A model for considering effects of extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields on quail embryonic cells

Previous experiments have shown that extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields could cause serious effects on the evolution of cells. We propose a mathematical model which confirms those results. In our model, electromagnetic waves could cause the motions of ions and charges and the emergence of some currents around and in the interior of cells. These currents produce some waves which interact with the DNAs and remove or attach some repressors. Consequently, some genes could be turned on or off, and cells could obtain some properties or lose them. The frequency of the external waves should be close to the frequency of the exchanged waves between the repressors and DNAs or even bigger than them. We test this idea and did some experiments on quail embryonic cells. We connected a sample of these cells to a battery and considered their evolution. We observed that after connecting the battery and the production of electrical current, some rings around the quail embryonic cells emerged. Maybe, these rings are the response of the cells to changes in electromagnetic waves and electrical currents

Meta-heuristic optimization methods applied to renewable distributed generation planning: A review

Due to its proven efficiency and computational speed, the most recent developed meta-heuristic optimization methods are widely used to better integrate renewable distributed generation (RDG) into the electricity grid. The main objective of this paper is to obtain a better knowledge of current trends in meta-heuristics applied to optimally integrate RDGs to the distribution network. This is a review of well known meta-heuristic approaches, used to solve the problem of optimal renewable distributed generation allocation planning (ORDGAP). In this context, some research gaps were mentioned, and recommendations were proposed to expand the scope of research in this field

Nanocomposite Fiber Based on Natural Material for Water Disinfection under Visible Light Irradiation

In the last decade, pathogenic bacteria and organic micropollutants have become a major issue in the water purification process. Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a low-cost and an ecofriendly process, which provides a sustainable solution for water treatment and its utilization in rural areas. In this context, we studied the generation and the surface engineering of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/goethite composite nanofibers for photocatalytic water remediation under visible-light illumination. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated for dye (methylene blue) degradation and bacteria inactivation, as contaminant models, of the composite nanofibers. The PAN/goethite nanofibers were elaborated by an electrospinning technique, and the morphology and the composition, before and after spin coating, were investigated by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX). The results showed partially intercalated structures of the PAN/goethite Composite-nano-fiber (CNF) were identified by SEM and EDX analysis. The composite nanofibers exhibited high photoefficiency upon dye bleaching (only 10% left after 5 h of illumination) and bacterial deactivation Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens (4.4- and 3.5-fold, respectively, in less than 5 h). The steadiness and pliancy of the generated nanofibers provide a promising application in the continuous flow system

First assessment of phytoplankton diversity in a Marrocan shallow reservoir (Sidi Abderrahmane)

In order to find effective measures to control a Moroccan shallow reservoir (Sidi Abderrahmane), a better understanding of phytoplankton composition, abundance, spatial and temporal distribution it is necessary. Trophic level and the stability status were assessed upon the basis of Shannon diversity index (H′), species richness (S), and evenness (J) index. Statistical tests were used to evaluate the different relationships between phytoplankton and the concentrations of several physico-chemical parameters, and the main soluble nutrients. In surveys, the samples were taken fortnightly from May 2011 to December 2012. 64 taxa belonging to seven groups of phytoplankton were identified, including Bacillariophyceae (25 taxa), Chlorophyceae (22 taxa), and Cyanophyceae (9 taxa). Aulacoseira granulata, Nitzschia palea, Scenedesmus acuminatus, and Oscillatoria sp, were the main contributors to the dissimilarity in temporal distribution. Phytoplankton population never reached a monospecificity situation. Shannon and evenness indices were between (0.0001 < H′ < 0.15; 0.003 < J < 0.085) and manifested a young phytoplankton community with high multiplying power. There were significant correlations between total phytoplankton (r = 0.015, p < .01) and water temperature. Significant negative correlations were observed between transparency and Cyanophyceae (r = −0.208, p < .05) and between the number of species and transparency (r = −0.206, p < .05), orthophosphorus (r = −0.377, p < .01), and nitrates (r = −0.301, p < .01). A negative correlation was found between Orthophosphorus and Chlorophyceae (r = −0.377, p < .01). Similar correlations were also observed with nitrates and Chlorophyceae (r = −0.297, p < .01), Silica and Bacillariophyceae (r = 0, p < .01) and total phytoplankton (r = −0.372, p < .07). The underwater light condition, as indicated by Secchi depth fluctuations, hydraulic process conditions (short residence time, short outflow/inflow ratio) were shown to be the limiting factors in regulating the density of phytoplankton. With reference to Palmer pollution index, test results indicated an oligotrophic or mesotrophic reservoir. The data presented provide the first contemporary account of the level of algal diversity present, the prominent environmental conditions and trophic status of Sidi Abderrahmane reservoir waters. Keywords: Phytoplankton, Diversity, Trophic status, Shallow reservoir, Morocc