FA Type Research Articles

Insights into the environmental risk variation of heavy metals from MSWI fly ash after thermal plasma vitrification

Thermal plasma vitrification of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash (MSWI FA) shows potential for effective dioxin degradation and heavy metal immobilization. However, the environmental risks posed by heavy metals released after vitrification remain understudied. This work investigates two types of MSWI FA—circulated fluidized bed fly ash (CFA) and mechanical grate furnace fly ash (GFA)—blended with waste glass and vitrified via thermal plasma treatment. The physical and chemical properties of the original FA and vitrified glasses (CFA-glass and GFA-glass) were analyzed. Environmental risks were assessed using the risk assessment code (RAC) and the overall pollution toxicity index (OPTI). Results showed that CFA, with higher Si and Al content, exhibited better vitrification than GFA. Plasma vitrification reduced chlorine content from 5.79 % and 10.59 % to 0.22 % and 0.16% due to Cl volatilization. Heavy metals with low boiling points, such as Cd and Pb, were significantly reduced, while high-boiling-point Cr, Ni remained and the acid resistance of vitrificated FA significantly deteriorated, which increased the potential leaching of heavy metals. In alkaline conditions, the OPTI value of CFA-glass dropped to 2, indicating a strong immobilization effect. This study provides critical insights for managing heavy metals in fly ash through thermal plasma vitrification.

Parental knowledge and attitudes toward food allergies: a cross-sectional study on determinants and educational needs

BackgroundFood allergy (FA) may often lead to fatal consequences if it is treated promptly. Parents of children with FA should have adequate knowledge to improve health outcomes and reduce the associated burden. This study aimed to examine the knowledge and attitudes regarding FA among parents of children with FA.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted among parents attending a primary healthcare center using convenience sampling. The minimum sample size of 280 was calculated using an equation based on the local prevalence of FA among children, and was increased to account for missing data. The data were collected using a four-section questionnaire that collected data about the parents and their children and included questions about knowledge and attitudes regarding FA. The knowledge score was calculated by summing the number of correct answers, with a maximum of 15 points. The Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to examine the associations between the knowledge score and other variables. Spearman’s correlation was employed to test the correlations between the knowledge score and other variables.ResultsA total of 381 parents completed the questionnaires, of whom 71.9% were mothers and 28.1% were fathers. The prevalence of food allergies was 14.22%. Almost one-third had children who had one or more types of FA (32.8%). Most of those patients had received a professional diagnosis of FA (75.3%). The median knowledge score was 7.0 (IQR = 6–8), with variable proportions of correct answers across and within topics. A higher knowledge score was significantly associated with parenting a child with FA (p = 0.006), comorbid asthma or eczema (p = 0.012), the preference to acquire information from professional health agencies (p < 0.001), and higher educational (p = 0.002) and income (p = 0.001) levels. Moreover, the number of discussions held with a healthcare professional regarding FA was significantly correlated with the knowledge score (r = 0.210, p = 0.019). Online resources were the most commonly reported source of information (65.4%). Parents believed that having a child with FA can cause stress in the family (76.1%) and impact siblings’ daily lives (66.7%), while only a minority viewed FA as stigmatizing. Additionally, the majority encouraged governmental spending on FA research (92.9%).ConclusionsParenting a child with FA, comorbid asthma or eczema, number of discussions held with healthcare professionals, and education and income levels were significantly associated with a higher knowledge score. Educational interventions targeting parents should blend emotional regulation, medical information, and management skills to increase knowledge about FA and alleviate associated stress.

Effect of heat treatment on structure of austenitic steel 07Cr25Ni13 obtained by WAAM

Currently, the use of additive technologies in industry is becoming more promising. The intensification of development of 3D technologies leads to the need for a more thorough study of the structure and properties of metals obtained by this method. In this paper, the effect of heat treatment on structure of the metal deposited by Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is considered. The paper describes the effect of quenching at various temperatures and annealing on the structure of austenitic steel 07Cr25Ni13. As a result of the work, it was found that during metal deposition, crystallization occurs according to the FA type with the formation of a coarse dendritic structure with mainly skeletal and vermicular morphology, consisting of δ- and σ-phases. It is noted that quenching at 1070 ℃ practically does not change the metal structure. Despite the fact that quenching at elevated temperatures (1100 ℃) leads to partial dissolution and spheroidization of the dendrites released during surfacing, there are no cardinal structural changes. The most complete dissolution of the dendritic component occurs during quenching at 1150 ℃. The structure after this procedure is predominantly austenitic, remains of the dendritic component are represented by small spherical inclusions. The steel structure after annealing (1150 ℃) practically does not differ from the structure obtained after quenching at the same temperature. A significant increase in grain size, typical for austenitic steels, is not observed in this case. Based on the structure obtained after heat treatment, the most promising treatment options for future physico-mechanical properties are quenching and annealing at 1150 ℃.

Understanding potential opportunities and risks associated with feeding supplemental rumen available fats to mitigate enteric methane emissions in lactating dairy cows

Supplemental dietary rumen available fats show promise as enteric methane (eCH4) mitigators for lactating dairy cows. However, concerns include variability in eCH4 response and possible negative effects on dairy cow performance. Successful implementation of this mitigation option requires better prediction of responses specifically to rumen available FA as well as understanding the modulating effects of other dietary and animal characteristics. Using meta-analytic and meta-regression techniques, 35 published studies with diet definition were used to assess changes in eCH4 emissions and lactation performance associated with supplemental fat, specific supplemental rumen available FA types, and other dietary characteristics. Enteric CH4 (g/d) was reduced by 3.77% per percentage unit of supplemental rumen available EE (RAEE). Supplemental rumen available PUFA (C18:2 and C18:3) and UFA (C18:1, C18:2, C18:3) mitigated eCH4 (g/d) emissions in dairy cows by 6.88 and 4.65% per percentage unit increase, respectively. The anti-methanogenic effects of PUFA, MUFA and MCFA increased with correspondingly greater basal dietary levels of each FA type. Higher rumen-degradable starch (RDS; > 18% DM) in the basal diet promoted greater reductions in eCH4 yield (eCH4/DMI, g/kg) with supplemental rumen available PUFA and UFA. Both milk fat percentage and yield (kg/d) were reduced with rumen available fat supplementation with a reduction of 7.8% and 6.0%, respectively, relative to control diets. Our results highlight the importance of determining basal levels of the rumen available FA before providing supplemental rumen available FA as an option for enteric eCH4 mitigation. Dairy nutritionists can use estimates generated from this analysis to predict changes in eCH4 emissions and dairy cow performance associated with dietary supplementation of rumen available EE and specific rumen available FA types for the purpose of eCH4 mitigation.

Effect of Chemical and Microbial Additives on Fermentation Profile, Chemical Composition, and Microbial Populations of Whole-Plant Soybean Silage

This study evaluated the effects of two chemical additives or a microbial inoculant on chemical composition and DM losses in whole-plant soybean silage. One-hundred and twenty mini-silos were used in a completely randomized design experiment with the following treatments: water without chloride (control, CON); a microbial inoculant (INO); a chemical additive containing 35–45% formic acid (FA type); and another chemical additive containing 50–60% propionic acid (PA type). Data were analyzed using mixed models of SAS, and treatment differences were evaluated by the following orthogonal contrasts: C1 = CON vs. additives (INO + FA type + PA type); C2 = INO vs. chemical additives (FA type + PA type); and C3 = PA type vs. FA type. Silage pH and ammonia nitrogen concentration were decreased, and concentrations of lactic acid and acetic acid were increased with additives. Counts of lactic acid bacteria were higher in silages with INO than with chemical additives. DM recovery increased with FA type and PA type. Additives increased DM and CP concentrations. Silage A-fraction proportion was greater with additives. Additives, particularly FA type and PA type, improved chemical composition and fermentative profile and reduced undigestible proportions of protein in whole-plant soybean silage. Chemical additives were more effective in reducing silage DM losses than INO.

Functional analysis and treatment of adult problem behavior: A review

AbstractFunctional analysis (FA) methodology has been deemed the best practice in the field of applied behavior analysis. The data collected in an FA allows behavior analysts to develop the most effective and ethical behavior interventions. With the diagnosis for individuals with autism on the rise along with the forecast of adults who will need support, it may be time to take stock of the available literature. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the behavior analytic research over the last 25 years (1997–2022) on FA and treatment for adults who engage in severe problem behavior. Utilizing specific inclusion and exclusion criteria resulted in the identification of 28 articles. These articles were examined across participant characteristics, target behavior, FA type, FA settings, interventions, generalization, and maintenance. Implications on adult FA and treatment are discussed along with recommendations for practitioners who desire to support this population.

Rheology, calorimetry and electrical conductivity related-properties for monitoring the dissolution and precipitation process of cement-fly ash mixtures

The process of dissolution and precipitation of hydrated cement-fly ash mixtures is the basis of rheological behaviour and the establishment of mechanical strength over time. In this paper, the dissolution and precipitation process of cement-fly ash mixtures was monitored by rheology, calorimetry and electrical conductivity measurements.Two FAs supplied from different thermal power stations are used.The physical and chemical properties of FAs, including particle size and glassy phase, are shown to have various effects on the rheology and hydration kinetics of modified cement pastes.Calorimetry and electrical conductivity findings are in agreement to corroborate the dissolution process during the first minutes of hydration, followed by the precipitation of hydrated products, mainly portlandite, during the acceleration period. The addition of FAs leads to the prolongation of the dormant period and the slow dissolution of cement species by diffusion through the formed hydrate layer around the surface of cement particles. • Cement partially (10, 20, 30, 40%wt) replaced with altered FAs. • FA type affected the hydration degree and electrical conductivity. • The rheological properties are more related to the FA particle size. • The glassy phase has higher influence on the mechanical performance than the fineness of FA.

Effects of HIV Infection in Plasma Free Fatty Acid Profiles among People with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Despite its high prevalence, the mechanisms underlying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people living with HIV (PLWH) are still unclear. In this prospective cohort study, we aim to evaluate differences in plasma fatty acid profiles between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected participants with NAFLD. We included participants diagnosed with NAFLD, both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected. Fatty acid methyl esters were measured from plasma samples. Ratios ([product]/[substrate]) were used to estimate desaturases and elongases activity. We used linear regression for adjusted analyses. We included 31 PLWH and 22 HIV-uninfected controls. We did not find differences in the sum of different types of FA or in FA with a greater presence of plasma. However, there were significant differences in the distribution of some FA, with higher concentrations of ALA, trans-palmitoleic, and behenic acids, and a lower concentration of lignoceric acid in PLWH. PLWH had lower C24:0/C22:0 and C16:0/C14:0 ratios, which estimates the activity of elongases ELOVL1 and ELOVL6. Both groups had similar fatty acid distribution, despite differences in traditional risk factors. PLWH had a lower proportion of specific ratios that estimate ELOVL1 and ELOVL6 activity, which had been previously described for other inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis.

Influence of polar compounds distribution in deep‐frying oil on lipid digestion behaviour

SummaryDeep‐frying oil featuring total polar compound (TPC) has been found to be unhealthy. However, little information is available regarding the impact of TPC on the lipid digestion behaviour. In this study, three typical edible oils (palm oil, PO; high oleic acid peanut oil, HOA; and high linoleic acid sunflower oil, HLA) were selected to investigate the effect of deep‐frying on the lipid digestion. Digestion behaviour was monitored by pH‐Stat method in vitro. Digestibility rate analysis showed that free fatty acids release rate of all TPC groups was the slowest among corresponding fresh oils and deep‐frying oils, indicating deep‐frying decreased lipid digestion rate. Lipid droplet analysis uncovered that deep‐frying could increase lipid particle size. Correlation analysis showed the polymers in TPC are negatively correlated with digestion rate and particle size, suggesting the digestion behaviour of deep‐frying oil is related to TPC constitution. In conclusion, this study highlights that deep‐frying weaken the lipid digestion capacity, and the multiplicity of TPC distribution which vary in terms of FAs type contribute to differences of digestion behaviour in deep‐frying oils.

Alternation in two-way finite automata

The study of alternation in two-way finite automata ( 2 fas) has been quite non-systematic. Since the 1970's, various authors with a variety of motivations have studied 2 fas with various types of alternation and a variety of names, creating a fairly long list of sporadic contributions with little internal consistency. This article attempts to organize the subject into a single unifying framework.We start with a detailed account of all contributions to date, that reveals the large variety of approaches and the lack of consistency between them. We then identify and name four types of automata that these contributions have really studied over the years: general two-way Boolean finite automata ( 2 b fas); monotone 2 b fas; basic 2 b fas; and (monotone basic, or) alternating 2 b fas ( 2 a fas). Next, we identify four different ways by which authors have described how such automata compute, each offering a distinct view onto their operation: the circuit view, where computation is modeled by a circuit of Boolean gates; the formula view, where computation is modeled by a Boolean formula over configuration-variables; the run view, where decisions are determined by the existence of appropriate trees of configuration-goal pairs, called “runs”; and the (most classic) tree view, where computation is modeled by a tree of configurations.After carefully defining each 2 b fa type and each view, we prove the following. First, that within each type, every two of the four views are equivalent to each other, in the strong sense that each of them closely mimics the other at every step of the computation. Second, that not all types of 2 b fas are equivalent: although general 2 b fas are as powerful as monotone 2 b fas, and basic 2 b fas are as powerful as 2 a fas (up to polynomial differences in the number of states), general 2 b fas may need exponentially fewer states than 2 a fas.

Detailed Simulation of the Nominal Flow and Temperature Conditions in a Pre-Konvoi PWR Using Coupled CFD and Neutron Kinetics

The aim of the numerical study was the detection of possible vortices in the upper part of the core of a Pre-Konvoi Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) which could lead to temperature cycling. In addition, the practical application of this Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) simulation exists in the full 3D analysis of the coolant flow behavior in the reactor pressure vessel of a nuclear PWR. It also helps to improve the design of future reactor types. Therefore, a CFD simulation of the flow conditions was carried out based on a complex 3D model. The geometry of the model includes the entire Reactor Pressure Vessel (RPV) plus all relevant internals. The core is modelled using the porous body approach, the different pressure losses along and transverse to the main flow direction were considered. The spacer-grid levels were taken into account to the extent that in these areas no cross-flow is possible. The calculation was carried out for nominal operating conditions, i.e., for full load operation. Furthermore, a prototypical End of Cycle (EOC) power distribution was assumed. For this, a power distribution was applied as obtained from a stationary full-core calculation with the 3D neutron kinetics code DYN3D. In order to be able to adequately reproduce flow vortexes, the calculation was performed transiently with suitable Detached Eddy Simulations (DES) turbulence models. The calculation showed fluctuating transverse flow in the upper part of the core, starting at the 8th spacer grid but also revealed that no large dominant vortices exists in this region. It seems that the core acts as a rectifier attenuating large-scale vortices. The analyses included several spacer grid levels in the core and showed that in some areas of the core cross-section an upward increasingly directed transversal flow to the outlet nozzle occurs. In other areas of the core cross-section, on the other hand, there is nearly any cross-flow. However, the following limitations of the model apply: In the model all fuel elements are treated identical and cross flows due to different axial pressure losses for different FA types cannot be displayed. The complex structure of the FAs (eg. flow vanes in spacer grids) could also influence the formation of large-scale vortices. Also, the possible influence of two-phase flows was not considered.

РАСЧЁТ ПО ПРОГРАММАМ MCU-PD И ТВС-М ПОКАЗАНИЙ ДЕТЕКТОРОВ ПРЯМОЙ ЗАРЯДКИ

For successful licensing and safe passage of pilot operation of a new type of fuel in the core of an operating VVER-1000 reactor, it is necessary to carry out a preliminary validation of design codes that are routinely used for developing fuel cycles, core safety analysis and calculating maintenance of power unit operation. Validation matrix of the design codes includes problems of calculating transition functions of self-powered neutron detector (SPND). SPNDs are the part of incore monitoring system, which allows to determine power density in the core of an operating power unit. Transition functions from the self-powered detector current to the power density are calculated by means of TVS-M spectrum code. For each type of FA and each instance of self-powered detectors, transition functions are calculated in advance. Transition functions are never corrected during operation, therefore, strict requirements are imposed to the accuracy of their calculation. The main objective of the work is a comparative analysis of the TVS-M spectrum code and the MCU-PD Monte Carlo code as applied to the calculation of transition functions of self-powered neutron detectors for VVER fuel assemblies. During the work, we created calculation models of several types of fuel assemblies, differ in type of fuel, presence of fuel rods with Gd, and placement of SPND. We performed several series of calculations of the created FAs at different burnup steps. The calculations were carried out in states with different coolant parameters, fuel temperatures and presence of control rods. As the target functionals, we considered SPND current, SPND transition function and power density factor of six fuel rods surrounding SPND. We determined maximum relative deviations of TVS-M from MCU-PD in the target functionals calculation. We confirmed acceptable accuracy of calculations of the target functionals by means of TVS-M code for wide range of reactor parameters. We also estimated the influence of homogenization of the SPND structure on the accuracy of transition function calculation.

Abstract 1606: The ethyl ester forms of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid decrease the proliferation, invasion, and matrixmetalloproteinase activity of colorectal cancer cells

Abstract More than half of individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) will die from their cancer. The 5-year survival rate for patients diagnosed metastatic CRC is only 14%. Effective and well-tolerated therapies, such as dietary supplements, that prevent metastasis may increase the survival of these patients. The ability of the n-3 fatty acids (n-3FAs) eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) to decrease the proliferation of a variety of cancers in vitro, including CRC, is well established; however, the efficacy of n-3FAs with respect to inhibition of CRC metastasis has received little attention. EPA- and DHA ethyl esters (EE) are alternative forms of n-3FAs that may be more efficacious than free, non-esterified n-3FAs due to their ability to resist degradation allowing them to exert their effects for longer durations. Our objectives were to (1) compare the efficacy of free vs EE-n-3FAs with respect to inhibition of CRC cell proliferation, (2) to determine if EE-n-3FAs decreased CRC cell invasion, and (3) to begin to elucidate the mechanism through which EE-n-3FAs decrease cell invasion. We used two human invasive CRC cell lines, HCT-116 and SW620. To examine the effects of each n-3FA on cellular proliferation, cells were treated with 12.5, 25, 50 and 100 µM free or EE- EPA or DHA for 72 h [CAS numbers: free EPA (10417-94-4), free DHA (6217-54-5), EE-EPA (86227-47-6), EE-DHA (81926-94-5)]. All cells received equal volumes of ethanol vehicle. Data shown are mean +/- n=3 unless indicated. As n-3FA concentration increased, cellular proliferation decreased, regardless of n-3 FA type. Importantly, the IC50 (inhibitory concentration) for EE-EPA (7.7 ± 1.6 µM) was lower than that of free EPA (24.5 ±4.2 µM). The ability of EE-EPA and -DHA to decrease the invasion of CRC cells through Matrigel coated Boyden chambers was assessed following treatment with 12.5 µM EE-EPA or -DHA for 24 h. EE-EPA and EE-DHA inhibited the invasion of HCT-116 cells to 37.1 ± 13.5% and 50.6 ± 17.5% of control, respectively (n=4). Similarly, SW620 cell invasion was decreased to 27.5 ± 9.7% of control by EE-EPA and 24.2 ± 6.7% of control by EE–DHA. The decrease in metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity, assessed via zymography following EE-n-3FA treatment, reflected the decrease in CRC cell invasion. Finally, EE-n-3FAs failed to inhibit the invasion of HCT-116 cells expressing two alleles of constitutively active phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, suggesting their ability to decrease cell invasion is conferred by inhibition of PI3K activity. In conclusion, EE-n-3FAs are likely more effective inhibitors of CRC proliferation than free n-3FAs, potentially because they are more stable. Additionally, EE-n-3FAs also inhibit CRC invasion and decrease MMP-2 activity through a mechanism that may involve PI3K. Citation Format: Eric Pfister, Michelle A. Lane. The ethyl ester forms of the n-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid decrease the proliferation, invasion, and matrixmetalloproteinase activity of colorectal cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2019; 2019 Mar 29-Apr 3; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2019;79(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1606.

Regulatory Experience in Licensing of Alternative Supplier Fuel

At present, the diversification of nuclear fuel is ongoing at Ukrainian NPPs. The Ukrainian regulatory authority and SSTC NRS, as a technical support organization, take active part in the licensing process for introduction of new fuel assembly types. In the framework of this activity, the technical review of justification material is performed in various nuclear safety issues including a wide range of verifying calculations. Neutron kinetic, thermal-hydraulic and fuel thermal-mechanical models are developed for technical review of justification material such as safety analysis of mixed cores. The features of the developed models for safety analysis of new fuel implementation and results of their application for verifying calculations are presented in this paper. The results cover such aspects as preparation of few-group cross-section libraries with features of new FA types, calculations of transitional mixed fuel loadings up to stationary ones, verifying safety assessment for some design-basis reactivity-initiated accidents, criticality of fuel management systems and thermal-mechanical fuel behavior.

The interplay between copper(II), human serum albumin, fatty acids, and carbonylating agent interferes with Cys 34 thiol reactivity and copper binding.

Cys34 thiol group of human serum albumin (HSA) represents major plasma antioxidant. Its reactivity is influenced by multiple factors. The influence of fatty acids (FA; saturated, mono, and poly unsaturated acids from fish oil) binding to HSA, on copper(II) binding affinity and Cys34 thiol group accessibility/reactivity, in the presence of carbonylation agent (methylglyoxal, MG) was examined. HSA-copper(II) content, thiol group reactivity, and HSA carbonylation level were monitored spectrophotometrically. Changes in HSA were followed by fluorescence spectroscopy and native PAG electrophoresis. FA/HSA molar ratio was screened by GC. Together, binding of copper(II) ions and FA to HSA increase the reactivity of Cys34 thiol group (depending on the type of FA), with constant contribution of copper(II) ions of one-third. Carbonylation of FA-HSA-Cu(II) complexes caused a decrease in the Cys34 thiol group content, accompanied by a decrease in the content of HSA-bound copper. The carbonylation level of guanidine groups was not affected by FAs and copper(II) binding. Fluorescent emission spectra of FA-HSA-Cu(II)-MG complexes showed conformational changes in HSA molecule. Although binding of fatty acids and copper ions caused a significant increase in the thiol group reactivity, Cys34 thiol from FA-HSA-Cu(II) complexes reacted with MG in smaller extent than expected, probably as a consequence of conformational changes introduced by carbonylation. Increase in the percentage of reacted-free thiol groups with MG (due to FA and copper binding) may not seem to be very significant, but it is very important in complex biological systems, where catalytic metal is present.

Core designing of a new type of TVS-2M FAs: neutronics and thermal-hydraulics design basis limits

One of the most important aims of this study is to improve the core of the current VVER reactors to achieve more burn-up (or more cycle length) and more intrinsic safety. It is an independent study on the Russian new proposed FAs, called TVS-2M, which would be applied for the future advanced VVERs. Some important aspects of neutronics as well as thermal hydraulics investigations (and analysis) of the new type of Fas are conducted, and results are compared with the standards PWR CDBL. The TVS-2M FA contains gadolinium-oxide which is mixed with UO2 (for different Gd densities and U-235 enrichments which are given herein), but the core does not contain BARs. The new type TVS-2M Fas are modeled by the SARCS software package to find the PMAXS format for three states of CZP and HZP as well as HFP, and then the whole core is simulated by the PARCS code to investigate transient conditions. In addition, the WIMS-D5 code is suggested for steady core modeling including TVS-2M FAs and/or TVS FAs. Many neutronics aspects such as the first cycle length (first cycle burn up in terms of MWthd/kgU), the critical concentration of boric acid at the BOC as well as the cycle length, the axial, and radial power peaking factors, differential and integral worthy of the most reactive CPS-CRs, reactivity coefficients of the fuel, moderator, boric acid, and the under-moderation estimation of the core are conducted and benchmarked with the PWR CDBL. Specifically, the burn-up calculations indicate that the 45.6 d increase of the first cycle length (which corresponds to 1.18 MWthd/kgU increase of burnup) is the best improving aim of the new FA type called TVS-2M. Moreover, thermal-hydraulics core design criteria such as MDNBR (based on W3 correlation) and the maximum of fuel and clad temperatures (radially and axially), are investigated, and discussed based on the CDBL.

Characterization of Polyacrylamide based Superabsorbent Polymers for potential use in PC Matrices with Supplementary Cementitious Materials

This paper compares three types of polyacrylamide based Superabsorbent Polymers (SAP) with different water absorption capacities for potential application in Portland cement composites. The analysed matrices contain Supplementary Cementitious Materials (SCM) such as ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), fly ash (FA type F), silica fume (SF) and lime (NHL 5). SAPs were characterized in terms of shape, size and molecular structure by the Laser Diffraction, SEM, and the Raman Spectroscopy techniques. Kinetics and capacity of SAPs absorption in different environments (deionised water, PC solution and various PC-SCMs solutions) were evaluated by the tea-bag method. pH of all solutions was determined after 24 hours. The effect of different SCMs on SAPs sorption behaviour has been presented. The experimental results show that SAPs do not affect pH of cementitious solutions. However, SCMs addition reduces SAPs' absorption capacity and increase their desorption features. This is related not only to the type of SCM, but also to the level of substitution.

Learning Residual Alternating Automata

Residuality plays an essential role for learning finite automata. While residual deterministic and non-deterministic automata have been understood quite well, fundamental questions concerning alternating automata (AFA) remain open. Recently, Angluin, Eisenstat, and Fisman (2015) have initiated a systematic study of residual AFAs and proposed an algorithm called AL* – an extension of the popular L* algorithm – to learn AFAs. Based on computer experiments they have conjectured that AL* produces residual AFAs, but have not been able to give a proof. In this paper we disprove this conjecture by constructing a counterexample. As our main positive result we design an efficient learning algorithm, named AL** and give a proof that it outputs residual AFAs only. In addition, we investigate the succinctness of these different FA types in more detail.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Maternal and Child Health: An Updated Systematic Review.

To update a prior systematic review on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids (n-3 FA) on maternal and child health and to assess the evidence for their effects on, and associations with, additional outcomes. MEDLINE®, Embase®, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences (CAB) Abstracts from 2000 to August 2015; eligible studies from the original report; and relevant systematic reviews. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of any defined dose of n-3 FA (or combination) compared to placebo, any other n-3 FA, or alternative dose with an outcome of interest conducted in pregnant or breastfeeding women or neonates (preterm or term). We also included prospective observational studies that analyzed the association between baseline n-3 FA intake or biomarker level and followup outcomes. Postnatal interventions began within a week of birth for term infants and within a week of beginning enteral or oral feeding for preterm infants. Standard methods were used for data abstraction and analysis, according to the Evidence-based Practice Center Methods Guide. We identified 4,275 potentially relevant titles from our searches, of which 95 RCTs and 48 observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Risk of bias was a concern with both RCTs and observational studies. Outcomes for which evidence was sufficient to draw a conclusion are summarized here with the Strength of Evidence (SoE). (Outcomes for which the evidence was insufficient to draw a conclusion are summarized in Appendix G of the report.). Most studies in this report examined the effects of fish oil (or other combinations of DHA and EPA) supplements on pregnant or breastfeeding women or the effects of infant formula fortified with DHA plus AA. As with the original report, with the exception of small increases in birth weight and length of gestation,n-3 FA supplementation or fortification has no consistent evidence of effects on peripartum maternal or infant health outcomes. No effects of n-3 FA were seen on gestational hypertension, peripartum depression, or postnatal growth. Apparent effects of n-3 FA supplementation were inconsistent across assessment methods and followup times for outcomes related to infant visual acuity, cognitive development and prevention of allergy and asthma. Future RCTs need to assess standardized preparations of n-3 and n-6 FA, using a select group of clinically important outcomes, on populations with baseline n-3 FA intakes typical of those of most western populations.

Enoxaparin protective effect in experimental acute necrotizing pancreatitis

s / Pancreatology 16 (2016) S1eS130 S7 concentrations (typical to obesity), analyzing fat accumulation and ER stress indicators. Results: Pancreatic acinar cells acutely challenged with different FAs exhibited significantly increased fat accumulation. Acute challenge with saturated FA in obesogenic levels significantly increased stress levels, unlike challenge with unsaturated FA, reflected by; increased expression levels of inflammatory and ER stress markers and XBP1 splicing and nuclear translocation. Combination of FAs reduced the deleterious stress effects induced by saturated FA. Conclusion: Thus, type of FA differentially affects exocrine pancreas acinar cell stress, especially in obesogenic levels. Combination of FAs ameliorates exocrine pancreas acinar stress and could have potential therapeutic nutritional implications relevant to pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer nutritional treatment.