bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Plantain Peelings Ash Extract as Coagulant Aid in the Coagulation of Colloidal Particles in Low pH Aqua System
Authors: Oladoja Nurudeen A. , Aliu Yekini D.
Published: May 2018

The use of plantain peelings ash extract (PPAE) as a coagulant aid in a low pH water was evaluated in the present studies. Plantain peelings were collected, washed, dried, and ashed in a furnace. The ash was extracted using deionized water, and the chemical composition was examined using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Synthetic turbid water of varying turbidities (50, 100, 300 NTU) and varying pHs (2, 3, 4) were prepared by clay dispersion in deionized water. The optimum alum dosages for the coagulation of colloidal particles in different turbid waters of varying pHs were determined by method of continuous variation using the jar test procedure. The residual turbidities of the treated waters were determined, and the alum doses that gave the minimum residual turbidities were taken as the optimum dosage for the removal of colloidal particles. The use of PPAE as a coagulant aid with alum showed an improvement in the value of residual turbidities of the treated waters. Results obtained from the different studies showed that treated waters of lower residual turbidities were obtained from synthetic waters of higher initial turbidities and pHs. The pH of the treated water decreased with an increase in alum dosage, whereas an increase in the pH value was observed with the addition of PPAE as a coagulant aid. High correlation coefficient values (r2) were obtained when the changes in pH (i.e., ΔpH = pHf –pHi) of the treated waters were correlated with alum and PPAE additions, and mathematical relationships were derived from the linear graph. Studies on the effect of flocculation time on residual turbidity showed that an optimum flocculation time of 30 minutes was attained, when alum was used alone, before redistribution and redispersion of the flocs was noticed. This phenomenon did not occur when PPAE was used as a coagulant aid.
Swimming in Sewage: Indicators of Faecal Waste on Fish in the Saint John Harbour, New Brunswick
Authors: Loomer Heather A. , Kidd Karen A. , Vickers Tim , McAslan Alison
Published: May 2018

Despite increased recognition of the risks to the health of humans and the environment, untreated municipal wastewaters are still discharged into waterways worldwide. One of the primary concerns related to its discharge into surface waters is the risk to human health through the transmission of pathogens associated with faecal matter. Saint John, New Brunswick, is one of the few Canadian cities that still releases untreated sewage into its urban waterways and harbour. Water faecal coliform levels, an indicator of faecal waste and associated pathogens, are well above recreational guidelines in some of these areas. Although it is not encouraged by the municipality, recreational fishing occurs in these areas and this raises concerns regarding the potential for disease transmission during the handling of these fish. To investigate the potential for fish to be a vehicle of pathogen transmission to humans, the skin of wild fishes (smelt, Osmerus mordax, and mummichog, Fundulus heteroclitus) and caged mummichog was sampled for faecal coliforms from several sites in Saint John between August and November of 2005. Water faecal coliform levels at sites used for caging studies and wild fish collections, and the duration of caging were compared with the number of faecal coliforms on the surface of the fish. Skin samples from the two fish species collected from the wild indicated elevated levels of fecal coliforms in some locations. Both wild and caged fish showed that the amount of faecal coliform on fish skin is influenced by the water faecal coliform levels.
Evaluation of Mitigation Methods to Manage Contaminant Transfer in Urban Watersheds
Authors: Brydon Julia , Oh Iwata , Wilson Julie , Hall Ken , Schreier Hans
Published: May 2018

Three case studies on trace metal contamination in urban stormwater are presented from the Greater Vancouver area of British Columbia. In the first case study, the spatial and temporal variability in trace metals in sediments were determined in the completely urbanized Brunette watershed. A natural lake in the middle of the watershed acts as a sediment detention system, and an analysis of the sediment core showed the historic accumulation of metal and selective organic contaminants in sediments since the early 1800s. Suspended sediments transported during storm events showed significantly higher concentrations of trace metals than bedload sediments, and the largest proportion of the geochemically active metals was found to be associated with the organic-sulphur-based fraction. Benthic organism survival tests showed mixed results with lower survival and growth in urban sediments than in control sediments from a forested watershed. In the second case study, significant correlations were obtained between percent impervious cover and trace metal concentrations in 28 subwatersheds with various degrees of urbanization. It is shown that imperviousness combined with traffic density can significantly improve the prediction of metal contamination in highly urbanized watersheds. In the third case study five urban stormwater detention systems were examined over one year to determine how effective these systems were in removing metal contamination. The results were highly variable depending on a wide range of physical conditions, land use activities, traffic volume, and detention system designs. The range of total metal detention was between −15 to +72% for copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn), while iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) retention was generally poor. Labile Zn was more effectively retained in four of the five ponds, and a significant relationship was found between percent imperviousness, traffic volume, and Zn concentrations in water, sediment, and labile form.
Culex Mosquitoes, West Nile Virus, and the Application of Innovative Management in the Design and Management of Stormwater Retention Ponds in Canada
Authors: Jackson Michael J. , Gow Jennifer L. , Evelyn Michelle J. , Meikleham Neil E. , McMahon T.J. Scott , Koga Erin , Howay Tim J , Wang Laura , Yan Evan
Published: May 2018

Stormwater best management practices have helped to address environmental concerns regarding peak water flows and accumulation of sediment and contamination by pollutants, but often overlook potential public health repercussions such as creating habitat for virus-carrying mosquitoes. Retention ponds frequently hold standing water for more than two weeks during the mosquito breeding season, creating development habitat for the aquatic stages of West Nile virus vectors. To avoid this problem, knowledge of vector ecology should be incorporated in the design of best management practices and integrated stormwater management plans. An integrated approach that incorporates hydrological management of water depth, flow, and surface agitation combined with manipulation of native biota and habitats based on the unique ecology and behaviour of the vector species can deter egg-laying mosquitoes by mimicking natural processes. Such an approach could help prevent disease transmission and alleviate the need for widespread application of pesticides.
Field Evaluation of Long-Term Performance and Use of Biosand Filters in Posoltega, Nicaragua
Authors: Vanderzwaag Jason C. , Atwater James W. , Bartlett Karen H. , Baker Derek
Published: May 2018

An evaluation was conducted in 2007 on biosand filters that were installed in Posoltega, Nicaragua in 1999 and 2004.The objectives were to characterize the condition and use of filters eight and three years after installation, determine filter performance of those filters still in use, and identify determinants of successful long-term use and performance. Methods consisted of household identification, user questionnaires, and water quality testing. Of the 234 filters installed, only 24 were found to still be in use. Average log reductions were 1.73 (98%) for total coliforms, 1.36 (96%) for Escherichia Coli, and 0.91 (88%) for turbidity. Statistically significant effects were detected for the magnitude of the contamination of source water, the peak hydraulic loading rate, and the standing depth of water over the filter media. Questionnaire results indicated user training on filter maintenance could improve the peak hydraulic loading rate and hence filter performance. The low rate of sustained use (10%) is an indication of failed implementation, and is attributable to structural failure, particularly cracking of the concrete filters from 2004. Nonetheless, this evaluation demonstrated the biosand filter technology to be robust since those filters still in use were performing as expected three and eight years postimplementation.
Evaluation of Field Testing Techniques Used in a Household Water Treatment Study in Posoltega, Nicaragua
Authors: Vanderzwaag Jason C. , Bartlett Karen H. , Atwater James W. , Baker Derek
Published: May 2018

A field evaluation of biosand filters, a method of household water treatment, was conducted in Posoltega, Nicaragua. The evaluation consisted of water quality testing for Escherichia coli and total coliforms using membrane filtration (MF) with m-coliBlue24 growth media, and SolarCult dipslides. For each sample tested, the MF procedure was applied to two volumes differing by an order of magnitude to capture the expected range of microbial contamination. A follow-up laboratory quality assurance/quality control procedure was undertaken to validate the field methods. The average coefficient of variation was 51%, with no statistically significant difference between the field and laboratory data. The MF procedure used with m-coliBlue24 produced useful reproducible results for the microbial concentrations encountered in the field. Dipslide results were found to correlate poorly to the membrane filtration results from the field, and should not be used to test drinking water due to the high limit of detection. They may still be useful for preliminary testing of highly contaminated source water as part of a household water treatment project. Dipslides may also be a useful tool for local health representatives to promote safe water practices within the community since they are simple to use and provide a visual indicator of water quality.
Heavy Metals Removal by Hydroxide Precipitation and Coagulation-Flocculation Methods from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Pang Fong Moi , Teng Sheau Ping , Teng Tjoon Tow , Omar A.K. Mohd
Published: May 2018

The hydroxide precipitation and coagulation-flocculation methods were used to treat wastewater containing lead, zinc, copper, and iron. The concentrations of heavy metals in the synthetic wastewater range from 1 to 14 mg/L for lead, 5 to 90 mg/L for zinc, 3 to 90 mg/L for copper and 5 to 45 mg/L for iron. Individual Zn(II) and Cu(II) with concentrations below 90 mg/L and Fe(III) with concentrations below 45 mg/L were removed up to 99% by the precipitation method in the pH range of 8.7 to 9.6, 8.1 to 11.1, and 6.2 to 7.1, respectively. Though the highest percent removal of Pb(II) by hydroxide precipitation alone was approximately 98%, the final dissolved concentrations did not fulfill the Standard A discharge limit required by the regulations, thus further treatment by the coagulation-flocculation process was performed. Aluminum sulphate (alum), polyaluminum chloride (PACl) and magnesium chloride (MgCl2) have been used as coagulants together with Koaret PA 3230 as coagulant aid to determine the effectiveness of the coagulation method for the removal of individual heavy metals in the wastewater. The effects of parameters such as pH, type, and dosage of coagulant on the percentage of metal removal, and the amount of coagulant aid on the flocs settling time were investigated. The jar test showed that up to 99% removal of Pb(II) was attained by the addition of 1,200 mg/L of alum, 150 mg/L of PACl, and 2,000 mg/L of MgCl2 in a pH range of 6.5 to 7.8, 8.1 to 8.9, and 9.7 to 10.9, respectively.
Assessment of Northern Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus macrolepidotus) as an Estuarine Pollution Monitoring Species
Authors: Finley Megan A. , Courtenay Simon C. , Teather Kevin L. , van den Heuvel Michael R.
Published: May 2018

The use of multiple spawning fishes in environmental effects monitoring programs has proven difficult for a number of reasons including the inability to predict reproductive investment and ensure synchronous sampling of reference and impacted populations. The estuarine resident northern mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus macrolepidotus) has been successfully used as a sentinel for effects of pulp and paper mill effluents in Atlantic Canada and has been proposed for monitoring other anthropogenic impacts. This study investigated the spatial and temporal variability of the somatic parameters used to describe fish performance, specifically measures of energy use and storage, in estuaries located in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Three sites with varying levels of agricultural input were studied. Fish at all sites depleted their energy reserves over winter, as reflected in depressed condition, liver size, and gonad size, but then quickly replenished them in May. These population parameters were highly variable throughout the reproductive season and within an estuary. Spawning was continuous at all sites without indication of lunar or other periodicity. We conclude that repeated sampling is required to assess reproductive output in the northern mummichog and densities of adults and young-of-the-year deserve further investigation as a potentially less logistically demanding indicator of eutrophication.
Combined Treatment of Domestic Wastewater using Anaerobic and Solar Photocatalytic Treatment
Authors: Banu J. Rajesh , Kaliappan Sudalyandi , Do Khac-Uan , James Arthur , Yeom Ick Tae
Published: May 2018

The present study utilizes anaerobic and solar photocatalytic methods to treat domestic wastewater. For stage I, a granulated hybrid upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor (HUASB) with a working volume of 5.9 L was used. It was run in a recirculation mode for 3 days called "one cycle," and 30 cycles were run to find out the stability of the anaerobic treatment. During stage I anaerobic treatment, 90% of the chemical oxygen demand (COD) was removed, and it increased with an increase in digestion period for each cycle. Volatile fatty acids did not cause any operational problems during the stage I anaerobic treatment, being in the range of 280 to 90 mg/L. Stage I treated wastewater was subjected to a stage II solar photocatalytic oxidation method. The optimum pH and catalyst loading for the solar photochemical oxidation were found to be 5 and 200 mg/L, respectively. Stage II, treatment at an optimized condition, removed 66% of organics from the stage I treated wastewater. The combined COD removal due to the combination of these two technologies was found to be 96%.
Application of Clay for Petrochemical Wastewater Pretreatment
Authors: Buić Zdenko , Zelić Bruno
Published: May 2018

Petrochemical industry wastewater is contaminated with nitrogen and phosphorous compounds, mainly ammonium and ammonium nitrogen, and therefore needs treatment before it is released in the watercourse. Usually, petrochemical wastewater treatment is carried out following the ion exchange principle. One of the possibilities of petrochemical wastewater pretreatment is using bentonite clays. Bentonite decreases the concentration of ions in the incoming wastewater and, as a consequence, the ion exchanger placed subsequently works more efficiently. The experiment was carried out with alkali-activated granulated bentonite and acid-activated granulated bentonite. In this work, bentonite particle size, the quantity and the type of bentonite, as well as the time of the contact of bentonite and wastewater were optimized. It was found that the highest percentage of ion removal of 83% for ammonia ions and 71% for phosphate ions was accomplished when the model solution was treated with a mixture of acid- and alkali-activated bentonite for 5 minutes.
Spatial Variability of Reproductive and Size Characteristics of the Northern Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus macrolepidotus) Collected Near Municipal Wastewater Discharges
Authors: McMullin Vincent A. , Munkittrick Kelly R. , Methven David A.
Published: May 2018

Northern mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus macrolepidotus) have been widely considered to be suitable for environmental effects monitoring despite concerns of spatial variability observed in energy reserves and reproductive indices. In this study, temporal and spatial variability in gonadosomatic index (GSI), liversomatic index (LSI), and condition factor (K) were examined across two sites in 2006 and 10 sites (four sites exposed to wastewater discharge; six reference sites) in 2007. In 2006 GSI, LSI, and K appeared highly variable and significantly different for both males and females. In 2007, female K and gonad weight were significantly different among all sites. For males, significant differences in K and liver weight were observed among sites. Extensive spatial variation in GSI, LSI, and K observed between reference sites suggests current standardized Canadian Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) methods, including effect size and duration of sampling, should not be adopted for use with the northern mummichog F. h. macrolepidotus.
Contaminant Trends in Suspended Sediments in the Detroit River-Lake St. Clair-St. Clair River Corridor, 2000 to 2004
Authors: Jia Julia , Thiessen Lina , Schachtschneider JoAnne , Waltho Jasmine , Marvin Chris
Published: May 2018

Suspended sediments from the Detroit River-Lake St. Clair-St. Clair River corridor over the period of 2000 to 2004 were analyzed to examine the spatial distributions of contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and mercury. Contaminant spatial distributions were similar over the five-year study period, but concentrations varied considerably among sampling locations. Concentrations of PCBs ranged from 22 to 1,200 ng/g (dry weight) in 2004, and from 10 to 2,700 ng/g (dry weight) in 2000; concentrations of PAHs ranged from 640 to 52,000 ng/g (dry weight) in 2004, and from 240 to 82,000 ng/g (dry weight) in 2000; and concentrations of mercury ranged from 0.063 to 0.478 mg/kg (dry weight) in 2004, and from 0.060 to 0.514 mg/kg (dry weight) in 2002. The highest PCB and PAH concentrations were associated with suspended sediments in the lower and middle reaches of the Detroit River in the area of the Trenton Channel, and the outflow of the Rouge River. The spatial distributions of mercury were more consistent throughout the entire corridor, indicating the presence of sources in both the lower reaches of the Detroit River and the upper reaches of the St. Clair River. Both the Trenton Channel area of the Detroit River and the upper reaches of the St. Clair River are characterized by heavy historical industrial activity, including steel manufacturing and chlor-alkali production.
Monitoring of the Environmental Effects of Pulp Mill Discharges in Chilean Rivers: Lessons Learned and Challenges
Authors: Chiang Gustavo , Munkittrick Kelly R. , Orrego Rodrigo , Barra Ricardo
Published: May 2018

Environmental monitoring activities in Chile are relatively new and have traditionally relied on physicochemical measurements. The pulp mill industry in Chile is highly competitive in the global market and several new large mills have recently opened. Early studies on fish in the receiving environments revealed lower species richness and an increase in the abundance of introduced species relative to native ones near pulp mill discharges. Even though changes were observed, their relationship with the discharges was unclear. Several difficulties related to small body sizes and the unavailability of basic biological data for native Chilean fish species were found during initial field studies. One of the main challenges is the standardization of monitoring methods (including fish species selection, sampling sizes, indicators, reference sites, etc.) and consensus about the responses that should be considered in a river monitoring program in the Chilean context. This paper summarizes major findings from a series of studies looking at impacts on fish at different levels of biological organization and the current approach used in Chile for monitoring impacts of pulp mill effluents on wild fish populations.
Evaluation of Short-Term Fish Reproductive Bioassays for Predicting Effects of a Canadian Bleached Kraft Mill Effluent
Authors: van den Heuvel Michael R. , Martel Pierre H. , Kovacs Tibor G. , MacLatchy Deborah L. , Van Der Kraak Glen J. , Parrott Joanne L. , McMaster Mark E. , O'Connor Brian I. , Melvin Steven D. , Hewitt L. Mark
Published: May 2018

Under the Canadian Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) program for pulp and paper effluents, the observation of a national response pattern of decreased gonad size and increased fish condition and liver size has triggered a centralized multiagency investigation of cause (IOC) of reproductive impacts in fishes. The purpose of the component of the IOC study presented here is to compare a number of fish bioassays for determining reproductive and reproductive-endocrine effects of a bleached kraft mill effluent. The bleached kraft mill chosen for this study had demonstrated the national response pattern in previous EEM cycles. The bioassays employed to examine reproduction were fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) 5- and 21-d, mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) 25-d, and zebrafish (Danio rerio) 7-d tests, all of which had egg production as the primary reproductive endpoint. Additional bioassays examining reproductive-endocrine endpoints included a 7-d mummichog test, a 7- and a 21-d threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) test, a rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) 7-d test, and in vitro sex steroid receptor and plasma protein binding bioassays. The zebrafish and fathead minnow reproductive tests showed significant suppression of egg production at the 100% effluent concentration. Endocrine data derived from the tests showed that this effluent did not impact steroidogenic endpoints at any concentration. Bioassays showed that this effluent i) was capable of eliciting cytochrome P4501A induction at as low as 10% vol/vol effluent, ii) was weakly androgenic at 10% vol/vol, and iii) showed no evidence of in vivo estrogenicity. These results were consistent with in vitro receptor binding assays showing a highly variable level of androgenic equivalents over six months of effluent testing, with little evidence of estrogenic activity. Bioassay results were consistent in that the overall conclusion was that this effluent has only a weak potential to cause reproductive impairment and would likely not do so at environmentally relevant concentrations. Field studies and a fathead minnow lifecycle study conducted concurrently were in agreement with reproductive bioassay results as white sucker exposed in the receiving environment no longer had significantly reduced gonadal development. Overall, this study provided evidence that the laboratory assays evaluated for various reproductive endpoints have potential application for future IOC work.
Guidance for Site-Specifically Assessing the Health of Fish Populations with Emphasis on Canada's Environmental Effects Monitoring Program
Authors: Munkittrick Kelly R. , Barrett Timothy J. , McMaster Mark E.
Published: May 2018

Techniques have been developed over the past two decades to site-specifically assess effects of contaminants on the health of fish populations using a sentinel species approach. National environment effects monitoring (EEM) programs have been implemented in Canada for pulp and paper effluents since 1992 and liquid metal mining effluents since 2002 to monitor effects of these discharges on the health of fish populations. The major criticisms of past EEM fish population surveys can be separated into concerns about the adequacy of the reference sites, the potential impacts of confounding factors, the ecological relevance of endpoints used, the influences of natural variability, concerns over statistical design issues, and potential genetic influences on species characteristics. This paper provides input to deal with these issues and guidance on the selection of sentinel species, timing of sampling, and nonlethal sampling methods to evaluate the health of fish populations. Sample size requirements, effect sizes, and power analysis are also discussed as well as data analysis guidance needed to obtain reliable results.
The Eastern Canadian Diatom Index (IDEC) Version 2.0: Including Meaningful Ecological Classes and an Expanded Coverage Area that Encompasses Additional Geological Characteristics
Authors: Lavoie Isabelle , Grenier Martine , Campeau Stéphane , Dillon Peter J.
Published: May 2018

In 2006, the Eastern Canadian Diatom Index (IDEC: Indice Diatomées de l'Est du Canada) was developed to monitor the biological integrity of streams and rivers in Eastern Canada. The first version of the IDEC has been successfully used to evaluate the biological status of numerous sites. A new version of the index (IDEC 2.0) was recently developed to cover a larger geographic area that encompasses additional geological characteristics. IDEC 2.0 is now applicable for the biological assessment of streams in Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Moreover, the approach used to define the biological interpretation of the index values was revised. IDEC 2.0 presents ecologically meaningful differences among biological communities (ecological thresholds or class boundaries) based on diatom biotypes, providing a more relevant interpretation of the diatom community changes along the alteration gradient.
Comparison of two selective methods for determination of geosmin (1,2,7,7-tetramethyl-2-norborneol) and 2-MIB (2-methylisoborneol) in drinking and raw water samples by capillary gas chromatography - mass spectrometry
Authors: Sibali Linda Lunga , Schoeman Carl , Morobi Jabulile Selina , Molalatladi Barnard Saenet
Published: May 2018

Two sample preparation methods were introduced and compared in this study to establish a simple, rapid, sensitive and selective method of analysis for geosmin and 2-MIB in raw and drinking water samples. Geosmin and 2-MIB are major organic pollutants responsible for undesirable taste and odour in aqueous matrices. Thus, there is a need to continue monitoring these compounds since they occur at very low levels (ng/L) in our water systems. Purge and trap (P/T) and solid phase extraction(SPE) methods were evaluated and optimised for separation of these compounds. Mean percentage recoveries obtained in spiked distilled Milli-Q water (18.2 Ω) for 2-MIB and geosmin ranged from 90.1 ± 2.32 (geosmin) to 97.3 ± 3.34 (2-MIB) and from 78.5 ± 4.82 (geosmin) to 87.1 ± 1.02 (2-MIB) for SPE and P/T respectively. Concentration levels obtained in drinking water were between not detected (ND)-6.05 ng/L whereas in raw water samples concentration levels ranged from less than 1 to 371 ng/L. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for identification and quantification of target compounds in this study.
Traitement d'une émulsion d'huile de coupe par electrocoagulation avec des electrodes de fer
Authors: Aoudjehane Malika , Chafou Aimad , Kellil Amara , Aurelle Yves
Published: May 2018

L'objectif de ce travail est de démontrer l'intérêt du procédé d'électrocoagulation (EC) pour le traitement d'une émulsion d'huile de coupe. L'étude a porté sur la déstabilisation d'une émulsion d'huile de coupe Algérienne (Tasfalout 22/B) á 4% (p/p) par EC en batch, en utilisant des électrodes de fer. Le rendement du procédé est évalué par la mesure de la turbidité et de la demande chimique en oxygéne (DCO). L'effet de la distance inter-électrodes, du pH de la solution et de la conductivité sur le rendement d'élimination a été étudié. L'effet de la conductivité électrique sur le rendement d'élimination et la puissance consommée ont été étudiés pour deux valeurs de pH. L'évolution des paramétres opératoires au cours de l'EC montre que le rendement optimal est obtenu pour un temps d'électrocoagulation de 15 min, une densité de courant de 200 A/m2, une conductivité de 81 mS/cm, un pH 2 et une distance inter-électrodes de 1 cm. Dans ces conditions, le rendement d'élimination de la turbidité et de la DCO est respectivement de 98% et de 72%.
The influence of computer games on the development and degradation of society
Authors: Golikov Andrei Mikhailovich , Markova Tatiana Vladislavovna
Published: May 2018

The article is devoted to the study of the influence of game industry products, both on the individual and on society. For a full analysis origin of such phenomena as computer games is represented. After that, the growth rate of the "players" is seen. Revealing the most popular game theme, the thesis about the harm of computer games for a number of reasons. The relevance of studying the harm resulting from the products of the gaming industry is argued. Having reviewed the positive effects of the games on the person, the presence of the good sides of this action is claimed. In conclusion, the question is raised about the true impact of the products of the gaming industry on society, as well as the consequences of this influence.
The genre of sports film in USSR and the construction of the perfect image of the «Soviet man» (on the example of «The Goalkeeper», 1936)
Authors: Kalendarova Viktoriia Vladimirovna
Published: May 2018

The construction of the perfect image of «Soviet man» is discussed in this article on the example of the first Soviet sports film. Sports activity and success in sport, which are understood as a leisure and recreation, can play only a supporting role in the life of Soviet man, while work in production must be on the first terms. Meeting with an external rival, which represents the East world, let’s move to a new level of confrontation in order to demonstrate the advantage of the Soviet way of life.
Study of tobacco dependence among schoolchildren aged 13–14 on the basis of MBOU "School №19"of Nizhnevartovsk
Authors: Vasikova Alina Fardatovna
Published: May 2018

With the increasing number of smokers and smoking-related diseases, especially among adolescents, the forms and methods of effective prevention of smoking are becoming particularly relevant. The problem of health and healthy lifestyle of the younger generation is the need for a comprehensive approach to the study and search for new means and measures that form the setting for a healthy lifestyle of a teenager, as in adolescence, impaired health is reversible and amenable to correction.
tobacco smoking, addiction, healthy lifestyle.
Injuriousness of a noctuid moth Cosmia affinis for deciduous trees
Authors: Myrkasimova Ardak Sagynovna
Published: May 2018

The article describes a noctuid moth Cosmia affinis as a pest of deciduous trees. The main purpose of the work is to determine the percentage of damaged deciduous trees of different types, which were damaged by the pest noctuid moth and the influence of climatic factors on their numbers. The main work results are the following: calculated percentage of the trees leaf blades damage, the researcher has indicated the percentage of deciduous trees, damaged by noctuid moth, presented a phenocalendar of a noctuid moth Cosmia affinis development and the occurrence of pests’ frequency in number.
Information and communication technologies in the work with children
Authors: Dodonova Lidiia Evgenevna , Myakisheva Anastasiia Andreevna , Chegodaeva Iuliia Sergeevna
Published: May 2018

This article deals with the problem of information and communication technologies usage in educational work with children and in the process of interaction with parents, as well as pedagogical community. The use of ICT as a new way of knowledge transfer, leading to educational process quality improvement is represented. Materials of the article will help teachers of pre-school institutions to plan the introduction of ICT in the educational process.
Composite abilities development of art college students in the process of wood carving development
Authors: Khorkova Mariia Mikhailovna
Published: May 2018

The article reveals the problem of studying and creating compositions by students of secondary professional art educational institution. The importance and laws of composition and their application in the educational process in the creation of their project are described.
6H-Indolo[2,3-b]Quinoline: A Recent Synthetic Comprehension
Authors: Kadam Hari K. , Tilve Santosh G.
Published: May 2018

The present review provides a comprehensive overview of the synthetic methods developed
recently for 6H-Indolo[2,3-b]quinoline. The review is classified into the following: 1) inheriting indole
skeleton and constructing quinoline ring; 2) inheriting quinoline skeleton and constructing indole ring,
and 3) convergent strategies constructing both rings simultaneously or step by step. This review
discusses the scope of multifunctional reactivity of indole and quinoline skeleton for constructing the
desired indoloquinolines as explored in various research strategies.
Mucosal Immunity in HIV/SIV Infection: T Cells, B Cells and Beyond
Authors: Shacklett Barbara L.
Published: May 2018

As our understanding of mucosal immunity increases, it is becoming clear that the host response to HIV-1 is more complex and nuanced than originally believed. The mucosal landscape is populated with a variety of specialized cell types whose functions include combating infectious agents while preserving commensal microbiota, maintaining barrier integrity, and ensuring immune homeostasis. Advances in multiparameter flow cytometry, gene expression analysis and bioinformatics have allowed more detailed characterization of these cell types and their roles in host defense than was previously possible. This review provides an overview of existing literature on immunity to HIV-1 and SIVmac in mucosal tissues of the female reproductive tract and the gastrointestinal tract, focusing on major effector cell populations and briefly summarizing new information on tissue-resident memory T cells, Treg, Th17, Th22 and innate lymphocytes (ILC), subsets that have been studied primarily in the gastrointestinal mucosa.
Competency of Prefilled Insulin Pen Usage Among Diabetes Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sweidan Besher Akram , Al Ajlouni Momen Mohammad , Robert Asirvatham Alwin , Alzaid Aus A.
Published: May 2018

Background: Correct insulin injection practice is essential for better diabetic control. The
aim of this study is to investigate the level of competency of prefilled insulin pen usage (injection technique
and storage) among diabetes patients in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional survey between March 2017 to July 2017 of randomly selected patients
with diabetes attending Diabetes Treatment Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Saudi Arabia,
who are actively using a prefilled insulin pen, were interviewed to complete a pre-structured questionnaire
to assess the competency of using the insulin pen. The contents of the questionnaire addressed the
6 competency components according to manufacturer recommendation (priming, count time, storage,
using new needles, a store with no needles, and discard date), background, clinical and metabolic data.
Results of the questionnaire were analyzed to identify common pitfalls and were also contrasted with
background clinical and metabolic data.

Results:

165 patients with diabetes (aged 14-70yrs) were interviewed for the study and all questioners
completed properly. Only 14 (8.5%) patients were following all of the six competency components.
Count time 52 (31.6%) was the least followed competency component of the six, whereas discard date
and storage of insulin pen were the most followed with 165 (100%) and 159 (96.4%), consecutively.
Education was the only significant variable related to the following more than 3 of the competency
components, and logistic regression showed the college or higher educated patients to be three times
more likely follow more than 3 of the competency components.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that majority of patients are either ignoring or unaware of the major
components of correct use of prefilled insulin in Saudi Arabia.
High-pitch Dual-source CT Angiography before TAVI - the Value of ECG Gating
Authors: Bucher Andreas Michael , Albrecht Moritz Hans , Scholtz Jan Erik , Herrmann Eva , Kaup Moritz , Gruber-Rouh Tatjana , Jacobi Volkmar , Vogl Thomas Josef , Beeres Martin
Published: May 2018

Purpose: To investigate image quality, and radiation dose between ECG-gated singlesource
and dual-source CT Angiography (CTA) protocols for planning of Trans-catheter Aortic
Valve Implantation (TAVI) with a reference non ECG-gated single-source protocol.

Methods:

A total of 120 patients were included in four groups: Non ECG-gated single-source (SS),
ECG-gated single-source (SSECG), ECG-gated dual-source high-pitch (DSECG), or non-ECG-gated
dual-source high-pitch mode (DS). Qualitative image quality of the aortic annulus, aortic valve,
and coronary ostia as well as presence of motion or stair-step artefacts of the thoracic aorta were
independently assessed by two readers. Quantitative image quality was assessed to calculate contrast
to noise ratio.

Results:

Subjective and objective scoring of motion artefacts was significantly reduced in SSECG,
DSECG and DS (p= 0.010). The imaging length was comparable between groups. Aortic annulus,
aortic valve, and coronary ostia were reliably evaluable in all patients with SSECG, DSECG and DS
protocols.

Conclusion:

High-pitch, dual-source CT angiography of the whole aorta with or without ECG gating
is a dose-efficient and time-saving examination strategy before TAVI. However acquisition
timing within the cardiac cycle needs to be taken into account.
ICU Nurses' Perceived Barriers to Effective Enteral Nutrition Practices: A Multicenter Survey Study
Authors: Darawad Muhammad W. , Alfasfos Nedal , Zaki Ismael , Alnajar Malek , Hammad Sawsan , Samarkandi Osama A.
Published: May 2018

Background:

Critically ill patients are hypermetabolic and have increased energy requirements, making nutritional support a vital intervention. In the Intensive Care Units, enteral nutrition is based on opinions rather than evidence-based practices. Therefore, there is a need to identify the barriers to evidence based practice protocols for enteral feeding of patients in Jordanian ICUs.

Aims:

To explore Jordanian ICU nurses' perceived barriers for enteral nutrition that hinders them from utilizing the recommended EN guidelines.

Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized using self-administered questionnaire. A total of 131 nurses participated from different hospitals representing different healthcare sectors in Jordan.

Results:

The five barriers subscales' means were almost equal ranging from 4.04 (Delivery of EN to the Patient) to 4.33 (ICU Resources) (out of 7). The most important barrier was “Not enough nursing staff to deliver adequate nutrition” (M=4.80, SD=1.81, 60%), followed by “Fear of adverse events due to aggressively feeding patients” (M= 4.59, SD=1.50, 56%). Although no significant differences in the mean barrier score were revealed, minimal significant differences were revealed that were distributed among different barrier subscales.

Conclusion:

Participants moderately perceived barriers with more focus on insufficient resources in ICU and among healthcare providers. Such barriers are modifiable and manageable, making their identification and management crucial for optimal patient care. This study confirms that enteral nutrition is a multidisciplinary responsibility.
High-cycle Fatigue Behaviour of S460N Steel Grade Materials and Bolted Joints Processed by Laser Cutting
Authors: Zanon Gabriele , Bursi Oreste S. , Scardi Paolo , D’Incau Mirco , Raso Sergio
Published: May 2018

Background:

Prompted by the EN 1090 standard, an important evolution has been observed in recent years about steel structures execution. Laser cutting is appealing for high machining speed and precision in implementation of details with complex geometry, but requires consideration for the effects of the inherent thermal process.

Objective:

The present study investigates the correlations between material properties altered by the laser cutting process and behaviour of the material and of structural joints subjected to high-cycle fatigue.

Method:

High-cycle fatigue tests on material samples and on structural bolted connections were carried out in order to correlate the structural response with material properties. For this purpose, hardness and residual stresses were analysed in depth, from the cutting surface inward and specimens processed using different laser cutting parameters and post-annealing treatments were investigated.

Results:

High-cycle fatigue tests on material samples and on structural bolted connections, processed by laser cutting, show a favourable fatigue behaviour of S460N steel, despite the high values of hardness on cut surface, in agreement with Eurocode 3 fatigue category FAT160 and FAT90, respectively for base material and drilled holes.

Conclusion:

Structural bolted connections made of S460N steel cut by laser exhibit a favourable fatigue behaviour. Local hardness is an important indicator, favourably complemented by the residual stress distribution to understand the effects of laser cutting and correlate them with the high-cycle fatigue behaviour.
Comparison Between Different Design Strategies For Freedam Frames: Push-Overs and Ida Analyses
Authors: Montuori Rosario , Nastri Elide , Piluso Vincenzo , Streppone Simona , D’Aniello Mario , Zimbru Mariana , Landolfo Raffaele
Published: May 2018

Background:

Modern seismic code design rules are known to be based on capacity design principles. They try to assure the damage to occur in the ductile parts of the structure, such as beam ends while the other have to remain in elastic range. Therefore, in the aftermath of design earthquakes, plastic deformations at member or connection level will imply high repair costs. In the last decades, innovative structural solutions based on the so-called supplementary energy dissipation strategy allow increasing the dissipative capacity of structures through equipping it with special damping devices. In the case of substitution of dissipative zones with dissipative devices the strategy takes the name of substitutive strategy. This is the case of Moment Resisting Frames investigated in this paper, where traditional dissipa-tive zones, are equipped with innovative low damage frictional devices. However, the current version of codes does not provide any rules to design of MRFs equipped with this type of friction joints.

Methods:

Therefore, this paper reports two design approaches amply investigated and compared. The first one is based on the application of the Beam-to-Column Hierarchy Criterion (BCHC) while the second one exploits the Theory of Plastic Mechanism Control (TPMC). The comparison between them is herein discussed on the basis of the results of nonlinear static and dynamic analyses.

Conclusions:

Structures equipped with low damage frictional connections show larger drift demand than conventional Moment Resisting Frames. However, differently from traditional structures, the larger displacement demand of MRFs equipped with friction joints does not corre-spond to structural damage, thus allowing the reparability of the structure.
Investigation on Friction Features of Dissipative Lap Shear Connections by Means of Experimental and Numerical Tests
Authors: Zimbru Mariana , D’Aniello Mario , Martino Attilio De , Latour Massimo , Rizzano Gianvittorio , Piluso Vincenzo
Published: May 2018

Background:

Beam-to-column joints equipped with friction dampers are a viable solution to improve the dissipative capacity of moment Resisting Frames without any damage after severe seismic events. Recently, novel systems have been developed within the RFCS FREEDAM research project.

Objective:

The objective of the work is to provide a rational selection based on engineering judgment, of possible materials to be used in friction dampers.

Methods:

Both experimental analysis and Finite Element (FE) simulations have been carried out to assess the friction coefficients of several interfaces evaluating also their ability to withstand cyclic loading histories.

Results:

The experimental campaign showed that both hard and soft metals can be used in combination with stainless steel obtaining satisfactory performance under cyclic loads. In addition, at high slip velocities, large temperatures are developed within the specimen. Modelling this effect is crucial as it causes a reduction in the slip force capacity. This is due to the transverse dilatation that initially increases the pressure, while bolt tightening reduces due to elongation of the shank.

Conclusion:

The experimental results, together with other similar data selected from technical literature, have been employed to validate FE models able to simulate the behaviour of lap shear friction connections, showing the influence of different modelling approaches over the simulated data. Subsequently, the validated model has been used to perform a set of simulations devoted to highlight the key parameters affecting the response of the lap shears and the possible strategies to improve the performance of the friction dampers.
Finite Element Analysis of Bolted T-Stubs Undergoing Large Displacement: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Faralli Anna C. , Tan P.J. , Latour Massimo , Rizzano Gianvittorio
Published: May 2018

Background:

In recent years, there have been increased interests by the steel structures community to characterise the large-deformation response of T-stubs to evaluate the deformation capacity of bolted joints. However, little information exists on the influence of second-order effects on the response of bolted T-stubs and, consequently, there are no existing guidelines on how to include these effects in de-sign.

Objective:

In this paper, we assess the influence of second-order effects in T-stubs bolted to a rigid support through a parametric investigation, using finite element analysis.

Methods:

Both material and geometrical non-linearities were considered since they are known to have a critical impact upon the performance of T-stubs. A benchmark model is first generated and validated and then used to carry out a parametric investigation. A method to assess the contributions of membrane forces to the overall deformation response of a T-stub is also proposed based on the introduction of a non-dimensional parameter Ψ.

Results:

The combination of geometric parameters that are most affected by second order effects, induced by large displacement, was identified. A direct correspondence was found between the extent of second order effects that has developed and the index Ψ: a higher index implies a greater influence by second order effects.