This study is the evaluation of the coagulation efficiency of the aluminum sulfate on the removal of catechol and pyrogallol. The study has focused on the impact of inorganic components of hardness Algerian waters. Jar-test trials were conducted on the two phenolic compounds dissolved in distilled water only, which was later enriched with minerals. Several reaction parameters varied, including the effect of pH and the influence of the salt content, and this approach yielded a better understanding of interaction between phenolic compounds and calcium/magnesium salts. The results indicate that the process efficiency depends on the number and position of OH in molecules. The main mechanisms would be either a physical adsorption, an exchange of ligand, or complexation on the floc surface of aluminum hydroxide. Moreover, the addition of inorganic salts appears to improve removal efficiency of tested phenolic compounds and have an effect on the optimal pH range for coagulation.

This study details the relationship between maternal plasma oxidant-antioxidant enzymes with colostrum quality, serum gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM concentrations of calves in the different calving seasons. Holstein breed cows between two and eight lactations and their calves were enrolled in the study. Holstein cows calving in winter (n=45) and their calves (n=45) were assigned to the winter group, while cows calving in summer (n=45) and their calves (n=45) were assigned to the summer group. Samples for malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were collected on day -21±3 before expected calving and also on calving day (Day 0). IgG and the specific gravity of the colostrum were determined after calving. Serum GGT and IgG and IgM were measured before the feeding, with colostrum, of calves (0 hours) and also in the 24th hour following the feeding of colostrum. Plasma MDA levels at -21±3 and 0 days in the summer cows were determined to be higher. GSH-Px activity was higher in the winter cows. IgG levels and the specific gravity of the colos- trum were also higher in the winter cows. Calf IgG levels at the 24th hour of life were higher in the winter cows. In the winter group, IgM levels at 0 and 24 hours were also higher. While MDA was negatively correlated with IgG, IgM, GGT, IgG and the specific gravity of colostrum, GSH-Px activity had a positive correlation with IgG, IgM, GGT, IgG and the specific gravity of colostrum. The observed differences in plasma MDA, GSH-Px, calf serum IgG and IgM levels, and colostrum quality between both groups suggest a possible seasonal effect. The relationship between maternal oxidant-antioxidant enzymes, colostrum quality, and passive calf immunity revealed that these enzymes could be used as indicators in the evaluation of calf health and colos- trum quality.

The way brain networks maintain high transmission efficiency is believed to be fundamental in understanding brain activity. Brains consisting of more cells render information transmission more reliable and robust to noise. On the other hand, processing information in larger networks requires additional energy. Recent studies suggest that it is complexity, connectivity, and function diversity, rather than just size and the number of neurons, that could favour the evolution of memory, learning, and higher cognition. In this paper, we use Shannon information theory to address transmission efficiency quantitatively. We describe neural networks as communication channels, and then we measure information as mutual information between stimuli and network responses. We employ a probabilistic neuron model based on the approach proposed by Levy and Baxter, which comprises essential qualitative information transfer mechanisms. In this paper, we overview and discuss our previous quantitative results regarding brain-inspired networks, addressing their qualitative consequences in the context of broader literature. It is shown that mutual information is often maximized in a very noisy environment e.g., where only one-third of all input spikes are allowed to pass through noisy synapses and farther into the network. Moreover, we show that inhibitory connections as well as properly displaced long-range connections often significantly improve transmission efficiency. A deep understanding of brain processes in terms of advanced mathematical science plays an important role in the explanation of the nature of brain efficiency. Our results confirm that basic brain components that appear during the evolution process arise to optimise transmission performance.

In 2007, an excavation was undertaken in the supposed place of deposit of the Roman hoard of denarii in the village of Podzamcze (central Poland). In the older literature, the find used to be located in nearby Maciejowice. Coins found in Podzamcze in recent years, and the analysis of the information obtained so far concerning this discovery, allow the assumption that it was Podzamcze where the hoard of denarii discovered in 1875 was found. During the excavation three denarii were recovered below the humus layer: one each of Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. On 9 February 2008, the researchers undertook field prospecting again using metal detectors in the area of excavations conducted before, which resulted in recovering a quarter of another denarius of Commodus. The region of the confluence of the Okrzejka and Vistula rivers is relatively abundant in sites from the period of Roman influence. Sites of the Przeworsk culture are represented here, as well as those of the Wielbark culture, which at stage B2/C1a expanded into west Mazovia. Within this small area we find settlements, burial grounds, and also single items, including Roman coins. The coins are represented mostly by denarii from the second century, typical of Poland. However we also find earlier coins here, i.e. from the first century with an undated Republican denarius, as well as later ones, dating from the third century, represented by a follis of Maximianus Herculius (c 296–297?). In the light of the finds made in this area, the region of the confluence of the Okrzejka and Vistula rivers appears as a rather important local settlement center, which was probably connected with the outside world through various kinds of contacts.