bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can urine dipstick tests detect renal impairment in Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a rural setup?
Authors: Pati Sudhanshu S , Mishra Saroj K
Published: March 2010

Renal impairment in falciparum malaria leads to poor prognosis. Serum creatinine is the mainstay of diagnosis. However, the serum creatinine concentration is only observed when the glomerular filtration rate falls below 50%. We evaluated the use of the urine dipstick method to predict renal impairment in 77 patients. Twenty-three (29.8%) had haematuria and 52 (67.5%) had urinary protein ≥300 mg/L. Renal impairment (plasma creatinine ≥1.2 mg/dL) was observed in 17 patients. The sensitivity and specificity of haematuria in the detection of renal impairment was 94.1% and 90.8%, but for proteinuria it was 88.2% and 62.7%, respectively. There was a positive correlation of plasma urea and creatinine with haematuria ( r = 0.56, P < 0.001; r = 0.46, P < 0.01) but not with proteinuria. The detection of haematuria using a dipstick seems to be a highly specific and sensitive method of observing renal impairment in malaria. This is probably the first study which utilizes a commonly available tool that can be easily adopted for early recognition in rural areas.
Occurrence and Nature of Overpressure in the Sedimentary Section of the South Caspian Basin, Azerbaijan
Authors: Feyzullayev A. A. , Lerche I.
Published: March 2010

Two basic factors are identified that contribute to overpressure in different sedimentary basins of the world, including the South Caspian Basin (SCB): tectonic stress and subsurface temperature. Two overpressure zones are identified in the SCB: 1. An upper zone (depth interval 600–1200 m), conditioned by disequilibrium rock compaction (undercompaction) and 2. A lower zone (zone of decompaction) conditioned by hydrocarbon generation (depth below 5 km). The lower overpressure zone is the most intense and depends on the thickness of the shale sequence, the content and type of organic matter, and the temperature conditions of kerogen transformation to hydrocarbons. In this zone the greatest risk is associated with gas generation at depths greater than 9 km, due to both more intense thermal breakdown of kerogen and the cracking of liquid hydrocarbons generated earlier. Overpressure is a major cause of diapirism and mud volcanism in SCB.
Physical Property and Origin of Lowly Permeable Sandstone Reservoir in Chang 2 Division, Zhang-Han Oilfield, Ordos Basin
Authors: Gao Chao , Wang Zhenliang , Deng Jie , Zhao Jinghui , Yang Xianchao
Published: March 2010

Lowly permeable sandstone reservoirs play an important role in the exploration and exploitation of natural gas and petroleum in China. The reservoirs are major lowly permeable sandstone reservoirs in Chang 2 division, Yanchang Formation, Upper Triassic in Zhang-Han oilfield, which located in the northern Shaanxi slope of Ordos Basin. According to the distribution and composition of sand beds, integrated measured physical properties, micro-pore structure analysis, cast thin section observation, scanning electron microscopy, the impacts of deposition and diagenesis on porosity evolution are analyzed. The essential diagenesis causing the porosity loss is evaluated quantitatively, and finally the origin mechanisms of low permeability reservoir in Zhang-Han oilfield are discussed. The results show: (1) Fine particle and low compositional maturity arkose are the material foundation of the formation of poor physical property sandstone; (2) The main pore space of reservoir is secondary pores. There are two types of combined pores that including dissolve-residual pores and dissolve-micropores. The porosity values display an approximately normal distribution, and permeability values are asymmetric distribution of the logarithm in lowly permeable sandstones. Their correlation coefficient becomes more and more worse with the decrease of permeability; (3) There are four diagenetic facies, in which three diagenetic facies belong to extra-lowly permeable and ultra-lowly permeable reservoir sandstones and widely distributed, and they are diagenetic lithofacie background of lowly permeability sandstone; (4) In low compositional maturity arkose, its initial porosity is 1/4 lower than conventional reservoir, the secondary and dissolved pores are main pore types of lowly permeable reservoir rocks. It is also a key factor of effective oil-bearing of lowly permeability sandstone.
Sidetrack and Recompletion Risks in Oil Fields VII Sidetrack and Production Modelling with Time
Authors: Lerche I. , Noeth S.
Published: March 2010

The decision to undertake a sidetrack well for an already producing oil field is not only dependent on the chances of it being successful and not killing the already producing well, or on the residual producible reserves and the costs of sidetrack, but also on the likely worth relative to the net worth without the sidetrack. This paper focuses on the aspect of the timing decision: when or whether it is worthwhile to undertake a sidetrack during the anticipated lifetime of a producing field. Models of oil production with time, selling price, costs and their temporal variations are incorporated into an Excel spreadsheet code in order to demonstrate how timing influences sidetrack worth. Two simple numerical models illustrate how the choice of different production models can alter decision-making. Furthermore, the examples studied also show how sidetrack worth is a function of the fraction of the residual estimated ultimate recoverable reserves (REUR) that can be lifted by the sidetrack.
Influences of Deep Fluids on Organic Matter of Source Rocks from the Dongying Depression, East China
Authors: Zhijun Jin , Yuzhuang Sun , Lei Yang
Published: March 2010

Ten samples of source rocks from the Dongying depression were analysed by organic petrographic and geochemical methods in order to study the influences of deep fluids on organic matter of source rocks. The results indicate that the organic parameters show different variations under the influences of deep fluids. The extract yields increase in the samples from the strong fluid zone. The contents of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbon fractions are lower, whereas the contents of polar compound and asphalt fractions are higher in the samples from the strong fluid zone. The hydrogen from the deep fluids might react with organic matter, and resulted in the increase of the extract yields, or deep fluids as catalyses for hydrocarbon generation resulted in the increase of the extract yields. The maturity parameters decrease under the influences.
Marine Transgression “Event” in Coal Formation from North China Basin
Authors: Zengxue Li , Yuzhuang Sun , Jifeng Yu , Deyong Liu
Published: March 2010

Many geologists believe that coal seams were formed under shallow water conditions or continental environments in marine regression. Coal seams were regarded as final results of basin evolutions. After the study of the coal formation characteristics and sequence stratigraphy of the megaepeiric sea in the Late Palaeozoic, North China, the authors of this paper believe that coal formation under conditions of marine transgression is predominant characteristics in the North China Basin. Coal seams as a system tract of transgression stratigraphy are the first results of upward movement of the basin. Normally, marine transgression is a progressive movement, but authors believe that marine transgression in the North China Basin is rapidly in a short time according to the sediment sequences. They name this type of marine transgression as an “event”. According to the in-filling characteristics of sediments in the Epeiric Sea of North China, the transgression sediments by “events” are synthems, which are important for recognition of bounding surface of sequence stratigraphy. The coal seams plus their roofs of marine sediments and coal seams plus their base sediments, could be important surfaces. These surfaces could be as bounding surfaces of sequence stratigraphy or as bounding surfaces of megasequences.
Material Flow Analysis and its Status in Europe Countries
Authors: Balat Mustafa
Published: March 2010

Material Flow Analysis (MFA) is a family of different methods. MFA is a broad concept, and studies of varying scope and perspectives are being made in this field. MFA has contributed to the management of critical substance flows. Since the mid-1990s, analysis of material flows through regional economies, up to the level of economic regions, such as the European Union, and down to the firm level have been addressed under the title of MFA. Central and Eastern European countries will find it difficult to avoid moving towards unsustainably high levels of direct material input. The material flows into the EU economy measured as. Total Material Requirement (TMR) of the EU, which also accounts for the hidden flows, has been fluctuating around 51.8 tons/capita. Direct Material Input (DMI) of the accession countries has been increasing slightly throughout the 1990s, finally reaching some 11.5 tons/capita per year.
Relationships between Carbonization Temperature and Pyrolysis Products from Biomass
Authors: Demirbaş Ayhan
Published: March 2010

Biomass samples were converted to charcoal and to liquid and gaseous products using pyrolysis process at different temperatures. The yield of charcoal and the chemical composition of charcoal can be calculated as functions of the carbonization temperature. There have been numerous other mathematical models, which were created based on data from the physical or chemical compositions, proximate or ultimate analysis of the biomass fuels. The charcoal components and higher heating values (HHVs) of biomass fuels were correlated with carbonization temperatures. There were highly significant linear correlation between the carbonization temperature of the biomass fuel and the fixed carbon content and HHV of charcoal. The fixed carbon (FC) and HHV (MJ/kg) of the charcoal from biomass as a linear function of carbonization temperature (T, K) was calculated using the following equations: [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]

For which square of the correlation coefficients (r2) were 0.9622 and 0.9967, respectively.
Removal of Organic Sulfur from Coal by Wheat Straw Ash and Potassium Ferric Hexacyanoferrat (II)
Authors: Demirbaş Ayhan , Karslioglu Selami
Published: March 2010

This study is an attempt to desulfurize organic sulfur from coal samples with potassium ferric hexacyanoferrate (II), KFe[Fe(CN)6] and wheat straw ash, as the desulfurization agents. Effect of temperature, particle size and stirring time on desulfurization from the coal samples has been investigated. The temperature and stirring time are the most important parameters for the yield of desulfurization of organic sulfur. Removal of organic sulfur content increased continuously with increasing temperature from 298 to 368 K for potassium ferric hexacyanoferrate (II), and from 350 tO 600 K for wheat straw ash. The organic sulfur removal rate sharply increases from 10 min to 25 min stirring time. After 30 min it reaches a value of plateau. Particle size between −100 mesh and −200 mesh slightly affects on the amount of organic sulfur removal. Maximum removed sulfur values were 23.4% at 368 K for potassium ferric hexacyanoferrate (II) method and 38.2% at 600 K for wheat straw ash method. The wheat straw ash method was more effective than potassium ferric hexacyanoferrate (II) method.
Vibratory Sensation Induced by Low-Frequency Noise: A Pilot Study on the Threshold Level
Authors: Takahashi Yukio
Published: March 2010

The induction of vibratory sensation is a characteristic of low-frequency noise. In this pilot study we measured the threshold levels to induce a vibratory sensation in normal-hearing subjects exposed to pure tones within a narrow frequency range (20–50 Hz). The threshold levels necessary to induce a vibratory sensation were found to be 5–17 dB(SPL) higher than the hearing threshold levels; these vibratory sensation levels were lower than the sensation threshold levels in deaf subjects previously measured by another research group. This difference suggested the possibility that the function of the hearing organs is related to the perception of vibration in normal-hearing persons exposed to low-frequency noise. Our study showed that the head was the part of the body in which the vibratory sensation was most often experienced, which supported the idea that the hearing organs may contribute to the normal-hearing person's perception of vibratory sensation. Another interesting finding of our study was a dip appearing in the threshold level for the vibratory sensation at 40 Hz. This was broadly in agreement with another group's result that sensitivity to vibration was greatest at frequencies between 40 and 80 Hz.
Evaluation of Exposure to Whole-Body Vibration and its Health Effects on Train Operators in Tehran-Andimeshk Line, Iran
Authors: Nassiri P. , Koohpaei A.R. , Zeraati H. , Shalkouhi P. Jafari
Published: March 2010

A field study has been carried out to investigate whole-body vibration exposure levels experienced by the train operators of an old train which circulates between Tehran and Andimeshk in the south of Iran. The objective of this study was to measure whole-body vibration transmitted to personnel on the train. Fatigue Decreased Proficiency Boundary (FDPB) and Exposure Limit (EL) were used to evaluate the vibration measured in three directions. The health effects related to whole-body vibration were statistically analyzed after completing a questionnaire. The results indicated that the total equivalent acceleration level induced in the personnel was higher than the permissible level of FDPB (108dB) and exposure limit (114dB) for 12 hours of exposure, recommended by ISO 2631. There were no statistically significant relationships amongst the health variables and age except lack of concentration, P=0.014, as well as job history. Conversely, there was significant statistical relationship between EL and Hearing disorders, Vomiting and Loss of appetite among personnel. Therefore, the statistical test results only revealed some physiological effects with regard to WBV. Hence, beside WBV other factors must be taken into consideration to judge about other physiological or subjective disorders caused by WBV.
Use of Wide-Pore Carbons to Examine Intermolecular Interactions during the Adsorption of Anthraquinone Dyes from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Elizalde-González Maria Paz , Hernández-Montoya Virginia
Published: March 2010

Carbon samples with low specific surface areas containing both mesopores and macropores were prepared by heating orange seeds to 450, 600, 800 and 1000 °C, respectively. These materials were characterized by ultimate and proximate analysis, thermogravimetry, IR spectroscopy and potentiometric titrations. The raw (unheated) material was acidic, containing a considerable amount of nitrogen but only a small amount of lignin. The carbon samples were basic and exhibited type II or type III nitrogen adsorption isotherms depending on the carbonization temperature. Non-carbonized orange seeds were more effective in the adsorption of anthraquinone dyes (Acid Blue 80, Acid Blue 324, Acid Green 25 and Acid Green 27) from aqueous solution at 25 °C. The moderate adsorption capacities exhibited by the carbonized samples allowed an analysis of the intermolecular interactions between the adsorbents and dyes with similar structures but slightly different hydrophobicities and donor capacities.
Adsorption of Pb(II) Ions from Aqueous Solutions Using a Low Grade Iron Ore as an Effective Adsorbent
Authors: Dash Barsha , Das B.
Published: March 2010

The use of banded hematite quartzite (BHQ), a low-grade iron ore, as an adsorbent for the removal of lead(II) ions from aqueous solutions was studied. X-Ray diffraction (XRD) studies of BHQ ore showed the presence of hematite and quartz as the major mineral phases, while FT-IR studies showed the presence of Si-OH and Fe-OH sites capable of exhibiting strong adsorption properties. SEM/EDS studies indicated that the particles of the materials were relatively fine and contained Fe, Si and O, together with trace amounts of Al. Batch adsorption studies demonstrated that BHQ exhibits a significant capacity towards the adsorption of Pb(II) ions from aqueous solution. The parameters of the adsorption process investigated in this study included the effect of agitation time, initial Pb(II) ion concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH and temperature. The adsorption of Pb(II) ions onto BHQ increased as the pH of the aqueous medium increased from 1.8 to 6.5. Maximum removal of Pb(II) ions (99.8%) from aqueous solutions with an initial Pb(II) ion content of 10 mg/ℓ occurred at pH 5.0. The sorptions data for Pb(II) ions were correlated using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, thereby allowing an analysis of the equilibrium data obtained at room temperature. The Langmuir isotherm indicated monolayer formation on the adsorbent surface.
A Comparative Study of the Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Synthetic Wastewaters Using Different Adsorbents
Authors: Oluyemi Emmanuel A. , Oyekunle John A.O. , Olasoji Samuel O.
Published: March 2010

A comparison has been made of the efficiency of heavy metal ion adsorption from synthetic wastewaters by charcoal prepared locally from the burnt remnants of plantain peel with more conventional adsorbents such as industrial activated wood charcoal, technical charcoal animal powder and Amberlite resin. Thus, mixed standard solutions (100 mg/ℓ) of copper and lead ions adjusted by buffer solutions to pH values of 5, 7 and 9, respectively, were allowed to flow through adsorbent columns which were 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 cm in length. The concentrations of the heavy metal ions in the mixed standard solutions were determined before and after contact with the adsorbents via atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The adsorption capacities of the various adsorbents based on the overall percentage removal of Cu2+ ions at pH 9 employing a column of 50 cm length were in the order: Amberlite resin (98.89 ± 7.59%) > plantain peel charcoal (98.56 ± 6.72%) > technical charcoal animal powder (96.87 ± 5.78%) > activated wood charcoal (93.64 ± 7.29%). The corresponding order for Pb2+ ions at a pH value of 7 employing a column of 50 cm length was: Amberlite resin (99.98 ± 7.53%) > plantain peel charcoal (98.37 ± 7.95%) > technical charcoal animal powder (97.91 ± 6.83%) > activated wood charcoal (96.39 ± 7.06%).
Bael Tree Leaves as a Natural Adsorbent for the Removal of Zinc(II) Ions from Industrial Effluents
Authors: Kumar P. Senthil , Kirthika K. , Kumar K. Sathish
Published: March 2010

The removal of heavy metal ions from water and wastewater has received a great deal of attention. Although adsorption methods are those most frequently used for the treatment of polluted water, such methods generally employ high-cost adsorbents such as activated carbon. The purpose of the present study was the exploration of the use of natural materials as a low-cost adsorbent in such technological applications. Thus, experiments have been conducted to test the efficiency of bael tree leaves in removing heavy metal ions, viz. Zn(II) ions, from wastewater derived from the electroplating industry. The percentage removal of Zn(II) ions was evaluated under varying experimental conditions, i.e. adsorbent dosage, initial metal ion concentration and contact time.

To this effect, batch adsorption experiments were undertaken employing 2 g of 40–50 mesh bael tree leaves as an adsorbent in 100 mℓ of synthetic wastewater containing ca. 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mg/ℓ of Zn(II) ions. The initial pH of the synthetic wastewater was ca. 5. The experiments showed that the highest removal rate for Zn(II) ions was 88.58% under optimal conditions. Such Zn(II) ion adsorption followed reversible first-order rate kinetics. Thus, the tree leaves investigated in this study showed a good potential for the removal of Zn(II) ions from synthetic wastewater.

The ultimate goal of the work described is the development of inexpensive, readily available, effective metal ion adsorbents from natural waste products as an alternative to existing commercial adsorbents.
Evaluation of an Adsorption–Desorption Process for Concentrating Heavy Metal Ions from Acidic Wastewaters
Authors: Sotomayor Sergio Montes , Montes-Atenas Gonzalo , Garcia-Garcia Francisco , Valenzuela Manuel , Valero Eduardo , Díaz Oscar
Published: March 2010

Pine bark is a substrate which allows the attachment and de-activation of heavy metal ions, thereby cleansing the host solution. The present work was aimed at studying the removal of binary heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions using pine bark and to explore the possibility of elution as a subsequent stage for releasing and concentrating the metal ions. The application of the method to the cases of Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions is presented. The adsorption of each metal ion separately from binary mixtures onto pine bark was studied. Subsequently, the loaded bark was used to perform elution experiments leading to the concentration of the metal ions and their further retrieval.

Tests showed that the adsorption capacity of pine bark towards Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions from a mixture of the same in aqueous solution was almost 0.35 mmol metal ion/g dry bark. The same value was obtained by adding the individual adsorption capacities, determined when each metal ion was adsorbed separately.

Cyclic percolation processes resulted in the concentration of the metal ions, showing increases of almost 20- and 10-times for Cu(II) and Zn(II) ions, respectively.
Adsorption of C2H4, C2H6 and CO2 on Cation-exchanged Clinoptilolite
Authors: Aguilar-Armenta Gelacio , Romero-Pérez Álvaro
Published: March 2010

As a means of assessing their possible applications in the separation and purification of the gases concerned, the adsorption kinetics and equilibrium of pure ethylene (C2H4), ethane (C2H6) and carbon dioxide (CO2) onto untreated natural clinoptilolite/heulandite volcanic tuff (Cp) from Villa de Reyes (San Luis Potosí, México) and onto cation-exchanged clinoptilolite samples (Cp–H and Cp–Na) have been measured over the temperature range 0–240 °C using a glass high-vacuum volumetric device. Some of the results have been compared with those obtained on a commercial synthetic zeolite 4A (CECA). The adsorption rates of the various gases were measured automatically via a custom acquisition data card capable of registering pressure and time data simultaneously.

All the samples showed a decreasing adsorption affinity in the order CO2 > C2H4 > C2H6. A very slow adsorption process and a large proportion of irreversible adsorption were observed for both hydrocarbons onto Cp at 20 °C. The irreversible adsorption of C2H4 decreased with increasing temperature, with a small irreversible adsorption being detected at 240 °C. Both Cp at 240 °C and Cp–Na at 0 °C could be promising adsorbents for the separation of C2H4/C2H6 mixtures, while Cp–H may be recommended for the separation at 20 °C at times less than 100 s. The high adsorption selectivity toward CO2 of Cp and Cp–Na at all the experimental temperatures studied enables these samples to be recommenced for the purification of C2H4 and C2H6 contaminated with CO2.
Competitive Adsorption of Phenol, Copper Ions and Nickel Ions on to Heat-Treated Bentonite
Authors: Banat Fawzi , Al-Asheh Sameer , Abu-Aitah Leena
Published: March 2010

Industrial effluents often contain a mixture of organic and inorganic pollutants. Since the degree of removal of any solute might be affected by the presence of the other, it is important to study the competitive adsorption of these solutes. Batch experiments were carried out to study the competitive adsorption of binary combinations of phenol, copper and nickel compounds in aqueous mixtures on to heat-treated bentonite. The uptake of phenol was not affected by the presence of copper or nickel ions. However, the uptake of copper and nickel decreased in the presence of phenol. In a system that only contained both metal ions in solution, the adsorption capacity of nickel was depressed to a greater extent than that of copper. The pH of the solution strongly affected the adsorption capacity of copper in the phenol/copper system.
The Use of Eucalyptus Barks for the Adsorption of Heavy Metal Ions and Dyes
Authors: Saliba R. , Gauthier H. , Gauthier R. , Petit-Ramel M.
Published: March 2010

Eucalyptus barks harvested in Lebanon were used for the adsorption of pollutants such as heavy metal ions and dyes. Washing with water or pretreatment with formaldehyde was performed on the bark powder. The adsorption capacity of this material towards CuII, CrIII, CdII and NiII was evaluated in a batch process for various parameters. The results obtained showed that the retention capacity increased with contact time, pH and initial metal ion concentration but decreased with temperature. The adsorption capacities were 2.61, 0.71, 2.24 and 0.75 mmol/g adsorbent for CuII, CrIII, CdII and NiII, respectively.

Eucalyptus barks are also very efficient for the adsorption of dyes (Acid Blue 25, Erichrome Blue Black B and Calmagite) because of interaction between the hydroxy and amino groups of the dyes and the phenolic moities of bark. This adsorption was modified when metal ions had already been adsorbed on to the barks as a result of the formation of a 1:1 complex between the dye and the metal ion. Desorption was achieved by treating with the sodium salt of ethylenediamine-tetraacetic acid (EDTA) for metal ions and by heating at 75°C in aqueous medium for dyes. After desorption, the recycling of the support was tested for potential use as a means of concentrating pollutants.
Effect of Chemical Composition on the Structure and Catalytic Behaviour of AlPO4 and Al2O3–AlPO4 Mixed Catalysts
Authors: Mohamed F.Sh. , Kiwan H.H. , Mostafa M.R.
Published: March 2010

AlPO4 and Al2O3–AlPO4 mixed catalysts of different composition (Al/P > 1) were prepared and calcined in the temperature range 350–650°C. Such catalysts were characterized by DTA and X-ray diffraction methods, and by nitrogen adsorption studies at −196°C. Their acidity was determined using a calorimetric titration method while their catalytic activity towards the dehydration of isopropanol was determined using a pulse microcatalytic technique. The data obtained from XRD studies showed that pure AlPO4 when calcined at 650°C had a rather low crystallinity with its crystalline structure (which is of the α-cristobalite type) being characterized by poorly developed peaks. However, significant changes in the texture, surface acidity and catalytic activity were observed as a result of changing the chemical composition of the solid, with the surface area, total pore volume and surface acidity generally increasing with increasing alumina content. Sintering commenced above 550°C leading to a decrease in the surface area and to pore widening. Dehydration of isopropanol appeared to be insensitive to the structure of the catalysts investigated but was related to the surface acid density.
Examination of the Effectiveness of Physical and Chemical Activation of Natural Bentonite for the Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Banat Fawzi , Al-Asheh Sameer , Abu-Aitah Leena
Published: March 2010

The ability of physically and chemically activated bentonite to adsorb copper and nickel ions from aqueous solutions was examined under various experimental conditions. Physically activated bentonite was obtained by thermal treatment of the initial material in an oven at 700°C (T-bentonite), while chemically activated bentonite was obtained in two ways, either by treatment of the initial material with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) as an anionic surfactant to give SDS-bentonite or with aluminium hydroxypolycation as a pillaring agent to give Al-bentonite.

Batch adsorption tests were undertaken to study the removal of Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions from aqueous solutions using the above-mentioned types of activated bentonite. The adsorption capacity of the bentonites towards both Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions followed the order: Al-bentonite > SDS-bentonite > T-bentonite > natural bentonite. The initial metal concentration, solution pH, temperature and salinity of the solution affected the adsorption capacity towards both metal ions. The uptake of Cu2+ ions increased with an increase in temperature (25–45°C) as well as with an increase in the initial pH of the solution (3–5). The uptake of Cu2+ and Ni2+ ions decreased significantly with an increase in the NaCl and KCl concentrations present in the aqueous solution. Sulphuric acid of 0.1 M concentration was found to be an effective desorbent for bentonite laden with heavy metals.
3-D Structures Viewed with the Architect's Approach
Authors: Vanggaard Ole
Published: March 2010

The complexity of teaching structures to architects is described in this article on the basis of the subject: 3-D surface structures and the need to give an insight into the theoretical background. Attention is given to the value of optimised structures and the use of geometrical systems to generate the surfaces. At the same time, the limited value of these means is shown, and the author tries to crawl into the difficult area between architecture and structure. This area is found to be an important, but not very appreciated area of research. Most of the figures shown relate to the Academy where the author works; the rest are from examples used in teaching.
Experience from a Course on “Formfinding and Analysis of Tension Structures”, held at the University of Stuttgart for 10 years
Authors: Linkwitz Klaus
Published: March 2010

The most striking and peculiar property of surface-tension structures – membranes, prestressed and hanging cable nets, pneus, etc. – is their intrinsic interaction of form and forces. When designed using pencil and paper only, or even using a conventional CAD-system, and then materialised by tissue or cables they would act unpredictably. This is due to the fact that here feasible shapes must be “figures of equilibrium”. Mostly the design and even analysis of this type of structure is outside the conventional education of the profession. Thus the student of structural engineering or architecture enters a completely new and strange world when attending a class where, the creation of feasible forms is the essential objective The course comprises lectures, practice with formfinding software at either UNIX-Workstations or WINDOWS-PCs, and issuing of special study, diploma, and design work. An intrinsic property of the working and training places offered and also of the different study- and diploma works is their interdisciplinarity. It has proven year after year to be successful, judging also from the fine exercises and the excellent design- and thesis-works done by the attending students.
Teaching Architecture and Engineering Students Jointly at Sheffield University
Authors: Popovic O , Davison J B , Tyas A
Published: March 2010

Recently, the departments of Civil and Structural Engineering and Architecture at the University of Sheffield, UK, have introduced modules where architecture students undertake joint project work with structural engineering students. The experience shows that these modules have been successful and proved useful for the students from both departments. Architecture students gain a better understanding of structural efficiency and Engineering students develop a better appreciation of aesthetics and the importance of making the structural system an integral part of the architectural expression. This applies especially to the use of advanced structural systems where the three dimensional geometry of the system can contribute considerably to the quality of the project as a whole.
Student Workshop – Structures of Le Ricolais
Authors: Dombernowsky Per
Published: March 2010

The exhibition “Robert Le Ricolais: Visions and Paradox” displayed at the Aarhus School of Architecture in October 1998 was used as a source of inspiration for a one-week student workshop on structures. The objective of the student workshop was to create a conceptual structural design inspired by the exhibited structural models of Le Ricolais and by his philosophical writings on structures. It was realised by the Aarhus faculty that the philosophical ideas of Le Ricolais are not very easy, neither to fully understand nor to transform into structural design for architectural students. In spite of that fact, it became obvious to the faculty that many of the students, inspired by the exhibition, managed to make interesting structural designs. In addition, the faculty was inspired by the exhibition (and the successful student workshop as well) to think of different concepts for the final curriculum of structural design at the Aarhus School of Architecture in the future.
Controlling Platform Motions and Reducing Blade Loads for Floating Wind Turbines
Authors: Lackner Matthew A.
Published: March 2010

Offshore sites hold great promise for the growth of wind energy. To tap the vast resource in deep water sites, new support structures, such as those that float, are needed. For floating structures to succeed, they must withstand the offshore wind and wave environment. Two new methods for controlling a floating turbine and reducing the platform and blade loads are presented. The first is a method for controlling collective blade pitch and reducing platform pitch motion, a significant problem for floating structures. The rated generator speed is made a function of the platform pitch velocity. When the platform is pitching upwind, the set point generator speed is set to a larger value, and vice versa. For constant generator torque, this approach essentially makes the rated power a variable that depends on the platform pitch velocity. Fundamentally, this control approach trades power variability for platform pitch variability. The results will show substantial reductions in platform pitch motion but minor increases in power variability. Second, an individual blade pitch controller (IPC) designed to reduce blade fatigue loads is implemented for a floating turbine. The IPC approach is commonly utilized for reducing the 1P fatigue loads on the blades. The goal of implementing this IPC approach is to investigate how traditional load reduction control, which is successful for onshore turbines, integrates and performs with floating turbines. The results will demonstrate the unique challenge of reducing blade loads on a floating turbine.
Modeling the Risk of a Failed Wind Turbine Blade Impacting a Power Transmission Line
Authors: Slegers Nathan , Rogers Jonathan , Costello Mark , Puga Maria , Arons Patricia
Published: March 2010

Wind turbine installations are generally situated in proximity to power transmission lines that integrate generated power into the grid. Failure of a wind turbine that results in a blade or blade fragment thrown from the rotor can result in impact with a transmission line and lead to significant transmission line damage. The work reported here creates a mathematical model to assess the risk of this type of failure event occurring as a function of wind turbine characteristics and the relative position of the power transmission line. A comprehensive rotor blade flight dynamic simulation tool comprised of a rigid body representation with 6 degrees of freedom is used. The model generates full three dimensional motion of a failed wind turbine blade from release of the wind turbine blade at the point of failure to impact. Monte Carlo simulation is used to generate impact statistics including the probability that a failed wind turbine blade will impact a transmission line. A set of simulation results are generated for a nominal 1.5 MW wind turbine with a 50 m transmission height. Simulation results show that large blade fragments have relatively high transmission line impact probabilities for small offset distances while small blade fragments have overall lower impact probabilities but are spread over a larger offset distance range. Transmission line impact probability is also a strong function not only of the offset distance but also the orientation of the transmission line relative to the wind turbine and the atmospheric wind velocity vector.
Blade Offset and Pitch Effects on a High Solidity Vertical Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Fiedler Andrzej J. , Tullis Stephen
Published: March 2010

A high solidity, small scale, 2.5m diameter by 3m high Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) consisting of three NACA 0015 profile blades, each with a span of 3m and a chord length of 0.4m, was tested in an open-air wind tunnel facility to investigate the effects of preset toe-in and toe-out turbine blade pitch. The effect of blade mount-point offset was also investigated. The results from these tests are presented for a range of tip speed ratios, and compared with an extensive base data set obtained for a nominal wind speed of 10m/s. Results show measured performance decreases of up to 47% for toe-in, and increases of up to 29% for toe-out blade pitch angles, relative to the zero preset pitch case. Also, blade mount-point offset tests indicate decreases in performance as the mount location is moved from mid-chord towards the leading edge, as a result of an inherent toe-in condition. Observations indicate that these performance decreases may be minimized by compensating for the blade mount offset with a toe-out preset pitch. The trends of the preset blade pitch tests agree with those found in literature for much lower solidity turbines.
Influence of Load Level on Performance of Standalone Vertical Axis Wind Turbine System
Authors: Wakui Tetsuya , Yokoyama Ryohei , Arase Hiroyuki
Published: March 2010

The influence of load level on the performance of a stand-alone, straight-wing, vertical axis wind turbine system in terms of its power generation capability and output fluctuation during operation is numerically investigated using a dynamic simulation model. The system is mainly operated at a constant tip-speed ratio, i.e., at a maximum power coefficient point, by load control in proportion to the square of rotational speed. Thus, the steady-state performance and dynamic behavior of the system under four load levels are analyzed. Then, the dynamic system performance under different load levels is discussed. This work shows that, under high mean wind speed conditions, a low load level is undesirable because it would cause an increase in the output fluctuation. However, under low mean wind speed conditions, a low load level could be effective in improving the power generation capability, with only a slight increase in the output fluctuation.
Evaluating Roadside Noise Barriers Using an Annoyance Reduction Criterion
Authors: Nilsson Mats E. , Andéhn Mikael , Leśna Paulina
Published: March 2010

The effectiveness of noise barriers is typically assessed as the reduction in A-weighted sound pressure level ( LA). This research indicates that this may not be a valid indicator of the corresponding annoyance reduction. Road traffic noise was recorded behind a noise barrier (barrier sounds) and at a location with no barrier (non-barrier sounds). The barrier sounds, recorded 10–45 m from the road, and non-barrier sounds recorded 50–200 m from the road were of similar LA. Despite this, participants in a listening experiment found the barrier sounds to be more annoying than the non-barrier sounds, an annoyance-difference corresponding to a 3-dB increase in LA. The Loudness level (ISO 532B) and a low-frequency corrected sound pressure level ( LA) were found to be better than LA as indicators of the barrier's annoyance-reduction efficiency.
Machinery Noise Prediction in Opencast Mines Using Concawe Model: A Case Study
Authors: Nanda Santosh Kumar , Tripathy Debi Prasad
Published: March 2010

Noise is often regarded as a nuisance rather than as an occupational hazard in an opencast mining environment. Prolonged exposure to noise over a period of years generally causes permanent damage to the auditory nerve and/or its sensory components. To maintain the good working environment in mines, appropriate noise survey of machineries should be conducted. The measured sound pressure levels (SPL) of equipment are not accurate due to instrumental error, attenuation due to geometrical aberration, atmospheric attenuation etc. Some of the popular noise prediction models e.g. CONCAWE, VDI and ENM have been applied in mining and allied industries to predict the machineries noise by considering all the attenuation factors. In this paper, authors have predicted machineries noise in an opencast mine using CONCAWE model.
On Carbon Leakage and Technological Change
Authors: Gielen D.J.
Published: March 2010

This paper discusses the impact of greenhouse gas emission penalties on the production costs of western European industrial product and agricultural products. The relevance of technological change for the price impact of a penalty differs significantly, but for most products the price impact is still so high that a significant increase of materials imports can be expected. Model calculations show that the forecasting of price impacts for the next decades is not always straightforward. An integrated dynamic energy and materials systems engineering approach for the whole economy is discussed for proper assessment of upstream and downstream effects in the product life cycle.
Renewable Electricity in a Liberalised Market – The Concept of Green Certificates
Authors: Voogt M. , Boots M.G. , Schaeffer G.J. , Martens J.W.
Published: March 2010

Liberalisation of energy markets in Europe has altered many aspects of energy policy. In order to realise environmental targets in a liberalising market, the design and implementation of policy measures and incentive schemes have to be in accordance with free market principles. Current incentive schemes, most of which have been established in the pre-liberalisation situation, might not be able to fulfil this requirement (European Commission, 1999). This emphasises the need for new policy measures that are more in coherence with the new market. Such measures are discussed, thereby focussing on the green certificate system.
Energy Technology and Foreign Trade: The Case of Denmark
Authors: Jacobsen Henrik Klinge
Published: March 2010

This paper address two issues related to energy technology and trade. First it examines the importance of changes in energy technology for long-term trade developments of the Danish manufacturing industry. Secondly the trade potential of a policy to support the development of environmental friendly energy technologies is examined.

Energy technologies affect the competitive position of industries through their energy costs. This paper presents an empirical investigation of the Danish industries with respect to the energy intensity and the relative production development of the energy intensive industries relative to the average industry.

Another important effect of the change in energy technologies is the competitive option for the industries producing the capital equipment of a specific energy technology. Here the consequences for the Danish wind turbine manufacture and for the manufacture of pipes for district heating can be highlighted. Exports of the environmental friendly technologies are found to be the most important contribution to trade figures in the Danish case.
Energy Efficiency: A Survey of Firm Investment Behaviour in Australia
Authors: Harris Jane , Anderson Jane , Shafron Walter
Published: March 2010

The ‘efficiency gap’ and ‘no regrets’ are examples of terms used to describe the apparent slow diffusion of supposedly economic opportunities to improve energy efficiency. The aims of this research are to investigate the factors which influence a firm's decision about investing in energy efficiency and in particular to assess the policy implications. A basic assumption is that governments will continue to pursue policies to improve energy efficiency because of negative externalities associated with energy use. Despite this, little is known about the cost effectiveness of alternative policies including information dissemination through energy audit programs. This research is based on a survey of 100 firms that took part in DPIE's Enterprise Energy Audit Program (EEAP) which ran for six years until May 1997 and was monitored by ABARE. The survey included detailed questions about each firm's implementation of audit report recommendations. Implementation rates were found to be high and audits to be cost effective.
Differentiation since Kyoto: An Exploration of Australian Climate Policy in Comparison to Europe/UK
Authors: Boehmer-Christiansen Sonja
Published: March 2010

The Kyoto protocol was the first step taken by governments towards implementing the Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992). This seeks to prevent dangerous ‘global’ warming and its impacts; the assumption being that all or most of this warming is caused by human action and is therefore susceptible to mitigation. Only governments in developed countries have so far committed themselves to emission reduction targets and thus to potentially major interventions in their economies and societies. At Kyoto, in December 1997, developed countries negotiated national commitments. Their net reductions of six greenhouse gases measured from a 1990 baseline, are to be achieved between 2008 and 2012. However, Australia may increase its net greenhouse gas emissions by 8%, while the UK agreed to a cut by 12.5%, considerably above the EU average cut of 8%. Examples of ‘common but differentiated’ responsibility have major economic implications, especially for trade. The mandatory British reduction target — if the Kyoto Protocol comes into force — is considerably below a promised 20% reduction, a target to which the UK government remains committed. This paper asks why the EU/UK and Australia adopted such different positions. It does so by analysing internal factors and forces that have shaped domestic policies. It is argued that while similar motivations produced different outcomes, the Australian government also received less biased and broader advice from its experts. The Australian case, as well as that of the EU/UK, thus presents a most interesting contrast to Swedish climate policy.
The Carbon Dioxide Thermometer
Authors: Ahlbeck Jarl R.
Published: March 2010

A statistical analysis of the satellite/balloon temperature anomaly record and the variations in the yearly increase rate of atmospheric carbon dioxide indicates that the satellite/balloon record is a better measure of the global surface temperature anomaly than the published surface record itself. The analysis shows that no statistically significant global warming has occurred during the period 1979–1999.
The Relative Strength of Economic Interests in Shaping Eu Climate Policy: A Hypothesis
Authors: Michaelowa Axel
Published: March 2010

It is assumed that interest groups strongly influence climate policy implementation in the EU. This assumption helps to explain the observed growing gap between the EU policy rhetoric — pressing for strong policies at the international level to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and a lack of implementation at both the EU and domestic levels. The few implemented instruments tend to be inefficient. To prevent this gap from becoming unbridgeable, it is of interest to know how the weight of different economic interests, and hence their likely policy influence, may evolve. Using data on value-added, production and employment, it can be shown that as the importance of emission intensive sectors declines, sectors benefiting from climate policy are likely to gain in importance. However, the absolute importance of the former sectors is still much larger than that of the latter, suggesting that resistance to implementation will remain considerable for the foreseeable future.
Increases to the Dragon's Fire Would Benefit from Improved Clean Coal Technology (Cct)
Authors: Courtney Richard S
Published: March 2010

China is increasing its production and use of coal with potential for large increases in pollution. It is seeking new technology to achieve the increases but wants to obtain the improvements at low cost. The West has the needed technologies for increased coal use with reduced pollution, but wants a profit from transfer of clean coal technology (CCT) to China.