Technology Research Institute Research Articles

The triple helix collaboration: lessons from a Chinese provincial innovation ecosystem

Purpose Innovation is vital for sustainable regional development. Government is generally not a source of innovation per se, but the authors shows that by establishing and funding an industrial innovation ecosystem, it can create fertile conditions for research institutions to introduce innovative technologies into industry and for industry to introduce its gaps and needs to motivate and direct academic research. This paper aims to present a case study of the Jiangsu Industrial Technology Research Institute (JITRI) as a “triple helix” collaboration model engaging Industry-University-Research (IUR) institutions. The authors aim to provide a fresh perspective on constructing innovation ecosystems, promoting value creation and advancing the adoption of industrial technology. Design/methodology/approach Taking JITRI as a case study, this research examines its innovative approaches to interfacing with IUR organizations within China’s Yangtze Delta region. The authors propose a multilayered framework where JITRI serves as the core, facilitating the formation of a robust innovation ecosystem with diverse IUR entities. Findings This framework comprises three layers: core, platform and support. JITRI acts as the central nexus, binding these elements together and fostering a cohesive innovation ecosystem. By analyzing the operational mechanisms of the Jiangsu Provincial innovation system, the authors gain valuable insights into how JITRI bridges the gap between academia and industry. This facilitates the efficient commercialization of technologies. The success of the JITRI approach presents a compelling model for emulation by other provincial innovation ecosystems seeking to enhance their innovation capabilities. Research limitations/implications This study enriches the ongoing conversation on innovation ecosystems, proposing novel avenues for further research. However, the field requires continuous monitoring through longitudinal studies. Given the long-term nature of such initiatives, the full impact of this approach might only be realized over several decades. Practical implications JITRI aims to create a robust and innovative provincial innovation ecosystem through its focus on IUR collaboration. This unique approach offers valuable insights and ideas for fostering the development of thriving innovation ecosystems in other provinces. These insights encompass new perspectives on innovation ecosystem development, value creation and industrial advancement. Originality/value This study pioneers the use of the JITRI system as a case study, offering valuable insights with potential application to innovation ecosystems across China and globally.

Development of a fully implicit ODE-solver for containment analysis code

The thermal–hydraulic dynamics in containment are governed by a system of stiff ordinary differential equations (ODEs). A fully implicit discretization scheme is adopted to discretize these ODEs in order to mitigate the effects of stiffness. In comparison with explicit or semi-implicit discretization schemes that are subject to Courant limits on time steps, the fully implicit discretization scheme is more suitable for a containment analysis code that focuses on predicting both short-term and long-term thermal–hydraulic parameters after an accident. This study introduces a general-purpose ODE solver for the containment analysis code. The outline of the solver is as follows: The fully implicit discrete equations lead to a large set of nonlinear equations that need to be solved using Newton’s iterative method. The partial derivative components in the Jacobi matrix are calculated by the perturbation method using finite difference approximation, which avoids the complicated derivation of partial derivatives. The scaling modification technique is incorporated into this ODE solver to deal with significant differences in unknown variable magnitudes, and the line search method is introduced to address the difficulty of obtaining an accurate root estimate with Newton’s method when the initial guess is far from the actual root. This proposed ODE solver was applied to two typical stiff ODE problems to test its stiffness-suppressed ability and to demonstrate that this proposed solver can perform calculations with a very large time step. Then, the CASSIA code, a containment analysis code developed by China Nuclear Power Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd (CNPRI), equipped with this ODE solver, was applied to the CSNI (Committee on the Safety of Nuclear Installations) benchmark problem and the Carolinas Virginia Tube Reactor (CVTR) test 3 problem to preliminarily demonstrate that the proposed ODE solver can perform containment thermal–hydraulic analysis correctly. This study could provide references for the development of a home-made containment analysis code.

Proton and muon beam tests for ultra-fast MCP-PMT detectors

In collaboration with the North Night Vision Science and Technology (Nanjing) Research Institute Co. Ltd, researchers at the Institute of High Energy of Physics in China have successfully developed the 20-inch micro-channel-plate photomultiplier tube (MCP-PMT) that exhibits high detection efficiency (DE) for use in the Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO). Due to the long drift path of electrons from photocathode to MCP, the 20-inch MCP-PMT has a time resolution on the order of nanoseconds. Recently, the team has made advancements in ultra-fast MCP-PMTs (FPMTs), achieving picosecond-level time resolution with both 1-inch and 2-inch types. By now, prototypes featuring single-anode, 2 × 2 anodes, 4 × 4 anodes, and 8 × 8 anodes have been successfully manufactured and tested. The 8 × 8 anode FPMT, in particular, demonstrates a transit time spread (TTS) of 36 ps (Sigma) in single photon mode, thanks to its meticulously engineered structure. To assess the FPMT’s time performance under beam conditions, two beam tests were conducted at Fermi Lab and CERN. In these tests, the 8 × 8 pixel arrays of four distinct radiators, including LYSO, BGO, Pb glass and quartz glass, were paired with the 8 × 8 anodes FPMT. This setup involved the use of two radiator-coupled FPMT detectors for particle detection. The best coincidence time resolution recorded was 64 ps (Sigma) with a 120 GeV proton beam and 56 ps (Sigma) with a 108 GeV muon beam.

Chip Diplomacy: Chip War Taiwan, People’s Republic China and United States and its Implications for Indonesia

The main goal of this research is to analyze the implications of chip war between PRC, US and Taiwan and its implications to Indonesia. This research uses a qualitative descriptive approach to gain an in-depth understanding and description of the phenomenon or issues related chip war between PRC, US and Taiwan and its implication to Indonesia. Result and findings is During the 1970s, the Taiwanese government established the Industrial Technology Research Institute, tasked with conducting research in the realm of silicon chips. The United States and China are competing to dominate the semiconductor industry. Taiwan has become the world's largest chip production center. The political situation between the United States, Taiwan, and China is heating up. Taiwan holds a key position in global semiconductor production.

Natural Language Processing Patents Landscape Analysis

Understanding NLP patents provides valuable insights into innovation trends and competitive dynamics in artificial intelligence. This study uses the Lens patent database to investigate the landscape of NLP patents. The overall patent output in the NLP field on a global scale has exhibited a rapid growth over the past decade, indicating rising research and commercial interests in applying NLP techniques. By analyzing patent assignees, technology categories, and geographic distribution, we identify leading innovators as well as research hotspots in applying NLP. The patent landscape reflects intensifying competition between technology giants and research institutions. This research aims to synthesize key patterns and developments in NLP innovation revealed through patent data analysis, highlighting implications for firms and policymakers. A detailed understanding of NLP patenting activity can inform intellectual property strategy and technology investment decisions in this burgeoning AI domain.

Efficacy of a Comprehensive Weight Reduction Intervention in Male Adolescents With Different FTO Genotypes.

The FTO gene polymorphisms may influence the effects of lifestyle interventions on obesity. The present study aimed to assess the influence of the rs9930506 FTO gene polymorphism on the success of a comprehensive weight loss intervention in male adolescents with overweight and obesity. This study was carried out on 96 adolescent boys with overweight and obesity who were randomly assigned to the intervention (n = 53) and control (n = 43) groups. The blood samples of the participants were collected, and the FTO gene was genotyped for the rs9930506 polymorphism. A comprehensive lifestyle intervention including changes in diet and physical activity was performed for 8 weeks in the intervention group. Following the lifestyle intervention, BMI and fat mass decreased significantly in the intervention group compared with the control group (both p < 0.05), while no change was found in weight, height or body muscle percentage between the groups. The participants in the intervention group with the AA/AG genotype and not in carriers of the GG genotype had a significantly higher reduction in BMI (-1.21 vs. 1.87 kg/m2, F = 4.07, p < 0.05) compared with the control group. The intervention in individuals with the AA/AG genotype has been significantly effective in weight loss compared with the control group. The intervention had no association effect on anthropometric indices in adolescents with the GG genotype of the FTO rs9930506 polymorphism. Name of the registry: National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute; Trial registration number: IRCT2016020925699N2; Date of registration: 24/04/2016; URL of trial registry record: https://www.irct.ir/trial/21447.

IRANIAN CYBER CAPABILITIES AS A TOOL OF DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN POLICY

Iran is among the most advanced countries in terms of cyber capabilities. Activities in the digital sphere have both offensive and defensive dimensions and are directed both outward and inward. This article attempts to systematize information on Iran's cyber capabilities, both internal and external. The purpose of the article is to discuss the challenges to individual states and the international community as a whole posed by Iranian activities in the digital sphere. The question the author seeks to answer in the article is how Tehran uses the digital tools it possesses to implement its security strategy. The author used theoretical methods related to the analysis and criticism of available sources, such as reports of technology companies and research institutes, intelligence documents, and legal acts. She also used a case study method, which enabled it to examine specific cases of Iranian cyber activities to find answers to the question of the strategic importance of cyberspace for the Iranian government.

Real-World Evidence to Inform Regulatory Decision Making: A Scoping Review.

Real-world evidence (RWE) is increasingly considered in regulatory decision making. When, and to which extent, RWE is considered relevant by regulators likely depends on many factors. This review aimed to identify factors that make RWE necessary or desirable to inform regulatory decision making. A scoping review was conducted using literature databases (PubMed, Embase, Emcare, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) and websites of regulatory agencies, health technology assessment agencies, research institutes, and professional organizations involved with RWE. Articles were included if: (1) they discussed factors or contexts that impact whether RWE could be necessary or desirable in regulatory decision making; (2) focused on pharmacological or biological interventions in humans; and (3) considered decision making in Europe or North America, or without a focus on a specific region. We included 118 articles in the scoping review. Two major themes and six subthemes were identified. The first theme concerns questions addressable with RWE, with subthemes epidemiology and benefit-risk assessment. The second theme concerns contextual factors, with subthemes feasibility, ethical considerations, limitations of available evidence, and disease and treatment-specific aspects. Collectively, these themes encompassed 43 factors influencing the need for RWE in regulatory decisions. Although single factors may not make RWE fully necessary, their cumulative influence could make RWE essential and pivotal in regulatory decision making. This overview contributes to ongoing discussions emphasizing the nuanced interplay of factors influencing the necessity or desirability of RWE to inform regulatory decision making.

High accuracy prediction of the post-combustion carbon capture process parameters using the Decision Forest approach

This paper investigates the relationships among the important process parameters that impact Post-combustion Carbon Capture (PCC) carbon dioxide (CO2) separation. A better understanding of the complex relationships among those parameters can support optimization and performance enhancement of the separation process. Being able to precisely predict the process parameters will enable the operator to determine the current state of the process, forecast any potential changes or events, and adjust process parameters to enhance the plant's performance. With the objective of studying the process parameters' correlations in the amine-based PCC process, we modeled the multi-year historical production data of the Clean Energy Technologies Research Institute (CETRi) (formerly known as the International Test Center for PCC or ITC) in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, using a Decision Forest approach. The model validation process revealed that the Decision Forest model produced higher predictive accuracy than previous efforts. The Decision Forest models we developed also represent knowledge about the importance of parameters involved in the capture process, and such knowledge is useful for further optimization of the capture process in the future.

Mix desing method lightweight concrete

There are several methodologies for Portland cement concrete dosage, among these, the method recommended by the Technological Research Institute of the State of São Paulo - IPTUSP, which is widespread in Brazil. Although it does not present dosage factors for lightweight concrete, this paper proposes a dosage method based on the IPT method for lightweight concrete with EPS. The concrete was dosed with CPV ARI cement, sand and EPS, and two volumes of aggregates (m) were made, thus making a rich and a poor trace, for this, two aggregate contents (m) were executed, thus making a rich and a poor mix, being them: 1:1, 1:2 (aggregates mix in real volume (L) per kg of cement), respectively. Then, each mix (1:m) was dosed with three different levels of EPS (25, 50 and 75%, to each "m"). The properties of the concretes were evaluated in the fresh state, through the slump test [1] and specific mass through the known volume method, and, in the hardened state, by the specific mass test [2] and compressive strength [3]. With the results obtained from this study, it was possible to elaborate a dosage diagram for each "m" analyzed, obtaining the values of the EPS content, projection of compressive and slump resistance, indicated in a dosage abacus made from the test results, these parameters are essential for the determination of the concrete mix.

Accreditation of the handheld 3-dimensional scanner and conventional photo images for area measurement.

Accurate assessment of wound areas is crucial in making therapeutic decisions, as the prognosis and changes in the size of the wound over time play a significant role. An ideal assessment method should possess qualities such as speed, affordability, accuracy, user-friendliness for both patients and healthcare professionals, and suitability for daily clinical practice. This study aims to introduce a handheld 3-dimensional (3D) scanner and evaluate its accuracy in measuring wound areas. Engineers from the Industrial Technology Research Institute in Taiwan developed a handheld 3D scanner with the intention of extending its application to the medical field. A project was conducted to validate the accuracy of this 3D scanner. We utilized a smartphone (Asus ZenFone 2 with a 13-million-pixel rear camera), a digital single-lens reflex digital camera (Nikon, D5000, Tokyo, Japan), and the 3D scanner to repeatedly measure square papers of known size that were affixed to the curved surface of life-size facial mask or medical teaching breast models. The "Image J" software was employed for 2-dimensional image measurements, while the "3D Edit" software was used to assess the "area of interest" on 3D objects. By using square papers with predetermined dimensions, the measurement-associated error rate (ER) could be calculated for each image. Three repeated measurements were performed using the "Image J" software for each square paper. The ERs of the 3D scan images were all below 3%, with an average ER of 1.64% in this study. The close-up mode of the smartphone exhibited the highest ER. It was observed that as the area increased, the ER also increased in the digital single-lens reflex camera group. The extension distortion effect caused by the wide-angle lens on the smartphone may increase the ER. However, the definition of a healthy skin edge may vary, and different algorithms for calculating the measurement area are employed in various 3D measurement software. Therefore, further validation of their accuracy for medical purposes is necessary. Effective communication with software engineers and discussions on meeting clinical requirements are crucial steps in enhancing the functionality of the 3D scanner.

Major lipids and lipoprotein levels and risk of blood pressure elevation: a Mendelian Randomisation study

BackgroundQuantitative nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) metabolomics techniques provide detailed measurements of lipoprotein particle concentration. Metabolic dysfunction often represents a cluster of conditions, including dyslipidaemia, hypertension, and diabetes, that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the causal relationship between lipid profiles and blood pressure (BP) remains unclear. We performed a Mendelian Randomisation (MR) study to disentangle and prioritize the potential causal effects of major lipids, lipoprotein particles, and circulating metabolites on BP and pulse pressure (PP). MethodsWe employed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with major lipids, lipoprotein particles, and other metabolites from the UK Biobank as instrumental variables. Summary-level data for BP and PP were obtained from the Genetic Epidemiology Research on Adult Health and Aging (GERA) cohort. Two-sample MR and MR Bayesian model averaging approaches (MR-BMA) were conducted to analyse and rank causal associations. FindingsGenetically predicted TG was the most likely causal exposure among the major lipids to increase systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), with marginal inclusion probabilities (MIPs) of 0.993 and 0.847, respectively. Among the majority of lipoproteins and their containing lipids, including major lipids, genetically elevated TG in small high-density lipoproteins (S_HDL_TG) had the strongest association with the increase of SBP and DBP, with MIPs of 0.416 and 0.397, respectively. HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were potential causal factors for PP elevation among the major lipids (MIP = 0.927 for HDL-C and MIP = 0.718 for LDL-C). Within the sub-lipoproteins, genetically predicted atherogenic lipoprotein particles (i.e., sub-very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), intermediate-density lipoprotein (IDL), and LDL particles) had the most likely causal impact on increasing PP. InterpretationThis study provides genetic evidence for the causality of lipids on BP indicators. However, the effect size on SBP, DBP, and PP varies depending on the lipids’ components and sizes. Understanding this potential relationship may inform the potential benefits of comprehensive management of lipid profiles for BP control. FundingKey Research and Development Program of Hubei Province, Science and Technology Innovation Project of Huanggang Central Hospital of Yangtze University, the Hubei Industrial Technology Research Institute of Heart-Brain Diseases, and the Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Centre of Comprehensive Care for Heart-Brain Diseases.

PERANCANGAN VIDEO ANIMASI 2D “OPERASI HITUNG” MENGGUNAKAN TEKNIK MOTION GRAPHIC SEBAGAI MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN

The use of instructional media that is still manual as well as students' limitations in understanding the material and the lack of student motivation in learning causes teachers difficulties in delivering learning material. This needs to be developed, especially in appropriate 2-dimensional animation learning media which must be the main key so that students can follow learning well and increase student motivation in learning. Teaching modes in class, one of which is video animation. The process of learning arithmetic operations will be more easily understood by students if presented with detailed explanations and examples. According to the Computing Research and Computer Technology Research Institute (CTR), people remember 80% better what they see, hear, and do. This study aims to support the student learning process and make it easier for them to capture learning because it is animated and also equipped with detailed information. This research is motivated by a lack of understanding of the concept of arithmetic operations. Animations are made using Kinemaster as one of the main applications of motion graphics technology in the animation process and using FlipaClip as one of the 2D technology applications in the animation process.

Construction and measurement of the prototype side-coupled standing-wave tube for electron Linac

Due to Iran's growing need for accelerators in various applications, NSTRI (Nuclear Science and Technology Research Institute) has defined a 6 MeV e-Linac (electron linear accelerator) project for medical and inspection applications. This electron accelerator has a side-coupled standing wave tube that operates in π/2 mode at the frequency of 2998.5 MHz. This paper presents a summary of the construction and cold test stage of the prototype tube for this accelerator. The prototype tube was constructed from aluminum and clamped with bolts.In the cold test stage, low-power RF measurements werecarried out using a side-coupled cavity tuning method and a bead-pull measurement technique. Using a network analyzer, magnetic and electric probes, and a mechanical structure constructed for this tube made the RF tuning possible. After tuning, the resonant frequency, unloaded quality factor, and effective shunt impedance of the aluminum tube were achieved at 2998.57 MHz, 7970, and 83.25 MΩ/m respectively.

SUMMER：A small modular lead-bismuth-cooled fast reactor for mobile energy supply

The pursuit of small modular reactors (SMRs) has become a trend in this century due to their potential to expand the use of clean and reliable nuclear energy to a broader range of customers and applications. One promising candidate is the lead-based fast reactor. A mobile energy supply unit based on a lead-bismuth-cooled, pool-type, small modular fast reactor named SUstainable Modular Mobile Enhanced Reactor (SUMMER) is being developed by the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and China Nuclear Power Technology Research Institute. SUMMER is intended to provide stable energy supply in the field or remote regions, which are potential application scenarios for SMRs. Key features of SUMMER include a long lifetime of over a decade, mobility (transportable by truck or train), and inherent safety. In this paper, the reactor design is completed under the constraints of fulfilling these features, such as the limitation of size and lifetime. Neutronic and thermal-hydraulic analyses are implemented, as well as safety analyses of the reactor under several typical accidents. The results show that the design meets all these criteria and that the reactor has an adequate safety margin under both steady-state and transient conditions.

Dynamic Evaluation of Project Governance in Collaborative Innovation Projects: A Case of Industry Technology Research Institute

Collaborative innovation projects (CIPs) are a typical type of inter-organizational collaboration project to deliver innovative results, in which diverse and dynamic collaborative relationships exist among stakeholders. The project’s success depends on appropriate governance mechanisms to coordinate the relationship between stakeholders. Contractual governance and relational governance both play an important role in successful project delivery. Existing research on the static evaluation method of project governance has obvious contradictions with the dynamic characteristics of stakeholder collaboration relationships during the innovation process. In response, this study proposes a dynamic evaluation method of CIP governance that uses stakeholder networks as the evaluation object, thus filling in gaps in the literature on CIP governance and contributing to the development of governance theory. A project of the Industry Technology Research Institute (ITRI) was chosen as a case study to evaluate the effectiveness of the procedure. The results show that contractual governance and relational governance both have a strong impact on stakeholder collaboration in the whole stage of CIPs. The governance effect is determined by the changeable contractual and relational governance structure, not just the stakeholder’s power of the general understanding. The findings have implications for the governance of CIPs and mainstream project governance research.

Innovation efficiency evaluation of industrial technology research institute based on three-stage DEA

Innovation efficiency evaluation of industrial technology research institute based on three-stage DEA

BC05 Technological and clinical demonstration of a skin ageing analysis prototype

Abstract The skin undergoes intrinsic and extrinsic ageing, with extrinsic ageing caused by environmental factors including inadequate sleep. Preliminary studies have suggested a link between sleep quality and skin ageing. Noninvasive devices have been developed that are able to measure and quantify markers of skin ageing, such as collagen levels and wrinkle formation. A handheld optical coherence tomography (OCT) test, sourced from Industrial Technology Research Institute, is one such device that allows for the measurement of dermal collagen levels. We describe a pilot study to assess the feasibility of combining several methods to quantify skin ageing in those with and without sleep disturbance, to understand which specific markers of skin ageing are affected by poor sleep. Questionnaires were distributed to 10 female workers and completed by each participant to understand their sleep and sun protection habits. There were two groups: women working fixed day shifts (aged 41–53 years) or fixed night shifts (aged 22–63 years). Skin swabs, VISIA® and OCT were used to measure markers of skin ageing of both cheeks: DNA amplification, wrinkles (percentile) and collagen (percentage), respectively. The entire testing could be completed by each participant within 15 minutes. The results were then compared between the different groups. The testing was well tolerated in this small sample. There was a statistically significant difference between day and night workers in their percentile of wrinkles using the VISIA (left cheek: P = 0.039; right cheek: P = 0.015), with night workers showing fewer signs of wrinkle formation. No statistically significant difference in DNA amplification was observed between day and night workers using skin swabs (left cheek: P = 0.27; right cheek: P = 0.32). Using OCT, no statistically significant difference was observed in collagen percentage between day and night workers (left cheek: P = 0.73; right cheek: P = 0.98). Skin swabs, OCT and VISIA were well tolerated, with no adverse events seen. The VISIA showed a significant difference in markers of skin ageing between day and night workers. Night shift workers may have shown fewer signs of wrinkle formation due to confounding factors such as age and smoking. No significant difference was observed with skin swabs and OCT, which may be related to the small sample size. The skin swabs, VISIA and OCT together can be quickly used to test the impact of sleep or any other extrinsic factor on skin ageing. This study has provided useful pilot data that can be scaled for future, larger studies.

Experimental investigation of a Multi-OWC wind turbine floating platform

The worldwide energy supply needs to be enhanced following the expanding of electrical energy request. Marine renewable energies have the potential to partially cover the incoming energy growth but the economic unfeasibility slows down their exploitation. Specifically, the viability and technological development of Wave Energy Converters could be improved through the integration into already existing offshore structures. Against this background, this work proposes a novel concept of hybrid platform composed of a spar buoy wind turbine integrated with three Oscillating Water Columns (OWCs). An experimental investigation is carried out in the wave basin of Marine Technology Research Institute (CNR-INM, Rome, Italy) aiming to analyze of the performance of the hybrid system prototype. The scaling procedure and the experimental setup are described. The focus of the analysis is on the hydrodynamic behavior of the OWCs’ air chambers considering both wave and wind loads. The influence of the wind action and the effect of air chambers damping variation on the dynamic behavior of the floating platform are deepened towards the resulted power extraction performances of the OWCs. Different wind and wave conditions are considered to test the scaled model. As result, the OWCs hydrodynamic response is positively affected by angular motion of the platform, due to the influence of the wind loads. The increasing in the damping affects the air pressure and the relative water level inside the OWCs, hence the mean extracted power.

Conceptual design of oil field energy supply system based on natural circulation lead–bismuth fast reactor

To meet the specific requirements of heavy oil thermal recovery and realize clean and efficient recovery, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and China Nuclear Power Technology Research Institute Co., Ltd. jointly designed NCLFR-Oil, an oil field energy supply system based on natural circulation lead–bismuth fast reactor. The system uses a small modular reactor with a thermal power of 40 MWth, which is compact and has a lifetime of more than 15 years. In this paper, the overall design, core neutron characteristics and steady-state thermal–hydraulic design of the reactor are described and evaluated. And the steady-state thermal–hydraulic characteristics of the reactor core as well as the whole three loops are analyzed and discussed. The results show that the reactor meets the safety standards, which means that NCLFR-Oil's conceptual design is acceptable and the reactor has excellent safety characteristics.