Excessive Flow Research Articles

Effect of Nutrient Solution Flow Rate on Hydroponic Plant Growth and Root Morphology.

Crop production under hydroponic environments has many advantages, yet the effects of solution flow rate on plant growth remain unclear. We conducted a hydroponic cultivation study using different flow rates under light-emitting diode lighting to investigate plant growth, nutrient uptake, and root morphology under different flow rates. Swiss chard plants were grown hydroponically under four nutrient solution flow rates (2 L/min, 4 L/min, 6 L/min, and 8 L/min). After 21 days, harvested plants were analyzed for root and shoot fresh weight, root and shoot dry weight, root morphology, and root cellulose and hemicellulose content. We found that suitable flow rates, acting as a eustress, gave the roots appropriate mechanical stimulation to promote root growth, absorb more nutrients, and increase overall plant growth. Conversely, excess flow rates acted as a distress that caused the roots to become compact and inhibited root surface area and root growth. Excess flow rate thereby resulted in a lower root surface area that translated to reduced nutrient ion absorption and poorer plant growth compared with plans cultured under a suitable flow rate. Our results indicate that regulating flow rate can regulate plant thigmomorphogenesis and nutrient uptake, ultimately affecting hydroponic crop quality.

Abstract P152: Low Memory Recall And High Common Carotid Artery Flow Pulsatility In Non-Dialysis Chronic Kidney Disease Patients

A significant proportion of patients with non-dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) present with mild-to-moderate deficits in the cognitive domains of executive function and episodic memory. Excess blood flow pulsatility is damaging to the microvasculature of high-flow, low-resistance organs like the brain and may contribute to the cognitive deficits prevalent among CKD patients. We tested the hypothesis that patients with moderate-to-severe non-dialysis CKD have excess flow pulsatility along their carotid and cerebral vasculature that is associated with deficits in executive function and episodic memory. We recruited 10 non-dialysis CKD patients (age=68±8 yrs; estimated glomerular filtration rate, eGFR=36±18 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ) and 7 healthy age-matched adults (age=65±5 yrs; eGFR=81±17 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ). Global cognitive function was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Executive function and episodic memory were assessed using the NIH Toolbox Flanker Inhibitory Control and Attention Test and California Verbal Learning Test III, respectively, and reported as standardized scores (mean=100, SD=15). Pulsatility index [(systolic blood velocity - diastolic blood velocity)/ mean blood velocity] was measured in the common carotid (CCA), internal carotid (ICA), and middle cerebral arteries (MCA) via Doppler and transcranial Doppler ultrasound. Compared to healthy adults, CKD patients did not differ in total brain blood flow (p=0.42) but had lower MoCA (CKD=26±3, Healthy=29±1; p=0.01) and memory recall scores (CKD=92±21, Healthy=110±9; p=0.05). CKD patients did not differ from our healthy control group in executive function (CKD=91±10, Healthy=90±11; p=0.80) but did produce a mean score that was 0.6 SD lower than the NIH Toolbox reference sample. CKD patients had a higher pulsatility index in the CCA (CKD=2.3±0.5, Healthy=1.9±0.3; p=0.05) but not in the ICA (p=0.68) or MCA (p=0.57). CCA pulsatility index was strongly and inversely associated with episodic memory recall scores (r=-0.64, p<0.01, n=17). This data suggests that although the higher CCA flow pulsatility in non-dialysis CKD patients does not appear to be transmitted to the cerebrovasculature, it nevertheless may still be contributing to memory impairments.

Modelling of Flow Patterns over Spillway with CFD (Case Study: Haditha Dam in Iraq)

Spillways are designing to release surplus water over a volume of storage. The excess water flows from the top of the reservoir and is carried back to the river by a spillway. Many radial gates were destroyed under hydrodynamic load. Radial gate connectors are susceptible to fatigue failure due to excessive vibration; therefore, gate vibration during operation must be investigated to confirm safe operation at the design water pressure. Several studies were carried out to analyse and simulation of flow over the spillway. In this article, the flow pattern over the Haditha dam spillway has been simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The numerical model was performed using Ansys Fluent 2020 R1 to simulate the flow properties; determination of cavitation damage at three discharges corresponding in the design of Haditha dam are 4700, 7140, and 7900 m3/s. In addition to finding the effect of gate vibration under dynamic water loads. The Realisable k-ɛ turbulence model was utilised with the volume of fluid (VOF) model to simulate the interaction between air and water phases. The validation of the numerical model was achieved by comparing it with a physical model. The physical model of the Haditha Dam spillway was made from iron with a scale of 1:110. It has been designed and constructed in a hydraulic laboratory according to the modelling principle of the hydraulic structure. The results showed that a high agreement between the physical and numerical model and the k-ɛ turbulence model could simulate the Haditha dam spillway with low cost and few times. The cavitation damage may occur at the region start at the end of the arching spillway to stretches downstream, and there is no damage of gate vibration under dynamic water load.

The Association between Board Gender Diversity and Corporate Investment Efficiency

We investigate the relationship between board with female outside directors (FODs) and firms’ investment efficiencies using the firms listed in KOSPI from 2015 to 2019. We find that the association between firms with FODs and their investment efficiencies is generally insignificant although we find a weak negative association with under-investment. Then, we conduct the additional analyses to see if the association between them would be different in firms with high agency costs arising from excess free cash flow. Interestingly, we find that firms with FODs are negatively associated with over-investment as well as under-investment but the association is only pronounced in firms with higher level of free cash flow. The results of this study continue to maintain when we employ propensity score matching approach to address self-selection bias. Overall, our evidence supports the prior studies suggesting the positive aspect of gender-diverse boards in corporate decision-making process. That is, gender diversity may enhance board‘s governance roles, providing implication that female outside directors in boards can add a value to a firm needing a strong governance mechanism. This could be of interest of regulators and policy makers while considering the adoption of female quota system in the board of directors in listed firms.

Reduction of lipid-accumulation of oleaginous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides through CRISPR/Cas9-mediated inactivation of lipid droplet structural proteins

The basidiomycetous yeast Rhodosporidium toruloides is an important chassis organism for producing microbial lipids and terpenoids. However, excess carbon flux flows towards lipid synthesis than terpenoid synthesis. Thus, it is essential to limit lipid accumulation so that R. toruloides can be explored as an advanced cell factory for producing non-lipid derivatives. In this study, we knocked out two lipid droplet (LD) structural proteins (Ldp1 and Cals) of R. toruloides NP11 through the CRISPR/Cas9 system to reduce lipid production. The results showed that lipid content of LD protein-disrupted strains dropped by over 40%. LDP1-disrupted mutants harbored small-sized LDs. This study provided valuable information to study about microbial lipid metabolism and platform strains for constructing advanced cell factories.

Human immune globulin 10% with recombinant human Hyaluronidase- A Review

Primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID) refers to a heterogeneous cluster of over 350 syndromes that upshot from defects in the immune system development or function. PIDs are broadly classified as disorders of adaptive immunity or innate immunity. The enhanced efficacy of human immune serum globulin 10% with recombinant human Hyaluronidase with comparison to blood vessel human gamma globulin is a very prospective open-label study for PID. Treatment of primary immunological disorder diseases (PIDD) with Subcutaneous(SC) infusions of immune gamma globulin headed by an injection of hyazyme to extend SC tissue porousness was evaluated in two consecutive, prospective, non-controlled, multi-center studies. HYQVIA could be a subcutaneously mediated medication to treat the primary immunological disorder in adults. ENHANZE® drug delivery technology relies on the proprietary rHuPH20 macromolecule that facilitates the SC delivery of co administered medical specialty. Recombinant Human Hyaluronidase works by degrading the glycosaminoglycan hyaluronan, which plays a role in resistance to excessive flow of fluid within the Subcutaneous matrix, limiting massive volume SC drug delivery, dispersion, and absorption. Co-administration of recombinant Hyazyme with partner therapies can overcome administration time and volume barriers associated with existing SC therapeutic formulations.

Implementation of Lean Six Sigma for production process optimization in a paper production company

Purpose: This study aimed at implementing lean six sigma to evaluate the productivity and manufacturing waste in the production line of a paper companyMethodology/Approach: The study is a case study in nature. The method illustrates how lean six sigma (LSS) is used to evaluate the existing production process in a paper production company with focus on productivity and manufacturing waste. The study considered a real-time problem of customer’s dissatisfaction. The gathered data is based on machine functionality (up time, down time and cycle time); materials and labour flow at every process stages of the production line. The optimization of the production process was based on lean tools like value stream mapping, process cycle efficiency, Kaizen, 5S and pareto chartFindings: Based on lean six sigma application, it was discovered that the present production performance was below standard and more manufacturing wastes were generated. The present productivity and manufacturing wastes are reported as low process cycle efficiency (23.4 %), low takt time (4.11 sec), high lead time (43200sec), high number of products not conforming to six sigma values, high down time (32.64 %) and excess labour flow (33). After the implementation of the lean six sigma tools for certain period of time, there are lots of improvements in the production line in terms of all the parameters considered.Research Limitation/ Implications: The study has demonstrated an application of lean six sigma in the case of solving real-time problems of productivity and manufacturing wastes which have a direct implication on customer’s satisfaction. The lesson learned and implications presented can still be further modeled using some lean based software for validityOriginality/Value: The study has contributed to the body of knowledge in the field of LSS with focus to process based manufacturing, unlike most literature in the field concentrate more on discrete based manufacturing.

Sensitivity and Performance Analyses of the Distributed Hydrology–Soil–Vegetation Model Using Geomorphons for Landform Mapping

Landform classification is important for representing soil physical properties varying continuously across the landscape and for understanding many hydrological processes in watersheds. Considering it, this study aims to use a geomorphology map (Geomorphons) as an input to a physically based hydrological model (Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM)) in a mountainous headwater watershed. A sensitivity analysis of five soil parameters was evaluated for streamflow simulation in each Geomorphons feature. As infiltration and saturation excess overland flow are important mechanisms for streamflow generation in complex terrain watersheds, the model’s input soil parameters were most sensitive in the “slope”, “hollow”, and “valley” features. Thus, the simulated streamflow was compared with observed data for calibration and validation. The model performance was satisfactory and equivalent to previous simulations in the same watershed using pedological survey and moisture zone maps. Therefore, the results from this study indicate that a geomorphologically based map is applicable and representative for spatially distributing hydrological parameters in the DHSVM.

Hydraulic Evaluation of the Levee System Evolution on the Kurobe Alluvial Fan in the 18th and 19th Centuries

The development process and flood control effects of the open-levee system, which was constructed from the mid-18th to the mid-19th centuries, on the Kurobe Alluvial Fan—a large alluvial fan located on the Japan Sea Coast of Japan’s main island—was evaluated using numerical flow simulation. The topography for the numerical simulation was determined from an old pictorial map in the 18th century and various maps after the 19th century, and the return period of the flood hydrograph was determined to be 10 years judging from the level of civil engineering of those days. The numerical results suggested the followings: The levees at the first stage were made to block the dominant divergent streams to gather the river flows together efficiently; by the completed open-levee system, excess river flow over the main channel capacity was discharged through upstream levee openings to old stream courses which were used as temporary floodways, and after the flood peak, a part of the flooded water returned to the main channel through the downstream levee openings. It is considered that the ideas of civil engineers of those days to control the floods exceeding river channel capacity, embodied in their levee arrangement, will give us hints on how to control the extraordinary floods that we should face in the near future when the scale of storms will increase due to the global climate change.

Maximum Multicommodity Flow with Intermediate Storage

The multicommodity flow problem deals with the transshipment of more than one commodity from respective sources to corresponding sinks without violating the capacity constraints. Due to the capacity constraints, flows out from the sources may not reach their sinks, and so, the storage of excess flows at intermediate nodes plays an important role in the maximization of flow values. In this paper, we introduce the maximum static as well as maximum dynamic multicommodity flow problems with intermediate storage. We present polynomial and pseudopolynomial time algorithms for the former and latter problems, respectively. We also present the solution procedures to these problems in contraflow network having symmetric as well as asymmetric arc transit times. We transform the solutions in continuous-time settings by using natural transformation.

Resection and reconstruction of pancreatic artery aneurysms caused by the compression of the celiac trunk by the median arcuate ligament: a report of two cases

BackgroundSome patients with the compression of the celiac trunk by the median arcuate ligament (MAL) suffer pancreatic artery aneurysms (PAAs) due to excessive blood flow from the superior mesenteric artery. These aneurysms are in peril because they are prone to rupture irrespective of size. Here, we present two cases of resection and reconstruction of PAAs caused by the compression of the celiac trunk by the MAL.Case presentationPatient 1 was a 44-year-old man who was first diagnosed to have a visceral artery aneurysm with a diameter of 4 cm accidentally found by ultrasound examination at a regular medical check-up. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed the compression of the celiac trunk by the MAL and a PAA originating from the first jejunal artery. First, laparoscopic excision of the MAL followed by a stent placement into the celiac trunk was performed. Although the stent was patent, the PAA still grew. The patient underwent resection and reconstruction of the PAA. Reconstruction of the pancreatic arterial arcade was needed because clamping of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) resulted in disappearance of the hepatic arterial blood flow. The follow-up CT 2 years and 9 months after the operation revealed no recurrence of aneurysms and the patent anastomosis. Patient 2 was a 68-year-old man who presented with an epigastric pain. Contrast-enhanced CT revealed the compression of the celiac trunk by the MAL and a PAA approximately 6 cm in diameter originating from the IPDA. The PAA was surrounded by a relatively low-intensity area, suggesting impending rupture of the PAA. The patient underwent resection and reconstruction of the PAA under an emergency situation. Reconstruction of the pancreatic arterial arcade was needed because clamping of the inflow IPDA resulted in disappearance of the hepatic blood flow. The follow-up CT 1 year and 8 months after the operation revealed no recurrence of aneurysms and the patent anastomosis.ConclusionsAlthough long-term follow-up is needed, resection and reconstruction is one of the therapeutic choices for PAAs caused by the compression of the celiac trunk by the MAL in order to prevent catastrophic aneurysm rupture.

Recurrent landslides of Lagam escarpment, Kaben Location, Marakwet East, Kenya

The landslides of the Lagam escarpment, Kaben Location, Marakwet, Elgeyo Marakwet County, are not only recurrent but are highly cataclysmic; causing mayhem whenever they occur. The first known landslides on the Lagam escarpment of Kaben location -Marakwet, happened during the 1961 El-Nino, when a major rainstorm hit the area (Kiptungu). These landslides re-fashioned Embosumer River and left huge boulders scattered over many farmlands. In 2010, a catastrophic landslide hit Kaben location and again, Embosumer River was the perpetrator, having broken its banks due to excessive water inflow. Many lives were lost and lots of property was destroyed. In 2020, heavy rains pounded the area causing massive mudslides that involved many rivers and streams; such as Embosumer, Emboreberwo and Karengor. As a result, twenty-six (26) lives were lost, homes, schools and farmlands were washed away and to date, there are several bodies believed to be trapped in the mudslide material. This study is geared towards investigating the causes of the recurrent landslides and proposing possible mitigation measures. Data was collected through secondary data analysis and has been presented in the form of ground photographs, satellite images and discussions made thereon. It is hoped that this preliminary study of the Lagam escarpment landslides will create awareness pertaining to the recurrent landslides and draw positive action from the area residents and all concerned.

The Concept of Functional Graft Size: An Eternal Theme of Maximizing Donor Safety and Recipient Survival in Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

The Concept of Functional Graft Size: An Eternal Theme of Maximizing Donor Safety and Recipient Survival in Living Donor Liver Transplantation.

Genome-Wide Characterization of B-Box Gene Family and Its Roles in Responses to Light Quality and Cold Stress in Tomato.

Perceiving incoming environmental information is critical for optimizing plant growth and development. Multiple B-box proteins (BBXs) play essential roles in light-dependent developmental processes in plants. However, whether BBXs function as a signal integrator between light and temperature in tomato plants remains elusive. In this study, 31 SlBBX genes were identified from the newly released tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genome sequences and were clustered into five subgroups. Gene structure and protein motif analyses showed relatively high conservation of closely clustered SlBBX genes within each subgroup; however, genome mapping analysis indicated the uneven distribution of the SlBBX genes on tomato chromosomes. Promoter cis-regulatory elements prediction and gene expression indicated that SlBBX genes were highly responsive to light, hormones, and stress conditions. Reverse genetic approaches revealed that disruption of SlBBX7, SlBBX9, and SlBBX20 largely suppressed the cold tolerance of tomato plants. Furthermore, the impairment of SlBBX7, SlBBX9, and SlBBX20 suppressed the photosynthetic response immediately after cold stress. Due to the impairment of non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), the excess photon energy and electron flow excited by low temperature were not consumed in SlBBX7-, SlBBX9-, and SlBBX20- silenced plants, leading to the over reduction of electron carriers and damage of the photosystem. Our study emphasized the positive roles of light signaling transcription factors SlBBXs in cold tolerance in tomato plants, which may improve the current understanding of how plants integrate light and temperature signals to adapt to adverse environments.

Geomorphological Controls on Groundwater Transit Times: A Synthetic Analysis at the Hillslope Scale

AbstractWe investigated how geomorphological structures shape Transit Time Distributions (TTDs) in shallow aquifers. Extensive three‐dimensional simulations were performed to determine the TTDs for synthetic convergent, straight, and divergent hillslopes with a constant slope. The uniform recharge applied on top of the aquifer is transferred to the receiving stream through steady‐state groundwater flows, return flows and saturation excess overland flows. Without seepage, TTDs evolve from uniform‐ to power law‐like‐ distributions depending on the average distance of the groundwater volume to the river (barycenter). Remarkably, the coefficient of variation (ratio of the standard deviation to the mean) of the TTDs scales linearly with the barycenter in agreement with a theoretical prediction based on three analytical approximations derived for specific cases. With seepage, the TTD has three separate modes corresponding to rapid saturation excess overland flows, to the intermediate flow paths ending in seepage area and to the slower flow paths going all the way to a discharge in the river. The coefficient of variation additionally depends on the extent of the seepage area. For a natural hillslope in the crystalline basement of Normandy (France), the same synthetic analysis demonstrates that the coefficient of variation is not only determined by the extent of the seepage zone but also by its structure in relation to the local and global geomorphological organization. The results suggest the possibility to assess the variability of transit times by combining geomorphological analysis, surface soil saturation observations and environmental tracers.

DELINEATION OF URBAN FLOOD RISK AREAS USING GEOSPATIAL TECHNIQUE

The threat posed by urban flooding in most cities of the world is becoming alarming especially within the recent decades. This makes it necessary to Identify and delineate flood risk areas within cities in order to curb it menace. This study employs geospatial technique to delineate flood risk areas within Kano metropolis with a view to mitigating its impact on lives and properties. Digital Elevation Model (ASTER DEM 30m) was used to derive excess surface run-off attributes including flow direction and accumulation. Based on these attributes, flood risk areas were determined and delineated using buffer distances of 500 meters. World View image (30 cm spatial resolution) was used to identify the landuses at risk. The result from the analysis delineated flood risk areas at varying exposure levels (i.e high, moderate and low).It was evident that flood risk level within the metropolis corresponds to the pattern of surface run-off flow accumulation areas. Settlements and farmlands found within high accumulation areas along the floodplains of River Jakara (in the North and North-eastern part) and Kano-Zaria road (southern part) are at higher risk than those found on low accumulation areas. The study concluded that excess surface run-off flow direction and accumulation are among the fundamental factors determining the risk to urban flooding. The study recommends that with the ongoing level of urban development and impervious surface expansion, urban planners and policy makers should make use of the flow direction and accumulation maps in determining safer places for future developments

A Study on Urban Inundation Using SWMM in Busan, Korea, Using Existing Dams and Artificial Underground Waterways

The annual average rainfall in Busan area is increasing, causing frequent flooding of Busan’s Suyeong and Oncheon rivers. Due to the increase in urbanized areas and climate change, it is difficult to reduce flood damage. Therefore, new methods are needed to reduce urban inundation. This study models the effects of three flood reduction methods involving Oncheon River, Suyeong River, and the Hoedong Dam, which is situated on the Suyeong. Using EPA-SWMM, a virtual model of the dam and the rivers was created, then modified with changes to the dam’s height, the installation of a floodgate on the dam, and the creation of an underground waterway to carry excess flow from the Oncheon to the Hoedong Dam. The results of this study show that increasing the height of the dam by 3 m, 4 m, or 6 m led to a 27%, 37%, and 48% reduction in flooding, respectively, on the Suyeong River. It was also found that installing a floodgate of 10 × 4 m, 15 × 4 m, or 20 × 4 min the dam would result in a flood reduction of 2.7% and 2.9%, respectively. Furthermore, the construction of the underground waterway could lead to an expected 25% flood reduction in the Oncheon River. Measures such as these offer the potential to protect the lives and property of citizens in densely populated urban areas and develop sustainable cities and communities. Therefore, the modifications to the dam and the underground waterway proposed in this study are considered to be useful.

DELINEATION OF URBAN FLOOD RISK AREAS USING GEOSPATIAL TECHNIQUE

The threat posed by urban flooding in most cities of the world is becoming alarming especially within the recent decades. This makes it necessary to Identify and delineate flood risk areas within cities in order to curb it menace. This study employs geospatial technique to delineate flood risk areas within Kano metropolis with a view to mitigating its impact on lives and properties. Digital Elevation Model (ASTER DEM 30m) was used to derive excess surface run-off attributes including flow direction and accumulation. Based on these attributes, flood risk areas were determined and delineated using buffer distances of 500 meters. World View image (30 cm spatial resolution) was used to identify the landuses at risk. The result from the analysis delineated flood risk areas at varying exposure levels (i.e high, moderate and low).It was evident that flood risk level within the metropolis corresponds to the pattern of surface run-off flow accumulation areas. Settlements and farmlands found within high accumulation areas along the floodplains of River Jakara (in the North and North-eastern part) and Kano-Zaria road (southern part) are at higher risk than those found on low accumulation areas. The study concluded that excess surface run-off flow direction and accumulation are among the fundamental factors determining the risk to urban flooding. The study recommends that with the ongoing level of urban development and impervious surface expansion, urban planners and policy makers should make use of the flow direction and accumulation maps in determining safer places for future developments.

Stakeholders’ attitudes towards tools for sustainable tourism in historical cities

ABSTRACT Urban space is often the cause of disputes. The underlying causes of these disputes are conflicting interests, attitudes and needs regarding the way it is used. Among the various functions performed by cities, tourism activities have been distinguished as the foremost in the cities of historical value. Mass tourism has developed in the last decade and its excessive flow of tourists has in turn led to overtourism which as described in literature is a negative phenomenon. The causes of conflicts related to the development of tourism and their scale are very diverse. The freezing of the tourism economy during the COVID-19 pandemic created an opportunity to balance its development in the future. As described in the article, this research aims at identifying the attitudes and expectations of Krakow's residence towards the tools of balancing the tourism economy in the post pandemic period. The statistical analysis of the acquired data collected through questionnaires from 386 respondents during July 2020 revealed that most of the respondents support the preservation of cultural heritage and landscapes over business and profit making.

Easy-to-Make Capillary-Based Reference Electrodes with Controlled, Pressure-Driven Electrolyte Flow.

As solid-contact potentiometric sensors based on novel materials have reached exceptional stabilities with drifts in the low μV/h range and long-term and calibration-free potentiometric measurements gain more and more attention, reference electrode designs that used to be satisfactory for most users do not satisfy the needs of new challenging applications. It is important that the interface between a reference electrode and the sample, often provided by a salt bridge, remains constant in ion composition over time. Excessive restriction of the flow of the bridge electrolyte, e.g., by using nanoporous frits or gelled reference electrolyte solutions, can result in contamination of the salt bridge with sample components and depletion of the reference electrolyte by diffusion into samples. This can be avoided by using salt bridges that flow freely into the sample. However, commonly used reference electrodes with free-flowing junctions often suffer either from experimental difficulties in assuring a minimum flow rate or from excessive flow rates that require frequent replenishing of the bridge electrolyte. To this end, we developed a reference electrode that contains a concentrated electrolyte contacting samples through a 10.2 μm capillary. By applying a minimal pressure of 10.0 kPa, a flow rate of 100 nL/h is achieved. This maintains a constant liquid junction potential at the interface with the sample and avoids contamination of the reference electrode, as evidenced by a potential stability of 6 ± 3 μV/h over 21 days. With such a minimal flow rate, there is no need to refill the reference electrode electrolyte for years.