Inhomogeneity and anisotropy in Eulerian-Eulerian near-wall modelling

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Elsevier via the DOI in this record This paper tackles the issue of image vorticity in turbulent Eulerian-Eulerian simulations. A pressure-velocity model to account for the no permeability constraint on the fluid- and particle-phase wall normal stress components is proposed. The pressure-velocity model is derived with in a Reynolds-Averaged Two-Fluid model (RA-TFM) framework and is implemented within the open-source CFD toolbox OpenFOAM. We demonstrate that this approach is capable of accounting for the strong near-wall inhomogeneity, a flow feature that hitherto has been neglected in Eulerian-Eulerian modelling. Simulation predictions are validated against benchmark Direct Numerical Simulation data and show a promising step forward in near-wall modelling in Eulerian-Eulerian simulations. The predictions reveal that the approach proposed herein can lead to a satisfactory agreement across all turbulence statistics paving the way for the correct prediction of more complex mechanisms. Finally, the source code of the recently developed solver ratfmFoam and supplementary material used in this work is made available online.University of Exete

Adaptation of heritage architecture in Al Asmakh, Doha: insights into an urban environment of the Gulf

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from Taylor & Francis (Routledge) via the DOI in this record.This paper examines the continuing legacy and occupation of Doha’s vernacular architecture of the early oil period, drawing on techniques from architecture, contemporary archaeology and anthropology. Historical and contemporary inhabitation is examined, as well as the experiences of today’s resident migrant communities. The ongoing significance of Al Asmakh’s vernacular architecture within Qatar’s heritage discourse is considered. Particular attention is given to adaptations undertaken by today’s multinational residents, and the role they play as custodians of Qatar’s architectural heritage. This is a companion piece to the study of vernacular architecture by Eddisford & Carter (2017).National Priorities Research Program (NPRP) Qata

Determination of Flower Characteristics of Some Kiwifruit Genotypes (Actinidia Spp.) Obtained with Breeding Program

All Actinidia species are dioecious, male and female flowers grow on separate kiwifruit plants. In breeding studies, it is generally desirable to obtain female individuals. However, male plants are also of great importance for pollination. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the flower characteristics of the genotypes obtained by breeding studies. This research was conducted in the kiwifruit breeding plot of Yalova Atatürk Horticultural Central Research Institute for two years. Genotypes obtained from cultivars belonging to Actinidia deliciosa and Actinidia chinensis were used in the research. At the time of flowering, phenological observations of male and female genotypes, which are prominent in the population, have been made and the developmental stages of the flowers have been determined. At least 10 flowers of each genotype were used to determine the morphological characteristics.Number of leaves, number of petals, number of male organs, number of filaments, number of female organs, number of female organs and number of stylus were examined in order to determine flower characteristics. When the data obtained as a result of two years are evaluated; significant differences have been obtained particularly in terms of flowering time, flowering period, the number of stylus, the filament size, the number of female organs and the number of male organs. Female cultivars/genotypes tend to flowering later than male cultivars/genotypes, and female cultivars/genotypes have shorter filament length than male cultivars/genotypes. It has also been clearly observed that ovaries are not functional in male types

Eltrombopag for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia: The aegean region of Turkey experience

Objective: Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is an immune-mediated disease characterized by transient or persistent decrease of the platelet count to less than 100x109/L. Although it is included in a benign disease group, bleeding complications may be mortal. With a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease, thrombopoietin receptor agonists, which came into use in recent years, seem to be an effective option in the treatment of resistant cases. This study aimed to retrospectively assess the efficacy, long-term safety, and tolerability of eltrombopag in Turkish patients with chronic ITP in the Aegean region of Turkey. Materials and Methods: Retrospective data of 40 patients with refractory ITP who were treated with eltrombopag in the Aegean region were examined and evaluated. Results: The total rate of response was 87%, and the median duration of response defined as the number of the platelets being over 50x109/L was 19.5 (interquartile range: 5-60) days. In one patient, venous sinus thrombosis was observed with no other additional risk factors due to or related to thrombosis. Another patient with complete response and irregular follow-up for 12 months was lost due to sudden death as the result of probable acute myocardial infarction. Conclusion: Although the responses to eltrombopag were satisfactory, patients need to be monitored closely for overshooting platelet counts as well as thromboembolic events. © 2015 Turkish Society of Hematology. All rights reserved

Hydrodynamic Effects of Debris Blockage and Scour on Masonry Bridges: Towards Experimental Modelling

This is the author accepted manuscript. The final version is available from CRC Press via the DOI in this record8th International Conference on Scour and Erosion, 12-15 September 2016, Oxford, UKThis paper describes the preliminary stage of an ongoing project investigating the hydrodynamic effects of debris blockage at masonry bridges. Debris blockage is cited as one of the primary causes of bridge failures in the UK and around the world. Masonry bridges, many of which are valuable historical assets, are particularly vulnerable to debris blockage due to their short spans and low clearance. This paper presents work done as part of the first phase of the project involving experimental research to understand the scientific relationships between debris characteristics and flow conditions. The study, being carried out at Centre for Water Systems at University of Exeter, utilizes a 0.6m-wide and 10m-long flume to run hydraulic experiments in order to characterize the impact of debris blockage on flow hydrodynamics, scour, and hydrodynamic pressures and forces at masonry bridges. This paper outlines the design of the experimental setup and the reasoning behind the choices for preliminary experimental parameters. The experiments are to include testing of bridge models and various 3D-printed debris shapes under realistic flow conditions. Geometry of the bridge and debris mod-els are kept approximately similar to prototype conditions, with hydraulic conditions of the experiments de-signed to the degree that experimental constraints allow based on Froude similarity. Velocities, scour and hy-drodynamic pressures are measured using an Acoustic Doppler Velocimeter, echo-sounding concept and pres-sure sensors, respectively. Preliminary results indicate that the designed experiments have the potential to en-hance our understanding of the hydrodynamic effects of debris blockage.The research presented in this paper was supported by funding from the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under grant EP/M017354/1. The authors are grateful to project partners for their support, particularly Devon County Council and Network Rail for providing useful prototype data

Immunostimulatory activity of polysaccharide-poly(I:C) nanoparticles

Cataloged from PDF version of article.Immunostimulatory properties of mushroom derived polysaccharides (PS) as stand-alone agents were tested. Next. PS were nanocomplexed with polyI:C (pIC) to yield stable nanoparticles around 200 nm in size evidenced by atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering analyses. PSs were selectively engaged by cells expressing TLR2 and initiated NF kappa B dependent signaling cascade leading to a Th1-biased cytokine/chemokine secretion in addition to bactericidal nitric oxide (NO) production from macrophages. Moreover, cells treated with nanoparticles led to synergistic IL6, production and upregulation of TNF alpha, MIP3 alpha, IFN gamma and IP10 transcript expression. In mice, PS-Ovalbumin-pIC formulation surpassed anti-OVA IgG responses when compared to either PS-OVA or pIC-OVA mediated immunity. Our results revealed that signal transduction initiated both by TLR2 and TLR3 via co-delivery of pIC by PS in nanoparticle depot delivery system is an effective immunization strategy. The present work implicate that the PS and nucleic acid based nanoparticle approach along with protein antigens can be harnessed to prevent infectious diseases. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserve

Scour and hydrodynamic effects of debris blockage at masonry bridges: insights from experimental and numerical modelling

The final version is available from IAHR via the URL in this record.This paper describes preliminary results of a project investigating the scour and hydrodynamic effects of debris blockage at masonry bridges. Debris blockage, which is often cited as one of the primary causes of bridge failures in the UK and around the world, results in a larger obstruction to the flow leading to increased flow velocities, scour and hydrodynamic forces, compared to the conditions without debris. This, in turn, can affect the structural stability of bridges, for example, by undermining their foundations. Masonry bridges, many of which are valuable historical assets, are particularly vulnerable to debris blockage due to their short spans and low clearance. The reported study, being undertaken at the Centre for Water Systems at the University of Exeter, has two main phases: (i) laboratory experiments and (ii) CFD simulations. In the first phase, a 0.6m-wide and 10m-long flume is utilized to study the flow hydrodynamics and scour associated with pier/bridge models in several reference scenarios. The geometry of the pier/bridge and debris models are kept approximately similar to prototype conditions, with hydraulic conditions of the experiments designed to the degree that laboratory constraints allow to maintain Froude similarity. Velocities and scour are measured via an acoustic Doppler velocimeter and echo-sounding concept. Experimental results are used to calibrate and validate CFD models which can later enable simulation of more complicated scenarios. This paper will report these preliminary results from both experimental and CFD phases. Preliminary experimental results highlight the significance of debris existence in enhancing scour due to increasing flow downward velocities. Preliminary results from CFD modelling also show good agreement with experimental results.The research presented in this paper was supported by funding from the UK’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) under grant EP/M017354/1