Academic literature on the topic 'High pressure part'

The steam-driven jet pump (SDJP) is a device without moving parts, in which steam is used as an energy source to pump cold water from a pressure much lower than the steam pressure to a pressure higher than the steam pressure. In the previous part of this study, the mathematical modeling of the SDJP has been done, and reported. The results of the mathematical modeling of the SDJP have been compared with Cattadori’s experimental results. The comparisons show that the experimental and calculated pressure distributions are in good qualitative agreement. For the same steam inlet pressure of 8.7 MPa, the discharge pressures in the experiment and in the simulation are 9.8 MPa and 9.54 MPa, respectively. The relative difference is two percent. It can be said that the computed discharge pressure is in good agreement with the experimental result. In the current study, a parametric analysis of the SDJP has been done in terms of four independent parameters: steam inlet pressure and temperature, supply water pressure, and temperature. The output parameters are: discharge pressure, temperature, and mass flow rate. As a result of this parametric study, the operation characteristics of the SDJP have been obtained.

Steam turbines are complex rotating machines working at high pressure and high temperature levels. Their high-pressure parts, which are subjected to the highest steam parameters, are most affected by these conditions and may suffer from creep deformation. Permanent changes in geometry become visible in high-pressure turbine casings when they are disassembled after certain time in operation.

An integrated pore-pressure modeling approach was adopted to understand the basin architecture from a pressure perspective and its inference toward possible hydrocarbon occurrence. Kriging-based 3D pore-pressure modeling was used with offset well data and seismic velocities to establish the pressure stratigraphy of the northeast coast (NEC) field (southern part) in the Mahanadi Basin. Late Pliocene sediment is moderately pressured ([Formula: see text]), whereas early Pliocene sediment is normally pressured ([Formula: see text]) and compacted, representing a regional seal for this part of the basin. Miocene represents the onset window for major undercompaction and associated high pressures ([Formula: see text]) in conformance with the regional pressure trend. Overpressure distribution and its mechanisms in the late Miocene level across the NEC field shows distinct patterns with highly elevated pressures ([Formula: see text]) in the northern part resulting from a hybrid unloading mechanism, whereas moderate to high pressure ([Formula: see text]) toward the southern part is associated with undercompaction. Regional pressure correlation across the study area suggests a pressure dependent habitat of hydrocarbons in the Miocene and late Pliocene levels. Pressure distribution and an excess pressure pattern within the Miocene stratigraphy shows a regression trend from north to south, possibly indicating a preferred subsurface fluid flow direction, which is supported by high-quality gas reservoirs discovered in the southern part of the study area. A similar but reverse pressure regression trend is observed within the late Pliocene stratigraphy, which is also validated by the presence of gas reservoirs in the northern part of the study area. Major hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Miocene and Pliocene stratigraphy from the southern part of study area exhibit a strong correlation with effective stress distribution. High-quality gas reservoirs are mostly associated with high effective stress ([Formula: see text]), whereas a high probability for reservoirs to be water wet are observed below this threshold value.

In this paper, to realize the pressure stability control of high-pressure oil pipe, the dynamic differential equation of fuel oil inlet and outlet is established based on the theory of mass conservation. According to the change of the pressure in the high-pressure tubing, an optimization model is established to achieve precise control of the working time of each part of the high-pressure oil pipe.

The Rio San Juan Complex is an important occurrence of high pressure/low temperature rocks in the circum-Caribbean region which contains both coherent blueschist units and two varieties of melange in the same area. The melanges contain a diverse assemblage of blocks of various sizes, different degrees of metamorphism, and mineral assemblages. Some high pressure blocks show two stages of metamorphism. The earliest stage is characterized by high pressure-low temperature conditions and the second stage is characterized by high pressure-lower temperature conditions. The geochemistry of thirteen samples from the Rio San Juan Complex has been studied and data have been compared with rocks of adjacent regions. Geochemical evidence indicates that rocks from the Rio San Juan Complex have predominant calc-alkaline affinities with subordinate tholeiitic affinities. This suggests that they have a multiple tectonic provenance.

Master’s thesis deals with design and calculation of one body condensing steam turbine of 25 MW with samples for paper-making industry. The thesis is focused on calculation of the turbine’s heat balance with two technological samples and regeneration which consists of two low pressure heaters and a deaerator with a power reservoir. The steam turbine is designed with a water cooling condenser with down output. The flow part is calculated with lengths of blades. There are basic strength and proportion calculations. In the end of the thesis the turbine’s heat balance is recalculated to 80% and 105% scheme according to an assignment. Another part of this thesis is a drawing of a longitudinal cut of the turbine including a connector with a gearbox.

Thesis focuses on a detailed technical description of all important parts of secondary circuit in Dukovany power plant and its connection to other systems of power plant. In thesis are analyzed significant adjustments which have been made during the entire operation of power plant including in particular the actions associated with project called Utilization of project reserves of units EDU. In the main part of the thesis were carried out calculations of the power plant's power for states before and after the modernization and there is also analyzed the impact of individual changes on the whole power plant. These changes are with the entire secondary circuit drawn in the T-s diagram.

This thesis describes optimization of die temperature in high pressure die-casting (HPDC) of A380 alloy by experimental observation and numerical simulation with the use of statistical tools. The goal of this research is to determine the optimum die temperature to minimize incidence of these defects and thus maximize production of parts without defects.   In HPDC, molten metal is injected into the die at high speed (40-60 m/s for aluminum alloys). Die temperature plays an important role on the rate of rejected parts. Therefore, flow patterns of molten metal in HPDC of an automotive component with very complex geometry (the ladder frame from the EF7 motor) were examined to determine the optimal die temperature. Defects in the production process fall into three categories, including surface, internal and dimensional defects. Samples produced in the experiments were classified according to any present defects. Another important parameter that influences casting defects is the cooling rate. Die temperatures were measured at the initial step and final filling positions. Experiments were performed with die temperatures ranging from 150 °C to 250 °C. The results show that the melt temperature difference in the die between the initial step and the final filling position was between 20 and 25 °C. Statistical tools such as regressions, relationships, max, min, correlations, ANOVA, T-test, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and descriptive statistics were used to facilitate interpretation of data from the die-cast experiments. Perform some case studies in order to study the process behavior, take a better knowledge of effective parameters, and measure the required parameters. The collected data are utilized to: Set the model Validate/ verify the model ProCast software was used to simulate the fluid flow and solidification step, and the results were verified by experimental measurements. The optimal die temperature for this alloy was found to be above 200 oC. Statistical analysis of the experimental results found that defects were minimized and confirmed parts were maximized in HPDC of the ladder frame within a die temperature range of 210° C to 215° C.

O uso de princípios ativos a base de plantas em alimentos pode ser interessante devido à sua atividade (ex.: antioxidante, antimicrobiana, dentre outros), entretanto, alguns desses aditivos são hidrofóbicos, sendo, portanto, de difícil dispersão na formulação do alimento, que é geralmente rico em água. Do mesmo modo, a diminuição da concentração utilizada de antisépticos é um desafio atual. Uma alternativa é a utilização desses princípios ativos na forma de nanoemulsões com baixas concentrações de princípios ativos. O objetivo geral desta tese foi o desenvolvimento de nanoemulsões a base de eugenol e extrato de pimenta dedo-demoça para uso em alimentos, e a base de triclosan, para uso tópico, como alternativa para higienização de mãos de manipuladores de alimentos. O desenvolvimento das nanoemulsões foi realizado com o auxílio de um homogeneizador de alta velocidade seguido de um homogeneizador de alta pressão. Foram estudados os seguintes parâmetros, em vários experimentos: tipo e concentração de tensoativos, valor ideal de HLB, relação fase lipídica/fase aquosa, relação tensoativo/óleo, e composição e processo. As nanoemulsões foram otimizadas por desenho experimental, avaliadas quanto à estabilidade por estresse térmico e força centrífuga e estabilidade ao armazenamento por 90 dias, caracterizadas por diferentes análises, incluindo a determinação do potencial antioxidante e antibacteriano. Foram desenvolvidas nanoemulsões com tamanho médio de gota menor que 200 nm, sendo que, a estabilidade frente ao estresse térmico e força centrífuga variaram para cada sistema, mas, todas nanoemulsões foram estáveis pelo período de 90 dias em temperatura ambiente. A nanoemulsão de eugenol demonstrou bom potencial antioxidante e a nanoemulsão de triclosan demonstrou alta atividade bacteriostática na concentração de 3% e atividade bactericida em concentração menor que 40µg/mL pelo período de 90 dias. As nanoemulsões desenvolvidas têm potencial de aplicação nas indústrias de alimentos e sanitária.
The utilization of plant bioactives in food can be interesting because of its activity (eg.: antioxidant, antimicrobial, among others) and to minimize the use of their high concentration of antiseptics. However, some of these additives are hydrophobic, and, therefore, are more difficult to be dispersed in food, which are generally water-based. A good alternative is the use of low concentration of these actives as nanoemulsions. The aim of this thesis was the development of nanoemulsions with eugenol, \"dedo-de-moça\" pepper extract for food applications, and of triclosan for topical application as hand\'s cleaner. The studies for development of these nanoemulsions were carried out with a high speed homogenizer followed by a high pressure homogenizer. The following parameters were tested: type and concentration of surfactants, ideal HLB value, lipid phase/aqueous phase relation, surfactant/oil relation, and composition and processing conditions. Nanoemulsions were optimized by experimental design, evaluated by preliminary and storage stability, characterized by different analysis, including antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Nanoemulsions with mean droplet size lower than 200 nm were developed; the thermal stress and centrifuge stabilities were different for each system, but, all nanoemulsions were stable over 90 days on ambient temperature. The eugenol nanoemulsion had good antioxidant activity and triclosan nanoemulsion had high antimicrobial activity in the concentration of 3% and a bactericidal activity at concentration lower than 40µg/mL over 90 days period. The nanoemulsions developed have potential for applications in food and sanitary industries.

A produção de proteínas recombinantes é uma ferramenta essencial para a indústria biotecnológica e suporta a expansão da pesquisa biológica moderna. Uma variedade de hospedeiros pode ser utilizada para produzir estas proteínas e dentre eles, as bactérias E. coli são as hospedeiras mais utilizadas. No entanto, a expressão heteróloga de genes em E. coli frequentemente resulta em um processo de enovelamento incompleto que leva ao acúmulo de agregados insolúveis, conhecidos como corpos de inclusão (CI). Altas pressões hidrostáticas são capazes de desfavorecer interações intermoleculares hidrofóbicas e eletrostáticas, levando à dissociação dos agregados e por isso são úteis para solubilizar e renaturar proteínas agregadas em CI. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo o estudo do processo de desagregação dos CI e de renaturação das proteínas oligoméricas subunidade B da toxina colérica (CTB) e região globular da fibra adenoviral (RGFA) utilizando altas pressões hidrostáticas. A toxina colérica (CT) é composta por uma subunidade A e cinco subunidades B combinadas em uma holotoxina AB5. A CTB é a porção pentamérica não tóxica da CT, responsável pela ligação da holotoxina ao receptor gangliosídeo GM1. A fibra do adenovírus é uma proteína homotrimérica que forma parte do capsídeo viral, organizada em três regiões: a cauda N-terminal, a haste central e a região C-terminal (região globular). A RGFA se liga à proteína de membrana CAR nas células hospedeiras e promove a internalização do vírus. Os estudos apresentados neste trabalho demonstraram que a alta pressão hidrostática foi eficaz na desagregação dos CI da CTB e da RGFA. As condições de renaturação foram otimizadas utilizando-se diferentes proporções do par redox glutationa oxidada e reduzida, concentrações de agentes caotrópicos, presença de aditivos e esquemas diferenciados de compressão/descompressão daqueles previamente descritos na literatura. CTB solúvel e pentamérica foi obtida pela compressão da suspensão de CI a 2,4 kbar por 16 horas em tampão TrisHCl 50 mM pH 8,5, 1 mM de tween 20 e descompressão direta seguida de incubação em pressão atmosférica. O rendimento de renaturação da CTB solúvel e pentamérica foi de até 45 % e 288 mg de CTB/litro de cultura bacteriana. Esta proteína apresentou estrutura regular e atividade biológica. RGFA trimérica foi obtida pela compressão da suspensão de CI em tampão TrisHCl 50 mM pH 8,0 e 0,5 M de L-arginina a 2,4 kbar por 1,5 horas e 0,4 kbar por 16 horas antes da completa descompressão. O rendimento de proteína solúvel trimérica da RGFA foi de 4 %, porém não foi possível obter a atividade biológica desta proteína.
The production of recombinant proteins is an essential tool for the biotechnology industry and supports the expansion of modern biological research. Recombinant proteins can be produced by a variety of hosts and among them the bacteria E. coli is the most commonly used. However, the expression of heterologous genes in E. coli often results in an incomplete folding process that leads to the accumulation of insoluble aggregates known as inclusion bodies (IB). The application of high hydrostatic pressure impairs intermolecular hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions of proteins in solution, leading to dissociation of aggregates and is therefore useful tool to solubilize and refold aggregated proteins in IB. This work aimed to study the process of disaggregation of IB and refolding of oligomeric proteins the B subunit of cholera toxin (CTB) and the globular region of the adenoviral fiber (RGFA) using high hydrostatic pressure. The cholera toxin (CT) comprises one A subunit and five B subunits, combined in the AB5 holotoxin. The pentameric CTB is non-toxic moiety of CT which is responsible for binding to the receptor ganglioside GM1 holotoxin. The adenovirus fiber is a homotrimeric protein wich forms part of the viral capsid and it is organized into three regions: the N-terminal tail, the central rod and the C-terminal region (globular region). The RGFA binds to membrane protein CAR in host cells and promotes the internalization of virus. The studies presented here demonstrate that high hydrostatic pressure was effective in the disaggregation of the CTB and RGFA IB. The refolding conditions were optimized using different proportions of the redox couple oxidated and reduced glutathione, concentrations of chaotropic agents, presence of additives and pressure/decompression schemes distinguished from the previously described in the literature. Soluble pentameric CTB was obtained when the suspension of IB were compressed at 2.4 kbar for 16 hours in 50 mM of Tris-HCl buffer pH 8.5, 1 mM of tween 20, followed by direct decompression and incubation at atmospheric pressure. The yield of refolded soluble pentameric CTB was up to 45 % and 288 mg of CTB/ liter of bacterial culture. This protein was shown to presented regular structure and biological activity. Trimeric RGFA was obtained by compression of the suspension of IB in 50 mM of Tris-HCl buffer pH 8.0, 0.5M L-arginine at 2.4 kbar for 1.5 hours and at 0.4 kbar for 16 hours prior to the complete decompression. The yield of soluble trimeric RGFA was 4 %, however this protein did not present biological activity.

A azatioprina (AZA) é um imunossupressor utilizado no tratamento de doenças autoimunes como lúpus eritematoso sistêmico, doença de Crohn, doença inflamatória intestinal e contra a rejeição em transplantes de órgãos sólidos. Após mais de 40 anos de uso a AZA continua exercendo um papel central nos regimes imunomoduladores, devido ao fato de combinar eficácia, segurança e baixo custo. Sabe-se que a atividade da tiopurina metiltransferase pode determinar, pelo menos em parte, a eficácia clínica da AZA. Esta enzima apresenta polimorfismo genético co-dominante e a distribuição dos alelos variantes é significativamente diferente entre as populações. A grande variabilidade farmacocinética no metabolismo AZA justifica a sua monitorização terapêutica. Neste trabalho otimizou-se uma metodologia para a quantificação dos metabólitos da AZA, 6-TGN e 6-MMP, por cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (HPLC/UV-Vis), utilizando-se um detector de ultravioleta-visível em um único comprimento de onda, após a amostra passar por uma desproteinização ácida simples e ser aquecida para a conversão dos metabólitos em suas respectivas bases livres. Os valores destes metabólitos foram determinados em uma população de 124 pacientes transplantados renais. Para adequarmos o processo às legislações locais e internacionais, foram seguidas orientações da Anvisa, FDA e CLSI. A separação foi realizada em coluna de fase reversa, sendo a fase móvel A fosfato de potássio e a fase móvel B metanol. A detecção da 6-TGN e da 6-MMP foi realizada em 342 m (UV-Vis). O estudo da linearidade da 6-TGN variou entre 0,30 e 89,71 mol/L e da 6-MMP entre 0,30 e 93,86 mol/L. As recuperações, de 95,08 a 100,80% para 6-TGN e 95,38 a 105,06% para 6-MMP. Os CV da repetibilidade, de 0,04 a 5,06%, enquanto os CV da reprodutibilidade de 4,88 a 12,73% para 6-TGN e 6-MMP. Para ambos os metabólitos o LD e o LQ foram de 0,30 mol/L e 0,13 mol/L. Os eritrócitos lavados e as amostras tratadas, prontas para a injeção no HPLC, foram armazenadas abaixo de -5°C até a análise. Nesta temperatura estiveram estáveis durante 8 semanas e 1 dia, respectivamente. Os valores das concentrações de 6-TGN e 6-MMP encontrados nas amostras dos pacientes variaram entre não detectável a 1569 mol/8 x 108 RBC (mediana de 200,50) e não detectável a 113057 mol/8 x 108 RBC (mediana de 5166), respectivamente. As correlações entre os níveis de 6-TGN ou 6-MMP e as variáveis sexo, tempo pós-transplante, número de transplantes e dosagem de AZA (mg/kg) foram examinadas em diferentes grupos. O método proposto apresenta boa relação custo-benefício, é simples, preciso e rápido na determinação das concentrações intraeritrocitárias de 6-TGN e 6-MMP em pacientes sob terapia com AZA. O método validado permite que o laboratório forneça dados farmacocinéticos úteis e precisos para o ajuste do tratamento do paciente e pode ser facilmente adaptado para a análise rotineira destes metabólitos. Os resultados das amostras dos pacientes estão de acordo com os encontrados em outros estudos, atestando a utilidade dessa ferramenta analítica no acompanhamento dos pacientes
Azathioprine (AZA) is an immunosuppressant used in autoimmune pathologies like lupus erythematosus, Chrons disease, inflammatory bowel disease and against rejection in solid organs transplant. After more than 40 years of use, AZA continues exerting a central role in immunomodulatory regimens, due to the fact that it combines effectiveness, safety and low cost. It is well known that thiopurine methyltransferase activity may determine, at least in part, the clinical efficacy of AZA therapy. This enzyme exhibits codominant genetic polymorphism and the distribution of these variant alleles differs significantly among populations. The considerable pharmacokinetic variability in AZA metabolism justify the therapeutic drug monitoring of this drug. In this work a methodology was improved to quantify the metabolites of AZA, 6-TGN and 6-MMP, by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC/UV-Vis) with an ultraviolet-visible detector, using a single wavelength reading, following a simple acid deproteinization and heating to convert the metabolites into their respective free bases. The values of these metabolites were determined in a population of 124 renal transplant recipients. To adequate the process to international and local legislation, Anvisa, FDA and CLSI guidelines were followed. Separation was achieved on a reversed-phase column; mobile phase A potassium phosphate and mobile phase B methanol. Detection of 6-TGN and 6-MMP was performed at 342 m (UV-Vis). Assay linearity for 6-TGN ranged from 0.30 to 89.71 mol/L and from 0.30 to 93.86 mol/L for 6-MMP. The recoveries were 95.08, 97.76 and 100.80% for 6-TGN and 104.79, 95.38 and 105.06% for 6-MMP. Repeatability CV were 3.50, 5.06, 1.09 and 0.04, 0.35, 1.58%, while reproducibility CV were 8.65, 7.18, 8.44 and 12.73, 6.40, 4.88% for 6-TGN and 6-MMP, respectively. LOQ and LOD of 6-TNG and 6-MMP were respectively 0.30 mol/L and 0.13 mol/L for both metabolites. The washed erythrocytes and the samples treated and ready for injection into the HPLC system were stored below -5 °C until analysis, at this temperature the samples were stable for 8 weeks and for 1 day, respectively. 6-TGN and 6-MMP patient analysis values ranged from non detectable to 1569 mol/8 x 108 RBC (median of 200.50) and non detectable to 113057 mol/8 x 108 RBC (median of 5166), respectively. The correlations between 6-TGN or 6-MMP levels and variables sex, time post-transplant, number of transplants and AZA dosage (mg/kg) were examined in different groups. The proposed HPLC method has a good cost-benefit ratio, is straightforward, precise, accurate and fast at the determining 6-TGN and 6-MMP concentrations in red blood cells of patients under AZA therapy. The validated method is good enough to enable the laboratory to routinely provide useful and accurate pharmacokinetic data in time to adjust patient regimens. It can be easily adopted for routine analysis of these drug metabolites. The results of patient samples are in agreement with others studies, thus certifying the usefulness of this analytical tool in monitoring of patients

Neste trabalho são analisados os aspectos relacionados à otimização estrutural de cilindros de alta pressão em compósitos, a partir do estudo detalhado dos procedimentos de cálculo analítico, utilizando o método análise de rede (netting analysis), juntamente com procedimentos baseados em análise numérica pelo método dos Elementos Finitos, considerando modelos de comportamento ortotrópico do material compósito. São considerados cilindros utilizados para armazenamento de oxigênio, fabricados pelo processo de enrolamento filamentar (filament winding), comparados a cilindros confeccionados em metal quanto à sua aplicabilidade. Após análise de diferentes estudos de caso, conclui-se que os materiais compósitos podem ser aplicados com sucesso em cilindros de alta pressão, desde que estabelecidos alguns parâmetros decisivos ao projeto estrutural do vaso, tais como: critério de falha mais adequado; determinação de dados experimentais dos materiais utilizados; normas e códigos utilizados no projeto e dados da geometria final do vaso, dependentes do processo de fabricação. Propõe-se também a utilização de um ambiente integrado das atividades de projeto e fabricação do compósito.
In this work the aspects related to the structural optimization of composite high-pressure cylinders are analyzed from the thorough study of analytical calculation, by the use of netting analysis, along with procedures based on numerical analysis by the Finite Element method, considering models of composite materials with orthotropic behaviour. Cylinders used for oxygen containment, manufactured by filament winding process, are considered and compared to the cylinders manufactured in metal in terms of their application. The analyses of different case studies allowed to conclude that composite materials can be applied successfully in high pressure cylinders provided that some critical parameters have been established to the vessel structural design, such as: an adequate failure criteria; determination of experimental data for the composite materials used; standards and codes used in the design and the final vessel geometry data, dependent variables of the manufacturing process. An integrated environment of the design and manufacturing activities is proposed as well in order to embrace all of these aspects.

This chapter focuses on the fifty actions proposed by the European Commission and its High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in three priority areas to ensure safe, secure, clean and sustainably managed oceans: improving the international ocean governance framework; reducing pressure on oceans and seas and creating the conditions for a sustainable blue economy; and strengthening international ocean research and data. It also considers a number of policy proposals put forward by the EU with a view to improving the international ocean governance framework. Finally, it discusses the role of the EU in shaping international ocean governance on the basis of its experience in developing a sustainable approach to ocean management, notably through its environment policy, integrated maritime policy, reformed common fisheries policy, and its maritime transport policy.

Poorer renal function is associated with increasing morbidity and mortality. In the wider population this is mainly as a consequence of cardiovascular disease. Renal patients are more likely to progress to end-stage renal disease, but also have high cardiovascular risk. Aiming to reduce both progression of renal impairment and cardiovascular disease are not contradictory. Focusing on the management of high-risk patients with proteinuria and reduced glomerular filtration rates, it is recommended that blood pressure should be kept below 140/90, or 130/80 if proteinuria is > 1 g/24 h (protein:creatinine ratio (PCR) >100 mg/mmol or 0.9 g/g). These targets may be modified according to age and other factors. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin receptor antagonists should form part of the therapy for patients with proteinuria > 0.5 g/24 h (PCR > 50 mg/mmol or 0.45 g/g). Use of ACEIs or angiotensin receptor blockers in patients with lower levels of proteinuria may be indicated in some patient groups even in the absence of hypertension, notably in diabetic nephropathy. Evidence that other agents that reduce proteinuria bring additional benefits is weak at present. The best studies of ‘dual-blockade’ with various combinations of ACEIs, ARBs, and renin inhibitors have shown additional hazard with little evidence of additional benefit. Hyperlipidaemia—regardless of lipid levels, statin therapy is indicated in secondary cardiovascular prevention, and in primary prevention where cardiovascular risk is high, noting that current risk estimation tools do not adequately account for the increased risk of patients with CKD. There is not substantial evidence that lipid lowering therapy impacts on average rates of loss of GFR in progressive CKD. Non-drug lifestyle interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk, including stopping smoking, are important for all. Acidosis—in more advanced CKD it is justified to treat acidosis with oral sodium bicarbonate. Diet—sodium restriction to < 100 mmol/day (6 g/day) and avoidance of excessive dietary protein are justified in early to moderate CKD. Recommendations to limit levels of protein to 0.8 g/kg body weight are suggested by some, but additional protective effects of this are likely to be slight in patients who are otherwise well managed. Low-protein diets may carry some risk. Lower-protein diets may however be used to prevent symptoms in advanced CKD not treated by dialysis.

A large part of the chapter is dedicated to the story of one of the biggest frauds in science. It is the story of Hendrik Schön and his fantastic discoveries in the field of molecular electronics, and how wrong and manipulated papers ended up getting published in the scientific journals Science and Nature. This provides a stimulus to think about the rules of modern science and how it puts high pressure on young researchers to obtain wonderful results. The last part of the chapter deals with the actual dimensions of fraud in science (still low but growing) and with the dimension of other phenomena such as general cases of misconduct.

Marketing vacuum cleaners in the UK largely followed US methods. Vacuum cleaner firms introduced a new form of direct selling to Britain, which was of enduring importance. Its popularity among suppliers was based on its effectiveness—reflected in high British diffusion rates for vacuums, relative to other high-ticket labour-saving appliances. However, unlike the United States—where vacuum cleaner salesmen were widely accepted as part of the retail culture—Britain saw much greater public opposition to unwanted high-pressure selling. A less commonly discussed adverse feature of the system was its treatment of the salesmen, many of whom struggled to earn even a basic labourer’s income. Many salesmen reacted by engaging in sharp practice, both through desperation and, often, in a conscious attempt to turn the tables on their employers.

Aluminum Alloy Castings: Properties, Processes and Applications is a practical guide to the process, structure, property relationships associated with aluminum alloy castings and casting processes. It covers a wide range of casting methods, including variations of sand casting, permanent mold casting, and pressure die casting, showing how key process variables affect the microstructure, properties, and performance of cast aluminum parts. Other chapters provide similar information on the effects of alloying and heat treating and the influence and control of porosity and inclusions. A significant portion of the book contains curated collections of property and performance data, including many previously unpublished aging response curves, growth curves, and fatigue curves; tensile properties at high and low temperatures and at room temperature after high-temperature exposure; the results of creep rupture tests conducted at temperatures from 212 to 600 °F (100 to 315 °C); and stress-strain curves obtained from casting alloys in various tempers under tensile or compressive loads. The book also discusses the factors that contribute to corrosion and fracture resistance and includes test specimen drawings as well as a glossary of terms. For information on the print version, ISBN 978-0-87170-803-8, follow this link.

This chapter’s objective is to investigate which factors—macroeconomic, policy-related, or institutional—foster the implementation of structural reforms. We therefore look at episodes of structural reforms over three decades across forty OECD and EU countries and link them to these factors. Our results suggest that structural reforms implementation is more likely during deep recessions and when unemployment rates are high. Moreover, the further it is distant from best practice, the more likely a country is to implement reforms. External pressures, such as being subject to a financial assistance programme, or being part of the European Single Market facilitated pro-competitive reforms. Low interest rates tend to promote rather than discourage structural reforms, while there seems no clear link between fiscal policy and reforms. Moreover, reforms in product markets tend to increase the likelihood of labour market reforms following suit. Many robustness checks have been carried out confirming our main results.

Doping in sport, with its connotations of unethical behaviour and harm to health, has existed since antiquity. In contemporary times, an acceleration of doping practices resulted in the eventual development of a robust legal and scientific framework now entrenched in the World Anti-Doping Code. Young athletes are not immune to the myriad pressures to excel that exist in high-level sport. Many of these athletes are subject to Anti-Doping regulations and therefore they (and their physicians) must be familiar with Anti-Doping procedures and processes, including the Prohibited List and Therapeutic Use Exemptions. Advances in analytical and non-analytical techniques and strategies have increased detection and accountability. As part of the athletic team, physicians are in a unique position to recognize vulnerabilities and signs of doping behaviour. This must enable them to positively impact the course of a young athlete’s trajectory in life.

The time is right to fight poverty, food insecurity and disease. The nexus of agriculture, development and health is presented, highlighting global health security threats of animal origin. Food and Agriculture Organization data illustrate how dynamic farming landscapes modulate livestock disease mosaics. In Latin America, lowland pressures facilitate successful transformation from extensive to intensive agricultural production. In South Asia, smallholders produce the bulk of milk in Asia, despite high disease prevalence and low productivity levels. Disease control improves food security and human and animal health and reduces land and water resources use. A One Health approach is called for to address the health of humans, animals and the environment, as part of sustainable development efforts. The perspective varies by location. Ecology, farming systems, economics and markets differ among world regions, as do the challenges. Despite emerging health security threats, progress has been made toward attaining the 2030 sustainable development goals.

This chapter explores the decline of the Associated Negro Press (ANP). It did not take long for the mainstream press to realize that the ANP was sitting on a journalistic goldmine with its direct pipeline to one of the biggest stories of the decade, if not the century: decolonization and how it intersected with the battle against Jim Crow. Claude Barnett was in an advance wave of African Americans descending upon Africa seeking to take advantage of the perceived gold rush delivered by decolonization. Another viselike pressure that the ANP found hard to resist was the other major force of that conflicted era: anticommunism. Unlike the past, the Negro press was now reluctant to hire talented writers with radical associations. As this high drama was unfolding, Barnett continued to live the good life in Chicago, making it difficult to grasp the far-reaching changes just over the horizon.

AbstractFoam Additive Manufacturing (FAM) is the additive manufacturing process allowing parts to be obtained by depositing layers of polyurethane foam using a high-pressure machine. This inexpensive technology allows large parts to be produced in a reduced time. However, the quality of the parts produced by the FAM technique is greatly affected by the various thermal phenomena present during manufacturing and by the geometrical deviations of the layers due to the expansion of the PU foam. Numerical simulation remains an effective analytical tool for studying these phenomena. The aim of this work is to build a geometric and thermal model predictive of the FAM process by the finite element method, the final objective of which is to provide temperature maps throughout the manufacturing process and also to choose the best 3D printing strategy to have a model with constant cords and the smallest possible form deviation. The proposed model and the various simulation techniques used are detailed in this article. This model is developed under the finite element code Rem3D, and validated by experimental tests carried out on a FAM machinery or a robot, an example of which is detailed in this article.

Abstract Providing high quality education and student experience is critical to attracting and retaining students in an increasingly competitive environment. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are under growing pressure to ‘guarantee’ their graduates’ employability and successful access to the labour market. On the other hand, with the increase of international student mobility in the past few decades, a new student profile has emerged, which includes broader professional perspectives in geographical terms. One of the challenges for HEIs is, therefore, to develop their graduates’ relevant skills and support them with structures that ease their integration into the local, national or international labour market.The aim of this paper is to outline both the current context and status of the internationalisation of European career services and the main challenges faced in this process. An exploratory single case analysis is used to identify how the formation of international career service consortia could contribute to overcoming some of the challenges, especially in terms of resource efficiency and international network development and reach.

It is economically that we actually examine with the condition, which was chosen by numerical analysis. Therefore, the necessity for numerical analysis has been increasing and more realistic numerical analysis is called for. In this paper, in order to perform more realistic numerical analysis for explosion in a pipe, sliding boundary condition of Mark L.Wilkins was applied to the treatment of the boundary which different materials, such as an explosive and its container. Applying this sliding boundary condition is able to prevent cell destructions. And this leads the successful simulation and more realistic numerical analysis. The feature of the explosive applications is to obtain the high energy, super-high pressure and extreme temperature that are difficult to obtain by the static methods. In this paper, the numerical simulation for powder compaction was carried out in order to evaluate the performance of a numerical analysis and the characteristic of the device. This device was so called cylindrical method, and the powder, which filled up into the cylindrical container, was compressed toward the central part from the outer wall side of a pipe by the super-high pressure generated by the detonation of the surrounding explosive. In this devise, water is set between the explosive part and powder part to change the pressure that acts on the powder part, and paraffin is set at the central part of this device in preventing the extreme pressure raise. Additionally, many boundaries were formed with the explosive, water, powder, and paraffin part and each container in this device. Therefore, sliding boundary condition was very important to apply for all boundaries. From numerical analysis results, it was found that pressure which acts on the powder part does not change so much if the radial direction thickness of the explosive part is 20mm or more. Moreover, it was also confirmed that the pressure of the powder part was made high by setting the water part, and that the extreme pressure raise was prevented by setting the paraffin part.

In this paper, the creep parameter involved in the constitutive equations for Norton’s law is identified for the base metal, heat affected zone (HAZ) and weld metal in the weldment of a high-Cr ferritic heat-resisting steel, which is a candidate material for the steam generating tube of the supercritical boiler, by conducting a high temperature indentation creep test. Important engineering problems, such as the welded plate and the tube subjected to a creep loading are analyzed using the estimated creep parameter by the finite element analysis.

Military vehicles sustain damaging high impacts and shock loadings due to mine blasts, projectile impacts, and frontal or rear crashes. In all these cases, the vehicle structure and the bolts used in the structure may experience high impact loads. These loads may yield or damage the structure and the bolts. Only a limited amount of published literature describes the proper method for measuring and analyzing transient shock propagation across bolted connections for high-impact loading. Understanding, modeling, and simulating the vehicle response to these impact loadings is critical to designing better vehicle components. This will also help isolate critical components such as electronics and personnel from the shock. This paper provides a detailed experimental setup and procedure for analyzing high-impact loading on structures with bolted joint connections. An air gun was used to fire an aluminum slug at high velocities on to a bolted structure to induce medium- and high-impact loading. Two structural configurations were evaluated: a hat section bolted to a flat plate, and two hat sections bolted together. Finite element models were created to simulate the damage and shock propagation phenomena during impact. Simulation predictions from detailed 3D solid element models and 2D shell element models were compared to experimental results, including shape deformation and accelerometer data at specific locations. A load cell recording impact force was also used for validation of the simulation. The simplified FE model developed for the bolted joint structure in this report reduced the computational time by one order and can be practically implemented in the full vehicle FE model for crash or blast analysis.

MECOS is a Post-Fukushima OECD/NEA initiative, with the following main objectives: • To quantify the existing margins in seismic analysis of safety class components and assess the existing design practices within a benchmark activity. • To make proposals for new design/evaluation criteria of pressurized piping systems, accounting for their actual failure mode under strong input motions. The first part of MECOS consisted of gathering information on i) current design practices and ii) dynamic seismic tests on piping system carried out around the world that could be suitable for benchmarking. Part 2 is a benchmark exercise on piping system tests, and Part 3 are proposals for new criteria. The purpose of the proposed paper is to introduce the work which is undertaken in Part 3 in order to propose design criteria that address the observed fatigue-ratchetting failure modes as well as plastic instability. It includes revisiting the past test results as well as the interpretations that were carried out and conclusions that were drawn at that time, and reanalyzing them in the light of recent developments. Recent experimental programs carried out in Japan and in India will also be addressed.

High-pressure assemblies used in the oil and gas industry are usually pressure tested in hydro and gas pits. Pressure testing is critical in qualifying new components. Test pressures can be as high as 30 ksi or more. The high pressure water or gas used in testing can store large amounts of energy. Any component or part subjected to this pressure will experience high stresses. If any part of the assembly fails during the testing process, the stored energy of the high-pressure test media in the system can cause the failed part to be ejected at a very high velocity, leading to potential safety issues. Therefore it is crucial to design the reinforced concrete wall of the test pit appropriately to contain the ejected part and prevent or minimize associated damage. This report presents methods to determine the concrete perforation thickness and subsequently, calculate the required test pit wall thickness for stopping a projectile. Since the projectile velocity is a function of test pressure, volume of the pressurized vessel (tested equipment), projectile plug geometry, vessel material, and the pressurized fluid, analyses will include all of these parameters. The test assembly and the ejected part will be simplified into a vessel and a plug in order to make quantitative assessments of the concrete pit wall penetration. Results from the analyses are expected to provide guidance on the concrete wall thickness for designing a safe, high-pressure test pit. The projectile velocities predicted analytically will be compared with those predicted by CFD analyses. Additionally, the analytical prediction of concrete perforation will be verified by running an explicit FE analysis of the concrete impact using LS-DYNA.

The focus of this paper is on gaseous deflagration in piping systems and the corresponding implications on piping analysis and design. Unlike stable detonations that propagate at a constant speed and whose pressure-time histories can in some cases be predicted analytically, deflagration flame speeds and pressure-time histories are transient and depend on both the gas mixture and geometry of the pipe. This paper presents pressure and pipe strain data from gaseous deflagration experiments in long and short test apparatuses fabricated from either 2-inch or 4-inch diameter pipes. These data are used to demonstrate a spectrum of measured pressure-time histories and corresponding pipe response. It is concluded that deflagrations can be categorized as either “high” or “slow” speed with respect to pipe response. Slow deflagrations can be treated as quasi-static pressurizations, but high speed deflagrations can generate shock waves that dynamically excite the pipe. The existence of a transition from quasi-static to dynamic response has ramifications in regards to piping structural analysis and design, and a method for predicting the expected deflagration structural response using a semi-empirical flame acceleration model is proposed.

The mean stress effect on the fatigue life of Type 316 stainless steel was investigated at 325°C in air. It was shown that the fatigue life was extended by applying the mean stress under the same stress amplitude. Increase in the maximum peak stress by applying the mean stress induced additional plastic strain and this hardened the material. The strain range of the hardened material was relatively small for the same stress amplitude, and this extended the fatigue life for a given stress amplitude. On the other hand, the fatigue life was shortened by the mean stress for the same strain range. The mean stress increased the effective strain range due to an increase in the minimum peak stress. Also, the mean stress induced ratcheting strain during the fatigue test and this accelerated crack mouth opening. The enhanced crack mouth opening accelerated the crack growth and shortened the fatigue life for a given strain range.

MECOS is Post-Fukushima OECD/NEA initiative, with the following main objectives: - To quantify the existing margins in seismic analysis of safety class components and assess the existing design practices within a benchmark activity. - To make proposals for new design/evaluation criteria of pressurized piping systems, accounting for their actual failure mode under strong input motions. The first part of MECOS consisted of gathering information on i) current design practices and ii) piping system experimentation carried out around the world that could be suitable for benchmarking. Part 2 is the benchmark itself and Part 3 proposals for new criteria. The purpose of the proposed paper is to present the experimental background and the benchmark exercise.

1.1 Macroeconomic summary Economic recovery has consistently outperformed the technical staff’s expectations following a steep decline in activity in the second quarter of 2020. At the same time, total and core inflation rates have fallen and remain at low levels, suggesting that a significant element of the reactivation of Colombia’s economy has been related to recovery in potential GDP. This would support the technical staff’s diagnosis of weak aggregate demand and ample excess capacity. The most recently available data on 2020 growth suggests a contraction in economic activity of 6.8%, lower than estimates from January’s Monetary Policy Report (-7.2%). High-frequency indicators suggest that economic performance was significantly more dynamic than expected in January, despite mobility restrictions and quarantine measures. This has also come amid declines in total and core inflation, the latter of which was below January projections if controlling for certain relative price changes. This suggests that the unexpected strength of recent growth contains elements of demand, and that excess capacity, while significant, could be lower than previously estimated. Nevertheless, uncertainty over the measurement of excess capacity continues to be unusually high and marked both by variations in the way different economic sectors and spending components have been affected by the pandemic, and by uneven price behavior. The size of excess capacity, and in particular the evolution of the pandemic in forthcoming quarters, constitute substantial risks to the macroeconomic forecast presented in this report. Despite the unexpected strength of the recovery, the technical staff continues to project ample excess capacity that is expected to remain on the forecast horizon, alongside core inflation that will likely remain below the target. Domestic demand remains below 2019 levels amid unusually significant uncertainty over the size of excess capacity in the economy. High national unemployment (14.6% for February 2021) reflects a loose labor market, while observed total and core inflation continue to be below 2%. Inflationary pressures from the exchange rate are expected to continue to be low, with relatively little pass-through on inflation. This would be compatible with a negative output gap. Excess productive capacity and the expectation of core inflation below the 3% target on the forecast horizon provide a basis for an expansive monetary policy posture. The technical staff’s assessment of certain shocks and their expected effects on the economy, as well as the presence of several sources of uncertainty and related assumptions about their potential macroeconomic impacts, remain a feature of this report. The coronavirus pandemic, in particular, continues to affect the public health environment, and the reopening of Colombia’s economy remains incomplete. The technical staff’s assessment is that the COVID-19 shock has affected both aggregate demand and supply, but that the impact on demand has been deeper and more persistent. Given this persistence, the central forecast accounts for a gradual tightening of the output gap in the absence of new waves of contagion, and as vaccination campaigns progress. The central forecast continues to include an expected increase of total and core inflation rates in the second quarter of 2021, alongside the lapse of the temporary price relief measures put in place in 2020. Additional COVID-19 outbreaks (of uncertain duration and intensity) represent a significant risk factor that could affect these projections. Additionally, the forecast continues to include an upward trend in sovereign risk premiums, reflected by higher levels of public debt that in the wake of the pandemic are likely to persist on the forecast horizon, even in the context of a fiscal adjustment. At the same time, the projection accounts for the shortterm effects on private domestic demand from a fiscal adjustment along the lines of the one currently being proposed by the national government. This would be compatible with a gradual recovery of private domestic demand in 2022. The size and characteristics of the fiscal adjustment that is ultimately implemented, as well as the corresponding market response, represent another source of forecast uncertainty. Newly available information offers evidence of the potential for significant changes to the macroeconomic scenario, though without altering the general diagnosis described above. The most recent data on inflation, growth, fiscal policy, and international financial conditions suggests a more dynamic economy than previously expected. However, a third wave of the pandemic has delayed the re-opening of Colombia’s economy and brought with it a deceleration in economic activity. Detailed descriptions of these considerations and subsequent changes to the macroeconomic forecast are presented below. The expected annual decline in GDP (-0.3%) in the first quarter of 2021 appears to have been less pronounced than projected in January (-4.8%). Partial closures in January to address a second wave of COVID-19 appear to have had a less significant negative impact on the economy than previously estimated. This is reflected in figures related to mobility, energy demand, industry and retail sales, foreign trade, commercial transactions from selected banks, and the national statistics agency’s (DANE) economic tracking indicator (ISE). Output is now expected to have declined annually in the first quarter by 0.3%. Private consumption likely continued to recover, registering levels somewhat above those from the previous year, while public consumption likely increased significantly. While a recovery in investment in both housing and in other buildings and structures is expected, overall investment levels in this case likely continued to be low, and gross fixed capital formation is expected to continue to show significant annual declines. Imports likely recovered to again outpace exports, though both are expected to register significant annual declines. Economic activity that outpaced projections, an increase in oil prices and other export products, and an expected increase in public spending this year account for the upward revision to the 2021 growth forecast (from 4.6% with a range between 2% and 6% in January, to 6.0% with a range between 3% and 7% in April). As a result, the output gap is expected to be smaller and to tighten more rapidly than projected in the previous report, though it is still expected to remain in negative territory on the forecast horizon. Wide forecast intervals reflect the fact that the future evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant source of uncertainty on these projections. The delay in the recovery of economic activity as a result of the resurgence of COVID-19 in the first quarter appears to have been less significant than projected in the January report. The central forecast scenario expects this improved performance to continue in 2021 alongside increased consumer and business confidence. Low real interest rates and an active credit supply would also support this dynamic, and the overall conditions would be expected to spur a recovery in consumption and investment. Increased growth in public spending and public works based on the national government’s spending plan (Plan Financiero del Gobierno) are other factors to consider. Additionally, an expected recovery in global demand and higher projected prices for oil and coffee would further contribute to improved external revenues and would favor investment, in particular in the oil sector. Given the above, the technical staff’s 2021 growth forecast has been revised upward from 4.6% in January (range from 2% to 6%) to 6.0% in April (range from 3% to 7%). These projections account for the potential for the third wave of COVID-19 to have a larger and more persistent effect on the economy than the previous wave, while also supposing that there will not be any additional significant waves of the pandemic and that mobility restrictions will be relaxed as a result. Economic growth in 2022 is expected to be 3%, with a range between 1% and 5%. This figure would be lower than projected in the January report (3.6% with a range between 2% and 6%), due to a higher base of comparison given the upward revision to expected GDP in 2021. This forecast also takes into account the likely effects on private demand of a fiscal adjustment of the size currently being proposed by the national government, and which would come into effect in 2022. Excess in productive capacity is now expected to be lower than estimated in January but continues to be significant and affected by high levels of uncertainty, as reflected in the wide forecast intervals. The possibility of new waves of the virus (of uncertain intensity and duration) represents a significant downward risk to projected GDP growth, and is signaled by the lower limits of the ranges provided in this report. Inflation (1.51%) and inflation excluding food and regulated items (0.94%) declined in March compared to December, continuing below the 3% target. The decline in inflation in this period was below projections, explained in large part by unanticipated increases in the costs of certain foods (3.92%) and regulated items (1.52%). An increase in international food and shipping prices, increased foreign demand for beef, and specific upward pressures on perishable food supplies appear to explain a lower-than-expected deceleration in the consumer price index (CPI) for foods. An unexpected increase in regulated items prices came amid unanticipated increases in international fuel prices, on some utilities rates, and for regulated education prices. The decline in annual inflation excluding food and regulated items between December and March was in line with projections from January, though this included downward pressure from a significant reduction in telecommunications rates due to the imminent entry of a new operator. When controlling for the effects of this relative price change, inflation excluding food and regulated items exceeds levels forecast in the previous report. Within this indicator of core inflation, the CPI for goods (1.05%) accelerated due to a reversion of the effects of the VAT-free day in November, which was largely accounted for in February, and possibly by the transmission of a recent depreciation of the peso on domestic prices for certain items (electric and household appliances). For their part, services prices decelerated and showed the lowest rate of annual growth (0.89%) among the large consumer baskets in the CPI. Within the services basket, the annual change in rental prices continued to decline, while those services that continue to experience the most significant restrictions on returning to normal operations (tourism, cinemas, nightlife, etc.) continued to register significant price declines. As previously mentioned, telephone rates also fell significantly due to increased competition in the market. Total inflation is expected to continue to be affected by ample excesses in productive capacity for the remainder of 2021 and 2022, though less so than projected in January. As a result, convergence to the inflation target is now expected to be somewhat faster than estimated in the previous report, assuming the absence of significant additional outbreaks of COVID-19. The technical staff’s year-end inflation projections for 2021 and 2022 have increased, suggesting figures around 3% due largely to variation in food and regulated items prices. The projection for inflation excluding food and regulated items also increased, but remains below 3%. Price relief measures on indirect taxes implemented in 2020 are expected to lapse in the second quarter of 2021, generating a one-off effect on prices and temporarily affecting inflation excluding food and regulated items. However, indexation to low levels of past inflation, weak demand, and ample excess productive capacity are expected to keep core inflation below the target, near 2.3% at the end of 2021 (previously 2.1%). The reversion in 2021 of the effects of some price relief measures on utility rates from 2020 should lead to an increase in the CPI for regulated items in the second half of this year. Annual price changes are now expected to be higher than estimated in the January report due to an increased expected path for fuel prices and unanticipated increases in regulated education prices. The projection for the CPI for foods has increased compared to the previous report, taking into account certain factors that were not anticipated in January (a less favorable agricultural cycle, increased pressure from international prices, and transport costs). Given the above, year-end annual inflation for 2021 and 2022 is now expected to be 3% and 2.8%, respectively, which would be above projections from January (2.3% and 2,7%). For its part, expected inflation based on analyst surveys suggests year-end inflation in 2021 and 2022 of 2.8% and 3.1%, respectively. There remains significant uncertainty surrounding the inflation forecasts included in this report due to several factors: 1) the evolution of the pandemic; 2) the difficulty in evaluating the size and persistence of excess productive capacity; 3) the timing and manner in which price relief measures will lapse; and 4) the future behavior of food prices. Projected 2021 growth in foreign demand (4.4% to 5.2%) and the supposed average oil price (USD 53 to USD 61 per Brent benchmark barrel) were both revised upward. An increase in long-term international interest rates has been reflected in a depreciation of the peso and could result in relatively tighter external financial conditions for emerging market economies, including Colombia. Average growth among Colombia’s trade partners was greater than expected in the fourth quarter of 2020. This, together with a sizable fiscal stimulus approved in the United States and the onset of a massive global vaccination campaign, largely explains the projected increase in foreign demand growth in 2021. The resilience of the goods market in the face of global crisis and an expected normalization in international trade are additional factors. These considerations and the expected continuation of a gradual reduction of mobility restrictions abroad suggest that Colombia’s trade partners could grow on average by 5.2% in 2021 and around 3.4% in 2022. The improved prospects for global economic growth have led to an increase in current and expected oil prices. Production interruptions due to a heavy winter, reduced inventories, and increased supply restrictions instituted by producing countries have also contributed to the increase. Meanwhile, market forecasts and recent Federal Reserve pronouncements suggest that the benchmark interest rate in the U.S. will remain stable for the next two years. Nevertheless, a significant increase in public spending in the country has fostered expectations for greater growth and inflation, as well as increased uncertainty over the moment in which a normalization of monetary policy might begin. This has been reflected in an increase in long-term interest rates. In this context, emerging market economies in the region, including Colombia, have registered increases in sovereign risk premiums and long-term domestic interest rates, and a depreciation of local currencies against the dollar. Recent outbreaks of COVID-19 in several of these economies; limits on vaccine supply and the slow pace of immunization campaigns in some countries; a significant increase in public debt; and tensions between the United States and China, among other factors, all add to a high level of uncertainty surrounding interest rate spreads, external financing conditions, and the future performance of risk premiums. The impact that this environment could have on the exchange rate and on domestic financing conditions represent risks to the macroeconomic and monetary policy forecasts. Domestic financial conditions continue to favor recovery in economic activity. The transmission of reductions to the policy interest rate on credit rates has been significant. The banking portfolio continues to recover amid circumstances that have affected both the supply and demand for loans, and in which some credit risks have materialized. Preferential and ordinary commercial interest rates have fallen to a similar degree as the benchmark interest rate. As is generally the case, this transmission has come at a slower pace for consumer credit rates, and has been further delayed in the case of mortgage rates. Commercial credit levels stabilized above pre-pandemic levels in March, following an increase resulting from significant liquidity requirements for businesses in the second quarter of 2020. The consumer credit portfolio continued to recover and has now surpassed February 2020 levels, though overall growth in the portfolio remains low. At the same time, portfolio projections and default indicators have increased, and credit establishment earnings have come down. Despite this, credit disbursements continue to recover and solvency indicators remain well above regulatory minimums. 1.2 Monetary policy decision In its meetings in March and April the BDBR left the benchmark interest rate unchanged at 1.75%.

This research sought to understand the impact of probation inspection on probation policy, practice and practitioners. This important but neglected area of study has significant ramifications because the Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation has considerable power to influence policy through its inspection regime and research activities. The study utilised a mixed methodological approach comprising observations of inspections and interviews with people who work in probation, the Inspectorate and external stakeholders. In total, 77 people were interviewed or took part in focus groups. Probation practitioners, managers and leaders were interviewed in the weeks after an inspection to find out how they experienced the process of inspection. Staff at HMI Probation were interviewed to understand what inspection is for and how it works. External stakeholders representing people from the voluntary sector, politics and other non-departmental bodies were interviewed to find out how they used the work of inspection in their own roles. Finally, leaders within the National Probation Service and Her Majesty’s Prisons and Probation Service were interviewed to see how inspection impacts on policy more broadly. The data were analysed thematically with five key themes being identified. Overall, participants were positive about the way inspection is carried out in the field of probation. The main findings are: 1. Inspection places a burden on practitioners and organisations. Practitioners talked about the anxiety that a looming inspection created and how management teams created additional pressures which were hard to cope with on top of already high workloads. Staff responsible for managing the inspection and with leadership positions talked about the amount of time the process of inspection took up. Importantly, inspection was seen to take people away from their day jobs and meant other priorities were side-lined, even if temporarily. However, the case interviews that practitioners take part in were seen as incredibly valuable exercises which gave staff the opportunity to reflect on their practice and receive positive feedback and validation for their work. 2. Providers said that the findings and conclusions from inspections were often accurate and, to some extent, unsurprising. However, they sometimes find it difficult to implement recommendations due to reports failing to take context into account. Negative reports have a serious impact on staff morale, especially for CRCs and there was concern about the impact of negative findings on a provider’s reputation. 3. External stakeholders value the work of the Inspectorate. The Inspectorate is seen to generate highly valid and meaningful data which stakeholders can use in their own roles. This can include pushing for policy reform or holding government to account from different perspectives. In particular, thematic inspections were seen to be useful here. 4. The regulatory landscape in probation is complex with an array of actors working to hold providers to account. When compared to other forms of regulation such as audit or contract management the Inspectorate was perceived positively due to its methodological approach as well as the way it reflects the values of probation itself. 5. Overall, the inspectorate appears to garner considerable legitimacy from those it inspects. This should, in theory, support the way it can impact on policy and practice. There are some areas for development here though such as more engagement with service users. While recognising that the Inspectorate has made a concerted effort to do this in the last two years participants all felt that more needs to be done to increase that trust between the inspectorate and service users. Overall, the Inspectorate was seen to be independent and 3 impartial although this belief was less prevalent amongst people in CRCs who argued that the Inspectorate has been biased towards supporting its own arguments around reversing the now failed policy of Transforming Rehabilitation. There was some debate amongst participants about how the Inspectorate could, or should, enforce compliance with its recommendations although most people were happy with the primarily relational way of encouraging compliance with sanctions for non-compliance being considered relatively unnecessary. To conclude, the work of the Inspectorate has a significant impact on probation policy, practice and practitioners. The majority of participants were positive about the process of inspection and the Inspectorate more broadly, notwithstanding some of the issues raised in the findings. There are some developments which the Inspectorate could consider to reduce the burden inspection places on providers and practitioners and enhance its impact such as amending the frequency of inspection, improving the feedback given to practitioners and providing more localised feedback, and working to reduce or limit perceptions of bias amongst people in CRCs. The Inspectorate could also do more to capture the impact it has on providers and practitioners – both positive and negative - through existing procedures that are in place such as post-case interview surveys and tracking the implementation of recommendations.