bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The digital aesthetics: Its origins and paradigms
Authors: Tavares Monica
Published: July 2012

It is clear that the visual representations of the so-called digital aesthetics are linked to social processes and institutional functions intrinsically, and they bring with them the following paradox antagonistically but not contradictorily. On the one hand, they oppose the coercion
of the historical-social-cultural system, because they try to deal with the transformation of the reality in a critical way. On the other hand, they meet the growing of the world net of computers, which are becoming more and more invisible and captivating and are diluting the bond between
culture and communication and the technological dimension in a subliminal way a lot of times. The aim of this article is to examine historically and culturally the emergence of so-called digital aesthetics. The article will also identify which mutations are related to this kind of aesthetics.
It will not only examine the representation models that sustain the modern and the high-tech aesthetics but also the relations of power and knowledge that operate directly over the receiver in these two moments.
Listening to Animalities, Materialities and Shipwrecks
Authors: Lancaster Linus , Young Frederick
Published: July 2012

In these collaborative, theoretical and performative pieces our aim is towards radical expansions of various formal parameters in western philosophy through art praxis that de-centres the roles played by the animal subject, industrial technologies, and soil in modernist paradigms. Exceeding
these conventions demands pushing against/past blockages (aporias) to broader engagement with whatever refigured subjectivities are called into constellative gathering in the process. The immanent multiplicity of constellative (Soilogic) analysis ‘cuts in all directions’ in its
insistence on attempting to ‘upend’ multiple disciplines simultaneously rather than remaining mere cross-disciplinary embellishment between art and philosophy. Opening new ruptures in horizons of interpretation and maintaining them through artistic and philosophical agitation involves
a ‘fidelity to the impossible’ (Young), and a reach beyond the known and tried. It is also a reach towards a blurring of Techne and poeisis in the inter(fur)faces of Dawn (a dark Horse), Gladys (a Goat), and the debris field of the zeppelin USS Macon that crashed into the ocean
and sank off the coast of Monterey, CA in 1935. Initially we did so by painting portraits of Nietzsche and Benjamin on Dawn, putting them into conversation with each other on the question of Animality. We then attempted to make ‘haptic’ contact with the Macon while posing performative
questions about interrelations, telepathies and hauntings among Animalities, Techne and more-than-humanist Materialities.
The spatial context of the aesthetic experience in interactive art: An inter-subjective relationship
Authors: Korakidou Veroniki , Charitos Dimitris
Published: July 2012

This article investigates the aesthetic experience within telematic space, using terms introduced by kleinian psychoanalysis. We argue that the object of the aesthetic experience in multi-sensory interactive installations can be analysed within a spatial context of a dual nature, involving
both the physical space of the installation and the virtual space of the participating subject’s perception, a hybrid space. Therefore, we discuss the aesthetic experience of interactive artworks as an intersubjective relationship between the artist and the audience, where the aesthetic
object becomes the subjective perceptual experience of this process of interaction. The space, where the visitor ‘meets’ the artist, is the place of the aesthetic experience. Aesthetic experience takes place in both the physical and the ‘potential’ world of our internal
representations, the internalized, ‘mental space’ of projected fantasies: our unconscious.
Methods for monitoring of pesticide residues in water: current status and recent trends
Authors: Vasiljević Tatjana , Dujaković Nikolina , Radišić Marina , Grujić Svetlana , Laušević Mila , Dimkić Milan
Published: July 2012

An overview of analytical methods currently used for the determination of pesticide residues in water samples is presented. As liquid chromatography and gas chromatography, coupled to mass spectrometry, are considered to be the most appropriate techniques for determination of pesticides in environmental waters, the most recent developments and applications in this field are discussed, as well as the extraction procedures employed for analyte isolation and preconcentration.
PAHs concentration and toxicity in organic solvent extracts of atmospheric particulate matter and sea sediments
Authors: Ozaki Noriatsu , Takeuchi Shin-ya , Kojima Keisuke , Kindaichi Tomonori , Komatsu Toshiko , Fukushima Takehiko
Published: July 2012

The concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the toxicity to marine bacteria (Vibrio fischeri) were measured for the organic solvent extracts of sea sediments collected from an urban watershed area (Hiroshima Bay) of Japan and compared with the concentrations and toxicity of atmospheric particulate matter (PM). In atmospheric PM, the PAHs concentration was highest in fine particulate matter (FPM) collected during cold seasons. The concentrations of sea sediments were 0.01–0.001 times those of atmospheric PM. 1/EC50 was 1–10 L g−1 PM for atmospheric PM and 0.1–1 L g−1 dry solids for sea sediments. These results imply that toxic substances from atmospheric PM are diluted several tens or hundreds of times in sea sediments. The ratio of the 1/EC50 to PAHs concentration ((1/EC50)/16PAHs) was stable for all sea sediments (0.1–1 L μg−1 16PAHs) and was the same order of magnitude as that of FPM and coarse particulate matter (CPM). The ratio of sediments collected from the west was more similar to that of CPM while that from the east was more similar to FPM, possibly because of hydraulic differences among water bodies. The PAHs concentration pattern analyses (principal component analysis and isomer ratio analysis) were conducted and the results showed that the PAHs pattern in sea sediments was quite different to that of FPM and CPM. Comparison with previously conducted PAHs analyses suggested that biomass burning residues comprised a major portion of these other sources.
Evaluating Escherichia coli removal performance in stormwater biofilters: a laboratory-scale study
Authors: Chandrasena G. I. , Deletic A. , Ellerton J. , McCarthy D. T.
Published: July 2012

Biofilters are common, low energy technologies used for the treatment of urban stormwater. While they have shown promising results for the removal of stormwater microorganisms, certain factors affect their performance. Hence, this study investigated the effects of particle–microbial interaction, inflow concentration, antecedent microbial levels and plant species on microbial removal capacity. A biofilter column study was set up to evaluate removal performance and a sequential filtration procedure was used to estimate microbial partitioning. The columns were dosed with different concentrations of free phase Escherichia coli only and E. coli mixed with stormwater sediment. Results indicate that the microbial removal is significantly affected by inflow concentration and antecedent microbial levels. Leaching was only observed when a relatively low inflow concentration event occurred within a short period after a very high inflow concentration event. Finally, Lomandra longifolia showed better removal compared with Carex appressa.
Gravity filtration performances of the bio-diatomite dynamic membrane reactor for slightly polluted surface water purification
Authors: Chu Huaqiang , Dong Bingzhi , Zhang Yalei , Zhou Xuefei
Published: July 2012

A bio-diatomite dynamic membrane (BDDM) reactor for surface water treatment under a water head of 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 cm, respectively, was investigated, which was very effective for pollutants removal. The water head exerted strong influences on filtration flux of BDDM during the precoating process, as well as on the formation of BDDM and turbidity variations. A high filtration flux (approximately 200−300 L/m2 h) could be achieved in the long filtration times of BDDM with a stable effluent turbidity of approximately 0.11−0.25 NTU. The BDDM could remove particles larger than 25 μm completely. The adopted sintered diatomite mainly consisted of macro pores, which were beneficial for improving the filtration flux of BDDM. During the backwash stage, the BDDM could be removed completely by the air backwash.
State estimation for anaerobic digesters using the ADM1
Authors: Gaida D. , Wolf C. , Meyer C. , Stuhlsatz A. , Lippel J. , Bäck T. , Bongards M. , McLoone S.
Published: July 2012

The optimization of full-scale biogas plant operation is of great importance to make biomass a competitive source of renewable energy. The implementation of innovative control and optimization algorithms, such as Nonlinear Model Predictive Control, requires an online estimation of operating states of biogas plants. This state estimation allows for optimal control and operating decisions according to the actual state of a plant. In this paper such a state estimator is developed using a calibrated simulation model of a full-scale biogas plant, which is based on the Anaerobic Digestion Model No.1. The use of advanced pattern recognition methods shows that model states can be predicted from basic online measurements such as biogas production, CH4 and CO2 content in the biogas, pH value and substrate feed volume of known substrates. The machine learning methods used are trained and evaluated using synthetic data created with the biogas plant model simulating over a wide range of possible plant operating regions. Results show that the operating state vector of the modelled anaerobic digestion process can be predicted with an overall accuracy of about 90%. This facilitates the application of state-based optimization and control algorithms on full-scale biogas plants and therefore fosters the production of eco-friendly energy from biomass.
Urban wastewater development in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Somlyódy László , Patziger Miklós
Published: July 2012

In the early nineties the region of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE, more than 1 million km² and 100 million inhabitants) went through fundamental political, economic and social changes which eventually led to the European integration process. This positively influenced urban water and wastewater management , which had an unbalanced structure and rather low level of development. The paper outlines first the 1990 situation (water supply, sewerage and wastewater treatment (WWT)) and the infrastructure development of the last two decades, on the basis of a comprehensive data collection for six countries (Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia). Austria serves as a reference basis. Alterations of some of the drivers such as GDP (Gross Domestic Product), water tariff, investment funding and legislation are studied in detail. Then, the paper focuses on WWT by analyzing data of 20 large plants. Influent and effluent quality is evaluated. Technology indicators are estimated and assessed. They include plant removal rates and violation ratios assuming the application of the Urban Wastewater Directive, primary clarifier removal rates, actual anoxic volume and sludge age in comparison with the recommendations of the ATV guideline, criteria of secondary settling tanks and energy consumption. Finally, nutrient removal rates and upgrading options are outlined.
Nitrogen and phosphorus effluent loads from a paddy-field district adopting collective crop rotation
Authors: Hama T. , Aoki T. , Osuga K. , Sugiyama S. , Iwasaki D.
Published: July 2012

Japanese paddy rice systems commonly adopt the rotation of vegetables, wheat and soybeans with paddy rice. Crop rotation may, however, increase the nutrient load in effluent discharged from the district because more fertilizer is applied to the rotation crops than is applied to paddy crops. We investigated a paddy-field district subject to collective crop rotation and quantified the annual nutrient load of effluent from the district in three consecutive years. The total annual exports of nitrogen and phosphorus over the investigation period ranged from 30.3 to 40.6 kg N ha–1 and 2.62 to 3.13 kg P ha–1. The results suggest that rotation cropping increases the effluent nutrient load because applied fertilizer is converted to nitrate, and surface runoff is increased due to the absence of shuttering boards at the field outlets.
Analysis of Organic Nitrogen Removal in Municipal Wastewater by Reverse Osmosis
Authors: Merlo Rion , Wong Joe , Occiano Victor , Sandera Kyle , Pai Anil , Sen Seval , Jimenez Jose , Parker Denny , Burcham John
Published: July 2012

The results of a pilot study that was conducted to determine the total nitrogen removal by the reverse osmosis process are presented. The organic nitrogen removal rates are compared with removals observed from three full‐scale reverse osmosis facilities and four pilot studies. The results of this analysis suggest that organic nitrogen removal is variable and that reverse osmosis may not consistently produce total nitrogen levels less than 1.0 mg/L without additional treatment. Three hypotheses to explain the variability in organic nitrogen removal in the different data sets are presented.
Carbamazepine Degradation by Photolysis and Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysis
Authors: Im Jong‐Kwon , Son Hyun‐Seok , Kang Young‐Min , Zoh Kyung‐Duk
Published: July 2012

We investigated the degradation of carbamazepine by photolysis/ultraviolet (UV)‐C only and titanium dioxide photocatalysis. The degradation of carbamazepine by UV‐only and titanium‐dioxide‐only (adsorption) reactions were inefficient, however, complete degradation of carbamazepine was observed by titanium dioxide photocatalysis within 30 min. The rate of degradation increased as initial carbamazepine concentration decreased, and the removal kinetics fit well with the Langmuir‐Hinshelwood model. The addition of methanol, a radical scavenger, decreased carbamazepine removal, suggesting that the hydroxide radical played an important role during carbamazepine degradation. The addition of oxygen during titanium dioxide photocatalysis accelerated hydroxide radical production, thus improving mineralization activity. The photocatalytic degradation was more efficient at a higher pH, whereas the removal of carbamazepine and acridine (a major intermediate) were more efficient under aerobic conditions. The mineralization of carbamazepine during photocatalysis produced various ionic by‐products such as ammonium and nitrate by way of nitrogen dioxide.
Evaluating Cross-National Metrics of Tertiary Graduation Rates for Oecd Countries: A Case for Increasing Methodological Congruence and Data Comparability
Authors: Heuser Brian L. , Drake Timothy A. , Owens Taya L.
Published: July 2012

By examining the different methods and processes by which national data gathering agencies compile and submit their findings to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the authors (1) assess the methodological challenges of accurately reporting tertiary completion and graduation rates cross-nationally; (2) to examine the incongruence of existing internationally comparative data on tertiary completion, particularly within the OECD; and (3) to offer policy recommendations for increasing the congruence and comparability of U.S. higher education data with that of other OECD countries (and the rest of the world).
The Cross-National Relevance of U.S. Formulated Theories of College Student Departure
Authors: Braxton John M.
Published: July 2012

This article focuses on the cross-national relevance of theories of college student departure formulated by U.S. scholars. Some aspects of U.S. developed theories of college student departure hold some semblance of cross-national relevance. Economic and sociological perspectives provide such aspects. The weighing of costs and benefits inherent in the economic perspective appears relevant in the countries of Ghana, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovenia where the dual-payment system prevails. Concepts of both the social inequality and interactionalist aspects of the sociological perspective appear relevant cross-nationally. Social inequality in student graduation rates transpires along socioeconomic lines in Ghana and the United Kingdom. Moreover, key aspects of the interactionalist perspective concerning departure from commuting institutions such as support from significant others, the problems associated with commuting, and academic integration appear to differentiate between students who continue their enrollment and those who depart in the countries of Jordan and Turkey.
Response surface optimization of medium composition for xylitol production by Debaryomyces hansenii var hansenii using corncob hemicellulose hydrolysate
Authors: Ramesh S. , Muthuvelayudham R. , Kannan Rajesh , Viruthagiri T.
Published: July 2012

Optimization of the culture medium for xylitol production using Debrayomyces
hansenii var hansenii was carried out. The optimization of xylitol production
using corncob hemicelluloses hydrolysate as substrate was performed with
statistical methodology based on experimental designs. The screening of nine
nutrients for their influence of xylitol production to achieved using a
Plackett-Burman design. MgSO4.7H2O, KH2PO4, (NH4)2SO4, yeast extract were
selected for based on their positive influence on xylitol production. The
selected components were optimized using Response Surface Methodology (RSM).
The optimum conditions are: MgSO4.7H2O - 1.02 g/l, (NH4)2SO4 - 3.94 g/l,
KH2PO4- 2.74 g/l and yeast extract - 3.45 g/l. These conditions are validated
experimentally which revealed an enhanced xylitol yield of 0.76 g/g.
Rheology of unstable mineral emulsions
Authors: Sokolovic Dunja , Secerov-Sokolovic Radmila , Sokolovic Slobodan
Published: July 2012

In this paper, the rheology of mineral oils and their unstable water emulsion
were investigated. The oil samples were domestic crude oil UA, its fractions
UA1, UA4 and blend semi-product UP1, while the concentration of oil in water
emulsions was in the range from 1 up to 30%. The results were analyzed based
on shear stress. The oil samples UA, UA1 and UP1 are Newtonian fluids, while
UA4 is pseudoplastic fluid. The samples UA and UA4 show higher value of shear
stress (83.75 Pa, 297 Pa), then other two samples UA1 and UP1 (18.41 Pa,
17.52 Pa). Rheology of investigated oils due to its complex chemical
composition should be analyzed as a simultaneous effect of all their
components. Therefore, structural composition of the oils was determined,
namely content of paraffins, naphthenes, aromatics and asphaltenes. All
samples contain paraffins, naphthenes and aromatics but only oils UA and UA4
contain asphaltenes as well. All investigated emulsions except 30% EUA4 are
Newtonian fluids. The EUA4 30% emulsion shows pseudoplastic behaviour, and it
is the only 30% emulsion among investigated ones that achieves lower shear
stress then its oil. The characteristics of oil samples that could have an
influence on their properties and their emulsion rheology, were determined.
These characteristics are: neutralization number, interfacial tension,
dielectric constant, and emulsivity. Oil samples UA and UA4 have
significantly higher values of neutralization number, dielectric constants,
and emulsivity. The sample UA has the lowest value of interface tension and
the greatest emulsivity, indicating that this oil, among all investigated,
has the highest preference for building emulsion. This could be the reason
why 20% and 30% emulsions of the oil UA achieve the highest shear stress
among all investigated emulsions.
The antioxidant properties of dried extracts from the spent espresso coffee
Authors: Milutinovic Milica , Siler-Marinkovic Slavica , Antonovic Dusan , Mihajlovska Katarina , Pavlovic Marija , Dimitrijevic-Brankovic Suzana
Published: July 2012

The importance of coffee waste utilization is based on the fact that it
contains a large amount of biologically valuable components. Preparation of
espresso coffee produces substantial quantities of polyphenolic acids that
have a significant antioxidant activity. In this work, the contents of
polyphenols and antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from spent espresso
coffee were analyzed using different solvent systems. The 70% solution of
methanol, and 70% solution of ethanol and distilled water were used as
solvents. The total amounts of polyphenols were determined by the
Folin-Ciocalteu method, while the antioxidant activities were determined by
DPPH inhibition (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and FRAP (Ferric Reducing
Antioxidant Power). Both methods confirmed that the order of antioxidant
activity of obtained dried extracts is as follows: water extract < methanol
extract < ethanol extract, which was in accordance with their polyphenols
content. Mild prooxidant activity was observed in the concentration of 200
?g/ml while investigating the DPPH inhibition. Prooxidant activity is a
characteristic of some polypenolic acids that is considered to be one of the
mechanisms of anticancer activity. The inhibition of DPPH radical, expressed
by IC50 values, was compared with the results of the commercial antioxidants
such are ascorbic acid and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene). Comparing the IC50
values of ascorbic acid and BHT with the IC50 values of tested extracts it
can be concluded that waste coffee extracts could be a good source of natural
antioxidants.
VOC emission from oil refinery and petrochemical wastewater treatment plant estimation
Authors: Mihajlovic Marina , Stevanovic Dimitrije , Jovanovic Jovan , Jovanovic Mica
Published: July 2012

The introduction of environmental legislation improvement for industrial
producers in Serbia, notably the Integrated Pollution Prevention Control
(IPPC) license, will oblige the industrial producers to provide annual report
on the pollutant emissions into the environment, as well as to pay certain
environment fee. Wastewater treatment plant can be a significant source of
volatile organic compounds (VOCs) diffuse emissions, which are difficult to
measure directly. In the near future reporting obligations might expend to
benzene and other VOCs. This paper deals with gaseous emissions calculations
from API separator based on the emission factors and the adequate software
applications. The analyzed results show that the estimated emission values
differ depending on the applied method. The VOC emissions have been estimated
using US EPA and CONCAWE emissions factors. The calculated emissions range
from 40 to 4500 tons/year for oil refinery WWTP of 2,000,000 m3/year. The
calculations of benzene and toluene emissions have been performed using three
methods: US EPA emission factors, WATER9, and Toxchem+ software. The
calculated benzene and toluene emissions range from 5.5-60 and 0.7-20
tons/year, respectively. The highest emission values were obtained by the US
EPA emission factors, while the lowest values were the result of Toxchem+
analysis. The sensitivity analysis of obtained results included the following
parameters: flow, temperature, oil content, and the concentration of benzene
and toluene in the effluent. Wide range of results indicates the need for
their official interpretation for the conditions typical for Serbia, thus
establishing adequate national emission factors for future utilization of the
?polluter pays principle? on the VOC and benzene emissions.
Dental crowding
Authors: Normando David , Almeida Marco A. O. , Quintão Cátia C. A.
Published: July 2012

Objective:

To evaluate the role of genetics and tooth wear in the etiology of dental crowding through the analysis of a split indigenous Amazon population.

Materials and Methods:

Dental crowding prevalence (n  =  117), tooth wear (n  =  117), and inbreeding coefficient (n  =  288) were compared for both villages. A biometric investigation was performed by dental cast analysis of 55 individuals with no tooth loss. Mann-Whitney statistics, independent t-tests, and Fisher exact tests were used at P < .05.

Results:

A high coefficient of inbreeding was confirmed in the resultant village (F  =  0.25, P < .001). Tooth wear was not significantly different (P  =  .99), while a significantly higher prevalence of dental crowding was confirmed in the original village (PR  =  6.67, P  =  0.02). Forty dental arches (n  =  20) were examined in the new group, and only one (2.5%) had a dental crowding ≥5 mm. In the original villages, we found 20 arches (28.6%) with dental crowding. No difference was observed for tooth size, while larger dental arch dimensions explained a lower level of dental crowding in the resultant village.

Conclusions:

Our findings downplay the widespread influence of tooth wear, a direct evidence of what an individual ate in the past, on dental crowding and emphasize the role of heredity, exacerbated through inbreeding, in the etiology of this malocclusion.
Posttreatment and physiologic occlusal changes comparison
Authors: Freitas Karina Maria S. , Janson Guilherme , Tompson Bryan , de Freitas Marcos Roberto , Simão Tassiana Mesquita , Valarelli Fabrício Pinelli , Cançado Rodrigo Hermont
Published: July 2012

Objective:

To compare posttreatment and postretention occlusal changes with the physiologic occlusal changes caused by natural development of untreated subjects.

Materials and Methods:

The sample was divided into three groups. Group 1 comprised 97 subjects treated with four premolar extractions at a mean pretreatment (T0) age of 13.03 years, a mean posttreatment (T1, first observation) age of 15.12 years, and a mean postretention (T2, second observation) age of 20.52 years. The mean observation period (T2-T1) was 5.39 years. Group 2 comprised 58 subjects treated nonextraction at a mean pretreatment age of 12.83 years, a mean posttreatment age of 14.99 years, a mean postretention age of 20.22 years, and a mean observation period of 5.22 years. Group 3 comprised 114 untreated subjects at a mean age at T1 of 14.91 years and at T2 of 20.48 years. The mean observation period was 5.56 years. Dental casts were evaluated using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index and the Little irregularity index in maxillary and mandibular arches. Changes in PAR and Little indexes were compared among the three groups by analysis of variance and Tukey tests.

Results:

Intergroup comparison showed that at T1 and T2 the treated groups presented smaller PAR and Little indexes than the untreated group. In the observation period, the treated groups showed greater increase in PAR and Little maxillary indexes than the untreated group. The extraction group showed a greater increase of the Little mandibular index than the untreated group.

Conclusions:

The treated groups showed more changes according to PAR and Little maxillary indexes than the untreated group. The posttreatment change of the mandibular anterior crowding of the treated extraction group was greater than the mandibular crowding caused by physiologic changes in the untreated group.
C1 non-integrability of a hydrogen atom in a circularly polarized microwave field
Authors: Guirao Juan , López Miguel , Vera Juan
Published: July 2012

Barrabés et al. [Physica D, 241(4), 333–349, 2012] consider the problem of the hydrogen atom interacting with a circularly polarized microwave field modeled as a planar perturbed Kepler problem. For different values of the parameter, the authors offer some numerical evidence of the non-integrability of this problem. The objective of the present work is to give an analytical proof of the C1 non-integrability of this problem for any value of the parameter using the averaging theory as a main tool.
Experimental and numerical investigation of pressure drop coefficient and static pressure difference in a tangential inlet cyclone separator
Authors: Kaya Fuat , Karagoz Irfan
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was to investigate the pressure drop coefficient and the static pressure difference related to the natural vortex length and to evaluate the results for gas-particle applications. CFD simulations were carried out using a numerical technique which had been verified previously. Results obtained from the numerical simulations were compared with the experimental data. Analysis of the results showed that the pressure drop coefficient decreases with the increasing inlet velocity, becoming almost constant above a certain value of the inlet velocity. The reason is that the effect of viscous forces decreases at high Reynolds numbers. The pressure drop coefficient also decreases with the increasing exit pipe diameter and decreasing exit pipe length.
Domino synthesis of novel series of 4-substituted 5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazolidin-3-one derivatives
Authors: Ghorbani-Choghamarani Arash , Sardari Sara
Published: July 2012

The efficient synthesis of 4-substituted 5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazolidin-3-one derivatives (4-substituted thiourazoles) via domino combination of thiophosgene, aliphatic or aromatic amines, and ethyl carbazate is presented.
Environmental Education Development in Malta: A Contextual Study of the Events That Have Shaped the Development of Environmental Education in Malta
Authors: Mifsud Mark
Published: July 2012

Environmental Education Development in Malta: A Contextual Study of the Events That Have Shaped the Development of Environmental Education in Malta

This paper discusses the historic development of environmental education in Malta and identifies environmental non-governmental organisations as the main promoters of environmental education in Malta. Environmental awareness started to increase as a response to major environmental issues on the island, but was a long affair, hindered in its development by a number of factors, including the governments' non-committal policy, the colonial mentality and the highly competitive educational system. European Union accession had a positive impact on the development mainly due to the imposed requirements. Subsequent governments have realised the importance of environmental education as an effective solution to ensure environmental sustainability. Nonetheless, as environmental education goals take a long time to be achieved, the lack of short-term achievements may be somewhat hindering its development. A context-based environmental education development model was designed to illustrate the complex relations identified in the study. The study suggests a commitment towards locally produced materials, genuine environmental non-governmental organisations and funding up of a co-ordinating centre for the promotion of environmental education at all academic levels.
Colonization of wheat grain by Fusaria in two crop management systems varying in intensity of production technology
Authors: Czaban J. , Wróblewska B. , Sułek A. , Podolska G.
Published: July 2012

Colonization of wheat grain by Fusaria in two crop management systems varying in intensity of production technology

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of two cropping systems (intensive and integrated) on infection level of winter and spring wheat kernels by Fusarium species. Field experiments were conducted with winter wheat ‘Tonacja’ and spring wheat ‘Bombona’ during two consecutive growing seasons (2007/2008 and 2008/2009 - winter wheat, and 2008 and 2009 - spring wheat). A rainfall level in 2009 from the last decade of May to the first decade of July was 2.5-times higher than that in 2008. After the harvest, kernels were surface disinfected with 1.5% NaOCl solution for 2 min and then analysed for the infection level by different species of Fusarium. Fusaria were isolated on CZID medium and identified on the basis of macro - and micro-morphology on three media (PDA, SNA and a medium containing tannin). Our results demonstrate that the wheat grain infection by Fusarium depended mainly on a rainfall level. The intensive cropping system was more conducive to the grain infection by fusaria in comparison to the integrated one. The most frequent species were F. avenaceum in 2008, and F. graminearum, F. avenaceum and F. poae in 2009.
The influence of Fusarium ear infection on the maize yield and mycotoxin content (Transylvania-Romania)
Authors: Nagy E. , Haş V. , Haş I. , Suciu A. , Florian V.
Published: July 2012

The influence of Fusarium ear infection on the maize yield and mycotoxin content (Transylvania-Romania)

Maize is the host for a large number of pathogens, which invade all of its organs from the germination until being harvest, ear and grain infection often persistent even during storage. Diseases, through their symptoms reduce significantly the quantity and the quality of yield, estimated between 7-17% but, in the favorable years for this disease, they can be much greater. Fusarium diseases reduce yield value and quality by massive accumulation of Fusarium mycelium biomass (about 85%) on grain and ears and by mycotoxin contamination such as deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEA) and fumonisins (FUM). In this paper are presented aspects regarding the reaction of some maize hybrids under Fusarium spp. natural and artificial infections; the effect of Fusarium ear infection on yield, grain chemical composition, and mycotoxin content; the correlation between ear rot disease degree and yield ability, starch, protein and fat content. ANOVA evidenced the significant influence of experimental factors: infection conditions with Fusarium spp., maize genotypes, and their interaction on expression of the disease degree, yield capacity, protein, starch, fat and DON content. Average yield losses ranged between 7,0-9,3% during the experimental period. The hybrids Turda Star and Turda Favorit were more resistant to Fusarium ear rot, and Turda 165 was the most susceptible one. The artificial infection of ear with Fusarium spp. determined significantly decrease of starch and fat content and increases the protein and DON content for the most part of maize hybrids. Between rot diseased kernels and DON content a positive correlation was determined.
Fusarium mycotoxins and human health
Authors: Shephard Gordon
Published: July 2012

Fusariummycotoxins and human health

Species within the genusFusariumproduce a diverse range of mycotoxins, many of which have significant impacts on human health. Of the five generally recognised major mycotoxins, three (fumonisins, deoxynivalenol (DON) and zearalenone (ZON)) are produced by Fusaria. Apart from DON, other trichothecenes such as T-2 toxin, have received considerable international attention due to their impact on human health. The fumonisins, which occur ubiquitously in maize and its products, have been linked to oesophageal cancer, liver cancer and neural tube defects. DON, a frequent contaminant of maize, wheat and their products, although showing no carcinogenic potential, is immunomodulatory and produces emesis and growth retardation in animals. ZON is a naturally occurring endocrine disrupting chemical. Acute exposure to these mycotoxins has in each case been linked to outbreaks of human disease - gastro-intestinal effects in the case of fumonisins and DON, and precocious pubertal changes in the case of ZON. Concern over their toxicological effects has led to risk assessments by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), which has set maximum tolerable daily intakes (TDI) of 2 μg/ kg body weight (bw) for fumonisins and 0.5 μg/kg bw for ZON. The initial TDI set for DON, namely 1 μg/kg bw has recently been updated by JECFA to include both 3 - and 15-acetylDON. Apart from the above mycotoxins, a number of other secondary metabolites (moniliformin, beauvericin and fusaproliferin) are produced by different Fusaria and their effects on human health, either alone or in combination with other mycotoxins, is largely unexplored.
Key Factors Contributing to Quality of Life for Breast Cancer Patients in Latvia: Supplementing Quantitative Surveys with Qualitative Interviews
Authors: Dzērvīte Agnese , Pranka Maruta , Lace Tana , Rungule Ritma , Miklasevics Edvins , Gardovskis Janis
Published: July 2012

Introduction.Health related quality of life is a much debated topic in medicine with much quantitative and qualitative research contributing to the understanding of how to improve the lives of patients, yet little has been published in relation to the quality of life of Latvian breast cancer patients.

Aim of the Study.To gather base measurements of subjective and objective quality of life factors for breast cancer patients in Latvia and discover which key factors contribute most to quality of life of Latvian breast cancer patients at the start of treatment.

Materials and Methods.This paper presents data collected from April 2010 to June 2011 at the Pauls Stradins Clinical University hospital on key factors influencing quality of life for breast cancer patients: health and physical well-being; state of surroundings and environment; social support and functionality; financial state, employment and leisure. Quantitative survey material has been supplemented with insight from qualitative in-depth interviews to better explain the objective and subjective implications for breast cancer patients’ quality of life.

Results.Interviewed breast cancer patients rated their quality of life as being average or good at the beginning of treatment. Negative factors contributing to lowered quality of life were mainly linked to patient financial, social and emotional state at the first weeks of treatment and correspond to previous research done in Latvia on quality of life issues.

Conclusions.Further follow-up surveys will contribute to the evaluation of breast cancer patients’ needs while undergoing treatment to further improve treatment strategies, especially if validated quality of life measurement surveys were to be implemented in Latvian hospitals.
Breast – conserving Surgery in Early – Stage Triple – Negative Breast Cancer: Is There a Higher Risk of Locoregional Recurrence?
Authors: Maksimenko Jelena , Irmejs Arvids , Trofimovics Genadijs , Miklasevics Edvins
Published: July 2012

Introduction.Triple- negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease with poor prognosis and high risk of locoregional recurrence (LRR).

Aim of the Study.Is to examine the impact of type of surgery on locoregional recurrence in women with early- stage invasive triplenegative breast cancer (TNBC).

Materials and Methods.A total of 68 women with stage I- II (T1N0M0, T2N0M0, T1N1M0, or T2N1M0) invasive, unifocal TNBC with hitologically tumor- free surgical margins were included. Patients were stratified into two groups according to surgical treatment, breast- conserving therapy (BCT) in 36 of 68 patients versus mastectomy in 32 of 68 patients. The two common founder mutations in BRCA1 (4153delA and 5382insC) in Latvia were tested using a multiplex- specific polymerase chain reaction(PCR) assay. Clinicopathological data and survival outcomes were analyzed.

Results.There were no statistically significant differences in relation to age, stage, tumor size, histological type, tumor grade and nodal status between two groups. 24 patients (77.4%) in the mastectomy group and 27(75%) patients in the BCT group received chemotherapy, these difference was not statistically significant. 10(32.2%) of 32 patients in the mastectomy group and 34(94%) of 36 patients in the BCT group received postoperative radiation (P< 0.0001). There was no statistically significant difference noted in rates of distant metastases (5 cases (16.1%) in the mastectomy group versus 4 cases (11.1%) in the BCT group; P < 0.725)). A higher proportion of patients in the BCT group experienced locoregional recurrence compared with patients in the mastectomy group (3 cases (8.3%) versus 0 case (0%), respectively), but this did not reach statistical significance (P< 0.241). It was found that the tumor histology, grade, age at presentation and BRCA1 mutation status were not significant predictors of local recurrence. There was no significant difference in 5- year breast cancer- related survival between two groups (P>0.05).

Conclusions.Patients after BCT have a higher locoregional recurrence rates compared to mastectomy, but this did not reach statistical significance. According to our study data BCT is not a contraindication in the TNBC.
Diagnosis and Management of Posttraumatic Pancreatits in Children
Authors: Zarembo Edgars , Engelis Arnis , Zviedre Astra , Petersons Aigars
Published: July 2012

Traumas take a significant place in the etiology of children’s acute pancreatitis. Diagnostics and treatment of posttraumatic pancreatitis (PTRP) are complex. Delayed diagnosis of pancreatitis is connected with heightened morbidity and mortality. There is a remarkable difference in the tactic of treatment between adults and children because of the anatomical physiological reasons. Special attention has to be paid to children under the age of two years. The article summarizes the literature review and the experts’ conclusions from various European countries. Children who have PTRP should be concentrated in the specialized centres. It is necessary to have international cooperation of multicenters to improve the diagnostics and treatment of children PTRP.
Superficial Temporal Artery – Middle Cerebral Artery Bypass in Moyamoya Disease Treatment
Authors: Repnikovs Aleksejs , Auslands Kaspars , Vedenskijs Sergejs , Ozols Rolfs
Published: July 2012

Moyamoya disease is the chronic cerebrovascular disease, which is characterized by progressive occlusion of the intracranial part of internal carotid arteries and their proximal branches. Revascularization surgery of the ischemic hemisphere is a frequently recommended kind of treatment Moyamoya disease patients and it allows to prevent against stroke and to improve blood perfusion of the brain. We present the one case with treatment of this disease using superficial temporal artery (STA) - middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass.
Liver Damage after Breast Plastic Surgery - Clinical Case Report
Authors: Tolmane Ieva , Rozentāle Baiba , Keišs Jāzeps , Putniņš Viesturs
Published: July 2012

Liver Damage after Breast Plastic Surgery - Clinical Case Report

Since silicone implants were introduced in the early 1960s, those have been widely used for cosmetic and reconstructive breast surgery. Although a recent review has shown no relationship between the silicone breast implant and systemic complications, leakage of the silicone into the tissues and migration to the regional lymph nodes remains a clinical problem. This was the first case in our practice when possibly breast implant material was found in the liver tissue.
Both Knee Re-revision Operations with Different Types of Endoprosthesis after Septic Complications
Authors: Zebolds Silvestris , Goncars Valdis , Zommers Ints , Kalnberzs Konstantins
Published: July 2012

Both Knee Re-revision Operations with Different Types of Endoprosthesis after Septic Complications

We report about the patient who underwent seven replacement operations in both knees during twelve years period. Different types of implants were used due to clinical situation and septic complications.
Torsion of the Diverticulum of the Appendix
Authors: Engelis Arnis , Zviedre Astra , Pilmane Mara , Petersons Aigars
Published: July 2012

Torsion of the Diverticulum of the Appendix

We report a case of a 1-year-old girl, operated on due to the symptoms of acute appendicitis. Torsion, necrosis and perforation of the large diverticulum of theappendix vermiformis, causing peritonitis were found during the operation. The complete luminary connection between appendix and the diverticulum was proved. Although appendix vermiformis itself was not the reason for the peritonitis, it was removed together with the diverticulum. The child's recovery after the operation was stable. The morphology revealed that the diverticulum ofappendix vermiformisgenerally possessed features typical of a large intestine columnar epithelium, while its other layers, including a muscular layer and an irregularly expanded sub-mucosal layer, remained similar to the wall of the appendix. We suggest that the torsion of the true congenital diverticulum of the vermiform appendix mimicked acute appendicitis and caused peritonitis in the above-mentioned girl.
Effect of Peak-Aged Heat Treatment on Corrosion Behavior of the AA6063 Alloy Containing Al3Ti
Authors: Cevik E. , Sun Y. , Ahlatci H.
Published: July 2012

Effect of Peak-Aged Heat Treatment on Corrosion Behavior of the AA6063 Alloy Containing Al3Ti

The purpose of this study is to analyse the microstructure and corrosion properties of homogenised and aged AA 6063 aluminium alloys, containing up to 2% Ti, after the conventional casting technique. The microstructure of the homogenised and aged alloys was examined using an optic microscope, and scanning electron microscope. The micro-hardness test was used for the hardness measurements of the investigated alloys. Corrosion tests were performed by suspending samples of certain sizes into 30 gr/l NaCl + 10 ml/l HCl solutions, measuring the mass loss; potentiodynamic polarisation measurements were carried out in the same solution. The microstructure characterization of the investigated alloys shows the Al (matrix), non-shaped dark globular grey-coloured phase and rod-shaped phases formed at the grain boundaries. The non-shaped dark grey-coloured phase is Mg2Si. The rod-shaped phase, formed in the microstructure of the Ti-added AA 6063 alloys, is Al3Ti. The Ti content of the alloy increases, the Al3Ti phase tends to elongate and become plated. The results of the corrosion tests proved that the corrosion rate decreased in alloys containing less than 1% Ti, and the rate of corrosion increased in alloys containing more than 1% Ti, regardless of whether the alloys were homogenised and aged. Another observation was that aging heat treatment improved corrosion resistance.
Electrocatalytically Active Ni - Re Binary Alloys Electrodeposited with Superimposed Magnetic Field
Authors: Żabiński P. , Franczak A. , Kowalik R.
Published: July 2012

Electrocatalytically Active Ni - Re Binary Alloys Electrodeposited with Superimposed Magnetic Field

The aim of this work was to obtain Ni-Re binary alloy by a simple method of electrodeposition. Nickel - rhenium alloys have been deposited from nickel sulfamate and ammonium perrhenate electrolyte with citrate-anion additives. The effect of magnetic field superimposed during electrodeposition was studied. The impacts of that parameter on hydrogen evolution process for obtained Ni-Re alloys were examined. The deposited layers were determined by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF).
Depth-Profiles of Corrosion Properties of Carbonitrided AISI 405 Steel
Authors: Jagielska-Wiaderek K.
Published: July 2012

Depth-Profiles of Corrosion Properties of Carbonitrided AISI 405 Steel

Electrochemical polarisation characteristics of AISI 405 type stainless steel, carbonitrided in fluid flow, are presented. The evaluation of the corrosion resistance of carbonitrided stainless steel was carried out by using the so called progressive thinning method, consisting in determination of polarisation characteristics on increasingly-deeper situated regions of the top layer. This method made it possible to determine changes in particular corrosion parameters read out from potentiokinetic polarisation curves, thus enabling the depth profiles of these parameters. The resistance of the AISI 405 steel against acid corrosion was determined in acidified 0.5M sulphate solutions having three different pH values, namely 1, 2 and 4. The thickness of the carbonitrided layer has been evaluated on the basis of the spectrophotometric analysis of carbon content and microhardness on the cross section of the surfacial layer.