bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maize (Zea Mays L) landraces from the southern region of Brazil: contamination by Fusarium sp, zearalenone, physical and mechanical characteristics of the kernels
Authors: Oliveira Tatiana Roselena de , Jaccoud-Filho David de Souza , Henneberg Luciana , Michel Milton Domingos , Demiate Ivo Mottin , Pinto Alessandra Teixeira Barbosa , Machinski Junior Miguel , Barana Ana Cláudia
Published: February 2010

This work had as objectives the study of the physical and mechanical characteristics of maize kernels in relation to the contamination by Fusarium sp and by zearalenone in twenty landraces of maize from the southern region of Brazil. From the analyzed samples, 60 % has been considered to have a hard endosperm type and 40 % an intermediary one. A correlation between the physical and mechanical variables was observed as an indication that the higher is the proportion of hard endosperm, more dense will be the kernel and more force for its rupture will be necessary. The level of contamination by Fusarium sp was between 5.5 and 24.75% among the analyzed grains, correlating positively with the flotation index, indicating that the landraces of maize with a softer endosperm can present a higher contamination by this genus. The presence of zearalenone was verified in 75 % of the samples, in concentrations varying from 50 to 640 µg kg-1.
Characterization of corn landraces planted grown in the campos gerais region (Paraná, Brazil) for industrial utilization
Authors: Pinto Alessandra Teixeira Barbosa , Pereira Joyce , Oliveira Tatiana Roselena de , Prestes Rosilene Aparecida , Mattielo Rodrigo Rodrigues , Demiate Ivo Mottin
Published: February 2010

This work has the objective of characterizing twenty corn landraces grown in the Campos Gerais region (Paraná State) in relation to its chemical composition (moisture, ash, protein, ether extract, dietary fiber and starch) and physical properties (weight of 1000 grains, real density, flotation index, granulometry and color). In addition, also the lab scale processing of the kernels from the varieties was carried out for producing starch; starch purity was evaluated by measuring its protein contamination. Amylose contents and viscoamylograph profile were also evaluated. The results showed that the evaluated landraces have differences in chemical composition as well as in pericarp/endosperm/germ proportions and consequently it should have different industrial applications and interest for plant breeding.
Isolation in HRT-18 cells and molecular analysis of a BCoV strain from diarrheic feces of naturally infected calves
Authors: Stipp Danilo Tancler , Barry Aline Fernandes , Alfieri Alice Fernandes , Bodnar Lívia , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo
Published: February 2010

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) may cause acute diarrhea in newborn calves, leading to significant economic losses for cattle farmers. There are several diagnostic techniques used to detect BCoV in calf fecal samples, but virus isolation still has advantages for antigenic and genomic characterization. This study describes the isolation in HRT-18 cells and molecular characterization of Brazilian BCoV wild-type strains. Three fecal samples from diarrheic 30 day-old calves were inoculated in HRT-18 cell monolayers, which were then evaluated for HA titers and tested using semi-nested PCR followed by RFLP and sequencing. Two samples were successfully isolated and presented HA titers of 16 and 32 units per 25 mL. The results were confirmed using semi-nested PCR and RFLP. Molecular analyses identified a cell culture-adapted strain and a wild-type strain that were genetically similar (99%) to each other, but more distinct than BCoV strains circulating in other countries, even in the conserved N gene.
Frequency of group a rotavirus in piglet stool samples from non-vaccinated Brazilian pig herds
Authors: Linares Rita de Cássia , Barry Aline Fernandes , Alfieri Alice Fernandes , Médici Kerlei Cristina , Feronato César , Grieder Wladimir , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo
Published: February 2010

Neonatal diarrhea is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in piglets, and it leads to significant economic losses for pig farmers worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of diagnosis, age group, and association of group A rotavirus (GARV) infection with diarrhea in piglets from pig herds in two (south and center-west)Brazilian geographical regions. The frequency of GARV diagnosis was evaluated between 2004 and 2007, using SS-PAGE on 681 fecal samples (428 diarrheic and 253 with normal consistency) from 1-4 week-old piglets. The animals were selected from 130 pig herds and 80 counties in the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, Mato Grosso do Sul, and Mato Grosso, Brazil. None of the herds were vaccinated against porcine GARV. Rotaviruses with the typical GARV electrophoretic pattern was identified in 193 (28.3%) fecal samples, and of these, 157 (81.3%) were diarrheic (p=0.001).Porcine GARV infection was identified in animals from all age groups evaluated, and the highest infection rate (54.7%; p=0.001) occurred in diarrheic piglets between 21 and 28 days of age. Diarrheic feces from 1-7 day-old piglets also had a high rate of rotavirus presence (32.3%), suggesting a failure in passive immunity. The high rate of porcine GARV infection in all geographical regions studied demonstrates the involvement of rotavirus in the etiology of neonatal diarrhea in Brazilian pig herds. This study highlights the importance of GARV infection for pig raising and the need of control and prophylactic measures for porcine rotavirus infection, including vaccination in the main areas of pork production in Brazil.
Multiple bovine papillomavirus infections associated with cutaneous papillomatosis in brazilian cattle herds
Authors: Claus Marlise Pompeo , Lunardi Michele , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo , Otonel Rodrigo Alejandro Arellano , Sartori Daniele , Fungaro Maria Helena Pelegrinelli , Alfieri Alice Fernandes
Published: February 2010

Cutaneous papillomatosis is a pathological condition commonly found in cattle and is characterized by the presence of benign proliferative tumors caused by bovine papillomavirus (BPV) infection. While multiple infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) are common in healthy and immunodeficient humans, studies with the aim of identifying mixed infections are still sporadic in veterinary medicine. The aim of this study is to describe the occurrence of multiple BPV infections in cattle affected by cutaneous papillomatosis. Fifteen skin warts were collected from at least two diverse anatomical regions of six bovines with papillomatosis belonging to three cattle herds from the Paraná state in Brazil. The BPV types present in the skin wart samples were determined by a PCR assay performed with the FAP primer pair for partial L1 gene amplification followed by direct sequencing or by cloning and sequencing of the inserts. Sequence analysis of the obtained amplicons allowed the identification of four characterized BPV types (BPV-1, -2, -6, and -8) and three previously described putative new BPV types (BPV/BR-UEL3, BPV/BR-UEL4, and BPV/BR-UEL5). Double infections were identified in four (A, B, D, and E) of the six animals included in this study. In this work, the strategy adopted to evaluate skin warts from diverse anatomical sites of the same animal allowed the identification of multiple infections with two or three different BPV types. The analysis of four animals belonging to a single cattle herd also showed the presence of six different viral types. These results clearly suggest that both multiple papillomaviral infection and a high viral diversity can be as frequent in cattle as in human beings.
Induced immune response of Escherichia coli BL21 expressing recombinant MSP1a and MSP1b proteins of Anaplasma marginale
Authors: Tamekuni Katia , Vidotto Marilda Carlos , Felix Samuel Rodrigues , Igarashi Michelle , Garcia João Luis , Coelho Adriana Letícia , Gasparini Marcela Ribeiro , Marana Elizabete Regina Marangoni , Silva Sérgio Silva da , Vidotto Odilon
Published: February 2010

This work aims to evaluate the potential of immunization with E. coli BL21 expressing the recombinant rMSP1a and rMSP1b proteins of Anaplasma marginale. E. coli BL21 was transformed with recombinant plasmids pET102/msp1α and pET101/msp1β, and rMSP1a and rMSP1b were expressed after induction by IPTG. BALB/c mice were vaccinated with formolized BL21/rMSP1a and BL21/rMSP1b, and the production in mice sera of whole IgG was determined by ELISA. The mice immunized with BL21/rMSP1a showed a better humoral response for whole IgG when compared to the mice immunized with BL21/rMSP1b; these mice exhibited a small response after the second vaccination. Sera of mice immunized with BL21/rMSP1a reacted via western blot with BL21 and rMSP1a, with molecular masses varying from 70 to 105 kDa. Sera of mice immunized with BL21/rMSP1b reacted with BL21 and rMSP1b with a molecular mass of 100 kDa. These results demonstrate that BL21 containing rMSP1a and rMSP1b in the outer membrane were able to produce an immune response in mice, reinforcing its use in vaccine models against bovine anaplasmosis.
Xylanase production by Streptomyces viridosporus T7A in submerged and solid-state fermentation using agro-industrial residues
Authors: Alberton Luiz Romulo , Vandenberghe Luciana Porto de Souza , Assmann Ricardo , Fendrich Ricardo Cancio , Rodriguéz-León José , Soccol Carlos Ricardo
Published: February 2010

The study of xylanase production was conducted by Streptomyces viridosporus T7A in submerged (SmF) and solid-state fermentation (SSF), using agro-industrial residues and sub-products. Napier grass, sugarcane bagasse and soybean bran were used as carbon source, substrate/support, and nitrogen source, respectively. In SmF, Napier grass (1% v/w) supplemented with soybean bran, hydroxyethylcellulose and B complex vitamins were used. Soybean bran (1.5 % w/v), B complex vitamins (0.1%), and hydroxyethilcellulose (0.15%) led to an increase in xylanase production (23.41 U/mL). In SSF, the effects of the following parameters were studied: substrate composition (sugarcane bagasse, Napier grass and soybean bran), initial moisture, and inoculum rate. In SSF, the highest xylanase activity (423.9 U/g) was reached with: 70 % sugarcane bagasse, 20% Napier grass and 10% soybean meal, 90% of moisture, and 10(7)/g substrate.
Development of a gas chamber for detecting broiler chicken halothane sensitivity and PSE (Pale, Soft, Exudative) meat formation
Authors: Marchi Denis Fabrício , Oba Alexandre , Ziober Iris Lamberti , Soares Adriana Lourenço , Ida Elza Iouko , Shimokomaki Massami
Published: February 2010

The objective of this work was to investigate the use of a halothane to screen broiler chickens prone to develop PSE (Pale, Soft, Exudative) meat through a special gas chamber connected to a veterinarian anaesthetic apparatus developed in our laboratory. Anaesthesia was induced with approx. 3.0% halothane at a flow rate of 6.0 Lm-1 in pure oxygen for 5 min. Commercial male broilers (n=342) aged 46 days old were evaluated and classified as either halothane sensitive (HAL+) or insensitive (HAL-), depending on the leg rigidity response. Approximately 27.5% (n=94) of broilers were HAL+ and 72.5% (n=248) were HAL-. This is a simple and rapid technique to evaluate broiler sensitivity to halothane and identify broilers prone to develop PSE meat. The occurrence of PSE meat in HAL insensitive broiler chicken samples suggests that other factors are related to PSE occurrence.
Sensitivity to halothane and its relationship to the development of PSE (Pale, Soft, Exudative) meat in female lineage broilers
Authors: Marchi Denis Fabrício , Trindade Marco Antônio , Oba Alexandre , Soares Adriana Lourenço , Ida Elza Iouko , Ferraz José Bento Sterman , Michelan Filho Tércio , Ziober Iris Lamberti , Shimokomaki Massami
Published: February 2010

This work aimed to evaluate female lineage broilers for halothane sensitivity and for their susceptibility to the subsequent development of PSE meat. The halothane test was carried out in an anesthetic chamber with 3.0% halothane. The unconscious birds were examined for leg muscle rigidity. If one or both legs became extended and rigid, the birds were classified as halothane sensitive (HAL+), while unresponsive birds were classified as halothane negative (HAL-). The results showed that of 298 birds aged 42 days old, 95.6% were HAL- and 4.4% were HAL+. A sample of pectoralis major muscle was collected from HAL- (n=105) and HAL+ (n=13) birds. The pH and breast fillet color were determined at 4ºC, 24 hours post-mortem. Interestingly, only 2.5% of HAL+ birds displayed PSE meat characteristics compared to 12.7% of HAL- individuals. The halothane test demonstrated that female lineage broilers displayed very little sensitivity towards halothane, indicating that the development of PSE meat is related to other environmental factors.
Enzymatic programs for broilers
Authors: Sorbara José Otávio Berti , Murakami Alice Eiko , Nakage Eliane Saiuri , Piracés Francisco , Potença Alexandra , Guerra Rafael Lachinski Holanda
Published: February 2010

Two trials were conducted on floor pens to evaluate the performance of broilers fed with diets contained different carbohydrases enzyme programs at different ages. Trial 1- The body weight gain (BWG) was affected by the Negative Control (NC) treatment (P<0.05). However, when the birds were fed with the NC diet + Amilase (AMY)+Xilanase (XYL), the BWG improved and reached the same level as the Positive Control (PC). Trial 2- The birds received enzymes supplementation in the total phase and others only in the grower phase.The ME reduction by 120 kcal/kg increased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P<0.05) when compared to PC and none of the enzyme programs was able to recover the performance. It can be concluded that it is possible to supplement with AMY during the role period of broiler chicken life or use an enzymatic program with AMY or AMY+XYL only in the grower phase.
Genetic relationships among strains of the Aspergillus niger aggregate
Authors: Ferracin Lara Munique , Frisvad Jens Christian , Taniwaki Marta Hiromi , Iamanaka Beatriz Thie , Sartori Daniele , Schapovaloff Maria Elena , Fungaro Maria Helena Pelegrinelli
Published: February 2010

We analyzed the genetic relationships between 51 fungal isolates previously identified as A. niger aggregate, obtained from dried fruit samples from worldwide origin and 7 A. tubingensis obtained from Brazilian coffee beans samples. Greater fungal diversity was found in black sultanas. Aspergillus niger sensu stricto was the most prevalent species. It was found in all fruit substrates of all geographical origins. Based on Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and β-tubulin sequences data two groups of A. niger were found. In spite of the small number of isolates from Group IV an association between extrolite patterns and molecular clustering is speculated. A. tubingensis were the second most frequent species and this species were clearly subdivided into two groups. The finding of two groups for A. tubingensis strains could not yet explain the contradictions found in the literature about the capability this species for ochratoxin production, because both of them were formed by only non-ochratoxin-producing strains.
Monitoring the nutritional and reproductive state of dairy cows through the presence of urea in milk
Authors: Grande Paula Adriana , Santos Geraldo Tadeu dos , Ribeiro Hilton , Damasceno Júlio César , Alcalde Claudete Regina , Barbosa Orlando Rus , Horst José Augusto , Santos Fabio Seiji dos
Published: February 2010

The effects of farm, parity (PO) and month of parturition on milk production, percentage of fat and protein, somatic cell count (SCC), and milk urea nitrogen (MUN) concentration were assessed on four specialized dairy farms using 120 cows. Also, the effects of MUN on gestation rate (GR) and artificial insemination rate (AIR) in early lactation were studied. The parameters of production and milk quality were similar among farms and were not influenced by the month of parturition. Farm D presented the highest MUN concentration. Concentration of MUN, percentages of fat and protein and SCC were not influenced by PO. Cows with a value of MUN between 10.1 and 13.0 mg/dL had the highest AIR and GR between days 55 and 70 postpartum and after 70 days in milk. These data suggested that MUN concentration was a useful parameter to predict the nutritional and reproductive stages of dairy cows.
Current Management of Gallbladder Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Andrew X. , Hong Theodore S. , Hezel Aram F. , Kooby David A.
Published: February 2010

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) represents the most common and aggressive type among the biliary tree cancers (BTCs). Complete surgical resection offers the only chance for cure; however, only 10% of patients with GBC present with early-stage disease and are considered surgical candidates. Among those patients who do undergo “curative” resection, recurrence rates are high. There are no established adjuvant treatments in this setting. Patients with unresectable or metastatic GBC have a poor prognosis. There has been a paucity of randomized phase III data in this field. A recent report demonstrated longer overall survival with gemcitabine in combination with cisplatin than with gemcitabine alone in patients with advanced or metastatic BTCs. Molecularly targeted agents are under development. In this review, we attempt to discuss the current status and key issues involved in the management of GBC.
Geomechanically-Constrained Wellpath Design: The Stability Volume Concept
Authors: Herrera Adrian Rodriguez
Published: February 2010

In wellbore stability studies, traditional methods to predict optimum drilling directions on an established stress regime involve punctual stereo-plots tied to a corresponding depth, which are treated as a discontinuous set of solutions for one continuous problem: the trajectory definition. In other words, desired well positions are isolated estimations that take time to refine into one integrated stability proposal. Due to this obstacle, these studies focus primarily on delivering optimum mud plans that only quote on reference drilling directions, instead of integrated trajectory-stability optimized solutions.

The method developed in this study, represents a new philosophy on addressing drilling direction effects in wellbore stability. Stability volumes are the outputs of an implemented search algorithm which seeks upon an entry point and inside 3D geological models, connected matches of curvature-constrained vectors that minimize tangential stress redistribution around a wellbore, within a given stress tensor and local (intersected) rock conditions. Thus, rock mechanical properties distribution is a major factor affecting possible solutions. The method reveals a tridimensional space of possible geomechanically stable well paths, to aid well design within an implicitly stable volume of the geological model: the Stability Volume. The main idea is to upgrade unbound well positions into complete trajectories with sequential wellbore stability analyses performed recursively by the algorithm. This way, and due to the speed of the method, it is possible to fluidly merge reservoir engineering and geomechanical considerations in well planning tasks.

This study analyses the development of the algorithm, its computation strategy and a proposed workflow, based on the interpretation of the resulting topological behaviors of the explored search space. Application scenarios are discussed, as well as the development of the computational and 3D visualization environment
Kinetic Modeling of the Sorption of Carbon Dioxide on Powder and Non-powder Bituminous Coal for Sequestration and Enhanced Coalbed Methane Recovery
Authors: Pone J. Denis
Published: February 2010

Geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide is an option for the mitigation of industrial emissions. However, considerable effort remains to shift this technology from its current status as potential solution to a safe, effective and trusted foundation to the global energy system. Characterization of gas movement and sorption capacity of coal at in-situ conditions is required. Using the volumetric method, measurements of CH4 and CO2 sorption and diffusion in coal have been made on powder and non-powder confined coal. Evaluation of sorption capacity and transport rates of gases in coal structure under replicated in-situ conditions is essential. Although crushed coal provides useful information for coal structure characterization, underground storage take place within compact coal monoliths. There is evidence that overburden stresses affects swelling and impacts gas movement in coal. This paper focuses primarily on the characterization of coal-gas system dynamic behavior during carbon dioxide sorption at replicated in-situ conditions. It includes the quantification of the effect of confining stress on sorption capacity and transport rates and its variation with time in coal at constant effective stress. Carbon dioxide sorption rates are evaluated for 1000 psi (6.9 MPa) and 2000 psi (13.8 MPa) confining stress. Information collected from the same coal, but unconfined and crushed allows comparison. Gas evolution curves are evaluated by a developed mathematical model and diffusion constants are extracted. Sorption and transport rates obtained can be used in reservoirs simulators of enhanced coalbed methane recovery and carbon dioxide sequestration in unmineable coal seams.
Developing Generalised Capillary Pressure Curves and Saturation Height Function for Shuaiba Carbonate Reservoirs in Field A
Authors: Al Waili Ibrahim H.
Published: February 2010

Shuaiba carbonate reservoirs have wide variations in their basic petrophysical properties (porosity, permeability) and hence capillary pressure. These properties require characterization since they have significant impact on hydrocarbon volumes estimations and production forecast. In addition, capillary pressure is one of the most important rock-fluid properties that petroleum engineers use to estimate initial oil distribution in the reservoir by converting it into Saturation Height Functions (SHF). However, generating representative capillary pressure curves is very challenging often due to limited data, large variation in rock fabrics and that capillary pressure measurements often have to be made with non reservoir fluids. Corey Brooks and Lambda functions were compared in the analysis and a SHF was derived from both core and log results. The high level of heterogeneity was shown in field A even using one set of porosity classes. A general SHF was obtained for field A and saturations from Log and core data can be matched to the SHF for field A Shuaiba reservoirs. A very good match was observed in the good quality reservoir sections. However there was no match in some wells at the water leg and poor quality reservoir sections.
The Effect of Spent Acid on Carbonate Rock Wettability
Authors: Saneifar Mehrnoosh
Published: February 2010

This is a study aimed at improving the efficiency of the matrix acidizing process, a well stimulation procedure applied to thousands of wells annually around the world. In these treatments, aqueous solutions of strong acid are injected into the formation. The injected water, which is referred to as spent acid after it reacts with the formation, will penetrate deeper into the formation beyond the stimulated zone. The spent acid needs to be easily removed so that the permeability to oil or gas can be restored. The time required for the cleanup of the spent acid from the formation depends on the formation permeability as well as the wettability and relative permeability characteristics.

An investigation of the possible changes in the wettability of the carbonate rock due to the invasion of spent acid and as a result of the additives added to the acid treatment showed that the carbonate rock by itself is relatively water wet and spent HCl does not change wettability of the rock. Experiments were further repeated with Zonly-8740, as a surface tension reducer additive and showed that Zonly-8740 changes wettability to gas wetting. A future plan is underway to investigate the effect of various additives and to study the long term effect on the wettability at reservoir conditions.
Nitrogen Leaching Losses from a Wastewater Land Application System
Authors: Duan Runbin , Fedler Clifford B. , Sheppard Christopher D.
Published: February 2010

Potential contamination of groundwater because of nitrogen leaching has been an important concern in municipal wastewater land application systems; however, few efforts have made to measure nitrogen leaching (total N, NO3−‐N, and NH4+‐N) under field conditions. This research successfully developed a conceptual nitrogen mass balance model and quantified its components at a wastewater land application system located at the City of Littlefield, Texas, from October 2005 to September 2007. The concentrations of total nitrogen and nitrate‐nitrogen in the leachate were significantly less than 10 mg/L, therefore, there was no potential nitrogen contamination to groundwater found at this site during the research period. Linear regression models were analyzed and resulted in R2 values of 0.918, 0.966, and 0.833 between cumulative applied total nitrogen mass and cumulative leached total nitrogen mass, cumulative applied nitrate‐nitrogen mass and cumulative leached nitrate‐nitrogen mass, and cumulative applied ammonia‐nitrogen mass and cumulative leached ammonia‐nitrogen mass, respectively. The nitrogen mass balance design approach for this site resulted in significant nitrogen removal. Organic nitrogen may leach with other forms of nitrogen, and denitrification plays an important role in nitrogen removal during the winter and spring seasons when the grass is dry.
Effect of Membranes on Refractory Dissolved Organic Nitrogen
Authors: Kim MinGu , Nakhla George
Published: February 2010

A 500‐day comparative study with a novel membrane bioreactor (NMBR), anaerobic‐anoxic‐aerobic (A2/O) process, and University of Cape Town‐adapted MBR (UMBR) investigated the effect of membrane on effluent dissolved organic nitrogen (efDON) using synthetic (SWW) and municipal wastewater (MWW). The runs, comparing an NMBR and A2/O process, indicated 0.3 mg/L lower efDON in the former than the latter. However, NMBR and UMBR achieved similar efDON quality, with an average of 0.8 mg/L, and the DON reduction by membrane averaged 0.4 mg/L, while the A2/O efDON was slightly higher than DON in the aeration tank, by 0.08 mg/L, on average. The efDON during the MWW run increased by as much as 0.8 mg/L compared with the SWW run. The efDON is a component of a protein found in soluble microbial products, and it followed a cyclical temporal pattern during the runs. Membrane fouling propensity increased the efDON. This study presents evidence that membranes are effective in reducing efDON.
Nitrogen Removal from Wastewater Using a Hybrid Membrane‐Biofilm Process: Pilot‐Scale Studies
Authors: Downing Leon S. , Bibby Kyle J. , Esposito Kathleen , Fascianella Tom , Tsuchihashi Ryujiro , Nerenberg Robert
Published: February 2010

The hybrid membrane biofilm process (HMBP) is a new approach to achieving total nitrogen removal from wastewater. Air‐filled, hollow‐fiber membranes are placed into an activated sludge basin and bulk aeration is suppressed. A nitrifying biofilm develops on the membranes, exporting nitrate and nitrite to the bulk liquid. The nitrate and nitrite are reduced by suspended biomass using influent BOD as the electron donor. Previous research demonstrated the HMBP concept at the bench scale and explored process fundamentals. This research explored the HMBP at the pilot scale, with a 120‐L reaction tank, real wastewater, and a potentially scalable configuration. Nitrification rates averaged 0.5 g N m−2/d−1, which were lower than found at the bench scale, and lower than predicted by a mathematical model, but still allowed effluent total nitrogen concentrations below 6 mg N/L with an average influent total nitrogen concentration of 25 mg N/L and a hydraulic retention time of 12 hours. More than 75% of the produced nitrate and nitrite was reduced with an average influent sCOD of only 68 mg/L and an average C:N ratio of 3.1. Mass balances on carbon and nitrogen suggest that nitrogen removal via nitrite occurred. This research confirms that the HMBP process is effective for BOD and nitrogen removal from wastewater, and suggests that the grid configuration is viable for scale‐up.
Enhanced Lipid Degradation in an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket Reactor by Integration with an Acidogenic Reactor
Authors: Kim Sang‐Hyoun , Shin Hang‐Sik
Published: February 2010

Lipids inhibition and their degradation in dairy wastewater treatment were investigated in this study. A two‐phase system, composed of an acidogenic continuously stirred tank reactor (CSTR) and a methanogenic upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor, was compared with the single‐phase system of a conventional UASB reactor. The systems were operated up to an organic loading rate of 8.09 g chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L·d at a lipid loading rate of 2.94 g COD/L·d. The two‐phase system showed better performance in COD removal (1.19 times), lipids removal (1.92 times), and methane production (1.42 times) compared with the single‐phase system. The degradation of lipids and the saturation of the double‐bonded lipids in the CSTR enhanced the performance of the system. In serum bottle tests at different lipids concentrations, a high lipids concentration resulted in a long lag‐phase time for methane production. However, 69.5% of COD eventually was converted to methane within 50 days at 6.1 g lipid‐COD/L.
Microcystin‐LR in Brazilian Aquaculture Production Systems
Authors: Barros Ludmilla S.S. , de Souza Fagner Correia , Tavares Lúcia Helena S. , Amaral Luiz A.
Published: February 2010

The growth of aquaculture production systems, mostly the sport‐fishing kind, coupled with a lack of control, brings about concerns on the quality of water and food produced. The current paper determines which factors may trigger the growth of cyanobacteria, with subsequent concentrations of microcystins in collected water samples, at the surface and in the water column, from 10 aquaculture systems, during the dry and rainy seasons. The above is undertaken by measurements of biotic (counting of Chlorophyceae, cyanobacteria, and microcystin‐LR [MC‐LR]) and abiotic (total nitrogen and total phosphorus) factors. Because the water from the 10 aquaculture production systems had MC‐LR concentrations that were highly correlated with Microcystis aeruginosa (M. aeruginosa) biomass, most MC‐LR microcystins were produced by this species. The MC‐LR concentrations and M. aeruginosa counting were positively correlated with nitrogen‐to‐phosphorus ratios and suggest that parameters may affect not only the M. aeruginosa biomass, but also MC‐LR concentrations.
Submerged Membrane Bioreactor at Substrate‐Limited Conditions: Activity and Biomass Characteristics
Authors: Delgado Sebastián , Villarroel Rafael , González Enrique
Published: February 2010

A pilot‐scale membrane bioreactor was operated for advanced treatment of secondary effluent from a wastewater treatment plant. The performance and biomass characteristics were evaluated under two different hydraulic retention time (HRT) values (7.5 and 15 hours). The system was operated successfully without biomass purge and, after an initial phase, evolved until reaching a constant mixed‐liquor volatile suspended solids (MLVSS) concentration, which resulted in the same value of carbon utilization rate (0.067 ± 0.004 kg COD kg−1 MLVSS d−1) for both HRTs. Respiration tests (maximum and endogenous oxygen uptake rates) confirmed a low microbial activity, which approached constant values (0.132 ± 0.001 and 0.064 ± 0.007 g O2 g−1 MLVSS d−1, respectively), regardless of the HRT. The sludge morphology and bound and supernatant extracellular polymeric substances also were assessed. Membrane performance was characterized by a stable behavior occurring simultaneously with a high level of biodegradation in the microcolloidal and soluble fraction.
Hermetic and Web Plagiarism Detection Systems for Student Essays—An Evaluation of the State-of-the-Art
Authors: Kakkonen Tuomo , Mozgovoy Maxim
Published: February 2010

Plagiarism has become a serious problem in education, and several plagiarism detection systems have been developed for dealing with this problem. This study provides an empirical evaluation of eight plagiarism detection systems for student essays. We present a categorical hierarchy of the most common types of plagiarism that are encountered in student texts. Our purpose-built test set contains texts in which instances of several commonly utilized plagiaristic techniques have been embedded. While Sherlock was clearly the overall best hermetic detection system, SafeAssignment performed best in detecting web plagiarism. TurnitIn was found to be the most advanced system for detecting semi-automatic forms of plagiarism such as the substitution of Cyrillic equivalents for certain characters or the insertion of fake whitespaces. The survey indicates that none of the systems are capable of reliably detecting plagiarism from both local and Internet sources while at the same time being able to identify the technical tricks that plagiarizers use to conceal plagiarism.
A Cognitive Tutor for Genetics Problem Solving: Learning Gains and Student Modeling
Authors: Corbett Albert , Kauffman Linda , Maclaren Ben , Wagner Angela , Jones Elizabeth
Published: February 2010

Genetics is a unifying theme of biology that poses a major challenge for students across a wide range of post-secondary institutions, because it entails complex problem solving. This article reports a new intelligent learning environment called the Genetics Cognitive Tutor, which supports genetics problem solving. The tutor presents complex, multi-step problems and is constructed around a cognitive model of the knowledge needed to solve the problems. This embedded cognitive model enables the tutor to provide step-by-step assistance, and to maintain a model of the student's problem-solving knowledge. The tutor consists of 16 modules with about 125 total problems, spanning five general topics: Mendelian inheritance, pedigree analysis, genetic mapping, gene regulation, and population genetics. This article reports two evaluations of the tutor. A pretest/posttest evaluation of student learning gains for individual tutor modules across multiple colleges and universities yielded average gains equivalent to almost two letter grades, and the accuracy of student modeling in predicting students' test performance was empirically validated.
Relative Extinction of Heterogeneous Agents
Authors: Cvitanic Jaksa , Malamud Semyon
Published: February 2010

In all the existing literature on survival in heterogeneous economies, the rate at which an agent vanishes in the long run relative to another agent can be characterized by the difference of the so-called survival indices, where each survival index only depends on the preferences of the corresponding agent and the properties of the aggregate endowment. In particular, one agent experiences extinction relative to another (that is, the wealth ratio of the two agents goes to zero) if and only if she has a smaller survival index. We consider a simple complete market model and show that the survival index is more complex if there are more than two agents in the economy. In fact, the following phenomenon may take place: even if agent one experiences extinction relative to agent two, adding a third agent to the economy may reverse the situation and force the agent two to experience extinction relative to agent one. We also calculate the rates of convergence.
Alternative Educational Futures for a Knowledge Society
Authors: Young Michael
Published: February 2010

This article offers a critical analysis of recent trends in educational policy with particular reference to their assumptions about the knowledge society. It examines the implications of the analysis for the issue of elitism and the promotion of greater educational equality. The article concludes by offering an alternative approach to educational policy based on a social realist theory of knowledge.
Reflecting on the Bologna Outcome Space: Some Pitfalls to Avoid? Exploring Universities in Sweden and the Netherlands
Authors: Teelken Christine , Wihlborg Monne
Published: February 2010

Europeans have tried for decades to find a way to take a mutual stance on issues of higher education and its development. In terms of taking on the challenge of such a mutual commitment with respect to higher education, the Bologna process is a giant step for the European Union. It involves a large number of countries, representing a great variety of higher education systems, which are currently engaged in a process of striving for certain common, converging goals. The question is whether this is also the ‘right step’ in terms of the actual organisational goals of higher education institutions: teaching students to the best of their abilities, carrying out good-quality research, and serving a constructive societal role. Is the Bologna process as such helpful in achieving these goals, or do we need to acknowledge peripheral forces that are affecting the (Bologna) process to a much higher degree than we bargained for? The purpose of this article is to explore both mainstream and more tangential issues in order to cast a more critical spotlight on the outcomes of the Bologna process and its construction(s). The article attempts to contribute to the Bologna debate, with emphasis on three contradictions, by placing these issues in a broader perspective.
Learning and Emotion: Perspectives for Theory and Research
Authors: Hascher Tina
Published: February 2010

There is growing interest in and knowledge about the interplay of learning and emotion. However, the different approaches and empirical studies correspond to each other only to a low extent. To prevent this research field from increasing fragmentation, a shared basis of theory and research is needed. The presentation aims at giving an overview of the state of the art, developing a general framework for theory and research, and outlining crucial topics for future theory and research. The presentation focuses on the influence of emotions on learning. First, theories about the impact of emotions on learning are introduced. Second, the importance of these theories for school learning are discussed. Third, empirical evidence resulting from school-based research about the role of emotions for learning is presented. Finally, further research demands are stressed.
Higher Education and Employability of Graduates: Will Bologna Make a Difference?
Authors: Stiwne Elinor Edvardsson , Alves Mariana Gaio
Published: February 2010

This article focuses on the relationship between higher education, employability of graduates and students' satisfaction with their studies, drawing on European statistics, as well as on data collected at national and/or institutional level in Portugal and Sweden. Employability has been understood as a measure of higher education quality and one of the issues at stake within the Bologna process. Having this in mind, the authors try to answer three main questions: What was the baseline situation in the two countries concerning higher education systems, enrolment in higher education and graduate employability before 2007? Were students satisfied with their studies and professional job situation before 2007? Which trends is it possible to envisage — tendencies of enrolment, mobility, employment — after 2007? Data analysed allows these questions to be answered and provides an important comparison due to the fact that both countries started to implement the Bologna structure in 2007 and have quite different educational systems. The authors discuss if ‘Bologna’ makes a difference regarding graduate employability and students' satisfaction with their studies, and how the differences between the countries can be understood.
Employability and Finnish University Graduates
Authors: Puhakka Antero , Rautopuro Juhani , Tuominen Visa
Published: February 2010

In this article the authors concentrate on the change in the concept of employability during the Bologna process. They show that employability has gradually moved from a peripheral to a core presence in the most recent Bologna process documents. Using a Finnish university merger (University of Eastern Finland) as an example, the authors demonstrate that implementation of the Bologna process has reached the most remote eastern border of the European Union. The Bologna process is shaping the Finnish universities, and employability discussion is embedded in university reforms. The authors argue that the reason why employability has been raised as one of the core concepts of the Bologna process is labour market needs. Moreover, students want university education to help their transition to the world of work. On the other hand, employers want graduates who are well prepared for the world of work. In this way, the raison d'être for universities is to fulfil the needs of national economies and the labour market.
Defining and Comparing Generic Competences in Higher Education
Authors: Kallioinen Outi
Published: February 2010

In this article the author discusses the importance of defining generic competences in alignment with the European definitions. As a case study the generic competences defined by Laurea University of Applied Sciences are compared with European definitions of generic competences. The purpose is to open up the various perspectives within this thematic field of interest and reflect on them according to the objectives of the European Higher Education Area. The comparative matrix of generic competences enhances the comparison of learning outcomes in higher education institutions, facilitates credit transfer and the acknowledgement of prior learning.
The Bologna Process and the Economic Impacts of Research and Development within the Context of Europeanization: The Case of Finland
Authors: Habti Driss
Published: February 2010

Higher education and public research play an important role in economic development, mainly in industrial research and development (R & D) and innovation through the manufacturing sector. Finland has taken great strides in this regard as it represents a Europeanization of a knowledge system in the European Union, being relevant at the international level for the outstanding development the economy has witnessed throughout the R & D sector while facing international challenges. The available database from Tekes (on the current state of the Finnish R & D sector) provided records of the gradual development of the sector over time and at different levels of the Finnish knowledge system. The article does not describe major policy measures of the Bologna process but rather attempts to consider the economic rationale of R & D development and its economic impacts in Finland within the Bologna framework. The article is concerned with the ways in which Finnish R & D under specific conditions has given results at the economic level with the Europeanization process and its subsequent policies. A synoptic view is given of higher education research strategies in terms of R & D and the article also touches on the issue of the general effects of the development of R & D and its economic relevance in light of the Bologna reforms.
Effect of Prior Intensive Therapy in Type 1 Diabetes on 10-Year Progression of Retinopathy in the DCCT/EDIC: Comparison of Adults and Adolescents
Authors: White Neil H. , Sun Wanjie , Cleary Patricia A. , Tamborlane William V. , Danis Ronald P. , Hainsworth Dean P. , Davis Matthew D. ,   for the DCCT-EDIC Research Group
Published: February 2010

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine differences between adolescents and adults in persistence of the benefits of intensive therapy 10 years after completion of the Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

During the Epidemiology of Diabetes Interventions and Complications (EDIC) study, progression of retinopathy from DCCT closeout to EDIC year 10 was evaluated in 1,055 adults and 156 adolescents.

RESULTS

During 10 years of follow-up, HbA1c (A1C) was similar between original intensive (INT) and conventional (CON) groups and between former adolescents and adults. At EDIC year 10, adults in the former INT group continued to show slower progression of diabetic retinopathy than those in the CON group (adjusted hazard reduction 56%, P < 0.0001), whereas in adolescents this beneficial effect had disappeared (32%, P = 0.13). Seventy-nine percent of observed differences in the prolonged treatment effect between adults and adolescents at year 10 were explained by differences in mean A1C during DCCT between adolescents and adults (8.9 vs. 8.1%), particularly between INT adolescents and adults (8.1 vs. 7.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Prior glycemic control during DCCT is vital for the persistence of the beneficial effects of INT therapy 10 years later. Lowering A1C to as close to normal as safely possible without severe hypoglycemia and starting as early as possible should be attempted for all subjects with type 1 diabetes. These results underscore the importance of maintaining A1C at target values for as long as possible because the benefits of former INT treatment wane over time if A1C levels rise.
Breeding birds in the terrestrial part of Medvedce reservoir (NE Slovenia)
Authors: Kerček Matjaž
Published: February 2010

Gnezdilke Kopenskega dela Zadrževalnika Medvedce (SV Slovenija)
Application of Fungal Waste Biomass Originating from Steroid Hormone Manufacture for Heavy Metals Removal
Authors: Paraszkiewicz Katarzyna , Felczak Aleksandra , Długoński Jerzy
Published: February 2010

The biomass of Curvularia lunata, used previously for hydrocortisone production, was investigated as a heavy metal biosorbent. Removal of lead, zinc and cadmium ions was evaluated as a function of biosorbent dosages, initial ion concentrations, mode of mycelium modifications, initial pH of metal solutions and when these metals ions where presented in binary as well in ternary combinations. The results presented in this paper indicate the potential utility of C. lunata waste biomass for lead and, to a lower extent, for zinc and cadmium ions removal from acid solutions.
A Comparison of two Sphenoidotomy Approaches using a Novel Computerized Tomography grading System
Authors: Gheriani Heitham , Flamer David , Orton Trent , Mechor Brad , Javer Amin R.
Published: February 2010

Background

Endoscopic management of sphenoid sinus disease has great potential for surgical complications. A variety of endoscopic surgical techniques have been described for entering the sphenoid sinus. The utility of these surgical techniques is based on the position of the superior turbinate attachment to the sphenoid face (Parson's ridge). We introduce a novel computerized tomography (CT) grading system for the attachment of the superior turbinate to the sphenoid face. Using this new grading system, we recommend a safer systematic approach for entry into the sphenoid sinus.

Methods

A grading based on the attachment of the superior turbinate to the sphenoid face at the level of the natural sphenoid ostium was developed. A total of 53 patients were enrolled. Types A, B, and C refer to the superior turbinate attachment at the medial, middle, or lateral third of the anterior sphenoid face, respectively, and type D refers to orbital attachment of the superior turbinate. The surgical approach used (superior turbinate intact [STI] or superior turbinate resection [STR]) was recorded and correlated to the type of superior turbinate attachment.

Results

The overall incidence of the various superior turbinate attachments were 40% (41) for type A, 41% (42) for type B, 18% (19) for type C, and 1% (1) for type D. STR was used in 38 sides (44%) and STI was used in 48 sides (56%). Spearman correlation study showed that the closer the superior turbinate attachment was to the orbit the more likely STR was used as the choice of entry into the sphenoid (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

To perform a safe sphenoid entry it is pertinent to evaluate the superior turbinate attachment to the sphenoid face before making a decision on the method of entry.