bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Analysis of Subgingival Plaque Samples Compared to That of Whole Saliva in Patients With Periodontitis
Authors: Haririan Hady , Andrukhov Oleh , Bertl Kristina , Lettner Stefan , Kierstein Sonja , Moritz Andreas , Rausch‐Fan Xiaohui
Published: October 2013

Background: The detection of special bacterial species in patients with periodontitis is considered to be useful for clinical diagnosis and treatment. The collection of subgingival plaque samples is the common way for the determination of periodontopathic bacteria. However, recently, salivary analysis has been discussed as an advantageous future diagnostic method for periodontitis because it offers simple quantitative sampling and the possibility to assess various bacteria. The aim of this cross‐sectional study is to investigate whether there is a correlation between the results of different bacterial species in saliva and subgingival plaque samples from individuals with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and chronic periodontitis (CP).

Methods: Whole saliva and subgingival plaque samples from the deepest pocket of each quadrant were collected from 43 patients with CP and 33 patients with AgP. Twenty different bacterial species from both samplings were determined by the 16S ribosomal RNA‐based polymerase chain reaction with microarray technique.

Results: All bacterial species were detected in salivary and subgingival plaque samples. For Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia, as well as Actinomyces viscosus, Campylobacter rectus/showae, Prevotella intermedia, Parvimonas micra, Eubacterium nodatum, and Campylobacter gracilis, a significant positive correlation between salivary and subgingival plaque samples was detected in patients with both types of periodontitis. There were no significant differences in bacteria in salivary and subgingival plaque samples between AgP and CP.

Conclusion: Salivary analysis might be discussed as a potential alternative to subgingival plaque sampling for microbiologic analysis in both AgP and CP.
Analysis of Daytime Variations in Gingival Crevicular Fluid: A Circadian Periodicity?
Authors: Günday Sevim , Topcu Ali Orkun , Ercan Esra , Yamalik Nermin
Published: October 2013

Background: Volumetric alterations in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) are widely accepted to be associated with periodontal health/disease. The volume/flow of GCF was shown to be affected by an array of methodological factors. However, relatively limited information is available on whether GCF is subject to circadian rhythm. The main aim of the present study is to assess the possible presence/absence of GCF circadian rhythm. The impact of the sampling technique on daytime volumetric variations is also analyzed.

Methods: The possible daily volumetric variations of GCF with 2‐hour intervals (from 08:00 to 18:00 hours) were assessed in 100 tooth sites and 600 GCF samples. Only maxillary incisors were included to eliminate any potential volumetric differences due to tooth dimensions. To analyze the potential impact of sampling technique on GCF volume and daytime variations, at one site modified intracrevicular sampling technique (MIST) was used, whereas the contralateral site was sampled with a deep intracrevicular sampling technique (DIST). Clinical periodontal parameters of the GCF sites were also recorded.

Results: No significant daily variations in GCF volume could be detected. Higher volumetric measures were observed in inflamed subgroups compared with healthy subgroups (P <0.05). MIST was equivalent to DIST with regard to mean GCF volumes and the possible daytime volumetric alterations.

Conclusions: Within the limits of the present study, it can be suggested that daytime variations did not have significant impact on GCF volume. The sampling methodology had no apparent impact on the circadian periodicity of GCF.
The 21st Century Water Utility Initiative: how to boost operational performance of water utilities by up to 20%
Authors: Gage G. , Helmcke S. , Prigent O.
Published: October 2013

The 21st Century Water Utility Initiative is a powerful and innovative approach to help water utilities assess their current operational performance, identify improvement actions and track impact year after year. First success cases suggest that cost reductions range from 10 to 20% within 1–3 years, with improved customer satisfaction. This approach can help water utilities in three ways. First, its benchmarking module focusses on cost drivers at a granular level, not only at an asset level, but also by profit and loss line or activity. Second, it is coupled with onsite diagnostics to understand the causes of underperformance and identify improvement ideas. Third, its transformation programme makes operational changes stick through a combination of measures that address management infrastructure and mindsets and behaviour. In short, the Initiative helps utilities identify improvement potential, seize the prize, and translate it into a transformation programme to drive sustainable implementation. This highly structured, standardised approach addresses the needs of both small and large utilities.
Seasonal changes in the performance of a catch crop for mitigating diffuse agricultural pollution
Authors: Kondo K. , Inoue K. , Fujiwara T. , Yamane S. , Yasutake D. , Maeda M. , Nagare H. , Akao S. , Ohtoshi K.
Published: October 2013

An in situ technology for mitigating diffuse agricultural pollution using catch crops was developed for simultaneously preventing nitrate groundwater pollution, reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) gas emissions, and removing salts from the topsoil. Seasonal changes in the performance of a catch crop were investigated using lysimeters in a full-scale greenhouse experiment with 50 d cultivation of dent corn. Catch crop cultivation significantly reduced the leached mineral nitrogen by 89–91% in summer, 87–89% in spring, and 61–82% in winter, and it also significantly reduced the N2O emission by 68–84% in summer. The amounts of nitrogen uptake by the catch crop were remarkably higher than those of leached nitrogen and N2O emission in each season. Catch crop cultivation is a promising technology for mitigating diffuse agricultural pollution.
Development of a diagnostic tool: the wastewater collection network odour wheel
Authors: Decottignies V. , Huyard A. , Kelly R. F. , Barillon B.
Published: October 2013

The assessment of nuisance odour problems and the application of an effective odour management programme for the associated industrial activity may be achieved using a representative odour wheel and Odour Profile Analysis methodology. The odour wheel is a very useful tool for conducting odour quality control monitoring and developing a constructive dialogue regarding nuisance odours with the public. Previously, odours from wastewater treatment plant activities have been identified and described with a dedicated odour wheel. The oxidation state of the organic chemicals responsible for a given odour depends on multiple parameters specific to the individual wastewater collection networks (residence time of wastewater, topographic disposition and network slope, aeration and on line chemical treatment processes). This is especially important for odorous nitrogen, sulfur and volatile fatty acids. Trained sensory odour panels combined with chemical analyses have been used to study wastewater collection network odours and to adapt the wastewater odour wheel accordingly. The wastewater collection network odour wheel has been produced using the results of five sampling campaigns; eight out of the 11 odour families constituting the wastewater odour wheel have been identified and consequently validated for sewer networks. Different groups of odours have been perceived according to the presence or absence of wastewater effluents at the various sampling points.
Facile fouling resistant surface modification of microfiltration cellulose acetate membranes by using amino acid l-DOPA
Authors: Azari Sara , Zou Linda , Cornelissen Emile , Mukai Yasushito
Published: October 2013

A major obstacle in the widespread application of microfiltration membranes in the wet separation processes such as wastewater treatment is the decline of permeates flux as a result of fouling. This study reports on the surface modification of cellulose acetate (CA) microfiltration membrane with amino acid l-3,4-dihydroxy-phenylalanine (l-DOPA) to improve fouling resistance of the membrane. The membrane surface was characterised using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), water contact angle and zeta potential measurement. Porosity measurement showed a slight decrease in membrane porosity due to coating. Static adsorption experiments revealed an improved resistance of the modified membranes towards the adhesion of bovine serum albumin (BSA) as the model foulant. Dead end membrane filtration tests exhibited that the fouling resistance of the modified membranes was improved. However, the effect of the modification depended on the foulant solution concentration. It is concluded that l-DOPA modification is a convenient and non-destructive approach to enable low-BSA adhesion surface modification of CA microfiltration membranes. Nevertheless, the extent of fouling resistance improvement depends on the foulant concentration.
Radar–raingauge data combination techniques: a revision and analysis of their suitability for urban hydrology
Authors: Wang Li-Pen , Ochoa-Rodríguez Susana , Simões Nuno Eduardo , Onof Christian , Maksimović Čedo
Published: October 2013

The applicability of the operational radar and raingauge networks for urban hydrology is insufficient. Radar rainfall estimates provide a good description of the spatiotemporal variability of rainfall; however, their accuracy is in general insufficient. It is therefore necessary to adjust radar measurements using raingauge data, which provide accurate point rainfall information. Several gauge-based radar rainfall adjustment techniques have been developed and mainly applied at coarser spatial and temporal scales; however, their suitability for small-scale urban hydrology is seldom explored. In this paper a review of gauge-based adjustment techniques is first provided. After that, two techniques, respectively based upon the ideas of mean bias reduction and error variance minimisation, were selected and tested using as case study an urban catchment (∼8.65 km2) in North-East London. The radar rainfall estimates of four historical events (2010–2012) were adjusted using in situ raingauge estimates and the adjusted rainfall fields were applied to the hydraulic model of the study area. The results show that both techniques can effectively reduce mean bias; however, the technique based upon error variance minimisation can in general better reproduce the spatial and temporal variability of rainfall, which proved to have a significant impact on the subsequent hydraulic outputs. This suggests that error variance minimisation based methods may be more appropriate for urban-scale hydrological applications.
Carbon footprints of Scandinavian wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Gustavsson D. J. I. , Tumlin S.
Published: October 2013

This study estimates the carbon footprints of 16 municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), all situated in Scandinavian countries, by using a simple model. The carbon footprint calculations were based on operational data, literature emission factors (efs) and measurements of greenhouse gas emissions at some of the studied WWTPs. No carbon neutral WWTPs were found. The carbon footprints ranged between 7 and 108 kg CO2e P.E.−1 year−1. Generally, the major positive contributors to the carbon footprint were direct emissions of nitrous oxide from wastewater treatment. Whether heat pumps for effluents have high coefficient of performance or not is extremely important for the carbon footprint. The choice of efs largely influenced the carbon footprint. Increased biogas production, efficient biogas usage, and decreased addition of external fossil carbon source for denitrification are important activities to decrease the carbon footprint of a WWTP.
Highly efficient treatment of industrial wastewater by solution plasma with low environmental load
Authors: Cai Long-fei , Wu Yun-ying , Wu Yun-hai , Yamauti Siro , Saito Nagahiro
Published: October 2013

Advanced oxidation techniques are efficient processes to dispose of organic contaminants in industrial wastewater with low secondary pollution. The solution plasma technique was featured as an advanced oxidation technique with low secondary pollution and high efficiency. However, the solution plasma technique reported previously could only treat wastewater of less than 200 mL owing to the limited plasma generated by only one pair of electrodes. In this work, multiple pairs of electrodes were installed at the bottom of the reaction vessel to generate plasma for decomposing methylene blue trihydrate (MB) and methyl orange (MO) solutions with a batch amount of 18 L/batch. The solution plasma technique was compared with direct ozonation in decomposition of MB and MO wastewater. A surprising phenomenon is that MO was more readily decomposed than MB by using direct ozonation, whereas the removal of MO was too low, and MB was more readily decomposed than MO by using the solution plasma technique.
Occurrence of tylosin in swine wastewater in Mexico
Authors: García-Sánchez Liliana , Garzón-Zúñiga Marco Antonio , Buelna Gerardo , Moeller-Chávez Gabriela Eleonora , Noyola Adalberto , Avilez-Flores Martha , Estrada-Arriaga Edson B.
Published: October 2013

This study determined a tylosin concentration in swine wastewater located in a Mexican pig farm, during different stages of the pigs' growth. The detection of antibiotics in swine wastewater is complex due to its high concentration of solids. Analytical method was developed for detection of tylosin in swine wastewater and swine slurry. Average recoveries of tylosin in the liquid and solid phase were greater than 51 and 44%, respectively, with a greater total recovery of 95%. The results indicated the presence of tylosin in swine wastewater and slurry at concentrations greater than the ones reported in the literature. In grab samples of swine wastewater, the tylosin detected showed concentrations of 56, 72 and 8.6 μg L−1, in breeding-gestation, nursery pigs, and grow-finishing area, respectively. In composite samples, the concentration of tylosin was 11.8 μg L−1 for the breeding-gestation area and 2.4 μg L−1 for the grow-finishing area. For slurry, the concentration of tylosin was 20.6 and 17.8 μg L−1, for the breeding-gestation and grow-finishing area, respectively. This study presents the detection of a high concentration of tylosin in breeding-gestation and nursery pigs. Traces of tylosin in wastewater from grow-finishing stage were found although the animals were not receiving antibiotics.
Bacterial community structure in cooling water and biofilm in an industrial recirculating cooling water system
Authors: Wang Jinmei , Liu Min , Xiao Huijie , Wu Wei , Xie Meijuan , Sun Mengjia , Zhu Chenglin , Li Pengfu
Published: October 2013

Microbial fouling is a serious problem in open recirculating cooling water systems. The bacterial communities that cause it have not been fully understood. In this study, we analyzed the community structure of free-living bacteria and particle-attached bacteria in cooling water, and bacteria in biofilm collected from the wall of the water reservoir in an industrial recirculating cooling water system by construction of a 16S rRNA gene clone library. Based on amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis, clones of all three libraries were clustered into 45 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Thirteen OTUs displaying 91–96% sequence similarity to a type strain might be novel bacterial species. Noted differences in community structure were observed among the three libraries. The relative species richness of the free-living bacteria in cooling water was much lower than that of particle-attached bacteria and bacteria in biofilm. The majority of the free-living bacterial community (99.0%) was Betaproteobacteria. The predominant bacteria in the particle-attached bacterial community were Alphaproteobacteria (20.5%), Betaproteobacteria (27.8%) and Planctomycetes (42.0%), while those in the biofilm bacterial community were Alphaproteobacteria (47.9%), Betaproteobacteria (11.7%), Acidobacteria (13.1%) and Gemmatimonadetes (11.3%). To control microbial fouling in industrial recirculating cooling water systems, additional physiological and ecological studies of these species will be essential.
Potential of zerovalent iron nanoparticles for remediation of environmental organic contaminants in water: a review
Authors: Raychoudhury Trishikhi , Scheytt Traugott
Published: October 2013

Zerovalent iron (ZVI) has the potential to degrade different organic contaminants. Nanoscale zerovalent iron (NZVI) can reduce the contaminants even more rapidly due to its small size and large specific surface area (SSA), compared to granular ZVI. The main objective of this paper is to assess and compare the potential of NZVI for degradation of different contaminants in water under specific environmental conditions. As a first step, the potential reactive functional groups/bonds associated with different contaminants are identified and possible reaction mechanisms are discussed. Thereafter, the reaction efficiencies of different organic contaminants with NZVI are compared. Mass of ZVI and reaction time required to transform a certain amount of contaminated water are calculated based on literature data. Sources of contaminants in the environment and their environmental occurrences are discussed to understand the potential locations where NZVI could be applied for removal of different contaminants. Overall it is observed that azo-compounds are readily transformed in the presence of NZVI particles. Reaction efficiencies of ZVI for reduction of nitro-organic compounds are also reasonably high. However, halogenated compounds with high molecular weights or complex structures (i.e., iodinated contrast media, DDT, polychlorinated biphenyls, etc.) show lower reaction rates with NZVI compared to the widely studied chlorinated hydrocarbons (i.e., trichloroethylene).
Preparation of mesoporous activated carbon from palm-date pits: optimization study on removal of bentazon, carbofuran, and 2,4-D using response surface methodology
Authors: Salman J. M. , Abid F. M.
Published: October 2013

Palm-date pits were used to prepare activated carbon by physiochemical activation method, which consisted of potassium hydroxide (KOH) treatment and carbon dioxide (CO2) gasification. The effects of variable parameters, activation temperature, activation time and chemical impregnation ratios (KOH: char by weight) on the preparation of activated carbon and for removal of pesticides: bentazon, carbofuran and 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) were investigated. Based on the central composite design (CCD), two factor interaction (2FI) and quadratic models were respectively employed to correlate the effect of variable parameters on the preparation of activated carbon used for removal of pesticides with carbon yield. From the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the most influential factor on each experimental design response was identified. The optimum conditions for preparing activated carbon from palm-date pits were found to be: activation temperature of 850 °C, activation time of 3 h and chemical impregnation ratio of 3.75, which resulted in an activated carbon yield of 19.5% and bentazon, carbofuran, and 2,4-D removal of 84, 83, and 93%, respectively.
A review of the detection, fate and effects of engineered nanomaterials in wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Neale Peta A. , Jämting Åsa K. , Escher Beate I. , Herrmann Jan
Published: October 2013

Engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) are increasingly found in a wide range of products and processes, and consequently increasing loads are expected to reach wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). To better assess the potential risk of ENMs to the environment via input through WWTP effluents, this review considers ENM detection methods, fate in WWTPs and potential effects on biota exposed to wastewater associated ENMs. Characterising ENMs in complex matrices presents many challenges, especially at low concentrations. Combining separation methods with techniques to assess particle size and chemical composition appears to be the most suitable approach for wastewater. In a range of studies, the majority of ENMs are removed from the aqueous phase by flocculation and sedimentation and remain in the sludge. However, ENM surface coating and the presence of organic matter and surfactants can alter removal. ENMs may affect biota via discharge of treated effluent to the aquatic environment or by application of sewage sludge to soil, although observed effects in laboratory studies only occurred at concentrations several orders of magnitude higher than the expected environmental levels. More realistic experimental designs with improved quantification of ENM properties under the selected test conditions are required to better understand the fate and effect of ENMs associated with WWTPs.
Characterization of bacterial isolates from water reclamation systems on the basis of substrate utilization patterns and regrowth potential in reclaimed water
Authors: Thayanukul Parinda , Kurisu Futoshi , Kasuga Ikuro , Furumai Hiroaki
Published: October 2013

Microbial regrowth causes problems during water reuse. Comprehensive understanding of the microorganisms that can regrow in reclaimed water and their substrate requirements are necessary. In this study, potential regrowth organisms were isolated from seven water reclamation plants in Japan. Based on 16S rDNA analysis, the isolates were grouped into 34 operational taxonomic units, belonging to Alphaproteobacteria, Betaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Firmicutes. Substrate utilization profiling using Biolog microplate™ classified the isolates into four groups. Bacteria in Cluster 1 (e.g., Methylobacterium sp. and Acinetobacter sp.) mainly utilized polymers, esters, amides, and alcohol. Isolates in Cluster 2 (e.g., Flavobacterium sp. and Microbacterium sp.) preferred to utilize polymers, carbohydrates, and esters. Isolates in Cluster 3 (e.g., Pseudomonas sp. and Acidovorax sp.) mainly utilized esters, carboxylic acids, and amino acids. Isolates in Cluster 4 (e.g., Enterobacter sp. and Rhodococcus sp.) utilized carbohydrates, esters, and amino acids. All isolates grew in reclaimed water treated by sand filtration, whereas some isolates could not grow in reclaimed water treated by coagulation and ozonation. Most bacteria in the same Biolog clusters exhibited similar growth characteristics in water samples. The potential of bacteria to regrow in reclaimed water likely depended on substrate requirement.
Treatment of wastewater and restoration of aquatic systems through an eco-technology based constructed treatment wetlands – a successful experience in Central India
Authors: Prashant  , Billore S. K. , Sharma J. K. , Singh N. , Ram H.
Published: October 2013

In the last couple of decades constructed wetlands (CWs) have drawn considerable interest in Central India. CWs offer an effective means of integrating wastewater treatment and resource enhancement, often at competitive cost in comparison to conventional wastewater treatments, with additional benefits of Green Urban Landscaping and wildlife habitat. This paper describes treatment performances and the design of some Sub Surface Flow CWs (SSFCW) and Artificial Floating Islands (AFIs) in Central India. Central Indian CWs show significant pollution reduction load for total suspended solids (TSS) (62–82%), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (40–75%), NH4-N (67–78%) and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) (59–78%). Field scale SSFCWs installed so far in Central India are rectangular, earthen, single/multiple celled having similar depths of 0.60–0.90 m, hydraulic retention capacity 18–221 m3 with effective size 41.8–1,050 m2. The major components of CWs incorporate puddled bottom/side walls, sealed with impermeable low-density polyethylene, a bed of locally available river gravel planted with Phragmites karka, and an inlet distribution and outlet collection system. A new variant on CWs are AFIs working under hydroponics. The field scale experimental AFIs installed in-situ in a slowly flowing local river were composed of hollow bamboo, a bed of coconut coir, floating arrangements and Phragmites karka as nutrient stripping plant species. The AFIs polish the aquatic system by reducing 46.6% of TSS, 45–55% of NH4-N, 33–45% of NO3-N, 45–50% of TKN and 40–50% of BOD. The study established that there is a need for further research and sufficient data to assist the development of CWs by instilling confidence in policymakers, planners and in the public.
Improved methane production from waste activated sludge with low organic content by alkaline pretreatment at pH 10
Authors: Feng L. Y. , Yang L. Q. , Zhang L. X. , Chen H. L. , Chen J.
Published: October 2013

Sludge with low organic content always results in an unsatisfactory performance, even failure of anaerobic digestion. The alkaline pretreatment effect on anaerobic digestion of sludge with low organic content has seldom been studied although it gives many benefits for sludge with high organic content. In this study the influence of alkaline pretreatment (pH 10, an effective alkaline pH) on the solubilization and methane production from waste activated sludge (WAS) with low organic content was investigated. Results from biochemical methane potential (BMP) experiments showed that anaerobic biodegradability of WAS was greatly improved by alkaline pretreatment at pH 10. Methane production from the current WAS under conditions of pretreatment time 4 h and digestion time 15 d was 139.6 mL/g VS (volatile solids), much higher than that from the unpretreated WAS with digestion time of 20 d (75.2 mL/g VS). Also, the solubilization of WAS was significantly accelerated by alkaline pretreatment. Mechanism exploration indicated that the general activities of anaerobic microorganisms, specific activities of key enzymes and the amounts of methanogens were enhanced by alkaline pretreatment at pH 10, showing good agreement with methane production.
Experimental design for the evaluation of struvite sedimentation obtained from an ammonium concentrated wastewater
Authors: Castro Samuel Rodrigues , Araújo Mahira Adna Cota , Lange Liséte Celina
Published: October 2013

Chemical precipitation of struvite as a technique of ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N) removal from concentrated wastewater has been shown to be an attractive alternative due to its high effectiveness, reaction rate, simplicity, environmental sustainability and, especially, the application potential of the generated solids for the fertilizer industry. The technique of experimental design has been used in order to identify and evaluate the optimum conditions of chemical precipitation reaction applied in a struvite sedimentation study. The preliminary tests were performed using synthetic effluent with a concentration equal to 500.0 mg N L−1. The stoichiometric ratio Mg:NH4:PO4 equal to 1.5:1.0:1.25 and pH equal to 8.5 were taken to be the optimum conditions, where a NH4-N removal equal to 98.6% was achieved with only 10-min reaction time. This condition has been used to evaluate the struvite sedimentation from synthetic wastewaters, intending to check the optimum conditions achieved by the experimental design in different initial concentrations, 1,000 and 2,000 mg N L−1. The results were typical of a good zonal sedimentation and can be used in the scale up the system.
Stormwater nitrogen removal performance of a floating treatment wetland
Authors: Borne Karine E. , Tanner Chris C. , Fassman-Beck Elizabeth A.
Published: October 2013

The nitrogen (N) removal efficiency and effluent quality of two parallel stormwater retention ponds, one retrofitted with a floating treatment wetland (FTW) and one without any vegetation, was compared in a field trial. This study shows that inclusion of FTWs in stormwater retention ponds has potential to moderately improve N removal. Median FTW outlet event mean concentrations (EMCs) were lower than median inlet and control pond outlet EMCs for all species of N, except for NH4-N. Performance was statistically better from late spring to end autumn due to higher organic nitrogen (ON) removal and denitrification in presence of the FTW. Low dissolved oxygen (DO), higher temperature and increased organic matter (OM) and microbial activity below the FTW, likely facilitated the higher denitrification rates observed over this period. Greater sediment N accumulation in the FTW pond also contributed to its higher overall N removal. Higher OM availability in the FTW pond due to release of root exudates and supply of detritus from plant die-back may have contributed to floc formation in the water column, increasing particulate ON settlement. Enhanced ON mineralisation may also be responsible but was probably limited in summer due to the low DO induced by the FTW. Direct uptake by the plants appears to be of less importance.
An EGSB-SBR based process for coupling methanogenesis and shortcut nitrogen removal
Authors: Bai Cui , Zhang Daijun , He Qiang , Lu Peili , Ai Hainan
Published: October 2013

An integrated process consisting of an anaerobic/anoxic expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactor and an aerobic sequencing batch reactor (SBR) was developed by a mode of sequencing batch operation, in which methanogenesis, denitrification and anammox were coupled in EGSB with methanogenesis first, then denitrification and anammox simultaneously, and partial nitrification occurred in SBR for providing nitrite to EGSB. This process extended the application of the anammox process to the treatment of wastewater containing high concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and ammonium. When the volumetric exchange ratio between EGSB and SBR was controlled at 57% with the influent pH at 6–8, 74.38–83.65% of NH4+-N, 72.68–83.12% of total nitrogen (TN) and 88.34–98.86% of COD were removed in a range of 200–4,500 mg/L COD and 40–90 mg/L NH4+-N respectively. TN removal by anammox and shortcut denitrification was 26.35–58.64 and 0–32.80% of the removed nitrogen, respectively. The results showed that the contribution of anammox gradually decreased with an increase in the C/N ratio of influent, whereas the reverse was true for shortcut denitrification. The COD removal by methanogenesis was 70.89–98.79% of the removed COD, and increased with increasing C/N ratio.
Static component of photothermal response in non-transparent samples
Authors: Soskic Zlatan , Galovic Slobodanka , Bogojevic Nebojsa , Todosijevic Slobodan
Published: October 2013

The paper presents the analysis of the static component of temperature
distribution in non-transparent samples during photothermal measurements.
Analytical expressions for static part of temperature distribution in the
irradiated sample and in its surroundings are determined using one
dimensional model of heat transfer in a typical photothermal environment. It
is established that the dominant factors that influence the shape and the
mean value of the temperature distribution are optical absorption coefficient
and thermal conductances of the sample and the surroundings. Important
special cases are described and analytical expressions for temperatures of
the front and the back side of the sample are derived.
Optimization of spectrum sensing in cognitive radio using genetic algorithm
Authors: Deka Rashmi , Chakraborty Soma , Roy Sekhar
Published: October 2013

Spectrum availability is becoming scarce due to the rise of number of users
and rapid development in wireless environment. Cognitive radio (CR) is an
intelligent radio system which uses its in-built technology to use the vacant
spectrum holes for the use of another service provider. In this paper,
genetic algorithm (GA) is used for the best possible space allocation to
cognitive radio in the spectrum available. For spectrum reuse, two criteria
have to be fulfilled - 1) probability of detection has to be maximized, and
2) probability of false alarm should be minimized. It is found that with the
help of genetic algorithm the optimized result is better than without using
genetic algorithm. It is necessary that the secondary user should vacate the
spectrum in use when licensed users are demanding and detecting the primary
users accurately by the cognitive radio. Here, bit error rate (BER) is
minimized for better spectrum sensing purpose using GA.
Primary dysmenorrhea is potentially predictive for initial orthodontic pain in female patients
Authors: Ye Rui , Wang Sheng , Li Yu , Wu Ruixian , Pei Jiao , Wang Jue , Zhao Zhihe
Published: October 2013

Objective:

To investigate the relationship between primary dysmenorrhea (PD) and orthodontic pain in female patients, and to test the hypothesis that the intensity and duration of orthodontic pain could be roughly predicted by severity of PD.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred twenty college females were enrolled and put into one of three groups—mild (Mi), moderate (Mo), or severe (S)—according to level of menstrual pain. Intensity of the orthodontic pain was measured by visual analog scale (VAS) on days 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, and 28 after archwire placement.

Results:

As the intensity of orthodontic pain declined with time, the three groups demonstrated different changes during the initial week. Mi had the lowest VAS scores, whereas S possessed the highest scores. In contrast, Mo stayed in between. Significantly positive correlations were found between the severity of PD and the intensity of orthodontic pain at each time point within the first 2 weeks. In addition, though the majority of subjects reported disappearance of pain by the end of the second week in both Mi and Mo, a large proportion of females still perceived pain in S.

Conclusion:

Females with higher levels of menstrual pain tended to perceive orthodontic pain with higher intensity and more prolonged duration. Thus, PD could potentially serve as a reference to predict orthodontic pain in clinical settings.
Pathologic Diagnosis of Achondrogenesis Type 2 in a Fragmented Fetus: Case Report and Evidence-Based Differential Diagnostic Approach in the Early Midtrimester
Authors: Weisman Paul S. , Kashireddy Papreddy V. , Ernst Linda M.
Published: October 2013

As a group, lethal genetic skeletal disorders (GSDs) usually result in death within the perinatal period. Because lethal GSDs are often ultrasonographically detectible by early midtrimester, dilation and evacuation (D&E) is the method of choice for elective termination of pregnancy in many institutions. However, because the diagnosis of the lethal GSDs relies heavily upon radiologic examination of fetal remains, reaching an accurate diagnosis in this setting can be challenging. We report an autopsy case of a fetus delivered by D&E at 15 4/7 weeks gestation with radiologic, histologic, and genetic findings compatible with achondrogenesis type 2 and discuss an evidence-based differential diagnostic approach to lethal GSDs terminated by early midtrimester D&E.
Land Cover Change Assessment of Vaal Harts Irrigation Scheme using Multi-temporal Satellite Sata
Authors: Otieno Fredrick Ao , Ojo Olumuyiwa I , Ochieng George M.
Published: October 2013

Land cover change (LCC) is important to assess the land use/land cover changes with respect to the development activities like irrigation. The region selected for the study is Vaal Harts Irrigation Scheme (VHS) occupying an area of approximately 36, 325 hectares of irrigated land. The study was carried out using Land sat data of 1991, 2001, 2005 covering the area to assess the changes in land use/land cover for which supervised classification technique has been applied. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) index was also done to assess vegetative change conditions during the period of investigation. By using the remote sensing images and with the support of GIS the spatial pattern of land use change of Vaal Harts Irrigation Scheme for 15 years was extracted and interpreted for the changes of scheme. Results showed that the spatial difference of land use change was obvious. The analysis reveals that 37.86% of additional land area has been brought under fallow land and thus less irrigation area (18.21%). There is an urgent need for management program to control the loss of irrigation land and therefore reclaim the damaged land in order to make the scheme more viable.
Trace Metals in Soils and Several Brassicaceae Plant Species from Serpentine Sites of Serbia
Authors: Tomović Gordana M. , Mihailović Nevena Lj. , Tumi Ahmed F. , Gajić Boško A. , Mišljenović Tomica D. , Niketić Marjan S.
Published: October 2013

Serpentine soils from 16 sample points in Serbia as well as the roots and shoots of eight Brassicaceae family species: Aethionema saxatile, Alyssum montanum, Alyssum repens, Cardamine plumieri, Erysimum linariifolium, Erysimum carniolicum, Isatis tinctoria, Rorippa lippizensis, were analyzed with regard to their concentrations of P, K, Fe, Ca, Mg, Ni, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd, and Pb. Most of the soil samples were typical of ultramafic sites with low concentrations of P, K and Ca and high concentrations of Mg, Fe, Ni and Zn. Ca/Mg ratio was <1 in most soil samples and Brassicaceae plants. Only in A. montanum, A. repens, E. linariifolium and R. lippizensis was the Ca/Mg ratio >1. The levels of P, K, Fe and Zn were high, Mn and Cu occurred in low amounts, whereas Cr, Cd, Co and Pb were only traceable. In the roots and shoots of A. montanum and A. repens the measured concentrations of Ni were 657 mg kg-1 and 676 mg kg-1 respectively, which is the first instance that such high concentrations of Ni were detected in these two species.
Effect of Fertilization on ß-D-Glucan Content in Oat Grain (Avena Sativa L.)
Authors: Havrlentová Michaela , Hlinková Andrea , Žofajová Alžbeta , Kováčik Peter , Dvončová Daniela , Deáková Ľubomíra
Published: October 2013

β-D-glucan is a soluble component of dietary fibre localised in the cell walls of cereal grains, especially oat and barley. This homopolysaccharide presents a wide spectrum of health-beneficial effects in human beings, and its higher concentration in oats makes it an essential component for human nutrition. Genetic and environmental factors influence the content of β-D-glucan. Four oat varieties (two naked and two hulled) were grown in experimental fields at Vígľaš-Pstruša (Central Slovakia) in two consecutive years (2007 and 2008). The experiment included five fertilisation treatments with application of nitrogen (N) (as ammonium nitrate with dolomite) before sowing, and with selenium (Se) at the end of the tilling period (in the form of sodium selenate). A higher average content of β-D-glucan and test weight were observed in naked oats, Avenuda and Detvan, compared with hulled Vendelin and Zvolen. By contrast, higher yield and thousand grains weight were detected in hulled oats. Fertilisation with N + Se increased the content of β-D-glucan, but significantly only in hulled oat grains. The warmer and drier climate in the year 2007 did not influence the content of β-D-glucan in oats, but caused a significant increase in thousand grains weight and test weight in both oat varieties, as well as grain yield in naked oats.
In Vitro Development of Porcine Nuclear-Transferred Embryos Derived from Fibroblast Cells Analysed Cytometrically for Apoptosis Incidence and Accuracy of Cell Cycle Synchronization at the G0/G1 Stages / Rozwój In Vitro Klonalnych Zarodków Świni Zrekonstruowanych Z Jąder Komórkowych Fibroblastów Cytometrycznie Analizowanych Pod Kątem Częstotliwości Występowania Śmierci Apoptotycznej I Efektywności Synchronizacji Cyklu Mitotycznego W Fazach G0/G1
Authors: Samiec Marcin , Skrzyszowska Maria , Bochenek Michał
Published: October 2013

The study was undertaken to examine whether various strategies, including contact inhibition and serum starvation, that were used for artificial synchronization of mitotic cycle of porcine fibroblast cell lines affect differently the distribution of cell cycle stage frequencies and the occurrence of apoptotic cell death in the analysed cell samples. In vitro cultured (contact-inhibited or serumstarved) somatic cells were subjected to flow cytometric diagnostics of mitotic cycle together with the detection of late-apoptotic cell fractions with hypodiploid number of nuclear DNA molecules. Moreover, impact of the methods applied to synchronize the cell division cycle of different types of nuclear donor fibroblast cells (adult cutaneous and foetal fibroblasts) on the preimplantation developmental outcomes of cloned pig embryos was investigated. The developmental capabilities of nuclear-transferred (NT) embryos that were reconstituted with contact-inhibited or serum-depleted adult cutaneous fibroblast cells to reach the morula and blastocyst stages remained at the levels of 169/278 (60.8%) and 76/278 (27.3%) or 121/265 (45.7%) and 46/265 (17.4%), respectively. The proportions of NT embryos originating from contact-inhibited or serum-deprived foetal fibroblast cells that completed their development to the morula and blastocyst stages were 223/296 (75.3%) and 108/296 (36.5%) or 165/261 (63.2%) and 67/261 (25.7%), respectively. In conclusion, the flow cytometric analysis of cultured porcine adult cutaneous and foetal fibroblast cells revealed the high efficiency of the artificial synchronization of mitotic cycle at the G0/G1 stages as a consequence of applying the methods of either contact inhibition or serum deprivation. For both types of fibroblast cells used to reconstruct the enucleated oocytes, the strategies that were utilized to synchronize the cell division cycle of nuclear donor cells considerably influenced the in vitro developmental abilities of NT pig embryos. Developmental competencies to reach the morula/blastocyst stages for cloned embryos that had been reconstructed with contact-inhibited or serum-starved foetal fibroblast cell nuclei were significantly higher than those for embryos that had been reconstructed with contact-inhibited or serum-starved adult cutaneous fibroblast cell nuclei.
Somatic Cell Level in Dairy Cows’ Milk During Extended Lactation / Poziom Komórek Somatycznych W Mleku Krów W Laktacji Przedłużonej
Authors: Salamończyk Ewa , Guliński Piotr
Published: October 2013

Milk analysis was performed in Black-and-White cows with a different percentage of Holstein- Friesian (HF) genes, which calved in 1995-2008 and were included in the milk recording programme. The aim of the present study was to determine the somatic cell level in milk obtained during the extended lactation phase (from day 306 to the end of lactation) compared to the standard lactation. The average somatic cell count in the milk of cows in extended lactation was 409,000 in the standard lactation of 305 days, 542,000 in the extended lactation phase and 427,000 per mL in full lactation of 381 days. Somatic cell count in the milk produced during the extended lactation phase (from day 306 to the end of lactation) was significantly higher compared with the milk harvested during the 305-day lactation. The lowest average somatic cell score (SCS) per mL raw milk in the extension phase was determined in the milk of primiparous cows (3.83). The factors which significantly affected the somatic cell count in the milk of cows extending their standard lactation included parity (lactation) and average daily milk yields from day 306 until the end of lactation. The correlation coefficients calculated for the somatic cell score (SCS) in standard lactation and in extended lactation phase, within selected factors, indicate that there was a positive correlation for both the lactation groups (standard lactation and extension period) as well as lactation (parity) (rp = 0.23 and rp = 0.33; P<0.01). It was also demonstrated that somatic cell count was on the decrease with increasing daily milk performance during extended lactation (rp = -0.23; P<0.01).
The Effect of Dietary Camelina Sativa Oil on Quality of Broiler Chicken Meat / Wpływ Udziału Oleju Z Lnianki Siewnej (Camelina Sativa) W Dawkach Dla Kurcząt Rzeźnych Na Jakość Mięsa
Authors: Pietras Mariusz P. , Orczewska-Dudek Sylwia
Published: October 2013

An experiment was conducted on 600 broiler chickens to determine the effect of using Camelina sativa oil as a dietary component on meat quality indicators. Broiler chickens were raised on litter under standard conditions of feeding and maintenance. In the second period of rearing, the control group (I) received a diet containing 6% rapeseed oil. Experimental groups were fed on a diet containing 3% rapeseed oil and 3% Camelina sativa oil (group II) and 6% camelina oil (group III). At the end of rearing 8 chickens from each group were slaughtered. A simplified analysis of the carcasses was conducted. Blood samples were taken to determine the content of total fat, triglycerides, total cholesterol and its fractions. Muscle samples were analysed for the content of dry matter, total protein and crude fat, fatty acid composition and malonic aldehyde (TBA). The meat was subjected to sensory evaluation. It was found that the introduction of Camelina sativa oil to the grower diet for broiler chickens does not have a negative effect on rearing parameters and carcass quality. What was observed was a tendency to reduce the proportion of abdominal fat in the carcass with increasing level of oil used in compound feed and increases in the total protein content of breast meat in group II receiving 3% of camelina oil. The addition of 6% of Camelina sativa oil to compound feed significantly decreased the content of total cholesterol and its fractions in the blood plasma of chickens in comparison to the other groups. The introduction of 3% and 6% of Camelina sativa oil to chicken diets enriched the breast meat in n-3 PUFA, mainly α-linolenic acid (ALA) and did not impair the flavour qualities of the cooked meat. The meat from chickens fed on a diet containing 6% of camelina oil was characterized by a greater increase of ALA.
Comparative study of conjugate gradient algorithms performance on the example of steady-state axisymmetric heat transfer problem
Authors: Ocłoń Paweł , Łopata Stanisław , Nowak Marzena
Published: October 2013

The finite element method (FEM) is one of the most frequently used numerical methods for finding the approximate discrete point solution of partial differential equations (PDE). In this method, linear or nonlinear systems of equations, comprised after numerical discretization, are solved to obtain the numerical solution of PDE. The conjugate gradient algorithms are efficient iterative solvers for the large sparse linear systems. In this paper the performance of different conjugate gradient algorithms: conjugate gradient algorithm (CG), biconjugate gradient algorithm (BICG), biconjugate gradient stabilized algorithm (BICGSTAB), conjugate gradient squared algorithm (CGS) and biconjugate gradient stabilized algorithm with l GMRES restarts (BICGSTAB(l)) is compared when solving the steady-state axisymmetric heat conduction problem. Different values of l parameter are studied. The engineering problem for which this comparison is made is the two-dimensional, axisymmetric heat conduction in a finned circular tube.
On the efficient use of a lowtemperature heat source by the organic Rankine cycle
Authors: Mikielewicz Dariusz , Mikielewicz Jarosław
Published: October 2013

The evaporation temperature is regarded as one of the major parameters influencing the organic Rankine cycle (ORC) efficiency. Majority of contributions in literature for ORC cycle analyses treat the heat source as if it had an infinite heat capacity. Such analyses are not valuable as the resulting temperature drops of the heat source needs to be small. That leads to the fact that the heat source is not well explored and in the case of waste heat utilization it can prove the poor economics of the ORC. In the present study cooperation of the ORC cycle with the heat source available as a single phase or phase changing fluids is considered. The analytical heat balance models have been developed, which enable in a simple way calculation of heating fluid temperature variation as well as the ratio of flow rates of heating and working fluids in ORC cycle. The developed analytical expressions enable also calculation of the outlet temperature of the heating fluid.