bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Atributos físicos e rendimento de grãos de trigo, soja e milho em dois Latossolos compactados e escarificados
Authors: Secco Deonir , Reinert Dalvan José , Reichert José Miguel , Silva Vanderlei Rodrigues da
Published: July 2009

A compactação do solo reduz sua qualidade estrutural em áreas manejadas sob sistema plantio direto e limita o rendimento de grãos das culturas, principalmente em solos argilosos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o impacto de três estados de compactação nos atributos físicos e no rendimento de grãos de três culturas, em dois Latossolos sob plantio direto e em área escarificada. Foi determinada a densidade (Ds), a resistência do solo à penetração (Rp) e o rendimento de grãos das culturas do trigo, da soja e do milho, em Latossolo Vermelho distrófico típico-LVd, com 55% de argila, e Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico típico-LVdf, com 61% de argila, localizados na região do planalto médio do Rio Grande do Sul. O experimento foi conduzido de 1999 a 2001. Por meio de um gride de Rp, determinado antes da implantação das culturas, foram estabelecidos três estados de compactação do solo, sendo o maior estado de compactação na região de "cabeceira" de lavoura (EC1), um estado intermediário de compactação na região compreendida entre a parte central da lavoura e a região de "cabeceira" (EC2), um estado menos compactado na parte central da lavoura (EC3) e, para caracterizar uma área isenta de compactação, foi escarificada uma parcela ao lado da lavoura. A maior Ds (1,62 e 1,54Mg m-3) e Rp (3,4 e 3,8 MPa), respectivamente no LVd e LVdf, foram observadas na camada de 0,07-0,12m. Na camada de 0-0,05m, a mobilização reduziu a Ds em 26% no LVd e 15% no LVdf em relação à camada de 0,07-0,12m. O maior nível de compactação do solo (EC1) em relação ao menor nível (EC3) existente nos dois Latossolos reduziu o rendimento de grãos na cultura do trigo (18% e 34%, respectivamente, no LVd e LVdf) e milho (24% no LVdf), mas não o rendimento da soja. A escarificação do solo aumentou o rendimento de grãos da cultura do milho e trigo em relação aos três estados de compactação do solo.
Campos organizacionais: seis diferentes leituras e a perspectiva de estruturação
Authors: Machado-da-Silva Clóvis L , Guarido Filho Edson R , Rossoni Luciano
Published: July 2009

O conceito de campo organizacional vem sendo tratado com certo destaque na literatura sobre teoria institucional, nos últimos anos. Como o conceito de campo envolve uma dimensão relacional e outra simbólica, propomos que a teoria da estruturação, baseada na lógica de recursividade entre agência e estrutura, seja adequada para o entendimento do campo de maneira dinâmica. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do presente ensaio teórico é tratar a dinâmica do campo organizacional sob uma lógica estruturacionista, admitindo-se que a partir dela se resgata tanto a importância da prática no processo de estruturação do campo organizacional como o caráter histórico e recursivo, que tanto constrange como habilita as ações dos atores sociais. Para tanto, revisamos o conceito de campo em diferentes perspectivas de análise, refletindo sobre as implicações dos pressupostos teóricos de cada abordagem e, em seguida, discutimos criticamente a fundamentação teórica do processo de estruturação de campos organizacionais com base na abordagem estruturacionista. Concluímos o ensaio com proposições acerca da revisão do conceito de campo sob uma ótica multiparadigmática, na qual estrutura e agência estão recursivamente implicadas.
Regulation of GNRH production by estrogen and bone morphogenetic proteins in GT1-7 hypothalamic cells
Authors: Otani Hiroyuki , Otsuka Fumio , Takeda Masaya , Mukai Tomoyuki , Terasaka Tomohiro , Miyoshi Tomoko , Inagaki Kenichi , Suzuki Jiro , Ogura Toshio , Lawson Mark A , Makino Hirofumi
Published: July 2009

Recent studies have shown that bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are important regulators in the pituitary–gonadal endocrine axis. We here investigated the effects of BMPs on GNRH production controlled by estrogen using murine GT1-7 hypothalamic neuron cells. GT1-7 cells expressed estrogen receptor α (ERα; ESR1 as listed in MGI Database), ERβ (ESR2 as listed in MGI Database), BMP receptors, SMADs, and a binding protein follistatin. Treatment with BMP2 and BMP4 had no effect on Gnrh mRNA expression; however, BMP6 and BMP7 significantly increased Gnrh mRNA expression as well as GnRH production by GT1-7 cells. Notably, the reduction of Gnrh expression caused by estradiol (E2) was restored by cotreatment with BMP2 and BMP4, whereas it was not affected by BMP6 or BMP7. E2 activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK) signaling but did not activate p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling in GT1-7 cells. Inhibition of ERK1/ERK2 reversed the inhibitory effect of estrogen on Gnrh expression, whereas SAPK/JNK inhibition did not affect the E2 actions. Expression levels of Erα and Erβ were reduced by BMP2 and BMP4, but were increased by BMP6 and BMP7. Treatment with an ER antagonist inhibited the E2 effects on Gnrh suppression including reduction of E2-induced ERK phosphorylation, suggesting the involvement of genomic ER actions in Gnrh suppression. BMP2 and BMP4 also suppressed estrogen-induced phosphorylation of ERK1/ERK2 and SAPK/JNK signaling, suggesting that BMP2 and BMP4 downregulate estrogen effects by attenuating ER–MAPK signaling. Considering that BMP6 and BMP7 increased the expression of α1E-subunit of R-type calcium channel (Cacna1e), which is critical for GNRH secretion, it is possible that BMP6 and BMP7 directly stimulate GNRH release by GT1-7 cells. Collectively, a newly uncovered interaction of BMPs and ER may be involved in controlling hypothalamic GNRH production and secretion via an autocrine/paracrine mechanism.
Completion Design, Installation, and Performance—Cannonball Field, Offshore Trinidad
Authors: Healy J. C. , Powers J. T. , Maharaj M. , Ramlogan M.
Published: July 2009

The Cannonball field is a one-trillion cubic ft gas-condensate development in offshore Trinidad producing at an initial rate in excess of 800 MMcf/D from three wells. The completion design selected was 7⅝-in. production tubing with an openhole gravel pack (OHGP). The initial well (CAN01) has produced at an initial rate of 320 MMcf/D. The calculated deliverability of this well is 415 MMcf/D. This paper discusses the completion basis of design, detailed engineering assurance of the design, qualification of critical engineered equipment, and actual results.
Where rivers and boundaries meet: building the international river boundaries database
Authors: Donaldson John W.
Published: July 2009

Rivers have been a popular choice for international boundary-makers throughout history for a variety of reasons. However, defining a jurisdictional limit in a dynamic natural feature continues to pose challenges for neighbouring states. At the same time, rivers which form international boundaries are natural resources which are simultaneously shared and divided, requiring bilateral (and sometimes multilateral) cooperation on border management. With all their complexities, how well do we understand the scope of river boundaries around the world? Challenging previous studies whose perspective has tended to generalise the extent of river boundaries, this article examines the development of the International River Boundaries Database (IRBD) which represents the most comprehensive collection of information concerning the lengths and definitions of river boundaries worldwide. Emphasising an accurate image of river boundaries on the ground, the IRBD reveals that the true magnitude of river boundaries worldwide has been underestimated, and likewise the true magnitude of management challenges inherent to river boundaries has been underestimated. In doing so, the IRBD helps to engage inter-disciplinary and bilateral dialogue on the under-researched link between boundary definition and transboundary water management.
Virtual water trade: a realistic policy option for the countries of the Volta Basin in West Africa?
Authors: Youkhana Eva , Laube Wolfram
Published: July 2009

Trade in virtual water, the substitution of the use of scarce water resources for agricultural production by importing food from water-rich countries has been said to be a potential solution to water crises and water conflicts throughout water-stressed regions worldwide. While trade in foodstuffs may have helped to alleviate water stress in parts of the Middle East and Northern Africa and provides an efficient response to the periodic drought occurrences, it has to be doubted whether virtual water trade is a water governance option that can be applied in many countries of the South. As examples from the West African Volta River Basin suggest, cultural values focussing on agricultural and livestock production, socio-economic factors such as a low level of education and a strong dependency of livelihoods on subsistence agriculture, weak governments that are unable to trigger and finance large-scale reform processes, as well as dysfunctional and unfair market systems, largely limit the widespread application of virtual water trade.
Performance of water policy reforms under scarcity conditions: a case study in Northeast Brazil
Authors: de Assis de Souza Filho Francisco , Brown Casey M.
Published: July 2009

Increasing demand for water amid variable hydrology and climate uncertainty challenges the traditional methods of allocating scarce water resources. Water markets are an oft-promoted allocation method but their adoption is limited. This paper evaluates the performance of policy alternatives to water markets in terms of economic efficiency using analytical models of allocation. Priority systems, pricing systems and negotiation are compared for varying levels of scarcity. The analysis finds that the performance of each system depends on the level of scarcity. In general, a priority-based system is best in the worst conditions, while negotiation is better otherwise. This finding is pertinent to water policy and drought management, as negotiation is often only used in the worst conditions and priority used at other times. These results imply the reverse should be true. The paper also shows the means for evaluating non-market allocation in economic terms.
Water conservation policy alternatives for the Ogallala Aquifer in Texas
Authors: Johnson Jeff , Johnson Phillip N. , Segarra Eduardo , Willis David
Published: July 2009

Texas groundwater law is based on the rule of capture; however, recent legislation provides groundwater conservation districts with the authority to implement groundwater use rules to manage aquifers. The objective of this study was to develop optimization models to analyze effects of groundwater policies on the Ogallala Aquifer and evaluate economic impacts on the Southern High Plains of Texas. The results of this study indicate that a policy that restricts the quantity of groundwater pumped conserved more water over the 50-year time horizon than implementation of a water use fee, but at a higher cost to local economies.
Tight coupling 2D integrated urban inundation model on GIS to a high-density area, South Korea
Authors: Kang S. H.
Published: July 2009

In urban areas with a high building density, features such as roads, buildings, and river dykes significantly effect flow dynamics and flood propagation. This should therefore be accounted for in the model set-up. While 2D hydraulic models of densely urban areas are at the forefront of current research into flood inundation mechanisms, these models are constrained by inadequate parameters of topography and insufficient data. In order to solve these problems, topographic information obtained from DEM is directly programmed into the urban inundation model for a densely urban area, without exchanging the input data. In this paper, the extraction of building area is described using a tight coupling approach within a GIS environment, and its influence on the extent of flood inundation with a high building density is estimated.
The study of diagnostic techniques for the sources of Escherichia coli at Ta-An Beach
Authors: Hwang Hoei-Yuan , Fang Hung-Yuan
Published: July 2009

Ta-an Beach in Taichung County, central Taiwan, was found to have exceeded 1,000 CFU/100 ml, 51% of the total monitoring records. It is difficult to identify the contamination source using traditional Escherichia coli and Enterococci analysis. Therefore, a more advanced method known as molecular biotechnology is adopted in this study to diagnose the sources of E. coli at Ta-An Beach. After comparing several different groups of micro-organisms in water samples, we know that there are E. coli and Bacillus. This shows that the beach water quality is indeed affected by contamination from land drainage, and the numbers of E. coli and non-E. coli coliform in land drainage is far greater than that normally found at the beach. The analytical methods and techniques used in this study were not significantly different from the results detected using standard data analysis. The proposed method has high stability and reliability, providing ways to track and identify future of contamination.
An analytical procedure for the determination of different therapeutic drugs in surface waters
Authors: Baranowska Irena , Kowalski Bartosz
Published: July 2009

An analytical procedure for the determination of 10 drugs belonging to three different therapeutic groups was analysed. Several compounds were investigated which comprise of beta-blockers: sotalol (SOT), metoprolol (MET), propranolol (PRO), carvedilol (CAR); corticosteroids: prednisolone (PRE), dexamethasone (DEX); analgesic, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID): paracetamol (PAR), metamizole (MTZ), aspirin (ASP) and ketoprofen (KET). Reversed-phase liquid chromatography with gradient elution, fluorescence (FL) and diode array detectors (DAD) was applied for the selective investigation of the drugs. Three solvents were used as the mobile phase: methanol, 0.05% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in water and acetonitrile. The solid phase extraction (SPE) method using the Oasis HLB column was proposed for the preconcentration step. The recovery level for most of the drugs was above 80%. The low values of limits of detection (LOD) for PAR, SOT, MTZ, MET, SAL, PRO, PRE, CAR, DEX and KET were achieved: 106 ng L−1, 1,048 ng L−1, 2.48 ng L−1, 2.17 ng L−1, 16.5 ng L−1, 1.10 ng L−1, 160 ng L−1, 6.62 ng L−1, 76.5 ng L−1 and 45.2 ng L−1, respectively. The suggested method was used for the determination of drugs in spiked surface water.
Virus removal by unsaturated wastewater filtration: effects of biofilm accumulation and hydrophobicity
Authors: Heistad A. , Scott T. , Skaarer A. M. , Seidu R. , Hanssen J. F. , Stenström T. A. , Stenström T. A. , Stenström T. A.
Published: July 2009

Enhanced treatment of septic tank effluent can improve the hydraulic function and performance of infiltration systems and constructed wetlands. By intermittent spray application of septic tank effluent onto a coarse-grained filter media, an unsaturated flow regime beneficial for pathogen removal is created. A column filtration study showed an increase in PRD-1 removal by time of operation with corresponding biofilm accumulation in the filter material. The same increased removal was observed for 1 μm polystyrene beads, irrespective of their hydrophilic/hydrophobic surface properties. A control experiment with sorption of 1 μm hydrophobic and hydrophilic polystyrene beads to different glass surfaces with hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties indicate that mechanisms other than hydrophobic interactions may govern the rate of attachment to the filter media. For a given volumetric flow-rate in the columns, the presence of biofilm altered the hydrodynamic characteristics and this resulted in increased retention time and particle removal.
Influence of surface chemistry and structure of activated carbon on adsorption of fulvic acids from water solution
Authors: Savchyna L. A. , Kozyatnyk I. P. , Poliakova T. V. , Klymenko N. A.
Published: July 2009

The adsorption of fulvic acids (FA) from aqueous solutions on activated carbon (AC) with different characteristics of surface chemical state has been investigated. To characterize the adsorbability of FA with complex fractional composition, a method of estimation of modified Freundlich equation constants was employed, and “conventional component” was used to evaluate the change in Gibbs free adsorption energy. It has been shown that change in activated carbon surface energy in-homogeneity due to oxidation leads mainly to a decrease in the adsorption energy of fulvic acids and to an increase of the concentration range of the conventional portion of the low adsorbable fraction. Decrease in the adsorption energy of organic substrate may result in higher degree of spontaneous bioregeneration of activated carbon and hence in its longer life in the processes of FA solutions filtration.
Use of near infrared spectroscopy in monitoring of volatile fatty acids in anaerobic digestion
Authors: Jacobi H. Fabian , Moschner Christian R. , Hartung Eberhard
Published: July 2009

Recently biogas production from agricultural sources has rapidly developed. Therefore the demands on biogas plants to optimise the efficiency of the anaerobic digestion (AD) process have grown immensely. At present there is no online-supervision tool available to monitor the AD process, but costly and time-consuming chemical analyses are necessary. The possibility to use near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in order to track relevant process parameters like total volatile fatty acids (VFA), acetic acid and propionic acid was investigated in the present research project. A NIR-sensor was integrated into a full-scale 1 MW biogas plant and NIR-spectra of the fermenter contents were recorded semi-continuously for 500 days. Weekly samples were taken and analysed for the above mentioned parameters. Calibration models were calculated, capable of following these parameters: VFA (r2=0.94), acetic acid (r2=0.69), propionic acid (r2=0.89).
A systematic approach to data-driven modeling and soft sensing in a full-scale plant
Authors: Kim M. H. , Kim Y. S. , Prabu A. A. , Yoo C. K.
Published: July 2009

The well-known mathematical modeling and neural networks (NNs) methods have limitations to incorporate the key process characteristics at the wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) which are complex, non-stationary, temporal correlation, and nonlinear systems. In this study, a systematic methodology of NNs modeling which can be efficiently included in the key modeling information of the WWTPs is performed by selecting the temporal effect of the hydraulics based on multi-way principal components analysis (MPCA). The proposed method is applied for modeling wastewater quality of a full-scale plant, which is a Daewoo nutrient removal (DNR) process. Through the experimental results in a full-scale plant, the efficiency of the proposed method is evaluated and the prediction capability is highly improved by the inclusion of the hydraulics term due to the optimized structure of neural networks.
Roof-harvested rainwater for potable purposes: application of solar disinfection (SODIS) and limitations
Authors: Amin Muhammad Tahir , Han Mooyoung
Published: July 2009

Efficiency of solar disinfection (SODIS) was evaluated for the potability of rainwater in view of the increasing water and energy crises especially in developing countries. Rainwater samples were collected from an underground storage tank in 2 L polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and SODIS efficiency was evaluated at different weather conditions. For optimizing SODIS, PET bottles with different backing surfaces to enhance the optical and thermal effects of SODIS were used and different physicochemical parameters were selected and evaluated along with microbial re-growth observations and calculating microbial decay constants. Total and fecal coliforms were used along with Escherichia Coli and Heterotrophic Plate Counts (HPC) as basic microbial and indicator organisms of water quality. For irradiance less than 600 W/m2, reflective type PET bottles were best types while for radiations greater than 700 W/m2, absorptive type PET bottles offered best solution due to the synergistic effects of both thermal and UV radiations. Microbial inactivation did not improve significantly by changing the initial pH and turbidity values but optimum SODIS efficiency is achieved for rainwater with acidic pH and low initial turbidity values by keeping air-spaced PET bottles in undisturbed conditions. Microbial re-growth occurred after one day only at higher turbidity values and with basic pH values. First-order reaction rate constant was in accordance with recent findings for TC but contradicted with previous researches for E. coli. No microbial parameter met drinking water guidelines even under strong experimental weather conditions rendering SODIS ineffective for complete disinfection and hence needed more exposure time or stronger sunlight radiations. With maximum possible storage of rainwater, however, and by using some means for accelerating SODIS process, rainwater can be disinfected and used for potable purposes.
Tannery wastewater pre-treatment
Authors: Elsheikh Mahmoud Abdel-Shafy
Published: July 2009

Tannery wastewater is one of the most pollution sources. It can cause environmental problems related to its high organic matter, suspended solids and chromium. Chromium (III) salts are the most widely used chemicals for tanning processes, causing the tannery wastewater to be highly pollutant with chromium. The main objective of this study is to investigate the pre-treatment of an actual Egyptian tannery wastewater using two systems; the first electrolytic system and the second physico-chemical system. The performances of electrolytic system at current of 10, 20, 30 and 40 A were discussed. Poor removal efficiencies of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids (TSS), chromium (III), ammonia (NH4+ and sulfide (S2−) were obtained. In the second physico-chemical system, calcium hydroxide was used as a coagulant material for chromium precipitation and plain sedimentation was applied for reducing of COD, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and TSS. The results demonstrate 98.8% removal of chromium, 31% removal of COD, 25.8% removal of BOD5 and 51.2% removal of TSS.
Online monitoring of OUR, KLa and OTE indicators: practical implementation in full-scale industrial WWTPs
Authors: Irizar I. , Zambrano J. A. , Montoya D. , De Gracia M. , García R.
Published: July 2009

Based on on/off aeration strategies, this paper describes all the steps involved in the development and implementation of three identification algorithms aimed at monitoring the oxygen uptake rate (OUR), the oxygen mass-transfer coefficient (KLa), and oxygen transfer efficiency (OTE) in aerated biological reactors. Firstly, a detailed explanation of the theoretical background behind every algorithm is given. In addition, practical issues have also been taken into account in order to guarantee the quality of estimations. Finally, the three algorithms have been implemented and validated in a full-scale industrial wastewater treatment plant with satisfactory results. Although short-term noise has been observed in the estimated data (especially at high OURs), the medium and long-term data trajectories have been correctly reproduced.
Combined treatment of leachate from sanitary landfill and municipal wastewater by UASB reactors
Authors: Torres Patricia , Rodríguez Jenny A. , Barba Luz E. , Marmolejo Luis F. , Pizarro Carlos A.
Published: July 2009

Landfills are among the most affordable and acceptable methods in terms of public health and environmental protection for the final disposal of solid waste. Leachate treatment incorporated into anaerobic domestic wastewater systems could be a viable and efficient alternative which would allow minimizing implementation and operation costs of the landfill, to reduce requirements of chemical inputs such as pH conditioners and phosphorus supply. This study showed the potential of anaerobic treatment in an UASB reactor treating a combination of domestic wastewater and leachate in a 5% volumetric ratio of leachate. Under these conditions the reactor assimilated properly the leachate fraction incorporated. With a HRT of 8 h and a mean volumetric organic load of 2.84 kg m−3 d−1 COD removal efficiencies around 70% were obtained, without inhibition problems; however, the necessity of a complementary treatment for improving carbonaceous and nitrogenous organic matter reduction is evident.
Synthesis of carboxylated chitosan and its adsorption properties for cadmium (II), lead (II) and copper (II) from aqueous solutions
Authors: Lv K. L. , Du Y. L. , Wang C. M.
Published: July 2009

Carboxylated chitosan (CKCTS) was prepared for the removal of Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) from aqueous solutions. The effects of experimental parameters such as pH value, initial concentration, contact time and temperature on the adsorption were studied. From the results we can see that the adsorption capacities of Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) increase with increasing pH of the solution. The kinetic rates were best fitted to the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption equilibrium data were fitted well with the Langmuir isotherm, which revealed that the maximum adsorption capacities for monolayer saturation of Cd(II), Pb(II), and Cu(II) were 0.555, 0.733 and 0.827 mmol/g, respectively. The adsorption was an exothermic process.
Nitrate removal using Brevundimonas diminuta MTCC 8486 from ground water
Authors: Kavitha S. , Selvakumar R. , Sathishkumar M. , Swaminathan K. , Lakshmanaperumalsamy P. , Singh A. , Jain S. K.
Published: July 2009

Brevundimonas diminuta MTCC 8486, isolated from marine soil of coastal area of Trivandrum, Kerala, was used for biological removal of nitrate from ground water collected from Kar village of Pali district, Rajasthan. The organism was found to be resistance for nitrate up to 10,000 mg L−1. The optimum growth conditions for biological removal of nitrate were established in batch culture. The effect of carbon sources on nitrate removal was investigated using mineral salt medium (MSM) containing 500 mg L−1 of nitrate to select the most effective carbon source. Among glucose and starch as carbon source, glucose at 1% concentration increased the growth (182±8.24 × 104 CFU mL−1) and induced maximum nitrate reduction (86.4%) at 72 h. The ground water collected from Kar village, Pali district of Rajasthan containing 460±5.92 mg L−1 of nitrate was subjected to three different treatment processes in pilot scale (T1 to T3). Higher removal of nitrate was observed in T2 process (88%) supplemented with 1% glucose. The system was scaled up to 10 L pilot scale treatment plant. At 72 h the nitrate removal was observed to be 95% in pilot scale plant. The residual nitrate level (23±0.41 mg L−1) in pilot scale treatment process was found to be below the permissible limit of WHO.
Experience with the design and start up of two full-scale UASB plants in Brazil: enhancements and drawbacks
Authors: Chernicharo C. A. L. , Almeida P. G. S. , Lobato L. C. S. , Couto T. C. , Borges J. M. , Lacerda Y. S.
Published: July 2009

This paper discusses the main drawbacks and enhancements experienced with the design and start up of two full-scale UASB plants in Brazil. The topics addressed are related to blockage of inlet pipes, scum accumulation, seed sludge for the start-up, corrosion and gas leakage, odour generation and sludge management. The paper describes the main improvements achieved.
Phosphorus removal in laboratory-scale unvegetated vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland systems using alum sludge as main substrate
Authors: Babatunde A. O. , Zhao Y. Q.
Published: July 2009

This research has two eventual goals: (1) To optimize performance of subsurface constructed wetlands for removal of phosphorus (P) (2) To demonstrate that dewatered alum sludge (a by-product), can be reused as a constructed wetland substrate. To achieve these, alum sludge from a water treatment plant was characterized and used as main substrate in four experimental vertical sub-surface flow constructed wetland systems treating dairy farm wastewater. Results show that the alum sludge has suitable hydraulic characteristics (uniformity coefficient = 3.6) for use as a substrate, and in the batch studies, up to 48.6 mg-P was removed by 1 g of the alum sludge at a P concentration of 360 mg-P/l and a dosage of 5 g/l. Results from the experimental systems highlight the significant P removal ability of the alum sludge. However, the inclusion of pea gravel at the infiltrative surface of some of the systems had a negative effect on the P removal performance. Sequential P-fractionation results show that there was no significant increase in the easily extractable P, but for total P, there was significant increase, although this was found to decrease with depth. This study shows that the novel use of dewatered alum sludge can bring about high P removal in vertical subsurface flow constructed wetland systems.
Climate change impacts on activated sludge wastewater treatment: a case study from Norway
Authors: Plósz Benedek Gy. , Liltved Helge , Ratnaweera Harsha
Published: July 2009

We present an investigation on climate change effects on a wastewater treatment system that receive sewage collected in a combined sewer system in Oslo, Norway, during winter operation. Results obtained, by contrasting meteorological data with sewage data, show that wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent flow rates are significantly increased during temporary snow melting periods above a critical daily air mean temperature of approx. −1.5°C degree (TCrit) identified in the area. In order to assess melting patterns, the number of days above and below TCrit was assessed, and the annual number of melting periods was additionally evaluated using meteorological data obtained in the last decade. A striking thing about the daily air temperature pattern is that, despite the progressively warmer winter temperatures in the last decade, an increasing number of days with temperatures below −1.5°C could be observed. The frequency of melting periods is shown to increase in wintertime, and it is identified as an additional climate change related factor in the Oslo region. We demonstrate that these impacts can deteriorate the WWTP operation through progressively increasing the relative frequencies of very high influent flow rate and of the very low influent sewage temperature. Such climate change related effects on sewage treatment processes can be characterised as shock-conditions, i.e. significant changes in a system’s boundary conditions, occurring in a relatively short period of time. In the six year period examined, biological nitrogen removal and secondary clarification processes are shown to be significantly affected by the climate factors. A striking thing about using the state-of-the-art mathematical models of wastewater treatment processes in decision support systems is their inability of describing, and thus predicting the effects of such shock-loading events, as they have not been studied so far. Adaptation and optimisation of process models, also for use in design, optimisation as well as in real-time automation and process control schemes, are thus critical to meet the challenges of climatic changes in the future.
Characterization of screenings from three municipal wastewater treatment plants in the Region Rhône-Alpes
Authors: Le Hyaric R. , Canler J.-P. , Barillon B. , Naquin P. , Gourdon R.
Published: July 2009

The objective of this study was to analyze the composition of the screenings sampled from three municipal wastewater treatment plants (wwtp) located in the Region Rhône-Alpes, France. The plants were equipped with multi screening stages with gap sizes ranging from 60 to 3 mm. Waste production flows from each plant were monitored over at least 48 hours in each sampling campaign in order to calculate average production rates. Waste samples of at least 7 kg were collected from each screening stage in each plant at different seasons to evaluate the influence of different parameters on the composition of the waste. An overall 30 samples were thereby collected between May 2007 and February 2008, dried at 80°C for a week, and subsequently hand sorted into 10 fractions of waste materials. Results showed that the average production varied between 0.53 and 3.49 kg (wet mass) per capita per year. The highest production rates were observed during or immediately after rainy weather conditions. The dry matter content ranged between 14.4 and 29.2% of wet mass, and the volatile matter content was between 70.0 and 90.5% of dry mass. The predominant materials in the screenings were found to be sanitary textiles which accounted for 65.2% to 73.6% of dry weight and fines (<20 mm) which accounted for 15.2% to 18.2% of dry weight. These proportions were relatively similar in each plant and each sampling campaign.
Metacognition and Performance in the Accounting Classroom
Authors: Schleifer Lydia L. F. , Dull Richard B.
Published: July 2009

ABSTRACT: Flavell (1976, 232) describes metacognition as: “one's knowledge concerning one's own cognitive processes or anything related to them.” Metacognition has been characterized as “thinking about thinking” (Georghiades 2004), “thinking about learning” (Jackson 2004), “learning about learning” (Case et al. 2001), “knowing about learning” (Meyer 2004), “knowledge about knowledge” (Yore and Treagust 2006), and “what we know about what we know” (Halpern 1998). Essentially, metacognition involves a self-awareness of how one learns and thinks.

Because metacognition is an important aspect of self-regulated learning, it has potential as a learning skill or attribute that can serve to improve accounting education. The purpose of this paper is to explore the association between metacognition and student performance and success in accounting classes. The researchers use data collected over the course of a decade (1995–2004) to examine this association. Students in a variety of accounting courses completed a questionnaire to assess their metacognitive knowledge and self-regulation. The survey results support the conclusion that metacognitive attributes are associated with accounting course achievement.
Neonatal Morbidity and Mortality Pattern in the Special Care Baby Unit of BIRDEM
Authors: Nahar Jebun , Zabeen Bedowra , Akhter Shahida , Azad Kishwar , Nahar Nazmun
Published: July 2009

To identify the main causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality a retrospective study was carried out at the Special Care Baby Unit (SCABU) of the Department of Paediatrics, Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation for Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) for a period of 1 year from January to December 2005. A total of 361 neonates were included in this cohort. The ratio of male (200) and female (154) neonates was 1:0.7. Most of the babies (300) were born in this hospital. Major causes of morbidity were prematurity (60.7%), LBW ( 48.2%), jaundice (23.3%), severe perinatal asphyxia (10.8%), transient tachypnoea of newborn (10.8%), respiratory distress syndrome (6.4%) and sepsis (6.4%). Most deaths were associated with prematurity (71.1%), LBW (65.8%), intrauterine growth retardation (23.7%), respiratory distress syndrome (36.8%), severe perinatal asphyxia (18.4%) and sepsis/pneumonia (15.9%). Outcome of babies born in this hospital was better than those referred from other hospitals (p < 0.001). Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2007; 1(2): 1-4 Key Words: Neonates, morbidity, mortality, baby care. doi: 10.3329/imcj.v1i2.2896
Geriatric Health Problems in a Rural Community of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Shaila , Shirin Sonia , Mohsena Masuda , Parvin Nargis , Sultana Niru , Sayed Samia , Mahzabeen Rishad , Akter Masuma , Sayeed Abu
Published: July 2009

This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted in some rural communities of Sreepur Thana during the month of April 2007. The study population included those aged 50 years or more and residing in the study areas. A total of 226 respondents were selected purposively and were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. The objective of this study was to assess their socio economic condition and identify their health problems. The mean age of the respondents was found to be 62 years. Mean family size and monthly family income was estimated to be 5.31 and Taka 5857.52 respectively. More than half (64.2%) of the respondents were illiterate. Fifty eight percent of them were unemployed and 67.3% were found to be dependent on their family members. Most of them (65.5%) were found to be suffering from joint pains. Some cardio-respiratory problems like palpitation, dyspnea and chest pain was found to be significantly higher among the female respondents (p<0.03). ECG was done on 22 of them. Left ventricular hypertrophy was detected in 22.7% and ischemic heart disease in 27.27% of them. Systolic hypertension was significantly higher in the females (p<0.01). Majority of the respondents (64.5%) were found to have a normal fasting blood sugar level. Symptoms of prostatic enlargement like frequency, urgency, hesitation and post void dribbling of urine was respectively found to be present among 15.9, 62.8, 10.7 and 24.8% of the male respondents. In 11.4% of the female respondents, urinary dribbling was found. The mean age of menopause was estimated to be 48.46 years. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2007; 1(2): 17-20 Key Words: Geriatric problems, old age, community health, RFST.   doi: 10.3329/imcj.v1i2.2900
Health Attainment in Bangladesh as Reflected by Selected Performance Indicators: A Review of Evidence
Authors: Molla Azaher Ali
Published: July 2009

Health Performance Indicators are often utilized as tools for assessing and evaluating the success of different national health programs in achieving their desired outcomes in the health sector. This review article aims to show the trends in health improvement in Bangladesh. The indicators selected are Life expectancy at Birth, Crude Birth and Death Rates, Infant Mortality Rate, Maternal Mortality Ratio and Prevalence of Low Birth Weight. Life Expectancy at Birth shows an increasing trend for both sexes; where as all the four mortality indicators show a declining trend. The trend in Low Birth Weight Prevalence suggests that the desired decline in this field has not yet been achieved and continues as a public health problem. The overall picture suggests that Bangladesh has gone far to achieve the targets of MDG although a lot of formidable challenges are yet to be met. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2007; 1(2): 21-24 Key Words: Performance indicators, health attainment.   doi: 10.3329/imcj.v1i2.2905
Heptoblastoma as a Rare Cause of Precocious Puberty
Authors: Taher Md Abu , Fattah AHM Abdul , Khandker Dilruba , Mohiuddin Abu Saleh , Rahman Md Mahfuzar , Islam AKSM Shahidul , Ahmed Akhtar Uddin
Published: July 2009

A 15-month old boy presented with an abdominal swelling and early development of secondary sexual characteristics for the last 5 months. The mass was initially suspected to be of adrenal origin. Radiological and biochemical (hormonal) findings diagnosed the case to be a hepatoblastoma later confirmed by histopathological examination. Hepatoblastoma, an aggressive primary liver tumor, is a rare form of childhood malignancy and a rare cause of precocious puberty compared to the more common adrenal causes including congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumors and the testicular tumors. Thus, when virilization occurs postnatally in boys, or girls presenting with ambiguous genitalia at birth, a virilizing adrenocortical tumor is usually given the first consideration (according to its frequency of incidence), followed by CNS causes. Rarely does one think of the other possibilities. This report describes the typical presentations and clinical features of hepatoblastoma highlighting its usual radiological features. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2007; 1(2): 28-32 Key Words: Hepatoblastoma, precocious puberty, imaging features.   doi: 10.3329/imcj.v1i2.2907
Is Bangladesh Ready to Cope with her Future Disease Burden?
Authors: Sayeed Md Abu
Published: July 2009

Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2008; 2(1): i-ii doi: 10.3329/imcj.v2i1.2921
Supply-Side Effect of Health Care Facilities on Productivity Amongst the Female Workers in the Readymade Garment Sector
Authors: Haque Md Aminul , Begum Housne Ara , Fahmida Homayra
Published: July 2009

This study was conducted in 4 selected garment factories within Dhaka city. The objectives of this study were to find out health care access (Supply-side effect) in the garments factory for the women workers and their relation to the productivity. A total of 300 women garment workers were included in this study. Most (60.0%) of the respondents were adolescents, unmarried and having only primary level education (5 years of school education). Their average take home monthly salary was 1791.7 taka which was spent mostly on food. They passed a tight work schedule from 6 AM to 11.30 PM without any rest. Hundred percent of female workers had no previous idea about garments nor had any formal training, but they produced on an average 1016 garment pieces a day. They did not get any vaccine, health education or health related knowledge from the garments factory. There was no provision of health care centre or doctor, treatment for fire burn (other than gas), medicine and support in chronic, severe illness for themselves or their family members. More than half (63.0%) of the respondents mentioned about loss of time due to illness. There was a strong correlation (r=0.858) between sickness and production loss, between hour loss and production loss (r=0.9283), between production loss and percentage loss (r=0.871). Though there was loss due to illness, no health access or facility for women workers in the garments factory was available. To overcome the situation and improve the productivity, owners have to provide health access and women workers have to come forward for their rights. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2008; 2(1): 4-8 Key words: health care, supply-side effect, access, productivity.   doi: 10.3329/imcj.v2i1.2923
Diabetic Ketoacidosis in Children - An Experience in a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Zabeen Bedowra , Nahar Jebun , Mohsin Fauzia , Azad Kishwar , Nahar Nazmun
Published: July 2009

A retrospective study was done in the in-patient department of paediatrics, BIRDEM from January 2002 to November 2006 to determine the clinico-laboratory features, precipitating factors and outcome of diabetic ketoacidosis. Over the five year period, 344 diabetic patients were hospitalized. Among them, 54 (15.6%) had diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Among those, 50 were Type I, one was Fibrocalculous Pancreatic Diabetes (FCPD) and 3 were of other specific types. More than half (51.9%) of the patients were newly diagnosed. Amongst the precipitating factors, 28% had missed insulin and 48% had overt infection. Infections, particularly those of the respiratory tract, were the main precipitating cause for the DKA. There was h/o both infection and missed insulin injections in 11.5% patients. The mean age of patients with DKA was 11.2 ± 4.4 years. Those in the age range 10-14 yrs suffered most frequently (p<0.0001) from ketoacidosis (n= 38, 70.4%) compared with those aged 0-4 yrs (9%) and 5-9 yrs. (20%). There was a significant difference between those newly diagnosed (group I) and known diabetics (group II) (p<.029). The frequency of DKA was higher in girls than in boys (66.7% vs. 33.3%; p =.0001). The median duration of polyuria and/or polydipsia was variable between newly diagnosed and known diabetics (3.2 - 25d) (p<.001). All patients presented with altered levels of consciousness and 35 (67.3%) were unconscious of different grades. Mean random blood glucose (RBG) and HbA1c were 27.6mmol/L and 13.4%. Complications noted were acute renal failure (n=2, 3.7%) and cerebral edema (n = 4, 7.5%). The outcome of treatment in the whole group was good, 46 (86.7%) patients recovered without complications, but 7 (13.4%) patients died. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2008; 2(1): 17-20 Key words: Ketosis, children, diabetes, BIRDEM doi: 10.3329/imcj.v2i1.2926
Nutritional Status, Hypertension, Proteinuria and Glycosuria amongst the Women of Rural Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Shaila , Mohsena Masuda , Shirin Sonia , Parvin Nargis , Sultana Niru , Mahzabeen Rishad , Akter Masuma , Sayeed Samia , Sayeed MA
Published: July 2009

Methods and materials - A rural community was purposively selected in Sreepur thana of which four villages were selected randomly. The total population of all age groups was 14,165 and the eligible reproductive aged females were 3,820 based on age between 15 and 45 years. Sample size was estimated at 573 (15%) of the eligible participants depending on the availability of time and logistic support. The study design was to use a questionnaire related to age, education, family income, housing and sanitation. Height (ht), weight (wt) and blood pressure (BP) were measured. Urine protein was estimated. Clinical examinations noted the presence of anemia, jaundice, edema, ring-worm, scabies, goiter, xerophthalmia and gum bleeding. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated to determine their obesity or wasting. Results - Overall, 501 volunteered and the response rate was 87.4%. Of these participants, 30.3% were illiterate. Almost all of them had supply of tube-well water and 68% had sanitary latrines. Their mean (±SD) age was 30.2 (±2.9)y, wt was 46 (±8.5)kg, ht was 149 (±5)cm and BMI was 20.5 (±3.5). The poor women had significantly lower BMI than the rich [20.0 (2.93) vs. 21.2 (4.1), (p<0.05)]. Their mean (±SD) systolic and diastolic blood pressure were 116 (±17) and 73 (±12) mmHg, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension, proteinuria and glycosuria were 16.6, 10.4 and 2.6%, respectively. The frequencies of proteinuria and ring-worm were significantly higher among the poor than among the rich social class (both cases p<0.05). Regarding nutritional deficiency, about half of the rural women (52%) had some form of signs relating to Vit-A deficiency and 65% had signs of Vit-B complex deficiency either in the form of glossitis or of angular stomatitis or both. Conclusions - Despite time and logistic constraint, the study revealed that most of the rural women had a poor nutritional status (80% had BMI<23.0). The prevalence of hypertension and glycosuria were also not negligible. Vitamin deficiency disorders (xerophthalmia), gum-bleeding, angular stomatitis were also very high among them. The study also revealed that the poor social class had a significantly lower BMI, higher proteinuria and higher skin problems than their rich counterparts. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2008; 2(1): 21-24 Key Words: doi: 10.3329/imcj.v2i1.2927
Guillain-BarrÃ© Syndrome Associated with Acute HEV Hepatitis
Authors: Khanam Rawshan Ara , Faruq Mohammad Omar , Basunia Rawshan Ali , Ahsan ASM Areef
Published: July 2009

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) otherwise known as Acute Inflammatory Polyneuritis, characterized by acute progressive limb weakness and aretlexia, is the prototype of a post infectious autoimmune disease. Two-thirds of the cases of GBS emerge from viral or bacterial infection. In August 2006, a 20 year old man presented at ICU, BIRDEM Hospital with a history of brief icteric illness followed by progressive bilateral symmetrical hypotonic aretlexic muscular weakness, bilateral infra-nuclear facial palsy and bulbar weakness. Later on, he was diagnosed as a case of GBS and acute hepatitis E. Up till now, only three cases of GBS associated with hepatitis E have been reported in the medical literature world wide. This is probably the 4th case to be reported. Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2008; 2(1): 32-34 Key words: Guillain-Barré Syndrome, acute hepatitis E doi: 10.3329/imcj.v2i1.2930
Nutritional Status, Proteinuria and Glycosuria among Primary School Children in a Rural Community of Bangladesh
Authors: Rasul Fatema Binte , Datta Nandini , Alam Md Juber , Bardhan Malabika , Chowdhury Afrina Shams , Mahmood Chowdhury Dilabiz , Mizan Md Saif Bin , Roni Rajib Bhandra , Ghosh Jhumur , Majumder Rifat Imam , Ferdous Saad Ahmed , Sherin Roksana , Hassan Mahadi , Rashid Md Mamunur
Published: July 2009

Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2008; 2(1): 35-36 doi: 10.3329/imcj.v2i1.2932
Avian Influenza A (H5N1) in Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid Mamunar
Published: July 2009

Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2008; 2(2): i-ii doi: 10.3329/imcj.v2i2.2933