bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exogenous Application of Nitrogen and Cytokinin on Growth, Carbohydrate, and Antioxidant Metabolism of Creeping Bentgrass after De-submergence
Authors: Liu Qiang , Jiang Yiwei
Published: January 2017

Recovery from submergence stress is vital for plant regrowth. The objective of this study was to characterize plant growth, carbohydrate, and antioxidant metabolism of creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera) to foliar application of nitrogen and cytokinin (CK) after de-submergence. Creeping bentgrass (cv. Penncross and 007) were submerged under the water for 14 days and then foliar-sprayed at 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14 days after de-submergence with six types of chemical treatments, respectively: 1) water (W); 2) 10 mm urea (N10); 3) 20 mm urea (N20); 4) 10 µm CK; 5) N10 with CK (N10CK); and 6) N20 with CK (N20CK). Leaves were harvested at 20 days after chemical applications for various measurements. Compared with the nonstressed plants, plant height (HT), chlorophyll index (Chl), leaf dry weight (DW), water-soluble carbohydrate content (WSC), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) decreased, but catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA), and total soluble protein (TSP) content increased in both cultivars exposed to 14 days of submergence. After de-submergence, plants treated with N alone (N10, N20) or combined with CK (N10CK, N20CK) generally had higher HT, DW, Chl, TSP, and a lower amount of MDA, compared with treatments of W or CK alone, whereas treatment using CK resulted in higher WSC for both cultivars. Foliar applications of N and CK had some effect on SOD, CAT, POD, and APX activities after de-submergence, but the effects were not consistent across chemicals and cultivars. The results indicated that foliar application of N or combined with CK promoted plant growth and reduced lipid peroxidation after de-submergence. The results also suggested a more positive role of foliar N application in comparison with a complex regulation of CK on creeping bentgrass regrowth after de-submergence.
Effect of Temperature on Seed Germination in Spinach (Spinacia oleracea)
Authors: Chitwood Jessica , Shi Ainong , Evans Michael , Rom Curt , Gbur Edward E. , Motes Dennis , Chen Pengyin , Hensley David
Published: January 2017

Breeding heat-tolerant spinach is an important project to meet the demand of increasing spinach production in heat conditions. Seed germination is the early stage to test, screen, and develop heat-tolerant spinach genotypes. The objective of this research was to determine temperature effect on the seed germination percentage and to select heat-tolerant spinach genotypes. A total of nine spinach genotypes were used in this research. The germination experiment was conducted using seven temperatures: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 32, and 35 °C under growth chambers. The temperature trials were conducted using completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. Spinach seed germination percentage varied among the nine spinach genotypes under the seven temperatures, indicating that genetic variation for heat tolerance existed in the nine spinach genotypes. ‘Donkey’, ‘Marabu’, and ‘Raccoon’ showed higher seed germination percentage with over 70% at 30 and 32 °C, indicating the three spinach genotypes had heat tolerance for germination. However, all spinach genotypes except ‘Ozarka II’ dropped their germination percentages sharply to less than 30%; ‘Ozarka II’ had 63% germination under 35 °C, indicating it is a good source of heat tolerance for seed germination. The higher germination percentages above 30 °C of ‘Ozarka II’, ‘Donkey’, ‘Marabu’, and ‘Raccoon’ may indicate their potential as donors of heat-tolerant traits in spinach breeding program.
Evolution of students’ friendship networks: Examining the influence of group size
Authors: Sokolova Valentina , Tomašević Aleksandar , Dinić Bojana , Jarić Isidora
Published: January 2017

The main aim of this study was to examine the effect of the network size on formation and evolution of students’ friendship relations. Data was collected from two groups of sociology freshmen: a group from the University of Belgrade, which represents a larger group, and a group from the University of Novi Sad, which represents a smaller group. The data was collected in three periods of one academic year. We analyzed the structural features of students’ networks and constructed a stochastic model of network evolution in order to explore how friendships form and change during one year. The results showed that structural features of the larger and the smaller group differ in each stage of friendship formation. At the beginning of group forming, small world structure was noticeable in the larger group, although full small world structure was not confirmed in both groups. Furthermore, transitivity of triads had effect on the evolution of the larger network, while balance or structural equivalence had effect on the evolution of the smaller network. Results of the structural analysis are in line with findings of the network evolution model and together they provide an insight into how friendship evolves in groups of different sizes.
Antonin Artaud’s Theatre of Cruelty and its Legacy
Authors: Pavićević Jovana
Published: January 2017

Antonin Artaud (1896–1948) is considered to be one of the most influential theatre practitioners in the 20th century although his theory has been deemed too abstruse.  The aim of this paper is to offer a systematic account of Antonin Artaud’s concepts for his Theatre of Cruelty and the ways it influenced subsequent theatre practitioners, namely Peter Brook, Jerzy Grotowski and Eugenio Barba.
Flamenco as a sign of Spanish national identity in travel memoirs by Miloš Crnjanski
Authors: Sekulić Mirjana
Published: January 2017

Following the postulates of imagology studies, the paper re-evaluates the relationship of Miloš Crnjanski as a writer of travel literature towards those aspects of culture which he recognizes as signs of authentic or "real" Spain in his travel memoirs "In the land of toreadors and sunshine". Flamenco is highlighted as one of the common tropes of travel literature, Andalusian music and dancing, which entranced foreign travellers. Thus the formation of stereotypes about Spain, formed in the 19th century is considered, as well as their endurance or disappearance in the new socio-historical context, seeing as they directed the views of travellers in the first decades of the 20th century. The paper then re-evaluates the cultural, social, political and ideological circumstances in which flamenco became one of the signifiers of Spanish identity in Crnjanski's travel memoirs. One of the conclusions one must come to is that this image of the identity of Spain is built through complex interactions of the image a people has of itself and that which others construct about it.
"Celebrating oneself": The European review of Serbian folk dancing as a place of construction and commoditization of identity
Authors: Rašić Miloš
Published: January 2017

Migration is a complex socio-political and economic process which, in Yugoslavia, began after WWII in the 1950's. When they left for, what they then believed would be temporary work; Yugoslavs had permanently settled in Western European countries and developed a new cultural context which they inhabit to this day. One of the phenomena which had arisen from this cultural context are Serbian clubs, which came into being through the disintegration of Yugoslav clubs which had started in the 1980's, influenced by the socio-political events in the home country. Since the 1990's, following nationalist ideology, the manifestation entitled the European review of Serbian folklore, by Serbs in the Diaspora and the region, which will be the topic of this paper, came into being. I believe this to be one of the most important manifestations when it comes to considering the politics of work and relationships among Serbian clubs in the Diaspora. However, upon deeper analysis, one sees its dominant economic aspect which is usually covered by the idea of "authenticity". It is my goal in this paper to deconstruct the phenomenon, so I will view the European review through five pairs of oppositions.
Pseudo-scholarly imagining the past and the process of globalization: the case of ex-Yu
Authors: Manojlović Nikolić Vesna , D. Mihajlović Vladimir
Published: January 2017

The paper discuses connection between the process of globalization and pseudo-scholarly interpretations of the past. First of two links the paper points to concerns the tendency to compensate discontent created by cultural globalization with belief in different and better past. The second link between the effects of globalization and pseudo-historical/archaeological imagining the past is the tendency of pseudo-scholars to use the global means of communication in order to hit the broadest possible audience. Using the case study of the former SFR Yugoslavia we argue that the process of transition towards global world, happening after the escalation of nationalisms in the region, contributes the sense of national, regional and local identity-crisis, and in turn causes the urge to create fictitious pasts. Also we emphasize that the wide usage of internet by pseudo-scholars enables their interpretations to become available to large number of people and in that way shape their viewpoints to past and present.
Thwarted mixed marriage: Failed attempt of marriage between Gypsy man and Serb woman in Negotin in 1851.
Authors: Jagodić Miloš
Published: January 2017

Based on unpublished archival sources, this paper deals with the position of Gypsies in Serbia in mid XIX century and with the institution of marriage. An extraordinary event, attempt of a Gypsy man marrying a Serb woman, is described and analyzed in detail. The groom's father, wealthy Negotin native Gypsy, intended to marry his son with a Serbian girl and thus improve his family's social status. The selected bride was a poor girl without a family, who accepted the proposal in order to escape from poverty. Obviously, it was the case of an arranged marriage. There were not any legal obstacles to the marriage and the church authorities gave their consent. However, the marriage was not socially acceptable for the part of Negotin community members. Therefore, they openly protested and forced the Timok archbishop to withdraw his permission for the marriage. Police did nothing to prevent demonstration and pressure on the high church dignitary. Thus, the marriage was thwarted. This unusual example shows the existence of segregation of Gypsies and their de facto inferior social position, as well as hesitation of church and civil authorities to enforce the law in matters of marriage, when it collided with deeply rooted social norms.
Multiculturalism and Multiconfessionalism in Boka Kotorska in the XVIII Century
Authors: Matić Marina
Published: January 2017

As we had already depicted, life in XVIII century Boka Kotorska was marked by great migrations and numerous heterogeneous factors of this multicultural and multiconfessional environment, under the auspice of the Republic of Venice. Common people, although of different religions, lived in accordance with their social and economic needs and interests, in mutual tolerance, interlacing and respecting sanctities of both churches. The role of the church, both Orthodox and Catholic, was multifaceted and essential. Its part in organizing civil life and institutionalization of legal bodies, as well as its place within private devotion of individuals in the local area, were very important. The Orthodox Church, which was not an official church of the Republic of Venice, implied in its fundamental function efforts for preserving the ethnic and religious identity of the Serbian Orthodox community in this area, as a pivot of multiculturalism. Especially important in that aspect is Savina Monastery, the Zion of the Orthodox people in XVIII century Boka Kotorska, in the absence of the Diocese of Dalmatia and Boka and under foreign Venetian rule.
Biomass Decomposition and Phosphorus Release from Residues of Cover Crops under No‐Tillage
Authors: Varela María Florencia , Barraco Mirian , Gili Adriana , Taboada Miguel Angel , Rubio Gerardo
Published: January 2017

Residue decomposition and P release was studied under no tillage field conditions.

Cover crop residues releases significant quantities of P for the subsequent cash crop.

Phosphorus release from residues is affected by precipitation regime and residue quality.

A positive tradeoff was observed between crop residue P dynamics and soil coverage.

Under no‐tillage field conditions, cover crop (CC) residues remain on the soil surface and decompose at a slow rate. We used three CC species (oat, Avena sativa L.; rye, Secale cereale L.; and ryegrass, Lolium multiflorum L.) to evaluate the residue biomass decomposition and P pools release–total phosphorus (Pt), inorganic phosphorus (Pi), and organic phosphorus (Po)–under no‐tillage field conditions. The dynamics of biomass and P in CC residues was evaluated through the litterbag method during two annual periods in a long‐term field experiment. Exponential decay models were fitted to each variable. Biomass decomposition and P release followed asymptotic decay models for the less labile residues (oat and rye) and single exponential decay models for the more labile ryegrass residues. Biomass and Pt showed rather equivalent dynamics, but Pi release was faster (Pi rates were three times higher and Pi plateaus were two to four times lower than biomass values). The release of Pt from CC residues reached agronomically significant quantities (2–16 kg ha−1) during the cash crop growing season and most of this Pt was released as Pi (53–100%). A positive tradeoff was observed between the release of Pi, potentially available for subsequent crop, and the residue biomass remaining over the soil. This means that Pi was released from residues, but enough biomass remained on the soil surface for erosion control. These results can be incorporated into predictive models on the contribution of CC residues to soil coverage and P nutrition of subsequent crops.
New Insights into the Genetics of Haploid Male Fertility in Maize
Authors: Wu Penghao , Ren Jiaojiao , Tian Xiaolong , Lübberstedt Thomas , Li Wei , Li Guoliang , Li Xingli , Chen Shaojiang
Published: January 2017

Doubled haploid (DH) lines have become widely used in maize (Zea mays L.) breeding. Haploid genome doubling is an important step in developing DH lines. The low rate of spontaneous genome doubling, which causes low haploid male fertility (HMF), seriously limits the largescale application of DH breeding without colchicine treatment. Our objective was to gain new insights into the genetics controlling HMF to improve the rate of HMF in DH breeding procedures. Haploid populations of 20 inbreds and their 31 single crosses derived from Chinese elite maize germplasm were screened for four traits related to HMF: anther emergence rate, pollen production rate, anther emergence score, and pollen production score. Haploid male fertility was compared between single crosses and their parents. Genotype effects were significant (p < 0.01) for all traits among Chinese elite maize lines and their single crosses, and interactions between genotype and environment were also significant (p < 0.05) for anther performance. Heritabilities ranged from 0.68 to 0.91 for these four traits. Haploid male fertility was controlled by additive effects with two or more genes. Anther emergence score proved to be the best trait for describing HMF and is the most practical trait for breeders. We propose that the potential use of HMF in breeding programs could reduce the need for toxic and costly artificial doubling treatments.
Seeding Rate, Genotype, and Topdressed Nitrogen Effects on Yield and Agronomic Characteristics of Winter Wheat
Authors: Bhatta Madhav , Eskridge Kent M. , Rose Devin J. , Santra Dipak K. , Baenziger P. Stephen , Regassa Teshome
Published: January 2017

Winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield produced in Nebraska is often inconsistent, mainly due to environmental variability. Managing production practices could partially mitigate this problem. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of seeding rate (0.5, 1, and 2 times of the normal seeding rate), genotype (6), and topdressed nitrogen (0 and 34 kg N ha−1 at the flag leaf stage) on the yield and agronomic characteristics of winter wheat. Experiments were conducted under rainfed conditions at the Agronomy Research Farm (ARF; Lincoln, NE) and the High Plains Agricultural Laboratory (HPAL; Sidney, NE) in 2014 and 2015. A randomized complete block design with a split factorial arrangement of four replicates was used. Nitrogen was applied to the whole plots and factorial combinations of the six genotypes and three seeding rates were applied to the split plots. Normal seeding rates were 186 seeds m−2 at HPAL and 252 seeds m−2 at ARF. Nitrogen fertilization significantly increased yield and net returns (US$101 at ARF to $96 at HPAL) in 2014. Grain yield increased in response to seeding rate for both sites and years. Twice, the seeding rate increased grain yield, by 5% in 2014 and 13% in 2015 at ARF. The corresponding yield increase was 9% in 2014 and 5% in 2015 at the HPAL site. Estimated net return was $17 and $21 ha−1 at ARF, and $10 and $81 ha−1 at HPAL in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Genomic Selection for Increased Yield in Synthetic‐Derived Wheat
Authors: Dunckel Sandra , Crossa Jose , Wu Shuangye , Bonnett David , Poland Jesse
Published: January 2017

The loss of genetic diversity in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) due to bottlenecks from polyploidy, domestication, and modern plant breeding can be compensated by introgressing exotic germplasm. A successful approach to capture genetic diversity is the production of primary synthetic bread wheats, which are contemporary reconstitutions of the ancestral genomes of wheat from diverse wild relatives. However, this diverse germplasm has many undesirable characters, making direct use in breeding programs difficult. To increase the speed of introgression of exotic germplasm, genomic selection approaches could be applied to enable rapid cycles of selection. To test this, selected lines from double haploid and recombinant inbred line populations between six different primary synthetics and the elite cultivar ‘Opata M85’ were evaluated for grain yield and other important agronomic traits. Field trials were conducted at CIMMYT (International Center for Maize and Wheat Improvement) over 2 yr in irrigated, heat, and drought‐stressed environments. Several synthetic‐derived lines outperformed the elite parent Opata M85 in all environments, indicating that the primary synthetics contribute alleles increasing yield. Whole‐genome profiles were generated using genotyping‐by‐sequencing. Five different whole‐genome prediction models that can be applied for genomic selection were evaluated for prediction accuracy using cross validation. Overall, the prediction models had moderate predictive ability, slightly lower than expected based on the heritability of the traits. While a viable approach, rapid cycle genomic selection for introgression of exotic alleles might be restricted with synthetic‐derived wheat due to complex and confounding physiological effects.
Common Bacterial Blight Resistance QTL BC420 and SU91 Effect on Seed Yield, Seed Weight, and Canning Quality in Dry Bean
Authors: Miklas Phillip N. , Fourie Deidré , Chaves Bernardo , Chirembe Constance
Published: January 2017

Common bacterial blight (CBB) disease limits dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production worldwide. Resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) from tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray) have been used to develop dry bean lines with high levels of CBB resistance. This study examines the effects that two QTL from tepary bean BC420 (B) on chromosome Pv06 and SU91 (S) on Pv08 have on agronomic (seed yield and seed weight) and canning quality traits (water uptake, percentage washed drained weight [PWDWT], texture, and visual appearance). Sixteen small white dry bean near‐isogenic lines, representing four homozygous genotypes for the BC420 and SU91 QTL BBSS, bbSS, BBss, and bbss, the donor resistant parent Teebus‐BC5 (BBSS), and the recurrent susceptible parent ‘Teebus’ (bbss) were tested in replicated, inoculated and non‐inoculated field plots across five environments in South Africa. Plots were inoculated with a mixture of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli and X. fuscans sbsp. fuscans isolates. The BC420 and SU91 QTL did not cause a yield penalty in non‐inoculated plots in environments with low to no disease. SU91 provided yield protection under severe disease pressure, and both QTL in combination reduced disease severity score under moderate to high disease pressure. Seed weight was maintained in lines with the QTL under severe to moderate pressure and was unaffected by the QTL in low‐ to no‐disease environments. Water uptake was significantly reduced in genotypes with BC420 (BBSS, BBss) and likely influenced traits measured subsequently: lower PWDWT, firmer texture, and less attractive visual appearance, which contributed to a reduced canning quality overall. Deployment of BC420 and SU91 QTL can be safely recommended for control of CBB, as no agronomic penalty was observed in CBB‐free conditions, but canning quality should be closely monitored in lines with BC420 QTL.
Evaluation of Diverse Soybean Germplasm for Forage Yield and Quality Attributes
Authors: Rogers Justin , Florez‐Palacios Liliana , Chen Pengyin , Orazaly Moldir , Jaureguy Luciano M. , Zeng Ailan , Wu Chengjun
Published: January 2017

Information on biomass yield and forage nutritive value of grain‐ and forage‐type soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars is of interest to livestock and row‐crop farmers. We studied grain and forage genotypes for biomass, forage nutritive value, and seed yield across two Arkansas locations over 2 yr. Results revealed that stem and total biomass at the R1 (beginning bloom) reproductive growth stage were significantly greater in forage genotypes than in grain genotypes. Forage genotypes had a greater amount of stem biomass (208.7 and 484.0 g m−2) at both R1 and R6 stages and leaf biomass (246.2 g m−2) at R1 than grain genotypes (140.4, 309.2, and 243.8 g m−2, respectively). At R6, grain genotypes had greater amounts of leaf (388.3 g m−2) and pod biomass (350.5 g m−2) than forage genotypes (350.4 and 272.5 g m−2, respectively). There were no differences in leaf and total biomass between forage and grain genotypes at R6. Grain genotypes showed significantly greater seed yield than the forage genotypes (2662.3 vs. 1320.2 kg ha−1), but no differences in seed protein and oil. Forage genotypes had less crude protein and greater acid detergent fiber than grain genotypes, while their neutral detergent fiber concentrations varied among growth stages. Forage soybeans had lower forage nutritive value than grain soybeans overall. For the southern latitude of Arkansas and southern states, we recommend the late‐maturing forage genotypes ‘Tyrone’ and ‘SG13–53’ and grain genotypes ‘Arksoy’ and ‘Centennial’ for planting as forage crops. Our results provide valuable information to growers of these distinctly different soybean types.
Population Structure and Genetic Diversity Analysis of Germplasm from the Winter Wheat Eastern European Regional Yield Trial (WWEERYT)
Authors: Beil Craig T. , Manmathan Harish K. , Anderson Victoria A. , Morgounov Alexey , Haley Scott D.
Published: January 2017

Characterization of population structure and genetic relatedness within wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) germplasm collections is critical for genomewide association studies (GWAS) and training population development for genomic selection (GS). Cooperative regional or international nurseries are well suited for GWAS and GS studies due to the availability of multi‐environment datasets that are often produced. In this study, we analyzed population structure and genetic diversity of 283 genotypes from 7 yr of the Winter Wheat Eastern European Regional Yield Trial (WWEERYT). The collection was genotyped with single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers obtained via genotyping‐by‐sequencing; a subset of 548 highly polymorphic SNPs was used for all analyses. Population structure was composed of seven subpopulations when using a correlated allele frequencies model in the program STRUCTURE. The genotype's breeding program of origin was closely related to, but not a perfect indicator of, subpopulation assignment. Genotypes of Central and Eastern European origin were assigned to six of the seven subpopulations, while genotypes from the United States were assigned to only two of the seven subpopulations. The lowest value for Wright's fixation index observed (FST = 0.20) was between a population of predominately Turkey‐CIMMYT‐ICARDA genotypes and genotypes from the United States, indicating a close relationship between genotypes from these two regions. The characterization of population structure and genetic diversity within the WWEERYT nurseries will allow breeders to accurately select and test germplasm that is genetically diverse from their own by targeting germplasm from different subpopulations identified under model 1. The results presented in this paper will help to foster the utilization and exchange of WWEERYT germplasm across diverse global winter wheat production regions.
Maternal Near Miss Morbidity and Maternal Mortality in a Tertiary Referral Center in Turkey
Authors: Uygur Dilek , Üstün Yaprak Engin , Kara Özgür , Erkenekli Kudret , Yüksel Selcen , Erkaya Salim , Sanisoğlu Sema , Danışman Nuri , Yücel Aykan
Published: January 2017

Objective: The objective of the study is to present the maternal near miss and maternal mortality cases from a tertiary hospital and to evaluate the factors associated with the presence of maternal near miss.Study Design: We performed a retrospective study, including all women who fulfilled the WHO criteria for maternal near miss or death between June 2009 and June 2014 at a tertiary referral education hospital. This study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors’ influence on near miss, multivariate logistic regression was used. Before setting logistic regression, univariate analyses were used to select candidate variables.Results: During the 5-year study, there were 82924 deliveries and 81673 live births. We identified 202 maternal near miss events and 11 maternal deaths. The maternal near miss ratio was 2.47 per 1.000 live births and the maternal mortality ratio was 13.46 per 100.000 live births. There were 213 women with a severe maternal outcome ratio (SMOR) (near miss + maternal death), with a ratio of 2.6 cases/1.000 live birth. Near miss events were associated with length of hospital stay (p<0.001), hemoglobin level (p=0.003). Conclusion: By the help of the WHO near miss approach, we identified that near miss events were associated with length of hospital stay, hemoglobin level, cesarean section deliveries and parity.
Take it away: the need for designing fecal sludge disposal services for single-pit latrines
Authors: Balasubramanya Soumya , Evans Barbara , Ahmed Rizwan , Habib Ahasan , Asad N. S. M. , Rahman Mominur , Hasan Mahmudul , Dey Digbijoy , Camargo-Valero Miller , Rao Krishna Chaitanya , Fernando Sudarshana
Published: January 2017

The government of Bangladesh is increasingly paying attention to the safe collection and disposal of fecal sludge from pit latrines in rural areas. In this paper, we report on current sludge disposal practices from single-pit latrines, by conducting a survey of 1,091 households with pit latrines in a rural subdistrict of Bangladesh. Almost all households were using their pits, and 90% reported that hiring pit emptiers to empty the pit for reuse was the dominant pit management practice. However, 90% of households also reported that the sludge from these pits would be disposed of in the vicinity of their homes, by digging wide and shallow troughs in the soil to absorb the sludge. These results indicate an urgent need to design an organized service that safely transports fecal sludge away for treatment. The National Committee for Fecal Sludge Management, constituted by the government of Bangladesh, is using these results to design policy for sludge management.
Assessing ambient and internal environmental conditions of pit latrines in urban slums of Kampala, Uganda: effect on performance
Authors: Nakagiri Anne , Niwagaba Charles B. , Nyenje Philip M. , Kulabako Robinah K. , Tumuhairwe John B. , Kansiime Frank
Published: January 2017

There is increasing interest to improve the functionality and performance of pit latrines in low income urban areas. This study aimed at assessing the ambient and pit environmental conditions and their implications on the performance (smell and fly nuisance) of pit latrines. Forty-two pit latrines were investigated in urban slums of Kampala, Uganda, through field observation and measurements of ambient and pit environmental conditions. The implications were assessed using oxygen-reduction potential (ORP) and its association with smell/insect nuisances. The pit temperature (21 to 30.7 °C), pH (5.0–11.8) and ORP (−247 to 65.9 mV) were consistently, significantly different (p < 0.001) between the surface and 0.5 m depth of pit content. The conditions in most (95%) pit latrines were anoxic (ORP < +50 mV), and mainly within the acid formation range (ORP −199 to −51 mV). Most smelling pit latrines and flies were within the acid formation ORP range, with a significant association (gamma, G = 0.797, p = 0.014) between ORP and smell in clean latrines only. The results suggest that ventilation of pit latrines within urban slums was not sufficient. Additionally, cleanliness, moisture reduction and waste stabilisation could address bad smells in pit latrines, ultimately improving their usage in urban slums.
Isotherm models and kinetics of copper adsorption by using hydrochar produced from hydrothermal carbonization of faecal sludge
Authors: Koottatep Thammarat , Fakkaew Krailak , Tajai Nutnicha , Polprasert Chongrak
Published: January 2017

Low cost adsorbents have been extensively reported for use as a promising substitution for commercial adsorbents for pollutant removal in water and wastewater treatment. In this study, hydrochar produced from the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of faecal sludge (FS) (called HTC-hydrochar) was further chemically modified with KOH (called KOH-hydrochar) to improve its surface functional groups, which were suitable for copper (Cu) removal. The adsorption of Cu was conducted using the produced HTC-hydrochar and KOH-hydrochar as absorbents. Experimental results showed the KOH-hydrochar could adsorb Cu at the maximum adsorption capacity of 18.6 mg-Cu/g-hydrochar with Cu removal efficiency of 93%, relatively higher than the HTC-hydrochar and a commercial powdered activated carbon. The quantity of the surface functional groups of the adsorbents was more effective in Cu removal than the surface area. The Cu adsorption mechanism was found to follow the pseudo-second order and intra-particle diffusion models and fit well with Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms. Application of hydrothermal carbonization could be a novel candidate to convert FS into hydrochar which is pathogen free, and to employ the produced hydrochar as an adsorbent to remove Cu from industrial wastewaters.
Adsorption mechanism of recovering potassium from seawater by modified-clinoptilolite using microwave
Authors: Guo Hao , Peng Chang-Sheng , Kou Chang-Jiang , Jiang Jian-Yun , Zhang Fan , Yuan He-Tao
Published: January 2017

The adsorption capacity and mechanism of K+ ion onto modified-clinoptilolite (MC) for recovering potassium from seawater has been investigated in this paper. The maximum value of K+ adsorption capacity is 36.3 mg/g (1.92 times of raw-clinoptilolite) while the modifying condition of microwave power is 450 W and heating time is 60 min. Specific surface area and pore size of absorbent has also been advanced with employing microwave. The kinetic data followed the pseudo-second-order model kinetic model, and the equilibrium data were well fitted to the Langmuir model, showing monolayer coverage of K+ ions on the surface pores of MC. Thermodynamic parameters, including Gibbs free energy (∆G), enthalpy changes (∆H), and entropy changes (∆S) were also calculated. The results demonstrated that K+ ion was absorbed onto MC spontaneously and exothermically in nature. Thus, MC could be employed as efficient and suitable adsorbent for recovering potassium from seawater.
Chemically modified chitosan polymers for bromate removal
Authors: Liu Jianqing , Shi Wenjian , Liu Yue , Ou-Yang Wei , Zhao Ran
Published: January 2017

Bromate is a harmful byproduct formed during drinking water disinfection processes. In this work, adsorption of bromate by natural chitosan and its chemically modified polymers has been investigated. Bromate adsorption was found between 22.73 mg/g and 43.48 mg/g. Adsorbents were analysed by Fourier transform infrared-ATR spectroscopy. It is suggested that chemical adsorption is the main bromate adsorption mechanism. By fitting theoretical results to experimental data, it is shown that the Langmuir adsorption model and the second-order kinetic model are more applicable to explain the adsorption process. Furthermore, increased bromate adsorption is found at high temperature and at low pH, while coexisting ions have little influence at low concentrations.
Nonylphenol and octylphenol in riverine waters and surface sediments of the Pearl River Estuaries, South China: occurrence, ecological and human health risks
Authors: Zhong Mingqin , Yin Pinghe , Zhao Ling
Published: January 2017

The temporal–spatial distribution and risks of nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP) in the surface waters and sediments from the six major riverine runoff outlets of the Pearl River Estuaries (PRE) were investigated. NP and OP were detected in all samples. It is worth mentioning that the levels of NP and OP in July in waters ranged from 1,740 to 16,200 ng L−1, and from 1,265 to 15,700 ng L−1, respectively; in sediments, they ranged from 28 to 92 ng g−1 dw and from 2.7 to 42 ng g−1 dw, respectively. According to aquatic risk assessment based on hazard quotient (HQ), NP and OP posed a high potential ecological risk (HQ > 1) to relevant aquatic organisms (excluding the alga, Selenastrum capricornutum), indicating that aquatic organisms, in particular crustaceans, have been significantly affected by NP and OP. Although the risk of NP for humans in water was regarded as endurable according to tolerable daily intake, it was higher than the drinking water safety limit (0.5 μg L−1). The results indicated that the heavy contamination caused by NP and OP and their adverse effect on local aquatic organisms in the PRE deserved to arouse wide concern.
Photocatalytic degradation of tartrazine dye using CuO straw-sheaf-like nanostructures
Authors: Rao Martha Purnachander , Wu Jerry J. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Anandan Sambandam
Published: January 2017

Straw-sheaf-like CuO nanostructures were fruitfully synthesized using a chemical precipitation approach for the photocatalytic degradation assessment of tartrazine. Phase identification, composition, and morphological outlook of prepared CuO nanostructures were established by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The photocatalytic performance of the synthesized CuO nanostructures was appraised in the presence of visible light and the possible intermediates formed during the photocatalytic degradation were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A suitable degradation pathway has also been proposed.
Enhanced adsorption removal of anionic dyes via a facile preparation of amino-functionalized magnetic silica
Authors: Li Xiao-Shui , Fan Yu-Han , Zhang Shou-Wen , Qi Shi-Hua
Published: January 2017

A novel amino-functionalized magnetic silica (Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2) was easily prepared via a one-step method integrating the immobilization of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane with a sol-gel process of tetraethyl orthosilicate into a single process. This showed significant improvement in the adsorption capacity of anionic dyes. The product (Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2) was characterized with scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry, zeta potential and vibrating sample magnetometry. The adsorption performance of Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2 was then tested by removing acid orange 10 (AO10) and reactive black 5 (RB5) from the aqueous solutions under various experimental conditions including initial solution pH, initial dye concentrations, reaction time and temperature. The results indicated that the maximum adsorption capacity of AO10 and RB5 on Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2 was 621.9 and 919.1 mg g−1 at pH 2, respectively. The sorption isotherms fit the Langmuir model nicely. Similarly, the sorption kinetic data were better fitted into the pseudo-second order kinetic model than the pseudo-first order model. In addition, the thermodynamic data demonstrated that the adsorption process was endothermic, spontaneous and physical. Furthermore, Fe3O4@SiO2-NH2 could be easily separated from aqueous solutions by an external magnetic field, and the preparation was reproducible.
Solid phase extraction of trace amounts of cadmium(II) ions in water and food samples using iron magnetite nanoparticles modified by sodium dodecyl sulfate and 2-mercaptobenzothiazole
Authors: Abbasi Shahriar , ShanbehDehbalai Mehdi , Khani Hossein
Published: January 2017

A new, simple and rapid method for solid phase extraction and preconcentration of trace amounts of cadmium ions using 2-mercaptobenzothiazole/sodium dodecyl sulfate immobilized on magnetite nanoparticles (MBT-SDS-MNPs) was proposed. The method is based on the extraction of cadmium ions via complexation with MBT immobilized on SDS-coated MNPs and their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The effects of different parameters – pH; eluent type, concentration and volume; amounts of salt and adsorbent; contact time and interfering ions – on the adsorption of cadmium ions were studied. Under optimized conditions, the calibration curve was linear in the range of 10–5,000 μg L−1. Detection limit and relative standard deviation of the proposed method were 0.009 μg L−1 and 2.2%, respectively. The adsorption data were analyzed by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models and a maximum adsorption amount of 24.80 mg g−1, a Langmuir adsorption equilibrium constant (b) of 4.62 and Freundlich constants Kf and n of 6.075 mg1–1/n L1/n g−1 and 2.391, respectively, were obtained. Finally, this adsorbent was successfully used for extraction of cadmium from water and food samples.
In situ synthesis of layered double hydroxides on γ-Al2O3 and its application in chromium(VI) removal
Authors: Li Shifeng , Qi Fang , Xiao Min , Fan Hongtao , Shen Yanming , Du Kaige , Zhang Zhigang , Li Wenxiu
Published: January 2017

Mg-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) adsorbent was synthesized in situ on γ-Al2O3 for the removal of Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The material was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy and thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. Compared to the LDHs powder, the calcined LDHs sorbent prepared in situ on γ-Al2O3 had higher specific surface area and was easy to recover and reuse. The adsorptive capacity for removing Cr(VI) from aqueous solution was resulting from the memory effect of LDHs based on the XRD results. Both the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir model fit the experimental data well. Furthermore, the adsorbent exhibits excellent sorption–regeneration performances.
KERINDUAN PADA YANG REAL DALAM NOVEL AKAR KARYA DEE
Authors: Hiasa Fina
Published: January 2017

This research was aimed to describe how the author’s desire manifested through Akar’s novel. There was a relationship between the story of Akar’s novel, which has a Buddhism background, with Dee’s interest as the author’s toward buddha’s teachings that became an indication about the relation between author’s desire and Akar’s novel. To answer this indication, the writer used Lacan’s Psychoanalysis method through the mechanism of metaphor and metonymy by analyzing a series of signifiers on Akar’s novel, so it will discover what exactly the desire of “being” and “having” of the author.
Maximizing Power Output of a Partially Shaded Total-Cross-Tied Photovoltaic array
Authors: Shah Neha Saurabh , Patel Hiren H
Published: January 2017

Non-uniform conditions on the modules of the PV array, especially, partial shading reduces the output of the PV array to a large extent. The shaded module in a string limits the current of the entire string and hence, the output power of the string.  The output power under such conditions is reported to be higher for total-cross-tied (TCT) configuration. This paper describes two different approaches, one based on current compensation (current equalization) and another based on voltage equalization, to extract higher power from the partially shaded total-cross-tied photovoltaic array. The TCT configuration is considered to minimize the number of converters, sensors, cost and complexity involved. The additional converters in the two distinct approaches evaluated here operate only when the partial shading occurs and are controlled to minimize the current and voltage miss-matches. The analysis and the control algorithm are presented. Simulation results obtained in MATLAB/Simulink are included to demonstrate the effectiveness of both methods and the relative merits and demerits of these approaches are highlighted.
Cross-Cultural Contact: A Preliminary Study on the Cross-Cultural Communication between Taiwanese Undergraduates and International Students—A Case Study on the International College of Ming Chuan University
Authors: Lin Chia-ju,
Published: January 2017

Based on cross-cultural theory, this study applies in-depth interviewing and focus group testing to examine the difficulties and challenges faced by Taiwanese undergraduates while communicating with international students in an English immersion instruction environment at the International College and analyze how the former should adapt themselves to the cross-cultural learning environment. This study indicates that language competence is the main factor affecting local students’ adaptation to the cross-cultural environment at the International College. Low language proficiency, pertaining to either schoolwork or interpersonal communication, is the main cause of anxiety and nervousness among local students during the earlier stage of adaptation. According to the adaptation curve, the honeymoon stage experienced by local students following enrollment is extremely short and is usually accompanied by anxiety and uneasiness. Their adaptation stage comprises two aspects, schoolwork and life. Regarding the schoolwork aspect, local students face a relatively long crisis stage because only after making certain improvement in English proficiency can they gradually adapt themselves to the cross-cultural learning environment. However, in terms of the life aspect, it takes a comparatively shorter time for local students to adapt themselves to cross-cultural conflicts, and they can rapidly enter the recovery and biculturalism adaptation stages.
Corporate Environmental Reporting on the Web – An Exploratory Study of Chinese Listed Companies
Authors: Zhang Tianxi , Gao Simon S. , Zhang Jane J.
Published: January 2017

While the literature has given a considerable attention to internet financial reporting, limited studies mainly from developed economies have emerged to explain and predict corporate behavior relating to corporaten environmental reporting on Websites. This preliminary study attempts
to fill a gap by investigating Internet environmental reporting (IER)
in China and examining the current IER practice of Chinese top listed companies. This study finds that IER is increasingly used in China to disclose corporate social and environmental activity and policy. Companies are increasingly using the phrases of „sustainability‟ and „corporate social responsibility‟ in their IER. Website-specific reporting concerning social and environmental issues, performance and activities has growingly been adopted by Chinese top listed companies as the main approach to IER. Both the quantity of disclosure and the areas of coverage have steadily
increased. While IER in China is developing, there remains a considerable discrepancy in terms of reporting practices and the levels of social and environmental information disclosed. There are no generally accepted standards and guidelines for IER in China, and the data/information disclosed are largely incomparable. External auditing of IER remains a problem.
The Link between Corporate Social Performance and Financial Performance: Evidence from Indonesian Companies
Authors: Fauzi Hasan , Mahoney Lois S. , Rahman Azhar Abdul
Published: January 2017

This study examines the relationship of corporate social performance (CSP) to corporate financial performance (CFP) to determine if CSP is related to firm performance.  Additionally, it examines whether firm size or industry affects the relationships between CSR and CSP. This study  advances the literature as it examines this relationship for companies in a developing country, Indonesia, along with examining the impact of moderating variables on this relationship. Two models were developed: the first model was derived using slack resource theory and the second model was developed using the good management theory. Through the examination of 383 firms, the result of the study failed to find a significant relationship between CSP and CFP in either model.  Further analysis, using the slack resource theory, did find that company size had a significant positive moderating effect on the relationship between CSP and CFP.
Representasi Profesional Petani Padi-Sawah dalam Hubungannya dengan Praktek Pengendalian Hama
Authors: Katrina Pandjaitan Nurmala
Published: January 2017

The purpose of this research is to apprehend plant disease management practices from a psyhosocial viewpoint. Is there any relationship between plant disease management practices and the professional representations of the farmers? What influence does professional context have in this relationship? How does participation in SLPHT, used to spread IPM Practices, influence rice farmers in plant disease management? The relationship between professional representations and pest management practices varies depending on the professional context. When institutional coercion is marked, it is the legal prescriptions which influence the relationship between professional representations and practices. Inversely, when institutional coercion is less marked, professional representations guides practices. Participation in SLPHT is unrelated to plant disease management by the rice farmers. This research aims to contribute to the study of adult training by showing how the professional context can influence the adoption of innovation.