Geometric Concentration Ratio Research Articles

Overall performance evaluation of a novel optical truncation method for compound parabolic concentrated photovoltaic-thermal system

A variable geometric concentration ratio (VGCR) truncation method was proposed to enhance the performance of compound parabolic concentrated photovoltaic-thermal (CPC-PVT) system in this study. Based on a multi-physics field model of optical-thermal-electrical coupling, numerical investigations using Monte Carlo ray tracing (MCRT) and finite volume method (FVM) were conducted to analyze the effects of the variation rate of truncation ratio (k) and light incident angle (θin) on the overall performance (optical efficiency (ηop), instantaneous thermal efficiency (ηth), instantaneous electrical efficiency (ηele,total), instantaneous electrical power (P), instantaneous exergy efficiency (ηu,total) and economic performance) of CPC-PVT system. Also, the overall performance between the VGCR-CPC-PVT system and the full CPC-PVT (FCPC-PVT) system was compared. The results indicate that, when θin is smaller, there is little disparity in the overall performance between the two systems. However, as k increases, ηop, ηele,total, ηth and ηu,total of VGCR-CPC-PVT system monotonically increase, and the area of the high-temperature region on the PV panel surface decreases. When θin is larger, the VGCR-CPC-PVT system has a smaller shaded area, ηop, ηele,total, P and ηu,total are significantly improved compared with the FCPC-PVT system. Additionally, k has a significant impact on the overall performance of the system, and P, ηu,total and saved reflective surface area (S) are the criteria for selecting k. When using P and ηu,total as the selection criteria, the optimal k value is 0.04. For 0°≤θin≤38°, the average ηop, average ηele,total, average ηth, average P and average ηu,total of the VGCR-CPC-PVT system with k = 0.04 are relatively improved by 1.91 %, 4.59 %, 2.42 %, 3.12 % and 4.04 %, respectively, while the reflector area decreases by 17.5 %, compared with the FCPC-PVT system. The cost-effectiveness of concentrator increases significantly with k.

Lot-to-lot immunogenicity consistency of the respiratory syncytial virus prefusion F protein vaccine in older adults

BackgroundPrevious phase 3 studies showed that the AS01E-adjuvanted respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prefusion F protein-based vaccine for older adults (RSVPreF3 OA) is well tolerated and efficacious in preventing RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease in adults ≥ 60 years of age. This study evaluated lot-to-lot immunogenicity consistency, reactogenicity, and safety of three RSVPreF3 OA lots. MethodsThis phase 3, multicenter, double-blind study randomized (1:1:1) participants ≥ 60 years of age to receive one of three RSVPreF3 OA lots. Serum RSVPreF3-binding immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentration was assessed at baseline and 30 days post-vaccination. Lot-to-lot consistency was demonstrated if the two-sided 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) of the RSVPreF3-binding IgG geometric mean concentration (GMC) ratios between each lot pair at 30 days post-vaccination were within 0.67 and 1.50. Solicited adverse events (AEs) within four days, unsolicited AEs within 30 days, and serious AEs (SAEs) and potential immune-mediated diseases within six months post-vaccination were recorded. ResultsA total of 757 participants received RSVPreF3 OA, of whom 708 were included in the per-protocol set (234, 237, and 237 participants for each lot). Lot-to-lot consistency was demonstrated: GMC ratios were 1.06 (95 % CI: 0.94–1.21), 0.92 (0.81–1.04), and 0.87 (0.77–0.99) between the lot pairs (lot 1/2; 1/3; 2/3). For the three lots, the RSVPreF3-binding IgG concentration increased 11.84-, 11.29-, and 12.46-fold post-vaccination compared to baseline. The reporting rates of solicited and unsolicited AEs, SAEs, and potential immune-mediated diseases were balanced between lots. Twenty-one participants reported SAEs; one of these–a case of atrial fibrillation–was considered by the investigator as vaccine-related. SAEs with a fatal outcome were reported for four participants, none of which were considered by the investigator as vaccine-related. ConclusionThis study demonstrated lot-to-lot immunogenicity consistency of three RSVPreF3 OA vaccine lots and indicated that the vaccine had an acceptable safety profile.ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05059301.

Accelerated Polymer Photodegradation

Abstract: This article presents preliminary results of the accelerated degradation of polymers using concentrated solar radiation. For this purpose, a passive solar concentration prototype was designed, which consists of four trapezoidal mirrors placed in the shape of an inverted truncated square pyramid. The mirrors are placed at an angle of 30° respect to the zenith. The prototype has a square base of 46 cm x 46 cm where the polymers to be irradiated are placed and a geometric concentration ratio, CRg, of 1.89. The mass change was determined after 30 days of exposure to solar radiation, and the temperature variation of some samples as a function of irradiance was obtained. In addition, a computer simulation was carried out using the free access software Energy2D. Some polymers maintained their flexible mechanical properties, such as PET (type 1), others were partially embrittled, while type 2, 5 and 7 polymers were completely embrittled. It was possible to reduce the degradation time of different types of commercial polymers, while polymers exposed to non-concentrated radiation and without exposure remains intact. Embrittled polymers can be used as waterproof material in slabs and pre-cast walls, as well in applications where they are not exposed to solar radiation. On the other hand, the polymers that remained intact must be used in applications with permanent radiation exposure, such as in flower pots, plastic parts for automobiles, etc.

Lot-to-lot consistency, immunogenicity, and safety of the Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo Ebola virus vaccine regimen: A phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

ABSTRACT This phase-3, double-blind, placebo-controlled study (NCT04228783) evaluated lot-to-lot consistency of the Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo Ebola vaccine regimen. Participants were randomized (6:6:6:1) to receive the two-dose regimen from three consecutively manufactured lots of Ad26.ZEBOV on Day 1 paired with three consecutively manufactured lots of MVA-BN-Filo on Day 57 (Groups 1–3) or two doses of placebo (Group 4). An additional cohort also received an Ad26.ZEBOV booster or placebo 4 months post-dose 2. Equivalence of the immunogenicity at 21 days post-dose 2 between any two groups was demonstrated if the 95% confidence interval (CI) of the Ebola virus glycoprotein (EBOV GP)–binding antibody geometric mean concentration (GMC) ratio was entirely within the prespecified margin of 0.5–2.0. Lot-to-lot consistency (i.e., consecutive lots can be consistently manufactured) was accomplished if equivalence was shown for all three pairwise comparisons. Results showed that the primary objective in the per-protocol immunogenicity subset (n = 549) was established for each pairwise comparison (Group 1 vs 2: GMC ratio = 0.9 [95% CI: 0.8, 1.1], Group 1 vs 3: 0.9 [0.8, 1.1], Group 2 vs 3: 1.0 [0.9, 1.2]). Equivalence of the three groups for the Ad26.ZEBOV component only was also demonstrated at 56 days post-dose 1. EBOV GP–binding antibody responses (post-vaccination concentrations >2.5-fold from baseline) were observed in 419/421 (99.5%) vaccine recipients at 21 days post-dose 2 and 445/460 (96.7%) at 56 days post-dose 1. In the booster cohort (n = 39), GMCs increased 9.0- and 11.8-fold at 7 and 21 days post-booster, respectively, versus pre-booster. Ad26.ZEBOV, MVA-BN-Filo was well tolerated, and no safety issues were identified.

A phase III randomized-controlled study of safety and immunogenicity of DTwP-HepB-IPV-Hib vaccine (HEXASIIL®) in infants

A fully liquid hexavalent containing Diphtheria (D), Tetanus (T) toxoids, whole cell Pertussis (wP), Hepatitis B (Hep B), type 1, 2, 3 of inactivated poliovirus (IPV) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine (DTwP-HepB-IPV-Hib vaccine, HEXASIIL®) was tested for lot-to-lot consistency and non-inferiority against licensed DTwP-HepB-Hib + IPV in an open label, randomized Phase II/III study. In Phase III part, healthy infants received DTwP-HepB-IPV-Hib or DTwP-HepB-Hib + IPV vaccines at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age. Blood samples were collected prior to the first dose and 28 days, post dose 3. Non inferiority versus DTwP-HepB-Hib + IPV was demonstrated with 95% CIs for the treatment difference for seroprotection/seroconversion rates. For DTwP-HepB-IPV-Hib lots, limits of 95% CI for post-vaccination geometric mean concentration ratios were within equivalence limits (0.5 and 2). Vaccine was well-tolerated and no safety concerns observed.Clinical Trial Registration – CTRI/2019/11/022052

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Solar Thermal Dry Reforming of Methane in a Parabolic Trough

Computational fluid dynamics simulations of solar-thermal dry reforming of methane using a parabolic trough configuration were performed. Parametric simulations of different combinations of gas flow rate, receiver tube emissivity, and geometric concentration ratio were conducted to determine configurations that could achieve the required catalyst temperatures of at least 700 °C to achieve high conversion of CH4 and CO2 to H2 and CO. Results showed that the concentration ratio of the parabolic trough collector had to be increased from ~70 to ~120 and the receiver-tube emissivity had to be reduced to ~0.2 to achieve bulk average catalyst temperatures of greater than 700 °C. Lower gas flow rates also reduced enthalpic heat losses and increased catalyst temperatures.

An indirect treatment comparison (ITC) and matching-adjusted indirect comparison (MAIC) between a 15-valent (V114) and a 20-valent (PCV20) pneumococcal conjugate vaccine among healthy infants

ABSTRACT Objectives Immunogenicity between 15-valent V114 (PCV15) and 20-valent PCV20 pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in healthy infants is compared in an indirect treatment comparison and matching-adjusted indirect comparison. Hypotheses: immunogenicity of V114 is non-inferior to PCV20 for all PCV13 serotypes, and superior to PCV20 for serotype 3 based on lower bound margins. Methods Two phase 3 pivotal studies on 3 + 1 pediatric vaccination schedule at age 2, 4, 6, and 12–15 months compared V114 (N = 858) to PCV13 (N = 856) and PCV20 (N = 1001) to PCV13 (N = 987). Infant’s age and race in V114 study were matched to those in PCV20 study. Primary endpoints were serotype-specific Immunoglobulin G (IgG) response rate difference (RRD) 30 days post-dose (PD)3; IgG geometric mean concentration (GMC) ratios 30 days PD3 and PD4. Results V114 was non-inferior ( >-10%-point; >0.5) to PCV20 (p-value <0.001) for all endpoints. V114 was superior ( >0%-point; >1.2) to PCV20 (p-value <0.001) for serotype 3: RRD was 34.5% (95%CI 27.9%-41.1%) PD3, and IgG GMC ratios were 2.39 (95%CI 2.12–2.68) PD3 and 2.15 (95%CI 1.90–2.41) PD4. Conclusion Immune response to V114 administered in a 3 + 1 schedule in healthy infants was considered non-inferior to PCV20 for all 13 PCV13 serotypes and superior for serotype 3 PD3 and PD4. Clinical trial registration www.clinicaltrials.gov identifiers NCT03893448, NCT04382326

Effective and safe transfer of maternal antibodies persisting two months postpartum following maternal immunization with different doses of recombinant pertussis-containing vaccines

IntroductionRecombinant acellular pertussis (ap) vaccines containing genetically inactivated pertussis toxin (PTgen) and filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) with or without tetanus (TT) and diphtheria (DT) vaccines (Td) were found safe and immunogenic in non-pregnant and pregnant women. We report here maternal antibody transfer and safety data in mothers and neonates. MethodsThis is the follow up of a phase 2 trial in 2019 among 400 pregnant women who randomly received one dose of recombinant pertussis-only vaccine containing 1 µg PTgen and 1 µg FHA (ap1gen), or Td combined with ap1gen (Tdap1gen), or with 2 µg PTgen and 5 µg FHA (Tdap2gen), or with 5 µg PTgen and 5 µg FHA (TdaP5gen, Boostagen®, BioNet, Thailand) or chemically-inactivated acellular pertussis comparator (Tdap8chem, Boostrix™, GSK, Belgium), either in the second or third trimester of gestation. IgG against PT, FHA, TT and DT were assessed by ELISA, PT-neutralizing antibodies (PTNA) by Chinese Hamster Ovary cell assay and safety outcomes at delivery in mothers and at birth. ResultsAnti-PT and anti-FHA geometric mean concentration (GMC) ratio between infants at birth and mothers at delivery was above 1 in all groups. PT GMC in infants at birth were ≥30 IU/mL in all groups with the highest titers in infants found in TdaP5gen group at birth (118.8 [95% CI 93.9–150.4]). At 2 months, PT GMC ratio to Tdap8chem (98.75% CI) was significantly higher for TdaP5gen (2.6 [1.7–4.0]) and comparable for other recombinant vaccines. No difference in PTNA titers at birth was observed between all groups nor between time of vaccination. Adverse events were comparable in all vaccine groups. ConclusionsBioNet licensed (TdaP5gen and Tdap2gen) and candidate vaccines (Tdap1gen and ap1gen) when given to pregnant women in the second or third trimester of gestation are safe and have induced passive pertussis immunity to infants.

Geometric characteristics and design optimization of parabolic trough concentrators with a flat mirror as the secondary reflector designed based on two components of a solar source

Parabolic trough concentrators with a tubular receiver (PTCs) are widely used for the production of solar thermal power. However, the geometric concentration ratio (CR) of PTCs falls short of thermodynamic concentration limit (C0) by a factor larger than π, and restricted by the angle subtended by solar sources (Δs = 2θa). To increase CR, a novel idea by dividing a solar source into two components in the open angle is proposed for the design of PTC equipped with a secondary reflector (SR), and PTC with a flat mirror (FM) is designed as a trial of the idea. For such design idea, rays incident at rims of primary parabolic reflector (PR) from one component (S1) are required to directly redirect onto on the absorber tube (AT) and those from another component (S2) are required to arrive on the AT after reflections from PR first then from FM. To investigate effects of the angular division factor (k) of solar sources (Δs2 = kΔs) and rim angle (ϕe) of PR on the effective CR (Cg), a mathematical procedure to characterize the geometry is suggested and examined by ray-tracing technique. The analysis shows that the geometry of PTC-FM is dependent on k, ϕe and θa, and a set of optimal k and ϕe for maximizing Cg can be obtained when θa is given. Calculation results show that the optimal k for maximizing Cg is 0.5 regardless of θa, but the optimal ϕe of PTC-FM for maximizing Cg, is sensitive to θa. As compared to conventional PTCs, the Cg of optimized PTC-FM is increased more than 80%, larger than 56.5% of C0, for k = 0.5 and θa < 1.0°. Empirical expressions for a quick estimation of optimal ϕe are also proposed based on numerical calculations. Results by ray-tracing analysis indicate that the optimal ϕe for maximizing CR and average solar concentration ratio are almost identical when the reflectivity of PR and FM is higher than 0.8. In principle, the novel idea is applicable for the design of other solar concentrators, therefore a further increase of Cg of PTCs is possible by using other imaging and non-imaging optics as the SR.

Inductive Power Line Harvester With Flux Guidance for Self-Powered Sensors

Self-powered sensors are expected to enable new large-scale deployment and location access capabilities for sensor systems. Energy harvesting devices have been shown to provide adequate power densities but their dependence on very specific environmental conditions restricts their applicability. Energy harvesting from power line infrastructure offers an architecture for addressing this challenge, because such infrastructure is widely available. In this paper an inductive power line harvester concept is presented, based on a flux concentration approach adapted to a closed-loop core geometry. Flux concentration is studied by simulation, showing a 26% flux increase using a 1:3 geometrical concentration ratio in a closed-loop core. A 20×20×25 mm prototype with a U-shaped soft-core sheet and a 200-turn Cu coil around a 5 mm diameter, 20 mm long soft-core rod is introduced. The total device volume is 9.1 cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sup> . Characterization results on a power line evaluation setup for currents up to 35 A RMS and a 50 Hz – 1 kHz range are presented. Power between 2.2 mW (50 Hz) and 233 mW (1 kHz) is demonstrated on an ohmic load, from a 10 A RMS power line current, employing impedance matching with reactance cancellation. The corresponding power densities are 0.24 mW/cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sup> and 25 mW/cm <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">3</sup> respectively, per total device volume. This performance is adequate for enabling self-powered wireless sensor networks installed along power distribution lines.

Manufacturing of Low-Cost Parabolic Dish Concentrators with Manual Dual-Axis Tracking

The increased rate of energy crises around the world results in expanding the role of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technology for different applications, comprising heating process and power generation applications. The Parabolic Dish Concentrator (PDC) with its large concentration ratio and its modular capacity attracts researchers’ efforts. In this research work, we have designed and developed a PDC with back silvered mirrors as reflector material. Then we have sized the following geometric parameters: the dish diameter, the focal length, the aperture area, the rim angle, the geometric concentration ratio, the receiver material, and the receiver diameter. Furthermore, a dual-axis manual tracking system has been built for this PDC. It should be mentioned that the different components of the PDC have been recycled from a scrap yard to develop a low-cost PDC system. Finally, we have investigated the temperature evolution as a function of time at the focus spot. The maximum temperature obtained is 112 °C for the PDC with mirror. The findings of the study reveal the possibility of building a low-cost solar concentrator with good performance and high quality, only by employing recycled materials, and it could be operated in various applications.

Model construction and performance research of the optimized compound parabolic concentrator based on critical truncation and multi-section congruent

Solar CPC (Compound Parabolic Concentrator, CPC) has a limited ability to collect solar radiation at the top of the reflection surface, and the energy flux distribution on the absorber surface is not uniform. The paper presents an optimized model of N-CPC (No-Gap Escape CPC, N-CPC) that is constructed through critical truncation and multi-section congruent, and the model parameters are determined using the principle of non-imaging optical edge rays, and the theoretical reliability and optical performance are verified through laser experiments and simulation analysis. The research results show that compared with N-CPC with an equivalent geometrical concentration ratio, O-CPC (Optimized CPC, O-CPC) effectively enhances the acceptable range of incident rays, with an average optical efficiency of 40.60%, which beam radiation collection is increased by 3.06% and diffuse radiation collection is increased by 38.92%, effectively reducing the peak energy flux distribution. Combined with economic analysis, O-CPC has a broader application prospect.

Adapted vaccine strategy: facing the persistent challenges of COVID-19

Adapted vaccine strategy: facing the persistent challenges of COVID-19

Safety and immunogenicity of 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in Japanese healthy infants: A phase III study (V114-033)

BackgroundThis phase III study evaluated safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of V114 (15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) in Japanese infants. V114 contains all 13 serotypes in PCV13 plus additional serotypes 22F and 33F. MethodsHealthy Japanese infants were randomized to receive three primary doses of V114 or PCV13 (dose 1 at 2–6 months of age; doses 2 and 3 ≥ 27 days after prior dose), plus a toddler dose at 12–15 months of age. Adverse events (AEs) were collected on Days 1–14 following each vaccination. Serotype-specific anti-pneumococcal immunoglobulin G (IgG) was measured 30 days post-dose 3, pre-dose 4, and 30 days post-dose 4. Primary objectives included non-inferiority of V114 to PCV13 for the 13 shared serotypes based on serotype-specific IgG response rates (IgG ≥ 0.35 μg/mL) and geometric mean concentration (GMC) ratios, and for serotypes 22F and 33F based on IgG response rates and compared with the lowest response of any serotype in the PCV13 group, at 30 days post-dose 3. ResultsOverall, 694 infants were randomized to V114 (n = 347) or PCV13 (n = 347). Proportions of participants with solicited and serious AEs were comparable between vaccination groups. V114 met non-inferiority criteria for all 13shared serotypes, based on difference in proportion of responders (lower bound of two-sided 95 % confidence interval [CI] > −10.0) and IgG GMC ratios (V114/PCV13, lower bound of two-sided 95 % CI > 0.5) at 30 days post-dose 3. The non-inferiority criterion based on IgG response rates was met for serotype 22F, but narrowly missed for serotype 33F (90.9 %, lower bound of two-sided 95 % CI −10.6). ConclusionIn Japanese infants, a four-dose series of V114 was generally well tolerated. Compared with PCV13, V114 provided non-inferior immune responses to the 13 shared serotypes and higher immune responses to serotype 22F and 33F post-primary series.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04384107; EudraCT 2019-003644-68.

Omicron BA.1-containing mRNA-1273 boosters compared with the original COVID-19 vaccine in the UK: a randomised, observer-blind, active-controlled trial

The omicron BA.1 bivalent booster is used globally. Previous open-label studies of the omicron BA.1 (Moderna mRNA-1273.214) booster showed superior neutralising antibody responses against omicron BA.1 and other variants compared with the original mRNA-1273 booster. We aimed to compare the safety and immunogenicity of omicron BA.1 monovalent and bivalent boosters with the original mRNA-1273 vaccine in a large, randomised controlled trial. In this large, randomised, observer-blind, active-controlled, phase 3 trial in the UK (28 hospital and vaccination clinic sites), individuals aged 16 years or older who had previously received two injections of any authorised or approved COVID-19 vaccine, with or without an mRNA vaccine booster (third dose), were randomly allocated (1:1) using interactive response technology to receive 50 μg omicron BA.1 monovalent or bivalent vaccines or 50 μg mRNA-1273 administered as boosters via deltoid intramuscular injection. The primary outcomes were safety and immunogenicity at day 29, including prespecified non-inferiority and superiority of booster immune responses, based on the neutralising antibody geometric mean concentration (GMC) ratios of the monovalent and bivalent boosters compared with mRNA-1273. Safety was assessed in all participants who received first or second boosters, and primary immunogenicity outcomes were assessed in all participants who received the planned booster dose, had pre-booster and day 29 antibody data, had no major protocol deviations, and who were SARS-CoV-2-negative. The study is registered with EudraCT (2022-000063-51) and ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05249829) and is ongoing. Between Feb 16 and March 24, 2022, 724 participants were randomly allocated to receive omicron BA.1 monovalent (n=366) or mRNA-1273 (n=357), and between April 2 and June 17, 2022, 2824 participants were randomly allocated to receive omicron BA.1 bivalent (n=1418) or mRNA-1273 (n=1395) vaccines as second boosters. Median durations (months) between the most recent COVID-19 vaccine and study boosters were similar for omicron BA.1 monovalent (4·0 months [IQR 3·6-4·7]) and mRNA-1273 (4·1 [3·5-4·7]), and for the omicron BA.1 bivalent (5·5 [4·8-6·2]) and mRNA-1273 (5·4 [4·8-6·2]) boosters. The omicron BA.1 monovalent and bivalent boosters elicited superior neutralising GMCs against the omicron BA.1 variant compared with mRNA-1273, with GMC ratios of 1·68 (99% CI 1·45-1·95) and 1·53 (1·41-1·67) at day 29 post-booster doses in participants without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Both boosters induced non-inferior ancestral SARS-CoV-2 (Asp614Gly) immune responses with GMCs that were similar for the bivalent (2987·2 [95% CI 2814·9-3169·9]) versus mRNA-1273 (2911·3 [2750·9-3081·0]) and lower for the monovalent (2699·7 [2431·3-2997·7] vs 3020·6 [2776·5-3286·2]) boosters, with respective GMC ratios of 1·05 (99% CI 0·96-1·15) and 0·82 (95% CI 0·74-0·91). Results were comparable regardless of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection status. Incidences of solicited adverse reactions with the omicron BA.1 monovalent (335 [91·3%] of 367 participants) and omicron BA.1 bivalent (1285 [90·4%] of 1421 participants) boosters were similar to those observed previously for mRNA-1273, with no new safety concerns identified and no occurrences of fatal adverse events. Omicron-containing booster vaccines generated superior immunogenicity against omicron BA.1 and comparable immunogenicity against the original strain with no new safety concerns. It remains important to continuously monitor the immune responses and real-world vaccine effectiveness as divergent SARS-CoV-2 variants emerge. Moderna.

Nonimaging Behavior of Circular Trough Concentrators With Tubular Receivers

Abstract This paper presents a detailed analysis of the optical performance of circular trough concentrators with tubular receivers. First, a simple analytical formula for the achievable geometric concentration ratio as a function of the rim angle and acceptance angle is developed. Notably, the development reveals the existence of three distinct concentration ratio regimes: a first regime where the receiver is sized based on the reflection of the edge rays from the rim alone, a second regime where the receiver is sized based on the rim and the edge ray caustics, and a third regime where two reflections from the mirror are permitted. Several exemplary designs are proposed and further analyzed using Monte Carlo ray tracing to obtain transmission angle curves and receiver flux distributions. For an acceptance angle of 1 deg, the circular trough concentrator with circular receiver is found to achieve a maximum geometric concentration ratio of 7.695× with a peak flux of 30 suns. For large acceptance angles (10 deg), the circular trough achieves a geometric concentration ratio as high as 82% of that of a parabolic trough. This noteworthy performance, along with the fact that a circular mirror is amenable to an inflated polymer construction, makes this configuration promising for low-cost, low-concentration solar thermal applications.

A Phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, active comparator-controlled study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of V114 compared with PCV13 in healthy infants (PNEU-PED-EU-1)

BackgroundV114 (15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine [PCV]) contains all serotypes in 13-valent PCV (PCV13) and additional serotypes 22F and 33F. This study evaluated safety and immunogenicity of V114 compared with PCV13 in healthy infants, and concomitant administration with DTPa–HBV–IPV/Hib and rotavirus RV1 vaccines. MethodsV114 and PCV13 were administered in a 2+1 schedule at 2, 4, and 11–15 months of age. Adverse events (AEs) were collected on Days 1–14 following each vaccination. Serotype-specific anti-pneumococcal immunoglobulin G (IgG) was measured 30 days post-primary series (PPS), immediately prior to a toddler dose, and 30 days post-toddler dose (PTD). Primary objectives included non-inferiority of V114 to PCV13 for 13 shared serotypes and superiority of V114 to PCV13 for the two additional serotypes. Results1184 healthy infants 42–90 days of age were randomized 1:1 to V114 (n = 591) or PCV13 (n = 593). Proportions of participants with solicited AEs and serious AEs were comparable between vaccination groups. V114 met pre-specified non-inferiority criteria for all 13 shared serotypes, based on the difference in proportions of participants with serotype-specific IgG concentrations ≥0.35 μg/mL (response rate; lower bound of two-sided 95% confidence interval [CI] >−10.0) and IgG geometric mean concentration (GMC) ratios (lower bound of two-sided 95% CI >0.5), and pre-specified superiority criteria for serotypes 22F and 33F (lower bound of two-sided 95% CI >10.0 for response rates and >2.0 for GMC ratios). Antibody responses to DTPa–HBV–IPV/Hib and RV1 vaccines met pre-specified non-inferiority criteria, based on antigen-specific response rates to DTPa–HBV–IPV/Hib and anti-rotavirus IgA geometric mean titers. ConclusionsAfter a 2+1 schedule, V114 elicited non-inferior immune responses to 13 shared serotypes and superior responses to the two additional serotypes compared with PCV13, with comparable safety profile. These results support the routine use of V114 in infants.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04031846; EudraCT: 2018-003787-31

Energy Consumption Monitoring System Based on IoT for Residential Rooftops

This work aims to create a web-based real-time monitoring system for electrical energy consumption inside a specific residence. This electrical energy is generated from a micro-CPV system lying on the roof of this residence. The micro-CPV is composed of a Fresnel lens as the main optical element, a spherical lens as the secondary optical element, and a multi-junction solar cell. A tiny photovoltaic concentrator system with a geometric concentration ratio of 100× is analyzed in the first part of this study, while the second part is designed to monitor the electricity generated by the micro-CPV system. An ESP8266 controller chipset is used to build the sensing peripheral node, which controls a relay and a PZEM-004T current sensor. As a result, the optical element used has approximately 83% optical efficiency, with an acceptance angle of 1.5°. Regarding the monitoring system, the architecture demonstrates the ability of the system to monitor current and energy consumption in real time using a computer or smartphone and a web server specially designed to continuously update the power consumption profile in a specific smart home environment. The whole electric power consumption monitoring system generally worked well. The monitoring system is configured to provide excellent accuracy for a 0.6% hit.

Safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of V114 pneumococcal vaccine compared with PCV13 in a 2+1 regimen in healthy infants: A phase III study (PNEU-PED-EU-2)

BackgroundThis phase III study evaluated safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of V114 (15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) in healthy infants. V114 contains all 13 serotypes in PCV13 and additional serotypes 22F and 33F. MethodsHealthy infants were randomized to two primary doses and one toddler dose (2+1 regimen) of V114 or PCV13 at 3, 5, and 12 months of age; diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTaP), inactivated poliovirus (IPV), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine was administered concomitantly. Adverse events (AEs) were collected on Days 1–14 following each vaccination. Serotype-specific anti-pneumococcal immunoglobulin G (IgG) was measured 30 days post-primary series, immediately prior to toddler dose, and 30 days post-toddler dose. Primary objectives included non-inferiority of V114 to PCV13 for 13 shared serotypes and superiority of V114 to PCV13 for serotypes 22F and 33F. Results1191 healthy infants were randomized to V114 (n = 595) or PCV13 (n = 596). Proportions of participants with solicited AEs and serious AEs were comparable between groups. V114 met non-inferiority criteria for 13 shared serotypes, based on difference in proportions with serotype-specific IgG ≥0.35 μg/mL (lower bound of two-sided 95% confidence interval [CI] >−10.0) and IgG geometric mean concentration (GMC) ratios (lower bound of two-sided 95% CI >0.5) at 30 days post-toddler dose. V114 met superiority criteria for serotypes 22F and 33F, based on response rates (lower bound of two-sided 95% CI >10.0) and IgG GMC ratios (lower bound of two-sided 95% CI >2.0) at 30 days post-toddler dose.Antibody responses to DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB met non-inferiority criteria, based on antigen-specific response rates. ConclusionA two-dose primary series plus toddler dose of V114 was well-tolerated in healthy infants. Compared with PCV13, V114 provided non-inferior immune responses to 13 shared serotypes and superior immune responses to additional serotypes 22F and 33F.

Immunogenicity and safety of the non-typable Haemophilus influenzae–Moraxella catarrhalis (NTHi-Mcat) vaccine administered following the recombinant zoster vaccine versus administration alone: Results from a randomized, phase 2a, non-inferiority trial

ABSTRACT A candidate AS01-adjuvanted vaccine containing four surface proteins from non-typable Haemophilus influenzae and Moraxella catarrhalis (NTHi-Mcat) has been developed to help prevent exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Sequential administration of different vaccines containing the same AS01-adjuvant system could lead to immune interference. We compared administration of NTHi-Mcat following AS01-adjuvanted recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV) versus NTHi-Mcat alone. This phase 2a, open-label trial (NCT03894969) randomized healthy current or former smokers (50–80 years) without COPD to administration of NTHi-Mcat at 1, 3 or 6 months after RZV or to NTHi-Mcat alone (2-dose for both vaccines). Primary outcome was non-inferiority of the humoral immune response to NTHi-Mcat administered 1 month after RZV versus NTHi-Mcat alone, evaluated by specific antibody geometric mean concentration (GMC) ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The per-protocol set included 411 participants. Primary objective was met; lower limit of the 95%CI for the GMC ratio above 0.667 for all four vaccine antigens, 1 month after the second NTHi-Mcat dose. NTHi-Mcat induced similar immune response regardless of whether administered alone or 1, 3 or 6 months following RZV. Safety and reactogenicity profiles were acceptable; adverse event frequency was similar among study groups. Injection site pain was the most common symptom. No new safety concerns were identified. The study demonstrated non-inferiority of the immune response elicited by NTHi-Mcat administered sequentially to RZV versus NTHi-Mcat alone, indicating no immune interference. Starting from 1 month, no specific interval is required between RZV and NTHi-Mcat containing the same AS01-adjuvant system components in different quantities.