Influence of pH change on the phosphorus cycle in aquaponics

In fish farming, large amounts of phosphorus (P) are accumulating in the discharge, which on one side poses a problem due to eutrophication potential, but on the other side opens a chance for recycling of this critically limiting nutrient. In aquaponics (AP), which is the combined cultivation of fish (aquaculture) and plants (hydroponic) in one water cycle, plants assimilate P present in aquaculture discharge. The aim of this study was to investigate the P-cycling in aquaponic in order to be able to further optimise P utilisation. For this, the effect of pH manipulation on the system was examined. Three replicates of semi-commercial size aquaponic systems, stocked with Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), and planted with lettuce (Salanova® Batavia) were monitored from 22th September to 8th November 2017. The pH was adjusted to 6.0±0.2 by adding acid (HCl) during weeks 1 and 2, and to 7.3±0.3 by adding bases (KOH and Ca(OH)2) during weeks 3 and 4. Ortho-P and total-P from different sampling points in the system (system water, sludge, and deposits) were analysed. In addition, biomass production of fish and lettuce, and its nutrient content was compared between the triplicates. The P balance showed that 41% and 8% of the total P inputs provided by feed and water were absorbed by fish and plants, respectively. 27% of P accumulated in the system water, and 24% in form of deposits (biofilm on sump and fish tank surface and deposits on digester heater). Furthermore, digested sludge contained more ortho-P (14-55% of total-P) than fresh sludge (5-10% of total-P). In addition, around 90% of total-P was present as ortho-P in a system water. The ortho-P concentrations after the manipulations of pH in the aquaponic system water surprisingly increased with increasing pH. This is probably due to the complex dynamics between P and Ca. The established P mass balance identified and quantified several P pools, demonstrating that aquaponics systems can maximize overall P utilization if a digester is included into the loop

Evaluation of numerical simulations of CO2 transport in a city block with field measurements

Studying urban air-transport phenomena is highly complex, because of the heterogenous flow patterns that can arise. The main reason for these is the variable topology of urban areas, however, there is a large number of influencing variables such as meteorological conditions (e.g., wind situation, temperature) and anthropogenic factors such as traffic emissions. During a one-year CO2 measurement campaign in the city of Basel, Switzerland, steep CO2 gradients were measured around a large building. The concentration differences showed a strong dependency on the local flow regimes. Analysis of the field data alone did not provide a complete explanation for the mechanisms underlying the observed phenomena. The key numerical parameters were defined and the influence of turbulent kinetic energy dependency on the time interval for the Reynolds decomposition was studied. A Reynolds-Average Navier-Stokes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approach was applied in the study area and the CO2 concentrations were simulated for six significant meteorological situations and compared to the measured data. Two flow regimes dependent on the wind situation, which either enhanced or suppressed the concentration of CO2 in the street canyon, were identified. The enhancement of CO2 in the street canyon led to a large difference in CO2 concentration between the backyard- and street-sides of a building forming the one wall of the canyon. The specific characteristics of the flow patterns led to the identification of the processes determining the observed differences in CO2 concentrations. The combined analysis of measurement and modeling showed the importance of reliable field measurements and CFD simulations with a high spatial resolution to assess transport mechanisms in urban area

A Novel Triterpene Saponin from Gypsophila capillaris

A novel C-28 tetraglycoside of quillaic acid (1) has been isolated from Gypsophila capillaris. The structure was elucidated by 1 D NMR (NOE difference, DEPT, selective13C{1H} INEPT), 2D NMR (1H,1H and1H,13C COSY,1H,1H,1H RELAY, ROESY and TOCSY) and other spectroscopic and chromatographic evidences. Conformational dynamics within the tetrasaccharide part were estimated from NOE responses and ROESY peaks. © 1995 Verlag der Zeitschrift für Naturforschung. All rights reserved

Dopamine receptor 4 promoter polymorphism modulates memory and neuronal responses to salience

Animal models and human functional imaging data implicate the dopamine system in mediating enhanced encoding of novel stimuli into human memory. A separate line of investigation suggests an association between a functional polymorphism in the promoter region for the human dopamine 4 receptor gene (DRD4) and sensitivity to novelty. We demonstrate, in two independent samples, that the -521Cmayor queT DRD4 promoter polymorphism determines the magnitude of human memory enhancement for contextually novel, perceptual oddball stimuli in an allele dose-dependent manner. The genotype-dependent memory enhancement conferred by the C allele is associated with increased neuronal responses during successful encoding of perceptual oddballs in the ventral striatum, an effect which is again allele dose-dependent. Furthermore, with repeated presentations of oddball stimuli, this memory advantage decreases, an effect mirrored by adaptation of activation in the hippocampus and substantia nigra/ventral tegmental area in C carriers only. Thus, a dynamic modulation of human memory enhancement for perceptually salient stimuli is associated with activation of a dopaminergic-hippocampal system, which is critically dependent on a functional polymorphism in the DRD4 promoter region

Studies in the Arts: An Artistic-Scientific Doctorate

Since 2011, the University of Bern and the Bern Academy of the Arts have been running a joint interdisciplinary artistic-scientific doctoral programme that is unique. This article presents the programme and its contents, but also its challenges, results, and perspectives. An in-depth interview by Angelika Boeck and Peter Tepe with Thomas Gartmann is in preparation

Chapter 27 Repeatability versus Unrepeatability in Free Improvisation

The idea of improvisation, broadly defined, has been integral to our imagination of the medieval musical past. It can be related to many elements of production: to the act of un-notated creation; to the manipulation and amplification of notated materials; to our observance of rigid rules and formulae; or to spontaneous freedom. Likely a product of the Carolingian Renaissance, this is the first medieval music treatise to address an aspect of chant performance that does not only relate to a memorized repertoire, but includes an unwritten practice of extemporizing an accompanying voice to a pre-given melody. The art of “coloration” or the ornamentation of a line, whether polyphonic or monophonic, had been an integral part of extemporization since at least the time of the Ad organum faciendum treatises. When planning author's ontological inquiries, the author's would do well to remember the possible existence of creativity that is not inspired, or ephemerality that is not performer- or expression-centered

Chapter 27 Repeatability versus Unrepeatability in Free Improvisation

The idea of improvisation, broadly defined, has been integral to our imagination of the medieval musical past. It can be related to many elements of production: to the act of un-notated creation; to the manipulation and amplification of notated materials; to our observance of rigid rules and formulae; or to spontaneous freedom. Likely a product of the Carolingian Renaissance, this is the first medieval music treatise to address an aspect of chant performance that does not only relate to a memorized repertoire, but includes an unwritten practice of extemporizing an accompanying voice to a pre-given melody. The art of “coloration” or the ornamentation of a line, whether polyphonic or monophonic, had been an integral part of extemporization since at least the time of the Ad organum faciendum treatises. When planning author's ontological inquiries, the author's would do well to remember the possible existence of creativity that is not inspired, or ephemerality that is not performer- or expression-centered

A validated design methodology for a closed-loop subsonic wind tunnel

Abstract A systematic investigation into the design and simulation of flow parameters in a closed-loop wind tunnel was carried out using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The analytical model for estimating pressure losses were directed as input boundary conditions. Full-scale model of the entire wind tunnel was considered instead of the conventional approach, in which only test section flow is simulated. This allowed for optimisation of flow quality not only in the test section but also the flow in the entire circuit. Analysis of the guide vane configurations showed that test section flow quality was more affected by flow conditions in upstream than downstream sections. Hence, special attention must be given while designing the vanes at upstream turns particularly corners in line with the test section. Validation of the test section with block model showed that CFD was able to replicate wind tunnel measurements of velocity, turbulence intensity and pressure coefficient with error below 10%

Physiotherapy interventions in post- and long-COVID-19: a scoping review protocol

Introduction Post- or long-COVID-19 conditions manifest with a spectrum of symptoms reminiscent of pulmonary, musculoskeletal, psychological and neurological disorders. Individuals with post- or long-COVID-19 syndrome often present with myalgia, pulmonary problems and fatigue, which significantly impact their daily functioning. Physiotherapy interventions are an accepted medical remedy for these symptoms. This scoping review aims to outline the evidence of physiotherapy interventions documented in the scientific literature, specifically focusing on hands-on therapy. Methods and analysis This scoping review conforms to the methodological framework established by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). The procedure for drafting a scoping review involves several steps, starting with defining the research question and the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eligible studies are those analysing physiotherapy treatment parameters for direct patient interaction in post- and long-COVID-19 patients. Telemedicine and entirely home-based workouts will be excluded aligning with the context of outpatient physiotherapy in Germany. The literature search will be conducted in PubMed, EBSCO research, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, PEDRO, Cochrane and WISO databases by two independent researchers. Screening, data extraction and a critical appraisal will be performed by these researchers using assessment tools provided by the JBI. Extracted data will encompass demographic characteristics, definitions of post- or long-COVID-19 conditions, descriptions of interventions, their treatment parameters and treatment outcome. Subsequently, findings will be disseminated through a scoping review article or conference presentation. Ethics and dissemination Given that this review does not involve human participants, ethical committee approval is deemed unnecessary. The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at academic and physiotherapeutic conferences