An Indicator to Evaluate the Environmental Impact of Olive Oil Waste Water's Shedding on Cultivated Fields

Several climatic, soil and topographic factors need to be considered when evaluating the impact of human actions on the environment. Such variables may be related in a complex way to environmental impact, thus making its evaluation difficult. Problems of this type emerge when evaluating the risks olive oil waste water pose to the environment when shed on cultivated soils. This paper proposes a fuzzy expert system to calculate a modular indicator, ICARO, which allows an evaluation of the potential environmental impact of the application of olive oil waste water in a field. Five modules were formulated, one ("Waste water") reflecting the nature of the waste water, two ("Groundwater", "Surface water") reflecting the risk for the most sensitive agro-environmental compartments (groundwater, surface water), one ("Crop") reflecting possible consequences on the cropping system adopted, and one ("Soil") reflecting the soil aptitude to receive waste waters.The input variables are therefore waste water amount and properties, site-specific conditions, and characteristics of the application considered. For each input variable, two functions describing membership to the fuzzy subsets Favorable (F) and Unfavorable (U) have been defined. The expert system calculates the value of each module according to both the degree of membership of the input variables to the subsets F and U, and a set of decision rules. The five modules can be considered individually or can be aggregated (again according to level of membership to fuzzy subsets F and U and a set of decision rules) into the synthetic indicator ICARO. Outcomes of a sensitivity analysis are presented. The system is flexible and can be used as a decision aid tool to authorize waste water's shedding or subordinate the distribution on fields to acceptance of some limitations (amount, timing, site, etc)

Modelling, evaluation and demonstration of novel active voltage control schemes to accomodate distributed generation in distribution networks

Voltage control in distribution networks is becoming more challenging due to the growing amount of distributed generation that is being connected to the distribution networks in addition to increasing load. The output of the distributed generation can radically change power flows and voltage profiles in distribution networks, creating conditions that adversely affect the performance of automatic voltage control schemes and in addition cause unacceptable voltage rise. On the other hand, inherent limitations and current operational policies of AVC schemes very often restrict the output of DG or even prevent its connection. This thesis investigates and analyses voltage control in terms of the shift from passive to active distribution networks. The thesis also reviews the performance of AVC schemes under varying load and generation output conditions, investigates effective utilisation of distribution network assets and methods to accommodate active voltage control schemes into existing infrastructure. A range of active voltage control and management schemes based on coordinated voltage control is presented and assessed. These schemes can be used to improve the voltage profile in distribution networks and increase their ability to accommodate distributed generation. The functionality of each scheme is assessed based on a number of factors such as the ability of the scheme to increase network capacity, reliability and accuracy. Simulation software to accurately evaluate the performance of an active voltage control scheme in a particular distribution network scenario is essential before the scheme can be deployed. Formal assessment of advanced AVC models and SuperTAPP n+ functionality is performed using simulation software as developed and presented in this thesis. The accuracy of the software results and performance of the SuperTAPP n+ scheme is validated based on network trials carried out in EDF Energy Networks.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EDF Energy NetworksGBUnited Kingdo

Expression and Function of Neurotrophins and Their Receptors in Cultured Human Keratinocytes

Whereas nerve growth factor has been extensively studied in human keratinocytes, little is known on the role of other members of the neurotrophin family. We investigated the expression and function of neurotrophins and neurotrophin receptors in cultured human keratinocytes. We demonstrated by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction that keratinocytes synthesize neurotrophin-3, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin-4/5. These cells also express tyrosinase kinase A and C, the nerve growth factor and neuro-trophin-3 high-affinity receptors, respectively. On the other hand, only the truncated extracellular isoform of tyrosinase kinase B, the high-affinity brain-derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin-4/5 receptor, is detected in keratinocytes. Moreover, neurotrophin-3, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and neurotrophin-4/5 proteins are secreted by human keratinocytes at low levels. Keratinocyte stem cells synthesize the highest amounts of nerve growth factor, while they secrete higher levels of nerve growth factor as compared with transit amplifying cells. Neurotrophin-3 stimulates keratinocyte proliferation, where brain-derived neurotrophic factor or neurotrophin-4/5 does not exert any effect on keratinocyte proliferation. Addition of neurotrophin-3 slightly upregulates the secretion of nerve growth factor, whereas nerve growth factor strongly augments neurotrophin-3 release. Ultraviolet B irradiation downregulates nerve growth factor, whereas it augments neurotrophin-3 and neurotrophin-4/5 protein levels. Ultraviolet A irradiation increases the level of neurotrophin-3, whereas it does not exert any effect on the other neurotrophins. Finally, neurotrophins other than nerve growth factor fail to protect human keratinocytes from ultraviolet B-induced apoptosis. This work delineates a functional neurotrophin network, which may contribute to epidermal homeostasis

Слобожанщина: літературний вимір

To determine diurnal variations in the physical and biological state of Lake Garda in early spring, high-resolution measurements were made of the vertical distribution of temperature and fluorescence in the upper 100 meters during 5–7 March 2014. In this paper, the results of these measurements are presented and a preliminary analysis that focuses on the connection between the vertical mixing coefficient K_T and the chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentration is given. From these first direct measurements of turbulence-related quantities in Lake Garda, it is found that mixed-layer values of K_Tdecrease, while surface chl-a concentrations increase, over the day. Variations in K_Tcan be connected to the changes in the surface wind stress, while variations in chl-a are negatively correlated with the amplitude of K_T. In addition, satellite observations of the surface chl-a concentration are analysed to test their use for the calibration of the fluorescence measurements and also for their potential utility in remotely determining vertical mixing in the upper layers of the lake

BMC Nephrol

BACKGROUND: To describe the quality of life of adolescents initiating haemodialysis, to determine the factors associated with quality of life, and to assess coping strategies and their impact on quality of life. METHODS: All adolescents initiating haemodialysis between September 2013 and July 2015 in French paediatric haemodialysis centres were included. Quality of life data were collected using the "Vecu et Sante Percue de l'Adolescent et l'Enfant" questionnaire, and coping data were collected using the Kidcope questionnaire. Adolescent's quality of life was compared with age- and sex-matched French control. RESULTS: Thirty-two adolescents were included. Their mean age was 13.9 +/- 2.0 years. The quality of life score was lowest in leisure activities and highest in relationships with medical staff. Compared with the French control, index, energy-vitality, relationships with friends, leisure activities and physical well-being scores were significantly lower in haemodialysis population. In multivariate analyses, active coping was positively associated with quality of life and especially with energy-vitality, relationships with parents and teachers, and school performance. In contrast, avoidant and negative coping were negatively associated with energy-vitality, psychological well-being and body image for avoidant coping, and body image and relationships with medical staff for negative coping. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of life of haemodialysis adolescents, and mainly the dimensions of leisure activities, physical well-being, relationships with friends and energy-vitality, were significantly altered compared to that of the French population. The impact of coping strategies on quality of life seems to be important. Given the importance of quality of life and coping strategies in adolescents with chronic disease, health care professionals should integrate these aspects into care management

Evaluation of the impact of pharmaceutical trainings and tools on the proper use of medicines in pediatrics

Introduction: After six years of medication errors’ (MEs) collection and analysis in a pediatric unit of a French University Hospital, the number of MEs was no longer decreasing. We then decided to set up pharmaceutical training and tools and evaluate their impact on the occurrence of ME.Materials and methods: This monocentric prospective study was carried out in the form of audits of prescriptions, preparations, and administrations before and after intervention (A1 and A2). After the analysis of A1 results, feedback was given to the teams, some tools for the proper use of medication (PUM) were distributed, and A2 was conducted. Finally, A1 and A2 results were compared.Results: Each audit included 202 observations. A total of 120 MEs were identified during A1 and 54 for A2 (p < 0.0001). The observation rate with at least 1 ME decreased from 39.11% to 21.29% (p < 0.0001), and no observation had more than two MEs during A2 in contrast to A1 (n = 12). Human factors were responsible for the majority of MEs. The audit feedback allowed professionals to feel concerned about ME. The PUM tools received an average satisfaction rating of 9/10. The staff had never participated in this type of training, and all felt it was useful to apply PUM.Conclusion: This study showed a significant impact of pharmaceutical training and tools on the pediatric PUM. Clinical pharmaceutic actions allowed us to reach our objectives and satisfied all the staff. They must, therefore, be continued to limit human factors’ impact and thus contribute to the safety of drug management in pediatrics

Bioactive Compounds of Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.)

Rambutan, a widely popular tropical fruit encompasses rich amount of bioactive compounds. All parts of this plant (leaves, bark, root, fruits, fruit skin, pulp and seeds) finds traditional usage, and are linked with high therapeutic values. Rambutan fruits parts like that of peel, pulp and seeds have been scientifically investigated in-depth and is reported to encompass high amounts of bioactive compounds (such as polyphenol, flavonoid, alkaloid, essential mineral, dietary fiber). These compounds contribute towards antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antidiabetic and anti-obesity activities. However, literature pertaining towards potential industrial applications (food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical) of rambutan fruits are limited. In the present chapter, it is intended to document some of the interesting research themes published on rambutan fruits, and identify the existing gaps to open up arena for future research work.This chapter theme is based on our ongoing project—VALORTECH, which has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No 810630

Predicting youth participation in urban agriculture in Malaysia: insights from the theory of planned behavior and the functional approach to volunteer motivation

This study examines factors associated with the decision of Malaysian youth to participate in a voluntary urban agriculture program. Urban agriculture has generated significant interest in developing countries to address concerns over food security, growing urbanization and employment. While an abundance of data shows attracting the participation of young people in traditional agriculture has become a challenge for many countries, few empirical studies have been conducted on youth motivation to participate in urban agriculture programs, particularly in non-Western settings. Drawing on the theories of planned behavior and the functional approach to volunteer motivation, we surveyed 890 students from a public university in Malaysia about their intention to join a new urban agriculture program. Hierarchical regression findings indicated that the strongest predictor of participation was students’ attitude toward urban agriculture, followed by subjective norms, career motives and perceived barriers to participation. The findings from this study may provide useful information to the university program planners in Malaysia in identifying mechanisms for future students’ involvement in the program

Global Variation of Nutritional Status in Children Undergoing Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis : A Longitudinal Study of the International Pediatric Peritoneal Dialysis Network

While children approaching end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) are considered at risk of uremic anorexia and underweight they are also exposed to the global obesity epidemic. We sought to investigate the variation of nutritional status in children undergoing chronic peritoneal dialysis (CPD) around the globe. The distribution and course of body mass index (BMI) standard deviation score over time was examined prospectively in 1001 children and adolescents from 35 countries starting CPD who were followed in the International Pediatric PD Network (IPPN) Registry. The overall prevalence of underweight, and overweight/obesity at start of CPD was 8.9% and 19.7%, respectively. Underweight was most prevalent in South and Southeast Asia (20%), Central Europe (16.7%) and Turkey (15.2%), whereas overweight and obesity were most common in the Middle East (40%) and the US (33%). BMI SDS at PD initiation was associated positively with current eGFR and gastrostomy feeding prior to PD start. Over the course of PD BMI SDS tended to increase on CPD in underweight and normal weight children, whereas it decreased in initially overweight patients. In infancy, mortality risk was amplified by obesity, whereas in older children mortality was markedly increased in association with underweight. Both underweight and overweight are prevalent in pediatric ESKD, with the prevalence varying across the globe. Late dialysis start is associated with underweight, while enteral feeding can lead to obesity. Nutritional abnormalities tend to attenuate with time on dialysis. Mortality risk appears increased with obesity in infants and with underweight in older children.Peer reviewe