This paper introduces a design and optimization procedure for active and semi-active non-linear suspension systems regarding terrain vehicles. The objective of this approach is the ability to quickly analyze vehicles' suspension performances resulting from passive, active, or semi-active systems. The vehicle is represented by a mathematical model regarding a quarter of it, and equations for motion are derived and solved by using MATLAB/Simulink. In order to verify the reliability of the derived computer program, a comparison is made with one of the comprehensive commercial software packages. The decision parameters of the active damping device are optimized by using the Hooke-Jeeves method, which is based on non-linear programming. The usefulness of the treated active and semi-active systems on a concrete terrain vehicle is presented and compared with the presented passive systems by analyzing the vehicle's body acceleration, velocity, displacement, and vertical tire force, namely those aspects that directly influence driving comfort and safety.

Background:The main goals of flexor tendon surgery are to restore digital motion by providing tendon healing and to preserve tendon gliding. Our purpose was to investigate the effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on tendon adhesions in partially divided profundus flexor tendons (flexor digitorum profundus [FDPs]) following surgical repair and in partially divided FDPs without surgical repair, and to compare the results of the repair versus the nonrepair of zone two injuries via macroscopic and biomechanical evaluations of tendon adhesions.Methods:We used 32 adult male European rabbits (Oryctolagus cunniculus) weighing from 2.5 to 3.5 kg. The study was performed on the deep flexor tendons of the second and third digits of the right hind paws of the rabbits; thus, a total of 64 tendons were examined in this study.Results:Based on the results achieved in our experimental study, the load (N) significantly increased in subgroup 1a in which the tendons were surgically repaired and were not treated with 5-FU compared with subgroup 2a in which tendons were surgically repaired and treated with 5-FU.Conclusions:The load (N) significantly increased in subgroup 1a in which the tendons were surgically repaired and were not treated with 5-FU compared to subgroup 2a in which the tendons were surgically repaired and treated with 5-FU. Therefore, these results revealed a decrease in adhesion formation in the subgroup that was treated with 5-FU due to increased resistance to tendon adhesions during their excursion through the tendon sheath, which in this case required greater traction force.

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the decarbonization of the power sector through the utilization of available renewable technologies are challenging issues that Kosovo has to tackle right now, in order to fight the high pollution caused by a coal-based power system. Around 91.43% of installed capacities for electricity generation in Kosovo are based on coal-fired power plants. The aim of this paper is to show the potential for renewable utilization, using data measurements of wind, solar irradiation, biomass, and average water flows at different area locations to identify their utilization potential. Furthermore, a review on the currently available and future renewable energy projects integrated into the electricity sector is presented. A 54% carbon dioxide emission reduction potential was estimated in the power sector when considering maximum utilization potential of biomass, wind, solar renewable energies compared to a referent scenario. The results obtained from this review have shown the pathways for identifying the potential utilization of renewable as well as the actual and planned use of renewable implemented projects into the Kosovo Power Sector.

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The increasing demand for energy and the concerns regarding environmental protection have been driving forces toward the exploitation of renewable energy sources as a better alternative compared to conventional energy sources. Furthermore, renewable energy sources enable an independent energy supply for isolated locations or communities that lack access to the main electricity grid, and additionally, they offer the possibility to use available energy sources for beneficial individual purposes. Considering these statements, the use of micro hydropower plants represents a convenient and advantageous option to implement. A micro hydro Turgo turbine is used for analysis in this paper, due to its simple design, structure, easy production and low installation cost.In this manner, this paper deals with the use of Euler equations in detailed analysis in designing and implementation of a micro hydro Turgo turbine. The presented methodology will be based on numerical calculations of micro hydro Turgo turbine characteristic parameters in various operating regimes. The obtained results from numerical calculation will be compared to the current performance of the real existing Turgo turbine. Accordingly, based on obtained results, recommendations for improving the performance of micro hydro Turgo turbines will be presented.