bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scenario-based quantitative microbial risk assessment to evaluate the robustness of a drinking water treatment plant
Authors: Hamouda Mohamed A. , Anderson William B. , Van Dyke Michele I. , Douglas Ian P. , McFadyen Stéphanie D. , Huck Peter M.
Published: February 2016

While traditional application of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) models usually stops at analyzing the microbial risk under typical operating conditions, this paper proposes the use of scenario-based risk assessment to predict the impact of potential challenges on the expected risk. This study used a QMRA model developed by Health Canada to compare 14 scenarios created to assess the increase in risk due to potential treatment failures and unexpected variations in water quality and operating parameters of a water treatment plant. Under regular operating conditions, the annual risk of illness was found to be substantially lower than the acceptable limit. Scenario-based QMRA was shown to be useful in demonstrating which hypothetical treatment failures would be the most critical, resulting in an increased risk of illness. The analysis demonstrated that scenarios incorporating considerable failure in treatment processes resulted in risk levels surpassing the acceptable limit. This reiterates the importance of robust treatment processes and the multi-barrier approach voiced in drinking water safety studies. Knowing the probability of failure, and the risk involved, allows designers and operators to make effective plans for response to treatment failures and/or recovery actions involving potential exposures. This ensures the appropriate allocation of financial and human resources.
Young users accept NoMix toilets – a questionnaire survey on urine source separating toilets in a college in Switzerland
Authors: Lienert J. , Thiemann K. , Kaufmann-Hayoz R. , Larsen T.A.
Published: February 2016

We studied user behavior and acceptance of NoMix toilets by collecting 271 questionnaires from young adults. We discriminated between short- and long-term users (months of habituation). Most respondents noticed that the NoMix toilet is different. Nevertheless, the existing NoMix technology was well accepted regarding design, hygiene and smell in this institutional setting. Only few respondents changed their sitting or flushing behavior. The necessity to sit when urinating might be slightly problematic (62% sit), but it seems possible that people adopt this new behavior required by the NoMix toilet. General acceptance of the NoMix toilet was high: 70% of respondents found the idea convincing – many for environmental reasons – 87% were willing to move into an apartment with a NoMix toilet, and 20% would pay substantially more for a NoMix toilet. We informed about the NoMix toilet with instructions for use in the toilet cabin, an information poster, and an information leaflet that we distributed after questioning. Our information was noted by most respondents and significantly increased the knowledge about and the acceptance of the NoMix toilet. We recommend that future pilot projects with NoMix toilets consider a well devised information policy to support decision making and acceptance of this new technology.
Granular biomass capable of partial nitritation and anammox
Authors: Vlaeminck S. E. , Cloetens L. F. F. , Carballa M. , Boon N. , Verstraete W.
Published: February 2016

Water Science and Technology 58(5) 1113–1120

Publisher's note. We regret that an outdated version of this article was used in production; the correct final version, which incorporates several amendments and different authorship, is printed below.
Integrating anaerobic processes into wastewater treatment
Authors: McAdam E. J. , Lüffler D. , Martin-Garcia N. , Eusebi A. L. , Lester J. N. , Jefferson B. , Cartmell E.
Published: February 2016

Over the past decade, the concept of anaerobic processes for the treatment of low temperature domestic wastewater has been introduced. This paper uses a developed wastewater flowsheet model and experimental data from several pilot scale studies to establish the impact of integrating anaerobic process into the wastewater flowsheet. The results demonstrate that, by integrating an expanded granular sludge blanket reactor to treat settled wastewater upstream of the activated sludge process, an immediate reduction in imported electricity of 62.5% may be achieved for a treated flow of c. 10,000 m3 d−1. This proposed modification to the flowsheet offers potential synergies with novel unit processes including physico-chemical ammonia removal and dissolved methane recovery. Incorporating either of these unit operations can potentially further improve the flowsheet net energy balance to between +0.037 and +0.078 kWh m−3 of produced water. The impact of these secondary unit operations is significant as it is this contribution to the net energy balance that facilitates the shift from energy negative to energy positive wastewater treatment.
Granular activated algae for wastewater treatment
Authors: Tiron O. , Bumbac C. , Patroescu I. V. , Badescu V. R. , Postolache C.
Published: February 2016

The study used activated algae granules for low-strength wastewater treatment in sequential batch mode. Each treatment cycle was conducted within 24 h in a bioreactor exposed to 235 μmol/m2/s light intensity. Wastewater treatment was performed mostly in aerobic conditions, oxygen being provided by microalgae. High removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) was achieved (86–98%) in the first hours of the reaction phase, during which the indicator's removal rate was 17.4 ± 3.9 mg O2/g h; NH4+ was removed during organic matter degradation processes with a rate of 1.8 ± 0.6 mg/g h. After almost complete COD removal, the NH4+ remaining in the liquor was removed through nitrification processes promoted by the increase of the liquor's oxygen saturation (O2%), the transformation rate of NH4+ into NO3− increasing from 0.14 ± 0.05 to 1.5 ± 0.4 mg NH4+/g h, along with an O2% increase. A wide removal efficiency was achieved in the case of PO43– (11–85%), with the indicator's removal rate being 1.3 ± 0.7 mg/g h. In the provided optimum conditions, the occurrence of the denitrifying activity was also noticed. A large pH variation was registered (5–8.5) during treatment cycles. The granular activated algae system proved to be a promising alternative for wastewater treatment as it also sustains cost-efficient microalgae harvesting, with microalgae recovery efficiency ranging between 99.85 and 99.99% after granules settling with a velocity of 19 ± 3.6 m/h.
Modelling the impact of retention–detention units on sewer surcharge and peak and annual runoff reduction
Authors: Locatelli Luca , Gabriel Søren , Mark Ole , Mikkelsen Peter Steen , Arnbjerg-Nielsen Karsten , Taylor Heidi , Bockhorn Britta , Larsen Hauge , Kjølby Morten Just , Blicher Anne Steensen , Binning Philip John
Published: February 2016

Stormwater management using water sensitive urban design is expected to be part of future drainage systems. This paper aims to model the combination of local retention units, such as soakaways, with subsurface detention units. Soakaways are employed to reduce (by storage and infiltration) peak and volume stormwater runoff; however, large retention volumes are required for a significant peak reduction. Peak runoff can therefore be handled by combining detention units with soakaways. This paper models the impact of retrofitting retention–detention units for an existing urbanized catchment in Denmark. The impact of retrofitting a retention–detention unit of 3.3 m3/100 m2 (volume/impervious area) was simulated for a small catchment in Copenhagen using MIKE URBAN. The retention–detention unit was shown to prevent flooding from the sewer for a 10-year rainfall event. Statistical analysis of continuous simulations covering 22 years showed that annual stormwater runoff was reduced by 68–87%, and that the retention volume was on average 53% full at the beginning of rain events. The effect of different retention–detention volume combinations was simulated, and results showed that allocating 20–40% of a soakaway volume to detention would significantly increase peak runoff reduction with a small reduction in the annual runoff.
Oxidative decomposition properties of cationic exchange resins producing SO42− in power plants
Authors: Zhu Zhiping , Dai Chenlin , Liu Sen , Tian Ye
Published: February 2016

The sulphate content of a system increases when strong-acid cationic exchange resins leak into a system or when sulphonic acid groups on the resin organic chain detach. To solve this problem, a dynamic cycle method was used in dissolution experiments of several resins under H2O2 or residual chlorine conditions. Results show that after performing dynamic cycle experiments for 120 hours under oxidizing environments, the SO42− and total organic carbon (TOC) released by four kinds of resins increased with time, contrary to their release velocity. The quantity of released SO42− increased as the oxidizing ability of oxidants was enhanced. Results showed that the quantity and velocity of released SO42− under residual chlorine condition were larger than those under H2O2 condition. Data analysis of SO42− and TOC released from the four kinds of resins by the dynamic cycle experiment revealed that the strength of oxidation resistance of the four resins were as follows: 650C > 1500H > S200 > SP112H.
Water-saving analysis on an effective water reuse system in biodiesel feedstock production based on Chlorella zofingiensis fed-batch cultivation
Authors: Yang Kang , Qin Lei , Wang Zhongming , Feng Wei , Feng Pingzhong , Zhu Shunni , Xu Jingliang , Yuan Zhenhong
Published: February 2016

The micralgae-based biofuel obtained from dairy wastewater (DWW) is considered a promising source of energy. However, this process consumes water due to the concentration of wastewater being normally too high for some micoralgae cultivation, and dilution is always needed. In this work, the cultivation of microalgae has been examined in non-recirculated water (NR) and recirculated water systems (R). The growth of Chlorella zofingiensis and the nutrient removal of DWW have been recorded. The comparison indicates the R had a little more advantage in biomass and lipid output (1.55, 0.22 g, respectively) than the NR (1.51, 0.20 g, respectively). However, the total chemical oxygen demand (COD), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), and total phosphorus (TP) removals of the R were lower than those of the NR system during the culture. The highest removal of total COD, TKN, and TP were 85.05%, 93.64%, and 98.45%, respectively. Furthermore, no significant difference has been observed in the higher heating value and lipid content of the biomass of the R and NR. The results show the R can save 30% of the total water input during the culture. All above results indicate the R system has great potential in industry.
A novel positively charged membrane based on polyamide thin-film composite made by cross-linking for nanofiltration
Authors: Akbari Ahmad , Fakharshakeri Zahra , Mojallali Rostami Sayed Majid
Published: February 2016

In this paper, a novel positively charged membrane was prepared through interfacial polymerization technique between polyethyleneimine in aqueous phase and trimesoyl chloride in organic phase. Next, cross-linking of polyamide (PA) layer using ρ-xylylene dichloride (XDC) and glutaraldehyde (GA) was studied. The influences of cross-linking concentrations on the separation and permeation performance of membrane were also investigated. Membranes were characterized in terms of their chemical structure, the cross-sectional and surface morphologies, contact angles, molecular weight cut-off (MWCO) and effect of pH feed solution. The salt rejection sequence of CaCl2 >NaCl > Na2SO4 showed a positive charge at the membrane surface after cross-linking reaction. The MWCO of primary PA membrane decreased from 1,135 to 775 and 885 Da for XDC and GA, respectively. XDC membrane shows highest CaCl2 divalent cationic rejection (95.5%) and lowest water flux (21.1 L/m2.h). This study illustrates a promising method for fabrication of positively charged membrane in cation separation.
Adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of malachite green by vanadium doped zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Khezami L. , Taha Kamal K. , Ghiloufi Imed , El Mir Lassaad
Published: February 2016

Herein the degradation of malachite green (MG) dye from aqueous medium by vanadium doped zinc oxide (ZnO:V3%) nanopowder was investigated. The specific surface area and pore volume of the nanopowder was characterized by nitrogen adsorption method. Batch experimental procedures were conducted to investigate the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of MG dye. Adsorption kinetics investigations were performed by varying the amount of the catalyst and the initial dye concentrations. Adsorption and photocatalytic degradation data were modeled using the Lagergren pseudo-first-order and second-order kinetic equation. The results showed that the ZnO:V3% nanopowder was particularly effective for the removal of MG and data were found to comply with Lagergreen pseudo-first-order kinetic model.
Effect of thermal and alkaline pretreatment of giant miscanthus and Chinese fountaingrass on biogas production
Authors: Nkemka Valentine Nkongndem , Li Yongqiang , Hao Xiying
Published: February 2016

Giant miscanthus (Miscanthus×giganteus) and Chinese fountaingrass (Pennisetum alopecuroides (L.) Spreng), cultivated for landscaping and soil conservation, are potential energy crops. The study investigated the effect of combined thermal and alkaline pretreatments on biogas production of these energy crops. The pretreatment included two types of alkali (6% CaO and 6% NaOH) at 22, 70 and 100 °C. The alkaline pretreatment resulted in a greater breakdown of the hemicellulose fraction, with CaO more effective than NaOH. Pretreatment of giant miscanthus with 6% CaO at 100 °C for 24 h produced a CH4 yield (313 mL g−1 volatile solids (VS)) that was 1.7 times that of the untreated sample (186 mL g−1 VS). However, pretreatment of Chinese fountaingrass with 6% CaO or 6% NaOH at 70 °C for 24 h resulted in similar CH4 yields (328 and 302 mL g−1 VS for CaO and NaOH pretreatments) as the untreated sample (311 mL g−1 VS). Chinese fountaingrass was more easily digestible but had a low overall CH4 yield per hectare (1,831 m3 ha−1 y−1) compared to giant miscanthus (6,868 m3 ha−1 y−1). This study demonstrates the potential of thermal/alkaline pretreatment and the use of giant miscanthus and Chinese fountaingrass for biogas production.
Control of Microthrix parvicella and sludge bulking by ozone in a full-scale WWTP
Authors: Levén Lotta , Wijnbladh Erik , Tuvesson Malin , Kragelund Caroline , Hallin Sara
Published: February 2016

Bulking and rising sludge are common problems in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and are primarily caused by increased growth of filamentous bacteria such as Microthrix parvicella. It has a negative impact on sludge settling properties in activated sludge (AS) process, in addition to being responsible for foam formation. Different methods can be used to control sludge bulking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the dosage of on-site generated ozone in the recycled AS flow in a full-scale WWTP having problems caused by M. parvicella. The evaluation of the experiment was assessed by process data, microscopic analysis and microbial screening on the experimental and control line before, during and after the period of ozone dosage. The ozone treatment resulted in decreased abundance of M. parvicella and improved the settling properties, without impairing the overall process performance. Both chemical oxygen demand (COD)- and N-removal were unaffected and the dominant populations involved in nitrification, as analysed by fluorescent in situ hybridization, remained during the experimental period. When the ozone treatment was terminated, the problems with sludge bulking reappeared, indicating the importance of continuous evaluation of the process.
Environmental remediation of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution through hydrogel adsorption: a critical review
Authors: Muya Francis Ntumba , Sunday Christopher Edoze , Baker Priscilla , Iwuoha Emmanuel
Published: February 2016

Heavy metal ions such as Cd2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, Mg2+, and Hg2+ from industrial waste water constitute a major cause of pollution for ground water sources. These ions are toxic to man and aquatic life as well, and should be removed from wastewater before disposal. Various treatment technologies have been reported to remediate the potential toxic elements from aqueous media, such as adsorption, precipitation and coagulation. Most of these technologies are associated with some shortcomings, and challenges in terms of applicability, effectiveness and cost. However, adsorption techniques have the capability of effectively removing heavy metals at very low concentration (1–100 mg/L). Various adsorbents have been reported in the literature for this purpose, including, to a lesser extent, the use of hydrogel adsorbents for heavy metal removal in aqueous phase. Here, we provide an in-depth perspective on the design, application and efficiency of hydrogel systems as adsorbents.
Chloride ions promoted the catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of phenol over clay-based catalysts
Authors: Zhou Shiwei , Zhang Changbo , Xu Rui , Gu Chuantao , Song Zhengguo , Xu Minggang
Published: February 2016

Catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of phenol over clay-based catalysts in the presence and absence of NaCl was investigated. Changes in the H2O2, Cl−, and dissolved metal ion concentration, as well as solution pH during phenol oxidation, were also studied. Additionally, the intermediates formed during phenol oxidation were detected by liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy and the chemical bonding information of the catalyst surfaces was analyzed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The results showed that the presence of Cl− increased the oxidation rate of phenol to 155%, and this phenomenon was ubiquitous during the oxidation of phenolic compounds by H2O2 over clay-based catalysts. Cl−-assisted oxidation of phenol was evidenced by several analytical techniques such as mass spectroscopy (MS) and XPS, and it was hypothesized that the rate-limiting step was accelerated in the presence of Cl−. Based on the results of this study, the CWPO technology appears to be promising for applications in actual saline phenolic wastewater treatment.
Multi-Fixed-Bed Bioreactor System Applied for Bioprocess Development of Immobilized Lactic Acid Bacteria
Authors: Faschian Rebecca , De Sonakshi , Pörtner Ralf
Published: February 2016

The multi-fixed-bed bioreactor“Multiferm”provides a downscaled system for the development of fixed-bed processes with immobilized microorganisms or cells. It consists of twelve single fixed-bed units that can be operated independently. Different bacterial strains, carriers used for immobilization, media or flow rates can be studied in one compact experimental set-up. Experiments can be run in parallel to allow for determination of experimental errors. In these studies several continuous cultivations were carried out withLactobacillus delbrueckiissp.bulgaricususing different dilution rates and culture durations as proof-of-concept for theMultiferm. Parameters relevant for process design such as reproducibility of simultaneously performed cultures, optimal dilution rate and long-term performance were determined by means of volume specific lactate and biomass productivity. First indications on a reduced growth rate of the cells due to immobilization were found.
Phenolic profile and antioxidant properties of dried buckwheat leaf and flower extracts
Authors: Misan Aleksandra , Saric Bojana , Milovanovic Ivan , Jovanov Pavle , Sedej Ivana , Tadic Vanja , Mandic Anamarija , Sakac Marijana
Published: February 2016

Due to a high content of rutin (2-10%), dried buckwheat leaf and flower (DBLF) formulations were shown to be efficient in the treatment of vascular diseases. In order to find a cost effective way for the extraction of antioxidants, the effects of ethanol/water ratio and temperature on the extraction efficiency of phenolic compounds and the mechanisms of antioxidant action of the extracts were tested. Extraction with ethanol/water mixture (80:20, v/v) for 24 h at room temperature, after the mixture was just brought to boil was demonstrated to be an efficient and cheap way for obtaining a high yield of rutin (49.94?0.623 mg/g DBLF). The most abundant phenolic compounds in DBLF extracts were rutin and chlorogenic acid. Flavonoids, especially rutin, were shown to be the most responsible for the antioxidant activity in all investigated lipid model systems, acting as free radical scavengers, electron-donating substances and chelators of iron ions. In ?-carotene bleaching tests, the extracts with the highest activity were as efficient as BHT (butylated hydroxytoluole). Regarding the results of antihemolytic and Schaal oven tests, the extracts demonstrated remarkable ability to inhibit the oxidative destruction of erythrocytes and to prolong the beginning of the oxidation process in sunflower oil.
Determination of essential and toxic elements in products of milling wheat
Authors: Ludajic Gordana , Pezo Lato , Filipovic Jelena , Filipovic Vladimir , Kosanic Nenad
Published: February 2016

In the production bread wheat bran is used as a raw material rich in dietary
fiber. Therefore, it is necessary to monitor the content of essential and
toxic elements in the flour and bran. This paper investigates essential (Zn,
Cu, Fe and Mn) and toxic (Pb, Cd, Hg and As) elements in products of milling
wheat grown in the whole territory of Banat, the region in Serbia.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry was used for analysis. The mean
contents of the following elements Pb, Cd, Hg, As, Fe, Mn and Zn in wheat
kernels were 0.143 mg/kg, 0.007 mg/kg, 0.017 mg/kg, 35.7643 mg/kg, 50.865
mg/kg, and 21.174 mg/kg, respectively. Cluster Analysis (CA) and Principal
component analysis (PCA) was applied to discriminate and to group the
different samples, according to element content. Quality results show that
the first two principal components, accounting for 80.17% of the total
variance, can be considered sufficient for data representation and the first
two principal components of toxic elements and essential microelements. Cd
(15.28%), Zn (17.91%), Cu (17.08), Fe (16.91%) and Mn (17.54%), have been
found the most influential for the first factor coordinate calculation, while
the contribution of Pb (27.93%) and Hg (61.86%) has been the most important
variable for the second factor coordinate calculation.
Heating circulation pump disassembly process improved with augmented reality
Authors: Tegeltija Srdjan , Lazarevic Milovan , Stankovski Stevan , Cosic Ilija , Todorovic Vladimir , Ostojic Gordana
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the paper is to introduce possibilities of implementation of
augmented reality (AR) concept in disassembly process. Basic concept of AR
implementation in various applications, as well as developed concept in
disassembly system is presented. Main objective of this paper was to test the
influence of implementation of AR in disassembly process with the goal to
shorten overall duration of disassembly process. In this paper the
experimental setup of developed concept in disassembly system for heating
circulation pump that was conducted in laboratory conditions is shown, and
conclusions are presented.
Fault ride-through capability of wind turbine connected to the grid in case of unbalanced voltages
Authors: Ivanovic Zoran , Vekic Marko , Grabic Stevan , Todorovic Ivan
Published: February 2016

This paper deals with control of wind turbine connected to the grid through
the back-to-back converter in case of unbalanced grid voltages. The
motivation for this research has been found in recent transmission and
distribution grid code, which demand modern wind turbines to stay connected
to the grid and supply the highest possible apparent power during the grid
disturbances. In order to comply with these requirements we proposed improved
dual vector current controller to deal with the unbalance imposed by the
electrical grid. Controller provides injection of active and reactive power
to the grid, even if the voltages are lower than the nominal one. The results
are validated using low power prototype and contemporary hardware-in-the-loop
emulation platform. In both cases the controller is based on TMS320F2812 DSP.
Modeling the surface stored thermal energy in asphalt concrete pavements
Authors: Matic Bojan , Salem Hasan , Radonjanin Vlastimir , Radovic Nebojsa , Sremac Sinisa
Published: February 2016

Regression analysis is used to develop models for minimal daily pavement
surface temperature, using minimal daily air temperature, day of the year,
wind speed and solar radiation as predictors, based on data from Awbari,
Lybia,. Results were compared with existing SHRP and LTPP models. This paper
also presents the models to predict surface pavement temperature depending on
the days of the year using neural networks. Four annual periods are defined
and new models are formulated for each period. Models using neural networks
are formed on the basis of data gathered on the territory of the Republic of
Serbia and are valid for that territory.
Force/position control of a robot manipulator for human-robot interaction
Authors: Neranon Paramin , Bicker Robert
Published: February 2016

With regard to both human and robot capabilities, human-robot interaction
provides several benefits, and this will be significantly developed and
implemented. This work focuses on the development of real-time external
force/position control used for human-robot interaction. The force-controlled
robotic system integrated with proportional integral control was performed
and evaluated to ensure its reliably and timely operational characteristics,
in which appropriate proportional integral gains were experimentally adopted
using a set of virtual crank-turning tests. The designed robotic system is
made up of a robot manipulator arm, an ATI Gamma multi-axis force/torque
sensor and a real-time external PC based control system. A proportional
integral controller has been developed to provide stable and robust force
control on unknown environmental stiffness and motion. To quantify its
effectiveness, the robotic system has been verified through a comprehensive
set of experiments, in which force measurement and ALTER real-time path
control systems were evaluated. In summary, the results indicated
satisfactorily stable performance of the robot force/position control system.
The gain tuning for proportional plus integral control algorithm was
successfully implemented. It can be reported that the best performance as
specified by the error root mean square method of the radial force is
observed with proportional and integral gains of 0.10 and 0.005 respectively.
Lightning severity in Malaysia and some parameters of interest for engineering applications
Authors: Ab-Kadir Mohd
Published: February 2016

To the electric utility engineer, the parameters of the flash that are of
primary interest are the crest current for the first and subsequent strokes,
the waveshape of these currents, correlation between the parameters, the
number of strokes per flash and flash incidence rates where the ground flash
density, denoted as flashes per square km-year and symbolized by Ng. The
first three parameters, as we know them today, are to a very large extent
based on the measurements of Berger. Berger's masts, 70 and 80 meters high,
were mounted atop Mt. San Salvatore (Switzerland), which is 650 meters above
Lake Lugano, where it can be readily noted that these 125 records represent
one of the best and most extensive set of data available to the industry to
date. This paper focuses on the lightning severity scenario in Malaysia,
which could also applicable to other tropic countries, and some of the
useful parameters for lightning protection system design and forensic study.
Some specific engineering applications have also been summarised, taking
into account various lightning parameters, available from past and current
measurements available.
Instantaneous on-line modification of biped walk composed from reconfigurable adaptive motion primitives
Authors: Borovac Branislav , Rakovic Mirko
Published: February 2016

The paper presents development and potentials of a novel methodology for
biped walk synthesis based on motion primitives (RAMPs). This approach is
convenient for online modification of walk in unstructured and immediate
environment of humans. The modification is specified just by changing the
overall walking parameters (walking speed, direction, step length, ...) and
the system automatically adapts walk realization (legs motion) to comply with
new requirements. Modifications may be required anytime, even during motion
realization. Simulation results illustrate proposed approach.
The Fate of Chlorpyrifos on Tobacco during Smoking
Authors: Chopra NM , Zuniga TH
Published: February 2016

Cigarettes made from flue-cured tobacco, treated with different amounts of chlorpyrifos, were smoked according to Federal Trade Commission specifications, and the chlorpyrifos levels in the butts, various ashes, and mainstream and sidestream smokes were determined. Of all the chlorpyrifos in a cigarette, 28 % to 29.5 % was left in the butts, 13.5 % to 15 % and 2.0 % to 4.6 % were transferred into mainstream and sidestream smokes, respectively, and about 52 % to 55 % was either combusted or decomposed into unknown fragments. The various ashes did not show any detectable amount of chlorpyrifos.
A Meta-Analysis of School-Based Interventions Aimed to Prevent or Reduce Violence in Teen Dating Relationships
Authors: De La Rue Lisa , Polanin Joshua R. , Espelage Dorothy L. , Pigott Terri D.
Published: February 2016

The incidence of violence in dating relationships has a significant impact on young people, including decreased mental and physical health. This review is the first to provide a quantitative synthesis of empirical evaluations of school-based programs implemented in middle and high schools that sought to prevent or reduce incidents of dating violence. After a systematic search and screening procedure, a meta-analysis of 23 studies was used to examine the effects of school-based programs. Results indicated school-based programs influence dating violence knowledge ([Formula: see text] 95% confidence interval [0.05, 0.39]) and attitudes ([Formula: see text] 95% confidence interval [0.10, 0.19]); however, to date, the results for dating violence perpetration and victimization indicate programs are not affecting these behaviors to a significant extent. The results of this review are encouraging, but they also highlight the need for modifications to dating violence prevention programs including the incorporation of skill-building components and a need to address the role of bystanders.
Can Macroeconomic Variables Explain Long Term Stock Market Movements? A Study of Nepali Capital Market
Authors: Phuyal Niranjan
Published: February 2016

The quest of whether there is a long-run relation between macroeconomic variables and stock prices has found significant place in literature of finance. An existence of such relation would assure long-term investors a confidence in the market as long as the macroeconomic environment is sound. This study investigated using Johansen’s cointegration method, whether a long-term association of selected macroeconomic variables existed with stock prices in the emerging market like Nepali stock market. For this objective, monthly data from January 2003 to December 2012 were used with a set of six macroeconomic variables and stock market return. The results indicated that the Nepali stock market had a long run equilibrium relationship with a set of macroeconomic variables, like inflation rate, interest rate and remittance flow with the short term disequilibrium corrected by 1.79% on monthly basis. It further showed that there was Granger causality between them. In the short run, the stock market index was affected by the lag values of NEPSE index up to six levels and remittance income, as shown by Wald test. These findings hold practical implications for policy makers, stock market regulators, investors and stock market analysts.Journal of Business and Management Studies Vol.1(1) 2016: 26-38
Estimating Route Choice Models from Stochastically Generated Choice Sets on Large-Scale Networks
Authors: Vacca Alessandro , Prato Carlo Giacomo , Meloni Italo
Published: February 2016

Route choice is one of the most complex decision-making contexts to represent mathematically, and the most frequently used approach to model route choice consists of generating alternative routes and modeling the preferences of utility-maximizing travelers. The main drawback of this approach is the dependency of the parameter estimates from the choice set generation technique. Bias introduced in model estimation has been corrected only for the random walk algorithm, which has problematic applicability to large-scale networks. This study proposes a correction term for the sampling probability of routes extracted with stochastic route generation. The term is easily applicable to large-scale networks and various environments, given its dependence only on a random number generator and the Dijkstra shortest path algorithm. The implementation for revealed preferences data, which consist of actual route choices collected in Cagliari, Italy, shows the feasibility of generating routes stochastically in a high-resolution network and calculating the correction factor. The model estimation with and without correction illustrates how the correction not only improves the goodness of fit but also turns illogical signs for parameter estimates to logical signs.
Investigation of Alternative Methods for Modeling Joint Activity Participation
Authors: Vyas Gaurav , Vovsha Peter , Paleti Rajesh , Givon Danny , Birotker Yehoshua
Published: February 2016

This study represents a research effort to capture explicitly the intrahousehold interactions involved in the decision to participate in a joint activity. Joint activity participation is a lesser-explored step in activity-based travel demand modeling, since enlisting all possible subsets of household members in a large household results in many alternatives. For example, the number of possible subsets of members out of 10 persons is 210 = 1,024. After the exclusion of one empty subset and 10 subsets with a single member, 1,013 distinct subsets should be considered with two or more members for joint activity participation. Even more important, a joint choice model formulation is behaviorally unappealing and would require the formulation of a complicated utility function for each possible subset. Additionally, different subsets would have a highly different degree of similarity that would require a sophisticated error structure. This paper analyzes three methods to model joint activity participation that are relatively easy to estimate and implement for households of any size. In all three methods, the travel party is constructed on the basis of the individual and pairwise propensities of the household members to be engaged in a joint activity. These propensities are statistically estimated on survey data in the form of relatively simple binary choice models. The travel party emerges in the process of microsimulation as a result of the reconciliation of the decisions of different household members. This approach is an example of the use of the agent-based modeling paradigm to frame an intrahousehold decision-making mechanism in addition to econometric models.
Choice of Workplace Location
Authors: Gupta Surabhi , Vovsha Peter , Anderson Rebekah
Published: February 2016

This paper analyzes the spatial patterns of commuting in two-worker households and explores the associated interdependencies of work location decisions for the two workers. A joint multinomial location choice framework is used to model the work location choices of both workers in a multiworker household simultaneously. The model incorporates a rich set of explanatory variables for each worker; the variables have been substantiated in previous research. In addition, the model includes several interaction variables that describe the possible impacts on each worker of the other worker's workplace choices. The corresponding statistical analysis and model estimation are implemented in parallel for four major Ohio cities—Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Dayton—on the basis of available household travel surveys. The developed and estimated models have been incorporated as a component in the activity-based travel model being developed for the regions. The model structure and segmentation are discussed in detail; a comparison of the most critical impacts across the regions is included. Contrary to expectations, the results show that workers in two-worker households do not try to trade off a longer commute distance for one worker with a shorter commute distance for the second worker. However, several other interaction effects—captured by the distance between the workplaces and by the angle formed at the home location between the two workplaces— are significant. In particular, the angle is smaller (more acute) for workers who reside in areas with better accessibility to jobs, as well as for full-time workers and low-income workers.
Estimation of Annual Mileage Budgets for a Multiple Discrete-Continuous Choice Model of Household Vehicle Ownership and Utilization
Authors: Augustin Bertho , Pinjari Abdul R. , Eluru Naveen , Pendyala Ram M.
Published: February 2016

This paper presents an empirical comparison of the following approaches to estimate annual mileage budgets for multiple discrete-continuous extreme value (MDCEV) models of household vehicle ownership and utilization: (a) a log-linear regression approach to model observed total annual household vehicle miles traveled (AH-VMT), (b) a stochastic frontier regression approach to model latent annual vehicle mileage frontier, and (c) other approaches used in the literature to assume annual household vehicle mileage budgets. For the stochastic regression approach, MDCEV and multiple discrete-continuous heteroscedastic extreme value (MDCHEV) models were estimated and examined. When model predictions were compared with observed distributions of vehicle ownership and utilization in a validation data sample, the log-linear regression approach performed better than other approaches. However, policy simulations demonstrate that the log-linear regression approach does not allow for AH-VMT to increase or decrease as a result of changes in vehicle-specific attributes, such as changes in fuel economy. The stochastic frontier approach overcomes that limitation. Policy simulation results with the stochastic frontier approach suggest that increasing the fuel economy of a category of vehicles increases the ownership and use of those vehicles. But this does not necessarily translate into an equal decrease in the use of other household vehicles, confirming previous findings in the literature that improvements in fuel economy tend to induce additional travel. In view of policy responsiveness and prediction accuracy, using the stochastic frontier regression (for estimating mileage budgets) in conjunction with the MDCHEV model for discrete-continuous choice analysis of household vehicle ownership and utilization is recommended.
Latent-Segmentation-Based Approach to Investigating Spatial Transferability of Activity-Travel Models
Authors: Wafa Zeina , Bhat Chandra R. , Pendyala Ram M. , Garikapati Venu M.
Published: February 2016

Spatial transferability of travel demand models has been an issue of considerable interest, particularly for small- and medium-sized planning areas that often do not have the resources and staff time to collect large-scale travel survey data and estimate model components native to the region. Traditional approaches to identifying geographic contexts that may borrow and transfer models between one another involve the exogenous a priori identification of a set of variables used to characterize the similarity between geographic regions. However, this ad hoc procedure presents considerable challenges because it is difficult to identify the most appropriate criteria a priori. To address that issue, this paper proposes a latent segmentation approach: the most appropriate criteria for identifying areas with similar profiles are determined endogenously in the model estimation phase. The end products are a set of optimal criteria for clustering regions as well as a fully transferred model, segmented to account for heterogeneity in the population. The method is demonstrated, and its efficacy established through a case study in this paper that uses the National Household Travel Survey data set for information on weekday activities of nonworkers in nine regions in the states of California and Florida. The estimated model is then applied to a context withheld from the original estimation to assess its performance. The method is found to offer a robust mechanism for identifying latent segments and establishing criteria for transferring models between areas.
Swallowing in primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Marin Sheilla de Medeiros Correia , Bertolucci Paulo Henrique Ferreira , Marin Luis Fabiano , de Oliveira Fabricio Ferreira , Wajman Jose Roberto , Bahia Valéria Santoro , Mansur Letícia Lessa
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND:

Few studies have described characteristics of swallowing in primary progressive aphasia (PPA) and its variants.

OBJECTIVE:

To describe and characterize swallowing and eating behaviors of patients with PPA, as well as their correlates with neuropsychiatric symptoms and patterns of communication.

METHODS:

We studied 16 patients with PPA and 16 their caregivers. PPA was subdivided in agrammatic variant (PPA-G), semantic variant (PPA-S) and logopenic variant (PPA-L). All patients and their caregivers were screened with the following scales: “Assessment of Feeding and Swallowing Difficulties in Dementia”, “Neuropsychiatric Inventory”, and “Functional Outcome Questionnaire for Aphasia”.

RESULTS:

Patients with PPA-S had diverse swallowing problems such as drooling of saliva or food, multiple swallows, delayed swallow and choking, all of which correlated with anxiety, apathy and aberrant motor behavior. Patients with PPA-G and PPA-L had choking and delayed swallow, respectively. Disturbances in eating behaviors were more frequent in the group with PPA-L, and they correlated with difficulties in patterns of communication.

CONCLUSIONS:

All variants showed swallowing difficulties and they were more frequent in PPA-S. Further studies with larger samples of patients are needed to better characterize swallowing problems and their consequences in the different variants of PPA.
Flipping the advanced cardiac life support classroom with team-based learning: comparison of cognitive testing performance for medical students at the University of California, Irvine, United States
Authors: Boysen-Osborn Megan , Anderson Craig L. , Navarro Roman , Yanuck Justin , Strom Suzanne , McCoy Christopher E. , Youm Julie , Ypma-Wong Mary Frances , Langdorf Mark I.
Published: February 2016

Purpose: It aimed to find if written test results improved for advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) taught in flipped classroom/team-based Learning (FC/TBL) vs. lecture-based (LB) control in University of California-Irvine School of Medicine, USA. Methods: Medical students took 2010 ACLS with FC/TBL (2015), compared to 3 classes in LB (2012-14) format. There were 27.5 hours of instruction for FC/TBL model (TBL 10.5, podcasts 9, small-group simulation 8 hours), and 20 (12 lecture, simulation 8 hours) in LB. TBL covered 13 cardiac cases; LB had none. Seven simulation cases and didactic content were the same by lecture (2012-14) or podcast (2015) as was testing: 50 multiple-choice questions (MCQ), 20 rhythm matchings, and 7 fill-in clinical cases. Results: 354 students took the course (259 [73.1%] in LB in 2012-14, and 95 [26.9%] in FC/TBL in 2015). Two of 3 tests (MCQ and fill-in) improved for FC/TBL. Overall, median scores increased from 93.5% (IQR 90.6, 95.4) to 95.1% (92.8, 96.7, P=0.0001). For the fill-in test: 94.1% for LB (89.6, 97.2) to 96.6% for FC/TBL (92.4, 99.20 P=0.0001). For MC: 88% for LB (84, 92) to 90% for FC/TBL (86, 94, P=0.0002). For the rhythm test: median 100% for both formats. More students failed 1 of 3 tests with LB vs. FC/TBL (24.7% vs. 14.7%), and 2 or 3 components (8.1% vs. 3.2%, P=0.006). Conversely, 82.1% passed all 3 with FC/TBL vs. 67.2% with LB (difference 14.9%, 95% CI 4.8-24.0%). Conclusion: A FC/TBL format for ACLS marginally improved written test results.
Multiband and Lossless Compression of Hyperspectral Images
Authors: Pizzolante Raffaele , Carpentieri Bruno
Published: February 2016

Hyperspectral images are widely used in several real-life applications. In this paper, we investigate on the compression of hyperspectral images by considering different aspects, including the optimization of the computational complexity in order to allow implementations on limited hardware (i.e., hyperspectral sensors, etc.). We present an approach that relies on a three-dimensional predictive structure. Our predictive structure, 3D-MBLP, uses one or more previous bands as references to exploit the redundancies among the third dimension. The achieved results are comparable, and often better, with respect to the other state-of-art lossless compression techniques for hyperspectral images.
Glycosyltransferases and Transpeptidases/Penicillin-Binding Proteins: Valuable Targets for New Antibacterials
Authors: Sauvage Eric , Terrak Mohammed
Published: February 2016

Peptidoglycan (PG) is an essential macromolecular sacculus surrounding most bacteria. It is assembled by the glycosyltransferase (GT) and transpeptidase (TP) activities of multimodular penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) within multiprotein complex machineries. Both activities are essential for the synthesis of a functional stress-bearing PG shell. Although good progress has been made in terms of the functional and structural understanding of GT, finding a clinically useful antibiotic against them has been challenging until now. In contrast, the TP/PBP module has been successfully targeted by β-lactam derivatives, but the extensive use of these antibiotics has selected resistant bacterial strains that employ a wide variety of mechanisms to escape the lethal action of these antibiotics. In addition to traditional β-lactams, other classes of molecules (non-β-lactams) that inhibit PBPs are now emerging, opening new perspectives for tackling the resistance problem while taking advantage of these valuable targets, for which a wealth of structural and functional knowledge has been accumulated. The overall evidence shows that PBPs are part of multiprotein machineries whose activities are modulated by cofactors. Perturbation of these systems could lead to lethal effects. Developing screening strategies to take advantage of these mechanisms could lead to new inhibitors of PG assembly. In this paper, we present a general background on the GTs and TPs/PBPs, a survey of recent issues of bacterial resistance and a review of recent works describing new inhibitors of these enzymes.