bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caracterização física de frutos de pequizeiro (Caryocar brasiliense Camb) do cerrado
Authors: Moura Nara Fernandes , Chaves Lázaro José , Naves Ronaldo Veloso
Published: December 2013

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar fisicamente frutos de pequizeiros provenientes do Cerrado para subsidiar estratégias de prospecção, preservação e utilização da variabilidade genética da espécie. Foram coletados frutos de plantas de pequizeiro em duas safras consecutivas (2007/2008 e 2008/2009) em oito regiões do Cerrado. A partir dos frutos coletados procedeu-se a caracterização física dos frutos e os dados foram submetidos à análise descritiva, análise de variância e correlação entre caracteres. Os resultados deste trabalho evidenciaram uma elevada variabilidade fenotípica para a maioria dos caracteres físicos de frutos de pequizeiro nas regiões amostradas. Considerando que parte dessa variabilidade seja de natureza genética, isto indica potencial de ganho genético por meio da seleção. A análise de correlação entre todas as variáveis avaliadas em frutos demonstrou correlações positivas e significativas entre os caracteres de importância para o melhoramento genético da espécie. Existe uma grande diferença entre regiões quanto ao potencial de fornecimento de frutos adequados ao mercado.
Crescimento inicial de espécies nativas com potencial madeireiro na Amazônia, Brasil
Authors: Maranho Álisson Sobrinho , Paiva Ary Vieira de , Paula Sheilly Raquelly Prado de
Published: December 2013

O estudo de produção de mudas florestais com potencial madeireiro adquire grande importância diante da necessidade de reposição dessas espécies devido à forte exploração comercial, recomposição de vegetação em áreas degradadas e utilização ornamental. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o crescimento inicial de mudas de três espécies florestais nativas, mulateiro (Calycophyllum spruceanum Benth.), amarelão (Aspidosperma parvifolium A.DC.) e freijó [Cordia alliodora (Ruiz & Pav.) Cham.] em diferentes substratos à base de resíduos agroflorestais. Os substratos testados foram Terra - Testemunha (T), Resíduo de Açaí Peneirado (RAP), (T)+(RAP) (1:1 v/v) e Casca de Amendoim Triturada (CAT) + Casca de Castanha Triturada (CCT) + Terra (T) (1:1:1 v/v/v) em delineamento inteiramente casualizado no arranjo fatorial 3x4 (três espécies x quatro substratos) resultando em 12 tratamentos, com cinco repetições de duas plântulas, totalizando em 120 unidades amostrais, sendo o crescimento das mudas observado por um período de 120 dias. Os parâmetros utilizados para avaliação do crescimento foram altura da parte aérea, diâmetro do colo, massa seca da parte aérea, das raízes e total. Dentre os substratos estudados, a composição CAT+CCT+T mostrou-se adequado para o cultivo do amarelão, freijó e mulateiro, no entanto, as mudas do último desenvolveram-se melhor no substrato terra.
Ideology of white racial supremacy: colonization and de-colonization processes
Authors: Nogueira Simone Gibran
Published: December 2013

This article is a literature review on how the ideology of white racial supremacy dehumanizes and colonizes the minds of Whites and Blacks in Brazil. For this aim I use critical references about whiteness to highlight dehumanization processes in Whites, and I make use of critical references of Black and African studies to examine specific dehumanization processes of the Black population. Furthermore, the work seeks to reflect on possibilities of mental humanization and de-colonization in both groups considering current policies of Affirmative Action in Education in Brazil.
The management of social problems talk in a support group
Authors: Peretti Andrezza Gomes , Martins Pedro Pablo Sampaio , Guanaes-Lorenzi Carla
Published: December 2013

The comprehension of the health-disease process from a multifactorial perspective has allowed important transformations in the healthcare practices. In this article, we discuss the use of the support group as a resource for mental health care, analyzing how conversations about social issues are managed in this context. Based on contributions from the social constructionist movement, we analyzed the transcripts of the conversations developed in meetings of a support group offered to patients of a mental health outpatient clinic. The analysis of the process of meaning making indicates that the discourse of the social influence on mental health is not legitimized, due to a predominant individualistic discourse, which psychologizes care and is centered on the emotional analysis of the problems of the quotidian. We argue that this mode of management brings limits to the construction of the group as a device for promoting autonomy and encouraging the social transformation processes.
Gestão do relacionamento em uma indústria de peças plásticas da cadeia automotiva
Authors: Lélis Eliacy Cavalcanti , Simon Alexandre Tadeu
Published: December 2013

A gestão da cadeia de suprimentos considera vários aspectos das relações entre organizações. A gestão do relacionamento na interface fornecedor-cliente é um dos elementos analisados que abrangem variáveis complexas, as quais podem afetar a sustentação de elos críticos da cadeia produtiva. Esta pesquisa delimita-se ao estudo da gestão do relacionamento em uma cadeia de suprimentos do setor automotivo. O objetivo deste artigo é estudar a gestão do relacionamento em uma indústria de peças automotivas de plástico de São Paulo. A metodologia de pesquisa utiliza a pesquisa de campo, limitada a um estudo de caso, cuja análise utiliza uma metodologia de avaliação proposta por Simon (2005). Essa metodologia avalia o grau de aderência da gestão do relacionamento de uma empresa ao modelo de gestão da cadeia de suprimentos de Cooper, Lambert e Pagh (1997). Os resultados mostram os fatores de gerenciamento do relacionamento que contribuem para a eficiência da gestão da cadeia e destacam aspectos que podem ser melhorados em relação à colaboração na cadeia, no que se refere à comunicação informal e falta de planejamento conjunto entre os parceiros da empresa.
Orçamento de capital: um caso especial de sequenciação de projetos
Authors: Abensur Eder Oliveira
Published: December 2013

A gestão de orçamento de capital compreende a organização, análise e escolha de projetos de investimentos criados pelas empresas. Estes projetos podem incluir a atualização da infraestrutura física, renovação do parque de informática ou o desenvolvimento de novos produtos, portanto, caracteriza-se como uma atividade essencial para a sobrevivência e competitividade empresarial. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: (i) propor um modelo matemático num caso especial em que os gestores podem estabelecer a sequência de execução de projetos, previamente selecionados, que minimiza a necessidade de investimento e (ii) desenvolver uma ferramenta computacional de busca das soluções baseada na integração da Teoria de Opções Reais e em método heurístico com uma nova proposta de busca local denominada de DOP. Apesar da relevância do assunto, verificou-se uma escassez de trabalhos sobre sequenciação de projetos de investimento na literatura. Os testes realizados sobre várias amostras de projetos mostram que o modelo proposto apresentou resultados relevantes de redução de custos quando comparados a procedimentos convencionais de orçamento de capital.
Contar hoy la violencia de ayer: video y literatura actual sobre la transición política española
Authors: La Parra Pérez Pablo , Souto Salom Julio
Published: December 2013

Proponemos un diálogo transdisciplinar entre el análisis sociológico de las representaciones y la interpretación crítica de prácticas estéticas (literatura y vídeo) para esbozar una mirada singular sobre la violencia social. En concreto, observaremos diversas prácticas estéticas contemporáneas que abordan la Transición Política española (1973-1985), construyendo discursos muy divergentes entre sí. Los discursos actuales sobre la Transición tienden a situarse entre dos posiciones extremas: una visión crítica y una visión celebratoria. Establecido esto, pasamos a comentar con más detalle algunas obras recientes que muestran una a visión crítica de la Transición. En concreto, observaremos dos novelas recientes de género policial, que sitúan su acción en los años de la Transición, y dos ejercicios de video-ensayo contemporáneo que impugnan la visión celebratoria, construida como el discurso dominante sobre la transición. Finalmente, evaluaremos la pertinencia de este tipo de abordaje transdisciplinar para indagar sobre debates en abierto que involucran el ejercicio de la violencia.
Los desplazamientos forzados como riesgos sociales asociados a las condiciones de la violencia política en Colombia
Authors: Ruscheinsky Aloisio , Baltazar Esteban Nina
Published: December 2013

En territorio colombiano los desplazados delimitan una categoría migratoria peculiar, pues se sitúan en lo provisorio y están enredados por múltiples incertezas. Este artículo presenta una caracterización de la ambigüedad del sistema de protección social y la política social de mitigación de la pobreza entre la población en situación de desplazamiento. Las causas del fenómeno tienen que ver con las desigualdades persistentes y los grupos al margen de la ley para lograr el control de tierras en zonas estratégicas para el narcotráfico, poder político, tráfico de armas y contrabando. Los reiterados vacíos y fracasos en la atención a la población desplazada evidencian la incapacidad del Estado Social de Derecho en el proceso de consolidación de la política social como estrategia institucional.
O discurso verbo-visual na língua brasileira de sinais - Libras
Authors: Felipe Tanya A.
Published: December 2013

Este artigo tem como objetivo ampliar as discussões sobre enunciados verbo-visuais, refletindo pressupostos teóricos do Círculo de Bakhtin que podem reforçar a argumentação de que, em enunciados de línguas de modalidade gestual visual, transparecem valores plástico-picturais e espaciais dos signos através também das Marcas não Manuais (MNMs). Está sendo ressaltada a diferença entre as expressões afetivas, comunicações paralinguísticas complementares em um enunciado, e as marcas verbo-visuais gramaticais, que são linguísticas por fazerem parte da arquitetura dos níveis fonológico, morfológico, sintático-semântico e discursivo em uma determinada língua. Essas marcas serão descritas a partir da Língua Brasileira de Sinais - Libras, incluindo a Translinguística como área de conhecimento que analisaria o discurso com relação a essas marcas verbo-visuais utilizadas pelos sujeitos na enunciação.
Climate change-induced carbonation of concrete infrastructure
Authors: Talukdar Sudip , Banthia Nemkumar , Grace John , Cohen Stewart
Published: December 2013

There is a nearly unanimous consensus among scientists that increasing greenhouse gas emissions, primarily carbon dioxide generated by human activity, are effecting the Earth's climate. For many key parameters, the climate system is already moving beyond the patterns of natural variability within which our societies and economies have developed and thrived. These parameters include global mean surface temperature, sea-level, ocean and ice sheet dynamics, and extreme climatic events. There is a significant risk that many of the trends will accelerate, leading to an increasing risk of abrupt or irreversible climatic shifts. One overlooked area of research is the impact of climate change on concrete infrastructure. Concrete structures form an essential part of the world. Climate change could potentially affect the durability of concrete infrastructure. In this paper, the findings of a study at the University of British Columbia which demonstrate a long-term risk to the durability of steel-reinforced concrete structures in some parts of the world via accelerated carbonation-induced corrosion are presented. Research demonstrates that service lifespans of structures will be affected in the long term, with the need for earlier repairs unless the adverse effects of climate change are taken into account at the time of design.
A new apparatus for determining the shrinkage limit of clay soils
Authors: HOBBS P.R.N. , JONES L.D. , KIRKHAM M.P. , ROBERTS P. , HASLAM E.P. , GUNN D.A.
Published: December 2013

A new apparatus for the determination of shrinkage limit is described. Two versions have been produced: a manually operated prototype ‘version1' followed by an automated version named SHRINKiT. Test results using the former for British and overseas clay soils are described and comparisons made with the British Standards preferred method. A further set of test results is described for SHRINKiT. However, it was not possible to compare these with the BS 1377 method owing to the introduction of a ban on the use of mercury in the British Geological Survey's geotechnical laboratories. The new method is set in the context of the huge cost of shrink/swell-related subsidence damage in Britain and the relative disuse of both BS 1377 methods for shrinkage limit, for reasons of safety. The shrinkage behaviour of different soils types and sample states is discussed, in addition to the advantages and disadvantages of the new method.
Spatially explicit modeling of 1992–2100 land cover and forest stand age for the conterminous United States
Authors: Sohl Terry L. , Sayler Kristi L. , Bouchard Michelle A. , Reker Ryan R. , Friesz Aaron M. , Bennett Stacie L. , Sleeter Benjamin M. , Sleeter Rachel R. , Wilson Tamara , Soulard Chris , Knuppe Michelle , Van Hofwegen Travis
Published: December 2013

Information on future land‐use and land‐cover (LULC) change is needed to analyze the impact of LULC change on ecological processes. The U.S. Geological Survey has produced spatially explicit, thematically detailed LULC projections for the conterminous United States. Four qualitative and quantitative scenarios of LULC change were developed, with characteristics consistent with the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Emission Scenarios (SRES). The four quantified scenarios (A1B, A2, B1, and B2) served as input to the forecasting scenarios of land‐use change (FORE‐SCE) model. Four spatially explicit data sets consistent with scenario storylines were produced for the conterminous United States, with annual LULC maps from 1992 through 2100. The future projections are characterized by a loss of natural land covers in most scenarios, with corresponding expansion of anthropogenic land uses. Along with the loss of natural land covers, remaining natural land covers experience increased fragmentation under most scenarios, with only the B2 scenario remaining relatively stable in both the proportion of remaining natural land covers and basic fragmentation measures. Forest stand age was also modeled. By 2100, scenarios and ecoregions with heavy forest cutting had relatively lower mean stand ages compared to those with less forest cutting. Stand ages differed substantially between unprotected and protected forest lands, as well as between different forest classes. The modeled data were compared to the National Land Cover Database (NLCD) and other data sources to assess model characteristics. The consistent, spatially explicit, and thematically detailed LULC projections and the associated forest stand‐age data layers have been used to analyze LULC impacts on carbon and greenhouse gas fluxes, biodiversity, climate and weather variability, hydrologic change, and other ecological processes.
The New Food Package and Breastfeeding Outcomes Among Women, Infants, and Children Participants in Los Angeles County
Authors: Langellier Brent A. , Chaparro M. Pia , Wang May C. , Koleilat Maria , Whaley Shannon E.
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We assessed the effect of the new Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food package, implemented in October 2009, on breastfeeding outcomes among a predominately Latina sample of WIC participants in Los Angeles County, California.

Methods. We used data from 5020 WIC participants who were interviewed in a series of repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted in 2005, 2008, and 2011. Participants were randomly selected from Los Angeles County residents who received WIC services during those years.

Results. Consistent with the WIC population in Los Angeles, participants were mostly Latina and had low levels of income and education; more than half were foreign-born. We found small but significant increases from pre- to postimplementation of the new WIC food package in prevalence of prenatal intention to breastfeed and breastfeeding initiation, but no changes in any breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months roughly doubled, an increase that remained large and significant after adjustment for other factors.

Conclusions. The new food package can improve breastfeeding outcomes in a population at high risk for negative breastfeeding outcomes.
Implementation and Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluation of Universal Postnatal Nurse Home Visiting
Authors: Dodge Kenneth A. , Goodman W. Benjamin , Murphy Robert A. , O’Donnell Karen , Sato Jeannine , Guptill Susan
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We evaluated whether a brief, universal, postnatal nurse home-visiting intervention can be implemented with high penetration and fidelity, prevent emergency health care services, and promote positive parenting by infant age 6 months.

Methods. Durham Connects is a manualized 4- to 7-session program to assess family needs and connect parents with community resources to improve infant health and well-being. All 4777 resident births in Durham, North Carolina, between July 1, 2009, and December 31, 2010, were randomly assigned to intervention and control conditions. A random, representative subset of 549 families received blinded interviews for impact evaluation.

Results. Of all families, 80% initiated participation; adherence was 84%. Hospital records indicated that Durham Connects infants had 59% fewer infant emergency medical care episodes than did control infants. Durham Connects mothers reported fewer infant emergency care episodes and more community connections, more positive parenting behaviors, participation in higher quality out-of-home child care, and lower rates of anxiety than control mothers. Blinded observers reported higher quality home environments for Durham Connects than for control families.

Conclusions. A brief universal home-visiting program implemented with high penetration and fidelity can lower costly emergency medical care and improve family outcomes.
Preterm Birth and Prenatal Maternal Occupation: The Role of Hispanic Ethnicity and Nativity in a Population-Based Sample in Los Angeles, California
Authors: von Ehrenstein Ondine S. , Wilhelm Michelle , Wang Anthony , Ritz Beate
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We investigated preterm birth (PTB) in relation to maternal occupational exposure and whether effect measures were modified by Hispanic ethnicity and nativity in a population-based sample with high proportion of Hispanics.

Methods. We used a case-control study (n = 2543) nested within a cohort of 58 316 births in Los Angeles County, California, in 2003. We categorized prenatal occupations using the US Census Occupation Codes and Classification System and developed a job exposure matrix. Odds ratios for PTB were estimated using logistic regression.

Results. Odds ratios for PTB were increased for all women in health care practitioner and technical occupations, but the 95% confidence intervals included the null value; effects were more pronounced among Hispanics. We estimated elevated odds ratios for foreign-born Hispanic women in building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations. Shift work and physically demanding work affected births among US-born but not foreign-born Hispanics.

Conclusions. Hispanic women are at particular risk for PTB related to adverse prenatal occupational exposure. Nativity may moderate these effects on PTB. Maternal occupational exposures likely contribute to ethnic disparities in PTB.
The Public Health Impact of Training Physicians to Become Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Ghana
Authors: Anderson Frank W. J. , Obed Samuel A. , Boothman Erika L. , Opare-Ado Henry
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We assessed the public health effect of creating and sustaining obstetrics and gynecology postgraduate training in Ghana, established in 1989 to reverse low repatriation of physicians trained abroad.

Methods. All 85 certified graduates of 2 Ghanaian university-based postgraduate training programs from program initiation in 1989 through June 2010 were identified and eligible for this study. Of these, 7 were unable to be contacted, inaccessible, declined participation, or deceased.

Results. Of the graduates, 83 provide clinical services in Ghana and work in 33 sites in 8 of 10 regions; 15% were the first obstetrician and gynecologist at their facility, 25% hold clinical leadership positions, 50% practice in teaching hospitals, and 14% serve as academic faculty.

Conclusions. Creating capacity for university-based postgraduate training in obstetrics and gynecology is effective and sustainable for a comprehensive global approach to reduce maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Policies to support training and research capacity in obstetrics and gynecology are an integral part of a long-term national plan for maternal health.
Use of Spatial Epidemiology and Hot Spot Analysis to Target Women Eligible for Prenatal Women, Infants, and Children Services
Authors: Stopka Thomas J. , Krawczyk Christopher , Gradziel Pat , Geraghty Estella M.
Published: December 2013

Objectives. We used a geographic information system and cluster analyses to determine locations in need of enhanced Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program services.

Methods. We linked documented births in the 2010 California Birth Statistical Master File with the 2010 data from the WIC Integrated Statewide Information System. Analyses focused on the density of pregnant women who were eligible for but not receiving WIC services in California’s 7049 census tracts. We used incremental spatial autocorrelation and hot spot analyses to identify clusters of WIC-eligible nonparticipants.

Results. We detected clusters of census tracts with higher-than-expected densities, compared with the state mean density of WIC-eligible nonparticipants, in 21 of 58 (36.2%) California counties (P < .05). In subsequent county-level analyses, we located neighborhood-level clusters of higher-than-expected densities of eligible nonparticipants in Sacramento, San Francisco, Fresno, and Los Angeles Counties (P < .05).

Conclusions. Hot spot analyses provided a rigorous and objective approach to determine the locations of statistically significant clusters of WIC-eligible nonparticipants. Results helped inform WIC program and funding decisions, including the opening of new WIC centers, and offered a novel approach for targeting public health services.
Hydraulic Modeling and in situ Electrical Resistivity Tomography to Analyze Ponded Infiltration into a Water Repellent Sand
Authors: Ganz Christina , Bachmann Jörg , Noell Ursula , Duijnisveld Wilhelmus H.M. , Lamparter Axel
Published: December 2013

Water repellency (WR) might affect the spatial and temporal dynamics of a wetting front during infiltration and redistribution in a way that is difficult to predict with standard approaches. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to simulate the wetting plume geometry with a three‐dimensional numerical model and to test whether electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is able to illustrate the geometry under highly dynamic conditions. At our study site under agricultural use (Gleyic Podzol, groundwater affected), persistent WR in the subsoil to the 120‐cm depth was responsible for a conical plume geometry observed after ponded tracer application with Brilliant Blue (BB) and bromide. The process was invasively observed with hydraulic sensors. At the same time, ERT was used to monitor a second ponded infiltration event under equal boundary conditions at the same site. Numerical simulation of the process showed that hysteresis in the water retention curve is needed to describe the specific infiltration plume geometry correctly. The main wetting function was derived from scaling the main drying curve with measured contact angle data. A comparison of wetting front arrival times among the hydraulic model, sensors, and independent ERT observations indicates an overall good agreement and shows the usefulness of ERT measurements under highly dynamic in situ conditions. Our results confirm the need to include strong hysteresis effects scaled with independent contact angle data when simulating infiltration dynamics in a water repellent soil to avoid an underestimation of the wetting front arrival.
Numerical Modeling of Gas Flow in the Suncor Coke Stockpile Covers
Authors: Lahmira Belkacem , Barbour Lee , Huang Mingbin
Published: December 2013

The occurrence of thermally driven convective air flow within waste rock or natural soil profiles has been well established; however, the potential impact that convective air flow may have on water storage within reclamation soil covers has not been previously explored. We conducted a numerical modeling study to evaluate the effect that convective air flow may have on stored water within a soil reclamation cover placed over a coke stockpile at an oil sands mine in Alberta, Canada. Coke is a carbon, sand‐like byproduct of heavy oil processing. Two‐dimensional simulations of thermally driven convective air flow were conducted for two different field sites based on available field data. The elevated temperature within the coke stockpile resulted in the development of strong convective air flow cells that drew in drier atmospheric air over the lower slope positions while releasing it across the upper slope and plateau areas of the cover. The magnitude of the gas flux and the intensity of the convection within the cell were a function of the air permeability of the coke and cover material, the depth of the coke, and the slope of the stockpile. It was estimated that convective air movement through the cover could produce as much as 1 to 2 mm/d of enhanced drying of the cover in lower slope positions. Field observations of water content distributions within the cover provided corroboration that the cover has undergone enhanced drying at lower slope positions.
Performance of sanitary sewer collection system odour control devices operating in diverse conditions
Authors: Camarillo Mary Kay , Stringfellow William T. , Hanlon Jeremy S. , Basha Elizabeth
Published: December 2013

Controlling odours from sanitary sewer systems is challenging as a result of the expansive nature of these systems. Addition of oxidizing chemicals is often practiced as a mitigation strategy. One alternative is to remove odorous compounds in the gases vented from manholes using adsorptive media. In this study, odour control devices located at manholes were observed to determine the ability of these systems to reduce hydrogen sulphide from vented gases. The odour control devices incorporated pressure regulation to control gas flow out of manhole covers and adsorptive media to remove hydrogen sulphide in the vented gases prior to release. Pressure regulation was accomplished using a variable volume bladder and two pressure relief valves that permitted gas flow when pressures exceeded 1.3 to 2.5 cm water column. The reduction in gas flow vented from manholes was intended to extend the service life of the adsorptive media, as compared with odour control devices that do not incorporate pressure modulation. Devices were deployed at four locations and three adsorptive media were tested. Although measured collection system hydrogen sulphide concentrations varied from zero to over 1,000 ppm, the removal rates observed using odour control devices were typically above 90%. The lower removal rates observed at one of the sites (50.5 ± 36.1%) appeared related to high gas flow rates being emitted at this location. Activated carbon was used in most of the tests, although use of iron media resulted in the highest removal observed: 97.8 ± 3.6%. The expected service life of the adsorptive media contained within the odour control devices is a function of site-specific hydrogen sulphide concentrations and gas flow rates. The units used in this study were in service for more than 8 to 12 months prior to requiring media replacement.
Hydrogen sulfide removal from sediment and water in box culverts/storm drains by iron-based granules
Authors: Sun J. L. , Shang C. , Kikkert G. A.
Published: December 2013

A renewable granular iron-based technology for hydrogen sulfide removal from sediment and water in box culverts and storm drains is discussed. Iron granules, including granular ferric hydroxide (GFH), granular ferric oxide (GFO) and rusted waste iron crusts (RWIC) embedded in the sediment phase removed aqueous hydrogen sulfide formed from sedimentary biological sulfate reduction. The exhausted iron granules were exposed to dissolved oxygen and this regeneration process recovered the sulfide removal capacities of the granules. The recovery is likely attributable to the oxidation of the ferrous iron precipitates film and the formation of new reactive ferric iron surface sites on the iron granules and sand particles. GFH and RWIC showed larger sulfide removal capacities in the sediment phase than GFO, likely due to the less ordered crystal structures on their surfaces. This study demonstrates that the iron granules are able to remove hydrogen sulfide from sediment and water in box culverts and storm drains and they have the potential to be regenerated and reused by contacting with dissolved oxygen.
Ozone pretreatment of olive mill wastewaters (OMW) and its effect on OMW biochemical methane potential (BMP)
Authors: Tsintavi E. , Pontillo N. , Dareioti M. A. , Kornaros M.
Published: December 2013

The possibility of coupling a physicochemical pretreatment (ozonation) with a biological treatment (anaerobic digestion) was investigated for the case of olive mill wastewaters (OMW). Batch ozonation experiments were performed in a glass bubble reactor. The parameters which were tested included the ozone concentration in the inlet gas stream, the reactor temperature and the composition of the liquid medium in terms of raw or fractionated OMW used. In the sequel, ozone-pretreated OMW samples were tested for their biochemical methane potential (BMP) under mesophilic conditions and these results were compared to the BMP of untreated OMW. The ozonation process alone resulted in a 57–76% decrease of total phenols and a 5–18% decrease of total carbohydrates contained in OMW, depending on the experimental conditions. Nevertheless, the ozone-pretreated OMW exhibited lower chemical oxygen demand removal and methane production during BMP testing compared to the untreated OMW.
Thermal Stress Effects on Gene Expression and Phagocytosis in the Common
Carp (Cyprinus Carpio): a Better Understanding of the Summer 2001
st. Lawrence River Fish Kill
Authors: Ouellet Valérie , Pierron Fabien , Mingelbier Marc , Fournier Michel , Fournier Marlène , Couture Patrice
Published: December 2013

In summer 2001, the St. Lawrence River (Québec, Canada) experienced perhaps the largest massive fish kill of
its history, with more than 25 000 carp (Cyprinus carpio) found dead. This experiment therefore investigated the effects
of heat stress on the gene transcription level of heat shock protein 70, cytochrome c oxidase and mitochondrial superoxide
dismutase expression as well as on phagocytosis of kidney cell suspensions and animal behaviour. Our study suggests that
in summer 2001, elevated water temperatures could have contributed to the fish kill through immunosuppression during
an already stressful spawning period.
Genitourinary injuries associated with pelvic fractures
Authors: Pejcic Tomislav , Loncar Zlatibor , Rafailovic Dragutin , Acimovic Miodrag , Dzamic Zoran , Hadzi-Djokic Jovan
Published: December 2013

Introduction: Pelvic fractures represent approximately 3% of all skeletal
injuries. About 15% of patients with pelvic fractures have associated bladder
or urethral injuries. The most common causes of pelvic fracture are motor
vehicle accidents, motorcycle crashes, motor vehicles striking pedestrians,
and falls. Material and methods: Retrospective study included the patients
treated in the Emergency Center, Clinical Center of Serbia, Belgrade, between
2000 and 2009. Of 7445 patients, there were 894 injuries of the urinary tract
and 376 pelvic fractures; 55 patients with pelvic fractures (14.6%) had
bladder or urethral injuries. There were 31 patients with bladder injuries,
22 patients with urethral injuries, and two patients with associated injuries
of the posterior urethra and the bladder neck. Results: The bladder injuries
were treated by surgical exploration, cystostomy, suture of the bladder
lesions and urethral catheterization. Urethral injuries were treated by
primary cystostomy and urethral reconstruction and catheterization in 18
patients (82%), while cystofix-cystostomy was performed in four patients
(18%). Discussion: Genitourinary injuries increase overall mortality in
patients with pelvic fracture, compared with traumas without associated GU
injuries. These patients require multidisciplinary approach, preferably in
tertiary institutions.
Synchronization of business cycles in the selected European countries
Authors: Obradovic Sasa , Mihajlovic Vladimir
Published: December 2013

The synchronization of business cycles represents one of the conditions that
countries have to fulfil to become part of an optimum currency area, as well
as a condition for the efficient implementation of a common economic policy
in these countries. This paper examines the extent to which Serbia and its
neighbouring countries fulfil these conditions, taking the euro area as an
optimum currency area. By applying the Hodrick-Prescott and the band-pass
filters, as well as the Pearson correlation coefficient and the Spearman rank
correlation coefficient, this paper examines the synchronization of business
cycles in these countries. Taking Serbia as an example, the influence of the
foreign trade volume between two countries on the similarity of their
business cycles is tested. The results show a lower harmonization of business
cycles in Serbia with those in the euro area, when compared with the selected
neighbouring countries, and do not confirm the thesis on the influence of the
foreign trade volume on the harmonization of business cycles.
Testing for causality between the foreign direct investment, current account deficit, GDP and total credit: Evidence from G7
Authors: Akbas Yusuf , Senturk Mehmet , Sancar Canan
Published: December 2013

In this study, countries were analyzed between 1990 and 2011 in order to
determine whether a causal relationship exists among current account deficit,
GDP, foreign direct investment, and total credits of G7. Analysis took into
account the cross-sectional dependence and was applied to test the causality
among the variables form the panel. Firstly, panel unit root tests were used
for determining stationary of variables. As a result of the panel unit root
tests, it was found that GDP and foreign direct investment have a stationary
structure and that total credits and current account deficit contain unit
root. In order to see whether there is a long-term relationship among the
variables or not, the panel co-integration test was used. As a result of the
test, it was concluded that there is a co-integration relationship among the
series. The possibility of a causal relationship was analyzed among the
variables using the causality test developed by Elena Ivona Dumitrescu and
Christophe Hurlin (2012). Results of the analysis showed a unidirectional
causal relationship from current account deficit and foreign direct
investment to GDP. Bidirectional causality was found between current account
deficit and total credits. Finally, a unidirectional relationship was found
from foreign direct investment to current account deficit and total credits.
Experimental study of operating range and radiation efficiency of a metal porous burner
Authors: Hashemi S.A. , Nikfar M. , Motaghedifard R.
Published: December 2013

In this paper, a radiant metal porous burner which is formed from wire mesh
layers is studied. Surface temperature of the burner is measured in different
equivalence ratios and firing rates and radiation efficiency is calculated
for each case. The experiments are performed for different thicknesses of the
porous medium. The results show that the surface temperature increases with
increasing firing rate and maximum surface temperature occurs in a lean
mixture. Comparing the results for different thicknesses shows that maximum
surface temperature is obtained in a medium with three-layer of wire mesh.
The radiation efficiency of the burner decreases with increasing firing rate.
The maximum radiation efficiency is about 30 percent which is obtained in the
three-layer of wire mesh in the minimum firing rate. Comparison of the
results with the other works shows a good agreement between them.
Radiation effects on an unsteady MHD natural convective flow of a nanofluid past a vertical plate
Authors: Parasuraman Loganathan , Peddisetty Nirmal , Periyannagounder Ganesan
Published: December 2013

Numerical analysis is carried out on an unsteady MHD natural convective
boundary layer flow of a nanofluid past an isothermal vertical plate in the
presence of thermal radiation. The governing partial differential equations
are solved numerically by an efficient, iterative, tri-diagonal,
semi-implicit finite-difference method. In particular, we investigate the
effects of radiation, magnetic field and nanoparticle volume fraction on the
flow and heat transfer characteristics. The nanofluids containing
nanoparticles of aluminium oxide, copper, titanium oxide and silver with
nanoparticle volume fraction range less than or equal to 0.04 are considered.
The numerical results indicate that in the presence of radiation and magnetic
field, an increase in the nanoparticle volume fraction will decrease the
velocity boundary layer thickness while increasing the thickness of the
thermal boundary layer. Meanwhile, an increase in the magnetic field or
nanoparticle volume fraction decreases the average skin-friction at the
plate. Excellent validation of the present results has been achieved with the
published results in the literature in the absence of the nanoparticle volume
fraction.
Temperature stratification in a road tunnel
Authors: Kalech Brahim , Mehrez Zouhaier , Bouterra Mourad , el Cafsi , Belghith Ali
Published: December 2013

Tests were conducted to study the temperature distribution and stratification
of smoke in a tunnel at one-dimensional propagation phase, the ventilation
strategy varies in these trials. Numerical results showed that there are
three layers of flow in the different strategies, the smoke layer,
intermediate mixture layer and training fresh air layer. A barrier effect has
been shown for the distribution of the temperature of the smoke upstream. The
temperature and the velocity of movement of the smoke flow were influenced by
the type of ventilation strategy. Stratification of the flow is characterized
by a Richardson number. This numerical study requires validation with the
work of Hu et al. [11]. However, a good agreement was obtained.
New methods to cope with temperature elevations in heated segments of flat plates cooled by boundary layer flow
Authors: Hajmohammadi Mohammad , Moulod Mohammad , Joneydi Shariatzadeh , Nourazar Seyed
Published: December 2013

This paper documents two reliable methods to cope with the rising temperature
in an array of heated segments with a known overall heat load and exposed to
forced convective boundary layer flow. Minimization of the hot spots (peak
temperatures) in the array of heated segments constitutes the primary goal
that sets the platform to develop the methods. The two proposed methods
consist of: 1) Designing an array of unequal heaters so that each heater has
a different size and generates heat at different rates, and 2) Distancing the
unequal heaters from each other using an insulated spacing. Multi-scale
design based on constructal theory is applied to estimate the optimal
insulated spacing, heaters size and heat generation rates, such that the
minimum hot spots temperature is achieved when subject to space constraint
and fixed overall heat load. It is demonstrated that the two methods can
considerably reduce the hot spot temperatures and consequently, both can be
utilized with confidence in industry to achieve optimized heat transfer.
Mechanochemical production of lignin-containing powder fuels from biotechnical industry waste: A review
Authors: Lomovsky Oleg , Bychkov Aleksey , Lomovsky Igor , Logvinenko Vladimir , Burdukov Anatoliy
Published: December 2013

In biotechnological processing of plant raw materials, carbohydrates that are
soluble and accessible for microorganisms are the only usable components. The
lignin-rich part of the plant raw materials usually ends up in the waste.
Lignin transferred into water suspensions cannot be used efficiently as a
fuel. In this review, a new processing scheme of plant raw materials is
presented, which includes mechanochemical treatment of the plant raw
materials and separation of the powder product into particles of lignified
and non-lignified tissues rich in lignin and cellulose, respectively. The
cellulose-rich powders can then be used in biotechnological processes.
Lignin-rich powder aerodynamically separated using cyclone-type apparatus can
be used as a powder fuel to satisfy the needs of the main biotechnological
plant in heat and steam.
Experimental investigation of rockwool insulation hygrothermal properties related to material structure
Authors: Djurovic-Petrovic Maja
Published: December 2013

The hygrothermal properties related to rockwool insulation material structure
with different additives are presented using rockwool insulation products
obtained from row material of southern Serbia (Vranje region) in the wide
range of reference temperatures (10?C to 70?C). The hygrothermal properties
of basic sample (without additives) are compared to two samples with
different additives for two sets of rockwool insulation samples namely:
light-soft-panels (LSP) with density of 50 kg/m3, and middle-weight-panels
(MWP) with density of 80 kg/m3. It is shown that there is significant
(approximately 10%) improvement of thermal conductivity for additives based
on zeolite. Also, correlation of thermal conductivity and sorption properties
of selected samples are presented.
The Crucible: Adding Complexity to the Question of Social Justice in Early Childhood Development
Authors: Mevawalla Zinnia
Published: December 2013

As an ideology, the concept of social justice has long been a worthy, if slightly volatile, companion of early childhood theorists and researchers. Whilst the majority of the literature has valorised social justice, discontented questions regarding ‘what’ the construct entails and ‘how’ it might be tamed to work still remain. Using complexity theory, this article problematises the amalgam of social justice by readdressing the role of participation, inclusion and equality in early childhood systems. It is argued that social justice evolves from essentially local and relational interactions amongst a range of stakeholders. By framing early childhood interactions as those occurring within the context of relationships which are embedded within open systems (that is, systems within systems), this article discusses how interactions in early childhood involve a set of complex, yet systematic, processes which can only be understood as they unfold. Contextualised against the dominant discourse of ‘normalisation’ in early childhood, this article uses aspects of complexity theory such as non-linearity, emergence and recurrency to focus on the ways in which layers of social justice are embedded in the values and processes experienced in early childhood systems. Drawing on the philosophical roots of transformative education, it focuses particularly on the use of complexity theory to frame concepts of children's power, agency and participation. It discusses how the proactive praxis of social justice might emerge from within early childhood systems.
A ‘Humanitarian Idea’: Using a Historical Lens to Reflect on Social Justice in Early Childhood Education and Care
Authors: Wong Sandie
Published: December 2013

The concept of early childhood education and care (ECEC) as ‘social justice’ is contested and complex. In this article, the author calls on a historical perspective to critically reflect on social justice in ECEC. The author does this by exploring the early history of free kindergartens in Sydney, Australia. The author demonstrates, through this example, that the idea of ‘social justice’ has long been at the core of ECEC work in Australia. The work of the pioneers of early childhood education in Australia has tended to be minimised as little more than middle-class ‘do-gooding’ that perpetuated middle-class ways of knowing. Revisiting this history, the author argues that these early advocates, operating within the confines of their time, constructed free kindergartens as contributing to social justice. Understanding of present constructions of ECEC has much to gain from revisiting and critiquing this early history. A critical and respectful understanding of the history of ECEC enables contemporary advocates to place themselves within a long, hard-fought, though sometimes misguided and often controversial, tradition.
Immigrant-Background Australians' Recollections of Justice, Injustice and Agency in Stories about Starting School
Authors: Turunen Tuija A. , Perry Bob
Published: December 2013

This article investigates the recollections of justice, injustice and agency in the autobiographical narratives of a group of Australian immigrants who shared their experiences of starting school. The data consists of 24 autobiographical narrative interviews with participants who started school either overseas and then in Australia, or in Australia, between 1955 and 1991. By the time of starting school, they not only lived in different microsystems — home and school — but also oscillated between two macrosystems: the cultural heritage of the family and the mainstream culture of Australia. The results indicate that, for this group of people, starting school represented a significant encounter between these macrosystems. Experiences of justice, injustice and agency during the early school career had potential to shape identity construction and have a lasting impact on the life course. The stories told during the interviews were about past experience, but also about what that experience meant in the present life of the narrator. They gave voice to the experiences of the participants as children and space to the adults to make sense of their childhood experiences.
Perspectives of the Titanic: Are We Sinking with the Ship?
Authors: Ranz-Smith Deborah J.
Published: December 2013

Teachers are asked to examine the potential opportunities for connecting themes of childhood play to the skills, habits of the mind, and principles of the disciplines. A comparative analysis of the explanations of first graders and the perceptions of their teachers, in separate focus groups, revealed a disparity in the significance of narrative play as found on the playground. Practitioners are challenged to uncover meaningful connections between play and school curricula.