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The cosmetics industry is constantly seeking sustainable and environmentally friendly ingredients for hair care formulations to replace those traditionally derived from the petrochemical industry. In this context, the substitution of traditional cationic polyelectrolytes, such as poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride, PDADMAC), by others of natural origin, such as chitosan, is a key challenge to achieve new formulations with a higher degree of naturality and more environmentally friendly without compromising product efficacy. This work investigates the effect of dilution on the phase separation of concentrated binary mixtures of two anionic surfactants (sodium laureth sulfate, SLES, and sodium dodecyl sulfate, SDS) with PDADMAC or chitosan. PDADMAC is a polycation of petrochemical origin, whereas chitosan is obtained from natural resources. Also, how this phase separation affects the formation of conditioning deposits on surfaces that mimic the charge and wettability of damaged hair fibers has been studied. The results show that for polymers of similar molecular weight, the substitution of PDADMAC by a highly charged chitosan is a promising alternative. The deposition is greatly enhanced for model wash formulations containing chitosan after minimal dilution. The results obtained here may pave the way to an important line of research toward improving the sustainability profile of hair care formulations without compromising consumer satisfaction., MICINN, European Innovative Training Network-Marie Skłodowska-Curie Action NanoPaInt, Depto. de Química Física, Fac. de Ciencias Químicas, Instituto Pluridisciplinar (IP), TRUE, pub

Phytoplankton subsidies from river inputs and wetland habitats can be important food sources for pelagic organisms in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta (Delta). However, while the Sacramento River is a key contributor of water to the Delta, providing 80% of the mean annual inflow, the river is only a minor source of phytoplankton to the system. The reason for low phytoplankton biomass in the Sacramento River is not well understood but appears to be associated with a 65-km stretch of the lower river where chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentrations can decline by as much as 90%. We conducted two surveys along the lower Sacramento River, in spring and fall of 2016, to investigate the relative contributions of different factors potentially driving this Chl-a decline. Our study evaluated the change in Chl-a concentrations as a result of dilution from tributaries, light availability, nutrient concentrations, nutrient uptake, phytoplankton productivity, zooplankton grazing, and clam grazing. Chl-a concentration decreased from 14 µg/L to 1.8 µg/L in the spring and from 4.0 µg/L to 1.2 µg/L in the fall. Dilutions from the Feather River and American River contributed 39% and 11% of Chl-a declines, respectively, during the spring. Average water depths roughly doubled downstream of the American River confluence, reducing water column light availability and lowering productivity. Zooplankton and clam grazing rates were generally low. Using a mass balance analysis, the measured variables explained 76% of the observed decline in Chl-a in the spring, suggesting additional losses from unidentified factors. We found that phytoplankton biomass is regulated by multiple potential factors in the lower Sacramento River, emphasizing the need for practitioners of restoration and management programs to evaluate multiple potential loss factors when attempting to enhance phytoplankton production in the Delta, or other large river systems.

Bluff-body and swirl-stabilised turbulent annular flows (single phase and multi-phase) find broad practical utility, especially in high-power non-premixed combustion applications. Their significance stems from features like their characteristic recirculation zones and intense upstream turbulence, both of which promote air-fuel mixing and aid in flame stabilisation. Moreover, in response to the push for low-emission and carbon-neutral fuel sources, there's a growing emphasis on integrating biomass, especially in its pulverised form, into major power generation systems. In practical gas turbine combustors featuring bluff-body and swirl stabilised flame burners, the incorporation of (air) side dilution jets plays a crucial role. These jets influence downstream reactant mixing by introducing cooler dilution air, effectively controlling combustion temperature and mitigating pollutant emissions, particularly oxides of Nitrogen. Whilst literature reports investigations exploring bluff-body and swirl-stabilised annular turbulent annular flows, as well as others which separately look into the influence of dilution air in a crossflow, this thesis addresses the clear lack of fundamental insight that exists regarding (i) the interplay between turbulent side dilution jets and underlying flow behaviour of both swirling and non-swirling bluff-body stabilised annular jets in geometries typical of industrial combustors. This project also studies (ii) particle dispersion and the overall flow field associated with using pulverised raw biomass over a wide range of conditions spanning differing (particle phase) loadings, Reynolds numbers of both the (air) side dilution jets and annular jets as well as swirl numbers. The outcomes therefore not only progress our fundamental understanding of such complex two-phase flows but can ultimately assist in assessing and applying pulverised biomass to replace or reduce reliance on solid fossil fuels (coal) in power generation. To achieve the above

Freshwater pollution by nitrate is a major threat to human and ecosystem health. Basin-scale studies on nitrate pollution generally focus separately on surface water or on groundwater bodies, thus the role played by their interaction on nitrate concentrations, possibly including also agricultural irrigation, is often overlooked and so is addressed here in the intensively irrigated hydro-system of the Oglio River basin (Northern Italy). Tracers of groundwater recharge (stable water isotopes and Cl/Br ratio) together with nitrate and boron stable isotopes indicate that the main source of the diffuse nitrate pollution affecting groundwater resources in the area is related to agricultural activities and, locally, to untreated civil/industrial effluents. Moreover, these data reveal the strong control of irrigation return flow on groundwater nitrate concentrations, with contrasting effects: groundwater-fed irrigation promotes higher concentrations due to the recirculation of high-NO3 groundwater, whereas intensive surface-water-irrigation, fed by low-NO3 river water, generates lower concentrations due to dilution. The control of irrigation return flow on groundwater nitrate links nitrate pollution and climate change: if surface-water-irrigation will be abandoned, as a consequence of intensified summer droughts, in favor of groundwater-fed irrigation, an increase in groundwater nitrates is expected due to a basin-scale groundwater recirculation and the cessation of the dilution effect. In addition to the reduction of the N input to soils from fertilizers, i.e., the sole pollution mitigation strategy able to solve the problem, an adaptation strategy to climate change might be the implementation, during non-irrigation rainy periods, of managed aquifer recharge operations, such as the so-called “forested infiltration areas”, to take advantage of water abundancy from rivers under high-flow conditions, thus combining a supplement on groundwater recharge with the beneficial dilu

The climatic stressors that are affecting lake ecosystems, especially phytoplankton, are projected to become more intense with continued climate change (e.g., heatwaves, precipitation events). Concerns over the combined effects that multiple, coinciding stressors can have on phytoplankton necessitates investigating the impacts of different regional climate scenarios. A microcosm study was conducted to assess the responses of a phytoplankton assemblage containing a cyanobacterium (Anabaena flos-aquae), a green alga (Chlorella vulgaris) and a diatom (Synedra) to a northwestern European summer scenario. Eutrophic microcosms were exposed to a full-factorial design including a press temperature treatment scenario (ambient or warm) and a pulse precipitation treatment (no runoff simulation or runoff simulation). Warming scenarios had significant effects on the phytoplankton assemblage biomass, which supports our first hypothesis (H1: higher water temperatures under eutrophic conditions will support larger phytoplankton biomasses, especially cyanobacteria). By contrast, the extreme precipitation runoff event had minimal and short-lived effects on the microcosm assemblage. Overall, the interaction between the two climate stressors was antagonistic. In contrast with our second hypothesis (H2: nutrient additions from extreme precipitation runoff will promote more productivity in higher temperature microcosms), the precipitation runoff event was not amplified by temperature. Our results indicate that the combined effect of two climate stressors on a phytoplankton community are not necessarily synergistic or multiplicative. Our findings on antagonistic interactions between climatic stressors necessitate future studies assessing variations of intensity and duration of the climatic stressors.

[EN] A multilayer laser-deposited lining of AISI 316L stainless steel makes a regular structural steel surface corrosion resistant in physiological media. Despite the application of single-layer stainless-steel linings being economically beneficial and allowing thinner surface modifications, dilution effects that modify the pitting resistance of the coating must be accounted for. In order to study the feasibility of employing single-layer coatings instead of multilayer coatings for corrosion protection in physiological media, a polarization testing back-to-back comparison was performed between laser-deposited AISI 316L monolayers on 42CrMo4 quenched and tempered steel and cold-rolled AISI 316L sheet in Dulbecco’s Phosphate Buffer Solution at 36 °C. A higher dispersion in pitting resistance, ranging from 800 mV to 1200 mV, was found on the coated samples, whereas the cold-rolled material was more stable in the 1200 mV range. The resulting differences in corrosion rates and pitting potentials open the discussion on whether the chemical composition deviations on AISI 316L dilution layers are acceptable in terms of surface functionality in medical devices

The abundances of 17 cytometric groups encompassing four groups of bacteria, three groups of cyanobacteria, six groups of eukaryotic picophytoplankton (<2–3 µm), and four groups of small eukaryotic nanophytoplankton (between 3 and 6 µm) were studied in the Thau Lagoon across different seasonal conditions. Among them, the growth (µ) and mortality rates due to grazing (g) of 12 groups of bacteria, cyanobacteria, and eukaryotic pico- and nanophytoplankton were simultaneously studied in the Thau Lagoon via four dilution experiments across different seasonal conditions. The abundances of heterotrophic flagellates and ciliates and their potential predators were studied and linked to prey mortality. Bacteria were more active than phytoplankton and displayed the highest growth and grazing mortality rates. Most studied groups had g:µ ratios > 1, suggesting that predators efficiently grazed and transferred these preys. Surprisingly, the observed variations in predator abundance across seasons did not necessarily correspond with changes in grazing pressure. The significant positive relationship found between water temperature and bacterial grazing mortality rates and the reverse trend observed for larger eukaryotic prey suggested that warmer water increases small prokaryote transfer to higher trophic levels but disadvantages larger eukaryotic prey transfer.

Several models exist for predicting dilution from large rooftop exhausts, but their validity has not been assessed for horizontally directed through-wall exhausts such as those that often exist in new multi-family residential construction. Separation distances derived from rules of thumb or simplified versions of these models are prescribed in ventilation standards, but their appropriateness has not been assessed and they are sometimes difficult to achieve in practice. In order to provide more justifiable separation distances, we conducted a series of wind tunnel experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations measuring dilution of a horizontally-directed exhaust from a test building. We then compared these measurements to existing models and assessed the models’ validity for this situation. Lastly, we gathered dilution criteria for several contaminants of interest and used wind tunnel and CFD results along with published emission rates to specify a separation distance that is likely to result in acceptable air quality at neighboring intakes. Results show that mitigation of chronic health concerns from cooking, and smoking in dwelling units, as well as odor concerns from bathrooms, can likely be achieved with separation distances of 5 feet or less. To prevent irritation from smoking in neighboring units, a separation distance of 10 feet is recommended. We did not find that furnace exhaust can be diluted sufficiently with separation distances that are feasible on multi-family buildings.

The Dutch government (specifically the ‘Rijksrederij’, the governmental shipping company) owns a fleet of just under 100 ships that are equipped to service the internal waterways and parts of the North Sea. Think in this context of e.g. Coast Guard ships, ships that help to fight oil accidents or ships that maintain buoys. Just after the COVID-19 pandemic had started the ‘Rijksrederij’ decided that it was necessary to investigate to what extent the fleet might pose a risk for cross contamination of this new disease on board. This was approached with a specific focus on ventilation and the airborne route. The objective was to find out whether the most important spaces on board of the ships were adequately ventilated and to evaluate how ships can be made or kept ‘COVID-resistant’ as far as the airborne route is concerned. A sample of 16 ships of different types, most of them mechanically ventilated, were surveyed. This included a general inspection, an inspection of relevant HVAC system characteristics and measurements of e.g. air supply flows. Also, ships were equipped with monitors that measured CO2 concentration (e.g. in galleys and wheelhouses) that were left on board for at least one week. As reference for the supply flow measurement outcomes we used ISO 7547 guideline values and the Germanischer Lloyd ventilation requirements. On board of 6 of the 16 ships that were investigated we found serious problems with the fresh air supply and/or measured CO2 concentrations. On the positive side, the majority of the ships had ventilation capacities in line with the two reference standards, and almost all did not use central recirculation. We also found that many of the ships had adequate options, at room level, for individual control of both fresh air supply and temperature. The results of the study will be used to further improve ‘COVID safety’ on board of the whole fleet and to ameliorate future, new ships and their HVAC systems., Support Architectural Engineering +Technology

IntroductionPooled testing is a potentially efficient alternative strategy for COVID-19 testing in congregate settings. We evaluated the utility and cost-savings of pooled testing based on imperfect test performance and potential dilution effect due to pooling and created a practical calculator for online use.MethodsWe developed a 2-stage pooled testing model accounting for dilution. The model was applied to hypothetical scenarios of 100 specimens collected during a one-week time-horizon cycle for varying levels of COVID-19 prevalence and test sensitivity and specificity, and to 338 skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in Los Angeles County (Los Angeles) (data collected and analyzed in 2020).ResultsOptimal pool sizes ranged from 1 to 12 in instances where there is a least one case in the batch of specimens. 40% of Los Angeles SNFs had more than one case triggering a response-testing strategy. The median number (minimum; maximum) of tests performed per facility were 56 (14; 356) for a pool size of 4, 64 (13; 429) for a pool size of 10, and 52 (11; 352) for an optimal pool size strategy among response-testing facilities. The median costs of tests in response-testing facilities were $8250 ($1100; $46,100), $6000 ($1340; $37,700), $6820 ($1260; $43,540), and $5960 ($1100; $37,380) when adopting individual testing, a pooled testing strategy using pool sizes of 4, 10, and optimal pool size, respectively.ConclusionsPooled testing is an efficient strategy for congregate settings with a low prevalence of COVID-19. Dilution as a result of pooling can lead to erroneous false-negative results.

The article presents the results on the influence of various factors on the distillation process of diluted oil sludge, as well as changes in the physicochemical properties and isolated amounts of light hydrocarbon fractions of diluted oil sludge. In addition, the main factors affecting the oxidation process and the quality of oxidized bitumen.

Rare soil organisms are normally considered of less importance for ecosystem functioning. We present results that oppose this view. In otherwise well-aerated soils, anaerobic/microaerophilic production or consumption of the trace gas N2O occurs in small soil volumes, when intense decomposition activity at the site leads to local oxygen depletion. At such patch scales, the control of microbial growth and oxygen consumption may depend on the specific organisms present. We assessed N2O turnover in an experiment, where soil dilution from 10−2 over 10−4 to 10−6 followed by microbial regrowth resulted in similar microbial biomass and respiration but reduced diversity. We found an increasing number of very high N2O turnover rates when soil dilution increased from 10−2 over 10−4 to 10−6, as revealed from a significantly increased skewness of the frequency distribution of N2O turnover levels. N2O turnover also tended to increase (p = 0.08) by 20–30% when soil was diluted from 10−2 to 10−6 . This suggests that rare soil organisms regulate the local activity of fast-growing microorganisms and thus reduce the probability that anoxic/microaerophilic soil volumes develop. Future studies may reveal which less abundant organisms prevent development of anoxic/microaerophilic conditions in well-aerated soils.

To effectively reduce fossil fuel dependence in the transport sector, an unprecedented increase in renewable fuel production is required. Short chain alcohols, such as ethanol and methanol, are well placed as they can be produced in a variety of renewable pathways from most carbon sources. Due to its high autoignition resistance, ethanol and methanol cannot be used as drop-in fuels in compression ignition engines that are prevalent in the heavy duty (HD) transport sector but can be an immense advantage when used in HD spark ignition (SI) engines. One crucial disadvantage experienced by HD SI engines is the end gas autoignition or knock which limits engine load, compression ratio and efficiency. It was not established if ethanol and methanol can in fact achieve the required load range in HD SI engines and if so, how efficient they would be. Diluting the air-fuel mixture with excess air or exhaust gas recirculation can add knock resistance by lowering in-cylinder temperature. Though dilution increases load and efficiency, it also increases instability and ultimately causes misfires. In this thesis, diluted combustion, knock limit and performance of ethanol and methanol was studied using a single cylinder heavy duty research engine. The required load was achieved with relatively good efficiency at lean operation and potential for improving efficiency further was investigated using 1D simulations. The modifications needed to utilize a semi-predictive combustion model in diluted operation were presented. Using simulations, the impact of turbulence on the performance of Miller valve timing and the effect of squish area on piston shapes to improve turbulence was discussed. With Miller timing and fast combustion using high squish pistons, lean burn ethanol and methanol can offer high efficiency, on par with compression ignition engines. If ethanol or methanol production can be scaled up, HD SI engines can provide good performance, low capital and operating cost for future, För att effektivt kunna ersätta fossila bränslen i transportsektorn krävs en drastisk ökning av produktionen av förnyelsebara bränslen. Alkoholer med kort kolkedja, såsom etanol och metanol, är bra alternativ eftersom de har flera möjliga tillverkningsprocesser och kan produceras från de flesta kolbaserade råvarorna. På grund av deras höga motstånd mot självantändning bör etanol och metanol inte användas som drop-in bränslen i kompressionstända motorer, som är den mest förekommande typen av tunga motorer idag. Däremot kan ett stort motstånd mot självantändning vara till stor fördel om metanol och etanol används i tunga motorer som istället använder sig av tändstift som antändningskälla, så kallade ottomotor. En stor nackdel hos tunga ottomotor är självantändning av den oförbrända gasblandningen, även kallad knack, som begränsar motorns last, kompressionsförhållanden samt verkningsgrad. Det var tidigare okänt om etanol och metanol hade kapacitet att uppnå de laster som krävs av tunga SI-motorer, och om de kunde uppnå detta med en tillräckligt hög verkningsgrad. Genom att späda luft och bränsleblandningen med ett överskott av luft eller genom avgasåterledning, så kan man öka motståndet mot knack genom att temperaturen i cylindern sänks. Även om spädning ökar last och verkningsgrad så gör det också att förbränningen blir mindre stabil och det kan i värsta fall orsaka misständning. I den här avhandlingen har utspädd förbränning, knack begränsning och prestanda för etanol och metanol studerats i en encylindrig forskningsmotor. Den önskade lasten kunde uppnås med relativt god verkningsgrad vid mager förbränning. Dessutom så undersöktes potentialen av ytterligare ökad verkningsgrad i 1D simulering. De justeringar som behöver utföras för att användandet av en semi-prediktiv förbränningsmodell under magra förbränningsförhållanden presenteras. Simuleringen används för att diskutera hur turbulens och Miller ventiltider påverkar motorprestandan, och vilken effekt squish och kol

Lifted flames in combustion furnaces are diluted with burned gas entrained into the fuel jet. The reduced concentrations of reactants resulting from this dilution increase the liftoff height, while the associated temperature increase decreases the height. The aim of the present study was to develop a premixed model capable of predicting the variation in the liftoff height resulting from entrainment. A triple concentric burner incorporating fuel gas, oxidizer and co-flow gas nozzles was employed to simulate a combustion furnace. Prior to combustion tests, the fraction of the fuel gas in the non-reactive jets forming on the burner was determined, to allow an evaluation of parameters affecting the entrainment rate of the co-flow gas. The flame liftoff height above the burner was found to increase with decreases in the O2 concentration in the co-flow gas and was decreased with increases in temperature. Three premixed models were examined: a conventional premixed model, a DP1 model including only the effect of decreasing reactant concentrations and a DP2 model including the effects of both decreasing concentrations and temperature increases. Validations of these models demonstrated that the conventional model failed to predict variations in the liftoff height at a variety of co-flow gas O2 concentrations and temperatures. The DP1 model also provided insufficient correlations between the bulk velocity and liftoff height, such that the correlation line at a high co-flow gas temperature separated from that at room temperature. In contrast, the DP2 model provided excellent correlations in conjunction with different virtual origin positions.

In the laser cladding process, control of the process parameters and knowledge of the characteristics of the materials used are essential for obtaining depositions with excellent metallurgical union, satisfactory dilution values, absence of defects, and acceptable geometric characteristics. Without such precautions, depositions can exhibit low or excess dilution, low wettability, and the presence of pores, consequently reducing the performance of the materials. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effects of the laser beam power, with maximum power of 4000 W and continuous wave mode, and scanning speed in laser cladding processes employing the AISI 316L austenitic stainless steel and the AISI 431 martensitic stainless steel, considering the geometric characteristics, dilution, and structural defects of the depositions. It was found that the laser power had a greater effect on the width and dilution of the depositions, while the scanning speed influenced the deposition height. The depositions of AISI 431 steel presented dilution values between 9 and 25%, using power settings between 1400 and 1600 W. The depositions of AISI 316L steel required higher power values between 1900 and 2600 W to achieve dilution values between 15 and 41%. The existence of pores and satisfactory hardness values were observed for both materials, with the average of microhardness of 522 HV0.5/15 and 356 HV0.5/15 on the AISI 431 and AISI 316L depositions. It was also found that the different characteristics of the addition metals, considering their morphology, particle size distribution, and flow rate, led to significant changes in the geometric features of the depositions., Peer Reviewed, Postprint (author's final draft)

Microalgae growth inhibition assays are candidates for referent ecotoxicology as a fundamental part of the strategy to reduce the use of fish and other animal models in aquatic toxicology. In the present work, the performance of Chlorella vulgaris exposed to heavy metals following standardized growth and photosynthesis inhibition assays was assessed in two different scenarios: (1) dilutions of single heavy metals and (2) an artificial mixture of heavy metals at similar levels as those found in natural rivers. Chemical speciation of heavy metals was estimated with Visual MINTEQ software; free heavy metal ion concentrations were used as input data, together with microalgae growth and photosynthesis inhibition, to compare different effects and explain possible toxicity mechanisms. The final goal was to assess the suitability of the ecotoxicological test based on the growth and photosynthesis inhibition of microalgae cultures, supported by mathematic models for regulatory and decision-making purposes. The C. vulgaris algae growth inhibition test was more sensitive for As, Zn, and Pb exposure whereas the photosynthesis inhibition test was more sensitive for Cu and Ni exposure. The effects on growth and photosynthesis were not related. C. vulgaris evidenced the formation of mucilaginous aggregations at lower copper concentrations. We found that the toxicity of a given heavy metal is not only determined by its chemical speciation; other chemical compounds (as nutrient loads) and biological interactions play an important role in the final toxicity. Predictive mixture effect models tend to overestimate the effects of metal mixtures in C. vulgaris for both growth and photosynthesis inhibition tests. Growth and photosynthesis inhibition tests give complementary information, and bo

Fluid retention and flow resistance due to natural vegetation remain poorly understood despite the importance of understanding these for flow routing and floodplain revegetation projects. Experiments were undertaken in a shallow earthen channel containing a natural cover of small trees, herbaceous plants, and leaf litter, which were sequentially removed and subjected to a range of flows. A dilution monitoring approach within the Aggregated Dead Zone framework was applied to a series of floodplain vegetated flows, yielding information on bulk flow parameters including tracer dispersion, fluid retention, and flow resistance at the reach scale. The primary response of flow to vegetation removal was a small increase in bulk velocity, with depth and wetted width decreasing only slightly. Reach mean travel time and the advective time delay decreased by about a factor of 2 with the removal of herbs, grass, and leaf litter, leaving only trees. Removing the trees, leaving a bare earthen channel, only slightly decreased travel times. Flow resistance and retention exhibited large values for low discharge and converged on a constant low value for relatively high discharges. It is concluded that flow resistance during low flow is higher than in a high flow with the same vegetation. Consequently, sparse vegetation has a prominent effect on hydraulic retention compared with an unvegetated channel at low discharges but this becomes negligible during high discharges as momentum increasingly dominates the flow. This outcome casts doubt on the efficacy of scrubby vegetation to impede higher-velocity floodplain flows, showing need for field-scale determination of integral floodplain resistance.

[ES] La ciudad de Manta es una ciudad costera y está ubicada en la provincia de Manabí en Ecuador, posee alrededor de 250.000 habitantes y es una de las ciudades más importantes y con mayor turismo del país. Durante muchos años las playas de la ciudad de Manta han sufrido severos daños medio ambientales por las descargas de aguas residuales provenientes de las lagunas de oxidación y que son vertidas en las zonas de baño. Dichas lagunas poseen una capacidad hidráulica máxima proyectada a 25 años de 90.000 m3 /día, se configuran mediante 4 lagunas anaerobias, 4 lagunas facultativas y 4 lagunas de maduración. Para evitar las descargas directas a la línea de costa se ha diseñado un emisario submarino, que consiste en una conducción que transporta las aguas residuales parcialmente tratadas desde la zona de tratamiento hasta un punto mar adentro. Su diseño ha requerido de varios parámetros oceanográficos como batimetría, corrientes, mareas, coeficientes de autodepuración, perfiles de temperatura y salinidad. Además, de los resultados de la caracterización del efluente proveniente de las lagunas de oxidación donde se ha considerado el escenario de concentración más desfavorable y de esta manera se garantizó una dilución rápida, alta y suficiente para que la carga orgánica y contaminantes de las aguas residuales no provoquen daños al ecosistema y playas. Actualmente en Ecuador no existe normativa de diseño de emisarios submarinos, solamente se especifican límites máximos permisibles de distintos parámetros contaminantes para descargas mediante emisarios en cuerpos receptores marinos, por lo que se decidió considerar para este caso de estudio la normativa vigente en España que se encuentra en el Boletín Oficial del Estado del año 1993 porque propone una metodología completa del diseño de un emisario submarino bajo varias situaciones. El BOE 1993 presenta un método de cálculo analítico que permite determinar la longitud del emisario y del tramo difusor, la profundidad de vert, [EN] The city of Manta is a coastal city and is located in the province of Manabí in Ecuador, it has around 250,000 inhabitants and is one of the most important and most visited cities in the country. For many years, the beaches of the city of Manta have suffered severe environmental damage due to wastewater discharges from oxidation ponds and which are discharged into bathing areas. These lagoons have a maximum hydraulic capacity projected at 25 years of 90,000 m3 / day, they are configured by means of 4 anaerobic lagoons, 4 facultative lagoons and 4 maturation lagoons. To avoid direct discharges to the coastline, an underwater outfall has been designed, which consists of a pipeline that transports partially treated wastewater from the treatment area to an offshore point. Its design has required various oceanographic parameters such as bathymetry, currents, tides, selfpurification coefficients, temperature and salinity profiles. In addition, from the results of the characterization of the effluent from the oxidation ponds where the most unfavorable concentration scenario has been considered and in this way a rapid, high and sufficient dilution was guaranteed so that the organic load and pollutants of the wastewater do not cause damage to the ecosystem and beaches. Currently in Ecuador there are no regulations for the design of submarine outfalls, only maximum permissible limits of different pollutant parameters are specified for discharges through outfalls in marine receiving bodies, so it was decided to consider the regulations in force in Spain for this case study. in the Official State Gazette of 1993 because it proposes a complete methodology for the design of an underwater outfall under various situations. The BOE 1993 presents an analytical calculation method that allows determining the length of the outfall and the diffuser section, the depth of discharge, diameter, separation between diffusers, number of diffusers and the verification of quality objectives., [CA] La ciutat de Manta és una ciutat costanera i està situada a la província de *Manabí a l'Equador, posseeix al voltant de 250.000 habitants i és una de les ciutats més importants i amb major turisme del país. Durant molts anys les platges de la ciutat de Manta han patit severs danys mig ambientals per les descàrregues d'aigües residuals provinents de les llacunes d'oxidació i que són abocades en les zones de bany. Aquestes llacunes posseeixen una capacitat hidràulica màxima projectada a 25 anys de 90.000 m³/dia, es configuren mitjançant 4 llacunes anaeròbies, 4 llacunes facultatives i 4 llacunes de maduració. Per a evitar les descàrregues directes a la línia de costa s'ha dissenyat un emissari submarí, que consisteix en una conducció que transporta les aigües residuals parcialment tractades des de la zona de tractament fins a un punt mar endins. El seu disseny ha requerit de diversos paràmetres oceanogràfics com *batimetría, corrents, marees, coeficients d'autodepuració, perfils de temperatura i salinitat. A més, dels resultats de la caracterització de l'efluent provinent de les llacunes d'oxidació on s'ha considerat l'escenari de concentració més desfavorable i d'aquesta manera es va garantir una dilució ràpida, alta i suficient perquè la càrrega orgànica i contaminants de les aigües residuals no provoquen danys a l'ecosistema i platges. Actualment a l'Equador no existeix normativa de disseny d'emissaris submarins, solament s'especifiquen límits màxims permissibles de diferents paràmetres contaminants per a descàrregues mitjançant emissaris en cossos receptors marins, per la qual cosa es va decidir considerar per a aquest cas d'estudi la normativa vigent a Espanya que es troba en el Boletín Oficial del Estado de l'any 1993 perquè proposa una metodologia completa del disseny d'un emissari submarí sota diverses situacions. El BOE 1993 presenta un mètode de càlcul analític que permet determinar la longitud de l'emissari i del tram difusor, la profunditat d'abocamen

[EN] The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of tris-buffer and INRA-82 extenders on the quality of cooled rabbit spermatozoa. Pooled semen samples were collected from eight New Zealand White rabbit bucks, divided into three groups and diluted 1:5 with three different semen extenders: INRA-82, tris-citrate glucose (TCG) and tris-citrate trehalose (TCT). Following dilution, the samples were stored at 5°C for up to 48 h. Sperm motility was recorded at 24, 36 and 48 h post-cooling. Furthermore, sperm viability, morphology, membrane integrity, acrosome status and DNA integrity were assessed at 24 h post-cooling. We found that progressive motility percentages were significantly higher (P<0.05) in samples diluted in INRA-82 (61.00, 53.50, 44.00% at 24, 36 and 48 h post-cooling, respectively) than those diluted in either TCG (39.25, 32.00, 19.75%) or in TCT (47.25, 40.50, 29.00%). We also reported that sperm viability, percentage of normal spermatozoa, percentage of spermatozoa with intact acrosome and DNA integrity after 24 h cooling were significantly higher (P<0.05) in INRA-82 diluted samples compared to TCG and TCT diluted ones. In summary, our results show that dilution of rabbit semen in INRA-82 improved sperm physiological parameters post-cooling compared to those diluted in TCG or TCT. Our findings also suggest that INRA-82 is a promising diluent that can be used effectively to maintain the viability of chilled rabbit semen.

Dogs exhibit a wide variety of coat color types, and many genes have been identified that control pigment production, appearance, and distribution. Some breeds, such as the Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (NSDTR), exhibit variation in pheomelanin pigment intensity that is not explained by known genetic variants. A genome-wide association study comparing light red to dark red in the NSDTR identified a significantly associated region on canine chromosome 15 (CFA 15:23 Mb-38 Mb). Coverage analysis of whole genome sequence data from eight dogs identified a 6 kb copy number variant (CNV) 152 kb upstream of KITLG. Genotyping with digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) confirmed a significant association between an increased copy number with the dark-red coat color in NSDTR (p = 6.1 × 10-7). The copy number of the CNV was also significantly associated with coat color variation in both eumelanin and pheomelanin-based Poodles (p = 1.5 × 10-8, 4.0 × 10-9) and across other breeds. Moreover, the copy number correlated with pigment intensity along the hair shaft in both pheomelanin and eumelanin coats. KITLG plays an important role in melanogenesis, and variants upstream of KITLG have been associated with coat color variation in mice as well as hair color in humans consistent with its role in the domestic dog.

Background: High convection volume hemodiafiltration may improve survival compared to high-flux hemodialysis, however there is significant variation in its use. Clinician attitudes towards hemodiafiltration are poorly understood but may explain differences in practice patterns. Method(s): A 17-question online survey was administered from February 2017 to January 2018. Clinicians involved in the care of hemodialysis patients were invited to participate via the Australian and New Zealand Society of Nephrology. The survey addressed domains of clinician knowledge; hemodiafiltration prescription; perceived benefits, harms, and barriers to use; and indications and contraindications. Result(s): Eighty-two responses were received from clinicians affiliated with 49 of 81 hemodialysis units (60 unit response rate). Hemodiafiltration was prescribed by 87 of respondents, but generally to less than 25 of patients. The percentage of respondents prescribing hemodiafiltration to most of their patients was greater for those in privately funded (60) than publicly funded units (28). Only 26 of respondents considered the level of evidence supporting the superiority of hemodiafiltration over high-flux hemodialysis to be high. Its key benefits were perceived to be superior middle molecule clearance, hemodynamic stability, phosphate clearance, and amyloid prevention. Common indications included frequent intradialytic symptoms, intradialytic hypotension, and uremic polyneuropathy. Few respondents (14) agreed hemodiafiltration conveyed harm to patients, however 25 considered frequent circuit clotting to be a relative contraindication. Although most respondents (63) believed hemodiafiltration was more expensive than high-flux hemodialysis, this was not a barrier to its use. Three-quarters of respondents prescribed post-dilution hemodiafiltration, but only 55 targeted a convection volume greater than 20L. Conclusion(s): Most clinicians in Australia and New Zealand prescribe hemodiafiltration

Introduction. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic of 2020 has resulted in unparalleled requirements for RNA extraction kits and enzymes required for virus detection, leading to global shortages. This has necessitated the exploration of alternative diagnostic options to alleviate supply chain issues. Aim. To establish and validate a reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT- LAMP) assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 from nasopharyngeal swabs. Methodology. We used a commercial RT-LAMP mastermix from OptiGene in combination with a primer set designed to detect the CDC N1 region of the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) gene. A single-tube, single-step fluorescence assay was implemented whereby 1 microl of universal transport medium (UTM) directly from a nasopharyngeal swab could be used as template, bypassing the requirement for RNA purification. Amplification and detection could be conducted in any thermocycler capable of holding 65 degreeC for 30 min and measure fluorescence in the FAM channel at 1 min intervals. Results. Assay evaluation by assessment of 157 clinical specimens previously screened by E-gene RT-qPCR revealed assay sensitivity and specificity of 87 and 100%, respectively. Results were fast, with an average time-to-positive (Tp) for 93 clinical samples of 14 min (sd+/-7 min). Using dilutions of SARS-CoV-2 virus spiked into UTM, we also evaluated assay performance against FDA guidelines for implementation of emergency-use diagnostics and established a limit-of-detection of 54 Tissue Culture Infectious Dose 50 per ml (TCID50 ml-1), with satisfactory assay sensitivity and specificity. A comparison of 20 clinical specimens between four laboratories showed excellent interlaboratory concordance; performing equally well on three different, commonly used thermocyclers, pointing to the robustness of the assay. Conclusion. With a simplified workflow, The N1 gene Single Tube Optigene LAMP assay (N1-STOP-LAMP) is a powerful, scalable option for specific and r

This thesis uses a geometric approach to derive and solve nonlinear least squares minimization problems to geolocate a signal source in three dimensions using time differences of arrival at multiple sensor locations. There is no restriction on the maximum number of sensors used. Residual errors reach the numerical limits of machine precision. Symmetric sensor orientations are found that prevent closed form solutions of source locations lying within the null space. Maximum uncertainties in relative sensor positions and time difference of arrivals, required to locate a source within a maximum specified error, are found from these results. Examples illustrate potential requirements specification applications. The maximum machine epsilon and the maximum number of iterations to reach the least squares solution without loss of source location accuracy are estimated. Improvements in accuracy of least squares solutions over closed form solutions are measured.

The effect of waste rock minerals introduced by dilution on the flotation of spodumene was investigated. The objectives of this work were to investigate how flotation yield and grades deteriorate mainly by Mg-bearing biotite and amphiboles that are introduced to the system by waste rock dilution and find the possible ways to improve the flotation performance regarding these Mg-bearing minerals. Laboratory flotation tests were conducted with modifications to the standard procedure and new conditions. Analytical methods used in this work include mineralogical tests like electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA) to find out accurate elemental assays for the minerals in the deposit, especially biotite. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) to analyse flotation products contents. Mineral liberation analysis (MLA) for liberation, associations, Mg-distribution and modal mineralogy. Information about mineral recoveries in different flotation stages was obtained from element to mineral conversion calculations with HSC Chemistry software. The target grade and recovery of Li₂O for the Rapasaari ore were established on 4.5% and 84.18% (as a previous standard test). The use of Na₂CO₃ and starch modifiers gave promising results slightly improving the recoveries to 85.29% and 85.11% respectively while reaching almost 4.5% grade in final concentrate. Mineral liberation analysis (MLA) showed that biotite contains most of the Mg (80–90%), other minerals are amphiboles (mainly edenite and hornblende) and in less extent chlorite and clays. Biotite and amphiboles end up in the final concentrate mostly fully liberated while apatite is mostly coarse mixed grains. Mg-bearing minerals float into the concentrate because of similar surface properties with spodumene. Those similar properties may be due to chemically active Al-O sites that form on the mineral surfaces when the mineral breaks through its cleavage planes during comminution. Al-O sites act as collec

Agricultural intensification has led to the loss of flowering resources and natural habitats in agricultural landscapes and has been identified as one of the major drivers for the observed decline in wild pollinators in these habitats. It has been suggested that mass flowering crops could be used to counterbalance this negative trend. However, the presence of mass flowering crops is not always beneficial to wild pollinators. This thesis presents a review of the published literature on the effects of mass flowering crops on wild pollinator abundances and species richness and aims to explore the reasons for variation in the observed effects. I found 12 papers that looked at the impact of mass flowering crops on either wild pollinator abundances or species richness in natural habitats. The 12 papers yielded a total of 37 studies: 7 studies on pollinator species richness and 30 studies of wild pollinator abundances. 6 out 7 studies showed negative effects on pollinator species richness. Out of the 30 studies on wild pollinator abundances, 8 studies showed a positive effect of mass flowering crops on wild pollinator abundances, and 18 showed a negative effect. Generally, mass flowering crops had a negative effect on pollinator species richness, possibly due to mass flowering crops benefitting only a few generalist pollinator species. On the other hand, the presence of mass flowering crops appeared to be beneficial for wild pollinator abundances, especially at the local scale. Mass flowering crops seemed to promote positive spill-over of pollinators into the adjacent semi-natural habitats. However, at the landscape scale, when landscapes with and without mass flowering crops were compared, the effect of mass flowering crops was less clear. The effect of mass flowering crops seemed to vary depending on crop type and flowering time. Therefore, I conclude that more research is needed to identify the conditions under which mass flowering crops are beneficial for wild pollinat

Mushroom is a unique coat color phenotype in Shetland Ponies characterized by the dilution of the chestnut coat color to a sepia tone and is hypothesized to be a recessive trait. A genome wide association study (GWAS), utilizing the Affymetrix 670K array (MNEc670k) and a single locus mixed linear model analysis (EMMAX), identified a locus on ECA7 for further investigation (Pcorrected = 2.08 × 10-10). This locus contained a 3 Mb run of homozygosity in the 12 mushroom ponies tested. Analysis of high throughput Illumina sequencing data from one mushroom Shetland pony compared to 87 genomes from horses of various breeds, uncovered a frameshift variant, p.Asp201fs, in the MFSD12 gene encoding the major facilitator superfamily domain containing 12 protein. This variant was perfectly concordant with phenotype in 96 Shetland Ponies (P = 1.15 × 10-22), was identified in the closely related Miniature Horse for which the mushroom phenotype is suspected to occur (fmu = 0.02), and was absent in 252 individuals from seven additional breeds not reported to have the mushroom phenotype. MFSD12 is highly expressed in melanocytes and variants in this gene in humans, mice, and dogs impact pigmentation. Given the role of MFSD12 in melanogenesis, we propose that p.Asp201fs is causal for the dilution observed in mushroom ponies.

A wastewater pipe module is developed and implemented into a high-resolution, nonhydrostatic circulation model, the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). Intermediate and far field dilution and plume rise height is validated to cross flow laboratory experiments of Roberts, Snyder, and Baumgartner. The domain and diffuser is modeled after Southern California Bight (SCB) discharge regions with idealized flat bottom topography, linearly density-stratified vertical profile, and uniform current to mimic laboratory setup in a scaled-up domain. Direct Froude number comparisons are made. Buoyant plume flow regimes are accurately reproduced, and dilution metrics are reasonably predicted for low Froude numbers (i.e., F ≤ 1). High Froude numbers require more distance away from pipe for accurate plume characteristics. Generally, low cross flow velocity simulations, consistent with typical SCB coastal currents, are reasonably well-resolved using the 3 meter nonhydrostatic ROMS model. High Froude number flows may require effluent input parameterization adjustment or additional spatial resolution.

Recently, ternary blend polymer solar cells have attracted great attention to improve a short‐circuit current density (JSC) effectively, because complementary absorption bands can harvest the solar light over a wide wavelength range from visible to near‐IR region. Interestingly, some ternary blend solar cells have shown improvements not only in JSC but also in fill factor (FF). Previously, we also reported that a ternary blend solar cell based on a low‐bandgap polymer (PTB7‐Th), a wide‐bandgap polymer (PDCBT), and a fullerene derivative (PCBM) exhibited a higher FF than their binary analogues. Herein, we study charge transport in PTB7‐Th/PDCBT/PCBM ternary blend films to address the origin of the improvement in FF. We found that hole polarons are located in PTB7‐Th domains and their mobility is enhanced in the ternary blend film.

The primary objective of the study as contained in this thesis is the discussion of the approaches to dilution taken by the legal systems of the European Union and South Africa. Although a comparative methodology is employed the discussion grounds the separate development of the anti-dilution provisions in both systems first before discussing comparisons and diverging approaches (should they exist). As a result of the South African anti-dilution provisions being relatively new, there exists a lot of overlap between the approaches in the United Kingdom, European Union and South Africa. Dilution both as a concept and a reality remains controversial as both the courts and commentators grapple with how it fits within greater Trade Mark law. The relationship between traditional infringement and dilution is equally contentious as questions continue to be asked about the relevance of the anti-dilution provisions when traditional infringement already exists and is effective. A question that is constantly asked is: can there be infringement without confusion? Equally contentious is the issue of whether a parody exception should be introduced in Trade Mark law even though there is minimal litigation around the issue of parody and dilution.

This paper of reflection is a commitment to descri-be the conditions of existence that were conjugated during the decade of 1990 to begin the dilution of certain school knowledge, as academic subjects; flourishing and strengthening of others, as a power strategy included to advance pre-schooling processes and the teaching of children in Bogota’s public pre-school. The previous, from a qualitative approach, ar-che-genealogical method, supported in the analytics of governmentality. Through these explorations we seek not only to show the historical, fluctuating, mobile and mutable character of school knowledge but to also enrich the conceptual field of the History of School Knowledge. In order to achieve this goal, archives of the historical period of statements and regularities were identified, which allowed the visua-lization of the objects of study, games of action throu-gh action, tensions, powers and caused conflicts., El presente artículo de reflexión es una apuesta por describir las condiciones de existencia que se con­jugaron durante la década de 1990 para iniciar la dilución de ciertos saberes escolares, a modo de asignaturas académicas; el florecimiento y fortaleci­miento de otros, como estrategia de poder incluida para adelantar los procesos de preescolarización y la enseñanza de niños y niñas en el preescolar público bogotano. Lo anterior, desde el enfoque cualitativo, método arqueo-genealógico, apoyado en la analítica de la gubernamentalidad. A través de estas explora­ciones se busca no solo mostrar el carácter histórico, fluctuante, móvil y mutable de los saberes escolares sino enriquecer el campo conceptual de la Historia de los Saberes Escolares. Para lograr este objetivo, se recurrió a la identificación en archivos de la época de los enunciados y regularidades que permitieron visi­bilizar objeto de estudio, juegos de acciones sobre acciones, tensiones, poderes y conflictos suscitados.

Under global change, the ion concentration of aquatic ecosystems is changing worldwide. Many freshwater ecosystems are being salinized by anthropogenic salt inputs, whereas many naturally saline ones are being diluted by agricultural drainages. This occurs concomitantly with changes in other stressors, which can result in additive, antagonistic or synergistic effects on organisms. We reviewed experimental studies that manipulated salinity and other abiotic stressors, on inland and transitional aquatic habitats, to (i) synthesize their main effects on organisms’ performance, (ii) quantify the frequency of joint effect types across studies and (iii) determine the overall individual and joint effects and their variation among salinity–stressor pairs and organism groups using meta-analyses. Additive effects were slightly more frequent (54%) than non-additive ones (46%) across all the studies (n ¿ 105 responses). However, antagonistic effects were dominant for the stressor pair salinity and toxicants (44%, n ¿ 43), transitional habitats (48%, n ¿ 31) and vertebrates (71%, n ¿ 21). Meta-analyses showed detrimental additive joint effects of salinity and other stressors on organism performance and a greater individual impact of salinity than the other stressors. These results were consistent across stressor pairs and organism types. These findings suggest that strategies to mitigate multiple stressor impacts on aquatic ecosystems should prioritize restoring natural salinity concentrations. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Salt in freshwaters: causes, ecological consequences and future prospects’.

Objective: Aspergillus fumigatus is the main causative agent of invasive aspergillosis. Upon inhalation conidia pass the mucosal barrier and end up in the lung cavities, the alveoli. Surveilling lung macrophages and type II lung epithelial cells produce amongst others intra-and extracellular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) to prevent fungal growth. ROS consists of superoxides, hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals. Fungal components involved in protection against these compounds are superoxide dismutase (O2 -), catalases (H2O2 ), L-DOPA melanine (OH. ) due to the existence of different oxidative states of the quinone residues. A. fumigatus produces DHN-melanine present in spores whereas pyomelanine is produced by hyphae. Both types of melanines were suggested to play a role in protection against ROS but the evidence of their protective role is very thin. In addition, how these compounds protect at a chemical level has not been investigated. Our objective is to unravel the protective mechanisms of fungal components against ROS and RNS. We expect that surface exposed and/or secreted fungal component are involved in protection. In this study we have investigated the sensitivity of spores of WT A. fumigatus strain and mutants with disruption in genes involved in production of DHN-melanine (PksP), pyomelanine (HppD) or the rodlets (Roda or RodB) for hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals. Methods: Spores or fungal cells were incubated with different concentrations of H2O2 or hydroxyl radicals for several time intervals and survival was determined after dilution plating on PDA agar media and counting CFU. Spores were plated on minimal medium plates containing different concentrations of H2O2 and zones of inhibition were determined. L-tyrosine was added to culture media to determine the role of pyomelanine. Results: Comparison of sensitivity for hydrogen peroxide or hydroxyl radicals of the WT A. fumigatus strain with any of the mutants in different types

Dilution is an event that has a great influence on the microstructure and, consequently, in the properties of weld claddings. The present study evaluated the effect of dilution level on the microstructure of the fusion zone of alloy Inconel 686 weld claddings. The claddings were welded by the TIG cold wire feed process. The dilution was calculated from the geometric characteristics and based on chemical composition of the materials obtained by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and optical emission spectroscopy. The microstructures of all claddings were composed by a γ-FCC matrix with some minor precipitates. These particles are called in the literature topologically close-packed phases (TCP). These precipitates assumed several morphological aspects, being the shapeless morphology observed in more frequency in all claddings evaluated, independent of dilution level. A phase with lamellar morphology, with growth establishing an orientation relationship with the γ-FCC matrix solidification direction, was observed only in claddings with a low dilution level. In addition, a shapeless phase with a fine precipitation aggregated was observed in claddings with a high dilution level., SCOPUS: ar.j, info:eu-repo/semantics/published

It is commonly true that a diluted colloidal suspension is more stable over time than a concentrated one because dilution reduces collision rates of the particles and therefore delays the formation of aggregates. However, this generalization does not apply for some engineered ligand-coated nanoparticles (NPs). We observed the opposite relationship between stability and concentration of NPs. We tested 4 different types of NPs: CdSe-11-mercaptoundecanoic acid, CdTe-polyelectrolytes, Ag-citrate, and Ag-polyvinylpyrrolidone. The results showed that dilution alone induced aggregation and subsequent sedimentation of the NPs that were originally monodispersed at very high concentrations. Increased dilution caused NPs to progressively become unstable in the suspensions. The extent of the dilution impact on the stability of NPs is different for different types of NPs. We hypothesize that the unavoidable decrease in free ligand concentration in the aqueous phase following dilution causes detachment of ligands from the suspended NP cores. The ligands attached to NP core surfaces must generally approach exchange equilibrium with free ligands in the aqueous phase; therefore, ligand detachment and destabilization are expected consequences of dilution. More studies are necessary to test this hypothesis. Because the stability of NPs determines their physicochemical and kinetic behavior including toxicity, dilution-induced instability needs to be understood to realistically predict the behavior of engineered ligand-coated NPs in aqueous systems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1301-1308. © 2018 SETAC.

Glycerol is a widely used cryoprotective agent in the cryopreservation of human semen, however it has toxic effects on sperm. The use of computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) software to determine sperm motility requires specific upper concentrations of sperm to allow the accurate tracking of sperm trajectories without collisions. Various diluents have been used successfully for diluting neat semen samples but the effect of dilution of semen containing glycerol for the purpose of cryopreservation is relatively unclear. The effect on sperm motility was therefore investigated for the following: the addition of a commercial, glycerol containing cryoprotective (CPM) Quinns Advantage Sperm Freezing Medium (Origio Australasia Pty Ltd, Thornleigh NSW, Australia), 5% neat glycerol (Sigma-Aldrich Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW, Australia) and 10% neat glycerol; cell-free seminal plasma, gamete handling media G-MOPSTM PLUS (Vitrolife Pty Ltd, Sydney NSW, Australia), which contains human serum albumin, and Quinn’s Advantage™ Medium with HEPES (Origio Australasia Pty Ltd, Thornleigh NSW, Australia) supplemented with 5% human serum albumin (Origio Australasia Pty Ltd, Thornleigh NSW, Australia), and finally; combinations of the above cryoprotectants and handling media. The presence of glycerol was found to have a negative impact on sperm motility in all samples; this appeared to be in a dose-dependent fashion, with the CPM suffering the least, and 10% glycerol having the most severe reduction in progressive motility. All glycerol containing samples suffered a further reduction in progressive motility when either GMOPSTM PLUS or HEPES-buffered medium were introduced. Seminal plasma suffered no further reduction in progressive motility for CPM and 10% glycerol, but a reduction in the 5% glycerol. This study has demonstrated that semen samples containing glycerol should only be diluted with seminal plasma prior to assessment by CASA, and that HEPES-buffered medium and G-MOPSTM PLUS should n

Applied Earth Sciences

Trademark dilution is one of those complex concepts of Industrial Property regulated in almost every legislation and that the holders do not waste opportunity to wield in oppositions, appeals and judicial instances. The origin of the figure is substantially arbitrary and its concept extremely deep and branched. This, added to the impact of Art.16.3 of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS), may be the reasons why trademark dilution is irregularly applied by the Industrial Property Offices. In Colombia, we can find cases of excessive application of the figure of dilution. A recent one: SD2016/0033175, will serve as case study for this article to explain some positions that lacerate the use of protection tools of Industrial Property by small and medium entrepreneurs. The case study will also serve to recognize the delicate balance that exists in the supra confusion protection of notorious marks, and how certain administrative failures allow the configuration of a virtually infinite distinctiveness., La dilución marcaria es uno de esos conceptos complejos de la Propiedad Industrial (PI) que figura en la mayoría de las legislaciones y que los titulares no pierden oportunidad de esgrimir en oposiciones, apelaciones e instancias judiciales. El origen de la figura es sustancialmente arbitrario y su concepto sumamente complejo y ramificado. Ello, sumado al impacto del art.16.3 del Acuerdo sobre los Aspectos de los Derechos de Propiedad Intelectual relacionados con el Comercio (ADPIC), quizá sean los motivos por los que la dilución es irregularmente aplicada por parte de las oficinas de la propiedad industrial. En Colombia, también ocurren casos de aplicación excesiva de la figura de la dilución. Uno reciente, SD2016/0033175, servirá de estudio en el presente artículo para explicar algunas posturas que laceran el uso de la protección a través de la propiedad industrial por pequeños y medianos empresarios. El estudio de caso servirá también para reconocer el delicado balance que existe en la protección por confusión de las marcas notorias y cómo determinados fallos administrativos permiten la configuración de una distintividad virtualmente infinita.

Plume dilution and reactive mixing can be considerably enhanced by helical flows occurring in three-dimensional anisotropic porous media. In this study, we perform conservative and reactive transport simulations considering different anisotropy structures of a single inclusion with the objective of exploring the effect of the inclusion’s geometry and orientation on the patterns of twisted streamlines and on the overall dilution and reaction of solute plumes. We analyzed 100 different scenarios by varying key parameters such as the angle of the anisotropic structures with respect to the average flow velocity, the spacing between alternated heterogeneous zones of coarse and fine materials, the permeability contrast between such matrices, and the magnitude of the seepage velocity. Entropy conservation equations and entropy-based metrics for both conservative and reactive species were adopted to quantify dilution, reactive mixing and their interactions with the helical flow patterns in the considered three-dimensional anisotropic setups. The results allowed identifying optimal anisotropic configurations maximizing mixing and reactions, and yielding enhancement factors up to 15 times the outcomes of analogous simulations in homogeneous media. Furthermore, the effects of compound-specific diffusive/dispersive properties of the transported species were found to be relevant for both plume dilution and reactive mixing in helical flows.

The traditionally produced fermented Stolephorus commersonii or dilis bagoong from Cagayan coastal towns was processed using High Impact Technology Solutions (HITS) Equipment, the Spray Dryer and other auxiliary equipment available at CSU-DOST02 Food Innovation Center. The general objective of this study was to utilize dilis from Cagayan Valley for the development of products through the Center. Dilis bagoong and maltodextrin followed certain specifications. The rate of drying, quality of spray dried products, level of carrier, temperature, and pressure were tested for process optimization. Temperature range of 80 to 850C, carrier percentage of 15-25%, and pressure range of 400-700 psi were used in the process. The raw materials outsourcing was conducted on various municipalities. Drying parameters were varied to determine the highest recovery percentage. Maltodextrin was used as carrier. The targeted Total Soluble Solids was 25 °Brix. Treatments used dilution to increase water to bagoong ratio. Dissimilarity of yield was observed as the pressure and the desired TSS were varied. The study showed that powdered dilis bagoong can be obtained highest at spray drying condition with a pressure of 600 psi, temperature of 80-85 °C and drying rate of 6L per hour.

Whisky is distilled to around 70% alcohol by volume (vol-%) then diluted to about 40 vol-%, and often drunk after further slight dilution to enhance its taste. The taste of whisky is primarily associated with amphipathic molecules, such as guaiacol, but why and how dilution enhances the taste is not well understood. We carried out computer simulations of water-ethanol mixtures in the presence of guaiacol, providing atomistic details on the structure of the liquid mixture. We found that guaiacol is preferentially associated with ethanol, and, therefore, primarily found at the liquid-air interface in mixtures that contain up to 45 vol-% of ethanol. At ethanol concentrations of 59 vol-% or higher, guaiacol is increasingly surrounded by ethanol molecules and is driven to the bulk. This indicates that the taste of guaiacol in the whisky would be enhanced upon dilution prior to bottling. Our findings may apply to other flavour-giving amphipathic molecules and could contribute to optimising the production of spirits for desired tastes. Furthermore, it sheds light on the molecular structure of water-alcohol mixtures that contain small solutes, and reveals that interactions with the water may be negligible already at 89 vol-% of ethanol., Correction published in: Scientific Reports, 2018, vol 8, Article number 16448. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-34169-1

Aqueous precipitation may be the final operation of a hydrometallurgical process, a solution purification method or for preparation of a solid compound, but the dilute nature of the solutions in the treatment of waste water can result in large differences in system response to pH increase and hence in selectivity as a result of thermodynamic effects. Simulation of the response of a solution containing 0.3 mol/l Zn and 0.015 mol/l Ni diluted with NaOH predicted that 100 times dilution would increase pH from 6.86 to 7.45, decreasing precipitation of Zn from 89.4% to 85.7% and changing the product from ZnO to Zn4(OH)6SO4, with the Zn/Ni molar ratio in the residual Zn-Ni concentrate increased from 2.125 to 2.86. Experimental results showed that, despite acceptable agreement with the modelling results, the precipitated Zn was not almost free of Ni in the predicted molar ratio of 20:1, due to local contact-zone effects or Ni adsorption/entrainment, and the precipitated solid was not ZnO but metastable ZHS., Aqueous precipitation may be the final operation of a hydrometallurgical process, a solution purification method or for preparation of a solid compound, but the dilute nature of the solutions in the treatment of waste water can result in large differences in system response to pH increase and hence in selectivity as a result of thermodynamic effects. Simulation of the response of a solution containing 0.3 mol/l Zn and 0.015 mol/l Ni diluted with NaOH predicted that 100 times dilution would increase pH from 6.86 to 7.45, decreasing precipitation of Zn from 89.4% to 85.7% and changing the product from ZnO to Zn4(OH)6SO4, with the Zn/Ni molar ratio in the residual Zn-Ni concentrate increased from 2.125 to 2.86. Experimental results showed that, despite acceptable agreement with the modelling results, the precipitated Zn was not almost free of Ni in the predicted molar ratio of 20:1, due to local contact-zone effects or Ni adsorption/entrainment, and the precipitated solid was not ZnO but metastable ZHS.

The patterns and mechanisms by which biological diversity is associated with parasite infection risk are important to study because of their potential implications for wildlife population's conservation and management. Almost all research in this area has focused on host species diversity and has neglected parasite diversity, despite evidence that parasites are important drivers of community structure and ecosystem processes. Here, we assessed whether presence or abundance of each of nine helminth species parasitizing lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens) was associated with indices of parasite diversity (i.e. species richness and Shannon's Diversity Index). We found repeated instances of focal parasite presence and abundance having significant positive co-variation with diversity measures of other parasites. These results occurred both within individual samples and for combinations of all samples. Whereas host condition and parasite facilitation could be drivers of the patterns we observed, other host- or parasite-level effects, such as age or sex class of host or taxon of parasite, were discounted as explanatory variables. Our findings of recurring and positive associations between focal parasite abundance and diversity underscore the importance of moving beyond pairwise species interactions and contexts, and of including the oft-neglected parasite species diversity in infection-diversity studies.

著者人数: 13名

The project LUSKA (a Swedish acronym meaning ‘to figure out’ formed from the name LäkemedelsUtsläpp från SKånska Avloppsreningsverk - Pharmaceutical emissions from Scanian wastewater treatment plants) comprised six different participating wastewater treatment organisations, geographically distributed throughout the whole of the Scania region in Sweden (Skåne): Höganäs, Klippan, Höör/Hörby, Svedala, Kristianstad and Simrishamn. Sampling was done in April 2017 in four locations at each treatment plant. Three of these locations were chosen as suggested by the County Administrative Board of Skåne’s supervisory guide: upstream, downstream and outlet water from the treatment plant. In addition, a fourth sample point was included consisting of inlet water to the treatment plants. In the study, a total of 21 out of 22 pharmaceuticals were analysed according to the Swedish Medical Products Agency’s proposed substance watchlist from 2015. The analysis results from the eight treatment plants and associated recipients in the form of streams and lakes clearly shows that large amounts of pharmaceuticals end up in our surrounding Scanian waters every year. This takes place as a consequence of the wastewater treatment plants not being able to separate pharmaceutical emissions with existing technology based on activated sludge. The study showed that the eight treatment plants release at least 71 kg of pharmaceuticals every year to Scanian waters of these 21 substances alone. The major bulk of the measured substances were comprised of the blood pressure lowering drug metoprolol and the analgesic diclofenac. But even such substances as carbamazepine, losartan, naproxen and oxazepam occurred in significant concentrations in the wastewater. These substances include several pharmaceutical types and represent three general and relatively common illnesses: high blood pressure, inflammation and pain, and depression and anxiety. Based on the results in the LUSKA project, it can be estimated, LUSKA, Project Number Region Skåne: M219, MORPHEUS 2017-2019