bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of colloidal and particulate organic compounds in denitrification and EBPR occurring in a full-scale activated sludge system
Authors: Drewnowski J. , Makinia J.
Published: February 2013

The efficiencies of denitrification and enhanced biological phosphorus removal (EBPR) in biological nutrient removal (BNR) activated sludge systems are strongly dependent on the availability of appropriate carbon sources. Due to high costs of commercial compounds (such as methanol, ethanol, acetic acid etc.) and acclimation periods (usually) required, the effective use of internal carbon sources for denitrification is preferred. The aim of this study was to determine the immediate effects of slowly biodegradable substrates on the denitrification capability and phosphate release/uptake interactions for a full-scale biomass process from the “Wschod” wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Gdansk (Poland). Since it is hard to distinguish the slowly biodegradable substrate in a direct way, a novel procedure based on batch experiments was developed and implemented. The laboratory experiments were carried out in two parallel, fully automatic batch reactors with the settled wastewater without pretreatment and after coagulation-flocculation. The removal of colloidal and particulate fractions resulted in the reduced observed process rates, such as denitrification, phosphate release and phosphate uptake (under aerobic and anoxic conditions). The reduction ranged from approximately 14% for the anaerobic P release to approximately 46% for the anoxic P uptake.
On the effect of scaling conceptual model complexity on stochastic response for water quality modeling
Authors: Parker G. T.
Published: February 2013

This paper extends previous work comparing the response of water quality models under uncertainty. A new model, the River Water Quality Model no. 1 (RWQM1), is compared to the previous work of two commonly used water quality models. Additionally, the effect of conceptual model scaling within a single modelling framework, as allowed by RWQM1, is explored under uncertainty. Model predictions are examined using against real-world data for the Potomac River with a Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation used to assess model response surfaces to uncertainty. Generally, it was found that there are tangible model characteristics that are closely tied to model complexity and thresholds for these characteristics were discussed. The novel work has yielded an illustrative example but also a conceptually scaleable water quality modelling tool, alongside defined metrics to assess when scaling is required under uncertainty. The resulting framework holds substantial, unique, promise for a new generation of modelling tools that are capable of addressing classically intractable problems.
Use of a stable carbon isotope to assess the efficiency of a drinking water treatment method with CO2
Authors: Poberžnik M. , Leis A. , Lobnik A.
Published: February 2013

CO2 gas with a special isotopic signature (δ13C = −35.2‰ vs. VPDB) was used as a marker to evaluate the efficiency of a drinking water treatment method and the effect of an ultrasonic (US) stirrer. This treatment was developed to prevent precipitation and corrosion effects in water–supply systems. The research work was performed using a laboratory-scale pilot plant that was filled with tap water. The stable isotope analyses of δ13C-DIC (Dissolved Inorganic Carbon) in the water samples indicated that the maximum content of added CO2 gas in DIC was in the range of 35 to 45%. The use of the US stirrer during the entire experiment decreased the method's overall efficiency by 10%, due to degassing at a late stage of the experiment but accelerated the dissolution process in the early experimental stage.
The organic contamination survey and health risk assessment of 16 source water reservoirs in Haihe River basin
Authors: Gao Jijun , Liu Linghua , Liu Xiaoru , Lu Jin , Hao Hong , Yuan Hao , Zhou Huaidong
Published: February 2013

Although contamination by organic pollutants has previously been reported to occur in the Haihe River basin, few studies have been carried out on the levels of source water reservoir contamination and the health risk in the Haihe River basin. To understand the organic pollution status of the reservoirs in the Haihe River basin, samples were collected from 16 source water reservoirs. The samples were analyzed for the representative organic pollutants, which included benzene homologues, chlorobenzene compounds, organophosphorus pesticides, and nitrobenzene compounds, a total in all of 17 compounds. It was observed that the concentrations of the 17 compounds in the 16 reservoirs were all less than the limit laid down by Chinese surface water quality standards. In addition, benzene, toluene, nitrobenzene, p-nitrochlorobenzene, 2,4-dinitrotoluene and 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene, dichlorvos, demeton, dimethoate methyl parathion, malathion and parathion were frequently detected in the 16 source water reservoirs, especially the organophosphorus pesticides; the detection rates of dichlorvos, dimethoate, methyl parathion, malathion and parathion were all 100% in the 16 source water reservoirs. The detection rate of target compounds suggested that organic pollution had been common in the source water of the Haihe River basin. The health risk assessment results suggested that the noncarcinogenic risk hazard quotient values of the target compounds were less than one, and the cancer risk values were all below 1 × 10−6, which indicated that the heath risk produced by the target compounds in the 16 reservoirs was at an acceptable level.
Comparison studies of unsaturated flow below annual and perennial plants
Authors: Scott Bill , Lantzke Ross , Nicholson Dave , Findlater Paul
Published: February 2013

Values of unsaturated water content determined with neutron moisture measurements (NMM) reveal different water profiles below different plantings. In the extremes, calibration requires a linear and logarithmic response (using the Lambert-W function) along with the normal submersion in a drum of water. Nevertheless a post-calibration with a hydraulic push sampler was used for confirmation. Data were collected at six pastures near the Western Australia coast near Geraldton, with four replicates through the profile. The sites have mostly sandy soils and receive 300–500 mm of rainfall annually. Findings generally showed that, if there was sufficient water, as in 2006, the perennials were able to use the water evenly throughout the vertical profile. Otherwise, with low rainfall, as in 2009, perennials struggle to survive and use less water than the annuals. Modelling of the soil water movement, plant growth and calibration/recalibration is and will be used to get a maximum likehood fit. Clearly, in desert conditions and little or no vegetation, rainfall tends to build up deep in the profile, increase salinity in groundwater, and create waterlogging. Any vegetation is helpful; perennials more so; provided they have sufficient water and are not significantly harvested.
Dynamic mass balancing for wastewater treatment data quality control using CUSUM charts
Authors: Spindler A. , Vanrolleghem P. A.
Published: February 2013

Mass balancing is a widely used tool for data quality control in wastewater treatment. It can effectively detect systematic errors in data. To overcome the limitations of the mean balancing error as a measure of data quality, a well established method for statistical process control (the CUSUM chart) is adopted for application on the error vector of balancing data. Two examples show how time periods with stable low mass balancing errors can be detected by the method. The detectability of such time periods depends on the variability of the balancing error which is an important measure for the precision of the data.
Contaminant removal and hydraulic conductivity of laboratory rain garden systems for stormwater treatment
Authors: Good J. F. , O'Sullivan A. D. , Wicke D. , Cochrane T. A.
Published: February 2013

In order to evaluate the influence of substrate composition on stormwater treatment and hydraulic effectiveness, mesocosm-scale (180 L, 0.17 m2) laboratory rain gardens were established. Saturated (constant head) hydraulic conductivity was determined before and after contaminant (Cu, Zn, Pb and nutrients) removal experiments on three rain garden systems with various proportions of organic topsoil. The system with only topsoil had the lowest saturated hydraulic conductivity (160–164 mm/h) and poorest metal removal efficiency (Cu ≤ 69.0% and Zn ≤ 71.4%). Systems with sand and a sand–topsoil mix demonstrated good metal removal (Cu up to 83.3%, Zn up to 94.5%, Pb up to 97.3%) with adequate hydraulic conductivity (sand: 800–805 mm/h, sand–topsoil: 290–302 mm/h). Total metal amounts in the effluent were <50% of influent amounts for all experiments, with the exception of Cu removal in the topsoil-only system, which was negligible due to high dissolved fraction. Metal removal was greater when effluent pH was elevated (up to 7.38) provided by the calcareous sand in two of the systems, whereas the topsoil-only system lacked an alkaline source. Organic topsoil, a typical component in rain garden systems, influenced pH, resulting in poorer treatment due to higher dissolved metal fractions.
Degradation of azo dye with dirhodium(II) caprolactamate as heterogeneous catalyst
Authors: Elsherbiny Abeer S. , El-Khalafy Sahar H. , Doyle Michael P.
Published: February 2013

The kinetics of the oxidative degradation of an azo dye Metanil Yellow (MY) was investigated in aqueous solution using dirhodium(II) caprolactamate, Rh2(cap)4, as a catalyst in the presence of H2O2 as oxidizing agent. The reaction process was followed by UV/Vis spectrophotometer. The decolorization and degradation kinetics were investigated and both followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic with respect to the [MY]. The effects of various parameters such as H2O2 and dye concentrations, the amount of catalyst and temperature have been studied. The studies show that Rh2(cap)4 is a very effective catalyst for the formation of hydroxyl radicals HO• which oxidized and degraded about 92% of MY into CO2 and H2O after 24 h as measured by total carbon analyzer.
Evaluation of inhibition relief operations for mesophilic anaerobic bio-liquefaction of lincomycin manufacturing biowaste
Authors: Wu Duo , Gao Han , Lü Fan , Shao Liming , Luo Simin , Xia Peiqing , He Pinjing
Published: February 2013

Owing to high levels of residual antibiotics, antibiotic manufacturing waste is hazardous to the environment. As a result, such wastes are usually treated by expensive incineration. The high organic content of antibiotic manufacturing biowaste suggests its feasibility for anaerobic treatment, but the presence of ammonia and antibiotics in the waste may be inhibitory factors. After evaluating the peak concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs), ammonia and lincomycin in 10 d bio-liquefaction, different methods for the removal of ammonia from hydrolysate and removal of lincomycin from biowaste were employed to relieve ammonia and lincomycin inhibition respectively. Prior to ammonia elimination on the tenth day, 38.0% of the organic carbon was degraded into hydrolysate. Water replacement, struvite precipitation and nitrogen stripping removed 100, 76 and 30% of the ammonia, respectively. The hydrolysate obtained from the water replacement could be immediately utilized for liquefaction. Lincomycin elution through butanol and water prior to liquefaction removed a large amount of carbohydrate and protein, resulting in poor liquefaction efficiency. The residual lincomycin in the bio-liquefaction process could be co-treated with lincomycin manufacturing wastewater, which made it suitable for the treatment of lincomycin manufacturing biowaste.
Anaerobic waste activated sludge co-digestion with olive mill wastewater
Authors: Athanasoulia E. , Melidis P. , Aivasidis A.
Published: February 2013

Co-digestion of waste activated sludge (WAS) with agro-industrial organic wastewaters is a technology that is increasingly being applied in order to produce increased gas yield from the biomass. In this study, the effect of olive mill wastewater (OMW) on the performance of a cascade of two anaerobic continuous stirred tank (CSTR) reactors treating thickened WAS at mesophilic conditions was investigated. The objectives of this work were (a) to evaluate the use of OMW as a co-substrate to improve biogas production, (b) to determine the optimum hydraulic retention time that provides an optimised biodegradation rate or methane production, and (c) to study the system stability after OMW addition in sewage sludge. The biogas production rate at steady state conditions reached 0.73, 0.63, 0.56 and 0.46 lbiogas/lreactor/d for hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 12.3, 14, 16.4 and 19.7 d. The average removal of soluble chemical oxygen demand (sCOD) ranged between 64 and 72% for organic loading rates between 0.49 and 0.75 g sCOD/l/d. Reduction in the volatile suspended solids ranged between 27 and 30%. In terms of biogas selectivity, values of 0.6 lbiogas/g tCOD removed and 1.1 lbiogas/g TVS removed were measured.
The influence of salinity and ammonium levels on amoA mRNA expression of ammonia-oxidizing prokaryotes
Authors: Fukushima T. , Wu Y. J. , Whang L. M.
Published: February 2013

This study investigated the influence of salinity and ammonium levels on ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) by monitoring their amo subunit A (amoA) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. The aerobic mini-continuous stirred-tank reactors (mini-CSTRs) were operated for 48 h under different salinity or ammonium levels. Quantification of archaeal and bacterial amoA mRNA levels using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, combined with terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis, was applied to investigate the differential transcriptional responses among AOA species. High salinity levels repressed both archaeal and bacterial amoA mRNA expressions. On the other hand, high ammonium levels repressed only archaeal mRNA expression, suggesting that ammonium is a significant environmental factor shaping abundance of AOA and AOB. T-RFLP results indicated that the impacts of salinity and ammonium levels were different among AOA species. Although further study is necessary to add significance to our findings, the combination of the short-term mini-CSTR operations and amoA mRNA-based analyses allow a preliminary study on the influences of environmental factors on competition between the AOA and AOB communities.
Micropollutants removal in an anaerobic membrane bioreactor and in an aerobic conventional treatment plant
Authors: Abargues M. R. , Robles A. , Bouzas A. , Seco A.
Published: February 2013

The paper expresses an attempt to tackle the problem due to the presence of micropollutants in wastewater which may be able to disrupt the endocrine system of some organisms. These kinds of compounds are ubiquitously present in municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents. The aim of this paper is to compare the fate of the alkylphenols–APs (4-(tert-octyl)) phenol, t-nonylphenol and 4-p-nonylphenol and the hormones (estrone, 17β-estradiol and 17α-ethinylestradiol) in a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor (SAMBR) pilot plant and in a conventional activated sludge wastewater treatment plant (CTP). The obtained results are also compared with the results obtained in a previous study carried out in an aerobic MBR pilot plant. The results showed that the APs soluble concentrations in the SAMBR effluent were always significantly higher than the CTP ones. Moreover, the analyses of the suspended fraction revealed that the AP concentrations in the SAMBR reactor were usually higher than in the CTP reactor, indicating that under anaerobic conditions the APs were accumulated in the digested sludge. The aerobic conditions maintained both in the CTP system and in the aerobic MBR favoured the APs and hormones degradation, and gave rise to lower concentrations in the effluent and in the reactor of these systems. Furthermore, the results also indicated that the degradation of APs under aerobic conditions was enhanced working at high solid retention time (SRT) and hydraulic retention time (HRT) values.
Treatment of domestic sewage by a metal membrane bioreactor
Authors: Xie Y. H. , Zhu T. , Xu C. H. , Nozaki T. , Furukawa K.
Published: February 2013

A submerged flat metal MBR (membrane bioreactor) was used to treat synthetic domestic sewage in this study. The experiment was continued for 270 days and ran under two modes as AMBR (aerobic membrane bioreactor) and A/O-MBR (anoxic/aerobic membrane bioreactor) at a permeate flux of 0.4–1 m3/(m2 d). PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) gel beads were added to the aeration tank with a volume ratio of 10% at the end of the A/O-MBR mode. The mean COD and TN removal efficiencies achieved 96.69 and 32.12% under the AMBR mode, and those were 92.17 and 72.44% under the A/O-MBR mode, respectively. SND (simultaneous nitrification and denitrification) occurred at high MLSS (mixed liquor suspended solids) concentration. The metal membranes reduced effluent COD during filtration. The system ran stably for 115 days at a permeate flux of 0.8–1 m3/(m2 d) without changing membranes under the AMBR mode, but the membrane filterability decreased gradually under high MLSS or A/O-MBR mode, and the addition of PVA worsened the membrane filterability on the contrary. PSD (particle size distribution) and sludge fractions had evident influence on membrane fouling. The main fouling mechanism was cake formation under the AMBR mode, and that was pore blocking under the A/O-MBR mode.
Modelling of ionic interactions with wastewater treatment biomass
Authors: Westergreen S. , Brouckaert C. J. , Foxon K. M.
Published: February 2013

Titration data for samples of mixed salts with glycine, baker's yeast cell mass and anaerobic digester sludge were obtained and compared to a speciation model of weak acid–base interaction in aqueous solutions. The effect of glycine on the buffer intensity of the solution could be precisely described by the speciation model but did not represent the proton exchange characteristics of either baker's yeast or anaerobic sludge well. A model component, UKZiNe, consisting of carboxylic acids, phosphate and amine groups described the baker's yeast well, and a combination of UKZiNe and carbonate-yielding inorganic solids described anaerobic digester sludge. The effect of biomass on buffer intensity in the pH range 6.5 to 8 was small for the concentration ranges tested.
Computational simulation of flocculent sedimentation based on experimental results
Authors: Ramatsoma Mafeni S. , Chirwa Evans M. N.
Published: February 2013

Computerised interpolation algorithms as well as the empirical model for analysing the flocculent settling data were developed. A mechanistic semi-empirical model developed from fundamental physical principles of a falling particle in a viscous fluid was tested against actual flocculation column data. The accuracy of the mechanistic model was evaluated using the sum of the squared errors between the interpolated values (real values) and the model predictions. Its fitting capabilities were compared with Özer's model using nine flocculent data sets of which four were obtained from literature and the rest were actual data from the performed experiments. The developed model consistently simulated the flocculation behaviour of particles in settling columns better than Özer's model in eight of the nine data sets considered. It is recommended that the model's performance be further compared with other models like the Rule based and San's model. The errors due to the use of interpolated values when determining the performance of the empirical models need to be investigated. Furthermore, a three-way rather than two-way interpolation should now be achievable using the interpolation algorithm developed in this study thereby reducing the effects of interpolation bias. The above work opens the way to full automation of design of flocculation sedimentation basins and other gravitational particle separation systems which at present are designed manually and are susceptible to a wide range of human and random errors.
A novel up-flow inner-cycle anoxic bioreactor (UIAB) system for the treatment of sulfide wastewater from purification of biogas
Authors: Song Ziyu , Li Qiang , Wang Dan , Zhang Jie , Xing Jianmin
Published: February 2013

An up-flow inner-cycle anoxic bioreactor with a novel three phase separator was designed and implemented for the treatment of sulfide wastewater. The sulfide in wastewater could be converted to elemental sulfur by sulfide oxidizing bacteria, and recovered by simple precipitation. When the oxidation–reduction potential (ORP) was controlled at −100 mV, 91.3% of sulfide could be oxidized to elemental sulfur. To achieve high removal percentage of sulfide and conversion percentage of sulfur, the pH of influent should be controlled in the range from 7.0 to 8.0. The optimal desulfurization process was carried out at 400 mmol L−1d−1 sulfide loading rate and 120 min hydraulic retention time (HRT). The removal percentage of sulfide was approximately 95.2% and elemental sulfur conversion percentage was above 90.3%. These results demonstrated that the novel up-flow in-cycle bioreactor had a potential value for the enhanced treatment of sulfide wastewater from biogas purification.
Stochastic modeling to identify requirements for centralized monitoring of distributed wastewater treatment
Authors: Hug T. , Maurer M.
Published: February 2013

Distributed (decentralized) wastewater treatment can, in many situations, be a valuable alternative to a centralized sewer network and wastewater treatment plant. However, it is critical for its acceptance whether the same overall treatment performance can be achieved without on-site staff, and whether its performance can be measured. In this paper we argue and illustrate that the system performance depends not only on the design performance and reliability of the individual treatment units, but also significantly on the monitoring scheme, i.e. on the reliability of the process information. For this purpose, we present a simple model of a fleet of identical treatment units. Thereby, their performance depends on four stochastic variables: the reliability of the treatment unit, the respond time for the repair of failed units, the reliability of on-line sensors, and the frequency of routine inspections. The simulated scenarios show a significant difference between the true performance and the observations by the sensors and inspections. The results also illustrate the trade-off between investing in reactor and sensor technology and in human interventions in order to achieve a certain target performance. Modeling can quantify such effects and thereby support the identification of requirements for the centralized monitoring of distributed treatment units. The model approach is generic and can be extended and applied to various distributed wastewater treatment technologies and contexts.
Evaluation of a hybrid vertical membrane bioreactor (HVMBR) for wastewater treatment
Authors: Rodríguez-Hernández L. , Esteban-García A. L. , Lobo A. , Temprano J. , Álvaro C. , Mariel A. , Tejero I.
Published: February 2013

A new hybrid membrane bioreactor (HMBR) has been developed to obtain a compact module, with a small footprint and low requirement for aeration. The aim of this research was to assess its performance. The system consists of a single vertical reactor with a filtration membrane unit and, above this, a sponge fixed bed as support medium. The aeration system is located under the membrane unit, allowing for membrane cleaning, oxygenation, biofilm thickness control and bulk liquid mixing. Operated under continuous aeration, a bench-scale reactor (70 L) was fed with pre-treated, raw (unsettled) municipal wastewater. BOD5 and suspended solids removal efficiencies (96 and 99% respectively) were comparable to those obtained with other membrane bioreactors (MBRs). Total nitrogen removal efficiencies of 80% were achieved, which is better than those obtained in other HMBRs and similar to the values reached using more complex MBRs with extra anoxic tanks, intermittent aeration or internal deflectors.
Testing the effectiveness of monolayers under wind and wave conditions
Authors: Palada C. , Schouten P. , Lemckert C.
Published: February 2013

Monolayers are highly desirable for their evaporation reducing capabilities due to their relatively minimal cost and ease of application. Despite these positive attributes, monolayers have consistently failed to perform effectively due to the harsh wind and wave conditions prevalent across real-world water reserves. An exhaustive and consistent study testing the influence of wind and wave combinations on monolayer performance has yet to be presented in the literature. To remedy this, the effect of simultaneous wind and wave conditions on a benchmark high-performance monolayer (octadecanol suspension, CH3(CH2)16CH2OH) has been analysed. Subjected only to waves, the monolayer remained intact due to its innate ability to compress and expand. However, the constant simultaneous application of wind and waves caused the monolayer to break up and gather down-wind where it volatilised over time. At wind speeds above 1.3 m s−1 the monolayer was completely ineffective. For wind speeds below this threshold, the monolayer had an influence on the evaporation rate dependent on wind speed. From these results a series of application protocols can now be developed for the optimised deployment of monolayers in real-world water reserves. This will be of interest to private, commercial and government organisations involved in the storage and management of water resources.
Surgical and nonsurgical treatment of peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in dogs and cats: 58 cases (1999–2008)
Authors: Burns Colby G. , Bergh Mary Sarah , McLoughlin Mary A.
Published: February 2013

Objective—To determine clinical findings and outcomes for cats and dogs with peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia (PPDH) treated surgically or nonsurgically.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—28 dogs and 30 cats.

Procedures—Medical records for cats and dogs evaluated at 1 of 2 veterinary teaching hospitals were reviewed, and data regarding clinical signs, diagnostic and surgical findings, and outcome were evaluated.

Results—Prevalence of PPDH in the 2 hospitals during the study period was 0.025% (0.062% and 0.015% for cats and dogs, respectively); PPDH was an incidental finding for 13 (46.4%) dogs and 15 (50.0%) cats. Other congenital abnormalities were identified in 16 (571%) dogs and 7 (23.3%) cats (most commonly umbilical hernias, abdominal wall hernias cranial to the umbilicus, or sternal anomalies). Thirty-four (58.6%) animals underwent surgical repair of PPDH; 27 (79.4%) of these animals had a primary diagnosis of PPDH. Detection of clinical signs of PPDH (primary diagnosis) and intestines in the pericardial sac were significantly associated with surgical treatment. Short-term mortality rate for surgically treated animals was 8.8% (3/34). Clinical signs associated with PPDH resolved in 29 (85.3%) of surgically treated animals. No significant differences were detected between dogs and cats or between surgically and nonsurgically treated animals regarding long-term survival rate.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results of this study indicated animals with clinical signs of PPDH were more likely to undergo surgery than were animals without such signs. Herniorrhaphy was typically effective for resolution of clinical signs. Long-term survival rates were similar regardless of treatment method. Surgical or nonsurgical treatment of PPDH may be appropriate for animals with or without clinical signs, respectively.
Spontaneous pneumothorax secondary to reactive bronchopneumopathy in a dog
Authors: Boudreau Bianca , Nelson Laura L. , Carey Stephan A. , Williams Kurt J.
Published: February 2013

Case Description—An 8-year-old 38-kg (84-lb) castrated male German Shepherd Dog cross was evaluated because of respiratory distress secondary to pneumothorax (detected radio-graphically prior to referral).

Clinical Findings—CT of the thorax confirmed the presence of pneumothorax and revealed pulmonary blebs without evidence of infiltrative pulmonary changes. A tentative diagnosis of primary spontaneous pneumothorax was made.

Treatment and Outcome—Exploratory median sternotomy revealed emphysematous changes along the margins of all lung lobes, with the ventral margins of the left cranial, right cranial, and right middle lung lobes most affected. Partial lobectomies of the ventral aspects of these lobes were performed. Histologic examination of tissue samples from the lung lobes revealed diffuse smooth muscle hypertrophy of the terminal and respiratory bronchioles with moderate numbers of peribronchiolar eosinophils. Mucus plugs and mucous cell metaplasia within the airway epithelium were also evident. After surgery, clinical signs resolved and the dog was discharged from the hospital 2 days later. Eight months after surgery, the dog developed a mild cough, and treatment with prednisolone (tapering dosage starting at 0.5 mg/kg [0.023 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h) was initiated. Dosage reduction resulted in recurrence of coughing; however, with continued prednisolone treatment at a dosage of 0.5 mg/kg, PO, once daily, the dog was not coughing at 10 months after surgery.

Clinical Relevance—Reactive bronchopneumopathy should be included as a differential diagnosis for spontaneous pneumothorax in dogs.
FROM COCHLEAR IMPLANTS TO BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACES
Authors: Tadeusiewicz Ryszard , Rotter Paweł
Published: February 2013

In this article two groups of technologies based on connecting a medical device to the human brain are presented. The first group exploits the existing nerves, like the cochlear implant where ear prosthesis is connected to the auditory nerve. Another group is based on a direct connection between an electronic device and the human brain and it is called Brain-Computer Interfaces. The article contains the description of these technologies, points out their current capabilities and limitations and the main barriers to further development. The authors indicate possible directions of future expansion of the discussed technologies.
Seasonal variation of American Indian children’s school-day physical activity
Authors: Brusseau Timothy A. , Kulinna Pamela H. , Kloeppel Tiffany , Ferry Matthew
Published: February 2013

Seasonal variation of American Indian children’s school-day physical activity

Study aim: To examine the pedometer steps taken during the school-day by American Indian children during all four
seasons.

Material and methods: Participants included third-sixth grade children (n = 157) aged 9.6±1.07 (boys) and 9.7±1.2 (girls)
attending school from one Southwestern US American Indian community. Children had a mean BMI of 23.9±7.7 with
70% being classified as overweight or obese. Children wore a pedometer (Yamax Digiwalker SW-200) for 20 days (5
days per season).

Results: Children accumulated 4762±1544 (boys) and 4408±1194 (girls) steps/day across the four seasons with the
highest totals occurring during the Fall (4899, males; 4796, females) and the lowest totals during the Winter (4463,
males; 4043, females). Repeated measures ANOVA showed no significant differences in daily school-day steps across
seasons. Children classified as normal weight averaged 5146±1688 steps/day, overweight children averaged 5020±1333
steps/day, and obese children accumulated 4275±1123 steps/day.

Conclusions: PA stayed relatively consistent across seasons in this sample of children. However, children were the least active during Winter months. With 70% of the current sample being classified as overweight and with American Indian
children at greater risk for numerous hypokinetic diseases there is a clear need for additional school-day PA opportunities.
Physical activity of soldiers in the Polish Armed Force’s military
administration units and special units
Authors: Tomczak Andrzej
Published: February 2013

Study aim: To determine physical activity levels of soldiers in military administration units and special units.

Material and methods: The research included 58 military administration soldiers (male) and 45 special unit soldiers.
The average age of the military administration soldiers was 45.2 ± 5.54 years, whereas in the case of special unit
soldiers it was 31.4 ± 4.40 years. The research tool employed was the International Physical Activity Questionnaire
(IPAQ), long version, last 7 days.

Results: According to the adopted criteria, all special unit soldiers and 41.4% of the military administration soldiers
were assigned a high level of physical activity (p<0.001). Of the researched soldiers in the military administrative
units, 29.3% were assigned to the adequate level and 29.3% were assigned to the inadequate level. One in two soldiers
from military administration units does not participate in mandatory physical education classes nor do they compensate
for the shortage of physical activity in their leisure time.

Conclusions: Definite steps should be taken regarding broadly based promotion of health and physical activity among
Polish Armed Forces soldiers.
Effects of vertical, horizontal, and combination depth jump training
on long jump performance
Authors: Singh Dalwinder , Singh Sukhwinder
Published: February 2013

Study aim: To assess the effects of vertical, horizontal, and combination depth jump training programs on the performance
of the running long jump by male athletes.

Material and methods: A total of 80 physical education students ranging in age between 18-21 years with mean depth
jump performance of 44.3 ± 5.13 cm from a 45 cm high box were purposively selected to act as subjects. The subjects
were randomly assigned to vertical depth jump training (VD), horizontal depth jump training (HD), the combination
of both (CD), and a control group (CG). Each week, experimental groups performed 6 sets (10 repetitions per
set) twice a week for 10 weeks of depth jump training from a height of 20 cm, which progressed to 40 cm according
to the step method. Running long jump (RLJ) was measured before and after 10 weeks. Analysis of covariance, with
pre-test scores as a covariate, was applied to compare scores. A pairwise comparison was done by using the Scheffe’s post-hoc test.

Results: The average increase of RLJ performance in groups VD (0.17 m) and CD (0.23 m) was significantly different
(p<0.05) than in group CG (0.05 m). Improvement in group HD (0.12 m) was not significantly different than in
group CG; moreover, no significant difference existed between training groups.

Conclusions: A combination of both vertical and horizontal depth jumping is required for long jumpers, with a higher
proportion of vertical depth jumping.
Generation changes over the period of 1986-2006 in the physical
fitness of boys aged 7-19 from eastern Poland at particular stages
of education
Authors: Saczuk Jerzy , Wasiluk Agnieszka , Zalech Mirosław
Published: February 2013

Study aim: To assess the size of secular trends in the physical fitness of boys from eastern Poland taking into consideration
stages of education.

Material and methods: The physical fitness results of boys aged 7-19 years living in eastern regions of Poland were
analyzed: 3188 students were examined in 1986 while in 2006 the research included 10 810 boys. In both examinations
(1986 and 2006), the level of motor abilities was measured according to the guidelines of the International Physical
Fitness Test. The individual results of children and youth examined in 2006, which took into account calendar age,
were converted into points on a T scale, with means and standard deviations from 1986 accepted as norms. On the
basis of the obtained point values and taking into account stages of education (7-9 – integrated teaching, 10-12 – primary
school, 13-15 – lower-secondary school, 16-18 – upper-secondary school), arithmetic means and dispersion values
concerning motor abilities in the groups were calculated. Individual results in motor abilities of every subject were
used to define quantitative generation changes. Differences between the means obtained in 1986 and 2006, as well
as between the fractions of boys qualified for respective fitness category in both examinations, were assessed.

Results: Over the 2-decade period the boys from eastern Poland slightly improved their results only as far as sit-ups
are concerned (1.47 points), while the level of bent arm hang, handgrip, 50 m run, and shuttle run 4×10 m remained
the same. In contrast, negative changes were observed in the long run (4.44 points), the sit-and-reach test (4.47 points),
and the standing broad jump (3.74 points). The greatest decline in motor abilities was noted amongst schoolchildren
from integrated education classes (2.69 points); whereas the smallest decline was noted in adolescents from lower
secondary schools (0.60 points).

Conclusions: The changes noted in physical fitness indicate that in the context of health the revision of the Act on
Physical Culture from 2002, which reduced the number of school’s physical education classes, is a debatable issue.
Body image of adolescent boys
Authors: Turski Jakub , Głogowska Joanna , Wilczkiewicz Marcin , Stupnicki Romuald
Published: February 2013

Study aim: To compare the perception of own body by adolescent boys with an external assessment.

Material and methods: Two groups of boys (45 from Warsaw, aged 15 – 16 years, and 49 from a small town in South-
Eastern Poland, aged 16 years) were studied by using standard body image templates containing 9 shapes. Every boy
indicated the perceived shape and that he wished to have. The external assessment was done by the same investigator
and that assessment served to classify boys as underweight (n = 4), normal (n = 51) or overweight (n = 39; Shapes 1
– 2, 3 – 4 and 5 – 9, respectively) and to correlate the scores with BMI.

Results: The external and self-assessments were concordant in overweight boys, the desired shapes being significantly
lower only in Group 1. The percentage of overweight boys was significantly (p<0.05) higher in Group 1 than in
Group 2. “Normal” boys from Group 1 significantly (p<0.001) overrated their body shape compared with external
rating. External ratings of body shape significantly correlated with BMI values in both groups alike (r = 0.82, p<0.001).

Conclusions: The presented approach to body shape studies may contribute to preventing biosocial disorders in
adolescent boys brought about by thoughtless striving for an ideal shape promoted by mass media.
Effects of stretching exercises on primary dysmenorrhea in adolescent
girls
Authors: Shahr-jerdy Shahnaz , Hosseini Rahman Sheikh , Gh Maghsoud Eivazi
Published: February 2013

Study aim: To assess the effect of one term of stretching exercise on primary dysmenorrhea in high school students.

Material and methods: 179 single girls aged 15-17 years with moderate-to-severe primary dysmenorrhea were selected
from 6 high schools located in 2 different city zones. The students were non-athletes and volunteered for the study.
The participants were randomly divided into 2 groups: an experimental group (n = 124) and a control group (n = 55).
In the intervention group, the subjects were requested to complete an active stretching exercise for 8 weeks (3 days
per week, 2 times per day, 10 minutes each time) at home. In the pre-test, all of subjects were examined for pain intensity
(10-point scale), pain duration, and the use of sedative tablets in 2 continuous menstruation cycles. The posttest
was examined 8 weeks later.

Results: After 8 weeks, pain intensity was reduced from 7.65 to 4.88, pain duration was decreased from 7.48 to 3.86
hours, and use of sedative tablets was decreased from 1.65 to 0.79 tablets in the experimental group (p<0.05). In the
control group, a significant decline was only noted for pain duration (p<0.001).

Conclusions: Stretching exercises are effective in reducing pain intensity, pain duration, and the amount of painkillers
used by girls with primary dysmenorrhea.
The Principles and the Specifics of Trading in Commodities
Authors: Baran Dušan , Herbacsková Anita
Published: February 2013

In the present period of instability on financial markets, investments in commodities are the solution for elimination of the consequences of inflation and ensure the yield. When investing in commodities, the use of specifics of commodities compared to other assets. The distribution of commodities we can interpret for agricultural commodities, commodities of energy, precious and other metals, and weather. Therefore, in the framework of the investment portfolio are the commodities. This is the reason why one of the most popular types of investment assets now become commodities. In the interpretation of particular commodities we talk about commodity futures. The reason is that the spot market with commodities is limited storage facilities. The growth of the popularity, which allows a wide range of commodities, has caused that in addition to from institutional investors and speculators for trade may involve even small investors. This development will be supplemented by interpretation of the charts and figers, which will be commented and used for generalization of knowledge. Finally, the article will be interpreted by the further development of the market for commodities as it by article assumes from the results of research.
Individualisation of Lean Concept in Companies Dealing with Mass Production
Authors: Bednár Roman
Published: February 2013

The methods of lean manufacturing primarily designed for businesses dealing with serial production, are also used in other types of production. However the concept of lean production was not designed for these types of businesses, they are utilized only partially. Paper focuses on applying methods of lean concept in companies which are dealing with mass production and their options of exchange for other methods in the event of disagreement. Basis of the article is a list of lean methods with its description and its utilization in practice. The questionnaire was utilized to identify information from the practice. Based on this survey were identified the critical methods that are no longer appropriate for companies dealing with mass production. However, there are alternative methods of describing the problem. It is possible to say that companies are trying to get closer to their goal by modification of the basic concepts. And the concept of Lean Enterprise serves as a standard.
Equipment Categorization as a Basis to Improve the Organization of Maintenance
Authors: Drahňovský Juraj
Published: February 2013

Each enterprise must worry about its technical equipment. There are many concepts and strategies to improve the management of the maintenance, e. g. TPM, RBI, LCC, CBM, RCM etc. However, the basis for each one of these systems should be the equipment categorization. The purpose of categorization is to classify equipments according to the type of risk associated with their main function. This allows to focus attention on the parameters and the criteria used to assign the degree of risk when the equipment fails and to determine the proper method of maintenance.
The Statistical Regulation Of The Turning Process
Authors: Lestyánszka Škủrková Katarína
Published: February 2013

This article has been handled of statistics pursing of capability process of turning by screws production in RIBE Slovakia, k.s. Objective of the statistical assessment process is to determine whether all major manageable causes of instability of the process have been removed. The basis for statistical regulation is management of production processes. If a process operates with large number of random effects, the resulting distribution has the character of a normal distribution. As the result showed on based of quality control charts for average and standard deviation (X, R) we are able to say that the turning process is under the statistics control.
Code of Ethics in a Multicultural Company and its Legal Context
Authors: Odlerová Eva , Ďurišová Jaroslava , Šramel Bystrík
Published: February 2013

The entry of foreign investors and simultaneous expansion of different national cultures, religions, rules, moral and ethical standards is bringing up problems of cooperation and coexistence of different nationalities, ethnicities and cultures. Working in an international environment therefore requires adaptation to a variety of economic, political, legal, technical, social, cultural and historical conditions. One possible solution is to define a code of ethics, guidelines which find enough common moral principles, which can become the basis for the adoption of general ethical standards, while respecting national, cultural differences and practices. In this article, the authors pay attention not only to the analysis of the common ethical rules in a multicultural company, but also to the legal aspects of codes of ethics. Each code of ethics is a set of standards, which, like the legal norms, regulate the behaviour of individuals. These standards, however, must simultaneously meet certain statutory criteria that define the boundaries of regulation of employee’s behaviour.
Information Security Management (ISM)
Authors: Šalgovičová Jarmila , Prajová Vanessa
Published: February 2013

Currently, all organizations have to tackle the issue of information security. The paper deals with various aspects of Information Security Management (ISM), including procedures, processes, organizational structures, policies and control processes. Introduction of Information Security Management should be a strategic decision. The concept and implementation of Information Security Management in an organization are determined by the corporate needs and objectives, security requirements, the processes deployed as well as the size and structure of the organization. The implementation of ISM should be carried out to the extent consistent with the needs of the organization.
Bringing Excellence to Automotive
Authors: Večeřa Pavel , Paulová Iveta
Published: February 2013

Market situation and development in recent years shows, that organization's ability to meet customer requirements is not enough. Successful organizations are able to exceed the expectations of all stakeholders. They are building their excellence systematically. Our contribution basically how the excellence in automotive is created using EFQM Excellence Model in Total Quality Management.
Modes of Learning Utilized by Coaches to Increase Knowledge and Understanding
Authors: Vickers Brad , Wax Ben
Published: February 2013

Houle (1980) provided “three major and overlapping modes of learning” (p. 31) as the basis for individual enhancement of professional knowledge. These modes of learning include instruction (acquisition of fact-based knowledge), inquiry (discussion and synthesis of information into a usable form), and performance (implementation of ideas to determine effectiveness). The purpose of this study was to determine the utilization of different modes of learning by novice, intermediate and expert football coaches in their development. The novice and intermediate football coaches were high school level coaches while the expert coaches included Bobby Bowden formerly of Florida State University and Tommy Bowden formerly of Clemson University. The data were collected through interviews and observations of the coaches revealing that coaches’ progression of expertise (from novice to expert) lead to a lessened dependence on instruction as a mode of learning and more utilization of inquiry and performance. With little experience and high dependence on the head coach, novice coaches primarily relied on fact-based information (instruction) disseminated by head coaches to increase their knowledge and understanding of football and coaching. The intermediate and expert football coaches were similar in their dependence on inquiry and performance to increase knowledge and understanding, but differed slightly in their dependence on each mode of learning. The intermediate coaches placed more emphasis on discovering additional information about their ideas and strategies (inquiry), while the expert coaches emphasized the implementation of ideas into daily practices and games (performance) to discern what aspects were beneficial and what should be revised or discarded.