Global estimates of structural degradation for lifetime management

Structural degradation of the material upon long-term thermal and force impacts is a complex process which includes migration of the grain boundaries, diffusion of the active elements of the external and technological environment, hydrogen embrittlement, aging, grain boundary corrosion and other mechanisms. Application of the fractal and multifractal formalism to the description of microstructures opens up wide opportunities for quantitative assessment of the structural arrangement of the material, clarifies and reveals new aspects of the known mechanisms of structural transformations. Multifractal parameterization allows us to study the processes of structural degradation from the images of microstructures and identify structural changes that are hardly distinguishable visually. Any quantitative structural indicator can be used to calculate the multifractal spectra of the microstructure, but the most preferable is that provides the maximum range of variation in the numerical values of the multifractal components. The results of studying structural degradation of steel 15Kh5M upon continuous duty are presented. It is shown that structural degradation of steel during operation under high temperatures and stresses is accompanied by enlargement of the microstructural objects, broadening of the grain boundaries and allocation of the dispersed particles which are represented as point objects in the images. The processes of structural degradation lead to an increase in the range of changes in the components of the multifractal spectra. High values of complex indicators of structural arrangement indicate to an increase in heterogeneity and randomness at the micro-scale level, but at the same time, to manifestation of the ordered combinations of individual submicrostructures. Those structural transformations adapt the material to external impacts and provide the highest reliability and fracture resistance of the material.

Download Full-text

Faculty Opinions recommendation of Global estimates of human papillomavirus vaccination coverage by region and income level: a pooled analysis.

Faculty Opinions – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature ◽

10.3410/f.726447771.793529263 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Lucy Dorrell

Keyword(s):

Human Papillomavirus ◽

Vaccination Coverage ◽

Income Level ◽

Pooled Analysis ◽

Human Papillomavirus Vaccination ◽

Global Estimates

Download Full-text

Structural Degradation of a Tank Cannon due to Hole Damage

10.21236/ada354763 ◽

1998 ◽

Author(s):

Larry Burton

Keyword(s):

Structural Degradation

Download Full-text

Critical appraisal and meta-analysis of biological variation studies on glycosylated albumin, glucose and HbA1c

Advances in Laboratory Medicine / Avances en Medicina de Laboratorio ◽

10.1515/almed-2020-0029 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Carmen Ricós ◽

Pilar Fernández-Calle ◽

Elisabet Gonzalez-Lao ◽

Margarida Simón ◽

Jorge Díaz-Garzón ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Healthy Subjects ◽

Critical Appraisal ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Biological Variation ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Literature Searches ◽

Variation Data ◽

Global Estimates ◽

Systematic Literature Searches

AbstractObjectivesNumerous biological variation (BV) studies have been performed over the years, but the quality of these studies vary. The objectives of this study were to perform a systematic review and critical appraisal of BV studies on glycosylated albumin and to deliver updated BV estimates for glucose and HbA1c, including recently published high-quality studies such as the European Biological Variation study (EuBIVAS).MethodsSystematic literature searches were performed to identify BV studies. Nine publications not included in a previous review were identified; four for glycosylated albumin, three for glucose, and three for HbA1c. Relevant studies were appraised by the Biological Variation Data Critical Appraisal Checklist (BIVAC). Global BV estimates were derived by meta-analysis of BIVAC-compliant studies in healthy subjects with similar study design.ResultsOne study received BIVAC grade A, 2B, and 6C. In most cases, the C-grade was associated with deficiencies in statistical analysis. BV estimates for glycosylated albumin were: CVI=1.4% (1.2–2.1) and CVG=5.7% (4.7–10.6), whereas estimates for HbA1c, CVI=1.2% (0.3–2.5), CVG=5.4% (3.3–7.3), and glucose, CVI=5.0% (4.1–12.0), CVG=8.1% (2.7–10.8) did not differ from previously published global estimates.ConclusionsThe critical appraisal and rating of BV studies according to their methodological quality, followed by a meta-analysis, generate robust, and reliable BV estimates. This study delivers updated and evidence-based BV estimates for glycosylated albumin, glucose and HbA1c.

Download Full-text

Uncertainties in global estimates of plastic waste highlight the need for monitoring frameworks

Marine Pollution Bulletin ◽

10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112720 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 171 ◽

pp. 112720

Author(s):

Micaela Edelson ◽

Daniel Håbesland ◽

Rebecca Traldi

Keyword(s):

Plastic Waste ◽

Global Estimates

Download Full-text

Approaching Sea-Level Rise (SLR) Change: Strengthening Local Responses to Sea-Level Rise and Coping with Climate Change in Northern Mozambique

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering ◽

10.3390/jmse9020205 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (2) ◽

pp. 205

Author(s):

Serafino Afonso Rui Mucova ◽

Ulisses Miranda Azeiteiro ◽

Walter Leal Filho ◽

Carina Lurdes Lopes ◽

João Miguel Dias ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Ecosystem Services ◽

Sea Level Rise ◽

Sea Level ◽

North Coast ◽

Coastal Regions ◽

Mean Sea Level ◽

Representative Concentration Pathways ◽

Local Responses ◽

Ipcc Report ◽

Global Estimates

Mean sea-level is expected to rise significantly by 2100 in all scenarios, including those compatible with the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement. Global sea level rise projections indicate devastating implications for populations, ecosystem services and biodiversity. The implications of the sea-level rise (SLR) on low-lying islands and coastal regions and communities are substantial and require deep-rooted coping measures. In the absence of adequate responses for coping, Mozambique is expected to record huge losses, with an impact on the economy and development in many sectors of its coastal regions mainly in northern Mozambique. This research aimed to perform projections on SLR in Mozambique, and to understand its role and implications on the north coast of the country. SLR was estimated through the analysis of model outputs that support the global estimates of the fifth IPCC report near the Mozambican coast, for each of the four representative concentration pathways (RCPs) scenarios. Regional coastline retreat and coastal erosion were estimated through the results of global sandy coastlines projections developed by Vousdoukas. Mean sea-level rise projections indicate that regional estimates for the Mozambican coast are relative higher than global estimates (~0.05 m) for all representative concentration pathways (RCPs). Yet, we highlight significant differences in sea-level rises of 0.5 m, 0.7 m or 1.0 m by 2100 compared to the global mean. It is expected that with the increase in the mean sea level in the northern part of the Mozambican coast, erosive effects will increase, as well as the retreat of the coastline until 2100. With this, the tourism sector, settlements, ecosystem services and local populations are expected to be significantly affected by 2050, with increased threats in 2100 (RCP4.5, RCP8.5). Local responses for coping are proposed and properly discussed for the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios through 2100.

Download Full-text

The pitfalls of modelling the effects of COVID-19 on gender-based violence: lessons learnt and ways forward

BMJ Global Health ◽

10.1136/bmjgh-2021-005739 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (5) ◽

pp. e005739

Author(s):

Michelle Lokot ◽

Amiya Bhatia ◽

Shirin Heidari ◽

Amber Peterman

Keyword(s):

Partner Violence ◽

Gender Based Violence ◽

Global Estimates ◽

Pandemic Response ◽

Service Disruption ◽

Gender Based ◽

Modelling Effort ◽

Global Stakeholders ◽

Modelling Data ◽

Highly Cited

Since early 2020, global stakeholders have highlighted the significant gendered consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, including increases in the risk of gender-based violence (GBV). Researchers have sought to inform the pandemic response through a diverse set of methodologies, including early efforts modelling anticipated increases in GBV. For example, in April 2020, a highly cited modelling effort by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and partners projected headline global figures of 31 million additional cases of intimate partner violence due to 6 months of lockdown, and an additional 13 million child marriages by 2030. In this paper, we discuss the rationale for using modelling to make projections about GBV, and use the projections released by UNFPA to draw attention to the assumptions and biases underlying model-based projections. We raise five key critiques: (1) reducing complex issues to simplified, linear cause-effect relationships, (2) reliance on a small number of studies to generate global estimates, (3) assuming that the pandemic results in the complete service disruption for existing interventions, (4) lack of clarity in indicators used and sources of estimates, and (5) failure to account for margins of uncertainty. We argue that there is a need to consider the motivations and consequences of using modelling data as a planning tool for complex issues like GBV, and conclude by suggesting key considerations for policymakers and practitioners in using and commissioning such projections.

Download Full-text

Is obligation the proper policy to increase immunization coverage? A comparison of 16 OECD countries

European Journal of Public Health ◽

10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1408 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽

Author(s):

R Thomas ◽

L Charrier ◽

M Bo ◽

C M Zotti

Keyword(s):

Action Plan ◽

Immunization Coverage ◽

Oecd Countries ◽

Emergency Situations ◽

Compulsory Vaccination ◽

Measles Vaccination ◽

Global Estimates ◽

Coverage Rates ◽

Mandatory Vaccination ◽

Short Time

Abstract Issue Globally, between 2016 and 2018, low vaccination coverage rates led to an increase of measles cases and related deaths. The WHO European Region reported a total of 83540 measles cases and 74 deaths in 2018, versus the 5273 cases and 13 deaths in 2016, with WHO global estimates reporting 333445 cases. In order to contrast these outbreaks, the European Vaccine Action Plan 2015-2020 states that the ideal immunization coverage for measles must be 95%. Although, this rate is not reached and maintained everywhere, thus one debated solution is to adopt compulsory vaccination plans rather than recommended. Our aim is to analyse if compulsory policies may increase coverage. Description Between 2014 and 2018 3 countries (Italy, France and California) changed their measles vaccination policies from recommended to compulsory to fight low immunization. In order to describe the effects of this action, we compared their measles coverage rates in 2014 and 2018 together with other 12 OECD countries rates who adopt both recommendation and obligation, evaluating the trend variations. Data were collected from OECD's, WHO's and Ministries of Health's documents. Results After the introduction of obligation, California (91% in 2014; 95% in 2018) and Italy (87% to 94%) coverage rates increased, while France's reduced (91% to 90%). Of other mandatory countries, only Australia showed an increase (94% to 95%); totally, 37.5% mandatory countries showed an increase among the analysed ones. Through the same period, 50% of analysed countries with recommendation maintained rates over 95%, 10% increased, while 40% remained below 95%. Lessons Even if mandatory vaccinations can lead to a sharp increase of coverage in a short time in response to emergency situations, the causes and solutions of hesitancy are more complex than law enforcement. Some countries without obligation show rates constantly above 95% throughout the years, demonstrating that other measures can be taken to fight low immunization. Key messages Apart from estimates coming from WHO and OECD, it is difficult to find extensive and official information about the application and the effectiveness of vaccination policies in different countries. Low immunization coverage rates rely on different causes (information, religion, personal beliefs, trust), thus the application of mandatory vaccination alone is not sufficient to fight hesitancy.

Download Full-text