bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of a Hybrid Uf-Ro Process to Geothermal Water Desalination. Concentrate Disposal and Cost Analysis
Authors: Tomaszewska Barbara , Pająk Leszek , Bodzek Michał 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
M embrane-based water desalination processes and hybrid technologies are often considered as a technologically and economically viable alternative for desalination of geothermal waters. This has been conﬁrmed by the results of pilot studies concerning the UF-RO desalination of geothermal waters extracted from various geological structures in Poland. The assessment of the feasibility of implementing the water desalination process analysed on an industrial scale is largely dependent on the method and possibility of disposing or utilising the concentrate. The analyses conducted in this respect have demonstrated that it is possible to use the solution obtained as a balneological product owing to its elevated metasilicic acid, ﬂuorides and iodides ions content. Due to environmental considerations, injecting the concentrate back into the formation is the preferable solution. The energy efﬁciency and economic analysis conducted demonstrated that the cost effectiveness of implementing the UF-RO process in a geothermal system on an industrial scale largely depends on the factors related to its operation, including without limitation the amount of geothermal water extracted, water salinity, the absorption parameters of the wells used to inject water back into the formation, the scale of problems related to the disposal of cooled water, local demand for drinking and household water, etc. The decrease in the pressure required to inject water into the formation as well as the reduction in the stream of the water injected are among the key cost-effectiveness factors. Ensuring favourable desalinated water sale terms (price/quantity) is also a very important consideration owing to the electrical power required to conduct the UF-RO process.
Bryjarka Hill in Szczawnica (Beskid Sądecki Mts, Western Carpathians, Poland) - a Natural and Cultural Focus
Authors: Vončina Grzegorz , Wawrzczak Maciej , Betleja Laura , Kozik Joanna , Kościelniak Robert , Chachuła Piotr 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
The aim of this article is to present the history and the current state of Bryjarka hill, situated in Szczawnica (the Beskid Sądecki range in southern Poland) in relation to its environmental and cultural values. Another aim of this article is to show that Bryjarka hill plays an important role in the biological, geological and cultural aspects of the region. It represents cultural significance where the traces of human activities date back to medieval times.
New Faunistics Records of Agromyzidae (Diptera) from the Czech Republic and Slovakia
Authors: Černý Miloš 
Published: December 2014

Abstract
Altogether 11 species of the family Agromyzidae (Diptera) are recorded from the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Three species represent first records from the Czech Republic and 1 species from Slovakia, 8 species are new additions to the fauna of Bohemia and 4 to the fauna of Moravia. The most interesting findings are those of Melanagromyza kerkinica Černý, 2011, Cerodontha (Poemyza) alpina Nowakowski, 1967 and Chromatomyia ochracea (Hendel, 1920).
Environmental Impact Assessment of Kathmandu Terai Fast-Track
Authors: Dahal Padam Kanta , Dahal Lalita , Khanal Sarina , Poudel Sazina , Khatiwada Bhawana 
Published: December 2014

Road transport is dominant necessity for the overall economic development of any nation. In case of Nepal, an easy access between the Capital City and Terai, the store-house of the country and is very necessary. To facilitate this promotion of an improved core road network, Government of Nepal has launched the Kathmandu Terai Fast Track Project. Many concerned personalities and sectors had considered this project to be number one in the list of seventeen projects of national pride declared by the government. The main objective of this study was to identify the impacts of proposed project implementation on physical, biological, socio-economic and cultural environment of the project area and propose mitigation measures to avoid or mitigate such impacts. Primary information collection and secondary data review was the source of data with cross sectional descriptive study design. Data was taken purposively in the project affected area. Length of 72.6 km fast track from Kathmandu – Lalitpur – Makawanpur and up to Nijgadh in Bara district to link with the East West Highway will be of four lanes with 50 m on each side. The project was proposed to have 96 bridges big or small; 1.6 km long tunnel will be built in Thingan of Makawanpur on public-private partnership. It had projected costs of more than NRs 250 million. The impacts on land use will be on about 30km of agricultural land, 43km of forests and about 3km of other land uses, bridges etc. in the main alignment. The impacts on human life will mainly be in villages near the alignment. There are 38 villages within about 50m of the main alignment. The project can be continued with minimum of environmental degradation by applying the mitigation measures. Nation has been investing a lot of resources. Upon the completion of the fast track, the distance and time to reach the capital city from Terai will come down to only 1.5 hours and will transform the capital, eastern Terai and the country as a whole. It is estimated that NRs 4.5 billion will be saved annually of the transport cost. Therefore, Kathmandu Terai Fast Track Project can be considered as the single most important prospect for the improvement of traffic conditions and the creation of a major economic impact in Nepal over the coming decade.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i4.11726 International Journal of EnvironmentVol. 3, No. 4, 2014Page: 1-11
PCBs Contaminantion of Transformer Oil and its Occupational Health and Safety Status in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: K.C. Laxman , Devkota Bhupendra 
Published: December 2014

Electrification in Kathmandu valley had started in 1911 and the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) probably started since 1940s (Devkota, 2005). This research work was undertaken to find out the degree and extent of PCBs contamination in transformer oil and to explore its impacts on occupational health and safety issues of the workers and on the environment. The research was focused on Distributions Centers of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in the Kathmandu valley, NEA Lainchaur workshop and welding workshops of the Kathmandu valley. The samples of transformer oil were collected, safely stored and analyzed using L2000DX Chloride Analyzer, PCBs contamination at >50 ppm level was found in 184 distribution transformers with total volume of PCBs contaminated transformer oil to be 67566.3 Kg. The knowledge on impacts of PCBs contaminated transformer oil on human health and environment was better among NEA employees than among employees of welding workshops, though not satisfactory. Due to very low awareness, the workers come in contact with the transformer oil regularly and many health impacts such as eye problems, skin related complication, weakness and respiratory problems might be due to this exposure; however, exact impacts could not be verified scientifically.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i4.11727 International Journal of EnvironmentVolume-3, Issue-4, Sep-Nov 2014Page : 12-23
An Assessment of Phytosociological Diversity of Kuther Watershed, Himachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Gupta Peeyush , Uniyal Swati , Goyal Swati 
Published: December 2014

A plant community acquires many characteristics which are not found in its constituents, (organisms or population). A community is described through species diversity, life forms, structure, dominance and developmental status. To delineate these aspects two significant parameters like analytical characters (quantitative - frequency, density, abundance and cover; qualitative - physiognomy, phenology, sociability, vitality and life form) and synthetic characters (constancy, fidelity and dominance) were studied. The present study focuses on species composition, phytosociological diversity and concentration of dominance of various tree species of Kuther watershed of Himachal Pradesh, India.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i4.11732 International Journal of Environment Volume-3, Issue-4, Sep-Nov 2014Page: 74-90
Conservation Agriculture: An Eco-Friendly System of Weed Management in Field Crops
Authors: Karki Tika Bahadur , Shrestha Jiban 
Published: December 2014

Since the conservation agriculture (CA) is spreading across the globe, information on weed dynamics and their management under CA is needed. Here, an attempt has been made to summarize the recent research on weed dynamics and their management aspects in the CA systems. Changes in patterns of tillage, planting systems, and other management strategies can alter the soil environment and lead to shifts in weed populations. Weed patterns and populations are not always stable but vary with location, crop, and herbicides use. However, in many long-term conservation management studies, a general increase in perennial weeds and grass species has been observed. No tillage increased the weed population during first season and there after decreased. Residue has significantly reduced the number of weed species and population compared to conventional agriculture systems. The development of low-dose of non-selective pre and selective post emergence herbicides, and transgenic crops has greatly improved the feasibility of CA systems.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i4.11733 International Journal of Environment Volume-3, Issue-4, Sep-Nov 2014Page: 91-100
Folklore Utilisation of Bryophtes amongst the Tribal Regions of North Coastal Andhra
Authors: Rao G. M. Narasimha , Chatterjee Reshmi 
Published: December 2014

Bryophyte which is otherwise considered to be as Lilliputians amongst the land plants is found to be highly priced for the preparation of ethnomedicines. Ethnic tribes depend upon the plant in their surroundings for traditional medicine preparation. The present article enumerates four species of bryophyte which are used routinely amongst the tribes of North coastal Andhra to treat various ailments. Bryophytes are ecologically friable and very prone to extinction. Hence, these types of studies are important as it will bring more and more new species of bryophyte with exceptional therapeutic properties into light.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i4.11734 International Journal of Environment Volume-3, Issue-4, Sep-Nov 2014Page: 101-108
Pollen Morphology and Palynotaxonomical Studies of Common Garden Plants of Apocynaceae, In Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Authors: Chatterjee Reshmi , Sarkar Satadip , Rao G. M. Narasimha 
Published: December 2014

Taxonomy and identification of angiosperms are mainly based on external morphological characters and traits of the plants; however palynological data sets are remotely used for the study. Pollen characters are genetically regulated that can be used as an ideal tool for establishing taxonomic groups. This type of integrated study can be useful in redefining the status of families in higher group of plants. Apocynaceae, a Eurypalynous family exhibits variation in possessing more than one type of pollen grains from simple porate to compound colporate apertures. Pollen attributes has been utilized in building a pollen key that would enable us to distinguish genera solely on the basis of pollen characters.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i4.11735 International Journal of EnvironmentVolume-3, Issue-4, Sep-Nov 2014Page: 109-116
Estimating Vehicular Emission in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Krishna Prasad , Shrestha Shreejan Ram 
Published: December 2014

The study estimate, the vehicular emission load for CO, CO2 , HCs, NOX, SO2, Dioxin/Furans, Particulate Matters (PM10, PM2.5, Black carbon and Organic Carbon) by using emission factors and Global Warming Potentials (GWPs) of the pollutants (CO2, NOX, BC and OC). For this purpose, data were collected through the video tape record (in 30 sites), questionnaire survey, field visit, and literatures review. The total estimated emission of Kathmandu Valley (KV) was 7231053.12 ton/year. Of the total emission, CO2 emission was highest i.e., 91.01% followed by CO 5.03%, HC 0.96%, NOX 0.60%, PM10 0.18% and SO2 0.10%. Annually 529353.36 μg Toxic Equivalent (TEQ) of Dioxin/Furan produced and directly disperse to the ambient environment. The total estimated PM2.5, BC and OC emission were 9649.40 ton/year, 1640.4 ton/year and 2894.82 ton/year. The total carbon equivalence of the combined emissions (CO2, NOX and BC) for 100-years standard time horizon is 10579763.6 ton CO2-eq i.e., 2885390.07 ton carbon.CO2 alone will be responsible, for about 62% of the impacts for the next century from current emissions of CO2, NOX and BC. Of the total emission Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDV) emits 50%, Light Duty Vehicles (LDV) emits, 27%, 2-Wheelers emits 22% and 3-Wheeler (Tempo) emits 1%. The total emission of all pollutants combined per vehicle together was estimated to be 5.46 ton/year which was estimated as 23.63, 10.35, 1.83 and 5.58 ton/year for HDV, LDV, 2-Wheelers and 3-Wheeler respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i4.11742 International Journal of EnvironmentVolume-3, Issue-4, Sep-Nov 2014Page: 133-146
Aboveground Biomass and Carbon Stocks of an Undisturbed Regenerating Sal (Shorea Robusta Gaertn. F.) Forest Of Goalpara District, Assam, Northeast India
Authors: Rabha Debajit 
Published: December 2014

The present paper deals with the above ground biomass and carbon stocks of an undisturbed Sal forest of Goalpara district, Assam, Northeast India. The average AGB and C were recorded 239.45 ± 12.8 Mg ha-1 and 119.73 ± 6.4 Mg ha-1. Density distribution curve indicates the high carbon sequestration potential of the stand in near future which further helps in climate change mitigation. Currently, conservation measures are well imposed in combine effort of local community and government. Legal involvement of local community in conservation exercises along with the forest department might be very effective in management of Sal forests.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i4.11743 International Journal of EnvironmentVolume-3, Issue-4, Sep-Nov 2014Page: 147-155
Land-ice elevation changes from photon-counting swath altimetry: first applications over the Antarctic ice sheet
Authors: Young Duncan A. , Lindzey Laura E. , Blankenship Donald D. , Greenbaum Jamin S. , Garcia De Gorordo Alvaro , Kempf Scott D. , Roberts Jason L. , Warner Roland C. , Ommen Tas Van , Siegert Martin J. , Meur Emmanuel Le 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSatellite altimetric time series allow high-precision monitoring of ice-sheet mass balance. Understanding elevation changes in these regions is important because outlet glaciers along ice-sheet margins are critical in controlling flow of inland ice. Here we discuss a new airborne altimetry dataset collected as part of the ICECAP (International Collaborative Exploration of the Cryosphere by Airborne Profiling) project over East Antarctica. Using the ALAMO (Airborne Laser Altimeter with Mapping Optics) system of a scanning photon-counting lidar combined with a laser altimeter, we extend the 2003–09 surface elevation record of NASA’s ICESat satellite, by determining cross-track slope and thus independently correcting for ICESat’s cross-track pointing errors. In areas of high slope, cross-track errors result in measured elevation change that combines surface slope and the actual Δz/Δtsignal. Slope corrections are particularly important in coastal ice streams, which often exhibit both rapidly changing elevations and high surface slopes. As a test case (assuming that surface slopes do not change significantly) we observe a lack of ice dynamic change at Cook Ice Shelf, while significant thinning occurred at Totten and Denman Glaciers during 2003–09.
What Are Complex eHealth Innovations and How Do You Measure Them?
Authors: Hübner U. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryObjectives: eHealth and innovation are often regarded as synonyms – not least because eHealth technologies and applications are new to their users. This position paper challenges this view and aims at exploring the nature of eHealth innovation against the background of common definitions of innovation and facts from the biomedical and health informatics literature. A good understanding of what constitutes innovative eHealth developments allows the degree of innovation to be measured and interpreted.Methods: To this end, relevant biomedical and health informatics literature was searched mainly in Medline and ACM digital library. This paper presents seven facts about implementing and applying new eHealth developments hereby drawing on the experience published in the literature.Results: The facts are: 1. eHealth innovation is relative. 2. Advanced clinical practice is the yardstick. 3. Only used and usable eHealth technology can give birth to eHealth innovatio. 4. One new single eHealth function does not make a complex eHealth innovation. 5. eHealth innovation is more evolution than revolution. 6. eHealth innovation is often triggered behind the scenes; and 7. There is no eHealth innovation without sociocultural change.Conclusions: The main conclusion of the seven facts is that eHealth innovations have many ingredients: newness, availability, advanced clinical practice with proven outcomes, use and usability, the supporting environment, other context factors and the stakeholder perspectives. Measuring eHealth innovation is thus a complex matter. To this end we propose the development of a composite score that expresses comprehensively the nature of eHealth innovation and that breaks down its complexity into the three dimensions: i) eHealth adoption, ii) partnership with advanced clinical practice, and iii) use and usability of eHealth. In order to better understand the momentum and mechanisms behind eHealth innovation the fourth dimension, iv) eHealth supporting services and means, needs to be studied. Conceptualising appropriate measurement instruments also requires eHealth innovation to be distinguished from eHealth sophistication, performance and quality, although innovation is intertwined with these concepts. The demanding effort for defining eHealth innovation and measuring it properly seem worthwhile and promise advances in creating better systems. This paper thus intends to stimulate the necessary discussion.
On measuring the bending strength of septate grass stems
Authors: Robertson Daniel J. , Smith Simeon L. , Cook Douglas D. 
Published: December 2014

• Premise of the study: Reliable testing methodologies are a fundamental tenet of scientific research. However, very little information is found in the literature explaining how to accurately measure the structural bending strength of plant stems. It was hypothesized that the most commonly employed loading configuration used in bending experiments (placement of loading anvil at an internodal region of the stem or stalk) may significantly alter test results and introduce errors in bending strength measurements of plant stems.• Methods: Four types of mechanical tests were performed on bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea), giant reed (Arundo donax), and maize (Zea mays) to investigate how different loading configurations employed during three‐point bending experiments affect test results of septate grass stems and to develop a testing protocol that provides reliable measures of stalk bending strength.• Results: Results confirmed the hypothesis that internodal‐loaded three‐point bending test can produce erroneous bending strength measurements. This testing methodology causes plant stems to break prematurely and produces failure types and patterns incongruent with stalks that broke in their natural (in situ) environment. In contrast, a modified test configuration produces natural failure patterns and more accurate measurements of bending strength.• Conclusion: Reliable measurements of stalk bending strength can be obtained by maximizing the span length of bending tests and placing the loading anvil at stronger and denser nodal tissues. These results are relevant to ecological and evolutionary plant biomechanics studies as well as agronomic breeding studies focused on measuring plant phenotypes such as stalk lodging strength, or on improving bending strength of septate plant stems.
Outcome of Takayasu Arteritis with Inactive Disease at Diagnosis: The Extent of Vascular Involvement As a Predictor of Activation
Authors: Hong Seokchan , Bae Seung-Hyeon , Ahn Soo Min , Lim Doo-Ho , Kim Yong-Gil , Lee Chang-Keun , Yoo Bin 
Published: December 2014

Objective.Some patients with Takayasu arteritis (TA) have inactive disease at the time of diagnosis. The objective of our study was to investigate the clinical outcomes and factors that predict disease activation in patients with clinically inactive TA.Methods.The medical records of patients diagnosed with TA between 1990 and 2012 were reviewed. At the time of diagnosis, patients were identified as having inactive disease according to the National Institutes of Health definition. Patients who went on to develop active disease during followup were classified as the “activation group”. The pattern of vascular involvement was classified according to the International Conference on TA, 1994.Results.A total of 59 patients with TA were classified as having inactive disease at the time of diagnosis. During the followup, 13 (22.0%) of these experienced TA activation (median followup, 37.0 mos; activation group). The remaining 46 (78.0%) did not experience disease activation (stable group). Renovascular hypertension was more common in the activation group than in the stable group (5/13, 38.5% vs 4/46, 8.7%, p = 0.019). Further, type V, which is the most extensive, was more common in the activation group (12/13, 92.3%) than in the stable group (18/46, 39.1%, p = 0.008). Multivariate analysis identified type V disease (OR 10.969, 95% CI 1.144–105.182, p = 0.038) as being significantly associated with an increased risk of disease activation.Conclusion.Substantial portions of patients with clinically inactive TA at the time of diagnosis experienced disease activation during followup. Type V disease may be an important predictive factor for disease activation in patients with clinically inactive TA.
La reconnaissance législative et jurisprudentielle du harcèlement sexuel, une victoire féministe ? (1992-2012)
Authors: Le Magueresse Catherine 
Published: December 2014

Nommé et défini par les féministes, le harcèlement sexuel est devenu, en France, grâce à leur mobilisation, un délit pénal en 1992. Néanmoins, la définition légale puis jurisprudentielle de cette infraction échappa alors significativement à celles qui avaient initié ce mouvement législatif. Face aux résistances à la reconnaissance de cette réalité, les féministes n’ont pas désarmé et leur ténacité a porté ses fruits : la loi du 6 août 2012 a globalement tenu compte de leurs critiques et demandes. La vigilance est cependant de mise quant à son application.
La personnalité dépendante : un facteur de risque majeur pour la dépression du post-partum ?
Authors: Versaevel Christophe , Leleu Olivier , Jeanson Robert , Lajugie Christine , Bizet Bruno , Danel Thierry , Charrel Claire-Lise , Duhamel Alain 
Published: December 2014

Objectif de l’étude : l’étude tente de démontrer que la personnalité dépendante est un facteur de risque majeur dans la dépression du post-partum. Méthode : une série de questionnaires est remise à une population de parturientes. Ces questionnaires identifient le risque de présenter une dépression du post-partum et une personnalité dépendante. Résultats : il existe une association statistiquement significative entre les scores à l’EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale) et les scores au QPD (Dependent Personality Questionnaire) (p < 0,0001 et r = 0,51). En cas de QPD > ou = à 13, il y a 15,63 fois plus d’EPDS > ou = à 11 (de 2,7 à 42%). Conclusion : si le QPD était réalisé avant la grossesse ou au début de celle-ci, cela permettrait d’identifier une population vulnérable à la dépression du post-partum.