bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of optimal location and design capacity of wastewater treatment plants for urban areas: a case study in Samawah city
Authors: Hussien Amjad , Al-Mukaram Noorance , Mohammed Ruqayah
Published: January 2020

Water, and related wastewater structures, are critical factors in the existence and the improvement of civilizations. Wastewater gathering and management has a considerable effect on the climate and economy at both regional and global level, and, accordingly, it is appropriate to advance actions that guarantee effective management for wastewater, particularly in urban areas. This research thus examined the environmental and economic aspects of proposed locations for wastewater treatment plants. Samawah city, located in the southern part of Iraq, was selected as a case study for the research methodology, and for research purposes, the studied city was divided into three main zones (1, 2, and 3) of sixteen areas. The Google Earth tool was used to calculate the lowest elevations in the studied zones in order to assess the suggested positions of treatment plants. Additionally, the WinQSB program was utilised to select the most appropriate positions for treatment plants based on data obtained from local government departments. These data include population, water consumption, and required lengths and subsequent cost of pipes. This research thus developed a new strategy for assigning the locations of wastewater treatment plants.
Spatial Analyses of Traffic Conflicts to Assess Safety at Signalised Intersections
Authors: Abdul Majeed Raghad Zeki , Ewadh Hussein A.
Published: January 2020

Safety improvements at intersections play an important role in reducing the number and severity of crashes in roadway networks, as such locations are associated with high numbers of crashes. This paper presents an approach to assessing traffic safety at intersections by using GIS software tools to achieve spatial analyses of traffic conflicts data to enable the identification and ranking of intersections by risk instead of using crash data. Traffic conflict data were collected for nine four-legged signalized intersections in Baghdad city, Iraq through site-based observations in 2017, and archived crash data for three years obtained to conduct a comparison. Kernel density estimation was used as a spatial analysis tool in ArcGIS software to estimate conflict intensity at each location, and an Intersection Prediction Conflict Index (IPCI) used to represent the ratio of the proportion of conflicts events occurring within the identified hazard locations (hotspots within intersections) to the area covered. The results showed that the developed approach, based on the spatial properties of traffic conflict events, is efficient and reliable in terms of identifying potential hot spots and ranking sites as compared with observed crash frequency. This approach can thus be used as a tool to support effective decision making about improvements in safety at signalised intersections.
Numerical analysis of nonhomogeneous and nonprismatic members under generalised loadings
Authors: Al-Azzawi Adel A , Emad Hiba
Published: January 2020

This research studied the problem of varying depth and varying elastic properties along flexural member lengths subjected to generalised loading, with such members considered to be nonhomogeneous and non-prismatic. The differential equation for classical thin beams was thus derived and the finite differences used in solving this equation. Fortran programs were written to solve the problem in finite differences, and three-dimensional elements were used to simulate or model the beams in finite element ABAQUS software. A parametric study of the influence of beam width, depth, load nature, and boundary conditions on deformations and internal forces was thus accomplished. The maximum variation in deformations seen between this study and previous studies was 8%. The deflection of the non-prismatic beam was reduced by 31% when the ratio of the beam moment of inertia at different sections increased by up to three times, while, the moment capacity and the right end support shear capacity were increased by 78% and 50%, respectively.
Delay Time Analysis and Modelling of Signalised Intersections using Global Positioning System (GPS) Receivers
Authors: Alkaissi Z A , Hussain R Y
Published: January 2020

Delays at signalised intersection are considered the most important measure of effectiveness (MOE) for signalised intersections as these are used to determine the level of service (LOS). Thus, the aim of this research is the estimation of total delay and modelling of signalised intersections in Baghdad along the Palestine arterial street. Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers provide an opportunity to accurately measure intersection delay in terms of deceleration delay, stopped delay, and acceleration delay. The field data were collected for the selected sections of Palestine arterial street for Bab Al Moatham; AlSakhara; Beirut; and Maysaloon intersections respectively. Congestion of traffic conditions takes place during peak hours of the day, so from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays in May 2019 were selected to study the variations of total travel time and travel delay times for each intersection in the selected sites. GPS essential measurement equipment running on cell phones was applied to compute the delay components for each group’s set of data points recorded at peak periods on each selected intersection corridor. A total of 60 test runs were carried out in the north and south direction in each case. The obtained results indicated that the stopping time for vehicles represents the major part of total control delay reaching about 88% of the control delay at some signalised intersections (Beirut and Bab Al Moatham intersections) at peak hours. The acceleration delay time was also higher than the deceleration delay time. GPS was also shown to be an effective field tool to accurately measure intersection delay as composed of deceleration delay, stopped delay, and acceleration delay for oversaturated traffic conditions.
Modelling Stilling Basins for Sewage Networks
Authors: Mohammed Shahad R. , Nile Basim K. , Hassan Waqed H.
Published: January 2020

Concrete elements play an effective role in stilling basin design in terms of enhancing the dissipation of energy to prevent immoderate scouring of downstream structures. Proper appurtenances, such as wedge-shaped splitter blocks, baffle walls, inverted t-sections, rectangular walls, inverted L sections, and impact walls, are thus utilised with circular pipe outlets to create stilling basins that are shorter yet more effective, and thus more economical. This research was based on numerical analysis of stilling basins using FLOW-3D software; the resulting Froude numbers were compared with the Froude number of a case study, a stilling basin manhole created by the Karbala Government. This research thus examined the influence of Froude number, the arrangement and location of dissipators, and the height of the pipe inlet under different hydraulic condition in order to better simulate stilling basin models. The turbulent energy dissipation was found to vary from 16% to 85%. The results from the models showed that L-sections offered maximum turbulent energy dissipation (ΔE/E1), while the rectangular wall shape gave minimum turbulent energy dissipation (ΔE/E1). It was also observed that the maximum turbulent kinetic energy almost always occurred in the initial sections, with flow becoming generally less turbulent at the end sections. Thus, at the end of all stilling basins, the turbulent kinetic energy dissipation and turbulent kinetic energy profiles became more uniform. The proposed numerical simulation using FLOW-3D was shown to be a reliable tool for predicting and discussing the turbulent energy dissipation in stilling basins. Further conclusions included the fact that the maximum turbulent energy dissipation (ΔE/E1) increases as values of Fr increase. The results of this research could thus help hydraulic designers to consider their selections for the optimum design of stilling basins more carefully.
Influence of Incinerated and Non-Incinerated waste paper on Properties of Cement Mortar
Authors: Kubba Huda Zuhair , Nasr Mohammed Salah , Al-Abdaly Nadia Moneem , Dhahir Mohammed Kareem , Najim Wissam Nadir
Published: January 2020

The cement industry is one of the most polluting industries globally, due to the high amount of CO2 emissions generated during production. Improving the sustainability of cement production is thus vital. Waste paper is also a big problem for many societies, especially in developed countries, where the use of board and paper increases almost every day. This work examines the possibility of using incinerated waste paper ash (IWPA) and non-incinerated waste paper (NIWP) as a partial replacement for cement (by weight) in mortar mixtures. For non-incinerated waste paper, the tested replacement levels were 1%, 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.5%, while for incinerated waste paper, the replacement levels were 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10%. An additional mix without any replacement was also cast for comparison purposes. The fresh and hardened properties of mortar were assessed using flow rate, compressive strength, direct tensile strength, water absorption, and dry density tests, and two test ages (7 and 28 days) were considered for the compressive and tensile strength tests, though water absorption and density tests were undertaken at 28 days only. The results showed that the presence of waste paper (incinerated or non-incinerated) reduced the flow rate of fresh mortar as compared with the reference mix. It was also found that, for the NIWP mixtures, 1% replacement of cement was the most efficient percentage; this increased the compressive strength by 16% and the direct tensile strength by 19% at 28 days of age. For the IWPA mixes, the results showed that the best replacement ratio was 5%, where the compressive strength and direct tensile strength were improved by 10% and 11% at 28 days, respectively. These 1% NIWP and 5% IWPA mixtures gave similar water absorption of 7% to the reference mix.
Shrinkage and impact strength of fibre-reinforced artificial lightweight aggregate concrete
Authors: Hussein Z M , Khalil W I , Ahmed H K
Published: January 2020

A sustainable High-Performance Lightweight Aggregate Concrete (HPLWAC) that uses artificial aggregate as part of its coarse ingredients (LWA) as well as being reinforced with single, double, and triple hybrid fibres in many forms, and aspect ratios (l/d) was developed. HPLWAC with a compressive strength of 47MPa and an oven-dry density equal to 1828 kg/m3 at 28 days, was made using various fibres: steel fibres with hooked ends (S1), plastic fibre (P), micro steel fibre (S), and polypropylene fibre (PP). In addition, four mixes of each type of HPLWAC were considered: reference concrete mix, single-fibre reinforced concrete mix, double-hybrid concrete mix, and triple-hybrid concrete mix. Concrete specimens reinforced with the triple hybrid fibre (MAH5) withstood the maximum number of the blows to ultimate failure and first crack. The increments of rate of increase in impact resistance to ultimate failure were 1275, 977, 950, and 862 % at 7, 28, 60, and 90 days compared with the reference concrete. The drying shrinkage related to the concrete sample reinforced with single plastic fibres was reduced in comparison to the reference concrete. The percentage reductions in drying shrinkage of the single fibre (MAP) concrete specimen were 30.54 %, 20.23%, 16.12%, 14.38 %, 14.26 %, and 12.14% at 7, 14, 28, 60, 90, and 180 days respectively. The hybrid fibre-reinforced samples (MAH4 and MAH5) indicated a reduction in drying shrinkage in comparison to the samples reinforced with single plastic fibre (MAP). The percentage decreases in the drying shrinkage for (MAH5) were 58.3%, 40.6 %, 32.7% 26.4%, 252%, and 19.5% at 7, 14, 28, 60, 90, and 180 days, respectively in comparison with the reduced e reference specimen (MAR). SEM indicated that all the specimens of HPLWAC had thick and dense cement pastes with elevated C-S-H content and reduced porosity indicating that high-strength was obtained for such specimens.
Stakeholders’ perceptions of social and economic challenges in adopting sustainable urban development in post-war countries
Authors: Mohammed Ameen Raed Fawzi , Alyasari Haider I , Altaweel Maryam D
Published: January 2020

Due to rapid urbanization, developing countries have faced significant urban socio-economic challenges. The destruction and lack of planning are acute in countries, such as Iraq, that have suffered for several decades from wars and international sanctions, resulting in severe damage to the ecology sector, social utilities and the disruption of the economic sector. Many urban development projects are currently underway in Iraq, and labelled as a means to reform. However, most lack public participation. Hence, there is an urgent need to understand the public’s perception, especially of in urban areas with socio-economic challenges, and this represents a crucial concern for many planners, designers, and policy-makers seeking to develop effective policies. This study aims to investigate stakeholder perceptions of the urban challenges and their priorities in Iraqi cities. A nationwide survey was conducted (N = 643), using a 19-item structured questionnaire. PCA and statistical tests were applied to the collected responses, to investigate the relationships around such challenges. A high value of internal consistency and reliability was achieved (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.867) and five components were identified. The item ‘safety of public places’ was ranked as the most important. Results illustrate a link between deficiencies in the social and economic infrastructures.
Improving the Electrical Efficiency of a Photovoltaic/Thermal Panel by Using SiC/Water Nanofluid as Coolant
Authors: Abbood Mohammed Hasan , Shahad Haroun , Kadhum Ali Ali Abdul
Published: January 2020

For photovoltaic panels, high temperature has a major effect, reducing electrical efficiency and decreasing the panel’s life span. In this work, an aluminum pocket collector was manufactured and fixed to the rear side of a photovoltaic panel to form a photovoltaic/thermal system (PV/T). A SiC/water nanofluid was used as coolant fluid with two volumetric concentrations (0.1 and 0.5%). The experiments were conducted outdoors at Babylon University (32.46 °N,44.42°E) in March. Different flow rates of SiC/Water nanofluid were tested (0.5,1,1.5 & 2 LPM). A comparison was made with another, identical, PV panel under the same conditions. SiC/water nanofluid had a noticeable effect on output power and results showed that the maximum enhancement in electrical efficiency was 33.27% with 0.5 % SiC/Water nanofluid and flow rate of 2 LPM,. and the maximum overall efficiency was 92.43 %.
Numerical Investigation of Drag Reduction Techniques in a Car Model
Authors: Saleh Z M , Ali A H
Published: January 2020

Reducing the drag force has become one of the most important concerns in the automotive industry. This study concentrated on reducing drag through use of some external modifications of passive flow control, such as vortex generators, rear under body diffuser slices and a rear wing spoiler. The study was performed at inlet velocity (V=10,20,30,40 m/s) which correspond to an incompressible car model length Reynolds numbers (Re=2.62×105, 5.23×105, 7.85×105 and 10.46×105), respectively and we studied their effect on the drag force. We also present a theoretical study finite volume method (FVM) of solving Reynolds-averaged Navier-tokes equations (RANS) using a realizable k–epsilon (k-ε) turbulence model, conducted on a car, model KIA Pride, which is popular in Iraq and Iran. All computational analysis and modifications were carried out using the ANSYS Fluent 19 computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software and SOLIDWORKS 2018 modeller. The drag coefficient of the analysed car was found to be 0.34 and the results show that the drag can be reduced up to1.73% using vortex generators, up to 3.05% using a rear wing spoiler and up to 2.47% using rear under-body diffuser slices modifications, whereas it may be reduced up to 3.8% using all previous modifications together.
Characteristic Analysis of Adjustable Speed Equilibrium Loop of an Electric Proportional Three-way Valve
Authors: Luo Yanlei , Chen Wang , Chi Baokun , Shi Liming
Published: January 2020

Based on the research of the existing balance valve and valve control balance loop at home and abroad, this paper constructs a quantitative pump adjustable speed balance loop based on proportional three-way valve, on the basis of analyzing the working principle of the circuit. The speed regulation of load motion in the loop is carried out by using the quantitative pump, and the working principle of the circuit is briefly analyzed. Through the analysis of theory and principle, the simulation analysis model of the equilibrium loop and important components is constructed by using AMESim software. Combined with theoretical analysis, the velocity influencing factors of the circuit are put forward, and then the velocity and pressure curves of the model loop under various parameters are obtained by adjusting some parameters which affect the characteristics of the system, which provides some guiding significance for the study of the balance loop of the single-acting cylinder and the optimization design of the next step.
Compatibility of Agents for Polymer-bearing Produced Water from Oilfield
Authors: Sun Limei , Xu Jiajun , Xie Wenxian , Yao Ting , Zhou Haigang
Published: January 2020

The compatibility of polymer-bearing produced water and corrosion inhibitor, bactericide has been explored from the angle of suspended solids content (ssc) of produced water from water treatment process of a station in Shengli Oilfield. The results show that cationic corrosion inhibitor and bactericide can interact with negatively charged suspended solids and polymers in produced water, resulting in the increase of ssc of produced water. Therefore, the use of cationic agents should be avoided for polymer-bearing produced water, therefore non-ionic and zwitterionic agents should be alternatives. Experiments show that the zwitterionic bactericide not only effectively controls SRB, but also hardly effect on the ssc of produced water.
Study on Preparation and Properties of Modified Functional Mortar Mixed with Reduced Iron Powder
Authors: Lu Yingjian , Huang Jing , Gao Yi
Published: January 2020

The effect of reduced iron powder on the performance of functional mortar was studied. Aimed at the construction performance, the experiments of consistency and water retention were carried out. Aimed at the mechanical properties, tensile bond strength, compressive strength and flexural strength experiment were carried out. The results show that the content of powder has little effect on mortar consistency. It can improve water retention. The 14d tensile bond strength is 36.2% higher than the reference mortar, which can meet the requirements of plaster-mortar. The compressive strength of 7d mortar was 24.2% higher than that of reference mortar. Compared with the reference mortar, the 28d compressive strength increased 13.6%, the 7d flexural strength increased 36.6%, and the 28d increased 25.8%.
Microstructures, Optical Properties and Degradation Efficiency of Nitrogen-doped Titanium Dioxide to Automobile Exhaust
Authors: Hu Zhihui , Liu Wei , Xu Tao , Li Xiaoyan
Published: January 2020

To understand the influence of nitrogen (N) dopant on phase structure, morphology, optical property, photocatalytic degradation of TiO2 to automobile exhaust (AE) under visible light irradiation, the N-doped TiO2 was first prepared, and then X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet-visible light diffuse reflectance spectra (UV-vis DRS) and photocatalytic degradation tests were conducted. Results indicated that only anatase phase was found in both pure TiO2 and N-doped TiO2, and the N doping improved the dispersity of TiO2. Also, the N doping increased the absorbance of TiO2 under UV and visible light, respectively. An obvious red shift was observed on UV-Vis DRS of pure and N-doped TiO2 samples, indicating that the spectral response range of TiO2 was expanded to visible light region, and the utilization efficiency of solar irradiance was increased. The prepared N-doped TiO2 nanoparticles with an N dopant content of 3.0% showed better optical properties. Finally, the N doping improved the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 to AE in the visible light region. Furthermore, the N-doped TiO2 presented lower degradation efficiency to CO than that to CO2 under visible light radiation. Thus, it is found that the degradation efficiency of TiO2 to AE can be increased by the N doping under visible light radiation.
Design and Experiment of Dynamic Measurement Method for Bulk Material of Large Volume Belt Conveyor Based on Laser Triangulation Method
Authors: Min Fusong , Lou Andong , Wei Qun
Published: January 2020

In order to improve the measurement accuracy and efficiency of bulk material transported by large-capacity belt conveyor, an online dynamic non-contact metering system based on laser triangulation is designed on the belt conveyor platform. The system includes: laser Scanners, industrial camera, signal processing software, mechanical assemblies. High-precision basic measurement data is an important guarantee for the accuracy of bulk flow measurement. The laser scanner is used as a line source, and the scanning frequency is set to 300HZ, which is installed on the belt conveyor. Industrial camera accepts images produced by a line source projected onto the bulk surface. The signal processing software system analyzes the images, and uses the triangulation method directly calculate the three-dimensional contour information and volume flow of the bulk material. The flow filtering algorithm filters the instantaneous flow, smoothing the fluctuation of the flow data to reflect the real changes of the dry and wet degree of the bulk material on the belt, the degrees of surface cracking and shapes. Establish a mathematical model based on neural network and apply the belt shaking elimination algorithm to correct the previously calculated flow data to reduce the measurement error. In order to restore the actual belt conveyor bulk transportation conditions, a test belt with length 20m and speed 2m/s was produced according to the actual size. The physical simulation test of bulk material for potassium salt was carried out, the results show that the on-line measurement method based on laser triangular method has high efficiency and stable operation, and eliminates the influence of bulk density. The measurement error is ≤3.
Experimental Study on Basic Mechanical Properties of Calcium Sulfate Whisker-Reinforced Cement
Authors: Li Xin , Li Liang , Zhang Chi , Zheng Yanyan
Published: January 2020

In order to study the effect of calcium sulfate whisker on the mechanical characteristics of Portland cement, the fluidity, initial setting time, final setting time, flexural strength and compressive strength of calcium sulfate whisker-reinforced cement with 0∼1.0% (mass fraction) were studied using experimental method. The results show that calcium sulfate whisker has little effect on the fluidity, initial setting time and final setting time. For the 28-day flexural strength and compressive strength of calcium sulfate whisker-reinforced cement, the optimum whisker content is 0.4% and 1.0% and the corresponding strength is increased by 19.54% and 35.84%, respectively. Compared with calcium carbonate whisker, the reinforcement effect of calcium sulfate whisker on the strength of Portland cement is better.
Simulation Study of the Effect of Projectile Length-Diameter Ratio on Anti-Penetration Performance of Composite Armor
Authors: Zhang Yuanhao , Cheng Zhongqing , Li Yanru , Han Ruijie
Published: January 2020

We studied the failure modes of 55 g cylindrical projectile penetrating ceramic/titanium alloy/gap/polyethylene/gap/921A steel composite armor structure by numerical simulation, obtained the influence of projectile length-diameter ratio on the anti-penetration performance of structure by analysis. The results showed that, ceramic breaks in-plane and forms ceramic cone, titanium alloy target shows shear failure and bending deformation, 921A steel target shows adiabatic shear failure mode when it is penetrated, bulging when it is not penetrated, the front polyethylene target shows compressive shear deformation, the rear polyethylene target shows bending deformation, and fiber tensile failure is the main failure mode, the impact fiber layer has obvious delamination and degumming phenomenon. Under the same mass condition, the larger the length-diameter ratio of the projectile, the smaller the size of the breach and the greater the penetration depth. With the further increase of the length-diameter ratio, the impact of the projectile on the penetration effect is weakened.
Effects of Cu2+ Doping on Structure, Morphology and Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Performance of Porous CdIn2S4 Microsphere
Authors: Bai Xuefeng , Wu Wei , Lv Hongfei
Published: January 2020

The Cu2+doped porous CdIn2S4 microspheres (Cu@CdIn2S4) with better photocatalytic performance were prepared by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)-assisted hydrothermal technology. The Cu@CdIn2S4 were characterized by SEM, XPS, XRD and DRS. The effects of Cu2+ doping amount on the morphology, structure and photocatalytic hydrogen production performance of CdIn2S4 were studied. The porous Cu@CdIn2S4 microspheres were flower shape of a average diameter of 3-5 μm and their maximum absorption edge was up to 700 nm. The Cu2+ doping was good for the improvement of photocatalytic performance. Cu@CdIn2S4 with 0.3wt% Cu2+doping amount possessed the highest hydrogen production rate of 1248.1 μmol/(h·g), much more than that of pure CdIn2S4.
Dynamic Impact Load Effect on Suspension Crossing Frame at Transmission Tower
Authors: Jia Ning , Xia Yongjun , Ma Yong , Zhang Rongwang
Published: January 2020

With the increasing number of UHV transmission lines crossing projects, suspension type spans are widely used in cross-construction. Among them, under the condition of construction accidents, the dynamic impact of the bearing cables and towers on the wires has received extensive attention. Based on this problem, this paper studies the impact of dynamic impact loads on transmission towers under construction accident conditions, and proposes reinforcement measures for transmission towers.
Experimental Study on the Damping Effects of Various Vibration Reduction Measures
Authors: Liu Tanghui , Rao Rui , Liu Jianwu , Ye Mao , Huang Yue
Published: January 2020

Field measurements are the most effective and direct way to evaluate the effects of vibration reduction measures. Through field measurements, this study examined the actual damping effects and vibration transfer characteristics of five vibration reduction measures for subway systems, namely, steel spring floating slabs, resilient short crossties, double-layer nonlinear damping fasteners, Vanguard fasteners and rubber floating slabs. The vibration level and 1/3 octave frequency division vibration level was used as vibration evaluation indices for analysis. This study aimed to provide a reference for the actual damping effects of vibration reduction measures. The results show the following: steel spring floating slabs outperformed resilient short crossties by 23.2 dB. Double-layer nonlinear damping fasteners outperformed Vanguard fasteners and rubber floating slabs by 1.6 and 2 dB, respectively. Resilient short crossties, Vanguard fasteners and double-layer nonlinear damping fasteners were effective in reducing vibration from steel rails to track beds (floating slabs). Steel spring floating slabs and rubber floating slabs were effective in reducing vibration from track beds (floating slabs) to tunnel walls.
Abandonment Research and Environmental Impact Analysis for Retired Dong-Huang Pipelines
Authors: Zhang Xuesong , Yu Rangang , Chen Jinping
Published: January 2020

Nowadays, China is not experienced in the research and practice of the abandonment approaches to oil and gas pipelines retirement. Using the experience of the North America for reference in abandonment of onshore pipelines, including retired pipeline safety environmental disposal scheme choice, waste disposal technology and retired environmental impact assessment of the key problems were discussed. The comparatively complete construction technology was put forward to dismantle pipelines. Besides, the construction technology of filling the controlled low strength material to the decommissioning oil pipelines was put up. Based on the case of Dong-Huang pipeline abandonment, the selection disposal scheme was optimized, key construction practices such as the cleaning of pipeline residues and low strength controlled material filling pipeline were expounded, potential environmental influence of different disposal scheme was analyzed, besides, some measures were represented to prevent and relieve the pollution corresponding to the construction technology. Research results have guiding significance for perfecting safe abandonment research of domestic retired oil and gas pipelines.
Preparation of NaOH Modified Spent Grain Adsorbent and Adsorptive Properties for Dyes
Authors: Wang Yawei , Lv Yaxin , Shen Haiqi , Xu Shenyang , Guo Yu , Bao Zhijie , Feng Yan
Published: January 2020

The spent grain which is the by-product of beer production contains cellulose, lignin and other substances. It can be used as an adsorbent material not only for waste utilization, but also to reduce environmental contamination. The structure and morphology of spent grain (SG) were discussed. The NaOH modified spent grain (ASG (alkaline spent grain)) was prepared. And the effects of the parameters such as NaOH concentration, temperature and time on the absorption performance of Methylene blue wastewater were analyzed. The results showed that, when the modifier concentration reached 5 g/L, the temperature and time was 60°C and 120 min respectively, the maximum decolorization could reach 95.87%. The decolorization rate of 55.82% of the original grain increased significantly. The adsorption process of themodified materials was chemical adsorption, and the adsorption behavior could be described by Freundlich and pseudo-second-order kinetics equation.
Abrupt phase change in graphene-gold spr-based biosensor
Authors: Bouzari Nasrin , Amjad Jafar Mostafavi , Mohammadkhani Ramin , Jahanshahi Peyman
Published: January 2020

The performance of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors can be different depending on which characteristic of the SPR sensor the amplitude or the phase is monitored. The phase sensitivity strongly depends on the geometry and the optical properties of the system. The existence of sharp changes in the phase spectrum variations is found as the thickness of SPR-supporting gold (d

g
) varies around a critical thickness (d

c
). In addition, the simulation results indicate that the phase sensitivity is divided into two regions so that phase sensitivity S

φ
for region

d

g

≤

d

c

is greater than region d

g
 > d

c
. It is demonstrated in condition of

d

g

≤

d

c

the phase sensitivity has a strong jump when the sensing medium refractive index lies within a certain interval, while the amplitude sensitivity has a monotonic shape. The phase analysis from another aspect exhibits that the phase maximum difference Δφ

max
towards the blank sample is sensitive to refractive index in a continuous interval. As a result, the phase detection interval is tunable by varying the gold thickness, which potentially is important for medical, biology and chemistry applications.
Comparison of SF3B1/DNMT3A Comutations With DNMT3A or SF3B1 Mutation Alone in Myelodysplastic Syndrome and Clonal Cytopenia of Undetermined Significance
Authors: Song Jinming , Hussaini Mohammad , Qin Dahui , Zhang Xiaohui , Shao Haipeng , Zhang Ling , Gajzer David , Basra Pukhraz , Moscinski Lynn , Zhang Hailing
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To compare the clinical significance of SF3B1/DNMT3A Comutations with SF3B1 or DNMT3A mutation alone in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and clonal cytopenia of undetermined significance (CCUS).

Methods

We identified and compared 31 patients with only DNMT3A mutation, 48 patients with only SF3B1 mutation, and 16 patients with only SF3B1/DNMT3A comutations.

Results

SF3B1/DNMT3A comutations were found to be more common in MDS, whereas DNMT3A mutation alone was more common in CCUS. The patients with SF3B1/DNMT3A comutations were less likely to have poor cytogenetics than patients with DNMT3A mutation alone. Patients with SF3B1/DNMT3A comutations showed significantly longer median survival time and better overall survival than patients with DNMT3A mutation alone.

Conclusions

Patients with SF3B1/DNMT3A comutations appear to have better clinical outcomes than patients with isolated DNMT3A mutation. These findings suggest that the favorable prognosis of SF3B1 mutation in is not abrogated by the concurrent presence of a DNMT3A mutation.
Therapeutic Phlebotomy for Testosterone-Induced Polycythemia
Authors: Van Buren Nancy L , Hove Anita J , French Tracy A , Gorlin Jed B
Published: January 2020

Objectives

To evaluate therapeutic phlebotomy (TP) requests for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and to highlight the impact to a blood center (BC) or service that provides TP for individuals on TRT.

Methods

Review of TP requests for individuals on TRT at our BC over a 3-year period from 2014 through 2016, as well as the total number of TP collections.

Results

Total TPs during 2014, 2015, and 2016 were 475, 500, and 569, respectively. Annual TP collections for patients on TRT were 193, 212, and 239, respectively. TRT patients with TP orders increased 71.4% during this period. After discontinuation of TP services for TRT at our BC, 32% continued to donate as volunteer blood donors at our BC.

Conclusions

Our BC observed increased TP requests for patients on TRT from 2014 through 2016. Our findings suggest that individuals on TRT may be presenting to BCs as volunteer blood donors to avoid charges for TP.
Evaluation of burnout among hospital and health-system pharmacists in North Carolina
Authors: Kang Kai , Absher Randy , Granko Robert P
Published: January 2020

Purpose

To assess the current state of burnout among pharmacists who work in hospital and health-system settings in North Carolina.

Methods

The Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey for Medical Professionals was used to assess burnout in this study. This survey measures 3 subscales of burnout: emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. In addition to the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the survey asked questions addressing various modifiable and nonmodifiable demographic factors. To distribute the survey, an email listserv of all pharmacists licensed in the state was obtained from the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy. The survey was distributed through email in June 2018. A follow-up email encouraging participation in the survey was sent 2 weeks later. The survey was open for a total of 4 weeks.

Results

The survey was delivered to 2,524 pharmacists; 380 responses were received (15.1% response rate). Of the 380 individuals who responded, 357 completed the entire survey (93.9% completion rate), and 198 pharmacists (55.5%) were at risk for burnout. Following multivariate logistic regression, 3 factors were significantly associated with increased risk of burnout: female gender, working in a primarily distribution role, and longer hours worked per week. Two factors were significantly associated with decreased risk of burnout: being aware of burnout resources and working 4 to 6 months with learners.

Conclusion

The results of this statewide survey revealed that more than half of hospital and health system–based pharmacists are at risk for burnout.
Transcompp: understanding phenotypic plasticity by estimating Markov transition rates for cell state transitions
Authors: Jagannathan N Suhas , Ihsan Mario O , Kin Xiao Xuan , Welsch Roy E , Clément Marie-Véronique , Tucker-Kellogg Lisa
Published: January 2020

Motivation

Gradual population-level changes in tissues can be driven by stochastic plasticity, meaning rare stochastic transitions of single-cell phenotype. Quantifying the rates of these stochastic transitions requires time-intensive experiments, and analysis is generally confounded by simultaneous bidirectional transitions and asymmetric proliferation kinetics. To quantify cellular plasticity, we developed Transcompp (Transition Rate ANalysis of Single Cells to Observe and Measure Phenotypic Plasticity), a Markov modeling algorithm that uses optimization and resampling to compute best-fit rates and statistical intervals for stochastic cell-state transitions.

Results

We applied Transcompp to time-series datasets in which purified subpopulations of stem-like or non-stem cancer cells were exposed to various cell culture environments, and allowed to re-equilibrate spontaneously over time. Results revealed that commonly used cell culture reagents hydrocortisone and cholera toxin shifted the cell population equilibrium toward stem-like or non-stem states, respectively, in the basal-like breast cancer cell line MCF10CA1a. In addition, applying Transcompp to patient-derived cells showed that transition rates computed from short-term experiments could predict long-term trajectories and equilibrium convergence of the cultured cell population.

Availability and implementation

Freely available for download at http://github.com/nsuhasj/Transcompp.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Transfer index, NetUniFrac and some useful shortest path-based distances for community analysis in sequence similarity networks
Authors: Xing Henry , Kembel Steven W , Makarenkov Vladimir
Published: January 2020

Motivation

Phylogenetic trees and the methods for their analysis have played a key role in many evolutionary, ecological and bioinformatics studies. Alternatively, phylogenetic networks have been widely used to analyze and represent complex reticulate evolutionary processes which cannot be adequately studied using traditional phylogenetic methods. These processes include, among others, hybridization, horizontal gene transfer, and genetic recombination. Nowadays, sequence similarity and genome similarity networks have become an efficient tool for community analysis of large molecular datasets in comparative studies. These networks can be used for tackling a variety of complex evolutionary problems such as the identification of horizontal gene transfer events, the recovery of mosaic genes and genomes, and the study of holobionts.

Results

The shortest path in a phylogenetic tree is used to estimate evolutionary distances between species. We show how the shortest path concept can be extended to sequence similarity networks by defining five new distances, NetUniFrac, Spp, Spep, Spelp and Spinp, and the Transfer index, between species communities present in the network. These new distances can be seen as network analogs of the traditional UniFrac distance used to assess dissimilarity between species communities in a phylogenetic tree, whereas the Transfer index is intended for estimating the rate and direction of gene transfers, or species dispersal, between different phylogenetic, or ecological, species communities. Moreover, NetUniFrac and the Transfer index can be computed in linear time with respect to the number of edges in the network. We show how these new measures can be used to analyze microbiota and antibiotic resistance gene similarity networks.

Availability and implementation

Our NetFrac program, implemented in R and C, along with its source code, is freely available on Github at the following URL address: https://github.com/XPHenry/Netfrac.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Genome-wide analysis of alternative splicing differences between oocyte and zygote†
Authors: Cheng Rui , Zheng Xiaoman , Wang Yingmei , Wang Mengyun , Zhou Chuan , Liu Jun , Zhang Yong , Quan Fusheng , Liu Xu
Published: January 2020

Alternative splicing (AS) of mRNA precursors allows the synthesis of multiple mRNAs from a single primary transcript, significantly expanding the information content and regulatory possibilities of higher eukaryotic genomes. During mammalian development, AS drives certain decisive changes in different physiological processes. As development progresses, the maternal-to-zygotic transition (MZT) will trigger two processes: elimination of a subset of maternal mRNA and transcription of the zygote genome begins. Recent high-throughput technological advancements have facilitated genome-wide AS, whereas its analysis in mouse oocyte transition to the zygote stage has not been reported. We present a high-resolution global analysis of AS transitions and discovered extensive AS transitions between mouse oocyte and zygote. The difference of AS patterns was further confirmed using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Many genes with specific AS events in mouse oocytes are differentially expressed between oocyte and zygote, but only a few genes with specific AS events in zygote are differentially expressed between oocyte and zygote. We provide a landscape of AS events in mouse oocyte and zygote. Our results advance the understanding of AS transitions during mouse fertilization and its potential functions for MZT and further development.
On The (k,t)-Metric Dimension Of Graphs
Authors: Estrada-Moreno A , Yero I G , Rodríguez-Velázquez J A
Published: January 2020

Let $(X,d)$ be a metric space. A set $S\subseteq X$ is said to be a $k$-metric generator for $X$ if and only if for any pair of different points $u,v\in X$, there exist at least $k$ points $w_1,w_2, \ldots w_k\in S$ such that $d(u,w_i)\ne d(v,w_i),\; \textrm{for all}\; i\in \{1, \ldots k\}.$ Let $\mathcal{R}_k(X)$ be the set of metric generators for $X$. The $k$-metric dimension $\dim _k(X)$ of $(X,d)$ is defined as $$\begin{equation*}\dim_k(X)=\inf\{|S|:\, S\in \mathcal{R}_k(X)\}.\end{equation*}$$Here, we discuss the $k$-metric dimension of $(V,d_t)$, where $V$ is the set of vertices of a simple graph $G$ and the metric $d_t:V\times V\rightarrow \mathbb{N}\cup \{0\}$ is defined by $d_t(x,y)=\min \{d(x,y),t\}$ from the geodesic distance $d$ in $G$ and a positive integer $t$. The case $t\ge D(G)$, where $D(G)$ denotes the diameter of $G$, corresponds to the original theory of $k$-metric dimension, and the case $t=2$ corresponds to the theory of $k$-adjacency dimension. Furthermore, this approach allows us to extend the theory of $k$-metric dimension to the general case of non-necessarily connected graphs. Finally, we analyse the computational complexity of determining the $k$-metric dimension of $(V,d_t)$ for the metric $d_t$.
Role of atrial arrhythmia and ventricular response in atrial fibrillation induced atrial remodelling
Authors: Guichard Jean-Baptiste , Xiong Feng , Qi Xiao-Yan , L’Heureux Nathalie , Hiram Roddy , Xiao Jiening , Naud Patrice , Tardif Jean-Claude , Da Costa Antoine , Nattel Stanley
Published: January 2020

Aims

No studies have assessed the specific contributions of atrial fibrillation (AF)-related atrial vs. associated ventricular arrhythmia to remodelling. This study assessed the roles of atrial arrhythmia vs. high ventricular rate in AF-associated remodelling.

Methods and results

Four primary dog-groups (12/group) were subjected to 3-week pacing: 600-b.p.m. atrial tachypacing maintaining AF [AF w/o- atrioventricular block (AVB)]; atrial tachypacing with atrioventricular-node ablation (AF+AVB) and ventricular-demand pacing (80 b.p.m.); 160-b.p.m. ventricular-tachypacing (V160) reproducing the response rate during AF; and sinus rhythm with AVB/ventricular-pacing at 80-b.p.m. (control group). At terminal study, left-atrial (LA) effective refractory period (ERP) was reduced equally in both AF groups (w/o-AVB and AF+AVB). AF-inducibility was increased strongly in AF groups (w/o-AVB and AF+AVB) and modestly in V160. AF duration was significantly increased in AF w/o-AVB but not in AF+AVB or V160. Conduction velocity was decreased in AF w/o-AVB, to a greater extent than in AF+AVB and V160. Atrial fibrous-tissue content was increased in AF w/o-AVB, AF+AVB and V160, with collagen-gene up-regulation only in AF w/o-AVB. Connexin43 gene expression was reduced only in AF w/o-AVB. An additional group of 240-b.p.m. ventricular tachypacing dogs (VTP240; to induce heart failure) was studied: vs. other tachypaced groups, VTP240 caused greater fibrosis, but no change in LA-ERP or AF-inducibility. VTP240 also increased AF duration, strongly decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, and was the only group with LA natriuretic-peptide activation.

Conclusion

The atrial tachyarrhythmia and rapid ventricular response during AF produce distinct atrial remodelling; both contribute to the arrhythmogenic substrate, providing new insights into AF-related remodelling and novel considerations for ventricular rate-control.
OP03 Reduced need for surgery and medical therapy after early ileocaecal resection for Crohn’s disease: Long-term follow-up of the LIR!C trial
Authors: Stevens T , Haasnoot L , D’Haens G , Buskens C , de Groof E J , Eshuis E , Gardenbroef T , Mol B , Stokkers P , Bemelman W , Ponsioen C
Published: January 2020

Background

The LIR!C trial showed that laparoscopic ileocaecal resection is at least as good as anti-TNF in terms of quality of life and is cost-saving. Current aims were to compare the long-term outcome of both interventions and to identify factors associated with the failure of the initial therapeutic strategy.

Methods

Long-term data were retrospectively collected for patients who participated in the LIR!C trial, a multicentre, randomised controlled trial that compared a laparoscopic ileocaecal resection with infliximab for adult patients with non-stricturing and immunomodulator refractory ileocaecal Crohn’s disease. Outcomes of interest needed for (re-)surgery or anti-TNF, duration of treatment effect as well as the identification of factors associated with sustained treatment effect. The treatment effect was defined as the time without the need for additional Crohn-related treatment. Potential factors were defined a priori and analysed by multivariable Cox regression analysis.

Results

Median follow-up time was 63.5 [IQR 39 – 94.5] months. In the resection group, 18 (26.1%) patients started anti-TNF treatment while none of the patients required a second resection (Figure 1). Twenty-nine (42%) patients did not require additional Crohn-related treatment. In contrast, in the infliximab group, 31 (47.7%) patients underwent a Crohn-related resection. Duration of treatment effect was similar with a median (95% CI) time without additional treatment of 33 (15.1–50.9) and 34 (0–69.3) months in the resection and infliximab group respectively (log-rank p = 0.521). In both groups, prophylactic immunomodulators decreased the risk of additional treatment (HR 0.34 95% CI (0.16–0.69) and HR 0.49 95% CI (0.26–0.93), respectively).

Conclusion

This long-term follow-up study of the LIR!C trial showed that after a median follow-up of 5 years the majority of patients who underwent resection were free of anti-TNF treatment, none required a second resection and almost half were free of any additional medical treatment for disease flares. Conversely, almost half of the patients in the infliximab group moved on to a Crohn-related resection. These data support early ileocaecal resection in Crohn’s disease patients not responding to conventional treatment.