Academic literature on the topic 'FCBVS'

Abstract In this paper, a multi-band enabled femtocell base station (FCBS) and user equipment (UE) architecture is proposed in a multi-tier network that consists of small cells, including femtocells and picocells deployed over the coverage of a macrocell for splitting uplink and downlink (UL/DL) as well as control-plane and user-plane (C-/U-plane) for 5G mobile networks. Since splitting is performed at the same FCBS, we define this architecture as the same base station based split architecture (SBSA). For multiple bands, we consider co-channel (CC) microwave and different frequency (DF) 60 GHz millimeter wave (mmWave) bands for FCBSs and UEs with respect to the microwave band used by their over-laid macrocell base station. All femtocells are assumed to be deployed in a 3-dimensional multi-storage building. For CC microwave band, cross-tier CC interference of femtocells with macrocell is avoided using almost blank subframe based enhanced inter-cell interference coordination techniques. The co-existence of CC microwave and DF mmWave bands for SBSA on the same FCBS and UE is first studied to show their performance disparities in terms of system capacity and spectral efficiency in order to provide incentives for employing multiple bands at the same FCBS and UE and identify a suitable band for routing decoupled UL/DL or C-/U-plane traffic. We then present a number of disruptive architectural design alternatives of multi-band enabled SBSA for 5G mobile networks for UL/DL and C-/U-plane splitting, including a disruptive and complete splitting of UL/DL and C-/U-plane as well as a combined UL/DL and C-/U-plane splitting, by exploiting dual connectivity on CC microwave and DF mmWave bands. The outperformances of SBSA in terms of system level capacity, average spectral efficiency, energy efficiency, and control-plane overhead traffic capacity in comparison with different base stations based split architecture (DBSA) are shown. Finally, a number of technical and business perspectives as well as key research issues of SBSA are discussed.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Nepal. Female community health volunteers (FCHVs) have proven effective in the delivery of reproductive, maternal, and child health services in Nepal and recently in the prevention and management of hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Evidence on their roles in COPD management is not yet available. The aim of this study was to develop, implement, and evaluate a training program for FCHVs regarding COPD prevention and management. The training program was part of a cluster-randomized trial of a 12-month intervention to improve COPD outcomes in a semi-urban area of Western Nepal. A six-day workshop consisting of thirty hours of training was developed for FCHVs. Training materials incorporated introduction to COPD, risk factors and symptoms, COPD status assessment guide for FCHVs, guidance on breathing techniques, and exercises for people living with COPD. Pre- and post-test questionnaires were administered to assess the change in knowledge of FCHVs, post training skills assessment followed by semi-structured interviews assessed FCHVs’ satisfaction with the training program. The findings of the pre- and post- test assessments showed a significant improvement in FCHVs’ COPD-related knowledge from a median (interquartile range) score of 12 (3–16) before to 21 (21–22) (p<0.001) after the training program. The qualitative assessment revealed the feasibility of FCHVs’ training on COPD and their acceptability to deliver the intervention package within the community. It also indicated that implementing future training with an extended period and a few days break in-between could enhance the effectiveness. Training of FCHVs in COPD management is feasible and leads to improvement in knowledge. The motivation shown by FCHVs to deliver the intervention could inform and guide community programs and policies for COPD prevention and management in Nepal and similar settings.

ABSTRACT Persistent infection of domestic cats with feline coronaviruses (FCoVs) can lead to a highly lethal, immunopathological disease termed feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). Interestingly, there are two serotypes, type I and type II FCoVs, that can cause both persistent infection and FIP, even though their main determinant of host cell tropism, the spike (S) protein, is of different phylogeny and displays limited sequence identity. In cell culture, however, there are apparent differences. Type II FCoVs can be propagated to high titers by employing feline aminopeptidase N (fAPN) as a cellular receptor, whereas the propagation of type I FCoVs is usually difficult, and the involvement of fAPN as a receptor is controversial. In this study we have analyzed the phenotypes of recombinant FCoVs that are based on the genetic background of type I FCoV strain Black but encode the type II FCoV strain 79-1146 S protein. Our data demonstrate that recombinant FCoVs expressing a type II FCoV S protein acquire the ability to efficiently use fAPN for host cell entry and corroborate the notion that type I FCoVs use another main host cell receptor. We also observed that recombinant FCoVs display a large-plaque phenotype and, unexpectedly, accelerated growth kinetics indistinguishable from that of type II FCoV strain 79-1146. Thus, the main phenotypic differences for type I and type II FCoVs in cell culture, namely, the growth kinetics and the efficient usage of fAPN as a cellular receptor, can be attributed solely to the FCoV S protein.

Introduction Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) have become the leading public health problems worldwide and the cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) is one of the major NCDs. Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHVs) in Nepal are the key drivers to implementing frontline health services. We explored the potential for engaging FCHVs for CVD risk screening at the community level in Nepal. Methods We used multiple approaches (quantitative and qualitative) for data collection. The trained FCHVs administered CVD risk screening questionnaire among 491 adults in rural and urban areas and calculated the CVD risk scores. To maintain consistency and quality, a registered medical doctor also, using the same risk scoring chart, independently calculated the CVD risk scores. Kappa statistics and concordance coefficient were used to compare these two sets of risk screening results. Sensitivity and specificity analyses were conducted. Two focus group discussions among the FCHVs were conducted to determine their experiences with CVD risk screening and willingness to engage with CVD prevention and control efforts. Results The mean level of agreement between two sets of risk screening results was 94.5% (Kappa = 0.77, P<0.05). Sensitivity of FCHV screening was 90.3% (95% CI: 0.801–0.964); and the specificity was 97% (95% CI: 0.948, 0.984). FCHVs who participated in the FGDs expressed a strong enthusiasm and readiness to using the CVD risk screening tools. Despite their busy workload, all FCHVs showed high level of motivation and willingness in using CVD risk screening tools and contribute to the prevention and control efforts of NCDs. The FCHVs recommended needs for providing additional training and capacity building opportunities. Conclusion We conclude that there is a potential for engaging FCHVs to use simple CVD risk screening tools at the community level. The findings are promising, however, further studies engaging larger number of FCHVs and larger population would warrant feasibility of such tools within the existing healthcare systems in Nepal.

Aims. This study was to compare the degradation, complications, and tissue reactions of two segmented biodegradable esophageal stents in a porcine model.Methods. Uncovered biodegradable segmented stents and fully covered biodegradable segmented stents (FCBDS) were transplanted into the porcine esophagus lumen. Data on biodegradation, complications, and tissue reactions were collected and compared.Results. All animals kept good general conditions. No severe complications and stents migration occurred. Stents degradation commenced at week 3. Compared with uncovered stents, stents structure breakage and complete stents absorption in FCBDS were postponed for 1-2 weeks. Hyperplasia was prominent at early stage and ameliorated at late stage after stents insertion. Tissue reactions in FCBDS were milder than those in uncovered stents in the early stage. A longer degradation period was present in FCBDS than in uncovered stents, while FCBDS induced tissue reaction at late stage was mild.Conclusions. Biodegradable esophageal stents with a segmented trunk may be further evaluated in refractory benign esophagus strictures. This FCBDS may be advantageous compared with uncovered stents for a longer degradation period.

Background: As visceral leishmaniasis (VL) has recently expanded in previously non-endemic areas of Nepal, the health system is facing new challenges. Female community health volunteers(FCHVs) are playing an important role for VL elimination in Nepal. This study aimed to analyze the actual and potential role of FCHVs for VL elimination program as well as community awareness of the disease (VL) and protective measures. Methods: We used a concurrent embedded mixed methods design. Qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with FCHVs of 22 VLendemic villages of 3 districts. Concurrently quantitative data were collected through formal interviews of 203 household heads of the same villages. Results: FCHVs are able to perform their duties in an efficient way with the support of their families and specific incentives. FCHVs in the VL-endemic region have a good ability to recognize the VL suspects and refer to health facilities. The feedback by the district health office on referred patients was weak thus missing the opportunity of involving FCHVs in the 6-months follow up. In houses with a previous VL case knowledge levels of prevention and treatment ofVL were significantly better than in houses without a previous VL case. More people in houses with a former VL patient were aware on VL transmission. Conclusion: FCHVs are playing an important role for VL elimination in Nepal through detection of suspected cases and referral and may play a role in vector surveillance.

e11094 Background: In limited resources countries, patients with breast cancer present to the hospital in the late stage because of lack of awareness, screening program. Clinical Breast Examination (CBE) may be the only means of detecting the breast cancer early in countries with limited resources since mammography is less likely to be cost effective approach and CBE by surgeons are also not possible because of limited health care facility. Hence CBE by FCHVs seems to be more feasible. This study was conducted to observe the skill transfer to FCHVs for detection of clinical abnormalities in breast by determining kappa agreement, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CBE by FCHVs considering CBE by the Surgeon as gold standard. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study conducted in Eastern Nepal for period of one year from June 2008 to May 2009. Total 1238 women were examined by both a FCHV and the Surgeon. The results were analyzed to find out interobserver kappa agreement, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value for detection of clinical abnormalities in breast following CBE by FCHVs considering CBE by the Surgeon as gold standard. Results: Total 1238 women received CBE by both a FCHV and the Surgeon. The interobserver kappa agreement for the detection of clinical abnormalities in breast was 67% indicating a good agreement exists between the FCHVs and the Surgeon’s CBE Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive values of “FCHVs’ CBE” to detect clinical abnormalities in breast in comparison to “the Surgeon’s CBE” as gold standard were 70%, 95%, 74% and 94% respectively. Conclusions: In view of good CBE skills transfer to FCHVs for detection of clinical abnormalities in breast, the effective training of FCHVs may diagnose and refer the women with clinical breast abnormalities to the hospital for further investigation and treatment.

This paper presents a method for calculating the health degree (HD) of a braking system of a mine hoist combined with three-level fuzzy comprehensive assessment (TLFCA) and a back-propagation neural network (BPNN). Firstly, the monitored values of a sensor are fused by multi-time fusion and the fuzzy comprehensive assessment values (FCAVs) of the health condition (HC) of the sensor are obtained. Secondly, the FCAVs of all sensors in a subsystem are fused by multi-sensor fusion, and FCAVs of the subsystem are obtained. Then the FCAVs of all subsystems are fused by multi-subsystem fusion and FCAVs of the system are obtained. All the FCAVs are fed into a pre-trained neural network, and the corresponding HD of the sensor, subsystem and system is obtained. Finally, the practicability, reliability and sensitivity of the proposed method are verified by the monitored values of the test rig. This paper presents a method to provide technical support for intelligent maintenance, and also provides necessary data for further prognostics health management (PHM) of the braking system. The method presented in this paper can also be used as a reference for the HD calculation of the whole hoist and other complicated equipment.

AbstractIntroductionThe Nepal earthquake of 2015 was a major disaster that exacted an enormous toll on human lives and caused extensive damage to the infrastructure of the region. Similar to other developing countries, Nepal has a network of community health workers (CHWs; known as female community health volunteers [FCHVs]) that was in place prior to the earthquake and continues to function to improve maternal and child health. These FCHVs and other community members were responsible, by default, for providing the first wave of assistance after the earthquake.Hypothesis/ProblemCommunity health workers such as FCHVs could be used to provide formal relief services in the event of an emergency, but there is a paucity of evidence-based literature on how to best utilize them in disaster risk reduction, preparedness, and response. Data are needed to further characterize the roles that this cadre has played in past disasters and what strategies can be implemented to better incorporate them into future emergency management.MethodsIn March 2016, key-informant interviews, FCHV interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted in Nepali health facilities using semi-structured guides. The audio-recorded data were obtained with the assistance of a translator (Nepali-English), transcribed verbatim in English, and coded by two independent researchers (manually and with NVivo 11 Pro software [QSR International; Melbourne, Australia]).ResultsAcross seven different regions, 14 interviews with FCHVs, two FGDs with community women, and three key-informant interviews were conducted. Four major themes emerged around the topic of FCHVs and the 2015 earthquake: (1) community care and rapport between FCHVs and local residents; (2) emergency response of FCHVs in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake; (3) training requested to improve the FCHVs’ ability to manage disasters; and (4) interaction with relief organizations and how to create collaborations that provide aid relief more effectively.ConclusionsThe FCHVs in Nepal provided multiple services to their communities in the aftermath of the earthquake, largely without any specific training or instruction. Proper preparation, in addition to improved collaboration with aid agencies, could increase the capacity of FCHVs to respond in the event of a future disaster. The information gained from this study of the FCHV experience in the Nepal earthquake could be used to inform risk reduction and emergency management policies for CHWs in various settings worldwide.FredricksK, DinhH, KusiM, YogalC, KarmacharyaBM, BurkeTF, NelsonBD. Community health workers and disasters: lessons learned from the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2017;32(6):604–609.

Background: Regular breast self-examination is the most cost-effective method for the early detection of breast cancer. Female community health volunteers (FCHVs) could play an important role in teaching the community about breast self-examination (BSE). We aimed to assess the knowledge and practice of breast self-examination among FCHVs. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using the census sampling method to select FCHVs from all 20 wards of Dharan sub-metropolitan city. Face-to-face interview was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire to collect information related to the knowledge of BSE from consenting participants. The practice of BSE was assessed through direct observation of BSE by using a checklist. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 10.0. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: A total of 95 FCHVs (out of 107) were enrolled in the survey. The mean age (SD) of the study participants was 42.45 (8.97) years; 85.3% were married and majority (64.2%) had completed secondary level of education. The majority of the FCHVs, 65 (68.4%), earned monetary income less than NPR.7000.00 per month. The majority, 82 (86.3%), of the FCHVs had adequate knowledge but only 21 (22.2%) respondents had ever practiced BSE. No significant association was found between the knowledge and practice of BSE with the selected demographic variables such as age, marital status, educational level, age at menarche, and menopause. Conclusion: The FCHVs had adequate knowledge but poor practice regarding BSE. Training should be emphasized to improve their practice of BSE.

ORWARE, an evolving systems analysis based computer model is used to assess the performance of different waste management options from a life cycle perspective. The present version of the model consists of different submodels for transport, treatment, and disposal of different types of liquid and solid wastes and recycling of materials. Flows between submodels are described by a vector of several substances of different relevance to the system. The model calculates emissions to water and air, amount of residues returned to arable land and energy flows using the tools of life cycle analysis (LCA) and substance flow analysis (SFA). In going in the direction of stringent environmental standards and policies, there is a need for maximizing energy recovery from waste for both environmental and economic benefits. Sweden has already experience of recovering energy from waste for district heating. Recovering energy not only of high value but also of higher quality from waste would be of interest. Hydrogen is one carrier of such energy. The possibility of using hydrogen from waste as a fuel in the transport sector would contribute in heading for creating a clean environment. In this thesis a new submodel for steam reforming of biogas recovered from an anaerobic digester is developed and used with other submodels within the ORWARE framework. Four scenarios representing alternative ways of energy recovery from the organic waste in Stockholm have been simulated to compare the associated energy turnover and different environmental impacts. Digestion of the organic waste and using the biogas to fuel cars is compared against steam reforming of biogas to hydrogen or thermal gasification of the waste and processing the product gases to hydrogen. In the latter two cases hydrogen produced is used in fuel cell cars. Avoided impacts of using the biogas and hydrogen are analyzed using the fourth scenario where the waste is incinerated to generate heat and electricity. Functional equivalence between scenarios is achieved by external supply of heat, electricity and petrol. While recognizing the uncertainties during modelling and simulation, it is possible to conclude that the results indicate that there is advantage of reduced environmental impact and high energy turnover in introducing the technologies of producing hydrogen from waste into the waste management system. Further and thorough investigation is recommended to come up with a sound and firm conclusion. Key words: Systems analysis, Life cycle analysis, Substance flow analysis, Waste management, Environmental impact, Steam reforming, Thermal gasification, Fuel cell vehicles, Hydrogen
www.ima.kth.se

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In 1964, year of the military coup, the Brazilian government established a housing finance system with the intention of reducing the housing shortage that had been going on for decades. In order to reach this goal, the government created the Housing Finance System (acronym in Portuguese ¿ SFH), a set of rules which intended to set up a regulated market through standardized contracts and compulsory sources of funds. The system survived for some time, due to the state control of prices and salaries in the authoritarian regime. However, the increasing inflationary pressure obliged the government to adopt a populist subsidy policy, which left as a consequence outstanding balances at the end of the contracts that very often exceeded the value of the financed units. The solution adopted was to create a fund to settle these residual balances. Such fund should be capitalized by the government and by compulsory contributions from borrowers and financial institutions. Since the government did not make such contributions, the debt of this fund increased on a yearly basis, reaching around 3,5 % of Brazil¿s GDP in December 31, 2006. Due to the decline of private investments in the housing finance system, this debt concentrated mostly on public and state-owned companies, government agencies and public funds. The outcome of this policy was the Salary Variations Compensation Fund (acronym in Portuguese ¿ FCVS), which has a negative net equity of 76 billion reais and costs 100 million reais per year to be managed, and whose main creditor is the Federal Government itself.
Em 1964, o governo militar recém estabelecido criou um sistema de financiamento de habitações com o escopo de reduzir o deficit habitacional, que há décadas se arrastava. Para atingir tal objetivo, foi criado o Sistema Financeiro da Habitação - SFH, um conjunto de normas que tinha a pretensão de criar um mercado regulamentado através de contratos padronizados e fontes compulsórias de recursos. Com o controle estatal de preços e salários vigente durante o período autoritário, o sistema conseguiu manter-se por algum tempo. Porém, a escalada inflacionária obrigou o governo a adotar uma política populista de subsídios, que teve como conseqüência saldos devedores residuais ao fim do prazo dos contratos, cuja magnitude não era acompanhada pelo valor dos imóveis que garantiam as operações. A solução adotada foi criar um fundo para quitar esses saldos residuais. Tal fundo deveria ser capitalizado pelo governo e por contribuições compulsórias dos mutuários (tomadores de empréstimos) e dos agentes financeiros, porém além de o governo não honrar tal compromisso, a dívida desse fundo foi aumentando a cada ano, atingindo em 31/12/2006 algo em torno de 3,5% do PIB. Com a queda dos investimentos privados no setor habitacional, essa dívida foi se concentrando, na sua maior parte, em empresas públicas, estatais, autarquias e fundos públicos. O resultado final dessa política foi o FCVS ¿ Fundo de Compensação de Variações Salariais, um fundo com patrimônio líquido negativo de R$ 76 bilhões, que custa R$ 100 milhões/ano aos cofres públicos para ser administrado e tem como maior credor a própria União.

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The study has the scope to examine the housing policy developed by the State through legislation pertaining to the Housing Finance System. The housing, world-scale problem, is a universal human rights, and since 1948, with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was so proclaimed. In Brazil, the right to housing is among the fundamental social rights. Far from there a favorable situation to the achievement of this objective, the policy developed by the state through the law of the Housing Finance System, dated 1964, supported more by financial bases than social and housing bases, has led to several problems that uses its, resulting in thousands of lawsuits. Among the most sensitive issues is the elimination of the payment of residual debt through the Fund for Compensation of Salary Variations - FCVS, state fund guarantor of the contract. The examination will seek to be grounded in doctrine, law and jurisprudence, and through quantitative analysis that involves the issue. The study aims to contribute to the construction of diagnosis of this problem that affects thousands of individuals removing the full access to the right to housing. All under the legal approach with the intent to promote the application of research in solving the legal battles involved with the subject and to provide that the laws adopted in the next housing policies don't cause, as before, the mass of lawsuits.
O estudo tem o escopo de examinar a política de moradia desenvolvida pelo Estado através da legislação atinente ao Sistema Financeiro de Habitação. A moradia, problema de envergadura mundial, constitui um dos direitos humanos universal, e, desde 1948, com a Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos, foi assim proclamado. No Brasil, o direito à moradia encontra-se dentre os direitos sociais fundamentais. Longe de existir um quadro favorável quanto à concretização desse objetivo, a política desenvolvida pelo Estado, através da legislação do Sistema Financeiro de Habitação, datada de 1964, alicerçada por institutos mais financeiros que sociais/habitacionais, vem gerando diversos problemas aos que dele se utiliza, ocasionando milhares de demandas judiciais. Dentre os temas mais sensíveis encontra-se a supressão da quitação do saldo devedor residual através do Fundo de Compensação de Variações Salariais FCVS, fundo estatal garantidor do contrato. O exame buscará ser alicerçado na doutrina, legislação e jurisprudência, bem como na análise quantitativa que envolve o tema. O estudo visa contribuir na construção do diagnóstico deste problema que atinge milhares de indivíduos e afasta o acesso pleno ao direito à moradia, tudo sob o enfoque jurídico, no intento de fomentar a aplicação da pesquisa na solução dos embates jurídicos envolvidos com o tema, além de propiciar que as leis adotadas nas políticas habitacionais a serem desenvolvidas não gerem, como outrora, a massificação de demandas judiciais.

O estudo tem o escopo de examinar a política de moradia desenvolvida pelo Estado através da legislação atinente ao Sistema Financeiro de Habitação. A moradia, problema de envergadura mundial, constitui um dos direitos humanos universal, e, desde 1948, com a Declaração Universal dos Direitos Humanos, foi assim proclamado. No Brasil, o direito à moradia encontra-se dentre os direitos sociais fundamentais. Longe de existir um quadro favorável quanto à concretização desse objetivo, a política desenvolvida pelo Estado, através da legislação do Sistema Financeiro de Habitação, datada de 1964, alicerçada por institutos mais financeiros que sociais/habitacionais, vem gerando diversos problemas aos que dele se utiliza, ocasionando milhares de demandas judiciais. Dentre os temas mais sensíveis encontra-se a supressão da quitação do saldo devedor residual através do Fundo de Compensação de Variações Salariais FCVS, fundo estatal garantidor do contrato. O exame buscará ser alicerçado na doutrina, legislação e jurisprudência, bem como na análise quantitativa que envolve o tema. O estudo visa contribuir na construção do diagnóstico deste problema que atinge milhares de indivíduos e afasta o acesso pleno ao direito à moradia, tudo sob o enfoque jurídico, no intento de fomentar a aplicação da pesquisa na solução dos embates jurídicos envolvidos com o tema, além de propiciar que as leis adotadas nas políticas habitacionais a serem desenvolvidas não gerem, como outrora, a massificação de demandas judiciais.
The study has the scope to examine the housing policy developed by the State through legislation pertaining to the Housing Finance System. The housing, world-scale problem, is a universal human rights, and since 1948, with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, was so proclaimed. In Brazil, the right to housing is among the fundamental social rights. Far from there a favorable situation to the achievement of this objective, the policy developed by the state through the law of the Housing Finance System, dated 1964, supported more by financial bases than social and housing bases, has led to several problems that uses its, resulting in thousands of lawsuits. Among the most sensitive issues is the elimination of the payment of residual debt through the Fund for Compensation of Salary Variations - FCVS, state fund guarantor of the contract. The examination will seek to be grounded in doctrine, law and jurisprudence, and through quantitative analysis that involves the issue. The study aims to contribute to the construction of diagnosis of this problem that affects thousands of individuals removing the full access to the right to housing. All under the legal approach with the intent to promote the application of research in solving the legal battles involved with the subject and to provide that the laws adopted in the next housing policies don't cause, as before, the mass of lawsuits.

[EN] In case of a severe accident in a NPP fission products are released from the degraded fuel and may reach the environment if their confinement is lost and/or bypassed. Given the high radio-toxic nature of nuclear aerosols for environment and population, their unrestricted release should be absolutely avoided. One particular situation is the core meltdown sequence with steam generator tube rupture (SGTR). The containment bypass turns this sequence into an indispensable scenario to model when assessing PWR risk. As a result, a significant database on the aerosol behavior in the secondary side of the steam generator (SG) has been developed within the international projects EU-SGTR, ARTIST and ARTIST-2. The role played by the break stage is particularly significant since it might be responsible for a good fraction of the total mass retained and for the shift of the particle size distribution towards smaller diameters. This awoke the interest in the effect of variables such as the particle nature, the breach type (size and shape) and the tubes vibration on the particle retention within the breach stage of a dry steam generator. Those aspects have been experimentally investigated in the first part of this thesis. Two experimental campaigns, CAAT2 and SET, were conducted in order to explore the potential influence of the particle nature on their retention. Moreover, the effect of the breach size and shape has been investigated in the CAAT2 campaign while the SET experiments were devoted to the tube vibration characterization and the effect of the vibration on the particle retention. The tests conducted highlighted several key insights: the strong effect of particle nature in the secondary side capability to scrub the particle-laden gas; the confirmation of the high retention efficiency when using compact particles and the significant one when using agglomerates; the similarities between guillotine and fish-mouth breaches in terms of efficiency, but their noticeable different deposition patterns; and the secondary effect of the breach size. Finally, the tube vibration is not as significant as the particle nature effect on the net deposition. The second part of the thesis is focused on the fraction of particles susceptible of leaving the containment in case of a severe accident regardless of the SGTR sequence. Accidents like Fukushima highlighted the importance of relying on efficient mitigation systems capable of reducing any release to the environment as much as possible. Although many reactors worldwide had installed filtered containment venting systems (FCVS) the interest in FCVS and even other mitigation systems has become of outstanding importance in nuclear safety. This is the frame of the PASSAM project in which an experimental sound database is being built to explore potential enhancement of existing source term mitigation devices and demonstrate the ability of innovative systems to achieve even larger source term attenuation. As a matter of fact, particle agglomeration processes via the propagation of acoustic vibrations through a gas could be applied for a better decontamination. High-intensity acoustic fields applied to an aerosol induce interaction effects among suspended particles, giving rise to successive collisions and agglomerations, resulting in larger particles that can be more easily removed or precipitated. The mitigative system acoustic agglomerator was built-up and tested in the AAA experimental campaign. The tests were conducted under a constant ultrasonic field with aerosols of different nature and size with different gas mass flow rates. The results pointed out two main insights: the small acoustic-agglomeration effect and the key effect of the gas mass flow rate and the aggregation state of the former particles in the agglomeration process. This research is the first approximation on the application of the ultrasonic chamber as an innovative system for the source term mitigation.
[ES] Durante un accidente severo en una central nuclear los productos de fisión liberados como consecuencia de la degradación del combustible podrían llegar a la atmósfera si se pierde la hermeticidad de la contención o si encuentran vías alternativas (bypass) para salir. Dada la radio-toxicidad del término fuente, las centrales nucleares deben contar con medios y medidas técnicas de seguridad para contener estos productos. En un reactor PWR, un caso particular de secuencia accidental donde los productos de fisión tienen acceso directo a la atmósfera, es aquella en el que además de la fusión de núcleo existe rotura de tubos del generador de vapor (secuencia SGTR). En este caso, es de vital importancia la evaluación del riesgo del suceso, objetivo de los proyectos internacionales EU-SGTR, ARTIST y ARTIST-2. Particularmente significativa es la "etapa de rotura" (break stage) del generador de vapor (SG), que es responsable de la retención de una fracción importante de partículas y de la evolución de su distribución a tamaños más pequeños. Estos motivos despertaron el interés hacia la propia retención de las partículas sobre los tubos y el efecto de variables como la naturaleza de la partícula, el tipo de rotura y la vibración de tubos sobre la retención en la etapa de rotura en condiciones secas; aspectos en los que se centra la primera parte de esta tesis. Con el objetivo de estudiar las cuestiones señaladas se han llevado a cabo dos campañas experimentales, CAAT2 y SET, con materiales enmarcados en el posible espectro de los aerosoles nucleares. La primera de ellas se centró en explorar la influencia potencial de la naturaleza de la partícula y el efecto del tipo de rotura de los tubos (forma y tamaño) sobre la retención de aerosoles. La segunda concierne la caracterización de la vibración de los tubos y el estudio de su efecto en la eficiencia de retención de partículas. Las pruebas realizadas resaltan varias ideas clave: el fuerte efecto de la naturaleza de la partícula sobre la retención en el lado secundario del SG; la alta eficiencia de retención cuando las partículas son compactas y la significativa retención cuando están aglomeradas; las pequeñas diferencias en eficiencia neta entre distintos tipos de rotura (guillotina vs. boca de pez) que resultan notables sobre los patrones de deposición, y el efecto secundario del tamaño de la rotura. Finalmente los resultados revelaron que frente a la naturaleza de la partícula, la vibración de tubos juega un papel secundario en la eficiencia de la retención. La segunda parte de este trabajo se centra en la fracción de partículas que es susceptible de alcanzar la contención en caso de accidente severo. Accidentes como el de Fukushima ponen de manifiesto la necesidad de tecnologías capaces de evitar las indeseadas consecuencias de la emisión de material radiactivo al medio ambiente. Esta es la dirección de investigación del proyecto PASSAM (7º Programa Marco de EURATOM) que está construyendo una base de datos experimental para el desarrollo de sistemas innovadores y la mejora de los sistemas de venteo filtrado de la contención que ya existen. Entre estos sistemas se encuentran las cámaras de ultrasonidos donde las ondas acústicas facilitan la aglomeración y el crecimiento de partículas, resultando sistemas potenciales para su mitigación. La campaña experimental AAA ha constituido una primera aproximación para la aplicación de las cámaras de ultrasonidos como sistemas innovadores para la mitigación del término fuente en la contención. El sistema de mitigación de aglomeración acústica (MSAA) se construyó y ha sido probado durante los experimentos AAA. Los resultados obtenidos ponen de manifiesto el leve efecto del campo acústico sobre el crecimiento de las partículas. Además, tanto el flujo másico de gas portador como la naturaleza de la partícula son claves en el proceso de aglomeración.
[CAT] En cas d'accident sever d'una central nuclear els productes de fissió resultants del combustible degradat podrien assolir l'atmosfera si es perd la hermeticitat de la contenció o si troben un camí alternatiu que l'evitin. Donada la naturalesa radio-tòxica dels aerosols nuclears ha d'evitar-se per tots els mitjans que surtin a l'exterior. En un reactor PWR, un cas particular d'accident és en el qual a més de la fusió de nucli existeix trencament de tubs del generador de vapor. En aquest cas, l'alliberament de material radioactiu cap al medi ambient fa que l'escenari sigui indispensable de modelar en l'avaluació del risc d'aquest reactor. Aquesta és la raó dels projectes internacionals EU-SGTR, ARTIST i ARTIST-2, gràcies als quals s'ha construït una extensa base de dades sobre el comportament dels aerosols en el circuit secundari del generador de vapor (Steam Generator, SG). Particularment significativa és l'etapa de trencament, que és responsable de la retenció d'una fracció important de partícules i de modificar la seva distribució cap a les mides més petites. Aquests motius van despertar l'interès vers l'efecte de variables com la naturalesa de la partícula, el tipus de trencament i la vibració de tubs sobre la retenció de partícules sobre els tubs en condicions seques a l'etapa de trencament del SG. Aquests són els aspectes en els quals es centra la primera part d'aquesta tesi. Dues campanyes experimentals, CAAT2 i SET, s'han dut a terme amb diferents materials, tots ells emmarcats dins del possible rang dels aerosols nuclears. La primera d'elles es va centrar a explorar la influència potencial de la naturalesa de la partícula i l'efecte del tipus de trencament (forma i grandària) sobre la retenció d'aerosols en els tubs. La segona va seguir per la caracterització en termes de vibració dels tubs i el seu efecte en l'eficiència de retenció de partícules. Les proves realitzades ressalten diverses idees clau: el fort efecte de la naturalesa de la partícula sobre la retenció en el costat secundari del SG; l'alta eficiència de retenció quan les partícules són compactes i la també significativa retenció quan són aglomerats; les petites diferències en eficiència entre diferents tipus de trencament (guillotina vs. boca de peix), però notables sobre els patrons de deposició, i l'efecte secundari de la grandària de trencament. Finalment van revelar que enfront de la naturalesa de la partícula, la vibració de tubs juga un paper secundari en l'eficiència de retenció del feix de tubs. La segona part d'aquesta tesi es centra en la fracció de partícules que en cas d'accident sever, amb o sense seqüència SGTR, és susceptible d'aconseguir la contenció. Accidents com Fukushima posen de manifest la necessitat de tecnologia capaç de cobrir les indesitjades conseqüències de l'emissió de material radioactiu al medi. Aquesta és la raó del projecte PASSAM (7é Programa Marc d'EURATOM) que està construint una base de dades experimental per al desenvolupament de sistemes innovadors i millorar els sistemes de venteig filtrat que ja existeixen de la contenció. Les ones d'ultrasons faciliten l'aglomeració de partícules i resulten sistemes potencials per a la seva mitigació. S'ha realitzat una primera aproximació per a l'aplicació de les càmeres d'ultrasons com a sistemes innovadors per a la mitigació del terme font en la contenció. El sistema de mitigació d'aglomeració acústica (MSAA) es va construir i ha estat provat durant la campanya experimental AAA. Els experiments duts a terme en la planta PECA-MSAA del LASS. Els resultats obtinguts posen de manifest dues idees: el sistema MSAA és efectiu en la reducció de la massa de partícules i tant el flux màssic de gas portador com la naturalesa de la partícula són claus en l'eficiència de retenció del sistema.
Delgado Tardáguila, R. (2016). Experimental investigations on nuclear aerosols in a severe accident [Tesis doctoral no publicada]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/63243
TESIS

The present dissertation tried to provide an answer to the need of high-quality evaluations of theoretically grounded antibullying interventions (Baldry & Farrington, 2007; Ttofi & Farrington, 2011). Literature of the last ten years shows that aggressive behaviours carried out by peers may be experienced in both face-to-face and online interactions (Tokunaga, 2010; Wingate, Minney, & Guadagno, 2013); for this reason adopting a specific focus both on bullying and cyberbullying appears to be more suitable (Menesini, 2012). The general aim of the present dissertation was to evaluate Noncadiamointrappola! program 3rd Edition by adopting an evidence-based approach in analyzing aspects related to the intervention’s efficacy. Three empirical studies are presented. They cover three main issues: 1) measurement of the cyberbullying constructs; 2) efficacy of the Noncadiamointrappola! program in reducing bullying, cyberbullying, and internalizing symptoms; 3) mediational mechanisms involved in the explanation of the efficacy of the program in reducing cybervictimization. In the first study we analyzed the psychometric properties of a revised instrument (FCBVSs; Menesini, Nocentini, & Calussi, 2011) devoted to measure cybervictimization and cyberbullying constructs. The analyses were conducted on a sample of 1142 adolescents (54.5% males) enrolled in 9th, 10th 11th grades of high schools in Tuscany. Results support a gender-invariant model based on 14 items and four factors both for cybervictimization and cyberbullying. The subscales cover four types of behaviours and describe different attacks made by peers in the cyber context (written-verbal, visual, impersonation and exclusion). The second order CFA confirmed that a “global”, second-order measure of cyberbullying and cybervictimization fits well with data. Overall the scales showed both good validity (construct, concurrent and convergent) and reliability (internal consistency and test-retest). In the second study we evaluated the effects of the Noncadiamointrappola! program in two quasi-experimental trials that involved different samples of adolescents attending the first year of Italian high schools. We found that the program in the experimental group significantly predicted a decrease in all targeted variables (victimization, bullying, cybervictimization, and 4 cyberbullying) in both quasi experimental trials. Looking at the first quasi experimental trial results (Control group, N=171; Experimental group, N=451), we found significant long-term effects of the program (six months); the outcomes did not decay over time. At the same time, we found that the program was efficacious in reducing internalizing symptoms in the experimental group through the decrease in cybervictimization above and beyond the mediational effect of the decrease in victimization. In the second independent trial (Control group, N=227; Experimental group, N=234) we tested for potential moderating effects of gender; we found that it did not have interactive effects with the efficacy of the program. In the third study, using data about the first quasi experimental trial, we analyzed the mediational mechanisms that explain the efficacy of the program in reducing cybervictimization. We found that the program predicted the increase over time in seeking support coping strategy, both on informational and instrumental aspects (distal advice) and on the more emotional way of getting help from people (close support). Noncadiamointrappola! program had significant indirect effects, through distal advice and close support, in reducing cybervictimization. Results are discussed highlighting their contributions to the literature both on evidence-based interventions and on bullying and cyberbullying phenomena. Finally, the overall strengths, limitations and implication for future studies are pointed out.

Professional Doctorate - Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
This study analyses the relationship between knowledge sharing, family controlled businesses (FCBs), training for workers, incentive systems and trust in Hong Kong’s Clothing Industry (HKCI). The study contributes by investigating the impact of the ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) paradigm focusing on training for workers(A), incentive systems(M) and trust(O) and the moderating effects of Family control businesses (FCBs) on knowledge sharing in Hong Kong’s clothing industry. Such an investigation is timely and relevant when a number of Chinese family businesses are facing the dilemma of succeeding their businesses through appropriate governance structures, operations and systems so as to continue their entrepreneurial spirit and effectively manage the generational transitions in Hong Kong (HK) (Au, K et al. 2013).These challenges result in failure of some family control businesses from managing succession and intergenerational leadership Issues (Chua et al., 2003; Long & Chrisman, 2014). Thus, sharing key knowledge by people in FCBs through appropriate people management practices is important for sustained succession in FCBs. The AMO paradigm has received considerable research attention in the field of Human Resource Management (HRM) in the last two decades. The AMO model offers a useful framework for studying how certain HRM practices can impact knowledge sharing performance outcomes. Based on a review of literature, a conceptual model showing the constructs of AMO was developed and six hypotheses were then generated and tested in this research. The findings of the research suggest that incentive systems and trust have a significant impact on knowledge sharing but training for workers does not have any significant impact on knowledge sharing. The findings also revealed that variables of training for workers, incentive systems, and trust have a significant and negative impact for FCBs. Overall, the findings from this study have implications for theory and practice. The results highlight the relationships among the AMO components and Knowledge sharing performance in a new context, especially by analysing the moderating impact of FCBs. In terms of managerial implications for practice, this research highlights that FCBs need to focus strategically on AMO components that contribute most in enhancing a firm’s knowledge sharing performance.

AbstractFlood control basins (FCBs) are artificially constructed facilities with the potential to conserve the biodiversity of floodplain ecosystems. However, the intensity of disturbance in FCBs is generally lower than that in natural floodplains; thus, habitats for plants with disturbance-dependent life histories and for animals that use temporary waters or mudflats can be lost in the years following FCB construction. Here, the Asahata FCB in Shizuoka city, Japan, was studied as an example, where the species diversity of wetland plants has been conserved as a result of diverse activities. Although most activities had objectives other than biodiversity conservation, they contributed to conserving plant diversity and providing habitats for endangered plants. The FCB is a green infrastructure that not only enables flood control but also supports activities for various purposes. Additionally, its proper use contributes to biodiversity conservation.

Global transportation possesses have compelling rationales for reducing the consumption of oil, emissions of carbon dioxide, and noise pollution. Transitions to alternative transportation technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs) have gained increased attention from the automotive industries. A fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV) occupying a hydrogen engine is one of the most stupendous technologies, since it is suitable for a large-scale transportation. However, its performance limitations are in question due to voltage degradation in long term operations through steady conditions under constant load and dynamic working conditions. Other drawbacks of using fuel cells in EVs are energy balances and management issues necessary for vehicle power and energy requirements. An efficient solution to accommodate driving behavior like dynamic loads comprises of hybridizing PEMFCs with energy storage devices like supercapacitors and batteries. This opening chapter reviews the projected gist of FCEV status; considers the factors that are going to affect how FCEVs could enter commercialization, including the importance of fuel cells for EV technologies; the degradation diagnoses using accelerated stress test (AST) procedures; FCEV hybridization; and the contribution of an energy storage device for charging EVs. The article also addresses case studies relating to material degradation occurring from driving behavior. Information about material degradation can be compiled into a database for the improvement of cell component performance and durability, leading to the creation of new materials and new fuel cell hybridization designs. To support the growth of EV technologies, an energy storage is required for the integrated alternative electricity generations. A redox flow battery is considered as a promising candidate in terms of attractive charging station for EVs or HEVs.

For a severe accident (a core melting accident) of nuclear power plants, a heat-up of the molten core might cause a overpressurizing of containment building to be damaged, if there couldn’t be given a proper cooling and/or a depressurizing strategy. In order to depressurize containment building and also to minimize the release of radioactive materials, filtered containment venting system (FCVS) might be used for a one of possible options. For a wet-type FCVS, radioactive aerosol released from molten core could be decontaminated by water pool, which is called pool scrubbing effect. The objective of this study is to find out regulatory insights for evaluating a wet-type FCVS for Korean nuclear power plant, APR1400. MELCOR, which is a severe accident analysis code developed by Sandia National Laboratories, was used for simulating postulated accidents. A full-plant scale calculation was performed considering the accident conditions such as temperature, pressure flow rate from containment to the pool of FCVS, behavior of radioactive materials and decontamination factors (DFs) for them. FCVS was operated with containment pressure set points. The decrease thermal margin between containment atmosphere and the pool of the FCVS influenced the DF, because the decreased amount of the steam due to the lowered thermal margin interrupted the radioactive aerosols and steam condensed.

Abstract All of the boiling water reactors in Japan were required to install filtered containment venting system (FCVS) for restart after the accident of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. FCVS is composed of alkaline water and a metal fiber filter (MFF). Alkaline water has the function of reducing aerosol and inorganic iodine (I2). MFF is constituted for the purpose of removing the aerosol which was not able to be removed with alkaline water. With the above system, the released aerosol can be removed with DF1000 and inorganic iodine DF100. On the other hand, organic iodine that cannot be removed by alkaline water and MFF is removed by silver zeolite added downstream of the FCVS because of its high scattering property. Silver zeolite has particle of silver in the pores of the zeolite. Organic iodine is removed by chemical bonding with the silver. In the current system, the silver zeolite is DF50. Hitachi has developed the organic iodine removal system focusing on removing liquid chemicals for the purpose of improving the performance andmaintain ability, and reducing the price. In this presentation, we report the ionic liquid (IL) that has high heat resistance, high radiation resistance and high gas adsorption among liquid chemicals. In the small-scale tests, we found that IL has a higher performance than DF250, and improved maintainability by liquid property that is able to discharge with scrubber water at the same time, and have got the prospect of reducing manufacturing costs.

Fukushima Daiichi NPP accident would be terminated, if sufficient accident countermeasures, such as water proof door, mobile power, etc [1, 2]. In case of Europe, it had already installed the heat removal system and filtered containment venting system (FCVS) from the lessons of TMI and Chernobyl Accidents. The new regulatory standard in Japan, the filtered vent system (FCVS) should be installed, and prevent the radioactive material in case of the severe accident and the overpressure breakage prevention of a primary containment vessel (PCV) and also the robustization of the FCVS. The authors examined the severe accident process in the 2nd unit of Fukushima Daiichi NPS, and found the vent by FCVS should be done before water injection into the core. The PCV spray and water injection into the pedestal basement should be also the countermeasures to the severe accident. Countermeasures for an intentional aircraft collision should be installed too. Upon occurrence of a severe accident (SA), vent gas with radioactive fission products is blown out to a scrubbing pool through numerous venturi nozzles. Mist in steam moves upward to a metal fiber filter through a multi-hole baffle plate. After the mist is removed by that filter, radioactive methyl iodine (CH3I) is captured on the surface of a molecular sieve or AgX, made from zeolite particles with silver coating. A FCVS visualized test facility was installed at Hokkaido University. An AgX filter is used down-stream of the scrubbing pool and metal fiver filter. Thickness of AgX filter is very important parameter to obtain enough decontamination factor (DF). The DF for the radioactive iodine exceeds 10,000 at bed depth (AgX filter thickness) greater than 75mm.

Abstract Filtered containment venting system (FCVS) is used in some nuclear power plants to avoid containment overpressure failure and uncontrolled radioactive release in severe accidents. Currently the opening strategy is mainly based on the containment pressure, such as the design pressure. The containment has a stronger capability. There are various deposition mechanisms or even plugging of aerosol particles passing through potential micro channels within the containment. There are various natural or engineered deposition mechanisms of aerosol particles in the containment. The qualification pressure of FCVS can be increased. If the FCVS is opened later, the total radioactive release into the environment can be decreased, even though the leakage may be increased. A new opening strategy of FCVS is proposed, which is not just based on the containment pressure, but considers the containment capability, various deposition mechanisms or even plugging of aerosol particles passing through potential micro channels within the containment, various natural or engineered deposition mechanisms of aerosol particles in the containment. This strategy uses the radioactive release into the environment and associated radiological consequence as the optimization objective, considering both radioactive release through potential micro channels before venting and radioactive release after venting, and can reduce the radioactive released into the environment as far as possible while maintaining the integrity of the containment.

This Handbook has been created for development partners and civil society actors that design and implement youth employment interventions, particularly in contexts marked by fragility and political-economic crises. Youth employment programmes usually strengthen young people’s business and entrepreneurship skills. They fail to consider the civic and political competencies needed by young people in order to negotiate fair, safe, and decent working conditions and influence the wider policy environment for decent work. The Handbook offers suggestions for integrating youth active citizenship strategies into youth employment interventions, thus building young people’s civic and political skills. Adopting these strategies will strengthen the capacities of young people to engage both private sector and government actors, foster inclusion, and strengthen coalitions that can influence a enabling environment for decent jobs for youth. Recognising that many young people start their trade and businesses in theinformal economy, the Handbook takes their experiences as the point of departure. It is widely recognised that political economy matters for development and development interventions. This also applies to youth employment programming. Ideas in this Handbook recognise that politics influence youth employment opportunities. This is particularly the case in contexts commonly referred to as fragile, conflict-affected and violent settings (FCVS). Approaches to youth employment interventions need to respond to these dynamics to avoid that powerful actors capture them to serve their interests and avoid increasing risks to conflict. Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic has proved that fragility is multidimensional and manifests in many countries across the globe. Early on in the pandemic, it quickly became clear that the informal economy would be hard hit. In addition, the challenging politics of FCVS influence opportunities for both formal and informal employment.

With the current state of automotive electrification, predicting which electrification pathway is likely to be the most economical over a 10- to 30-year outlook is wrought with uncertainty. The development of a range of technologies should continue, including statically charged battery electric vehicles (BEVs), fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and EVs designed for a combination of plug-in and electric road system (ERS) supply. The most significant uncertainties are for the costs related to hydrogen supply, electrical supply, and battery life. This greatly is dependent on electrolyzers, fuel-cell costs, life spans and efficiencies, distribution and storage, and the price of renewable electricity. Green hydrogen will also be required as an industrial feedstock for difficult-to-decarbonize areas such as aviation and steel production, and for seasonal energy buffering in the grid. For ERSs, it is critical to understand how battery life will be affected by frequent cycling and the extent to which battery technology from hybrid vehicles can be applied. Unsettled Issues in Electrical Demand for Automotive Electrification Pathways dives into the most critical issues the mobility industry is facing.