Total Penetration Research Articles

Changes in soil parameters of forests after windstorms and timber extraction

One of the main problems in close-to-nature management of high forests is linked to the ecological and economic aspects of salvage logging. This research involved analysing soil disturbance from salvage logging in four mountain forests, managed with close-to-nature silviculture: the Hyrcanian forest (three forest compartments in Iran), using extraction by skidder, and the Camaldoli forest (one parcel in Italy), using extraction by tractor. The point transect method was used for assessing soil disturbance and also included further measurements of ruts’ size and selected physical soil parameters on skid trails after operation. After a windstorm, more than 94% and 17% of the area were undisturbed in the Hyrcanian and Camaldoli forests, respectively. Bulk density, penetration resistance, and pH did not show any significant differences with their average values specifically between disturbed and undisturbed soil after a windstorm. Related only to the effect of salvage logging, more than 80% of the area was undisturbed. The results were significantly lower in terms of the average values of soil variables such as bulk density, penetration resistance, and total porosity in disturbed soil than in undisturbed soil. For all the sites that were studied, bulk density and penetration resistance increased with the increasing number of machines that passes, while total porosity decreased. The results showed significant positive correlations between bulk density and penetration resistance, bulk density and pH value, and total porosity and pH value and significant negative correlations between bulk density and total porosity and penetration resistance and total porosity. The results indicated that the point transect method of assessing soil disturbance provides a rapid assessment of soil conditions for monitoring soil disturbance after salvage logging. Our results also indicated that to reduce impacts to soil during salvage logging, if the volume of windthrow timber is low, salvage logging is not always necessary because of the broad ecological importance as well as the economic aspects of dead wood in forest ecosystems.

Hair removal and bioavailability of chemicals: Effect of physicochemical properties of drugs and surfactants on skin permeation ex vivo.

Cosmetic hair removal procedures are everyday routines in our society. However, it is unclear if such routines lead to increased uptake of applied substances such as drugs or formulation compounds, potentially resulting in skin irritation or sensitization. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of common depilation and epilation methods on skin penetration of two surfactants and four model drugs of different physicochemical properties using the porcine ear model. It should be elucidated whether the substances' skin penetration behavior would be affected by hair removal procedures and if potential effects would be related to their polarity. Confocal Raman spectroscopy revealed no effect of hair removal on total penetration depths of SDS and sulfathiazole. Significantly higher relative penetrated amounts within 0-6 µm of stratum corneum depth were found for SDS after dry shaving, depilatory cream and waxing and for sulfathiazole after all depilation methods and partly after epilation. ATR-FTIR spectroscopy revealed no effect of hair removal on the penetration depth of lecithin LPC80, but higher relative amounts at the skin surface after wet shaving and electric epilation. Diffusion cell experiments using a lecithin-based microemulsion as carrier system for fluconazole, fludrocortisone acetate and flufenamic acid showed higher cumulative amounts, higher drug fluxes and shorter lag times for the more lipophilic drugs for some of the methods, but only shorter lag times in some cases for fluconazole. In summary, the observed effects appeared to depend on drug polarity and experimental setup.

Does vitamin E highly-crosslinked polyethylene convey an advantage in primary total hip replacement? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Vitamin E highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) was developed to reduce wear in total hip replacement (THR). This formal systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to provide independent synthesis of wear characteristics of Vitamin E treated HXLPE compared to HXPLE/UHMWPE. Secondary outcome measures were differences in revision rates and functional scores. We performed a formal systematic review as per PRISMA guidelines; literature searches were conducted on 14 November 2017 (MEDLINE, Embase on Ovid, and the Cochrane Library). We included randomised controlled trials, analyses of joint registries, and case-controlled studies of primary THR comparing cups with a vitamin E HXLPE bearing with bearing surfaces made from other types of polyethylene. Initial screening was performed by 2 independent assessors; disagreement resolved in discussion with a third reviewer. Studies were evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data extraction permitted meta-analysis. 372 studies were identified on initial screening, 5 studies met the eligibility criteria. There was no significant heterogeneity between studies. There was variable risk of bias. At a mean of 35 (range 20-60) months, Vitamin E HXLPE had significant advantages over highly cross-linked polyethylene with regards total femoral head penetration (p = 0.004). Given the RSA measurement errors this may not be clinically significant.There were neither significant differences in revision rates nor Harris Hip Scores (p = 0.06). At a minimum of 3 years follow-up there was reduced total femoral head penetration for vitamin E HXLPE over HXLPE. This bearing surface does not, as yet, have clinically significant advantages in terms of revision rates or patient function over HXLPE.

Jacking penetration resistance and mechanical characteristics of bucket foundations in sand

Model tests have been performed to investigate the penetration and tip resistance and inner and outer earth pressure of bucket foundations embedded in sand with the jacking installation method. The soil plug, the soil-skirt interaction, and the penetration resistance of the bucket are determined by these tests. Based on the soil arch theory, analytical expressions of the inner soil pressure and the penetration resistance for the bucket are presented and verified by the test results. The results show that the soil plug begins to form when the penetration displacement reaches 1 times the width of the bucket, and the incremental filling ratios of each bucket are 0.65 to 0.7 and 0.8 at the end of penetration. The inner earth pressure of the bucket is in the form of a double broken line, which is same as the open-ended piles. The theoretical formula of the penetration force considering the soil arching effect can predict the penetration force well, and the ratio of the soil arch resistance to the total resistance during the penetration is up to 85%, which indicates that the soil arch resistance plays an important role in the total penetration resistance during the jacking installation process.

About the assessment of the chrisothal asbestos dust slip into the atmosphere as a random function

The paper presents the study of the fractional efficiency of asbestos-cement dust slip from the aspiration system as a random function. Total slip was considered as a random variable. Also dispersed analysis of dust from the aspiration systems serving the process equipment and processes was performed. Examples of the function of the dust passage in the production of asbestos-cement products before cleaning in the CSF apparatus and after cleaning showed that the total dust slip in CSF apparatuses as a random value corresponds to the normal distribution law. The density characteristics and the distribution function for the total asbestos cement dust slip penetration are determined. The range of variation of the random dust slip function for CSF-150 and CSF-300 apparatuses is presented. Recommendations are given to reduce the negative impact of the dust factor in the air of enterprise working areas.

PBI6 EVALUATION OF THE COST SAVING POTENTIAL OF INTRODUCING AN ADALIMUMAB BIOSIMILAR FOR THE TREATMENT OF ALL LICENSED ADULT ADALIMUMAB INDICATIONS IN FRANCE

Biologics, such as adalimumab, are efficacious in reducing disease activity in their authorised indications but are considered costly treatment options. The study’s objective was to assess the budget impact of introducing an adalimumab biosimilar within France for all licensed adult adalimumab indications. A budget-impact model (BIM) was used to estimate the cost saving potential over various timeframes through competitive biosimilar pricing from the payer’s perspective. The current adalimumab-treated population was estimated through GERS data and assumed to be volume stable over the measured period. The BIM scenario was developed for an adalimumab biosimilar vs the reference biologic product price comparisons aiming for an ultimate total market share of 80% at the discounted prices. The adalimumab price adoption was modelled to be of a linear uptake comparing three separate periods (6,12 and 24 months) with a 20, 30 and 40% discount from published price sources as well as an immediate switch of 80% of the available market volume. The immediate conversion of the market to these new discounted prices could bring potential savings of €35.5m, €53.3m and €71m over 24 months whilst linear conversion programmes could generate savings of €18.5m, €27.7m and €37m over the same period. Six- and twelve-month linear transitions against discounted pricing above, whilst limiting total market penetration to 43% at these points, could potentially release savings of €20.7m, €31m and €41.5m and €19.2m, €28.9m and €38.5m respectively. The introduction of adalimumab biosimilar price competition represents substantial cost-saving potential for healthcare systems within France. The proposed transition outlined would support France’s aim to reach 80% biosimilar penetration by 2022 through implementation of the Article 51 policy. Capacity of health systems may limit the larger cost savings potentials in the short term although linear uptake programmes limit the degree of savings over more aggressive conversion scenarios.

Visibility graph analysis on time series of shield tunneling parameters based on complex network theory

Shield tunneling operation affects project scheduling, cost estimation, and safety risk during metro construction. Given the importance of this process, tunnel engineers should understand the complexities of shield tunneling parameters. This study addresses the characteristics of shield tunneling parameters by introducing a visibility graph model implemented in a complex network of shield tunneling in metro construction. Time series data are collected for the analysis of six parameters generated in each segment ring tunneling cycle. These parameters are total thrust, torque, penetration rate, rotation rate, advance speed, and working chamber pressure. Bridging time series and the complex network with visibility graph algorithm indicates that all degree distributions of the construct networks follow the power law, establishing the scale-free time series of the parameters. Small-world features and hierarchical structures also indicate that the fluctuation and variance of the parameters are attracted, limited, or affected by a previous shield operation of segment rings. In addition, findings reveal turning points in the parameters’ time series with vital node identification based on complex network analysis. Implications relevant for shield operators and managers are proposed to improve shield tunneling performance, efficiency, and safety.

Is it really penetration? Part 2. Locomotion of Enterococcus faecalis cells within dentinal tubules of bovine teeth.

The aim of the present vitro study was to examine the question whether devitalized Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) cells can migrate into dentinal tubules and if that process takes place in a time-dependent manner. Sixty bovine root canals were incubated with devitalized and vital streptomycin-resistant E. faecalis strains after root canal enlargement (size 80, taper .02) with 3% NaOCl solution. Incubation times 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42days. Samples were processed for analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and DAPI (4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole) staining. The penetration depth was calculated with the measurement tool of the Axio Vision program (Zeiss, Jena, Germany). Statistical analysis was performed by Kruskal-Wallis (α = 0.05) and Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05). Devitalized E. faecalis strains were able to migrate into dentinal tubules. The total number and penetration depth of devitalized E. faecalis cells was lower compared to the vital suspension of E. faecalis. It was noted, that bacterial penetration was not common to all of the dentinal tubules in the vital E. faecalis control and especially in the devitalized control. The migration took place in a time-dependent migration characteristic. Devitalized E. faecalis cells are still able to migrate into the dentinal tubules due to possible electrokinetic and osmotic processes. Thereby, increased exposure times lead to a time-dependent penetration characteristic. Since devitalized bacteria can migrate as well into dentinal tubules, the presence of bacteria within dentinal tubules cannot be interpreted as a failure of tested preparation regimens.

Assessment of trace metals in an aquifer with river-groundwater interaction: The influence of colloidal redistribution and porous matrix change on the migration of metals

An aquifer where receives steady lateral recharge from an AMD-polluted river, was chosen to understand the profound influence of the “solid-liquid phase” evolution on the mobility of trace metals. The results showed that the accumulation of trace metals in groundwater was observed near the riparian zone. Zn and Cd almost remained in the “truly dissolved” phase (<3 kDa), whereas Cu and Pb were mainly in the coarse colloid (0.22 μm–30 kDa) and shifted from the coarse colloid to the “truly dissolved” phase along the flow path. The evolution of relatively high dispersive colloids to low dispersive colloids indicated that the Al-rich mineral colloids as the dominance migrated with the groundwater flow path, and flocculated gradually so that the porous matrix was coated by gibbsite. The coating of gibbsite dissociates OH− in acidic environment, resulting in the decreasing negative charge in porous matrix. Thus, the mobility of Cu and Pb was shifted from the colloid-facilitated transport to the co-precipitation with colloids, whereas the mobility of Zn and Cd was changed from the high electrostatic binding to the low electrostatic binding. Numerical simulation also confirmed the varying retardation factor and the total penetration time followed an order of Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd. Therefore, the changes in “two phases” in the aquifer—not only in water phase but also in colloid phase and porous matrix—have a profound influence on metal migration that take place in shallow groundwater where there are close hydraulic connection between river and groundwater.

Effect of Aggregate of Electric Arc Furnace Slag on Durability of Reinforced Concrete Structures in Chloride Environment (Part I)

Durability of reinforced concrete structures including electric arc furnace slag as aggregate in chloride environment is a significant topic to enable their performance stable in their service period. In this study, chloride penetration in recycled concretes including gradation of fine and coarse aggregate that is electric arc furnace (EAF) slag is tested and compared with that of reference concrete including just natural aggregate gradation. To observe chloride penetration effect, concrete samples are exposed to a saline attack firstly; and then, total chloride content and chloride penetration profiles are tested. The Part I of the study argues the effect of aggregate of electric arc furnace slag on durability of reinforced concrete structures in chloride environment in the Introduction and Background section and the Materials and Methods section. Second part of the study is going to present the Results and Discussions section and the Conclusions section. Both part have the Abstract section and Reference section differently each other.

Effect of Filter Aids on Two Different Filter Media Under High Filtering Velocities

A fabric filter is an excellent air pollution control device for fine particles emissions control due to its high collection efficiency. The problem associated with fabric filter is that it has a short life span due to wear and tear connected with the operating conditions of the system. Treatment of fabric filter using filter aids is one of the simplest techniques to overcome this problem. In this study, the effect of filtration aids known as PrekotAC, onto two different types of filter media i.e PTFE and ryton under high filtering velocity was carried out in a laboratory scale filtration system. This formulated filter aids PrekotAC material which consists of activated carbon and PreKot™, served as a two in one filter aids material (adsorbent and pre-coating material) that helps to overcome the wear and tear problem as well as control the emission of sub-micron pollutants in air pollution control. The effect of the various combinations of filtration aids on pressure drop, particle penetration and permeability across the two-filter media under different filtration velocities was investigated. Results showed that ryton presents a lower pressure drop under various combinations of PrekotAC for different filtration velocities compared to PTFE. A lower pressure drop across the fabric filter resulted a higher permeability property of ryton which allows higher volumetric air flow rates passing through it compared to PTFE filter. The study suggests that the addition of PreKotTM in the formulation of PrekotAC significantly affect both pressure drop and permeability of the filter media. The study also showed that the total particle penetration through the filter media is highly influenced by the filtration velocity. It was found that the total particle penetration through PrekotAC 10 : 90 (wt% basis of PreKotTM:activated carbon) was the lowest while the highest was PrekotAC 40 : 60 of the four formulated PrekotAC admixtures. In addition, the total particles penetrating through the filter media was the highest for the highest filtering velocity of 8 m/min for all cases.

Threading of Unconcatenated Ring Polymers at High Concentrations: Double-Folded vs Time-Equilibrated Structures.

Unconcatenated ring polymers in concentrated solutions and melt are remarkably well described as double-folded conformations on randomly branched primitive trees. This picture though contrasts recent evidence for extensive intermingling between close-by rings in the form of long-lived topological constraints or threadings. Here, we employ the concept of ring minimal surface to quantify the extent of threadings in polymer solutions of the double-folded rings vs rings in equilibrated molecular dynamics computer simulations. Our results show that the double-folded ring polymers are significantly less threaded compared to their counterparts at equilibrium. Second, threadings form through a slow process whose characteristic time-scale is of the same order of magnitude as that of the diffusion of the rings in solution. These findings are robust, being based on universal (model-independent) observables as the average fraction of threaded length or the total penetrations between close-by rings and the corresponding distribution functions.

Transflective blue-phase liquid crystal display with dielectric protrusion

ABSTRACTA transflective blue-phase liquid crystal display (TRBP-LCD) with dielectric protrusions is proposed. The dielectric protrusions are fixed on the in-plane-switching (IPS) electrodes. The potential drops very slowly in the dielectric protrusions, thus the total field penetrating depth is significantly enlarged and the operating voltage is lowered, which helps suppressing electrostriction effect. The different heights of the dielectric protrusions in the transmissive (T) and reflective (R) regions contribute to balance the optical phase retardation between the T and R regions. The simulation results verify that the proposed TRBP-LCD can achieve low operating voltage and good sunlight readability.

A two-stage policy for improving the efficiency of the traffic network by providing value-added ATIS service

Based on the pay-per-use charge in mobile Apps, value-added advanced traveler information systems (VATIS) service can be provided in traffic networks. From the perspective of the traffic manager, we propose a two- stage policy for improving the efficiency of traffic networks by providing VATIS service. At the first stage, the traffic manager selects several ATIS service providers, then offers seed fund to each of them to encourage VATIS service provision. At the second stage, the traffic manager announces a given target of the total market penetration of VATIS service and encourages service providers to achieve it together. If they could complete the task, compensation will be paid. To evaluate the efficiency of this policy, four scenarios are formulated by four bi-level models, and the total travel time is set as the evaluation indicator. Numerical experiments show that, the suggested policy can reduce total travel time dramatically if the market penetration target has been appropriately selected.

Wettability of zinc oxide nanorod surfaces.

In this work, we have studied the wettability of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods grown on fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) by highlighting the effect of polar and non-polar ZnO facets on contact angle (CA) results. The variation in the wettability behaviors of the synthesized surfaces is mainly related to physical and chemical surface texturing which influenced the liquid drop penetration. Indeed, three main penetration states can be deduced: total, partial, and null-penetration. Where, low CA (100.9°) with high contact angle hysteresis (CAH) (13°) is observed for total penetration of the liquid drop. While, high CA (139.6°) with low CAH (7°) is observed for null-penetration. Moreover, we have found that the chemical texturing of ZnO, especially the hydrophilicity of ZnO tips, responsible for liquid drop sticking, prevents the liquid slipping over the surface. In order to promote the liquid rolling on the ZnO surface, we reported the physical modification of the ZnO structures. Therefore, the rolling of the liquid drop on the inclined surface of ZnO is achieved by using a new structure based on double scale roughness. This surface exhibits superhydrophobic behavior with a CA of 153° and CAH of 3°.

Fungal corneal ulcer: A prospective study on the causative fungus and the response to the present treatment protocol at ANIIMS, Andaman and Nicobar Islands-first time present

Background: Fungal keratitis accounts for 50% of all microbial keratitis, depending upon the geographic location. Filamentary fungi are predominant in tropical and subtropical climates. Treatment is given based on clinical diagnosis supported by the presence of fungus in potassium hydroxide (KOH) mounting, rather than on culture report because culture takes time. Reported studies from northern part of the country revealed Aspergillus as the most common fungus, whereas Fusarium was reported to be the most common fungus in southern part of the country. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most common fungus isolated in our study and the response to standard treatment is good. Aim of the Study: To identify spectrum of fungi, response to the standard treatment given, and sensitivity of KOH preparation in clinically diagnosed fungal corneal ulcers and to identify the predisposing factors and culture-positive cases (both Sabouraud's and blood culture). Methods: All patients who were clinically diagnosed to have fungal corneal ulcer, based on history, clinical features, and slit-lamp findings over a period of 1 year, were included in the study. All patients were subjected to corneal scraping and the material was examined by KOH mounting, Gram staining, and specific culture techniques. The ulcer was treated as per the standard treatment protocol followed in the institution, and the response to treatment was analyzed. Results: The study included 40 patients, with males being predominated (n = 36). KOH positivity was seen in 34 (85%) cases whereas KOH negativity was seen in 6 (15%) cases. Gram stain was positive in 6 (15%) cases. The culture was positive in all cases (100%). The most common fungus isolated was A. fumigatus – 24 (60%) cases. The response to the treatment after 8 weeks was found in 34 (85%) cases. Enucleation was done in 7 (17.5%) cases. Total therapeutic keratoplasty was done in 7 (17.5%) cases. Total penetrating keratoplasty was done in 4 (10%) cases. Conclusions: Rapid diagnosis and early institution of antifungal therapy are necessary to prevent ocular morbidity and blindness. Although culture helps in definite diagnosis and identification, direct microscopic detection of fungal structures in corneal scrapes permits a rapid presumptive diagnosis.

FLUCTUATION OF SENSE IN THE PROCESS OF DEPLOYMENT SOCIO-COMMUNICATIVE MECHANISM IN THE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION SPHERE

The article discusses the management sphere from the standpoint of direct interaction with people, i.e. with principled mediocre activity, namely, stratification of the relevant senses cluster. The basis is discrete sense that circulate in a particular society. The attention is paid on the mechanism of cumulation of all this semantic information, the calculation of the centers of certain semantic nodes and the like as a new strategy in the social and administrative sphere. The authors state that the activities in the field of public administration may be considered not only exclusively leading, in which sense generation is the dominant interaction paradigm, but also driven that is characterized by mastering the existing senses, as well as predicting their connectivity. As a result of such an integrated approach, the article outlines that a righteous person will be able to be a socially required participant in social dialogue, without which the process of its deployment will be impossible. The sphere of management is a practical branch of knowledge in which the senses are actualised, because they are the basis for building semantic senses (elements of the semantic chain, united by reflected senses that are of a kind nature), on which a certain ideology, social interaction, etc. is based, and communication in public administration — in particular. Due to the fact that the coordination of various group interests and the ability to maintain social consensus the latter is the central task of the democratic reform of Ukrainian society and the state. At the present stage of socio-economic and political developments, the functional role of communication acquires a special theoretical, methodological and socio-practical actualisation. In this context, the communication is the subject of research of various subject fields and different conceptual levels of philosophical (ontological, axiological and other levels), sociological (archetypical, social communications), cultural (cultural heritage), cybernetic (neural networks, databases, etc.), political, psychological, socio-biological, linguistic knowledge. It is directly caused by the total penetration of information and communication technologies into all spheres of public life.

Design and Full-Scale Testing of M50/P1 Bolt-Down Removeable Bollard System

The purpose of this project was to design and test a new bolt-down bollard system that meets the requirements of American Standards for Testing Materials (ASTM) Designation F2656-15 M50/P1 impact conditions. The test installation consisted of three vertical 10-in. diameter (nominal) bollards with welded base plates bolted to a shallow reinforced concrete foundation. The foundation for this system was sized to reduce the foundation embedment. Shallow foundations are often necessary for use in cities and urban areas where utilities can conflict with deeper foundations. Standard common members and materials were used in the installation to accommodate fabrication and installation in locations all over the world. The bollards can be removed to provide access if necessary. Full-scale testing was performed on the bolt-down bollard system. The bollard system design for this project successfully met the requirements of M50/P1 with a total payload penetration of less than 1 m. The new bollard design successfully met all the performance requirements for ASTM F2656-15 M50/P1. Details of the design and testing of the bolt-down bollard system are provided in this paper. Crash-testing videos and additional information on the design and full-scale testing will be provided in the presentation.

Curtailment-storage-penetration nexus in the energy transition

The nexus between growing shares of renewables (penetration), storage requirements, and curtailment was studied using a linear optimisation model. The study was performed using a dataset of Israel’s electricity system. Five scenarios are designed to assess the techno-economic impact of curtailment under various policy-based frameworks. The results show that the three parameters are linked to each other in a way that necessitates simultaneous increase of a total loss (curtailment plus storage efficiency), penetration and storage capacity in the energy transition. Depending on the curtailment policy, penetration increases significantly with a small increase in storage capacity until it reaches a corresponding point of inflection. Based on these physical relationships, storage technologies were classified as diurnal and seasonal. Diurnal storage capacity continually increases to a maximum capacity of about daily average demand, which corresponds to a penetration of approximately 90% of annual demand where the deployment of seasonal storage significantly increases. Having no curtailment was shown to lead to higher total system cost as compared to the system optimised with curtailment. Overall, the nexus between the three factors was shown to define when to deploy and dispatch storage technologies. The evidence supporting these findings is detailed for the first time.

3D non-linear MHD simulation of the MHD response and density increase as a result of shattered pellet injection

The MHD response and the penetration of a deuterium shattered pellet into a JET plasma is investigated via the non-linear reduced MHD code JOREK with the neutral gas shielding (NGS) ablation model. The dominant MHD destabilizing mechanism by the injection is identified as the local helical cooling at each rational surface, as opposed to the global current profile contraction. Thus the injected fragments destabilize each rational surface as they pass through them. The injection penetration is found to be much better compared to MGI, with the convective transport caused by core MHD instabilities (e.g. 1/1 kink) contributing significantly to the core penetration. Moreover, the injection with realistic JET SPI system configurations is simulated in order to provide some insights into future operations, and the impact on the total assimilation and penetration depth of varying injection parameters such as the injection velocity or fineness of shattering is assessed. Further, the effect of changing the target equilibrium temperature or q profile on the assimilation and penetration is also investigated. Such analysis will form the basis of further investigation into a desirable configuration for the future SPI system in ITER.