bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desafios e oportunidades da Logística Reversa no contexto do Plano Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos
Authors: Mota Ana Elaje Azevedo Simões da , Pinheiro Rodrigo Fernando , Santos Thainá Miranda dos , Melo André Cristiano Silva , Nunes Denilson Ricardo de Lucena
Published: December 2015

A Lei 12.305/2010, criada em 2010, direcionou responsabilidade às empresas pelos resíduos sólidos de produção e pós-consumo de clientes. Neste contexto, considerando ainda o baixo índice de atividades de Logística Reversa (LR) aplicadas nas regiões metropolitanas das grandes cidades brasileiras, se opondo a alta taxa de resíduos gerados ao dia, este artigo propõe apresentar os desafios e oportunidades da implantação de operações de LR no contexto do Plano Nacional de Resíduos Sólidos (PNRS), a fim de auxiliar e incentivar empresas a aplicar processos reversos referentes à produção e pós-consumo de clientes. Para isso, utilizou-se uma revisão de literatura sobre o PNRS e a LR, além de entrevistas não estruturadas, o que permitiu apresentar como principais resultados as possíveis relações entre as diretrizes propostas na Lei 12.305/2010 e seus respectivos desafios e oportunidades para a LR. Após verificar a relevância de cada tópico, concluiu-se que sistemas de LR associados ao PNRS são fundamentais à superação dos desafios e aproveitamento das oportunidades apresentados.
Avaliação de um método de transformação de valores crisp em valores fuzzy
Authors: De Mattos Viviane Leite Dias , Asmus Tiago da Cruz , Machado Cátia Maria dos Santos , Silvestre Ismael Batista Maidana , Korb Matheus Muller
Published: December 2015

O presente estudo analisa o comportamento de um método de transformação de valores crisp em valores fuzzy triangulares em um processo de avaliação de características de qualidade sensoriais, procedimento bastante usual na indústria de alimentos. Foram analisados resultados de características sensoriais, obtidos a partir de uma avaliação de juízes, que foram interpretados como valores crisp e valores fuzzy. Para ordenação dos números fuzzy foram utilizados três métodos: Kaufmann-Grupta, Yager e Chang. Na análise desenvolvida foram utilizados os testes estatísticos de Friedman e de Wilcoxon e o coeficiente de Kendall, além de técnicas gráficas e analíticas utilizadas em estudos exploratórios de dados, sendo constatado que a métrica é modificada com a transformação e bastante influenciada por algumas propriedades dos dados. Também foi constatado que o método de ordenação interfere na interpretação dos resultados, que foram similares para os métodos de Kaufmann-Grupta e de Yager, mas diferentes para o método Chang.
Temperature and Light Requirements for Germination and Emergence of Three Arable Papaveraceae Species
Authors: Torra Joel , Royo-Esnal Aritz , Recasens Jordi
Published: December 2015

This research investigated the temperature and light requirements for seed germination and emergence patterns of pinnate poppy, violet horned-poppy, and nodding hypecoum, three annual Papaveraceae species found in arable lands in the Mediterranean region. Two experiments performed in growth chambers (1) analyzed light (complete darkness or 12 h light) and temperature (10/5, 15/5, and 20/10 C day/night temperatures) requirements for germination, and (2) determined base temperature (Tb) for germination. An outdoor pot trial was also set up to study emergence patterns. All species showed higher germination in complete darkness than they did with a light regime, irrespective of dormancy level, time of the year, and temperature regime under which germination was tested, illustrating better germination when seeds are buried.Tbranged from −2.6 to 0 C, depending on the species, indicating low temperature requirements for germination. Given their higher germination in daily fluctuating, rather than constant temperatures, the three Papaveraceae species should have the capacity to form persistent seed banks. These species behaved as winter annuals (from November to February) in the pot experiment and had difficulties to emerge in spring. Given that they cannot avoid autumn–winter chemical treatments, this could partially explain their regression in arable fields. These results bring new information to develop management strategies for these Papaveraceae species in agroecosystems.
Reseña del libro: Pedagogía mesoaxiológica y concepto de educación || Review of the book: Mesoaxiological pedagogy and concept of education
Authors: Diz-López María Julia
Published: December 2015

Reseña de: Touriñán, J.M. (2015). Pedagogía mesoaxiológica y concepto de educación. Santiago de Compostela: Andavira. 382 pp. ISBN: 978-84-8408 -796-0. Depósito legal: C 14-2015.La tesis expuesta por el profesor Touriñán en esta obra justifica que a la Pedagogía le corresponde valorar cada área cultural como educación y construirla como medio valorado, es decir, como “ámbito de educación”, haciendo hincapié en los rasgos de carácter y sentido inherentes al significado de educación y en la importancia de la orientación formativa temporal.
Do we follow the money? The drivers of migration across regions in the EU
Authors: Rodríguez-Pose Andrés , Ketterer Tobias , Castells-Quintana David
Published: December 2015

Most immigration theories tend to highlight that migration follows wealth and economic dynamism, but is this also the case across regions in Europe? The aim of the paper is to investigate whether migrants in Europe indeed follow the money and to contrast this with a variety of potential alternative explanations, including the presence of migrants from a similar origin. The analysis is based on panel data estimations including 133 European regions over a time period of 17 years. Different lag structures have been employed in order to distinguish between short- and long-run effects. The results cast some doubt about the prominence of pecuniary factors as a determinant of cross regional migration in Europe, with little evidence to support the idea that migration follows economic dynamism. Network effects, human capital related-, and ‘territorially embedded’ innovation enhancing regional characteristics, by contrast, seem to play a much stronger role than hitherto considered.
Seed priming techniques in field crops -A review
Authors: Singh Harmeet , Jassal Rupinder Kaur , Kang J. S. , Sandhu S. S. , Kang Harrajdeep , Grewal Kamaljit
Published: December 2015

Germination and seedling emergence are the critical stages in the plant life cycle. Insufficient seedling emergence and inappropriate stand establishment are the main constraints in the production of crops which receiving less rainfall. Farmers do not have sufficient resources to meet the requirement of seedbed preparation for sowing and they are at more risk as compared to progressive farmers. On the other hand good establishment increases competitiveness against weeds, increases tolerance to drought period, increase yield and avoids the time consuming need for re-sowing that is costly too. It is well accepted fact that priming improves germination, reduces seedling emergence time and improves stand establishment. A method to improve the rate and uniformity of germination is the priming or physiological advancement of the seed lot. The general purpose of seed priming is to partially hydrate the seed to a point where germination processes are begun, but they would exhibit rapid germination when re-imbibed under normal or stress conditions. A lot of work has been done on seed priming and results of these studies indicate well the importance of priming to get a good crop stand in many crops of tropical region such as rice, maize, sorghum and pigeon pea.
Progress on genetic modifications of pulp wood tree species relevance to India - A review
Authors: Unnikrishnan* Boby , Gurumurthy D.S.
Published: December 2015

The major tree species grown for pulp and paper industry in India are eucalypts, poplars, casuarinas, subabul and acacias. There is a growing demand for pulp and paper products with minimum adverse effect on natural forest and environment. Genetic transformation in these pulp woods are aimed at enhancing growth, wood characteristics and stress tolerance. However, genetic transformation of trees is a time consuming process because of long life cycle, recent domestication status and recalcitrance to in vitro procedures. Though various instances of incorporating desired trait by transformations in trees have been reported, the effect of genetically modified trees on surrounding ecosystems need further studies. Efforts towards making transgenic trees should take in to consideration of alleviation of public concerns on pollen dispersal, contamination of wild germplasm and biosafety.
Functional properties of grape (Vitis vinifera) seed extract and possible extraction techniques - A review
Authors: Krithika* V. , Naik Ravindra , . Pragalyaashree
Published: December 2015

Grape (Vitis vinifera) member of family vitaceae, is an excellent source of phenolics, particulary in the skin and seeds. Phenolic compounds have attracted much interest recently, because they are potent antioxidant and exhibit various other physiological activities including anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive activities associated with reduced risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular diseases. The method of processing and extraction play a vital role in the quality of nutraceuticals extracted. The traditional extraction techniques are time-consuming and require relatively large quantities of solvents. In view of increased awareness for health related compounds from plant materials, there is an increasing demand for better extraction techniques which are nontoxic, environmentally safe and inexpensive. This review paper discusses briefly on grape phenolics, important nutraceuticals extracted from grape seeds and its positive health effects. The possibility of application of novel extraction methods like sonication assisted extraction, microwave assisted extraction techniques and supercritical fluid extractions for efficient extraction of plant are discussed.
Gastrin peptide isolation in broiler chicken
Authors: Mandal A. K. , Das R. K. , Maity A. , Sahoo G. R.
Published: December 2015

The present study was undertaken to isolate gastrin peptide from the antral tissue of broiler chicken. The chicken antrums, i.e. tissue pieces from a narrow zone at gizzard – duodenal junction were collected, boiled in distilled water, followed by centrifugation at 0° C. The supernatant was collected, added to isopropanol and stirred overnight. After addition of dichloromethane, the aqueous phase was partitioned, aspirated and lyophilized. The electrophoretic analysis (SDS-PAGE) of the antral sample was carried out after running it along with a reference protein marker. Characterization of the antral extract revealed a total of eleven peptide bands having relative molecular weights (Mr) ranging from 4.6 to114.5 kDa, out of which peptides having Mr of 22.6 and 26.3 kDa were major ones. The protein or peptide band showing the lowest relative molecular weight (Mr, 4.6 kDa) was identified as the gastrin.
Effect of deworming regimen on helminths and growth performances in growing Ganjam goats
Authors: Mohanta D.K. , Mohapatra L.M. , Karna D.K. , Babu L.K. , Joshi* S.K. , Routray A. , Pradhan C.R. , Panda M.R. , Sathapathy S.
Published: December 2015

Present work was carried out in the Ganjam Field Unit of AICRP on Goat improvement, Odisha to study the effect of deworming regimen on helminths and growth performances in growing Ganjam goats. It was found that deworming by using Ivermectin and Fenbendazole or Oxyclozanide and Levamisole preparation has got a significant effect on Ganjam kids with respect to body weight gain, haemoglobin, serum total protein, albumin and parasitic load. The effect of Ivermectin and Fenbendazole combination was found to be superior over Oxyclozanide and Levamisole combination on growth rate, helminthic infestation in terms of parasitic load and FECRT value. A negative correlation was observed between Hb% and PCV% with the mean parasitic load. Effect of deworming regimen was found to be non-significant at 2 or 3 months intervals using different anthelmintics with respect to parasitic load and growth performance. The deworming against helminths at an interval of 3 months is equally effective, economic and labour saving compared to 2 months.
Comparative evaluation of antibacterial efficacy of plants traditionally used as antidiarrheal against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Srivastava Ashish , Mondal D. B.
Published: December 2015

The study was conducted to investigate the antibacterial efficacy against enteropathogenic E. coli of plants commonly used to treat calf-diarrhoea. Methanolic extracts of six plants (Aegle marmelos, Curcuma longa, Dalbergia sissoo, Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava and Punica granatum) were screened for their antibacterial property against enteropathogenic E. coli by standard disc diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and of the extract exhibiting highest antibacterial activity was estimated by broth dilution method and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was measured by streaking the contents of MIC tubes on nutrient agar plates. Among the six extracts tested, only extracts of Curcuma longa, Psidium guajava and Punica granatum exhibited antibacterial activity against E. coli. Out of these three, Punica granatum extract was found to be most effective with a mean inhibition zone of 14.67±0.577 mm followed by Psidium guajava (9.67±0.577 mm) and Curcuma longa (8.67±0.577 mm), produced by the disc containing 8.00 mg of respective extract. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration of the Punica granatum extract were estimated to be 02.00 mg/mL and 03.00 mg/mL respectively. These findings suggest that methanolic extracts of Curcuma longa, Psidium guajava and Punica granatum possess antibacterial activity against enteropathogenic E.coli
Screening of sugarcane press mud as a potential alternative feed for livestock
Authors: Sahu* S. , Patel B.H.M. , Malapure C.D. , . Ankita , Singh M. , Verma A.K. , Singh G. , Bhusain B.
Published: December 2015

Four batches of fresh sugarcane press mud (SPM), an agricultural waste were collected from the sugar mill near Bareilly city to analyse the chemical composition for exploring this unconventional feed as a suitable alternative feed in the livestock ration. A representative sample from each batch was taken and run in triplicate for the chemical composition study. It was found that the SPM on DM basis contained relatively more crude protein (18.01±0.57%) and low crude fibre (12.38±0.33%) and ash content (17.73±0.36%) than the earlier reports. Besides, it was proved as a good mineral source as it contained high level of calcium (5.90±0.27%) with excellent micro minerals status. Linoleic acid, one of the important essential fatty acid was found in the maximum percentage (34.85%) of the ether extract fraction of the SPM with others, proved its ether extract composition as equivalent to the oil of plant and marine origin. Further, mean gross energy (GE) of SPM was 4294.51±79.64 kcal/kg DM which was very close to the GE value of corn. The detailed chemical analysis of SPM revealed that it was a valuable source of both organic and inorganic nutrients and comparable to the nutrient composition of some cereal grains and by-products and appeared to be a potential alternate feed ingredient for the livestock.
Anticancer Activity against Breast Cancer Cells T47D and Identification of Its Compound from Extracts and Fractions of Leaves Bamboo Grass (Lophaterum gracile B.)
Authors: Istiqomah Alfi , Muti'ah Roihatul , Hayati Elok Kamilah
Published: December 2015

Bamboo grass (Lophatherum gracile B.) is one of weed plants which frequently used as a medicine because it provides active compounds, for instance steroids and tannins. This research was conducted to determine the anticancer activity of extracts and fractions of leaves bamboo grass in inhibiting the growth of breast cancer cells T47D, and to determine the class of the active compounds contained in extracts and fractions which have the lowest IC50 value from phytochemical test and identification with UV-Vis instruments and FTIR. The extraction of active compound leaves of bamboo grass is done by maceration method using ethanol 80%, hydrolysis and partition with n-hexane and chloroform. Four of the extracts is phytochemical tested and anticancer activity tested towards breast cancer cells T47D with MTT method. The best results of the test activities are performed by the separation of classes of active compounds KLTP and are identified using UV-Vis spectrophotometer and FTIR. The value of IC50 from 80% ethanol extraction is 321,389, from hydrolysis extraction is 481.984, from the fraction of chloroform is 177.852, and from n-hexane fraction is 300.681 µg / mL. The lowest IC50 which have the best cytotoxic is the fraction of chloroform and n-hexane. The results of phytochemical test fractions of chloroform and n-hexane fraction indicates the tannin and steroids. The identification result by using UV-Vis and FTIR shows that the fraction of chloroform and n-hexane fraction is containing tannin, which isproven by maximum wavelength at 331.6 nm and 331.6 nm allegations of -OH, CH, C=C. Moreover, the existence of steroid compounds in fraction chloroform and n-hexane is shown by the absorption at 279.1 nm and 278.0 nm of wavelength with allegations of -OH, CH, C=C, C-O.
Bioethanol Dehydration Process using NaOH-Activated Zeolite at Various Concentration and Zeolite Weight
Authors: Saidi David , Jannah Akyunul , Maunatin Anik
Published: December 2015

Utilization of molasses as basic material for producing bioethanol becomes one of the promising efforts to fulfill the demand of fuel and diminish the dependence upon fossil fuel that its availability is increasingly rare. However, ethanol produced from fermentation of molasses has low purity. The purity could be increased by using dehydration method and zeolite activated by NaOH and alum as alumina source. The research is aimed to know the dehydration process of bioethanol use NaOH-activated zeolite at various concentration and zeolite weight on the purification of bioethanol. In this research, the experiments could be categorized into 4 groups, they are activation of zeolite, fermentation, distillation, and dehydration process. Activation of natural zeolite performed by entering of sized 120-150 mesh zeolite powder was added to glass beaker that contains  NaOH aqueous solution and followed by adding alum which took place at 80 ˚C for 8 hours and the final product calcinated at 600 ˚ C for 2 hour. Fermentation process was managed for 6 days and pH 5. Furthermore, bioethanol was separated by distillation method at 78,5 - 85 ˚C and followed by molecular sieve dehydration using zeolite activated by NaOH solution in variation of zeolite weight (30, 40 and 50 %) and NaOH concentration (1, 2, 3 dan 4 M). The amount of bioethanol was measured by gas chromatography method. Bioethanol concentration as fermentation product is 29,8 %. The result revealed that dehydration with 30% w.t zeolite activated by 2 M NaOH solution had the best activity in bioethanol purification with amount of bioethanol is 53,76 %, Increased Levels of Bioethanol (ILB) value is 80,39 % and Adsorption Capacity of Zeolite (ACZ) is 399,31 %.

Keywords: bioethanol, concentration of NaOH, dehydration, molasses, molecular sieve, weight of zeolite
Potensi Ekstrak Kasar Teh Hitam (Camellia sinensis O.K. var. Assamica) sebagai Pewarna (Dye) pada Pembuatan Sela Surya Tersensitisasi (SSPT)
Authors: Deskawi Oki , Ningsih Rachmawati , Avisena Novi , Hastuti Erna
Published: December 2015

Has done research on the manufacture of dye sensitized solar cells by utilizing the crude extract of black tea (Camellia sinensis var O.K. Assamica). This study aims to determine the potential of black tea extract as a dye in dye sensitized solar cell manufacturing. This study includes several stages: sample preparation of black tea, black tea sample extraction in a mixture of acetic acid: methanol: distilled water (4:25:21), analysis of the crude extract of black tea using UV-Vis, color density analysis using a color reader, testing DSSC obtained by measuring voltages and currents strong produced under conditions halogen lamp illuminated with a light intensity of 4.488 Watt/m2, the identification number of the crude extract of pigments by TLC analytical. The results of the characterization black tea extract is flavonoids. That it contains theaflavins shown with a maximum wavelength 273 nm. Color of black tea using a color reader testing showed reddish yellow (orange) with the color density reached 78,3%. Voltage maximum and maximum current strength produced by 107,3 mV and 2.13 x 10 -3 mA. The efficiency of the resulting solar cell system by 1,26 x 10 -2%. The results of the identification of the amount of pigment produced 8 spot with eluent ethyl acetate: formic acid: distilled water.

 
Keywords: Dye sensitized solar cells, dye (dye), theaflavin
Synthesis of 3-(4-Hydroxy-3-Metoxyphenyil)-1-Phenyl-2-Propen-1-On and its Antioxidant Activity Assay using DPPH
Authors: Azizah Yuzkiya , Hanapi Ahmad , Adi Tri Kustono
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACT

3-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1-phenylprop-2-en-1-one has been synthezed using aldol condensation reaction from vanillin. The research aims to incrase the potency of vanillin as antioxidant. The synthesis was carried out using reflux method at 70 °C for 1,5 hours at various moles between vanillin and acetophenone i.e. 1:1; 1:1,5; and 1,5:1. The products were characterized by TLC, FTIR, GC-MS and evaluated for their antioxidant potential using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay. The best product was obtained by various moles between vanillin and acetophenone at 1:1,5 as a bright yellow solid with a melting point at 65 °C; 76.56 % yield; and 87.02 % purities, with IC50 of the product is 0.179 mM.

 
Keywords: aldol condensation, antioxidant, vanillin
Oil Extraction from Rice Bran with Various Solvents and Concentration of Crude Extract to Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Suryadinata Arief
Published: December 2015

Rice bran contains components such as oryzanol antioxidants, tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols, polyphenols, and squalene. Oryzanol is a very powerful antioxidant and oryzanol is only found in rice bran oil. This research aims to know the antioxidant activity of the extract chloroform:methanol in the bran and find the endurance of antioxidant against a wide variety of pH and temperature. The method used is descriptive research through experimental tests in the laboratory. Samples taken from the side of rice mills in the form of bran and then macerated with chloroform: methanol. After that tested the antioxidant activity of the compounds made by the method of DPPH with various concentration 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 ppm. Furthermore, the endurance test of antioxidant compounds at various pH and temperature using the best concentration of antioxidant compounds. Based on the results, rice bran oil extract concentration of 50 ppm has antioxidant activity of 4.69%. Average yield the highest antioxidant activity shown in heating conditions with a temperature of 30oC for 30 minutes is equal to 32.25%. As well as the highest antioxidant activity was also shown at pH 5 in the amount of 25.1%.

 

Keywords: DPPH, Oryzanol, Rice bran
Balls, cups, and quasi‐potentials: quantifying stability in stochastic systems
Authors: Nolting Ben C. , Abbott Karen C.
Published: December 2015

When a system has more than one stable state, how can the stability of these states be compared? This deceptively simple question has important consequences for ecosystems, because systems with alternative stable states can undergo dramatic regime shifts. The probability, frequency, duration, and dynamics of these shifts will all depend on the relative stability of the stable states. Unfortunately, the concept of “stability” in ecology has suffered from substantial confusion and this is particularly problematic for systems where stochastic perturbations can cause shifts between coexisting alternative stable states. A useful way to visualize stable states in stochastic systems is with a ball‐in‐cup‐diagram, in which the state of the system is represented as the position of a ball rolling on a surface, and the random perturbations can push the ball from one basin of attraction to another. The surface is determined by a potential function, which provides a natural stability metric. Systems amenable to this representation, called gradient systems, are quite rare, however. As a result, the potential function is not widely used and other approaches based on linear stability analysis have become standard. Linear stability analysis is designed for local analysis of deterministic systems and, as we show, can produce a highly misleading picture of how the system will behave under continual, stochastic perturbations. In this paper, we show how the potential function can be generalized so that it can be applied broadly, employing a concept from stochastic analysis called the quasi‐potential. Using three classic ecological models, we demonstrate that the quasi‐potential provides a useful way to quantify stability in stochastic systems. We show that the quasi‐potential framework helps clarify long‐standing confusion about stability in stochastic ecological systems, and we argue that ecologists should adopt it as a practical tool for analyzing these systems.
Hedgehogs vs. Foxes: Improving the Accuracy of Predictions
Authors: Duhon Howard
Published: December 2015

From the PFC Technical Director, a discussion of oil forcasting by use of aggregative contingent estimation.
Genetically Mediated Changes in the Grain Quality of Single‐Cross Maize Hybrids Grown in China
Authors: Li Yong‐Xiang , Li Yu , Ma Xinglin , Liu Cheng , Shi Yunsu , Song Yanchun , Zhang Dengfeng , Smith Stephen , Wang Tianyu
Published: December 2015

We compared the grain quality of Chinese single‐cross maize (Zea mays L.) initially released during the 1960s to 2000s, their parental inbreds, and a set of U.S. hybrids released during the 1960s and 2000s. Chinese hybrids showed lower starch concentrations and higher oil and protein concentrations compared with U.S. hybrids. Chinese hybrids showed a decadal increase of 0.81% in starch concentration, whereas U.S. hybrids showed an increase of 0.57%. Grain quality concentrations of Chinese hybrids exhibited more significant interactions with either planting density or with planting density × environment than did U.S. hybrids. Concentrations of oil, protein, and lysine decreased for Chinese hybrids, which coincided with the introduction and extensive use in China of U.S. maize germplasm during the 1970s and 1980s. Chinese hybrids released during the 1990s had similar kernel compositions to the U.S. hybrids. The kernel quality composition of Chinese hybrids and their mean parent values showed very similar trends during the 1960s to 2000s. Selection for high grain quality parental inbred lines in addition to selection for yield per se will be required if it is deemed important to elevate the grain quality attributes of Chinese maize hybrids.
Studying soil moisture at a national level through statistical analysis of NASA NLDAS data
Authors: Espinoza-Dávalos Gonzalo E. , Arctur David K. , Teng William , Maidment David R. , García-Martí Irene , Comair Georges
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this research is to enable better understanding of current environmental conditions through the relations of environmental variables to the historical record. Our approach is to organize and visualize land surface model (LSM) outputs and statistics in a web application, using the latest technologies in geographic information systems (GISs), web services, and cloud computing. The North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDAS-2) (http://ldas.gsfc.nasa.gov/nldas/; Documentation: ftp://hydro1.sci.gsfc.nasa.gov/data/s4pa/NLDAS/README.NLDAS2.pdf) drives four LSM (e.g., Noah) (http://ldas.gsfc.nasa.gov/nldas/NLDAS2model.php) that simulate a suite of states and fluxes for central North America. The NLDAS-2 model output is accessible via multiple methods, designed to handle the outputs as time-step arrays. To facilitate data access as time series, selected NLDAS-Noah variables have been replicated by NASA as point-location files. These time series files or ‘data rods’ are accessible through web services. In this research, 35-year historical daily cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) are constructed using the data rods for the top-meter soil moisture variable. The statistical data are stored in and served from the cloud. The latest values in the Noah model are compared with the CDFs and displayed in a web application. Two case studies illustrate the utility of this approach: the 2011 Texas drought, and the 31 October 2013 flash flood in Austin, Texas.
Extending HydroShare to enable hydrologic time series data as social media
Authors: Sadler Jeffrey M. , Ames Daniel P. , Livingston Shaun J.
Published: December 2015

The Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science Inc. (CUAHSI) hydrologic information system (HIS) is a widely used service oriented system for time series data management. While this system is intended to empower the hydrologic sciences community with better data storage and distribution, it lacks support for the kind of ‘Web 2.0’ collaboration and social-networking capabilities being used in other fields. This paper presents the design, development, and testing of a software extension of CUAHSI's newest product, HydroShare. The extension integrates the existing CUAHSI HIS into HydroShare's social hydrology architecture. With this extension, HydroShare provides integrated HIS time series with efficient archiving, discovery, and retrieval of the data, extensive creator and science metadata, scientific discussion and collaboration around the data and other basic social media features. HydroShare provides functionality for online social interaction and collaboration while the existing HIS provides the distributed data management and web services framework. The extension is expected to enable scientists to access and share both national- and laboratory-scale hydrologic time series datasets in a standards-based web services architecture combined with social media functionality developed specifically for the hydrologic sciences.
Drinking water contributes to high salt consumption in young adults in coastal Bangladesh
Authors: Talukder Mohammad Radwanur Rahman , Rutherford Shannon , Phung Dung , Malek Abdul , Khan Sheela , Chu Cordia
Published: December 2015

Increasing salinity of freshwater from environmental and anthropogenic influences is threatening the health of 35 million inhabitants in coastal Bangladesh. Yet little is known about the characteristics of their exposure to salt (sodium), a major risk factor for hypertension and related chronic diseases. This research examined sodium consumption levels and associated factors in young adults. We assessed spot urine samples for 282 participants (19–25 years) during May–June 2014 in a rural sub-district in southwestern coastal Bangladesh and measured sodium levels of their potable water sources. The significant factors associated with high sodium consumption were determined from logistic regression analyses. Mean sodium content in tube-well water (885 mg/L) was significantly higher than pond water (738 mg/L) (P = 0.01). Fifty three percent of subjects were consuming sodium at levels above the WHO recommended level (≥2 g/day). The users of tube-well water were more likely to consume sodium above this recommended level than pond water users. Salinity problems are projected to increase with climate change, and with large populations potentially at risk, appropriate public health and behavior-change interventions are an urgent priority for this vulnerable coastal region along with targeted research to better understand sodium exposure pathways and health benefits of alternative water supplies.
Interaction relationship between urban domestic energy consumption and water use – a case study of Beijing and Shanghai
Authors: Chen Silan , Liu Jiahong , Wang Hao , Yan Jinyue , Elia Campana Pietro , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2015

Energy consumption and water use are inextricably linked. Combining research on energy consumption and water use in an urban context provides a scientific basis for the integrated planning of energy and water supply systems. Domestic energy and water are among the most consumed resources in urban environments. Furthermore, domestic resources represent an increasing proportion of the total resources consumed. This paper explores four key indicators of urban energy consumption (UEC) and water use in Beijing and Shanghai for the period of 2000 to 2011. Using correlation analysis, this study establishes the intrinsic relationship between UEC and water use. It also offers an analysis of the consumption trends of these two resources as well as their interactive relationship. The results show that urban domestic energy consumption (UDEC) and water use have a significant linear correlation: UDEC is positively correlated with water use, and the correlation coefficients of Beijing and Shanghai are 0.81 and 0.97, respectively. In Beijing, urban domestic energy and water use per capita are negatively correlated, with the high correlation coefficient of 0.93. In Shanghai, urban domestic energy and water use per capita are positively correlated, with the correlation coefficient of 0.90.
Evaluation of novel hollow fibre membranes for NOM removal by advanced membrane autopsy
Authors: Keucken A. , Wang Y. , Tng K. H. , Leslie G. L. , Persson Kenneth M. , Köhler Stephan J. , Spanjer Tom
Published: December 2015

A full-scale inside out hollow fibre membrane module was operated in a pilot-scale water treatment plant in Sweden for a period of 12 months from August 2013 to July 2014. Liquid chromatography– organic carbon detection (LC-OCD) chromatogram indicated the membranes could effectively remove 86% of dissolved organic carbon and 92% of humic substances from the feedwater. Routine cleaning-in-place was conducted to remove any fouling material accumulated on the membranes. Autopsy of the aged membrane samples after 12 months’ operation suggested no significant changes were detected for the membrane samples obtained from the top, middle and bottom sections of the membrane module and were similar to the virgin membrane sample.
Spatial and temporal variations of water quality in an artificial urban river receiving WWTP effluent in South China
Authors: Zhang Di , Tao Yi , Liu Xiaoning , Zhou Kuiyu , Yuan Zhenghao , Wu Qianyuan , Zhang Xihui
Published: December 2015

Urban wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluent as reclaimed water provides an alternative water resource for urban rivers and effluent will pose a significant influence on the water quality of rivers. The objective of this study was to investigate the spatial and temporal variations of water quality in XZ River, an artificial urban river in Shenzhen city, Guangdong Province, China, after receiving reclaimed water from WWTP effluent. The water samples were collected monthly at different sites of XZ River from April 2013 to September 2014. Multivariate statistical techniques and a box-plot were used to assess the variations of water quality and to identify the main pollution factor. The results showed the input of WWTP effluent could effectively increase dissolved oxygen, decrease turbidity, phosphorus load and organic pollution load of XZ River. However, total nitrogen and nitrate pollution loads were found to remain at higher levels after receiving reclaimed water, which might aggravate eutrophication status of XZ River. Organic pollution load exhibited the lowest value on the 750 m downstream of XZ River, while turbidity and nutrient load showed the lowest values on the 2,300 m downstream. There was a higher load of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in the dry season and at the beginning of wet season.
Local-scale recovery of wastewater nitrogen for edible plant growth
Authors: Smith Daniel P. , Smith Nathaniel T.
Published: December 2015

An anaerobic/ion exchange (AN-IX) system was developed for recovery and reuse of wastewater nitrogen at point-of-origin. AN-IX combines upflow solids blanket anaerobic treatment with ammonium ion adsorption onto granular natural zeolite. AN-IX operates passively and without energy input. A 57 L empty-bed prototype was operated for 355 days on wastewater primary effluent. Total nitrogen removal exceeded 95% over the first 214 days of operation and ammonia reduction exceeded 99%; accumulation of oxidized nitrogen species (NO3− + NO2−) was not observed. The wastewater flowrate was increased during the last 35 days of operation to deliberately exhaust the ion exchange media. Spent granular media was removed from the AN-IX prototype and deployed in plant chamber experiments for cultivation of Solanum lycopersicum (cherry tomato). Wastewater nitrogen captured on zeolite was capable of supplying the total growth requirement for nitrogen. Canopy volume and plant flowering and fruiting were higher for wastewater nitrogen than for artificial fertilizer. The AN-IX process is a passive, mechanically simple and reliable system for local-scale nitrogen recovery. AN-IX is modular, scalable, adaptable and can be applied in diverse treatment contexts and recycling scenarios. AN-IX benefits include appropriate technology for local-scale nitrogen recovery, low capital and energy costs, and protection of health and the environment.
Obtaining structural descriptions of building façades
Authors: Vracar Petar , Kononenko Igor , Robnik-Sikonja Marko
Published: December 2015

We describe a method for learning and recognizing windows as basic structural
elements of fa?ades and organizing them into interpretable models of building
fa?ades. The method segments an input image into a hierarchical structure of
window candidates. The candidates are used to create a likelihood map of
window locations that is explained by a structural fa?ade model based on a
formal grammar. We use a look-ahead greedy search method in the grammar
derivation space to select the (sub)optimal fa?ade model. Empirical
evaluation results reveal that, on average, the generated fa?ade model covers
45% of the actual windows present in the input image. On the other hand, 56%
of the modeled windows actually cover fa?ade windows present in the input
image.
Intrinsic Stokes parameters for 3D and 2D polarization states
Authors: Gil J. J.
Published: December 2015

The second-order characterization of a three-dimensional (3D) state of polarization is provided either by the corresponding 3D coherency matrix or (equivalently) by the associated 3D Stokes parameters. The analysis of the polarization properties that are invariant under orthogonal transformations of the laboratory reference frame allows to define a set of six intrinsic Stokes parameters which provides a simplified interpretation of 3D states of polarization in terms of meaningful physical properties. The rotationally invariant properties of 2D states of polarization are straightforwardly retrieved in a consistent way, so that the 2D intrinsic Stokes parameters are constituted by the intensity, the degree of linear polarization and the degree of circular polarization.
Glorientalization
Authors: Bui Long Thanh
Published: December 2015

This article uses the 2006 experimental documentary Maquilapolis to shed light on the struggles of women workers in export-oriented industrial zones operating under the shadow of Asian global capitalism. My focus complicates the typical reading of the maquiladora factory system as simply a US–Mexico border issue by situating the burgeoning influence of East Asian nations and corporations in this economically profitable region of the world. Through the concept of glorientalization, I elucidate the connections between the all-encompassing gestures of globalization and the binaristic reframing of Orientalism found within the maquiladora system, where low-wage, brown, female factory workers in Tijuana must deal with an invasive foreign imperial presence that seeks to colonize, objectify, and exoticize them as docile, mechanized cyborgs similar to Asian women. As nonpermanent entities able to come and go at will, Asian companies are able to adopt a virtual character, while alienating women from the high-tech commodities they produce, treating the women as machine-like, disposable cyborgs without human needs or rights. I argue for an understanding of not only the economic and cultural imperialism of East Asia in the borderlands of the Americas, but the spectralizing processes by which displaced women of color are denied material presence and recognition as living labor. Situating Maquilapolis as a case study and prime text for rethinking women's subjugation as well as resistance to new capital allows critical insight into how marginalized groups negotiate their subject-position within hyper-mediated, “de-territorialized” spaces. A consideration of maquila women as both political actors and performers in the film draws attention to the scattered hegemonies of Asian technoculture as well as US hegemony, enabling awareness of the differential modes of oppression and collective demands for social justice by third-world laborers in the so called “Asian Century.”
Werewere Liking's Village Ki-Yi
Authors: Toman Cheryl
Published: December 2015

In 1978, Cameroonian author and playwright Werewere Liking moved to Abidjan, Côte-d'lvoire where she was able to find an artistic freedom and energy that was not possible at the time in her native Cameroon. In Abidjan, she created the artistic center and residence known as Villa Ki-Yi, a haven for both well-established and budding artists in need of a place to refine their art within a supportive community. Over the years, goals for the center evolved as Liking sought to fight social injustice through combining activism and the arts. The Village Ki-yi, as it is known today, is influenced by African matriarchal traditions, although it is surrounded by the realities of a patriarchal world, and these traditions come into play in its organization and mission. Liking is not only the mother of ideas at the Village, but also of the poor, marginalized, and sometimes abandoned or orphaned children whom she literally gathers in the streets of Abidjan, giving them a home and a future. This essay analyzes Liking's creative accomplishments using feminist theories pertaining to performance, literature, and activism, demonstrating how Liking is an agent for social justice and change on the African continent.
Energetics and local order in In-based liquid alloys
Authors: Koirala RP , Singh BP , Jha IS , Adhikari D
Published: December 2015

A comparative study has been carried out to understand the concentration dependence of thermodynamic properties such as, free energy of mixing, heat of mixing, entropy of mixing, activity  and microscopic properties, such as concentration fluctuation in long wavelength limit  and Warren-Cowley short range order parameter  of  In-based three liquid alloys (In-Pb , In-Tl and In-Zn) on the basis of self-association model. The analysis reveals that self-association model successfully explains the observed properties of the liquid alloys.  Positive deviation of the thermodynamic properties of the alloys from the Raoultian solution behaviour indicates that the alloys are weakly segregating in nature. The comparative assessment of the interaction energy and the microscopic properties suggests that the degree of segregation is greatest in In-Zn alloy and comparable in In-Pb and In-Tl alloys.BIBECHANA 13 (2016) 60-71
Thermodynamic and structural investigations on mixing behavior of hetero-coordinated Al-based alloys in the fusion state
Authors: Koirala I , Singh BP , Jha IS
Published: December 2015

We have used simple statistical model to report the hetero-coordination of two Al- based liquid alloys, i.e. Al-Ge and Al-Fe at temperatures 2000K and 1873K respectively. Through thermodynamic functions such as free energy of mixing and ratio of activity of the component atoms of the alloys, we have reported the information on the interaction, stability and bonding strength among the constituent atoms in the alloys. At the microscopic level, concentration fluctuation in the long wavelength limit and Warren-Cowely short range order parameter help to obtain the microscopic information on structure of molten alloys. Our theoretical analysis is based on interchange or ordering energy parameter which is found to be negative and temperature dependent. Negative deviation from Raoultian behaviour is observed in the computed thermodynamic and structural parameters of the alloys. The computed results are in good agreement with experimental data. The analysis concluded that both alloys are of weakly interacting and chemically ordered system. BIBECHANA 13 (2016) 87-93
Thanks to reviewers
Authors: Adhikari Devendra
Published: December 2015

BIBECHANA 13 (2016) i
Contractual Transaction: How Renting a Uterus Makes the Human Body a Commodity in Nepal
Authors: Subedi Madhusudan
Published: December 2015

The issue of surrogate motherhood has started public debates in Nepal. With surrogacy a child becomes the object of a legal transaction, while the surrogate mother is used, in effect as an incubator, and the hospital declares commissioned parents’ name of a newborn child. The poor women in low-income countries have been used as means to compensate for the reproductive deficiencies of high-income infertile parents. Do purchasing cheaper services, receiving surrogates easier, and having the possibility of gender selection, all in the poor countries, support ‘surrogacy tourism’ or is it a kind of exploitative relationship? Until today, Nepal’s laws do not have any specific provision to deal with surrogacy and, therefore, it is urgent to address the challenges with commercial surrogacy and establish a precise legal policy.
Ethnic Entrepreneurs and Political Mobilization: Exploring a Case of Tharu-Pahadi Conflict
Authors: Bhattarai Ishwari
Published: December 2015

Nepalese society today is witnessing an unprecedented sharpening of ethnic boundaries. In the last couple of decades or so, there have been growing instances of inter-ethnic conflict and clashes. The clash among the Tharus and Pahadi (Bahun-Chhetri) communities that took place in the month of May, 2012 in the Nawalparasi district is one such example. Borrowing the conceptual idea from Fredreick Barth (1995) who critically engages with the question of culture, ethnicity, and contemporary nature of ethnic mobilization, this paper seeks to explore how such conflicts are an epiphenomena of tactical moves carried out what he calls as ‘middle echelon politicians’. Through the qualitative data collected with the help of open-ended interviews and couple of other illustrations, this paper argues that, the contemporary character of ethnic mobilizations in some way or the other, are manipulated by ethnic entrepreneurs who politicize cultural differences, ethnic sentiments, and collective backwardness which often result in violent confrontations. Despite the Tharus being diverse and sharply divided in terms of political allegiance and electoral behavior, the leaders or activists use politics of cultural difference, and attempt to mitigate internal differences, to present a consolidated picture of ethnic unity. Through such actions ethnic leaders or activists selectively mobilize ethnic sentiments and symbols in order to motivate members of an ethnic group and also assume leadership position at both local and national levels.