bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soybean Seed Composition, Aboveground Growth, and Nutrient Accumulation with Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilization in No‐Till and Strip‐Till
Authors: Farmaha Bhupinder S. , Fernández Fabián G. , Nafziger Emerson D.
Published: June 2012

Strip‐till can improve soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield and increase P and K availability relative to no‐till. Our objectives were to evaluate the effect of P and K rate and placement in no‐till and strip‐till on soybean‐seed oil and protein content, aboveground growth and P and K accumulation, and soil water. A 3‐yr field experiment was conducted near Urbana, IL, with tillage/fertilizer placement treatment as the main plots: no‐till/broadcast (NTBC), no‐till/deep band (NTDB), and strip‐till/deep band (STDB) with banded fertilizer at 15 cm beneath the planted row. Phosphorus (0, 12, 24, and 36 kg ha–1 yr–1) was the subplot and K (0, 42, 84, and 168 kg ha–1 yr–1) was the sub‐subplot. Higher protein and oil yields were produced with STDB than the no‐till treatments. Increase protein yield with P fertilization occurred only for the no‐till treatments, but STDB maintained higher protein yield than the no‐till treatments when no P was applied, indicating that STDB was more effective at making P available to the crop. Phosphorus and K placement made no difference in protein and oil concentration or yield. Leaf area index (LAI) was greater for STDB than NTBC and NTDB and greater for NTDB than NTBC. Phosphorus and K fertilization increased LAI relative to the check by V2 stage illustrating the importance of fertilization for early growth. The advantage for soybean production with STDB over the no‐till treatments was the result of greater soil water content in STDB during the reproductive stages.
Modeling Sustainable Agricultural Residue Removal at the Subfield Scale
Authors: Muth D. J. , McCorkle D. S. , Koch J. B. , Bryden K. M.
Published: June 2012

This study developed a computational strategy that utilizes data inputs from multiple spatial scales to investigate how variability within individual fields can impact sustainable residue removal for bioenergy production. Sustainable use of agricultural residues for bioenergy production requires consideration of the important role that residues play in limiting soil erosion and maintaining soil C, health, and productivity. Increased availability of subfield‐scale data sets such as grain yield data, high‐fidelity digital elevation models, and soil characteristic data provides an opportunity to investigate the impacts of subfield‐scale variability on sustainable agricultural residue removal. Using three representative fields in Iowa, this study contrasted the results of current NRCS conservation management planning analysis with subfield‐scale analysis for rake‐and‐bale removal of agricultural residue. The results of the comparison show that the field‐average assumptions used in NRCS conservation management planning may lead to unsustainable residue removal decisions for significant portions of some fields. This highlights the need for additional research on subfield‐scale sustainable agricultural residue removal including the development of real‐time variable removal technologies for agricultural residue.
Near Infrared Reflectance‐Based Tools for Predicting Soil Chemical Properties of Oklahoma Grazinglands
Authors: Northup Brian K. , Daniel John A.
Published: June 2012

Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) has potential to provide timely, and lower cost estimates of soil properties than current laboratory techniques. This study defined the capacity of NIRS to predict soil organic matter (SOM), total carbon (TC) and total nitrogen (TN) in native prairie (n = 3) and conventionally tilled wheat (n = 1) experimental paddocks (1.6 ha) in central Oklahoma under different forms of long‐term (1978–2004) management. Samples were collected from paddocks along 150‐m transects situated between a ridge and toe slope. The A horizon was divided into sections (0– 5, 5–10, and 10–25 cm), reflectance (R) measurements (log 1/R) collected, and absorption spectra (750–2500 nm) developed for random samples collected from all paddocks (total n = 124 for C and N; n = 214 for SOM). Calibration equations between absorbance at various wavelengths and laboratory‐measured properties were developed by multivariate partial least squares regression, and tested with an independent validation set of observations. Relationship between laboratory values and NIRS estimates (n = 62 for C and N; n = 75 for SOM) generated significant calibration equations (0.91 < R2 < 0.98; P < 0.01; 2.5 < RPD ratios < 3.7). Application of calibration equations to validation datasets (n = 62 for C and N; n = 139 for SOM) generated significant relationships (0.85 < R2 < 0.92; p < 0.01) with slopes that did not differ from calibration equations (0.70 < p < 0.76). Results suggest the developed equations could provide useful predictions of soil properties for routine determination of responses to management. More accurate and broadly applicable equations for central Oklahoma mollisols will require samples from a wider range of exposures, landscape positions, soil types, and management regimes.
Using Active Canopy Sensing to Adjust Nitrogen Application Rate in Corn
Authors: Barker D. W. , Sawyer J. E.
Published: June 2012

Remote sensing that uses active sensors continue to be tested as an N stress detection method and provide in‐season rate adjustments to corn (Zea mays L.). The objectives of the study were to use active canopy sensing to vary in‐season N application at the V10 corn growth stage and compare applied N rate, grain yield, and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) with N applied before planting. A fertilizer N rate study was conducted in 2009 and 2010 near Ames, IA. Pre‐plant N rates were 0 to 270 kg N ha−1 and then sensor‐based rates were applied in‐season at the V10 corn growth stage. Rainfall events occurred 3 to 5 d after N application each year, providing corn response to the in‐season applied N and increasing relative corn canopy biomass by the V13 growth stage. The pre‐plant applied nitrogen (PP‐N) 270 kg N ha−1 rate used as the N‐reference did not result in the highest green normalized difference vegetative index (GNDVI) or produce the highest grain yields. The pre‐plant plus sensor applied nitrogen (PP+S‐N) recovered corn yield from plant N stress at V10. The best yield recovery with deficit pre‐plant N and sensor‐directed N application rate occurred each year when no pre‐plant N had been applied. Overall, economic optimum nitrogen rate (EONR) and NUE in PP‐N and PP+S‐N were the same. The PP+S‐N application does give corn growers options for addressing in‐season N deficiency and protect yield potential when corn N need is uncertain or when soil N losses are unavoidable.
Yield and Weed Abundance in Early– and Late‐Sown Field Pea and Lentil
Authors: Fernandez Adria L. , Sheaffer Craig C. , Wyse Donald L. , Michaels Thomas E.
Published: June 2012

Field peas (Pisum sativum L.) and lentils (Lens culinaris Medik.) are high protein food crops for potential use in organic rotations. We determined the effects of cultivar selection, delayed sowing, and weed removal on yield of spring‐planted field peas and lentils grown using organic methods. In 2009 and 2010, at three southern Minnesota locations, two lentil cultivars (Crimson and Pennell) and four yellow field pea cultivars (DS Admiral, Commander, Yellow, and Miami) were planted on three planting dates (18 April, 28 April, and 10 May) and grown with and without weed control. Yields of Crimson lentil were 66% higher on average than those of Pennell lentil. Pea cultivars had similar yields. Yields of peas planted on 18 April were 23 and 71% greater than yields for peas planted on 28 April, and 10 May, respectively. Yields of lentils at the early date were 50 and 120% greater than those at the middle and late dates, respectively. Weed removal increased pea yields by an average of 63% and lentil yields by an average of 87%. Both weeded and unweeded pea and lentil yields were higher with early planting. Delayed planting was ineffective in reducing weed biomass. Field pea reliably produced yields sufficient to offset production costs in both low‐price commodity and high‐price direct marketing scenarios. Lentil yields did not consistently exceed economic break‐even levels in most environments. Field pea is a profitable crop for organic systems when early planted and when weeds are controlled.
Interference of Tifton Burclover Residues with Growth of Burclover and Wheat Seedlings
Authors: Mbũgwa Gatua wa , Krall James M. , Legg David E.
Published: June 2012

Residues of some Medicago spp. crops exhibit allelopathy and autotoxicity that adversely affect plant growth. This study was conducted to determine whether Tifton burclover [Medicago rigidula (L.) Allioni] residues exhibit toxicity that directly or indirectly inhibits plant growth. Four laboratory bioassays and two field experiments were conducted in Wyoming, between 2006 and 2007, to investigate the allelopathic and autotoxic effects of aqueous extracts from burclover residue on both burclover and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings. Biotic soil (field soil) bioassays resulted in maximum growth inhibition of 53 and 87.9% of wheat shoot and root lengths, respectively, while abiotic soil (autoclaved field soil) bioassays resulted in maximum growth inhibition of 38.2 and 51.1% for wheat shoot and root lengths, respectively. Nitrogen‐amended soil bioassays resulted in maximum growth inhibition of 62 and 75.1% for wheat shoot and root lengths, respectively. Bioassays for soils treated with 1, 2, and 4 g of activated charcoal resulted in maximum growth inhibition of 63.4 and 77.9% for wheat shoot and root lengths, respectively, with the greatest shoot growth inhibition occurring with 4 g of activated charcoal only. Soils treated with burclover leachates resulted in increased PO4–P, NH4–N, electrical conductivity, total phenolics content, and decreased soil pH. Results from the two field studies were mixed, but drought may have adversely affected these results. Bioassay results showed that the full‐strength leachate of burclover exhibited allelopathy effects on wheat, while growth inhibition of burclover seedlings in the field showed that burclover may have autotoxicity that could reduce productivity.
Does Handling Physically Alter the Coating Integrity of ESN Urea Fertilizer?
Authors: Beres Brian L. , McKenzie Ross H. , Dowbenko Ray E. , Badea Cosmin V. , Spaner Dean M.
Published: June 2012

Environmentally smart nitrogen (ESN) is a polymer‐coated form of N that provides controlled‐release, allowing higher seed‐placed safe rates of urea fertilizer. The influence of coating integrity on the rate of N release in field conditions is unknown. Field studies were conducted from 2008 to 2011 near Lethbridge, AB, Canada, to determine the impact of handling methods on the polymer coating of ESN when seed‐placed with canola (Brassica napus L.), wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), or triticale (X Triticosecale Wittmack). Abrasion levels were created through laboratory simulation (0–80% N release after 7d in 23°C water, calibrated in increments of 10%; Exp. 1), or from handling by collecting ESN from exit points on nine implements, which was subjected to two methods of loading and unloading at the retail point and farm (9 × 2 × 2 factorial; Exp. 2). Nitrogen release data was related to plant responses in the field by seed placing the ESN at rates of 45 kg N ha−1 with canola and 90 kg N ha−1 for cereals. At the highest N release treatment in Exp. 1, winter cereal and canola stands were reduced by ∼30% and spring cereals by 18%. Grain yield was unaffected in winter wheat but reduced in canola and spring cereals by 20 and 10%, respectively. In Exp. 2, abrasion from transferring ESN in equipment containing scaly deposits or seeders configured with header‐manifold systems operating at high fan speeds corresponded to higher N release treatments, which reduced winter wheat and canola stands. Crop injury and grain yield, however, was usually mitigated through proper equipment maintenance and settings.
Sunflower–Soybean Intercrop Productivity under Different Water Conditions and Sowing Managements
Authors: Andrade José F. , Cerrudo Anibal , Rizzalli Roberto H. , Monzon Juan P.
Published: June 2012

The sunflower (Helianthus annus L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] intercrop has emerged as an option that increases land productivity in the southern Pampas of Argentina, compared with sole crops, because of complementary use of resources between species. A common management practice for this intercrop consists of delay soybean sowing, although delayed planting reduces the capacity of soybean to capture resources. Simultaneous sowing could improve total intercrop productivity because of an increase in soybean grain yield with no or little detrimental effects on sunflower grain yield. The objectives of this study were to analyze the response of the sunflower–soybean intercrop and of their component species under different sowing management (i.e., relay or simultaneous sowing) and water availability conditions. Three experiments were conducted at Balcarce, Argentina. Four cropping systems were evaluated: (i) sunflower–soybean intercrop with simultaneous sowing management (I00), (ii) sunflower–soybean intercrop with 30 d of delay between sunflower and soybean sowing (I30), (iii) sunflower sole crop (SUN), and (iv) soybean sole crop (SOY). Sunflower–soybean intercrop grain yield tend to be higher than that for sole crops of the component species. This yield advantage for intercrop increased with water availability and was associated with an increase in intercropped soybean productivity. Intercrop sowing management had no effect on total intercrop grain yield. However, simultaneous sowing increased soybean contribution to intercrop yield. Finally, our results indicate that agronomic practices that promote intercropped soybean performance increase intercrop productivity relative to the sole crops of their component species.
Planting Soybean With A Grain Drill Inconsistently Increases Yield And Profit
Authors: Orlowski John , Cox William J. , Ditommaso Antonio , Knoblauch Wayne
Published: June 2012

Growers can plant soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] with a grain drill or row crop planter, which can affect seed and weed control costs and yield. Farmers planted soybean with a drill in 0.19‐m rows and row crop planter in 0.38‐ and 0.76‐m rows at two seeding rates (420,000 and 321,000 seeds ha−1) in two field‐scale studies in New York to obtain agronomic information and conduct partial budget analyses to aid in future planter selection and purchase decisions. Soybean intercepted more light at flowering in 0.19 (65–70%) compared with 0.76‐m rows (50–55%), despite lower early plant establishment (∼70 and ∼85%, respectively) at both locations. At a no‐till location, 0.76‐m rows compared with narrower rows had greater weed density at full pod stage (19.7 vs. 6.3 and 5.1 weeds m−2) and weed biomass at harvest (13.7 vs. 6.6 and 7.3 g m−2, respectively) but similar yield (∼3.30 Mg ha−1). At a chisel tillage location, soybean in 0.19‐m rows at the recommended 420,000 seeds ha−1 yielded 4% more (4.27 Mg ha−1) than in 0.76‐m rows at the recommended 321,000 seeds ha−1 (4.11 Mg ha−1). Partial budget analyses indicated that soybean in 0.19‐m rows at 420,000 seeds ha−1 had ∼$30 ha−1 greater profit compared with 0.76‐m rows at 321,000 seeds ha−1. Partial budget analyses indicated that at present prices the 4% yield advantage offset purchasing and owning costs of a new drill and added seed costs, if planting 250 and 500 ha of soybean.
Evidence of the influence of wastewater treatment on improved public health
Authors: Naik Kartiki S. , Stenstrom Michael K.
Published: June 2012

This paper analyzes the influence of wastewater treatment access of a region and the effect on public health improvement independent of its economy. The sample set is derived from 39 different nations. The study employs health, economic and environmental indicators such as gross national income, human development index; disease mortality due to diarrheal diseases, tuberculosis and malaria, access to sanitation, wastewater treatment and collection. It is necessary to extricate the impact of increased wastewater treatment access on disease mortality from that of increased national income and health care. Hence we observed this influence for very small ranges of human development. It was concluded that an increase in wastewater treatment availability reduces disease mortality, independent of an increase in income or sanitation. Trends in the lack of wastewater treatment with the logarithm of disease mortality had correlation coefficients (r2) of 0.35–0.5 at a high significance (P < 0.001). Previous studies have emphasized the relation between improved sanitation and public health. This study reasserts the necessity for wastewater treatment in order to mitigate disease burden and mortality.
Denitrification of nitrate-contaminated groundwater using a simple immobilized activated sludge bioreactor
Authors: Ye Zhengfang , Wang Feng , Bi Haitao , Wang Zhongyou , Liu Guo-hua
Published: June 2012

A simple anaerobic-activated sludge system, in which microorganisms are immobilized by a novel functional carrier, was used for removing nitrate in groundwater. The operating conditions, including hydraulic retention time (HRT), C/N ratio, temperature and NO3−-N loading concentration were investigated. The NO3−-N concentration, residual chemical oxygen demand (COD) and nitrite accumulation were used as indicators to assess the water quality of the effluent. The anaerobic biomass loading capacity in the carrier was 12.8 g/L and the denitrifying Pseudomonas sp. and Rhodocyclaceae bacterium were dominant among the immobilized microorganisms in the anaerobic-activated sludge. Under operating conditions of HRT= 1.5 h, C/N= 2–3 and T= 16.8–20 °C, the removal efficiency of NO3−-N exceeded 93%, corresponding to a relatively high denitrification rate of 0.73 kg NO3−-N m−3 d−1, when the NO3−-N loading concentration was 50 mg/L. The NO3−-N concentration of the effluent always met regulatory criteria for drinking water (<10 mg/L) in the main developed and developing countries. The effluent COD was also below 10 mg/L. Although some nitrite accumulated (0–1.77 mg/L) during the operating period, it can be decreased through adjusting the operating pH and HRT. The immobilized activated sludge system may be useful for the removal of nitrate from groundwater.
Evaluation of the origin of nitrate influencing the Ključ groundwater source, Serbia
Authors: Miljević Nada , Boreli-Zdravković Djulija , Obradović Vesna , Golobočanin Dušan , Mayer Bernhard
Published: June 2012

This paper describes the use of the dual isotope method involving δ15N and δ18O measurements of dissolved nitrates to assess the origin and fate of groundwater nitrate at the Ključ groundwater source, Serbia. A sampling campaign was conducted in September 2007 during flow conditions obtaining groundwater from observation wells and river water fed by a shallow aquifer hosted in alluvial (sandy-gravel) sediments. Nitrate isotope ratios ranged from +5.3 to +16.9‰ and δ18ONO3 values varied from −2.3 to +5.0‰. Two major contamination sources were identified with isotopic compositions characteristic for nitrate derived from nitrification of soil organic nitrogen (+5.3 to +7.8‰ for δ15N) resulting in nitrate concentrations of 33.6 and 78.8 mg/L and nitrate derived from animal wastes or human sewage, e.g. via septic systems, yielding δ15N values of +9.9 to +11.9‰ and elevated nitrate concentrations of 31.2–245.8 mg/L. The occurrence of nitrification and denitrification was also revealed based on concentration and isotope data for dissolved nitrate.
Effect of calcination temperature on the catalytic activity of nanosized TiO2 for ozonation of trace 4-chloronitrobenzene
Authors: Ye Miaomiao , Chen Zhonglin , Zhang Tuqiao , Shao Weiyun
Published: June 2012

Nanosized titanium dioxides were synthesized by hydrolysis of TiCl4 followed by calcination at different temperatures ranging from 300 to 1,000 °C. The as-prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption, and zeta potential analysis. The catalytic activities of the TiO2 nanoparticles were tested by catalytic ozonation of trace 4-chloronitrobenzene (4-CNB) in water. Moreover, the catalytic ozonation activity of a sample calcined at 400 °C (denoted as T400) was tested in aqueous solution using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spin trapping technique with 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline N-oxide (DMPO) spin trap. It was found that with increasing calcination temperatures, the average crystallite size and average pore size increased, in contrast the BET surface areas decreased. However, the isoelectric point (IEP) first increased, and then decreased. The ozone adsorption on the catalyst surface played an important role in determining their catalytic activity. Sample T400 with the IEP of 7.0, farthest away from the 4-CNB solution pH value (pH = 5.3), showed the best catalytic activity. The EPR experiments further confirmed that the hydroxyl radicals TiO2-catalyzed ozonation followed a radical-type mechanism.
Assessment of urban water security based on catastrophe theory
Authors: Yang Fengshun , Shao Dongguo , Xiao Chun , Tan Xuezhi
Published: June 2012

In this study, a model for assessing urban water security is developed using an evaluation method of catastrophe theory. To overcome the defects of the traditional catastrophe evaluation method, two aspects of improvement are assessed. One is expanding the scope of application of the traditional catastrophe approach, i.e., new normalization formulae for five lower level indicators contained in the index at the higher level is proposed in theory. The other is solving the problem that the synthetic values are generally high and the differences are not obvious based on the theories of Cramer's Rule and Vander monde determinant. The assessment results in Wuhan city are in good agreement with the actual situation. The comparison between the results of the improved method and a fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method verifies the science and reliability of the developed method. Consequently, it is concluded that the improved method can be an effective tool for assessment of urban water security and provide a valuable reference for improving inadequacies in urban water security.
Preliminary study of phosphate adsorption onto cerium oxide nanoparticles for use in water purification; nanoparticles synthesis and characterization
Authors: Recillas Sonia , García Ana , González Edgar , Casals Eudald , Puntes Victor , Sánchez Antoni , Font Xavier
Published: June 2012

In this study, the synthesis and characterization of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs) and their adsorption potential for removing phosphate from water was evaluated using a multi-factor experimental design to explore the effect of various factors on adsorption. The objective function selected was the percentage of phosphate removed from water, in which the phosphate concentration and the CeO2-NP concentration are quantitative variables (factors in the experimental design). A lineal polynomial fitted the experimental results well (R2 = 0.9803). The nanostructure was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution TEM techniques before and after the adsorption process. During the adsorption and desorption processes several changes in the morphology and surface chemistry of the CeO2-NPs were observed.
Rivers as borders, uniting or dividing? The effect of topography and implications for catchment management
Authors: Smedley D. A. , Rowntree K. M.
Published: June 2012

South Africa's water resources are unequally distributed over space and time and an already stressed water resource situation will only be exacerbated by climate change if current predictions are correct. The potential for conflict over increasingly strained water resources in South Africa is thus very real. In order to deal with these complex problems, national legislation is demanding that water resource management be decentralized to the local level where active participation can take place in an integrated manner in accordance with the principles of Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM). However, administrative and political boundaries rarely match those of catchments as, throughout South Africa, rivers have been employed extensively to delineate administrative and political boundaries at a number of spatial scales. The aim of this research is to determine if rivers act as dividing or uniting features in a socio-political landscape and whether topography will influence their role in this context. The Orange-Senqu River is used as a case study. This paper goes on to consider the implications of this for catchment management in South Africa. No study known to the authors has explored the effect of the river itself, and its topographic setting, on the drivers that foster either conflict or cooperation, and allow for participatory management. This study presents evidence that the topography of a catchment has the ability to aggravate or reduce the impact of the variables considered by water managers and thereby influence the role of a river as a dividing or uniting feature. South Africa's proposed form of decentralized water management will have to contend with the effects of different topographies on the way in which rivers are perceived and utilized.
Towards more accurate design and specification of aeration systems using on-site column testing
Authors: Rosso Diego , Jiang Lu-Man , Hayden David M. , Pitt Paul , Hocking Charles S. , Murthy Sudhir , Stenstrom Michael K.
Published: June 2012

Fine-pore diffuser systems are selected for their potential energy efficiency, and during design their propensity for fouling and for an increase in pressure drop with time must be considered. Both fouling and pressure-drop increase cause an increase in blower power requirements. This paper presents a new approach to improve this design procedure, without altering the technical structure of the classical approach. While the administrative and bidding milestones are being carried out (i.e., in the first 6 months of the project milestones), an independent aeration team can test candidate diffusers suitable for design in an aeration column in situ. An extended fouling test in the plant's aeration tanks allows the collection of site-specific aeration performance data. These improve the accuracy of the design process, and limit the reliance on safety factors.
Assessing the urban water balance: the Urban Water Flow Model and its application in Cyprus
Authors: Charalambous Katerina , Bruggeman Adriana , Lange Manfred A.
Published: June 2012

Modelling the urban water balance enables the understanding of the interactions of water within an urban area and allows for better management of water resources. However, few models today provide a comprehensive overview of all water sources and uses. The objective of the current paper was to develop a user-friendly tool that quantifies and visualizes all water flows, losses and inefficiencies in urban environments. The Urban Water Flow Model was implemented in a spreadsheet and includes a water-savings application that computes the contributions of user-selected saving options to the overall water balance. The model was applied to the coastal town of Limassol, Cyprus, for the hydrologic years 2003/04–2008/09. Data were collected from the different authorities and hydrologic equations and estimations were added to complete the balance. Average precipitation was 363 mm/yr, amounting to 25.4 × 106m3/yr, more than double the annual potable water supply to the town. Surface runoff constituted 29.6% of all outflows, while evapotranspiration from impervious areas was 21.6%. Possible potable water savings for 2008/09 were estimated at 5.3 × 103 m3, which is 50% of the total potable water provided to the area. This saving would also result in a 6% reduction of surface runoff.
Identification of nitrate sources in Taihu Lake and its major inflow rivers in China, using δ15N-NO3− and δ18O-NO3− values
Authors: Chen Zi-Xiang , Liu Guang , Liu Wei-Guo , Lam Michael H. W. , Liu Gui-Jian , Yin Xue-Bin
Published: June 2012

In the present study, δ15N and δ18O-NO3− values, as well as concentrations of some major ion tracers were determined in seasonal water samples from Taihu Lake and major watersheds to investigate the temporal and spatial variations of nitrate sources and assess the underlying nitrogen (N) biogeochemistry process. The results lead to the conclusion that the nitrate concentrations in Taihu Lake are lower in summer than that in winter due to the dilution effect of wet deposition. In winter, sewage and manure were the primary nitrate sources in major inflow rivers and North Taihu Lake (NTL), while nitrate sources in East Taihu Lake (ETL) probably derived from soil organic N. In summer, atmospheric deposition and sewage/manure inputs appear to play an important role in controlling the distribution of nitrates in the whole lake. The δ18O-NO3− values suggest that the nitrate produced from microbial nitrification is another major nitrate source during both winter and summer months. The variations in isotopic values in nitrate suggest denitrification enriched the heavier isotopes of nitrate in NTL in winter and in ETL in summer.
A holistic water balance of Austria – how does the quantitative proportion of urban water requirements relate to other users?
Authors: Vanham D.
Published: June 2012

Traditional water use statistics only include the blue water withdrawal/consumption of municipalities, industry and irrigated agriculture. When, however, green water use of the agricultural sector is included as well as the virtual water use/water footprint (WF), water use quantity statistics become very different. In common water use statistics, Austria withdraws in total about 2.5 km3 per year, only 3% of available resources (total discharge 81.4 km3 = surface and ground water). The total water consumption (0.5 km3) is less than 1% of available resources. Urban (municipal) water requirements account for 27% of total withdrawal or 33% of consumption. When agricultural green water use (cropland) is included in statistics, the fraction of municipal water requirements diminishes to 7.6% of total withdrawal and 2.5% of total consumption. If the evapotranspiration of grassland and alpine meadows is also included in agricultural green water use, this fraction decreases to 3.2% and 0.9% respectively. When the WF is assessed as base value for water use in Austria, the municipal water use represents 5.8% of this value. In this globalized world, these traditional water use statistics are no longer recommendable. Only a holistic water balance approach really represents water use statistics.
The feasibility of a centralized biogas plant treating the manure produced by an organized animal farmers union in Turkey
Authors: Dereli R. K. , Yangin-Gomec C. , Ozabali A. , Ozturk I.
Published: June 2012

The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility and the energy recovery potential of mesophilic (30–35 °C) anaerobic digestion of animal wastes (manure) at a centralized biogas plant (CBP) for 35,000 cattle. The proposed CBP is composed of an equalization tank followed by pasteurization and 3+[1/2] modules; i.e. each module consists of four completely mixed anaerobic reactors with a capacity of treating the manure from 10,000 cattle. The effect of maize silage loading, as the co-substrate, both on biomethane production and feasibility of the system was also evaluated. Besides, the transport fuel substitutes of the produced biomethane with or without co-substrate were also investigated. Results of the proposed CBP indicated that biomethane production increased ca. 1.65 fold with co-substrate addition and pay-back periods for one module treating 10,000 cattle manure are calculated to be ca. 11 and 7.0 yr without and with silage addition, respectively. Besides, considering the potential revenue when replacing transport fuels, about 74 heavy goods vehicles or 1,560 cars may be powered per year by the biogas produced from the proposed CBP where the co-digestion of manure and maize silage is applied.
Removal of copper(II) and cadmium(II) ions from aqueous solutions by biosorption onto pine cone
Authors: Değirmen Görkem , Kılıç Murat , Çepelioğullar Özge , Pütün Ayşe E.
Published: June 2012

In this study, the removal of copper(II) and cadmium(II) ions from aqueous solutions by biosorption onto pine cone was studied. Variables that affect the biosorption process such as pH, biosorbent dosage, initial metal ion concentration, contact time and temperature of solution were optimized. Experimental data were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin Radushkevich and Temkin isotherm models to investigate the equilibrium isotherms. Pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion kinetic models were used to determine the biosorption mechanism. The thermodynamics of biosorption were studied for predicting the nature of biosorption. Experimental results showed that pine cone could be evaluated as an alternative precursor for removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions, due to its high biosorption capacity, availability, and low cost.
Stormwater harvesting and WSUD frequent flow management: a compatibility analysis
Authors: Brodie I.
Published: June 2012

Harvesting stormwater from urban catchments provides a supplementary water resource and, due to the physical abstraction of polluted water, also leads to environmental benefits. These benefits include the reduction of frequent ecosystem disturbance during small storms and less waterway erosion; hydrological impacts which are currently addressed by Water Sensitive Urban Design guidelines for stormwater frequent flow management (FFM). Although FFM and stormwater harvesting share the same store-release behaviour, they have a very different underlying basis to their design and operation. This paper explores the level of compatibility between these two systems and hence the potential for their integration. It was found by water balance analysis that the harvesting storage required to maximise most yields is similar to the recommended storage volume for FFM. This analysis was performed for a temperate-climate location in South East Queensland under historically low rainfalls. Environmental benefits associated with runoff quantity and pollutant load reductions are highest when the capture storage is rapidly emptied after storms.
Pharmaceutical residues in the Danube River Basin in Serbia – a two-year survey
Authors: Radović Tanja , Grujić Svetlana , Dujaković Nikolina , Radišić Marina , Vasiljević Tatjana , Petković Anđelka , Boreli-Zdravković Đulija , Dimkić Milan , Laušević Mila
Published: June 2012

Pharmaceuticals are emerging contaminants with damaging effects to the environment and human health. Their presence in surface and especially groundwaters is regarded as detrimental, as they can ultimately reach drinking water. The aim of this work was to monitor pharmaceutical contamination of the Danube River and its tributaries in Serbia, and to assess the potential of their passing through all natural filtrations and reaching the groundwater. A total of 70 surface and groundwater samples was collected at 38 sampling sites at the Danube in Serbia. They were taken in five sampling campaigns performed in summer and autumn of 2009 and winter, spring and autumn of 2010. Samples were analyzed using a previously developed method which includes solid-phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.
Assessment of health hazard associated with nitrogen compounds in water
Authors: Pawełczyk Adam
Published: June 2012

This paper presents results of analyses of water in the river Mała Panew in South West Poland flowing through a rural area with some chemical industry developed. The aims of the work were to investigate the pollutants level in the river, compare the obtained results with obligatory drinking water standards and determine possible health effects when using the river as a source for drinking water production. Attention was given to nitrogen compounds as nitrate(V) ions (NO3–) and nitrite(III) ions (NO2−), mostly of anthropogenic origin, were detected in the monitored water. The average concentrations of NO3− and NO2− were 3.54 and 0.286 mg/dm3, respectively. The chances for non-carcinogenic effects, namely methemoglobinemia, resulting from possible exposure to the examined chemicals were determined based on the analytical and toxicological data. As infants are the sub-population most susceptible to nitrate-induced methemoglobinemia, the assessment was limited to children aged 0–3 years. The determined values expressed by hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) indicate that the water pollutants and their concentrations do not exceed unity; however, in the case of infants, the other nitrate sources should be controlled.
Projective relatedness and conformal flatness
Authors: Hall Graham
Published: June 2012

This paper discusses the connection between projective relatedness and conformal flatness for 4-dimensional manifolds admitting a metric of signature (+,+,+,+) or (+,+,+,−). It is shown that if one of the manifolds is conformally flat and not of the most general holonomy type for that signature then, in general, the connections of the manifolds involved are the same and the second manifold is also conformally flat. Counterexamples are provided which place limitations on the potential strengthening of the results.
Macrophages, TGF-β1 expression and iron deposition in development of NASH
Authors: Ananiev Julian , Penkova Mariana , Tchernev Georgi , Gulubova Maya
Published: June 2012

A wide range of molecular markers and different types of cells in liver are possible factors for progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) development of liver fibrosis. We investigated biopsies from 57 patients with NASH. The material was obtained from livers and was proceed immunohistochemistry antibodies against CD68 and TGF-beta 1. In addition, biopsies were evaluated for iron content. Macrophages/-positive/could be found in all 57 cases. The number of macrophages in the sinusoids correlated with the degree of portal fibrosis:64.% of the patients with mild or intensive fibrosis had high infiltration with CD68-positive cells, while 100% of the patients without fibrosis hadlow infiltration (χ2=8.56; p=0.003). In specimens we, 69.% of patients with different degree of fibrosis expressed TGF-β1 in their portal tracts, and 100% of patients without fibrosis did demonstrate expression of the protein (χ2=23.7; p<0.001). Hepatic iron was found in 100% (9) of patients with intensive fibrosis vs. 10.3% of the patients mild fibrosis (χ2=23.4; p<0.001). Our results suggest that the macrophages and macrophage-derived TGF-beta1 are the major factors responsible for development of fibrosis and progression of chronic liver disease.
Topology optimization of quasistatic contact problems
Authors: Myśliński Andrzej
Published: June 2012

Topology optimization of quasistatic contact problems

This paper deals with the formulation of a necessary optimality condition for a topology optimization problem for an elastic contact problem with Tresca friction. In the paper a quasistatic contact model is considered, rather than a stationary one used in the literature. The functional approximating the normal contact stress is chosen as the shape functional. The aim of the topology optimization problem considered is to find the optimal material distribution inside a design domain occupied by the body in unilateral contact with the rigid foundation to obtain the optimally shaped domain for which the normal contact stress along the contact boundary is minimized. The volume of the body is assumed to be bounded. Using the material derivative and asymptotic expansion methods as well as the results concerning the differentiability of solutions to quasistatic variational inequalities, the topological derivative of the shape functional is calculated and a necessary optimality condition is formulated.
Localization in wireless sensor networks: Classification and evaluation of techniques
Authors: Niewiadomska-Szynkiewicz Ewa
Published: June 2012

Localization in wireless sensor networks: Classification and evaluation of techniques

Recent advances in technology have enabled the development of low cost, low power and multi functional wireless sensing devices. These devices are networked through setting up a Wireless Sensor Network (WSN). Sensors that form a WSN are expected to be remotely deployed in large numbers and to self-organize to perform distributed sensing and acting tasks. WSNs are growing rapidly in both size and complexity, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to develop and investigate such large and complex systems. In this paper we provide a brief introduction to WSN applications, i.e., properties, limitations and basic issues related to WSN design and development. We focus on an important aspect of the design: accurate localization of devices that form the network. The paper presents an overview of localization strategies and attempts to classify different techniques. A set of properties by which localization systems are evaluated are examined. We then describe a number of existing localization systems, and discuss the results of performance evaluation of some of them through simulation and experiments using a testbed implementation.
Distributed scheduling of sensor networks for identification of spatio-temporal processes
Authors: Patan Maciej
Published: June 2012

Distributed scheduling of sensor networks for identification of spatio-temporal processes

An approach to determine a scheduling policy for a sensor network monitoring some spatial domain in order to identify unknown parameters of a distributed system is discussed. Given a finite number of possible sites at which sensors are located, the activation schedule for scanning sensors is provided so as to maximize a criterion defined on the Fisher information matrix associated with the estimated parameters. The related combinatorial problem is relaxed through operating on the density of sensors in lieu of individual sensor positions. Then, based on the adaptation of pairwise communication algorithms and the idea of running consensus, a numerical scheme is developed which distributes the computational burden between the network nodes. As a result, a simple exchange algorithm is outlined to solve the design problem in a decentralized fashion.
A modified filter SQP method as a tool for optimal control of nonlinear systems with spatio-temporal dynamics
Authors: Rafajłowicz Ewaryst , Styczeń Krystyn , Rafajłowicz Wojciech
Published: June 2012

A modified filter SQP method as a tool for optimal control of nonlinear systems with spatio-temporal dynamics

Our aim is to adapt Fletcher's filter approach to solve optimal control problems for systems described by nonlinear Partial Differential Equations (PDEs) with state constraints. To this end, we propose a number of modifications of the filter approach, which are well suited for our purposes. Then, we discuss possible ways of cooperation between the filter method and a PDE solver, and one of them is selected and tested.
A Lyapunov functional for a system with a time-varying delay
Authors: Duda Józef
Published: June 2012

A Lyapunov functional for a system with a time-varying delay

The paper presents a method to determine a Lyapunov functional for a linear time-invariant system with an interval time-varying delay. The functional is constructed for the system with a time-varying delay with a given time derivative, which is calculated on the system trajectory. The presented method gives analytical formulas for the coefficients of the Lyapunov functional.
LMI optimization problem of delay-dependent robust stability criteria for stochastic systems with polytopic and linear fractional uncertainties
Authors: Balasubramaniam Pagavathigounder , Lakshmanan Shanmugam , Rakkiyappan Rajan
Published: June 2012

LMI optimization problem of delay-dependent robust stability criteria for stochastic systems with polytopic and linear fractional uncertainties

This paper studies an LMI optimization problem of delay-dependent robust stability criteria for stochastic systems with polytopic and linear fractional uncertainties. The delay is assumed to be time-varying and belong to a given interval, which means that lower and upper bounds of this interval time-varying delay are available. The uncertainty under consideration includes polytopic-type uncertainty and linear fractional norm-bounded uncertainty. Based on the new Lyapunov-Krasovskii functional, some inequality techniques and stochastic stability theory, delay-dependent stability criteria are obtained in terms of Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). Moreover, the derivative of time delays is allowed to take any value. Finally, four numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and to show an improvement over some results found in the literature.
The role of parameter constraints in EE and OE methods for optimal identification of continuous LTI models
Authors: Byrski Witold , Byrski Jęedrzej
Published: June 2012

The role of parameter constraints in EE and OE methods for optimal identification of continuous LTI models

The paper presents two methods used for the identification of Continuous-time Linear Time Invariant (CLTI) systems. In both methods the idea of using modulating functions and a convolution filter is exploited. It enables the proper transformation of a differential equation to an algebraic equation with the same parameters. Possible different normalizations of the model are strictly connected with different parameter constraints which have to be assumed for the nontrivial solution of the optimal identification problem. Different parameter constraints result in different quality of identification. A thorough discussion on the role of parameter constraints in the optimality of system identification is included. For time continuous systems, the Equation Error Method (EEM) is compared with the continuous version of the Output Error Method (OEM), which appears as a special sub-case of the EEM.
Computer methods for stability analysis of the Roesser type model of 2D continuous-discrete linear systems
Authors: Busłowicz Mikołaj , Ruszewski Andrzej
Published: June 2012

Computer methods for stability analysis of the Roesser type model of 2D continuous-discrete linear systems

Asymptotic stability of models of 2D continuous-discrete linear systems is considered. Computer methods for investigation of the asymptotic stability of the Roesser type model are given. The methods require computation of eigenvalue-loci of complex matrices or evaluation of complex functions. The effectiveness of the stability tests is demonstrated on numerical examples.
Neuro-rough-fuzzy approach for regression modelling from missing data
Authors: Simiński Krzysztof
Published: June 2012

Neuro-rough-fuzzy approach for regression modelling from missing data

Real life data sets often suffer from missing data. The neuro-rough-fuzzy systems proposed hitherto often cannot handle such situations. The paper presents a neuro-fuzzy system for data sets with missing values. The proposed solution is a complete neuro-fuzzy system. The system creates a rough fuzzy model from presented data (both full and with missing values) and is able to elaborate the answer for full and missing data examples. The paper also describes the dedicated clustering algorithm. The paper is accompanied by results of numerical experiments.
Noise effects in the quantum search algorithm from the viewpoint of computational complexity
Authors: Gawron Piotr , Klamka Jerzy , Winiarczyk Ryszard
Published: June 2012

Noise effects in the quantum search algorithm from the viewpoint of computational complexity

We analyse the resilience of the quantum search algorithm in the presence of quantum noise modelled as trace preserving completely positive maps. We study the influence of noise on the computational complexity of the quantum search algorithm. We show that it is only for small amounts of noise that the quantum search algorithm is still more efficient than any classical algorithm.