bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Material Balance of a Construction Waste Sorting Plant
Authors: Brunner Paul H. , Stämpfli Dominique M.
Published: July 2007

The use and stock of construction materials has increased by two orders of magnitude over the past century. The composition of construction materials changes constantly, with the content of synthetic organic compounds and aluminium increasing since the 1940s. Today, construction wastes, which may experience a similar increase, are among the most abundant waste materials. A mass balance of a full scale construction waste sorting plant yielded the following results: the separation produced an organic fraction (25%), which is best treated in a municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerator, a metal fraction (3%) well suited for iron recycling, and two inorganic fractions (45 and 27% respectively) of a composition similar to the average earth crust. According to the composition and the reaction with water, leachates from landfills of construction wastes as well as of inorganic sorting fractions have to be treated for several decades. The chemical behaviour of the inorganic fractions is different from virgin construction materials. Thus, in order to reuse these fractions, specific additional experiments are needed. The potential of the mechanical sorting process to separate according to chemical properties appears to be limited. Nevertheless, the sorting fractions are better suited for landfilling and reuse than the initial construction waste.
Effects of the Inoculum Size of a Commercial Bacterial Product and the Age of Sawdust Bedding On Pig Waste Decomposition in a Pig-On-Litter System
Authors: Tam N.F.Y. , Vrijmoed L.L.P.
Published: July 2007

A 10 week study was carried out in an experimental farm in Hong Kong to examine the effects of the inoculum sizes of a commercial bacterial product imported from Taiwan on in situ composting of pig manure in a pig-on-litter (POL) system. The pig pens using fresh sawdust as bedding material were also compared with those employing aged sawdust (spent sawdust litter). The results show that high microbial populations were recorded in all pig pens. The organic matter released from the pig manure was mineralized and assimilated into microbial biomass. A process similar to mesophilic composting might have taken place. When comparing the pig pen using full dose of bacterial inoculum with that of half dosage, the densities of total aerobic heterotrophs, total fungi, nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria were not different from each other. However, the pig waste mixtures from a half-dosage pig pen had slightly lower contents of organic nitrogen, total protein, total P and total K, but wider C:N ratio. These small differences suggest that it would be possible to reduce the amount of bacterial inoculation to achieve similar "composting" results. In "fresh" and "aged" pens, the microbial population sizes were also similar. However, the waste mixtures collected from pens using fresh sawdust had lower contents of nutrients (including organic and inorganic N, P and K) but wider C:N ratios than the aged pig pen at the start of this investigation. During the 10 week study, total salts and nutrients of the fresh pens increased rapidly, but their C:N ratios dropped dramatically. On the other hand, in aged pens the changes of the nutrient and protein levels in the waste mixture were small. The bedding material of the aged pig pen was more stable and mature, rendering aged sawdust a better bedding material for the POL system.
Characterization and Leaching of Coal Fly Ash
Authors: Gutiérrez Beatriz , Pazos Carmen , Coca José
Published: July 2007

Physical characteristics, chemical composition and leaching behaviour of a waste fly ash from a coal-fired power station are reported. Particle size distribution was studied by the following techniques: sedimentation in a liquid medium; sedimentation in an air flow; and Fraunhofer diffraction of a laser beam. Results obtained by the different methods are in good agreement. Mineralogical content and chemical composition were determined by X-ray diffraction, electronic microprobe and X-ray fluorescence. Acid leaching of the samples was investigated, using the following strong acids in sequence: HCl + HNO3, H2F 2, HClO4. Analysis of leachates by atomic absorption shows trace metals In, Tl, Ge, Cu, Ga, Pb, Ni, Co, Mn, Cd, Zn, Cr.

In this work fly ashes from a Spanish power plant are characterized according to the type of particles, size distribution and chemical composition by means of physical methods. Three particle size fractions are leached by acids and analysis of trace elements in the leaching liquor is carried out. The concentration of trace metals is somewhat higher in the particles of smallest size.
Determination of Diversion Credits for By-Product Reuse Activities
Authors: Baetz B.W. , Arey M.J.
Published: July 2007

The concept of a diversion credit to encourage the use of products or services that have reusable by-products is introduced. A methodology is developed to assist municipal government authorities in determining an equitable level of compensation for business activities having by-product reuse, which results in reduced solid waste generation. The methodology is based on the quantities of solid waste diverted, such that the credit would be proportional to the costs that would have been incurred if by-product materials had been handled within the municipal waste management system. The methodology is applied to a hypothetical consumer products example.
Digesting the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste: Moving From Mesophilic (37°C) To Thermophilic (55°C) Conditions
Authors: Cecchi F. , Pavan P. , Musacco A. , Mata Alvarez J. , Vallini G.
Published: July 2007

This paper shows the possibility of moving in a matter of weeks from mesophilic (37°C) to thermophilic (55°C) conditions in the anaerobic digestion of the organic fraction of municipal solid waste (MSW) at high levels of solids (20%). After the temperature increases, a first pseudo steady-state condition can be reached after a month and a final steady-state condition after 2 months. No particular evidence of digester instability was observed using this approach in changing temperature range. The higher yields obtained in the latter condition (110% larger in terms of specific production) are shown.
Transformation of Carbon in Refuse Incineration
Authors: Boscak Vladimir
Published: July 2007

An attempt is made to explain the transformation of carbon in the incineration of refuse on a molecular level, based on the review of available technical literature. Special attention is given to the role of carbon transformation in the formation of the products of incomplete combustion (PIC), specifically dioxins. The combustion of refuse takes place in luminous diffusion flames, caused by radiation of carbon in the yellow spectral region. The pyrolysis of aromatic structures in refuse to coke and graphite proceeds through a pitch. The edges of the pitch structure are reactive sites for the formation of PIC and dioxin precursors. The fly ash metallic surfaces can serve as catalytic sites for the generation of free chlorine and the formation of halogenated aromatic compounds. The optimal structures of benzene adsorbed on the metallic surfaces are condusive to formation of dioxin and other PICs through an activated complex. Benzene is a better surrogate for PIC emission than CO. The best technique for the reduction of carbon particulates in refuse combustion is better mixing in the combustion zone, but certain additives can also inhibit its formation.
Reaction Kinetic Model for Optimal Pyrolysis of Plastic Waste Mixtures
Authors: Koo Ja-Kong , Kim Seok-Wan
Published: July 2007

Reaction kinetics at various temperatures for pyrolysis of mixtures of plastic waste [polyethylene(PE) and polystyrene(PS)] are modelled in terms of five types of pyrolysis reaction. The model development is based on the assumption that as plastic wastes are heated in a non-reactive environment they are decomposed homogeneously to various products of gas, oil and char by a first-order rate, irreversible reaction and isothermal condition. Among the five models, the type II model in which the activated polymer exists as an intermediate product is the most accurate in predicting the pyrolysis products of pure PE or pure PS. Also, for mixtures of plastics both type II and IV models can be used to explain the composition of pyrolysis products. Furthermore, from the analysis of variance (ANOVA), the mixing ratio and temperature are shown to be the parameters that have the greatest effect on the pyrolysis reaction of polymer waste mixture. The pyrolysis reaction time for the maximum oil production from PE-PS mixtures is shorter than for PE alone and approaches that of PS alone. Oil production increases with increase of PS content. The optimal temperature for maximum oil production is 600°C for the pyrolysis of 2:8, 5:5 and 1:0 mixtures (w/w) of PE and PS. Oil production for PS alone is constant when the pyrolysis is above 600°C.
Diffusion Coefficients of Organics in High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
Authors: Prasad T.V. , Brown K.W. , Thomas J.C.
Published: July 2007

Only limited data are available on the diffusion of volatile organic solvents through flexible membrane liners (FMLS) used for lining impoundments and landfills. To expand this database, a rapid, inexpensive method is needed to measure the diffusion coefficients of volatile organic solvents through FML materials. An absorption method has been developed to determine the diffusion coefficients of volatile organic solvents through FML materials. The method is based on the depletion of an organic compound from an aqueous solution due to absorption by a submerged sample of FML. A numerical solution of Fick's second law of diffusion was used to develop a graph which can be used to determine the diffusion coefficient from the time dependent concentration data. The diffusion coefficients obtained from the absorption tests were validated by comparing them with coefficients determined using a two chamber diffusion cell. The diffusion coefficients determined for toluene and xylene in high density polyethylene (HDPE) were 5.1 × 10-9 cm2s-1 and 1.0 x 10-9 cm2s-1 by the two methods, respectively. The data indicate that the coefficient of distribution (Kd) between the FML and the organic solution, a value which is needed to calculate the diffusion coefficient from the data, can be estimated from the log of the octanol-water partition coefficient (Kow), a commonly measured and reported value for many chemicals.
The Origin and Fate of Volatile Trace Components in Municipal Solid Waste Landfills
Authors: Deipser Anna , Stegmann Rainer
Published: July 2007

The content of readily volatile halogenated hydrocarbons (chlorinated and chlorinated, fluorinated hydrocarbons (VCCs/CFCs)) and the BTEX aromatic substances (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene) in municipal solid waste (MSW) was determined by two different methods. Moreover, the emission potential of these substances via the gas and leachate phase was investigated during the different biological degradation phases in the landfill. Trichlorofluoromethane (R11), dichlorodifluoromethane (R12) and dichloromethane (R30) were the dominating halogenated trace substances detected in the MSW. In the acid phase, with some VCCs/ CFCs the emittance may take place up to 30% via the water phase. Hexane, benzene, and toluene could be detected in all tests. Toluene often occurred in relatively high concentrations in MSW. It could be shown that R11 degraded into dichlorofluoromethane (R21).
Analytical Modelling of Organic Contaminants in Leachate
Authors: Gönüllü M. Talha
Published: July 2007

Mathematical modelling is a helpful tool for predicting the hazards which arise from contaminants in leachate. These kinds of models are based on exponentially varying leachate concentration with time. In this research, a model for estimating the concentration of organics, measured as Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), in leachates from solid waste disposal areas is developed. The model contains processes such as dissolution/dilution, mass transfer, substrate utilization, and microbial mass production. The recommended analytical model is compared with experimental data from two laboratory-scale plants. In addition, the variations of model parameters with the governing processes are determined with respect to time. Experimental data from laboratory and field studies in literature is simulated to verify the model. In order to determine some estimated parameters found by trial and error during modelling, multiple regression equations for the values from simulations are created.
Poultry Waste Management for Crop Production: Nigerian Experience
Authors: Adeoye G.O. , Sridhar M.K.C. , Mohammed O.E.
Published: July 2007

Poultry wastes are posing serious environmental pollution problems in Nigeria through offensive odours and promotion of fly and rodent breeding. Farmers normally dispose of their poultry wastes through heaping and burning or dumping on the farm in the fresh state. Experiments were conducted to stabilize the waste for 12 weeks by a bag process similar to static pile composting either singly or amended with sawdust or leaves. Sawdust seems to be ideal for the production of a well stabilized product which is environmentally safe. However, even the raw waste or leaf amended waste if kept for 8 to 12 weeks produced a product which has no adverse effect on the maize yield when applied at 20 tonnes/hectare. The soils were improved through organic matter and retention of plant nutrients.
Effective Waste Management: Understanding and Dealing With Public Concerns
Authors: Petts Judith
Published: July 2007

Effective waste management is dependent upon achieving informed consensus amongst interested parties. Public concerns and opposition present a challenge to this consensus which must be tackled. This paper reviews our understanding of the basis of public concerns about waste management activities and suggests some means for dealing with these. The paper identifies a need for better understanding of the complexity of concerns, which are based not only upon risk perceptions but also a lack of trust and credibility in waste managers, decision-makers, and the decision processes and control mechanisms for waste facility siting and operation. Suggestions for dealing with these concerns are discussed relating to risk communication, improving decision processes, the control and management of waste activities, and improvement in "expert" understanding of the risks.
Composting of < 100 mm Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste
Authors: Mato S. , Otero D. , Garcia M.
Published: July 2007

A low cost solution for management of municipal solid waste in small municipalities was investigated; composting experiments were done using domestic waste. Particles > 100 mm were removed, the screened substrate ( < 100 mm) was used for composting experiments on static piles. The results have shown that the size of waste does not affect composting. Though the inert material left greatly adds to the porosity, rainfall does not markedly affect the process; in fact excessive dryness gave the least stable end product, and total nitrogen, ammoniacal nitrogen and phosphorus content were the best pointers to the instability.
Optimization of Infectious Hospital Waste Management in Italy: Part I—Wastes Production and Characterization Study
Authors: Liberti Lorenzo , Tursi Angelo , Costantino Nicola , Ferrara Lorento , Nuzzo Gaetano
Published: July 2007

A two-year R&D project dealing with the study, design, prototype plant development and operation of an integrated management system of infectious hospital wastes (IHW) has been recently performed by CO.PR.AM., an Italian industrial consortium. The project was concerned with the characterization, handling (collection, storage, transportation) and incineration of IHW produced by a large sanitary district (three hospitals, 191 different clinics, 40 laboratories, and a total of 2500 bedspaces) and permitted researchers to analyse in detail each major aspect of IHW disposal such as production handling and treatment in order to devise an optimal solution to their overall management. This paper deals with the sources of IHW production and the characterization of its individual components. Subsequent papers shall detail heavy metals content and other chemical characteristics of IHW, as well as environmental releases (i.e. atmospheric emissions, fly and bottom ashes) during incineration.
A New Approach To the Comprehensive Treatment of Waste Slag, Waste Gas and Wastewater At Sulfuric Acid Plants in China
Authors: Sun Pei-Shi , He Shao-Xian , Ning Ping  , Wu Xiao-Ming , Liu Li-Li
Published: July 2007

The waste slag, waste gas and wastewater of the sulfuric acid plants seriously pollute the nearby water resources, air quality and surroundings. On the basis of the results of experimental research on making ferrous sulfate by utilizing the waste iron slag, removing sulfur dioxide from the waste gas by using an absorption solution containing ferrous sulfate and purifying the wastewater containing arsenic in high concentration by using the ferrous sulfate-neutralizing precipitation method, the research group has proposed a new method for comprehensive treatment and utilization of these three wastes in the sulfuric acid plants in China.
Permachor Method To Predict Diffusivity Coefficients of Organics in Aqueous Solutions in Flexible Membrane Liners
Authors: Prasad T.V. , Brown K.W.
Published: July 2007

The diffusion of organic contaminants through plastic Flexible Membrane Liners (FMLs) used in landfills and surface impoundments is an important criteria for evaluating synthetic liner performance. An experimental method has been developed and used to measure diffusivities of organic contaminants commonly found in landfill leachate from an aqucous solution through High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). These data were utilized to evaluate the applicability of the Permachor Method developed by Salame (1961) to predict the diffusion of other organics through FMLs. The Permachor equation can be used in combination with the relationship between the partition coefficients of organics in aqueous organic solution and the octanol-water partition coefficients to predict permeability factors which in turn can be used to calculate the diffusion coefficients of a range of organic chemicals in a plastic FML. Once the relationship between permeability and Permachor are determined for a given plastic FML for a few organic chemicals, the method can be used to predict the permeability of many other organic chemicals. The properties of the plastics and the additives used in its formulation including carbon black appear to influence the diffusion rates.
Expert Systems in Solid Waste Management
Authors: Basri H.B. , Stentiford E.I.
Published: July 2007

Artificial intelligence, and expert systems in particular, are an exciting and relatively new application of computers. They provide new opportunities for harnessing the scarce and often scattered pieces of valuable knowledge and experience in solid waste management which at present is in the possession of the privileged few. While conventional algorithmic programming replaced much of the sophisticated and repetitive analytical work of the solid waste practitioner, expert systems are poised to take over the no-less important tasks of the ill-structured and less-deterministic parts of the planning, design and management processes. Endeavours in other branches of engineering to utilise this new computing technology indicate that solid waste expertise in various forms has a tremendous potential to be encoded successfully in expert systems. This state-of-the-art review presents a background of expert systems technology followed by guidelines to its successful implementation in the solid waste management domain.
Behaviour of Heavy Metals in Activated Sludge Biological Treatment of Landfill Leachate
Authors: Avezzù F. , Bissolotti G. , Collivignarelli C. , Volpi Ghirardini A.
Published: July 2007

The behaviour of heavy metals was studied by carrying out a series of experiments with an activated sludge biological reactor (with pure oxygen), fed with different types of landfill leachate. The leachates used had been previously treated by the wet oxidation process and also by ammonia stripping. The experimentation aims were to evaluate both BOD and COD removal rates and the distribution of heavy metals concentrations between the liquid and solid phases. This latter data was used to confirm a mathematical model which predicts the distribution of heavy metals between the liquid and solid phases of a biological process.
Environmental Fads and Fallacies
Authors: Dean Robert B.
Published: July 2007

Recycling, believed by many to be accomplished by separate collection or central separation, only increases the cost of waste management until someone buys the junk.

Reuse with refundable deposits removes valuable items from the waste stream at the earliest possible point and directly rewards the person who does the work.

Biodegradable plastics increase greenhouse gases in comparison to conventional plastics if deposited in a landfill. Biofuels have a very minor effect on greenhouse gases because they represent only a few years retention of carbon, in contrast to fossil fuels which have been stored for millions of years.

Composting is not recycling, but the destruction of one-half of the energy value of wastes with the production of a humus similar to, but not as good as, that produced in all good soils. As NPK fertilizer, compost is seldom worth the energy necessary to spread it although it has many special uses to improve poor soils.

A large number of the perceived risks from e.g. PVC, dioxins, incineration, furnace ash, waste fuel oil, etc. are derived from assumptions that have been unsupported or refuted by later studies, but which remain strongly entrenched in the public mind.

Since it is not possible to set a practical scientific definition of hazardous wastes, legal definitions are established. Some of these limits are influenced by active lobbying of interested commercial parties and may bear little relation to environmental or health risks.

Competition between environmental authorities to set the lowest limits for toxic emissions has led to scientifically absurd and destructively expensive legal limits on "popular" pollutants. The result is a greater exposure to other hazards that must be neglected due to lack of funds.
A Goal-Oriented Characterization of Urban Waste
Authors: Maystre L.Y. , Viret F.
Published: July 2007

More stringent requirements for the protection of the environment coupled with new incentives for materials recovery, lead modern waste management practice on the line of a more differentiated approach. Separation, or more precisely, non-mixing at the source, is one of the most promising strategies. However, before deciding which categories of urban waste should be collected separately, it is useful to have more detailed knowledge regarding the characteristics of waste. A 5-year investigation has produced enough information to answer such questions as "if one decides to convert food and garden waste to compost instead of burning them, how much less cadmium would be released into the atmosphere?" or, "if the quantities of mercury released into the environment should be drastically reduced, which categories of waste should be collected and treated separately?" This paper discusses sampling and analytical techniques and defines what is a representative sample. It presents the methods applied to determine the annual flow of various chemical elements from 52 waste categories from a European urban area. The results determined through this approach are compared to the total outputs in the gas, wastewater, cinders and fly ashes of the incinerator which currently burns these wastes.
Centralized Incineration Treatment of Infectious Waste for Regional Hospitals in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Yu-Min
Published: July 2007

Taiwan has a high population density. Recently, rapid advances of medical activities have caused an environmental problem in managing the wastes generated by hospitals or clinics. Government regulations, public concern and an increased commitment to a clean environment have also brought more attention to the handling problems of medical waste. A project to plan and manage the first centralized incineration plant for infectious hospital waste has been carried out in Taiwan. This paper summarizes the results of the execution of this project. It addresses the experience gained in siting a regional incinerator, its technical operation to meet local environmental regulations and the management of the regional plant. Public concern against incineration was considered to be the most important criterion to address during establishment of the incinerator, as well as good operational performance. The operational problems encountered most frequently in the regional plant with possible causes and solutions to the problems are summarized in this paper. It was also found that a delivery manifest was useful to manage the delivery of infectious waste.
Utilizing the Used Catalyst From Refinery FCC Units as a Substitute for Kaolin in Formulating Ceramic Frits
Authors: Escardino A. , Amoros J.L. , Moreno A. , Sanchez E.
Published: July 2007

Frits are materials of a vitreous nature which are used for obtaining the glaze used to coat glazed ceramic tiles. One of the raw materials usually employed in preparing frits is kaolin, which provides the aluminium and part of the silicon they contain.

This study investigates the possibility of utilizing the used catalyst from the FCC (fluidized catalyst cracking) units involved in petroleum refining, to substitute for kaolin as a raw material in the preparation of ceramic frits.

On assessing the aesthetic and technical characteristics (whiteness, gloss, microhardness, etc.) of the glazes obtained from two frits that were prepared by substituting kaolin with the industrial waste mentioned above, no important differences were observed relative to the characteristics of the glazes obtained from the standard frits. © 1995 ISWA
PCDD/F Emission Control By Intermediate Dust Removal At Medical Waste Incinerators
Authors: Halász Antal
Published: July 2007

A 1 tonne day-1 medical incinerator that meets the new national emission standards for PCDD/F of less than 0.1 ng TEQm-3 was installed in Eger, Hungary in January 1994. The unit is batch operated and is charged once or twice a day. It has an intermediate dust control filter between a pyrolysis chamber and an afterburner. Dry lime is inserted before this filter. Two polishing filters using zeolite and coke, respectively, follow a waste heat boiler. © 1996 ISWA
Physical, Biological and Chemical Effects of Unsorted Fractions of Industrial Solid Waste in Waste Fuel Storage
Authors: Hogland William , Bramryd Torleif , Persson Ingrid
Published: July 2007

Technical, biological and environmental problems encountered in the storage of industrial waste fuel are analysed and discussed. Measurements of temperature, moisture content, oxygen, methane and carbon dioxide during the storage period are presented. It is shown that the temperature increases rapidly to 70-90°C and the oxygen content decreases to almost zero in the lower parts of the storage pile. After several months of high but stable temperature conditions, self-ignition occurred in the storage piles. The test results are related to the proper design of storage piles.
Full-Scale Experiences With Leachate Recirculating Landfills: Case Studies
Authors: Reinhart Debra R.
Published: July 2007

Leachate recirculation has been shown in lysimeter, pilot-scale and full-scale investigations to reduce the time required for waste stabilization, improve leachate quality, provide the opportunity for leachate volume reduction, and to enhance the rate of gas production. New generation full-scale landfills are implementing recirculation as a leachate management tool with increasing frequency. Leachate recirculation techniques used at full-scale landfills include pre-wetting of waste, leachate spraying, surface ponds, vertical injection wells and horizontal introduction systems. From observations of operating full-scale recirculating landfills, it appears to be important to provide flexibility in design, minimize low permeability daily and intermediate cover, include adequate ex situ storage volume, control infiltration into the landfill, and utilize waste moisture holding capacity efficiently. © 1996 ISWA
Effects of Pelletized Sewage Sludge On Soil Properties of a Cracking Clay From Eastern Australia
Authors: Hulugalle N.R.
Published: July 2007

The effects of applying varying rates (0-250 g kg-1) of pelletized mixtures of sewage sludge and other waste materials (peat and cotton "gin trash") on the soil physical and chemical properties of a cracking clay from Eastern Australia was investigated in a laboratory study. Soil properties measured were pH, electrical conductivity, nitrate-N, organic C, exchangeable cations, aggregate density, dispersion and geometric mean diameter aggregates formed after soil had been puddled and dried. In comparison with untreated soil, application of the pellets increased soil acidity, electrical conductivity, nitrate-N and organic C, and decreased exchangeable Ca and Na. Partial substitution of sewage sludge and peat with cotton "gin trash" reduced the intensity of the above changes in soil properties. Changes in soil physical properties were limited to a small decrease in soil density. Addition of pelletized sewage sludge/waste material mixtures to a cracking clay had significant short-term effects on soil chemical properties but limited effects on soil physical properties.
Stabilization of Boron-Containing Mineral Sludge With Various Solidification Agents
Authors: Grilc V. , Petkovsek A.
Published: July 2007

Research and development on the stabilization of waste boron-containing mineral sludge with various mineral solidification agents such as fly ash, portland cement, their mixtures and calcinated lime is presented. The alkaline sludge (pH = 10) contains about 1% of soluble sodium borate. Addition of at least an equal amount of fly ash to the sludge, combined with appropriate mixing, can—after curing—reduce the leachability of boron by a factor 40-50. The physical integrity and hydraulic impermeability of the solidified mixture is required and important for safe landfilling. The same can be achieved by a much smaller addition (about 10% with respect to the sludge weight) of Portland cement, whereas addition of lime showed little stabilization effect on the sludge. Field experiments, carried out on the landfill using an ordinary sheepfoot roller for interdispersing layered sludge and fly ash, showed results close to those obtained in the laboratory. © 1997 ISWA
Melatonin and Seasonal Rhythms
Authors: Wehr Thomas A.
Published: July 2007

The pineal hormone melatonin plays a ubiquitous role in biology as a chemical mediator of the effects of season on animal physiology and behavior. Seasonal changes in night length (scotoperiod) induce parallel changes in the duration of melatonin secretion (which occurs exclusively at night), so that it is longer in winter and shorter in summer. These changes in duration of nocturnal melatonin secretion, in turn, trigger seasonal changes in behavior. The retinohypothalamic-pineal (RHP) axis's responses to light are highly conserved in humans. Like other animals, humans secrete melatonin exclusively at night, and they interrupt its secretion when they are exposed to light during the nocturnal period of its secretion. In many individuals, the RHP axis also is capable of detecting changes in the length of the night and making proportional adjustments in the duration of nocturnal melatonin secretion, producing the type of melatonin message that animals use to trigger seasonal changes in their behavior. This has been shown both in naturalistic studies in which melatonin profiles were compared in summer and winter and in experimental studies in which melatonin profiles were compared after chronic exposure to long and short artificial "nights." Individuals who live in modern urban environments differ in the degree to which, or even whether, the intrinsic duration of melatonin secretion (the duration measured in constant dim light) responds to seasonal changes in the length of the solar night. Changes in the intrinsic duration of melatonin secretion that are induced by changes in the scotoperiod are highly correlated with changes in the intrinsic timing of the morning offset of secretion and are only weakly correlated with changes in the intrinsic timing of evening onset of secretion. This finding suggests that differences in the way in which individuals are exposed to, or process, morning light may explain differences in their responsiveness to changes in duration of natural and experimental scotoperiods. Although the human RHP axis clearly is capable of detecting changes in the length of the night and in producing the melatonin message that other animals use to trigger seasonal changes in their behavior, it is not yet known whether or how the human reproductive system or other systems respond to this message.
Acute and Delayed Effects of Exercise on Human Melatonin Secretion
Authors: Buxton Orfeu M. , L'Hermite-Balériaux Mireille , Hirschfeld Ulrich , Van Cauter Eve
Published: July 2007

Accumulating evidence suggests that exercise may have both rapid and delayed effects on human melatonin secretion. Indeed, exercise may acutely (i.e., within minutes) alter melatonin levels and result in a shift of the onset of nocturnal melatonin 12 to 24 h later. The presence and nature of both acute and delayed effects appear to be dependent on the timing of exercise. The presence of a detectable acute effect also depends on the duration, intensity, and type of exercise. Late evening exercise during the rising phase of melatonin secretion may blunt melatonin levels. High-intensity exercise during the nighttime period, when melatonin levels already are elevated, consistently results in a further (nearly 50%) elevation of melatonin levels. No effect of low-intensity exercise performed at the same circadian phase could be detected. Irrespective of intensity, exercise near the offset of melatonin secretion or during the daytime has no consistent acute effect on melatonin secretion. Nighttime exercise, whether of moderate or high intensity, results in phase delays of the melatonin onset on the next evening. In support of the concept that a shift of the melatonin onset on the day after nighttime exercise represents a shift of intrinsic circadian timing is the observation that similar phase shifts (in both direction and magnitude) may be observed simultaneously for the onset of the circadian elevation of thyrotropin secretion. The observation of exercise-induced phase shifts of the onset of melatonin secretion is, therefore, interpreted as evidence that, in humans as in rodents, increased physical activity during the habitual rest period is capable of altering circadian clock function.
Safety of Melatonin in Long-Term Use(?)
Authors: Arendt Josephine
Published: July 2007

There are no published long-term safety data on the use of melatonin for whatever purpose, assuming long term to mean more than 6 months of daily medication. In the light of its physiological role in animals, the potential deleterious effects include inhibition of reproductive function, delayed timing of puberty, and influence (when taken during pregnancy and lactation) on the circadian status of the fetus and neonate and on future development. Its interactions with other medications are virtually unexplored. For most positive effects published, there also exist negative reports. There are insufficient data on its use in organic or psychiatric disease for any evaluations to be made. There are insufficient data on dose, formulation, and consequent relationships of individual pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics for recommendations at present. However, in normal healthy adults over 18 years old, not pregnant or lactating, with no personal or family histories of psychiatric disorder, and unmedicated except for oral contraceptives and minor analgesics (if necessary), the only significant short-term side effect in the author's experience has been sleepiness following oral ingestion of synthetic melatonin (5 mg or less, oral fast release), licensed for human experimental use and for prescription on a named-patient basis.
The Use of the Five-Factor Model of Personality as a Therapeutic Tool in Career Counseling
Authors: Hammond Marie S.
Published: July 2007

Many clients requesting assistance in Career Centers are mismatched with their career due to issues of occupational choice. In addition, personality conflicts with co-workers, lack of interpersonal skills, and the individual's personality characteristics can affect vocational success. Theories of personality are incorporated into several theories of vocational choice and development (i.e., Holland, Roe) resulting in some attention to personality. Likewise, client personality can affect the career counselor's ability to intervene effectively to assist the client in making effective career choices and decisions. More direct attention to the impact of personality on an individual's career and vocational success can enable the Career Center to increase the effectiveness of their interventions. This paper will discuss the methods for increasing the effectiveness of career counseling through the use of the Five-Factor Model of Personality into our therapeutic work with clients.
Career Centers and Needs Assessments
Authors: Hammond Marie S.
Published: July 2007

Career Centers are experiencing increasing demands to justify the cost of their services, document the effectiveness of their services, increase their use of technology, and provide a broader range of services. Given the limited personnel and funding associated with most Career Centers, and it can seem like an overwhelming set of demands to respond to. This article explores the use of the needs assessment as a tool to provide evidence of effectiveness, justify costs, and make effective decisions about the services they provide. This article will discuss the benefits of conducting a needs assessment, the process of developing and implementing a needs assessment using an needs assessment project conducted at a small, mid-western University.
Closing the Democratic Deficit? The First Year of the Public Petitions Committee of the Scottish Parliament
Authors: Cavanagh Michael , McGarvey Neil , Shephard Mark
Published: July 2007

The closing of Scotland's perceived 'democratic deficit' and improved transparency and accountability in Scotland's governing institutions was one of the key aspirations of campaigners for a Scottish Parliament. Implicit in this was a rejection of the outdated Westminster model of government which was perceived as inadequate. This article reviews the first year of one of the Scottish Parliament's departures from the Westminster system: public petitioning. This activity has an important symbolic value for the new Parliament. It is argued that, although the new petitioning processes are at an interim stage of development, there is already evidence that these activities promote accountability, access, transparency, pluralism and democratic participation in Scotland. They thus contribute to a narrowing of the democratic deficit which existed during the years of Westminster rule.
New Labour, New centralism: The Centralisation of Policy and the Devolution of Administration in England and its Regions
Authors: Lee Simon
Published: July 2007

The Blair Government's commitment to both devolution and decentralisation would appear impeccable. New Labour's affirmed objective is 'to put in place an integrated programme of measures to decentralise power in the United Kingdom'. However, this article asserts that the Blair Government has thus far failed to deliver genuine decentralisation of political (as opposed to administrative) power to the regions of England beyond London. The combination of the Government's modernisation programme and the Comprehensive Spending Review has, instead, imposed tight centrally-defined controls on public policy and services, including those which are delivered on a decentralised basis. The resulting further centralisation of control over policy and resources is illustrated by a an analysis of developments in enterprise policy.
Music Therapy Research and Applications in Pediatric Oncology Treatment
Authors: Standley Jayne M. , Hanser Suzanne B.
Published: July 2007

Music therapy is a profession which meets multiple physical, social, and psychological needs. Music therapists can facilitate health objectives by reducing the intensity or duration of pain, alleviating anxiety, and decreasing the amount of analgesic medication needed. Rehabilitative objectives can include activities which incorporate exercise, range of motion therapy, or gait training. Reduction of fear, anxiety, stress, or grief are common psychological objectives. Music therapy is particularly effective in promoting social objectives such as increased interaction, verbalization, independence, and cooperation; enhanced relationships with health care personnel and family members; and increased stimulation during long-term hospitalization or isolation. Counseling techniques are often paired with music to achieve emotional objectives such as expression, adjustment, stability, or locus of control. The purpose of this article is to synthesize the extant music/medical research literature and clarify how music therapy can provide a quintessential combination of physical, social, and psychological benefits to enhance the health care of pediatric oncology patients.
Impact of Childhood Cancer on Korean Families
Authors: Martinson Ida M. , Kim Susie , Soon Ok Yang  , Young Sook Cho  , Jeong Seop Lee  , Young Hyoun Lee
Published: July 2007

A health care system that includes institutions such as the home, clinic, or hospital as well as interpersonal relationships between providers and receivers of health care is a part of any culture. Clinical issues are a part of all cultures, and cross-cultural comparisons are useful in understanding health care. With immigration and travel, a better understanding of the situation of families who have a child with cancer in various countries, different health care systems, and different cultures is needed. Understanding the situation for families with a child who has cancer in South Korea will lead one to a better understanding of a Korean family who has immigrated to the west and has a child develop cancer or is in need of treatment.
Children with Cancer: The Pain Experience Away From the Health Care Setting
Authors: Bossert Elizabeth A. , Van Cleve Lois , Savedra Marilyn C.
Published: July 2007

Relatively little is known about the nature of pain in children with cancer away from the health care setting. Accordingly, this pilot study focused on the pain experience in this group. A purposive sample of 20 children, ages 4 through 16 years, with any type of cancer, was obtained. A semistructured interview including the Poker Chip Tool and Preschool Body Outline (ages 4 to 7 years) or the Adolescent Pediatric Pain Tool (age 8 to 16 years) was administered to all the children once during a clinic appointment. Supplemental parental input was sought during the interview. Two of the children also were contacted every 2 weeks for 3 months. Content analysis indicated that the children experienced pain in a number of locations, most frequently the "stomach," joints, legs, and back. Pain intensity varied widely. The source of pain identified most often was chemotherapy. The most common pain management strategies mentioned were rest/sleep, analgesics, rubbing, distraction, social support, and heat. Clearly, children with cancer away from the health care setting do have pain. Assessment of pain in children with cancer regardless of setting is a necessity. © 1996 by Association of Pediatric Oncology Nurses.
Decision Making and Risk Behaviors of Cancer-Surviving Adolescents and Their Peers
Authors: Hollen Patricia J. , Hobbie Wendy L.
Published: July 2007

The specific aims of this descriptive, comparative study were (1) to compare the decision-making quality and prevalence of risk behaviors (smoking, alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use) between 52 cancer-surviving adolescents and their peers; (2) to compare the relationship of decision-making quality and risk behavior prevalence in a subset of survivors who had a history of therapy with cognitive threat due to late effects of treatment to those without cognitive threat; and (3) to test the hypothesis that the higher the number of quality decision criteria adhered to, the fewer the risk behaviors exhibited by cancer-surviving adolescents. Findings indicated that the majority of teen survivors reported practicing poor-quality decision making for five of the seven criteria (peers, four of seven). There were no significant differences in decision making between teen survivors and their peers nor between survivors with cognitive threat and those without. Peers were significantly more likely to engage in one or more risk behaviors than teen survivors, but comparisons with two normative samples (state and national) revealed that cigarette smoking and alcohol use of the teen survivors were comparable with the general population. There was no significant difference in risk behaviors between survivors with a history of therapy with cognitive threat and those without. Survivors who reported higher adherence to quality decision criteria were less likely to report exhibiting risk behaviors than those with poorer decision making. Using the context of late effects due to cancer treatment, oncology nurses need to provide guidance in quality decision making as well as in risk behavior education.
A Pilot Study to Evaluate In-Hospital Care by Mothers
Authors: Evans Margaret
Published: July 2007

Believing that family-centered care is beneficial to children with cancer, the staff at Southampton General Hospital in the United Kingdom decided to consider instituting care by parents. Before full implementation of care by parents, a pilot study involving teaching five mothers of pediatric oncology patients how to administer intravenous (IV) antibiotics to their child was performed. The basis for selecting antibiotic administration was that if the mothers were capable of performing such a complex task, they would likely be able to be involved in the total care of their child. Mothers' views on the teaching program were sought using taped interviews, and the data were analyzed using a line-by-line constant-comparison analysis. All mothers in the study were capable of performing the procedure and all were willing to do so. Mothers emphasized the fact that they often feel stressed and out of control because of the impact of disease and treatment, and many important issues were raised in relation to this. Nurses' attitudes towards care by parents requires clarifying and changes need to take place if this concept is to progress. Negotiation to allow mutual understanding between parents and nurses is essential to the successful implementation of such a care approach.