Environmental and economic analysis of renewable energy producing systems with a focus on wooden towers as components of wind-solar systems -The Dali PowerTower case study

This paper aims at assessing the economic features and the environmental impact of a wooden tower used in wind-solar renewable energy generating systems. The life cycle assessment method and return on investment method were used in order to achieve the objectives of the study. Two types of towers were used in the analysis: an impregnated wooden tower and an untreated one. Besides wood, the tower is composed of steel parts. The life cycle assessment results show that the impregnated wooden tower has a lower potential environmental impact due to increased durability compared with the untreated one. Another important result is that steel manufacturing process and usage of German electricity grid mix represent the hot spots of both analysed systems. The results are sensitive regarding assumed transportation distances. The economic assessment highlights the fact that a positive return on investment could be obtained in cases when the wind-solar system covers at least 62% of household’s energy need. The return on investment results are also sensitive at input variables’ values and a specific case calculation is recommended

Natural strategies of preventing anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity – a review

oai:ojs2.studiabiologia.reviste.ubbcluj.ro:article/4Cardiotoxicity is one of the worst long-term effects of cancer therapy and doxorubicin is one of the main compounds responsible for cardiovascular complications. There are several biologically active compounds that can alleviate or prevent cardiotoxicity through multiple directions. Therefore, one of the aims of this paper is to emphasize the mechanisms by which several naturally occuring substances can improve the cardiac activity after drug-induced cardiotoxicity. The second part of this paper aims to update the molecular mechanism by which physical exercise and nutrition improve the life of a person with cardiovascular disease. The data collected showed that an active life and following a diet rich in polyphenols, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, may enhance the cardiovascular activity after exposure cu cardiotoxic drugs.

Managing Brain Extracellular K(+) during Neuronal Activity:The Physiological Role of the Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase Subunit Isoforms

AbstractDuring neuronal activity in the brain, extracellular K+ rises and is subsequently removed to prevent a widespread depolarization. One of the key players in regulating extracellular K+ is the Na+/K+-ATPase, although the relative involvement and physiological impact of the different subunit isoform compositions of the Na+/K+-ATPase remain unresolved. The various cell types in the brain serve a certain temporal contribution in the face of network activity; astrocytes respond directly to the immediate release of K+ from neurons, whereas the neurons themselves become the primary K+ absorbers as activity ends. The kinetic characteristics of the catalytic α subunit isoforms of the Na+/K+-ATPase are, partly, determined by the accessory β subunit with which they combine. The isoform combinations expressed by astrocytes and neurons, respectively, appear to be in line with the kinetic characteristics required to fulfill their distinct physiological roles in clearance of K+ from the extracellular space in the face of neuronal activity.Understanding the nature, impact and effects of the various Na+/K+-ATPase isoform combinations in K+ management in the central nervous system might reveal insights into pathological conditions such as epilepsy, migraine, and spreading depolarization following cerebral ischemia. In addition, particular neurological diseases occur as a result of mutations in the α2- (familial hemiplegic migraine type 2) and α3 isoforms (rapid-onset dystonia parkinsonism/alternating hemiplegia of childhood). This review addresses aspects of the Na+/K+-ATPase in the regulation of extracellular K+ in the central nervous system as well as the related pathophysiology. Understanding the physiological setting in non-pathological tissue would provide a better understanding of the pathological events occurring during disease

Insulin Therapy in Gestational Diabetes

The prevalence of gestational diabetes risen in several populations during the past 20 years, and increased direct and indirect healthcare costs, including those for insulin treatment. Establishing the optimal treatment and initiation momentum are critical to achieve glycemic control and minimize the impact on fetal development and perinatal complications. Insulin is the only therapy that does not cross the placenta, and some of its types were proved to be safe in pregnancy. Intrapartum management is based on intravenous insulin administration, and standard protocols should be implemented in every center. Postpartum management requires special attention, as insulin necessary has a fast decline exposing mothers to hypoglycemia

European Efficiency or Inefficiency in Economic Growth Through Digital Transformation

The current global changes bring to the fore the importance of the innovation and digital transformation for economic development. Under the previous assumption, an objective evaluation of the economic growth discrepancies, considering the digitalization process, is required. The main goal of the present research is to analyse the economic growth of the European countries, based to the digitalization process, by using an input-output method. Under these circumstances, a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) was performed, considering the digitalization dimensions of DESI Index as input and the economic growth (annual %) as output. Based on the proposed model, the results highlighted the bidirectional relationship between economic growth and digitalization. Consistent with the research results, the European countries can be divided in two main categories: the efficient and the inefficient. On one hand, we can find the relatively efficient European states in terms of achieving the economic growth through digitalization (Ireland, Romania, Croatia and Greece). On the other hand, there is a numerous list of the inefficient ones, including important countries like Finland, Germany or France. Obviously, a remarkable aspect related to their situation is that, considering the national available inputs, an output maximization will be possible. According to the proposed model, the efficient countries can serve as peers or optimal benchmarks for solving the issue of relative inefficiency, by adapting and implementing their good practices

An Econophysics Model for Investments using the Law of the Electric Field Flow (Gauss’ Law)

In this paper a new econophysics model of investment processes is proposed and discussed. For this purpose an analogy between the electric field flow and the investment supplying flow with credits for the considered investment is used

An Econophysics Model for Investments using the Law of the Electric Field Flow (Gauss’ Law)

In this paper a new econophysics model of investment processes is proposed and discussed. For this purpose an analogy between the electric field flow and the investment supplying flow with credits for the considered investment is used

Microbiota signatures in type-2 diabetic patients with chronic kidney disease - A Pilot Study

The human microbiota is paramount for normal host physiology. Altered host-microbiome interactions are part of the pathogenesis of numerous common ailments. Currently, much emphasis is placed on the involvement of the microbiome in the pathogenesis of type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), impaired glucose tolerance, and other metabolic disorders (i.e. obesity). Several studies found highly significant correlations of specific intestinal bacteria with T2DM. A better understanding of the role of the microbiome in diabetes and its complications might provide new insights in the development of new therapeutic principles. Our pilot study investigates the microbiota patterns in Romanian type-2 diabetic patients with diabetic kidney disease. Fecal samples were collected from type 2-diabetic patients and healthy controls and further used for bacterial DNA isolation. Using 16 rDNA qRT-PCR, we analyzed phyla abundance (Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes) as well as the relative abundance of specific bacterial groups (Lactobacillus sp., Enterobacteriaceae, Ruminococus sp., Prevotella sp., Faecalibacterium sp., Clostridium coccoides, Clostridium leptum). Our study also investigates the diabetic fungal microbiome for the first time. Furthermore, we report significant correlations between the treatment regimen and microbiota composition in diabetic nephropathy