Bleaching of Kraft Pulp by Means of Hydrogen Peroxide. The Effect of Acid Treatment and Calcium Chloride Treatment before the Last Stage

From the results of the experimental work conducted, it appears that hydrochloric acid pretreatment of chlorinated and caustic extracted, and, also, chlorinated, caustic extracted, and calcium hypochlorite bleached kraft pulp before last stage hydrogen peroxide bleaching was not beneficial to final brightness. Calcium chloride pretreatment, on the other hand, was definitely of value to final brightness in three stage bleaching. However, calcium chloride pretreatment of chlorinated, caustic extracted, and calcium hypochlorite bleached kraft pulp did not increase pulp brightness to a significant extent. It seems, therefore, that there was an optimum concentration of calcium salts which was of maximum benefit to brightness. Also, there was some indication that both hydrochloric acid and calcium chloride pretreatment of the calcium hypochlorite treated pulp caused small increases of reflectance in the yellow-orange range of the spectrum

Analysis of stream bed sediments of Four Mile Creek

Until 1988, solutions containing nitric acid, odium hydroxide, low levels of radionuclides (mostly tritiated water) and some metals were discharged to unlined seepage basins at the F and H Areas of the Savannah River Site (SRS) as part of normal operations. The basins are now being closed according to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCA). As part of the closure, a Part B Post-Closure Care Permit is being prepared. The Part B permit requires information on contaminant concentrations in stream bed sediments in the adjacent Four Mile Creek, which are reported herein. 5 refs., 1 fig., 2 tabs

Micro- et macro-syntaxe : sur deux principes de catégorisation cognitive en langue orale spontanée

Cet article oppose deux façons d’approcher la grammaire, celle de la « micro-grammaire » et celle de la « macro-grammaire ». La micro-grammaire renvoie à des principes combinatoires fondés sur la hiérarchisation, l’insertion et les relations de dépendance morphosyntaxiques. La macro-grammaire renvoie à des principes combinatoires fondés sur des activités cognitives de prévoyance (par ex. l’économie du temps opératif) et renvoie à des fonctions qui ont trait au système de communication en général, comme la structuration discursive et l’interaction entre locuteur et allocutaire. La macrosyntaxe est au service de la structuration du langage, c’est-à-dire qu’elle rend compte de la structure au-delà d’une unité morphosyntaxique cohérenteThis article discusses a dualistic approach to grammar, distinguishing two domains labelled “microgrammar” and “macrogrammar”. Microgrammar refers to combinatory principles based on hierarchization, embedding and morphosyntactic dependency relations and thus to functions relevant for the construction of morphosyntactically integrated units expressing propositional content. Macrogrammar refers to combinatory principles based on cognitive speech planning activities (e.g. gaining planning time) and refers to functions relevant on the communicative system in general, such as discourse structure and speaker-listener interaction. Macrogrammar serves the macro-structuring of language, that is, it establishes structure beyond a single morphosyntactically coherent uni

Programmatic and Communication Issues in Relation to Serious Adverse Events Following Ivermectin Treatment in areas Co-endemic for Onchocerciasis and Loiasis

In areas co-endemic for loiasis and onchocerciasis, the classic Community-Directed Treatment using ivermectin (Mectizan®) must be adapted as additional program activities, better communication and tighter control of ivermectin stocks are required to minimize risk and manage serious adverse events following ivermectin treatment in patients co-infected with Loa loa. The importance of these serious adverse events on community participation in onchocerciasis control efforts has not been adequately studied. Program implementers do not as of yet fully understand the psychological impact of serious adverse events on communities and therefore have not designed communication strategies that adequately address the real concerns of community members. It is clear, however, that along with an effective case detection and management strategy, a reinforced communication strategy will be required to motivate at least 65% of the total population in onchocerciasis and loiasis co-endemic areas to participate in the treatment program and to take ivermectin over an extended period. This strategy must be based on research undertaken at the community level in order to address the concerns, fears and issues associated with adverse events due to ivermectin – to ensure that communities believe that the benefits of taking ivermectin outweigh the risks. In addition to an overall increase in the time required to sustain onchocerciasis control programs in co-endemic areas, each aspect of the reinforced program and communication strategy – rapid epidemiological assessments, materials development, training, advocacy, community sensitization and mobilization, case management and counselling, supervision, monitoring and evaluation will require additional resources and support from all stakeholders concerned

Using data from a nationally representative nutrition surveillance system to assess trends and influence nutrition programs and policy

The Nutritional Surveillance Project (NSP*) of Helen Keller International (HKI), Bangladesh, implemented in partnership with the Government of Bangladesh’s (GOB) Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN) from 1990 until 2006, is among the longest running surveillance systems; and was implemented with an overall goal to monitor nutrition and health status of children and mothers in Bangladesh. From 1990-1997, NSP data collection included rural and urban poor populations of disaster prone areas of Bangladesh. Since 1998, it evolved into a nationally representative nutrition surveillance system in rural Bangladesh and also continued assessing trends of malnutrition in urban poor areas. Over the 16 year period, the NSP produced plethora of information that was packaged and shared as bulletins, in peer reviewed journal articles, as presentations at conferences, seminars, workshops. The NSP had a flexible framework that allowed it to assess trends and underlying factors of malnutrition, monitor and evaluate selected programs and conduct special studies related to current and emerging issues. NSP findings were available to contribute to program development and supported policy discussions in-country and internationally. The NSP continuously highlighted the importance of monitoring, which is not only an indispensible element for a successful program, but also helps prioritization and decision making to maximize utilization of limited resources for developing countries burdened with numerous problems to address. The NSP provides an example of a technically sound surveillance system with rapid turnover of data and findings, which is imperative to successful program planning, policy formulation and tracking progress toward developmental goals.Le projet Nutritional Surveillance Project (NSP*) de l’association Helen Keller International (HKI), mis en œuvre au Bangladesh en partenariat avec l’Institute of Public Health Nutrition (IPHN), établissement gouvernemental du Bangladesh, entre 1990 et 2006, figure parmi les plus anciens systèmes de suivi encore utilisés. Son objectif était de suivre la nutrition et l’état de santé des enfants et des mères au Bangladesh. De 1990 à 1997, la collecte des données du NSP a porté sur des populations pauvres, rurales et urbaines, des régions du Bangladesh exposées aux catastrophes. Depuis 1998, le projet a évolué vers un système de suivi de la nutrition, représentatif de la politique nationale dans les régions rurales du pays, et a continué à évaluer les tendances de la malnutrition dans les zones urbaines pauvres. Au cours des seize dernières années, le NSP a généré une pléthore d’informations qui ont été regroupées et diffusées sous la forme de bulletins dans des revues spécialisées et sous la forme de présentations lors de conférences, séminaires et ateliers. Le cadre flexible du NSP a permis d’évaluer les tendances de la malnutrition et les facteurs sous-jacents, de suivre et d’évaluer les programmes sélectionnés et de conduire des études spécifiques liées à des problématiques actuelles et émergentes. Les résultats du NSP ont été utilisés pour développer des programmes et étayer des discussions sur les politiques mises en œuvre aux niveaux national et international. Le NSP a continuellement souligné l’importance du suivi, qui non seulement est indispensable à la réussite d’un programme, mais contribue aussi à la priorisation et à la prise de décisions permettant d’optimiser l’utilisation des ressources limitées pour les pays en développement qui doivent faire face à de nombreux problèmes. Le NSP est un exemple de système de suivi techniquement satisfaisant, impliquant une rotation rapide de données et de résultats, ce qui est impératif pour mener à bien la planification des programmes et l'élaboration de politiques adaptées, et pour suivre la progression vers les objectifs de développement fixés.El Proyecto de Vigilancia Nutricional (PVN*) de Helen Keller Internacional (HKI), Bangladés, puesto en marcha en colaboración con el Instituto de Nutrición Sanitaria Pública (INSP) del Gobierno de Bangladés (GB) desde 1990 hasta 2006, está entre los sistemas de vigilancia con mayor duración; y fue puesto en marcha con el objetivo general de controlar el estado nutricional y de salud de niños y madres en Bangladés. De 1990 a 1997, la recopilación de datos del PVN incluyó poblaciones rurales y urbanas pobres de áreas propensas a desastres en Bangladés. Desde 1998, evolucionó a un sistema de vigilancia nutricional representativo a nivel nacional en el Bangladés rural y también continuó evaluando las tendencias a la desnutrición en áreas urbanas pobres. A lo largo del período de 16 años, el PVN produjo una plétora de información que fue recopilada y compartida en forma de boletines, en publicaciones de periódicos revisadas por expertos, y como presentaciones en conferencias, seminarios y talleres. El PVN tuvo un marco flexible que le permitió evaluar las tendencias y factores subyacentes de la desnutrición, controlar y evaluar programas seleccionados y llevar a cabo estudios especiales relacionados con las cuestiones actuales y emergentes. Las conclusiones del PVN se pusieron a disposición para contribuir al desarrollo del programa y apoyaron debates políticos a nivel local e internacional. El PVN destacó continuamente la importancia de la vigilancia, que no es sólo un elemento indispensable para un programa de éxito, sino que también ayuda en la priorización y toma de decisiones para maximizar la utilización de recursos limitados para países en vías de desarrollo cargados con numerosos problemas para resolver. El PVN proporciona un ejemplo de un sistema de vigilancia técnicamente sólido con un rápido movimiento de datos y conclusiones, lo que es imprescindible para la planificación de un programa de éxito, formulación de políticas y seguimiento del progreso para lograr los objetivos del desarrollo

Zone of capture analysis for the A/M area of the Savannah River Site

The groundwater of the A/M Area of the Savannah River Site (SRS) is contaminated with trichloroethylene (TCE) and perchloroethylene (PCE) as the result of the past use and disposal of these solvents. For the purpose of remediating this contamination, the A/M Area of the SRS has been divided into three sectors termed the central, northern (or SRL), and southern sectors. The central portion of the A/M Area has had an active remediation system of eleven recovery wells since 1985 and its effectiveness has been evaluated through groundwater modeling. Remediation will soon begin at the northern or SRL sector with a pump and treat system of six wells distributed at four different locations with total pumping of approximately 250 gallons per minute (gpm). The locations and effectiveness of the capture system for each sector has been estimated through groundwater modeling without full consideration of the central recovery system. This report will provide an estimate of the number of recovery wells required for the southern sector and also consider the effects of the current and planned recovery systems for the northern and central plumes. The southern sector contamination (which is defined as the area south of the M-Area basin) has been initially characterized and one recovery well (RWM-16) has been installed, for which an aquifer test was performed. However, to date a recovery well system has not been designed for the southern sector nor has a comprehensive evaluation of the recovery systems for all three sectors been completed. The purpose of this groundwater modeling study is to: (1) determine the location and number of recovery wells necessary to contain or remediate the southern sector, and (2) complete an analysis of the combined central, northern and estimated southern sector remediation so that the interactions of the systems can be determined

Amount of Social Contact and Hip Fracture Mortality: SOCIAL CONTACT AND MORTALITY AFTER HIP FRACTURE

To study the association between amount of social contact and mortality after hip fracture in elderly participants

Characterizing hydrogeologic heterogeneity using lithologic data

Large-scale (>1 m) variability in hydraulic conductivity is usually the main influence on field-scale groundwater flow patterns and dispersive transport. Incorporating realistic hydraulic conductivity heterogeneity into flow and transport models is paramount to accurate simulations, particularly for contaminant migration. Sediment lithologic descriptions and geophysical logs typically offer finer spatial resolution, and therefore more potential information about site-scale heterogeneity, than other site characterization data. In this study, a technique for generating a heterogeneous, three- dimensional hydraulic conductivity field from sediment lithologic descriptions is presented. The approach involves creating a three-dimensional, fine-scale representation of mud (silt and clay) percentage using a stratified interpolation algorithm. Mud percentage is then translated into horizontal and vertical conductivity using direct correlations derived from measured data and inverse groundwater flow modeling. Lastly, the fine-scale conductivity fields are averaged to create a coarser grid for use in groundwater flow and transport modeling

Homestead food production model contributes to improved household food security and nutrition status of young children and women in poor populations

Micronutrient malnutrition is a serious public health problem among women and children in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Nepal and the Philippines. Helen Keller International has been implementing homestead food production (HFP) programs (coupled with nutrition education) in these countries to increase and ensure year-round availability and intake of micronutrient-rich foods in poor households, particularly among women and children.  Between 2003 and 2007, the HFP program was implemented among ~30,000 households in these four countries. Data collected from representative samples taken for evaluations of HFP programs in these countries illustrated the benefit of the program for households. Data were collected through interviews with households in villages that had the HFP program and from control households in non-HFP program villages. Blood samples collected from ~1000 children aged 6-59 months and ~1200 non-pregnant women before and after program implementation were analyzed for hemoglobin. The review showed that the HFP program significantly improved dietary diversification. The combined data from all four countries showed improved animal food consumption among program households, with liver consumption increasing from 24% at baseline to 46% at endline and the median number of eggs consumed by families per week increasing from 2 to 5.  The sale of HFP products also improved household income. Anemia prevalence among children in program households decreased in all the countries; however, the decrease was only significant in Bangladesh and the Philippines.  Although anemia prevalence also decreased among control households in three countries, the magnitude of change was higher in program households compared with control households.Les carences en micronutriments représentent un grave problème de santé publique chez les femmes et les enfants au Bangladesh, au Cambodge, au Népal et aux Philippines. Helen Keller International met en œuvre dans ces pays un programme de production alimentaire en exploitations familiales (homestead food production - HFP) associé à une éducation à l'alimentation afin d’augmenter et de garantir la disponibilité et la consommation d'aliments riches en micronutriments tout au long de l'année dans les foyers pauvres, et plus particulièrement chez les femmes et les enfants. Entre 2003 et 2007, le programme HFP a été mis en œuvre dans environ 30 000 foyers de ces quatre pays. Les données fournies par les échantillons représentatifs utilisés pour l'évaluation de ce programme mettent en évidence les bénéfices qu'il représente pour les familles. Ces données sont le résultat des entretiens conduits avec des familles appartenant à des villages participant au programme HFP, ainsi qu’avec des familles de contrôle dans des villages non concernés par le programme. Des analyses de l’hémoglobine ont été réalisées sur des échantillons sanguins prélevés avant et après la mise en œuvre du programme sur environ 1 000 enfants âgés de 6 à 59 mois et environ 1 200 femmes (non enceintes). L’évaluation du programme HFP a montré qu’il avait amélioré significativement la diversification alimentaire. Les données combinées des quatre pays montrent une amélioration de la consommation de produits d’origine animale chez les familles du programme. La consommation de foie est passée de 24 % à 46 %, et le nombre médian d’œufs consommés par semaine et par famille est passé de 2 à 5. La vente des produits issus du programme HFP a également amélioré les revenus de ces foyers. La prévalence de l’anémie chez les enfants participant au programme a diminué dans tous les pays. Cette diminution n'était cependant significative qu'au Bangladesh et aux Philippines. Bien que, dans trois pays, la prévalence de l’anémie ait également diminué chez les familles de contrôle, la différence était plus grande chez les familles participant au programme en comparaison avec les familles de contrôle.La malnutrición en micronutrientes es un problema de salud pública serio entre las mujeres y los niños en Bangladesh, Camboya, Nepal y Filipinas. En estos países Helen Keller International ha implementado programas de producción de alimentos en casa (PAC), conjuntamente con una educación en nutrición, para aumentar y asegurar la disponibilidad y el consumo todo el año de alimentos ricos en micronutrientes en hogares desfavorecidos, en particular entre las mujeres y los niños. Entre 2003 y 2007, el programa PAC fue aplicado en unos 30.000 hogares en estos cuatro países. Los datos obtenidos de las muestras representativas tomadas para la evaluación de los programas PAC en dichos países mostraron los beneficios del programa para los hogares. Los datos fueron recogidos a través de entrevistas con hogares en los pueblos en los que se aplicó el programa PAC y con hogares de control en pueblos sin el programa PAC. Antes y después de la implementación del programa, se tomaron muestras de sangre de unos 1000 niños entre 6 y 59 meses de edad y de unas 1200 mujeres no embarazadas; dichas muestras fueron analizadas para ver la hemoglobina. El estudio revela que el programa PAC mejoró de manera significativa la diversificación en la dieta. Los datos combinados de los cuatro países mostraron una mejoría en el consumo de alimentos de origen animal entre los hogares afiliados al programa, con un aumento del consumo de hígado de 24 % al comienzo a 46 % al final, y un aumento de 2 a 5 del número medio de huevos consumidos por familia y por semana. La venta de productos PAC también mejoró los ingresos del hogar. La prevalencia de anemia en los niños de hogares afiliados al programa disminuyó en todos los países; sin embargo, la disminución sólo fue significativa en Bangladesh y Filipinas. Aunque la prevalencia de anemia también disminuyó entre los hogares de control en tres países, la magnitud del cambio fue mayor en hogares del programa que en hogares de control