Source coherence impairments in a direct detection direct sequence optical code-division multiple-access system

We demonstrate that direct sequence optical code- division multiple-access (DS-OCDMA) encoders and decoders using sampled fiber Bragg gratings (S-FBGs) behave as multipath interferometers. In that case, chip pulses of the prime sequence codes generated by spreading in time-coherent data pulses can result from multiple reflections in the interferometers that can superimpose within a chip time duration. We show that the autocorrelation function has to be considered as the sum of complex amplitudes of the combined chip as the laser source coherence time is much greater than the integration time of the photodetector. To reduce the sensitivity of the DS-OCDMA system to the coherence time of the laser source, we analyze the use of sparse and nonperiodic quadratic congruence and extended quadratic congruence codes.     

Mechanism of action of Spanish oregano, Chinese cinnamon, and savory essential oils against cell membranes and walls of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes

The mechanism of the antimicrobial action of Spanish oregano (Corydothymus capitatus), Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), and savory (Satureja montana) essential oils against cell membranes and walls of bacteria was studied by the measurement of the intracellular pH and ATP concentration, the release of cell constituents, and the electronic microscopy observations of the cells when these essential oils at their MICs were in contact with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes, two pathogenic foodborne bacteria, were used as gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial models, respectively. Treatment with these essential oils at their MICs affected the membrane integrity of bacteria and induced depletion of the intracellular ATP concentration. Spanish oregano and savory essential oils, however, induced more depletion than Chinese cinnamon oil. An increase of the extracellular ATP concentration was observed only when Spanish oregano and savory oils were in contact with E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes. Also, a significantly higher (P < or = 0.05) cell constituent release was observed in the supernatant when E. coli O157:H7 and L. monocytogenes cells were treated with Chinese cinnamon and Spanish oregano oils. Chinese cinnamon oil was more effective to reduce significantly the intracellular pH of E. coli O157:H7, whereas Chinese cinnamon and Spanish oregano decreased more significantly the intracellular pH of L. monocytogenes. Electronic microscopy observations revealed that the cell membrane of both treated bacteria was significantly damaged. These results suggest that the cytoplasmic membrane is involved in the toxic action of essential oils.     

Flagellar Phenotypes Impact on Bacterial Transport and Deposition Behavior in Porous Media: Case of Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium

Bacterial contamination of groundwater has always been an ecological problem worthy of attention. In this study, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium with different flagellar phenotypes mainly characterized during host-pathogen interaction were analyzed for their transport and deposition behavior in porous media. Column transport experiments and a modified mobile-immobile model were applicated on different strains with flagellar motility (wild-type) or without motility (ΔmotAB), without flagella (ΔflgKL), methylated and unmethylated flagellin (ΔfliB), and different flagella phases (fliC^ON, fljB^ON). Results showed that flagella motility could promote bacterial transport and deposition due to their biological advantages of moving and attaching to surfaces. We also found that the presence of non-motile flagella improved bacterial adhesion according to a higher retention rate of the ΔmotAB strain compared to the ΔflgKL strain. This indicated that bacteria flagella and motility both had promoting effects on bacterial deposition in sandy porous media. Flagella phases influenced the bacterial movement; the fliC^ON strain went faster through the column than the fljB^ON strain. Moreover, flagella methylation was found to favor bacterial transport and deposition. Overall, flagellar modifications affect Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium transport and deposition behavior in different ways in environmental conditions.     

Biological degradation of leachate from household and similar waste pre-treated by electro-Fenton process

This study's purpose is to confirm the feasibility and performance of the combination between ‘electro-Fenton’ process and the ‘activated sludge’ biological process, in order to remove the organic matter contained in ‘intermediate’ leachates from technical landfill centre of Hamici (Algiers). This leachate was initially electrochemically pre-treated until the ratio of BOD₅/chemical oxygen deman (COD) = 0.41, then an optimization of the parameters significantly influencing the biological degradation was carried. The results obtained after 13 h of biological treatment show the removal of 97% of the initial COD, with a mixed liquor composed of 700 mL of pre-treated leachate and 300 mL of activated sludge, a dissolved oxygen concentration of 3.5 mg O₂/L and a pH of 7, which allows the effluent to discharge directly into the environment. The conclusions of this work are promising because it was demonstrated that if the operating parameters are well controlled concerning these treatments, its sequence and the referred pre-treatment, the treatment efficiency is very high to the point of direct discharge of the leachate. However, in future studies, the combination of the both processes should be more explored in order to reduce the treatment time and to scale-up the process.     

Direct-sequence code division multiple access: From radio communications to optical networks

A direct sequence optical code division multiple access technique is investigated. This paper introduces, first, the principles definitions of Code Division Multiple Access in radio communications. After that, the performances of Optical Code Division Multiple Access are evaluated in association with a realistic amplified optical channel model. To determine the performances obtained by this combination, different detection methods are investigated in an OpticalCDMA system. Threshold and multi-user detections are developed in association with Optical Orthogonal Codes:ooc and Prime Sequences:ps, specially designed to be adapted to fiber optic channel.     

The methodology of self-controlled case series studies

The self-controlled case series method is increasingly being used in pharmacoepidemiology, particularly in vaccine safety studies. This method is typically used to evaluate the association between a transient exposure and an acute event, using only cases. We present both parametric and semiparametric models using a motivating example on MMR vaccine and bleeding disorders. We briefly describe approaches for interferent events and a sequential version of the method for prospective surveillance of drug safety. The efficiency of the self-controlled case series method is compared to the that of cohort and case control studies. Some further extensions, to long or indefinite exposures and to bivariate counts, are described.     

Hybrid Energy System with an Energy Management Control Strategy Based on the Online Fuel Consumption

Abstract

Many agriculture investments are oriented to the Sahara. Noticeably, they need electricity which is often provided by diesel generators. The refueling process is a real economic challenge due to the very remote area distance which makes it very expensive. To overcome this issue, the hybridization is initiated with the renewable solar photovoltaic energy. That marks an excess or a shortage of power; to cope this uncontrolled power a storage system is compulsory. This work is specific to the pumped hydroelectric storage system which is favorable due to its ecological aspects and the subject matter. The proposed management takes into account the solar temporal variation combined to the pumping scheduling time and real-time fuel consumption optimization. This last proves the PSH’s performance dual function in both the irrigation and power restitution; it also reduces the gas emission and saves fuel. As far as this study is concerned, the suggested control is successfully examined through the management strategy in comparison to that of the literature. Consequently, this study could be helpful for similar future studies. Because, it links the diesel efficiency, solar variation, and dynamic load under the constraints of diesel rated power optimal sizing, PV panels surface, and water tank dimension.