Energy Loss Impact in Electrical Smart Grid Systems in Australia

This research draws attention to the potential and contextual influences on energy loss in Australia’s electricity market and smart grid systems. It further examines barriers in the transition toward optimising the benefit opportunities between electricity demand and electricity supply. The main contribution of this study highlights the impact of individual end-users by controlling and automating individual home electricity profiles within the objective function set (AV) of optimum demand ranges. Three stages of analysis were accomplished to achieve this goal. Firstly, we focused on feasibility analysis using ‘weight of evidence’ (WOE) and ‘information value’ (IV) techniques to check sample data segmentation and possible variable reduction. Stage two of sensitivity analysis (SA) used a generalised reduced gradient algorithm (GRG) to detect and compare a nonlinear optimisation issue caused by end-user demand. Stage three of analysis used two methods adopted from the machine learning toolbox, piecewise linear distribution (PLD) and the empirical cumulative distribution function (ECDF), to test the normality of time series data and measure the discrepancy between them. It used PLD and ECDF to derive a nonparametric representation of the overall cumulative distribution function (CDF). These analytical methods were all found to be relevant and provided a clue to the sustainability approach. This study provides insights into the design of sustainable homes, which must go beyond the concept of increasing the capacity of renewable energy. In addition to this, this study examines the interplay between the variance estimation of the problematic levels and the perception of energy loss to introduce a novel realistic model of cost–benefit incentives. This optimisation goal contrasted with uncertainties that remain as to what constitutes the demand impact and individual house effects in diverse clustering patterns in a specific grid system. While ongoing effort is still needed to look for strategic solutions for this class of complex problems, this research shows significant contextual opportunities to manage the complexity of the problem according to the nature of the case, representing dense and significant changes in the situational complexity.

Frog vocalization is influenced by moon phases: Brazilian frogs tend to prefer low-albedo phases

Lunar phases remarkably influence the circadian cycle of living beings. Early amphibian studies date back to the 1960s, but only recently has more research been conducted in this field. Much still needs to be understood to establish the behavioral pattern of this group according to the synodic cycle. In the present study, we sought to determine (i) whether the vocalization activity was influenced by the lunar phases and (ii) whether the influence was species-specific or affects the community with equal intensity. We expected a great diversity of behaviors and adaptations. Rayleigh's test was used to verify whether the sample differs significantly from the null hypothesis; Rao's test was used to check sample size sufficiency; and the Kiviat diagram was used to evaluate the activity of the species in relation to the complete synodic cycle. We have observed 1691 individuals of 37 species over 882 d. The lunar cycle influenced 78 % of the species, with 32 % preferring the lower-albedo phases. The activity pattern of each species was established. These results suggest that the lunar phases influence the vocalization activity of most species. Therefore, there is a general pattern of activity related to the synodic cycles; however, the specificities still need to be better understood.

Quality control of pork used in the recipe for kebabs in a technogenic zone

The investigation purpose was to conduct a comparative control for the consumer qualities of the store pigs meat of the Landrace Danish breeding (LDB) and their cross-breeds of different pedigree on a large white breed (LWB) according to the scheme: control – well-bred Landrace (LDB) animals: 1-st check - 1/2 LDB 1/2 LWB yelts; 2-nd check - 3/4 LDB 1/4 LWB animals and 3-rd check - 7/8 LDB 1/8 LWB yelts, as well as dish samples No. 278 “Pork kebab”, for which the animals meat of the specified pedigree was used in the recipe. The “pork kebab” dish samples from the pork loin of the 3-rd check group distinguished by the best chemical composition. The dish sample of the 3-rd generation pork meat (7/8 LDB × 1/8 LWB) distinguished by the best ecology nutritious features, so that the 3-rd check sample contained lower level of zinc, lead and cadmium. By the total score of the 3-rd check sample of this 3-rd generation Landrace pork dish surpassed the control sample.

Early medical abortion using telemedicine – acceptability to patients

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe English government approved both stages of early medical abortion (EMA) for at-home use on 30th March 2020. MSI Reproductive Choices UK (MSUK), one of the largest service providers of abortion services in England, launched a telemedicine EMA pathway on 6th April 2020.MethodsA sample of all MSUK’s telemedicine EMA patients between April and August 2020 were invited to opt in to a follow-up call to answer clinical and satisfaction questions. 1,243 (13.7% of all telemedicine EMAs) were successfully followed-up, on average within five days post-procedure. Responses were analysed quantitatively and descriptively. The sample was compared to the total telemedicine EMA population on nine sets of background characteristics to check sample validity, and all results were tested across the same nine characteristics for variation.ResultsPatients reported high confidence in telemedicine EMA and high satisfaction with the convenience, privacy and ease of managing their abortion at home. No patient reported that they were unable to consult privately. Over 80% of patients reported preferring the telemedicine pathway, and two-thirds that they would choose telemedicine again if COVID-19 were no longer an issue.DiscussionTelemedicine EMA is a valued, private, convenient and easier option that is highly acceptable for patients seeking an abortion, especially those for whom in-clinic visits are logistically or emotionally challenging. Evidence that this pathway would be a first choice again in future for most patients supports the case to make access to telemedicine EMA permanent.Key message pointsOn 30th March 2020, the English government approved both stages of early medical abortion (EMA) for at-home use, paving the way for telemedicine EMA provision.MSUK patients receiving routine follow-up calls reported high confidence in telemedicine EMA and high satisfaction with the privacy, convenience and ease of this pathway.Two-thirds of telemedicine EMA patients reported they would choose this pathway again in future, demonstrating that it should remain available after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trace impurities in test stimuli can seriously compromise chemosensory studies

The discovery of olfactory receptors and major technological advances have greatly accelerated our understanding of chemosensory mechanisms. However, some of this rapid progress may be compromised by inadequate knowledge or characterization of the purity of chemical stimuli used to challenge olfactory or other chemoreceptors when mapping their response profiles. Here, we provide strong evidence that the presence of trace impurities in test stimuli can completely obscure true ligand-receptor relationships. DmOR7a, an olfactory receptor of the vinegar fly (Drosophila melanogaster) has been reported to respond to several long-chain aliphatic ligands such as a putative Drosophila pheromone, the pheromone of the silkworm moth Bombyx mori, and a common fatty acid, linoleic acid. By contrast, we show that DmOR7a responds with high sensitivity to volatile impurities and degradation products present in minute quantities in authentic standards of those compounds, but not to the standards themselves. Responses to impurities can easily go unnoticed due to two main factors. First, the sensitivity of receptors to key ligands may be greater than that of analytical chemistry instruments used to check sample purity. Second, the concentration of highly volatile impurities in an odour puff may be orders of magnitude higher than the main component of a sample, due to the large differences in vapour pressures between the impurities and the main component. Issues concerning impurities are not limited to studies on olfaction that use odour puffs to characterize receptor-ligand interactions, but may affect all studies on chemosensation, from molecular biology and in-silico predictions to behaviour. Purity, which is crucial in receptor-ligand studies, is always implied, but rarely checked rigorously. To avoid misinterpretations, a proper account of all compounds present in test stimuli and an unequivocal confirmation of ligand affinity should accompany chemosensory studies.

Blended fruit and vegetable juices based on small-fruited apples, pumpkin, mountain ash and honey

Health and life expectancy of a person are largely related to the quality of food. Insufficient amount of biologically active substances (BAS) in the diet can lead to the development of alimentary diseases such as diabetes, cancer, diseases of the cardiovascular system. They are based on oxidative stress causing the development of inflammation. Natural antioxidants of plant origin – polyphenols and carotenoids reduce the risk of these diseases. To create blended juices of functional orientation, fruit and vegetable raw materials containing high concentrations of these compounds is suggested to use. Mountain ash and small-fruited Siberian apples are rich in flavonoids and hydroxycinnamic acids, pumpkin – carotenoids. Honey enriches the taste of the drink. Based on these components, recipes of blended fruit and vegetable juices with honey were created. Methods of research of organoleptic, physico-chemical and microbiological parameters, approved by normative and technical documentation, were used in the work. Four compositions that differ in the ratio of the ingredients were considered. According to the results of the organoleptic evaluation, the juice formulation was chosen, including 450 ml of juice of small-fruited apples, 400 ml of pumpkin juice, 100 ml of mountain ash syrup, 25 ml of honey and 25 ml of water on 1 liter juice. The main physicochemical indicators of the juice are determined: the mass fraction of soluble solids was 16.0%, the mass fraction of pulp was 4.5%, the mass fraction of sugar was 36.3%, the mass fraction of titrated acids in terms of malic acid was 0.45 %, pH was 3.7. Studies of microbiological safety were carried out. The check sample of juice corresponds to the industrial sterility indicators and regulatory and technical documentation.

Investigation into the Impact of Bitumen Emulsion upon the Electrical Resistance of the Cement and Sand Grout

The article deals with the possibility to create the cement-based material with improved electrophysical characteristics. The material can be used in the rail sleeper production, which will improve the insulation resistance of track circuits and increase transportation reliability. Besides, various kinds of structures made of it, e.g. foundations, piles, supports, bridges and tunnels, will decrease the impact from leakage and stray currents leading to intensification of electrocorrosion processes in railway structures, and will increase life cycle of the structures. It has been experimentally established that addition of bitumen emulsion to the cement and sand grout increases electrical resistance 4 times in the test samples in comparison with a check sample without additives. Insignificant increase in the setting-up time can be eliminated with early-strength admixtures or by the concrete steam treatment traditionally applied at concrete product plants.

RECYCLING OF AURIFEROUS ORE FLOTATION TAILINGS IN SLAG-ALKALINE CEMENT

Research analysis aimed at stabilizing processes in industrial waste and other, similar hazardous ion containing materials, shows that these materials can be successfully stabilized, if they are bound as a mineral component in cement. Considering that auriferous ore flotation waste contains heavy metals that are useless for any production and accumulated in dumps, storages and sumps, this impairs the ecology of the country. This is why current study is conducted on recycling of auriferous ore flotation tailings by binding it as a cement component, which is also can be one of its effective applications. For heavy metal bonds stability evaluation in the composition of the cement matrix, the method of leaching elements by atomic spectroscopy was applied. According to the research it was found that application of slag-alkaline viscid systems for recycling of auriferous ore dump flotation tailings provides considerable advantages over traditional Portland cement systems based on PC I-500. It was shown that along with the physical blocking in the artificial stone matrix, based on slag-alkaline viscid systems, elements of heavy metals were also bound chemically as a part of structure-forming compounds. In this regard use of auriferous ore dump flotation tailings (10…30 %) in the compound of slag-alkaline cement results in the prolonged solidification and provides the same level of cement stone durability as the check sample compound.

Validation for the Determination of Biuret in Water-Soluble, Urea-Based Commercial Inorganic Fertilizer Materials, Urea Solutions, and Sulfur-Coated Urea Products by Reversed-Phase Liquid Chromatography: Single-Laboratory Validation of an Extension of AOAC Official MethodSM 2003.14

A single-laboratory validation (SLV) study for the LC determination of biuret in dry and liquid urea-based commercial fertilizers was conducted. A total of 23 samples were used: 11 commercial dry urea products, two urea ammonium nitrate products, eight liquid urea-based commercial fertilizers, and four sulfur-coated urea samples from different sources. In addition, one biuret standard from Aldrich and one sample from the Magruder check sample program were used as validation samples. The proposed method is an extension of AOAC Official MethodSM 2003.14 and is based on dissolution of the test portion in the LC mobile phase and determination by HPLC. The system is linear over a concentration range of 1.00–4.50 mg/L biuret, with a correlation coefficient ≥0.9999. The biuret was well- separated from urea in the commercial urea samples, and from other constituents in the commercial liquid fertilizer with no observed interferences. Recoveries were determined by spiking four of the validation materials with a known amount of biuret standard and measuring the biuret level according to the method. The averaged recovery was 97%. Method precision was determined by quadruplicate analyses of four of the liquid and six of the commercially available dry urea validation materials using three and four replicate analyses. For the liquid fertilizer analyses, the RSD ranged from 7.04 to 13.31%. For the dry urea analyses, the RSDs ranged from 5.68 to 14.34%. Instrument precision was evaluated at the test initiation by using seven injections of five biuret standard solutions. SD varied from 0.27 to 1.02%, with RSDs averaging 1.14%. The LOD was determined to be 0.009% biuret in material, while the LOQ was determined to be 0.031% biuret in material. In addition to the intralaboratory study, interlaboratory studies were performed by two other outside laboratories using this method. Over a concentration range of 0.2 to 0.9% biuret, the average SD was 0.11%, the average RSD was 21.16%, and the average HorRat value was 4.73%. Furthermore, comparative studies for biuret using AOAC Official MethodsSM 960.04 and 976.01 with the proposed LC method were performed. The three methods produced very close results; however, the two AOAC methods generate hazardous wastes and are more tedious. On the basis of accuracy and precision of the results for this SLV study, it is recommended that this method be collaboratively studied for the determination of biuret in dry and liquid urea-based commercial fertilizer materials.