bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding, Bringing Closer, Integrating: Integration and Early Territory Articulation Model
Authors: Rojas Prada G. I.
Published: June 2015

Through this model, Ecopetrol seeks to understand how the territories of interest function, defining actions that make it possible to establish timely and effective liaison processes and integration, framed within the principles of Sustainable Development, generating relationships built upon legitimacy and trust.

In addition, the model seeks to built long-term regional visions on a collective basis to support the liaison process with stakeholders, identifying projects, managing alliances, strengthening the communities' capabilities; collaborating with the value chain's sustainability and contributing to the territories' sustainable development.

The model contemplates several tools to reach its objectives, which are developed in three processes: Reconnaissance, which carries out a comprehensive study of the company's territories of interest, contemplating the ecosystemic, economic, sociocultural and political dimension, delimiting and enabling a multidimensional interpretation through system dynamics; Integration, which forms part of the reconnaissance of territory and of plans that both the community and the company have visualized for the future. This vision is materialized by means of short, medium and long-term plans promoting the region's sustainable development through prospective exercises; Monitoring, which obtains a system to conduct a follow-up, by means of indicators, of the transformation of territory dynamics that could affect the company's activities, as well as the implemented strategies.

Through the application of this model in the southern part of the country, we are building alliances with regional organizations around our joint interest to achieve the sustainable development of the territory, which are articulated to long-term projects through territorial liaison processes based on social dialogue and the strengthening of the stakeholders' capabilities.

Modeling and simulating the dynamics in the territories where the organization's projects are carried out promote the understanding of the functionalities thereof through multidimensional and multiscale analyses, systemically focusing the management of the company's different departments on the different dimensions (ecosystemic, political, sociocultural and economic).
Challenges in Managing Solid Waste from Remote Sites in the Operation and Maintenance of the Pipeline Transportation System - Camise, Perú
Authors: Hernani J.. , Sulca G.. , Schuler M. Soria
Published: June 2015

The Camisea Pipeline Transportation System (PTS) crosses along three regions clearly differentiated in its 730 Km: forest, mountains and coast. Each of them has particular high social sensitivity and biolgocial diversity.

During pipeline operation and maintenance, different wastes are generated which must be disposed of in authorized sanitary or security landfills. There are not many and are remotely located from the generation points.

Waste management from remote generation points to authorized places involve a challenge from the logistic viewpoint, time, social and environmental responsibility, mainly due to the fact that operations in the forest are carried out under offshore conditions: carrying by air personnel, materials and wastes, thus complying with the access control plan of highly sensitivie social and environmental sectors of native communities, thus achiving compliance with the highest international standards related to the project.

Management of wastes at different work sites of the Right of Way starts with proper seggregation at the source. They are classified, labelled and registered, and then, they are transported to one of the 5 central storages strategically located along the three working sectors. Several air and/or land transportation means are used to move over 900 tons of hazardous and non hazardous wastes generated in the project.

An important factor implemented in waste management is compacting, which allowed for a reduction of over 30% of wastes transported, resulting in savings for the company.

Reception and conditioning in central storages follow safety and occupational health guidelines that allow to guarantee risk minimization and prevention.

Another strategy implemented as part of waste minimization is the implementation of fertilizing latrines, used in remote áreas to take advantage of waste water in organic matter environmentally usable.

Initiatives were implemented for reusing almost all organic wastes by transforming compost, reducing by 90% said waste, together with community development projects by using compost as raw material in agricultura in the areas of influence of the company.
Design and Implementation of an Environmental Computer Information System for a Continuous Enhancement and Systematization of Environmental Management
Authors: Schuler M. Soria , Rosales M. Miranda , Lau J. Hernani
Published: June 2015

The Camisea Pipeline Transportation System (PTS) consists of 730 Km of lines, surface facilities and operation facilities in the coast, mountains and forest. The project environmental management includes several environmental plans and programs aimed at following local laws, international standards and guidelines, such as the IDB policies, the Principles of Ecuador, the IFC performance standards and ISO 14001, that are part of the company's policy and its environmental management instruments.

The environmental management plans and programs include a Monitoring Plan, a Waste Management Plan, a Training Plan and Permitting Management, among others; which result in a continuous and large data flow, including records, forms, reports and several documents.

In this context, data management is sensitive and instrumental to ensure an appropriate environmental management. It is a challenge to manage data promptly considering the large area of influence of the project, which leads to the need of systematizing information using computing applications. After a benchmarking analysis and assessment of software available in the market, it was identified that the most appropriate solution was to develop tailored-made computing tools based on the PTS requirements. Therefore, we developed an in house Environmental Computer Information System (ECIS) based on .Net Framework 4 and SharePoint platforms.

As part of ECIS, a monitoring System was implemented to manage the whole process of over 137 points of the company's monitoring network; from the call, data acquisition, up to the preparation of statistical reports of results. The tool also accesses laboratories from its facilities through a web app to check results from the analysis, including assay reports. This optimizes data availability for monitoring, including historical data for analysis and automatic issuance of reports.

A Waste Computer Information System was also implemented for an efficient management and follow-up of almost 140 tons of solid waste created by the project, managing and systematizing data from its creation to final disposal, classifying them and keeping records along the management process to evidence compliance with the project standards, and creating historic and updated data for statistics.

The ECIS has several modules: environmental permitting to manage over 225 permits with warnings to identify their expiration dates; a training module, to store over 4,000 records including over almost 35,000 man hours trained during 2013; an environmental inspection, findings and incident module to follow up 518 inspections and 979 findings in 2013, up to their closure; additionally, modules for permitting and contractor record management and external documents from several environmental authorities, among others.
Integrated Petrophysical and Reservoir Characterization Workflow to Enhance Permeability and Water Saturation Prediction
Authors: Al-Amri Meshal A. , Mahmoud M. N. , Al-Yousef Hasan Y. , Al-Ghamdi Tariq M.
Published: June 2015

Accurate estimation of permeability is essential in reservoir characterization and in determining fluid flow in porous media to optimize the production of a field. Some of the available permeability prediction techniques — e.g., Porosity-Permeability transforms and more recently artificial intelligence and neural networks — are encouraging but still show only moderate to good match to core data. This could be due to limitation to homogenous media while the knowledge about geology and heterogeneity is indirectly related or absent. The use of geological information from core descriptions, e.g., Lithofacies, which includes diagenetic information, show a link to permeability when categorized into rock types exposed to similar depositional environments. The objective of this paper is to develop a robust combined workflow integrating geology and petrophysics and wireline logs in an extremely heterogeneous carbonate reservoir to accurately predict permeability. Permeability prediction is carried out using pattern recognition algorithm called multi-resolution graph-based clustering (MRGC). We will bench mark the prediction results with hard data from core and well test analysis. As a result, we show how much better improvements are achieved in permeability prediction when geology is integrated within the analysis. Finally, we use the predicted permeability as an input parameter in J-function and correct for uncertainties in saturation calculation produced by wireline logs using the classical Archie equation. In conclusion, a high level of confidence in hydrocarbon volumes estimation is reached when robust permeability and saturation height functions are estimated, in conjunction with important geological details that are petrophysically meaningful.
Achieving positive net energy in a nutrient removal facility: optimizing the Ejby Molle WWTP
Authors: Nielsen Per Henrik , Sandino Julian , Leth Mads , Whitlock Dru , Johnson Tom , Constantine Tim , Houweling Dwight
Published: June 2015

A series of energy optimization options (EOOs) were identified for the Ejby Molle WWTP through the analysis of historical operational data, the use of an advanced mass/energy balance simulation tool, and the adoption of a collaborative workshop-based approach in identifying and evaluating alternatives. This biological nutrient removal facility is located in Odense, Denmark, and has a treatment capacity suitable for 385.000 population equivalents. Implementation by plant staff of some of the recommended EOOs (primarily those only requiring modifications in operational strategies of existing unit processes) has succeeded in making this plant energy self-sufficient. Efforts are currently on their way for the incorporation of a deammonification-based process for side stream treatment with the objective of eventually converting it to a mainstream system. These modifications will take this plant well into a positive net energy condition.
New tunnel system to eliminate sanitary sewer overflows and control combined sewer overflows in Hartford, Connecticut
Authors: Nasri V. , Haynes C. E.
Published: June 2015

The South Hartford Conveyance and Storage Tunnel is a major component of Hartford Metropolitan District's Clean Water Project. It is intended to capture and store combined sewer overflows from the southern portion of Hartford, CT, and sanitary sewer overflows from West Hartford and Newington, CT. The project is estimated to cost approximately $US500 M and will be constructed under multiple construction contracts. The project components include a deep rock tunnel 6.6 km long and 7.6 m excavated diameter, several kilometers of consolidation sewers, multiple hydraulic drop shafts with deaeration chambers and a 100 MLD pumping station for tunnel dewatering. The tunnel boring machine-bored tunnel will be excavated in shale, siltstone and basalt through several fault zones. An AECOM led team is currently performing the final design for the project.
Current status of the rotating belt filtration (RBF) technology for municipal wastewater treatment
Authors: Franchi A. , Santoro D.
Published: June 2015

Rotating belt filtration (RBF) is a technology designed for the removal of suspended solids, and effluent organic matter from wastewater that has been recently undergoing intensive development and testing. Generally, RBF can remove solids to meet Ten State Standards (‘Primary settling of normal domestic wastewater can be expected to remove approximately one-third of the influent BOD5 when operating at an overflow rate of 41 m3/(m2 d) [1,000 gallons per day/square foot]’) and European council directive standards (at least 50% total suspended solids (TSS) and 20% Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) removal). Recent testing have also shown that, when a polymer is added upstream of the RBF, solids and organics removal is significantly enhanced.

Advantages of RBF include reduced space requirement, ability to support small mesh without clogging, reduced civil engineering site work, and modular construction allowing for reduced design work, faster installation, and ease of plant expansion. Additional site-specific advantages may include reduced capital and operation costs, and energy savings (e.g. reduced aeration costs following the addition of primary solids removal by RBF against the baseline case where primary solids removal is not practiced). As a matter of fact, when RBF is operated as a pretreatment to remove 50% of the incoming TSS prior to the biological aerated tank, a significant decrease in power consumption ranging from 22 to 28% can be expected if compared to the case where no primary treatment is used.

This paper focuses on the current status of development of the technology and provides a literature review of recent experimental studies focused on testing RBF.
Epidemiology of fractures in Children at College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal
Authors: Gupta HK
Published: June 2015

Objective To study the epidemiology of fractures in the pediatric population. Methods All the cases of fractures of age 14 yrs or less presenting in emergency room or outdoor patient department of Orthopaedics during the time period of January 2013 to December 2013 were included in the study and prospectively studied. Demographic data were collected and analysed by descriptive methods. Results The incidence of fracture was more in male child. Most fractures occurred in age group of 6 to 14 years. Lower limb fractures (56.8%) were more common than upper limb fractures. Incidence of injuries was more during summer most common mode of trauma being motor vehicle accidents (26%). Conclusion Proper supervision and guidance during outdoor activities, on the play ground and proper home safety measures with improved road conditions and proper traffic knowledge can markedly reduce the incidence of pediatric trauma. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v10i1.12760 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(1); 1-4
A study of Eagle’s syndrome in CMS-TH Bharatpur
Authors: Shah DK , Ganguly SN , Reddy NS
Published: June 2015

Objective To study the common symptoms and outcome of surgical treatment of Eagle’s syndromeMethods A total of 22 cases were studied prospectively in both sexes from January 2008 to December 2010, in Department of ENT-HNS College Of Medical Sciences-Teaching Hospital, Bharatpur, Nepal. Patients with symptomatic styloid process were clinically palpated at tonsillar fossa and finally sent for X-ray styloid process. Patients underwent intra-oral tonsillectomy with styloidectomy. Post-operative improvement was analysed by follow up at one three and six months interval.Results Most common age group was 30-40 years (63.63%) with female dominance (M:F=1:4.5). The most frequent symptoms were pain in throat (29.62%), referred pain in ear (20.37%), pain in anterior triangle in neck (24.07%), foreign body sensation in throat (14.81%) and difficulty in swallowing (11.11%). Fifty nine percent of patients were having symptoms for last two to four years and 50% were on medication for last one to two years. All the patients underwent styloidectomy through intra-oral route. (63.63%) patients became symptom free and 13.63% didn’t show improvement even after operation.Conclusion Eagle’s syndrome is common in young females with various atypical presentations. Dull/throbbing or radiationg throat pain and pain in anterior triangle of the neck are common presentations. Diagnosis is done simply by palpating the tonsillar fossa.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(1); 5-10
Prevalence and severity of periodontal diseases among Nepalese adults - a hospital based study
Authors: Rajkarnikar J , Acharya J
Published: June 2015

Objective The present study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of periodontal diseases among adults visiting the dental department of a hospital based in Jorpati.Methods Four hundred and seventeen patients were randomly taken from a dental hospital situated in Jorpati during the time period of March 2013 to August 2013. All patients visiting the dental department who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The data included patients overall information along with their chief complaint, gingival bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), frequency of brushing, adverse habits and the diagnosis of the patients examined.Results We found that 52.5% suffered from gingivitis and 47.5% suffered from periodontitis. Also 28.3% suffered from localized and 18% suffered from generalized form of periodontitis. There was no statistically significant difference in the gender when the prevalence of periodontal disease was compared. 51.4% of male and 44.4% of female was seen to be affected with periodontitis. Also habits like smoking and intake of smokeless tobacco was seen to be associated with periodontitis. Regarding the age group more number of patients in the age group of >50 years were seen to be suffering from periodontitis (84.3%) as compared to age group of <35 years (25.9%).Conclusion There is high prevalence of periodontitis and gingivitis in the studied population. Periodontitis was seen to be more prevalent as age advanced which can be attributed mainly to untreated gingivitis. However, no significant difference was seen in the prevalence of periodontitis with respect to gender.Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(1); 11-16
Ascites alone as the presentation of Congenital Tuberculosis
Authors: Purkait S , Banerjee P , Chatterjee A , Pan A
Published: June 2015

Congenital tuberculosis is a rare disease. It usually presents with respiratory distress, fever and organomegaly. We report a case of congenital tuberculosis presenting with ascites only.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v10i1.12766 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(1); 37-40
Congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation of lung: A case report
Authors: Banerjee Asish , Pal Sumita , Chatterjee Anish , Pan A
Published: June 2015

A term neonate developed respiratory distress after 12 hours of birth which was diagnosed as a case of congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation (CCAM) of the right lung by computerized tomography scan. CCAM of the lung is rare congenital cystic lung lesion. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v10i1.12767 Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2014, Vol.10(1); 41-42
Yield response of summer country bean to boron and molybdenum fertilizer
Authors: Nasreen Shamima , Siddiky MA , Ahmed R , Rannu RP
Published: June 2015

Field experiments were conducted in the Grey Terrace Soil (Aeric Albaquept) under AEZ-28 at the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) farm, Gazipur during summer seasons of 2010 and 2011 to determine the optimum rate of boron and molybdenum combination for maximizing the yield of summer country bean (var. BARI Sheem-3). Four levels each of B (0, 1, 2 and 3 kg ha-1 ) and Mo (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 kg ha-1 ) were used as treatment variables. The results indicated that application of B and Mo fertilizer combination exerted significant influence on the number of pods plant-1 , individual pod weight and pod yield ha-1 in both the years. The highest pod yield (9.58 t ha-1 in 2010 and 9.42 t ha-1 in 2011) was produced by the combination of 2 kg B and 1.5 kg Mo ha-1 and it was statistically identical with 2 kg B and 1.0 kg Mo ha-1 combination. Addition of B beyond 2 kg ha-1 along with higher doses of Mo created a detrimental effect to reduce yield irrespective of years. The results revealed that application of 2 kg B and 1 kg Mo ha-1 combination with a blanket dose of 50 kg N, 40 kg P, 60 kg K and 20 kg S ha-1 plus cowdung 5 t ha-1 might be optimum for summer country bean cultivation in Grey Terrace Soil of Gazipur.Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(1): 71-76, March 2015
Effect of sowing dates and genotypes on the yield of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)
Authors: Moniruzzaman M , Rahman MM , Hossain MM , Karim AJM Sirajul , Khaliq QA
Published: June 2015

A field experiment on coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) taking five sowing dates viz. November 01, November 16, December 01, December 16 and December 31 and four selected genotypes viz. CS001, CS007, CS008 and CS011 was conducted during the Winter season of 2009-10 at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University to study heat efficiency for the crop. The crop sown on November 16 and the genotype CS011 showed the highest heat use efficiency for dry matter, seed and stover yield. Heat use efficiency for dry matter as well as seed yield increased from November 01 to November 16 and then decreased with delayed sowing. November 16 sowing coupled with CS011 gave the maximum heat use efficiency for seed yield. Growing Degree Days (GDD) showed a positive linear response with dry matter accumulation and coefficient of regression was high in November 16 sowing as well as in CS011. Heat use efficiency showed a negative linear response with maximum (y = 2.058  0.054, R2 = 0.682*), minimum (y = 2.123  0.070x, R2 = 0.687*) and mean (y = 2.13  o.063x, R2 =0.709*) temperature but positive linear response with relative humidity (y = 0.074x  5.593, R2 = 0.702*).Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 40(1): 109-119, March 2015
How can a postgraduate professional education and development course benefit general practitioners?: a qualitative study
Authors: Agius Steven , Baron Rebecca , Lewis Barry , Luckhurst Stephen , Sloan Mark , Ward Thomas
Published: June 2015

Purpose: The rationale for ‘professional education and development’ (PED) courses is to support general practitioners, enabling them to access a range of theoretical and practical skills within a supportive schema. It aims to identify whether and how a regional PED course has had a beneficial impact upon participants. Methods: The study comprised a qualitative investigation of participants’ assessed coursework portfolios. The content of each portfolio gives individual accounts of the impact of the course on personal and practice development. Permission to access extant portfolios was obtained from 16 recent alumni of the course. The anonymous written material was analysed by the research team for recurring discourses and themes using a thematic framework analysis. Results: Seven major thematic categories were extrapolated from the data: leadership, resilience, quality improvement, change management, development of new services, educational expertise, and patient safety. In each category, we found evidence that the course enabled development of practitioners by enhancing knowledge and skills which had a positive impact upon their self-perceived effectiveness and motivation. Conclusion: Extended specialty training is on the horizon but such courses may still serve a valuable purpose for current trainees and the existing general practitioners workforce which will be responsible for leading the shift towards community-based service delivery.
Wilde Crimes: The Art of Murder and Decadent (Homo)Sexuality in Gyles Brandreth's Oscar Wilde Series
Authors: Gruss Susanne
Published: June 2015

Gyles Brandreth's Oscar Wilde novels (2007–12) appropriate Wilde for a neo-Victorian crime series in which the sharp-witted aestheticist serves as a detective à la Sherlock Holmes. This article explores Brandreth's art of adapting Wilde (both the man and the works) and English decadent culture on several levels. The novels can, of course, be read as traditional crime mysteries: while readers follow Wilde as detective, they are simultaneously prompted to decipher the ‘truth’ of biographical and cultural/historical detail. At the same time, the mysteries revolve around Wilde's scandalous (homo)sexuality and thus his masculinity. The novels remain curiously cautious when it comes to the depiction of Wilde as homosexual: all novels showcase Wilde's marriage, Constance's virtues, and Oscar's love for his children, and the real ‘Somdomites’ are the murderers he pursues. By portraying these criminals and their crimes, the novels evade the less comfortable, transgressive aspects of Wilde's sexuality and help to reduce him to a thoroughly amusing decadent suitable for a general reading public. Brandreth's novels can therefore be read as a decidedly conservative account of Wilde's masculinity for the market of neo-Victorian fiction.
Variation in Response to Moisture Stress of Young Plants of Interspecific Hybrids between White Clover (T. repens L.) and Caucasian Clover (T. ambiguum M. Bieb.)
Authors: Marshall Athole , Lowe Matthew , Collins Rosemary
Published: June 2015

Backcross hybrids between the important forage legume white clover (Trifolium repens L.), which is stoloniferous, and the related rhizomatous species Caucasian clover (T. ambiguum M. Bieb), have been produced using white clover as the recurrent parent. The effect of drought on the parental species and two generations of backcrosses were studied in a short-term glasshouse experiment under three intensities of drought. Plants of Caucasian clover maintained a higher leaf relative water content and leaf water potential than white clover at comparable levels of drought, with the response of the backcrosses generally intermediate between the parents. Severe drought significantly reduced stolon growth rate and leaf development rate of white clover compared to the control, well-watered treatment, whilst differences between these two treatments in the backcross hybrids were relatively small. The differences between parental species and the backcrosses in root morphology were studied in 1m long vertical pipes. The parental species differed in root weight distribution, with root weight of Caucasian clover significantly greater than white clover in the 0.1 m to 0.5 m root zone. The backcrosses exhibited root characteristics intermediate between the parents. The extent to which these differences influence the capacity to tolerate drought is discussed.
Pleiotropy as the Mechanism for Evolving Novelty: Same Signal, Different Result
Authors: Torday John
Published: June 2015

In contrast to the probabilistic way of thinking about pleiotropy as the random expression of a single gene that generates two or more distinct phenotypic traits, it is actually a deterministic consequence of the evolution of complex physiology from the unicellular state. Pleiotropic novelties emerge through recombinations and permutations of cell-cell signaling exercised during reproduction based on both past and present physical and physiologic conditions, in service to the future needs of the organism for its continued survival. Functional homologies ranging from the lung to the kidney, skin, brain, thyroid and pituitary exemplify the evolutionary mechanistic strategy of pleiotropy. The power of this perspective is exemplified by the resolution of evolutionary gradualism and punctuated equilibrium in much the same way that Niels Bohr resolved the paradoxical duality of light as Complementarity.
Oncogenic BRAF(V600E) Induces Clastogenesis and UVB Hypersensitivity
Authors: Simpson Dennis , Lemonie Nathalay , Morgan David , Gaddameedhi Shobhan , Kaufmann William
Published: June 2015

The oncogenic BRAF(V600E) mutation is common in melanomas as well as moles. The roles that this mutation plays in the early events in the development of melanoma are poorly understood. This study demonstrates that expression of BRAF(V600E) is not only clastogenic, but synergizes for clastogenesis caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the 300 to 320 nM (UVB) range. Expression of BRAF(V600E) was associated with induction of Chk1 pS280 and a reduction in chromatin remodeling factors BRG1 and BAF180. These alterations in the Chk1 signaling pathway and SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling pathway may contribute to the clastogenesis and UVB sensitivity. These results emphasize the importance of preventing sunburns in children with developing moles.
Effects of Scavenging System Configuration on In-Cylinder Air Flow Organization of an Opposed-Piston Two-Stroke Engine
Authors: Ma Fukang , Zhao Changlu , Zhang Fujun , Zhao Zhenfeng , Zhang Shuanlu
Published: June 2015

In-cylinder air flow is very important from the point of view of mixture formation and combustion. In this direction, intake chamber structure and piston crown shape play a very crucial role for in-cylinder air pattern of opposed-piston two-stroke (OP2S) engines. This study is concerned with the three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of in-cylinder air motion coupled with the comparison of predicted results with the zero-dimensional (0D) parametric model. Three configurations viz., a flat piston uniform scavenging chamber, a flat piston non-uniform scavenging chamber and a pit piston non-uniform scavenging chamber have been studied. 0D model analysis of in-cylinder air flow is consistent with 3D CFD simulation. It is concluded that a pit piston non-uniform scavenging chamber is the best design from the point of view of tumble ratio, turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent intensity, which play very important roles in imparting proper air motion. Meanwhile a flat piston uniform scavenging chamber can organize a higher swirl ratio and lower tumble ratio which is important to improve the scavenging process.
State of Charge Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries Using an Adaptive Cubature Kalman Filter
Authors: Xia Bizhong , Wang Haiqing , Tian Yong , Wang Mingwang , Sun Wei , Xu Zhihui
Published: June 2015

Accurate state of charge (SOC) estimation is of great significance for a lithium-ion battery to ensure its safe operation and to prevent it from over-charging or over-discharging. However, it is difficult to get an accurate value of SOC since it is an inner sate of a battery cell, which cannot be directly measured. This paper presents an Adaptive Cubature Kalman filter (ACKF)-based SOC estimation algorithm for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. Firstly, the lithium-ion battery is modeled using the second-order resistor-capacitor (RC) equivalent circuit and parameters of the battery model are determined by the forgetting factor least-squares method. Then, the Adaptive Cubature Kalman filter for battery SOC estimation is introduced and the estimated process is presented. Finally, two typical driving cycles, including the Dynamic Stress Test (DST) and New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) are applied to evaluate the performance of the proposed method by comparing with the traditional extended Kalman filter (EKF) and cubature Kalman filter (CKF) algorithms. Experimental results show that the ACKF algorithm has better performance in terms of SOC estimation accuracy, convergence to different initial SOC errors and robustness against voltage measurement noise as compared with the traditional EKF and CKF algorithms.
Occurrence of Escherichia coli, Campylobcter, Salmonella and Shiga-Toxin Producing E. coli in Norwegian Primary Strawberry Production
Authors: Johannessen Gro , Eckner Karl , Heiberg Nina , Monshaugen Marte , Begum Mumtaz , Økland Marianne , Høgåsen Helga
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the bacteriological quality of strawberries at harvest and to study risk factors such as irrigation water, soil and picker’s hand cleanliness. Four farms were visited during the harvest season in 2012. Samples of strawberries, irrigation water, soil and hand swabs were collected and analyzed for E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella and STEC Although fecal indicators and pathogens were found in environmental samples, only one of 80 samples of strawberries was positive for E. coli (1.0 log10 cfu/g) and pathogens were not detected in any of the strawberry samples. The water samples from all irrigation sources were contaminated with E. coli in numbers ranging from 0 to 3.3 log10 cfu/g. Campylobacter (8/16 samples) and Salmonella (1/16 samples) were isolated from samples with high numbers of E. coli. The water samples collected from a lake had lower numbers of E. coli than the samples from rivers and a stream. The present study indicated continuous background contamination in the primary production environment. Although the background contamination was not reflected on the strawberries tested here, the results must be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of samples.
Comparison of Six Chromogenic Agar Media for the Isolation of a Broad Variety of Non-O157 Shigatoxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) Serogroups
Authors: Verhaegen Bavo , De Reu Koen , Heyndrickx Marc , De Zutter Lieven
Published: June 2015

The isolation of non-O157 STEC from food samples has proved to be challenging. The selection of a suitable selective isolation agar remains problematic. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively and quantitatively evaluate six chromogenic agar media for the isolation of STEC: Tryptone Bile X-glucuronide agar (TBX), Rainbow® Agar O157 (RB), Rapid E. coli O157:H7 (RE), Modified MacConkey Agar (mMac), CHROMagarTM STEC (Chr ST) and chromIDTM EHEC (Chr ID). During this study, 45 E. coli strains were used, including 39 STEC strains belonging to 16 different O serogroups and 6 non-STEC E. coli. All E. coli strains were able to grow on TBX and RB, whereas one STEC strain was unable to grow on Chr ID and a number of other STEC strains did not grow on mMac, CHROMagar STEC and Rapid E. coli O157:H7. However, only the latter three agars were selective enough to completely inhibit the growth of the non-STEC E. coli. Our conclusion was that paired use of a more selective agar such as CHROMagar STEC together with a less selective agar like TBX or Chr ID might be the best solution for isolating non-O157 STEC from food.
Public Knowledge, Beliefs and Behavior on Antibiotic Use and Self-Medication in Lithuania
Authors: Pavydė Eglė , Veikutis Vincentas , Mačiulienė Asta , Mačiulis Vytautas , Petrikonis Kęstutis , Stankevičius Edgaras
Published: June 2015

Irrational antibiotic use has led society to antibiotic resistance—a serious health problem worldwide. This study aimed to assess public knowledge, beliefs, and behavior concerning antibiotic use and self-medication in Lithuania. The cross-sectional survey method was processed using a validated questionnaire in different regions of Lithuania. In total, 1005 adults completed the questionnaire and were included in the study. More than half of the respondents (61.1%) had poor knowledge of antibiotics. Almost half of the respondents incorrectly identified antibiotics as being effective either against viral (26.0%) or mixed (bacterial and viral) infections (21.7%). The respondents with lower educational qualifications (OR = 2.515; 95% CI 1.464–4.319; p = 0.001) and those from rural areas (OR = 1.765; 95% CI 1.041–2.991; p = 0.035) were significantly less knowledgeable of antibiotics. There was no significant difference between genders, different age groups, or different parenthood status. The determined level of self–medication with antibiotics was 31.0%. The men (OR = 1.650; 95% CI 1.120–2.430; p = 0.011), the respondents from rural areas (OR = 2.002; 95% CI 1.343–2.985; p = 0.001), and those without children (OR = 2.428; 95% CI 1.477–3.991; p < 0.001) were more likely to use antibiotics in self-medication. Lithuanian residents’ knowledge of antibiotics is insufficient. More information about antibiotic use should be provided by physicians and pharmacists. Self-medication with antibiotics is a serious problem in Lithuania and requires considerable attention.
In Vitro Proliferation and Anti-Apoptosis of the Papain-Generated Casein and Soy Protein Hydrolysates towards Osteoblastic Cells (hFOB1.19)
Authors: Pan Xiao-Wen , Zhao Xin-Huai
Published: June 2015

Casein and soy protein were digested by papain to three degrees of hydrolysis (DH) 7.3%–13.3%, to obtain respective six casein and soy protein hydrolysates, aiming to clarify their in vitro proliferation and anti-apoptosis towards a human osteoblastic cell line (hFOB1.19 cells). Six casein and soy protein hydrolysates at five levels (0.01–0.2 mg/mL) mostly showed proliferation as positive 17β-estradiol did, because they conferred the osteoblasts with cell viability of 100%–114% and 104%–123%, respectively. The hydrolysates of higher DH values had stronger proliferation. Casein and soy protein hydrolysates of the highest DH values altered cell cycle progression, and enhanced cell proportion of S-phase from 50.5% to 56.5% and 60.5%. The two also antagonized etoposide- and NaF-induced osteoblast apoptosis. In apoptotic prevention, apoptotic cells were decreased from 31.6% to 22.6% and 15.6% (etoposide treatment), or from 19.5% to 17.7% and 12.4% (NaF treatment), respectively. In apoptotic reversal, soy protein hydrolysate decreased apoptotic cells from 13.3% to 11.7% (etoposide treatment), or from 14.5% to 11.0% (NaF treatment), but casein hydrolysate showed no reversal effect. It is concluded that the hydrolysates of two kinds had estradiol-like action on the osteoblasts, and soy protein hydrolysates had stronger proliferation and anti-apoptosis on the osteoblasts than casein hydrolysates.
Preparation of Advanced Carbon Anode Materials from Mesocarbon Microbeads for Use in High C-Rate Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Fang Ming-Dar , Ho Tsung-Han , Yen Jui-Pin , Lin Yu-Run , Hong Jin-Long , Wu She-Huang , Jow Jiin-Jiang
Published: June 2015

Mesophase soft carbon (MSC) and mesophase graphite (SMG), for use in comparative studies of high C-rate Lithium Ion Battery (LIB) anodes, were made by heating mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) at 1300 °C and 3000 °C; respectively. The crystalline structures and morphologies of the MSC, SMG, and commercial hard carbon (HC) were investigated by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, their electrochemical properties, when used as anode materials in LIBs, were also investigated. The results show that MSC has a superior charging rate capability compared to SMG and HC. This is attributed to MSC having a more extensive interlayer spacing than SMG, and a greater number of favorably-oriented pathways when compared to HC.
A New Green Ionic Liquid-Based Corrosion Inhibitor for Steel in Acidic Environments
Authors: Atta Ayman , El-Mahdy Gamal , Al-Lohedan Hamad , Ezzat Abdel
Published: June 2015

This work examines the use of new hydrophobic ionic liquid derivatives, namely octadecylammonium tosylate (ODA-TS) and oleylammonium tosylate (OA-TS) for corrosion protection of steel in 1 M hydrochloric acid solution. Their chemical structures were determined from NMR analyses. The surface activity characteristics of the prepared ODA-TS and OA-TS were evaluated from conductance, surface tension and contact angle measurements. The data indicate the presence of a double bond in the chemical structure of OA-TS modified its surface activity parameters. Potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Energy dispersive X-rays (EDX) analysis and contact angle measurements were utilized to investigate the corrosion protection performance of ODA-TS and OA-TS on steel in acidic solution. The OA-TS and ODA-TS compounds showed good protection performance in acidic chloride solution due to formation of an inhibitive film on the steel surface.
A Novel Aqueous Two Phase System Composed of Surfactant and Xylitol for the Purification of Lipase from Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata) Seeds and Recycling of Phase Components
Authors: Amid Mehrnoush , Manap Mohd , Hussin Muhaini , Mustafa Shuhaimi
Published: June 2015

Lipase is one of the more important enzymes used in various industries such as the food, detergent, pharmaceutical, textile, and pulp and paper sectors. A novel aqueous two-phase system composed of surfactant and xylitol was employed for the first time to purify lipase from Cucurbita moschata. The influence of different parameters such as type and concentration of surfactants, and the composition of the surfactant/xylitol mixtures on the partitioning behavior and recovery of lipase was investigated. Moreover, the effect of system pH and crude load on the degree of purification and yield of the purified lipase were studied. The results indicated that the lipase was partitioned into the top surfactant rich phase while the impurities partitioned into the bottom xylitol-rich phase using an aqueous two phase system composed of 24% (w/w) Triton X-100 and 20% (w/w) xylitol, at 56.2% of tie line length (TLL), (TTL is one of the important parameters in this study and it is determined from a bimodal curve in which the tie-line connects two nodes on the bimodal, that represent concentration of phase components in the top and bottom phases) and a crude load of 25% (w/w) at pH 8.0. Recovery and recycling of components was also measured in each successive step process. The enzyme was successfully recovered by the proposed method with a high purification factor of 16.4 and yield of 97.4% while over 97% of the phase components were also recovered and recycled. This study demonstrated that the proposed novel aqueous two phase system method is more efficient and economical than the traditional aqueous two phase system method for the purification and recovery of the valuable enzyme lipase.
Metabolomics to Explore Impact of Dairy Intake
Authors: Zheng Hong , Clausen Morten , Dalsgaard Trine , Bertram Hanne
Published: June 2015

Dairy products are an important component in the Western diet and represent a valuable source of nutrients for humans. However, a reliable dairy intake assessment in nutrition research is crucial to correctly elucidate the link between dairy intake and human health. Metabolomics is considered a potential tool for assessment of dietary intake instead of traditional methods, such as food frequency questionnaires, food records, and 24-h recalls. Metabolomics has been successfully applied to discriminate between consumption of different dairy products under different experimental conditions. Moreover, potential metabolites related to dairy intake were identified, although these metabolites need to be further validated in other intervention studies before they can be used as valid biomarkers of dairy consumption. Therefore, this review provides an overview of metabolomics for assessment of dairy intake in order to better clarify the role of dairy products in human nutrition and health.
In Vivo Protective Effects of Diosgenin against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity
Authors: Chen Chih-Tai , Wang Zhi-Hong , Hsu Cheng-Chin , Lin Hui-Hsuan , Chen Jing-Hsien
Published: June 2015

Doxorubicin (DOX) induces oxidative stress leading to cardiotoxicity. Diosgenin, a steroidal saponin of Dioscorea opposita, has been reported to have antioxidant activity. Our study was aimed to find out the protective effect of diosgenin against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in mice. DOX treatment led to a significant decrease in the ratio of heart weight to body weight, and increases in the blood pressure and the serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and creatine kinase myocardial bound (CK-MB), markers of cardiotoxicity. In the heart tissue of the DOX-treated mice, DOX reduced activities of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were recovered by diosgenin. Diosgenin also decreased the serum levels of cardiotoxicity markers, cardiac levels of thiobarbituric acid relative substances (TBARS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), caspase-3 activation, and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), an inflammatory factor. Moreover, diosgenin had the effects of increasing the cardiac levels of cGMP via modulation of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) activity, and in improving myocardial fibrosis in the DOX-treated mice. Molecular data showed that the protective effects of diosgenin might be mediated via regulation of protein kinase A (PKA) and p38. Our data imply that diosgenin possesses antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities, and cGMP modulation effect, which in turn protect the heart from the DOX-induced cardiotoxicity.
How to Survive the Anthropocene: Adaptive Atheism and the Evolution of Homo deiparensis
Authors: Shults F.
Published: June 2015

Why is it so easy to ignore the ecological and economic crises of the Anthropocene? This article unveils some of the religious biases whose covert operation facilitates the repression or rejection of warnings about the consequences of extreme climate change and excessive capitalist consumption. The evolved defaults that are most relevant for our purposes here have to do with mental credulity toward religious content (beliefs about supernatural agents) and with social congruity in religious contexts (behaviors shaped by supernatural rituals). Learning how to contest these phylogenetically inherited and culturally fortified biases may be a necessary condition for adapting to and altering our current natural and social environments in ways that will enhance the chances for the survival (and flourishing) of Homo sapiens and other sentient species. I outline a conceptual framework, derived from empirical findings and theoretical developments in the bio-cultural sciences of religion, which can help clarify why and how gods are imaginatively conceived and nurtured by ritually engaged believers. Finally, I discuss the role that “adaptive atheism” might play in responding to the crises of the Anthropocene.
A Room Temperature H2 Sensor Fabricated Using High Performance Pt-Loaded SnO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Sheng-Chang , Shaikh Muhammad
Published: June 2015

Highly sensitive H2 gas sensors were prepared using pure and Pt-loaded SnO2 nanoparticles. Thick film sensors (~35 μm) were fabricated that showed a highly porous interconnected structure made of high density small grained nanoparticles. Using Pt as catalyst improved sensor response and reduced the operating temperature for achieving high sensitivity because of the negative temperature coefficient observed in Pt-loaded SnO2. The highest sensor response to 1000 ppm H2 was 10,500 at room temperature with a response time of 20 s. The morphology of the SnO2 nanoparticles, the surface loading concentration and dispersion of the Pt catalyst and the microstructure of the sensing layer all play a key role in the development of an effective gas sensing device.
Identifying Strategic Factors of the Implantation CSR in the Airline Industry: The Case of Asia-Pacific Airlines
Authors: Chang Dong-Shang , Chen Sheng-Hung , Hsu Chia-Wei , Hu Allen
Published: June 2015

Sustainable development has always been the objective of many fields, including the tourism and transportation sector. However, a major part of this sector, the airline industry, deals with many negative impacts, such as air pollution, noise, CO2 emission, and labor practice. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a strategic business activity that can enhance the sustainability of the airline industry. The results of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) reveal that airlines of Western countries exhibit a more remarkable CSR performance than Asia-Pacific airlines, suggesting that the CSR programs of Asia-Pacific airlines need improvement. By constructing an evaluation hierarchy and applying the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method, this study found that the key strategic factors in the airline industry’s implementation of CSR include corporate governance, risk and crisis management, brand management, and product responsibility (safety).