bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of multi-walled carbon nanotubes on mechanical properties of high-performance mortar
Authors: Sahranavard Saeed , Haji-Kazemi Hasan , Abbasi Sedighe
Published: June 2014

High-performance mortars (HPMs) are very compact handmade composites with high compressive strength and low permeability and flexibility. Because of these properties, HPMs are used in special structural and defensive structures. This paper reports on the influence of functionalised multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on the impact resistance and compressive and flexural strengths of HPM. The functionalised MWCNTs were characterised using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of oxygen-containing groups such as hydroxyl and carboxyl on the surface of oxidised MWCNTs. The XRD results revealed a sharp peak at around 2θ = 26° and a broad peak centred at 2θ = 43°, corresponding to the (002) and (100) Bragg reflection planes respectively. The results of tests on reinforced high-performance mortar containing 0·1 %wt MWCNTs show that the impact resistance, compressive strength and flexural strength were 1400%, 25·58% and 2% higher than those of HPM without MWCNTs. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy test results show that the presence of MWCNTs has a significant effect on the microstructure of HPM.
Everybody loses: intraspecific competition induces tragedy of the commons in Allenby's gerbils
Authors: Berger-Tal Oded , Embar Keren , Kotler Burt P. , Saltz David
Published: June 2014

Interference competition may lead to a tragedy of the commons in which individuals driven by self‐interest reduce the fitness of the entire group. We investigated this hypothesis in Allenby's gerbils, Gerbillus andersoni allenbyi, by comparing foraging behaviors of single vs. pairs of gerbils. We recorded strong interference competition within the foraging pairs. Competition reduced the amount of time the gerbils spent foraging, as well as foraging efficiency since part of the foragers' attention was directed toward detecting competitors (apparent predation risk). Single gerbils harvested significantly more food than the combined efforts of two gerbils foraging together. Competition reduced the success of both individuals within a pair by more than 50%, making this a case of the tragedy of the commons where each individual's investment in competition reduces the success of all individuals within the group, including its own. Despite their great costs, competitive behaviors will be selected for as long as one individual achieves higher fitness than the other. In nature, interspecific interactions, such as predation risk, may act to reduce and regulate the deleterious effects of intraspecific competition.
Managing temperate forests for carbon storage: impacts of logging versus forest protection on carbon stocks
Authors: Keith Heather , Lindenmayer David , Mackey Brendan , Blair David , Carter Lauren , McBurney Lachlan , Okada Sachiko , Konishi-Nagano Tomoko
Published: June 2014

Management of native forests offers opportunities to store more carbon in the land sector through two main activities. Emissions to the atmosphere can be avoided by ceasing logging. Removals of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere can be increased by allowing forests to continue growing. However, the relative benefits for carbon storage of managing native forests for wood production versus protection are contested. Additionally, the potential for carbon storage is impacted upon by disturbance events, such as wildfire, that alter the amount and longevity of carbon stocks.

Using a case study of montane ash forests in southeastern Australia, we demonstrated that the total biomass carbon stock in logged forest was 55% of the stock in old growth forest. Total biomass included above‐ and belowground, living and dead. Biomass carbon stock was calculated spatially as an average across the landscape, accounting for variation in environmental conditions and forest age distribution. Reduction in carbon stock in logged forest was due to 66% of the initial biomass being made into products with short lifetimes (<3 years), and to the lower average age of logged forest (<50 years compared with >100 years in old growth forest). Only 4% of the initial carbon stock in the native forest was converted to sawn timber products with lifetimes of 30–90 years.

Carbon stocks are depleted in a harvested forest system compared with an old growth forest, even when storage in wood products and landfill are included. We estimated that continued logging under current plans represented a loss of 5.56 Tg C over 5 years in the area logged (824 km2), compared with a potential gain of 5.18–6.05 TgC over 5 years by allowing continued growth across the montane ash forest region (2326 km2). Avoiding emissions by not logging native forests and allowing them to continue growing is therefore an important form of carbon sequestration. The mitigation value of forest management options of protection versus logging should be assessed in terms of the amount, longevity and resilience of the carbon stored in the forest, rather than the annual rate of carbon uptake.
Selection of monitoring locations for storm water quality assessment
Authors: Langeveld J. G. , Boogaard F. , Liefting H. J. , Schilperoort R. P. S. , Hof A. , Nijhof H. , de Ridder A. C. , Kuiper M. W.
Published: June 2014

Storm water runoff is a major contributor to the pollution of receiving waters. Storm water characteristics may vary significantly between locations and events. Hence, for each given location, this necessitates a well-designed monitoring campaign prior to selection of an appropriate storm water management strategy. The challenge for the design of a monitoring campaign with a given budget is to balance detailed monitoring at a limited number of locations versus less detailed monitoring at a large number of locations. This paper proposes a methodology for the selection of monitoring locations for storm water quality monitoring, based on (pre-)screening, a quick scan monitoring campaign, and final selection of locations and design of the monitoring setup. The main advantage of the method is the ability to prevent the selection of monitoring locations that turn out to be inappropriate. In addition, in this study, the quick scan resulted in a first useful dataset on storm water quality and a strong indication of illicit connections at one of the monitoring locations.
Forward osmosis for the treatment of reverse osmosis concentrate from water reclamation: process performance and fouling control
Authors: Kazner C. , Jamil S. , Phuntsho S. , Shon H. K. , Wintgens T. , Vigneswaran S.
Published: June 2014

While high quality water reuse based on dual membrane filtration (membrane filtration or ultrafiltration, followed by reverse osmosis) is expected to be progressively applied, treatment and sustainable management of the produced reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) are still important issues. Forward osmosis (FO) is a promising technology for maximising water recovery and further dewatering ROC so that zero liquid discharge is produced. Elevated concentrations of organic and inorganic compounds may act as potential foulants of the concentrate desalting system, in that they consist of, for example, FO and a subsequent crystallizer. The present study investigated conditions under which the FO system can serve as concentration phase with the focus on its fouling propensity using model foulants and real ROC. Bulk organics from ROC consisted mainly of humic acids (HA) and building blocks since wastewater-derived biopolymers were retained by membrane filtration or ultrafiltration. Organic fouling of the FO system by ROC-derived bulk organics was low. HA was only adsorbed moderately at about 7% of the initial concentration, causing a minor flux decline of about 2–4%. However, scaling was a major impediment to this process if not properly controlled, for instance by pH adjustment or softening.
Supported liquid membrane system for Cr(III) separation from Cr(III)/Cr(VI) mixtures
Authors: Religa P. , Rajewski J. , Gierycz P. , Świetlik R.
Published: June 2014

This paper presents the results of analyses of the chromium(III) transport process from mixtures of Cr(III)/Cr(VI) ions using supported liquid membranes (SLM), in which dinonylnaphthalene sulfonic acid (DNNSA) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) were used as carriers. In both cases the membrane worked as a selective barrier for Cr(VI) ions. The increase in both the time of Cr(VI) ions–carrier interaction and the Cr(VI) concentration in the feed phase negatively influenced the Cr(III) separation. The polarizing layer consisting of Cr(VI) ions prevents the access of Cr(III) ions to the inter phase surface and leads to the deactivation of the carrier, which is the result of the strong oxidation properties of Cr(VI) ions. These factors meant that, in the case of the membrane with DNNSA, the membrane could not be used for the effective separation of Cr(III) from the Cr(III)/Cr(VI) mixture. On the other hand, the membrane with D2EHPA can be used for fast and efficient transport of Cr(III) ions, but only for strictly defined process parameters, i.e. where the level of chromium(VI) concentration is below 10−3M and with intensive feed phase mixing.
Environmental impact of irrigation with greywater treated by recirculating vertical flow constructed wetlands in two climatic regions
Authors: Gross Amit , Alfiya Yuval , Sklarz Menachem , Maimon Adi , Friedler Eran
Published: June 2014

Reuse of greywater (GW) has raised environmental and public health concerns. Specifically, these concerns relate to onsite treatment operated by non-professionals; systems must therefore be reliable, simple to use and also economically feasible if they are to be widely used. The aims of this study were to: (a) investigate GW treatment efficiency using 20 full-scale recirculating vertical flow constructed wetlands (RVFCWs) operated in households in arid and Mediterranean regions; and (b) study the long-term effects of irrigation with treated GW on soil properties. RVFCW systems were installed and monitored routinely over 3 years. Raw, treated and disinfected treated GW samples were analyzed for various physicochemical and microbial parameters. Native soil plots and nearby freshwater (FW) and treated GW irrigated soil plots were sampled twice a year – at the end of the winter and at the end of the summer. Soil samples were analyzed for various physicochemical and microbial parameters. Overall, the RVFCW proved to be a robust and reliable GW treatment system. The treated GW quality met strict Israeli regulations for urban irrigation. Results also suggest that irrigation with sufficiently treated GW has no adverse effects on soil properties. Yet, continued monitoring to follow longer term trends is recommended.
Optimization of conditions for Cu(II) adsorption on D151 resin from aqueous solutions using response surface methodology and its mechanism study
Authors: Zhang Hao , Xiong Chunhua , Liu Fang , Zheng Xuming , Jiang Jianxiong , Zheng Qunxiong , Yao Caiping
Published: June 2014

An experimental study on the removal of Cu(II) from aqueous solutions by D151 resin was carried out in a batch system. The response surface methodology (RSM)-guided optimization indicated that the optimal adsorption conditions are: temperature of 35 °C, pH of 5.38, and initial Cu(II) concentration of 0.36 mg/mL, and the predicted adsorption capacity from the model reached 328.3 mg/g. At optimum adsorption conditions, the adsorption capacity of Cu(II) was 321.6 mg/g, which obtained from real experiments what were in close agreement with the predicted value. The adsorption isotherms data fitted the Langmuir model well, and the correlation coefficient has been evaluated. The calculation data of thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔS, and ΔH) confirmed that the adsorption process was endothermic and spontaneous in nature. The desorption study revealed that Cu(II) can be effectively eluted by 1 mol/l HCl solution, and the recovery was 100%. Moreover, the characterization was undertaken by infrared (IR) spectroscopy.
Characterization of the hydraulic performance of a gully under drainage conditions
Authors: Martins Ricardo , Leandro Jorge , de Carvalho Rita Fernandes
Published: June 2014

During rainfall events with low return periods (1–20 years) the drainage system can provide some degree of protection to urban areas. The system design is based not only on good hydraulic performance of the surface and the sewer network but also on their linking elements. Although the linking elements are of utmost importance as they allow the exchange of flow between the surface and the sewer network, there is a lack of studies that thoroughly characterize them. One crucial structural part of those elements is the gully. State-of-the-art dual-drainage models often use simplified formulae to replicate the gully hydraulic behaviour that lacks proper validation. This work focuses on simulating, both numerically and experimentally, the hydraulic performance of a 0.6 × 0.3 × 0.3 [m] (L × W × D) gully located inside an 8 × 0.5 × 0.5 [m] rectangular channel. The numerical simulations are conducted with the OpenFOAM toolbox and validated with water level measurements in the Multiple-Linking-Element experimental installation located at the Laboratory of Hydraulics of the University of Coimbra. The results provide a complete three-dimensional insight of the hydraulic behaviour of the flow inside the gully, and discharge coefficient formulae are disclosed that can be directly applied in dual-drainage models as internal boundary conditions.
Sorption of cadmium in columns of sand-supported hydrothermally carbonized particles
Authors: Minani J. M. V. , Foppen J. W. , Lens P. N. L.
Published: June 2014

Sanitation in urban slums, especially in countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, is a challenge. One of the solutions to sanitation is to valorize waste, and to convert bio-waste present in the slum in a cheap and affordable way into lignite via hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). HTC is simple, cheap, converts all carbon (100%), eliminates pathogens completely, and requires wet starting products/biomass, thereby avoiding complicated drying schemes. In this research, we investigated the effectiveness of removing a divalent metal-ion, cadmium, using equilibrium batch experiments and columns of sand-supported hydrothermally carbonized colloidal lignite (HTCCL) derived from sugar, maize, and grass. Our results indicated that equilibrium sorption could be best described by a Langmuir isotherm. The uptake capacity varied from 0.11 to 0.21 mg Cd/g HTC, dependent on the type of HTC used. These values were relatively low compared to other carbonaceous sorbents. However, removal efficiencies in column experiments were remarkably high: 70–100% during 20–24 pore volumes or bed volumes of flushing. We concluded that HTCCL is a promising sorbent that can be used to treat heavily polluted water and/or wastewater.
Eco-physiological characteristics of Pistia stratiotes and its removal of pollutants from livestock wastewater
Authors: Chen Jinfa , Nie Qishan , Zhang Yun , Hu Jinzhao , Qing Lin
Published: June 2014

The effectiveness of water lettuce in removing pollutants including organic pollutants, nitrogen (NH3-N) and total phosphorus (TP) from livestock wastewater along with the physiological effects and their correlations, was studied for the first time. The results showed that the water lettuce had higher removal efficiency with low concentrations of livestock wastewater. The removal efficiency of water lettuce for different initial concentrations of livestock wastewater within 8 d was as follows: chemical oxygen demand (CODcr) (68–82%) > NH3-N (57–69%) >TP (27–45%). The speed of purification of water lettuce for CODcr, NH3-N and TP conformed to first order kinetics equations. The water quality indices CODcr, NH3-N and TP had a higher linear correlation with peroxidase (POD) activity (R2 > 0.92) than with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activity, which indicates that the main reacting enzyme of water lettuce under high CODcr stress is peroxidase.
N2O emission in short-cut simultaneous nitrification and denitrification process: dynamic emission characteristics and succession of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria
Authors: Yan Yingyan , Li Ping , Wu Jinhua , Zhu Nengwu , Wu Pingxiao , Wang Xiangde
Published: June 2014

A sequencing batch airlift reactor was used to investigate the characteristics of nitrous oxide (N2O) emission and the succession of an ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) community. The bioreactor could successfully switch from the complete simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) process to the short-cut SND process by increasing the influent pH from 7.0–7.3 to 8.0–8.3. The results obtained showed that, compared with the complete SND process, the TN removal rate and SND efficiency were improved in the short-cut SND process by approximately 13 and 11%, respectively, while the amount of N2O emission was nearly three times larger than that in the complete SND process. The N2O emission was closely associated to nitrite accumulation. Analysis of the AOB microbial community showed that nitrifier denitrification by Nitrosomonas-like AOB could be an important pathway for the enhancement of N2O emission in the short-cut SND process.
Kinetic evaluation and process performance of an upflow anaerobic filter reactor degrading terephthalic acid
Authors: Davutluoglu Orkun I. , Seckin Galip
Published: June 2014

The anaerobic degradation of terephthalic acid (TA) as the sole organic carbon source was studied in an upflow anaerobic filter (UAF) reactor. The reactor was seeded with biomass obtained from a full-scale upflow anaerobic sludge bed (UASB) reactor and was used to treat wastewater from a petrochemical facility producing dimethyl terephthalate. The UAF reactor was operated for 252 d with a constant hydraulic retention time of 24 h, and the organic loading rate (OLR) was gradually increased from 1 to 10 g-chemical oxygen demand (COD)/L d. After a lag period of approximately 40 d, the COD removal efficiency increased exponentially and high removal rate values (≈90%) were obtained, except for at highest OLR (10 g-COD/L d). The high removal rates and the robustness of the reactor performance could be attributed to the formation of biofilm as well as granular sludge. The methane production rates (0.22 to 2.15 L/d) correlated well with the removed OLRs (0.3 to 6.8 g-COD/L d) during the various phases of treatment, indicating that the main mechanism of TA degradation occurs via methanogenic reactions. The average methane content of the produced biogas was 70.3%. The modified Stover–Kincannon model was found to be applicable for the anaerobic degradation of TA in UAFs (Umax = 64.5, KB = 69.1 g-COD/L d and Ymax = 0.27 L-CH4/g-CODremoved). These results suggest that UAF reactors are among the most effective reactor configurations for the anaerobic degradation of TA.
Individual variation in migratory path and behavior among Eastern Lark Sparrows
Authors: Ross Jeremy D. , Bridge Eli S. , Rozmarynowycz Mark J. , Bingman Verner P.
Published: June 2014

Two general migration strategies prevail among temperate-breeding migratory songbirds of North America. Most “Eastern” birds migrate relatively directly from breeding to wintering grounds immediately after molting, whereas a substantial proportion of “Western” species depart breeding grounds early, and molt during extended migratory stopovers before reaching wintering areas. The Lark Sparrow is one of a few Western Neotropical migrants with a breeding range that extends into regions dominated by Eastern species. We sought to determine whether Eastern Lark Sparrows migrated in a manner consistent with Western conspecifics or follow typical Eastern songbird migratory patterns. To do so, we tracked individual Eastern Lark Sparrows equipped with geolocators between their breeding grounds in Ohio and their unknown wintering locations. Data from three Ohio Lark Sparrows revealed 1) individual variation in the duration and directness of autumn migrations, 2) autumn departures that consistently preceded molt, 3) wintering grounds in the central highlands of Mexico, and 4) brief and direct spring migrations. These observations suggest that eastern populations of prevailingly Western migrants, such as Lark Sparrows, may be behaviorally constrained to depart breeding grounds before molt, but may facultatively adjust migration en route.
Detection of ionospheric signatures from GPS-derived total electron content maps
Authors: Durgonics T. , Prates G. , Berrocoso M.
Published: June 2014

The processing of measurement data from satelliteconstellations such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems(GNSS), including the well-known Global PositioningSystem (GPS), have been successfully applied to virtuallyall areas of geophysical sciences. In this work, amethod is described where Geographical Information Systems(GIS) are employed to build hourly ionospheric TotalElectron Content (TEC) maps for 2011 over the southernIberian Peninsula. The maps used GPS-derived geometryfreelinear combinations attained from station data fromthe Algarve, Alentejo (Portugal), Andalusia, Murcia andValencia (Spain) regions. Following the construction ofthe ionospheric maps, it was possible to relate these resultsto natural phenomena. The observed phenomena includeddiurnal and seasonal variations: daytime TEC maxima,nighttime TEC peaks, summer TEC value decreases,and spring and fall TEC maxima. After validation of theseperiodic phenomena, detection of non-periodic changes,such as solar flares and tectonic interactions with the ionospherewere attempted. The results showed a TEC increasefollowing a selected solar flare event and a potential TECbuild-up prior to the 2011 Lorca earthquake. Further studiescould open up the possibility of building early warningsystems. The presented methods, based on available softwarepackages, are also of value in monitoring the effect ofthe ionosphere on radio signals, satellite and mobile communication,power grids, and for accurate GNSS navigation.
Molecular identification of Nematodirus spathiger (Nematoda: Molineidae) in Lama guanicoe from Patagonia, Argentina
Authors: Petrigh R. , Fugassa M.
Published: June 2014

The guanaco (Lama guanicoe) is the major inhabitant and the largest wild artiodactyl in Patagonia. The introduction of invasive species into its ecological niche poses ecological risks, since invasive species may introduce harmful parasites to this native species. In this work, filariform larvae of the Nematodirus genus were found in feces of guanacos from the Perito Moreno National Park in Argentina. All species were characterized according to morphological features and molecular analyses using ribosomal DNA (rDNA). For the molecular analysis, rDNA fragments were amplified by PCR and then sequenced. The results of the BLASTN comparison threw a 99 % of identity with Nematodirus spathiger and 97 % with N. helvetianus, suggesting that N. spathiger is the infecting parasite. Nematodirus spathiger together with N. filicollis and N. battus causes diarrhea and deaths in sheep and, in some cases, in South American camelids. The availability of more accurate diagnostic methods such as PCR could improve the control measures for gastrointestinal helminthiasis.
Prevalence and genetic diversity of Oesophagostomum stephanostomum in wild lowland gorillas at Moukalaba-Doudou National Park, Gabon
Authors: Makouloutou P. , Mbehang Nguema P. , Fujita S. , Takenoshita Y. , Hasegawa H. , Yanagida T. , Sato H.
Published: June 2014

Using a sedimentation method, the prevalence of the nodular worm Oesophagostomum stephanostomum (Nematoda: Strongylida) in western lowland gorillas at Moukalaba-Doudou National Park (MDNP), Gabon, was determined in fecal samples collected between January 2007 and October 2011, along with their coprocultures. Concurrently, possible zoonotic Oesophagostomum infections in villagers living near MDNP were assessed from their fecal samples collected during October and November of 2011. In the gorillas, strongylid (Oesophagostomum and/or hookworm) eggs were found in 47 of 235 fecal samples (20.0 %) and Oesophagostomum larvae were detected in 101 of 229 coprocultures (44.1 %). In the villagers, strongylid eggs were found in 9 of 71 fecal samples (12.7 %), but no Oesophagostomum larvae were detected in coprocultures. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit-1 (cox-1) region of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of coprocultured Oesophagostomum larvae were amplified using parasite DNA extracted from 7–25 larvae/sample, cloned into Escherichia coli, and sequenced. Sequenced rDNA contained 353/354-bp long ITS1, 151-bp long 5.8S rDNA, and 227-bp long ITS2. Parts of clones showed variations at 1–3 bases in the ITS1 region at a frequency of 24/68 (35.3 %) and at 1–2 bases in the ITS2 region at a frequency of 7/68 (10.3 %), whereas the 5.8S rDNA was essentially identical. Sequenced cox-1 gene of the parasites, 849 bp in length, showed a higher number of nucleotide variations, mainly at the third nucleotide position of the codon. The majority of clones (27/41 (65.9 %)) had an identical amino acid sequence. These results suggest that at MDNP, Gabon, only a single population of O. stephanostomum with a degree of genetic diversity is prevalent in western lowland gorillas, without zoonotic complication in local inhabitants. The possible genetic variations in the ITS region of rDNA and cox-1gene of mtDNA presented here may be valuable when only a limited amount of material is available for the molecular species diagnosis of O. stephanostomum.
Endoparasitoses in hospitalised paediatric patients with pulmonary disease
Authors: Juriš P. , Dudlová A. , Fábry J. , Melter J. , Miškovská M. , Mindžáková E. , Jarčuška P. , Krčméry V. , Čisláková L. , Papajová I. , Sysel D.
Published: June 2014

Faeces examination of hospitalised paediatric patients with respiratory diseases (recurrent and chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, contact with TBC, active TBC, rhinopharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, fluidothorax, pleuropneumonia) revealed the total prevalence of endoparasites of 19.85 %, out of which the prevalence of helminth was 7.35 %. Following genera, or species were represented Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichuria, Hymenolepis spp., Enterobius vermicularis. The total prevalence of protozoa was 12.50 % in the following representation: Cryptosporidium spp., Entamoeba spp., Isospora spp., Giardia spp. Out of helminthoses the greatest representation was in Ascaris lumbricoides 4.41 %, and out of protozoa Cryptosporidium spp. 6.62 %. In paediatric patients the increased levels of IgE antibodies were found for individual age groups as well as higher values of eosinophiles (Eo > 5 %), lymphocytes (Lym > 56 %), and Creactive protein (CRP > 8 mg.l−1). Statistically significantly (P < 0.05) higher level (above the reference values) of IgE, Eo, Lym were found in the patients with helminthoses.
Comparative morphological and molecular identification of Haemonchus species in sheep
Authors: Vadlejch J. , Lukešová D. , Vašek J. , Vejl P. , Sedlák P. , Čadková Z. , Langrová I. , Jankovská I. , Salaba O.
Published: June 2014

A combined approach in the determination of Haemonchus nematodes from sheep was applied in this trial. Using selected morphological characters 90.2 % females and 84.2 % males of Haemonchus contortus and 9.8 % females and 15.8 % males of Haemonchus placei were identified. Although cluster analysis based on morphological identification clearly separated two Haemonchus species, H. contortus was exclusively detected in all specimens using restriction cleavage of the ITS-2 region with FspBI endonuclease as well as through the sequencing analysis. Because sheep from both farms have never had contact with other ruminants, and the farmers apply only closed flock turnover, we assume that only H. contortus mono-infection occurred on both farms. This opinion is also supported by molecular data. The most striking result of our study was the finding which indicates that the discriminant function is not able to accurately identify Haemonchus males at the species level.
Steinernema kraussei (Steiner, 1923) (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) — the first record from Poland
Authors: Tumialis D. , Gromadka R. , Skrzecz I. , Pezowicz E. , Mazurkiewicz A. , Popowska - Nowak E.
Published: June 2014

This study reports the first record of Steinernema kraussei from Poland. The nematode was isolated from coniferous woodlands in 4 localities in central Poland. Preliminary identification of the species was done based on morphometric measurements. To confirm nematode species of the genus Steinernema the result was supported by the description of the ITS region.
Analyzing scientific knowledge in documents: The case of regulatory impact assessment
Authors: Staroňová Katarína
Published: June 2014

Regulatory impact assessment (RIA) is seen as a tool for increasing evidence-based policy making and as such it is being integrated into decision-making procedures on a wide range of issues. Based on systematic consultation, clear criteria for policy choice, and economic analysis of how costs and benefits impact on a wide range of affected parties, this tool operates by using scientific knowledge and technical analysis rather than political considerations. Scientific knowledge can be used to achieve instrumental learning (Radaelli, 2009, OECD), policy change (Sabatier, 1999), to impact on decision making (Caplan, 1979; C.H.Weiss, 1999) but also to seek legitimacy from the policy environment (Edelman, 1985; Schrefler, 2010). This article suggests an analytical framework for analysing RIA documents with insight from knowledge utilization theories. We argue that in order to better understand the RIA itself, we need to look at institutional factors as well. The combination of institutional context variables and variables for RIA document content analysis which make up worldviews in this framework provide the basis for the document analysis and exploration of RIA in its context.
Tools for transferring lay knowledge into local municipal public policy in Slovak local municipalities
Authors: Čupka Matúš , Števove Katarína
Published: June 2014

Citizen participation can be considered a key part of public policy making and is also one of the reasons for the growing expert interest in this issue. This article focuses on specific knowledge, socalled “lay knowledge”, which can be identified as knowledge gained from “non experts” through civic participation. The article establishes when and how this type of knowledge enters the policy-making process via specific selected tools and provides practical examples from local and municipal public policy.
The impact of land use and water quality on the flora of ecotones along a small lowland river (Central Poland)
Authors: Kopeć Dominik , Dałkowski Radosław , Walisch Marek , Woziwoda Beata , Strumiłło Marta
Published: June 2014

The presented study describes the plant species diversity within the terrestrial-water ecotone in relation to the land-use form in a river valley. The study was performed in a lowland river valley where the main forms of riparian zones are partially urbanized, forested and agricultural; the latter being most commonly observed in the investigated region. The present study examines the vascular flora of ecotones where more than 100 plant species were identified. Ecological indices were calculated at all sampling sites based on Zarzycki’s ecological values and biodiversity indices. In addition, the aim of the study was to identify the relationships between the physico-chemical parameters of the water and the floristic indicators in the neighbouring ecotones.
Effect of extremely severe winters on under-ice phytoplankton development in a mesotrophic lake (Eastern Poland)
Authors: Wojciechowska Władysława , Lenard Tomasz
Published: June 2014

The research was carried out in a mesotrophic and dimictic lake during winters with ice cover. In the last forty years, the development of phytoplankton was analyzed in five extreme winter seasons. The studies of phytoplankton characteristics in the water column took into account values of biomass, concentration of chlorophyll-a and species composition, including dominant species. Differences in the vertical distribution of flagellate and non-flagellate species belonging to cyanobacteria and algae were analyzed in the gradient of light and thermal conditions. The phytoplankton biomass was low and vertically differentiated, with the lowest values at the deeper part of the water column. Flagellate species from the group of Cryptophyceae, Chrysophyceae and Dinophyceae were most abundant. Species biodiversity was low but every winter the dominant species represented different taxonomic groups. In some periods, larger non-motile phytoplankton species from green or blue-green algae dominated. The research proved that the development of phytoplankton under the ice cover was limited mainly by light and, to a lesser extent, by temperature.
Factors determining the accumulation of pentachlorophenol — a precursor of dioxins in bottom sediments of the Gulf of Gdańsk (Baltic Sea)
Authors: Kobusińska Marta , Skauradszun Maria , Niemirycz Elżbieta
Published: June 2014

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) and its derivatives are considered to be the precursors of dioxins, thus their concentrations in environmental compartments remain relatively correlated. Unlimited production and usage of PCP in recent decades may have posed a potential ecological threat to marine ecosystems due to uncontrolled discharge of this contaminant into the Vistula River and finally into the Gulf of Gdańsk. Since there are no data on PCP concentration in sediments of the southern part of the Baltic Sea, the level of contamination has been examined and possible influence of sediment properties in the Gulf of Gdańsk on the accumulation intensification has been investigated. The study has resulted in the evaluation of an efficient analytical procedure characterized by a low detection limit (LOD<1 ng g−1 d.w.). Instrumental analyses have been supplemented with Microtox® bioassay in order to assess the sediment toxicity. The obtained concentrations in collected samples varied from below the LOD in sandy sediments to 179.31 ng g−1 d.w. in silty sediments, exceeding the PNEC value of 25 ng g−1 d.w. (Predicted No Effect Concentration) estimated for the Baltic Sea (Muir & Eduljee 1999). It has been proven that properties of sediments from the Gulf of Gdańsk, including pH, Eh of bottom water, the content of water and organic matter, affect the rate of PCP accumulation. High toxicity has been recorded in the bottom sediments of the Gdańsk Deep but no statistically significant correlation between PCP concentration and the sediment toxicity has been observed. Analysis of PCP concentration distribution in sediment cores revealed that the surface layer is the most polluted one, which indicates a continuous inflow of PCP from the Vistula River. Horizontal PCP distribution in the sediment from the Gdańsk Deep reveals variability similar to that observed for highly chlorinated dioxins (Niemirycz & Jankowska 2011).
In vitro infection experiments with eggs of the nematode Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 (sensu lato) targeting aquatic insect larvae (Odonata: Coenagrionidae and Libellulidae; Trichoptera: Integripalpia) as possible intermediate hosts
Authors: Dziekońska-Rynko Janina , Rokicki Jerzy , Mierzejewska Katarzyna
Published: June 2014

The availability of aquatic insects (Odonata: Coenagrionidae, Libellulidae and Trichoptera: Integripalpia) as potential intermediate hosts for the nematode Contracaecum rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 sensu lato was studied under laboratory conditions. The infective material consisted of nematode eggs, newly hatched larvae, as well as in vitro infected cyclopoid copepods. High prevalence and intensity of infection associated with a low mortality of aquatic insect larvae suggests that they may serve as intermediate hosts for C. rudolphii and constitute a major reservoir of C. rudolphii larvae in aquatic habitats.
New taxa of the genus Navicula (Bacillariophyceae) in the diatom flora of Serbia
Authors: Vidakovic Danijela , Krizmanić Jelena , Šovran Sanja
Published: June 2014

The main objective of this paper is to report two benthic, epilithic diatom species from the Raška River. Samples were collected in April, June, August and November 2011 and March and May 2012 from 5 localities along the Raška River by scraping off the stone surface using a brush. Diatom frustules were first cleaned using the cold acid method, and then mounted on permanent slides. Descriptions (main valve measurements of the populations in the Raška River), ecology, distribution in Serbia and Europe, and appropriate photomicrographs of two species are presented. Navicula jakovljevicii Hustedt and Navicula catalanogermanica Lange-Bertalot & Hofmann are rarely found in Europe and these are new distributional records. These new taxa significantly contribute to diatom floristic diversity of the Raška River.
Salinity changes in the Bay of Puck due to brine discharge based on in-situ measurements
Authors: Robakiewicz Małgorzata
Published: June 2014

Brine, a by-product in the process of constructing gas storage caverns in salt deposits, has been discharged into Puck Bay by a system of diffusers since autumn 2010. In-situ measurements taken in the period of October 2010–December 2012 were used to assess salinity changes in the vicinity of the discharge installation. The measured salinity values included two components: the natural, representing salinity in the absence of discharge, and salinity excess due to brine discharge. Owing to the limited number of locations in the Gulf of Gdańsk where the national program of monitoring environmental changes is carried out, it was impossible to determine exactly the natural component. As a consequence, four estimation methods were proposed. A detailed analysis was carried out for the second half of 2012, when parameters of brine were close to the maximum permissible values. It was found that the average salinity excess in the vicinity of the installation rarely reached 0.5 PSU, and the maximum values at individual sites occasionally reached 0.6 PSU. It was shown that the local wind plays an important role in brine mixing with the surrounding environment, however, it is not sufficient to explain the observed salinity patterns.
Achene micromorphology of seven taxa of Achillea L. (Asteraceae) from Turkey
Authors: Akcin Tulay Aytas , Akcin Adnan
Published: June 2014

Micromorphological characters of achenes in seven taxa of Turkish Achillea L. (Asteraceae) were investigated using stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Some morphological descriptions of achenes were given for each species. A.biserrata Bieb. has the biggest (0.69±0.092 x 2.01±0.252 mm) and A. grandiflora Friv. has the smallest (0.30±0.018 x 1.12±0.058 mm) achenes. The achenes are oblong-lanceolate in A.biserrata and A. teretifolia Willd. and they are oblong in the remaining taxa. In surface sculpturing, the ornamentation and slime cell distribution varied among the taxa. However, A. biebersteinii Afan. has distinct slime cells forming groups scattered over the achene surface. Mature achenes are ribbed and glabrous in all studied taxa. A. biserrata has distinct carpopodium structure.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v21i1.19253Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 21(1): 19-25, 2014 (June)
Application of internal transcribed spacer of nuclear ribosomal DNA for identification of Echinops mandavillei Kit Tan
Authors: Al-Hemaid Fahad M.A. , Ali M. Ajmal , Lee Joongku , Gyulai Gábor , Pandey Arun K.
Published: June 2014

The present study explored the use of internal transcribed spacers (ITS) sequences (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) for identification of Echinops mandavillei Kit Tan, an endemic species to Saudi Arabia. The sequence similarity search using Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and phylogenetic analyses of the ITS sequence of E. mandavillei Kit Tan showed high level of sequence similarity (98%) with E. glaberrimus DC. (section Ritropsis). The novel primary sequence and the secondary structure of ITS2 of E. mandavillei could have a potential use for molecular genotyping.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjpt.v21i1.19256Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 21(1): 33-42, 2014 (June)
Fish Distribution in Far Western Queensland, Australia: The Importance of Habitat, Connectivity and Natural Flows
Authors: Kerezsy Adam , Arthington Angela , Balcombe Stephen
Published: June 2014

The endorheic Lake Eyre Basin drains 1.2 million square kilometres of arid central Australia, yet provides habitat for only 30 species of freshwater fish due to the scarcity of water and extreme climate. The majority are hardy riverine species that are adapted to the unpredictable flow regimes, and capable of massive population booms following heavy rainfall and the restoration of connectivity between isolated waterholes. The remainder are endemic specialists from isolated springs with very restricted ranges, and many are listed under relevant state and national endangered species legislation and also by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). For these spring communities, which are sustained by water from the Great Artesian Basin, survival is contingent on suitable habitat persisting alongside extractive mining, agriculture and the imposition of alien species. For the riverine species, which frequently undertake long migrations into ephemeral systems, preservation of the natural flow regime is paramount, as this reinstates riverine connectivity. In this study, fish were sampled from the Bulloo River in the east to the Mulligan River in the west, along a temporal timeframe and using a standard set of sampling gears. Fish presence was influenced by factors such as natural catchment divides, sampling time, ephemerality and the occurrence of connection flows and flooding. Despite the comparatively low diversity of species, the aquatic systems of this isolated region remain in good ecological condition, and as such they offer excellent opportunities to investigate the ecology of arid water systems. However, the presence of both endangered species (in the springs) and invasive and translocated species more widely indicates that active protection and management of this unique area is essential to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem integrity.
Entropy in the Critical Zone: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Quijano Juan , Lin Henry
Published: June 2014

Thermodynamic entropy was initially proposed by Clausius in 1865. Since then it has been implemented in the analysis of different systems, and is seen as a promising concept to understand the evolution of open systems in non-equilibrium conditions. Information entropy was proposed by Shannon in 1948, and has become an important concept to measure information in different systems. Both thermodynamic entropy and information entropy have been extensively applied in different fields related to the Critical Zone, such as hydrology, ecology, pedology, and geomorphology. In this study, we review the most important applications of these concepts in those fields, including how they are calculated, and how they have been utilized to analyze different processes. We then synthesize the link between thermodynamic and information entropies in the light of energy dissipation and organizational patterns, and discuss how this link may be used to enhance the understanding of the Critical Zone.
Hybrid Quantum-Classical Protocol for Storage and Retrieval of Discrete-Valued Information
Authors: Iliyasu Abdullah , Venegas-Andraca Salvador , Yan Fei , Sayed Ahmed
Published: June 2014

In this paper we present a hybrid (i.e., quantum-classical) adaptive protocol for the storage and retrieval of discrete-valued information. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a procedure that exhibits how to store and retrieve unanticipated information values by using a quantum property, that of using different vector space bases for preparation and measurement of quantum states. This simple idea leads to an interesting old wish in Artificial Intelligence: the development of computer systems that can incorporate new knowledge on a real-time basis just by hardware manipulation.
Investigation of a Five-Phase Dual-Rotor Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Used for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Li Yumeng , Zhao Jing , Chen Zhen , Liu Xiangdong
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a novel five-phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), which contains dual rotors and a single stator, equivalent to two five-phase motors working together. Thus, this kind of motor has the potential of good fault tolerant capability and high torque density, which makes it appropriate for use in electric vehicles. In view of the different connection types, the inside and outside stator windings can be driven in series or parallel, which results in the different performances of the magnetomotive force (MMF) and torque under open-circuit fault conditions. By decomposing the MMF, the reason that torque ripple increases after open-circuit faults is explained, and the relationship between MMF and torque is revealed. Then, the current control strategy is applied to adjust the open-circuit faults, and the electromagnetic analysis and MMF harmonics analysis are performed to interpret the phenomenon that the torque ripple is still larger than in the normal situation. The investigations are verified by finite element analysis results.
Polyhydroyxalkanoate Synthase Fusions as a Strategy for Oriented Enzyme Immobilisation
Authors: Hooks David , Venning-Slater Mark , Du Jinping , Rehm Bernd
Published: June 2014

Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) is a carbon storage polymer produced by certain bacteria in unbalanced nutrient conditions. The PHA forms spherical inclusions surrounded by granule associate proteins including the PHA synthase (PhaC). Recently, the intracellular formation of PHA granules with covalently attached synthase from Ralstonia eutropha has been exploited as a novel strategy for oriented enzyme immobilisation. Fusing the enzyme of interest to PHA synthase results in a bifunctional protein able to produce PHA granules and immobilise the active enzyme of choice to the granule surface. Functionalised PHA granules can be isolated from the bacterial hosts, such as Escherichia coli, and maintain enzymatic activity in a wide variety of assay conditions. This approach to oriented enzyme immobilisation has produced higher enzyme activities and product levels than non-oriented immobilisation techniques such as protein inclusion based particles. Here, enzyme immobilisation via PHA synthase fusion is reviewed in terms of the genetic designs, the choices of enzymes, the control of enzyme orientations, as well as their current and potential applications.