bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Woody debris is related to reach‐scale hotspots of lowland stream ecosystem respiration under baseflow conditions
Authors: Blaen P.J. , Kurz M.J. , Drummond J.D. , Knapp J.L.A. , Mendoza‐Lera C. , Schmadel N.M. , Klaar M.J. , Jäger A. , Folegot S. , Lee‐Cullin J. , Ward A.S. , Zarnetske J.P. , Datry T. , Milner A.M. , Lewandowski J. , Hannah D.M. , Krause S.
Published: February 2018

Stream metabolism is a fundamental, integrative indicator of aquatic ecosystem functioning. However, it is not well understood how heterogeneity in physical channel form, particularly in relation to and caused by in‐stream woody debris, regulates stream metabolism in lowland streams. We combined conservative and reactive stream tracers to investigate relationships between patterns in stream channel morphology and hydrological transport (form) and metabolic processes as characterized by ecosystem respiration (function) in a forested lowland stream at baseflow. Stream reach‐scale ecosystem respiration was related to locations (“hotspots”) with a high abundance of woody debris. In contrast, nearly all other measured hydrological and geomorphic variables previously documented or hypothesized to influence stream metabolism did not significantly explain ecosystem respiration. Our results suggest the existence of key differences in physical controls on ecosystem respiration between lowland stream systems (this study) and smaller upland streams (most previous studies) under baseflow conditions. As such, these findings have implications for reactive transport models that predict biogeochemical transformation rates from hydraulic transport parameters, for upscaling frameworks that represent biological stream processes at larger network scales, and for the effective management and restoration of aquatic ecosystems.
Effects of elevated CO2, increased nitrogen deposition, and plant diversity on aboveground litter and root decomposition
Authors: Zuo Xiaoan , Knops Johannes M. H.
Published: February 2018

Global change‐induced litter decomposition strongly affects the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics in grassland ecosystems. However, few studies show the interactive effects of global change factors on litter and root decomposition. We conducted a four‐year grassland field experiment to examine the quality and decomposition of litter and root in a three‐factorial experiment with elevated CO2, increased N deposition, and plant species richness. We found that elevated CO2 decreased the litter N content and root lignin content. N addition increased the root N content and decreased the litter lignin content. Increasing plant richness decreased the N and lignin contents in litter and root. In contrast to the quality changes, elevated CO2 had no effect on decomposition of litter and root. N addition increased the C loss of the litter by 4.8%, but did not affect C and N loss in root. Increasing plant richness affected the C and N loss in litter and root. ANCOVAs showed that tissue quality and root biomass affected the C and N loss in litter and root, and soil C and N affected the N loss of litter and root. However, changes in tissue quality, biomass, and soil as covariates did not significantly change the effects of CO2, N, and plant richness on decomposition. The structural equation model showed that elevated CO2 indirectly decreased litter N loss and increased root N loss, while N addition indirectly increased the C and N loss in litter and root, via their effects on tissue quality. Increasing plant richness increased litter C and N loss, but indirectly decreased root C and N loss. N deposition can accelerate litter and root decomposition, thus modifying the limitation of elevated CO2 on soil N availability. Biodiversity loss greatly alters litter and root decomposition, potentially driving any changes in C and N cycling. Our study clearly demonstrates a relative certainty of a predicted increase in the C loss and N release in litter and root decomposition with increased N deposition, whereas the effects of elevated CO2 and plant diversity changes on decomposition strongly differ between litter and root in grassland ecosystems.
Impact of sacubitril–valsartan combination in patients with chronic heart failure and sleep apnoea syndrome: the ENTRESTO‐SAS study design
Authors: Jaffuel Dany , Molinari Nicolas , Berdague Philippe , Pathak Atul , Galinier Michel , Dupuis Marion , Ricci Jean‐Etienne , Mallet Jean‐Pierre , Bourdin Arnaud , Roubille François
Published: February 2018

Aims

Sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) is a highly prevalent co‐morbidity in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and can play a detrimental role in the pathophysiology course of CHF. However, the best way to manage SDB in CHF remains a matter of debate. Sacubitril–valsartan has been included in the 2016 European Society of Cardiology guidelines as an alternative to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors to further reduce the risk of progression of CHF, CHF hospitalization, and death in ambulatory patients. Sacubitril and valsartan are good candidates for correcting SDB of CHF patients because their known mechanisms of action are likely to counteract the pathophysiology of SDB in CHF.

Methods and results

The ENTRESTO‐SAS trial is a 3‐month, multicentric, prospective, open‐label real‐life cohort study. Patients eligible for sacubitril–valsartan treatment (i.e. adults with left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35%, who remain symptomatic despite optimal treatment with an angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor, a beta‐blocker, and a mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist) will be evaluated before and after 3 months of treatment (nocturnal ventilatory polygraphy, echocardiography, laboratory testing, and quality‐of‐life and SDB questionnaires). The primary outcome is the change in the Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index, before and after 3 months of treatment. One hundred twenty patients are required to detect a significant 20% improvement of the Apnoea–Hypopnoea Index with a power of 90% at an alpha risk of 5%.

Conclusions

In the context of the SERVE‐HF study, physicians are waiting for new trials and alternative therapies. We sought to assess in the ENTRESTO‐SAS trial whether sacubitril–valsartan could improve the outcome of SDB in CHF patients.
W/O Nano‐Emulsions with Olive Leaf Phenolics Improved Oxidative Stability of Sacha Inchi Oil
Authors: Liu Lingyi , Jin Zhou , Wang Min , Shen Wangyang , Zhu Zhenzhou , Wang Zhan , Liu Lianliang
Published: February 2018

Natural phenolic compounds have been drawn a wide attention to replace the synthesis antioxidants due to the food safety issues, while, natural phenolic compounds are usually polyhydroxy derivatives which exhibit hydrophilic capacity, limiting their applications directly in lipid systems. In this work, olive leaf phenolics (OLP) are extracted by ultrasound from five cultivars and the optimal cultivar is chosen to prepare W/O nano‐emulsions of Sacha Inchi oil (SIO, containing more than 90% polyunsaturated fatty acids). The droplet size could reach 2.15 ± 0.13 nm and remaines stable without phase separation during 30‐day storage. Oxidative stabilities of SIO containing 0.02%, 0.05%, and 0.1% OLP (w/w) are evaluated by Rancimat test and accelerated storage test. The release of OLP by preparation of W/O nano‐emulsions is capable of controlling the oxidative progress of SIO, by prolonging the induction time, preventing the production of primary and secondary oxidative products and also the deterioration of polyunsaturated fatty acids and tocopherols.

Practical Applications: Sacha Inchi oil (SIO) contains approximately 90% of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) associated with poor oxidative stability. Olive leaf phenolics (OLP) are considered as a great and cheap source of natural phenolic compounds. This study aimes to select the optimum source of OLP from five cultivars and to prepare a W/O nano‐emulsion of OLP. By diluting the W/O nano‐emulsion of OLP into SIO, effect of different concentrations OLP on the oxidative stability of SIO is evaluated through thermal oxidative stability and storage oxidative stability in an accelerated storage test. Results indicate that the capacity of OLP to retard the SIO oxidation depends on the incorporated concentration, which means that it is doable to adopt OLP, an abundant and cheap material, to improve the stability of edible oil with high PUFAs in the industry.

Olive leaf phenolics are extracted and detected to prepare an efficient and stable W/O nano‐emulsion; By diluting W/O nano‐emulsion into Sacha Inchi oil, oxidative stability of the high content PUFAs oil is improved.
Application of Temperature Modulated Optical Refractometry for the Characterization of the Crystallization Behavior of Palm Oil
Authors: Häupler Michaela , Savitri Ratna Ayu , Hutschenreuter Valeska , Flöter Eckhard
Published: February 2018

The phase behavior of fats is mainly determined using DSC. Here, the application of temperature modulated optical refractometry (TMOR) is examined to monitor the phase transitions of palm oil with different degrees of saturation.

Studying the phase behavior by both methods revealed systematic differences. At identical scan rates, TMOR yielded up to 2 °C higher crystallization temperatures and identified consistently lower temperatures for melting phenomena. Because the prism serves as heating surface and defines the sample volume considered for the measurement a more direct heat transfer with TMOR is assumed. The sample depth above the prism relevant for the determination is only one micron. Hence, a direct heat transfer is ensured and thermal lag is practically eliminated causing the above‐mentioned differences.

Because the TMOR signal is averaged over a defined prism surface area data for inhomogeneous samples can be generated. Although actual values for thermal expansion coefficients appear meaningless the combination of the TMOR signals allows to accurately determine the relevant phase transitions. The identification of different polymorphic forms and levels of solids in palm oil will be studied prospectively building on the promising results reported to identify if TMOR can become a valuable extension of the fat technologists' toolbox.

Practical Applications: The new temperature modulated optical refractometry can extend the mainly used differential scanning calorimetry. It works highly accurate at small scan rates (<5 °C min−1) in comparison to the DSC. The new method can provide a deeper insight into samples during heating and cooling due to additional temperature undulation as well as the possibility to perform quasi‐isothermal measurements.

It is possible to investigate the crystallization and melting behavior of fats with the new temperature modulated optical refractometry (TMOR). An undulated temperature is applied and the time‐delayed answer of the refractive index is measured. Subsequently, the real and imaginary part of the thermal expansion coefficient α are calculated based on the refractive index of the sample and the occurring phase shift. A plot of the real and imaginary part against the temperature leads to peaks at the phase transition temperatures and a resulting thermogram for the sample.
A pilot evaluation of a novel First Episode and Rapid Early Intervention service for Eating Disorders (FREED)
Authors: McClelland Jessica , Hodsoll John , Brown Amy , Lang Katie , Boysen Elena , Flynn Michaela , Mountford Victoria A. , Glennon Danielle , Schmidt Ulrike
Published: February 2018

This pilot study assesses the impact of FREED (First Episode Rapid Early Intervention for Eating Disorders [ED]), a novel transdiagnostic service for emerging adults with recent ED onset, on clinical outcomes. Data were collected from 56 patients and 19 carers for 12 months following enrolment. FREED patients showed significant improvements in ED and other symptoms across time. Carers also showed psychological improvements. For FREED anorexia nervosa (AN) patients, body mass index (BMI) at initial clinical assessment was similar to that of comparable patients (audit cohort) seen in our service before (16.4 vs 16.1 kg/m2). By start of treatment, because of their shorter wait, FREED‐AN had gained weight whereas audit patients had lost (16.7 vs 15.8 kg/m2). This difference continued throughout treatment, and at 12 months, nearly 60% FREED‐AN patients returned to a BMI of 18.5 or greater. FREED shows promise as a service model for emerging adults with EDs.
A roadmap to advance dementia research in prevention, diagnosis, intervention, and care by 2025
Authors: Pickett James , Bird Cathy , Ballard Clive , Banerjee Sube , Brayne Carol , Cowan Katherine , Clare Linda , Comas‐Herrera Adelina , Corner Lynne , Daley Stephanie , Knapp Martin , Lafortune Louise , Livingston Gill , Manthorpe Jill , Marchant Natalie , Moriarty Jo , Robinson Louise , van Lynden Clare , Windle Gill , Woods Bob , Gray Katherine , Walton Clare
Published: February 2018

Objective

National and global dementia plans have focused on the research ambition to develop a cure or disease‐modifying therapy by 2025, with the initial focus on investment in drug discovery approaches. We set out to develop complementary research ambitions in the areas of prevention, diagnosis, intervention, and care and strategies for achieving them.

Methods

Alzheimer's Society facilitated a taskforce of leading UK clinicians and researchers in dementia, UK funders of dementia research, people with dementia, and carer representatives to develop, using iterative consensus methodology, goals and recommendations to advance dementia research.

Results

The taskforce developed 5 goals and 30 recommendations. The goals focused on preventing future cases of dementia through risk reduction, maximising the benefit of a dementia diagnosis, improving quality of life, enabling the dementia workforce to improve practice, and optimising the quality and inclusivity of health and social care systems. Recommendations addressed gaps in knowledge and limitations in research methodology or infrastructure that would facilitate research in prioritised areas. A 10‐point action plan provides strategies for delivering the proposed research agenda.

Conclusions

By creating complementary goals for research that mirror the need to find effective treatments, we provide a framework that enables a focus for new investment and initiatives. This will support a broader and more holistic approach to research on dementia, addressing prevention, surveillance of population changes in risk and expression of dementia, the diagnostic process, diagnosis itself, interventions, social support, and care for people with dementia and their families.
Can Rationing through Inconvenience Be Ethical?
Authors: Eyal Nir , Romain Paul L. , Robertson Christopher
Published: February 2018

In this article, we provide a comprehensive analysis and a normative assessment of rationing through inconvenience as a form of rationing. By “rationing through inconvenience” in the health sphere, we refer to a nonfinancial burden (the inconvenience) that is either intended to cause or has the effect of causing patients or clinicians to choose an option for health‐related consumption that is preferred by the health system for its fairness, efficiency, or other distributive desiderata beyond assisting the immediate patient. We argue that under certain conditions, rationing through inconvenience may turn out to serve as a legitimate and, compared to direct rationing, even a preferable tool for rationing; we propose a research agenda to identify more precisely when that might be the case and when, alternatively, rationing through inconvenience remains ethically undesirable. After defining and illustrating rationing through inconvenience, we turn to its moral advantages and disadvantages over other rationing methods.

We take it as a starting assumption that rationing, understood as scarce‐resource prioritization, is inevitable and, in a society that has goals beyond optimizing health care for individual patients—such as improving societal health care, education, or overall welfare—prudent and fair.
Rationing Care through Collaboration and Shared Values
Authors: Sabin James E.
Published: February 2018

Although “rationing” continues to be a dirty word for the public in health policy discourse, Nir Eyal and colleagues handle the concept exactly right in their article in this issue of the Hastings Center Report. They correctly characterize rationing as an ethical requirement, not a moral abomination. They identify the key health policy question as how rationing can best be done, not whether it should be done at all. They make a cogent defense of what they call “rationing through inconvenience” as a justifiable allocational technique. And they wisely call for research on the effectiveness and fairness of this approach and other methods of rationing. I fully agree with their approach to rationing and with their argument that the process they provocatively label “rationing through inconvenience” should not be rejected out of hand. But I believe they have underestimated two ways in which the practical impacts of rationing through inconvenience limit its potential usefulness: the asymmetry of its effect on patients and physicians and the way in which it reduces the capacity of health systems to learn from experience.
The Different Moral Bases of Patient and Surrogate Decision‐Making
Authors: Brudney Daniel
Published: February 2018

My topic is a problem with our practice of surrogate decision‐making in health care, namely, the problem of the surrogate who is not doing her job—the surrogate who cannot be reached or the surrogate who seems to refuse to understand or to be unable to understand the clinical situation. The analysis raises a question about the surrogate who simply disagrees with the medical team. One might think that such a surrogate is doing her job—the team just doesn't like how she is doing it. My analysis raises the question of whether (or perhaps when) she should be overridden. In approaching this problem, I focus not on the range of difficulties in practice but on the underlying moral conceptual issue. My concern will be to show that the moral values that underpin patient decision‐making are fundamentally different from those that underpin surrogate decision‐making. Identifying the distinctions will set parameters for any successful solution to the “Who should decide?” question. A patient has a specific kind of moral right to make her own medical decisions. A surrogate has no analogous moral right to decide for someone else. We want the surrogate to make the decision because we believe that she has a relevant epistemological advantage over anyone else on the scene. If and when she has no such advantage or if she refuses or is unable to use it, then there might not be sufficient reason to let her be the decision‐maker.
It's All Relative
Authors: Hulkower Adira , Flicker Lauren S.
Published: February 2018

In this issue of the Hastings Center Report, Daniel Brudney suggests that clinicians have an overly deferential attitude toward their patients’ surrogate decision‐makers that is rooted in a wrongful investment of moral authority. He maintains that surrogate decision‐makers have no moral right to decide for their loved ones and that their value in the decision‐making process is limited to their knowledge of their loved one's preferences. If operationalized, Brudney's framework would ease the way for clinicians to remove a surrogate who cannot provide information relevant to the patient's preferences and to resort to a paternalistic model of decision‐making. Brudney fails to consider that the value of the surrogate does not flow from the surrogate, but rather from the patient's moral claim to have decisions made for him or her by a loved one. This claim recognizes that surrogates have intrinsic value through their relationship to and knowledge of the patient. Bioethics consultation services can assist clinical teams in engaging with the human crowd that surrounds each patient and navigating conflicting values and goals. This relational approach embraces the “mire and blood” that is endemic to relationships and clinical encounters.
Market Language, Moral Language
Authors: Goold Susan Dorr
Published: February 2018

Those who advocate higher out‐of‐pocket spending, especially high deductibles, to keep health care costs better controlled without losing quality use market language to talk about how people should think about health care. Consumers—that is, patients—should hunt for bargains. Clip coupons. Shop around. Patients need to have more “skin in the game.” Consumer‐patients will then choose more carefully and prudently and use less unnecessary health care. Unfailingly, “skin” refers to having money at stake. Usually, those arguing for high deductibles express dismay or frustration that patients do not face the full (“true”) cost of the health services they receive. Unfortunately, a lack of price transparency, the need to unbundle bundled groups of services to discover total price, and the challenge of validly and reliably measuring and disclosing quality make shopping for health care a challenge for even the savviest patient. Urgency, fear, and sickness that impairs peak cognitive function and other aspects of emotionally laden decision‐making, even when “shared” with a physician, add obstacles to coupon clipping and tire kicking. Who has more at stake in health decisions than patients? Whose flesh is literally, not just figuratively, at risk?
Developing a culturally appropriate branding for a social and emotional wellbeing intervention in an Aboriginal community
Authors: Donovan Robert J. , Murray Lesley , Hicks Jolleen , Nicholas Amberlee , Anwar‐McHenry Julia
Published: February 2018

Issue addressed

An initial consultation process to implement a culturally appropriate social and emotional wellbeing campaign in an Aboriginal community indicated that the fundamental principles of the Act‐Belong‐Commit mental health promotion campaign were acceptable, but that a cultural adaptation of the branding should be sought.

Methods

A competition was held inviting community members to design a brand logo for the campaign in their community. Local judges selected “winners” in various categories, and six of the submissions were selected for testing in the broader community via street intercept interviews. Respondents were asked which logo they liked best, their perceived meanings of the designs and the perceived appropriateness of the designs for a social and emotional wellbeing campaign.

Results

A convenience sample of N = 26 local Aboriginal people who lived and/or worked in Roebourne completed the questionnaire. There was a clear majority preference for logo “D,” which communicated appropriate meanings of pride and strength in standing together, and reflected the underlying strengths and capacities of Aboriginal people which this project seeks to harness and support.

Conclusions

The approach of using a logo competition to develop the campaign brand was highly successful and enabled further meaningful engagement with the community and other service providers in the town. The success of the competition process resulted from an emphasis on relationship building, listening to the local community and involving the community in decision‐making.

So what? By conforming to established, but not always adhered to, recommendations for community consultation, successful and more enduring outcomes are likely.
Mental health of long‐term survivors of childhood and young adult cancer: A systematic review
Authors: Friend Amanda J. , Feltbower Richard G. , Hughes Emily J. , Dye Kristian P. , Glaser Adam W
Published: February 2018

Childhood cancer is increasing in prevalence whilst survival rates are improving. The prevalence of adult survivors of childhood cancer is consequently increasing. Many survivors suffer long‐term consequences of their cancer treatment. Whilst many of these are well documented, relatively little is known about the mental health of survivors of childhood cancer. This article aimed to describe the prevalence and spectrum of mental health problems found in adult survivors of childhood cancer using a systematic review methodology. Our review included 67 articles, describing a number of problems, including depression, anxiety, behavioural problems and drug misuse. Factors increasing the likelihood of mental health problems included treatment with high‐dose anthracyclines, cranial irradiation, diagnoses of sarcoma or central nervous system tumours and ongoing physical ill health. There were numerous limitations to the studies we found, including use of siblings of survivors as a control group, self‐report methodology and lack of indications for prescriptions when prescribing data were used. This review has identified many mental health problems experienced by survivors of childhood cancer; however, the exact incidence, prevalence and risk‐factors for their development remain unclear. Further work to identify childhood cancer patients who are at risk of developing late mental health morbidity is essential.
A rapid cycle method for local adaptation of an obstetric emergencies training program
Authors: Ghag Kiren , Winter Cathy , Bahl Rachna , Lynch Mary , Bautista Nayda , Ilagan Rogelio , Draycott Timothy J.
Published: February 2018

Objective

To describe the adaptation of an obstetric emergencies training program to align with local clinical practice.

Methods

A feasibility study was conducted to investigate the potential implementation of the PRactical Obstetric Multi‐Professional Training (PROMPT) program at eight urban tertiary hospitals in the Philippines. Multi‐professional teams attended a 2‐day course on September 23 and 24, 2015, that comprised a demonstration PROMPT course (day 1) and a Train‐the‐Trainers session (day 2). During a facilitated adaptation session, each team reviewed the PROMPT algorithms for eclampsia, severe pre‐eclampsia, postpartum hemorrhage and sepsis. The teams marked steps concordant with local practice and identified differences with local practice. Suggested amendments were reviewed by the PROMPT project team, using clinical guidelines to support any adaptations.

Results

The PROMPT algorithm for initial management of eclampsia was used as an exemplar. Five of the nine management steps were concordant with local practice: support; airway; breathing; circulation; and control seizures. Amendments were successfully implemented for the following steps: call for help; magnesium sulfate loading dose; and magnesium sulfate maintenance dose.

Conclusion

Rapid and efficient adaptation of PROMPT training materials for use in the Philippines was possible using a facilitated and focused approach, utilizing the expertise of a representative mix of local healthcare professionals and evidence‐based guidelines.
Water Main Installation Across the Meramec River
Authors: Norman E. Oliver
Published: February 2018

As a result of industrial development and customer potential, the St. Louis County Water Company, in 1956, had to get a major transmission main across the Meramec River to serve the area west and south of the river, which had previously been the boundary of the company's service area. The Meramec is a river of extremes, with rapid fluctuation between a low‐stage flow of 127 mgd, to its all‐time flood crest, when the river is about 35 ft higher, with a flow of 113 bgd. Overnight rises of 5‐17 ft are not uncommon. This rapid fluctuation was of primary concern during the planning and installation of the crossing. The article discusses issues with the crossing site, installation of two 12‐in. steel pipelines, dredging, pipe bedding, work raft, work period, pressure tests, and costs.
Evaluation of Laboratory Methods for Analysis of Heavy Metals in Water
Authors: Kroner Robert C. , Ballinger Dwight G. , Kramer Harry P.
Published: February 2018

This is the second of a series of reports on the activities of the Analytical Reference Service of the Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center. The report of the first studies and a description of the purpose and scope of the program were published in an earlier issue of the Journal. This study on analytical methods for heavy metals in water is a natural sequel to the original studies on minerals. Selection of samples, aluminum, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, zinc, and interferences are all discussed. From the raw data and bar charts two conclusions may be drawn: for six of the eight metals (chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, and zinc) experience and personnel competence are leading factors in obtaining accurate results; and, the methods currently used for the measurement of aluminum and cadmium are not satisfactory and require improvement.
Study of Short Filter Runs With Lake Michigan Water
Authors: Gamet Merrill B. , Rademacher John M.
Published: February 2018

In 1958, the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) initiated a cooperative program to investigate the problem of short filter runs as experienced by water treatment plants using Lake Michigan as a source of water supply. A research committee was appointed to cooperate with the Chicago regional office of USPHS. This group initiated plans and established the following objectives for the project: to determine the magnitude of the short filter run problem; to identify the specific adverse effects of short filter runs; to identify the water quality and other conditions which contribute to poor sedimentation and short runs; to investigate the methods by which the various treatment plants have attempted to solve the problem; to evaluate the additional cost of treatment and the losses of revenue; and, to develop new treatment methods or improvements on existing methods under adverse water quality conditions, and thereby provide a more satisfactory operating cycle, particularly during peak‐demand periods. Field procedures are discussed, along with plankton counts, summary of filter run, causes of clogging, cost estimates, treatment index, and polyelectrolytes. Certain tentative conclusions are provided from the available data and from the results of already completed analyses.
Changes in Judicial Concepts of Utility Liability
Authors: Remus Gerald
Published: February 2018

This article focuses on changes that have taken place in judicial interpretations of utility liability for damages or bodily injury resulting from broken mains or services in recent years. The article discusses three areas that have been particularly affected, including: judicial thinking regarding liability cases in the earlier days; the present trend; and, what water utilities may do to keep the cost of damage claims to a minimum. Several examples of court cases are provided that illustrate the three basic types of liability cases, and the courts' change of thinking in the field of negligent liability.
The True Price of Accidents
Authors: Sopp George C.
Published: February 2018

In an age of tremendous industrial expansion, when construction and operation costs are continually rising, it is more important than ever that water utilities take every precaution to minimize unnecessary expenses. The use of heavy equipment, dangerous treatment chemicals, and high‐powered machines presents new hazards to the water utility employee. Accidents are not only more frequent today; they are also more expensive. Damage to valuable equipment, suits for damages resulting from accidents involving the public, and the loss in production created when a single employee is disabled‐not to mention the expense of workmen's compensation and other benefits‐are all discussed. The implementation of safety programs and fire prevention are discussed, and an example is provided of a very effective seven‐point safety program by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power that has had a definite and measurable increase in safety performance.
Revenues, Rates, and Advance Planning
Authors: Howson Louis R.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses advance planning and how it facilitates the financing of new construction from current revenues, and results in a material savings in the cost of water service. Advance planning for construction and financing reduces the necessity for bond elections, which may cause consumer agitation. The money necessary to finance the growth of public water supplies must come from water revenue, whether directly or indirectly. Adequate revenue is, therefore, a prerequisite to good water service. In general, city councils, which fix water rates for most U.S. cities, have authorized rates that permitted greater expansion than privately owned utilities can afford, many of which are under unrealistic regulation. Publicly owned utilities have doubled their per capita debt in the last decade, whereas the privately owned utilities have kept their per capita debt almost constant. More than half the cost of plant additions in municipal water plants was funded by debt.
Continuous‐Flow Water Pasteurizer for Small Supplies
Authors: Goldstein Melvin , McCabe L. J. , Woodward Richard L.
Published: February 2018

This paper discusses a study of the total cost of pasteurization for various electric‐power rates, daily water usages, and heat exchangers, based on list price of equipment. Because assembly is a comparatively simple job, the cost was not included. Results of the study were promising and a unit was designed for treating enough water to meet the daily needs of a family of five based on a usage of 50 gpcd (250 gal per 12 hr). A larger unit (1,000 gal per 12 hr) was also designed. Objectives of the pilot plant study were: to confirm the effectiveness of the unit in killing bacteria; to measure the power consumption of the unit; to determine maintenance requirements and reliability of the equipment; and, to check the significance of scale or corrosion in reducing the operating efficiency or life of the equipment.
Determination of Carbonate Alkalinity in Natural Waters
Authors: Thomas J. F. J. , Lynch J. J.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the Larson and Henley method for determining low alkalinities in rain water. The method increases the accuracy of the determination of carbonate alkalinity as it eliminates the error due to variation of true equivalence point with total alkalinity. The method determines the actual inflection point or equivalence point pH of the titration, and it has been adapted to routine use with no significant decrease in accuracy. The variation of equivalence point of the titration of bicarbonate ion to carbonic acid is graphically shown over a wide range of alkalinities.
Jacking of Long Pipe Section Beneath a Highway
Authors: Goldfinger Henry
Published: February 2018

An awareness of the critical factors and proper design aided a contracting company to pass a 1/2‐inch thick, 66‐inch diameter steel shell beneath a six‐lane highway in Queens, New York. The job was done without mishap or settlement of the road above. The 102‐ft pipe was held to a 1‐in. line and grade tolerance without difficulty, and cleared a 48‐in. overhead sewer by 8 in. at the receiving end. Although the contractors were prepared to sink a shaft at midpoint and jack from both ends, this was not necessary. Sufficient jacking force was made available to push the pipe through without excessive deviation; the pipe was made heavy enough to withstand buckling. The steel pipe acted as a cylinder through which a 48‐in. concrete water line passed. The space between pipes was later grouted.
Earnings of Municipally Owned Utilities in Wisconsin
Authors: Deuel Orville P.
Published: February 2018

Dividends of municipally owned utilities must be paid in accordance with the statutes. The requirements for debt service will reduce the amount available to the general fund, as will new construction. A municipality owning a utility should determine a course to be followed and then balance the capital required for plant investment with funds available for all purposes. If a steady dividend policy is maintained, the utility will probably resort to borrowing in a relatively short time. The fact that some municipally owned utilities were acquired or constructed with borrowed funds and have little or no municipal equity, probably accounts for the fact that dividend payments are relatively few and do not constitute a high percentage of net revenues.
Advances in Water Supply Technology
Authors: Kalinske A. A.
Published: February 2018

There is definite evidence that research in various fields of water supply engineering will increase in the future, and many more advances can be expected through government‐supported research. New developments, both in techniques and in the equipment field, may be accelerated by increased interest on the part of equipment manufacturers, if engineers and regulatory agencies take more realistic attitudes toward new processes and equipment. There is a definite trend to cut the costs of water treatment plants, and to design each plant for the specific job it is to do. Diatomaceous‐earth filtration may become more popular, especially for smaller plants, in order to reduce present high costs of construction. New developments in the reclamation of used water, both in industry and for domestic use, may open up new fields for research. Saline water conversion, particularly if a source of cheap power can be found, may one day altogether change the face of water supply practices.
Manganese Removal by Oxidation With Potassium Permanganate
Authors: Adams Reginald B.
Published: February 2018

Potassium permanganate has been used successfully for the regeneration of manganese ion exchanger. This process utilizes permanganate as a powerful, fast‐acting oxidizing reagent and one that does the job usually in the neutral or slightly alkaline pH range. Potassium permanganate can be used basically in the same manner to oxidize the manganese in a conventional water treatment plant. The oxidation is fast in a slightly alkaline pH range.
Rate‐Making Regulations and Financing in West Virginia
Authors: Renick Myron R.
Published: February 2018

West Virginia, instead of allowing a fair rate of return (as is done for privately owned utilities), allows a municipally owned utility to charge rates broad enough to produce sufficient funds to pay reasonable operating expenses (including depreciation), to service debt capital, and to provide sufficient surplus for needed additions or replacements. One of the major difficulties encountered by West Virginia in the regulation of municipally owned water systems has been the failure of the utilities to set aside a sufficient depreciation reserve to enable them to make replacements made necessary by the wearing out or obsolescence of equipment or facilities. It should be pointed out that under West Virginia law, funds generated by a municipal corporation's operation of utility services may not legally be expended for any purposes other than those directly related to the operation of the utility. Accounting records, rate‐making procedures and financing of improvements are also discussed.
Electronic Computers in the Water Supply Field
Authors: Gooch Robert S.
Published: February 2018

The commercial development of high‐speed computers is a matter of profound importance to the water supply industry. The industry is hard pressed by population growth, increasing per capita consumption, stream pollution, explosive metropolitan expansion, and a host of other problems. To cope with these difficulties there is an urgent need for first‐rate engineering, first‐rate management, and first‐rate water utility operation. Under the circumstances, it seems that the electronic computer has been made available to the industry at a time when it is most urgently needed. This article discusses the advantages of computers and their usefulness in the water industry, necessary training, economy, large and small computers, analog and digital types, and the trend toward computers.
Survey of Phosphate and ABS Concentrations in Illinois Streams
Authors: Morgan James J. , Engelbrecht Richard S.
Published: February 2018

The rapid increase in the use of synthetic detergents during the past decade has undoubtedly led to the presence of greater quantities of synthetic detergent compounds in sewage effluents and, as a consequence, in certain surface water supplies. Questions have been raised concerning the persistence of these substances in natural waters amd their possible effects on water treatment processes. This article presents data on ortho‐ and condensed phosphates, alkyl benzene sulfonate (ABS), and water quality from a survey of Illinois surface waters made during the period 1955‐57, in which 204 surface water samples were collected and analyzed. The four parts of the Illinois survey are described, along with rainfall and streamflow discharge from this same period, and survey results.
Organization and Standards of the Oakland County Department of Public Works
Authors: Schone Harold K.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the organization of the Oakland County, Michigan, Department of Public Works and the issues that existed prior to, and resulted in the need for, the organization of the department. A major problem was the multiplicity of governmental units in the county with no single overreaching authority for developing community facilities. A brief overview of the creation of the Department of Public Works to handle intra‐city or township projects is presented, along with financial provisions for the projects. During the past two years, the department has acquired, and is now operating and maintaining, and doing the billing and collecting for, about 29 separate water systems in the area, all using the ground source of supply. Four sewage treatment plants have also been acquired, and a $660,000 sewer and treatment plant is under construction to serve the new Michigan State University of Oakland and about 3.5 sq mi adjacent to it. At the same time, a water system is being constructed. Another major project is the planning of public facilities for about 200 sq mi of the Clinton River drainage basin, lying within Oakland County. Departmental efforts on developing standard specifications, appropriations and expenditures are discussed.
Internal Repairs of Concrete Conduits at Cleveland
Authors: Mumma Roy M.
Published: February 2018

At Cleveland, Ohio's Division Filter Plant, a two‐duct concrete conduit 600 ft long conveys water from the filters to the reservoir. This conduit, which is 12 ft underground and 9 ft below lake level, had been in continuous service for more than 40 years when it was found to be leaking at a rate of several million gallons daily. During past years numerous repairs had been made on the outside of the conduit. The idea of making internal repairs seemed absolutely impossible as it was conjectured that so much water was leaking through the 12‐in. concrete dividing wall separating the two conduits that draining would be impossible; moreover, one conduit had to remain in service to supply the west side of the city with water while the other was being repaired. The capacity of each conduit is 110 mgd and the demand at the plant does not fall to less than that quantity until midwinter. The article presents the findings of a preliminary inspection, and based on this report permanent repairs to both conduits were recommended. Dewatering of the conduits is described, along with repair methods. Repairs of the north conduit were completed in one third the time required for repairing the south conduit, because no water was seeping from the south to the north conduit. Work was completed at 8 per cent of the estimated $1,000,000 cost of new conduits.
Domestic Water Supply Demineralization at Coalinga
Authors: Cary Edmund S. , Ongerth Henry J. , Phelps Reginald O.
Published: February 2018

This article begins by providing a brief overview of the city of Coalinga, California, specifically the development of its soft water supply. Due to the high cost of soft water and the inconvenience of handling it by tank car, the city decided to build a demineralization plant. Construction costs and contract details are provided, along with a discussion of demineralization equipment and the electrodialysis process, power costs, filter life and deposition problems, and detailed operating costs.
Public Health Aspects of Water Reuse for Potable Supply
Authors: Berger Bernard B.
Published: February 2018

This article discusses the concept of using treated municipal sewage for all municipal purposes, and presents the experiences of Chanute and Lyndon, Kansas, as striking examples. In both instances, the municipality itself made the decision to re‐use its sewage as the best possible solution to the water supply problem. Recognition of the future need for water reuse is forcing public agencies to consider new concepts of water quality management. It may even become feasible to practice complete recovery of the water component of municipal sewage, the pure water that makes up 99.9 per cent of sewage (by weight). It is assumed here that sewage treatment includes the activated‐sludge process and chlorination, followed by conventional water treatment. There are, however, a number of physical, microbiologic, and chemical factors pertinent to the question of water reuse and public health. Those factors discussed in this article include the following: physical quality; bacterial pathogens; fungal pathogens; enteric viruses; parasitic protozoa; parasitic worms; infectious disease; undesireable chemicals; inorganic chemicals; and, organic compounds.
Natural Radioactivity in Illinois Water Resources
Authors: Larson Thurston E. , Weatherford Richard L.
Published: February 2018

Various isotopes have different levels of significance or limiting parameters of health hazard. Methods of radioactivity measurement vary, frequently from one laboratory to another, even to the extent that the measurements are often only roughly comparable. All radioactivity measurements at the Illinois State Water Survey, Urbana, Illinois, made since May 1957 have been of samples of well waters, streams, and rivers. These measurements have been limited to gross alpha and beta activities by proportional counting of the nonvolatile residue remaining after evaporation of the water carrier. Such residues do not contain tritium, which will, therefore, not be discussed and which, furthermore, has a very low level of energy with a half‐life of 12 years. It is of interest, however, as shown by Libby, that the beta activity of tritium in the Mississippi River was 5‐20 μμc/l; in Lake Michigan, 5 μμc/l; and in rainfall in the Midwest, approximately 20 μμc/l. For low levels of activity, an error of approximately 50 per cent was estimated. Therefore, any appreciable confidence in results cannot be extended to activities of less than about 3 μμc/l (relative to 20‐min counting in duplicate for 250‐ml samples). For 5O per cent confidence at an acti‐ vity of 3 μμc/l, a 2‐hr counting period would be required. Favorable limitations of the counting procedures are further degraded by the absence of specific information on the self‐absorption that results from the deposition of neutral mineral salts from the samples containing nuclides responsible for radioactivity. The physiologic significance of gross activity and specific radioactive isotopes, and the optimum and standard procedures for the determination of gross and specific activities, are not discussed. Consideration is given to: the radioactivity of groundwaters, which have been used as public supplies for more than four generations and which, for all practical purposes, contain only those isotopes of long half‐lives; excerpts from, and interpretations of, data on Ra226 by Lucas and Ilcewicz of Argonne National Laboratories, Lemont, Illinois; and, data on gross activity of surface waters, with particular emphasis on measurements of gross dissolved beta radioactivity, with reference to the natural activity of Illinois water resources.