bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organization of Production Systems with the Use of Digital Factory Tools
Authors: Plinta Dariusz
Published: May 2018

Contemporary production enterprises operate in conditions, which demand continuous improvement of their activity. Therefore, organization and optimization of the realized production processes becomes a more essential problem. That is why it is necessary to use different modern methods and tools aiding production. The digital factory tools can be an effective basis for improving of production systems. Thanks to computer simulation of virtual production systems it is possible to check if the modeled future solution (improvement of the present production system) fulfils the defined requirements. However, it make possible to find the best improvement variant of the analyzed system in a quicker way.
A Practical Map Needs Direct Visual Odometry
Authors: Chen Zonghai
Published: May 2018

Visual odometry (VO) is the process of estimating the ego-motion of an agent sequentially (e.g. vehicle, human, and robot) using only the input of single or multiple cameras attached to it. VO plays an important role in Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), which has been widely applied in many fields. The development of VO would greatly promote the transition of visual mapping and navigation to the industry. This paper focuses on direct methods and aims to summarize recent direct algorithms from technical views. Image representation and frame matching strategy are the two key components of VO. This paper is organized based on these two aspects. A qualitative analysis of existing work is then presented. This paper simultaneously serves as a position and tutorial paper.
El discurso del «otro» Amazónico o andino frente al discurso del poder
Authors: Portilla Durand Luisa
Published: May 2018

La investigación presenta el estudio crítico del discurso periodístico peruano relacionado con las problemáticas que han afrontado y afrontan las poblaciones amazónicas y andinas del Perú. Del corpus, recopilado de diarios de circulación nacional, se analizan las noticias que tratan acerca de acontecimientos que han generado manifestaciones de rechazo tanto por parte de los grupos de poder como por parte de las poblaciones amazónicas y andinas. El análisis hace explícito el flagrante atentado contra los derechos en los territorios amazónicos y andinos del Perú.
Melville y Grau: Navegaciones paralelas
Authors: Vivar Mendoza Aldo
Published: May 2018

El presente texto repasa las experiencias marinas de dos eminentes personajes: Herman Melville, escritor norteamericano, y Miguel Grau, marino peruano. En ellos, el Océano Pacífico dejó huellas indelebles en sus vidas y en sus obras.
Todos contra Ernesto
Authors: Valenzuela Rodríguez Germán
Published: May 2018

.
There Is Only One Fourier Transform
Authors: Fischer Jens V.
Published: May 2018

Four Fourier transforms are usually defined, the Integral Fourier transform, the Discrete-Time Fourier transform (DTFT), the Discrete Fourier transform (DFT) and the Integral Fourier transform for periodic functions. However, starting from their definitions, we show that all four Fourier transforms can be reduced to actually only one Fourier transform, the Fourier transform in the distributional sense.
Crotoxin-Treated Macrophages Stimulate ROS Production and Killing Activity in Co-Cultured Neutrophils
Authors: Begliomini Bruno De-Oliveira Renata , Emi Kato Ellen , Soares de Lima Tatiane , Alba-Loureiro Tatiana Carolina , Curi Rui , Cirillo Maria Cristina , Sampaio Sandra Coccuzzo
Published: May 2018

Crotoxin (CTX), the predominant toxin in Crotalus durissus terrificus snake venom (CdtV), has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Despite its inhibitory action on neutrophil migration and phagocytosis, CTX does not directly affect the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the neutrophils. In contrast, it enhances the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen intermediates by macrophages. Given the importance of macrophage-neutrophil interactions in innate antimicrobial defense, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CTX on neutrophil ROS production and killing activity, either through CTX-treated macrophage co-culture or conditioned medium of CTX-treated macrophages. The results showed an important modulatory action of CTX on the neutrophil function as well as neutrophil-macrophage interactions, as demonstrated by the increased production of hydrogen peroxide, hypochlorous acid, nitric oxide and TNF-α, along with the increased fungicidal activity of neutrophils.
Small Scale Hydropower as a Resources of Renewable Energy in Mozambique: Case of Chua River in Manica
Authors: Uamusse Miguel
Published: May 2018

All hydropower project type requires an ample availability of stream flow data. Unfortunately most of the hydropower projects especially small hydropower projects are conducted on ungauged river and consequently hydrologists have for a longtime used stream flow estimation methods using the mean annual flows to gauge rivers. Unfortunately flow estimation methods which include the runoff data method, area ratio method and the correlation flow methods employ a lot of assumptions which affect their uncertainty. Although hydropower energy is one of most promising clean energy technologies available, it has potential drawbacks as compared with various other forms of renewable energy, such as biomass, solar and wind energy, due in particular to it high capital investment costs. For most of the rural population in Mozambique, access to conversional energy in the form of electricity is limited. The aim of the present investigation was to analyze the functions of the Chua micro-hydropower plant in the Manica district in Mozambique and to examine the possibility of increasing energy production there. The total power generation capacity currently installed in Mozambique is about 939 MW. Hydropower accounts for 561 MW or 61% of this, oil and natural gas in turn, for 27% and 12% of it, respectively.
Snow Level Characteristics and Impacts of a Spring Typhoon-originating Atmospheric River in the Sierra Nevada, USA
Authors: Hatchett Benjamin
Published: May 2018

On 5-7 April 2018 a landfalling atmospheric river resulted in widespread heavy precipitation in the Sierra Nevada of California and Nevada. Observed snow levels during this event were among the highest snow levels recorded since observations began in 2002 and exceeded 2.75 km for 31 hours in the northern Sierra Nevada and 3.75 km for 12 hours in the southern Sierra Nevada. The anomalously high snow levels and over 80 mm of precipitation caused flooding, debris flows, and wet snow avalanches in the upper elevations of the Sierra Nevada. The origin of this atmospheric river was super typhoon Jelawat, whose moisture remnants were entrained and maintained by an extratropical cyclone in the northeast Pacific. This event was notable due to its April occurrence, as six other typhoon remnants that caused heavy precipitation with high snow levels (mean = 2.92 km) in the northern Sierra Nevada all occurred during October.
A Study on the Improvement of Thermal Energy Efficiency for District Thermal Energy Consumer Facility based on Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Kim Young-gon , Heo Keol , You Ga-Eun , Lim Hyun-Seo , Choi Jung-In , Eom Jae-Sik
Published: May 2018

This paper presents a study on the thermal efficiency improvement of the user equipment room in the district heating system based on reinforcement learning [1], and suggests a general method of constructing a learning network(DQN)[2] using deep Q learning[3], which is a reinforcement learning algorithm that does not specify a model. In addition, we introduce the big data platform system and the integrated heat management system for the energy field in the massive data processing from the IoT sensor installed in large number of thermal energy control facilities.
Current and Future Molecular Testing in NSCLC, What Can We Expect from New Sequencing Technologies?
Authors: Garinet Simon , Laurent-Puig Pierre , Blons Hélène , Oudart Jean Baptiste
Published: May 2018

Recent changes in lung cancer care, including new approvals in first line and the introduction of high throughput molecular technologies in routine testing led us to question ourselves on how deeper molecular testing may be helpful for the optimal use of targeted drugs. In this article we review recent results in the scope of personalized medicine in lung cancer. We discuss biomarkers that have a therapeutic predictive value in lung cancer with a focus on recent changes and on the clinical value of large scale sequencing strategies. We review the use of second and third generation EGFR and ALK inhibitors with a focus on secondary resistance alterations. We discuss anti-BRAF and anti-MEK combo, emerging biomarkers as NRG1 and NTRKs fusions and immunotherapy. Finally we discuss the different technical issues of comprehensive molecular profiling and show how large screenings might refine the prediction value of individual markers. Based on a review of recent publications (2012–2018), we address promising approaches for the treatment of patients with lung cancers and the technical challenges associated to the identification of new predictive markers.
An Evaluation of Forest Health Insect and Disease Survey Data and Satellite-Based Remote Sensing Forest Change Detection Methods: Case Studies in the United States
Authors: Housman Ian , Chastain Robert , Finco Mark
Published: May 2018

The Operational Remote Sensing (ORS) program leverages Landsat and MODIS data to detect forest disturbances across the conterminous United States (CONUS). The ORS program was initiated in 2014 as a collaboration between the US Department of Agriculture Forest Service Geospatial Technology and Applications Center (GTAC) and the Forest Health Assessment and Applied Sciences Team (FHAAST). The goal of the ORS program is to supplement the Insect and Disease Survey (IDS) and MODIS Real-Time Forest Disturbance (RTFD) programs with imagery-derived forest disturbance data that can be used to augment traditional IDS data. We developed three algorithms and produced ORS forest change products using both Landsat and MODIS data. These were assessed over Southern New England and the Rio Grande National Forest. Reference data were acquired using TimeSync to conduct an independent accuracy assessment of IDS, RTFD, and ORS products. Overall accuracy for all products ranged from 77.64% to 93.51% (kappa 0.09–0.59) in the Southern New England study area and 59.57% to 79.57% (kappa 0.09–0.45) in the Rio Grande National Forest study area. In general, ORS products met or exceeded the overall accuracy and kappa of IDS and RTFD products. This demonstrates the current implementation of ORS is sufficient to provide data to augment IDS data.
INOVASI PEMBELAJARAN
Authors: Haryanto Dini Putri
Published: May 2018

Innovation is needed to solve many kinds of problem in human life. Monotony or boredom can be also avoided by creative and innovative ways of doing things. This article describes the importance of innovation in instructional strategies. Four examples of innovation in instructional strategy at school and one example in improving the community welfare are presented and analysed. The article concludes that to succeed the implementation of an innovation, a set of procedures in difusing should be followed properly.
PENYUSUNAN PAKET PELATIHAN PENGEMBANGAN KECERDASAN INTRAPERSONAL UNTUK MAHASISWA
Authors: Sukawati Rina
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this research was to develop training package for intrapersonal intelligence development for the students of Educational Technology Department, School of Education, State University of Jakarta. The package was develop by employing Instructional Development Model. The research resulted in training package for intrapersonal intelligence development for the university students which is expected to be applicable or adjustable for trainings and the other universities for the similar purposes. A set of recommendation is given in using this package to be effective and efficient.
TRANSPARANSI PENDIDIKAN NASIONAL DALAM MENINGKATKAN HASRAT BELAJAR DAN KECERDASAN BANGSA
Authors: Napitupulu Washington P.
Published: May 2018

National education transparency refers to periodic report that is honest about result reached in every education program. With the existence of the report, public can participate more actively and education program can take place better. The strong learning interest from public needs to be triggered and enhanced and is performed to build and develop learningteaching society. If the transparency has been established, learning interest can be accelerated and the Indonesian people will become smart. Education is carried out by empowering society. Therefore there will be mutual complementary cooperation between government and society.
MENYELARASKAN ARAH PEMBANGUNAN PENDIDIKAN KHUSUS DI INDONESIA
Authors: Bintoro Totok
Published: May 2018

This article is of the opinion that quality improvement of Special Education in Indonesia is slow due to ( a) perception of public and the Government assuming that education of students with special needs is less important, ( b) wrong perception about Special Education regarding special education is for handicapped children only,( c) incorrect orientation in the education management which gives priority to intellectuality aspect, ( d) management of Special Education by segregation , ( e) policy in the management of national education using approach of education production function or input-output analysis which is not executed consequently, ( f) management of education is executed in bureaucratic centralization ( g) education service paying less attention to individual requirement of students, and ( h) human resource in Special Education still has to be improved. After analyzing the existing conditions critically from various aspects, this article provides a set of recommendations, mostly concerning with policy at national and regional levels.
The Turkish Adaptation Study of the Gamification User Types Hexad Scale
Authors: Akgün Özcan Erkan , Topal Murat
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study is
to adapt the Gamification User Types Hexad Scale (GUTHS)
developed by Tondello et al. (2016) into the Turkish context. The original
scale consists of six dimensions, each of which has four items. The dimensions
— and the user types that they refer to — are “Free spirit,” “Socializer,”
“Achiever,” “Philanthropist,” “Player,” and “Disruptor.” It is the motive of
this study that identifying and studying these user types may prove useful for
understanding the effects of gamification dynamics and mechanics and assist in
designing specific gamification techniques corresponding to each user type. The
adaptation of the instrument began with translation, continued with an
examination of the linguistic equivalence, and finalized with analyses of
validity and reliability. The scale items were initially translated by the
researchers. The translation was examined by seven experts with good English
proficiency to finalize the Turkish version. To verify the linguistic
equivalence, both the Turkish and English versions were then administered to 30
English Language Education (ELE) students. The correlation findings showed a
high degree of correlation between the Turkish and English versions. Next, the
Turkish version was administered to 452 university students studying at the
Faculty of Education, Sakarya University, to check its validity and
reliability. The results obtained from a confirmatory factor analysis and the
reliability analysis indicate that the Turkish version of the scale is valid
and reliable. It is recommended to use the translated scale in research
especially on determining the effects of factors related to user types and on
designing more affective gamification strategies.
Evaluating the Nasal Cytology in Acute Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Moskowitz Juliana R , Shaia Jacqueline K , Schwebach James R
Published: May 2018

Rhinitis has been found to have profound direct and indirect negative effects on business including costs attributed to loss of productivity and the amount of over the counter medications consumed. Several other studies have examined the immune system’s response in immunocompromised patients by using nasal cytology. This study focused on nasal cytology for a common illness such as acute rhinosinusitis (ARS), in otherwise healthy individuals. Most studies have used nasal cytology to analyze immunocompromised patients, however, this study considers otherwise healthy patients in order to better understand the basic immune response. This study aimed to examine the relationship between neutrophil frequencies found over the course of ARS and symptom severity experienced by subjects. Nasal smears were obtained from subjects at days five, nine, and fourteen of their ARS symptoms. A published symptom survey for ARS was given to participants to provide a qualifying score, signifying a high enough level of symptoms for this study. This survey monitored both emotional and physical symptoms throughout the fourteen-day illness period. Nasal smears were obtained on each visit and stained to observe the different cells present. Wilcoxon Sum Rank Tests were found to be significant between all symptom score visits 1,2, and 3 (p<0.05). The average neutrophil counts between all the visits were not significant (p>0.05). Less than ten percent of eosinophils were present in 88.89 percent of subjects. 55.5 percent of subjects did follow an increased amount of neutrophils over the course of their illness. This study reinforces the use of nasal cytology by obtaining nasal smears to demonstrate how neutrophil frequencies change with symptom severity.
In vitro delivery accuracy of Computer Controlled Infusion Pump (CCIP) software linked to an Alaris® GH syringe pump for propofol target-controlled infusion in dogs
Authors: CUNIBERTI BARBARA , HUUSKONEN VILHELMIINA , HUGHES J.M. LYNNE
Published: May 2018

We calculated the in vitro delivery accuracy of a computer software (CCIP) linked to an Alaris® GH syringe pump to deliver propofol by target-controlled infusion in dogs. This was studied by simulating an infusion of propofol at two target concentrations (2 and 6 g ml-1) in a 6 and 22 kg dog, each for 10, 60 and 240 minutes in a crossover design. Each infusion was replicated three times (36 infusions). The total volume of propofol delivered at the end of each infusion was measured using a high precision scales and compared with the volume predicted by the software and that displayed by the syringe driver. Median prediction error (MDPE), median absolute performance error (MDAPE), divergence and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were calculated as indexes of bias, accuracy, time-related changes in accuracy and reliability, respectively. The ranges of MDPA and MDAPE for all the infusions were -2.08 – 4.28% and 1.85 – 4.28%. respectively and the median (95% CI) was -1.75% (-1.84 – 1.02%) and 2.18% (2.23 – 4.13%), respectively. The divergence was 0.010 ± 0.004% h-1. The ICC was 1.00% (0.99-1.00%; P<0.0001). The volume of propofol infused by the CCIP linked to an Alaris® GH syringe pump is accurate and has a small tendency to overestimate the real volume delivered. The prediction error fell in the ± 5% range of delivery performance considered clinically acceptable. The performance of the CCIP ameliorates with time and the error will decrease for long infusions, reducing the risk of administering an excessive dose of propofol and increasing the safety of CCIP. The CCIP had also an excellent index of reliability for all the targets, animal body weight and length of infusions tested. In conclusion, CCIP linked to an Alaris® GH syringe pump is precise, reliable and suitable for clinical practice. .
A Computer Simulation of Water Quality Change Due to Dredging of Heavy Metals Contaminated Sediments in the Old Harbour of Montreal
Authors: Degtiareva Antonina , Elektorowicz Maria
Published: May 2018

Aquatic sediments accumulate heavy metals that are discharged into the environment. This study investigates possible water quality changes due to release of heavy metals such as Cd, Ni, Zn and Pb into the water column during dredging of anoxic sediments in the Old Harbour of Montreal. An environmental impact assessment of the sediment removal requires estimating the speciation of heavy metals in the water column with and without the solid phase. Chemical equilibria in the St. Lawrence River water are calculated using the program EQUILIB from the software FACT. Results show that the water is oversaturated with respect to CaMg(CO3)2 and Fe(OH)3. It is speculated that (ZnO)(Fe2O3) and (NiO)(Fe2O3) control the solubility of Zn and Ni in the water. The speciation of heavy metals in pore water of anoxic sediments is calculated, taking into account that the corresponding sulfides are solid phases and control their solubility. The impact of various scenarios on the area of concern is reviewed from an ecotoxicological perspective. Dredging might change the redox and acid-base conditions in the water column. Dredging can lead to an increase in the concentration of heavy metals in the water column and a change of metal speciation, but its impact will be less visible if the sediments contain high levels of calcium acting as a buffer.
Removal of Arsenic in Drinking Water by Iron Oxide-Coated Sand and Ferrihydrite — Batch Studies
Authors: Thirunavukkarasu O.S. , Viraraghavan T. , Subramanian K.S.
Published: May 2018

Arsenic, a common toxic element is mainly transported in the environment by water. Arsenic in drinking water is of major concern to many of the water utilities in the world. Numerous studies have examined the removal of arsenic from drinking water through treatment processes such as coagulation-precipitation, reverse osmosis and ion exchange. The focus of research has now shifted to solve the problems using suitable adsorbents to achieve low level As in drinking water for communities with high raw water arsenic concentration. The determination of arsenic species is also essential for a better understanding and prediction of the toxic and carcinogenic nature of the species present in natural water systems. It is generally known that As(III) is more toxic than As(V) and inorganic arsenicals are more toxic than organic derivatives. The objective of this study was to study the arsenic adsorption behaviour on iron oxide-coated sand (IOCS) and ferrihydrite (FH). Batch studies were conducted using these adsorbents with natural water containing 325 μg/L arsenic, and the removal of approximately 90% was obtained. The adsorption capacity of the IOCS and FH used in this study for arsenic was estimated as 18.3 and 285 μg/g, respectively. The experimental data fitted well with the well-known isotherms, namely, Freundlich, Langmuir and BET, indicating a favourable adsorption by these adsorbents. Speciation studies were also conducted with natural water containing arsenic. Particulate and soluble arsenic in water were determined, and As(III) in the sample was determined by passing the sample containing arsenic through anion exchange resin (Dowex 1X8-100; acetate form) packed in the column. Speciation studies with natural water showed that the particulate and soluble arsenic contributed 11.4 and 88.6% of the total arsenic present in the natural water, respectively. In the case of soluble arsenic, As(III) and As(V) were 47.3 and 52.7%, respectively.
Promoting the Biological Oxidation of Reduced Sulphur Compounds by pH Adjustment in a High Temperature Membrane Bioreactor Treating Kraft Pulp Mill Foul Condensate
Authors: Bérubé Pierre R. , Hall Eric R.
Published: May 2018

Over 99% of the reduced sulphur compounds (RSC) contained in a synthetic foul evaporator condensate were removed during treatment using a high temperature membrane bioreactor (MBR). At a neutral pH, the removal of the RSC was entirely due to stripping by the aeration system. It was possible to reduce the amount of RSC that was stripped to the atmosphere by promoting the biological oxidation of RSC through pH adjustment. A pH of less than approximately 4.5 was required to establish biological oxidation of RSC in the MBR. However, even at a pH of 3, which has been reported by others to be the optimal pH for the growth of thermophilic sulphur-oxidizing microorganisms, biological oxidation accounted for only approximately 50% of the RSC removed during treatment. The removal of the remaining 50% of the RSC removed during treatment was still due to stripping by the aeration system. The results further suggested that the long-term stability of a high temperature MBR operated at a low pH is questionable. In addition, the biological oxidation of methanol, which is considered to be the primary contaminant of concern contained in evaporator condensate, was significantly inhibited at a pH of less than approximately 4.5. Consequently, the simultaneous biological removal of methanol and RSC from foul evaporator condensate using a high temperature MBR was concluded to be impractical.
Acute Toxicity of Monochloramine to Juvenile Chinook Salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha Walbaum) and Ceriodaphnia dubia
Authors: Farrell Anthony P. , Kennedy Christopher , Cheng Winnie , Lemke M. Anna
Published: May 2018

A comprehensive data set for the acute toxicity of monochloramine to juvenile chinook salmon, Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, and the aquatic invertebrate Ceriodaphnia dubia are presented. For exposures up to 10 days, the equation LC50 = 7244t-0.4525 (where LC50 = monochloramine concentration in μg/L for 50% lethality and t = time in minutes) can predict the LC50 value for monochloramine in juvenile chinook salmon and accounts for 94.4% of the variability in the experimental data. Predictions of acute toxicity were less reliable for concentrations in the range 0.5 mg/L to 0.8 mg/L since the time to 50% mortality (LT50) value varied substantially in this range. Post-exposure mortality occurred only with exposures of >0.67 mg/L monochloramine. Feeding fish immediately before and during acute monochloramine exposure created a large chloramine demand in test chambers. In all tests where fish were fed, measured monochloramine concentrations were below detectable levels (<10 μg/L) and no fish mortality occurred.

Monochloramine toxicity to the freshwater invertebrate Ceriodaphnia dubia was studied with time-to-lethality tests at 26 different concentrations. The equation LC50 = 61600t-1.0748 predicted the LC50 value for monochloramine in C. dubia and accounted for 94.8% of the variability in the experimental data.

The mathematical equations that describe the LC50 for juvenile chinook salmon and C. dubia were used as reference lines for the evaluation of relative monochloramine toxicity. Both juvenile chinook salmon and C. dubia were among the most sensitive fish and aquatic invertebrate species, respectively, C. dubia being more sensitive than juvenile chinook salmon for exposure durations >30 minutes.
An Overview of Testing Procedures and Approaches for Identifying Endocrine Disrupting Substances
Authors: Parrott Joanne , Wade Michael , Timm Gary , Brown Scott
Published: May 2018

Concern over the potential effects of exposure to endocrine disrupting substances (EDS) has resulted in recommendations for the development of specific endocrine and reproductive tests for assessment and regulation of industrial chemicals and effluents. This document consolidates and summarizes the current approaches taken by international agencies and scientific organizations for testing and screening EDS in mammals and wildlife. The material has been gathered from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development meeting reports, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Endocrine Disruptor Screening and Testing Advisory Committee and Endocrine Disruptor Screening Program reports, and summaries of various meetings prepared by Canadian and U.S. representatives. There are commonalties between programs of individual countries and the international scientific groups in which they participate. In general, these international scientific organizations have envisioned tiered groups of tests. The first tier is composed of less complex tests and short-term assays (acute exposures) that are very responsive to EDS (and have a low 'false-negative' rate). Higher tiers contain longer tests encompassing partial and full lifecycles of organisms with assessment of functional reproductive and developmental endpoints. Compounds are less expensively screened in the first tier, and move on to more complex and expensive higher-tier tests only if necessary. We document the proposed EDS tests in mammals and wildlife (birds, fish, amphibians and invertebrates) and overview the European Union's approach to EDS research, monitoring and risk assessment. We conclude with a summary of the main recommendations from Canada's interagency workshop to develop priorities and proposed actions for EDS.
Uncertainties Associated with Assessing the Risk of an Endocrine Active Substance in the Canadian Environment
Authors: Servos Mark , Bennie Don , Burnison Kent , Cureton Philippa , Davidson Nicol , Rawn Thea
Published: May 2018

A number of biological responses and multigenerational effects, mediated through the disruption of endocrine systems, have been observed in biota exposed to relatively low concentrations of environmental contaminants. These types of responses need to be considered within a weight of evidence approach in our risk assessment and risk management frameworks. However, including endocrine responses in an environmental risk assessment introduces a number of uncertainties that must be considered. A risk assessment of nonylphenol and nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NP/NPE) is used as a case study to demonstrate the sources and magnitude of some of the uncertainties associated with using endocrine disruption as an assessment endpoint. Even with this relatively well studied group of substances, there are substantial knowledge gaps which contribute to the overall uncertainties, limiting the interpretation within the risk assessment. The uncertainty of extrapolating from in vitro or biochemical responses to higher levels of organization or across species is not well understood. The endocrine system is very complex and chemicals can interact or interfere with the normal function of endocrine systems in a number of ways (e.g., receptors, hormones) which may or may not result in an adverse responses in the whole organism. Using endocrine responses can lead to different conclusions than traditional endpoints due to a variety of factors, such as differences in relative potencies of chemicals for specific endpoints (e.g., receptor binding versus chronic toxicity). The uncertainties can also be considerably larger and the desirability of using endocrine endpoints should be carefully evaluated. Endocrine disruption is a mode of action and not a functional endpoint and this needs to be considered carefully in the problem formulation stage and the interpretation of the weight of evidence.
Contaminated Sediment Remediation in the Laurentian Great Lakes: an Overview
Authors: Zarull Michael A. , Hartig John H. , Krantzberg Gail
Published: May 2018

Sediment contaminated with metals, persistent organic pollutants, nutrients and oxygen consuming substances can be found in many areas throughout the Great Lakes. However, the highest levels of sediment-associated contaminants and some of the worst manifestations of their resultant problems are found in the urban-industrial harbours, embayments and river mouths. Management options may include source control and natural recovery, removal and containment in a confined disposal facility or upland containment cell, removal and treatment, and in situ capping or treatment. Over the past 13 years (as of January 2000), over $580 million (U.S. and Canadian dollars combined) has been spent on 38 remediation projects in 19 separate areas. Not only have substantial resources been spent on sediment remediation, but the rate of expenditure has increased in recent years. In addition, substantially greater resources have been spent on pollution prevention and control of contaminants at their source as a prerequisite to sediment remediation. While most of the remediation has taken place as a result of regulatory actions, some has been the result of cooperative partnerships, demonstration projects and unilateral voluntary actions. In the future, cooperative agreements may be expected to play a greater role in resolving contaminated sediment problems.
A Review of the Microtox® Toxicity Test System for Assessing the Toxicity of Sediments and Soils
Authors: Doherty Francis G.
Published: May 2018

Use of Microtox for screening sediment or soil samples from contaminated systems either alone or in combination with a battery of other tests is supported by an ever-increasing number of comparative studies demonstrating its utility, sensitivity, rapidity and affordability. Organic solvent extracts and direct solidphase material provide an assessment of the potential toxicity exerted by both dissolved and bound contaminants. In contrast, tests utilizing pore water or elutriates may be limited to assessing the contribution of dissolved contaminants only. Each approach is limited in the scope of its applications. The apparent toxicity of elutriates can be a function of extraction solvent and overall procedure. The apparent toxicity of solid-phase samples is influenced by sample color and composition — more specifically, the ratio of clay to silt. However, in general, the results obtained through in laboratory testing with the Microtox test system are often consistent with the results of both sediment invertebrate in laboratory toxicity tests and macroinvertebrate field surveys. There is also evidence that toxicity assessments obtained with the Microtox test system are related to analytically derived concentrations of certain classes of contaminants.
Farm Well Water Quality in Alberta
Authors: Fitzgerald Darcy , Chanasyk David S. , Neilson R. David , Kiely Dave , Audette Robert
Published: May 2018

On-farm groundwater supplies in Alberta were evaluated for chemical (routine chemistry, trace metals), herbicides and microbiological (total and fecal coliforms) parameters to determine the suitability of domestic drinking water usage based on the Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality (GCDWQ). The sampling program was conducted between May and October of 1995 and 1996. Thirty-two percent of the 816 farm water wells surveyed (depth range 2 to 284 m) exceeded the GCDWQ for maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) or interim maximum acceptable concentration (IMAC) of at least one parameter. In addition, the water from 92% of the sites exceeded the GCDWQ for at least one of the aesthetic objectives (AO). The chemicals were ranked from most to least frequently exceeding the GCDWQ MAC, in the following order: F >> NO3 −N + NO2−N > As > Se > Pb > B > U > Cr (13, 6, 3, 3, 2, 0.9, 0.4 and 0.2% of all samples, respectively). The parameters ranked from most to least frequently, exceeding the AO, in the following order: TDS > Na > Fe > Mn > pH > SO4 > Cl > Al > Zn > Cu (85, 64, 36, 34, 23, 19, 6, 2, 1 and 0.1 % of the samples, respectively). The majority of the higher concentrations of most inorganic parameters are due to natural geological conditions defined by source aquifer mineralogy. The effects of primary agriculture are likely limited to the 3% herbicide detections and to some nitrate and microbiological contaminations observed; this water should not be used for human consumption without some form of site-specific treatment. Some rural residents may be “mistreating” their water, and a general lack of water testing among rural residents was noted.
On the PNN Modeling of Estrogen Receptor Binding Data for Carboxylic Acid Esters and Organochlorine Compounds†
Authors: Kaiser Klaus L.E. , Niculescu Stefan P.
Published: May 2018

We describe the relationship between the estrogen receptor binding and the molecular structure of chemicals using the probabilistic neural network methodology with structural fragment descriptors as input variables and a data set of 1118 compounds. Exploratory models identified two subsets of chemicals for which the predictions were well correlated with the measured values, namely chlorine-containing compounds and carboxylic esters, and for which individual models were developed. Both compound classes are in the classification system for chemicals on the Canadian Domestic Substances List (DSL) and the data cover five orders of magnitude in activity in each of these classes. The results show excellent performance of both models and are highly encouraging in the search for other models for this and other receptor binding data as well as other classes of DSL substances. They also confirm the flexibility, usefulness and applicability of the probabilistic neural networks as modeling methodology to a wide variety of modeling challenges in the environmental and health fields.
Cold Water Effects on Enhanced Coagulation of High DOC, Low Turbidity Water
Authors: Braul Larry , Viraraghavan T. , Corkal Darrell
Published: May 2018

Prairie farm reservoirs are usually low in turbidity and contain high concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Some are treated with aluminum sulfate in late fall when the water drops below 3°C, often with poor turbidity reduction results. Jar tests using aluminum sulfate were conducted to study the effect of water temperature on enhanced coagulation of a typical high DOC prairie water. Jar tests showed that temperature affects turbidity, particle counts and total residual aluminum but does not affect DOC, UV254 absorbance and colour reduction. Turbidity of the treated water increased consistently as the temperature decreased. Particle counts in the 1 to 10 μm range were reduced by two logs at 20°C but only by one log at 1.5°C indicating inferior oocyst removal at low temperatures. Bentonite addition at 1.5°C did not affect the treated water particle counts but because the bentonite increased the raw water particle count, the reduction of the particles could be increased by one log. Coagulant demand for the water tested without pH adjustment is one to two mg Al per mg of DOC at all temperatures tested. The optimum pH for all temperatures was about 6.0 for DOC removal and about 6.5 for turbidity removal based on a dosage increment of 0.5 pH units. UV254 absorbance is well suited to predict optimum aluminum sulfate dosage for DOC removal.
Recalcitrant Organics Emerging from Biological Treatment of Kraft Mill Effluents
Authors: Konduru Ramakrishna R. , Liss Steven N. , Allen D. Grant
Published: May 2018

Recalcitrant organic matter (ROM) in combined kraft mill effluents is that organic matter remaining in the effluents after primary and secondary treatment. Recalcitrant organic matter comprises of both high molecular weight (HMW) and low molecular weight (LMW) components and is of interest, since environmental regulators are considering placing limits on final effluent COD and colour. Biologically treated pulp mill effluent was fractionated by ultrafiltration to study the contributions of the high and low molecular weight recalcitrant organics towards final effluent COD and AOX. Batch biodegradation tests were carried out on lab-generated biotreated effluent from lab scale sequencing batch reactors operating at 35, 45, 55 and 60°C, to investigate if the residual recalcitrant fraction could be further degraded. Biodegradation tests involved the optimization of the microbiological medium by the addition of either an alternate carbon source (glucose) or a carbon-nitrogen substrate (yeast extract). Treatment temperatures and nutrient levels were varied and the effect of each of these four factors on the biodegradability of the recalcitrant fractions was studied. The recalcitrant portion was found to be resistant to further biodegradation, even under optimized microbiological conditions. The HMW fraction of the ROM obtained from final biotreated effluent from a bleached kraft pulp mill (HMW ROMMill) was studied for its ability to bind other organic model pollutants in an aqueous environment. Pentachlorophenol (PCP) was tested for its binding onto the HMW ROMMill, using toxicity as a surrogate parameter for binding, in the Microtox™ test. Equilibrium dialysis studies were carried out to investigate the ability of HMW ROMMill to bind 14C-Benzopyrene (BaP) and 3H-dehydroabietic acid (DHA). Microtox™ studies failed to indicate the binding of PCP onto HMW ROMMill. BaP and DHA however did bind onto HMW ROMMill. BaP binding onto HMW ROMMill was higher than DHA binding, possibly due to its hydrophobicity. Also, increasing the dissolved organic carbon concentration of HMW ROMMill led to a decrease in the partition coefficient values for both BaP and DHA.
A Laboratory-Scale Investigation into the Use of Powdered Iron for In situ Removal of Phosphorus from Treated Sewage Effluent with Constructed Wetlands
Authors: McLaughlin Roger L. , Brindle Ian D.
Published: May 2018

Incorporation of powdered iron into the root bed of experimental constructed wetlands removes phosphorus from treated sewage to levels that easily meet government guidelines for discharge into natural water bodies. Various combinations of powdered iron and sand were used to determine the best arrangement that removes the largest amount of phosphorus. Macrophytes fulfill a beneficial function by delivering oxygen to the root zone and by improving drainage in the wetland. In these wetlands, cattails (Typha latifolia L.) also take up phosphorus during growth and store significant quantities of it in their leaves.
Overview of Freshwater Fish Studies from the Pulp and Paper Environmental Effects Monitoring Program
Authors: Munkittrick Kelly R. , McGeachy S. Anne , McMaster Mark E. , Courtenay Simon C.
Published: May 2018

The second cycle of the pulp and paper environmental effects monitoring (EEM) program reported its results on April 1, 2000, and preliminary analysis of the fish survey results have been conducted. The EEM program is a cyclical evaluation of the receiving water impacts associated with the discharge of effluent, consisting of evaluations of fish populations, benthic invertebrate communities, effluent toxicity and other components. This paper represents a summary of the preliminary evaluations of 114 EEM surveys for the fish survey results, as reported by the consulting companies to the mills. Less than 10% of the cases failed to find a statistical difference in the key measurements of gonad size, liver size and condition factor. When effects were seen in a sex of one species, 67% of the time, a similar effect was seen in the opposite sex and when a difference was seen in one sex of one species, 54% of the time, the same difference was seen in the same direction in a second species sampled at that site. This reflects that differences were often consistent between sexes and consistent between species. Results, problems encountered, and lessons learned will be compared for cycle 1 and 2 data, and general response patterns and national trends in reported data will be presented. A summary of research needs is presented, as are recommendations for cycle 3 pulp and paper. New developments in the program reflect some of the adaptations developed for metal mining EEM, including a) setting alpha and beta equal, and its consequences for study design and interpretation, b) discussion of the role of effect size in power analysis and study design, and c) non-lethal sampling protocols for EEM.
Quantifying Impacts of Pulp Mill Effluent on Fish in Canadian Marine and Estuarine Environments: Problems and Progress
Authors: Courtenay Simon C. , Munkittrick Kelly R. , Dupuis Hélène M.C. , Parker Roy , Boyd Janice
Published: May 2018

Amendments to the federal Pulp and Paper Effluent Regulations in effect since 1992, require mills in Canada discharging effluent to an aquatic receiving environment to conduct an Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) Program to determine whether existing regulations adequately protect fish, fish habitat and use of fisheries resources. As one component of the EEM, mills measure indices of growth, survival and reproduction in wild-caught fish exposed to effluent and compare them with fish not exposed to effluent. A review of the first round of Fish Surveys (Cycle 1: 1993-1996) indicated that they contributed useful data in the freshwater receiving environments for which they had been designed, but performed poorly in the more complex marine and estuarine environments. The most prevalent and serious problems were that insufficient fish were caught and the degree of exposure to effluent could not be quantified. Recommendations to address these problems in Cycle 2 (1997-2000) included selection of small-bodied, presumably more sedentary, fish and studies on the alternative approaches: caged bivalves and onshore bioassays (mesocosms). Difficulties encountered in Cycle 1 studies which could not be resolved became reasons to exclude the Fish Survey from 12 of 28 marine EEM studies in Cycle 2. Six marine mills completed the standard Fish Survey with finfish. Three of these used small-bodied fish successfully, though further information will be required on their range of movement and technical guidance on appropriate sampling. Six studies examined wild bivalves or snails in place of one or both finfish sentinels. None of the invertebrate studies provided all of the information required by the Fish Survey, with only two studies providing age information required to assess growth, only one study reporting gender, and none of the studies reporting measures of reproduction. Six mills conducted or participated in developing alternative approaches for fish surveys: two caged bivalve studies, three mesocosm studies using fish, and one onshore bioassay using bivalves. While providing no direct measurements of effects on reproduction these tools evaluated potential impacts of effluent on survival and growth and supplied information helpful for subsequent investigations of the causes of effects observed in wild fish.
Data Interpretation Issues for Canada's Environmental Effects Monitoring Program
Authors: Lowell Richard B. , Hedley Kathleen , Porter Edward
Published: May 2018

As part of Canada's National Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) Program, regulated pulp and paper mills are (and metal mines will be) required to submit an interpretive report describing monitoring results. General guidance has been prepared on how to interpret these EEM data—specifically: 1) which effect endpoints to use, 2) the statistical (or other) approach to use for each endpoint to determine the presence or absence of an effect associated with exposure, and 3) the role of power analysis, α, β, and effect size in determining effects. A statistically significant difference (relative to reference conditions) in any of the effect endpoints is to be considered an exposure-associated effect for the purposes of warranting possible follow-up action. Such an effect does not, however, necessarily indicate ecological, social, or economic significance sufficient to require corrective action. Power analyses should be conducted both at the beginning of a study to determine required sampling effort and at the end of a study to determine whether the power that was actually achieved was sufficient to detect the effect size of interest. A key recommendation is to set α = β as a starting point for data interpretation. The initial recommendations of the general guidance are expected to evolve as environmental effects become better understood.