bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investment decisions in crises — A study of private pension fund investments
Authors: Kovács E. , Dömötör B. , Naffa H.
Published: January 2012

Private pension funds were thought to be an important pillar of old-age provision when they were introduced throughout (Emerging) Europe. As different as these funds are in different countries with regards to their regulation, their ownership structure and operation, none were immune to the sub-prime led financial crisis. The Hungarian private pension funds are unique amongst the defined contribution (DC) funds. With their decade old recent history, they are maturing to the payout period in a few years’ time; however, their demise appears ever more realistic by means of political decision. This makes uncovering their investment policy during the crises very timely. Examining such a period is of importance in shedding light on the behaviour of traditional financial concepts in periods of stress. In this paper, we assess the optimality of diversification, hedging and short sales decision possibilities of the Hungarian pension funds in the equity investments environment. Was the net asset value (NAV) erosion suffered by the Hungarian private pension funds a result of their investment decision? We examine this question of diversification through a hypothetical simulation of model investment portfolios. Our results show that international diversification yields better risk-adjusted returns only in case of perfect hindsight of future market movements. The high correlation of the stock indices globally in times of crises limits the benefits of diversification.
Crisis and economic growth in the EU
Authors: Halmai P. , Vásáry V.
Published: January 2012

The study analyses the impacts of the financial and economic crisis on potential growth in the European Union. It identifies the main channels of impact mechanism and carries out quantitative estimations in order to reveal the medium and long-term trends. According to over findings the impacts of the crisis are significantly different in the main country-groups of the EU. The basic structural problem of the EU is considered the decreasing trend in potential growth which might be further strengthened through the lasting consequences of the crisis.
Investigation of Band-Gap States in AlGaN/GaN Hetero-Structures with Different Growth Conditions of GaN Buffer Layers
Authors: Nakano Yoshitaka , Irokawa Yoshihiro , Sumida Yasunobu , Yagi Shuichi , Kawai Hiroji
Published: January 2012

We have investigated electronic band-gap states in AlGaN/GaN hetero-structures with different growth conditions of GaN buffer layers from a viewpoint of Carbon impurity incorporation into GaN, using photoluminescence (PL), capacitance-voltage (C-V) and steady-state photo-capacitance spectroscopy (SSPC) techniques. The Carbon incorporation was found to be enhanced with decreasing the growth temperature of the GaN buffer layer between 1120 and 1170 °C. Acting in concert, three specific deep levels located at ~2.07, ~2.70, and ~3.23 eV below the conduction band were found to become dense significantly at the low growth temperature. Therefore, these levels are probably attributable to Ga vacancies and/or Carbon acceptors produced by the Carbon impurity incorporation, and are likely in conjunction with each other.
Structural and optical property tailoring of black silicon with fs-laser pulses
Authors: Kontermann S. , Baumann A. L. , Gimpel T. , Guenther K.M. , Ruibys A. , Willer Ulrike , Schade W.
Published: January 2012

Irradiating a planar silicon surface with femtosecond laser pulses under a sulfuric atmosphere creates first a structured surface featuring cones of up to 20 microns in height, and second a 0.1 – 1 μ m thick layer of multi-crystalline silicon on theses cones containing up to 1 at.% sulfur acting as n-type dopant. Further, the sulfur establishes energy states within the band gap of silicon allowing for the absorption of infrared (IR) light with energies below the band gap energy of silicon. This black silicon process is distinguished by the fact that only one single laser process is required to tailor three material characteristics in on step: the surface structure, the doping and the light absorption. In this work we study structural and optical material characteristics of black silicon. For the first time this work presents properties of black silicon processed with shaped femtosecond laser pulses. Finally, black silicon substrate is used as substrate for manufacturing a black silicon solar cell with a femtosecond laser pulse formed sulfur emitter. For such a black silicon solar cell we achieved a record efficiency of η =4.5%
The Detonation Properties of Combined Effects Explosives
Authors: Anderson Paul , Cook Paula , Balas-Hummers Wendy , Davis Andy , Mychajlonka Kyle
Published: January 2012

In development of new explosives, it is often necessary to balance a number of attributes in performance while certain formulation constraints exist. Statistical design of experiments (DOE) is a valuable tool for rapid formulation optimization and minimization of costly and hazardous testing. During the development of metal-loaded explosives designed for enhanced blast, it was discovered that upon proper formulation, aluminum additives obtained full reaction by 7 volume expansions, which resulted in extremely high Gurney energies equivalent to LX-14 and PBXN-5 but with lower loading of nitramines. The early aluminum oxidation can be described by Eigenvalue type detonations, where the fully reacted Hugoniot of the condensed phase aluminum oxide and explosive products lies below the unreacted aluminum Hugoniot. Such an analysis describes fully the agreement of aluminum consumption by 7 volume expansions from 1-inch copper cylinder expansion tests and an analytic cylinder model, as well as detonation calorimetry. With the early reaction of aluminum also comes a shift in the gaseous reaction products to higher enthalpy species such as CO and H2, leading to further augmentation of blast. Thus, both the mechanical energy (for fragmentation or “metal pushing”) and blast (for structural targets) are available in a single explosive fill. This provides capability for combined metal pushing and blast in a single explosive that was not previously possible. Development of such explosives and the importance of modern statistical design of experiments will be shared.
Soil CO2 emission as related to incorporation of sugarcane crop residues and aggregate breaking after rotary tiller
Authors: Teixeira Luis G , Fukuda Adrian , Panosso Alan R , Lopes Afonso , Scala Jr Newton La
Published: January 2012

Soil tillage is a process that accelerates soil organic matter decomposition transferring carbon to atmosphere, mainly in the CO2 form. In this study, the effect of rotary tillage on soil CO2 emission was investigated, including the presence of crop residues on the surface.Emissions were evaluated during 15 days after tillage in 3 plots: 1) non-tilled and without crop residues on soil surface (NTwo), 2) rotary tiller without the presence of crop residues on soil surface (RTwo), and 3) rotary tiller with the presence of crop residues in soil surface (RTw). Emissions from the RTw plot were higher than the other plots, (0.777 g CO2 m-2 h-1), with the lowest emissions recorded in the NTwo plot (0.414 g CO2 m-2 h-1). Total emission indicates that the difference of C-CO2 emitted to atmosphere corresponds to 3% of the total additional carbon in the crop residues in the RTw plot compared to RTwo. The increase in the RTwo emission in comparison to NTwo was followed by changes in the aggregate size distribution, especially those with average diameter lower than 2 mm. The increase in emission from the RTw plot in relation to RTwo was related to a decrease in crop residue mass on the surface, and its higher fragmentation and incorporation in soil. When the linear correlation between soil CO2 emission, and soil temperature and soil moisture is considered, only the RTw treatment showed significant correlation (p<0.05) with soil moisture.
Quality of beans stored under hermetic conditions
Authors: Freitas Romenique da S , Faroni Lêda R. DA , Sousa Adalberto H , Cecon Paulo R , Carvalho Marcela S
Published: January 2012

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) stored with different moisture contents under hermetic conditions. Beans with 12.3%, 15.7%, and 17.8% moisture content were used in the experiment. They were packed in bag type silos (3 kg), PET bottles (1.5 L), and glass containers (3 L), covered with organza fabric (control), and stored at 25 ºC and 70±5% relative humidity, for 120 days. The evaluated characteristics included moisture content, apparent density, electrical conductivity, germination percentage, cooking time, and bean classification, every 30 days. Except for the electrical conductivity and cooking time, the other characteristics were kept for 120 days in the stored product with moisture contents of 12.3% and 15.7% in hermetic conditions. Beans with 17.8% of the moisture content, electrical conductivity and cooking time increased, and apparent density and germination were reduced. Beans stored in the control, with any of the moisture contents, showed high quality loss during the long storage. It was concluded that it is possible to storage beans with moisture contents of 12.3% and 15.7%, with quality, for until 120 days, in hermetic conditions.
The position effect of structural Eucalyptus round timber on the flexural modulus of elasticity
Authors: Christoforo André L , Panzera Túlio H , Batista Fabiano B , Borges Paulo H. R , Lahr Francisco A. R , Franco Claudenir F
Published: January 2012

Round timber has great use in civil construction, performing the function of beams, columns, foundations, poles for power distribution among others, with the advantage of not being processed, such as lumber. The structural design of round timber requires determining the elastic properties, mainly the modulus of elasticity. The Brazilian standards responsible for the stiffness and strength determination of round timber are in effect for over twenty years with no technical review. Round timber, for generally present an axis with non-zero curvature according to the position of the element in the bending test, may exhibit different values of modulus of elasticity. This study aims to analyze the position effect of Eucalyptus grandis round timber on the flexural modulus of elasticity. The three-point bending test was evaluated in two different positions based on the longitudinal rotation of the round timber element. The results revealed that at least two different positions of the round timber element are desired to obtain significant modulus of elasticity.
Madres y niños en las políticas del Servicio Nacional de Salud de Chile (1952-1964)
Authors: Zárate Campos María Soledad , Godoy Catalán Lorena
Published: January 2012

El objetivo de este artículo es describir y analizar el desarrollo de los primeros años de funcionamiento del Servicio Nacional de Salud en Chile, fundado en 1952, y la importancia que cobró en este contexto el Programa de Salud Materno Infantil. Se identifican los avances y dificultades en esta etapa del Servicio, y se analiza cómo el Programa representó la continuidad de diversas políticas de protección sanitarias a madres y niños (implementadas en el país desde la década de 1920), y el mejoramiento, ampliación y creación de nuevas políticas en el marco de una medicina social. Se documentan los logros alcanzados por el Programa, pero también sus limitaciones, que expresan no solo los problemas del Servicio sino también los problemas sociales y económicos que aquejaban al país.
Formação da eflorescência em cerâmica vermelha: fatores de influência no transporte dos íons SO4(2-) e Ca2+
Authors: Ferreira C. C. , Bergmann C. P.
Published: January 2012

Investigou-se o deslocamento dos íons SO4(2-) e Ca2+ em uma cerâmica vermelha, simulando o processo de eflorescência. Foram moldados corpos cerâmicos (70 x 27 x 9 mm³) por extrusão a vácuo, formulados com diferentes teores de CaSO4.2H2O (0, 2, 4, 8, 16% em peso) e queimados a diferentes temperaturas (800, 850, 900, 950 °C) por 12 h. A microestrutura foi avaliada quanto à absorção de água, porosidade aparente e distribuição de tamanho de poros. A eflorescência foi avaliada segundo a norma ASTMC67/2003 e por ensaios de solubilização dos íons SO4(2-) e Ca2+ após períodos de 1 h com os corpos cerâmicos imersos em água quente e por 7, 14 e 28 dias consecutivos com os corpos cerâmicos submersos em água fria. Também foram realizados testes de condutividade elétrica nos solubilizados dos corpos cerâmicos durante os períodos de 1 h e de 7 dias de ensaio e avaliou-se a potencialidade desses íons na formação do fenômeno em função da temperatura. Na quantificação do fenômeno de eflorescência foi desenvolvida uma metodologia por análise de imagem. Os resultados obtidos permitiram estabelecer uma relação entre a eflorescência dos íons investigados, propriedades físicas (absorção de água e porosidade aparente), distribuição do tamanho dos poros, solubilização e condutividade elétrica.
Anfíbios anuros associados a corpos d'água do sudoeste do estado de Goiás, Brasil
Authors: Morais Alessandro Ribeiro , Signorelli Luciana , Gambale Priscilla Guedes , Kopp Kátia , Nomura Fausto , Guimarães Lorena Dall'ara , Vaz-Silva Wilian , Ramos Jade , Bastos Rogério Pereira
Published: January 2012

O Cerrado é o segundo maior bioma brasileiro e é considerado um dos mais importantes hotspots de biodiversidade. Neste bioma foram registradas cerca de 150 espécies de anuros, das quais 30% são endêmicas. Entretanto, existem muitas áreas ainda não inventariadas, nas quais não se conhece quase nada sobre a diversidade de anuros. Assim, neste estudo apresentamos informações referentes a anurofauna do sudoeste do Estado de Goiás (Brasil Central), a qual vem sendo modificada principalmente pela agropecuária. Nesta região, 45 corpos d'água foram amostrados entre os meses de novembro/2007 a fevereiro/2008 e novembro/2008 a março/2009, localizados próximos a plantações de soja, cana-de-açúcar, pastagem e vegetação nativa. No total, foram registrados adultos e girinos de 36 espécies de anuros, a maioria comum de áreas abertas. As curvas de acumulação de espécies, tanto para adultos quanto para girinos, apresentaram a formação de uma assíntota, o que indica uma baixa probabilidade de registro de novas espécies mesmo com a amostragem de outros corpos d'água. Nesta área com forte influência de impactos agrícolas, a riqueza encontrada representa aproximadamente 1/4 do total de espécies conhecidas para o bioma Cerrado.
Neurobiological Correlates of Learning Potential in Healthy Subjects and in Schizophrenic Patients
Authors: Pedersen Anya , Wiedl Karl H. , Ohrmann Patricia
Published: January 2012

Dynamic testing has increasingly been recognized as a measure of neurocognitive modifiability. For instance, executive function deficits as measured by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) can be ameliorated in a subgroup of schizophrenic patients by integrating instructions and feedback into the testing procedure. In the first study reported herein, we investigated the relation between learning typology on the WCST and chronicity in 60 first-episode patients and 44 patients with chronic schizophrenia. We found that nonretainer categorization of WCST performance is not related to chronic schizophrenia. In the second study, we investigated the relationship between learning potential on the WCST and cerebral metabolism, assessed by single-voxel proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), in 43 schizophrenic patients and 37 matched healthy control subjects. The level of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), a marker of neuronal integrity, in the DLPFC correlated with performance on the dynamic WCST in healthy subjects. In schizophrenic patients, a significant correlation was observed between NAA in the ACC and learning potential (cf. Ohrmann et al., 2008). These data suggest the involvement of different neuronal networks in learning among schizophrenic patients as compared to healthy controls.
Relationships between Soil‐Based Management Zones and Canopy Sensing for Corn Nitrogen Management
Authors: Roberts Darrin F. , Ferguson Richard B. , Kitchen Newell R. , Adamchuk Viacheslav I. , Shanahan John F.
Published: January 2012

Integrating soil‐based management zones (MZ) with crop‐based active canopy sensors to direct spatially variable N applications has been proposed for improving N fertilizer management of corn (Zea mays L.). Analyses are needed to evaluate relationships between canopy sensing and soil‐based MZ and their combined potential to improve N management. The objectives of this study were to: (i) identify soil variables related to in‐season crop canopy reflectance and yield and use these variables to delineate MZ for N fertilizer management; and (ii) compare corn yield response to different N fertilizer treatments for different MZ. Eight N rates (0–274 kg N ha−1 in 39 kg ha−1 increments) were applied in replicated small plots across six irrigated fields in 2007 to 2008 throughout central Nebraska. Soil variables evaluated for MZ delineation included: apparent soil electrical conductivity (ECa), soil optical reflectance, and landscape topography. Crop response to N was determined via active sensor assessments of in‐season canopy reflectance (chlorophyll index, CI590) and grain yield. Relationships between soil and topography data and crop performance were evaluated, with selected soil variables used to delineate two MZ within four of the six fields. Economic benefits to N application according to soil‐based MZ were observed in fields with silty clay loam and silt loam soils with substantial relief and eroded slopes. Sensor‐based algorithms may need to be adjusted according to MZ to account for differences in crop N response.
Maize Response to Fertilizer and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Uganda
Authors: Kaizzi Kayuki C. , Byalebeka John , Semalulu Onesmus , Alou Isaac , Zimwanguyizza Williams , Nansamba Angella , Musinguzi Patrick , Ebanyat Peter , Hyuha Theodore , Wortmann Charles S.
Published: January 2012

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important smallholder crop in Uganda. Yields are low because of low soil fertility and little fertilizer use. Yield response to nutrient application and economically optimal rates (EOxR, where x = N, P, or K) and N use efficiency (NUE) were evaluated. Twenty‐two trials were conducted in four agroecological zones. Yield was consistently increased with N application. Mean maize yield with no N applied (N0) was 1.79 Mg ha−1 and increased by 120% with N application. Mean EONRs were 45 to 24 kg ha−1 N with fertilizer use cost to grain price ratios (CPs) of 10 to 30. With N applied, the mean increase in yield due to P application was 0.28 Mg ha−1 and mean EOPRs were 9 to 1 kg ha−1 P with CPs of 10 to 50. Yield was not increased with K application. Profitability was greater for N than P application. Mean aboveground biomass N with 0 and 150 kg ha−1 N applied was 46.3 and 94.3 kg ha−1, respectively. Mean N concentration and N harvest index at the EONR were 1.60 and 63.8%, respectively, and higher than for N0. Mean recovery efficiency, partial factor productivity, and agronomic efficiency declined with increasing N rate and were 66%, 86 kg kg−1, and 41 kg kg−1, respectively, at the EONR. Fertilizer N use can be very profitable, with high NUE, for smallholder maize production in Uganda, and the financial capacity of smallholders to use fertilizer will increase with reduced CP.
Understanding Yield Response to Nitrogen to Achieve High Yield and High Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Rainfed Corn
Authors: Gao Qiang , Li Cuilan , Feng Guozhong , Wang Jianfeng , Cui Zhenling , Chen Xinping , Zhang Fusuo
Published: January 2012

Chinese farmers believe that more fertilizer and higher grain yields are synonymous. A better understanding of the relationship between corn (Zea mays L.) yields and N rate could help agronomists match fertilizer rates with plant requirements. The objective of this study is to evaluate corn yield response to applied N fertilizer and to understand the factors affecting yield response to N fertilizer by 737 on‐farm experiments in northeastern China. Corn grain yield without applied N fertilizer averaged 7.6 Mg ha−1. Increased yield for applied N fertilizer (IYN, the difference between maximum yield across all treatments and yield of the N0 treatment) averaged 2.5 Mg ha−1 and varied from 0 to 9.3 Mg ha−1. Farmers’ practices and corn hybrids resulted in large variability in IYN, whereas no changes in IYN occurred among years or soil types. Under the current cropping system, the maximum corn yield significantly increased and IYN decreased with increasing yield of the N0 treatment, suggesting that increasing IYN with high yield of the N0 treatment using integrated hybrids along with strategic management of crops, soils, and N is crucial for achieving high yields with a high N use efficiency (NUE).
Predicting Sugarcane Response to Nitrogen Using a Canopy Reflectance‐Based Response Index Value
Authors: Lofton J. , Tubana B. S. , Kanke Y. , Teboh J. , Viator H.
Published: January 2012

In Louisiana, sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) N rate recommendations are established based on N response trials and further refined for specific crop age and soil type. Without accounting for current growing conditions and soil N levels, these recommendations can potentially lead to under‐ or over‐application of N fertilizers. The objective of this study was to determine if N response index at harvest (RIHarvest) can be predicted using normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI) response index value (RINDVI). Sensor and yield data were collected from different N field trials from 2008 to 2010 in St. Gabriel and Jeanerette, LA. Nitrogen fertilization treatments ranged between 0 to 201 kg N ha−1. A GreenSeeker Hand Held Optical Active Sensor (Trimble Navigation, Ltd., Sunnyvale, CA) was used to obtain NDVI readings for each of three consecutive weeks beginning 3 wk after fertilization. There was a strong relationship between RINDVI and RIHarvest using the traditional method of determining RI, comparing plots that received high N rates to check plots, with coefficient of determination (r2) values of 0.92 for cane tonnage and 0.81 for sugar yield (P < 0.05). When using a modified RI value, which compared all N rates to the check plot, relationships between RINDVI and RIHarvest were comparable, with r2 values of 0.85 and 0.81 for cane tonnage and sugar yields, respectively (P < 0.05). Our results suggest that NDVI collected 4 wk after N fertilization can be used to predict sugarcane yield response to fertilizer N using the relationships established by either the traditional or modified RI methods.
Pigeon Pea Potential for Summer Grazing in the Southern Great Plains
Authors: Rao Srinivas C. , Northup Brian K.
Published: January 2012

Stocker cattle (Bos taurus) production in the southern Great Plains (SGP) faces a forage quality gap during July through September. A study was conducted in 2008 through 2010 to determine if pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] could fill this deficit period. Six 0.41‐ha experimental paddocks were randomly assigned to two pigeon pea cultivars; Georgia‐2 (GA‐2) and Minnesota‐8 (MN‐8). The paddocks were sprayed with glyphosphate annually for pre‐plant weed control, and received 26 kg ha−1 P before planting. Seeds were inoculated, planted (2‐cm deep; 60‐cm row spacing; 25 kg ha−1 seeding rate) in late May to early June, and fenced enclosures (9 m−2) were established to measure biomass accumulation and fractions, N concentrations, and in vitro digestible dry matter (IVDDM). Crossbred stocker cattle assigned to paddocks were weighed at start of grazing, the time when cattle shifted to grazing pigeon pea (at flowering), and end of grazing periods. Average daily gains (ADG), and total gains ha−1 were developed to identify time of grazing season (pre‐ and postflowering of pigeon pea) responses. The only significant effects (P < 0.05) in animal responses were time of grazing season. An average of 140 kg ha−1 gain was recorded for 20(± 7)‐day periods when pigeon pea was actively grazed, compared to 44 kg ha−1 for the 14(± 9)‐d preflowering periods. Average daily gains were 0.1(± 0.2) and 1.0(± 1) kg in the pre‐ and postflower periods, respectively. Results indicate the need for early‐maturing pigeon pea cultivars with higher leaf/stem ratio, to provide longer grazing season and higher stocking rates.
Economizing Nitrogen Fertilizer in Wheat through Combinations with Organic Manures in Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Abbasi M. Kaleem , Tahir Majid Mahmmod
Published: January 2012

Integrating fertilizer N with organic manures is an important management strategy for sustainable agriculture production systems in subhumid, rainfed soils low in organic matter. A 2‐yr (2007–2008, 2008–2009) field experiment with rainfed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was conducted in the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (Rawalakot), Pakistan to evaluate the effects of combined use of farmyard manure (FYM), poultry manure (PM), and urea nitrogen (UN) on crop productivity, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and soil properties. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Treatments included one full N as UN, six combined treatments of UN, FYM and PM in 75:25, 50:50 and 25:75 ratios and a control, applied at equivalent rate of 120 kg N ha−1. The results showed that UN with FYM and PM decreased soil bulk density (4–11%), increased organic carbon (10–22%), total N (9–25%), available P (13–26%) and available K (13–23%) compared to the control. Combined application of UN, FYM and PM in 75:25 ratios produced comparable grain yields to UN treatment. However, total N uptake in the combined treatments was higher (83 and 89 kg ha−1 vs. 77 kg ha−1, respectively). The NUE in UN+FYM, UN+PM (75:25 and 50:50) was 44, 49, 41, and 44%, respectively compared with NUE of 39% in UN treatment. Results of this study confirmed that UN+FYM and UN+PM in 75:25 ratios saved ≈25% (30 kg) of N fertilizer and represented a successful and sustainable management strategy for wheat production in the mountainous ecosystems.
Microbial community analysis during continuous fermentation of thermally hydrolysed waste activated sludge
Authors: Cirne D. G. , Bond P. , Pratt S. , Lant P. , Batstone D. J.
Published: January 2012

Acidogenic fermentation of thermally hydrolysed waste activated sludge was carried out at laboratory scale in two reactors operated under different hydraulic retention times (HRT). Process performance was assessed in terms of volatile fatty acid (VFA) composition and yield. The diversity of the microbial population was investigated by constructing a 16S rRNA gene library and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of clones. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to assess the relative abundance of different bacterial groups. Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were the dominant taxonomic groups representing 93% of the total sequences obtained in the reactor with 4 d HRT. A similar VFA yield (0.4–0.5 g VFACOD g SCOD−1) was obtained for the HRTs tested (1–4 d), indicating that extended retention times were not useful. Within Firmicutes, Clostridia was the major group detected in the clone sequences. These had close affiliation to Sporanaerobacter acetigenes, suggesting organisms of this group were important for hydrolysis of the protein fraction of the substrate. However, FISH analysis failed to detect the major portion of the bacteria, and this is most likely due to the lack of appropriate probes. This work emphasizes the diversity of fermentative communities, and indicates that more work is needed to identify and detect the important members.
Biochemical responses of the copepod Centropages tenuiremis to CO2-driven acidified seawater
Authors: Zhang Dajuan , Li Shaojing , Wang Guizhong , Guo Donghui , Xing Kezhi , Zhang Shulin
Published: January 2012

An ecophysiological experiment was conducted to examine the biochemical effects of acidified seawater containing elevated concentration of CO2 (CCO2 0.08, 0.20, 0.50 and 1.00%) on the copepod Centropages tenuiremis. AchE, ATPase, SOD, GPx, GST, GSH level and GSH/GSSG ratio of the copepod were analyzed. The results showed that elevated CCO2 and the duration of culture time significantly influenced several biochemical indices in C. tenuiremis (ATPase, GPx, GST, GSH and SOD). Furthermore, the principal component analysis results indicated that 72.32% of the overall variance was explained by the first three principal components (GPx, SOD and GSH). Changes in GPx and GSH levels may play a significant role in the antioxidant defense of copepods against seawater acidification. The long-term response of copepods to seawater acidification and the synergistic effects of acidification with other environmental factors, such as temperature, salinity and trace metal need further investigation.
The application of surface engineered silica for the treatment of sugar containing wastewater
Authors: Majewski Peter , Luong Jennifer , Stretton Kevin
Published: January 2012

The removal of sucrose and fructose from water at various high concentrations by surface engineered silica (SES) was studied using dissolved sugar in pure water. The results indicate that sugar at concentrations of up to 800 g/L can be removed by SES at a relatively high dose of 250 to 300 g/L. Based on these results, process water from a soft drink filling station which was contaminated by sugar, flavour components, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria and Candida pelliculosa yeast were treated to study the performance of SES using actual process water samples by analysing turbidity, biological oxygen demand (BOD), UV absorption, and various other standard parameters, and microbial tests. The study shows that at a dose of 100 g/L of SES bacterial contamination as well as turbidity, BOD and UV absorption can be significantly reduced. However, the study found the yeast species Candida pelliculosa could not be removed from the water samples.
Enhancement of microbubble generation in a pressurized dissolution process by packing the nozzle with porous ceramics
Authors: Yamashita Hiroshi , Aoyagi Hideki , Minagawa Hisato
Published: January 2012

The pressurized dissolution method is often used for microbubble generation. However, the main disadvantage of this method is that a large amount of energy (more than 0.3 MPa) is required to generate many microbubbles, each of which have a diameter of several dozen μm. To overcome this problem, we investigated the effectiveness of porous ceramic when used as the packing material in the pressurized dissolution method. The results showed that when compared with the control (no porous ceramics), use of porous ceramics resulted in a 39% increase in the number of microbubbles. Furthermore, when this system was used for the flotation separation of artificial suspended solids and activated sludge, the level of separation achieved with porous ceramics at 0.15 MPa was the same as that achieved using no porous ceramics at 0.25 MPa. It was estimated that the use of porous ceramics led to a 40% reduction in the energy required for the dissolved air flotation, with subsequent decreases in the operating cost.
Effect of NaCl on nitrate removal from ion-exchange spent brine in the membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR)
Authors: Van Ginkel Steven W. , Kim Bi-o , Yang Ziming , Sittmann Robby , Sholin Mark , Micelli Joe , Rittmann Bruce E.
Published: January 2012

The H2-based membrane biofilm reactor was used to remove nitrate from synthetic ion-exchange brine at NaCl concentrations from ∼3 to 30 g/L. NaCl concentrations below 20 g/L did not affect the nitrate removal flux as long as potassium was available to generate osmotic tolerance for high sodium, the H2 pressure was adequate, and membrane fouling was eliminated. Operating pHs of 7–8 and periodic citric acid washes controlled membrane fouling and enabled reactor operation for 650 days. At 30 psig H2 and high nitrate loading rates of 15 to 80 g/m2 d, nitrate removal fluxes ranged from 2.5 to ∼6 g/m2 d, which are the highest fluxes observed when treating 30 g/L IX brine. However, percent removals were low, and the H2 pressure probably limited the removal flux.
Treatment performance of a constructed wetland during storm and non-storm events in Korea
Authors: Maniquiz M. C. , Lee S. Y. , Choi J. Y. , Jeong S. M. , Kim L. H.
Published: January 2012

The efficiency of a free water surface flow constructed wetland (CW) in treating agricultural discharges from stream was investigated during storm and non-storm events between April and December, 2009. Physico-chemical and water quality constituents were monitored at five sampling locations along the flow path of the CW. The greatest reduction in pollutant concentration was observed after passing the sedimentation zone at approximately 4% fractional distance from the inflow. The inflow hydraulic loading, flow rates and pollutant concentrations were significantly higher and variable during storm events than non-storm (baseflow) condition (p <0.001) that resulted to an increase in the average pollutant removal efficiencies by 10 to 35%. The highest removal percentages were attained for phosphate (51 ± 22%), ammonium (44 ± 21%) and phosphorus (38 ± 19%) while nitrate was least effectively retained by the system with only 25 ± 17% removal during non-storm events. The efficiency of the system was most favorable when the temperature was above 15 °C (i.e., almost year-round except the winter months) and during storm events. Overall, the outflow water quality was better than the inflow water quality signifying the potential of the constructed wetland as a treatment system and capability of improving the stream water quality.
Impact of influent data frequency and model structure on the quality of WWTP model calibration and uncertainty
Authors: Cierkens Katrijn , Plano Salvatore , Benedetti Lorenzo , Weijers Stefan , de Jonge Jarno , Nopens Ingmar
Published: January 2012

Application of activated sludge models (ASMs) to full-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is still hampered by the problem of model calibration of these over-parameterised models. This either requires expert knowledge or global methods that explore a large parameter space. However, a better balance in structure between the submodels (ASM, hydraulic, aeration, etc.) and improved quality of influent data result in much smaller calibration efforts. In this contribution, a methodology is proposed that links data frequency and model structure to calibration quality and output uncertainty. It is composed of defining the model structure, the input data, an automated calibration, confidence interval computation and uncertainty propagation to the model output. Apart from the last step, the methodology is applied to an existing WWTP using three models differing only in the aeration submodel. A sensitivity analysis was performed on all models, allowing the ranking of the most important parameters to select in the subsequent calibration step. The aeration submodel proved very important to get good NH4 predictions. Finally, the impact of data frequency was explored. Lowering the frequency resulted in larger deviations of parameter estimates from their default values and larger confidence intervals. Autocorrelation due to high frequency calibration data has an opposite effect on the confidence intervals. The proposed methodology opens doors to facilitate and improve calibration efforts and to design measurement campaigns.
Microaerophilic conditions support elevated mixed culture polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) yields, but result in decreased PHA production rates
Authors: Pratt S. , Werker A. , Morgan-Sagastume F. , Lant P.
Published: January 2012

For commercial polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production the objective is to maximise the fraction of feedstock that ends up as polymer, and minimise biomass growth. In this paper, oxygen limitation was applied to achieve this. Intracellular PHA content in mixed cultures in batch systems operated with low and high DO was compared. It is shown that in microaerophilic conditions a higher fraction of substrate is accumulated as PHA in comparison to high DO conditions, evidenced by elevated intracellular PHA content: in the order of 50% higher in the early stages of accumulation. However, the accumulation capacity is not affected by DO. The PHA content in biomass in both the low and high DO systems reached approximately 35%. The time taken for the PHA content in the low DO system to reach capacity was three times longer than in the high DO system.
Comparison of methods for the enumeration of Clostridium perfringens spores in water
Authors: Junqueira Valéria Christina Amstalden , Neto Romeu Cantúsio , da Silva Neusely , Terra Juliana Hirata
Published: January 2012

Four methods for enumerating Clostridium perfringens spores in water were evaluated: (1) the IMM (Iron Milk Medium) method (MPN); (2) the LS (Lactose Sulfite Broth) method (MPN); (3) the m-CP (membrane filtration Clostridium perfringens Agar) method (membrane filtration); and (4) the TSC (Tryptose Sulfite Cycloserine Agar) method (membrane filtration). The performance of these methods was compared with that of the DRCM (Differential Reinforced Clostridium Medium) method (MPN) as adopted by CETESB (Brazil's Environmental Sanitation Technology Company) for the analysis of C. perfringens spores in water. Statistical analysis was performed according to ISO 17994:2004 (Water Quality – Criteria for Establishing Equivalence between Microbiological Methods). The LS, m-CP, and TSC methods were considered not equivalent to the DRCM method, as they gave significantly lower results. The IMM showed inconclusive results and, according to ISO 17994:2004, analysis of a greater number of samples is needed to draw definitive conclusions comparing IMM and DRCM.
Effects of oxygen concentration on the nitrifying activity of an aerobic hybrid granular sludge reactor
Authors: Filali Ahlem , Bessiere Yolaine , Sperandio Mathieu
Published: January 2012

The aim of the work was to quantify the influence of the simultaneous presence of flocs and granules in the nitrifying activity in a sequencing batch airlift reactor (SBAR). The nitrification rate and oxygen limitation of flocs, granules and hybrid sludge was investigated using respirometric assays at different dissolved oxygen concentrations. The spatial distribution of Ammonium Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB) and Nitrite Oxidizing Bacteria (NOB) was investigated using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). Results showed that the nitrification rate was much less sensitive to oxygen limitation in systems containing a fraction of flocs than in pure granular sludge. Ammonium Oxidizing Bacteria (AOB) were found to be distributed in similar quantities in flocs and granules whereas the Nitrite Oxidizing Bacteria (NOB) were located preferentially in granules. This study showed that the presence of flocs with granules could increase the robustness of the process to transitory reductions of aeration.
Arsenate removal using a combination treatment of precipitation and nanofiltration
Authors: Chang F. F. , Liu W. J.
Published: January 2012

A combination treatment of Ca-precipitation and nanofiltration membrane was studied to remove arsenate from water. The selected nanofiltration membrane was an amphoteric charged membrane, proved by the results of ATR-FTIR spectra and zeta potential. The arsenate and calcium removal efficiencies had the lowest values at the isoelectric point of the nanofiltration membrane, attributed to the loosest steric hindrance and the weakest electrostatic repulsion. Above the isoelectric point, arsenate precipitated with calcium ion to form the low solubility compound calcium arsenate, while steric hindrance was the main mechanism of arsenate removal. In contrast, below the isoelectric point, the nanofiltration membrane with positive charges rejected calcium ion by electrostatic repulsion. The high electrostatic shielding of calcium ion prevented arsenate from coming close to the NF membrane. Either high feed arsenate concentration or high calcium oxide dose improved the removal amount of arsenate during the nanofiltration membrane separation process. In addition, the arsenate removal efficiency approached the highest value at 200 μg/L of feed arsenate concentration. The optimal transmembrane pressure was in a range of 0.5–0.7 MPa to restrict the formation of fouling cake on the nanofiltration membrane surface.
Efficiency of RO/NF membranes at the removal of veterinary antibiotics
Authors: Dolar D. , Vuković A. , Ašperger D. , Košutić K.
Published: January 2012

The production of pharmaceuticals has increased rapidly during the last several decades as they have been used for the health of both humans and animals. Routes of environmental exposure include the release of treated wastewater, the land disposal of livestock manures and municipal biosolids (i.e. sewage sludge), as well as the use of medicated aquaculture feed. This study deals with application of reverse osmosis (RO) and nanofiltration (NF) membranes for removing of antibiotic residues (sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, ciprofloxacin, dexamethasone and febantel) and their mixture. According to the results obtained in this work the use of RO (LFC–1 and XLE) and the tight NF (NF90) membranes are recommended to achieve a high level of retention (>95%) of all selected veterinary antibiotics (VAs). Nanofiltration NF270, NF and HL membranes showed a lower rejection of individual components, but much higher in a mixture solution, due to the synergistic effect.
Feasibility tests for treating shampoo and hair colorant wastewaters using anaerobic processes
Authors: Ahammad Shaikh Z. , Yakubu A. , Dolfing J. , Mota C. , Graham D. W.
Published: January 2012

Wastes from the personal care product (PCP) industry are often high in biodegradable carbon, which makes them amenable to aerobic biological treatment, although process costs are usually high due to aeration inefficiencies, high electricity demand and production of large amounts of sludge. As such, anaerobic treatment technologies are being considered to lower net energy costs by reducing air use and increasing methane production. To assess the amenability of PCP wastes to anaerobic treatment, methane yields and rates were quantified in different anaerobic reactors treating typical PCP wastes, including wastes from shampoo and hair colorant products. Overall, shampoo wastes were more amenable to methanogenesis with almost double the methane yields compared with colour wastes. To assess relevant microbial guilds, qPCR was performed on reactor biomass samples. Methanosaetaceae abundances were always significantly higher than Methanosarcinaceae and Methanomicrobiales abundances (P < 0.05), and did not differ significantly between waste types. Although colour wastes were less amenable to anaerobic treatment than shampoo wastes, differences cannot be explained by relative microbial abundances and probably result from the presence of inhibiting compounds in hair colorants (e.g., oxidants) at higher levels. Results showed that anaerobic technologies have great potential for treating PCP wastes, but additional work is needed to establish the basis of elevated methane yields and inhibition, especially when colorant wastes are present.
Four Bacillus sp. soil isolates capable of degrading phenol, toluene, biphenyl, naphthalene and other aromatic compounds exhibit different aromatic catabolic potentials
Authors: Djokic Lidija , Narancic Tanja , Nikodinovic-Runic Jasmina , Bajkic Sanja , Vasiljevic Branka
Published: January 2012

Two novel Bacillus sp. were isolated from a soil sample from a bank of the
Tamis river in close proximity to a petrochemical facility. They were capable
of utilizing a broad range of aromatic compounds as a sole source of carbon
and energy (including phenol, benzene, toluene, biphenyl, naphthalene). The
isolates were designated as Bacillus sp. TN41 and TN42, based on their 16S
rDNA sequence. Their catabolic potential was compared to two Bacillus sp.
strains (PS1 and PS11) isolated from the rhizosphere of the endemorelict
plant Ramonda serbica. Specific activities of phenol hydroxylase, catechol
1,2-dioxygenase and catechol 2,3-dioxygenase were analyzed from crude cell
extracts of the isolates, as well as the temperature and pH effects on enzyme
activity. Although all four isolates had the ability to degrade a similar
range of aromatic compounds, the specific activities of the enzymes
indicative of aromatic compound catabolism of TN isolates were 2 to 90-fold
lower compared to the PS isolates. Phenol hydroxylase and catechol
dioxygenases exhibited broad temperature (10?C-80?C) and pH (4-9) activity
ranges in all four Bacillus isolates. While phenol inhibited both phenol
hydroxylase and catechol dioxygenases in the TN strains, it was an inducer
for phenol hydroxylase in the PS strains.
Life cycle of the potato golden cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis) grown under climatic conditions in Belgrade
Authors: Bacic Jasmina , Barsi L. , Strbac P.
Published: January 2012

The life cycle of a population of the quarantine nematode Globodera
rostochiensis on the root of susceptible potato variety, Desiree, originating
from an infected field (CC Ljubovija no. 413) on the mountain of Jagodnja in
the district of Macva, was studied under experimental conditions in Belgrade
in 2002-2003. The golden cyst nematode completed one generation per year in
the temperate climate of this region. In 2002, the life cycle lasted 29 days
after the penetration of the second stage juveniles into the roots. An
adverse effect of high soil temperatures above 25 ?C was observed in 2003,
influencing the development of the nematode and making the life cycle last
two months longer.
Identification of Salicornia population: Anatomical characterization and RAPD fingerprinting
Authors: Milic Dubravka , Lukovic Jadranka , Djan Mihajla , Zoric Lana , Obreht Dragana , Veselic Sanja , Anackov G. , Petanidou Theodora
Published: January 2012

Anatomical and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis of two
typical populations of Salicornia europaea from Montenegro and Greece
(Lesvos), one typical population of S. ramosissima from Spain and one
population that belongs to the Salicornia genus from Serbia, was undertaken
to develop a new strategy for identifying Salicornia plants. Anatomical
variability and differentiation were examined using Principal Component
Analysis (PCA) and Multivariate Discriminant Function Analysis (MDA). On the
basis of the anatomical measurements, the four populations were classified
into three groups: one joining the plants from Serbia and Spain, one
comprising the Montenegrin group and one comprising the Lesvos group. RAPD
analysis indicated that populations from Spain and Serbia were closely
related to each other and the Lesvos group was quite different from all the
other investigated populations. These results opened up the possibility that
the specimens from Serbia belonged to S. ramosissima and not to S. europaea,
as reported previously.
Measuring plant species diversity in alpine zones: A case study at the Kazdaği National Park, in Turkey
Authors: Güngör Şat
Published: January 2012

Biodiversity includes three main concepts: genetic diversity, species
diversity and ecosystem diversity. Species diversity: mountain ecosystems,
alpine regions above the timberline, have to be rich in terms of plant
compositions and plant species diversity. Richness and evenness are two main
factors in measuring the diversity of a habitat. Richness takes into account
individual species, while evenness contributes towards the relative
abundance of each species. According to the results of this study, 52% of
the total endemic plant taxa of the Kazda?? National Park is determined in
the alpine regions and therefore the alpine zones, with their rich endemic
and rare plant species, are important from the aspect of biodiversity and
species conservation. In addition, this study describes the relation between
environmental factors and plant species diversity and evenness.