bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citizenship participation in water management plans in the Doce River Basin, Brazil and Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Rabelo Desirée C. , Espluga Josep , Teixeira Edmilson C. , Brugué Quim
Published: April 2014

Despite the growing literature and empirical research on citizenship participation in the elaboration of water resources plans (WRP), little attention has been paid to the Terms of Reference (ToR) for such plans. Such a technical contract sets the targets, stages and activities to be met as part of the development of the WRP. Thus, any analysis of the participation impacts and results must follow the previously agreed terms but the ToR development may not, in itself, be participative. Examined herein are the ToR for the WRP of the Doce River Basin (Brazil) and the Catalonia Fluvial District (Spain), with focus on (i) proposals for democratising debates and decisions and (ii) the very process of ToR development. Historical and institutional aspects of both regions were analysed, which comprised participation mechanisms established by the corresponding national policies and recommended by the relevant international bodies. Despite the distinct features of the two regions, they both share the challenge of implementing a new governance model involving various stakeholders with the common goal of defining the water usage rights in a sustainable way. A comparative analysis of the two approaches revealed different approaches to tackle this challenge and highlighted advantages and disadvantages of each model.
Command-scale integrated water management in response to spatial climate variability in Lower Bari Doab Canal irrigation system
Authors: Basharat Muhammad , Tariq Ata-Ur-Rehman
Published: April 2014

Design and management of the Indus Basin Irrigation System are aimed at achieving equity in canal water supply. This concept, which is more than a century old, ignores the due aspect of groundwater management in today's perspective. Recent research has proved that variation in irrigation demand and rainfall within the irrigation units has given birth to varying stresses on groundwater. In response to spatial climate variability, reallocation of canal supplies from the head towards the tail of the Lower Bari Doab Canal (LBDC) command was evaluated in this study, with the objective of achieving equitable total irrigation costs. The ensuing groundwater regime was simulated for 50 years' time with a groundwater model. A 25% reallocation from head towards tail-end improves the standard deviation of total irrigation cost equity from 1905 to 241. This command scale integration of available water resources also demonstrated a net saving in groundwater pumping cost to the tune of 7.24 to 18.9%, in comparison with existing equitable canal supplies. With this approach, at least minimal or no waterlogging in the head-end area, even during wet years, and no groundwater mining in the tail-end, even during dry periods, are anticipated. In addition, this system-scale integrated water management would increase adaptive capacity to climate change adaptation.
Experiences with anaerobic treatment of fat-containing food waste liquids: two full scale studies with a novel anaerobic flotation reactor
Authors: Frijters C. T. M. J. , Jorna T. , Hesselink G. , Kruit J. , van Schaick D. , van der Arend R.
Published: April 2014

Fat-containing food waste can be effectively treated in a new type of reactor, the so-called BIOPAQ-Anaerobic Flotation Reactor or BIOPAQ® anaerobic flotation reactor (AFR). In the reactor a flotation unit is integrated to retain the sludge. In this study results from two plants with a 430 and 511 m3-AFR, respectively, are presented. In one reactor, which is fed with water originating from different food liquid streams, over 99% of fat and oils were removed. Over 90% of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was removed. When the last solids were removed from the effluent with a tilted plate settler, 98% COD removal was attained. The effluent concentrations of extractable hydrolysed and non-hydrolysed fats were less than 40 mg/l. Apparently the variations in the liquid streams deriving from the tank cleaning activities did not disturb the system. Only extremely high concentrations of fats could disturb the system, but the inhibition was reversible. In the reactor treating water from an ice-cream factory, which contained fats up to approximately 50% of influent COD, a COD removal efficiency of 90% was achieved. At volumetric loading rates varying from 1 to 8 kg COD/m3/d, biogas was produced at an average specific gas production of 0.69 m3/kg COD–removed.
Improving aeration control at the Ljubljana wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Vrečko D. , Zupančič U. , Babič R.
Published: April 2014

This paper describes an improvement to the aeration control at the Ljubljana wastewater treatment plant. Several changes were made to the existing aeration control. An adjustment to the parameters of the common air pressure controller contributes to a more responsive operation of the compressors. The introduction of the air pressure set-point controller adjusts the air pressure in the common air rail according to the changes in the plant load. The introduction of the airflow controllers reduces the variation in the oxygen concentrations in the aerobic reactors and, consequently, enables a reduction in the oxygen set-points. With the improved aeration control, savings of up to 10% in the electricity used for aeration are achieved on a yearly basis.
Protein from preprocessed waste activated sludge as a nutritional supplement in chicken feed
Authors: Chirwa Evans M. N. , Lebitso Moses T.
Published: April 2014

Five groups of broiler chickens were raised on feed containing varying substitutions of single cell protein from preprocessed waste activated sludge (pWAS) in varying compositions of 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0 pWAS: fishmeal by mass. Forty chickens per batch were evaluated for growth rate, mortality rate, and feed conversion efficiency (ηє). The initial mass gain rate, mortality rate, initial and operational cost analyses showed that protein from pWAS could successfully replace the commercial feed supplements with a significant cost saving without adversely affecting the health of the birds. The chickens raised on preprocessed WAS weighed 19% more than those raised on fishmeal protein supplement over a 45 day test period. Growing chickens on pWAS translated into a 46% cost saving due to the fast growth rate and minimal death losses before maturity.
Computational fluid dynamics analysis in microbial fuel cells with different anode configurations
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Kim Hongsuck , Kim Byunggoon , Yu Jaecheul
Published: April 2014

A key criterion in microbial fuel cell (MFC) design is that the bio-electrochemical reaction between bacteria and the bulk solution should occur evenly on the electrode surface in order to improve electricity generation. However, experimental optimization of MFC design over a wide range of conditions is limited. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology makes it possible to evaluate physicochemical phenomena such as fluid flows, mass transfer and chemical reaction, which can assist in system optimization. Twelve MFCs (M1–M12) with different internal structures were subjected to CFD analysis. The dead (DS) and working spaces (WS) of the anode compartment were calculated. The flow patterns of the anodic fluid varied according to the internal structures. The WS where the bio-electrochemical reaction can actually occur varied over the range of 0.14–0.57 m2. Based on the above results, the power densities were estimated under the assumption that a monolayer biofilm was formed on the electrode. M11, with 18 rectangular-type internal structures, showed the largest WS of 0.57 m2 and a theoretical maximum power density of 0.54 W/m2. Although the optimization of the MFC configuration with only CFD analysis remains limited, the present study results are expected to provide fundamental data for MFC optimization.
Opportunities for microbial electrochemistry in municipal wastewater treatment – an overview
Authors: Modin Oskar , Gustavsson David J. I.
Published: April 2014

Microbial bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) utilize living microorganisms to drive oxidation and reduction reactions at solid electrodes. BESs could potentially be used at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) to recover the energy content of organic matter, to produce chemicals useful at the site, or to monitor and control biological treatment processes. In this paper, we review bioelectrochemical technologies that could be applied for municipal wastewater treatment. Sjölunda WWTP in Malmö, Sweden, is used as an example to illustrate how the different technologies potentially could be integrated into an existing treatment plant and the impact they could have on the plant's utilization of energy and chemicals.
Improving total nitrogen removal in aeration basin retrofitted with entrapped biomass
Authors: Chao Yeong-Nan , Lin Jui-Hsien , Ng Kok-Kwang , Wu Chung-Hsin , Hong Pui-Kwan Andy , Lin Cheng-Fang
Published: April 2014

This study presented a method to upgrade existing aeration tanks to remove total nitrogen (TN). Bioplates carrying entrapped biomass were installed in an aeration basin to create anoxic/anaerobic zones where denitrification can proceed. In a reactor that coupled bioplates containing entrapped biomass (equivalent to as high as 7,500 mg/L of biomass) and an activated sludge suspension (at mixed liquor suspended solids of 1,300–2,400 mg/L), nitrification efficiency exceeded 95% for an influent wastewater containing 21–54 mg/L of NH3-N. In all cases amended with alkalinity and with or without added methanol as an electron source, TN removal was between 60 and 70%. The results demonstrated anoxic/oxic or anaerobic/anoxic/oxic processes could be incorporated in a conventional aeration basin, requiring no substantial modifications of the vessel and operation, and thus providing improved treatment in terms of nitrogen removal in the conventional suspended-growth process.
Water quality and quantity assessment of pervious pavements performance in experimental car park areas
Authors: Sañudo-Fontaneda Luis A. , Charlesworth Susanne M. , Castro-Fresno Daniel , Andres-Valeri Valerio C. A. , Rodriguez-Hernandez Jorge
Published: April 2014

Pervious pavements have become one of the most used sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) techniques in car parks. This research paper presents the results of monitoring water quality from several experimental car park areas designed and constructed in Spain with bays made of interlocking concrete block pavement, porous asphalt, polymer-modified porous concrete and reinforced grass with plastic and concrete cells. Moreover, two different sub-base materials were used (limestone aggregates and basic oxygen furnace slag). This study therefore encompasses the majority of the materials used as permeable surfaces and sub-base layers all over the world. Effluent from the test bays was monitored for dissolved oxygen, pH, electric conductivity, total suspended solids, turbidity and total petroleum hydrocarbons in order to analyze the behaviour shown by each combination of surface and sub-base materials. In addition, permeability tests were undertaken in all car parks using the ‘Laboratorio Caminos Santander’ permeameter and the Cantabrian Portable Infiltrometer. All results are presented together with the influence of surface and sub-base materials on water quality indicators using bivariate correlation statistical analysis at a confidence level of 95%. The polymer-modified porous concrete surface course in combination with limestone aggregate sub-base presented the best performance.
Assessment of impacts from various hydro-ecological factors on oxygen budgets of a regulated river: a case study of the Petchburi River, western Thailand
Authors: Sangmek Pichasit , Meksumpun Charumas
Published: April 2014

Investigations of dissolved oxygen (DO) levels and related water quality in the Petchburi River, a regulated river system in western Thailand, were conducted at 3-month intervals from May 2010 to February 2012. The results indicated generally good water quality with DO levels >4 mg L−1. Variations in water quality, particularly the DO and ammonium nitrogen levels along the river, occurred due to discharge regulation and the natural characteristics of the river. The processes which contribute to DO levels include natural saturation (ca 57–78% in the upper river section and ca 44–76% in the lower river section) and aquatic plant DO production (ca 20–36% in the upper river section and ca 24–50% in the lower river section) which is also significant, while re-aeration would be less effective. The DO contribution from pondweed (family Potamogetonaceae) was of interest because of its successional capacity. Future control of river quality will require suitable management of aquatic plant species for conservation purposes.
Lessons learnt from evaluating full-scale ammonium feedback control in three large wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Åmand L. , Laurell C. , Stark-Fujii K. , Thunberg A. , Carlsson B.
Published: April 2014

Three large wastewater treatment plants in Sweden participate in a project evaluating different types of ammonium feedback controllers in full-scale operation. The goal is to improve process monitoring, maintain effluent water quality and save energy. The paper presents the outcome of the long-term evaluation of controllers. Based on the experiences gained from the full-scale implementations, a discussion is provided about energy assessment for the purpose of comparing control strategies. The most important conclusions are the importance of long-term experiments and the difficulty of comparing energy consumption based on air flow rate measurements.
Anaerobic treatment of urban wastewater in membrane bioreactors: evaluation of seasonal temperature variations
Authors: Giménez J. B. , Martí N. , Robles A. , Ferrer J. , Seco A.
Published: April 2014

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of seasonal temperature variations on the anaerobic treatment of urban wastewater in membrane bioreactors (MBRs). To this aim, sludge production, energy recovery potential, chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and membrane permeability were evaluated in a submerged anaerobic MBR fitted with industrial-scale membrane units. The plant was operated for 172 days, between summer and winter seasons. Sludge production increased and energy recovery potential decreased when temperature decreased. COD removal and membrane permeability remained nearby stable throughout the whole experimental period.
Discrete element modelling of screw conveyor-mixers
Authors: Jovanovic Aca , Pezo Lato , Stanojlovic Sanja , Kosanic Nenad , Levic Ljubinko
Published: April 2014

Screw conveyors are used extensively in food, plastics, mineral processing,
agriculture and processing industries for elevating and/or transporting bulk
materials over short to medium distances. Despite their apparent simplicity
in design, the transportation action is very complex for design and
constructors have tended to rely heavily on empirical performance data. Screw
conveyor performance is affected by its operating conditions (such as: the
rotational speed of the screw, the inclination of the screw conveyor, and its
volumetric fill level). In this paper, horizontal, several single-pitch screw
conveyors with some geometry variations in screw blade was investigated for
mixing action during transport, using Discrete Element Method (DEM). The
influence of geometry modifications on the performance of screw conveyor was
examined, different screw designs were compared, and the effects of
geometrical variations on mixing performances during transport were explored.
During the transport, the particle tumbles down from the top of the helix to
the next free surface and that segment of the path was used for auxiliary
mixing action. The particle path is dramatically increased with the addition
of three complementary helices oriented in the same direction as screw blades
(1458.2 mm compared to 397.6 mm in case of single flight screw conveyor)
Transport route enlarges to 1764.4 mm, when installing helices oriented in
the opposite direction from screw blades. By addition of straight line blade
to single flight screw conveyor, the longest particle path is being reached:
2061.6 mm
Basic chemical composition of meat and carcass quality of fattening hybrids with different slaughter weight
Authors: Lukac Dragomir , Vidovic Vitomir , Stoisavljevic Aleksandar , Puvaca Nikola , Dzinic Natalija , Tomovic Vladimir
Published: April 2014

Meat is a very rich and universal source of nutrients. The primary importance
of meat is based especially on protein content. Optimum slaughter weight has
influence on the basic chemical composition of meat. Fattening pigs were
classified by their weight into three groups before the slaughter day. The
highest content of proteins and water was found in the part of ham and
shoulder in the group of animals at 100-110 and 111-120 kg of live weight,
respectively, while the lowest content was found in the part of neck in
animals at 121-130 kg of live weight. The highest content of intramuscular
fat and mineral substances was in animals at 121-130 kg (neck and loin),
while the lowest content was in animals at 100-110 kg live weight (ham). The
pH values were within the optimum limits (5.33 - 5.77). Differences between
the groups for the values of proteins content, mineral substance and pH
values were statistically highly significant (p<0.05; p<0.01), while for the
contents of water and intramuscular fat there were no differences (p>0.05)
between the groups.
Total and abrupt elimination of a population of Egyptian Vultures (Neophron percnopterus) on Delhi - Agra highway in India
Authors: Gupta Rohtash Chand , Kaushik Tarsem Kumar
Published: April 2014

The present work is to highlight the threats being faced by the Egyptian Vultures Neophron percnopterus (Linnaeus, 1758) in its original area including Mathura district. An isolated population of Egyptian Vultures was seen in 2007-08 spread over an area of 20-30 Kilometers home range. Actually, scores of Egyptian vultures were seen airborne gyrating in the skies at low height on the outskirts of Mathura city towards Delhi. Astonishingly, in 2008, another group of 40-50 Egyptian Vultures was seen feeding on 2-3 carcasses of Cattle on left hand side of Agra-Delhi National highway in September, 2008 towards Delhi. However, a visit in April, 2011 revealed a fatal fact, as all these birds of this population were certainly eclipsed in a short span of 3-4 years. Neither the airborne group nor the “Kosi-Kalan” village road side group was traceable. So much so, not a single bird could be sighted. In conclusion, it is boldly inferred over here that Egyptian Vultures are already in the brink of near extinctions as of in 2013, only one bird was traced on Mathura-Agra Highway.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v8i1.8084
The microbiology of Kocho: An Ethiopian Traditionally Fermented Food from Enset (Ensete ventricosum)
Authors: Karssa Tiruha Habte , Ali Kebede Abegaz , Gobena Edessa Negera
Published: April 2014

Kocho is starchy food product obtained from a mixture of the scraped pulp of pseudo stem and pulverized corm of enset plant (Ensete ventricosum). Ensete ventricosum is a drought resistant plant and can be cultivated as an alternative food source for food security problem around the globe. This study was conducted to examine the fermentation process, the microbial dynamics and the physicochemical changes that occur during traditional fermentation of kocho. Survey on kocho fermentation was carried out at three localities in the vicinity of Hawassa city, Southern Ethiopia. Matured enset plants were purchased and processed and fermented following the traditional methods practiced by the Sidama (local people living in and around Hawasa City) women. Kocho samples were taken for microbiological and physicochemical analysis. The fermentation process was conducted in two Phases: Phase I (surface fermentation or without burring) and Phase II (pit fermentation or buried in pit) under five treatment conditions (kocho dough with traditional starter culture in bucket at surface or not buried in the pit, Kocho dough without traditional starter in bucket at surface or not buried, kocho dough with traditional starter culture in bucket buried in the pit, kocho dough without traditional starter culture in bucket buried in the pit and traditional kocho fermentation in pit). At Phase I, Aerobic mesophilic counts (AMC) were varied between 3.8 and 7.8 log CFU/g in all treatments. Correspondingly lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeasts were varied between 2.3 to 9.5 and 2.1 to 8.3 log CFU/g respectively. The pH value ranged from 6.12 to 4.50. At Phase II, AMC showed decreasing trend and enterobacteriaceae were totally inhibited towards the end as pH value lowered. Inconsistent variation was observed on LAB and yeast counts. Results suggested that LAB and yeasts were identified as the major microorganisms responsible for the fermentation of kocho. The isolates need further investigation to identify to species and/or strain level and use in starter culture development.  DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v8i1.8716
Let’s act positively and progressively: both in ‘Science’ and in ‘Life’
Authors: Agrawal Ganesh Kumar , Rakwal Randeep , Sarkar Abhijit
Published: April 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v8i1.9023
The Politics of Burlesque: A Dialogue Among Dancers
Authors: Disman Adriana
Published: April 2014

Everyone’s got something to say about the politics of burlesque. For this slideshow, Editorial Assistant Adriana Disman wanted to hear from the performers themselves, and she invited dancers from across Canada to write a little about what “the politics of burlesque” mean for them. Some describe socially engaged acts, some talk about the reasons behind their decision to perform, and still others express a dedication to carving out specifically politicized space for themselves within the burlesque scene. While this slideshow strives to represent performers from different burlesque communities, it is important to point out that it not comprehensive, and more work needs to be done to represent the multiplicity of bodies and identities that appear in this genre (such as Indigenous, trans, and disabled performers).
Stuck to the Pole: Raven Virginia and the Redefinition of Burlesque in Calgary
Authors: Dunsdon Jamie
Published: April 2014

Abstract:

Raven Virginia thinks of burlesque and exotic dance as “sisters who come from the same rich and beautiful history” but cautions against confusion between the two forms. Raven and her ensemble, The Garter Girls, gained experience vocalizing the distinction between their brand of revival burlesque and the style of stripping, or “exotic dance,” performed at strip clubs when, in 2010, the provincial liquor commission categorized both performance styles as “nude entertainment” under its licensing guidelines. This article explores the impact of that decision on burlesque performance in Calgary, examines public (mis)perceptions of revival burlesque, and defines the artistic values and performance aesthetics that differentiate revival burlesque from exotic dance, using the Calgary burlesque scene as a case study. It also outlines some of the challenges of setting standards of quality within an artistic practice that has little internal hierarchy and rarely receives external review.
Influence of Co3O4 addition on the ionic conductivity and microstructural properties of yttria-stabilized zirconia (8YSZ)
Authors: Aktas Bulent , Tekeli Suleyman
Published: April 2014

In this study, 0 – 15 wt.% Co3O4 powders were added to 8 mol.% yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia (8YSZ) powders in order to determine the effect of Co3O4 addition and amount on the microstructure, sintering, and electrical properties of yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia. Colloidal processing was used to ensure uniform mixing of the powders and to obtain a homogeneous microstructure. X-ray diffraction results showed that the average lattice parameter of the yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia decreased from 5.146 Å to 5.135 Å upon Co3O4 addition, and that the lattice parameter did not change above a Co3O4 content of 1 wt.%. The initial decrease in the lattice parameter is attributable to the smaller ionic radius of Co3+ dissolved in the yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia matrix. The electrical conductivity of the specimens was measured using a frequency response analyzer in the range of 100 mHz – 13 MHz and 300 – 800 °C. Grain boundary conductivity of yttria-stabilized cubic zirconia was found to be enhanced with increasing Co3O4 addition, with the presence of electronically conductive cobalt oxide at grain boundary triple points increasing the grain boundary conductivity, due to an increase in the Co3+ and Co2+ electronic charge carrier ions.
Wear resistance and fracture mechanics of WC–Co composites
Authors: Kaytbay Saleh , El-Hadek Medhat
Published: April 2014

Manufacturing of WC–Co composites using the electroless precipitation method at different sintering temperatures of 1 100, 1 250, 1 350 and 1 500 °C was successfully achieved. The chemical composition of the investigated materials was 90 wt.% WC with 10 wt.% Co, and 80 wt.% WC with 20 wt.% Co. The specific density, densification, and Vickers microhardness measurements were found to increase with increased sintering temperature for both the WC–Co compositions. The composites of tungsten carbide with 10 wt.% Co had a higher specific density and Vickers microhardness measurements than those for the composites of tungsten carbide with 20 wt.% Co. Composites with WC-10 wt.% Co had better wear resistance. The stress–strain and transverse rupture strength increased monotonically with the increase in sintering temperatures, agreeing with the material hardness and wear resistance behavior. Fractographical scanning electron microscopy analysis of the fracture surface demonstrated a rough characteristic conical shape failure in the direction of the maximum shear stress. A proposed mechanism for the formation of the conical fracture surface under compression testing is presented.
Code of Medical Ethics: Guidelines of Bangladesh Medical and Dental Council (BMDC)
Authors: Editor The
Published: April 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v4i1.18544 Birdem Med J 2014; 4(1): 1-3
Parathyroid Hormone Status in Patients with End Stage Renal Disease on Maintenance Haemodialysis
Authors: Sajjad SM , Zaman YA , Rahim MA , Mahmuda A , Haque WMM , Uddin KN
Published: April 2014

Objective: To evaluate parathyroid hormone (PTH) status among end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on maintenance haemodialysis (MHD). Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was done in the Department of Nephrology, BIRDEM General Hospital, Dhaka, from April to September 2011. Results: A total of 50 patients were included in this study with a 3:2 male predominance. Mean age was 54.6 (range 34-76) years. Mean duration of ESRD was 3.73 years. All the patients were diabetic and other common co-morbidities were hypertension (76%), dyslipidaemia (56%), ischaemic heart disease (48%) and stroke (12%). They were receiving calcium (72%), vitamin D (40%), both calcium and vitamin D (38%) supplementation and 20% were not on any medication for treatment of chronic kidney disease mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD). Mean pre-dialysis values of urea and creatinine were 30.28 mg/dl and 8.67 mg/dl respectively. Mean (± SD) serum level of calcium, phosphate and PTH were 8.32 (±1.26) mg/dl, 4.42 (±1.54) mg/dl and 125.45±117.71 pg/ml respectively. In 76% of the study subjects, PTH level was above normal. Significant difference (P=<0.05) in PTH levels was observed among patients with and without any medication for prevention of CKD-MBD but the levels were within the acceptable range. Serum calcium level in the study subjects had significant positive relationship with serum PTH level. It was also observed that PTH level had significant negative relationship with phosphate level. Conclusion: PTH level was higher in ESRD patients on MHD specially those who were not on any medication than those who took calcium, vitamin D or both but it was still within the acceptable reference range. In such patients, serum calcium, phosphate and PTH levels should be monitored periodically. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v4i1.18547 Birdem Med J 2014; 4(1): 13-17
A Survey of Nurses Knowledge Regarding Prevention and Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcer in Bangladesh
Authors: Sharmisthas S , Wongchan P , Hathairat S
Published: April 2014

Diabetic foot ulcer is a preventable complication of diabetes. Nurses must have knowledge related to this condition so that education can be given to patients. This study aims to examine the level of nurses knowledge regarding prevention and management of diabetic foot ulcer in Bangladesh. A survey involved 218 nurses working at a national, specialized, and well-established institute of diabetic care of Bangladesh. The Nurses Knowledge Regarding Prevention and Management of Diabetic Foot Ulcer Questionnaire (NKPMDFUQ) comprising of 40 questions with 20 true/false questions and 20 multiple choice questions was used. It was content validated and tested for internal consistency and stability yielding acceptable levels of reliability. The findings revealed that nurses had very low level of knowledge (M=52.60%, SD=7.86%). The content areas most nurses did not have knowledge were detecting loss of protective sensation of the feet, caring of callus formation, encouraging patients to have activity of daily living in order to self-manage, setting a goal for prevention of amputation, and giving advice to patients that causes of diabetes is the least important element in diabetic foot care program. The findings are beneficial for establishing training courses. Consequently, quality of care for patients with diabetes will be improved. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/birdem.v4i1.18549 Birdem Med J 2014; 4(1): 22-26
Bell Length as Mutual Information in Quantum Interference
Authors: Licata Ignazio , Fiscaletti Davide
Published: April 2014

The necessity of a rigorously operative formulation of quantum mechanics, functional to the exigencies of quantum computing, has raised the interest again in the nature of probability and the inference in quantum mechanics. In this work, we show a relation among the probabilities of a quantum system in terms of information of non-local correlation by means of a new quantity, the Bell length.
Insights into Intraspecies Variation in Primate Prosocial Behavior: Capuchins (Cebus apella) Fail to Show Prosociality on a Touchscreen Task
Authors: Drayton Lindsey , Santos Laurie
Published: April 2014

Over the past decade, many researchers have used food donation tasks to test whether nonhuman primates show human-like patterns of prosocial behavior in experimental settings. Although these tasks are elegant in their simplicity, performance within and across species is difficult to explain under a unified theoretical framework. Here, we attempt to better understand variation in prosociality by examining the circumstances that promote and hinder the expression of prosocial preferences. To this end, we tested whether capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella)—a species that has previously demonstrated prosocial preferences—would behave prosocially using a novel touchscreen task. In contrast to previous studies, we found that capuchins as a group did not prosocially deliver food to a partner. Importantly however, data from control conditions revealed that subjects demonstrated limited understanding of the reward contingencies of the task. We also compared individuals’ performance in the current study with their performance in a previously published prosociality study. We conclude by discussing how continuing to explore intraspecies variation in performance on prosocial tasks may help inform debates regarding the existence of other-regarding preferences in nonhuman species.
Failure Test and Finite Element Simulation of a Large Wind Turbine Composite Blade under Static Loading
Authors: Chen Xiao , Zhao Wei , Zhao Xiao , Xu Jian
Published: April 2014

This study presented a failure analysis of a 52.3 m composite wind turbine blade under static loading. Complex failure characteristics exhibited at the transition region of the blade were thoroughly examined and typical failure modes were indentified. In order to predict multiple failure modes observed in the tests and gain more insights into the failure mechanisms of the blade, a Finite Element (FE) simulation was performed using a global-local modeling approach and Progressive Failure Analysis (PFA) techniques which took into account material failure and property degradation. Failure process and failure characteristics of the transition region were satisfactorily reproduced in the simulation, and it was found that accumulated delamination in spar cap and shear web failure at the transition region were the main reasons for the blade to collapse. Local buckling played an important role in the failure process by increasing local out-of-plane deformation, while the Brazier effect was found not to be responsible for the blade failure.
Diesel Exhaust After-Treatment by Silicon Carbide Fiber Filter
Authors: Yamamoto Kazuhiro , Matsui Kenta
Published: April 2014

To reduce particulate matter (PM) in diesel exhaust gas, a diesel particulate filter (DPF) has been developed. The thermal durability of existing platinum catalyst-supported DPFs is inadequate. We are focusing on a non-catalytic after-treatment of silicon carbide (SiC) fibers with highly thermal durability. In this study, we simulated the processes of soot deposition and oxidation. Results show that even in exhaust gas without soot, a complex flow pattern is observed. The porosity of the filter is not constant along the flow direction, and the pressure gradient varies. The friction factor is slightly larger than the predicted value by the empirical equation in uniform porous media flow. Since the soot deposition occurs inside the filter, the depth filtration by SiC fibers was confirmed. In addition, the effects of filter temperature and oxygen concentration are clearly revealed. That is, comparing the oxidation at 700 °C, the deposited soot amount at 1200 and 1400 °C is decreased by 60% and 92%, respectively. Raising the oxygen concentration from 10% to 20% increases the oxidation efficiency from 42% to 64%. Although more work is needed over a wide range of operating conditions, a combination of these two parameters is important to achieve the non-catalytic exhaust after-treatment.
Polygenic Scores Predict Alcohol Problems in an Independent Sample and Show Moderation by the Environment
Authors: Salvatore Jessica , Aliev Fazil , Edwards Alexis , Evans David , Macleod John , Hickman Matthew , Lewis Glyn , Kendler Kenneth , Loukola Anu , Korhonen Tellervo , Latvala Antti , Rose Richard , Kaprio Jaakko , Dick Danielle
Published: April 2014

Alcohol problems represent a classic example of a complex behavioral outcome that is likely influenced by many genes of small effect. A polygenic approach, which examines aggregate measured genetic effects, can have predictive power in cases where individual genes or genetic variants do not. In the current study, we first tested whether polygenic risk for alcohol problems—derived from genome-wide association estimates of an alcohol problems factor score from the age 18 assessment of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC; n = 4304 individuals of European descent; 57% female)—predicted alcohol problems earlier in development (age 14) in an independent sample (FinnTwin12; n = 1162; 53% female). We then tested whether environmental factors (parental knowledge and peer deviance) moderated polygenic risk to predict alcohol problems in the FinnTwin12 sample. We found evidence for both polygenic association and for additive polygene-environment interaction. Higher polygenic scores predicted a greater number of alcohol problems (range of Pearson partial correlations 0.07–0.08, all p-values ≤ 0.01). Moreover, genetic influences were significantly more pronounced under conditions of low parental knowledge or high peer deviance (unstandardized regression coefficients (b), p-values (p), and percent of variance (R2) accounted for by interaction terms: b = 1.54, p = 0.02, R2 = 0.33%; b = 0.94, p = 0.04, R2 = 0.30%, respectively). Supplementary set-based analyses indicated that the individual top single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) contributing to the polygenic scores were not individually enriched for gene-environment interaction. Although the magnitude of the observed effects are small, this study illustrates the usefulness of polygenic approaches for understanding the pathways by which measured genetic predispositions come together with environmental factors to predict complex behavioral outcomes.
The Activity of Nodules of the Supernodulating Mutant Mtsunn Is not Limited by Photosynthesis under Optimal Growth Conditions
Authors: Cabeza Ricardo , Lingner Annika , Liese Rebecca , Sulieman Saad , Senbayram Mehmet , Tränkner Merle , Dittert Klaus , Schulze Joachim
Published: April 2014

Legumes match the nodule number to the N demand of the plant. When a mutation in the regulatory mechanism deprives the plant of that ability, an excessive number of nodules are formed. These mutants show low productivity in the fields, mainly due to the high carbon burden caused through the necessity to supply numerous nodules. The objective of this study was to clarify whether through optimal conditions for growth and CO2 assimilation a higher nodule activity of a supernodulating mutant of Medicago truncatula (M. truncatula) can be induced. Several experimental approaches reveal that under the conditions of our experiments, the nitrogen fixation of the supernodulating mutant, designated as sunn (super numeric nodules), was not limited by photosynthesis. Higher specific nitrogen fixation activity could not be induced through short- or long-term increases in CO2 assimilation around shoots. Furthermore, a whole plant P depletion induced a decline in nitrogen fixation, however this decline did not occur significantly earlier in sunn plants, nor was it more intense compared to the wild-type. However, a distinctly different pattern of nitrogen fixation during the day/night cycles of the experiment indicates that the control of N2 fixing activity of the large number of nodules is an additional problem for the productivity of supernodulating mutants.
Asymmetric Dimethylarginine in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (ADMA in COPD)
Authors: Scott Jeremy , Duongh MyLinh , Young Aaron , Subbarao Padmaja , Gauvreau Gail , Grasemann Hartmut
Published: April 2014

l-Arginine metabolism including the nitric oxide (NO) synthase and arginase pathways is important in the maintenance of airways function. We have previously reported that accumulation of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in airways, resulting in changes in l-arginine metabolism, contributes to airways obstruction in asthma and cystic fibrosis. Herein, we assessed l-arginine metabolism in airways of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Lung function testing, measurement of fractional exhaled NO (FeNO) and sputum NO metabolites, as well as quantification of l-arginine metabolites (l-arginine, l-ornithine, l-citrulline, ADMA and symmetric dimethylarginine) using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) were performed. Concentrations of l-ornithine, the product of arginase activity, correlated directly with l-arginine and ADMA sputum concentrations. FeNO correlated directly with pre- and post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). Sputum arginase activity correlated inversely with total NO metabolite (NOx) and nitrite concentrations in sputum, and with pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV1. These findings suggest that ADMA in COPD airways results in a functionally relevant shift of l-arginine breakdown by the NO synthases towards the arginase pathway, which contributes to airway obstruction in these patients.
DNA Comet Giemsa Staining for Conventional Bright-Field Microscopy
Authors: Osipov Andreyan , Arkhangelskaya Ekaterina , Vinokurov Alexei , Smetaninа Nadezhda , Zhavoronkov Alex , Klokov Dmitry
Published: April 2014

This study was undertaken to evaluate the compatibility of Giemsa staining protocol with the comet assay. We showed, for the first time, that DNA comets can be visualized and analyzed using Giemsa staining. We generated DNA damage dose response curves for human peripheral blood lymphocytes exposed to X-ray radiation using the comet assay with either SybrGreen I or Giemsa stain. The dose response curves were fitted by linear regressions (R2 > 0.977). The SybrGreen I results showed only ~1.2-fold higher slope coefficient (method sensitivity) compared to the Giemsa results. The unexpectedly high sensitivity of Giemsa staining for the comet assay is due to the Romanowsky-Giemsa effect, the stain photo-stability and the higher resolution of bright-field imaging compared to fluorescence imaging. Our results demonstrate that Giemsa staining can effectively be used for measuring DNA damage by the comet assay. The low cost and availability of Giemsa stain makes this method affordable for any low budget research and will facilitate new applications of the comet assay in biology and medicine.
Molecular Imprinted Polymer of Methacrylic Acid Functionalised β-Cyclodextrin for Selective Removal of 2,4-Dichlorophenol
Authors: Surikumaran Hemavathy , Mohamad Sharifah , Sarih Norazilawati
Published: April 2014

This work describes methacrylic acid functionalized β-cyclodextrin (MAA-βCD) as a novel functional monomer in the preparation of molecular imprinted polymer (MIP MAA-βCD) for the selective removal of 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP). The polymer was characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) techniques. The influence of parameters such as solution pH, contact time, temperature and initial concentrations towards removal of 2,4-DCP using MIP MAA-βCD have been evaluated. The imprinted material shows fast kinetics and the optimum pH for removal of 2,4-DCP is pH 7. Compared with the corresponding non-imprinted polymer (NIP MAA-βCD), the MIP MAA-βCD exhibited higher adsorption capacity and outstanding selectivity towards 2,4-DCP. Freundlich isotherm best fitted the adsorption equilibrium data of MIP MAA-βCD and the kinetics followed a pseudo-second-order model. The calculated thermodynamic parameters showed that adsorption of 2,4-DCP was spontaneous and exothermic under the examined conditions.
The Hypothesis of “Embryonic Recall”: Mechanotransduction as Common Denominator Linking Normal Cardiogenesis to Recovery in Adult Failing Hearts
Authors: Mohl Werner , Milasinovic Dejan , Aschacher Thomas , Jusic Alem , Maimaitiaili Abudunaibi , Rattay Frank
Published: April 2014

Cardiac regeneration remains a clinical target regardless of numerous therapeutic concepts. We formulated a hypothesis claiming that periodic coronary venous pressure elevation (PICSO; Pressure controlled Intermittent Coronary Sinus Occlusion) initiates embedded, but dormant developmental processes in adult jeopardized hearts. Hemodynamics in the primitive beating heart tube is sensed transducing “mechanical” epigenetic information during normal cardiac development. In analogy mechanotransduction via shear stress and pulsatile stretch induced by periodic elevation of blood pressure in cardiac veins reconnects this dormant developmental signal, setting regenerative impulses in the adult heart. Significant increase of hemeoxygenase-1 gene expression (p < 0.001) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (p < 0.002) as well as production of VEGRF2 in experimental infarction underscores the resurgence of developmental stimuli by PICSO. Molecular findings correspond with risk reduction (p < 0.0001) in patients with acute coronary syndromes as well as observations in heart failure patients showing substantial risk reduction up to 5 years endorsing our hypothesis and preclinical experience that PICSO via hemodynamic power activates regenerative processes also in adult human hearts. These results emphasize that our proposed hypothesis “embryonic recall” claiming revival of an imbedded albeit dormant “epigenetic” process is able not only to sculpture myocardium in the embryo, but also to redesign structure in the adult and failing heart.
Non-enzymatic Hydrogen Peroxide Sensors Based on Multi-wall Carbon Nanotube/Pt Nanoparticle Nanohybrids
Authors: Miao Zhiying , Zhang Di , Chen Qiang
Published: April 2014

A novel strategy to fabricate a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) sensor was developed by using platinum (Pt) electrodes modified with multi-wall carbon nanotube-platinum nanoparticle nanohybrids (MWCNTs/Pt nanohybrids). The process to synthesize MWCNTs/Pt nanohybrids was simple and effective. Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) were generated in situ in a potassium chloroplatinate aqueous solution in the presence of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), and readily attached to the MWCNTs convex surfaces without any additional reducing reagents or irradiation treatment. The MWCNT/Pt nanohybrids were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the redox properties of MWCNTs/Pt nanohybrids-modified Pt electrode were studied by electrochemical measurements. The MWCNTs/Pt-modified electrodes exhibited a favorable catalytic ability in the reduction of H2O2. The modified electrodes can be used to detect H2O2 in the range of 0.01–2 mM with a lower detection limit of 0.3 μM at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The sensitivity of the electrode to H2O2 was calculated to be 205.80 μA mM−1 cm−2 at working potential of 0 mV. In addition, the electrodes exhibited an excellent reusability and long-term stability as well as negligible interference from ascorbic acid, uric acid, and acetaminophen.
Maritime Halophyte Species from Southern Portugal as Sources of Bioactive Molecules
Authors: Rodrigues Maria , Gangadhar Katkam , Vizetto-Duarte Catarina , Wubshet Sileshi , Nyberg Nils , Barreira Luísa , Varela João , Custódio Luísa
Published: April 2014

Extracts of five halophytes from southern Portugal (Arthrocnemum macrostachyum, Mesembryanthemum edule, Juncus acutus, Plantago coronopus and Halimione portulacoides), were studied for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and in vitro antitumor properties. The most active extracts towards the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical were the methanol extracts of M. edule (IC50 = 0.1 mg/mL) and J. acutus (IC50 = 0.4 mg/mL), and the ether extracts of J. acutus (IC50 = 0.2 mg/mL) and A. macrostachyum (IC50 = 0.3 mg/mL). The highest radical scavenging activity (RSA) against the 2,2′-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) radical was obtained in the ether extract of J. acutus (IC50 = 0.4 mg/mL) and H. portulacoides (IC50 = 0.9 mg/mL). The maximum total phenolic content (TPC) was found in the methanol extract of M. edule (147 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/g) and in the ether extract of J. acutus (94 mg GAE/g). Significant decreases in nitric oxide (NO) production were observed after incubation of macrophages with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the chloroform extract of H. portulacoides (IC50 = 109 µg/mL) and the hexane extract of P. coronopus (IC50 = 98.0 µg/mL). High in vitro cytotoxic activity and selectivity was obtained with the ether extract of J. acutus. Juncunol was identified as the active compound and for the first time was shown to display selective in vitro cytotoxicity towards various human cancer cells.