bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Middlebrow modernism in film(theory): Visconti’s Senso (1954) vis-à-vis Diamant-Berger’s La madone des sleepings (1955)
Authors: Verstraten Peter
Published: December 2015

By reflecting upon the travelling concept of the (film) ‘auteur’, the first part of the article argues that Modernism manifests itself differently in cinema studies than in literary studies. Whereas the literary canon is constituted by excluding anything connoting conventional reading matter, a ‘pantheon’ of great directors exhibits a ‘peaceful coexistence’ between popular films and art cinema. The second part of the article addresses the shift in Rudolf Arnheim’s film theory from die-hard Modernist in the 1930s to middlebrow Modernist in the 1950s in a period when Henri Diamant-Berger made an adaptation of Maurice Dekobra’s La madone des sleepings. Concerned with a ‘psychology of art’, Arnheim is to claim a ‘stylized simplicity’ which in the end is better represented by Luchino Visconti’s colourful but nonetheless ‘sophisticated’ melodrama Senso than by Diamant-Berger’s too modest picture. Visconti’s film gives body to the idea of film as a ‘pan-art’, which implies that it is characteristic of cinema to incorporate influences from other art films but also to parasite upon sentimentalism and (high) emotion.
Imagining adventure in Middlebrow fiction: Cosmopolitan Novels by Maurice Dekobra and Johan Fabricius
Authors: Verstraeten Pieter , Van Hove Karen
Published: December 2015

The first half of the twentieth century saw the rise of a new type of novel that straddled the divide between popular entertainment and legitimate culture by combining ‘high’ and ‘low’ literary forms and catering en masse for the tastes of an expanding middleclass reading public. In this article we want to explore the ways in which the novels La Madone des sleepings (1925) by the bestselling French novelist Maurice Dekobra and Venetiaansch avontuur [Venetian adventure] (1931) by the Dutch author Johan Fabricius fit into this broad category of the middlebrow novel and how their use of adventure as a structural devise might complicate the common view of the middlebrow novel as a form of domestic realism.
Heterosis and combining ability analysis in cytoplasmic genetic male sterility (CGMS) system of Pigeonpea height variants (Cajanus cajan L.)
Authors: Gadekar* M.S. , Nandanwar R.S. , Meshram M.P. , Patli A.N.
Published: December 2015

In the present experiment four newly diversified cytoplasmic male sterile (CMS) height variants viz., Dwarf 30 cm, Dwarf 45 cm, Dwarf 60 cm and Dwarf 90 cm were crossed with twelve restorer lines at Pulses Research Unit, Dr. P.D.K.V., Akola. Analysis of variance for combining ability showed significant differences among the parents, hybrids, parents vs. crosses, line effects and line x tester interactions for all most all the traits with some exception for variance due to line. Tester AKPR-210 was found significant for all yield and yield contributing traits. Among the lines Dwarf 45 cm and Dwarf 60 cm were found good GCA effects for early flowering and maturity. Dwarf 45 cm x AKPR-344 and Dwarf 45 cm x AKPR-325 found significant over both checks PKV-TARA and AKT-8811 also showed highly significant SCA effects for grain yield per plant and yield contributing characters.
Molecular characterization of cultivated and wild Cajanus species using Simple Sequence Repeat markers
Authors: Petchiammal K. Indira , Muthiah A.R. , Jayamani P.
Published: December 2015

Twenty pigeonpea specific SSR markers were used to test the molecular diversity among 21 cultivated genotypes and three wild species. Twelve markers were monomorphic and twenty two alleles were produced by eight polymorphic markers. Ten markers were transferrable among the cultivated and wild species. The PIC value of the markers ranged from 0.081(PGM 3 and PGM 82) to 0.603 (PGM 106). The average PIC value of the markers was 0.30. Based on the dendrogram constructed using the dissimilarity values, 24 accessions were grouped into two main clusters. Main cluster I comprises all the cultivated genotypes, and wild species viz., Cajanus scarabaeoides and Cajanus cajaniolius. Cajanus sericeus formed the separate cluster (Main cluster II). Within the main cluster I, seven sub-clusters were observed. Cajanus scarabaeoides and Cajanus cajaniolius formed a separate sub-cluster within the main cluster I. Most of the diversity was observed in between the wild species and cultivated genotypes. There is no significant molecular diversity among the cultivated genotypes. Such a narrow genetic base is likely to represent a serious impediment to breeding programs in pigeonpea. This study suggested the need for broadening the genetic base of cultivated genotypes to improve the productivity of the crop.
Moth bean [Vigna aconitifolia (Jacq.) Marechal] germplasm : Evaluation for genetic variability and inter characters relationship in hot arid climate of western Rajasthan, India
Authors: Vir* Om , Singh A. K.
Published: December 2015

The 44 accessions which were collected from Rajasthan, Gujarat and M.P. were evaluated in a randomized complete block design with three replicates during summer and kharif seasons in the hot arid climate of western Rajasthan to estimate the presence of genetic variability, inter-characters associations, to identify a suitable accession for cultivation during summer and to compare the relative performance of the genotypes in two seasons. The high degree of genetic variability was estimated during both seasons for seed yield per plant (g), plant height (cm.), pod length (cm.), peduncle length (cm.), number of branches per plant (cm), number of clusters per plant, number of cluster per branch and cluster length (cm.). The moderate to high heritabilities coupled with moderate expected genetic advance were observed for all studied traits. The plant height, pod length, number of branches per plant exhibited positive and significant association with seed yield whereas the incidence of leaf crinkle virus and yellow mosaic virus correlated negatively and significantly with seed yield. The accession IC 39786 exhibited absolute genetic resistance to crinkle virus disease in the field conditions. The accessions IC 36245, IC-36555, IC 36667, IC 36577 and IC 36604 exhibited yield advantage over best check during summer whereas accessions IC- 39675, IC-36607, IC-251908, IC 36245 and IC-36563 performed better than best check in terms of seed yield during kharif season.
Multivariate analysis in green gram [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]
Authors: Mehandi Suhel , Singh1 I.P. , Bohra1 Abhishek , Singh2 Chandra Mohan
Published: December 2015

The present study was undertaken to perform the multivariate analysis in green gram using twenty-one green gram genotypes. The extent of genetic divergence revealed that these genotypes could be grouped into ten and five clusters, following Tochers and non-hierarchical Euclidian clustering methods, respectively. Based on the maximum diversity obtained in Tochers method genotype KM 10-1064 of cluster V and genotypes KM 10-1046, KM 10-1059 and KM 10-1070 of cluster VI were found suitable for improving the plant structure, whereas concerning high diversity along with high trait contribution towards total divergence, the clusters KM 10-1064 of cluster V and KM 10-1042 of cluster VIII were found to be appropriate for hybridization. The genotype KM 10-1068, which represents the mono genotypic cluster in case of both the clustering methods signifies that it could be the most diverse from other genotypes and it would be the suitable candidate for hybridization with genotypes present in other clusters to tailor the agriculturally important traits and ultimately, to enhance the seed yield in green gram.
Multivariate analysis in mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] to identify the genetic donors for pubescence and agro-morphological traits
Authors: Singh* Chandra Mohan , Mishra S.B. , Pandey Anil , Arya Madhuri
Published: December 2015

The present investigation was conducted with 36 genotypes of mungbean on 26 agro-morphological traits including seed yield and pubescence traits to access the degree of divergence for mungbean improvement during zaid 2012. These mungbean genotypes were grouped into seven clusters. Cluster IV comprised of 14 genotypes, forming the largest cluster followed by cluster VI comprised eight genotypes, cluster I comprised seven genotypes and cluster II comprised four genotypes. Three clusters viz., cluster III, V and VII formed mono genotypic cluster. All the pubescence traits contributed towards total divergence. Among the agro-morphological traits, high contribution towards total divergence was recorded for beak length, average intermodal length, primary branch angle with main stem, biological yield, seed yield and pods per cluster, indicated the possibility of selection of parent(s) for hybridization to manipulate the targeted trait(s) for mungbean improvement.
Variation in soil biological properties with legume crops in arid region of Rajasthan, India
Authors: Yadav* B.K.
Published: December 2015

A field investigation was carried out in five tehsils of Jodhpur district of Rajasthan, India to study the variation in soil biological properties. Acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, phytase, microbial biomass C (MBC), N ( MBN) and P(MBP) ranged between 1.10-3.45 µg PNP /g soil / h, 2.45 -8.42 µg PNP / g soil / h, 4.15-12.42 µg Pi / g soil / h, 27-52 mg / kg, 5.7-10.9 mg / kg and 1.10-4.10 mg / kg, respectively. Microbial population was higher in the rhizosphere soil compared to non-rhizosphere soil with maximum in Jodhpur (12.85%) followed by Bhopalgarh (11.24%) and Osian (10.70%). In general, phytase activity in soil was 1.4 and 2.75 times higher compared to acid and alkaline phosphatase activities. On an average, the rhizosphere soils contain 12%, 11% and 15% more biomass C, N and P compared to non-rhizosphere soil. Microbial population showed positive and significant correlation with nutrient availability and microbial properties.
Yield and profitability of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) as influenced by sowing dates and nutrient levels with different varieties
Authors: Meena* R.S. , Yadav R.S.
Published: December 2015

A field study was conducted to evaluate the date of sowing of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) during kharif 2009 and 2010. Experiment was laid out in split-plot design by assigned dates of sowing (20 April, 15 May, 9 June and 4 July) and varieties (‘HNG 10’ and ‘TG 37A’ ) in main plots and four fertility levels (without fertilizers, 20 N + 40 P2O5, 30 N + 60 P2O5 and 40 N + 80 P2O5 kg /ha) in sub-plots. Yield components of semi-spreading variety ‘HNG 10’ were statistically at par with each other at different dates of sowing from 20 April to 9 June. Harvest index in both the varieties was observed significantly higher in 4 July sowing. The results of the study showed that significantly higher crop stand at harvest was observed in 9 June and 4 July sowing than all other sowing dates and variety ‘TG 37A’ flowered significantly earlier than ‘HNG10’. Significantly higher yields were recorded in 30 kg N+60 kg P2O5 /ha which was statistically at par with 40 kg N+80 kg P2O5 /ha. On the basis of economics, variety ‘HNG 10’ of groundnut recorded significantly higher net return (61843/ha) when sown on 9 June.
Dynamics of oilseeds and edible oils sector in India-An impact analysis of trade liberalization
Authors: Meena* Murlidhar , Mishra A.P. , Narayanan G.
Published: December 2015

Oilseeds occupy the prime position next to cereals on crop map of India and had golden age between the late eighties and early nineties. In last two decades, all the oilseeds except soyabean experienced negative growth in area led to stagnant or decreasing domestic production of oilseeds in the country.Consequently, today India is importing more than half of its annual edible oils demand which is driven by the ever increasing population and urbanization over the period of time. To become self-sufficient, either it is required to improve the national oilseeds productivity or shift to better alternative crops with higher oil content like palm (4 ton ha-1). The present study offers the meaningful insights into the changing oilseeds and edible oils scenario in India.
Influence of Zn, B and S on the yield and quality of groundnut (Arachis Hypogea L.)
Authors: Saha* Bholanath , Saha Sushanta , Saha Ritam , Hazra G.C. , Mandal Biswapati
Published: December 2015

The effect of zinc (Zn), boron (B) and sulphur (S) on the yield and quality of groundnut in a field experiment with three levels of Zn (0, 5, 10 kg Zn ha-1 as Zn-EDTA as basal), two levels of B (0 and 0.25% boric acid as foliar spray) and three levels of S (0, 25, 50 kg S ha-1as CaSO4.2H2O) in a factorial RBD were studied. Basal application of Zn @ 5 and 10 kg ha-1 caused an increase in nut yield by 3.7% and 28.3% respectively over control, whereas, application of S @ 25 and 50 kg ha-1 increased the nut yield by 38.3% and 56.6% respectively over control. Conjoint application of Zn @ 10 kg ha-1 and S @ 50 kg ha-1 caused an increase in nut yield up to 73.4% over the control. Results, therefore, revealed that conjoint effect of S and Zn towards nut yield was more effective than that of B application. Application of Zn, S and B significantly increased their nutrient uptake in nuts. On an average, S, Zn and B uptake by groundnut ranged from 11.4 to 21.0 kg ha-1, 0.14 to 0.40 kg ha-1 and 0.12 to 0.25 kg ha-1, respectively. Integrated mode of application of Zn, B and S showed a positive interaction as yield increase with their uptake in groundnut. Oil content in nuts ranged from 45.3 to 54.4%, while iodine value ranged from 97.8 to 90.5%. Application of S and Zn significantly increased the oil content, while it significantly decreased the iodine value in groundnut. So, application of micronutrients viz. Zn and B as well as S fertilization could be a useful strategy not only to increase the yield but also the quality of groundnut.
Genetics, molecular dissection and identification of high yielding disease resistant lines to MYMV in blackgram (Vigna mungo)
Authors: Basamma Kumari , Salimath P. M. , Malagouda Patil , Suma Biradar
Published: December 2015

The productivity of blackgram is very low which is mainly due to losses caused by several biotic stresses. Among the biotic stresses mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) is the most serious disease on this crop with an estimated yield loss of 100% under severe conditions. In this context, study of genetics of resistance to MYMV needs major attention. In this paper, we reported genetics of the resistance to MYMV disease in blackgram using a F2 and F3 populations derived from a cross between the susceptible but agronomically superior parent TAU-1 and the resistant parent BDU-4. The parents, F1, F2, F3 populations were evaluated for MYMV resistance against the virus in artificial condition. The population size in F2 was three hundred. The results suggested that the MYMV resistance in blackgram is governed by a single dominant gene. Out of 610 SSR and RGA markers screened 24 were found to be polymorphic between two parents. Based on phenotyping in F2 and F3 generations nine high yielding disease resistant lines have been identified.
The Impact Of Clean Development Mechanism Projects On Sustainable Development In South Africa
Authors: Pillay Surendran
Published: December 2015

Clean Development Mechanisms (CDM) have achieved a certain level of cost-effective emission reductions in developing countries. In this context the uneven distribution of CDM projects in certain regions as well as the concentration of CDM projects amongst certain sectors in developing countries have resulted in the issue of whether CDM projects contribute to sustainable development in developing countries. This article examines the impact of CDM projects on sustainable development in South Africa by examining a sample of working CDM projects there and evaluating their impact on environmental, economic and social sustainable development. Based on observations during the study, CDM policy changes are reviewed, and options to enhance the sustainable development implications of CDM projects are explained.
Marketing Of Craft To Retailers: Understanding Their Buying Process, Supplier Selection Criteria And Information Sources Used
Authors: Makhitha Khathutshelo Mercy
Published: December 2015

The purpose of the study was to investigate the buying process, supplier selection criteria and information of craft retailers in South Africa (SA). The information collected about the buying process, supplier selection criteria and information sources used were to propose a marketing strategy for craft producers wanting to target retailers. Craft retailers play a dominant role in the craft industry value chain yet craft producers face difficulties selling to this market. Instead, they resort to selling directly to end consumers and not through craft retailers. An understanding of the retailer’s buying process, supplier selection criteria and information sources   is a necessity for craft producers who want to sell their products successfully through the craft retailers. A survey was conducted among 233 craft retailers in SA. A convenience sampling method was adopted for the study. The findings revealed that craft retailers go through homogenous buying stages. Craft retailers go through a lengthy process when buying crafts. The most important supplier selection criteria are product quality, product is exciting and attractive, product styling and design and product distinctiveness/uniqueness. The information sources most often used are existing sales records, buyer’s experience and sales persons visiting with samples.
Using MOOCs at Learning Centers in Northern Sweden
Authors: Norberg Anders , Händel Åsa , Ödling Per
Published: December 2015

This paper describes the use of globally accessible Massive Open Online Courses, MOOCs, for addressing the needs of lifelong learners at community learning centers in Northern Sweden, by the forming “glonacal” or “blended” MOOCs. The Scandinavian “study circle” concept is used to facilitate the studying of MOOCs. Although the technical possibilities for Swedish universities to offer accessible education are constantly increasing, most Swedish universities do not, at present, prioritize courses for off-campus students. The available web courses in asynchronous formats are difficult to master for untraditional learners and leaves the learning centers with limited possibilities. Therefore, a Nordplus Horizontal project 2014-2016 with partners in three Nordic countries is developing models for the use of MOOCs in learning centers and organisations. A small pilot course case at the learning centre in Arvidsjaur and its outcomes is presented, including the interactions with Lund University which has an ongoing piloting project on use and examination of MOOCs. This concept development is discussed as a blended learning design and as a “glonacal” phenomenon with Marginson and Rhoades’ “glonacal agency heuristics” (2002) forming a background for an actor analysis. Future scenarios are outlined. 
Comparing MOOC Adoption Strategies in Europe: Results from the HOME Project Survey
Authors: Jansen Darco , Schuwer Robert , Teixeira Antonio , Aydin Cengiz Hakan
Published: December 2015

Much of the literature and the academic discussion about the impact of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) in institutional strategic planning has been centred on the US context. However, data shows that although the US are responsible for the largest MOOC platforms and the most successful course provision, it is the European region which accounts for the highest percentage of global MOOC participation. Differently from the US Higher Education system framework, however, in Europe public policy and in particular the European Commission is now driving MOOC institutional uptake.

Given the very different institutional, political and cultural contexts, it is interesting to analyse how in these two different regions Higher Education institutions are responding to the challenges of the MOOC phenomena and are integrating it in their own strategic planning.

The current research presents the first attempt to conduct a benchmarking study of institutional MOOC strategies in Europe and the US. It's based on a survey launched by the EU-funded project HOME and compares results with a similar survey launched in the US. Results show that are significant differences in how US and European institutions understand the impact of massive forms of open education and also how they perceive the efficiency of digital education and online learning.
iMOOC on Climate Change: Evaluation of a Massive Open Online Learning Pilot Experience
Authors: Rocio Vitor , Coelho José , Caeiro Sandra , Nicolau Paula , Teixeira António
Published: December 2015

MOOCs are a recent phenomenon, although given its impact, have been subject to a large debate. Several questions have been raised by researchers and educators alike as regarding its sustainability both economical and as an efficient mode of education provision. In this paper we contribute to this discussion by presenting a case study, a Portuguese MOOC about lived experiences in climate change which piloted the iMOOC pedagogical model developed at Universidade Aberta. The iMOOC is an hybrid model which incorporates elements from existing MOOCs but adds other features drawn from UAb's experience with online learning and aim at better integrate in the larger context of the institutional pedagogical culture. The iMOOC implied also an integration of platforms - Moodle and Elgg. The course had more than one thousand participants, and it was the largest MOOC course on Portuguese language delivered so far. We discuss the effort required to design and deliver the course, the technological solution developed, and the results obtained. We registered a moderate effort to create and run the course, ensured by internal staff from the University. The technological solution was a success, an integrated architecture combining well-established, well-tested open software. The completion rate was 3.3%, but the high success of this innovative learning experience is demonstrated by the active involvement of participants, almost 50% of the ones that followed the course until the end, and the satisfaction survey results, with 90% of approval. Lessons learned from this experience and future research on the field are also discussed.
Keywords: Massive open online course, iMOOC, pedagogical model, learning effectiveness, completion rate, cost analysis.
Grass filtration in parallel with VFCW technology for community wastewater treatment through the king's initiative nature-by-nature process
Authors: Chunkao K. , Phewnil O. , Pattamapitoon T. , Semvimol N. , Wararam W.
Published: December 2015

The 15-year research is aimed to apply the Vertical Flow Constructed Wetland (VFCW) technology along with growing Star, Kallar, Coast couch grasses for community wastewater treatment as obtained from Phetchaburi municipal after anaerobic digesting inside the 18.5 km High-density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipe. The results found that pH value did not evidently show any change of influent to effluent among grass species but drastic change due to treatment efficiency in Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen (TKD), Total Phosphorus (TP), and Total Potassium (TK) due to supporting rapidly growing of Star, Kallar, and Coast couch grasses, and also some parts of organic forms to escape from the VFCW technical units as volatile gaseous chemicals; and precipitating down to the VFCW technical unit beds as sludge. The Star and Coast couch grasses showed higher potential in community wastewater treatment efficiency than Kallar grass but treating power were not different in wide ranges. Besides, the heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg as example) were contaminated in both treated wastewater and sludge (sediment). However, the influent and effluent as inflow and outflow of VFCW technical units found very low contamination but three grasses (Star, Kallar, and Coast couch) showed their eligibility in treating heavy metals, especially when their age at 45-day growth as the same findings of treating BOD, TKN, TP, and TK according to meet highest treatment efficiency at age of 45 days. In other words, the harvesting age at 45 days was not only reached the maximum treatment efficiency as well as maximum grass biomass but also kept away from heavy contamination.
Design and performance evaluation of a highly loaded aerated treatment wetland managing effluents from a food processing industry in Denmark
Authors: Arias C. A. , Oirschot D. V. , Kilian R. , Pascual A. , Carvalho P. , Lv T. , Zhang Y. , Brix H. , Alvarez J. A.
Published: December 2015

Treating highly loaded industrial effluents are challenging when treatment wetlands (TWs) are the choice selected for treatment. If TWs are selected as the solution, passive systems demand relatively large areas and may generate operational limitations and are not flexible in case of new treatment demands since no process adjustments can be made once the system is built. New types of intensified TW, such as aerated systems, have opened new possibilities in the field of the Wetland Technology and have shown capacity to treat several types of wastewater (WW). Aerated wetlands have been built across the USA and several European countries, but not a single system has been built in Denmark as to date. Thanks to an EU funded project and the cooperation of several partners under a consortium with the acronym HIGHWET, a new system is being built at the premises of a food processing factory in the vicinity of Faarup Denmark. The system will treat the WW generated at the plant and consists of a pretreatment system in the form of an anaerobic reactor, followed by two 1 m deep vertical flow beds, one of them aerated while the other bed is not aerated. Following these beds, the plant has two horizontal sub-surface flow beds fitted with aeration. For improving the P removal, media with high P binding capacity is are being used as filling material. In additiuon and for research purposes, the influent pump well plant is fitted with a dosing system in order to obtain pollutant loads at will so performance limits and kinetic constants can be established from the performance of the plant.
Using ozonation-hydrolysis acidification to the pharmaceutical tail wastewater pretreatment
Authors: Gao Yanjiao , Huang Runzhu
Published: December 2015

In order to solve the problems of poor biodegradability and high concentrations of non-biodegradable substances from pharmaceutical wastewater after preliminary treatment, the organic components of the tail water (effluent from the preliminary treatment devises of the pharmaceutical industry wastewater treatment station) were analyzed and the method of ozonation-hydrolysis acidification was used to treat tail water from the pharmaceutical factory. The ozone dosage, the reaction time and the changes of biodegradability were studied. The results measured by GC-MS showed that there were 51 types of organic substances in tail water which reduce the biodegradability. The results of the tests showed that 30 mg/L of ozone and 60-minutes of oxidation time were suitable conditions. In the ozonation–hydrolysis acidification process the COD removal rate ranged from 20% to 50%. The test results showed that the ozonation-hydrolysis acidification method could effectively improve the biodegradability of wastewater and provide the foundation for the follow treatment in urban sewage treatment plant using biological methods.
The performance of LID (low impact development) practices at different locations with an urban drainage system: a case study of Longyan, China
Authors: Li Peng , Liu Jun , Fu Rui , Liu Xin , Zhou Yanyan , Luan Mu
Published: December 2015

Urbanization has strongly changed the condition of the land surface and therefore rainfall runoff varies greatly. Peak flood flow and flood volumes increase with runoff volume. Low Impact Development (LID) is a sustainable concept that minimizes the effects of urbanization to maintain natural hydrological function in urban cities and has therefore gained increasing attention. This paper studies the effects of low impact development measures on the reduction of runoff generation and peak runoff at different locations in Longyan, China. The study was conducted using the SWMM model (5.1.006) with a newly developed LID module. In this study, the LID module, which includes rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavements, and rain barrels, was used to simulate different layout scenarios and different rainfall patterns. The results show that the performance of a certain LID is similar at different locations but the reduction effect on runoff and peak flow varies. Rain gardens and permeable pavements perform a similar degree of reduction under different durations, but the peak flow reduction by rain barrels and green roofs varies greatly. Further research should focus on composite LID applications in other locations, combination with the local pipe network layout, which will ensure that the implemented system will be aesthetically pleasing, economically viable, and effective for reducing runoff and peak flow.
NEREDA®: an emerging technology for sewage treatment
Authors: Khan Abid Ali , Ahmad Mahmood , Giesen Andreas
Published: December 2015

Stringent environmental regulations and severe water pollution has divert the attention of stakeholders, water boards and ministries dealing with the water resources and environment to explore new technologies to make rivers and water bodies free from pollution. Recently an aerobic granular biomass based technology; named NEREDA® has been gaining wide publicity around the globe. It has several advantages such as less power requirement, no need of chemicals and its compactness due to high mixed liquor suspended solids, significantly less capital and operational costs. NEREDA® can be regarded as an alternative to conventional aerobic technology for sewage and industrial wastewater treatment. Recently NEREDA® technology has been installed at sewage treatment plants in Europe, South Africa and few are under pipeline in parts of Latin America, Israel and India.
Fouling mechanisms and reduced chemical potential of ceramic membranes combined with ozone
Authors: Dow N. , Roehr J. , Murphy D. , Solomon L. , Mieog J. , Blackbeard J. , Gray S. , Milne N. , Zhu B. , Gooding A. , Currie J. , Roeszler G. , Clement J. , Duke M.
Published: December 2015

Combining ceramic membranes with ozonation and allowing ozone residual to contact the membrane surface is well known to control fouling, allowing for higher membrane fluxes. This means that the more robust, longer lasting and higher integrity ceramic material can potentially be used in water recycling in a cost competitive way. This paper presents additional results from a previously reported ozonation/ceramic membrane trial in Melbourne, Australia. The results assisted in understanding the cause of the high fluxes by quenching the residual ozone upstream of the membrane, to isolate its effects on organic species from those on the membrane. Ozone quenching was directly attributed to lost membrane performance which confirmed that ozone has a direct effect on the membrane which contributes to the higher fluxes. Tests to reduce cleaning chemical use (sodium hypochlorite) at high fluxes were also conducted. Sodium hypochlorite consumption generally was not significant, but trading better stability and higher fluxes for reduced chemical use needs to be justified. Ceramic membranes coupled with pre-ozonation exhibit unique properties in water treatment, offering potential advantages such as increased backwash disinfection, as well as higher flux rates or reduced chemical consumption.
The influence of oil contaminated soil on the quality of surface waste water
Authors: Ksenofontov B. S. , Antonova E. S. , Ivanov M. V. , Kozodaev A. S. , Taranov R. A.
Published: December 2015

The influence of oil contaminated soil on surface waste water is considered. The new approach to the solution of the problem concerning the soil purification from oil using surplus activated sludge as a biopreparation-destructor produced during biological water treatment is offered. The specimens of sludge taken from purifying systems of oil refineries are used as biomass. The results of experimental researches have shown that activated sludge, adapted to oxidizing of oil hydrocarbons, can be an effective biopreparation-destructor of oil hydrocarbons.
Bi-tech wells: an effective arsenic mitigation method
Authors: Hira-Smith M. M. , Liaw J. , Hira A. , Chakravarti P. , Smith A. H. , Das S. , Hore T.
Published: December 2015

With more than 150 million people in India, Bangladesh and Nepal exposed to arsenic through drinking water, arsenic mitigation projects are common in the region, including many failed and abandoned projects. Our nonprofit organization, Project Well, has been working since 2001 to provide cheap, easily adaptable safe-water solutions suitable for the local socioeconomic environment. After years of research and experimentation, Project Well has developed a ‘bi-tech’ well that fulfills these criteria by tapping arsenic-safe surface water from unconfined aquifers. From 2001 to 2009, Project Well constructed dugwells modified from local traditional dugwells; one important modification was that water was extracted using hand pumps rather than rope-and-bucket, to minimize bacterial contamination. A sizeable percentage of these dugwells were dry during the summer seasons, so in 2009 we began constructing ‘bi-tech’ wells that combined the features of our bacterial-growth-preventing dugwells with the depth of borewells (8 meters). In the summer of 2014, 94% of bi-tech wells contained water compared to 53% of our modified dugwells. Fecal coliform and E. coli were undetected in tests conducted in 2011 and 2014. In 2015, arsenic concentrations were <10 ppb in 95% of the wells. Bi-tech well maintenance is simple, with dredging rarely necessary, and easy for communities to learn. With its low construction costs, easy maintenance, and consistent safe-water output, bi-tech wells are proving an effective water solution in parts of rural India where piped water is not available.
Integrated water management plan for Shimla City in India using geospatial techniques
Authors: Sharma Sham Kumar , Kansal M. L. , Tyagi Aditya
Published: December 2015

This study focuses on evolving an integrated water management plan (IWMP) for Shimla City (erstwhile summer capital of British India). Presently it is the state capital of Himachal Pradesh. Total water demand (2014) is 58.46 million litres per day (MLD) against system capacity of 54.54 MLD. The present deficit of 3.92 MLD (2014) may amplify to 59.01 MLD in 2051. Resource assessment in the related watersheds namely, Ashwani, Nauti, Giri and Pabbar accomplished using remote sensing techniques and geographic information system (GIS) based Arc-SWAT hydrological model. Average annual precipitation in all watersheds for 26 years (1984–2010) is about 1,005 mm, out of which about 34% flows as runoff, 8% as groundwater and about 58% as evapotranspiration. Being ungauged watersheds, water balance equation considered as the validation criteria, coefficient of correlation ‘R’ between observed rainfall and simulated runoff varies from 0.94–0.96. Results further validated through actual measurement of inflow in lean period in one of the major sources, i.e. Giri River, which has shown very good correlation (R = 0.95) between simulated and observed stream flow. The study establishes that existing sources are not sustainable. IWMP suggests, source augmentation coupled with rainwater harvesting and reuse of wastewater as long-term strategic measures.
Treatment of soil eluate containing nitro aromatic compounds by adsorption on activated coke (AC)
Authors: Zhang Yiping , Jiang Zhenming , Zhao Quanlin , Zhang Zhenzhong , Su Hongping , Gao Xuewen , Ye Zhengfang
Published: December 2015

Soil washing is a kind of physical method to remove organic matters from contaminated soil. However, its eluate after washing may result in secondary pollution to the environment. In this study, activated coke (AC) was used to remove organic pollutants from contaminated soil eluate. The effect of temperature, initial chemical oxygen demand (COD) and AC dosage on COD removal efficiency was investigated. The results showed that the organic matter can be removed in the eluate because the COD dropped a lot. When the AC dosage was 20 g·L−1, 88.92% of COD decreased after 480 min of adsorption at 50 °C. The process of adsorption can be described by the Redlich–Peterson isotherm. The adsorption was spontaneous and endothermic. The pseudo-second-order model can be used to describe the adsorption process. After adsorption, the acute toxicity of the eluate was reduced by 76%, and the water qualities were in agreement with Chinese discharge standard GB 14470.1-2002, which means the eluate could be discharged to the environment.
Emotionally Exhausted Employees' Affective Commitment: Testing Moderating Effects Using Three-Way Interactions
Authors: Kim Cheol Young , Park Won-Woo
Published: December 2015

We investigated the joint effect of employees' emotional exhaustion, transactional leadership, and leader–member exchange (LMX) on employees' affective commitment and in-role performance. With the inclusion of the antecedents and the consequences of affective commitment, we constructed
a comprehensive framework for examining how employees' organizational affective commitment and emotional exhaustion jointly affected their in-role performance. Using the stimuli theory, vulnerability–stress theory, and job demands–resources model, we tested hypotheses regarding
the 3-way interaction effects of the independent and moderating factors with 332 employees of a South Korean firm. All hypotheses were supported. We concluded that employees' in-role performance could be poor when emotionally exhausted employees are working with a leader whose style is transactional
and where there is high LMX.
Pirfenidone Inhibits Transforming Growth Factor β1-induced Extracellular Matrix Production in Nasal Polyp-derived Fibroblasts
Authors: Shin Jae-Min , Park Joo-Hoo , Park Il-Ho , Lee Heung-Man
Published: December 2015

Purpose

Pirfenidone has been shown to have antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory effects in the lungs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inhibitory effects of pirfenidone on transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1-induced myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix accumulation. We also determined the molecular mechanisms of pirfenidone in nasal polyp-derived fibroblasts (NPDF).

Methods

NPDFs were isolated from nasal polyps from eight patients who had chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp. Pirfenidone was used to treat TGF-β1-induced NPDFs. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. Fibroblast migration was evaluated with scratch assays. Expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (SMA), fibronectin, and phosphorylated Smad2/3 were determined by Western blot and/or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescent staining. Total collagen production was analyzed with the Sircol collagen assay and contractile activity was measured by a collagen gel contraction assay.

Results

Pirfenidone (0-2 mg/mL) has no significant cytotoxic effects in TGF-β1-induced NPDFs. Migration of NPDFs was significantly inhibited by pirfenidone treatment. The expression levels of α-SMA and fibronectin were significantly reduced in pirfenidone-treated NPDFs. Collagen contraction and production were also significantly decreased by pirfenidone treatment. Finally, pirfenidone significantly inhibited phosphorylation of the Smad2/3 pathway in TGF-β1-induced NPDFs.

Conclusions

Pirfenidone has an inhibitory effect on TGF-β1-induced migration, myofibroblast differentiation (α-SMA), extracellular matrix accumulation, and collagen contraction by blocking the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 pathways in NPDFs. Thus, pirfenidone may inhibit TGF-β1-induced extracellular matrix by regulating Smad2/3.
Endonasal Extended Columellar Strut in Asian Rhinoplasty
Authors: Kim Jong-Yeup , Choi Myoung Su
Published: December 2015

Background

Recently, sculpturing of projected and sharp nasal tips, as is usual in the white population, has been of great concern in Asian rhinoplasty. However, tip surgery in Asians should be performed in a different way due to anatomic differences. The authors used an endonasal rhinoplasty to correct the position of lower lateral cartilage by adopting a modified columellar strut. This novel technique of an endonasal extended columellar strut (EECS) could project the nasal tip significantly while avoiding hard fixation. This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of the EECS in Asians.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective study was performed with 40 patients who underwent EECS from March 2012 to August 2014. Photographs taken preoperatively and postoperatively were analyzed. The tip projection, the ratio of the length of the infratip lobule to the total length of the tip, and a columellar labial angle change were measured. Overall, surgical outcomes were rated into three grades (excellent, good, and fair) by two experienced rhinoplasty surgeons (J.Y.K., M.S.C.). All the patients were asked to rate their cosmetic satisfaction by using a visual analog scale (10 points).

Results

Postoperative nasal tip projection significantly increased, from 24.2 to 26.7 mm (p < 0.01). The ratio of the length of the infratip lobule to the total length of the tip mildly increased, from 0.45 to 046 in men, and remained unchanged, at 0.48, in women. The columellar labial angle significantly increased, from 86.9° to 93.7° (p < 0.01). Surgical outcomes were rated by two experienced surgeons as excellent (40%), good (42%), and fair (18%). Subjectively, patients graded their satisfaction at ∼8.7 on the visual analog scale.

Conclusion

This novel EECS technique enabled satisfactory tip projection in Asians while maintaining a natural ratio of infratip lobule to total length of tip and leaving no external scar.
Endoscopic Endonasal Orbital Transposition to Expand the Frontal Sinus Approaches
Authors: Karligkiotis Apostolos , Pistochini Andrea , Turri-Zanoni Mario , Terranova Paola , Volpi Luca , Battaglia Paolo , Bignami Maurizio , Castelnuovo Paolo
Published: December 2015

Background

The management of frontal sinus disease still remains a challenging issue for rhinologists. Although endoscopic frontal sinus surgery has significantly advanced over the past years, there are some conditions in which the external approaches are still necessary. Recently, the increasing experience in endoscopic sinus surgery together with important technologic advancements have allowed expansion of the indications for selected lesions localized more and more lateral into the frontal sinus.

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the endoscopic endonasal approach to the far lateral portion of the frontal sinus and to evaluate the outcomes of this technique.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation was carried out with patients at a single institution, who, from 2004 to 2012, underwent an exclusive endoscopic transnasal approach to the far lateral portion of the frontal sinus at a single institution. The surgical technique included the Draf IIb procedure, a modified Lothrop procedure (Draf III), and endoscopic lateralization of the orbit, differently associated according to the needs of each case.

Results

Twenty-four patients were eligible for the present study. The lesions included were mucoceles in 9 cases, fibro-osseous lesions in 10 cases, and inverted papillomas in 5 cases. The overall follow-up ranged from 12 to 120 months (mean, 40.6 months). At the time of the last follow-up, no recurrence of disease was observed in the patients treated; in one case of osteoma, a small and stable in size (1 mm) persistent lesion was observed in an asymptomatic patient. One scheduled and one accidental cerebrospinal fluid leak with immediate skull base reconstruction occurred. No intraoperative or postoperative early or late orbital complication was observed in any case.

Conclusion

The endoscopic endonasal orbital transposition seems to facilitate the endoscopic management of selected far-lateral frontal sinus lesions. However, it is a demanding procedure that requires experience and skill to avoid intraoperative skull base and orbital complications.
Nasal Tip Sutures: Techniques and Indications
Authors: Cingi Cemal , Muluk Nuray Bayar , Ulusoy Seçkin , Söken Hakan , Altintoprak Niyazi , Şahin Ethem , Ada Servet
Published: December 2015

Objectives

The surgical anatomy of the nasal tip is determined by intrinsic factors, such as the nasal tip volume, shape, definition, and symmetry. These factors are intimately related to the morphology of the lower lateral cartilages. Tip sutures reduce the need for grafts and allow the surgeon to manipulate the tip with a high degree of precision and better long-term clinical outcomes. In this review, we evaluated common nasal tip suture techniques to clarify the similarities and differences among them.

Methods

The following nasal tip suture techniques were investigated: medial crural fixation suture, middle crura suture, transdomal (dome creating, dome binding, domal definition) suture, interdomal suture, lateral crural mattress suture, columella septal suture, intercrural suture, tip rotation suture, craniocaudal transdomal suture, lateral crural spanning suture, suspension suture, tongue-in-groove technique, and lateral crural steal.

Results

Tip sutures increase tip projection, narrow the tip, provide stabilization, and provide tip rotation. The sutures may be used separately or together.

Conclusion

Nasal tip sutures have long been used as noninvasive suture techniques. Each suture technique has unique benefits, and various key points must be considered when using these techniques.
Nasal Nitric Oxide in Relation to Quality-of-life Improvements after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Fu Chia-Hsiang , Huang Chi-Che , Chen Yi-Wei , Chang Po-Hung , Lee Ta-Jen
Published: December 2015

Background

The level of nasal nitric oxide (nNO) in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been proven to increase after surgical treatment. The relationship between nNO and treatment outcome has not been documented to date.

Objective

To evaluate the levels of and changes in nNO after sinus surgery and its effects on quality-of-life improvements for patients with CRS after surgical treatment.

Methods

By using a clinical cohort study design, we identified patients who were receiving bilateral endoscopic sinus surgery for CRS with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) and CRS without nasal polyps (CRSsNP) with a 1-year follow-up. We assessed the demographics, preoperative prognostic predictors, pre- and postoperative nNO levels, and disease-related quality of life via a questionnaire.

Results

Sixty-nine patients were enrolled, including 53 with CRSwNP and 16 with CRSsNP. The CRSwNP group had lower initial nNO levels and higher endoscopic and image scores but similar demographics and questionnaire scores. In the patients with CRSwNP, nNO levels recovered and reached a plateau at the third month after surgery. However, nNO levels in the CRSsNP group continued to increase until 6 months after surgery before reaching a steady level. Higher preoperative nNO levels were significantly related to better quality-of-life improvements at 3 months after surgery in both groups.

Conclusion

The nNO levels in patients with CRS increased and reached a plateau after sinus surgery for both groups. Under similar subjective disease severity, the CRSsNP group had higher preoperative nNO levels and maintained a continuously longer rise before reaching a steady level after surgery. For both CRS groups, a higher initial nNO level brought better quality-of-life improvements and could be provided as a preoperative prognostic indicator.