Trans-Neptunian Objects with Hubble Space Telescope ACS/WFC

We introduce a novel search technique that can identify trans-neptunian objects in three to five exposures of a pointing within a single Hubble Space Telescope orbit. The process is fast enough to allow the discovery of candidates soon after the data are available. This allows sufficient time to schedule follow up observations with HST within a month. We report the discovery of 14 slow-moving objects found within 5\circ of the ecliptic in archival data taken with the Wide Field Channel of the Advanced Camera for Surveys. The luminosity function of these objects is consistent with previous ground-based and space-based results. We show evidence that the size distribution of both high and low inclination populations is similar for objects smaller than 100 km, as expected from collisional evolution models, while their size distribution differ for brighter objects. We suggest the two populations formed in different parts of the protoplanetary disk and after being dynamically mixed have collisionally evolved together. Among the objects discovered there is an equal mass binary with an angular separation ~ 0."53.Comment: 16 page, 10 figures, accepted by Ap

AGRICULTURAL TERRORISM: POTENTIAL ECONOMIC EFFECTS ON THE POULTRY INDUSTRY IN MISSISSIPPI

An input/output model was developed to estimate the potential economic impact of intentional attacks by agricultural terrorists using Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) on the poultry industry in Mississippi. The model measured impacts in terms of income, employment, output, and tax changes in the poultry industry.Risk and Uncertainty,

Berry Phase Quantum Thermometer

We show how Berry phase can be used to construct an ultra-high precision quantum thermometer. An important advantage of our scheme is that there is no need for the thermometer to acquire thermal equilibrium with the sample. This reduces measurement times and avoids precision limitations.Comment: Updated to published version. I. Fuentes previously published as I. Fuentes-Guridi and I. Fuentes-Schulle

Fuzzy Inference System for VOLT/VAR control in distribution substations in isolated power systems

This paper presents a fuzzy inference system for voltage/reactive power control in distribution substations. The purpose is go forward to automation distribution and its implementation in isolated power systems where control capabilities are limited and it is common using the same applications as in continental power systems. This means that lot of functionalities do not apply and computational burden generates high response times. A fuzzy controller, with logic guidelines embedded based upon heuristic rules resulting from operators at dispatch control center past experience, has been designed. Working as an on-line tool, it has been tested under real conditions and it has managed the operation during a whole day in a distribution substation. Within the limits of control capabilities of the system, the controller maintained successfully an acceptable voltage profile, power factor values over 0,98 and it has ostensibly improved the performance given by an optimal power flow based automation system

On the mechanical properties of N-functionalised dipeptide gels

The properties of a hydrogel are controlled by the underlying network that immobilizes the solvent. For gels formed by the self-assembly of a small molecule, it is common to show the primary fibres that entangle to form the network by microscopy, but it is difficult to access information about the network. One approach to understand the network is to examine the effect of the concentration on the rheological properties, such that G cx, where G is the storage modulus and c is the concentration. A number of reports link the exponent x to a specific type of network. Here, we discuss a small library of gels formed using functionalized dipeptides, and describe the underlying networks of these gels, using microscopy, small angle scattering and rheology. We show that apparently different networks can give very similar values of x

Occupational exposure to Organophosphate Pesticides and its Effects on Human Sperm Parameters: A systematic Review

Background Previous research has indicated there is a decrease in sperm quality in the last 40 years. There have been a few reports that have associated occupational exposure to Organophosphate pesticides with a decrease in sperm count, abnormalities in the head or tail, and motility leading to infertility over time. Organophosphates are the most common pesticides used in the United States and have been classified as toxic to bees, wildlife, and humans by the EPA even at low exposures. Furthermore, Organophosphates are considered endocrine disrupting chemicals altering the normal function of the endocrine system. This occurs by interfering with the natural hormones the body produces due to their strong bind to estrogen and androgen receptors. Objective This systematic review sought to identify relevant studies evaluating the relationship of occupational exposure to Organophosphate pesticides and the decrease of sperm parameters in agriculture workers, pesticide sprayers, and farm workers worldwide. Methods PubMed, Scopus, Himmelfarb, and Agriculture Environmental Science databases were searched for all studies in English. Peer-reviewed articles were selected between the years of 2008 and 2016. Risk of bias was assessed according to the Navigation Guide a Systematic Review Methodology. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was utilized to rate the quality of evidence of each study. Results Five studies were identified, reviewed, and analyzed according to inclusion criteria. Selected studies were rated “low, probably low, not applicable, probably high risk, and high risk” for risk of bias. Studies were assigned a “low quality” rating for strength of evidence. Grey literature was excluded. Conclusion There is sufficient evidence that supports a positive association between occupational Organophosphate exposure and a decrease of sperm parameters in agriculture workers, pesticide sprayers, and farm workers worldwide. Sperm analysis demonstrated a decrease in sperm volume, motility, quality of sperm, and DNA damage, however, future studies are needed to explore this association further

Management of incidentally detected heart murmurs in dogs and cats

A dog or a cat has an incidentally detected heart murmur if the murmur is an unexpected discovery during a veterinary consultation that was not initially focused on the cardiovascular system. This document presents approaches for managing dogs and cats that have incidentally-detected heart murmurs, with an emphasis on murmur characteristics, signalment profiling, and multifactorial decision-making to choose an optimal course for a given patient