bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metal-free dearomatization reactions of naphthol-ynamides for the divergent and enantioselective synthesis of azaspirocycles
Authors: Li Hang-Hao , Zhang Yi-Ping , Zhai Tong-Yi , Liu Bin-Yang , Shi Chong-Yang , Zhou Jin-Mei , Ye Long-Wu
Published: May 2022

An efficient Brønsted acid (BA) catalyzed intramolecular dearomatization cyclization of naphthol-ynamides has been developed, enabling the practical and divergent synthesis of two azaspirocycles in high yields.
Investigation of the one-step electrochemical deposition of graphene oxide-doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)–polyphenol oxidase as a dopamine sensor
Authors: Ramu P. , Vimal S. P. , Suresh P. , Sanmugam Anandhavelu , Saravanakumar U. , Kumar Raju Suresh , Almansour Abdulrahman I. , Arumugam Natarajan , Vikraman Dhanasekaran
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we fabricated poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT)–graphene oxide–polyphenol oxidase (PEDOT–GO–PPO) as a dopamine sensor.
Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of transition metal (Mn/Fe/Cu) co-doped cerium oxide-based nano-additives for potential use in the reduction of exhaust emission from spark ignition engines
Authors: Qadeer Nazish , Jabeen Naila , Khan Latif U. , Sohail Manzar , Zaheer Muhammad , Vaqas Muhammad , Kanwal Afia , Sajid Fatima , Qamar Samina , Akhter Zareen
Published: May 2022

Illustrating the synthesis of doped and undoped CeO2 nanomaterial and its potential application as a promising catalyst for additives to minimize emissions from spark ignition (SI) engines fueled with gasoline blends.
Tin-based halide perovskite materials: properties and applications
Authors: Byranvand Mahdi Malekshahi , Zuo Weiwei , Imani Roghayeh , Pazoki Meysam , Saliba Michael
Published: May 2022

This perspective presents the current status and prospects of tin-perovskites and the relevant optoelectronic device applications.
Rheological response of a glass-forming liquid having large bidispersity
Authors: Vaibhav Vinay , Horbach Jürgen , Chaudhuri Pinaki
Published: May 2022

Using extensive numerical simulations, we investigate the flow behaviour of a model glass-forming binary mixture whose constituent particles have a large size ratio.
The role of eIF2 phosphorylation in cell and organismal physiology: new roles for well-known actors
Authors: Wang Xuemin , Proud Christopher G.
Published: May 2022

Control of protein synthesis (mRNA translation) plays key roles in shaping the proteome and in many physiological, including homeostatic, responses. One long-known translational control mechanism involves phosphorylation of initiation factor, eIF2, which is catalysed by any one of four protein kinases, which are generally activated in response to stresses. They form a key arm of the integrated stress response (ISR). Phosphorylated eIF2 inhibits eIF2B (the protein that promotes exchange of eIF2-bound GDP for GTP) and thus impairs general protein synthesis. However, this mechanism actually promotes translation of certain mRNAs by virtue of specific features they possess. Recent work has uncovered many previously unknown features of this regulatory system. Several studies have yielded crucial insights into the structure and control of eIF2, including that eIF2B is regulated by several metabolites. Recent studies also reveal that control of eIF2 and the ISR helps determine organismal lifespan and surprising roles in sensing mitochondrial stresses and in controlling the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). The latter effect involves an unexpected role for one of the eIF2 kinases, HRI. Phosphoproteomic analysis identified new substrates for another eIF2 kinase, Gcn2, which senses the availability of amino acids. Several genetic disorders arise from mutations in genes for eIF2α kinases or eIF2B (i.e. vanishing white matter disease, VWM and microcephaly, epileptic seizures, microcephaly, hypogenitalism, diabetes and obesity, MEHMO). Furthermore, the eIF2-mediated ISR plays roles in cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer's disease. New findings suggest potential therapeutic value in interfering with the ISR in certain settings, including VWM, for example by using compounds that promote eIF2B activity.
Synthesis of high‐purity mesoporous nanosilica microspheres from retired composite insulators based on orthogonal experiment
Authors: Chen Rongxin , Cheng Li , Liu Yunfan , Yu Liang , Liao Ruijin , Wang Tingting
Published: May 2022

Silicone rubber is an indispensable insulation material for power equipment and is difficult to degrade naturally, posing a serious threat to the environment. It remains challenging to dispose this alarming amount of waste. In our previous research, a green pyrolysis recycling method was proposed for waste composite insulators. In this article, the experimental device was further improved, and the recycling process was optimised by orthogonal experiments to obtain nanosilica microspheres (NSMs) with higher purity and controllable particle size for the state‐of‐the‐art engineering applications. Firstly, the effect of three factors (calcination temperature, constant‐temperature duration, and heating rate) on the particle size of NSMs were investigated by single‐factor analysis. ANOVA and response analyses were then used to examine the goodness of fit of the multi‐parameter fitting equation and the interaction impact of multiple factors on the particle size. Finally, homogeneous mesoporous NSMs with higher purity (increased from 97% to 99%) and smaller particle size (decreased from 160 to 103 nm were prepared under the guidance of model. The SiO2‐recovery rate of this method was 74.7%, revealing superior economic value.
Precursors of fatty alcohols in the ISM: Discovery of n-propanol
Authors: Jiménez-Serra Izaskun , Rodríguez-Almeida Lucas F. , Martín-Pintado Jesús , Rivilla Víctor M. , Melosso Mattia , Zeng Shaoshan , Colzi Laura , Kawashima Yoshiyuki , Hirota Eizi , Puzzarini Cristina , Tercero Belén , de Vicente Pablo , Rico-Villas Fernando , Requena-Torres Miguel A. , Martín Sergio
Published: May 2022

Context. Theories of the origins of life propose that early cell membranes were synthesised from amphiphilic molecules simpler than phospholipids, such as fatty alcohols. The discovery in the interstellar medium (ISM) of ethanolamine, the simplest phospholipid head group, raises the question whether simple amphiphilic molecules are also synthesised in space.

Aims. We investigate whether precursors of fatty alcohols are present in the ISM.

Methods. To do this, we have carried out a spectral survey at 7, 3, 2 and 1 mm towards the Giant Molecular Cloud G+0.693-0.027 located in the Galactic centre using the IRAM 30 m and Yebes 40 m telescopes.

Results. Here, we report the detection in the ISM of the primary alcohol n-propanol (in both conformers Ga-n-C3H7OH and Aa-n-C3H7OH), a precursor of fatty alcohols. The derived column densities of n-propanol are (5.5 ± 0.4) × 1013 cm−2 for the Ga conformer and (3.4 ± 0.3) × 1013 cm−2 for the Aa conformer, which imply molecular abundances of (4.1 ± 0.3) × 10−10 for Ga-n-C3H7OH and of (2.5 ± 0.2) × 10−10 for Aa-n-C3H7OH. We also searched for the AGa conformer of n-butanol [AGa-n-C4H9OH] without success, yielding an upper limit to its abundance of ≤4.1 × 10−11. The inferred CH3OH:C2H5OH:C3H7OH:C4H9OH abundance ratios are 1:0.04:0.006:≤0.0004 towards G+0.693-0.027, that is, they decrease roughly by one order of magnitude for increasing complexity. We also report the detection of both syn and anti conformers of vinyl alcohol, with column densities of (1.11 ± 0.08) × 1014 cm−2 and (1.3 ± 0.4) × 1013 cm−2, and abundances of (8.2 ± 0.6) × 10−10 and (9.6 ± 3.0) × 10−11, respectively.

Conclusions. The detection of n-propanol, together with the recent discovery of ethanolamine in the ISM, opens the possibility that precursors of lipids according to theories of the origin of life, could have been brought to Earth from outer space.
Partage de l’eau et des savoirs au barrage de la Verne
Authors: José-Maria Francis , Jam René
Published: May 2022

Le barrage de la Verne a vu le jour en 1991 après avoir été approuvé lors d’un référendum organisé suite au drame de Malpasset, toujours présent dans la mémoire des habitants de la région. Pendant les deux ans qui ont précédé sa réalisation, le maître d’ouvrage (1) s’est engagé dans une démarche de concertation avec la population et le public scolaire. Le barrage de la Verne est devenu la principale source d’alimentation en eau potable des communes du golfe de Saint-Tropez au sein d’un dispositif de diversification des ressources qui a permis de faire face aux sécheresses successives et permettra d’affronter les aléas liés au réchauffement climatique pendant les prochaines décennies. Il est aussi devenu le coeur du projet d’éducation et de coopération l’Eau Partagée qui a permis à près de 20 000 élèves de découvrir les réalités vivantes du bassin versant des Maures, depuis les sources jusqu’à la mer, et de participer aux échanges de coopération avec les villageois du Sahel Burkinabé. Un partage de l’eau et des savoirs au service d’une véritable éducation au changement climatique. (1) Syndicat Intercommunal de Distribution d’Eau de la Corniche des Maures.
Resettlement and Benefit-Sharing Mode in Lao Nam Ou River Development
Authors: Yu Haomiao , Chen Shaojun
Published: May 2022

Lao Nam Ou River Development is the priority project funded by Chinese enterprises in Belt and Road Initiative (based on Consultant, Contribution and Shared Benefit) which is integrally basin managed, planned and designed, constructed, commercially operated according to Chinese standards. Resettlement and Rehabilitation in Nam Ou Development were carried out on the basis of Benefit-sharing theory and principle, starting from planning and design, and finally realized win-win of project and social development in virtue of public participation. The thesis elaborated the benefit-sharing mode of Nam Ou resettlement mainly from avoiding and reducing resettlement, resettlement impact, public participation and sharing manners.
Impact of climate change and human factors on water resources variations in reservoir dams (case study: Lighvan River, Iran)
Authors: Kanani Reza
Published: May 2022

In recent years, runoff of basins has changed due to climate change and human activities. Since river flow changes play a key role in reservoirs water resources planning purposes, the analysis of the role of climatic and human factors in river flow changes is of great importance in reservoirs development plans. In this study, the effect of climate change and human activities on the runoff responses was examined using hydrologic sensitivity analysis in the Lighvan basin located in the northwest of Iran. The Vanyar dam is located in downstream of the Lighvan basin. The Mann–Kendall test and the Pettitt test were applied to identify the monotonic and rapid trends respectively, in hydro-climatic data series. The results showed that there was negative trend in discharge data series. The effect percentages of the human factors and climatic factors on runoff reduction were 65%-84% and 16%-35%, respectively. Therefore, in addition to the role of climate change, there is a need to pay more attention to the impacts of human activities in the upstream of dams. Also, according to the rate of changes of climatic and human factors, the design and planning of water resources of reservoirs should be improved and adapted.
Research and application of water light complementary power station
Authors: Xuege Liu , Pengfei Wang , Yanzhi Zhang , Chunlei Jia , Wei Zhao , Chengdong Liu , Xiaogang Tan , Weiqiang Qu , Bo Liu , Yanan Zhang
Published: May 2022

After years of development, solar photovoltaic power stations have become increasingly mature and have made great breakthroughs. Building solar photovoltaic power stations in hydropower station reservoirs can not only use the rich sunlight on the water surface of the reservoir, but also make full use of the load regulation speed. The problem of unstable load of solar photovoltaic power plants realizes “water and light complementation” and provides high-quality, reliable and clean energy for the power grid.
Planning for a Sustainable Irrigation development: the Kosovo perspective
Authors: Lecollinet Julien
Published: May 2022

Kosovo aims to revitalize its agricultural sector by modernizing and boosting irrigation development, which is vital for the economic growth and to overcome the ongoing rural desertification. The Kosovo Irrigation Master Plan (KIMP) establishes a national strategy for developing irrigation across the country. Following a systematic analysis of the land, water, agriculture, environment and economic sectors, the planning of the irrigation development has been done with the use of a GIS based analytical tool. The assessment of the water resources conducted both in the current and in the future climate change impacted situations have evidenced an exposed situation for the future foreseen development. Currently, the gross irrigation area is 20,000 Ha, but the plan has evidenced a potential of 280,000 Ha. With limited existing storage capacities and a predicted increased hydrologic variability, investing in irrigation infrastructures without a secured access to water resources appears to be hazardous and calls for the development of storage capacities. The economic and institutional sustainability of this development appears to be found only through a multipurpose management of the planned infrastructures. This article presents the studies conducted within the Kosovo national irrigation master plan.
Réalisation d’une nouvelle prise d’eau sur le barrage d’Idriss 1er, Maroc
Authors: Caveriviere Cyril , Elfilali Abdelhay , Zemmouri Saad
Published: May 2022

L’objectif est de créer sur le barrage d’Idriss 1er une prise d’eau afin d’alimenter en eau potable les villes de Fès et Meknès. Cette prise d’eau a été créée tout en maintenant les unités de productions opérationnelles; le percement du barrage a été réalisé en eau.
Decision support for preliminary release of reservoir for flood control using ECMWF medium-range ensemble rainfall forecast
Authors: Nohara Daisuke , Kitani Kazuhiro , Michihiro Yuri , Sumi Tetsuya
Published: May 2022

A method for integrated reservoir operation is developed by considering medium-range ensemble rainfall forecast provided by European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) to enhance reservoir’s flood storage capability while maintaining its function for water use. Preliminary release operation, in which storage water for water use is released just before a flood occurs, is considered here. The desired timing and amount of preliminary release are estimated from ensemble prediction, maximizing the flood control capacity while securing storage recovery after the flood event. The case study with Shin-Nariwagawa Reservoir in the Takahashi River basin, Japan, demonstrated the effectiveness of introducing long-range ensemble prediction in decision making for preliminary release.
The innovative operation of Imha Reservoir
Authors: Kim Jongchan , Kim Hwa Young , Choi Hyun Gu , Jeong Seokil , Lee Youtae
Published: May 2022

Imha Reservoir has both a water transfer tunnel connecting Andong Reservoir and a selective withdrawal facility (SWF), which enable the innovative operation of the reservoir. Although these facilities had not been equipped when constructed in 1993, these structural measures were applied afterward as needed for the effective reservoir operation. The tunnel was constructed in 2015 to minimize the spillway discharge of a reservoir during floods by moving water to the other reservoir with free space. The SWF was installed in 2006 to address problems due to the persistent turbidity of Imha Reservoir. The effectiveness of these facilities was demonstrated through the operational cases in October 2019, while some improvements to non-structural measures were derived simultaneously. To prevent damage to the fish ecosystem of Imha reservoir, the tunnel currently was operated in a one-way water movement. However, a two-way water movement should be allowed as designed in the mid to long term. The SWF was operated effectively based on the prediction of the fate and transport of turbid water inside the reservoir using CE-QUAL-W2. Nevertheless, more action procedures on turbid water are required, such as setting clear criteria for the release timing of turbid water, predicting the downstream turbidity variations, etc.
Using reservoirs for floating PV plants
Authors: Vaschetti Gabriella , Bacchelli Marco , Tronel François
Published: May 2022

The use of reservoirs as base layers for floating solar photovoltaic plants has been dramatically increasing in the last five years, especially in the far East and in areas where land is scarce or expensive. The floating solar technology has now more than a decade’s experience, and about 7 years’ experience on a large scale. Conversely, hybrid systems combining hydropower with floating solar photovoltaic plants are still in an early stage, while having high future potential. The paper will present the characteristics and benefits of floating solar photovoltaic plants, and discuss a project in Israel, where the existing floating cover of a reservoir was replaced by 616 floating PV panels, which will reduce water evaporation while producing about 230 kWpeak output. The paper will also present and discuss the peculiarities of an innovative project at present under study, where both the upper and the lower reservoirs of a pumped storage scheme to be constructed will be equipped with a floating solar power system, thus combining hydro and solar potentials.
Hedging rule-based optimized reservoir operation using metaheuristic algorithms
Authors: Shourian Mojtaba , Jamshidi Javad
Published: May 2022

In this study, optimal operation of a reservoir by incorporation of the hedging policy and the Bat Algorithm (BA) is investigated. The deficit in water supply by the dam is minimized as the objective function and the optimal monthly releases from the reservoir are determined and compared in three hedging-based operation rules. In the first rule, which has a single decision variable, a constant monthly release is considered for all 240 months of the operation period. In the second scenario, one fixed release is determined for each month of the year and is repeated in successive operating years which results 12 decision variables for the problem. In the third rule, all monthly releases are varied as the decision variables resulting 240 unknowns for the problem. The developed models are utilized for the Zhaveh reservoir in west of Iran. Results show that while BA is a suitable algorithm to be applied for optimal reservoir operation planning, the amount of water deficit is lower when a higher degree of freedom is defined for the operating rules.
Évolutions et perspectives des enjeux territoriaux et des usages liés au barrage de la Manzo
Authors: Veilleur Valéry , Chalonec Johanna , Rosillette Ronny , Peyras Laurent
Published: May 2022

Le barrage de la Manzo (Antilles - France) est un ouvrage en remblai d’enrochements, de 27 m de hauteur, permettant le stockage de 8 Mm3 d’eau. Depuis 1980, il remédie au manque d’eau durant la saison sèche et permet essentiellement l’irrigation des terres du sud-est de la Martinique. Ainsi, il répond aux enjeux territoriaux majeurs de soutien d’une agriculture compétitive et de maintien de l’emploi. Au fil des années, la structure s’est intégrée au paysage des communes de Ducos, François et Saint-Esprit. L’article analyse la résilience et la capacité d’adaptation de l’ouvrage vis-à-vis de l’évolution des usages et du changement climatique à partir de l’année 2000. Les aléas naturels intenses (tempêtes, sécheresses, séismes), l’évolution des usages et les préoccupations relatives au réchauffement climatique exigent une plus grande résilience hydrologique. La Collectivité Territoriale de Martinique, en tant qu’exploitant du barrage se doit d’anticiper ces questions pour garantir des services de manière durable et économique tout en minimisant les impacts socio-environnementaux.
Effects of climate change on future energy production of Namakhvani HPP
Authors: Matos José Pedro , Ribeiro Marcelo Leite , Matcharadze Grigol , Mirtskhulava David
Published: May 2022

Climate change may be considered relevant for hydropower production schemes all over the world. Despite this, the assessment of the impact of climate change on hydropower is uncertain and must be interpreted with that in mind. The paper focuses on the Namakhvani HPP (400 MW), a new project under development in the Rioni River, in Georgia. Using it as an example, the paper emphasizes the critical role that is played by uncertainty in climate impact risk assessments and explores the interpretation of simulation results, providing ways in which they can be transformed in actionable information for decision-making.
Étude et modélisation du couplage PV/Hydroélectricité
Authors: Botet Lucile , Renaud Samuel
Published: May 2022

Le couplage d’une centrale solaire à un ouvrage hydroélectrique peut être une solution pertinente pour optimiser la production d’énergie hydroélectrique : maximisation de la production et optimisation de la courbe de production annuelle (stockage saisonnier plus flexible grâce à la production solaire supplémentaire). Sous réserve d’un dimensionnement solaire/hydroélectricité optimisé, cette hybridation est également bénéfique pour la centrale photovoltaïque. L’hydroélectricité peut compenser la variabilité du solaire lors des baisses de production journalières (effet nuages), limitant ainsi l’impact de la centrale solaire sur le réseau. Le montant de l’investissement nécessaire à l’implantation de la centrale solaire peut être optimisé (mutualisation des infrastructures d’interconnexion au réseau et des routes d’accès notamment). L’évaluation précise de ces synergies est complexe. Un outil numérique a été spécifiquement développé par Tractebel permettant de quantifier les synergies pour tous types de projets et identifier les conditions optimales de fonctionnement pour les maximiser. Cet article présente le principe de couplage et les fonctionnalités de l’outil HyPV. Des exemples de résultats sont présentés pour l’hybridation de la centrale de Kanji au Nigéria. Les conditions de maximisation de ces synergies sont présentées en fin de document.
Surveillance of the banks of reservoirs on the Drava River in Slovenia after extensive floods
Authors: Žvanut Pavel
Published: May 2022

The Slovenian section of the Drava River is 133 km long, and over this distance it has a descent of 148 m. Eight HPPs are located on this section (six directly in the river course, whereas the other two in derivation channels of the river). Ten concrete gravity dams, with a structural height between 17 and 54 m, created eight reservoirs. In addition to their main use for electricity generation, reservoirs are also used for floods mitigation, irrigation, industrial water use and recreation. At the beginning of November 2012, extremely high flows of the Drava River, which exceeded 100-year flood, caused floods in the middle and lower reaches of the river. Extraordinary visual geotechnical inspections of the banks, in order to determine any instability of them, were carried out immediately after this event. Numerous landslides and landslips were identified, as well as damage to nearby buildings, but also damage and threat to transport infrastructure. Damaged banks of reservoirs and damaged infrastructure were instantly rehabilitated. In the future, it is necessary to perform regular and extraordinary surveillance of the banks of reservoirs, drawing attention to damage that needs immediate rehabilitation, thus preventing the occurrence of eventual disastrous consequences.
Pilotage Intégré des Crues et des Transferts d’Eau (PICTO) - Un outil de gestion dynamique des retenues destinées à l’alimentation en eau potable sur le territoire de la Vendée
Authors: Delichère Stéphane , Bortoli Jérôme , Benatier Brigitte , Philippe Elodie , Germain Marie , Thomas Xavier , Wijting Jules
Published: May 2022

Depuis 1961, Vendée Eau organise la production et la distribution de l’eau potable sur la quasi-totalité du département de la Vendée. La production d’eau potable du parc de Vendée Eau est assurée principalement par 13 barrages à usages multiples : alimentation en eau potable, écrêtement des crues, irrigation et soutien d’étiage. La gestion intégrée, coordonnée et optimisée de ces ouvrages est essentielle pour anticiper et gérer au mieux les épisodes hydrologiques extrêmes, crues et sécheresses, et pour garantir la satisfaction des usages de l’eau. Deux enjeuxclés sont à considérer sur le territoire de Vendée Eau : l’augmentation des besoins en eau et donc du risque de pénurie d’une part, l’augmentation de la fréquence des extrêmes hydrologiques et donc des risques d’inondation d’autre part. Face à ces problématiques, Vendée Eau a mandaté BRLi pour développer un outil de gestion dynamique des réservoirs afin d’optimiser la gestion de ces ouvrages en période normale, et plus spécifiquement en situations de crises, crues et sècheresses. Cet outil, basé sur la solution WIMES de BRLi, a été développé en méthode Agile pour répondre aux besoins de Vendée Eau et porte le nom de PICTO pour « Pilotage Intégré des Crues et des Transferts d’Eau ».
Un nouvel âge d’or pour les barrages ?
Authors: Deroo Luc , Fry Jean-Jacques , Lempérière François , Nombre Adama
Published: May 2022

Les besoins en eau, en électricité renouvelable et en protection contre les inondations et les sécheresses sont considérables; le stockage d’eau est un moyen historique et naturel d’y contribuer. Pourtant, le rythme de construction de nouveaux réservoirs est plus lent que l’augmentation des besoins. Le comité « Utilisation émergente des réservoirs » de la CIGB a dressé ce constat et suggéré des pistes pour y remédier. Une piste essentielle est l’innovation. En plus des ouvrages classiques, il est possible de proposer des options nouvelles, pilotées par des enjeux sociétaux qui changent la donne : chute du prix du solaire et de l’éolien, évolution de l’opinion publique à l’égard des enjeux environnementaux, changement climatique : rareté de la ressource et catastrophes naturelles, évolution des modes de financement des projets, technologies informatiques. Cette présentation propose un tour d’horizon d’idées neuves, parfois « sages », parfois provocantes, mais toujours à fort potentiel, et en fait presque toujours multiusage. Barrages de bords de mer, réservoirs hydro-solaires, twin dams, réservoirs alimentés par pompage des crues, réservoirs à vocation de biodiversité, barrages écrêteurs vannés, etc… Ces idées, et d’autres, pourraient bien alimenter un nouvel âge d’or pour les barrages (au sens large !) tant les besoins sont forts.
Integrating a dam on a territory with multiple reservoirs
Authors: Türk Özge , Türk Necdet
Published: May 2022

Water has been a vital resource for the continuity of life. This is why states are trying to ensure water security for their citizens by building water infrastructures on their rivers. It is important to consider the purpose of the dam when planning it, especially when the dam is to be built on a territory where multiple reservoirs exist. Hydropower dams are convenient choices in many conditions as they cause very small water loss in the basin. They can be integrated into multiple basins without causing many problems. They only cause water loss during the infilling of their reservoirs. Once the reservoir is filled with water, the water flow in the basin will be as it was before. However, compensation might be paid for the period of water filling to the downstream states or other dam owners. Before constructing a dam, economic, social, environmental and cultural impacts that the dam will create should also be examined. Also, the responsible should make sure that the dam is not planned on tectonically active zones. Another important issue building a dam in a multiple reservoir terrain causes induce earthquakes. Reservoir induced earthquakes are regarded as natural disasters in most countries.
Reservoir operation simulation for existing and planned hydropower projects on the Niger and Benue catchments in Nigeria
Authors: Amogu Okechukwu
Published: May 2022

In 2015/16, a hydropower site screening study was undertaken in Nigeria on the main stem of the Niger River and in the Benue River basin. The study assessed small (5-20 MW installed capacity), medium (20-100 MW) and large projects (> 100 MW) focusing on hydropower sites with potential multipurpose benefits. In the final stage of the study, three sites (two medium and one large project) were recommended for future development by the Government of Nigeria in liaison with the Niger Basin Authority (NBA). The study covered: Simulations of energy production and water demand satisfaction using the MIKE HYDRO Basin software. The modelling approach was based on maximizing energy production and maintaining a target mean load factor. (1) Impacts of reservoir development on hydropower production benefits, downstream flow variability, navigation downstream for three time horizons: current, mid development and maximum potential development. (2) Sensitivity analyses of water availability risks for hydropower generation for the three selected sites considering possible future abstractions and projected climate change. (3) Optimization of the use of the River Niger’s White flood in Nigeria and study of the augmentation of the Kainji HPP in order to mitigate the potential future production losses due to upstream developments/abstractions outside Nigeria.
Operation and Water Management of Dam Cascade System
Authors: Prasetio Anom , Ashar Abu
Published: May 2022

The Larona River Basin which covers an area of 2,477 km2, including the three cascading lakes: Matano, Mahalona and Towuti, is a strategic watershed which acts as the water resource for three hydropower plants that supply 420 Megawatt of electricity to power a nickel processing plant and its supporting facilities and electricity need of the surrounding communities. The maximum and minimum operating levels of Lake Towuti are 319.6 meters (asl) and 317.45 meters (asl) respectively. The optimization of water resources management in the Larona Basin is important to fulfil the need to produce the energy sources. Weather Modification Technology in the form of cloud seeding is needed to produce rain which will increase the volume of water in the lake when the lake water level decreased. In the rainy season, spillway operations in all dams must be optimized because the water levels upstream and downstream are continuously monitored to prevent the impact of flooding in both areas.
Lessons learnt from dealing with climatic extreme events - A case of L. Victoria and the White Nile Cascade
Authors: Manirakiza Wilberforce , Tumwesigye Emmanuel , Otim Kevin , Akurut Mary , Mutikanga Harrison E.
Published: May 2022

Lake Victoria storage and water levels are affected by changes in precipitation, evapotranspiration, tributary inflows and outflow in the single Nile River outlet at Owen Falls Dam. In May 1964, the lake reached its first highest recorded level of 13.46 m at the Jinja Pier that resulted into the Nile River outflow of 1910 m3/s. Consequently, the decision to construct Owen falls extension later in year 2000 was motivated by the risk assessment to mitigate the potential of regional hydrology reverting to the 1960s conditions. However, the catchment has consistently had above-normal precipitation coupled with accelerating land use changes that have resulted into higher inflows from the lake tributaries. In May 2020, the lake level surpassed the 1964 record, peaking at 13.47 m towards the end of May. These two occurrences (1964 and 2020) greatly affected hydropower generation, disrupted socio-economic activities around the lake and along the river and posed a threat on the safety of Nile Cascade dams. This paper therefore, presents the integrated multi-sectoral framework that was adopted to assess and mitigate the risks involved. The paper also identifies challenges, opportunities, interventions and lessons learnt from such risks and uncertainties.
Red Rock Hydroelectric Project – New hydro development at an existing flood control dam
Authors: Bisnett Rachael , Grossmann Nathaniel , Andrews Thomas , Milanowicz Darren , Maas Hannah
Published: May 2022

The Red Rock Hydroelectric Project converted the existing Red Rock Dam near Pella, Iowa, from a non-powered dam into a multi-purpose dam. The existing flood control dam was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in the 1960s on the Des Moines River near Pella, Iowa. The hydroelectric project was developed by Western Minnesota Municipal Power Agency and generates up to 55 MW with an average annual energy output of 178 gigawatt-hours. The new intake, penstock and powerhouse are located immediately adjacent to the spillway. Construction required large excavations into the upstream and downstream sides of the existing embankment dam and two penetrations through the existing gravity dam monoliths. Extensive water and earth-retention systems, prescriptive construction staging, and a robust dam safety surveillance program were designed to maintain and monitor the integrity of the existing dam throughout construction and avoid impacts to active USACE flood control operations. Construction was completed in 2020. This paper provides an overview of the unique challenges involved with the design and construction of a new hydroelectric project at an existing and active flood control dam.
Traveling waves for reaction-diffusion PDE coupled to difference equation with nonlocal dispersal term and time delay
Authors: Adimy Mostafa , Chekroun Abdennasser , Kazmierczak Bogdan
Published: May 2022

We consider a class of biological models represented by a system composed of reactiondiffusion PDE coupled with difference equations (renewal equations) in n-dimensional space, with nonlocal dispersal terms and implicit time delays. The difference equation generally arises, by means of the method of characteristics, from an age-structured partial differential system. Using upper and lower solutions, we study the existence of monotonic planar traveling wave fronts connecting the extinction state to the uniform positive state. The corresponding minimum wave speed is also obtained. In addition, we investigate the effect of the parameters on this minimum wave speed and we give a detailed analysis of its asymptotic behavior.
Redescription, complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic relationships of Hexostoma thynni (Delaroche, 1811) Rafinesque, 1815 (Monogenea, Hexostomatidae)
Authors: Ayadi Zouhour El Mouna , Tazerouti Fadila , Gastineau Romain , Justine Jean-Lou
Published: May 2022

Specimens of Hexostoma thynni (Delaroche, 1811) Rafinesque, 1815 were collected from their type-host, the bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus, caught off Algeria, i.e. close to the type-locality, off Mallorca, which is also in the Mediterranean. The species is briefly redescribed and compared to previous descriptions, under the same name or as its synonym Plagiopeltis duplicata Diesing, 1858, to ascertain identity of specimens. The three genera within the Hexostomatidae (Hexostoma Rafinesque, 1815, Neohexostoma Price, 1961 and Homostoma Unnithan, 1965) are briefly discussed, with comments on the fragility of characters used to distinguish them. Using next-generation sequencing, the complete mitogenome and the cluster of ribosomal genes (SSU, LSU, ITS1, ITS2, 5.8S) were obtained. The mitogenome is 14,649 bp long and codes for 12 protein-coding genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 22 transfer RNA genes; its size is similar to other mitogenomes obtained from polyopisthocotylean monogeneans. A phylogeny based on concatenated mitogenome protein-coding genes from nine species of polyopisthocotylean monogeneans produced a tree in which the Hexostomatidae H. thynni was associated with other Mazocraeidea, such as Chauhaneidae and Diclidophoridae. This invalidates the hypothesis of Boeger & Kritsky (1993) of Hexostomatidae as sister-group to the Mazocraeidea and suggests the demise of the suborder Hexostomatinea Boeger & Kritsky, 1993. We insist on the usefulness of depositing parts of specimens used for molecular analyses, prepared on permanent slides, in a curated collection.
Ergebnisse und Lebensqualität nach Implantation aktiver Mittelohrimplantate
Authors: Lailach Susen , Zahnert Thomas
Published: May 2022

Die Versorgung mit implantierbaren Hörgeräten stellt einen Bereich mit hohem Entwicklungs- und Innovationspotenzial dar. Der vorliegende Übersichtsartikel gibt einerseits einen Überblick über derzeitige Indikationskriterien für die Versorgung mit aktiven Mittelohrimplantaten. Andererseits werden Zielparameter sowie Ergebnisse nach der Versorgung mit aktiven Mittelohrimplantaten beleuchtet. Hierbei liegt der Fokus auf audiologischen Ergebnissen sowie dem vom Patienten bewerteten Gesundheitszustand. Sogenannte „Patient Reported Outcome Measures“ (PROMs) nehmen mittlerweile auch in der Hörimplantatversorgung einen festen Stellenwert in der Evaluierung des Versorgungserfolges ein. Bisher ist die Studienlage sowohl hinsichtlich audiologischer als auch subjektiver Erfolgsparameter gemessen an den Evidenz-Level-Kriterien nicht befriedigend. Ein bislang fehlender internationaler Konsens über akzeptierte Outcomeparameter erschwert eine metaanalytische Aufarbeitung der Ergebnisse immens. In den bislang publizierten Untersuchungen konnte sowohl für Patienten mit einer Schallempfindungsschwerhörigkeit als auch für Patienten mit einer Schallleitungs- oder kombinierten Schwerhörigkeit ein besseres Sprachverstehen mit dem aktiven Mittelohrimplantat im Vergleich zur konventionellen Hörsystemversorgung ermittelt werden. Aktuelle Analysen zeigen eine signifikante Verbesserung der allgemeinen sowie der hörspezifischen Lebensqualität nach Versorgung mit einem aktiven Mittelohrimplantat. Zur Beurteilung des Versorgungserfolges bei Kindern existieren bislang keine validierten, hörspezifischen Lebensqualitätsmessinstrumente. Insbesondere bei Kindern mit komplexen Fehlbildungen des äußeren Ohres sowie des Mittelohres zeigen sich audiologisch zufriedenstellende Ergebnisse, welche zukünftig jedoch durch Lebensqualitätsmessungen untermauert werden müssen.
Mensch-Roboter-Interaktion: vernetzte, lernfähige
Maschinen in der Medizin
Authors: Sadeghian Hamid , Naceri Abdeldjallil , Haddadin Sami
Published: May 2022

Der Einsatz intelligenter Roboter und anderer KI-Technologien im Gesundheitswesen
hat in den letzten Jahren stark zugenommen. Die Fortschritte im Bereich
Leichtbauroboter und taktile Roboter bieten eine große Chance
für eine breite Palette von Anwendungen, von der medizinischen
Untersuchung, Diagnose und therapeutischen Verfahren bis hin zur Rehabilitation
und Assistenzrobotern. Indem sie die komplementären Stärken von
Menschen und computerbasierten Technologien nutzen, sind die derzeitig
verfügbaren Verfahren sogar potenziell überlegen. Ziel des
Artikels ist es, die Bedeutung der Mensch-Roboter-Interaktion in diesen
Kontexten herauszuarbeiten und dabei die technologischen Anforderungen und
Herausforderungen bei der Entwicklung von menschenzentrierten Roboterplattformen
für medizinische Anwendungen zu berücksichtigen.
Innovative Technologien für optimiertes künstliches Sehen
Authors: Walter Peter
Published: May 2022

Trotz deutlicher Fortschritte in der Therapie schwerer Augenerkrankungen können bestimmte Formen der Erblindung bis heute nicht geheilt oder gebessert werden. Dazu gehört beispielsweise die Retinitis pigmentosa, eine erbliche Degeneration der Photorezeptoren. Technologieansätze mit implantierbaren Sehprothesen, deren Prinzip in einer elektrischen Stimulation verbleibender Nervenzellen in der Retina oder im Cortex, wurden bereits bei einer Reihe von Patienten mit begrenzten Ergebnissen erprobt. Neue Befunde in der Biologie der Erkrankungen aber auch neue technologische Entwicklungen machen hier Hoffnung auf bessere Ergebnisse in der Zukunft.
‘That Time of the Month’ – Investigating the Influence of the Menstrual Cycle and Oral Contraceptives on the Brain Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Schuster Verena , Jansen Andreas
Published: May 2022

The stereotypic and oversimplified relationship between female sex hormones and undesirable behavior dates to the earliest days of human society, as already the ancient Greek word for the uterus, “hystera” indicated an aversive connection. Remaining and evolving throughout the centuries, transcending across cultures and various aspects of everyday life, its perception was only recently reframed. Contemporarily, the complex interaction of hormonal phases (i. e., the menstrual cycle), hormonal medication (i. e., oral contraceptives), women’s psychological well-being, and behavior is the subject of multifaceted and more reflected discussions. A driving force of this ongoing paradigm shift was the introduction of this highly interesting and important topic into the realm of scientific research. This refers to neuroscientific research as it enables a multimodal approach combining aspects of physiology, medicine, and psychology. Here a growing body of literature points towards significant alterations of both brain function, such as lateralization of cognitive functions, and structure, such as gray matter concentrations, due to fluctuations and changes in hormonal levels. This especially concerns female sex hormones. However, the more research is conducted within this field, the less reliable these observations and derived insights appear. This may be due to two particular factors: measurement inconsistencies and diverse hormonal phases accompanied by interindividual differences. The first factor refers to the prominent unreliability of one of the primarily utilized neuroscientific research instruments: functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). This unreliability is seemingly present in paradigms and analyses, and their interplay, and is additionally affected by the second factor. In more detail, hormonal phases and levels further influence neuroscientific results obtained through fMRI as outcomes vary drastically across different cycle phases and medication. This resulting vast uncertainty thus tremendously hinders the further advancement of our understanding of how female sex hormones might alter brain structure and function and, ultimately, behavior.

This review summarizes parts of the current state of research and outlines the essential requirements to further investigate and understand the female brain’s underlying physiological and anatomical features.
Abszesstonsillektomie: Uni- oder bilateral?
Authors: Fauck Vanessa , Schinz Katharina , Alexiou Christoph , Mantsopoulos Konstantinos , Iro Heinrich , Mueller Sarina K.
Published: May 2022

Hintergrund Zusätzlich zu einer empirischen Antibiotikagabe kommt als Therapie eines Peritonsillarabszesses (PTA) neben der Drainage von Pus auch die Abszesstonsillektomie (ABTE) infrage. Die Nachblutung nach ABTE ist eine gefürchtete Komplikation und kann in seltenen Fällen bis zum Tod des Patienten führen. Ziel dieser Studie war der Vergleich von ABTEs mit und ohne kontralaterale Tonsillektomie (TE) bezüglich Blutungskomplikationen. Zusätzlich wurde das Auftreten von metachronen PTAs auf der Gegenseite untersucht.

Material und Methoden Retrospektive Studie von n=655 Patient*innen, die im Zeitraum von 2004 bis 2019 eine ABTE mit oder ohne kontralaterale TE erhielten. Die operationspflichtigen Nachblutungen wurden in Abhängigkeit von demografischen und chirurgischen Parametern untersucht. Des Weiteren wurde evaluiert, wie häufig es nach unilateraler ABTE zu einem PTA mit Notwendigkeit einer ABTE der kontralateralen Seite kommt.

Ergebnisse Insgesamt kam es bei 10/655 (1,5%) zu einer operationsbedürftigen Nachblutung. Bei 404/655 wurde eine ABTE mit kontralateraler TE durchgeführt. Hier zeigte sich bei 8/404 (1,98%) die Blutung kontra- oder bilateral. Nur 2 Patient*innen (2/251, 0,7%) mit unilateraler ABTE bluteten nach. Die Nachblutungsrate nach unilateraler ABTE war signifikant niedriger als bei ABTE mit kontralateraler TE (0,7% vs. 1,98%; p=0,001). Bei 0,8% der Patient*innen erfolgte bei metachronem PTA eine ABTE der Gegenseite.

Schlussfolgerungen Insgesamt zeigte sich die Nachblutungsrate nach ABTE mit 1,5% gering. Die Nachblutungsrate nach unilateraler ABTE war signifikant geringer als nach ABTE mit kontralateraler TE. Daher sollte die Indikation zur kontralateralen TE bei unilateralem PTA streng gestellt werden.
Adenoma detection rate is enough to assess endoscopist performance: a population-based observational study of FIT-positive colonoscopies
Authors: Denis Bernard , Gendre Isabelle , Tuzin Nicolas , Murris Juliette , Guignard Anne , Perrin Philippe , Rahmi Gabriel
Published: May 2022

Background and study aims Neoplasia-related indicators, such as adenoma detection rate (ADR), are a priority in the quality improvement process for colonoscopy. Our aim was to assess and compare different detection and characterization indicators in fecal immunochemical test (FIT)-positive colonoscopies, to determine associated factors, and to propose benchmarks.

Patients and methods Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from all colonoscopies performed between 2015 and 2019 after a positive quantitative FIT in the population-based colorectal cancer screening program conducted in Alsace, part of the French national program. Detection indicators included ADR, mean number of adenomas per colonoscopy, and proximal serrated lesion (SL) detection rate. Characterization indicators included rate of non-neoplastic polyp (NNP) detection.

Results Overall, 13,067 FIT-positive colonoscopies were evaluated, performed by 80 community gastroenterologists. The overall ADR was 57.6 %, and a 10 µg/g increase in fecal hemoglobin concentration was significantly associated with higher ADR (odds ratio [95 % confidence interval] = 1.02 [1.02–1.03]). Endoscopists whose ADR was ≥ 55 % were high detectors for all neoplasia, including proximal SLs and number of adenomas. The rate of detection of NNPs was 39.5 % in highest detectors (ADR > 70 %), significantly higher than in lower detectors (21.4 %) (P < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between detection and characterization indicators, e. g. between rates of detection of proximal SLs and NNPs (Pearson = 0.73; P < 0.01).

Conclusions A single indicator, ADR, is enough to assess endoscopist performance for both detection and characterization in routine practice provided the minimum target standard is raised and a maximum standard is added: 55 % and 70 % for FIT-positive colonoscopies, respectively.
Stereoselective Conjugate Addition-Enamination of α-Linear N-tert-Butanesulfinyl Ketimines with Nitroolefins
Authors: Lu Chong-Dao , Yisimayili Nuermaimaiti , Chu Li-Feng , Feng Jie
Published: May 2022

N-Sulfinyl metalloenamines, generated by deprotonating α-linear N-tert-butanesulfinyl ketimines, reacted with nitroalkenes via stereoselective conjugate addition to give Michael adducts with opposite stereochemistry to that obtained using α-branched sulfinylketimines. In the presence of excess base (2.5 equiv t-BuOK), the adducts derived from α-linear ketimines were further stereoselectively deprotonated to afford the corresponding kinetically favorable N-sulfinyl (Z)-enamine derivatives in good yields with good stereoselectivities. A reaction model was proposed to rationalize the observed stereochemistry.