bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Produção de diferentes variedades de mandioca em sistema agroecológico
Authors: Silva Alineaurea F. , Santana Luiz M. de , França Carla R. R. S. , Magalhães Clésio A. de S. , Araújo Cândido R. de , Azevedo Sérgio G. de
Published: January 2009

Neste trabalho, conduzido na comunidade de Morro Alto, município de Acauã, PI, localizada na Serra da Parreira, situada a 620 m de altitude, objetivou-se avaliar o crescimento e a produção da mandioca em cultivo consorciado com guandu, sorgo, caupi, algodão e girassol, em sistema agroecológico de produção. A altura, retenção foliar e sobrevivência das plantas de mandioca, não apresentaram diferenças significativas, considerando-se os tipos de consórcio. Observou-se diferença apenas entre variedades na sobrevivência das plantas, sendo que a variedade Do Céu (BGM 537) apresentou a maior porcentagem de sobrevivência. As espécies consorciadas mantiveram diferentes teores de umidade do solo destacando-se o guandu como a cultura onde se encontrou maior teor de umidade do solo. Por outro lado, a produção por hectare variou de 13 a 26 t, dependendo da variedade utilizada. Esta produtividade, considerada acima da média da região (12 t ha-1), mostra que o cultivo consorciado, principalmente com leguminosas como o feijão caupi e guandu, pode melhorar não só o rendimento da cultura mas também as características do solo, em áreas dependentes de chuva.
Qualidade física dos solos irrigados de algumas regiões do Brasil Central
Authors: Michelon Cleudson J. , Carlesso Reimar , Petry Mirta T. , Melo Giane L. , Spohr Renato B. , Andrade Juliano G. de
Published: January 2009

A intensa utilização do solo com mecanização pesada e, principalmente, em condições inadequadas de umidade do solo causa, muitas vezes, a degradação de sua estrutura, resultando no aumento da sua compactação. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar a qualidade física dos solos irrigados de algumas regiões do Brasil. O estudo foi realizado em áreas irrigadas sob pivô central, nos Estados de Goiás, GO, Minas Gerais, MG, e São Paulo, SP. Os perfis dos solos foram divididos em três camadas: superficial, intermediária e inferior e se realizaram as seguintes determinações: textura do solo, densidade do solo e de partículas e porosidade. Os solos foram agrupados em faixas de teor de argila sendo que, para cada faixa de teor de argila se estabeleceu um valor crítico de densidade do solo e de macroporosidade, acima do qual (densidade do solo) e abaixo do qual (macroporosidade), as amostras de solo foram caracterizadas com indicação de compactação. Do total de áreas amostradas na camada superficial, 14,2% das áreas do Estado de GO, 9,5% das áreas de MG e 34% das áreas de SP, apresentaram indicação de compactação do solo em função da densidade do solo e macroporosidade.
Mapa digital de solos: uma proposta metodológica usando inferência fuzzy
Authors: Nolasco-Carvalho Claudia C. , Franca-Rocha Washington , Ucha José M.
Published: January 2009

Elaborou-se um mapa digital de solos de uma área na região de Mucugê, BA, com o objetivo de avaliar o uso de geotecnologias na cartografia de solos. A metodologia desenvolvida a partir do modelo de inferência para solos - SoLIM , requer o conhecimento prévio da área por um especialista em mapeamento e está alicerçada na equação dos fatores de formação do solo e no modelo de distribuição dos solos na paisagem. Os dados, advindos do Modelo Digital do Terreno - MDT, da vegetação e da geologia, foram associados ao conhecimento do pedólogo e integrados em ambiente SIG (Sistema de Informações Geográficas) sob inferência fuzzy. A modelagem por lógica fuzzy permitiu apontar as incertezas e transições da cobertura pedológica e gerou um mapa digital de solo que, quando comparado com o mapa convencional da área, mostrou menor generalização no domínio de espaços e parâmetros, ou seja, um refinamento da escala, porém a aplicabilidade da metodologia depende da validação de campo e da repetição em outras áreas.
Fluxo difusivo de potássio em solos sob diferentes níveis de umidade e de compactação
Authors: Costa José P. V. da , Barros Nairam F. de , Bastos Adelmo L. , Albuquerque Abel W. de
Published: January 2009

O potássio, à semelhança do fósforo, é transportado por difusão até a zona de absorção. Oito níveis de umidade (10, 20, 40, 60, 70, 80, 90 e 100%), definidos em função da porosidade total, foram combinados com dois níveis de densidade do solo (natural e 30% deste valor) em três tipos de solo. Como unidade experimental se utilizaram anéis de PVC, que serviram como câmara de difusão, com 5 cm de altura e 10 cm de diâmetro interno. Para avaliação do fluxo difusivo do potássio no solo, lâminas de resina de troca catiônica foram colocadas horizontalmente na superfície das amostras de solo, nas câmaras de difusão. O trabalho foi conduzido em condições de laboratório com temperatura controlada a 25 ± 3 ºC durante 15 dias; após este período, as lâminas foram retiradas e lavadas com jato de água e o potássio adsorvido foi extraído com uma solução de NH4Cl 0,8 mol L-1 + HCl 0,2 mol L-1. O fluxo difusivo de potássio aumentou com os níveis de umidade e diminuiu com a compactação. Com a compactação do solo, observou-se uma relação linear entre os níveis de umidade e a difusão de potássio, mas para os solos não compactados esta relação somente foi observada para o solo mais arenoso; assim, a relação direta entre o fluxo difusivo de potássio e o conteúdo de umidade do solo não é universal, como previsto pela equação de difusão.
Otimização da prensagem de grãos de girassol e sua caracterização
Authors: Pighinelli Anna L. M. T. , Park Kil J. , Rauen Ana M. , Oliveira Rafael A. de
Published: January 2009

A prensagem mecânica contínua de oleaginosas se destaca por sua rapidez, facilidade de manuseio e baixo custo de instalação e manutenção adequando-se perfeitamente à realidade das pequenas comunidades rurais; quanto à eficiência, a extração por solvente ainda é melhor. Para melhorar o desempenho, pesquisadores observaram a influência de variáveis no rendimento em óleo, como o teor de umidade e temperatura dos grãos e aspectos construtivos da prensa. Quanto ao preparo inicial da matéria-prima, estudos mostram que existe uma faixa ótima de teor de umidade, além de valores de temperatura que possam facilitar ou prejudicar a fluidez do óleo. Avaliou-se, no presente trabalho, a influência da temperatura e do teor de umidade dos grãos de girassol no rendimento em óleo bruto obtido pela extração mecânica. Para a faixa de trabalho escolhida a umidade e a interação umidade x temperatura foram significativos afetando, de forma negativa, o rendimento para um nível de confiança de 95%. O maior rendimento em óleo bruto foi para umidade na faixa de 8 a 8,5% e temperatura entre 47,8 a 60 ºC. O óleo bruto apresentou características semelhantes as do óleo de girassol comercial obtido via extração por solvente.
Isotermas de adsorção do pedúnculo seco do caju
Authors: Alcântara Siumara R. , Almeida Francisco de A. C. , Silva Flávio L. H. da , Gomes Josivanda P.
Published: January 2009

A atividade de água constitui um fator importante no processo de fermentação semi-sólida, haja vista sua relação com a quantidade de água disponível ao microrganismo responsável pelo metabolismo do produto, sendo necessário à obtenção de isotermas de sorção para caracterização do substrato. Ante o exposto, objetivou-se a construção das isotermas de adsorção do pedúnculo seco do caju (Anacardium occidentale L.) nas temperaturas usuais de fermentação (25, 30, 35 e 40 ºC). Ajustaram-se as isotermas com os modelos de BET, GAB, Oswin, Henderson e Smith. Observou-se que o modelo de GAB apresentou melhor ajuste, de vez que, na faixa de atividade de água que maximiza a biossíntese do microrganismo, para produção de pectinases por Aspergillus niger, a umidade do substrato deve estar acima de 35% b.s.
Review of literature of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with comorbid eating disorders
Authors: Nazar Bruno Palazzo , Pinna Camilla Moreira de Sousa , Coutinho Gabriel , Segenreich Daniel , Duchesne Monica , Appolinario José Carlos , Mattos Paulo
Published: January 2009

OBJECTIVE: According to studies of prevalence, up to 70% of adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder have at least one psychiatric comorbidity, which leads to diagnostic and therapeutic difficulties as well as more severe functional impairment. There is a paucity of data on the comorbidity of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and eating disorders. The objective of this study was to review the literature regarding the attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder/eating disorders comorbidity, performing a critical analysis of relevant data. METHOD: Articles in Medline, Lilacs, SciELO, ISI and PsycINFO databases from 1980 up to 2008, were searched. The references from the articles were used as additional sources of data. RESULTS: Fourteen articles were found: five prevalence studies, four case reports, three case-control studies, one symptom-assessment study of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and eating disorders, and one article regarding possible causes of the association between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and eating disorders. These articles suggested that adult women with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder are at higher risk of developing eating disorders, especially bulimia nervosa. Bulimia Nervosa rates found in attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder groups ranged from 1% to 12%, versus 0% to 2% in control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although there seems to be a relationship between attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and eating disorders, the reduced number of studies available, with various methodologies, and small sample sizes limit the generalization of the findings.
Resolução 267: o resgate da cidadania da pessoa com epilepsia
Authors: Shimabukuro Henrique Naoki
Published: January 2009

INTRODUÇÃO: O mundo inteiro passa por expressivas transformações em todos os campos da ciência, seja tecnológica com a produção de veículos cada vez mais aprimorados e com uso de equipamentos de ponta, seja na medicina com o progresso de tratamentos em distúrbios médicos que antes se imaginava não terem muitas opções terapêuticas, como a epilepsia. Um avanço significativo na área da Epidemiologia, relativo à Direção Veicular para pessoas com epilepsia (PCE), trouxe à tona a necessidade de estudos para a imposição de parâmetros relativos à habilitação desses indivíduos. MÉTODOS: Revisão da literatura. RESULTADOS: No Brasil o Grupo de Consenso reunido em 1.999, composto pela Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Tráfego (ABRAMET), Associação Brasileira de Epilepsia (ABE) e Liga Brasileira de Epilepsia (LBE), conduziu a "Diretriz Nacional para Direção de Veículos Automotores para Pessoas com Epilepsia", que foi apresentada à Câmara Temática de Saúde do Conselho Nacional de Trânsito (CONTRAN), e que foi baseada no artigo 147 da Lei nº 9.503 de 23 de setembro de 1997, que instituiu que "para habilitar-se como motorista, o candidato deverá submeter-se ao exame de aptidão física e mental", e com a Resolução nº 80/98 do Conselho Nacional de Trânsito estabeleceu normas regulamentadoras para o procedimento do exame, não fazendo referência específica à epilepsia, mas adotando-a e incluindo-a, do ponto de vista legal, nas condições que restringiam ou contraindicam, a critério médico, a Direção Veicular. Em menos de uma década, tais condições tiveram que ser revisadas, atualizadas e modificadas diante da necessidade de uma nova visão da Lei. CONCLUSÕES: Atualmente são fundamentais, visão mais ampla de Cidadania e um Código de Trânsito mais sensível aos direitos relativos à PCE.
An enriched stable-isotope approach to determine the gill-zinc binding properties of juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during acute zinc exposures in hard and soft waters
Authors: Todd Andrew S. , Brinkman Stephen , Wolf Ruth E. , Lamothe Paul J. , Smith Kathleen S. , Ranville James F.
Published: January 2009

The objective of the present study was to employ an enriched stable-isotope approach to characterize Zn uptake in the gills of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) during acute Zn exposures in hard water (—-140 mg/L as CaCO3) and soft water (—-30 mg/L as CaCO3). Juvenile rainbow trout were acclimated to the test hardnesses and then exposed for up to 72 h in static exposures to a range of Zn concentrations in hard water (0–1,000 μg/L) and soft water (0–250 μg/L). To facilitate detection of new gill Zn from endogenous gill Zn, the exposure media was significantly enriched with 67Zn stable isotope (89.60% vs 4.1% natural abundance). Additionally, acute Zn toxicity thresholds (96-h median lethal concentration [LC50]) were determined experimentally through traditional, flow-through toxicity tests in hard water (580 μg/L) and soft water (110 μg/L). Following short-term (S3 h) exposures, significant differences in gill accumulation of Zn between hard and soft water treatments were observed at the three common concentrations (75, 150, and 250 μg/L), with soft water gills accumulating more Zn than hard water gills. Short-term gill Zn accumulation at hard and soft water LC50s (45-min median lethal accumulation) was similar (0.27 and 0.20 μg/g wet wt, respectively). Finally, comparison of experimental gill Zn accumulation, with accumulation predicted by the biotic ligand model, demonstrated that model output reflected short-term (<1 h) experimental gill Zn accumulation and predicted observed differences in accumulation between hard and soft water rainbow trout gills. Our results indicate that measurable differences exist in short-term gill Zn accumulation following acclimation and exposure in different water hardnesses and that short-term Zn accumulation appears to be predictive of Zn acute toxicity thresholds (96-h LC50s).
Oxidative transformation of tetrachlorophenols and trichlorophenols by manganese dioxide
Authors: Zhao Ling , Yu Zhiqiang , Peng Ping'an , Huang Weilin , Dong Yuanhua
Published: January 2009

This study examined the transformation kinetics of three tetrachlorophenols (TeCPs) and three trichlorophenols (TCPs) in the presence of MnO2 under different solution chemistry conditions. The reaction rate measured for each CP decreased as a function of solution pH, and under the same solution chemistry conditions, the measured rates may depend primarily on both the adsorbability at the MnO2 surfaces and the isomeric structures of the CPs. Isomeric effects indicated that chloro substituent on ortho or para positions exhibited faster rates of transformation than on meta positions. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis with a derivatization method showed that dimers including polychlorinated phenoxyphenols and chlorinated polyhydroxybi-phenyl were among the major products for all CPs. Monomeric products were among the major products of 2,4,6-TCP, 2,3,4-TCP, and 2,3,4,6-TeCP, whereas trimeric products also were among the major products of 2,3,4-TCP and 2,4,5-TCP. It appeared that hydroxylation of CPs and formation of dimeric or trimeric products via oxidative coupling were the major reaction mechanisms involved in the oxidation of CPs by MnO2.
Chronic toxicity of five structurally diverse demethylase-inhibiting fungicides to the crustacean Daphnia magna: A comparative assessment
Authors: Hassold Enken , Backhaus Thomas
Published: January 2009

Demethylase inhibitors (DMIs) are broad-spectrum fungicides that are ubiquitously used in agriculture and medicine. They comprise chemically heterogeneous substances that share a common biochemical target in fungi, the inhibition of a specific step in sterol biosynthesis. Several DMIs are suspected to disrupt endocrine-mediated processes in a range of organisms and to inhibit ecdysteroid biosynthesis in arthropods. It is unclear, however, whether and, if so, to what extent different DMI fungicides have a similar mode of action in nontarget organisms, which in turn would lead to a common chronic toxicity profile. Therefore, we selected a representative of each of the major DMI classes—-the piperazine triforine, the pyrimidine fenarimol, the pyridine pyrifenox, the imidazole prochloraz, and the triazole triadimefon—-and comparatively investigated their chronic toxicity to Daphnia magna. No toxicity was detectable up to the limit of solubility of triforine (61 μmol/L). All other DMIs reduced reproductive success by delaying molting and development and by causing severe developmental abnormalities among offspring. Prochloraz was most toxic (median effective concentration [EC50] for fecundity reduction, 0.76 μmol/L), followed by fenarimol (EC50, 1.14 μmol/L), pyrifenox (EC50, 3.15 μmol/L), and triadimefon (EC50, 5.13 μmol/L). Mean effect concentrations for fecundity reduction were related to lipophilicity and followed baseline toxicity. However, triadimefon and fenarimol (but none of the other tested DMIs) caused severe eye malformations among exposed offspring. Affected neonates did survive, but a reduced ecological fitness can be assumed. Offspring exposed to fenarimol in mater matured earlier. The investigated different life-history parameters were affected in a substance-specific manner. These qualitatively different toxicity profiles suggest additional, substance-specific mechanisms of action in D. magna that probably are related to an antiecdysteroid action.
Effects of terrestrial pollutants on insect parasitoids
Authors: Butler Casey D. , Beckage Nancy E. , Trumble John T.
Published: January 2009

Parasitoids are important organisms in the regulation of insect herbivores in natural, urban, and agricultural ecosystems. The impact of pollutants acting on parasitoids has not been extensively reviewed. This prompted us to propose a falsifiable null hypothesis (pollutants have no effects on parasitoids) and two alternative hypotheses (pollution negatively or positively affects parasitoids) to assess in the available literature the effects of pollutants acting on parasitoids. We found 26 studies examining 39 biological systems that met our criteria for inclusion. Of these studies, 18 of the 39 biological systems (46.2%) supported the null hypothesis while 18 (46.2%) supported the first alternative hypothesis in which pollutants exhibited negative effects on parasitoids. Only a small percentage of the studies (7.6%, 3 of 39) supported the second alternative hypothesis suggesting that pollutants had positive effects on parasitoids. We provide a synthesis of the available data by pollution type, summarize trends for different pollutants, and suggest future areas of research.
Spatial and temporal patterns of periphyton chlorophyll a related to pulp and paper mill discharges in four us receiving streams
Authors: Flinders Camille A , Minshall G Wayne , Hall Timothy J , Rodgers John H
Published: January 2009

Nutrients in pulp and paper mill effluent (PPME) have been implicated in increased periphyton chlorophyll a (chl a) downstream of discharges. These findings are largely based on short-term studies conducted in artificial stream channels or mesocosms and often in oligotrophic systems, and it is unclear if long-term chl a patterns in higher-nutrient systems would show similar response. We conducted a long-term study of 4 receiving waters (Codorus Creek, Pennsylvania; the Leaf River, Mississippi; and the McKenzie and Willamette rivers, Oregon) in which periphyton samples and associated data on water quality (nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations, pH, color, and conductivity) and 2 physical habitat variables (depth and current velocity) were collected over an 8-y period from multiple sites upstream and downstream of PPME discharges. Study streams represented different ecoregions, warm- and coldwater systems, gradients of in-stream effluent concentration (<1–33%), and mill process types. General Linear Models examining the main and interaction effects of site, season, and year on periphyton chl a for each of the 4 streams showed periphyton chl a downstream of the PPME discharge in Codorus Creek and the McKenzie River was greater at some, but not all upstream sites, suggesting these differences may be due to factors other than PPME. Mean periphyton chl a ranged from <1 to 285 mg/m2 across streams, with relatively consistent site patterns across seasons and years. Overall, chl a in the spring and summer was greater than in the fall in Codorus Creek and on sand substrates in the Leaf River, with overall differences across years seen on rare occasions in the Leaf and Willamette rivers. Regression models examining environmental-chl a relationships explained 45.4% and 30.2% of variation in periphyton chl a in the McKenzie River and Codorus Creek, respectively, and <10% in the Leaf and Willamette rivers. Physical variables (stream depth and current velocity) were the most important model variables in the McKenzie River, while total nitrogen and color were of greatest importance in Codorus Creek. The findings of this study demonstrate the inherent variability of chl a standing crops, highlight the complexity of lotic periphyton communities, and reiterate the importance of long-term, multiseason studies in elucidating spatial and temporal patterns.
Real-Life Contextual Manifestations of Wisdom
Authors: Yang Shih-Ying
Published: January 2009

Wisdom pertains to managing human affairs, and it arises in highly contextualized situations. The present study aims to investigate manifestations of wisdom in real-life contexts through semi-structured interviews with 66 individuals nominated as wise persons. All nominees were ethnic Chinese from Taiwan, an East Asian country which has Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism as its predominant philosophies. Analysis of these interview transcripts yielded 220 wisdom incidents that fall into five categories of wisdom. Results of the present study suggests that in real life, wisdom most likely is manifested through: 1) striving for common good by helping others and contributing to society; 2) achieving and maintaining a satisfactory state of life; 3) deciding and developing life paths; 4) resolving difficult problems at work; and 5) insisting on doing the right thing when facing adversity.
Custodial Grandmothers' Psychological Distress, Dysfunctional Parenting, and Grandchildren's Adjustment
Authors: Smith Gregory C. , Palmieri Patrick A. , Hancock Gregory R. , Richardson Rhonda A.
Published: January 2009

An adaptation of the Family Stress Model (FSM) with hypothesized linkages between family contextual factors, custodial grandmothers' psychological distress, parenting practices, and grandchildren's adjustment was tested with structural equation modeling. Interview data from 733 custodial grandmothers of grandchildren between ages 4–17 revealed that the effect of grandmothers' distress on grandchildren's adjustment was mediated by dysfunctional parenting, especially regarding externalizing problems. The effects of contextual factors on grandchildren's adjustment were also indirect. The model's measurement and structural components were largely invariant across grandmothers' race and age, as well as grandchildren's gender and age. Group differences were more prevalent regarding the magnitude of latent means for model constructs. We conclude that parenting models like the FSM are useful for investigating custodial grandfamilies.
Vanadium pentoxide application for the synthesis of NaVO3 in the presence of oxygen
Authors: Białowicz Katarzyna , Trypuć Mieczysław , Mazurek Krzysztof , Kiełkowska Urszula
Published: January 2009

Vanadium pentoxide application for the synthesis of NaVO3 in the presence of oxygen

Investigation was carried out on the optimal conditions of the synthesis of NaVO3 and Cl2 from NaCl and V2O5 in the presence of the atmospheric oxygen. The influence of the excess of NaCl relative to V2O5 was investigated. Also the effect of the quartz sand introduced into the reaction mixture on the yield of the NaVO3 synthesis was determined. The obtained product of synthesis was isolated from the post-reaction mixture.
Plotting of the solubility isotherm for the NH4NO3 + NaVO3 + H2O system
Authors: Trypuć Mieczysław , Drużyński Sebastian , Mazurek Krzysztof
Published: January 2009

Plotting of the solubility isotherm for the NH4NO3 + NaVO3 + H2O system

The equilibrium research was performed for the NH4NO3 + NaVO3 + NH4VO3 + NaNO3 + H2O system at 293 and 303 K. The location of the P1 and P2 triple points was determined on the equilibrium plots with the planar projection according to Jänecke method. The maximum yield of the conversion of ammonium nitrate(V) to ammonium vanadate(V) was calculated at P1 points. The results constitute the basis to design further equilibrium experiments aimed to precisely determine the lines separating the areas of the co-crystallization of salts in the investigated system on the equilibrium plots in the oblique projection on a plane according to Jänecke method.
Evaluation of waters environment hazard by pulp-mill liquors
Authors: Lewkiewicz-Małysa Aleksandra , Konopka Elżbieta
Published: January 2009

Evaluation of waters environment hazard by pulp-mill liquors

Pulp-mill waste is very noxious for the primary wood production. The problems of its manageability are correlated with its volume and a considerable degree of pollutions, mainly the organic ones, coming from wood processing. The other main components of waste material are aggressive reagents liberating the cellulose fibers, during washing, classification and the benediction processes. The results of environmental studies covering the superficial water of the pulp-mill impact were presented. The production process factors were assessed owing to the waste concentration and distribution in the water race.
Principles of municipal waste management in Poland and selected regions of Europe
Authors: Kulczycka Joanna , Kowalski Zygmunt
Published: January 2009

Principles of municipal waste management in Poland and selected regions of Europe

High level of production and consumption in member-countries of the European Union is connected with generating a considerable amount of waste. In individual EU member-countries various methods aiming at decreasing the amount of generated waste are implemented. The current situation in Poland, and the best practical solutions introduced in some European regions have been presented in the paper. These solutions were put in place, mainly to fulfill the EU or country's regulations. The priority of municipal waste management measures is to prevent and minimize its generation. Decisions on preventing waste generation should be made as early as at the stage of product designing and manufacturing. The basic principle of proper municipal waste management is to create a system of regional solutions, which includes all the elements of waste management and relates them to the local conditions.
Assesment of the usability of Mg(OH)2 obtained from the solution after sphalerite leaching for the winning of polyetylene composition
Authors: Pielichowska Kinga , Żelazny Sylwester
Published: January 2009

Assesment of the usability of Mg(OH)2 obtained from the solution after sphalerite leaching for the winning of polyetylene composition

In this work obtaining of magnesium hydroxide from the solutions obtained during magnesium removal from zinc concentrates is presented. The received product was used for the winning of composites from polyethylene (PE) using extrusion and injection methods. The obtained composites were tested in terms of thermal stability (TG, DTG) as well as combustibility (LOI and thermovision camera). The preliminary results indicate the beneficial effect of the decrease of PE quality by magnesium hydroxide obtained by means of solution purification and precipitation of Mg(OH)2 by means of soda lye.
Investigations of hydrogen bonding in the poly(urethane-urea)-based membrane materials by using FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Wolińska-Grabczyk Aleksandra , Kaczmarczyk Bożena , Jankowski Andrzej
Published: January 2009

Investigations of hydrogen bonding in the poly(urethane-urea)-based membrane materials by using FTIR spectroscopy

FTIR analysis was used to study the hydrogen bonding in 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane-based segmented poly(urethane-urea)s varying in the length of the poly(tetramethylene oxide) (PTMO)-based soft segments. Experiments were designed to follow the IR absorption of both the NH and carbonyl regions as a function of temperature in order to directly investigate the extent and strength of the hydrogen bonds, and thereby to gain some information about the possible alteration of the initial phase-segregated morphology as a result of the applied thermal treatment.
Extrudate versus Powder Silica Alumina as Support for Re2O7 Catalyst in the Metathesis of Seed Oil-Derivatives – A Comparison
Authors: Marvey Bassie  B.
Published: January 2009

Self- and cross-metathesis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) was investigated using a silica alumina supported Re2O7 catalyst. Although a 3 wt% Re2O7/SiO2-Al2O3/SnBu4 is already active for the metathesis of unsaturated FAMEs, the results have shown that particle size of silica alumina support has a profound influence on its activity and selectivity. Consequently, high substrate conversions coupled with improved product yields (for mono- and diesters) and reaction rates were obtained upon using powder, as opposed to extrudate silica alumina as the support material. Diesters are platform compounds for the synthesis of polymers and fragrances. In this paper a comparative outline of the influence of particle size of silica alumina (extrudate versus powder) on catalytic performance of a 3 wt% Re2O7/SiO2-Al2O3/SnBu4 for self- and cross-metathesis of FAMEs is made. Low surface area and diffusion constraints associated with extrudates were identified as some of the factors leading to low catalytic activity and selectivity.
Screening of Agelasine D and Analogs for Inhibitory Activity against Pathogenic Protozoa; Identification of Hits for Visceral Leishmaniasis and Chagas Disease
Authors: Vik Anders , Proszenyák Ágnes , Vermeersch Marieke , Cos Paul , Maes Louis , Gundersen Lise-Lotte
Published: January 2009

There is an urgent need for novel and improved drugs against several tropical diseases caused by protozoa. The marine sponge (Agelas sp.) metabolite agelasine D, as well as other agelasine analogs and related structures were screened for inhibitory activity against Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania infantum, Trypanosoma brucei and T. cruzi, as well as for toxicity against MRC-5 fibroblast cells. Many compounds displayed high general toxicity towards both the protozoa and MRC-5 cells. However, two compounds exhibited more selective inhibitory activity against L. infantum (IC50
Effects of Orbit and Pointing Geometry of a Spaceborne Formation for Monostatic-Bistatic Radargrammetry on Terrain Elevation Measurement Accuracy
Authors: Renga Alfredo , Moccia Antonio
Published: January 2009

During the last decade a methodology for the reconstruction of surface relief by Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) measurements – SAR interferometry – has become a standard. Different techniques developed before, such as stereo-radargrammetry, have been experienced from space only in very limiting geometries and time series, and, hence, branded as less accurate. However, novel formation flying configurations achievable by modern spacecraft allow fulfillment of SAR missions able to produce pairs of monostatic-bistatic images gathered simultaneously, with programmed looking angles. Hence it is possible to achieve large antenna separations, adequate for exploiting to the utmost the stereoscopic effect, and to make negligible time decorrelation, a strong liming factor for repeat-pass stereo-radargrammetric techniques. This paper reports on design of a monostatic-bistatic mission, in terms of orbit and pointing geometry, and taking into account present generation SAR and technology for accurate relative navigation. Performances of different methods for monostatic-bistatic stereo-radargrammetry are then evaluated, showing the possibility to determine the local surface relief with a metric accuracy over a wide range of Earth latitudes.
Multi-Channel Morphological Profiles for Classification of Hyperspectral Images Using Support Vector Machines
Authors: Plaza Javier , Plaza Antonio  J. , Barra Cristina
Published: January 2009

Hyperspectral imaging is a new remote sensing technique that generates hundreds of images, corresponding to different wavelength channels, for the same area on the surface of the Earth. Supervised classification of hyperspectral image data sets is a challenging problem due to the limited availability of training samples (which are very difficult and costly to obtain in practice) and the extremely high dimensionality of the data. In this paper, we explore the use of multi-channel morphological profiles for feature extraction prior to classification of remotely sensed hyperspectral data sets using support vector machines (SVMs). In order to introduce multi-channel morphological transformations, which rely on ordering of pixel vectors in multidimensional space, several vector ordering strategies are investigated. A reduced implementation which builds the multi-channel morphological profile based on the first components resulting from a dimensional reduction transformation applied to the input data is also proposed. Our experimental results, conducted using three representative hyperspectral data sets collected by NASA’s Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) sensor and the German Digital Airborne Imaging Spectrometer (DAIS 7915), reveal that multi-channel morphological profiles can improve single-channel morphological profiles in the task of extracting relevant features for classification of hyperspectral data using small training sets.
Simulation of Greenhouse Climate Monitoring and Control with Wireless Sensor Network and Event-Based Control
Authors: Pawlowski Andrzej , Guzman Jose Luis , Rodríguez Francisco , Berenguel Manuel , Sánchez José , Dormido Sebastián
Published: January 2009

Monitoring and control of the greenhouse environment play a decisive role in greenhouse production processes. Assurance of optimal climate conditions has a direct influence on crop growth performance, but it usually increases the required equipment cost. Traditionally, greenhouse installations have required a great effort to connect and distribute all the sensors and data acquisition systems. These installations need many data and power wires to be distributed along the greenhouses, making the system complex and expensive. For this reason, and others such as unavailability of distributed actuators, only individual sensors are usually located in a fixed point that is selected as representative of the overall greenhouse dynamics. On the other hand, the actuation system in greenhouses is usually composed by mechanical devices controlled by relays, being desirable to reduce the number of commutations of the control signals from security and economical point of views. Therefore, and in order to face these drawbacks, this paper describes how the greenhouse climate control can be represented as an event-based system in combination with wireless sensor networks, where low-frequency dynamics variables have to be controlled and control actions are mainly calculated against events produced by external disturbances. The proposed control system allows saving costs related with wear minimization and prolonging the actuator life, but keeping promising performance results. Analysis and conclusions are given by means of simulation results.
HyBloc: Localization in Sensor Networks with Adverse Anchor Placement
Authors: Cheng King-Yip , Lui King-Shan , Tam Vincent
Published: January 2009

To determine the geographical positions of sensors, numerous localization algorithms have been proposed in recent years. The positions of sensors are inferred from the connectivity between sensors and a set of nodes called anchors which know their precise locations. We investigate the effect of adverse placement and density of anchors on the accuracies of different algorithms. We develop an algorithm called HyBrid Localization (HyBloc) to provide reliable localization service with a limited number of clustered anchors. HyBloc is distributed in nature with reasonable message overhead. Through simulations, we demonstrate that HyBloc provides more accurate location estimates than some existing distributed algorithms when there are only a few anchors. HyBloc also performs well when anchors are clustered together.
A Localized Coverage Preserving Protocol for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Liu Yuheng , Pu Juhua , Zhang Shuo , Liu Yunlu , Xiong Zhang
Published: January 2009

In a randomly deployed and large scale wireless sensor network, coverage-redundant nodes consume much unnecessary energy. As a result, turning off these redundant nodes can prolong the network lifetime, while maintaining the degree of sensing coverage with a limited number of on-duty nodes. None of the off-duty eligibility rules in the literature, however, are sufficient and necessary conditions for eligible nodes. Hence redundancy or blind points might be incurred. In this paper we propose a complete Eligibility Rule based on Perimeter Coverage (ERPC) for a node to determine its eligibility for sleeping. ERPC has a computational complexity of O(N2log(N)), lower than the eligibility rule in the Coverage Control Protocol (CCP), O(N3), where N is the number of neighboring nodes. We then present a Coverage Preserving Protocol (CPP) to schedule the work state of eligible nodes. The main advantage of CPP over the Ottawa protocol lies in its ability to configure the network to any specific coverage degree, while the Ottawa protocol does not support different coverage configuration. Moreover, as a localized protocol, CPP has better adaptability to dynamic topologies than centralized protocols. Simulation results indicate that CPP can preserve network coverage with fewer active nodes than the Ottawa protocol. In addition, CPP is capable of identifying all the eligible nodes exactly while the CCP protocol might result in blind points due to error decisions. Quantitative analysis and experiments demonstrate that CPP can extend the network lifetime significantly while maintaining a given coverage degree.
An Effective Mobile Sensor Control Method for Sparse Sensor Networks
Authors: Treeprapin Kriengsak , Kanzaki Akimitsu , Hara Takahiro , Nishio Shojiro
Published: January 2009

In this paper, we propose an effective mobile sensor control method, named DATFM (Data Acquisition and Transmission with Fixed and Mobile node) for sparse sensor networks. DATFM uses two types of sensor nodes, fixed node and mobile node. The data acquired by nodes are accumulated on a fixed node before being transferred to the sink node. In addition, DATFM transfers the accumulated data efficiently by constructing a communication route of multiple mobile nodes between fixed nodes. We also conduct simulation experiments to evaluate the performance of DATFM.
Nuclear-medical irradiation during pregnancy
Authors: Nekolla E.A. , Noßke D. , Griebel J. , Brix G. , Minkov V.
Published: January 2009

Aim: To estimate and evaluate the risks for the offspring due to the administration of radiopharmaceuticals to women during the first pregnancy weeks after conception (weeks p.c.). Methods: The in-utero exposition of the embryo due to diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures, for which diagnostic reference levels (DRL) are specified, as well as due to radio iodine therapy (RIT) was determined. To this end, it is assumed that the activity of the diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals administered to the mother corresponds with the DRL and amounts to 600 MBq or 4 GBq 131I for RIT of benign or malignant thyroid disease, respectively. Based on these data, the radiation risk for the offspring was assessed and compared with the spontaneous risks (R0). Results: The dose for the offspring does not exceed 7.8 mSv for the diagnostic procedures considered, resulting in an excess risk for the offspring of less than 0.12% (R0 ~ 25%) to die from cancer during life, of less than 0.07% (R0 ~ 0.2%) to develop cancer up to the age of 15 years, and of less than 0.16% (R0 ~ 2%) for hereditary effects. RIT during the first 8 weeks p.c. results in doses for the offspring of about 100–460 mSv, resulting in an excess risk for malformations of the child of 3.4%–22% (R0 ~6%). Conclusions: The risk of stochastic radiation effects for the offspring due to a diagnostic nuclear medicine procedure of the mother during the first 8 weeks p.c. is – compared with the spontaneous risks – very small; deterministic effects are unlikely. In contrast, deterministic effects for the offspring may occur following RIT. In order to decide on a possibly indicated abortion after RIT, an individual risk assessment is mandatory.
Radiation safety considerations for the bone seeking radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Hoekstra A. , de Klerk J. M. H. , van Rijk P. P. , Zonnenberg B. A. , Lam M. G. E. H.
Published: January 2009

The radiation exposure to bystanders from 89SrCl2, 186Re-HEDP and 153Sm-EDTMP, is generally thought to be caused by “bremsstrahlung” and gamma-radiation, with negligible contribution from beta-radiation. The latter assumption may be erroneous. The aim of this prospective study was the investigation of radiation safety after treatment with these radiopharmaceuticals. The radiation field around treated patients was characterized and the magnitude estimated. Patients, methods: 33 patients (30 prostate carcinoma, 3 breast carcinoma) were treated with 150 MBq 89SrCl2 (9 patients), 1295 MBq 186Re-HEDP (12 patients) or 37 MBq/kg 153Sm-EDTMP (12 patients). External exposure rates at 30 cm from the patient were measured at times 0 to 72 h post-injection. To evaluate the respective contribution of Bremsstrahlung, beta- and gamma-radiation, a calibrated survey meter was used, equipped with a shutter. For each patient, the measured exposure rate-versus-time data were fit to a curve and the curve integrated (area under the curve) to estimate the total exposure. Results: For 29/33 patients the total ambient equivalent doses (mean ± 1 standard deviation [SD]) based on the integral of the fitted curve were 2.1 ± 1.2 mSv for 89SrCl2, 3.3 ± 0.6 mSv for 186Re-HEDP and 2.8 ± 0.6 mSv for 153Sm-EDTMP. Beta-radiation contributes significantly to these doses ( >99% for 89SrCl2, 87% for 186Re-HEDP and 27% for 153Sm-EDTMP). The effective doses (at 30 cm) are < 0.1 mSv for 89SrCl2, 0.3 mSv for 186Re-HEDP and 1.6 mSv for 153Sm-EDTMP. Conclusion: Patients treated with 89SrCl2, 186Re-HEDP or 153Sm-EDTMP emit a spectrum of radiation, including non-negligible beta-radiation. With specific instructions effective doses to bystanders are acceptable.
Reconstructing the ancestral angiosperm flower and its initial specializations
Authors: Endress Peter K. , Doyle James A.
Published: January 2009

Increasingly robust understanding of angiosperm phylogeny allows more secure reconstruction of the flower in the most recent common ancestor of extant angiosperms and its early evolution. The surprising emergence of several extant and fossil taxa with simple flowers near the base of the angiosperms—Chloranthaceae,Ceratophyllum, Hydatellaceae, and the Early Cretaceous fossilArchaefructus(the last three are water plants)—has brought a new twist to this problem. We evaluate early floral evolution in angiosperms by parsimony optimization of morphological characters on phylogenetic trees derived from morphological and molecular data. Our analyses imply thatCeratophyllummay be related to Chloranthaceae, andArchaefructusto either Hydatellaceae orCeratophyllum. Inferred ancestral features include more than two whorls (or series) of tepals and stamens, stamens with protruding adaxial or lateral pollen sacs, several free, ascidiate carpels closed by secretion, extended stigma, extragynoecial compitum, and one or several ventral pendent ovule(s). The ancestral state in other characters is equivocal: e.g., bisexual vs. unisexual flowers, whorled vs. spiral floral phyllotaxis, presence vs. absence of tepal differentiation, anatropous vs. orthotropous ovules. Our results indicate that the simple flowers of the newly recognized basal groups are reduced rather than primitively simple.
Polyploidy and angiosperm diversification
Authors: Soltis Douglas E. , Albert Victor A. , Leebens‐Mack Jim , Bell Charles D. , Paterson Andrew H. , Zheng Chunfang , Sankoff David , de Pamphilis Claude W. , Wall P. Kerr , Soltis Pamela S.
Published: January 2009

Polyploidy has long been recognized as a major force in angiosperm evolution. Recent genomic investigations not only indicate that polyploidy is ubiquitous among angiosperms, but also suggest several ancient genome‐doubling events. These include ancient whole genome duplication (WGD) events in basal angiosperm lineages, as well as a proposed paleohexaploid event that may have occurred close to the eudicot divergence. However, there is currently no evidence for WGD inAmborella, the putative sister species to other extant angiosperms. The question is no longer “What proportion of angiosperms are polyploid?”, but “How many episodes of polyploidy characterize any given lineage?” New algorithms provide promise that ancestral genomes can be reconstructed for deep divergences (e.g., it may be possible to reconstruct the ancestral eudicot or even the ancestral angiosperm genome). Comparisons of diversification rates suggest that genome doubling may have led to a dramatic increase in species richness in several angiosperm lineages, including Poaceae, Solanaceae, Fabaceae, and Brassicaceae. However, additional genomic studies are needed to pinpoint the exact phylogenetic placement of the ancient polyploidy events within these lineages and to determine when novel genes resulting from polyploidy have enabled adaptive radiations.
Is the anthophyte hypothesis alive and well? New evidence from the reproductive structures of Bennettitales
Authors: Rothwell Gar W. , Crepet William L. , Stockey Ruth A.
Published: January 2009

Bennettitales is an extinct group of seed plants with reproductive structures that are similar in some respects to both Gnetales and angiosperms, but systematic relationships among the three clades remain controversial. This study summarizes characters of bennettitalean plants and presents new evidence for the structure of cones and seeds that help clarify relationships of Bennettitales to flowering plants, Gnetales, and other potential angiosperm sister groups. Bennettitales have simple mono‐ or bisporangiate cones. Seeds are borne terminally on sporophylls. They have a unique structure that includes a nucellus with a solid apex, no pollen chamber, and a single integument, and they are clearly not enclosed by a cupule or other specialized structures. Such features differ substantially from Gnetales, flowering plants, and the seed fern Caytonia, providing no compelling evidence for the origin of the angiospermous carpel. Cladistic tests were performed to assess the strength of the “anthophyte hypothesis” and possible relationships of Bennettitales, Gnetales, and Caytonia to flowering plants. Our results do not support the anthophyte hypothesis for the origin of angiosperms by a transformation of fertile organs that were already aggregated into a cone or flower‐like structure. However, the anthophyte topology of the seed plant tree continues to be supported by morphological analyses of living and extinct taxa.