Towards an integrated neonatal brain and cardiac examination capability at 7 T: electromagnetic field simulations and early phantom experiments using an 8-channel dipole array

Objective Neonatal brain and cardiac imaging would benefit from the increased signal-to-noise ratio levels at 7 T compared to lower field. Optimal performance might be achieved using purpose designed RF coil arrays. In this study, we introduce an 8-channel dipole array and investigate, using simulations, its RF performances for neonatal applications at 7 T. Methods The 8-channel dipole array was designed and evaluated for neonatal brain/cardiac configurations in terms of SAR efficiency (ratio between transmit-field and maximum specific-absorption-rate level) using adjusted dielectric properties for neonate. A birdcage coil operating in circularly polarized mode was simulated for comparison. Validation of the simulation model was performed on phantom for the coil array. Results The 8-channel dipole array demonstrated up to 46% higher SAR efficiency levels compared to the birdcage coil in neonatal configurations, as the specific-absorption-rate levels were alleviated. An averaged normalized root-mean-square-error of 6.7% was found between measured and simulated transmit field maps on phantom. Conclusion The 8-channel dipole array design integrated for neonatal brain and cardiac MR was successfully demonstrated, in simulation with coverage of the baby and increased SAR efficiency levels compared to the birdcage. We conclude that the 8Tx-dipole array promises safe operating procedures for MR imaging of neonatal brain and heart at 7 T.

Quantifying Nature Positive

To become mainstream, Nature Positive development needs positive messaging, measures and metrics to guide, plan and assess urban outcomes. With accelerating climate crisis and negative messages getting the upper-hand, it is important to avoid paralysis by bad news. Whilst striving for a nature positive world, more effort should be on moving beyond zero to qualify and quantify benefits, gains and regenerative outcomes instead of around damage and loss sticking points. Life Cycle Benefit Assessment (LCBA) methods measure gains in accelerating regeneration and climate security that enables a good news focus. Its reach beyond negative quantifies and shows positive gain beyond zero loss outcomes. The aims are to clarify concepts, challenges and quantitative methods then review real-world 3rd party Certified nature positive case studies. Climate security, human wellness and resource viability gains inside safe operating space within planetary boundaries are quantified as positive benefits. contrary to conventional Life Impact Cycle Impact Assessment LCBA assigns damage losses as negatives debts and benefit gains as positive savings. It concludes that LCBA remains under development with more research needed to model economic outcomes.

Modeling the risks process, associated with the violation of rolling stock operation

The article analyzes a possible approach to the construction of a risk management model at the enterprises of the locomotive complex of JSC "Russian Railways" performing rolling stock operation. The suggested model can be implemented in a system for organizing the safety of rolling stock operation. The relevance of improving safety is particularly acute when operating high-tech rolling stock with a high complexity of control algorithms. The objetive is the analysis and development of solutions to improve operational efficiency using a model that provides solutions to the problems of choosing optimal and safe operating modes from the point of view of implementing rolling stock management processes. Reducing the number of violations during the operation of rolling stock can be realized with the active use of a risk-based model that takes into account the possibility of predicting factors that affect the occurrence of risks. In this regard, the issues related to the implementation of risk management in operational locomotive depots are considered. The most rational approach to the implementation of risk management for a variety of uncontrolled factors that have a significant impact on the safety and accident-free operation is given. A model for solving multi-criteria problems is suggested as one of the options for choosing the safe operation of rolling stock.

Latest Trends in Pig Detection System

Pig detector plays an important role in the Commissioning and handover of Pipelines project. This paper addresses the latest trends in Pig Detectors. In addition, this paper covers the commissioning challenges and mitigations in major Offshore Brownfield Project involving new pipelines with 80 nos of Pig Detectors and accessories. Pipelines represent a considerable investment on behalf of the End User and can often prove strategic to countries and governments. Pipelines are generally accepted as being the most efficient method of transporting fluids across distances. Pipelines transport various kinds of fluids viz. oil, gas, multiphase, water. Pipeline pigging is an important operation for enhancing reliability and durability of pipeline, adopted worldwide. It has a major impact on the operational and technical integrity of a pipeline. Pigging Operation is high-risk activity in-terms of process safety. The Pigging can be safely initiated only when safe operating conditions are maintained at both ends of pipeline. Pigging involves human intervention and thus increasing personnel risk. Pipeline pigging operations is performed during pre-commissioning, start-up, normal operations and integrity assurance.

A Review of State of Health and State of Charge Estimation Methods

The explosive growth of Electric Vehicles has made developing a robust system for managing batteries that are one of the crucial components of an EV, the need of the hour. Accuracy of the estimation models for determining the State of Charge and State of Health levels of the battery packs plays a key role. There are many sophisticated systems to determine these parameters we have tried to review a few of these systems in this paper. The complete electrification of the automotive industry heavily depends on the energy density and longevity that the battery packs provide and maintaining these packs in a safe operating condition can help achieve these goals. Keywords: BMS (Battery management system), SoC(state of charge), SoH (State of Health), Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMS)

Training systems and simulators in thermal power engineering

The article analyzes reasons of technogenic accidents in the RF. It mentions the key ‘internal’ and ‘external’ reasons of accidents at hazardous production facilities. The article deals with the requirements for ensuring reliable, economical and safe operating modes of the equipment. It sets forth a modern structure for personnel training. Certain scientific and technical requirements and recommendations are offered for simulation of ergatic distribution systems for trainers designed for operation personnel of power generation facilities. The article dwells upon the initial regulations of the power industry in the USSR that set forth the requirements for training and simulator systems.