bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Building scour in floodplains
Authors: Kohli A. , Hager W. H.
Published: October 2009

Scour of buildings or abutments in floodplains is considered using laboratory experiments and a hydraulic approach. Based on a literature survey, the determining parameters are specified and the scaling parameters are selected such that the Froude similarity law applies. A scour equation in terms of time is developed by accounting systematically for the effects of approach flow, granulometry and building geometry. It was found that the densi-metric particle Froude number has a significant effect on the scour pattern. The effect of sediment mixtures is particularly accounted for and a temporal shift from the mean grain size at the start of scour, to the 90% grain size for developed scour is formulated. The accuracy of the scour equation is defined and compared with a large number of individual scour tests. Floodplain scour may be significantly reduced by positioning a geotextile mattress along the leading fronts of the building. A complete design procedure for this novel method is presented, together with its limitations of applicability.
Conveyance of meandering channels with marginal vegetation
Authors: James C. S. , Liu W. , Myers W. R. C.
Published: October 2009

Vegetation along the margins of meandering channels affects conveyance under both in bank and overbank flow conditions. Experiments using simulated vegetation with different channel and floodplain geometries have shown that vegetation increases resistance by introducing stem drag, but may also decrease it by reducing separation at tight bends. For in bank flows, bend resistance (including vegetation effects) is better accounted for by a bend curvature parameter than by sinuosity alone. Conveyance for overbank flows with marginal vegetation and straight floodplains can be predicted satisfactorily using the James and Wark method with adjustment for vegetation density.
An unusual marine outfall off central California, USA
Authors: Grace R. A.
Published: October 2009

This paper concerns Monterey Bay, California, where two prohibited wastewater discharge areas were established in 1971 following sewage pollution incidents. Several south Bay municipalities were forced to close their own treatment plants and outfalls, with the sewage being piped to a central coastal location for combined discharge. Eleventh-hour limitations on coastal access resulted in the outfall's having an unusual Z configuration, with the middle leg perpendicular to some directions of storm wave approach. Construction of the outfall was halted by the El Niño storms of 1982–1983 that destroyed half the trestle and removed countless tons of armour rock. After more difficulties, the pipe was completed in 1984, but then suffered damage from a strong earthquake in late 1989. A year later the outfall was repaired in an extraordinary inside-the-pipe operation. In 1995 and 1996, duckbill valves were placed, in 30 m of water, over all operating diffuser ports. This was done because of impending wastewater reclamation for crop irrigation, and virtual outfall shutdown at certain times. The latest concern has involved the adequacy of diffuser rock protection.
Numerical modelling of 3-d tidal currents and water quality indicators in the Bristol Channel
Authors: Lin B. , Falconer R. A.
Published: October 2009

Details are given of the principle processes of flow and contaminant transport in coastal, estuarine and inland waters and the application of computer models to predict these processes. A typical computer modelling approach is outlined, involving a finite difference solution of the three-dimensional equations of mass and momentum conservation and the advective-diffusion (or solute transport) equation. Examples are given of the application of the model to predict the spatial and temporal distributions of velocity components and water quality indicators in the Bristol Channel.
Cardiff Bay Barrage: sedimentation aspects
Authors: Burt N. , Littlewood M.
Published: October 2009

The Queen Alexandra Dock channel, which provides deep-water access to the Docks, had always required maintenance dredging. Construction of the barrage would fundamentally alter the flow regime in the channel and over the intertidal banks adjacent to the channel. What impact would this changed flow regime have on the channel's sediment regime? Studies comprising the collection of a site measurement programme; a physical model; laboratory tests to determine the physical properties of the sediment; and a numerical calculation, were all used to determine the potential impact. The findings of these studies, which were critical to the success of the scheme, interestingly suggested that accumulation of deposited sediment in the Queen Alexandra Channel would be no worse and possibly better than the existing pre-Barrage situation.
Development of a modelling tool to quantify faecal indicator levels in Cardiff Bay
Authors: Harris E. , Falconer R. A. , Kay D. , Stapleton C.
Published: October 2009

The growing trend towards urban regeneration, particularly around water bodies, has made it increasingly important to predict the quality of urban waters. Furthermore, concern regarding hydro-environmental pollution has resulted in a marked increase in the development of computer models to assist in environmental impact assessment studies. Details are given of models used for flow and water quality indicator predictions in coastal and inland hydraulic basins, together with the limitations and restrictions of both physical and numerical models. Such models are now used routinely by non-specialist engineers and scientists to assist in the planning and design of water quality related studies. The paper then goes on to describe the development and application of a refined three-dimensional layer-integrated hydro-environmental model to predict water elevations, layer-averaged velocity components and the distribution of water quality indicators within Cardiff Bay, Wales. The model includes the prediction of flushing through the bay of spillages from combined sewer overflows or riverine inputs. Details are also given of field measurements taken for a range of variables used to describe the role of environmental factors and the interaction of various parameters in predicting the survival rates of bacteria in the numerical model.
Cardiff Bay Barrage: construction
Authors: Platt N. J.
Published: October 2009

Cardiff Bay Barrage is a 1·1 km long impounding structure across the combined mouths of the rivers Taff and Ely in Cardiff, in south Wales. Completed in 1999, the £220 million project has transformed the city's coastline from unsightly tidal mud flats to an attractive 200 ha fresh water lake. It consists of a rockfill embankment flanked by a concrete section containing five sluice gates, three 40 m long locks and a fish pass. This paper describes the construction of the project, from building a major temporary cofferdam and temporary access bridge to dredging operations, piling, concreting, earthworks and caisson installation. It reports in particular on the challenges of working in an urban estuary with a tidal range of 14 m—the second highest in the world.
Cardiff Bay Barrage: overview of hydraulic studies
Authors: Burt N.
Published: October 2009

The assessment and planning of Cardiff Bay Barrage required an extensive programme of hydraulic studies, beginning with a pre-feasibility study leading to the full feasibility study. Following approval of the basic barrage scheme and the award of a design contract more studies were needed to confirm the design criteria and refine certain aspects of the design. The paper gives an overview of the full range of hydraulic studies undertaken by HR Wallingford, including flood routing, water quality, sedimentation and wave studies.
Conveyance of one- and two-stage meandering channels
Authors: James C. S. , Myers W. R. C.
Published: October 2009

Two-stage channels may be used in flood alleviation schemes to increase conveyance or to provide temporary storage. Their design requires prediction of conveyance, and methods for this have been proposed for straight and meandering main channels with straight floodplains, but not for meandering main channels with sinuous flood-plains. Experimental evidence shows that such channels cannot be considered to be ‘quasi-straight’, and conveyance may be influenced by spill resistance. Conveyance can be estimated as the sum of bankfull discharge and the discharge of the floodplain calculated separately, with the horizontal division plane included in the wetted perimeter for the floodplain. The discharges of the separate simple meandering channels can be estimated by conventional resistance equations, using empirical resistance coefficient adjustments which depend on whether spill resistance occurs or not.
An investigation of inshore wave conditions using satellite data
Authors: Li B. , Reeve D. E. , Fleming C. A.
Published: October 2009

Wave heights can now be derived routinely from satellite altimeter data. Suitable satellite coverage of the coastal waters of the UK spans a period of approximately ten years and could be a valuable new source of long-term wave climate information. The recovery of wave heights from satellite observations is restricted to areas greater than approximately 10 km from the coastline. Thus, to be of direct use to coastal engineers these relatively deep-water wave conditions have to be transformed to the sites of specific interest. This paper describes the results of an investigation into whether the archive of satellite data can provide a useful source of wave information for providing the design wave climate for coastal works. In situ wave measurements in deep, intermediate and shallow water at Holderness are used to assess the accuracy of satellite-derived and wave conditions in deep-water and shallow-water conditions predicted using a numerical wave transformation model.
Mathematical modelling of alluvial rivers: reality and myth. Part 2: Special issues
Authors: Cao Z. , Carling P. A.
Published: October 2009

The last half a century has seen more and more developments and applications of mathematical models for fluvial flow, sediment transport and morphological evolution. However, the quality of this modelling practice has emerged as a crucial issue for concern, which is widely viewed as the key that could unlock the full potential of computational fluvial hydraulics. The major factors affecting the modelling quality comprise: (a) poor assumptions in model formulations; (b) simplified numerical solution procedure; (c) the implementation of sediment relationships of questionable validity; and (d) the problematic use of model calibration and verification as assertions of model veracity. An overview of mathematical models for alluvial rivers is provided in this and the companion paper ‘Part 1: General review’. This paper is the second part, dealing with three special issues of mathematical river models. First, turbulence closure models are highlighted, particularly with respect to the role of sediment in modulating turbulence and its implications for adapting turbulence closure models for fluvial sediment-laden flows. Second, the bottom boundary conditions are discussed in detail as one of the main sources of model uncertainty. And third, the commonly used calibration and verification/validation methodology in mathematical river modelling is addressed. It is argued that model calibration can be subjective, verification is impossible because models are not closed systems, and validation does not necessarily establish model truth. Confirmation of observations by models only supports model probability, rather than demonstrating model veracity. It is vital for model developers and end-users to keep aware of what mathematical river models can realistically reflect, and therefore avoid misleading decision-making. Additionally, some strategies are proposed which can improve the practice of mathematical river modelling.
Hydraulic model of the energy-dissipating stilling basin of a Howell-Bunger valve
Authors: Varas E. A. , Rodriguez P.
Published: October 2009

The traditional design for a Howell-Bunger stilling basin has a valve discharging at atmospheric pressure, a channel with a 30° bottom slope and an end still. The design produces an adequate dissipation of energy and has been tested thoroughly in laboratory and field conditions. However, in this study, the valve is submerged and discharges water under an 8 m pressure head. This configuration produces a completely different hydraulic flow pattern, with high surface agitation and incomplete energy dissipation. This paper describes the experimental model and prototype and gives conclusions and recommendations for stilling basin behaviour across the entire range of flows tested.
Comparison of UK flood event characteristics with design guidelines
Authors: Webster P. , Ashfaq A.
Published: October 2009

This paper compares the characteristics of observed floods from 206 UK catchments with the design guidelines expressed in the Flood Studies Report (NERL, 1975) and supplementary reports and the Flood Estimation Handbook (Institute of Hydrology, 1999). The characteristics that are compared are the catchment wetness index (CWI), the percentage runoff (PR) and the return period of the causative storm. In general terms, it is found that the observed maxima have a higher CWI and a higher range of values of PR than design events. The use of a catchment simulation model has also shown that the return period of annual maximum floods is generally associated with a storm of lesser return period. These findings provide the basis for an alternative set of design assumptions, which it is believed more closely mirror conditions occurring within observed flood events.
Developing a numerical model for a UK intake tower seismic assessment
Authors: Daniell W. E. , Taylor C. A.
Published: October 2009

This paper describes a case study conducted as part of a broader project investigating the seismic risk to appurtenant structures to dams in Scotland. The study concentrates on Loch Glascarnoch intake tower, a reinforced concrete structure representative of other similar towers in the region. The seismic risk to these towers and an appropriate method of numerical modelling for their seismic analysis is investigated. Ambient vibration tests were conducted on the tower to determine its modes of vibration. The fundamental bending mode had a frequency of 5·8–6·0 Hz, demonstrating the potential for a significant dynamic response to a typical earthquake for the region. The effect of amplified accelerations on the gatehouse, and the equipment stored within, would need to be considered as part of the complete seismic assessment of the tower. A finite-element (FE) model of the tower was developed for its preliminary seismic analysis. This was a relatively simple 3D solid model with a coarse mesh. A very good correlation between the modal properties from the tests and analysis of the model demonstrated that the FE model provided a valid basis for the development of a more sophisticated model for further analysis, if required.
Depth-averaged flow computation at a river confluence
Authors: Weerakoon S. B. , Tamai N. , Kawahara Y.
Published: October 2009

A depth-averaged elliptic computational model in curvilinear coordinates is presented for velocity and depth computations in shallow water river confluences of any geometry. The pressure correction equation has been used with SIMPLE or SIMPLE-like procedures in depth-averaged models to date; here this is replaced by a depth correction equation to improve the convergence. This is a significant enhancement to the SIMPLE procedure when applied to depth-averaged flow computations of river elements with irregular bed topography. First, the model is validated using laboratory measurements from a flat-bed confluence with flow recirculation. Second, it is validated using laboratory measurements from a confluence with irregular bed topography derived at the dynamic equilibrium of a movable bed experiment. Next the model is employed to simulate the complex confluence flow at a bend of a river with a floodplain. The model predictions give satisfactory agreement with field observations. Though the flow in the scour hole region of a river confluence is three-dimensional, if proper parameters are used to represent bottom friction and mixing, a depth-averaged model can be used to obtain sufficiently accurate velocity and water surface elevation information for the design of flood control measures in shallow water river confluences.
Vulnerability of coastal defences to climate change
Authors: Sutherland J. , Gouldby B.
Published: October 2009

Climate change will alter wave and water level conditions and hence affect the vulnerability of coastal defence structures. The likely changes in vulnerability are important to the stakeholders in new and existing coastal defence structures, as decision-makers may reasonably be expected to include the probable effects of climate change in their planning processes. Time series of present and future waves and water levels were generated using a climate model. These were used to calculate the changes in overtopping rates and in the longshore drift of sediment in front of sea defences. The results indicate that there will be considerable increases in overtopping rates if present-day defences and beaches are unchanged by 2075. However, the inclusion of sea level rise predictions in design calculations should account for the majority of the predicted change in overtopping. The work also indicates that future changes in longshore transport are unlikely to be greater than current levels of uncertainty, and these should be considered in the normal course of sensitivity testing. Qualitative and quantitative differences in future changes in vulnerability were found between the five sites examined, as they had different tidal ranges, wave climates, surge levels and joint probabilities.
Effects of the eastern Marmara Earthquake on marine structures and coastal areas
Authors: Yuksel Y. , Alpar B. , Yalciner A. C. , Cevik E. , Ozguven O. , Celikoglu Y.
Published: October 2009

The eastern Marmara earthquake occurred on 17 August 1999 with an Mw = 7·4 and struck the Izmit Bay and eastern Marmara Sea region, north-west Turkey. The main fault is a single strike-slip fault approximately 140 km long, starting from Sapanca Lake in the east and ending in Izmit Bay in the west. Existing industrial plants and various types of marine structure along the coast of Izmit Bay near this large-magnitude earthquake area provided valuable opportunity to examine the behaviour of marine structures through intensive observations, and to discuss their safety through detailed fieldwork and stability analysis. The active faults were determined from seismic reflection data. The fault itself and associated secondary faults caused severe damage to most of the marine structures in Izmit Bay, and caused settling and sliding of the coastal areas at some locations. On the basis of our field observations, the effects of the earthquake on marine structures and coastal areas are investigated. The tectonic setting and geotechnical properties were analysed, and soil–structure interaction problems are discussed. The effects of the earthquake, including the severity of damage, service losses, and environmental impact at petrochemical facilities, were severe and extensive. The nature of soil and the interactions between structure and ground during the earthquake are very important contributors to the severity of damage. The heavy damage to coastal structures such as refineries, petrochemical plants and ports deserves special attention. In order to identify the distribution of damage and serviceability of marine structures, the scales of damage and serviceability levels are determined, tabulated and discussed. This disaster has shown once again that geotechnical properties such as the nature of soil and soil–structure interactions are very important for construction.
Gross solid transport in sewers
Authors: Butler D. , Davies J. W. , Jefferies C. , Schütze M.
Published: October 2009

Gross solid transport in sewers has been studied in the laboratory, by theoretical analysis, and in the field. A simplified model is proposed that can be run as an extension of existing sewer software packages (for example HydroWorks) in order to simulate the advection and deposition of solids within an entire sewer system. The model has potential applications to the engineered improvement of sewer infrastructure (including storage facilities and screening systems) and to the simulation of first flush effects and of the impact of future changes in catchment flows. A technique for tracing the physical progress of specific solids in a sewer has been developed, and has been used within an actual length in order to test the model.
Three-dimensional modelling of ship-induced flow and erosion
Authors: Dargahi B.
Published: October 2009

Ship-induced erosion by propeller jets causes considerable damage in canals, harbours, locks and waterways. Jet velocity reaching the bed could be as high as 15 m/s depending on the ship and the machinery. The objectives of the present study were to investigate the nature of the propeller jet flow and to estimate the rate of erosion caused by the jet. Three-dimensional numerical models can be used to simulate ship-induced propeller flows provided the propeller can be replaced with a simpler geometry. The study modelled the propeller flow by one lower and one upper jet flow. The turbulent characteristics, such as the turbulence intensities and the energy balance of the lower jet, are similar to a flat wall boundary layer flow. The application of the three-dimensional flow model was extended by numerically solving the sediment continuity equation. The computations were based on the lower part of the jet velocity profiles. The method enables the scour cavity induced by a stationary ship with a running engine to be calculated. The computed scour cavity agreed well with the field data.
Use of calcium carbonate as a wet contact filter
Authors: Sallanko J. , Kamula R. , Röpelinen J.
Published: October 2009

The groundwaters in Finland are usually acidic and soft. In fact, the most common quality factor necessitating water treatment procedures in Finland is the acidity of water. Following this come excessive levels of iron or manganese. Biological methods, such as a combination of dry filtration and slow sand filtration, are commonly used to remove iron and manganese and raise pH. Several advantages can be gained by using limestone filtration to replace the dry filter at the beginning of the process, and as alkalising wet filtration before the slow sand filter. Limestone wet filtration can be combined with aeration, if necessary. This research investigated the suitability of combined alkalising wet filtration and slow sand filtration for the treatment of water from the Monttu water supply plant in Liminka, Finland. It was studied through a series of both short-term filtration tests and long-term pilot tests. Alkalising wet filtration combined with slow filtration proved to work well with this water. The treatment reduced the iron content from 3·5 mg/l to 0·05 mg/l and the manganese content from 0·09 mg/l to < 0·01 mg/l. The pH of the raw water was 6·2, and that of the treated water was 7·5.
Fracture Characterizing and Modeling of a Porous Fractured Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: Dashti Rouhollah , Bagheri Mohammad Bagher , Ulhaq Shahzad
Published: October 2009

Anisotropy and heterogeneity in reservoir properties introduce challenges during the development of hydrocarbon reservoirs in naturally fractured reservoirs. In reservoir simulations, grid-block properties are frequently assigned to obtain reasonable history matches. Even then, accuracy with regard to some aspects of the performance such as water or gas cuts, breakthrough times, and sweep efficiencies may be inadequate. In some cases, this could be caused by the presence of substantial flow through natural fractures.

In this work the fracture characterization and modeling was performed in a highly fractured carbonate reservoir in SW Iran. It was observed that reservoir simulation based on the generated fracture model present a more reasonable history matching of the production. The study indicates that NE-SW is the dominant orientation of critically stressed fractures that are most problematic for gas/water breakthrough.

The primary objectives of this study are: a) construct a fracture 3D model to be used in reservoir simulation and b) distinguish the most problematic fractures in water/gas breakthrough. The steps of this study are as follows: -Constructing the 3D geological framework of the reservoir.-Identifying and characterizing natural fractures at the well level using borehole images.-Generating the 3D-stochastic model of discrete fracture network (DFN), incorporating image log data with outcrop analogies studies in the context of buckle folding mechanism.-Scaling up the fracture model with integration of well test results-Running reservoir simulation based on the scaled-up fracture model to validate the model and observe the history matching-Performing critically stressed fractures (CSF) analysis to distinguish problematic fractures.
Universal Service Obligations and Competition with Asymmetric Information
Authors: Poudou Jean-Christophe , Roland Michel , Thomas Lionel
Published: October 2009

A regulator imposes a universal service obligation (USO) on a vertically integrated firm that owns an essential network. The regulator has imperfect information about the network's fixed cost. Network access is provided to licensed competitors. The USO consists in a constraint on market coverage and is compensated through a mix of public funds and transfers from entrants. We first use a basic adverse selection model to show that, because of informational rents, a sufficiently high shadow cost of public funds can lead to a lower coverage with the USO than without it. We then show that this result tends to be robust in various realistic extensions of the basic model.
The Hormetic Morphogen Theory of Curvature and the Morphogenesis and Pathology of Tubular and other Curved Structures
Authors: Fosslien Egil
Published: October 2009

In vitro, morphogens such as transforming growth factor (TGF)-β can up-and down-regulate cell growth at low and high concentrations respectively, i.e. they behave like hormetic agents. The hormetic morphogen theory of curvature proposes that in vivo tissue gradients of such morphogens secreted by source cells determine the fate of cells within their gradient fields (field cells) and that morphogen-induced amplitude modulation of field cell mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation controls field cell growth along the morphogen gradients: At the high concentration end of gradients, field cell ATP generation and field cell growth is reduced. With declining concentrations along the rest of the gradients field cell ATP and growth is progressively less reduced until an equidyne point is reached, beyond which ATP generation and growth gradually increases. Thus, the differential growth rates along the gradients curve the tissue. Apoptosis at very high morphogen concentrations enables lumen and cavity formation of tubular, spherical, cystic, domed, and other curved biological structures. The morphogen concentration, the gradient slope and the hormesis responses of field cells determine the curvature of such structures during developmental morphogenesis, tissue remodeling and repair of injury. Aberrant hormetic morphogen signaling is associated with developmental abnormalities, vascular diseases, and tumor formation.
Hormesis is Applicable as a Pro-Healthy Aging Intervention in Mammals and Human Beings
Authors: Pardon Marie-Christine
Published: October 2009

The aging of the population brings new heath challenges, and in particular, the need to implement suitable pro-healthy aging interventions. This paper discusses the potential of mild stressors inducing hormesis as a lifespan and healthspan extension strategy and how it can be applied to the human. There is some evidence that the anti-aging benefits of lifestyle factors, such as diet, exercise or engaging in activities may be achieved via hormetic regulation. This supports the validity of the concept in human. There are, however, gaps in knowledge and ethical barriers that need to be addressed to establish the suitability of the approach to the clinical context or the general geriatric population. In particular, we need to find out which stressors are safe for use as anti-aging interventions, when they have to be applied to achieve maximal benefits, how their therapeutic potential is altered by changes in the stress system induced by age and pathological conditions, and the extent to which the occurrence of adverse versus positive effects depends on interacting genetic and experiential factors.
Performativity and Professionalism: Irish Primary Principals' Experience of Building Leadership Capacity
Authors: Sugrue Ciaran
Published: October 2009

The evidence presented in this article regarding policy reforms in the Irish context may suggest that, until now at least, professionalism prevails over performativity when viewed from the perspectives of primary principals. Nevertheless, the article argues that the prevalence of professionalism may indeed be short lived and principals themselves may be complicit in hastening a more performative-driven culture within school communities as they compete for a share of systemic power and in the process increase professional distance between themselves and their teaching colleagues while promulgating a rhetoric of collegiality and shared leadership.
Making a Difference in Challenging Urban Schools: Successful Principals
Authors: Michalak Joanna M.
Published: October 2009

The article reports upon findings from four multiple-perspective case studies of successful principals in challenging urban contexts. Each principal was described as making a significant difference to the quality of school education. The findings are obtained from the Polish part of the ‘Leading Schools Successfully in Challenging Urban Contexts’: Strategies For Improvement’ project. The research design consisted of two overlapping phases: the first was a literature review to ascertain ‘what is known’ about the nature and effects of leadership in challenging urban contexts; the second involved a case-study approach, collecting data from 36 schools to explore the leadership strategies that are used by successful principals of schools that face challenging urban contexts. The analysis of the cases identified that there were several interconnected strategies that are not only important, but essential for leadership success in these schools. They are related to setting the directions, developing people, redesigning the organisation and changing the culture of the school. Each of them encompasses more specific competencies, attitudes and considerations.
Recruitment and Retention of Senior School Leaders: Meeting the Challenge
Authors: MacBeath John
Published: October 2009

Whether or not it may be described as a ‘crisis' there are mounting concerns in many countries about the supply line of well-qualified principals or head teachers. This article contends that many of the strategies put in place to address the intensification of school leadership are necessary but insufficient. Collegial networking, confidantes, coaches and critical friends are important and welcome in alleviating the pervasive sense of loneliness that many school leaders express but these measures do not deal with the deeper lying issues. The phenomenon of ‘career deputies' is now a telling international indicator of a widespread reluctance to become the ‘ultimate Mister Fixit’. Resilience, professional solidarity and subversive qualities within the profession have to play a part in demonstrating to governments that there can be a better way.
Potentials and Challenges of Family Literacy Interventions: The Question of Implementation Quality
Authors: McElvany Nele , van Steensel Roel
Published: October 2009

Literacy interventions in the family context have great potential to promote reading development in children. However, the results of meta-analyses indicate that family-based approaches tend not to be as effective as expected. Although the effectiveness of family literacy interventions can be assumed to hinge largely on the quality of their implementation in families, this aspect has attracted surprisingly little research attention to date. This article identifies, analyses, and discusses aspects of implementation quality that may enhance or diminish the effectiveness of family literacy interventions. Data from two evaluation studies of programmes for kindergarten- and school-age children were used to examine three types of implementation variables (intensity and quality of parent-child activities; support and training provided for parents; participation). The results indicate possibilities for how implementation quality in all three areas can be improved. Implications for future family literacy programmes as well as for evaluation and implementation studies are discussed.
Moving to Secondary School: On the Role of Affective Expectations in a Tracking School System
Authors: Van Ophuysen Stefanie
Published: October 2009

Transition to secondary school implies basic changes in social, instructional and organisational aspects of school life which afford the pupils' adjustment. As transition takes place at a predictable point in time, children develop expectations about the start at their new school. In order to analyse predictors and consequences of these expectations 870 German children filled in a questionnaire assessing transition expectations, grades in mathematics and language, academic self-concept, and school dislike. Achievement tests were administered, too. Data were collected at the end of grade four at primary school and one year later at secondary school. Regression and communality analyses revealed that emotional school-related variables are more predictive for expectations than measures of achievement. On the other hand, the influence of expectations on the adjustment at secondary school is only of low importance in comparison to school type-effects.
Collegial or Managerial? Academics' Conceptions of Quality in English and Finnish Universities
Authors: Lomas Laurie , Ursin Jani
Published: October 2009

Two specific forms of quality are identified: Type I, which has a managerial focus and stresses fitness for purpose and accountability, and Type II, which is collegial and concerned with enhancement. Through an analysis of the literature on quality in higher education and small-scale empirical research with a sample of academic staff, this article compares conceptions of quality assurance in the English and Finnish higher education systems. The authors highlight the similarities and differences in the two countries and possible reasons for them. Over time the blend of managerial and collegial approaches to quality has come to favour the former but much more so in England than in Finland, which continues to prefer a largely enhancement-led agenda. Both are signatories to the Bologna Declaration, and the implications for other European countries of convergence in quality assurance systems by 2011 through this Declaration are considered.
Teachers as Professionals and Teachers' Identity Construction as an Ecological Construct: An Agenda for Research and Training Drawing upon a Biographical Research Process
Authors: Lopes Amélia
Published: October 2009

The study of teacher identity developed greatly during the 1990s and, in a way, replaced other studies on teacher professionalism. Highlighting the interactions, emotions and cognitions in their everyday expression, these studies contributed to making visible the role of specific communities of professionals in valuing and improving professional action. However, after almost two decades, it became clear that the study of the construction of teacher identity could not be based solely on the description of the interactions, but in fact also required a macro-sociological analysis. Coordinating these levels of analysis is important for developing the construct of the teacher as a professional, a profile that inspires current teacher training policies in Europe. Based on theoretical contributions such as the ‘construction of professional identities for real social change’ (Claude Dubar), and the ideal-typical model of professionalism (Eliot Freidson), this article aims to present the construction of teacher identity as a subjective dimension of the process of teacher professionalisation, viewing it as an ecological construct. To this end, the article presents the results of research carried out during the 1990s and the early twenty-first century, in order to shed some light on the dynamics inherent to each of the levels of analysis and the interactions which are established between them. The article concludes with a discussion of the advantages of this approach for teacher training and research.
Marine ω-3 Fatty Acid Intake
Authors: Belalcazar L. Maria , Reboussin David M. , Haffner Steven M. , Reeves Rebecca S. , Schwenke Dawn C. , Hoogeveen Ron C. , Pi-Sunyer F. Xavier , Ballantyne Christie M. ,   for the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) Obesity, Inflammation, and Thrombosis Research Group
Published: October 2009

OBJECTIVE

To examine usual marine ω-3 fatty acid (mO-3FA) intake in individuals with diabetes; its association with adiposity, lipid, and glucose control; and its changes with behavioral lifestyle intervention for weight loss.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Cross-sectional and 1-year longitudinal analyses were performed on 2,397 Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) participants. Look AHEAD is a cardiovascular outcome trial evaluating the effects of intensive lifestyle intervention for weight loss in overweight/obese subjects with type 2 diabetes.

RESULTS

Baseline mO-3FA intake was 162 ± 138 mg/day. It was inversely associated with triglycerides (β = −0.41, P < 0.001) and weakly with HDL (β = 4.14, P = 0.050), after multiple covariate adjustment. One-year mO-3FA and fried/sandwich fish intake decreased with intensive lifestyle intervention (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

mO-3FA intake in Look AHEAD participants was low but associated favorably with lipids. These results encourage investigation on the potential benefits of increasing mO-3FA intake in lifestyle interventions for weight loss in individuals with diabetes.
The value of histological changes and immunohistochemical markers Ki67 and p53 in the assessment of ulcerative colitis related dysplasia
Authors: Fratila Ovidiu , Ilias Tiberia , Puscasiu Dana
Published: October 2009

The risk of carcinoma increases in patients with a 10-year or longer duration of ulcerative colitis (UC). To search for a more objective parameter to assess epithelial dysplasia. The study comprised 25 cases of longstanding UC: 7 cases with regenerative atypia, 7 with low grade dysplasia, 7 with high grade dysplasia, and 4 cases indefinite for dysplasia. The colonic biopsies obtained during endoscopy were stained with H&E to identify the aforementioned categories. Seventy-five sections from biopsy specimens were stained immunohistochemically to detect differences in the frequency and pattern of nuclei positive for the proliferation marker Ki67 and p53. In high grade dysplasia, the distribution of Ki67 positive cells was diffuse throughout the full length of the crypt, whereas low grade dysplasia and epithelium indefinite for dysplasia, as well as regenerative epithelium, showed an expanded basal zone. None of the regenerative atypia cases showed strong intensity p53 staining compared to dysplasia cases. None of the high grade dysplasia cases showed restricted p53 staining to the lower two thirds of the crypt. All the cases of HGD showed extension of Ki67 and p53 staining above the basal two thirds of the crypt. Ki67 and p53 immunostained cell assessment combined with routine histological evaluation of colorectal mucosa can improve the diagnostic accuracy, as well as the assessment of malignant transformation risk.
Differences in clinical predictors of influenza in adults and children with influenza-like illness
Authors: Sočan Maja , Prosenc Katarina , Nagode Mateja
Published: October 2009

Influenza contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in the winter season. The aim of the study was to identify clinical signs and symptoms most predictive of influenza infection in children and adults with influenza-like illness. A prospective systematic sampling analysis of clinical data collected through sentinel surveillance system for influenza in 32 primary care centers and one tertiary care hospital in Slovenia during two consecutive influenza seasons (2004/2005 and 2005/2006) was carried out. Children and adults who had influenza-like illness, defined as febrille illness with sudden onset, prostration and weakness, muscle and joint pain and at least (cough, sore throat, coryza) were included and tested for influenza A and B virus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus and enterovirus by RT-PCR. Clinical data were evaluated in statistical models to identify the best predictors for the confirmation of influenza for children (under age of 15) and adults. Of 1,286 patients with influenza-like symptoms in both seasons 211 were confirmed to have influenza A or B alone and compared to 780 influenza-negative patients. A fever over 38°C, chills, headache, malaise and sore eyes revealed a significant association with positive RT-PCR test for influenza virus in children. In adults, only three symptoms were significantly related to PCR-confirmed influenza infection: fever, cough and abnormal breath sounds. The stepwise logistic regression analysis showed that four symptoms predicted influenza in children: fever (38°C or more) (p=0.010), headache (p=0.030), cough (p=0.044) and absence of abnormal breathing sounds (p=0.015) with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of 5.1%, 98.1%, 57.1% and 80.1%, respectively. For adults, the strongest impact on influenza positivity was found for fever (p=0.008) and cough (p=0.085). The model for adults had less favorable characteristics, with sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 0%, 100%, 0% and 76.4%, respectively. Differences in clinical predictors of influenza in children compared to adults were found. The model for adults was acceptable but not a good one. The model for children was found to be more reliable than the prediction model for adults.
Severe hyperphosphatemia and symptomatic hypocalcemia after bowel cleansing with oral sodium phosphate solution in a patient with postoperative hypoparathyroidism
Authors: Berker Dilek , Isik Serhat , Aydin Yusuf , Helvaci Nafiye , Tutuncu Yasemin , Helvaci Kaan , Delibasi Tuncay , Guler Serdar
Published: October 2009

Oral sodium phosphate (NaP) is increasingly being used for bowel preparation. There are several reports of significant serum electrolyte changes after the administration of oral NaP solution in renal failure. We report a case of postoperative hypoparathyroidism who developed severe hyperphosphatemia and associated hypocalcemia after bowel preparation with oral NaP. A 39-year old woman was admitted to the hospital because of multiple bone fractures. The diagnosis of primary hyperparathyroidism was confirmed. Further assays suggested Cushing’s disease and MRI disclosed a pituitary microadenoma. Considering the diagnostic suspect of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1, computed tomography of abdomen was performed, showing a mass in the right adrenal. The patient underwent transsphenoidal surgery and then total parathyroidectomy. Despite total removal of the microadenoma by transsphenoidal surgery, there was no suppression in serum cortisol levels. So, an operation was scheduled for the adrenal tumor. The patient was administered 45 mL oral NaP solution for bowel cleansing before the surgery. Although her calcium and phosphorus levels were normal before NaP administration, four hours later she developed respiratory distress and tetany. Laboratory studies revealed severe hyperphosphatemia and hypocalcemia. We conclude that the use of NaP for bowel preparation should be avoided in patients with hypoparathyroidism.
Use of single dose prophylactic antibiotic in routine abdominal hysterectomy - a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Rahman Zaida
Published: October 2009

A randomized controlled trial was conducted in one unit of Gynecology and Obstetrics Dept. of a Govt. hospital by giving a single dose preoperative prophylactic antibiotic and the results were compared with a control group who received a conventional prophylactic regimen of antibiotic combination. A total of 60 samples were taken from the patients currently admitted and undergoing total abdominal hysterectomy in one unit of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology of a Govt. hospital for this trial and they were divided into two groups - 30 Cases and 30 Control. Case group were given a single dose cephradine 1 gm IV just before induction of anesthesia. Control group were given Inj. Ciprofloxacin 200 mg IV 12 hrsly plus inj. Metronidazol 500 mg 8 hrsly till oral feeding followed by oral tab. Ciprofloxacin 500 mg 12 hrsly plus tab. Metronidazol 400 mg 8 hrsly in the remaining days which was then practicing in that gynecology unit of the Govt. hospital. Variables measured for the trial were total cost and duration of antimicrobial therapy, rate of postoperative infection and side effects of antimicrobial therapy. While comparing the outcome between the case and control group, it was observed that both the duration and cost (P<0.001) and also the side effects (P<0.05) of antimicrobial therapy were significantly higher in control group than the case group (duration of antimicrobial therapy was 2.9± 0.88 days in case group and 8. 9±0.58 days in control group and cost of antimicrobial therapy was 113.06± 24.53 taka in case group and 957.376±32.05 taka in control group). But the rate of post operative infection which is the main objective of giving preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, was significantly higher in case group than the control group (P<0.05). But this infection rate could be reduced if the sterilization procedure of the operation theatre and general conditions of the patients were improved. If these risk factors could be minimized, single dose preoperative prophylactic antibiotic could be effectively practiced in our country. DOI: 10.3329/bjpp.v22i1.3560 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2006; 22(1/2) : 1-4
A study of the teratogenic effect of Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Jahangir Selim Mohammed , Islam AFM Saiful
Published: October 2009

Drugs or medicinal agent should only be used in pregnancy if there is proven benefit to the mother and no potential teratogenic risks. Present study was performed to evaluate the teratogenic effect of modern drug, Ciprofloxacin a Fluoroquinolone derivative, which has been introduced in Bangladesh. This was felt necessary because this has been found to be used indiscriminately at all levels of the prescribers and there is no strong evidence to its safety in pregnancy The work described here is to evaluate the teratogenic effect of Ciprofloxacin using swiss albino mice. The pregnant mice were divided into two different groups which received Normal Saline and Ciprofloxacin [25 mg/kg body weight.] given from 6th to 15th day of gestation. Neither the control group nor the experimental group revealed any sign of external deformity and cleft palate. DOI: 10.3329/bjpp.v22i1.3562 Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2006; 22(1/2) : 9-11