bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saúde e desenvolvimento
Authors: Viana Ana Luiza D'Ávila , Elias Paulo Eduardo M.
Published: November 2007

Considerando que os modernos sistemas de saúde são o resultado da complexa interação de processos econômicos, políticos e sociais, o objetivo do trabalho é discutir a relação entre saúde e desenvolvimento no Brasil, mostrando que o esgotamento do modelo liberal de política econômica abre nova perspectiva para a retomada do desenvolvimento, entendido como combinação entre crescimento da economia, mudanças na estrutura produtiva e melhora das condições de vida da população. O complexo produtivo da saúde joga papel decisivo nesse processo, pois constitui um campo em que inovação tecnológica e acumulação de capital geram oportunidades de investimento, trabalho e renda, além de produzir avanços importantes para melhorar o estado de saúde das pessoas. A recente adoção de políticas públicas voltadas para articular, de forma positiva, aspectos da política econômica e da política social revela que a questão do desenvolvimento nacional ganhou nova centralidade na agenda governamental, o que abre a perspectiva de maior integração entre a lógica econômica e a lógica sanitária. Entretanto, é preciso reconhecer que o Brasil ainda não logrou alcançar uma associação virtuosa entre saúde e desenvolvimento.
Ciência, tecnologia e inovação em saúde e desenvolvimento social e qualidade de vida: teses para debate
Authors: Novaes Hillegonda Maria Dutilh , Carvalheiro José da Rocha
Published: November 2007

Este texto apresenta algumas teses importantes para o desenvolvimento da ciência e tecnologia em saúde, a serem discutidas na 13ª Conferência Nacional de Saúde. Nele foram analisados, com base na literatura, os fatores e processos que determinaram os padrões atuais de produção, incorporação e avaliação de tecnologias nos sistemas de serviços de saúde, que se inserem no contexto de medicalização das sociedades contemporâneas. Foram analisadas também as políticas públicas científicas e tecnológicas e de saúde propostas nos anos 90 nos países desenvolvidos e em desenvolvimento para aumentar o impacto do desenvolvimento científico e tecnológico sobre a saúde das populações. Foram identificadas as dificuldades que essas políticas enfrentam para alcançar o impacto desejado, e os desafios a serem superados no século XXI.
Characteristics and evaluation of natural attenuation processes for organic micropollutant removal during riverbank filtration
Authors: Schmidt C.K. , Lange F.T. , Brauch H.-J.
Published: November 2007

In industrialized and urban areas, surface waters are to a high level exposed to anthropogenic environmental impacts and are therefore often contaminated with a wide spectrum of organic trace compounds. Riverbank filtration is a well established technique in Europe and is most often used as an important component of the multiple-barrier system. During its underground passage, surface water undergoes a diversity of physical, biological and chemical processes, improving water quality significantly and adjusting it in ideal cases to the quality of natural groundwater. By means of examples taken from recent research projects and related to organic micropollutants currently under discussion, this contribution will report on characteristics of riverbank filtration with regard to its purification capacity for different classes of organic micropollutants.
“In situ” investigations to define the degradation of phenols in groundwater
Authors: Dimkić M. , Pušić M. , Jordanovski M.
Published: November 2007

Phenols are especially suitable for defining the mechanism of their degradation in groundwater. Phenols, for the most part, do not sorb on clastic aquifer material. This allows for a comparison of their relative concentrations in groundwater to the concentrations of a tracer, and leads to conclusions which can be drawn about the kinetics of phenol degradation. We have had an opportunity to monitor, in detail, the degradation of phenols at three locations. All three cases involved gravelly and sandy aquifers and aerobic conditions. A summary of the analytical methods applied, and basic results obtained is presented. This paper represents a short overview of the flow and results of the monitoring and five tests which were conducted at the three locations over several years. We believe that the results are representative of the behavior of phenols in aerobic intergranular aquifers.
Application of environmental isotopes for studying stream/aquifer interactions in the Danube basin
Authors: Vitvar T. , Newman B.D. , Aggarwal P. , Garner A.
Published: November 2007

This paper demonstrates, using selected case studies in the Upper Danube basin, how isotopes may serve as a way of better implementing the groundwater related part of the EU Water Framework Directive requirements in the Danube basin. The following examples of conceptual models elaborated in the 1990s with use of isotopes in the Upper Danube basin show how isotopes can be used to help understand: a) potential pathways and travel time of contamination from groundwater to the river from Southern Vienna basin; b) vulnerability of river/wetland ecosystems in the Regelsbrunn wetland; and c) delineation of Danube-originated and local groundwaters in the Pannonian basin. Isotope methods could be also used in other parts of the Danube basin. For example, because the groundwater inflow via tributaries can be important, we also propose longitudinal chemical and isotopical monitoring of the main Danube tributaries, e.g., the Tisza river, which drains the major part of the Great Pannonian basin. Finally, we argue that open questions highlighted in the previous Joint Danube Survey, especially those on the identification of hotspots of nutrient inputs could be addressed using isotope techniques, and therefore we recommend addition of isotopes to the sampling programme of the coming Joint Danube Survey in 2007.
Finite element modeling of underground water flow with Ranney wells
Authors: Kojić M. , Filipović N. , Stojanović B. , Ranković V. , Krstić M. , Otašević L. , Ivanović M. , Nedeljković M. , Dimkić M. , Tričković M. , Pušić M. , Boreli-Zdravković Đ. , Đurić D.
Published: November 2007

The objectives of this study were to define the regional and local groundwater flow, and to give quantitative estimates of the groundwater dynamic parameters and of the available groundwater resources. To achieve these objectives, numerical tools are required to quantitatively model flow through porous saturated and unsaturated media. We have developed a general finite element (FE) model for underground water flow and specific algorithms for Ranney wells. Solutions for steady and unsteady conditions are obtained by using two basic models: global and local. The global model consists of 3D finite elements and 1D finite elements with the equivalent well permeability representing Ranney wells. The local models are generated around wells, using solutions for all quantities from 3D global model at a cylindrical surface which bounds the local model. The local model consists of a fine 3D FE mesh and 1D elements used to model each of the well screens. We developed a software for pre- and post-processing, Lizza, which can be used for easy modeling of complex engineering underground water flow problems with Ranney wells. The FE package PAK-P is used as the solver. This software can handle flow regions with general irregular boundaries. The flow region itself may be composed of layers of nonuniform soils having an arbitrary degree of local anisotropy. Flow can occur in the vertical plane, the horizontal plane, or in a three dimensional region exhibiting radial symmetry about the vertical axis. The water flow model includes constant or time-varying prescribed head and flux boundaries, as well as boundaries controlled by atmospheric conditions. At a soil surface, boundary conditions may change during the time evolution from prescribed flux to prescribed head type conditions (and vice versa). The model also include a seepage face boundary through which water leaves the saturated part of the flow domain, and free drainage boundary conditions. The results of modeling several real engineering projects (Belgrade Water Supply Center) are presented.
Revitalization of an artificially recharged groundwater source: Mediana in the city of Niš, Serbia
Authors: Dimkić M. , Pavlović D. , Soro A. , Dimkić D. , Radenković Z.
Published: November 2007

The artificially recharged groundwater source Mediana provides water supply to the City of Niš. It is situated on some 250 ha of land in an alluvial valley. In the early 1990s, the source sustained heavy pollution by organic pollutants from nearby electronics industry, and somewhat less extensive pollution by nitrites from a neighbouring settlement. The capacity of the source decreased from 270 l/s to 150 l/s. The pollutants were flushed and a permanent protection system was put in place. Following revitalization, this groundwater source was upgraded to the current capacity of 500–600 l/s. Monitoring of the groundwater source during the period from 1996 to 2006 revealed no functional interferences, confirmed that the source delivers the required water quality, and indicated that significant self-purification processes are taking place in the aquifer.
State and problems of using alluvial groundwater in Great Morava Valley
Authors: Boreli-Zdravkovic Dj. , Damjanovic M.
Published: November 2007

An aquifer formed in alluvial sediments of the river Great Morava, spreading across over 1,000 km2, represents one of the most important resources for supplying settlements with drinking water. In this area, numerous settlements were built and the agricultural production is present. The first aquifer was formed in gravel-sandy sediments, 20 m thick, of large permeability and it is naturally protected with clay-dusty roof, with thickness of about 5 m. The biggest problem is registered presence of nitrates in groundwater, above the valid MPL values for drinking water that is 50 mgNO3/l. Monitoring the state and problems of separate water sources, formed in this area, showed the considerable larger influence of settlements without sewage systems than existing agricultural production. Analysis showed that nitrates input by groundwater into the River Danube and the Black Sea is negligible. Considering the anthropogenic impacts in the wider surrounding of the water source, we came to conclusions that can be used for further planning the use of this and similar groundwater resources.
Harmonization of transboundary groundwater bodies delineation and characterization in Körös/Crişuri river basin, a Tisza/Tisa sub-Basin
Authors: Rotaru A. , Toth G. , Szomolanyi M. , Botău O. , Blum A. , Bretotean M. , Beresne L. , Dina G. , Lossos L.
Published: November 2007

The Water Framework Directive (WFD) definition of a Groundwater Body (GWB) permits a large palette of approaches for the groundwater body's delineation process. This fact leaded to many GWB types and, as a consequence, to many misfits between the transboundary GWB's delineated on each side of the borders. Therefore, the WFD implementation implies also a harmonization process between the Member States for the transboundary groundwater body's delineation and characterization. An example of such a process is that one carried out in the framework of the Project: “Transboundary River Basin Management of the Körös/Crişuri River, a Tisza/Tisa sub-Basin”. The paper presents both countries' approaches and the GWB's delineations that resulted from those approaches. It is presented also the agreement reached in the frame of the project. Common criteria for GWB's delineation where adopted and a harmonized GWB delineation in the Körös/Crişuri basin was performed.
Risk of groundwater contamination from nitrates in the Po basin (Italy)
Authors: De Maio M. , Fiorucci A. , Offi M.
Published: November 2007

In 1991, the EU promulgated the Nitrates Directive 91/676/EEC, with which it obliged member states to set up monitoring systems, to designate areas vulnerable to nitrate pollution, especially that of agricultural origin, and to activate protection plans, setting the initial target as 1993.

After a long delay, Italy assimilated the directive in 1999 with the D.Lgs. 152/99 (legislative decree), which basically transferred responsibility for identifying vulnerable zones to the Regional Authorities.

The Po river basin was, and still is, particularly problematical, with its surface aquifers containing generally high levels of NO3− particularly in the lower Piedmontese plain, in the Alessandria area, in the upper Milan valley and in the Emilia-Romagna plain.

Taking these pollution levels into consideration, along with continual eutrophication of the Adriatic Sea, the EU enjoined Italy to define the entire Po valley as vulnerable, to avoid being penalised. Such a restrictive designation would, however, have had a highly negative effect on agriculture and to avoid this, the Regions of the Po basin, after long delays, set in motion a series of scientific studies in order to be able to limit the areas defined as vulnerable.

This paper, in line with Regional policies, proposes a method that can be applied on a regional scale for identifying areas vulnerable to nitrate pollution. It uses a parametric indicator of Pollution Risk, which is the product of the sintacs r5 and the ipnoa indicators: since the former indicator assesses the vulnerability of an aquifer, that is its susceptibility to absorption and spread of fluid or water-borne pollutant over time, while the latter studies the risk of pollution by nitrates of agricultural origin (that is, the amount of nitrates persisting in the territory), it is clear to us that the product of the two indicates the nitrate that may actually be present in the aquifer waters. The easy availability of input parameters for the model, the reliability of the output data, as compared with the results of monitoring various test sites in the Po valley, and the production of thematic maps, using GIS software, make the method a valid tool for the Regions when identifying zones vulnerable to nitrate pollution.

The method is presented here with application to a test site of about 250 km2, situated in the lower Alessandria plain (Eastern Piedmont, Italy).
Innovative approach for treatment of arsenic contaminated groundwater in Central Europe
Authors: Petrusevski B. , van der Meer W. , Baker J. , Kruis F. , Sharma S.K. , Schippers J.C.
Published: November 2007

Long-term exposure to low arsenic concentrations in drinking water causes different diseases including cancer. Hundreds of millions of people worldwide are exposed to arsenic in drinking water. Within Europe, Hungary, Serbia and Croatia are likely most affected. Elevated arsenic concentration has been found in several wells used by the Water Supply Company in Makó, Hungary. Groundwater in southern Hungary typically contains also ammonia, methane, some iron and manganese. Situation is very similar in several other surrounding countries. There are intensive efforts to find affordable approach for treatment of such complex arsenic contaminated groundwater. UNESCO-IHE has been developing an innovative arsenic removal technology (IHE ADART), based on adsorption on iron oxide coated sand (IOCS) and an in-situ regeneration of exhausted adsorbent. The paper presents results from field-testing of the IHE-ADART technology in Southern Hungary. Two pilot plants have been operated at several arsenic-contaminated wells with arsenic concentrations from 20 to 260 μg/l. Very consistent arsenic removal below 10 μg/l was achieved at all testing wells and throughout the 18 months of continuous testing. In addition methane, ammonia, iron and manganese were removed highly effectively. Life cycle cost analysis showed that overall treatment costs would be below 0.10 Euro/m3.
Biodegradability of Danube bank filtrate and its enhancement by ozonation
Authors: Cukic V.Z. , Knezic V.L.
Published: November 2007

The reduction of organic content through transformation processes in the Danube aquifer along a studied area, biodegradability of Danube bank filtrate and its enhancement by ozonation have all been examined in a study carried out in order to assess amenability of Danube bank filtrate for bio-filtration. As determined during the study period Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) varied from 4.6–6.5 mgC/L and from 2.8–3.7 mgC/L in Danube River and Danube bank filtrate respectively. As determined 11.2% of Danube bank filtrate DOC was bio-degradable. A substantial enhancement of biodegradability has been observed after the application of Ozone dosages ranging from 0.45 to 0.9 mgO3/ mgC. It was concluded that Danube bank filtrate itself is not amenable for bio-filtration but an enhancement of its bio-degradability by ozonation could make bio-filtration a reasonable and economical option for reducing of DOC content to the levels that provide low risk of excessive disinfection by-products formation and prevent bacterial re-growth in distribution networks of cities using Danube bank filtrate as the source water.
Natural attenuation of naphthalene and benzene at a former gasworks site
Authors: Micic V. , Straub K. , Blum P. , Kappler A.
Published: November 2007

Naphthalene and benzene are ubiquitously found at former gasworks sites. In order to demonstrate that monitored natural attenuation (MNA) is an alternative strategy for remediation of groundwater at the investigated site, biodegradation was characterized by: (1) reduction of contaminants; (2) correlation of contaminants concentration changes with geochemical parameters; (3) enumeration of anaerobic microorganisms and correlation with geochemical data; (4) laboratory assays with site-specific enrichment cultures and naphthalene as the sole carbon source and electron donor; (5) modeling plume extension of naphthalene along the centerline and (6) carbon stable isotope (CSIA) analysis. The study demonstrated that naphthalene attenuation mainly depends on high sorption on aquifer material. In contrast, benzene is predominantly attenuated by biodegradation.
Stochastic approach for performance evaluation regarding water distribution systems
Authors: Möderl M. , Fetz T. , Rauch W.
Published: November 2007

A traditional procedure for performance evaluation of systems is to test approaches on one or more case studies. However, it is well known that the investigation of real case studies is a tedious task. Moreover, due to the limited amount of case studies available it is not certain that all aspects of a problem can be covered in such procedure. With increasing computer power an alternative methodology has emerged, that is the investigation of a multitude of virtual case studies by means of a stochastic consideration of the overall performance. Within the frame of this approach we develop here a modular design system (MDS) for water distribution systems (WDSs). With the algorithmic application of such a MDS it is possible to create a variety of different WDSs. As an example of stochastic performance evaluation the impact of pipe breakages on WDSs is estimated applying a pressure driven performance indicator. This performance indicator is evaluated stochastically. Likewise the performance evaluation of a variety of WDSs is also performed stochastically. Cumulative distribution function, histogram and other statistical properties of 2,280×1,000 performance results of the different WDSs are calculated to highlight the applicability of the introduced stochastic approach.
Modification of granular activated carbon using low molecular weight polymer for enhanced removal of Cu2 +  from aqueous solution
Authors: Yin C.Y. , Aroua M.K. , Daud W.M.A.W.
Published: November 2007

Palm shell activated carbon was modified via surface impregnation with polyethyleneimine (PEI) to enhance removal of Cu2 +  from aqueous solution in this study. The effect of PEI modification on batch adsorption of Cu2 +  as well as the equilibrium behavior of adsorption of metal ions on activated carbon were investigated. PEI modification clearly increased the Cu2 +  adsorption capacities by 68% and 75.86% for initial solution pH of 3 and 5 respectively. The adsorption data of Cu2 +  on both virgin and PEI-modified AC for both initial solution pH of 3 and 5 fitted the Langmuir and Redlich–Peterson isotherms considerably better than the Freundlich isotherm.
Removal of toxic heavy metals by iron-coated starfish
Authors: Yang J.K. , Yu M.R. , Lee S.M.
Published: November 2007

In this study, the applicability of calcined starfish (SF) and iron-coated SF (ICSF) as potential adsorbents for the treatment of wastewater containing heavy metal ions was evaluated. ICSF was prepared by mixing FeCl3 solution previously adjusted to pH 7 ∼ 9 with SF at 105 °C. From the dissolution test at pH 2, ICSF showed strong acid-proof properties. In the batch adsorption, Cu(II) adsorption onto ICSF was completed within 150 minutes, while 47% Cu(II) was removed with SF alone. This result clearly suggests that the coated Fe(III) serves additional adsorption sites, resulting in the enhanced removal of heavy metal ions. The removed fraction of both Cu(II) and Pb(II) increased with increasing solution pH and nearly complete removals of Pb(II) and Cu(II) were observed at around pH 6 and 8, respectively. From the adsorption isotherm of Cu(II) onto SF and ICSF at pH 3.0, the removed amount of Cu(II) by ICSF was greater than that by SF over the entire concentration range studied. In the column test, the breakthrough of Cu(II) in the ICSF column was greatly retarded compared to that in the SF column. Based on the drinking water regulations for Cu(II), SF and ICSF were able to remove 3400 and 8600 mg/kg of Cu(II) from the wastewater, respectively.
Application of immersed MF (IMF) followed by reverse osmosis (RO) membrane for wastewater reclamation: A case study in Malaysia
Authors: Ujang Z. , Ng K.S. , Tg Hamzah Tg Hazmin , Roger P. , Ismail M.R. , Shahabudin S.M. , Abdul Hamid M.H.
Published: November 2007

A pilot scale membrane plant was constructed and monitored in Shah Alam, Malaysia for municipal wastewater reclamation for industrial application purposes. The aim of this study was to verify its suitability under the local conditions and environmental constraints for secondary wastewater reclamation. Immersed-type crossflow microfiltration (IMF) was selected as the pretreatment step before reverse osmosis filtration. Secondary wastewater after chlorine contact tank was selected as feed water. The results indicated that the membrane system is capable of producing a filtrate meeting the requirements of both WHO drinking water standards and Malaysian Effluent Standard A. With the application of an automatic backwash process, IMF performed well in hydraulic performance with low fouling rate being achieved. The investigations showed also that chemical cleaning is still needed because of some irreversible fouling by microorganisms always remains. RO treatment with IMF pretreatment process was significantly applicable for wastewater reuse purposes and promised good hydraulic performance.
The role of iron and aluminium in digestion and odor formation
Authors: Novak J.T. , Verma N. , Muller C.D.
Published: November 2007

The role of iron and aluminium in determining volatile solids reduction and odors from anaerobically digested, dewatered sludge cakes was evaluated from data collected from a variety of wastewater treatment plants. It was found that volatile solids reduction generally increased as the iron content of the sludge increased. It was also observed that odors increased with increasing iron. No correlation with aluminium or divalent cations was found. Based on these data it appears that the volatile solids reduction by anaerobic digestion is not useful for predicting the odors from anaerobically digested sludges.
Effects of organic and inorganic acids on phosphorus release from municipal sludge
Authors: Pakdil N.B. , Filibeli A.
Published: November 2007

This paper reports on the effects of inorganic acids (sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid) and organic acids (citric acid, oxalic acids) for phosphorus recovery from sludge and struvite precipitation results. It was observed that both inorganic acid and organic acids were effective at phosphorus release. The studies on precipitation of released phosphorus from sludge as magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite) were also done using nitric and oxalic acids. Phosphorus and heavy metals of leachate were analyzed before and after precipitation. It was observed that heavy metal concentrations in the extracted samples decrease after precipitation. Precipitation was accomplished by using extract derived with nitric acid; however, in oxalic acid applications, it was not achieved. When the chemical constituents of the dried material were examined oxygen, sodium and nitrogen were found to be the major elements.
Effect of ozonation on sludge reduction in a SBR plant
Authors: Chiavola A. , Naso M. , Rolle E. , Trombetta D.
Published: November 2007

This paper provides new insights on the application of the ozonation process for the reduction of activated sludge production in a Sequencing Batch Reactor. The study was performed on two identical lab-scale SBRs plant, fed with domestic sewage: a fraction (1/3 of the working volume) of the activated sludge from one reactor (Exp SBR) was periodically subjected to ozonation for 30 minutes at 0.05 g O3/gSS and then recirculated before the beginning of the cycle; the other reactor was used as control and therefore managed at the same sludge retention time but without the application of ozonation. The effects of the recirculation of the ozonated sludge to the Exp SBR were evaluated in terms of biological nitrogen and carbon removal efficiencies, Mixed Liquor Volatile and Suspended Solids (MLSS and MLVSS, respectively) concentrations, effluent quality and sludge settleability. Besides, characterization of the ozonated sludge was carried out for different oxidant dosages (0.05, 0.07 and 0.37 g O3/gSS) and durations of the ozonation process (10, 20 and 30 minutes). The results show that at 0.05 g O3/gSS and 30 minutes contact time MLVSS as well as MLVSS/MLSS ratio do not change appreciably. Ozone dosage must be increased much further to obtain a relevant effect.
Observations on ozone treatment of excess sludge
Authors: Zhao Y.X. , Yin J. , Yu H.L. , Han N. , Tian F.J.
Published: November 2007

This work experimentally studied the effects of ozonation treatment on waste sludge. During the treatment process, various parameters characterizing sludge were investigated. A substantial reduction in the volume of sludge and the release of intracellular and extracellular materials were observed. With the increase of ozone dose, the settleability and water content of sludge improved obviously, but the filterability of sludge deteriorated drastically. In addition, the evolution of particle size was evaluated, which proved the breakup of sludge flocs and cells. There existed a threshold of ozone dose which was 0.04 gO3/gMLSS in this work. Above the threshold, the soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD), protein, carbohydrate, total nitrogen and total phosphorus in supernatant increased remarkably and the electron transport system (ETS) sludge activity decreased. Organic nitrogen and organic phosphorus occupied the main part of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the supernatant.
Helminth ova control in sludge: a review
Authors: Jiménez B.
Published: November 2007

Sludge reuse for agricultural production or soil reclamation is a common practice in several countries, but it entails risks if not properly performed. One such risk is the dissemination of helminthiases diseases. As a consequence, international criteria and national standards set values to limit their content in biosolids. However, little information is available on how to inactivate helminth ova from sludge, particularly when a high content is involved as is the case in the developing world. Moreover, treatment criteria are based on a limited number of studies dealing with local characteristics that, when applied to the conditions in developing countries, produce poor results. This is because design criteria were developed for Ascaris (a kind of helminth) while sludge contains a variety of genera. In addition, much information on helminth ova was produced a long time ago using inaccurate analytical techniques. This paper summarizes research and recent technical information from the literature concerning: (a) the general characteristics of helminth ova; (b) the common helminth ova genera found in sludge; (c) the main removal and inactivation mechanisms, (d) the processes that have proven effective in practical conditions at inactivating helminth ova; and (e) analytical techniques used to enumerate these pathogens.
The preparation of synthetic sludge for lab testing
Authors: Baudez J.C. , Ginisty P. , Peuchot C. , Spinosa L.
Published: November 2007

For carrying out sludge lab-scale tests, and interlaboratory trials for standards validation, the availability of samples with “certified and constant” characteristics is required. When “dried sludge” samples cannot be used, problems arise because (i) most fresh sludge characteristics change with storage time, also because some preservation practices are not applicable or their effects unknown, (ii) some fresh sludge characteristics are strongly affected by handling, and (iii) fresh sludge requires particular precautions and authorization for transportation. This means that using “fresh sludge” samples cannot guarantee reliability and reproducibility of results, so a valid alternative consists in testing “synthetic suspensions” samples to be on-site prepared. This should also give the possibility to compare results obtained in different places and times. Within this framework, Task Group 3 (TG3) of Working Group 1 (WG1) of Technical Committee 308 (TC308) of European Standardization Committee (CEN) undertook the preparation of a Technical Report dealing with the preparation of synthetic suspensions, both inorganic and organic, in repeatable conditions, able to describe the behaviour of a real sludge. This paper discusses a proposal for ingredients and modalities to prepare such synthetic suspensions that will be systematically tested in already planned lab experiments to define an optimal recipe.
An investigation of rainwater tanks quality and sediment dynamics
Authors: Magyar M.I. , Mitchell V.G. , Ladson A.R. , Diaper C.
Published: November 2007

Rainwater tanks are being introduced into urban areas in Australia to supplement centralised potable supply systems. A pilot scale tank study and a full-scale field tank study found that heavy metal concentrations in water samples taken from the tank's supply point can, in some cases, exceed levels recommended by guidelines. Both studies also found very high concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments accumulated at the base of rainwater tanks. Laboratory experiments are underway to investigate sediment transport processes within a full-scale tank. Preliminary results demonstrate the effect of sediment resuspension on the quality of water released from the tank outlet. Improved tank designs that reduce sediment resuspension and mitigate impacts on water quality are the focus of future work.
Mapping the Fabricated Identity of Childminders: Pride and Prejudice
Authors: Jones Liz , Osgood Jayne
Published: November 2007

The principal aim of this article is to highlight how childminders come to be both valorised and demonised. The question of not only who cares for the child but the ‘quality’ of such care is of course inextricably linked with the identity of the carer. The article focuses on and illustrates the means by which the identity of childminders is fabricated through text. It is by deconstructing certain texts that we discern how it is possible for a particular group of workers to be perceived in both positive and negative terms and importantly what some of the outcomes are when individuals are constructed in such ways. The article is framed within post-structuralist theories regarding language, meaning and identity and draws upon post-colonial theory, Foucault's work in relation to discourse as well as Derrida's insights into the ways in which texts function. Additionally the article takes note of and is sensitive to feminist discourses where the gendered performances of everyday living have been inscribed by sedimented layers of history, culture, economics and so on. Finally, given the authors' own positions as cultural workers within the field of early years, they perceive this article as being a part of the continuing conversation that is located around a new sociology of early childhood.
A focus group study of veterinarians' and pet owners' perceptions of the monetary aspects of veterinary care
Authors: Coe Jason B. , Adams Cindy L. , Bonnett Brenda N.
Published: November 2007

Objective—To compare veterinarians' and pet owners' perceptions of client expectations with respect to the monetary aspects of veterinary care and identify challenges encountered by veterinarians in dealing with pet owners' expectations.

Design—Qualitative study based on focus group interviews.

Participants—6 pet owner focus groups (32 owners) and 4 veterinarian focus groups (24 companion animal veterinarians).

Procedures—Independent focus group sessions were conducted with standardized open-ended questions and follow-up probes. Content analysis was performed on the focus group discussions.

Results—Pet owners expected the care of their animal to take precedence over monetary aspects. They also expected veterinarians to initiate discussions of costs upfront but indicated that such discussions were uncommon. Veterinarians and pet owners differed in the way they related to discussions of veterinary costs. Veterinarians focused on tangibles, such as time and services. Pet owners focused on outcome as it related to their pet's health and well-being. Veterinarians reported that they sometimes felt undervalued for their efforts. A suspicion regarding the motivation behind veterinarians' recommendations surfaced among some participating pet owners.

Conclusions—Results suggested that the monetary aspects of veterinary care pose barriers and challenges for veterinarians and pet owners. By exploring clients' expectations, improving communication, educating clients, and making discussions of cost more common, veterinarians may be able to alleviate some of the monetary challenges involved in veterinarian-client-patient interactions.
Diagnostic use of cytologic examination of bone marrow from dogs with thrombocytopenia: 58 cases (1994–2004)
Authors: Miller Matthew D. , Lunn Katharine F.
Published: November 2007

Objective—To determine the diagnostic use of cytologic examination of bone marrow from dogs with thrombocytopenia.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—58 dogs with thrombocytopenia.

Procedures—Medical records were searched and reviewed for dogs with thrombocytopenia. Dogs that had thrombocytopenia and cytologic examination of bone marrow were included in the study. Dogs with other hematologic abnormalities, with a previous diagnosis of hematopoietic neoplasia, or that had previous treatment with cytotoxic drugs were excluded. Bone marrow cytologic findings were reviewed. Results were compared between dogs with severe thrombocytopenia (< 20,000 platelets/μL) and dogs with mild to moderate thrombocytopenia (20,000 to 200,000 platelets/μL).

Results—58 dogs met the inclusion criteria. Of 55 dogs with diagnostic bone marrow aspirates, 36 had severe thrombocytopenia. Cytologic evaluation of bone marrow did not reveal substantial nonmegakaryocytic bone marrow abnormalities or result in a definitive diagnosis in any of these dogs. Nineteen dogs with mild to moderate thrombocytopenia had diagnostic bone marrow aspirates. Bone marrow cytologic findings revealed nonmegakaryocytic abnormalities in 4 of these dogs. Significantly fewer dogs with severe thrombocytopenia had abnormalities identified on cytologic examination of bone marrow, compared with dogs with mild to moderate thrombocytopenia.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Cytologic examination of bone marrow is unlikely to provide specific diagnostic or prognostic information in dogs with severe thrombocytopenia.
Diagnosis and surgical removal of brain abscesses in a juvenile alpaca
Authors: Talbot Catherine E. , Mueller Karin , Granger Nicolas , Jeffery Nick D.
Published: November 2007

Case Description—A 1-month-old female alpaca was examined because of progressive clinical signs consistent with an intracranial lesion.

Clinical Findings—Clinical signs included signs of depression, lethargy, tetraparesis, and neck weakness. Two large isointense intracranial masses could be seen on T1-weighted magnetic resonance images. On T2-weighted images, the masses contained concentric rings of hypointense and hyperintense material.

Treatment and Outcome—2 abscesses were removed via a craniotomy that incorporated removal of the sagittal crest and surrounding skull and transection of the sagittal sinus. The bony deficit was replaced with polypropylene mesh. The alpaca recovered within 2 weeks and was fully integrated into the herd within 1 month after surgery.

Clinical Relevance—Findings indicated that surgical removal is a feasible means of successfully treating intracranial abscesses in juvenile alpacas.
The Irregularity of the Direct Image of Some $\mathcal D$-modules
Authors: Roucairol Céline
Published: November 2007

Let

f

and

g

be two regular functions on

U

smooth affne variety. Let

\mathcal M

be a regular holonomic

\mathcal D_U

-module. We are interested in the irregularity of the complex

f_+(\mathcal Me^g)

. More precisely, we relate the irregularity number at

c

of the systems

\mathcal H^kf_+(\mathcal Me^g)

with the characteristic cycles of the systems

\mathcal H^k(f, g)_+(\mathcal M)

.
Moduli of Stable Parabolic Connections, Riemann–Hilbert Correspondence and Geometry of Painlevé Equation of Type _VI_, Part I
Authors: Inaba Michi-aki , Iwasaki Katsunori , Saito Masa-Hiko
Published: November 2007

In this paper, we will give a complete geometric background for the geometry of Painlevé
VI
and Garnier equations. By geometric invariant theory, we will construct a smooth ﬁne moduli space

M_n^{\boldsymbol{α}} (\mathbf t, \boldsymbol λ, L)

of stable parabolic connections on

\mathbf P^1

with logarithmic poles at

D(\mathbf t) = t_1 +· · ·+ t_n

as well as its natural compactiﬁcation. Moreover the moduli space

\mathcal R(\mathcal P_{n,\mathbf t})_{\mathbf a}

of Jordan equivalence classes of

\mathit{SL}_2(\mathbf C)

-representations of the fundamental group

π_1(\mathbf P^1 \backslash D(\mathbf t), ∗)

are deﬁned as the categorical quotient. We deﬁne the Riemann–Hilbert correspondence

\mathbf{RH} : M_n^{\boldsymbol α} (\mathbf t, \boldsymbol λ,L) → \mathcal R(\mathcal P_{n,\mathbf t})_{\mathbf a}

and prove that

\mathbf{RH}

is a bimeromorphic proper surjective analytic map. Painlevé and Garnier equations can be derived from the isomonodromic ﬂows and Painlevé property of these equations are easily derived from the properties of

\mathbf{RH}

. We also prove that the smooth parts of both moduli spaces have natural symplectic structures and

\mathbf{RH}

is a symplectic resolution of singularities of

\mathcal R(\mathcal P_{n,\mathbf t})_{\mathbf a}

, from which one can give geometric backgrounds for other interesting phenomena, like Hamiltonian structures, Bäcklund transformations, special solutions of these equations.
Zoning Decisions in Transport Planning and Their Impact on the Precision of Results
Authors: Martínez L. Miguel , Viegas José Manuel , Silva Elisabete A.
Published: November 2007

In most transport planning studies, one of the first steps is the definition of a zoning scheme into which the study area is divided and the corresponding space is discretized. There are no clear rules on how to carry out this operation in an optimal way, and the dominating practice is to proceed on the basis of experience, trying to mix a certain degree of within-zone homogeneity and the convenience of using administrative borders as zone limits. The potential errors generated with this operation were examined, both at the statistical level when trip matrices are based on sampling and at the geographical level when all trips starting or ending in a zone are assumed to do so at its centroid. A set of quality criteria for a general zoning scheme and an algorithm that constructs a basic zoning on the basis of a sample of geo-referenced trip extreme points and improves it in successive steps according to those criteria are presented. A case study based on the mobility survey for the Lisbon, Portugal, metropolitan area illustrates those steps and the improvements achieved in each step. The magnitude of those improvements is significant and shows that more attention should definitely be given to this initial process in the transport planning studies.
Influence of Accessibility on Innovation
Authors: Lin Jen-Jia , Feng Cheng-Min , Lee Yang-Ning
Published: November 2007

Knowledge capital promotes innovation in production, management, and marketing; decreases costs; and increases benefits, quality, and sales growth. Increasing numbers of firms are establishing links with educational and research institutions (ERIs) to accumulate knowledge capital. Such links generate knowledge spillover: firms located near ERIs can enhance innovation through spatial knowledge externalities. Accessibility to ERIs, its effects on innovation in the electronics industry, and the role of transportation infrastructure in the development of knowledge-based economies were studied. The study samples analyzed by multiple regression models were located in northern Taiwan between 1996 and 2001. The empirical evidence supported the following conclusions: (a) improved accessibility to ERIs significantly enhanced innovation, (b) the effects of enhanced innovation were significant within a distance limitation of 20 to 30 km from ERIs, (c) accessibility to universities creates more effects than does accessibility to research institutions, and (d) the effects of ERIs on innovation in metropolitan areas were less significant than were those in nonmetropolitan areas. Empirical evidence showed that integrating the policies of industry, education, and transportation is essential for stimulating further innovation in the electronics industry.
Dynamic Traffic Assignment Modeling for Incident Management
Authors: Sisiopiku Virginia P. , Li Xuping , Mouskos Kyriacos C. , Kamga Camille , Barrett Curtis , Abro Abdul M.
Published: November 2007

Dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) has evolved rapidly over the past two decades. This advancement has been fueled by the needs of application domains ranging from real-time traffic operations to long-term planning. DTA models are a natural evolution in the transportation field and are expected to become mainstream when issues related to the realism of their assumptions and mathematical tractability are addressed in greater detail. Several simulation-based DTA models are currently available for real-world deployment and have already gained sophistication and significant acceptability. Simulation tests were conducted on two networks—one representing Birmingham, Alabama, and the other representing Chicago, Illinois—to showcase the DTA capabilities to evaluate the impacts of traffic incidents and to model incident management strategies and relevant intelligent transportation system technologies. The study confirmed that DTA can provide transportation agencies with a powerful tool with which they can improve their existing incident management plans through the evaluation of route diversion strategies, variable message sign placement and content, real-time route diversion, and the production of more comprehensive estimates of incident delay.
UPlan
Authors: Walker W. Thomas , Gao Shengyi , Johnston Robert A.
Published: November 2007

A geographic information system (GIS) framework is appealing to model supply-side decisions because spatial relationships commonly used by developers to evaluate building sites, such as the proximity to transportation facilities, existing land uses, political boundaries, and environmentally sensitive areas, are defined precisely in the GIS layers. The GIS captures spatial synergisms that are lost in tabulations by traffic zone or larger forecasting districts. Further, the results are defined for individual parcels (grids). This method interfaces directly with the concerns of residents and other interest groups. Uncertainty and error in postmodel allocations from zones to parcels in existing land use models can significantly blur and degrade the relevance of forecasts made with existing models. The development patterns predicted by UPlan, a planning model, tend to be realistic and provide a basis for land use planning and evaluation. A GIS land use survey, supplemented with simulation model networks and census data, was used to calibrate the model. The calibrated UPlan model did a reasonably accurate job of allocating the various categories of land uses to predefined composite growth areas. The generalized UPlan model is applicable in a wide variety of rural, suburban, and urban settings. The model, as presented, was configured as a travel simulation integrated land use planning tool, but the method also can be used as the supply-side component within a comprehensive land use modeling framework.
Public Outreach in Pedestrian Plan for Durham, North Carolina
Authors: Lewis Jennifer , Lane J. Scott
Published: November 2007

Roadway and bridge projects serve a broad population, most of which can readily accommodate changes in travel routes. Pedestrian projects, however, frequently have direct impact on specific populations that are highly sensitive to changes in the transportation network and the level of service to pedestrians. Therefore pedestrian plans must have both targeted and broad-sweeping public involvement programs. For many projects, the public involvement program is restricted by the total level of resources applied to the project. Durham, North Carolina, an extremely diverse city, undertook the preparation of a pedestrian plan. A combined 6.6% of Durham's workers take public transit or walk to work. The Durham pedestrian plan process was accompanied by an intensive public involvement and outreach program, which took a two-pronged approach. First, a stakeholder committee was established. Second, the public outreach effort created a series of opportunities for the general public to learn more about the plan and to provide comment. The Durham pedestrian plan does not support the oft-cited claim that insufficient project funding is an insurmountable obstacle to conducting a successful public involvement effort. Recommendations for improving public outreach programs include implementing a variety of techniques to incorporate diverse citizens, clearly stating public outreach objectives early and often, and devoting time and resources to assessing the effectiveness of public outreach efforts, both during and after the study.
Monte Carlo Simulation Model of Intervehicle Communication
Authors: Jin Wen-Long , Recker Wilfred W.
Published: November 2007

Decentralized traffic information systems based on intervehicle communication have drawn increasing attention in recent years. On the assumption that intervehicle communication is instantaneous relative to vehicle movement, multihop connectivity between two equipped vehicles subject to arbitrary distribution patterns of vehicles, market penetration rates, and transmission ranges is studied. A modeling conceptual framework and definitions are discussed, and a Monte Carlo simulation model of multihop connectivity of instantaneous intervehicle communication systems is presented. With three different, well-chosen random number generators, it is demonstrated that the Monte Carlo simulation model yields results consistent with those in the literature that consider vehicle mobility and that cross-validate analytical models developed previously. The features of the simulation model facilitate determination of the connectivity of large-scale intervehicle communication systems.