bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaf area index as a function of precipitation within a hydrological model
Authors: Törnros Tobias , Menzel Lucas
Published: August 2014

The Leaf Area Index (LAI) was derived from the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) obtained from Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) data for the years 1982–2004. The NDVI-derived LAI showed a very good agreement (correlation coefficient r up to 0.96) with MODIS LAI. To address the relation between precipitation and LAI, linear correlation analysis between gridded precipitation and the NDVI-derived LAI was conducted for several land uses and each month of the year. Based on the regression coefficients, LAI could be simulated as a function of precipitation. During validation, the simulated LAI showed a very good agreement (r ≥ 0.75) with the NDVI-derived LAI. The simulated dynamic LAI was thereafter implemented in a hydrological model. For comparison, a model run with a static LAI without any inter-annual variations was also conducted. During abnormally dry conditions, the dynamic LAI was lower than the static LAI and less transpiration was therefore simulated. It is shown that a dynamic LAI contributes to a more realistic simulation approach during individual weather events but also that in the long run the simulated transpiration is much more strongly influenced by inter-annual variations in weather than by the additional vegetation dynamics in a semi-arid region.
Geospatial modelling to determine the behaviour of ice cover formation during freeze-up of the Dauphin River in Manitoba
Authors: Lindenschmidt Karl-Erich , Chun Kwok P.
Published: August 2014

During the formation of a frazil-generated ice cover, ice bridging can occur along sections of rivers that are geomorphologically suited (e.g. very sinuous, narrowing channel width, low gradient bed slope) to arrest the flow of ice pans. Bridging may occur at several locations along the river independently from one another with separate ice cover formations occurring simultaneously. Juxtaposition of incoming frazil ice and ice pans extending from the ice bridgings can cause backwater levels to rise upstream and cause flooding. The separate ice covers will eventually merge to completely cover the river sooner than if no additional bridging had occurred. This makes it difficult to predict the time required for a river to be completely ice covered and the locations and timing of related potential flood events. A geospatial model is introduced in this paper that applies a principal component analysis to cluster geomorphological features – such as sinuosity, channel width and channel slope – into typologies. Certain combinations of these typologies reveal predisposition of certain geomorphological features to ice bridging or non-bridging. The Dauphin River in Manitoba is used as a test case for the development of the model.
Use of principal component analysis in conjunction with soft computing methods for investigating total sediment load transferability from laboratory to field scale
Authors: Tayfur Gokmen , Karimi Yashar
Published: August 2014

This study quantitatively investigates the generalization from laboratory scale to field scale using the soft computing (expert) and the empirical methods. Principal component analysis is utilized to form the input vector for the expert methods. Five main dimensionless parameters are used in the input vector of artificial neural networks (ANN), calibrated with laboratory data, to predict field total sediment loads. In addition, nonlinear equations are constructed based upon the same dimensionless parameters. The optimal values of the exponents and constants of the equations are obtained by the genetic algorithm (GA) method using the laboratory data. The performance of the so-developed ANN and GA based models are compared against the field data and those of the existing empirical methods, namely Bagnold, Ackers and White, and Van Rijn. The results show that ANN outperforms the empirical methods. The results also show that the expert models, calibrated with laboratory data, are capable of predicting field total loads and thus proving their transferability capability. The transferability is also investigated by a newly proposed equation which is based on the Bagnold approach. The optimal values of the coefficients of this equation are obtained by the GA. The performance of the proposed equation is found to be very efficient.
Synergistic degradation of hospital wastewater by solar/TiO2/Fe2+/H2O2 process
Authors: Adish Kumar S. , Sree lekshmi G. S. , Rajesh Banu J. , Tae Yeom I.
Published: August 2014

Combined heterogeneous and homogenous photo-catalytic degradation of hospital wastewater was investigated. Three processes – solar/TiO2/H2O2, solar/Fe2+/H2O2 and solar/TiO2/Fe2+/H2O2 – were evaluated. The solar/TiO2/Fe2+/H2O2 process displayed increased efficiency due to the synergetic effect of homogeneous and heterogeneous photo-catalytic reaction. The combination increased the photo process efficiency by decreasing the reaction time of the separate operations and decreased the cost of treatment. The optimal conditions enabling over 99% reduction of chemical oxygen demand (COD) were pH 7, 0.5 g/L Fe2+, 0.2 g/L TiO2 and 1.35 g/L H2O2. The effluent COD and total suspended solids concentrations were 20 and 30 mg/L, respectively, which met the discharge standard requirements.
Analytical and numerical solutions for sediment and heavy metal transport: a 1D simplified case
Authors: Alvarez Ana M. , Trento Alfredo E.
Published: August 2014

The use of mathematical models to study the transport of suspended sediments and heavy metals (HM) in water and riverbeds is of growing interest among the scientific community. A model of three partial differential equations solved by a numerical scheme of a third order was applied. The aim was to verify a numerical one-dimensional (1D) model for sediment and heavy metal concentrations in the water and bed applying analytical solutions, for three sedimentological conditions with a continuous source. The importance of the magnitude and sense of the diffusive process in the active bed sediment layer was studied. Differences between numerical and analytical results were quantified for: sediment concentration in the water column, total HM concentration in the water column and HM concentration in bed sediments. All these differences were less than 0.4% in all cases. Numerical results for two more complex scenarios were included. For the first scenario, water without HM flowing over a contaminated bed was assumed, whereas for the second one, the opposite – contaminated water with HM flowing over a clean bed − was adopted. A brief analysis of the initial conditions of HM concentration showed the importance of determining such initial conditions in actual environmental studies.
Modelling of a carbon removal biological aerated filter doing partial nitrification during large-scale secondary treatment
Authors: Bernier Jean , Rocher Vincent , Guerin Sabrina , Lessard Paul
Published: August 2014

A wastewater biofiltration model is used to assess the potential of modelling plant-sized secondary carbon removal biofilter units. Two distinct datasets collected at the Seine-Centre biofiltration plant (Colombes, France) are used. The model is first calibrated on multiple grab samples taken at different heights inside the filter media. Data from 24 hour composite samples at the unit influent and effluent over a 2 year period are then simulated. Additional data are used to estimate hourly concentration profiles from composite samples in order to correctly use both composite and grab samples during modelling. The calibrated model is in most cases able to correctly predict the general nutrient behaviour for both datasets. The results of statistical scores such as the mean error and the mean absolute error are low for soluble components and remain correct for particles during years 2008–2009. Only one parameter set containing few heavily modified values is used to obtain these results. Modelling plant-sized biofilters appears to be practical and can be useful for easily evaluating plant optimization scenarios.
The formation kinetics of haloacetonitriles and halonitromethanes during chloramination
Authors: Chuang Yi-Hsueh , Tung Hsin-hsin
Published: August 2014

This study investigates the formation of 14N- and 15N-nitrogenous disinfection by-product formation upon 15N-chloramination from four dissolved organic matters (DOMs). A series of XAD resins were used to fractionate DOM based on their hydrophobicity and functional group. The results show that hydrophobic acid (HPOA) fraction was the most important precursor pool for haloacetonitrile (HAN); these precursors mainly generated HAN through chloramine incorporation. HPOA and hydrophobic neutral (HPON) gave higher trichloronitromethane (TCNM) yields than the other fractions did. The nitrogen origin upon chloramination of HPOA was primarily from dissolved organic nitrogen (DON). By contrast, chloramines provided the main nitrogen sources during chloraminating HPON and HPOA with low DON to dissolved organic carbon ratios. The results of formation kinetics show that dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN) of which nitrogen source originate from DON formed faster than that of which nitrogen source originate from chloramines. Under normal chloramine exposure (4,000 mg-min/L, equal to 2 mg/L chloramines with around 2 days' reaction duration), 14N-DCAN concentration was two to over five times higher than that of 15N-DCAN. This study also uses a model to calculate the formation concentration of nitrogenous disinfection by-products without hydrolysis effects. The results show that 15N-DCAN formation was linearly correlated with chloramine exposure.
A new approach to improve water loss control using smart metering data
Authors: Loureiro D. , Alegre H. , Coelho S. T. , Martins A. , Mamade A.
Published: August 2014

The control of water losses is a major concern in the sustainability of urban water utilities and in promoting the efficient use of this natural resource. Recent advances in telemetry technology provide high-resolution consumption data at the consumer level, allowing for a remarkable knowledge improvement on the different water balance components. However, few studies focus on systematic approaches for improving system operation and maintenance by processing and analysing large amounts of consumption data. This paper presents a new methodology to calculate real losses and apparent losses in distribution networks using data collected from telemetry systems. The methodology proposes a set of algorithms that are simple to implement. These algorithms were tested on different district metered areas (DMA) to improve understanding about water loss components and have already been included in commercial software. The results showed that these algorithms are robust and allow for accurately estimating the background leakage level (and unreported leaks and bursts), detecting earlier the occurrence of bursts and providing important insights into the type of illegal water uses. The use of these approaches reduced non-revenue water by more than 10% in the majority of the DMA tested. These findings are promising and demonstrate the strong potential of telemetry systems to reduce water losses and to improve the understanding of water uses.
A compact reactor system for processing grey water and its reutilization for flushing toilet bowls
Authors: Vrtovšek Janez , Cotman Magda , Pintar Albin
Published: August 2014

In this contribution, a compact reactor system is presented that enables efficient processing of grey water in order to facilitate its reutilization for flushing toilet bowls. The treatment of collected grey water is performed in combination with an aerobic/anoxic biological process carried out in a submersed bioreactor with immobilized biomass for the removal of dissolved organic substances, and a procedure of adjusting the concentration of microorganisms in the liquid phase by using a simple technique of flow-through ultraviolet-light based disinfection. In this system which operates at ambient temperature as a semi-continuous recycle reactor, significant removal of organic matter was achieved (conversions up to 65%, expressed as total organic carbon) without the occurrence of malodour. A low concentration of dispersed microorganisms was measured in treated grey water; importantly, no coliforms were accumulated in the unit.
Assessing the viability of microhydropower generation from the stormwater flow of the detention outlet in an urban area
Authors: Kamal Norashikin Ahmad , Park Heekyung , Shin Sangmin
Published: August 2014

Small-scale hydropower is the generation of electrical power of 10 MW or less from the transformation of kinetic energy in flowing water to mechanical energy in a rotating turbine to electrical energy in a generator. The technology is especially useful when installed with a stormwater infrastructure in countries teeming with abundant rainfall. It is upon this concept that this study is being pursued to assess the implementation of microhydropower within a stormwater infrastructure. In order to achieve sustainability of development, small-scale hydropower should be beneficial in the implementation of stormwater infrastructure, especially in countries that have abundant rainfall. The aim of this study is to provide an assessment method for microhydropower implementation within a stormwater infrastructure. PCSWMM software was used to simulate the flowing water at a detention outlet. Modification of the current detention pond was made to optimise the quantity and quality of water supplied to the turbine. Two important parameters in the modification design are quantity and quality of storm water, which optimise the energy generated. The total power that can be harnessed from the design is theoretically from 500 W to 0.5 MW. Therefore, it can be safely concluded that the implementation of microhydropower within a stormwater infrastructure is technologically feasible.
Development of SPAWM: selection program for available watershed models
Authors: Cho Yongdeok , Roesner Larry A.
Published: August 2014

A selection program for available watershed models (also known as SPAWM) was developed. Thirty-three commonly used watershed models were analyzed in depth and classified in accordance to their attributes. These attributes consist of: (1) land use; (2) event or continuous; (3) time steps; (4) water quality; (5) distributed or lumped; (6) subsurface; (7) overland sediment; and (8) best management practices. Each of these attributes was further classified into sub-attributes. Based on user selected sub-attributes, the most appropriate watershed model is selected from the library of watershed models. SPAWM is implemented using Excel Visual Basic and is designed for use by novices as well as by experts on watershed modeling. It ensures that the necessary sub-attributes required by the user are captured and made available in the selected watershed model.
Characterization and first flush analysis in road and roof runoff in Shenyang, China
Authors: Li Chunlin , Liu Miao , Hu Yuanman , Gong Jiping , Sun Fengyun , Xu Yanyan
Published: August 2014

As urbanization increases, urban runoff is an increasingly important component of total urban non-point source pollution. In this study, the properties of urban runoff were examined in Shenyang, in northeastern China. Runoff samples from a tiled roof, a concrete roof and a main road were analyzed for key pollutants (total suspended solids (TSS), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), chemical oxygen demand (COD), Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn). The event mean concentration, site mean concentration, M(V) curves (dimensionless cumulative curve of pollutant load with runoff volume), and mass first flush ratio (MFF30) were used to analyze the characteristics of pollutant discharge and first flush (FF) effect. For all events, the pollutant concentration peaks occurred in the first half-hour after the runoff appeared and preceded the flow peaks. TN is the main pollutant in roof runoff. TSS, TN, TP, Pb, and Cr are the main pollutants in road runoff in Shenyang. There was a significant correlation between TSS and other pollutants except TN in runoff, which illustrated that TSS was an important carrier of organic matter and heavy metals. TN had strong positive correlations with total rainfall (Pearson's r = 0.927), average rainfall (Pearson's r = 0.995), and maximum rainfall intensity (Pearson's r = 0.991). TP had a strong correlation with rainfall intensity (Pearson's r = 0.940). A significant positive correlation between COD and rainfall duration (Pearson's r = 0.902, significance level = 0.05) was found. The order of FF intensity in different surfaces was concrete roof > tile roof > road. Rainfall duration and the length of the antecedent dry period were positively correlated with the FF. TN tended to exhibit strong flush for some events. Heavy metals showed a substantially stronger FF than other pollutant.
Application of the urban water use model for urban water use management purposes
Authors: Costa dos Santos D. , Benetti A.
Published: August 2014

The aim of this work is to present an application of the urban water use (UWU) model, which is a support decision tool to define the best group of efficient water use measures for UWU management purposes. Therefore, the UWU was developed under integrated urban water management (IUWM) and strategic planning principles to promote a systemic approach for decision taking. The IUWM considers the interfaces between water service systems, while by strategic planning it is possible to elaborate a vision to be achieved in future scenarios. Specifically to define the best measure group of efficient water use, the UWU has many alternatives for these measures, which are based on water demand management, decentralized sanitation, ecological sanitation and sustainable urban drainage system philosophies. In this context, the UWU application presented was developed for Seara city, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. In this application a vision and five scenarios were built. The measure groups were composed by greywater systems, filterstrips, water saving devices in buildings, and water loss reduction in water supply systems and wastewater treatment system. In this context the UWU model was applied. The measure group that presented the highest effectiveness was based on the water demand management and decentralized sanitation strategies.
Formation of artificial granules for proving gelation as the main mechanism of aerobic granulation in biological wastewater treatment
Authors: Li Yun , Yang Shu-fang , Zhang Jian-jun , Li Xiao-yan
Published: August 2014

In this study, gelation-facilitated biofilm formation as a new mechanism is proposed for the phenomenon of aerobic granulation in biological wastewater treatment. To obtain an experimental proof for the gelation-based theory, the granulation process was simulated in a chemical system using latex particles for bacterial cells and organic polymers (alginate and peptone) for extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in a solution with the addition of cations (Ca2+, Mg2+ and Fe3+). The results showed that at a low alginate content (70 mg g−1 mixed liquid suspended solids (MLSS)) flocculation was observed in the suspension with loose flocs. At a higher alginate content (180 mg g−1 MLSS), together with discharge of small flocs, formation of artificial gel granules was successfully achieved leading to granulation. The artificial granules show a morphological property similar to that of actual microbial granules. However, if the protein content increased, granulation became difficult with little gel formation. The experimental work demonstrates the importance of the bonding interactions between EPS functional groups and cations in gel formation and granulation. The laboratory results on the formation of artificial granules provide a sound proof for the theory of gelation-facilitated biofilm formation as the main mechanism for aerobic granulation in sludge suspensions.
Removal of fluoride and arsenic by pilot vertical-flow constructed wetlands using soil and coal cinder as substrate
Authors: Li Juan , Liu Xinchun , Yu Zhisheng , Yi Xin , Ju Yiwen , Huang Jing , Liu Ruyin
Published: August 2014

This study evaluated the performance of soil and coal cinder used as substrate in vertical-flow constructed wetlands for removal of fluoride and arsenic. Two duplicate pilot-scale artificial wetlands were set up, planted respectively with cannas, calamus and no plant as blank, fed with a synthetic sewage solution. Laboratory (batch) incubation experiments were also carried out separately to ascertain the fluoride and arsenic adsorption capacity of the two materials (i.e. soil and coal cinder). The results showed that both soil and coal cinder had quite high fluoride and arsenic adsorption capacity. The wetlands were operated for two months. The concentrations of fluoride and arsenic in the effluent of the blank wetlands were obviously higher than in the other wetlands planted with cannas and calamus. Fluoride and arsenic accumulation in the wetlands body at the end of the operation period was in range of 14.07–37.24% and 32.43–90.04%, respectively, as compared with the unused media.
Tertiary treatment for wastewater reuse based on the Daphnia magna filtration – comparison with conventional tertiary treatments
Authors: Serra Teresa , Colomer Jordi , Pau Conxi , Marín Maribel , Sala Lluís
Published: August 2014

Tertiary treatments are required to permit safe reuse of wastewater. The performance of a new biological tertiary treatment based on the filtration by a population of Daphnia magna was studied and compared with the performance of other conventional tertiary treatments such as coagulation-flocculation, settling tank, disc filtration, sand filtering and ultraviolet (UV) light. The analysis was based on the efficiency in the particle removal and Escherichia coli inactivation. The Daphnia magna treatment reduced the concentration of particles with diameters below 30 μm by 35%, depending on abiotic parameters such as water temperature and the hydraulic retention time (HRT). The Daphnia magna filtration increased with water temperature for water temperatures >20 °C, while it remained constant for water temperatures <20 °C. Lower HRTs induced the growth of the Daphnia magna population, maintaining the same water quality. Furthermore, the Daphnia magna treatment inactivated E. coli in 1.2 log units. This inactivation was six times larger than that obtained by the conventional macrofiltration systems analyzed, although lower than the inactivation attained by UV light, which ranged between 1.5 and 4 log units.
A health risk assessment of reclaimed municipal wastewater for industrial and miscellaneous use
Authors: Wu W. L. , Huang Y. D. , Hsu K. E. , Wang Y. H. , Huang H. H. , Hsiung W. C. , Chen S. M. , Chang H. S. , Chu C. P. , Chung Y. J. , Huang Y. T.
Published: August 2014

The study evaluated the safety of reclaimed water using health risk assessment and biotoxicity tests. The reclaimed water was produced from reverse osmosis and used in industrial and miscellaneous purposes. The health risk assessment was conducted based on the concentrations of detectable pollutants in reclaimed water in a hypothetical scenario. The estimated carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks are lower than the generally accepted level. Biotoxicity evaluation included three genotoxicity tests, a chronic toxicity test using medaka fishes, and a subchronic toxicity test using mice. The reclaimed water is not genetically toxic, and does not cause significant chronic effects on these model organisms. These results confirm the safety of using reclaimed water from municipal wastewater treatment plants.
Distinct Networks of Leptin- and Insulin-Sensing Neurons Regulate Thermogenic Responses to Nutritional and Cold Challenges
Authors: Chong Angie C.N. , Greendyk Richard A. , Zeltser Lori M.
Published: August 2014

Defense of core body temperature (Tc) can be energetically costly; thus, it is critical that thermoregulatory circuits are modulated by signals of energy availability. Hypothalamic leptin and insulin signals relay information about energy status and are reported to promote thermogenesis, raising the possibility that they interact to direct an appropriate response to nutritional and thermal challenges. To test this idea, we used an Nkx2.1-Cre driver to generate conditional knockouts (KOs) in mice of leptin receptor (L2.1KO), insulin receptor (I2.1KO), and double KOs of both receptors (D2.1KO). L2.1KOs are hyperphagic and obese, whereas I2.1KOs are similar to controls. D2.1KOs exhibit higher body weight and adiposity than L2.1KOs, solely due to reduced energy expenditure. At 20–22°C, fed L2.1KOs maintain a lower baseline Tc than controls, which is further decreased in D2.1KOs. After an overnight fast, some L2.1KOs dramatically suppress energy expenditure and enter a torpor-like state; this behavior is markedly enhanced in D2.1KOs. When fasted mice are exposed to 4°C, L2.1KOs and D2.1KOs both mount a robust thermogenic response and rapidly increase Tc. These observations support the idea that neuronal populations that integrate information about energy stores to regulate the defense of Tc set points are distinct from those required to respond to a cold challenge.
Addressing Glycemic Targets from Diagnosis to Discharge
Authors: Malaskovitz Joyce , Hodge Charlotte
Published: August 2014

In Brief

On any given day, from 25 to 50% of all hospitalized patients meet criteria for a diagnosis of diabetes, prediabetes, or hyperglycemia. It is essential for all health care providers, including diabetes clinicians, to examine current processes to ensure the delivery of the highest quality care, with a focus on glucose control, improved outcomes, and patient safety from admission through discharge.
Pharmacotherapy for Hyperglycemia in Noncritically Ill Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Mendez Carlos E. , Umpierrez Guillermo E.
Published: August 2014

In Brief

Hyperglycemia in the hospital setting affects 38–46% of noncritically ill hospitalized patients. Evidence from observational studies indicates that inpatient hyperglycemia, in patients with and without diabetes, is associated with increased risks of complications and mortality. Substantial evidence indicates that correction of hyperglycemia through insulin administration reduces hospital complications and mortality in critically ill patients, as well as in general medicine and surgery patients. This article provides a review of the evidence on the different therapies available for hyperglycemia management in noncritically ill hospitalized patients.
Sustainability of Improved Glycemic Control After Diabetes Self-Management Education
Authors: Nicoll Katie G. , Ramser Kristie L. , Campbell Jennifer D. , Suda Katie J. , Lee Marilyn D. , Wood G. Christopher , Sumter Robert , Hamann Gale L.
Published: August 2014

Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate glycemic control as measured by A1C during a 2-year period after patients received diabetes self-management education (DSME).

Methods. Patients who completed DSME in 2009 and received medical follow-up with A1C measurements for at least 2 years after DSME were included in the evaluation. Primary endpoints were changes in A1C from before to immediately after, 1 year after, and 2 years after DSME. Secondary outcomes included the effects of the following factors on change in A1C: sex, duration of diabetes, uncontrolled diabetes (A1C ≥ 9%), health insurance coverage, and self-reported education level.

Results. Forty-three patients were included in the evaluation. Mean A1C before DSME was 10.2 ± 3.7%. Mean A1C after DSME was 7.8 ± 2.2% (P < 0.0001), a 23.5% reduction. Mean A1C at 1 and 2 years after DSME was 7.8 ± 2.1% for each year and remained unchanged from just after DSME to 1 and 2 years after DSME (P > 0.05). Patients with a duration of diabetes of < 1 year had a significantly greater reduction in mean A1C than those with a duration of diabetes ≥ 1 year (28.7 and 20.2%, respectively, P = 0.001).

Conclusion. DSME improved glycemic control to a substantial degree, and the effect was sustained for up to 2 years. Although the reduction in A1C was significant for all patients receiving DSME, there was a significantly greater reduction for patients who had a duration of diabetes of < 1 year than for those with a duration of diabetes > 1 year.
Analysis of the SMAD4 gene in asthma
Authors: Miletic Aleksandra , Petrovic-Stanojevic Natasa , Radojkovic Dragica , Nikolic Aleksandra
Published: August 2014

Considering the importance of the TGF-β signaling pathway for normal lung function and especially its roles in inflammation and tissue remodeling, key features of asthma pathology, it can be assumed that these molecules may harbor mutations in asthmatics. The aim of this study was to analyze the SMAD4 gene in patients with asthma. Analysis has encompassed exons 10, 11, 12 and 13 encoding the carboxy-terminal (MH2) domain of the SMAD4 protein, where mutations most frequently occur. The study included 50 patients (20 men and 30 women) with asthma aged between 17 and 73 years (average age 45.2±15.6 years). Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to amplify exons 10, 11, 12 and 13 of the SMAD4 gene and the obtained PCR products were subjected to direct DNA sequencing. No nucleotide changes were found in any of the analyzed exons in either of the subjects. Based on the results of this study, it seems that mutations in the carboxy-terminal (MH2) domain of the SMAD4 are not present in asthmatic patients. Future research should be directed at the analysis of the complete gene, including regulatory elements, in order to resolve the exact role of SMAD4 in asthma.
Analysis and prediction of upper extremity movements by cyclograms
Authors: Kutilek Patrik , Socha Vladimir , Hana Karel
Published: August 2014

Quantification of upper extremity movement is a common objective in both research and clinical practice. Currently, methods based on angle-angle diagrams, also called cyclograms, seem to be promising. Nevertheless, compared to the study of lower limbs, the concept of angle-angle diagrams has not been systematically used to study upper limb movements during walking. The paper describes two examples of new methods based on angle-angle diagrams for application in rehabilitation and assistive robotics. The cyclograms represent information about the relationship between the angles and their changes over time. We used cyclograms as patterns for learning artificial neural networks and predicting the movement of upper-limb. Together with artificial intelligence, cyclograms offer wide scope of application in prosthesis control systems. Using bilateral cyclogram, the information about the relationship between the right and left arm joint angles is used to evaluate the symmetry of movements. The method based on the orientation of the bilateral cyclogram can be used as an additional method for determining the symmetry of movements of the upper limbs or exo-prosthesis.
Surgical treatment of stress urinary incontinence and vaginal prolapse for the woman with epispadia
Authors: Aniuliene Rosita , Aniulis Povilas , Druktenyte Vitalija , Zilaitiene Birute
Published: August 2014

Patient K.L., 32 years old. Menses started at thirteen years old, C 5/28. Patient had two vaginal deliveries in 2004 and 2010. Dysplasia cervicis uteri CIN2-3 was diagnosed in 2007, subsequently diathermoconisation cervicis uteri was performed. The woman was born with epispadia — extrophia of urethra to abdominal wall, without pubic bone. At the age of 8 she underwent an operation in Moscow. During the operation the neck of the bladder was formed as well as urethra, which opens in vulva, place of clitoris. When she was 8 years old, her bladder capacity was 30 ml, in teenage years — 90 ml. The patient also reported history of recurrent urinary tract infections. 2011.08.02 Patient took medical advice in out patient department Kaunas university hospital with a complaint of stress urinary incontinence: when going, coughing, sneezing, doing exercises, having sex and at rest of time. Also it was the sexual intercourse problems with orgasm. She was urinating 8 times per day but none at night. Gynecological examination: absence of pubic bone, vulva is abnormal: absence of labium major and clitoris. Urethra opens into the place of clitoris. Front and back walls of vagina are moving down (POP-Q II-III stage prolapsed). Cervix of uterus is short, epithelised (after diathermoconisation). Uterus is normal in size, in retro-versio-flexio position. — without pathology. Sonography: internal genital organs without pathology. Boney, Valsalva test are positive, Ulmstein test negative. Urodynamic study revealed a bladder capacity of 134 ml, voided volume 173 ml. Pressure of detrusor — 10cmH2O. Compliancenormal, max flow rate 13,8 ml/s, voiding time 24 s. Spontaneous contractions of detrusor were not observed. Surgical treatment: 2011.10.10 TOT (tension obturator tape). Anterior and posterior colporrhaphy and perineoplastic was performed. There were no complications during and after surgery. On the 2 day after operation patient was released from hospital.
Impact of English Language Teaching and Learning through Language Laboratory in Engineering in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Rup Narayan , Pahari Bharat , Awasti Jai Raj
Published: August 2014

The present article discusses the importance of language, in general, and English, in particular, in the context of engineering education in Nepal. It mainly discusses the importance and application of language laboratory for the enhancement of skills and proficiency of English language in the learners of Bachelor's level in engineering in Nepal. The main objective of the present article is to highlight the importance of teaching and learning of English language in the B.E. level in engineering by using language laboratory. In course of the present study, literature available in different accessible sources was reviewed for collecting necessary data and designing theoretical framework for the same. From the study, it has been found that language laboratory is tremendously helpful in creating favourable atmoshphere for language learning and helping the learners to acquire necessary language skills useful to them in sharpening their study at present and streamlining their research and innovative activities in their further studies in the future. English language is now the language of worldwide communication, and therefore, it is very essential for the students of engineering to be proficient in communication through English not only for grabbing job opportunities open at present but also to furthering their future research and innovative endeavors and publishing their reports and research articles based on them. Language Laboratory is highly instrumental for attaining ample proficiency in English language, the means of global communication.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v10i1.10882Journal of the Institute of Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2014, pp. 94–103
Performance Evaluation of Runoff River Type Hydropower Plants Operating in Nepal: A Case Study of Nepal Electricity Authority
Authors: Joshi Sandeep , Shrestha Rajendra
Published: August 2014

Every power plant undergoes repair and maintenance which reduces the performance of the power plants as their condition undergoes periodic deterioration. To rectify the situation of aging and deterioration, timely evaluation of existing power plants is a must. Such that the evaluation will enable the decision maker to make decision regarding the present operation and maintenance practice: the need for modification of the practice or need to undergo rehabilitation in order to operate existing plants in a more efficient and effective way. Performance evaluation of a hydropower plant is performed .on the basis of various performance indicators.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v10i1.10886Journal of the Institute of Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2014 pp. 104–120
Comparison of Concrete Properties determined by Destructive and Non-Destructive Tests
Authors: Shankar Siddharth , Joshi Hikmat Raj
Published: August 2014

Federation of Contractor Associations of Nepal (FCAN) has asked the government to amend the law so that bidders quoting the average price would be awarded the contract. The competitive bidding process for awarding construction contracts in Nepal is based on the low bid method. According to this method, the construction firm submitting the lowest bid receives the right to the construction contract. Promoting competition amongst contractors and maintaining transparency are the clear benefits but delays in meeting the contract duration, increment of the final project cost, tendency to compromise quality, and adversarial relationship among contracting parties are the major drawbacks.As alternative of low bid method, some countries are using Average bid method.In this method, contract is awarded to the contractor whose price is closest to the average of all bids submitted. It is assumed that with a fair price they would conform to quality requirements of the project, would complete on time, and would not have adversarial relationships with the consultant of the employer. Awarding tenders to the lowest bidders is the major reason behind lingering construction projects and failure in meeting its standards in Nepal. To avoid such problems, Average bid Award system may be practiced by public agencies for procurement of works in Nepal.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v10i1.10889Journal of the Institute of Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2014, pp. 130–139
Development and Testing of Runner and Conical Basin for Gravitational Water Vortex Power Plant
Authors: Dhakal Subash , Nakarmi Susan , Pun Pikam , Thapa Arun Bikram , Bajracharya Tri Ratna
Published: August 2014

The Terai region in Nepal has water resources with very low head and medium to high discharge conditions. Hence, the people of the Terai region are not being able to utilize the water resources available near them due to the limitation of technology. This study is intended to serve the purpose of further research of ultra-low head gravitational water vortex turbines useful for power generation in the Terai region. Gravitational water vortex turbine is an ultra-low head turbine which can operate in as low head as 0.7m with similar yield as conventional hydroelectric turbines characterized with positive environmental yield. This study has been carried out in two phases. In the first phase, two different turbines are to designed and fabricated and the performance characteristics of the new turbine are to be compared with that of the installed turbine. The second phase includes the design and fabrication of the conical basin. Experimental tests will be carried out and the performance of the system with the use of a conical basin will compared with that of the system using the cylindrical basin. A site testing also has been carried out to ensure the performance of system.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jie.v10i1.10895Journal of the Institute of Engineering, Vol. 10, No. 1, 2014, pp. 140–148
Effects of Fuel Price on Individual Dynamic Travel Decisions
Authors: Yang Dujuan , Timmermans Harry
Published: August 2014

The goal of this study is to explore the impact of fuel price changes on individual activity travel behavior. Previous studies in transportation research have examined both short- and long-term fuel price elasticities on vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and vehicle stock through aggregated data at the country or subnational level. This study is one of the few to use individual-level panel data. Furthermore, studies that consider context effects such as weather conditions, accessibility, and travel companion are rare. Noninclusion of these context-variable effects may produce spurious results on the influence of fuel price changes on activity travel patterns. On the basis of a unique set of GPS panel data of 122 respondents living in the Eindhoven area of the Netherlands, the authors collected corresponding weather conditions data and daily fuel price data. A two-step estimation approach was applied to estimate (a) individuals’ decisions of making car-based trips and (b) the influence of fluctuations in real fuel price on car travel distance. The results show that fuel price has significant negative effects both on an individual's decision to use a car and on travel distance by car if a person uses it. In addition, results indicate that days of the week, weather conditions, and 3-week lagged and 1-week expected fuel prices have significant negative effects on individuals’ car use decisions. However, once people decide to travel by car, weather conditions do not have any significant effects on VMT. The 2-week lagged fuel price has a significant negative effect on only VMT.
Estimating Value of Congestion and of Reliability from Observation of Route Choice Behavior of Car Drivers
Authors: Prato Carlo Giacomo , Rasmussen Thomas Kjær , Nielsen Otto Anker
Published: August 2014

In recent years, a consensus has been reached about the relevance of calculating the value of congestion and the value of reliability for better understanding and therefore better prediction of travel behavior. The current study proposed a revealed preference approach that used a large amount of GPS data from probe vehicles to provide insight into actual behavior in choosing a route. Mixed path size correction logit models were estimated from samples of 5,759 observations in the peak period and 7,964 observations in the off-peak period, while a mean-variance model was specified to consider both congestion and reliability terms. Results illustrated that the value of time and the value of congestion were significantly higher in the peak period because of possible higher penalties for drivers being late and consequently possible higher time pressure. Moreover, results showed that the marginal rate of substitution between travel time reliability and total travel time did not vary across periods and traffic conditions, with the obvious caveat that the absolute values were significantly higher for the peak period. Last, results showed the immense potential of exploiting the growing availability of large amounts of data from cheap and enhanced technology to obtain estimates of the monetary value of different travel time components from the observation of actual behavior, with arguably potential significant impact on the realism of large-scale models.
Peak Travel and the Decoupling of Vehicle Travel from the Economy
Authors: Garceau Timothy J. , Atkinson-Palombo Carol , Garrick Norman
Published: August 2014

Decades of growth in overall and per capita automobile use led many to believe that driving-rate increases would occur indefinitely. In the mid-2000s, driving levels in the United States and other developed countries peaked and then began to decline. Referred to as “peak travel,” this international phenomenon is occurring in places with urban layouts, densities, and demographics that are quite different from one another and suggests a fundamental shift in travel behavior. Simultaneously, after 70 years of concurrent growth, the complex relationship between the economy (as measured by gross domestic product) and personal vehicle travel appears to be changing, and this change suggests a weakening connection between the two. This paper reviews the literature about the current understanding and potential causes of these revolutionary trend reversals. Although causes such as saturation of demand, aging, decline of young drivers, preference shifts, and time budget constraints all contribute to reduced automobile travel at one time or another, or in one place or another, none of these factors can explain why peak travel is occurring on multiple scales in a diversity of places. The authors conclude that although the existing literature explains the recent trend reversal in specific cities or partially explains the global phenomenon, the fundamental reasons for peak travel are still not understood. Further, the authors challenge fellow researchers to explain these phenomena for more accurate and efficient planning of the transportation infrastructure.
Sequence Alignment Analysis of Variability in Activity Travel Patterns through 8 Weeks of Diary Data
Authors: Moiseeva A. , Timmermans Harry , Choi J. , Joh C.-H.
Published: August 2014

Variability of activity travel patterns has long been an important issue in transportation research. Such variability has been typically explained in relation to covariance with a set of sociodemographic characteristics of travelers. However, variability also stems from differences in knowledge about the environment, which changes over time. To improve understanding of the contribution of different sources to variability in observed activity travel patterns, this paper applies sequence alignment to investigate different sources of variability in longitudinal patterns. The data on activity travel patterns were collected in 2010 for 3 months from newcomers to the city of Eindhoven, Netherlands. GPS technology was used to obtain traces that were processed with TraceAnnotator to impute activities and trips. A set of activity travel sequences for 8 weeks for 27 respondents was used in the analysis. The results show that (a) interpersonal variability is significantly higher than intra personal variability, although intrapersonal variability is yet substantial and should not be ignored; (b) intrapersonal variability reflecting different speeds of learning the new environment substantially changes over time; and (c) both interpersonal and intrapersonal variability are affected by socio-demographic characteristics such as gender and country of origin. The paper also discusses the implications of these findings for future research.
Temporal Effects in Commuter Response to Reward Scheme
Authors: Khademi Elaheh , Timmermans Harry , Borgers Aloys
Published: August 2014

Several reward scheme–based projects implemented in the Netherlands have stimulated car users to avoid using certain links of the network during peak hours. This paper reports the findings of a model that was formulated to analyze temporal effects of the Dutch SpitsScoren reward scheme. On one hand, one might expect that reward schemes lose their effectiveness over time as individuals tend to return to their old habits. On the other hand, by changing their routines, individuals may enjoy their new travel experience, and that enjoyment may in turn lead to positive reinforcement and ultimately to new habitual behavior. On balance, the impact of these opposite processes may conclude differently for different segments of travelers. To disentangle these effects, a panel-effects mixed logit model that predicted the probability of applying different adaptation strategies, including the option of no change, was estimated. Because the various strategies may be correlated, the model also allowed for covariance between the options. Results indicated that socioeconomic and situational variables strongly affected travelers’ adaptation strategies. Moreover, the effectiveness of the reward scheme changed over time and affected the various options differently. The estimated model also showed evidence of significant covariances between adaptation strategies.