bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of MSW and related waste-derived compost in Zanzibar municipality
Authors: Vuai Said Ali Hamad
Published: September 2009

The spread of municipal solid waste (MSW) in Zanzibar municipality has been associated with environmental pollution, unpleasant city conditions, contamination of water sources and coastal areas together with harbouring of malaria vectors. The contamination has a close relationship with eruption of diarrhoea, cholera and typhoid which claim the lives of the residents. Most of the wastes are of domestic and market origin and have the potential for compost production. This study examined the possibility of composting MSW from Zanzibar municipality as an alternative way of SW management and assessed the nutrient contents of the compost for application in agricultural production. Two major classes of SW were selected for the study: municipal solid waste and rice milling by-products. The samples were composted aerobically and anaerobically. The results showed that aerobic composting reduced about 60% of the waste volume. This volume reduction suggests that composting can be a promising SW management technique by reducing the large demand of space for landfilling. Municipal solid waste composted under anaerobic conditions produced compost with relatively higher concentrations of dissolved species than that produced under aerobic conditions. The trace metal contents were higher in MSW than in rice milling by-products. It was found that the unmanaged compost collected from the dumping site had low nutrient contents and was enriched with trace metals. Generally, physico-chemical characteristics, nutrients and trace metal levels suggest that Zanzibar municipal solid waste can produce high-quality compost for application to a wide range of soil types to improve their fertility, under proper management.
Solvent extraction of organic acids from stillage for its re-use in ethanol production process
Authors: Castro G.A. , Caicedo L.A. , Alméciga-Díaz C.J. , Sanchez O.F.
Published: September 2009

Stillage re-use in the fermentation stage in ethanol production is a technique used for the reduction of water and fermentation nutrients consumption. However, the inhibitory effect on yeast growth of the by-products and feed components that remains in stillage increases with re-use and reduces the number of possible recycles. Several methods such as ultrafiltration, electrodialysis and advanced oxidation processes have been used in stillage treatment prior its re-use in the fermentation stage. Nevertheless, few studies evaluating the effect of solvent extraction as a stillage treatment option have been performed. In this work, the inhibitory effect of serial stillage recycling over ethanol and biomass production was determined, using acetic acid as a monitoring compound during the fermentation and solvent extraction process. Raw palm oil methyl ester showed the highest acetic acid extraction from the aqueous phase, presenting a distribution coefficient of 3.10 for a 1:1 aqueous phase mixture:solvent ratio. Re-using stillage without treatment allowed up to three recycles with an ethanol production of 53.7 ± 2.0 g L—1, which was reduced 25% in the fifth recycle. Alternatively, treated stillage allowed up to five recycles with an ethanol final concentration of 54.7 1.3 g L— 1. These results show that reduction of acetic acid concentration by an extraction process with raw palm oil methyl ester before re-using stillage improves the number of recycles without a major effect on ethanol production. The proposed process generates a palm oil methyl ester that contains organic acids, among other by-products, that could be used for product recovery and as an alternative fuel.
Experimental design and process analysis for acidic leaching of metal-rich glass wastes
Authors: Tuncuk A. , Ciftci H. , Akcil A. , Ognyanova A. , Vegliò F.
Published: September 2009

The removal of iron, titanium and aluminium from colourless and green waste glasses has been studied under various experimental conditions in order to optimize the process parameters and to decrease the metal content in the waste glass by acidic leaching. Statistical design of experiments and ANOVA (analysis of variance) were performed in order to determine the main effects and interactions between the investigated factors (sample ratio, acid concentration, temperature and leaching time). A full factorial experiment was performed by sulphuric acid leaching of glass for metal removal. After treating, the iron content was 530 ppm, corresponding to 1880 ppm initial concentration of Fe2O3 in the original colourless sample. This result is achieved using 1M H2SO 4 and 30% sample ratio at 90oC leaching temperature for 2 hours. The iron content in the green waste glass sample was reduced from 3350 ppm initial concentration to 2470 ppm after treating.
Vermicomposting of sugar industry waste (press mud) mixed with cow dung employing an epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida
Authors: Sangwan P. , Kaushik C.P. , Garg V.K.
Published: September 2009

In India, millions of tons of press mud (PM) are generated by sugar mills every year. This paper reports the potential of vermitechnology to convert sugar industry waste PM mixed with cow dung (CD) into vermicompost, employing an epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida. A total of six different reactors were established having different ratios of PM and CD including one control (CD only). The growth and fecundity of E. fetida was monitored for 13 weeks. Maximum growth was recorded in 100% CD, but earthworms grew and reproduced favourably up to 1:1 PM and CD feed composition. However, greater percentages of PM in different reactors significantly affected the growth and fecundity of worms. Vermicomposting resulted in a decrease in carbon concentration and an increase in nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium concentrations of the vermicompost. Investigations indicated that vermicomposting could be an alternative technology for the management of PM into useful fertilizing material, if mixed at maximum 50% with CD.
Report: New reliable method for the measurement of chlorine in refuse-derived fuels through combustion experiments in a pilot plant
Authors: Schröer Ramona , Urban A.I.
Published: September 2009

The calorific values and the chlorine contents of refuse-derived fuels were measured in the pilot combustion plant (PCP) by means of combustion experiments followed by mass and energy balancing. This plant reaches an increased precision by measuring the integrated values throughout the whole experimental period of three hours, based on a fuel capacity of 10 kg per test, allowing a more reliable measurement of pollutants than for experimental analysis of only a few grams of the sample. The combustion experiments are shown for the verification of the quality of the chlorine balancing in the PCP. The test evaluation was carried out by balancing the inputs and outputs of chlorine in the mass streams, and the recovery rates for chlorine were determined. An emission pattern for the chlorine is described by the transfer coefficients and via the temporal fluctuation of the hydrogen chloride concentration in the flue gas. The results of the combustion experiments prove that the balancing via combustion experiments in the PCP provides reliable data on the chlorine concentrations in the fuels, and is a new and reliable method for measuring polluting chlorine in refuse-derived fuels.
Dental solid and hazardous waste management and safety practices in developing countries: Nablus district, Palestine
Authors: Al-Khatib Issam A. , Monou Maria , Mosleh Salem A. , Al-Subu Mohammed M. , Kassinos Despo
Published: September 2009

This study investigated the dental waste management practices and safety measures implemented by dentists in the Nablus district, Palestine. A comprehensive survey was conducted for 97 of the 134 dental clinics to assess the current situation. Focus was placed on hazardous waste produced by clinics and the handling, storage, treatment and disposal measures taken. Mercury, found in dental amalgam, is one of the most problematic hazardous waste. The findings revealed that there is no proper separation of dental waste by classification as demanded by the World Health Organization. Furthermore, medical waste is often mixed with general waste during production, collection and disposal. The final disposal of waste ends up in open dumping sites sometimes close to communities where the waste is burned. Correct management and safety procedures that could be effectively implemented in developing countries were examined. It was concluded that cooperation between dental associations, government-related ministries and authorities needs to be established, to enhance dental waste management and provide training and capacity building programs for all professionals in the medical waste management field.
A first-order simulator to control dioxin emissions: NMCRC-ATMOS
Authors: Schwartz Jeremy R. , Mark Shlomo , Wolfson Adi
Published: September 2009

Dioxins are highly toxic halogenated organic compounds formed as an unintentional by-product of many industrial processes involving chlorine and combustion. At the Negev Monte Carlo Research Center (NMCRC) and the Green Processes Center at the Shamoon College of Engineering (SCE), Israel, we have developed a code for the first-order estimation of dioxin emissions from waste incinerators and the subsequent atmospheric dispersion. The NMCRC-ATMOS (Atmospheric Evaluator) program will allow public planners and facility operators to estimate and predict the effect of current and potential waste incineration facilities on nearby population centres. This information can also be used by plant operators to decide whether to run the facilities at maximum capacity based on weather conditions. With the NMCRC-ATMOS tool, the user has the ability to easily establish location-based fallout from the average conditions (both facility and atmospheric) surrounding the waste incineration plant. This program currently focuses on dioxin emissions from waste incinerators, but can eventually be expanded to include other emission sources and atmospheric effects, as well as internet connectivity for real-time data acquisition. NMCRC-ATMOS is a Windows® program that has been tested on Windows XP Service Pack 2 with the .NET Framework 2.0 installed.
Monitoring of biopile composting of oily sludge
Authors: Kriipsalu Mait , Nammari Diauddin
Published: September 2009

This paper describes a bioreactor set-up used to simulate degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in a static biopile. The large-scale test was performed in a 28 m3 custom-designed reactor. Oily sludge (40% by weight, having 7% dry matter [DM], and hydrocarbons C10—C40 160,000 mg kg—1 DM) was mixed with organic-rich amendments — mature oil-compost (40%) and garden waste compost (20%). Within the reactor, the temperature and soil gases were monitored continuously during 370 days via 24 measurement points. Also, moisture content was continuously recorded and airflow through compost mix occasionally measured. Three-dimensional ordinary kriging spatial models were created to describe the dynamic variations of temperature, air distribution, and hydrocarbon concentration. There were large temperature differences in horizontal and vertical sections during initial months of composting only. Water content of the mixture was uneven by layers, referring on relocation of moisture due to aeration and condensation. The air distribution through the whole reactor varied largely despite of continuous aeration, while the concentration of O2 was never reduced less than 1—2% on average. The results showed that composting of sludge using force-aerated static biopile technology was justified during the first 3—4 months, after which the masses could be re-mixed and heaped for further maturation in low-tech compost windrows. After 370 days of treatment, the content of hydrocarbons (C 10—C40) in the compost mixture was reduced by 68.7%.
Characteristics of fine processed construction and demolition waste in Japan and method to obtain fines having low gypsum component and wood contents
Authors: Asakura Hiroshi , Watanabe Yoichi , Ono Yusaku , Yamada Masato , Inoue Yuzo , Alfaro Alonso Montero
Published: September 2009

A method to obtain processed residue from mixed construction and demolition waste (mixed C&D-W) — free from environmental pollutants — for deposition in landfill is discussed. In particular, additional sieving, the presence of gypsum board in mixed C&D-W at the first stage of manual presorting, and the color of processed residue were studied for the basic characterization of the different fractions. Considerable precautions should be taken to prevent leaching of hazardous substances, such as T-Hg, Pb, Cr6+, As, and fluoride and its compounds, when processed residue, particularly in crushed fraction at an intermediate treatment facility, is used as construction material. A relatively high content of gypsum was noted in processed residue generated at demolition work compared to that generated at construction work in processed residue from mixed C&D-W in which the presence of gypsum board was observed at the first stage of manual presorting, and in white processed residue. Additional sieving for removal was ineffective because gypsum and wood have wide particle size distributions. To obtain processed residue having low gypsum and wood contents, white processed residue should be removed to eliminate gypsum (content, 59% of initial sample), and brown or brown and yellow processed residue should be removed to eliminate wood (content, 32% of initial sample) without mixing with processed residue containing other colors at stockyards. The removed residue should be deposited in a controlled-type landfill site.
Resource recovery from end-of-life tyres in Greece: a field survey, state-of-art and trends
Authors: Karagiannidis A. , Kasampalis T.
Published: September 2009

Lack of consistent and available information for the entire tyre industry has often hindered adequate understanding of current and future issues that need to be addressed for improving the sustainable end-of-life tyre management. The aim of this paper is to review related best available technologies and techniques for Greece, ranging from simple mechanical processing, up to complex multistep, mechanochemical and/or thermal treatment. End-of-life tyre management guidelines in the form of a manual for supporting future entrepreneurs in this field are also discussed. Extensive data mining, classification and inventorying was performed, both in the field via questionnaires and in the literature, for the purpose of accurately determining Hellenic conditions, in order to pinpoint encountered problems, propose interventions and determine new entrepreneurship opportunities.
Evaluation of recycling programmes in household waste collection systems
Authors: Dahlén Lisa , Lagerkvist Anders
Published: September 2009

A case study and a literature review have been carried out to address the two questions: how can waste flow data from collection systems be interpreted and compared? and which factors are decisive in the results of recycling programmes in household waste collection systems? The aim is to contribute to the understanding of how recycling programmes affect the quantity of waste and sorting activities. It is shown how the results from various waste sorting systems can be interpreted and made comparable. A set of waste flow indicators is proposed, which together with generic system descriptions can facilitate comparisons of different collections systems. The evaluation of collection systems depends on the system boundaries and will always be site-specific to some degree. Various factors are relevant, e.g. environmental objectives, technical function, operating costs, types of recyclable materials collected separately, property-close collection or drop-off systems, economic incentives, information strategies, residential structure, social codes, etc. Kerbside collection of recyclables and weight-based billing led to increased waste sorting activities in the case study. Forty-three decisive factors are listed and discussed.
An analysis of municipal solid waste discards in Taiwan based on consumption expenditure and policy interventions
Authors: Weng Yu-Chi , Fujiwara Takeshi , Matsuoka Yuzuru
Published: September 2009

This paper presents a quantitative methodology and an empirical case study in Taiwan on modelling municipal solid waste (MSW) discards based on the consumption and MSW policy effects through a simultaneous equation system (SES) model. The results indicate that per capita consumption expenditures on ‘food’, ‘household appliances’ and ‘amusement & education’ are associated with the changes of the discards of most of the waste streams in Taiwan from 1992 to 2004. The developed model, meanwhile, identifies the effects of several important MSW policy measures. With regard to the model implication, consumers could try to reduce their unnecessary consumption, producers may rethink their responsibility on reducing MSW discards, and municipalities could evaluate the effectiveness of the existing policy measures to improve it upon based on the quantitative analysis. The backcasts and estimates of the discards of MSW streams could enable the planning, designing and executing of MSW system. The findings of this study would facilitate the consumer behaviour and support the policy design towards a low-waste-discard society.
Effect of biosolids on refuse decomposition and phosphorus cycling
Authors: Sadri Ahmad , Barlaz Morton A. , Hater Gary R.
Published: September 2009

Laboratory-scale reactors containing mixtures of municipal solid waste and wastewater treatment biosolids were monitored to assess the effect of biosolids on refuse decomposition and on phosphorus (P) cycling and speciation among orthophosphate, acid-hydrolysable P, and organic P. The co-disposal of 10 to 20% (by wet weight) aerobically-digested biosolids with residential refuse was compatible with refuse decomposition although the biosolids did not increase either the maximum methane production rate or the cumulative yield, and did not reduce lag times to the onset of methane production. The results of this study indicated that dissolved reactive phosphorus (DRP) was the dominant dissolved P fraction throughout refuse decomposition and that it was negatively correlated with the methane production rate and pH ( r2 = 0.35 for both). P was not found to limit methane production. Biosolids increased dissolved P as well as ammonia-N in some reactors, but this did not have a significant impact on maximum methane production rates. The maximum tolerated Na+ and K+ concentrations during active methane production were at least 4100 mg Na+ L —1 and 800 mg K+ L— 1, respectively.
Change of crystallinity and mineral composition of fly ash with mechanical and chemical activation for the improvement of phosphate uptake
Authors: Zhu Liang  , XiaoJia He  , JinRen Ni
Published: September 2009

A detailed investigation of the development of the mineral composition and crystallinity of fly ash (FA) activated by an integrated process, as well as the relation between that development and phosphate uptake (PU) in solution, was conducted. This process, consisting of pretreatment (mechanical milling), alkali fusion (sodium hydroxide) at 550 °C and acid attack (3 mol L—1 sulfuric acid), exhibited a remarkable activation effect. One-hour grinding could enhance PU from 0.67 to 1.66 mg PO43—-P g —1 FA, and then under the optimum chemical conditions with the ratio of NaOH to FA of 0.5 g g—1 and that of H2SO4 to FA of 3 mL g— 1, the PU was further improved to 7.14 mg g— 1. Results also indicated that the PU performance was closely linked with the crystallinity and mineral composition of FA, that is, the treated material with the lowest crystallinity and least crystal phase could achieve the highest PU. For the purpose of destroying original minerals in raw FA farthest and avoiding the production of new crystals, therefore, control on the ratio of NaOH to FA and that of acid to FA was very important during the chemical treatment.
Incineration and co-combustion of waste: accounting of greenhouse gases and global warming contributions
Authors: Astrup Thomas , Møller Jacob , Fruergaard Thilde
Published: September 2009

Important greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to waste incineration and co-combustion of waste were identified and considered relative to critical aspects such as: the contents of biogenic and fossil carbon, N2O emissions, fuel and material consumptions at the plants, energy recovery, and solid residues generated. GHG contributions were categorized with respect to direct emissions from the combustion plant as well as indirect upstream contributions (e.g. provision of fuels and materials) and indirect downstream contributions (e.g. substitution of electricity and heat produced elsewhere). GHG accounting was done per tonne of waste received at the plant. The content of fossil carbon in the input waste, for example as plastic, was found to be critical for the overall level of the GHG emissions, but also the energy conversion efficiencies were essential. The emission factors for electricity provision (also substituted electricity) affected the indirect downstream emissions with a factor of 3—9 depending on the type of electricity generation assumed. Provision of auxiliary fuels, materials and resources corresponded to up to 40% of the direct emission from the plants (which were 347—371 kg CO2-eq. tonne —1 of waste for incineration and 735—803 kg CO2-eq. tonne—1 of waste for co-combustion). Indirect downstream savings were within the range of —480 to —1373 kg CO2eq. tonne—1 of waste for incineration and within —181 to —2607 kg CO2-eq. tonne— 1 of waste for co-combustion. N2O emissions and residue management did not appear to play significant roles.
Characterization and recovery of copper values from discarded slag
Authors: Das Bisweswar , Barada Kanta Mishra  , Angadi Shivakumar , Siddharth Kumar Pradhan  , Prakash Sandur , Mohanty Jayakrushna
Published: September 2009

In any copper smelter large quantities of copper slag are discarded as waste material causing space and environmental problems. This discarded slag contains important amounts of metallic values such as copper and iron. The recovery of copper values from an Indian smelter slag that contains 1.53% Cu, 39.8% Fe and 34.65% SiO 2 was the focus of the present study. A complete investigation of the different phases present in the slag has been carried out by means of optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. It is observed that iron and silica are mostly associated with the fayalite phase whereas copper is present in both oxide and sulfide phases. These oxide and sulfide phases of copper are mostly present within the slag phase and to some extent the slag is also embedded inside the oxide and sulfide phases. The recovery of copper values from the discarded slag has been explored by applying a flotation technique using conventional sodium isopropyl xanthate (SIX) as the collector. The effects of flotation parameters such as pH and collector concentration are investigated. Under optimum flotation conditions, it is possible to achieve 21% Cu with more than 80% recovery.
Condominium waste management by private initiative: a report of a 10-year project in Brazil
Authors: Fehr Manfred , Melo Vasques de Castro Mirlei Silva , Calçado Marilda dos Reis
Published: September 2009

The evolution of domestic waste management practices in an urban residential condominium complex in Brazil is reported. A sustained effort over 10 years has created a benchmark for landfill diversion by private initiative. The project was initiated in 1998 when the prevailing practice was to tip all waste at the landfill. In the presently attained situation, which is available for imitation elsewhere, 67% of all domestic waste produced in the complex is recycled without cost to the municipal administration. Instead of separating the inert recyclables, the effort was turned to separating the biodegradable material. The management programme derived from waste analyses and the work with people evolved into a two-stage source-separation procedure combined with the participation of handpicked reverse logistics operators. City crews now take only 33% of all waste to the landfill. Although this description is strictly valid only for Brazil, the story in itself might be of wider interest.
Anaerobic digestion and digestate use: accounting of greenhouse gases and global warming contribution
Authors: Møller Jacob , Boldrin Alessio , Christensen Thomas H.
Published: September 2009

Anaerobic digestion (AD) of source-separated municipal solid waste (MSW) and use of the digestate is presented from a global warming (GW) point of view by providing ranges of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that are useful for calculation of global warming factors (GWFs), i.e. the contribution to GW measured in CO2-equivalents per tonne of wet waste. The GHG accounting was done by distinguishing between direct contributions at the AD facility and indirect upstream or downstream contributions. GHG accounting for a generic AD facility with either biogas utilization at the facility or upgrading of the gas for vehicle fuel resulted in a GWF from —375 (a saving) to 111 (a load) kg CO2-eq. tonne—1 wet waste. In both cases the digestate was used for fertilizer substitution. This large range was a result of the variation found for a number of key parameters: energy substitution by biogas, N2O-emission from digestate in soil, fugitive emission of CH 4, unburned CH4, carbon bound in soil and fertilizer substitution. GWF for a specific type of AD facility was in the range —95 to —4 kg CO2-eq. tonne—1 wet waste. The ranges of uncertainty, especially of fugitive losses of CH4 and carbon sequestration highly influenced the result. In comparison with the few published GWFs for AD, the range of our data was much larger demonstrating the need to use a consistent and robust approach to GHG accounting and simultaneously accept that some key parameters are highly uncertain.
Composting and compost utilization: accounting of greenhouse gases and global warming contributions
Authors: Boldrin Alessio , Andersen Jacob K. , Møller Jacob , Christensen Thomas H. , Favoino Enzo
Published: September 2009

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to composting of organic waste and the use of compost were assessed from a waste management perspective. The GHG accounting for composting includes use of electricity and fuels, emissions of methane and nitrous oxide from the composting process, and savings obtained by the use of the compost. The GHG account depends on waste type and composition (kitchen organics, garden waste), technology type (open systems, closed systems, home composting), the efficiency of off-gas cleaning at enclosed composting systems, and the use of the compost. The latter is an important issue and is related to the long-term binding of carbon in the soil, to related effects in terms of soil improvement and to what the compost substitutes; this could be fertilizer and peat for soil improvement or for growth media production. The overall global warming factor (GWF) for composting therefore varies between significant savings (—900 kg CO2-equivalents tonne—1 wet waste (ww)) and a net load (300 kg CO2-equivalents tonne —1 ww). The major savings are obtained by use of compost as a substitute for peat in the production of growth media. However, it may be difficult for a specific composting plant to document how the compost is used and what it actually substitutes for. Two cases representing various technologies were assessed showing how GHG accounting can be done when specific information and data are available.
Greenhouse gases, radiative forcing, global warming potential and waste management — an introduction
Authors: Scheutz Charlotte , Kjeldsen Peter , Gentil Emmanuel
Published: September 2009

Management of post-consumer solid waste contributes to emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) representing about 3% of global anthropogenic GHG emissions. Most GHG reporting initiatives around the world utilize two metrics proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): radiative forcing (RF) and global warming potential (GWP). This paper provides a general introduction of the factors that define a GHG and explains the scientific background for estimating RF and GWP, thereby exposing the lay reader to a brief overview of the methods for calculating the effects of GHGs on climate change. An objective of this paper is to increase awareness that the GWP of GHGs has been re-adjusted as the concentration and relative proportion of these GHGs has changed with time (e.g., the GWP of methane has changed from 21 to 25 CO2-eq). Improved understanding of the indirect effects of GHGs has also led to a modification in the methodology for calculating GWP. Following a presentation of theory behind GHG, RF and GWP concepts, the paper briefly describes the most important GHG sources and sinks in the context of the waste management industry. The paper serves as a primer for more detailed research publications presented in this special issue of Waste Management & Research providing a technology-based assessment of quantitative GHG emissions from different waste management technologies.
Characterization of oily sludge from a Tehran oil refinery
Authors: Heidarzadeh Nima , Gitipour Saeid , Abdoli Mohammad Ali
Published: September 2009

In this study, oily sludge samples generated from a Tehran oil refinery (Pond I) were evaluated for their contamination levels and to propose an adequate remediation technique for the wastes. A simple, random, sampling method was used to collect the samples. The samples were analyzed to measure Total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH), polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and heavy metal concentrations in the sludge. Statistical analysis showed that seven samples were adequate to assess the sludge with respect to TPH analyses. The mean concentration of TPHs in the samples was 265,600 mg kg—1. A composite sample prepared from a mix of the seven samples was used to determine the sludge’s additional characteristics. Composite sample analysis showed that there were no detectable amounts of PAHs in the sludge. In addition, mean concentrations of the selected heavy metals Ni, Pb, Cd and Zn were 2700, 850, 100, 6100 mg kg— 1, respectively. To assess the sludge contamination level, the results from the analysis above were compared with soil clean-up levels. Due to a lack of national standards for soil clean-up levels in Iran, sludge pollutant concentrations were compared with standards set in developed countries. According to these standards, the sludge was highly polluted with petroleum hydrocarbons. The results indicated that incineration, biological treatment and solidification/stabilization treatments would be the most appropriate methods for treatment of the sludges. In the case of solidification/stabilization, due to the high organic content of the sludge, it is recommended to use organophilic clays prior to treatment of the wastes.
Climate impact analysis of waste treatment scenarios — thermal treatment of commercial and pretreated waste versus landfilling in Austria
Authors: Ragoßnig A.M. , Wartha C. , Pomberger R.
Published: September 2009

A major challenge for modern waste management lies in a smart integration of waste-to-energy installations in local energy systems in such a way that the energy efficiency of the waste-to-energy plant is optimized and that the energy contained in the waste is, therefore, optimally utilized. The extent of integration of thermal waste treatment processes into regular energy supply systems plays a major role with regard to climate control. In this research, the specific waste management situation looked at scenarios aiming at maximizing the energy recovery from waste ( i.e. actual scenario and waste-to-energy process with 75% energy efficiency [22.5% electricity, 52.5% heat]) yield greenhouse gas emission savings due to the fact that more greenhouse gas emissions are avoided in the energy sector than caused by the various waste treatment processes. Comparing dedicated waste-to-energy-systems based on the combined heat and power (CHP) process with concepts based on sole electricity production, the energy efficiency proves to be crucial with regard to climate control. This underlines the importance of choosing appropriate sites for waste-to-energy-plants. This research was looking at the effect with regard to the climate impact of various waste management scenarios that could be applied alternatively by a private waste management company in Austria. The research is, therefore, based on a specific set of data for the waste streams looked at (waste characteristics, logistics needed, etc.). Furthermore, the investigated scenarios have been defined based on the actual available alternatives with regard to the usage of treatment plants for this specific company. The standard scenarios for identifying climate impact implications due to energy recovery from waste are based on the respective marginal energy data for the power and heat generation facilities/industrial processes in Austria.
Recycling of plastic: accounting of greenhouse gases and global warming contributions
Authors: Astrup Thomas , Fruergaard Thilde , Christensen Thomas H.
Published: September 2009

Major greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to plastic waste recycling were evaluated with respect to three management alternatives: recycling of clean, single-type plastic, recycling of mixed/contaminated plastic, and use of plastic waste as fuel in industrial processes. Source-separated plastic waste was received at a material recovery facility (MRF) and processed for granulation and subsequent downstream use. In the three alternatives, plastic was assumed to be substituting virgin plastic in new products, wood in low-strength products (outdoor furniture, fences, etc.), and coal or fuel oil in the case of energy utilization. GHG accounting was organized in terms of indirect upstream emissions (e.g. provision of energy, fuels, and materials), direct emissions at the MRF (e.g. fuel combustion), and indirect downstream emissions (e.g. avoided emissions from production of virgin plastic, wood, or coal/oil). Combined, upstream and direct emissions were estimated to be roughly between 5 and 600 kg CO2-eq. tonne —1 of plastic waste depending on treatment at the MRF and CO2 emissions from electricity production. Potential downstream savings arising from substitution of virgin plastic, wood, and energy fuels were estimated to be around 60— 1600 kg CO2-eq. tonne —1 of plastic waste depending on substitution ratios and CO2 emissions from electricity production. Based on the reviewed data, it was concluded that substitution of virgin plastic should be preferred. If this is not viable due to a mixture of different plastic types and/or contamination, the plastic should be used for energy utilization. Recycling of plastic waste for substitution of other materials such as wood provided no savings with respect to global warming.
Evaluation of primary and secondary production using wastewater as a culture medium
Authors: Nandini S. , Ramírez-García Pedro , Sarma S.S.S.
Published: September 2009

The ability of rotifers and cladocerans to convert primary to secondary production in wastewaters was tested. Scenedesmus acutus was cultured on Bold’s (defined) medium, wastewater from the tertiary phase of water treatment and a mixture of both. The algal growth rates (µ) ranged from 0.4 to 0.7 day —1, being highest in defined medium. The demographic characteristics of Brachionus rubens and Moina macrocopa were tested using algae at a density of 1.0 × 106 cells mL —1. Into each test jar, we introduced 20 neonates (< 12-h-old) of either B. rubens or M. macrocopa. Daily (for M. macrocopa) or twice a day (for B. rubens), dead adults and the neonates were enumerated and removed. Average life-span and generation time of B. rubens were not significantly influenced by the algal treatment type. Gross and net reproductive rates were significantly influenced by the medium on which the algae was cultured; in the case of B. rubens, they ranged from 20—36 and 10—22 offspring female— 1; the corresponding values for M. macrocopa were higher (38—110 and 13—31 offspring female— 1, respectively). The rate of population increase was higher for Brachionus (0.41—0.65 day—1) compared to Moina (0.28—0.57 day—1). Brachionus had significantly higher growth rates on algae cultured on Bold medium than on treated wastewater while Moina grew significantly better on Scenedesmus cultured on Bold medium or a mixture of treated wastewater and Bold medium than on treated wastewater alone.
Multimodality Neuroimaging in Tourette Syndrome: Alpha-[ 11 C] Methyl-L-Tryptophan Positron Emission Tomography and Diffusion Tensor Imaging Studies
Authors: Saporta Anita S. D. , Chugani Harry T. , Juhász Csaba , Makki Malek I. , Muzik Otto , Wilson Benjamin J. , Behen Michael E.
Published: September 2009

Previous studies in Tourette syndrome have reported lateralized abnormalities of neurotransmitters and microstructure of the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit. The authors analyzed the relationship between serotonin synthesis and microstructural changes in the subcortical structures (caudate nucleus, lentiform nucleus, and thalamus) related to this circuit, using alpha-[11C]methyl-L-tryptophan positron emission tomography (PET) and diffusion tensor imaging, respectively, in 16 children with Tourette syndrome. Correlations between diffusion tensor imaging and alpha-[11C]methyl-L-tryptophan PET asymmetry values were found in the caudate nucleus. The findings suggested higher serotonin synthesis on the side of more abnormal diffusion, characterized by lower fractional anisotropy and parallel diffusivity but higher perpendicular diffusivity. Altogether, these imaging abnormalities suggest asymmetric immature microstructure in the caudate nucleus associated with abnormally increased serotonin synthesis in Tourette syndrome. The observed diffusion tensor imaging changes are likely related to abnormal connectivity in the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical circuit, which may result in cortical disinhibition and increased serotonin synthesis; this could provide a new therapeutic target.
Neurodevelopmental and Epilepsy Outcomes in a North American Cohort of Patients With Infantile Spasms
Authors: Partikian Arthur , Mitchell Wendy G.
Published: September 2009

Studies have suggested disparate variables affecting long-term outcomes in patients with infantile spasms. Using a retrospective chart review, the authors identified 109 patients who had follow-up data for at least 1 year since the onset of spasms. Patient and treatment variables were recorded, in addition to neurodevelopmental and seizure outcomes. Etiology was strongly associated with motor and cognitive status but not with long-term seizure control. Lag time to initiation of treatment was not predictive of any outcome, nor for need to use a second agent to resolve spasms, even when controlling for etiology. However, patients who responded to the first medication achieved superior seizure and cognitive outcomes. The delayed impact of individual medications could not be analyzed because many patients received multiple agents. While etiology and response to first medication predict better outcomes, the majority of patients with infantile spasms continue to have epilepsy with long-term motor and cognitive disabilities.
The Biocompatibility of Sulfobetaine Engineered Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) by Surface Entrapment Technique
Authors: Khandwekar Anand P. , Doble Mukesh , Patil Deepak P. , Shouche Yogesh S.
Published: September 2009

Sulfobetaine-modified poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) systems were created by physically entrapping the zwitterionic species on the PET surface. The presence of the sulfobetiane molecules on these surfaces were verified by ATR-FTIR and SEM-EDAX analysis, while wettability of the films was investigated by water contact angle measurements. The blood compatibility of the modified films was evaluated by platelet adhesion in human platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The adhesion and inflammatory response of Mouse RAW 264.7 macrophage cells were studied. The surface induced cellular inflammatory response was determined by quantifying the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines namely TNF-α and IL-1β by measuring their mRNA profiles in the cells using real time polymerase chain reaction normalized to the housekeeping gene GAPDH. L-929 fibroblast cells were used to assess the propensity of the materials to support the fibroblast cell adhesion. A lower platelet adhesion and activation were observed on the sulfobetaine-modified PET film incubated in PRP after 2h when compared to control. The modified film reduced cellular adhesion events ( p<0.05) with respect to the base material, which could be linked to the reduced protein adsorption observed on this surface. The cellular inflammatory response was suppressed on sulfobetaine-modified substrate. Expression levels of pro-inflammmatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) was found to be upregulated on bare PET, while it was significantly lower on modified PET ( p<0.001). Thus the sulfobetaine entrapment process can be applied on PET in order to achieve low biointeractions and reduced inflammatory host response for various biomedical and biotechnological applications.
Biomechanical and Radiographic Comparison of Demineralized Bone Matrix, and a Coralline Hydroxyapatite in a Rabbit Spinal Fusion Model
Authors: Dodds Robert A. , York-Ely Amanda M. , Zhukauskas Rasa , Arola Travis , Howell John , Hartill Caroline , Cobb Ronald R. , Fox Casey
Published: September 2009

The use of bone grafts is an essential component in spinal fusion. Autologous bone has been shown to result in long-term stable arthrodesis between spinal motion segments. However, autograft can be associated with significant morbidity and a limited supply. Alternatives, such as allogeneic demineralized bone matrix (DBM), are a potential source and supplement to autograft bone. The current study compares the ability of a DBM product (BioSet® RT) and a coralline hydroxyapatite (Pro Osteon® 500R), for inducing spinal fusion in a rabbit model. BioSet® RT, alone or in combination with autograft, and Pro Osteon® 500R were implanted in the posterior lateral inter-transverse process region of the rabbit spine. The spines were evaluated at 18 weeks for fusion of the L4—L5 transverse processes using a total of 33 skeletally mature male rabbits; 4 naïve animals were also included in the study. Samples were evaluated radiographically, histologically, by palpation, and through mechanical strength testing. Radiographical, histological, and palpation measurements demonstrated the ability of BioSet® RT to induce new bone formation and bridging fusion comparable to autograft. This material performed well alone or in combination with autograft material. Despite significantly higher biomechanical testing results, minimal bone formation and fusion was recorded for the Pro Osteon® 500R-treated group. This in vivo study demonstrates the ability of BioSet®RT to induce new bone formation, and there was a clear relationship between bridging bone and mechanical strength.
The Evolution of Employee Benefits at the Economical Insurance Group
Authors: Hubbard Jennifer , Singh Parbudyal
Published: September 2009

Employee benefit plans can be an important part of an organization’s employment deal and can help differentiate one employer from another. This article defines employee benefits as an extensive offering of programs that is broader than the conventional definition. Not only does it include traditional benefits; it also includes pension and savings, time off work, wellness and flexible work arrangements. The article reviews one company’s experience as its employee benefit program has evolved from one of fixed and defined benefits to one that provides greater choice, flexibility and control to better support the organizational and human resource strategy and to better meet the needs of its diverse workforce. Several lessons have been learned by this company and are shared in this article. Although the company has focused on continual improvement of its employment deal over the past several years, it cannot halt the progress it has made thus far.
Consumer-Driven Health Plans: Employer Take-Up and Average Contributions
Authors: Cress Justin R.
Published: September 2009

In an era of rising health care costs, employers seek cost reduction strategies, with many relying on consumer-driven health plans (CDHP). Utilizing data from a nationally representative survey of firms, this article explores employer experiences with CDHP in two areas. First, it describes those firms most likely to offer CDHP. Second, it estimates potential cost reductions from an emphasis on CDHP. Results indicate that large, nonunion employers offer CDHP most often. Furthermore, an emphasis on CDHP plans is not associated with a reduction in average contributions to insurance policies.
Role Negotiations in a Temporary Organization: Making Sense During Role Development in an Educational Theater Production
Authors: Kramer Michael W.
Published: September 2009

Negotiating the performance of an individual’s role is an essential part of the assimilation process. Role negotiations consist of a two-part process: (a) negotiating a particular organizational role to perform and (b) negotiating that role’s performance once it is assumed. Whereas previous research has failed to explore how these two processes interact,this participant-observation study used sensemaking to examine the communication individuals used both to negotiate a specific role in a temporary organization, an educational theater production, and then to negotiate that role’s performance. The temporary organization provided a unique opportunity to observe both processes from beginning to end and allowed for examination of specific communication behaviors individuals used to make sense during both negotiations. The results provide insight into the relationship between negotiating a specific role and negotiating that role’s performance as well as extending the understanding of sensemaking.
“We Don’t Want Complaining Women!” A Critical Analysis of the Business Case for Diversity
Authors: Perriton Linda
Published: September 2009

The author explores how the corporate discourse of “the business case” works to frame, restrict, and depoliticize the discussion of gender in the workplace. In turn, bemused and surprised by the ease with which women have been persuaded it is not “businesslike” to complain, the author explores how women’s linguistic choices shape their corporate lives. By examining the didactic and embedded “gender work” of a women’s leadership event and reflecting on her own, occasional, weakness for the discourse, the author contributes to the understanding of how a seemingly positive and popular communication strategy reproduces unequal gendered relationships in the workplace. The author rejects the claim that using a business case discourse is an effective strategy in improving the recognition, promotion, and rewarding of women in organizations.
Family Ownership, Board Independence, and R&D Investment
Authors: Chen Hsiang-Lan , Hsu Wen-Tsung
Published: September 2009

Family influence is central in Asian countries; however, little research exists regarding the effects of family ownership and corporate governance on corporate investment decisions. This article examines the relationships among family ownership, board independence, and R&D investment using a sampling of Taiwanese firms. The finding of the negative family ownership—R&D investment relationship suggests that family ownership may discourage risky long-term R&D investment. Such a finding may also suggest that firms with high family ownership may use R&D investment more efficiently and thus need less R&D in relation to firms with low family ownership. In addition, the interaction of family ownership and CEO duality/independent director ratio is negatively/positively related to R&D investment, suggesting that firms with high family ownership may increase R&D investment when the CEO—chair roles are separated or when more independent outsiders are included in the board.