Faecal sludge simulants to aid the development of desludging technologies

This paper presents a review of currently available data from the literature on the undrained shear strength, bulk density, stickiness and debris content of faecal sludge. Those data have been used to develop two different simulants that replicate the full range of shear strengths and densities reported for faecal sludge. Comprehensive specifications are also presented for the debris or solid waste found in latrines to more closely replicate the challenge of pumping faecal sludge. Finally, a design guide has been produced to capture these results and support quantitative performance testing of desludging pumps. The simulants have already been used as part of the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation's Faecal Sludge Omni-Ingestor project and by Water for People's SaniHub in developing improved desludging pumps. The wider use of these simulants could accelerate the development of pit emptying technologies and help standardize the quantitative evaluation of their performance.</jats:p

Characterization of a monoclonal antibody to turnip mosaic virus and its use in immunodiagnosis of infection

Des anticorps monoclonaux spécifiques au virus de la mosaïque du panais (TuMV) ont été produits et utilisés dans un bioessai en sandwich à double anticorps afin de détecter des virus dans des plantes infectées. Un anticorps particulier d'un clone hybridome ayant les caractéristiques recherchées de croissance, de spécificité et de production d'anticorps a été décrit. Cet anticorps a été montré par microscopie électronique immunocytochimique and par immunodétection en point comme réagissant avec une protéine d'enrobage d'un virion. Les conditions procurant une extraction efficace du virus à partir des feuilles ont été étudiées par l'utilisation de l'anticorps dans les étapes de capture et de détection du bioessai en sandwich. Avec un système de tampons d'extraction contenant plusieurs détergents, un essai très sensible a été produit qui détecte des virus de façon fiable dans les plantes infectées. Cet essai est maintenant utilisé de façon routinière pour l'immunodiagnostic des infections causées par le virus de la mosaïque du panais.Monoclonal antibodies specifie for turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) were produced and used in a double antibody sandwich enzyme immunoassay to detect virus in infected plants. One particular antibody from a hybridoma clone having desirable growth, specificity and antibody production properties was characterized in detail. This antibody was shown by immunocytochemical electron microscopy and immunoblotting to react with a virion coat protein. Conditions providing efficient extraction of virus from leaves were investigated by using the antibody in both capture and detection steps of a sandwich immunoassay. With an extraction buffer System containing multiple detergents, a highly sensitive assay was produced that reliably detected virus in infected plants. This assay is now in routine use for immunodiagnosis of turnip mosaic virus infections

Influence of stair descent strategies and step height on centre of mass and gait kinetics in the elderly

Age-associated alterations in balance mechanisms and deteriorations in muscle strength may necessitate alternate stair descent strategies to ensure safe negotiation. The aim of the study was to compare the influence of increased step height and stair negotiation strategies; step-over-step (SoS) and step-by-step (SbS) on gait patterns in the elderly. Eleven elderly participants descended a four step custom built instrumented staircase at a self-selected speed. Participants descended using a SoS or SbS strategy on two step configurations: a rise height of 170mm (STD) and a rise height of 255mm (INC). A 3D motion analysis system synchronised with force platforms embedded into the staircase, was used to capture whole body centre of mass (CoM) velocity, acceleration and kinetic data of the leading limb.Compared to STDSoS, STDSbS resulted in reduced CoM vertical (-0.48m/s vs -0.09m/s) and A/P velocity (0.50m/s vs 0.21m/s) during late stance and swing transition with similar reductions in vertical and A/P velocity in INCSoS vs INCSbS (-0.67m/s vs -0.11m/s and 0.49m/s vs 0.23m/s). INCSoS resulted in increased plantarflexor (1.10Nm/kg vs 1.45Nm/kg) and hip extensor moment (-0.08Nm/kg vs 0.43Nm/kg) compared to STDSoS with no differences seen in SbS strategy. An alternate stair descent strategy offers greater CoM control in the potentially dangerous transition between stance and swing. Concurrently, the tandem double stance period negates the need for increased muscle moments in late stance required to eccentrically control the falling body mass in the traditional SoS strategy. SbS could offer increased CoM control and stability during stair descent

Antioxidants and Wound Healing.

Neutrophils and cytokines present during an inflammatory response produce oxidants, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) or reactive nitrogen species (RNS). These oxidants act as free radicals, a highly reactive species that steal electrons from nearby molecules to satisfy their valence electron needs. The removal of electrons by free radicals produces damage within the healthy cells of tissue. Antioxidants can be used to reduce this oxidative stress and reestablish the necessary environment for wound healing by donating electrons to the free radicals, sparing the damaging effects oxidation causes to other molecules. The standard procedure for administering supplemental antioxidants is through enteral delivery. However, the inflammation and vascular damage experienced with a burn wound produces a notable decrease in the blood profusion to the damaged tissues. In contrast, this research focuses on a topical antioxidant treatment applied directly to the surface of the wound. By applying the gel topically, a higher concentration of antioxidants will be able to permeate the damaged tissue and quench enough free radicals to provide a therapeutic effect. Additionally, the gel developed by this research is comprised of a large percentage of Vitamin E-TPGS. This is a product capable of stabilizing moisture at the wound site; drawing fluid from the moist center and redistributing it to the drier perimeters of the wound. It is hypothesized the need for surgical debridement may decrease as a result of use of this topical application. Antioxidants often referred to in literature discussing nutrition and wound care include the following: Vitamin E, α-Lipoic Acid, Vitamin C, Grape Seed Extract, Coenzyme Q10, Glutathione, and Lutein. These antioxidants were incorporated into a gel formula, using a factorial method, based on their antioxidant potential as evidenced by the existing literature. In order to identify the most effective combination of these antioxidants, one-, two-, three-, four-, and five-component antioxidant gels representing every combination of the test antioxidants were produced. This resulted in a compilation of 35 gels for comparison. Each gel was tested on the basis of viscosity, pH, and antioxidant capacity. Antioxidant capacity was determined using the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Plasma (FRAP) Assay, a spectrophotometric evaluation. A three-antioxidant gel composed of α-Lipoic Acid, Coenzyme Q10, and Mixed Tocopherols (with and without micronized silver) was chosen as the final formulation. The storage stability of the final formulation was then evaluated once per week (over a total of 7 weeks) by measuring changes in pH, viscosity, and FRAP assay. In collaboration with Dr. Joseph Molnar at Wake Forest School of Medicine, an animal model trial will be conducted in the Spring Semester 2013 to determine the viability of the gel in comparison to a negative control and silver sulfadiazine, the current standard treatment protocol

Because you can : a contextual autobiography

This capstone project takes the form of a contextual autobiography and also a booklet that is meant to be used in our community to inspire curiosity and confidence in women\u27s inherent ability to birth un-medicated. I have included an annotated resource section from which I have drawn much of my information/inspiration. I believe that empowered birthing can change women\u27s lives and affect whole communities

Effect of dietary salt levels on the performance of growing-finishing swine

Three feeding trials were conducted utilizing 346 crossbred market hogs from the October 1983, January 1984 and April 1984 farrowings at The University of Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station (Blount Farm), Knoxville, Tennessee to determine the effect of dietary salt on the performance of growing-finishing swine. Consideration was also given to the relationship between vitamin and trace mineral levels and dietary salt in respect to performance. Finishing trial I consisted of 90 crossbred market pigs divided into 3 weight groups with the average pig weight being 145, 170 and 177 pounds. Experimental diets fed contained .5, .3 and .1 percent sodium chloride. No significant differences in performance as measured by average daily gain (ADC) and gain:feed were found throughout the trial. No significant weight group by dietary sodium chloride level interactions were found and pigs fed the .1 level performed as well as the pigs fed the .5 level of sodium chloride. This suggests that dietary sodium chloride can be reduced without affecting performance during the last 6 weeks of the finishing period. Growing-finishing trial II consisted of 112 crossbred market hogs creep fed a .25 percent salt diet and alloted on the finishing floor by an average pig weight of 100 pounds. Experimental diets consisted of 2 level of salt and 2 levels of vitamin trace mineral premix .2, .35, .5 and .75 percent respectively. Average daily gain (ADC) during the first 42 days was significantly (P \u3c .01) improved when .35 percent sodium chloride was added. However, this difference was not maintained throughout the trial as performance was similar at the termination of the experiment. This tends to indicate that during the early part of the finishing period .2 percent salt was inadequate to support maximum growth, but during the remainder of the period pigs were able to compensate and overcome the earlier growth depression. Feed: gain was similar but pigs receiving .2 percent salt tended to require slightly more feed than those pigs receiving .35 percent salt. The main effect of vitamin trace mineral level suggested the average daily gain (ADG) was significantly (P \u3c .01) improved by adding 150 per cent of the NRC requirement levels of vitamin and trace minerals at both 42 days of the experiment and over the entire finishing period. There was a significant (P \u3c .05) interaction between level of sodium chloride and vitamin trace mineral level in this study. Pigs receiving the .2 percent level of salt performed significantly better (P \u3c .05) when they received the higher level of vitamin trace mineral both at 42 days and over the entire experiment. Whereas, pigs receiving .35 percent sodium chloride did not benefit by the addition of higher levels of vitamins and trace minerals either at 42 days or over the entire trial period. Feed:gain values were similar but indicated no beneficial effect of adding higher vitamin trace mineral levels when the diet contained .35 percent salt. These results suggest a critical balance exists between level of dietary sodium chloride and the level of vitamin trace mineral in the diet. When salt levels are marginal or barely adequate higher levels of vitamin trace mineral are important, whereas when higher levels of salt are fed no benefit is evident from the addition of additional vitamin trace minerals. Growing trial III consisted of 144 crossbred market pigs grouped by litter in the farrowing barn. Pigs were creep fed diets containing 2 levels of salt and 2 levels of potassium chloride .5, 2.5, .196 and .333 percent respectively. Average daily gains (ADC) were similar but tended to improve when potassium chloride was added to diets containing .25 percent salt. Results related to creep feed consumption per pig were not significantly different but would suggest that pigs which received .25, percent sodium chloride in the diet required more feed than pigs fed .5 percent salt or in potassium chloride supplemented .25 percent salt diets. These results suggest lower salt levels than .5 percent can be utilized but additional potassium chloride may improve pig performance. Further research is need to delineate the relationships between sodium and potassium in diets of nursing pigs

The importance of constraining regional exhumation in basin modelling: A hydrocarbon maturation history of the Ghadames Basin, North Africa

Estimation of eroded overburden at unconformities is essential to accurately constrain burial histories and predict the timing of hydrocarbon maturation. In the Ghadames Basin, three independent techniques, palaeo-isopach construction, sonic velocity and vitrinite reflectance analysis, were employed. The resultant basin model suggests that only the two most significant unconformities, the Hercynian (Late Carboniferous) and Alpine (early Eocene), have a major control on timing of hydrocarbon charge. Modelling indicates only one period of generation from the Lower Silurian shales on the western margin of the basin, with 95% hydrocarbon generation prior to Hercynian exhumation. The central basin and southern margin experienced maximum burial during Eocene time. The Middle-Upper Devonian mudstones are the main source rocks and they did not generate significant volumes of hydrocarbons over the basin centre until Cretaceous time; they are currently within the peak oil generation zone. In Libya, on the eastern/northeastern flank of the basin, results indicate Cenozoic maximum burial, followed by up to 2000 m of Alpine exhumation. The magnitude of this exhumation has not been recognized previously, although it is a critical component of the basin model as it has a major impact on potential hydrocarbon charge in this area. Maturation models predict that the Lower Silurian source underwent two generative phases: (1) pre-Hercynian (Carboniferous) generation; and, significantly, (2) post-Hercynian (Late Jurassic-Cenozoic) generation. The identification of late hydrocarbon generation offers potential for oil and gas to migrate into post-Hercynian traps. Over the western, northern and eastern flanks, the Devonian source rocks remain immature/ marginally mature at present day. © 2007 EAGE/Geological Society of London

Petroleum generation and migration in the Ghadames Basin, north Africa: A two-dimensional basin-modeling study

The Ghadames Basin contains important oil- and gas-producing reservoirs distributed across Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya. Regional two-dimensional (2-D) modeling, using data from more than 30 wells, has been undertaken to assess the timing and distribution of hydrocarbon generation in the basin. Four potential petroleum systems have been identified: (1) a Middle-Upper Devonian (Frasnian) and Triassic (Triassic Argilo Gréseux Inférieur [TAG-I]) system in the central-western basin; (2) a Lower Silurian (Tannezuft) and Triassic (TAG-I) system to the far west; (3) a Lower Silurian (Tannezuft) and Upper Silurian (Acacus) system in the eastern and northeastern margins; and (4) a Lower Silurian (Tanezzuft) and Middle-Upper Devonian (Frasnian) system to the east-southeast. The Lower Silurian Tanezzuft source rock underwent two main phases of hydrocarbon generation. The first phase occurred during the Carboniferous, and the second started during the Cretaceous, generating most hydrocarbons in the eastern (Libyan) basin. The Frasnian shales underwent an initial, minor generative phase in the central depression during the Carboniferous. However, the main generation occurred during the Late Jurassic-Cenozoic in the western and central depression. The Frasnian shales are currently only marginally mature in the eastern part of the basin. Modeling indicates that the Alpine (Eocene) exhumation of the eastern (Libyan) basin margin had a significant control on the timing of hydrocarbon generation from the Lower Silurian source rock. The preferred burial-history model calibrates source rock maturity data by incorporating late exhumation and reduced subsidence prior to the Hercynian (Carboniferous) orogeny. As a result, the Tannezuft shales preserve their generative potential into the Mesozoic-Cenozoic, with renewed hydrocarbon generation during subsequent reburial, which can migrate to post-Hercynian. (Carboniferous) traps, hence favoring the preservation of hydrocarbon accumulations. Copyright © 2008. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists. All rights reserved

A potential intellectual property issue with the way in which some nomenclature code decisions are made

This article examines the legal status of nomenclature codes and their application to denomination in certain forms of intellectual property, in particular plant breeder's rights and patents for micro-organisms. Its objective is to show how rigidity and the absence of appeals against nomenclature decisions can have adverse effects on the rights and even earning potential of applicants

Case management and Think First completion

“The final, definitive version of this article has been published in the Journal, Probation Journal, Vol 53 Issue 3, 2006, Copyright The Trade Union and Professional Association for Family Court and Probation Staff, by SAGE Publications Ltd at: http://prb.sagepub.com/ " DOI: 10.1177/0264550506066771This article considers the findings of a small-scale study of the practice of case managers supervising offenders required to attend the Think First Group. It explores the interface between one-to-one and group-based work within multi-modal programmes of supervision and seeks to identify those practices that support individuals in completing a group.Peer reviewe