bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Intersection of Politics and Pedagogy: Teaching Race in Biological Anthropology
Authors: Kellner Corina M.
Published: October 2018

As a biological anthropologist, I discuss controversial issues such as race, gender, and anti-scientism with my students. In the light of the 2016 presidential election and the documented upswing of racist attacks at campuses and in everyday life, I tackle the issue of teaching about race in the upcoming academic year. Biological anthropologists should be at the forefront of helping students understand what race is (and is not) and how racism works since we have a complex view of both its biological and cultural character. In this essay, I argue that we acknowledge to ourselves and to our students that this subject can be fraught, and guidelines for discussion should be in place to promote effective learning. Because the anthropological perspective takes a holistic view of humanity, intertwining policy and politics with what we teach in the biological anthropology classroom has to be part of our job descriptions.
Peculiarities of odontometric parameters among young women with various types of face
Authors: Nikolaev V. G. , Shestak D. O. , Baksheeva S. L. , Efremova V. P.
Published: October 2018

The study of odontometric parameters seems to be relevant for the development and improvement of new methods for diagnosis and prediction of dental diseases. The study objective is to make a comparative analysis of the size of the crowns of the teeth of the upper and lower jaws, depending on the type of face. Material and methods. Odontometric and cephalometric parameters were studied, the research was conducted on 192 girls aged 17 to 20 years. Cephalometric program included the definition of the zygomatic diameter and the upper facial height with the subsequent calculation of the facial index. The face types were determined based on the value of this index. Odontometric parameters were recorded by impressions of the upper and lower jaws. Results. Reliable differences were found: a wide type of face is associated with smaller mesiodistal sizes of the crowns of the maxillary first molars, maxillary lateral incisors and maxillary canines, as well as with a lower height of the crowns of the mandibular canines. With a narrow type of face, the opposite pattern was revealed - all the above mentioned parameters in this case are higher than those of euryens. Dimensional characteristics of teeth with a medium broad face are characterized by intermediate values between the extreme types of face. Conclusion. On the basis of odontometric and cephalometric studies, the comparative analysis of the size of the crowns of the teeth of the upper and lower jaws is given depending on the type of face. It was revealed that odontometry indicators have specific features depending on the type of face. The new data obtained as a result of the research supplement and expand already known information about the parameters studied, both in theoretical and practical aspects.
Karyometric and electron microscopic studies of dark and light cells of the adrenal cortex in mammals
Authors: Ul'yanov A. G. , Torgun P. M.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study is a comparative study of dark and light cells of cortical parenchyma of the adrenal glands in mammals using light and electron microscopy. Material and methods. Cariometric and electron microscopic studies of the adrenal glands of 9 mammalian species have been carried out: Vulpes vulpes (fox), Vulpes lagopus (arctic fox), Canis familiaris (dog), Мartes zibellina (sable), Mustela vison (mink), Enhydra lutris (sea ape); Castor fiber (river beaver); Callorhinus ursinus (fur seal); Ovis aries (sheep). Serial paraffin sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, iron hematoxylin, Heidenheim azan, the PAS-reaction was used, the color of the trichrome-PAS and the tetrachromium-PAS. RNA was detected by the reaction of Brashe and gallocyanin by Einarsson. For the detection of lipids, frozen sections were stained with Sudan III + IV, Black Sudan. The number of dark and light cells in the cortex of the adrenal mink in different seasons was determined. On electron micrographs, the amount of lipid droplets and mitochondria in the fascicle of the adrenal cortex was counted. Results. In the cortex of the adrenal glands of mammals, dark and light cells are present. Dark cells, as far as accumulation of sudanophilic substances are converted into light cells, which with further accumulation of lipids undergo destructive changes. Also found are the dark dying cells of the adrenal cortex, characterized by densification of the cytoplasm, pycnosis of nuclei, accumulation of yellow-brown pigment. Dark cells have larger nuclei, give more intense reaction to RNA and ketosteroids and are more active secretory cells compared to light adrenocorticocytes. Electron microscopy in dark cells reveals a large number of mitochondria and a significant amount of lipid droplets are present. Light cells contain many lipid inclusions and few mitochondria.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of the state of the enamel-composite compound when using individual oral hygiene products containing brushite
Authors: Shumilovich B. R. , Besek M. . , Rostovtsev V. V. , Burykh R. I. , Filippova Z. A.
Published: October 2018

The most common method of caries treatment is the restoration of composite materials in connection with which, the problem of breaking the edge seal of composite restorations remains very relevant. In this regard, the undoubted interest of practicing dentists causes the possibility of widespread clinical application of modern remineralizing agents, in particular, brushite crystals. This substance has unique adhesive properties and tropicity to crystals of hydroxyapatite surface enamel. The principal mechanism of action of the RemarsGel system is the chemical reaction that occurs when calcium nitrate is mixed from tube No. 1 with ammonium hydrophosphate from tube No. 2, resulting in the formation of a brushite crystal on the surface of the teeth. The basis for obtaining scientific data was a contingent of 168 patients and 30 removed for various medical indications of teeth. Analysis and interpretation of the results obtained was carried out in vivo: an assessment of the clinical efficacy of the performed restoration according to the Ryge criteria immediately after treatment and 1, 12 and 24 months after treatment and in vitro - scanning electron microscopy and laboratory transillumination spectroscopy were used immediately after treatment and 12 and 24 months after treatment. On the basis of the results of the conducted studies, the high efficiency of the brushite crystals has been established in terms of prevention of integrity disorders of the enamel-composite compound, which has a direct and direct impact on the quality of the restoration. These results are confirmed by a complex of clinical and laboratory research methods, using high-tech methods and an automated approach to the study of the problem. In addition, taking into account all the above, we consider it necessary to add to the list of basic indications for use another scientifically valid indication of the target application of the system - in the presence of a significant amount of adhesive in the oral cavity both direct and indirect restorations.
ARPS Düşüş Eğrisi Modelinden Genişletilen Çok Değişkenli Doğrusal Olmayan Model ile Altın Fiyatlarının Analiz Edilmesi
Authors: ÇELİK Ufuk , BAŞARIR Çağatay
Published: October 2018

Bu çalışmada, ARPS düşüş eğrisi modelinden genişletilen KNEA algoritması
kullanılarak altın fiyatları tahminlenmiştir. Petrol üretim miktarları
tahminlemesinde kullanılan ARPS düşüş eğrileri, üretim kapasitesi ve onu etkileyen
faktörler arasındaki doğrusal olmayan ilişkiyi ortaya koyması, KNEA sayesinde giriş
verilerini doğrusal olmayan kombinasyonda sağlaması ile zaman serisindeki
kaçınılmaz (aşırı küçük veya büyük) eksiklikler tahmin edilebilir. Analiz için 04.01.2010
ile 14.12.2015 tarihleri arasındaki altın, gümüş, platin, paladyum, Brent
Petrol, doğalgaz, 5, 10 ve 30 yıllık bono, S&P500, Nasdaq, DowJones,
FTSE100, DAX, CAC40, SMI, NIKKEI, HANH, SEND ve Avro/Dolar verilerine
odaklanılmıştır. Toplamda 1447 adet veriden, test amaçlı 10 günlük 2015 Aralık
ayı verilerinin tahminlemesinde Mutlak Ortalama Sapması 6.926, Ortalama Kare
Hatası 66.348, Kök Ortalama Kareler Hatası 8.145 ve Mutlak Ortalama Yüzde
Hatası ise 0.65 bulunmuştur.
EXAMINING TURNOVER ISSUE IN THE CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES OF OMAN: EMPLOYEES’ PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Suba’a Al-Sadi Bader Ali , Rahman Khan M. Firdouse
Published: October 2018

Purpose: The objectives of the study were to analyze the Work Environment of Construction Companies leading to turnover;to critically investigate the company culture, salary and the benefit factors, and the company policy & the related components causing a turnover problem in the Construction Companies of Oman. 

Design/methodology/approach: The data was collected from 217 employees who were actively involved in the construction work of the companies from the Government Sector, Oil Sector,and Housing Sector and were selected on a random sampling basis.

Findings: The results of the study reveal that the employees prefer environment wherein they need the freedom to work, speak and act. The study also reveals that the company policies should be clear and proper guidance should be given by HR department on job progression and training. It is also revealed that the Salary and after service benefits should be attractive along with better service compensation.

Research limitations/Implications: The study implies that the employees should be given a free environment, Attractive Salary and better service benefits.The present study covers the population from the selected largest construction companies of Oman,anda wide range of study will give us a clearerpicture.

Social implications: The study suggeststhe management should act wisely in handling the workers employed below them as the human resources can do a lot for their organizations. Further, the company policies should be crystal clear,and employee benefits and perquisites should be made at par with that of the niche market.

Originality/Value: Only a very few have examined the causes for the turnover issue in the construction companies of Oman, and it is a first-hand study of its kind,and the results will be useful to the stakeholders.
Paralyzingly Numb
Authors: Silim Salma
Published: October 2018

Artwork
PROFIL KOMPETENSI PEDAGOGIK CALON GURU MATEMATIKA MELALUI LESSON STUDY PADA MATA KULIAH MICRO TEACHING
Authors: Putri Agustiany Dumeva
Published: October 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan gambaran tentang kompetensi pedagogik calon guru matematika, yang berfokus pada kemampuan merencanakan dan kemampuan mengimplementasikan pembelajaran, melalui lesson study pada mata kuliah micro teaching. Metode penelitian menggunakan metode deskriptif. Populasi penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa UIN Raden Fatah, Fakultas Ilmu Tarbiyah dan Keguruan, Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika, berjumlah 10 orang. Tahap pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui observasi. Hasil temuan menunjukkan kemampuan guru model meningkat lebih baik melalui Lesson Study. Kegiatan lesson Study sangat potensial dalam peningkatan kualitas keprofesionalan guru yang berdampak pada peningkatan kualitas proses dan hasil pembelajaran dan menciptakan proses interaksi antar berbagai pihak.
O uso da análise de jogo como ferramenta para aprendizagem do basquetebol na formação inicial em educação física
Authors: Canan Felipe , Baumgart Quessila Camila , Gorris Jeanine Paula , Stroparo Diego Junior , Marchese Adriana Kochepka
Published: October 2018

Objetivamos identificar se a análise de jogo poderia servir como uma ferramenta útil à compreensão da lógica interna do basquetebol dentro da graduação em Educação Física. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa com método pautado na sistematização de experiência, esta que buscou identificar se e como a análise de jogo por parte de acadêmicos de basquetebol, realizada in loco em uma competição oficial, ajudaria em sua compreensão sobre a lógica interna da modalidade. Identificamos que não apenas a análise de jogo em si, mas também a observação e as dúvidas e discussões surgidas em razão da própria inserção no lócus de pesquisa resultaram em um aprendizado significativo por parte dos acadêmicos, não apenas da lógica interna do basquetebol, mas também a respeito de sua dinâmica oficial, lógica externa e do universo do esporte institucionalizado como um todo. Concluímos que a experiência analisada superou as expectativas em relação aos objetivos, demonstrando que atividades extraclasse podem afigurar-se como importantes elementos para formação inicial em Educação Física.
Análise de conteúdo de provas e seus respectivos editais de concursos públicos municipais para a contratação de licenciados em Educação Física no Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Donatangelo Caio Stefano Ruiz , Santos Ana Lúcia Padrão dos
Published: October 2018

Para trabalhar como docente dentro do sistema de ensino básico público, o profissional licenciado em Educação Física precisa ser aprovado por um processo de concurso público. Este trabalho debruça-se sobre o que um profissional licenciado em Educação Física se depara ao participar de um processo de seleção de funcionários do sistema de ensino básico público. O método utilizado foi a análise de conteúdo de provas e de seus respectivos editais dos anos de 2015 e 2016 submetidos a descrições qualitativas e quantitativas através da categorização temática dos conteúdos encontrados e a anotação de suas recorrências.  A análise destes documentos permitiu a descrição do repertório de conhecimentos da Educação Física que se subentende como pertinentes para o exercício docente na perspectiva do Estado e suas diferenças entre as provas de cada município. A partir dos resultados encontrados, percebeu-se uma grande heterogeneidade de composição dos conteúdos entre as provas dos municípios, sendo assim é possível entender como uma possibilidade a revisão dos mecanismos de execução e coordenação de concursos públicos dos sistemas educacionais municipais, visando o oferecimento de uma educação pública de maior qualidade para a sociedade.
Editorial
Authors: Goes Junior Edivaldo
Published: October 2018

Editorial
Tempos e ventos da educação comparada
Authors: Gomes Candido Alberto
Published: October 2018

Na América Latina, econômica e culturalmente introvertida, a educação comparada nos anos 1980 era como uma janela aberta.  Vários Estados não eram democráticos de Direito, o que a tornou até certo ponto arriscada, conforme teorias e metodologias...
Educación comparada: una disciplina actual u obsoleta?
Authors: Goergen Pedro L.
Published: October 2018

O texto objetivo mostrar do que presente uma das principais causas da situação desalentadora em que se encontra a Educação Comparada no Brasil é a falta quase total de pesquisas na área. A Educação Comparada foi trazida para cá e incluída nos currículos de nossas instituições de ensino superior. Mas a pesquisa, ao contrário do que acontecia nos centros mais evoluídos, foi relegada a segundo plano. Este fato conduziu a uma desqualificação das disciplinas que passou a ser considerada como uma atividade obsoleta e vista com desinteresse por docentes e alunos da área de educação. Contudo, o desenvolvimento da Educação Comparada a nível internacional e o rumo internacionalizante da ciência de hoje nos convencem de que o método comparativo pode oferecer contribuição importante à geração de conhecimentos úteis para a elaboração de políticas educacionais e para a formação dos especialistas em educação. Para que a Educação Comparada se viabilize como uma disciplina útil e produtiva, é necessário renovar a pesquisa na área. Devido às nossas condições limitadas, nos parece conveniente e mais factível orientar essa pesquisa prioritariamente para a realidade latino-americana.
Enseñar e investigar hoy en educación comparada: la perspectiva de tres décadas de dedicación académica en ese campo
Authors: Lázaro Luis Miguel
Published: October 2018

Aunque con claras diferencias regionales, en los últimos treinta años hemos pasado —claramente en el caso de España— de una limitada visibilidad en el terreno académico, con una escasa presencia curricular en Grados y Posgrados, muchas veces centrada en ofertas de carácter optativo, a una oferta diversificada y consolidada en todos los niveles de la enseñanza universitaria en el ámbito de la Educación Comparada (Lázaro, 2013). Exactamente la misma tendencia podemos observar si nos referimos a la actividad investigadora en ese mismo terreno de la comparación educativa con una perspectiva internacional.
O Ensino Médio Integrado sob Diferentes Perspectivas para o Ensino de Matemática
Authors: Silva Elion Souza da , Oliveira Ana Teresa de C. C. de
Published: October 2018

Neste artigo busca-se apresentar, discutir e articular três perspectivas acerca do Ensino Médio Integrado (EMI): (i) dos documentos oficiais do Ministério da Educação (MEC), (ii) de pesquisadores e educadores que participaram da gênese do EMI ou que se dedicam a pesquisar sobre o tema; e (iii) de professores de matemática do EMI. Esta investigação visa contribuir para a reflexão sobre a concepção do professor de matemática acerca do Ensino Médio Integrado e os desdobramentos, com vistas à formação docente para atuar nesta modalidade. O texto é um recorte da pesquisa de doutorado que envolve os dois autores: a segunda como orientadora e o primeiro como doutorando, no PEMAT/UFRJ. O fio condutor desta análise foi a articulação entre as três perspectivas, buscando uma compreensão que distinguisse o EMI teorizado (nos documentos oficiais e nos textos de referência sobre o tema), do EMI que é concebido e praticado pelos professores de matemática. Os resultados mostram mais divergências do que convergências entre esses dois paradigmas, evidenciando a necessidade de avaliar e (re)dimensionar alguns aspectos práticos do EMI, especialmente no tocante à formação do professor.
Estudo da experiência de uma Comunidade de Aprendizagem docente no Portal da Amazônia
Authors: Müller Maria Cândida , Lucchesi de Carvalho Dione
Published: October 2018

Baseado nos dados produzidos pelas reuniões do grupo de estudo e trabalho pedagógico do Projeto de Pesquisa GETEMAT, ocorridas na cidade de Vilhena – RO, buscou-se caracterizá-lo como uma comunidade de aprendizagem do professor e entender o tipo de conhecimento que foi construído pelo grupo, utilizando o referencial teórico desenvolvido por Cochran-Smith e Lytle, especialmente nos trabalhos de 1993, 1999 e 2009.  Os dados possibilitaram que se analisasse o grupo de acordo com as características-chave de uma comunidade de aprendizagem apresentadas pelas autoras, bem como o tipo de conhecimento gerado pelo grupo. Os indícios encontrados no material produzido pelos participantes permitem afirmar que o grupo criou um espaço de aprendizagem para os docentes, constituindo-se efetivamente em uma comunidade de aprendizagem do professor, que produziu especialmente um conhecimento para a prática docente.
Cost-Effectiveness of Surgical and Nonsurgical Treatments for Unicompartmental Knee Arthritis
Authors: Kazarian Gregory S. , Lonner Jess H. , Maltenfort Mitchell G. , Ghomrawi Hassan M.K. , Chen Antonia F.
Published: October 2018

Background:

There has been increased utilization of surgical options for the treatment of end-stage unicompartmental arthritis in patients at both extremes of the age spectrum. The purpose of this study was to determine how these changing paradigms affected the lifetime cost-effectiveness of total knee arthroplasty (TKA), unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), and nonsurgical treatment (NST).

Methods:

Using a Markov decision analytic model, we assessed how lifetime costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) vary as a function of age at the time of initial treatment (ATIT) of patients with end-stage unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis undergoing TKA, UKA, and NST. Separate models were estimated for ATITs at 5-year intervals from 40 through 90 years. Direct medical costs, QALYs, and transition probabilities were determined from the published literature. Indirect costs (lost wages, Social Security disability collections, and value of missed workdays) were calculated. Cost-effectiveness and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were calculated for each treatment at each ATIT. The model assumed no crossover from NST to UKA or TKA. ICERs were compared with a willingness-to-pay threshold of 50,000 U.S. dollars, and a 1-way sensitivity analysis was used to assess the robustness of ICER-based treatment decisions. Societal savings were estimated.

Results:

In the base-case model, surgical treatments were less expensive and provided a greater number of QALYs than NST from 40 to 69 years of age. From 70 years of age and onward, surgical treatments remained cost-effective compared with NST, with ICERs remaining below the societal willingness-to-pay threshold. When surgical treatments were compared, UKA dominated TKA for all ATITs. The preferential use of UKA in all U.S. patients with unicompartmental osteoarthritis would result in an estimated lifetime societal savings of 987 million to 1.5 billion U.S. dollars per annual wave of patients undergoing treatment.

Conclusions:

In this preliminary assessment, recent expansion of surgical treatments into younger and older age demographics appears to be cost-effective in the setting of unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis. Our findings suggest that NST should be used sparingly in patients below the age of 70 years and UKA should be chosen over TKA in order to maximize cost-effectiveness.

Level of Evidence:

Economic and decision analysis Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Implementing a Postoperative Opioid-Prescribing Protocol Significantly Reduces the Total Morphine Milligram Equivalents Prescribed
Authors: Earp Brandon E. , Silver Jacob A. , Mora Ariana N. , Blazar Philip E.
Published: October 2018

Background:

Opioid-prescribing patterns have been implicated as a contributing factor to the opioid epidemic, yet few evidence-based guidelines exist to assist health-care providers in assessing and possibly modifying their prescribing practices.

Methods:

Five orthopaedic hand surgeons at a level-I trauma center developed a postoperative prescribing guideline for 25 common hand and upper-extremity outpatient procedures, which were delineated into 5 tiers. Postoperative opioid prescriptions in a 3-month period after implementation of the protocol were compared with those from a 3-month period before implementation of the protocol.

Results:

There were 231 patients in the pre-implementation group and 287 patients in the post-implementation group. Each individual opioid protocol tier showed a significant decrease in the mean morphine milligram equivalents (MME) prescribed, ranging from a minimum decrease of 97.8% to a maximum decrease of 176.0%. After implementation, adherence to protocol was achieved in 55.1% of patients; the MME amounts prescribed were below protocol for 28.6% and above for 16.4%. The number of additional opioid prescriptions in the 1-month postoperative period was significantly less in the post-implementation group than in the pre-implementation group (p < 0.001). The total number of pills prescribed was reduced by a theoretical equivalent of over three thousand 5-mg oxycodone pills for the 287 patients in the 3-month period.

Conclusions:

By utilizing a simple consensus protocol, we have demonstrated success diminishing the number of opioids prescribed without leading to an increase in the number of secondary prescriptions written by our providers. These findings are encouraging and suggest that fewer opioids were left in the possession of patients, leaving fewer pills vulnerable to misuse, abuse, and diversion.
Osteosynthesis with Parallel Implants in the Treatment of Femoral Neck Fractures:
Authors: Nyholm Anne Marie , Palm Henrik , Sandholdt Håkon , Troelsen Anders , Gromov Kirill ,   the Danish Fracture Database Collaborators
Published: October 2018

Background:

The purpose of this study was to estimate the incidence of reoperation and the effect of implant position on the risk of reoperation within 12 months following osteosynthesis with use of parallel implants for femoral neck fractures.

Methods:

From cases registered in the Danish Fracture Database, 1,206 consecutive surgeries for a primary femoral neck fracture treated with use of parallel implants during the period of December 2011 to November 2015, and having available radiographs and follow-up data, were reviewed. Data included age, sex, time to surgery, fracture classification, and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. Fracture displacement, posterior tilt, the number of implants, posterior distance, calcar distance, tip-cartilage distance, and angulation of implants were measured on pre- and postoperative radiographs. Data on secondary surgeries were collected from the Danish Civil Registration System. The effects of the included variables on the risk of reoperation were evaluated using Cox regression analysis.

Results:

The median age was 73 years (range, 21 to 102 years); in 69% of the cases, the patient was female. Two implants were used in 997 cases and 3 implants were used in 209. In 157 cases, the patient underwent reoperation within 1 year; in 228 cases, the patient died within 1 year. The median time to reoperation was 116 days. Patients <70 years of age were more likely to undergo reoperation (18.0% compared with 9.8%) but less likely to die (7.4% compared with 26.3%) than were patients ≥70 years of age. Female sex, higher ASA score, and displaced fractures were associated with increased risk of reoperation. Time to surgery was associated with increased risk of reoperation for displaced fractures only. Of the variables pertaining to the osteosynthesis, only insufficient fracture reduction, placement of the implants with an angle to the shaft of ≤125°, and femoral head perforation significantly increased the risk of reoperation. We found no effect of the posterior distance, the calcar distance, the tip-caput distance, or whether or not the implants were parallel.

Conclusions:

Insufficient reduction, varus position of the implants, and perforation of the femoral head cartilage were the only surgical factors influencing the risk of reoperation. Sufficient fracture reduction is perhaps more important than focusing on an optimal position of the implants.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Nitrogen balances can help fine‐tune nitrogen management
Authors: Maaz Tai McClellan , Brown Tabitha , Glover Ayana , Brooks Erin
Published: October 2018

This article presents a framework for using nitrogen use efficiency within the context of yield and crop quality goals to evaluate fertilizer management. The framework's goal is to diagnose underlying factors contributing to the inefficient use of fertilizer. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/609.
The Effects of Timing of Inundation on Soil Physical Quality in the Water‐Level Fluctuation Zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, China
Authors: Cui Junfang , Tang Xiangyu , Zhang Wei , Liu Chuandong
Published: October 2018

Core Ideas

The soil pore network was analyzed by micro‐CT images of intact soil core samples.

The VESS method using the mass fractal dimension was applied to evaluate soil structural quality.

Inundation decreases the number of soil pores and total porosity.

Drainable micropores shift to non‐drainable micropores after inundation in the reservoir zone.

With the completion of the Three Gorges Dam, soils between the elevations of 145 and 175 m are exposed or submerged seasonally. Soil hydrological and physical properties are changed. A detailed investigation was performed to examine the influence of the timing of inundation on soil physical quality. Samples were collected in the water level fluctuation (WLF) zone and non‐WLF zone in Zhongxian County, Chongqing. Soil samples were taken from depths of 0 to 10, 10 to 20, 20 to 30, and 30 to 40 cm. Soil structural quality was assessed by the visual evaluation of soil structure (VESS) method in situ; mean weight diameter (MWD) and mass fractal dimension (Dm) were measured to represent soil aggregate stability; and the soil water retention curve and computed microtomography (micro‐CT) images were used to show soil pore networks. Our findings show a deterioration of soil structure indicated by a high structural quality (Sq) score in VESS (the higher the Sq score, the worse the soil structural quality) and a decline in soil aggregate stability indicated by low MWD and low Dm in the WLF zone. The data from both the soil water retention curve and micro‐CT images demonstrate a deterioration of soil physical quality through decreased porosity and a shift of drainable micropores (0.1 < radii < 125 μm) to non‐drainable micropores (radii < 0.1 μm) in the WLF zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir. The potential of environmental hazards of soil in WLF zone was also investigated.
Development of dynamic system response curve method for estimating initial conditions of conceptual hydrological models
Authors: Sun Yiqun , Bao Weimin , Jiang Peng , Wang Xuying , He Chengmin , Zhang Qian , Wang Jian
Published: October 2018

The dynamic system response curve (DSRC) has its origin in correcting model variables of hydrologic models to improve the accuracy of flood prediction. The DSRC method can lead to unstable performance since the least squares (LS) method, employed by DSRC to estimate the errors, often breaks down for ill-posed problems. A previous study has shown that under certain assumptions the DSRC method can be regarded as a specific form of the numerical solution of the Fredholm equation of the first kind, which is a typical ill-posed problem. This paper introduces the truncated singular value decomposition (TSVD) to propose an improved version of the DSRC method (TSVD-DSRC). The proposed method is extended to correct the initial conditions of a conceptual hydrological model. The usefulness of the proposed method is first demonstrated via a synthetic case study where both the perturbed initial conditions, the true initial conditions, and the corrected initial conditions are precisely known. Then the proposed method is used in two real basins. The results measured by two different criteria clearly demonstrate that correcting the initial conditions of hydrological models has significantly improved the model performance. Similar good results are obtained for the real case study.
The probabilistic drought prediction using the improved surface water supply index in the Korean peninsula
Authors: Jang Suk Hwan , Lee Jae-Kyoung , Oh Ji Hwan , Jo Jun Won , Cho Younghyun
Published: October 2018

This research proposes the Korean surface water supply index (KSWSI) which overcomes some limitations of the modified SWSI (MSWSI) applied in Korea and conducts probabilistic drought prediction using KSWSI. In this research, all hydrometeorological variables were investigated and four to six appropriate variables were selected for each sub-basin and probability distributions applicable for each variable were estimated. As a result of verifying KSWSI results, the accuracy of KSWSI showed better drought phenomenon in drought events than MSWSI. Moreover, the uncertainty quantification of KSWSI calculation procedure was also carried out using the maximum entropy (ME) theory. Estimating appropriate probability distributions for each drought component in the flood season is crucial because ME values and standard deviations of KSWSI are huge, implying that large uncertainty occurs in the flood season. It is confirmed that the accuracy of KSWSI may be affected by the hydrometerological variables selection, station data obtained, used data length, and probability distributions. Furthermore, monthly probabilistic drought predictions were calculated based on the ensemble technique using KSWSI. In 2006 and 2014 drought events, the accuracy of drought predictions using KSWSI was higher than those using MSWSI, demonstrating that KSWSI is able to enhance the accuracy of drought prediction.
Data mining based on wavelet and decision tree for rainfall-runoff simulation
Authors: Nourani Vahid , Tajbakhsh Ali Davanlou , Molajou Amir
Published: October 2018

This study introduced a new hybrid model (Wavelet-M5 model) which combines the wavelet transforms and M5 model tree for rainfall-runoff modeling. For this purpose, the main time series were decomposed to several sub-signals by the wavelet transform, at first. Then, the obtained sub-time series were imposed as input data to M5 model tree, and finally, the related linear regressions were presented by M5 model tree. This new technique was applied on the monthly time series of Sardrud catchment and the results were also compared with other models like WANN and sole M5 model tree. The results showed that the accuracy of the proposed model is better than the previous models and also indicated the effect of data pre-processing on the performance of M5 model tree. The determination coefficient of the training stage was 0.80 and improved 31% than the M5 model tree for Sardrud catchment which is recognized as a normal watershed with a regular four seasons' pattern.
Dewatering of septic tank sludge in alternative sludge drying bed
Authors: Manfio Denise Vazquez , Tonetti Adriano Luiz , Matta David
Published: October 2018

In dewatering of septic tank sludge, the sludge drying bed is one of the main techniques used, but it demands a great deal of area and time for the removal of sludge cake. Modification of this system using permeable pavements and polymer can minimize such problems, facilitating the management of sludge when decentralized sanitation is used. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the dewatering of septic tank sludge using conventional sludge drying bed (CSDB) and a sludge drying bed with permeable pavement (SDBPP). At the same time of dewatering, the volume drained by the SDBPP was 37.4 ± 4.6% higher than that obtained in the CSDB. Therefore, a lower drying bed could be used. It was found that the use of synthetic polymer allowed dewatering to occur in less time, but did not interfere in the solids content of the sludge cake. The reuse of the pavement was proven possible, but required large volumes of water and mechanical equipment.
Mapping sensitivity to desertification in Crete (Greece), the risk for agricultural areas
Authors: Morianou G. G. , Kourgialas N. N. , Psarras G. , Koubouris G. C.
Published: October 2018

The objective of this work was to classify and map the areas environmentally sensitive to desertification in the Mediterranean island of Crete. Sensitivity to desertification was estimated with a modification of the MEDALUS Environmentally Sensitive Area Index (ESAI) approach, using 15 quantitative parameters divided into four main quality indices: climate, vegetation, soils and management quality. The ESAI methodology was modified to include two additional parameters related to soil quality (water erosion and soil organic matter). According to the results, 37% of the island's area is characterized as critically sensitive to desertification. This percentage varies significantly across the island, with the western part having the least critically sensitive areas, and the eastern part the most critically sensitive. The results of this study also indicate that critically sensitive areas are found in the eastern side of the island mainly due to human-related factors and climatic conditions. It was concluded that the proposed methodology is a valuable tool for regional-scale assessment of areas environmentally sensitive to desertification in Mediterranean environments.
An introductory guide to gas exchange analysis of photosynthesis and its application to plant phenotyping and precision irrigation to enhance water use efficiency
Authors: Haworth Matthew , Marino Giovanni , Centritto Mauro
Published: October 2018

Leaf gas exchange is central to the analysis of photosynthetic processes and the development of more productive, water efficient and stress tolerant crops. This has led to a rapid expansion in the use of commercial plant photosynthesis systems which combine infra-red gas analysis and chlorophyll fluorescence (Chl-Flr) capabilities. The present review provides an introduction to the principles, common sources of error, basic measurements and protocols when using these plant photosynthesis systems. We summarise techniques to characterise the physiology of light harvesting, photosynthetic capacity and rates of respiration in the light and dark. The underlying concepts and calculation of mesophyll conductance of CO2 from the intercellular air-space to the carboxylation site within chloroplasts using leaf gas exchange and Chl-Flr are introduced. The analysis of stomatal kinetic responses is also presented, and its significance in terms of stomatal physiological control of photosynthesis that determines plant carbon and water efficiency in response to short-term variations in environmental conditions. These techniques can be utilised in the identification of the irrigation technique most suited to a particular crop, scheduling of water application in precision irrigation, and phenotyping of crops for growth under conditions of drought, temperature extremes, elevated [CO2] or exposure to pollutants.
Climate change and its impacts on hydro-politics in transboundary basins: a case study of the Orange-Senqu River basin
Authors: Mgquba S. K. , Majozi S.
Published: October 2018

In any basin or basin country, water security is of critical importance. The increase in populations and water demand are placing stress on the available water resources. This is likely to become more complicated within shared water-courses. Issues of equitable water allocation and distribution are important for all countries involved. Fostering cooperation and managing conflict hence become fundamental in transboundary water management. Climate change is likely to add new challenges to pre-existing dynamics in transboundary systems. According to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Climate Change Strategy and the SADC Shared Watercourses Protocol, there is a need to integrate climate change impacts and associated adaptation measures into water management plans to ensure water security for all countries involved in the future. The Orange-Senqu basin, which spans over Lesotho, South Africa, Namibia and Botswana, will be used as a case study to closely examine and reflect on some hydro-political challenges that may be brought about by climate change-associated impacts within the basin states. Although uncertain, climate projections largely indicate decline in rainfall and increase in temperature, especially within the South Africa part of the basin. This inherently is bound to affect water quantity and, therefore, availability within the riparian states below South Africa.
Seasonal control of spatial distribution of soil moisture on a steep hillslope
Authors: Dong Xiaoyi , Lee Eunhyung , Gwak Yongseok , Kim Sanghyun
Published: October 2018

Spatio-temporal variation in soil moisture plays an important role in hydrological and ecological processes. In the present study, we investigated the effect of environmental factors on variation in soil moisture at a hillslope scale. The relationships among various environmental factors, including soil properties, topographic indices, and vegetation of a humid forest hillslope, and soil moisture distributions were evaluated based on soil moisture data collected at 18 sampling locations over three seasons (spring, rainy, and autumn) at depths of 10, 30, and 60 cm. In order to evaluate the multi-dimensional data sets without the interaction among factors, the principal component regression (PCR) model was applied to identify the factors controlling the spatio-temporal variation in soil moisture. The effects on soil texture and topography were significant in spring. In addition, clay and sand appeared as critical control factors for the study area in all seasons. The transitional control patterns in the soil moisture profile indicated that the control varied depending on features, such as total amount, intensity, and duration, of rainfall events in spring and during the rainy season. The transitional control pattern for autumn showed that vegetation and local slope controlled transitions in topography.
A new method to estimate the total drainage area of soil-water conservation projects on the upstream of Wangkuai watershed in Daqinghe River basin, China
Authors: Li Zhenquan , Li Qiaoyu , Wang Yimin
Published: October 2018

A new approach was presented to calculate the total drainage area (TDA) of many small hydraulic engineering projects on the upstream Wangkuai reservoir watershed considering flood scaling. By establishing the correlation of flood peak between Wangkuai and Fuping hydrological station, the event-based flood scaling in Wangkuai reservoir watershed was analyzed and the scaling exponent θ was 0.5688. Relations between flood peak and maximum 3 h rainfall amount were fitted for the undisturbed and disturbed periods to analyze the effect of small reservoirs on the flood peak. The average change ratio of flood peak was 15.05% and the TDA of small hydraulic structures was 939.88 km2.
An efficiency analysis for the production of chlorine dioxide by the electrolysis of brine in seawater desalination plants
Authors: Wu Chiung-Ta , Chang Chen-Yu , Li Yi-Ying , Kuan Yu-Lun , Lin Po-Hsiung
Published: October 2018

A previous study by the authors evaluated the efficiency of producing multi-oxidants using anodes coated in precious metal. This study showed that a titanium anode coated in ruthenium generates the largest amount of active chlorine (chlorine dioxide). The results from the efficiency evaluation also show that DuPont Nafion N-2030 ion film is the most efficient of the diaphragms that were tested. To increase the recovery rate for ClO2, this study optimizes the composition of the anode electrolyte. Sodium chlorite is added into the brine and an electrolysis reaction is performed at 40 °C and 12 V for batch operation. The principal product is ClO2 with a maximum concentration of 1,074 mg L−1. During continuous electrolysis, when the inflow rate for the anode electrolyte is increased to 120 mL min−1, ClO2 is produced at a constant concentration of 60 mg L−1 after 30 minutes. An analysis of the multi-oxidants generated from brine to detect disinfection byproducts shows very little trichloromethane is formed, much less than the standard for total trihalomethanes in drinking water in Taiwan (0.1 mg L−1). The disinfection efficiency of the multi-oxidant produced in this study is about three times greater than that of commercial hypochlorous acid. These results show that multi-oxidant products retrieved by recycling brine from desalination plants are commercially applicable and have economic value.
Prewhitened causality analysis for the chlorophyll-a concentration in the Yeongsan River system
Authors: Lee Eunhyung , Kim Sanghyun , Na Eunhye , Kim Kyunghyun
Published: October 2018

Blooming of algae has been a primary issue of concern for heavily polluted aquatic ecosystems. The chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration depends on various hydrological, biochemical and anthropogenic components, which makes prediction of algal blooms complicated. A river regulation project in Yeongsan River, South Korea, involving the construction of a weir, had substantially altered the flow regime. A prewhitened time series analysis is a useful method for delineation of a causal relationship between two environmental variables. This study explores the impact of river regulation on algal blooming using both the prewhitened cross-correlation method and principal factor analysis. Both individual and comprehensive causality structures were configured for the variation in Chl-a concentration. A prewhitened cross-correlation analysis indicates that the water quality response patterns of the river system were changed to those of a reservoir after the river regulation project. A principal factor analysis of correlations indicates that the weir construction had a stronger impact on algal concentration than both the hydro-meteorological factor and difference in sampling location. Variation in stochastic structures from nutrients and water quality factors to algal bloom was substantially reduced by the construction of a weir, which can be explained by the relatively uniform flow pattern throughout the river regulation practice.
The use of waste SNCR catalysts to produce a nano-TiO2 photo-catalyst and to degrade wastewater from the dye making industry
Authors: Liu Yenchun , Tsai Chengyu , Liu Robert Lianhuey
Published: October 2018

This study recycles titanium dioxide (TiO2) that is contained in waste selective non-catalytic reduction (SNCR) catalysts using acid or alkali. The waste SNCR is then filtered, baked, ground and calcined to form a photo-catalytic powder. The nano-TiO2 photo-catalysts that are obtained using both processes are then tested and compared. The two TiO2 photo-catalysts that are produced from waste SNCR catalysts have a diameter of 30–40 nm. Energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) are used to determine the elemental composition of TiO2 and X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to determine the crystalline phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are used to determine the surface morphology, the structure and the particle size. The effect of placing porous TiO2 in a suspension is also determined. This study demonstrates the production of a photo-catalyst from an SNCR catalyst and its effect in advanced oxidation processes (AOP). When everdirect supra turquoise blue (FBL) dye wastewater is degraded in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) /TiO2, more than 90% of the total oxidizable carbon (TOC) is removed.
Molecular surveillance of Cryptosporidium and Giardia duodenalis in sludge and spent filter backwash water of a water treatment plant
Authors: Ladeia Winni Alves , Martins Felippe Danyel Cardoso , e Silva Camila Fernanda Rosolen , Freire Roberta Lemos
Published: October 2018

The purpose of this study was to monitor the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia duodenalis in a water treatment plant (WTP) using settling sludge and backwash water (BW) samples in previous and post the deflocculation of polyaluminium chloride (PAC) flacks. Eleven collections were performed. BW and settling sludge (SSF) were concentrated by calcium carbonate flocculation, and another aliquot of settling sludge (SSC) by centrifugation. The samples were divided as follows: Group A, containing 33 samples without degradation of PAC flakes, and Group B, with degradation by alkalinization with 10 M NaOH. Sample DNA was extracted with a commercial kit, and nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect Cryptosporidium and G. duodenalis. All samples from Group A were negative for Cryptosporidium spp., and 6.1% (2/33) were positive for G. duodenalis in SSC samples. While the absence of Cryptosporidium may be due to a low contamination level of the water resource, the presence of G. duodenalis indicates contamination of the raw water. The detection of G. duodenalis in SSC samples indicates that this detection method was the most effective. The 33 samples from Group B were negative for both protozoa, probably due to the presence of aluminium and humic substances.