bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Removal of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds through pilot- and full-scale riverbank filtration
Authors: Benotti Mark J. , Song Rengao , Wilson Doyle , Snyder Shane A.
Published: February 2012

Removal of a large suite of pharmaceuticals and endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) was measured through both pilot- and full-scale riverbank filtration (RBF) facilities. The pilot-scale RBF effectively reduced low ng/L concentrations of most compounds by greater than 90% following a 36-day experiment. Breakthrough of the conservative tracer occurred after 10 days and reached 90% recovery after 28 days. Only four compounds (diazepam, meprobamate, phenytoin and tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP)) were between 20 and 80% removed, and three compounds (atrazine, carbamazepine, and sulfamethoxazole) were less than 20% removed by the pilot. Removal of compounds through the pilot-scale RBF is consistent with results from two full-scale RBF systems: atrazine, carbamazepine, meprobamate, phenytoin and sulfamethoxazole persisted through infiltration into drinking water, whereas caffeine, DEET, gemfibrozil, ibuprofen, iopromide, TCEP, triclosan and trimethoprim were removed. Removal during RBF was attributed to (1) microbial degradation for compounds which were either negatively charged or were neutrally charged and had low log KOW values (such as acetaminophen, caffeine, and trimethoprim), or (2) adsorption for neutrally-charged compounds with high log KOW values (including estradiol, estrone, ethynylestradiol, fluoxetine, oxybenzone, progesterone, testosterone, and triclosan).
Evaluating water scarcity in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region by using a climate moisture index (CMI) indicator
Authors: Malisawa M. S. , Rautenbach C. J. de W.
Published: February 2012

Increasing water scarcity in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region has underscored the need to improve our understanding of the management of water resources. Using total evapotranspiration (TET) and precipitation (P) data of the past 16 years this study used a modified version of the climate moisture index (CMI) in order to evaluate water scarcity throughout the SADC region, by examining the relative importance of P and TET on the variability of the CMI. The CMI value for the Democratic Republic of Congo (CMIDRC = 0.347) as well as for Angola (CMIAngola = 0.351), ranged between 0.25 and 1, characteristic of a humid region, whereas CMI values for Botswana (CMIBotswana = 0.027) and South Africa (CMISouth Africa = 0.075) ranged between −0.6 and 0 or 0 and 0.25, characteristic of semi-arid to sub-humid regions. Namibia (CMINamibia = −0.125) has been experiencing drier conditions. The findings of this linear correlation analysis confirm a strong and significant relationship between DRC-Angola (r = 0.837), and a weak but significant relationship between Botswana–Namibia (r = 0.554) and South Africa–Namibia (r = 0.445) with regard to CMI, and suggest the possibility of transferring water from wetter to drier regions in the SADC study area.
Removal of dissolved organic matter (DOM) from water with activated carbon and effective microorganisms
Authors: Joó Szilvia , Földényi Rita
Published: February 2012

Humic substances (HS) cause problems in water purification because of disinfection by-product (DBP) formation during chlorination. The efficiency of activated carbon (AC) adsorption as a method in drinking water treatment has been investigated in removing HS at different pH values (pH = 5; 6; 7; 8) in static equilibrium experiments. The degradation of HS was studied with an EM (effective microorganisms) bacteria community, and solutions of fulvic acid, sodium humate furthermore extracts of sandy soil were investigated. EM products are widely used but their effect on HS has not been investigated before. The combination of EM and AC methods in the case of fulvic acid resulted in higher performance than any of these methods alone. Humic substances were analyzed using a UV–VIS spectrophotometer and by total organic carbon (TOC) measurements. The carbon/nitrogen ratio was also determined, which enabled conclusions to be made for the nutrient supply. According to these results the degradation was efficient, especially in fulvic acid solutions.
WaterNetGen: an EPANET extension for automatic water distribution network models generation and pipe sizing
Authors: Muranho João , Ferreira Ana , Sousa Joaquim , Gomes Abel , Sá Marques Alfeu
Published: February 2012

This paper focuses on the generation of synthetic models of water distribution networks (WDN). Models are widely used in many fields related with WDN planning and operation. Therefore, the main contribution of this work is to provide an automatic procedure to build models with the well-known EPANET tool in a manner that, with a small amount of input data and a few clicks, the user can build a network topology and assign suitable pipe diameters. For that purpose, a new application, called WaterNetGen, was designed and implemented as an extension to the EPANET software. WaterNetGen can be used to generate synthetic models of WDN, with several hundred nodes and pipes, within a few minutes. The sizing capability allows the selection of commercial diameters, such that the final network design satisfies certain user-defined design constraints, like minimum diameter, maximum velocity and minimum pressure. The total water demand is allocated to the pipes taking into account their length and a demand coefficient. The water demand of each pipe is then assigned to its start and end nodes and follows a specific demand pattern.
Time of use tariffs: implications for water efficiency
Authors: Cole Graham , O'Halloran Kelvin , Stewart Rodney A.
Published: February 2012

Water utilities undertake long term planning for water source security, often with forecast cycles of 20–30 years. Whilst this planning is generally involved with investigations of source water abstraction security and the need to build dams or to increase the recharge rate of groundwater aquifers, planning for water efficiency gains occurs at annual intervals. Most water utilities in Australia are heavily engaged in water efficiency initiatives with rebate schemes for domestic water-efficient devices being ubiquitous across the industry. Wide Bay Water Corporation (WBWC) also engages in these activities but is increasingly interested in the concept of Time of Use Tariffs (TOUTs) to target high water users in order to reduce their demand on the system. In 2006, WBWC introduced smart metering technology across the city which captures hourly use data. Interrogation of this data has led to the ability to identify water use patterns for every domestic and commercial water customer and to design specific interventions to encourage water efficiency, such as a TOUT for domestic customers. A TOUT has been developed that imposes a penalty on all individual consumption greater than 600 L in any hourly interval of any day in the year. The tariff was designed to reduce both the annual peak hour and peak day demand. The ability to reduce both of these infrastructure design parameters may have the potential to deliver substantial savings in infrastructure planning and deployment. This paper details the design process of this tariff, examines the infrastructure savings potential derived by network modelling and explores the regulatory framework hurdles to be overcome in order to implement such tariffs in the water industry.
Operating experiences with a molten carbonate fuel cell at Stuttgart-Möhringen wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Locher C. , Meyer C. , Steinmetz H.
Published: February 2012

Fuel cells on wastewater treatment plants are a relatively new technology to convert biogas from anaerobic digestion into thermal and electrical energy. Since the end of 2007, a type of MCFC fuel cell (>250 kWel, 180 kWth) has been installed at Stuttgart-Möhringen wastewater treatment plant. The goals of this research project are to raise the power self-sufficiency in Stuttgart-Möhringen, to further optimise high temperature fuel cells using biogas and to gain practical experience. After approximately 9,000 h of operation, a mean electrical ‘gross’-efficiency of 44% was achieved. To fully exploit this high electrical efficiency, it is essential to keep the energy consumption of peripheral devices (gas pressure unit, gas cleaning unit, etc.) of the fuel cell as low as possible.
Optimization of a bacterial consortium for nitrobenzene degradation
Authors: Jin D. F. , Hu H. , Liu D. F. , Ding H. T. , Jia X. M. , Zhao Y. H.
Published: February 2012

Three bacterial strains, Arthrobacter sp. NB1, Serratia sp. NB2 and Stenotrophomonas sp. NB3, were isolated from contaminated sludge by using nitrobenzene as a sole source of carbon and nitrogen. It was observed that all three strains could degrade nitrobenzene at 400 mg/L initial concentration and mixed-cultivation of these strains could enhance the degradation of nitrobenzene compared with mono-cultivation. Mixture design was used for adjusting the proportions of each strain and the optimal ratio of inoculation size was NB1:NB2:NB3 = 4:4:5, where the nitrobenzene degradation percentage was two times higher than for by the single strain. The results of Plackett-Burman design indicated that Mg2+, Ca2+, Fe2+, Zn2+ and Mn2+ had a positive effect on the degradation of nitrobenzene, while Cu2+ and Co2+ had a negative effect on it.
Influence of high organic loads during the summer period on the performance of hybrid constructed wetlands (VSSF + HSSF) treating domestic wastewater in the Alps region
Authors: Foladori P. , Ortigara A. R. C. , Ruaben J. , Andreottola G.
Published: February 2012

One of the limits for the application of constructed wetlands (CWs) in mountain regions (such as the Alps) is associated with the considerable land area requirements. In some mountain areas, the treatment of domestic wastewater at popular tourist destinations is particularly difficult during the summer, when the presence of visitors increases hydraulic and organic loads. This paper aims to evaluate whether a hybrid CW plant designed on the basis of the resident population only, can treat also the additional load produced by the floating population during the tourist period (summer, when temperatures are favourable for biological treatment), without a drastic decrease of efficiency and without clogging problems. The research was carried out by considering two operational periods: the first one was based on literature indications (3.2 m2/PE in the VSSF unit) and the second one assumed higher hydraulic and organic loads (1.3 m2/PE in the VSSF unit). The removal efficiency in the hybrid CW system decreased slightly from 94 to 88% for COD removal and from 78 to 75% for total N removal, even after applying a double hydraulic (from 55 to 123 L m−2 d−1) and organic load (from 37 to 87 g COD m−2 d−1 and from 4.4 to 10.3 g TKN m−2 d−1). The results showed that in the summer period the application of high loads did not affect the efficiency of the hybrid CW plant significantly, suggesting that it is possible to refer the CW design to the resident population only, with subsequent considerable savings in superficial area.
Adsorption kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics of atrazine removal using a banana peel based sorbent
Authors: Chaparadza Allen , Hossenlopp Jeanne M.
Published: February 2012

Atrazine removal from water by treated banana peels was studied. The effect of pH, contact time, initial atrazine concentration, and temperature were investigated. Batch experiments demonstrated that 15 g L−1 adsorbent dosage removed 90–99% of atrazine from 1–150 ppm aqueous solutions. The removal was both pH and temperature dependent with the most atrazine removed between pH 7 and 8.2 and increased with increasing temperature. Equilibrium data fitted well to the Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson models in the concentration and temperature ranges investigated, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 14 mg g−1. Simple mass transfer models were applied to the experimental data to examine the adsorption mechanism and it was found that both external mass transfer and intraparticle diffusion played important roles in the adsorption mechanisms. The enthalpy of atrazine adsorption was evaluated to be 67.8 ± 6.3 kJ mol−l with a Gibbs free energy of –5.7 ± 1.2 kJ mol−1.
Biodegradation of lipids from olive oil mill wastewaters in a stationary basket bioreactor with immobilized Bacillus spp. cells – Influence of internal diffusion
Authors: Caşcaval Dan , Galaction Anca-Irina , Turnea Marius , Lupăşteanu Anca Marcela
Published: February 2012

The study is focused on the external and internal mass transfers of lipids during their biodegradation process in a bioreactor with stationary basket bed of immobilized Bacillus spp. cells. By means of the lipid mass balance for a single particle of biocatalyst, considering the kinetic model adapted for the immobilized bacterial cells, specific mathematical models have been developed to estimate their mass flows in the liquid boundary layer surrounding the particle and inside the particle. The values of mass flows are significantly influenced by the internal diffusion velocity of lipids and the rate of their consumption, but also by the position inside the basket bed. These influences accumulated led to the appearance of a biological inactive region near the particle centre, its magnitude varying from 1.3 to 49.4% of the overall volume of particles.
Mental Disorders in Obese Patients with and without Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Carpiniello B. , Pinna F. , Pili R. , Velluzzi F. , Loviselli A.
Published: February 2012

Objective:

The authors sought to evaluate lifetime prevalence of mental disorders in patients affected by metabolic syndrome compared with patients affected by central obesity alone.

Methods:

One hundred eighty-six (63.5%) patients affected by central obesity and 107 (36.5%) affected by metabolic syndrome according to ICF criteria were interviewed by means of SCID I and SCID II.

Results:

Axis I and axis II lifetime prevalence were respectively 53.8% and 30.1% among patients with central obesity, 50.5% and 28% among patients with metabolic syndrome, differences which were not significant. No statistically significant differences were found between groups as far as each single axis I and II diagnostic category was considered.

Conclusion:

Metabolic syndrome is not associated with a higher risk of mental disorders compared to central obesity alone.
An Initial Study of Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Factors for Late-Life Psychosis
Authors: Onwuameze Obiora E. , Schultz Susan K. , Paradiso Sergio
Published: February 2012

Objective:

To determine rates of psychotic symptoms and associated modifiable and non-modifiable factors among elderly long term nursing home residents without prior history of psychiatric illness.

Method:

A cross-sectional design using the Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS) to measure psychotic symptoms, the Folstein's Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (DRS) to evaluate cognitive impairment. Frequency and rates of global psychotic symptoms and hallucinations, delusions, formal thought disorder, and bizarre behavior were calculated. Logistic regression was used to examine modifiable (e.g., medication use) and non-modifiable clinical characteristics (e.g., older age) associated with late-life psychosis.

Results:

There were 15.9% of subjects reporting delusions and 7.3% reporting hallucinations. History of stroke, poorer cognition, and receiving multiple medications showed significant association with late-life psychosis. Only stroke (OR=9.12; 95% CI: 1.58–52.74) and receiving different classes of medications (benzodiazepines, neuroleptics, and antidepressants) (OR=13.17; 95% CI: 2.10–85.82) remained significantly associated with psychosis after adjusting for Mattis DRS total score. Further analyses excluding subjects with MMSE scores of 24 or lower ( n = 24) showed essentially the same results but subjects with better cognitive function suffered a less severe form of psychosis, essentially constituted by one symptom type (i.e., visual hallucinations).

Conclusions:

Rates of late-life psychosis in this sample of nursing home residents without previous psychiatric history were high. Simultaneous use of medications including antidepressants, sedatives, and stimulants may be a clinically relevant modifiable factor to be targeted in prevention studies. Severity and type of psychosis is dependent on the severity of cognitive impairment.
The Duke Activity Status Index in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Ravani Pietro , Kilb Brett , Bedi Harman , Groeneveld Sharon , Yilmaz Serdar , Mustata Stefan
Published: February 2012

Background and objectives

Exercise capacity is impaired at a younger age in CKD patients than in the general population. This study examined the reliability of the Duke Activity Status Index (DASI) questionnaire as a measure of exercise capacity in medically stable adults with stage 3–4 CKD (estimated GFR [eGFR], 15–59 ml/min per 1.73 m2).

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

Peak oxygen uptake ([Combining Dot Above]O2peak), estimated from DASI responses and cardiopulmonary exercise test measurements, was obtained at baseline and 6 months in a derivation sample (n=23) and once in a validation sample (n=20). Bland–Altman analysis and linear mixed models were used to estimate bias, concordance correlation coefficients, and intraclass correlation coefficients as the proportion of the variance due to participant (intertest reliability) and method (test–retest reliability).

Results

The two samples were homogeneous with respect to age (mean 60±14 years), eGFR (35.5±15 ml/min per 1.73 m2), male sex (53%), and diabetes (56%). Mean measured [Combining Dot Above]O2peak was 16.5±4 ml/kg per min. The DASI questionnaire overestimated [Combining Dot Above]O2peak by 4.3 ml/kg per min. Intertest reliability was 53% when eGFR was ≥35 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (median) and 60% when eGFR was <35 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (P<0.01). Test–retest reliability was 81% when eGFR was <35 ml/min per 1.73 m2 and 71% when eGFR was ≥35 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (P<0.01).

Conclusions

The DASI questionnaire may be a reliable measure of exercise capacity in CKD patients, especially when eGFR is <35 ml/min per 1.73 m2. Larger prospective studies are needed to determine its prognostic value.
Is Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis Associated with Technique Survival When Competing Events Are Considered?
Authors: Lobbedez Thierry , Verger Christian , Ryckelynck Jean-Philippe , Fabre Emmanuel , Evans David
Published: February 2012

Background and objectives

This study assessed whether assisted peritoneal dialysis (PD) was associated with a lower risk for technique failure using methods developed for survival analysis in the presence of competing risks.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements

This retrospective cohort study, based on data from the French Language Peritoneal Dialysis Registry, analyzed 9822 incident patients starting PD between January 2002 and December 2010. The observation period ended on June 1, 2011. Time to transfer to hemodialysis was compared between patients with assisted PD and those undergoing self-care PD.

Results

There were 5286 patients undergoing assisted PD; 4230 of these were assisted by a community nurse and 1056 by family. Assisted PD patients were older and had a higher Charlson comorbidity index than self-care PD patients. There were 7594 events: 3495 deaths, 2464 transfers to hemodialysis, 1489 renal transplantations, and 146 renal function recoveries. According to a Cox model, assistance and center size were associated with a lower risk for technique failure, whereas hemodialysis before PD, early peritonitis, and transplantation failure were associated with a higher risk for transfer to hemodialysis. A Fine and Gray regression model showed that assisted PD was associated with a lower risk for transfer to hemodialysis.

Conclusions

Compared with patients undergoing self-care PD, those with assisted PD had a lower risk for transfer to hemodialysis, a higher risk for death, and a lower risk for transplantation.
An EPLS model for a variable production rate with stock-price sensitive demand and deterioration
Authors: Roy T. , Chaudhuri K.S.
Published: February 2012

It is observed that large piles of consumer goods displayed in supermarkets
lead consumers to buy more, which generates more profit to sellers. But a
large number of on-hand display of stock leaves a negative impression on the
buyer. Also, the amount of shelf or display space is limited. Due to this
reason, we impose a restriction on the number of on-hand display of stock and
also on initial and ending on-hand stock levels. We introduce an economic
production lot size model, where production rate depends on stock and selling
price per unit. A constant fraction deterioration rate is considered in this
model. To illustrate the results of the model, four numerical examples are
established. Sensitivity analysis of the changes of parameter values is also
given.
Identification of Novel Type 1 Diabetes Candidate Genes by Integrating Genome-Wide Association Data, Protein-Protein Interactions, and Human Pancreatic Islet Gene Expression
Authors: Bergholdt Regine , Brorsson Caroline , Palleja Albert , Berchtold Lukas A. , Fløyel Tina , Bang-Berthelsen Claus Heiner , Frederiksen Klaus Stensgaard , Jensen Lars Juhl , Størling Joachim , Pociot Flemming
Published: February 2012

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have heralded a new era in susceptibility locus discovery in complex diseases. For type 1 diabetes, >40 susceptibility loci have been discovered. However, GWAS do not inevitably lead to identification of the gene or genes in a given locus associated with disease, and they do not typically inform the broader context in which the disease genes operate. Here, we integrated type 1 diabetes GWAS data with protein-protein interactions to construct biological networks of relevance for disease. A total of 17 networks were identified. To prioritize and substantiate these networks, we performed expressional profiling in human pancreatic islets exposed to proinflammatory cytokines. Three networks were significantly enriched for cytokine-regulated genes and, thus, likely to play an important role for type 1 diabetes in pancreatic islets. Eight of the regulated genes (CD83, IFNGR1, IL17RD, TRAF3IP2, IL27RA, PLCG2, MYO1B, and CXCR7) in these networks also harbored single nucleotide polymorphisms nominally associated with type 1 diabetes. Finally, the expression and cytokine regulation of these new candidate genes were confirmed in insulin-secreting INS-1 β-cells. Our results provide novel insight to the mechanisms behind type 1 diabetes pathogenesis and, thus, may provide the basis for the design of novel treatment strategies.
Myocardial Infarction in a Newborn Heterozygous for the MTHFR C677T Mutation
Authors: Clark Amy B. , Stokes Theophil A. , Krous Henry F. , Carbine Douglas N.
Published: February 2012

Neonatal myocardial infarction secondary to congenital heart disease, anomalous coronary artery anatomy, thromboembolism, coagulopathy, birth asphyxia, and unknown causes has been previously reported. We now report an infant who suffered a massive myocardial infarction during birth, requiring extensive resuscitation and aggressive management. A thrombus, the origin of which was not detected on autopsy, was found occluding the proximal left coronary artery several hours after birth. Genetic studies revealed a single copy variant of the MTHFR C677T mutation that we speculate may have predisposed the infant to coronary thrombosis.
Spirituality and Religiosity as Predictors of Depression and Suicidal Ideation: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Lester David
Published: February 2012

In a sample of 149 undergraduate students, measures of religiosity and spirituality were positively associated with measures of depression, mania, and past suicidal ideation.
Quality of College Students' Same-Sex Friendships as a Function of Personality and Interpersonal Competence
Authors: Festa Candice C. , Barry Carolyn McNamara , Sherman Martin F. , Grover Rachel L.
Published: February 2012

The aim of the current study was to investigate personality traits and interpersonal competencies as predictors of the quality of same-sex friendships in young adulthood. Undergraduate students ( N = 176), who attended a mid-Atlantic U.S., medium-sized university, completed self-report surveys on their personality, interpersonal competence, and friendship quality. Sex, class status, extraversion, agreeableness, and interpersonal competencies were associated with higher friendship quality, but only the interpersonal competence of self-disclosure significantly predicted friendship quality after controlling for sex, class status, and the five personality factors.
Acquisition of a Same-Different Discrimination Task by Pigeons (Columba Livia)
Authors: Miyata Hiromitsu , Fujita Kazuo
Published: February 2012

Four homing pigeons were trained to discriminate two figures simultaneously presented on an LCD screen. The figure was either a rectangle (A) or a square (B), and four combinations of the two figures, AA, AB, BA, BB, appeared in a pseudo-randomized order. The pigeons' task was to peck one of these figures based upon whether the two figures were identical or not. One pigeon successfully learned this discrimination, with proportions of correct responses above 90% in two consecutive sessions. Of the other birds, two performed above chance level but had difficulty meeting a learning criterion of above 80% in two consecutive sessions. All birds achieved this criterion when the combinations of figures presented were reduced to two. Results suggested that learning the present same-different discrimination is within the capacity of pigeons to a certain extent, although there exists considerable individual variation in the pigeons' skills to acquire complex discrimination.
Monte Carlo simulations for optimization of neutron shielding concrete
Authors: Piotrowski Tomasz , Tefelski Dariusz , Polański Aleksander , Skubalski Janusz
Published: February 2012

Concrete is one of the main materials used for gamma and neutron shielding. While in case of gamma rays an increase in density is usually efficient enough, protection against neutrons is more complex. The aim of this paper is to show the possibility of using the Monte Carlo codes for evaluation and optimization of concrete mix to reach better neutron shielding. Two codes (MCNPX and SPOT — written by authors) were used to simulate neutron transport through a wall made of different concretes. It is showed that concrete of higher compressive strength attenuates neutrons more effectively. The advantage of heavyweight concrete (with barite aggregate), usually used for gamma shielding, over the ordinary concrete was not so clear. Neutron shielding depends on many factors e.g. neutron energy, barrier thickness and atomic composition. All this makes a proper design of concrete as a very important issue for nuclear power plant safety assurance.
Gangue mineral textures and fluid inclusion characteristics of the Santa Margarita Vein in the Guanajuato Mining District, Mexico
Authors: Moncada Daniel , Bodnar Robert
Published: February 2012

Successful exploration for mineral deposits requires tools that the explorationist can use to distinguish between targets with high potential for mineralization and those with lower economic potential. In this study, we describe a technique based on gangue mineral textures and fluid inclusion characteristics that has been applied to identify an area of high potential for gold-silver mineralization in the epithermal Ag-Au deposits at Guanajuato, Mexico. The Guanajuato mining district in Mexico is one of the largest silver producing districts in the world with continuous mining activity for nearly 500 years. Previous work conducted on the Veta Madre vein system that is located in the central part of this district identified favorable areas for further exploration in the deepest levels that have been developed and explored. The resulting exploration program discovered one of the richest gold-silver veins ever found in the district. This newly discovered vein that runs parallel to the Veta Madre was named the Santa Margarita vein. Selected mineralized samples from this vein contain up to 249 g/t of Au and up to 2,280 g/t Ag. Fluid inclusions in these samples show homogenization temperatures that range from 184 to 300°C and salinities ranging from 0 to 5 wt.% NaCl. Barren samples show the same range in homogenization temperature, but salinities range only up to 3 wt.% NaCl. Evidence of boiling was observed in most of the samples based on fluid inclusions and/or quartz and calcite textures. Liquid-rich inclusions with trapped illite are closely associated with high silver grades. The presence of assemblages of vapor-rich-only fluid inclusions, indicative of intense boiling or “flashing”, shows the best correlation with high gold grades.
X-ray phase contrast and fluorescence nanotomography for material studies
Authors: Suhonen Heikki , Xu Feng , Helfen Lukas , Ferrero Claudio , Vladimirov Pavel , Cloetens Peter
Published: February 2012

The macroscopic properties of many materials are determined by structural features spanning a wide range of length scales. The nano-imaging endstation ID22NI of the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility is optimized for nanoscale imaging (X-ray focus size well below 100 nm) at high X-ray energy (17 – 29 keV), making it possible to study the interior of dense samples with a millimetric size. Computed tomography and computed laminography setups allow three dimensional imaging of a wide variety of samples, laminography being especially suited for non-destructive imaging of flat samples. The focused X-rays are used as a scanning probe for fluorescence tomography, providing sensitivity for elemental composition down to the ppm level. Projection microscopy with phase contrast is used for imaging the electron density in an extremely sensitive way. We demonstrate these capabilities by imaging a Be pebble. We found large scale cracks and nanoporosity (< 1 μm pores). Furthermore, beryllium oxide inclusions could be detected, ranging from 200 nm to several microns in size. Some of the smallest inclusions were located next to a small pore, indicating beryllium oxide formation after solidification of the structure.
Kinetic Analysis for the Non-Isothermal Decomposition of Un-Irradiated and Y-Irradiated Zirconium Acetylacetonate
Authors: Al-Otaibi A.M. , Al-Wassil A.I. , Siddiqui M.R.H. , Mahfouz R.M.
Published: February 2012

Kinetic studies for the non-isothermal decomposition of un-irradiated and y-irradiated zirconium acetylacetonate, Zr(acac)4, with 103 KGy total y-ray dose were carried out in static air. The results show that decomposition proceeds through multiple steps and ends with the formation of Zr Oz as a final solid residue without any significant changes in the thermal behaviour between un-irradiated and y-irradiated samples of Zr(acac)4. The non-isothermal data for both un- irradiated and y-irradiated Zr(acac)4 were analysed using both model-free and model-fitting approaches. Irregular variation of Ea with α indicates a complex decomposition mechanism involving multi-step processes including melting, sublimation and degradation and more than one model could be suggested to explain the results. Calcination of Zr(acac)4 at 600° C for five hours led to the formation of Zr02 monodispersed nanoparticles, characterised by X-ray diffraction, FT-IR, SEM and TEM. This is the first example of preparing Zr02nanoparticles by solid state thermal decomposition of Zr(acac)4.
Theoretical Study and Nbo Analysis of the Kinetics and Mechanism of the Gas Phase Elimination Reactions of 2-Chloroethylsilane and Derivatives
Authors: Shiroudi Abolfazl , Zahedi Ehsan
Published: February 2012

The gas phase elimination kinetics of 2-chloroethyltrichlorosilane (1), 2-chloro- ethylethyldichlorosilane (2), 2-chloroethyldiethylchlorosilane (3), and 2-chloro- ethyltriethylsilane (4), have been studied at the ab initio B3LYP/6-311 + G**, B3PW91 /6-311 + G** and MPW1PW91/6-311 + G** levels of theory. The B3LYP/6-311 +G** method is in good agreement with the experimental data for the activation parameters. The calculated data demonstrate that, in the elimination mechanism of 2-chloroethylsilane and derivatives, the polarization of the C1-C13 bond in the sense C1δ+ C1-δ3 is a determining factor. Based on the optimized ground state geometries using the B3LYP/6-311 + G** method, the natural bond orbital analysis (NBO) of donor - acceptor (bonding-antibonding) interactions revealed that in accordance with the increase of activation energy, the HOMO-LUMO energy-gaps in the ground state structures increase. Moreover, the order of energy barriers obtained could be explained by the number of electron-releasing chlorine atoms substituted at the silicon atom. NBO analysis shows that the occupancies of σc1-c13 bonds decrease for compounds 1-4as 4<3<2<1, while those of σ*C1-C13 bonds increase in the opposite order (4>3>2>1). This trend explains the comparatively easier thermal decomposition of the <σ c1-c13 bond in compound 4 compared to compounds 1-3.
Seasonal Variations of the Antioxidant Composition in Ground Bamboo Sasa argenteastriatus Leaves
Authors: Ni Qinxue , Xu Guangzhi , Wang Zhiqiang , Gao Qianxin , Wang Shu , Zhang Youzuo
Published: February 2012

Sasa argenteastriatus, with abundant active compounds and high antioxidant activity in leaves, is a new leafy bamboo grove suitable for exploitation. To utilize it more effectively and scientifically, we investigate the seasonal variations of antioxidant composition in its leaves and antioxidant activity. The leaves of Sasa argenteastriatus were collected on the 5th day of each month in three same-sized sample plots from May 2009 to May 2011. The total flavonoids (TF): phenolics (TP) and triterpenoid (TT) of bamboo leaves were extracted and the contents analyzed by UV-spectrophotometer. Our data showed that all exhibited variations with the changing seasons, with the highest levels appearing in November to March. Antioxidant activity was measured using DPPH and FRAP methods. The highest antioxidant activity appeared in December with the lowest in May. Correlation analyses demonstrated that TP and TF exhibited high correlation with bamboo antioxidant activity. Eight bamboo characteristic compounds (orientin, isoorientin, vitexin, homovitexin and p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid) were determined by RP-HPLC synchronously. We found that chlorogenic acid, isoorientin and vitexin are the main compounds in Sasa argenteastriatus leaves and the content of isovitexin and chlorogenic acid showed a similar seasonal variation with the TF, TP and TT. Our results suggested that the optimum season for harvesting Sasa argenteastriatus leaves is between autumn and winter.
Problems with Reporting and Evaluating Mining Industry Community Development Projects: A Case Study from Tanzania
Authors: Emel Jody , Makene Madoshi H. , Wangari Esther
Published: February 2012

Reporting on contributions to community development is one way gold mining companies communicate the expanse and depth of their commitment to social responsibility. These projects are intended to provide the mine-proximate communities with some of the wealth and other benefits generated by mine development in their locales. We raise questions about reporting and evaluation of community development projects undertaken by AngloGold Ashanti in the two communities of Nyakabale and Nyamalembo, near its Geita mining projects in the Lake Victoria goldfields of Tanzania. We use archival data and data obtained from field research conducted during different periods throughout 2005, 2007 and 2010 to compare what the company reports to have done with what is found on the ground. Our findings revealed that the corporate reporting is misleading, ambiguous, and omissive. Much of the effort labeled “community development” benefited the companies directly via infrastructure development, food supplies to the mine cafeteria, and worker health. We argue that, if Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects are to be the primary way local people directly benefit from mine development, the relationship between the value of those projects and the wealth taken from the location should be considered, community projects should be well defined and differentiated from company-oriented projects, and community representatives should participate in monitoring the success and impact of community development projects.
Antiviral Activity of Recombinant Mouse β-defensin 3 against Influenza a Virus in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Jiang Yan , Yang De , Li Wanyi , Wang Baoning , Jiang Zhonghua , Li Mingyuan
Published: February 2012

Background:

Influenza causes significant morbidity and mortality. Mammalian β-defensins are small peptides of about 4.5–6 kDa in mass and are effectors of the innate immune response with potent antimicrobial activity. In this paper, we focused on the anti-influenza A activity of the recombinant mouse β-defensin 3 (rMBD-3) in vivo and in vitro.

Methods:

The rMBD-3 peptide was added to Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells at different stages of influenza A virus (IAV) A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) infection and its virus inhibitory properties were determined. Mice were infected with IAV and treated with rMBD-3 peptide from 12 h post-infection. The effect of rMBD-3 peptide was determined by pulmonary viral load, pathology and mortality. In addition, the expression of interleukin ( IL) -12, interferon ( IFN)-γ and tumour necrosis factor ( TNF)-α genes in mice with or without rMBD-3 treatment was determined by semi-quantitative reverse transcriptase PCR.

Results:

rMBD-3 was shown to protect MDCK cells against IAV infection and had a major role in inhibition of adsorption and uptake by cells infected with IAV. Following the addition of 100 μg/ml rMBD-3 to MDCK cells medium, approximately 80% of cells were protected from infection in vitro. rMBD-3 given by tail vein injection (10 mg/kg/day) was the most effective method to improve the survival rate of the mice. Treatment with rMBD-3 was found to up-regulate IFN-γ and IL-12 gene expression, but reduced expression of the TNF-α gene. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that rMBD-3 possesses anti-influenza virus activity both in vivo and in vitro that might be of therapeutic use.
Indicadores bibliométricos para el análisis de la actividad de una institución multidisciplinar: el CSIC
Authors: González-Albo Borja , Moreno Luz , Morillo Fernanda , Bordons María
Published: February 2012

Este artículo ofrece una visión general de la actividad investigadora del CSIC en el contexto de España a través del estudio de su producción científica en la base de datos Web of Science, complementada con ICYT e ISOC, durante el período 2004-2009. Las ocho áreas científico-técnicas en las que se organizan los centros del CSIC difieren en la orientación nacional o internacional de su investigación, su carácter básico o aplicado, la incidencia de la colaboración, y el tamaño de los grupos de investigación; todo lo cual influye sobre las prácticas de publicación y citación imperantes en cada área, y sobre su productividad derivada de WoS. Se señala la importancia de conocer las especificidades de las distintas áreas para plantear e interpretar adecuadamente los resultados de los estudios de evaluación de la actividad científica.
Indicadores para la evaluación de la calidad en cibermedios: análisis de la interacción y de la adopción de la Web 2.0
Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez Ruth , Codina Lluís , Pedraza-Jiménez Rafael
Published: February 2012

La creciente adaptación de los medios de comunicación al entorno digital hace conveniente la utilización de metodologías de análisis que permitan determinar la calidad de sus sitios web. En este artículo, a partir del estudio de las características de las webs de algunos de los medios de comunicación más importantes a nivel internacional, se propone una metodología para la evaluación específica de este tipo de sitios web. El modelo propuesto se compone de treinta y seis indicadores, organizados en torno a ocho parámetros que permiten valorar, especialmente, la adaptación del medio de comunicación a la interacción de la Web 2.0. Otros aspectos a los que también se presta atención, pero en menor medida, son la arquitectura de la información, la usabilidad, la accesibilidad o las herramientas de interacción y comunicación que éste pone a disposición de sus usuarios.
Do IT And Medicine Students E-Collaborate In The Same Way: Comparison Regarding Forums And Wikis
Authors: Blagojevic Marija , Milosevic Marjan , Milosevic Danijela
Published: February 2012

This study reveals comparison of behaviour patterns between students of medicine and IT students, regarding their use of forums and wiki. Olap techniques is used with in order to determine possible differences. The research was conducted based on the Moodle logs for learning management at Technical Faculty in Cacak, and Medical Faculty in Belgrade. Obtained results point towards the significant differences between these two groups, and the need for content adjustments in courses according to characteristics of different student sets.
Listening Levels of Teenage iPod Users: Does Measurement Approach Matter?
Authors: Haines Nicole , Hodgetts William , Ostevik Amberley , Rieger Jana
Published: February 2012

The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of background noise levels and measurement approach on user-selected listening levels (USLLs) chosen by teenaged MP3 player users. It was hypothesized that the presence of background noise would (i) increase the USLL across all measurement approaches, (ii) result in no significant USLL differences between survey reports, objective lab measures or calibrated self-report field measures, and (iii) cause no interaction effect between level of background noise and measurement approach. There were two independent variables in this study: the level of background noise and measurement approach. The first independent variable, level of background noise, had two levels: quiet and transportation noise. The second independent variable, measurement approach, had three levels: survey, objective in-ear lab measurement and calibrated self-report field measurement. The dependent variable was ear canal A-weighted sound pressure level (dBA SPL). A 2 x 3 repeated-measures ANOVA was used to determine the significance of the main and interaction effects. USLLs increased in the presence of background noise, regardless of the measurement approach used. However, the listening levels estimated by the participants using the survey and self-report field measure were significantly lower than those recorded using in-ear laboratory measurements by 9.6 and 3.3 dBA respectively. In-ear laboratory measures yielded the highest listening levels. Higher listening levels were observed in the presence of background noise for all measurement approaches. It appears that subjects’ survey responses underestimate true listening levels in comparison to self-report calibrated field measures, and that both underestimate listening levels measured in the laboratory setting. More research in this area is warranted to determine whether measurement techniques can be refined and adjusted to accurately reflect real-world listening preferences.
Modernity in Medicine and Hygiene at the End of the 19th Century: The Example of Cremation
Authors: Porro Alessandro , Falconi Bruno , Cristini Carlo , Lorusso Lorenzo , Franchini Antonia F.
Published: February 2012

Medicine in the second half of the nineteenth century takes on some characteristics of modernity. These characteristics are worthy of our attention because they help us to understand better some of the current problems of hygiene and public health. One of the topics that was most discussed in the scientific-academic milieu of the second half of the nineteenth century was cremation. There was a poetic precedent: the cremation of Percy Bysse Shelley (1792-1822). The earliest apparatus to completely destroy the corpse was made in Italy and Germany in the 1870s. As far as hygiene was concerned, the reasons for cremation were not to pollute the water-bearing strata and an attempt to streamline the cemetery structure. As in an apparent schizophrenia, scientists of the day worked to both destroy and preserve corpses. There is also the unusual paradox that when the first cremations took place, the corpses were first preserved then to be destroyed later. The catholic world (mainly in Italy) and forensic scientists opposed cremation. It was left to the hygienists to spread the practice of cremation. An analysis of scientific literature shows us that if we leave out the related forensic and ethical problems, recent years have seen attention paid to any harmful emissions from crematoria equipment which have poured into the environment. Another issue is the assessment of inadvertent damage which may be caused by the condition of the corpse. Some topics, however, such as the need for preventive autopsies (first proposed in 1884 in Milan) are still a subject of debate, and seem to pass virtually unchanged from one generation to the next.
The Role of Parents and Related Factors on Adolescent Computer Use
Authors: Epstein Jennifer A.
Published: February 2012

Background

Research suggested the importance of parents on their adolescents’ computer activity. Spending too much time on the computer for recreational purposes in particular has been found to be related to areas of public health concern in children/adolescents, including obesity and substance use.

Design and Methods

The goal of the research was to determine the association between recreational computer use and potentially linked factors (parental monitoring, social influences to use computers including parents, age of first computer use, self-control, and particular internet activities). Participants (aged 13-17 years and residing in the United States) were recruited via the Internet to complete an anonymous survey online using a survey tool. The target sample of 200 participants who completed the survey was achieved. The sample's average age was 16 and was 63% girls.

Results

A set of regressions with recreational computer use as dependent variables were run.

Conclusions

Less parental monitoring, younger age at first computer use, listening or downloading music from the internet more frequently, using the internet for educational purposes less frequently, and parent's use of the computer for pleasure were related to spending a greater percentage of time on non-school computer use. These findings suggest the importance of parental monitoring and parental computer use on their children's own computer use, and the influence of some internet activities on adolescent computer use. Finally, programs aimed at parents to help them increase the age when their children start using computers and learn how to place limits on recreational computer use are needed.
Label, Nudge or Tax? A Review of Health Policies for Risky Behaviours
Authors: Galizzi Matteo M.
Published: February 2012

This work proposes a critical, non systematic, review of the three main lines of health policy interventions to deal with risky behaviours, such as over-eating, smoking, sedentary lives, and excess alcohol drinking, namely: i) the release of information on health risks and consequences; ii) the use of incentives; and iii) direct policy intervention in markets, through regulation and taxation. First, the health and economic impact of the risky behaviours epidemics are briefly described. Then a critical review follows on the evidence existing on the effectiveness of each type of intervention. The review will also highlight the public health approach staying beyond each type of policy on risky behaviours and critically consider them within the context of more general health and social policy interventions.