bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation for fatty acids and oil quality parameters in backcross population of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Gangadhara* K. , Nadaf1 H.L. , Ashish1 J.
Published: December 2015

Groundnut is an important oilseed legume and oil quality mainly depends on its fatty acid composition. In present study, backcross populations of the cross between GPBD 4 × GM 4-3 (using GPBD 4 as recurrent parent) were evaluated for two generations in augmented randomized block design at experimental plots of University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad. Frequency distribution and mean values of both generations showed considerable variability for oleic acid, linoleic acid, O/L ratio and iodine value. Both Oleic acid and linoleic acid are associated strongly with linoleic acid and iodine value in both backcross generations. Moderate heritability of oleic acid and high heritability of O/L ratio and also negative correlation between O/L ratio and linoleic acid suggests the scope for selection of oleic acid and O/L ratio to improve oil quality in groundnut.
Correlation and path analysis of morpho-physiological and yield traits in boro rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Das Shantanu , Sarma Debojit
Published: December 2015

Thirty rice genotypes of local and exotic origin were analyzed to ascertain the genotypic and phenotypic correlation among 21 morpho-physiological and yield traits and their direct/ indirect contribution to grain yield under boro season. The result revealed that grain yield per plant had significant positive correlation with biological yield (0.927**, 0.766**), harvest index (0.748**, 0.658**), days to first flowering (0.459*, 0.377*), panicle length (0.501**, 0.445*), grains per panicle (0.576**, 0.484**) and 1000 grain weight (0.573**, 0.460*) at both genotypic and phenotypic levels. Path coefficient analyses at both genotypic and phenotypic levels revealed high positive direct effect of biological yield (0.7181) and harvest index (0.6382) on grain yield per plant. Thus direct selection for grain yield per plant and indirect selection through these characters would be effective to improve yield in boro rice.
Production and economics of different rabi crops grown under limited irrigation situation of Mandsaur district (Madhya Pradesh) India
Authors: Shaktawat R. P.S. , Singh H. P. , Singh Durga , Somvanshi S. P.S.
Published: December 2015

A demonstration cum field experiment was conducted at Patan Farm, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mandsaur during the year 2008-09 to 2012-13 in rabi seasons to study the performance of different varieties of crops grown under Malwa Plateau situation of Mandsaur district. On the basis of wheat equivalent yield, among various crops demonstrated and tested, garlic crop gave the highest yield and net return compared with other crops followed by wheat. Similarly, among the different varieties tested G-282, Pusa Bold, Simpo S-33, NRCSS AM-1, NRCSS AA-1, JI-4, JG-130 and GW-273 variety of garlic, mustard, coriander, fenugreek, ajowain, isabgol, gram and wheat, respectively were significantly superior compared with other varieties tested.
Effect of planting dates and pinching on seed traits in African Marigold cv. Sirakole
Authors: Mohanty C. R. , Mohanty A. , Parhi R.
Published: December 2015

A field experiment on the effect of planting dates and pinching on seed production in African marigold cv. Sirakole was carried out during November, 2007 to June, 2008 with four planting dates and three levels of pinching. November planting gave more number of seeds (191.89) and weight of seed per head (0.32g), seed yield per plot (272.24 g), 1000 seed weight (1.65g) as well as seed yield (1008.29 kg) per hectare. In addition to these quality traits like germination percentage of seed, root and shoot length of seedlings and vigour index also witnessed significant improvement under this date of planting. Shoot pinching at 30 days after planting was effective in bringing significant improvement in number (173.01) and weight (0.25g) of seeds per head as well as seed yield (309.77 kg) per hectare. Interaction effect of November planting and single pinching improved germination percentage (90.44) and seed vigour index (2098).
Effect of irrigation levels and agrochemicals on dry matter partitioning in summer maize (Zea maize L.)
Authors: Meena B. P. , Chouhan G. S. , Meena V. K. , Sumeriya H. S.
Published: December 2015

Application of eight irrigations (seedling, 6 leaf, knee-high, before tasseling, 50% tasseling, 50% silking, grain formation and grain filling stages) where no stress was occurred significantly increased dry matter distribution. Data related to dry matter partitioning in stem, leaves and cobs at 25, 50, 75 and at harvest stage of crop. In general, irrespective of the treatments, crop attained maximum leaf dry weight at flowering stage. This decreased progressively up to harvest stage. While, stem dry weight showed increasing trend up to tasseling and silking stage and than declined slightly towards harvest stage of the crop. Obviously, cobs dry weight increased linearly from flowering up to harvest stage.
Heterosis studies for yield and fiber quality traits in intra hirsutum hybrids of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Srinivas B. , Bhadru D.
Published: December 2015

The present study was performed to evaluate the heterosis effects for seed cotton yield and fiber quality traits of 56 hybrids and their parents involving seven lines and eight testers along with a check at Acharya N.G. Ranga Agricultural University, Hyderabad. The results showed that, range of relative heterosis varied from -3.40 to 13.29 in ginning percentage, -5.28 to 14.10 in 2.5% span length, -8.72 to 8.25 in uniformity ratio, -16.39 to 14.88 in micronaire value, -5.97 to 10.02 in bundle strength and -32.57 to 113.40 in seed cotton yield per plant, where, highest number of crosses (24) with significant mid parental heterosis in desirable direction was observed for seed cotton yield per plant followed by 2.5 % span length (16) and ginning percentage (12). Desirable and significant heterosis over better parent was observed in the crosses for all the studied characters except for uniformity ratio. A good number of crosses recorded significant standard heterosis over check for all the studied parameters except for uniformity ration and micronaire value. Apart from showing considerable level of heterosis for seed cotton yield, the crosses AKH 9331 x HAG 1055 exhibited good level of heterosis for ginning percentage, Galama x L 604 and Galama x JK 344 for uniformity ratio, Galama x HAG 1055, AKH 9331 x HAG 1055 and CPD 420 x IC 356932 for 2.5% span length and CPD 420 x JK 344 and BC 68-2 x LK 861 for bundle strength. So these crosses could be exploited to improve the yield along with one or more fiber quality traits through heterosis breeding.
Comparative economic analysis of drip irrigation vis-a-vis flood irrigation system on productivity of Bt. cotton in Haryana
Authors: Pawar Neeraj , Bishnoi* Dalip Kumar , Singh1 Maha , Dhillon Ashok
Published: December 2015

The present study was conducted to assess the response of drip method of irrigation (DMI) over flood method of irrigation (FMI) on productivity of Bt. cotton in Sirsa district of Haryana in year 2013. Forty farmers were selected on random basis from villages namely Jodhpuria, Kharia, Panniwala mota and Gigorani. The study revealed that DMI system not only reduces cost of cultivation (25 %) but also increases the productivity (27.2 %) over FMI of cotton crop. Water and electricity saving are the significant advantages of DMI farmer were able to save 2.95 H.P hours of water per hectare, which was about 33 percent saving over FMI. The major constraints faced by the producers in the production of Bt. cotton were non-availability of good quality seeds in time, lack of technical know-how, high fixed capital and imbalanced use of fertilizers. In marketing of cotton the major problem reported was under-pricing of produce, lack of storage facilities, high transportation cost and lack of credit facilities. Some of factors which inhibiting the adoption rate of micro irrigation system are subsidy is not easily available for farmers, labour-intensive operation, free electricity and low price of canal water, low quality drip material and after sale service is not satisfactory, fear about system clogging, least suitability for marginal and small farmers were observed. Therefore, it is need of hours that cotton cultivation by DMI should be promoted through appropriate policy interventions that not only helps in saving scare natural resources but also increase area and productivity of the cotton in the state.
Novel approach in screening rice genotype for tolerance to salt stress under hydroponic culture
Authors: Revathi* S. , Pillai1 M. Arumugam
Published: December 2015

This study was undertaken to standardize an efficient and effective protocol for callus induction, subsequent growth and regeneration of ADT 43 genotype and hydroponic solution was used for salinity screening in regenerated plants of ADT 43. Proline content was analyzed in salinity screened plants. The medium used for callus induction was Murashige and Skoog (1962) commonly referred as MS medium, with six different concentrations of 2,4-D were used for callus induction viz., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 mg/l 2,4-D. In this 2.0 mg/l 2,4-D having high callus induction frequency (98.33%). For regeneration of callus eight combinations of BA and IAA were used in MS medium. In this MS+3.0 mg/l BA+2.0 mg/l IAA having maximum regeneration frequency (71.67%). The well regenerated planlets were tranferred to Yoshida’s solution for hydroponic salinity screeening. In that, III-7 (113.66 µg/g) and VIII-2 (117.66 µg/g) somaclone lines had high proline accumulation. Hence, the salt tolerant somaclones produced higher proline content than the other somaclones. These lines can be exploited further to get salt tolerant varieties. These lines can be used to adopt in salt affected soil environment. Key words: Rice, Callus induction, Callus regeneration, Somoclone, Salt tolerance
Economics analysis of phosphorus and zinc nutrition in fodder cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)
Authors: Rathore Deepak Kumar , Kumar Rakesh , Singh Magan , Kumar Parveen , Meena V. K. , Kumar Uttam , Joshi Deepa , Kar Suraj , Kumar Sourabh , Yadav Taramani
Published: December 2015

An experiment consisting of four phosphorus levels (0, 40, 60 and 80 kg P2O5/ha) and five zinc levels (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 kg/ha ZnSO4) was laid out in factorial RBD to find out the economics of fodder cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp) production. Application of 60 kg/ha phosphorus recorded maximum net income (Rs. 28187.33) and B: C ratio (2.12) were recorded with application of 60 kg P2O5/ha. Highest net income (Rs. 26333.75) was recorded with 30 kg ZnSO4/ha and B: C ratio (2.06) were recorded with application of with 20 kg ZnSO4/ha. At mean physical (78.20 kg P2O5/ha) and economic (69.78 kg P2O5/ha) optimum dose of phosphorus the responses were 282.65 and 280.84 q/ha green fodder, respectively. At mean physical (30.20 kg ZnSO4/ha) and economic (28.06 kg ZnSO4/ha) optimum dose of ZnSO4 the responses were 272.01 and 264.55 q/ha green fodder, respectively.
Gender involvement in crop cultivation practices in Tripura
Authors: Paul Pampi , Meena B. S. , Singh Amit
Published: December 2015

Indian economy is predominantly rural and agriculture oriented where it supports 70 percent of its population. About 13.75 per cent GDP was from agriculture and allied fields in the year 2012-13. From the beginning not only the male farmers of the country but their female counterparts have been also engaged with the crop cultivation practices. Especially rural India is witnessing a process which could be described as feminization of agriculture. Thus to emphasize the gender perspective in crop cultivation 100 farm families (100 of male and female) were interviewed to weigh up their participation in activities and decision making pattern in crop cultivation in both plain and hilly region of Tripura and the result shows that male members of the family of both the region were independently enjoying decision making pattern rather than their female counterparts. The female of hilly region were more active in participation of activities and decision making compare to the female of plain region of the state. Hence, there is need to educate and empower the farm women so that they can utilise their potentiality effectively.
Heterosis for fruit borer resistance in brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)
Authors: Ramani P.S. , Vaddoria* M.A. , Jivani L.L. , Patel N.B.
Published: December 2015

The manifestation of hybrid vigour in 28 F1 hybrids was studied along with 11 parents. Significant heterosis over better parent and standard check was observed for fruit borer infestation and fruit yield per plant. Two hybrids, JBL-10-04 x GBL-1 and JBL-08-8 x Pant Rituraj exhibited negative but desirable heterosis expressing least infestation of fruit borer. Hence these hybrids may be recommended for commercial cultivation after proper testing. Further, the hybrids, which also possessed high per se performance for various traits may be exploited for isolating high performing transgressive segregants in generation advancement.
Chlorophyll and protein content variability in Giloy [Tinospora cordifolia (Willd) Miers] under mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Devi Babli , Singh Anita , Upadhyay R. G.
Published: December 2015

A study of chlorophyll and protein content variability in giloy under mid-hill conditions of Himachal Pradesh was carried out during 2008-2009. Survey was conducted and stem cuttings from base region of giloy were collected from twelve different altitudes of District Kangra (Himachal Pradesh). The pot trial was carried out in the main campus of Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishvavidyalaya, Palampur by vegetative propagation through stem cuttings of the surveyed collections in the month of May-2008 for first seasonal growth. Significant variation was observed in chlorophyll content but variation was non-significant for protein content. Chlorophyll content of the plant varied from 14.51 (collection-4) to 23.03 (collection-9) μg/g. Protein content ranging from 9.97 (collection-4) to 14.04 (collection-11) per cent. Conclusively, based on overall performance collection-9, collection-11 and collection-8 emerged to be the best collections.
Molecular diversity of berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum L.) rhizobia isolated from Haryana soil
Authors: Garg Varsha , Kukreja Kamlesh , Gera Rajesh
Published: December 2015

Total of forty rhizobia were isolated from nodule samples of berseem crop from farmers’ fields representing 17 villages of Haryana state, India. All the isolates were Gram-negative small rods and authenticated as rhizobia by plant infectivity test. Twenty nine rhizobial isolates on the basis of good nodulation characteristics were further selected for molecular diversity study. The amplified PCR product of genomic DNA of all the 29 rhizobia was digested with HaeIII restriction enzyme which resulted in polymorphic bands. Dendrogram based on RFLP of 16S rDNA profiles showed that all the 29 isolates were distributed in two major groups with different subgroups. A total of 7 biotypes were formed at 80% level of similarity by considering each cluster as rhizobial biotype, and out of these, two biotypes (1st and 5th) were found to be most prevalent in all the three districts studied. So, the rhizobia belonging to these two biotypes may be used as biofertilizer in these three districts. Moreover, isolates from same nodule were not 100% similar. It indicated that considerable diversity was present among berseem rhizobial isolates
Role of zinc on productivity, quality traits and economic performance of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.) under semi-arid condition of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Meena L. R. , Jat H. S.
Published: December 2015

The experiment was conducted during kharif 2011 and 2012 at Avikanagar on different genotypes of cluster bean to assess the response of Zn on productivity and profitability under tropical environment of Rajasthan. The results reveal that maximum seed (2.55 t ha-1) and stover yield (7.32 t ha-1), protein content (27.2 %) and protein yield and (168.10 kg ha-1), gum content (27%) and gum yield (180 kg ha-1) were recorded with application of Zn @20 kg ha-1. Further, quality traits viz. ADF, NDF, cellulose and lignin were also highest in grains. Maximum net return of33,037 ha-1 with benefit: cost ratio (2.39) was received with the use of Zn @ 20 kg ha-1. Highest seed yield (2.21 t ha-1), protein content (25.6%), protein yield (166.20 kg ha-1), gum content (25.4%) and gum yield (172.37 kg ha-1) were obtained from genotype ‘RGC 936’ with the highest net returns of Rs 28,188 ha-1. Application of Zn@20 kg ha-1 to cluster bean genotype ‘RGC 936’ gives highest yield and economic returns under tropical condition of Rajasthan.
Estimation of genetic divergence in garden pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense L.) germplasm to facilitate the selection of potential parents for hybridization programme
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Manish
Published: December 2015

Genetic divergence in the 54 genotypes of pea was worked-out using Mahalanobis’s D2 statistics to identify the potential parents to be involved in the hybridization programme so that superior segregants can be selected in the segregating generations. On the basis of performance of various traits, 54 genotypes of pea were grouped into four clusters and maximum number of genotypes was accommodated in cluster II. The average intra-cluster distance was found maximum in cluster II and minimum in cluster III. Inter-cluster distance was maximum between cluster II and III indicating that hybridization between genotypes from cluster II and III can be utilized for getting the superior recombinants in segregating generations. Furthermore, on the basis of cluster means for various traits studied, cluster II was found superior for number of pods per plant, pod length, number of seeds per pod, shelling percentage, pod yield, total sugars and total soluble solids, whereas cluster III was found superior for plant height and total phenols. Hence, hybridization between parents from cluster II and cluster III for these characters may produce new recombinants with desired traits in the segregating generations which can be further purified by various plant breeding schemes.
Somaclonal variation for genetic improvement in grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.)
Authors: Tripathy Swapan K. , Panda A. , Nayak Pramod K. , Dash Sasmita , Lenka D. , Mishra D. R. , Kar Rajesh K. , Senapati N. , Dash G. B.
Published: December 2015

Somaclonal variation was revealed among regenerants in four genotypes (Nirmal, P24, Nayagarh local and Dhenkanal local) of grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.) following long term in vitro culture of internode explants. Most of the somaclones which survived till maturity had revealed chromosomal abnormalities and variation in one or more morphological and/or agronomic traits. Some of the variant phenotypes especially those relating to developmental variations were not inherited to R2 generation owing to elimination of chromosomal aberrations that preclude normal morphogenesis. Somaclones with variation in flower colour, seed colour, leaflet length and breadth, foliage and pod pigmentation may be used as genetic markers in breeding Lathyrus sativus. Besides, variants with broad leaf, dwarf height, long pod, large seed, short duration and synchronous maturity are agronomically desirable. A large seeded somaclone NGOG 5 having high seed yield and low neurotoxin content (ODAP) recovered in this pursuit, can be a desirable candidate for future breeding programme.
Religião e multiculturalismo: o diálogo como categoria central na teologia contemporânea
Authors: Gabatz Celso
Published: December 2015

A partir da armação da globalização e do multiculturalismo como características denidoras da sociedade atual, o presente artigo destaca o diálogo como categoria fundamental da reexão teológica contemporânea. A crise econômica global remete a uma crise fundamental de relações do ser humano com sua realidade social. Impõe-se retomar o diálogo com base em novos paradigmas. O diálogo torna-se uma exigência para as diferentes tradições religiosas. O artigo busca compreender como nos últimos anos o pensamento teológico, tomando a categoria diálogo como eixo norteador tem evoluído do ecumenismo à teologia pluralista e como, neste movimento, se abrem novas perspectivas não somente para a reexão teológica, mas, sobretudo, para a construção de um novo paradigma ético global.
As exigências da profecia para uma ética cristã em sociedades seculares
Authors: Coutinho Vítor
Published: December 2015

Partindo da proposta do Papa Francisco para os cristãos assumirem um estilo de vida eclesial que implique o confronto com os desafios do mundo contemporâneo, este texto propõe-se reflectir sobre as consequências para a ética cristã da «saída em missão». A fé cristã leva a uma ética que traduza as exigências da profecia, uma ética profética que realize à luz da Palavra de Deus a função crítica própria da fé cristã. A aceitação de uma ética que integre o potencial crítico da fé cristã e as exigências proféticas da evangelização implicarão necessariamente a inclusão de algumas dimensões e funções próprias da ética cristã.
Igreja em Diálogo – Perspectivas do Diálogo ecumênico com o Judaísmo após 50 anos da “Unitatis redintegratio” e “Nostra Aetat”
Authors: Koch Kurt
Published: December 2015

Este artigo entende que a orientação fundamental teológico-pastoral do Concílio Vaticano II teve como intenção reforçar a fé cristã num mundo, no qual ela parecia perder, cada vez mais, seu dinamismo criativo. A intenção foi a de conferir uma nova força à fé cristã, tornando-a compreensível na atualidade, a partir da convicção de que o cristianismo somente podia recuperar sua força marcante caso se inserisse determinadamente no ‘hoje’ e com a disposição de dialogar com os diversos setores da sociedade, diálogo com as religiões, com as igrejas cristãs e com o judaísmo.
Séfora: a mulher proativa que livra o homem da morte (Ex 4,24-26)
Authors: Fernandes Leonardo Agostini
Published: December 2015

Na dinâmica das tradições do antigo Israel, sobre o êxodo do Egito e no contexto da vocação e missão de Moisés, esse episódio destaca, não obstante a sua difícil compreensão, o importante protagonismo de Séfora e, por ela, da atuação singular de uma mulher na Bíblia. E isso já vale o seu estudo. A abordagem realizada neste artigo privilegia a análise narrativa, pois esta permite encontrar novos elementos para a compreensão que vão muito além da abordagem diacrônica. Esta é a finalidade do presente artigo, visando elucidar pontos importantes para a ação sócio-pastoral.
O Profeta Habacuc e a esperança de justiça dos povos
Authors: Silva Clarisse Ferreira da , Silva Christiane Tavares Ferreira da
Published: December 2015

Neste artigo estudamos o livro do profeta Habacuc, tendo como foco as cinco imprecações, as quais estão contidas no cap. 2 entre os versículos 6 e 20. No primeiro tópico, apresentamos uma breve descrição da história da profecia israelita, desde as origens até o profeta em estudo. No tópico seguinte, tratamos do profeta em seu contexto histórico e seguimos com uma análise do texto bíblico de seu livro. Na terceira parte, debatemos o que concerne diretamente ao nosso objeto de estudo, os cinco “ai”s, tendo como base para tal tanto a fonte original como as obras de estudiosos que se dedicaram ao assunto. Dessa análise, depreendemos do texto do profeta sua visão universalista do sofrimento, da resistência do justo diante do mal e da fidelidade de Deus que intervém para a sua salvação.
Solidariedade nas Organizações
Authors: Patah Leandro Alves
Published: December 2015

A solidariedade pode ser definida como um ato de bondade ou compartilhamento com o próximo. Também pode ser vista como um sentimento, que proporciona uma união de simpatias, interesses ou propósitos entre os membros de um grupo, levando à cooperação mútua entre duas ou mais pessoas. Na vida pessoal aceita-se e até busca-se um comportamento solidário, como forma de aprimoramento contínuo enquanto ser humano. E na vida profissional, como a solidariedade é vista? Como ela pode ser aplicada? Este texto trata deste assunto buscando elementos que auxiliem às pessoas a agirem de forma mais solidária nas organizações.
O Papa Francisco e a Teologia da Libertação
Authors: Manzatto Antonio
Published: December 2015

Olhando para o primeiro ano do pontificado do Papa Francisco, o primeiro papa latino-americano da história, surge a pergunta sobre sua relação com a Teologia da Libertação. Seria aquela teologia elaborada na América Latina oficializada, ela que não foi bem vista pelos últimos pontífices? Qual é a relação do papa com a teologia latino-americana? Partindo deste ponto o autor situa, em primeiro lugar, uma compreensão do que seja a Teologia da Libertação, quais suas conquistas e qual o lugar que ocupa no patrimônio teológico da Igreja universal para, então, olhar para Francisco e reconhecê-lo como o papa que “veio do fim do mundo”, com características próprias dos pastores da América Latina.
Development of fundamental motor skills in children of a public school in the city of Sao Paulo
Authors: Rodrigues Decio , Avigo Eric Leal , Barela Jose Angelo
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND: One common observation is that Brazilian children are failing to achieve the expected proficiency, regarding the chronological age, in performing gross motor skills. PURPOSE: The aim was to verify the development of fundamental motor skills of 6- and 9-year-old children from a public school of São Paulo city. METHOD: Eight two children were selected from the first and fourth Elementary year, 40 children from the first grade (6.6 year-old, 20 boys and 20 girls) and 42 children from the fourth grade (9.2 year-old, 21 boys and 21 girls). Children were videotaped performing the Test of Gross Motor Development tasks, locomotor and object-control subtests. Three experimenters inspected the video images and rated the children’s performance following the suggested criteria. RESULTS: Nine-year-old children were advanced in fundamental motor skill performance compared to 6-year-old, but children from both age groups are delayed to the expected fundamental motor skill development. Moreover, the developmental delay is even worse as chronological age increases, with 6-year-old rated as poor whereas 9-year-old children are rated as very poor in fundamental motor skill development. CONCLUSION: These results raise several concerns regarding the importance of mastering the basic motor skills and future enrolment in motor activities.
Static postural control assessment during pregnancy
Authors: Moccellin Ana Silvia , Nora Fernanda G. S. A. , Costa Paula H. L. , Driusso Patricia
Published: December 2015

The hormonal and anatomic changes during pregnancy affect the musculoskeletal system and may lead to instability of static postural control and increased risk of falls. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in static postural control during the three trimesters of pregnancy, using variables derived from the center of pressure. This is a descriptive study in which posturographic tests were applied in four still standing positions, for three trials, with a combination of different visual conditions (eyes open - EO/eyes closed - EC) and support base configurations on 20 non-pregnant women (C) and 13 pregnant women during the gestational period (G1, G2 and G3). For static postural control assessment, a force plate (Bertec®) was used, and the variables analyzed were statokinesigram area, displacement amplitude, displacement velocity and sway frequency. The results demonstrate that, early in pregnancy, the woman's body seems to already change postural control, probably due to increased mobility of the sacroiliac joint and pubic symphysis caused by hormonal factors, and during the trimesters there is a decrease in postural stability, observed as an increase in the elliptical areas, amplitudes of center of pressure displacement and velocity of center of pressure displacement.
Removal of Giardia spp. and Cryptosporidium spp. from water supply with high turbidity: analytical challenges and perspectives
Authors: Maciel P. M. F. , Sabogal-Paz L. P.
Published: December 2015

Giardia and Cryptosporidium species are a serious problem if present in water supplies. The removal of these protozoans and the adaptation of existing protocols are essential for supplying drinking water to developing countries. Considering this, the aim of this study is to evaluate, on a bench level, the removal of Giardia spp. cysts and of Cryptosporidium spp. oocysts from water with high turbidity, using polyaluminium chloride as a coagulant. Filtration using mixed cellulose ester membranes, followed, or not, by purification through immunomagnetic separation (IMS) was used for detecting protozoans. By evaluating the adopted protocol, without using IMS, retrievals of 80% of cysts and 5% of oocysts were obtained, whereas by using IMS, recoveries of 31.5% of cysts and 5.75% of oocysts were reached. When analyzing the coagulant performance, a dosage of 65 mg L−1 showed contamination from protozoans in all the samples of filtered water. A dosage of 25 mg L−1 presented protozoans in 50% of the filtered water samples. The results showed an improved performance for the 25 mg L−1 dosage; therefore, the control of coagulation and adaptation of detection protocols must be evaluated according to the features of raw water and availability of local resources.
Application of horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass reactor for bioremediation of acid mine drainage
Authors: Rodriguez R. P. , Vich D. V. , Garcia M. L. , Varesche M. B. A. , Zaiat M.
Published: December 2015

The production of low-pH effluent with sulfate and metals is one of the biggest environmental concerns in the mining industry. The biological process for sulfate reduction has the potential to become a low-cost solution that enables the recovery of interesting compounds. The present study analyzed such a process in a horizontal-flow anaerobic immobilized biomass (HAIB) reactor, employing ethanol as the carbon and energy source. Results showed that a maximal efficiency in the removal of sulfate and ethanol could only be obtained by reducing the applied sulfate load (225.1 ± 38 g m−3 d−1). This strategy led to over 75% of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and sulfate removal. Among the COD/SO42− studied ratios, 0.67 showed the most promising performance. The effluent's pH has naturally remained between 6.8 and 7.0 and the complete oxidation of the organic matter has been observed. Corrections of the influent pH or effluent recirculation did not show any significant effect on the COD and sulfate removal efficiency. Species closely related to strains of Clostridium sp. and species of Acidaminobacter hydrogenomorfans and Fusibacter paucivorans that can be related to the process of sulfate reduction were found in the HAIB reactors when the initial pH was 5 and the COD/SO42− ratio increased to 1.0.
Agricultural biomass monitoring on watersheds based on remotely sensed data
Authors: Tamás János , Nagy Attila , Fehér János
Published: December 2015

There is a close quality relationship between the harmful levels of all three drought indicator groups (meteorological, hydrological and agricultural). However, the numerical scale of the relationships between them is unclear and the conversion of indicators is unsolved. Different areas or an area with different forms of drought cannot be compared. For example, from the evaluation of meteorological drought using the standardized precipitation index (SPI) values of a river basin, it cannot be stated how many tonnes of maize will be lost during a given drought period. A reliable estimated rate of yield loss would be very important information for the planned interventions (i.e. by farmers or river basin management organisations) in terms of time and cost. The aim of our research project was to develop a process which could provide information for estimating relevant drought indexes and drought related yield losses more effectively from remotely sensed spectral data and to determine the congruency of data derived from spectral data and from field measurements. The paper discusses a new calculation method, which provides early information on physical implementation of drought risk levels. The elaborated method provides improvement in setting up a complex drought monitoring system, which could assist hydrologists, meteorologists and farmers to predict and more precisely quantify the yield loss and the role of vegetation in the hydrological cycle. The results also allow the conversion of different-purpose drought indices, such as meteorological, agricultural and hydrological ones, as well as allow more water-saving agricultural land use alternatives to be planned in the river basins.
Pilot test of pollution control and metal resource recovery for acid mine drainage
Authors: Yan Bo , Mai Ge , Chen Tao , Lei Chang , Xiao Xianming
Published: December 2015

The study was undertaken in order to recover the metal resources from acid mine drainage (AMD). A 300 m3/d continuous system was designed and fractional precipitation technology employed for the main metals Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn recovery. The system was operated for six months using actual AMD in situ. The chemicals' input and also the retention time was optimized. Furthermore, the material balance was investigated. With the system, the heavy metals of the effluent after the Mn neutralization precipitation were below the threshold value of the Chinese integrated wastewater discharge limit. The precipitates generated contained 42%, 12%, 31%, and 18% for Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn, respectively, and the recovery rates of Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn were 82%, 79%, 83%, and 83%, respectively. The yield range of the precipitate had significant correlation with the influent metal content. Using the X-ray diffraction analysis, the refinement for Fe, Cu, and Zn could be achieved through the processes of roasting and floatation. Cost–benefit was also discussed; the benefit from the recycled metal was able to pay for the cost of chemical reagents used. Most important of all, through the use of this technology, the frustrating sludge problems were solved.
Sanitising black water by auto-thermal aerobic digestion (ATAD) combined with ammonia treatment
Authors: Nordin Annika C. , Vinnerås Björn
Published: December 2015

The effect of a two-step process on the concentration of pathogens and indicator microorganisms in black water (0.9–1% total solids) was studied. The treatment combined auto-thermal aerobic digestion (ATAD) and ammonia sanitisation. First, the temperature of the black water was increased through ATAD and when a targeted temperature was reached (33, 41 and 45.5 °C studied), urea was added to a 0.5% concentration (total ammonia nitrogen >2.9 g L−1). Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. were reduced to non-detectable levels within 3 days following urea addition at temperatures above 40 °C, whereas when urea was added at 33 °C E. coli was still present after 8 days. By adding urea at temperatures of 40 °C and above, a 5 log10 reduction in Enterococcus spp. and a 3 log10 reduction in Ascaris suum eggs was achieved 1 week after the addition. With combined ATAD and ammonia treatment using 0.5% ww urea added at an aerobic digestion temperature >40 °C, black water was sanitised regarding the pathogens studied in 2 weeks of total treatment time.
Anaerobic digestion of post-hydrothermal liquefaction wastewater for improved energy efficiency of hydrothermal bioenergy processes
Authors: Zhou Yan , Schideman Lance , Zheng Mingxia , Martin-Ryals Ana , Li Peng , Tommaso Giovana , Zhang Yuanhui
Published: December 2015

Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) is a promising process for converting wet biomass and organic wastes into bio-crude oil. It also produces an aqueous product referred to as post-hydrothermal liquefaction wastewater (PHWW) containing up to 40% of the original feedstock carbon, which reduces the overall energy efficiency of the HTL process. This study investigated the feasibility of using anaerobic digestion (AD) to treat PHWW, with the aid of activated carbon. Results showed that successful AD occurred at relatively low concentrations of PHWW (≤ 6.7%), producing a biogas yield of 0.5 ml/mg CODremoved, and ∼53% energy recovery efficiency. Higher concentrations of PHWW (≥13.3%) had an inhibitory effect on the AD process, as indicated by delayed, slower, or no biogas production. Activated carbon was shown to effectively mitigate this inhibitory effect by enhancing biogas production and allowing digestion to proceed at higher PHWW concentrations (up to 33.3%), likely due to sequestering toxic organic compounds. The addition of activated carbon also increased the net energy recovery efficiency of AD with a relatively high concentration of PHWW (33.3%), taking into account the energy for producing activated carbon. These results suggest that AD is a feasible approach to treat PHWW, and to improve the energy efficiency of the HTL processes.
Granular ferric hydroxide adsorbent for phosphate removal: demonstration preparation and field study
Authors: Zhao Bei , Zhang Yu , Dou Xiaomin , Yuan Hongying , Yang Min
Published: December 2015

Ferric hydroxide (FHO), which has high phosphate adsorption capacity, was prepared by precipitation at industrial scale and then fabricated via the drum granulation method with cross-linked poly(vinyl alcohol) as the binder. The optimum binder/FHO powder ratio was 0.6 for producing a granular adsorbent with a high phosphate adsorption capacity and stability. The Langmuir maximum adsorption capacities of powder and granular FHOs were 74.07 mg g−1 and 56.18 mg g−1 at pH 7.0 ± 0.2, respectively, which were higher than those of other reported phosphate adsorbents under neutral or acidic conditions. Phosphate-loaded granular FHO could be regenerated by NaOH solution. Columns containing the granular FHO were used for phosphate removal from ozonated secondary effluents of a municipal wastewater treatment plant at space velocity (SV) of 2 and 5 h−1. During more than 2 months’ operation, the average removal percentage of PO43– was more than 90% and the turbidity and concentration of CODMn in the effluents were lower than in the influents. In addition, energy dispersive X-ray results suggested that active sites inside the granular FHO were available for phosphate removal. The results demonstrated that granular FHO can be applied as an assist technology for phosphate removal from secondary effluents.
Comparison of the treatment performance of hybrid constructed wetlands treating stormwater runoff
Authors: Choi J. Y. , Maniquiz-Redillas M. C. , Hong J. S. , Lee S. Y. , Kim L. H.
Published: December 2015

This study was conducted to compare the treatment performance of two hybrid constructed wetlands (CWs) in treating stormwater runoff. The hybrid CWs were composed of a combination of free water surface (FWS) and horizontal subsurface flow (HSSF) CWs. Based on the results, strong correlation exists between potential runoff impacts and stormwater characteristics; however, the low correlations also suggest that not only the monitored parameters contribute to stormwater event mean concentrations (EMC) of pollutants, but other factors should also be considered as well. In the hydraulic and treatment performance of the hybrid CWs, a small surface area to catchment area (SA/CA) ratio, receiving a high concentration of influent EMC, will find it hard to achieve great removal efficiency; also a large SA/CA ratio, receiving low concentration of influent EMC, will find it hard to achieve great removal efficiency. With this, SA/CA ratio and influent characteristics such as EMC or load should be considered among the design factors of CWs. The performance data of the two CWs were used to consider the most cost-effective design of a hybrid CW. The optimum facility capacity (ratio of total runoff volume to storage volume) that is applicable for a target volume reduction and removal efficiency was provided in this study.
Nitrite reduction and methanogenesis in a single-stage UASB reactor
Authors: Borges L. I. , López-Vazquez C. M. , García H. , van Lier J. B.
Published: December 2015

In this study, nitrite reduction and methanogenesis in a single-stage upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was investigated, using high-strength synthetic domestic wastewater as substrate. To assess long-term effects and evaluate the mechanisms that allow successful nitrite reduction and methanogenesis in a single-stage UASB, sludge was exposed to relatively high nitrite loading rates (315 ± 13 mgNO2−-N/(l.d)), using a chemical oxygen demand (COD) to nitrogen ratio of 18 gCOD/gNO2−-N, and an organic loading rate of 5.4 ± 0.2 gCOD/(l.d). In parallel, the effects of sludge morphology on methanogenesis inhibition were studied by performing short-term batch activity tests at different COD/NO2−-N ratios with anaerobic sludge samples. In long-term tests, denitrification was practically complete and COD removal efficiency did not change significantly after nitrite addition. Furthermore, methane production only decreased by 13%, agreeing with the reducing equivalents requirement for complete NO2− reduction to N2. Apparently, the spatial separation of denitrification and methanogenesis zones inside the UASB reactor allowed nitrite reduction and methanogenesis to occur at the same moment. Batch tests showed that granules seem to protect methanogens from nitrite inhibition, probably due to transport limitations. Combined COD and N removal via nitrite in a single-stage UASB reactor could be a feasible technology to treat high-strength domestic wastewater.
Treatment of domestic wastewater with an anaerobic ceramic membrane bioreactor (AnCMBR)
Authors: Yue Xiaodi , Koh Yoong Keat Kelvin , Ng How Yong
Published: December 2015

In this study, a ceramic membrane with a pore size of 80 nm was incorporated into an anaerobic membrane bioreactor for excellent stability and integrity. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiencies by biodegradation reached 78.6 ± 6.0% with mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) of 12.8 ± 1.2 g/L. Even though the total methane generated was 0.3 ± 0.03 L/g CODutilized, around 67.4% of it dissolved in permeate and was lost beyond collection. As a result, dissolved methane was 2.7 times of the theoretical saturating concentration calculated from Henry's law. When transmembrane pressure (TMP) of the ceramic membrane reached 30 kPa after 25.3 d, 95.2% of the total resistance was attributed to the cake layer, which made it the major contributor to membrane fouling. Compared to the mixed liquor, cake layer was rich in colloids and soluble products that could bind the solids to form a dense cake layer. The Methanosarcinaceae family preferred to attach to the ceramic membranes.
Comparison of linear and non-linear models for the adsorption of fluoride onto geo-material: limonite
Authors: Sahin Rubina , Tapadia Kavita
Published: December 2015

The three widely used isotherms Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin were examined in an experiment using fluoride (F−) ion adsorption on a geo-material (limonite) at four different temperatures by linear and non-linear models. Comparison of linear and non-linear regression models were given in selecting the optimum isotherm for the experimental results. The coefficient of determination, r2, was used to select the best theoretical isotherm. The four Langmuir linear equations (1, 2, 3, and 4) are discussed. Langmuir isotherm parameters obtained from the four Langmuir linear equations using the linear model differed but they were the same when using the nonlinear model. Langmuir-2 isotherm is one of the linear forms, and it had the highest coefficient of determination (r2 = 0.99) compared to the other Langmuir linear equations (1, 3 and 4) in linear form, whereas, for non-linear, Langmuir-4 fitted best among all the isotherms because it had the highest coefficient of determination (r2 = 0.99). The results showed that the non-linear model may be a better way to obtain the parameters. In the present work, the thermodynamic parameters show that the absorption of fluoride onto limonite is both spontaneous (ΔG < 0) and endothermic (ΔH > 0). Scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction images also confirm the adsorption of F− ion onto limonite. The isotherm and kinetic study reveals that limonite can be used as an adsorbent for fluoride removal. In future we can develop new technology for fluoride removal in large scale by using limonite which is cost-effective, eco-friendly and is easily available in the study area.
Hydrogel-swelling driven delivery device for corrosion resistance of metal in water
Authors: Gu Yu , Yang Li-Ming , Chen Jie , Wang Ling-Ling , Chen Bin
Published: December 2015

Corrosion on steel and copper pipes in industry can trigger pollution and weakness due to undesired chemical and biochemical reactions. Too much or too little inhibitor can decrease its efficiency, even causing waste and pollution. In this contribution, an innovative delivery device driven by hydrogel swelling, mainly consisting of a semi-permeable membrane, a hydrogel-swelling force drive and a release orifice, was developed to control the release of inhibitor in a water system at a constant rate, leading the amount of inhibitor to maintain a proper concentration. The effects of hydrogel mass and orifice dimension on release property were studied for controlling release rate. Moreover, a weight loss experiment on carbon steels was carried out to show the incredible anti-corrosion function of the system.
Modelling and characterization of primary settlers in view of whole plant and resource recovery modelling
Authors: Bachis Giulia , Maruéjouls Thibaud , Tik Sovanna , Amerlinck Youri , Melcer Henryk , Nopens Ingmar , Lessard Paul , Vanrolleghem Peter A.
Published: December 2015

Characterization and modelling of primary settlers have been neglected pretty much to date. However, whole plant and resource recovery modelling requires primary settler model development, as current models lack detail in describing the dynamics and the diversity of the removal process for different particulate fractions. This paper focuses on the improved modelling and experimental characterization of primary settlers. First, a new modelling concept based on particle settling velocity distribution is proposed which is then applied for the development of an improved primary settler model as well as for its characterization under addition of chemicals (chemically enhanced primary treatment, CEPT). This model is compared to two existing simple primary settler models (Otterpohl and Freund; Lessard and Beck), showing to be better than the first one and statistically comparable to the second one, but with easier calibration thanks to the ease with which wastewater characteristics can be translated into model parameters. Second, the changes in the activated sludge model (ASM)-based chemical oxygen demand fractionation between inlet and outlet induced by primary settling is investigated, showing that typical wastewater fractions are modified by primary treatment. As they clearly impact the downstream processes, both model improvements demonstrate the need for more detailed primary settler models in view of whole plant modelling.