Energy-Availability-QoS Trade-off for Future Converged Fixed-Mobile Networks

Abstract-In the access part of the Future Internet the fixed and mobile access is expected to converge not only to better utilize the resources, but also to decrease the power consumption, to increase the availability and also to improve the QoS/QoE of uesrs. We present architectures and algorithms to show what EnergyAvailability-QoS tradeoffs can be reached. We support our approach by intensive simulations. The electric energy consumption [kWh] grows from year to year. The share of InfoCommunications Technologies (ICT) grows even faster. In this paper we focus primarily onto reducing energy consumption of the access part of modern heterogeneous mobile networks that leads to "greening" of this part of the network. The idea of our "greening" algorithm is based on selective switch-off and on consolidation of resources, employed jointly with both, the vertical and the horisontal handover (handoff). We show by simulations the energy saving benefits of our approach

Opportunities for process intensification technologies in nuclear effluent treatment: A review of precipitators, adsorbers and separators

This paper reviews the technologies and opportunities for process intensification (PI) in nuclear effluent treatment. PI is an area that has already created many innovations within the chemicals industry, and offers a growing field of research and development potential for nuclear operations. Technologies are considered here to be those ultimately resulting in step-change improvements to a number of operational aspects; such as smaller unit footprints, enhanced heat and mass transfer, reduction in secondary wastes, improved process safety and synergy, or direct integration with other downstream processes. Herein, we conduct a rigorous evaluation and scoping assessment of unit designs for the treatment of nuclear liquid effluents and solid-liquid waste management. Specific focus is given to precipitation, adsorption and separation operations, where over 250 articles are detailed, and prospects for technology transfer are discussed. In general, there is a trade-off in PI designs between operational simplicity (which may be more easily adopted in nuclear treatments) and more mechanically complex strategies that may, however, attain suitable scale-up requirements. Analysed options vary from those that would be radically different for industry, to those where applications are increasingly common in other process areas, with the advantages and limitations of all being discussed

Hair Trace Element and Electrolyte Content in Women with Natural and In Vitro Fertilization-Induced Pregnancy

The objective of the present study was to perform comparative analysis of hair trace element content in women with natural and in vitro fertilization (IVF)-induced pregnancy. Hair trace element content in 33 women with IVF-induced pregnancy and 99 age- and body mass index-matched control pregnant women (natural pregnancy) was assessed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated that IVF-pregnant women are characterized by significantly lower hair levels of Cu, Fe, Si, Zn, Ca, Mg, and Ba at p < 0.05 or lower. Comparison of the individual levels with the national reference values demonstrated higher incidence of Fe and Cu deficiency in IVF-pregnant women in comparison to that of the controls. IVF pregnancy was also associated with higher hair As levels (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant interrelation between IVF pregnancy and hair Cu, Fe, Si, and As content. Hair Cu levels were also influenced by vitamin/mineral supplementation and the number of pregnancies, whereas hair Zn content was dependent on prepregnancy anthropometric parameters. In turn, planning of pregnancy had a significant impact on Mg levels in scalp hair. Generally, the obtained data demonstrate an elevated risk of copper, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium deficiency and arsenic overload in women with IVF-induced pregnancy. The obtained data indicate the necessity of regular monitoring of micronutrient status in IVF-pregnant women in order to prevent potential deleterious effects of altered mineral homeostasis