Optimal solution of a diffusion equation with a discrete source term

In this paper we study the numerical behavior of a diffusion equation with a discrete control source term. The equation is discretized in space by finite differences and in time by an implicit scheme. The control variables are calculated in order to minimize an objective function, taking into account some restrictions. We define two strategies to obtain the optimal solution and present some numerical results in a context of a model that describes the oxygen concentration in a single chamber microbial fuel cell

Design for Adaptability (DfA) - frameworks and assessment models for enhanced circularity in buildings

A growing interest has been expressed in the issue of building adaptability over the past decade, perceiving it as an intrinsic criterion for sustainability. In light of the circular economy (CE) and its application in the construction sector, more attention has been paid to buildings’ design for adaptability (DfA) towards the realization of circular buildings. DfA is considered a key enabler for other circular design strategies such as design for disassembly (DfD), multi-functionality, spatial transformability, and design reversibility. However, implementation and assessment frameworks, and design-support tools for the circular building, are still in development as the characterization of circular buildings continues with endeavors to draw a defined shape by identifying the prerequisites for circularity where the design takes an important place. For the sake of objectifying the role of DfA in circularity frameworks in buildings, this paper carries out an analytical review and discussion on two types of assessment and design-support frameworks; the first addresses adaptability criteria and considerations in assessment frameworks that handle the concept individually while the second classifies existing circularity assessment endeavors into four main categories under which multiple tools are reviewed. A reflection on the scope and objectives for both types is later performed, illustrating the state of adaptability evaluation and criteria as well as its role in circularity frameworks. Results show that the concept of building adaptability lacks quantitative methods that quantify a building’s capacity to adapt as well as empirical data that prioritize the most valuable criteria facilitating adaptations. Moreover, many circularity assessment frameworks fail to consider adaptability criteria at all hierarchal levels of a building composition. To address this shortcoming, a series of conceptual considerations and requirements is proposed towards a potential establishment of an inclusive framework of a circularity design-support tool in buildings. The study is concluded by identifying gaps and recommendations for further developments in the field.This research was funded by the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), grant number PD/BD/150400/2019

Role of local communities in the social network of the protected area management

Biodiversity conservation traditionally necessitates setting aside land, which frequently impacts local communities. Although progress has been made on how to optimize this process, conflict frequently emerges when conservation and community goals are at odds. Improving communication and community inclusiveness in decision-making processes is strongly recommended to achieve livelihood goals and conservation outcomes. We used social network analysis to understand how local communities are embedded within the structure and dynamics of stakeholder interactions in Quirimbas National Park (Mozambique). We detected a network of limited cooperation that lacks bidirectional communication, displaying low average knowledge transfer but high bonding across stakeholder groups with similar perceptions. Local communities only interact with the district government and they have a passive voice in the system. A more inclusive network structure is needed so that conservation and community livelihood goals can be achieved.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Estimation of water use and crop coefficients for an intensive olive orchard using sap flow measurements and modeled data

Olive tree sap flow measurements were collected in an intensive orchard near Évora, Portugal, during the irrigation seasons of 2013 and 2014, to calculate daily tree transpiration rates (T_SF). Meteorological variables were also collected to calculate reference evapotranspiration (ETo). Both data were used to assess values of basal crop coefficient (Kcb) for the period of the sap flow observations. The soil water balance model SIMDualKc was calibrated with soil, biophysical ground data and sap flow measurements collected in 2013. Validated in 2014 with collected sap flow observations, the model was used to provide estimates of dual e single crop coefficients for 2014 crop growing season. Good agreement between model simulated daily transpiration rates and those obtained with sapflow measurements was observed for 2014 (R2=0.76, RMSE=0.20 mm d-1), the year of validation, with an estimation average absolute error (AAE) of 0.20 mm d-1. Olive modeled daily actual evapotranspiration resulted in atual ETc values of 0.87, 2.05 and 0.77 mm d-1 for 2014 initial, mid- and end-season, respectively. Actual crop coefficient (Kc act) values of 0.51, 0.43 and 0.67 were also obtained for the same periods, respectively. Higher Kc values during spring (initial stage) and autumn (end-stage) were published in FAO56, varying between 0.65 for Kc ini and 0.70 for Kc end. The lower Kc mid value of 0.43 obtained for the summer (mid-season) is also inconsistent with the FAO56 expected Kc mid value of 0.70 for the period. The modeled Kc results are more consistent with the ones published by Allen & Pereira [1] for olive orchards with effective ground cover of 0.25 to 0.5, which vary between 0.40 and 0.80 for Kc ini, 0.40–0.60 for Kc mid with no active ground cover, and 0.35–0.75 for Kc end, depending on ground cover. The SIMDualKc simulation model proved to be appropriate for obtaining evapotranspiration and crop coefficient values for our intensive olive orchard in southern Portugal

Enhanced mitochondrial testicular antioxidant capacity in Goto-Kakizaki diabetic rats: role of coenzyme Q

Because diabetes mellitus is associated with impairment of testicular function, ultimately leading to reduced fertility, this study was conducted to evaluate the existence of a cause-effect relationship between increased oxidative stress in diabetes and reduced mitochondrial antioxidant capacity. The susceptibility to oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity (in terms of glutathione, coenzyme Q, and vitamin E content) of testis mitochondrial preparations isolated from Goto-Kakizaki (GK) non-insulin-dependent diabetic rats and from Wistar control rats, 1 yr of age, was evaluated. It was found that GK mitochondrial preparations showed a lower susceptibility to lipid peroxidation induced by ADP/Fe(2+), as evaluated by oxygen consumption and reactive oxygen species generation. The decreased susceptibility to oxidative stress in diabetic rats was associated with an increase in mitochondrial glutathione and coenzyme Q9 contents, whereas vitamin E was not changed. These results demonstrate a higher antioxidant capacity in diabetic GK rats. We suggest this is an adaptive response of testis mitochondria to the increased oxidative damage in diabetes mellitu

Fractionation of the major whey proteins and isolation of β-Lactoglobulin variants by anion exchange chromatography

A method for the separation and fractionation of the major whey proteins from a whey protein concentrate (WPC80) by anion-exchange chromatography coupled to a Fast Protein Liquid Chromatography (FPLC) system is proposed. The method is based on the use of an ionic column (Mono Q) and a salt gradient elution by increasing the ionic strength of the elution buffer (Tris–HCl 20 mM plus 0 to 1 M NaCl). The proposed method was found to be suitable to fractionate the major whey proteins from the WPC80 in different fractions, namely one fraction containing all the a-Lactalbumin and immunoglobulins; another fraction containing all the bovine serum albumin; and two distinct fractions each containing a different variant of b-Lactoglobulin. A 60.5% (w/w) recovery of the two main b-Lactoglobulin variants was obtained

Case Presentation for Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis (PVNS)

CASE HISTORY: The patient is a 21 years old male collegiate baseball player who suffered an acute pain in his right knee during practice. The athlete began to experience pain while decelerating following running to first base. Immediately after the occurrence, the athlete’s knee was “locked” and the athlete was unable to perform active knee flexion or extension. Passively, he was unable to flex or extend due to pain. Following the event, there was an immediate swelling of the knee. The athlete had not complained of pain in his knee prior to this date, but mentioned his knee would occasionally lock. Previous medical history showed right knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery from two years ago. PHYSICAL EXAM: Examination of the right knee did not demonstrate any palpable deformity or crepitus. The knee was stuck in a 15° flexion and was observed with edema. Range of motion could not be assed due to pain and inability to self-initiate movement. The athlete classified the pain as sharp, and a 6 on a 1-10 scale. Neurologically the athlete was within normal limits. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS: Meniscus strain; Compromised graft from previous ACL surgery; Synovial chondromatosis; Inflammatory synovitis. TESTS & RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed the anterior cruciate ligament graft to be intact and revealed a 2 cm nodular region of scar tissue, anteriorly at the intercondylar notch anterior to the graft. The MRI also revealed a 4-5 cm ill-defined region of nodular synovitis, anterior to the ACL graft. A much smaller finding with a similar appearance was observed laterally in the suprapatellar pouch. Acute synovitis in the joint behind the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) was also observed. A clear joint effusion was present. All other surrounding tendons were intact. Lateral and medial meniscus were also intact. The possibility of pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) was considered and confirmed. FINAL DIAGNOSIS: Pigmented villonodular synovitis. DISCUSSION: Inflammation of the knee can indicate acute or chronic conditions. Clinical manifestations of PVNS includes pain, swelling, locking, and instability of the affected joint. In most cases, PVNS affects the knee joint, but may also affect the hip, ankle, shoulder, and elbow joints. This condition causes the synovium, which lines the joints and tendons to thicken. This thickening leads to swelling of the joint and pain when flexing or extending the joint. As the condition progresses, the affected joint is exposed to bone damage and arthritis. This is a rare condition that can affect people of any age, but has been typically present in adults between 30-40 years of age. According to the National Institute of Health, PVNS may occur in about 5-6 people out of 10,000 people. The cause of PVNS is currently unknown. Clinical presentation includes inflammation of the joint and pain when attempting to perform movement. OUTCOME OF THE CASE: This case is unique because PVNS is usually present in older individuals, whereas this patient is only 21 years of age and had reported no previous pain. PVNS is rarely a suspected condition or final diagnosis. The athlete underwent an arthroscopic debridement surgery. He then went through 28 days of rehabilitation and had no complications during rehabilitation. The athlete began rehabilitation with quadriceps isometrics which involved taking his knee through a passive range of motion. He was further progressed into gait training and resistance exercises through a full range of motion. After full range of motion was achieved, the athlete finalized rehabilitation with functional exercises. RETURN TO ACTIVITY AND FURTHER FOLLOW-UP: The athlete was cleared to return to full activity by day 28 of rehabilitation. Further follow-up was not needed as the athlete has not complained of pain and has full range of motion