Expert system for energy optimization of buildings using sustainable and resilient strategies

An expert system is developed using the science of heuristics to better model energy usage in existing commercial buildings and to predict future improvements more accurately. The software performs an initial audit analysis of all the major building systems including building envelope, HVAC, lighting, office equipment and appliances, water and hot water, and waste handling. A novel feature of the expert system is that it analyzes energy flow within the building more interactively and cohesively, as opposed to looking at each system individually as do most energy analysis tools on the current market. Both forward and backward chaining strategies are used to accomplish this. During the auditing process, the software queries user habits and system controls to understand occupant behavior, which can have a significant effect on actual energy usage. Responses are analyzed using Bayesian functions to develop heuristic factors, which are then applied to the results of the audit analysis. This ensures that energy usage is modeled as it is used and operated, as opposed to how it was designed, which can differ significantly. Once the heuristic factors are applied to audit results, the expert system performs a synchronization step with a forcing function to converge the calculated energy usage with actual consumption from the utility bills, so that energy efficiency may be optimized in the target building. The software then generates a list of recommended upgrades that are prioritized by cost, ease of implementation, and projected energy savings. Sustainable and resilient strategies are also recommended by the system, since it is becoming increasingly important that a building not only be “green” but also be resilient in the face of a disaster, natural or otherwise. The expert system is validated and calibrated with ten schools selected from the Newark Public Schools District in New Jersey. The test group of K-12 buildings proved ideal in that they all had similar usage but also represented a wide range of building age, size, and construction type. They were also subject to the temperature extremes of the Northeast climate. Although the expert system is calibrated for Newark school system, the data libraries are easily modified to model any number of building types and climates. In general, the model shows very good convergence with actual energy consumption for the ten schools as evidenced by an average synchronization adjustment of -0.9% for electric usage and 0.0% for natural gas. A key finding for the Newark study was the wide range of the heuristic index, which measures how occupant behavior and system controls affect the energy usage within a target building. The heuristic index for the “best” test case is 29%, while for the “worst” test case is 54%, or nearly double. Detail model results show that a well-trained staff and good building management are the most influential factors in reducing the heuristic index and thus energy consumption for a given school. The impacts of factors such as HVAC system type and construction materials on energy efficiency are found to be less significant for this test group. The overall model results suggest that a 17% average reduction in energy usage is achievable by improving building management and custodial staff training, and savings of 10% or more can be realized by implementing modest cost upgrades with rapid payback, such as replacing weather stripping, appliance timers, and filter maintenance

Evaluación de fibra dietética, isoflavonas y compuestos fenólicos con propiedades antioxidantes y antimicrobianas de quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.)

The consumption of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) has been steadily increasing due to its high nutritional value and health benefits associated with its high antioxidant capacity. The objective of this study was to determine the contents of dietary fiber, polyphenols, flavonoids and isoflavones, and how they contribute to the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of six ecotypes of quinoa cultivated in three different zones of Chile. The ecotypes studied were: Ancovinto and Cancosa (Northern zone), Cáhuil and Faro (Central zone), and Regalona and Villarrica (Southern zone). The results indicate that all Chilean quinoa ecotypes could be considered as good sources of dietary fiber (12.23 g 100 g-1 dry matter) and polyphenols (161.32 mg Gallic Acid Equivalents (GAE) 100 g-1 dry matter). The North and Central ecotypes exhibited the highest isoflavone concentration. The Northern Cancosa was the ecotype that showed the highest flavonoid content (211.06 mg Catechin Equivalents (CAE) 100 g-1 dry matter). Based on the ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) assay, Ancovinto, Cancosa and Faro presented the highest antioxidant capacity (67.6 mmol Trolox Equivalents (TE) 100 g-1 dry matter). Regarding antimicrobial activity, Regalona ecotype showed the best performance against Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Listeria innocua. The bioactive compounds found in this study add new knowledge to the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of Chilean quinoa seeds.El consumo de quinua (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) está aumentando debido a su valor nutricional y beneficios para la salud relacionados con su capacidad antioxidante. El objetivo de presente estudio fue determinar los contenidos de fibra dietética, polifenoles, flavonoides e isoflavonas, y cómo estos compuestos contribuyen a la actividad antioxidante y antimicrobiana de seis ecotipos de quinua cultivados en tres zonas de Chile. Las muestras de quinua de la zona Norte se denominan Ancovinto y Cancosa, de la zona Centro se llaman Cáhuil y Faro, y de la zona Sur se denominan Regalona y Villarrica. Los resultados mostraron que todos los ecotipos de quinua chilena pueden considerarse buena fuente de fibra dietética (12,23 g 100 g-1 materia seca) y de polifenoles (161,32 mg de Equivalentes de Acido Gálico (EAG) 100 g-1 materia seca). Los ecotipos de la zona Norte y Centro mostraron la mayor concentración de isoflavonas. El ecotipo Cancosa, de la zona Norte, fue el que mostró el mayor contenido de flavonoides (211,06 mg Equivalentes de Catequina (ECA) 100 g-1 materia seca). Basado en el ensayo ORAC (del inglés Oxigen Radical Absorbance Capacity), los ecotipos Ancovinto, Cancosa y Faro, presentaron en promedio la mayor capacidad antioxidante (67,6 mmol de Equivalentes Trolox (ET) 100 g-1 materia seca). El ecotipo Regalona mostró la más alta actividad antimicrobiana frente a Saccharomyces cerevisiae y Listeria innocua. Los compuestos bioactivos encontrados en este estudio aportan nuevos conocimientos a la actividad antioxidante y antimicrobiana de las semillas de quinua chilena.Fil: Vega Gálvez, Antonio. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Zura, Liliana. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Lutz, Mariane. Universidad de Vlparaíso; ChileFil: Jagus, Rosa Juana. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Tecnologías y Ciencias de la Ingeniería "Hilario Fernández Long". Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Tecnologías y Ciencias de la Ingeniería "Hilario Fernández Long"; ArgentinaFil: Agüero, Maria Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay. Instituto de Tecnologías y Ciencias de la Ingeniería "Hilario Fernández Long". Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Tecnologías y Ciencias de la Ingeniería "Hilario Fernández Long"; ArgentinaFil: Pastén, Alexis. Universidad de La Serena; ChileFil: Di Scala, Karina Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería; ArgentinaFil: Uribe, Elsa. Universidad de La Serena; Chil

Toxicity of malathion during Senegalese sole, Solea senegalensis larval development and metamorphosis: Histopathological disorders and effects on type B esterases and CYP1A enzymatic systems

The toxicity of malathion to Solea senegalensis was studied in a static renewal bioassay during its first month of larval life (between 4 and 30 dph). Through the use of different biomarkers and biochemical, cellular and molecular approaches (inhibition of cholinesterases [ChEs], changes in cytochrome P450-1A [CYP1A] and the study of histopathological alterations), the effects of three concentrations of malathion (1.56, 3.12, and 6.25 mu g/L) have been analyzed. In subacute exposure, malathion inhibited cholinesterase activities (AChE, BChE, CbE) in a dose- and time-dependent manner, ranging the inhibition percentage from 20% to 90%. However, the expression levels of CYP1A and AChE transcripts or proteins were not modified. Additionally, exposure to malathion provoked histopathological alterations in several organ systems of Senegalese sole in a time- and dose dependent way, namely disruption of parenchymal architecture in the liver, epithelial desquamation, pyknotic nuclei and steatosis in the intestine, disorganization of supporting cartilage, and sings of hyperplasia and hypertrophy in the gills and degeneration of the epithelial cells from the renal tubules. Malathion exposure also provoked strong disorganization of cardiac fibers from the heart. The findings provide evidence that exposure to sublethal concentrations of malathion that provoked serious injury to the fish S. senegalensis, were below the expected environmental concentrations reported in many other ecosystems and different fish species,revealing a higher sensitivity for Solea senegalensis to malathion exposure, thus reinforcing its use as sentinel species for environmental pollution in coastal and estuarine environments

Bi-allelic variants in CELSR3 are implicated in central nervous system and urinary tract anomalies

CELSR3 codes for a planar cell polarity protein. We describe twelve affected individuals from eleven independent families with bi-allelic variants in CELSR3. Affected individuals presented with an overlapping phenotypic spectrum comprising central nervous system (CNS) anomalies (7/12), combined CNS anomalies and congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) (3/12) and CAKUT only (2/12). Computational simulation of the 3D protein structure suggests the position of the identified variants to be implicated in penetrance and phenotype expression. CELSR3 immunolocalization in human embryonic urinary tract and transient suppression and rescue experiments of Celsr3 in fluorescent zebrafish reporter lines further support an embryonic role of CELSR3 in CNS and urinary tract formation.</p

Bi-allelic variants in CELSR3 are implicated in central nervous system and urinary tract anomalies

CELSR3 codes for a planar cell polarity protein. We describe twelve affected individuals from eleven independent families with bi-allelic variants in CELSR3. Affected individuals presented with an overlapping phenotypic spectrum comprising central nervous system (CNS) anomalies (7/12), combined CNS anomalies and congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) (3/12) and CAKUT only (2/12). Computational simulation of the 3D protein structure suggests the position of the identified variants to be implicated in penetrance and phenotype expression. CELSR3 immunolocalization in human embryonic urinary tract and transient suppression and rescue experiments of Celsr3 in fluorescent zebrafish reporter lines further support an embryonic role of CELSR3 in CNS and urinary tract formation.</p

Genetic mechanisms of critical illness in COVID-19.

Host-mediated lung inflammation is present1, and drives mortality2, in the critical illness caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Host genetic variants associated with critical illness may identify mechanistic targets for therapeutic development3. Here we report the results of the GenOMICC (Genetics Of Mortality In Critical Care) genome-wide association study in 2,244 critically ill patients with COVID-19 from 208 UK intensive care units. We have identified and replicated the following new genome-wide significant associations: on chromosome 12q24.13 (rs10735079, P = 1.65 × 10-8) in a gene cluster that encodes antiviral restriction enzyme activators (OAS1, OAS2 and OAS3); on chromosome 19p13.2 (rs74956615, P = 2.3 × 10-8) near the gene that encodes tyrosine kinase 2 (TYK2); on chromosome 19p13.3 (rs2109069, P = 3.98 ×  10-12) within the gene that encodes dipeptidyl peptidase 9 (DPP9); and on chromosome 21q22.1 (rs2236757, P = 4.99 × 10-8) in the interferon receptor gene IFNAR2. We identified potential targets for repurposing of licensed medications: using Mendelian randomization, we found evidence that low expression of IFNAR2, or high expression of TYK2, are associated with life-threatening disease; and transcriptome-wide association in lung tissue revealed that high expression of the monocyte-macrophage chemotactic receptor CCR2 is associated with severe COVID-19. Our results identify robust genetic signals relating to key host antiviral defence mechanisms and mediators of inflammatory organ damage in COVID-19. Both mechanisms may be amenable to targeted treatment with existing drugs. However, large-scale randomized clinical trials will be essential before any change to clinical practice

Student Energy Audits of Buildings Can be Done!

Energy conservation and sustainability are at the forefront of engineering today. It is imperative that engineering educators lead in this effort by showing the next generation of engineers that they can have a real impact by saving our energy and resources; this is especially effective when students are led on a journey of discovery, resulting in genuine learning (Adler, 1982). Luckily, it is easy to demonstrate energy conservation in real environments for hands on learning, even right on campus! In the course Green Facilities Management, student groups performed energy audits of two separate buildings on campus, one constructed in 1948 and the other in 2014[KLCUU1] [SVACUU2] . Students first learned about energy sources and then analyzed an actual energy bill; the students then dug into the creation of green buildings, management of renewable energy sources, and life cycle costing. This was supplemented by a key hands-on portion, with building inspection, which included wall and roof material, insulation levels, window and door sizes, leaks, lighting and appliance loads. Occupant interviews were conducted to determine hours of operations and uses, and heating and cooling loads were calculated using real-world sources, like heat given off by people, solar radiation, conduction, and ancillary heat gain. Students then analyzed Energy Management Opportunities (EMOs), Green Energy Opportunities (GEOs) and life cycle costs and stated their prioritized recommendations, including an evaluation of installed and possible future green measures. Finally, during an oral presentation, the buildings, EMOs and GEOs were compared. Results were assessed through both student feedback and project quality. Students appreciated the realistic project and being able to look at energy efficiency and the economics of sustainability. Projects were assessed by the instructor and 78% of the class had a B+ or higher on the project, exceeding expectations. The oral presentation had similarly positive results

Application of citric acid and mild heat shock to minimally processed sliced radish: Color evaluation

The aim of this research was to study the effects of two hurdle technologies, citric acid application (CA) at 0.3%, 0.6% and 0.9% and thermal treatments (IT) for 1, 2 and 3 min at 50 °C, on the color of radish slices over 10 d of refrigerated storage. Contribution of the hurdles and their interactions were evaluated by examining the treatment effects on the following parameters: chromatic coordinates (L*, a* and b*) and the indices: chroma (ΔC*), total color difference (ΔE) and Color Index (CI*). The chromatic parameters for fresh radish (control samples) were L0 = 69.43 ± 0.62, a0 = −0.46 ± 0.05 and b0 = 5.37 ± 0.37, while the calculated color indices were chroma = 5.39 ± 0.36, ΔE = 0 and CI* = −1.19 ± 0.17. Regarding control samples, the b* values showed an increasing trend during storage, which was associated with browning of the slices. Both ΔE and ΔC* values presented similar trends as reported for b*. Based on statistical analysis of the parameters and indices tested, the single hurdle application of low citric acid concentration (0.3%) or intermediate immersion time (2 min) at 50 °C minimized the radish slices color changes during storage. However, better results were obtained when two hurdles in series were applied. According to analysis, the treatment T7 (1 min IT, 0.3% CA) was selected as the best treatment to improve the retention of typical natural color of the minimally processed sliced radishes.Fil: Goyeneche, Rosario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Ingeniería Química. Grupo de Inv En Ingeniería En Alimentos; Argentina. Agencia Nacional de Promoción Científica y Tecnológica; ArgentinaFil: Agüero, Maria Victoria. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Ingeniería Química. Grupo de Inv En Ingeniería En Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Roura, Sara Ines. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Ingeniería Química. Grupo de Inv En Ingeniería En Alimentos; ArgentinaFil: Di Scala, Karina Cecilia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Departamento de Ingeniería Química. Grupo de Inv En Ingeniería En Alimentos; Argentin

Assessment of lettuce quality during storage at low relative humidity using Global Stability Index methodology

During postharvest, lettuce is usually exposed to adverse conditions (e.g. low relative humidity) that reduce the vegetable quality. In order to evaluate its shelf life, a great number of quality attributes must be analyzed, which requires careful experimental design, and it is time consuming. In this study, the modified Global Stability Index method was applied to estimate the quality of butter lettuce at low relative humidity during storage discriminating three lettuce zones (internal, middle, and external). The results indicated that the most relevant attributes were: the external zone - relative water content, water content , ascorbic acid, and total mesophilic counts; middle zone - relative water content, water content, total chlorophyll, and ascorbic acid; internal zone - relative water content, bound water, water content, and total mesophilic counts. A mathematical model that takes into account the Global Stability Index and overall visual quality for each lettuce zone was proposed. Moreover, the Weibull distribution was applied to estimate the maximum vegetable storage time which was 5, 4, and 3 days for the internal, middle, and external zone, respectively. When analyzing the effect of storage time for each lettuce zone, all the indices evaluated in the external zone of lettuce presented significant differences (p < 0.05). For both, internal and middle zones, the attributes presented significant differences (p < 0.05), except for water content and total chlorophyll