bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROGRAMA DE GESTÃO DE RESÍDUOS EM ESCOLA PÚBLICA – POLI USP RECICLA
Authors: Barbosa Jr Welson G. , Kassardjian Pedro Paulo Consul
Published: December 2015

RESUMOEste trabalho teve como objetivo desenvolver uma sistematização de ações práticas educativas para instituições públicas de ensino médio para o gerenciamento de resíduos sólidos, de forma a capacitar os alunos nos procedimentos e práticas para implantação e operação de programas de reciclagem de resíduos. O projeto foi desenvolvido na Escola Estadual Prof. Renato de Arruda Penteado, com a formação de um grupo de trabalho para fomentar as ações de cultura e extensão por meio de um programa de educação ambiental e transferência do conhecimento na área de gestão de resíduos sólidos urbanos. A principal atividade realizada foi o inventário de resíduos, que contou com a presença dos alunos representantes do projeto. O inventário consistiu no levantamento de dados através de amostras de resíduos, de modo a obter as características qualitativas e quantitativas dos resíduos gerados na escola. Além disso, também foram desenvolvidas, com a participação dos professores, atividades didáticas como peças teatrais, semana do meio ambiente e palestras voltadas ao tema da gestão de resíduos. O desenvolvimento do projeto possibilitou a capacitação dos alunos nas práticas de gestão de resíduos sólidos e a implantação de um sistema de coleta seletiva na escola.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Educação Ambiental, Gestão de Resíduos, Escolas Públicas.
Revolution, Nonviolence, and the Arab Uprisings*
Authors: Lawson George
Published: December 2015

This article combines insights from the literature on revolutions with that on nonviolent protest in order to assess the causes and outcomes of the Arab uprisings. The article makes three main arguments: first, international dynamics were the precipitant cause of the Arab uprisings; second, because the region's “neopatrimonial” regimes were particularly vulnerable to shifts in state-military relations, the hold of elites over state coercive apparatuses played a decisive role in determining the outcomes of the revolutions; and third, the organizational character of the protest movements, including their use of information and communication technologies, helped to raise levels of participation, but limited their capacity to engender major transformations. Of particular interest to scholarship on nonviolent movements, this article demonstrates the ways that, as the revolutionary wave spread around North Africa and the Middle East, protestors in states outside the original onset of the crisis overstated the possibilities of revolutionary success. At the same time, regimes learned quickly how to demobilize their opponents. The lesson is clear: the timing of when movements emerged was just as important as their organizational coherence and levels of participation.
TRISP: Three axes spin echo spectrometer
Authors: Keller Thomas , Keimer Bernhard
Published: December 2015

TRISP, operated by the Max-Planck-Institute for Solid State Research, is a high-resolution neutron spectrometer combining the three axes and neutron resonance spin echo (NRSE) techniques.
The effect of crop species and N fertilization on soil organic matter
Authors: Kassai Katalin M. , Tarnawa Ákos , Nyárai Ferenc H. , Pósa Barnabás , Jolánkai Márton
Published: December 2015

Soil organic matter (SOM) is one of the most influential properties regarding soil fertility. Various crop species and varieties, as well as plant nutrition application may have an impact on the amount of soil organic matter. In a small plot field experiments the most characteristic agronomic impacts (biological bases, production sites, plant nutrition and crop year effects) influencing the efficiency of carbon sequestration of two major crop plants: - wheat Triticum aestivum and maize Zea mays have been studied. The aim of the research was to observe, identify and quantify agronomic impacts and their interactions that may have an influence on organic matter formation and so on carbon sequestration. Crop variety and plant nutrition proved to be the most important factors influencing organic matter production. Interactions have been found between crop plant genotypes and N levels applied.
Humic substances applications impact quality and yield of commercially-produced pomegranate saplings in Nangarhar, Afghanistan
Authors: Sándor Ferenc , Tolner László , Füleky György , Abdiani Saidajan A. , Sanchez Jose E.
Published: December 2015

The efficacy and reliability of humic substances for increasing crop yields have not been widely established in the scientific literature. The aim of this research was to measure the effect of humic and fulvic acid application on the number of harvested pomegranate saplings, which meet the required standards and to compare it with saplings produced without humic substances. The application of humic substances increased by 34% the number of harvested pomegranate saplings meeting the requirements of the established standard. It improved quality characteristics of the saplings as well, such as increased weight and volume of the root system and increased diameter and height of the plant.
Reflexão sobre a missão desafiadora do constructo marca-país na área de negócios internacionais
Authors: Mariutti Fabiana Gondim
Published: December 2015

A importância de uma marca-país promovida estrategicamente é um dos propósitos fundamentais em negócios internacionais. Cada nação tenta transmitir seus atributos internacionalmente - não apenas seus produtos e serviços, mas também a sua imagem geral. Além disso, pesquisas sobre o construto de marca-país estão sendo realizadas continuamente em institutos governamentais e ambientes acadêmicos e corporativos. As nações precisam se promover estrategicamente se desejam serem percebidas. Baseada nesta premissa, o objetivo desta reflexão teórica é abordar este constructo para delinear o desenvolvimento desta linha de pesquisa e propor um arcabouço teórica para pesquisas futuras. Este artigo também colabora para a compreensão da missão desafiadora do constructo marca-país, cujas estratégias podem ser aplicadas na prática e na teoria da disciplina. Este estudo conceptual complementa o estado-da-arte sobre as complexidades do construto de marca-país através da compreensão das filosofias-chave sobre o tema depois de traçar a sua evolução. A combinação de resultados ofereceu suporte para a elaboração de um quadro conceptual relacionado com as principais complexidades do construto de marca-país, os quais são os seguintes: natureza multifacetada; variedade de muitos grupos de stakeholders; envolvimento do governo; oportunidades interdisciplinares e multidisciplinares e potenciais modelos para marca-país. Assim, o artigo considera que as estratégias dinâmicas e funcionais de branding para uma marca-país proporcionam autenticidade às nações no cenário internacional de negócios e ao fazê-lo - esta missão desafiadora da marca-país beneficia a economia e o comércio internacional; desenvolve as relações diplomáticas e os avanços de pesquisa sobre marketing internacional; fomenta programas de intercâmbios acadêmicos e de ensino; por fim, avança na sustentabilidade nacional e global.
DETECCIÓN DEL VIRUS DEL MOSAICO DEL Cymbidium (CymMV) Y DEL VIRUS DE LA MANCHA ANILLADA DEL Odontoglossum (ORSV) EN ORQUÍDEAS CULTIVADAS EN COSTA RICA
Authors: Arce-Rodríguez Alejandro , Montero-Carmona Wayner , Varela Ingrid , Gätjens Boniche Omar
Published: December 2015

El virus del mosaico del Cymbidium (CymMV) y el virus de la mancha anillada de Odontoglossum (ORSV) son los agentes virales más importantes en orquídeas debido a su alta incidencia y a los daños económicos que causan. Ambos virus fueron detectados simultáneamente en orquídeas provenientes de dos viveros costarricenses por medio de la técnica TD/RT-PCR (Touchdown/Retrotranscription-Polimerase Chain Reaction). Los productos de PCR fueron analizados por electroforesis en geles de agarosa y por medio de un sistema de electroforesis automatizada por microchip (MultiNa-Shimadzu). El 52% de las 21 plantas analizadas resultaron positivas para la presencia de al menos uno de los dos virus. El CymMV presentó la mayor infección con 33%, en comparación con el 14% de plantas infectadas con el ORSV. Solamente una planta evidenció infección mixta por ambos virus. Se encontraron además dos plantas asintomáticas infectadas con el CymMV. Se detectó también la infección por CymMV en la orquídea Lycaste aromatica, una especie nativa de Costa Rica. La utilización de la técnica TD/RT-PCR en combinación con la electroforesis automatizada por microchip permitió detectar simultáneamente el CymMV y el ORSV con una mayor sensibilidad, rapidez y con menor costo en comparación con otras técnicas como el ELISA.
The Impact of Oil and Gold Prices on the GDP Growth: Empirical Evidence from a Developing Country
Authors: Khan Haroon
Published: December 2015

The global hike in the prices of gold and oil made an impact in the economy of the countries around the globe. The impact has varied in the developing and developed countries. The research is a preliminary investigation into the subject matter. It has plunged into the relation of these two commodities prices with the GDP of an emerging economy of Pakistan. The findings give a compelling insight into the subject matter. The study used the stock market data with the average Gold and Oil prices from the period of 1997 to 2014. The data analysis results show that gold and oil prices have a significant impact on GDP.
Using Management Information Systems (MIS) to Boost Corporate Performance
Authors: Ahmed Mohsen Mohammed Al-Nakib Noofal , Hu Wang
Published: December 2015

The study emphasizes the importance of Management information systems (MIS) for corporate performance. Prior studies have been reviewed to substantiate theories that explain how Management information systems (MIS) affect corporate performance. Management information system (MIS) is providing information that relates to possible future events, efficiency, output rates, information on the effect of various events, that relate to the impact that the employees’ decision has on the performance of other departments. Furthermore, greater management information system capability leads to a higher degree of strategic performance. These and many other factors are suggested to be critical features of MIS that have a direct impact on financial and strategic performance of companies.
Creating a Favorable Business Environment: Case Study on Firm Registration Process in Uzbekistan
Authors: Ubaydulla Gofurov
Published: December 2015

The development of national economy in many respects depends on conditions such as freedom and guarantees, privileges and preferences so that entrepreneurial activities prosper within a better entrepreneurial environment. While the development extent of entrepreneurial environment is defined by several indexes, the processes and documentation as a part of state registration of entrepreneurial activity have a special value among them. In this article, in consideration of exemplary entrepreneurial environment practices in different developed countries, the successes and shortcomings of Uzbek experience and some important theoretical rules on the creation of such favorable and friendly entrepreneurship conditions are discussed. We find that in order to increase the share of small business and entrepreneurship there is a need to systematically improve the mechanisms of state regulation of organization and registration processes of business entities. A system of incentives should be introduced in the registration process such as optimization of its time, increasing the number of business entities.
Impact of Goal Orientation Theory on Social Capital: The Implications for Effective Team Cooperation in Uzbekistan Textile Industry
Authors: Hudaykulov Akmal , Hongyi Xu , Ahamed Galib Mostak
Published: December 2015

The aim of the investigation was to identify and explain impact of performance orientation and learning orientation on the elements of social capital. A research model was based on goal orientation and social capital theory. A critical literature review on cooperation, social capital and goal orientation was conducted and the foundation for research was built. Ultimately cooperation within research and development teams in textile industry in Uzbekistan was assessed. Findings suggest there is a positive impact of learning orientation on social capital. However, there is no significant influence of performance orientation on any element of social capital. Furthermore, the study confirms the value of social capital in explaining cooperation. Along with these findings, integration of goal orientation theory and social capital theory in the cooperation context is a major contribution of the research. The study helps managers and team members to better understand the importance of social capital generation on projects and in organizations. The developed concept can be used as a framework for facilitating cooperation for governments, research institutions, academic institutions and companies. There are also implications in the domains of staffing, training, organizational culture and motivating employees.
Impact of Capital Inflows on Economic Growth of Developing Countries
Authors: Ezeji E Chigbu , Chijindu Promise Ubah , Uzoamaka S Chigbu
Published: December 2015

This study examines the impact of capital inflows on economic growth of developing economies; the case of Nigeria, Ghana and India from 1986-2012. This is necessitated by the doubts being raised as whether the huge inflows of foreign capital in developing economies over the years have transmitted to real economic growth. Augmented Dickey Fuller unit root test was employed to evaluate the stationarity of the data, while Johansen Co-integration was used to estimate the long-run equilibrium relationship among the variables. The casual relationship was tested using Granger Causality, and Ordinary Least Square method was used to estimate the model. The findings reveals that capital inflows have significant impact on the economic growth of the three countries. In Nigeria and Ghana, foreign direct and portfolio investment as well as foreign borrowings have significant and positive impact on economic growth. Workers’ remittances significantly and positively related to the economic growth of the three countries. The enabling environment should be created in the developing countries to encourage more inflow of foreign investments and workers remittances. This will help in closing the savings-investment gap and encourage economic growth in these countries. The study signifies that capital inflows is indispensable in closing the savings-investment gap required for economic growth of developing countries.
Management Practices and Performance of Public hospitals in Uganda
Authors: Bosco Kakooza John , Tusiime Immaculate , Odoch Hojops , Bagire Vincent
Published: December 2015

The Daily Monitor publications ran serialized articles showing the awful state of government hospitals across the country. While the Ministry of Health insists that the problem is not as bad as it is depicted, the level of service delivery in public hospitals has come under serious public scrutiny espousing the cause for concern about policy, practice and research. There should be glaring gaps in management practices as a possible explanation. In this study, we investigated impact of management decision making, structure, processes, communication and management style on hospital performance. The study has emphasized good management as the determinant of better performance of hospitals in the Ugandan context. Findings of this study challenges policy makers to strengthen management processes in addition to mobilizing financial, human and capital resources for hospitals. The study extends the debate on application of management theory with practice in the health sector in the Ugandan context.
The Opportunities and Challenges of an Interdisciplinary Clinic
Authors: Galowitz Paula
Published: December 2015

Law school clinics in many countries increasingly provide the major opportunities that law students have to engage in interdisciplinary collaborations with other professionals. The collaboration may be with a wide range of professionals, such as: doctors and medical students; social workers and social work students; business school students; engineering faculty and students including biomedical engineering students; nursing students; and experts in public health, education, mental health or palliative care. It can occur in diverse contexts or targeted to specific populations, such as children, the elderly, victims of domestic violence or low-income business owners.

Some examples of these interdisciplinary clinics illustrate their variety. Clinical legal education initiatives in South Africa, Thailand and Ukraine promoted public health through programs that partnered with the Law and Health Initiative of the Open Society Institute’s Public Health Programs. In South Africa, palliative care was integrated with legal services; law students worked with staff at a hospice association to conduct workshops on wills, debts and family law for hospice caregivers. In Ukraine a Medical Law Clinic was started to advise and represent clients; in Thailand a law clinic wrote an HIV/AIDS Community Legal Education Manual, collaborated with organizations working on health and human rights issues to discuss harm reduction and incarceration, and implemented community education programs in prisons, detention centers and community centers. At Palacky University in the Czech Republic a new Patient’s Rights Legal Clinic, which prepares students to give legal advice, is taught by lecturers of the medical faculty and lawyers from a human rights non-profit. A clinic in the United States provides business planning and legal advice to small businesses; law and business students collaborate to assist with community economic development. Another United States clinic combines students in law, business, medicine, social work, biomedical engineering, and arts and sciences in a collaboration focused on intellectual property and business formation, with an emphasis on biodiversity and agricultural-biotechnology innovations.
‘First they tell us to ignore our emotions, then they tell us to reflect’: The development of a reflective writing pedagogy in clinical legal education through an analysis of student perceptions of reflective writing.
Authors: Spencer Rachel
Published: December 2015

The use of reflective writing has long been recognised as an important component of clinical legal education pedagogy, not least because it provides an important link between the twin pillars of CLE. However, current literature about reflective writing exposes a gap about student perceptions of reflective writing.

This article provides an analysis of the results of formal research that was conducted into student perceptions of reflective writing in the clinical legal education context. The research was designed to investigate whether students perceived any benefit from reflective writing and what difficulties they actually encountered in writing in a way that is particularly different to other forms of academic assessment.

This article focusses on student perceptions of the benefits of reflective writing.  A further aim of the research was to develop an improved pedagogy of reflective writing in the clinical legal education context. The article concludes that students perceive limited benefits from reflective writing and offers several suggestions and recommendations as to how this limited perception might be enhanced.
Private Lives: Confronting the inherent difficulties of reflective writing in clinical legal education
Authors: Spencer Rachel
Published: December 2015

The use of reflective writing has long been recognised as an important component of clinical legal education pedagogy. However, current literature about reflective writing exposes a gap about student perceptions of reflective writing.

This article provides an analysis of the results of formal qualitative research that was conducted into student perceptions of reflective writing in the clinical legal education context. The research was designed to investigate whether students perceived any benefit from reflective writing and what difficulties they actually encountered in the process of writing which is particularly different to other forms of academic assessment. The article explores the exact nature of the difficulties experienced by students and suggests an improved pedagogy of reflective writing in the clinical legal education context. The article offers several suggestions and recommendations as to how this might be achieved.
Between a Rock and a Hard Place
Authors: McKeown Paul
Published: December 2015

Lewisham LBC v Malcolm
[2008] UKHL 43
Capacity as the Gateway: an alternative view
Authors: Robinson Robert
Published: December 2015

The Royal Commission on the Law Relating to Mental Illness and Mental Deficiency (the Percy Commission) in its 1957 report put the case for providing “forms of control, within stated limits, over people suffering from mental disorder which do not apply to other people”. Paragraph 314 (i) of the report offers the following justification for compulsory treatment in the interests of the patient’s health: “When an illness or disability itself affects the patient’s judgment and appreciation of his own condition, there is a specially strong argument for saying that his own interests demand that the decision whether or not to accept medical examination, care or treatment should not be left entirely to his own distorted or defective judgment. Admission to hospital against the patient’s wishes at the time may be the only way of providing him with the treatment or training which may restore his health or enable him to take his place as a self-supporting member of the community or to develop his limited capabilities to the greatest possible extent. The better the prospects are of treatment or training being successful, the more important this consideration becomes.” The report goes on to say: “No form of mental disorder should be considered to be, by itself, a sufficient ground for depriving a person of his liberty. It is necessary to balance the possible benefits of treatment or training, the protection of the patient and the protection of other persons, on the one hand, against the patient’s loss of liberty on the other.”

This rationale, which is reflected in the provisions of the 1983 Act, is rejected in the Report of the Expert Committee on the Review of the Mental Health Act 1983 because it discriminates against the mentally disordered by depriving them of the right to patient autonomy, that is the right of people to make effective treatment choices. Crucially, the right depends upon the patient having capacity to make such choices: “Patient autonomy brings with it an inevitable emphasis on capacity.” (para.2.4) The purpose of this paper is to argue that the Expert Committee’s approach is flawed. First, because it would merely, to use the terminology of discrimination law, replace direct discrimination with indirect discrimination. Second, because in conceptualising the detainable mentally ill patient as lacking capacity to make choices about treatment it erodes the validity of other choices which such a person may make. Third, that it tends to weaken the criteria for compulsion to what is, in effect, a best interests test. Fourth, that the justiciability of questions of capacity is problematic where the incapacity both results from mental illness and is considered in the context of treatment for mental illness.
Detained patients and the right to refuse treatment
Authors: Bowen Paul
Published: December 2015

R (Wilkinson) v. Broadmoor RMO (1) Mental Health Act Commission (2) Secretary of State for Health (Interested party) [2001] EWCA Civ 1545
Court of Appeal (22nd October 2001) Simon Brown LJ, Brooke LJ and Hale LJ

A detained patient’s right to refuse treatment to which he or she objects has been greatly strengthened by a recent decision of the Court of Appeal, applying the provisions of the Human Rights Act 1998, although in reaching its decision the Court of Appeal has posed as many questions for the future of the law in this area as it has answered.
Mental Health Review Tribunals – Just how ‘Speedily’?
Authors: Priaulx Nicolette
Published: December 2015

R (on the application of KB and others) v (1) Mental Health Review Tribunal (2) Secretary of
State for Health [2002] EWHC 639 (Admin)
Administrative Court (23rd April 2002) Stanley Burnton J.
IS ANYONE SAFE? Civil Compulsion under the Draft Mental Health Bill
Authors: Eldergill Anselm
Published: December 2015

The British Government published a draft Mental Health Bill for England and Wales on 26 June 2002. Its publication was preceded by a White Paper in December 2000, a Green Paper in November 1999, and a report prepared by a committee chaired by Professor Genevra Richardson.

The focus of the Bill is on risk management and compulsion in the community. It has been widely condemned by professional bodies, and by carers and patient groups. The nature of the criticism is that the proposals are unprincipled and impractical.

It is important to establish whether this is so. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the Government’s case for change and, having done that, to analyse the new civil powers of detention and compulsory treatment.
Community Care and the Care Programme Approach: Confusion between two distinct assessment processes
Authors: Sulek Joanna
Published: December 2015

R (on the application of HP and KP) v London Borough of Islington [2004] EWHC 7 (Admin).

Queens Bench Division, Administrative Court (8th January 2004) Mr. Justice Munby.

 
Community Treatment Orders
Authors: Gledhill Kris
Published: December 2015

A community treatment order is now a well-established feature of various common law jurisdictions in North America and Australasia, and in other countries. Its introduction into England and Wales was a central part of the government’s drawn out reform of the Mental Health Act 1983, and it attracted heated debate as part of the Parliamentary process, both in the exchanges between Parliamentarians and the evidence and briefings filed by interested parties. A CTO provision was introduced with a speedier gestation period in Scotland. But there is no single form of “community treatment order”; and there may also be different policy objectives. What is usually central is the desire to provide a regime for patients who are assessed as being able to function in the community so long as they accept medication but who may disengage from treatment and relapse to the extent that they require in-patient treatment: the description “revolving door” is often attached to such patients and was during the course of the debates.

The first question to be explored is whether what emerged in the Mental Health Act 2007 is much different from what already exists in relation to such patients: if it is and it allows community treatment which was previously not available, the further question is whether that is a good thing in light of the experience of other jurisdictions that have CTO regimes. If it is not, there are two further questions: firstly, why has something called a CTO been introduced if it does not amount to a change of substance; and secondly, is it a missed opportunity in light of the information from other jurisdictions – in other words, would a substantive change provide benefits which England and Wales is now missing?
Deprivations of Liberty: Mental Health Act or Mental Capacity Act?
Authors: Jones Richard
Published: December 2015

The provisions of the Mental Health Act 2007 which amend the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) so as to provide for a procedure that can be used to authorise the deprivation of the liberty of a mentally incapacitated person are intended to sit alongside existing Mental Health Act 1983 (MHA) powers. But the nature of the relationship between the two Acts is far from clear. This article suggests that the new MCA procedure could be very much the poor relation of the MHA.
Foreword
Authors: Horne John
Published: December 2015

As readers will be only too aware, the 3rd November 2008 will see the coming into effect of most of the amendments made by the Mental Health Act 2007 to the Mental Health Act 1983. It is also the date on which the Mental Health Review Tribunal becomes one of the new First-tier tribunals within the Health, Education and Social Care Chamber consequent to the provisions of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. With the publication of numerous regulations and lengthy Codes, the implementation of the Deprivation of Liberty (formerly a/k Bournewood) safeguards still scheduled to take effect in April 2009, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005 having not yet been in force for even a year, these are very demanding (and interesting) times for all those working in the field covered by mental health law.

There is so much to be considered and written about, but of course potential authors (particularly at this time) have many other pressing demands made of them, in addition to any requests editors of academic journals may make. Fortunately some have found the time to write for this issue of the JMHL.
‘Offenders, Deviants or Patients’ - Comments on Part Two of the White Paper
Authors: Prins Herschel
Published: December 2015

The Government White Paper Reforming the Mental Health Act follows closely on the heels of the Green Paper - Reform of the Mental Health Act, 1983 which derives from (but also departs from in many respects) the Report of the Expert Committee chaired by Professor Genevra Richardson. One could say, with some justification, that mental health professionals have been ‘deluged’ with paper in this area in the past year or two, so that trying to discern trends has become very difficult. In particular, the material in the White Paper is somewhat closely written and needs to be read with a good deal of care (or, so it seemed to me). To complicate matters further, offender-patients are also discussed in Part I of the White Paper (The Legal Framework) whereas it would have been more logical to have dealt with the proposed provisions for them in Part II. For clarity, I propose to deal with all these matters under one heading.
Root Traits and Carbon Input in Field‐Grown Sweet Pearl Millet, Sweet Sorghum, and Grain Corn
Authors: Thivierge Marie‐Noëlle , Angers Denis A. , Chantigny Martin H. , Seguin Philippe , Vanasse Anne
Published: December 2015

Little information exists on root morphological characteristics of agricultural crops under field conditions, which can be a major determinant of plant N uptake efficiency and C input to soil. Sweet pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R.BR.] and sweet sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] are envisioned as energy crops in eastern Canada, to complement corn starch ethanol. The aims of this study were to characterize and compare root biomass and root traits of field‐grown sweet pearl millet, sweet sorghum, and grain corn (Zea mays L.), and to estimate their annual C input to soil. At two sites in eastern Canada, root samples recovered from 30‐cm deep soil cores in sandy loams were weighed and scanned. Image analysis was performed with the WinRhizo software. Roots and shoots were analyzed for C concentration. Estimated C input to soil at harvest was higher for corn (243 g C m−2) than for sorghum and millet (197 and 131 g C m−2, respectively). In contrast, millet and sorghum had the greatest specific root lengths (83, 39, and 22 m g−1 for millet, sorghum, and corn, respectively), and a larger contribution of very fine roots (<0.5 mm diam.) to the total root surface (60–63% for millet and sorghum, and 45–55% for corn). The longer and finer roots of millet and sorghum could contribute to their high N uptake efficiency. However, compared to grain corn, their lower C input to soil needs to be recognized to ensure a balanced C budget.
Optimum Nitrogen Fertilization for Phyllostachys edulis Productivity and Photosynthetic Response
Authors: Gao Peijun , Zuo Zhaojiang , Zhang Rumin , Qiu Yonghua , He Renhua , Gao Rongfu , Gui Renyi
Published: December 2015

Nitrogen fertilizer is supplied for high production of Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J. Houz. shoots and culms. The objects of this study were to determine the optimum fertilizer amount, determine the effects of N fertilization on the promotion of photosynthesis, and provide help for remote sensing of fertilization effects. The shoot and culm production was significantly increased with 100, 250, and 400 kg N ha−1, and the two latter fertilization levels showed the best promoting effects without significant difference between them. Under N fertilization, the photosynthetic pigment content was increased, which led to a decline in the reflectance spectra. Nitrogen fertilization promoted quantum production and electron transport in photosystem II and inhibited the dissipation of absorbed light energy. The absorbed light energy can be emitted as fluorescence, which showed two main peaks in the red (685 nm) and far‐red (735 nm) regions. The width and area of the fluorescence peak at 735 nm declined, suggesting that N fertilization promoted the transduction of absorbed light energy in photosystem I. A remarkable reduction in intercellular CO2 concentrations and the light compensation point and an increase in the light saturation point demonstrated that the CO2 assimilation ability was increased with N supplementation. Among the three fertilization levels, 250 kg N ha−1 had the best effect on photosynthesis. We concluded that 250 kg N ha−1 is more suitable for practical application. The reflectance indexes and reflectance intensity ratio F685/F735 were significantly changed with N fertilization, indicating that they have potential value for estimating fertilization effects on bamboo production.
Fate of Effluent‐Borne Nitrogen in the Mounded Drainfield of an Onsite Wastewater Treatment System
Authors: De Mriganka , Toor Gurpal S.
Published: December 2015

Core Ideas

Water filled porosity (WFP) controlled N dynamics in the drainfields.

Sand layer was hotspot for nitrification due to 0.07–0.32 WFP.

Soil layer was hotspot for denitrification due to 0.55–0.91 WFP.

Organic N was mobile in the vadose zone and leached below drainfields.

Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS), commonly known as septic systems, are increasingly recognized as a potential source of nitrogen in the shallow groundwater. Our objective was to investigate the effect of hydrological and biogeochemical factors in the vadose zone on the fate of effluent‐borne N in the drainfields of a drip‐dispersal OWTS. Three lysimeters (152.4 cm long, 91.4 cm wide, and 91.4 cm high) were constructed using pressure‐treated wood to mimic OWTS drainfields. Each lysimeter had three distinct layers of gravel–sand mixture, soil, and commercial sand. A drip tube, which was covered with commercial sand before planting St. Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum Trin.) on the top and sides of the lysimeters, dispersed 9 L of septic tank effluent (STE) per day on top of the stacked layers. Each lysimeter was instrumented with 10 multi‐probe sensors to determine the water content, electrical conductivity (EC), and temperature in the center and sides of sand and soil layers. Leachate samples were collected over 67 events, which consisted of one sample every 24 h for 15 d (n = 15) and weekly flow‐weighted composite samples (n = 52). In all events, the pH, EC, and chloride were lower in the leachate than STE. Daily multi‐probe data showed that EC was greater in the center than sides of the lysimeters due to more STE interaction. Sensor water content data were used to calculate water filled porosity (WFP), which was greater in the soil (0.55–0.9) than sand (0.07–0.32) due to the textural differences. Mean total N was 70 mg L−1 in the STE, which reduced to 27.4 mg L−1 in the leachate likely due to the denitrification in the soil layer. The dominance of NOx–N in the leachate (61%) as compared to STE (0.6%) was attributed to the nitrification in the sand layer. Higher proportion of organic N in the leachate (39%) than STE (16%) suggests that organic N was mobile in the vadose zone and leached below the drainfields. We conclude that hydrological and biogeochemical controls in the vadose zone play an important role in N transformations and transport of NOx–N and organic N below OWTS drainfields.
Managing Phosphorus Leaching in Mid‐Atlantic Soils: Importance of Legacy Sources
Authors: Toor Gurpal S. , Sims J. Thomas
Published: December 2015

Core Ideas

Higher P leaching from P‐saturated mid‐Atlantic soils.

Preferential flow caused more P leaching in fine‐textured soils.

Matrix flow reduced P leaching from coarse‐textured soils.

Use both P saturation ratio and flow pathways to predict the risk of P leaching.

Application of phosphorus (P) inputs to soils saturated with legacy P can significantly increase the risk of P leaching and deteriorate water quality. Our objectives were to quantify the effect of soil type and extent of P saturation on P leaching and determine the suitability of a rapid, inexpensive soil P saturation test for use in P leaching risk assessment protocols. We collected 18 undisturbed lysimeters (30‐cm diameter, 50 cm deep), using a tractor‐mounted corer, from three typical mid‐Atlantic soils in Delaware, where P leaching is a concern. The soils were selected on the basis of Mehlich‐3 P saturation ratio (M3‐PSR) of optimum (<0.10) to environmental (>0.15) thresholds. Lysimeters were irrigated with the equivalent of 50 mm of water each week for a total of 16 wk. Concentrations of dissolved reactive P (DRP) and total P in leachate were not significantly different between optimum and environmental M3‐PSR lysimeters before fertilizer application (Weeks 1–8). However, concentrations of DRP and total P significantly increased after fertilizer application at 85 kg P ha−1 (Weeks 9–16) in the environmental M3‐PSR lysimeters. Among three soils in both M3‐PSR categories, concentrations and loads of P leached were higher from the Matapeake silt loam and Pocomoke sandy loam due to preferential leaching that limited contact of flowing water and P with the soil P‐fixing constituents (Fe, Al, and Ca), while P leaching was lower from Woodstown sandy loam due to matrix flow that resulted in greater interaction of water and P with the soil constituents. These results provide clear evidence of a greater risk of P leaching from P‐saturated soils with preferential flow pathways and show that the M3‐PSR along with information about preferential flow pathways should be used to predict the risk of P leaching.
Decolorization of azo dye C.I. Reactive Black 5 by ozonation in aqueous solution: influencing factors, degradation products, reaction pathway and toxicity assessment
Authors: Zheng Qing , Dai Yong , Han Xiangyun
Published: December 2015

In this study, ozonation treatment of C.I. Reactive Black 5 (RB5) was investigated at various operating parameters. The results showed that the aqueous solution initially containing 200 mg/L RB5 was quickly decolorized at pH 8.0 with an ozone dose of 3.2 g/h. Reaction intermediates with m/z 281, 546, 201, 350, 286 and 222 were elucidated using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, while sulfate ion, nitrate ion and three carboxylic acids (i.e., oxalic acid, formic acid, and acetic acid) were identified by ion exchange chromatography. Thus, the cleavage of the azo bond and the introduction of OH groups in the corresponding positions were proposed as the predominant reaction pathway. The detachment of sulfonic groups was also commonly observed during the ozonation treatment. The proposed degradation mechanism was confirmed by frontier electron density calculations, suggesting the feasibility of predicting the major events in the whole ozonation process with the computational method. Compared with RB5 degradation, the reduction of total organic carbon (TOC) proceeded much more slowly, and approximately 54% TOC was removed after 4 h of ozonation. Acute toxicity tests with Photobacterium phosphoreum showed that the toxicity of reaction solution was firstly increased and then decreased to a negligible level after 160 min.
Imaging Aortic Regurgitation: The Incremental Benefit of Speckle Tracking Echocardiography
Authors: Garg Pankaj , Yassin Firas , Leischik Roman
Published: December 2015

Aortic regurgitation (AR) affects global left ventricular mechanics. However, limited literature is available on
how it may affect regional longitudinal strain.

We present a case where severe AR jet is thrashing the anterior-septal wall and reducing its overall longitudinal
performance most likely secondary to increased wall shear stress in diastole. This new insight into patho-physiological
process using deformation study may have supplementary impact in decision making for surgical intervention.
Transthoracic echocardiography is the primary imaging modality for the assessment of AR as it offers evaluation of
severity of AR, aetiology of AR, left ventricular (LV) dilatation, LV systolic function, left ventricular mass, diastolic
function and global strain. This case highlights the regional disturbances in longitudinal strain in eccentric AR.
Preparation and Evaluation of Multi-Particulate System (Pellets) of Prasugrel Hydrochloride
Authors: Kanwar Navjot , Kumar Rakesh , Sinha V.R.
Published: December 2015

Multiparticulate systems (pellets) of prasugrel hydrochloride were prepared by extrusion spheronization
method using MCC (micro crystalline cellulose). Optimum spheronization time and method of drying were selected as the
process parameters for the preparation of final batches. Various pellet properties were evaluated like size & shape analysis,
flow properties, bulk & tapped density, friability, moisture content, drug content, in vitro release rate and in vivo
pharmacodynamic studies. All pellet batches showed a narrow particle size distribution, good sphericity and excellent
flow properties. Drug content and moisture content of different pellet batches were found in specified limits. The release
kinetics of drug loaded MCC pellets followed Peppas model with Fickian diffusion of prasugrel from the pellets. In vivo
pharmacodynamic studies exhibited improved bleeding time in pellet group when compared with the marketed tablet formulation.
Pretreatment with nitric oxide reduces lead toxicity in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] walp.)
Authors: Sadeghipour Omid
Published: December 2015

Lead (Pb) is one of the most important toxic heavy metals that reduce plant
growth and development. Therefore, finding compounds that can alleviate the
toxic effects of Pb is necessary. Nitric oxide (NO) is a signaling molecule
that plays important roles in different physiological processes in plants,
such as the response to biotic and abiotic stresses. A pot experiment was
conducted to study the effects of exogenously applied NO on Pb stress
tolerance in cowpea. Seeds were soaked at various concentrations of sodium
nitroprusside (SNP; NO donor) (0, 0.5 and 1 mM) for 20 h, and then sown in
pots containing 0 or 200 mg kg-1 Pb (NO3)2. The obtained results showed that
Pb stress significantly reduced the chlorophyll value, relative water
content (RWC) and net photosynthetic rate, but increased lipid peroxidation,
proline content and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), ascorbate
peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities. Nonetheless,
different levels of NO significantly lowered Pb toxicity by further
increasing SOD, CAT, APX and GR activities as well as proline accumulation.
NO pretreatment also raised the chlorophyll value, RWC and net
photosynthetic rate but reduced lipid peroxidation. Both NO levels (0.5 and
1 mM) were effective in Pb stress tolerance; however, 0.5 mM was more
effective. These results indicate that NO pretreatment plays an important
role in protecting cowpea plants against Pb toxicity by enhancing
antioxidant enzyme activities and proline accumulation.
Validation of a portable pneumatic captive bolt device as a one-step method of euthanasia for use in depopulation of feedlot cattle
Authors: Derscheid Rachel J. , Dewell Reneé D. , Dewell Grant A. , Kleinhenz Katie E. , Shearer Leslie C. , Gilliam John N. , Reynolds James P. , Sun Yaxuan , Shearer Jan K.
Published: December 2015

OBJECTIVE To validate the effectiveness of a penetrating captive bolt device with a built-in low-pressure air channel pithing mechanism (PCBD) as a 1-step method for euthanasia of cattle.

DESIGN Clinical trial.

ANIMALS 66 feedlot steers and heifers (weight, 227 to 500 kg [500 to 1,100 lb]) that were not expected to survive or finish the feeding period with their cohorts.

PROCEDURES Cattle were transported to a university facility and euthanized with the PCBD. For each calf, clinical variables were monitored and recorded immediately before and for at least 10 minutes after application of the PCBD. Following euthanasia, the head of each calf was removed and trauma to the brain and skull was assessed and scored.

RESULTS Death was successfully achieved with the PCBD without application of an ancillary technique in all 66 cattle; however, 4 (6%) cattle required a second or third shot from the PCBD because of technical errors in its placement. All shots from the PCBD that entered the cranial vault successfully rendered cattle unconscious without a return to sensibility.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that the PCBD was an effective 1-step method of euthanasia for use in mass depopulation of feedlot cattle.
Ulcerative Colitis complicated by lower limbs thromboemboilism- an unusual case scenario
Authors: Singh Harpreet , Mathur Rekha , Kaur Parminder , Tanwar Vikram
Published: December 2015

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of vascular complications. In ulcerative colitis, 10% of deaths are attributed to thromoembolic complications. Arterial thromboembolic complications (ATEs) occur less frequently than venous thromoembolism (VTEs) in IBD patients. They are more common after interventional or surgical procedure but they can also occur spontaneously. Both venous and arterial, are serious extra-intestinal manifestations complicating the course of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Although there is no consensus regarding use of anticoagulants yet timely treatment of thrombosis in ulcerative colitis with anticoagulant therapy shows good results.Journal of Advances in Internal Medicine 2015;04(01):28-30
School Bus Safety: Evaluating the Evolution of Compartmentalization and Seat Belt Restraints
Authors: Chang Kevin , Vits Charlie , Seely Brett
Published: December 2015

Nearly 25 million school children in the United States rely on school buses for transport from home to school each day. In 1977, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 222 was enacted into law and established requirements that have essentially remained unchanged for seating and restraining barriers on school buses. The compartmentalization component, in which passengers are surrounded by heavily padded seats, remains the defining characteristic of FMVSS 222. The safety record of school buses is attributable in large part to the passive passenger protection provided by FMVSS 222 and other school bus-specific safety standards, along with specialized licensure and training of qualified school bus drivers. This research paper documents the evolution of the modern school bus and explores the need to consider an update to this standard through an examination of whether additional safety measures, such as lap and shoulder restraints, should be considered. Two bus crash demonstrations using full-scale anthropomorphic test devices were conducted in August and November 2013, and conditions on the school bus during the simulated collisions are described in this paper. Results of the crash demonstrations indicate that there are opportunities to enhance safety for school bus riders.