bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lived Experiences Of Adolescent Mothers Attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital: A Phenomenological Study
Authors: Violet Chemutai , Nteziyaremye Julius Goodwill , Julius Gabriel Wandabwa
Published: March 2020

Introduction Adolescence is a period of transition from childhood to adulthood and is thus a critical in ones’ development characterized by opportunities and risks. By 2016, 16% of the World’s population was of adolescents with 82% residing in developing countries. About 12million births are due to 15-19 year olds. Sub-Saharan Africa particularly East Africa has high adolescent pregnancy rates with ranges as high as 35.8% in Eastern Uganda. Of Uganda’s maternal mortality ratio of 336/100.000 live births, 17.1% were attributable to adolescents aged 15-19 years. Whereas research is awash with contributing factors to such pregnancies, little is known about their lived experiences during early motherhood. We therefore set to study the lived experiences of adolescent mothers attending our hospital. Methods A phenomenological study design was used in which adolescent mothers that were attending Young child clinic were identified from the register and simple random sampling used to select participants. We called these mothers by way of phone numbers and asked them to come for Focus group discussions that were limited to 9 mothers per group and lasting about 45minutes – 1hour. Ethical approval was sought for this study and mothers were consented prior to taking part. At every focus group discussion the data which had largely been taken in local languages was transcribed and translated verbatim into English. Results The research revealed that adolescent mothers go through hard times especially with the changes of pregnancy, fear of unknown during intrapartum and immediate postpartum period and largely treated negatively by parents, community members and their colleagues. They experience extreme hardships in parenting. However these early mothers’ stress is alleviated by the joy of seeing their own babies. Conclusion Adolescent mothers present a high risk mother group and efforts to support them during Antenatal care with special adolescent ANC clinics and continuous counseling together with their household should be emphasized to optimize outcome not only during pregnancy but also thereafter. Parents should endeavor to provide for the girl child. Skilling of such mothers and optimizing avenues to pursue education should be explored.
Association between GPx-1 Polymorphisms and Personality Traits in Healthy Chinese-Han Subjects
Authors: Shao Xiaojun , Sun Dongxue , Zhang Bihui , Cheng Lingfei , Yan Ci , Zhu Gang
Published: March 2020

Purpose: Glutathione Peroxidase 1 (GPx1) is the most abundantly expressed of the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) family. The impact of GPx1 polymorphisms has been rarely explored in the field of personality traits. Therefore, we analyzed relationships between GPx-1 polymorphisms and personality traits in healthy Chinese-Han subjects. Methods: 493 Chinese-Han participants (male=234, female=259) were recruited. Personality traits were assessed by Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). GPx-1 gene polymorphisms were detected through polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).Results: The results indicated that the GPx-1 polymorphisms rs1050450 and rs1800668 were associated with the personality trait novelty seeking (NS). Our data found a correlation between rs1800668 and NS2 (X2=7.392, P=0.025). While the results showed the rs1050450 was significantly associated with NS4 (X2=6.059, P=0.048). Regarding sex stratification, there was a significant difference in the NS2 score (X2=8.232, P=0.016) among women for rs1800668. There was no difference in TPQ scores among the different genotypic groups in males. Additionally, no sex effect was observed for either genotype for rs1050450. Conclusion: Our results suggested that GPx-1 may be a potential gene that influenced personality.
Lightweight Design of Steel Wheel Introducing the Disc Spinning Process
Authors: Dang Bin , Shan Yingchun , LIU Xiandong , Huang Lezheng , Jiang Er
Published: March 2020

The steel wheel consists of wheel disc and rim. The wheel disc is manufactured by using power spinning process. The spinning process does not guarantee that the design scheme can be realized accurately. In this paper, the simulation method of the disc spinning process is investigated, and introduced to the lightweight design of steel wheel. Firstly, the power spinning process is simulated, and the validity of the simulation method is verified by test. Then two optimization schemes of the disc are proposed. Finally, the forming quality of the products from the optimization schemes is analyzed by spinning process simulation. The results show that the product from the optimal scheme may not be optimal since the effect of the forming quality in the spinning process. To obtain the optimal performance of product, it is very necessary to evaluate the design scheme by introducing the disc spinning process in the design stage of wheel disc.
Comparing Non-invasive Diagnostic Methods for Arteriovenous Fistula Stenosis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Raksasuk Sukit , Rojwatcharapibarn Satit , Srithong Thatsaphan
Published: March 2020

Background International guidelines recommended screening for AVF stenosis using various non-invasive methods. The previous studies have reported conflicting results. This study aims to evaluate the utility of the different non-invasive AVF flow measurements for detecting AVF stenosis. Methods We evaluated 23 HD patients with the clinical suspicion for AVF stenosis based on physical examination or high venous pressures during. Patients underwent all three non-invasive measurements including ultrasound dilution, urea dilution, and Doppler ultrasonography. Fistulography was performed to confirm the degree of AVF stenosis in all patients. Results Fistulography revealed AVF stenosis in eighteen patients, twelve of whom had severe stenosis (greater than 50% stenosis). About the location of the stenotic lesions, eight were at the inflow site, six at the outflow site, and four at both sites. In those AVFs with severe stenosis, median access flows were 625 mL/min by ultrasound dilution method, 615 mL/min by urea dilution method, and 590 mL/min by Doppler ultrasonography. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that Doppler ultrasonography had a high discriminative ability and the averaged areas under the curves were 0.933 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 0.99) for stenosis and 0.929 (95% CI, 0.82 to 0.99) for severe stenosis. The sensitivity of each method for prediction of access stenosis was 73%, 73%, 80% by using the ultrasound dilution, urea dilution, and Doppler ultrasonography methods, respectively. The specificity of each method was 40%, 80%, and 100% respectively. Physical examination showed 80% sensitivity and 80% specificity for detecting AVF stenosis. The combination of non-invasive access flow measurement with physical examination increased the sensitivity for detection of AVF stenosis to 80%, 93%, and 93% respectively. Conclusions Doppler ultrasound combine with physical examination, was more accurate than other non-invasive methods for detection of AVF stenosis.
Involvement of Interleukin-18-Mediated Microglia/Astrocyte Interaction in Experimental Models of Migraine
Authors: Gong Qiaoyu , Lin Yao , Lu Zuneng , Xiao Zheman
Published: March 2020

Background: The exact molecular mechanisms of migraine were not fully understood. Emerging evidence indicated that inflammation had a significant role in pathophysiological mechanisms of migraine. The present study aimed to investigate the involvement of Interleukin-18-Mediated Microglia/Astrocyte Interaction in the development of hyperpathia or allodynia induced by migraine. Methods: Experimental rat model of migraine was established by repetitive inflammatory soup (IS) dural infusions. The expression of Interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-18 receptor (IL-18R) was examined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction or Western blot. The expression of activated microglia and astrocytes was examined by Western blot or immunofluorescence. The expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was examined by Western blot. TAK-242 and anti-IL-18 antibody were used to inhibit the activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and IL-18 pathway, respectively. Results: IS dural infusions elicited microglial activation and astrocytic activation. Meanwhile, IS dural infusions induced the upregulation of IL-18 and IL-18R in microglia and astrocytes, respectively. Blocking the IL-18 signaling pathway attenuated nociceptive behavior. Meanwhile, blocking IL-18 signaling also suppressed astrocytic activation, as well as activation of NF-κB. And IL-18 dural infusions induced nociceptive behavior and glia activation. Conclusions: IL-18, a product of microglial toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activation, acted on IL-18R expressed in astrocyte, and subsequently stimulated activation of NF-κB, leading to the astrocytic activation. Together, the present results suggest that IL-18-mediated microglia/astrocyte interactions in the medullary dorsal horn may participate in the development of hyperpathia or allodynia induced by migraine.
Fetal circulating human resistin increases in diabetes during pregnancy and impairs placental mitochondrial biogenesis
Authors: Jiang Shaoning , Teague April M. , Tryggestad Jeanie B. , Lyons Timothy J. , Chernausek Steven D.
Published: March 2020

Background

Diabetes during pregnancy affects placental mitochondrial content and function, which can impact fetal development and the long-term health of offspring. Resistin is a peptide hormone originally discovered in mice as an adipocyte-derived factor that induced insulin resistance. Unlike rodents, human resistin is primarily secreted by monocytes or macrophages. The regulation and roles of human resistin in diabetes during pregnancy remain unclear.

Methods

Human resistin levels were measured in cord blood of women with diabetes during pregnancy (n=42) and healthy controls (n=81). Secretion of resistin from cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) were measured. The actions of human resistin in mitochondrial biogenesis were determined on placental trophoblastic cells (BeWo cells) or human placental explant.

Results

Concentrations of human resistin in cord sera were higher in diabetic pregnancies (67 ng/ml) compared to healthy controls (50 ng/ml, P< 0.05), and correlated (r=0.4, P=0.002) with a measure of maternal glycemia (glucose concentration 2 h post challenge). Resistin mRNA was most abundant in cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs). Secretion of resistin from cultured CBMCs was increased in response to high glucose (25 mM). Exposing BeWo cells or human placental explant to resistin decreased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α), mitochondrial abundance, and ATP production.

Conclusions

In summary, we have shown that resistin is increased in fetal circulation of infants exposed to the diabetic milieu potentially reflecting the response of monocytes/macrophages to hyperglycemia and metabolic stresses associated with diabetes during pregnancy. Increased exposure to resistin may contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and aberrant energy metabolism characteristic of offspring exposed to diabetes in utero .
Ferrofluid Thin Films for Airfoil Lift Generation
Authors: Arias Francisco
Published: March 2020

In this work, consideration is given to a novel concept for airfoil lift generation and flow control. In this concept, the goal is attained by

preventing the growth of the boundary layer from the elimination of the zero slip condition between the surface and the air stream. The concept would simulate all effects of a moving wall leading in the appearance of slip velocity in the gas-fluid interface including the injection of momentum into the boundary layer, with one exception: there is no moving wall but instead a ferrofluid thin film attached at the wall by a magnetic field which permit to attain much more higher velocities at the interface which is not allowable if mobil surface wall are used. Utilizing a simplified physical model for the profile velocity of the ferrofluid film and from ferrohydrodynamic stability considerations an analytical expression for the interfacial velocity was derived. Finally, from the available experimental data on moving walls the expected lift and attack angle enhancement was found. Additional R\&D is required in order to explore the possibilities in the use of ferrofluid thin films.
Whether pelvic radiotherapy increased the risk of secondary bladder cancer? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dou WeiChao , Ren ZhengJu , Hu Xu , Shao YanXiang , Lia Thongher , Xiong SanChao , Liu JianBang , Yang WeiXiao , Ren PengWei , Wei Qiang , Zeng Hao , Li Xiang
Published: March 2020

Background The question whether pelvic radiotherapy increases the risk of secondary bladder cancer remains unclear. In this review, we aimed to demonstrate the relationship between exposure to radiation therapy for pelvic malignancies and subsequent second primary bladder cancer risk. Methods We systematically searched Medline, Embase and Web of Science for all associated studies concerning secondary bladder cancer risk and radiotherapy for primary pelvic cancers up to 15 th December 2019. We extracted related study characteristics and outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Outcomes were synthesized with random effect models and Manhtel-Haenszel weighting. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and Meta-analysis of Observational studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines were used for reporting this systematic review and meta-analysis. We use GRADE system to assess the quality of main outcome. Results We identified 3958 references after literature searching and eventually 19 studies were selected for meta-analysis. Most studies were cohort studies with moderate risk of bias. Compared with patients treated without radiotherapy, our results showed an increased risk of secondary bladder cancer after radiotherapy for pelvic malignancies (RR 1.75,95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.50-2.05) with moderate quality of evidence. Similar results were also found in organ-specific analysis of radiation therapy for testicular cancer(RR 2.25,95% CI 1.34-3.78),uterine cancer(RR 2.52,95%CI 1.12-5.67) and prostate cancer(RR 1.64 95%CI 1.39-1.93).Although a varied definitions of latency periods used in different studies, the results showed a consistently increased risk of bladder cancer in all analyzed latency periods, and lag time over 10 years ranked as the highest relative risk(RR 2.98,95%CI 1.88-4.71). When compared with no radiotherapy, EBRT and Any RT significantly increased the risk of second primary bladder cancer (RR 2.08,95%CI 1.67-2.61 and RR 1.77,95%CI 1.49-2.10), but not for BT group (RR 1.58,95%CI 0.98-2.55). Conclusion In conclusion, pelvic radiotherapy was associated with higher relative risk of secondary bladder cancer compared with those without radiotherapy. These findings may help outpatient counseling and early detection of secondary cancer after diagnosis and treatment of first primary cancer. Keywords: Secondary Bladder cancer, Pelvic malignancies, Radiotherapy, Meta-analysis
What do we know about financial protection in health in Africa? A systematic review
Authors: Kabaniha Grace Achungura , Afriyie Doris Osei , Mandalia Mayur L , Ataguba John E
Published: March 2020

Background Financial protection is one of the main indicators to assess progress towards Universal Health Coverage. Efforts have been made globally to monitor financial protection. However, progress in the African Region is limited. Methods A systematic review was conducted to assess financial protection in health in Africa. The search of five databases was conducted between March and May 2019. Studies were included if they conducted empirical analyses on one or two dimensions of financial protection—catastrophic and impoverishing health expenditures, at the national or subnational levels. The review included peer-review articles, grey literature and reports. Data extraction included study characteristics, the dimension of financial protection, including methods and data sources, and the type of analysis (incidence, equity analysis, determinants, trends over time) of financial protection. Results Fifty-one studies met the inclusion criteria of the review with at least one study in 41 out of the 47 countries in the WHO African Region. The analyses of the included studies showed that catastrophic and impoverishing health spending occurs in all the countries in the region, albeit at different levels. Various national household surveys were used as data sources. Also, the studies used different methods to assess financial protection. The incidence ranged from 0.29% in Zambia in 2010 to 16.4% in Nigeria in 2009 at a 10% threshold. Due to the wide range of data sources and methods, comparison of findings within and across countries was difficult. Furthermore, the majority of the studies focused on in-depth analysis of catastrophic health spending than impoverishing. Trends over time of both catastrophic and impoverishing health expenditures were even limited in single-country analysis. Conclusion This review provides evidence that generally, financial protection is being monitored at the national level in the African Region, and the incidence of financial protection has increased generally in the Region. Further research on financial protection should explore methods to harmonize the estimation of OOP from different surveys In addition, analyses should go beyond measuring the incidence of financial protection and also focus on equity analysis, looking at the drivers and trends of both dimensions of financial protection.
New dynamical behaviour of the coronavirus (COVID-19) infection system with nonlocal operator from reservoirs to people
Authors: Veeresha P. , Prakasha D. G. , Malagi Naveen Sanju , Baskonus Haci Mehmet , Gao Wei
Published: March 2020

The fundamental aim of the present study is to analyse and find the solution for the system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations describing the deadly and most dangerous virus from the lost three months called coronavirus. The mathematical model consisting of six nonlinear ordinary differential equations are exemplified and the corresponding solution is studied within the frame of 𝑞-homotopy analysis transform method (𝑞-HATM). Moreover, a newly defined fractional operator is employed in order to understand more effectively, known as Atangana-Baleanu (AB) operator. For the obtained results, the fixed point theorem is hired to present the exactness as well as uniqueness. For diverse arbitrary order, the behaviour of the outcomes is presented in terms of plots. Finally, the present study may help to examine the wild class of real-world models and also aid to predict their behaviour with respect to parameters considered in the models.
Proteoglycan-depleted regions of anular-injury promote nerve ingrowth in a rabbit disc degeneration model
Authors: Xin Long , Xu Weixing , Wang Jian , Yu Fang , Fan Shunwu , Wang Wei , Liu Jian , yang yang
Published: March 2020

Background To assess the effects of proteoglycan-depleted regions of disrupted annulus on nerves ingrowth into the injury site in Vivo. Our study was designed to provide a test group of polymeric carriers loaded with chABC, using to enzymatically digest CSPGs in a controlled manner at the site of injury. And 2 control groups, one loaded with PBS buffer alone or the other created annular defect. Methods New Zealand white rabbits (n=18) received annular injuries at L3/4, L4/5, and L5/6. The experimental discs were randomly assigned to four groups: a) annular defect was created(1.8 mm diameter; 4 mm depth); b) annular defect implanted PLGA/fibrin/PBS plug; c) annular defect implanted with a PLGA/fibrin/chABC plug; d) uninjured L2/3 disc (control). Disc degeneration was evaluated by radiography, MRI, histology, and analysis of proteoglycan content. And immunohistochemical detection of nerve fibers and chondroitin sulfate was respectively performed with PGP9.5 and CS-56. Results The radiographic, MRI, histological and biochemical changes demonstrated that the injured discs produced progressive and reliable disc degeneration. In the defect discs, lamellated appearance of AF has been replaced by extensive fibrocartilaginous-like tissue formed outside the injured sites. In contrast to be distributed along small fissures within newly formed tissue accompanied with small blood vessels appeared in the outer part of disrupted area in the PLGA/fibrin/PBS discs. Following chABC effectively enzymic deglycosylation, the residual scaffolds were surrounded by newly formed tissues, where more sprouting nerve fibers grew further into the depleted annulus regions in the PLGA/fibrin/chABC discs than control discs and those receiving PLGA/fibrin/PBS. In addition, innervations scores in the PLGA/fibrin/chABC discs showed significantly higher than those of PLGA/fibrin/PBS discs and defected discs. Conclusions ChABC-based PLGA/fibrin gel achieved the bio-integration with native annulus tissue and providing a local source for sustained release of active chABC. Disc-derived proteoglycan inhibited nerves and blood vessels ingrowth were evidently abrogated by chABC enzymic deglycosylation in an annular-injured rabbit disc degeneration model. The inhibitory effects of Neural and vascular ingrowth are inversely associated with the proteoglycan content. CS secreted from discs are potential candidates that could be useful to reduce neurite growth associated with discogenic pain.
Measurement of changes in perfusion after carotid endarterectomy by 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling
Authors: Kong Dongsheng , Xue Zhe , Wu Chen , Wang Wenxin , Sun Zhenghui , YU Xinguang
Published: March 2020

Background:Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is an effective method for treating cerebral ischemia caused by carotid stenosis, but there may be a risk of perfusion pressure breakthrough during early perfusion recovery. As a non-invasive and contrast-free magnetic resonance examination method, arterial spin labeling can be used for continuous observation and measurement in the early postoperative period of carotid endarterectomy. Results: Nineteen patients with severe unilateral carotid stenosis were examined using 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling before and after CEA, and we found that the pattern of dynamic cerebral blood flow changes is not the same in different regions.Conclusions: 3D pseudo-continuous arterial spin labeling might be helpful for the improvement of postoperative treatment and care of severe unilateral carotid stenosis patients.
In silico elucidation revealed SARS CoV and MERS CoV Drug Compounds could be Potential Therapeutic Candidates against Post Fusion Core (S2) Protein of Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov)
Authors: Ayaz Zainab , Zainab Bibi , Abbasi Arshad Mehmood
Published: March 2020

Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), since its emergence from Wuhan China in December 31, 2019 is still uncontrolled and has raised attention around the globe. According to World health organization, up to March 20, 2020, globally 209,839 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported along with 8778 deaths. 2019-nCoV is likely to be a recombinant of different coronaviruses such as SARS CoV and MERS CoV. Recent developments revealed that glycosylated spike (S) protein of 2019-nCov is contributing significantly in facilitating 2019- nCov infection in human body. The subunit (S1) of spike protein facilitates 2019-nCov binding with host cells’ receptors, while S2 subunit (post fusion core of 2019-nCov) is a key factor in fusion of 2019-nCov with host cell membrane and subsequent inoculation of its DNA in to the host cell. Therefore, in coronavirus infection, membrane fusion and receptor binding are critical. And if active sites of 2019-nCov spike protein S2 (post fusion core of 2019-nCov) are blocked, this may reduce COVID-19 infections in human. We use clustering based drug-drug interaction (DDI) networks and drug repositioning approach based on modularity to inhibit the membrane fusion and receptor binding capacity of 2019-nCov. About 150 drug compounds effective against SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV were retrieved, and screened on the basis of Lipinski rule of five. Clusters and strongly interacted DDI networks were generated in accordance to their modularity class, average path length and density. Promising drug candidates were then filtered by toxicity indicator and molecular docking. Our finding reveals that ZINC000029038525 and ZINC000029129064 drug compounds have significant binding potential with active sites of post fusion core of 2019-nCov ‘S2’ subunit and may inhibit membrane fusion and receptor binding capacity of 2019-nCov. Therefore, these drug compounds alone or in amalgamation could be strong and more effective therapeutic candidates against 2019-nCov infections.
A methodology to analyze sustainable development index: evidence from emerging markets and developed economies
Authors: Koilo Viktoriia
Published: March 2020

The paper proposes a new approach for dealing with uncertainties in determining the level of sustainability at the national scale. Composite Sustainable Development Index (SDI) is a tool designed to assess comprehensively the progress made by 15 advanced economies and 15 emerging economies since 2004–2018 towards achieving sustainable development goals.The proposed composite index aims to measure and monitor a sustainable development at the national level, and to increase the understanding of sustainability.This method also sheds light on main problems of different economies at the current stage of their development: the methodology considers a set of indicators and arranged into four categories of sustainable development: economy, society, governance, and environment.The present study shows that during the analyzed period, advanced economies had a satisfactory level of sustainability, while the level of SDI of the emerging markets was lower. Also, the obtained results reveal that since the adoption of Paris Agreement under the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2015 developed countries have been showing better performance.Moreover, the paper presents the research design of an optimization model for sustainable development with CO2 emissions consideration.
Optimization Formulation of Semi-Finished Sponge Cake
Authors: Marinina Ekaterina , Sadygova Madina , Kirillova Tatiana , Kanevskaya Irina
Published: March 2020

Introduction. The research improved the formulation of semi-finished sponge cake by using the method of generalized desirability function. Traditional components were substituted with new advantageous rye varieties of local selection. The main advantage of the rye variety “Memory to Bambyshev” is that rye flour obtained from the whole grain of this variety has a lower trypsin inhibitor (1.7 mg/g) compared to flour from such varieties as “Saratov 6” (2.16 mg/g). Thus, the digestibility of the grain of this variety is higher by 0.26%. The rye can be used in baking to produce dietary breads, low-calorie bakery products with bran, and animal feed.

Study objects and methods. Cakes and pastries make 34.5% of the total volume of flour confectionery products. The study developed a new semi-finished sponge-cake product, which can serve as the basis for cakes and pastries. However, flour confectionery products are oversaturated with carbohydrates and fats, which increases their calorie content. A set of experiments was performed to study the effect of reducing the amount of sugar in the formulation and replacing wheat flour with rye flour on the quality of semi-finished sponge-cake product. A basic formulation for sponge cake was used as control sample. The test semples varied in content of sugar and flour made from various types of rye. The technological additives included Ovalet emulsifier (1.5% to flour) and Duo baking powder (0.1% to flour). Emulsifier “OVALET SUPER” (Bakels, Sweden) is a pasty substance that consists of emulsifying agents, water, and stabilizers and acts as an improver, stabilizer, and structurizer designed for the production of semi-finished sponge cakes, rolls, muffins, and cookies. Duo baking powder is a special highly effective tool that does not contain tartaric acid. It can be used for the production of various varieties of bread and confectionery, e.g. biscuits, rolls, gingerbread, etc. The obtained dough was easy to process. The new formulation increased the volume and color of the product, as well as slowed down the process of hardening.

Results and discussion. The highest value of the generalized function of desirability belonged to the sample where white wheat flour was subsituted with 30% of rye flour and the sample with 100% of rye flour with a 40% sugar reduction. According to the specific desirability indicators, the mass fraction of moisture, the mass fraction of total sugar, energy value, and foaming ability of the semifinished product were higher than those of the control sample.

Conclusion. The developed formulation and technology can expand the range of functional products.
Improving the Line of Instant Starch Soft Drinks
Authors: Plotnikov Konstantin , Popov Anatoly , Plotnikov Igor , Kryuk Roman , Rudnev Sergey
Published: March 2020

Introduction. By 2030, Russia will have abandoned the export-dependent economy and moved on to the innovation-based development, as it is stated in the Long-Term Plan for Social and Economic Development of the Russian Federation issued by the Ministry of Economic Development. Improving the production of products reduces the cost of finished products and increases their biological value. Working population often fails to maintain a balanced diet. Therefore, it is necessary to develop products that contain a large number of biologically active substances, e.g. instant drinks of plant origin.

Study objects and methods. The level of integrity of the technological production line for instant starch drinks depends on the level of integrity of each of its subsystems. By comparing the monitored parameters with the given values, one can assess the integrity level of the entire system. The subsystem that is responsible for the semi-finished product causes the greatest perturbation in the stability of the entire system. According to the theory of the technological flow proposed by Dr. V.A. Panfilov, this is subsystem B. The problem is associated with the instability of the granulation process, i.e. unstable particle size distribution in the finished product. The instability may occur due to the principle of operation and design features of dish-shaped granulators. As a result, the quality of the

finished product decreases.

Results and discussion. The team developed a new hardware design of a machine-hardware scheme for the production of instantiated granular food products (IGPP). They conducted a repeated assessment of the integrity level of the entire technological system. The analysis of the production technology of IHPP employed a systematic approach, which made it possible to determine the level of its organization and increase it. The positive changes took place after the introduction of a new subsystem of the solid-state mechanochemical activation of potato starch. The activation changed the physical and mechanical properties of native starches, thus intensifying the process of structure formation. In addition, the integrity of the entire subsystem could be increased by changing the principle of structure formation of granules. A new granulator and a new operating principle made it possible to perform granulation by pelletizing in controlled segregated flows.

Conclusion. The stability of subsystem B increased by 0.31, while the stability of the whole system increased by 0.56. The success was directly related to the new granulation technologies and a change in the technological flow of production of instant starch drinks.
Biomass dewaterability, filterability and settleability in a membrane bioreactor operated with different sludge ages
Authors: Pollice A. , Laera G. , Giordano C. , Saturno D. , Mininni G. , Masi S.
Published: March 2020

Membrane bioreactors (MBR) are designed to maintain high solid concentrations, thus limiting sludge production and the related operational costs of the process. Sludge physical properties strongly affect the operation of these systems, due to their influence on the filtration process and also on excess sludge handling. This study reports the physical characterization of a bench scale MBR biomass with different sludge ages and with complete sludge retention. The results span over a period of three years when a bench scale MBR was operated under the same conditions except for the sludge retention time (SRT). The main dewatering properties were measured over time and their steady state average values were related to the SRT. The capillary suction time (CST) and the specific resistance to filtration (SRF) showed similar decreasing trends during the transient phase and reached equilibrium values under steady state conditions, except in the case of complete sludge retention. Under all the tested conditions, the average equilibrium values of the CST, the SRF and the compressibility (s) of the MBR sludge were similar to those reported for conventional activated sludge, suggesting the adoption of the same dewatering technologies. In terms of settleability, the relationship between the diluted sludge volume index (DSVI) and the sludge age appeared weak for SRT higher than 20 days. Under the tested conditions, the best performances in terms of physical properties of the MBR excess sludge were obtained for sludge retention times between 40 and 80 days.
Biomass dewaterability, filterability and settleability in a membrane bioreactor operated with different sludge ages
Authors: Pavan P. , Cavinato C. , Bolzonella D. , Fatone F. , Cecchi F.
Published: March 2020

The results of 2 years experiments on thermophilic single and two-phase anaerobic co-digestion process on activated sludge and agro-wastes are presented. Solid agro-waste (mainly fruit and vegetable residuals from markets) and waste activated sludge were used as substrates. A pilot scale CSTR of 200 l working volume was used for single phase test, while an 0.8 m3 digester was added to study two-phase experiments. Treating only wasted sludge, the initial organic loading rate (OLR) was 0.7kgTVS/m3 d; then it was increased up to 2, 4 and 6 kgTVS/m3 d by OFMSW addition. Following OFMSW increase in the feed, it was found out the increase of GPR from 0.12 to 3.12 m3/m3 d and SGP from 0.16 to 0.51 m3/kgTVS in single phase. The stability of the process was showed also in the most critical operative conditions. Two phase experiments didn't show important differences to the single phase test in the range of OLRs studied up to now (up to 4 kgTVS/m3 d), clearly showing that these are not critical conditions for the process, that can be carried out in single phase in all the range studied. Considering the option of retrofitting the anaerobic digesters of the existing sludge line in WWTPs, the obtained data give important indications about process feasibility.
Odour Generation From Anaerobically Digested Sludge
Authors: Novak J.T. , Murthy S.N. , Higgins M.J.
Published: March 2020

Anaerobic digestion is carried out to stabilize biosolids so that it is acceptable for land disposal. Although no precise definition exists for stability of anaerobically digested sludges, a major factor is that odours be low. Over the past 5 years, research has been conducted to evaluate the odour potential from anaerobically digested sludges to determine the factors that influence odours. It has been found that odours are typically produced from dewatered sludge cakes and these odours are primarily associated with organic sulphur compounds. It was found that effective digestion does not guarantee that organic sulphur levels will be low and the type of dewatering equipment will determine the magnitude of organic sulphur compounds generated.
Benchmarking for sewer operators as a first step towards performance evaluation in Austria
Authors: Dane Peter , Herda R. , Haberl R.
Published: March 2020

Public operators of wastewater utilities will have to justify their costs more and more to their customers. One possibility to do this in a standardised way is to participate in a com-parison among each other, by investigating not only the cost-efficiency but also the effec-tiveness of the used means. The Austrian benchmarking internet platform www.abwasserbenchmarking.at was used 2005 for its first year and offers under the guid-ance of the Austrian Water and Waste Association (ÖWAV) a continuous benchmarking process for sewerage and wastewater treatment operators, established on the basis of the refined methodology of the year 2000 research project.

The further developed methodology provides better interpretation of the results and com-parability among the operators. The results should lead to improvements for operation. The limits of such a comparison can be seen especially with distinctive local influences and a high portion of contracted service. The feedback of the participants attested im-provement of insight in their system already by the standardised data collection and ag-gregation. The number of participants (30 wastewater treatment and 6 sewer operators) should be increased in the following years to make it a powerful instrument for the national water management.
Development of a Guideline for Sewer Operation and Maintenance in Austria
Authors: Schellart A.N.A. , Tait S.J. , Ashley R.M. , Howes C. , McLoughlin M.
Published: March 2020

This paper reports on an investigation that aimed to develop appropriate sediment management strategies for a small combined sewer network. Field data from a 2-year field study were used to illustrate the potential impacts of various strategies. The fieldwork collected data on the potential impact of persistent sediment deposits found in a large combined sewer in London. The data collected was used to support modelling of the hydraulic and the sediment behaviour in the local sewer system. The model results were used to investigate whether or not the sediment deposits found in sections of the main sewer would influence levels of surcharge and so impact on the risk of sewer flooding in the future. After it was established that sediment deposits in the main sewer could, under certain circumstances, change pipe surcharge levels, several sediment management options were examined in order to find the most suitable option. All options comprised additional planned operational activities combined with increased levels of infrastructure expenditure.
Vacuum storage as effective way to increase capacity of detention facilities
Authors: Kisiel A. , Mrowiec M.
Published: March 2020

Effective stormwater conveyance on urbanized watersheds is currently an important issue in Poland due to laws and economic aspects associated with protection of aquatic environment. It is additionally motivated by long-term negligence in the stormwater management in Polish cities of any size. Storage tanks are the basic devices to effectively control the flow rate in drainage systems during wet weather. Presented here is the conception of vacuum-driven detention tanks allows to increase of the storage capacity by usage of space above the free surface water elevation at the inlet channel. Partial vacuum storage makes it possible to gain cost savings by reduction of both the horizontal area of the detention tank and necessary depth of its foundations. The ability to quick emptying of stormwater stored under the vacuum conditions is the additional advantage of such reservoirs in urban drainage systems. The paper also describes in detail each of the main operational phases (control rules, boundary conditions and basic equations) and some economic issues associated with vacuum usage in storage reservoirs.
Application of the URBS-Monte Carlo Simulation Technique to Urban Catchments: A Case Study for the Coomera River Catchment in Gold Coast Australia
Authors: Rahman Ataur , Carroll Don , Mahbub Parvez , Khan Sayed , Rahman Khondker
Published: March 2020

In recent years in Australia, there has been significant research and interest in the development and application of a more holistic approach of design flood estimation such as the Monte Carlo Simulation Technique. The advantage of the Monte Carlo Simulation Technique is that this considers the probabilistic nature of the model input variables in explicit manner as opposed to the Design Event Approach. This paper presents the application of the Monte Carlo Simulation Technique to the Coomera River Catchment in the Gold Coast region Australia. This identifies the probability distributions of rainfall duration, rainfall intensity, rainfall temporal pattern and initial loss from the observed pluviograph and streamflow data in the catchment and applies URBS model to simulate ten thousand streamflow hydrographs to determine derived flood frequency curve for the catchment. It has been found that the URBS-Monte Carlo Simulation Technique (UMCST) provides a robust means for providing a range of inflows to hydraulic/floodplain models to assess the impact of ‘100 year’ storms on the floodplain. Further it is noted that the UMCST technique provides design peak flow rates similar to the Design Event Approach using the temporal patterns derived from the local pluviograph stations.
Hydrologic Regions for sizing Stormwater Treatment Measures in Victoria
Authors: Wettenhall G. , Wong T. H. F.
Published: March 2020

Designing stormwater treatment measures generally requires a continuous simulation modelling approach using a small time step to properly consider the influence of a range of local storm characteristics and hydrologic conditions. This can be a complex and costly exercise and requires both technical expertise and the availability of a suitably long period of rainfall data. This paper describes the development of a simple but rigorous procedure to transpose known performance data from one geographic location to another within the state of Victoria in Australia. The procedure is based on continuous modelling of the performance of a number of stormwater treatment measures using 6 minute rainfall recorded over a suitably long period for 45 sites across Victoria. The size of the treatment measures required to attain prescribed water quality outcomes for each of the sites investigated is determined from application of the model. These data are then normalised and correlated to geographic and meteorological characteristics of the individual sites to enable regional relationships to be derived. Five hydrologic regions within Victoria and a further four regions for the metropolitan region in Melbourne were delineated. Their corresponding regional formulae are applicable for all sites within Victoria.
An object based household water cycle model: concept and construction
Authors: Liu S. , Makropoulos C. , Butler D. , Memon F. A.
Published: March 2020

An object based household water cycle model has been developed using Matlab (Simulink) in the WaND (Water Cycle Management for New Developments) project to facilitate the development of an optioneering tool. The aim of the tool is to allow the assessment of options for conventional and innovative water management over the long term. Benefits of this approach include flexibility, easy expansion and transferability. An object is defined as a generic abstraction of micro-components which have similar functionalities in a household water use context. Following this concept, four kinds of objects are employed - water source, water use, treatment and sink. Each object has a generic interface which indicates its main attributes and functionality. Micro-components which belong to the same object share the same generic interface. An object can be easily implemented by specifying the associated property table and Matlab file. This forms a system - objects - micro-components - database hierarchical architecture. This paper describes the model development so far and includes initial model runs to demonstrate the power and performance of the approach.
Investigation and integrative modelling of xenobiotics discharged from urban drainage systems
Authors: Reinstorf F. , Möder M. , Osenbrück K. , Schirmer K. , Strauch G. , Wennrich R. , Schirmer M.
Published: March 2020

The urban aquatic environment is increasingly polluted by low concentrated but potentially harmful compounds such as pharmaceuticals and endocrine disruptors - so-called xenobiotics. These substances are mainly carried by waste water. Up to now information with regard to their impact on the urban ecosystem and human health exist for only few of them. Within an interdisciplinary project on risk assessment of water pollution, we work on the identification of the fluxes of these substances.

In a first step, we used a runoff formation model representing the city of Halle (Germany) and the Saale river. The Saale river acts as surface water system collecting slope inputs along the city traverse and sewer outflows. We investigated the anthropogenic effect on the urban water system using indicators such as hydrological parameters, selected complex organic substances, isotopic signatures and dissolved substances (sulphate, nitrate).

A first balance modelling showed that main ions are not very sensitive concerning the diffuse urban input into the river. However, the concentration pattern of fragrances (tonalid, galaxolid), rare earth elements (gadolinium) and endocrine disrupters (t-nonylphenol) point to a different pollution along the city traverse: downstream of the sewage plant a higher load was observed in comparison to the upstream passage. Various substance concentrations in groundwater along the city traverse showed increasing trends.
Relative sustainability assessment of five European projects aiming to reduce rainwater volume in sewer systems
Authors: Hurley Louise , Mounce S.R. , Ashley Richard
Published: March 2020

Excess rainwater in sewer systems creates problems including sewer overflow leading to flooding, inefficient wastewater treatment, overloading of wastewater treatment plants, production of large amounts of sludge, high energy demands and non-replenishment of groundwater. These effects are a problem in areas where rainwater, runoff and sewage are collected in the same system, and are likely to be exacerbated by the effects of climate change and traditional methods of new development. The ‘No Rainwater In Sewers’ (NORIS) project comprises pilot studies in Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium and the UK, all of which attempt in different ways to return the hydrological cycle to a more natural state at a local level by adaptation of existing sewerage systems. The aim of the work presented here is to determine the relative contribution of the chosen techniques to sustainable development. The research illustrates the difficulties faced in urban water of addressing all sustainability principles equally and gives details on the development of a structured framework that will compare the water management options chosen and inform stakeholders of how decisions are made, which is not only necessary under the auspices of the European Water Framework Directive, but is also more rational in terms of sustainable development.