bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical and Morphological Alterations in Xylazine-Induced Pulmonary Edema*,†
Authors: Amouzadeh Hamid R. , Qualls Charles W. , Wyckoff John H. , Dzata Gladstone K. , Sangiah Subbiah , Mauromoustakos Andy , Stein Larry E.
Published: November 2009

Sprague-Dawley rats were given 42 mg/kg xylazine intramuscularly, and lungs were lavaged with phosphate-buffered saline 3, 6, and 12 hr later. Total protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), xanthine oxidase (XO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and interleukin 1 (IL-1) were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Protein concentration, LDH, XO, and TNF levels were increased (p < 0.05) in the BALF from xylazine-treated rats as compared to controls. IL-1 level was unchanged at 3 and 6 hr and was reduced (p < 0.05) at 12 hr. Another group of rats was given 42 mg/kg xylazine intramuscularly, and lungs were fixed 0.5 and 12 hr later. Histologically, severe pulmonary edema (PE) involving the alveoli and perivascular stroma was observed. Fibrin, increased numbers of eosinophils, and macrophages with foamy cytoplasm were present in the alveoli of all treated animals. Ultrastructurally, endothelial damage, characterized by thinning, detachment from basement membranes, or bleb formation, was observed. The lesions were similar in both xylazine groups, differing mainly in severity with the 12-hr group having more severe lesions than the 0.5-hr group. To determine whether endothelial injury is caused by direct toxicity of xylazine, bovine pulmonary artery endothelial cells (BPAECs) were incubated with xylazine (0.3, 3, and 30 μg) for 0.5 or 3 hr. Xylazine did not have any effects on BPAECs, as indicated by phase-contrast microscopy and dye-exclusion viability assay. These results indicate that xylazine-induced PE is due to increased permeability resulting from endothelial injury, which is not caused by direct effect of xylazine on pulmonary endothelium. While oxygen radicals and TNF are possibly involved, IL-1 does not appear to play a role in xylazine-induced PE.
The Relationship Between [Ca2+]i and Cell Death Using an In Vivo Model: A Study Using the ced-1 Mutant Strain of C. elegans
Authors: Jain Pramod T. , Chang Seung H. , Gutry Philip P. , Berezesky Irene K. , Trump Benjamin F.
Published: November 2009

The ced-1 mutant of the free-living nematode, Caenorhabitis elegans, was used to study cell injury and cell death in relation to changes in intracellular ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i). This animal, which is being genetically characterized, may prove to be extremely useful for certain toxicologic studies because of its small size, optical transparency, rapid generation time, and the morphologic and genetic data currently available. During the development of this animal, 131 of 1,090 ultimate somatic cells undergo programmed cell death. Using mutagenesis techniques, several genes responsible for this death have been identified. In this study, we have taken advantage of the ced-1 mutant in which dead cells accumulate, as they cannot be phagocytized and removed.

Although changes in [Ca 2+]i have been studied in relation to cell injury and cell death, observations have been essentially restricted to in vitro monolayer cultures because of the methodology involved. To study the relationship between changes in [Ca2+]i and injury in vivo, we selected this animal model for further study and report here the morphological changes following the effects of ionomycin treatment in relation to increases of [Ca2+]i and cell death as measured using the fluorescent probes Fluo-3/AM and propidium iodide, respectively. The technique of confocal laser scanning microscopy is ideally adapted to such measurements in these living animals, and the results can be readily correlated with those made with Nomarski differential interference contrast microscopy as well as with transmission electron microscopy. The results support previous in vitro observations and show that early increases of [Ca2+]i accompany early reactions to injury. Furthermore, the results also show that changes in this small invertebrate metazoan parallel those seen in mammalian systems, including human. Thus, the current study indicates that ced-1 C. elegans can potentially serve as an in vivo model not only for evaluating the possible temporal relationship of [Ca2+]i elevation with cell death but also for evaluating the [Ca2+]i elevation observed in relation to other phenomena and in evaluating toxic agents.
Principal Most Potent Factor in Determining School Excellence
Authors: Trump J. LLoyd
Published: November 2009

Contending that preparation programs for principals usually emphasize educational theory more than the processes of organizing improved teaching and learning environments, the author suggests that universities develop more diverse programs, offering many options.
Status of Programs for Principals
Authors: Nickerson Neal C.
Published: November 2009

Claiming that there's an aura of dissatisfaction with the present pre- and inservice programs for principals, the writer reports his findings about existing programs and suggested improvements.
Programs for the Principal
Authors: Martin Evelyn B.
Published: November 2009

A modest survey to determine the nature of existing programs to prepare school principals bears out the author's thesis that these programs should be more responsive to the needs of principals who are enmeshed in today's societal crises.
Implementing the Model
Authors: Johnson Thomas J.
Published: November 2009

This article restates briefly the design of the model developed by PSSAS and outlines in considerable detail the components of the program to prepare secondary school principals in terms of structure, content, personnel, and activity.
Simulation: It's the Real Thing
Authors: Rasmussen Gerald R. , Hughes Larry W.
Published: November 2009

In response to the criticism that preparation programs for principals are bookish and out-of-date, the writer in this article examines simulation as an effective instructional tool.
Programed Self-Renewal
Authors: Lamb Gene
Published: November 2009

America's secondary schools are where the action is, and their administrators are subject to pressure from all directions. The author addresses himself to the nature and context of the intense demand for renewal in educational administration.
Best Books of 1971 on Vocational Guidance
Authors: Hoppock Robert
Published: November 2009

Each year Mr. Hoppock undertakes to review all new books on vocational guidance, except for those devoted primarily to descriptions of occupations. The best of the books dealing with the theory and practice of vocational guidance are annotated in an annual list; this is it. Included are some earlier books not received in time for the review of 1970 publications in the March, 1971, BULLETIN.
The AsTex ®: clinimetric properties of a new tool for evaluating hand sensation following stroke
Authors: Miller KJ , Phillips BA , Martin CL , Wheat HE , Goodwin AW , Galea MP
Published: November 2009

Objectives: To investigate the clinimetric properties and clinical utility of the AsTex®, a new clinical tool for evaluation of hand sensation following stroke.

Design: The AsTex ® was administered on two occasions separated by a week to appraise test—retest reliability, and by three assessors on single occasion to establish inter-rater reliability. Pilot normative values were collected in an age-stratified sample. Clinical utility was evaluated based on ease of administration, ceiling and floor effects, and responsiveness to sensory recovery.

Participants: Test—retest (n = 31) and inter-rater (n = 31) reliability and normative values (n = 95) for the AsTex® were established in neurologically normal participants aged 18—85 years. Test—retest reliability was investigated in 22 individuals a mean of 46 months (range 12—125) post stroke and clinical utility was evaluated in an additional 24 subacute stroke participants a mean of 29.4 days (range 12—41) post stroke.

Main measure: The AsTex ®.

Results: The AsTex ® demonstrated excellent test—retest (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.98, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.97—0.99) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.73—0.87) in neurologically normal participants. Test—retest reliability of the AsTex® in individuals following stroke was excellent (ICC = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.68—0.94). The AsTex® was simple to administer, demonstrated small standard error of measurement (0.14 mm), minimal floor and ceiling effects (12.5% and 8.3%) and excellent responsiveness (standardized response mean = 0.57) in subacute stroke participants.

Conclusion: The AsTex ® is a reliable, clinically useful and responsive tool for evaluating hand sensation following stroke.
Socially Responsible Consumers: Profile and Implications for Public Policy
Authors: Antil John H.
Published: November 2009

Socially responsible consumption is an important prerequisite to successful voluntary conservation programs. This article reviews past research describing the socially responsible consumer and provides a more comprehensive profile of these consumers. Implications for the formation of public policy are discussed.
The Doctrine of Invited Misuse: A Societal Response to Marketing Promotion
Authors: Timmerman Ed , Reid Brad
Published: November 2009

Although attention to product liability has been traditionally focused on the producer, the judicial gaze is being turned with greater frequency toward marketing's participation in consumer harm. Unlike recent efforts (Morgan 1982), this article takes marketing liability beyond the limits of simply misrepresentation to a "new" problem of encouraged consumer misuse of products. In particular, the doctrine of inivited misuse represents a hallmark transition to the sharing of blame by those who promote products in a manner that invites product misuse.
Waste sludge disposal in extreme alpine environments
Authors: Rauch Wolfgang , Becker Wolfgang
Published: November 2009

The treatment and disposal of waste sludge in extreme alpine environments is a complex undertaking. This is a result of the specific climatic conditions and the limited amount of possible maintenance. The subject of this paper is the experience with on-site treatment and recycling of the sludge at five mountain refuges over a period of several years. The monitoring programme revealed that the usually applied composting process cannot guarantee complete inactivation of infectious microorganisms, however, the possible human health risk is low. Contamination of the soil on account of heavy metal fluxes from the waste sludge is not an issue.
State-of-the-art treatment processes for municipal solid waste incineration residues in Japan
Authors: Ecke H. , Sakanakura H. , Matsuto T. , Tanaka N. , Lagerkvist A.
Published: November 2009

Solid residues from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) can be categorized as air pollution control residues (AR) and bottom ash (BA). Both categories pose a particular environmental threat on account of the risk of the release of dioxins and metals. In Japan, handling of MSWI residues is of major concern and the treatment of AR prior to landfilling is stipulated. Accepted treatment techniques are melting, cementitious S/S (stabilization and solidification), stabilization with a chemical agent and acid extraction. These methods are reviewed and evaluated in this paper with respect to: quality; quantity and utilization of end products; treatment costs; energy demand and process reliability. Thermal processes are superior regarding dioxin removal as well as material recovery and reuse, but treatment costs can be as high as 60 000 ¥ t-1, i.e. one order of magnitude higher than for other processes. Cementitious S/S and chemical stabilization are characterized by the ease of operation, but the solid waste mass is increased by up to 40 and 10 wt.-%, respectively. Acid extraction is a proven and reliable technique and is inexpensive: nevertheless, it has the smallest share of the market.
Seasonal variation in bioaerosol exposure during biowaste collection and measurements of leaked percolate
Authors: Nielsen Birgitte Herbert , Nielsen Eva Møller , Breum Niels O.
Published: November 2009

The seasonal variation in waste collectors' exposure to microorganisms, endotoxin and dust was measured with personal sampling equipment. The measurement was carried out in three different combinations of storage and collection systems for biowaste: container/compactor truck (C/C), paper sack/compactor truck (P/C) and paper sack/platform truck (P/P). The maximum personal exposure was found to occur during the summer at the following median levels: total microorganisms 9.2 × 105 cells m-3, culturable fungi (moulds) 7.8 × 104 cfu m-3, Aspergillus fumigatus 2.9 × 10-3 cfu m-3 , mesophilic actinomycetes 9.0 × 102 cfu m-3, bacteria 1.0 × 104 cfu m-3, endotoxin 16 EU m -3 (1.0 ng m-3 ) and dust 0.33 mg m-3. A seasonal variation was observed for microorganisms, moulds, A. fumigatus, mesophilic actinomycetes and endotoxin (P < 0.05). The highest exposure to moulds, A. fumigatus and endotoxin occurred in the C/C system (P < 0.05) during the summer. Percolate from the biowaste was collected from the bottom of the compactor trucks. Concentrations of endotoxin ranged from 3.9 to 8.1 × 105 EU ml-1 (25 to 52 μg ml -1 ) and the microflora of the percolate was dominated by bacteria (1.2 to 2.3 × 109 cfu ml-1 ). A seasonal variation was observed for concentrations of total microorganisms, moulds and endotoxin with a maximum occurring during the summer (P < 0.05) and no differences were observed between percolate collected from the C/C and the P/C system, respectively. The high volume of percolate generated in biowaste may constitute a potential health hazard to waste collectors on account of the high concentrations of microorganisms and the risk of splashing during collection.
Report: Chemical evaluation of waste produced by a Jordanian University: a case study
Authors: Hussain Helmi H. , El-Alali Abdullah , Jiries Anwar G. , Aharonian Ghazar W.
Published: November 2009

Different chemical compounds from chemical and biological laboratories, a dry cleaning laundry, car services and a medical centre are discharged into sewers and simultaneously interfere with waste water from household activities, some of which may pass through a treatment plant and create an adverse impact. Some of these chemicals are toxic, others are known to produce toxic and carcinogenic products. It is recommended that their disposal in a municipal wastewater treatment plant is prevented by recycling these chemicals, establishing a special pretreatment programme or by separate disposal.
Thermal treatment of electrical and electronic waste plastics
Authors: Vehlow J. , Bergfeldt B. , Jay K. , Seifert H. , Wanke T. , Mark F.E.
Published: November 2009

During cocombustion tests up to 12 wt % of different types of electrical and electronic (E + E) waste plastics were added to pretreated municipal solid waste (MSW) in a test incinerator. The increased heating value improved the burnout of the bottom ashes. The level of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in the raw gas was not altered significantly by the co-combustion. Even high bromine (Br) load caused only limited concentrations of bromine containing dioxins and furans in the raw gas, which did not deteriorate the emission quality. Hence MSW combustion is a beneficial disposal route for limited amounts of certain E + E waste. Metallic components should carefully be separated prior to combustion.
Oxyanions forming elements in waste combustion- partitioning of antimony
Authors: Paoletti Francesca , Seifert Helmut , Vehlow Jürgen , Sirini Piero
Published: November 2009

Theoretical considerations attribute a high volatility in waste combustion to antimony. Experimental investigations in a test facility, including spiking experiments, indicate that a substantial amount of antimony remains in the grate ash. The competing chemical reaction controlling this behaviour is presumably the formation of antimonates. The experiments documented the expected promoting effect of fuel bed temperature and of chlorine inventory in waste on the actual thermal mobility of antimony.
Leachability and content of heavy metals in incombustible residues from resource recovery facilities
Authors: Sekito Tomoo , Tanaka Nobutoshi , Matsuto Toshihiko
Published: November 2009

The heavy metal leachability and contents of incombustible residues (IR) generated from municipal resource recovery facilities were investigated. It was found that IR from residential bulky waste have both a higher heavy metals content and heavy metals leachability than IR from incombustible residential waste. Further, eluate concentrations for lead from some IR samples were as high as those from typical municipal solid waste (MSW) fly ash. Leaching experiments using four lysimeters were performed. It was found that lead concentrations in leachate from the lysimeters containing only IR were very high, although leachate concentrations from those lysimeters containing mixtures of IR and MSW bottom ash decreased more rapidly. These findings suggest that codisposal of IR with bottom ash could significantly decrease the leachability of lead.
Windrow composting of source separated kitchen biowastes in Finland
Authors: Koivula N. , Hänninen K. , Tolvanen O.
Published: November 2009

All households in the City of Jyväskylä have been required to source-separate their wastes since June 1996. The accumulation of kitchen biowaste was about 60 kg per resident in 1997, with an efficiency of more than 75%. The residents of almost 50% of the detached houses in the city opted for small-scale composting. Ensuing kitchen biowaste was surprisingly pure: the estimated content of non-compostable material was less than 0.1 % by weight. The biowastes were composted at the Mustankorkea waste station in open windrows. Adequate aeration of the windrows was guaranteed when the initial height of the windrow was less than 1.5 m and the blending ratio for biowaste and bulking agent was one tonne of biowaste to one cubic metre of wood chips. The temperature rose to 85°C in these windrows. Carbon concentration increased slightly during 64 weeks composting, whilst the hydrogen concentration decreased. The pH and the ash content also increased during composting. As measured by pathogenic microbes (Salmonella), the biowaste composts were hygienic. In summer, the concentration of airborne microbes was high during turning of the windrows, both in the composting field and in the cabin of the wheel loader. The concentration of endotoxin in the cabin exceeded all recommended limits.
Report: Ultimate degradability of various kinds of biodegradable plastics under controlled composting conditions
Authors: Ohtaki Akihito , Nakasaki Kiyohiko
Published: November 2009

Eight kinds of biodegradable plastics were examined in controlled laboratory composting conditions for their degradability. Ultimate degradability, defined as a molar ratio of carbon loss as CO2 to the carbon contained in the plastic particles or pellets that have been added to the composting material, was calculated. The ultimate degradability of the biodegradable plastic was found to be dependent strongly on the kind of the plastic. The degradability of the eight kinds of plastics tested herein ranged from a small percentage to approximately 65% over the 8-day period of the 50°C composting.
Attenuation of landfill leachate by clay liner materials in laboratory columns, 1. Experimental procedures and behaviour of organic contaminants
Authors: Bright Mildred I. , Thornton Steven F. , Lerner David N. , Tellam John H.
Published: November 2009

The chemical attenuation of natural organic matter and 13 organic micropollutants (BTEX, aromatic hydrocarbons, pesticides, chloro-aromatic and -aliphatic compounds) in methanogenic landfill leachate by two UK clay liner materials was compared in laboratory columns over 15 months. Organic contaminant behaviour was evaluated using a first order decay transport model. Sorption of organic micropollutants by the clay liners was greater (by up to a factor of four) than expected. The organic micropollutants were degraded under different redox conditions and solute half lives varied from 4 to 112 days. Degradation of many organic micropollutants was complex and influenced by the sequential transformation of preferred substrates in the leachate. This cannot be predicted, although the results show that degradation in fieldscale liners will be extensive. Benzene was recalcitrant under the conditions and timespan (> 280 days) of the experiments. Natural organic matter (COD) behaved conservatively in the experiments. Attenuated organic contaminants were not released from the clay liners during flushing with freshwater suggesting that organic micropollutants are permanently sorbed or only slowly desorbed within the experiment. A conceptual model of liner performance is presented. Chemical attenuation of organic pollutants can be included in containment liner design to produce a dual reactive-passive barrier for landfills.
Origin of low carbon/nitrogen ratios in leachate from old municipal solid waste landfills
Authors: Trabelsi Ismail , Horibe Hideo , Tanaka Nobutoshi , Matsuto Toshihiko
Published: November 2009

The characteristics of leachate from old municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills were investigated. The leachate from three MSW landfills were analysed and the leachate from an old landfill was characterized as having low BOD and low C/ N (carbon/nitrogen) ratios. The C/N ratios and molecular size distribution of the leachate were compared with solutions of selected materials having different biodegradation stages. Low C/N ratios are commonly observed for all degraded materials, and degradation of lower molecular weight compounds reduces C/N ratio. Auto-degradation of microorganism biomass was thought to be the origin of long-term low C/N ratios of leachate. This hypothesis was confirmed by the experimental study of auto-degradation of sewage sludge.
Selected characteristics of leachate, condensate and runoff released during composting of biogenic waste
Authors: Krogmann Uta , Woyczechowski Heike
Published: November 2009

During composting, depending on the feedstock and the chosen composting technology, leachate, condensate and runoff are generated. To determine pollution loads of these liquid by-products of composting, selected chemical, physical and biological characteristics of leachates, condensates and runoff from full-scale composting facilities and lab-scale experiments were evaluated using biogenic waste (source-separated food and yard waste) as feedstock. Parameters included settleable solids, pH, conductivity, biological oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), NH+4 -N, NO3--N, NO2--N; Cl-, Zn, Pb, Cd, As and volatile fatty acids (VFA). The measurements showed that, as stipulated by German regulations, leachates and some condensates need to be pretreated before released into public sewers unless diluted with other waste streams. The effect of different biogenic waste fractions on leachate and condensate quantity and quality are described.
Isolating metal-tolerant bacteria capable of removing copper, chromium, and arsenic from treated wood
Authors: Clausen Carol A.
Published: November 2009

Bioremediation of chromated copper arsenate-treated waste wood with one or more metal-tolerant bacteria is a potential method of naturally releasing metals from treated wood fibre. Sampling eight environments with elevated levels of copper, chromium, and arsenic resulted in the isolation of 28 bacteria with the capability of releasing one or more of the components from chromated copper arsenate-treated wood. The isolates represent 13 species of 8 different genera of soil-inhabiting bacteria. Three isolates, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus FN02, Aureobacterium esteroaromaticum VV03, and Klebsiella oxytoca CC08, were able to release 98% of the chromium, which is the most difficult component of chromated copper arsenate to remove from treated wood. Bacillus licheniformis CC01 released the highest percentage of copper, 93%, from treated wood. Eleven isolates, including Bacillus licheniformis CC01 and Acinetobacter calcoaceticus FN 02, released 44% to 48% of the arsenic.
Statistical analysis of patterns of PCDDs and PCDFs in stack emission samples and identification of a marker congener
Authors: Fiedler H. , Lau C. , Eduljee G.
Published: November 2009

Samples from three major categories of thermal sources, namely municipal solid waste incinerators, hazardous waste incinerators and the iron and steel industry, were evaluated for common patterns of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans. The major contributors to the total of the 17 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners and to the I-TEQ were identified. It was found that Cl8DD was the most abundant congener in most samples. However, the highest contribution to the toxic equivalent (1-TEQ) was attributable to 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF. More than 30% of the TEQ was a result of the presence of this congener. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed that the emission pattern from the iron and steel industry were slightly different from those of the waste incineration. It was not possible to differentiate between emissions from municipal solid waste and hazardous waste incinerators. Linear regression identified 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF as a potential marker analyte to predict I-TEQ concentrations of emission samples. However, whilst in theory such correlations may open new possibilities for application of screening techniques to predict the total I-TEQ of a sample of known origin by determining a single marker congener or surrogate compound, the study suggests that a screening technique based on the direct measurement of the total I-TEQ of a sample is likely to offer a more robust conceptual foundation for PCDD/F screening.
Report: energy from waste plants - statistics 1993-96
Authors: Haukohl Jørgen
Published: November 2009

This report presents the findings of the International Solid Waste Association's (ISWA) state-of-the-art report on Energy from Waste - Statistics 1993-96, a statistical survey of waste incineration in the member countries of ISWA's Working Group on Thermal Treatment of Waste. The method applied to collect data is described, the data obtained presented and conclusions drawn. Moreover, the paper includes a discussion of recent developments within waste incineration in Europe.
Kinetic analysis of forced aeration composting- I. Reaction rates and temperature
Authors: Bari Quazi H. , Koenig Albert , Tao Guihe
Published: November 2009

The kinetics of the forced aeration composting process operated under different aeration modes was studied using two specifically designed heat insulated closed pilot-scale reactors. Five pilot-scale composting tests using fresh mixture of organic solid waste were performed. The modes of aeration applied were upflow, downflow, alternate upflow/downflow, and internal air recirculation. Temperatures at different heights of the composting mass and air velocity were continuously monitored. Air flow was continuous or intermittent depending on temperature. Kinetic analysis showed that (i) temperature dependence of the reaction rates of all different aeration mode composting tests clearly followed the Arrhenius equation; (ii) the degradation of organic solids could be quantitatively predicted using the first order reaction model; and (iii) extent of degradation in the composting mass could be predicted on the basis of outlet air temperature instead of internal temperature of the composting mass.
Economics of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from solid waste in Lebanon
Authors: EI-Fadel M. , Sbayti H.
Published: November 2009

Global climate change has been one of the challenging environmental concerns facing policy makers over the past decade. The characterization of the wide range of greenhouse gas (GHG) emission sources and sinks, as well as their behavior in the atmosphere, remains a continuing activity in many countries. Solid waste is considered a source of greenhouse gas emissions owing to microbial decomposition of organic materials, which constitute the greater portion of solid waste. The extent of these emissions is highly dependent on waste management practices. In many countries, landfills remain an essential part of any waste management system and often the only economic form of municipal solid waste disposal. This paper describes solid waste management practices in Lebanon, estimates the corresponding current and future greenhouse gas emissions from this sector, and proposes mitigation alternatives to reduce these emissions. An economic assessment of these alternatives in the context of characteristics specific to the country is also presented in terms of equivalent cost of emission reduction.
Prediction of PCDDs/PCDFs emissions from municipal incinerators by genetic programming and neural network modeling
Authors: Chang Ni-Bin , Chen W.C.
Published: November 2009

The potential emissions of PCDDs/PCDFs from municipal incinerators have received wide attention in the last decade. Concerns were frequently addressed in the scientific community with regard to the aspects of health risk assessment, combustion criteria, and the public regulations. Without accurate prediction of PCDD/PCDF emissions, however, reasonable assessment of the health risk and essential appraisal of the combustion criteria or public regulations cannot be achieved. Previous prediction techniques for PCDD/PCDF emissions were limited by the linear models based on a least-square-based analytical framework, such that the inherent non-linear features cannot be explored via advanced system identification techniques. Recent development of genetic algorithms and neural network models has resulted in a dramatic growth of the use of non-linear structure for optimization and prediction analyses. Such approaches with the inherent thinking of artificial intelligence were found useful in this study for the identification of non-linear structure in relation to the PCDD/PCDF emissions from municipal incinerators. Examples were drawn from the emission test of PCDDs/ PCDFs through the flue gas discharge from several municipal incinerators in both Europe and North America. Although the neural network model may exhibit better predictive results based on the performance indexes of percentage error and mean square error, model structure cannot be directly identified and expressed for illustrating the possible chemical mechanism with respect to the PCDD/PCDF emissions. However, the tree-structured genetic algorithms, or so-called genetic programming, can rapidly screen out those applicable non-linear models as well as identify the optimal system parameters simultaneously in a highly complex system based on a small set of samples.
Characterization of automotive shredder residues from two shredding facilities with different refining processes in Sweden
Authors: Börjeson L. , Löfvenius G. , Hjelt M. , Johansson S. , Marklund S.
Published: November 2009

Strict legislation imposing producer responsibility on car manufacturers, introduced in 1998 in Sweden, has prompted a search for new alternatives for recycling organic materials in end-of-life vehicles (ELVs), i.e. the automotive shredder residue (ASR). The recovery of materials from ELVs must increase from the present 70 to 75%, to 95% by 2015. The aim of this study was to characterize material other than ferrous components, i.e. the (automotive) shredder residue [(A)SR] and the non-ferrous (NF), material in order to investigate its suitability for energy recovery. The results show that the good heat value of the material gives it potential, but high levels of metals and chlorinated compounds may cause problems. Levels of elements, metals and polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/furans (PCDD/ F), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and polychlorinated benzenes (PCBz) in the ASR were also analysed, and the results are described and discussed.
Leachability of heavy metals from scrap dirt sampled at two scrap iron and metal recycling facilities
Authors: Jensen D.L. , Holm P.E. , Christensen T.H.
Published: November 2009

Column and batch leaching experiments were performed to quantify leaching of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn) from scrap dirt representing different activities at two iron scrap and metal recycling facilities. The scrap dirt is often found directly upon the bare unprotected soil at recycling facilities. In most cases the leaching of heavy metals was modest, within five times the leaching from reference soils, and the concentrations were usually within a factor of 2 of drinking water criteria. The high pH of the scrap dirt samples seemed to control the leaching. However, scrap dirt from car battery salvage locations was different, showing lower pH and significant leaching of lead (up to 8000 μg Pb 1-1), cadmium (up to 40 μg Cd 1-1), and zinc (up to 2000 μg Zn 1-1). The column and batch leaching experiments gave comparable results at the order of magnitude level, and both approaches are, at that level, useful for evaluation of leaching potentials from scrap dirt. The experiments showed that scrap dirt at recycling facilities constitutes only a modest leaching problem, but a long-term soil pollution problem from a land-use perspective. Leaching experiments with compost solution indicated that covering of the scrap dirt with an organic rich dressing for vegetation support would dramatically increase the leaching of heavy metals.
The effects of climate and waste composition on leachate and gas quality: an updated report of work in South Africa
Authors: Blight G.E. , Fourie A.B. , Morris J.W.F. , Rohrs L.H.
Published: November 2009

A recent paper in WMR reported research related to South Africa's graded requirements for landfilling practice (Blight et al. 1999). The paper covered experimental periods of up to 865 days for certain of the field tests, but only up to 140 days for others. This report updates the experimental data to the end of 1999, an additional time of 700 days or 2 years. Only tentative conclusions had been possible in the original paper. The additional period of observation and measurement has enabled firmer conclusions to be reached.
Policy incentives to minimize generation of municipal solid waste
Authors: Taylor Donald C.
Published: November 2009

Municipal solid waste minimization involves decisions by product manufacturers, government institutions, private businesses, and householders to reduce the amount of waste placed in the waste stream ('source-reduction') and to divert waste entering the waste stream toward benign purposes ('waste diversion') - rather than toward disposal through incineration or landfilling. Three basic types of policy incentives can be used to prompt waste generators, handlers, and managers to minimize waste generation: command-and-control regulations, social-psychological incentives, and economic incentives. The likelihood of command-and-control regulations being successfully implemented depends importantly on the social-psychological and economic incentives for waste minimization provided in the regulations. Experience from various parts of the world shows that, when such incentives are provided, agencies and individual householders can learn to change their attitudes and behavior toward generation and disposal of waste. However, fully achieving this result will require considerable time and much purposeful attention to the wide array of interrelated matters required in minimizing waste generation.
Comparison of dispersion models for assessing odour from municipal solid wastes
Authors: Hobbs Stephen E. , Longhurst Philip , Sarkar Ujjaini , Sneath Robert W.
Published: November 2009

This paper assesses the dispersion of odour from a waste transfer station in the North London area, UK. The basic models used for analysing the extent of dispersion were UK-ADMS (version 1.5) and US-EPA's MPTER (A Multiple Point Gaussian Dispersion Algorithm with Optional Terrain Adjustment). The two models have been extensively run for various meteorological conditions and source values based on site measurements. It has been observed that the two models compare very well at distances downwind greater than 500 m within a range of 29.0% to 40.0% up to 3.0 km. The two models differ substantially near the source; the physics of UK-ADMS representing the scenario better close to the source. The results indicate that with a wind velocity of 5.0 m s-1 the mean odour level, in odour units (ou), can fall down sharply from 1695.0 ou m-3 at the source to 0.5 ou m-3 at about 1.5 km from the source along the centreline.

A dynamic dilution olfactometer with six panellists was used to characterize the odour strength of the source. Simultaneously, an intensity test was used to assess the number of times the odour would need to be diluted to achieve a reasonable expectation of 'no complaints' from the site operations. Measurements of intensity were determined by a 'sniffing' panel using a subjective scale (usually 0 to 6) from very faint to very strong. It has been observed that the emitted odour intensity reduces from a distinct odour to a faint odour as the odour concentration decrease from 10 to 4 ou m-3 and these levels are greatly exceeded at the point of emission. According to calculations, an odour intensity of 6 ou m-3 averaged for 15 min could be expected up to a distance of 470.0 m downwind along with a crosswind spread of + 80.0 m to - 80.0 m about a source of strength 1695.0 ou m-3 and average wind velocity of 5 m s-1.
Fuzzy controller design for municipal incinerators with the aid of genetic algorithms and genetic programming techniques
Authors: Chang Ni-Bin , Chen W.C.
Published: November 2009

Mass bum waterwall incinerator has been the most widely used technology for processing the municipal solid waste (MSW) streams in many metropolitan regions since 1970. Not only the heterogeneity of physical composition and chemical property of the MSW but also the complexity of combustion mechanism would significantly influence the performance of waste incineration. As a result, a successful operation requires an advanced combustion control system for handling many uncertain factors. Conventional automatic combustion control (ACC) technology was found to be insufficient to handle such a highly nonlinear system. The successful applications of those intelligent combustion control (ICC) technologies, such as fuzzy control technology, for reducing the operational risk have received wide attention in recent years. This paper illustrates the principles, algorithms, and application potentials of the genetic fuzzy controller that is particularly designed for improving the traditional fuzzy control logic with the aid of genetic algorithms/genetic programming techniques. Practical implementation of this methodology was assessed by a simulation analysis based on three representative types of mass bum waterwall incinerators in Taiwan. It indicates that the quality of combustion control in those three municipal incinerators can be possibly enhanced via the use of genetic fuzzy control logic. The application of such a hybrid fuzzy control technology can be easily extended to many other types of industrial incinerators, such as modular, rotary kiln, and fluidized bed incinerators, by a slightly different approach.
The role of aerobic activity on refuse temperature rise, I. Landfill experimental study
Authors: Lefebvre X. , Lanini S. , Houi D.
Published: November 2009

The temperature field in a landfill situated in the south of France has been characterized and analysed. Sixty-four probes, measuring temperature and gas composition, were placed directly in municipal solid waste during the filling of a 200 000-m 3 cell and the spatial and temporal temperature variations recorded. The average temperature increase was about 20°C. It occurred within the first 20 days. The thermal properties of the waste (conductivity and diffusivity) were measured with a thermal shock probe. A heat balance shows the predominant role of oxygen diffusion and aerobic reactions in the rising temperature.
Design and construction of engineered municipal solid waste landfills in Thailand
Authors: Ashford Scott A. , Visvanathan C. , Husain Nasir , Chomsurin Cheema
Published: November 2009

A research effort to document and evaluate the standard of practice of municipal solid waste (MSW) landfill disposal in Thailand was conducted. A survey of 114 MSW disposal sites indicates that over 50% of the sites are considered to be open dumps, although operational improvements are being implemented through the use of soil covers. Ten of 12 engineered MSW landfills located in Thailand, designed by both the public and private sector within the last 4 years, were evaluated for design methods and construction practices. Results indicate that the current practice of engineered MSW landfill design in Thailand is approaching internationally accepted standards. However, there are a number of ways that the current practice of MSW landfill design could be improved, particularly in the development of improved specifications for the construction of compacted clay liners.
Biostabilization of mechanically separated municipal solid waste fraction
Authors: Adani Fabrizio , Scatigna Luca , Genevini Pierluigi
Published: November 2009

Municipal solid waste was processed by a mechanical-biological end composting process both in pilot and full-scale plants. The organic fraction obtained by mechanical treatment (fraction → < 50 mm) was processed at a high composting rate for 37 days followed by a curing phase of 79 days. Process parameters were registered and kept in an optimal range (oxygen > 140 ml 1-1, temperature < 65°C, moisture > 500 g kg-1 w.w.). After the high-rate phase, the products obtained showed a high degradation coefficient and good biological stability (ΔVS = - 54.75% and -35.35%, DRI = 300 and 500 mg O 2 kg-1 VS h-1, respectively, for pilot and full-scale plants) especially for the pilot plant, indicating that it is not possible to obtain the same performance for a full-scale plant as obtained under laboratory conditions. Nevertheless, the successive curing phase showed less of a discrepancy between the two processes (ΔVS = - 66.33% and -56.87%, DRI = 280 and 360 mg O2 kg-1 VS h-1, respectively, for pilot and full scale plants). The quality of the stabilized product was tested by biogas production tests. As expected, a sample processed in the pilot plant produced less biogas (26 1 kg TS-1) than that obtained at full scale (40 1 kg TS-1). An unprocessed sample produced less biogas owing to the production of organic acids, which, by lowering the pH, inhibit the generation of gas.
Hot water separation process for copper and insulating material recovery from electric cable waste
Authors: Sheih Shing-Wen , Tsai Min-Shing
Published: November 2009

Recycling in the electric cable industry, especially the complete separation of metal and insulating material for reuse, has always been a problem. The present processes to recover copper and insulating material from cable waste involve the grinding of cables into smaller pieces to improve metal liberation from the insulating material. The method results in fine thread-shaped metal wedges in the insulating material, which prevents the re-use of the insulating material. A 'hot water separation process' was used to recover metal and insulating material from cable waste, with no need to grind the cable into smaller pieces to improve the liberation of copper from the insulating material. Based on the differences in coefficient of thermal expansion of the insulating material and copper, the cables are cut into a suitable length and placed into a blender with hot water. The insulating material and copper are separated and collected individually. By controlling the water temperature, blending speed and cutting length, complete separation can be achieved. This process is suitable for recycling many types of cable waste, including oil-containing wires, which are usually more difficult to recover.
CCA removal from treated wood using a dual remediation process
Authors: Clausen Carol A.
Published: November 2009

Novel approaches to remediate chromated-copper-arsenate (CCA)-treated waste wood are needed to divert this material from landfills. In this study, CCA-treated wood wafers were treated with a two-step remediation process to remove copper, chromium and arsenic. Process conditions, involving an acid extraction and bacterial culture with a metal-tolerant bacterium, were optimized. It was determined that 18 h of exposure to 1.0% oxalic acid was an optimal exposure time for the size of wood used in this study. Oxalic acid concentration was then varied to determine optimal concentration for metal removal. Increasing concentrations of oxalic acid removed increasing quantities of copper, chromium and arsenic. Acid extraction at 0.80% and bacterium exposure resulted in a total reduction of 78% copper, 97% chromium and 93% arsenic. An 0.8% of oxalic acid followed by bacterial culture with Bacillus licheniformis CC01 afforded the best conditions for maximum removal of copper, chromium, and arsenic from treated wood with minimal exposure of the wood fiber to acid conditions.
Alternative MSW treatment options to reduce global greenhouse gases emissions - the Israeli example
Authors: Ayalon Ofira , Avnimelech Yoram , Shechter Mordechai
Published: November 2009

In order to comply with the Kyoto Protocol agreements, Israel has to assess all the sources contributing to greenhouse gases (GHG) and analyze the alternative options to reduce these emissions. The waste sector in Israel contributes 13% of total GHG emissions for a time horizon of 100 years (for a time horizon of 20 years, the waste sector contribution equals more than 25% of total GHG emissions). Mitigation options from the waste sector, as well as the costs associated with each alternative, show that the most cost-effective means to treat the degradable organic components of waste is by aerobic composting (investment of less than 10 US$ to reduce emission of 1 t of CO2 equivalent per year).

The environmental basis for regulating landfill gas (LFG) flares should be based on the potential damage of GHG emitted from landfills. The economic rational in the additional investment needed to recover energy from the LFG will be partially covered by income from energy sales. The ultimate goal is to minimize the amount of methane by converting it to CO2; this can be done most effectively by incineration. But, compared with other technologies, this is the most expensive option.

Steps taken to minimize GHG emission from the waste sector should play a significant role in the short- and medium-term. The considerations used here apply to many other countries worldwide as well. It seems that a proper waste management may be one of the immediate and available means to mitigate GHG in the short- and medium-term.
A survey of recycling behaviour in households in Kiruna, Sweden
Authors: Vencatasawmy Coomaren P. , Öhman Marianne , Brännström Thomas
Published: November 2009

The disposal of solid waste is quickly becoming a severely logistic and costly problem in many countries. While Sweden is usually considered to have a fairly successful recycling programme, this varies from region to region. This paper is an initial attempt at characterizing this regional variation. In this study, the recycling behaviour of a representative sample of 1193 individuals from Kiruna, the northern most municipality of Sweden, is investigated. It is observed that the propensity to recycle differs from the results obtained by other studies in different municipalities. Some potential reasons for this are mentioned. The data in this study are analysed using simple descriptive analysis and recycling behavioural models are estimated using logistic regressions. It was found that many socio-economic factors, such as sex, marital status, number of children, type of house one lives in, house ownership, location of where one lives (within town or outside town), size of house, employment status and salary, were not significant in explaining recycling behaviours of most components of wastes.