bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between genotype, psychiatric symptoms and quality of life in adult patients with sickle cell disease in São Paulo, Brazil: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mastandréa Érika Bergamini , Lucchesi Fátima , Kitayama Marcela Mayumi Gomes , Figueiredo Maria Stella , Citero Vanessa de Albuquerque
Published: August 2015

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) may be worsened in sickle cell patients due to the presence of psychiatric disorders. The aims of this study were to describe the psychiatric symptoms in Brazilian sickle cell patients and to evaluate the relationship of these symptoms to the genotype of the disease and the subject's HRQoL. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study conducted at the hematology outpatient clinic, Hospital São Paulo. METHODS: Adult patients with sickle cell disease completed the Medical Outcome Study - Short Form 36 and the Patients' Health Questionnaire. Clinical data were gathered from their medical files. Linear regression models were developed to study the dependency of HRQoL domains on the genotype controlling for psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS: In the study period, 110 patients were evaluated. The most frequent psychiatric symptom was depression (30%), followed by anxiety (12.7%) and alcohol abuse (9.1%). Patients with the more severe genotype (SS and Sβthal0) showed lower scores for the "general health" and "role-physical" HRQoL domains, without interference from psychiatric symptoms. In the "role-physical" domain, the more severe genotype operated as a protective factor for HRQoL (β = 0.255; P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: The more severe genotypes worsened HRQoL in two domains of physical health (general health and role-physical), but they did not have any influence on mental health, thus suggesting that physicians should be more attentive to aspects of HRQoL relating to the functionality of sickle cell disease patients, so as to be aware of the limitations that these patient live with.
Flora of inland Atlantic riparian forests in southwestern Brazil
Authors: Faxina Claudenice , Fischer Erich , Pott Arnildo
Published: August 2015

The flora of the Atlantic Rainforest of Mato Grosso do Sul, southwestern Brazil, has not been inventoried in spite of being the westernmost inland region of this domain. We present an inventory of the riparian flora of inland Atlantic Forest in Mato Grosso do Sul. We describe the species distribution along three habitats with contrasting flood conditions: non-flooded, seasonally flooded, and swampy forests. The inventory consisted of sampling every reproductive individual, during 12 months on 1.12 ha of plots inside a 24 ha study area. We recorded 1967 individuals of 253 species and 72 families. The most representative families in number of species were Asteraceae (27), Fabaceae (19), Myrtaceae (17), Cyperaceae (12), Rubiaceae, Solanaceae and Orchidaceae (10 each). The most abundant reproductive species were Guarea macrophylla (169 individuals), Miconia chamissois (85) and Conyza bonariensis (80). Eleven species of six families were recorded for the first time in Mato Grosso do Sul, two of them endemic to the Atlantic Forest - Passiflora jilekii and Capanema micromera. We found 119 species exclusively in non-flooded habitat, 19 in seasonally flooded habitat, and 31 in swampy forest. Guarea macrophylla was the most frequent species in swampy forest, and Gochnatia polymorpha in non-flooded. The riparian forest flora at the study site resembles the Atlantic Forest and includes wide distribution riparian species; the variation of flood conditions among habitats favors its richness. Our records add new occurrences for Mato Grosso do Sul and new distribution ranges for some plant species, what arises concern upon the local biodiversity conservation.
Utilização de filme de quitosana para o controle de aflatoxinas em amendoim
Authors: Silva Juliana Fonseca Moreira da , Prado Guilherme , Madeira Jovita Eugênia Gazzinelli Cruz , Oliveira Marize Silva , Faraco André Augusto Gomes , Malta Camilla Martins , Nicoli Jacques Robert , Pimenta Raphael Sanzio
Published: August 2015

Neste estudo, verificou-se a utilização de um filme de quitosana para o controle do crescimento e produção de aflatoxinas por A. parasiticus em amendoim. Os filmes foram aplicados sobre os grãos por meio de duas metodologias (aspersão e imersão). Os grãos recobertos foram inoculados com 2,5 ml de uma suspensão contendo 1,0×106 esporos/ml e incubados a 25 oC por 7 dias. A concentração de aflatoxinas foi determinada por cromatografia em camada delgada, utilizando a técnica de densitometria. A verificação da inibição do crescimento fúngico foi realizada por meio da inoculação do patógeno em placas de Petri contendo GYEP suplementado com quitosana a 2% e incubadas por 7 dias a 25 ºC. Após incubação, o diâmetro da colônia do patógeno foi estimado e comparado com o controle. Todos os testes foram realizados com cinco repetições. Para a verificação de alterações morfológicas, uma suspensão de esporos ou hifas incubados na presença de quitosana foi submetida à microscopia eletrônica de varredura. Foi observado que tanto o método de imersão quanto o de aspersão reduziram a produção de aflatoxina significativamente, 84,3% e 86,7% respectivamente. A presença de quitosana no meio de cultura reduziu o diâmetro das colônias e promoveu modificações morfológicas nos esporos de A. parasiticus. Com esse procedimento foi verificado que a utilização de quitosana a 2% na forma de filme, principalmente por aspersão, pode reduzir a concentração de esporos e aflatoxinas de A. parasiticus em amendoim, o que confere a essa substância uma grande perspectiva de utilização no controle de fungos aflatoxigênicos.
Determinantes macroeconômicos das vendas no varejo no período 2004-2011
Authors: Moraes Gustavo Inácio de , Silva Thiago Leal Flores da
Published: August 2015

O presente artigo utiliza-se de uma estimação em painel, considerando-se seis estados brasileiros, para verificar a influência sobre as vendas no varejo de três componentes macroeconômicos, tais como a renda real média, a taxa de desemprego e a taxa de juros, entre os anos de 2004 e 2011, período no qual a economia brasileira observou expressivo crescimento econômico. Optou-se por uma estimação em SUR (regressões aparentemente não correlacionadas) para ampliar o ajuste ao longo dos espaços geográficos estudados. Como resultado geral, nota-se que as vendas ao varejo são elásticas, contemporaneamente, à renda real média. As demais variáveis, taxa de desemprego e taxa de juros demonstraram-se inelásticas e em alguns estados sequer significativas, além de se manifestarem com uma defasagem de três meses.
Pobreza no nordeste brasileiro: uma análise multidimensional
Authors: Caldas Renata de Melo , Sampaio Yony de Sá Barreto
Published: August 2015

Este trabalho tem o objetivo de mapear o perfil da pobreza no Nordeste brasileiro no que concerne à carência de itens de consumo e habitação, e contrastá-la com a insuficiência de renda, que é o critério mais consolidado na literatura para se medir pobreza. Utilizando dados da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios (PNAD) para o ano de 2009, a análise foi feita inicialmente para as macrorregiões brasileiras e, em seguida, para os estados da região Nordeste. Dentre os principais resultados, encontrou-se que a região Nordeste apresenta um dos maiores percentuais de domicílios sem acesso aos itens de habitação e consumo comparada às demais regiões do país, e é a pior em termos absolutos. Na dimensão de habitação, o item mais escasso em todas as macrorregiões é a água canalizada, enquanto na dimensão de consumo, geladeira é o que mais falta nos domicílios brasileiros. Constata-se ainda que, quando utilizado apenas o critério de renda, há muitos domicílios abaixo da linha de pobreza, mas que não apresentam carência nas demais dimensões analisadas.
Resiliência e Processos Protetivos de Adolescentes com Deficiência Física e Surdez Incluídos em Escolas Regulares
Authors: Libório Renata Maria Coimbra , Castro Bernardo Monteiro de , Ferro Elaine Gomes , Souza Marilza Terezinha Soares
Published: August 2015

O artigo apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa, realizada em duas cidades de médio porte do estado de São Paulo, cujo objetivo foi identificar e analisar processos protetivos associados à resiliência. Os participantes foram 16 adolescentes, de faixa etária entre 14 e 17 anos, expostos a adversidades. Neste trabalho são apresentados os resultados referentes a quatro adolescentes com deficiência física ou auditiva incluídos em escolas regulares. Foi realizado um estudo exploratório, incluindo entrevistas semiestruturadas e métodos visuais (fotografias e filmagens do cotidiano), os quais foram analisados segundo a Teoria Fundamentada nos Dados (TFD). Foram identificados diversos aspectos relativos: 1) aos processos de resiliência dos participantes, associados à qualidade dos relacionamentos interpessoais estabelecidos entre eles, colegas e profissionais da educação, com destaque para os professores intérpretes; 2) ao uso das tecnologias e mídias sociais no favorecimento da comunicação entre eles, amigos e familiares sem deficiência, e 2) às estratégias de enfrentamento da dor e das limitações físicas visando ao bem-estar a médio prazo. Ressalta-se a necessidade de trabalhar em prol do fortalecimento dos adolescentes com deficiência e de auxiliá-los na promoção de seu caminho em direção à inclusão escolar e social, por meio de reflexões sobre o lugar ocupado pelas escolas em suas vidas, o que pode favorecer os processos de resiliência.
História Oral: um Método para Investigar o Ensino de Física para Estudantes Cegos
Authors: Ferreira Amauri Carlos , Dickman Adriana Gomes
Published: August 2015

Neste artigo procura-se evidenciar o papel da história oral na pesquisa qualitativa como um instrumento fundamental na coleta de depoimentos de estudantes cegos ou professores de estudantes cegos, particularmente sobre o processo de ensino e aprendizagem de Física na Educação Básica. Tal procedimento metodológico permite, mediante a narrativa do entrevistado, seja este estudante ou professor, compreender quais são os problemas e os desafios no processo de ensino e aprendizagem e sua correlação com a história de vida dos estudantes. Entende-se, com esse trabalho, que a análise das narrativas de alunos cegos, nas vertentes temática e de vida, fornecem dados que orientam os passos que os pesquisadores devem seguir na elaboração de estratégias e materiais didáticos específicos para estudantes cegos, além de proporcionar uma compreensão mais profunda acerca do desempenho destes estudantes durante a aplicação dos testes. Assim, aponta-se para a utilização dessa metodologia e o que ela tem possibilitado no que se refere a pesquisas na área de física com estudantes cegos.
Análise das Dissertações e Teses do PPGEES/UFSCar na Interface Educação Física e Educação Especial
Authors: Mahl Eliane , Munster Mey de Abreu van
Published: August 2015

A interface entre as áreas de Educação Física e de Educação Especial permite multiplicar as possibilidades de intervenção e investigação relacionadas às condições de acesso a cultura corporal, a inclusão social e escolar de pessoas com necessidades educacionais especiais. A intersecção da produção do conhecimento entre Educação Física e Educação Especial tem sido evidenciada, sobretudo, nas pesquisas realizadas nos Programas de Pós-Graduação. Buscando mapear o que tem sido produzido nas respectivas áreas, este estudo teve por objetivo analisar a produção discente (dissertações e teses) do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação Especial (PPGEEs) da Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar) na interface Educação Física e Educação Especial. O método de investigação pautou-se em pesquisa bibliográfica, sendo que os dados foram tratados por meio de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados encontrados apontaram que o PPGEEs/UFSCar tem contribuído significativamente na busca de novos saberes relacionados à interface entre Educação Física e Educação Especial, sobretudo quanto a conceitos, procedimentos, estratégias, adaptações e novas reflexões sobre teorias e práticas relacionadas à cultura corporal, inclusão social e escolar de crianças, jovens, adultos e idosos com necessidades educacionais especiais.
Avaliação dos Efeitos de Programas de Intervenção de Atividade Física em Indivíduos com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo
Authors: Lourenço Carla Cristina Vieira , Esteves Maria Dulce Leal , Corredeira Rui Manuel Nunes , Seabra André Filipe Teixeira e
Published: August 2015

A prática regular de atividade física influencia a saúde e o bem-estar, com papel importante na prevenção de várias doenças crônicas, como doenças cardiovasculares, acidente vascular cerebral, hipertensão, obesidade, diabetes, osteoporose, dentre outras. As vantagens da prática de exercício físico por pessoas com deficiências de desenvolvimento, especificamente de pessoas com transtorno do espetro do autismo (TEA), têm sido estudadas, mas dados as diferentes metodologias e abordagens presentes na literatura, há necessidade de fazer uma compilação das diferentes investigações existentes que permitam concluir quais os efeitos de diferentes tipos de exercício em pessoas com TEA. O objetivo deste artigo é reunir os principais estudos que foram realizados nos últimos anos no âmbito da atividade física em indivíduos com (TEA) e retirar as conclusões acerca dos mesmos. São apresentados 18 estudos, num total de 140 crianças e adultos com várias variantes desta síndrome e que participaram em atividades individualmente ou em grupo. Foram realizadas diversas atividades tais como jogos, natação, corrida, passeios terapêuticos, hidroginástica. As intervenções pretenderam estudar a influência das atividades propostas no comportamento agressivo e estereotipado, funcionamento social, resistência, qualidade de vida e stress, aptidão física e resistência. Os programas de intervenção revelaram melhorias significativas, mostrando as potencialidades do exercício em pessoas com TEA.
Higher overall survival in metastatic pancreatic cancer: the impact of where and how treatment is delivered
Authors: Usón Junior Pedro Luiz Serrano , França Monique Sedlmaier , Rodrigues Heloisa Veasey , Macedo Antônio Luiz de Vasconcellos , Goldenberg Alberto , Smaletz Oren , Armentano Daniela Pezzutti Domingues , Simon Sergio Daniel , Gansl Rene Claudio
Published: August 2015

Objective To determine the overall survival of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and evaluate factors that impact prognosis in a private cancer center.Methods Data from the Hospital Cancer Registry at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein were retrospectively collected. The patients enrolled had metastatic cancer at diagnosis or earlier staging and subsequent recurrence. Cases of neuroendocrine tumors were excluded.Results A total of 65 patients were evaluated, including 63 with adenocarcinoma. The median overall survival for patients in all stages was 20.7 months (95%CI: 15.6-25.7), while the overall survival of metastatic disease was 13.3 months. Among the 33 cases with stage IV cancer, there was no evidence of a statistically significant association between median survival and CA19-9 dosage (p=0.212), tumor location (p=0.482), first treatment performed (p=0.337), lymphovascular invasion (p=0.286), and age (p=0.152). However, the number of lines of chemotherapy was significantly associated with survival (log-rank p=0.013), with an estimated median survival of 10.2 months for patients who received up to two lines of treatment and 23.5 months for those receiving more than two lines of chemotherapy.Conclusion The survival of patients treated was longer than that reported in the literature. The only statistically significant factor related to increased survival was higher number of lines of chemotherapy received. We believe that the higher socioeconomic status of patients surveyed in this study, as well as their greater access to treatment options, may have influenced their overall survival.
Twister Proteico: uma ferramenta lúdica envolvendo a síntese de proteínas
Authors: Weyh Aline , Barbosa Carvalho Isis Gabriela , Del Valle Garnero Analía
Published: August 2015

Diversos estudos demonstram que discentes dos mais variados níveis escolares relatam a Genética como um tema abstrato e de difícil compreensão pelos alunos, apresentando múltiplas problemáticas no processo de ensino-aprendizagem e tornando-se necessárias práticas auxiliares. Dentre as ferramentas didáticas, o jogo é uma atividade lúdica muito utilizada atualmente, uma vez que, estimula as várias inteligências e permite maior interação entre aluno e professor. O presente trabalho busca a elaboração e aplicação de um jogo didático inovador e dinâmico, o Twister Proteico, como recurso pedagógico para a disciplina de Genética. A elaboração do jogo foi baseada na utilização de materiais de fácil acesso e baixo custo pelo educando podendo abordar conhecimentos de transcrição, tradução e dobramento proteico. A atividade foi proposta e aplicada em sala de aula tendo como piloto alunos de graduação. A diversão associada ao conhecimento da ciência permitiu não apenas uma melhor memorização do conteúdo abordado, como despertou a curiosidade, reflexão do tema, construção do caráter e espírito de colaboração, além da competitividade através da interação entre a turma. Esta prática mostrou-se uma ferramenta eficaz na fuga da rotina e reparação de falhas do processo de ensino teórico.
POLI: Polarised hot neutron diffractometer
Authors: Hutanu Vladimir
Published: August 2015

POLI, which is operated by the Institute of Crystallography, RWTH Aachen University in cooperation with JCNS, Forschungszentrum Jülich, is a versatile two axes single crystal diffractometer with broad field of applications. Mostly dedicated to the investigation of magnetic structures in single crystals using neutron spin polarisation, POLI is also used for classical structural investigations under extreme conditions. High intensity hot neutrons flux makes it attractive also for the other applications like study of parity violations phenomena in nuclear physics or BNCT (boron neutron-capture therapy) in medicine.
KWS-2: Small angle scattering diffractometer
Authors: Radulescu Aurel , Szekely Noemi Kinga , Appavou Marie-Sousai
Published: August 2015

KWS-2, operated by JCNS, Forschungszentrum Jülich, represents a classical pinhole SANS instrument where, combining the pinhole mode using different neutron wavelengths and detection distances with the focusing mode using MgF2 lenses, a wide Q-range between 1 x 10-4 and 0.5 Å-1 can be explored.
DNS: Diffuse scattering neutron time-of-flight spectrometer
Authors: Su Yixi , Nemkovskiy Kirill , Demirdiş Sultan
Published: August 2015

DNS is a versatile diffuse scattering instrument with polarisation analysis operated by the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science (JCNS), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, outstation at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ). Compact design, a large double-focusing PG monochromator and a highly efficient supermirror-based polarizer provide a polarized neutron flux of about 107 n cm-2 s-1. DNS is used for the studies of highly frustrated spin systems, strongly correlated electrons, emergent functional materials and soft condensed matter.
MEDAPP: Fission neutron beam for science, medicine, and industry
Authors: Genreith Christoph
Published: August 2015

The instrument MEDAPP Medical Applications), operated by the Technische Universität München, and the respective irradiation position are located at the world-wide unique fast neutron beam tube SR10 to which a uranium converter is attached. Thus, the instrument is operated with unmoderated fission neutrons and can be used for a broad variety of applications. For selected tasks, an alternative use with thermal neutrons is possible.
NECTAR: Radiography and tomography station using fission neutrons
Authors: Bücherl Thomas , Söllradl Stefan
Published: August 2015

NECTAR, operated by the Technische Universität München, is a versatile facility for the non-destructive inspection of various objects by means of fission neutron radiography and tomography, respectively.
MEPHISTO: Facility for particle physics with cold neutrons
Authors: Klenke Jens
Published: August 2015

The experimental area MEPHISTO, the measurement facility for particle physics with cold neutrons, operated by the Technische Universität München, is dedicated to those experiments in the field of nuclear and particle physics.
PAES: Positron annihilation induced Auger electron spectrometer
Authors: Hugenschmidt Christoph
Published: August 2015

Positron annihilation induced Auger electron spectroscopy (PAES) is a newly developed application for surface studies with high elemental selectivity and exceptional surface sensitivity. The instrument is operated by the Technische Universität München and is located at NEPOMUC.
SPM: Scanning positron microscope
Authors: Dickmann Marcel , Piochacz Christian
Published: August 2015

The Munich scanning positron microscope, operated by the Universität der Bundeswehr München and the Technische Universität München, located at NEPOMUC, permits positron lifetime measurements with a lateral resolution in the µm range and within an energy range of 1 – 20 keV.
Acoustic assessment of species richness and assembly rules in ensiferan communities from temperate ecosystems
Authors: Roca Irene T. , Proulx Raphaël
Published: August 2015

Vocalizing animals are known to produce a wide range of species‐specific spectral and temporal communication patterns. As a consequence, the acoustic heterogeneity of insect communities is expected to increase with the number of vocalizing species. Using a combination of simulation models and field surveys, we tested the hypotheses that (1) acoustic heterogeneity increases with the number of cricket and katydid species in ensiferan communities and (2) acoustic heterogeneity of naturally assembled ensiferan communities is higher than that of randomly assembled ones. The slope of the acoustic heterogeneity–species richness relationship in naturally assembled communities was positive but did not differ from that of randomly assembled communities, suggesting a rather weak competition for the acoustic space. Comparing the species richness–acoustic heterogeneity relationship of naturally and randomly assembled communities, our study provides a novel approach for understanding species assembly rules in animal groups that rely on acoustic communication.
Demographic buffering of life histories? Implications of the choice of measurement scale
Authors: Bjørkvoll Eirin , Lee Aline M. , Grøtan Vidar , Sæther Bernt‐Erik , Stien Audun , Engen Steinar , Albon Steve , Loe Leif Egil , Hansen Brage Bremset
Published: August 2015

Life‐history theory predicts that the vital rates that influence population growth the most should be buffered against environmental fluctuations due to selection for reduced variation. However, it remains unclear whether populations actually are influenced by such “demographic buffering,” because variation in vital rates can be compared on different measurement scales, and there has been little attempt to investigate whether the choice of scale influences the chance of detecting demographic buffering. We compared two statistical approaches to examine whether demographic buffering has influenced vital rates in wild Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus). To account for statistical variance constraints on vital rates limited between 0 and 1 in analyses of demographic buffering, one approach is to scale observed variation by the maximum possible variation on the arithmetic scale. When applying this approach, the results suggested that demographic buffering was occurring. However, when we applied an alternative approach that identified statistical variance constraints on the logit scale, there was no evidence for demographic buffering. Thus, the choice of measurement scale must be carefully considered before one can fully understand whether demographic buffering influences life histories. Defining the appropriate scale may require an understanding of the mechanisms through which demographic buffering may have evolved.
Comparative study of isotherm parameters of lead biosorption by two wastes of olive-oil production
Authors: Blázquez G. , Ronda A. , Martín-Lara M. A. , Pérez A. , Calero M.
Published: August 2015

Batch isotherm studies were carried out on a laboratory scale: (i) to investigate the effectiveness to remove lead of two wastes (olive stone (OS) and olive tree pruning (OTP)), untreated and chemically treated; and (ii) to examine the applicability of various adsorption isotherms to fit the experimental data. Results from tests were analyzed using seven equilibrium isotherm correlations (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, Temkin, Redlich–Peterson, Sips, and Toth equations). The sum of the squares of the errors was determined for each isotherm and the Langmuir equation provided the best fit. Chemical treatments increased the biosorption properties of these materials. The maximum biosorption capacities were: 6.33, 49.13, 14.83, and 38.93 mg g−1 for untreated OS, HNO3-OS, H2SO4-OS, and NaOH-OS, respectively, and 26.72, 86.40, 72.78, and 123.80 mg g−1 for untreated OTP, HNO3-OTP, H2SO4-OTP, and NaOH-OTP, respectively. Finally, the loss of mass for each waste (13.9, 14.3, and 36.8% for HNO3-OS, H2SO4-OS, and NaOH-OS and 35.1, 27.5, and 46.7% for HNO3-OTP, H2SO4-OTP, and NaOH-OTP, respectively) was taken into account and an effectiveness coefficient was determined for each adsorbent material.
Optimizing adsorption of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions by NiO nanoparticles using Taguchi and response surface methods
Authors: Ziaeifar Nasim , Khosravi Morteza , Behnajady Mohammad A. , Sohrabi Mahmood R. , Modirshahla Nasser
Published: August 2015

In the present study, nickel oxide nanoparticles synthesized by the sol–gel method were used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions. To do so, the effect of four parameters including the concentration of Cr(VI), the dosage of NiO, contact time, and pH on the removal of Cr(VI) by NiO nanoparticles were studied. In order to examine and describe the optimum conditions for each of the mentioned parameters, Taguchi and response surface methods were used. The results of the experiment using Taguchi and response surface methods indicated the greater effect of the NiO adsorbent parameter in comparison to the other parameters in the adsorption of Cr(VI) by NiO nanoparticles, and showed that the increase in contact time and pH does not affect the removal percentage of Cr(VI) significantly.
Abatement vs. treatment for efficient diffuse source water pollution management in terrestrial-marine systems
Authors: Roebeling P. C. , Cunha M. C. , Arroja L. , van Grieken M. E.
Published: August 2015

Marine ecosystems are affected by water pollution originating from coastal catchments. The delivery of water pollutants can be reduced through water pollution abatement as well as water pollution treatment. Hence, sustainable economic development of coastal regions requires balancing of the marginal costs from water pollution abatement and/or treatment and the associated marginal benefits from marine resource appreciation. Water pollution delivery reduction costs are, however, not equal across abatement and treatment options. In this paper, an optimal control approach is developed and applied to explore welfare maximizing rates of water pollution abatement and/or treatment for efficient diffuse source water pollution management in terrestrial-marine systems. For the case of diffuse source dissolved inorganic nitrogen water pollution in the Tully-Murray region, Queensland, Australia, (agricultural) water pollution abatement cost, (wetland) water pollution treatment cost and marine benefit functions are determined to explore welfare maximizing rates of water pollution abatement and/or treatment. Considering partial (wetland) treatment costs and positive water quality improvement benefits, results show that welfare gains can be obtained, primarily, through diffuse source water pollution abatement (improved agricultural management practices) and, to a minor extent, through diffuse source water pollution treatment (wetland restoration).
Inhibition of biofouling by modification of forward osmosis membrane using quaternary ammonium cation
Authors: Park Kang-Hee , Yu Sang-Hyun , Kim Han-Shin , Park Hee-Deung
Published: August 2015

In the operation of the forward osmosis (FO) process, biofouling of the membrane is a potentially serious problem. Development of an FO membrane with antibacterial properties could contribute to a reduction in biofouling. In this study, quaternary ammonium cation (QAC), a widely used biocidal material, was conjugated with a silane coupling agent (3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propyldimethyloctadecyl ammonium chloride) and used to modify an FO membrane to confer antibacterial properties. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) demonstrated that the conjugated QAC was successfully immobilized on the FO membrane via covalent bonding. Bacterial viability on the QAC-modified membrane was confirmed via colony count method and visualized via bacterial viability assay. The QAC membrane decreased the viability of Escherichia coli to 62% and Staphylococcus aureus to 77% versus the control membrane. Inhibition of biofilm formation on the QAC modified membrane was confirmed via anti-biofilm tests using the drip-flow reactor and FO unit, resulting in 64% and 68% inhibition in the QAC-modified membrane against the control membrane, respectively. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the modified membrane in reducing bacterial viability and inhibiting biofilm formation, indicating the potential of QAC-modified membranes to decrease operation costs incurred by biofouling.
Investigation of photo-assisted and crude peroxidase mediated transformations of chlorinated phenols (CPs) from spiked and industrial wastewaters: identification of reaction products
Authors: Sharma Swati , Mukhopadhyay Mausumi , Murthy Z. V. P.
Published: August 2015

This work focused on photo-assisted crude peroxidase mediated transformations of chlorinated phenols (CPs) from spiked and industrial wastewaters and the identification of reaction products formed. Garden radish Raphanus sativus was the source of crude peroxidase. No chlorine bearing compounds were detected by gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry analysis. Under identical test conditions, the concentrations of 4-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol were demoted to zero from 514 mg/L, 652 mg/L and that of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol were reduced to 18 mg/L and 37 mg/L from 790 mg/L and 1066 mg/L, respectively (high-pressure liquid chromatography analysis). Chloride ion release profiles also showed a progressively increasing trend. A neat chemical oxygen demand removal to the extent of 63–79% was achieved in the case of spiked wastewater sample and to the extent of 77% for industrial wastewaters. A hypothesis reaction scheme was also suggested to comprehend the mechanism of degradation reactions.
Vertical flow constructed wetlands subject to load variations: an improved design methodology connected to outlet quality objectives
Authors: Boutin C. , Prost-Boucle S.
Published: August 2015

This study surveyed four campsites and four rural villages of major tourist interest, called tourist-interest or ti-villages, that were monitored for several years, generating over 70 performance balances for vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) that were intentionally scaled down for experimental trials. The wastewater effectively qualifies as domestic sewage, although relatively concentrated, with the campsites presenting particularly high nitrogen concentrations (122 gTKN L–1) (TKN: total Kjeldahl nitrogen). The applied daily loads were also particularly high, with some combinations of load parameters (hydraulic load, organic matter, TKN) leading to 400% overloading. Even under those drastic conditions, the quality of effluent remained excellent on the characteristic organic matter parameters, with removal performances always over 85%. Analysis of the dataset points to two major design thresholds: for campsites, in order to maintain a 73% nitrification rate even at the height of the summer season, the load applied onto the first stage filter in operation could achieve up to 600 gCOD m–2 day–1 (COD: chemical oxygen demand). For tourist-interest villages, in order to maintain an 85% nitrification rate, the load applied onto the second stage filter in operation could achieve up to 22 gTKN m–2.day–1. Here, VFCWs were demonstrated to robustly handle a massive increase in loads applied, providing the construction and operation stringently follow design standards and practices.
Desalination of simulated seawater by purge-air pervaporation using an innovative fabricated membrane
Authors: Naim Mona , Elewa Mahmoud , El-Shafei Ahmed , Moneer Abeer
Published: August 2015

An innovative polymeric membrane has been invented, which presents a breakthrough in the field of desalination membranes. It can desalinate simulated seawater of exceptionally high concentration to produce a high flux of potable water with over 99.7% salt rejection (%SR) in a once-through purge-air pervaporation (PV) process. A set-up was constructed for conducting the desalination experiments and the effect of initial salt solution concentration (Ci) and pervaporation temperature (Tpv) on the water flux (J), %SR, separation factor, and pervaporation separation index were determined. The membrane was prepared by the phase-inversion technique, of a specially formulated casting solution consisting of five ingredients, after which the membrane was subjected to a post-treatment by which certain properties were conferred. The results confirmed that the salinity of the pervaporate was independent of Ci (all %SR above 99.7). The best result was at Tpv = 70 °C, where J varied from 5.97 to 3.45 l/m2 h for Ci = 40–140 g NaCl/l, respectively. The membrane morphology was confirmed to be asymmetric. The contact angle was immeasurable, indicating the membrane to be super-hydrophilic. Activation energies computed using Arrhenius law were, under all conditions investigated, less than 20 kJ/mol K.
Distributions of phosphorus fractions in the sediments of a river–lake system: a case study in Huai River catchment area, China
Authors: Jingqiu Piao , Changyuan Tang , Xianfang Song
Published: August 2015

Phosphorus (P) forms, with respect to sediment characteristics, and an in-stream sluice were studied in the river–lake system, Huai River catchment area, China. The mean of total P in sediments in the mainstream of the Huai River was higher than that in the Hongze Lake. It was found that P fractions varied in the sediments throughout the river and lake. Detrital-P was the dominant P fraction in the mainstream and organic P and detrital-P were the dominant P fractions in the lake, which could indicate: biologically available and non-biologically available forms. Useful information for the interpretation of P fractions could also be obtained from major sediment characteristics. Whether the relations between P fractions and grain size characteristics were significant or weak, 0.125 mm was a threshold grain size for P fraction distribution in sediment. In addition, the Bengbu Sluice, one of the most important in-stream facilities in the Huai River catchment area, regulated not only the transport of P in sediments upstream and downstream of the sluice, but also the distribution of P fractions in the river–lake system. Therefore, it was confirmed that nutrient loadings could be prevented from reaching the watershed, as well as improved ecological diversity by integrating sluice operation.
Removal of hydrocarbons from synthetic road runoff through adsorptive filters
Authors: Vesting Andreas , Heinz Eva , Helmreich Brigitte , Wichern Marc
Published: August 2015

Compact filter systems, which are installed to significantly reduce the load of pollutants from road runoff, are very promising treatments for urban runoff. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of activated carbon, activated lignite, zero valent iron, exfoliated graphite, amorphous ferric hydroxide, and activated alumina at removing petrol hydrocarbons from synthetic road runoff. Therefore, the kinetics and the equilibrium adsorption of petrol hydrocarbons onto these adsorbents were investigated using column adsorption experiments at levels ranging from 100 to 42 g L−1. Of the tested adsorbents, exfoliated graphite is the most effective with a maximum adsorption capacity for petrol hydrocarbons of 3,850 mg g−1. The experimental equilibrium data are fitted to the Freundlich and Langmuir models.
Dental Evidence in Forensic Identification – An Overview, Methodology and Present Status
Authors: Krishan Kewal , Kanchan Tanuj , Garg Arun K
Published: August 2015

Forensic odontology is primarily concerned with the use of teeth and oral structures for identification in a legal context. Various forensic odontology techniques help in the identification of the human remains in incidents such as terrorists’ attacks, airplane, train and road accidents, fires, mass murders, and natural disasters such as tsunamis, earth quakes and floods, etc. (Disaster Victim Identification-DVI). Dental structures are the hardest and well protected structures in the body. These structures resist decomposition and high temperatures and are among the last ones to disintegrate after death. The principal basis of the dental identification lies in the fact that no two oral cavities are alike and the teeth are unique to an individual. The dental evidence of the deceased recovered from the scene of crime/occurrence is compared with the ante-mortem records for identification. Dental features such as tooth morphology, variations in shape and size, restorations, pathologies, missing tooth, wear patterns, crowding of the teeth, colour and position of the tooth, rotations and other peculiar dental anomalies give every individual a unique identity. In absence of ante-mortem dental records for comparison, the teeth can help in the determination of age, sex, race/ethnicity, habits, occupations, etc. which can give further clues regarding the identity of the individuals. This piece of writing gives an overview of dental evidence, its use in forensic identification and its limitations.
Cinnamon-induced Oral Mucosal Contact Reaction
Authors: Vivas Ana P. M , Migliari Dante A
Published: August 2015

Contact stomatitis associated with consumption of cinnamon flavoring agents is a relatively uncommon disorder. Of relevance, both clinical features and the histopathologic findings of this condition are nonspecific, and, more importantly, may resemble some other inflammatory oral mucosa disorders, eventually making diagnosis difficult. Usually a patient exhibits a combination of white and erythematous patches of abrupt onset, accompanied by a burning sensation. To shed some light on this subject, a case of a 64-year-old woman with hypersensitivity contact reaction on the oral mucosa due to cinnamon mints is presented, with emphasis on differential diagnosis and the process for confirmation of the diagnosis. The treatment consists of discontinuing the use of cinnamon products. Clinicians will be able to recognize this disorder following a careful clinical examination and detailed history. This recognition is important in order to avoid invasive and expensive diagnostic procedures.
Retained Sponge: A Rare Complication in Acetabular Osteosinthesis
Authors: Chana-Rodríguez Francisco , Mañanes Rubén Pérez , Rojo-Manaute José , Moran-Blanco Luz María , Vaquero-Martín Javier
Published: August 2015

Retained sponges after a surgical treatment of polytrauma may cause a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms and present a difficult diagnostic problem. We report a case of retained surgical sponge in a 35-year-old man transferred from another hospital, that sustained a open acetabular fracture. The fracture was reduced through a limited ilio-inguinal approach. After 4 days, he presented massive wound dehiscence of the surgical approach. An abdominal CT scan showed, lying adjacent to the outer aspect of the left iliac crest, a mass of 10 cm, identified as probable foreign body. The possibility of this rare complication should be in the differential diagnosis of any postoperative patient who presents with pain, infection, or palpable mass.
Management of the Floating Knee in Polytrauma Patients
Authors: Bertrand M.L. , Andrés-Cano P.
Published: August 2015

Ipsilateral fracture of the femur and tibia, or floating knee, is a rare injury that is found almost exclusively in polytrauma or high-energy trauma patients. It presents a combination of diaphyseal, metaphyseal and intra-articular fractures of the femur and tibia, with a high incidence of neurovascular, ligamentous and soft-tissue injuries. The functional outcome and, in some cases, the life, of such polytrauma patients depends largely on a correct therapeutic approach being taken. In general, the treatment decided upon will depend on the individual characteristics present, regarding aspects such as the patient’s general condition, the fracture line and the state of the soft tissues. The treatment provided may be the same as when single fractures are presented, but it is often necessary to consider whether certain techniques or surgical approaches may interfere with other lines of treatment. It is essential at all times to take into consideration the associated injuries and complications before deciding upon a treatment strategy. Ligamentous injuries play an important role in these injuries, much more so than when fractures occur singly. Therefore, these injuries require management by an experienced multidisciplinary team.
Multiple Infectious Complications in a Severely Injured Patient with Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Important Innate Immune Response Genes
Authors: Bronkhorst Maarten W.G.A. , Patka Peter , Lieshout Esther M.M. Van
Published: August 2015

Trauma is a major public health problem worldwide. Infectious complications, sepsis, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) remain important causes for morbidity and mortality in patients who survive the initial trauma. There is increasing evidence for the role of genetic variation in the innate immune system on infectious complications in severe trauma patients. We describe a trauma patient with multiple infectious complications caused by multiple micro-organisms leading to prolonged hospital stay with numerous treatments. This patient had multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in theMBL2, MASP2, FCN2andTLR2genes, most likely contributing to increased susceptibility and severity of infectious disease.
The Effectiveness of Local Antibiotics in Treating Chronic Osteomyelitis in
a Cohort of 50 Patients with an Average of 4 Years Follow-Up
Authors: Leung Andraay H.C. , Hawthorn Benjamin R. , Simpson A. Hamish R.W.
Published: August 2015

The treatment of chronic osteomyelitis requires both appropriate surgical and antibiotic management.
Prolonged intravenous antibiotic therapy followed by oral therapy is widely utilised. Despite this, the long-term
recurrence rate can be up to 30%.

A cohort of 50 patients from a 7-year period, 2003 to 2010, with chronic osteomyelitis was identified. This cohort was
treated by surgical marginal resection in combination with local application of antibiotics (Collatamp G - gentamicin in a
collagen fleece), a short course of systemic antibiotics post-operatively and conversion to oral antibiotics on discharge.
Information was retrieved from case notes and computerized records. Outcomes from this cohort were compared with a
historical cohort treated with marginal resection followed by 6 weeks of systemic antibiotics and 6 weeks of oral
antibiotics.

The mean follow-up duration was 3.2 years (SD 1.8). The average length of admission was 9.8 days (SD 11.4). 6 patients
(12%) suffered recurrence of infection requiring further treatment. We used the Cierny and Mader classification to stratify
the patients. 'A' hosts had a shorter duration of admission (7.1 days) than 'B' hosts (12.3 days). There was no significant
difference between recurrence rates of 'A' and 'B' hosts. Where available, we found pre-operative C-reactive protein (CRP)
and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels had no correlation with disease recurrence. Disease-free probability for
this cohort compared favourably with the historical cohort.

We believe local administration of gentamicin in a collagen fleece is a useful component in the management of chronic
osteomyelitis.
Unveiling the Black Markets of Pooled Assets
Authors: Atapattu Maura , Palekar Shailesh , Sedera Darshana
Published: August 2015

Presence of black markets is not common for every industry but is a unique phenomenon in the industries such as asset pooling and leasing services. The unique business models and the asset flows that we see in such industries are susceptible for such threats and reveals the nature and extent of extent of industry-specific threats. This paper employs agility lens (Overby et al. 2006; Roberts and Grover 2012) to understand how such firms could address the issue of black market threats with the help of network structure. Through a case study of a global asset pooling and leasing company, we reveal the criticality of network structures, the difficulties, inadequacies and impracticalities of current tracking technologies that challenge firms in minimizing such threats.
Twentieth-century warming preserved in a Geladaindong mountain ice core, central Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Yulan , Kang Shichang , Grigholm Bjorn , Zhang Yongjun , Kaspari Susan , Morgenstern Uwe , Ren Jiawen , Qin Dahe , Mayewski Paul A. , Zhang Qianggong , Cong Zhiyuan , Sillanpää Mika , Schwikowski Margit , Chen Feng
Published: August 2015

High-resolution δ18O records from a Geladaindong mountain ice core spanning the period 1477-1982 were used to investigate past temperature variations in the Yangtze River source region of the central Tibetan Plateau (TP). Annual ice-core δ18O records were positively correlated with temperature data from nearby meteorological stations, suggesting that the δ18O record represented the air temperature in the region. A generally increasing temperature trend over the past 500 years was identified, with amplified warming during the 20th century. A colder stage, spanning before the 1850s, was found to represent the Little Ice Age with colder periods occurring during the 1470s–1500s, 1580s–1660s, 1700s–20s and 1770s–1840s. Compared with other temperature records from the TP and the Northern Hemisphere, the Geladaindong ice-core record suggested that the regional climate of the central TP experienced a stronger warming trend during the 20th century than other regions. In addition, a positive relationship between the Geladaindong δ18O values and the North Atlantic Oscillation index, combined with a wavelet analysis of δ18O records, indicated that there was a potential atmospheric teleconnection between the North Atlantic and the central TP.