bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of exfoliated nanocomposite prepared by vinyl acetate, montmorillonite and dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide
Authors: Cui Huiwang , Du Guan-ben
Published: August 2014

In the paper, an exfoliated nano-composite was prepared by vinyl acetate (VAc), montmorillonite (MMT) and dioctadecyl dimethyl ammonium bromide (DOAB).Then it was mainly studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and static tension. Its rheology was also investigated by the power-law function equation and the Cross-Williamson model viscous equation. Results showed that the exfoliated nano-composite was obtained. Linear macromolecular chains of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) were formed in the layers of MMT-DOAB. MMT-DOAB was exfoliated into layers or sheets of nano-particles, and randomly dispersed in the matrix of PVAc. The particle diameter of MMT-DOAB was from 25 nm to 75 nm, while PVAc’s was from 250 nm to 500 nm. They randomly dispersed together. The smaller MMT-DOAB particles were adsorbed around the bigger PVAc particles; they formed the “Strawberry” structure. In addition, PVAc and PVAc- MMT-DOAB were pseudo-plastic Non-Newtonian fluids, they all possessed the normal stress effect (or Weissenberg effect), that was the pole-climbing phenomenon. The reasonable addition of MMT-DOAB in polymerization was better but not more than 2.0 wt% of VAc.
Fabrication and characterization of poly(triazine dithiol) thin films using a two-step deposition/ photopolymerization process and micropattern
Authors: Ye Rongbin , Baba Mamoru , Ohta Koji , Suzuki Kazunori , Mori Kunio
Published: August 2014

In this study, polymer thin films were prepared and patterned by vapor deposition photo-polymerization of 6-diallylamino-[1,3,5]-triazine-2,4-dithiol) on SiO2/Si substrates. The characterizations of these films were investigated using FT-IR-RAS, XPS, optical microscopy and AFM. The polymerization rate of 0.10 ~ 0.14 min-1 was obtained by an ex-situ FT-IR-RAS study. The structure characterized with XPS showed that the polymer films contained disulfide bonds produced by thiol groups, and monosulfide bonds produced by the reaction between allyl and thiol groups and formed network chains. Furthermore, the 2.19 μm pattern of lines and spaces was developed sufficiently by optical observation
Synthesis and thermal properties of new copolyesters based on polycaprolactone
Authors: Maafi El Miloud , Malek Fouad , Tighzert Lan , Laoutid Fouad , Dubois Philippe
Published: August 2014

Several copolyesters were synthesized from carboxytelechelic poly( - caprolactone) and bis(2-hydroxyethyl)terephthalate (BHET), using a two-step method and a one-step method providing regular and random distributions of starting comonomers in the copolyester chains, respectively. Even with an identical molar comonomer composition, the properties of obtained copolyesters depended on the synthesis method, therefore the comonomer distribution along the polymer chain. The copolyester structure was characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and FTIR spectroscopy. The thermal properties of synthesized copolyesters were also studied by DSC and TGA demonstrating the influence of aromatic rings spread along the macromolecular polyester chain.
Optimization approach for processing design in the extrusion process of plastic profile with metal insert
Authors: Mu Yue , Zhao Guoqun , Wu Xianghong
Published: August 2014

The extrusion process of plastic profile with metal insert is a kind of novel and advanced plastic processing method which requires rigorous control on processing conditions to ensure the quality and performance of final products. However, it is still difficult to achieve an optimal processing design by using traditional “trial and error” method. An optimization approach for the processing design in the extrusion process of plastic profile with metal insert is proposed based on finite element simulation, back propagation neural network and genetic algorithm in the study. The finite element simulation is conducted to predict polymer melts flow in the extrusion process. The simulated results are extracted for the establishment of neural network. The genetic algorithm is performed for the search of globally optimal design variable with its objective function evaluated by using the established neural network model. The proposed approach is adopted for the optimization of processing conditions in the extrusion process of plastic profile with metal insert. According to the flow balance principle, the uniformity of outlet flow distribution is taken as the optimization objective with a constraint condition on the maximum shear stress. The optimization of two processing parameters including the volume flow rate and the metal insert moving velocity is conducted in the extrusion process of plastic profile with metal insert and the optimization objective is successfully achieved.
Use of a novel pH-triggered polymer-gel system for optimal mobility-control applications
Authors: Abdel-Goad Mahmoud , Al-Wahaibi Yhya , Al-Wahaib Talal , Al-Shurji Hamed
Published: August 2014

There are two challenges in using polymers for conformance control applications in the petroleum industry. The first difficulty is to maintain a good injectivity to overcome the large pressure drop caused by the high viscosity of the polymers. Secondly, large polymer volumes required to be injected to compensate for polymer retention in a reservoir. The main objective of this work is to study the viability of using a pH-sensitive polyelectrolyte to alleviate the above two challenges. The results showed that the pH of the swelling medium has great effect on the swelling behavior of poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels. At low pH regime, the viscosity increases gradually as pH increases until certain pH value, ‘critical pH’ is reached. In the second regime and once critical pH value is exceeded, the viscosity increases sharply with the pH. This is followed by independency of the viscosity on pH, in the third regime. It was found that this sensitivity to the pH varies with the change in crosslink density and shear rates. At pH=4 (before the gellation), the sample (Carbopol 981) which has the lowest crosslink density exhibits the highest viscosity among the three samples. After the gellation (PH=8), the rheological behavior is reversed for the highest crosslinked density polymer (EZ-4) and the lowest crosslinked density polymer (981) which contradicts with the well known swelling ratio-crosslink density relation. It is concluded that the examined polymers are good candidates for mobility control applications. They can also be used for temporary zonal isolation since they can be easily broken down with mild acid wash and flowback
Dual phase continuity and phase inversion phenomena in natural rubber/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer blends
Authors: Kaewsakul Wisut , Kaesaman Azizon , Nakason Charoen
Published: August 2014

Blending of polymers provide an attractive route to obtain new materials with unique combination of properties. Among the possible blend morphologies are dispersion of droplet, fiber, lamella in continuous phase and cocontinuous morphology. The unique feature of co-continuous is the mutual interpenetration of the phases which exhibits a number of advantageous properties and hence wider range of applications. Therefore, it is important to perform accurate determination of the co-continuous phase morphology and phase inversion phenomena. The rubber co-continuity index (solvent extraction), SEM micrographs and dynamic properties indicated the inversion occurred in the blends with rubber content 40 to 50 wt%. Furthermore, three empirical models (i.e., Ultracki, Steiman et al and Gergen et al models) could predict the phase continuity and phase inversion phenomena but other two (i.e., Paul-Barlow and Metelkin- Blekht models) failed. Therefore, based on rubber co-continuity index, SEM micrographs, dynamic mechanical properties and prediction, the inversion phenomena occurred in the blends with rubber contents in a range of 40-50 wt%. Full co-continuity was found in the blends with the rubber contents of 46 to 60 wt%.
A study on the kinetic behaviour and thermo-mechanical properties of nanoclay reinforced unsaturated polyester resin prepared under high shear conditions
Authors: Poorabdollah Mehdi , Beheshty Mohammad Hosain , Vafayan Mehdy
Published: August 2014

Kinetic behaviour and thermo-mechanical properties of composites based on unsaturated polyester (UP) resin and organically modified clay (OMC) are completely dependent on their preparation procedure. The investigation on the preparation procedure of the UP/OMC suspensions under high shear conditions alone (shear rate= 4.86 104s-1) without interference of chemical compatibility of OMC with UP resin on the intercalation and exfoliation processes has been the main aim of the present work. Reaction rate and degree of conversion of UP/3wt%OMC mixtures prepared at three mixing speeds of 1000, 3000 and 5000 rpm and several mixing times ranging from 15 min to 12 h showed an abnormal behaviour. The results showed a little decrease in the reaction rate and degree of conversion when mixing time increased from 1.5 h to 12 h at 1000 rpm, 1.5 h to 4.5 h at 3000 rpm and 30 min to 3 h at 5000 rpm. Thermo-mechanical properties of composites showed maximum values for storage modulus when plotted against the mixing time. Reaction rate, degree of conversion and morphology of UP/OMC composites indicated that cure reaction is affected by the extent of expansion of interlayer space of the OMC, the number of the expanded interlayer spaces per volume unit and the number of broken clay agglomerates.
Synthesis of polyethylene glycol diacrylate nanogel using irradiation of inverse micelles technique
Authors: Hamzah Yusof , Yunus Wan Mat Zin Wan , Isa Naurah Mat , Tajau Rida , Hashim Kamaruddin , Dahlan Khairul Zaman
Published: August 2014

The purpose of the work described here was to prepare covalently crosslinked nanogel from polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) using an inverse micelle system as a template for irradiation via electron beam. Inverse micelles were formed by addition of sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (AOT) in n-heptane above its critical micelle concentration. These nano sized micelles were used to trap PEGDA in its water phase. Irradiation of the PEGDA containing micelles leads to formation of many radicals and recombinations thus forming crosslinked nanogel.
Synthesis and thermal properties of triblock copolymers of methyl methacrylate using combination of anionic and controlled radical polymerization: Poly(methyl methacrylate) center block bearing different microstructures
Authors: Song Zhengji , Pelletier Carole , Qi Yinghua , Ahmed Jasim , Varshney Sunil K. , Jafar Mazumder M. A.
Published: August 2014

ABA and/or ABC type triblock copolymers were synthesized by living anionic and controlled radical polymerization in which poly(methyl methacrylate) was used as central block. The structural composition of these block copolymers were determined by 1H NMR. The block length/molecular weight and microstructure of these polymers were measured by SEC. The microstructure of resultant central alkyl methacrylate block can be tailored from highly syndiotactic to highly isotactic structure by varying the solvent and/or initiator. The thermal and rheological properties of center poly(methyl methacrylate) block and poly(styreneb- methyl methacrylate-b- styrene) tri block copolymers were studied in detail.
Oligoetherols and polyurethane foams with carbazole ring
Authors: Lubczak Renata
Published: August 2014

The method of synthesis of oligoetherols with carbazole ring from 9-(2,3- epo-xypropyl)carbazole and glycerol and oxiranes like ethylene and propylene oxide is presented. Structure and some physicochemical properties of the products is described. The oligoetherols were demonstrated as good substrates for synthesis of polyurethane foams of enhanced thermal resistance
On the origin of the electrical response of vapor grown carbon nanofiber + epoxy composites
Authors: Silva J. , Cardoso P. , Paleo A. J. , van Hattum F. W. J. , Simoes R. , Lanceros-Méndez S.
Published: August 2014

The origin of the electrical response of vapor grown carbon nanofiber (VGCNF) + epoxy composites is investigated by studying the electrical behavior of VGCNF with resin, VGCNF with hardener and cured composites, separately. It is demonstrated that the onset of the conductivity is associated to the emergence of a weak disorder regime. It is also shown that the weak disorder regime is related to a hopping depending on the physical properties of the polymer matrix.
Study on the thermal degradation of chitosan-Cu/Ni/Mn complexes
Authors: Ou Chun-Yan , Li Si-Dong
Published: August 2014

The thermal degradation of chitosan-Cu/ Ni/ Mn complexes at different heating rates in nitrogen was studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in the temperature range 30-500 °C. Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) was utilized to determine the microstructure of chitosan-metal complexes. The results of FTIR show that there are coordinating bonds between chitosan and cupric, manganese, nickel ions. The results of thermal analysis indicate that the thermal degradation of chitosan-Cu/ Mn/Ni complexes is a two-step reaction, which is related to water loss from the material, the deacetylation of the main chain and the cleavage of glycosidic linkages of chitosan, respectively. Characteristic temperature increases with the increment of heating rate and the impact of coordination of metal ion on the thermal degradation of chitosan is very significant. The kinetic parameters were determined by using Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method. The results show that the activation energy of the complexes is different but the variable tendency is similar
Synthesis of long chain aliphatic ester and its titanium complexes for ethylene polymerization
Authors: Makwana Umesh , Desai Bhavesh K. , Bhajiwala Hiren M. , Singh Gurmeet , Patankar Rajendra B. , Patil Harshad , Gupta Virendra K.
Published: August 2014

Long chain aliphatic ester, isopropyl myristate, was synthesized using energy efficient microwave irradiation technique. The iso propyl myristate forms complexes with titanium tetrachloride in different mole ratios. The nature of chemical bonding between the titanium and the ester functionality was investigated by FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. The performance of synthesized complexes with methylalumoxane as co-catalyst for ethylene polymerization was found to depend on the nature of complex and polymerization parameters. Molecular weight and thermal characteristics of polyethylene was also investigated.
A Robust Iris Feature Extraction Approach Based on Monogenic and 2D Log-Gabor Filters
Authors: Aydi Walid , Fadhel Nade , Masmoudi Nouri , Kamoun Lotfi
Published: August 2014

This article suggests an enhancement of the Masek circle model approach usually used to find a trade-off between modeling complexity, algorithm accuracy, and computational time, mainly for embedded systems where the real-time aspect is a high challenge. Moreover, most commercialized systems (Aoptix, Mkc-series, IriScan, etc.) today frame iris regions by circles. This work led to several novelties: first, in the segmentation process, the corneal reflection removal method based on morphological reconstruction and pixel connectivity was implemented. Second, the picture size reduction was applied according to nearest-neighbor interpolation. Third, the image gradient of the convolved-reduced picture was then generated using four proposed matrices. Fourth, and to reduce the complexity of the traditional method for the detection of the top and lower eyelids, a new method based on the Radon transform and the least squares fitting method was applied. Fifth, eyelashes were detected via the diagonal gradient and thresholding method. Monogenic signal was used in the feature extraction process. Finally, two distance measures were selected as a metric for recognition. Our experimental results using CASIA iris database V3.0 reveal that the proposed method provides a high performance in terms of speed and accuracy. Using dissimilarity modified Hamming distance, the accuracy of iris recognition was improved, with a false acceptance rate equal to 3% and a speed at least eight times as compared with the state of the art.
Future Direction of IMIA Standardization
Authors: Kimura M. , Ogishima S. , Shabo A. , Kim I. K. , Parisot C. , de Faria Leao B. , Nakaya J.
Published: August 2014

Objectives: Standardization in the field of health informatics has increased its importance and global alliance for establishing interoperability and compatibility internationally. Standardization has been organized by standard development organizations (SDOs) such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization), CEN (European Committee for Standardization), IHE (Integrating the Healthcare Enterprise), and HL7 (Health Level 7), etc. This paper reports the status of these SDOs’ activities.

Methods: In this workshop, we reviewed the past activities and the current situation of standardization in health care informatics with the standard development organizations such as ISO, CEN, IHE, and HL7. Then we discussed the future direction of standardization in health informatics toward “future medicine” based on standardized technologies.

Results: We could share the status of each SDO through exchange of opinions in the workshop. Some WHO members joined our discussion to support this constructive activity.

Conclusion: At this meeting, the workshop speakers have been appointed as new members of the IMIA working groups of Standards in Health Care Informatics (WG16). We could reach to the conclusion that we collaborate for the international standardization in health informatics toward “future medicine”.
Big Data Usage Patterns in the Health Care Domain: A Use Case Driven Approach Applied to the Assessment of Vaccination Benefits and Risks
Authors: de Lusignan S. , Liaw S-T. , Kuziemsky C. , Mold F. , Krause P. , Fleming D. , Jones S. , Liyanage H.
Published: August 2014

Background: Generally benefits and risks of vaccines can be determined from studies carried out as part of regulatory compliance, followed by surveillance of routine data; however there are some rarer and more long term events that require new methods. Big data generated by increasingly affordable personalised computing, and from pervasive computing devices is rapidly growing and low cost, high volume, cloud computing makes the processing of these data inexpensive.

Objective: To describe how big data and related analytical methods might be applied to assess the benefits and risks of vaccines. Method: We reviewed the literature on the use of big data to improve health, applied to generic vaccine use cases, that illustrate benefits and risks of vaccination. We defined a use case as the interaction between a user and an information system to achieve a goal. We used flu vaccination and pre-school childhood immunisation as exemplars.

Results: We reviewed three big data use cases relevant to assessing vaccine benefits and risks: (i) Big data processing using crowd-sourcing, distributed big data processing, and predictive analytics, (ii) Data integration from heterogeneous big data sources, e.g. the increasing range of devices in the “internet of things”, and (iii) Real-time monitoring for the direct monitoring of epidemics as well as vaccine effects via social media and other data sources.

Conclusions: Big data raises new ethical dilemmas, though its analysis methods can bring complementary real-time capabilities for monitoring epidemics and assessing vaccine benefit-risk balance.
Human Factors in the Large: Experiences from Denmark, Finland and Canada in Moving Towards Regional and National Evaluations of Health Information System Usability
Authors: Kaipio J. , Nieminen M. , Hyppönen H. , Lääveri T. , Nohr C. , Kanstrup A. M. , Berg Christiansen M. , Kuo M.-H. , Borycki E. , Kushniruk A.
Published: August 2014

Objectives: The objective of this paper is to explore approaches to understanding the usability of health information systems at regional and national levels.

Methods: Several different methods are discussed in case studies from Denmark, Finland and Canada. They range from small scale qualitative studies involving usability testing of systems to larger scale national level questionnaire studies aimed at assessing the use and usability of health information systems by entire groups of health professionals.

Results: It was found that regional and national usability studies can complement smaller scale usability studies, and that they are needed in order to understand larger trends regarding system usability. Despite adoption of EHRs, many health professionals rate the usability of the systems as low. A range of usability issues have been noted when data is collected on a large scale through use of widely distributed questionnaires and websites designed to monitor user perceptions of usability.

Conclusion: As health information systems are deployed on a widespread basis, studies that examine systems used regionally or nationally are required. In addition, collection of large scale data on the usability of specific IT products is needed in order to complement smaller scale studies of specific systems.
Social Media and Patient Health Outcomes
Authors: Douali N. , Staccini P. ,   Section Editors for the IMIA Yearbook Section on Consumer Health Informatics
Published: August 2014

Objectives: To provide a review of the current excellent research published in the field of Consumer Health Informatics.

Method: We searched MEDLINE® and WEB OF SCIENCE® databases for papers published in 2013 in relation with Consumer Health Informatics. The authors identified 16 candidate best papers, which were then reviewed by four reviewers.

Results: Five out of the 16 candidate papers were selected as best papers. One paper presents the key features of a system to automate the collection of web-based social media content for subsequent semantic annotation. This paper emphasizes the importance of mining social media to collect novel data from which new findings in drug abuse research were uncovered. The second paper presents a practical method to predict how a community structure would impact the spreading of information within the community. The third paper presents a method for improving the quality of online health communities. The fourth presents a new social network to allow the monitoring of the evolution of individuals’ health status and diagnostic deficiencies, difficulties or barriers in rehabilitation. The last paper reports on teenage patients’ perception on privacy and social media.

Conclusion: Selected papers not only show the value of using social media in the medical field but how to use these media to detect emergent diseases or risks, inform patients, promote disease prevention, and follow patients’ opinion on healthcare resources.
Rectum- és rectosigmoidealis tumorresectiók eredményei: a laparoscopos és nyitott technika összehasonlítása
Authors: Temesi Rita , Sikorszki László , Bezsilla János , Botos Ákos , Berencsi Attila , Papp András , Horváth Örs Péter , Vereczkei András
Published: August 2014

Absztrakt

Bevezetés/célkitűzés: A sebészi technika és tapasztalat jelentősen meghatározza a rectosigmoidealis tumorok kezelését. Anyag és módszerek: 2005 és 2009 között 200 rectum- és rectosigmoidealis tumor miatt operált betegünket prospektíve 39,8 hónapig követtük. Recidív tumor és távoli áttét kizáró ok volt. Elsődleges célunk volt összevetni az átlagos túlélést a két csoport közt; a másodlagos célunk volt összehasonlítani a stádiumfüggő túlélést, a helyi kiújulás és távoli áttétek incidenciáját. Kielemeztük az intra- és postoperativ szövődményeket, műtéti időt, a specimen oncopathologiai minőségét és az ápolási időket. Eredmények: A hároméves követés alatt a túlélési és kiújulási adatok nem mutattak szignifikáns különbségeket. Az ápolási idő a laparoscopos csoportban szignifikánsan rövidebb volt, valamint a középtávú túlélési adatok is az előrehaladottabb stádiumú eseteknél jobbnak mutatkoztak. Az incisionalis sérvek aránya is szignifikánsan kevesebb a laparoscopos csoportban. Következtetések: A laparoscopos rectum- és rectosigmoidealis resectiók eredményei nem rosszabbak, sőt jobbak, mint a nyitott műtétek esetén. Hozzáadva a minimálisan invasiv technika előnyeit, elsőként választandó módszer lehet.
Confined concrete with variable crack angle – Part II: shear friction model
Authors: Kim Yoo Jae , Sriraman Vedaraman , Kotwal Ashley , You Byung Hee
Published: August 2014

This study investigates shear transfer across a definite plane, which must be considered in the formation of the crack opening path as discussed in the companion paper, Part I. Experimental investigation of the shear friction coefficient for a wide density range of 1200–2259 kg/m3 for normal and lightweight concrete is presented for determination of parameters for the analytical model discussed in Part I, which explains the behaviour of confined concrete. The specimen variables include concrete strength, unit weight, volume percentage of air in the matrix (A/M), and volume percentage of matrix in the concrete (M/T). Test results show that the friction coefficient is dependent on concrete strength. However, shear strength is weakly dependent on the volume percentage of matrix in the concrete and strongly dependent on the volume of air in the matrix.
SMOS soil moisture data validation in the Aurajoki watershed, Finland
Authors: Jakkila Juho , Vento Tiia , Rousi Tapani , Vehviläinen Bertel
Published: August 2014

Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) level 2 soil moisture observations were validated by the soil moisture simulations of the Watershed Simulation and Forecasting System (WSFS) in the Aurajoki watershed located in Southwest Finland. The validation period included summer seasons 2010–2012. A new 2-layer soil moisture model was developed to simulate soil moisture in two layers, 10 cm thick surface layer and 80 cm thick sub-surface layer, due to low penetration depth of the satellite observations. Both layers of the model were divided into six classes of soil types to characterize the soil properties of the study catchment. The soil parameters for different soil types were estimated using the soil moisture observation network and other model parameters were calibrated against discharge observations. The WSFS with the 2-layer soil moisture model was found appropriate in reproducing observed discharges in the test site. Despite slight dry bias, the SMOS observations were consistent with the simulated surface soil moisture content, giving Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient of 0.77 and root-mean-square deviation of 0.076. The analysis of the SMOS level 2 data presents promising results for the satellite observations to be used as an indicator of the filling of the soil moisture storage in the WSFS.
Perchlorate removal using two component biodegradable carriers in particle-fixed biofilm reactor
Authors: He Fang , Li Fusheng , Zhou Haihong , Niu Lingling , Wang Liguo
Published: August 2014

In this research, biocompounds designed out of two polymers having different degradability was investigated for use as the sole carbon source and biofilm carrier to remove perchlorate in particle-fixed biofilm reactors. Both laboratory batch and column experiments were conducted with perchlorate contaminated groundwater. Batch experiments demonstrated clearly that ClO4– was removed from the aqueous phase readily and the degradation rate constants (k) changed in the range of 0.23–0.37 mg/L h as ClO4– concentration increased from 2 to 8 mg/L. Simultaneous perchlorate and nitrate degradation occurred in the polymer bioreactor. Effluent concentrations of perchlorate varied positively with temperature and fitted the Arrhenius equation expression as k=k20•100.0316(t–20) over the range of 13–30 °C. No perchlorate was detected in the effluent of polymer columns after 20 days’ startup. Complete perchlorate removal was observed at a hydraulic loading rate doubled to 1.8 mL/min. Images prove the concept of the pore and filament structure within the biocompounds, which provide both a heterotrophic biofilm and carbon source. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis and partial sequencing of 16S rRNA genes indicated that formerly reported perchlorate-reducing bacteria were present in the polymer particle-fixed biofilm reactors.
Molecular characterization of dissolved organic matter in various urban water resources using Orbitrap Fourier transform mass spectrometry
Authors: Urai M. , Kasuga I. , Kurisu F. , Furumai H.
Published: August 2014

Molecular-level characterization of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in different urban water resources (river water, groundwater, reclaimed water, and rainwater) was performed by Orbitrap Fourier transform mass spectrometry (FT-MS). The mass spectra, which were fingerprints of DOM composition, were clearly different among samples. Based on accurate molecular mass determination, about 300 molecular formulae were identified. Most of the DOM molecules were composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Molecular formulae in river water consisted of CHO mostly and much less N- and S-containing compounds than other water samples. The percentage of CHO molecules was the highest for reclaimed water. The reclaimed water sample was characterized by a few peaks with strong intensities, which were presumed to be linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, their co-products and their biodegradation products based on their molecular formulae. Some of these compounds were also detected from river water, probably indicating the impact of wastewater treatment plants located upstream of the sampling point. Orbitrap FT-MS analysis is a powerful tool to discriminate DOM composition of urban water resources.
Comparison of anion exchange resins and aluminum-based coagulants for natural organic matter (NOM) removal and disinfection by-product (DBP) formation
Authors: Crafton Elizabeth A. , Wu Danyang , Duirk Stephen E.
Published: August 2014

Anion exchange resins (AERs) were compared with aluminum-based coagulants for reducing disinfection by-product (DBP) precursor concentrations from a source water collected in northeast Ohio, USA. Three AERs (IRA-910, IRA-958, and MIEX) were evaluated to determine which resin would remove the most natural organic matter (NOM) and moieties responsible for DBP formation. All the AERs were found to be highly proficient at NOM removal specifically the moieties that absorb UV254 (i.e., chromophores) over 75 min of contact time; however, MIEX removed NOM at a faster rate than IRA-910 and IRA-958 resins. Enhanced coagulation was effective at removing approximately 35% of the NOM and 40–60% of the chromophores and fluorophores (i.e., excitation–emission matrix pairs A and C). DBP formation was determined as a function of pH for the different NOM removal processes. MIEX treatment resulted in significant reduction in DBP concentrations when compared to chlorinating the raw source water. MIEX generally out-performed enhanced coagulation for reducing DBP formation. However, alum was found to remove more NOM and resulted in less DBPs compared to aluminum chlorohydrate. This could impact water utilities trying to balance the health effects due to DBP exposure verses chemical/sludge management costs.
A simple forecast technique for estimating the statistical characteristics of water consumption
Authors: Bene József , Bóka Dávid , Ho˝s Csaba , Roxána Varga
Published: August 2014

The forecast water consumption values are the most critical input data in the pump schedule optimization of water distribution systems. The aim of this paper is to present a simple technique which is able to estimate the mean consumption and its distribution for a given demand zone with an hourly resolution. Simplicity (low computational cost) is advantageous since the forecast model needs to be run for any optimization computation. The proposed technique uses a recorded hourly consumption database and consists of two steps. First, the database content is automatically grouped based on the similarity of the elements (more precisely, their normality). This step is time-consuming but is performed only once for a given database independently of optimization. The second step – which is quick but has to be performed before the actual optimization – makes use of this grouping for forecasting mean value and standard deviation. The proposed technique provides hourly water consumption predictions independently; that is, the neighbouring hours do not effect each other, which prevents the accumulation of prediction errors. The daily overall consumption is computed a posteriori. The test results presented in this paper prove the applicability of the technique for real-life problems. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the confidence interval provided by the technique includes the actual measured data.
Flocculation performance of magnetic particles with high-turbidity surface water
Authors: Lohwacharin J. , Phetrak A. , Oguma K. , Takizawa S.
Published: August 2014

The sharp increase in raw-water turbidity following heavy rain presents considerable treatment problems due to low sedimentation rates. The objective of this study was to evaluate the removal of negatively charged suspended solids (SS) in surface water treatment using magnetic particles (nFeO; FeO · Fe2O3) synthesised in our laboratory. The performance of nFeO in removing turbidity, dissolved organic matter (DOM) and trihalomethanes (THMs) was compared to the performance of coagulation with polyaluminium chloride (PACl) and to that of a combined nFeO–PACl system. High-turbidity water was prepared by re-dispersing SS with abundant SiO2 and Al2O3 into tap and river waters. The SS were collected from the Ara River in Japan after heavy rain. By adding nFeO to the turbid water, magnetic flocs of several microns in diameter were formed. The nFeO dosage, the solution pH and DOM influenced the turbidity removal by the nFeO. Introducing a low nFeO dose of 6.3 mg/L followed by 20 mg/L PACl reduced turbidity from 51 to 1.6 NTU, an effect that was associated with a total THM removal of 54%. Surface charge, aggregation kinetics and scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed that both physical and surface charge interactions contributed to flocculation of SS by magnetic seeding.
Influence of operating parameters on the performance of a household slow sand filter
Authors: Nair Abhilash T. , Ahammed M. Mansoor , Davra Komal
Published: August 2014

The biosand filter (BSF), an intermittently operated household slow sand filter, is one of the commonly used household water purification methods in the rural areas of developing countries. In this study, long-duration tests were conducted in the laboratory to investigate the influence of two important operating parameters, namely the pause period (idle time) and the charge volume on the performance of BSF by using full-scale BSFs. The filters were charged daily with 20 or 40 L of tap water spiked with Escherichia coli or sewage with different pause periods. Results indicated that during the ripening (maturation) of the filter, which took about one month, E. coli removal was low, with an average value <90.0%. Maximum E. coli reduction observed in the test was around 3 log10 units. Doubling the daily charge volume from 20 L to 40 L significantly reduced E. coli removal by at least one log10 unit. Reducing residence time within the filter also impaired the filtrate quality. Cleaning of the filter considerably reduced the bacterial removal efficiency. The aesthetic quality of treated water was good, with a mean effluent turbidity of <1.5 NTU, and was not affected by the variations in charge volume and pause period.
Tools to improve the management of transboundary river basins for disaster risk reduction
Authors: Rubert Anna , Beetlestone Philip
Published: August 2014

This paper firstly presents a brief overview of the complex environment of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region in the context of disaster risk reduction (DRR), analyzing characteristics of the major hazards and actors involved. Secondly, it argues that the SADC Water Division and International River Basin Organizations (RBOs) in Southern Africa can play a crucial role in DRR in the water sector, providing a platform where agreements on data and information sharing are reached, best practices are exchanged, policies harmonized, new collaboration mechanisms are discussed, and coordinated interventions are decided upon. Moreover, RBOs can facilitate the adoption of basin-wide Integrated Water Resource Management plans, building on the pillars of economic efficiency, social equity and environmental sustainability with the result of reducing hazards and increasing resilience. RBOs can represent the shared interests of riparian states from a basin perspective to other international actors. To achieve these goals, RBOs in Southern Africa face significant challenges: broadening stakeholder participation, gaining buy-in from Member States on their representation and facilitation of specific matters. Possible approaches to overcome these challenges will be suggested in this paper.
Biodegradation of the cyanobacterial hepatotoxin [Dha7] microcystin-LR within a biologically active sand filter
Authors: Somdee Theerasak , Wibuloutai Jindawan , Somdee Thidarat , Somdee Anchana
Published: August 2014

Cyanobacterial blooms in Thailand waters contain microcystin (MC) hepatotoxins that are a risk to animal and human health. The biodegradation of MCs is a safe and natural method of removal from water. The [Dha7] MC-LR was purified by chromatography, identified by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and used for examining the biodegradation of MCs. Analysis of MC levels revealed degradation of the [Dha7] MC-LR by the bacterium Novosphingobium sp. KKU15, with complete degradation occurring within 3 days under conditions in batches of a flask experiment. The ability of the bacterium to degrade the MCs through a slow sand filter was also investigated. Removal of the [Dha7] MC-LR by biological sand filtration was assessed using a polyvinyl chloride column experiment. In MC-dosed water, degradation of the MC was observed specifically in the inoculated samples (bacterial concentration of 1.6 × 107CFU/cm3 of sand), with complete degradation occurring within 7 days compared to the uninoculated controls. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) specifically targeting the 16S rRNA gene of Novosphingobium sp. KKU15 was used to monitor the presence of the bacterium in the experimental trials. PCR products indicative of a bacterial population were observed at all of the sample sites in the column where the degradation of the MCs was observed, indicating that this bacterial isolate was active in the degradation of MCs.
Riverbank filtration and managed aquifer recharge as alternative water supply technologies for India: strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats analysis
Authors: Essl L. , Starkl M. , Kimothi P. C. , Sandhu C. , Grischek T.
Published: August 2014

As part of the Saph Pani project, a rapid assessment of a riverbank filtration site in Haridwar and data from literature on riverbank filtration and managed aquifer recharge in India are used for a strengths–weaknesses–opportunities–threats (SWOT) analysis based on environmental, social, institutional and economic aspects. Both technologies show a high potential for future application in India, where alternative solutions are required to mitigate water scarcity and reduce the over-exploitation of groundwater aquifers.
Model evaluation of faecal contamination in coastal areas affected by urban rivers receiving combined sewer overflows
Authors: Shibata T. , Kojima K. , Lee S. A. , Furumai H.
Published: August 2014

Odaiba seaside park is one of the most popular waterfronts in Tokyo Bay, but is easily affected by wet weather pollutant loads through combined sewer overflows (CSOs). The monitoring data of Escherichia coli clearly showed high faecal contamination after a rainfall event on 9–11 November 2007. We estimated the amounts of discharge volume and E. coli pollutant loads of urban rivers receiving CSO from rainfall chambers as well as pumping stations and primary effluent discharge. The result suggested that Sumida River and Meguro River were more influential to the Odaiba coastal area than other sources including the nearest wastewater treatment plant. Subsequently, we simulated the dynamic behaviour of E. coli by a three-dimensional (3D) hydro-dynamic and water quality model. The model simulation reproduced that E. coli concentration after the rainfall event increased rapidly at first and later gradually decreased. The simulations with and without inflow pollutant loads from urban rivers suggested that the E. coli concentration can be influenced by the Meguro River just after the rainfall event and Sumida River about 1 week later. From the spatial and temporal distribution of surface E. coli concentration, after at least 6 days from the rainfall event, high faecal contamination spread to the whole of the coastal area.
Phosphorus partitioning in co-dewatering biosolids and water treatment residuals
Authors: Elliott Herschel A. , Taylor Malcolm
Published: August 2014

Stabilization and dewatering methods for wastewater solids determine the concentration and nature of phosphorus (P) in biosolids and in-plant sidestreams recycled to the liquid treatment facility. Because water treatment residuals (WTR) exhibit strong immobilization of soluble P, this study evaluated the impact of co-dewatering WTR and biosolids on the P partitioning during dewatering and the environmental lability of biosolids-P measured by water-extractable P (WEP). Overall, P progressively partitioned into the water-insoluble particulate-bound form in dewatered cake with increasing blending ratio (BR) – defined as the dry mass ratio of WTR to biosolids. The reject water total P (TP) content from dewatering biosolids alone (250 mg L−1) was reduced to 60 mg L−1 for a BR = 1.5. Polymer addition resulted in statistically (α = 0.05) lower reject liquid TP, suggesting the cationic polyelectrolyte contributed to P binding. The WEP of the dewatered cake (∼20% solids) dropped from 2.36 g kg−1 (biosolids only) to ∼0.14 g kg−1 for BR = 1.5, meaning the P in land-applied co-processed cake is less susceptible to solubilization by surface runoff compared to unamended biosolids. Co-dewatering can reduce P in return flows and fix P in the dewatered solids in a form less prone to off-site migration following land application.
Consortia of microalgae and bacteria in the performance of a stabilization pond system treating landfill leachate
Authors: Costa R. H. R. , Martins C. L. , Fernandes H. , Velho V. F.
Published: August 2014

This study treated sanitary landfill leachate and was conducted in a pilot-scale system composed of three serial ponds (P1, P2 and P3), followed by a rock filter, in order to evaluate the microbial consortium influence on system performance and to investigate microorganism dynamics in the process. The system was broken into three stages, with a continuous flow rate (Q = 200 L d−1) for 43 weeks. The stages were as follows: conventional operation (stage I), 12 h aeration in P2 (stage II), and 18 h aeration in P2 (stage III). The results showed the possibilities for treating landfill leachate, presenting an average efficiency of 75% for both filtered biochemical oxygen demand and ammonium. At the end of stage III, the ammonium concentration was 6 mg L−1, which is lower than that established by Brazilian regulations for wastewater discharge (CONAMA 430/2011). The aeration applied in P2 led to a change in the microbial consortia during the second and third stage, which influenced the quality of the final effluent. The best performance was seen in stage III, where the system showed high microbial diversity, including the presence of nitrifying bacteria.
Adsorption of hexavalent chromium onto organic bentonite modified by the use of iron(III) chloride
Authors: Hao Jianchao , Xiao Leilei , Liu Huifen , Shi Lijun , Xu Xiaoyan , Lian Bin , Liu Congqiang
Published: August 2014

The adsorption of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was improved by using organic bentonite (OB) modified with iron(III) chloride. The adsorption mechanisms and characteristics of OB and organic bentonite modified by FeCl3 (FMOB) were studied by using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). It was found that hydroxyl-iron replaced some of the calcium and magnesium contained in the FMOB, but no significant change in its structure was shown even though the adsorption experiments proved that FMOB had a better Cr(VI) adsorption ability compared to OB. The coated material was prepared by mixing FMOB and 4A molecular sieves in a coated pot for the adsorption experiments in the test column. The relevant results showed that the adsorption of the coated material retained its high adsorption ability and maintained that ability after desorption and regeneration, which implied a potential for further application.
Study of competitive adsorption of acid dyes on magnetic quaternary chitosan salt
Authors: Zhang Conglu , Hou Xiaohong , Liang Ning , Ding Yueyue , Hu Xiaomin
Published: August 2014

Magnetic quaternary chitosan salt CS/EPTAC/Fe3O4 was used for the removal of acid red 1 (AR1), xylenol orange (XO) and alizarin red (AR) in single, binary and ternary systems. In the single system, the maximal adsorption capacity was 781.55 for AR1, 537.40 for XO and 992.61 mg g−1 for AR at pH 3.0 and 25 °C. The adsorption kinetics of the three dyes followed the pseudo-second-order model. In the multicomponent system, preferential adsorption was observed for AR at low adsorbent quantities due to the small size of the molecule. When the adsorbent amount was greater, AR1 was adsorbed first because of the greater number of sulfonic acid roots. In the entire adsorption process, XO always adsorbed most slowly.
Efficacy and Safety of Oral Methazolamide in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: A 24-Week, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Study
Authors: Simpson Richard W. , Nicholson Geoffrey C. , Proietto Joseph , Sarah Alana , Sanders Kerrie M. , Phillips Gabrielle , Chambers Jo , MacGinley Rob , Orford Neil , Walder Ken , Krippner Guy , Skoff Kathy , Wacher Vincent J.
Published: August 2014

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of methazolamide as a potential therapy for type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This double-blind, placebo-controlled study randomized 76 patients to oral methazolamide (40 mg b.i.d.) or placebo for 24 weeks. The primary efficacy end point for methazolamide treatment was a placebo-corrected reduction in HbA1c from baseline after 24 weeks (ΔHbA1c).

RESULTS

Mean ± SD baseline HbA1c was 7.1 ± 0.7% (54 ± 5 mmol/mol; n = 37) and 7.4 ± 0.6% (57 ± 5 mmol/mol; n = 39) in the methazolamide and placebo groups, respectively. Methazolamide treatment was associated with a ΔHbA1c of –0.39% (95% CI –0.82, 0.04; P < 0.05) (–4.3 mmol/mol [–9.0, 0.4]), an increase in the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c ≤6.5% (48 mmol/mol) from 8 to 33%, a rapid reduction in alanine aminotransferase (∼10 units/L), and weight loss (2%) in metformin-cotreated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Methazolamide is the archetype for a new intervention in type 2 diabetes with clinical benefits beyond glucose control.
Flash memory cells data loss caused by total ionizing dose and heavy ions
Authors: Petrov Andrey , Vasil’ev Alexey , Ulanova Anastasia , Chumakov Alexander , Nikiforov Alexander
Published: August 2014

The paper provides experimental results of flash memory loss data investigation. Possible mechanisms of charge loss from storage element are reviewed. We provide some guidelines for flash memory evaluation to space application.