Risk Assessment Techniques for Civil Aviation Security

Following the 9/11 terrorists attacks a strong economical effort was made to improve and adapt aviation security, both in infrastructures as in airplanes. National and international guidelines were promptly developed with the objective of creating a security management system able to supervise the identification of risks and the definition and optimisation of control measures. Risk assessment techniques are thus crucial in the above process, since an incorrect risk identification and quantification can strongly affect both the security level as the investments needed to reach it. The paper proposes a set of methodologies to qualitatively and quantitatively assess the risk in the security of civil aviation and the risk assessment process based on the threats, criticality and vulnerabilities concepts, highlighting their correlation in determining the level of risk. RAMS techniques are applied to the airport security system in order to analyse the protection equipment for critical facilities located in air-side, allowing also the estimation of the importance of the security improving measures vs. their effectiveness

Construcción del primer prototipo de radiómetro fotovoltaico sumergible de bajo costo

El Departamento Energía Solar de la Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica viene realizando desarrollos en equipos de medición de radiación solar fotovoltaicos para uso terrestre y espacial desde 1999. En este contexto y con el fin de completar el espectro de los equipos desarrollados, se diseñó y fabricó un prototipo de radiómetro fotovoltaico sumergible apto para uso en distintos medios acuáticos. El desarrollo de este instrumento tiene aplicaciones en distintas áreas, por ejemplo, para la apicultura y la producción de algas. Se presentan los cálculos para el diseño, elaboración y caracterización del sensor de silicio así como el diseño del soporte con las características necesarias para ser sumergido en distintos ecosistemas. El prototipo desarrollado fue contrastado (dentro y fuera del agua) con un piranómetro Kipp & Zonen. Los resultados muestran un buen comportamiento del instrumento.The Solar Energy Department of the National Atomic Energy Commission has been making developments in photovoltaic equipment for solar radiation measurement for terrestrial and space uses since 1999. In this context and in order to complete the spectrum of developed equipment, a photovoltaic solar sensor of monocristaline silicon and the support for a submersible photovoltaic solarimeter suitable for use in different aquatic environments were designed and manufactured. This development is important, for example, for beekeeping and algae production. The manufacturing process of photovoltaic silicon sensors used at the instrument, its design according to the sensor signal due to attenuation when immersed and its size adaptation are presented. The prototype developed was contrasted (in and out of the water) with a Kipp & Zonen pyranometer. The results show that it complied with the specifications originally raised.Tema 4: Energía solar, conversión fotovoltaica.Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanism

Construcción del primer prototipo de radiómetro fotovoltaico sumergible de bajo costo

El Departamento Energía Solar de la Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica viene realizando desarrollos en equipos de medición de radiación solar fotovoltaicos para uso terrestre y espacial desde 1999. En este contexto y con el fin de completar el espectro de los equipos desarrollados, se diseñó y fabricó un prototipo de radiómetro fotovoltaico sumergible apto para uso en distintos medios acuáticos. El desarrollo de este instrumento tiene aplicaciones en distintas áreas, por ejemplo, para la apicultura y la producción de algas. Se presentan los cálculos para el diseño, elaboración y caracterización del sensor de silicio así como el diseño del soporte con las características necesarias para ser sumergido en distintos ecosistemas. El prototipo desarrollado fue contrastado (dentro y fuera del agua) con un piranómetro Kipp & Zonen. Los resultados muestran un buen comportamiento del instrumento.The Solar Energy Department of the National Atomic Energy Commission has been making developments in photovoltaic equipment for solar radiation measurement for terrestrial and space uses since 1999. In this context and in order to complete the spectrum of developed equipment, a photovoltaic solar sensor of monocristaline silicon and the support for a submersible photovoltaic solarimeter suitable for use in different aquatic environments were designed and manufactured. This development is important, for example, for beekeeping and algae production. The manufacturing process of photovoltaic silicon sensors used at the instrument, its design according to the sensor signal due to attenuation when immersed and its size adaptation are presented. The prototype developed was contrasted (in and out of the water) with a Kipp & Zonen pyranometer. The results show that it complied with the specifications originally raised.Tema 4: Energía solar, conversión fotovoltaica.Facultad de Arquitectura y Urbanism

Ligand substitution reactions of a phenolic quinolyl hydrazone; oxidovanadium (IV) complexes

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Quinoline ring has therapeutic and biological activities. Quinolyl hydrazones constitute a class of excellent chelating agents. Recently, the physiological and biological activities of quinolyl hydrazones arise from their tendency to form metal chelates with transition metal ions. In this context, we have aimed to study the competency effect of a phenolic quinolyl hydrazone (H₂L; primary ligand) with some auxiliary ligands (Tmen, Phen or Oxine; secondary ligands) towards oxidovanadium (IV) ions.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Mono- and binuclear oxidovanadium (IV) - complexes were obtained from the reaction of a phenolic quinolyl hydrazone with oxidovanadium (IV)- ion in absence and presence of N,N,N',N'- tetramethylethylenediamine (Tmen), 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen) or 8-hydroxyquinoline (Oxine). The phenolic quinolyl hydrazone ligand behaves as monobasic bidentate (NO- donor with O- bridging). All the obtained complexes have the preferable octahedral geometry except the oxinato complex (<b>2</b>) which has a square pyramid geometry with no axial interaction; the only homoleptic complex in this study.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The ligand exchange (substitution/replacement) reactions reflect the strong competency power of the auxiliary aromatic ligands (Phen/Oxine) compared to the phenolic quinolyl hydrazone (H₂L) towards oxidovanadium (IV) ion; (complexes <b>2 </b>and <b>3</b>). By contrast, in case of the more flexible aliphatic competitor (Tmen), an adduct was obtained (<b>4</b>). The obtained complexes reflect the strength of the ligand field towards the oxidovanadium (IV)- ion; Oxine or Phen >> phenolic hydrazone (H₂L) > Tmen.</p

Assessment of intracranial vessels in association with carotid atherosclerosis and brain vascular lesions in rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND: Stroke has been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We assessed patients with RA and healthy control subjects by transcranial Doppler (TCD), carotid ultrasonography and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: Altogether, 41 female patients with RA undergoing methotrexate (MTX) or biologic treatment and 60 age-matched control subjects underwent TCD assessment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) and basilar artery. Pulsatility index (PI), resistivity (resistance) index (RI) and circulatory reserve capacity (CRC) were determined at rest (r) and after apnoea (a) and hyperventilation (h). The presence of carotid plaques and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) were also determined. Intracerebral vascular lesions were investigated by brain MRI. RESULTS: MCA PI and RI values at rest and after apnoea were significantly increased in the total and MTX-treated RA populations vs control subjects. MCA CRC was also impaired, and basilar artery PI was higher in RA. More patients with RA had carotid plaques and increased cIMT. Linear regression analysis revealed that left PI(r) and RI(r) correlated with disease duration and that left PI(r), RI(r), PI(a), PI(h) and basilar PI correlated with disease activity. Right CRC inversely correlated with 28-joint Disease Activity Score. Disease activity was an independent determinant of left PI(a) and right CRC. Compared with long-term MTX treatment alone, the use of biologics in combination with MTX was associated with less impaired cerebral circulation. Impaired cerebral circulation was also associated with measures of carotid atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to show increased distal MCA and basilar artery occlusion in RA as determined by TCD. Patients with RA also had CRC defects. We also confirmed increased carotid plaque formation and increased cIMT. Biologics may beneficially influence some parameters in the intracranial vessels

The ligational behavior of an isatinic quinolyl hydrazone towards copper(II)- ions

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The importance of the isatinic quinolyl hydrazones arises from incorporating the quinoline ring with the indole ring. Quinoline ring has therapeutic and biological activities whereas, the indole ring occurs in Jasmine flowers and Orange blossoms. As a ligand, the isatin moiety is potentially ambidentate and can coordinate the metal ions either through its lactam or lactim forms. In a previous study, the ligational behavior of a phenolic quinolyl hydrazone towards copper(II)- ions has been studied. As continuation of our interest, the present study is planned to check the ligational behavior of an isatinic quinolyl hydrazone.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>New homo- and heteroleptic copper(II)- complexes were obtained from the reaction of an isatinic quinolyl hydrazone (HL) with several copper(II)- salts <it>viz. </it>Clˉ, Brˉ, NO₃ˉ, ClO₄^-, SO₄^2-and AcO^-. The obtained complexes have O_h, T_dand D_4h- symmetry and fulfill the strong coordinating ability of Clˉ, Brˉ, NO₃ˉ and SO₄^2-anions. Depending on the type of the anion, the ligand coordinates the copper(II)- ions either through its lactam (NO₃ˉ and ClO₄^-) or lactim (the others) forms.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The effect of anion for the same metal ion is obvious from either the geometry of the isolated complexes (O_h, T_dand D_4h) or the various modes of bonding. Also, the obtained complexes fulfill the strong coordinating ability of Clˉ, Brˉ, NO₃ˉ and SO₄^2-anions in consistency with the donor ability of the anions. In case of copper(II)- acetate, a unique homoleptic complex (<b>5</b>) was obtained in which the AcO^-anion acts as a base enough to quantitatively deprotonate the hydrazone. The isatinic hydrazone uses its lactim form in most complexes.</p

Are exhaled nitric oxide measurements using the portable NIOX MINO repeatable?

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Exhaled nitric oxide is a non-invasive marker of airway inflammation and a portable analyser, the NIOX MINO (Aerocrine AB, Solna, Sweden), is now available. This study aimed to assess the reproducibility of the NIOX MINO measurements across age, sex and lung function for both absolute and categorical exhaled nitric oxide values in two distinct groups of children and teenagers.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Paired exhaled nitric oxide readings were obtained from 494 teenagers, aged 16-18 years, enrolled in an unselected birth cohort and 65 young people, aged 6-17 years, with asthma enrolled in an interventional asthma management study.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The birth cohort participants showed a high degree of variability between first and second exhaled nitric oxide readings (mean intra-participant difference 1.37 ppb, 95% limits of agreement -7.61 to 10.34 ppb), although there was very close agreement when values were categorised as low, normal, intermediate or high (kappa = 0.907, p < 0.001). Similar findings were seen in subgroup analyses by sex, lung function and asthma status. Similar findings were seen in the interventional study participants.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The reproducibility of exhaled nitric oxide is poor for absolute values but acceptable when values are categorised as low, normal, intermediate or high in children and teenagers. One measurement is therefore sufficient when using categorical exhaled nitric oxide values to direct asthma management but a mean of at least two measurements is required for absolute values.</p

The ligational behavior of a phenolic quinolyl hydrazone towards copper(II)- ions

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The heterocyclic hydrazones constitute an important class of biologically active drug molecules. The hydrazones have also been used as herbicides, insecticides, nematocides, redenticides, and plant growth regulators as well as plasticizers and stabilizers for polymers. The importance of the phenolic quinolyl hydrazones arises from incorporating the quinoline ring with the phenolic compound; 2,4-dihydroxy benzaldehyde. Quinoline ring has therapeutic and biological activities whereas, phenols have antiseptic and disinfectants activities and are used in the preparation of dyes, bakelite and drugs. The present study is planned to check the effect of the counter anions on the type and geometry of the isolated copper(II)- complexes as well as the ligational behavior of the phenolic hydrazone; 4-[(2-(4,8-dimethylquinolin-2-yl)hydrazono)methyl] benzene-1,3-diol; (H₂L).</p> <p>Results</p> <p>A phenolic quinolyl hydrazone (H₂L) was allowed to react with various copper(II)- salts (Cl‾, Br‾, NO₃‾, ClO₄‾, AcO‾, SO₄^2-). The reactions afforded dimeric complexes (ClO₄‾, AcO‾ ), a binuclear complex (NO₃‾ ) and mononuclear complexes (the others; Cl‾, Br‾, SO₄^2-). The isolated copper(II)- complexes have octahedral, square pyramid and square planar geometries. Also, they reflect the strong coordinating ability of NO₃‾, Cl‾, Br‾, AcO‾ and SO₄^2-anions. Depending on the type of the anion, the ligand showed three different modes of bonding <it>viz</it>. (NN)⁰for the mononuclear complexes (<b>3, 4, 6</b>), (NO)^-with O- bridging for the dimeric complexes (<b>1, 5</b>) and a mixed mode [(NN)⁰+ (NO)^-with O- bridging] for the binuclear nitrato- complex (<b>2</b>).</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The ligational behavior of the phenolic hydrazone (H₂L) is highly affected by the type of the anion. The isolated copper(II)- complexes reflect the strong coordinating power of the SO₄^2-, AcO‾, Br‾, Cl‾ and NO₃‾ anions. Also, they reflect the structural diversity (octahedral, square pyramid and square planar) depending on the type of the counter anion.</p

Elaboración y caracterización de celdas y paneles solares de silicio cristalino para su ensayo en el satélite SAC-A

Se describen los procesos utilizados para la elaboración de un conjunto de celdas y paneles fotovoltaicos que serán incluidos en el satélite argentino SAC-A, para su ensayo en ambiente espacial. Seis de las celdas serán utilizadas como sensores para la determinación de la posición angular del satélite. Los procesos mencionados incluyen la elaboración de celdas, su interconexión y el armado de los paneles. Las celdas solares fueron caracterizadas eléctricamente antes y después de su integración en los paneles. Se presentan las primeras experiencias de daño producido por bombardeo con protones y neutrones en laboratorio.Tema: Conversión Fotovoltaica.Asociación Argentina de Energía Sola

Gene expression analysis indicates CB1 receptor upregulation in the hippocampus and neurotoxic effects in the frontal cortex 3 weeks after single-dose MDMA administration in Dark Agouti rats.

BACKGROUND: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, "ecstasy") is a widely used recreational drug known to impair cognitive functions on the long-run. Both hippocampal and frontal cortical regions have well established roles in behavior, memory formation and other cognitive tasks and damage of these regions is associated with altered behavior and cognitive functions, impairments frequently described in heavy MDMA users. The aim of this study was to examine the hippocampus, frontal cortex and dorsal raphe of Dark Agouti rats with gene expression arrays (Illumina RatRef bead arrays) looking for possible mechanisms and new candidates contributing to the effects of a single dose of MDMA (15 mg/kg) 3 weeks earlier. RESULTS: The number of differentially expressed genes in the hippocampus, frontal cortex and the dorsal raphe were 481, 155, and 15, respectively. Gene set enrichment analysis of the microarray data revealed reduced expression of 'memory' and 'cognition', 'dendrite development' and 'regulation of synaptic plasticity' gene sets in the hippocampus, parallel to the upregulation of the CB1 cannabinoid- and Epha4, Epha5, Epha6 ephrin receptors. Downregulated gene sets in the frontal cortex were related to protein synthesis, chromatin organization, transmembrane transport processes, while 'dendrite development', 'regulation of synaptic plasticity' and 'positive regulation of synapse assembly' gene sets were upregulated. Changes in the dorsal raphe region were mild and in most cases not significant. CONCLUSION: The present data raise the possibility of new synapse formation/synaptic reorganization in the frontal cortex three weeks after a single neurotoxic dose of MDMA. In contrast, a prolonged depression of new neurite formation in the hippocampus is suggested by the data, which underlines the particular vulnerability of this brain region after the drug treatment. Finally, our results also suggest the substantial contribution of CB1 receptor and endocannabinoid mediated pathways in the hippocampal impairments. Taken together the present study provides evidence for the participation of new molecular candidates in the long-term effects of MDMA