bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Epidermal stem cells are resistant to cellular aging
Authors: Stern Matthew M. , Bickenbach Jackie R.
Published: July 2007

The epidermis of the skin, acting as the primary physical barrier between self and environment, is a dynamic tissue whose maintenance is critical to the survival of an organism. Like most other tissues and organs, the epidermis is maintained and repaired by a population of resident somatic stem cells. The epidermal stem cells reside in the proliferative basal cell layer and are believed to persist for the lifetime of an individual. Acting through intermediaries known as transit amplifying cells, epidermal stem cells ensure that the enormous numbers of keratinocytes required for epidermal homeostasis to be maintained are generated. This continual demand for new cell production must be met over the entire lifetime of an individual. Breakdown of the epidermal barrier would have catastrophic consequences. This leads us to question whether or not epidermal stem cells represent a unique population of cells which, by necessity, might be resistant to cellular aging. We hypothesized that the full physiologic functional capacity of epidermal stem cells is maintained over an entire lifetime. Using murine skin epidermis as our model system, we compared several properties of young and old adult epidermal stem cells. We found that, over an average mouse's lifetime, there was no measurable loss in the physiologic functional capacity of epidermal stem cells, leading us to conclude that murine epidermal stem cells resist cellular aging.
The Credibility of Voluntary Disclosure and Insider Stock Transactions
Authors: GU FENG , LI JOHN Q.
Published: July 2007

We examine stock price reaction to voluntary disclosure of innovation strategy by high‐tech firms and its relation with insider stock transactions before the disclosure. We find that, despite the qualitative and subjective nature of strategy‐related disclosure, there is positive stock price reaction to the disclosure. The evidence suggests that investors view the disclosure as credible good news. We also find that the disclosure is associated with more positive stock price reaction when it is preceded by insider purchase transactions. This evidence is consistent with insider purchase enhancing the credibility of the disclosure. The credibility‐enhancing effect is found to be stronger for firms with higher degrees of information asymmetry (younger firms, firms with lower analyst following, loss firms, and firms with higher research and development (R&D) intensity). Our evidence also indicates that predisclosure insider purchase is associated with greater future abnormal returns, suggesting that managers are privy to good news shortly before the disclosure.
Who Reaps the Benefits, Who Bears the Risks? Comparative Optimism, Comparative Utility, and Regulatory Preferences for Mobile Phone Technology
Authors: White Mathew P. , Eiser J. Richard , Harris Peter R. , Pahl Sabine
Published: July 2007

Although the issue of risk target (e.g., self, others, children) is widely acknowledged in risk perception research, its importance appears underappreciated. To date, most research has been satisfied with demonstrating comparative optimism, i.e., lower perceived risk for the self than others, and exploring its moderators, such as perceived controllability and personal exposure. Much less research has investigated how the issue of target may affect benefit perceptions or key outcomes such as stated preferences for hazard regulation. The current research investigated these issues using data from a public survey of attitudes toward mobile phone technology (N= 1,320). First, results demonstrated comparative optimism for this hazard, and also found moderating effects of both controllability and personal exposure. Second, there was evidence of comparative utility, i.e., users believed that the benefits from mobile phone technology are greater for the self than others. Third, and most important for policy, preferences for handset regulation were best predicted by perceptions of the risks to others but perceived benefits for the self. Results suggest a closer awareness of target can improve prediction of stated preferences for hazard regulation and that it would be profitable for future research to pay more attention to the issue of target for both risk and benefit perceptions.
A Risk and Economic Analysis of Dirty Bomb Attacks on the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
Authors: Rosoff H. , Von Winterfeldt D.
Published: July 2007

This article analyzes possible terrorist attacks on the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach using a radiological dispersal device (RDD, also known as a “dirty bomb”) to shut down port operations and cause substantial economic and psychological impacts. The analysis is an exploratory investigation of a combination of several risk analysis tools, including scenario generation and pruning, project risk analysis, direct consequence modeling, and indirect economic impact assessment. We examined 36 attack scenarios and reduced them to two plausible or likely scenarios using qualitative judgments. For these two scenarios, we conducted a project risk analysis to understand the tasks terrorists need to perform to carry out the attacks and to determine the likelihood of the project's success. The consequences of a successful attack are described in terms of a radiological plume model and resulting human health and economic impacts. Initial findings suggest that the chances of a successful dirty bomb attack are about 10–40% and that high radiological doses are confined to a relatively small area, limiting health effects to tens or at most hundreds of latent cancers, even with a major release. However, the economic consequences from a shutdown of the harbors due to the contamination could result in significant losses in the tens of billions of dollars, including the decontamination costs and the indirect economic impacts due to the port shutdown. The implications for countering a dirty bomb attack, including the protection of the radiological sources and intercepting an ongoing dirty bomb attack are discussed.
Guiding Resource Allocations Based on Terrorism Risk
Authors: Willis Henry H.
Published: July 2007

Establishing tolerable levels of risk is one of the most contentious and important risk management decisions. With every regulatory or funding decision for a risk management program, society decides whether or not risk is tolerable. The Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) grant program designed to enhance security and overall preparedness to prevent, respond to, and recover from acts of terrorism by providing financial assistance for planning, equipment, training, and exercise needs of large urban areas. After briefly reviewing definitions of terrorism risk and rationales for risk‐based resource allocation, this article compares estimates of terrorism risk in urban areas that received UASI funding in 2004 to other federal risk management decisions. This comparison suggests that UASI allocations are generally consistent with other federal risk management decisions. However, terrorism risk in several cities that received funding is below levels that are often tolerated in other risk management contexts. There are several reasons why the conclusions about terrorism risk being de minimis in specific cities should be challenged. Some of these surround the means used to estimate terrorism risk for this study. Others involve the comparison that is made to other risk management decisions. However, many of the observations reported are valid even if reported terrorism risk estimates are several orders of magnitude too low. Discussion of resource allocation should be extended to address risk tolerance and include explicit comparisons, like those presented here, to other risk management decisions.
Identifying Childhood Age Groups for Exposure Assessments and Monitoring
Authors: Firestone Michael , Moya Jacqueline , Cohen‐Hubal Elaine , Zartarian Valerie , Xue Jianping
Published: July 2007

The purpose of this article is to describe a standard set of age groups for exposure assessors to consider when assessing childhood exposure and potential dose to environmental contaminants. In addition, this article presents examples to show how the age groups can be applied in children's exposure assessments. A consistent set of childhood age groups, supported by an underlying scientific rationale, will improve the accuracy and comparability of exposure and risk assessments for children. The effort was undertaken in part to aid the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in implementing such regulatory initiatives as the 1997 Presidential Executive Order 13045, which required all federal agencies to ensure that their standards take into account special risks to children. The standard age groups include: birth to <1 month; 1 to <3 months; 3 to <6 months; 6 to <12 months; 1 to <2 years; 2 to <3 years; 3 to <6 years; 6 to <11 years; 11 to <16 years; and 16 to <21 years. These age groups reflect a consideration of developmental changes in various behavioral, anatomical, and physiological characteristics that impact exposure and potential dose. It is expected that the availability of a standard set of early‐life age groups will inform future analyses of exposure factors data as well as guide new research and data collection efforts to fill knowledge gaps.
Reconciling Scientists' Beliefs about Radiation Risks and Social Norms: Explaining Preferred Radiation Protection Standards
Authors: Silva Carol L. , Jenkins‐Smith Hank C. , Barke Richard P.
Published: July 2007

Social scientists have argued about the role of political beliefs in highly charged policy debates among scientific experts. In debates about environmental hazards, the focus of contention is likely to rest on the appropriate scientific assumptions to inform safety standards. When scientific communities are polarized, one would expect to find systematic differences among combatants in the choice of appropriate assumptions, and variation in the application of “precaution” in standard setting. We test this proposition using an experiment applied in a mail survey format to groups of scientists from opposing sides of the nuclear policy debate. Questions were asked about the role of political, social, and epistemological beliefs in reaching scientific and policy judgments about the relationship between radiation dose and cancer incidence in human populations. We find that the precautionary tendency is pervasive regardless of whether the scientist is associated with a putatively pro‐ or anti‐nuclear group. Using a multinomial logit model, we explain a modest percentage of the variation in the choice of preferred judgments about safety standards, but find that distinct sets of political and social values are significantly associated with policy positions among scientists. Implications for scientific advice to policymakers are discussed.
Sliced Inverse Regression with Regularizations
Authors: Li Lexin , Yin Xiangrong
Published: July 2007

SummaryIn high‐dimensional data analysis, sliced inverse regression (SIR) has proven to be an effective dimension reduction tool and has enjoyed wide applications. The usual SIR, however, cannot work with problems where the number of predictors,p, exceeds the sample size,n, and can suffer when there is high collinearity among the predictors. In addition, the reduced dimensional space consists of linear combinations of all the original predictors and no variable selection is achieved. In this article, we propose a regularized SIR approach based on the least‐squares formulation of SIR. TheL2regularization is introduced, and an alternating least‐squares algorithm is developed, to enable SIR to work withn<pand highly correlated predictors. TheL1regularization is further introduced to achieve simultaneous reduction estimation and predictor selection. Both simulations and the analysis of a microarray expression data set demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method.
Convection Patterns in Liquid Oxide Films on ZrB2–SiC Composites Oxidized at a High Temperature
Authors: Karlsdottir Sigrun N. , Halloran John W. , Henderson Carl E.
Published: July 2007

During the high‐temperature oxidation of ZrB2–SiC composites, liquid boron oxide (B2O3) is formed at the zirconium diboride–zirconium oxide interface and transported through the overlying layer of silica liquid by convection, forming distinct convection cells arranged like the petals of a flower. The convection cells are localized by a viscous fingering phenomenon, as the fluid B2O3 rich liquid solution rises through the viscous silica layer. The upwelling B2O3 rich liquid contains dissolved zirconium dioxide, which deposits in the center of the flower‐like structure as the B2O3 evaporates. The driving force for the B2O3 liquid flow is the volume increase upon oxidation of ZrB2. Convective transport of B2O3 liquids suggests a novel mechanism for the high‐temperature oxidation of these materials.
Silica Glass Segregation in 3 wt% LiF‐Doped Hot‐Pressed Y2Si2O7
Authors: MacLaren Ian , Schierholz Roland , Trusty Paul A. , Ponton Clive B.
Published: July 2007

Hot‐pressed yttrium disilicate ceramics have been characterized using analytical transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microstructure consists of large grains of the γ phase of stoichiometric γ‐Y2Si2O7 containing rounded glassy Y‐doped SiO2 inclusions; excess glassy SiO2‐rich material is also found at the grain boundaries. Two main reasons are found for the inhomogeneity: a slight SiO2 excess is inferred from the composition measurements, and the LiF flux used in hot pressing would also promote glass formation. Improved high‐temperature mechanical properties would only be possible if residual glass formation was minimized, strategies for doing so are discussed, and the importance of analytical TEM for studying such submicron scale inhomogeneity is underlined.
Collective Bargaining in the Twenty‐First Century: A Negotiations Institution at Risk
Authors: Cutcher‐Gershenfeld Joel , Kochan Thomas , Ferguson John‐Paul , Barrett Betty
Published: July 2007

Collective bargaining, a core social institution, faces a fundamental transformational challenge. National survey data provide unique insights into the current status of the bargaining process — revealing challenges and opportunities. Awareness and use of interest‐based bargaining principles is widespread but complicated by underlying tensions between labor and management. The findings illustrate the value of conducting an institutional‐level analysis of a negotiations process.
An Experimental Study on the Effects of Exitability and Correctability on Electronic Negotiation
Authors: Hatta Taketoshi , Ohbuchi Ken‐ichi , Fukuno Mitsuteru
Published: July 2007

The purpose of the present study was to examine via a laboratory experiment the effects of two features of electronic negotiation, correctability and exitability, on negotiation processes and outcomes. We define correctability as the negotiator's ability to revise messages before transmitting them to the other party, thus prompting informational and social elaboration. The opportunity to exit the negotiation that the use of the electronic medium creates, a phenomenon for which we have coined the term “exitability,” can give rise to the perception that electronic negotiation is inherently more unstable than face‐to‐face negotiation. In two experiments, we manipulated the exitability of one of the parties in three ways. In another experiment, we manipulated correctability in two ways. We found that increased exitability caused by the existence of a potential alternative party with whom to negotiate prompted participants to decrease their demands and to reach agreement more often. Increasing the correctability of messages enhanced their clarity and generated more trade‐offs, thus leading to more frequent agreements.
Interleukin‐4 (C‐590T) and interferon‐γ (G5644A) gene polymorphisms in patients with periodontitis
Authors: Hooshmand B. , Hajilooi M. , Rafiei A. , Mani‐Kashani KH , Ghasemi R.
Published: July 2007

Background and Objective:  Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease and immunologic and genetic factors have an important role in its pathogenesis. Mutation in the promoter regions of the interleukin‐4 and interferon‐γ genes has been reported to modify the protein expression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the possible role of interleukin‐4 (C‐590T) and interferon‐γ (G5644A) polymorphisms in the susceptibility to periodontitis.

Material and Methods:  In this case–control study, 53 patients (36 women and 17 men), comprising 27 patients with aggressive periodontitis and 26 patients with chronic periodontitis, and 56 healthy volunteers, were enrolled. DNA was isolated from all subjects, and the polymerase chain reaction‐sequence specific primer method was used to study the interleukin‐4 (C‐590T) and interferon‐γ (G5644A) gene polymorphisms.

Results:  Our results showed no significant difference in the allele and genotype frequencies of interleukin‐4 (C‐590T) and interferon‐γ (G5644A) gene polymorphisms between patients with periodontal disease and controls.

Conclusion:  The results suggest that the interleukin‐4 (C‐590T) and interferon‐γ (G5644A) gene polymorphisms may not be associated with the susceptibility of Iranian individuals to periodontitis.
Can an Educational Program Optimize PDE5i Therapy? A Study of Canadian Primary Care Practices
Authors: Brock Gerald , Carrier Serge , Casey Richard , Tarride Jean-Eric , Elliott Stacey , Dugré Hélène , Rousseau Catherine , D'Angelo Pina , Defoy Isabelle
Published: July 2007

Introduction

The importance of patient instructions, designed to optimize therapy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED), has recently been demonstrated.

Aim

To evaluate the impact of an educational program for new sildenafil users against usual ED management in Canadian primary care practices.

Methods

This multicenter, 6-month cluster randomized prospective study was conducted across Canada in general practitioners' offices where sites were randomized to receive a treatment optimization program (TOP) tool at visit 1 (TOP sites) or not to receive the TOP tool (non-TOP sites) while continuing with usual practice. Study participants were men seeking medical attention for ED and who were sildenafil naïve. The TOP tool consisted of a tear-off sheet, a brochure, and a video. Study drug was not provided to the patients. Sildenafil samples and prescriptions were dispensed as per usual care practices.

Main Outcome Measures

The Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) questionnaire was used to determine treatment satisfaction at visit 2 (month 3) and visit 3 (month 6). Patient and physician satisfaction with the TOP tool was assessed using self-reported questionnaires.

Results

The intent-to-treat (ITT) population consisted of 2,573 patients from 231 primary care sites. At visits 2 and 3, treatment satisfaction with sildenafil was high with almost 9 patients out of 10 satisfied with treatment. No significant statistical differences were observed in the EDITS scores between the TOP and the non-TOP groups at visits 2 and 3. More than 80% of the participants were satisfied or very satisfied with the video and the brochure. More than 8 out of 10 participating physicians (84%) would use the TOP tool in their current practice if available.

Conclusions

TOP is a valuable and time-efficient ED management tool providing benefits to newly diagnosed ED patients and to their physicians.
Phylogenetic Age is Positively Correlated with Sensitivity to Timber Harvest in Bornean Mammals
Authors: Meijaard Erik , Sheil Douglas , Marshall Andrew J. , Nasi Robert
Published: July 2007

The reasons that forest vertebrates differ in their response to selective timber extraction in tropical forests remain poorly characterized. Understanding what determines response and sensitivity can indicate how forest management might yield greater conservation benefits, and help us identify which lesser‐known species may be especially vulnerable. We assessed the response of 41 Bornean mammals to selective timber harvest and tested eight hypotheses regarding the correlation between those responses and a range of species characteristics. Multivariate analyses show that phylogenetic species age is a key variable determining sensitivity. Older species are less able to cope with the effects of selective timber harvest. Most of these species are endemic to insular southeast Asia, and do not occur on the Asian mainland. These species are more specialized, and appear less able to cope with habitat change. In contrast, species tolerant to logging evolved more recently. This group tends to be omnivorous or herbivorous, to use all vegetation strata, and to be regionally widespread. This finding allows the sensitivity to habitat disturbance of lesser‐known species to be predicted, and therefore has important conservation implications. These new insights also help in the design of large‐scale forest landscapes that combine sustainable forest management and species conservation requirements. We recognize that these functions can be compatible, but that some species still need completely protected areas for their survival.
How Small is too Small? Camera Trap Survey Areas and Density Estimates for Ocelots in the Bolivian Chaco
Authors: Maffei Leonardo , Noss Andrew J.
Published: July 2007

Studies on carnivores, which are generally difficult to observe directly because they are elusive and nocturnal, are carried out through indirect methods, e.g., camera trapping and radiotracking. The first method has been used to estimate population densities of species that can be differentiated as individuals using unique pelage patterns. However, the use of capture–recapture methodology has raised doubts regarding the estimation of the sampling area around the camera traps, which is obtained using maximum distances traveled by individuals photographed at two or more different locations. In this paper, the results from camera traps are compared with a radiotracking study carried out simultaneously with ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) to confirm whether maximum distances observed in camera traps coincide with ranging patterns determined from radio telemetry, and in turn whether the sampling areas estimated from camera traps are appropriate for estimating density. Mean maximum distance moved was 2880 m according to camera trap records during a 60‐d survey period while, with radiotracking, the maximum distance moved was 3176 m during the same period. The difference is not significant, and the sampling areas estimated with camera traps to assess ocelot density are reliable. However, if the area covered by cameras is reduced to less than three to four times average home range for the target species, then density estimates from camera trapping are exaggerated because of the reduced observed distances and the fact that multiple individuals can overlap in relatively small areas.
Managing a Stroke Unit: An Example from Australia with an Emphasis on Nursing Roles
Authors: Weir Louise , Cadilhac Dominique A.
Published: July 2007

Stroke care units (SCUs), which are co-ordinated by dedicated multidisciplinary teams and geographically located in one area, are currently the most generaliseable form of effective treatment for stroke. Although the evidence for SCUs is compelling, to date there has been limited evidence regarding the contribution of the different clinical team members who assist in producing the better patient outcomes observed in SCUs. In particular, there has been limited exploration of the different nursing roles. The purpose of this special report is to describe how an SCU operates and highlight the contribution of the various nursing roles as part of the multidisciplinary stroke team. The article is based on one of the longest established stroke services in Melbourne, Australia. The characteristics and composition of the Royal Melbourne Hospital stroke service in providing clinical care and management will be highlighted as an example. Further, the nursing roles related to avoiding complications, education for patients and families and other staff in the unit, as well as participation in research and future career development opportunities are discussed.
The Basilar Artery International Cooperation Study (BASICS)
Authors: Schonewille Wouter J. , Wijman Christine A. C. , Michel Patrik , Algra Ale , Kappelle L. Jaap
Published: July 2007

Basilar artery occlusion is a rare cause of stroke with a high case fatality rate and an often poor clinical outcome among survivors. Our limited knowledge on the outcome in patients with basilar artery occlusion comes from small case series of selected patients.

Study Aim

The main purpose of the registry is to collect preliminary data that will help direct the design of a future clinical treatment trial. The target number of patients included is 500.

Design

BASICS is a prospective, observational, multi-center, international registry of consecutive patients presenting with a symptomatic and radiologically confirmed basilar artery occlusion.

Study Outcomes

From November 2002 until December 2006 data have been collected on 400 patients, from 42 centers in 12 countries. Most patients were treated with IA therapy (55%), followed by antithrombotics (29%) and IV thrombolysis (6%). The overall mortality was 45%.
Stroke Rehabilitation 2007: What Should it Be?
Authors: Dewey Helen M. , Sherry Lisa J. , Collier Janice M.
Published: July 2007

Background

There are an estimated 62 million stroke survivors worldwide. The majority will have long-term disability. Despite this reality, there have been few large, high-quality randomized controlled trials of stroke rehabilitation interventions.

Summary of review

There is excellent evidence for the effectiveness of a number of stroke rehabilitation interventions, notably care of stroke patients in inpatient stroke units and stroke rehabilitation units providing organized, goal-focused care via a multidisciplinary team. Stroke units (in comparison with care on general medical wards) effectively reduce death and disability with the number needed to treat to prevent one person from failing to regain independence being 20. Unfortunately, only a minority of stroke patients have access to stroke unit care. The key principles of effective stroke rehabilitation have been identified. These include ( 1 ) a functional approach targeted at specific activities e.g. walking, activities of daily living, ( 2 ) frequent and intense practice, and ( 3 ) commencement in the first days or weeks after stroke.

Conclusion

The most effective approaches to restoration of brain function after stroke remain unknown and there is an urgent need for more high-quality research. In the meantime, simple, broadly applicable stroke rehabilitation interventions with proven efficacy, particularly stroke unit care, must be applied more widely.
Guinea Worm and Water Supply in Kordofan, Sudan
Authors: CAIRNCROSS S. , TAYEH A.
Published: July 2007

SYNOPSIS

A study of a guinea worm epidemiology in South Kordofan, Sudan, found two different patterns of infection. In four villages, all with large open reservoirs (hafirs), the one‐year period prevalence was over 34 per cent, and was not strongly related to age. In the remaining 23 villages, the prevalence did not exceed 20 per cent but was greater in adults than in children. The former pattern suggested contamination of the water carried home, while the latter appeared to be associated with casual use of water sources outside the village. Guinea worm disease was associated with the use of certain water sources, particularly in the poorly‐maintained hafirs, but not with hand pumps, when these functioned, or open dug wells. In this context, open dug wells seem to be a more cost‐effective intervention for guinea worm control than boreholes with hand pumps or the rehabilitation of hafirs.
The Reliability of Groundwater Sources to Meet Increasing Demands
Authors: CLARKE K. F. , RUSHTON K. R.
Published: July 2007

The groundwater resources of the Lee Valley Water Company have been examined in a joint study with the University of Birmingham. The Company is modifying its operating policy to make maximum use of the groundwater resources, which has involved the development of new methods of estimating the reliable output of the groundwater sources under differing conditions. The technology transfer involved in the project has enabled the Company to gain a greater understanding of the operation of its sources, and the University has modified existing techniques so that they are of greater practical use.
Results of the First Pilot‐Scale Controlled Cohort Epidemiological Investigation into the Possible Health Effects of Bathing in Seawater at Langland Bay, Swansea
Authors: JONES F. , KAY D. , STANWELL‐SMITH R. , WYER M.
Published: July 2007

A pilot study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of using adult volunteers to examine the possible health effects of bathing in UK seawaters which passed the EC bathing waters Directive. Langland Bay, near Swansea, was chosen for this experiment, which was conducted on 2 September 1989. Adult volunteers were recruited from the City of Swansea and randomly divided into bather and non‐bather groups. All volunteers were given medical examinations and medical questionnaire interviews before and after 2 September.

Water quality on the day of the test was relatively unpolluted, as indexed by the commonly‐employed bacterial and viral indicator species. The detailed medical questionnaire resulted in higher reported attack rates of perceived illness in both bather and non‐bather groups than those published in previous studies, which have commonly employed a single telephone interview to acquire disease perception data. Statistically‐significant differences in the bather and non‐bather cohorts were found for the following perceived symptoms: sore throat, ear symptom, eye symptom at 3 d after 2 September, and for diarrhoea at three weeks after the experiment. The clinical tests employed failed to confirm these significant perceived symptom attack rate differentials.

The significance of these results is discussed in the context of previous research protocols to demonstrate the feasibility of this novel prospective controlled cohort approach for the acquisition of scientifically robust data on the health effect of recreational water use. If taken to a full‐scale study, it is argued that this research protocol could offer considerable advantages over past methods and lead to scientifically valid water‐quality standards for recreational waters.
A Replacement Outfall for Peterhead
Authors: DUNCAN R. S. , WHARTON S. T. , BOTTERILL T. J.
Published: July 2007

The paper describes the design and construction of an outfall into Sandford Bay, Peterhead, on a highly‐exposed stretch of the NE coast of Scotland.

The outfall forms part of a drainage system that was installed in the early 1970s to reduce pollution in Peterhead Bay and to accommodate increased flows from oil‐related development. It replaces the original outfall, which failed in 1979 due to wave action.

Stability of the new steel‐pipe outfall, which was installed by the bottom pull method, is ensured by burial within an excavated rock trench, backfilled and armoured with graded stone.

The exposed location of the site was demonstrated during construction work when bad weather and adverse sea conditions delayed completion by one year.

The paper concludes that the full significance of prevailing sea and weather conditions, and consequently reduced working ‘windows’, should be taken into account in the planning and programming of outfall work, to reduce the risk of damage to a partially completed and unprotected outfall.
Lessons Learned from the UN Water Decade
Authors: CARTER R. , TYRREL S. F. , HOWSAM P.
Published: July 2007

The United Nations Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Decade ran from 1981 to 1990. Much was achieved, but the target of a safe water supply and adequate sanitation for all was not. However, many helpful lessons of experience were derived, and these should guide work in this sector over the next several decades. The paper briefly reviews the achievements of the decade, and considers the lessons learned.
Identification of Odour Problems in the River Dee: A Case Study
Authors: CAMPBELL A. T. , READE A. J. , WARBURTON I. , WHITEMAN R. F.
Published: July 2007

An intermittent strong vegetable/cabbage odour was noted on raw water abstracted from the River Dee (NW England). The source of the odour was traced to an industrial discharge from an animal feed manufacturer to a tributary of the River Dee. Analysis of water samples by CLSA GC‐MS revealed the likely causes of the odour to be dimethyl disulphide and dimethyl trisulphide. 2‐hydroxy‐4‐(methylthio)butanoic acid (HMB), a hydroxy methionine analogue growth supplement used by the feed manufacturer was a likely precursor to the odour problem. Studies conducted on the behaviour of HMB in untreated water showed it to be rapidly degraded. Degradation products included dimethyl disulphide, dimethyl trisulphide and methyl(methylthio)methyl disulphide. The odour of water samples incubated with HMB changed from that of potato to cabbage/sprout, indicating that breakdown of this compound was responsible for the vegetable odour on untreated river water.
A Methodology for Surveying Domestic Water Consumption
Authors: EDWARDS K. , MARTIN L.
Published: July 2007

This paper describes the experimental design and engineering of the largest contemporary survey of domestic water consumption in the UK. Results are presented for the first full year of data collection and are discussed in terms of explanatory variables, reliability and usefulness. Significant findings include (a) the range of per capita consumption, (b) relationships to explanatory variables, (c) components of consumption including legitimate night flows, and (d) the contributions of specific domestic appliances.
Organochlorine Contamination in Sediments of the Inner Thames Estuary
Authors: SCRIMSHAW M. D. , LESTER J. N.
Published: July 2007

The saltmarsh at Two Tree Island, situated in the Thames estuary, has previously been identified as exhibiting a relatively enhanced degree of contamination with respect to organochlorine insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyls. This survey of sediment samples from mud flats on the north bank of the River Thames, creeks surrounding Canvey Island and from Two Tree Island, indicated that contamination with organochlorine and polychlorinated biphenyls was ubiquitous throughout the inner Thames estuary. Values observed were in agreement with those in other European estuaries, and the degree of contamination at Two Tree Island was considered to reflect the local background. The outfall from Benfleet sewage‐treatment works was identified as a possible source of contaminants: however, no other point sources were located. Samples of annelids taken from mud flats by Two Tree Island had accumulated penta‐ and hexa‐chlorinated biphenyls to a greater degree than lower chlorinated cogeners, and demonstrated signs of an ability to metabolize DDT.
Groundwater Rebound in the Leicestershire Coalfield
Authors: Smith J. , Colls J. J.
Published: July 2007

The Leicestershire coalfield has been mined for at least eight hundred years, the last deep mine closing in 1991. The earliest shallow mines on the exposed coalfield are not recorded on plan, but were later connected to the deeper workings in many seams. In order to protect the last deep mines, pumping was maintained from the abandoned mines to the north.

Water‐table rebound was observed prior to closure, and is now affecting the surface. Increased emissions of poor‐quality water into low‐discharge surface water‐courses are predicted. Renewed subsidence has implications for roads, services and property. Rising water levels will affect old opencast excavations and waste disposal sites.

Fieldwork and abandoned mine plan inspections have demonstrated renewed subsidence and evidence of increased emissions in those low‐lying areas of the exposed coalfield which are believed to be most at risk.
Aspects of the Behaviour of Filamentous Microbes in Activated Sludge
Authors: Forster C. F.
Published: July 2007

Filamentous bacteria tend to be an integral part of the activated‐sludge floc, and they can impart characteristics to the sludge which have an adverse effect on the sludge properties, resulting in poor settlement or the formation of stable foams. Both can result in the discharge of excess solids in the final effluent. This paper examines (a) the different types of filament in activated sludge, (b) the problems which they cause, and (c) the options which may be used to reduce the impact of the problems. In particular, it examines the problems associated with the species Microthrix parvicella, the use of selectors and the interactions which can occur in sludges dominated by this species.
River‐Management Issues in Scottish Rivers
Authors: Pender G. , Smart D. , Hoey T. B.
Published: July 2007

During recent years, there has been an increase in the use of‘alternative’or environmentally acceptable methods of river engineering and management. Most of the published information finds greatest application in lowland rivers where rates of fluvial process operation are slow; however, there is a lack of information relating to high‐energy upland rivers.

The paper presents the results of a consultative review of river‐management problems in Scottish upland rivers. In addition, suggestions for good environmental practice relating to bank protection, fish‐habitat improvement, flood alleviation and confluence realignment are discussed. Where appropriate, design guidelines are presented.
Nitrification Trials at Dunnswood Sewage‐Treatment Works and Process Modelling Using WRc STOAT
Authors: Smith M. , Cooper P. , McMurchie J. , Stevenson D. , Mann B. , Stocker D. , Bayes C. , (Member) D. Clark
Published: July 2007

The paper describes an experimental programme on an existing full‐scale plant to demonstrate the conditions which are necessary to achieve nitrification. The programme was guided by parallel computer modelling of the plant using the WRc STOAT simulation package. Nitrification was successfully achieved, and the studies and computer modelling indicated how the plant should be extended to provide year‐round nitrification. The effect of storm flows on effluent quality was assessed for each process option. The effluent quality consent of 5 mg/l ammoniacal nitrogen as a 95 percentile was achieved, and there was a significant improvement in river water quality with respect to ammoniacal nitrogen.
Inter‐Basin Water Transfers and Drought Management in the Kielder/Derwent System
Authors: Soulsby C. , Gibbons C. N. , Robins T.
Published: July 2007

During the dry years between 1989 and 1994, inter‐basin water transfers from the Kielder system augmented flows in the River Derwent, and these flows substituted compensation releases from Derwent reservoir to retain storage for supply and recreational purposes.

The paper discusses the use of the Kielder transfers together with their impact upon (a) flow regime, (b) water quality, and (c) instream ecology of the River Derwent. Also, implications of the increasing use of water transfers in the UK are critically evaluated from the perspective of sustainability.
Water‐Resource Allocation for Recreation, Leisure and Amenity
Authors: Eaton J. W.
Published: July 2007

The paper (a) assesses the social and economic demands for water‐related recreational, leisure and amenity facilities, (b) reviews the ways in which these demands are currently satisfied for lakes, reservoirs, rivers and canals, and (c) identifies possible future trends. The significant degree of interaction with other uses of water is also discussed.
Development of Biological Aerated Filters: A Review
Authors: Hodkinson B. , Williams J. B. , Butler J. E.
Published: July 2007

Biological aerated filters are wastewater‐treatment systems which contain support media for the development of a biofilm and provide oxygen at the base of the reactor for aerobic microbial processes. The origins of this type of filter date back to the early 1900s, and modern designs can provide a high level of treatment in small reactor ‘footprints’.

This paper provides a review of the technology and development of biological aerated filters and submerged aerated filter systems.
Investigation Into the Retention‐Time Distribution of a Hydrodynamic Vortex Separator
Authors: Higgins P. R. , Alkhadar R. M. , Phipps D. A. , Andoh R. Y. G.
Published: July 2007

This study describes the macromixing within a hydro‐dynamic vortex separator and considers its potential as a disinfectant contact tank. It is typically used in the sedimentation process during the treatment of sewage. The macromixing was investigated by conducting tracer experiments from which the retention time distribution was obtained and interpreted to characterize the mixing. The separator was operated in a continuous mode with no baseflow, and the retention‐time distribution was obtained using a pulse input for a range of flow‐rates. The method of moments was used to obtain various functions and axial dispersion and tanks‐in‐series model parameters.
Predicting Dissolved‐Oxygen Variations Downstream From An Intermittent Discharge
Authors: Jubb S. , Guymer I. , Martin J.
Published: July 2007

Intermittent discharges from unsatisfactory overflows and storm‐sewage tanks to a watercourse can lead to depleted dissolved‐oxygen concentrations downstream from the discharge point.

This paper assesses the accuracy and applicability of a simplified dynamic river‐impact model which predicts BOD and dissolved‐oxygen concentrations downstream from an intermittent discharge. The proposed model (a) requires relatively little input data, (b) is internally simple, and (c) uses well‐known and established predictive equations. Concentrations of dissolved oxygen are predicted to within a mean error of 0.1 mg/l during post‐storm conditions and 0.5 mg/l during actual storm conditions.
Process Modelling at Oldham Sewage‐Treatment Works Using WRc STOAT
Authors: Stokes A. J. , Forster C. F. , West J. R. , Bel M. de
Published: July 2007

STOAT, which is a whole‐process package, was used to examine the operation of an activated‐sludge process. Initially, it was calibrated at low flow conditions using data collected during a special 24‐h survey, together with oxygen‐transfer data and tracer‐study results from earlier studies. The calibrated model was then used to (a) predict the values of the main operational characteristics for the plant, and (b) compare them with the data collected during a second special survey which, by chance, coincided with high flow conditions. This comparison showed that, to achieve a reasonable match between the modelled and measured data, it was necessary to adjust some of the model parameters.
Flood Forecasting and Warning on the River Rhine
Authors: Steinebach G. , Wilke K.
Published: July 2007

The River Rhine has its source in the glaciers of the Swiss mountains and eventually flows to the flat‐lands of The Netherlands. The course of the river can be split into six major morphological sections within different climatological regions. This heterogeneity (in the hydrological sense) is reflected in twenty‐five flood‐warning centres along the Rhine and its tributaries. There is one flood‐warning centre in Switzerland, one in France, three in Germany and one in The Netherlands. This paper describes the organisation and responsibilities of the German flood‐warning centres.

The Federal Institute of Hydrology provides the German centres at Mainz and Duisburg with forecast results. These results were obtained by a statistical multichannel filtering model between 1980 and 1997. Commencing in 1998, a new forecasting system has been in use, which is built up by hydrodynamic models for the most important river reaches, coupled with statistical approaches for some input gauges. The implementation and data usage of this new system is discussed and forecast results for the 1993, 1995 and the 1998 floods are presented. Finally, the paper provides an outlook on the linking with precipitation‐runoff models.
Domestic Water Consumption and Its Determination in Rural Guatemala
Authors: Trigg M.
Published: July 2007

Development agencies who work in the water sector often implement their aims using projects which provide basic physical infrastructure. The provision of adequate and appropriate water systems and services relies upon the availability of valid design data, such as per capita consumption and peak‐flow factors, yet many project designs are based upon broad assumptions or inappropriate data. This paper presents the methods and results from a project to collect domestic water consumption data from rural water systems in Guatemala. General observations on the implications of the results are discussed together with the role which simple data collection can have within development projects.
Agriculture: Sustainable Business – Sustainable Environment?
Authors: Woods A.
Published: July 2007

Irrigation is a small but important part of UK agriculture, accounting for about 150 000 ha of land and 160 000 Ml of water in a ‘dry’year. By the year 2021, the irrigated area is predicted to increase by 14% and the volume applied by 50%. Irrigation is of significant economic importance to (a) farmers, (b) growers, (c) the food industry – improving crop yields, quality, consistency and reliability.

The environmental impacts of irrigation on river flows and wetland biodiversity are now receiving more attention. Irrigators are given advice on environmental impacts, voluntary agreements are secured between groups of irrigators and the Environment Agency, and on‐farm reservoirs are constructed to reduce summer abstraction and provide more secure and flexible supplies. Better long‐term planning and short‐term management are essential.
Chemical Characterisation and Legal Classification of Sludges from Road Sweepings
Authors: Clark C. F. , Smith P. G. , Neilson G. , Dinnie R. M.
Published: July 2007

The current legislation on the disposal of road sweeping sludges is anomalous because certain road sweeping sludges are exempt from the requirements of the Special Waste Regulations 1996 – not because of their chemical composition but rather as a result of the legal definitions applied by the Controlled Waste Regulations 1992. This has led to sweepings from trunk roads (under the control of the Secretary of State) being classified as ‘special’waste, but sweepings from roads vested in the local authorities classified as ‘household’waste. Although the chemical composition and potential health hazards associated with road dust have been studied, data on the chemical composition of road sweeping sludges are sparse. This study analyses twenty‐four samples of road sweepings in order to chemically characterise the sludge.
Ecological Restoration Options for the Lymington/Keyhaven Saltmarshes
Authors: Johnson D. E.
Published: July 2007

The paper describes the conservation importance and rationale for examining ecological restoration options for the Lymington/Keyhaven saltmarshes in Southern England. Physical process studies have established why this coastal habitat is under pressure and have quantified the rate of erosion. A vegetation survey of the saltmarshes suggested that (a) wave attack, (b) ship wash, (c) poor drainage, (d) deferential sedimentation, and (e) relative sea‐level rise are contributing to the loss of saltmarsh quality and quantity. Saltmarsh re‐creation is not a viable option for this site; instead, a combination of rehabilitation techniques is proposed.
Healthy River Habitats Fit for Wildlife: Deriving the Physical Dimension
Authors: BSc P. J. Raven , Naura M. , Holmes N. T. H. , Dawson F. H.
Published: July 2007

Water quantity, water quality and physical structure determine the ability of a river's ecosystem to function and therefore its fitness for wildlife. This paper describes how a system for assessing the physical dimension of river‐habitat quality has been developed in the UK. The paper also highlights (a) the main features and principles of ‘river habitat survey’, (b) how the method has already been used to help river management, and (c) some future uses, including the setting of habitat targets.