bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sediment dynamics and pollutant mobility in rivers: An interdisciplinary approach
Authors: Förstner Ulrich 
Published: June 2004

AbstractCharacteristic dynamic features of sediment‐related processes in rivers include dramatic effects of stormwater events on particle transport, rapid and far‐reaching effects of sulphide oxidation during resuspension, and biological accumulation and potential release of toxic chemicals. Pollutant mobility is the net result of the stabilizing and mobilizing effects in both hydraulic and chemical fields. In practice, emphasis has to be given to fine‐grained sediments and suspended matter as these materials exhibit large surface areas and high sorption capacities. Organic materials are highly reactive. Degradation of organic matter will induce oxygen depletion and might enhance formation of flocs and biofilms. Study of variations of sediment and water chemistry should predominantly include changes of pH and redox conditions, competition of dissolved ions and processes such as complexation by organic substances. Major questions relate to the potential reduction of sorption sites on minerals and degradation of organic carrier materials. All these processes will influence solution/solid equilibrium conditions and have to be studied prior to modelling the overall effects of pollutants on the water body and aquatic ecosystems. With respect to handling and remediation of contaminated river sediments, either in‐place or excavated, a chemical and biological characterization of the material, of the (disposal) site and of the long‐term processes is crucial. Passive techniques (e.g. in situ stabilization, subaqueous capping) provide economic advantages as there are no operation costs following their installation. However, the success of these ecological and geochemical engineering approaches is mainly based on an in‐depth knowledge of the underlying processes.
Assessing the toxicity of chemically fractionated Hamilton Harbour (Lake Ontario) sediment using selected aquatic organisms
Authors: McCarthy L. H. , Thomas R. L. , Mayfield C. I. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractStudies of the sediments of Hamilton Harbour, Lake Ontario, Canada, have shown variable degrees of pollution with a large number of organic and inorganic pollutants. Three areas in the Harbour – Windemere Basin, Cootes Paradise and Randle Reef – exhibited particularly high levels of contaminants, with concomitant impacts on benthic organisms. Sediment samples examined in this study were taken from a site in Randle Reef in Hamilton Harbour and a station (LE 23) in Lake Erie used as a reference sample. The samples were subjected to chemical fractionation to remove organic contaminants, with one fraction being used as total extract, and another aliquot being subjected to silica gel fractionation to give four fractions. Each fraction was chemically analysed and an aliquot used for bioassays following exchange with dimethylsulfoxide. Standard biotests were performed with Daphnia magna, Hyalella azteca, Pimephales promelas (fathead minnows) and Selenastrum capricornutum. Results from direct sediment contact bioassays indicated that sediment from Randle Reef is highly toxic, whereas the Lake Erie sample had no observable impacts. Total extract when added at 1% to the bioassays replicated the solid phase with acute toxicity for Randle Reef, and no effect on Lake Erie. For the silica gel fractionation, Fraction 1 (F1) showed similar toxicity as the total extract, even at low additions, whereas F2–4 gave variable and inconclusive results. F1 eluted with hexane contained the non‐polar fractions, predominantly the polyaromatic hydrocarbons, and these compounds are the most likely causative agents for the highly acute toxicity observed in the sediment of Randle Reef.
The impact of a sewage treatment plant's effluent on sediment quality in a small bay in Lake Geneva (Switzerland–France). Part 1: Spatial distribution of contaminants and the potential for biological impacts
Authors: Pardos Michel , Benninghoff Christophe , De Alencastro Luis Felippe , Wildi Walter 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess the quality of bottom sediment collected in the Bay of Vidy (Lake Geneva, Switzerland) which receives sewage treatment plant discharges from the city of Lausanne and its surroundings. Thirty‐eight sediment samples were taken, forming a dense network. Samples of that portion of the sediment that has accumulated since phosphorus removal (via iron precipitation) was instituted at the plant in 1971 were analysed for heavy metals, nutrients and organic micropollutants and subjected to Microtox toxicity evaluation (organic extract). The distribution patterns of contaminants, as well as principal components analysis, demonstrated that the sewage treatment plant's effluent is the main source of local sediment contamination. This was not supported by the Microtox results. In close proximity to the outlet pipe of the sewage treatment plant, contaminants showed very high median concentrations for virtually all the parameters measured, at levels above those believed to elicit biological responses. A major environmental impact is clearly occurring in this coastal region of the lake and remediation of this situation is believed to be important in order to protect the Lake Geneva ecosystem.
The impact of a sewage treatment plant's effluent on sediment quality in a small bay in Lake Geneva (Switzerland–France). Part 2: Temporal evolution of heavy metals
Authors: Loizeau Jean‐Luc , Pardos Michel , Monna Fabrice , Peytremann Christophe , Haller Laurence , Dominik Janusz 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe Bay of Vidy is the most contaminated area of Lake Geneva, Switzerland, as a result of the release of treated and untreated waste water from the municipal sewage treatment plant of the city of Lausanne and its surroundings. The reconstruction of the historical deposition of heavy metals in the sediment of the bay has been performed by the analysis of several dated (radiocaesium) sediment cores. The presence of sewage‐derived contaminants in the Bay of Vidy since the beginning of the sewage treatment plant's operations in 1964 is clearly observed, when a sharp increase in heavy metal contents is recorded, with maximum concentrations of cadmium, copper, zinc and lead occurring between the late 1960s and early 1970s. Despite considerable improvement in recent times, the present concentrations of the investigated heavy metals in sediments of the Bay of Vidy are still higher than concentrations measured at the centre of the lake, the latter close to Lake Geneva's natural background values. It is concluded that the quantity of heavy metals deposited in the bay is considerable and, because of sediment instability, will constitute a potential hazard for biota.
Management of freshwater systems: The interactive roles of science, politics and management, and the public
Authors: Thomas Richard L. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractAlthough the global water crisis has been well recognized by both international and national agencies, little progress is being made in the management of this most precious of global resources. All fresh waters are connected with interflow from one water compartment to another. The rates of retention, or overturn, of water in each compartment, namely the atmosphere, rivers, lakes and groundwater, are the major determinants of both freshwater system classification and management strategies. Management implies manipulation to achieve some defined beneficial condition relevant to societal requirements. Three social groups interact directly in the management function, including the scientific, public and political communities. It is only when these three entities function in harmony that comprehensive management of natural systems can truly occur. Political concern over water management and, indeed, all environmental management, is driven by policies largely derived from the influence exerted by many groups and organizations with vested interests in advancing their own purposes or agendas. Once policies are established and implemented by legislation and the bureaucracy, management possibilities and public funding then become focused, and the flexibility to deal with other issues might be largely lost. The pursuit of knowledge through scientific research is a major victim of policy changes and short‐term changes in the priorities of funding allocation. It is now clear that the scientific community and the public need a greater awareness of the manner in which the system functions as a whole, and how they can ensure that their collective opinions are used to greater effect in the determination of public policy and consequent management of freshwater systems.
Evaluation of an after hours telephone support service for rural palliative care patients and their families: A pilot study
Authors: Wilkes Lesley , Mohan Shantala , White Kate , Smith Helen 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjective:  To report on the introduction and evaluation of an after hours telephone support service for palliative care patients and their families at home. Design:  Descriptive evaluation using an audit of telephone logbook, text analysis of reflective journals, questionnaire and interviews. Setting:  Palliative care call service in Grafton, New South Wales, Australia. Subjects:  The participants were health professionals using the Palliative Care Service in Grafton (48 in total) and nurses providing the palliative care service (21 in total). Results:  Twelve calls were taken by the nurses during the pilot study. Three major themes emerged from the analysis: preparation involving publishing the after hours telephone support service (AHTSS) and nurse workshop; benefits such as support to families and health service resourcing; and nurses’ experiences regarding personal impact and building support for each other. Conclusion:  It appears from the evaluation responses of health professionals and nurses that knowing the service was there was a great security and reduced the sense of isolation predominant in the experience of rural families caring for a palliative care patient at home. Based on the positive evaluation, the area health service provided ongoing funding for the service and is exploring avenues to extend the program into other areas. The service now requires a re‐evaluation at 18 months and will form the second phase of the study that is currently being organised.
Experiences of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries with recruiting and retaining physicians in rural areas
Authors: Simoens Steven 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjective:  This present study discusses the potential pitfalls in measuring physician shortages in rural areas and presents existing evidence of the effectiveness of policy interventions designed to influence the geographical distribution of physicians. Design:  Information on the geographical distribution of physicians was derived from a survey of Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries and a desk review of the academic literature and policy documents of OECD governments. Main outcome measure:  Whether policies have been effective in recruiting and retaining physicians in rural areas. Results:  Existing measures of physician shortages in rural areas may be misleading as they do not account for a number of supply side factors (e.g. physician productivity, mobility of physicians across areas) and demand‐side factors (e.g. patient needs for physician services). Increases in the national number of physicians have narrowed, but not eliminated, shortages in rural areas. Some success in increasing physician supply to rural areas has been reported with educational, regulatory and financial policies; whereas countries’ experiences with education‐related funding policies are mixed. There is some evidence suggesting that the effectiveness of these policies can be enhanced by supporting occupational opportunities for the spouse/partner, education of children and accommodation. Conclusions:  Although there has been little evaluation of policy interventions, physician shortages in rural areas may be reduced by supply side policies that focus on the physician in combination with measures to sustain the economic and social viability of rural communities. What is already known on this subject?:  Numerous studies have reported inequalities in the geographical distribution of physicians, but this has not taken into account physician activity levels or patient needs for physician services. Little is known about the effectiveness of policies designed to influence the geographical distribution of physicians. What does this study add?:  The present study suggests that increasing physician numbers does not change their geographical distribution, but educational, regulatory and financial policies may be effective. The findings on loan repayment schemes are mixed. To attract more physicians to rural areas, these supply side policies may need to be accompanied by policies that sustain the economic and social viability of rural communities.
General practice in Greece: A student's and supervisor's perspective
Authors: Liangas Georgios , Lionis Christos 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjective:  The present study reports the observations of an Australian medical student, his reflections on these observations and commentary from the Greek supervisor. Setting:  One urban General Practice at the University Hospital in Heraklion, Crete and three community health centres in rural Crete. Main outcome measures:  Points of comparison were formed during the patient's consultations and clinical investigations. Results:  Although the level of knowledge and GP's competence in Crete and New South Wales appear to be similar and there is an impression that the patient satisfaction in Greece is comparable to that in Australia, a striking feature in Greek primary care is the communication between practitioner and patient, as well as the poor level of note keeping. In contrast, Primary Care in Greece seems to be far more involved in research. Conclusion:  To attain a higher quality in primary care, leading to a better outcome for the people of Greece, the primary care physicians need more effective vocational training and the appropriate support from health authorities. What is already known in this subject?

A National Health Care System was inaugurated in Greece in the early 80's, which gave emphasis to the development of primary care and general practice.
Greek GP's are seeking recognition from the hospital physicians and they are exploring ways for improvement.

What this study adds?

The present study has several implications for both the medical students’ education and for professional development.
The present study argues for a more effective vocational training of practicing GPs with emphasis on communication skills, note keeping and better support from the health authorities.
Hearing loss and perceptions of noise in the workplace among rural Australians
Authors: Williams Warwick , Purdy Suzanne , Murray Narelle , LePage Eric , Challinor Kathy 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjective:  To compare measured hearing levels of individuals regularly exposed to noise in their workplace to self‐reported and family‐reported hearing loss. To compare the attitudes and preventative actions adopted by individuals who are more aware of the potential for hearing loss to less aware individuals. Design:  The project examined the perceptions of rural workers concerning noise, noise exposure and hearing. The subjects completed a ‘Noise at Work’ questionnaire and some demographic data at the time of audiometric testing. Setting:  The subjects were recruited when attending their rural health clinic for audiometric testing. Participants:  Participants comprised 113 men and 23 women (20–65 years, mean = 39.6 , SD = 11.4) working across a range of activities at different levels in their workplaces. The range in current employment was from 0.5 to 45 years (mean = 13.8, SD = 10.7). Results:  Hearing tests were compared with perceptions of noise annoyance, hearing damage risk and preventative action. Self‐ and family‐reported hearing loss and conversational difficulties in noise correlated well with measured audiograms. Perceptions of workplace noise tended to be more positive if people felt they had hearing problems. There was no difference in preventative action between those who did and did not feel they had hearing problems. Both groups rated barriers to action and lack of self‐efficacy in a similar negative way. Conclusions:  There is a need for specific training to ensure that rural workers have skills to take more positive action in reducing noise exposure at work.
Stress, burnout and job satisfaction in rural psychiatric nurses: A Victorian study
Authors: Pinikahana Jaya , Happell Brenda 
Published: June 2004

AbstractObjective:  To measure the level of stress, burnout and job satisfaction in rural psychiatric nurses in Victoria, Australia.Method:  This present study presents the findings of a research study undertaken with rural psychiatric nurses (n = 136) in two rural mental health services in Victoria. The study designed to measure their level of stress, burnout and job satisfaction using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), the Nursing Stress Scale (NSS) and Job Satisfaction Scale (JSS).Results:  The findings indicated that a low number rural psychiatric nurses suffered from ‘high’ level of burnout and the majority of nurses reported ‘low level’ of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation scores. On the personal accomplishment subscale, only 11% recorded a ‘high’ score and 87% recorded ‘low’ score. On the Nursing Stress Scale, the ‘workload’ was the highest perceived stressor followed by ‘inadequate preparation’.Conclusions:  Paradoxically, the majority of rural psychiatric nurses stated that they were satisfied with their job, particularly with current situation at work, aspects of support and the level of involvement in decision making.
Job Level and National Culture as Joint Roots of Job Satisfaction
Authors: Huang Xu , Vliert Evert Van de 
Published: June 2004

Pour examiner les variations de la satisfaction au travail dans une perspective transculturelle et interfonctions, des donées d’enquête d’une compagnie internationale auprès de 129,087 répondants de 39 pays ont été analysées. Des analyses à plusieurs niveaux ont montré que la satisfaction au travail est positivement liée au statut et au niveau de l’emploi exercé dans les pays individualistes sans que soit le cas dans les pays collectivistes. De plus, la relation positive entre la satisfaction au travail et le niveau de l’emploi exercé ne se marque que pour les emplois offrant l’opportunité d’exercer ses compétences dans les pays individualistes. Le niveau de l’emploi est même négativement liéà la satisfaction au travail pour des emplois offrant peu d’opportunité d’exercer ses compétences dans les pays collectivistes.To examine cross‐cultural and cross‐occupational variations in job satisfaction, data from a multinational company survey with 129,087 respondents from 39 countries was analysed. Multilevel analyses showed that job level is positively related to job satisfaction in individualistic countries but not in collectivistic countries. Moreover, the positive relationship between job level and job satisfaction holds only for jobs with much opportunity to use one's skills and abilities, especially in individualistic countries. Job level is even negatively related to job satisfaction in jobs with little opportunity to use one's skills and abilities in collectivistic countries.
Antecedents and Components of Majority Attitudes toward Multiculturalism in the Netherlands
Authors: Breugelmans Seger M. , Van De Vijver Fons J.R. 
Published: June 2004

Les prédicteurs et les composantes des attitudes envers le multiculturalisme ont étéétudies chez 341 Néerlandais tout‐venant. Les attitudes relèvent d’une structure unidimensionnelle, mais le niveau d’adhésion au multiculturalisme varie significativement selon les domaines. Le niveau culturel et le fait de vivre en ville avec peu d’immigrés étaient les seules variables positivement corrélées avec l’adhésion au multiculturalisme. Un modèle en pistes causales s’est révélé pertinent, les attitudes et les comportements dépendant des variables psychologiques suivantes; connaissances, satisfaction générale, perspectives d’avenir, désirabilité sociale et perception des normes sociales favorables au multiculturalisme ou en faisant au contraire une menace. Globalement, l’exclusion était désapprouvée par la majorité des Néerlandais, mais le pluralisme culturel nétait pas ressenti comme étant un atout précieux pour leur société, et ils nétaient pas disposés à faire beaucoup d’efforts pour faciliter l’intégration des minorités.Predictors and components of attitudes toward multiculturalism were studied in 341 native Dutch people. Attitudes were found to have a unidimensional structure, but the level of support for multiculturalism was found to vary significantly over societal domains. Level of education and living in city districts with few non‐natives were the only background variables that were (positively) related to support for multiculturalism. A path model, with psychological background variables (knowledge, life satisfaction, life opportunities, perceived social norms about multiculturalism as a threat and support for multiculturalism, and social desirability) predicting attitudes and behavior, showed a good fit. Generally, exclusionist positions were not endorsed by majority Dutch, but cultural pluralism was not seen as a valuable asset of their society, and they are not inclined to put much effort into minority integration.
Preferences for Careers and Organisational Cultures as a Function of Logically Related Personality Traits
Authors: Warr Peter , Pearce Alex 
Published: June 2004

La coherence attendue entre des traits de personnalité et d’une part des choix de carrière, d’autre part des préférences pour des types de culture organisationnelle a été examinée en termes de parallélisme conceptuel différentiel. On s’est aperçu que, dans un grand échantillon d’adultes britanniques, les rapprochements dépendaient de l’existence d’un recouvrement logique entre un trait de personnalité et une préférence. Quand un choix de carrière ou une dimension culturelle était logiquement reliéà in trait de personnalité, les variations interpersonelles sur ce trait étaient significativement associées aux choix culturels ou de carrière. Dans d’autres cas, le personnalité n’était pas pertinente. Les résultats confirment certains aspects du modèle attraction‐sélection‐désintérêt et précisent en particulier les origines des effets différentiels de personnalité dans ce modèle et d’autres analogues.Expected consistency between personality traits and preferences for particular career anchors and for forms of organisational culture was examined in terms of differential conceptual alignment. In a large sample of British adults, associations were found to depend on the presence of logical overlap between a personality trait and a preferred outcome. When a career anchor or a cultural feature was logically related to a personality trait, between‐person variations in that trait were significantly associated with career or cultural preferences. In other cases, personality was irrelevant. Findings support aspects of the attraction‐selection‐attrition model, and more precisely specify the basis of differential personality effects in that and similar models.