Atomic Simulations of U-Mo Under Irradiation: A New Angular Dependent Potential

Uranium-Molybdenum alloy has been a promising option in the production of metallic nuclear fuels, where the introduction of Molybdenum enhances mechanical properties, corrosion resistance, and dimensional stability of fuel components. Meanwhile, few potential options for molecular dynamics simulations of U and its alloys have been reported due to the difficulty in the description of the directional effects within atomic interactions, mainly induced by itinerant f-electron behaviors. In the present study, a new angular dependent potential formalism proposed by the author’s group has been further applied to the description of the U-Mo systems, which has achieved a moderately well reproduction of macroscopic properties such as lattice constants and elastic constants of reference phases. Moreover, the potential has been further improved to more accurately describe the threshold displacement energy surface at intermediate and short atomic distances. Simulations of primary radiation damage in solid solutions of the U-Mo system have also been carried out and an uplift in the residual defect population has been observed when the Mo content decreases to around 5 wt.%, which corroborates the negative role of local Mo depletion in mitigation of irradiation damage and consequent swelling behavior.

Analysis on Relationship between Code Quality and Code Coverage in an XP Environment: A Case Study on the SWURV Project

The thesis used hypothesis testing and correlation analysis methods to explore the relationship between structural code coverage and the quality of software developed in an eXtreme Programming (XP) environment, via a case study of a commercial software product. We find that improving code coverage is helpful to detect residual defects, but it is not enough, and we also need other testing, like acceptance testing, in the process of XP software development to provide good quality software products. In addition, in order to investigate why the strength of association between code coverage and residual defect density is not as strong as that presented in prior work, a detailed defect root cause analysis is performed, showing that over 96% of bugs cannot be detected by improving code coverage. Based on the defect categories and distribution of defect root cause, six improvement actions are proposed for future XP projects.

Analysis on Relationship between Code Quality and Code Coverage in an XP Environment: A Case Study on the SWURV Project

The thesis used hypothesis testing and correlation analysis methods to explore the relationship between structural code coverage and the quality of software developed in an eXtreme Programming (XP) environment, via a case study of a commercial software product. We find that improving code coverage is helpful to detect residual defects, but it is not enough, and we also need other testing, like acceptance testing, in the process of XP software development to provide good quality software products. In addition, in order to investigate why the strength of association between code coverage and residual defect density is not as strong as that presented in prior work, a detailed defect root cause analysis is performed, showing that over 96% of bugs cannot be detected by improving code coverage. Based on the defect categories and distribution of defect root cause, six improvement actions are proposed for future XP projects.

Non-Incised Papilla Surgical Approach and Leukocyte Platelet-Rich Fibrin in Periodontal Reconstruction of Deep Intrabony Defects: A Case Series

We present the preliminary results of the treatment of teeth with a deep, non-contained periodontal residual defect, vestibular bone dehiscence, and soft tissue recession, by combining an apical non-incised papilla surgical approach (NIPSA) to the defect and leukocyte platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) in the vestibular aspect. Four patients (upper left first premolar, upper left central incisor, upper right central incisor and upper right lateral incisor) have been treated. At one year of follow up, all cases showed a considerable reduction in the periodontal pocket depth, a gain in clinical attachment and no bleeding on probing, as well as an improvement in the marginal soft tissue minimizing soft tissue contraction (recession and/or loss of papilla) and improving soft tissue architecture. NIPSA plus L-PRF seem to improve clinical outcomes in deep non-contained intrabony defects associated with soft tissue recession.

Artificial lens replacement in own experiences. What determines the success of this procedure?

The article describes the author’s experiences related to the replacement of an artificial lens with a different model. Reasons for the procedure are described and attention is paid to the stages of lens removal that may affect the final result of the procedure. Lens replacement procedures were performed by one surgeon in the period from one month to over 6 years from the initial implantation procedure. Calcification, glistening and subsequent opacification of the artificial lens are among the main reasons for removing an artificial lens after several years. Removal of the lens in a short time, up to 15 months, resulted from the desire to see without glasses to far and near distances, the presence of a residual defect, and the quality of vision unacceptable to the patient related to the implantation of a premium class lens. The presence of secondary cataract greatly facilitates the lens replacement process.

Radiotherapy for large recurrent ameloblastoma of the mandible previously treated by surgery: A case report

Ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor. It is locally invasive and unlimited growth capacity, with a propensity for recurrence if not entirely excised. The therapeutic challenge in this type of tumors is to have an adequate resection with a wide margin of normal tissue but also a functional and aesthetically acceptable reconstruction of the residual defect. The role of radiotherapy is currently demonstrated in inoperable cases. We are reporting a case of a 45 years-old male patient with large ameloblastoma of the mandible recurrent 10 years after surgical resection. The patient benefited from exclusive radiotherapy at a dose of 60 Gy.

Necrotizing Cellulitis Post Thighs Liposuction

A serious complication post liposuction is presented. The patient with a necrotizing cellulitis of a thigh and a nerve injury due to the debridement done before she was referred to our hospital. She needed multiple surgical and intensive care procedures to save her life. Two years after the incident, the residual defect was repaired with multiple consecutive expansions.

Investigation of the probability of existence of defects with a size exceeding the allowed value

Relevance. Non-destructive testing of metal determines the actual state of the metal, the presence of discontinuities and their sizes, and also allows to determine what mechanisms of metal degradation were subjected to. One of the main characteristics of the quality of non-destructive testing is the detectability of discontinuities and defects. If no defects were missed, then its possible to guarantee the reliable operation of the facility until the next scheduled inspection. The article is devoted to the study of the probability function of detecting defects and determining the probability of the existence of a residual defect with a size exceeding the permissible value. The aim of the work - to develop a method to determine the probability of the existence of a residual defect with a size exceeding the permissible value after non-destructive testing and repairs of equipment and pipelines of a nuclear power plant. Methods. During the work formulas for the probability of detecting a defect and initial defectiveness, regulatory requirements in the field of certification of flaw detectors, and the results of research on non-destructive testing were used. Results. A method for determining the probability of defects with a size exceeding the allowed value, using the example of a reactor vessel, is presented. The method is based on residual defects, which takes into account the detectability of defects. The value of the coefficient that takes into account the influence of the human factor, instrument and methodological shortcomings or complexity of access to the control point is determined, which reduces the degree of uncertainty in determining the residual defect. The results of this work permit to evaluate the probability of the existence of a defect with a size exceeding the allowed value. The development of a residual defect to critical values characterizes the initial event for the destruction of the integrity of the structure. Thus, the probability of a residual defect can be used when performing a safety analysis of the water-water energetic reactor vessel.

Medium-term results of calcaneus lengthening in idiopathic symptomatic flat foot in children and adolescents

Purpose Calcaneus lengthening can be used in symptomatic flat foot in children, but few details on its medium-term results and complementary procedures are available. Methods A total of 20 flexible, symptomatic, idiopathic valgus flat feet (in 15 children; mean age 13.9 years (10 to 17)) were operated on. Complementary procedures were based on preoperative and intraoperative analyses. Radiographic measurements were obtained preoperatively and with at least four years follow-up. Results At a mean of 8.3 years (4 to 15) postoperatively, 13 feet had good clinical and radiological results, with significant improvement in American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot scale scores and radiological measurements. Seven feet had residual pain. Six of them had no osteotomy of the first cuneiform. Conclusion Calcaneus lengthening with adequate complementary musculo-tendinous and/or bone procedures according to preoperative and intraoperative foot deformation leads to good medium-term results. Forefoot supination is the most frequent residual defect. If present intraoperatively, first cuneiform pronation-flexion osteotomy is indicated. Level of evidence IV