Towards semi-automated non-destructive evaluation

A demonstrator has been developed showing feasibility of semi-automatic characterisation of large planar flaws in steel using ultrasonic transducer arrays. The unit is based on a real-time ultrasonic imager deploying National Instruments hardware and software, is connected to an IMASONIC linear phased array containing 128 elements and incorporates a novel flaw characterisation algorithm, which is a model-based variant of Total Focusing Method, taking into account undulations in inspection surface. It has been shown to process RF data collected in immersion reasonably fast and be capable of detecting and characterising with reasonable accuracy large planar defects

Near-Earth space plasma modelling and forecasting

In the frame of the European COST 296 project (Mitigation of Ionospheric Effects on Radio Systems, MIERS)in the Working Package 1.3, new ionospheric models, prediction and forecasting methods and programs as well as ionospheric imaging techniques have been developed. They include (i) topside ionosphere and meso-scale irregularity models, (ii) improved forecasting methods for real time forecasting and for prediction of foF2, M(3000)F2, MUF and TECs, including the use of new techniques such as Neurofuzzy, Nearest Neighbour, Cascade Modelling and Genetic Programming and (iii) improved dynamic high latitude ionosphere models through tomographic imaging and model validation. The success of the prediction algorithms and their improvement over existing methods has been demonstrated by comparing predictions with later real data. The collaboration between different European partners (including interchange of data) has played a significant part in the development and validation of these new prediction and forecasting methods, programs and algorithms which can be applied to a variety of practical applications leading to improved mitigation of ionosphereic and space weather effects.Published255-2713.9. Fisica della magnetosfera, ionosfera e meteorologia spazialeJCR Journalope

Near-Earth space plasma modelling and forecasting

In the frame of the European COST 296 project (Mitigation of Ionospheric Effects on Radio Systems, MIERS)in the Working Package 1.3, new ionospheric models, prediction and forecasting methods and programs as well as ionospheric imaging techniques have been developed. They include (i) topside ionosphere and meso-scale irregularity models, (ii) improved forecasting methods for real time forecasting and for prediction of foF2, M(3000)F2, MUF and TECs, including the use of new techniques such as Neurofuzzy, Nearest Neighbour, Cascade Modelling and Genetic Programming and (iii) improved dynamic high latitude ionosphere models through tomographic imaging and model validation. The success of the prediction algorithms and their improvement over existing methods has been demonstrated by comparing predictions with later real data. The collaboration between different European partners (including interchange of data) has played a significant part in the development and validation of these new prediction and forecasting methods, programs and algorithms which can be applied to a variety of practical applications leading to improved mitigation of ionosphereic and space weather effects

Новообразования молочной железы с неопределенным потенциалом злокачественности (B3): опыт применения вакуум-ассистированной биопсии под ультразвуковой навигацией

INTRODUCTION: Introduction of breast cancer screening programs has led to an increase in detection of non-palpable masses requiring core needle biopsy. Masses that fall into B3 category based on the histological results of core biopsy specimens, are of interest precisely because of their uncertain malignant potential and the lack of a final consensus on their management.OBJECTIVE: To analyze the 3-year experience of ultrasound guided vacuum-assisted biopsy (VAB) in patients with B3 breast lesions based on the results of histological examination of core biopsy specimens.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between June 2019 and June 2022, 163 VABs were performed. The study group included patients with category 2–4 breast lesions according to the BI-RADS scoring system. The decision to perform VAB was made by the oncologist in each specific case on the basis of anamnesis, clinical data and the results of core biopsy histological examination: in cases of B3 or B2 lesions with a discordant radiologic pattern.RESULTS: In 155 (95.0%) cases, the removed lesions were benign, invasive cancer was detected in 2 (1.2%) cases, ductal cancer in situ in 6 cases (3.8%). The сomplications included: in 5 (3.1%) cases, patients had pain after the procedure, and in 37 (22.7%) cases there was a hematoma. In 5 (3.1%) patients, residual tissue was found at the site of removed lesions. CONCLUSIONS: VAB is a safe alternative to exploratory surgery in patients with B3 lesions diagnosed by core biopsy.ВВЕДЕНИЕ: Внедрение программ скрининга рака молочных желез привело к увеличению частоты обнаружения непальпируемых образований, требующих проведения трепан-биопсии. Новообразования, попадающие в категорию B3, согласно результатам гистологического исследования трепанбиоптатов, вызывают интерес именно из-за их неопределенного потенциала злокачественности и отсутствия окончательного консенсуса дальнейшей тактики.ЦЕЛЬ: Проанализировать 3-летний опыт применения вакуум-ассистированной биопсии (ВАБ) под ультразвуковым контролем у пациенток с очаговыми новообразованиями молочных желез при полученных результатах гистологического исследования трепан-биоптатов.МАТЕРИАЛЫ И МЕТОДЫ: В период с июня 2019 г. по июнь 2022 г было выполнено 163 ВАБ. В группу исследования вошли пациентки с новообразованиями молочных желез категорий 2–4 по шкале BI-RADS. Решение о выполнении ВАБ принималось онкологом в каждом конкретном случае на основании анамнестических, клинических данных и результатов гистологического исследования трепан-биоптатов: при определении образований категории В3 или В2 при дискордантной лучевой картине.РЕЗУЛЬТАТЫ: В 155 (95,0%) случаях удаленные новообразования имели доброкачественный характер, инвазивный рак выявлен в 2 (1,2%) случаях, протоковый рак in situ — в 6 случаях (3,8%). Осложнения: в 5 (3,1%) случаях после проведенной процедуры у пациенток имелся болевой симптом, а в 37 (22,7%) случаях проведение процедуры сопровождалось появлением гематомы. У 5 (3,1%) пациенток была выявлена остаточная ткань в зоне удаленных новообразований.ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ: Вакуум-ассистированная биопсия является безопасной альтернативой диагностической хирургии у пациенток с поражениями категории B3, диагностированными при трепан-биопсии

HE-LHC: The High-Energy Large Hadron Collider – Future Circular Collider Conceptual Design Report Volume 4

In response to the 2013 Update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics (EPPSU), the Future Circular Collider (FCC) study was launched as a world-wide international collaboration hosted by CERN. The FCC study covered an energy-frontier hadron collider (FCC-hh), a highest-luminosity high-energy lepton collider (FCC-ee), the corresponding 100 km tunnel infrastructure, as well as the physics opportunities of these two colliders, and a high-energy LHC, based on FCC-hh technology. This document constitutes the third volume of the FCC Conceptual Design Report, devoted to the hadron collider FCC-hh. It summarizes the FCC-hh physics discovery opportunities, presents the FCC-hh accelerator design, performance reach, and staged operation plan, discusses the underlying technologies, the civil engineering and technical infrastructure, and also sketches a possible implementation. Combining ingredients from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the high-luminosity LHC upgrade and adding novel technologies and approaches, the FCC-hh design aims at significantly extending the energy frontier to 100 TeV. Its unprecedented centre-of-mass collision energy will make the FCC-hh a unique instrument to explore physics beyond the Standard Model, offering great direct sensitivity to new physics and discoveries

FCC-ee: The Lepton Collider: Future Circular Collider Conceptual Design Report Volume 2

In response to the 2013 Update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics, the Future Circular Collider (FCC) study was launched, as an international collaboration hosted by CERN. This study covers a highest-luminosity high-energy lepton collider (FCC-ee) and an energy-frontier hadron collider (FCC-hh), which could, successively, be installed in the same 100 km tunnel. The scientific capabilities of the integrated FCC programme would serve the worldwide community throughout the 21st century. The FCC study also investigates an LHC energy upgrade, using FCC-hh technology. This document constitutes the second volume of the FCC Conceptual Design Report, devoted to the electron-positron collider FCC-ee. After summarizing the physics discovery opportunities, it presents the accelerator design, performance reach, a staged operation scenario, the underlying technologies, civil engineering, technical infrastructure, and an implementation plan. FCC-ee can be built with today’s technology. Most of the FCC-ee infrastructure could be reused for FCC-hh. Combining concepts from past and present lepton colliders and adding a few novel elements, the FCC-ee design promises outstandingly high luminosity. This will make the FCC-ee a unique precision instrument to study the heaviest known particles (Z, W and H bosons and the top quark), offering great direct and indirect sensitivity to new physics

HE-LHC: The High-Energy Large Hadron Collider: Future Circular Collider Conceptual Design Report Volume 4

In response to the 2013 Update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics (EPPSU), the Future Circular Collider (FCC) study was launched as a world-wide international collaboration hosted by CERN. The FCC study covered an energy-frontier hadron collider (FCC-hh), a highest-luminosity high-energy lepton collider (FCC-ee), the corresponding 100 km tunnel infrastructure, as well as the physics opportunities of these two colliders, and a high-energy LHC, based on FCC-hh technology. This document constitutes the third volume of the FCC Conceptual Design Report, devoted to the hadron collider FCC-hh. It summarizes the FCC-hh physics discovery opportunities, presents the FCC-hh accelerator design, performance reach, and staged operation plan, discusses the underlying technologies, the civil engineering and technical infrastructure, and also sketches a possible implementation. Combining ingredients from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the high-luminosity LHC upgrade and adding novel technologies and approaches, the FCC-hh design aims at significantly extending the energy frontier to 100 TeV. Its unprecedented centre-of-mass collision energy will make the FCC-hh a unique instrument to explore physics beyond the Standard Model, offering great direct sensitivity to new physics and discoveries

FCC Physics Opportunities: Future Circular Collider Conceptual Design Report Volume 1

We review the physics opportunities of the Future Circular Collider, covering its e+e-, pp, ep and heavy ion programmes. We describe the measurement capabilities of each FCC component, addressing the study of electroweak, Higgs and strong interactions, the top quark and flavour, as well as phenomena beyond the Standard Model. We highlight the synergy and complementarity of the different colliders, which will contribute to a uniquely coherent and ambitious research programme, providing an unmatchable combination of precision and sensitivity to new physics

FCC-hh: The Hadron Collider: Future Circular Collider Conceptual Design Report Volume 3

In response to the 2013 Update of the European Strategy for Particle Physics (EPPSU), the Future Circular Collider (FCC) study was launched as a world-wide international collaboration hosted by CERN. The FCC study covered an energy-frontier hadron collider (FCC-hh), a highest-luminosity high-energy lepton collider (FCC-ee), the corresponding 100 km tunnel infrastructure, as well as the physics opportunities of these two colliders, and a high-energy LHC, based on FCC-hh technology. This document constitutes the third volume of the FCC Conceptual Design Report, devoted to the hadron collider FCC-hh. It summarizes the FCC-hh physics discovery opportunities, presents the FCC-hh accelerator design, performance reach, and staged operation plan, discusses the underlying technologies, the civil engineering and technical infrastructure, and also sketches a possible implementation. Combining ingredients from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the high-luminosity LHC upgrade and adding novel technologies and approaches, the FCC-hh design aims at significantly extending the energy frontier to 100 TeV. Its unprecedented centre of-mass collision energy will make the FCC-hh a unique instrument to explore physics beyond the Standard Model, offering great direct sensitivity to new physics and discoveries