BC Values Research Articles

Reconstruction of the paleoenvironmental context of Holocene human behavior at the Fenghuangzui site in the Nanyang Basin, Middle Yangtze River, China

Geomorphological research at archaeological sites reveals that environmental factors, such as geomorphology and hydrology, play a crucial role in understanding changes in site layout and cultural processes. However, due to the lack of reliable chronologies, there is limited understanding of environmental factors in relation to archaeological site. This study focuses on the sedimentary records from the southern moat of the Fenghuangzui (FHZ) site, a representative site in the middle Yangtze River region, integrating a chronological framework and climate proxies such as elemental geochemistry. It reconstructs the evolution of the regional sedimentary environment and the hydrogeomorphology during the mid-late Holocene at the FHZ site, elucidating its interplay with human activities. Key findings include: (1) From 5.6–4.5 ka BP, elevated chemical index of alteration (CIA), Rb/Sr, and Mn/Ti values indicate a warm and humid climate. The Qujialing culture unified the middle Yangtze River and established regional central settlements such as Shijiahe site, and then expanded to the north. The FHZ site was built in the Nanyang Basin at this time to prevent the invasion of northern culture. (2) During 4.5–4 ka BP, decreased CIA and Rb/Sr values alongside rising secondary aluminum factor (Saf) and dealkalization coefficient (Bc) values signify reduced weathering and a transition to cooler, drier conditions. A flood event of 4–3.9 ka BP caused the moat of the FHZ site to lose its defensive function. (3) During 4–2.7 ka BP, declining CIA and Rb/Sr values with slight increases in Saf and Bc suggest ongoing dry and cool environmental conditions. The FHZ site was abandoned at the end of the Meishan culture. (4) Between 2.7–1.6 ka BP, rising CIA and Rb/Sr values indicate a return to warmer and more humid conditions. The FHZ site was built to expand the influence of Qujialing culture and protect the Shijiahe settlement. Taking into account the location of the water system and farming area, the south-facing direction was chosen. In general, our findings suggest that changes in regional hydrology in the context of climate change can trigger upheaval and even collapse of prehistoric societies.

Stapedoplasty as a Method of Hearing Loss Treatment in Patients with Tympanosclerosis

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of stapedoplasty as a method of hearing loss treatment in patients with stapes tympanosclerotic fixation. Materials and Methods:The first group included 25 patients with CPOM and TSC who under-went a two-stage surgery (2nd stage – stapedoplasty). The second group included 25 patients with CPOM and TSC who underwent a one-, two-, or three-stage surgery with a typical sta-pedoplasty as a final step, but using a surgical CO2 laser. Results: Analysis data of ABG mean values (35.3±8.6 dB before surgery) in TSC2 group showed their decrease in 1 month up to 22.1±9.5 dB; in 6 months – up to 17.0±8.0 dB, and in 12 months – up to 14.9±7.4 dB. Stapedoplasty with laser assistance was also effective, but its best results were shown in 6-12 months after surgery. ABG values < 20 dB were reached in 76% pa-tients; from 20 to 30 dB – in 92%, and 30 dB – in 100% patients. Analysis data of BC values (30.3±11.3 dB before surgery) showed their consistency in 1 month after surgery – 31.1±13.2 dB; in 6 months – 28.9±13.1 dB, and in 12 months – 28.3 ± 12.8 dB. Conclusion: Laser assistance during stapes crus crossing stage and stapedotomy in the early fol-low-up period results in absence of inner ear reaction for surgery.

Effects of envelope features on building surface temperature and ventilation performance in 2D street canyons

The focus of previous research on urban ventilation has primarily been on flat-facade buildings. However, envelope features can affect the surface temperature and ventilation performance. We conducted an outdoor scaled experiment to investigate the impact of different envelope features on the thermal and wind environment in street canyons. The envelope features effectively reduce the surface temperature, with the impact order being as follows: overhangs > wing walls > balconies. The dimensionless parameter B is used to assess the impacts of momentum and buoyancy on urban ventilation. In a wide canyon, when B < Bc (the critical value of different envelope feature cases), the momentum dominates urban airflow. The Bc values of the flat-façade, balcony, overhang, and wing wall were 0.335, 1.084, 1.320, and 1.529, respectively, while the normalized horizontal velocities (U0.25H/U2H) of the flat-façade, balcony, overhang, and wing wall street canyons remained relatively constant (i.e., 0.66, 0.54, 0.62, and 0.57, respectively). When B > Bc, under the combined influence of momentum and buoyancy, U0.25H/U2H increases nonlinearly with B. Moreover, street canyons with envelope features exhibit a smaller Bc value than flat-facade canyons. These findings provide valuable insights into the effects of envelope features on thermal environments and urban ventilation.

An AERONET-based methodology to retrieve black carbon light absorption and comparison with MERRA-2 data

The contribution of black carbon in absorption aerosol optical depth (BC AAOD) can be retrieved using depolarization ratio (DPR, δp), single scattering albedo (SSA, ω), and Ångstrom exponent (AE, å). AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET) inversion products provide ground-based long-term observations of aerosol optical properties based on the sun photometer's observations. In this study, the AERONET version 3 level 2.0 products are utilized to approximate BC AAOD on a global scale during the recent two decades (2000–2018). We compared our AERONET-retrieved BC AAODs with the ones provided by the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, version 2.0 (MERRA-2) data, at the selected AERONET site's location and observation time. We found the highest MERRA-2 and AERONET-derived BC AAOD over densely populated countries such as China and India. Further, Nigeria, one of the largest sources of biomass burning and a leading gas-flaring country, showed increased values of BC AAOD. Both datasets confirmed a drop in BC AAOD over Sao-Paulo, Beijing, and Seoul from 2000 to 2018. AERONET and MERRA-2 data indicated higher BC variations during cold months in Beijing, Kanpur, Seoul, Ilorin, and Sao-Paulo. We concluded that the high BC values over the populous countries mainly owe to the considerable BC emission from transportation, industrial, and residential sectors in response to the high population. A comparison of MERRA-2 and our AERONET-derived retrieval methodology suggested lower values of MERRA-2 BC AAOD compared to AERONET-derived variations in Sao-Paulo.

Characterizing postural balance on 2-dimensional compliant surfaces with directional virtual time-to-contact

BackgroundThis study aimed to (1) investigate postural balance control on 2-Dimensional (2D) compliant surfaces using directional virtual time-to-contact (d-VTC), a novel method for VTC calculation; and (2) compare d-VTC with conventional balance measures in this context. MethodsA dual-axis robotic platform was used to simulate 2D surfaces/grounds with varying compliance levels. Twenty healthy young adults stood on the platform with either open or closed eyes. Balance was evaluated using d-VTC in multiple aspects, including temporal (VTC mean), spatial (boundary contact - BC), and control aspects (switching rate – SR). Additionally, conventional balance measures, namely center-of-pressure (COP) area and COP root-mean-square (RMS), were employed for further comparisons with d-VTC measures. Normality checks were performed using Shapiro-Wilk tests. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA tests were used to examine the effects of surface compliance and vision on postural balance, followed by post-hoc pairwise comparisons across conditions with Bonferroni correction. ResultsThe results showed that increasing surface compliance and/or absence of vision caused a significant decrease in VTC mean (all p-values <0.001; all ηp2 > 0.816). Interaction effects between surface compliance and vision on 2D and ML VTC mean were also significant (all p-values <0.019; all ηp2 > 0.355). The AP and ML BC values indicated a converging trend to 50%. No vision effect was observed (p = 0.458), but both surface compliance (p = 0.001; ηp2 = 0.522) and interaction (p = 0.002; ηp2 = 0.492) effects were significant. Decreases in SR were significant due to the compliance of the standing surface (p = 0.01; ηp2 = 0.401) but not vision (p = 0.109). COP area increased due to both surface and vision conditions (all p-values <0.001; all ηp2 > 0.872). AP and ML RMS were altered by vision (all p-values <0.001; all ηp2 > 0.741), but not by surface condition (all p-values >0.06). No interaction effect was observed in the conventional measures (all p-values >0.07). ConclusionBalance control is compromised by 2D compliant surfaces, which is exacerbated when vision is absent. Among all balance measures, VTC mean measures demonstrated particularly high sensitivity in identifying decreased balance capabilities, while BC and SR provided new insights into fall risks and balance control mechanisms. These insights may facilitate the development of rehabilitation training or assistive devices for fall prevention.

Linear magnetoresistance in textured Bi1−xSbx ribbons prepared by melt spinning method

Bi1−xSbx alloys with large linear magnetoresistance (LMR) are a promising candidate for magneto-electronic devices. In this work, the highly (00l) textured Bi1−xSbx (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.04) ribbons with nano-sized lamellar grains were prepared by the melt spinning method and their magneto-transport properties were investigated. All the ribbons exhibit obvious LMR features, and the crossover magnetic field (Bc) from quadratic to linear magnetoresistance is remarkably reduced by Sb doping. Compared with the Bc of the x = 0 ribbon (about 1.28 T at 300 K), the Bc values of the Sb doped ribbons are significantly smaller, especially for the Bc of the x = 0.03 ribbon (only about 0.53 T at 300 K). Besides, for the x = 0.03 ribbon, the parameter Φ (MR%(B = 1 T)/Bc) relevant to LMR performance reaches up to 52 at 300 K. Analysis of the LMR reveals that Sb doping makes the LMR mechanism transition from recombination of carriers for x = 0 ribbon to spatial fluctuation of carrier mobility governed LMR for x = 0.03 ribbon. This work is instructive to understand the transport features of textured Bi1−xSbx ribbons.

Clinical factors affecting depression in patients with painful temporomandibular disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a multifactorial condition associated with both physical and psychological factors. Stress has been known to trigger or worsens TMD. We aimed to investigate whether the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic aggravates depression in patients with painful TMD, and the factors that affect their level of depression. We included 112 patients with painful TMD (74 females, 38 males; mean age: 35.90 ± 17.60 years; myalgia [n = 38], arthralgia [n = 43], mixed joint–muscle TMD pain [n = 31]). TMD was diagnosed based on the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD Axis I. Physical pain intensity was recorded using the visual analog scale (VAS); psycho-emotional status (depression: Beck Depression Inventory [BDI], anxiety: Beck Anxiety Inventory [BAI], and generalized stress related to COVID19: Global Assessment of Recent Stress [GARS]) was investigated twice (before [BC] and after COVID-19 [AC]). Additionally, factors affecting BDI-AC were investigated. BDI (p < 0.001), BAI (p < 0.001), GARS (p < 0.001), and VAS (p < 0.01) scores were significantly increased at AC than BC. The depression, anxiety, and stress levels were significantly positively correlated, and the AC and BC values of each factor showed a high correlation. In the mixed TMD group, BDI-AC was positively correlated with VAS-AC (p < 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, clenching habit was the strongest predictor of an increase in the BDI scores from moderate to severe, followed by psychological distress, muscle stiffness, female sex, BAI-AC, and TMJ sounds. COVID-19 has negatively affected the psycho-emotional state of patients with painful TMD, and several clinical factors, including female sex and clenching habits, have influenced depression.

Connectivity modelling informs metapopulation structure and conservation priorities for a reef‐building species

AbstractAimIn coastal marine systems, biogenic reef‐building species have great importance for conservation as they provide habitat for a wide range of species, promoting biodiversity, ecosystem functioning and services. Biogenic reef persistence and recovery from perturbations depend on recolonization by new recruits. Characterizing larval dispersal among distant reefs is key to understanding how connectivity shapes metapopulation structure and determines network coherence; all of which are of critical importance for effective conservation.LocationNortheast Atlantic coast and western English Channel, France.MethodsWe used a biophysical transport model to simulate larval dispersal of the reef‐building polychaete Sabellaria alveolata. We combined dispersal modelling and network analysis into a framework aiming to identify key reef areas and critical dispersal pathways, whose presence in the network is vital to its overall coherence. We evaluated changes in dispersal pathways constrained by different connectivity thresholds, i.e., minimum dispersal rate for the presence of a connection. We tested scenarios of sequential loss of reefs: randomly, by habitat quality (a score for reef status and occupancy in an area) or by betweenness centrality metric (BC; quantifying the proportion of shortest paths connecting all areas that are passing through any given area).ResultsWe found that the network of S. alveolata reefs forms two main regional clusters, the Atlantic coast and the English Channel, which are connected only through weak sporadic dispersal events. Within each cluster, the network is characterized by relatively high connectivity among neighbouring areas with reefs, maintained even under higher connectivity thresholds. Simulating scenarios of sequential loss of reefs further identified high centrality reefs, those with highest BC values, key to network coherence.Main conclusionsEffective conservation of this important reef habitat requires a network of protected areas designed to sustain a combination of locally important source reefs, and those that act as stepping stones connecting distant reefs.

Correlations between the Total Antioxidant Activity and Biochemical Parameters of Cow Milk Depending on the Number of Somatic Cells.

The aim of the work was to study the correlations between the total amount of water-soluble antioxidants (TAWSA) and biochemical parameters (BC) of cow milk depending on the somatic cell count (SCC). The BC and TAWSA values of cow milk were measured by spectroscopic and amperometric methods, respectively. The milk samples from the black-and-white cows (Moscow region) were divided according to SCС values: (1) ≤200, (2) 200-499, (3) 500-999, and (4) ≥1000 thousand units/mL. The average TAWSA values for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 (33, 15, 13, and 12 milk samples) were the following: 15.95 ± 0.74, 14.45 ± 0.84, 16.04 ± 0.63, and 14.58 ± 1.18. The correlations between TAWSA and BC (group 1) were the following: total fat percentage (TFP) -0.305; true protein percentage (TP1) -0.197; total nitrogen percentage (TN2) -0.210; lactose -0.156; solids-not-fat (SNF) -0.276; total dry matter (TDM) -0.399; freezing point (FP) -0.112; pH -0.114; somatic cell count (SCC) - (-0,052). The correlations between TAWSA and BC (group 2) were the following: TFP -0.332; TP1 -0.296; TN2 -0.303; lactose - (-0.308); SNF -0.159; TDM -0.391; FP -0.226; pH - (-0.211); SCC -0.193. The correlations between TAWSA and BC (group 3) were the following: TFP - (-0.352); TP1 - (-0.411); TN2 – (-0.401); lactose - (-0.166); SNF - (-0.462); TDM - (-0.504); FP - (-0.766); pH - (-0.047); SCC - (-0.698). The correlations between TAWSA and BC (group 4) were the following: TFP -0.159; TP1 -0.046; TN2 – 0.077; lactose - (-0.317); SNF - (-0.237); TDM -0.058; FP - (-0.036); pH - (-0.477); SCC - (-0.072). These data are important in assessing the physiological-biochemical status and state of the antioxidant defense system of cows' organism.

Effects of Biochar Addition on Rill Flow Resistance

The development of rills on a hillslope whose soil is amended by biochar remains a topic to be developed. A theoretical rill flow resistance equation, obtained by the integration of a power velocity distribution, was assessed using available measurements at plot scale with a biochar added soil. The biochar was incorporated and mixed with the arable soil using a biochar content BC of 6 and 12 kg m−2. The developed analysis demonstrated that an accurate estimate of the velocity profile parameter Гv can be obtained by the proposed power equation using an exponent e of the Reynolds number which decreases for increasing BC values. This result pointed out that the increase of biochar content dumps flow turbulence. The agreement between the measured friction factor values and those calculated by the proposed flow resistance equation, with Гv values estimated by the power equation calibrated on the available measurements, is characterized by errors which are always less than or equal to ±10% and less than or equal to ±3% for 75.0% of cases. In conclusion, the available measurements and the developed analysis allowed for (i) the calibration of the relationship between Гv, the bed slope, the flow Froude number, and the Reynolds number, (ii) the assessment of the influence of biochar content on flow resistance and, (iii) stating that the theoretical flow resistance equation gives an accurate estimate of the Darcy–Weisbach friction factor for rill flows on biochar added soils.

Source attribution of black and Brown carbon near-UV light absorption in Beijing, China and the impact of regional air-mass transport

Black and Brown Carbon (BC, BrC) are key parameters of climate forcing, yet significant challenges exist assigning emission source contributions to light-absorption by carbonaceous aerosols. Additionally, BC and BrC emissions add to extreme air pollution events in Chinese mega-cities, which harm human health and detract from the natural and built environment. To address these concerns, the ability to estimate atmospheric light absorption related to emission sources and global inventories is a highly valuable tool for climate modelers and policy makers. Three months of BC and BrC data was collected using an Aethalometer in parallel to PM2.5 filter sampling during a stringent emission controls period and post controls period, including during the regional heating season. In this study reconstructed 370 nm wavelength absorption was calculated by applying source specific Mass Absorption Cross-Sections to PMF apportioned EC and OC results. Reconstructed absorption showed good agreement with the ambient measured absorption for both BC and BrC. In Beijing, the major contributor to near-UV absorption was mobile sources, which accounted for 45–54% of absorption by BC and 14–18% by BrC. BrC absorption from secondary aerosols, biomass burning, and soil dust was also estimated, with these sources contributing from 1 to 9% individually. Meteorological cluster analysis showed that air mass origin did not impact the absorption reconstruction and that the highest regional contribution to near-UV light absorption originated primarily in areas south and east of Beijing. The study shows ambient near-UV light absorption can be predicted using BC and BrC MAC values from sources. However, the current number of multi-wavelength and source specific BrC MAC values reported in the literature is limited. The reconstruction approach allows for a more robust method of assigning light absorption to source categories, allowing the expansion of aethalometer derived BrC apportionment to multiple sources, including biomass burning.

The impact of direct-maternal genetic correlations on international beef cattle evaluations for Limousin weaning weight.

In beef cattle maternally influenced traits, estimates of direct-maternal genetic correlations (rdm) are usually reported to be negative. In international evaluations, rdm can differ both within countries (rdm_WC) and between countries (rdm_BC). The rdm_BC are difficult to estimate and are assumed to be zero in the current model for international beef cattle evaluations (Interbeef). Our objective was to investigate re-ranking of international estimated breeding values (IEBVs) in international beef cattle evaluations between models that either used estimated values for rdm or assumed them to be 0. Age-adjusted weaning weights and pedigree data were available for Limousin beef cattle from ten European countries. International EBVs were obtained using a multi-trait animal model with countries modeled as different traits. We compared IEBVs from a model that uses estimated rdm_BC (ranging between −0.14 and +0.14) and rdm_WC (between −0.33 and +0.40) with IEBVs obtained either from the current model that assumes rdm_BC to be 0, or from an alternative model that assumes both rdm_BC and rdm_WC to be 0. Direct and maternal IEBVs were compared across those three scenarios for different groups of animals. The ratio of population accuracies from the linear regression method was used to further investigate the impact of rdm on international evaluations, for both the whole set of animals in the evaluation and the domestic ones. Ignoring rdm_BC, i.e., replacing estimated values with 0, resulted in no (rank correlations > 0.99) or limited (between 0.98 and 0.99) re-ranking for direct and maternal IEBVs, respectively. Both rdm_BC and rdm_WC had less impact on direct IEBVs than on maternal IEBVs. Re-ranking of maternal IEBVs decreased with increasing reliability. Ignoring rdm_BC resulted in no re-ranking for sires with IEBVs that might be exchanged across countries and limited re-ranking for the top 100 sires. Using estimated rdm_BC values instead of considering them to be 0 resulted in null to limited increases in population accuracy. Ignoring both rdm_BC and rdm_WC resulted in considerable re-ranking of animals’ IEBVs in all groups of animals evaluated. This study showed the limited impact of the current practice of ignoring rdm_BC in international evaluations for Limousin weaning weight, most likely because the estimated rdm_BC was close to 0. We expect that these conclusions can be extended to other traits that have reported rdm values in the range of rdm_WC values for weaning weight in Limousin.

Economic Indices for the Application of Irrigation to Enhance Cactus Pear Fruit Yield

Aims: Cactus pear cultivation for fruit production is under rainfed conditions, mainly. Hence, irrigation uses for this purpose is expensive in arid and semi-arid agricultural lands. The objective of this study was to derive agro-economic indicators associated with supplemental irrigation to improve fruit yield of commercial cactus pear cultivars grown in a semiarid agroecosystem of Mexico.&#x0D; Study Design: The irrigation treatments tested were fully irrigated (FI) and supplemental irrigation (SI), with non-irrigated as a control (NI).&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was set up at the Campo Experimental Zacatecas, Calera, Zacatecas, Mexico from 2011 to 2013.&#x0D; Methodology: Five-year-old cactus pear plants of ‘Cristalina’ (O. albicarpa Scheinvar; white-pulped fruit) and ‘Roja Lisa’ [O. ficus-indica (L.) Mill.; red-pulped fruit] were included. The experiment was conducted in a split-block design. There were three blocks; each included both cultivars, randomly allocated to each irrigation treatment. The response variables were: fruit yield (FY), cultivation costs (CC), gross return (GR), net return (NR), benefit-cost ratio (BC), irrigation use efficiency (IUE), gross water productivity (GWP), net water productivity (NWP), labor productivity (LP), break-even-point (BEP), and credit vulnerability (CV).&#x0D; Results: In all years but 2013, FI ‘Cristalina’ plants had the highest CC, reflected in their greater GR and NR; however, BC values were similar between SI and FI plants or greater in SI plants for 2013. Therefore, SI plants had the highest IUE, GWP, NWP, LP, EP, and equal or greater credit vulnerability than FI plants. The NI plants produced positive values for BEP and CV. The economic indices for ‘Roja Lisa’ were similar to those of ‘Cristalina’.&#x0D; Conclusion: The SI treatment produced the best agricultural economic indices and it is also a feasible water-saving irrigation strategy for cactus pear cultivation in semiarid agroecosystems worldwide.

Introducing BisQ, A Bicoherence-Based Nonlinear Index to Explore the Heart Rhythm

Nonlinear frequency coupling is assessed with bispectral measures, such as bicoherence. In this study, BisQ, a new bicoherence-derived index, is proposed for assessing nonlinear processes in cardiac regulation. To find BisQ, 110 ten-minute ECG traces obtained from 55 participants were initially studied. Via bispectral analysis, a bicoherence matrix (BC) was obtained from each trace (0.06 to 1.8 Hz with a resolution of 0.01 Hz). Each frequency pair in BC was tested for correlation with the HRV recurrent quantification analysis (RQA) index Lmean, obtained from tachograms from the same ECG trace. BisQ is the result of adding BC values corresponding to the three frequency pairs exhibiting the highest correlation with Lmean. BisQ values were estimated for different groups of subjects: healthy persons, persons with arrhythmia, persons with epilepsy, and preterm neonates. ECG traces from persons with arrhythmia showed no significant differences in BisQ values respect to healthy persons, while persons with epilepsy and neonates showed higher BisQ values (p &lt; 0.05; Mann-Whitney U-test). BisQ reflects nonlinear interactions at the level of sinus-and atrial-ventricular nodes, and most likely cardiorespiratory coupling as well. We expect that BisQ will allow for further exploration of cardiac nonlinear dynamics, complementing available HRV indices.

Black carbon pollution in snow and its impact on albedo near the Chilean stations on the Antarctic peninsula: First results

BC can be transported through the atmosphere from low and mid-latitudes to Antarctica, or it can be emitted in the Antarctica in situ. To establish a possible relationship between BC and the human activities in Antarctica, shallow snow samples were taken in four sites from Antarctic peninsula during summer periods (2014–2019): Chilean Base O'Higgins (BO), La Paloma Glacier (LP) (6 km away from BO); Chilean Base Yelcho (BY) and P4 (5 km away from BY). BC concentration in snow samples was determined by using a novel methodology recently developed, published and patented by the authors. The methodology consisted in a filter-based optical transmission method at a wavelength of 880 nm. Results showed that snow from BO presented the highest BC concentration (3395.7 μg kg−1), followed by BY (1309.2 μg kg−1), LP 2016 (745.9 μg kg−1), LP 2015 (233.6 μg kg−1) and finally P4 (179.4 μg kg−1). BC values observed in Antarctic snow were higher than others previously reported in the literature and showed the influence of anthropic activities in the study area, considering that the two highest values of BC concentration in snow were found at sites near the bases. To evaluate the impact of the BC concentrations found in the snow of the study area, snow albedo modeling was performed, using the on-line version of the “Snow, Ice, and Aerosol Radiative” (SNICAR) Model. Modeling outputs exposed that the measured variations in BC content caused large differences in the modeled albedo in the visible range of the spectra, which showed to be more sensitive at lower BC concentrations. These data could help to understand the role of BC in the actual scenario of climate change, in which Antarctica is presented as a very fragile environment that needs to be protected, starting with the management of the activities developed in-situ.

Identification of the key structural parameters for the design of a large-scale PBR

Although Photobioreactors (PBRs) are designed for industrial or experimental purposes, there are no standards for their design. PBRs are usually designed on the basis of the subjective decisions of researchers or producers, and most studies have examined small-scale PBRs. Furthermore, although it is important to enlarge the PBRs to obtain economic feasibility for microalgae production, the influence of each structural parameter on productivity in a large-scale PBR has not, to date, been fundamentally analysed. In this study, microalgae productivity according to the structural parameters (baffle and nozzles) was calculated and analysed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and the biomass production prediction grafting mixing and growth (BPMG) model. The influence of the structural parameters was then observed using statistical analysis. From simulation results, the microalgae productivity increased up to 90% depending on the installation condition of the baffle, although all the installation conditions of the baffle did not have a positive effect on the microalgae productivity. The installation depth (Bid) and the bottom clearance (Bc) values of the baffle as the main effects on the microalgae productivity were significant at the 99.9% confidence level. In addition, the influence of each structural parameter on the improvement of the microalgae productivity was evaluated, such that the t-values of the Bid, the Bc, and the number of nozzles (Nn) were found to be −8.437∗∗∗, −5.346∗∗∗, and 1.975, respectively. The interaction effect between the Bid and the Bc of the baffle showed a significant difference at the 95% confidence interval.

Construction of a 26‑feature gene support vector machine classifier for smoking and non‑smoking lung adenocarcinoma sample classification.

The present study aimed to identify the feature genes associated with smoking in lung adenocarcinoma (LAC) samples and explore the underlying mechanism. Three gene expression datasets of LAC samples were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database through pre-set criteria and the expression data were processed using meta-analysis. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LAC samples of smokers and non-smokers were identified using limma package in R. The classification accuracy of selected DEGs were visualized using hierarchical clustering analysis in R language. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using gene interaction data from the Human Protein Reference Database for the DEGs. Betweenness centrality was calculated for each node in the network and genes with the greatest BC values were utilized for the construction of the support vector machine (SVM) classifier. The dataset GSE43458 was used as the training dataset for the construction and the other datasets (GSE12667 and GSE10072) were used as the validation datasets. The classification accuracy of the classifier was tested using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and area under curve parameters with the pROC package in R language. The feature genes in the SVM classifier were subjected to pathway enrichment analysis using Fisher's exact test. A total of 347 genes were identified to be differentially expressed between samples of smokers and non-smokers. The PPI network of DEGs were comprised of 202 nodes and 300 edges. An SVM classifier comprised of 26 feature genes was constructed to distinguish between different LAC samples, with prediction accuracies for the GSE43458, GSE12667 and GSE10072 datasets of 100, 100 and 94.83%, respectively. Furthermore, the 26 feature genes that were significantly enriched in 9 overrepresented biological pathways, including extracellular matrix-receptor interaction, proteoglycans in cancer, cell adhesion molecules, p53 signaling pathway, microRNAs in cancer and apoptosis, were identified to be smoking-related genes in LAC. In conclusion, an SVM classifier with a high prediction accuracy for smoking and non-smoking samples was obtained. The genes in the classifier may likely be the potential feature genes associated with the development of patients with LAC who smoke.

Studies on the Buffering Capacity of some Fermented Milk Consumed in Sohag Governorate.

In this study twelve samples of fermented milk product 6 Zabadi (three from farmhouse and three manufactured at industrial level Juhayna, Danone and Dina dairy companies). Also 6 Rayeb milk (three from farmhouse and the others from three above mentioned companies). The samples were obtained from local grocery shops in Sohag city. Chemical composition for all samples was determined. Also in vitro acid-buffering capacity (BC) was determined using a 10 % (dry matter) aqueous suspension titrated with 0.1N HCL until the pH reach 2 and then back titrated to pH 10 by addition 0.1N NaoH. The average resultant BC values were higher in farmhouse Rayeb milk 2.46 in comparison with 1.987 for Rayeb produced by industrial companies. Moreover the average Bc values for Zabadi produced by industrial companies was higher 1.992 than that obtained farmhouse house 1.693. The BC values for commercial antacids Rrnnie and Glycodal were 1.908 and 1.187 respectively.

Estimation of various fractions of bilirubin in cases of neonatal jaundice

Background & Objectives: Neonatal jaundice causes yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera of the infants, caused by the accumulation of bilirubin in the skin and the mucous membrane. Before discharge the newborn should be examined, monitored and risk due to high bilirubin which maybe genetic be identified to prevent brain damage. Neonatal bilirubin was measured using micro slide technology, whereas Diazo method by Wet chemistry was utilized on the Erba analyzer. Methods: Neonatal bilirubin (N-Bil) was measured using micro slide technology on Vitros 250 (Ortho Clinical Diagnostics USA) Dry Chemistry analyzer. Wet technology was measured using wet technology based on diazo principle by a kit performed on Erba analyzer. Results: Direct Bilirubin showed significantly higher values than conjugated bilirubin (Bc) values and shows poor correlation. Cross reaction may occur between Direct bilirubin and Bc which is clinically misleading. Conclusion: Neonatal bilirubin (N-Bil) is better parameter than total bilirubin (T Bil) in assessing neonatal jaundice in newborns. The slide provides bichromatic accurate readings of unconjugated bilirubin (Bu) at 460nm and conjugated bilirubin (Bc) 420 nm without photometric interference from hemoglobin and albumin. Diazo method is the most widely used method for bilirubin estimation till date. The Kodak Ektachem (Eastman Kodak company Rochester NY 14650) dry –slide method directly estimates unconjugated(Bu) and conjugated bilirubin (Bc) by a rapid automated method developed in the 1980’s.Bc concentrations are a marker of variety of infections, metabolic or liver conditions. Keywords: Neonatal bilirubin, Unconjugated bilirubin, Conjugated bilirubin, Total bilirubin, Direct bilirubin, Jaundice

Seasonal variation of ozone and black carbon observed at Paknajol, an urban site in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Abstract. The Kathmandu Valley in south Asia is considered as one of the global "hot spots" in terms of urban air pollution. It is facing severe air quality problems as a result of rapid urbanization and land use change, socioeconomic transformation, and high population growth. In this paper, we present the first full year (February 2013–January 2014) analysis of simultaneous measurements of two short-lived climate forcers/pollutants (SLCF/P), i.e., ozone (O3) and equivalent black carbon (hereinafter noted as BC) and aerosol number concentration at Paknajol, in the city center of Kathmandu. The diurnal behavior of equivalent BC and aerosol number concentration indicated that local pollution sources represent the major contributions to air pollution in this city. In addition to photochemistry, the planetary boundary layer (PBL) and wind play important roles in determining O3 variability, as suggested by the analysis of seasonal changes of the diurnal cycles and the correlation with meteorological parameters and aerosol properties. Especially during pre-monsoon, high values of O3 were found during the afternoon/evening. This could be related to mixing and entrainment processes between upper residual layers and the PBL. The high O3 concentrations, in particular during pre-monsoon, appeared well related to the impact of major open vegetation fires occurring at the regional scale. On a synoptic-scale perspective, westerly and regional atmospheric circulations appeared to be especially conducive for the occurrence of the high BC and O3 values. The very high values of SLCF/P, detected during the whole measurement period, indicated persisting adverse air quality conditions, dangerous for the health of over 3 million residents of the Kathmandu Valley, and the environment. Consequently, all of this information may be useful for implementing control measures to mitigate the occurrence of acute pollution levels in the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding area.