bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syed Muhammad Naquib al-Attas’ Semantic Reading of Islam as Din
Authors: Widodo Aris
Published: October 2013

This article presents Syed Muhammad Naquib Al-Attas’ opinion on the scope of Islam --a discourse that has become a hot issue among Muslim scholars since fourteen centuries ago and strongly reappeared along with the presence of a work of an orientalist, H.A.R. Gibb. According to Al-Attas, semantic approach is the best way to figure out whether Islam only touches upon religious matters or also includes a notion of civilization, because it is through this approach that the connotation of Islam will become clearer. As Islam is explicitly mentioned in the Quran as din, so the best way to identify the scope of Islam is to study the word-focus of din from semantic approach. From this approach, Al-Attas concludes that Islam as din includes the connotation of civilization, as the word din is closely related to the word madinah, a word that is also closely related to the word tamaddun (civilization). In addition to presenting Al-Attas’ ideas, the writer of this article also gives a critical remark on Al-Attas’ contention that din (religion) and dayn (debt) are closely related as the two words have the same root: dana. According to the writer, this opinion is not even supported by Quranic verses, which become the basis for Al- Attas’ semantic construction. Qur’an itself speaks of the two words, din and dayn, in clearly two different connotations.
A Study of the Middle Construction
in English with Special Reference to
Learner’s Dictionaries
Authors: Zhu Xiaoli , Chen Guohua
Published: October 2013

Although the middle construction has attracted significant attention from syntacticians, its
identity still remains controversial and it is not treated as a separate grammatical category in
any English learner’s dictionary. This article, based on the data collected from three English
learner’s dictionaries, investigates the middle construction in terms of its syntactic and
semantic properties and the constraints on its use. It shows that the three learner’s dictionaries
treat the middle construction in inconsistent and problematic manners. The middle use of
a verb is not distinguished from either transitive verbs with an implicit object or intransitive
verbs, which may hinder English learners’ acquisition of the construction. The article proposes
that middle verbs should be treated as a separate subcategory of verbs on a par with transitive
and intransitive verbs so that learners will become more aware of them and learn to use them
correctly.
A theoretical and experimental study of the circular sawing process
Authors: Hellström Lisbeth M. , Biller Sven-Olov , Edvardsson Sverker , Gradin Per A.
Published: October 2013

To gain further insight into the energy dissipation during the wood sawing process, a theoretical model has been developed. The model is based on the assumption that there are two basic causes for energy dissipation during sawing: the creation of a new surface and the compression of material below a saw tooth. It is assumed that both contributions can be dependent on the cutting angle (the angle between the fiber direction and the tangent to the path followed by a saw tooth) because a saw tooth changes its angle of attack during its way through a log. To determine this dependence of the dissipation on the cutting angle, a series of experiments with pine plank sawing were performed by means of different feeding rates and cutting angles while the electrical power supplied to the saw was measured. The parameters in the theoretical model were derived from the experimental findings. Finally, two tests were carried out under different conditions with respect to thickness and cutting angles and the validity of the model was confirmed concerning the prediction of the electrical power consumption.
The effect of round-off error on long memory processes
Authors: La Spada Gabriele , Lillo Fabrizio
Published: October 2013

We study how the round-off (or discretization) error changes the statistical properties of a Gaussian long memory process. We show that the autocovariance and the spectral density of the discretized process are asymptotically rescaled by a factor smaller than one, and we compute exactly this scaling factor. Consequently, we find that the discretized process is also long memory with the same Hurst exponent as the original process. We consider the properties of two estimators of the Hurst exponent, namely the local Whittle (LW) estimator and the detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA). By using analytical considerations and numerical simulations we show that, in presence of round-off error, both estimators are severely negatively biased in finite samples. Under regularity conditions we prove that the LW estimator applied to discretized processes is consistent and asymptotically normal. Moreover, we compute the asymptotic properties of the DFA for a generic (i.e., non-Gaussian) long memory process and we apply the result to discretized processes.
Espectros en el archivo
Authors: Vázquez Juan de Dios
Published: October 2013

Este artículo estudia la novela Cementerio de papel (2002) donde se teje un thriller detectivesco en torno a un asesinato sucedido bajo la cúpula del Archivo General de la Nación (Lecumberri). Con el traslado y la apertura de los expedientes de la antigua Dirección Federal de Seguridad retornan a la antigua prisión las viejas víctimas y sus victimarios, sólo que ahora en forma de espectros del pasado. La obra se mueve, así, dentro del binomio cárcel/archivo, presentando a Lecumberri como un espacio vivo desde donde empezar una búsqueda por la justicia y la verdad, sin caer en la melancolía o el victimismo.

This essay examines the novel Cementerio de Papel [Paper Cemetery] (2002), a detective thriller about a murder that took place under the dome of the Archivo General de la Nación [National General Archive] (Lecumberri). The relocation and opening of the files of the former Dirección Federal de Seguridad [Federal Security Bureau] in the former prison comes along with the return of victims and victimizers, only now they come back as ghosts of things past. The novel works with the binomial jail/archive, featuring Lecumberri as a live space from which to begin a search for justice and truth, without sinking into melancholy or victimhood.
Genome of Drosophila suzukii, the Spotted Wing Drosophila
Authors: Chiu Joanna C , Jiang Xuanting , Zhao Li , Hamm Christopher A , Cridland Julie M , Saelao Perot , Hamby Kelly A , Lee Ernest K , Kwok Rosanna S , Zhang Guojie , Zalom Frank G , Walton Vaughn M , Begun David J
Published: October 2013

Drosophila suzukii Matsumura (spotted wing drosophila) has recently become a serious pest of a wide variety of fruit crops in the United States as well as in Europe, leading to substantial yearly crop losses. To enable basic and applied research of this important pest, we sequenced the D. suzukii genome to obtain a high-quality reference sequence. Here, we discuss the basic properties of the genome and transcriptome and describe patterns of genome evolution in D. suzukii and its close relatives. Our analyses and genome annotations are presented in a web portal, SpottedWingFlyBase, to facilitate public access.
Identification and Characterization of FGF2-Dependent mRNA: microRNA Networks During Lens Fiber Cell Differentiation
Authors: Wolf Louise , Gao Chun S , Gueta Karen , Xie Qing , Chevallier Tiphaine , Podduturi Nikhil R , Sun Jian , Conte Ivan , Zelenka Peggy S , Ashery-Padan Ruth , Zavadil Jiri , Cvekl Ales
Published: October 2013

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling regulate a wide range of cellular functions, including cell specification, proliferation, migration, differentiation, and survival. In lens, both these systems control lens fiber cell differentiation; however, a possible link between these processes remains to be examined. Herein, the functional requirement for miRNAs in differentiating lens fiber cells was demonstrated via conditional inactivation of Dicer1 in mouse (Mus musculus) lens. To dissect the miRNA-dependent pathways during lens differentiation, we used a rat (Rattus norvegicus) lens epithelial explant system, induced by FGF2 to differentiate, followed by mRNA and miRNA expression profiling. Transcriptome and miRNome analysis identified extensive FGF2-regulated cellular responses that were both independent and dependent on miRNAs. We identified 131 FGF2-regulated miRNAs. Seventy-six of these miRNAs had at least two in silico predicted and inversely regulated target mRNAs. Genes modulated by the greatest number of FGF-regulated miRNAs include DNA-binding transcription factors Nfib, Nfat5/OREBP, c-Maf, Ets1, and N-Myc. Activated FGF signaling influenced bone morphogenetic factor/transforming growth factor-β, Notch, and Wnt signaling cascades implicated earlier in lens differentiation. Specific miRNA:mRNA interaction networks were predicted for c-Maf, N-Myc, and Nfib (DNA-binding transcription factors); Cnot6, Cpsf6, Dicer1, and Tnrc6b (RNA to miRNA processing); and Ash1l, Med1/PBP, and Kdm5b/Jarid1b/Plu1 (chromatin remodeling). Three miRNAs, including miR-143, miR-155, and miR-301a, down-regulated expression of c-Maf in the 3′-UTR luciferase reporter assays. These present studies demonstrate for the first time global impact of activated FGF signaling in lens cell culture system and predicted novel gene regulatory networks connected by multiple miRNAs that regulate lens differentiation.
Every Week Counts
Authors: Budin Wendy C. , Budin Wendy C.
Published: October 2013

In this column, the editor of The Journal of Perinatal Education discusses implications for reducing the incidence of nonmedically indicated deliveries before full-term. The editor also describes the contents of this issue, which offer a broad range of resources, research, and inspiration for childbirth educators in their efforts to promote, support, and protect natural, safe, and healthy birth.
Don’t Rush Me . . . Go the Full 40: AWHONN’s Public Health Campaign Promotes Spontaneous Labor and Normal Birth to Reduce Overuse of Inductions and Cesareans
Authors: Bingham Debra , Ruhl Catherine , Cockey Carolyn Davis
Published: October 2013

Don’t Rush Me . . . Go the Full 40 is a grassroots public health campaign from the Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nursing (AWHONN) that educates women about the physiologic benefits of full-term pregnancy for themselves and their babies. GoTheFull40.com seeks to increase the percentage of women who complete at least 40 weeks of pregnancy, decrease the percentage of women who choose elective induction or elective cesarean surgery, and increase nurses’ and other pregnancy-care providers’ effectiveness in reducing the number of elective inductions and cesarean surgeries. Childbirth educators and other pregnancy providers are asked to share the campaign with women in preconception and prenatal settings to encourage waiting for spontaneous labor leading to full-term births when all is healthy and well with the mother and fetus.
The Cesarean Decision Survey
Authors: Puia Denise M.
Published: October 2013

A descriptive study design was used to describe the decision of women having a cesarean surgery. The Cesarean Birth Decision Survey was used to collect data from 101 postpartum women who underwent a cesarean. Most of the surgeries were to primipara women who reported doctor recommendation and increased safety for the baby as the main reasons for the cesarean. Those women who had repeat cesarean surgery all cited their previous cesarean as the main reason for the current surgery. Women’s knowledge of cesarean surgery needs to be assessed early in pregnancy so that appropriate education may be provided. Accurate and ongoing information may decrease the number of women choosing a cesarean surgery.
Evidence-Based Maternity Care: Can New Dogs Learn Old Tricks?
Authors: Curl Marilyn , Lothian Judith A.
Published: October 2013

In this article, a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator describes her efforts to change the culture of birth in a community hospital in a small Midwestern town. Her experience highlights the challenges and the frustrations involved in creating change. The authors reflect on ways to enhance the success of change and advocacy strategies.
Incorporating Severity and Risk as Factors to the Fardal Cost‐Effectiveness Model to Create a Cost–Benefit Model for Periodontal Treatment
Authors: Martin John A. , Fardal Øystein , Page Roy C. , Loeb Carl F. , Kaye Elizabeth Krall , Garcia Raul I. , Linden Gerard J.
Published: October 2013

Background: A previously described economic model was based on average values for patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis (CP). However, tooth loss varies among treated patients and factors for tooth loss include CP severity and risk. The model was refined to incorporate CP severity and risk to determine the cost of treating a specific level of CP severity and risk that is associated with the benefit of tooth preservation.

Methods: A population that received and another that did not receive periodontal treatment were used to determine treatment costs and tooth loss. The number of teeth preserved was the difference of the number of teeth lost between the two populations. The cost of periodontal treatment was divided by the number of teeth preserved for combinations of CP severity and risk.

Results: The cost of periodontal treatment divided by the number of teeth preserved ranged from (US) $1,405 to $4,895 for high or moderate risk combined with any severity of CP and was more than $8,639 for low risk combined with mild CP. The cost of a three‐unit bridge was $3,416, and the cost of a single‐tooth replacement was $4,787.

Conclusion: Periodontal treatment could be justified on the sole basis of tooth preservation when CP risk is moderate or high regardless of disease severity.
Serum Anticardiolipin Concentrations in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis Following Scaling and Root Planing
Authors: Chaston Reve , Sabatini Robert , Koertge Thomas E. , Brooks Carol N. , Schenkein Harvey A.
Published: October 2013

Background: Anticardiolipin antibodies (antiCl), present in some patients with autoimmune disease, are associated with thrombosis, fetal loss, and other conditions. A significant proportion of patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) test positive for antiCl, likely because some periodontal pathogens contain antigens homologous to the target antigen of antiCl on the serum protein β‐2 glycoprotein‐I (β2GPI) and thus can induce antiCl by molecular mimicry. The authors hypothesized that treatment of periodontitis by scaling and root planing (SRP) could therefore decrease serum titers of antiCl in patients with CP.

Methods: Thirty patients with CP received complete periodontal examinations at baseline including assessment of probing depth, attachment loss, gingival index, and plaque index. SRP was performed in two sessions at 2‐week intervals. Eight weeks later, patients were reexamined. Blood samples were taken at baseline, 2 weeks after the initial therapy appointment, and 8 weeks after the completion of treatment for assessment of immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM antiCl levels.

Results: All periodontal parameters improved significantly. Consistent with previous observations, five (16.7%) of the 30 patients exhibited elevated levels of IgG or IgM antiCl at baseline. Following treatment, the concentrations of IgG and IgM antiCl remained unchanged for the entire cohort of 30 patients. However, in the five patients with elevated antiCl at baseline, IgM antiCl concentrations decreased significantly (P = 0.0008) owing to therapy, while IgG antiCl did not.

Conclusion: The oral microflora is a likely source of antigen inducing antiCl in CP, since IgM antiCl levels can be reduced in the short term with conservative therapy.
Comprehensive flood control involving citizens in a Japanese watershed
Authors: Yamashita Sampei , Shimatani Yukihiro , Watanabe Ryoichi , Moriyama Toshiyuki , Minagawa Tomoko , Kakudo Kumiko , Yamashita Terukazu
Published: October 2013

In July 2009, the city of Fukuoka, Japan experienced a flood disaster along the Hii River, which runs through densely populated, concrete-covered areas of the city. The drainage system was overwhelmed and the river overflowed due to heavy rainfall and rapid runoff. The event led citizens in its watershed to plan and implement comprehensive flood control. The plan aims not only to mitigate floods but also to revitalize the river environment and populated communities in urban areas. This study reports the activities led by the citizens. They organized and carried out civic forums, workshops, and fieldwork to share views as to how the flood disaster was caused, how floods in the watershed should be controlled, and how the river environment should be rehabilitated. This study illuminates how people, including the flood victims and municipal engineers, can change drastically and communicate effectively in the course of discussing and implementing the comprehensive flood control measures.
Evaluation of the AquaCrop model for simulating yield response of winter wheat to water on the southern Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Zhang Wanhong , Liu Wenzhao , Xue Qingwu , Chen Jie , Han Xiaoyang
Published: October 2013

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the FAO-AquaCrop model in winter wheat in the southern Loess Plateau of China. Multi-year field experimental data from 2004 and 2011 were used to calibrate and validate the model for simulating biomass, canopy cover (CC), soil water content, and grain yield under rainfed conditions. The model performance was evaluated using root mean square error (RMSE) and Willmott index of agreement (d) as criteria. The RMSE ranged from 0.16 to 0.38 t/ha for simulating aboveground biomass, 1.87 to 4.15% for CC, 0.50 to 1.44 t/ha for grain yield, and 5.70 to 22.56 mm for soil water content. The d ranged from 0.22 to 0.89, 0.25 to 0.43, 0.36 to 0.62 and 0.95 to 0.98 for aboveground biomass, CC, soil water content and grain yield, respectively. Generally, the model performed better for simulating CC and yield than biomass and soil water content. The results further indicated that AquaCrop is capable of simulating winter wheat yield under rainfed conditions. Further improvement may be needed to capture the variation of different management practices such as fertility and irrigation levels in this region.
Monitoring and treatment of selected nanoparticles
Authors: Bruchet A. , Charles P. , Janex Habibi M.-L. , Glucina K.
Published: October 2013

With their increasing use, nanoparticles will become concentrated in urban effluents in the future. Both adequate monitoring methods and water treatment technologies will be necessary to assess and avoid consumer exposure. This paper reports results in these two challenging areas for both organic and inorganic nanoparticles. Treatment experiments indicate that lamellar settling is better adapted than dissolved air flotation for SiO2 nanoparticles removal. The use of 120 mg/L of Aqualenc coagulant without flocculant addition allows 99% removal to be achieved for an initial concentration of 1 g/L. On the other hand, the dissolved air flotation process implemented under the usual industrial conditions does not permit removal of SiO2 nanoparticles. In this case SiO2 removal occurs only by settling in the flocculator tank. Application of a high resolution liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) technique to a small selection of treated urban effluents indicates that C60 fullerenes are not yet widely distributed in effluents; however non-point sources cannot be entirely ruled out.
Wastewater salinity assessment using near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Ontiveros Ronald , Diakite Lamine , Edna Alvarez M. , Coras Pablo
Published: October 2013

The visible and near infrared spectroscopy is a fast and inexpensive non-destructive technique for the prediction of concentrations of salts in wastewater. Conventional chemical methods are usually used, which are very accurate, take more time and require special techniques for sampling, storing and pretreatment of wastewater. In this work we studied the spectral characteristics of water and the effect of salts on the perturbations in the water absorption bands. The generation of multiple regression models with principal components was carried out on standard solutions with composition of salts similar to that of wastewater samples taken along the drainage channel network of the Mexico City Metropolitan Area. The spectral signatures were obtained in situ and in the laboratory using a portable high-resolution spectroradiometer (ASD FieldSpec 3). The prediction model generated showed high precision in the estimation of salinity in wastewater, a coefficient of determination of 89.6% and a low root mean square error of 0.12‰. Other compounds, which are not discussed here, cause distortion of the absorption bands of water at wavelengths less than 900 nm or near the visible region, while our results showed distortions in the water spectrum at higher wavelengths (>1,000 nm).
Efficient recovery of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus from waste activated sludge
Authors: Chen Yinguang , Zheng Xiong , Feng Leiyu , Yang Hong
Published: October 2013

Carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus need to be recovered to reduce the environmental impact of waste activated sludge (WAS). In this study the improved short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) production from WAS by the addition of kitchen waste to adjust the ratio of carbon to nitrogen (C/N), and the efficient recovery of nitrogen and phosphorus from the fermentation liquid were reported. Firstly, the optimum conditions for SCFA production were found to be pH 8, temperature 35 °C, C/N ratio 21 mg-C/1 mg-N, and fermentation time 6 d, using the response surface methodology. After alkaline fermentation, the struvite precipitation method was applied to efficiently and simultaneously recover the released ammonia and phosphorus from the fermentation liquid. Finally, the fermentation liquid was used as the additional carbon source for biological nitrogen and phosphorus removal. It was observed that, compared with acetic acid, the use of fermentation liquid as carbon source showed greater removal efficiencies of total nitrogen and total phosphorus.
Sludge accumulation and conversion to methane in a septic tank treating domestic wastewater or black water
Authors: Elmitwalli Tarek
Published: October 2013

Although the septic tank is the most applied on-site system for wastewater pre-treatment, limited research has been performed to determine sludge accumulation and biogas production in the tank. Therefore a dynamic mathematical model based on the Anaerobic Digestion Model No. 1 (ADM1) was developed for anaerobic digestion of the accumulated sludge in a septic tank treating domestic wastewater or black water. The results showed that influent chemical oxygen demand (COD) concentration and hydraulic retention time (HRT) of the tank mainly control the filling time with sludge, while operational temperature governs characteristics of the accumulated sludge and conversion to methane. For obtaining stable sludge and high conversion, the tank needs to be operated for a period more than a year without sludge wasting. Maximum conversion to methane in the tank is about 50 and 60% for domestic wastewater and black water, respectively. The required period for sludge wasting depends on the influent COD concentration and the HRT, while characteristics of the wasted sludge are affected by operational temperature followed by the influent COD concentration and the HRT. Sludge production from the tank ranges between 0.19 to 0.22 and 0.13 to 0.15 L/(person.d), for the domestic wastewater and black water, respectively.
Performance and behaviour of planted and unplanted units of a horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland system treating municipal effluent from a UASB reactor
Authors: da Costa Jocilene Ferreira , de Paoli André Cordeiro , Seidl Martin , von Sperling Marcos
Published: October 2013

A system composed of two horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetlands operating in parallel was evaluated for the post-treatment of UASB (upflow anaerobic sludge blanket) reactor effluent, for a population equivalent of 50 inhabitants per unit. One unit was planted with cattail (Typha latifolia) and the other was unplanted. The study was undertaken over a period of 4 years, comprising monitoring of influent and effluent constituents together with a full characterization of the behaviour of the units (tracer studies, mathematical modelling of chemical oxygen demand (COD) decay, characterization of solids in the filter medium). The mean value of the surface hydraulic load was 0.11 m3m−2d−1, and the theoretical hydraulic retention time was 1.1 d in each unit. Using tracer tests with 82Br, dispersion number (d) values of 0.084 and 0.079 for the planted and unplanted units were obtained, indicating low to moderate dispersion. The final effluent had excellent quality in terms of organic matter and suspended solids, but the system showed low capacity for nitrogen removal. Four-year mean effluent concentration values from the planted and unplanted units were, respectively: biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5): 25 and 23 mg L−1; COD: 50 and 55 mg L−1; total suspended solids (TSS): 9 and 9 mg L−1; N-ammonia: 27 and 28 mg L−1. The COD decay coefficient K for the traditional plug-flow model was 0.81 and 0.84 d−1 for the planted and unplanted units. Around 80% of the total solids present in the filter medium were inorganic, and most of them were present in the interstices rather than attached to the support medium. As an overall conclusion, horizontal subsurface flow wetlands can be a very suitable post-treatment method for municipal effluents from anaerobic reactors.
Sorption of lead ions from aqueous solution onto Enterococcus faecium biomass
Authors: Cankilic Meral Yilmaz , Bengu Karabacak R. , Tay Turgay , Kivanc Merih
Published: October 2013

This study reports kinetics and equilibrium of lead sorption onto the biomass of Enterococcus faecium. E. faecium is a lactic acid bacterium and was isolated from meat. Batch experiments were carried out to analyze the effects of the initial lead concentration, initial pH of the medium, agitation time and temperature on the biosorption. The lead sorption was found to increase with the increase in the solution pH, reaching a plateau value beyond pH 5, and the most favorable pH for removal was determined as 5.0. The highest lead uptake capacity of the biomass was obtained at the initial lead concentration of 300 mg L–1. The Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption models were applied to determine the biosorption isotherm, and the equilibrium data correlated well with the Langmuir model. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model was more suitable to fit the experimental data. The results were promising that the biomass of this lactic acid bacterium can be successfully used as a convenient adsorbent for lead removal from aqueous solutions.
Optimization of a hydrodynamic separator using a multiscale computational fluid dynamics approach
Authors: Schmitt Vivien , Dufresne Matthieu , Vazquez Jose , Fischer Martin , Morin Antoine
Published: October 2013

This article deals with the optimization of a hydrodynamic separator working on the tangential separation mechanism along a screen. The aim of this study is to optimize the shape of the device to avoid clogging. A multiscale approach is used. This methodology combines measurements and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). A local model enables us to observe the different phenomena occurring at the orifice scale, which shows the potential of expanded metal screens. A global model is used to simulate the flow within the device using a conceptual model of the screen (porous wall). After validation against the experimental measurements, the global model was used to investigate the influence of deflectors and disk plates in the structure.
Tertiary treatment of Berlin WWTP effluents with ferrate (Fe(VI))
Authors: Hübner U. , Jekel M.
Published: October 2013

New and higher standards in the EU water framework directive necessitate advanced treatment of secondary effluents for reduction of trace organic compounds (TrOCs) and nutrients before the discharge into receiving surface waters. Due to its dual function as oxidant and coagulant, ferrate is considered as a promising alternative for tertiary treatment. The oxidation of selected TrOCs and simultaneous flocculation of phosphates by ferrate was tested in batch experiments with secondary effluent from Berlin Ruhleben. The concentrations of carbamazepine (CBZ) and diclofenac were reduced by >90% with ferrate dosages of 6 mg/L as Fe. CBZ was transformed to 1-(2-benzaldehyde)-4-hydro-(1H,3H)-quinazoline-2-one, which is known as the major product from the reaction of CBZ with ozone. In contrast to ozonation, no further transformation of this product was observed. The concentration of ibuprofen was not reduced by ferrate treatment. For efficient removal of 60–100 μg/L phosphate-P to values <20 μg/L, ferrate dosages of 3–4 mg/L as Fe were sufficient.
Buckling of Rectangular Isolated R.C. Columns: Closed-form Approximation for Interaction Domains
Authors: Raffaele Domenico , Uva Giuseppina , Porco Francesco , Fiore Andrea
Published: October 2013

Interaction domains for the buckling of isolated R.C. columns are an efficient and versatile instrument for the
assessment of the resistance at Ultimate Limit State, and allow the optimization of the structural geometry and reinforcement
ratio.

The paper presents the procedure for deriving interaction domains for rectangular symmetrically reinforced columns, providing
a detailed analysis of the load-carrying capacity for various classes of concrete and reinforcement steel bars. Domains
have been obtained according to the model-column method, taking into account the uncertainties both in geometry
and in the position of axial loads. Effects related to short-term creep are ignored.

In order to facilitate the practical utilization, the generic domain has been approximated by a two-branch curve, parabolic
and elliptic. The first-one is related to the collapse dominated by axial load, and the second one to flexural crisis. This approximation
leads to simple closed-form expressions, particularly suitable for engineering preliminary design.
Volitional cycling augmented by functional electrical stimulation in hemiparetic adolescents: A case series study
Authors: Peri Elisabetta , Ambrosini Emilia , Pedrocchi Alessandra , Pagliano Emanuela , Riva Daria , Baranello Giovanni , Arnoldi Maria , Foscan Maria , Corlatti Alice , Marchi Alessia , Ferrigno Giancarlo , Ferrante Simona
Published: October 2013

The aim of this work was to assess the feasibility of a treatment based on
volitional cycling augmented by Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) on
hemiparetic adolescents. Six chronic hemiparetic adolescents were included in
a case series study. Patients underwent FES-cycling training combined with
voluntary pedaling. The intervention consisted of 21 sessions lasting 30
minutes each. Patients were evaluated before, after training, and at a
3-month follow-up visit through clinical scales (Winter scale, observational
gait scale, gross motor function measurement, Boyd test and Ashworth scale),
a standard gait analysis and a voluntary pedaling test. Results were compared
with an age-matched healthy control group (N=6). Two subjects withdrew the
study before the completion of the intervention. Concerning the four
remaining subjects, the clinical scales showed a slight level of disability
already at baseline and no changes were observed after the intervention. In
terms of walking ability, some significant improvements (Kruskal-Wallis test,
p-value<0.05) were obtained after training in two out of four subjects: an
increase of about 16% and 41% of the ankle range of motion and of about 18%
and 33% of the ankle propelling power were achieved for two subjects,
respectively. During pedaling, the work produced by the paretic leg while
pulling the pedal significantly increased in 3 out of 4 subjects. In one
subject a more symmetrical cycling movement was observed, whilst for another
subject a significant improvement in terms of co-contraction between rectus
femoris and biceps femoris was achieved. In conclusion, this study assessed
the feasibility of FES-cycling training on hemiparetic adolescents, but did
not provide evidences about the effectiveness of this intervention in
improving motor recovery and walking ability. However, since only a small
group of patients with a low level of disability was involved in the study,
further investigations are needed to provide conclusive results.
NMR microscopy of tissue in organic and mixed solvents
Authors: Macura Slobodan , Mishra Prasanna , Gamez Jeffrey , Pirko Istvan
Published: October 2013

We propose to use organic and mixed solvents for nuclear magnetic resonance
microscopy of fixed tissue as a means for improving image information
content. NMR properties of some standard solvents (methanol, acetone, DMSO)
and solvents in use for tissue processing in pathology (xylenes, paraffin,
?Clearify?) have been measured, reviewed, and analyzed. It was found that
DMSO and paraffin are very useful solvents that provide images of better
quality than those obtained in water (neutralized formalin buffer). This is
illustrated on the formalin fixed mouse brain sections imaged at 16.4 teslas
(700 MHz).
Foreign trade aspect of Serbia’s accession to the European Union
Authors: Rapaic Stevan , Dabic Dragana
Published: October 2013

From the past experience, most governments conclude that it is necessary to
carry out carefully planned foreign trade policy based on a high degree of
liberalization dosed with government control. This kind of foreign trade
policy is being implemented both by Serbia and by the European Union, which
established the Common Trade Policy (CTP) in 1957. Bearing in mind that
Serbia has signed the Stabilization and Association Agreement striving to
become a full member of the European Union, it is clear that, in due course,
its foreign trade policy must be in line with the European one. This is not
an easy task, because parallel to the process of accession to the EU, Serbia
is conducting negotiations on accession to the World Trade Organization and
those two processes are intertwined and connected. This paper analyses
Serbia?s process of accession to the European Union and the impact of this
process on its foreign trade policy as well as the future of its foreign
trade relations with previous major partners.
Diagnosing the severity of buccal caries lesions in governmental and private orthodontic patients at debonding, using the ICDAS-II and the DIAGNOdent Pen
Authors: Almosa Naif A. , Lundgren Ted , Aldrees Abdullah M. , Birkhed Dowen , Kjellberg Heidrun
Published: October 2013

Objectives:

To clinically evaluate the prevalence of buccal caries and white spot lesions (WSLs) at debonding in governmental and private orthodontic patients, using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS-II) and the DIAGNOdent Pen, and to study the correlation between the two methods.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out on the nonextracted premolars and anterior teeth of 89 orthodontic patients. They were recruited into two groups based on the treatment center they attended: governmental group (G; n  =  45) and private group (P; n  =  44). Immediately after debonding, the examination of buccal caries and WSLs on premolars and anterior teeth was carried out using the ICDAS-II and the DIAGNOdent Pen. Cross-tabulation was applied to study the correlation between the ICDAS-II index and the DIAGNOdent Pen by calculating the Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results:

The G group showed a significantly higher (P < .0001) prevalence of WSLs and/or buccal caries compared to that of the P group based on evaluation by the two methods. Based on ICDAS-II, 43% of the patients in the P group and 9% in the G group were free from any WSLs. In the G group, 22% of the patients had ≥16 lesions, whereas there were none for the P group. The Spearman correlation coefficient between the two methods was .71.

Conclusions:

The prevalence of caries and/or WSLs at debonding was significantly higher in the G group compared to the P group. The clinical index (ICDAS-II) showed a good correlation with the DIAGNOdent Pen.
The Effect of Combustion of Natural Gas With 21–29% O2/CO2/N2Mixtures on Emission of Carbon Monoxide
Authors: Kalicka Zofia , Jerzak Wojciech , Cebula Elżbieta Kawecka
Published: October 2013

Natural gas combustion was carried out in air enriched with oxygen in the amount of 25 and 29% with addition of CO2 in place of part of nitrogen. The research was carried out at different flow rates of gas and oxygen excess ratios. The concentration of CO and NOx was analyzed. It has not been proved that the increased oxygen concentration influences significantly the CO concentration. However, the addition of CO2 caused a substantial variability of CO concentration in the exhaust gas, in contrast to the concentration of NOx which decreased monotonically. Model calculations, performed with use of FactSage, indicate an increase in the concentration of CO not only for the air enriched with oxygen, but after adding CO2 too, as well
Effect of the Application of Advanced Oxidation Technology on the Effectiveness of Anaerobic Treatment of Wastewaters with a High Concentration of Formaldehyde
Authors: Zieliński Marcin , Dębowski Marcin , Dudek Magda , Grala Anna
Published: October 2013

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of advanced oxidation process with the use of Fenton’s reaction on the effectiveness of anaerobic treatment of wastewaters originating from the wood industry that were characterized by a high concentration of formaldehyde. Experiments were established to analyze changes in COD content and in the concentration of formaldehyde in treated wastewaters, additional analyses were carried out to assay quantitative and qualitative changes in the biogas produced. The first stage of the experiment involved analyses of the effectiveness of the tested wastewaters treatment only in the process of methane fermentation. At the second stage of the experiment, the biological process was preceded by chemical pre-treatment of wastewaters with Fenton’s reagent. The conducted study proved that the investigated variants of chemical pre-treatment of wastewaters had a significant effect on increasing the total biogas production. In contrast, no significant effect of the applied technology was demonstrated on changes in the concentration of the analyzed contaminants in the treated wastewaters.
Integrated Land Evaluation for Sustainable Agricultural Production by Using Analytical Hierarchy Process
Authors: Sharififar Amin , Ghorbani Hadi , Karimi Haji
Published: October 2013

This study discusses sustainable agricultural production by land evaluation based on a multiple criteria approach. The study was carried out in the Bastam region located at the north Shahrood township of Semnan Province in the northeast of Iran. Soil, landscape and climatic data were collected to assess the study area based on its capability for cultivation of apple, tomato, wheat and white potato. Making the final decision for growing the most appropriate crop was based upon three criteria: (1) the physical suitability of the study area for crop cultivation; (2) environmental consideration; (3) economic benefit accruing from the production of each crop. The results of the assessment of the above criteria were incorporated using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique. Ultimately, wheat was found to be the most suitable crop for cultivation considering all the criteria in the study area. This study, therefore, was a step taken towards promoting sustainable agriculture by trying to introduce as efficient an approach as possible in land use planning, and selecting the most sustainable ways to put the land to optimum use.
Evaluation of Foals Sired by Stallions Belonging to Various Classes of Descent / Ocena Źrebiąt Po Ogierach O Różnym Pochodzeniu
Authors: Nienartowicz-Zdrojewska Anna , Różańska - Zawieja Jolanta , Sobek Zbigniew
Published: October 2013

The evaluation concerned the progeny born to Polish pedigree stallions, to Polish-born stallions by imported sires, and to stallions imported to Poland. All traits (type, body conformation and development, health status and movement) were evaluated on a point scale. A highly significant effect of stallion on his progeny evaluation was observed. The highest mean for the total points in foal evaluation was noted for the offspring of imported sires. That class differed highly significantly from the foals by Polish-origin stallions and the foals by Polish-born stallions with imported sires. The gathered results clearly show the changes in purpose type over the years, and, consequently, in horse conformation. Horses have been becoming more noble in type, and their competitive potential has been increasing.
Nitrogen-Corrected Apparent Metabolizable Energy Value of Crude Glycerol for Laying Hens / Współczynnik Metaboliczności Energii Surowej Gliceryny Dla Kur Nieśnych
Authors: Németh Klaudia , Zsédely Eszter , Schmidt János
Published: October 2013

An experiment was conducted with 64 Tetra SL laying hens (placed into four groups) to determine the AMEn value of feed grade crude glycerol (DM 92%; glycerol 86.80%; methanol 0.04%; fat 0.49%; ash 4.67%; GE 15.59 MJ/kg). All groups were given a 100 g basal diet per day (AMEn value 11.46 MJ/kg; protein 16.97%; Ca 3.49%; P (non-phytate) 0.56%; lysine 0.82%; methionine 0.40%; cysteine 0.29%; threonine 0.60%; tryptophan 0.19%), which was supplemented with 5%, 7.5% and 10% glycerol for the three experimental groups. Hens were placed in metabolism cages (4 hens/treatment in four replicates). After a 10-day adaptation period, excreta was collected and weighed individually for 10 days. The AMEn value of crude glycerol (86%) was calculated as 15.30 MJ/kg for laying hens. During the experiment, egg production (90.0-90.8%), egg weight (56.8-58.0 g) and egg mass (51.2-52.7 g) were not affected by dietary treatments. Feed conversion was significantly reduced by a 10% glycerol supplementation. We concluded that crude glycerol’s energy is efficiently used by laying hens, and more efficiently than by broilers. The established 15.30 MJ/kg AMEn value of crude glycerol when fed in the daily ration to laying hens means that they utilized 97.6% of the glycerol’s GE content.
Analysis of the cumulative exergy consumption of an integrated oxy-fuel combustion power plant
Authors: Ziębik Andrzej , Gładysz Paweł
Published: October 2013

In order to analyze the cumulative exergy consumption of an integrated oxy-fuel combustion power plant the method of balance equations was applied based on the principle that the cumulative exergy consumption charging the products of this process equals the sum of cumulative exergy consumption charging the substrates. The set of balance equations of the cumulative exergy consumption bases on the ‘input-output method’ of the direct energy consumption. In the structure of the balance we distinguished main products (e.g. electricity), by-products (e.g. nitrogen) and external supplies (fuels). In the balance model of cumulative exergy consumption it has been assumed that the cumulative exergy consumption charging the supplies from outside is a quantity known a priori resulting from the analysis of cumulative exergy consumption concerning the economy of the whole country. The byproducts are charged by the cumulative exergy consumption resulting from the principle of a replaced process. The cumulative exergy consumption of the main products is the final quantity.
Optimization of idealized ORC in domestic combined heat and power generation
Authors: Rybiński Witold , Mikielewicz Jarosław
Published: October 2013

Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) is used, amongst the others, in geothermal facilities, in waste heat recovery or in domestic combined heat and power (CHP) generation. The paper presents optimization of an idealized ORC equivalent of the Carnot cycle with non-zero temperature difference in heat exchangers and with energy dissipation caused by the viscous fluid flow. In this analysis the amount of heat outgoing from the ORC is given. Such a case corresponds to the application of an ORC in domestic CHP. This assumption is different from the most of ORC models where the incoming amount of heat is given.
Entropy increase as a measure of energy degradation in heat transfer
Authors: Drożyński Zbigniew
Published: October 2013

Heat transfer is an irreversible process. This article defines the entropy increment as a measure of energy degradation in heat transfer realized in typical surface heat exchangers. As an example of the proposed entropy increase method, presented below are the calculations for heat exchangers working in a typical Clausius-Rankine cycle. The entropy increase in such exchangers inevitably leads to increased fuel consumption and, as a further consequence, to increased carbon dioxide emission.
Alpha-tocopherol and ergocalciferol contents of some macroalgae from Bulgarian Black Sea coast
Authors: Panayotova Veselina , Stancheva Mona , Dobreva Diana
Published: October 2013

The aim of the present study was to determine and compare _-tocopherol and ergocalciferol content in four macroalgae from Bulgarian Black sea coast. Ulva rigida, Cladophora vagabunda, Cystoseira barbata and Cystoseira crinita were used for evaluation of corresponding fat soluble vitamins content. The sample preparation procedure includes alkaline saponification, followed by liquid-liquid extraction. Ergocalciferol (vitamin D2) and α-tocopherol (vitamin E) were analyzed simultaneously using HPLC/UV/FL system (Thermo Scientific Spectra SYSTEM) equipped with RP analytical column. The mobile phase was composed of 97:3 = MeOH:H2O. Ergocalciferol was monitored by UV detection at λmax = 265nm, while α-tocopherol was detected by fluorescence at λex=288nm and λem=332nm. Alpha-tocopherol content in algal tissues ranged from 1.68±0.38mg/100g d.w. in Cladophora vagabunda to 29.13±1.08mg/100g d.w. in Cystoseira barbata. Ergocalciferol was detected only in Ulva rigida samples.
Nitrite determination in spices
Authors: Dobrinas Simona , Soceanu Alina , Popescu Viorica , Stanciu Gabriela
Published: October 2013

The aim of this study is to determine the nitrite content in some spices: basil, pepper, dill, thyme, oregano, bay leaves, cinnamon, mint, mustard and cumin. The nitrite content was measured using UV-VIS spectrometric method with Griess reagent. The method was tested and partial validated. The nitrite content varied from 0.23 to 7.7 mg/Kg and these values are lower than those encountered in the literature.
Estimation of the refractive index of diesel fuel+biodiesel blends
Authors: Nita Irina , Geacai Sibel , Neagu Anisoara , Geacai Elis
Published: October 2013

For now, biodiesel is the commonly accepted biofuel as a substitute for diesel fuel in internal combustion engines. Diesel fuel blends with up to 20% biodiesel can be used in diesel engines without any modification. A lot of studies regarding diesel fuel+biodiesel blends properties are presented in the literature. Some of the important properties of diesel fuel+biodiesel blends can be evaluated from other blends properties. For example, density and viscosity of biodiesel blends can be predicted based on blend refractive index. More than that, refractive index can be used as a reliable physical property to predict transesterification reaction progress. As a result, the refractive index of diesel fuel+biodiesel blends is important in order to characterize these blends or to monitor the evolution of transesterification process of vegetable oils or animal fats. The refractive index of diesel fuel+biodiesel blends can be experimentally determined or evaluated based on refractive indices of diesel fuel and biodiesel. The aim of this study was to estimate the accuracy of refractive index of diesel fuel +biodiesel blends calculation, using models initially proposed to evaluate the refractive index of a binary liquid mixture. It was shown that the refractive index of diesel fuel+biodiesel blends can be accurately predicted from refractive indices of the components of the blend. Wiener, Heller and Edward equations can be recommended to predict with a great accuracy the refractive index of diesel fuel+biodiesel blends.