Distributed Temperature Sensing System Using A Commercial Otdr And A Standard Edfa With Controlled Gain

The distributed temperature sensor system based in the spontaneous Raman backscattering is demonstrated for the first time to our knowledge, using a commercial OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) and a standard erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) with controlled gain. We evaluated this approach in a 30 km of single mode fiber using an OTDR pulse width of 100 ns and an EDFA with 17 dBm of output power.9852Conference on Fiber Optic Sensors and Applications XIIIAPR 18-21, 2016Baltimore, M

Hydrogen jet-fire: Accident investigation and implementation of safety measures for the design of a downstream oil plant

As amply known, hydrogen plays a very significant role in the process industry exerting a vital functionality in oil refineries, namely for secondary level refining units such hydro-treating and hydrocracking sections. This paper starts from a statistical analysis on hydrogen accidents and a thorough investigation on the sequence and causes of an accident involving a hydrogen leakage in a downstream oil industry. We present some key features of the accident and comment some practical implications for setting up risk reduction options at the plant level. The applicative phase of the paper states the main prevention strategies and suggest possible mitigation measures for hydrogen leaks events, discussing some practical solutions applied in the design of a large refinery. The experience and lessons learned gained from the event investigation and the comparison of the accident with the predictions of the safety report leads to the formulation of proposals and design modifications aiming at preventing or at least minimizing the consequences

Analysis of Helicopter Activities in Forest Fire-Fighting

In Southern European countries wildfires are the most natural threat to forests and wooded areas. Over the last decade, public and scientific debates on forest fire management have increased. Helicopters and airtankers are extremely effective fire suppression means, but they are also very expensive. Studies on the improved performance of suppression for the enhancement of firefighting organization are still needed. Consequently to make a plan for the distribution of financial resources to be divided between fire suppression and fire prevention actions in terms of fuel management is not possible. The aim of this study is to compare the helicopter’s forest fire-fighting activity in Tuscany (central Italy) over two periods: between 1998–2000 and 2001–2005 when five and ten helicopters were respectively assigned. For both periods (1998–2000 and 2001–2005) the following were analyzed: the number of forest fires and the burned area with or without helicopter intervention and the position of the helicopter bases in relation to the fire. The results showed that a fleet of 10 helicopters is oversized, in relation to the fire regime of Tuscany, suggesting the need to evaluate a reduction in the fleet. Financial resources may be thus made available for more profitable fire prevention activities, such as, active fuel management. The results also showed where there is the need to improve the helicopter efficiency via the re–management as regards the positioning of their bases

Determining Noise and Vibration Exposure in Conifer Cross-Cutting Operations by Using Li-Ion Batteries and Electric Chainsaws

In many activities, chainsaw users are exposed to the risk of injuries and several other hazard factors that may cause health problems. In fact, environmental and working conditions when using chainsaws result in workers’ exposure to hazards such as noise, vibration, exhaust gases, and wood dust. Repeated or continuous exposure to these unfavourable conditions can lead to occupational diseases that become apparent after a certain period of time has elapsed. Since the use of electric tools is increasing in forestry, the present research aims to evaluate the noise and vibration exposure caused by four models of electric chainsaws (Stihl MSA160T, Stihl MSA200C Li-Ion battery powered and Stihl MSE180C, Stihl MSE220C wired) during cross-cutting. Values measured on the Stihl MSA160T chainsaw (Li-Ion battery) showed similar vibration levels on both right and left handles (0.9–1.0 m s−2, respectively) and so did the other battery-powered chainsaw, the Stihl MSA200C (2.2–2.3 m s−2 for right and left handles, respectively). Results showed a range of noise included between 81 and 90 dB(A) for the analysed chainsaws. In conclusion, the vibrations and noise were lower for the battery chainsaws than the wired ones, but, in general, all the values were lower than those measured in previous studies of endothermic chainsaws

The Quantum Frontier of Software Engineering: A Systematic Mapping Study

Context. Quantum computing is becoming a reality, and quantum software engineering (QSE) is emerging as a new discipline to enable developers to design and develop quantum programs. Objective. This paper presents a systematic mapping study of the current state of QSE research, aiming to identify the most investigated topics, the types and number of studies, the main reported results, and the most studied quantum computing tools/frameworks. Additionally, the study aims to explore the research community's interest in QSE, how it has evolved, and any prior contributions to the discipline before its formal introduction through the Talavera Manifesto. Method. We searched for relevant articles in several databases and applied inclusion and exclusion criteria to select the most relevant studies. After evaluating the quality of the selected resources, we extracted relevant data from the primary studies and analyzed them. Results. We found that QSE research has primarily focused on software testing, with little attention given to other topics, such as software engineering management. The most commonly studied technology for techniques and tools is Qiskit, although, in most studies, either multiple or none specific technologies were employed. The researchers most interested in QSE are interconnected through direct collaborations, and several strong collaboration clusters have been identified. Most articles in QSE have been published in non-thematic venues, with a preference for conferences. Conclusions. The study's implications are providing a centralized source of information for researchers and practitioners in the field, facilitating knowledge transfer, and contributing to the advancement and growth of QSE