bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the environmental strategies for supportting the economic-financial evaluation of energy sector firms within the corporate sustainability index – ISE
Authors: Araújo Júnior Luciano Queiroz de , Acuña Gioconda Suncion , Macedo Alice Paraguassu Fonseca de , Oliveira Luis Filipe Azevedo de , Queiroz Jamerson Viegas , Queiroz Fernanda Cristina Barbosa Pereira
Published: December 2014

Business companies have entered the sustainable development to achieve growth in the market in which they operate and remain in the long term, as well as the generation of higher income. The objective of the present study is to correlate the environmental strategies as support for assessment and financial return of the Brazilian energy sector companies that are listed in the corporate sustainability Index (ISE) in the Bolsa de Valores Bovespa/BMF. For this correlation analysis, we used the Data Envelopment Analysis DEA, to perform the assessment of efficiency through the classic border and construction of a combined index ranking, with statistical analysis conducted by SPSS, with the data from the 10 companies in the energy sector used in the research. For analysis of environmental strategies, analyzed all the Yearbooks published, through a qualitative analysis. As a result, was raised a ranking of companies which presents the company Light S/A as the most efficient financial and environmental correlation. Is also a general survey of the main strategies used by each company, in order to contribute to a sustainable actions alignment to the State of national art.
Gestão ambiental no setor sucroenergético: uma análise comparativa
Authors: Rodrigues Andréia Marize , Rebelato Marcelo Giroto , Paixão Renata Bombonato Strini , Zeviani Caio Henrique
Published: December 2014

Com a ascensão da variável ambiental no ambiente dos negócios, as empresas passaram a dispensar maior atenção a estratégias e a práticas focadas no uso racional dos recursos naturais e na minimização dos impactos ambientais causados por suas operações produtivas. Muitos setores produtivos se destacaram nas reflexões sobre produção e meio ambiente, como é o caso do setor sucroenergético, que se constitui em um setor com uma atividade industrial altamente demandadora de recursos naturais, quer seja como fontes de insumos quanto como depositárias de resíduos da produção. Desta maneira, o objetivo do presente artigo consiste na análise comparativa das práticas ambientais de duas usinas sucroenergéticas, tanto sob o ponto de vista de suas estratégicas quanto relativamente à adequação da destinação de resíduos gerados pela área industrial. Foi possível concluir que, apesar de muitas práticas adotadas pelas empresas serem análogas, uma das usinas estudadas possui desempenho ambiental diferenciado, dada à maior atenção dispensada à execução de suas práticas ambientais e, sobretudo, na inclusão da variável ambiental em suas estratégias
Seleção de pontos de verificação do instrumento ergonomic checkpoints in agriculture para o processo de colheita mecanizada da cana-de-açúcar
Authors: Ferreira Ana Lucy Rodrigues , Ferreira Junior Lucelindo Dias , Alves Francisco José Costa
Published: December 2014

A mudança na dinâmica de trabalho no processo de colheita da cana-de-açúcar, através da crescente mecanização, tem submetido os trabalhadores a novas condições de trabalho, que inclui a interação com máquinas e equipamentos, alterando o perfil das doenças e acidentes de trabalho. Uma das formas de solucionar os problemas resultantes das condições de trabalho transformadas pela mecanização é através da utilização de instrumentos que permitam a identificação de riscos provenientes da relação homem-trabalho. Este estudo objetivou selecionar os pontos de verificação aplicáveis ao processo de colheita mecanizada da cana-de-açúcar, a partir do instrumento Ergonomic Checkpoints in Agriculture. Foi feita uma revisão bibliográfica das etapas do processo de colheita mecanizada da cana-de-açúcar, e considerando suas particularidades, foram analisados e selecionados os pontos descritos no instrumento. Como resultado, foram identificados trinta e quatro pontos de verificação com potencial de aplicação no processo de colheita mecanizada da cana-de-açúcar.
An emphasis on molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory effects and glucocorticoid resistance
Authors: Ingawale Deepa K. , Mandlik Satish K. , Patel Snehal S.
Published: December 2014

Glucocorticoids (GC) are universally accepted agents for the treatment of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive disorders. They are used in the treatment of rheumatic diseases and various inflammatory diseases such as allergy, asthma and sepsis. They bind with GC receptor (GR) and form GC–GR complex with the receptor and exert their actions. On activation the GC–GR complex up-regulates the expression of nucleus anti-inflammatory proteins called as transactivation and down-regulates the expression of cytoplasmic pro-inflammatory proteins called as transrepression. It has been observed that transactivation mechanisms are notorious for side effects and transrepressive mechanisms are identified for beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of GC therapy. GC hampers the function of numerous inflammatory mediators such as cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, arachidonic acid metabolites, release of platelet-activating factor (PAF), inflammatory peptides and enzyme modulation involved in the process of inflammation. The GC resistance is a serious therapeutic problem and limits the therapeutic response of GC in chronic inflammatory patients. It has been observed that the GC resistance can be attributed to cellular microenvironment changes, as a consequence of chronic inflammation. Various other factors responsible for resistance have been identified, including alterations in both GR-dependent and GR-independent signaling pathways of cytokine action, hypoxia, oxidative stress, allergen exposure and serum-derived factors. The present review enumerates various aspects of inflammation such as use of GC for treatment of inflammation and its mechanism of action. Molecular mechanisms of anti-inflammatory action of GC and GC resistance, alternative anti-inflammatory treatments and new strategy for reversing the GC resistance have also been discussed.
First case report of medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency in China
Authors: Liang CuiLi , Jiang MinYan , Sheng HuiYing , Cai YanNa , Wu DongYan , Yin Xi , Peng MinZhi , Liu Li
Published: December 2014

Medium-chain acyl-coenzyme A dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) is an autosomal recessive inborn error of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation, caused by mutations in the
Usefulness of maternal serum C-reactive protein with vaginal Ureaplasma urealyticum as a marker for prediction of imminent preterm delivery and chorioamnionitis in patients with preterm labor or preterm premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Kwak Dong-Wook , Cho Hee-Young , Kwon Ja-Young , Park Yong-Won , Kim Young-Han
Published: December 2014

Aim: To assess whether maternal serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and genital mycoplasmas measured can help predict imminent preterm delivery or chorioamnionitis in patients with preterm labor (PL) or preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Methods: The study group consisted of 165 women with PL or PPROM. Vaginal cultures for genital mycoplasmas and maternal blood for CRP were obtained when they were admitted for the management of PL or PPROM. An elevated level of serum CRP was defined as ≥0.8 mg/dL. Histologic evaluation of the placenta was performed after delivery.

Results: The prevalence of positive vaginal fluid cultures for Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) was 63.0%, and elevated maternal serum CRP was 32.7%. No outcome variables were associated with vaginal UU infection in patients with lower CRP levels. However, among women with elevated CRP, the mean gestational age at birth was significantly reduced, and low Apgar score, neonatal intensive care unit admission, histologic chorioamnionitis, and delivery within 7 days of admission were significantly more common in patients with vaginal UU.

Conclusions: Although vaginal UU in PL or PPROM cannot act as the sole predictor of imminent preterm delivery or chorioamnionitis, it can provide predictive information in patients with elevated maternal serum CRP levels.
Précis of Shared Agency: A Planning Theory of Acting Together
Authors: Bratman Michael E.
Published: December 2014

A précis of Michael E. Bratman, Shared Agency: A Planning Theory of Acting Together (Oxford University Press, 2014).
Shared Agency: Replies to Ludwig, Pacherie, Petersson, Roth, and Smith
Authors: Bratman Michael E.
Published: December 2014

These are replies to the discussions by Kirk Ludwig, Elizabeth Pacherie, Björn Petersson, Abraham Roth, and Thomas Smith of Michael E. Bratman, Shared Agency: A Planning Theory of Acting Together (Oxford University Press, 2014).
Modest Sociality: Continuities and Discontinuities
Authors: Pacherie Elisabeth
Published: December 2014

A central claim in Michael Bratman’s account of shared agency is that there need be no radical conceptual, metaphysical or normative discontinuity between robust forms of small-scale shared intentional agency, i.e., modest sociality, and individual planning agency. What I propose to do is consider another potential discontinuity, whose existence would throw doubt on his contention that the structure of a robust form of modest sociality is entirely continuous with structures at work in individual planning agency. My main point will be that he may be wrong in assuming that the basic cognitive infrastructure sufficient to support individual agency doesn’t have to be supplemented in significant ways to support shared agency.
Properties enhancement in multiwalled carbon nanotube-magnetite hybrid-filled polypropylene natural rubber nanocomposites through functionalization and processing methods
Authors: Kong Ing , Ahmad Sahrim Haji , Shanks Robert
Published: December 2014

The effect of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-magnetite (Fe3O4) hybrid content on the thermal, dynamic mechanical, and morphological properties of thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) nanocomposites was evaluated. TPNR/filler nanocomposites were prepared using a melt-blending method with a ball-milling technique as a premixed process. The acid treatment successfully shortened the lengths and disentangled the crowds of MWCNTs, which led to a better dispersion of MWCNTs in the polymer matrix, as revealed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The improved dispersion of acid-treated MWCNTs-Fe3O4 in the TPNR matrix and the enhanced interfacial adhesion between acid-treated MWCNTs-Fe3O4 and the TPNR matrix increased the thermal stability and dynamic mechanical properties. Acid-treated MWCNTs acted as radical scavengers, which helped delay the onset of thermal degradation and hence improved the thermal stability. As expected, MWCNTs played a role as the nucleating agent in the TPNR matrix; however, the effect was more pronounced for the TPNR matrix containing pristine MWCNTs.
More powerful cointegration tests with non-normal errors
Authors: Lee Hyejin , Lee Junsoo , Im Kyungso
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we suggest new cointegration tests that can become more powerful in the presence of non-normal errors. Non-normal errors will not pose a problem in usual cointegration tests even when they are ignored. However, we show that they can become useful sources to improve the power of the tests when we use the “residual augmented least squares” (RALS) procedure to make use of nonlinear moment conditions driven by non-normal errors. The suggested testing procedure is easy to implement and it does not require any non-linear estimation techniques. We can exploit the information on the non-normal error distribution that is already available but ignored in the usual cointegration tests. Our simulation results show significant power gains over existing cointegration tests in the presence of non-normal errors.
Multiple QTL for Horticultural Traits and Quantitative Resistance toPhytophthora infestansLinked onSolanum habrochaitesChromosome 11
Authors: Haggard J Erron , Johnson Emily B , St. Clair Dina A
Published: December 2014

Previously, a Phytophthora infestans resistance QTL from Solanum habrochaites chromosome 11 was introgressed into cultivated tomato (S. lycopersicum). Fine mapping of this resistance QTL using near-isogenic lines (NILs) revealed some co-located QTL with undesirable effects on plant size, canopy density, and fruit size traits. Subsequently, higher-resolution mapping with sub-NILs detected multiple P. infestans resistance QTL within this 9.4-cM region of chromosome 11. In our present study, these same sub-NILs were also evaluated for 17 horticultural traits, including yield, maturity, fruit size and shape, fruit quality, and plant architecture traits in replicated field experiments over 2 years. The horticultural trait QTL originally detected by fine mapping each fractionated into two or more QTL at higher resolution. A total of 34 QTL were detected across all traits, with 14% exhibiting significant QTL × environment interactions (QTL × E). QTL for many traits were co-located, suggesting either pleiotropic effects or tight linkage among genes controlling these traits. Recombination in the pericentromeric region of the introgression between markers TG147 and At4g10050 was suppressed to approximately 29.7 Mbp per cM, relative to the genomewide average of 750 kbp per cM. The genetic architecture of many of the horticultural and P. infestans resistance traits that mapped within this chromosome 11 S. habrochaites region is complex. Complicating factors included fractionation of QTL, pleiotropy or tight linkage of QTL for multiple traits, pericentromeric chromosomal location(s), and/or QTL × E. High-resolution mapping of QTL in this region would be needed to determine which specific target QTL could be useful in breeding cultivated tomato.
High-Resolution Linkage Map and Chromosome-Scale Genome Assembly for Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) from 10 Populations
Authors:   International Cassava Genetic Map Consortium (ICGMC)
Published: December 2014

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a major staple crop in Africa, Asia, and South America, and its starchy roots provide nourishment for 800 million people worldwide. Although native to South America, cassava was brought to Africa 400–500 years ago and is now widely cultivated across sub-Saharan Africa, but it is subject to biotic and abiotic stresses. To assist in the rapid identification of markers for pathogen resistance and crop traits, and to accelerate breeding programs, we generated a framework map for M. esculenta Crantz from reduced representation sequencing [genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)]. The composite 2412-cM map integrates 10 biparental maps (comprising 3480 meioses) and organizes 22,403 genetic markers on 18 chromosomes, in agreement with the observed karyotype. We used the map to anchor 71.9% of the draft genome assembly and 90.7% of the predicted protein-coding genes. The chromosome-anchored genome sequence will be useful for breeding improvement by assisting in the rapid identification of markers linked to important traits, and in providing a framework for genomic selection-enhanced breeding of this important crop.
Die Schutzgesetzeigenschaft des § 261 StGB
Authors: Sebastian Sascha
Published: December 2014

Die Verhinderung der Nutzung des Finanzsystems zum Zwecke der Geldwäsche hat ein Netzwerk aus Normen verschiedener Rechtsgebiete hervorgebracht, in dessen Zentrum das von § 261 StGB umschriebene und als „Geldwäsche; Verschleierung unrechtmäßig erlangter Vermögenswerte“ bezeichnete Verhalten steht. Jene Verhaltensumschreibung wird von völkerrechtlichen Abkommen und europäischen Richtlinien determiniert und bildet heute den Anknüpfungspunkt für Maßnahmen der Bankaufsicht (GWG), der Gewinnabschöpfung (§§ 73 ff. StGB) sowie für prozessuale Grundrechtseingriffe. Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht, ob § 261 StGB auch ein „den Schutz eines anderen bezweckendes Gesetz“ i. S. d. § 823 Abs. 2 BGB ist und somit zur Begründung eines deliktischen Schadensersatzanspruchs des Vortatgeschädigten gegen den „Geldwäscher“ herangezogen werden kann.
Clinical nutrition in gastrointestinal diseases
Authors: Hamvas József
Published: December 2014

The association between nutrition and intestinal function is based on facts. The main function of the gut is to digest and absorb nutrients in order to maintain life. Consequently, chronic gastrointestinal diseases commonly result in malnutrition and increased morbidity and mortality. Chronic malnutrition impairs digestive and absorptive function. Parenteral and enteral nutritions are effective therapeutic modalities in several diseases. In cases of gastrointestinal malfunctions, nutrition has a direct therapeutic role. The benefit of nutrition therapy is similar to medical treatment in patients with pancreatitis, Crohn disease, hepatic failure, and in those with gastrointestinal fistulas. Nutrition has both supportive and therapeutic roles in the management of chronic gastrointestinal diseases. With the development of modern techniques of nutritional support, the morbidity and mortality associated with chronic gastrointestinal diseases can be reduced. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(51), 2034–2040.
Nutrition in critical illness
Authors: Ökrös Ilona
Published: December 2014

Critically ill patients are often unable to eat by themselves over a long period of time, sometimes for weeks. In the acute phase, serious protein-energy malnutrition may develop with progressive muscle weakness, which may result in assisted respiration of longer duration as well as longer stay in intensive care unit and hospital. In view of the metabolic processes, energy and protein intake targets should be defined and the performance of metabolism should be monitored. Enteral nutrition is primarily recommended. However, parenteral supplementation is often necessary because of the disrupted tolerance levels of the gastrointestinal system. Apparently, an early parenteral supplementation started within a week would be of no benefit. Some experts believe that muscle loss can be reduced by increased target levels of protein. Further studies are needed on the effect of immune system feeding, fatty acids and micronutrients. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(51), 2048–2053.
Fit of CAD/CAM Implant Frameworks: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Abduo Jaafar
Published: December 2014

Computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) is a strongly emerging prosthesis fabrication method for implant dentistry. Currently, CAD/CAM allows the construction of implant frameworks from different materials. This review evaluates the literature pertaining to the precision fit of fixed implant frameworks fabricated by CAD/CAM. Following a comprehensive electronic search through PubMed (MEDLINE), 14 relevant articles were identified. The results indicate that the precision fit of CAD/CAM frameworks exceeded the fit of the 1-piece cast frameworks and laser-welded frameworks. A similar fit was observed for CAD/CAM frameworks and bonding of the framework body to prefabricated cylinders. The influence of CAD/CAM materials on the fit of a framework is minimal.
Stability of Caribbean coral communities quantified by long‐term monitoring and autoregression models
Authors: Gross Kevin , Edmunds Peter J.
Published: December 2014

Tropical coral reefs exemplify ecosystems imperiled by environmental change. Anticipating the future of reef ecosystems requires understanding how scleractinian corals respond to the multiple environmental disturbances that threaten their survival. We analyzed the stability of coral reefs at three habitats at different depths along the south shore of St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands, using multivariate autoregression (MAR) models and two decades of monitoring data. We quantified several measures of ecosystem stability, including the magnitude of typical stochastic fluctuations, the rate of recovery following disturbance, and the sensitivity of coral cover to hurricanes and elevated sea temperature. Our results show that, even within a ~4 km shore, coral communities in different habitats display different stability properties, and that the stability of each habitat corresponds with the habitat's known synecology. Two Orbicella‐dominated habitats are less prone to annual stochastic fluctuations than coral communities in shallower water, but they recover slowly from disturbance, and one habitat has suffered recent losses in scleractinian cover that will not be quickly reversed. In contrast, a shallower, low‐coral‐cover habitat is subject to greater stochastic fluctuations, but rebounds more quickly from disturbance and is more robust to hurricanes and seawater warming. In some sense, the shallower community is more stable, although the stability arguably arises from having little coral cover left. Our results sharpen understanding of recent changes in coral communities at these habitats, provide a more detailed understanding of how these habitats may change in future environments, and illustrate how MAR models can be used to assess stability of communities founded upon long‐lived species.
Perceptions and Concerns Regarding Diabetes Mellitus During Pregnancy Among American Indian Women
Authors: Carson L. D. , Henderson J. Neil , King Kama , Kleszynski Keith , Thompson David M. , Mayer Patricia
Published: December 2014

Diabetes among American Indian (AI) people is a condition that creates excessive morbidity and mortality and is a significant health disparity. This research delineated culturally constructed models of diabetes mellitus (DM) among 97 pregnant women in 2 large AI Nations in Oklahoma. Analysis of data revealed intense anxiety, fear, and dread related to DM during pregnancy. The sample was stratified by DM status: (a) absence of DM (n = 66), (b) DM prior to pregnancy (n = 4), and (c) gestational (n = 27). Structured and semistructured interviews elicited patient culturally based explanatory models (EMs) of etiology, course, and treatment. The research incorporated an integrated phenomenologic and ethnographic approach and yielded both quantitative and qualitative data. General findings comprised the following main categories of patients’ concerns regarding DM as an illness: (a) care-seeking behaviors, (b) medical management, (c) adherence and self-management, (d) complications, and (e) the conceptual sense of DM as a “severe” and feared condition. Many findings varied according to acculturation status, but all included significant fear and anxiety surrounding (a) the health and well-being of the unborn child, (b) the use of insulin injections, (c) blindness, (d) amputation, and (e) death, but with (f) a paradoxically lowered anxiety level about diabetes severity overall, while at the same time expressing extreme dread of specific outcomes. The latter finding is considered consistent with the presence of chronic conditions that can usually be managed, yet still having risk if severe.
Weight-Bearing Exercise and Foot Health in Native Americans
Authors: Cuaderes Elena , Deshea Lise , Lamb W. Lyndon
Published: December 2014

Diabetes contributes to sensory peripheral neuropathy, which has been linked to lower limb abnormalities that raise the risk for foot ulcers and amputations. Because amputations are a reason for pain and hospitalization in those with diabetes, it is of critical importance to gain insight about prevention of ulcer development in this population. Although the American Diabetes Association (ADA) now recommends that individuals with neuropathy can engage in moderate-intensity weight-bearing activity (WBA), they must wear appropriate footwear and inspect their feet daily. The physical forces and inflammatory processes from WBA may contribute to plantar characteristics that lead to ulcers. The purpose of this study was to compare neuropathic status and foot characteristics in Native Americans according to WBA classification. The t tests for unequal sample sizes found that exercisers had more difficulty sensing baseline temperature than nonexercisers, except at the right foot (all p values < .05). By dividing groups into no/low risk and high risk for ulcer, a majority showed no/low risk according to touch and vibration sense. Exercisers demonstrated higher surface skin temperature gradients at the first metatarsal head, a plantar site where wounds tend to form. The more consistently exercisers performed, the higher the plantar pressures were at the right second (r = .24, p = .02) and third metatarsal heads (r = .26, p = .01). Findings from this investigation do not refute current ADA recommendations and further intervention studies are needed that are longitudinal and measures WBA more accurately.
Modelling approach to quickly assess polyethylene ageing by chlorine dioxide in distribution systems
Authors: Reddad Z. , Benesse S. , Helmer C. , Bonnard R. , Rabaud B.
Published: December 2014

A prediction model for the life of polyethylene (PE) has been developed as a function of chlorine dioxide concentration and pressure. It can be coupled with an existing hydraulic model covering chlorine dioxide residuals and pressure values in the network. It allows a quick identification of the areas of highest PE failure risk. The methodology is applied successfully to a real distribution system in France.
Risk-based planning for water recycling in an Australian context
Authors: Huxedurp Leonie M. , Pálsdóttir Guðný Þ. , Altavilla Nanda
Published: December 2014

Australia has seen an unprecedented proliferation in large scale water recycling schemes since the late 1990s. This has been driven by a recent decade of drought, policies to encourage water efficiency in new homes and buildings in urban areas, and to reduce pressure on rain-fed water supplies by replacement with alternate water sources in rural areas. Underpinning these drivers are principles of economic and environmental sustainability and protection of public health. National guidelines for recycling of treated sewage, released in 2006, replaced an approach using prescriptive end point water quality targets, with a 12-step risk-based framework for the planning and operation of Australian water recycling schemes. Essential to this risk-based approach is an understanding of the sewage treatment system and assessing the risks in the catchment, the treatment process, distribution system and end use environment. Inherent also in this process is the identification of critical control points with tangible operational targets for pre-empting, preventing and correcting off-spec conditions before they derail a scheme. Validation of systems through microbial log reduction targets for indicator viruses, bacteria, protozoa and helminths, differentiated according to end use and expected exposures, may be obtained through treatment, site controls or a combination of both. Drawing on case studies from the Australian states of New South Wales (NSW) and Queensland (Qld), this paper gives insight to preventative risk management of water recycling schemes with typical risk profiles. Some advantages and disadvantages of the guideline approach are considered. The information paints a picture of the industry's risk management obligations in the planning phase and may be of use to practitioners in other regions where planning for safe and sustainable water recycling is developing.
Evaluation of implemented Australian efficiency programs: results, techniques and insights
Authors: Turner A. , Fyfe J. , Rickwood P. , Mohr S.
Published: December 2014

Australia has invested heavily in water efficiency in recent years, mainly due to severe drought, and has implemented some of the largest efficiency programs in the world. Despite this there is little public information on actual savings achieved or the cost effectiveness of programs implemented. This paper draws together the limited publicly available evaluations from Australia, focusing on the residential sector. It describes some of the large-scale residential programs implemented such as home retrofits, showerhead exchanges, washing machine rebates, toilet retrofits and rainwater tank rebates. It identifies key savings evaluation techniques used including participant-control and regression analysis, and summarizes water savings results from evaluation studies conducted. It also discusses key learnings from both the evaluation techniques employed and the programs implemented. The paper will be of significant interest to water service providers looking for evidence of actual savings achieved and/or wanting to understand how to evaluate their own programs.
Identifying water quality monitoring stations in a water supply system
Authors: Al-Zahrani M. , Moied K.
Published: December 2014

Despite good quality assurance and conformance to the standards at the treatment plants, water quality could vary considerably within the distribution network. As water flows through the pipe network, its quality undergoes various transformations due to many factors such as the properties of the finished water, pipe materials, water temperature, water age and low level of disinfectant residuals. Sampling and monitoring of water quality is, therefore, important to ensure that clean and safe water is transported to the consumers. In this paper, a model based on genetic algorithms and fuzzy logic was developed to identify locations of water quality monitoring stations in a water distribution system. While identifying the monitoring locations, multiple sources of water supply, water age and constituent concentration were considered. The developed model was applied on a hypothetical network and results indicate that monitoring stations are proposed at locations with maximum coverage of water supply within the network and maximum violation for average water age and constituent concentrations.
Application of West Java water sustainability index to Citarum catchment in West Java, Indonesia
Authors: Juwana Iwan , Muttil Nitin , Perera B. J. C.
Published: December 2014

Water authorities in West Java, Indonesia have difficulties in implementing water improvement programs due to lack of tools for prioritisation of water-related issues and their respective programs. To facilitate more efficient management of the water resources, the West Java Water Sustainability Index (WJWSI) was recently developed. This paper outlines the tasks for developing WJWSI and highlights the results of its application in one of West Java catchments, Citarum catchment. The results showed that five out of the thirteen indicators and sub-indicators, namely ‘Water Availability, Water Quality, Education, Water Loss and Poverty’, had low sub-indices and thus had poor performances. Then, the sub-indices were aggregated using the geometric aggregation method to produce the final index. The results of the aggregation indicated that the overall condition of water resources in Citarum catchment was considered poor, with a final index value of 20.04. Based on the WJWSI application, recommendations are suggested to the relevant authorities in the Citarum catchment. It is expected that the implementation of these recommendations will improve the performance of these five indicators and sub-indicators from Poor to at least the next higher level of Poor–Medium, thus improving the value of the final index from 20.04 to 37.19.
Identifying the key water levels in reservoir operation on ecological objectives
Authors: Wang Haixia , Chu Jinggang , Zhang Chi , Zhou Huicheng
Published: December 2014

This paper investigates the influences of reservoir water level variations of the operation rule curves on different objectives, especially on ecological objectives. Five representative ecological objectives are selected besides industrial and domestic (I&D) and agricultural water supply objectives. They can reflect the impacts of reservoir operation on different attributes of ecological flow regime in the Biliuhe Reservoir case study, Northeastern China. Sensitivities of water supply and ecological objectives caused by water level variations of I&D and agricultural operation rule curves are analyzed by using a variance-based sensitivity analysis method – Sobol's method. Results show that impacts of individual water levels and their interactions on ecological objectives are very different. Also the ecological objectives do not always conflict with water supply objectives. This study provides new insights for reservoir managers to improve downstream aquatic ecosystem by adjusting water levels not only at individual time periods but also at some interacting time periods. Furthermore, it helps us better understand the influence mechanism of water level changes on different objectives, and provides guidance for the development of reservoir operation rules.
Assessing the performances of low impact development alternatives by long-term simulation for a semi-arid area in Tianjin, northern China
Authors: Huang Jinhui Jeanne , Li Yu , Niu Shuai , Zhou Shu H.
Published: December 2014

For areas that are urbanized rapidly, the practice of low impact development (LID) has gained an important place in stormwater management and urban planning due to its capability and beneficial effects in restoring the original hydrological cycle. The performances of LID alternatives can vary substantially due to different climate conditions. This study investigated the performances of five LID alternatives under a semi-arid climate in northern China on water balance and flood control. A numerical model, Storm Water Management Model version 5 (US Environmental Protection Agency), was employed to run 10 years’ rainfall events for these objectives. Two evaluation methods were proposed in this study: the efficiency index for water balance and a performance radar chart. The investigation of the five LID alternatives revealed that these LID alternatives functioned differently in flood control and water balance, and porous pavement performed best in all indices except the lag time. The two evaluation methods, in conjunction with the long-term numerical simulation, can facilitate design and decision making by providing a clear picture of the performance and functions for these LID alternatives.
Application of an Interactive Water Simulation Model in urban water management: a case study in Amsterdam
Authors: Leskens J. G. , Brugnach M. , Hoekstra A. Y.
Published: December 2014

Water simulation models are available to support decision-makers in urban water management. To use current water simulation models, special expertise is required. Therefore, model information is prepared prior to work sessions, in which decision-makers weigh different solutions. However, this model information quickly becomes outdated when new suggestions for solutions arise and are therefore limited in use. We suggest that new model techniques, i.e. fast and flexible computation algorithms and realistic visualizations, allow this problem to be solved by using simulation models during work sessions. A new Interactive Water Simulation Model was applied for two case study areas in Amsterdam and was used in two workshops. In these workshops, the Interactive Water Simulation Model was positively received. It included non-specialist participants in the process of suggesting and selecting possible solutions and made them part of the accompanying discussions and negotiations. It also provided the opportunity to evaluate and enhance possible solutions more often within the time horizon of a decision-making process. Several preconditions proved to be important for successfully applying the Interactive Water Simulation Model, such as the willingness of the stakeholders to participate and the preparation of different general main solutions that can be used for further iterations during a work session.
Optimise inlet condition and design parameters of a new sewer overflow screening device using numerical model
Authors: Aziz M. A. , Imteaz M. A. , Huda Nazmul , Naser J.
Published: December 2014

After heavy rainfall, sewer overflow spills to receiving water bodies cause serious concern for the environment, aesthetics and public health. To overcome these problems this study investigated a new self-cleansing sewer overflow screening device. The device has a sewer overflow chamber, a rectangular tank and a slotted ogee weir to capture the gross pollutants. To design an efficient screening device a numerical computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model was used. A plausibility check of the CFD model was done using a one-dimensional analytical model. Results showed that an inlet parallel to the weir ensured better self-cleansing than an inlet perpendicular to the weir. Perforations should be at the bottom of the weir to get increased velocity and shear stress to create a favourable self-cleaning effect of the screening device. Increasing inlet length from 0.3 to 1.5 m reduced wave reflection up to 10%, which increased flow uniformity downstream and improved self-cleansing effect. The orientation of the ogee weir with the rectangular tank was found most uniform with a 1:3 (horizontal:vertical) slope. These results will help to maximise functional efficiency of the new sewer overflow screening device. Otherwise it would be too expensive to alter after installation and at times difficult to customise accordingly to existing urban drainage systems.
Phases, Morphologies, Segregations – Solidification Microstructures and their Characterization
Authors: Rettenmayr M. , Löffler A. , Engelhardt H. , Liu D.M.
Published: December 2014

Solidification microstructures exhibit a variety of partially very complex morphologies. It is possible to directly correlate the properties of an alloy with its solidification microstructures taking into account length scales and volume fractions of different phases. As the effect of the kinetics during the microstructure formation must be taken into consideration, the phase diagram presents only incomplete information on the solidification structures. Non-equilibrium phases which drastically change the alloy's properties occur in numerous microstructures which, according to the phase diagram, should be single-phase. Owing to the non-equilibrium phases, resulting from the segregation formation, the liquid fraction at a given temperature is generally larger as predicted by the phase diagram and the lever rule. Segregations are best characterized based on phase fractions. Using image analysis technologies, they can usually be measured with good accuracy, just as model calculations which predict statistically validated microstructural parameters nowadays also achieve a very good accuracy. The above will be demonstrated in several examples.
Catalytic Glycerol Hydrodeoxygenation under Inert Atmosphere: Ethanol as a Hydrogen Donor
Authors: Vasiliadou Efterpi , Lemonidou Angeliki
Published: December 2014

Glycerol hydrodeoxygenation to 1,2-propanediol (1,2-PDO) is a reaction of high interest. However, the need for hydrogen supply is a main drawback of the process. According to the concept investigated here, 1,2-propanediol is efficiently formed using bio-glycerol feedstock with H2 formed in situ via ethanol aqueous phase reforming. Ethanol is thought to be a promising H2 source, as it is alcohol that can be used instead of methanol for transesterification of oils and fats. The H2 generated is consumed in the tandem reaction of glycerol hydrodeoxygenation. The reaction cycle proceeds in liquid phase at 220–250 °C and 1.5–3.5 MPa initial N2 pressure for a 2 and 4-h reaction time. Pt-, Ni- and Cu-based catalysts have been synthesized, characterized and evaluated in the reaction. Among the materials tested, Pt/Fe2O3-Al2O3 exhibited the most promising performance in terms of 1,2-propanediol productivity, while reusability tests showed a stable behavior. Structural integrity and no formation of carbonaceous deposits were verified via Temperature Programmed Desorption of hydrogen (TPD-H2) and thermogravimetric analysis of the fresh and used Pt/FeAl catalyst. A study on the effect of various operating conditions (reaction time, temperature and pressure) indicated that in order to maximize 1,2-propanediol productivity and yield, milder reaction conditions should be applied. The highest 1,2-propanediol yield, 53% (1.1 g1,2-PDO gcat−1·h−1), was achieved at a lower reaction temperature of 220 °C.
Comparison of Three Ideal Point-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Methods for Afforestation Planning
Authors: Estrella René , Cattrysse Dirk , Van Orshoven Jos
Published: December 2014

Three ideal point-based multi-criteria decision methods (MCDM), i.e., iterative ideal point thresholding (IIPT), compromise programming (CP) and a newly-proposed CP variant, called balanced compromise programming (BCP), were applied to the Tabacay catchment in Ecuador with the aim of finding a distribution of land use types (LUT) that optimizes regional land performance. This performance was expressed in terms of several conflicting on-site ecosystem services (ESS), namely water conservation, soil protection, carbon storage and monetary income. IIPT selects the best performing LUT on a per-land unit basis, that is the assignment of a LUT to a land unit is completely independent with respect to other land units. CP and BCP, on the other hand, aim at optimizing the integrated regional performance. These methods produce a LUT distribution that is as close as possible to the absolute optimal performance that would be achieved when conflict among ESS is not considered. In general, similar results were obtained with CP and BCP. This was not the case when the results produced by these two methods were contrasted with IIPT. For most ESS under consideration, CP and BCP produced balanced results that were closer to the absolute optimal values when compared to IIPT. We conclude from our results that, when optimization of land performance at a regional scale is at stake, CP-derived models emerge as the preferable option over IIPT, especially when balanced solutions are a requirement.
The Development of a Bilingual Interactive Video to Improve Physical Activity and Healthful Eating in a Head Start Population
Authors: Piziak Veronica
Published: December 2014

The prevalence of obesity in the Hispanic preschool population remains elevated, particularly among children in low income families below the poverty level. Obesity leads to the early onset of metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes. The Head Start population of Texas is largely comprised of this high risk group. Their physical activity level is suboptimal in part due to lack of available outside play areas and time spent watching television and playing sedentary video games. Dietary intake is frequently high in sugar sweetened beverages and low in vegetables. The group is frequently bilingual with limited vocabulary and has not learned to read. Preserving their Mexican American culture is a concern. This article describes the development and assessment of a group of bilingual interactive video interventions to improve age appropriate physical activity while providing basic nutrition education focusing on increasing vegetable and water intake and decreasing sugar sweetened beverages. Suggestions for development and assessment of content were provided by focus groups of Head Start teachers, managers and dietitians in the Texas counties of Bastrop, Hidalgo and McLennon. A demonstration of the videos was conducted in Bastrop County. Teachers, students and managers felt that the videos provided excellent information, improved exercise participation and engaged the children.
Lipidome of Atherosclerotic Plaques from Hypercholesterolemic Rabbits
Authors: Bojic Lazar , McLaren David , Shah Vinit , Previs Stephen , Johns Douglas , Castro-Perez Jose
Published: December 2014

The cellular, macromolecular and neutral lipid composition of the atherosclerotic plaque has been extensively characterized. However, a comprehensive lipidomic analysis of the major lipid classes within atherosclerotic lesions has not been reported. The objective of this study was to produce a detailed framework of the lipids that comprise the atherosclerotic lesion of a widely used pre-clinical model of plaque progression. Male New Zealand White rabbits were administered regular chow supplemented with 0.5% cholesterol (HC) for 12 weeks to induce hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerosis. Our lipidomic analyses of plaques isolated from rabbits fed the HC diet, using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and high-resolution mass spectrometry, detected most of the major lipid classes including: Cholesteryl esters, triacylglycerols, phosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins, diacylglycerols, fatty acids, phosphatidylserines, lysophosphatidylcholines, ceramides, phosphatidylglycerols, phosphatidylinositols and phosphatidylethanolamines. Given that cholesteryl esters, triacylglycerols and phosphatidylcholines comprise greater than 75% of total plasma lipids, we directed particular attention towards the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the fatty acid composition of these lipids. We additionally found that sphingomyelins were relatively abundant lipid class within lesions, and compared the abundance of sphingomyelins to their precursor phosphatidylcholines. The studies presented here are the first approach to a comprehensive characterization of the atherosclerotic plaque lipidome.
The Legal Past, Present and Future of Prenatal Genetic Testing: Professional Liability and Other Legal Challenges Affecting Patient Access to Services
Authors: Pergament Deborah , Ilijic Katie
Published: December 2014

This chapter is an overview of the current status of the law in the United States regarding prenatal genetic testing with an emphasis on issues related to professional liability and other challenges affecting patient access to prenatal genetic testing. The chapter discusses the roles that federal regulations, promulgated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), play in the regulation of prenatal genetic tests. The chapter discusses tort litigation based on allegations of malpractice in the provision of prenatal genetic testing and how courts have analyzed issues related to causation, damages and mitigation of damages. The chapter provides reference information regarding how individual states address causes of action under the tort theories of wrongful birth and wrongful life. The chapter concludes with a discussion of future legal issues that may affect clinical prenatal genetic testing services arising from the continued expansion of prenatal genetic testing, legal restrictions on access to abortion and the potential development of embryonic treatments.
Promoting Precision Cancer Medicine through a Community-Driven Knowledgebase
Authors: Geifman Nophar , Haviv Izhak , Kurzrock Razelle , Rubin Eitan
Published: December 2014

Increasing efforts are being dedicated towards improving cancer care via personalized medicine. These efforts depend to a large degree on the availability of a knowledge foundation. Unfortunately, existing knowledge linking cancer drugs and potential efficacy biomarkers is in its infancy; and where links are known, they are frequently unstructured and poorly documented. We have developed a new open-access knowledgebase for precision cancer medicine (the PCM Wiki and Knowledgebase). This knowledgebase was constructed using an innovative, two-pronged approach involving a structured knowledgebase at the back-end, and an intuitive knowledge-sharing interface and user-friendly query engine in front. The knowledgebase was seeded with several patient case reports and information was mined via text-mining and literature review by human curators. Using our novel Wiki-based platform to present and share knowledge stored in the PCM knowledgebase, users are able to suggest corrections, propose additions or point to errors in the knowledgebase. The result is a community-driven evolving knowledgebase holding integrated and consolidated knowledge of markers and indications for personalized cancer medicine. We suggest that the PCM Knowledgebase and Wiki could serve as an important tool for the advancement of clinical trials and care in the field of precision cancer medicine.