bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Islam dalam Oposisi Demokratis di Indonesia
Authors: Priyono AE
Published: June 2014

This article is a review of the book "Democracy and Diffusion: Transnational Lesson Drawing among Indonesian Pro-Democracy Actors" by Uhlin unders (87 Lund Political Studies, Department of Political Science, Lund University, 1995).Anders Uhlin publication of a book which was originally a dissertation at the University of Lund, Sweden, is motivated by the noisy atmosphere of a critique of theories of political regime transitions. Uhlin himself considered that the transition theories suffer from a bias towards the view as if democracy is only relevant in any political environment, and because it always implies the need for democratization of the regime transformation. Broader issues concerning democratization of civil-society, which often does not imply a transition regime, tend to be ignored by the theories of transition. That's why he said, the transition to democracy should be analyzed in conjunction with developments in the wider community.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v2i4.826
Masīrah al-Ḥajj wa Ta‘thīruhā ‘ala al-Taṭawwur al-Islāmī fī al-Qarnayn al-Tāsi‘ ‘Ashr wa al-‘Ishrīn fī Indūnīsīyā
Authors: Ibrahim Umar
Published: June 2014

Pilgrimage in ritual practice is not only valuable but also political, economic, and pedagogical. That's because the Hajj is itself a grand conference attended by millions of people from various parts of the world with a background in economics, politics, social and cultural diversity. This grand congress often used for political interests by Muslim rulers so that this opportunity is most practical political forum to influence, shape and spread of certain patterns of thought to various other parts of the Muslim world. In the 18th century, every year thousands of pilgrims go to Mecca and came home with orthodox Islam which gradually able to shift mistisismedan syncretism previously more prominent in the history of Islamic thought in Indonesia as seen Kalisalak Rifa'i Ahmad (1786-1875). They were also instrumental in mobilizing the masses in the resistance against the invaders.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v3i1.816
Politik Indonesia Tahun 1990-an: Kebangkitan Ideologi?
Authors: Mujani Saiful
Published: June 2014

This article is a review of the book Politics in Indonesia : Democracy , Islam and the Ideology of Tolerance written by Douglas E. Ramage . This book is the result of research that lasted from 1990-1994 , a period characterized much political debate and move groups of Indonesia, including from Islamic groups . The problem is studied from this book is a discourse about Pancasila as interpreted by these groups with all the implications of the widespread national problem .According to Ramage , initially it looked Pancasila as an ideology that is not interesting , nothing more than a tool of legitimacy of the New Order power elite . But after carefully considered , as it turns out wrong impression . Pancasila has turned out to be an interesting and important discourse studied . Pancasila turned out to be above the interests of the power elite . He became a central discourse in Indonesian politics , involving a variety of groups and interests . The debate over the interpretation of Pancasila inevitableDOI: 10.15408/sdi.v3i1.817
The Tragedy Cimareme: The Resistance of Haji Hasan to the Colonial Power in 1919
Authors: Hajati Chusnul
Published: June 2014

History records "Cimareme events" as one of the important events during the year 1919 in Indonesia. This event is the culmination of resistance Cimareme villagers, led by Haji Hasan, against the Dutch colonial government.The key drivers of this event is more economical interests. A year before the incident erupted, the Dutch colonial government set the rules for the purchase of paddy indigenous farmers. This step was taken to address food shortages due to crop failures and difficulties imports.Rules set by the government rice purchase is deemed unfair by Haji Hasan. The government requires that farmers in other regions to only sell them as two measures of rice per smell land, while farmers are required to sell their rice two times more than that number. Hajj Hasan questioned this rule, and determined not to sell rice to the government. This attitude then cause conflicts with local indigenous officials, and finally the Dutch colonial government took strong action through the raid.DOI: 10.15408/sdi.v3i2.807
Pulmonary function derangements in isolated or predominant mitral stenosis — Preoperative evaluation with clinicohemodynamic correlation
Authors: Parvathy Usha T. , Rajan Rajesh , Georgevich Faybushevich Alexander
Published: June 2014

Introduction

It is well known that mitral stenosis (MS) is complicated by pulmonary hypertension (PH) of varying degrees. The hemodynamic derangement is associated with structural changes in the pulmonary vessels and parenchyma and also functional derangements. This article analyzes the pulmonary function derangements in 25 patients with isolated/predominant mitral stenosis of varying severity.

Aims

The aim of the study was to correlate the pulmonary function test (PFT) derangements (done by simple methods) with: a) patient demographics and clinical profile, b) severity of the mitral stenosis, and c) severity of pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and d) to evaluate its significance in preoperative assessment.

Subjects and Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted in 25 patients with mitral stenosis who were selected for mitral valve (MV) surgery. The patients were evaluated for clinical class, echocardiographic severity of mitral stenosis and pulmonary hypertension, and with simple methods of assessment of pulmonary function with spirometry and blood gas analysis. The diagnosis and classification were made on standardized criteria. The associations and correlations of parameters, and the difference in groups of severity were analyzed statistically with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), using nonparametric measures.

Results

The spirometric parameters showed significant correlation with increasing New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (FC): forced vital capacity (FVC,r= −0.4*,p= 0.04), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1,r= −0.5*,p= 0.01), FEV1/FVC (r= −0.44*,p= 0.02), and with pulmonary venous congestion (PVC): FVC (r= −0.41*,p= 0.04) and FEV1 (r= −0.41*,p= 0.04). Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) correlated only with FEV1 (r= −0.461*,p= 0.02) and peripheral saturation of oxygen (SPO2,r= −0.401*,p= 0.04). There was no linear correlation to duration of symptoms, mitral valve orifice area, or pulmonary hypertension, except for MV gradient with PCO2 (r= 0.594**,p= 0.002). The decreased oxygenation status correlated significantly with FC, CTR, PVC, and with deranged spirometry (r= 0.495*,p= 0.02).

Conclusions

PFT derangements are seen in all grades of severity of MS and correlate well with the functional class, though no significant linear correlation with grades of severity of stenosis or pulmonary hypertension. Even the early or mild derangements in pulmonary function such as small airway obstruction in the less severe cases of normal or mild PH can be detected by simple and inexpensive methods when the conventional parameters are normal. The supplementary data from baseline arterial blood gas analysis is informative and relevant. This reclassified pulmonary function status might be prognostically predictive.
Successful reimplantation of the hypertrophied inferior mesenteric artery during an open abdominal aortic aneurysm repair
Authors: Kaczynski Jakub , Jaber Basel , Atherton Steve , Fligelstone Louis
Published: June 2014

Ischemic colitis is the most common form of an iatrogenic intestinal ischemia following an aortic surgery. It can be transient and self-limiting but, when severe, is associated with mortality even as high as 80%. Careful preoperative assessment can help to anticipate the need for the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) reimplantation. Some patients lack the sufficient collateral blood supply to the colon and can benefit from the IMA reimplantation, which not only reduces the risk of postoperative colonic necrosis but also can be lifesaving. We report a case of a successful reimplantation of the IMA based on the careful preoperative planning. If unrecognized, this undoubtedly would lead to postoperative colonic ischemia. Therefore, we feel it is important to share our experience regarding the successful management of the presented case.
Successful thrombolysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in cases of severe pulmonary embolism with mobile thrombi in the right atrium
Authors: Şatiroğlu Ömer , Durakoğlugil Murtaza Emre , Uğurlu Yavuz , Şahin İsmail , Doğan Sitki , Ergül Elif , Karadağ Zakir , Bostan Mehmet
Published: June 2014

Hereby, we report two cases of acute pulmonary embolism with concomitant right-sided thrombus, which were successfully treated using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA). These patients had life-threatening acute right ventricular failure, which dramatically improved within hours following thrombolysis. These cases emphasize the clinical utility of rtPA for the treatment of life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Retrieval of embolized tip of port catheter from branch of right pulmonary artery using a macro snare catheter
Authors: Bostan Mehmet , Durakoğlugil Murtaza Emre , Şatiroğlu Ömer , Erdivanli Başar , Tufan Gülnihal
Published: June 2014

Rupture of the silicon port catheter is a relatively rare complication. Ruptured part usually embolizes; therefore, removal of foreign body may be difficult. These ports usually migrate to right-sided chambers, main pulmonary arteries, and pulmonary subbranches. Different devices such as snares, basket catheters, and ablation catheters are utilized for retrieval. Hereby, we report successful extraction of an embolized 10-cm tip of a vascular access port using a macro snare catheter.
High Pressure and Temperature Elasticity and EOS for Actinide Metals from First-Principles Simulations
Authors: Wu Christine J. , Söderlind Per
Published: June 2014

Density-functional theory (DFT) simulations are applied to obtain elastic, strength, and EOS properties of actinide metals under extreme conditions. In this presentation, we will show our recent study on temperature effects of the properties of solids of actinide metals. For example of low temperature uranium (U) solids, elastic constants are calculated directly from the DFT total energy for the ground-state phase in a wide pressure range. For higher temperature U solids, we are applying a recent scheme to calculate temperature-dependent phonon dispersions through the self-consistent ab initio lattice dynamics (SCAILD) technique. This scheme is particular important for the higher temperature phases that the elasticity cannot be analogously obtained because of its mechanical instability at lower temperatures. From these SCAILD phonon dispersions we then extract the elastic constants from the slopes approaching the Γ point. In addition, the phonon density of states of U obtained from SCAILD/DFT calculations have been used to parameterize a double Debye model for its ion-thermal free energy. We will discuss the ramification of this new Debye model on our development of multi-phase uranium EOS.
A DFT Study of B, N and BN Doped Graphene
Authors: Rani Pooja , Jindal V. K.
Published: June 2014

We have made a density functional study of the structural and electronic properties of B or N (individual) doped and BN co-doped graphene. The effect of doping has been studied by incorporating the doping concentration amount varying from 2% (one atom of the dopant in 50 host atoms) to 12 % atomic concentration in case of individual doping and from 4% (2 atoms of the dopant in 50 host atoms) to 24 % in case of co-doping, at the same time, altering different doping sites for the same concentration of substitutional doping. We made use of VASP (Vienna Ab-Initio Simulation Package) software based on density functional theory to perform all calculations. While the resulting geometries do not show much of distortion on doping, the electronic properties show a transition from semimetal to semiconductor with increasing number of dopants. The study shows that the BN doping introduces the band gap at the Fermi level unlike individual B and N doping which causes the shifting of Fermi level above or below the Dirac point. It is observed that not only concentration but position of B and N atoms in the hetero-structure also affects the value of band gap introduced.
The Challenging World of Cytopenias: Distinguishing Myelodysplastic Syndromes From Other Disorders of Marrow Failure
Authors: DeZern Amy E. , Sekeres Mikkael A.
Published: June 2014

Over the past decade, our understanding of bone marrow failure has advanced considerably. Marrow failure encompasses multiple overlapping diseases, and there is increasing availability of diagnostic tools to distinguish among the subtypes. Identification of genetic alterations that underlie marrow failure has also greatly expanded, especially for myelodysplastic syndromes. Molecular markers are increasingly used to guide the management of myelodysplasia and may distinguish this diagnosis from other marrow failure disorders. This review summarizes the current state of distinguishing among causes of marrow failure and discusses the potential uses of multiple diagnostic and prognostic indicators in the management of myelodysplastic syndromes and other bone marrow failure disorders.
Study on erosion stability enhancement of sands using enzymes
Authors: Becker Andreas , Vrettos Christos
Published: June 2014

The addition of enzymes is seldom used to improve the resistance of geotechnical structures against erosion by rain and wind action. Within the framework of an initial study, laboratory investigations on silty sand improved by enzymes have been carried out. Results of uniaxial and triaxial compression tests are reported. Tests on cubical samples exposed to simulated erosion processes are described, and the evolution in time of the removed mass is reported for unimproved and enzyme-improved soil. Medium-scale model tests for a vertical slope improved by enzyme-soil columns show the beneficial effects of this novel ground improvement method.
Energy conservation validates deformation mechanisms around model cantilever wall excavations in sand
Authors: LI Y. , BOLTON M.
Published: June 2014

Based on soil movement measurements in two centrifuge models simulating cantilever wall excavation in dense and loose sand respectively, simplified deformation mechanisms are proposed on both sides of the wall. Negative dilation angles are used in the mechanism to model sand volume change at a moderate strain level corresponding with the typical serviceability limit of facilities on the retained ground within the zone of influence of the wall. An energy calculation is then performed for each of the two centrifuge tests to check the internal consistency of the inferred deformation mechanisms, and the adequacy of the stress–strain model used for the sand. It is found that energy balances within an error of 7% in both tests. The major energy flow happens on the active side of the wall, where the potential energy loss is roughly equal to the work done due to sand shear and contraction. The energy stored in wall bending and the energy lost due to boundary friction are small in comparison. The validated model of the settlement and shearing of the retained ground is then used to illustrate how to assess the degree of building damage in relation to angular distortion and tensile strain in the retained ground supporting its shallow foundations.
Harnessing the power of big data: infusing the scientific method with machine learning to transform ecology
Authors: Peters Debra P. C. , Havstad Kris M. , Cushing Judy , Tweedie Craig , Fuentes Olac , Villanueva-Rosales Natalia
Published: June 2014

Most efforts to harness the power of big data for ecology and environmental sciences focus on data and metadata sharing, standardization, and accuracy. However, many scientists have not accepted the data deluge as an integral part of their research because the current scientific method is not scalable to large, complex datasets. Here, we explain how integrating a data‐intensive, machine learning approach with a hypothesis‐driven, mechanistic approach can lead to a novel knowledge, learning, analysis system (KLAS) for discovery and problem solving. Machine learning leads to more efficient, user‐friendly analytics as the streams of data increase while hypothesis‐driven decisions lead to the strategic design of experiments to fill knowledge gaps and to elucidate mechanisms. KLAS will transform ecology and environmental sciences by shortening the time lag between individual discoveries and leaps in knowledge by the scientific community, and will lead to paradigm shifts predicated on open access data and analytics in a machine learning environment.
Dynamic Reservoir Characterization with PTA: Clastic Environments
Authors: Rodolfo J. , Phillips G. , BinAkresh Saud A
Published: June 2014

This paper presents key aspects of a systematic effort for using pressure transient analysis (PTA) as an important building block of full-field reservoir characterization of clastic oil fields in Saudi Arabia. The well-test data for PTA is an important step on the ladder of any integrated reservoir study, aiming at reconciling differences between the static and dynamic models. In this work, a large number of well tests have been analyzed and integrated with other field data. This work highlights the importance of PTA results in refining reservoir descriptions, including permeability modeling and fault characterization in clastic fields. The review of the PTA results, along with other reservoir characterization data of clastic oil fields, has significantly broadened dynamic understanding under a synergistic and multidisciplinary approach.

The subject fields are part of a major fluvial deltaic deposit trend, consisting of stacked oil bearing sandstone reservoirs with inter-bedded shales where the main reservoirs are primarily composed of coarse to fine grained sandstones with thin shale and siltstone intercalations with some lateral barriers (faulting) as captured by seismic data. For the purpose of this study, the fields have been subdivided into several assessment areas with representative transient data to capture the reservoir geology and dynamics. Pressure buildup tests from a number of multi-well groups, generally conducted during single-phase flow (before water breakthrough), have been analyzed by analytical and numerical methods. The analyses of wireline and large, real-time Intelligent Field data have provided key dynamic well parameters, such as permeability-thickness product (kh), productivity index and anisotropy ratio (kv/kh), which are critical input parameters to permeability modeling and history-matching processes. PTA results have also helped in refining reservoir descriptions with events as identifying areas of mobility contrasts, shale body and lateral flow boundaries. Examples of the observed major geological features in the studied fields will be presented.
Application of MFO Injections Procedure for MSF Packers Integrity Diagnostic
Authors: Nugraha Ikhsan , Said Rifat
Published: June 2014

In recent years, multistage fracturing completion has been adopted by many operators across the globe as a primary means to maximize reservoir contact. To succeed, this completion strategy must be complemented with good understanding on petrophysical and geomechanical properties of the reservoir; which resulted in a better understanding of fracture orientation and decisions on open hole length, number of fracturing stages, packers and frac ports placement.

When dealing with a low permeability environment, for a specific open hole length, it is almost certain that increasing the number of fracturing stages will potentially give the highest productivity. Subsequently, this will also potentially increase the chance of having packer integrity issues due to the shorter distance between the frac port and packers.

Currently, the most common practice to evaluate packer integrity is done on-site, by comparing pressure response at a constant injection rate before and after opening a frac port, in addition to observing breakdown and closure pressure for each compartment. In the event of similar pressure response on both sides, it may be an indication of communication. Consequently, relying only on this injection exclusively is not sufficient because the leak-off profiles may suggest otherwise and could lead to drawing the wrong conclusions.

This paper describes a new enhancement of the mini fall off (MFO) injections procedure, which can be used to confirm multistage fracturing packer's integrity on-site. The procedure consists of performing injection with similar small volume and rate before and after opening the frac port, overlaying pressure responses, pressure decline analysis, as well as comparing pressure derivative for both injections. This technique has been successfully tested on-site where one out of seven stages planned were identified to have communication and has helped in the decision making process to skip the stage and avoid stimulating the same compartment again.
Characterization of Crude Oil of Upper Assam Field for Flow Assurance
Authors: Jha Nilesh Kumar , Jamal Mohammad Shahid , Singh Diwakar , Prasad Uma Shanker
Published: June 2014

Crude oil characterization is important prior to development of complex network of surface and subsurface facilities for oil and gas production. Fluid behavior change in multiple set of conditions could cause problems related to fluid flow, solid deposition, wax formation and fluid transportation. This change could pose additional risk with tough terrains and challenging environments and it could jeopardize the project cost economics too.

In this paper laboratory result of crude oil evaluation of Upper Assam Field, India is presented. The purpose of the present work was to examine the behavior of produced fluid with highlighting issues which could impact on safety, integrity, production capacity and operational support for the asset throughout project lifecycle. Strategies can then be developed to resolve those issues. Detailed carbon profile of crude oil and wax content, distribution of molecular weight were determined through simulated distillation (SIMDIS) using Perkin Elmer Gas Chromatograph hardware and software. Physical characterization such as density, pour point, water content, bound sand and water, KUOP, wax content was done using ASTM methods. Boiling point profile generated from the experiments was used to find crude oil type. Saturates, aromatics, resins and asphaltene (SARA) analysis was done using standard method to find asphaltene deposition potential. Normal and non-normal paraffinic content of wax is calculated using the "Wax Profiling" software from ControlChrom to find wax predominating characteristics. Tulsa University "WAX" software was used to predict wax appearance temperature at atmospheric pressure and temperature. Solid fraction isobar was generated using the software. The viscosity of the crude oil at different temperatures considering the pour point and different shear rates was measured using MV DIN Sensor system and M-5 measuring system of Haake viscometer.
Narrowing Formation Fracture Gradient Uncertainty by Integrating Geomechanics and Microfracturing Test Results: A Case Study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alrayyes Zaid , Alquaimi Bander , Ansah Joseph , Alsuwadi Salem , Almutairi Bader , Perumalla Satya , Burgdorff Katharine , Imtiaz Saad , Zaitsev Andrey
Published: June 2014

Laboratory derived geomechanical properties from core samples and well logs are always associated with some degree of uncertainty due to difficulties of mimicking actual reservoir conditions in the laboratory. Narrowing down this uncertainty is essential for proper design of drilling programs, surface water injection facilities and downhole completions, especially in the case of newly discovered and undeveloped reservoirs.

For tight oil and gas reservoirs, where multistage hydraulic fracturing is being utilized for enhanced well productivity and injectivity through multiple transverse and longitudinal fractures, the success of field development depends directly on the ability to establish accurate geomechanical properties for use in the design of these fractures. In fact, achieving the right design parameters during hydraulic fracture execution using accurate rock mechanical properties has direct and positive effect on the productivity or injectivity of the fractured well.

This paper presents a methodology of incorporating data from the microfracturing test into a comprehensive geomechanical model to determine the direction and magnitudes of in-situ reservoir stresses and other rock mechanical properties. A field case involving a recent microfracturing test conducted in a new tight oil reservoir under development in Saudi Arabia will be used to demonstrate how uncertainties in the geomechanical properties is significantly minimized to achieve better rock parameters for multistage fracture design. Finally, the results are validated with an actual hydraulic acid fracture job.
Irrigation demand modelling using the UKCP09 weather generator: lessons learned
Authors: Green Michael , Weatherhead E. K.
Published: June 2014

The determination of irrigation demand is typically based on crop modelling using a long historic record of local daily weather data. However, there are rarely adequate weather station records near to given sites; often any local records cover a limited number of years, are incomplete, costly or are of poor quality. This paper examines whether version 1 of the UKCP09 weather generator can provide a simpler and effective method of calculating irrigation demand with sufficient accuracy for regulatory and design purposes. The irrigation demands at seven sites distributed around England were modelled using the UKCP09 baseline climatology and compared with results modelled using daily observed weather records. For the design dry year used for irrigation planning, the weather generator replicated the observed conditions with reasonable accuracy. The weather generator was however less successful at replicating extreme dry years. These results are encouraging but also provide a note of caution for the use of these generated datasets for studying current irrigation demand and by implication for modelling future needs under climate change. The study also demonstrated a simple sub-sampling approach for reducing the processing demands if using the dataset in more complex models, though this would not remove any underlying error.
Water and energy futures for Melbourne: implications of land use, water use, and water supply strategy
Authors: Kenway S. J. , Turner G. M. , Cook S. , Baynes T.
Published: June 2014

This paper quantifies the effect of three policy levels on the water and energy futures of Melbourne, Australia. During a time of severe water shortages attributed to climate change, water strategies lacked consideration of energy consequences. Modeling, guided by urban metabolism theory, demonstrated that a compact urban form, reduced water consumption by 90 GL/a, compared with a sprawling city, and had greater water conservation impact than simulated demand management measures. Household water conservation, coupled with increased use of solar hot water systems, reduced grid energy use by some 30 PJ/a. Desalination, tripled water supply energy demand, growing to a total of 4.5 PJ/a, by 2045. While the increase is less than 1% of total Melbourne urban energy use, it contributes to a substantial increase in the energy bill for urban water provision. Importantly, the energy impact could be offset through demand management measures. Recommendations for the combined management of water and energy include improving energy characterization of the urban water cycle; impact-evaluation of regional plans; using total urban water and energy balances in analysis to provide context; and developing reporting mechanisms and indicators to help improve baseline data across the water and energy systems.
Assessing water demands and coverage sensitivity to climate change in the urban and rural sectors in central Chile
Authors: Meza Francisco J. , Vicuña Sebastián , Jelinek Mark , Bustos Eduardo , Bonelli Sebastián
Published: June 2014

Snow dominated basins in the subtropics are susceptible to climate change, since evaporation and streamflows are affected, impacting key water sectors and increasing the risk of water shortages. This paper shows an integrated assessment of the impacts of climate change on the major water users in the Maipo Basin of Chile, allowing a direct comparison between competing sectors, describing their sensitivity to future climate changes instead of focusing on individual scenarios, and assessing the effect of likely responses, such as pumping, that impact groundwater levels. We developed a statistical downscaling mechanism to correct biases in global circulation model projections and ran a hydrological model to determine the impacts of climate change on the ability of the system to meet water demands. Mean coverage and minimum coverage of urban and agricultural sectors are sensitive to climate change, particularly to larger changes in precipitation. The urban sector is less sensitive because of higher reliability standards and holds a greater fraction of water-use rights in comparison to actual withdrawals. In addition, groundwater pumping represents an additional source of water to meet population demands. However, this favorable condition could no longer be present if climate change also affects aquifer recharge dynamics.
Methodology for risk assessment of flash flood events due to climate and land-use changes: application to the Llobregat basin
Authors: Velasco M. , Cabello À. , Escaler I. , Barredo J. I. , Barrera-Escoda A.
Published: June 2014

Global change, including climate, land-use and socio-economic changes, is expected to increase the stress on the entire water cycle. In the Mediterranean region, extreme events are likely to increase due to climate change. This work, framed in the EC Seventh Framework Programme project IMPRINTS, presents a methodology to obtain future flood risk maps using climate and land-use scenarios, identifying the new potential risk zones. The implementation of this methodology is applied to the Llobregat river basin case study. Two different special report on emission scenarios are used, and although the uncertainties are high, the results obtained are coincident: an increase of flood risk is observed in the whole Low Llobregat area. The climate changes affect the basin globally, increasing the risk homogeneously within the area considered. On the other hand, land-use changes represent urban growth in the floodplains, and hence, local risk increases are found in these spots.
Influence of anatase and rutile phase in TiO2 upon the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under solar irradiation in presence of activated carbon
Authors: Matos J. , Montaña R. , Rivero E. , Escudero A. , Uzcategui D.
Published: June 2014

The influence of activated carbon (AC) on the photocatalytic activity of different crystalline TiO2 phases was verified in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under UV and solar irradiation. The results showed a volcano trend with a maximum photoactivity for the crystalline phase ratio of anatase:rutile equal to 80:20 both under UV or solar irradiation. By contrast, in presence of AC the photocatalytic activity of the binary materials of TiO2/AC followed an exponential trend, increasing as a function of the increase in anatase proportion in the TiO2 framework. The increase in the photoactivity of the binary material TiO2/AC relative to neat TiO2 was up to 22 and about 17 times higher under UV and visible irradiation, respectively. The present results suggest that AC interacts more efficiently with anatase phase than with rutile phase.
Development of a system for treatment of coconut industry wastewater using electrochemical processes followed by Fenton reaction
Authors: de Moura Gomes Lúcio , da Silva Duarte José Leandro , Pereira Nathalia Marcelino , Martínez-Huitle Carlos A. , Tonholo Josealdo , de Paiva e Silva Zanta Carmen Lúcia
Published: June 2014

The coconut processing industry generates a significant amount of liquid waste. New technologies targeting the treatment of industrial effluents have emerged, including advanced oxidation processes, the Fenton reaction, and electrochemical processes, which produce strong oxidizing species to remove organic matter. In this study we combined the Fenton reaction and electrochemical process to treat wastewater generated by the coconut industry. We prepared a synthetic wastewater consisting of a mixture of coconut milk and water and assessed how the Fenton reagents' concentration, the cathode material, the current density, and the implementation of associated technologies affect its treatment. Electrochemical treatment followed by the Fenton reaction diminished turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD) by 85 and 95%, respectively. The Fenton reaction followed by the electrochemical process reduced turbidity and COD by 93 and 85%, respectively. Therefore, a combination of the Fenton and electrochemical technologies can effectively treat the effluent from the coconut processing industry.
Temporal and spatial variation of water level in urbanizing plain river network region
Authors: Xu Guanglai , Xu Youpeng , Luo Xian , Xu Hongliang , Xu Xiaohua , Hu Chunsheng
Published: June 2014

As one of the most developed regions in China, the plain of East China is undergoing gradually increased flooding under the obvious urbanization process. This paper mainly analyses the trend of water level time series in the region during the past decades, and assesses the temporal and spatial variation of water level and indicators of hydrological alteration. The results show that there is a trend of increasing water level. Bigger slope and higher significant level can be observed in monthly minimum than in monthly maximum water level, in peri-urban than in urban areas. Meanwhile, it is observed that the mean monthly minimum and maximum water level increased in both urban and peri-urban regions, while decreased coefficients of variation (Cv) in urban and increased Cv in peri-urban regions were calculated. Most indicators of hydrologic alteration in urban stations are concentrated to the range of variability approach target, while most indicators are discrete in peri-urban stations. And the degree of hydrologic alteration is higher in peri-urban than in urban regions.
Thermophilic two-phase anaerobic digestion of source-sorted organic fraction of municipal solid waste for bio-hythane production: effect of recirculation sludge on process stability and microbiology over a long-term pilot-scale experience
Authors: Giuliano A. , Zanetti L. , Micolucci F. , Cavinato C.
Published: June 2014

A two-stage thermophilic anaerobic digestion process for the concurrent production of hydrogen and methane through the treatment of the source-sorted organic fraction of municipal solid waste was carried out over a long-term pilot scale experience. Two continuously stirred tank reactors were operated for about 1 year. The results showed that stable production of bio-hythane without inoculum treatment could be obtained. The pH of the dark fermentation reactor was maintained in the optimal range for hydrogen-producing bacteria activity through sludge recirculation from a methanogenic reactor. An average specific bio-hythane production of 0.65 m3 per kg of volatile solids fed was achieved when the recirculation flow was controlled through an evaporation unit in order to avoid inhibition problems for both microbial communities. Microbial analysis indicated that dominant bacterial species in the dark fermentation reactor are related to the Lactobacillus family, while the population of the methanogenic reactor was mainly composed of Defluviitoga tunisiensis. The archaeal community of the methanogenic reactor shifted, moving from Methanothermobacter-like to Methanobacteriales and Methanosarcinales, the latter found also in the dark fermentation reactor when a considerable methane production was detected.
Automatic control of pollutant on a shallow river using surface water systems: application to the Ebro River
Authors: Puig V. , Romera J. , Quevedo J. , Sarrate R. , Morales-Hernandez M. , Gonzalez-Sanchis M. , Garcia-Navarro P.
Published: June 2014

In this paper, the problem of automatic control of pollutant on a shallow river using surface water systems is addressed using a benchmark test case based in the Ebro River. The Ebro River presents flooding episodes in the city of Zaragoza in Spring when snow melts in the Pyrenees. To avoid flooding and high pollutant levels in living areas, some lands outside the city are prepared to be flooded. Going one step further, this paper is focused on the pollutant level control at a certain point downstream of the river under flooding episodes, and several control strategies for that purpose are presented and tested.
Evaluation of the extracellular polymeric substances by confocal laser scanning microscopy in conventional activated sludge and advanced membrane bioreactors treating hospital wastewater
Authors: Alrhmoun Mousaab , Carrion Claire , Casellas Magali , Dagot Christophe
Published: June 2014

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) combined with fluorescent viability indicators, was used in this study to investigate the impact of hospital wastewaters on floc structure and composition. In this work, three pilot-scale projects, two membrane bioreactors (MBRs) with a submerged or external membrane bioreactor and a conventional activated sludge, were installed and operated for 65 days. They were fed with an influent sampled directly from the hospital drainage system, which contained micropollutant concentrations ranging from ng/L to mg/L. Samples of flocs were observed using CLSM to characterize the extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) stained with concanavalin A–tetra methylrhodamine and fluorescein isothiocyanate solution and combined with a fluorescent viability indicator (Baclight® Bacterial Viability Kit, Molecular Probes), allowing visualization of isolated stained cells in the three-dimensional structure of flocs (damaged or not). The results of CLSM of the sludge composition were compared with classical biochemical analysis of EPS made through a thermal extraction method. The results showed a good relation between these analyses and the statistical treatment of microscopic pictures.
Sorption studies of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution using bio-char as an adsorbent
Authors: Hyder A. H. M. G. , Begum Shamim A. , Egiebor Nosa O.
Published: June 2014

The characteristics of sorption of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) onto bio-char derived from wood chips (spruce, pine, and fir) were evaluated as a function of pH, initial Cr(VI) concentration and bio-char dosage using synthetic wastewater in batch tests. The initial Cr(VI) concentrations were varied between 10 and 500 mg/L to investigate equilibrium, kinetics, and isotherms of the sorption process. About 100% of Cr(VI) was removed at pH 2 with initial Cr(VI) concentration of 10 mg/L using 4 g of bio-char after 5 hours of sorption reaction. The maximum sorption capacity of the bio-char was 1.717 mg/g for an initial Cr(VI) concentration of 500 mg/L after 5 hours. The sorption kinetics of total Cr onto bio-char followed the second-order kinetic model. The Langmuir isotherm model provided the best fit for total Cr sorption onto bio-char. The bio-char used is a co-product of a down draft gasifier that uses the derived syngas to produce electricity. Bio-char as a low cost adsorbent demonstrated promising results for removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The findings of this study would be useful in designing a filtration unit with bio-char in a full-scale water and wastewater treatment plant for the Cr(VI) removal from contaminated waters.
Characterization of air plasma-activated carbon nanotube electrodes for the removal of lead ion
Authors: Yang Lingfang , Shi Zhou , Yang Wenhao
Published: June 2014

Carbon nanotube electrodes were prepared by pressing a mixture of carbon nanotubes and polytetrafluoroethylene (which acted as a binder) on a stainless steel net collector, and the electrodes were subsequently activated in our self-designed plasma apparatus, using air plasma. The morphology and surface functional groups of the electrodes were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The results showed that the electrodes activated by air plasma possessed a rougher surface and more oxygen-containing groups than the raw electrodes, properties that were beneficial for their electrosorption performance. After 5 min of air plasma activation, the lead ion electrosorption capacity of the activated electrodes (measured at 450 mV) increased to 3.40 mg/g, which was 73% higher than the capacity of the non-activated, raw electrode, and 5.76 times the adsorption capacity of the raw electrode at 0 mV. The results of this study indicate that air plasma activation can be used to effectively enhance the electrosorption capacity of carbon nanotube electrodes.
The influence of temperature and salt on metal and sediment removal in stormwater biofilters
Authors: Søberg Laila C. , Viklander Maria , Blecken Godecke-Tobias
Published: June 2014

Stormwater biofilters are used to treat stormwater runoff. In countries with cold winter climates, biofilters are subject to low temperatures which, in some cases, are combined with potentially high salt concentrations from road de-icing, potentially affecting the biofilter's performance. Since stormwater biofilters have been developed without consideration of their critical winter use, a laboratory study was carried out to evaluate the performance of stormwater biofilters subjected to low and high temperatures, with and without salt. Both factors and their interaction had a significant effect on outflow concentrations and removal percentages. Salt had a negative impact on outflow concentrations, causing lower removal percentages for (especially dissolved) metals, this impact being most pronounced for Cu and Pb. The unrealistic combination of salt with high temperature seemed to further amplify the negative impacts of salt despite the fact that temperature alone did not cause significant differences in outflow concentrations and removal percentages. Still, biofilters showed the ability to treat stormwater efficiently under the simulated winter conditions; outflow concentrations for total metals as a minimum met the class 4 threshold value defined in the Swedish freshwater quality guidelines, while inflow concentrations clearly exceeded the threshold value for class 5. The relatively coarse filter material (which is recommended to facilitate infiltration during winter) did not seem to exacerbate biofilter performance.
Activated carbon for the removal of pharmaceutical residues from treated wastewater
Authors: Ek Mats , Baresel Christian , Magnér Jörgen , Bergström Rune , Harding Mila
Published: June 2014

Pharmaceutical residues, which pass naturally through the human body into sewage, are in many cases virtually unaffected by conventional wastewater treatment. Accumulated in the environment, however, they can significantly impact aquatic life. The present study indicates that many pharmaceutical residues found in wastewater can be removed with activated carbon in a cost-efficient system that delivers higher resource utilisation and security than other carbon systems. The experiment revealed a substantial separation of the analysed compounds, notwithstanding their relatively high solubility in water and dissimilar chemical structures. This implies that beds of activated carbon may be a competitive alternative to treatment with ozone. The effluent water used for the tests, performed over 20 months, originated from Stockholm's largest sewage treatment plant. Passing through a number of different filters with activated carbon removed 90–98% of the pharmaceutical residues from the water. This paper describes pilot-scale tests performed by IVL and the implications for an actual treatment plant that has to treat up to several thousand litres of wastewater per second. In addition, the advantages, disadvantages and costs of the method are discussed. This includes, for example, the clogging of carbon filters and the associated hydraulic capacity limits of the activated carbon.
The formation of hydride bonds in cationic complexes of nBeH2•••mX with n=1 or 2, m=1 or 2 and X = Li+ or Na+
Authors: Oliveira Boaz
Published: June 2014

Through the BH and HLYP/6-31G(d,p) calculations, the optimized geometries and
topological parameters of the BeH2???Na+, BeH2???Li+, 2BeH2???Na+,
BeH2???2Na+, 2BeH2???Li+ and BeH2???2Li+ cationic complexes were obtained.
One or two hydride bonds formed simultaneously on the same hydride center.
The analysis of the infrared spectra revealed the existence of red-shifts and
blue-shifts on the BeH bonds, whose effects are not in line with the
intermolecular interaction strength determined by means of the supermolecule
approach. The QTAIM calculations were developed to measure the charge density
concentration on the H???Na+ and H???Li+ hydride bonds. Moreover, the
covalent character of these interactions interpreted on the basis of the
ratio between kinetic and potential electronic energies was also examined.
Can Facebook Make Students Remember? An Experimental Study from Japan
Authors: Acar Adam
Published: June 2014

This study experimentally manipulated the way students submit their assignments and tested the number of new words that are learned in each condition. The results showed that students who submitted their assignments through Facebook learned as much as those who submitted their assignment in a traditional way. In the light of these findings, we can presume that using Facebook can be as effective as traditional teaching methods, but not necessarily make students learn more.
‘I'm Not Much of an Expert, Myself’: Situated Learning in an Informal Online Community of Practice
Authors: Boven David T.
Published: June 2014

This article represents an attempt to more fully understand the interactions of individuals in a specific community of practice on the World Wide Web. It attempts to answer questions about whether norms of participation and learning developed over time have been established in this virtual community of practice. It also explores how the perceived identities of individual members relate to degrees of expertise and status within the community. Over the last 20 years, there has been much written about the concepts of communities of practice and legitimate peripheral participation. The results of the study have proven very interesting. Through an understanding of the established norms of participation and learning, it has brought to light many different facets of the functioning of this particular community. In this case, members join and quickly become familiar with the community's unspoken standards of modesty and humility. They work to develop a standing as an expert, while attempting to not be seen as possessing any pride in their abilities. Further research might follow these same themes into communities of practice based in other settings such as work, social class or community activism.
vPELS: An E-Learning Social Environment for VLSI Design with Content Security Using DRM
Authors: Dewan Jahangir , Chowdhury Morshed , Batten Lynn
Published: June 2014

This article provides a proposal for personal e-learning system (vPELS [where ‘v’ stands for VLSI: very large scale integrated circuit])) architecture in the context of social network environment for VLSI Design. The main objective of vPELS is to develop individual skills on a specific subject – say, VLSI – and share resources with peers. The authors' system architecture defines the organisation and management of the personal learning environment in such a way as to aid in creating, verifying and sharing learning artefacts and making money at the same time. The authors also focus in their research on one of the most interesting arenas in digital content or document management – Digital Rights Management (DRM) – and its application to e-learning.