Circuit-breaker behaviour in reactor switching: applicability andlimitations of the concept of chopping number

The author reviews some of the theory leading to definition of a chopping number related to the chopping behavior of circuit breakers interrupting small inductive currents. The possibility of using this number to model circuit breakers in digital calculations is discussed, a comparison being made with the alternative of simulating the dynamic behavior of circuit-breaker arcs by differential equations. The importance of a correct appraisal of the frequency dependence of circuit parameters, especially capacitances, in both methods, is demonstrated using an example     

Catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of n-butane

This review deals with the catalytic conversion of n-butane by oxidative dehydrogenation as an alternative process to direct dehydrogenation, making special reference to the catalytic systems used, kinetic studies performed and reaction mechanisms proposed. Particular attention is also focused on the hydrocarbon activation process and on the main factors governing catalytic efficiency. Finally, after some general conclusions, future trends are analyzed.     

Regional Frequency Analysis of Droughts in Portugal

This study investigated the frequency of droughts for the period September 1910 to October 2004 in mainland Portugal, based on monthly precipitation data from 144 rain gauges distributed across the country. The drought events were characterized using the standardized precipitation index (SPI) applied to time scales of 1, 3, 6 and 12 consecutive months. Based on the SPI time scale series a regional frequency analysis of drought magnitudes was undertaken using two approaches: annual maximum series (AMS) and partial duration series (PDS). Three spatially defined regions (north, central and south) were identified by cluster analysis and analyzed for homogeneity. Maps of drought magnitude were developed using a kriging technique for several return periods. Similar uniform spatial patterns were found throughout the country using the AMS and PDS approaches. For several SPI time scales a comparison of the observed and estimated maximum magnitude (269-year empirical return period) showed that the AMS combined with the selected probability distribution models (Pearson type III, general Pareto and Kappa) provided better results than the PDS approach combined with the same models. A general and simplified characterization of drought duration revealed a relatively uniform pattern of droughts events across the country.     

Disaggregation Modelling of Annual Flows into Daily Streamflows Using a New Approach of the Method of Fragments

For many decades, synthetic streamflow series have been utilized in hydrology to analyze numerous stochastic problems whose solutions depend on the values of the streamflows and their temporal pattern. The stochastic generation of synthetic streamflows at a given time level can adopt two general approaches: the generation at the required time level by applying an appropriate model; or the generation of annual flows using a suitable annual model, followed by their disaggregation into flows at the required time level. The first approach is feasible for a seasonal or monthly level, but not for a daily level, while the latter can be applied to any level. It also has the advantage of allowing the preservation of the historical statistical properties at both the upper (year) and the lower (season, month or day) time levels. One of the simplest disaggregation models is the method of fragments. Based on the extensive application of that method to the generation of monthly flow series in more than 50 Portuguese river gauges (Silva and Portela, 2011, Hydrol Sci J 57(5): 942–955. doi:  10.1080/02626667.2012.686695, 2012), it was possible to establish a deterministic criterion to define the classes of fragments and to select the fragments that proved to be very robust. That criterion was revisited and modified and applied to the generation of synthetic daily flow series, with even better results. This paper describes the revisited method, presents the results from its application to a few case studies and discusses its relevance to analyze the uncertainty due to the temporal variability of the flow regime.     

Towards Safer Data-Driven Forecasting of Extreme Streamflows

Predicting extreme events is one of the major goals of streamflow forecasting, but models that are reliable under such conditions are hard to come by. This stems in part from the fact that, in many cases, calibration is based on recorded time series that do not comprise extreme events. The problem is particularly relevant in the case of data-driven models, which are focused in this work. Based on synthetic and real world streamflow forecasting examples, two main research questions are addressed: 1) would/should the models chosen by established practice be maintained were extreme events being considered and 2) how can established practice be improved in order to reduce the risks associated with the poor forecasting of extreme events? Among the data-driven models employed in streamflow forecasting, Support Vector Regression (SVR) has earned the researchers’ interest due to its good comparative performance. The present contribution builds upon the theory underlying this model in order to illustrate and discuss its tendency to predictably underestimate extreme flood peaks, raising awareness to the obvious risks that entails. While focusing on SVR, the work highlights dangers potentially present in other non-linear regularized models. The results clearly show that, under certain conditions, established practices for validation and choice may fail to identify the best models for predicting extreme streamflow events. Also, the paper puts forward practical recommendations that may help avoiding potential problems, namely: establishing up to what return period does the model maintain good performances; privileging small λ hyperparameters in Radial Basis Function (RBF) SVR models; preferring linear models when their validation performances are similar to those of non-linear models; and making use of predictions made by more than one type of data-driven model.     

A gender approach to work ability and its relationship to professional and domestic work hours among nursing personnel

The association between working hours and work ability was examined in a cross-sectional study of male (N=156) and female (N=1092) nurses in three public hospitals. Working hours were considered in terms of their professional and domestic hours per week and their combined impact; total work load. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant association between total work load and inadequate work ability index (WAI) for females only. Females reported a higher proportion of inadequate WAI, fewer professional work hours but longer domestic work hours. There were no significant differences in total work load by gender. The combination of professional and domestic work hours in females seemed to best explain their lower work ability. The findings suggest that investigations into female well-being need to consider their total work load. Our male sample may have lacked sufficient power to detect a relationship between working hours and work ability.     

Effect of dietary calcium during pregnancy and lactation on zinc levels in blood and bone, in rats

The effect of dietary calcium (Ca) level on maternal zinc (Zn) nutritional status was studied. Female Wistar rats, weighing 250-350 g, were fed during pregnancy and lactation with an experimental diet containing/100 g different levels of calcium: 0.2 g (low calcium: LCa), 0.6 g (normal calcium: NCa) or 0.9 (high calcium: HCa). Maternal blood samples were drawn from the tail at delivery and at the end of lactation. Laboratory determinations were: Zn in whole blood (WB) at delivery and weaning; Zn (ZnF) and Ca (CaF) in the ashed femur at weaning. The results (mean +/- SEM) were: ZnWB (microgram/ml) at delivery and weaning: LCa: 8.73 +/- 1.05; 12.8 +/- 2.02; NCa: 3.49 +/- 0.19; 3.73 +/- 0.37; HCa: 3.21 +/- 0.19; 3.85 +/- 0.27. CaF (mg/100 mg): LCa: 19.2 +/- 0.8; NCa: 21.4 +/- 0.6; HCa: 20.4 +/- 1.1. ZnF (microgram/100 mg): LCa: 30.2 +/- 0.9; NCa: 24.1 +/- 0.3; HCa: 24.1 +/- 0.9. ZnWB was significantly higher in LCa (p < 0.0001) regarding NCa and Hca. ZnF showed an increase and CaF a decrease in LCa regarding NCa and HCa (p < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in ZnWB, ZnF and CaF between NCa and HCa These results show that: there was no detrimental effect when dietary Ca content was increased by 50% above the normal requirements of the rat.; low dietary Ca during pregnancy and lactation produced an increase of Zn utilization, reflected in maternal blood Zn and in ZnF content.     

Ozone oxidation of β-lactam antibiotic molecules and toxicity decrease in aqueous solution and industrial wastewaters heavily contaminated

In this work, ozone oxidation of the antibiotics amoxicillin (AMX), cephalexin, and ceftriaxone was investigated in different samples: (i) aqueous solutions (100 mg L^?1), (ii) an industrial wastewater containing AMX at 125 mg L^?1 (chemical oxygen demand 6000 mg O₂ L^?1), and (iii) a heavily contaminated industrial wastewater containing the antibiotics at a total concentration of 320 mg L^?1. High performance liquid chromatography, molecular absorption spectrophotometry in the ultraviolet/visible region, and total organic carbon measurements showed that ozonation of antibiotics solutions led to removal higher than 95% with 10–20% mineralization. Industrial wastewater also showed very good efficiency for antibiotic removal (80–98%) after ozonation. Moreover, Microtox® test showed 86% toxicity reduction for the industrial wastewater.     

Fatty Acid Profiles in Sunflower Grains During Storage in Different Environments

This study aimed to evaluate the fatty acid profiles of sunflower oil extracted from hybrid grains produced and stored in different environments. The trials were conducted in Teresina (Piauí), Vilhena (Rondônia), and Jaguariúna (São Paulo) in randomized complete block design with 4 replicates. After harvesting, grains from 1 high oleic and 3 traditional hybrids were packed in kraft paper bags and stored in a covered shed and in a cold chamber up to 12 months. The fatty acid profiles were determined by gas chromatography after 0, 4, 8, and 12 months of storage. Analyses of variance were conducted in a split‐plot design, with hybrids being considered as whole plots and storage times as subplots. Tukey's test was performed to compare hybrids and regression analyses for storage times. The initial fatty acid profile of the grains of the same hybrid varied depending on the production location. The grain storage of high oleic and traditional sunflower hybrids during 12 months in covered shed and in cold chamber resulted in little changes in oil fatty acid profiles, regardless of the initial contents. These changes occurred only for linoleic and palmitic acids.