K Rho | PubMed Health

PubMed2005

Modular synchronization in complex networks.

We study the synchronization transition (ST) of a modified Kuramoto model on two different types of modular complex networks. It is found that the ST depends on the type of intermodular connections. For the network with decentralized (centralized) intermodular connections, the ST occurs at finite coupling constant (behaves abnormally). Such distinct features are found in the yeast protein interaction network and the Internet, respectively. Moreover, by applying the finite-size scaling analysis to an artificial network with decentralized intermodular connections, we obtain the exponent associated with the order parameter of the ST to be beta approximately 1 different from beta(MF) approximately 1/2 obtained from the scale-free network with the same degree distribution but the absence of modular structure, corresponding to the mean field value.

Journal Article↗

PubMed2001

Extracellular polymeric substances in relation to nutrient removal from a sequencing batch biofilm reactor.

Experimental investigations were performed to determine the possibility of simultaneous biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal during various biofilm processes in conjunction with biofilm characterisation, especially extracellular polymeric substance (EPS). Since biologial nitrogen removal requires an alternating exposure of anaerobic-anoxic-oxic conditions in the bulk liquid that surrounds the biofilm growth media, a sequencing batch reactor (SBR)-type operation was used. Various materials including expanded clay, polystyrene, polyurethane, and acrylic materials were used as the biofilm growth support medium. Simultaneous nitrogen and phosphorus removal was possible with SBR, but it was postulated that nutrient removal efficiencies varied with film thickness. Thinner biofilm promoted nitrification and phosphorus removal, but thicker biofilm enhanced denitrification and reduced phosphorus removal. EPS contents were similar regardless of support media types or biofilm configuration, but EPS contents gradually increased as the film growth continued after backwashing. EPS contents were increased with increased nitrogen removal, but it was difficult to define its relation with phosphorus removal. In addition, suspended solids removal was correlated well with the EPS content in the biofilms.

Biofilms↗