bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular enrichment for detection of S. aureus in recreational waters
Authors: Valeriani F. , Giampaoli S. , Buggiotti L. , Gianfranceschi G. , Romano Spica V.
Published: October 2012

The identification of rapid methods for the control of recreational water and of aquatic environments with similar characteristics is necessary to provide adequate levels of health safety for users. Molecular techniques have been proposed in recent years as a viable alternative to traditional microbiological methods, as they offer various advantages and are less time consuming than traditional tests. An innovative protocol based on molecular enrichment that allows the identification of low concentrations of Staphylococcus aureus in recreational water has been developed. The method is based on the specific amplification of prokaryotic genomic DNA by the usage of universal primers for 23S rDNA; subsequently, a second amplification step is performed with specific real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers and probe. This approach shows sensitivity levels similar to those observed with microbiological tests, with the additional benefits of the specificity typical of nucleic acids techniques. This methodology is easily applicable also to other microbiological parameters, representing an important milestone in hygiene monitoring by the detection of specific pollution indicators.
Effect of increasing the organic loading rate on the co-digestion and mono-digestion of cattle slurry and maize
Authors: Cornell M. , Banks C. J. , Heaven S.
Published: October 2012

Co-digestion of cattle slurry and maize has been shown to have benefits for both, improving the biogas yield of the slurry and stability of digestion of the maize. The effect of increasing the total loading rate from 3 to 6 g VS l–1 day–1 on the co-digestion of cattle slurry and maize, mixed at equal volatile solids volumes, was investigated in laboratory-scale continuously stirred digesters. These were compared with similar digesters evaluating the increase of 1.5 to 3 g VS l−1 day−1 loading rates of slurry and maize digested separately. Compared with mono-digestion of the substrates, where the digestion of maize failed at loading rates greater than 2.5 g VS l−1 day−1, the co-digestion of cattle slurry and maize was feasible at all the loading rates tested with an increase in the volumetric methane yield occurring with loading rate. Even at the lowest rate of loading, the addition of equal amounts of volatile solids of maize to slurry leads to an increase in volumetric methane yield of 219%.
Modification of SWAT model for simulation of organic matter in Korean watersheds
Authors: Jang Jae-Ho , Jung Kwang-Wook , Gyeong Yoon Chun
Published: October 2012

The focus of water quality modeling of Korean streams needs to be shifted from dissolved oxygen to algae or organic matter. In particular, the structure of water quality models should be modified to simulate the biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), which is a key factor in calculating total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) in Korea, using 5-day BOD determined in the laboratory (Bottle BOD5). Considering the limitations in simulating organic matter under domestic conditions, we attempted to model total organic carbon (TOC) as well as BOD by using a watershed model. For this purpose, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was modified and extended to achieve better correspondence between the measured and simulated BOD and TOC concentrations. For simulated BOD in the period 2004–2008, the Nash-Sutcliffe model efficiency coefficient increased from a value of −2.54 to 0.61. Another indicator of organic matter, namely, the simulated TOC concentration showed that the modified SWAT adequately reflected the observed values. The improved model can be used to predict organic matter and hence, may be a potential decision-making tool for TMDLs. However, it needs further testing for longer simulation periods and other catchments.
The oxidation of toluene sorbed on activated carbon in the presence of H2O2 and manganese oxide
Authors: Do Si-Hyun , Kong Sung-Ho
Published: October 2012

We investigated the oxidation of toluene sorbed on activated carbon (AC) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and pyrolusite (MnO2). Sorbed toluene was prepared by reacting a toluene-saturated solution and AC. The amounts of sorbed toluene (mg of toluene/g of AC) decreased as the amounts of AC were increased. The reaction was conducted in a gas-purging (GP) reactor and the gas flow at the outlet of a GP reactor was carefully maintained. As a result, the percentage of toluene captured by ORBO tube was 28% in the control system with pure water. When H2O2 was catalyzed by AC (i.e. this forms a hydroxyl radical by electron transfer), approximately 17% of the desorbed toluene was oxidized and 68% of toluene remained on AC which was similar to the control system. However, when pyrolusite (650 mg/L) was added together with H2O2 (10,000 mg/L), only 5% of toluene was captured by the ORBO tube and 55% of toluene remained on AC, which indicated that both desorbed and sorbed toluene was oxidized. Moreover, toluene oxidation increased when concentrations of pyrolusite and H2O2 were increased. It was suggested that superoxide anion, which is generated by the reaction of H2O2 and pyrolusite, might stimulate toluene desorption and then toluene in the aqueous phase could be oxidized by hydroxyl radical.
Application of urea dosing for alkalinity supply during anaerobic digestion of vinasse
Authors: Boncz M. A. , Formagini E. L. , Santos L. da S. , Marques R. D. , Paulo P. L.
Published: October 2012

Pushed by demand for renewable energy, the ethanol industry in Brazil is expanding. However, production of 1 m3 of ethanol generates around 13 m3 of liquid residues (vinasse), so this expansion results in an increasing need for a more adequate destination of these residues. Nowadays the vinasse is dispersed on the sugar cane fields in the practice of fertirrigation, but anaerobic digestion of this residue may be a better solution, additionally offering an alternative source of energy, able to complement hydroelectric power supply in the dry season. However, when trying to digest vinasse at reduced hydraulic retention times, complications arise from its strong tendency toward acidification, upsetting the fragile balance of transformations normally occurring under anaerobic conditions. For successful operation of an anaerobic treatment process with acceptable hydraulic residence times, increasing alkalinity levels inside the reactor is neces­sary. In the present work we show that pH regulation by means of urea dosing, in spite of the risk posed by ammonia toxicity towards methanogenic biomass, can be a viable alternative to avoid vinasse acidification. The ammonia formed in urea conversion remains in solution, rather than escaping to the biogas, and so its use as fertiliser can offset its cost of application in the process.
Microbiological quality assessment of sand and water from three selected beaches of South Coast, São Paulo State, Brazil
Authors: Pinto K. C. , Hachich E. M. , Sato M. I. Z. , Di Bari M. , Coelho M. C. L. S. , Matté M. H. , Lamparelli C. C. , Razzolini M. T. P.
Published: October 2012

This study aimed to assess the sanitary quality of water, and wet and dry sand from three beaches located in the South Coast region of São Paulo State, Brazil, selected taking into account the frequency of tourists and the water quality (good, fair and poor). Thirty-six water samples each of wet and dry sand and seawater were collected monthly over a period of one year and analyzed for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB: thermotolerant coliforms, Escherichia coli, and enterococci), presumptive Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans and dermatophytes. The results revealed FIB concentrations more elevated in dry sand followed by wet sand and water. P. aeruginosa and presumptive S. aureus were detected with a similar frequency in water and sand samples, but maximum concentrations and geometric means were higher in dry sand. C. albicans was detected only in water samples whereas the dermatophyte Microsporum sp. was isolated exclusively from dry and wet sand samples. This evaluation showed also that the environment had a significant influence on P. aeruginosa but not on presumptive S. aureus concentrations. According to threshold values proposed in the literature for E. coli and enterococci dry sand densities, none of the beaches would be considered of sufficient quality for recreational activities.
Towards a benchmarking tool for minimizing wastewater utility greenhouse gas footprints
Authors: Guo L. , Porro J. , Sharma K. R. , Amerlinck Y. , Benedetti L. , Nopens I. , Shaw A. , Van Hulle S. W. H. , Yuan Z. , Vanrolleghem P. A.
Published: October 2012

A benchmark simulation model, which includes a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP)-wide model and a rising main sewer model, is proposed for testing mitigation strategies to reduce the system's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The sewer model was run to predict methane emissions, and its output was used as the WWTP model input. An activated sludge model for GHG (ASMG) was used to describe nitrous oxide (N2O) generation and release in activated sludge process. N2O production through both heterotrophic and autotrophic pathways was included. Other GHG emissions were estimated using empirical relationships. Different scenarios were evaluated comparing GHG emissions, effluent quality and energy consumption. Aeration control played a clear role in N2O emissions, through concentrations and distributions of dissolved oxygen (DO) along the length of the bioreactor. The average value of N2O emission under dynamic influent cannot be simulated by a steady-state model subjected to a similar influent quality, stressing the importance of dynamic simulation and control. As the GHG models have yet to be validated, these results carry a degree of uncertainty; however, they fulfilled the objective of this study, i.e. to demonstrate the potential of a dynamic system-wide modelling and benchmarking approach for balancing water quality, operational costs and GHG emissions.
Influence of Variable Precipitation on Coastal Water Quality in Southern California
Authors: Dwight Ryan H. , Caplan Joshua S. , Brinks Mitchell V. , Catlin Sandra N. , Buescher Guido , Semenza Jan C.
Published: October 2012

To examine the consequences of changing precipitation levels on southern California's recreational coastal water quality, and compare the responses of watersheds with differing levels of urban development. The geo‐temporal relationship for six years (2000‐2005) of precipitation levels, discharge rates for the ten primary waterways, and coastal water bacteria concentrations at seventy‐eight southern California beaches were examined. Precipitation levels, river‐creek discharge rates, and coastal water bacteria concentrations were significantly correlated (p < 0.01) for all ten watersheds investigated. Water bacteria concentrations significantly increased with higher levels of precipitation across 95% of the seventy‐eight beaches investigated. A heavily developed watershed had significantly higher median bacteria concentrations (186 cfu) in the adjoining coastal waters compared to an undeveloped watershed (10 cfu) of similar size. Precipitation and ensuing runoff strongly control the rate of polluted water delivered to most beaches in southern California. Variable precipitation generates a greater response in coastal water bacteria concentrations in developed watersheds compared to undeveloped areas. Projected declines in regional precipitation as a consequence of climate change may result in less contaminated water delivered to coastal waters, thus decreasing risk of water associated illnesses during winter months.
Seasonal Performance of an Outdoor Constructed Wetland for Graywater Treatment in a Temperate Climate
Authors: Jokerst Adam , Sharvelle Sybil E. , Hollowed Margaret E. , Roesner Larry A.
Published: October 2012

The seasonal treatment efficiency of a pilot‐scale constructed wetland system located outdoors in a semi‐arid, temperate climate was evaluated for graywater in a comprehensive, 1‐year study. The system consisted of two wetland beds in series—a free water surface bed followed by a subsurface flow bed. Water quality monitoring evaluated organics, solids, nutrients, microbials, and surfactants. The results showed that the wetland substantially reduced graywater constituents during fall, spring, and summer, including biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) (92%), total nitrogen (85%), total phosphorus (78%), total suspended solids (TSS) (73%), linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) surfactants (94%), and E. coli (1.7 orders of magnitude). Except for TSS, lower removals of graywater constituents were noted in winter—BOD (78%), total nitrogen (64%), total phosphorus (65%), LAS (87%), and E. coli (1.0 order), indicating that, although wetland treatment slowed during the winter, the system remained active, even when the average water temperature was 5.2 ± 4.5°C.
TRADEMARK ACTIVITY AND THE MARKET PERFORMANCE OF U.S. COMMERCIAL BANKS
Authors: González-Pedraz Carlos , Mayordomo Sergio
Published: October 2012

This empirical paper analyzes the effect of trademark activity on the market value and performance of US commercial banks from two perspectives. First, a longterm perspective considers the effect of such activity on banks’ Tobin's q. Second, with a short-term perspective, the authors analyze the effect of trademark activity on banks’ abnormal returns. An older portfolio of trademarks diminishes the ratio of market value to firm assets, but this ratio can be improved in the long term by abandoning old trade-marks. Portfolios of trademarks with wide diversification do not help increase Tobin's q. Furthermore, according to an event study, the creation of a trademark has a positive effect on cumulative abnormal returns compared with no event, whereas a cancellation event has a negative impact.
REVISITING THE ROLE OF EXTERNAL DEBT IN ECONOMIC GROWTH OF DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Authors: Daud Siti Nurazira Mohd , Podivinsky Jan M.
Published: October 2012

This paper proposes a study on the contribution of external debt to the expansion of economic growth for 31 developing countries. Over a period of 36 years, by using dynamic panel data econometrics estimation GMM-system, the results reveal that the accumulation of external debt is associated with a slowdown in the economies of the developing countries. In addition, this paper finds evidence that debt service ratio does not crowd out the investment rate in developing countries. In other words, even though external debt is negatively associated with economic growth, countries are found to be safe from being in the debt overhang hypothesis. Furthermore, there is evidence to support the existence of spatial dependence in the growth model, suggesting the existence of a positive spillover effect of growth among the neighbouring countries.
Effect of nitrogen supplementation on aerobic degradation of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate by consortia of bacteria
Authors: Eniola Kehinde I. Temitope
Published: October 2012

Untreated detergent bearing wastes discharged into the environment are sources of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS). Detergent wastes usually do not contain nitrogen or contain very low amounts. Biostimulation by introducing limiting nutrient element can be useful in biotreatment of such waste. The effect of inorganic and organic nitrogen supplements on aerobic degradation of LAS by LAS-utilizing bacteria was examined. Phosphate-buffered LAS mineral media were prepared and supplemented with different nitrogen sources: NPK fertilizer (inorganic) and urea fertilizer (organic). Individual and various consortia of pure cultures of Alcaligenes odorans, Citrobacter diversus, Micrococcus luteus and Pseudomonas putida, previously isolated from a detergent effluent polluted stream, were used. Biodegradation of LAS was monitored in terms of half-life (t½) of the surfactant. The rates of biodegradation by the consortia can be ranked as: 4-membered (t½=8-12 days) >3-membered (t½=8-13 days) >2-membered consortia (t½=10-15 days) >individuals (t½=9-16 days). The inorganic nitrogen source enhanced utilization of the surfactant, while organic nitrogen supplementation generally slowed degradation of the surfactant. In undertaking biotreatment of detergent bearing effluent, inorganic nitrogen should be used as biostimulant.
Stakeholder consultations on community-based rehabilitation guidelines in Ghana and Uganda
Authors: Wickenden Mary , Mulligan Diane , Fefoame Gertrude O. , Katende Phoebe
Published: October 2012

Background: The focus of this paper is the new broadened conceptualisation of community-based rehabilitation (CBR), which promotes the empowerment and inclusion of people with disabilities (PWDs) in diverse ways within their communities. New guidelines for CBR were launched in October 2010 by WHO/ILO/UNESCO/IDDC, and this paper describes part of the process by which these were produced using participatory approaches involving International Non-Government Organisations (INGOs) and local partners. The paper reviews the evolution of CBR and describes how grassroots consultation by INGOs working with key stakeholders in the disability arena can influence policy on disability issues, and reciprocally how policy change can inform organisations’ practice and research activities. This ongoing bidirectional influence is illustrated with data from the participatory consultation process about the new CBR guidelines carried out by Sightsavers in Uganda and GhanaObjectives: To consult with key stakeholders in the disability arena in Uganda and Ghana, in order to gain their opinions and suggestions for improvements to the then draft CBR guidelines, as part of a wider global participatory process of consultation on the document.Methods: The INGO Sightsavers gathered qualitative data through focus group discussions and questionnaires in both countries.Results: The participants’ critiques of the draft guidelines carried out in multiagency participatory processes were analysed thematically and fed back to the CBR guidelines editorial team.Conclusion: The paper concludes that stakeholders in diverse communities can actively contribute to shaping policy and practice through participatory consultations. Local and national government and non-government organisations and other key informants can inform the development of national and international guidelines and policies. This participatory approach can be successfully facilitated by INGOs. In turn, these processes have prompted organisations to adapt their own policies and programmes in order to be more responsive to the local needs and concerns of PWDs.
Family perceptions of intellectual disability: Understanding and support in Dar es Salaam
Authors: Aldersey Heather M.
Published: October 2012

When attempting to understand the construct of intellectual disability in different contexts, speaking to family members in addition to the individual with the disability may provide new insight about understandings of and responses to intellectual disability in society and may help to identify the forms of support that are available or needed to ensure the quality of life of people with disabilities. This article outlines and discusses interviews that were conducted in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, with family members of children and adults with intellectual disabilities. These interviews explore how families came to understand that their child had an intellectual disability; the availability of family support; and family hopes and dreams for the future, and were a part of a wider exploratory study that gathered insight from individuals with disabilities, families, and other providers of support to explore understandings and perceptions of disability in Dar es Salaam. Understanding family experiences will help researchers, policy makers, non-governmental organisations, and others to identify family strengths and family support needs which can ultimately improve family quality of life and the quality of life of the member with a disability.
Building collaboration through shared actions: The experience of the Global Network for Disaster Reduction
Authors: Gibson Terry
Published: October 2012

This article asks how the emergent Global Network for Disaster Reduction has built collaboration and impact. Observation of the network’s journey nuanced the researcher’s initial hypothesis in marked ways. A ‘reflective practitioner’ perspective is adopted, locating action within two relevant theoretical frameworks to aid understanding and define future progress. Development showed an early emphasis on a ‘community of practice’ model. However, this appeared ineffective in creating the intended collaboration and led to the recognition of the power of shared action. This observation is framed within the thinking of Freire (1996) on action and reflection as a means of empowerment. The political dimension of the network’s activity is recognised, and is related to Gaventa’s (1980) thinking on the creation of political space. The article attempts to show that combining cycles of action and reflection in the network’s activity (i.e. creating a practitioner focus) with a wider investigation of relevant literature and thinking can be helpful in framing understanding and determining future strategy. It concludes by suggesting that a proposed framework of ‘communities of praxis’ may have a broader application in the development of networks.
An investigation into an outbreak of Rift Valley fever on a cattle farm in Bela-Bela, South Africa, in 2008
Authors: Mapaco Lourenço P. , Coetzer Jacobus A.W. , Paweska Janusz T. , Venter Estelle H.
Published: October 2012

In 2008, a suspected outbreak of Rift Valley fever (RVF) was reported on a farm in the Bela-Bela area, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Seven calves died on the affected dairy farm, where no RVF vaccination programme was practised. No apparent clinical disease was reported in the other 300 cattle (33 calves included) or 200 sheep on the farm. During the outbreak, blood samples from 77.7% (233/300) of the cattle and 36.5% (73/200) of the sheep were collected on the affected farm and 55 blood samples were taken from cattle on a neighbouring farm. Eight weeks later, 78% of the cattle (234/300) and 42.5% of the sheep (85/200) were bled on the affected farm only. All sera were tested by an Immunoglobulin M (IgM)-capture Enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and by an indirect Immunoglobulin G (IgG) ELISA. Selected IgM-positive (n = 14), IgG-positive (n = 23) and samples negative for both IgM and IgG-specific antibodies against RVF virus (n = 19) were tested using the serum neutralisation test (SNT). Sera from IgM-positive (n = 14) and negative (n = 20) animals were also tested by a TaqMan polymerase chain reaction (PCR). On the affected farm, 7% (16/233) of the cattle were IgM-positive and 13.7% (32/233) IgG-positive at the first bleed and 2% were IgM-positive at the second bleed, whilst the number of cattle positive for IgG-specific antibodies increased by 21.3% compared with the first bleed. Only 1.4% of sheep were positive for both IgM and IgG antibodies at the first collection; at the second bleed, IgM-positive cases decreased to 1.2%, whilst IgG-positive cases increased to 2.4%. Whilst no IgM-positive cattle were found on the neighbouring farm, 5.5% of cattle were IgG-positive. The SNT confirmed most of the ELISA results, whilst PCR results were all negative. Although serology results indicated virus circulation on both farms, the negative PCR results demonstrated that the animals were not viraemic at the time they were sampled. The movement of infected mosquito vectors by wind over long distances into a low-lying area that favoured their breeding on the Bela-Bela farm may have led to an outbreak of the disease there, but the reason for the low level of virus circulation amongst susceptible animals remains unclear.
Episodic vertical nutrient fluxes and nearshore phytoplankton blooms in Southern California
Authors: Omand M. M. , Feddersen F. , Guza R. T. , Franks P. J. S.
Published: October 2012

Three distinct phytoplankton blooms lasting 4–9 d were observed in approximately 15‐m water depth near Huntington Beach, California, between June and October of 2006. Each bloom was preceded by a vertical NO3 flux event 6–10 d earlier. NO3 concentrations were estimated using a temperature proxy that was verified by comparison with the limited NO3 observations. The lower–water‐column vertical NO3 flux from vertical advection was inferred from observed vertical isotherm displacement. Turbulent vertical eddy diffusivity was parameterized based on the observed background (< 0.3 cycles h−1) stratification and vertical shear in the horizontal currents. The first vertical nitrate flux event in June contained both advective and turbulent fluxes, whereas the later two events were primarily turbulent, driven by shear in the lower part of the water column. The correlation between the NO3 flux and the observed chlorophyll a (Chl a) was maximum (r2 = 0.40) with an 8‐d lag. A simple nitrate–phytoplankton model using a linear uptake function and driven with the NO3 flux captured the timing, magnitude, and duration of the three Chl a blooms (skill = 0.61) using optimal net growth rate parameters that were within the expected range. Vertical and horizontal advection of Chl a past the measurement site were too small to explain the observed Chl a increases during the blooms. The vertical NO3 flux was a primary control on the growth events, and estimation of both the advective (upwelled) and turbulent fluxes is necessary to best predict these episodic blooms.
A Comparison of Usability Factors of Four Mobile Devices for Accessing Healthcare Information by Adolescents
Authors: Sheehan B. , Lee Y. , Rodriguez M. , Tiase V. , Schnall R.
Published: October 2012

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) is a growing field aimed at developing mobile information and communication technologies for healthcare. Adolescents are known for their ubiquitous use of mobile technologies in everyday life. However, the use of mHealth tools among adolescents is not well described.

Objective: We examined the usability of four commonly used mobile devices (an iPhone, an Android with touchscreen keyboard, an Android with built-in keyboard, and an iPad) for accessing healthcare information among a group of urban-dwelling adolescents.

Methods: Guided by the FITT (Fit between Individuals, Task, and Technology) framework, a think-aloud protocol was combined with a questionnaire to describe usability on three dimensions: 1) task-technology fit; 2) individual-technology fit; and 3) individual-task fit.

Results: For task-technology fit, we compared the efficiency, and effectiveness of each of the devices tested and found that the iPhone was the most usable had the fewest errors and prompts and had the lowest mean overall task time For individual-task fit, we compared efficiency and learnability measures by website tasks and found no statistically significant effect on tasks steps, task time and number of errors. Following our comparison of success rates by website tasks, we compared the difference between two mobile applications which were used for diet tracking and found statistically significant effect on tasks steps, task time and number of errors. For individual-technology fit, interface quality was significantly different across devices indicating that this is an important factor to be considered in developing future mobile devices.

Conclusions: All of our users were able to complete all of the tasks, however the time needed to complete the tasks was significantly different by mobile device and mHealth application. Future design of mobile technology and mHealth applications should place particular importance on interface quality.

Citation: Sheehan B, Lee Y, Rodriguez M, Tiase V, Schnall R. A Comparison of Usability Factors of Four Mobile Devices for Accessing Healthcare Information by Adolescents. Appl Clin Inf 2012; 3: 356–366

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2012-06-RA-0021
Interball-1 observations of flux transfer events
Authors: Korotova G. I. , Sibeck D. G. , Petrov V. I.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. We present the results of a survey of 807 FTEs observed by Interball-1 on the mid- and high-latitude dayside and flank magnetopause. Dayside magnetosheath events show a strong tendency to occur for southward magnetosheath magnetic fields suggesting origin via component (or perhaps antiparallel) reconnection near the equatorial plane. Flank FTEs occur for both magnetosheath magnetic field orientations with only a slight preference for southward magnetosheath magnetic fields. These events are consistent with generation along an extended subsolar component reconnection line for all IMF orientations or a combination of reconnection along a subsolar component reconnection line for southward IMF and antiparallel reconnection at higher latitudes for northward IMF. The distribution of direct and reverse magnetosheath FTEs and the tilt angle of the reconnection line for dawnward and duskward IMF are in a good agreement with the theoretical predictions of the component merging model. The clear anticorrelation between the magnitude of the east/west (Bm) perturbation observed within magnetosphere FTEs versus Bm in the magnetosheath also demands an explanation of the FTEs in terms of reconnection along a tilted subsolar merging line, e.g. in terms of component merging.
Characteristics of mid-latitude planetary waves in the lower atmosphere derived from radiosonde data
Authors: Wang R. , Zhang S. D. , Yang H. G. , Huang K. M.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. The activities of mid-latitude planetary waves (PWs) in the troposphere and lower stratosphere (TLS) are presented by using the radiosonde data from 2000 to 2004 over four American stations (Miramar Nas, 32.9° N, 117.2° W; Santa Teresa, 31.9° N, 106.7° W; Fort Worth, 32.8° N, 97.3° W; and Birmingham, 33.1° N, 86.7° W) and one Chinese station (Wuhan, 30.5° N, 114.4° E). Statistically, strong PWs mainly appear around subtropical jet stream in the troposphere and lower stratosphere. In the troposphere, the activities of the mid-latitude PWs are strong around the centre of the subtropical jet stream in winter and become small near the tropopause, which indicates that the subtropical jet stream may strengthen the propagation of PWs or even be one of the PW excitation sources. Among the three disturbance components of temperature, zonal and meridional winds, PWs at Wuhan are stronger in the temperature component, but weaker in the zonal wind component than at the other four American stations. While in the meridional wind component, the strengths of PW spectral amplitudes at the four American stations decrease from west to east, and their amplitudes are all larger than that of Wuhan. However, the PWs are much weaker in the stratosphere and only the lower frequency parts remain. The amplitudes of the PWs in the stratosphere increase with height and are strong in winter with the zonal wind component being the strongest. Using the refractive index, we found that whether the PWs could propagate upward to the stratosphere depends on the thickness of the tropopause reflection layer. In the case study of the 2000/2001 winter, it is observed that the quasi 16-day wave in the troposphere is a quasi standing wave in the vertical direction and propagates upward slowly with vertical wavelength greater than 24 km in the meridional component. It propagates eastward with the zonal numbers between 5 and 8, and the quasi 16-day wave at Wuhan is probably the same quasi 16-day wave at the three American stations (Miramar Nas, Santa Teresa and Fort Worth), which propagates steadily along the latitude. The quasi 16-day wave in the stratosphere is also a standing wave with vertical wavelength larger than 10 km in the zonal wind component, and it is westward with the zonal number 1–2. However, the quasi 16-day wave in the stratosphere may not come from the troposphere because of the different concurrent times, propagation directions and velocities. By using the global dataset of NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data, the zonal propagation parameters of 16-day waves in the troposphere and stratosphere are calculated. It is found that the tropospheric 16-day wave propagates eastward with the zonal number 6, while the stratospheric 16-day wave propagates westward with the zonal number 2, which matches well with the results of radiosonde data.
Earthquake forecasting using the rate-and-state friction model and a smoothing Kernel: application to Taiwan
Authors: Chan C.-H. , Wu Y.-M. , Wang J.-P.
Published: October 2012

Abstract. In this work, two approaches were employed for estimating the spatiotemporal distribution of seismicity density in Taiwan. With the use of the rate-and-state friction model, a model for short-term forecasting according to the fault-interaction-based rate disturbance due to seismicity was considered. Another long-term forecasting model that involves a smoothing Kernel function is proposed. The application of the models to Taiwan led to good agreement between the model forecast and actual observations. Using an integration of the two approaches, the application was found to be capable of providing a seismicity forecast with a higher accuracy and reliability. To check the stability related to the regression the bandwidth function, the forecasted seismicity rates corresponding to the upper and lower bounds of the 95% confidence intervals are compared. The result shows that deviations within the bandwidth functions had an insignificant impact on forecasting reliability. Besides, insignificant differences in the forecasted rate change were obtained when Aσ was assumed to be between 0.1 and 0.4 bars for the application of the rate-and-state friction model. By considering the maximum Coulomb stress change among the seismogenic depth, the model presents a better forecasting ability than that using any single fixed target depth. The proposed methodology, with verified applicability for seismicity forecasts, could be useful for seismic hazard analyses.
Primary Patency Time of Basilic Vein Transposition versus Prosthetic Brachioaxillary Access Grafts in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Davoudi Mahdi , Tayebi Pouya , Beheshtian Azadeh
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The aim of this study was to compare the primary patency time of basilic vein transposition and prosthetic brachioaxillary access grafts in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

In this randomized clinical trial, 60 hemodialysis patients who met the inclusion/exclusion criteria were recruited and randomly assigned to two intervention groups; Basilic vein transpositions (BVT) or Arteriovenous access grafts (AVG). Clinical follow-up for patency of the created accesses in at least one year, was performed at two weeks, one, two, three months and then every three months after surgery. Finally, patency rates and access-related complications were compared in the two groups studied.

Results

Thirty BVTs and thirty AVG were performed in each group studied. The groups were well matched for age, sex and comorbidity. After at least one year of follow-up, the access failure rate in the BVT and AVG groups was 23.3% and 30%, respectively. In addition, the mean primary patency time in the BVT and AVG groups was 244.13 ± 103.65 and 264.97 ± 149.28, respectively and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups studied (P=.533). The common cause of access failure were thrombosis and infection but there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P>.05).

Conclusion

Our results show that AVG offer similar patency and complication rates to BVT. Thus, authors consider them as the preferred hemodialysis access when there are no suitable forearm veins to create arteriovenous fistulas.
Krishna’s Cows: ISKCON’s Animal Theology and Practice
Authors: King Anna S.
Published: October 2012

This article addresses the cultural influence of Hindu reflection on human attitudes toward animal welfare at a time of rapid globalization and worldwide environmental destruction. The hope is that it can contribute to deliberations on practical ethics across religious and cultural boundaries. It considers the extent to which existing Vaishnava resources have the potential to advance new transcultural orientations toward the protection of nonhuman forms of life by exploring what the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a monotheistic Hindu-related movement, says about the condition, purpose, and rights of animals. It analyzes whether in rejecting anthropocentric worldviews ISKCON is able to contribute to broader theological discussion about the place of animals in the world.
"Co doopravdy jest" aneb vztah teorie a praxe ve výtvarné výchově
Authors: Šobáňová P.
Published: October 2012

Článek reflektuje současnou situaci v oblasti pedagogické teorie a praxe a zvláště se přitom zaměřuje na výtvarnou výchovu, v níž se projevuje výrazná disproporce mezi teorií a edukační realitou na školách. V úvodu objasňuje, proč jsou pojmy teorie a praxe chápány jako protikladná a představuje jejich různá filosofická pojetí. Vztah teorie a praxe v pedagogice je ovlivněn tím, že teoretické konstrukty zde mají často normativní charakter, usilují o aplikaci a vliv na praxi. V napjatém vztahu teorie a praxe se výtvarná pedagogika neliší od jiných pedagogických oborů. V textu je podrobněji objasněn vliv výtvarného umění a jeho teorie na výtvarnou výchovu, popsány jsou také příklady střetů mezi teorií a praxí z historie oboru. Aktuálními problémy znemožňujícími zavádění teoretických poznatků do praxe jsou mimoběžnost obou oblastí a nedostatky v poznatkové bázi učitelství, zjištěné u učitelů výtvarné výchovy v praxi a týkající se jejich znalostí kurikula a funkčního slovníku.
Erkenntnislehre und Trinitätsspekulation bei Augustinus
Authors: Wenning Gregor K. , Geser Felix ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2012

It is the intention of this article on De Trinitate by St. Augustine to show that his doctrine is built upon applied epistemology aimed at the acquisition ofintellectus fidei. The main part of this paper explores the Augustinian search for vestigia trinitatis which reveals striking “psychological analogues” of thedivine trinity present in the human mind (Books 8-15). A mystical union with the holy trinity, however, appears impossible due to the impar imago of thehuman mind.
The Issue of Rhetoric for Christian Apologists in the Second Century
Authors: Maràs Anastasios G. ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2012

Viewing rhetoric as a product of pagan culture, the Apologists take a negative stance toward it. For Justin the art of persuasion may be useful in all areas ofpublic life but it is useless when it comes to the metaphysical truth of Christianity. The strength to teach or interpret Christianity, Justin posits, comes from God, not rhetoric. For his part, Tatian dismisses forensic rhetoric on the grounds that it often subverts Christian ethics by defending injustice, sycophancy and money-making, in effect promoting that which is not virtuous. As for Theophilus, he places greater value on the substance and meaning of Christian purposes and less on the orator’s virtuosity and linguistic means of expression.
Quia scarabaeus uel cantharus uermis est stercoris. Una glossa erasmiana nel Commentario ad Abacuc di Gerolamo
Authors: Mantelli Sincero ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2012

In the main editions of the Commentary by Jerome on the prophet Habakkuk one can read a gloss (« quia scarabaeus uel cantharus uermis est stercoris ») which cannot be found in the manuscript that is usually consulted. The codices show different readings which in most cases quote a corrupt text. Considering that the above-mentioned note does not appear in the pre-Erasmian editions one can draw the conclusion that Erasmus himself corrected the text, adding the meaningful note. To confirm what has been said one can add other corrections, perhaps less significant but which nevertheless can be equally attributed to the hand of the Rotterdam Humanist.
Autorenvarianten in Prospers De vocatione omnium gentium? Einige methodische Überlegungen
Authors: Weber Dorothea ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2012

The Author replies to a review recently published by Franco Gori in the journal Augustinianum. The point of disagreement advanced by the Author is the basic hypothesis which she finds in Gori’s essay, according to which textual variants in De vocatione omnium gentium go back to the author himself, i.e., to Prosper of Aquitaine.
Creazione dal nulla. Esegesi metafisica di Agostino a Gen. 1,1-2
Authors: Ferrisi Pietro Antonio ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2012

In Augustine's theological reflection, the biblical truth of “creation out of nothingness” becomes the dogmatic foundation of his philosophical speculation. Augustine argues that since “matter” is eternal, nothing can be derived from “nothingness”. He thus opposes the metaphysical paradigm of Christian thought which places God (“efficient cause”) and nothingness (“deficient cause”) as the origin of all existence. The “material cause” is no longer the “prime cause” of all beings but is replaced by the meontological dimension of absolute nothingness. The shifting of the metaphysical paradigm in Augustine's speculation on the revealed truth of creatio ex nihilo leads to a theoretical gain: “nothingness” becomes a philosophical foundation capable of preserving both the truth of God's absolute freedom and the negation of all pantheism.
Note sull’onnipotenza divina nell’Opera di Agostino
Authors: Della Serra Manlio ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2012

The notion of ‘omnipotence’ (potentia dei) runs through the history of medieval philosophy especially after the contribution of Augustine’s thought. Augustine thus traces ethical developments from the idea of God’s sovereignty to the construction of an order of things comparable with his power of creation. Augustine was the first Christian thinker to introduce and document the notion of potentia dei in an ethical context, proving at the same time that the ambivalence of God’s power results either from the activity of ordering, or from the impossibility of God’s duplication, or from the incapacity to destroy the world in respect to a rational configuration of laws and events.
La simbologia del monte e l'importanza del verbo ὑψόω nella « Parafrasi del Vangelo di San Giovanni » di Nonno di Panopoli
Authors: Franchi Roberta ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2012

In classical and Christian literature mountain symbolism takes many forms deriving from height and center. In so far as mountains are tall, lofty, and rise abruptly to touch heaven, they form part of the symbolism of transcendence and, in so far as they are often numinous places where the gods have revealed their presence, they share in the symbolism of manifestation. According to Gospel’s tradition, in Nonnus’ Paraphrase of St. John’s Gospel, the mountain, visible home of the invisible God, situated next to the deity on account of its high peak and solitude, takes on a symbolic value in revealing the role of Christ and his future elevation on the Cross.
Sermo sancti Augustini De eleemosyna
Authors: Drobner Hubertus R. ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2012

The article presents the first critical edition of Augustine’s Sermo Haffner 1, which is identical to Sermo Étaix 3, based on all nine known manuscripts andthe three printed editions. A thorough introduction to the transmission of the text, its variants and structure is added, also an ample apparatus fontium et testimoniorum, especially regarding the parallels from other works of St. Augustine, a German translation of the text, and a commentary on the majorpoints of interest.
Is phôtistêrion a constantinopolitan Neologism?
Authors: Voicu Sever J. ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2012

The earliest instance of φωτιστήριον « baptistery » in Antioch appears in the year 517, in a Syriac gloss to one of Severus’s homilies, perhaps in connectionwith his pastoral policies. Even if φωτιστήριον was formed according to same pattern as βαπτιστήριον, both nouns seem independent. John Chrysostom and an Antiochian Pseudo-Chrysostom do not mention at all the baptistery, but only the font (κολυμβήϑρα). The evidence indicates that during the 5th century φωτιστήριον was almost exclusively used in Constantinople and might have been created there. Some texts indicate that the word might have been the preferred name for the baptistery of a « cathedral » church, at least in Constantinople.
Missione, conversione e diffusione del cristianesimo prima di Costantino
Authors: Di Berardino Angelo ,   Instituto Patristico Augustinianum
Published: October 2012

The first generation of Christians slowly became aware that Jesus‟ message was addressed to “all nations”. It produced a movement of itinerant missionaries, which slowly decreased in number. Subsequently, the Christian mission became the responsibility of local communities. Since few pagans could read books written by Christian authors, the community gave witness through their conduct, through testimony given during trials in the forum and through martyrdom in the stadiums. Increasingly, conversions came about through bonds of friendship, kinship and personal daily contact.
Intervention communautaire et développement des communautés
Authors: Bourque Denis
Published: October 2012

L’intervention communautaire est liée aux transformations des politiques publiques, des mouvements sociaux et plus largement à celles des enjeux sociaux. La nouvelle action publique1ainsi que des initiatives privées basées sur la concertation et la mobilisation des communautés interpellent les intervenants communautaires dans leur pratique et leur éthique. La multiplication des agents de développement des communautés et l’apparition du développement de territoire invitent les intervenants communautaires à décloisonner leur pratique et à relever des défis d’un type nouveau afin de mieux soutenir les systèmes d’action collective locale ciblant les enjeux transversaux autour d’un projet de développement intégré.
Niveaux et raisons du sans-abrisme chez les Francophones dans le nord de l’Ontario
Authors: Kauppi Carol , Pallard Henri , Lemieux Suzanne , Matukala Nkosi Thomas
Published: October 2012

La prévalence du sans-abrisme et ses conséquences sociales, économiques, culturelles, ainsi que celles sur le plan de la santé constituent toujours un problème pour les gouvernants et les intervenants dans ce domaine. Cependant, il demeure difficile de définir le sans-abrisme, de dénombrer les sans-abri ou díestimer leur population et de déterminer la méthode appropriée pour étudier le sans-abrisme. En utilisant les données du projet Pauvreté, sans-abrisme et migration (2011), nous avons étudié les niveaux, expériences et raisons du sans-abrisme chez les Francophones à Timmins et à North Bay et nous les avons comparés à ceux des Anglophones et des Autochtones de ces deux communautés.
Une chaîne de valeur de la connaissance
Authors: Ermine Jean-Louis , Moradi Mahmoud , Brunel Stéphane
Published: October 2012

Cet article définit ce qu’est une chaîne de valeur de la connaissance (KVC pour « Knowledge Value Chain »), permettant de gérer les processus de transformation impliquant la connaissance dans une entreprise, afin d’en obtenir la meilleure performance possible. Il propose une définition basée sur la célèbre hiérarchie DIKW (Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom), composée de tâches intellectuelles de base. La valeur ajoutée par chaque tâche est expliquée et discutée. La KVC est ainsi interprétée comme un continuum de processus cognitifs à mettre en oeuvre pour enrichir progressivement le capital de connaissances de l’entreprise et générer de la valeur ajoutée.