Monitore Research Articles

Revealing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in fuel cell catalyst layers by an in-operando approach

To evaluate the H 2 O 2 -tolerance of non-Pt oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) catalysts as well as investigate the H 2 O 2 -induced decay mechanism, the selection of an appropriate H 2 O 2 concentration is a prerequisite. However, the concentration criterion is still unclear because of the lack of in-operando methods to determine the actual concentration of H 2 O 2 in fuel cell catalyst layers. In this work, an electrochemical probe method was successfully established to in-operando mo nitor the H 2 O 2 in non-Pt catalyst layers for the first time. The local concentration of H 2 O 2 was revealed to reach 17 mmol/L, which is one order of magnitude higher than that under aqueous electrodes test conditions. Powered by the new knowledge, a concentration criterion of at least 17 mmol/L is suggested. This work fills in the large gap between aqueous electrode tests and the real fuel cell working conditions, and highlights the importance of in-operando monitoring methods. The in-operando concentration of H 2 O 2 in Fe/N/C cathode catalyst layer is one order of magnitude higher than that under aqueous electrodes test conditions.

Exploitation of olive mill wastewater in sorghum irrigation

Purpose In Morocco, the olive industry has made remarkable progress thanks to the "Green Morocco Plan" adopted by the Ministry of Agriculture. In 2018, the total production was around 2,000,000 tons of olives, with a growth of 11.93% compared to the previous years. However, each year this activity generates millions of tons of liquid and solid pollutants "olive mill wastewater (OMW)" and "pomace", discharged directly into water streams without prior treatment, which creates serious ecological problems. Method This study focuses on the use of raw and diluted OMW for the fertilization of sorghum. The OMW were characterized, diluted (½ and ¼), and applied at a rate of 5 L /week /m2. Sorghum growth was monitored by studying physiological performance (transpiration, stomatal conductance, the intensity of photosynthesis, and the performance of photosystem II). Results The raw OMW is acidic, salty, highly loaded with organic (COD / BOD5 = 7.1> 3), and inorganic matter and polyphenol content of 9 g/L. All the parameters for monitoring the growth of sorghum are lower for plants irrigated by raw OMW, which are symptoms of water stress. Using the T-test, the plants irrigated by half-diluted OMW have yielded the same results as those of the control. Conclusion Despite the fact that the half dilution of OMW has proved promising results, we suggest that it should be pretreated before its use in sorghum irrigation to reduce its organic loads and acidity.

Schwannoma of the Intermediate Nerve: A Rare Type of Cerebellopontine Angle Tumor

Abstract
 Background: Schwannoma of the Intermediate Nerve is rare. The most majority of Cerebellopontine angle (CPA) lesions are Vestibular Schwannomas.
 Case description: A 50-year-old woman presented with ear pain, facial palsy and hypoacusis. MRI revealed a CPA tumor. A left retrosigmoid approach and microsurgery was performed and the tumor origin was from the intermediate nerve. intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring (MNIO) was used during the surgery. Conclusion: Schwannomas of the intermediate nerve is indistinguishable from vestibular schwannomas on preoperatory image, however it’s possible to identify tumor origin during microsurgery dissection with aid of MNIO and origin from intermediate nerve is a reality.

The role of extra lessons on the general administration of urban day high density secondary schools

The current qualitative inquiry aimed at investigating the role of extra lessons on the general administration of the urban day high density secondary schools in Chegutu, Zimbabwe. The researcher adopted the case study design and in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis were used for data generation. Interviews were held with teachers, school inspectors and parents. Learners were subjected to a focus group discussion. The researcher accessed and analysed documents which included punishment records as well as learner academic reports. The 23 participants from where data were generated consisted of 8 teachers, 6 learners, 6 parents and 3 school inspectors who were sampled through non-probability critical case purposive sampling. From the findings, it emerged that the general administration of the schools was affected by extra lessons. Extra lessons impact positively on school pass rates, ratings and help build and improve a good image for the schools in the community. More learners enroll in the schools. They assist in the reduction of the teachers` workload. Some negative effects were established from the study. For example, extra lessons have created a dent on teacher professionalism as some teachers have been accused of neglecting formal school work so that they create demand for extra lessons among learners. Extra lessons have also contributed indiscipline among learners, while at school. Tension has been created by extra lessons between teachers taking part and those not, given the extra remuneration coming out of the lessons. Relations between learners and teachers also seem to have strained. Despite these challenges, it is recommended that extra lessons should continue to be offered as they reduce the work load for teachers and provide a conducive working environment at the school since teachers are not over worked. However, it is prudent that MOPSE, school heads and parents monitor work that is being given to learners during the normal working hours to avoid instances where teachers work less in the main stream in order to create artificial demand for extra lessons. There is need for guidance and counselling to learners so that other activities expected of them in the formal school, for example, sports are not affected.

Reaktionsverfolgung von Festphasensynthesen in selbstassemblierenden Monolagen mit oberflächenverstärkter Raman‐Spektroskopie

AbstractNanostrukturierte Oberflächen verstärken einfallende elektromagnetische Strahlung und ermöglichen dabei den Nachweis und die Charakterisierung von selbstassemblierenden Monolagen (SAM) beispielsweise mit oberflächenverstärkter Raman‐Spektroskopie (SERS). Au‐Nanoloch‐Arrays wurden für SERS‐Analytik entwickelt. Diese Arrays wurden verwendet, um die Reaktion einer Alkin‐TMS‐Entschützung und die nachfolgende CuI‐katalysierte Azid‐Alkin‐Cycloadditions‐Klick‐Reaktion zu verfolgen, die direkt auf der entsprechenden SAM durchgeführt wurden. Das SERS‐Substrat wies eine hohe Signalreproduzierbarkeit und chemische Stabilität auf. Außerdem konnten die Intermediate und das Produkt der Festphasensynthese mit SERS identifiziert werden, wenn auch zwischen den Spektren der immobilisierten Stoffe und den entsprechenden mikrokristallinen Feststoffen kleine Unterschiede feststellbar waren. Dank des hohen Übereinstimmungsgrads der SERS‐Signale und der hohen chemischen Beständigkeit des Substrates bahnt diese Plattform den Weg für die Beobachtung molekularer Manipulationen in Anwendungen der Oberflächenfunktionalisierung.

Monitoring force in midle school students during the Covid 19 pandemic

Monitoring force in midle school students during the Covid 19 pandemic

2021 TSOC Expert Consensus on the Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Clinical Management of Cardiac Manifestations of Fabry Disease.

Fabry disease (FD) is an X-linked, rare inherited lysosomal storage disease caused by α-galactosidase A gene variants resulting in deficient or undetectable α-galactosidase A enzyme activity. Progressive accumulation of pathogenic globotriaosylceramide and its deacylated form globotriaosylsphingosine in multiple cell types and organs is proposed as main pathophysiology of FD, with elicited pro-inflammatory cascade as alternative key pathological process. The clinical manifestations may present with either early onset and multisystemic involvement (cutaneous, neurological, nephrological and the cardiovascular system) with a progressive disease nature in classic phenotype, or present with a later-onset course with predominant cardiac involvement (non-classical or cardiac variant; e.g. IVS4+919G>A in Taiwan) from missense variants. In either form, cardiac involvement is featured by progressive cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis, various arrhythmias, and heart failure known as Fabry cardiomyopathy with potential risk of sudden cardiac death. Several plasma biomarkers and advances in imaging modalities along with novel parameters, cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR: native T1/T2 mapping) for myocardial tissue characterization or echocardiographic deformations, have shown promising performance in differentiating from other etiologies of cardiomyopathy and are presumed to be helpful in assessing the extent of cardiac involvement of FD and in guiding or monitoring subsequent treatment. Early recognition from extra-cardiac red flag signs either in classic form or red flags from cardiac manifestations in cardiac variants, and awareness from multispecialty team work remains the cornerstone for timely managements and beneficial responses from therapeutic interventions (e.g. oral chaperone therapy or enzyme replacement therapy) prior to irreversible organ damage. We aim to summarize contemporary knowledge based on literature review and the gap or future perspectives in clinical practice of FD-related cardiomyopathy in an attempt to form a current expert consensus in Taiwan.

Perbandingan Metode Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) dan Forest Canopy Density (FCD) untuk Identifikasi Tutupan Vegetasi (Kasus; Area Pembuatan Jalan Baru Singaraja-Mengwi)

This research uses Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS image which objective to determine the accuracy level of SAVI method and FCD model in the identification of vegetation cover. It is done as an effort to assist in determining the right method of monitoring the change of vegetation cover in the forest area. Therefore, this research compares the vegetation index of Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) because it is able to suppress the background of the soil so that the vegetation cover is able to be displayed according to the conditions in the field. While the FCD model uses four variables such as; Advanced Vegetation Index (AVI), Bare Soil Index (BI), Shadow Index (SI), and thermal index using the Split-Windows Algorithm (SWA) method. Comparison results between SAVI and FCD models indicate that the higher accuracy of SAVI is 84% and FCD model is only 82%. It is possible because the limited use of research areas that show SAVI is superior due to heterogeneous conditions and it approaches the conditions in the field than the FCD model that is more group and only able to be realized in three classes. Based on the results, it was concluded that the vegetation index can be used in monitoring the limited area of research but it is also not absolute because it is possible that FCD model is better.

Remote sensing of biodiversity: what to measure and monitor from space to species?

Remote sensing of biodiversity: what to measure and monitor from space to species?

Innovations in market crop waste compost production: Use of black soldier fly larvae and biochar

Purpose Compost production technology and use are known among Ghanaians farmers. However, the long composting period averaging three months has had adverse effect on adoption. The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) feed voraciously and breaks down organic wastes fast. Addition of rice husk biochar (RHB) neutralises acidity and aerates the compost. Combined application of BSFL and RHB to feedstocks could therefore reduce composting period and improve compost quality. Method Two studies were conducted with market crop waste (MCW) as feedstock. Firstly, feedstocks at two particle sizes (x 10 mm), with and without BSFL were evaluated to determine degradability, chemical content of the degraded residue and to select appropriate feedstock size ideal for composting. Secondly, the selected feedstocks size of between 5 mm and 10 mm were inoculated with or without BSFL and RHB of 0%, 5% 10% and 15% added. Composting trials were conducted in barrels inclined at 30o to facilitate drainage. Physicochemical and biological parameters of feedstock were monitored until maturity. Results Degradability of MCW by BSFL was feedstock specific rather than feedstock size. Inoculation of BSFL and biochar addition reduced composting period from 76 to 45 days. Biochar addition at 15% increased P availability to 1882 mg kg-1 but reduced total N to 10.5 g kg-1. E coli levels decreased in the BSFL-biochar composts to acceptable limits. Conclusion Composting MCW with BSFL and biochar reduced composting period and improved compost quality.

Physico-chemical changes and maturity evaluation of composts from wood residue mixed with sewage sludge and chicken manure

Purpose Using the effective approaches for modifying the recycled wood as a novel bulky agent improves the quality of soil amendment. This study aimed to compare the stability and maturity of the soil amendments produced by the compostation of forest industrial waste and sewage sludge on seed germination. Method Three materials, namely sawdust, sewage sludge, and chicken manure were mixed at different ratios (dry weight basis) to reach the initial bulk density of 0.40 Kg.L-1, the temperature of 30 °C, the C/N ratio of 25, and the moisture content of 60 %. A pilot-scale composting process was applied to monitor the aeration rate, temperature, and moisture contents during the process over time. The comparison of physico-chemical, phytotoxicity, and germination indices among the samples was performed in three repetitions. Results The results of this study indicated that the sustainable conditions (i.e., the temperature of 70 °C, aeration rate of 0.30 L.Kg-1DM.min-1, and moisture content of 50-60 %) can have a significant effect on the thermophilic stage for compost curing without any inhibitory repercussion. Increasing the germination index of cress (Lepidium sativum) up to 79 % proved that the toxicity of industrial sewage sludge was declined through the elimination of heavy metals. Conclusion This study revealed that the availability of bulky agents such as wood residue can reinforce the microbial activity by continuously decreasing the C/N ratio to the minimum value of 13.2.

Microbiological integration for qualitative improvement of vermicompost

Purpose This study was carried out to assess the effect of integrating microbiological fortification with vermicomposting process on biofertilizing quality of vermicompost as well as improvement of the availability of nitrogen and phosphorus in the product. Method A mixture of cow dung and vegetable market waste (1:1) was used for vermicomposting with Eisenia foetida as the decomposer earthworm @ 10 no.of worm kg-1 substrate. Nitrogen fixing and phosphate solubilizing bacteria (NFB and PSB)Azotobacter chroococcum and Pseudomonas fluorescens were integrated with this composting process at varying doses viz. 0,5 and 10 g kg-1 substrate under different combinations. Changes in the population of these two bio-fertilizing microorganisms and the availability of relevant nutrients in the substrates were monitored periodically to assess the behaviors of these microorganisms and their effects on the produced vermicompost. Results All the inoculations resulted in substantial increments in population of both NFB and PSB over the control. However, the increments were more prominent for NFB than the PSB. Significant increments in the amount of mineralized nitrogen and solubilized phosphate over the control were observed in almost all the treatment combinations. Conclusion Integration of nitrogen fixing and phosphate solubilizing bacteria with vermicomposting process resulted in substantial enrichment of the product. This benefit was observed not only in terms of increased availability of the two major plant nutrients of concern viz. N and P, but also in significant improvement in the population of the inoculated microorganisms turning the product into a potential source of bio-fertilizers.

Current methodologies and algorithms used to identify and quantify pollutants in sub-basins: A review

Over the past few years, water quality has been threatened and is vulnerable to various pollutants and climate variables. The deteriorating state of water resources/bodies has been further exacerbated by the impacts of climate change patterns in Southern Africa. Therefore, modelling and predicting the quality of water in sub-basins has become important in controlling water pollution. Remote sensing techniques gained popularity over the past few years as these techniques have been used to monitor water quality parameters such as suspended sediments, chlorophyll, temperature and other parameters in surface water bodies. Furthermore, optical and thermal sensors on aircrafts and satellites provide both spatial and temporal information needed to monitor changes in water quality parameters, for the development of management practices which seek to improve the quality of water, at sub-basin level. Thus, the integration of remotely sensed data, geographical information system (GIS), machine learning technologies and in-situ measurements provide valuable tools to monitor the impacts of climate change on water quality. According to literature cited in this paper, measurements and collection of water samples for subsequent laboratory analyses are currently used to evaluate water quality, not only in the South African context but in other developing countries as well. While such measurements are accurate for a point in time and space, they do not give either the spatial or temporal view of water quality needed for accurate assessments and management of water bodies. Hence, the need for and purpose of this study, to explore and review current methodologies and algorithms used to identify microbial and other pollutants that have increased above standard thresholds in sub-basins. Key words: Water quality, remote sensing, modeling, algorithms, pollutants.

Guideline for ultrasonic diagnosis of liver diseases

Ultrasound is a non-invasive, real-time, inexpensive, radiation-free and easily repeatable method, usually used for liver imaging. In recent years, new ultrasound examination techniques for liver diseases such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound and elastography have been rapidly developed, which can effectively identify intrahepatic space-occupying lesions, assess the degree of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension, and monitor the effects of treatment. Therefore, these technologies play an important diagnostic role in clinical liver diseases and have therapeutic interventional value. This guideline classifies the instrument set-up, patient preparation, and physician examination methods through multimodal ultrasound examinations (gray-scale ultrasound, color Doppler ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound, elastic ultrasound) for liver diseases. In addition, liver diseases multimodal ultrasound technology diagnostic criteria for diffuse hepatic lesions (inflammatory lesions, fibrosis, and sclerosis), multiple space-occupying lesions, and interventional procedures have been defined and standardized. Concurrently, we also recommend the ultrasound monitoring time interval and diagnostic report writing standard for liver diseases.

Come monitorare la risposta dell’opinione pubblica a eventi imprevisti? Il progetto ResPOnsECOVID-19

Come monitorare la risposta dell’opinione pubblica a eventi imprevisti? Il progetto ResPOnsECOVID-19

Monitoring our health with smartwatches

Monitoring our health with smartwatches

A Review Of Various Protection Schemes Of Power Transformers

The power transformer is an electrical equipment that needs continuous monitoring and fast protection since it is very expensive and essential element for power system to perform effectively. Various methods for the protection are available. Most of the methods should be known for the protection of the transformer before practically protecting the same. Here a review is presented for various methods available for the protection of transformer. The most common protection technique used is the percentage differential logic, which provides discrimination between different operating conditions and internal fault. Some condition as, inrush current and CT saturation can cause mis-operation of differential protection. Few methods to solve this problem are also reviewed. Dissolved gas analysis (DGA) of power transformer is an investigative tool to monitor its health and to detect failures by recognizing anomalous patterns of DGA concentrations is also discussed. Some additional methods for transformer protection are also reviewed, as thermography method. Finally, a conclusion on different methods available for better performance is presented.

Responses to Fatwas of Islamic Religious Leaders and Institutions during the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) in the Philippines: Looking at How Guidance Was Provided to Muslim Communities in the Philippines.

The Philippine constitution guarantees the free exercise of religion and religious worship. The law forbids public officials from interrupting religious activities. However, with the sharp rise of Coronavirus (COVID-2019) infection all over the world, the Inter-Agency Task Force (AITF) on Emerging Infections Disease created resolutions to assess, monitor, contain and prevent the spread of the pandemic. Religious leaders and Islamic institutions are no exceptions and they must abide to these resolutions including mass gatherings, safety procedures on burials, and strict observance of social distancing.
 Muslims strictly perform five times a day prayer, Friday Jamaah prayer, and bury the dead in accordance to Islamic practices mentioned in the Quran. Therefore, the study focus on how Islamic leaders and institutions responded to AITF resolutions to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
 The data were collected from mixed sources: from official announcements, social media accounts, and by phone interviews. Meaningful central themes were derived from the data.
 Findings noted responses of Muslim communities focused on (1) suspension of collective religious activities and programs until the pandemic is over; (2) abide by government directives on how to be safe from the threat of COVID-19; (3) institutionalization of positive sanitation practices of their facilities personnel and families; (4) cancellation of classes and their religious learning institutions; and (5) public interest and dharurah (possibility of harm or injury).
 In conclusion, the concept of collective duty (farḍ kifāya) as a basic of principle of Islam was practiced by Islamic religious leaders and institutions. Hence, maintaining social

Structural optimization design for beam position monitor support of High Energy Photon Source

Based on thermal stability and vibration stability, an ultra stability structure of rigid support is designed and optimized. Through the finite element modal analysis of ANSYS, the thermal expansion variation and the characteristic frequency of the support is verified. The support is fixated to the ground by using the method of concrete grouting and then the characteristic frequency is tested. The test results show that the characteristic frequency of the support reaches up to 61.9 Hz and the vibration amplitude is less than 30 nm, both of which meet the design requirements. Finally, the method of dynamic stiffness testing is adopted to obtain the stiffness value of the concrete grouting, and the accuracy of the optimization results of the support is further verified.

Design of High Energy Photon Source Booster beam size monitor

High Energy Photon Source (HEPS) Booster is designed to ramp up the energy of the beam from linac and inject high quality electron beam to the storage ring. To measure the transverse beam size, emittance and energy spread of HEPS Booster, we designed two beam diagnostic beamlines at visible-UV spectrum region. The source points are at two bending magnets with different chromatic dispersion, one has no dispersion while the other has large dispersion. By measuring the transverse beam sizes with synchrotron imaging system, beam emittance and energy spread can also be calculated. This paper introduces the extraction of visible-UV light, and the optical imaging system, the spatial resolution. It also introduces the design of beam spot changes measurement during beam ramping process.