Optimal Conditions For Use Research Articles

Finite element modeling and analysis of tire creep test

Abstract The tire is one of the most complex components of the vehicle, which justifies strict standards and regulations set by governments worldwide to ensure the performance, durability, and reliability of tires approved for use in the transport sector. Among these requirements, tire durability testing involves the assessment of short-and long-term tire response to determine optimum conditions of use and service life. Therefore, this paper focuses on the creep performance of tires using the finite element method in ABAQUS. As a case study, a selected tire with visco-hyperelastic rubber compounds and linear elastic reinforcements is subjected to a constant prescribed force for a period of time, and the resulting strain evolution is recorded till the release of the applied load. Several parameters are accounted for, such as the inflation pressure, material characteristic times, and load amplitude. The post-processing of results enabled the prediction of the overall creep response of the tire over time with respect to the prescribed load. The knowledge gained in this study can be exploited to predict tire failure caused by excessive strain and pinpoint the areas of the tire that are the most exposed to creep failure.

Tafenoquine for Relapsing Babesiosis: A Case Series.

Relapsing babesiosis often occurs in highly immunocompromised patients and has been attributed to the acquisition of resistance against drugs commonly used for treatment such as atovaquone, azithromycin, and clindamycin. Tafenoquine, which is approved for malaria prophylaxis and presumptive antirelapse treatment of Plasmodium vivax malaria, has shown activity against Babesia microti in several animal models of acute infection and in a single human case of relapsing babesiosis. Here, we report 5 cases of relapsing babesiosis treated with tafenoquine, including the previous case, and begin to define the conditions for optimal use of tafenoquine in relapsing babesiosis. A definitive diagnosis of babesiosis was made by microscopic examination of Giemsa-stained thin blood smears or a real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that targets the parasite 18S rRNA gene. Clearance of B. microti infection was ascertained by use of blood smear and real-time PCR. Tafenoquine was initiated with a loading dose of 600 mg. A weekly maintenance dose consisted of 200 mg or 300 mg; the lower dose was associated with a delayed clearance of B. microti. In 2 cases, all antimicrobial agents but tafenoquine were discontinued prior to clearance of infection. In 2 other cases, clearance was achieved while tafenoquine was administered along with other antimicrobial agents. In 3 of these 4 cases, tafenoquine was used in combination with atovaquone-proguanil. Other agents included atovaquone, azithromycin, and/or clindamycin. In 1 case, tafenoquine was administered alone and failed to prevent relapse. Tafenoquine can be a useful adjunct for the treatment of highly immunocompromised patients experiencing relapsing babesiosis caused by B. microti.

Ежа сборная (Dactylis glomerata L.) - кормовая культура универсального использования в адаптивном лугопастбищном хозяйстве (обзор )

The review summarizes the results of domestic and foreign literature on the biological and ecological characteristics and use of orchardgrass in forage production. In Russia and the world, the orchardgrass is one of the most widespread species in natural and seeded meadows. With a sufficient supply of nitrogen, it surpasses other grasses in terms of competitiveness and yield, producing 5 to 12 t/ha of dry matter in different regions of Russia. Under optimal conditions of use, its productive longevity is 8 to 10 years or more. Orchardgrass provides 3 to 5 cuttings per season and is resistant to animal grazing. It provides the earliest fodder in the spring in the green mowing system. Orchardgrass is highly aggressive and will quickly displace other grasses from a sward, so it is often grown in monoculture. It has good foliage and accumulates 15 to 25% crude protein when used before the heading phase. Orchardgrass is superior to meadow fescue, perennial ryegrass, and timothy in terms of drought resistance, but like ryegrass it can be thinned out in the winter-spring period under unfavorable overwintering conditions, and has poor resistance to flooding and near groundwater. Its high shade tolerance makes it suitable for interrow sowing in turf-humus orchards. This improves soil fertility and fruit quality. Under conditions of climate warming, orchardgrass may expand its range in Russia.

Activation of persulfate by highly dispersed FeCo bimetallic alloy for in-situ remediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon-contaminated soil

Design of high-performance, environmentally friendly catalysts for remediation of contaminated soil is critical. Nano-zero-valent iron is widely used for this purpose and has high catalytic activity, but it readily agglomerates, which limits its use. To design efficient, environmentally friendly, and inexpensive soil remediation materials, we developed a Fe/Co-and nitrogen-doped carbon catalyst (FeCo/NC). The Fe and Co on the support were highly dispersed, many active sites were exposed, and the two metals exhibited synergistic catalytic effects. The ability to degrade anthracene in soil was evaluated through activating peroxodisulfate (PDS). The catalytic performance of the dual-doped catalyst was up to 24% more than that of catalysts doped with only Fe or Co. The FeCo/NC@PDS system efficiently removed 98.87% of anthracene from soil after 6 h. Moreover, the catalyst maintained excellent stability in both acidic and alkaline environments. The reaction mechanism was explored using radical quenching experiments combined with ESR spectra. In addition to a radical pathway involving OH, SO4−, and O2−, there was a non-radical pathway involving 1O2. The optimum conditions for use of the catalyst were determined, and possible degradation pathways for anthracene were proposed. This study provides data for the development of in-situ soil remediation catalysts.

Optimizing the use of patients’ individual outcome information – Development and usability tests of a Chronic Kidney Disease dashboard

BackgroundReporting individual clinical and patient-reported outcomes to patients during consultations may add to patients’ disease knowledge and activation and stimulate Shared Decision Making (SDM). These outcomes can be presented over time in a clear way by the means of dashboarding. We aimed to systematically develop a Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) dashboard designed to support consultations, test its usability and explore conditions for optimal use in practice. MethodsFor development a participatory approach with patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) from three hospitals was used. Working groups and patient focus groups were conducted to identify needs and inform the dashboard’s design. Usability was tested in patient interviews. A focus group with HCPs was held to identify conditions for optimal use of the dashboard in daily practice. ResultsA dashboard was developed for CKD patients stage 3b-4 visualizing both clinical and patient-reported outcomes over time for use during consultations and accessible for patients at home. Both HCPs and patients indicated that the dashboard can: motivate patients in their treatment by providing feedback on outcomes over time; improve consultation conversations by enhanced preparation of both HCPs and patients; better inform patients, thereby facilitating shared decision making. HCPs and patients both stated that setting a topic agenda for the consultation together is important in effectively discussing the dashboard during consultations. Moreover, the dashboard should not dominate the conversation. Lastly, findings of the usability tests provided design requirements for optimal user-friendliness and clarity. ConclusionsDashboarding can be a valuable way of reporting individual outcome information to patients and their clinicians as findings suggest it may stimulate patient activation and facilitate decision making. Co-creation with patients and HCPs was essential for successful development of the dashboard. Gained knowledge from the co-creation process can inform others wishing to develop similar digital tools for use in clinical practice.

An Experimental Study of Thermal Comfort and Indoor Air Quality—A Case Study of a Hotel Building

Ensuring the comfort and health of occupants is the main objective of properly functioning building systems. Regardless of the season and building types, it is the priority of the designers and building managers. The indoor air parameters affect both the well-being and health of users. Furthermore, it could impact the effectiveness of their work and concentration abilities. In hotel facilities, the guests’ comfort is related directly to positive opinions or customer complaints, which is related to financial benefits or losses. The main goal of this study is the analysis of the indoor environmental quality in guests’ rooms, based on the example of a hotel in Poland. The article assesses the variability of air parameters, including temperature, humidity, and carbon dioxide concentrations, and the acceptability of indoor conditions. The research was carried out in November 2020. Based on the collected data, the dynamics of changes of selected air parameters were analyzed. The article analyzes the comfort indicators inside guest rooms, including the Predicted Mean Vote (PMV) and Predicted Percentage of the Dissatisfied (PPD) index. The obtained results were compared with the optimal conditions of use to ensure the guests’ comfort. As the analysis showed, the temperature and humidity conditions are maintained at a satisfactory level for most of the time. It was noticed that the CO2 concentrations temporarily exceeded the value of 2000 ppm in two of the analyzed guests’ rooms, which could cause discomfort to hotel guests. In these rooms, the increase in the volume of ventilation airflow should be considered. The measured parameters dynamically varied over time, and there was no repeatability or clear patterns of variation. This is due to the individual preferences and behavior of users. A detailed analysis is extremely difficult due to the possibility of opening windows by users, the irregular presence of hotel guests in the rooms, and the inability to verify the exact number of users in the room during the measurements.

Improving of thermal stability and water repellency of cotton fabrics via coating with silicone rubber under the effect of electron beam irradiation

Cotton fabrics for outdoor use were coated with room-temperature vulcanizing silicone rubber (RTVSR) and its catalyst to obtain improved thermal stability and water repellency properties. The coated fabrics were exposed to different doses of electron beam irradiation as an extra curing step for the coating. The effect of RTVSR coating and subsequent electron beam irradiation on the cotton fabrics was then studied. The thermal stability was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, and surface morphologies were observed by scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties, crease recovery, gel content, swelling property, and water repellency of the fabrics were also investigated. The results showed that the thermal stability and the water repellency of the cotton fabrics were improved as a result of the coating process. Moreover, the crease recovery and swelling properties of the fabrics were enhanced, accompanied by decreases in their gel content, as a function of the increase in the electron beam irradiation dose. These findings recommend the produced coated fabrics under the optimum conditions for use in the industrial purposes as isolation sheets through the pipes connecting points, especially those that contain hot fluids.

APPLICATION OF COMBINED TECHNOLOGY FOR RENOVATION AND INCREASED RESOURCE DETAILS OF MEANS OF TRANSPORT

It presents various combinations of primary hardfacing technology for the renovation and improvement of the resource details of ship machinery. Currently, promising are integrated or combined methods hard facing (hybrid technology) coating in conjunction with the modification, the application of multi-layer, multi-functional coatings; development of integrated multioperational technologies. In all conditions, increasing scarcity of expensive alloying materials included in the composition of steels requiring high strength properties of the complex, are promising hybrid technology peening (restore) the surfaces of mild steel Combinations of various primary technologies of application of multipurpose coverings for restoration and increase of a resource of details of knots and units of vehicles are presented. Currently promising are combined methods of application of multifunctional coatings (integrated, hybrid technologies), methods of coating in combination with methods of modification, application of multilayer, multifunctional coatings; development of combined (integrated, hybrid) multioperational technologies. In the conditions of growing shortage of expensive alloying materials which are a part of the steels demanding a high complex of properties of durability, the combined methods of restoration of surfaces are perspective.At present, a methodology for the synthesis of combined multi-operational technologies has not been developed. An empirical-intuitive approach prevails in the combination of multifunctional coating restoration methods. The optimal choice of restoration methods and their sequence is determined by the increase of hardness, complex of mechanical properties, wear resistance, as well as the roughness of the restored surface and the accuracy of the dimensions of the restored part. In the first-best case of combined (hybrid) methods of recovery, the criterion of choice is the comparison of costs and increase the set of mechanical properties of the recoverable parts of components and units of vehicles [13-14]. Each method of recovery has its niche of optimal conditions of use, including even the technological traditions that have developed in a particular enterprise. The decisive factor in the choice of primary methods of applying multifunctional coatings in the combined restoration process is the presence of certain types of equipment at the enterprise and the ability to integrate them intoa single technological cycle. In order to restore vehicle parts with multifunctional coatings with high adhesion strength, hardness and wear resistance, we have proposed a combined (integrated) technology that includes electric arc spraying, electrospark doping and pulsed ion nitriding.

DNAzyme-Based Biosensors: Immobilization Strategies, Applications, and Future Prospective.

Since their discovery almost three decades ago, DNAzymes have been used extensively in biosensing. Depending on the type of DNAzyme being used, these functional oligonucleotides can act as molecular recognition elements within biosensors, offering high specificity to their target analyte, or as reporters capable of transducing a detectable signal. Several parameters need to be considered when designing a DNAzyme-based biosensor. In particular, given that many of these biosensors immobilize DNAzymes onto a sensing surface, selecting an appropriate immobilization strategy is vital. Suboptimal immobilization can result in both DNAzyme detachment and poor accessibility toward the target, leading to low sensing accuracy and sensitivity. Various approaches have been employed for DNAzyme immobilization within biosensors, ranging from amine and thiol-based covalent attachment to non-covalent strategies involving biotin-streptavidin interactions, DNA hybridization, electrostatic interactions, and physical entrapment. While the properties of each strategy inform its applicability within a proposed sensor, the selection of an appropriate strategy is largely dependent on the desired application. This is especially true given the diverse use of DNAzyme-based biosensors for the detection of pathogens, metal ions, and clinical biomarkers. In an effort to make the development of such sensors easier to navigate, this paper provides a comprehensive review of existing immobilization strategies, with a focus on their respective advantages, drawbacks, and optimal conditions for use. Next, common applications of existing DNAzyme-based biosensors are discussed. Last, emerging and future trends in the development of DNAzyme-based biosensors are discussed, and gaps in existing research worthy of exploration are identified.

Application of an Ageing Model to a Hydrogen-Fuelled PEM Fuel Cell

Hydrogen is one of the most promising energy vectors for achieving the decarbonization of the propulsion systems market. Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell system (PEMFCs) stand out in this panorama, thanks to reduced activation times and low temperatures of use, easily adapting to the needs of the sector. In this paper, a multi-phase, multi-component and non-isothermal 3D-CFD model is proposed to simulate the effects of PEMFC ageing, limiting the system durability due to slow membrane corrosion and loss of material performance and properties degradation, resulting in a reduced current density under equal voltage. The model is applied both in 1D and 3D frameworks implementing a validated model from literature, allowing to estimate the useful life of the cell as a function of parameters such as the degradation rate and the crossover rate. Simulations are carried out at different membrane thicknesses and for different membrane conductivities, using a hydrogen-fuelled serpentine-type PEM fuel cell. The study relevance lies in the possibility to investigate the critical aspects limiting PEMFC system durability, as well as the optimal conditions of use, and it allows to identify corrective design actions.

Study of the Parameters Affecting the Loading of Fluorescein on Coated Gold Nanoparticles: Promising Nanostructure for Cancer Diagnosis.

Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the use of nanomaterials in the diagnosis of cancer by imaging techniques. This study aimed to synthesize fluorescein-conjugated gold nanoparticles and study the parameters affecting the loading of fluorescein on synthesized coated gold nanoparticles with the ability to be used in medical diagnostic methods. The synthesized gold nanoparticles were functionalized with polyethylene glycol. Then, these particles were conjugated with fluorescein under different conditions. To investigate the optical and structural features as well as the factors affecting the loading, the nanoparticles were evaluated by ultraviolet-visible, fluorescence and FT-IR spectrophotometer, fluorescence spectrophotometer, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, and zeta potential measuring device. Also, the use of these particles in cancer diagnosis on the skin melanoma cell (B16F10) was examined using a fluorescence microscope. PEG-coated spherical gold nanoparticles were synthesized as a carrier for the fluorescein dye detector. The coating agent concentration, incubation time, temperature, and pH of the medium affected the loading efficiency of fluorescein on the nanoparticles. Also, optimal conditions for use in the diagnostic applications were investigated. Ten micromolar of the sample were selected for cell imaging studies. The fluorescence signal of B16F10 cells containing nanoparticles was relatively strong, indicating the amount of nanoparticles uptaken by the cells. The results showed that by designing fluorescent gold nanoparticles with fluorescein as fluorescent detectors and considering their diagnostic importance, an efficient way to diagnose incurable diseases can be found.

Problems and prospects of algorithmic trade in financial markets

The use of algorithms in trading (algorithmic trading) is the trend of recent decades, which has largely changed the market. As part of the research, the fundamentals of algorithmic trading, it’s possible application during exchange trading, were examined in detail. An assessment was also made of the accessibility of obtaining exchange robots for the corporate sector, the benefits of use and optimal conditions for use. Moreover, the impact of exchange trading on the global economy is valuable and a forecast is made for the further development of trading robots.

A calibrated optogenetic toolbox of stable zebrafish opsin lines.

Optogenetic actuators with diverse spectral tuning, ion selectivity and kinetics are constantly being engineered providing powerful tools for controlling neural activity with subcellular resolution and millisecond precision. Achieving reliable and interpretable in vivo optogenetic manipulations requires reproducible actuator expression and calibration of photocurrents in target neurons. Here, we developed nine transgenic zebrafish lines for stable opsin expression and calibrated their efficacy in vivo. We first used high-throughput behavioural assays to compare opsin ability to elicit or silence neural activity. Next, we performed in vivo whole-cell electrophysiological recordings to quantify the amplitude and kinetics of photocurrents and test opsin ability to precisely control spiking. We observed substantial variation in efficacy, associated with differences in both opsin expression level and photocurrent characteristics, and identified conditions for optimal use of the most efficient opsins. Overall, our calibrated optogenetic toolkit will facilitate the design of controlled optogenetic circuit manipulations.

Ideal operating conditions for a variable stiffness transverse plane adapter for individuals with lower-limb amputation

Transverse plane shear stress between the prosthetic socket and residual limb often results in soft tissue breakdown and discomfort for individuals with lower-limb amputation. To better understand the effects of reduced transverse plane stiffness in the shank of a prosthesis, a second-generation variable stiffness torsion adapter (VSTA II) was tested with individuals with a transtibial amputation (n = 10). Peak transverse plane moments, VSTA II deflection, range of whole body angular momentum (WBAM), ground reaction impulse, joint work, and personal stiffness preference were evaluated at three fixed stiffness levels (compliant: 0.25 Nm/°, intermediate: 0.75 Nm/°, stiff: 1.25 Nm/°) at three walking speeds (self-selected, fast and slow: +/− 20% of self-selected, respectively) while straight-line walking and performing left and right turns. Residual limb loading decreased and VSTA II displacement increased for reductions in stiffness and both metrics increased with increasing walking speed, while ground reaction impulse and joint work were unaffected. The range of WBAM increased with decreased stiffness, which suggests an increased risk of falling when using the VSTA II at lower stiffness settings. Preference testing showed no significant result, but trends for lower stiffness settings when turning and walking at self-selected speeds were noted, as were stiffer settings when walking straight and at faster speeds. These results show that a device with rotational compliance like the VSTA II could reduce loading on the residual limb during straight walking and turning activities and that factors such as walking speed, activity type and user preference can affect the conditions for optimal use.

Investigation on the validity of 3D micro-CT imaging in the fish brain

BackgroundMicro-computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive technique that is used to obtain three-dimensional (3D) images of tissue structure in small animals. Compared with extensive mammal studies, few 3D imaging studies of fish have been conducted using micro-CT. An optimized method for imaging fish tissue structure is necessary, because they have adapted to diverse environments via functional and structural specialization. New methodBrains of three species with different sizes and habitats were fixed in 4% paraformaldehyde and immersed in non-ionic iodinated contrast agent (Iopamiron). We examined the relationship between Iopamiron concentration and immersion time to determine universally optimal conditions for use in fish. ResultsWe reconstructed 3D images of whole fish brains from cross-sections of brains from the Malabar grouper (Epinephelus malabaricus), bastard halibut (Paralichthys olivaceus), and threespot wrasse (Halichoeres trimaculatus). Developmental changes in brain structure were observed in the bastard halibut. Most brain regions of the threespot wrasse were distinguishable, although inner regions of the brain were less visible. Comparison with existing methodsHistological techniques are typically used to observe fish brain structure, despite its drawbacks in terms of tissue sample preparation (shrinkage and distortion) and image capture (3D image constriction). The technique examined in the present study solves these problems and allows for the simultaneous handling of multiple specimens. ConclusionMicro-CT imaging is suitable for observing the surfaces and inner structures of fish of various species.

Numerical investigation of heat transfer and flow characteristics of laminar flow in a tube with center-tapered wavy-tape insert

In this study, a new type of insert, named center-tapered wavy-tape insert, which is designed from bionics based on the movement of cuttlefish, is introduced. The thermo-hydraulic performance of laminar flow in a plain tube fitted with a center-tapered wavy-tape insert under constant heat flux conditions was investigated using numerical simulation. Further, the results were compared with the conventional wavy-tape insert. It was observed that the center-tapered wavy-tape inserts have a significant influence on the reduction of flow resistance and improvement of the overall performance for producing a similar flow structure and temperature field inside the tube with a small disturbance to the core area. The optimal conditions of use of the center-tapered wavy-tape insert were studied. The considered geometric parameter combinations of the model are provided herein. The best Nusselt number could be enhanced by 5.23–8.99 times and the best performance evaluation criterion could be improved to 2.62. Then, two empirical formulas were developed for predicting Nu and f with an error band of ±14%. Finally, the numerical results were verified by the Stereo-PIV experiments.

Application of the Technology of Combustion of Solid Fuels in a Circulating Fluidized Bed

It is shown that the basic variations in the energy market are related to increasing requirements designed to assure ecological cleanliness as well as increase efficiency, reliability, and maneuverability. The ability of the technology underlying the combustion of solid fuels in a circulating fluidized bed to respond to these variations is demonstrated using concrete examples. It is noted that the efficiency of the circulating fluidized bed technology is determined basically by the quality of the fuel and the capacity of the power station with specified constraints imposed on discharges of harmful substances. Attainment not only of the norms on harmful substances existing in the Russian Federation, but also of prospective norms without the use of desulfurization and denitrogenization devices, is an important condition for optimal use of the technology. Another major advantage is the diversification of fuel deliveries. The first boiler in Russia employing a circulating fluidized bed was built at Unit No. 9 of a condenser type electricity-only thermal power station (GRES) at Novocherkassk, Rostov oblast’. Delivery of the boiler was performed by the firm of JSC EMAl’yans Inzhiniring while delivery of certain critical parts and auxiliary equipment, by the firm of Amec Foster Wheeler (now Sumitomo Foster Wheeler, or SFW). The first results of the operation of a circulating fluidized bed boiler are presented and an analysis of trial data on the thermal balance of the heating surfaces is presented. In the case of similar values of the trial and design heat absorption of the boiler guard screens, the temperature of the gases in the boiler is substantially higher than the design temperatures. Certain difficulties associated with the technology of combustion are identified in the process of adjustment and early use of the circulating fluidized bed boiler in Unit No. 9 of the Novocherkassk GRES. The need for a more detailed study of the processes involved in production of additional measurements and of studies on operational development of the equipment and thermal circuit, and optimization of the operating conditions is demonstrated.

Assessment of Activity Monitor Placement During Free‐Living Conditions

Despite the popularity of consumer‐based physical activity monitors (AMs), many of these AMs have little data examining their comparability when worn on different body locations.PURPOSEOur study's purpose was to determine placement‐related differences of a popularly available AM for estimating steps, Calories (kcals), distance traveled, active minutes, and sleep time in a free‐living setting.METHODSParticipants (n=48) aged 18–28 years completed an unstructured, free‐living protocol in which participants wore two identical AMs (the Fitbit Flex or Fitbit Flex2), one on the non‐dominant (ND) wrist and one on the dominant (D) wrist, for five days. Participants were given the AMs early Monday morning and then instructed to return them Friday afternoon. Participants were instructed to wear the AMs 24 hours per day during all of their regular daily activities excluding contact sports and water‐based activities. Data were averaged across the three full days (Tuesday‐Thursday) and compared between wrists using paired t‐tests for each of the five recorded variables (steps, kcals, distance traveled, active minutes, and sleep time). Additionally, mean absolute difference (MAD) and mean absolute percent difference (MAPD) were calculated to assess differences between wrists.RESULTSThe AMs had varied results in recording steps, kcals, distance traveled, active minutes, and sleep time in the comparison of the ND and D wrist locations. For all variables, estimates from the ND wrist were higher than the D wrist. AM step differences were significantly different with MAD of 664.7 steps/day (MAPD of 6.7%; p<0.001), kcals had an MAD of 53.4 kcals/day (MAPD of 2.1%; p<0.001), distance had MAD of 0.3 miles/day (MAPD of 6.8%; p<0.001), and active minutes had an MAD of 7.3 minutes/day (MAPD of 36.5%; p<0.001). Participant sleep duration trended toward statistical significance (p=0.22) with an MAD of 23.8 minutes/day (MAPD of 5.9%) between wrists.CONCLUSIONData collected from AMs placed on the ND and D wrists were not equivalent. While differences for some variables were relatively small, others were substantial. Caution is warranted when wearing AMs on different wrists despite the seemingly all purpose and multi‐locational nature of AMs. Future research should investigate other AM placements and optimum conditions for use.This abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

Understanding and bridging the energy performance gap in building retrofit

On the basis of a representative set of examples, we tackle following issues concerning the energy performance gap which is commonly observed in retrofit of multifamily buildings: quantification of the main factors behind the gap, in relation with simulation; decomposition of the gap, by combination of the most sensitive parameters, in relation with observed values; exploration of how to bridge the gap, on the basis of two best practice examples. The results show that the gap consists of: (i) the difference between optimal yet realistic conditions of use, and standard values used in the simulation process; (ii) the difference between actual and optimal conditions of use, which corresponds to the optimization potential. It proves that significant reduction of the performance gap is possible through building optimization and responsible behavior.

Development of a SNP panel dedicated to parentage assignment in French sheep populations

BackgroundThe efficiency of breeding programs partly relies on the accuracy of the estimated breeding values which decreases when pedigrees are incomplete. Two reproduction techniques are mainly used by sheep breeders to identify the sires of lambs: animal insemination and natural matings with a single ram per group of ewes. Both methods have major drawbacks, notably time-consuming tasks for breeders, and are thus used at varying levels in breeding programs. As a consequence, the percentage of known sires can be very low in some breeds and results in less accurate estimated breeding values.ResultsIn order to address this issue and offer an alternative strategy for obtaining parentage information, we designed a set of 249 SNPs for parentage assignment in French sheep breeds and tested its efficiency in one breed. The set was derived from the 54 K SNP chip that was used to genotype the thirty main French sheep populations. Only SNPs in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, displaying the highest Minor Allele Frequency across all the thirty populations and not associated with Mendelian errors in verified family trios were selected. The panel of 249 SNPs was successfully used in an on-farm test in the BMC breed and resulted in more than 95% of lambs being assigned to a unique sire.ConclusionIn this study we developed a SNP panel for assignment that achieved good results in the on-farm testing. We also raised some conditions for optimal use of this panel: at least 180 SNPs should be used and a minute preparation of the list of candidate sires. Our panel also displays high levels of MAF in the SheepHapMap breeds, particularly in the South West European breeds.