High Distance Research Articles

Factors affecting rentals of residential apartments in Pune, India: an empirical investigation

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to find out the factors affecting rentals of residential apartments in Pune, India.Design/methodology/approachFour regression models are developed, i.e. basic ordinary least square (OLS) regression model, OLS regression model with robust estimates, OLS regression model with clustered robust estimates and generalized least square (GLS) regression model with maximum likelihood (ML) robust estimates. Based on the Akaike information criterion and Bayesian information criterion criteria, OLS regression model with clustered robust estimates and GLS regression model with robust estimates are best fit. The data are tested for multicollinearity and the models are tested for heteroscedasticity. The study uses the expected rent value data collected from Web portals and the data on factors affecting the rental value of residential property are collected through the study of land use maps, Google earth software and field visits.FindingsTotal floor area and number of rooms are structure related factors that positively affect the rental value, i.e. more the area and number of rooms, higher the rental value. The distances from the nearest police station and fire station are security and safety factors. The results suggest that higher distance from these factors leads to lower rental values, as safety and security is the top priority of residents seeking residential property on rental basis. The distance from employment zones, distance from nearest school/college and the distance from the nearest public transport terminal are convenience related factors that negatively affect the rental value, as greater the distance, lesser the rental value and vice versa. The distance from Central Business District and hospitals has a positive effect on the rental values of a residential property implying that higher distances from these places command higher rental value.Research limitations/implicationsThe study relies on rental data that owner is expecting for a particular property, it is not certain that the property would be actually rented for the same value. Second, researchers had to drop certain important drivers of rental value because of the issue of multicollinearity.Practical implicationsThis is one of the rare studies conducted in Indian context, and the findings of the study are useful from the owner, tenants, urban bodies and developers’ point of view. Knowing that India is one of the fastest growing markets and need for housing is increasing day by day (including housing facility on rental basis), the stakeholders need to take care of the factors that affect the rental values of a residential property.Social implicationsThe authors suggest the governments and the municipal bodies in India to come up with a public rental housing policy that separately caters to the needs of the lower income group, middle and upper income group in at least metros, tier I and tier II cities that are witnessing unprecedented growth in job seeking immigrants, who are seeking properties on rental basis. While developing a public rental policy, they must keep in mind the factors that are driving the rental values, such as proximity to employment zones, proximity to proper school and college, efficient public transport system as well as all safety and security measures. Creation of such a public rental policy is a win–win situation for immigrants, property owners and government/urban development bodies.Originality/valueThis paper is the first empirical study about the factors affecting rental values in Pune, India. The study will help property owners, immigrant and local tenants, government and urban development bodies to develop an understanding about the important factors affecting rental value and come up with their respective plans. Advanced econometric regression models are used based on the data that is collected through actual field visits, study of maps and secondary information rather than use of survey method or creation of dummy variables.

DEVELOPMENT OF MULTIPLEX PCR ASSAY FOR MEAT PRODUCTS AUTHENTICATION: TARGETING DOUBLE GENE

Authentication of the species origins of animal-originated food products is a rapidly growing field because of its direct relevance to public health as well as people’s religious and cultural traditions. Current polymerase chain reaction assay (PCR) based methods to authenticate the animal materials in food chain are based on mainly single gene targets which are generally longer in length and thus breakdown during food processing treatments. Consequently, there is a chance of a false negative result. For the first time, here we targeted double gene sites in short-amplicon length multiplex PCR (mPCR) for confirmed detection and differentiation of bovine, buffalo and porcine materials in food chain. Multiple targets detection in single assay saves analytical cost and time. The design of primer sets for mPCR assay is more complex and complicated because all biomarkers are annealed to their respective targets under a single set of PCR conditions. Inaccurately designed primers might prompt less amplification or formation of primer-dimer and/or non-specific products. Here we approached the techniques to design biomarkers for the development of double gene targeted mPCR assay. Mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 5 (ND5) genes were targeted to design six different biomarkers, two for each of cow (121 and 106 bp), buffalo (90 and 138 bp) and pig (73 and 146 bp). The in-silico specificity of the developed primers was checked against three targets and 28 non-target species. Complete sequence matching was found only with target species, and 3−18 nucleotides (12.5−80%) mismatches were found with other species. The pairwise distance was also computed using the neighbour-joining method; the lowest and highest distances were observed between 0.144 and 1.993. These indicated adequate genetic distances among the studied species, eliminating the probability of any cross-target detection and thus facilitated the target detection through mPCR assay.

Morphological and Simple Sequence Analysis of Tangerine (Citrus nobilis L.) From Three Regencies in North Sumatra

Tangerine or Mandarin orange (Citrus nobilis L) is a well known citrus in the world and becomes a fruit commodity in Indonesia. Various types of local tangerine have been produced with different name depends on the village and Regency where the citrus are grown. However, the information about the genetic variation of the citrus are limited. The research is aimed to study the genetic similarity of the local tangerines by using morphological and simple sequence analysis. The research was carried out by collecting citrus samples from eight villages that are spread in three Regencies at North Sumatera. The morphological characteristic of the citrus are documented, and the DNA are analyze by using simple sequence repeat (SSR) for their genetic variation. The results have revealed that different tangerines (local named as Brastepu, Maga, Sipirok) are having similar morphological characters. The protein in the DNA are containing 48 bands (100 bp-300 bp), consisted of 30 polymorphic bands and 18 monomorphic bands, and have compared to four DNA primers. Analysis of the genetic diversity by using NTsys software found that they are clustered on 0.74 similarity coefficient value and the local citrus are devided into 3 groups. The lowest genetic distance on the Sibanggor Tonga with Baringin Siumuran was 0.63 (63%), meanwhile the highest distance was 1.0 (100%) on Huta Namale with Huta Lombang, Aek Kambiri, and Aek Horsik..

Bike-Share Systems: Accessibility and Availability

The cities of Paris, London, Chicago, and New York (among many others) have set up bike-share systems to facilitate the use of bicycles for urban commuting. This paper estimates the impact of two facets of system performance on bike-share ridership: accessibility (how far the user must walk to reach stations) and bike-availability (the likelihood of finding a bicycle). We obtain these estimates from a structural demand model for ridership estimated using data from the Vélib’ system in Paris. We find that every additional meter of walking to a station decreases a user’s likelihood of using a bike from that station by 0.194% (±0.0693%), and an even more significant reduction at higher distances (>300 m). These estimates imply that almost 80% of bike-share usage comes from areas within 300 m of stations, highlighting the need for dense station networks. We find that a 10% increase in bike-availability would increase ridership by 12.211% (±1.097%), three-fourths of which comes from fewer abandonments and the rest of which comes from increased user interest. We illustrate the use of our estimates in comparing the effect of adding stations or increasing bike-availabilities in different parts of the city, at different times, and in evaluating other proposed improvements. This paper was accepted by Vishal Gaur, operations management.

What Number Are We?

Background In 2007, the United Network for Organ Sharing changed the way centers were notified of possible organ donors. In the new system, a donor sequence number (DSN) was provided signifying the position of a recipient on the list for a particular donor. Whether high DSN donors have equivalent outcomes is unknown. Methods and Results The United Network for Organ Sharing database was queried between May 2007 and March 2014. DSNs were divided into cohorts of 5 (sequence 1-5, 6-10, and so forth). Survival was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method. In this dataset, 12 363 adult de novo heart transplants were performed, and the median DSN was 3 with 58.3% of donors allocated locally. The distance from donor to transplant hospital was ≤500 miles in 93.8% of cases. With increasing DSN group, recipients were older, with longer ischemic time, and higher distance ( P <0.001 for all comparisons). As well, with increasing DSN, donors were increasingly older, female sex, mismatched gender (female donor with a male recipient), lower ejection fraction, hypertensive, and had a history of smoking, alcohol, or cocaine use. For the whole cohort, the 1-year and 5-year survivals were 89.7% and 74.8%, respectively. Survival based on various cut points of DSN was investigated; there was no difference regardless of DSN. Conclusions Most donors since 2007 were allocated within a close geographic range. DSN functions as a crowdsourced rank with most donors being selected within low numbers. Given the similar survival of donors at higher DSN, this represents an opportunity to increase transplant volumes.

Combined Organic Photovoltaic Cells and Ultra Low Power CMOS Circuit for Indoor Light Energy Harvesting

This paper describes an energy harvesting system composed of an organic photovoltaic cell (OPV) connected to a DC–DC converter, designed in a 130 nm Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS) technology, with a quasi- maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm to maximize the system efficiency, for indoor applications. OPVs are an emerging technology with potential for low cost indoor light energy harvesting. The OPV current-voltage curves (I-V) under an irradiance of solar simulator Oriel Sol 3A, at room temperature, are obtained and an accurate electrical model is derived. The energy harvesting system is subjected to four different indoor light sources: 35 W halogen, 3.5 W LED, 5 W LED, and 7 W LED, positioned at three different heights (0.45 m, 0.26 m, and 0.11 m), to evaluate the potential of the system for indoor applications. The measurements showed maximum efficiencies of 60% for 35 W halogen and 45% for 7 W LED at the highest distance (0.45 m) and between 60% (5 W LED) and 70% (35 W halogen), at the shorter distance (0.11 m). Under irradiation, the integrated CMOS circuit presented a maximum efficiency of 75.76%, which is, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the best reported power management unit (PMU) energy system using organic photovoltaic cells.

Evaluation of Cavitation Erosion Intensity in a Microscale Nozzle Using Eulerian–Lagrangian Bubble Dynamic Simulation

In the present study, cavitation erosion is investigated by implementing an Eulerian–Lagrangian approach. Three-dimensional two-phase flow is simulated in a microscale nozzle using Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) solver along with realizable k−ε turbulence model and Schnerr–Sauer cavitation model. The numerical results are in agreement with experimental observations. A modified form of Rayleigh–Plesset–Keller–Herring equation along with bubble motion equation is utilized to simulate bubble dynamics. Average values of mixture properties over bubble surface are used instead of bubble-center values in order to account for nonuniformities around the bubble. A one-way coupling method is used between Lagrangian analysis and RANS solution. The impact pressure resulted from bubble collapse is calculated for evaluation of erosion in diesel and soy methyl ester (SME) biodiesel in different situations. The results show that the initial size of the bubbles is an important factor for determining the intensity of erosion. So, the bubbles erosive power increases when their initial radius increases. It is also found that the intensity of erosion in diesel is much higher than that of biodiesel and this is because of the differences in fuels properties, especially in viscosity and vapor pressure. The effect of bubbles initial position on erosion intensity is also investigated in this study, and it is found that bubbles with the highest distance from sheet cavity termination have the highest contribution in erosion rate.

Listening to neutral or self-selected motivational music during warm-up to improve short-term maximal performance in soccer players: Effect of time of day

The present experiment examined the effects of listening to different types of music during warm-up on the diurnal variation of short-term maximal performance (STMP) in soccer players, using a 3 × 2 mixed design with factors “Condition” (warm-up with self-selected motivational-music (WUMM) vs. warm-up with neutral-music (WUNM) vs. warm-up without-music (WUWM) and “Time of Day” (07 h00 vs. 17 h00). In a random order, twelve male soccer players performed a 5-m shuttle run test after a 10 min of WUMM, a 10 min of WUNM and a 10 min WUWM at 07 h00 and 17 h00. The higher distance (HD) and total distance (TD) were measured during the test, and the rated perceived exertion (RPE) and the feelings states (FS) were obtained immediately after the warm-up and the test. The results revealed that HD and TD were higher at 17 h00 than 07 h00 in all conditions (p < .01). At 07 h00 and 17 h00, TD and HD were higher after WUMM and WUNM than WUWM and after WUMM than WUNM (p < .01). This improvement was greater at 07 h00 than 17 h00 (e.g., 6.97% vs. 5.26% for TD). Moreover, FS were more positive after WUNM than WUWM only at 07 h00, after WUMM than WUWM at the two time-of-day (p < .01), and after WUMM than WUNM at 17 h00 (p < .01). After the 5-m shuttle run test, FS were more negative and the RPE scores were higher with WUMM than WUWM at 07 h00 (p < .01). The findings suggested that STMP and feelings depend on types of music listened during a warm-up. A warm-up with self-selected motivational-music improves STMP and feelings at 07 h00 and 17 h00 with greater enhancement in the morning. However, a warm-up with neutral-music improves STMP and feelings only at 07 h00.

Hydrophilicity of the hydrophobic group: Effect of cosolvents and ions

Classical molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the effect of cosolvents and ions on the solvation structure of zwitterionic glycine in liquid water. Simulations were carried out for 2 M and 1 M concentration of TMAO, Urea, KCl and LiCl solutions to observe the changes in liquid structure of water near the glycine molecule. Radial distribution functions and spatial distribution functions showed the presence of protective hydration layer near the Cα in presence of TMAO which gets reduced in case of urea, KCl and minimum in case of LiCl. LiCl is found to disrupt severely the solvation structure near the glycine molecule. For LiCl system, a small hydration layer is found near Cα unit at higher distances which is mainly due to the first hydration shell of lithium ion bonded to the carboxylate group. Presence of these hydration layers gives extra stabilization energy to the glycine water system. Stabilizing and destabilizing effect of water near the glycine molecule is calculated in terms of Potential Mean Force. The anomalous behaviour of lithium salts with respect to Group I cation salts in protein stabilization can be explained on the basis of this behaviour. We found maximum hydrogen bond lifetime for water molecules in presence of TMAO followed by LiCl, KCl and least in case of urea. The higher lifetimes in presence of ions are found mainly due to their electrostatic force. The stabilization of the hydrophobic part of the glycine molecule can be correlated with the stabilization of proteins in presence of these cosolvents.

Genetic diversity analysis of fourteen geese breeds based on microsatellite genotyping technique

ObjectiveThis study aimed to measure genetic diversity and to determine the relationships among fourteen goose breeds.MethodsMicrosatellite markers were isolated from the genomic DNA of geese based on previous literature. The DNA segments, including short tandem repeats, were tested for their diversity among fourteen populations of geese. The diversity was tested on both breeds and loci level and by mean of unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean and structure program, phylogenetic tree and population structure were tested.ResultsA total of 108 distinct alleles (1%) were observed across the fourteen breeds, with 36 out of the 108 alleles (33.2%) being unique to only one breed. Genetic parameters were measured per the 14 breeds and the 9 loci. Medium to high heterozygosity was reported with high effective numbers of alleles (Ne). Polymorphic information contents (PIC) of the screened loci was found to be highly polymorphic for eleven breeds; while 3 breeds were reported moderately polymorphic. Breeding coefficient (FIS) ranged from −0.033 to 0.358, and the pair wise genetic differentiation (FST) ranged from 0.01 to 0.36 across the fourteen breeds; for the 9 loci observed and expected heterozygosity, and Ne were same as the breeds parameters, PIC of the screened loci reported 6 loci highly polymorphic and 3 loci to be medium polymorphic, and FIS ranged from −0.113 to 0.368. In addition, genetic distance estimate revealed a close genetic distance between Canada goose and Hortobagy goose breeds by 0.04, and the highest distance was between Taihu goose and Graylag goose (anser anser) breed by 0.54.ConclusionCluster analyses were made, and they revealed that goose breeds had hybridized frequently, resulting in a loss of genetic distinctiveness for some breeds.

Determination of the dose enhancement exclusively in tumor tissue due to the presence of GNPs

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the differences between obtained percentage dose enhancements in areas around nanoparticles in GNPs (gold nanoparticles) enriched medium and percentage dose enhancements in the entire GNPs enriched medium including nanoparticles region. Methods and materialsTo verify the accuracy of Ir-192 source simulation, the obtained values of air kerma strength, dose rate constants, and radial dose functions were compared against previously published results. Then a 1 cm × 1 cm× 1 cm tumor volume loaded with different diameters of GNPs were considered at a source to the tumor center of 1 cm. Finally, dose enhancements were obtained for 50, 100 and 200 nm GNPs as a function of various concentrations of the radiosensitizer and depth in phantom. ResultsCalculations showed that dose enhancement could be customized by varying the size of nanoparticles, concentrations and radial distance from the source. The highest PDEGNP (The ratio of the increased deposited dose in the tumor region to the dose deposition in the no nano gold-containing structure) was acquired by 50 nm nanoparticles, 30 mg/g concentrations and in the highest distance from the source. (PDEGNP) and (PDEaround−GNP) due to the presence of 7–30 mg/g concentration of GNPs ranged from 3−18.19% and 3.45–21.13%, respectively. The results of this study revealed that the correlation is significant at the 0.01 level and there is a non-negligible difference (up to 3%) between (Daround−GNP)and (DGNP). ConclusionBy considering exclusively determination of dose enhancement in the just tumor tissue, calculating (Daround−GNP) Instead of DGNP may be a strategy for clinical use of nanoparticles in the radiation therapy. The results showed that with the increasing trend of dose enhancement in the GNPs loaded-tumor, dose enhancement decreases with an increase in the size of GNPs.

Processing parameters for electrospinning poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/titanium isopropoxide composite in a pump-free setup

Background: Electrospinning is a technique for producing nanofibers, useful in many fields of nanotechnology. The size and morphology of the nanofibers obtained depends on the polymer solution properties, the parameters of the equipment and the conditions of the surrounding. In almost all reported electrospinning set ups, a pump ,which regulates the flow of the polymer solution, has been included as one of the requirements. In this study, the effects of solution concentration, viscosity, voltage and the distance from the tip of the syringe to the aluminum collector on the morphology and diameters of poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA) fibers were investigated, using a pump-free electrospinning set up. Methods: Varied PMMA concentration (50 -120 mg/mL), voltage (10-18 kV) and distance (5 – 18 cm) of electrospinning were studied and the optimum electrospinning conditions identified. PMMA/ titanium isopropoxide solution of ratio 1:2 was prepared, electrospun at optimized conditions (15 kV, 18 cm, Dichloromethane/Dimethylformamide 60:40) and the fibers obtained analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. Results: Solutions of PMMA whose concentrations were less than 50 mg/mL, produced beads on fibers, whereas those at ~ 100 mg/mL formed the best bead-free fibers of diameter 350±50 nm. The results showed a direct dependence of fiber diameter on the solution viscosity. Fibers of larger diameters were obtained when the distance from the tip of the syringe to the aluminum collector and voltage were increased but at higher distances (&gt;18 kV) fewer fibers were collected. When the voltage was steadily increased, the fibers broadened and the diameters were non-uniform due to splaying and splitting. Increasing the distance between the pipette-tip and the collector from 10 to 18 cm resulted in reduced electric field which in turn yielded fewer fibers. Conclusions: The results obtained in a pump free set-up were comparable to those eletrospun in the presence of a pump.

Dft Study of the Structural and Electronic Properties of Conducting Oligo(p-Fluorophenylthiophene)

A comprehensive theoretical study on the conducting oligomeric systems is carried out in view of their potential application in electrochemical charge storage. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations are carried out on a series of oligomers made up of 3-(p-fluorophenyl)-thiophene (FPT) to estimate the geometric and electronic structures, conjugated lengths, bandwidths, and energetic properties of polymeric systems. The calculations are performed on the dimer up to octamer chains in the ground state and both pand n-doped phases. The results obtained show that the conjugated system in p- and n-doped oligo(FPT)s has a higher distance with more planar chains with respect to their neutral forms. The band gap energy between the frontier molecular orbitals decreases dramatically for both ionic states, and approaches a low limiting value with increasing oligomer length. The charge delocalization through the monomer rings along the backbone oligo(FPT)s reveals that the p- and n-doped states had more suitable properties, reflecting the electron and hole transport characteristics for conductivity, respectively. The calculated first excitation energies for oligo(FPT)s at the time-dependent B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory indicate that both doped oligomers have lower excitation energies, which display a red shift in their absorption spectra. For polymeric systems, the evolution of ionization potential, electron affinity, electron chemical potential, molecular hardness, and thermodynamic stability is made through the extrapolated oligomer ones.

Development of physical modelling tools in support of risk scenarios: A new framework focused on deep-sea mining

Deep-sea mining has gained international interest to provide materials for the worldwide industry. European oceans and, particularly, the Portuguese Exclusive Economic Zone present a recognized number of areas with polymetallic sulphides rich in metals used in high technology developments. A large part of these resources are in the vicinity of sensitive ecosystems, where the mineral extraction can potentially damage deep-ocean life services. In this context, technological research must be intensified, towards the implementation of environmental friendly solutions that mitigate the associated impacts.To reproduce deep-sea dynamics and evaluate the effects of the mining activities, reliable numerical modelling tools should be developed. The present work highlights the usefulness of a new framework for risk and impact assessment based on oceanographic numerical models to support the adoption of good management practices for deep-sea sustainable exploitation. This tool integrates the oceanic circulation model ROMS-Agrif with the semi-Lagrangian model ICHTHYOP, allowing the representation of deep-sea dynamics and particles trajectories considering the sediments physical properties. Numerical simulations for the North Mid-Atlantic Ridge region, revealed the ability of ROMS-Agrif to simulate real deep-sea dynamics through validation with in situ data. Results showed a strong diversity in the particle residence time, with a dependency on their density and size but also on local ocean conditions and bottom topography. The highest distances are obtained for the smaller and less dense particles, although they tend to be confined by bathymetric constrains and deposited in deepest regions.This work highlights the potential of this modelling tool to forecast laden plume trajectories, allowing the definition of risk assessment scenarios for deep-sea mining activities and the implementation of sustainable exploitation plans. Furthermore, the coupling of this numerical solution with models of biota inhabiting deep-sea vent fields into ecosystem models is discussed and outlined as cost-effective tools for the management of these remote ecosystems.

MS 마커를 활용한 지역별 오계 유전자원의 다양성 및 유연관계 분석

The aim of this study was to evaluate the genetic diversity and relationships of Ogye populations in Korea. A total of 243 genomic DNA samples from 6 Ogye population (Yeonsan Ogye; YSO, Animal Genetic Resources Research Center Ogye; ARO, Chungbuk Ogye; CBO, Chungnam Ogye; CNO, Gyeongbuk Ogye; GBO, Seoul National University Ogye; SUO) and 3 introduced chicken breeds (Rhode Island Red; RIR, White Leghorn; LG, Cornish; CN) were used. Sizes of 25 microsatellite markers were decided using GeneMapper Software(v 5.0) after analyzing ABI 3130XL. A total of 153 alleles were observed and the range was 2 to 10 per each locus. The mean of expected and observed heterozygosity and PIC (Polymorphism Information Content) value was 0.53, 0.50, 0.46 respectively. The lowest genetic distance (0.073) was observed between YSO and SUO, and the highest distance (0.937) between the RIR and CBO. The results of clustering analysis suggested 3 clusters (<italic>ΔK</italic>=7.96). Excluding GBO population, 5 Ogye populations (YSO, ARO, CBO, CNO, SUO) were grouped in same cluster with high genetic uniformity (0.990, 0.979, 0.989, 0.994, 0.985 respectively). But GBO population was grouped in cluster 1 with low genetic uniformity (0.340). The results of this study can be use to basic data for the genetic evaluation and management of Ogye populations in Korea.

Study of Using Mixture of Bintaro and Coconut Shell Charcoal Powder as Pack Carburizing Media on ST 41 Steel

Pack carburizing is one method of adding carbon into the steel surface. This method is done to improve the mechanical properties of steel so as to reduce the risk of material failure due to static and dynamic load. It has been done in this research about pack carburizing with mixed bintaro charcoal media with coconut shell on ST 41 steel. Carburizing method is done by heating steel which is given a mixture of charcoal at 900 celsius temperature with variation of holding time (1h, 1.5h, 2h) And variation of the charcoal mix ratio with BaCO 3 (90: 10, 85: 15, 80: 20). Conducted testing of microstructure, jominy, and the composition so it is known that the mixture of bintaro charcoal and coconut shell quite effectively used as a media pack carburizing. It can be seen that the hardness value of carbon steel has increased with the highest value of 65 HRC, metallographic test results showed good carburizing coating with the best thickness value of 30.9 µm, in jominy testing showed the low hardness carbon steel ability increased with the highest distance from the specimen quench-ends about ¾ inch and on the compositional test results showed an increase in carbon content in steel more than 200%.

Temperature field investigation of hydrogen/air and syngas/air axisymmetric laminar flames using Mach-Zehnder interferometry.

In this study, the optical method of Mach-Zehnder interferometry (MZI) is utilized in order to explore the flame structure and temperature field of syngas/air and hydrogen/air flames. Two axisymmetric burners with inner diameters of 4mm and 6mm are used for temperature field measurement of hydrogen and syngas, respectively. The effects of fuel composition, equivalence ratio, and Reynolds number (Re) are investigated at ambient condition (P=0.87 bar, T=300 K). Three different H2/CO fuel compositions with hydrogen fractions of 30%, 50%, and 100% are studied. Temperature profiles are reported at four different sections above the burner tip. Measured temperatures using the interferometry method are compared with thermocouple data and good agreement between them is observed. The results obtained in this investigation indicated that the MZI can be applied for accurate determination of flame front and temperature field, especially for high-temperature flames where other methods cannot be properly utilized. Analyses of the data reduction method revealed that the exact determination of the refractive index distribution and reference temperature is critical for accurate determination of the temperature field. The results indicated that by increasing the Re, the maximum flame temperature is enhanced. Increasing the equivalence ratio leads to expansion of the flame radial distribution (at the same distance from the burner tip). At higher distances from the burner tip, temperature increases uniformly from the flame boundary toward the flame axis, while at lower heights it shows reduction at the burner axis. By increasing the CO content of fuel, the maximum flame temperature increases at all equivalence ratios except at the stoichiometric condition, where SH100 illustrates the highest maximum flame temperature.

Assessing the economic and environmental impacts of urban food systems for public school canteens: case study of Great Lyon region

PurposeUrban logistics is a subject that interests both city planners and researchers. Although many works are found in non-food distribution, food-based logistics is less studied in an urban context, and sustainability issues of urban food systems remain little analysed, but it is a crucial element for local public authorities. This paper proposes a methodology for assessing scenarios of advanced urban food logistics; more precisely to answer the question of how school canteen distribution scenarios can be assessed in an economic and environmental viewpoint.MethodsTo deal with those issues, the paper proposes to develop a scenario assessment framework combining a demand estimation model, a transport supply estimation method and a set of evaluation indicators (for both economic and environmental impacts). The demand estimation model generates first a number of meals per canteen then transforms it into a food quantity, based on carrier’s information and other practice’s feedbacks; the transport estimation is made with a combination of route construction algorithms that reproduce the logic of current Transportation Management System (TMS). The economic evaluation is made via direct operational costs estimation (both fixed and variable) and the environmental evaluation using COPERT V for direct emission’s assessment.ResultsThree scenarios are assessed: the current situation with the operational warehouse, the use of an alternative platform in another location and the combination of both. To address the application issues, the proposed framework is compared to the use of disconnected commercial tools on the three scenarios. We observe that the first two scenarios are close in terms of travelled distances, times and costs. The third scenario, which involves two platforms, results on higher distances and times, and consequently on higher costs and higher for some of the environmental emissions. That scenario does not allow, with the considered demand, economies of scale (i.e. using less vehicles or in a more consolidated way). When comparing the two assessment methods, the proposed framework results on slightly higher travelled distances and times, but the same number of vehicles. However, results can be considered equivalent since the gap between the two assessment methods is in general around 5% for most indicators.ConclusionIt can be observed that the location of the platform is a key element, not only related to travelled distances, but also to the infrastructures used and their accessibility to the delivery destinations. However, this first assessment shows the interests and opportunities of food city supply solutions and merits further developments. The proposed framework allows to assess food distribution scenarios representing current practices, and would be extended to represent different alternatives of food distribution. Urban logistics is a subject that interests both city planners and researchers. Although many works are found in non-food distribution, food-based logistics is less studied in an urban context, and sustainability issues of urban food systems remain little analysed, but are a crucial element for local public authorities. This paper proposes a methodology for assessing scenarios of advanced urban food logistics; more precisely to answer the question of how urban food logistics supply.

Match-running performance of young soccer players in different game formats

ABSTRACTPresent study aimed to analyse the effect of game format, age-group, and playing position on match-running variables of soccer players (age ranging from 6.94 ± 0.7 to 13.46 ± 0.5 years; height ranging from 125.36 ± 6.04 to 159.16 ± 7.78 cm; weight ranging from 27.16 ± 5.75 to 49.89 ± 8.89 kgf). Match-running variables were assessed using global positioning system technology. Results suggest that game formats, which include more players have a significant effect on match-running variables than those having fewer players (p < 0.001). Moreover, oldest age-groups covered significantly higher distances in all categories than younger groups, total distance (TD): η2 = 0.32, p < 0.001; low-intensity running (LIR): η2 = 0.09, p < 0.001; high-intensity running (HIR): η2 = 0.25, p < 0.001; very high-intensity running (VHIR): η2 = 0.34, p < 0.001; very high-intensity activity (VHIA): η2 = 0.42, p < 0.001; and sprinting (SP): η2 = 0.41, p < 0.001). Match-running variables also differ among playing positions. Defenders covered lowest TD and HIR in all age-groups; midfielders covered highest TD and LIR in all age-groups (p < 0.001); forwards covered highest VHIR, VHIA, and SP in U14 age-group. Defenders covered lowest TD, LIR, HIR, and VHIR; midfielders covered highest TD and HIR regardless game format (p < 0.001); forwards covered highest VHIR, VHIA, and SP in 11v11 format (p < 0.001). These findings can provide an opportunity for coaches to maximise the efficiency of their training sessions.

Incidence, Indications, and Outcomes of Eyes Needing Early Flap Lifting After LASIK.

To analyze the incidence, indications, and outcomes associated with early flap relifting after uncomplicated laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). All LASIK cases from a single surgical center between 2007 and 2015 were reviewed. Early postoperative flap lift cases (<15 d after surgery) were identified. Overall, 25,712 eyes were included, of which 366 (1.42%) underwent early postoperative flap lifting. There was a significant reduction in early postoperative flap lifting rates from 2006 (2.46%) to 2015 (0.92%) (P = 0.001). Reasons for early flap lifting included striae (n = 301, 1.17%), diffuse lamellar keratitis (n = 62, 0.24%), flap dislocation (n = 20, 0.08%), epithelial ingrowth (n = 18, 0.07%), and interface debris (n = 15, 0.06%). There was a significant difference in rates and outcomes of flap relifting among high-volume surgeons (P < 0.001). The flap lift group had a significantly lower final safety index (0.95 ± 0.16 vs. 1.01 ± 0.15, P < 0.001), efficacy index (0.85 ± 0.26 vs. 0.94 ± 0.26, P < 0.001), and a higher distance from target refraction (0.39 ± 0.61 vs. 0.21 ± 0.46 D). In unilateral cases, the study eye had a lower safety index (P < 0.001), efficacy index (P < 0.001), and greater distance from target refraction (P = 0.003) compared with the fellow eye. After intervention, 81.1% of cases achieved full resolution, 10.1% achieved partial resolution, 4.1% required additional flap relifting, and 4.7% were nonresolved by the end of follow-up. The main indication for early flap relifting after LASIK was striae, and most cases achieved full resolution. Although refractive and visual outcomes are lower in this group, they are, nevertheless, satisfactory.