bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application of Clay for Petrochemical Wastewater Pretreatment
Authors: Buić Zdenko , Zelić Bruno 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Petrochemical industry wastewater is contaminated with nitrogen and phosphorous compounds, mainly ammonium and ammonium nitrogen, and therefore needs treatment before it is released in the watercourse. Usually, petrochemical wastewater treatment is carried out following the ion exchange principle. One of the possibilities of petrochemical wastewater pretreatment is using bentonite clays. Bentonite decreases the concentration of ions in the incoming wastewater and, as a consequence, the ion exchanger placed subsequently works more efficiently. The experiment was carried out with alkali-activated granulated bentonite and acid-activated granulated bentonite. In this work, bentonite particle size, the quantity and the type of bentonite, as well as the time of the contact of bentonite and wastewater were optimized. It was found that the highest percentage of ion removal of 83% for ammonia ions and 71% for phosphate ions was accomplished when the model solution was treated with a mixture of acid- and alkali-activated bentonite for 5 minutes.
Spatial Variability of Reproductive and Size Characteristics of the Northern Mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus macrolepidotus) Collected Near Municipal Wastewater Discharges
Authors: McMullin Vincent A. , Munkittrick Kelly R. , Methven David A. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Northern mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus macrolepidotus) have been widely considered to be suitable for environmental effects monitoring despite concerns of spatial variability observed in energy reserves and reproductive indices. In this study, temporal and spatial variability in gonadosomatic index (GSI), liversomatic index (LSI), and condition factor (K) were examined across two sites in 2006 and 10 sites (four sites exposed to wastewater discharge; six reference sites) in 2007. In 2006 GSI, LSI, and K appeared highly variable and significantly different for both males and females. In 2007, female K and gonad weight were significantly different among all sites. For males, significant differences in K and liver weight were observed among sites. Extensive spatial variation in GSI, LSI, and K observed between reference sites suggests current standardized Canadian Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) methods, including effect size and duration of sampling, should not be adopted for use with the northern mummichog F. h. macrolepidotus.
Contaminant Trends in Suspended Sediments in the Detroit River-Lake St. Clair-St. Clair River Corridor, 2000 to 2004
Authors: Jia Julia , Thiessen Lina , Schachtschneider JoAnne , Waltho Jasmine , Marvin Chris 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Suspended sediments from the Detroit River-Lake St. Clair-St. Clair River corridor over the period of 2000 to 2004 were analyzed to examine the spatial distributions of contaminants including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and mercury. Contaminant spatial distributions were similar over the five-year study period, but concentrations varied considerably among sampling locations. Concentrations of PCBs ranged from 22 to 1,200 ng/g (dry weight) in 2004, and from 10 to 2,700 ng/g (dry weight) in 2000; concentrations of PAHs ranged from 640 to 52,000 ng/g (dry weight) in 2004, and from 240 to 82,000 ng/g (dry weight) in 2000; and concentrations of mercury ranged from 0.063 to 0.478 mg/kg (dry weight) in 2004, and from 0.060 to 0.514 mg/kg (dry weight) in 2002. The highest PCB and PAH concentrations were associated with suspended sediments in the lower and middle reaches of the Detroit River in the area of the Trenton Channel, and the outflow of the Rouge River. The spatial distributions of mercury were more consistent throughout the entire corridor, indicating the presence of sources in both the lower reaches of the Detroit River and the upper reaches of the St. Clair River. Both the Trenton Channel area of the Detroit River and the upper reaches of the St. Clair River are characterized by heavy historical industrial activity, including steel manufacturing and chlor-alkali production.
Monitoring of the Environmental Effects of Pulp Mill Discharges in Chilean Rivers: Lessons Learned and Challenges
Authors: Chiang Gustavo , Munkittrick Kelly R. , Orrego Rodrigo , Barra Ricardo 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Environmental monitoring activities in Chile are relatively new and have traditionally relied on physicochemical measurements. The pulp mill industry in Chile is highly competitive in the global market and several new large mills have recently opened. Early studies on fish in the receiving environments revealed lower species richness and an increase in the abundance of introduced species relative to native ones near pulp mill discharges. Even though changes were observed, their relationship with the discharges was unclear. Several difficulties related to small body sizes and the unavailability of basic biological data for native Chilean fish species were found during initial field studies. One of the main challenges is the standardization of monitoring methods (including fish species selection, sampling sizes, indicators, reference sites, etc.) and consensus about the responses that should be considered in a river monitoring program in the Chilean context. This paper summarizes major findings from a series of studies looking at impacts on fish at different levels of biological organization and the current approach used in Chile for monitoring impacts of pulp mill effluents on wild fish populations.
Evaluation of Short-Term Fish Reproductive Bioassays for Predicting Effects of a Canadian Bleached Kraft Mill Effluent
Authors: van den Heuvel Michael R. , Martel Pierre H. , Kovacs Tibor G. , MacLatchy Deborah L. , Van Der Kraak Glen J. , Parrott Joanne L. , McMaster Mark E. , O'Connor Brian I. , Melvin Steven D. , Hewitt L. Mark 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Under the Canadian Environmental Effects Monitoring (EEM) program for pulp and paper effluents, the observation of a national response pattern of decreased gonad size and increased fish condition and liver size has triggered a centralized multiagency investigation of cause (IOC) of reproductive impacts in fishes. The purpose of the component of the IOC study presented here is to compare a number of fish bioassays for determining reproductive and reproductive-endocrine effects of a bleached kraft mill effluent. The bleached kraft mill chosen for this study had demonstrated the national response pattern in previous EEM cycles. The bioassays employed to examine reproduction were fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) 5- and 21-d, mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) 25-d, and zebrafish (Danio rerio) 7-d tests, all of which had egg production as the primary reproductive endpoint. Additional bioassays examining reproductive-endocrine endpoints included a 7-d mummichog test, a 7- and a 21-d threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) test, a rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) 7-d test, and in vitro sex steroid receptor and plasma protein binding bioassays. The zebrafish and fathead minnow reproductive tests showed significant suppression of egg production at the 100% effluent concentration. Endocrine data derived from the tests showed that this effluent did not impact steroidogenic endpoints at any concentration. Bioassays showed that this effluent i) was capable of eliciting cytochrome P4501A induction at as low as 10% vol/vol effluent, ii) was weakly androgenic at 10% vol/vol, and iii) showed no evidence of in vivo estrogenicity. These results were consistent with in vitro receptor binding assays showing a highly variable level of androgenic equivalents over six months of effluent testing, with little evidence of estrogenic activity. Bioassay results were consistent in that the overall conclusion was that this effluent has only a weak potential to cause reproductive impairment and would likely not do so at environmentally relevant concentrations. Field studies and a fathead minnow lifecycle study conducted concurrently were in agreement with reproductive bioassay results as white sucker exposed in the receiving environment no longer had significantly reduced gonadal development. Overall, this study provided evidence that the laboratory assays evaluated for various reproductive endpoints have potential application for future IOC work.
Guidance for Site-Specifically Assessing the Health of Fish Populations with Emphasis on Canada's Environmental Effects Monitoring Program
Authors: Munkittrick Kelly R. , Barrett Timothy J. , McMaster Mark E. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Techniques have been developed over the past two decades to site-specifically assess effects of contaminants on the health of fish populations using a sentinel species approach. National environment effects monitoring (EEM) programs have been implemented in Canada for pulp and paper effluents since 1992 and liquid metal mining effluents since 2002 to monitor effects of these discharges on the health of fish populations. The major criticisms of past EEM fish population surveys can be separated into concerns about the adequacy of the reference sites, the potential impacts of confounding factors, the ecological relevance of endpoints used, the influences of natural variability, concerns over statistical design issues, and potential genetic influences on species characteristics. This paper provides input to deal with these issues and guidance on the selection of sentinel species, timing of sampling, and nonlethal sampling methods to evaluate the health of fish populations. Sample size requirements, effect sizes, and power analysis are also discussed as well as data analysis guidance needed to obtain reliable results.
The Eastern Canadian Diatom Index (IDEC) Version 2.0: Including Meaningful Ecological Classes and an Expanded Coverage Area that Encompasses Additional Geological Characteristics
Authors: Lavoie Isabelle , Grenier Martine , Campeau Stéphane , Dillon Peter J. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In 2006, the Eastern Canadian Diatom Index (IDEC: Indice Diatomées de l'Est du Canada) was developed to monitor the biological integrity of streams and rivers in Eastern Canada. The first version of the IDEC has been successfully used to evaluate the biological status of numerous sites. A new version of the index (IDEC 2.0) was recently developed to cover a larger geographic area that encompasses additional geological characteristics. IDEC 2.0 is now applicable for the biological assessment of streams in Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. Moreover, the approach used to define the biological interpretation of the index values was revised. IDEC 2.0 presents ecologically meaningful differences among biological communities (ecological thresholds or class boundaries) based on diatom biotypes, providing a more relevant interpretation of the diatom community changes along the alteration gradient.
Comparison of two selective methods for determination of geosmin (1,2,7,7-tetramethyl-2-norborneol) and 2-MIB (2-methylisoborneol) in drinking and raw water samples by capillary gas chromatography - mass spectrometry
Authors: Sibali Linda Lunga , Schoeman Carl , Morobi Jabulile Selina , Molalatladi Barnard Saenet 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Two sample preparation methods were introduced and compared in this study to establish a simple, rapid, sensitive and selective method of analysis for geosmin and 2-MIB in raw and drinking water samples. Geosmin and 2-MIB are major organic pollutants responsible for undesirable taste and odour in aqueous matrices. Thus, there is a need to continue monitoring these compounds since they occur at very low levels (ng/L) in our water systems. Purge and trap (P/T) and solid phase extraction(SPE) methods were evaluated and optimised for separation of these compounds. Mean percentage recoveries obtained in spiked distilled Milli-Q water (18.2 Ω) for 2-MIB and geosmin ranged from 90.1 ± 2.32 (geosmin) to 97.3 ± 3.34 (2-MIB) and from 78.5 ± 4.82 (geosmin) to 87.1 ± 1.02 (2-MIB) for SPE and P/T respectively. Concentration levels obtained in drinking water were between not detected (ND)-6.05 ng/L whereas in raw water samples concentration levels ranged from less than 1 to 371 ng/L. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for identification and quantification of target compounds in this study.
Traitement d'une émulsion d'huile de coupe par electrocoagulation avec des electrodes de fer
Authors: Aoudjehane Malika , Chafou Aimad , Kellil Amara , Aurelle Yves 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
L'objectif de ce travail est de démontrer l'intérêt du procédé d'électrocoagulation (EC) pour le traitement d'une émulsion d'huile de coupe. L'étude a porté sur la déstabilisation d'une émulsion d'huile de coupe Algérienne (Tasfalout 22/B) á 4% (p/p) par EC en batch, en utilisant des électrodes de fer. Le rendement du procédé est évalué par la mesure de la turbidité et de la demande chimique en oxygéne (DCO). L'effet de la distance inter-électrodes, du pH de la solution et de la conductivité sur le rendement d'élimination a été étudié. L'effet de la conductivité électrique sur le rendement d'élimination et la puissance consommée ont été étudiés pour deux valeurs de pH. L'évolution des paramétres opératoires au cours de l'EC montre que le rendement optimal est obtenu pour un temps d'électrocoagulation de 15 min, une densité de courant de 200 A/m2, une conductivité de 81 mS/cm, un pH 2 et une distance inter-électrodes de 1 cm. Dans ces conditions, le rendement d'élimination de la turbidité et de la DCO est respectivement de 98% et de 72%.
Competency of Prefilled Insulin Pen Usage Among Diabetes Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sweidan Besher Akram , Al Ajlouni Momen Mohammad , Robert Asirvatham Alwin , Alzaid Aus A. 
Published: May 2018

<P>Background: Correct insulin injection practice is essential for better diabetic control. The
aim of this study is to investigate the level of competency of prefilled insulin pen usage (injection technique
and storage) among diabetes patients in Saudi Arabia.

Methods:
A cross-sectional survey between March 2017 to July 2017 of randomly selected patients
with diabetes attending Diabetes Treatment Center, Prince Sultan Military Medical City, Saudi Arabia,
who are actively using a prefilled insulin pen, were interviewed to complete a pre-structured questionnaire
to assess the competency of using the insulin pen. The contents of the questionnaire addressed the
6 competency components according to manufacturer recommendation (priming, count time, storage,
using new needles, a store with no needles, and discard date), background, clinical and metabolic data.
Results of the questionnaire were analyzed to identify common pitfalls and were also contrasted with
background clinical and metabolic data.

Results:
165 patients with diabetes (aged 14-70yrs) were interviewed for the study and all questioners
completed properly. Only 14 (8.5%) patients were following all of the six competency components.
Count time 52 (31.6%) was the least followed competency component of the six, whereas discard date
and storage of insulin pen were the most followed with 165 (100%) and 159 (96.4%), consecutively.
Education was the only significant variable related to the following more than 3 of the competency
components, and logistic regression showed the college or higher educated patients to be three times
more likely follow more than 3 of the competency components.

Conclusion:
The study concluded that majority of patients are either ignoring or unaware of the major
components of correct use of prefilled insulin in Saudi Arabia.</P>
High-pitch Dual-source CT Angiography before TAVI - the Value of ECG Gating
Authors: Bucher Andreas Michael , Albrecht Moritz Hans , Scholtz Jan Erik , Herrmann Eva , Kaup Moritz , Gruber-Rouh Tatjana , Jacobi Volkmar , Vogl Thomas Josef , Beeres Martin 
Published: May 2018

<P>Purpose: To investigate image quality, and radiation dose between ECG-gated singlesource
and dual-source CT Angiography (CTA) protocols for planning of Trans-catheter Aortic
Valve Implantation (TAVI) with a reference non ECG-gated single-source protocol.

Methods:
A total of 120 patients were included in four groups: Non ECG-gated single-source (SS),
ECG-gated single-source (SSECG), ECG-gated dual-source high-pitch (DSECG), or non-ECG-gated
dual-source high-pitch mode (DS). Qualitative image quality of the aortic annulus, aortic valve,
and coronary ostia as well as presence of motion or stair-step artefacts of the thoracic aorta were
independently assessed by two readers. Quantitative image quality was assessed to calculate contrast
to noise ratio.

Results:
Subjective and objective scoring of motion artefacts was significantly reduced in SSECG,
DSECG and DS (p= 0.010). The imaging length was comparable between groups. Aortic annulus,
aortic valve, and coronary ostia were reliably evaluable in all patients with SSECG, DSECG and DS
protocols.

Conclusion:
High-pitch, dual-source CT angiography of the whole aorta with or without ECG gating
is a dose-efficient and time-saving examination strategy before TAVI. However acquisition
timing within the cardiac cycle needs to be taken into account.</P>
ICU Nurses' Perceived Barriers to Effective Enteral Nutrition Practices: A Multicenter Survey Study
Authors: Darawad Muhammad W. , Alfasfos Nedal , Zaki Ismael , Alnajar Malek , Hammad Sawsan , Samarkandi Osama A. 
Published: May 2018

Background:Critically ill patients are hypermetabolic and have increased energy requirements, making nutritional support a vital intervention. In the Intensive Care Units, enteral nutrition is based on opinions rather than evidence-based practices. Therefore, there is a need to identify the barriers to evidence based practice protocols for enteral feeding of patients in Jordanian ICUs.Aims:To explore Jordanian ICU nurses' perceived barriers for enteral nutrition that hinders them from utilizing the recommended EN guidelines.Methods:A descriptive cross-sectional design was utilized using self-administered questionnaire. A total of 131 nurses participated from different hospitals representing different healthcare sectors in Jordan.Results:The five barriers subscales' means were almost equal ranging from 4.04 (Delivery of EN to the Patient) to 4.33 (ICU Resources) (out of 7). The most important barrier was “Not enough nursing staff to deliver adequate nutrition” (M=4.80, SD=1.81, 60%), followed by “Fear of adverse events due to aggressively feeding patients” (M= 4.59, SD=1.50, 56%). Although no significant differences in the mean barrier score were revealed, minimal significant differences were revealed that were distributed among different barrier subscales.Conclusion:Participants moderately perceived barriers with more focus on insufficient resources in ICU and among healthcare providers. Such barriers are modifiable and manageable, making their identification and management crucial for optimal patient care. This study confirms that enteral nutrition is a multidisciplinary responsibility.
High-cycle Fatigue Behaviour of S460N Steel Grade Materials and Bolted Joints Processed by Laser Cutting
Authors: Zanon Gabriele , Bursi Oreste S. , Scardi Paolo , D’Incau Mirco , Raso Sergio 
Published: May 2018

Background:
Prompted by the EN 1090 standard, an important evolution has been observed in recent years about steel structures execution. Laser cutting is appealing for high machining speed and precision in implementation of details with complex geometry, but requires consideration for the effects of the inherent thermal process.

Objective:
The present study investigates the correlations between material properties altered by the laser cutting process and behaviour of the material and of structural joints subjected to high-cycle fatigue.

Method:
High-cycle fatigue tests on material samples and on structural bolted connections were carried out in order to correlate the structural response with material properties. For this purpose, hardness and residual stresses were analysed in depth, from the cutting surface inward and specimens processed using different laser cutting parameters and post-annealing treatments were investigated.

Results:
High-cycle fatigue tests on material samples and on structural bolted connections, processed by laser cutting, show a favourable fatigue behaviour of S460N steel, despite the high values of hardness on cut surface, in agreement with Eurocode 3 fatigue category FAT160 and FAT90, respectively for base material and drilled holes.

Conclusion:
Structural bolted connections made of S460N steel cut by laser exhibit a favourable fatigue behaviour. Local hardness is an important indicator, favourably complemented by the residual stress distribution to understand the effects of laser cutting and correlate them with the high-cycle fatigue behaviour.
Comparison Between Different Design Strategies For Freedam Frames: Push-Overs and Ida Analyses
Authors: Montuori Rosario , Nastri Elide , Piluso Vincenzo , Streppone Simona , D’Aniello Mario , Zimbru Mariana , Landolfo Raffaele 
Published: May 2018

Background:Modern seismic code design rules are known to be based on capacity design principles. They try to assure the damage to occur in the ductile parts of the structure, such as beam ends while the other have to remain in elastic range. Therefore, in the aftermath of design earthquakes, plastic deformations at member or connection level will imply high repair costs. In the last decades, innovative structural solutions based on the so-called supplementary energy dissipation strategy allow increasing the dissipative capacity of structures through equipping it with special damping devices. In the case of substitution of dissipative zones with dissipative devices the strategy takes the name of substitutive strategy. This is the case of Moment Resisting Frames investigated in this paper, where traditional dissipa-tive zones, are equipped with innovative low damage frictional devices. However, the current version of codes does not provide any rules to design of MRFs equipped with this type of friction joints.Methods:Therefore, this paper reports two design approaches amply investigated and compared. The first one is based on the application of the Beam-to-Column Hierarchy Criterion (BCHC) while the second one exploits the Theory of Plastic Mechanism Control (TPMC). The comparison between them is herein discussed on the basis of the results of nonlinear static and dynamic analyses.Conclusions:Structures equipped with low damage frictional connections show larger drift demand than conventional Moment Resisting Frames. However, differently from traditional structures, the larger displacement demand of MRFs equipped with friction joints does not corre-spond to structural damage, thus allowing the reparability of the structure.