Optical background measurement in a potential site for the NEMO KM undersea neutrino telescope

We describe the measurement of the deep sea optical background in some sites south of Capo Passero, Sicily. A continuous flux of about 440 photons cm -2 s -1 in the wavelength interval 440-550 nm is estimated due to the decays of the 40K contained in the sea water. Bioluminescence light bursts are also observed and an example of time evolution is reported. All the measurements were accomplished using a deep sea module also described in this article

Performance Results of a Prototype Board Designed for Copper Data Transmission in KM3NeT

International audienceThe experience gained in designing submarine neutrino telescopes suggested to explore new ways of realizing the data transmission backbone at the detection unit level. In order to decrease the difficulties of integration and handling of the backbones, some effort has been spent in developing a backbone based on copper links with simple tracts of cable connecting contiguous storeys. This work is aimed at the presentation of the general architecture of the system, at the description of an electronic board prototype designed to test the project feasibility with the first results obtained. The main goal of the experimental setup was measuring the recovered clock jitter under various conditions, with and without cables. The jitter measured on the cleaned clock amounts to hundreds of picoseconds, well below the sub-nanosecond time resolution required by this kind of experiments

A neural-network approach to radon short-range forecasting from concentration time series

The relevance of particulate radon progeny measurements for an estimation of the mixing height was recently established. Here, an attempt at a shortrange forecast of radon concentration is presented using a neural-network model applied at a 2-hour based time series. This forecasting activity leads to useful predictions of the mixing height during stability conditions

Neural network modelling for the analysis of forcings/temperatures relationships at different scales in the climate system

Abstract A fully non-linear analysis of forcing influences on temperatures is performed in the climate system by means of neural network modelling. Two case studies are investigated, in order to establish the main factors that drove the temperature behaviour at both global and regional scales in the last 140 years. In particular, our neural network model shows the ability to catch non-linear relationships among these variables and to reconstruct temperature records with a high degree of accuracy. In this framework, we clearly show the need of including anthropogenic inputs for explaining the temperature behaviour at global scale and recognise the role of El Nino southern oscillation for catching the inter-annual variability of temperature data. Furthermore, we analyse the relative influence of global forcing and a regional circulation pattern in determining the winter temperatures in Central England, showing that the North Atlantic oscillation represents the driven element in this case study. Our modelling activity and results can be very useful for simple assessments of relationships in the complex climate system and for identifying the fundamental elements leading to a successful downscaling of atmosphere–ocean general circulation models

Investment suitability and path dependency perpetuate inequity in international mitigation finance toward developing countries

Developed country pledges to provide finance to developing countries for their mitigation actions sit at the heart of international climate cooperation. Currently, climate finance largely flows to big and fast-growing developing countries while low-income and vulnerable countries are underserved. Here, using wind and solar project data, we highlight inequities in the distribution of international investments in mitigation across developing countries and explore the factors that influence public and private investment flows. Results show that public actors are influenced by domestic climate policies since the Paris Agreement, while private finance flows are shaped by investment suitability conditions, which restricts access to both types of finance in the poorest countries. Further, public and private flows are strongly shaped by path dependency, generating an “investment lock-in” that perpetuates distributional inequities. Future international commitments to direct climate finance should address distributional issues to meet countries’ needs and the goals of the Paris Agreement

The role of inhalational anesthetic drugs in patients with hepatic dysfunction: A review article

Context: Anesthetic drugs including halogenated anesthetics have been common for many years. Consequent hepatic injury has been reported in the literature. The mechanism of injury is immunoallergic. The first generation drug was halothane; it had the most toxicity when compared to other drugs. The issue becomes more important when the patient has an underlying hepatic dysfunction. Evidence Acquisition: In this paper, reputable internet databases from 1957�2014 were analyzed and 43 original articles, 3 case reports, and 3 books were studied. A search was performed based on the following keywords: inhalational anesthesia, hepatic dysfunction, halogenated anesthetics, general anesthesia in patients with hepatic diseases, and side effects of halogenated anesthetics from reliable databases. Reputable websites like PubMed and Cochrane were used for the searches. Results: In patients with hepatic dysfunction in addition to hepatic system and dramatic hemostatic dysfunction, dysfunction of cardiovascular, renal, respiratory, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems may occur. On the other hand, exposure to inhalational halogenated anesthetics may have a negative impact (similar to hepatitis) on all aforementioned systems in addition to direct effects on liver function as well as the effects are more pronounced in halothane. Conclusions: Despite the adverse effects of inhalational halogenated anesthetics (especially halothane) on hepatic patients when necessary. The effects on all systems must be considered and the necessary preparations must be provided. These drugs are still used, if necessary, due to the presence of positive effects and advantages mentioned in other studies as well as the adverse effects of other drugs. © 2015, Iranian Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine (ISRAPM)

Survey of educational drop-out indexes and its related factors in alumni of paramedical faculty of Kashan Medical University

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Educational dropout is one of the problems of educational system. The educational drop-out prevention and its complications require recognition of the probability risk factors. So, this study is carried out in order to assess the indexes of educational drop-out and its related factors in alunmi of paramedical faculty of Kashan medical University, Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed on the entire alunmi from 1990-2003 (n=1439). The questionnaire including probability related factors and the indexes of educational drop-out (probation, unacceptable total average, lesson repeating, major changing, withdrawing, ejection from university, education leaving and delay in graduating) was used. FINDINGS: Prevalence of probation, unacceptable total average and delay in graduating were 9.2 (n=133), 14.5 (n=209), and 14.1 (n=203), respectively. The utmost probation frequency was related to first and then second semester. Delay duration was only one semester in 152 (10.56). 413 (28.7) had repeated lesson that 227 (15.8) had repeated only one lesson. Prevalence of major changing, withdrawing, ejection from university and education leaving were 2 (n=29), 0.9 (n=13), 0.4 (n=6), and 0.6 (n=9), respectively. There was an association between demographic data, prior educational status, and admission criteria with academic drop-out. CONCLUSION: With attention to the considerable prevalence of educational drop-out and its risk factors, diagnosing and supporting of the vulnerable students is a must

Techno-economic assessment of energy storage systems in multi-energy microgrids utilizing decomposition methodology

Renewable resources and energy storage systems integrated into microgrids are crucial in attaining sustainable energy consumption and energy cost savings. This study conducts an in-depth analysis of diverse storage systems within multi-energy microgrids, including natural gas and electricity subsystems, with a comprehensive focus on techno-economic considerations. To achieve this objective, a methodology is developed, comprising an optimization model that facilitates the determination of optimal storage system locations within microgrids. The model considers various factors, such as operating and emission costs of both gas and electricity subsystems, and incorporates a sensitivity analysis to calculate the investment and maintenance costs associated with the storage systems. Due to the incorporation of voltage and current relations in the electricity subsystem as well as gas pressure and flow considerations in the natural gas subsystem, the developed model is classified as a mixed-integer nonlinear programming model. To address the inherent complexity in solving, a decomposition approach based on Outer Approximation/Equality Relaxation/Augmented Penalty is developed. This study offers scientific insights into the costs of energy storage systems, potential operational cost savings, and technical considerations of microgrid operation. The results of the developed decomposition approach demonstrate significant advantages, including reduced solving time and a decreased number of iterations

Frequency and Predictors of Courses Repetition, Probation, and Delayed Graduation in Kashan Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery

Background: Course failing and delayed graduation are important concerns in educational systems. The reasons of these educational failures need to be clarified. Objectives: This study was designed to determine the academic failure rate and its predictors in Nursing and Midwifery Students in Kashan University of Medical Sciences. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the records of all the students graduated in Nursing and Midwifery faculty during 18 years (1986 - 2003) were evaluated (1174 graduates). The demographic variables and the educational situation were recorded. The frequency of course repetition, probation, and delayed graduation were determined and the data were analyzed using the chi-square and logistic regression tests. Results: The frequency of course repetition, probation, and delayed graduation was reported to be 19.25%, 3.9% and 19.85%, respectively. Gaining Low grade in high school, transferring from other universities, having special quota, and transferring temporarily to other universities were mentioned as the risk factors of academic failure. The major had a significant relationship with academic failure. Day time students had more course failure and night time students stayed longer in the university. Conclusions: The individual characteristics, educational background and admission criteria had showed relation with academic failure. Vulnerable students should be identified and educational supports should be provided for these students