bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Lightweight Measurement of Software Security Skills, Usage and Training Needs in Agile Teams
Authors: Oyetoyan Tosin Daniel , Jaatun Martin Gilje , Cruzes Daniela Soares
Published: March 2017

Although most organizations understand the need for application security at an abstract level, achieving adequate software security at the sharp end requires taking bold steps to address security practices within the organization. In the Agile software development world, a security engineering process is unacceptable if it is perceived to run counter to the agile values, and agile teams have thus approached software security activities in their own way. To improve security within agile settings requires that management understands the current practices of software security activities within their agile teams. In this study, the authors have used a survey instrument to investigate software security usage, competence, and training needs in two agile organizations. They find that (1) The two organizations perform differently in terms of core software security activities, but are similar when secondary activities that could be leveraged for security are considered (2) regardless of cost or benefit, skill drives the kind of activities that are performed (3) Secure design is expressed as the most important training need by all groups in both organizations (4) Effective software security adoption in agile setting is not automatic, it requires a driver.
Framing ERP Success from an Information Systems Failure Perspective
Authors: Zerbino Pierluigi , Aloini Davide , Dulmin Riccardo , Mininno Valeria
Published: March 2017

To the best of our knowledge, extant definitions of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) success are not comprehensive, and they do not address all of the most relevant dimensions of this complex issue. Consequently, current ERP success models may lead to deceptive evaluations. Through a rigorous logical shift starting from IS failure, and diverging from classical project management approaches, this paper attempts to define ERP success by means of four factors: Process, Correspondence, Interaction, and Expectation. Results formally integrates the literature gaps and enable the future definition of appropriate measurement items that could steer management practices towards a sounder approach to ERP success.
A 3D Numerical Wave Tank for Coastal Engineering Studies
Authors: Didier Eric , Teixeira Paulo R.F. , Neves Maria Graça
Published: March 2017

This paper presents the validation of active and passive, made by a dissipation beach, numerical absorbing methods implemented in RANS-VOF FLUENT® code for modelling long time series of wave propagation interacting with coastal structures. Verification of both numerical techniques was performed in 2D – wave flume, and 3D – wave tank, this one using a multiple active absorption wave makers. The active absorption wave maker allows maintaining the incident wave generation and the mean water level along the time. Good results were obtained for 2D and 3D applications for active absorption wave maker at the generation boundary and both numerical beach and active absorption at the end of the flume/tank.
Numerical Simulation of Fire in a Gasoline Storage Tank in Reduced-Scale
Authors: Miranda Renan Spilka , Indrusiak Maria Luiza Sperb , Centeno Felipe Roman
Published: March 2017

With the increasing demand for energy and fuels in Brazil, the storage of liquid fuels in multiple tanks is becoming much more usual, posing challenges from the point of view of fire safety. To study this type of phenomenon and to evaluate its possible causes, detecting failures such as ones in design and erection of storage systems or in detection and protection equipment, numerical simulations are performed based on real data. This work presents numerical simulations of a small-scale tank for gasoline storage, based on an experimental study reported in literature. The present research shows results related to temperature in the region adjacent to the tank on fire, fuel mass burning rate, heat release rate and average flame height. Comparisons are made between numerical and experimental results, as well as with available literature results for similar conditions. In addition to gasoline type C (which has anhydrous ethanol in its composition), also gasoline type A (anhydrous ethanol free) is considered. The results obtained for simulations with gasoline type A presented better agreement with literature data than those for gasoline type C, the differences being due to the variable composition of the type C fuel. For example, the reported fuel mass burning rate for gasoline in literature is 0.045 kg/(m2∙s), while the present simulations provided values of 0.038 kg/(m2∙s) for type C and 0.047 kg/(m2∙s) for type A.
An Automated Structure for Acquiring and Processing Sentinel-1 Data and its Applicability for Coastal Studies
Authors: Costi Juliana , Oleinik Phelype Haron , Monteiro Caroline Barbosa , Marques Wiliam Correa , Arigony-Neto Jorge
Published: March 2017

The present work develops an automated structure to search, download and pre process Synthetic Aperture RADAR imagery acquired by the Sentinel-1 mission. A Python script defines the area and time of interest, performs the search for relevant products and download them using the Application Program Interfaces Hub of the Sentinels Scientific Data Hub. The preprocessing steps are performed using the Graph Processing Tool, which allows for a batch-mode execution of the Sentinel-1 Toolbox operators. Both steps are combined in a Bash program that performs the entire chain daily, without the need of users interaction. We demonstrate applicabilities of the processed data for coastal studies of the Rio Grande do Sul state. The structure is built aiming to 1) increase the usage of the open-access Sentinel-1 SAR data by reducing the processing time and 2) further develop automated detection systems for targets such as oil spills, ships and flooded areas.
Constructal Design of a Triangular Fin Inserted in a Cavity with Mixed Convection Lid-Driven Flow
Authors: Razera Andre Luis , Fagundes Tadeu M. , Seibt Flávio Medeiros , da Fonseca Roberta J.C. , Varela Dolir J.C. , Ortiz Paulo R.B. , Coelho Felipe R. , Lessa Leonardo Z. , Schmidt Arbi , Furtado Giovanni M. , dos Santos Elizaldo Domingues , Isoldi Liércio André , Rocha Luiz Alberto Oliveira
Published: March 2017

The present work applies Constructal Design to study numerically a fin-cavity system under mixed convection flow. The system is composed of a heat triangular fin inserted in a squared cavity. The flow is driven by the superior wall (lid) displacement. The main purpose is to study the effect of the fin geometry and area ratio (φ) over the dimensionless convective heat transfer coefficient (Nusselt number). The effect of Rayleigh (RaH) and Reynolds (ReH) numbers over the thermal performance and optimal geometries is also evaluated. For all cases the Prandtl number is constant (Pr = 0.71). The conservation equations of mass, momentum and energy are solved numerically with a code based in the Finite Volume Method (FVM). Results showed that the thermal performance increased with the increase of Reynolds and Rayleigh numbers and with the decrease of fin area ratio (φ). Otimal geometries for the triangular fin are compared to optimal rectangular fins, for RaH = 105 results showed a better performance (up to 8%) of the triangular fin for low Reynolds numbers (ReH < 200), while rectangular fins performed better than triangular ones for the highest magnitudes of ReH numbers. In general, results showed that different conditions change the optimal shape of a flow system, always evolving to architectures that facilitate the access to the flows that flow through it.
On the Design of Two EAHE Assemblies with Four Ducts
Authors: Brum Ruth da Silva , Rodrigues M.K. , Ramalho Jairo Valões de Alencar , Rocha Luiz Alberto Oliveira , Isoldi Liércio André , dos Santos Elizaldo Domingues
Published: March 2017

This article applies the constructal design method to analyze how to improve the thermal performance of earth-air heat exchangers (EAHE) composed by four ducts. The paper evaluates two types of arrangements for which the centers of the ducts take the shape of rectangles and diamonds. Under volumetric constraints, the vertical Sv and horizontal Sh spacings between the ducts are left free to vary. The objective is to maximize the magnitude of the EAHE instantaneous thermal potential P which is an average of the differences between the temperatures at the ducts outlets and inlets at any instant of time. The temperature fields are computed through numerical simulations, adopting a verified and validated three-dimensional model. Among the results, this work shows how the design can raise by 11% the annual thermal efficiency of the EAHE.
A Closed Form Solution for a One-Dimensional Multi-Layered Neutron Transport Problem by Analytical Discrete Ordinates Method
Authors: Prolo Filho João Francisco , Rodrigues Marco Paulsen
Published: March 2017

In this work, the Analytical Discrete Ordinates Method (ADO method) is used to provide a closed form solution for a class of one-dimensional neutron transport problems in Cartesian geometry, considering heterogeneous media with linearly anisotropic scattering effects. In this context, the mathematical model will describe a steady-state phenomenon, with neutron sources located inside and on the boundaries of the domain of interest. In the process, the integro-differential transport equation is transformed into an ODE system by the SN angular discretization, which homogeneous solution is obtained with a quadratic eigenvalues problem with reduced order. A particular solution in terms of constants is used. To validate the code, the method and provide benchmark results, test problems will be treated and results will be discussed.
Acelerated Test Methods: Determining the Diffusion Coefficient of Concretes in the Saturated Condition
Authors: Fanton Tassia , Bender João A.M. , Blois Leandro G. , Müller Franciele , Guimarães André T.C.
Published: March 2017

The chloride diffusion coefficient indicates the capacity of a particular type of concrete to resist chloride penetration and is therefore used to predict the service life of a particular reinforced concrete structure exposed to environments containing this type of aggressive agent. Its experimental determination is time-dependent and time-consuming. For that reason, our study analyzes the characteristic behavior of the diffusion coefficient (D) of concretes in the saturated condition by testing higher NaCl concentrations and lower contamination ages than those used in standardized tests, in addition, the objective is to analyze the behavior of surface chloride concentration (Cs) over time. Therefore, it was concluded that for concrete dosed with pozzolanic cement, the Cs value varied with increasing tendency at higher ages. In addition, the D value obtained by the proposed method presented values ​​close to those obtained by standardized tests at contamination ages of 21 and 35 days.
Proposed Model for Inventory Review Policy through ABC Analysis in an Automotive Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Nallusamy S. , Balaji R. , Sundar S.
Published: March 2017

A global market inventory is one of the largest and most significant resources of a manufacturing business. ABC analysis is one of the methods used extensively in manufacturing industries for inventory classification. The familiar ABC inventory classification approach categorizes inventory items as A, B and C classes according to their annual consumption value. To direct and control the inventory items more proficiently the inventories managers regularly classify and group all the inventory items. The objective of this paper is to create a periodic review policy based on the ABC classification in order to control the raw materials more efficiently. Based on the data collected through original equipment manufacturer, the necessary analysis was carried out. From the observed results, it was found that the developed periodic review policy improved the inventory turnover ratio from 3.15 to 2.13 by optimizing the inventory level for one year.
RETRACTED:Influence of Fe and Al Dopants on the Optical Properties of Zinc Oxide Thin Films Obtained by Spray Pyrolysis
Authors: Abdelmalek Nadjate , Farh Hichem
Published: March 2017

An investigation has been done to study the influence of the Fe and Al doping concentration on the optical properties of zinc oxide thin films. A spray pyrolysis system was used to obtain ZnO:M films doped with Iron and Aluminum, using zinc acetate dihydrate, hydrated iron chlorate and hydrated aluminum chlorate, respectively. The temperature and the concentration were fixed at 450°C and 0.1mol/L, respectively. Our thin films deposed on glass substrate. UV-VIS spectrophotometer has been used for the layers characterization. The optical transmittance spectra showed that the 2% Al dopand improves the optical transmittance in the visible that the Fe dopand. Zinc oxide thin films is the n type semiconductor with direct optical band gap varied between 3.219-3.346eV for obtain the films in photovoltaic application. But the urbach energy of ZnO thin films undoped and doped by Iron and Aluminum is varied between 101– 202 meV.
Investigation into the Impact of Bitumen Emulsion upon the Electrical Resistance of the Cement and Sand Grout
Authors: Trykoz L.V. , Bagiyanc I.V. , Nykytynskyj А.V.
Published: March 2017

The article deals with the possibility to create the cement-based material with improved electrophysical characteristics. The material can be used in the rail sleeper production, which will improve the insulation resistance of track circuits and increase transportation reliability. Besides, various kinds of structures made of it, e.g. foundations, piles, supports, bridges and tunnels, will decrease the impact from leakage and stray currents leading to intensification of electrocorrosion processes in railway structures, and will increase life cycle of the structures. It has been experimentally established that addition of bitumen emulsion to the cement and sand grout increases electrical resistance 4 times in the test samples in comparison with a check sample without additives. Insignificant increase in the setting-up time can be eliminated with early-strength admixtures or by the concrete steam treatment traditionally applied at concrete product plants.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Antibacterial Sulfanilamide from Aqueous Solution Using TiO2 Nanocatalyst
Authors: Ghahremani Hosein
Published: March 2017

Photocatalytic degradation of sulfanilamide (SNM) as a kind of pollutant agent through titanium dioxide nano particles (TiO2) under UV irradiation was evaluated. The effect of different parameters, such as TiO2 and SNM concentrations, amount of pH, inorganic salt and type of light source on the reaction rate was investigated. The results show that SNM was completely removed from the solution after 60 min under UV irradiation. Furthermore, kinetic studied were performed at 25°C over different ranges of SNM concentrations from 100 to 300 ppm, TiO2 concentrations from 0.05 to 1 gL-1 and pH of suspensions from 3 to 11. In this range of concentration of materials, a Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model can describe the process. An overall pseudo-first order kinetic constant was calculated for sulfanilamide conversion. The optimum TiO2 loading, which provides enough surface area for reaction without irradiation loss due to scattering of UV light, was found to be 0.1gL-1, and SNM concentration was100 ppm. Higher degradation efficiency of SNM was observed at pH=9. Finally, the results of this work proved that photocatalysis of SNM is a promising technology to reduce persistent substances even if they are present in low concentrations.
Facile Synthesis of Co3O4 Nanoparticles and their Biomimetic Activity
Authors: Na Wei , Li Yan Yan , Yuan Ye , Gao Wen Gui
Published: March 2017

Co3O4 nanoparticles with biomimetic activity have been synthesized using inorganic precursor by a simple liquid precipitation method without use of any organic and assisted agents. XRD and IR results showed that the as-prepared product was well-crystalline cubic Co3O4 phase with a lattice constant of a=8.079Å. The TEM image showed that the obtained Co3O4 product possesses a spherical and rectangular shape with a diameter ranging from 10 to 20nm. The Co3O4 nanoparticles catalyzed oxidation of typical peroxidase substrate (ABTS) and 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene (TMB) to give the same color changes as microperoxidase -11( MP-11), respectively. And the catalysis by Co3O4 nanoparticles shows typical Michaelis-Menten curves similar to that of MP-11. These results demonstrate that the Co3O4 nanoparticles possess a biomimetic catalysis activity similar to that found in natural enzyme. The kinetic parameters showed Co3O4 nanoparticles had efficient catalytic activity in comparison to MP-11.The easy preparation, good stability and special properties of Co3O4nanoparticles make them the promising enzyme mimics.
Synthesis and Photocatalytic Activities of Bamboo-Like FeVO4 Nanocrystalline
Authors: Tan Guo Qiang , Xu Chi , Ren Hui Jun , Yang Wei , Zhao Cheng Cheng , Xia Ao
Published: March 2017

The bamboo-like FeVO4 nanocrystallines were synthesized by a two-step method of the microwave hydrothermal-calcination, using Fe (NO3)3·9H2O and NH4VO3 as raw materials. The physical and photophysical properties of the as-prepared photocatalysts were fully characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectra and photoluminescence (PL) analysis. The photocatalytic activities were evaluated by the decolorization of RhB solution under UV and visible light irradiation. The results reveal that the precursor solution concentration is 0.15 mol/L, the molar ratio n (Fe)/n (V) is 1, pH=3.0. The microwave hydrothermal reaction is at 180 °C for 120 min and then calcinated under 550 °C for 3 h so as to obtain the triclinic FeVO4 nanocrystalline. Along [120] and [110], the fore and aft phases of the crystal orientation are bonded self-assembly to grow into the bamboo-like nanocrystalline with the energy gap of 2.42 eV. Under the UV-light irradiation for 240 min, the degradation rate of RhB is up to 91.2%. Adding 0.1 mL H2O2 to the solution, the out-phase photo-fenton reaction occurs and the degradation rate to RhB can reach to 98.8% after 8 h visible-light irradiation.
The Conservation of an Egyptian Coptic Fresco Painting from Saint Jeremiah Monastery: The Use of Nano-Materials in Cleaning and Consolidation
Authors: Salama Kholod K. , Ali Mona F. , El-Sheikh M. Said
Published: March 2017

In the present article we report a study on using microemulsion contains triton 100 to clean the surface of the wall paintings in saint Jeremiah monastery in Saqqara (4th century) , Being these systems mainly composed of water (more than 80% by weight), it is using in a poultice or when the microemulsion added to the nano gel to improve it's performance , Fourier Transform Infra Red spectroscopy (FTIR),and The consolidation by nano lime dispersed in ethanol is used by brushing through Japanese paper and injecting the cracks.
Facile Synthesis of CuO Semiconductor Nanorods for Time Dependent Study of Dye Degradation and Bioremediation Applications
Authors: Singh Gurjinder , Panday Sudhakar , Rawat Mohit , Kukkar Deepak , Basu Soumen
Published: March 2017

The manuscript reports facile one step synthesis of CuO semiconductor nanorods by sol-gel aaproach for photocatalytic and bioremediation applications. Spectroscopic characterization along with X-ray diffractometry and electron microscopy studies confirmed the formation of nanorods with 12 to 14 nm diameter and 50-100 nm length. As synthesized nanorods were subjected to photocatalytic degradation of dyes viz. Methylene Orange (MO), Methylene Blue (MB), Eriochrome Black T (ET) and Congo Red (CR) in a time bound study. Comparative analysis of the data depicted that time taken for degradation of equal amount of CR was more compared to the other three dyes owing to its high molecular weight and lower diffusion rate in aqueous medium. Subsequently, the antibacterial properties of the nanorods were investigated against the gram negative Escherichia coli and gram positive Bacillus bacteria. Zone of clearance was observed in disk diffusion assays, thereby confirming the antibacterial characteristics of the nanorods. These nanorods thus hold great promise as a simple, selective and a sensitive analytical platform for the effective bio-monitoring and photocatalyst for dye degradation.
Nanomaterials for Conservation of Artistic Stones: Performance and Removal Tests by Laser Cleaning
Authors: D'Amato Rosaria , Spizzichino Valeria , Caneve Luisa , Bonfigli Francesca , Giancristofaro Cristina , Persia Franca
Published: March 2017

In this work, nanomaterials were used as consolidants and protective layers for artistic stones. Synthetized nanocomposites were applied on marble and their performances as protective and water repellent coating were characterized. For the preparation of the novel nanocomposites, SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by laser pyrolysis and were dispersed in acrylic polymer and silicon-based resin. To evaluate the retreatability of water repellent treatments, the capability of laser to remove protective layers was explored. Laser cleaning tests with different working parameters have been carried out to optimize the effectiveness of the process. The effects of laser treatments on stone surfaces and on the applied nanocomposites were estimated by using confocal optical microscopy and Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF).
Effects of Electrochemical Etching Time on the Performance of Porous Silicon Solar Cells on Crystalline n-Type (100) and (111)
Authors: Omar Khalid , Salman Khaldun A.
Published: March 2017

Electrochemical etching was carried out to produce porous silicon based on crystalline silicon n-type (100) and (111) wafers. Etching times of 10, 20, and 30 min were applied. Porous silicon layer was used as anti-reflection coating on crystalline silicon solar cells. The optimal etching time is 20 min for preparing porous silicon layers based on crystalline silicon n-type (100) and (111) wafers. Nanopores with high porosity were produced on the porous silicon layer based on crystalline silicon n-type (100) and (111) wafers with average diameters of 5.7 and 5.8 nm, respectively. Average crystallite sizes for the porous silicon layer based on crystalline silicon n-type (100) and (111) wafers were 20.57 and 17.45 nm at 20 and 30 min, respectively, due to the increase in broadening of the full width at half maximum. Photoluminescence peaks for porous silicon layers based on crystalline silicon n-type (100) and (111) wafers increased with growing porosity and a great blue shift in luminescence. The minimum effective coefficient of reflection was obtained from porous silicon layers based on the crystalline silicon n-type (100) wafer compared with n-type (111) wafer and as-grown at different etching times. Porous silicon layers based on the crystalline silicon n-type (100) wafer at 20 min etching time exhibited excellent light trapping at wavelengths ranging from 400 to 1000 nm. Thus, fabricated crystalline silicon solar cells based on porous silicon (100) anti-reflection coating layers achieved the highest efficiency at 15.50% compared to porous silicon (111) anti-reflection coating layers. The efficiency is characterized applying I-V characterization system under 100 mW/cm2 illumination conditions.
Synthesis and Characterization of Nano-Silica from Teff Straw
Authors: Wassie Abrham Bayeh , Srivastava Vimal Chandra
Published: March 2017

Efficient utilization of agricultural residue is the need of today’s environment. Teff straw is one such agricultural residue which is available in high amount in east African continent particularly Ethiopia. In the present study, combination of heat and acid treatment has been used to extract nano-silica from teff straw. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis showed presence of high amount of silicon dioxide (≈52%) in raw teff straw. Thermal treatment at 600°C for 4 hour increased the SiO2 concentration to ≈ 92% in its ash. Further acid treatment increased the concentration to ≈97%. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy also confirmed increase in SiO2 after thermal and acid treatment. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed the silica of amorphous nature in teff straw ash before acid treatment (S-BAT) whereas crystallinity increased after acid treatment (S-AAT). Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed presence of uniform nano-disks shaped particles of 50 nm average particle size in acid treated teff straw ash. Compared to other agricultural residues high amount of silica availability as raw and its small diameter anatomy structure will make teff straw better source of silica material at lower heat and chemical treatment.
EO-based modelling and mapping of permafrost
Authors: Zhang Y
Published: March 2017

Observations have shown that climate is warming, and permafrost is thawing. The major questions now facing us are what are its impacts and consequences, and what can we can do about it. To answer these questions, we need to know more details about permafrost
thaw, such as how permafrost will thaw, where, when, and how much. Field observations are essential, but they have limitations in spatial and temporal coverages. Satellite remote sensing (or Earth Observation, EO) can provide detailed spatial information about land surface, and process-based models
are important tools for data synthesizing, process understanding, and future projections. EO-based modelling combines these two technologies and can provide spatial distributions and changes based on observations and our understanding. Following this approach, we developed a processbased permafrost
model considering the impacts of climate, vegetation, snow, water, soil features and geological conditions. With the inputs of atmospheric climate, vegetation and ground surface conditions from remote sensing, and soil and geological data, we can model ground temperature profiles, active-layer
thickness, permafrost conditions, and their spatial distributions and changes with time. We conducted a nation-wide permafrost modelling and mapping study for Canada. The model simulated ground temperature, permafrost distribution, active-layer thickness, and permafrost depth are comparable with
observations. The results show that the area underlain by permafrost in Canada will be reduced by 16-20% from the 1990s to the 2090s, and permafrost degradation will continue after the 21st century because the ground thermal regime is in disequilibrium. Now we are working with Parks Canada
Agency to model and map permafrost in some northern national parks at a higher spatial resolution. This collaboration not only serves Parks Canada Agency for their monitoring and management operations, but it also provides us a reliable and cost-effective test bed for our methods and results. This
EObased permafrost modelling and mapping work has been supported by the climate change program in ESS, a GRIP project, ParkSpace, funded by Canadian Space Agency, and a IPY project, CiCAT.
Human health risk assessments
Authors: Longpré D
Published: March 2017

Before a site is considered contaminated, concentrations of chemicals, particularly natural elements, should be compared to data from local or regional surveys of background soil quality in uncontaminated areas, if data are available. On-site levels would be
considered to be consistent with background where the maximum measured concentration of a COPC is less than or equal to a representative statistic for background concentration. If it is found that concentrations of Contaminants of Potential Concern (COPCs) at the site are representative of
background levels, then the site may not be contaminated despite the fact that generic environmental quality guidelines are exceeded. In a human health risk assessment, if concentrations of a contaminant are within the range of local or regional background conditions, the contaminant should be
excluded from further consideration as a COPC.
The concept of background concentrations of chemicals varies among jurisdictions. Potential background levels can be derived from data taken from control sites located close to, but outside the influence of the contaminated site, or may be based on more regional values. Whichever concept is
employed, there is a need for a standardized approach to assessing the availability and appropriateness of data on background levels, or evaluating the need for sampling background concentrations at a reference site. CCME Soil Quality Guidelines - Human Health Many contaminants, particularly metals,
are naturally occurring, and natural levels can exceed CCME soil quality guidelines and other generic guidelines without representing anthropogenic contamination. When setting national guidelines, the CCME derives guideline values by determining the tolerable or essentially negligible concentration
of a contaminant above the background (natural) level (CCME, 2006). The CCME also recognizes that natural levels in soil vary spatially, and recommends that local soil quality objectives be established that incorporate local or regional background concentrations if they are significantly different
from the background value used in the derivation of the national generic guideline for a particular contaminant (CCME, 1996).
In principle, for threshold contaminants, the total exposure from direct soil pathways should not generally exceed typical background soil exposures by more than 20% of the residual tolerable daily intake (RTDI), although >20% may be allotted under certain circumstances. If the
chemical is identified as a non-threshold substance by Health Canada, then a guideline will be developed
Towards new estimated daily intakes for the Canadian population
Authors: Bonvalot Y
Published: March 2017

Canadians are exposed to background contamination through air, water, soil, food and consumer products. This background exposure is quantified, for a given contaminant, by Estimated Daily Intakes (EDIs). EDIs estimate the typical concurrent background exposure
from all known or suspected sources (ambient and indoor air, drinking water, soil, food, breast milk, consumer products) via all known or suspected routes (inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact) for the average Canadian. The total EDI of a chemical - the summation of all these concurrent EDIs - is
determined through a multimedia exposure assessment in which a lot of information are required.
In risk assessments, RTDI (Residual tolerable daily intake) is considered and corresponds to the dose of a chemical above background to which a person could be exposed without expected adverse effects (i.e., RTDI = TDI - EDI, where TDI is the tolerable daily intake). Additionally, in the derivation
of the human health quality guidelines, 20% of the RTDI is allotted to each of the five primary media to which people are potentially exposed (i.e., air, water, soil, food and consumer products).
As can be seen, EDIs are an important piece of the human health risk assessment process. For compounds with available EDIs and for compounds still without, there is a need:
To assess or re-assess EDIs on a regular basis (data update for example)
To evolve towards more accurate EDIs (moving from deterministic to probabilistic EDIs for example)
To be transparent in the way EDIs are estimated in order to be easily revisited and updated on a regular basis (every five years for example)
This talk will briefly explain the various key aspects of the EDI protocol developed by the HC-CSD in order to assess new Canadian EDIs for several chemicals, notably:
Chemicals priorization
Data and / or studies selection process
Canadian population parameters selection
Mediums and routes of exposure
Fit of statistical distributions
Simulations results
Emphasis will be devoted to the current data limitations and their consequences. The urgent need of cooperation between all the federal / provincial / local data generators in order to produce more realistic EDIs will also be highlighted.
Biogeochemical variation and ecological and human health risk assessment
Authors: Rencz A N
Published: March 2017

An ecosystem is composed of various biotic and abiotic components. Although they are connected, each has a unique chemical signature that can characterize that component. The risk assessor is faced with the option of selecting for study and sampling one or more
types of media type to characterize the ecosystem of interest. It should be appreciated that although the components are linked and elements flow from one system to another, there is not necessarily a strong correlation between the distribution patterns of elements in one pool and those in another.
The distribution of elements in the different media reflects complex interactions between the different components of the ecosystem and the factors that control them ( soil pH, eH, and the content of organic matter). In addition, the levels of element concentration in biological systems are affected
by seasonal variations and by the adaptive mechanisms of biota that allow them to maximize their competitive advantage (certain plants are bio-accumulators of specific elements).
The risk assessor should consider the variation inherent in each of the media types that is being sampled. For example, within one tree species there are different tissue types (eg. leaf, bark, woody layer) and there may be up to a magnitude of difference in the concentration of elements from one
type of tissue to the next (e.g. Ni in sugar maples). Hence, if data from more than one type of tissue are compared, the result may show variation in element concentrations that are not realistic.
This workshop focuses on soils and the inherent differences that affect the concentration of metals in soils. Soils have properties that make them a useful sample media for risk assessment. They are present in most places and readily acessible, the seasonal fluctuations in their chemistry are not
significant, and they are directly linked to biological uptake. There is variation in the element content of soils with increasing depth caused by the soilforming processes and horizon development. However, if samples are collected from similar pedologic horizons, the origin of the differences tends
to be more easily explained.
Geochemical background
Authors: Garrett R G
Published: March 2017

The concept of geochemical background is discussed, defined and a distinction made between natural background and ambient background. A key issue is that background is a range, not a single value. The range of background should span the measurements likely to be
encountered during sampling and analysis in situations devoid of major mineral occurrences and severe impacts by anthropogenic contamination. The acceptance of 'ambient background' as a quantifiable estimate implies that some anthropogenic impact is acknowledged, but it does not 'overwhelm' the
natural patterns of variation due to geology, pedology, etc. The role of both spatial, map, and statistical data displays is discussed, and how appraisal of survey data with these tools informs as to whether the data should be divided into subsets before estimating background ranges.
As an example, the data acquired by the US-EPA 3050B Aqua Regia (4:1 HCl-HNO3) variant for As and Pb in the <2 mm fraction of the 0-5 cm soil interval are discussed and background ranges estimated. It is demonstrated that the Maritimes 2007 data are poly-populational, and different
background ranges should to be estimated for the three ecoprovinces present, the Appalachian and Acadian Highlands, the Northumberland Uplands and the Fundy Uplands. Several factors underlie the spatial definition one of which is geology, base metal ore occurrences, the Bathurst camp, lie in the
Appalachian and Acadian Highlands ecoprovince; and widespread minor As occurrences associated with gold in mainland Nova Scotia occur in the Fundy Uplands ecoprovince.
Both statistical numerical methods and graphical methods are demonstrated. It is shown that different numerical procedures and whether data are logarithmically transformed, a common practice in applied geochemistry, lead to different estimates. This begs the question, which is right, or at least the
best? It is shown how the a combination of graphical inspection to remove outliers likely not representative of background processes, e.g., data related to the presence of major mineral occurrences or discernable anthropogenic contamination, and the use of percentiles leads to useful estimates of
background range. In conclusion, some more complex multivariate approaches to background estimation and gaining an understanding of the data are briefly presented, with their constraints. For univariate, an element at a time, estimates it is recommended that the hybrid approach of map and
statistical data displays, the removal of nonbackground data from the data set(s) and the use of percentiles be adopted.
The tri-national (2007) Maritimes data: some important and interesting observations
Authors: Garrett R G
Published: March 2017

The data for six elements, As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, are investigated in soil samples collected by the Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) in the Maritime provinces (NB, NS and PEI) in 2007. Samples were collected from several soil horizons and intervals, 0-5 cm,
A, 0-30 cm, B and C, by GSC, Environment Canada, and provincial agency staff, and in collaboration with soil scientists from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. A variety of analytical methods were investigated, ranging form a water leach to a 'total' mutli-acid digestion and Instrumental Neutron
Activation (INA) applied to different sieved size fractions, <2 mm, <250 µm and <63 µm . Attention is focused on the data obtained using the Aqua Regia variant (4:1 HCl-HNO3) of the US-EPA 3050B protocol applied to the <2 mm fraction, with
elements being determined in the digests by ICP-OES and ICPMS. An inspection of the data by soil horizon reveals systematic patterns of element distribution. For Pb and Cd levels decrease with depth until the B horizon is reached, they then increase and then fall with depth to the C horizon. For As,
Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn levels increase with depth until the B horizon, where they drop, and than increase with depth to the C horizon. As a generalization, levels in the 0-5 cm interval and B horizons are similar, as are levels in the 0-30 cm interval and the C horizon. In general, observed levels in the
0-5 cm interval and B horizon are similar, and levels in the 0-30 cm interval are similar to the C horizon. The role of Fe and Organic carbon was investigated across the 0-5 cm, A, B and C horizons. It is shown that there are systematic variations with depth and that these major soil components
exercise a control on trace element levels through their ability to sequester trace elements and bind them in mineral forms or with metallo-organic ligands. A variety of analytical protocols were applied to C horizon soils in an investigation of the amounts of elements that might be bioavailable,
i.e. as estimates of bioaccessibility. These data show that bioaccessibility estimates using a water leach are 1.5 (Cd) to 3 (Pb) orders of magnitude than PBET estimates for gastric intake, and that PBET estimates are lower by a half to 1.5 orders of magnitude lower than the results of routine
geochemical analyses employing aqua regia-like digestions. It is concluded that there are advantages to consistently sampling a single soil horizon or interval, and in the case of an interval, it should be as narrow as operationally feasible.
Recommendations and guidelines for acquiring and analyzing soil geochemical data to estimate the range of background concentrations for risk assessments
Authors: Rencz A N , Garrett R G , Grunsky E C , Kettles I M , Klassen R A , McNeil R J
Published: March 2017

The development of robust soil quality guidelines require that methods for collection and analysis of soil geochemical data be consistent and based on sound science. The methodologies described support risk assessment and include a procedure for estimating
geochemical background. One aim while developing the recommendations for methodologies, was to promote the use of standardized sampling and analytical protocols for soils. The use of common protocols facilitates the comparison of soil and other data generated by different groups at different times.
The standard set of procedures proposed here serve as a starting point for data comparisons but other methodologies should be considered to provide optimal characterization of the sites being assessed. For example, if information on human exposure to metals or bioaccessibility is required, the use
of additional methods of sampling and analyzing soils and other media should be considered. These include the sampling of additional soil horizons or depth intervals (e.g. A-horizon or 0-30 cm interval ) and the use of other techniques for sample preparation and analysis such as the water leach,
physiologically-based extraction techniques (PBETs), and element speciation techniques (Garrett et al, 2009a; Dodd, 2011 (this release); and Parsons, 2011 (this release)).
There are four sections in the Recommendations document covering the spectrum from sample collection through data analysis. The first section has the recommendations for Site Selection, Field Sampling, and the Use of Thematic Map Layers for Data Plotting. The second covers Analytical Techniques and
provides information on how the different methods of sample preparation and analysis cause variation in the resultant data. The third outlines an approach and provides a procedure or Estimating Geochemical Background. The fourth section has information on how to access existing sets of published
geochemical data for Canada. At the end of this document, the Appendices provide additional information that pertains to the procedure for estimating geochemical background.
Vibracoring in lakes and on landslides
Authors: Brooks G R
Published: March 2017

Light-weight vibracoring is a well-established technique used to collect a continuous core of saturated, loose sand and silt deposits. It uses a resonating core barrel that liquefies contacting sediment and sinks into and around the underlying sediment column.
GSC-NC equipment consists of a 2.5 hp Honda motor that powers a 5.1 cm (2 in) diameter vibrator head via a 10.7 m long flexible steel shaft. Core sediments are collected in 7.6 cm (3 in) O.D. aluminum irrigation pipe cut into 2.3-2.4 m (7.5-8 ft) lengths. The pipes are joined with couplers, as
necessary, to create a continuous length of core barrel of up to 12.1 m (40 ft) long. A core catcher at the mouth of the core barrel helps retain penetrated sediment. After vibrating a core barrel into the ground, it is extracted using a one ton hoist mounted on a JAWS 'A' frame ladder. Shallow
cores (less than 2m deep), however, have been recovered manually. The retrieved core barrel is cut up into 1 to 1.5 m lengths, capped, sealed with tape, and transported to the laboratory for analysis. In the laboratory, the core barrel sidewalls are cut longitudinally with a circular saw and the
enclosed deposits split, logged and sub-sampled. Core recovery is variable, depending on deposit grain size and sorting, but can exceed 90%. The vibracoring equipment requires a crew of two and can be transported by a pickup truck, ATV and/or snowmobiles. Vibracoring has been used to collect
cores up to 5.5 m long from lacustrine deposits in the French River and North Bay areas and, most recently, from small wetlands on Leda clay earthflows in the Ottawa area.
Peat coring and sampling techniques used at Geological Survey of Canada (1993-2003)
Authors: Kettles I M
Published: March 2017

Most peatlands in Canada take the form of bog or fen but some swamps and marshes have sufficient accumulations of organic materials (40 cm or more) to be classed as peatlands. Most environmental, ecological, or biogeochemical studies of peatlands require
stratigraphic sampling and sub-sampling. Peatlands are water-saturated and, over large areas of Canada, they are permafrost-bearing and isolated. Hence, core collection presents many challenges. When choosing the sampling site, it is wise to first use a soil probe with sufficient extensions to test
the depth and character of the peat accumulation. For past peatland projects at GSC, cores were collected at depth from permafrost-bearing peat using the CRREL coring kit. A continuous undisturbed core was produced in segments of up to 20 cm from one drilled hole. The segments were retrieved from
the hole using a core catcher. Use of the CRREL device took at least 2 people and was difficult. As soon as the motor on the CRREL device stopped, water from the melting of the ice around the cutting head quickly began to refreeze and, if not pulled up immediately, the head was stuck (on one
occasion permanently) in the hole. To collect at depth in unfrozen peatlands, the Macaulay corer, referred to also as the modified Russian borer, was effective and not too difficult to use. It is a chambered-type side filling sampler with a T-handle and 1 m long extension rods. Continuous cores were
collected in 50 cm segments to the contact with mineral sediment. After the first 1 or 2 extension rods were added, 2 or more people were needed to pull the corer up from the hole. Neither the CRREL work nor the Macaulay were useful for sampling peat at or near the surface. Above the water table in
an unfrozen peatland or above permafrost in frozen ones, it worked best to cut out blocks of peat using a large butcher knife and small clippers. If a continuous core of surface peat materials was needed, a Wardenaar-style corer was used for the uppermost 90 cm.
Light-weight coring in permafrost at GSC - current activities
Authors: Sladen W
Published: March 2017

Light-weight coring techniques used by the GSC in recent years include coring with a modified Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) barrel and a diamond impregnated bit barrel. The modified CRREL barrel is a hollow mild steel barrel with welded
double helix flight configuration. The removable shoe has replaceable tungsten carbide teeth which do the cutting. Attached to a power head, the CRREL barrel can retrieve a high-quality, continuous core in snow, ice, and fine-grained organic and mineral soils. The disadvantage of the CRREL barrel is
that is does not work well in stony ground, unfrozen soils or soils with a significant unfrozen water content. In addition, the drilling process can be slow due to insufficient storage for the cuttings on the outside of the barrel limiting the length of core recoverable in a single run. A second
method used by the GSC is diamond drilling, which uses a core barrel with a diamond impregnated carbide bit. Also attached to a power head, this method can cut through fine-grained soil with ice, sand, gravel, and boulders up to 20 cm in diameter. This off the shelf equipment produces a high quality
continuous core. The disadvantages are that in pure ice the core tends to break into smaller segments, slowing drilling, and in warmer permafrost conditions (-2 to 0ºC) the core tends to disintegrate due to the uncemented material and frictional heat. Both methods are applicable in a wide range
of terrain types, they are light-weight and easily transportable by snow machine, ATV trailer and helicopter.