Daily Consumption Values Research Articles

Assessment of Current Smart House Solutions: The Case of Portugal

The world is facing many challenges to keep up with growing energy demand and greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. A possible solution is to integrate renewable energy sources (RESs) into residences and create energy management systems (EMSs) that reduce consumption and relieve the main grid in critical hours. This paper is focused on analyzing different EMSs using solar photovoltaic (PV) modules and three energy storage systems (ESSs) to increase savings without affecting the user’s needs, with thirty-three power consumption profiles and three energy tariffs over a 25-year investment to compare which solution presents the best economic result in each of the 297 analyzed scenarios. The results show that the higher the overall daily consumption values, the greater the profits for all EMSs. The lowest demand profiles lead to the best self-consumption and self-sufficiency results. PV-only systems with a tri-hourly tariff have the best overall results. In the case of battery operation, each case should be carefully analyzed in order to choose the correct technologies and tariff. The results also allowed us to verify that even though having more PV modules generates more energy, it can make a project less economically desirable.

Presence of Zearalenone in Cereal Grains and Its Exposure Risk Assessment in Indian Population.

Zearalenone (ZEA) is a toxic metabolite of Fusarium genera that frequently contaminates cereal grains. India being a tropical country provides suitable conditions for fungal invasion to the cereals. In the absence of any regulatory limits for ZEA in India, the present study was carried out to analyze the contamination levels of ZEA in different cereal samples consumed by Indian population and its exposure assessment through intake. Out of 117 cereal samples comprising of wheat, rice, corn, and oats, 70 (84%) were found to be positive for ZEA contamination, among which 24 (33%) samples exceeded the permissible limits proposed by European Union when analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The positive samples were further validated by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (LC-MS) analysis. Based on the quantitative estimation of ZEA contamination in cereals and their daily consumption values, the probable daily intake of ZEA was found to be 16.9- and 7.9-fold higher in rice and wheat samples, respectively, than the tolerable daily intake prescribed by European Food Safety Authority. The presence of ZEA at high levels indicates a higher exposure risk for Indian population as wheat and rice are staple foods in India. Thus, there is an immediate need to set the permissible levels of ZEA in India to safeguard the health of 1.34 billion people. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: High levels of ZEA contaminated wheat and rice samples suggest that the consumers are at a greater exposure risk. The study will help the Indian regulatory bodies to set the permissible level of ZEA in different cereal grains so as to safeguard the health of common masses. This can happen by simply adopting to European Food Safety Authority standards or depending on the consumption pattern of food and its occurrence, the new safe limit can be prescribed in India like in other Asian countries.

Investigations on mineral content in warty crab Eriphia verrucosa (Forskal, 1775) from the Rize Coast of Black Sea, Turkey

This study investigated the seasonal variations in mineral content of edible parts of male and female warty crab Eriphia verrucosa (Forskal, 1775) distributed along Rize Coast of Black Sea and compared the same with the limit values of mineral content for human consumption set by various national and international standards. The contents of Al, B, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni and P estimated during the present study did not exceed the limit values as per the national and international standards. However, Pb (0.25-0.70 mg kg-1), Se (0.29-0.75 mg kg-1) and Zn (43.86-72.59 mg kg-1) contents were found to be above the limit values. In terms of daily consumption values, it was found that, Al (1.86-3.35 mg kg-1), B (2.17-3.65 mg kg-1), Fe (2.80-6.44 mg kg-1) and Mo (0.01-0.02 mg kg-1) contents were within the limits as per all standards; while Ca, Cd, Cr, K, Mg, Mn, Na and P contents were above the limits prescribed by certain standards and Cu, Pb, Se and Zn contents were above the limits as per all the standards Most mineral contents of female crabs were higher than those of the males. Additionally, mineral content of the crabs was observed to increase during summer compared to other seasons.

Day-Ahead Natural Gas Demand Forecasting Using Optimized ABC-Based Neural Network with Sliding Window Technique: The Case Study of Regional Basis in Turkey

The increase of energy consumption in the world is reflected in the consumption of natural gas. However, this increment requires additional investment. This effect leads imbalances in terms of demand forecasting, such as applying penalties in the case of error rates occurring beyond the acceptable limits. As the forecasting errors increase, penalties increase exponentially. Therefore, the optimal use of natural gas as a scarce resource is important. There are various demand forecast ranges for natural gas and the most difficult range among these demands is the day-ahead forecasting, since it is hard to implement and makes predictions with low error rates. The objective of this study is stabilizing gas tractions on day-ahead demand forecasting using low-consuming subscriber data for minimizing error using univariate artificial bee colony-based artificial neural networks (ANN-ABC). For this purpose, households and low-consuming commercial users’ four-year consumption data between the years of 2011–2014 are gathered in daily periods. Previous consumption values are used to forecast day-ahead consumption values with sliding window technique and other independent variables are not taken into account. Dataset is divided into two parts. First, three-year daily consumption values are used with a seven day window for training the networks, while the last year is used for the day-ahead demand forecasting. Results show that ANN-ABC is a strong, stable, and effective method with a low error rate of 14.9 mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) for training utilizing MAPE with a univariate sliding window technique.

Quinoa and Rice Co-products Gluten Free-cereals: Physical, Chemical, Microbiological and Sensory Qualities

Quinoa grains and rice co-products (broken grains and bran) can offer good opportunities for the production of nutritious foods without gluten. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of extruded gluten-free breakfast cereals produced from quinoa and rice co-products. The cereals breakfast were submitted in three different treatments: Caramel (sweet), with addition of caramel colorant before extrusion and glucose syrup after this process; Annatto (salty), with addition of annatto colorant before extrusion and sodium chloride solution after this; and the natural, without addition of colorant and flavoring. Randomized design with the three treatments and three replicates was used to determine the physical characteristics, and randomized blocks for sensory acceptance. Attribute crispness was highly rated by the judges for all flavors. There were acceptance of annatto (salty) and caramel (sweet) cereals flavors, indicating the preference of consumers for more pronounced flavors. Content of protein, fiber and lipids in the natural cereal is higher corn, being a good option to meet the daily consumption values. Levels of zinc, copper and manganese supply the values for both adults and children, considering 100g of daily consumption. Obtained amino acid profile was higher than the minimum standard established by FAO/WHO for all essential amino acids except lysine. Production of breakfast cereal from quinoa grains and broken rice bran is viable considering the technological, nutritional, microbiological and sensory aspects.

BIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND HEAT REQUIREMENTS FOR Coccinella undecimpunctata – Sitobion avenae AND Coccinella 9-punctata – Aphis craccivora FEEDING SYSTEMS AT VARYING TEMPERATURE REGIMES

Laboratory experiments were carried out to examine some biological characteristics and heat requirements of the two coccinellid species; viz. Coccinella undecimpunctata L. and Coccinella 9-punctata L. (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera) when reared on Sitobionavenae(F.)and Aphis craccivora Koch (Aphididae: Hemiptera)at varying constant temperature regimes of 18, 23, 28, and 33 ˚C, respectively. The obtained results showed that the developmental time of C. undecimpunctataand C. 9-punctataimmature stages declined as temperature degrees increased with the shortest developmental time was recorded at 33 ˚C which lasted 15.29 ± 0.98 and 14.00 ± 1.35 days, respectively. Daily larval consumption increased as both temperature and larval age increased with the highest consumption for the fourth instars at 33 ˚C which recorded by 99.71 ± 14.49 and 105.40 ± 10.54 for C. undecimpunctata and C. 9-punctata, respectively. Female and male longevities for both predator species increased as temperature decreased, whereas the females’ fecundity increased as temperature increased. Furthermore, the total consumption of female and male of both species increased as temperature increased with the highest consumption recorded during the oviposition period. The total consumption of females was higher than that of males for both predator species, and the corresponding daily consumption values were higher for females than those of males at varying temperatures. The developmental rates for all stages of both species declined as temperature decreased. The lower developmental threshold (T0) recorded the lowest for pupal and larval stages of C.undecimpunctata and C.-9 punctata, respectively. The corresponding amount of heat units which required to completing the development of C. undecimpunctata and C. 9-punctata averaged 380.73± 27.71 and 363.83 ± 14.44dd’s, respectively.This study showed that C. undecimpunctata and C. 9-punctatasuccessfully complete their development in a wide range of temperatures from 18 to 33 ˚C, indicating their high potential for use in biological control programs against S. avenaeand A. craccivora, respectively.

Association between coffee consumption and serum lipid profile.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between coffee consumption and serum lipid levels in a study population of 122 Turkish subjects (mean age, 41.4±12.69 years), including 48 males and 74 females. A questionnaire was compiled to determine baseline characteristics, and food and coffee consumption. Subjects were divided into three groups, which included non-drinkers, Turkish coffee and instant coffee drinkers, and anthropometric measurements were acquired, including weight, height and body mass index. Serum lipid levels were analyzed, including the total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) levels. Of the population studied, 76.2% had consumed at least one cup of coffee per week over the previous year. Daily consumption values were 62.3±40.60 ml (0.7±0.50 cup) for Turkish coffee and 116.3±121.96 ml (0.7±0.81 cup) for instant coffee. No statistically significant differences were observed in the serum levels of TC, TG, LDL-C, HDL-C or VLDL-C among the three groups. In addition, no statistically significant differences were observed in the serum lipid levels when comparing individuals who consumed coffee with sugar/cream or who smoked and those who did not (P>0.05). Therefore, the present observations indicated no significant association between the consumption of Turkish or instant coffee and serum lipid levels.

Diet and feeding ecology of invasive icefish Neosalanx taihuensis in Erhai Lake, a Chinese plateau mesoeutrophicated lake

A comprehensive study of the invasive icefish Neosalanx taihuensis feeding ecology in Erhai Lake was conducted from November 2009 to October 2010. Prey items in the guts of the icefish sampled varied significantly according to season. This finding suggests a relationship between fluctuations in available prey in the environment and selective feeding by icefish. N. taihuensis preferred large-sized zooplankton, such as Daphnia and calanoids. Additionally, the gut fullness values differed significantly (P<0.001) among sampling times. To compare the values at different times, samples were taken over a 24 h period every 2 months for the entire year. The feeding activities of the fish were concentrated either in the morning (8:00) and/or at dusk (20:00), except in September 2010. This finding can be explained primarily by the variation in optimum light intensity. Daily N. taihuensis zooplankton consumption varied significantly, both diurnally and among seasons. The daily consumption values ranged from 0.089 to 0.237 g (wet weight) per 100 g wet fish weight in temperatures between 11.50°C and 24.68°C. This is the first report of diel feeding periodicity and daily food consumption of icefish in their invaded ecosystems.

Consumption of ready-made meals and increased risk of obesity: findings from the Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg (ORISCAV-LUX) study.

The consumption of ready-made meals, such as pre-packaged dishes, available at grocery stores and fast-food restaurants, is a habit related to our modern fast-paced lives. No study has examined the association of daily ready-made meal consumption with diet quality or health-related outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the association between self-reported ready-made meal consumption and diet quality, as measured by compliance with dietary recommendations and with a set of adiposity measures, in a nationally representative sample of 1352 subjects, aged 18-69 years, participating in the nationwide population-based ORISCAV-LUX (Observation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Luxembourg) survey. The daily consumption of ready-made meals was calculated as follows: frequency of consumption × portion size × number of portions consumed. The sum of the daily consumption values of the eleven pre-packaged dishes included in the FFQ represented the total daily consumption of ready-made meals (g/d) for each participant. About 97% of the participants reported daily consumption of ready-made meals. The intake was highly prevalent in men living alone and varied according to education level. Ready-made meal consumption provided >7% of total daily energy. The fractions (%) of macro- and micronutrients derived from daily consumption of ready-made meals varied from 10% for total cholesterol to 0.65% for total fibre. Increased consumption of ready-made meals was found to be independently associated with abdominal obesity. On controlling for age, sex, socio-economic status and lifestyle factors, daily consumption of ready-made meals was found to be associated with higher energy intake and with poor compliance with national nutritional recommendations, and hence it could plausibly increase the risk of central obesity and fat deposition.

Seasonal variation of mesozooplankton biomass, abundance and copepod grazing in the central Cantabrian Sea (southern Bay of Biscay)

Size fractionated mesozooplankton biomass, abundance and copepod grazing were investigated over an annual cycle (1998) at two stations off Cudillero (central Cantabrian Sea). Mesozooplankton biomass was higher in summer/early autumn, reaching ~3000 mg dw m-2 in September. Copepods were the most abundant taxonomic group, representing 91 and 81% of the total mesozooplankton abundance in the coastal and shelf-break station respectively. Copepod gut contents were higher in summer at the coastal station, while the shelf-break station showed maximum gut contents in April. Gut contents were linearly related to integrated chlorophyll, except in the case of large animals at the shelf break station. Copepod community carbon ingestion was higher from June to September at both stations, reaching a maximum value of ~165 mg C m-2 day-1. Calculated grazing rates translates into an average daily consumption values of 8.7% (coast) and 5.25% (shelf-break) of total chlorophyll stock, or 20% (shelf-break) of total primary production.

RESEARCHES REGARDING TH WATER CONSUMPTION OF THE SOY BEAN CROP IN IRRIGATION AND NO IRRIGATION CONDITIONS BETWEEN 2003-2004

SUMMARY The researches took place at theapca Verde (Cluj-Napoca) experimental field, a regi on situated in the sub humid area of Transylvania. The plants water consumption was determined by the direct method of the water balance sheet of the soil. The idea of this method, is to d eterminate the soil humidity on the entire period of vegetation. In irrigation conditions, in 2003, during the veget ation period it was registered a total water consumption of 5324 m 3 /ha. The daily medium water consumption registered values between 15-40 m 3 /ha/day, with a maximum in July - 40 m 3 /ha/day. Plants total water consumption, recorded during the vegetation period in no irrigation conditions (2003), was 4164 m 3 /ha. The daily consume oscillated between 9-36 m 3 /ha/day. In July we noted the highest daily water consumption- 36 m 3 /ha/day. The plants total water consumption during the veget ation period of 2004, in no irrigation conditions was 4719 m 3 /ha. In July we registered the highest water consum ption: 1047 m 3 /ha. The daily medium consumption values oscillated between 31-34 m 3 /ha/day. In irrigation conditions, the total water consumpti on during the vegetation period was de 5317 m 3 /ha. The months with the highest level of water con sumption were July and August. The daily consumption values oscillated between 20-40 m 3 /ha/day. From all indirect methods used to determinate plant s water consumption, the Thornthwaite method proved to be the best for our c ountry conditions. Compared to the direct method of hydro-balance of the soil, using this met hod we can obtain, in general, different values: lower in the steppe and higher in the field forest area. In 2003, the plants daily water consumption recorded values between 15-50 m 3 /ha/day, with a maximum value in July: 50 m 3 /ha/day. The daily medium consumption oscillated in 2004 between 17-39 m 3 /ha/day. July was the month with the highest values (1210 m 3 /ha). Fallowing the plants water consumption during the v egetation period has a considerable importance to establish the watering doses and the moment to apply the watering.

A krill-dominated micronekton and macrozooplankton community in Croker Passage, Antarctica with an estimate of fish predation

Abstract A micronektonic and macrozooplanktonic community was sampled with midwater trawls in the Croker Passage, vic. Antarctic Peninsula. Species composition suggested the area was a faunal transition zone between oceanic and nearshore communities. In a comparison between the study area and two oceanic areas, four of the top five numerically dominant species were identical ( Euphausia superba, Salpa thompsoni, Thysanoessa macrura and Sagitta gazellae ). In the nearshore region a mysid ( Antarctomysis ohlinii ) replaced the oceanic chaetognath Euhrohnia hamata in numerical ranking . E. superba was primarily responsible for the much higher nearshore biomass values when compared with those of oceanic regions (52.6 vs 2.4–3.1 g DM/m 2 ). The ctenophore Callianira antarctica , the mysid A. ohlinii , and the pelagic nototheniid fish Pleuragramma antarcticum were important neritic biomass species. Some oceanic species, notably S. thompsoni and the mesopelagic fish Electrona antarctica , were also important contributors to total micronektonic biomass. Fish predation by P. antarcticum and E. antarctica on E. superba (assuming constant fish and krill populations through the season that was sampled, the austral fall (90 d), and using our daily consumption values) is estimated at 2.5% and 2.9% of the total krill numbers, respectively, mostly on the juvenile segment of the population. Krill densities vary considerably in time and space, while available data suggest that pelagic fishes show less seasonal and spatial change. The most likely explanation for those observations is that the fishes are reliably more vulnerable to sampling gear than krill, but it also implies a consistent low level of fish predation on krill throughout the year, particularly on juveniles.