Abstract: In emerging economies, recycling is an opportunity
for the cities to increase the lifespan of sanitary landfills, reduce the
costs of the solid waste management, decrease the environmental
problems of the waste treatment through reincorporate waste in the
productive cycle and protect and develop people’s livelihoods of
informal waste pickers. However, few studies have analysed the
possibilities and strategies to integrate formal and informal sectors in
the solid waste management for the benefit of both. This study seek
to make a strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat (SWOT)
analysis in three recycling associations of Bogotá with the aim to
understand and determine the situation of recycling from perspective
of informal sector in its transition to enter as authorized waste
providers. Data used in the analysis are derived from multiple
strategies such as literature review, the Bogota’s recycling database,
focus group meetings, governmental reports, national laws and
regulations and specific interviews with key stakeholders. Results of
this study show as the main stakeholders of formal and informal
sector of waste management can identify the internal and internal
conditions of recycling in Bogotá. Several strategies were designed
based on the SWOTs determined, could be useful for Bogotá to
advance and promote recycling as a key strategy for integrated
sustainable waste management in the city.
Abstract: Moving into a new era of healthcare, new tools and
devices are developed to extend and improve health services, such as
remote patient monitoring and risk prevention. In this concept,
Internet of Things (IoT) and Cloud Computing present great
advantages by providing remote and efficient services, as well as
cooperation between patients, clinicians, researchers and other health
professionals. This paper focuses on patients suffering from bipolar
disorder, a brain disorder that belongs to a group of conditions
called affective disorders, which is characterized by great mood
swings. We exploit the advantages of Semantic Web and Cloud
Technologies to develop a patient monitoring system to support
clinicians. Based on intelligently filtering of evidence-knowledge and
individual-specific information we aim to provide treatment
notifications and recommended function tests at appropriate times or
concluding into alerts for serious mood changes and patient’s nonresponse
to treatment. We propose an architecture as the back-end
part of a cloud platform for IoT, intertwining intelligence devices
with patients’ daily routine and clinicians’ support.
Abstract: Early diagnosis of infection like Hep-B virus in blood
is important for low cost medical treatment. For this purpose, it is
desirable to develop a point of care device which should be able to
detect trace quantities of the target molecule in blood. In this paper,
we report a nanoporous silicon oxide sensor which is capable of
detecting down to 1fM concentration of Hep-B surface antigen in
blood without the requirement of any centrifuge or pre-concentration.
This has been made possible by the presence of resonant peak in the
sensitivity characteristics. This peak is observed to be dependent only
on the concentration of the specific antigen and not on the interfering
species in blood serum. The occurrence of opposite impedance
change within the pores and at the bottom of the pore is responsible
for this effect. An electronic interface has also been designed to
provide a display of the virus concentration.
Abstract: Propylene self-metathesis to ethylene and butene was
studied over WOx/SiO2 catalysts at 450oC and atmospheric pressure.
The WOx/SiO2 catalysts were prepared by incipient wetness
impregnation of ammonium metatungstate aqueous solution. It was
found that, adding nano-sized extra supports (SiO2 and TiO2) by
physical mixing with the WOx/SiO2 enhanced propylene conversion.
The UV-Vis and FT-Raman results revealed that WOx could migrate
from the original silica support to the extra support, leading to a
better dispersion of WOx. The ICP-OES results also indicate that
WOx existed on the extra support. Coke formation was investigated
on the catalysts after 10 h time-on-stream by TPO. However, adding
nano-sized extra supports led to higher coke formation which may be
related to acidity as characterized by NH3-TPD.
Abstract: The capability of exploiting the electronic charge and
spin properties simultaneously in a single material has made diluted
magnetic semiconductors (DMS) remarkable in the field of
spintronics. We report the designing of DMS based on zinc-blend
ZnO doped with Cr impurity. The full potential linearized augmented
plane wave plus local orbital FP-L(APW+lo) method in density
functional theory (DFT) has been adapted to carry out these
investigations. For treatment of exchange and correlation energy,
generalized gradient approximations have been used. Introducing Cr
atoms in the matrix of ZnO has induced strong magnetic moment
with ferromagnetic ordering at stable ground state. Cr:ZnO was found
to favor the short range magnetic interaction that
reflect tendency of Cr clustering. The electronic structure of ZnO is
strongly influenced in the presence of Cr impurity atoms where
impurity bands appear in the band gap.
Abstract: Although, lanthanum carbonate has not been approved
by the FDA for treatment of hyperphosphatemia, we prospectively
evaluated the efficacy of the combination of Calcium hydroxyapatite
(CHAp) and Lanthanum Carbonate (LaC) for the treatment of
hyperphosphatemia on mice. CHAp was prepared by co-precipitation
method using Ca(OH)2, H3PO4, NH4OH with calcination at 1200ºC.
Lanthanum carbonate was prepared by chemical method using
NaHCO3 and LaCl3 at low pH environment, below 4.0. The
structures were characterized by FTIR spectra and SEM -EDX
analysis. The study group included 16 subjects-mice divided into four
groups according to the administered substance: lanthanum carbonate
(group A), CHAp (group B), lanthanum carbonate + CHAp (group C)
and salt water (group D). The results indicate a phosphate decrease
when subjects (mice) were treated with CHAp and lanthanum
carbonate (0.5% CMC), in a single dose of 1500 mg/kg. Serum
phosphate concentration decreased [(from 4.5 ± 0.8 mg/dL) to
4.05 ± 0.2 mg/dL), P < 0.01] in group A and in group C (to 3.6
± 0.2 mg/dL) at 12 hours from the administration. The combination
of CHAp and lanthanum carbonate is a suitable regimen for
hyperphosphatemia treatment because it avoids both the
hypercalcemia of CaCO3 and the adverse effects of CHAp.
Abstract: The purposes of this study are 1) to study the effects
of participatory error correction process and 2) to find out the
students’ satisfaction of such error correction process. This study is a
Quasi Experimental Research with single group, in which data is
collected 5 times preceding and following 4 experimental studies of
participatory error correction process including providing coded
indirect corrective feedback in the students’ texts with error treatment
activities. Samples include 52 2nd year English Major students,
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat
University. Tool for experimental study includes the lesson plan of
the course; Reading and Writing English for Academic Purposes II,
and tools for data collection include 5 writing tests of short texts and
a questionnaire. Based on formative evaluation of the students’
writing ability prior to and after each of the 4 experiments, the
research findings disclose the students’ higher scores with statistical
difference at 0.00. Moreover, in terms of the effect size of such
process, it is found that for mean of the students’ scores prior to and
after the 4 experiments; d equals 0.6801, 0.5093, 0.5071, and 0.5296
respectively. It can be concluded that participatory error correction
process enables all of the students to learn equally well and there is
improvement in their ability to write short texts. Finally the students’
overall satisfaction of the participatory error correction process is in
high level (Mean = 4.39, S.D. = 0.76).
Abstract: Microalgae Meyerella planktonica is a potential
biofuel source because it can grow in bulk in either autotrophic or
heterotrophic condition. However, the quantitative growth of this
algal type is still low as it tends to precipitates on the bottom.
Besides, the lipid concentration is still low when grown in
autotrophic condition. In contrast, heterotrophic condition can
enhance the lipid concentration. The combination of autotrophic
condition and agitation treatment was conducted to increase the
density of the culture. On the other hand, a heterotrophic condition
was set up to raise the lipid production. A two-stage experiment
was applied to increase the density at the first step and to increase
the lipid concentration in the next step. The autotrophic condition
resulted higher density but lower lipid concentration compared to
heterotrophic one. The agitation treatment produced higher density
in both autotrophic and heterotrophic conditions. The two-stage
experiment managed to enhance the density during the autotrophic
stage and the lipid concentration during the heterotrophic stage.
The highest yield was performed by using 0.4% v/v glycerol as a
carbon source (2.9±0.016 x 10^6 cells w/w) attained 7 days after the
heterotrophic stage began. The lipid concentration was stable
starting from day 7.
Abstract: The main objective of this paper is to provide a new
methodology for road safety assessment in Oman through the
development of suitable accident prediction models. GLM technique
with Poisson or NBR using SAS package was carried out to develop
these models. The paper utilized the accidents data of 31 un-signalized
T-intersections during three years. Five goodness-of-fit
measures were used to assess the overall quality of the developed
models. Two types of models were developed separately; the flow-based
models including only traffic exposure functions, and the full
models containing both exposure functions and other significant
geometry and traffic variables.
The results show that, traffic exposure functions produced much
better fit to the accident data. The most effective geometric variables
were major-road mean speed, minor-road 85th percentile speed,
major-road lane width, distance to the nearest junction, and right-turn
curb radius.
The developed models can be used for intersection treatment or
upgrading and specify the appropriate design parameters of T-intersections.
Finally, the models presented in this thesis reflect the intersection
conditions in Oman and could represent the typical conditions in
several countries in the middle east area, especially gulf countries.
Abstract: Forward Osmosis (FO) polyamide thin-film composite
membranes have been prepared by interfacial polymerization using
commercial UF polyethersulfoneas membrane support. Different
interfacial polymerization times (10s, 30s and 60s) in the organic
solution containing trimesoyl chloride (TMC) at constant m-phenylenediamine
(MPD) concentration (2% w/v) were studied. The
synthesized polyamide membranes then tested for treatment of
natural organic matter (NOM) and compared to commercial Cellulose
TriAcetate (CTA) membrane. It was found that membrane prepared
with higher reaction time (30s and 60s) exhibited better membrane
performance (flux and humic acid removal) over commercial CTA
membrane.
Abstract: After the internet explosion in the 90’s, technology
was immediately integrated into the school system. Technology
which symbolizes advancement in human knowledge was seen as a
setback by many educators. Efforts have been made to help stem this
erroneous believes and help educators realize the benefits of
technology and ways of implementing it in the classrooms especially
in the sciences. This advancement created a constantly expanding gap
between the pupil’s perception on the use of technology within the
learning atmosphere and the teacher’s perception and limitations
hence, the focus of this paper is on the need to refocus on the use of
Science and Technology in enhancing children’s potentials in
learning at school especially in Science for sustainable development
in Nigeria. The paper recommended measures for facilitating the
sustenance of science and technology in Nigerian schools so as to
enhance the potentials of our children in Science and Technology for
a better tomorrow.
Abstract: The mechanisms underlying the association between
obesity and asthma may be related to a decreased immunological
tolerance induced by a defective function of regulatory T cells
(Tregs). The aim of this study is to establish the potential link
between these diseases and CD4+, CD25+ FoxP3+ Tregs as well as T
helper cells (Ths) in children. This is a prospective case control
study. Obese (n:40), asthmatic (n:40), asthmatic obese (n:40) and
healthy children (n:40), who don't have any acute or chronic diseases,
were included in this study. Obese children were evaluated according
to WHO criteria. Asthmatic patients were chosen based on GINA
criteria. Parents were asked to fill up the questionnaire. Informed
consent forms were taken. Blood samples were marked with CD4+,
CD25+ and FoxP3+ in order to determine Tregs and Ths by flow
cytometric method. Statistical analyses were performed. p≤0.05 was
chosen as meaningful threshold. Tregs exhibiting anti-inflammatory
nature were significantly lower in obese (0,16%; p≤0,001), asthmatic
(0,25%; p≤0,01) and asthmatic obese (0,29%; p≤0,05) groups than
the control group (0,38%). Ths were counted higher in asthma group
than the control (p≤0,01) and obese (p≤0,001) groups. T cell
immunity plays important roles in obesity and asthma pathogeneses.
Decreased numbers of Tregs found in obese, asthmatic and asthmatic
obese children may help to elucidate some questions in
pathophysiology of these diseases. For HOMA-IR levels, any
significant difference was not noted between control and obese
groups, but statistically higher values were found for obese
asthmatics. The values obtained in all groups were found to be below
the critical cut off points. This finding has made the statistically
significant difference observed between Tregs of obese, asthmatic,
obese asthmatic and control groups much more valuable. These
findings will be useful in diagnosis and treatment of these disorders
and future studies are needed. The production and propagation of
Tregs may be promising in alternative asthma and obesity treatments.
Abstract: Problems insulation of building structures is often
closely connected with the problem of moisture remediation. In the
case of historic buildings or if only part of the redevelopment of
envelope of structures, it is not possible to apply the classical external
thermal insulation composite systems. This application is mostly
effective thermal insulation plasters with high porosity and controlled
capillary properties which assures improvement of thermal properties
construction, its diffusion openness towards the external environment
and suitable treatment capillary properties of preventing the
penetration of liquid moisture and salts thereof toward the outer
surface of the structure.
With respect to the current trend of reducing the energy
consumption of building structures and reduce the production of CO2
is necessary to develop capillary-active materials characterized by
their low density, low thermal conductivity while maintaining good
mechanical properties. The aim of researchers at the Faculty of Civil
Engineering, Brno University of Technology is the development and
study of hygrothermal behaviour of optimal materials for thermal
insulation and rehabilitation of building structures with the possible
use of alternative, less energy demanding binders in comparison with
conventional, frequently used binder, which represents cement.
The paper describes the evaluation of research activities aimed at
the development of thermal insulation and repair materials using
lightweight aggregate and alternative binders such as metakaolin and
finely ground fly ash.
Abstract: Phelipanche ramosa is the most damaging obligate
flowering parasitic weed on wide species of cultivated plants. The
semi-arid regions of the world are considered the main centers of this
parasitic plant that causes heavy infestation. This is due to its
production of high numbers of seeds (up to 200,000) that remain
viable for extended periods (up to 20 years). In this study, 13
treatments for the control of Phelipanche were carried out, which
included agronomic, chemical, and biological treatments and the use
of resistant plant methods. In 2014, a trial was performed at the
Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of
Foggia (southern Italy), on processing tomato (cv ‘Docet’) grown in
pots filled with soil taken from a field that was heavily infested by P.
ramosa). The tomato seedlings were transplanted on May 8, 2014,
into a sandy-clay soil (USDA). A randomized block design with 3
replicates (pots) was adopted. During the growing cycle of the
tomato, at 70, 75, 81 and 88 days after transplantation, the number of
P. ramosa shoots emerged in each pot was determined. The tomato
fruit were harvested on August 8, 2014, and the quantitative and
qualitative parameters were determined. All of the data were
subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using the JMP software
(SAS Institute Inc. Cary, NC, USA), and for comparisons of means
(Tukey's tests). The data show that each treatment studied did not
provide complete control against P. ramosa. However, the virulence
of the attacks was mitigated by some of the treatments tried: radicon
biostimulant, compost activated with Fusarium, mineral fertilizer
nitrogen, sulfur, enzone, and the resistant tomato genotype. It is
assumed that these effects can be improved by combining some of
these treatments with each other, especially for a gradual and
continuing reduction of the “seed bank” of the parasite in the soil.
Abstract: The aim of the present study was to examine whether
increasing molybdenum (Mo) concentration affects the growth and
Mo concentration of maize (Zea mays L. cv Norma SC) and
sunflower (Helianthus annuus L. cv Arena PR) seedlings within
laboratory conditions.
In this experiment, calcareous chernozem soil was used and Mo
was supplemented into the soil as ammonium molybdate
[(NH4)6Mo7O24.4H2O] in four different concentrations as follow: 0
(control), 30, 90 and 270 mg·kg-1.
In this study, we found that molybdenum in small amount (30
mg·kg-1) affects positively on growth of maize and sunflower
seedlings, however, higher concentration of Mo reduces the dry
weights of shoots and roots. In the case of maize the highest Mo
treatment (270 mg·kg-1) and in sunflower 90 mg·kg-1 treatment
caused significant reduction in plant growth.
In addition, we observed that molybdenum contents in the roots
and shoots were very low in case of control soil but were
significantly elevated with increasing concentration of Mo treatment.
Only in case of sunflower the highest 270 mg·kg-1 Mo treatment
caused decrease in Mo concentration.
Abstract: This paper shortly describes various types of biomass
and a growing number of facilities utilizing the biomass in the Czech
Republic. The considerable part of this paper deals with energy
parameters of the most frequently used types of biomass and results
of their gasification testing. Sixteen most used "Czech" woody plants
and grasses were selected; raw, element and biochemical analyses
were performed and basic calorimetric values, ash composition, and
ash characteristic temperatures were identified. Later, each biofuel
was tested in a fluidized bed gasifier. The essential part of this paper
provides results of the gasification of selected biomass types.
Operating conditions are described in detail with a focus on
individual fuels properties. Gas composition and impurities content
are also identified. In terms of operating conditions and gas quality,
the essential difference occurred mainly between woody plants and
grasses. The woody plants were evaluated as more suitable fuels for
fluidized bed gasifiers. Testing results significantly help with a
decision-making process regarding suitability of energy plants for
growing and with a selection of optimal biomass-treatment
technology.
Abstract: Morphological interaction of porcine cumulus-oocyte
complexes (pCOCs) was investigated on in vitro condition using
electron microscope (SEM and TEM). The totals of 1,923 oocytes
were round in shape, surrounded by Zona pellucida with layer of
cumulus cells ranging between 59.29-202.14 μm in size. They were
classified into intact-, multi-, partial cumulus cell layer oocyte, and
completely denuded oocyte, at the percentage composition of 22.80%
32.70%, 18.60%, and 25.90 % respectively. The pCOCs classified as
intact- and multi cumulus cell layer oocytes were further culturing at
37°C with 5% CO2, 95% air atmosphere and high humidity for 44 h
in M199 with Earle’s salts supplemented with 10% HTFCS, 2.2
mg/mL NaHCO3, 1 M Hepes, 0.25 mM pyruvate, 15 μg/mL porcine
follicle-stimulating hormone, 1 μg/mL LH, 1μg/mL estradiol with
ethanol, and 50 μg/mL gentamycin sulfate. On electron microscope
study, cumulus cells were found to stick their processes to secrete
substance from the sac-shape end into Zona pellucida of the oocyte
and also communicated with the neighboring cells through their
microvilli on the beginning of incubation period. It is believed that
the cumulus cells communicate with the oocyte by inserting the
microvilli through this gap and embedded in the oocyte cytoplasm
before secreting substance, through the sac-shape end of the
microvilli, to inhibit primary oocyte development at the prophase I.
Morphological changes of the complexes were observed after
culturing for 24-44 h. One hundred percentages of the cumulus layers
were expanded and cumulus cells were peeling off from the oocyte
surface. In addition, the round-shape cumulus cells transformed
themselves into either an elongate shape or a columnar shape, and no
communication between cumulus neighboring cells. After 44 h of
incubation time, diameter of oocytes surrounded by cumulus cells
was larger than 0 h incubation. The effect of hormones in culture
medium is exerted by their receptors present in porcine oocyte. It is
likely that all morphological changes of the complexes after hormone
treatment were to allow maturation of the oocyte. This study
demonstrated that the association of hormones in M199 could
promote porcine follicle activation in 44 h in vitro condition. This
culture system should be useful for studying the regulation of early
follicular growth and development, especially because these follicles represent a large source of oocytes that could be used in vitro for cell
technology.
Abstract: The development of active and stable catalysts
without noble metals for low temperature oxidation of exhaust gases
remains a significant challenge. The purpose of this study is to
determine the influence of the preparation method on the catalytic
activity of the supported copper-manganese mixed oxides in terms of
VOCs oxidation. The catalysts were prepared by impregnation of γ-
Al2O3 with copper and manganese nitrates and acetates and the
possibilities for CO, CH3OH and dimethyl ether (DME) oxidation
were evaluated using continuous flow equipment with a four-channel
isothermal stainless steel reactor. Effect of the support, Cu/Mn mole
ratio, heat treatment of the precursor and active component loading
were investigated. Highly active alumina supported Cu-Mn catalysts
for CO and VOCs oxidation were synthesized. The effect of
preparation conditions on the activity behavior of the catalysts was
discussed.
The synergetic interaction between copper and manganese species
increases the activity for complete oxidation over mixed catalysts.
Type of support, calcination temperature and active component
loading along with catalyst composition are important factors,
determining catalytic activity. Cu/Mn molar ratio of 1:5, heat
treatment at 450oC and 20 % active component loading are the best
compromise for production of active catalyst for simultaneous
combustion of CO, CH3OH and DME.
Abstract: The formulated problem of optimization of the
technological process of water treatment for thermal power plants is
considered in this article. The problem is of multiparametric nature.
To optimize the process, namely, reduce the amount of waste water, a
new technology was developed to reuse such water. A mathematical
model of the technology of wastewater reuse was developed.
Optimization parameters were determined. The model consists of a
material balance equation, an equation describing the kinetics of ion
exchange for the non-equilibrium case and an equation for the ion
exchange isotherm. The material balance equation includes a
nonlinear term that depends on the kinetics of ion exchange. A direct
problem of calculating the impurity concentration at the outlet of the
water treatment plant was numerically solved. The direct problem
was approximated by an implicit point-to-point computation
difference scheme. The inverse problem was formulated as relates to
determination of the parameters of the mathematical model of the
water treatment plant operating in non-equilibrium conditions. The
formulated inverse problem was solved. Following the results of
calculation the time of start of the filter regeneration process was
determined, as well as the period of regeneration process and the
amount of regeneration and wash water. Multi-parameter
optimization of water treatment process for thermal power plants
allowed decreasing the amount of wastewater by 15%.
Abstract: Degradation of agricultural soils has increased rapidly
during the last 20 years due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides
and other anthropogenic activities. Currently, there is an urgent need
of soil restoration to increase agricultural production. Utilization of
sewage sludge or municipal solid waste is an important way to
recycle nutrient elements and improve soil quality. With these
amendments, nutrient availability in the aqueous phase might be
increased and production of healthier crops can be accomplished.
This research project aimed to achieve sustainable management of
tropical agricultural soils, specifically in Puerto Rico, through the
amendment of water treatment plant sludge’s. This practice avoids
landfill disposal of sewage sludge and at the same time results costeffective
practice for recycling solid waste residues. Coriander
sativum was cultivated in a compost-soil-sludge mixture at different
proportions. Results showed that Coriander grown in a mixture of
25% compost+50% Voladora soi+25% sludge had the best growth
and development. High chlorophyll content (33.01 ± 0.8) was
observed in Coriander plants cultivated in 25% compost+62.5%
Coloso soil+ 12.5% sludge compared to plants grown with no sludge
(32.59 ± 0.7). ICP-OES analysis showed variations in mineral
element contents (macro and micronutrients) in coriander plant
grown I soil amended with sludge and compost.