bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direito à informação governamental: questões acerca da positividade e legitimação de um direito fundamental │ The right to governmental information: on the enforcement and legitimation of a fundamental right
Authors: Cruz Emília Barroso
Published: March 2017

Resumo Neste artigo discutimos o direito à informação governamental como um direito fundamental, e seu processo de positivação no Brasil. O exercício do direito não está ligado apenas à promulgação de normas jurídicas, mas também ao reconhecimento ético do seu valor, por meio do debate público. No Brasil, onde este direito está positivado pela Constituição Federal desde 1988, não há indícios de percepção de legitimidade e validade dessas normas jurídicas pelos servidores Federais, de acordo com pesquisa realizada pela CGU/UNESCO[1].Concluímos que as discussões sobre a implementação da Lei de Acesso à Informação podem possibilitar o debate e validação ética faltantes.Palavras-chave Lei de Acesso à Informação; Direito à informação; Informação governamental; Legitimidade e validade do direito; Administração pública.Abstract This article discusses the right to government information as a fundamental right, and its enforcement by Brazilian law. This right is not just linked to the enactment of legal norms, but also to the ethical recognition of its value, through public debate. In Brazil, where this right is enforced by the Federal Constitution since 1988, there is no evidence of perceived legitimacy and validity of these legal norms by Federal public servants, according to research conducted by CGU/ UNESCO. We conclude that the discussions about the implementation of the Information Access Act will enable the missed debate and ensuing validation.Keywords Information Access Act, Information Right, Government Information, Legitimacy and validity of law; Public administration.
Apresentação │ Presentation
Authors: Jardim José Maria , Indolfo Ana Celeste
Published: March 2017

Resumo
Selection of biopolymers to develop a biodegradable and ediblefilm for packaging of luncheon chicken meat slices
Authors: Bhattacharya Dipanwita , G. Kandeepan
Published: March 2017

Environmental concerns over disposal of nonrenewable food packaging materials contributed to renewed interest in development of edible coating and films. Meat is one of the most nutrient rich food items and is therefore, highly perishable item due to a considerable microbial load and its autolytic degradation. Edible films and coatings extend the shelf life of foods and others by acting as barriers and also as carriers of substances to inhibit pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. So, it was proposed to develop edible film as primary packaging material and LDPE film as secondary packaging material for luncheon chicken slices to protect from environmental hazards. The present study revealed 2% carboxy-methyl-cellulose (CMC) best suited for the preparation of edible film on the basis of parameters like elongation ability, film solubility and transparency. As in the cases of 1% and 1.5% levels of carboxy-methyl-cellulose (CMC) film, although they were superior in film solubility and elongation ability, it was difficult to wrap meat products with that due to their poor mechanical property.
Grab a healthy bite: Nutritional evaluation of barley based cookies
Authors: Alka Vasan , Pinky Boora , Neelam Khetarpaul
Published: March 2017

Healthy snacking improves overall health, curbs cravings, fights weight gain, and boosts brain power to give you the energy you need to keep going all day. Keeping this in mind, the present study was carried out to nutritionally evaluate the barley supplemented cookies, subjected to processing namely soaking, popping and malting incorporating barley genotype namely BH-942. Cookies were developed from barley flour subjected to three types of processing viz., soaking, popping and malting. Their physical and sensory characteristics were also recorded in the present investigation. Overall, the highest mean score of overall acceptability was recorded from Control followed by malted flour cookies. It was also observed that malted flour cookies were found to have highest contents of crude protein, crude fiber, dietary fiber and soluble fiber. The investigation thus suggests that replacement of traditional food ingredients like wheat with barley can be nutritious and beneficial.
Managing Complexity For Creating Breakthrough Inventions: Focusing On Collaboration Teams And Prior Art
Authors: Mun Hee Jin , Chung Yerim
Published: March 2017

Inventing processes are often greatly complex, resulting in the difficulty of creating breakthrough inventions. But the relationship between the complexity of inventing and the creation of breakthrough inventions and ways of dealing with the complexity of inventing have received little research attention. This study focuses on the effect of coupling, one of the causes of complex inventing, on the likelihood of creating breakthrough inventions and suggests two moderating factors: the size of collaboration teams and the oldness of prior art. Based on U.S. granted patents in optical disc technology domains applied during 1997–2001, the empirical results showed the negative effect of coupling on the likelihood of creating breakthrough patents and the weakening moderating effect of the number of inventors involved in generating patents.
Audit Quality And Accrual Quality: Do Big 4 Auditors Indeed Enhance Accrual Quality Of ‘Powerful’ Clients?
Authors: Park Sorah
Published: March 2017

External auditors are considered ‘watchdogs’ which closely monitor corporate financial reporting process and provide guidelines for investors and financial institutions. However, recent accounting scandals in Korea indicate that external auditors may cater their audit reports to their clients’ needs. Based on a sample of listed companies on the Korea Stock Exchange from 2001 to 2010, this study finds the evidence consistent with such conjecture. First, large business conglomerates in Korea (so called ‘chaebols’) audited by Big 4 have lower accrual quality than the others, indicating that Big 4 auditors may not serve as watchdogs to enhance accrual quality of ‘powerful’ clients. However, powerful clients who pay greater non-audit service fees to Big 4 auditors have higher accrual quality than the others. This result suggests that non-audit services provided by Big 4 may not necessarily harm the quality of accounting information, contrary to the traditional view in the literature.
Voluntary Delisting In Korea: Causes And Impact On Company Performance
Authors: Kang Sun Min
Published: March 2017

This research investigates the attributes of firms that choose to voluntarily delist in Korea, including the evolution of firms after delisting, using performance indicators such as total assets, revenue, and net income. Empirical evidence suggests that the higher the shareholding ratio of the largest shareholder and the higher the growth prospects and liquidity, the greater the incentive for voluntary delisting. In addition, firms in non-high-tech industries choose to delist more often than those in high-tech industries. Further, firms that have delisted show lower total assets, revenues, and net incomes than listed firms, and these gaps increase over time.
Fructose Consumption in the Development of Obesity and the Effects of Different Protocols of Physical Exercise on the Hepatic Metabolism
Authors: Pereira Rodrigo M. , Botezelli José Diego , Rodrigues Kellen Cristina Da Cruz , Cintra Dennys Esper , Pauli José Rodrigo , Ramos  da Sanchez Adelino Adelino Sanchez , Ropelle Eduardo Rochette , de Moura Leandro P.
Published: March 2017

Fructose consumption has been growing exponentially and, concomitant with this, the increase in the incidence of obesity and associated complications has followed the same behavior. Studies indicate that fructose may be a carbohydrate with greater obesogenic potential than other sugars. In this context, the liver seems to be a key organ for understanding the deleterious health effects promoted by fructose consumption. Fructose promotes complications in glucose metabolism, accumulation of triacylglycerol in the hepatocytes and alterations in the lipid profile, which, associated with an inflammatory response and alterations in the redox state, will imply a systemic picture of insulin resistance. However, physical exercise has been indicated for the treatment of several chronic diseases. In this review, we show how each exercise protocol (aerobic, strength or a combination of both) promote improvements in the obesogenic state created by fructose consumption as an improvement in the serum and liver lipid profile (HDL increase and decrease TG and LDL levels) and a reduction of markers of inflammation caused by an excess of fructose. Therefore, it is concluded that the practice of aerobic physical exercise, strength or a combination of both is essential for attenuating the complications developed by the consumption of fructose.
Remote Directional Drilling and Logging in the Arctic
Authors: Wilson Adam
Published: March 2017

This article, written by Special Publications Editor Adam Wilson, contains highlights of paper SPE 178873, “Remote Directional-Drilling and Logging-While-Drilling Operations in the Arctic,” by Crispin Chatar, SPE, Alexey Stepnov, Anton Mardyashov, and Juan Raul Elizondo Gonzalez, Schlumberger, prepared for the 2016 IADC/SPE Drilling Conference and Exhibition, Fort Worth, Texas, USA, 1–3 March. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Few locations present as many challenges for drilling as the Arctic. It is one of the most hostile environments in the world, with some of the most remote locations, the toughest logistics challenges, and the largest gaps in infrastructure on the planet. One solution to reduce risk to personnel and the environment and to optimize cost was to use directional drilling and to log the well remotely. Advances in data, communication, and transmission technology have made this possible.

Challenges of Remote Operations

Implementing remote operations is not simple and definitely cannot be accomplished without thorough planning. Three key elements are required: people, infrastructure, and processes.

First, the right profiles and competency levels to staff both field crews and remote operations centers (ROCs) must be identified.

Second, infrastructure must be considered. Every remotely operated rig and ROC should be equipped with a standard kit that provides a reliable fit-for-purpose communication channel, ensuring continuous remote control.

Finally, processes must be determined, reviewed, and implemented. Developing global baselines that will be adopted and adapted by the business units will provide consistency. This includes hazard analysis and risk-control documents; responsible, accountable, consulted, and informed charts; escalation matrices; emergency response plans; remote-operation standards; and remote-operation implementation guidelines.

Challenges of the Arctic

Drilling at high latitudes presents unique challenges. First, some personnel are reluctant to work in such an extreme environment. Temperature is only one of the reasons these environments are seen as harsh. These environments also experience cyclic opportunities for operations. An example of this is seen in Alaska, where, in summer, there is less drilling at high latitudes because the required infrastructure changes when the ice roads melt, preventing machinery and equipment from being transported.

The environment also is isolated from proper infrastructure, and it can take twice as many employees to perform a given task because most employees will work on rotation. This doubles the health, safety, and environment (HSE) risk.

Other reasons make these locations less attractive from a business perspective. These include the cost of special equipment, the cost of transport, and the cost of infrastructure. All of these are challenges that every operator must consider before beginning operations in the Arctic. Other risks are the health and safety of employees and the environment.
Technology Focus: Well Testing (February 2017)
Authors: Guzman-Garcia Angel G.
Published: March 2017

Technology Focus

2016 was another slow year in the oil industry as the price of oil remained low. Despite the ongoing downturn, the 18th meeting of the Win Cubed Well Test Net-work (WTN) was hosted by Tetra Technologies in Houston in April. There were 37 attendees present plus 11 others who participated by telephone. Delegates represented a broad spectrum of operators and service companies, as well as a few independent consultants. Fourteen presentations covered success stories and innovations developed and implemented in the industry. During the 2-day meeting, an enthusiastic and open-minded participation was commonplace. A significant portion of participants contributed to the discussion and, on the basis of experience, helped build on the presentations to ensure that relevant information was shared with the group. Plans are already under way for the WTN 2017 meeting in Houston. For those interested, further information about the meeting as well as steps to join the network can be found at www.wincubed.co.uk.

Continued enthusiasm in the well-testing segment of the oil industry is also apparent. Even though there was a smaller number of articles and presentations among various conferences related to well testing during 2016, there are articles that contribute significantly not only for the experts but also for the upcoming generation. The papers for this issue of JPT were selected to cover field applications as well as value added by consultants and academics. As difficult as it is to narrow down the list to three manuscripts, I have confidence that, in the end, these three manuscripts show insightful use of well-test data. The additional-reading articles selected offer many insights that are of value to the practitioner. Most certainly, the interested reader should seek further articles on this topic in the OnePetro library.

Recommended additional reading at OnePetro: www.onepetro.org.

SPE 177785 Successful Delivery of Downhole Measurements From Abu Dhabi Giant Offshore Field by Daniel Newton, Zakum Development Company, et al.

SPE 179008 Applied Buildup-Well-Test Interpretation: Field Testing of Conventional and Deconvolution Methods by Omar Rosario, PDVSA, et al.

SPE 181352 Consistent Integration of Drillstem-Test Data Into Reservoir Models on a Giant Field Offshore Norway by Jon Sætrom, Resoptima, et al.

SPE 181546 Temperature Transients Affect Reservoir-Pressure Estimation During Well Tests—Case Study and Model by Pierre-David Maizeret, Schlumberger, et al.
Toward a Better Assessment of Biochar–Nitrous Oxide Mitigation Potential at the Field Scale
Authors: Verhoeven Elizabeth , Pereira Engil , Decock Charlotte , Suddick Emma , Angst Teri , Six Johan
Published: March 2017

Through meta‐analysis, we synthesize results from field studies on the effect of biochar application on N2O emissions and crop yield. We aimed to better constrain the effect of biochar on N2O emissions under field conditions, identify significant predictor variables, assess potential synergies and tradeoffs between N2O mitigation and yield, and discuss knowledge gaps. The response ratios for yield and N2O emissions were weighted by one of two functions: (i) the inverse of the pooled variance or (ii) the inverse of number of observations per field site. Significant emission reductions were observed when weighting by the inverse of the pooled variance (−18.1 to −7.1%) but not when weighting by the number of observations per site (−17.1 to +0.8%), thus revealing a bias in the existing data by sites with more observations. Mean yield increased by 1.7 to 13.8%. Our study shows yield benefits but no robust evidence for N2O emission reductions by biochar under field conditions. When weighted by the inverse of the number of observations per site, N2O emission reductions were not significantly affected by cropping system, biochar properties of feedstock, pyrolysis temperature, surface area, pH, ash content, application rate, or site characteristics of N rate, N form, or soil pH. Uneven coverage in the range of these predictor variables likely underlies the failure to detect effects. We discuss the need for future biochar field studies to investigate effects of fertilizer N form, sustained and biologically relevant changes in soil moisture, multiple biochars per site, and time since biochar application.

Core Ideas

Biochar reduced mean N2O emissions by 12.4% when weighted by the inverse of the pooled variance.

Biochar did not significantly reduce N2O emissions when weighted by the inverse of the number of observations per site.

The effect of weighting function suggests site‐dependence and dataset limitations on the potential of biochar to mitigate N2O.

Biochar increased yield for both weighting functions.
Meta‐Analyses of Biosolids Effect in Dryland Wheat Agroecosystems
Authors: Barbarick Kenneth , Ippolito James , McDaniel Jacob
Published: March 2017

Land application to cropping systems is USEPA's preferred method of recycling biosolids. Determination of biosolids effect size through meta‐analyses from two decades of field‐location research at three sites should answer the question: Does 20 yr of biosolids application affect dryland wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grain production, grain nutrient concentrations, and soil elemental extractability compared with equivalent rates of commercial N fertilizer? At two sites, biennial biosolids application rates to a wheat–fallow (WF) rotation were up to 11.2 dry Mg ha−1 and up to 112 kg commercial N fertilizer ha−1, whereas rates at the third location varied to match soil‐test information. Crop rotations included WF and wheat–corn (Zea mays L.)–fallow. We completed meta‐analyses of biosolids effects compared with N fertilizer on wheat yield, grain protein, grain total, and soil ammonium bicarbonate‐diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (ABDTPA)‐extractable P, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Ni concentrations at the aforementioned sites from 1993 through 2013. Results showed that biosolids produced greater grain P and Zn at one site. Biosolids rates at two sites resulted in greater grain Zn and ABDTPA P, Zn, Cu, and Fe. Meta‐analyses tests for heterogeneity indicated that the variance for all sites and rates could be explained as consistent across treatments, whereas the test for the 20 yr showed that heterogeneity was large and other factors affected the variance (e.g., climatic variability between years). Meta‐analysis showed the practical effect of biosolids over a 20‐yr study and demonstrated that the primary biosolids effect was an improvement in Zn availability to wheat.

Core Ideas

Meta‐analyses provided effect size for wheat yield and grain and ABDTPA concentrations.

Grain and ABDTPA levels were increased by biosolids application compared to N rates.

Inconsistent results over years were probably due to climatic vagaries.
Selection of Simple Sequence Repeat Markers Associated with Inheritance of Sweetpotato Virus Disease Resistance in Sweetpotato
Authors: Yada Benard , Alajo Agnes , Ssemakula Gorrettie N. , Mwanga Robert O.M. , Brown‐Guedira Gina , Yencho G. Craig
Published: March 2017

Sweetpotato virus disease (SPVD), a complex of Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV; Crinivirus) and Sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV; Potyvirus) causes high yield losses in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). The development of resistant cultivars to SPVD has been limited by the complex sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. var. batatas] genetics and high levels of mutations in the causal viruses. The objectives of this study were to understand the inheritance of SPVD resistance and identify simple‐sequence repeat (SSR) markers associated with its resistance in a biparental sweetpotato mapping population. A total of 287 progeny and parents of the ‘New Kawogo’ × ‘Beauregard’ population were genotyped with 250 SSR markers and phenotyped for SPVD resistance at three sites and two seasons in Uganda. The broad‐sense heritability for SPVD resistance was 0.51. Two progeny showed positive transgressive segregation for overall genotype mean SPVD severity across sites and seasons. A total of seven SSR markers were significantly associated with SPVD resistance in this population. These markers and other SSRs need to be used to fine map the quantitative trait loci (QTL) of SPVD resistance for future implementation of marker‐assisted selection (MAS) for SPVD resistance in sweetpotato.
Bioactive Compound Variability in a Brazilian Capsicum Pepper Collection
Authors: Acunha Tanize dos Santos , Crizel Rosane Lopes , Tavares Icaro Borges , Barbieri Rosa Lia , Pereira de Pereira Claudio Martin , Rombaldi Cesar Valmor , Chaves Fabio Clasen
Published: March 2017

This report aims to characterize the bioactive content of pepper (Capsicum L., Solanaceae) accessions from a Brazilian germplasm collection. Peppers are currently a major vegetable crop worldwide, with 31 Tg produced in 2013, according to FAO. Seventy‐two accessions of Capsicum annuum L., C. baccatum L., C. chinense Jacq., and C. frutescens L. were evaluated and high variability was observed in soluble solids, pH, acidity, fruit color, total phenolic content, total carotenoid content, antioxidant potential, and capsaicinoid content. Accessions P119, P302, and P189 had the highest phenolic compound contents, which ranged from 225.16 to 243.47 mg gallic acid equivalent 100 g−1. The highest antioxidant potential observed ranged from 2.71 to 3.03 mmol Trolox equivalent 100 mg −1 in accessions P287, P50, and P25. Maximum carotenoid content was seen in accessions P269, P280, and P179, which contained between 53.42 and 54.11 mg β‐carotene equivalent 100 g−1. Capsaicinoid content was highest in accessions P120, P246, and P236 and ranged from 6132.00 to 19,543.70 mg 100 g−1. Capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin represented, on average, 79% of the total capasaicinoid content. No one accession contained high levels of multiple bioactive compounds.
Characteristics of Soil Evaporation and Temperature under Aggregate Mulches Created by Burrowing Ants (Camponotus japonicus)
Authors: Li Tongchuan , Shao Ming'an , Jia Yuhua
Published: March 2017

Core Ideas

We studied a new material of mulch made by soil‐dwelling ants.

Ants burrowed aggregates significantly affected soil evaporation and temperature.

Hydrolyzed aggregates could not restrain soil evaporation after rain.

Mulch on the soil surface is an effective practice for conserving soil moisture. In this study, we assessed the effects of aggregate mulches created by burrowing ants (Camponotus japonicus) on soil evaporation and temperature. A series of simulation experiments were conducted using buckets (20 cm diameter × 20 cm height) filled with loess soil (7.3 kg). Seven ant populations (0, 10, 30, 50, 100, 150, and 200) and four mulch thicknesses (0 [bare soil], 3, 6, and 9 mm) were used to evaluate the effects of ant abundance and mulch thickness on soil evaporation rates and temperature. The evaporation rate and temperature were measured with an electronic scale (with 1 g precision) and electronic thermometers (with 0.1°C precision). The number of aggregates was linearly correlated with the number of introduced ants (R2 = 0.8927). A negative relationship existed between the soil evaporation rate and a mulch thickness of 0 to 9 mm when the soil moisture was higher than 8.4%. Furthermore, the function of aggregate mulches on restraining evaporation was highest between 1130 and 1330 h on sunny days. When the solar radiation and the soil moisture were at a low level, minimal difference was observed in the evaporation rates among the treatments. For the soil temperature, aggregate mulches were more sensitive to the intercepted heat, resulting in higher temperatures on the mulch surface than on the bare soil. Moreover, the effects of the aggregate mulches on soil evaporation and temperature were weakened when the aggregates disintegrated. The findings in this research are helpful for understanding the evaporation process in loess soils with burrowing ants. Maintaining a large number of burrowing ants or a relative constant cover of ant‐derived aggregates on the soil surface could restrict soil evaporation.
Apparent Stability and Subtle Change in Surface and Subsurface Soil Carbon and Nitrogen under a Long‐Term Fertilizer Gradient
Authors: Collier Sarah M. , Ruark Matthew D. , Naber Mack R. , Andraski Todd W. , Casler Michael D.
Published: March 2017

Core Ideas

Long‐term fertilizer rate affected soil properties to 1 m under continuous corn.

Inorganic N fertilization was a benefit rather than a detriment to soil C and N.

The most productive treatments maintained but did not build soil C and N.

All fertilizer rate treatments had less topsoil than the field edge.

Uncertainty exists regarding the depth and extent to which agricultural practices affect soil properties, in particular soil organic C (SOC). In this study we examined the impact of 53 yr of continuous corn (Zea mays L.) receiving varying rates of inorganic N fertilizer with complete stover return on soil properties including SOC, total N, and bulk density (BD) to a depth of 1 m. In the treatment receiving virtually no applied N there was a significant reduction in soil N content at 0 to 30 cm over the study period, while the treatment receiving N in excess of recommended application levels was similar to the treatment receiving recommended rates of N fertilizer. Trends in SOC content were similar to those for total N, but a significant treatment effect was detectable throughout the entire 1‐m soil profile sampled. Over the course of the study, all experimental fields appeared to have lost approximately 6 cm of topsoil through erosion, with the lowest N rate plots subsiding a further 2 cm due to compaction. Despite using disruptive management practices (moldboard plowing and application of anhydrous ammonia), declines in soil C and N content were not apparent for this soil type under conditions of low slope and the linear gains in productivity realized under the two higher N rate treatments. Thus N fertilizer was a benefit to this cropping system, rather than a detriment, and was sufficient to allow maintenance—but not building—of SOC.
Attached β-cyclodextrin/γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy) propyl trimethoxysilane to graphene oxide and its application in copper removal
Authors: Yu Zongxue , Chen Qi , Lv Liang , Pan Yang , Zeng Guangyong , He Yi
Published: March 2017

The environmental applications of graphene oxide and β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) have attracted great attention since their first discovery. Novel nanocomposites were successfully prepared by using an esterification reaction between β-cyclodextrin/γ-(2,3-epoxypropoxy) propyl trimethoxysilane grafted graphene oxide (β-CD/GPTMS/GO). The β-CD/GPTMS/GO nanocomposites were used to remove the Cu2+ from aqueous solutions. The characteristics of β-CD/GPTMS/GO were detected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX). The dispersibility of graphene oxide was excellent due to the addition of β-CD. The adsorption isotherms data obtained at the optimum pH 7 were fitted by Langmuir isotherm model. The excellent adsorption properties of β-CD/GPTMS/GO for Cu2+ ions could be attributed to the apolar cavity structure of β-CD, the high surface area and abundant functional groups on the surface of GO. The adsorption patterns of β-CD/GPTMS/GO were electrostatic attraction, formation of host-guest inclusion complexes and the ion exchange adsorption. The efficient adsorption of β-CD/GPTMS/GO for Cu2+ ions suggested that these novel nanocomposites may be ideal candidates for removing other cation pollutants from waste water.
Removal efficiencies and kinetic rate constants of xenobiotics by ozonation in tertiary treatment
Authors: Mathon Baptiste , Coquery Marina , Miege Cécile , Penru Ywann , Choubert Jean-Marc
Published: March 2017

This study gives a full overview of the chemical oxidation by ozone of selected xenobiotics usually present in effluents of conventional wastewater treatment plants. A qualitative and quantitative overview of literature data was made, and describes the ozonation efficiency and processes for the elimination of 12 xenobiotics (pesticides and pharmaceuticals). A database was built, compiling literature results of experimental ozonation assays in laboratory and real-scale conditions. Special attention was paid to selecting the data and compiling reliable results on removal efficiencies and kinetic parameters. An original study was performed in a semi-batch reactor applying ozone on secondary effluent spiked beforehand with a cocktail of 12 xenobiotics. The results of this study were compared with the literature data to evaluate the influence of the kinetic competition of xenobiotics in spiked wastewater in the determination of kinetic rate constants. These 12 xenobiotics were classified into three groups (high-/medium-/low-oxidizable) according to the ranges of their direct kinetic rate constants (kO3). A best effective ozone dose between 0.2 and 0.4 gO3 gDOC−1 is proposed for the elimination of xenobiotics. The predominant elimination pathway between direct and indirect oxidation was identified for each xenobiotic.
High-performance cellulose acetate/polysulfone blend ultrafiltration membranes for removal of heavy metals from water
Authors: Moradihamedani Pourya , Abdullah Abdul Halim
Published: March 2017

Neat cellulose acetate (CA) and CA/polysulfone (PSf) blend ultrafiltration membranes in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone as a pore former were prepared via a phase inversion technique. The prepared membranes were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, mechanical strength, water content, porosity, permeate flux and heavy metals (Pb2+, Cd2+, Zn2+ and Ni2+) rejection to comprehend the impact of polymer blend composition and additive on the properties of the modified membranes. The water flux expanded by increasing of PSf content in the polymer composition. CA/PSf (60/40) had the highest flux among prepared membranes. Prepared blend membranes were able to remove heavy metals from water in the following order: Pb2+ > Cd2+ > Zn2+ > Ni2+. The CA/PSf (80/20) blend membrane had great performance among prepared membranes due to the high heavy metals removal and permeate flux.
Synthesis and application of a ternary composite of clay, saw-dust and peanut husks in heavy metal adsorption
Authors: Mungondori Henry H. , Mtetwa Sandile , Tichagwa Lilian , Katwire David M. , Nyamukamba Pardon
Published: March 2017

The adsorption of a multi-component system of ferrous, chromium, copper, nickel and lead on single, binary and ternary composites was studied. The aim of the study was to investigate whether a ternary composite of clay, peanut husks (PH) and saw-dust (SD) exhibited a higher adsorption capacity than that of a binary system of clay and SD as well as a single component adsorbent of PH alone. The materials were used in their raw state without any chemical modifications. This was done to retain the cost effective aspect of the naturally occurring adsorbents. The adsorption capacities of the ternary composite for the heavy metals Fe2+, Cr3+, Cu2+, Ni2+ and Pb2+ were 41.7 mg/g, 40.0 mg/g, 25.5 mg/g, 41.5 mg/g and 39.0 mg/g, respectively. It was found that the ternary composite exhibited excellent and enhanced adsorption capacity compared with both a binary and single adsorbent for the heavy metals Fe2+, Ni2+ and Cr3+. Characterization of the ternary composites was done using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Kinetic models and adsorption isotherms were also studied. The pseudo second order kinetic model and the Langmuir adsorption isotherm best described the adsorption mechanisms for the ternary composite towards each of the heavy metal ions.
BOOK REVIEW. DISTOPIA
Authors: Nuriadi Nuriadi
Published: March 2017

Robert Frost, one of the most prominent American poets of the mid-20th century, once stated that “literature is a performance in words” (Barnet et al., 1961: 1). The phrase “performance in words” specifically refers to the real significance of language in the presentation of a literary work. If there is no language, then there will be absolutely no literature or literary work. Language serves not only as a medium for the work’s existence but also for a work to be called a work of art. Related to this proposition, poetry as a literary genre certainly exists because of the language by which the poets or the authors pour out their artistic and creative craftmanship, and through which readers can really read, enjoy, and concretize the poets’ ideas and messages.
Excisão artroplástica da cabeça e colo femorais associada à denervação acetabular e ao retalho do músculo bíceps femoral em cães
Authors: João Moreira da Costa Neto
Published: March 2017

Pain and lameness, in varying degrees, are found in postoperative femoral head and neck osteectomy (excisional arthroplasty) in dogs and are important for the leg’s return of function. These signals are markedly decreased by acetabular denervation. At the same time flaps have shown goods results for reducing bone crepitus and pain. The objective of this work is to describe the use of excisional arthorplasty associated with acetabular denervation of the flaps musculares combined with a biceps femoris flap for the treatment of six dogs with limb disuse due to chronic traumatic hip dislocation. After surgery, the animals urderwent clinical evaluation at 7, 14, 21 and 30 days postoperative and at the end of this period no signs of pain or lameness were observed. Considering the results obtained in this study, the use of this surgical therapy improves the time to return of normal function.
Avaliação bioclimatológica em ovinos
Authors: Gilberto de Lima Macedo Junior
Published: March 2017

The sheep production is widely distributed throughout the regions of the country, where climatic factors affect the animal thereby reducing productivity as a consequence of the animals is outside the zone of thermal comfort. The organism spends energy in animal physiological mechanisms to cool or warm the body, the nutrients ingested by the animal turned into energy, and part of this energy form is translocated to the physiological mechanisms, to the detriment of energy needed for growth and development. The heat stress influenced on the voluntary intake of food by animals.
A importância do diagnóstico e tratamento da fasciolose em rebanhos bovinos
Authors: FABIANO COSTA SANTILIANO
Published: March 2017

The fascioliasis is a parasitic disease caused by two species of trematodes, Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. Considered a zoonosis with wide geographical distribution, is able to limit the creation of several species of domestic animals of zootechnical interest, and affect men as occasional host, there were approximately 180 million people at risk of infection and estimated that about 2.4 million are already infected. The prevalence is high in areas that are creations of ruminants. Consisting of the most relevant parasitic disease in animals of economic interest in the world, its importance is due mainly to losses associated with condemnation of livers, mortality, reduction in production of meat, wool and milk, to secondary bacterial infections, the interference with fertility and the costs of anthelmintic treatments (fasciolicidas). Thus, the objective with the present review was to describe the importance of diagnosis and treatment of liver fasciolosis in cattle.
Características reprodutivas de bovinos da raça Nelore do meio Norte do Brasil
Authors: GIOTO GHIARONE TERTO E SOUSA
Published: March 2017

The Brazilian Court consists of cattle in its majority by animals of zebuínas breeds, with high level of adaptation to the tropical environment that favors its exploitation is primarily pasture production system, making Brazil a major competitor in the beef export market, nevertheless, this sector still find yourself submerged in low reproductive rates, which forces the industry to undergo great transformations in order to seek ways to increase productivity and economic efficiency in the industry. Reproductive efficiency of livestock is one of the determining factors for total system efficiency of meat production, therefore, must be considered as one of the main selection criteria within the animal genetic improvement programs for high rates of production, associated with the high efficiency of reproductive, herds which targets to bring technicians and designers to achieve greater productivity and achieve greater cost-effectiveness in the activity. Many scientific studies have also been developed for estimating genetic parameters characteristics of age at first calving (IPP) that has the purpose of expressing sexual precocity in female, influencing directly on the productive efficiency and the range of parts (PID) which is one of the most important features for assessing reproductive efficiency in cutting herds, being constituted by gestation period Open days, or dry period and period of lactation. The interest of this study is to show for students and researchers the importance of studying the reproductive features emphasizing the age the first lambing and calving interval.
Intervalo de parto e período de serviço em bovinos de leite
Authors: GIOTO GHIARONE TERTO E SOUSA
Published: March 2017

The interval between childbirth (IEP) is one of the most important features of the dairy herd being constituted reproductive by dry period and lactation. Several of the environment influence so remarkable as climate, management, health control. The dry period comprises the period of expected service period and voluntary (PS). The IEP provides greater milk production during the lifetime of the cow while long intervals work in scented contrary. Dairy cattle held in proper conditions of health and food handling the duration of this range is from 12 to 14 months and the PS should not exceed 90 days. The study aimed to evaluate IEP and PS on a farm located in the municipality of Campo Maior-PI. The search is a retrospective study conducted during the period from August to September 2010 through data catalogued in computerized program RAISER VET zootechnical year’s control of 1998 to 2009. The results obtained were assessed and registered all dates of parições and then calculated the IEP and PS. data was tabulated on computerized program in Excel spreadsheet and analysed statistically through media arithmetic and standard deviation. The average of the IEP was 422.05 days with standard deviation of day with this index 117.51 according to the cited in the literature that the 12 months 14. The average day with standard deviation 141.98 PS of 113.31 than being cited in the literature that States that this period should not exceed 90 days, but you still don't hear the negative influences of the IEP. The high may be linked to the reproductive management of inappropriate farm. The farm presents IEP expected and PS too high; inappropriate handling and the PS high do not reflect negatively on the IEP; the mestizaje of the flock appears to be a responsible high PS.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF TOLUENE SULFONIC ACID (TSA)-DOPED POLYPYRROLE NANOPARTICLES: EFFECTS OF DOPANT CONCENTRATIONS
Authors: Alva S. , Utami R. S. , Shyuan L. K. , Puspasari I. , Mohammad A. B.
Published: March 2017

Nanoparticles of the conducting polymer polypyrrole in toluene sulfonic acid (PPy/TSA) were synthesized and characterized. The polymerization was process carried out in situ using ammonium persulfate (APS) as an oxidant. The particles were synthesized by varying the dopant concentration of para-toluene sulfonic acid over five sulphonic acid concentrations. The main objective of this study was to examine the effect of TSA dopant concentrations on the properties of polypyrrole nanoparticles. Understanding nature and characteristics of polypyrrole/TSA nanoparticles are important in determining whether the nanoparticles have the potential to be a component in the manufacture of fuel cells. The conducting polymer particles synthesized in this study were characterized using a particle analyzer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), spectroscopy UV-visible (UV-vis), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrical conductivity measurement. XRD shows that the particles generated possessed an amorphous structure, as also indicated by SEM images revealing the formation of aggregated and granular composite particles. Furthermore, the FTIR peak between 1273 and 1283cm-1 indicated that sulfonic acids (SO3-) groups were present in the structure of PPy. The size of the PPy/TSA nanoparticles was determined to be approximately 24-51 nm, and their conductivity measured to be 1.3 x 10-1 S/cm.
Conceptualización docente acerca de las características, necesidades educativas especiales y posibles respuestas pedagógicas para los educandos con superdotación en Costa Rica
Authors: Morales Chacón Krissia
Published: March 2017

Pocos países tienen el personal e instalaciones adecuadas para atender educandos con superdotación. Se encuestó a una muestra de 279 docentes (preescolar y primaria) en las provincias de San José, Limón y Alajuela, Costa Rica sobre sus conocimientos del tema, características de educandos superdotados y su propia capacidad para atenderlos. Aunque su visión general del tema tiende a coincider con la de los expertos sobre los rasgos de la superdotación, aun creen en diversos mitos. Opinan que el personal docente no está capacitado para atenderlo adecuadamente y están de acuerdo en integrar a esta población dentro del sistema educativo regular.
Sostenibilidad de sistemas agrícolas de fincas ecológicas y tradicionales en Costa Rica
Authors: Fallas Greivin , Chacón Mario , Castro Jonathan
Published: March 2017

Se desarrolló y validó una metodología para el análisis de la sostenibilidad en fincas con manejo ecológico y tradicional en diferentes regiones de Costa Rica, para esto se eligieron 17 fincas, cuyo tamaño osciló entre las 1,40 ha y 17,2 ha. Los sistemas de producción agrícola analizados en las fincas fueron café, caña de azúcar, hortalizas y ganadería (de carne). Se hizo una caracterización del sistema de manejo, selección y valoración de indicadores de sostenibilidad. La caracterización del sistema productivo fue por análisis de capitales social, económico, físico, humano y natural. Se seleccionaron 15 indicadores de sostenibilidad los cuales fueron agrupados en atributos de estabilidad, adaptabilidad, productividad, eficiencia, participación, organización comunal y servicios de ecosistemas. Las fincas con manejo ecológico tienden a la sostenibilidad productiva y ambiental en mayor grado que las fincas con manejo tradicional. Esta metodología demostró ser una herramienta sencilla y se recomienda su utilización para mejorar actividades productivas en los países tropicales.
Fisico-química de las aguas superficiales de la Cuenca del río Rincón, Península de Osa, Costa Rica
Authors: Beita-Sandí Wilson , Barahona-Palomo Marco
Published: March 2017

La cuenca del río Rincón tiene una densidad poblacional de alrededor de 30 habitantes por km2, un área total de 209,8 km2 y el río una longitud de 29 km, posee varios tributarios entre ellos el río Riyito, el río Pavón y una gran cantidad de pequeñas quebradas entre las cuales están Aguabuena y Banegas. En ella afloran unidades de roca ígnea y sedimentaria, además de sedimentos recientes. En general, se caracteriza por su topografía abrupta y quebrada. En esta zona se halla un gran número de hábitats tropicales, predominantemente bosque muy húmedo- Tropical hasta el bosque muy húmedo-Premontano transición a basal. El objetivo principal planteado para este estudio consistió en conocer la calidad química de las aguas superficiales de la cuenca del río Rincón en la Península de Osa. Para ello se seleccionaron 11 sitios de muestreo distribuidos en el área del estudio y en cada uno de ellos se tomaron seis muestras a lo largo de la época seca, la de transición y la lluviosa del año 2004–2005. Las aguas superficiales de la cuenca del río Rincón se caracterizaron por presentar una temperatura promedio de 26,8°C y una concentración promedio de oxígeno disuelto de 7,7mg O2/L. Las aguas de la cuenca se clasifican como aguas moderadamente suaves. El ámbito de valores de pH medidos en la cuenca estuvo entre 6,62 y 8,17, con una variación promedio de 0,5 unidades. La conductividad promedio en la cuenca fue 161,8μS/cm. El ámbito de concentraciones de bicarbonato fue de 54,3mg HCO3/L a 160,8mg HCO3/L. Según la clasificación de Piper las aguas superficiales de la cuenca del río Rincón son bicarbonatadas cálcicas. La calidad del agua superficial de la cuenca del río Rincón es apta para la preservación y la conservación de la vida acuática.
Áreas de recarga hídrica de la parte media-alta de las microcuencas Palo, Marín y San Rafaelito, San Carlos, Costa Rica
Authors: Blanco Rojas Harold
Published: March 2017

El uso de la tierra dentro de las Áreas de Recarga Hídrica (ARH), no es compatible con los fines de protección y conservación del recurso hídrico subterráneo. Para determinar cuáles son los sitios con mayor potencial de recarga de agua subterránea, se realizó un balance hídrico de suelos. Los datos generados responden a los coeficientes de las variables: textura del suelo (kfc), pendiente (Kp) y tipo de cobertura vegetal (Kv). Por medio de un Sistema de Información Geográfica (SIG), se generaron mapas digitales que representan la textura del suelo, la pendiente, el tipo de cobertura vegetal del suelo y la precipitación. Los mapas se superpusieron para identificar 25 ARH, para las cuales se determinó: evapotranspiración potencial (ETP), humedad inicial (Hsi), retención de humedad del suelo, densidad aparente (ρa), infiltración básica del suelo (fc), intercepción de la lluvia y profundidad de las raíces extractoras de agua. La información generada para cada ARH, se ingresó a la ecuación general del balance. En las 25 ARH se da una importante recarga potencial del acuífero (Rp), debido en gran medida a las características físicas del suelo, las cuales favorecen la retención de humedad y la percolación directa del agua hacia un posible acuífero existente en la zona. No obstante, las ARH con ausencia de cobertura boscosa, presentan una menor capacidad para almacenar humedad y su aporte se da debido a la percolación del agua, que en gran parte se presenta cuando ocurren las precipitaciones. En las ARH cubiertas por bosque, se presenta una mayor capacidad para almacenar humedad. Por consiguiente, tanto la retención de humedad como la percolación, hacen posible el flujo de agua superficial y subterránea a lo largo de todo el año, aun cuando no ocurren precipitaciones. Los resultados de Rp en todas las ARH tienden a ser moderadamente uniformes con valores que van desde los 1064 hasta los 2073mm/año, debido principalmente a que la evapotranspiración provocó cierta homogeneidad en la Rp. En general, en el área de estudio se recargan más de 23 millones de m3 de agua anualmente.
Use of a mucus thread for vertical movements in the tropical freshwater snail Mayabina pliculosa (Pulmonata: Physidae): a correction
Authors: Mónge-Najera Julián
Published: March 2017

El caracol dulceacuícola tropical Mayabina pliculosa (“Aplexa fuliginea”) usa hilos de mucus para moverse verticalmente en la columna de agua, no flotación como se informó previamente.