bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUATION OF THE STORM EVENT MODEL DWSM ON A MEDIUM-SIZED WATERSHED IN CENTRAL NEW YORK, USA
Authors: Gao Peng , Borah Deva K. , Josefson Maria
Published: February 2023

DWSM is a dynamic watershed simulation model that predicts distributed hydrograph and associated sediment discharge graph (sedigraph) of a watershed for a given storm event. Its performance, however, is not extensively tested in medium and large watersheds. Here, we applied DWSM to Upper Oneida Creek watershed located in central New York, USA with an area of 311 km2 by dividing it into topographically connected 42 overland elements and 21 channel sections. Field-measured water discharge and sediment concentration data during two storm events, one on 9/30/2010 and the other on 6/28/2010, were used to test the performance of DWSM. Model simulation was performed by calibrating the key adjustable parameters in the input file till the best outcomes were achieved. The final results showed that during calibration for the 9/30/2010 event, DWSM successfully predicted the peak water discharge and its arriving time with the errors of -3.3% and 0%, respectively, and peak sediment discharge and its arriving time with the errors of -0.6% and -0.03%, respectively. For the whole event, DWSM under-predicted total water volume and event sediment load by 10.7% and 22.3%, respectively. Sensitivity analysis indicated that DWSM is most sensitive to the curve number adjustment factor, as well as factors representing flow resistance and flow detachment ability. During validation using the 6/28/2010 event, DWSM showed even better performance in predicting not only the peak values, but also event total values. These results showed that DWSM has the potential of successfully predicting event hydrology and sediment transport in the study watershed.
COLLOID RELEASE FROM DIFFERENT SOIL DEPTH
Authors: Chen Gang , Niu Yue , Wang Boya , Tawfiq Kamal
Published: February 2023

Naturally occurring clay colloidal particles are heavily involved in sediment processes in the subsurface soil. Due to the importance of these processes in the subsurface environment, the transport of clay colloidal particles has been studied in several disciplines, including soil sciences, petrology, hydrology, etc. Specifically, in environmental engineering, clay colloid release and transport in the sediments have been extensively investigated, which are motivated by environmental concerns such as colloid-facilitated contaminant transport in groundwater and the subsurface soil. Clay colloid release is resulted from physical alteration of subsurface sediments. Despite the potential importance of clay colloid activities, the detailed mechanisms of release and transport of clay colloidal particles within natural sediments are poorly understood. Pore medium structure, properties and flow dynamics, etc. are factors that affect clay colloid generation, mobilization, and subsequent transport. Possible mechanisms of clay colloid generation in the sediments include precipitation, erosion and mobilization by changes in pore water chemistry and clay colloid release depends on a balance of applied hydrodynamic and resisting adhesive torques and forces. The coupled role of pore water chemistry and fluid hydrodynamics thus play key roles in controlling clay colloid release and transport in the sediments. This paper investigated clay colloidal particle release and transport, especially the colloidal particle release mechanisms as well as the process modeling in the sediments. In this research, colloidal particle release from intact sediment columns with variable length was examined and colloidal particle release curves were simulated using an implicit, finite-difference scheme. Colloidal particle release rate coefficient was found to be an exponential function of the sediment depth. The simulated results demonstrated that transport parameters were not consistent along the depth of the sediment profile.
PROFILE SURVEY OF WASTE PICKERS IN BRAZIL: REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COLLECTION VEHICLE AND OPTIMIZED ROUTING
Authors: Ramos Naiara Francisca , De Castilhos Junior Armando Borges , Forcellini Fernando Antonio , Graciolli Odacir Dionísio
Published: February 2023

This study presents information collected from waste pickers in the southern, south-eastern and north-eastern regions of Brazil to guide the development of a collection vehicle and a support system for the definition of collecting routes. The study had three objectives: to specify the profile of waste pickers of recyclable materials in the three surveyed regions; to diagnose the working conditions of individuals linked to associations and cooperatives of waste pickers and to identify the physical and operational structure of the waste picker organizations. To reach these objectives questionnaires were issued to waste pickers linked to associations and cooperatives that collect recyclables using human- or animal-powered vehicles and to the waste picker organizations themselves. Based on the results of this study, we are able to provide the requirements for the development of the collection vehicle, to draw a profile of the waste pickers in the three study regions and have better understanding of the working and physical conditions and the organizational structure of waste picker entities. It can be concluded that waste pickers suffer several forms of deprivation, resulting in the marginalization, prejudice and exclusion of individuals who conduct this work, making it essential to promote actions that contribute to the social inclusion of waste pickers in their productive segment.
EVALUATION OF L-MOMENT AND PPCC METHOD TO DETERMINE THE BEST REGIONAL DISTRIBUTION OF MONTHLY RAINFALL DATA (CASE STUDY: NORTHWEST OF IRAN)
Authors: Amirataee Babak , Montaseri Majid
Published: February 2023

The analysis and use of hydrological data for decision making in water resources planning and management can only be meaningful if the data possess the appropriate characteristics. Whereas, rainfall stations are relation together in the studying area, so that choosing a best regionally probability distribution is necessary. In this paper, probability plot correlation coefficient (PPCC) test statistics and L-moment ratio diagrams are used to determine the goodness of fit the regional distribution of monthly rainfall data in 11 stations that located in Northwest of Iran. Two methods provide Pearson III as a best regional distribution of monthly rainfall data in our study area. As regards, PPCC test has been known as a powerful single-site test among many goodness of fit, but L-Moment approach is easy and can compare the fit of several distributions to many samples of data using a single graphical instrument.
DEGRADATION OF AROMATIC PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS (BTEX) BY A SOLVENT TOLERANT BACTERIAL CONSORTIUM
Authors: Sarkar Payel , Rai Andrew Roysten , Ghosh Shilpi
Published: February 2023

Petroleum aromatic hydrocarbons like benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene, together known as BTEX, has almost the same chemical structure. These aromatic hydrocarbons are released as pollutants in the environment. This work was taken up to develop a solvent tolerant bacterial consortium that could degrade BTEX compounds as they all share a common chemical structure. We have isolated almost 60 different types of bacterial strains from different petroleum contaminated sites. Of these 60 bacterial strains almost 20 microorganisms were screened on the basis of capability to tolerate high concentration of BTEX. Ten different consortia were prepared and the compatibility of the bacterial strains within the consortia was checked by gram staining and BTEX tolerance level. Four successful microbial consortia were selected in which all the bacterial strains concomitantly grew in presence of high concentration of BTEX (10% of toluene, 10% of benzene 5% ethyl benzene and 1 % xylene). Consortium no 2 showed the highest growth rate in presence of BTEX. Degradation of BTEX by consortium no 2 was monitored for 5 days by gradual decrease in the volume of the solvents. The maximum reduction observed was 85% in 5 days. Gas chromatography results also reveal that could completely degrade benzene and ethyl benzene within 48 hours. Almost 90% degradation of toluene and xylene in 48 hours was exhibited by consortium no 2. It could also tolerate and degrade many industrial solvents such as chloroform, DMSO, acetonitrile having a wide range of log P values (0.03 - 3.1). Degradation of aromatic hydrocarbon like BTEX by a solvent tolerant bacterial consortium is greatly significant as it could degrade high concentration of pollutants compared to a bacterium and also reduces the time span of degradation.
MONITORING AND ANALYSIS OF LANDSLIDE HAZARD USING DINSAR TECHNIQUE APPLIED TO ALOS PALSAR IMAGERY: A CASE STUDY IN KAYANGAN CATCHMENT AREA, YOGYAKARTA, INDONESIA
Authors: Putri Ratih Fitria , Wibirama Sunu , Alimuddin Ilham , Kuze Hiroaki , Sri Sumantyo Josaphat Tetuko
Published: February 2023

The differential synthetic aperture radar interferometry (DInSAR) technique is applied to the ALOS PALSAR data to observe surface displacement in Kayangan Catchment area, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Change detection is implemented to extract information on several landslides that occurred in the region in a time span between 2007 and 2009. The advanced DInSAR processing of images (2007–2009) has shown slight surface movements before the landslide events. These results are compared and validated with available GPS measurements. Our analysis reveals that Kayangan catchment area exhibits clear indication of surface displacements varying from 5.2 to 57.9 cm/year. The occurence of landslides has been analyzed in relation to the following terrain parameters; elevation, slope, distance to stream network, geology, landuse, and distance from road. Among these factors, it is found that 18% of landslides occur in elevation >100 m, 56% in slope 300-400, 34% in
ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT OF A TROPICAL LAKE SYSTEM
Authors: Swarnalatha K. , Letha J. , Ayoob S.
Published: February 2023

Risk analysis of urban aquatic systems due to heavy metals turns significant due to their peculiar properties viz. persistence, non-degradability, toxicity, and accumulation. Akkulam Veli (AV), an urban tropical lake in south India is subjected to various environmental stresses due to multiple waste discharge, sand mining, developmental activities, tourism related activities etc. Hence, a comprehensive approach is adopted for risk assessment using modified degree of contamination factor, toxicity units based on numerical sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), and potentialecological risk indices. The study revealed the presence of toxic metals such as Cr,Cd, Pb and As and the lake is rated under ‘low ecological risk’ category.
MODELLING OF SEDIMENTS CONCENTRATION DISTRIBUTION IN DREDGED CANALS OF THE NIGER DELTA ESTUARINE REGION, NIGERIA
Authors: Dike Charles Chizom , Agunwamba J. C.
Published: February 2023

Previous sediments concentration distribution models used in the study of sediment characteristics of the dredged canals in the Niger-Delta estuarine region, Nigeria; did not take into consideration the lateral inflow due to tidal effects, which affects tremendously, the sediment intake into the estuarine waters. In the current research, existing models are modified by incorporating the missing lateral inflow parameters, which are peculiar to the Niger Delta environment, to obtain more accurate model results. Details are given herein, of the development and application of a 3-dimensional numerical model (EKU 2.8 Models) to predict sediment concentration distribution (total suspended sediment & bed sediment loads) in the Niger Delta estuarine canals, with Ekulama well 19 access canal as a case study. The approach in this paper involved coupling a sediment transport equation (with the inclusion of lateral inflow parameters), with an estuarine hydro-dynamics equation to generate a generic 3-dimensional sediment concentration distribution model, using deterministic approach. Predicted results using this model compared favorably with measured field results. Average sediment concentration of 29mg/l was obtained compared with 31mg/l measured in the field for bed sediment loads. Finally, the predicted sediment concentration distribution (TSS), when compared with field results, gave average correlation coefficient of 0.9.; hence, the present model will assist in generating adequate information /data on sediment characteristics and transport mechanism, required for effective design of canals to reduce rate of siltation. The application of the above knowledge/parameters generated from this model to effectively design canals to reduce siltation will be treated in subsequent articles.
AN EVALUATION TO IDENTIFY THE BARRIERS TO THE FEASIBILITY OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT PLANS: FIVE DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN URBAN PLANNING IN IRAN
Authors: Maghsoodi Tilaki Mohammad Javad , Abdullah Aldrin , Bahauddin Azizi , Hedayati Marzbali Massoomeh
Published: February 2023

The rapid urbanization in many developing countries has indicated several challenges in different aspects. This is due to inefficient urban planning approaches towards managing the development process. Similar to many other developing countries, Iran has experienced rapid urbanization in recent decades. Although over the last few decades, urban planning processes have been applied to develop Iranian cities, urban planning has failed to tackle the challenges facing the cities. This paper seeks to identify the barriers that have prevented Iranian cities from achieving the goals of urban planning. The purpose of this paper is to provide a comprehensive review of the current literature on the concept of urban planning and to assess the urban development plan process in Iranian cities. The required data were collected through a review of international theoretical studies, Iranian experimental research and governmental reports. The findings of this study reveal five major barriers to the feasibility of the urban planning process, including the urban plans context, structure of urban planning, related law and regulations, public participation, and financial resources.
SIMULATION OF HEAT TRANSFER FROM CANOPY SURFACES USING LOW-REYNOLDS NUMBER K-ε MODEL
Authors: Pillai Sivaraja Subramania , Yoshie Ryuichiro
Published: February 2023

This study focuses on the Convective Heat Transfer Coefficient (CHTC) from urban building surfaces by numerical simulation. The heat transfer effects because of various geometrical and physical properties of urban areas exhibits a differential heating and uncomfortable environment compared to rural regions called as Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomena. Investigation of Convective heat transfer coefficient becomes more important in the study of urban heat island phenomena. Experimental simulation of urban area with various urban canopy cases in thermally stratified wind tunnel is employed for the heat transfer kind of investigations in urban area. But, it is not an easy task in wind tunnel experiments to evaluate local CHTC, which vary on individual canyon surfaces transfer such as building roof, walls and ground. Numerical simulation validated by wind tunnel experiments can be an alternative for the prediction of CHTC from building surfaces in an urban area. In our study, Water evaporation technique used in wind tunnel experiment for the evaluation of convective heat transfer coefficient and naphthalene sublimation technique conducted by other researchers are used to validate the low-Reynolds-number k-ε model which was used for the evaluation of CHTC from surfaces. The calculated CFD results showed good agreement with both water evaporation technique and naphthalene sublimation experimental results. It is found that the low-Reynolds-number k-ε model is reliable for the investigations pertaining to heat transfer from urban canopy.
IMPLICATION OF SOM-ANN BASED CLUSTERING FOR MULTI-STATION RAINFALL-RUNOFF MODELING
Authors: Nourani Vahid , Mehrvand Masoud , Baghanam Aida Hosseini
Published: February 2023

In this study the performance of ANN with feed-forward neural network (FFNN) algorithm evaluated rainfall-runoff modeling in five gauging stations in Florida State. In addition, for investigating the performance of ANN in multi-station discharge prediction, self-organizing map (SOM) clustering tool employed in order to cluster the input data with similar patterns, due to the large amount of records in multiple stations. The main aim of study is to investigate capability and accuracy of ANN based methods in multi-station discharge prediction. In order to consider multiple stations effect on watershed outlet discharge, different combinations for precipitation and discharge data of all stations with antecedent values over the watershed have been taken into account. In this way, application of the representatives from each cluster led to significantly reduction in the numbers of the input variables so that the optimal ANN structure could be proposed. Therefore, ANN as a data-driven model was trained to predict daily runoff for the Peace River basin via recorded values from July 1995 to July 2011. Three scenarios conducted the aim of research; first scenario was an integrated ANN model trained by the data of rainfall and runoff at multiple stations. The second scenario was a sequential ANN model processed with upstream discharge records in addition to rainfall data as inputs and downstream discharge values as target. Finally, third scenario was a SOM-ANN model, in which rainfall and runoff data were clustered according the homogeneity of data via (SOM). The center of each cluster as the dominant component of each cluster was imposed to ANN in order to present an optimal rainfall-runoff model over the watershed. In all scenarios, different data sets at various time lags in both rainfall and stream flow data were applied as inputs in ANN-based model to predict stream flow. Results show that ANN model coupled with SOM is useful tools for forecasting multi-station discharge and precipitation event response in the watershed. Furthermore, the comparison of scenarios leads to select the most efficient and optimal inputs to ANN which subsequently, presents the optimal multi-station rainfall-runoff model over the watershed.
AGRO-INDUSTRIAL WASTE SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT – A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF ECONOMIC BENEFITS TO PALM OIL MILLS IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Liew Wai Loan , Muda Khalida , Azraai Kassim Mohd. , Affam Augustine Chioma , Loh Soh Kheang
Published: February 2023

Over the decades the palm oil industry has managed some challenging environmental concerns regarding land transformation and degradation, increase in eutrophication, changing habitats of wildlife, pesticides runoff into inland watercourses, and probable climate change. Countries producing palm oil desire to do so in a more sustainable way that will leave the environment evergreen. Therefore this paper aims to encourage sustainable management of agro-industrial waste and its potential in making financial returns from the same waste. Hence, the study was conducted with the participation of seven local palm oil mills having different capacities and operation age. Attention was given to milling waste as they could cause serious environmental menace if unattended to properly. Milling waste includes lignocellulosic palm biomass namely the empty fruit bunches (EFB), oil palm shell (OPS), mesocarp fibres, palm oil mill effluent (POME), and palm oil mill sludge (POMS), as well as solid waste generated from the further processing of these biomass into the palm oil fuel ashes (POFA) and palm oil clinkers (POC). The opportunities available to the Malaysian palm oil industry and the financial benefits which may accrue from waste generated during palm oil production process cannot be over emphasized.
THERMAL ANALYSIS OF URBAN LAND COVER USING AN UNMANED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) IN MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA
Authors: Soto-Estrada Engelberth , Correa-Echeveri Sebastián , Posada-Posada Martha Isabel
Published: February 2023

Thermal anomalies in built environments, known as Urban Heat Islands (UHI), are studied with satellite-derived data. However, this information is insufficient to examine regions such as the Aburra Valley, where the city of Medellin is located. In this valley, atmospheric interferences are common and the rugged terrain influences the amount of solar radiation reaching the surface, which hinders the analysis of the UHI. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) can be used to obtain the Land Surface Temperature (LST) at a time and location that is more convenient. In this project, a UAV was equipped with a thermal sensor to collect data on natural (ground vegetation and trees) and artificial (concrete, asphalt, and clay roof tiles) land cover types in Medellin, Colombia. The thermal information provided by the drone overcame the limitations of the satellite-derived data in terms of spatial, temporal, and radiometric resolution. This data enabled the study of specific land-cover types in different urban contexts, especially the influence of vegetation on LST. The findings suggested that the distribution of trees is crucial for UHI mitigation. Tree shading reduced the surface temperature of asphalt in average by 12 °C and by 5.7 °C for concrete. In addition, the presence of trees alongside streets reduced the maximum surface temperature of asphalt by 22.4 °C in the same neighborhood. These results contributed to the understanding of the influence of urban development on Medellin’s temperature.
DENITRIFICATION OF WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT EFFLUENT USING ANAEROBIC BACTERIAL BED REACTOR IMMERSED : OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Authors: Sylla Aboubacar , Ezzahra Aboussabiq Fatima , Najwa Hassou , Rihani Mohamed , Jamal Amine , Omar Assobhei , Samira Etahiri
Published: February 2023

In this study, a heterotrophic denitrification was designed for domestic wastewater treatment with unexpected water flows at different loading rates. Benefited from excellent removal ability COD, shorten operating time and lower maintenance cost. During the time of operation (six months), injection of nitrate was made in the influent RALBI 1 while the RALBI 2 was fed with sewage without addition of nitrate. The COD concentration in the influent of the two reactors was the same. This two reactors (RALBI1 and RALBI2) were fed with real wastewater for 172 days at 6 h HRT, the average COD removal were 71.55% and 54.82% for RALBI1 and RALBI2 respectively. The results showed that RALBI1 has good removal performance for COD compared with RALBI2. This could be due the injected nitrate in RALBI1 whose effect has further stimulated the activity of denitrifying bacteria.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS AND LEGAL BASES FOR COASTAL AREA EVALUATION: THE SEIXAS BEACH SAMPLE - PB
Authors: Furrier Max , Souza Alexandre dos Santos , De Lavor Larissa Fernandes
Published: February 2023

The present work aims at performing an environmental analysis focused on the current legislation applied to Seixas Beach, located in the southern littoral of João Pessoa city, in the State of Paraíba – Brazil. In this coastal zone as well as in other littoral areas of Brazil and Paraíba, natural processes linked to anthropogenical activities have increased coastal erosion, changing significantly the local scenery. This study identified the eminent necessity of applying technical measures that may promote area conservation or the mitigation of present-day erosive processes. Among the implications of disorderly occupation in this coastal space, we observe marked erosion on the coastline that has caused serious socio-economical and landscape damages. Another characteristic of this littoral zone are the elements of civil infrastructure built on permanent preservation areas, including the Average High Tide Line (Marine Line). This fact violates the current environmental legislation in Brazil and contributes noticeably to the degradation of the area.
A REVIEW OF FUNDAMENTAL DROUGHT CONCEPTS, IMPACTS AND ANALYSES OF INDICES IN ASIAN CONTINENT
Authors: Khan Md. Munir Hayet , Muhammad Nur Shazwani , Elshafie Ahmed Hussein Kamel Ahmed
Published: February 2023

Drought characterization is essential for drought risk and sustainable water resources management. Therefore, it is important to have a timely review of fundamental concepts of droughts, classification, types of drought indices and historical droughts. The impact of drought has increased on water availability at different scales all over the world. It is also important to correlate trends of drought as influenced by the climate variability of the present times. Drought frequency, duration and intensity in the major river basins have been increasing. The influencing hydro-meteorological parameters and their interaction are necessary in developing measures for mitigating impacts of droughts. The existing indices for each category of meteorological, hydrological, agricultural are reviewed and the current state of development is described in this study. Out of this review, this article draws conclusions where gaps for more focused research to be conducted in future.
A WATER AUDIT ANALYSIS TOOL FOR URBAN WATER UTILITY
Authors: Choudhary Mahender , Sharma Ruchika , Kumar Sudhir
Published: February 2023

This paper introduces a procedure for calculating non revenue water (NRW) based on IWA terminology. A water audit analysis tool is developed to determine the components of water balance i.e.; apparent and real losses for Jaipur water utility, India. Identification of these parameters is important especially in developing countries with critical water resource situation in water scare urban area. Water audit analysis tool also evaluates the leakage performance indicators i.e. Unavoidable Real Losses (UARL) and Infrastructure Leakage Index (ILI). Results reveals that Jaipur water utility suffers with a technical and managerial constraints and reporting high level of non revenue water (50% of the total water produced). The Real losses (37% of total water supplied) is the major component of NRW due to old deteriorating water supply asset with poor operation and management (O&M). Apparent losses (8% of the total water supplies) are significant component of NRW due to meter under registration, illegal connections and thefts and also indicated by value of Infrastructure Leakage Index (2.311). There is need of proper NRW reduction strategy which addresses all these three issues of real losses, unauthorized consumption and management practices along with change management strategy.
AERODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF POLLUTION CONCENTRATIONS IN URBAN STREET CANYON USING TWO PASSIVE CONTROL METHODS: CROSSING UNDER BUILDING AND LOW BOUNDARY WALL
Authors: Baghlad Faddia , Douaiba Benouada , Azzi Abbes
Published: February 2023

The present work, focused on the Atmospheric boundary-layer airflows and their interactions with obstacles, particularly in relation to urban air quality, therefore two passive control methods are represented in barriers solid LBWs (Low Boundary Walls) and crossings under building, in order to investigate the dynamic impacts in the center urban canyon road. These passive control solutions are designed for reducing the concentrations airflows polluted necessary, while a correct air quality in the urban areas. For these reasons, the passageways under building and LBWs models have been performed with a two dimensional numerical ANSYS-CFX code, rendering it ideal for examining the concentration distribution within street canyons of H1/H2 = 0.5-1-1.5 and the dynamics effects of pollution concentrations of vehicle emissions of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which it is taken as a tracer gas within the symmetrical urban street canyon. However the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations and the k-ɛ turbulence model are applied in order to close the equations system. The results achieved are evidence about the diminishing of the pollutant concentrations normalized in in the leeward and windward of the urban street canyon
OPTIMIZATION OF COAGULATION PRETREATMENT OF A REAL DAIRY EFFLUENT USING A RESPONSE SURFACE METHOD
Authors: Moulai-Mostefa Nadji , Madjdoub Radia
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a pretreatment of a real dairy effluent by coagulation and decantation using two types of coagulants, aluminum sulfate (Al2(SO4)3) and ferric chloride (FeCl3). In order to optimize the best coagulation conditions leading to maximums of COD and turbidity removals, response surface method (RSM) was employed. The analysis of variance showed that the values of the correlation coefficients (R2) for the reduction of turbidity and COD were found equal respectively to 0.959 and 0.840, which gives an idea about the validity of the quadratic developed models and their predictive qualities. The results predicted by the models were 98.18 and 77.06% of turbidity and COD removals, at Al2(SO4)3 concentration of 1200mg/L and time of treatment of 38.57min. These results are in agreement with those obtained experimentally.
INVESTIGATION ON THE VALIANTZAS’ EVAPOTRANSPIRATION MODELS FOR PENINSULAR MALAYSIA
Authors: Binti Ahmad Nor Farah Atiqah , Harun Sobri , Hamed Haza Nuzly Abdull , Askari Muhamad , Ibrahim Zulkiflee , Hanapi Muhammad Nassir , Ali Md Hazrat
Published: February 2023

The search for an accurate evapotranspiration (ET) continues when the world has responsibility to cope with the water scarcity issue, population outgrown and uncertain change of weather. Measuring actual evapotranspiration (ETa) can be tedious and requires a lot of time and cost. Therefore, numbers of empirical ET models have been developed to overcome this problem. The Valiantzas’ models are quite familiar to the hydrologist community as it has been developed based on Penman evaporation equation. This paper presents the evaluation on the selected six Valiantzas’ models by comparing to Food and Agricultural Organization Penman-Montieth (FAO-PM) empirical model in estimating ET in the Peninsular Malaysia. Seventeen meteorological stations around Peninsular Malaysia with data gathered from 1987 till 2003 were tested. The performance for each model was evaluated by root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), percentage error (PE) and mean bias error (MBE). All the six models showed good agreement to FAO-PM with R2> 0.90. The PETval2 model which gave R2 of 0.97 was the best performer with the lowest RMSE, PE and MBE of 0.26, 5.5% and 0.14, respectively. The good and sensible performance on the ET estimation displayed by Valiantzas’ model may promise an accurate method for calculation on the water management for irrigation and catchment studies.
CHARACTERISTIC OF THE PM10 IN URBAN ENVIRONMENT OF MAKASSAR
Authors: Yunus Sattar , Rashid Mohd , Mat Ramli , Baharun Sabariah , Hasfalina Che Man
Published: February 2023

PM10 concentrations were measured on a weekly basis for a period of one year from February 2012 to January 2013 at one site of Makassar, Province of South Sulawesi, Indonesia. A total of nineteen elemental components have analyzed (i.e Ag, Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Si, Ti, and Zn). The elemental components were found in descending order; Ca > Si > Na > Al > Fe > K > Mg > Zn > Ti > Pb > Ni >Mn> Ba > Cu > Cr > B > Ag > Cd > Co. Four ionic species (i.e Cl-, NO3-, SO42-, NH4+) have analyzed, The ionic species were found in descending order; SO42- > NO3- > Cl- > NH4+ as well as black carbon were founded in the sample was 2.01 µg/m3. The elemental enrichment factors indicated that most of the elements were enriched relative to soil origin illustrating of their possible associations with other sources such as marine and anthropogenic derived aerosols.
TSRS - A NEW APPROACH FOR TRAFFIC SIGN RECOGNITION USING THE SIFT ALGORITHM
Authors: Da Silva Francisco Assis , Pereira Danillo R. , Silva João F. C. , Artero Almir O. , Piteri Marco A.
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes a new approach for traffic sign recognition using images captured by a low-cost mapping system. The proposed approach applies the SIFT algorithm to extract keypoint features that are used to evaluate the correspondences between a road image containing one or more plates and the images of traffic signs (templates). The BBF algorithm was used to efficiently evaluate the correspondence between the SIFT features. Finally, we propose a new algorithm to filter only the pairs of keypoints (image-template) that are compatible as well as the orientation and positioning.
DEVELOPMENT OF MODELS FOR ASSESSING HYDRO-ENERGETIC LOSSES IN WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS
Authors: Rego Augusto da Gama , Pereira Rodrigues José Almir , Pimentel Almeida Santos Aline Christian
Published: February 2023

Current tools and methods for assessing water supply systems no longer meet the new sustainability challenges, mainly the balance of the close relationship between water and energy in the perspective of unsustainable use of water resources and energy crisis. In this context, this study aimed to develop a model for hydro-energetic assessment of water supply systems, based on the systemic approach and diagnostic and simulation actions of the operation of water flows and electricity consumption. The analysis was developed in two steps, namely the development of the model and its formulations and subsequent application to the water supply system using synthetic data. The results showed that the developed model was effective in assessing the proposal, demonstrated easy practical applicability in any unit arrangement, promoted systemic understanding of water and electricity losses in the units in the stages of production, processing and distribution and in the system as a whole, and provided decision making for corrective actions with greater systemic impact. Finally, the proposed model represents an important technology in the search for improved social, economic and environmental sustainability of water supply systems
EVALUATION OF FUTURE CLIMATE CHANGE SCENARIOS IN URBAN HEAT ISLAND AND ITS NEIGHBORHOOD USING DYNAMICAL DOWNSCALING
Authors: Morais Marcos Vinicius Bueno de , Urbina Guerrero Viviana Vanesa , Rudke Anderson Paulo , Fujita Thais , Martins Leila Droprinchinski , Reboita Michelle Simões , Martins Jorge Alberto
Published: February 2023

According to IPCC reports, global climate change is likely to be accompanied by a greater frequency, intensity, and duration of heat waves in urban areas. This is related to predicted and ongoing variation of atmospheric temperature and its association with the dynamical evolution of cities. Changes in the roughness pattern of the surface, wind intensity, soil available humidity and radiative properties compared to the natural surfaces characterize the formation of the Urban Heat Island (UHI). A dynamical downscaling of A2 and B1 SRES’s future scenarios from Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change were performed for Londrina, a medium-size city of Southern Brazil, using the Weather Research and Forecasting model. The main objective of this study is to investigate the impact of these scenarios on the UHI formation and intensity based on different input data, and its role and influence in the rural area. For this, an evaluation of the model and a comparison with the scenarios were done to mitigate the current trends. The results show a tendency in the current situation in following the pessimistic A2 scenario. Also, a drier rural area for the sustainable projection (B1) is found which implicates in a higher temperature and wind patterns modification for both sites, urban and rural region. Both future projections have a direct influence on the UHI intensity and formation, yielding effects in the agriculture and affecting conditions on human comfort over the region.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CO2 EMISSIONS FROM CERAMIC BRICK AND PLASTER BLOCK VERTICAL SEALS
Authors: Pessoa Rodrigo Gabriel Avelino de Queiroz , Cardoso Ariane da Silva , Delmiro Thayse Dayse , Kohlman Rabbani Emilia Rahnemay
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study is to compare the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from materials used in the execution of internal building masonry for construction projects that use plaster blocks and those using ceramic bricks. A total of 20 projects in the city of Recife, Brazil, were analyzed, all of them belonging to a large construction company operating in the Northeast region. The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions were estimated using indexes found in the literature and calculated based on the Energy Life Cycle Assessment (ELCA). The emissions from the transport of materials to the construction site were calculated based on the driving distances between the suppliers and the building sites, taking into account the fuel consumption of the transport vehicles. The construction sites using plaster blocks for the internal masonry seals obtained an average indicator of 19.21 kgCO2/m² of constructed area compared to 33.86 kgCO2/m² from those using ceramic bricks. Construction sites using plaster blocks for internal masonry had a 43.26% reduction in GHG emissions and there was a strong correlation between costs due to the execution of activities and material emissions.
FLOOD RISK, COASTAL MEGACITIES, AND URBAN POOR: ASSESSING THE FUTURE URBAN FLOOD RISK IN THE H/E WARD OF MUMBAI
Authors: Tyagi Pallavi
Published: February 2023

In India, Mumbai city is highly vulnerable to the threats posed by climate change, such as sealevel rise, storm, and floods. The vulnerability of the city was demonstrated on the 26 July 2005 when thousands of houses were submerged in the water, and assets worth billions of rupees were damaged. The flood severely impacted the residents in informal settlements known as slums, which incurred substantial financial losses. With the increasing vulnerability of coastal megacities to urban floods, there is a need for an effective risk assessment and Adaptation Planning. Hence this study aims to assess the current amd future Flood Risk faced by the H/E Ward (study area) of Mumbai. The flood risk assessment is performed using the standard catastrophe Risk modeling, which combines Hazard, exposure, and vulnerability. Various data sources such as Historical rainfall data, Elevation Data, Soil Database, Landsat Imagery, and census data were collected from multiple online sources to achieve this objective. The data processing is done using GIS, Hydrological and Hydraulic Processes. As the H/E ward lies in the Mithi River catchment area, we processed the DEM and used the SCS-Curve Number and kinematic routing method to generate the peak discharge at the River Sub basins in HEC-HMS software. The River geometry is prepared in HEC-RAS software, and Flood Hazard Maps were prepared. The current & future Risk analysis shows an increase in the inundation extent for the 100 year return period in the H/E Ward, which highlights that there would be an increase in the total affected Population and losses incurred by them. The study also highlights that the people's adaptive capacity is deficient. Most of the affected Population are poor people, employed in menial jobs, chosen to stay in the riskier site because of proximity to work. Hence this study highlights an urgent need for an effective Risk Management and Adaptation planning in the H/E ward of Mumbai.
ASSESSMENT OF OUTDOOR THERMAL COMFORT IN HOT ARID ZONE
Authors: Mohamed Mady , Shawesh Rawan
Published: February 2023

The globe witnessed a rapid development of the concepts of sustainability, smart architecture, and intelligent buildings during recent decades. The Healthy environment, particularly thermal comfort, is an essential concern for planners, urbanists, and architects to produce a healthy and thermally comfortable environment. A better understanding of the parameters that affect the Outdoor Thermal Comfort (OTC) will enable urbanists and environmentalists to control the microclimate and to enhance environmental performance. Several parameters affect the thermal comfort of human-being such as air temperature, mean radiant temperature (MRT), air velocity, humidity, metabolic rate, and clothing insulation. Assessing the MRT is considered the most challenging parameter in outdoor spaces. Recent researches recognized several approaches to determine the OTC in different climatic zones. The influence of different climates and user groups has significantly altered the range of responses for thermal comfort. This paper focuses on reviewing the current state of knowledge on how to assess the OTC and the MRT in the hot arid climate. Results confirmed the integration of the appropriate OTC index with other design tools to evaluate the OTC and the MRT. It also confirmed that Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) and Predictive Mean Vote (PMV) are the most common indices. While ENVI-met and RayMan are the most common software to assess the OTC.
FEASIBILITY OF LOW-CARBON PERMEABLE PAVEMENT SYSTEMS (PPS) FOR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT
Authors: Tota-Maharaj Kiran , Adeleke Blessing Oluwaseun , Staddon Chad , Sweileh Faisal
Published: February 2023

The sharp increase in the utilisation and demand of construction materials across the world, especially in road, pavements and transportation sectors has resulted in an unsustainable surge in the amount of carbon emissions. This study investigated the use of low-carbon materials in permeable pavements systems (PPS) and the effects of various low-carbon engineered materials on the mechanical, absorption and infiltration performance of PPS according to relevant standards. This was achieved by the critical analysis of four (4) different materials (recycled grit, recycled glass, recycled rubber) and comparing their performance with normal materials used in conventional pavements. The four materials were implemented into concrete mixes of the permeable pavers and embedded in various layers and sub-sections making up the permeable pavement structure. As a result, the outcome required of this research is to find which mix of concrete blocks (permeable pavers) perform the best when tested for absorption and compression and which permeable pavement works best when tested for infiltration. Compression test was utilised to establish the maximum allowable compressive force, while the absorption test identified the concrete mix that could hold the least amount of water when soaked in water for 24 hours. This was expected to reduce the possibility of breakage of the concrete blocks. Finally, the infiltration test was employed to establish the best performing pavement material based on the rate and amount of infiltration of a fixed volume of effluent. The results obtained from the laboratory tests shows improved performances of the pavements embedded with recycled materials. Therefore, it can be recommended that the use of recycled materials in the development of low-carbon permeable pavements, possesses the ability to perform efficiently in comparison with conventional PPS in the construction and built environment sectors.
ADAPTNESS ASSESSMENT OF PEDESTRIAN STREET DURING CRISES LIKE COVID-19
Authors: Kumari Rashmi
Published: February 2023

The modern urban planning is focused towards encouraging pedestrian movement by ensuring their safety and comfort during the walk. Further, COVID-19 pandemic has abruptly obstructed our normal way of life that includes of our local as well as global transport systems. There is greater need of making the public places more pedestrian friendly with the provision of appropriate walking and cycling networks, which can tackle the social distancing issues. This paper presents a novel approach to quantitatively analyze the efficiency of present urban pedestrian streets in maintaining social distancing among pedestrians. The survey research techniques, GIS tool and technique, statistical techniques, and space syntax methods are implemented and tested for evaluating present scenario of the pedestrian movement in relation to the urban layout, in the case of Main-Market Street of Hamirpur town of Himachal Pradesh, India. The regression and correlation analysis is performed between outcomes of axial and segment analysis to establish the interrelation among spatial structure and behavioral phenomena. This paper is an attempt to generate the need of rethinking the pedestrian planning process with more holistic approaches to achieve sustainable urban environment.
MODELLING VEHICLE EMISSIONS USING ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORK AND MULTIPLE LINEAR REGRESSION METHODS
Authors: Hassine Hichem , Omrane Fatma , Barkallah Maher , Louati Jamel , Haddar Mohamed
Published: February 2023

The road transport sector plays a vital role in economic development and vehicle

numbers are growing. It provides a set of services to meet the different demands of

travel and it is a necessity for human civilization. However, although it is an essential

element in regional development schemes, it generates negative externalities, thus

constituting one of the most important sources of environmental pollution. This paper

aims to develop modelling vehicle emissions, especially, the HC, CO and NOx based

on experimental speed profiles, acceleration and technical parameters related to the

used vehicle. This helps to determine and study vehicle emissions factor related to

different pollutant. Two methods are used to develop two different empirical models:

the multiple regression and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The developed approach

was applied to two types of vehicle with different technical characteristics. It was

observed that the multiple linear regression method allows to predict vehicle emissions

with a coefficient of determination between 0.723 and 0.921 but the ANN model can

predict exhaust gases with a correlation coefficient in the range of 0.95–0.99.

Simulation results demonstrate the efficiency and superiority of the ANN tool to

estimate vehicle emissions compared to multiple linear regression approach.
Association of apolipoprotein ε4 allele with intellectual disability in children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Sreedevi N. , Swapna N. , Maruthy Santosh , Kundapur Rajesh , Sylvester Charles
Published: February 2023

Background:

The apolipoprotein E (ApoE) protein is the most essential lipid transporter in the brain which is vital in neurodevelopment. The production of ApoE is regulated by several genes and increases under certain conditions such as cerebral injury. This study was carried out to assess the association between APOE alleles on intellectual disability (ID) and assess their relationship with cerebral palsy (CP) in south Indian children.

Materials and Methods:

The participants (n = 45) were children aged 1–15 years of age, who were diagnosed with CP and presenting with speech or hearing impairment. All patients were of South Indian descent. Family history, medical history, clinical investigations, and cognitive abilities of the patients were recorded. Exome sequencing of the APOE gene was performed.

Results:

APOE ε4 allele was detected in 9/45 (P = 0.002) CP patients. Both carriers and noncarriers of the ε4 allele had mild-, moderate-, severe-, and profound intellectual disabilities.

Conclusion:

The role of APOE ε4 as a possible biomarker in cognition decline in CP is still questionable, but the ε4 allele as a potential risk factor for developing Alzheimer's disease is strongly relevant. Further studies are warranted to study the association of the APOE ε4 allele in CP and ID.