bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergizing TiO2 Surface to Enhance Photocatalysis: A Green Technology for Clean and Safe Environment - A Review
Authors: Hossain S.M. Azad , Ali Md Eaqub , Abd Hamid Sharifah Bee
Published: June 2015

Photocatalytic removal of pollutants from air and water is a green technology that helps us to maintain a healthy life, clean environment and a balanced ecosystem. Photo-excited TiO2 has strong oxidation ability that can be used to purify indoor air and polluted water. Numerous parameters such as UV light intensity, humidity, substrate concentration, substrate type and O2 partial pressure influence the removal rate of gaseous and/or aqueous contaminants. However, TiO2 photocatalyst cannot decompose large amount of contaminants or refractory chemicals because of the interference in light penetration by the bulk pollutants. Modification of TiO2 surface or combining the TiO2 photocatalyst with other advanced oxidation processes such as sonolysis, ozonization, electrochemical oxidation and photocatalysis could significantly improve the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2 photocatalyst. This brief review is an up-to-date presentation of the TiO2 surface modification for enhancing its photocatalytic activities for environmental purification.
Simple Preparation of Exfoliated Graphene Oxide Sheets via Simplified Hummer’s Method
Authors: Chong S.W. , Lai Chin Wei , Abd Hamid Sharifah Bee , Low F.W. , Liu Wei Wen
Published: June 2015

Today, research on graphene and other two-dimensional sp2-hybridized carbon nanomaterials has tremendously impacted the areas of modern chemistry, physics, and materials science and engineering. The significant attraction of these materials can be attributed to the outstanding electrical, optical, electrochemical, and mechanical properties of graphene-like materials, especially in comparison to other carbon materials. In this manner, graphene oxide as a substrate for graphene-like materials reduction process is getting more and more interesting. Although early routes to these materials were challenging, significant advances in synthetic and processing methods have enabled access to high-quality exfoliated graphene oxide sheets in appreciable quantities. Herein, we introduced a simple and efficient method for the high-conversion preparation of graphene oxide using a simplified hummer’s method from large graphite flakes (an average flake size of 100 μm). One-pot chemical oxidation of graphite was carried out at room temperature for the preparation purpose. It was found that different degree of oxidation of graphite flakes could be realized by stirring graphite in a mixture of sulphuric acid and potassium permanganate under different oxidation durations, resulting in exfoliated graphene oxide sheets with large lateral dimension and area. The simplified Hummer’s method provides a facile approach for the preparation of large-area exfoliated graphene oxide sheets.
Humidity Sensor - A Review of Nanostructured Zinc Oxide (ZnO)-Based Humidity Sensor
Authors: Ismail A.S. , Mamat M.H. , Rusop Mohamad
Published: June 2015

We have reviewed humidity sensors based on the Zinc oxide (ZnO) humidity sensor. There are only a few papers reviewing on the ZnO humidity sensor. The characteristics, structures, advantages, and fabrication methods of ZnO have been studied to understand the suitability of the ZnO to be applied at different kind of condition such as for extreme environment, low level humidity detection, and very high humidity level circumstances. The electrical and physical properties of ZnO humidity sensors such as sensitivity, response time, stability, uniformity, and crystallinity have also been discussed in this review. ZnO nanostructures have been widely used for humidity sensors because of its’ good stability, high sensitivity for humidity-sensing, low cost, and has a wide band gap. Sol-gel preparation method is commonly used to for ZnO humidity sensor fabrication since it can produce a film with high uniformity, simple process and low cost. Keywords: Humidity Sensor, Metal Oxide, Semiconducting Type, Ceramic Type, Humidity-Sensing, Band Gap, Sol-Gel Preparation Method.
Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Multiple Layers Nano-Structured Zinc Oxide Thin Film
Authors: Saurdi I. , Mamat Mohamad Hafiz , Malik M.F. , Ishak A. , Rusop Mohamad
Published: June 2015

The nanoStructured ZnO thin films were prepared by Spin coating technique on glass substrates at various layers. The structural and optical properties were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and UV-Vis-NIR respectively. The surface morphology reveals that the nanostructured ZnO thin films become densely packed as the thickness increased. The average particles size of ZnO thin film estimated from FESEM images at different layers of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 were 20nm, 28nm, 36nm, 39nm and 56nm, respectively. The surface roughness of thin films was increase as the thin film thickness increases. The results show all films are transparent in the visible region (400-800 nm) with average transmittance above 85 %. Meanwhile, the optical band gap was decrease as the film thickness increases. The conductivity of ZnO thin film slightly improved as the thickness increased as measured through two probes 1-V measurement system.
The Study of Structural and Corrosion Performance of ZnO Nanostructures Layer Coated on Mild Steel Surface
Authors: Akhir Muzammil Mat , Eswar Kelvin Alvin , Mahmud Muhammad Rashid , Harun Mohamad Kamal , Rusop Mohamad , Abdullah Saifollah
Published: June 2015

Zinc coated mild steel is usually applied to protect the substrate surface from corrosion. In this study, Zinc Oxide nanostructure layer will be used to protect the surface of mild steel from corrosion. The Zinc Oxide nanostructure will be synthesized by sol-gel method. After the solution was prepared, it then coated on mild steel surface using spin coater and anneal at different temperature to see the growth of Zinc Oxide nanostructures. After the sample has been coated it will characterize using FESEM, XRD and LPR.
Concept and Design of SOI Nanogap Based on Capacitive Sensor for Escherichia coli O157:H7 Detection
Authors: Salleh N.H.M. , Hashim U. , Yusof Nor Azah , Sudin Ahmad , Nazwa T. , Ten Seng Teik
Published: June 2015

Early warning detection method for food-borne pathogen Escherichia coli (E.coli) especially a harmful serotype O157:H7 has become an important public health issue in food industrial due to its frequent outbreak around the world. Serotype O157:H7 E.coli is an enterhemorrhagic virulence group of E.coli that can be found in contaminated food such as raw meat, unpasteurized milk, raw tomatoes, cucumber, and leafy salad or in animal and media which spread the pathogen. Consumption of a small amount of O157:H7 E.coli within 10 to 24 hours can caused severe illness such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, headache and muscular pain. Therefore, there is a need for higher sensitivity and selectivity and rapid method to detect the deadly pathogen in early stage and to prevent the spread and infection to human. Nanogap based biosensor has become an emerging advance method for detecting a nanometer size biomolecules that cannot be seen to the human eyes. Nanogap is a combination of two electrodes with nanometer gap. The novelty of nanogap is its ability to detect a small amount of biomolecules that trap between the gaps by observing their electrical properties changes. In this paper, we present a concept and design of SOI nanogap based capacitance sensor for O157:H7 E.coli detection using AutoCAD software.
Triethanolamine (TEA) Aqueous Solution as an Electrolyte Promoter in CO2 Photoelectro-Conversion under Simulated Solar Irradiation Assisted by Cu-Doped Graphene-Titania Catalyst
Authors: Hasan Md. Rakibul , binti O. A. Abdul Hamid Sharifah Bee , Basirun Wan Jefrey
Published: June 2015

Copper doped graphene-TiO2 nanocomposite were prepared via sol-gel process and embedded onto ITO coated glass films using electrophoretic deposition technique. The catalyst films were used for photoelectrocatalysis (PEC) of CO2 induced under simulated solar irradiation. Triethanolamine (TEA) aqueous solution was used as an electrolyte in this experiment. CO2 capture in the electrolyte solution plays vital role in the PEC process and in this case, the effect of TEA was investigated. Although the absorption rate of CO2 is lower in TEA solution than primary or secondary amines, CO2 loading was found higher in the solution. Less reactivity of TEA towards CO2 was also observed. The impedance results showed that, increased concentration of TEA in aqueous solution helps to reduce charge transfer resistance and thus facilitates CO2 reduction process.
Effect of Polyethylene Glycol Concentration on the Formation of Aluminium-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanorods
Authors: Ismail Ahmad Syakirin , Malek Mohd Firdaus , Abdullah Muhammad Amir Ridhwan , Mamat Mohamad Hafiz , Rusop Mohamad
Published: June 2015

Aluminium (Al) - doped zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods with different weight percent (wt%) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) has been deposited on glass substrate. The concentrations of PEG have been varied from 0 wt %, 15 wt % and 30 wt %. The percentage weight of the PEG is the ratio between PEG mass to the hexamethyltetramine (HMT) and zinc nitrate hexahydrate (Zn (NO3).6H2O) mass. The structural properties of the samples have been characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) and electrical properties has been characterized using current voltage (I-V) measurement. The analyses showed that PEG addition have reduced the crystallinity and conductivity of the samples.
Optimization of RF Magnetron Sputtering Process Parameters Based on Genetic Algorithm and Neural Network
Authors: Mohd Sabri Norlina , Md Sin Nor Diyana , Puteh Mazidah , Rusop Mohamad
Published: June 2015

A procedure for RF magnetron sputtering process parameter optimization is proposed in this paper. This study has been focusing on determining the optimal parameter combination for producing the desirable optical band gap. In this proposed procedure, Genetic Algorithm (GA) has been adapted as the optimization tool, while Artificial Neural Network (ANN) has been implemented as the prediction model. GA was adapted to search for the optimal parameter combination from the set of parameters, while later the ANN modeling had been utilized to predict the optical band gap energies for each of the parameter combinations. The result from the GA optimization is expected to produce the highest band gap value. The computational results from the proposed procedure were then compared with the actual laboratory experimental results from the ZnO thin film fabrication. Based on the comparison result, the performance of the proposed procedure had proven to be promising in determining the most optimized process parameter combination from the set of parameters.
Optimization of Linear Oxide Width Using Local Anodic Oxidation Lithography for Fabrication of Semiconductor and Metal Nanowires
Authors: Rouhi J. , Eswar Kevin Alvin , Fadzilah Suhaimi Mohd Husairi , Alrokayan Salman A.H. , A. Khan Haseeb , Rusop M.
Published: June 2015

In this study, the response surface methodology was utilized to optimize width of linear oxide for fabrication of Si oxide nanowires using local anodic oxidation lithography. A collection of experiments was designed using central composite design to evaluate the results statistically. The functional relationships were studied between the ambient humidity, applied voltage and tip speed as independent variables. Furthermore, a new approach was indicated by using design of experiment (DOE) to determine the significant parameters that affects on dimensional characteristics of the linear oxide. Numerical optimization was prepared by the DOE software to obtain the optimal conditions of parameters in order to perform the requirements as desired. These results indicate that the technique has a great potential for the fabrication of individual metal and semiconductor nanowires.
A Review on Graphene Evidenced by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Shamsudin M.S. , Sanip S.M.
Published: June 2015

The unsurpassed and exceptional properties of graphene (Gr) have prompted significant progress toward Gr-based applications, and have furthermore unleashed a host of complimentary two-dimensional materials that provide new, and emerging technologies synergistic with an already well-established Gr science. The Raman spectroscopy reveals both basic and advance features. It emerged as an important optical and structural characterization tool, following in the footsteps of related form of carbon. Till date, no comprehensive descriptions of Raman spectroscopy on Gr characterization have been published yet. This is to say that, no review can possibly complete. We have presented an extensive overview of the Raman spectroscopy, filled-up this gap and discussed the theoretical background associated with the Gr and other carbon-based materials, and some thoughts about the future of this field are highlighted. Thus, it would be used as a reference guide for the utilization of Raman spectroscopy to investigate the various features of Gr and carbon-based materials.
Enhanced Performance of Al-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanorods at Different Concentration Using Sol-Gel Preparation Methods towards Humidity Sensing Application
Authors: Ismail Ahmad Syakirin , Malek Mohd Firdaus , Abdullah Muhammad Amir Ridhwan , Mamat Mohamad Hafiz , Rusop M.
Published: June 2015

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods with different Aluminium (Al) – doping concentration (at%) has been deposited on glass substrate. The concentrations of Al were varied from 0 (undoped), 0.2, 0.8, and 3 at %. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used to study the structural properties of the samples, UV-vis for absorbance and transmittance coefficient, and current voltage (I-V) measurement for electrical properties. From the results, it is observed that the diameter size of nanorods were reduced upon the increasing of Al-concentration. The I-V measurement showed that the 0.8 at% doping sample produced the highest conductivity.
Electrical and Physical Property of TiO2 Films Prepared at Different Deposition Time
Authors: Halim Affendi Irma Hidayanti , Ahmed Azhar Najwa Ezira , Mohamad Saad Puteri Sarah , Alrokayan Salman A.H. , A. Khan Haseeb , Rusop M.
Published: June 2015

Titanium Dioxide film will be deposited on a glass slide substrate by spin coating technique which is the frequently used technique because of its easy operation and cheap due to the sol gel preparation. The deposited films were then characterized by cross section technique using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) to investigate the thickness based on the number of coatings. Then by the same FESEM, the surface morphology was studied to see the grain size and the porosity of each film based on the number of coatings. AFM was used to see the uniformity of the thin film's surface. Then by using current voltage (IV) measurement, the electrical property of the film can be studied, from IV characterization the resistivity of the film will be calculated. In this investigation, it is found that by increasing the coating layer, the resistivity values were decreasing whereas the conductivity of the film is increasing since conductivity is the inverse of resistivity. The porosity of the film also increases with the coating layers.
Nanostructured TiO2 Thin Film by Sol-Gel Spin Coating with Different Concentration
Authors: Halim Affendi Irma Hidayanti , Ahmed Azhar Najwa Ezira , Mohamad Saad Puteri Sarah , Rusop Mohamad
Published: June 2015

The production of TiO2 nanostructured thin film was synthesized by sol-gel method using TiO2 nanopowder as precursor. The solution of TiO2 was then deposited as thin film onto glass substrate by spin-coating technique. The aim is to investigate the effect of concentrations on the surface morphology and electrical properties of the thin films. The effect on the surface morphology was observed by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The electrical properties were then observed by two-point probe method. By measuring the current-voltage (IV) characteristic, resistivity and conductivity can be measured. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the surface morphology and the IV characteristic of the thin films.
Physical Properties of MEH-PPV Thin Films at Different Ageing
Authors: Ahmed Azhar Najwa Ezira , Shafura A.K.S. , Halim Affendi Irma Hidayanti , Shariffudin Shafinaz , Rusop Mohamad
Published: June 2015

Poly (2-methoxy-5(2’-ethylhexyloxy)-phenylene vinylene) (MEH-PPV) thin films were deposited by spin-coating technique. The MEH-PPV powders were dissolved in toluene solution. In this study, we report the effect of ageing on electrical and optical properties MEH-PPV thin films. The thickness of MEH-PPV increased as ageing time increased. The electrical properties were obtained using 2-point probe. The resistivity of thin films decreased as ageing time increased and vice versa with conductivity. The optical properties were investigated using UV-Visible-NIR (UV-VIS-NIR) and atom force microscope (AFM). From UV-Vis result shows the lower band gaps of films in toluene solution proved MEH-PPV has longer conjugation segments. The surface roughness of thin films decreased with the increased of ageing time; which is caused by the aggregation of the MEH-PPV. The PL spectra show the quenching of emission might be due to the conjugation of length polymer changes in different ageing times.
Fast Fourier Transform Analysis of Images of Scanning Electron Microscope of Porous Anodic Alumina
Authors: Voon Chun Hong , Derman Mohd Nazree B. , Foo Kai Loong , Nuzaihan M. , Hashim Uda
Published: June 2015

In this study, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis was conducted on the images of scanning electron microscope of morphology of the porous anodic alumina formed on high purity aluminium. High purity aluminium substrates were anodized at 50 V in 0.3 M oxalic acid of 15°C for 60 minutes. As anodized porous anodic alumina were then subjected to oxide dissolution treatment of increasing exposure duration, up to three minutes. Micrographs were captured by using scanning electron microscope and the images were analyzed using FFT. It was found that the FFT images of as anodized porous anodic alumina and porous anodic alumina subjected to oxide dissolution treatment up to two minutes were similar, which were disc shaped white forms, indicating no ordered periodic structures were formed. When porous anodic alumina subjected to oxide dissolution treatment for three minutes, FFT image showed six distinct spots at the edges of a hexagon, indicating a perfect hexagonal pore arrangement was obtained for porous anodic alumina subjected to oxide dissolution treatment for three minutes.
Recommandations sur l’utilisation des outils de prédiction du drainage minier acide
Authors: Bouzahzah Hassan , Benzaazoua Mostafa , Bussière Bruno , Plante Benoît
Published: June 2015

The sulphidic tailings subjected to the atmospheric water and oxygen action may generate acid mine drainage (AMD). AMD is due to the oxidation of sulphide minerals they contain in the absence of a neutralizing potential. The effluents related to AMD are acidic, metal loaded and are often harmful towards the surrounding environments. A reliable prediction of this phenomenon to preserve the environment is of great importance as it is able to impact the costs and the ways to restore mines sites. The most frequently tools used for AMD prediction are static tests and kinetic tests when the first provide uncertain prediction results. AMD perdition tests are available in several versions whose protocols are quite divergent. Also, there is no guide orientating users in their choice. Thus, the objective of this review paper is to give clear recommendations to help choosing among either static and kinetic tests for AMD prediction based on tailings intrinsic characteristics (for static tests) and on the objectives of the study (for kinetic assays).

Les rejets miniers sulfurés soumis à l’action de l’eau et de l’oxygène atmosphériques sont susceptibles de générer du drainage minier acide (DMA) suite à l’oxydation des minéraux sulfurés qu’ils contiennent, en l’absence d’un potentiel neutralisant. Les effluents acides liés au DMA peuvent être chargés en métaux et sont dommageables à l’environnement. Une prédiction fiable de ce phénomène est d’une grande importance car elle est capable de déterminer les coûts et la manière de restaurer les sites miniers pour préserver l’environnement. Les outils usuellement utilisés pour la prédiction du DMA sont les tests statiques dans un premier temps et les essais cinétiques quand les premiers livrent une prédiction incertaine. Ces outils sont nombreux, leurs protocoles sont assez distincts et il n’existe aucun guide pour orienter l’utilisateur dans leur choix. Ainsi, ce papier se fixe l’objectif de présenter des recommandations pour orienter le choix parmi les tests statiques et et les essais cinétiques. Ces outils sont utilisés par l’industrie minière pour la prédiction du DMA en se basant sur les caractéristiques intrinsèques des rejets miniers (tests statiques) et des objectifs de l’étude (essais cinétiques).
Les lixiviats de la décharge de déchets urbains de la ville de Casablanca (Maroc), une pollution annoncée
Authors: Fekri Ahmed , Pineau Jean-Louis , Wahbi Mostafa , Benbouziane Abdelmajid , Marrakchi Chakib
Published: June 2015

Municipal solid waste (MSW) from the city of Casablanca (approximately 3 800 tonnes per day), containing 70% of organic matter (OM) has been stockpiled in a local landfill since 1986. The unsealed bottom of the landfill is a faulted quartzite formation in which unconfined groundwater flows and from which people draw water for farming and for human consumption. The leachate from the landfill has a high metallic content (lead: 0.5 milligrammes per litre) and a high daily flow estimated to be 1 400 m3 per day. It originates from the water contained in the organic matter, seeping into the aquifer and polluting it. It flows through a mainly agricultural area towards the city along the fault lines of the quartzite formation. Its environmental impact becomes more important due to the increase of its quantity produced by more stockpiled MSW, and occurring of drought.

Les déchets urbains produits par la ville Casablanca (environ 3 800 t/j), composes à 70 % de matières fermentescibles, sont stockés depuis 1986 dans des carrières proches. Le substratum de la décharge est constitué par des quartzites fracturées. Il n’a pas été étanchéifié. Les lixiviats, avec des concentrations enlevées en métaux (plomb : 0,5 mg/l) et de forts débits journaliers estimés à 1 400 m3/j, liés en grande partie à l’eau contenue dans la matière fermentescible, s’infiltrent dans l’aquifère et le polluent. L’avancement du front de la pollution se fait en direction de la ville, dans une zone à vocation agricole, suivant un drain lié à des failles de la formation quartzitique qui constitue le substratum de la décharge.
La détermination des unités fonctionnelles d’un territoire, première étape pour appliquer l’analyse de cycle de vie à l’échelle territoriale
Authors: Junqua Guillaume , Cerceau Juliette , Gonzalez Catherine
Published: June 2015

The implementation of the life cycle analysis methodology (LCA) applied at a regional scale is a challenge.A territory is by nature complex and multifunctional. Identify territorial functions, the first step for applying LCA at the territorial level, participates in the process of collective definition of territorial complexity, and thereby draws the outlines of a coherent collective action with real and perceived territorial issues. LCA should be used to identify environmental hotspots and to compare different scenarios of land planning.Thus, this article proposes several possible methodologies for the definition of territorial functional units. These solutions can be classified into two main bottom-up or top-down approaches.These solutions will be analyzed through different criteria (facility of identification and implementation, customer, consideration of the different subsystems,...).

La mise en œuvre de la méthodologie d’analyse de cycle de vie (ACV) appliquée à l’échelle d’un territoire est un challenge.Un territoire est par essence multifonctionnel et complexe. Dégager des fonctions territoriales, première étape pour appliquer l’ACV à l’échelle territoriale, participe donc à ce processus de définition collective de la complexité territoriale, et par là même dessine les contours d’une action collective cohérente avec les enjeux territoriaux réels et perçus. L’ACV doit être utilisée pour identifier les points critiques à améliorer et ainsi à comparer différents scénarios de développement territorial.Ainsi, cet article pose les premiers jalons de la déclinaison territoriale de l’ACV en identifiant plusieurs méthodologies possibles pour la définition des unités fonctionnelles. Ces différentes solutions peuvent être classées selon deux grandes approches descendantes ou ascendantes.Ces approches et solutions seront analysées à travers le prisme de différents critères (facilité d’identification, de mise en œuvre, commanditaire de l’étude, prise en compte des différents sous-systèmes,…).
Étude expérimentale et modélisation de l’inhibition de la dégradation du propionate par les acides gras volatils en digestion anaérobie par voie sèche
Authors: Bollon Julien , Benbelkacem Hassen , Bayard Rémy , Gourdon Rémy , Buffière Pierre
Published: June 2015

Batch experimental assays were performed in or-der to assess the kinetics of propionate and acetate uptake in dry (high-solids) anaerobic digesters. The profile of propionate uptake was lower at high pro-pionate and acetate amounts. Haldane’s inhibition model for substrate inhibition and a non-competitive product inhibition by acetate were found to rule the observed phenomena. The inhibition constant for subs-trate inhibition was 2800 mgCOD of propionate per kg of digesting medium, while the inhibition constant for product inhibition was 4800 mgCOD of acetate per kg. These parameters were implemented in a kinetic model derived from ADM1 and adapted to anaerobic dry digestion processes. The model was able to fit sa-tisfactorily the experimental results.

Des essais expérimentaux en mode batch ont été réalisés afin de déterminer la cinétique d’élimination du propionate en digestion anaérobie par voie sèche. La vitesse de dégradation du propionate a été trouvée inférieure lorsque les concentrations en propionate ou en acétate sont élevées. Le modèle de Haldane pour la cinétique de dégradation du propionate, ainsi qu’un modèle d’inhibition non-compétitive par l’acétate ont permis de rendre compte des phénomènes observés. La constante d’inhibition par le substrat a été trouvée égale à 2800 mgDCO par kg de milieu de digestion pour le propionate. La constante d’inhibition par le produit (acétate) a été trouvée égale à 4800 mgDCO par kg de milieu. Ces résultats ont été implémentés dans un modèle cinétique issu du modèle ADM1, ce qui a permis de décrire de façon satisfaisante les résultats expérimentaux.
Éditorial n°1 Déchets Sciences et Techniques: « Une réponse exclusivement technique au problème des déchets n'est pas suffisante mais à contrario la société ne peut en exclure la part nécessaire »
Authors: Navarro Alain
Published: June 2015

Editorial

Il est de plus en plus admis que la « Rudologie » (ou « Rupologie » ) désigne une nouvelle science qui serait celle des déchets. S'agit-il vraiment d'une science au sens classique du terme ou bien alors de l'approche synthétique, à travers une multitude de disciplines scientifiques, d'un phénomène « naturel » auquel nous sommes parvenus à donner (peut être involontairement} la dimension d'un problème planétaire ? j'opterais volontiers pour la deuxième hypothèse.La production de déchets est, en effet, inhérente à toute vie terrestre, structurée autour de la trilogie producteurs­consommateurs-décomposeurs qui assure la circulation de la matière au sein des espèces vivantes et des milieux physiques (eau, air, sol). L'étude des cycles biogéochimiques des différents éléments (carbone, azote, soufre, métaux, ...), bases du fonctionnement de la vie sur terre, constitue à ce titre un domaine passionnant et largement exploré au plan scientifique.Dès lors que les activités industrieuses de l'homme ont pris l'ampleur que nous connaissons, des dysfonctionnements, d'ampleur variable, de ces cycles sont apparus tant au plan qualitatif (dispersion de milliers de molécules de synthèse exogènes à ces cycles) que quantitatif (surproductions et surconsommations locales, épuisement des réserves naturelles...). Les sciences de l'environnement venaient là de trouver un des champs d'activité les plus abondants et les plus diversifiés de notre siècle, qu'il s'agisse d'évaluer les mécanismes, l'ampleur et les conséquences du phénomène ou bien de rechercher les remèdes à ces pollutions et nuisances multiformes.Au sein de ce vaste ensemble, nous limiterons notre propos à celui des sciences et des techniques du déchet, objet de nos préoccupations au sein de cette nouvelle revue, en essayant modestement d'en dessiner les contours et d'en identifier les pistes à explorer.
Comparative study of vent and seep macrofaunal communities in the Guaymas Basin
Authors: Portail M. , Olu K. , Escobar-Briones E. , Caprais J. C. , Menot L. , Waeles M. , Cruaud P. , Sarradin P. M. , Godfroy A. , Sarrazin J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Understanding the ecological processes and connectivity of chemosynthetic deep-sea ecosystems requires comparative studies. In the Guaymas Basin (Gulf of California, Mexico), the presence of seeps and vents in the absence of biogeographic barrier, comparable sedimentary settings and depths offers a unique opportunity to assess the role of ecosystem specific environmental conditions on macrofaunal communities. Six seep and four vent assemblages were studied, three of which were characterised by common major foundation taxa: vesicomyid bivalves, siboglinid tubeworms and microbial mats. Macrofaunal community structure at the family level showed that density, diversity and composition patterns were primarily shaped by seep and vent common abiotic factors including methane and hydrogen sulphide concentrations. The type of substratum and the heterogeneity provided by foundation species were identified as additional structuring factors and their roles were found to vary according to fluid regimes. Surprisingly, the presence of vent environmental specificities, with higher temperature, higher metal concentrations and lower pH was not significant in explaining community patterns. Moreover, Guaymas seep and vent shared an important number of common species suggesting frequent connections between the two ecosystems. Finally, this study provides further support for the hypothesis of continuity among deep-sea seep and vent ecosystems.
Identifying the normative challenges posed by technology’s ‘soft’ impacts
Authors: Swierstra Tsjalling
Published: June 2015

In this paper I argue that we can no longer afford to ignore technology’s so-called ‘soft’ impacts, as this type of impact is becoming increasingly prominent in affluent societies where people have sufficient resources to pursue self-realization and where technologies are becoming more and more ‘intimate’ as they pervade our life world. These soft impacts come with their own type of normative challenges. The first challenge is to acknowledge the mutual shaping of technology and morality that causes soft impacts to be fundamentally morally ambiguous. The second challenge is to anticipate soft impacts, which requires a rich and thick description of our morally laden current practices in the light of plausible technomoral change provoked by emerging technologies. The third and last challenge is to avoid both relativism and foundationalism, by opting for an open and learning attitude vis à vis the ways new and emerging technologies put our current morals into question.
The normative dimensions of new technologies
Authors: Ursin Lars , Movik Per-Erling , Alvarez Allen
Published: June 2015

This special issue of Etikk i praksis features papers that articulate and discuss approaches and methodology that seek to make normative research activity and research output productive in contexts of ongoing societal and technological decision-making. The articles in various ways and to a varying degree exemplify and reflect on the methodology of the study of normativity in innovation.
THE CHRONOLOGY AND STATUS OF NON NOK THA, NORTHEAST THAILAND
Authors: Higham Charles Franklin , Higham Thomas F. G. , Douka Katerina
Published: June 2015

Excavations at Non Nok Tha, in Northeast Thailand in 1965-1968 revealed for the first time in Southeast Asia, a stratigraphic transition from the Neolithic into the Bronze Age. Based on conventional charcoal radiocarbon determinations, early reports identified fourth millennium bronze casting. The proposed length of the prehistoric sequence, and the division of the Neolithic to Bronze age mortuary sequence into at least 11 phases, has stimulated a series of social interpretations all of which have in common, a social order based on ascriptive ranking into at least two groups which saw increased hierarchical divisions emerge with the initial Bronze Age. This paper presents the results of a new dating initiative, based on the ultrafiltration of human bones. The results indicate that the initial Neolithic occupation took place during the 14th century BC. The earliest Bronze Age has been placed in the 10th centuries BC. These dates are virtually identical with those obtained for the sites of Ban Chiang and Ban Non Wat. Compared with the elite early Bronze Age graves of Ban Non Wat, Non Nok Tha burials display little evidence for significant divisions in society.
THE EXCAVATION OF NON BAN JAK, NORTHEAST THAILAND - A REPORT ON THE FIRST THREE SEASONS
Authors: Higham Charles F.W. , Cameron Judith , Chang Nigel , Castillo Cristina , Halcrow Sian , O'Reilly Dougald , Petchey Fiona , Shewan Louise
Published: June 2015

Non Ban Jak is a large, moated site located in the upper Mun Valley, Northeast Thailand. Excavations over three seasons in 2011-4 have revealed a sequence of occupation that covers the final stage of the local Iron Age. The site is enclosed by two broad moats and banks, and comprises an eastern and a western mound separated by a lower intervening area. The first season opened an 8 by 8 m square on the eastern mound, while the second and third seasons uncovered part of the low terrain rising into the western mound, encompassing an area of 25 by 10 m. The former revealed a sequence of industrial, residential and mortuary activity that involved the construction of houses, kiln firing of ceramic vessels and the interment of the dead within residences. The latter involved four phases of a late Iron Age cemetery, which again incorporated house floors and wall foundations, as well as further evidence for ceramic manufacture. The excavation sheds light on a late Iron Age town occupied at the threshold of state formation.
NON-DESTRUCTIVE GPR ANALYSIS OF THREATENED ANGKORIAN CERAMIC KILNS AT BANGKONG, SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
Authors: Sonnemann Till F , Chhay Rachna
Published: June 2015

Pedestrian surveys have identified a large number of 9th century ceramic kilns to the north of the early Angkorian centre of Hariharalaya. Recent development in this area has put this archaeological site under threat. With a large number of kilns already destroyed before analysis, it was necessary to identify the sites for protection from further damage.Since the defined areas showed little evidence on the surface, GPR surveys were conducted to find out what additional subsurface features could be used for classification. Using a 250MHz antenna system, the surveys were conducted over four kilns in varying state of preservation. The analysis included one definite and partly exposed kiln, and three potential kilns. Of the latter, one had been completely bulldozed, one partly destroyed and another one had remained undisturbed. The geophysical surveys shows the possibilities to better define the extent of the kiln mound. 3D visualization of the data displays depth and extent of the fire box and ware chamber of this type of Khmer kiln, providing the opportunity to better outline the area to be protected. The survey serves as a successful sample case for the systematic non-destructive mapping of known and newly discovered kiln sites.
A LONG PROCESS TOWARDS AGRICULTURE IN THE MIDDLE YELLOW RIVER VALLEY, CHINA: EVIDENCE FROM MACRO- AND MICRO-BOTANICAL REMAINS
Authors: Liu Li
Published: June 2015

Macro- and micro-botanical remains dating from the Upper Paleolithic through early Neolithic periods in North China have provided significant information for reconstructing the changing subsistence patterns as human groups evolved from mobile hunting-gathering societies to sedentary farming communities. Starch analysis on grinding stones, in particular, has revealed much new data that supplement the inventory of carbonized remains recovered by flotation methods. This paper reviews some recent research projects which have documented a long tradition of processing various plants with grinding stones in the Middle Yellow River valley, including tubers, beans, nuts, and cereals. Exploitation of wild millet can be traced back to 23,000-19,500 cal. BP, more than 10,000 years before its domestication. Several species of tuber, acorn, and wild grasses made up significant proportions of staple food during the early Neolithic, when millet domestication was already underway. These new data help us to better understand the extended transitional process to agriculture in the Middle Yellow River region. Archaeobotany is in an early stage of development in China; it is important to employ an interdisciplinary approach for a more complete documentation of plant use in the past and a better understanding of subsistence practices then.
Privatising the search and identification of human remains: the case of Spain
Authors: Galella Patricio
Published: June 2015

During the Spanish Civil War, extrajudicial executions and disappearances of political
opponents took place and their corpses were buried in unregistered mass graves. The
absence of an official policy by successive democratic governments aimed at the
investigation of these cases, the identification and exhumation of mass graves, together
with legal obstacles, have prevented the victims families from obtaining reparation,
locating and recovering the human remains. This paper argues that this state of affairs is
incompatible with international human rights law and Spain should actively engage in the
search for the whereabouts and identification of the bodies with all the available
resources.
Differential cell autonomous responses determine the outcome of coxsackievirus infections in murine pancreatic α and β cells
Authors: Marroqui Laura , Lopes Miguel , dos Santos Reinaldo S , Grieco Fabio A , Roivainen Merja , Richardson Sarah J , Morgan Noel G , Op de beeck Anne , Eizirik Decio L
Published: June 2015

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease caused by loss of pancreatic β cells via apoptosis while neighboring α cells are preserved. Viral infections by coxsackieviruses (CVB) may contribute to trigger autoimmunity in T1D. Cellular permissiveness to viral infection is modulated by innate antiviral responses, which vary among different cell types. We presently describe that global gene expression is similar in cytokine-treated and virus-infected human islet cells, with up-regulation of gene networks involved in cell autonomous immune responses. Comparison between the responses of rat pancreatic α and β cells to infection by CVB5 and 4 indicate that α cells trigger a more efficient antiviral response than β cells, including higher basal and induced expression of STAT1-regulated genes, and are thus better able to clear viral infections than β cells. These differences may explain why pancreatic β cells, but not α cells, are targeted by an autoimmune response during T1D.
Stem cells and fluid flow drive cyst formation in an invertebrate excretory organ
Authors: Thi-Kim Vu Hanh , Rink Jochen C , McKinney Sean A , McClain Melainia , Lakshmanaperumal Naharajan , Alexander Richard , Sánchez Alvarado Alejandro
Published: June 2015

Cystic kidney diseases (CKDs) affect millions of people worldwide. The defining pathological features are fluid-filled cysts developing from nephric tubules due to defective flow sensing, cell proliferation and differentiation. The underlying molecular mechanisms, however, remain poorly understood, and the derived excretory systems of established invertebrate models (Caenorhabditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster) are unsuitable to model CKDs. Systematic structure/function comparisons revealed that the combination of ultrafiltration and flow-associated filtrate modification that is central to CKD etiology is remarkably conserved between the planarian excretory system and the vertebrate nephron. Consistently, both RNA-mediated genetic interference (RNAi) of planarian orthologues of human CKD genes and inhibition of tubule flow led to tubular cystogenesis that share many features with vertebrate CKDs, suggesting deep mechanistic conservation. Our results demonstrate a common evolutionary origin of animal excretory systems and establish planarians as a novel and experimentally accessible invertebrate model for the study of human kidney pathologies.
Inter-individual stereotypy of the Platynereis larval visual connectome
Authors: Randel Nadine , Shahidi Réza , Verasztó Csaba , Bezares-Calderón Luis A , Schmidt Steffen , Jékely Gáspár
Published: June 2015

Developmental programs have the fidelity to form neural circuits with the same structure and function among individuals of the same species. It is less well understood, however, to what extent entire neural circuits of different individuals are similar. Previously, we reported the neuronal connectome of the visual eye circuit from the head of a Platynereis dumerilii larva (Randel et al., 2014). We now report a full-body serial section transmission electron microscopy (ssTEM) dataset of another larva of the same age, for which we describe the connectome of the visual eyes and the larval eyespots. Anatomical comparisons and quantitative analyses of the two circuits reveal a high inter-individual stereotypy of the cell complement, neuronal projections, and synaptic connectivity, including the left-right asymmetry in the connectivity of some neurons. Our work shows the extent to which the eye circuitry in Platynereis larvae is hard-wired.
Design and engineering of intracellular‐metabolite‐sensing/regulation gene circuits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Wang Meng , Li Sijin , Zhao Huimin
Published: June 2015

The development of high‐throughput phenotyping tools is lagging far behind the rapid advances of genotype generation methods. To bridge this gap, we report a new strategy for design, construction, and fine‐tuning of intracellular‐metabolite‐sensing/regulation gene circuits by repurposing bacterial transcription factors and eukaryotic promoters. As proof of concept, we systematically investigated the design and engineering of bacterial repressor‐based xylose‐sensing/regulation gene circuits in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We demonstrated that numerous properties, such as induction ratio and dose–response curve, can be fine‐tuned at three different nodes, including repressor expression level, operator position, and operator sequence. By applying these gene circuits, we developed a cell sorting based, rapid and robust high‐throughput screening method for xylose transporter engineering and obtained a sugar transporter HXT14 mutant with 6.5‐fold improvement in xylose transportation capacity. This strategy should be generally applicable and highly useful for evolutionary engineering of proteins, pathways, and genomes in S. cerevisiae. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 206–215. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A mathematical model and computational framework for three‐dimensional chondrocyte cell growth in a porous tissue scaffold placed inside a bi‐directional flow perfusion bioreactor
Authors: Shakhawath Hossain Md. , Bergstrom D.J. , Chen X.B.
Published: June 2015

The in vitro chondrocyte cell culture for cartilage tissue regeneration in a perfusion bioreactor is a complex process. Mathematical modeling and computational simulation can provide important insights into the culture process, which would be helpful for selecting culture conditions to improve the quality of the developed tissue constructs. However, simulation of the cell culture process is a challenging task due to the complicated interaction between the cells and local fluid flow and nutrient transport inside the complex porous scaffolds. In this study, a mathematical model and computational framework has been developed to simulate the three‐dimensional (3D) cell growth in a porous scaffold placed inside a bi‐directional flow perfusion bioreactor. The model was developed by taking into account the two‐way coupling between the cell growth and local flow field and associated glucose concentration, and then used to perform a resolved‐scale simulation based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM). The simulation predicts the local shear stress, glucose concentration, and 3D cell growth inside the porous scaffold for a period of 30 days of cell culture. The predicted cell growth rate was in good overall agreement with the experimental results available in the literature. This study demonstrates that the bi‐directional flow perfusion culture system can enhance the homogeneity of the cell growth inside the scaffold. The model and computational framework developed is capable of providing significant insight into the culture process, thus providing a powerful tool for the design and optimization of the cell culture process. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 2601–2610. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Copper‐Free Postsynthetic Labeling of Nucleic Acids by Means of Bioorthogonal Reactions
Authors: Merkel Marcus , Peewasan Krisana , Arndt Stefanie , Ploschik Damian , Wagenknecht Hans‐Achim
Published: June 2015

Postsynthetic modification of nucleic acids has the advantage that the chemical development of only a few building blocks is necessary, each bearing a chosen reactive functional group that is applicable to its reactive counterpart for a variety of different labeling types. The reactive group is either linked to phosphoramidites for chemical synthesis on solid phase or attached to nucleoside triphosphates for application in primer extension experiments and PCR. Chemoselectivity is required for this strategy, together with bioorthogonality to perform these labelings in living cells or even organisms. Currently, the copper‐free reactions include strain‐promoted 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions, “photoclick” reactions, Diels–Alder reactions with inverse electron demand, and nucleophilic additions. The majority of these modification strategies show good to excellent reaction kinetics, an important prerequisite for labeling inside cells and in vivo in order to keep the concentrations of the reacting partners as low as possible.
Heterolysis of Dihydrogen by Silver Alkoxides and Fluorides
Authors: Tate Brandon K. , Nguyen Jenna T. , Bacsa John , Sadighi Joseph P.
Published: June 2015

Alkoxide‐bridged disilver cations react with dihydrogen to form hydride‐bridged cations, releasing free alcohol. Hydrogenolysis of neutral silver fluorides affords hydride‐bridged disilver cations as their bifluoride salts. These reactions proceed most efficiently when the supporting ligands are expanded N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) derived from 6‐ and 7‐membered cyclic amidinium salts. Kinetics studies show that silver fluoride hydrogenolysis is first‐order in both silver and dihydrogen.