Use of non-destructive eddy current technique to detect simulated corrosion of aircraft structures

The article deals with the issue of non-destructive testing of riveted joints. In the article, the authors used a non-destructive eddy current array technique, which was applied to detect simulated corrosion in the field of aircraft riveted joints of aluminum sheets. In aircraft maintenance, the eddy current method is used to control the outer surface of the aircraft skin, especially the areas around the riveted joints. This method makes it possible to detect hidden cracks and corrosion that may occur during aircraft operation. Especially hidden are hidden cracks and corrosion of aircraft structures, which cannot be detected during a visual inspection of the aircraft. The aim of the experimental measurements was to reveal simulated corrosion in the area of riveted joints formed on the experimental sample. Corrosion was simulated by gluing aluminum powder to the surface of the aluminum sheets from which the sample was made. The simulated corrosion in the second and third layers of the riveted sample was reliably detected. The settings, the method of control and the results of measurements are given in the article in the experimental part and the results of measurements. Measurements were performed using a defectoscope with an ECA measurement module, with appropriate measuring probes suitable for this type of inspection

Selection of protective coatings for increasing operational life of small jet engine

Workshop byl částečně podpořen projektem CZ.1.07/2.3.00/20.0139. Tento projekt je spolufinancován Evropským sociálním fondem a státním rozpočtem České republiky

Potential of technical losses reduction in low voltage feeder using small photovoltaics

Efficiency of electricity systems is currently a high priority for the society. Our article focuses on the area of low voltage distribution system, where we focus more deeply on the possibilities of reducing technical losses. To achieve this goal, many traditional methods are known which require modification and intervention in the distribution system. Our concept is based on the possibility of reducing active losses using small photovoltaic systems installed at low voltage customers. For this purpose, a low voltage feeder model of the corresponding structure was created in this work. Using this model, a case study based on real data (solar irradiation data and typical daily diagrams of low voltage customers) was performed. The results of the simulations show considerable potential for reducing technical losses using the described concept

Critical infrastructure and the possibility of increasing its resilience in the context of the energy sector

The paper focuses on critical infrastructure and its resilience. The introductory parts of the paper define the concepts of critical infrastructure and resilience of critical infrastructure and further define its legislative basis. Then follows the definition of typical critical states in the field of power engineering. To a large extent, attention is also focused on methods for critical infrastructure protection and methods for strengthening critical infrastructure resilience. Within the selected area, a survey of the possibilities of critical infrastructure was carried out, which was evaluated. Based on the results, several recommended steps were identified in the sub-areas to which further research will be devoted

Methodology of electricity supplying of critical infrastructure in crisis situations

The paper focuses on the issues associated with the supply of electricity to critical infrastructure in crisis situations. In the introductory passages, the paper focuses on the methodology of selecting objects of critical infrastructure. Subsequently, attention is paid to selected aspects associated with the operation of electricity generation during a crisis situations. By using suitable types of production units (gas turbines), it is possible to gradually start island operation in the surrounding region, primarily for critical infrastructure facilities, whose main task is to protect the population. In the practical part, the paper focuses on the issues of stability of the island operation mode. The results of the case study show that for the switch-on plan it is necessary to take into account the dynamic characteristics of island operation by feeding the objects of critical infrastructure gradually after small electrical power steps

Model Predictive Direct Power Control of Four-Switch-Based Inverter Connected to Unbalanced Grid System

A model based predictive direct power control with finite set of control variables for the three phase four-switch-based converter B4 connected to an unbalanced grid is introduced. The instantaneous active and non-active powers are outputs of the controlled system. The alternative instantaneous non-active power theory is used that preserves harmonic free grid currents not only for a symmetrical but also unsymmetrical voltage system. Simulation results for the L grid filter are presented and analyzed

Survival in multiple myeloma and SARS‐COV‐2 infection through the COVID‐19 pandemic: Results from the epicovideha registry

Abstract Patients affected by multiple myeloma (MM) have an increased risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and subsequent coronavirus (20)19 disease (COVID‐19)‐related death. The changing epidemiological and therapeutic scenarios suggest that there has been an improvement in severity and survival of COVID‐19 during the different waves of the pandemic in the general population, but this has not been investigated yet in MM patients. Here we analyzed a large cohort of 1221 patients with MM and confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 infection observed between February 2020, and August 2022, in the EPICOVIDEHA registry from 132 centers around the world. Median follow‐up was 52 days for the entire cohort and 83 days for survivors. Three‐hundred and three patients died (24%) and COVID‐19 was the primary reason for death of around 89% of them. Overall survival (OS) was significantly higher in vaccinated patients with both stable and active MM versus unvaccinated, while only a trend favoring vaccinated patients was observed in subjects with responsive MM. Vaccinated patients with at least 2 doses showed a better OS than those with one or no vaccine dose. Overall, according to pandemic waves, mortality rate decreased over time from 34% to 10%. In multivariable analysis, age, renal failure, active disease, hospital, and intensive care unit admission, were independently associated with a higher number of deaths, while a neutrophil count above 0.5 × 10 /L was found to be protective. This data suggests that MM patients remain at risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection even in the vaccination era, but their clinical outcome, in terms of OS, has progressively improved throughout the different viral phases of the pandemic

COVID-19 infection in adult patients with hematological malignancies: a European Hematology Association Survey (EPICOVIDEHA).

BackgroundPatients with hematological malignancies (HM) are at high risk of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 disease 2019 (COVID-19). A better understanding of risk factors for adverse outcomes may improve clinical management in these patients. We therefore studied baseline characteristics of HM patients developing COVID-19 and analyzed predictors of mortality.MethodsThe survey was supported by the Scientific Working Group Infection in Hematology of the European Hematology Association (EHA). Eligible for the analysis were adult patients with HM and laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 observed between March and December 2020.ResultsThe study sample includes 3801 cases, represented by lymphoproliferative (mainly non-Hodgkin lymphoma n = 1084, myeloma n = 684 and chronic lymphoid leukemia n = 474) and myeloproliferative malignancies (mainly acute myeloid leukemia n = 497 and myelodysplastic syndromes n = 279). Severe/critical COVID-19 was observed in 63.8% of patients (n = 2425). Overall, 2778 (73.1%) of the patients were hospitalized, 689 (18.1%) of whom were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Overall, 1185 patients (31.2%) died. The primary cause of death was COVID-19 in 688 patients (58.1%), HM in 173 patients (14.6%), and a combination of both COVID-19 and progressing HM in 155 patients (13.1%). Highest mortality was observed in acute myeloid leukemia (199/497, 40%) and myelodysplastic syndromes (118/279, 42.3%). The mortality rate significantly decreased between the first COVID-19 wave (March-May 2020) and the second wave (October-December 2020) (581/1427, 40.7% vs. 439/1773, 24.8%, p value < 0.0001). In the multivariable analysis, age, active malignancy, chronic cardiac disease, liver disease, renal impairment, smoking history, and ICU stay correlated with mortality. Acute myeloid leukemia was a higher mortality risk than lymphoproliferative diseases.ConclusionsThis survey confirms that COVID-19 patients with HM are at high risk of lethal complications. However, improved COVID-19 prevention has reduced mortality despite an increase in the number of reported cases