 12 (19,0%) vaccinaient au quotidien en stratégie fixe. Cinquante-sept (81,0%) formations sanitaires ne conduisaient pas des sessions de vaccination en stratégies avancées. La participation des membres de la communauté aux activités de vaccination de routine étaient effective dans 1 aire de santé sur les 12 que compte le district. Une courbe de suivi des couvertures vaccinales correctement renseignée étaient disponible dans 6 (8,5%) formations sanitaires. Conclusion L'approche « Atteindre Chaque District » telle que mise en œuvre dans le district de santé de Djoungolo limite l'atteinte d'un maximum d'enfants cibles. L'effectivité d'une micro planification réaliste, la régularité des sessions de vaccination en stratégie fixes et avancées, le suivi des données orienté vers l'action, la redynamisation communautaire en faveur de la vaccination sont des voies d'amélioration des prestations des services de vaccination, dans ce district. PMID:28292168

Cancer du sein au Maroc: profil phénotypique des tumeurs

PubMed Central

Khalil, Ahmadaye Ibrahim; Bendahhou, Karima; Mestaghanmi, Houriya; Saile, Rachid; Benider, Abdellatif

2016-01-01

Le cancer du sein est le plus fréquent chez la femme et figure parmi les principales causes de mortalité liées au cancer. La curabilité de ce type tumoral est en augmentation, grâce aux programmes de dépistage et aux progrès thérapeutiques, qui ont certes augmenté la survie des patients. Mais des défis restent à relever en rapport avec l’instabilité phénotypique des cellules cancéreuses. L’objectif de ce travail est d’étudier le profil phénotypique du cancer du sein chez les patients pris en charge au Centre Mohammed VI pour le traitement des Cancers, durant les années 2013-2014. Il s’agit d’une étude transversale sur deux années, incluant les cas du cancer du sein pris en charge au Centre. Le recueil des données était fait à partir des dossiers des patients et analysés par le logiciel Epi Info. 1277 patients ont été pris en charge au sein de notre centre. 99,5% des cas de sexe féminin, l’âge moyen était 50,20 ± 11,34 ans. Le type histologique le plus fréquent était le carcinome canalaire infiltrant (80,7% des cas). Le stade diagnostic était précoce (56,9%). Le phénotype moléculaire le plus fréquent était le luminal A (41,4% des cas). Le luminal B, le HER2 et les triples négatifs étaient dans respectivement 10,4%, 6,3%, 11,2% des cas. L’étude du phénotype tumoral des patients atteints du cancer du sein permet l’orientation du clinicien dans le choix du traitement, et des décideurs dans la planification de programmes de lutte contre cette pathologie. PMID:28292037

Le recours aux modeles dans l'enseignement de la biologie au secondaire : Conceptions d'enseignantes et d'enseignants et modes d'utilisation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Varlet, Madeleine

Le recours aux modeles et a la modelisation est mentionne dans la documentation scientifique comme un moyen de favoriser la mise en oeuvre de pratiques d'enseignement-apprentissage constructivistes pour pallier les difficultes d'apprentissage en sciences. L'etude prealable du rapport des enseignantes et des enseignants aux modeles et a la modelisation est alors pertinente pour comprendre leurs pratiques d'enseignement et identifier des elements dont la prise en compte dans les formations initiale et disciplinaire peut contribuer au developpement d'un enseignement constructiviste des sciences. Plusieurs recherches ont porte sur ces conceptions sans faire de distinction selon les matieres enseignees, telles la physique, la chimie ou la biologie, alors que les modeles ne sont pas forcement utilises ou compris de la meme maniere dans ces differentes disciplines. Notre recherche s'est interessee aux conceptions d'enseignantes et d'enseignants de biologie au secondaire au sujet des modeles scientifiques, de quelques formes de representations de ces modeles ainsi que de leurs modes d'utilisation en classe. Les resultats, que nous avons obtenus au moyen d'une serie d'entrevues semi-dirigees, indiquent que globalement leurs conceptions au sujet des modeles sont compatibles avec celle scientifiquement admise, mais varient quant aux formes de representations des modeles. L'examen de ces conceptions temoigne d'une connaissance limitee des modeles et variable selon la matiere enseignee. Le niveau d'etudes, la formation prealable, l'experience en enseignement et un possible cloisonnement des matieres pourraient expliquer les differentes conceptions identifiees. En outre, des difficultes temporelles, conceptuelles et techniques peuvent freiner leurs tentatives de modelisation avec les eleves. Toutefois, nos resultats accreditent l'hypothese que les conceptions des enseignantes et des enseignants eux-memes au sujet des modeles, de leurs formes de representation et de leur approche constructiviste en enseignement representent les plus grands obstacles a la construction des modeles en classe. Mots-cles : Modeles et modelisation, biologie, conceptions, modes d'utilisation, constructivisme, enseignement, secondaire.

Facteurs de risque cardiovasculaires au cours du lupus systémique

PubMed Central

Harzallah, Amel; Hajji, Mariem; Kaaroud, Hayet; Hamida, Fethi Ben; Abdallah, Taieb Ben

2015-01-01

Cette étude a pour objectif d’évaluer la fréquence des facteurs de risque cardiovasculaires au cours du lupus et de préciser leur prévalence. Etude rétrospective portant sur 250 patients ayant un lupus, diagnostiqué selon les critères de l'ACR, hospitalisés entre 1970 et 2013. Les données cliniques et para cliniques ont été recueillies à partir des observations médicales. Il s'agit de 228 femmes et 22 hommes d’âge moyen au diagnostic du lupus de 30, 32 ans (extrêmes: 16-69). La durée moyenne du suivi des patients était de 64 mois (extrêmes: 7 jours- 382mois). Quatre vingt dix patients (36%) étaient hypertendus, 74% avaient une hypercholestérolémie et 22% étaient diabétiques. Pour les autres facteurs de risque cardiovasculaire traditionnels, un âge > 50 ans a été retrouvé dans 40% des cas, le sexe masculin dans 8% des cas, l'obésité dans 76% des cas et le tabagisme dans 11% des cas. Les facteurs de risque surajoutés sont représentés par la présence des anticorps antiphospholipides (47% des cas), la néphropathie lupique (49% des cas), l'insuffisance rénale (42% des cas), la corticothérapie au long cours (74% des cas) et la chronicité de la maladie dans 35% des cas. Les complications cardiovasculaires retrouvées dans notre série étaient: les accidents vasculaires cérébraux (2%) et l'insuffisance coronarienne (5,6%). Devant l'importance du risque cardiovasculaire au cours du lupus, une surveillance rapprochée des facteurs de risque cardio-vasculaires semble primordiale chez les lupiques. PMID:27022427

Cost-effectiveness analysis of biodegradable polymer versus durable polymer drug-eluting stents incorporating real-world evidence.

PubMed

Teng, Monica; Zhao, Ying Jiao; Khoo, Ai Leng; Ananthakrishna, Rajiv; Yeo, Tiong Cheng; Lim, Boon Peng; Chan, Mark Y; Loh, Joshua P

2018-06-05

Compared with second-generation durable polymer drug-eluting stents (DP-DES), the cost-effectiveness of biodegradable polymer drug-eluting stents (BP-DES) remains unclear in the real-world setting. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of BP-DES in patients with coronary artery disease undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We developed a decision-analytic model to compare the cost-effectiveness of BP-DES to DP-DES over one year and five years from healthcare payer perspective. Relative treatment effects during the first year post-PCI were obtained from a real-world population analysis while clinical event risks in the subsequent four years were derived from a meta-analysis of published studies. At one year, based on the clinical data analysis of 497 propensity-score matched pairs of patients, BP-DES were associated with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of USD20,503 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. At five years, BP-DES yielded an ICER of USD4,062 per QALY gained. At the willingness-to-pay threshold of USD50,400 (one gross domestic product per capita in Singapore in 2015), BP-DES were cost-effective. Sensitivity analysis showed that the cost of stents had a significant impact on the cost-effectiveness of BP-DES. Threshold analysis demonstrated that if the cost difference between BP-DES and DP-DES exceeded USD493, BP-DES would not be cost-effective in patients with one-year of follow-up. BP-DES were cost-effective compared with DP-DES in patients with coronary artery disease at one year and five years after PCI. It is worth noting that the cost of stents had a significant impact on the findings. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Évaluation des caractéristiques mécaniques du polissoir en polyuréthanne utilisé comme porte abrasifs durant le processus du polissage du verre optique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aliouane, T.; Bouzid, D.; Belkhir, N.; Bouzid, S.; Herold, V.

2005-05-01

La fabrication des composants en verre optique nécessite des moyens de grande précision dans les procédés de finition vue l'importance accordée à leur qualité.
Durant le processus de polissage des verres optiques, le polissoir est un élément clé et a un impact direct sur les performances des composants optiques, non seulement il est utilisé comme support de grains abrasifs mais il doit posséder la fonction de transmission de la pression aux grains. La connaissance de ses propriétés, essentiellement mécanique, est impérative afin d'obtenir un état de surface optimal des composants optiques destinés à remplir des fonctions très précises dans des appareils optiques très performants.
Dans cette étude, nous avons constaté que les propriétés des polissoirs en polyuréthanne tel que la dureté, le module d'élasticité et la densité varient au cours du polissage. Ce changement a des effets sur l'état de surface de verre optique, causé par le changement microstructural de la surface du polissoir (distribution et dimensions des pores) et par conséquent sur la quantité des abrasifs (en oxyde de cérium) insérée dans les pores, ce qui influe sur la quantité de verre enlevée et sur l'état de surface du composant.
Sur la base des résultats obtenus, il a été prouvé que le polissoir subit des modifications très importantes ce qui influe considérablement sur son efficacité de polissage.

Hypermethylation of Homeobox A10 by in Utero Diethylstilbestrol Exposure: An Epigenetic Mechanism for Altered Developmental Programming

PubMed Central

Bromer, Jason G.; Wu, Jie; Zhou, Yuping; Taylor, Hugh S.

2009-01-01

Diethylstilbestrol (DES) is a nonsteroidal estrogen that induces developmental anomalies of the female reproductive tract. The homeobox gene HOXA10 controls uterine organogenesis, and its expression is altered after in utero DES exposure. We hypothesized that an epigenetic mechanism underlies DES-mediated alterations in HOXA10 expression. We analyzed the expression pattern and methylation profile of HOXA10 after DES exposure. Expression of HOXA10 is increased in human endometrial cells after DES exposure, whereas Hoxa10 expression is repressed and shifted caudally from its normal location in mice exposed in utero. Cytosine guanine dinucleotide methylation frequency in the Hoxa10 intron was higher in DES-exposed offspring compared with controls (P = 0.017). The methylation level of Hoxa10 was also higher in the caudal portion of the uterus after DES exposure at the promoter and intron (P < 0.01). These changes were accompanied by increased expression of DNA methyltransferases 1 and 3b. No changes in methylation were observed after in vitro or adult DES exposure. DES has a dual mechanism of action as an endocrine disruptor; DES functions as a classical estrogen and directly stimulates HOXA10 expression with short-term exposure, however, in utero exposure results in hypermethylation of the HOXA10 gene and long-term altered HOXA10 expression. We identify hypermethylation as a novel mechanism of DES-induced altered developmental programming. PMID:19299448

VizieR Online Data Catalog: Australian Dark Energy Survey (OzDES) quasar catalog (Tie+, 2017)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tie, S. S.; Martini, P.; Mudd, D.; Ostrovski, F.; Reed, S. L.; Lidman, C.; Kochanek, C.; Davis, T. M.; Sharp, R.; Uddin, S.; King, A.; Wester, W.; Tucker, B. E.; Tucker, D. L.; Buckley-Geer, E.; Carollo, D.; Childress, M.; Glazebrook, K.; Hinton, S. R.; Lewis, G.; Macaulay, E.; O'Neill, C. R.; Abbott, T. M. C.; Abdalla, F. B.; Annis, J.; Benoit-Levy, A.; Bertin, E.; Brooks, D.; Carnero Rosell, A.; Carrasco Kind, M.; Carretero, J.; Cunha, C. E.; da Costa, L. N.; Depoy, D. L.; Desai, S.; Doel, P.; Eifler, T. F.; Evrard, A. E.; Finley, D. A.; Flaugher, B.; Fosalba, P.; Frieman, J.; Garcia-Bellido, J.; Gaztanaga, E.; Gerdes, D. W.; Goldstein, D. A.; Gruen, D.; Gruendl, R. A.; Gutierrez, G.; Honscheid, K.; James, D. J.; Kuehn, K.; Kuropatkin, N.; Lima, M.; Maia, M. A. G.; Marshall, J. L.; Menanteau, F.; Miller, C. J.; Miquel, R.; Nichol, R. C.; Nord, B.; Ogando, R.; Plazas, A. A.; Romer, A. K.; Sanchez, E.; Santiago, B.; Scarpine, V.; Schubnell, M.; Sevilla-Noarbe, I.; Smith, R. C.; Soares-Santos, M.; Sobreira, F.; Suchyta, E.; Swanson, M. E. C.; Tarle, G.; Thomas, D.; Walker, A. R.; DES Collaboration

2017-07-01

The Australian Dark Energy Survey (OzDES; Yuan et al. 2015MNRAS.452.3047Y) is a spectroscopic survey of the DES supernova fields using the AAOmega spectrograph (Smith et al. 2004SPIE.5492..410S) on the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT). The field of view of the AAT multi-object fiber-positioning system (Lewis et al. 2002MNRAS.333..279L) is well matched to DECam, making the AAT a well-suited spectroscopic follow-up instrument for DES. OzDES commenced observations at the same time as DES in 2013B and aims to measure redshifts for thousands of host galaxies of Type Ia supernovae and black hole masses for hundreds of AGNs and quasars (King et al. 2015MNRAS.453.1701K) using reverberation mapping (Blandford & McKee 1982ApJ...255..419B; Peterson 1993PASP..105..247P). The observing targets and results of OzDES observations are compiled into a spectroscopic catalog known as the Global Redshift Catalog (GRC). The GRC is updated after every OzDES observing season. In this work, we used the 2016 February version of the OzDES GRC. Here we present the OzDES Quasar Catalog of 1263 OzDES sources with Mi<-22 mag and i<22 mag that are spectroscopically confirmed quasars. (1 data file).

Les Brulures Electriques par Haut Voltage - A Propos de 10 Cas

PubMed Central

Belmir, R.; Fejjal, N.; El Omari, M.; El Mazouz, S.; Gharib, N.; Abassi, A.; Belmahi, A.

2008-01-01

Summary Les accidents électriques par haute tension (AEHT) provoquent des brûlures profondes par effet Joule le long des axes vasculo-nerveux entre les points d'entrée et de sortie, qui sont le siège de lésions délabrantes. Les Auteurs rapportent une série de dix cas d'AEHT admis au service de chirurgie réparatrice et de brûlés de l'Hôpital Ibn Sina de Rabat à travers laquelle ils étudient les caractéristiques épidémiologiques, cliniques et thérapeutiques. Tous les patients étaient des adultes de sexe masculin dont l'âge moyen était de 31 ans. Dans 70% des cas, ces brûlures étaient secondaires à un contact avec les distributeurs d'électricité avec une surface brûlée inférieure à 20%. Le traitement des lésions électrothermiques a nécessité des interventions itératives avec amputation des segments de membres nécrosés dans 70% des cas, dont les suites étaient marquées par des séquelles fonctionnelles invalidantes. La prévention des AEHT, en particulier pour les accidents du travail au sein des professions exposées, reste fondamentale. PMID:21991124