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A demonstration project evaluated a range of sampling methods and supporting techniques for tackling lead in drinking water in Alberta Province, with the cities of Calgary and Edmonton as case studies. The sampling protocols specified by Health Canada in their 2009 guidance were confirmed to need further improvement and clarification; these sampling protocols produce results that are subject to variable influences and do not provide a sufficiently clear basis for identifying corrosion control needs nor for demonstrating the success or otherwise of mitigation measures. Instead, it was concluded that a risk assessment and risk management approach would be better suited to tackling the lead in drinking water problem in Canadian cities and townships. This can be applied in a more pragmatic manner that reflects the circumstances of individual water supply systems, using drinking water safety plans as the foundation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A gravity dust-catcher separates a mixture of dusts from the spent top gas flow of a blast furnace. These dusts are predominantly made up of limestone, iron ore and coke/coal. As a result of the turbulent gas flow patterns within a dust-catcher, modelling of the flow pattern can be very complex, attributed to the turbulent vortices that can be formed within the main body of the structure. Using data from an experimental prototype test rig, a simple model to capture the lift-off characteristics of particle lift-off from dust pile surfaces is created and incorporated into a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the dust-catcher. The variation of particle separation performance over a typical blast furnace (BF) operational cycle is analysed. An attempt is made to explain the observed phenomena in terms of particle–fluid interaction. It is found that particle separation efficiency is largely unaffected by dust lift-off at low dust-catcher hopper fullness levels, but is significant at higher levels. It is found that the topography of the dust surface is important when predicting particle lift-off trends. It is concluded that this is due to the exposure experienced by a given particle when subjected to a surface velocity. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the transition of care experienced by teenagers suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The authors explore various issues that should be addressed when initiating a successful treatment transition for the patients. They mention that one of the challenges that caregivers may face is their resentment regarding retelling their complex medical history of IBD.

Objective. Investigating the secretory immune response during the acute phase of diarrhoeal disease is hampered by difficulty in collecting suitable control specimens. This is particularly the case in infants, as they are the most severely affected by this disease. In this study we examined the mucosal immunoglobulin response during the acute phase of diarrhoeal disease in infants. Material and methods. The intestinal outputs of secretory immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM) and non-secretory proteins (IgG, albumin, Al AT, eosinophil cationic protein (ECP)) were measured in 14 African children with acute watery diarrhoea (less than 3 days). These data were compared with those of 38 controls from the same area who had undergone whole-gut lavage (WGL) (inducing non-pathogenic watery diarrhoea) in a previous study of intestinal immunity and inflammation. Intestinal secretion rates were measured by multiplying the concentration of the substances by the rate of administration of WGL fluid (equal to the output) or by the output of diarrhoea. Statistical comparison was made using the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results. IgA output in subjects with diarrhoea was 1.8-fold greater (80.7 versus 45.6 mg/kg/day, p = 0.03), whereas IgM output was 10-fold greater (21 versus 2.1 mg/kg/day, p =0.0001). Albumin, A1AT and IgG were all also greater to varying degrees (2.5-6.8-fold). ECP was unchanged. Increases in the non-secretory proteins would suggest increased permeability of the gastrointestinal tract but transudation of serum was insufficient to explain the rise in immunoglobulin output. Conclusions. The 10-fold increase in IgM secretion compared with a smaller relative increase in IgA suggests that this is the primary mucosal immune response in acute diarrhoeal disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a short report on gut inflammation study in children with cystic fibrosis. Fibrosing colonopathy; Whole-gut Lavage; Results of study; Discussion; References.

Heap leach operations typically employ some form of modelling and forecasting tools to predict cash flow margins and project viability. However, these vary from simple spreadsheets to phenomenological models, with more complex models not commonly employed as they require the greatest amount of time and effort. Yet, accurate production modelling and forecasting are essential for managing production and potentially critical for successful operation of a complex heap, time and effort spent in setting up modelling tools initially may increase profitability in the long term. A brief overview of various modelling approaches is presented, but this paper focuses on the capabilities of a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. Advances in computational capability allow for complex CFD models, coupled with leach kinetic models, to be applied to complex ore bodies. In this paper a comprehensive hydrodynamic CFD model is described and applied to chalcopyrite dissolution under heap operating conditions. The model is parameterized against experimental data and validated against a range of experimental leach tests under different thermal conditions. A three-dimensional 'virtual' heap, under fluctuating meteorological conditions, is simulated. Continuous and intermittent irrigation is investigated, showing copper recovery per unit volume of applied leach solution to be slightly increased for pulse irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planning curricula have continually evolved to meet changing societal needs, technological change and employer expectations. The professional accrediting body in the United Kingdom, the Royal Town Planning Institute, stipulates the core planning skills required, differentiating between formal classroom-based learning and professional competencies, derived in practice. Previous research identified the need to address perceived inadequacies in graduate planners’ practical skills, such as decision-making, leadership, and communication, including negotiating, influencing and using evidence. Emphasis has also been placed on planning schools sharing innovative practice to improve student learning. This paper critically reflects on the challenges of teaching diverse cohorts and presents the findings from a sponsored teaching exchange research programme. Case studies drawn from each institution are used to illustrate practice-orientated planning education approaches in the classroom to better equip students for the workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The legitimacy and effectiveness of community engagement in planning lies in the extent to which the public can access the information required for informed decision-making. The control of ‘commercially sensitive material’ by local authorities acting as gatekeepers is a therefore a challenging area of information management within the planning application process. Through the analysis of key cases in England, this paper identifies that regulations do provide for ‘commercially sensitive material’ to be released to communities in many cases, but there is a need to achieve better transparency for communities about what information should be available about a development proposal. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Separating particulates from blast furnace top gas can pose a significant challenge to process industries. As a result, the correct decision must be made to economically and productively extract dust from the top gas flow. The primary separation phase of a blast furnace gas cleaning plant can use a gravity dust-catcher, but increasingly, gas cyclone separators are being used due to their superior cleaning abilities and markedly enhanced efficiency. Flow patterns within cyclone separators are complex due to the anisotropic nature of such systems, making it difficult to accurately predict fluid and particle performance. Two cyclone configurations are considered, a single and triple inlet, to see if cyclone performance can be improved with different inlet section configurations. The fluid flow profile and particle separation efficiency performance subjected to a specific flue dust distribution is analysed. CFD simulations using the RSM turbulence model in ANSYS Fluent v.13 are undertaken. It is concluded that the triple inlet cyclone configuration is the better solution due to lower pressure drop, near identical efficiency performance to the single inlet configuration, and the potential for reduced wear rates as a result of lower inlet and rotational flow velocities in the cyclone body, whilst still maintaining a stable vortex air core. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A gravity dust-catcher is a high tonnage device that is widely used to separate a mixture of dusts from blast furnace (BF) top gas flow. Dusts include limestone, iron ore and coke/coal. The flow pattern within the dust-catcher is complex due to the turbulent vortices formed within, consequently making it hard to accurately predict dust-catcher performance. Using data from an on-site dust-catcher, CFD simulations are conducted on a range of geometry modifications to produce an optimised dust-catcher design specification. The effect on particle separation efficiency during a typical blast furnace (BF) operational cycle is analysed. An attempt is made to develop and optimise a more efficient gravity dust-catcher using CFD simulation results at distinct stages of the design process. It is concluded that the newly patented dust-catcher design, can control the air flow profile much more effectively than the existing on-site design, being approximately 48% more efficient on average, from a particle separation efficiency perspective. The design may provide an effective low cost alternative to a gas separation cyclone. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Flow characteristics in coastal regions are strongly influenced by the topography of the seabed and understanding the fluid dynamics is necessary before installation of tidal stream turbines (TST). In this paper, the bathymetry of a potential TST deployment site is used in the development of the a CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) model. The steady state k-ϵ and transient Large Eddy Simulation (LES) turbulence methods are employed and compared. The simulations are conducted with a fixed representation of the ocean surface, i.e., a rigid lid representation. In the vicinity of Horse Rock a study of the pressure difference shows that the small change in height of the water column is negligible, providing confidence in the simulation results. The stream surface method employed to visualise the results has important inherent characteristics that can enhance the visual perception of complex flow structures. The results of all cases are compared with the flow data transect gathered by an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP). It has been understood that the k-ϵ method can predict the flow pattern relatively well near the main features of the domain and the LES model has the ability to simulate some important flow patterns caused by the bathymetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Despite the many courses of fixed orthodontic treatment being undertaken worldwide, the question of this treatment harming children's diets remains unanswered. Methods: A hospital-based prospective cohort design was adopted to investigate the effects of treatment on dietary intake and behaviour, body fat (BMI) and fat percentage in 124 patients (41.9% male) aged 11-14 (mean 13.1, SD 0.91) years, consecutively recruited to test and control groups. Both groups completed socio-demographic and food frequency questionnaires, body mass index (BMI) and body fat percentage measures at baseline and followup. Test patients completed follow-up pain diaries and dietary questionnaires. Results: Both groups were comparable at baseline, with a dropout rate of 12.1%. The impact on dietary behaviour was significantly higher at 6 weeks compared to 3 months (P < 0.002). Pain (biological factor), analgesic consumption or professional dietary advice (behaviour modification) had no influence whilst, a high BMI status at baseline appeared to be the only significant moderator of change in fat percentage (P < 0.05) and impacts on dietary behav- iour (P < 0.049) at follow-up. Conclusions: The findings show no significant detrimental effect on dietary intake or behav- iour, BMI and fat percentage, during the first 3 months, of orthodontic treatment and may impart a beneficial/protective effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] A case has been put forward for using a gas cyclone with a blast furnace gas plant. [•] A patented dust-catcher has been provided as a low cost alternative to a cyclone. • A gas cyclone has been shown to be extremely efficient at separating dust from gas. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The objective of this study was to demonstrate the potential of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations in predicting the levels of haemolysis in ventricular assist devices (VADs). Three different prototypes of a radial flow VAD have been examined experimentally and computationally using CFD modelling to assess device haemolysis. Numerical computations of the flow field were computed using a CFD model developed with the use of the commercial software Ansys CFX 13 and a set of custom haemolysis analysis tools. Experimental values for the Normalised Index of Haemolysis (NIH) have been calculated as 0.020g/100L, 0.014g/100L and 0.0042g/100L for the three designs. Numerical analysis predicts an NIH of 0.021g/100L, 0.017g/100L and 0.0057g/100L, respectively. The actual differences between experimental and numerical results vary between 0.0012 and 0.003g/100L, with a variation of 5% for Pump 1 and slightly larger percentage differences for the other pumps. The work detailed herein demonstrates how CFD simulation and, more importantly, the numerical prediction of haemolysis may be used as an effective tool in order to help the designers of VADs manage the flow paths within pumps resulting in a less haemolytic device. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Interest in renewable, green, and sustainable energy has risen sharply in recent years. The use of marine turbines to extract kinetic energy from the tidal current is gaining popularity. CFD modeling is carried out to investigate the surrounding flow behavior and thus develop effective marine turbine systems. However, visualizing the simulation results remains a challenging task for engineers. In this paper, we develop, explore and present customized visualization techniques in order to help engineers gain a fast overview and intuitive insight into the flow past the marine turbine. The system exploits multiple-coordinated information-assisted views of the CFD simulation data. Our application consists of a tabular histogram, velocity histogram, parallel coordinate plot, streamline plot and spatial views. Information-based streamline seeding is used to investigate the behavior of the flow deemed interesting to the engineer. Specialized, application-specific information based on swirling flow is derived and visualized in order to evaluate turbine blade design. To demonstrate the usage of our system, a selection of specialized case scenarios designed to answer the core questions brought out by engineers is described. We also report feedback on our system from CFD experts researching marine turbine simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background and aim: Preliminary data highlight the importance of appropriate transition for successful transfer of adolescents with IBD from paediatric to adult care. The aim of this study was to identify both the perceived needs of adolescent IBD patients and the barriers to successful transition from the perspective of professionals involved in their care. Methods: A postal questionnaire was distributed to UK adult and paediatric gastroenterologists with an interest in IBD. The questionnaire utilised closed questions as well as ranked items on the importance of the various competencies of adolescents with IBD required for successful transition. Results: Response rate of 62% and 49% for paediatric and adult gastroenterologists respectively was achieved. A structured transition service was perceived as very important by 80% paediatric compared to 47% adult gastroenterologists (p=0.001). A higher proportion of adult than paediatric gastroenterologists identified inadequacies in the preparation of adolescents for transfer (79% and 42%, p=0.001). The main areas of perceived deficiency in preparation identified were patient lack of knowledge about the condition and treatment, lack of self advocacy and co-ordination of care. Lack of resources, clinical time, and a critical mass of patients were the factors ranked highest by both groups as barriers to transition care. Both adult (65%) and paediatric gastroenterologists (62%) highlighted suboptimal training in adolescent medicine for adult gastroenterologists. Conclusions: This survey highlights differences in the perception of adult and paediatric gastroenterologists in the management of transition care and perceived competencies for adolescents with IBD. Lack of training and inadequate resources are the main barriers identified for development of a successful transition service. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective: Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) is a major cause of acute diarrhoea in children in the developing world, in travellers and in the military. Safe, effective vaccines could reduce morbidity and mortality. As immunity to ETEC is strain specific, the ability to create vaccines in vitro which express multiple antigens would be desirable. It was hypothesised that three genetically attenuated ETEC strains, one with a genetic addition, would be immunogenic and safe, and they were evaluated in the first licensed UK release of genetically modified oral vaccines. Methods: Phase 1 studies of safety and immunogenicity were carried out at a Teaching Hospital in London. Varying oral doses of any of three oral vaccines, or placebo, were administered to volunteers of both sexes (n = 98). Peripheral blood responses were measured as serum antibodies (IgG or IgA) by ELISA, antibody- secreting cell (ASC) responses by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT), and antibody in lymphocyte supernatant (ALS) by ELISA. Mucosal antibody secretion was measured by ELISA for specific IgG and IgA in whole gut lavage fluids (WGLFs). Results: Significant mucosal IgA responses were obtained to colonisation factors CFA/I, CS1, CS2 and CS3, both when naturally expressed and when genetically inserted. Dose-response relationships were most clearly evident in the mucosal IgA in WGLF. Vaccines were well tolerated and did not elicit interleukin (IL) 8 or IL6 secretion in WGLF. Conclusions: Genetically modified ETEC vaccines are safe and induce significant mucosal IgA responses to important colonisation factors. Mucosal IgA responses were clearly seen in WGLF, which is useful for evaluating oral vaccines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inflammatory diseases frequently impair linear growth. Crohn's disease inhibits growth in up to one third of affected children. In rats with trinitrobenzenesulphonic acid-induced colitis, 40% of growth impairment is attributable to inflammation, with the rest being due to undernutrition. In transgenic mice without inflammation, raised IL-6 retards growth, suppressing insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I. We hypothesized that IL-6, induced by intestinal inflammation, suppresses growth and inhibits IGF-I expression. Therefore, an anti-IL-6 Ab was given to rats with trinitrobenzene- sulphonic acid colitis. The Ab did not improve nutrient intake or decrease inflammation compared with untreated disease controls, but it significantly restored linear growth (P = 0.023) and increased IGF-I (P = 0.05). In humans, the IL-6 -174 G/C promoter polymorphism affects IL-6 transcription, with the GG genotype inducing the greatest IL-6 levels. Because IL-6 is increased in Crohn's disease, we further hypothesized that growth failure would vary with the IL-6 -174 genotype. At diagnosis, among 153 children with Crohn's disease, those with the IL-6 GG genotype were more growth- retarded than those with the GC or CC genotypes (height SD score, -0.51 vs. -0.10; p = 0.031). Also, the patients with the IL-6 GG genotype had higher circulating levels of C-reactive protein, an IL-6-induced product (36 vs. 18 mg/dl, P = 0.028). However, their risk of developing Crohn's disease was similar to other genotypes when compared with 351 healthy controls (P = 0.7). Thus, the IL-6 -174 genotype mediates growth failure in children with Crohn's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article authors reports on an assessment of its parallel scalability on a range of increasingly complex models drawn from actual industrial problems, on three contemporary parallel cluster systems. Although the code uses finite volume methods on unstructured meshes, typical of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) calculations, the simulations are complicated by two factors: firstly, the cocktail of physics is much more complex than conventional CFD and varies both in time and space across the solution domain, and secondly, the simultaneous exploitation of a variety of discretization methods. In this article authors have illustrated how a parallelization strategy for heterogeneous multiphysics simulation, similar to conventional CFD unstructured mesh codes, can be employed effectively. The load-balancing task is then devolved to the mesh partitioner, which the earlier work assumed would have to be multiphase to account adequately for the impact of the multiphysics behavior on the heterogeneity of the load balance. The code used in this paper is being continually developed and improved. Included in current work is an investigation of solution strategies that deal more effectively with non-homogeneous loads over a mesh.