Ramp-up Phase Research Articles

Quantification of mirror activity in finger movements post-stroke by 3-dimensional motion analysis

The plasma breakdown in HL-2A is found to match the Paschen law similar to the other tokamaks. It is also found on HL-2A that the breakdown time is about 10 ms, which is a little short for its high toroidal electric field (E ∼ 1.0–2.0 Vm−1), and the breakdown happens when the criterion of E × L (connection length) is about 33 V relative to a theoretical prediction of 67 V. Flux consumption optimization is achieved by scanning the loop voltage with identical target plasma current and heating with LHCD in the ramp-up phase. Based on Ohmic Heating during ramp-up phase, the limiter configuration consumes more flux than the divertor configuration. Adding LHCD during ramp-up phase reduces overall flux consumption.

Turbulence evolution and transport behavior during current ramp-up in ITER-like plasmas on DIII-D

Low-wavenumber density fluctuations exhibit unique characteristics during the current ramp-up phase of ITER-like discharges that can partially explain the challenges of correctly modeling transport behavior and predicting global plasma parameters during this period. A strong interaction takes place between the evolving transport, safety factor (q) and kinetic profiles as well as the appearance and evolution of low-order rational surfaces. Density fluctuations from 0.75 < ρ < 0.9 are transiently reduced to exceptionally low levels during early times and from 0.8 < ρ < 0.9 at late times in the ramp-up in a manner that is different from behavior observed during steady-state plasma conditions with similar values of q95. Turbulence is suppressed as low-order-rational q-surfaces enter the plasma; the local electron temperature likewise exhibits transient increases during these periods of reduced fluctuations indicating changes in transport that impact temperature and consequently the evolution of current density and plasma inductance. These observations can explain discrepancies between CORSICA modelling and the higher electron temperature found previously over the outer half radius. Comparison of turbulence properties with time-varying linear growth rates with GYRO and GENE demonstrate qualitative consistency with measured fluctuation levels, but calculations don’t exhibit reduced growth rates near low-order rational surfaces, which is inconsistent with experimental observations. This indicates a mechanism that can contribute to reconciling observed turbulence behavior with transport models, allowing for the development of more accurate predictive tools.

Review of recent experiments on the T-10 tokamak with all metal wall

Transition to an all-metal wall was realized on T-10 by replacement of graphite limiters with tungsten ones. Light impurity levels remained high and W accumulation in the plasma core was revealed. A movable lithium (Li) limiter was added to investigate the possibility of the limitation of tungsten and light impurity levels in plasma. For the first time, tokamak results on tungsten protection with Li were obtained in OH and ECRH regimes. After lithization the tungsten density in the core dropped more than an order of magnitude, while W influx into plasma decreased 2–4 times. Drastic drops of light impurities in plasma were observed together with improvement of energy confinement time and density limit values. Nevertheless, Li levels in plasma remained low in both OH and ECRH regimes. Li density in the core as low as 0.5% of ne was obtained. Tungsten transport in T-10 plasma was investigated and results on prevention of W accumulation with central ECRH were obtained. Effects of plasma exposure on ITER-grade tungsten plates from limiters were studied. Investigations of density fluctuation with correlation reflectometry confirmed a decrease of fluctuation amplitude on high field side. Modeling showed that this effect can be, to a great extent, explained by the non-locality of reflectometry. Toroidal correlations at a distance of 2.5 m along field lines were studied. Three-wave interaction between geodesic acoustic modes and broad-band turbulence was found by analysis of heavy ion beam probe diagnostics data. The possibility of plasma current control and the prevention of non-thermal electron beams formation at density limit disruption by means of ECR heating and the controlled operation of OH power supply system has been demonstrated. The study of plasma density decay after gas puff switch off during density ramp-up phase in OH regimes and the effect of ‘density pump out’ during ECRH showed that both effects can be explained by the assumption regarding electron transport growth upon reaching marginal pressure profile. A new type of internal transport barrier in the narrow zone near q = 1 surface has been found.

Direct measurements of safety factor profiles with motional Stark effect for KSTAR tokamak discharges with internal transport barriers.

The safety factor profile evolutions have been measured from the plasma discharges with the external current drive mechanism such as the multi-ion-source neutral beam injection for the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) for the first time. This measurement has been possible by the newly installed motional Stark effect (MSE) diagnostic system that utilizes the polarized Balmer-alpha emission from the energetic neutral deuterium atoms induced by the Stark effect under the Lorentz electric field. The 25-channel KSTAR MSE diagnostic is based on the conventional photoelastic modulator approach with the spatial and temporal resolutions less than 2 cm (for the most of the channels except 2 to 3 channels inside the magnetic axis) and about 10 ms, respectively. The strong Faraday rotation imposed on the optical elements in the diagnostic system is calibrated out from a separate and well-designed polarization measurement procedure using an in-vessel reference polarizer during the toroidal-field ramp-up phase before the plasma experiment starts. The combination of the non-inductive current drive during the ramp-up and shape control enables the formation of the internal transport barrier where the pitch angle profiles indicate flat or slightly hollow profiles in the safety factor.

Changes In Motor Unit Recruitment And De-recruitment Strategies Are Not Associated With The Repeated-bout Effect

The “repeated bout effect” (RBE) is an adaption that attenuates muscle damage following eccentric exercise. Several neural adaptations have been proposed to underlie the RBE. PURPOSE: This study used decomposition of surface EMG signals (dEMG) to examine the relationship between recruitment (RT) and de-recruitment thresholds (DRT) and changes in firing rates or motor units during recruitment and de-recruitment prior to and following eccentric exercise resulting in the RBE. METHODS: Nine participants performed 5 sub-maximal isometric trapezoid contractions at force levels corresponding to 50% and 80% of maximal isometric strength (MVC). Eccentric exercise was then performed until biceps brachii MVC had decreased by ~40%. MVC, range-of-motion (ROM), and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) were measured 24-hours, 72-hours, and 1-week following eccentric exercise. Three weeks later all procedures were repeated. EMG signals of the biceps brachii were decomposed into individual motor-unit action potential trains. The relationship between RT and DT was examined using linear regression. The slope of the change in mean firing rate (MFR) during the ramp-up and ramp-down phase of the trapezoid contraction was also examined. RESULTS: No changes were found in the slope of the RT vs DT relationship for 50% MVC (1.13±0.17 vs 1.29±0.43; p=0.42) and 80% MVC (1.09±0.18 vs 1.25±0.41; p=0.25). There were also no changes in the y-intercept of the RT vs DT relationship at 50% (-13.79±6.77 vs -15.37±17.07; p=0.80) and at 80% (-9.29±10.71 vs -23.07±20.28; p=0.06) of MVC. The mean slope of the increase in firing rate during recruitment did not change between bouts 10.2±1.8 vs 10.5±2.2 pps/s (p=0.77) and 8.4±0.7 vs 9.0±1.6 pps/s (p=0.28) for 50% and 80% of MVC, respectively. The slope of the decrease in firing rate during de-recruitment did not differ at 50% of MVC -9.7±1.5 vs -10.2±1.8 pps/s (p=0.48), but became steeper during contractions at 80% of MVC -7.3±0.9 vs -8.7±1.7 pps/s (p=0.04). However, no relationship was observed between the change in DT slope and the magnitude of the RBE. CONCLUSION: A bout of eccentric exercise conferred protection from a subsequent identical bout. Few changes in motor-unit recruitment and de-recruitment behavior were observed suggesting changes in these parameters are not responsible for the RBE.

Experimental measurements of energy transfer and nonlinear interaction in turbulence at the sino-united spherical tokamak

The characteristics of the energy transfer and nonlinear coupling among edge electromagnetic turbulence have been dedicatedly studied in various discharge stages at the sino-united spherical tokamak using multiple Langmuir and magnetic probe arrays. The wavelet bispectral analysis and the modified Kim's method are applied to investigate turbulence properties and their linear growth/damping and nonlinear energy transfer rates, along with multi-field turbulence interactions. The results show diverse features in the linear growth and nonlinear energy transfer between multi-field fluctuations during the current ramp-up, stationary, and internal connection event discharge phases. The diversity implies the importance to develop more sophisticated multi-field models to directly estimate the energy transfer rate among multiple turbulent fields.

EU DEMO transient phases: Main constraints and heating mix studies for ramp-up and ramp-down

The pre-conceptual design for a European pulsed fusion reactor (DEMO1) is ongoing and one of the most challenging activities within scenario modeling studies deals with numerical investigations of DEMO1 transient phases. This paper presents an investigation on both ramp-up and ramp-down phases by selected plasma trajectories. Plasma evolution has a clear impact on the engineering design of the reactor, e.g. on auxiliary power systems, current ramp-rates and requirements on the coil system. Studies on ramp-up have been carried out with the fast tokamak simulator METIS to highlight the effects of different ramp-up options in terms of robustness of access to the desired flat-top scenario. Particular attention has been paid to requirements on heating systems and plasma position controllability. A dedicated heating power during ramp-up, in addition to the one required during flat-top, appears to be necessary for reliable access to H-mode. The ramp-down phase poses specific issues on vertical stability due to the complex plasma evolution. Ramp-down trajectories with controllable plasma boundaries generated by the CREATE NL code have been coupled to 1.5D transport simulations by means of the JINTRAC transport suite of codes. The results show the necessity of additional ramp-down heating power to avoid a radiative plasma collapse and to control the current density profile. Reducing the current ramp-rate in the ramp-down phase can help the controllability of the plasma.

Enabling Agility in Product Development through an Adaptive Engineering Change Management

Agile development processes have recently regularly been named as key to the development of novel physical products. Coming from the software industry, these processes pursue the target of limiting both time-to-market and resources associated with the realisation of innovative products. In the case of physical products, agile development in the form of highly iterative prototyping is further rmore employed for assuring a stable ramp-up phase. The goal of this paper is the creation of an adaptive engineering change management (ECM) for rapid engineering changes which are identified as central enablers for the agile product development of physical products.Due to a lack of in-depth studies in this field, an agile development project in a manufacturing company has been investigated. The findings of the case study are based on action research. Challenges and requirements faced by the case company have been identified in workshops and interviews. A broad study of closely related literature improved the understanding and helped in the generation of a framework for an adaptive ECM.The investigations led to an approach that employs a step-wise product development process with different stages of maturity. Hereby, the shift of requirements in the course of the agile development project as observed in the case study is taken into account. The ECM is continuously adapted along the different stages of maturity of the agile product development to cope with this shift of requirements. It is illustrated that the adaptive ECM is reflected in three layers: responsive means of communication, a responsive design of engineering change processes and roles, and consistent data structures. Examples for the specific design of these layers are presented.The result of the work is thus a framework for an adaptive ECM that meets the specific requirements of agile product development for physical products.

Virtual Commissioning of Camera-based Quality Assurance Systems for Mixed Model Assembly Lines

We propose a new computer vision based technique that does not use data collected from real images to teach a decision-making algorithm. It uses CAD-Models which is already available from the product planning phase to check all product variants on the assembly line for misplaced or wrong components. This solution can hence be used already in the ramp-up phase of new models in which problems are more frequent.Our method can also easily adapt to changes of production, where existing methods need to redo the whole teach-in process, we just need to set the new nominal position of the part in the reference coordinate system, which can even be done semi automatically upfront the changes are initiated in the assembly line.

Pharmacokinetics of Venetoclax, a Novel BCL-2 Inhibitor, in Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Venetoclax is a selective BCL-2 inhibitor that is approved in the United States for the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with 17p deletion who have received at least 1 prior therapy. The aim of this analysis was to characterize venetoclax pharmacokinetics in the plasma and urine of patients with hematological malignancies and evaluate the effect of dose proportionality, accumulation, weak and moderate CYP3A inhibitors, as well as low- and high-fat meals on venetoclax pharmacokinetics. Patients received a once-daily venetoclax dose of 20 to 1200 mg. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using noncompartmental methods. Venetoclax peak exposures were achieved at 5 to 8 hours under low-fat conditions, and the mean terminal-phase elimination half-life ranged between 14.1 and 18.2hours at different doses. Venetoclax steady-state exposures showed minimal accumulation and increased proportionally over the dose range of 300 to 900 mg. Low-fat and high-fat meals increased venetoclax exposures by approximately 4-fold relative to the fasting state. Moderate CYP3A inhibitors increased venetoclax exposures by 40% to 60%, whereas weak CYP3A inhibitors had no effect. A negligible amount of venetoclax was excreted in the urine. In summary, venetoclax exhibits a pharmacokinetic profile that is compatible with once-daily dosing with food regardless of fat content. Concomitant use of venetoclax with moderate CYP3A inhibitors should be avoided or venetoclax dose should be reduced during the venetoclax initiation and ramp-up phase in CLL patients. Renal excretion plays a minimal role in the elimination of venetoclax.

Overview of ramp-up curves: A literature review and new challenges

The automotive sector, along with many others, has been subject to two key trends in recent times. The first relates to globalization, in other words, the incorporation of new markets and a growing demand that needs to be satisfied. The second concerns the high expectations of customers regarding quality and the on-going renovation of products. The incorporation of new markets results in the expansion of new production centres all over the world, making it necessary to synchronize launches in different parts of the globe. Furthermore, customers’ new demands cause shorter product life cycles. Time is seen as the main factor in the success of any new product launch. Particularly, the period that begins when the production has started in a production plant and continues until the planned production rate has been attained (the ramp-up curve). Because launches have become more frequent, the specific importance given to the life of the model is greater. This article has the following objective: provide a thorough review of the literature, focusing on this specific phase in the life cycle of a model in order to identify, compile and extract any relevant information that will enable us to build a theoretical framework for the ramp-up curve. The article begins by analysing the different interpretations of the phases of the launch stage of a new product that exist in the literature, and it concludes with the evidence that ramp-up curves are an item of scientific interest, where the 21% of the papers relating to this item are focused on the automotive sector, where planning and management are the most recurrent themes. Finally, two themes that remain open for further research are detected: the lack of structured organization during the ramp-up phase and knowledge transfer between different launches of the same product in different places.

Insect herbivory in a mature Eucalyptus woodland canopy depends on leaf phenology but not CO2 enrichment.

BackgroundClimate change factors such as elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations (e[CO2]) and altered rainfall patterns can alter leaf composition and phenology. This may subsequently impact insect herbivory. In sclerophyllous forests insects have developed strategies, such as preferentially feeding on new leaf growth, to overcome physical or foliar nitrogen constraints, and this may shift under climate change. Few studies of insect herbivory at elevated [CO2] have occurred under field conditions and none on mature evergreen trees in a naturally established forest, yet estimates for leaf area loss due to herbivory are required in order to allow accurate predictions of plant productivity in future climates. Here, we assessed herbivory in the upper canopy of mature Eucalyptus tereticornis trees at the nutrient-limited Eucalyptus free-air CO2 enrichment (EucFACE) experiment during the first 19 months of CO2 enrichment. The assessment of herbivory extended over two consecutive spring—summer periods, with a first survey during four months of the [CO2] ramp-up phase after which full [CO2] operation was maintained, followed by a second survey period from months 13 to 19.ResultsThroughout the first 2 years of EucFACE, young, expanding leaves sustained significantly greater damage from insect herbivory (between 25 and 32 % leaf area loss) compared to old or fully expanded leaves (less than 2 % leaf area loss). This preference of insect herbivores for young expanding leaves combined with discontinuous production of new foliage, which occurred in response to rainfall, resulted in monthly variations in leaf herbivory. In contrast to the significant effects of rainfall-driven leaf phenology, elevated [CO2] had no effect on leaf consumption or preference of insect herbivores for different leaf age classes.ConclusionsIn the studied nutrient-limited natural Eucalyptus woodland, herbivory contributes to a significant loss of young foliage. Leaf phenology is a significant factor that determines the level of herbivory experienced in this evergreen sclerophyllous woodland system, and may therefore also influence the population dynamics of insect herbivores. Furthermore, leaf phenology appears more strongly impacted by rainfall patterns than by e[CO2]. e[CO2] responses of herbivores on mature trees may only become apparent after extensive CO2 fumigation periods.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12898-016-0102-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Reduction of poloidal magnetic flux consumption during plasma current ramp-up in DEMO relevant plasma regimes

The method for reducing a poloidal magnetic flux consumption of external coils is investigated to reduce the size of the central solenoid (CS) in the DEMO reactor. The reduction of the poloidal magnetic flux consumption during a plasma current ramp-up phase by electron cyclotron (EC) heating is investigated using an integrated modeling code suite, TOPICS. A strongly reversed shear q profile tends to be produced if intense off-axis EC heating is applied to obtain a large reduction of the flux consumption. In order to overcome this tendency, we find a method to obtain the optimum temperature profile which minimizes the poloidal flux consumption for a wide range of the q profile. We try to reproduce the optimum temperature profile for a weakly reversed shear q profile using six EC rays of 20 MW. As a result, the resistive flux consumption during the current ramp-up can be reduced by 63% from the estimation using the Ejima constant of 0.45 and the total flux consumption can be reduced by 20% from the conventional estimation. In addition, we find that the resistive flux consumption is closely related to the volume averaged electron temperature and not to the profile shape. Using this relation, the required heating power is estimated to be 31 MW based on a well established global confinement scaling, ITER L-89P. As a result, it is clarified that the poloidal magnetic flux consumption can be reduced by 20% using 20–31 MW of EC heating for a weakly reversed shear q profile. This reduction of the flux consumption accounts for 10% reduction of the CS radius.

Effect of station-specific alerting and ramp-up tones on firefighters' alarm time heart rates

ABSTRACTA number of long-term health effects are suffered by emergency responders, some influenced by psychological stress and fatigue. This study explored if stress and fatigue can be reduced by changing the method by which firefighters are alerted to emergency responses.Over several months, the method by which responders at a fire department were alerted was altered. Firefighter heart rates were measured first with standard alerting as a control (phase 1: all stations alerted simultaneously, with high-volume tones). The department then implemented station-specific (phase 2) and gradual volume ramp-up (phase 3) tone alerting, and heart rate increases were compared. The Fatigue Severity Score was used to examine firefighter fatigue, and the department administered a follow-up survey on personnel preferences.Individual heart rate increases (Δbpm) ranged from 2–48 bpm. Median increases were 7 bpm (IQR 4–11 bpm) during phase 1 (72.2% of alarms Δbpm<10), 7 bpm (IQR 5–12 bpm) during phase 2 (60.7% of alarms Δbpm<10), and 5 bpm (IQR 3–8 bpm) during phase 3 (82.7% of alarms Δbpm<10). The difference in medians was lower for phases 1 and 2 than for phase 3 (p = 0.0069), and more alarms in phase 3 resulted in increases of <10 bpm than in phase 2 (p = 0.0089). The Fatigue Severity Scale showed little variability: median scores 7 in phase 1, 8 in phase 2, and 7 in phase 3. Firefighters reported a strong preference for the “ramp-up” tones, and were roughly evenly divided between preferring alerting all stations simultaneously 24/7 (40% rating this 4 or 5 on a five-point Likert scale), station-specific alerting 24/7 (47.5%), or all stations during the day but station-specific at night (40%). Ramp-up tones were perceived as the best method to reduce stress during the day and overnight.Small but significant decreases in the amount of tachycardic response to station alerting are associated with simple alterations in alerting methods. Station-specific and ramp-up tones improve perceived working conditions for emergency responders.

Boundary subjects and boundary objects in accounting fact construction and communication

Purpose This paper aims to elaborate the concepts of boundary subjects and boundary objects in constructing and communicating relevant accounting facts for managing product development (PD). Boundary subjects as reflective actors benefit effective accounting enactment, by building a shared understanding about different actors’ roles and information needs, and by helping to respond to these needs with new boundary objects. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a longitudinal interventionist case study of a machinery manufacturer. The focus of this case study was the production ramp-up phase at the end of a PD program. Different actors’ needs were first collected and elaborated by interventionist researchers (boundary subjects). Then accounting prototypes (boundary objects) provided new means of communication. Findings The findings show that dealing with boundaries is crucial in accounting development. The role of boundary subjects was fundamental in the process of choosing, constructing, elaborating and communicating accounting facts. During this process, accounting prototypes integrated new accounting facts, the boundary subjects mitigated the boundaries and the boundary objects focused and restricted communication about accounting facts. Research limitations/implications The paper tests the pragmatic constructivism approach by examining accounting enactment under uncertainty and ambiguity. The study refines pragmatic constructivism in terms of boundaries, boundary subjects as actors and boundary objects. Practical implications The intentional use of boundary subjects and objects as communication platform could push a more active inclusion of business controllers as active business partners. Originality/value The paper contributes to the literature on accounting development by highlighting the use of boundary subjects and boundary objects as fundamental mechanisms in constructing and communicating accounting facts.

Experimental investigation of the radial structure of energetic particle driven modes

Alfvén eigenmodes (AEs) and energetic particle modes (EPMs) are often excited by energetic particles (EPs) in tokamak plasmas. One of the main open questions concerning EP driven instabilities is the non-linear evolution of the mode structure. The aim of the present paper is to investigate the properties of beta-induced AEs (BAEs) and EP driven geodesic acoustic modes (EGAMs) observed in the ramp-up phase of off-axis NBI heated ASDEX Upgrade (AUG) discharges. This paper focuses on the changes in the mode structure of BAEs/EGAMs during the non-linear chirping phase. Our investigation has shown that in the case of the observed down-chirping BAEs the changes in the radial structure are smaller than the uncertainty of our measurement. This behaviour is most probably the consequence of the fact that BAEs are normal modes, thus their radial structure strongly depends on the background plasma parameters rather than on the EP distribution. In the case of rapidly upward chirping EGAMs the analysis consistently shows shrinkage of the mode structure. The proposed explanation is that the resonance in the velocity space moves towards more passing particles which have narrower orbit widths.

Glacier Remote Sensing Using Sentinel-2. Part I: Radiometric and Geometric Performance, and Application to Ice Velocity

With its temporal resolution of 10 days (five days with two satellites, and significantly more at high latitudes), its swath width of 290 km, and its 10 m and 20 m spatial resolution bands from the visible to the shortwave infrared, the European Sentinel-2 satellites have significant potential for glacier remote sensing, in particular mapping of glacier outlines and facies, and velocity measurements. Testing Level 1C commissioning and ramp-up phase data for initial sensor quality experiences, we find a high radiometric performance, but with slight striping effects under certain conditions. Through co-registration of repeat Sentinal-2 data we also find lateral offset patterns and noise on the order of a few metres. Neither of these issues will complicate most typical glaciological applications. Absolute geo-location of the data investigated was on the order of one pixel at the time of writing. The most severe geometric problem stems from vertical errors of the DEM used for ortho-rectifying Sentinel-2 data. These errors propagate into locally varying lateral offsets in the images, up to several pixels with respect to other georeferenced data, or between Sentinel-2 data from different orbits. Finally, we characterize the potential and limitations of tracking glacier flow from repeat Sentinel-2 data using a set of typical glaciers in different environments: Aletsch Glacier, Swiss Alps; Fox Glacier, New Zealand; Jakobshavn Isbree, Greenland; Antarctic Peninsula at the Larsen C ice shelf.

FREQUENTLY OCCURRING LOSSES OF PRODUCTIVITY IN THE SHELL CONSTRUCTION PHASE

In construction projects, losses of productivity often lead to additional costs and time delays. Suboptimal working conditions influence the labor productivity of workers and have an effect on the number of working hours required, for instance, to produce one cubic meter of reinforced concrete. Costs can be reduced and total productivity increased if the sources of potential losses of productivity are identified at the process planning stage or in early project phases. An expert survey conducted in 2014/2015 at Graz University of Technology, Austria, collected data on the losses of productivity that most frequently occurred in conjunction with reinforced concrete works in the shell construction phase. A standardized questionnaire was used for this survey. In addition, an interview was held with each of the experts to discuss the questionnaire in order to improve the quality of the survey and to gather important background information that prompted the responses provided by the experts. For this survey, reinforced concrete works were divided into ramp-up, main construction and final phases. Experts from Austria and Germany were able to select from a range of predefined losses of productivity and to specify other losses separately. This paper reports on the progress of the survey and refers to the related analytical methods. Furthermore, findings of the expert survey are represented in bar diagrams and interpreted. The survey revealed that the main construction phase was generally associated with the greatest potential for losses of productivity. Furthermore, most frequently stated losses of productivity varied depending on the specific construction phase. Future construction projects should particularly focus on the losses of productivity that were most frequently mentioned in the expert survey. The benefit of this approach is that it will provide the opportunity to implement early compensatory measures and to minimize the potential for losses of productivity.

Preliminary structural analysis of the new HCPB blanket for EU DEMO reactor

Currently the HCPB blanket concept is one of the four breeding blankets concepts under development for the European DEMO. This work reports on the results of an investigation of the thermal and structural performances of a new design of this blanket, proposed in 2015 by the KIT HCPB Team aimed at establishing a baseline design of the HCPB breeding blanket following the updated EU DEMO plant specifications. The thermal analyses have been reported in another paper, while the structural analyses are presented and discussed in this paper. A 3D slice model of the DEMO HCPB blanket has been set up to run thermo-mechanical analyses of the blanket under steady state and DEMO transient pulsed conditions. The analyses for the blanket have been assessed with respect to the structural design criteria and standards (mainly RCC-MR, completed by SDC-IC). The results identify some problematic regions in the design, concentrated in the connection regions of the cooling plates with the blanket back supporting structure. For monotonic damage modes, the blanket structure shows a global satisfying behavior in immediate plastic collapse and plastic instability damage modes, and thermal creep damage mode. While it fails to fulfill the criteria to prevent immediate plastic flow localization damage mode in some regions. Counter-actions to improve the design have been proposed and will be implemented in future design revisions. Considering the cyclic loadings, the FW shows a satisfying behavior against ratcheting and fatigue damage modes during plasma ramp-up and ramp-down phases.

Promoting mobility and reducing length of stay in hospitalized general medicine patients: A quality‐improvement project

To determine whether a multidisciplinary mobility promotion quality-improvement (QI) project would increase patient mobility and reduce hospital length of stay (LOS). Implemented using a structured QI model, the project took place between March 1, 2013 and March 1, 2014 on 2 general medicine units in a large academic medical center. There were 3352 patients admitted during the QI project period. The Johns Hopkins Highest Level of Mobility (JH-HLM) scale, an 8-point ordinal scale ranging from bed rest (score = 1) to ambulating ≥250 feet (score = 8), was used to quantify mobility. Changes in JH-HLM scores were compared for the first 4 months of the project (ramp-up phase) versus 4 months after project completion (post-QI phase) using generalized estimating equations. We compared the relative change in median LOS for the project months versus 12 months prior among the QI units, using multivariable linear regression analysis adjusting for 7 demographic and clinically relevant variables. Comparing the ramp-up versus post-QI phases, patients reaching JH-HLM's ambulation status increased from 43% to 70% (P < 0.001), and patients with improved JH-HLM mobility scores between admission and discharge increased from 32% to 45% (P < 0.001). For all patients, the QI project was associated with an adjusted median LOS reduction of 0.40 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.57 to -0.21, P < 0.001) days compared to 12 months prior. A subgroup of patients expected to have a longer LOS (expected LOS >7 days), were associated with a significantly greater adjusted median reduction in LOS of 1.11 (95% CI: -1.53 to -0.65, P < 0.001) days. Increased mobility was not associated with an increase in injurious falls compared to 12 months prior on the QI units (P = 0.73). Active prevention of a decline in physical function that commonly occurs during hospitalization may be achieved with a structured QI approach. In an adult medicine population, our QI project was associated with improved mobility, and this may have contributed to a reduction in LOS, particularly for more complex patients with longer expected hospital stay. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.