bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desenvolvimento morfológico dos ovários em embriões e fetos bovinos da raça Nelore
Authors: Diniz E.G. , Esper C.R. , Jacomini J.O. , Vieira R.C.
Published: November 2006

Investigaram-se os eventos morfológicos relacionados ao desenvolvimento pré-natal de ovários de 81 embriões e fetos da raça Nelore, coletados em frigoríficos, com idades variando de 26 a 240 dias pós-fecundação. Observou-se formação da crista gonádica e presença de células germinativas em seu interior aos 29 e 34 dias, respectivamente. As oogônias e folículos primordiais, ao contrário dos folículos em crescimento, apresentaram diferenças significativas de diâmetro nos vários períodos estudados. Verificou-se correlação positiva (P<0,05) entre o diâmetro das oogônias e de seus núcleos, bem como entre o diâmetro dos folículos primordiais e em crescimento com seus oócitos e respectivos núcleos. A gônada apresentou-se completamente formada aos 40 dias. Folículos primordiais, em crescimento e antrais surgiram, aproximadamente, aos 95, 140 e 180 dias, respectivamente. Na raça Nelore, a oogênese tem início e duração semelhante à de raças taurinas, mas apresenta como peculiaridade a antecipação do surgimento da foliculogênese.
Efeito da temperatura na maturação ovariana e longevidade de Anastrepha fraterculus (Wied.) (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Taufer Maristela , Nascimento Jurema C. do , Cruz Ivana B. M. da , Oliveira Alice K. de
Published: November 2006

Na Região Sul do Brasil, a incidência de Anastrepha fraterculus (Wied.) flutua durante o ano, sendo que no inverno não são detectados adultos quando se utilizam métodos convencionais de coleta. Com o uso de armadilhas especiais capturaram-se adultos, ainda que, em número muito reduzido. Duas hipóteses são sugeridas para o seu aumento populacional após o inverno, nas regiões produtoras de frutíferas: a) repovoamento da região na primavera por populações circunvizinhas; e b) regulação metabólica diferencial no desenvolvimento de alguns indivíduos que conseguem sobreviver ao período crítico. A segunda hipótese foi testada no presente trabalho, analisando-se a influência de quatro temperaturas (9, 13, 20 e 25ºC) constantes sobre a maturação ovariana e sobre a longevidade das fêmeas dessa espécie. Apenas a 25 e 20ºC ocorreu amadurecimento ovariano. A expectativa de vida foi maior nas temperaturas intermediárias (20 e 13ºC) que nas temperaturas extremas (25 e 9ºC). A relação entre maturação ovariana e longevidade foi observada a 25 e 20ºC, sendo que a 25ºC o amadurecimento ovariano foi mais rápido, mas a expectativa de vida menor. Não se pode, portanto, descartar a hipótese de regulação do desenvolvimento como mecanismo populacional em A. fraterculus para repovoamento da região nos meses subseqüentes ao inverno.
Flutuação populacional de afídeos (Hemiptera: Aphididae) associados à cultura da batata, Solanum tuberosum L., no plantio de inverno em Alfenas, Sul de Minas Gerais
Authors: Pinto Roberta M. , Bueno Vanda H. P. , Santa-Cecília Lenira V. C.
Published: November 2006

Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a flutuação populacional das espécies de afídeos que ocorrem na cultura da batata (Solanum tuberosum L.) no plantio de inverno em dois anos consecutivos (1997-1998). Foi conduzido na região de Alfenas (Sul do Estado de Minas Gerais), de julho a setembro, 1997 (Plantio I), e agosto a setembro, 1998 (Plantio II). Foram feitas amostragens semanais coletando-se folhas da planta com afídeos. As espécies Myzus persicae (Sulzer) e Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) foram coletadas no plantio I, ambas atingindo um pico populacional na 2ª semana de agosto, 1997; no plantio II somente o afídeo M. persicae foi coletado, atingindo número máximo de indivíduos na 3ª semana de setembro, 1998. A população de M. persicae mostrou correlação com a precipitação pluviométrica e com a fenologia da planta (número de folíolos/folha) nos dois plantios. A ausência de chuvas na região contribuiu para regular o número de afídeos no plantio II.
Descrição de três novas espécies de Rotigonalia Young (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae) com chave para as espécies
Authors: Cavichioli Rodney R.
Published: November 2006

Três novas espécies de Rotigonalia Young são descritas: R. larissae sp.n., R. olivacea sp.n. e R. curvula sp.n., de Vilhena (Rondônia), Cárceres (Mato Grosso) e Jacareacanga (Pará), respectivamente. Essas espécies novas são semelhantes a R. concedula (Melichar, 1926), diferindo na forma do edeago e paráfise. As quatros espécies apresentam a base do clípeo inflada, formando dois lobos laterais. Uma chave para as espécies é apresentado.
Efeito de Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner e inseticidas químicos sobre a traça-das-crucíferas, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) e seus parasitóides
Authors: Monnerat Rose G. , Bordat Dominique , Branco Marina Castelo , França Félix H.
Published: November 2006

Três inseticidas biológicos à base de Bacillus thuringiensis (Dipel, Florbac e Biobit) e dois inseticidas químicos (deltametrina e abamectina) foram avaliados em testes de campo contra a traça-das-crucíferas e seus parasitóides no Brasil. As áreas tratadas com Florbac, Biobit e abamectina produziram 100% de cabeças comercializáveis. Dipel e deltametrina possibilitaram uma produção economicamente aceitável, com aproximadamente 85% de cabeças comercializáveis. No controle houve perda de 97,2% da produção. A taxa de parasitismo nas parcelas tratadas com biopesticidas variou entre 35,7 e 60,5%, na testemunha foi de 42,9% e nas tratadas com os produtos químicos foi de 9 e 25,8%. Esses resultados indicam que os biopesticidas não afetaram os parasitóides, ao contrário dos produtos químicos clássicos.
Atividade tóxica de extratos orgânicos de Trichilia pallida Swartz (Meliaceae) sobre Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith)
Authors: Roel Antonia R. , Vendramim José D. , Frighetto Rosa T.S. , Frighetto Nelson
Published: November 2006

Avaliou-se, em condições de laboratório, o efeito de diferentes concentrações (peso/volume) de extratos orgânicos (não aquosos) de folhas e ramos de Trichilia pallida Swartz em relação à lagarta-do-cartucho Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith). Inicialmente, foram testados os extratos acetônico e metanólico nas concentrações de 0,008 a 1% impregnados em folhas de milho, constatando-se, com base na mortalidade larval até os 10 dias, que os extratos acetônicos de folhas e de ramos e o extrato metanólico de ramos apresentaram maior atividade que o extrato metanólico de folhas. Empregando a mesma metodologia, foram testados os extratos acetato de etila e hexânico obtidos pela partição do extrato acetônico bruto, constatando-se que o extrato acetato de etila foi mais efetivo que o hexânico. Comparando-se os quatro solventes, a maior atividade tóxica dos extratos foi obtida com a utilização de acetona, seguindo-se metanol, acetato de etila e hexano.
Phytophagous Neomegalotomus parvus (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Alydidae) feeding on carrion and feces
Authors: Ventura Maurício U. , Silva Jovenil J. , Panizzi Antônio R.
Published: November 2006

The phytophagous bug Neomegalotomus parvus (West.) feeds on pods and seeds of legumes. However, by the first time, in a laboratory colony, adults were found feeding on coespecific nymph and adult cadavers. Second instar nymphs, deprived of leguminous seeds, fed exclusively on died nymphs, reached the third instar. In the field, adults of N. parvus were found on animal carrions and feces, apparently feeding. Aggregations of adults were found on dog feces, as well.
Auto-erotismo: um vazio ativo na clínica contemporânea
Authors: Reis Eliana Schueler
Published: November 2006

Explora-se a noção de auto-erotismo como virtualidade problemática que se atualiza em diversos regimes de eroticidade sem jamais ser preenchido por eles, como um plano de experiência do qual emana a potência de agir e devir. Para contribuir com a discussão sobre os movimentos subjetivos presentes nos processos de cura na atualidade, utilizam-se as noções de "afetos de vitalidade", "sentir com", "corpo sensível" e "pequenas percepções", com base nos trabalhos de Sandor Ferenczi, Daniel Stern e José Gil. Estas noções implicam na desestabilização dos estados conhecidos e reconhecíveis do mundo percebido e uma disposição para a dissolução do eu. Proponho pensar a experiência transferencial como espaço atravessado por fluxos de forças que poderão criar novos modos de ser erógeno.
Conceptual design of a generic, real-time, near-optimal control system for water-distribution networks
Authors: Jamieson Derek G , Shamir Uri , Martinez Fernando , Franchini Marco
Published: November 2006

This paper is intended to serve as an introduction to the POWADIMA research project, whose objective was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of introducing real-time, near-optimal control for water-distribution networks. With that in mind, its contents include the current state-of-the-art and some of the difficulties that would need to be addressed if the goal of near-optimal control was to be achieved. Subsequently, the approach adopted is outlined, together with the reasons for the choice. Since it would be somewhat impractical to use a conventional hydraulic simulation model for real-time, near-optimal control, the methodology includes replicating the model by an artificial neural network which, computationally, is far more efficient. Thereafter, the latter is embedded in a dynamic genetic algorithm, designed specifically for real-time use. In this way, the near-optimal control settings to meet the current demands and minimize the overall pumping costs up to the operating horizon can be derived. The programme of work undertaken in achieving this end is then described. By way of conclusion, the potential benefits arising from implementing the control system developed are briefly reviewed, as are the possibilities of using the same approach for other application areas.
A short-term, pattern-based model for water-demand forecasting
Authors: Alvisi Stefano , Franchini Marco , Marinelli Alberto
Published: November 2006

The short-term, demand-forecasting model described in this paper forms the third constituent part of the POWADIMA research project which, taken together, address the issue of real-time, near-optimal control of water-distribution networks. Since the intention is to treat water distribution as a feed-forward control system, operational decisions have to be based on the expected future demands for water, rather than just the present known requirements. Accordingly, it was necessary to develop a short-term, demand-forecasting procedure. To that end, monitoring facilities were installed to measure short-term fluctuations in demands for a small experimental network, which enabled a thorough investigation of trends and periodicities that can usually be found in this type of time-series. On the basis of these data, a short-term, demand-forecasting model was formulated. The model reproduces the periodic patterns observed at annual, weekly and daily levels prior to fine-tuning the estimated values of future demands through the inclusion of persistence effects. Having validated the model, the demand forecasts were subjected to an analysis of the sensitivity to possible errors in the various components of the model. Its application to much larger case studies is described in the following two papers.
Optimizing the operation of the Valencia water-distribution network
Authors: Martínez Fernando , Hernández Vicente , Alonso José Miguel , Rao Zhengfu , Alvisi Stefano
Published: November 2006

The second of the two case studies in the POWADIMA research project, the Valencia water-distribution network, serves a population of approximately 1.2 million and is supplied by surface water via two treatment plants which have significantly different production costs. The only storage available is located at the treatment plants, each of which has its own pumping station. The management of the network is a complex operation involving 4 pressure zones and 49 operating valves, 10 of which are routinely adjusted. The electricity tariff structure varies with the hour of the day and month of the year. The EPANET hydraulic simulation model of the network has 725 nodes, 10 operating valves, 2 storage tanks and 17 pumps grouped at the two pumping stations. The control system that has been implemented comprises an artificial neural network predictor in place of the EPANET model and a dynamic genetic algorithm to optimize the control settings of pumps and valves up to a 24 h rolling operating horizon, in response to a highly variable demand. The results indicate a potential operational-cost saving of 17.6% over a complete (simulated) year relative to current practice, which easily justifies the cost of implementing the control system developed.
The politics of bulk water pricing in Brazil: lessons from the Paraíba do Sul basin
Authors: Formiga-Johnsson Rosa Maria , Kumler Lori , Lemos Maria Carmen
Published: November 2006

This article examines the implementation of a bulk water pricing system in the Paraíba do Sul River Basin (PSRB) in southeast Brazil. It argues that four primary factors explain the successful negotiations for water prices in the basin. First, the negotiation process itself was inclusive and open rather than being imposed from the top down. A combination of market factors and state control (in the form of direct involvement of a federal agency) created a necessary balance in setting prices as it simultaneously allowed for powerful industrial sectors to negotiate favorable terms and for state and societal actors to offset the dominance of certain users over the negotiation process. Second, participants successfully demanded that the collected funds be reinvested in the basin rather than absorbed and spent elsewhere by the federal government. Third, a worldwide paradigm shift for water management, including the notions of water as an economic good, decentralization, societal participation and sustainability shaped the actions of key groups within the basin. Fourth, the level of technical capacity in the basin which reached back several decades provided the necessary foundation and support for the process to move forward. Committee members largely agreed on the primary problems facing the basin and on the necessity of implementing a bulk water pricing scheme in order to rectify them.
Decision support for water policy: a review of economic concepts and tools
Authors: Ward Frank A.
Published: November 2006

This article reviews research on the application of economic concepts and tools to the analysis of the preservation, conservation, development, consumption, supply and allocation of water resources. It summarizes research on economic analysis to support policy formulation, implementation and evaluation, including both project appraisal and the design of institutions. Economic analysis can support ex post analysis of existing mechanisms that influence the allocation of water: Such mechanisms include laws, regulations, supply management, demand management, population and climate change. Economic analysis can also be used to conduct ex ante analysis to design future water allocation institutions. These institutions include various forms of marginal cost pricing, valuation of water in alternative uses, water quality management, optimization models, integrated supply and demand management, transboundary management, virtual water, decentralized management, common property institutions and watershed councils.
Water services reform in Italy: its impacts on regulation, investment and affordability
Authors: Danesi Letizia , Passarelli Monica , Peruzzi Paolo
Published: November 2006

The water and waste sector is one of the fastest growing Italian utility sectors, currently going through a period of unprecedented change, development and consolidation. The reform, introduced in 1994 with the Galli Law, provides for the organisation of water supply and sewerage through the aggregation of municipal utilities into Optimal Territorial Areas. Vertical and horizontal integration of water and sewerage services allows saving to be made according to economies of scale and scope. Moreover, the Italian legislator intends to achieve the industrialisation of a sector which until then was characterized by economic or municipal management. With the reorganisation forecast by the reform, a programme of investment developing over a period between 20 and 30 years is set out. One of the fundamental aspects of the reform is that, with an adequate long term plan it gives the chance to provide excellent planning for the required works in order to achieve optimum safety and quality in water services. As the restructuring takes its course, a debate is under way on the increase of investment that could cause problems of affordability for the new tariffs.
Lesson learning and trans-boundary waters: a look at the Global Environment Facility's international waters program
Authors: Gerlak Andrea K.
Published: November 2006

The Global Environment Facility (GEF) aims to assist countries in better understanding the functioning of their international water systems and developing an appreciation of how sectoral activities have an impact on the environment. By funding the transaction costs of the learning processes necessary to gain a better understanding of these ecosystems, the GEF hopes countries will collaborate with their neighbors to reach effective solutions collectively. This paper explores lessons learned from GEF efforts concerning trans-boundary water resources. It investigates GEF efforts in (1) creating a shared vision, (2) involving the public and private sectors, (3) coordinating program activities, (4) building governance institutions and capacity, and (5) improving the ecosystem. These lessons reveal relative success in creating a shared vision and building governance institutions and capacity for trans-boundary waters but uncovers significant obstacles in the other areas.
Enhanced biodegradation of carbon tetrachloride by the supplement of substrate and mineral ions under anaerobic condition
Authors: Doong Ruey‐an , Wu Shian‐chee
Published: November 2006

The effect of substrate and mineral elements on the anaerobic bioremediation of carbon tetrachloride (CT) was investigated by introducing different substrates and mineral elements into the microbial communities. Glucose, acetate, and humic acid were used as carbon and energy sources for microbial use, ferrous ion was used as the reducing agent, and nitrate was used as the electron acceptor. Experimental results showed that the addition of substrates and mineral ions could enhance the biotransformation efficiency of CT. When follow‐up substrates were delivered into the microcosms, 45% to 80% and 18% to 49% enhancement of CT removal were observed for glucose‐ and acetate‐fed batches. This study indicated that the bioremediation of groundwater contaminated with heavily chlorinated hydrocarbons is feasible by applying the proper supplemental substrate and nutrients to the aquifer system with appropriate concentrations.
Short‐term toxicity assay based on daphnid feeding behavior
Authors: Bitton Gabriel , Rhodes Kimberly , Koopman Ben , Cornejo Margarita
Published: November 2006

A rapid acute toxicity assay based on feeding behavior of Ceriodaphina dubia was developed and evaluated. Feeding behavior was observed by staining yeast cells with a nontoxic stain (DTAF), which fluoresces under epifluorescent illumination, feeding the stained yeast to daphnids after they were exposed to toxicants for 6 hours, and observing the uptake of yeast by the daphnids. The endpoint of the test is the presence or absence of fluorescence in the daphnid gut. An exposure time of 6 hours was utilized so that the test could be completed in one working day. The 6‐hour feeding activity suppression assay was compared with the standard 48‐hour acute bioassay for determining the toxicity of selected heavy metals, organic compounds, and industrial effluent samples. The EC50s pure compounds obtained via the 6‐hour and 48‐hour tests were well correlated (P < 0.05). EC50s of industrial wastewaters obtained via the two tests were also correlated at the same level of significance. The 6‐hour feeding activity suppression assay was generally more sensitive than the 48‐hour acute bioassay.
Laboratory studies on the anaerobic sequencing batch reactor
Authors: Sung Shihwu , Dague Richard R.
Published: November 2006

The anaerobic sequencing batch reactor (ASBR) is a new high rate anaerobic process (U.S. Pat. No. 5,185,079) that has been under development by Dague and co‐workers at Iowa State University. In the research reported in this paper, four, 12‐L ASBRs of different configurations were operated at a constant temperature of 35°C. The objectives of the work were to evaluate the fundamental factors affecting solids separation in the ASBR, including reactor configuration, mixing (continuous versus intermittent), gas‐production rate, mixed liquor suspended solids concentration, and bioflocculation‐granulation, and to determine the effect of these factors on the performance of the ASBR treating a soluble, synthetic substrate (nonfat dry milk). The ASBRs were capable of achieving in excessof90% soluble chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction on the synthetic milk substrate over a range of COD loadings from 2 to 12 g/L · d at hydraulic retention times of 48, 24, and 12 hours. Reactor configuration is significant in the development of granular sludge. Relatively tall, slender reactors tended to select for granules better than the short, stout reactors. However, the shorter reactors were capable of accumulating higher concentrations of biomass than were the tall reactors. Intermittent mixing was found to be preferable to continuous mixing from both COD removal and methane production standpoints.
Interactions among sulfate reducers, acetogens, and methanogens in anaerobic propionate systems
Authors: Uberoi Vikas , Bhattacharya Sanjoy K.
Published: November 2006

The complex process of propionate oxidation in anaerobic systems in the presence of excess sulfate is based on combinations of six biological reactions. Laboratory batch and continuous experiments were conducted to study which of these reactions were predominant in propionate oxidation by sulfate‐reducing bacteria in the presence of acetogens and methanogens. The engineering significance of the feed propionate to sulfate ratio was studied. In batch serum bottle experiments, sulfide was more toxic to sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) than to acetogens and methanogens. Acetate was the least favored substrate for sulfate reduction. Two mechanisms appear possible under sulfate‐limited conditions: (1) propionate use by both SRB and non‐SRB acetogens and acetate and hydrogen use by methanogens and (2) propionate use by non‐SRB acetogens followed by acetate use by methanogens and hydrogen use by both SRB and methanogens. In the chemostats, at a feed propionate sulfate ratio of 2.2 (sulfate‐limited condition), the acetate formed was primarily used by methanogens. With a gradual decrease in feed propionate:sulfate ratio from 2.2 to 0.44 (sulfate‐rich condition), SRB outcompeted methanogens for acetate. In the chemostat study un‐ionized H2S concentrations of up to 178 mg S/L (total sulfide 464 mg S/L) did not inhibit sulfate reduction.
Oxidation of simazine: Biological oxidation of simazine and its chemical oxidation byproducts
Authors: Lai Ming‐Shen , Weber A. Scott , Jensen James N.
Published: November 2006

Batch biodegradation studies were conducted to assess the biodegradability of single s‐triazines. s‐Triazines tested included simazine, a widely used herbicide, and its products resulting from oxidation with ozone, ultraviolet (UV) light, and combined ozone and UV light oxidation. Degradation rates for each s‐triazine were calculated as μM N/hr. Rates ranged from 0 to 10.3 μM N/hr. s‐Triazine degradation rates were a function of the ring substituents and followed the order of hydroxy ≫ amino ≫ chlorine ≥ ethylamino. Chemical oxidation methods capable of oxidizing the more persistent simazine substituent groups (chlorine and ethylamine) to more easily biodegraded substituents (amine and hydroxy) proved attractive in enhancing the s‐triazine mineralization of simazine. When simazine was pretreated with combined ozone and UV, the s‐triazine biodegradation rate was increased by an order of magnitude. s‐Triazine biodegradation rates also were enhanced with ozone and UV pretreatment but not to the same extent.
Effects of operational variables on the oxygen transfer performance of ceramic diffusers
Authors: Rieth Michael G. , Chiesa Steven C. , Polta Robert C.
Published: November 2006

Controlled changes in the operation of two side‐by‐side activated sludge pilot plants investigated the effect of operational variables on the performance of ceramic (fine bubble) diffusers. The experimental plan manipulated the following operational variables: aeration system volumetric organic loading rate, sludge age, recycle rate, and the addition of an upstream aerobic or anoxic biological selector. Each pilot plant consisted of a full depth aeration column, aerated using a single ceramic dome diffuser, and a dedicated clarifier for sludge acclimation. The aeration influent channel at a large municipal wastewater treatment plant provided the influent wastewater to the pilot plants. An off‐gas method determined aeration system oxygen transfer efficiencies. Fine bubble oxygen transfer efficiencies fluctuated throughout the study. A nitrifying aeration system, operated at an 8‐day sludge age, exhibited significantly higher αF values compared with a nonnitrifying system operated at a 2‐day sludge age. Differences in organic loading, over the range investigated (0.50 to 1.2 kg biochemical oxygen demand [BOD]5/m3·d), did not show an effect on fine bubble αF performance. At a short sludge age (2 days) and a high volumetric organic loading rate, a pilot system operated at a higher recycle rate (100% versus 33%) exhibited improved aF values. The addition of either an aerobic or an anoxic upstream biological selector (13‐minute hydraulic retention time) improved ceramic diffuser oxygen transfer performance at high volumetric organic loading rates. For the site‐specific wastewater, ceramic diffuser oxygen transfer performance improved as the extent of nitrification increased. Ceramic αF values also increased as the soluble organic content of the mixed liquor decreased, although it was not possible to predict an αF value based solely on the mixed liquor soluble chemical oxygen demand level or the extent of nitrification. Because of the higher αF values in nitrified versus nonnitrified mixed liquors, a much smaller than expected increase in process airflows was required to meet the increased oxygen demand of nitrification, lowering process energy consumption, and aeration system emissions.
Treatment of cadmium‐plating and chromium‐plating wastes by iron oxide‐coated sand
Authors: Satpathy Jiban K. , Chaudhuri Malay
Published: November 2006

Iron oxide‐coated sand, prepared by evaporating (110° ± 10°C) ferric nitrate solution in the presence of sand, was found unsuitable for removal of chromium from a mixed oxidation‐state chromium‐plating waste (chromium 2.55 to 2.70 mg Cr/L) in a preliminary column test; however, it appeared promising for one‐step removal of cadmium and cyanide from a cadmium‐plating waste (cadmium 3.60 to 3.75 mg Cd/L; and cyanide 0.85 to 1.06 mg CN−/L). A detailed column test with regeneration by 0.01 M NaNO3 solution at pH 3.0 further indicated suitability of the iron oxide‐coated sand for treatment of cadmium‐plating waste. Making the most of column operation in terms of hydraulic loading rate and medium depth and standardization of regeneration procedure are necessary.
Evaluation of dioxin mobility and spoils leaching in a surface coal mine reclaimed with bleached kraft pulp and paper mill biosolids
Authors: McFadden David P. , Proctor James L. , Krouskop Dirk J. , Ayers Karl C.
Published: November 2006

A surface coal mine in southeastern Ohio has been reclaimed with approximately 15 to 25 cm thickness of biosolids from a bleached kraft pulp and paper mill wastewater treatment plant. Soil, vegetation, rodents, earthworms, insects, fish, frogs, sediment, and algae samples were collected and analyzed for 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin and 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzofuran. Water samples from lakes receiving drainage from unreclaimed and biosolids reclaimed areas were collected and analyzed for various parameters, including pH and metals. The trace levels of dioxin and furan in the pulp and paper mill biosolids did not bioaccumulate in rodents, insects, or earthworms or translocate into plants living in the reclaimed area. The trace levels of dioxin and furan in biosolids did not sufficiently migrate to a drainage lake to result in significant concentrations in fish, frogs, algae, or vegetation. The biosolids reclamation resulted in dramatic decreases in spoils leaching of acid, aluminum, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, and zinc. This work supports the thesis that surface mine reclamation with pulp and paper mill biosolids is safe and effective.
Phase‐separated anaerobic toxicity assays for sulfate and sulfide
Authors: Shin Hang Sik , Jung Jin Young , Bae Byung Uk , Paik Byeong Cheon
Published: November 2006

As compared with anaerobic toxicity assays (ATA) for industrial toxicants focused only on the acetoclastic methanogens, two phase‐separated ATAs for sulfate and sulfide have been conducted by means of acidogenic and methanogenic cultures. Seed sludge was obtained from a two‐phase upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor which operated on glucose as a substrate. The obtained results were compared with those of mixed culture. In the acidogenic ATA, the glucose utilization rate could be expressed in a first‐order reaction kinetic. Gas production and substrate utilization were affected slightly when sulfate concentration was up to 6 000 mg SO4‐S/l. However, the substrate conversion to acetate was retarded by sulfate addition. When sulfide over 800 mgS/l was added in test bottles, glucose utilization rate was retarded and the first‐order kinetic constant decreased. From the results of the methanogenic ATA, it was found that methanogens were more sensitive than acidogens as the sulfate and sulfide concentrations increased. Although methane production was slightly retarded by added sulfate, methane was produced up to 60% of the control when the sulfate was 6 000 mg SO4‐S/l. Methane production was not inhibited up to 200 mgS/l; however, it was severely retarded at 400 mg S/l. The methane production was completely inhibited in excess of 800 mg S/l. In mixed culture, the inhibiting effects of sulfate and sulfide on mixed culture differed from those of phase‐separated anaerobes. Methane production was only slightly inhibited when sulfate and sulfide concentrations reached up to 4 000 mg SO4‐S/l and 1 200 mg S/l, respectively.
A multi‐parameter analysis of volatile organic compound emissions from sewers
Authors: Corsi Richard L. , Birkett Steven
Published: November 2006

A wide range of parameters affect the extent of volatile organic compound (VOC) stripping from municipal and industrial sewers. These parameters can generally be classified as VOC physicochemical properties, wastewater fluid properties, wastewater flow conditions, and sewer gas flow conditions. However, because of the continuous spectrum of possible parameter combinations, previous studies related to VOC emissions from sewers have been based on highly simplifying assumptions that represent only a small subset of parameter values. A computational model was used to simulate greater than 2.5 million parameter combinations. A frequency array approach was used to facilitate a semiquantitative assessment of parameter combinations that lead to high VOC stripping efficiencies. Results were interpreted in terms of their practical significance with respect to industrial discharge control and VOC emissions reduction.
The effect of hydrogen peroxide on the degradation of methyl and ethyl tert‐butyl ether in soils
Authors: Yeh Carol K. , Novak John T.
Published: November 2006

The degradation of the gasoline oxygenates, methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE) and ethyl tert‐butyl ether (ETBE) in soil systems was evaluated. The data indicated that MTBE and ETBE were chemically oxidized to tertiary butanol and acetone when H2O2 was added to soil microcosms containing aquifer material from an organic rich site. Identical reactions were observed when H2O2 was added to solutions containing soluble ferrous iron and either MTBE or ETBE. Chemical oxidation was influenced by the H2O2 concentration, pH, and the presence of ferrous iron but was independent of the iron concentration. Naturally occurring aerobic microcosms in the soil were able to degrade ETBE but not MTBE. Chemical oxidation coupled with an aerobic‐anaerobic‐biological cycle is proposed to describe a degradation pathway for ETBE in H2O2 amended soils.
Performance of subsurface flow wetlands with batch‐load and continuous‐flow conditions
Authors: Burgoon P. S. , Reddy K. R. , DeBusk T. A.
Published: November 2006

Use of constructed wetlands designed for wastewater treatment is becoming common throughout the world. Oxidation of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) may be increased by transport of oxygen (O2) into the rhizosphere of aquatic plants and periodic draining of the wetland. Outdoor microcosms of subsurface flow wetlands (SFs) were operated receiving continuous flow or batch loads of primary and secondary wastewater. Six‐square meter microcosms planted with Scirpus pungens, received primary or secondary wastewater in batch load or continuous flow. Plants in SFs had significant effects on C and N oxidation, whereas, periodic draining of SFs had no significant effect. Greater than 90% carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (CBOD) was removed within 18 hours in SFs with and without plants, after 6 and 12 hours plants had caused significant decreases in CBOD in the batch‐load SFs. The first‐order model for CBOD removal was not appropriate after 24 hours; removal rate coefficients were similar for batch‐load and continuous‐flow SFs with hydraulic retention times of 12 and 24 hours. Methanogenesis is the major respiratory pathway for CBOD removal. Oxygen transport in SFs estimated from C oxidation was 28.6 and 2.4 g/m2·d estimated from N oxidation.
Development of settling flux curves using SVI: An addendum
Authors: Wahlberg Eric J. , Keinath Thomas M.
Published: November 2006

An earlier paper by the authors (1988) introduced a correlation between the Vesilind settling parameters, Vo and K, and SVI performed in a stirred, 1‐L graduated cylinder even though SVIs also were determined in more commonly used containers such as an unstirred, 1‐L graduated cylinder and an unstirred, 2‐L Mallory settlometer. Only the stirred graduated cylinder relationship was given because stirring increases the precision and decreases the variability of the SVI test, and Standard Methods (1975) has included stirring in the SVI test since 1975. Nonetheless, because the SVI test continues to be performed in unstirred containers, the correlations for the other SVI test methods measured during the study are presented herein so that they can be used by the wastewater treatment plant operations community.
The impact of headache severity on quality of life of patients with migraine
Authors: Simic Svetlana , Slankamenac Petar , Cvijanovic Milan , Ilin Miroslav , Kopitovic Aleksandar
Published: November 2006

Migraine is a chronic disease characterized by episodic headache attacks, most often on one side of the head with pulsating, moderate to severe pain. We conducted an assessment of headache severity by using the M1GSEV questionnaire, and the quality of life assessment by using the QVM questionnaire, on a sample of 30 patients suffering from migraine. Afterwards, the research results were compared. The research results indicate that the majority of patients suffer from severe and moderate headaches. The quality of life is poorer in patients suffering from severe headaches.
Our results in surgical treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis, ten years experience
Authors: Jovic Rajko , Baros Borislav , Djuric Dejan , Bjelovic Milorad , Canji Karol , Kljajic Vladimir
Published: November 2006

Introduction. There are numerous techniques for the treatment of laryngotracheal stenosis. The aim of this paper was to present surgical techniques and results of treatment of laryngeal and laryngotracheal stenosis in a ten-year period by retrospective analysis. Material and methods. Medical records of 34 patients (17 male and 17 female) surgically treated for laryngeal or laryngotracheal stenosis between 1995 and 2004 were analyzed. 19 (55.9%) patients had previous surgical procedures, whereas fifteen patients (44.1 %) were diagnosed and treated for the first time. Results. 5 patients had a glottic-subglottic stenosis, 11 patients had a subglottic stenosis, 16 patients had subglottic-tracheal stenosis and 2 patients had a glottic-subglottic-tracheal stenosis. 21 patients had normal vocal cord motion, 8 patients showed unilateral vocal cord fixation, and 5 had bilateral vocal cord fixation. Laryngotracheoplasty with anterior-posterior costal cartilage graft was performed in 24 patients, while single stage segmental laryngotracheal resection of the stenotic part was performed in 8 patients. One patient was operated in direct laryngomicroscopy and one with dilatation of the stenotic segment with T tube insertion. The most common complication was the development of granulation due to use of the Montgomery T-tube which was removed in direct laryngomicroscopy. Except for one patient, 33(97%) patients were decannulated. There was no perioperative mortality. Conclusion. Although laiyngotracheoplasty with anterior-posterior costal cartilage graft placement cannot be used in all cases of laryngotracheal stenosis, it was the method of choice in previously operated patients with segmental resection of the stenotic segment. This method requires use of Montgomery T-tube or anesthesiological tube, which is very hard to keep clean. Better recovery, short hospitalization and excellent results were obtained with the cricotracheal segmental resection. .
The role of lamivudine in the treatment of HBe antigen negative liver cirrhosis
Authors: Simonovic-Babic Jasmina , Delic Dragan , Svirtlih Neda , Pavic Sladjana , Popovic Natasa , Poluga Jasmina
Published: November 2006

Introduction. Lamivudine is effective in suppressing hepatitis B virus replication and hepatic necroinflammatory activity. Patients with HBV-related chronic liver disease often present with hepatic decompensation and are not eligible for interferon therapy. The effectiveness of antiviral therapy in preventing disease progression in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of lamivudine treatment in patients with cirrhosis due to chronic hepatitis B. Material and methods. The study included 24 patients with cirrhosis B. During one year, all of them were treated with Lamivudine (100 mg/day). All patients undenvent routine laboratory tests and abdominal ultrasound. After that, they were followed-up from 1-15 months. Results and discussion. Most patients presented with improved general condition. We also noticed a reduction in SBP, ALT level, bilirubin level, hepatic encephalopathy and ascites. Five patients died, due to HCC, and two due to variceal bleeding. There was no significant improvement in liver synthetic function. Conclusion. Lamivudine is highly effective in reducing viral load in HBeAg-negative patients significantly improving the clinical and bio?chemical status of liver functions. .
The importance of social support to chronically ill adolescents
Authors: Nisevic Sanja
Published: November 2006

Introduction. Improvements in medicine have significantly prolonged life of chronically ill children and adolescents in the past several decades. There is a great variability in adaptation to illness among chronically ill persons - some of them seem to be very well adapted, with almost no problems. However, research results suggest that chronically ill children are more likely to have psychological problems than their healthy peers. Material and methods. Eighty-four subjects, all elementary school pupils, participated in the study. The first group included adolescents with chronical illness (malignant illness, insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, or asthma), and the second their healthy peers. Depression and social support were evaluated. The Birleson's Depression Scale and Perceived Social Support Scales (forms for friends and for family members) were used. Results and discussion. The results show significant differences for two of the three variables: depression, and perceived social support from family, while there was no significant difference for perceived social support from friends. The results suggest that chronically ill adolescents are more depressed and that they perceive that the social support they receive from their families is lower when compared to their healthy peers. Conclusion. The results of this study showed that chronically ill adolescents are more depressed than their healthy peers. This group of adolescents also perceives that they have less social support from their families than their healthy peers. When it comes to perceived social support from friends, these two groups do not differ. .
Changes in plasma osmolality in food poisoning
Authors: Canovic Predrag , Nesic Ljiljana , Gajovic Olgica , Mijailovic Zeljko
Published: November 2006

Introduction. Changes in plasma osmolality may occur during acute intestinal infections due to dehydration (loss of water and/or electrolytes). Depending on whether the water and electrolyte deficit is primary, or a proportional loss of water and electrolytes, dehydration can be classified into three categories: hypertonic, hypotonic and isotonic. Material and methods. Thirty (30) patients with food poisoning were included in this research. All patients were hospitalized because of frequent vomiting, with resultant dehydration. A diagnosis of food poisoning was made based on the clinical picture, short incubation period and positive epidemiological history. Plasma osmolality was measured by a freezing point depression with an osmometer, while effective plasma osmolality was determined by using the following formula: EPO (eff. plasma osmolality) = 2 x serum sodium concentration + serum glucose level. Apart from plasma osmolality, other parameters were also measured in patients' sera: sodium, chloride, potassium, urea, glucose and hematocrit. In order to follow-up the changes in these parameters, they were also measured after treatment of the gastrointestinal disorder. Statistical analysis was performed using the equality of mean values for 2 basic groups. Results. The statistical results showed that the values of total and effective plasma osmolality (TPO and EPO) among patients with gastrointestinal disorders were not significantly higher than values after the alimentary infection. Discussion. Such results suggest that food poisoning is associated with disorders of water and electrolyte metabolism, that is isotonic type of dehydration. .
Papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome: A case report
Authors: Gajinov Zorica , Prcic Sonja , Matic Milan , Djuran Verica , Ivkov-Simic Milana
Published: November 2006

Introduction. Papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome is a rare manifestation associated with acute seronegative arthritis and skin lesions. It is triggered by a viral infection, most commonly by Human parvovirus B19 or Coxsackie group of viruses, but precise viral diagnosis is not obtained in all cases. Case report. A 54-year old male patient experienced sudden, intense pain and swelling in the carpal area of his left hand. He also presented with unusual skin lesions, and grouped small purpuric-papules on the dorsal side of the left hand. During the next few days, both feet were similarly affected. In the next four weeks, a transient liver damage occurred, with a moderate increase in liver enzymes. Apart from elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate and fibrinogen levels, other findings were within normal limits (complete blood and reticulocyte count, parameters of rheumatic and autoimmune diseases, abdominal ultrasound scan, radiographs of the chest and of affected hand and feet joints, urethral smears for isolation of trichomonas, yeasts and chlamydia trachomatis, and Syphilis, Borrelia, Toxoplasmosis, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae serology). Apart from positive tests for HPvB19, other viral serology tests were all negative (Coxsackievirus, Adenovirus, Influenza, Hepatitis B and C virus, HIV). The skin lesions resolved in about three weeks: the intensity of joint pain decreased, but lasted for the next 6 months. Conclusion. The diagnosis of papular-purpuric gloves and socks syndrome was made on the basis of the characteristic clinical picture, and confirmed by virus serology. .
On wellposedness quadratic function minimization problem on intersection of two ellipsoids
Authors: Jacimovic Milojica , Krnic Izedin
Published: November 2006

This paper deals with the existence of solutions and the conditions for the strong convergence of minimizing sequences towards the set of solutions of the quadratic function minimization problem on the intersection of two ellipsoids in Hilbert space.
Deterministic inventory model for items with Time varying demand, weibull distribution deterioration and shortages
Authors: Wu Kun-Shan
Published: November 2006

In this paper, an EOQ inventory model is depleted not only by time varying demand but also by Weibull distribution deterioration, in which the inventory is permitted to start with shortages and end without shortages. A theory is developed to obtain the optimal solution of the problem; it is then illustrated with the aid of several numerical examples. Moreover, we also assume that the holding cost is a continuous, non-negative and non-decreasing function of time in order to extend the EOQ model. Finally, sensitivity of the optimal solution to changes in the values of different system parameters is also studied.
A separable approximation dynamic programming algorithm for economic dispatch with transmission losses
Authors: Hansen Pierre , Mladenovic Nenad
Published: November 2006

The standard way to solve the static economic dispatch problem with transmission losses is the penalty factor method. The problem is solved iteratively by a Lagrange multiplier method or by dynamic programming, using values obtained at one iteration to compute penalty factors for the next until stability is attained. A new iterative method is proposed for the case where transmission losses are represented by a quadratic formula (i.e., by the traditional B-coefficients). A separable approximation is made at each iteration, which is much closer to the initial problem than the penalty factor approximation. Consequently, lower cost solutions may be obtained in some cases, and convergence is faster.
Computing the bounds on the loss rates
Authors: Fourneau J.-M. , Mokdad L. , Pekergin N.
Published: November 2006

We consider an example network where we compute the bounds on cell loss rates. The stochastic bounds for these loss rates using simple arguments lead to models easier to solve. We proved, using stochastic orders, that the loss rates of these easier models are really the bounds of our original model. For ill-balanced configurations these models give good estimates of loss rates.
Achieving optimal design of the production line with obtainable resource capacity
Authors: Chen Miao-Sheng , Lan Chun-Hsiung
Published: November 2006

The Maximal Profit Model for reaching an optimal design of the production line undergoing the limitations of obtainable resources is presented in this paper. This model is treated as an integer programming problem, and an efficient step-by-step algorithm to solve this problem is also constructed. In addition, it is discussed that the operation cost of a machine does not include idle and breakdown situations while the maintenance cost for a broken machine should be considered. This study offers a better tool for achieving the optimal design of a flexible production line and reveals the special applicability of the shortest path in production line design.