scholarly journals Environmental Flow Assessment Considering Inter- and Intra-Annual Streamflow Variability under the Context of Non-Stationarity

Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 1737 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kang Ren ◽  
Shengzhi Huang ◽  
Qiang Huang ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
Guoyong Leng
Keyword(s):  
Kendall Test ◽  
Environmental Flow ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Stationary Condition ◽  
Annual Streamflow ◽  
Riverine Ecosystems ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Streamflow Variability

A key challenge to environmental flow assessment in many rivers is to evaluate how much of the discharge flow should be retained in the river in order to maintain the integrity and valued features of riverine ecosystems. With the increasing impact of climate change and human activities on riverine ecosystems, the natural flow regime paradigm in many rivers has become non-stationary conditions, which is a new challenge to the assessment of environmental flow. This study presents a useful framework to (1) detect change points in runoff time series using two statistical methods (Mann-Kendall test method and heuristic segmentation method), (2) adjust data of the changed period against the original flow series into a stationary condition using a procedure of reconstruction; and (3) incorporate inter- and intra-annual streamflow variability with adjusted streamflow to evaluate environmental flow. The Jialing to Han inter-basin water transfer project was selected as the case study. Results indicate that a change point of 1994 was identified, revealing that the stationarity of annual streamflow series is invalid. The variations of reconstructed streamflow series are roughly consistent with original streamflow series, especially in the maximum/minimum values and rise/fall rates, but the mean value of reconstructed streamflow series is increased. The reconstructed streamflow series would further serve to eliminate the non-stationary of original streamflow, and incorporating the inter- and intra-annual variability would upgrade the ecosystem fitness. Selecting different criteria for the conservation of riverine ecosystems can have significantly different consequences, and we should not focus on the protection of specific objectives that will inevitably affect other aspects. This study provides a useful framework for environmental flow assessment and can be applied to a wide range of instream flow management approaches to protect the riverine ecosystem.

The Influence of Barrier and Applied Voltage Parameters on the Impulse Surface Discharge Characteristics

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 17-27
Author(s):  
Vadim V. VOEVODIN ◽  
◽  
Marina V. SOKOLOVA ◽  
Viktor R. SOLOV’YEV ◽  
Nikolay Yu. LYSOV ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Applied Voltage ◽  
Voltage Pulse ◽  
Discharge Zone ◽  
Surface Discharge ◽  
Initial Surface ◽  
Barrier Material ◽  
Dielectric Barrier ◽  
Discharge Ignition ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Wide Range

The results from an experimental study of impulse surface discharge occurring in an electrode system containing a dielectric plate are presented. On one of its sides, the plate had a corona-producing electrode made of 50 mm thick copper foil grounded through a current shunt for measuring the discharge current. On its other side, the plate had a high-voltage electrode, to which the voltage from a pulse generator was applied. The article presents the results from measurements of the initial voltage and the sizes of the surface discharge area in air when applying single voltage pulses with different pulse front steepness in the range 0,1–3,4 kV/ms and amplitude in the range 7–15 kV. The measurements were carried out for different dielectric barrier materials with the e values from 2 to 35. The dielectric barrier thickness was 0,9–1,8 mm. The study results have shown that the initial surface discharge ignition voltage depends essentially on the voltage pulse parameters, whereas the barrier characteristics have a weaker effect on this voltage. It has been determined that the discharge has different discharge zone length and different structure depending on the dielectric barrier properties and applied voltage parameters. The streamer zone sizes decrease with increasing the barrier material e value at the same voltage pulse steepness and increase with increasing the steepness for each barrier material. The data obtained for a wide range of external conditions can be used in numerical modeling of discharge.

A Comparison of Physiological Demand between Self-Propelled and Motorized Treadmill Exercise

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 13-21
Author(s):  
Todd Backes ◽  
Charlene Takacs
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Exchange Ratio ◽  
Treadmill Exercise ◽  
Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
The Self ◽  
Mixing Chamber ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Computer Controlled

There are a wide range of options for individuals to choose from in order to engage in aerobic exercise; from outdoor running to computer controlled and self-propelled treadmills. Recently, self-propelled treadmills have increased in popularity and provide an alternative to a motorized treadmill. Twenty subjects (10 men, 10 women) ranging in age from 19-23 with a mean of 20.4 ± 0.8 SD were participants in this study. The subjects visited the laboratory on three occasions. The purpose of the first visit was to familiarize the subject with the self-propelled treadmill (Woodway Curve 3.0). The second visit, subjects were instructed to run on the self-propelled treadmill for 3km at a self-determined pace. Speed data were collected directly from the self-propelled treadmill. The third visit used speed data collected during the self-propelled treadmill run to create an identically paced 3km run for the subjects to perform on a motorized treadmill (COSMED T150). During both the second and third visit, oxygen consumption (VO2) and respiratory exchange ratio (R) data were collected with COSMED’s Quark cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) metabolic mixing chamber system. The VO2 mean value for the self-propelled treadmill (44.90 ± 1.65 SE ml/kg/min) was significantly greater than the motorized treadmill (34.38 ± 1.39 SE ml/kg/min). The mean R value for the self-propelled treadmill (0.91 ± 0.01 SE) was significantly greater than the motorized treadmill (0.86 ± 0.01 SE). Our study demonstrated that a 3km run on a self-propelled treadmill does elicit a greater physiological response than a 3km run at on a standard motorized treadmill. Self-propelled treadmills provide a mode of exercise that offers increased training loads and should be considered as an alternative to motorized treadmills.

CRIMINOLOGICAL FEATURES OF CORRUPTION-RELATED CRIMES IN THE FUEL AND ENERGY COMPLEX

2020 ◽  
pp. 23-27
Author(s):  
Сергей Иванович Вележев ◽  
Антон Михайлович Седогин
Keyword(s):  
Legal Protection ◽  
Criminal Activity ◽  
Criminal Cases ◽  
Law Enforcement Agencies ◽  
Energy Complex ◽  
Significant Damage ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Illegal Activities ◽  
High Level

В представленной статье авторами рассматриваются вопросы уголовно-правовой охраны топливно-энергетического комплекса Российской Федерации от преступных проявлений, в том числе от коррупционной противоправной деятельности должностных лиц. Такие действия причиняют значительный ущерб нормальному функционированию предприятий топливно-энергетического комплекса. Авторами приводятся результаты исследования некоторых криминологических характеристик должностных лиц, совершивших преступления коррупционного характера. Дан анализ причин и условий, способствующих совершению вышеуказанных противоправных действий. Определена типовая модель преступника для данной категории преступлений и его характеристики: в первую очередь, это высокий уровень компетентности, специальное образование и т. д. Авторами отмечается высокий уровень латентной преступности в данной отрасли. Предложены некоторые пути профилактики данной категории правонарушений. Исследование проводилось на основе анализа конкретных уголовных дел, возбужденных следственными органами по результатам оперативно-розыскной деятельности правоохранительных органов. In the article the authors consider the issues of criminal and legal protection of the fuel and energy complex of the Russian Federation from criminal activity including corrupt illegal practices of officials. The authors cite the results of some criminological characteristics study of the fuel and energy complex staff committed corruption crimes. As a result of these illegal actions significant damage is caused to the normal functioning of the fuel and energy enterprises. Such officials` actions determine not only a wide range of other illegal activities, but also lead to public outcry and discredit the industry as a whole. The analysis of the reasons and conditions contributing to the above illegal actions commission is given. A typical model of a criminal for a given crime category and its characteristics are determined. First of all it is a high level competence, special education, etc. A high level of latent crime in this industry is shown. The study results are presented on the example of specific criminal cases initiated by the investigating authorities based on the results of the operation detection activities of law enforcement agencies. Some ways of preventing this category of offenses are proposed.

scholarly journals Two-Dimensional Numerical Modeling of Flow in Physical Models of Rock Vane and Bendway Weir Configurations

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 458
Author(s):  
Drew C. Baird ◽  
Benjamin Abban ◽  
S. Michael Scurlock ◽  
Steven B. Abt ◽  
Christopher I. Thornton
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Modeling ◽  
Physical Model ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Hydraulic Performance ◽  
Physical Models ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Design Engineers ◽  
Model Study ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Wide Range

While there are a wide range of design recommendations for using rock vanes and bendway weirs as streambank protection measures, no comprehensive, standard approach is currently available for design engineers to evaluate their hydraulic performance before construction. This study investigates using 2D numerical modeling as an option for predicting the hydraulic performance of rock vane and bendway weir structure designs for streambank protection. We used the Sedimentation and River Hydraulics (SRH)-2D depth-averaged numerical model to simulate flows around rock vane and bendway weir installations that were previously examined as part of a physical model study and that had water surface elevation and velocity observations. Overall, SRH-2D predicted the same general flow patterns as the physical model, but over- and underpredicted the flow velocity in some areas. These over- and underpredictions could be primarily attributed to the assumption of negligible vertical velocities. Nonetheless, the point differences between the predicted and observed velocities generally ranged from 15 to 25%, with some exceptions. The results showed that 2D numerical models could provide adequate insight into the hydraulic performance of rock vanes and bendway weirs. Accordingly, design guidance and implications of the study results are presented for design engineers.

scholarly journals Adherence to Ketogenic and Mediterranean Study Diets in a Crossover Trial: The Keto–Med Randomized Trial

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 967
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Landry ◽  
Anthony Crimarco ◽  
Dalia Perelman ◽  
Lindsay R. Durand ◽  
Christina Petlura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Trial ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Detailed Examination ◽  
Diet Patterns ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Diet Pattern

Adherence is a critical factor to consider when interpreting study results from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing one diet to another, but it is frequently not reported by researchers. The purpose of this secondary analysis of the Keto–Med randomized trial was to provide a detailed examination and comparison of the adherence to the two study diets (Well Formulated Ketogenic Diet (WFKD) and Mediterranean Plus (Med-Plus)) under the two conditions: all food being provided (delivered) and all food being obtained by individual participants (self-provided). Diet was assessed at six time points including baseline (x1), week 4 of each phase when participants were receiving food deliveries (x2), week 12 of each phase when participants were preparing and providing food on their own (x2), and 12 weeks after participants completed both diet phases and were free to choose their own diet pattern (x1). The adherence scores for WFKD and Med-Plus were developed specifically for this study. Average adherence to the two diet patterns was very similar during both on-study time points of the intervention. Throughout the study, a wide range of adherence was observed among participants—for both diet types and during both the delivery phase and self-provided phase. Insight from this assessment of adherence may aid other researchers when answering the important question of how to improve behavioral adherence during dietary trials. This study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov NCT03810378.

scholarly journals Robust Step Detection from Different Waist-Worn Sensor Positions: Implications for Clinical Studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-58
Author(s):  
Matthias  Tietsch ◽  
Amir Muaremi ◽  
Ieuan Clay ◽  
Felix Kluge ◽  
Holger Hoefling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Study ◽  
Clinical Studies ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Human Gait ◽  
Robust Solution ◽  
Step Detection ◽  
Study Protocols ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The Impact

Analyzing human gait with inertial sensors provides valuable insights into a wide range of health impairments, including many musculoskeletal and neurological diseases. A representative and reliable assessment of gait requires continuous monitoring over long periods and ideally takes place in the subjects’ habitual environment (real-world). An inconsistent sensor wearing position can affect gait characterization and influence clinical study results, thus clinical study protocols are typically highly proscriptive, instructing all participants to wear the sensor in a uniform manner. This restrictive approach improves data quality but reduces overall adherence. In this work, we analyze the impact of altering the sensor wearing position around the waist on sensor signal and step detection. We demonstrate that an asymmetrically worn sensor leads to additional odd-harmonic frequency components in the frequency spectrum. We propose a robust solution for step detection based on autocorrelation to overcome sensor position variation (sensitivity = 0.99, precision = 0.99). The proposed solution reduces the impact of inconsistent sensor positioning on gait characterization in clinical studies, thus providing more flexibility to protocol implementation and more freedom to participants to wear the sensor in the position most comfortable to them. This work is a first step towards truly position-agnostic gait assessment in clinical settings.

scholarly journals Laboratory Test to Evaluate the Resistance of Cementitious Materials to Biodeterioration in Sewer Network Conditions

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 686
Author(s):  
Amr Aboulela ◽  
Matthieu Peyre Lavigne ◽  
Amaury Buvignier ◽  
Marlène Fourré ◽  
Maud Schiettekatte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Calcium Aluminate ◽  
Standardized Test ◽  
Performance Indicator ◽  
Cementitious Materials ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Sustainable Construction ◽  
Public Health Issue ◽  
Sulfur Source ◽  
Test Protocol ◽  
Wide Range

The biodeterioration of cementitious materials in sewer networks has become a major economic, ecological, and public health issue. Establishing a suitable standardized test is essential if sustainable construction materials are to be developed and qualified for sewerage environments. Since purely chemical tests are proven to not be representative of the actual deterioration phenomena in real sewer conditions, a biological test–named the Biogenic Acid Concrete (BAC) test–was developed at the University of Toulouse to reproduce the biological reactions involved in the process of concrete biodeterioration in sewers. The test consists in trickling a solution containing a safe reduced sulfur source onto the surface of cementitious substrates previously covered with a high diversity microbial consortium. In these conditions, a sulfur-oxidizing metabolism naturally develops in the biofilm and leads to the production of biogenic sulfuric acid on the surface of the material. The representativeness of the test in terms of deterioration mechanisms has been validated in previous studies. A wide range of cementitious materials have been exposed to the biodeterioration test during half a decade. On the basis of this large database and the expertise gained, the purpose of this paper is (i) to propose a simple and robust performance criterion for the test (standardized leached calcium as a function of sulfate produced by the biofilm), and (ii) to demonstrate the repeatability, reproducibility, and discriminability of the test method. In only a 3-month period, the test was able to highlight the differences in the performances of common cement-based materials (CEM I, CEM III, and CEM V) and special calcium aluminate cement (CAC) binders with different nature of aggregates (natural silica and synthetic calcium aluminate). The proposed performance indicator (relative standardized leached calcium) allowed the materials to be classified according to their resistance to biogenic acid attack in sewer conditions. The repeatability of the test was confirmed using three different specimens of the same material within the same experiment and the reproducibility of the results was demonstrated by standardizing the results using a reference material from 5 different test campaigns. Furthermore, developing post-testing processing and calculation methods constituted a first step toward a standardized test protocol.

scholarly journals Foslevodopa/Foscarbidopa Is Well Tolerated and Maintains Stable Levodopa and Carbidopa Exposure Following Subcutaneous Infusion

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Matthew Rosebraugh ◽  
Wei Liu ◽  
Melina Neenan ◽  
Maurizio F. Facheris
Keyword(s):  
Steady State ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
The United States ◽  
Therapeutic Window ◽  
Fixed Dose ◽  
Advanced Parkinson’S Disease ◽  
Subcutaneous Infusion ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Favorable Safety

Background: Foslevodopa/foscarbidopa, formerly known as ABBV-951, is a formulation of levodopa/carbidopa prodrugs with solubility that allows for subcutaneous (SC) infusion and is in development for the treatment of motor complications for patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (aPD). Objective: The current work characterizes the levodopa (LD) and carbidopa (CD) pharmacokinetics (PK) following SC infusions of foslevodopa/foscarbidopa delivered at four different infusion rates in PD patients. Methods: This was a Phase 1, single ascending dose, single-blind study conducted in 28 adult male and female subjects at seven sites in the United States. Foslevodopa/foscarbidopa was administered via abdominal SC infusion in PD patients over 72 hours. Patients were stratified in 4 groups and received a fixed dose of foslevodopa/foscarbidopa based on their oral daily LD intake. Serial plasma PK samples were collected to assay for LD and CD concentrations. Safety and tolerability were assessed throughout the study. Results: LD exposure quickly reached steady state and remained stable with minimal fluctuations. Foslevodopa/foscarbidopa infusion provides stable LD and CD exposures compared to oral LD/CD dosing with the average steady-state exposure ranging from 747-4660 ng/mL for the different groups. Conclusion: Foslevodopa/foscarbidopa was able to provide stable LD and CD exposures in PD patients over 72 hours via SC route of delivery with very low fluctuation in LD concentration level across a wide range of clinically relevant exposures. Foslevodopa/foscarbidopa had a favorable safety profile. The low PK fluctuation following foslevodopa/foscarbidopa infusion is expected to maintain LD exposure to treat aPD patients within a narrow therapeutic window.

scholarly journals One year of Raman lidar observations of free-tropospheric aerosol layers over South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 5429-5442 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Giannakaki ◽  
A. Pfüller ◽  
K. Korhonen ◽  
T. Mielonen ◽  
L. Laakso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Optical Properties ◽  
Biomass Burning ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Aerosol Layer ◽  
Raman Lidar ◽  
Tropospheric Aerosol ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
532 Nm

Abstract. Raman lidar data obtained over a 1 year period has been analysed in relation to aerosol layers in the free troposphere over the Highveld in South Africa. In total, 375 layers were observed above the boundary layer during the period 30 January 2010 to 31 January 2011. The seasonal behaviour of aerosol layer geometrical characteristics, as well as intensive and extensive optical properties were studied. The highest centre heights of free-tropospheric layers were observed during the South African spring (2520 ± 970 m a.g.l., also elsewhere). The geometrical layer depth was found to be maximum during spring, while it did not show any significant difference for the rest of the seasons. The variability of the analysed intensive and extensive optical properties was high during all seasons. Layers were observed at a mean centre height of 2100 ± 1000 m with an average lidar ratio of 67 ± 25 sr (mean value with 1 standard deviation) at 355 nm and a mean extinction-related Ångström exponent of 1.9 ± 0.8 between 355 and 532 nm during the period under study. Except for the intensive biomass burning period from August to October, the lidar ratios and Ångström exponents are within the range of previous observations for urban/industrial aerosols. During Southern Hemispheric spring, the biomass burning activity is clearly reflected in the optical properties of the observed free-tropospheric layers. Specifically, lidar ratios at 355 nm were 89 ± 21, 57 ± 20, 59 ± 22 and 65 ± 23 sr during spring (September–November), summer (December–February), autumn (March–May) and winter (June–August), respectively. The extinction-related Ångström exponents between 355 and 532 nm measured during spring, summer, autumn and winter were 1.8 ± 0.6, 2.4 ± 0.9, 1.8 ± 0.9 and 1.8 ± 0.6, respectively. The mean columnar aerosol optical depth (AOD) obtained from lidar measurements was found to be 0.46 ± 0.35 at 355 nm and 0.25 ± 0.2 at 532 nm. The contribution of free-tropospheric aerosols on the AOD had a wide range of values with a mean contribution of 46%.

scholarly journals Developmental exposure to silver nanoparticles leads to long term gut dysbiosis and neurobehavioral alterations

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhen Lyu ◽  
Shreya Ghoshdastidar ◽  
Karamkolly R. Rekha ◽  
Dhananjay Suresh ◽  
Jiude Mao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Silver Nanoparticles ◽  
Body Fat ◽  
Repetitive Behaviors ◽  
Developmental Exposure ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Female Mice ◽  
Gut Dysbiosis ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Wide Range

AbstractDue to their antimicrobial properties, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are used in a wide range of consumer products that includes topical wound dressings, coatings for biomedical devices, and food-packaging to extend the shelf-life. Despite their beneficial antimicrobial effects, developmental exposure to such AgNPs may lead to gut dysbiosis and long-term health consequences in exposed offspring. AgNPs can cross the placenta and blood–brain-barrier to translocate in the brain of offspring. The underlying hypothesis tested in the current study was that developmental exposure of male and female mice to AgNPs disrupts the microbiome–gut–brain axis. To examine for such effects, C57BL6 female mice were exposed orally to AgNPs at a dose of 3 mg/kg BW or vehicle control 2 weeks prior to breeding and throughout gestation. Male and female offspring were tested in various mazes that measure different behavioral domains, and the gut microbial profiles were surveyed from 30 through 120 days of age. Our study results suggest that developmental exposure results in increased likelihood of engaging in repetitive behaviors and reductions in resident microglial cells. Echo-MRI results indicate increased body fat in offspring exposed to AgNPs exhibit. Coprobacillus spp., Mucispirillum spp., and Bifidobacterium spp. were reduced, while Prevotella spp., Bacillus spp., Planococcaceae, Staphylococcus spp., Enterococcus spp., and Ruminococcus spp. were increased in those developmentally exposed to NPs. These bacterial changes were linked to behavioral and metabolic alterations. In conclusion, developmental exposure of AgNPs results in long term gut dysbiosis, body fat increase and neurobehavioral alterations in offspring.

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