Demand Deficit Research Articles

A model of anemic tissue perfusion after blood transfusion shows critical role of endothelial response to shear stress stimuli.

Although some of the cardiovascular responses to changes in hematocrit (Hct) are not fully quantified experimentally, available information is sufficient to build a mathematical model of the consequences of treating anemia by introducing RBCs into the circulation via blood transfusion. We present such a model, which describes how the treatment of normovolemic anemia with blood transfusion impacts oxygen (O2) delivery (DO2, the product of blood O2 content and arterial blood flow) by the microcirculation. Our analysis accounts for the differential response of the endothelium to the wall shear stress (WSS) stimulus, changes in nitric oxide (NO) production due to modification of blood viscosity caused by alterations of both hematocrit (Hct) and cell free layer thickness, as well as for their combined effects on microvascular blood flow and DO2. Our model shows that transfusions of 1- and 2-unit of blood have a minimal effect on DO2 if the microcirculation is unresponsive to the WSS stimulus for NO production that causes vasodilatation increasing blood flow and DO2. Conversely, in a fully WSS responsive organism, blood transfusion significantly enhances blood flow and DO2, because increased viscosity stimulates endothelial NO production causing vasodilatation. This finding suggests that evaluation of a patients' pretransfusion endothelial WSS responsiveness should be beneficial in determining the optimal transfusion requirements for treating patients with anemia.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Transfusion of 1 or 2 units of blood accounts for about 3/4 of the world blood consumption of 119 million units per year, whereas a current world demand deficit is on the order of 100 million units. Therefore, factors supporting the practice of transfusing 1 unit instead of 2 are of interest, given their potential to expand the number of interventions without increasing blood availability. Our mathematical model provides a physiological support for this practice.

Energy balance of torrefied microalgal biomass with production upscale approached by life cycle assessment

Torrefaction is a thermochemical process used to convert the biomass into solid fuel. In this study, torrefaction increased the raw microalgal biomass’ energy content from 20.22 MJ⋅kg−1 to 27.93 MJ⋅kg−1. To determine if more energy is produced than energy consumption from torrefaction, this study identified the energy balance of torrefied microalgal biomass production based on a life cycle approach. The energy analysis showed that, among all processes, torrefaction had the least amount of energy demand. The experimental setup, defined as scenario A, revealed that the principal source of energy demand, about 85%, was consumed on the microalgal growth using a photobioreactor system. A sensitivity analysis was also performed to determine the varying energy demand for torrefied microalgal biomass production. The different types of cultivation methods and various production scales were considered in scenarios B to D. Scenario D, which represented the commercial production-scale, the energy demand drastically decreased by 59.46% as compared to the experimental setup (scenario A). The open-pond cultivation system resulted in the least energy requirement, regardless of the production scale (scenarios B and C) among all the given scenarios. Unlike scenarios A and D, scenarios B and C identified the drying process to consume a high amount of energy. All the scenarios have shown an energy demand deficit. Therefore, efforts to decrease the energy demand on the upstream processes are needed to make the torrefied microalgal biomass a viable alternative energy source.

BASIC CONSTRUCTION PRINCIPLES FOR MULTI-FUNCTIONAL HYDRO AGROLANDSCAPE SYSTEMS

Based on the principles of natural analogies, the necessary diversity, the ability of soil formation and the integration of knowledge, multifunctional hydroagrolandscape systems have been developed, including multifunctional systems (crop rotation fields and irrigation technique), which ensure the fulfillment of the ecological and economic functions of the soils of hydroagrolandscape systems. Multifunctional hydro-agrolandscape systems for the purposeful regulation of the soil-forming process on irrigated crop rotation fields by designing crop rotation and an irrigation system on irrigated lands (hydro-agricultural landscape system) with the linkage of agricultural crops to irrigation equipment and technology, which move along with agricultural crops according to the rotational scheme, adopted in the crop rotation, ensure the maximum possible use of solar energy for the soil-forming process in specific natural and climatic conditions. The environment-forming functions of a multifunctional hydro-agrolandscape system are provided on the basis of the use of integral criteria to ensure the agroecological sustainability of irrigated crop rotations (hydroagrolandscapes), taking into account geoecological restrictions, that is, the weighted average irrigation rate (water demand deficit) of agricultural crops in the crop rotation should not exceed the deficit of the ecological water requirement of agricultural land systems. Thus, the design of highly productive hydrolandscape systems requires ensuring compliance with not only the principles of the necessary diversity and natural analogies, based on the creation of se-rotations with mobile irrigation techniques to control and regulate soil-forming processes, that is, the soil as an object of influence (reclamation) performing an ecological function , and agricultural crops as a subject perform an economic function, requires the need, on the basis of the principle of knowledge integration, to form ways of regulating the natural process that provide targeted regulation and control of soil-forming processes as environment-forming systems.

Functional Feasibility in Optimal Evaluation of Water Distribution Network Performances

The traditional approach for the optimization of water distribution networks (WDNs) does not always lead to consistent solutions from an operational point of view. The latest optimization algorithms identify solutions that are “the best solutions” in mathematical terms but that can be less than robust against changes in operating conditions, resulting in the worst case in hydraulically infeasible configurations. Thus, this paper aims to provide a methodology that can synthesize the network performance capabilities under the change in operating conditions with two convergent strategies. The first consists of the implementation of new performance indices (PIs), the demand deficit and the pressure range, and the evaluation of their ability to criticality highlight in operating conditions. The second is the introduction of a new approach to weight the infeasible solutions in the final result, which are those inconsistent with the real hydraulic network performances. The analysis shows that the use of these new indices makes it easier to understand the behavior of the network and to identify any weaknesses. This is true if these indices consider the hydraulically inconsistent solutions that may arise from the simulations of different operation conditions; otherwise, results that poorly represent the real behavior of the network would be obtained.

Multiple agroecosystem services of forage legumes towards agriculture sustainability: An overview

Forage legumes are contributing in sustainable crop production apart from nutritional security to the livestock. Forage legumes are crucial for the nutritional security for mankind as they are integral component for increased availability of animal protein and product which has higher biological value compared to plant proteins. The inclusion of forage legumes in crop production systems is more useful as these can not only provide food and feed to animals but also improves soil productivity and act as soil-conserving components of agricultural and agroforestry systems. Production system as a whole and tremendous deficit of forage nutritious resources demand in particular to give some importance to the forage crops especially leguminous forages. Therefore, critical assessment is necessary for determining the direction and magnitude of change in agricultural management practice with inclusions of forage legume. Forage legumes have good capacity as a feed to promote sufficient quantities and qualities required for different productive animals. Therefore, these crops can contribute to achieving the objectives of sustainable food/ fodder and environmental security. Hence, inclusion of legumes forages in cropping system is inevitable in advancing soil sustainability and food and nutritional security without compromising the long-term soil fertility base of the soil resources. Rational soil management practices must involve forage legume-based rotations and intercropping considerations for restoring soil health, and soil sustainability should be given due emphasis. Besides, forage legumes can also provide a wide range of benefits such as restoration of soil fertility, nitrogen fixation and fertilizer saving, enhancement of soil biology and biodiversity, improving soil carbon sequestration and by neutralizing negative impact of climate change. This review summarizes the potential role of forage legume in animal nutrition, soil fertility building, nitrogen fixation, soil biology and biodiversity, carbon sequestration, climate change and other ecological services provided.

Feasibility of Storing Lightning Energy Being Discharged t hrough a Lightning Arrester by a Capacitor

Lightning phenomenon over the years has been subject of debate of scientists as well as that of people. For some, it is the manifestation of their deities, and, for others it is nothing but a simple display of colors along with fearsome sounds with a destructive power. We know by the work of scientists like Benjamin Franklin (18th century) that it was not what we used to think, and, has some explanations. We now, have understood how the clouds get charged, and how they, in turn, induce charges on the surface of the earth below them. The different types of strokes were also better understood along the way. With the grasp of the real phenomenon, scientists worked out its multiple threats to transmission lines, and therefore, came up with some protective devices to avoid the total catastrophe that could occur should these strokes be left without any preventive measures. Hence, many protective devices came to life with special applications; one of which the lightning arrester. The latter one helps a lot, especially nearby substations by grounding lightning induced energy. We also know that scientists have been discussing the possibility of capturing lightning energy, and, use it to compensate the deficit in energy demand from the world needs in terms of energy. We are using here a capacitor-lightning arrester combination to try and store the lightning-induced energy in transmission lines. We shall carry out this work by making use of the ability of the capacitor while subjected to a surge, and then, find out about the energy it can store by getting charged up. we shall also make use of SmartDraw software for our designs and models. The aim here is to target how we could possibly break the grounds in the mastering of the ever-lost lightning energy to ground.

Constructive systems for social housing deployment in developing countries: A case study using dynamic life cycle carbon assessment and cost analysis in Brazil

Developing economies struggle with both dealing with a housing shortage and reducing greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. Appropriate constructive systems can play a role in satisfying thermal comfort and providing least cost solutions. In Brazil, an innovative constructive system – precast reinforced concrete panel (RCP) – has been increasingly used to raise productivity during the building construction stage. This study aims to assess existing trade-offs between the RCP and the conventional constructive system – ceramic block masonry (CBM) – in social housing deployment. Dynamic Life Cycle Carbon Assessment (cradle-to-grave), cost analysis and building thermal-energy simulations are applied in a case study for 6 Brazilian bioclimatic zones. The main findings show that the RCP has lower upfront costs, but worse performance in terms of GHG emissions and total cost (operational costs included), leading to a trade-off between social housing deployment and GHG emissions mitigation. This study provides insights for policy makers concerned with GHG emissions mitigation in the social housing sector, especially those from developing countries, where housing demand deficit is a relevant issue.

PERILAKU KEGAGALAN GESER PADA BALOK LAMINASI JABON-BAMBU

<p><em>The development of engineering </em><em>timber</em><em> technology such as laminated veneer lumber, cross-laminated timber, and others proposes to satisfy the timber demand deficit in terms of both strength and material dimensions. In addition to being green and sustainable, </em><em>timber</em><em> has a higher mass strength ratio than concrete or steel materials. Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.) is fast-growing species of </em><em>timber</em><em> produced by community plantations commonly used for furniture. Jabon timber including classified as strength timber IV causes this type of </em><em>timber</em><em> is not used as a structural element. To increase the strength of Jabon wood, researchers assembled the timber with Petung bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) which mechanically has a better toughness. This is what underlies the researchers made an innovation to make the timber laminated beam of </em><em>bamboo-Jabon</em><em>. The purpose of this research was to determine the mechanical behavior of bamboo-Jabon lamination due to shear failure. The method used in this study is experimental. The dimensions of the beam in this research are 60 x 120 mm with a length of 900 mm, a static bending test is performed. There are three variations in this research, namely variations in the thickness of timber slabs 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, and bamboo thickness of 5 mm. The results of this research show that the shear stress of the laminated beam experimental results of jabon-bamboo is 1.9 times, 1.67 times, 1.71 times greater compared to the analysis of sequential appearance transformations for the thickness variation of 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm. When compared with the analysis using SNI 7973:2013, the jabon-bamboo laminate beam has a greater shear stress value of 1.89 times, 1.45 times, and 1.31 times respectively for variations in the thickness of the blade of jabon timber 10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm.</em><em></em></p>

Factors Influencing on Coal Price and Development of a Pricing Model for Indian Coal

Coal plays a crucial role in India as it fulfills almost 67% of the total commercial energy consumed in Indian industries. Fossil fuels are the major drivers of the country's economy. The coal price is affected by many parameters including its grade, demand at the national level and international coal price. We observed in the year 2017-18, the total production of coal in India was 675 MT but the actual demand for coal in India was 884 Million Tonnes (MT), with the actual supply falling short resulting in a demand deficit. This deficit was offset by import 202 MT of coal. Over 22.8% of coal imports in 2017-18 were sourced from Indonesia followed by import from Australia and South Africa. The study identifies some major factors that may have an influenced on Indian coal price, including coal export, coal import and international coal prices by analysing and processing of Indian coal data which is from 1993to2018 with the help of SPSS software by the regression analysis. The logarithmic coal price is the dependent variable and the hypothesized independent variables are relative value of demand and supply, export, import, stock, international coal price, international oil prices. According to the result, the factors like a relative value of demand and supply, coal production, international oil price are no significant influencing on Indian coal prices and the significant variables are helpful to developing coal pricing mode for Indian coal. The coal pricing model has useful to estimate the future price of Indian coal and also to identify the impact of import coal quantity on Indian coal prices.

International crop trade networks: the impact of shocks and cascades

Analyzing available FAO data from 176 countries over 21 years, we observe an increase of complexity in the international trade of maize, rice, soy, and wheat. A larger number of countries play a role as producers or intermediaries, either for trade or food processing. In consequence, we find that the trade networks become more prone to failure cascades caused by exogenous shocks. In our model, countries compensate for demand deficits by imposing export restrictions. To capture these, we construct higher-order trade dependency networks for the different crops and years. These networks reveal hidden dependencies between countries and provide an estimate of necessary stock reserves to protect countries from cascading export restrictions. They differ substantially from first-order networks that do not take cascading effects into account. We find rice trade most prone to cascading export restrictions. A great number of Asian and African countries are most exposed to cascades. Noticeably, the main suppliers are similar for most of the crops: USA, Canada, Argentina, Brazil, and India. While shocks in the USA mainly affect South America and several Asian countries, the south of Africa is primarily dependent on American and Asian exporters. The north of Africa depends strongly on Europe, in particular via wheat imports.

Energy-economic resilience with multi-region input–output linear programming models

In this work we propose an input–output linear programming model to study the energy resilience of a multi-region economy that accounts for the inter-sectoral and inter-regional dependencies in the economic structure. The model computes the impacts of random energy production disruptions on the entire multi-region input–output system in the form of final demand deficits. We then propose a formulation to evaluate the energy resilience of the system based on computing the largest set of disruptions, or what is termed as resilience guarantee levels, that can be sustained by the system within given demand deficit budgets. A computational study is then performed using a 3-region-42-sector model based on China's 2012 multi-regional input–output table. The results show that regional trade barriers, coal-to-gas switch policies and technological efficiency of selected energy-intensive industries can influence China's energy resilience significantly. This can provide the policy-makers important guidance on improving energy resilience in a systematic manner.

Climate change impact on the hydrological budget of a large Mediterranean island

ABSTRACT Crete is a Mediterranean, karst-dominated island, characterized by long drought periods. The Karst-SWAT model, combined with 11 climate change scenarios, was run to assess climate change impacts on the island under two set-ups, both using the auto-irrigation function of the model: (1) with water drawn from the shallow or deep aquifer, and (2) with irrigated water derived from an unlimited outside source. The first set-up provided insight into the fluctuation of future irrigation needs, and when compared to the second set-up, enabled quantification of the future water deficit. The Water Exploitation Index was used to describe the spatial variability of future water stress on Crete. A decrease in both surface and karstic spring flows is foreseen, especially after 2060 (24.2 and 16.5%, respectively). Simulated irrigation water demand and water deficit show continuous increase throughout the projection period (2020–2098).

Development of a Hydrologic and Water Allocation Model to Assess Water Availability in the Sabor River Basin (Portugal).

The Sabor River basin is a large basin (3170 km2) located in the northeast of Portugal and used mostly for agroforestry. One problem this basin faces is a lack of water during the dry season, when there is a higher demand for water to irrigate crops. To solve this problem, the Portuguese government created a National Irrigation Program to finance new irrigation areas and improve existing ones. Consequently, it is necessary to evaluate the past and future water availability for agricultural and domestic consumption in the basin. This was done through the development of a hydrological and water allocation model. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was used to model the hydrological processes that took place in the catchment between 1960 and 2008. The MIKE HYDRO Basin was used to simulate water allocation (irrigation and domestic consumption) in a historical view and under two scenarios. The historical view used the time period 1960–2008, and the two scenarios used the same time period but with an increase in the irrigated area. The first scenario simulated the irrigation of the total irrigable area that exists in the basin. The second scenario simulated a 29% increase in the olive grove area and a 24% decrease in the resident population, according to the projection for 2060. The results show that, in the historical view, the average annual water demand deficit was 31% for domestic consumption and 70% for irrigation, which represent 1372 × 103 m3 and 94 × 106 m3 of water, respectively. In the two scenarios, the water demand deficit increased to 37% for domestic consumption and 77% for irrigation. In the first scenario, the average annual water demand deficit was 183 × 106 m3 of water for irrigation. In the second scenario, the average annual water demand deficit was 385 × 103 m3 of water for domestic consumption, and 106 × 106 m3 of water for irrigating the expanded olive grove area. These results demonstrate that Portuguese farmers can use our model as a decision support tool to determine how much water needs to be stored to meet the present and future water demand.

ANALISIS APLIKASI PENGGUNAAN PUPUK KNO3 PADA BUDIDAYA KEDELAI

One of the commodities that needs to be considered in Galur Subdistrict, KulonProgo Regency, DIY is soybean, because it experiences a productivity reduction. Soybean productivity decline is a reality of the inability of farmers to produce soybeans with existing planting areas. One of the technologies to overcome the national demand deficit for domestic soybean yields is fertilization with KNO3 fertilizer. This research was carried out at five FFS locations in May - August 2018 and the variety used was Grobogan variety. KNO3 fertilizer is applied by spraying it as a leaf fertilizer. The analysis showed that the KNO3 fertilization treatment showed more varied and higher productivity results compared to controls. The results of KNO3 fertilization also show varied results for different locations. From a financial point of view, the KNO3 fertilization treatment shows more favourable results than those without treatment. Keywords: Soybean, fertilizing, KNO3

Implications of the Melamchi water supply project for the Kathmandu Valley groundwater system

Abstract To meet the demand deficit in Kathmandu Valley, the Government of Nepal has planned to supply an additional 510 million liters per day (mld) of water by implementing the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) in the near future. In this study, we aim to assess the spatial distribution of groundwater availability and pumping under five scenarios for before and after the implementation of the MWSP using a numerical groundwater flow model. The data on water demand, supply infrastructure, changes in hydraulic head, groundwater pumping rates, and aquifer characteristics were analyzed. Results showed that groundwater pumping from individual wells ranges from 0.0018 to 2.8 mld and the average hydraulic head declined from 2.57 m below ground level (bgl) (0.23 m/year) to 21.58 m bgl (1.96 m/year). Model simulations showed that changes in average hydraulic head ranged from +2.83 m to +5.48 m at various stages of the MWSP implementation, and −2.97 m for increased pumping rates with no implementation of the MWSP. Regulation in pumping such as monetary instruments (groundwater pricing) on the use of groundwater along with appropriate metering and monitoring of pumping amounts depending on the availability of new and existing public water supply could be interventions in the near future.

Epicotyl grafting in mango (<i>Mangifera indica</i> L.) as influenced by length of scion, scion type and rootstock

The increased demand for high quality mango in Nigeria requires for provision of qualitative fruits with superior characters. This could be achieved by grafting of cultivars with the desired qualities onto and adapted and available rootstocks. In view of addressing the demand deficit, two trials were conducted in 2015 rainy season at the Kano Institute of Horticulture screen house, Bagauda to study the influence of scion length, scion type and root-stock on epicotyl grafting in mango. Treatments consisted of scion lengths (6, 8 and 10 cm), scion types (Alphonso, Julie and Mabrouka) and local rootstocks (Dankamaru and Gwaiwarrago). These were factorially combined and laid in a completely randomized design with three replicates. Results of the study revealed that grafting was most successful in 8 and 10cm scions and these produced more leaves and longest grafted saplings. Alphonso and Gwaiwarrago were most compatible as they recorded the highest graft success. Experiments involving many scions and rootstocks is recommended to determine suitable combination of scion and rootstock for successful epicotyl grafting in mango. Keywords: Cleft, scion, rootstock, veneer

Modelling surface runoff using the soil conservation service-curve number method in a drought prone agro-ecological zone in Rwanda

Runoff farming is reported to improve land productivity and crop yields in hot and dry climates. This study was conducted to assess the available rainwater that can be harvested in a conserved catchment in a drought prone agro-ecological zone. The study was carried out in the Cyili sub-catchment, southern province of Rwanda, which has an irregular rainfall pattern and unexploited runoff water. Soil Conservation Service-Curve Number method (SCS-CN), CROPWAT model version 8 and Hazen model with an average daily rainfall data recorded from 1971 to 2016 were applied to estimate the runoff and water requirements in the study area. Findings of the study revealed that more than half rainfall water received in the catchment was lost through runoff (229.8 mm) and effective rainfall was lower (246.9 mm) than the actual crop water requirement for maize (330 mm). The expected seasonal surface runoff volume to be harvested by the farmers was 3008 m3 ha−1 per season and 1.29 × 106 m3 per season for the entire whole sub-catchment (430 ha). Based on Hazen model, the return period of low rainfall (dry spell) event would be expected every 2 years with a 98% probability of occurrence. Cyili sub-catchment has higher potential runoff volume to stabilize the deficit of water demand in the period of short rainy season. This suggests that rainwater harvesting through supplementary irrigation is an option to improve the crop yield in the dry period as well as in the annual dry season.

Balancing future variable wind and solar power production in Central-West Europe with Norwegian hydropower

Norwegian hydropower has an excellent potential to balance power production in a future Central-West European power system with large shares of variable wind and solar resources. The assessment of the realistic potential for Norwegian hydropower to deliver flexibility is based on two pillars, adequate hydropower modelling and the sufficient geographical area covered in the model. Analyses are done with state-of-the-art models including a detailed description of cascaded water-courses with more than thousand reservoirs. Interoperability between hydropower and renewable energy sources is ensured as the entire European electricity generation from renewables with high geographic and temporal resolution is included in the study. To properly account for the full uncertainty of weather variables, many historic years of climate data are applied. The results show that without more flexibility in generation or demand, power prices become very volatile and show expedient periods with capacity deficit and curtailment of demand. Prices vary significantly both from hour-to-hour and from year-to-year. Increases in flexible hydropower provide large benefits to the system: significantly decreasing peak prices and reducing the involuntary shedding of demand. As short-term effects become increasingly important due to large-scale integration of renewable energy sources the correct modelling of flexible hydropower is highly important.

River basin modelling for Shipra River using MIKE BASIN

ABSTRACT In present study, MIKE 11NAM rainfall runoff(R-R) and MIKE BASIN models were used to develop R–R relationship and to analyze the water availability status of the Shipra river basin under changing hydrological conditions. The model was developed using discharge data observed for 9 years at the Ujjain G/d site. The coefficient of determination(R 2) values for NAM R-R model calibration and validation were 0.685 and 0.642, respectively, indicating good agreement between the simulated and observed runoff. As the Shipra River is subjected to a number of hydrological interventions, the MIKE BASIN model was used to develop various scenarios to study the influence of river diversion, on-stream dam, river interlinking on water availability in different time-scale at desired locations. Scenario analysis of MIKEBASIN results indicated that the Khan diversion, which was executed to avoid entry of contaminated Khan river water into Shipra has reduced the water availability in the Shipra river. However, the simulation results indicated that the water availability in Shipra has been improved due to Narmada-Shipra link, a minimum of 1.7 m3/s flow is available at Ujjain even during the low-flow period. Gambhir reservoir was developed to evaluate how demand deficit can be fulfilled through proper reservoir operation during a drought period.

The Theory and Countermeasure of Deflation

The Theory and Countermeasure of Deflation