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Bycatch is one of the leading threats facing aquatic organisms, worldwide. Pesticide bycatch can occur when nontarget species are incidentally killed during chemical application targeting noxious species. The common mudpuppy (Necturus maculosus) is a river‐dwelling salamander that is susceptible to bycatch from 3‐trifluoromethyl‐4‐nitrophenol (TFM) applications. However, the long‐term consequences of TFM bycatch on mudpuppy populations are not well understood. We used population viability analysis to reveal potential impacts of TFM application on a mudpuppy population in Ohio's Grand River under plausible bycatch scenarios. We found that the population was more sensitive to increased juvenile mortality and rapid declines occurred when both adults and juveniles were impacted at high bycatch rates (≥5% of the population) or more frequent TFM intervals (≥5 years). Our results suggest that continued use of TFM could pose a risk to mudpuppy population persistence if bycatch occurs at moderate to high levels and affects both juveniles and adults. Future TFM use and management decisions should be directed with these potential nontarget impacts in mind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the continuous scaling-up process of the separating system, a mechanism exists that transforms the behavior of the flow field, resulting in deviations from the original model and conclusions. The paper examined the effects of the scale up of a fluidized bed by CFD. It was observed that increasing the diameter reduces the amplitude of axial density fluctuations. Similarly, increasing the static height increases the amplitude. Moreover, increasing the static bed height enhances the visibility of the cyclic flow structure of gas and solid phases. The flow structure in large bed diameters is disrupted. The impact of changing the bed diameter on bed density is more significant than the static height. As the bed diameter increases, the bubble disturbance decreases and the aggregation phase gradually disappears while the proportion of the emulsified phase keeps increasing. This study will guide and assist in the future application of separated fluidized beds in industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the continuous scaling-up process of the separating system, a mechanism exists that transforms the behavior of the flow field, resulting in deviations from the original model and conclusions. The paper examined the effects of the scale up of a fluidized bed by CFD. It was observed that increasing the diameter reduces the amplitude of axial density fluctuations. Similarly, increasing the static height increases the amplitude. Moreover, increasing the static bed height enhances the visibility of the cyclic flow structure of gas and solid phases. The flow structure in large bed diameters is disrupted. The impact of changing the bed diameter on bed density is more significant than the static height. As the bed diameter increases, the bubble disturbance decreases and the aggregation phase gradually disappears while the proportion of the emulsified phase keeps increasing. This study will guide and assist in the future application of separated fluidized beds in industry.

Desde la llegada del proceso de Bolonia a las aulas de nuestras universidades, el trabajo fin de grado ha sido una de las mayores novedades en los grados especialmente en los de las Ciencias Sociales. Tanto el profesorado como el alumnado ha estado sufriendo la falta de experiencia en esta materia. Varios años después de su implantación sigue siendo un momento temido por muchos alumnos que carecen de las herramientas necesarias para afrontar ese crucial requerimiento con seguridad y confianza. Este trabajo presenta los fundamentos teóricos en los que apoyarse para servirse de la metodología de la oratoria para impartir cursos de innovación docente destinados tanto a alumnos universitarios de grado como de máster. Finalmente, se incluye la propuesta de la guía docente que podría tener un curso de estas características y que sería de gran ayuda al alumnado y al profesorado más novel.

Introduction The clinical presentation of a case as cerebral malaria with molecular identification confirming it as Plasmodium vivax underlines the importance of using molecular tools to identify the species and type of malaria. The possibility of the relationship between the complication observed during clinical diagnosis and the multifactorial molecular changes could likely be the reason for terming it cerebral malaria. Methods We report four cases analyzed using the quantitative buffy coat technique followed by classical Giemsa stained thick-film microscopy, and nested polymerase chain reaction for the genus-specific region of Plasmodium targeting 18S rDNA followed by species-specific identification with a different set of primers and products confirmation with sequencing. Results Primers targeting P. knowlesi generated the expected product size of 153 base pairs that, upon sequencing, matched with the P. vivax sequence reflecting the relatedness of the species. Likewise, primers targeting P. ovale generated a 456 product whose sequence matched the P. vivax sequence. Conclusion Infection with P. vivax can potentially cause cerebral malaria, and P. vivax can cause severe malaria complications alone or mixed with other species and can show cerebral malaria signs, which are typically associated with P. falciparum infections. The sequence relatedness reflects the genome similarity between P. knowlesi and P. ovale with P. vivax. The need to reconfirm with an additional set of newly reported primers is mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Malaria is a global threat and a never-ending battle without appropriate identification and differentiation of the parasite species. This work compared the diagnostic methods including the thick film microscopy technique, quantitative buffy coat, and polymerase chain reaction. The inaccuracy of species determination by microscopy and the consequent treatment regime underlines the necessity to upgrade routine diagnostic methods with molecular techniques. In the study, 436 samples were collected; venous blood was processed for the quantitative buffy coat technique followed by classical Giemsa staining of thin and thick smears and nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nPCR) for the genus-specific region of Plasmodium targeting 18S rDNA followed by species-specific identification. Of 436 samples screened for malaria, results in PCR showed 78.7% (100/127) to be P. vivax, 4.8% (6/127) as P. falciparum and 16.5% (21/127) to be mixed infection (P. vivax + P. falciparum). The prevalence of malaria was 0.29, and there was good concordance between the methods for detecting Plasmodium (Kappa:0.77). In our investigation, nested PCR and TFM exhibited a sensitivity of 97.7% and a specificity of 100% for malaria detection compared to QBC. Clinical parameters- thrombocytopenia and anemia, were compared in this study. A positive association was observed between thrombocytopenia and malaria (p

A solid formulation of the pesticide TFM (4-nitro-3-(trifluoromethyl)-phenol) was developed in the 1980s for application in small tributaries during treatments to control invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus Linnaeus, 1758). Several initial inert ingredients were discontinued and substituted, culminating with an interim formulation that unacceptably softens and rapidly decays in warm conditions. A new TFM bar formulation was developed to resolve poor thermal stability and it was registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Health Canada Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency in 2020. Laboratory studies compared the thermostability and dissolution (i.e., TFM release) of the interim and new formulation of TFM bars that were held at 20 °C or 45 °C for 24 hours prior to evaluation. Field tests compared the dissolution of the interim and new formulation of TFM bars when applied in three small tributaries in Michigan. Laboratory tests show that the new formulation bars remain usable when held at 45 °C for 24 hours; whereas, the interim formulation bars partially liquify and are not usable. Field tests indicate the new formulation bars have superior characteristics including a near consistent release of TFM for 10-13 hours when applied in waters with a velocity of < 0.06 m/sec. A near consistent release of TFM was observed for a maximum of about 6 hours in one field application of the interim formulation bars. Water temperature and water velocity influenced both formulations; however, the greatest effects were observed with interim formulation bars where higher initial TFM concentrations were followed by precipitous TFM concentration decreases in tributaries with the highest water temperature or velocity. Field treatment applications will provide data for refining application parameters such as the number of bars required per unit discharge at various water temperatures and the acceptable water velocity range for applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy of Ankara University / Ankara Üniversitesi Eczacilik Fakültesi Dergisi is the property of Ankara University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Malaria is a global threat and a never-ending battle without appropriate identification and differentiation of the parasite species. This work compared the diagnostic methods including the thick film microscopy technique, quantitative buffy coat, and polymerase chain reaction. The inaccuracy of species determination by microscopy and the consequent treatment regime underlines the necessity to upgrade routine diagnostic methods with molecular techniques. In the study, 436 samples were collected; venous blood was processed for the quantitative buffy coat technique followed by classical Giemsa staining of thin and thick smears and nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (nPCR) for the genusspecific region of Plasmodium targeting 18S rDNA followed by species-specific identification. Of 436 samples screened for malaria, results in PCR showed 78.7% (100/127) to be P. vivax, 4.8% (6/127) as P. falciparum and 16.5% (21/127) to be mixed infection (P. vivax + P. falciparum). The prevalence of malaria was 0.29, and there was good concordance between the methods for detecting Plasmodium (Kappa:0.77). In our investigation, nested PCR and TFM exhibited a sensitivity of 97.7% and a specificity of 100% for malaria detection compared to QBC. Clinical parameters- thrombocytopenia and anemia, were compared in this study. A positive association was observed between thrombocytopenia and malaria (p<0.05), but the association between anemia and malaria infection remains unclear. Primer cross-reactions were also observed in the primer sequence of P. ovale and P. knowlesi, but sequencing confirmed it as P. vivax and the study of phylogeny paved a new way in analyzing the relatedness of the sequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drag force models are one of the most important factors that can affect TFM and CFD-DEM simulation results of two-phase systems. This article investigates the accuracies, implementation issues and limitations of the majority of the drag models for spherical, non-spherical and systems with size distribution and evaluates their performance in various simulations. Around 1888 data points were collected from 19 different sources to evaluate the drag force closures on mono-dispersed spherical particles. The Reynolds number and fluid volume fraction ranges were between 0.01 and 10,000 and between 0.33 and 1, respectively. In addition, 776 data points were collected from seven different sources to evaluate the drag force closures on poly-dispersed spherical particles. The Reynolds numbers were between 0.01 and 500, fluid volume fractions between 0.33 and 0.9, and diameter ratios up to 10. A comprehensive discussion on the accuracy and application of these models is given in the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mosaicism, characterized by the presence of two or more chromosomally distinct cell lines, is detected in 2-4% of chorionic villus samples. In these cases, the aberration may be confined to the placenta or additionally present in the fetus. Fetal involvement may manifest as fetal malformations, while confined placental mosaicism poses risks such as preterm birth and low birth weight. Differentiating between true fetal mosaicism and confined placental mosaicism at the time of the chorionic villus sampling is challenging and requires follow-up by an amniocentesis and ultrasonography., Objectives: To estimate the risk of fetal involvement or adverse pregnancy outcomes for specific chromosomes after detecting mosaicism for an autosomal trisomy in a chorionic villus sample and identify high (red), intermediate (yellow) and low (green) risk chromosomes. Further, to explore possible associations with level of mosaicism and screening parameters., Study Design: A retrospective descriptive study of all singleton pregnancies with mosaicism detected in chorionic villus samples from 1983-2021 identified in the Danish Cytogenetic Central Registry and the Danish Fetal Medicine Database., Results: Of 90,973 chorionic villus samples, 528 cases had mosaicism involving an autosomal trisomy and where genetic follow-up had been performed. The overall risk of fetal involvement was 13% (69/528) with extensive variations depending on which chromosome was involved (e.g., trisomy 7: 0% (0/55) or trisomy 21: 46% (19/41)). Higher levels of mosaicism in the chorionic villus sample suggested fetal involvement as mean mosaic level was 55% in true fetal mosaics vs 28% in cases confined to the placenta (p=0.0002). In cases with confined placental mosaicism (459/528), the risk of delivering small-for-gestational-age neonates was 14% (48/341). The risk of preterm birth (before 37 weeks) was 15% (51/343). The collective risk of adverse outcome was 22% (76/343) in pregnancies that continued and where information on birth weight and gestational age at birth was available. Adverse outcomes varied substantially between chromosomes. Also, multiple-of-the-median (MoM) values of pregnancy-associated plasma protein A was predictive of these issues as it was significantly lower in cases with adverse outcome compared to cases with a normal outcome (small for gestational age: 0.23 MoM vs 0.47 MoM, p<0.0001) or preterm birth: 0.25 MoM vs 0.47 MoM, p<0.0001). After the introduction of combined first trimester screening in 2004, the detection of cases with fetal involvement seemed to increase as the risk before 2004 was 9% (16/174) compared to 15% (53/354) after 2004 (risk ratio: 1.7 (95% CI: 1.0;2.8)). The risk of adverse outcome in confined placental mosaicism pregnancies increased from 16% (22/139) before 2004 to 27% (55/204) after 2004 (risk ratio 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1;2.7)) CONCLUSIONS: Introducing combined first trimester screening increased the detection of placental mosaicism with fetal involvement and confined placental mosaicism with adverse outcome. In cases of mosaicism in chorionic villus samples, the risk of fetal involvement and adverse outcomes varied considerably between chromosomes. Importantly, adverse outcomes were seen in confined placental mosaicism for many trisomies besides trisomy 16., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest All authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Bu çalışmanın temel amacı, bitkinin polifenolik profilinde etkin önemli bir bileşen olan ve antioksidan, antibakteriyel ve antiviral özellikleri ile öne çıkan rosmarinik asit (RA) ile diğer antioksidan bileşenlerin hidroalkolik çözücü ekstraksiyonuna dayalı bir yöntem geliştirmek ve optimize etmektir. Ekstraksiyon gibi karmaşık süreçleri modellemek ve optimize etmek için yumuşak bilgi işlem tabanlı kemometrik çalışmalara ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Bu sebeple yapılan çalışmada, değerli bir tıbbi aromatik bitki kaynağı olan Ocimum bacilicum L.’den biyoaktif RA’in yeşil ve basit bir teknikle ekstraksiyon koşullarını, kemometrik yöntemler kullanılarak modellenmesi ve optimizasyonu sağlanmıştır. Bunun yanı sıra O. basilicum’ da bulunan RA’in potansiyelini, Toplam fenolik madde (TFM) miktarı ve Toplam antioksidan aktivite (TAA) ile değerlendirmek de hedeflenmektedir. Yapılan çalışmada RSM-CCD/dar faktöriyel tasarım kullanılmış, çok yanıtlı optimizasyon Pareto çözümleri yardımıyla çözülmüş ve optimum girdi değişkeni değerlerini belirlemek için İstenebilirlik fonksiyonu kullanılmıştır. Sonuç olarak, O. basilicum L. ekstraksiyonun optimum koşulları; %47,7 EtOH konsantrasyonu, 30,0°C sıcaklık, 77,6 dk ekstraksiyon süresi ve 10 mL/g çözücü/katı oranı bulunmuştur. Optimum koşullar altında elde edilen deneysel sonuçlar TFM, TAA ve RA için sırasıyla 171,46±1,87 mg GAE/g, 4,76±0,32 mg Troloks/mL ve 8,93±0,65 mg/g’dır. Matematiksel modelden tahmin edilen sonuçlar sırasıyla (172,26 mg GAE/g), (4,13 mg Troloks/mL) ve (8,89 mg/g) olarak bulunmuştur.

Multi-cycle large-eddy simulations (LES) are performed to investigate combustion cycle-to-cycle variability (CCV) in a gasoline spark ignited optical access engine operating under homogeneous stoichiometric conditions. Combustion is addressed with the Thickened Flame Model (TFM) and finite rate chemistry is accounted for through a reduced oxidation reaction mechanism. In view of the fact that computational costs of LES engine simulations are still very high today, this work investigates the use of adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) in the flame zone in conjunction with the artificial flame thickening applied by the TFM model. The paper discusses how the resulting coupled TFM-AMR combustion model allows good resolution of the flame, maintaining accuracy at acceptable costs. First, the details of the coupled model are presented and the effects of the parameters are explored, highlighting their impact on the combustion prediction. Then, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation results are validated against experimental data collected in a low-speed low-load engine point, by comparing 20 LES cycles and 100 measured cycles, for mass fraction burned, combustion phasing, flame images and CCV indices. Lastly, a detailed investigation on the fastest and slowest numerical cycles is presented, analyzing instantaneous flame structures, ignition behaviors, propagation speeds, and probability density function (PDF) of the instantaneous velocity fluctuation around the spark region. The results show that combustion variability is highly correlated to the resolved velocity field and the resolved turbulence intensity, which is found to be the main cause of CCV and affects the early flame kernel growth. This work is an early attempt to use TFM-AMR combustion model for LES simulations of internal combustion engines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transverse flux motor (TFM) is an ideal choice for direct drive high torque applications owing to its proven higher torque density compared to the radial flux and axial flux motors. TFM motors have several merits to be used for spacecraft applications, considering the everlasting demand of the industry for reduction in power and mass. This paper investigates the various cogging torque mitigation techniques for transverse flux motor to be effectively used as the drive motor for precise position control spacecraft requirement. The paper discusses the basic design variables of surface mounted TFM (SM-TFM) that are to be considered for minimizing the cogging torque. The effectiveness of cogging torque mitigation techniques are presented for two cases of SM-TFM, one with maximum cogging torque and the other with minimum cogging torque. The different torque ripple minimization techniques studied include skewing of rotor poles, notching of the stator poles, introduction of asymmetry in the stator structure, provision of wedges by the side of poles, segmentation of the magnets and introduction of shunt. The effectiveness of these cogging torque mitigation techniques is studied on two hardware variants of the TFM, one with the modified stator having shunt and the other with the modified rotor having low remanence permanent magnet. The TFM with a shunted stator is effective in torque ripple reduction in addition to the improvements in electromagnetic torque. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The erosion of internals is a major problem in fluidized beds. This review collects, discusses, and compares key experimental and numerical results on erosion of internals immersed in fluidized bed with Geldart B (sometimes near D) particles, comparing the different models and experimental data available in the literature. The erosion models were classified into two categories, depending on the nature of the considered variables. Microscopic erosion models that use particle-scale variables, such as the velocity of the impinging particle or local void fraction; and macroscopic erosion models, which rely on macroscopic features of the fluidized bed, such as air flow rate, bubble size and distribution or height above the distributor. This study of different erosion models reveals noteworthy differences. In the case of macroscopic models, since they include empirical constants, the erosion rates predicted by different models reveal differences of three orders of magnitude (between 0.001 and 1 micrometres per hour). Similar differences are observed with the microscopic models at the point of maximum erosion, located at the sides of the tube. The experimental data, despite not being directly comparable due to the different experimental conditions and materials, show a similar erosion profile along the perimeter of the tube with an inverted W-shape. [Display omitted] • Several relevant studies on erosion of fluidized bed internals are reviewed. • A novel classification of erosion models is proposed. • The most common numerical simulation techniques are compared. • MP-PIC simulations have been performed to quantitatively predict erosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Endangered Species Act requires that the Sea Lamprey Control Program (Program) ensures that its actions do not jeopardize federally listed species. Often, lampricide toxicity has not been determined and a listed species cannot be sacrificed to test. This paper reviews approaches taken to investigate the risk of lampricide exposure to the Hungerford's crawling water beetle (Hungerford's; Brychius hungerfordi), piping plover (Charadrius melodus), and snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra), and describes adaptations implemented by the Program to protect these species based on the findings detailed here and in other reports and publications. For the Hungerford's, tests were conducted to determine the toxicity of TFM (3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol) to a surrogate (Haliplus sp.). Haliplus were resistant to 3.9 times the TFM concentration required to kill larval sea lampreys. However, because avoidance behaviors were observed, it was determined that Hungerford's would be adversely affected. Surveys demonstrated that TFM exposure during the treatment did not negatively affect the population. For the piping plover, a No Observable Adverse Effects Level, estimated from data results on the toxicity of TFM and TFM-1% niclosamide [5-Chloro-N-(2-chloro-4-nitrophenyl)-2-hydroxybenzamide] to other bird species, was compared to an estimated daily dietary uptake using residue concentrations in burrowing mayflies (Hexagenia limbata). It was determined that neither lampricide would pose a risk to piping plover adults or chicks. Toxicity tests conducted on snuffbox (glochidia, juveniles), and ellipse (surrogate, Venustaconcha ellipsiformis ; glochidia, juveniles, adults) demonstrated that TFM would not adversely affect the mussels. Surveys and field observations supported the determinations for the three species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lampricides 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophemol (TFM) and niclosamide have been used for over 60 years to control the invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) population in the Laurentian Great Lakes. In this review, we summarize these findings in the context of the mode of action of both lampricides, with a focus on: (1) the physiology of uptake, bodily distribution and mode of action, detoxification, and excretion of lampricides in lamprey and non-target fishes, (2) the development of an Adverse Outcome Pathway for TFM and niclosamide, and (3) the identification of novel avenues for future research that can be further explored to ensure continuous suppression of the sea lamprey population in the Great Lakes. We explored how research on the mode of action of lampricides has provided novel insights into the gill microenvironment and how this impacts lampricide toxicity; described new information on mitochondria and tissue physiology; and discussed how the activity of enzymes that are involved in detoxification pathways impacts the response of fishes to xenobiotics. Considering the information that has been generated over the years on sea lamprey and bony fish physiology from studying the mode of action of lampricides, here we propose an Adverse Outcome Pathway for TFM and niclosamide and identify novel avenues for research on the short and long-term effects of lampricide applications, either alone or in combination. Lastly, we discuss how the differences in physiology between sea lampreys and non-target fishes can be further exploited to ensure continuous suppression of the sea lamprey population in the Great Lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lake sturgeon, a species of conservation concern, can be affected by sea lamprey control activities in the Great Lakes basin. Specifically, age-0 lake sturgeon are sensitive to the pesticides used to kill larval stage sea lampreys; and, as tributary spawners, barriers that restrict access to habitat for adult sea lampreys can also restrict access to spawning lake sturgeon habitat. Conversely, lake sturgeon are also potentially prey for juvenile sea lampreys, so they benefit from control measures that reduce sea lamprey abundance. Over the past 20 years research has defined conditions under which treatments to control sea lampreys, such as high tributary alkalinity levels, are of highest risk for age-0 lake sturgeon mortality. Adult lake sturgeon are likely to survive a sea lamprey attack, and adult wounding rates vary through time and space across the Great Lakes basin and in Lake Champlain. Juvenile lake sturgeon are at higher risk of mortality from a sea lamprey attack, yet rarely display wounds. There are mitigation measures, including treating tributaries later in the year, capturing and holding age-0 lake sturgeon prior to treatment in high-risk tributaries, maximizing the time between treatments, and providing passage for spawning lake sturgeon above sea lamprey barriers that can minimize risks to lake sturgeon populations. As such, we believe that there remains room for both a robust sea lamprey control program moving forward in concert with lake sturgeon rehabilitation across the Great Lakes basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Given the growing importance of customer behavior in the business market nowadays, telecom operators focus not only on customer profitability to increase market share but also on highly loyal customers as well as customers who are churn. The emergence of big data concepts introduced a new wave of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategies. Big data analysis helps to describe customer’s behavior, understand their habits, develop appropriate marketing plans for organizations to identify sales transactions and build a long-term loyalty relationship. This paper provides a methodology for telecom companies to target different-value customers by appropriate offers and services. This methodology was implemented and tested using a dataset that contains about 127 million records for training and testing supplied by Syriatel corporation. Firstly, customers were segmented based on the new approach (Time-frequency- monetary) TFM (TFM where: Time (T): total of calls duration and Internet sessions in a certain period of time. Frequency (F): use services frequently within a certain period. Monetary (M): The money spent during a certain period.) and the level of loyalty was defined for each segment or group. Secondly, The loyalty level descriptors were taken as categories, choosing the best behavioral features for customers, their demographic information such as age, gender, and the services they share. Thirdly, Several classification algorithms were applied based on the descriptors and the chosen features to build different predictive models that were used to classify new users by loyalty. Finally, those models were evaluated based on several criteria and derive the rules of loyalty prediction. After that by analyzing these rules, the loyalty reasons at each level were discovered to target them the most appropriate offers and services.

The lampricide 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) has been used in liquid form to control larval sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in Great Lakes tributaries since the late 1950s. In the 1980s a dissolvable TFM bar was developed as a supplemental tool for application to small tributaries as a deterrent to larvae seeking water not activated with TFM. The size, mass, and number of bars needed in some streams, as well as the location of the streams, limit the utility of a TFM bar. The development and use of an alternative niclosamide bar has the potential to use fewer bars to achieve similar results. However, the use of a niclosamide bar is dependent upon its larval deterrent capability compared to the TFM bar. In this study, we developed a laboratory-scale, simulated stream fluvarium with several avoidance areas including two side channels and a seep. The objective was to evaluate the deterrent capabilities of TFM and niclosamide. We found similar behavioral responses, with TFM and niclosamide having similar capabilities to prevent sea lamprey from seeking refuge in side channels and seep avoidance areas. TFM-treated side channels and seep increased sea lamprey occupancy in the main channel 2.56 times more than the untreated-controls (95% CI 1.63–4.14) whereas niclosamide-treated side channels and seep increased sea lamprey occupancy of the main channel 2.68 times more than the untreated-controls (95% CI 1.72–4.32). These responses indicate a niclosamide bar would effectively prevent sea lamprey escapement into freshwater during a lampricide treatment at concentrations unlikely to harm aquatic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, thermal cameras play a major role because of its temperature-based photography in many applications such as video surveillance, monitoring electronics/electrical machines, forest monitoring, monitoring babies/adult patients, and suspicious object detection. Tracking pedestrians in thermal video is a major task for such applications. Thermal cameras usually create images based on temperature emitted by the object only and not on the lighting conditions and outdoor environment conditions. But still thermal images have constraints like no texture or colour information, more number of dead pixels, low resolution, and noticeable visual colour patterns in case of any temperature variations. So the challenge in tracking pedestrians in thermal videos is tracking objects/pedestrians throughout the video without an identity switch by overcoming these constraints which may mislead the tracking process. To overcome these constraints, the proposed system uses tri feature matrix (TFM) as an object descriptor which is used to uniquely identify and represent objects in thermal images. TFM is represented in more compact way as a triple matrix. It is a simple and accurate descriptor suitable for tracking objects in thermal video sequences without an identity switch. The proposed Pedestrian tracking system uses most of the advantages of thermal cameras by overcoming challenges in thermal videos effectively based on a novel descriptor TFM. The proposed system is evaluated with various data sets, and the results are analysed using true positive, true negative, false negative, false positive, accuracy, precision, recall, F-score, global identity mismatch (GMME) and track matching error (TME). The performance metrics such as accuracy, precision, recall, F-score, GMME and TME are computed as 99%, 100%, 99%, 99%, 2.3%, and 2.1%, respectively. From the observation, it is found that the performance of proposed TFM-based system is significantly improved. The experimental result shows that the proposed system achieved more accurate tracking compared to the conventional methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The toxic unit and additive index approaches were used to understand how 2 pesticides, 3‐trifluoromethyl‐4‐nitrophenol (TFM) and 2,5‐dichloro‐4‐nitrosalicylanilide (niclosamide; Nic), interact in mixtures. Our first objective was to determine whether the interaction was strictly additive or greater than additive at doses comparable to those used to control invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Laurentian Great Lakes, and our second was to compare the utility of the toxic unit and additive index models for determining how TFM and Nic interacted. Typically, TFM is mixed with Nic (1–2%, w/v) to increase its potency and reduce TFM use. However, there is little information on how the 2 chemicals interact. Using a well‐studied, resident nontarget fish, the rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), we conducted toxicity tests with TFM, Nic, and TFM:Nic (100:1, w/v; TFM/1% Nic) mixtures over 12 h to determine if the interaction was strictly additive, less than additive (antagonistic), or greater than additive (synergistic). The toxic unit and additive index approaches indicated synergistic interactions at environmentally relevant concentrations, suggesting that both are valid approaches for predicting how TFM and Nic interact. The toxic unit approach was simpler to conceptualize and to calculate, and we recommend that it be used when describing how TFM and Nic, and other similar organic compounds, interact with each other in aquatic ecosystems. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1419–1430. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fastener hole cracks, resulting from stress concentration around the hole, are potential sources of failure in mechanical structures. Traditionally, inspection involves manually moving a single ultrasonic probe around the hole or using an eddy current probe to move through the hole. However, single ultrasonic probe inspection is time-consuming and needs skilful operators. Eddy current inspection requires the removal of the fastener in advance and does not allow easy crack sizing and visualization. This paper proposes a novel approach that combines a 2D phased array with a coupling block to enable complete fastener hole inspection from a single array position. A single full matrix capture (FMC) data set is collected, from which 3D volumetric images are formed. To obtain clear images of the geometry and potential defects, half-skip and multi-skip total focusing method imaging algorithms are investigated together with transmitter–receiver pairs selection methods to detect different target features. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed inspection approach can eliminate dead zone problems and capture all target information from a single inspection position. These methods show great potential in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of fastener hole inspections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A circumferential scanning method based on the linear array is proposed to get the 3-D ultrasonic imaging of the bolt thread crack. • A three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm (3-DR) is developed to reconstruct 3-D crack images with the discrete 2-D images obtained by the linear array. • The half-matrix sparse total focus method (HMS-TFM) is presented to accelerate the imaging process. • The proposed 3-D imaging method has competitive performance in accuracy and rapidity for crack monitoring. The bolt is a widely-used standard component, and the cracking of its thread often leads to final fractures. Traditional 1-D (one-dimensional) A-scan detection and 2-D (two-dimensional) imaging methods only display the position and depth of bolt cracks, without providing information about the crack's circumferential characteristics. While 1-D array linear scanning and 2-D array can achieve 3-D (three-dimensional) imaging in simple planar components, they have limitations when it comes to bolts. The former has a narrow scanning area, and the latter requires a long post-processing time. To overcome these limitations, the three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm (3-DR) and the half-matrix sparse total focus method (HMS-TFM) are proposed. Our approach involves adopting 360° circumferential scanning based on a 1-D linear array to achieve 3-D imaging of bolt cracks. At each scanning position, the 2-D image data are captured and are then fused to obtain the 3-D image. Different from the simple stacking of 2-D image data in linear scanning, our 3-DR algorithm reconstructs 3-D images based on discrete sampled 2-D images. To reduce the time required for 2-D imaging, the proposed HMS-TFM reduces the required data volume while maintaining acceptable image quality. Experiment results demonstrate that circumferential scanning based on the linear array can achieve 3-D imaging of bolt defects with lower time cost compared to using a matrix array for 3-D imaging. We obtained accurate circumferential quantification for radial-direction cracks with depths of 1 mm, 1.5 mm, and 2 mm with a relative error better than 6.23 %. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This exploratory and descriptive article diagnoses the general state of teaching and research in university master programmes in Spain. Taking this approach as starting point, this study analyzes to what extent the dissertations developed in these master degrees are more research-oriented or just produced for professional purposes according to their syllabus and the profile of their teaching staff. To this end, a comprehensive collection of data from the eight universities that offered master programmes in sports journalism between 2017 and 2019 was required. Thus, this study examines the volume, the topics and typologies of dissertations that were defended within those last two academic years. The data collection has been accompanied by questionnaires and inquiries sent to the head professors and supervisors of these degrees. Given that all master programmes on sports journalism except for one are non-official and that a high percentage of their teaching staff work in media outlets, the findings confirm that dissertations are scarcely focused on theories nor research methods, and the addressed issues can hardly open new ways to increase the scientific production in this specific field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the influence of thickness and material attenuation on volumetric inspection using conventional and advanced ultrasonic array-based techniques through suitable examples. The sensitivity achieved in conventional phased array ultrasonic testing technique with focusing at specific depth using delay laws and advanced array-based techniques for simultaneous focusing at all depths such as Full Matrix Capture-Total Focusing Method and plane wave imaging-TFM are compared in the present study. Finally, experimental results are discussed for advanced ultrasonic array-based techniques for detection and characterization of a 4 mm through wall dimension vertical planar defect (simulating a lack of side wall fusion in a thick narrow gap weld) in a nickel base alloy forging having fine and coarse grains. The sensitivities and signal-to-noise ratio achieved in the different techniques are discussed in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable inspection of large steel forgings is a significant problem across multiple industries. When the dimensions of forgings are at least 1000 mm in each direction, ultrasonic phased array inspection becomes difficult because conventional probes are not designed to transmit and focus acoustic energy over such large distances. Using simulations and experiments, this article aims to discuss the possibilities and limitations of phased array imaging of large forged steel ingots. Simulations were used to design a transducer based on the reflected amplitude, as well as the lateral and axial resolutions of defects in a 1000 mm thick block. It was shown that when limiting the aperture to allow easy handling in an industrial inspection setting, the lateral resolution and the reflected amplitude were the main limitations. Increasing the element width maximizes the energy transmitted into the material, but it also moves elements away from each other, thus reducing the lateral resolution. Based on the simulations, an experimental phased array transducer was manufactured with eight elements of 9.25 × 22.5 mm. The probe was used to perform measurements and generate total focusing method images of three different at a depth of 370 mm in a 776 mm forged steel block.

The open source code MFIX is used to perform CFD-DEM and TFM simulations based on the small scale challenge problem 1 fluidized bed set up. The basic flow features such as the core-annulus structure and slugging dynamics are well predicted by both modeling approaches. Similarly the first four statistical moments of the particle velocity distributions from HsPIV measurements are equally reproduced qualitatively by the models. The predicted mean pressure drop is independent of the drag correlation used in both modeling frameworks but the CFD-DEM model gives predictions closer to the experimental values. Predicted fluctuating quantities such as rms and granular temperature show sensitivity to the drag model used. The TFM demonstrates greater accuracy over the CFD-DEM in prediction of the particle granular temperature while the opposite is true for the bubble granular temperature. CFD-DEM simulations on average take twice the time required to perform a TFM simulation. Unlabelled Image • CFD-DEM and TFM modeling of small scale challenge problem. • Spectral analysis of pressure and particle velocity fluctuations. • Statistical analysis of pressure and particle velocity data. • Comparison of particle and bubble granular temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reliable inspection of large steel forgings is a significant problem across multiple industries. When the dimensions of forgings are at least 1000 mm in each direction, ultrasonic phased array inspection becomes difficult because conventional probes are not designed to transmit and focus acoustic energy over such large distances. Using simulations and experiments, this article aims to discuss the possibilities and limitations of phased array imaging of large forged steel ingots. Simulations were used to design a transducer based on the reflected amplitude, as well as the lateral and axial resolutions of defects in a 1000 mm thick block. It was shown that when limiting the aperture to allow easy handling in an industrial inspection setting, the lateral resolution and the reflected amplitude were the main limitations. Increasing the element width maximizes the energy transmitted into the material, but it also moves elements away from each other, thus reducing the lateral resolution. Based on the simulations, an experimental phased array transducer was manufactured with eight elements of 9.25 × 22.5 mm. The probe was used to perform measurements and generate total focusing method images of three different at a depth of 370 mm in a 776 mm forged steel block. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporally independent functional modes (TFMs) are functional brain networks identified based on their temporal independence. The rationale behind identifying TFMs is that different functional networks may share a common anatomical infrastructure yet display distinct temporal dynamics. Extracting TFMs usually require a larger number of samples than acquired in standard fMRI experiments, and thus have therefore previously only been performed at the group level. Here, using an ultra-fast fMRI sequence, MESH-EPI, with a volume repetition time of 158 ​ms, we conducted an exploratory study with n ​= ​6 subjects and computed TFMs at the single subject level on both task and resting-state datasets. We identified 6 common temporal modes of activity in our participants, including a temporal default mode showing patterns of anti-correlation between the default mode and the task-positive networks, a lateralised motor mode and a visual mode integrating the visual cortex and the visual streams. In alignment with other findings reported recently, we also showed that independent time-series are largely free from confound contamination. In particular for ultra-fast fMRI, TFMs can separate the cardiac signal from other fluctuations. Using a non-linear dimensionality reduction technique, UMAP, we obtained preliminary evidence that combinations of spatial networks as described by the TFM model are highly individual. Our results show that it is feasible to measure reproducible TFMs at the single-subject level, opening new possibilities for investigating functional networks and their integration. Finally, we provide a python toolbox for generating TFMs and comment on possible applications of the technique and avenues for further investigation.

Desde la llegada del proceso de Bolonia a las aulas de nuestras universidades, el trabajo fin de grado ha sido una de las mayores novedades en los grados especialmente en los de las Ciencias Sociales. Tanto el profesorado como el alumnado ha estado sufriendo la falta de experiencia en esta materia. Varios años después de su implantación sigue siendo un momento temido por muchos alumnos que carecen de las herramientas necesarias para afrontar ese crucial requerimiento con seguridad y confianza. Este trabajo presenta los fundamentos teóricos en los que apoyarse para servirse de la metodología de la oratoria para impartir cursos de innovación docente destinados tanto a alumnos universitarios de grado como de máster. Finalmente, se incluye la propuesta de la guía docente que podría tener un curso de estas características y que sería de gran ayuda al alumnado y al profesorado más novel.

Given the growing importance of customer behavior in the business market nowadays, telecom operators focus not only on customer profitability to increase market share but also on highly loyal customers as well as customers who are churn. The emergence of big data concepts introduced a new wave of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategies. Big data analysis helps to describe customer's behavior, understand their habits, develop appropriate marketing plans for organizations to identify sales transactions and build a long-term loyalty relationship. This paper provides a methodology for telecom companies to target different-value customers by appropriate offers and services. This methodology was implemented and tested using a dataset that contains about 127 million records for training and testing supplied by Syriatel corporation. Firstly, customers were segmented based on the new approach (Time-frequency- monetary) TFM (TFM where: Time (T): total of calls duration and Internet sessions in a certain period of time. Frequency (F): use services frequently within a certain period. Monetary (M): The money spent during a certain period.) and the level of loyalty was defined for each segment or group. Secondly, The loyalty level descriptors were taken as categories, choosing the best behavioral features for customers, their demographic information such as age, gender, and the services they share. Thirdly, Several classification algorithms were applied based on the descriptors and the chosen features to build different predictive models that were used to classify new users by loyalty. Finally, those models were evaluated based on several criteria and derive the rules of loyalty prediction. After that by analyzing these rules, the loyalty reasons at each level were discovered to target them the most appropriate offers and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrodynamics of binary particles in bubbling fluidized beds are of significance to a wide range of industries, and acceptable agreement has been found between experimental measurement and numerical calculation of the vertical velocity distribution of binary particles. Calculations using different drag models and restitution coefficients have been used to model a variety of superficial gas velocities, particle components, and particle diameters. Fluctuation of the void fraction is regular, but its periodicity is complex. Small and large particles are segregated in the bed, and the segregation is more obvious when the restitution coefficient is increased. This demonstrates the complex nature of gas–solid and solid–solid interactions, and the behaviour of binary solids; these results should aid further study of multi-solid behavioural mechanisms. Unlabelled Image • PIV is used to obtain the movement of binary solids in bubbling fluidized bed. • Distribution rules of large and small particles in the bed is studied. • Effects of drag models and restitution coefficient on particle behaviours are investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Gas-solid fluidization is intrinsically dynamic and manifests mesoscale structures spanning a wide range of length and timescales. When involved with reactions, more complex phenomena emerge and thus pose bigger challenges for modeling. As the mesoscale is critical to understand multiphase reactive flows, which the conventional two-fluid model without mesoscale modeling may be inadequate to resolve even using extremely fine grids, this review attempts to demonstrate that the energy-minimization multiscale (EMMS) model could be a starting point to develop such mesoscale modeling. Then, the EMMS-based mesoscale modeling with emphasis on formulation of drag coefficients for different fluidization regimes, modification of mass transfer coefficient, and other extensions are discussed in an attempt to resolve the emerging challenges. Its applications with examples of development of novel fluid catalytic cracking and methanol-to-olefins processes prove that the mesoscale modeling plays a remarkable role in improving the predictions in hydrodynamic behaviors and overall reaction rate. However, the product content primarily depends on the chemical kinetic model itself, suggesting the necessity of an effective coupling between chemical kinetics and flow characteristics. The mesoscale modeling can be believed to accelerate the traditional experimental-based scale-up process with much lower cost in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]