bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical abuse of older people reported at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil
Authors: Abath Marcella de Brito , Leal Márcia Carréra Campos , Melo Filho Djalma Agripino de , Marques Ana Paula de Oliveira
Published: September 2010

This cross-sectional study aimed to determine the profile of physical abuse against older people who underwent forensic examination at the Institute of Forensic Medicine in Recife, Pernambuco State, Brazil. The cases, with data from 1,027 forensic reports, were described according to characteristics of the incident, victim, and aggressor. Most cases of violence were produced by mechanical energy, either with blunt objects or by empty-handed attack; the most common day of the week was Sunday, most frequently in the evening, and in the victim's home; typical cases involved mild injuries on more than one part of the victim's body. The majority of the victims were men, 60 to 69 years of age, brown (mixed-race), married or living with a partner, and retirees/pensioners. The majority of the aggressors were men, known to the victim, and attacking alone. The social transcendence of violence against older people clearly calls for investment in programs to deal with the problem in order to ensure better quality of life for the elderly.
Diferenças regionais de conhecimento, opinião e uso de contraceptivo de emergência entre universitários brasileiros de cursos da área de saúde
Authors: Silva Flávia Calanca da , Vitalle Maria Sylvia de Souza , Maranhão Hélcio de Sousa , Canuto Maria Helena Alves , Pires Maria Marlene de Souza , Fisberg Mauro
Published: September 2010

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as diferenças regionais de conhecimento, opinião e uso de anticoncepção de emergência entre universitários brasileiros. Questionário semi-estruturado abordando conhecimento, opinião, experiência com anticoncepção de emergência e comportamento sexual foi aplicado a adolescentes de universidades brasileiras. Para análise estatística utilizou-se o teste exato de Fisher e ANOVA. Diferenças foram significantes quando o valor de p < 0,05. Cerca de 96% (n = 588) dos estudantes já tinham ouvido falar sobre anticoncepção de emergência, 19% (n = 111) conheciam as situações nas quais está indicada, com diferenças inter-regionais; 42% das meninas que tinham vida sexual ativa já tinham feito uso do método; 35% (n = 207) dos estudantes consideravam contracepção de emergência abortiva e 81% (n = 473) achavam que traz riscos à saúde, sem diferença significativa entre as regiões nas questões relativas a uso e à opinião. As diferenças inter-regionais sobre conhecimento não impactaram no uso e na opinião dos adolescentes sobre anticoncepção de emergência. Programas nacionais devem ser conduzidos para melhorar o conhecimento sobre o método.
Transtornos mentais comuns e auto-estima na gestação: prevalência e fatores associados
Authors: Silva Ricardo Azevedo da , Ores Liliane da Costa , Mondin Thaíse Campos , Rizzo Raquel Nolasco , Moraes Inácia Gomes da Silva , Jansen Karen , Pinheiro Ricardo Tavares
Published: September 2010

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a prevalência de transtornos mentais comuns (TMC) e sua relação com auto-estima, bem como outros fatores associados à ocorrência de TMC em gestantes. Foi realizado um estudo transversal aninhado a uma coorte no qual participaram gestantes atendidas no serviço de saúde do Sistema Único de Saúde na cidade de Pelotas, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foi utilizado para o rastreamento de transtornos mentais comuns o Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) e, para avalia a auto-estima, a Escala de Auto-Estima de Rosenberg. A amostra constituiu-se de 1.267 gestantes, que tinham em média 25 anos (dp = 6,53). A média de auto-estima foi de 9,3 pontos (dp = 4,76) e a prevalência de TMC em gestantes foi de 41,4%. Evidenciou-se, também, que quanto menor a auto-estima da grávida maiores são as chances de associação a TMC (p < 0,001). Houve uma significativa associação entre maior prevalência de TMC e baixa auto-estima.
Desigualdades regionais na prevalência de diagnóstico de asma em crianças: uma análise da Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílios, 2003
Authors: Wehrmeister Fernando César , Peres Karen Glazer de Anselmo
Published: September 2010

Estimou-se a prevalência de diagnóstico de asma em crianças e as desigualdades sociodemográficas entre as regiões Sul e Nordeste do Brasil. Analisou-se os dados de menores de 10 anos de idade da Pesquisa Nacional de Amostra por Domicílios, 2003 (n = 69.796). Características socioeconômicas, sexo e idade da criança e cor da pele do responsável foram as variáveis independentes analisadas, por meio de regressão logística não condicional. A prevalência de diagnóstico de asma no Brasil foi de 8,1% (IC95%: 7,7-8,5), sendo de 12,6% (IC95%: 11,6-13,5) e 4,4% (IC95%: 4,0-4,8) no Sul e Nordeste, respectivamente. Crianças entre 3 e 7 anos de idade e as de família com menor renda apresentaram maiores chances de diagnóstico de asma em ambas as regiões. Ser filho de pais que auto-referiram cor da pele preta, viver em aglomeração e residir em casas de baixo padrão foram associados positivamente a diagnóstico de asma no Sul. No Nordeste, menor escolaridade dos responsáveis foi associada a menores chances de diagnóstico de asma. As desigualdades foram mais evidentes na Região Sul, sugerindo variações no processo de determinação e entendimento da doença no país.
Fatores associados à carga de doenças da síndrome metabólica entre adultos brasileiros
Authors: Sá Naíza Nayla Bandeira de , Moura Erly Catarina
Published: September 2010

O objetivo deste trabalho é identificar fatores sociodemográficos e comportamentais associados à carga de doenças da síndrome metabólica, com base em dados coletados em 2007 pelo sistema de Vigilância de Fatores de Risco e Proteção para Doenças Crônicas por Inquérito Telefônico (VIGITEL). Foram avaliados 49.276 adultos, residentes nas capitais dos estados brasileiros e no Distrito Federal. Síndrome metabólica foi considerada na presença de pelo menos duas situações entre diabetes, dislipidemia, hipertensão arterial e obesidade. A carga de doença mostra que 22,7% da população adulta apresentam pelo menos uma das situações anteriormente descritas e 14,2% duas ou mais. As razões de prevalência ajustadas mostram que a probabilidade de síndrome metabólica é maior a partir dos 25 anos de idade, na atividade física insuficiente e na presença de excesso de peso nos dois sexos. Políticas públicas de promoção da saúde, que incorporem fatores modificáveis, que têm grande impacto na prevenção e tratamento da síndrome metabólica, devem ser estimuladas, bem como o diagnóstico clínico de populações de risco.
Long-Term Effects of Presurgical Infant Orthopedics in Patients with Cleft Lip and Palate: A Systematic Review
Authors: Uzel Aslihan , Alparslan Z. Nazan
Published: September 2010

Objective

This study aimed to assess the scientific evidence on the efficiency of presurgical infant orthopedic appliances in patients with cleft lip and palate to shed light on a specific, contemporary discussion of whether the appliances have long-term advantages with respect to treatment outcomes.

Design

A systematic review.

Method

Two literature surveys from the five electronic databases were performed with a 1-month interval. Randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials (controls had no presurgical infant orthopedics) that had follow-up periods of a minimum of 6 years were included in the study. The exceptions to the follow-up limit were studies related to feeding and parent satisfaction.

Results

Of the 319 articles retrieved in the literature surveys, 12 were qualified for the final analysis. The level of evidence of these articles ranged from 1b to 4. Eight randomized controlled trials and four controlled clinical trials were available on eight treatment outcomes. The longest follow-up period of the randomized controlled trials was 6 years. No randomized controlled trials were found on active presurgical infant orthopedic appliances and on nasoalveolar molding appliances.

Conclusions

Based on the results, presurgical infant orthopedic appliances have no long-term positive effects on seven of the eight studied treatment outcomes in patients with cleft lip and palate. More randomized controlled trials need to be done to have evidence regarding the effects of presurgical infant orthopedics in different surgical protocols. Also, the encouraging results about the effect of nasolaveolar molding appliances on nasal symmetry have to be supported by future randomized controlled trials.
Multilingualism in Australia
Authors: Rubino Antonia
Published: September 2010

This paper gives a critical overview of Australian research in the area of immigrant languages, arguing that this field of study is a significant component of the wider applied linguistics scene in Australia and has also contributed to enhancing the broad appreciation of the cultural and linguistic diversity of the country. It shows that research into immigrant languages has drawn upon a range of paradigms and evaluates those that have been most productively used. The paper argues that new research developments are needed to take into account the changing linguistic landscape of Australia and the increased fluidity and mobility of current migration.
Investigating the effect of contextual clues on the processing of unfamiliar words in second language listening comprehension
Authors: Cai Wei , Lee Benny P.H.
Published: September 2010

This study examines the effect of contextual clues on the use of strategies (inferencing and ignoring) and knowledge sources (semantics, morphology, world knowledge, and others) for processing unfamiliar words in listening comprehension. Three types of words were investigated: words with local co-text clues, global co-text clues and extra-textual clues. Data were collected from 20 participants using the procedures of immediate retrospection without recall support and of stimulated recall. The results indicate that contextual clues are an important factor in learners’ treatment of unfamiliar words in listening comprehension. Contrary to what some theories of inference generation predict, this study reveals that learners use the inferencing strategy more frequently for words with global co-text clues and words with extratextual clues than for words with local co-text clues. In terms of the use of knowledge sources for inferring word meaning, the learners in this study use the knowledge sources in accordance with the different types of contextual clues.
Revised Ground-Penetrating Radar Soil Suitability Maps
Authors: Doolittle James , Dobos Robert , Peaslee Steve , Waltman Sharon , Benham Ellis , Tuttle Wes
Published: September 2010

The United States Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) recently revised its ground-penetrating radar (GPR) soil suitability maps (GPRSSM). These maps, which have been prepared for most areas of the USA at different scales and levels of resolution, show the relative suitability of soils for GPR soil investigations. These digital maps are based on physical and chemical properties of approximately 22,000 different soils. The smaller scale (1:250,000) Ground-Penetrating Radar Soil Suitability Map of the Conterminous United States shows the relative suitability of soils to GPR within major soil and physiographic areas. The larger scale (1:12,000 to 1:63,360) state ground-penetrating radar soil suitability maps duplicate the scale and level of detail of the original soil survey maps. GPR soil suitability maps have been used to evaluate the relative appropriateness of using GPR, select the most suitable antennas, and assess the need and level of data processing. Limitations of these maps are discussed and examples of radar records collected in soils having different GPR suitability indices are presented.
Location of Agricultural Drainage Pipes and Assessment of Agricultural Drainage Pipe Conditions Using Ground Penetrating Radar
Authors: Allred Barry J. , Redman J. David
Published: September 2010

Methods are needed to not only locate buried agricultural drainage pipe, but to also determine if the pipes are functioning properly with respect to water delivery. The primary focus of this research project was to confirm the ability of ground penetrating radar (GPR) to locate buried drainage pipe, and then determine if GPR provides insight into drain line water conveyance functionality. Ground penetrating radar surveys using [Formula: see text] transmitter/receiver antennas were conducted at a specially designed test plot under drained, moderately wet soil conditions (water table below drain lines) and undrained, extremely wet soil conditions (water table above drain lines). The test plot contained four drain lines: one a clay tile to corrugated plastic tubing (CPT) drain line that was completely open to flow; one comprised of CPT with an isolated obstruction near the midpoint, completely preventing through-flow of water; one comprised of CPT but filled with soil; and one comprised of CPT but severed near its midpoint, producing a partial obstruction to water flow. Subsequent GPR computer modeling simulations were employed to assist with interpretation of the GPR field data. Results of the GPR field surveys indicate that given suitable shallow hydrologic conditions, GPR not only finds drainage pipes, but can also determine the position along a drain line where there is an isolated obstruction that completely blocks water flow. However, results show that a partial pipe obstruction is difficult to locate using GPR. Surprisingly, the soil-filled drain line was clearly detectable under both soil hydrologic conditions tested. The GPR computer modeling simulations indicate that soil had likely settled within the pipe, and that the GPR responses obtained at the test plot for the soil-filled pipe were responses representative of a pipe that was in fact only partially filled with soil. Overall, these research results provide valuable information for those contemplating the use of GPR to locate agricultural drainage pipes and then determine their functionality.
Inversion of Conductivity Profiles from EM Using Full Solution and a 1-D Laterally Constrained Algorithm
Authors: Monteiro Santos Fernando A. , Triantafilis John , Taylor Richard S. , Holladay Scott , Bruzgulis Kira E.
Published: September 2010

In highly conductive environments the apparent electrical conductivity [Formula: see text] data generated from electromagnetic (EM) instruments are known to be non-linear. This is particularly the case when high conductivity bodies are present in the subsurface. However, little attention has been given to this issue in the research literature of the environmental and hydrological sciences. In this paper we describe the development of an inversion algorithm, which consists of a 1-D inversion with 2-D smoothness constraints between adjacent 1-D models, whereby the forward response is calculated using the full solution of the induction phenomena. The robustness of the algorithm is evaluated using [Formula: see text] data acquired from two study areas. In the first case study, [Formula: see text] data is acquired with a DUALEM-21 across a golf green in Guelph, Ontario Canada. In the second case study, a DUALEM-421 is used to collect [Formula: see text] across an irrigated field located on a clay alluvial plain of the Lower Gwydir Valley (Australia). The general patterns of modeled true electrical conductivity [Formula: see text], as achieved from our inversion algorithm with the full solution, are shown to compare favorably with the available information and existing knowledge at each site. We also find that the models calculated with the new algorithm compare favorably with those obtained using individual 1-D inversion.
Soil Conductivity and Multiple Linear Regression for Precision Monitoring of Beef Feedlot Manure and Runoff
Authors: Eigenberg Roger A. , Woodbury Bryan L. , Nienaber John A. , Spiehs Mindy J. , Parker David B. , Varel Vince H.
Published: September 2010

Open-lot cattle feeding operations face challenges in control of nutrient runoff, leaching, and gaseous emissions. This report investigates the use of precision management of saline soils as found on 1) feedlot surfaces and 2) a vegetative treatment area (VTA) utilized to control feedlot runoff. An electromagnetic induction soil conductivity meter was used to collect apparent soil electrical conductivity [Formula: see text] from feedlot pens and a research VTA at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center, Clay Center, Nebraska. An [Formula: see text] Sampling Assessment and Prediction (ESAP) program, developed by the Soil Salinity Lab at Riverside, California was used to analyze feedlot pens and the VTA. The program directed soil sample site locations and produced models associating [Formula: see text] to volatile solids (VS) and chloride ([Formula: see text], an indicator ion for feedlot runoff). Results from the feedlot site for two pens with differing management styles indicate positive correlations between [Formula: see text] and associated VS ([Formula: see text], soil mound pen; [Formula: see text], manure mound pen). Chloride was found to be associated with [Formula: see text] for the VTA [Formula: see text]. The ESAP program provided estimates of the secondary variable distribution across the VTA and feedlot pens based on soil sample data combined with high density soil conductivity [Formula: see text] data. The methodology outlined in this research will be useful for identifying areas of excessive nutrient buildup on feedlots and runoff control areas, thereby allowing for site-specific management, improvement of system performance, and sustainability while reducing nutrient losses to the environment.
Characterization of Soil Water Content Variability and Soil Texture using GPR Groundwave Techniques
Authors: Grote Katherine , Anger Cale , Kelly Bridget , Hubbard Susan , Rubin Yoram
Published: September 2010

Accurate characterization of near-surface soil water content is vital for guiding agricultural management decisions and for reducing the potential negative environmental impacts of agriculture. Characterizing the near-surface soil water content can be difficult, as this parameter is often both spatially and temporally variable, and obtaining sufficient measurements to describe the heterogeneity can be prohibitively expensive. Understanding the spatial correlation of near-surface soil water content can help optimize data acquisition and improve understanding of the processes controlling soil water content at the field scale. In this study, ground penetrating radar (GPR) methods were used to characterize the spatial correlation of water content in a three acre field as a function of sampling depth, season, vegetation, and soil texture. GPR data were acquired with [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] antennas, and measurements of the GPR groundwave were used to estimate soil water content at four different times. Additional water content estimates were obtained using time domain reflectometry measurements, and soil texture measurements were also acquired. Variograms were calculated for each set of measurements, and comparison of these variograms showed that the horizontal spatial correlation was greater for deeper water content measurements than for shallower measurements. Precipitation and irrigation were both shown to increase the spatial variability of water content, while shallowly-rooted vegetation decreased the variability. Comparison of the variograms of water content and soil texture showed that soil texture generally had greater small-scale spatial correlation than water content, and that the variability of water content in deeper soil layers was more closely correlated to soil texture than were shallower water content measurements. Lastly, cross-variograms of soil texture and water content were calculated, and co-kriging of water content estimates and soil texture measurements showed that geophysically-derived estimates of soil water content could be used to improve spatial estimation of soil texture.
Centralised urban stormwater harvesting for potable reuse
Authors: McArdle P. , Gleeson J. , Hammond T. , Heslop E. , Holden R. , Kuczera G.
Published: September 2010

Urban impervious areas provide a guaranteed source of runoff, especially in cities with high rainfall – this represents a source of water with low sensitivity to unfavourable climate change. Whilst the potential to reuse stormwater has long been recognised, its quality has largely limited usage to non-potable applications requiring the use of a third-pipe network, a prohibitively expensive option in established urban areas. Given recent advances in membrane filtration, this study investigates the potential of harvesting and treating stormwater to a potable standard to enable use of the potable distribution network. A case study based on the Throsby Creek catchment in Newcastle explores the issue. The high seasonally uniform rainfall provides insight into the maximum potential of such an option. Multicriterion optimisation was used to identify Pareto optimal solutions for harvesting, storing and treating stormwater. It is shown that harvesting and treating stormwater from a 13 km2 catchment can produce yields ranging from 8.5 to 14.2 ML/day at costs ranging from AU$2.60/kL to AU$2.89/kL, which may become viable as the cost of traditional supply continues to grow. However, there are significant social impacts to deal with including alienation of public land for storage and community acceptance of treated stormwater.
Treating municipal wastewater with the goal of resource recovery
Authors: Sutton P. M. , Melcer H. , Schraa O. J. , Togna A. P.
Published: September 2010

A new municipal wastewater treatment flowsheet was developed with the objectives of energy sustainability, and water and nutrient recovery. Energy is derived by shunting a large fraction of the organic carbon in the wastewater to an anaerobic digestion system. Aerobic and anaerobic membrane bioreactors play a key role in energy recovery. Phosphorus and nitrogen are removed from the wastewater and recovered through physical-chemical processes. Computer modeling and simulation results together with energy balance calculations, imply the new flowsheet will result in a dramatic reduction in energy usage at lower treatment plant capital costs in comparison to conventional methods.
Quantifying the formation of nitrogen-containing disinfection by-products in chlorinated water using absorbance and fluorescence indexes
Authors: Roccaro P. , Vagliasindi F. G. A. , Korshin G. V.
Published: September 2010

Among known but unregulated disinfection by-products (DBPs), several nitrogenous species (N-DBPs) have been found in drinking waters. While concentrations of N-DBP are much lower than those of trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), their potential toxicity is higher. In this study the relationships between the formation of N-DBPs and the changes in NOM caused by the chlorination of raw Ancipa water quantified by the use of differential absorbance and fluorescence indexes were investigated. Very strong relationships were found between selected N-DBPs (i.e. trichloronitromethane and dichloroacetonitrile) and the proposed spectroscopic indexes that were previously developed to quantify the changes in natural organic matter (NOM) during chlorination at varying reaction conditions (chlorine dose, reaction time and temperature) and the generation of DBPs. Obtained results clearly indicate that the changes in NOM absorbance and fluorescence are fundamental descriptors of the formation of both commonly controlled halogenated DBPs and N-DBPs. This approach may be suitable for real time monitoring of emerging N-DBPs and for studying their formation pathways.
Removal and fate of estrogens in an anaerobic-anoxic-oxic activated sludge system
Authors: Li Y. M. , Zeng Q. L. , Yang S. J.
Published: September 2010

Laboratory-scale experiments were conducted to investigate the removal and fate of estrogens 17β-estradiol (E2) and 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2) in an anaerobic-anoxic-oxic (AAO) activated sludge system. Estrogen concentrations in the aqueous and solid phases in each reactor of AAO system were analyzed separately. E2 was not detected in the final effluent. The anaerobic, anoxic and oxic reactors accounted for 71%, 7% and 22% of the overall E2 removal, respectively. The overall EE2 removal efficiency was about 80%, and the anaerobic, anoxic and oxic reactors were responsible for 44%, 8% and 48% of the overall EE2 removal, respectively. In anaerobic unit, sorption was the dominant mechanism for the removal of E2 and EE2. While E2 was degraded in all the three units of the AAO system, EE2 was only degraded in the anoxic and aerobic units. Biodegradation is important for the fate of E2 compared to sorption. Of the total influent E2 in the AAO system, 99.99% was biodegraded and 0.01% remained in the waste sludge. Nevertheless, both sorption and biodegradation play important roles in the removal of EE2. Of the total influent EE2, 79.1% was degraded by activated sludge, 19.9% was discharged in the effluent and 1% remained in the waste sludge.
Limiting the emissions of micro-pollutants: what efficiency can we expect from wastewater treatment plants?
Authors: Choubert J. M. , Martin Ruel S. , Esperanza M. , Budzinski H. , Miège C. , Lagarrigue C. , Coquery M.
Published: September 2010

The next challenge of wastewater treatment is to reliably remove micro-pollutants at the microgram per litre range in order to meet the environmental quality standards set by new regulations like the Water Framework Directive. The present work assessed the efficiency of different types of primary, secondary and tertiary processes for the removal of more than 100 priority substances and other relevant emerging pollutants through on-site mass balances over 19 municipal wastewater treatment lines. Secondary biological processes proved to be in average 30% more efficient than primary settling processes. The activated sludge (AS) process led to a significant reduction of pollution loads (more than 50% removal for 70% of the substances detected). Biofilm processes led to equivalent removal efficiencies compared to AS, except for some pharmaceuticals. The membrane bioreactor (MBR) process allowed to upgrade removal efficiencies of some substances only partially degraded during conventional AS processes. Preliminary tertiary processes like tertiary settling and sand filtration could achieve significant removal for adsorbable substances. Advanced tertiary processes, like ozonation, activated carbon and reverse osmosis were all very efficient (close to 100%) to complete the removal of polar pesticides and pharmaceuticals; less polar substances being better retained by reverse osmosis.
Removal of micropollutants in WWTP effluent by biological assisted membrane carbon filtration (BioMAC)
Authors: Weemaes M. , Fink G. , Lachmund C. , Magdeburg A. , Stalter D. , Thoeye C. , De Gueldre G. , Van De Steene B.
Published: September 2010

In the frame of the European FP6 project Neptune, a combination of biological activated carbon with ultrafiltration (BioMAC) was investigated for micropollutant, pathogen and ecotoxicity removal. One pilot scale set-up and two lab-scale set-ups, of which in one set-up the granular activated carbon (GAC) was replaced by sand, were followed up during a period of 11 months. It was found that a combination of GAC and ultrafiltration led to an almost complete removal of antibiotics and a high removal (>80%) of most of the investigated acidic pharmaceuticals and iodinated contrast media. The duration of the tests did however not allow to conclude that the biological activation was able to extend the lifetime of the GAC. Furthermore, a significant decrease in estrogenic and anti-androgenic activity could be illustrated. The set-up in which GAC was replaced by sand showed a considerably lower removal efficiency for micropollutants, especially for antibiotics but no influence on steroid activity.
Performance review of large scale up-flow anaerobic sludge blanket sewage treatment plants
Authors: Heffernan B. , van Lier J. B. , van der Lubbe J.
Published: September 2010

This article evaluates the performance of 10 large scale upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) sewage treatment plants (STP) located in semi-tropical areas, 7 plants were located in Brazil, 2 in India and 1 in the Middle East. In addition to the UASB, essential functional units of the STP which potentially impact on the UASB are also evaluated. Most grit removal systems were performing adequately, however in one plant very little grit was being removed. This could have serious implications for the performance of the plant as in a relatively short period of time the reactors could become full of grit. The performance results obtained in this study (COD, BOD and TSS removal efficiencies) are compared to the results of recent literature publications and also to the results of some early pilot and full scale studies. The results found here are broadly similar to those result reported in the recent literature but show a lower performance in comparison with the early pilot scale plants. Factors such as improper design, poor operating procedures, insufficient maintenance and the presence of high sulphate concentrations have been identified as the main reasons for the lower performance.
Preliminary study on the occurrence and risk arising from bacteria internalized in zooplankton in drinking water
Authors: Bichai F. , Hijnen W. , Baars Eric , Rosielle M. , Dullemont Y. , Barbeau B.
Published: September 2010

In this study, an environmental sampling campaign was conducted to detect internalized E. coli and C. jejuni bacteria in zooplankton and amoebae samples collected at various stages of three water treatment plants in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Eight sampling locations were selected and sampling was performed twice, at a two-week interval, at each location. Chlorination was used to inactivate free (external) bacteria in the concentrated zooplankton samples and sonication was used to disrupt zooplankton organisms in order to release and recover internalized bacteria. Zooplankton enumeration was performed by microscopy. No internalized E. coli or C. jejuni bacteria were recovered from all of the samples analyzed. The occurrence of internalized E. coli or C. jejuni bacteria in drinking water was estimated to be lower than one internalized bacteria in 105 zooplankton organisms, as derived from the detection limit of the sampling campaign. By using the QMRA approach and the Beta-Poisson model, a risk of infection of less than 9.2E-6 and 5.9E-5 was estimated for internalized E. coli and C. jejuni in drinking water, respectively. This study remains preliminary due to the limited number of samples taken at each location.
Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in Yodo River system, Japan
Authors: Raj Shivakoti Binaya , Tanaka Shuhei , Fujii Shigeo , Hong Lien Nguyen Pham , Nozoe Munehiro , Kunacheva Chinagarn , Okamoto Risa , Seneviratne STMLD , Tanaka Hiroaki
Published: September 2010

There is increasing concern about occurrences of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in the environment due to their persistent, bioaccumulation, and potentially toxic effects. We investigated contamination of 11 PFCs (C4-C12) in the Yodo River system, which is a major source of drinking water for more than 11 million people of Kansai region in Japan. PFCs were detected in higher concentration even exceeding more than 1000 ng/L in some cases. Composition profile of total PFCs concentration showed that PFOS, PFHxA, PFOA, and PFNA were occurring dominantly in the river system. PFOS and PFOA concentration were nearly proportional to a previous study in the same river system, indicating continuous sink of the compounds into the river system. Although discharge of PFCs from wastewater effluents at upstream could be one of the major point sources, concentration did not exceed 29.4 ng/L at the downstream of main Yodo River, possibly, due to dilution effects. Total mass load of PFCs in mainstream of Yodo River was estimated 451.7 g/d based on observed river discharge and PFCs concentration. Results showed that Yodo River system could have a unique upstream-downstream linkage of PFCs contamination and the river could be a continuous pathway of PFCs exposure to the people of Kansai region.
Biological removal of cationic fission products from nuclear wastewater
Authors: Ngwenya N. , Chirwa E. M. N.
Published: September 2010

Nuclear energy is becoming a preferred energy source amidst rising concerns over the impacts of fossil fuel based energy on global warming and climate change. However, the radioactive waste generated during nuclear power generation contains harmful long-lived fission products such as strontium (Sr). In this study, cationic strontium uptake from solution by microbial cultures obtained from mine wastewater is evaluated. A high strontium removal capacity (qmax) with maximum loading of 444 mg/g biomass was achieved by a mixed sulphate reducing bacteria (SRB) culture. Sr removal in SRB was facilitated by cell surface based electrostatic interactions with the formation of weak ionic bonds, as 68% of the adsorbed Sr2+ was easily desorbed from the biomass in an ion exchange reaction with MgCl2. To a lesser extent, precipitation reactions were also found to account for the removal of Sr from aqueous solution as about 3% of the sorbed Sr was precipitated due to the presence of chemical ligands while the remainder occurred as an immobile fraction. Further analysis of the Sr-loaded SRB biomass by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled to energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) confirmed extracellular Sr2+ precipitation as a result of chemical interaction. In summary, the obtained results demonstrate the prospects of using biological technologies for the remediation of industrial wastewaters contaminated by fission products.
Optimization of lead (II) biosorption in an aqueous solution using chemically modified aerobic digested sludge
Authors: Darvishi Cheshmeh Soltani R. , Rezaee A. , Shams Khorramabadi Gh , Yaghmaeian K.
Published: September 2010

Biosorption of Pb(II) by using digested sludge obtained from a municipal wastewater treatment plant in Tehran was examined. The aims of this investigation were biosorption of Pb(II) ions onto chemically treated digested sludge with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution and determination of kinetic and isotherm of biosorption. Biosorption capacity of two types of sludge (treated and untreated) for biosorption of Pb(II) ions was investigated as function of initial Pb(II) concentration and pH using batch biosorption systems. The equilibrium biosorption capacity increased with increasing of initial metal ion concentrations and pH for both of digested sludge. The pseudo-second order kinetic model was found to be slightly suitable than the pseudo-first order kinetic model to correlate the experimental data for two types of digested sludge (R2>0.9). Regarding the applicability of the isotherm models, the freundlich model was found to be suitable than the other isotherm models. According to obtained qmax from Langmuir isotherm, biosorption of Pb(II) by H2O2 treated digested sludge was found to perform better than untreated digested sludge. The maximum biosorption capacity was given 185.19 and 144.93 mgg−1 for H2O2 treated and untreated digested sludge, respectively. Also, the constant of energy (B) between the Pb(II) ions and the adsorbent surface, calculated using BET isotherm model, obtained 5401 and 3401 for H2O2 treated and untreated digested sludge, respectively. These results indicate the usefulness of H2O2 treated digested sludge as a biosorbent for Pb(II) biosorption.
MBBR evaluation for oil refinery wastewater treatment, with post-ozonation and BAC, for wastewater reuse
Authors: Schneider E. E. , Cerqueira A. C. F. P. , Dezotti M.
Published: September 2010

This work evaluated the performance of a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) in the treatment of an oil refinery wastewater. Also, it investigated the possibility of reuse of the MBBR effluent, after ozonation in series with a biological activated carbon (BAC) column. The best performance of the MBBR was achieved with a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 6 hours, employing a bed to bioreactor volume ratio (VB/VR) of 0.6. COD and N-NH4+ MBBR effluent concentrations ranged from 40 to 75 mg L−1 (removal efficiency of 69–89%) and 2 to 6 mg L−1 (removal efficiency of 45–86%), respectively. Ozonation carried out for 15 min with an ozone concentration of 5 mg L−1 was able to improve the treated wastewater biodegradability. The treatment performance of the BAC columns was practically the same for ozonated and non ozonated MBBR effluents. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) content of the columns of the activated carbon columns (CAG) was in the range of 2.1–3.8 mg L−1, and the corresponding DOC removal efficiencies were comprised between 52 and 75%. The effluent obtained at the end of the proposed treatment presented a quality, which meet the requirements for water reuse in the oil refinery.
Evaluation of a new model for the reduction of excess sludge production by ozonation of return activated sludge: what solids COD fraction is affected?
Authors: Frigon Dominic , Isazadeh Siavash
Published: September 2010

This paper aims at clarifying the effect of ozone on the RAS solids to model activated sludge systems equipped with RAS-ozonation processes for the reduction of sludge production. A common hypothesis is that ozone only affects active biomass by promoting cryptic growth. Data from a pilot-scale study were used to test this and two other model extensions to IWA-ASM3. All model extensions were able to simulate the observed linear reduction in sludge production with increasing ozone dose when the MLVSS are kept constant. However, model simulations showed the inconsistency of the cryptic growth hypothesis with the extent of sludge reduction. The second tested model extensions assumes that ozone affects all the solids fractions (active biomass, endogenous residue, and influent inert particulate COD) equally. This extension could properly simulate the observed sludge reduction, but it failed to predict the trends in effluent BOD5, ATP/VSS, and nitrification rates. A third tested model extension, which performed better, assumes that biomass is inactivated at a specific rate higher than the specific rate of transformation by ozone of the other solids fractions. Finally, the predictions from this model extension were most accurate if either (i) the nitrifiers were inactivated at a lower rate then heterotrophs, (ii) the nitrifiers model parameters (e.g., maximum growth rate) were changed under ozone (i.e., metabolic adaptation, (iii) or both.
QualViz: a tool for visual representation of water quality models
Authors: Parker G. T.
Published: September 2010

As water quality models and their implementation have become increasingly diverse, complex and proprietary, a need for more thorough understanding of the differences between each alternative arises. The work presented here proposes a novel visualization paradigm for water quality applications which can be used to understand difference between implementations of identical and different conceptual models. A proof-of-concept visualization tool was developed and tested again three scenarios for four different conceptual models of biochemical kinetics. Results show representative figures illustrating how the approach can communicate differences in model complexity and dynamic behaviour. The proposed tool should help ensure more suitable application of water quality models in varied contexts. A discussion of quantifying model complexity in a single metric is also presented, and recommendations are made on the selection of various representational forms for communicating and exploring specific model characteristics.
2,4-D removal via denitrification using volatile fatty acids
Authors: He X. , Wareham D. G.
Published: September 2010

Many countries have waters contaminated with both herbicides and nitrates; however, information is limited with respect to removal rates for combined nitrate and herbicide elimination. This research investigates the removal of 2,4-D via denitrification, with a particular emphasis on the effect of adding naturally generated volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The acids were produced from an acid-phase anaerobic digester with a mean VFA concentration of 3153±801 mg/L (as acetic acid). Initially, 2,4-D degrading bacteria were developed in an SBR fed with both sewage and 2,4-D (30–100 mg/L). Subsequent denitrification batch tests demonstrated that the specific denitrification rate increased from 0.0119±0.0039 using 2,4-D alone to 0.0192±0.0079 g NO3-N/g VSS per day, when 2,4-D was combined with natural VFAs from the digester. Similarly, the specific 2,4-D consumption rate increased from 0.0016±0.0009 using 2,4-D alone to 0.0055±0.0021 g 2,4-D/g VSS per day, when using 2,4-D plus natural VFAs. Finally, a parallel increase in the percent 2,4-D removal was observed, rising from 28.33±11.88 using 2,4-D alone to 54.17±21.89 using 2,4-D plus natural VFAs.
Vote or Shout
Authors: Chakravarty Surajeet , Kaplan Todd R
Published: September 2010

We examine an environment with n voters, each with a private value over two alternatives. We compare the social surplus of two mechanisms for deciding between them: majority voting and shouting. In majority voting, the choice with the most votes wins. With shouting, the voter who shouts the loudest (sends the costliest wasteful signal) chooses the outcome. We find that it is optimal to use voting in the case where n is large and the value for each particular alternative of the voters is bounded. For other cases, the superior mechanism is depends upon the order statistics of the distribution of values.
Secular Trends in Treatment and Control of Type 2 Diabetes in an American Indian Population: A 30-Year Longitudinal Study
Authors: Looker Helen C. , Krakoff Jonathan , Andre Vickie , Kobus Kathy , Nelson Robert G. , Knowler William C. , Hanson Robert L.
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Treatment guidelines for diabetes have become increasingly stringent as most research shows that more aggressive intervention reduces the risks for complications. Community data on the effect of these interventions are lacking.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Changes in the pharmacologic treatment of diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol in adults with diabetes were analyzed in a longitudinal population-based study of American Indians from 10 independent 3-year time intervals between 1975 and 2004. Trends in drug use were assessed by logistic regression models and trends in glycemia, blood pressure, and cholesterol were assessed by linear models.

RESULTS

Among the study participants, the use of any medicine for the treatment of diabetes increased from 53% in 1975–1978 to 67% in 2002–2004, Ptrend < 0.0001. The use of insulin as a single agent declined, and the use of combinations of insulin and oral agents increased. In 1990–1992, 23% of subjects had an A1C <7% and by 2002–2004, the proportion had increased to 33%, Ptrend < 0.0001. The use of anti-hypertensive medicine increased from 21% in 1975–1977 to 58% in 2002–2004, Ptrend < 0.0001, coincident with a decline in mean systolic blood pressure from 137 mmHg in 1975–1977 to 123 mmHg in 2002–2004, Ptrend < 0.0001. The use of lipid-lowering medicine also increased with an accompanying increase in HDL and a decrease in non-HDL cholesterol concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

Major changes in community treatment patterns for diabetes and related conditions coincided with improvements in glycemia, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
Metabolic Risk and Health Behaviors in Minority Youth at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Holl Marita G. , Jaser Sarah S. , Womack Julie A. , Jefferson Vanessa L. , Grey Margaret
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of sex and race/ethnicity on metabolic risk and health behaviors in minority youth.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 173 seventh graders (46% male and 54% female; 49% Hispanic and 51% African American) with BMI ≥85th percentile and a family history of diabetes were assessed with weight, height, BMI, percent body fat, and waist circumference measures. Laboratory indexes included 2-h oral glucose tolerance tests with insulin levels at 0 and 2 h, fasting A1C, and lipids. Insulin resistance was estimated by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR). Youth also completed questionnaires evaluating health behaviors.

RESULTS

Average BMI (31.6 ± 6.4 kg/m2) and percent body fat (39.5 ± 10.6%) were high. All participants demonstrated insulin resistance with elevated HOMA-IR values (8.5 ± 5.2). Compared with African American youth, Hispanic youth had higher triglycerides and lower HDL cholesterol despite similar BMI. Hispanic youth reported lower self-efficacy for diet, less physical activity, and higher total fat intake. Male youth had higher glucose (0 and 2 h) and reported more physical activity, more healthy food choices, and higher calcium intake than female youth.

CONCLUSIONS

Screening high-risk youth for insulin resistance and lipid abnormalities is recommended. Promoting acceptable physical activities and healthy food choices may be especially important for Hispanic and female youth.
Performance of A1C for the Classification and Prediction of Diabetes
Authors: Selvin Elizabeth , Steffes Michael W. , Gregg Edward , Brancati Frederick L. , Coresh Josef
Published: September 2010

OBJECTIVE

Although A1C is now recommended to diagnose diabetes, its test performance for diagnosis and prognosis is uncertain. Our objective was to assess the test performance of A1C against single and repeat glucose measurements for diagnosis of prevalent diabetes and for prediction of incident diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted population-based analyses of 12,485 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study and a subpopulation of 691 participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) with repeat test results.

RESULTS

Against a single fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dl, the sensitivity and specificity of A1C ≥6.5% for detection of prevalent diabetes were 47 and 98%, respectively (area under the curve 0.892). Against repeated fasting glucose (3 years apart) ≥126 mg/dl, sensitivity improved to 67% and specificity remained high (97%) (AUC 0.936). Similar results were obtained in NHANES III against repeated fasting glucose 2 weeks apart. The accuracy of A1C was consistent across age, BMI, and race groups. For individuals with fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dl and A1C ≥6.5% at baseline, the 10-year risk of diagnosed diabetes was 88% compared with 55% among those individuals with fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dl and A1C 5.7–<6.5%.

CONCLUSIONS

A1C performs well as a diagnostic tool when diabetes definitions that most closely resemble those used in clinical practice are used as the “gold standard.” The high risk of diabetes among individuals with both elevated fasting glucose and A1C suggests a dual role for fasting glucose and A1C for prediction of diabetes.
Studies toward New Anti-Cancer Strategies Based on ?-Mannosidase Inhibition
Authors: Gerber-Lemaire Sandrine , Juillerat-Jeanneret Lucienne
Published: September 2010

Changes in the glycosylation pattern of cellular glycoproteins constitute a hallmark in human cancer and influence tumor progression, suggesting that inhibitors of selected glycosidases may control cancer progression. Following the studies on swainsonine, a natural inhibitor of Golgi
?-mannosidase II, which highlighted the inhibition of cellular mannosidases as a potential innovative approach for the treatment of cancer, several dihydroxylated pyrrolidines and analogues were developed as new potent inhibitors of ?-mannosidases II able to induce antiproliferative
effects in human cancer cells.