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Background: Computerised neuropsychological assessments (CNAs) are proposed as more accessible and culturally appropriate alternatives to traditional pencil‐and‐paper neuropsychological assessments (PnPAs) for diagnosing dementia in diverse populations. Whilst some PnPAs have demonstrated cultural and linguistic bias, research investigating the suitability of CNAs for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) individuals is limited, especially outside of the United States. Method: This study compared cognitive performance in a heterogenous sample of older Australian CALD English‐speakers and an L1 English‐speaking background (ESB) sample. Cross‐sectional data were drawn from the ongoing CogSCAN Study. Participants were 212 community‐dwelling individuals aged 60‐95 years without a dementia diagnosis (159 ESB/53 CALD). Participants completed a PnPA and/or CNAs, sessions were counterbalanced accordingly. CNA sessions involved two of four commercially‐available CNAs in a randomised order. Differences in the level and pattern of cognitive performance between groups on two CNAs (CANTAB/Cogstate) and a comprehensive PnPA in English, controlling for sociodemographic and health factors, are reported here. Selection of key variables for examination were based on previous findings (PnPA) and test developer recommendations (CNAs). Result: Sample characteristics are summarised in Table 1. CALD participants' cognitive performance on individual tests (Figure 1) was largely comparable to ESB participants on PnPA and each CNA. Significant differences between groups, after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons, were observed for the Boston Naming Test (PnPA; a language test widely criticised for use with CALD populations due to culturally biased stimuli) and Rapid Visual Information Processing (CANTAB; a test of attention/processing speed). Among participants who completed PnPA and Cogstate, a significant interaction between group and assessment type on global cognitive performance was observed; ESB participants outperformed CALD participants on PnPA, but not on Cogstate (Figure 2). No significant main effects or interaction were observed in PnPA versus CANTAB. Conclusion: These results showed fewer and smaller discrepancies across groups and assessment types than has been found in previous literature with other CALD samples, perhaps reflecting higher levels of English proficiency, acculturation, and education in English than previous cohorts. Work in progress is investigating the influence of linguistic and acculturation factors on cognitive performance in a larger and more diverse sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A special‐purpose Committee on DNA Sequences as Types was established at the XIX International Botanical Congress (IBC) in Shenzhen, China, in 2017, with a mandate to report to the XX IBC in Madrid in 2024 with recommendations on a preferred course of action with respect to potential amendments of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants to allow DNA sequences as types. This is the first in an expected series of papers from the Special‐purpose Committee on this issue. We set out the background to the establishment of the Committee, explore key issues around typification that are pertinent to the question of DNA sequences as types, enumerate pros and cons of allowing DNA sequences as types, and foreshadow options for future discussion and potential recommendations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The neuromodulatory subcortical system (NSS) nuclei are critical hubs for survival, hedonic tone, and homeostasis. Tau‐associated NSS degeneration occurs early in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis, long before the emergence of pathognomonic memory dysfunction and cortical lesions. Accumulating evidence supports the role of NSS dysfunction and degeneration in the behavioral and neuropsychiatric manifestations featured early in AD. Experimental studies even suggest that AD‐associated NSS degeneration drives brain neuroinflammatory status and contributes to disease progression, including the exacerbation of cortical lesions. Given the important pathophysiologic and etiologic roles that involve the NSS in early AD stages, there is an urgent need to expand our understanding of the mechanisms underlying NSS vulnerability and more precisely detail the clinical progression of NSS changes in AD. Here, the NSS Professional Interest Area of the International Society to Advance Alzheimer's Research and Treatment highlights knowledge gaps about NSS within AD and provides recommendations for priorities specific to clinical research, biomarker development, modeling, and intervention. Highlights: Neuromodulatory nuclei degenerate in early Alzheimer's disease pathological stages.Alzheimer's pathophysiology is exacerbated by neuromodulatory nuclei degeneration.Neuromodulatory nuclei degeneration drives neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia.Biomarkers of neuromodulatory integrity would be value‐creating for dementia care.Neuromodulatory nuclei present strategic prospects for disease‐modifying therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Human herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) is discussed to induce amyloid‐β (Aβ) accumulation and neurofibrillary tangles of hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) in cell culture and animal models. Aβ appears to be virostatic. We investigated the association between intrathecal antibodies against HSV or cytomegalovirus (CMV) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) AD biomarkers. Methods: Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio, pTau, and tTau were measured in CSF of 117 patients with early AD positive for amyloid pathology (A+) and 30 healthy controls (A‐). CSF‐to‐serum anti‐HSV1/2‐IgG antibody indices (AI‐IgGHSV1/2) and CMV (AI‐IgGCMV) were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Exclusively in HSV1‐seropositive AD, pTau was positively and significantly predicted by AI‐IgGHSV1/2 and negatively by the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio in both univariate and multivariate regression analyses. Furthermore, a significant and negative interaction between the AI‐IgGHSV1/2 and Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio on pTau was found. Discussion: The results support the hypothesis that HSV infection contributes to AD. Highlights: HSV antibody index is positively associated with tau pathology in patients with AD.HSV antibody index is negatively associated with cerebral FDG metabolism.Amyloid modulates the association of HSV antibody index with CSF‐pTau.HSV in AD offers a pathophysiological model connecting tau and amyloid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is critical to improve illness management and outcomes, making neuropsychological measures an essential tool for clinicians. Research has demonstrated that proactive semantic interference (PSI) and failure to recover from PSI (frPSI) are sensitive to cognitive changes in early mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and preclinical AD determined by Aβ load using PET (Loewenstein et al., 2018; Matias‐Guiu et al., 2017; Curiel et al., 2019). These novel constructs are assessed by the LASSI‐L (Crocco et al., 2018; Crocco et al., 2020). The aim of the current study was to compare a new computerized version of this measure, the LASSI‐BC, to the standard paper‐and‐pencil version of the test. Method: 110 cognitively unimpaired (CU) older adults and 79 older adults diagnosed with amnestic MCI (aMCI) were administered the paper‐and‐pencil form of the LASSI‐L, whereas 62 CU and 52 aMCI participants were administered the LASSI‐BC. Their performance was compared to assess the validity of the LASSI‐BC to discriminate between different diagnostic groups. Result: To assess the validity of the computerized version, both the aMCI and CU groups were compared using χ2 test for categorical variables and ANOVA for continuous variables, with adjustment for covariates such as degree of initial learning, sex, education, and language of evaluation. The performance of CU and aMCI groups using either form was relatively commensurate. Notably, sensitivity and specificity of measures of PSI and frPSI on both versions were calculated to assess diagnostic validity, yielding the following Results Sensitivity of 86.5%, Specificity of 88.1%, and Overall Classification of 87.4% for the LASSI‐BC relative to a Sensitivity of 65.0%, Specificity of 83.6%, and Overall Classification of 75.8% obtained for the paper‐and‐pencil LASSI‐L. Conclusion: The LASSI‐BC displayed exceptionally high diagnostic validity which was comparable to the well‐established LASSI‐L. Notably, the advantages of the LASSI‐BC include a more standardized administration, suitability for remote assessment, and an automated scoring mechanism that can be verified by a built‐in audio recording of responses. These findings support the LASSI‐BC, a novel computerized assessment, as an exceptional tool for the early identification of individuals at risk of progressing to dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The HABS‐HD study is an epidemiological study of aging in diverse populations and began transitioning from entirely paper‐based charting to electronic data capture (EDC) in 2018. As the study evolved, the team realized that neuropsychological testing, scoring, and quality review consumed many resources and much staff time. This abstract aims to describe how the HABS‐HD study moved from paper‐based capture of neuropsychological data to EDC with a small data team. Method: The HABS‐HD staff recognized the time commitment for scoring and reviewing scores for the neuropsychological assessment, which created a delay between a participant completing the study and the research diagnosis. Senior research assistants worked with internal developers to create an EDC for the neuropsychological assessment. The data core is small and consists of a director, an assistant director, two developers, two data entry personnel, and a clinician. Specific components were completed on paper to prevent an increase in equipment cost and maintain methodological consistency. These components were reviewed post‐assessment, and a senior research assistant directly entered the scores into the EDC. Result: The EDC neuropsychological assessment was tested before going live. The team adapted data capture from the older method into the EDC. The new system allows the research director to obtain statistics of individual testers and provide more training as needed. It also permits more senior personnel to review the paper components and enter them directly into the EDC, which improves throughput. Conclusion: Smaller data core teams can transition larger projects from paper methods to EDC. The change does not need to be entirely paper or electronic, but investigators should evaluate which methodologies function best for their populations. Finally, communication between the personnel capturing the data, reviewing the quality of the capture, and writing the EDC software is essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: It is crucial to develop non‐pharmacological interventions to help people with dementia. Among different types of non‐pharmaceutical interventions for dementia, art therapy interventions have been shown helpful for improving patients' physiological and mental states, in particular their cognitive performances, cognitive functionalities, including emotional states, verbal fluency, and behavioral reactions. We use Interactive Drawing Therapy (IDT), proposed by Russell Withers, as an art therapeutic method for people with dementia and to explore the method's effectiveness, we suggest developing a vocal assessment method. Method: We will recruit participants with mild AD and individuals without dementia and divide them into two groups, an experimental group that will attend the IDT sessions and a control group that won't be offered the IDT sessions. All participants will attend two picture description sessions while they describe the cookie theft picture or the picnic scene. For the experimental group, we will offer attending two IDT sessions between two picture description sessions. During the first IDT session, the art therapist helps participants draw their thoughts about what he is doing during the day and describe their feelings. During the second IDT session, the art therapist shows one of the pictures, "Man changing the bulb" or "The Cat in the Tree," and asks them to describe the picture with drawing and writing words. We collect speeches of participants during picture description and IDT sessions. The cognitive status of each participant will be measured using the Mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) test. Result: We will aim to develop a binary classifier to distinguish patients with improved verbal fluency from patients without any enhancements in verbal fluency. It can be a part of a vocal assessment method to assess improvements in verbal fluency of patients attending IDT sessions which will be designed by combing the picture description. We also expect that such IDT sessions can enhance the verbal fluency of patients with dementia. Conclusion: This study will promise to develop a vocal system to discover the effectiveness of IDT for peoplewith dementia. As a part of this study we aim to identify linguistic and acoustic features that might change during the IDT sessions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) are a powerful preventive therapy for cardiac sudden death, there are some populations in whom ICDs cannot be applied because of a lack of a definitive indication (grey‐zone patients), such as in patients during the acute phase of cardiac injury with a susceptible risk for lethal arrhythmias. In such patients, wearable cardioverter defibrillators (WCDs) provide safer bridging period during the acute phase until the final decision‐making for the ICD use and it may eliminate any inappropriate overuse of ICDs in the subacute phase. The JCS/JHRS practical guidelines provide the criteria for WCD use in Japan. Nevertheless, the evidence for that is totally limited in Japan and is dependent on the accumulation of actual real‐world data from other countries in order to be able to discuss the appropriate criteria for WCD use. This study will be conducted retrospectively and/or prospectively, and is an observational and multicenter study among Japanese institutions (J‐WCDR, Japan WCD Registry). This will provide evidence for WCD use in our own country and contribute to upcoming updates for the future guideline revisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sixth generation will exploit satellite, aerial, and terrestrial platforms jointly to improve radio access capability and unlock the support of on‐demand edge cloud services in three‐dimensional (3D) space, by incorporating mobile edge computing (MEC) functionalities on aerial platforms and low‐orbit satellites. This will extend the MEC support to devices and network elements in the sky and forge a space‐borne MEC, enabling intelligent, personalized, and distributed on‐demand services. End users will experience the impression of being surrounded by a distributed computer, fulfilling their requests with apparently zero latency. In this paper, we consider an architecture that provides communication, computation, and caching (C3) services on demand, anytime, and everywhere in 3D space, integrating conventional ground (terrestrial) base stations and flying (non‐terrestrial) nodes. Given the complexity of the overall network, the C3 resources and management of aerial devices need to be jointly orchestrated via artificial intelligence‐based algorithms, exploiting virtualized network functions dynamically deployed in a distributed manner across terrestrial and non‐terrestrial nodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large areas of mine tailings are reclaimed by applying organic amendments such as paper mill sludge (PMS). Although mining industries can use PMS freshly generated by paper mills, operational constraints on paper industries make temporary landfilling of this material an unavoidable alternative for the paper industries, creating the most prominent PMS source for mining industries. This study aimed to quantify soil greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (N2O, CO2, and CH4) after application of landfilled PMS (LPMS; i.e., excavated from a landfill site at a paper mill) and LPMS combined with a seeding treatment of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) on nonacidic mine tailings site prior to reforestation. Soil N2O, CO2, and CH4 fluxes were measured after applications of 50 and 100 Mg dry LPMS ha-1 during two consecutive snowfree seasons on two adjacent sites; LPMS was applied once in the first season. The LPMS application increased N2O emissions (7.6 to 34.7 kg N2O-N ha-1, comprising 1.04 to 2.43% of applied N) compared with the unamended control during the first season; these emissions were negligible during the second season. The LPMS application increased CO2 emissions (~5800 to 11,400 kg CO2-C ha-1, comprising 7 to 27% of applied C) compared with the unamended control on both sites and in both seasons. Fluxes of CH4 were negligible. White clover combined with LPMS treatments did not affect soil GHG emissions. These new GHG emission factors should be integrated into life-cycle analyses to evaluate the C footprint of potential symbioses between the mining and paper industries. Future research should focus on the effect of PMS applications on soil GHG emissions from a variety of mine tailings under various management practices and climatic conditions to plan responsible and sustainable land reclamation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Regulatory policies to manage land application of organic materials are risk based, with focus on the quality of these residuals. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) determined that limited information was available on pulp and paper biosolids (PPB) with respect to human enteric pathogens. To address this data gap, MOECC conducted an extensive survey (2005-2006) across Ontario to characterize the microbiological quality of PPB. Quantitative testing was performed for fecal indicators (Escherichia coli, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens) and enteric pathogens (Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, Cryptosporidium, and Giardia) using matrix-validated methods. Comparative benchmark materials (soils and soil amendments) were analyzed concurrently for risk comparison. Results showed that detection rates in PPB were low, 5 to 25% for pathogens and <55% for E. coli. Salmonella, Cryptosporidium, and Shigella were found at low frequency (6-8% of samples) and at low mean concentrations (2 most probable number g-1 dry wt., 9 oocysts g-1 dry wt., and 7 cells g-1 dry wt., respectively). Giardia was more frequently observed (19% of samples), with a mean of 30 cysts g-1 dry wt. Pathogen concentrations in PPB were generally equivalent to or higher than those in soils, composts, and pelletized sewage biosolids but significantly lower than in sewage biosolids. Escherichia coli levels exceeded standards (1000 colonyforming units g-1 dry wt.) in one-third of samples, most often in fresh PPB rather than stored and lagoon solids. Microbial quality of PPB across all surveyed mills tended to be variable and sector-and/or site-specific but in many cases would not consistently meet Canadian federal fertilizers standards. These findings were important to inform Ontario's nutrient management regulations, supporting classification of PPB as higher pathogen risk than compost and commercial fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Academy of Cancer Sciences (EACS) is an independent advisory body of well‐recognised medical specialists and researchers striving to create a compelling interactive continuum of cancer research, from innovative basic research to implementation of state‐of‐the‐art evidence‐based cancer care and prevention. Achieving the above will entail bridging high‐quality basic and preclinical cancer research to research on prevention, early detection and therapeutics as well as improving coordination of translational research efforts across Europe. The latter is expected to be expedited through quality assuring translational cancer research in Comprehensive Cancer Centres – entities that link research with the healthcare system – and networks of cancer research centres. Achieving a critical mass of expertise, resources and patients is crucial. Improving late translational research, which involves clinical studies to assess effectiveness, and added value for the health care is also a high priority. Both high‐quality Big Data collections and the intelligent use of these data will promote innovation in cancer research and support outcomes research to assess clinical utility, quality of cancer care and long‐term follow‐up of treated patients. The EACS supports the mission‐oriented approach recently proposed by the European Commission in Horizon Europe to deal with major challenges and would like to persuade the EU and its member states to formally launch a mission in cancer to boost and streamline the cancer research continuum in Europe. Building a coherent translational cancer research continuum with a focus on patients and individuals at risk will require, however, foresight as well as the extensive and continuous provision of evidence‐based advice to inform policy. The European Academy of Cancer Sciences (EACS), an independent advisory body of medical specialists and researchers, has issued a position paper encouraging the European Union and its member states to formally launch a mission to boost and streamline cancer research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to establish an appropriate mixture ratio of fly ash (F) to optimized cow dung-waste paper mixtures (CP) to develop a high-quality vermicompost using earthworms (Eisenia fetida). Fly ash was mixed with cow dung-waste paper mixtures at ratios of (F:CP) 1:1,1:2,1:3,2:1, and 3:1 or CP alone and composted for 14 wk. Olsen P, inorganic N (NO3, NO2, and NH4), C:N ratio, ash content, microbial biomass C, and humification parameters were measured together with scanning electron micrograph images to determine compost maturity. Based on C:N ratio, the extent of vermidegradation of the waste mixtures followed the decreasing order (F:CP) of 1:3 > 1:2 > 1:1 > CP alone >2:1 > 3:1. Similarly, Olsen P was significantly higher (P < 0.05) where earthworms were added. The mean percentage increase in extractable P was in the order CP alone > 1:2 > 1:3 > 1:1 > 2:1 > 3:1, with earthworm addition almost doubling P release across the 1:1, 1:2, and CP alone treatments. Fly ash incorporation enhanced conversion of organic N to the plant-available inorganic forms, with the 1:3 treatment resulting in the highest conversion. Scanning electron micrograph images confirmed the extent of vermidegradation reflected by the various humification parameters determined. Fly ash incorporation at the 1:2 ratio proved to be the most appropriate because it allows processing of more fly ash while giving a vermicompost with desirable maturity and nutritional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is an unmet need for a minimally invasive clinical test using samples collected by medical staff or by self‐collection to screen persons at risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD) for initial diagnosis as well as for monitoring progression. Addressing this need is even more challenging for underserved and rural populations. Currently, use of whole blood has required venipuncture and RNA extraction. None‐the‐less, AD gene expression signatures using RNA extracted from whole blood have been reported by a number of groups. We have developed a direct, extraction‐free TempO‐Seq® assay of gene expression using blood from a finger prick spotted on filter paper. This novel method is perhaps the simplest and least invasive method of obtaining a blood sample and performing a test that can be used to identify a diagnostic Alzheimer's signature. Method: The targeted sequencing of the whole transcriptome via the TempO‐Seq® gene expression assay (Yeakley, PLosOne doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0178302) was adapted to utilize blood spotted on filter paper. Samples were obtained under an IRB‐approved protocol from normal volunteers and patients clinically diagnosed with AD or Parkinson's disease (PD). Result: A protocol that eliminated interference by components of whole blood with enzymes used in molecular biology assays was successfully implemented. This permitted a TempO‐Seq assay to be carried out without extraction of RNA from the filter paper blood spots. Highly expressed genes were attenuated to increase the sensitivity with which AD biomarker genes could be measured. The shelf‐life of blood spotted filter paper stored at room temperature was greater than 6 months. AD, PD, and normal control blood samples were assayed and a proposed gene expression signature for AD was identified. Conclusion: Use of a simple gene expression‐based assay of blood from a finger prick spotted on filter paper to diagnose AD is feasible. The spotted blood sample is stable for months at room temperature, permitting self‐collection or assisted collection and mailing of samples for testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of industrial residuals in agriculture may raise concerns about soil and crop metal accumulation. A complete study using a fractionation scheme would reveal build-up in metal pools occurring after material addition and predict the transformation of metals in soil between the different forms and potential metal release into the environment. An experimental study was conducted from 2000 to 2008 on a loamy soil at Yamachiche, Quebec, Canada, to evaluate the effects of repeated annual addition of combined paper mill biosolids when applied alone or with several liming by-products on soil Cu, Zn, and Cd fractions. Wet paper mill biosolids at 0, 30, 60, or 90 Mg ha-1 and calcitic lime, lime mud, or wood ash, each at 3 Mg ha-1 with 30 Mgpaper mill biosolids ha-1, were surface applied after seeding. The soils were sampled after 6 (soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.]) and9 [corn (ZeamaysL.)] crop years and analyzed using the Tessier fractionation procedure. Results indicated that biosolids addition increased exchangeable Zn and Cd, carbonate-bound Cd, Fe-Mn oxide-bound Zn and Cd, organically bound Cu and Zn, and total Zn and Cd fractions but decreased Fe-Mn oxide-bound Cu in the uppermost 30-cm layer. With liming by-products, there was a shift from exchangeable to carbonate-bound forms. Even with very small metals addition, paper mill and liming materials increased the mobility of soil Zn and Cd after 9 yr of application, and this metal redistribution resulted into higher crop grain concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cognitive intervention is accepted as a potential therapy to prevent the incident dementia. It was found that computerized cognitive training might be effective for older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in previous studies. We aimed to find the effect of multidomain cognitive training using tablet computer on the cognitive and psychological function in patients with MCI. Method: Participants in training group (n = 15) conducted a multidomain cognitive training program using table computer and those in control group (n = 13) conducted an educational book reading twice a week for eight weeks. They were evaluated of their cognitive and psychiatric function before and after the program. The differences of the pre‐ and post‐ scores were compared between training and control groups. Result: Participants in training group showed improvement in cognitive domains such as language (p = 0.012), memory (p = 0.050), and frontal executive function (p = 0.017), and psychiatric symptoms such as apathy (p = 0.001) and quality of life (p = 0.035) after the training. Control group participants showed improvements in frontal executive function (p = 0.013), positive affect (p = 0.019), apathy (p = 0.022) and mild behavioral impairment score (p = 0.049). Between group comparison of the pre‐ and post‐training difference showed significant improvement in training group compared to control group in memory (p = 0.020), frontal executive function (p = 0.024), positive affect (p = 0.037), apathy (p = 0.048), and quality of life (p = 0.047). Conclusion: We found the effect of multidomain cognitive training using tablet computer in cognitive domain including memory and executive function, positive affect, apathy, and quality of life in MCI patients. Tablet computer cognitive training may be effective in multidomain cognitive training with transfer effect in the prodromal stage of dementia. Future trials with larger sample size and various devices would find the effect of the computerized cognitive training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land application of residuals from the forest industry can help to restore soil fertility, but few studies have assessed the effects of metal accumulation in plants. An experimental study was initiated in 2000 on a loamy soil at Yamachiche, QC, Canada, to evaluate the effects of repeated annual applications of combined paper mill biosolids, when applied alone or with several liming by-products. This study assessed the accumulation of Cu, Zn, Mo, and Cd in plants and soil after 6 (soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]) and 9 [corn (Zea mays L.)] crop yr. Wet paper mill biosolids at 0, 30, 60, or 90 Mg ha-1 were surface applied after seeding. Calcitic lime, lime mud, and wood ash were applied wet each at 3 Mg ha-1 with 30 Mg wet paper mill biosolids ha-1. Repeated applications of paper mill biosolids increased plant and soil metal concentrations after 6 and 9 yr in the order of Cd > Mo (soybean) > Zn > Cu. Liming increased soil pH and Mo availability and decreased Zn and Cd availability. Metals in crop stover responded more positively to applications than those in grains, but the concentrations in plant tissues were generally well below critical values. The Cu/Mo ratio of soybean plants at pH > 6.8 fell below 2:1, however, and may pose a risk for inducing Cu metabolism disorder in ruminants. Results of this study indicate that paper mill biosolids and alkaline residuals, when applied with respect to regulations and soil pH, have a limited effect on metal accumulation in plants and soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fabriano paper was aged by irradiation with ultraviolet light (λ=310) in a veterometer for 300 hours. At fixed time intervals, samples of the paper under test were analysed by titanium dioxide photosensor to determine electrochemically the ‘environmental persistence’ index, by a suitable conductimeter method, to determine the specific conductivity variation and by thermogravimetry to determine the moisture content, the onset temperature of the cellulose degradation process and the value of the activation energy of the same process. The behaviour of these different types of indicators displayed approximately monotonous trends as a function of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In soils characterized by low organic matter and high pH values (7.5–8.59) iron availability to plants is limited even if the content of total Fe(III) is high. We have studied by Hordeum distichum plants the capability of paper mill sludge to increase the iron phytoavailable fraction in an alkaline soil. The effect of paper mill sludges adding to an iron-deficient soil was evaluated both considering the phyto-available fraction of iron and the distribution of organic carbon (hydrophobic, fulvic and humic carbon) in the soil before and after sludge adding. Iron concentration was determined in the different portions of Hordeum distichum plants grown on soils with and without paper mill sludges. Application of paper mill sludge induces an increase in the concentration of available Fe. This effect is probably due to the production of Fe chelators by soil microorganisms acting on sludge organic matter. The Fe chelators produced result in the solubilization of not soluble Fe-complexes present in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of indicator organisms is conducted to assess potential risk of pathogen exposure from freshwaters such as recreational waters and drinking water sources. Total coliforms, fecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and enterococci are the most commonly measured indicator organisms. Their presence can indicate the potential presence of fecally transmitted pathogens. In Wisconsin, E. coli are used for determining potential human health risk in recreational waters. However, it has been shown that E. coli can survive and reproduce in a variety of aquatic environments, including in the activated sludge process of paper mills. Previous monitoring in a river in Wisconsin receiving paper mill effluent indicated that the mill was contributing to elevated E. coli levels that could affect the number of closings at a public beach located downstream from the mill. The goal of this study was to understand the public health implications of the E. coli at the beach. Samples were collected upstream and downstream of the paper mill's wastewater treatment plant discharge as well as within the mill processes. Samples were analyzed for indicator organisms (coliforms, E. coli, and enterococci) and microbial source tracking (MST) targets. Although indicator concentrations were typically below detection limits in the mill process water, indicators regrew in the activated sludge wastewater treatment process such that fecal coliforms and E. coli were detected in all wastewater treatment plant effluent samples. Although the paper mill effluent periodically appears to affect the E. coli levels at the downstream beach, MST results demonstrate that E. coli from the mill is not of human fecal origin, and therefore not likely a cause for health concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wastes from animal production and from the paper industry are often used as amendments to agricultural soils. Although data exist on the impacts of raw animal wastes on N2O production, little is known regarding the effects of paper wastes and biosolids from treated animal waste. We measured N2O emissions for two consecutive snow‐free seasons (mid‐May through the end of October) from poorly drained clayey soils under corn (Zea mays L.). Soils were amended with raw pig slurry (PS) or biosolids (four PS‐derived and two paper sludges) and compared with soils with mineral N fertilizer (CaNH4NO3) or without N addition (Control). Area‐based N2O emissions from the mineral N fertilizer (average, 8.2 kg N2O–N ha−1; 4.2% of applied N) were higher (P < 0.001) than emissions from the organic amendments, which ranged from 1.5 to 6.1 kg N2O–N ha−1 (−0.4 to 2.5% of applied N). The N2O emissions were positively correlated with mean soil NO3 availability (calculated as "NO3 exposure"), which was highest with mineral N fertilizer. In plots treated with organic amendments (i.e., biosolids and raw PS), NO3 exposure was negatively correlated to the C:N ratio of the amendment. This resulted in lower N2O emissions from the higher C:N ratio biosolids, especially compared with the low C:N ratio PS. Application of paper sludge or PS‐derived biosolids to these fine‐textured soils, therefore, reduced N2O emissions compared with raw PS and/or mineral N fertilizers (P < 0.01). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disposing of sludge recovered from the effluent stream of pulp and paper mills has traditionally involved landfilling. Shortages in landfill space and increasingly stringent environmental regulations in many countries have forced the industry to seek alternative disposal options. We assessed the feasibility of compost‐recycling a primary pulp and paper mill sludge (PMS) for use as a nutrient‐releasing mulch in plantation forestry. The effects of the composted PMS on the growth, nutrition, water relations, and weed suppression in a 3‐yr‐old plantation of radiata pine (Pinus radiata D.Don) on an infertile sandy soil in southern Tasmania were assessed. Compost was applied to the surface without incorporation in 0.5‐m wide bands in tree rows at rates of 0, 20, 40, and 60 metric t ha−1 (dry matter). One year after application of compost, the percentage increase in stem diameter was 40 to 66% greater than that achieved in untreated plots, with better growth at the highest compost application rate. Improved growth of radiata pine after application of compost was primarily attributable to a 17 to 37% increase in the concentration of foliar N and to decreased water stress in amended plots. Nitrogen released from the compost was mostly absorbed by plant roots within the first 20 cm of the soil profile, with no significant movement beyond this depth range. Application of compost prepared from PMS to young stands of radiata pine was found to be an acceptable recycling alternative for this material, capable of improving plantation productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total order ranking methods are multicriteria decision making techniques used for the ranking of various alternatives on the basis of more than one criterion. The criteria, which are the standards by which the elements of the system are judged are not always in agreement, they can be conflicting, motivating the need to find an overall optimum that can deviate from the optima of one or more of the single criteria. Total order ranking methods are based on an aggregation of the criteria in a scalar function, i.e. an order or ranking index, which allow to sort elements according to its numerical value. Several evaluation methods which define a ranking parameter generating a total order ranking have been proposed in the literature. Four total order ranking methods are here described: Desirability functions, Utility functions, Dominance functions and Absolute Reference method. These methods have been compared to each other by applying them to a decision making problem in the paper industry. Various bleaching processes have been analysed and compared on the basis of multiple criteria, the aim being to find out best bleaching process among the ones proposed in the last years as alternative to chlorine bleaching process which is of high environmental impact due to the potential for chlorinated dioxin production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which examined the impact of using paper mill sludge (PMS) for surface-mine reclamation on runoff water quality and plant growth. The PMS sample was analyzed for solids content, total nitrogen (N), total carbon (C) inorganic C, nitrate-nitrogen, ammonium-nitrogen, and major elements. The chemical properties of the runoff were described. It was observed that the application of PMS at both rates greatly reduced runoff and erosion from the plots, particularly during the 2.5-mo Pre-Plant period when the control plots were bare.

The article discusses the morphological analysis of paper images through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). The materials are segmented into individual fibers to determine their digital measurements using secondary electron detector. Calcium carbonate particles resulted to the formation of fillers characterized by large amounts of coarse edge fibers and irregular granules. Furthermore, fiber borders with small size width are accidentally identified, however, they represent flat and peak directions.

The article presents the effects of a waste paper product on soil phosphorus, carbon, and bulk density. Soil test values for phosphorus have increased due to the applications of manures to agricultural fields in the United States. Because of the application, there is a probability that phosphorus will be in the surface water. The effect will be the degradation of water quality. The danger of phosphorus transport to surface water may be lowered through the application of waste paper on soils with high soil test phosphorus. In Booneville, Arizona, a test was conducted to show the effects of adding waste paper product on soil phosphorus, carbon, and bulk density.

The article presents the statement from nonprofit organization American Dental Education Association (ADEA) on the roles and responsibilities of academic dental institutions (ADIs) in improving the oral health status of Americans. Topics include identification of barriers to oral health care, guiding principles for ADIs for access to oral health care and the patient care mission of ADIs. Also discussed are the improvement of access through a diverse workforce and types of oral health providers.

The article presents the statement from nonprofit organization American Dental Education Association (ADEA) on the peer review, freedom, and responsibilities of individuals and institutions, health care programs, and due process for dental education students. Topics discussed include basic oral health care, dental education's role in ensuring access, and provision of care. The procedural guidelines for due process nonacademic matters are also discussed.

The article discusses the ADEA (American Dental Education Association) position paper titled "Statement on the Roles and Responsibilities of Academic Dental institutions in Improving the Oral Health Status of All Americans." Topics discussed include the nature of medical knowledge in the U.S., academic dental institutions' patient care mission, and how minority physicians can help improve access to medical care. It also highlights the types of oral health providers in the U.S.

The article discusses ADEA (American Dental Education Association) position paper on peer review, freedoms and responsibilities of individuals and institutions, health care programs, and due process for students in dental education. It highlights why oral health services should be integral component of health care financing and delivery systems to improve and maintain general health. It mentions the support of ADEA for the provision of state and federal grants to dental education institutes.

Writing-to-learn assignments engage students with a problem while they develop writing skills. It is difficult in large classes to provide training in proofreading and editing techniques. The purpose of this project was to determine if a term paper was improved after making an audio recording of a draft of the paper. Data from 2 years of papers were analyzed. In Year 2, 2 days before the final written draft was due, students submitted an audio recording of a draft of their term paper read aloud. Comparing Year 2 papers to those from an identical writing assignment from the previous year prepared without an audio recording presented an opportunity to determine the effect of making an audio recording on the quality of the written paper. Grammar, technical word use, appropriate paragraph usage, overall flow, general content, and content-animal relationship were scored from final written papers submitted by each group. Groups did not differ in overall ability, as measured by average exam scores. Submitting an audio recording was associated with improved technical word use and content but not grammar, paragraph usage, or overall flow. When written copies of the papers were compared to their corresponding audio recordings, grammar, paragraph usage, and overall flow were most often read aloud correctly even though errors remained in the written papers. Technical word use and content errors were subsequently corrected in the written papers turned in after the readings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the position paper of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) on issues including peer review, freedoms and responsibilities, and health care programs, which were approved by the 2003 ADEA House of Delegates. It presents principles that should be followed by dental education institutions and and programs relative to the establishment of a peer review instruction program. It also discusses the position paper of ADEA on due process for students in dental education.

The evaluation and validation of a new low-cost microfluidic paper-based analytical device (µPAD) for the determination of reactive phosphate in soil solution is described. This device allows up to 15 replicate measurements of reactive phosphate on one credit card-sized device and requires only a desktop or hand scanner for signal detection and quantification. The proposed method showed a linear response between 0.1 and 1.0 mg L-1 and between 1.0 and 10.0 mg L-1 P with a limit of detection of 0.05 mg L-1 P. When applied to the analysis of soil solution, there was excellent agreement between results obtained using the µPAD and those obtained by a reference spectrophotometric method, as indicated by the following regression equation: [P]µPAD = (0.997 ± 0.005)[P]Reference Method - (0.020 ± 0.008) (R² = 0.997; n = 110). It was found that the ambient temperature storage stability of the µPAD could be extended to 15 d by incorporating a removable polymeric interleaving sheet between the adjacent paper layers of the device. The observed sensitivity of the µPADs to sunlight, which was manifested by photoreduction of the chromogenic molybdate reagent used in the assay, was overcome by preparing the µPADs with an ultraviolet-filtering laminating material. The proposed method is rapid, with a reaction time of only 10 min, is easy to perform, and is suitable for application in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article, based on the author's study in Finnish, examines human and labor relations implications of new production strategies in the Finnish paper industry. Starting from Sorge and Streeck's classification, it analyzes some of the effects of adopting diversified quality production (DQP) on work organization and labor-management relations. The findings of a case study suggest that more cooperative forms of management are a major condition for raising productivity and developing flexible work organization in high-tech manufacturing environments with well-established systems of collective bargaining. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glossiness of paper and painted objects is one of the important factors in the evaluation of their manufactured quality. Although the gloss of specimens is judged visually in quality control, specular glossiness measuring instruments now offer a replacement for visual evaluation. However, in evaluation of glossiness in a group consisting of specimens of different colors, the specular glossiness measuring instrument has certain deficiencies, as a result of which the measured glossiness values are not proportional to human evaluations of glossiness (psychological glossiness); however, the instrument is suitable to a group consisting of specimens of similar color. Thus, research intended to obtain suitable measurements of physical glossiness for colored specimens was undertaken. First, an attempt was made to approximate the gloss appearance perceived by the human eye by using a model of the intensity distribution of the light reflected from a specimen surface. Utilizing the obtained gloss appearance, a new physical glossiness is defined and is provisionally named “specular diffusion ratio glossiness” (GSD): The new glossiness is shown to be nearly proportional to the psychological glossiness by the use of the glossiness measuring apparatus developed in this study. In the latter half of this paper, the application of the new glossiness index GSD to currently used specular glossiness measuring instruments is proposed, and its utility is confirmed by using various colored papers. Finally, problems for future research are identified. © 1997 Scripta Technica, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn. 28 (1): 95–112, 1997 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Educational technologies such as video cases can improve health professions student learning outcomes, but few studies in dentistry have evaluated video-based technologies. The goal of this study was to compare outcomes associated with video and paper cases used in an introductory public health dentistry course. This was a retrospective cohort study with a historical control group. Based on dual coding theory, the authors tested the hypotheses that dental students who received a video case (n=37) would report better affective, cognitive, and overall learning outcomes than students who received a paper case (n=75). One-way ANOVA was used to test the hypotheses across ten cognitive, two affective, and one general assessment measures (α=0.05). Students in the video group reported a significantly higher overall mean effectiveness score than students in the paper group (4.2 and 3.3, respectively; p<0.00l). Video cases were also associated with significantly higher mean scores across the remaining twelve measures and were effective in helping students achieve cognitive (e.g., facilitating good discussions, identifying public health problems, realizing how health disparities might impact their future role as dentists) and affective (e.g., empathizing with vulnerable individuals, appreciating how health disparities impact real people) goals. Compared to paper cases, video cases significantly improved cognitive, affective, and overall learning outcomes for dental students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the position papers of the U.S. non profit organization American Dental Education Association (ADEA) on various topics. It discusses several papers including freedoms and responsibilities of individuals and institutions, peer reviews and health care programs. It also informs about various roles and responsibilities of dental institutions in improving the oral health care in the U.S.

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Background Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers β-amyloid 1-42 (Aβ 1-42 ), also expressed as Aβ 1-42 :Aβ 1-40 ratio, T-tau, and P-tau 181P , have proven diagnostic accuracy for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD). How to use, interpret, and disclose biomarker results drives the need for standardization. Methods Previous Alzheimer's Biomarkers Standardization Initiative meetings discussed preanalytical issues affecting Aβ 1-42 and tau in CSF. This second round of consensus meetings focused on issues related to clinical use of AD CSF biomarkers. Results Consensus was reached that lumbar puncture for AD CSF biomarker analysis be considered as a routine clinical test in patients with early-onset dementia, at the prodromal stage or with atypical AD. Moreover, consensus was reached on which biomarkers to use, how results should be interpreted, and potential confounding factors. Conclusions Changes in Aβ 1-42 , T-tau, and P-tau 181P allow diagnosis of AD in its prodromal stage. Conversely, having all three biomarkers in the normal range rules out AD. Intermediate conditions require further patient follow-up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]