Experimentación, simulación y análisis de artefactos improvisados-proyectiles formados por explosión

Dentro de los artefactos explosivos improvisados se encuentran aquellos que generan proyectiles formados por explosión, penetradores de blindajes y sistemas acorazados, como los utilizados por grupos insurgentes contra las fuerzas aliadas en zona de operaciones. El objeto de este estudio es reproducir y entender el comportamiento de dichos artefactos explosivos improvisados capaces de generar proyectiles de alta velocidad y gran capacidad de penetración. La comprensión de su comportamiento permitirá mejorar el conocimiento sobre ellos, y por ende, combatirlos de forma más eficaz. Para ello se han realizado los ensayos correspondientes, obteniéndose las primeras caracterizaciones de proyectiles formados por explosión construidos de manera artesanal, tal y como haría un terrorista. Además, se han creado los modelos numéricos correspondientes a cada ensayo, que simulan todo el evento desde su inicio hasta el impacto en el objetivo, recorriendo todos los pasos intermedios. Se han ensayado 3 configuraciones y posteriormente se han simulado, usando el software de análisis por elementos finitos, LS-DYNA, con una configuración 2D axisimétrica, con mallados lagrangianos. Los resultados obtenidos por el modelo han alcanzado un alto grado de precisión con relación a los datos experimentales. A partir de aquí se puede concluir que los artefactos explosivos improvisados-proyectiles formados por explosión son una seria amenaza, y que los modelos generados permitirán conocer y ahorrar costes en la lucha contra esta amenaza, y por ende contra el terrorismo, al disponer de un enfoque holístico de la amenaza, y finalmente reducir los costes de la experimentación

An Implementation for Dynamic Application Allocation in Shared Sensor Networks

We present a system architecture implementation to perform dynamic application allocation in shared sensor networks, where highly integrated wireless sensor systems are used to support multiple applications. The architecture is based on a central controller that collects the received data from the sensor nodes, dynamically decides which applications must be simultaneously deployed in each node and, accordingly, over-the-air reprograms the sensor nodes. Waspmote devices are used as sensor nodes that communicate with the controller using ZigBee protocol. Experimental results show the viability of the proposal

An evaluation of the feasibility of electrostatic separation for physical soil washing

[EN] We present the first application of electrostatic separation for soil washing. Soil samples were collected from the PTE-containing area of La Cruz in Linares, southern Spain. Using a single-phase high-tension roll separator with voltages ranging from 20 kV to 41.5 kV, we achieved yield values between 0.69% and 9%, with high recovery rates for certain elements such as Zn, Cu, and Mo. SEM-EDX analysis revealed three particle types, including a non-conductive fraction composed of feldspar, a middling fraction composed of mica, and a conductive fraction consisting of PTE-bearing slag grains. Attributive analysis showed that 41.5 kV was the optimal voltage for maximizing PTE concentration. Overall, electrostatic separation is a promising approach for treating soils contaminated with PTEs, particularly in dry climate areas impacted by mining activities.S

Combining raw and compositional data to determine the spatial patterns of potentially toxic elements in soils

When considering complex scenarios involving several attributes, such as in environmental characterization, a clearer picture of reality can be achieved through the dimensional reduction of data. In this context, maps facilitate the visualization of spatial patterns of contaminant distribution and the identification of enriched areas. A set, of 15 Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) – (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg,Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl, V, and Zn), was measured in soil, collected in Langreo's municipality (80 km2), Spain. Relative enrichment (RE) is introduced here to refer to the proportion of elements present in a given context. Indeed, a novel approach is provided for research into PTE fate. This method involves studying the variability of PTE proportions throughout the study area, thereby allowing the identification of dissemination trends. Traditional geostatistical approaches commonly use raw data (concentrations) accepting that the elements analyzedmake up the entirety of the soil. However, in geochemical studies the analyzed elements are just a fraction of the total soil composition. Therefore, considering compositional data is pivotal. The spatial characterization of PTEs considering raw and compositional data together allowed a broad discussion about, not only the PTEs concentration's distribution but also to reckon possible trends of relative enrichment (RE). Transformations to open closed data are widely used for this purpose. Spatial patterns have an indubitable interest. In this study, the Centered Log-ratio transformation (clr) was used, followed by its back-transformation, to build a set of compositional data that, combined with raw data, allowed to establish the sources of the PTEs and trends of spatial dissemination.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Energy-aware dynamic resource allocation in virtual sensor networks

Sensor network virtualization enables the possibility of sharing common physical resources to multiple stakeholder applications. This paper focuses on addressing the dynamic adaptation of already assigned virtual sensor network resources to respond to time varying application demands. We propose an optimization framework that dynamically allocate applications into sensor nodes while accounting for the characteristics and limitations of the wireless sensor environment. It takes also into account the additional energy consumption related to activating new nodes and/or moving already active applications. Different objective functions related to the available energy in the nodes are analyzed. The proposed framework is evaluated by simulation considering realistic parameters from actual sensor nodes and deployed applications to assess the efficiency of the proposals

Effects of ultrasound on polymeric foam porosity

A variety of materials require functionally graded cellular microstructures whose porosity is engineered to meet specific applications (e.g. mimic bone structure for orthopaedic applications; fulfil mechanical, thermal or acoustic constraints in structural foamed components, etc.). Although a huge variety of foams can be manufactured with homogenous porosity, there are no generic processes for controlling the distribution of porosity within the resulting matrix. Motivated by the desire to create a flexible process for engineering heterogeneous foams, the authors have investigated how ultrasound, applied during the formation of a polyurethane foam, affects its cellular structure. The experimental results demonstrated how the parameters of ultrasound exposure (i.e. frequency and applied power) influenced the volume and distribution of pores within the final polyurethane matrix: the data demonstrates that porosity (i.e. volume fraction) varies in direct proportion to both the acoustic pressure and frequency of the ultrasound signal. The effects of ultrasound on porosity demonstrated by this work offer the prospect of a manufacturing process that can adjust the cellular geometry of foam and hence ensure that the resulting characteristics match the functional requirements

Nova metodologia para a construção de Índices Composicionais de Poluição em solos: um estudo de caso em Langreo, Espanha

O complexo comportamento geoquímico de Elementos Potencialmente Tóxicos (EPT) em solos pode afetar severamente os ecossistemas e a saúde humana. No entanto, é necessário compreender primeiro o que se entende por um solo “limpo” para depois poder avaliar um solo “poluído “e correspondente grau de severidade associado. Tendo em conta que a composição química de um solo é composicional, os atributos variam juntos, é, neste trabalho, introduzida uma nova metodologia para a construção de Indicadores Composicionais com base no formalismo da Análise de Dados Composicionais (CoDa). Na identificação de um equilíbrio composicional é necessário definir os elementos poluentes e os não poluentes para depois construir um Indicador de Poluição Composicional (IPC). Apresenta-se como estudo de caso a região contaminada de Langreo, noroeste de Espanha, onde num conjunto de 150 amostras de solo georreferenciadas foram analisados, em cada amostra, 37 elementos químicos. Calcularam-se depois, três IPCs, com base no formalismo CoDa e no conhecimento pericial. Num último passo, foram construídos mapas de distribuição espacial e de probabilidade, de exceder um dado limite, para os três novos indicadores de poluição, através de um processo estocástico de simulação sequencial – Simulação Sequencial Gaussiana (SSG). Os padrões espaciais obtidos e correspondente variabilidade associada, permitiu uma melhor compreensão dos processos associados à distribuição e ao enriquecimento relativo em EPTs.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Posibles indicaciones del tratamiento de las enfermedades autoinmunes con tacrolimus

Tacrolimus is an immunosuppressive drug used most successfully as a primary drug to suppress the rejection of transplants. Tacrolimus may also be useful as a novel therapy for autoimmune disease. There are various reports in the bibliography about the use of tacrolimus in the treatment of some autoimmune diseases: inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune hepatitis, cutaneous, neurologic, renal, endocrine or eye disease. In this review of more than 130 papers, we discuss the rationale for the use of tacrolimus in autoimmune disease and report the clinical experience with the drug in the management of a variety of autoimmune diseases. But, although there are a lot questions that require future research (dose, duration of treatment, when to begin tacrolimus treatment, how to monitor it, etc.), there is also wide experience with tacrolimus in the treatment of this type of disease

Inflation with racetrack superpotential and matter field

Several models of inflation with the racetrack superpotential for the volume modulus coupled to a matter field are investigated. In particular, it is shown that two classes of racetrack inflation models, saddle point and inflection point ones, can be constructed in a fully supersymmetric framework with the matter field F-term as a source of supersymmetry breaking and uplifting. Two models of F-term supersymmetry breaking are considered: the Polonyi model and the quantum corrected O'Raifeartaigh model. In the former case, both classes of racetrack inflation models differ significantly from the corresponding models with non-supersymmetric uplifting. The main difference is a quite strong dominance of the inflaton by the matter field. In addition, fine-tuning of the parameters is relaxed as compared to the original racetrack models. In the case of the racetrack inflation models coupled to the O'Raifeartaigh model, the matter field is approximately decoupled from the inflationary dynamics. In all of the above models the gravitino mass is larger than the Hubble scale during inflation. The possibility of having the gravitino much lighter than the Hubble scale is also investigated. It is very hard to construct models with light gravitino in which the volume modulus dominates inflation. On the other hand, models in which the inflationary dynamics is dominated by the matter field are relatively simple and seem to be more natural.Comment: 40 pages, 13 figures, references added, typos corrected, version to be publishe

Developing a new Bayesian Risk Index for risk evaluation of soil contamination

Supplementary data associated with this article can befound in the online version, at http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.06.068. These data include the Google map of the most important areas described in this article.Industrial and agricultural activities heavily constrain soil quality. Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) are a threat to public health and the environment alike. In this regard, the identification of areas that require remediation is crucial. In the herein research a geochemical dataset (230 samples) comprising 14 elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ag, Ni, Mn, Fe, As, Cd, V, Cr, Ti, Al and S) was gathered throughout eight different zones distinguished by their main activity, namely, recreational, agriculture/livestock and heavy industry in the Avilés Estuary (North of Spain). Then a stratified systematic sampling method was used at short, medium, and long distances from each zone to obtain a representative picture of the total variability of the selected attributes. The information was then combined in four risk classes (Low, Moderate, High, Remediation) following reference values from several sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). A Bayesian analysis, inferred for each zone, allowed the characterization of PTEs correlations, the unsupervised learning network technique proving to be the best fit. Based on the Bayesian network structure obtained, Pb, As and Mn were selected as key contamination parameters. For these 3 elements, the conditional probability obtained was allocated to each observed point, and a simple, direct index (Bayesian Risk Index-BRI) was constructed as a linear rating of the pre-defined risk classes weighted by the previously obtained probability. Finally, the BRI underwent geostatistical modeling. One hundred Sequential Gaussian Simulations (SGS) were computed. The Mean Image and the Standard Deviation maps were obtained, allowing the definition of High/Low risk clusters (Local G clustering) and the computation of spatial uncertainty. High-risk clusters are mainly distributed within the area with the highest altitude (agriculture/livestock) showing an associated low spatial uncertainty, clearly indicating the need for remediation. Atmospheric emissions, mainly derived from the metallurgical industry, contribute to soil contamination by PTEs.Carlos Sierra obtained a grant from the “Severo Ochoa (BP10-112)” Programme(Ficyt, Asturias,Spain).info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio