bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of antecedent soil moisture conditions on the rainfall–runoff threshold value of a roaded catchment used for water harvesting
Authors: Baek C. W. , Coles N.
Published: September 2013

A roaded catchment (RC) is a representative type of artificial catchment for rainwater harvesting. The rainfall–runoff threshold value of the RC is the main factor which influences the system efficiency and cost. Antecedent soil moisture condition is an important factor which impacts on the determination of the rainfall–runoff threshold value. In this study, rainfall–antecedent soil moisture condition–runoff relationships and the potential efficiency of RCs are presented. Rainfall and runoff data monitored at research sites in Merredin and Mount Barker are used to determine this relationship. Two antecedent moisture criteria; Antecedent Moisture Conditions (AMC) and Average Antecedent Precipitation (AAP) are used to analyse the relationship between previous rainfall and soil moisture for each RC. Monitored results show that AMC is not that suitable to show the relationship between rainfall and antecedent soil moisture condition of the RC in the dryland of Western Australia and it is recommended to use AAP to determine this relationship.
Synthesis of a novel tannin–formaldehyde resin from Acacia nilotica fruit extract and its viability for adsorption of manganese from ground water
Authors: Kamel Mahmoud M. , Abd El-Mgeed Amr M. , El-Hewaihy Mahmoud A. I.
Published: September 2013

A novel tannin–formaldehyde resin was synthesized from Acacia nilotica fruit extract. The experimental factors controlling the resin synthesis were investigated and the obtained resin was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses. The adsorption of manganese as Mn(II) was firstly demonstrated in distilled water solution. The subjected parameters studied for Mn(II) removal by using the resin were the effects of contact time, an initial Mn(II) concentration and the resin dose. The Mn(II) adsorption preceded very fast, and within 3 min the amount of adsorbed Mn(II) for three different initial manganese concentrations (5, 10, and 20 mg/L) approached 60–76% of the maximal uptake potential under the equilibrium conditions. The pseudo second-order equation explained the kinetic data well and the obtained adsorption isotherm data fitted the Langmuir isotherm model which gave high Langmuir capacity (15.54 mg/g) value. The mean adsorption energy (11.04 kJ/mol) computed from the Dubinin–Radushkevich isotherm suggested the ion exchange mechanism for Mn(II) adsorption. Results of the resin application for treatment of natural ground water samples (Bani Mor and El-Fath areas, Assiut, Egypt) showed that reducing the Mn(II) level to minimum and the complete removal depended on the resin dose.
Proposal of a systematic methodology to estimate apparent losses due to water meter inaccuracies
Authors: Arregui F. J. , Soriano J. , García-Serra J. , Cobacho R.
Published: September 2013

Apparent losses are integrated by four components: water meter inaccuracies, data pathway errors, unauthorized consumption, uncertainties in estimating unmetered consumption. Depending on the water utility and the local circumstances, each one of these components can adopt a larger or smaller importance. Obviously, accurate estimates of apparent losses components can be an invaluable tool for water utilities managers who, by having this information, will know how to make more profitable investments. Strangely enough, however, until now there has not been published a standard methodology that provides adequate guidelines to conduct a proper evaluation of water meter inaccuracies. The most probable reason is the complexity underlying this calculation, which involves the use of many parameters that are hardly understood. The lack of a standard methodology to calculate water meter inaccuracies can lead to different results, even in the case of analysing the same set of data. Consequently, water companies cannot compare their figures on metering errors with other utilities since they may have been obtained by applying different methodologies and might not be directly comparable. Taking this into consideration, this paper tries to define a basic methodology to calculate water meter inaccuracies.
Hydraulic performance of post-earthquake water distribution networks based on head driven simulation method
Authors: Mani A. , Tabesh M. , Zolfaghari M. R.
Published: September 2013

Water distribution networks are one of the most important infrastructures in urban areas. Evaluating their real hydraulic performance after being damaged by earthquake loadings is crucial for future planning. In this study, pipeline damage caused by seismic wave propagation is modelled using relationships obtained from 1994 Northridge earthquake. Damaged network is hydraulically analysed using the head driven simulation method (HDSM). This analysis helps to obtain actual performance of the water distribution network damaged by seismic waves, without the usual need to handle negative nodal pressures generated from demand driven simulation method. Pressure performance indicator and the total leakage of the network are used as indicators to show the hydraulic performance of the system. Comparison of the damages from different seismic scenarios and the hydraulic indicators of the network, illustrate the probable condition of the water distribution network after the earthquake. The proposed methodology is applied on a reservoir zone of the Tehran water distribution network. The results indicate the degree of damage in terms of pipe burst and leak points in this network.
Groundwater trading in Australia
Authors: Lawson S. J. , Kumar P. B.
Published: September 2013

This paper defines what is meant by groundwater trading in Australia, and describes the current status of groundwater trading in the various Australian states and territories. Issues and benefits associated with groundwater trading are identified, and are illustrated with reference to a case study aquifer. Finally a recently developed framework for groundwater trading to meet Australian water management requirements is summarised.
The impact of alum coagulation on pharmaceutically active compounds, endocrine disrupting compounds and natural organic matter
Authors: Diemert Sabrina , Andrews Robert C.
Published: September 2013

This study assessed the impact of chemical coagulation using alum on the removal of three endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs; bisphenol A, clofibric acid and estriol) and nine pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs; acetaminophen, carbamazepine, diclofenac, gemfibrozil, ketoprofen, naproxen, pentoxifylline, sulfamethoxazole and sulfachloropyridazine). The impact on natural organic matter (NOM) fractions as determined using liquid chromatography–organic carbon detection (LC–OCD; total dissolved organic carbon (DOC), hydrophobic DOC, biopolymers, humic substances, building blocks, low molecular weight neutrals and acids) was also examined. Three test surface waters were included: Lake Ontario, Grand River and Otonabee River water (Ontario, Canada). Gemfibrozil concentrations were reduced in both Otonabee and Grand River waters. Reductions were noted for carbamazepine and (inconsistently) for acetaminophen, and estrone appeared to increase in concentration in Grand River water with increasing alum doses. NOM removal was primarily attributed to the humic fraction, with small reductions in biopolymers in all of the waters studied.
Analysis of Water Safety Plan costs from case studies in the Western Pacific Region
Authors: Chang Zai Kang , Chong Mien Ling , Bartram Jamie
Published: September 2013

Unsafe water remains a significant public health threat in high and low income countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes Water Safety Plans (WSPs) as the most effective means of consistently ensuring the safety of a drinking-water supply. Although health benefits of WSP implementation have been shown, there is a lack of information relating water supplier characteristics to expected costs. Costing practices were adapted from food quality management studies and applied to six water suppliers from the Western Pacific Region, as designated by WHO. The explanation building procedure was used to develop understanding of relationships between drinking-water supply agency (DWSA) characteristics and WSP implementation costs. The results indicate that costs associated with WSP implementation are expected to be low for developed DWSAs; however, for developing DWSAs, there is high variability in costs which indicates further research may not improve generalized WSP cost estimations. Furthermore, developing DWSAs experience large and highly variable capital and operational monitoring costs. The capital and operational monitoring improvements are necessary to achieving a safe water supply and may require ongoing financial and technical resources to execute.
Comparison of deterministic and heuristic optimization solvers for water network scheduling problems
Authors: Bene J. G. , Selek I. , Hős Cs.
Published: September 2013

This paper presents a novel approximate dynamic programming technique for solving the pump schedule optimization of real-water distribution networks. The method is based on the significant decreasing of the search space by splitting the optimization problem into smaller units. In addition, the state space of the main distribution system was further reduced to the most important reservoirs. The capabilities of the proposed technique are demonstrated on a real-life problem, the water distribution system of the town of Sopron, Hungary. Nine test cases were defined which represent different initial water level scenarios, thus the new application was easy to compare to a former developed genetic algorithm and to some world-leading optimization solvers which are available on the NEOS Server. The benefits and drawbacks of these deterministic and heuristic methods are highlighted.
A case study on the career paths of Finnish water supply and sanitation service experts
Authors: Takala A. J.
Published: September 2013

Experts in water supply and sanitation are highly motivated and dedicated. This motivation is built on the realisation that as a water sector professional one has a significant role in contributing to the well-being of people and development of society. The most important competencies of the experts include a holistic understanding of the water sector, having common sense and the ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders. The professional expertise is mainly acquired through work experience. There can be a variety of educational backgrounds for water sector experts but the main thing is that education provides the general basis and the tools for life-long learning. These were the main findings of a qualitative career analysis of eight Finnish experts on water supply and sanitation.
The contribution of a spring water source to the water needs of the botanical garden of the University of Coimbra
Authors: Simão H. , Sá Marques J. A. , Freitas H.
Published: September 2013

In general, cities have developed and expanded in places where natural and environmental conditions were the most favourable, and they can only continue to prosper by conserving the natural resources that are the drivers of their wealth and quality of life. Four out of five European citizens live in urban areas and the quality of life is greatly influenced by the urban environment. Here, gardens, parks and green open spaces improve air quality and reduce the impact of stormwater events by reducing the value of the runoff coefficient; they offer lower temperatures in hot urban islands and represent habitats for biodiversity. Gardens in many cities, such as our case study of Coimbra, were initially built for decorative, architectural, and leisure purposes, or with specific academic goals in mind, but their size or urban relevance often made them important factors in city planning and resources' sustainability, as well as for the wellbeing of their citizens. Sustainable water management in urban areas involves promoting rational water use, and also the identification of strategic reserves to deal with droughts when they occur. By improving the management of the urban water cycle as a whole a more efficient use of resources can be achieved, providing not only economic benefits but also improving social and environmental outcomes. Because water is a limited and scarce resource it must be used in gardens in an efficient and sustainable way. For this reason grasses, trees, shrubs and flower beds must be provided only with enough water to satisfy their needs. Using the Landscape Coefficient Formula, the amount of water needed for irrigation can be expressed as a percentage of reference evapotranspiration (ET0). The value of evapotranspiration should be adjusted to best meet the water demands of a given assortment of plant species. In this paper we present a study performed at the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra (BGUC). Monthly and annual levels of precipitation were evaluated along with the air temperature and evapotranspiration to determine the climatological water balance through water shortages and surpluses. The results were compared with the levels of water consumption (from the water supply and spring water collector) and the efficiency of irrigation was assessed, adjusted for plant type, enabling the identification of procedures and opportunities to maximize the efficient use and sustainable management of water.
CKD–Mineral and Bone Disorder and Risk of Death and Cardiovascular Hospitalization in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Block Geoffrey A. , Kilpatrick Ryan D. , Lowe Kimberly A. , Wang Wenli , Danese Mark D.
Published: September 2013

Background and objectives

Parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphate have been independently associated with cardiovascular event risk. Because these parameters may be on the same causal pathway and have been proposed as quality measures, an integrated approach to estimating event risks is needed.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Prevalent dialysis patients were followed from August 31, 2005 to December 31, 2006. A two-stage modeling approach was used. First, the 16-month probabilities of death and composite end point of death or cardiovascular hospitalization were estimated and adjusted for potential confounders. Second, patients were categorized into 1 of 36 possible phenotypes using average parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphate values over a 4-month baseline period. Associations among phenotypes and outcomes were estimated and adjusted for the underlying event risk estimated from the first model stage.

Results

Of 26,221 patients, 98.5% of patients were in 22 groups with at least 100 patients and 20% of patients were in the reference group defined using guideline-based reference ranges for parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphate. Within the 22 most common phenotypes, 20% of patients were in groups with significantly (P<0.05) higher risk of death and 54% of patients were in groups with significantly higher risk of the composite end point relative to the in-target reference group. Increased risks ranged from 15% to 47% for death and from 8% to 55% for the composite. More than 40% of all patients were in the three largest groups with elevated composite end point risk (high parathyroid hormone, target calcium, and high phosphate; target high parathyroid hormone, target calcium, and high phosphate; and target high parathyroid hormone, target calcium, and target phosphate).

Conclusion

After adjusting for baseline risk, phenotypes defined by categories of parathyroid hormone, calcium, and phosphate identify patients at higher risk of death and cardiovascular hospitalization. Identifying common high-risk phenotypes may inform clinical interventions and policies related to quality of care.
Analytical and semi-analytical models of conduction controlled rewetting: A state of the art review
Authors: Sahu Santosh , Das Prasanta , Bhattacharyya Souvik
Published: September 2013

The phenomenon of rewetting finds application in several fields of industrial
and scientific applications including the loss of coolant accidents (LOCA) in
nuclear reactors. In order to analyze the phenomena of rewetting, usually a
conduction controlled approach or hydrodynamic approach was considered.
Because of complexity, most of the studies adopt a conduction controlled
approach to analyze the phenomena of rewetting. In view of this, various
analytical and semi-analytical techniques have been used to solve the
conduction equation. Investigations have mostly considered different
geometries, various convective boundary conditions for both the dry and wet
surface, effect of heat generation, variable properties, coupling between
conduction and convection as well as other variations of the problem. A
comprehensive review of the available analytical modelsis presented in this
paper.
Experimental and regression analysis for multi cylinder diesel engine operated with hybrid fuel blends
Authors: Gopal Rajendiran , Kavandappa-Goundar Mayilsamy , Ramasamy Subramanian , Natarajan Nedunchezhian , Ramasamy Venkatachalam
Published: September 2013

The purpose of this research work is to build a multiple linear regression
model for the characteristics of multicylinder diesel engine using
multicomponent blends (diesel- pungamia methyl ester-ethanol) as fuel. Nine
blends were tested by varying diesel (100 to 10% by Vol.), biodiesel (80 to
10% by vol.) and keeping ethanol as 10% constant. The brake thermal
efficiency, smoke, oxides of nitrogen, carbon dioxide, maximum cylinder
pressure, angle of maximum pressure, angle of 5% and 90% mass burning were
predicted based on load, speed, diesel and biodiesel percentage. To validate
this regression model another multi component fuel comprising diesel-palm
methyl ester-ethanol was used in same engine. Statistical analysis was
carried out between predicted and experimental data for both fuel. The
performance, emission and combustion characteristics of multi cylinder diesel
engine using similar fuel blends can be predicted without any expenses for
experimentation.
Efficacy of a novel phase change material for microclimate body cooling
Authors: Jovanovic Dalibor , Karkalic Radovan , Tomic Ljubisa , Velickovic Zlate , Radakovic Sonja
Published: September 2013

The present study was conducted in order to evaluate the efficiency of
personal body microclimate cooling systems based on a phase change materials
(PCM) and its effects on physiological strain in soldiers during exertional
heat stress in hot environment. The results are obtained in the experiment
conducted in the climatic chamber in the Institute of Hygiene, Military
Medical Academy in Belgrade. Ten male soldiers were voluntarily subjected to
exertional heat stress tests (EHST) consisted of walking on treadmill (5.5
km/h) in hot conditions (40?C) in climatic chamber. The subjects performed
first test while wearing a field camouflage uniform without any cooling
system ("CONTROL" group) and in second test they used additional microclimate
cooling system with paraffin wax consist of n-hexadecane (C16H34), in a form
of cooling packs ("COOL" group). As indicators of thermal strain, mean skin
(Tsk) and tympanic (Tty) temperature were determined. Simultaneously, thermal
effects of PCM were measured by thermal imaging camera. The exercise in hot
conditions induced a physiological response to heat stress, manifested
through increased body core and skin temperatures. The results confirmed that
the cooling vest worn over the field uniform was able to attenuate the
physiological strain during exercise, compared to the identical exposure in
the ''control'' group. The results of thermal imaging also indicate that heat
generated inside the body is the main factor that will affect the phase
change material melting time.
New methods to provide exact solutions for some unidirectional motions of rate type fluids
Authors: Fetecau Corina , Rubbab Qammar , Akhter Shahraz , Fetecau Constantin
Published: September 2013

Based on three immediate consequences of the governing equations
corresponding to some unidirectional motions of rate type fluids, new motion
problems are tackled for exact solutions. For generality purposes, exact
solutions are developed for shear stress boundary value problems of
generalized Burgers fluids. Such solutions, for which the shear stress
instead of its differential expressions is given on the boundary, are lack in
the literature for such fluids. Consequently, the first exact solutions for
motions of rate type fluids induced by an infinite plate or a circular
cylinder that applies a constant shear f or an oscillating shear f sin(?t)
to the fluid are here presented. In addition, all steady-state solutions can
easily be reduced to known solutions for second grade and Newtonian fluids.
Experimental and numerical studies of a spiral plate heat exchanger
Authors: Rangasamy Rajavel
Published: September 2013

An experimental and numerical study of heat transfer and flow characteristics
of spiral plate heat exchanger was carried out. The effects of geometrical
aspects of the spiral plate heat exchanger and fluid properties on the heat
transfer characteristics were also studied. Three spiral plate heat
exchangers with different plate spacing (4mm, 5mm and 6 mm) were designed,
fabricated and tested. Physical models have been experimented for different
process fluids and flow conditions. Water is taken as test fluid. The effect
of mass flow rate and Reynolds number on heat transfer coefficient has been
studied. Correlation has been developed to predict Nusselt numbers. Numerical
models have been simulated using CFD software package FLUENT 6.3.26. The
numerical Nusselt number have been calculated and compared with that of
experimental Nusselt number.
Influence of void ratio on phase change of thermal energy storage for heat pipe receiver
Authors: Xiaohong Gui , Xiange Song , Tie Li , Shiqiang Liang , Dazhong Yuan , Dawei Tang
Published: September 2013

In this paper, influence of void ratio on phase change of thermal storage
unit for heat pipe receiver under microgravity is numerically simulated.
Accordingly, mathematical model is set up. A solidification-melting model
upon the enthalpy-porosity method is specially provided to deal with phase
changes. The liquid fraction distribution of thermal storage unit of heat
pipe receiver is shown. The fluctuation of melting ratio in PCM canister is
indicated. Numerical results are compared with experimental ones in Japan.
The results show that void cavity prevents the process of phase change
greatly. PCM melts slowly during sunlight periods and freezes slowly during
eclipse periods as void ratio increases. The utility ratio of PCM during both
sunlight periods and eclipse periods decreases obviously with the improvement
of void ratio. The thermal resistance of void cavity is much higher than that
of PCM canister wall. Void cavity prevents the heat transfer between PCM zone
and canister wall.
A Survey of Web Ontology Languages and Semantic Web Services
Authors: Sireteanu Alexandru Napoleon
Published: September 2013

In the beginning World Wide Web was syntactic and the content itself was only readable by humans. The modern web combines existing web technologies with knowledge representation formalisms. In this sense, the Semantic Web proposes the mark-up of content on the web using formal ontology that structure essential data for the purpose of comprehensive machine understanding. On the syntactical level, standardization is an important topic. Many standards which can be used to integrate different information sources have evolved. Beside the classical database interfaces like ODBC, web-oriented standard languages like HTML, XML, RDF and OWL increase in importance. As the World Wide Web offers the greatest potential for sharing information, we will base our paper on these evolving standards.
Relationship Between Learning, Knowledge Creation and Organisational Performance
Authors: Dermol Valerij
Published: September 2013

In the paper we suggest a model of organisational learning (OL) consisting of four connected constructs related to the processes of learning and knowledge creation, and organisational performance. With the use of structural equation modelling we confirm strong positive relationships between constructs of information acquisition, knowledge creation and cognitive and behavioural changes, all together leading to changes in organisational performance. We also recognise information interpretation as a process positively related to knowledge creation but on the other hand related neither to cognitive and behavioural changes nor organisational performance. The findings explain OL from the viewpoints of single and double loop learning and emphasise the importance of introducing both of them in the organisation.
The Impact of Government Expenditures upon Economic Growth in Post-Communist Countries
Authors: Dincă Marius Sorin , Dincă Gheorghița
Published: September 2013

This paper examines the relationship between the structure and share of government expenditure into Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and the real GDP per capita. Our study uses a micro panel data for a sample made of ten countries from Central and East European, for the period 2002-2012. The empirical results of the linear regression show that the GDP/capita is positively correlated with public order and safety expenditures as well as with economic actions, while national defense and general public services are negatively correlated. The results obtained largely correspond with the ones reached by other researchers approaching the topic of the relationship between economic growth and composition of the government expenditures. The health and education expenses, though instrumental for the long-term development of any society, did not show any significant impact upon the evolution of the GDP/capita, probably as a result of the short-term available data.
Alternative Approach to Economic Restructuring to Benefit the Poor – Sam Multipliers Analysis as Alternative Approach
Authors: Acharya Sanjaya , Signorelli Marcello , Vojinovic Borut , Oplotnik Žan Jan
Published: September 2013

Many economic reforms in developing economies are, in fact, price deregulation in the product markets and trade liberalisation, concerning whether the growth of exports accelerates. This paper, however, attempts to offer a new flavour in the policy reforms using fixed price model to study the growth impact of different sectoral investments and transfers to households. We used Social Accounting Matrix (SAM) multipliers to analyse the flow structure and distributional effects of sectoral investments and transfers in a typical developing economy. Using the case of Nepal we simulate the effects of additional demand creations to sectors and transfer earning growth to households and measure their effects and conclude that in the given flow structure, the additional sector demand and transfer growth in the economy benefit the middle income groups more; whereas the benefit to the poorest is only modest. We examine the effects of potential pro-poor economic restructuring measures especially with regard to the improvements of efficiency parameters and redirection of factor endowments. Consequently, poor households transfer towards those activities which have higher multiplier effects of additional demand and transfer earning. Furthermore, redirection of factor endowments requires undergoing with the skill upgrade of poor labour to be conducive with higher economic growth.
Diagnostic features of Fraxinus excelsior L. with wavy-grained wood growing in Ukraine
Authors: Sopushynskyy Ivan , Teischinger Alfred
Published: September 2013

The paper presents analysis of biometric features of ash with wavy-grained wood, which has decorative appeal. The research results shows that fresh broadleaves ash forest stands growing in the Vinnytsya and Sokyryany Regions of Ukraine have high potential for growing curly ash. The differences between straight-grained and wavygrained wood density and macrostructure were analysed and estimated. Statistical evaluation of the aesthetic macrostructure of wood characteristics indicated that the length of wave varied from 3,25 to 10,83 mm and its amplitude varied from 0,37 to 1,74 mm. The average width and mean height of anomalies in wood formation were equal to 15,89 mm and 5,00 mm, and their mean occurrence was 30 times m-2. Average annual growth ring width of wavy-grained ash wood was clearly greater (by 25%) than that of straight-grained wood. The density of wavy-grained wood was 82 kg·m-3 higher than straight-grained wood after oven-drying and 70 kg·m-3 higher prior to oven-drying
Changes in humidity and temperature inside the pine cones (Pinus sylvestris L.) in two stages seed extraction
Authors: Aniszewska Monika
Published: September 2013

Temperature measurements were taken: (1) under opening scales, (2) at the seed, and (3) in the stem, of pine cones. Changes in temperature were only examined during the second stage of a two-stage seed extraction process. During this phase a permanent dehydration temperature of 50°C was used, following comparison over a ranges of temperatures, between a lower limit of 35°C and a higher limited of 50°C. The temperature was slowest to increase in the cone’s stem, and fastest to increase under opening scales. The temperature at the seed remained constant at around 43°C for the first hour of dehydration, before increasing to 50°C. The two-stages method of cone extraction employed here, with a permanent dehydration temperature of 50°C in second stage, can be used in extraction cabinets equipped with seed extractors that allow the continuous control of air humidity. The time spent soaking during the inter-stage break should last 5 minutes. Viability of seeds obtained in two-stages process was 78% to 89%
Simulation of Scots pine stand dynamics under climate change conditions in the Polish and Ukrainian parts of Roztocze
Authors: Kozak Ihor , Czekajska Patrycja , Kozak Hanna , Stępień Adam , Kociuba Piotr
Published: September 2013

The study was conducted in the Polish (Roztoczanski National Park) and Ukrainian (Rava-Rus’ka Landscape Reserve and Yavorivskyi National Park) parts of the Roztocze region. In each of these locations three research areas were established in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) stands under similar ecological conditions. The purpose of this study was to carry out a survey of possible scenarios for pine stand dynamics in the Polish and Ukrainian parts of Roztocze using the FORKOME model. A control scenario was compared with four other climate change scenarios (warm dry and warm humid; cold dry and cold humid) for a period of covering the next 100 years. Using the control scenario, the FORKOME model predicted that for the next 100 years pine stands will dominate in terms of biomass and number of trees. The warm-dry and warm-humid climate scenarios resulted in slightly reduced biomass of pine stands. However pine would still maintain its dominance, although with a noticeable increase in beech and fir biomass. Nevertheless, in term of the number of trees during the second half of the simulation, it is beech and fir that dominate stand 1 in Roztoczanski National Park. Under the climate cooling scenario (cold dry and cold humid), the biomass of pine and spruce would increase during the next 100 years. Pine trees that would dominate in terms of their numbers, although the number of spruce individuals also tends to increase. The results presented in the paper indicate that the FORKOME model is very useful when investigating different climate changes scenarios in the Roztocze region.
Selected aspects of the forest recreational function in view of its users
Authors: Gołos Piotr
Published: September 2013

The results of a survey conducted in several Promotional Forest Complexes (PFC) in the Śląskie and Podlaskie regions, as well as the urban forests in Łodź and Warsaw, indicate that visitor preferences vary among forest sites. Those forests where visitors prefer to rest should be located in forests designated for recreation, and include elements of recreational infrastructure. Depending on characteristics of the forest in question (seaside, lakeside, or mountains), respondents preferred forest located near to the water’s edge, whereas in mountainous areas they selected open places (roads and openings). Urban residents more commonly chose sites deep within the forest, while hikers selected forest edges. The desired recreational infrastructure, included garbage cans and hiking trails as the most important elements among city dwellers, while hikers pointed to rest areas and information boards. The respondents consistently agreed on the type of recreational activities conducted in forests as well as on type of elements which determine the attractiveness of forests for rest and recreation. Independently of site characteristics and the research location, the most common activities for respondents were hiking and riding bicycle; and attractive elements were silence and calm as well as cleanliness of the forests. The Contingent Valuation Method (CVM) was used to evaluate respondents’ Willingness to Pay (WTP) for intensification of selected public forest functions and forest management, including recreational functions. The number of respondents who declared a hypothetical monetary amount or WTP>0 depended on the place where research was conducted (forest or respondent’s home); forest area covered by financing (forests in general or local forests where respondents reside); the type of question used to obtain the information on WTP; as well as the scope of financing (all public forest functions or just a recreational function). The average WTP declared per household per year varied from 41 PLN (Gołos, Janeczko 2002) to 150 PLN (Gołos, Kaliszewski 2006) for selected forest areas. The average overall state statistics for WTP was 52 PLN (non-timber forest functions in municipality) and 41 PLN (recreational management of forests in municipality). The respondents also underlined that the goods and services provided should be co-financed from both state and local budgets, and that such financing should go directly to the organizations conducting forest management
Supramolecular complexes of cobalt(II), manganese(II) and cadmium(II) with bis(terpyridine) ligand as novel luminescent materials
Authors: Wałęsa-Chorab Monika , Gorczyński Adam , Marcinkowski Damian , Hnatejko Zbigniew , Patroniak Violetta
Published: September 2013

Self-assembly of N6-donor bis(terpyridine) ligand L with transition metal ions: Co(II), Mn(II) and Cd(II) leads to a formation of three kinds of supramolecular complexes. In the electronic absorption and emission spectra of supramolecular complexes additional bands were observed what was ascribed to the coordination of ligand molecules to metal ions. Luminescence properties of these complexes strongly depend on the kind of metal ions and counter ions. The effective blue luminescence was observed in the case of Mn(II) and Cd(II) complexes in which all N-donor atoms of ligand molecules coordinate with the metal center
Efficiency of selected phase transfer catalysts for the synthesis of 1,2-epoxy-5,9-cyclododecadiene in the presence of H2O2/H3PW12O40 as catalytic system
Authors: Lewandowski Grzegorz
Published: September 2013

The results of the studies on the influence of the phase transfer catalyst on the epoxidation of (Z,E,E)-1,5,9-cyclododecatriene (CDT) to 1,2-epoxy-5,9-cyclododecadiene (ECDD) in the H2O2/H3PW12O40 system by a method of phase transfer catalysis (PTC) were presented. The following quaternary ammonium salts were used as phase transfer catalysts: methyltributylammonium chloride, (cetyl)pyridinium bromide, methyltrioctylammonium chloride, (cetyl)pyridinium chloride, dimethyl[dioctadecyl(76%)+dihexadecyl(24%)] ammonium chloride, tetrabutylammonium hydrogensulfate, didodecyldimethylammonium bromide and methyltrioctylammonium bromide. Their catalytic activity was evaluated on the basis of the degree of CDT and hydrogen peroxide conversion and the selectivities of transformation to ECDD in relation to consumed CDT and hydrogen peroxide. The most effective PT catalysts were selected based on the obtained results. Among the onium salts under study, the epoxidation of CDT with hydrogen peroxide proceeds the most effectively in the presence of methyltrioctylammonium chloride (Aliquat® 336) and (cetyl)pyridinium chloride (CPC). The relatively good results of CDT epoxidation were also achieved in the presence of Arquad® 2HT and (cetyl)pyridinium bromide
Sub-fossil wood from the Rucianka raised bog (NE Poland) as an indicator of climatic changes in the first millennium BC
Authors: Barniak Joanna , Krąpiec Marek , Jurys Leszek
Published: September 2013

The dendrochronological studies were carried out on very well preserved sub-fossil pine wood found in the biogenic deposits of the Rucianka raised bog (NE Poland). Local floating chronologies, covering the period 990-460 cal BC, were dated on the basis of radiocarbon analyses. Growth depressions in annual treering widths indicated periodical deterioration of the environmental conditions, which affected tree growth. Identified germination and dying-off phases (GDO) should be related to the wetter climatic periods. The extinction of trees took place during periods of higher groundwater level which, in turn, caused favourable conditions for growth of young pines.
The assessment of the impact of retention reservoirs on the water quality of streams in urban areas (Oruński Stream catchment case)
Authors: Pietruszyński Łukasz , Olszewska Alicja , Bogdanowicz Robert
Published: September 2013

The goal of this paper is to assess the impact of reservoirs on the water quality of watercourses in the urbanized catchment. To realize this goal Oruński Stream catchment was characterized with particular emphasis on retention reservoirs located within the catchment. Studies carried out were to show that these retention reservoirs change the water quality of the stream flowing through it and what the direction of these changes is.
Microbial infection and antibiotic patterns among intensive care unit patients in a tertiary hospital in Central Nepal
Authors: Sanjana RK , Majhi PC
Published: September 2013

Aims The present study is a fundamental effort to evaluate the bacteriological and antibiotic patterns in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) setting in a tertiary care hospital. This study was carried out to guide the clinician in choosing the appropriate antibiotics and to prevent emergence of multidrug resistance bacteria. Materials and Methods Between March 2009 to Feb 2012, the samples from various ICUs that were submitted to the microbiology laboratory for culture and sensitivity were included in this study. All the organisms were identified morphologically and biochemically by standard laboratory procedure and antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined by disc diffusion methods. Result Of 3,780 specimens, 2,312 (61.1%) isolates were recovered. Single organisms were isolated from 1,746 (75.5%) samples while the remaining 566 (24.4%) had two or more organisms isolated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most common isolate 819 (35.4%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae 637 (27.5%). Antibiotics sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed that almost all isolates were resistant to cephalexin (97.8%) and ciprofloxacin (80.3%). However (95.8%) of the isolates were sensitive to tobramycin, (92.0%) to meropenem & (74.80 %) to amikacin. Conclusion It is concluded that Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the predominate pathogen isolated from ICUs of this Hospital. Most of the frequently isolated pathogens are resistant to cephalosporins and quinolone antibiotics as compared to aminoglycosides and carbapenem. Regular surveillance of antibiotic susceptibility pattern is very important for setting a guideline to the clinician in choosing an appropriate therapy of infected patients of ICUs. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2012, Vol-8, No-3, 1-8 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i3.8678
A study of clinico-demographic profile of patients with dissociative disorder
Authors: Shah SK
Published: September 2013

Objectives To study the clinical and socio demographic profile of patients with dissociative disorder and their comorbid mental illness. Materials and methods Fifty-one patients of dissociative disorder presenting to emergency and outpatient department of Psychiatry at College of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital during the period from Jan to March 2012 were included. International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems tenth edition, diagnostic criteria for research (ICD-10, DCR) was used. Results Out of 51 patients, the majority 24 (47.1%), were in the age group 15-29. However the age of presentation ranged from 9-45 years. The females were more, 44 (86.3%) as compared to males 7 (13.7%). The majority of patients had low level of education with none of the patients having education above intermediate level. The majority of patients, 27(52.9%) belonged to lower middle class. 49% of the patients presented with dissociative convulsions, 15.7% with dissociative motor disorders, 15.7% with dissociative stupor, 11.8% with dissociative anesthesia and sensory loss and 7.8% with trance and possession disorder. Depressive illness was found co-morbid with dissociative disorder in 33.3%, borderline personality disorder in 9.8% and histrionic personality disorder in 7.8%. There was history of immediate stressful events that supposedly precipitated the event in 76.5%. Conclusion Dissociative disorder mainly affects young female of lower socio-economic and educational status with history of immediate stressful life events precipitating the illness. Journal of College of Medical Sciences-Nepal, 2012, Vol-8, No-3, 30-35 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jcmsn.v8i3.8683
Fat Dogs and Coughing Horses: K–12 Programming for Veterinary Workforce Development
Authors: San Miguel Sandra F. , Carleton Parker Loran , Adedokun Omolola A. , Burgess Wilella D. , Cipriani Davis Kauline S. , Blossom Thaddaeus D. , Schneider Jessica L. , Mennonno Ann M. , Ruhl Joseph D. , Veatch Jennifer H. , Wackerly Amy J. , Shin Soo Yeon , Ratliff Timothy L.
Published: September 2013

Workforce development strategies to educate, inform, and diversify the veterinary profession of the future must begin with children in elementary school. This article provides a description of the Fat Dogs and Coughing Horses program, which takes a multifaceted approach toward informing young students, beginning in first grade, about the interesting work and career opportunities available in the field of veterinary medicine. The program, a collaboration among Purdue University and Indiana public schools, is supported by a Science Education Partnership Award from the Office of Research Infrastructure Programs, a component of the National Institutes of Health. The overall goal of the program is to provide formal and informal educational opportunities for students, parents, teachers, and the public about the science involved in keeping people and their animals healthy. Examples of health concerns that impact both people and their pets are used to inform and excite children about careers in the health sciences. The program resulted in (1) curricula for students in Grades 1–3, 6, and 9; (2) four children's books and a set of collectible cards which highlight veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and research scientists who work with animals; and (3) four traveling museum-level quality exhibits. Preliminary assessment data has shown that the implementation of the curricula enhanced student science learning and science attitudes and interests. The program provides evidence that partnerships among professionals in veterinary medicine and K–12 education can result in impactful workforce development programs.
Selection of intraoperative tasks for awake mapping based on relationships between tumor location and functional networks
Authors: Coello Alejandro Fernández , Moritz-Gasser Sylvie , Martino Juan , Martinoni Matteo , Matsuda Ryosuke , Duffau Hugues
Published: September 2013

Intraoperative electrical brain mapping is currently the most reliable method to identify eloquent cortical and subcortical structures at the individual level and to optimize the extent of resection of intrinsic brain tumors. The technique allows the preservation of quality of life, not only allowing avoidance of severe neurological deficits but also facilitating preservation of high neurocognitive functions. To accomplish this goal, however, it is crucial to optimize the selection of appropriate intraoperative tasks, given the limited intrasurgical awake time frame. In this review, the authors' aim was to propose specific parameters that could be used to build a personalized protocol for each patient. They have focused on lesion location and relationships with functional networks to guide selection of intrasurgical tasks in an effort to increase reproducibility among neurooncological centers.
Quality of life following endoscopic endonasal resection of anterior skull base cancers
Authors: Castelnuovo Paolo , Lepera Davide , Turri-Zanoni Mario , Battaglia Paolo , Bolzoni Villaret Andrea , Bignami Maurizio , Nicolai Piero , Dallan Iacopo
Published: September 2013

Object

For several decades, the exclusive purpose in the management of anterior skull base malignancies has been to increase survival rates. Recently, given the improved prognosis achieved, more attention has been focused on quality of life (QOL) as well. Producing data on QOL in anterior skull base cancers is hampered by the rarity of the neoplasm and the lack of specific questionnaires. The purpose of this study was to assess health-related QOL in a large and homogeneous cohort of patients affected by anterior skull base cancers who had undergone endoscopic endonasal resection.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective review of patients treated for sinonasal and skull base cancers via an endoscopic endonasal approach at two Italian tertiary care referral centers. All patients were asked to complete the Anterior Skull Base Surgery Questionnaire to evaluate their QOL before and 1 month and 1 year after surgical treatment. To assess which parameters affect QOL, the study population was divided into subgroups according to age, sex, stage of disease, surgical approach, and adjuvant therapy.

Results

One hundred fifty-three patients were enrolled in this study according to the adopted inclusion criteria. Overall QOL started at a score of 4.68 for the preoperative period, sharply decreased as far as a score of 4.03 during the 1st postoperative month, and rose again to a score of 4.59 over the course of 1 year after treatment, with a significant difference among the 3 values (p < 0.05). The specific symptoms and physical status domains registered poorer results at the 1-year assessment (4.00 and 4.71, respectively) than at the preoperative assessment (both domains 4.86), with a statistically significant reduction in scores (p < 0.05). Worse outcomes were associated with several variables: age > 60 years (difference of 0.21 points between the preoperative and 1-year period, p < 0.05), expanded surgical approaches with transnasal craniectomy (decrease of 0.20 points between the preoperative and 1-year period, p < 0.05), and postoperative radiotherapy (score of 4.53 at the 1-year period vs 4.70 in patients without any adjuvant treatment, p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found when analyzing the study population according to sex (p > 0.1) and T classification of disease at presentation (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Radical endoscopic endonasal resection led to either complete or at least partial recovery of patient QOL within the 1st postoperative year.