bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design considerations for wastewater treatment by reverse osmosis
Authors: Bartels C.R. , Wilf M. , Andes K. , Iong J.
Published: May 2018

Reverse Osmosis is finding increasing use for the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewaters due to the growing demand for high quality water in large urban areas. The growing success of membranes in this application is related to improved process designs and improved membrane products. Key factors which have been determined to result in successful operation of large-scale plants will be discussed. Factors which play a key role in the use of RO membranes include ultra or microfiltration pretreatment, low fouling membranes, flux rate, recovery and control of fouling and scaling. In particular, high flux rates can be used when UF or MF pretreatment is used. These technologies remove most of the suspended particles that would normally cause heavy fouling of lead elements. Typically, fluxes in the range of 17–21 lmh lead to cleaning frequencies in the range of 3–4 months. By combining the use of membrane pretreatment and chloramination of the feed water through chlorine addition, two of the primary sources of RO membrane fouling can be controlled. The use of chloramine has become a proven means to control biofouling in a membrane for wastewater applications. The other significant problems for RO membranes result from organics fouling by dissolved organics and scaling due to saturation of marginally soluble salts. The former can be a significant problem for membranes, due to the strong attraction forces. To some extent, these can be mitigated by making the membrane surface more hydrophilic or changing the charge of the membrane surface. To minimize fouling, many plants are turning to low fouling membranes. Extensive studies have demonstrated that the membrane surface is hydrophilic, neutrally charged over a broad pH range, and more resistant to organic adsorption. Also, an analysis of the potential scaling issues will be reviewed. In particular, calcium phosphate has been found to be one of the key scalants that will limit RO system recovery rate. Calcium phosphate concentrations can reach high values in many wastewaters, and scaling of this compound is not often modeled in most RO projection software. Various process options will be presented to evaluate the most economic means of avoiding phosphate scaling. Finally, data from major RO wastewater treatment plants will be presented to show how the RO membranes operate under actual conditions, utilizing many of these design features. Long term data from the 2.6 mgd Bedok demonstration Plant demonstrate that the RO membranes operate consistently on wastewater. Experiences from the 8.5 mgd (32,000 m3/day) Bedok and 10.5 mgd (40,000 m3/day) Kranji plants will also be presented. These large plants started operation in the fall of 2002 and have demonstrated an effective means to reclaim high quality water from difficult source waters, such as municipal wastewaters.
Biological treatability of raw and ozonated synthetic penicillin formulation effluent
Authors: Cokgor E.U. , Karahan O. , Arslan-Alaton I. , Saruhan H. , Orhon D.
Published: May 2018

Chemical pre-treatment of synthetic Procaine Penicillin G (PPG) effluent with ozone (applied dose =1440mg/h; treatment duration =60min) at pH =7 was investigated. Successive biological treatability studies were performed with raw, ozonated penicillin formulation effluent and synthetic readily biodegradable substrate as simulated domestic wastewater. The PPG effluent additions were adjusted to constitute approximately 30% of the total COD in the reactor. Ozonation of PPG effluent resulted in practically complete removal of the parent pollutant accompanied by 40% COD abatement. Speaking for the raw PPG effluent, prolonged acclimation periods were necessary to obtain significant COD removal efficiencies. Batch activated sludge treatment experiments and respirometric studies have demonstrated that the selection of true retention time is extremely crucial for having high amount of slowly hydrolysable substrate or complex wastewater, like pharmaceutical effluent. The effect of ozonation time on biological treatability performance of PPG has been evaluated in the study. Pre-ozonation of PPG effluent did not improve its ultimate biodegradability.
Pilot-scale studies on biological treatment of hypersaline wastewater at low temperature
Authors: Peng Y.Z. , Zhu G.B. , Wang S.Y. , Yu D.S. , Cui Y.W. , Meng X.S.
Published: May 2018

In order to investigate the feasibility of biological treatment of hypersaline wastewater produced from toilet flushing with seawater at low temperature, pilot-scale studies were established with plug-flow activated sludge process at low temperature (5–9°C) based on bench-scale experiments. The critical salinity concentration of 30g/L, which resulted from the cooperation results of the non-halophilic bacteria and the halophilic bacteria, was drawn in bench-scale experiments. Pilot-scale studies showed that high COD removal efficiency, higher than 80%, was obtained at low temperature when 30 percent seawater was introduced. The salinity improved the settleability of activated sludge, and average sludge value dropped down from 38% to 22.5% after adding seawater. Seawater salinity had a strong negative effect on notronomonas and nitrobacter growth, but much more on the nitrobacter. The nitrification action was mainly accomplished by nitrosomonas. Bench-scale experiments using two SBRs were carried out for further investigation under different conditions of salinities, ammonia loadings and temperatures. Biological nitrogen removal via nitrite pathway from wastewater containing 30 percent seawater was achieved, but the ammonia removal efficiency was strongly related not only to the influent ammonia loading at different salinities but also to temperature. When the ratio of seawater to wastewater was 30 percent, and the ammonia loading was below the critical value of 0.15kgNH4+-N/(kgMLSS.d), the ammonia removal efficiency via nitrite pathway was above 90%. The critical level of ammonia loading was 0.15, 0.08 and 0.03kgNH4+-N/(kgMLSS.d) respectively at the different temperature 30°C, 25°C and 20°C when the influent ammonia concentration was 60–80mg/L and pH was 7.5–8.0.
Minimisation of excess sludge production in a WWTP by coupling thermal hydrolysis and rapid anaerobic digestion
Authors: Chauzy J. , Graja S. , Gerardin F. , Crétenot D. , Patria L. , Fernandes P.
Published: May 2018

In many cases, reducing sludge production could be the solution for wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) that here difficulty evacuating the residuals of wastewater treatment. The aim of this study was to test the possibility of minimising the excess sludge production by coupling a thermal hydrolysis stage and an anaerobic digestion with a very short HRT. The tests were carried out on a 2,500 p.e. pilot plant installed on a recycling loop between the clarifier and the actived sludge basin. The line equipped with the full scale pilot plant produced 38% TSS less than the control line during a 10 week period. Moreover, the rapid anaerobic digestion removed, on average, more than 50% of the total COD load with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 3 days. Lastly, the dryness of the remaining excess sludge, sanitised by the thermal hydrolysis, was more than 35% with an industrial centrifuge. This combination of thermal hydrolysis and rapid anaerobic digestion equally permits a significant gain of compactness compared to traditional anaerobic digesters.
Advanced Oxidation of Commercial Textile Biocides in Aqueous Solution: Effects on Acute Toxicity and Biomass Inhibition
Authors: Arslan-Alaton I. , Eremektar G. , Germirli-Babuna F. , Insel G. , Selcuk H. , Ozerkan B. , Teksoy S.
Published: May 2018

In the present study, the decomposition of two biocides used in the textile finishing process with Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs) has been studied. Different AOPs, i.e O3/OH−, TiO2/UV-A and Fe2+/H2O2 have been used representing mutually combined components of the chemically and photochemically driven advanced oxidation systems. The course of reaction was examined by changes in chemical oxygen demand (COD), total organic carbon (TOC) and acute toxicity towards the water flea Daphnia magna (assessed in terms of the effective dilution ratio LD50). Particular attention has been paid to determine the inhibitory effect of raw and ozonated biocides on biological activated sludge consortium at concentrations typically encountered in textile finishing effluents. Significant oxidation and mineralization of both biocides could be achieved employing ozonation at pH=11.5 and heterogeneous photocatalysis (TiO2/UV-A) at pH = 5.0, whereas Fenton's reagent appeared to be less effective in COD and acute toxicity abatement.
The effect of colloid stability of wastewater treatment plants effluent on nanofiltration performance
Authors: Schrader G.A. , Zwijnenburg A. , Wessling M.
Published: May 2018

Laboratory-scale filtration tests utilizing wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) effluent were conducted to investigate fouling and filtration behaviour, especially the influence of colloidal stability on nanofiltration performance. Acidification and coagulant dosage were used to create unstable colloidal conditions. Colloidal stability of the effluent was analysed on by zeta potential measurements. A statistical design method, full factorial design with blocking, has been used to account for effluent composition variations and to account for interaction between experimental parameters. The results show a high correlation between unstable colloidal natural organic matter and the formation of dense fouling layers. The reversibility of the fouling process was shown to be independent from colloidal stability. Irreversible fouling was show to be promoted by mild acidic (pH 5) effluent conditions, whereas coagulant addition showed an increase in the reversibility of the fouling.
Outcomes of a 2-year investigation on enhanced biological nutrients removal and trace organics elimination in membrane bioreactor (MBR)
Authors: Lesjean B. , Gnirss R. , Buisson H. , Keller S. , Tazi-Pain A. , Luck F.
Published: May 2018

Two configurations of membrane bioreactors were identified to achieve enhanced biological phosphorus and nitrogen removal, and assessed over more than two years with two parallel pilot plants of 2m3 each. Both configurations included an anaerobic zone ahead of the biological reactor, and differed by the position of the anoxic zone: standard pre-denitrification, or post-denitrification without dosing of carbon source. Both configurations achieved improved phosphorus removal. The goal of 50μgP/L in the effluent could be consistently achieved with two types of municipal wastewater, the second site requiring a low dose of ferric salt ferric salt <3mgFe/L. The full potential of biological phosphorus removal could be demonstrated during phosphate spiking trials, where up to 1mg of phosphorus was biologically eliminated for 10mg BOD5 in the influent. The post-denitrification configuration enabled a very good elimination of nitrogen. Daily nitrate concentration as low as 1mgN/L could be monitored in the effluent in some periods. The denitrification rates, greater than those expected for endogenous denitrification, could be accounted for by the use of the glycogene pool, internally stored by the denitrifying microorganisms in the anaerobic zone. Pharmaceuticals residues and steroids were regularly monitored on the two parallel MBR pilot plants during the length of the trials, and compared with the performance of the Berlin-Ruhleben WWTP. Although some compounds such as carbamazepine were persistent through all the systems, most of the compounds could be better removed by the MBR plants. The influence of temperature, sludge age and compound concentration could be shown, as well as the significance of biological mechanisms in the removal of trace organic compounds.
Application of hydrothermal reaction for excess sludge reuse as carbon sources in biological phosphorus removal
Authors: Kim K. , Fujita M. , Daimon H. , Fujie K.
Published: May 2018

An application of hydrothermal reaction was investigated to reuse excess sludge as carbon sources for enhancement of biological phosphorus removal. Under the tested conditions, solubilization of treated excess sludge did not present much variation, sustaining around 65%, except the results obtained at 400°C. Biodegradability of excess sludge was improved through its content change by the reaction, without much reduction of carbon contents even in 7min. From the results of respirometric test, readily biodegradable substrate was found at 300°C. Then its portion of reaction products increased with increasing reaction temperature. In the readily biodegradable substrate, acetic and propionic acid, which are useful carbon sources for phosphorus accumulating microorganism under anaerobic condition, increased with increasing reaction temperature. Hydrothermal reaction might be accepted as suitable pretreatment method to treat excess sludge prior to biological treatment process. This technology also secures excess sludge reuse, enhancing biological phosphorus removal and improvement of biological treatment process.
Biochemistry of enhanced biological phosphorus removal and anaerobic COD stabilization
Authors: Erdal Z.K. , Erdal U.G. , Randall C.W.
Published: May 2018

Improved design strategies at BNR plants should include cost reductions so that the consumers and water authorities will be more willing to build EBPR plants instead of conventional activated sludge plants. Through efficient design, actual savings in construction and operation costs can be realized. For this reason, anaerobic stabilization of COD needs to be seriously considered during design for direct energy savings at the plants. The existence of anaerobic stabilization has been demonstrated through experimental work. Evaluation of operational data from existing plants has also indicated the definite presence of anaerobic stabilization at plants that include anaerobic zones for EBPR as part of their operation. By exploring the biochemical reactions taking place in EBPR process, particularly the involvement of the storage mechanisms for PHA, poly-P and glycogen storage, the potential mechanisms of the anaerobic stabilization of COD in EBPR systems was explored. The resultant balances pointed out the importance of glycogen metabolism in terms of conserving carbon and providing a sink for the reducing equivalents produced under aerobic conditions. This mechanism is different from those observed in anoxic-aerobic and conventional aerobic activated sludge systems, and appears to be at least partially responsible for the observed anaerobic stabilization of COD.
Biomass concentration and biofilm characteristics in high-performance fluidized-bed biofilm reactors
Authors: Rabah F.K.J. , Dahab M.F. , Surampalli R.Y.
Published: May 2018

Two laboratory scale fluidized-bed biofilm reactors (FBBRs) were used to investigate the biomass concentration and the biofilm characteristics in a high performance FBBR used for the denitrification of exceptionally high-nitrate wastewater (1000mg-N/L). Reported correlations by other workers for predicting the biomass concentration in FBBR were examined for their validity in comparison with the experimental results of this study and the best set of applicable correlations was recommended. The effects of the two main operational parameters, the superficial velocity and nitrogen loading rate on the biomass concentration in the FBBR were also studied. Correlations for the drag coefficient and the expansion index from the literature, together with the biofilm dry density correlation produced from this study were found to produce the best prediction of the FBBR biomass concentration compared to other reported correlations. The average biomass concentration in the FBBR decreased with the increase of the superficial velocity in the range of 45 to 65 m/h at all the applied nitrogen loadings (i.e. 6, 8, 12 and 16kg-N/m3bed·d).
A comparison between the theory and reality of full-scale step-feed nutrient removal systems
Authors: Johnson B.R. , Goodwin S. , Daigger G.T. , Crawford G.V.
Published: May 2018

Capacity enhancement and volume reduction benefits of step-feeding fully aerobic bioreactors has been well documented. Application of step-feed technology to biological nutrient removal (BNR) systems, particularly those removing nitrogen alone or both nitrogen and phosphorus, is relatively new to the industry. In recent years, a number of full-scale step-feed facilities have been brought into service. This paper reviews nine full-scale step-feed biological nutrient removal systems—both nitrogen removal alone, and nitrogen and phosphorus removal. The objective is to compare the theoretical benefits of such systems with their actual operation. The predicted benefits of reduced bioreactor volume or increased process capacity, reduced energy usage, more robust nitrification performance, and the flexibility to tune (or de-tune) nitrification efficiency were verified in full-scale systems. Equations are also presented that may be used in the prediction of step-feed benefits.

There are two primary drivers for considering a step-feed biological reactor system:Reduced bioreactor volume for a defined capacity or performance or increased process capacity given a fixed bioreactor volumeMore robust nitrification performance

Full-scale operation of these step-feed nutrient removal systems provides a real world basis for the claimed benefits of step-feed operation. These systems have uniformly shown additional capacity. A number of them have also exhibited more robust performance, especially during storms. Where possible, side-by-side comparisons of full-scale step-feed systems with non-step-feed systems have exhibited greater process reliability and flexibility.
Regeneração natural de uma área de cultivo abandonada há 21 anos no município de Floriano (PI), Brasil
Authors: Andrade Francisca Adriana Ferreira , Alencar Nélson Leal , Mendes Maria Marta Ramonny , Lopes Clarissa Gomes Reis
Published: May 2018

Este estudo objetiva caracterizar a fisionomia e a estrutura de uma área de cultivo abandonado que se encontra em processo de regeneração natural em Floriano (PI). O trabalho foi realizado na Fazenda Experimental do Colégio Técnico de Floriano da Universidade Federal do Piauí. Há 25 anos, uma área de vegetação nativa foi desmatada e há 21 anos essa área foi abandonada e vem se regenerando espontaneamente. Foi utilizado o método de ponto quadrante, em que foram instalados 5 transectos com 10 pontos amostrais, com distância de 10 m entre os pontos. Em cada ponto, foram incluídos os quatro indivíduos com o diâmetro do caule ao nível do solo maior ou igual a 3 cm. A área apresentou uma densidade total de 1.633,07 ind.ha-1 e área basal total de 3,755 m².ha-1. Os diâmetros médio e máximo foram, respectivamente, de 11,9±9,92 e 64,6 cm e as alturas média e máxima foram, respectivamente, 6,3±2,97 e 14 m. Foram inventariados 14 espécies, com o Índice de diversidade de Shannon-Wiener de 0,989 nats.ind.-1. As famílias com os maiores Índices de Valor de Importância (IVI) foram Fabaceae (242,94%), Anacardiaceae (19,59%) e Polygonaceae (5,91%). E as espécies com maior IVI foram Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. (217,19%), Anacardium ocidentale L. (18,86%), e Bauhinia sp. (10,56%). A baixa densidade total, área basal, diversidade e riqueza de espécies e a dominância de uma única espécie (M. caesalpiniifolia) são indicativo de que 21 anos de regeneração não foram suficientes para regenerar uma área de agricultura abandonada na região de cerrado piauiense.
A fitoterapia sob a ótica dos profissionais de saúde no Brasil nos últimos 10 anos
Authors: Maia Anne Caroline Paiva , Paiva Paula Cristina Barros , Ferreira Ezequiel da Costa , Pereira Rosália Farias Paiva de Lucena , Belarmino Nathalia Anastácia Louize da Alustau , Nunes Guilherme Muniz , Alves Carlos Antônio Belarmino , Lucena Reinaldo Farias Paiva
Published: May 2018

O uso de plantas para o tratamento de enfermidades é historicamente antigo, acompanhando toda história da humanidade, entretanto, o advento da indústria de produtos sintéticos fez com que esse conhecimento e prática perdesse valor para a medicina moderna. Recentemente, a prática da fitoterapia, tornou a atrair interesses, tanto de Governos, que tem adotado políticas de promoção dessa prática, como da indústria farmacêutica, que busca obter novos produtos de ação efetiva e com menos efeitos colaterais. O objetivo do presente artigo é avaliar a relação que os profissionais da saúde no Brasil têm estabelecido com a fitoterapia nos últimos 10 anos. Foi possível notar, que a fitoterapia necessita ser reforçada na formação e na prática dos profissionais da saúde, de modo que estes possam oferecer um atendimento mais efetivo à sua clientela neste tópico.
The Importance of Complying with Vaccination Protocols in Developed Countries: “Anti-Vax” Hysteria and the Spread of Severe Preventable Diseases
Authors: Pandolfi F. , Franza L. , Todi L. , Carusi V. , Centrone M. , Buonomo A. , Chini R. , Newton E.E. , Schiavino D. , Nucera E.
Published: May 2018

Background:

Vaccines are very effective medical tools for disease prevention and
life span increase. Controversies have raised concern about their safety, from autism to polio
vaccine contamination with simian virus 40 (SV-40). Hysteria surrounding vaccine-associated
risks has resulted in a declining number of vaccinations in developed countries. Outbreaks of
vaccine-preventable diseases (e.g. measles) have occurred in Europe and North America,
causing also some causalities.

Objectives:

In this review, data on safety and efficacy of vaccines are discussed, showing that
the benefits of vaccines far outweigh the risks and that it is important to comply with vaccination
protocols, to avoid spreading of severe, preventable diseases.

Methods:

Those opposed to vaccinations suggest that scientific literature supporting vaccines
is influenced by pharmaceutical companies. In this review, studies on influenza produced by
independent scientists and those authored by those who received some kind of benefit from
the industry are discussed separately. All the chosen papers were selected through a MEDLINE
research.

Results:

Vaccination rates are decreasing, even though they are effective public health tools.
Influenza, for example, is responsible for 250,000–500,000 deaths each year, according to the
WHO. Yet, campaigns to extend influenza vaccine to all elderly subjects report little success,
because of the vaccine scare and because not all patients develop immunity following vaccination.

Conclusions:

This review proves that vaccine hysteria is detrimental because: 1) it causes an
increased morbidity and mortality from preventable diseases; 2) it jeopardizes research for
new vaccines; 3) patients are reluctant to accept any form of immune-therapy, commonly referred
to as “vaccination”.
Effect of Metformin on Plasma Fibrinogen Concentrations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials
Authors: Simental-Mendia Luis E. , Pirro Matteo , Atkin Stephen L. , Banach Maciej , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: May 2018

Objective: Fibrinogen is a key mediator of thrombosis and it has been implicated in the pathogenesis of
atherosclerosis. Because metformin has shown a potential protective effect on different atherothrombotic risk
factors, we assessed in this meta-analysis its effect on plasma fibrinogen concentrations.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to identify randomized placebo-controlled trials
evaluating the effect of metformin administration on fibrinogen levels. The search included PubMed-Medline,
Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar databases (by June 2, 2017) and quality of studies was performed
according to Cochrane criteria. Quantitative data synthesis was conducted using a random-effects model
and sensitivity analysis by the leave-one-out method. Meta-regression analysis was performed to assess the modifiers
of treatment response.

Results:

Meta-analysis of data from 9 randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials with 2302 patients comprising
10 treatment arms did not suggest a significant change in plasma fibrinogen concentrations following metformin
therapy (WMD: -0.25 g/L, 95% CI: -0.53, 0.04, p = 0.092). The effect size was robust in the leave-one-out sensitivity
analysis and remained non-significant after omission of each single study from the meta-analysis.

Conclusion:

No significant effect of metformin on plasma fibrinogen concentrations was demonstrated in the
current meta-analysis.
Humoral Immunity in Heart Failure
Authors: Sarkar Amrita , Rafiq Khadija
Published: May 2018

Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is a class of diseases that involve disorders of heart and
blood vessels, including hypertension, coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral
vascular disease, which finally lead to Heart Failure (HF). There are several treatments available all
over the world, but still, CVD and heart failure became the number one problem causing death
every year worldwide. Both experimental and clinical studies have shown a role for inflammation in
the pathogenesis of heart failure. This seems related to an imbalance between pro-inflammatory and
anti-inflammatory cytokines. Cardiac inflammation is a major pathophysiological mechanism
operating in the failing heart, regardless of HF aetiology. Disturbances of the cellular and humoral
immune system are frequently observed in heart failure. This review describes how B-cells play a
specific role in the heart failure states. There is an urgent need to identify novel therapeutic targets
and develop advanced therapeutic strategies to combat the syndrome of HF. Understanding and
describing the elements of the humoral immunity function are essential and may suggest potential
new treatment strategies.
Reproducibility of Central Corneal Thickness Measurements in Normal Eyes Using the Zeiss Cirrus 5000 HD-OCT and Pentacam HR
Authors: Baghdasaryan Elmira , Huang Xiwen , Marion Kenneth M. , Tepelus Tudor C. , Bagherinia Homayoun , Sadda SriniVas R. , Hsu Hugo Y.
Published: May 2018

Objectives:

To determine the repeatability and reproducibility of Central Corneal Thickness (CCT) measurements using two different anterior segment imaging modalities, including those obtained with the new anterior segment lens attachments for the Cirrus 5000 HD-OCT.

Methods:

A total of 32 eyes from 16 normal volunteers (8 male, 8 female) were enrolled in this prospective study. CCT was measured by the same examiner using the Cirrus 5000 HD-OCT and Pentacam HR. The results of CCT obtained by each method were averaged and compared using t-test analysis. The agreement between the measurement methods was evaluated. Coefficient of Repeatability (CoR) and Intra-Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) were computed.

Results:

The mean measurements taken with the Cirrus OCT anterior chamber lens (CCTAC), HD cornea lens (CCTHDC) and pachymetry scans (CCTPach) were 545.35 ± 31.02, 537.87 ± 26.82, and 532.04 ± 29.82 µm, respectively. The mean CCT obtained with the Pentacam (CCTPent) was 545.51 ± 30.71 µm. CCTPentwere significantly higher than CCTHDCand CCTPach(p< 0.0001). In contrast, the CCTPentand CCTACwere similar (p=0.87). CCT, as evaluated by the two different instruments, showed excellent correlation (r> 0.98,p< 0.0001) with an ICC > 0.99 (95% CI, 0.97 – 0.99). CoR was the highest for CCTPach(3.7 ± 1.4, 95% CI (3.0- 4.6)).

Conclusion:

CCT measurements from the Cirrus OCT using the new anterior segment lens attachments and the Pentacam HR are highly correlated. This should allow the use of a standardized correction factor if necessary to inter-relate the measurements between the two devices.
Development of a UV index sensor-based portable device with the EUVB ratio of natural light (Preprint)
Authors: Park DaeHwan , Oh SeungTaek , Lim JaeHyun
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are electromagnetic waves that account for about 5% of the solar light, and when overexposed, they pose malevolent effects on the human skin and health. However, with recent reports on the beneficial effects of some wavelength bands of UV rays, people’s interest in UV information has increased. This has resulted in requiring, not just simple information such as the amount of UV or UV index (UVI), but detailed UV information that directly affects health, such as EUVB(Erythemally weighted UVB). However, calculating EUVB, which can be done by applying the erythemal weighted function on the intensity value in wavelength, requires specialized optical measurement devices, which cannot be easily accessed by the general public; furthermore, public institutions UV information services do not offer EUVB information for individuals.

OBJECTIVE

Therefore, the present study proposes a UVI sensor-based portable device, with which the general public can have easy access to UV-related information.

METHODS

The proposed device comprises a UVI sensor that can measure the intensity of erythemal UV radiation, a BLE module that supports communication, and a MCU for key operations. In addition, it applies the ratio of EUVB by month/time, resulting from the actual analysis of natural light to calculate the EUVB and provides the amount of UVI and EUVB to check if they meet conditions required for outdoor activities through the device and smartphone applications.

RESULTS

The applicability of the proposed device was verified by the measurement performance comparison test with the standard device, a spectrometer (CAS 140 CT), which showed an average error of 0.06 for UVI and 0.0017 W/m2.

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed device’s offering of UV-related information such as UVI and EUVB to user is expected to prevent potential damage due to the exposure to UV and to support healthy outdoor activities.
Estimating the Reliability of Travel Time on Railway Networks for Freight Transportation
Authors: Salehi Safoura , Mahmoudabadi Abbas
Published: May 2018

Railway freight transportation is an important transport system that its reliability causes economic issues. Freight carriers require predictable travel times to schedule their programs in competitive environment, so the estimation of reliability of travel time is very important. The present study proposes a travel time index that estimates the reliability of railway freight transportation and evaluates performance as well. Travel time reliability is estimated based on the shortest path between O-D pairs. Statistical measures of travel time, defining as the ratio of the 95th percentile travel time and the shortest path mean travel time as an ideal travel time, for each obtained route are calculated according to their selected links. Experimental data on Iranian rail network has been used as case study and results revealed that the routes less than 400 kilometers should be improved in terms of their reliabilities, because they are less reliable than long distance routes.
Healthcare utilization and costs of multiple sclerosis patients in the Netherlands: a healthcare claims database study
Authors: Buijs Servaas , Krol Marieke , de Voer Gert
Published: May 2018

Aim:
To investigate the incidence and prevalence and healthcare costs of multiple sclerosis (MS) in the Netherlands by using healthcare claims data.
Materials & methods:
A claims database was analyzed including 26% of the Dutch population.
Results:
Average prevalence of MS in the Netherlands was 88 per 100,000 inhabitants (males 48, 127 females) and incidence nine per 100,000. Yearly per patient medication costs were highest in the year after the first MS claim and then decreased. Hospital costs were 30% higher in the first year of MS claims than after 3 years of MS claims. The patients often used co-medication, such as antidepressants and antibiotics.
Conclusion:
Dutch incidence and cost estimates based on claims were consistent with previous estimates. Prevalence estimates were somewhat higher. Drug and hospital costs were highest shortly after the diagnosis. Healthcare consumption related to comorbidities was in-line with the previously reported comorbidity estimates.
Authors’ lack of awareness and use of core outcome set on postoperative pain in children is hindering comparative effectiveness research
Authors: Boric Krste , Boric Matija , Dosenovic Svjetlana , Jelicic Kadic Antonia , Batinic Marijan , Cavar Marija , Jeric Milka , Puljak Livia
Published: May 2018

Aim:
To analyze awareness about and acceptability of core outcome set (COS) for pediatric pain recommended by the PedIMMPACT.
Methods:
We invited authors of systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials about interventions for postoperative pain in children to participate in a survey.
Results:
Only a third of surveyed authors of systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials about postoperative pain in children had heard about the PedIMMPACT COS for acute pediatric pain. Problems indicated as preventing them from using the COS were lack of awareness, difficulties with implementation, and lack of resources.
Conclusion:
Further discussions about the adequacy of COS for acute pediatric pain, as well as interventions to increase the uptake of COS may be warranted.
Influencia de la altura del lecho sobre el comportamiento dinámico de columna de lecho fijo en la biosorción de mercurio
Authors: Tejada-Tovar Candelaria N. , Villabona-Ortíz Angel , Alvarez-Bajaire Gemaly , Attin-Torres Leidy , Granados-Conde Clemente
Published: May 2018

Se determinó el impacto de la altura del lecho en la remoción de Hg (II), presente en solución sobre biomasa residual de cáscara de cacao en sistema continuo de lecho fijo, evaluando el rendimiento de la densidad de empaque. El trabajo experimental estuvo fundamentado en: preparación de la biomasa, diseño y montaje de la unidad de adsorción y modelado matemático, considerando como variables intervinientes en el proceso la concentración inicial del metal, pH, velocidad de flujo y tamaño de partícula y como variable independiente incidente la densidad de empaque mg biomasa/volumen del lecho, traducido en altura en cm de empaque. Los análisis FTIR de la cáscara muestran la presencia de grupos funcionales que favorecen la adsorción de iones metálicos. La concentración de Hg (II) se midió por espectroscopia UV/vis; se obtuvo una capacidad máxima de adsorción fue de 99.62 % para el lecho de 10g (7.5 cm). Además, el modelo de Thomas fue el que mejor ajustó los datos experimentales. A partir de estos resultados, se concluye que la cáscara de cacao tiene potencial para ser utilizado como bioadsorbente de Hg (II) en solución y que el aumento de la altura del lecho en el sistema continuo favoreció la remoción del contaminante.
Expediente
Authors: Comissão Editorial RELACult -
Published: May 2018

Expediente
Domesticating In Home Displays in Selected British and Norwegian Households
Authors: Winther Tanja , Bell Sandra
Published: May 2018

The paper uses qualitative data from Norway and the United Kingdom to understand the new technology of In Home Display monitors as a material object loaded with meaning and norms that may affect social practices and relations. The displays are designed to encourage householders to reduce electricity consumption. In contrast to technologies associated with ‘smart meters’, the monitors under study cannot be used for controlling or automatising various types of electricity consumption, but these devises nonetheless often form part of ‘smart grid solutions’. A large part of the research in this area has attempted to quantify the impact of displays, and qualitative research focusing on the users has also mainly sought to explain why - or why not – the introduction of displays has resulted in reduced household consumption. This paper follows a more open approach to the introduction and impact of displays by paying attention to the existing routines and social practices into which the display enters and potentially becomes integrated and domesticated. We examine to what extent ideas and norms inscribed in the display continue to have a bearing on the household moral economy and internal dynamics as the objects are negotiated and taken in use in British and Norwegian homes. Drawing on earlier studies that have sought to combine practice and domestication theory for understanding displays, the study’s novelty lies in its focus on the materiality of displays and social implications thereof, and its analysis of the social status of this object in two different contexts.
La acción de las ambulancias de la Cruz Roja peruana y boliviana en la Batalla del Alto de la Alianza, 26 de mayo de 1880
Authors: López Chang Aramis
Published: May 2018

Se identifica la intervención de las ambulancias civiles de la Cruz Roja peruana y de su equivalente militar boliviana en las inmediaciones de la ciudad de Tacna en mayo de 1880 y su participación en la batalla del Alto de la Alianza (26 de mayo) en el contexto de la Guerra del Pacífico 1879-1884. Se precisa los orígenes de estas ambulancias y revela la intervención directa y humanitaria que desplegaron estas instituciones en aminorar los estragos de la guerra. Se muestra la adhesión de los tres países en guerra al Convenio de Ginebra de 1864 y 1868; así como la vulneración a dicho convenio por parte de algunas tropas chilenas en perjuicio de los médicos, cirujanos, practicantes y heridos que se encontraban en las ambulancias peruanas y bolivianas durante el desarrollo de la batalla. Se señala algunos esfuerzos de la oficialidad chilena por evitar esta vulneración a los heridos y médicos aliados. Partimos de la premisa que uno de los aspectos menos estudiados en la guerra de 1879, es el aporte y accionar de la sociedad civil peruana, chilena o boliviana frente a este.
«Los gestos inútiles» de Rey Andújar
Authors: Rodríguez Alfonso Adriana
Published: May 2018

Reseña del libro Los gestos inútiles (La Habana, Arte y Literatura, 2015), de Rey Andújar.
Variability of serum aldosterone concentrations in pet ferrets (Mustela putorius furo)
Authors: Di Girolamo Nicola , Fecteau Kellie , Carnimeo Alessandra , Bongiovanni Laura , Fracassi Federico , Isani Gloria , Selleri Paolo
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE To explore sources of serum aldosterone concentration variability in a population of healthy and diseased ferrets, determine a preliminary 1 -sided reference interval for serum aldosterone concentration in healthy ferrets, and identify a decision limit to differentiate healthy from diseased ferrets on the basis of serum aldosterone concentration.

DESIGN Prospective threshold definition and diagnostic accuracy study.

ANIMALS 78 healthy (n = 56) and diseased (22) ferrets.

PROCEDURES Serum aldosterone concentrations were measured on consecutively admitted ferrets, and an upper reference limit for aldosterone concentrations was established. Sensitivity and specificity of aldosterone concentration cutoffs to differentiate healthy from diseased ferrets were estimated with receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS Measurements of serum aldosterone concentrations in the ferrets showed wide variability, with a median concentration of 4.75 pg/mL (interquartile range, 0.55 to 17.9 pg/mL; range, 0.02 to 283.9 pg/mL) and 76% (59/78) of samples having concentrations < 18 pg/mL. Ferrets that were healthy, older, or sexually inactive had significantly lower aldosterone concentrations. The upper limit of the reference interval for healthy ferrets was 13.3 pg/mL (90% confidence interval, 9.9 to 16.9 pg/mL). Analysis of receiver operating characteristic curves indicated that an aldosterone concentration cutoff value of 7.6 pg/mL differentiated healthy ferrets from diseased ferrets with a sensitivity of 72.7% and specificity of 73.2% (area under the curve, 0.79; 95% confidence interval, 0.67 to 0.91).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results suggested that high aldosterone concentrations should not be considered diagnostic of primary hyperaldosteronism in ferrets. A need exists to develop better tests to identify primary hyperaldosteronism.
Case-control study of plasma mean platelet component concentration and survival analysis for dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia
Authors: Zoia Andrea , Gerou-Ferriani Magda , Drigo Michele , Caldin Marco
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE To determine whether dogs with immune-mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) had a low plasma mean platelet component (MPC) concentration and whether MPC was associated with outcome.

DESIGN Retrospective case-control study and survival analysis.

ANIMALS 95 dogs with IMHA (cases) as well as 95 healthy dogs and 95 sick dogs without IMHA (controls) matched to cases by age, reproductive status, and breed.

PROCEDURES Plasma MPC concentration at initial examination was compared among groups. For dogs with IMHA only, sex, age, serum urea and bilirubin concentrations, Hct, platelet count, and plasma fibrinogen, D-dimer, and MPC concentrations were evaluated for associations with survival to 42 days after initial examination.

RESULTS Plasma MPC concentration was significantly lower in dogs with IMHA than in the other 2 dog groups. In dogs with IMHA, plasma MPC concentration was the only factor significantly associated with outcome. The optimal plasma MPC concentration cutoff value for predicting nonsurvival of dogs with IMHA was 19.1 g/dL; values ≤ 19.1 g/dL were associated with nonsurvival. Likewise, the survival curve for dogs with plasma MPC concentrations ≤ 19.1 g/dL differed significantly from that for dogs with values > 19.1 g/dL. The mean estimated risk of death for dogs with IMHA decreased by 16% for every unit increase in plasma MPC concentration.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In dogs with IMHA, platelets appeared to have been activated to a greater degree, as determined by lower plasma MPC concentrations, than in healthy dogs or sick dogs without IMHA. Plasma MPC concentration at initial examination may be useful for predicting prognosis in dogs with IMHA.
Outcomes of the addition of pasireotide to traditional adrenal-directed treatment for dogs with pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism secondary to macroadenoma: 9 cases (2013–2015)
Authors: Lottati Maya , Bruyette David S.
Published: May 2018

OBJECTIVE To evaluate clinical signs, endocrine test results, and pituitary tumor size for dogs with medically managed pituitary-dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) and macroadenoma following 6 months of concurrent treatment with pasireotide.

DESIGN Prospective case series.

ANIMALS 9 client-owned dogs with PDH and macroadenoma in which PDH had been successfully managed with adrenal-directed treatment (trilostane or mitotane).

PROCEDURES Dogs were given pasireotide (0.03 mg/kg [0.014 mg/lb], SC, q 12 h) for 6 months, while adrenal-directed treatment was continued. Physical examination, basic clinicopathologic testing, ACTH stimulation testing, and plasma ACTH concentration measurement were performed before (baseline) and 3 and 6 months after treatment began. Measurements of pituitary gland volume and pituitary gland-to-brain ratio were performed via MRI at baseline and 6 months after treatment began.

RESULTS No dog developed neurologic abnormalities or signs of adverse effects during the study period. No differences from baseline were identified in clinicopathologic values, ACTH stimulation test results, or plasma ACTH concentration at the 3- or 6-month assessment points. After 6 months of pasireotide treatment, 6 dogs had decreases in MRI-measured values, and 3 had increases.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Pasireotide as administered in this study had no noted adverse effects on dogs with PDH and macroadenoma successfully managed with standard treatment. Placebo-controlled, randomized studies are needed to determine whether pasireotide protects from the development of neurologic signs or improves outcome in dogs with pituitary macroadenomas.
Problems of the Selection of Construction Technology for Structures in the Centres of Urban Agglomerations
Authors: Radziszewska-Zielina E. , Kania E. , Śladowski G.
Published: May 2018

The goal of the article is the diagnosis and presentation of the problems of the selection of construction technologies for buildings being built in the centres of urban agglomerations. The survey and literature studies that were performed show that the process of selecting these technologies is difficult due to a series of very different difficulties associated with constructing a structure in a city centre and which are sometimes hard to foresee. At the same time there is a lack of decision-making support tools dedicated to the selection of construction technologies that would take into account the problems that occur during the construction of buildings in city centres. The study shows the need to discuss the subject of developing a mathematical model and a decisionmaking support tool based on said model to that end.
Structured Education for Sustainable Employment: Technology Enabled Queueing Theory Applications
Authors: Garimella Bhaskar , Shenoy Sandeep , Pai Rashmi Yogesh , Shetty Rishali
Published: May 2018

Unemployment is a serious challenge that has been rising day by day. Skill development and creation of employment opportunities are key factors to address youth unemployment. This study emphasizes on the need for job-oriented education and to link education to employment. This study derives a mathematical model and tests the same using live university hiring data and attempts to integrate the three stakeholders, employers, education providers, and the young, each of whom have a unique approach, expectation, and understanding of the paradigm. Novel methodology inclusive of empirical evidence-based integration of objective fulfillment drafted into institutional pedagogy can help increase the success rate of education to employment from an Indian context especially Indian girls and women. The study outlines specific aspects of analytical intervention in this regard and focus-es on systematic training programs exclusively for vocational and skills amelioration executed to ad-dress this multidimensional challenge by adopting easily implementable software methodologies that are more easily implementable over a wide area network or an Internet-based application engine powered by information communication technology.
Household Production of Ceramic Water Filters in Western Rajasthan, India
Authors: Gupta Sandeep , Satankar Raj Kumar , Kaurwar Amrita , Aravind Usha , Sharif Muhammad , Plappally Anand
Published: May 2018

Frustum shaped clay ceramic water filters are being manufactured by the potters of the Thar Desert in India for household use. The clay composite consists of a homogeneous mixture of equal volume of clay and sawdust. A low-cost manual press, to form the clay composite into frustum shape, is developed by the present authors. This article elaborates critical investigation of the specific traditional clay-firing technique used, to achieve the required functionality and material property of the filters. Household based manufacturing of these filters is found to be markedly different from factory based production by firing process. The functional features of the clay ceramic filter, such as microbial filtration rate, flow rate, and compressive strength, are evaluated and presented. An E. coli bacteria removal efficiency of more than 99% is achieved using these clay ceramic water filters. Optimal filtration rates are achieved between ambient temperatures ranging from 30oC - 40oC.