Engineering and geological conditions of dam construction

The article presents studies of the engineering-geological conditions of dam construction, consisting of the structure of river valleys and slopes, conditions of rock occurrence, geotechnical and filtration properties of rocks, and geological conditions of the dam construction site. A classification of valley types with schemes, classification of rocks about the location of dams, and types of tectonic structure of valleys about the construction of dams are presented. Conclusions are drawn about the most favorable and unfavorable conditions for the construction of dams

EU support for biofuels and bioenergy, environmental sustainability criteria, and trade policy

This paper presents physics-based surrogate modeling algorithms for systems governed by parameterized partial differential equations (PDEs) commonly encountered in design optimization and uncertainty analysis. We first outline unsupervised learning approaches that leverage advances in the machine learning literature for a meshfree solution of PDEs. Subsequently, we propose continuum and discrete formulations for systems governed by parameterized steady-state PDEs. We consider the case of both deterministically and randomly parameterized systems. The basic idea is to embody the design variables or uncertain parameters in additional dimensions of the governing PDEs along with the spatial coordinates. We show that the undetermined parameters of the surrogate model can be estimated by minimizing a physics-based objective function derived using a multidimensional least-squares collocation or the Bubnov-Galerkin scheme. This potentially allows us to construct surrogate models without using data from computer experiments on a deterministic analysis code. Finally, we also outline an extension of the present approach to directly approximate the density function of random algebraic equations

Разработка сменного ковшового рабочего органа с дополнительным захватом для каналоочистителя ОКН-0,5

The paper substantiates the necessity of developing new replaceable working bodies for the OKN-0.5 reclamation canal cleaner. The study emphasizes the significance and application features of bucket working bodies, considering the prevalent conditions of reclamation drainage canals, which often contain sediment, silting, and various types of vegetation. (Research purpose) The research objective is to investigate the process of cleaning the channel bottom and slopes using the proposed replaceable bucket. (Materials and methods) The paper proposes an enhanced design of a replaceable bucket with an additional gripper. (Results and discussion) The paper outlines the calculations conducted to determine the appropriate bucket width, dimensions of the additional gripper, the forces involved in clearing sediments and silting, and the machine's working capacity. A comprehensive three-dimensional model of the proposed working body with the additional gripper was created using Inventor Pro graphics package. Additionally, the bucket's structural strength was evaluated through finite element method calculations.  The canal cleaner’s stability was assessed with the inclusion of a separate hydraulic drive for the additional gripper, utilizing a mini-program generated in the Mathcad system. (Conclusions) The conclusions drawn from the study recommend a bucket width of 2000 millimeters and the development of an additional gripper with a hydraulic drive. The proposed design proves essential for securing sediments, grassy, and shrubby vegetation in the bucket until they can be efficiently unloaded onto the berm. Based on technical and operational data, the canal cleaner belongs to machines of positional periodic action, with a working capacity of 180-330 meters per hour. The research also identifies criteria for achieving high-quality cleaning of reclamation drainage canals up to 2.5 meters deep.Обосновали необходимость создания новых сменных рабочих органов мелиоративного каналоочистителя ОКН-0,5. Отметили значение и особенности применения ковшовых рабочих органов с учетом того, что состояние каналов мелиоративных осушительных систем характеризуется наличием наносов, заилений, травянистой и кустарниковой растительности. (Цель исследования) Изучить процесс очистки дна и откосов каналов с помощью разработанного сменного ковша. (Материалы и методы) Предложили уширенную конструкцию сепарированного ковша с дополнительным захватом. (Результаты и обсуждение) На основе выполненных расчетов определили ширину ковша, размеры дополнительного захвата, усилия, прилагаемые к ковшу при разработке наносов и заилений, а также производительность машины. Сформировали объемную модель-сборку предлагаемого рабочего органа с дополнительным захватом в графическом пакете Inventor Pro. Провели прочностные расчеты методом конечных элементов нового ковшового устройства с дополнительным захватом, определили запас прочности конструкции. С учетом утяжеления ковша за счет дополнительного захвата с отдельным гидроприводом рассчитана устойчивость каналоочистителя с помощью мини-программы, сформированной в системе Mathcad. (Выводы) Обосновали ширину 2000 миллиметров ковша и необходимость разработки дополнительного захвата с гидравлическим приводом. Предлагаемая конструкция необходима для фиксации в ковше наносов, травянистой и кустарниковой растительности до момента их выгрузки на берму. По технико-эксплуатационным показателям каналоочиститель относится к машинам позиционного периодического действия. Эксплуатационная производительность каналоочистителя может достигать 180-330 метров в час. Выявили критерии для качественной очистки осушительных мелиоративных каналов глубиной до 2,5 метра

FACTORS OF EFFICIENCY AND QUALITY OF TRAINING IN PH.D. PROGRAMS (SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS)

В работе обсуждаются результаты опроса экспертов - докторов наук, профессоров, имеющих практический опыт подготовки и аттестации научных кадров - по проблемам совершенствования аспирантских программ, выявлению ключевых факторов и критериев эффективности и качества подготовки аспирантов. Значительное внимание уделено изучению точек зрения респондентов, представляющих различные научные дисциплины.The results of a survey carried out among experts having practical experience in the training and attestation of academic personnel are discussed. The survey concerned the problems of improvement of Ph.D. programs, revealing the key factors and the criteria of their efficiency and quality. The respondents in the survey represent many different areas of studies

Population of isomers in decay of the giant dipole resonance

The value of an isomeric ratio (IR) in N=81 isotones ($^{137}$Ba, $^{139}$Ce, $^{141}$Nd and $^{143}$Sm) is studied by means of the ($\gamma, n)$ reaction. This quantity measures a probability to populate the isomeric state in respect to the ground state population. In ($\gamma, n)$ reactions, the giant dipole resonance (GDR) is excited and after its decay by a neutron emission, the nucleus has an excitation energy of a few MeV. The forthcoming $\gamma$ decay by direct or cascade transitions deexcites the nucleus into an isomeric or ground state. It has been observed experimentally that the IR for $^{137}$Ba and $^{139}$Ce equals about 0.13 while in two heavier isotones it is even less than half the size. To explain this effect, the structure of the excited states in the energy region up to 6.5 MeV has been calculated within the Quasiparticle Phonon Model. Many states are found connected to the ground and isomeric states by $E1$, $E2$ and $M1$ transitions. The single-particle component of the wave function is responsible for the large values of the transitions. The calculated value of the isomeric ratio is in very good agreement with the experimental data for all isotones. A slightly different value of maximum energy with which the nuclei rest after neutron decay of the GDR is responsible for the reported effect of the A-dependence of the IR.Comment: 16 pages, 4 Fig

Entanglement Measures for Single- and Multi-Reference Correlation Effects

Electron correlation effects are essential for an accurate ab initio description of molecules. A quantitative a priori knowledge of the single- or multi-reference nature of electronic structures as well as of the dominant contributions to the correlation energy can facilitate the decision regarding the optimum quantum chemical method of choice. We propose concepts from quantum information theory as orbital entanglement measures that allow us to evaluate the single- and multi-reference character of any molecular structure in a given orbital basis set. By studying these measures we can detect possible artifacts of small active spaces.Comment: 14 pages, 4 figure

Stereotypical Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia B-Cell Receptors Recognize Survival Promoting Antigens on Stromal Cells

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in the Western world. Survival of CLL cells depends on their close contact with stromal cells in lymphatic tissues, bone marrow and blood. This microenvironmental regulation of CLL cell survival involves the stromal secretion of chemo- and cytokines as well as the expression of adhesion molecules. Since CLL survival may also be driven by antigenic stimulation through the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR), we explored the hypothesis that these processes may be linked to each other. We tested if stromal cells could serve as an antigen reservoir for CLL cells, thus promoting CLL cell survival by stimulation through the BCR. As a proof of principle, we found that two CLL BCRs with a common stereotyped heavy chain complementarity-determining region 3 (previously characterized as “subset 1”) recognize antigens highly expressed in stromal cells – vimentin and calreticulin. Both antigens are well-documented targets of autoantibodies in autoimmune disorders. We demonstrated that vimentin is displayed on the surface of viable stromal cells and that it is present and bound by the stereotyped CLL BCR in CLL-stroma co-culture supernatant. Blocking the vimentin antigen by recombinant soluble CLL BCR under CLL-stromal cell co-culture conditions reduces stroma-mediated anti-apoptotic effects by 20–45%. We therefore conclude that CLL BCR stimulation by stroma-derived antigens can contribute to the protective effect that the stroma exerts on CLL cells. This finding sheds a new light on the understanding of the pathobiology of this so far mostly incurable disease

T Cells Specifically Targeted to Amyloid Plaques Enhance Plaque Clearance in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) exhibit substantial accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques in the brain. Here, we examine whether Aβ vaccination can facilitate the migration of T lymphocytes to specifically target Aβ plaques and consequently enhance their removal. Using a new mouse model of AD, we show that immunization with Aβ, but not with the encephalitogenic proteolipid protein (PLP), results in the accumulation of T cells at Aβ plaques in the brain. Although both Aβ-reactive and PLP-reactive T cells have a similar phenotype of Th1 cells secreting primarily IFN-γ, the encephalitogenic T cells penetrated the spinal cord and caused experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), whereas Aβ T cells accumulated primarily at Aβ plaques in the brain but not the spinal cord and induced almost complete clearance of Aβ. Furthermore, while a single vaccination with Aβ resulted in upregulation of the phagocytic markers triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells-2 (TREM2) and signal regulatory protein-β1 (SIRPβ1) in the brain, it caused downregulation of the proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6. We thus suggest that Aβ deposits in the hippocampus area prioritize the targeting of Aβ-reactive but not PLP-reactive T cells upon vaccination. The stimulation of Aβ-reactive T cells at sites of Aβ plaques resulted in IFN-γ-induced chemotaxis of leukocytes and therapeutic clearance of Aβ

Logistic support provided to Australian disaster medical assistance teams: results of a national survey of team members

Background: It is likely that calls for disaster medical assistance teams (DMATs) continue in response to international disasters. As part of a national survey, the present study was designed to evaluate the Australian DMAT experience and the need for logistic support.\ud \ud Methods: Data were collected via an anonymous mailed survey distributed via State and Territory representatives on the Australian Health Protection Committee, who identified team members associated with Australian DMAT deployments from the 2004 Asian Tsunami disaster.\ud \ud Results: The response rate for this survey was 50% (59/118). Most of the personnel had deployed to the South East Asian Tsunami affected areas. The DMAT members had significant clinical and international experience. There was unanimous support for dedicated logistic support with 80% (47/59) strongly agreeing. Only one respondent (2%) disagreed with teams being self sufficient for a minimum of 72 hours. Most felt that transport around the site was not a problem (59%; 35/59), however, 34% (20/59) felt that transport to the site itself was problematic. Only 37% (22/59) felt that pre-deployment information was accurate. Communication with local health providers and other agencies was felt to be adequate by 53% (31/59) and 47% (28/59) respectively, while only 28% (17/59) felt that documentation methods were easy to use and reliable. Less than half (47%; 28/59) felt that equipment could be moved easily between areas by team members and 37% (22/59) that packaging enabled materials to be found easily. The maximum safe container weight was felt to be between 20 and 40 kg by 58% (34/59).\ud \ud Conclusions: This study emphasises the importance of dedicated logistic support for DMAT and the need for teams to be self sufficient for a minimum period of 72 hours. There is a need for accurate pre deployment information to guide resource prioritisation with clearly labelled pre packaging to assist access on site. Container weights should be restricted to between 20 and 40 kg, which would assist transport around the site, while transport to the site was seen as problematic. There was also support for training of all team members in use of basic equipment such as communications equipment, tents and shelters and water purification systems