bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discussion of the enabling environments for decentralised water systems
Authors: Moglia M. , Alexander K. S. , Sharma A.
Published: August 2011

Decentralised water supply systems are becoming increasingly affordable and commonplace in Australia and have the potential to alleviate urban water shortages and reduce pollution into natural receiving marine and freshwater streams. Learning processes are necessary to support the efficient implementation of decentralised systems. These processes reveal the complex socio-technical and institutional factors to be considered when developing an enabling environment supporting decentralised water and wastewater servicing solutions. Critical to the technological transition towards established decentralised systems is the ability to create strategic and adaptive capacity to promote learning and dialogue. Learning processes require institutional mechanisms to ensure the lessons are incorporated into the formulation of policy and regulation, through constructive involvement of key government institutions. Engagement of stakeholders is essential to the enabling environment. Collaborative learning environments using systems analysis with communities (social learning) and adaptive management techniques are useful in refining and applying scientists' and managers' knowledge (knowledge management).
Aerobic biological treatment of thermophilically digested sludge
Authors: Kevbrina M. V. , Nikolaev Y. A. , Danilovich D. A. , Vanyushina A. Ya.
Published: August 2011

Aerobic biological treatment of digested sludge was studied in a continuously operated laboratory set-up. An aerated reactor was filled with thermophilically digested sludge from the Moscow wastewater treatment plant and inoculated with special activated sludge. It was then operated at the chemostat mode at different flow rates. Processes of nitrification and denitrification, as well as dephosphatation, occurred simultaneously during biological aerobic treatment of thermophilically digested sludge. Under optimal conditions, organic matter degradation was 9.6%, the concentrations of ammonium nitrogen and phosphate decreased by 89 and 83%, respectively, while COD decreased by 12%. Dewaterability of digested sludge improved significantly. The processes were found to depend on hydraulic retention time, oxygen regime, and temperature. The optimal conditions were as follows: hydraulic retention time 3–4 days, temperature 30–35 °C, dissolved oxygen levels 0.2–0.5 mg/L at continuous aeration or 0.7–1 mg/L at intermittent aeration. Based on these findings, we propose a new combined technology of wastewater sludge treatment. The technology combines two stages: anaerobic digestion followed by aerobic biological treatment of digested sludge. The proposed technology makes it possible to degrade the sludge with conversion of ∼45% volatile suspended solids to biogas, to improve nitrogen and phosphorus removal in reject water from sludge treatment units, and to achieve removal of malodorous substances after 8–9 days of anaerobic–aerobic sludge treatment.
Influence of design, physico-chemical and environmental parameters on pharmaceuticals and fragrances removal by constructed wetlands
Authors: Hijosa-Valsero M. , Matamoros V. , Sidrach-Cardona R. , Pedescoll A. , Martín-Villacorta J. , García J. , Bayona J. M. , Bécares E.
Published: August 2011

The ability of several mesocosm-scale and full-scale constructed wetlands (CWs) to remove pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) from urban wastewater was assessed. The results of three previous works were considered as a whole to find common patterns in PPCP removal. The experiment took place outdoors under winter and summer conditions. The mesocosm-scale CWs differed in some design parameters, namely the presence of plants, the vegetal species chosen (Typha angustifolia versus Phragmites australis), the flow configuration (surface flow versus subsurface flow), the primary treatment (sedimentation tank versus HUSB), the feeding regime (batch flow versus continuous saturation) and the presence of gravel bed. The full-scale CWs consisted of a combination of various subsystems (ponds, surface flow CWs and subsurface flow CWs). The studied PPCPs were ketoprofen, naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, salicylic acid, carbamazepine, caffeine, methyl dihydrojasmonate, galaxolide and tonalide. The performance of the evaluated treatment systems was compound dependent and varied as a function of the CW-configuration. In addition, PPCP removal efficiencies were lower during winter. The presence of plants favoured naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, salicylic acid, caffeine, methyl dihydrojasmonate, galaxolide and tonalide removal. Significant positive correlations were observed between the removal of most PPCPs and temperature or redox potential. Accordingly, microbiological pathways appear to be the most likely degradation route for the target PPCPs in the CWs studied.
Redesigning wastewater infrastructure to improve resource efficiency
Authors: Larsen Tove A.
Published: August 2011

Resource efficiency of wastewater management is a question of optimizing at the same time the management of resources in wastewater (e.g. water), the resources spent on treatment and transport (e.g. energy), the natural resources to protect (e.g. the receiving waters), and the anthropogenic resources (e.g. capital). For instance, wastewater can be treated to any given quality, but only at the expense of energy and investment costs. Today, many up-coming problems are solved incrementally, leading to resource consuming solutions optimized for water pollution control in well off countries, whereas large parts of the world have at the best very simple wastewater treatment. From a global point of view, a system change is necessary in order to solve the immense problems arising from global population growth, urban development and climate change. Source separation is a promising concept for resource efficient wastewater management, but a more concerted effort is necessary from the international community in order to develop competitive technologies and overcome the inflexibility of the present end-of-pipe technology. Much more research and development are necessary, not only in the area of engineering, but also with respect to the socio-economic dimensions, especially in the area of regulation, suitable governance and management models, and concerning the involvement of industrial partners.
Seasonal influence on urban dust PAH profile and toxicity in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Aryal Rupak , Baral Bivek , Vigneswaran Saravanamuthu , Naidu Ravi , Loganathan Paripurnanda
Published: August 2011

Road dust is one of the major threats to the urban environment due to wash-off of dust to the surrounding catchments during wet weather period. The dust contains wide range of toxic contaminants such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and endocrine disrupting chemicals. Among the toxic contaminants, PAHs are of environmental concern due to their potential carcinogenic and mutagenic effect besides endocrine disruptive behaviour. Eighteen road dust samples from Sydney were collected in different time periods for a year and analysed for 16 US EPA PAHs. Total PAHs content range in the dust was 9–105 μg/g. Total and individual PAH contents were highest in the finest size fraction (<75 μm) and in winter compared to the other seasons. The PAH profiles in the different particle sizes were similar but different between the four seasons. The concentrations of higher molecular weight PAHs (4- and 5-rings) were much greater than the concentrations of lower molecular weight PAHs (2- and 3-rings). Toxicity equivalency factor application showed that the longer the dry weather period the higher the total PAHs content and toxicity in the dust.
Tracing fine sediment sources in small mountain catchment
Authors: Kouhpeima A. , Feiznia S. , Ahmadi H.
Published: August 2011

Fine sediment represents an important diffuse source pollutant in surface waters, due to its role in governing the transfer and fate of many substances, including nutrients, heavy metals, pesticides and other organic contaminants, and its influence on aquatic ecology. Therefore, catchment management strategies frequently need to include provision for the control of sediment mobilization and delivery. The sediment tracing concept provides a valuable framework for assisting the management and control of diffuse source sediment pollution by identifying the key sources and demonstrating the importance of intermediate storages and the likely impact of upstream mitigation strategies on downstream sediment and sediment associated contaminant fluxes. In this research, fine sediment sources were identified using tracing method. By field works, sediments were sampled from dam reservoir, different sources were also sampled. Fifteen tracers were first selected for tracing which are: The amounts of N, P, C, Cr, Co, Mg, K, Na, smectite, chlorite, illite, kaolinite, and two magnetic properties consisting of Low Frequency Magnetic Susceptibility (XLF) and Frequency Dependent Magnetic Susceptibility (XFD). The samples were analyzed in the laboratory for these parameters and different statistical methods were applied to the data including Non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis Test and Stepwise Discriminant function analysis. The results provide important information on the relative importance of fine sediment sources to the reservoir sediments, which can be used to support model validation and the targeting of management and control strategies.
Experimental investigation on water treatment by the combined nano MgO–nanofiltration technique
Authors: Zhang Keqiang , An Yi , Wang Feng , Lin Lingling , Guo Haigang
Published: August 2011

A combined system using nano MgO and nanofiltration (NF) membrane was established to purify polluted water in this experiment. The turbidity, permanganate index, UVA254, colony counts and the concentrations of NO3−, NO2−, NH4+, Fe, Mn and Mg of the effluents from each unit of this combined system were measured to investigate the pollutant removal of this system. Based on the results obtained, the combined nano MgO–NF system could efficiently remove many kinds of pollutants in this experiment, including organic matter, nitrogen species, heavy metals, suspended solids and bacteria. And the effluents could meet the standard of drinking water. Furthermore, increasing the nano MgO dosage could not elevate the removal ratio of the pollutants, but only increase the Mg content of the effluent. Thus, 0.05 g L−1 of nano MgO may be a suitable dosage for 2,000 L of polluted water treatment. Also, the operating pressure of NF membrane had no significant effect on pollutant removal when the operating pressure of NF membrane was increased from 0.3 to 0.9 MPa.
Energy and phosphorus recovery from black water
Authors: de Graaff M. S. , Temmink H. , Zeeman G. , Buisman C. J. N.
Published: August 2011

Source-separated black water (BW) (toilet water) containing 38% of the organic material and 68% of the phosphorus in the total household waste (water) stream including kitchen waste, is a potential source for energy and phosphorus recovery. The energy recovered, in the form of electricity and heat, is more than sufficient for anaerobic treatment, nitrogen removal and phosphorus recovery. The phosphorus balance of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating concentrated BW showed a phosphorus conservation of 61% in the anaerobic effluent. Precipitation of phosphate as struvite from this stream resulted in a recovery of 0.22 kgP/p/y, representing 10% of the artificial phosphorus fertiliser production in the world. The remaining part of the phosphorus ended up in the anaerobic sludge, mainly due to precipitation (39%). Low dilution and a high pH favour the accumulation of phosphorus in the anaerobic sludge and this sludge could be used as a phosphorus-enriched organic fertiliser, provided that it is safe regarding heavy metals, pathogens and micro-pollutants.
Electrochemical treatment of residual ammonia nitrogen in biologically pretreated coking wastewater with three-dimensional electrodes
Authors: He Xu-wen , Liu Li-yuan , Wang Hao , Zhang Gong , Gong Jing-wen , Lin Hui , Wang Jian-bing , Qin Qiang
Published: August 2011

The electrochemical oxidation of the residual ammonia nitrogen contained in biologically pretreated coking wastewater using three-dimensional electrode system was studied. The results show the Ti/RuO2/IrO2 anode plates and the coke have good surface characteristics for the purpose of this study. In addition, studies also show that the three-dimensional electrode system should be able to give a satisfied solution to the residual bio-refractory ammonia nitrogen in biologically pretreated coking wastewater in comparison to conventional two-dimensional electrodes. At coke size of 10–20 mesh, electrode distance of 1.0 cm and current density of 4.5 mA/cm2, the residual ammonia nitrogen in the three-dimensional electrode system was almost completely removed in 60 min.
Presence, molecular characteristics and geosmin producing ability of Actinomycetes isolated from South Korean terrestrial and aquatic environments
Authors: Lee Gyu-Cheol , Kim Yun. S. , Kim Min-jeong , Oh Sung-Ae , Choi Ilhwan , Choi Jaewon , Park Jong-Geun , Chong Chom-Kyu , Kim Yong-Yeon , Lee Kyeunghee , Lee Chan Hee
Published: August 2011

The unpleasant odor of drinking water is one of the major problems in many water utilities in the world. Actinomycetes have long been associated with odorous compounds. Considering the paucity of research on Actinomycetes producing odorous compounds in South Korea, presence of Actinomycetes, their molecular characteristics and ability to produce odorous compounds were investigated in this study. Findings confirmed the presence of Actinomycetes in surface soil, sediment, and water samples from four sites: two artificial lakes [Paldang and Cheongpyeong (CP)], and two streams [Gyeongan (GA) and Yangpyeong]. Surface soil and sediment from CP area had the greatest concentration of Actinomycetes (8.2 × 107 and 6.8 × 106 colony forming units (CFUs)/gram, dry weight, respectively). When water samples are considered, samples from GA had the highest concentration (1.9 × 102 CFU/mL). 16S rRNA sequencing and molecular phylogenetic analysis showed that Streptomyces was the dominant genus (64.1%). In addition, the isolated Actinomycetes synthesized 5.4 ng/L geosmin as demonstrated by thermal desorption unit-gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry analysis.
Effects of Ultrahigh Pressure Extraction Conditions on Yields and Antioxidant Activities of Flavonoid from Laoying Tea
Authors: Ji Hongfang , Zhang Lingwen , Du Ailin , Yang Mingduo , Wang Qing
Published: August 2011

Ultrahigh pressure extraction technique was employed to extract flavonoids from Laoying tea. Orthogonal design was applied to evaluate the effects of four independent factors (extraction pressure, pressure holding time, ethanol concentration, and solvent to sample ratio) on the yields of total flavonoids. Subsequently, the antioxidant activities of ultrahigh pressure extracts and conventional water bath extracts were analyzed by employing two antioxidant model systems including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity and reducing power. Results showed that the optimal conditions of UHPE were obtained at extraction pressure 400 MPa, pressure holding time 10 min, ethanol concentration 70% (V/V), and solvent to sample ratio 50:1 mL/g, and under such conditions, the maximum yield of 6.237 g quercetin equivalents /100 g Laoying tea dry weight could be achieved. Three flavonoid compounds, namely quercetin-3-O-β-D-galactoside, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucoside, and kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucoside were identified and quantified by HPLC. Compared with conventional water bath extraction, ultrahigh pressure extraction exhibited higher extraction effectiveness in terms of higher extraction yield, higher antioxidant activity with lower temperature and shorter extraction time.
Effect of Giardia duodenalis in protein malnourished and renourished mice
Authors: Shukla Geeta , Sidhu Ramandeep
Published: August 2011

The present study was designed to delineate the effect of Giardia duodenalis in malnourished and renourished BALB/c mice. Control and renourished mice were fed with a standard pellet diet while malnourished mice were fed with a low protein (4.3 %) diet both before and after being challenged orally with actively growing G. duodenalis trophozoites. It was observed that malnourished mice had a greater severity and longer duration of Giardia infection compared with renourished mice. These malnourished mice also had less body mass but higher cyst and trophozoite counts. Malnourished mice infected with Giardia had significantly decreased level of total serum proteins, albumin, globulins, hemoglobin, leukocyte, and differential leukocyte counts compared with renourished mice. From the data it is concluded that protein malnutrition profoundly affects the anthropometric and physiological parameters of the body indicating greater susceptibility and severity of the disease.
Radiocarbon method in monitoring of fossil fuel emission
Authors: Rakowski Andrzej
Published: August 2011

The traditional radiocarbon method widely used in archaeology and geology for chronological purposes can also be used in environmental studies. Combustion of fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, petroleum, etc., in industrial and/or heavily urbanized areas, has increased the concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The addition of fossil carbon caused changes of carbon isotopic composition, in particular, a definite decrease of 14C concentration in atmospheric CO2 and other carbon reservoirs (ocean and terrestrial biosphere), known as the Suess effect. Tree rings, leaves, as well as other annual growing plants reflected the changes of radiocarbon concentration in the atmosphere due to processes of photosynthesis and assimilation of carbon from the air. By measuring radiocarbon concentration directly in atmospheric CO2 samples and/or biospheric material growing in industrial and/or highly urbanized areas where high emission of dead carbon is expected, it is possible to estimate the total emission of dead CO2. Based on equations of mass balance for CO2 concentration, stable isotopic composition of carbon and radiocarbon concentration it is possible to calculate CO2 con-centration associated with fossil fuel emission into the atmosphere. The procedure use differences between the radiocarbon concentration and stable isotope composition of carbon observed in clean areas and industrial or/and highly urbanized areas.
Critically Appraising Qualitative Research: a Guide for Clinicians More Familiar With Quantitative Techniques
Authors: Kisely Stephen , Kendall Elizabeth
Published: August 2011

Objectives: Papers using qualitative methods are increasingly common in psychiatric journals. This overview is an introduction to critically appraising a qualitative paper for clinicians who are more familiar with quantitative methods.

Conclusions: Qualitative research uses data from interviews (semi-structured or unstructured), focus groups, observations or written materials. Data analysis is inductive, allowing meaning to emerge from the data, rather than the more deductive, hypothesis centred approach of quantitative research. This overview compares and contrasts quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative concepts such as reliability, validity, statistical power, bias and generalisability have qualitative equivalents. These include triangulation, trustworthiness, saturation, reflexivity and applicability. Reflexivity also shares features of transference. Qualitative approaches include: ethnography, action-assessment, grounded theory, case studies and mixed methods. Qualitative research can complement quantitative approaches. An understanding of both is useful in critically appraising the psychiatric literature.
Relaxing a Tension in Adam Smith's Account of Sympathy
Authors: McHugh John W.
Published: August 2011

This paper attempts to relax the tension between Adam Smith's claim that sympathy involves an evaluative act of imaginative projection and his claim that sympathy involves a non-evaluative act of imaginative identification. The first section locates the tension specifically in the two different ways Smith depicts the stance adopted by the sympathizer. The second section argues that we can relax this tension by finding an important role for a non-evaluative stance in Smith's normative account of moral evaluation. This solution protects the continuity in Smith's account of sympathy (cf. Griswold 1999 : 99–103). Because of the particular way in which it renders intelligible the relationship between the evaluative and non-evaluative stances, this solution also emphasizes the importance that respect for the agent's conscience has in Smith's conception of an ideal moral judge (cf. Darwall 2004 ; 2006). The third section investigates a possible systematic basis for Smith's normative commitment to respectful moral judgment.
Sex Differences in Suicide Incident Characteristics and Circumstances among Older Adults: Surveillance Data from the National Violent Death Reporting System—17 U.S. States, 2007–2009
Authors: Karch Debra
Published: August 2011

Each year in the U.S. more than 7,000 adults aged 60 years and older die of suicide and as the population ages, these numbers are expected to increase. While sex is an important predictor of older adult suicide, differences between males and females are often overlooked due to low occurrence, particularly among women. The National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS) bridges this gap by providing detailed information on older adult suicide by sex in 17 US states (covering approximately 26% of the U.S. population). NVDRS data for 2007–2009 were used to characterize male (n = 5,004) and female (n = 1,123) suicide decedents aged 60 years and older, including incident characteristics and circumstances precipitating suicide. Stratification of NVDRS data by sex shows significant differences with regard to the presence of antidepressants (19% and 45% respectively), opiates (18%, 37%), and 14 precipitating circumstances concerning mental health, interpersonal problems, life stressors and a history of suicide attempts. No differences were found for alcohol problems, suicide/other death of family or friends, non-criminal legal problems, financial problems, or disclosure of intent to take their own life. The findings of this study demonstrate the value of using comprehensive surveillance data to understand sex-specific suicide circumstances so that opportunities for targeted prevention strategies may be considered.
A Review of Centrifugal Testing of Gasoline Contamination and Remediation
Authors: Meegoda Jay N. , Hu Liming
Published: August 2011

Leaking underground storage tanks (USTs) containing gasoline represent a significant public health hazard. Virtually undetectable to the UST owner, gasoline leaks can contaminate groundwater supplies. In order to develop remediation plans one must know the extent of gasoline contamination. Centrifugal simulations showed that in silty and sandy soils gasoline moved due to the physical process of advection and was retained as a pool of free products above the water table. However, in clayey soils there was a limited leak with lateral spreading and without pooling of free products above the water table. Amount leaked depends on both the type of soil underneath the USTs and the amount of corrosion. The soil vapor extraction (SVE) technology seems to be an effective method to remove contaminants from above the water table in contaminated sites. In-situ air sparging (IAS) is a groundwater remediation technology for contamination below the water table, which involves the injection of air under pressure into a well installed into the saturated zone. However, current state of the art is not adequate to develop a design guide for site implementation. New information is being currently generated by both centrifugal tests as well as theoretical models to develop a design guide for IAS. The petroleum contaminated soils excavated from leaking UST sites can be used for construction of highway pavements, specifically as sub-base material or blended and used as hot or cold mix asphalt concrete. Cost analysis shows that 5% petroleum contaminated soils is included in hot or cold mix asphalt concrete can save US$5.00 production cost per ton of asphalt produced.
Matrices for Sensors from Inorganic, Organic, and Biological Nanocomposites
Authors: Nicolini Claudio , Sivozhelezov Victor , Bavastrello Valter , Bezzerra Tercio , Scudieri Dora , Spera Rosanna , Pechkova Eugenia
Published: August 2011

Matrices and sensors resulting from inorganic, organic and biological nanocomposites are presented in this overview. The term nanocomposite designates a solid combination of a matrix and of nanodimensional phases differing in properties from the matrix due to dissimilarities in structure and chemistry. The nanoocomposites chosen for a wide variety of health and environment sensors consist of Anodic Porous Allumina and P450scc, Carbon nanotubes and Conductive Polymers, Langmuir Blodgett Films of Lipases, Laccases, Cytochromes and Rhodopsins, Three-dimensional Nanoporous Materials and Nucleic Acid Programmable Protein Arrays.
Recent Trends in Nanofibrous Membranes and Their Suitability for Air and Water Filtrations
Authors: Balamurugan Ramalingam , Sundarrajan Subramanian , Ramakrishna Seeram
Published: August 2011

In recent decades, engineered membranes have become a viable separation technology for a wide range of applications in environmental, food and biomedical fields. Membranes are now competitive compared to conventional techniques such as adsorption, ion exchangers and sand filters. The main advantage of membrane technology is the fact that it works without the addition of any chemicals, with relatively high efficiency and low energy consumption with well arranged process conductions. Hence they are widely utilized in biotechnology, food and drink manufacturing, air filtration and medical uses such as dialysis for kidney failure patients. Membranes from nanofibrous materials possess high surface area to volume ratio, fine tunable pore sizes and their ease of preparation prompted both industry and academic researchers to study their use in many applications. In this paper, modern concepts and current research progress on various nanofibrous membranes, such as water and air filtration media, are presented.
Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors and Mithramycin A Impact a Similar Neuroprotective Pathway at a Crossroad between Cancer and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Sleiman Sama F. , Berlin Jill , Basso Manuela , S.Karuppagounder Saravanan , Rohr Jürgen , Ratan Rajiv R.
Published: August 2011

Mithramycin A (MTM) and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are effective therapeutic agents for cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. MTM is a FDA approved aureolic acid-type antibiotic that binds to GC-rich DNA sequences and interferes with Sp1 transcription factor binding to its target sites (GC box). HDACi, on the other hand, modulate the activity of class I and II histone deacetylases. They mediate their protective function, in part, by regulating the acetylation status of histones or transcription factors, including Sp1, and in turn chromatin accessibility to the transcriptional machinery. Because these two classes of structurally and functionally diverse compounds mediate similar therapeutic functions, we investigated whether they act on redundant or synergistic pathways to protect neurons from oxidative death. Non-protective doses of each of the drugs do not synergize to create resistance to oxidative death suggesting that these distinct agents act via a similar pathway. Accordingly, we found that protection by MTM and HDACi is associated with diminished expression of the oncogene, Myc and enhanced expression of a tumor suppressor, p21waf1/cip1. We also find that neuroprotection by MTM or Myc knockdown is associated with downregulation of class I HDAC levels. Our results support a model in which the established antitumor drug MTM or canonical HDACi act via distinct mechanisms to converge on the downregulation of HDAC levels or activity respectively. These findings support the conclusion that an imbalance in histone acetylase and HDAC activity in favor of HDACs is key not only for oncogenic transformation, but also neurodegeneration.
Modes of Action of Microbially-Produced Phytotoxins
Authors: Duke Stephen O. , Dayan Franck E.
Published: August 2011

Some of the most potent phytotoxins are synthesized by microbes. A few of these share molecular target sites with some synthetic herbicides, but many microbial toxins have unique target sites with potential for exploitation by the herbicide industry. Compounds from both non-pathogenic and pathogenic microbes are discussed. Microbial phytotoxins with modes of action the same as those of commercial herbicides and those with novel modes of action of action are covered. Examples of the compounds discussed are tentoxin, AAL-toxin, auscaulitoxin aglycone, hydantocidin, thaxtomin, and tabtoxin.
A simple and rapid DNA extraction method for Cyanobacteria and Monocots
Authors: Magana-Arachchi Dhammika , Wanigatunge Rasika
Published: August 2011

The isolation of DNA from biological samples is a crucial step in the process of DNA-based molecular biological assays. In this study, we present a simple method to extract and purify genomic DNA from different sample types (standard cyanobacteria, cyanobacteria in water samples and leaves of bamboo plants) which would be suitable for any molecular analyses. In this method, cyanobacteria are lysed by three sequential freezing and heating followed by enzymatic treatment with lysozyme and proteinase K. The extraction and purification of DNA was achieved with the lysing and nuclease inactivating properties of the chaotropic agent guanidium isothiocyanate and the nucleic acid binding properties of silica particles. The DNA extraction method yielded high quality reproducible DNA. The technique described here is a rapid, robust and cost effective method suitable for the extraction of DNA from any source for routine molecular biological assays.   Key Words: Boom’s method, guanidine thiocyanate, silica, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v40i1.3407 CJSBS 2011; 40(1): 59-63
Comparison of lignocellulose biodegradation in solid state fermentation of sugarcane bagasse and rice straw by Aspergillus tamarii
Authors: Umasaravanan D , Jayapriya J , Rajendran R Babu
Published: August 2011

The present study examines the lignocellulose degradation in solid state fermentation in sugarcane bagasse and rice straw by Aspergillus tamarii over a period of 21 days. Lignocellulose degradation in sugarcane bagasse and rice straw, fortified with glucose was studied with and without ammonium sulphate. In bagasse fermentation, when the substrate initially containing 17.4% lignin was fortified with 5% glucose in the absence of ammonium sulphate, a maximum lignin loss of 24.7, was recorded. This maximum lignin loss was accompanied by a minimum cellulose loss of 3. In rice straw, fermentation under the same conditions resulted in a maximum lignin loss of 45.5% and 2.8% loss of cellulose. Efficiency of solid state fermentation using the two different substrates indicates that lignin loss is high in comparison to cellulose loss.   Key words: lignin, cellulose, fortification, white rot fungi DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/cjsbs.v40i1.3408 CJSBS 2011; 40(1): 65-68
Boundedness of Calderón–Zygmund Operators on Non-homogeneous Metric Measure Spaces
Authors: Hytönen Tuomas , Liu Suile , Yang Dachun , Yang Dongyong
Published: August 2011

Let (𝒳,d, μ) be a separable metric measure space satisfying the known upper doubling condition, the geometrical doubling condition, and the non-atomic condition that μ(﹛x﹜) = 0 for allx∈ 𝒳. In this paper, we show that the boundedness of a Calderón–Zygmund operatorTonL2(μ) is equivalent to that ofTonLp(μ) for somep∈ (1,∞), and that ofTfromL1(μ) toL1,∞(μ). As an application, we prove that ifTis a Calderón–Zygmund operator bounded onL2(μ), then its maximal operator is bounded onLp(μ) for allp∈ (1,∞) and from the space of all complex-valued Borel measures on 𝒳 toL1,∞(μ). All these results generalize the corresponding results of Nazarov et al. on metric spaces with measures satisfying the so-called polynomial growth condition.
Products and Direct Sums in Locally Convex Cones
Authors: Motallebi M. R. , Saiflu H.
Published: August 2011

In this paper we define lower, upper, and symmetric completeness and discuss closure of the sets in products and direct sums. In particular, we introduce suitable bases for these topologies, which leads us to investigate completeness of the direct sum and its components. Some results obtained about X-topologies and polars of the neighborhoods.
On Some Non-Riemannian Quantities in Finsler Geometry
Authors: Shen Zhongmin
Published: August 2011

In this paper we study several non-Riemannian quantities in Finsler geometry. These non- Riemannian quantities play an important role in understanding the geometric properties of Finsler metrics. In particular, we study a new non-Riemannian quantity defined by the S-curvature. We show some relationships among the flag curvature, the S-curvature, and the new non-Riemannian quantity.
Enhancing Cultural Awareness through an Agricultural Sustainability Course in Costa Rica
Authors: Unruh‐Snyder Lori J. , Lamm Alexa J. , Brendemuhl Joel , Irani Tracy , Roberts T. Grady , Rodriguez Mary T. , Navarro Julia
Published: August 2011

International learning experiences are increasingly considered critical by universities in order to address the breadth of knowledge and skills required by food and agricultural scientists. An international experience helps create an awareness of international perspectives and prepares students for a global workforce. This article discusses the impact of a study abroad course in Costa Rica focused on agricultural sustainability and cultural awareness. The experimental design had three components: a pre‐test, 7‐week intervention, and post‐test to assess participants’ changes over time, regarding their cultural awareness and interests to pursue careers in agriculture. The experiment occurred in 2009 and 2010. Participants agreed the course enhanced their cultural awareness and that as a student studying agriculture it was important for them to understand other cultures. They indicated the ability to apply their learning to their careers in the United States. In addition, within the open ended question section, 27 of the 33 students participating in the course reported that as a result of the course they would like to work with agriculture in an international capacity in the future. In summary, this study succeeded in reaching its goals to enhance students’ cultural awareness.
Problem‐Based Learning and Assessment in Hydrology Courses: Can Non‐Traditional Assessment Better Reflect Intended Learning Outcomes?
Authors: Lyon Steve W. , Teutschbein Claudia
Published: August 2011

Hydrology has at its core a focus on real‐world applications and problems stemming from the importance of water for society and natural systems. While hydrology is firmly founded in traditional “hard” sciences like physics and mathematics, much of the innovation and excitement in current and future research‐oriented hydrology comes through intersection with other disciplines. This leads to combinations of intended learning outcomes (ILOs) in hydrology courses that may not be easily or completely achieved using traditional lecture‐based learning environments or using basic problem‐solving techniques. Problem‐based learning (PBL) may work well in hydrology courses due to the focus on real‐world applications and cross‐discipline nature of modern hydrology. Since PBL differs from traditional teacher‐centered approaches, student learning must be supported and assessed differently. This article focuses on identifying several non‐traditional assessment forms to help facilitate the use of PBL approaches in hydrology courses. We present an example hydrology modeling course employing one such non‐traditional PBL‐specific form of assessment. Further, we seek to test the hypothesis that non‐traditional assessment associated with PBL better reflects the ability of the students to achieve the ILOs in such courses. Results from the example course considered indicate that students not only preferred but also performed better in a PBL environment with its non‐traditional form of assessment. This makes a strong case for incorporating both PBL and associated non‐traditional forms of assessment into our teaching in hydrology and other applied science courses.
Acreditação dos hospitais das cidades sede brasileira na copa do mundo de futebol em 2014
Authors: Rocha Rudimar Antunes da , Weise Andreas Dittmar , Schultz Charles Albino , Platt Allan Augusto
Published: August 2011

O artigo aborda a Acreditação Hospitalar como um parâmetro de qualidade das organizações hospitalares no Brasil e mundo. O foco foi identificar como os hospitais das cidades sede da Copa do Mundo de Futebol de 2014 estão classificados pela Organização Nacional de Acreditação (ONA) e Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospitals (JCI) - Consórcio Brasileiro de Acreditação (CBA). O Manual Brasileiro de Acreditação estabelece três selos de qualidade hospitalar: Nível 1: Acreditado; Nível 2: Acreditado Pleno; e Nível 3: Acreditado com Excelência. Do ponto de vista metodológico, a pesquisa se caracterizou como do tipo exploratório, com abordagem tipo survey psicográfico, com a coleta intencional dos dados, isto é, as cidades sedes. A pesquisa teve um tratamento qualitativo e quantitativo. Os dados foram coletados nos meses de março e abril de 2011, através dos sites oficiais da ONA, JCI-CBA e FIFA na internet. Concluiu-se que as cidades de São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro e Belo Horizonte são as mais preparadas no momento, em relação a acreditação hospitalar pela ONA e/ou JCI-CBA. Os hospitais das demais sedes necessitam criar mecanismos de qualidade para obterem um dos tipos de acreditação com urgência. Somente assim vão evitar a imagem negativa dos serviços de saúde brasileiro aos estrangeiros que, por ventura, necessitarem de atendimento médico-hospitalar durante a Copa do Mundo de 2014.
Reflexões e perspectivas acerca da construção do conhecimento sobre empreendedorismo interno
Authors: Emmendoerfer Magnus Luiz , Valadares Josiel Lopes
Published: August 2011

Resultado de uma pesquisa no Brasil sobre “a construção do conhecimento em empreendedorismo: um levantamento teórico-reflexivo”, este meta estudo tem como enfoque o empreendedorismo interno. O objetivo do trabalho é levantar a produção científica sobre empreendedorismo interno nas organizações em eventos especializados no Brasil na área de administração, no período de 1997 a 2007, a fim de identificar a construção do conhecimento e as perspectivas emergentes de pesquisa sobre esse enfoqueno campo. Como objetivo complementar procurou-se também identificar, na produção científica mencionada e selecionada, as características do comportamento empreendedor interno.Fez-se uso de princípios de meta-análise e da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Dentre os resultados principais, percebe-se,como reflexões necessárias no campo, a necessidade de clarificação dos elementos que distinguem os empreendedores corporativos dos intraempreendedores nas organizações. Como perspectivas futuras de investigação, há um vasto campo para explorar em termos teóricos e empíricos as singularidades da manifestação nas organizações contemporâneas do empreendedorismo interno no Brasil e em perspectiva comparada.
A study on the aerosol optical properties over East Asia using a combination of CMAQ-simulated aerosol optical properties and remote-sensing data via a data assimilation technique
Authors: Park R. S. , Song C. H. , Han K. M . , Park M. E. , Lee S.-S. , Kim S.-B. , Shimizu A.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. To more accurately estimate direct radiative forcing (DRF) by aerosols, and better investigate particulate pollution over East Asia, precise calculations of the optical properties of aerosols, such as aerosol optical depth (AOD), single scattering albedo (SSA) and aerosol extinction coefficient (σext), are of primary importance. The aerosol optical properties over East Asia were investigated in this study, based on US EPA Models-3/CMAQ v4.5.1 model simulations. The CMAQ model simulations in this study were improved in several ways compared to those in a previous study (Song et al., 2008). Although the details of the improvements were described in the manuscript, the following points should be emphasized: (1) two data assimilation techniques were employed for producing more accurate AOD products and meteorological fields over East Asia; (2) updated/upgraded emission inventories were used in the CMAQ model simulations with a fine grid resolution of 30 × 30 km2; and (3) the 4-D particulate composition obtained from the CMAQ model simulations was converted into 3-D or 4-D aerosol optical products, using the Malm and Hand (2007) algorithm with significant further modifications. The results from the CMAQ model simulations (without assimilation) showed great improvements compared to those from a previous study. For example, in terms of the regression coefficients (R), R-values were increased from 0.48–0.68 (previous study) to 0.77–0.89 (this study). The monthly-averaged CMAQ-simulated single scattering albedo (SSA) also agreed well with the AERONET SSA, with the exceptions of the Honk Kong and Taipei sites, where the air qualities were strongly influenced by active biomass burning events from January to April. There were also excellent matches between the vertical profiles of the CMAQ-simulated σext and LIDAR-retrieved σext. It was also found that the contributions of (NH4)2SO4 during summer, NH4NO3 during winter, sea-salt particles during winter and dust particles during spring to the total AOD were large over East Asia. In particular, the largest contribution of NH4NO3 to the total AOD was found over East Asia during winter. Therefore, it was suggested that this contribution of NH4NO3 should not be neglected. In order to produce more accurate AOD products, the CMAQ-simulated AODs were further assimilated with the MODIS-retrieved AODs. Both the assimilated and AERONET AODs were better correlated with each other than the CMAQ-simulated and AERONET AODs. The obvious benefits from this study would be that with these improved aerosol optical properties, the particulate pollution (e.g. AOD can be served as a proxy to PM2.5 or PM10) and DRF by aerosols over East Asia can be more satisfactorily investigated in future.
The contribution of natural and anthropogenic very short-lived species to stratospheric bromine
Authors: Hossaini R. , Chipperfield M. P. , Feng W. , Breider T. J. , Atlas E. , Montzka S. A. , Miller B. R. , Moore F. , Elkins J.
Published: August 2011

Abstract. We have used a global three-dimensional chemical transport model to quantify the impact of the very short-lived species (VSLS) CHBr3, CH2Br2, CHBr2Cl, CHBrCl2, CH2BrCl and C2H5Br on the bromine budget of the stratosphere. Atmospheric observations of these gases allow constraints on surface mixing ratios that, when incorporated into our model, contribute ~ 4.9–5.2 parts per trillion (ppt) of inorganic bromine (Bry) to the stratosphere. Of this total, ~ 76 % comes from naturally-emitted CHBr3 and CH2Br2. The remaining species individually contribute modest amounts. However, their accumulated total accounts for up to ~ 1.2 ppt of the supply and thus should not be ignored. We have compared modelled tropical profiles of a range of VSLS with observations from the recent 2009 NSF HIPPO-1 aircraft campaign. Modelled profiles agree reasonably well with observations from the surface to the lower tropical tropopause layer. We have also considered the poorly studied anthropogenic VSLS, C2H5Br, CH2BrCH2Br, n-C3H7Br and i-C3H7Br. We find the local atmospheric lifetime of these species in the tropical tropopause layer are ~ 183, 603, 39 and 49 days, respectively. These species, particularly C2H5Br and CH2BrCH2Br, would thus be important carriers of bromine to the stratosphere if emissions were to increase substantially. Our model shows ~ 70–73 % and ~ 80–85 % of bromine from these species in the tropical boundary layer can reach the lower stratosphere.
Comparison of the Success Rate of Endodontic Treatment and Implant Treatment
Authors: Elemam Ranya Faraj , Pretty Iain
Published: August 2011

Dentists and patients are facing a perplexity between saving a compromised tooth through endodontic treatment and restoration or by extraction and replacement with an implant. The purpose of this paper was to compare the success rates of these two treatments. Success was measured as the longevity of the tooth or implant. Studies which met strict inclusion criteria to ensure best evidence were included. Searches were performed in Ovid Medline, Pubmed, Scopus database, and the Cochrane Library. Evidence-based groups were formed following the assessment of inclusion/exclusion criteria. The overall success rates for primary endodontic, nonsurgical retreatment, and surgical treatment were (86.02%), (78.2%), and (63.4%), respectively, implants was 90.9%. In conclusion, choice between implant and endodontic therapy cannot be exclusively based on outcome as both treatments differ in the biological process, diagnostic modalities, failure patterns, and patients preferences. More research is required with improved study designs before long-term success rates can be compared.
Coleoptile length and plant height of modern tall and semi-dwarf European winter wheat varieties
Authors: Liatukas Žilvinas , Ruzgas Vytautas
Published: August 2011

A total of 124 recent winter wheat accessions of European origin were screened for coleoptile length and plant height. Most of the accessions (74.2%) possessed a coleoptile length ranging between 5.00 and 7.00 cm. The German varieties Ebi, Pegassos, Flair without Rht genes had a coleoptile length of 9.08, 9.43, 9.56 cm and a plant height of 97, 95 and 98 cm, respectively. The Serbian variety Pobeda possessing Rht8 had a coleoptile length of 9.14 cm and a plant height of 71 cm. The varieties possessing Rht-B1b, Rht-D1b had a significantly shorter mean coleoptile length (5.45 cm) and mean plant height (84.5 cm) than the varieties without Rht genes (7.41 and 99.6 cm). The correlation between coleoptile length and plant height was medium (r = 0.613, p < 0.01) when the calculation excluded the varieties from Central and Southern Europe. The similar plant height, but not coleoptile length of the varieties possessing different dwarfing factors enables development of novel varieties with desirable height and coleoptile length from the European winter wheat germplasm.
Terpenoids from a multiple shoot culture of Telekia speciosa
Authors: Stojakowska Anna , Malarz Janusz , Kisiel Wanda
Published: August 2011

Multiple shoots of Telekia speciosa were cultivated on MS medium containing 4.44 µM BAP and 0.54 µM NAA, solidified with agar. After eight weeks of culture the shoots were harvested and extracted with methanol. From the methanol extract one pseudoguaianolide – 2,3-dihydroaromaticin and three thymol derivatives: 8-hydroxy-9,10-diisobutyryloxythymol, 10-isobutyryloxy-8,9-epoxythymyl isobutyrate and 10-(2-methylbutyryloxy)-8,9-epoxythymyl isobutyrate were isolated as major secondary metabolites. Moreover, the shoots produced megastigmane and monoterpene glucosides, which were isolated for the first time from the species. The content of 2,3-dihydroaromaticin in the shoot culture was similar to that found in the intact plant, whereas yields of the three thymol derivatives were higher from multiple shoots than from the plants grown in the open field.