Temporal interaction of water hammer factors during the load rejection regimes in a hydropower plant equipped with Francis turbines

Abstract The refurbishment of the hydropower plant aims to upgrade the performance, in particular on the availability and safety of the units. The transient regimes (e.g. start-up procedure, load rejection, speed-no-load, and so on) shorten the lifetime, raise the maintenance requirement and cause a loss of energy production. Therefore, the objective of this study is the analysis of the temporal interaction between the factors during the load rejection of the Francis turbines. The approach aims to identify transient hydrodynamic phenomena, especially in the framework of operating hydropower units equipped with Francis turbines as main regulating factor for the electrical grid. The investigations focus on evaluating the maximum pressure generated in the hydraulic pathway and comparing them with the admissible pressure value. Thus, the influence of certain physical factors identified in the flow passing through the turbine operated in transient regimes is explored. Also, the effect of some operating parameters of the hydropower plant on water hammer generation was examined. The investigation is based on the analysis of the experimental data connected with the analytical calculation of the maximum overpressure and a numerical simulation of the temporal interaction between the factors. The phenomena associated with the emergency shutdown (load rejection) of the Francis turbine from different wicket gate openings (e.g. 100%, 75%, 50% and 25%WG) considering the same wicket gate closing slope are analysed. The conclusions are drawn in the last section together with a few recommendations to reduce the overpressure with a direct impact on the required maintenance, lifetime of the hydropower unit and the safe operation of the equipment

Melampsora larici-populina homologous effectors Mlp72983 and Mlp52166 display cell-type specific accumulation in Arabidopsis and Populus

Abstract Plants interact with microorganisms that can cause diseases and reduce crop productivity. The fungal pathogen Melampsora larici-populina (Mlp) causes the leaf rust disease of poplar trees by secreting proteins, termed effectors, into host tissues to promote pathogenesis. In this study, we functionally characterized two homologous Mlp candidate secreted effector proteins (CSEPs), Mlp72983 and Mlp52166. Confocal microscopy experiments revealed that Mlp72983 has cell type-specific differential localization. It accumulates in the guard cells’ chloroplast of the epidermis and in the nucleus of the spongy mesophyll of Arabidopsis thaliana and Populus alba x Populus tremula. Mlp52166 has a nucleocytosolic accumulation in the epidermal layer and has nuclear localization in the mesophyll layer of the two species. Transcriptomic experiments showed that Mlp72983 and Mlp52166 deregulate plant genes, when constitutively expressed in either Arabidopsis or poplar. The two CSEPs deregulate genes that encode histones, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, and multidrug and toxic compound extrusion proteins, with roles in DNA repair, methylation, and xenobiotic detoxification. Inoculation assays showed that CSEPs overexpression in poplar transgenics did not enhance susceptibility to rust infection. Despite being closely related in sequence identity, Mlp72983 and Mlp52166 have cell type-specific subcellular localization and deregulate mostly unique sets of plant genes

Description of managers’ competencies in diversity, equity, and Inclusion: A scoping review

Abstract Purpose Organizations are increasingly integrating a diverse workforce, bringing both opportunities and challenges. To harness the benefits of diversity while addressing its complexities, the adoption of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles is essential. These principles are particularly important in ensuring optimal accommodation for people returning to work after a period of disability, to take account of their multifaceted realities. Managers are pivotal in implementing and overseeing these initiatives, yet their specific roles and the required competencies remain underexplored. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the competencies managers need to effectively uphold DEI principles. Methods We conducted a scoping review to collect and analyze information from 21 manuscripts, following a systematic five-step process. Results The analysis identified seven core competencies and 28 sub-competencies that managers must exhibit to promote DEI in organizations. The seven competencies include the following: (1) communicating effectively with individuals; (2) managing DEI-related conflicts with diligence; (3) identifying and improving personal challenges related to DEI; (4) demonstrating transparency toward individuals; (5) acting as a role model to promote DEI at all levels; (6) facilitating the full potential of individuals; and (7) creating a team dynamic that fosters a sense of belonging for all individuals. Conclusion This study underscores the critical role managers play in fostering inclusive environments, not only by promoting diversity but also by implementing fair workplace accommodations that facilitate the return to work of employees following a period of disability. This framework provides a foundation for future research on managerial practices in DEI

Pourquoi tout ce bruit autour de la valeur p ? Quelques pistes de compréhension pour le non-expert

Résumé La valeur p (p-value) fait l’objet de vifs débats dans la communauté scientifique et influence l’évaluation que les intervenants font des recherches dans leur domaine de pratique. Certains souhaitent la proscrire, alors que d’autres veulent continuer à l’utiliser. Cet article présente des éléments de réflexion concernant les écarts entre sa réelle signification et l’usage commun qui en est fait. Il discute des définitions ou interprétations erronées qui lui sont associées, notamment par rapport aux seuils de la valeur p. Enfin, il présente des alternatives ou compléments à cette statistique. Son objectif est d’identifier et de proposer aux chercheurs en sciences sociales, humaines et de la santé les meilleures pratiques de l’analyse des données quantitatives et de développer en même temps une réflexion critique à l’égard de leurs résultats basés sur cette statistique, laquelle continue à attiser bien des passions. Un grand nombre d’études en psychologie rapportent des valeurs p. Malheureusement, cette statistique est souvent mal comprise et mal interprétée. Cet article vise à éclairer le non-expert sur la nature de la valeur p en plus de présenter quelques alternatives et stratégies pour mieux l’utiliser dans les écrits scientifiques. Abstract The p value is the subject of lively debate in the scientific community and influences the evaluation that stakeholders make of research in their field of practice. Some wish to ban it, while others want to continue using it. This article presents food for thought regarding the discrepancies between its real meaning and its widespread usage. It examines definitions and potential misinterpretations, especially concerning p value thresholds. It also discusses alternative methods or complementary approaches to this statistic. The objective is to identify and recommend best practices in quantitative data analysis for researchers in the social sciences, humanities, and health sciences. Simultaneously, it aims to foster critical thinking regarding their results based on these statistics, which continue to generate considerable interest

Assessing the readiness and feasibility to implement a model of care for spine disorders and related disability in Cross Lake, an indigenous community in northern Manitoba, Canada: A research protocol

Abstract Background Since the 1990s, spine disorders have remained the leading cause of global disability, disproportionately affecting economically marginalized individuals, rural populations, women, and older people. Back pain related disability is projected to increase the most in remote regions where lifestyle and work are increasingly sedentary, yet resources and access to comprehensive healthcare is generally limited. To help tackle this worldwide health problem, World Spine Care Canada, and the Global Spine Care Initiative (GSCI) launched a four-phase project aiming to address the profound gap between evidence-based spine care and routine care delivered to people with spine symptoms or concerns in communities that are medically underserved. Phase 1 conclusions and recommendations led to the development of a model of care that included a triaging system and spine care pathways that could be implemented and scaled in underserved communities around the world. Methods The current research protocol describes a site-specific customization and pre-implementation study (Phase 2), as well as a feasibility study (Phase 3) to be conducted in Cross Lake, an Indigenous community in northern Manitoba, Canada. Design: Observational pre-post design using a participatory mixed-methods approach. Relationship building with the community established through regular site visits will enable pre- and post-implementation data collection about the model of spine care and provisionally selected implementation strategies using a community health survey, chart reviews, qualitative interviews, and adoption surveys with key partners at the meso (community leaders) and micro (clinicians, patients, community residents) levels. Recruitment started in March 2023 and will end in March 2026. Surveys will be analyzed descriptively and interviews thematically. Findings will inform co-tailoring of implementation support strategies with project partners prior to evaluating the feasibility of the new spine care program. Discussion Knowledge generated from this study will provide essential guidance for scaling up, sustainability and impact (Phase 4) in other northern Canada regions and sites around the globe. It is hoped that implementing the GSCI model of care in Cross Lake will help to reduce the burden of spine problems and related healthcare costs for the local community, and serve as a scalable model for programs in other settings