Effects of dissolved oxygen concentrations on a bioaugmented sequencing batch rector treating aniline-laden wastewater: Reactor performance, microbial dynamics and functional genes
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
Authors: Zhang, Qian; Zhang, Wenli; He, Qiulai; Li, Meng; Li, Yao; Huang, Wansong
Abstract
This work compared the efficiencies and internal reasons for aniline removal in a bioaugmented sequencing batch reactor at elevated dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations. Nearly complete aniline removal was achieved while medium DO of 2.65 mg/L was optimal for subsequent nitrogen removal via heterotrophic nitrificationaerobic denitrification. Apart from the highest bacterial diversity richness, favorable DO condition largely enriched putatively aniline degrader, nitrifiers and denitrifiers. Further evidence from qPCR confirmed that moderate DO significantly stimulated the functional genes including aniline degrading gene tad, nitrifying genes amoA, hao, and denitrifying genes nirS and napA, respectively. This study indicates that the significant enrichment of key microorganisms and effective functional genes under optimal DO is the inner mechanism for reliable aniline degradation and subsequent nitrogen removal in the activated sludge reactor.
Crafting an iconic wine: the rise of "cult" Napa
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WINE BUSINESS RESEARCH
Authors: Taplin, Ian M.
Abstract
Purpose - This paper aims to examine the purposive strategy behind the growth of cult wines in Napa California since the 1980s. By leveraging the growing wine reputation of the region, a small number of new owners used extensive financial resources from other ventures to make a finely crafted, high-priced wine, in small quantities and sold through restricted distribution channels. Their aim was to compete with Bordeaux first-growths and create wine that would evoke the luxury connotations of craft, heritage, reputation and exclusivity. Because they were new, they relied upon experts to rate their wine, thus creating instant legitimacy with high scores and appealing to a small group of wealthy wine enthusiasts, many of whom were insecure in their knowledge of high-quality wines. Design/methodology/approach - Semi-structured in-depth interviews with a sample of 13 cult winery owners, wine makers and a CEO were utilized in addition to descriptive statistics and secondary historical information drawn from public records. Findings - Certain Napa producers have created iconic wines through purposeful behavior and extensive resources that are rare and difficult to imitate. Their success is also a function of positive accolades by influential wine critics whose scoring sanctioned their status as a luxury good. High prices and limited availability further manufactured the scarcity element that is crucial to maintaining demand for high-status goods. Originality/ value - This study examines the interface between supply of a product, external validation that legitimized it and a small but significant market of wealthy individuals who created the demand for it. This mosaic behind market creation reveals how successful producers have been in realizing the multidimensionality of luxury goods.