Statistical correlation between enterovirus genome copy numbers and infectious viral particles in wastewater samples

Aims: Classic virological tests are time consuming and labour-intensive; realtime RT-PCR has proven to be a fast method to detect and quantify enterovirus genomes in clinical and environmental samples. This method is unable to discriminate between infective and noninfective enterovirus particles; few clinical studies have compared real-time RT-PCR and viral culture. We wondered if the enterovirus genome quantification could be correlated to the infectivity. Methods and Results: We used the statistical approach to verify our hypotheses to correlate data, obtained by the standard method (most probable number of cytopathic units—MPNCU) and molecular test (real-time RT-PCR), on wastewater treatment plant samples. Chi-squared test was used, considering several cut-off values (‘50’-‘100’-‘200’ genome copy numbers), to determine statistical significance in comparison of the two methods. Chi-square value was not significant when cut-off of 50 (P = 0Æ103) and 100 (P = 0Æ178) was assumed but was significant with cut-off of 200 (P = 0Æ044). Conclusion: This limit, 200 genome copy, could be used as cut-off value to indicate enterovirus survival in environmental monitoring. Significant and Impact of the Study: To introduce a fast procedure that is able to compensate for disadvantages of cell culture method for viral environmental analyses

Durability of Ag-TiO(2) Photocatalysts Assessed for the Degradation of Dichloroacetic Acid

The stability of Ag-TiO(2) photocatalysts was examined for the photocatalytic degradation of dichloroacetic acid (DCA) as a function of the recycling times. The photocatalytic activity was investigated by measuring the rate of H(+) ions released during the photodegradation of DCA and confirmed by measuring the total organic carbon removal. The photodegradation reactions were studied at pH 3 and pH 10 for a series of Ag-TiO(2) photocatalysts as different with Ag loadings. All the Ag-TiO(2) and bare TiO(2) photocatalysts showed a decrease in photocatalytic activity on recycling for the DCA photodegradation reaction. The decrease in activity can be attributed to poisoning of active sites by Cl(-) anions formed during the photocatalytic DCA degradation. The photocatalytic activity was, however, easily recovered by a simple washing technique. The reversibility of the poisoning is taken as evidence to support the idea that the recycling of Ag-P25 TiO(2) photocatalysts does not have a permanent negative effect on their photocatalytic performance for the degradation of DCA. The choice of the preparation procedure for the Ag-TiO2 photocatalysts is shown to be of significant importance for the observed changes in the photocatalytic activity of the Ag-TiO2 particles. Copyright (C) 2008 Victor M. Menendez-Flores et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.Deutscher Akademischer Austausch Dienst (DAAD)Alexander-von-Humboldt-Stiftun

Marketing strategy, social responsibility, and value chain in the agri-food system

The agri-food sector has changed significantly over the years, moving from a simple production system to a more and more industrialized one. For agents/operators involved in this sector, ensuring product quality and environmental externalities has become the key point to gaining a competitive advantage. In this context, corporate social responsibility (CSR) fits perfectly. This study analyzes the influence of CSR practices on the economic performance of a random sample of 130 agri-food companies in Italy. The results of an analysis of multiple linear regression models show that the economic performance (measured through value added and income) of agri-food enterprises seems to be influenced statistically by workplace CSR practices. Analysis of another model, during which we studied the relationship between income and the CSR practices (independent variables), highlights that operating results (economic performance) can be improved by CSR practices regarding the workplace, environment, and local community. Thus, empirical evidence shows that some CSR practices have positive effects on economic performance, with several implications for theory and practice

New Rough Set Approximation Spaces

Rough set theory was introduced by Pawlak in 1982 to handle imprecision, vagueness, and uncertainty in data analysis. Our aim is to generalize rough set theory by introducing concepts of -lower and -upper approximations which depends on the concept of -sets. Also, we study some of their basic properties

Are PEI-coated SWCNTs conjugated with hepatitis A virus? A chemical study with SEM, Z-potential, EDXD and RT-PCR

The conjugation between nanotubes, coated with different doses of polyethylene imine (PEI) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, Z-potential, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray diffraction (EDXD) and reverse transcript polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). For the first time, to our knowledge, evidence is obtained that conjugation between the nanotubes and the HAV occurs and that it has an (at least a partial) electrostatic character. Since all components of the conjugated systems, nanotubes, coating material and virus are characterized by different peak shapes in the selected q range, it was possible to infer that conjugation occurred. RT-PCR measurements confirmed that the conjugation of the coated nanotubes and HAV occurred and the result was stable. This opens up the prospect of probing the coated nanotubes as intra-cellular carriers in transfection processes of the virus. Further biological applications will concern a possible vaccine especially for non-replicative viruses

An Inclusive Playground for Infant and Toddler Development

The purpose of this project was to help children reach more developmental goals and to make outdoor play at the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center more inclusive for all children. Children gain many developmental goals from playing outside and being exposed to other environments as compared to just being inside the classroom. Outdoor play should be as inclusive as indoor play and offer many different activities and outlets, just as the indoor classroom does. The implementation of this service-learning creative project was to add more versatility to the outdoor area at the University of Arkansas Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center and to provide young children with more experiences outside the classroom in an outdoor space. The two outdoor stations that were developed focused on art and music and were under a roof beside the playground. These stations allow children other places to seek out when they do not want to or physically cannot run around on the other structures or want a more one-on-one social connection during outdoor playtime with teachers or peers

An Inclusive Playground for Infant and Toddler Development

The purpose of this project was to help children reach more developmental goals and to make outdoor play at the Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center more inclusive for all children. Children gain many developmental goals from playing outside and being exposed to other environments as compared to just being inside the classroom. Outdoor play should be as inclusive as indoor play and offer many different activities and outlets, just as the indoor classroom does. The implementation of this service-learning creative project was to add more versatility to the outdoor area at the University of Arkansas Jean Tyson Child Development Study Center and to provide young children with more experiences outside the classroom in an outdoor space. The two outdoor stations that were developed focused on art and music and were under a roof beside the playground. These stations allow children other places to seek out when they do not want to or physically cannot run around on the other structures or want a more one-on-one social connection during outdoor playtime with teachers or peers

Verslag van een bezoek aan Curacao ter orientatie over de situatie op het gebied van levensmiddelenwetgeving, -controle en -productie, 3 - 12 november 1987

Om enig inzicht te krijgen in de kwaliteit van levensmiddelen, de wetgeving en de controle en een onderzoekprogramma op te stellen werd van 4 t/m 12 november 1987 een werkbezoek aan Curacao gebracht. Het programma bevatte de volgende onderdelen: kennismaking met de Fundashon pa Konsumido, bezoeken aan diverse levensmiddelen- en non-food produktiebedrijven, het Landslaboratorium, contacten met politici, kennismaking met controlediensten, bezoek aan de Universiteit van de Nederlandse Antillen, bezoek aan supermarkten en een persconferentie ter afsluiting

Intercultural competence among early childhood educators

The purpose of this study was to assess and develop intercultural competence among early childhood educators. Intercultural competence is an integral part of creating a welcoming environment for all students in a classroom. It is not only the acknowledgment of individual differences but the acceptance and celebration of what makes each person an individual and member of a cultural group. This project assessed the intercultural competence of 24 early childhood educators and staff at a child development center in the mid-south. Participants completed the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) as pre- and post-assessments. In between assessments, our team conducted a cultural competence training workshop to advance the educators’ intercultural development skills. Based on the training and conversations with the educators, diversity books and toys were purchased and implemented into the classroom. On average, intercultural competence increased significantly over time. Overall, most educators scored in the Minimization orientation, which is the most common orientation among adults. In order to advance beyond the Minimization orientation to the Acceptance orientation, educators need additional educational opportunities, which may aid them in understanding concepts regarding power and privilege, as well as other crucial differences between cultures