Overview of the existing UAV regulatory framework in European contries in the context of an emergency response and emergency response exercises

Bespilotne letelice, kolokvijalno poznatije kao dronovi, mogu biti od velike pomoći prilikom prikupljanja podataka visoke rezolucije, naročito u slučajevima kada direktno uključivanje obučenog osoblja na lokaciji od interesa ne bi bilo poželjno. Takav je slučaj sa reagovanjem u slučaju nuklearnog ili radiološkog akcidenta. Dron koji bi imao niz kompaktnih senzora, koji bi sadržali i specijalizovanu opremu koja nije deo standardnog tovara drona, kao što je npr. gama spektrometar, bi bio od velike pomoći, naravno pod pretpostavkom pouzdanog linka za prenos podataka u izazovnom okruženju kakvo je i očekivano u tom slučaju. Pitanje koje komplikuje upotrebu dronova u ovakvim situacijama, a možda i više u slučaju istraživanja i vežbi (koje moraju prethoditi bilo kakvoj realnoj upotrebi) je heterogeni regulatorni okvir koji postoji u evropskim zemljama. Ova fragmentacija je potekla od činjenice da je Evropska komisija ostavila regulisanje dronova mase ispod 150kg zemljama članicama. Iako je nova, harmonizujuća regulativa u procesu donošenja i primene, različiti nacionalni regulatorni okviri su još uvek na snazi, i oni imaju i slučnosti ali i kontrastirajuće elemente. U ovom radu je dat pregled odabranih nacionalnih regulativa u kontekstu reagovanja u vanrednim situacijama kao i uvid u neke buduće trendove.Unmanned aerial vehicles -UAVs, more colloquially known as drones, can be of great help in high resolution data acquisition, especially in situations where direct, on-the-ground involvement of trained personnel would be strongly undesirable. One such case is an emergency response following a nuclear or radiological event. Drone mounted with array of compact sensors, which may include specialized equipment not commonly found in the payload, such as gamma spectrometer, would be of great help to first responders, of course under assumption of a reliable data link in a complicated environment. Issue that complicates use of drones in emergency situations, and maybe even more so in research and exercises (that must precede any realistic use) is heterogeneous regulatory framework that currently exists in European countries. This fragmentation originated from the fact that European Commission left regulation of drones under 150kg to Member States. While new harmonizing legislation is under discussion, various national UAV regulations are still in place, with strong similarities but also with contrasting elements. This work summarizes current status of various national UAV regulations in the context of emergency response and also gives perspective into future trends.Proceedings: [http://vinar.vin.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/8681]XXX симпозијум ДЗЗСЦГ (Друштва за заштиту од зрачења Србије и Црне Горе), 2- 4. октобар 2019. године, Дивчибаре, Србиј

Resistance of Human Cytomegalovirus to Cyclopropavir Maps to a Base Pair Deletion in the Open Reading Frame of \u3cem\u3eUL97\u3c/em\u3e

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a widespread pathogen in the human population, affecting many immunologically immature and immunocompromised patients, and can result in severe complications, such as interstitial pneumonia and mental retardation. Current chemotherapies for the treatment of HCMV infections include ganciclovir (GCV), foscarnet, and cidofovir. However, the high incidences of adverse effects (neutropenia and nephrotoxicity) limit the use of these drugs. Cyclopropavir (CPV), a guanosine nucleoside analog, is 10-fold more active against HCMV than GCV (50% effective concentrations [EC50s] = 0.46 and 4.1 μM, respectively). We hypothesize that the mechanism of action of CPV is similar to that of GCV: phosphorylation to a monophosphate by viral pUL97 protein kinase with further phosphorylation to a triphosphate by endogenous kinases, re- sulting in inhibition of viral DNA synthesis. To test this hypothesis, we isolated a CPV-resistant virus, sequenced its genome, and discovered that bp 498 of UL97 was deleted. This mutation caused a frameshift in UL97 resulting in a truncated protein that lacks a kinase domain. To determine if this base pair deletion was responsible for drug resistance, the mutation was engineered into the wild-type viral genome, which was then exposed to increasing concentrations of CPV. The results demonstrate that the engineered virus was approximately 72-fold more resistant to CPV (EC50 = 25.8 ± 3.1 μM) than the wild-type virus (EC50 = 0.36 ± 0.11 μM). We conclude, therefore, that this mutation is sufficient for drug resistance and that pUL97 is involved in the mechanism of action of CPV

Overview of the existing UAV regulatory framework in European contries in the context of an emergency response and emergency response exercises

Bespilotne letelice, kolokvijalno poznatije kao dronovi, mogu biti od velike pomoći prilikom prikupljanja podataka visoke rezolucije, naročito u slučajevima kada direktno uključivanje obučenog osoblja na lokaciji od interesa ne bi bilo poželjno. Takav je slučaj sa reagovanjem u slučaju nuklearnog ili radiološkog akcidenta. Dron koji bi imao niz kompaktnih senzora, koji bi sadržali i specijalizovanu opremu koja nije deo standardnog tovara drona, kao što je npr. gama spektrometar, bi bio od velike pomoći, naravno pod pretpostavkom pouzdanog linka za prenos podataka u izazovnom okruženju kakvo je i očekivano u tom slučaju. Pitanje koje komplikuje upotrebu dronova u ovakvim situacijama, a možda i više u slučaju istraživanja i vežbi (koje moraju prethoditi bilo kakvoj realnoj upotrebi) je heterogeni regulatorni okvir koji postoji u evropskim zemljama. Ova fragmentacija je potekla od činjenice da je Evropska komisija ostavila regulisanje dronova mase ispod 150kg zemljama članicama. Iako je nova, harmonizujuća regulativa u procesu donošenja i primene, različiti nacionalni regulatorni okviri su još uvek na snazi, i oni imaju i slučnosti ali i kontrastirajuće elemente. U ovom radu je dat pregled odabranih nacionalnih regulativa u kontekstu reagovanja u vanrednim situacijama kao i uvid u neke buduće trendove.Unmanned aerial vehicles -UAVs, more colloquially known as drones, can be of great help in high resolution data acquisition, especially in situations where direct, on-the-ground involvement of trained personnel would be strongly undesirable. One such case is an emergency response following a nuclear or radiological event. Drone mounted with array of compact sensors, which may include specialized equipment not commonly found in the payload, such as gamma spectrometer, would be of great help to first responders, of course under assumption of a reliable data link in a complicated environment. Issue that complicates use of drones in emergency situations, and maybe even more so in research and exercises (that must precede any realistic use) is heterogeneous regulatory framework that currently exists in European countries. This fragmentation originated from the fact that European Commission left regulation of drones under 150kg to Member States. While new harmonizing legislation is under discussion, various national UAV regulations are still in place, with strong similarities but also with contrasting elements. This work summarizes current status of various national UAV regulations in the context of emergency response and also gives perspective into future trends.Proceedings: [http://vinar.vin.bg.ac.rs/handle/123456789/8681]XXX симпозијум ДЗЗСЦГ (Друштва за заштиту од зрачења Србије и Црне Горе), 2- 4. октобар 2019. године, Дивчибаре, Србиј

Coulomb Correlations and Pseudo-gap Effects in a Pre-formed Pair Model for the Cuprates

We extend previous work on pre-formed pair models of superconductivity to incorporate Coulomb correlation effects. For neutral systems, these models have provided a useful scheme which interpolates between BCS and Bose Einstein condensation with increasing coupling and thereby describes some aspects of pseudo-gap phenomena. However, charge fluctuations (via the plasmon, $\omega_p$) significantly modify the collective modes and therefore the interpolation behavior. We discuss the resulting behavior of the pseudo-gap and thermodynamic quantities such as $T_c$, $\chi$ and $C_v$ as a function of $\omega_p$.Comment: 4 pages RevTeX, 3 ps figures included (Submitted to Physical Review B August 27, 1996

Enhanced sensitivity subwavelength grating waveguides for silicon photonics sensing applications

OSA (Optical Society of America)In this work we will review the enormous potential of subwavelength grating waveguides for sensing applications in the near and mid-infrared bands, demonstrating the capability to engineer the mode profile to maximize the light-matter interaction.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Experimental Implementation of the Deutsch-Jozsa Algorithm for Three-Qubit Functions using Pure Coherent Molecular Superpositions

The Deutsch-Jozsa algorithm is experimentally demonstrated for three-qubit functions using pure coherent superpositions of Li$_{2}$ rovibrational eigenstates. The function's character, either constant or balanced, is evaluated by first imprinting the function, using a phase-shaped femtosecond pulse, on a coherent superposition of the molecular states, and then projecting the superposition onto an ionic final state, using a second femtosecond pulse at a specific time delay

Czech Social Reform/Non-reform: Routes, Actors and Problems

In this contribution, the author first considers the characteristics of the Czechoslovak communist welfare state and its theoretical alternatives. Throughout the reform process, dependency on both corporatist and socialist regimes won out, while residualist efforts were promoted in the beginning, but were later held back. The author then considers the possible actors involved in social reforms. In this respect, when proceeding from a general to a more concrete level, thought should first be devoted to the social classes and their ideologies, and second to political parties and their leaders. The author goes on to summarise the particular problems and traps in individual sections of the Czech social system. While no objection to decent standards of social protection and health care could be raised, the poor efficiency of their achievement should evoke concern. The author concludes by reflecting on the possible specificities of Czech social reform in comparison with the other countries undergoing reform and the EU. The current lethargy of the Czech welfare system corresponds to a “frozen edifice”, just as in most Western countries. However, such stagnation is apparently acceptable to both the politicians (who mask it in reformist rhetoric) and the population (which learned to master taking advantage of the generous welfare state) and thus is basically sustainable in the long run.http://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/40037/3/wp651.pd

Supervised inference of gene-regulatory networks

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Inference of protein interaction networks from various sources of data has become an important topic of both systems and computational biology. Here we present a supervised approach to identification of gene expression regulatory networks.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The method is based on a kernel approach accompanied with genetic programming. As a data source, the method utilizes gene expression time series for prediction of interactions among regulatory proteins and their target genes. The performance of the method was verified using Saccharomyces cerevisiae cell cycle and DNA/RNA/protein biosynthesis gene expression data. The results were compared with independent data sources. Finally, a prediction of novel interactions within yeast gene expression circuits has been performed.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>Results show that our algorithm gives, in most cases, results identical with the independent experiments, when compared with the YEASTRACT database. In several cases our algorithm gives predictions of novel interactions which have not been reported.</p

Computation of Invariants of Lie Algebras by Means of Moving Frames

A new purely algebraic algorithm is presented for computation of invariants (generalized Casimir operators) of Lie algebras. It uses the Cartan's method of moving frames and the knowledge of the group of inner automorphisms of each Lie algebra. The algorithm is applied, in particular, to computation of invariants of real low-dimensional Lie algebras. A number of examples are calculated to illustrate its effectiveness and to make a comparison with the same cases in the literature. Bases of invariants of the real solvable Lie algebras up to dimension five, the real six-dimensional nilpotent Lie algebras and the real six-dimensional solvable Lie algebras with four-dimensional nilradicals are newly calculated and listed in tables.Comment: 17 pages, extended versio

Geosmithia associated with bark beetles and woodborers in the western USA : taxonomic diversity and vector specificity

Fungi in the genus Geosmithia (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) are frequent associates of bark beetles and woodborers that colonize hardwood and coniferous trees. One species, Geosmithia morbida, is an economically damaging invasive species. The authors surveyed the Geosmithia species of California and Colorado, USA, to (i) provide baseline data on taxonomy of Geosmithia and beetle vector specificity across the western USA; (ii) investigate the subcortical beetle fauna for alternative vectors of the invasive G. morbida; and (iii) interpret the community composition of this region within the emerging global biogeography of Geosmithia. Geosmithia was detected in 87% of 126 beetle samples obtained from 39 plant species. Twenty-nine species of Geosmithia were distinguished, of which 13 may be new species. Bark beetles from hardwoods, Cupressus, and Sequoia appear to be regular vectors, with Geosmithia present in all beetle gallery systems examined. Other subcortical insects appear to vector Geosmithia at lower frequencies. Overall, most Geosmithia have a distinct level of vector specificity (mostly high, sometimes low) enabling their separation to generalists and specialists. Plant pathogenic Geosmithia morbida was not found in association with any other beetle besides Pityophthorus juglandis. However, four additional Geosmithia species were found in P. juglandis galleries. When integrated with recent data from other continents, a global pattern of Geosmithia distribution across continents, latitudes, and vectors is emerging: of the 29 Geosmithia species found in the western USA, 12 have not been reported outside of the USA. The most frequently encountered species with the widest global distribution also had the broadest range of beetle vectors. Several Geosmithia spp. with very narrow vector ranges in Europe exhibited the similar degree of specialization in the USA. Such strong canalization in association could reflect an ancient origin of each individual association, or a recent origin and a subsequent diversification in North America.Czech Grant Agency (grant no. 16-15293Y), Long-Term Research Development Project (grant number RVO 67985939), Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic (grant number LO1509), USDA NIFA Western Region IPM Center and Critical Issues—Emerging and New Plant and Animal Pests and Diseases grant programs, USDA Forest Service Forest Health Monitoring Program (Detection Monitoring Grant No. INT-DM-09-01 and Evaluation Monitoring Grant No. INT-EM-B-11-03), USDA Forest Service Special Technology Development Grant R4-2011-01 (administered by A. S. Munson).http://www.tandfonline.com/toc/umyc202018-04-24hj2017Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI)Microbiology and Plant Patholog