Levels Of Individual Components Research Articles

Self-Adapting Machine Learning-based Systems via a Probabilistic Model Checking Framework

This paper focuses on the problem of optimizing system utility of Machine-Learning (ML) based systems in the presence of ML mispredictions. This is achieved via the use of self-adaptive systems and through the execution of adaptation tactics, such as model retraining , which operate at the level of individual ML components. To address this problem, we propose a probabilistic modeling framework that reasons about the cost/benefit trade-offs associated with adapting ML components. The key idea of the proposed approach is to decouple the problems of estimating (i) the expected performance improvement after adaptation and (ii) the impact of ML adaptation on overall system utility. We apply the proposed framework to engineer a self-adaptive ML-based fraud-detection system, which we evaluate using a publicly-available, real fraud detection data-set. We initially consider a scenario in which information on model’s quality is immediately available. Next we relax this assumption by integrating (and extending) state-of-the-art techniques for estimating model’s quality in the proposed framework. We show that by predicting the system utility stemming from retraining a ML component, the probabilistic model checker can generate adaptation strategies that are significantly closer to the optimal, as compared against baselines such as periodic or reactive retraining.

TRANSFORMATION OF CONSUMER (CLIENT) CAPITAL PROPERTIES THROUGH BEHAVIORAL MECHANISMS OF DIGITIZATION

The research is dedicated to the transformation of consumer (client) capital as a component of intellectual capital, serving as an indicator of its sustainable development in the era of digitalization of economic processes. Research objective. The aim of the study lies in developing a methodological approach to the transformation of properties of intellectual capital through behavioral mechanisms of digitalization of economic processes and determining an index enabling tracking the influence of behavioral mechanisms on economic processes in real-time. Additionally, the paper refines and categorizes the components of consumer (client) capital, elucidates their essence, and proposes methodological approaches for determining the levels of individual components and the overall level of consumer (client) capital depending on behavioral mechanisms of economic processes. Furthermore, it identifies an index allowing tracking the impact of behavioral mechanisms of economic processes in real-time and comparing the economic efficiency of influencing enterprise activities. Methodology: The study employs dialectical method, analysis and synthesis (investigation of structural (client) capital and determination of its elements and qualitative characteristics of properties), graphical method (for illustrating research results), systemic-structural and expert analysis (for determining the impacts of changes in consumer capital properties and its qualitative characteristics and influences on the effectiveness of socio-economic systems). Scientific novelty lies in the development of a methodological approach to the transformation of consumer capital properties through behavioral mechanisms of economic process digitization and determining an index enabling tracking the impact of behavioral mechanisms of economic processes in real-time and influencing the optimization of the structure of intellectual capital of socio-economic systems. Practical significance involves recommending a methodological approach to transforming consumer (client) capital properties through behavioral mechanisms of economic process digitization and an index for comparing the economic efficiency of influencing company activities with general possibilities of using other mechanisms.

Dynamic safety management model for rail traffic control

In rail transport, increasing emphasis has been placed in recent years on improving safety levels. Therefore, more requirements and legal documents require risk analyses to be carried out at various stages of investment implementation. One of the leading legal documents that introduce the obligation to monitor risk is Directive (EU) 2016/798 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 May 2016 on railway safety and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 402/2013 of 30 April 2013 on the common safety method for risk evaluation and assessment and re-pealing Regulation (EC) No 352/2009. Additionally, for traffic control systems, the requirements of CENELEC standards are mandatory. These documents present the subject of safety level and show its relation with the safety targets defined in the railway system, including the different ways of measuring them. Methods are also available to analyse the safety level of railway system components in detail, both at the level of individual components, subsystems, and the whole national railway system. However, after conducting an in-depth analysis of the literature, the authors of the article indicate that these methods are not consistent with each other. There is no method defined to present the direct relation of the safety level of the components of the system on the achievement of safety targets for the national railway system. The research and analysis aimed to define an approach, a method that would meet all legal requirements but at the same time would allow to clearly and reliably determine the safety level of the railway system. To define a unified approach, the authors of the article propose to develop a model of a dynamic object - a railway system safety model, which has also been verified on accurate safety data in rail transport in recent years. This model organises the process of safety management on railways and allows to determine values influencing the achievement of safety targets on an assumed level.

Characteristics of clinical manifestations of allergy in correlation with cow’s milk-sIgE components in children – preliminary reports

Background: Cow’s milk, which is one of the first foods in human life, is also one of the most common causes of food allergy in infants and young children, as well as anaphylaxis in the youngest population. Thanks to component diagnostics, it is possible to accurately determine the concentrations of antibodies specific to individual milk proteins. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between the cow’s milk component-specific IgE and the type of clinical manifestation of allergy. Materials and methods: Eighteen children with documented IgE-mediated allergy to cow’s milk proteins were enrolled in the study. Blood samples (2 mL) were collected from each patient for component diagnostics using the ALEX test. Results: The antibodies that were most frequently found among the children with cow’s milk allergy were antibodies against casein (Bos d 8). There were no statistically significant relationships between the clinical symptoms and the levels of individual components. A statistically significant relationship was observed between the concentration of α-lactalbumin (Bos d 4) and the duration of clinical symptoms of allergy to cow’s milk protein. Conclusions: The results of our study indicate that the most common component is casein (Bos d 8). The relationship between the sensitisation to other components and clinical symptoms requires further research, which is currently being conducted.

Work intensity and work modification amid implementation of anti-epidemic activities

Introduction. Assessment of work intensity (WI) is challenged by several methodical complications. It may involve certain underestimation of an actual hazard category of working conditions and fails to consider work modification. 
 Materials and methods. The study relies on using analytical, sociological, and statistical methods. To test the selected approach, a sample was created from workers with mostly mental work (n=137, 77% females). Their average age was 43.9±8.0 years; average work experience was 14.5±3.7 years. 
 Results. In this article, we suggest certain approaches to assessing WI. They include self-assessment of a factor using a specifically designed questionnaire; they clarify indicators that describe WI; when assessing working conditions, they rely on matrices of interrelated indicators. This procedure makes it possible to estimate levels of individual components and create an integral WI profile as well as identify contributions made by various intensity types to its overall structure. When testing the procedure, we established workers with mostly mental work to tend to have harmful working conditions as per WI factor (the hazard category 3.1 in 24.8% of the cases; 3.2, 56.9% of the cases; and the hazard category 3.3 in 17.5% of the cases). Mental (28.6±6.1%) and sensory (24.0±7.0%) loads are limiting components. Amid implementation of anti-epidemic activities, work regime was established as the most sensitive WI component (its contribution grew from 11.1±6.0 to 16.0±5.7%, p<0.05). Working conditions moved to a higher hazard category for 35.8% workers.
 Limitations. Assessment of working conditions uses threshold values introduced more than 30 years ago and can be adjusted for the existing employment conditions. The testing was accomplished on a rather small sample, which was biased as per gender and included workers with different occupations and positions.
 Conclusion. The suggested approaches offer wider opportunities to assess working conditions as per WI with respect to some occupations. This may substantiate a list of indicators that should be regulated by the existing sanitary legislation. Investigation of possible modification of factors during the pandemic makes it possible to describe eligibility of anti-epidemic activities without any deterioration of working conditions.

Correlation between Primary Knee Osteoarthritis and Metabolic Syndrome among Egyptian Patients

Abstract Background Previous studies have suggested that metabolic syndrome is associated with osteoarthritis (OA). However, analyses have not addressed whether levels of individual metabolic syndrome components are related to OA. This study was undertaken to examine the relationship of metabolic syndrome and its components with radiographic and symptomatic knee OA Objective To assess the impact of metabolic syndrome and its components on the degree of structural damage and function impairment in a sample of Egyptian patients with symptomatic primary knee OA. Patients and Methods In this study, 116 Egyptian osteoarthritic patients were included, Patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A: includes 58 osteoarthritic patients with metabolic syndrome. Group B: includes 58 osteoarthritic patients without metabolic syndrome. Results There was a positive correlation detected between HAQ and hypertension with P-Value 0.002. There was a positive correlation detected between WOMAC and hypertension with P-Value 0.000.we found that OA was sever in hypertensive patients, old age, patients with high waist circumference and high levels of CRP, TG, FBG and 2HPP with P-value > 0.001. While there was no correlation between X-ray grading with and ESR, uric acid, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, HBA1C and insulin resistance with P-Value > 0.05 Conclusion We concluded that patients with knee OA and metabolic syndrome has more radiological damage and severe grades of functional disability in comparative to patients with OA without MS.

SPATIAL DIFFERENTIATION OF THE SOCIAL SPHERE: LANDMARKS OF THE POST-WAR RECONSTRUCTION OF UKRAINE

The proposed study is devoted to determining the features of the spatial differentiation of the social sphere within the territory of Ukraine. The essence, objects, subjects, results of the process of differentiation of the social sphere of Ukraine in the spatial context, as well as the specificity of relations and the nature of the development of the corresponding process in space and time are disclosed. For this, an analysis of income was made as one of the key criteria of the level of formation and functionality of the social sphere. The role of the population's needs as a key motivating element in the formation of social space is substantiated, because the population is multidimensional and the population itself is the basis of the social space.
 The following research methods were used during the conducted research: descriptive, comparative and descriptive-vector methods. They are important for the characterization of concepts related to the presence of social sphere components and their accessibility for the local population, comparison of the functional level of individual social sphere components and their comprehensive review, and designation of the most important factors affecting the functioning of social sphere subjects, along with indicating the most important areas of activity.
 The dependence and connection between the level of demand and use of elements of the social sphere and the level of income of the population was investigated, as well as regional and temporal (in this case - quarterly) differences in service consumption were substantiated. Key types of social services for which consumers spend money have been determined at the regional level.
 Elements of the social sphere are characterized by local influence and limited operational capabilities. Despite their different functional purpose, their common goal is to identify and satisfy local social needs. The realities of modern Ukrainian society require the formation of guidelines for the restoration of the state of functioning and accessibility of the social sphere, which was typical for the regions of Ukraine before the start of the Ukrainian-Russian war.
 The criterion for the functioning and development of the social sphere should be financial availability, which in turn is determined by the population's ability to spend a certain amount of money on receiving social services. At the regional level in Ukraine, there are significant fluctuations in the incomes of the population, which is generally an objective phenomenon. The statistical data of the last decades allow us to state that in the vast majority of regional regions there was an increase in the well-being of the population. Expenditure on the social sphere in the regions of Ukraine is correlated with indicators of the number of family members, primarily the number of children in them. Traditionally, families with a small number of children are young and wages are not the main source of their income. At the same time, these families have high hopes for social support in various forms (scholarships, grants, targeted payments). Families with more children mainly form their budget from wages and in equal proportions from entrepreneurial activity and other social benefits. The structure of implemented services at the all-Ukrainian level includes transport, warehousing, postal and courier services, temporary accommodation and catering services, information and telecommunications services, real estate operations, professional, scientific and technical services, activities in the field of administrative and auxiliary service, education, health care and provision of social assistance, services in the system of art, sports, entertainment and recreation.
 Keywords: social sphere, regions of Ukraine, spatial differentiation, incomes of the population, available social guidance services, implementation of social guidance services.

Стан гігієни порожнини рота, тканин пародонта та оцінка дрібної моторики рук у дітей, хворих на дитячий церебральний параліч

Children with cerebral palsy often face difficulties in controlling their own movements and coordinating muscle activities, making even simple tasks such as individual oral hygiene challenging to perform. Purpose - to assess the index of individual oral hygiene and periodontal tissue condition, development of fine motor skills in children with cerebral palsy to determine the quality of tooth brushing. Materials and methods. The study included 34 children aged 8-12 years with cerebral palsy. The oral hygiene status was determined clinically and using the Fedorov-Volodkina oral hygiene index. The periodontal tissue condition was assessed using the PMA index, the bleeding index by Muhlleman, and the periodontal index. The level of fine motor skills development was assessed using the Motor Giftedness Scale by N.I. Ozeretskyi and special techniques with tasks of different content. Results. The indicators of the level of development and individual components of motor functions, including fine motor skills of the hands in children with cerebral palsy according to the Motor Giftedness Scale by N.I. Ozeretskyi, were 6.67±1.16 points, and 3.12±1.10 and 2.10±0.03 points according to special techniques with tasks of different content. The assessment of oral hygiene using the Fedorov-Volodkina index showed that only 8.82% of cases were rated as «good» «satisfactory» in 26.47% of cases, and «unsatisfactory» in 64.71% of cases. The qualitative assessment of the oral hygiene index showed an average score of 2.5±0.02 points. The PMA index in children with cerebral palsy was 41.67%, bleeding index was 1.47±0.01, and periodontal index was 1.21±0.09. Conclusions. The results of the study showed that due to the impaired development of fine motor skills of the hands in children with cerebral palsy, mechanical cleaning of teeth from dental plaque is complicated, which negatively affects oral hygiene and periodontal tissue condition. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The research protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of the institution mentioned in the work. Informed consent from the children’s parents was obtained for the research. No conflict of interests was declared by the author.

What works in medication reconciliation: an on-treatment and site analysis of the MARQUIS2 study

BackgroundThe second Multicenter Medication Reconciliation Quality Improvement Study demonstrated a marked reduction in medication discrepancies per patient. The aim of the current analysis was to determine the association of patient...

Limiting anode utilization: A strategy to increase Si content and useable capacity in Si/C composite anode without compromising cycle life

Despite having a high theoretical capacity, silicon-based anodes fall short in providing practical and cycle-stable specific capacity close to the theoretical potential. The main challenge, namely particle pulverization and loss of mechanical integrity due to a large volume expansion, is commonly addressed by nano-structuring and blending with graphite in a Si/C composite anode. However, a maximum Si content of 15% in Si/C composite anodes has been realized, leaving scope for much improvement. Herein we discuss and theoretically benchmark a new strategy to increase Si content and achievable specific capacity by limiting anode utilization to minimize degradation. Through careful consideration to differential rates of lithiation of Si and C, particle fracture, and electrode swelling limit, our physical analysis suggests that this strategy could provide specific capacities of greater than 1100 Ah/Kg while eliminating degradation. These benchmarks are arrived at though a comprehensive analysis of lithiation of Si and C on an individual component level and the associated propensity for Si particle fracture as well as reduction in electrode porosity due to volume expansion and arriving at safe lithiation limits for a given set of electrode parameters under consideration. Since this safe range of operation is dependent on particle size, we show that we can optimize the Si% in Si/C to achieve maximum utilizable specific capacity for a given particle size.

Quantitation of Multipartite Banana Bunchy Top Virus Genomic Components and Their Transcripts in Infected Tissues of Banana (Musa acuminata)

Banana bunchy top disease (BBTD), caused by a Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV), is the most devastating viral disease of bananas. The genome of multipartite BBTV is about 1 Kb in size and comprises six circular single-stranded (ss) DNA components, namely DNA-R, C, S, M, U3, and N. Gene expression in multipartite DNA viruses is highly flexible due to variations in the copy number and transcript levels of individual genomic components. This enables them to adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal fitness. In the current study, the copy number of each genetic component of BBTV and its transcript level were determined in the leaf, midrib, and root tissue of the infected banana plant. The results of the study showed that DNA copies (copies/ng) were higher in midrib (11,105 ± 10,704.42), followed by leaf (6902.91 ± 1651.14), and were lowest in root (23.49 ± 9.21) tissues. In contrast, the transcript level was highest in the root (312.45 ± 106.69) and lowest in the midrib (0.72 ± 0.16). This suggests that BBTV independently regulates the transcriptional level of each DNA component. The distribution of BBTV in different tissues assists the identification of significantly higher viral load tissues for early and sensitive disease diagnosis, which will be beneficial for better disease management.

Data-driven time series reconstruction for modern power systems research

A critical aspect of power systems research is the availability of suitable data, access to which is limited by privacy concerns and the sensitive nature of energy infrastructure. This lack of data, in turn, hinders the development of modern research avenues such as machine learning approaches or stochastic formulations. To overcome this challenge, this paper proposes a systematic, data-driven framework for reconstructing high-fidelity time series, using publicly-available grid snapshots and historical data published by transmission system operators. The proposed approach, from geo-spatial data and generation capacity reconstruction, to time series disaggregation, is applied to the French transmission grid. Thereby, synthetic but highly realistic time series data, spanning multiple years with a 5-minute granularity, is generated at the individual component level. • Most power systems research relies on synthetic data. • Classical data-generation techniques do not capture spatio-temporal correlations. • Grid geodata and generation offer bids are reconstructed. • Bus-level time series are disaggregated from public ISO data.

Removing the Bottleneck: Introducing cMatch - A Lightweight Tool for Construct-Matching in Synthetic Biology.

We present a software tool, called cMatch, to reconstruct and identify synthetic genetic constructs from their sequences, or a set of sub-sequences—based on two practical pieces of information: their modular structure, and libraries of components. Although developed for combinatorial pathway engineering problems and addressing their quality control (QC) bottleneck, cMatch is not restricted to these applications. QC takes place post assembly, transformation and growth. It has a simple goal, to verify that the genetic material contained in a cell matches what was intended to be built - and when it is not the case, to locate the discrepancies and estimate their severity. In terms of reproducibility/reliability, the QC step is crucial. Failure at this step requires repetition of the construction and/or sequencing steps. When performed manually or semi-manually QC is an extremely time-consuming, error prone process, which scales very poorly with the number of constructs and their complexity. To make QC frictionless and more reliable, cMatch performs an operation we have called “construct-matching” and automates it. Construct-matching is more thorough than simple sequence-matching, as it matches at the functional level-and quantifies the matching at the individual component level and across the whole construct. Two algorithms (called CM_1 and CM_2) are presented. They differ according to the nature of their inputs. CM_1 is the core algorithm for construct-matching and is to be used when input sequences are long enough to cover constructs in their entirety (e.g., obtained with methods such as next generation sequencing). CM_2 is an extension designed to deal with shorter data (e.g., obtained with Sanger sequencing), and that need recombining. Both algorithms are shown to yield accurate construct-matching in a few minutes (even on hardware with limited processing power), together with a set of metrics that can be used to improve the robustness of the decision-making process. To ensure reliability and reproducibility, cMatch builds on the highly validated pairwise-matching Smith-Waterman algorithm. All the tests presented have been conducted on synthetic data for challenging, yet realistic constructs - and on real data gathered during studies on a metabolic engineering example (lycopene production).

Adaptive Risk-Based Life-Cycle Management for Large-Scale Structures Using Deep Reinforcement Learning and Surrogate Modeling

Optimal life-cycle management is a challenging task for large-scale structures. The complexity of structural states, represented by the numerous combinations of component conditions, and the vast number of inspection and maintenance options often prompt the decision-makers to adopt a simple time- or condition-based management method rather than a performance-based one. To improve this situation, this study proposes a novel method for adaptive risk-based life-cycle management of large-scale structures. The proposed method can yield bespoke inspection and maintenance plans at the individual component level based on their contribution to the overall structural performance. The obtained plan can also adapt itself to the unfolding information gained from inspection and maintenance actions. This advanced method, termed DeepLCM, is enabled by (1) efficient surrogate modeling based on deep neural networks for structural risk assessment; and (2) a deep reinforcement learning algorithm for adaptive life-cycle management. The method is applied to a steel girder bridge in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The inspection and maintenance plan obtained using DeepLCM is compared with those obtained using the conventional life-cycle management techniques including time-, condition-, and risk-based methods. The case study also investigates the effect of the spatial granularity of inspection and maintenance actions on the resulting life-cycle cost.

INVOLVEMENT LOAD HYPOTHESIS PLUS

AbstractThe present meta-analysis aimed to improve on Involvement Load Hypothesis (ILH) by incorporating it into a broader framework that predicts incidental vocabulary learning. Studies testing the ILH were systematically collected and 42 studies meeting our inclusion criteria were analyzed. The model-selection approach was used to determine the optimal statistical model (i.e., a set of predictor variables) that best predicts learning gains. Following previous findings, we investigated whether the prediction of the ILH improved by (a) examining the influence of each level of individual ILH components (need, search, and evaluation), (b) adopting optimal operationalization of the ILH components and test format grouping, and (c) including other empirically motivated variables. Results showed that the resulting models explained a greater variance in learning gains. Based on the models, we created incidental vocabulary learning formulas. Using these formulas, one can calculate the effectiveness index of activities to predict their relative effectiveness more accurately on incidental vocabulary learning.

Characteristics of the electromagnetic environment created by radiations of user equipment of ...4G/5G/6G cellular (mobile) communications in buildings

The goal of the work is to substantiate the technique for assessing the intensity of electromagnetic background generated by the set of radiating user devices of mobile communications in multi-storey buildings. For known empirical models of radio wave propagation in buildings, expressions are obtained for the probability distribution density and expectation of the power flux density of electromagnetic fields generated inside building by these sources from various parts of the building's interior space: from the near zone with radio wave propagation conditions similar to free space; and from the far zone, for which, along with intense attenuation of radio waves due to internal obstacles, a «quasi-waveguide» propagation of radio waves along corridors and industrial premises is also possible in certain directions. Relationships are obtained for the average levels of individual components of the electromagnetic background, determined as scalar sums of power flux density values of the fields generated by the sets of radiating devices of both the near zone and the far zone as a whole or its individual parts, characterized by different conditions of radio wave propagation. A method is proposed for assessing the electromagnetic background inside buildings based on approximation of sections of the inner surface of the premises in which the observation point is located, and the outer surface of the building, in the inner space of which radiation sources are randomly distributed, by the corresponding sections of the inner and outer spherical surfaces that are the subtend areas of the corresponding solid angles, in space elements of which a different spatial densities and radiation powers of sources and different conditions of radio wave propagation are possible. The results can be used to analyze the electromagnetic ecology of habitat and the electromagnetic safety of population at the full-scale implementation of 4G/5G/6G mobile communications, as well as to analyze the electromagnetic compatibility of systems using frequency bands for mobile communications on a primary and secondary basis.

Scalable Multiport Converter Structure for Easy Grid Integration of Alternate Energy Sources for Generation of Isolated Voltage Sources for MMC

This paper presents a novel, scalable, and modular multiport power electronic topology for the integration of multiple resources. This converter is not only scalable in terms of the integration of multiple renewable energy resources (RES) and storage devices (SDs) but is also scalable in terms of output ports. Multiple dc outputs of a converter are designed to serve as input to the stacking modules (SMs) of the modular multilevel converter (MMC). The proposed multiport converter is bidirectional in nature and superior in terms of functionality in a way that a modular universal converter is responsible for the integration of multiple RES/SDs and regulates multiple dc output ports for SMs of MMC. All input ports can be easily integrated (and controlled), and output ports also can be controlled independently in response to any load variations. An isolated active half-bridge converter with multiple secondaries acts as a central hub for power processing with multiple renewable energy resources that are integrated at the primary side. To verify the proposed converter, a detailed design of the converter-based system is presented along with the proposed control algorithm for managing power on the individual component level. Additionally, different modes of power management (emulating the availability/variability of renewable energy sources (RES)) are exhibited and analyzed here. Finally, detailed simulation results are presented in detail for the validation of the proposed concepts and design process.

Scaling up uncertain predictions to higher levels of organisation tends to underestimate change

Abstract Uncertainty is an irreducible part of predictive science, causing us to over‐ or underestimate the magnitude of change that a system of interest will face. In a reductionist approach, we may use predictions at the level of individual system components (e.g. species biomass), and combine them to generate predictions for system‐level properties (e.g. ecosystem function). Here we show that this process of scaling up uncertain predictions to higher levels of organisation has a surprising consequence: it tends to systematically underestimate the magnitude of system‐level change, an effect whose significance grows with the system's dimensionality. This stems from a geometric observation: in high dimensions there are more ways to be more different, than ways to be more similar. We focus on ecosystem‐level predictions generated from the combination of predictions at the species level. In this setting, the ecosystem's relevant dimensionality is a measure of its diversity (and not simply the number of species). We explain why dimensional effects do not play out when predicting change of a single linear aggregate property (e.g. total biomass), yet are revealed when predicting change of nonlinear properties (e.g. absolute biomass change, stability or diversity), and when several properties are considered at once to describe the ecosystem, as in multi‐functional ecology. As an application we discuss the consequences of our theory for multiple‐stressor research. This empirical field focuses on interactions between stressors, defined as the error made by a prediction based on their observed individual effects. Our geometric approach can be visualised and explored with a web application (https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.4611133), and we provide pseudocode outlining how our theory can be applied. Our findings highlight and describe the counter‐intuitive effects of scaling up uncertain predictions, effects that can occur in any field of science where a reductionist approach is used to generate predictions. ​

New developments in battery safety for large-scale systems

Battery safety is a multidisciplinary field that involves addressing challenges at the individual component level, cell level, as well as the system level. These concerns are magnified when addressing large, high-energy battery systems for grid-scale, electric vehicle, and aviation applications. This article seeks to introduce common concepts in battery safety as well as common technical concerns in the safety of large rechargeable systems. Lithium-ion batteries represent the most significant technology in high-energy rechargeable batteries and a technology with well-known safety concerns. Because of this, particular attention is paid to introduce common concepts and concerns specific to these batteries. An introduction of system-level battery issues that may cause problems in larger systems is given. Finally, a brief summary of the gaps in emergent technologies is provided. As most of the effort in new technologies goes toward improving performance, there are significant gaps in understanding safety performance of these new batteries.

The number of insects of midges complex and ratio of its various components in the forest-steppe zone of the Tyumen Region

The purpose of the research is comparing abundance levels of blood-sucking dipterans in the forest-steppe zone of the Tyumen Region for 8 years with different meteorological conditions.Materials and methods. The studies were carried out in 2006 and 2013–2019 in vicinity of the villages of Isetskoe and Barkhatovo, Isetsky District, Tyumen Region. Tabanid flies were collected and counted using funnel-shaped traps permanently on the same pasture on a regular basis once every 5–7 days during the entire emergence period. When counting the number of mosquitoes, midges and sandflies, we used a net with removable bags. Each count included 10 sweeps with a motion of the figure eight "around itself" in 10 replications.Results and discussion. The abundance of blood-sucking dipterans is largely determined by natural and climatic conditions and a hydrological regime of rivers, and is liable to significant fluctuations. The maximum abundance of gnats was recorded in 2014, the minimum in 2006. In comparing the average number for seasons with maximum and minimum abundance, a difference of 3.7 times was found. The abundance level and ratio of individual components of the midges complex depending on the season also underwent significant changes. In collected insects, midges dominated in 2006 and 2014, and mosquitoes in 2013 and in 2015–2019. Meteorological and hydrological conditions in winter and spring had the biggest impact on the abundance level of insects of the midges complex. Fluctuations in the abundance were 9 times for mosquitoes, 20 times for tabanid flies, and 39 times for midges and sandflies depending on the season. The main limiting factors for mass development of blood-sucking Diptera in the forest-steppe zone of the Tyumen Region are hard and dry winters which cause death of some insects at the preimaginal stages in development, as well as sharp changes in air temperature in the spring-summer period and small areas of breeding places.