bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pharmaceuticals and Endocrine Disruptors: Implications for Water Sustainability (part II)
Authors: Snyder Shane A.
Published: March 2010

The availability of safe freshwater is diminishing at an alarming rate globally. Increasing human population is stressing water supplies and contributing to water pollution. Population density increases and climate changes including epic droughts in certain parts of the world have led to the utilization of non-conventional water resources. These resources include desalinated sea water and recycled water to meet potable water needs. The water quality in many parts of the world is changing. The burgeoning human population taxes not only water resources but also food supplies, leading to rising demands for irrigation water and consequently to greater potential for water contamination by pesticides, fertilizers, and naturally occurring constituents. The public perception of water is shifting, with growing public awareness of certain groups of contaminants due to media coverage and non-government organization (NGO) concerns. Modern analytical technology has permitted the discovery that minute concentrations of contaminants of distinctly human origin occur in the water cycle. Many of these so-called “contaminants of emerging concern” have been, and will continue to be, detected in potable water supplies. Without question, the propensity for the contamination of fresh water will rise as human population continues to grow. Water treatment technology also continues to evolve. Advanced water treatment processes can provide effective and efficient contaminant removal. This presentation will describe the history, current status, and future implications that the detection of endocrine disruptors and pharmaceuticals will have on water and energy sustainability, with a particular emphasis on water treatment technologies.
Reducing the health risk by using rapid quantification methods for the monitoring of E. coli and Enterococci in bathing waters
Authors: Courtois S. , Do Quang Z. , Bergeron P. , Massé P.
Published: March 2010

Recreational waters are monitored worldwide to protect bathers from infectious diseases caused by waterborne pathogens associated with the pollution of natural recreational waters by human and animal feces. Water quality standards are typically based on measurements of the concentrations of fecal indicator organisms (Escherichia coli and Enterococcus) and are becoming more stringent.

A complicating factor is the time required (18-36 hours) for completion of conventional culture-based methods (as approved by the US EPA or ISO institutions). During the lag time between sample collection and availability of results indicator and pathogen levels, weather and water conditions may change and thus related health risk may also change. By using new rapid analytical tools, critical control points can be monitored to provide information so that management actions can have an impact on the exposure risk.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of two new alternative methods for the rapid and routine enumeration of E. coli and Enterococci in bathing waters: fluorimetric assays based on the measurement of enzymatic activities, and quantitative RT-PCR. Both methods are fast (1 hour for 6 samples analysed by one fluorescence spectrophotometer; 3 hours for the simultaneous analysis of 15 to 96 samples by RT-PCR) and their results (for the microbiological criteria of current European regulations) compared with those from the standard methods are congruent in more than 81% of analysed samples. Because these methods provide a faster assessment of water quality, they have the potential to significantly reduce health risk resulting from exposure to recreational waters and also reduce errors in beach closing.
Water: Nature's Amazing Reusable Resource
Authors: Macpherson Linda
Published: March 2010

The notion of reused water can evoke negative images. When further complicated by the public's lack of understanding of the water cycle, coupled with a widespread skepticism and distrust of technology, a much needed water supply strategy can easily become doomed.

Much of the attitudinal landscape is beyond the control of water managers but the problem can be exacerbated by the vocabulary and images typically used to define water and wastewater treatment. The compartmentalization of water supply and wastewater treatment into different organizations has resulted in poor understanding of water cycle management which has a particularly negative impact on water reuse, which is made to sound unusual - and people have a tendency to fear things that are out of the ordinary and seemingly strange. The water industry has also disproportionately focused on the history of the water rather than its treatment and ultimate safety for its intended use.

This presentation describes an approach to work through these issues in a manner that encompasses rational thought as well as emotion and feelings and shows that when the general public are given the opportunity to reframe their understanding of water and to have a more realistic view of water quality, they are drawn to different conclusions. If a lack of knowledge by the public about water is the single largest barrier to sustainable water management, then it is essential we do a better job of using language and imagery to create a deeper understanding of the water cycle and water treatment.
Singapore's Marina Barrage - Changing Mindsets in Urban Solutions
Authors: Harley Brendan M. , Guan Yap Kheng
Published: March 2010

Singapore's water resources system is a strong illustration of the value of an integrated water resources management in urban enviroments. Today, urban water resources planning and environmental engineering are essential partners in the planning of tomorrow's urban environments - and not just as passive projects unnoticed by the public.

In Singapore we can see the specific evolution from the separate development of water catchments and the control of monsoon flooding to the integrated water management strategy as exemplified today in the Marina Barrage. The multi-purpose project boosts Singapore's water supply by creating its first reservoir in the city, helps flood control and enhances the living environment of the city.

Marina Barrage presented many interesting challenges in the development of a project whose impact was designed to far transcend the normal functional aspect of a large public works project.

This paper will present the many potential public uses that were considered in the planning for the final facility. The motivation is that the 3P (people, public and private) sectors play an important part in sustaining water resources. Instead of designing the Marina Barrage as a conventional functional facility accessible only to operational staff, the project breaks new ground in taking an unconventional design approach. The facility was designed as an open facility to engage and inspire the public to care for water. Features for public education, lifestyle attraction, eating experiences, options for families to relax, play areas for children, attractions for overseas visitors, spaces for dedicated conferences and many more were considered. A multi-functional team of interior designers, landscape architects, researchers, art specialists, lighting specialists, environmentalists, etc was assembled and met continually as the design evolved. These evolving goals had to be integrated into the overall functional characteristics of the barrage.

The resulting project is a world-class example of how a project initially conceived for water resources functional purpose can evolve not just into an iconic structure but one whose multi-functional capabilities have attracted huge attention from tourists and the people of Singapore. This is evidenced by more than 250,000 people visiting the facility in its first 6 months of operations, and the many families who spend relaxing time enjoying the various spaces at the Barrage.

The evolution of the Marina Barrage in design and operation can act as a lesson for other cities considering similar large flood control or water supply projects. The success of the Marina Barrage's 3P mission indicates how for a relatively little increase in cost these facilities can play a major role in enhancing urban lifestyle in sustainable cities.
Water Loss Assessment and Remediation in South and Southeast Asia
Authors: Liemberger R.
Published: March 2010

One of the major challenges facing water utilities around the world but especially in Low and Middle Income Countries (LAMIC) is the high level of water losses either through physical losses (leakage) or commercial losses (customer meter under-registration and theft of water in various forms). This difference between the amount of water put into the distribution system and the amount of water billed to consumers is known as “Non-Revenue Water” (NRW). Levels of NRW in South and Southeast Asia are among the highest in the world. This paper will give an update of the general NRW situation in the various countries and the ongoing remediation measures.
Hazard identification, qualitative risk assessment and monitoring on the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project
Authors: Roux Annalie , Robillot Cedric , Chapman Heather , Leusch Frederic , Hodge Mary , Walker Troy
Published: March 2010

This paper explains how the results of the source water characterisation for the Western Corridor Recycled Water Project in South East Queensland was used to augment the qualitative water quality risk assessment process and design of the monitoring programs. Results were evaluated against health standards published in 2008 by Queensland Health and also against level of reporting. This determined the relative risk of exceeding the health standard for parameters detected in the source. The relative risk was used to inform the qualitative risk assessment as well as the frequency of monitoring in both the source and purified water. Categorising hazards using their ionic charge and hydrophobicity enabled the selection of indicators for both source and purified water compliance monitoring programs.
Optiflux® RO design with center port pressure vessels for water treatment plant Dinxperlo, The Netherlands
Authors: Jong Ron C.M. , Kalf Marc J. , van der Meer Walter G.J.
Published: March 2010

Recent commissioned Vitens NF and RO treatment plants are provided with the Optiflux® stack configuration. Aim of the Optiflux® concept is to optimize the permeate flow in RO/NF plants by minimizing hydraulic pressure losses and the osmotic pressure difference across the membrane surface. An increase in permeate productivity of 20% can be achieved, for both NF and RO membrane filtration systems, by lowering the number of membrane modules per pressure vessel to three, which leads to lower hydraulic pressure losses.

In one pressure vessel of 6 elements with 3 elements in each side and a center port in the middle; the feed water flows in the two directions (each side of the pressure vessel) and passes through the 3 elements of each side and the retentate is collected in the center port and feeds the second stage with the same principal. The permeate flows via the center tube of the spiral wound membranes and is collected in the permeate tank. The first full scale plant of 320 m3/h based on this concept is already commissioned at the 20th November 2006 at Vitens drinking water treatment plant Dinxperlo in The Netherlands.
Removal of ammonium as struvite using magnesite as a source of magnesium ions
Authors: Huang H. M. , Xiao X. M. , Yang L. P. , Yan B.
Published: March 2010

In this study, magnesite was used as a low-cost magnesium source to remove ammonium as struvite from the wastewater generated in the rare-earth elements separation process. Since the solubility of magnesite is low, before it was used it was decomposed to magnesia which has a higher reaction rate than magnesite. To optimize its usage, the optimum temperature of decomposition of magnesite and the time required for the process were determined by batch experiments to be 700 °C and 1.5 h, respectively. Besides, batch experiments using the residues of magnesite decomposed under optimum conditions were undertaken to investigate the effects of solid (magnesite)/liquid (wastewater) ratio and reaction time on ammonium removal as struvite. Results indicated that for the solid/liquid ratios tested and for a reaction time of 6 h, phosphorus concentrations fell steeply from the initial 9105 mg/L to a range of 198.8–29.8 mg/L, and ammonium concentrations from the initial 5287 mg/L to 540–520 mg/L. An economic analysis conducted indicated that the operation cost of the struvite process could be reduced by about 34% using decomposed magnesite instead of pure MgCl2.
Performance of a Multipurpose Filter for Simultaneous Removal of Ammonium and Suspended Solids as a Polishing Stage for a Domestic Wastewater Plant Effluent
Authors: Alkas Deniz , Baykal Bilsen Beler , Kinaci Cumali
Published: March 2010

A multipurpose filter column was studied as a polishing stage for the simultaneous removal of ammonium and suspended solids from a secondary domestic wastewater effluent. The multipurpose filter consisted of sand as the regular filter material, primarily for the purpose of suspended solids removal, and an ammonium selective natural zeolite, clinoptilolite, for the removal of ammonium. A Turkish clinoptilolite from the Bigadic region was used in the experiments. The capacity of the clinoptilolite was determined by isotherm analysis to be 10.4 mg/g for 20 mg/lt initial wastewater ammonium concentration at pH 7.3 with 0.5-1 mm diameter. In the continuous runs, the multipurpose filter unit was operated down flow with 50% of the unit consisting of clinoptilolite in the upper layer, and 50% sand in the lower both with a grain size range of 0.5-1 mm. The results have revealed that simultaneous removal of 100% of the ammonium and 75% of the suspended solids removal be achieved in the multipurpose filter unit for a working period of 38 hours. The success of this proposal could lend an alternative both for the upgrading of existing treatment plants and for polishing for ammonium and suspended solids rate by using one compact unit.
Degasification of mixed liquor improves settling and biological nutrient removal
Authors: Maciejewski M. , Oleszkiewicz J. A. , Golcz A. , Nazar A.
Published: March 2010

Degasification of mixed liquor by subjecting it to vacuum is a physical process used in biological nutrient removal (BNR) to improve settleability and allow for achieving higher mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS). Vacuum degassing installation is located between the last cell of the bioreactor and secondary clarifiers. In this process two operations are performed: gas bubbles contained in mixed liquor leaving the bioreactor are removed and concentration of gasses (mainly nitrogen gas) dissolved in the liquid is reduced. Lack of gas bubbles and concentration of dissolved nitrogen gas below saturation in mixed liquor significantly improved sludge settling in secondary clarifiers and eliminated floating scum formation. Presented settleability tests of degasified MLSS and return activated sludge (RAS) from various BNR facilities showed continued settling and/or thickening for over 3 h at room temperature, without exhibiting any solids separation. Settleability tests of biomass that was not degasified typically led to flotation of portion of the sludge after about 1.5 h. Plants equipped with vacuum degasification consistently operate at larger than typically recommended final clarifier sludge surface loading rates. Rates as high as 180-220 kg TSS/m2d and deep sludge blankets have been employed. Such plants were shown to maintain operational levels of MLSS at 4500 to 6000 mg/L and higher.
Silica Scaling on Reverse Osmosis Membranes - Investigation and New Test Methods
Authors: Hater Wolfgang , Kolk Christian zum , Dupoiron Claire , Braun Gerd , Harrer Timo , Götz Thomas
Published: March 2010

Scaling calculations are usually only based on the silicate concentration in the feed water, because suitable test methods for the interaction of silica with other ions are missing. As the contents of the other ions, i.e. above all calcium and magnesium are not considered, this method is incorrect and can lead to substantial problems.

In this paper first the results of laboratory experiments investigating the influence of different cations on the behaviour of supersaturated solutions of silica in different test waters are discussed. Subsequently, the results of the new membrane-based test method considering the influence of Ca2+ and Mg2+, the pH-value and the addition of antiscalants are discussed.

Different methods of analysis made it possible to distinguish three groups of silicates: ‘monomeric’, ‘polymeric’ and ‘filterable’. Ca2+ and Mg2+-ions have a strong influence on the formation of filterable silicate and on the kinetics of the formation of the different silicate species.

The ‘polymeric silica’ is mainly responsible for the membrane scaling, and the kinetic of its formation is strongly influenced by the cations and the pH-Value.

The antiscalant Osmotech 1309 makes it possible to operate the plant at significantly higher recovery rates, resp. at higher SiO2-concentrations.
Community management of onsite wastewater treatment systems- what they want in Mount Gambier, South Australia
Authors: Alexander K. S. , Levett K. J. , Vanderzalm J. L.
Published: March 2010

Effective management of onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) is important in preventing contamination of ecologically sensitive receiving environments, such as surface water and groundwater used for human consumption or contact. Householders play a key role in OWTS management, therefore inadequate householder knowledge of system function, inability to recognise signs of system failures and lack of understanding of maintenance requirements can increase the risk of system failure. A householder survey and community consultation process have been undertaken in conjunction with a biophysical effluent sampling program to reveal community understanding of OWTS, opinions on preferred management strategies, institutional arrangements and possible reactions to future financial costs to householders. Opinions from workshop participants and other stakeholders suggested their community wanted knowledge regarding OWTS functioning and maintenance, in particular, information on the use of suitable household chemicals to maintain treatment performance and continued research into contamination of groundwater sources by wastewater systems to better inform wastewater management strategies. Community participants were divided on the preferred administration and cost of maintenance, with some wanting to retain responsibility for maintenance arrangements by contracting specialised personnel and others suggesting local authorities should take responsibility.
MBR Varsseveld: 5 years of operational experience
Authors: van Bentem A.G.N. , Nijman N. , Schyns P.F.T. , Petri C.P.
Published: March 2010

The Membrane Bio Reactor (MBR) in Varsseveld is the first full-scale plant in the Netherlands and functions as a demonstration plant for MBR technology. It has been in operation for 5 years and many lessons have been learnt in that time. To gain experience with this new type of treatment and to demonstrate that MBR is suitable for purification of domestic wastewater in a real situation a vast research programme was undertaken. Based on the operational experiences and the research program it can be concluded that the MBR Varsseveld shows promising results. Compared to conventional activated sludge systems with sand filtration (CAS-SF), the MBR produces superior effluent quality. Energy consumption remains up to 30% higher than the CAS-SF system but there is possibility for further improvements. The cleaning philosophy, that combines a regular maintenance cleaning with 2-yearly intensive cleanings, is effective at maintaining the membranes in optimal condition. Based on the experiences with the Zenon ZW500d membranes, a membrane lifetime of up to 10 years is expected.
Introducing Country-wide Benchmarking to The Water Supply Sector in Slovenia Linked with Cross-Border Comparisons with Austria and Bavaria
Authors: Theuretzbacher-Fritz Heimo , Schielein Jörg , Kiesl Harald , Neunteufel Roman , Kölbl Jörg
Published: March 2010

Within the frame of EU funded project on the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive, a pilot project of corporate benchmarking of water supply services was carried out in Slovenia. Eight utilities participated and were able to deliver data quickly, entirely and of high quality. The PI results also compared cross-border with utilities of Austria and Bavaria gave first hints on the state of the Slovene utilities. Hence, benchmarking can be implemented in the Slovene water supply sector but still needs efforts for a national project organisation.
Treatment of Pharmaceutical Wastewater Containing Tylosin in an Anaerobic — Aerobic Reactor System
Authors: Chelliapan Shreeshivadasan , Wilby Thomas , Sallis Paul
Published: March 2010

Effluents from manufacturing operations in the pharmaceutical industry, such as antibiotic formulation, usually contain recalcitrant compounds. An approach towards appropriate technology for the treatment of pharmaceutical wastewaters has become imperative due to strict water quality legislation for environmental protection. In the present study, an Up-Flow Anaerobic Stage Reactor (UASR) and a Porous Membrane Activated Sludge Reactor (PMASR), operating in series, were used to treat pharmaceutical wastewater containing the macrolide antibiotic Tylosin. The performance of UASR treating real pharmaceutical wastewater at various organic loading rates (OLR) (0.43 to 3.73 kg COD.m−3.d−1) was investigated. Effluent from the UASR was passed directly into a PMASR system in a continuous process. At a reactor OLR of 1.86 kg COD.m−3.d−1 (hydraulic retention time (HRT), 4 d), the soluble COD reduction was around 70 – 75% (average specific degradation rate (SDR), 1.29 kg COD.m−3.d−1 ) an average of 95% Tylosin reduction was achieved in the UASR. During this period, the soluble COD removal efficiency of the PMASR was 63 – 69% (average SDR, 0.37 kg COD.m−3.d−1). The combined UASR - PMASR treatment system was slightly more effective with 87 – 90% COD and average 97% Tylosin removal. The results indicate successful treatment of the pharmaceutical wastewater, and confirm Tylosin degradation, providing further evidence that Tylosin can be degraded efficiently in anaerobic-aerobic environments.
Results of benchmarking at 7 larger WWTP operators in Denmark
Authors: Guildal Thomas , Cecil David , Pedersen Per Overgaard , Pedersen Jesper , Thau Martin , Adrian Lisbet , Thirsing Carsten
Published: March 2010

In this ongoing project, the process at 15 medium to large WWTPs is compared using benchmarks. The influent COD load was found to be the best predictor of the sludge TS amount in the dewatered sludge. The best predictor of the total electricity use was the total N influent load. The BOD5 load was a poor predictor of both. The standard population equivalents were also found to be poor predictors of the influent loads. For some plants, the influent load can be much as 4 times greater than the load predicted by the PE. For other plants, the influent load was 30-50% less than the load predicted by the PE. This load variation is due to the industrial load. A comparison of the type of aeration equipment used showed that the electricity consumption of diffuser aerators was about 35% lower than for surface aerators. More than 40% of electricity used is for aeration. Therefore there is a large potential for saving electricity by switching to diffuser aeration.
Kinetics of lead ion biosorption from aqueous solution onto lyophilized Aspergillus niveus
Authors: Karaca Hülya , Tay Turgay , Kıvanç Merih
Published: March 2010

The biosorption of lead ions (Pb2+) onto lyophilized fungus Aspergillus niveus was investigated in aqueous solutions in a batch system with respect to pH, contact time and initial concentration of the ions at 30 °C. The maximum adsorption capacity of lyophilized A. niveus was found to be 92.6 mg g−1 at pH 5.1 and the biosorption equilibrium was established about in 30 min. The adsorption capacity obtained is one of the highest value among those reported in the literature. The kinetic data were analyzed using the pseudo-first-order kinetic, pseudo-second-order kinetic, and intraparticle diffusion equations. Kinetic parameters, such as rate constants, equilibrium adsorption capacities, and related correlation coefficients for the kinetic models were calculated and discussed. It was found that the adsorption of lead ions onto lyophilized A. niveus biomass fit the pseudo-second-order kinetic model well. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm parameters for the lead ion adsorption were applied and the Langmuir model agreed better with the adsorption of lead ions onto lyophilized A. niveus.
Assesment of Water Pollution in the Tigris River in Diyarbakır, Turkey
Authors: Varol Memet , Gökot Bülent , Bekleyen Aysel
Published: March 2010

Diyarbakır is the biggest city and the largest urban settlement in the Tigris Basin in Turkey. It has been gradually developing and growing thanks to the Southeastern Anatolia Project (GAP), and is one of the most important centers of industry, agriculture and animal husbandry in the Tigris Basin. The Tigris River is an important water source for the city, and it serves for irrigation, fishing, recreation and receiving wastewater. With the development of industry, agriculture and the growth of urban population, its pollution has become a serious problem. Pollution from domestic, industrial and agricultural activities has led to deterioration of water quality. In this context, the aim of the present study is to identify point sources of pollution and to assess the surface water quality of the Tigris River in the study area by monitoring physicochemical parameters. Diyarbakır produced a negative impact on the Tigris River water quality, particularly after the WWTP discharge. Concentrations of chemical oxygen demand, organic nitrogen, total nitrogen and total phosphorus increased markedly downstream of Diyarbakır WWTP discharge point. During the summer, the extent of organic pollution was so serious in the stations, downstream of WWTP, that dissolved oxygen became almost absent from the river water. The metal concentrations of all water samples were mostly below or close to the maximum permitted concentration for protection of aquatic life and drinking water.
Simulation of Supercritical Water Oxidation with Air at Pilot Plant Scale
Authors: García Jarana Belén , Sánchez Oneto Jezabel , Portela Miguélez Juan Ramón , Nebot Sanz Enrique , Martínez de la Ossa Enrique J.
Published: March 2010

Supercritical Water Oxidation (SCWO) processes have been studied by numerous researchers. The effectiveness of this approach to treat a wide variety of wastes has been proved and the kinetics involved in some cases have been described. Phenol is commonly present in industrial wastewaters and it is extremely toxic. Hence, phenol is a model pollutant that has been the subject of numerous studies by SCWO on a laboratory scale. In this work, a pilot-scale SCWO system has been used to compare experimental and predicted conversions in the SCWO of phenol, using the reaction kinetic equations obtained at the laboratory scale. In this context, PROSIM PLUS software was employed to develop a simulator for the pilot plant facility, with the reaction kinetic parameters adjusted to represent the experimental data. In this study it was necessary to determine the thermal losses between the experimental reactor and its surroundings. These thermal losses were obtained from tests with pure water and oxidant streams in the absence of chemical reaction. An equation that predicted the effect of flow rate and temperature on the thermal losses was used. Experimental oxidation tests were conducted with initial temperature in the range 380 to 425 ºC, at 250 bar and phenol concentrations ranging from 1 to 12 g/l. Good agreement in the simulation was obtained by adjusting the kinetic parameters within their confidence range. This simulator was used to optimize the SCWO of phenol solutions in the pilot plant facility.
Mental Imagery Research in Physical Education
Authors: Hall Nathan D , Fishburne Graham J
Published: March 2010

The purpose of this article is to present a framework for researching mental imagery use in school-based physical education. Mental imagery use has been researched quite extensively over the past 50 years in the areas of motor learning and sport psychology. Much has been learned regarding the benefits of using mental imagery to improve learning and performance. This article has drawn parallels between school-based physical education and the areas of sport psychology and motor learning. Based on findings in the areas of motor learning and sport psychology, and the similarities drawn between school-based physical education and these two areas, it could be expected that mental imagery use in school-based physical education has the potential to produce many benefits in learning and performance for both students and teachers. However, to date there has been very little research conducted with regard to mental imagery use and physical education. This article provides a research framework identifying questions that need to be addressed in order to more fully understand the potential imagery use has for both students and teachers in school-based physical education.
A Formalism for Learning from Demonstration*
Authors: Billing Erik A. , Hellström Thomas
Published: March 2010

The paper describes and formalizes the concepts and assumptions involved in Learning from Demonstration (LFD), a common learning technique used in robotics. LFD-related concepts like goal, generalization, and repetition are here defined, analyzed, and put into context. Robot behaviors are described in terms of trajectories through information spaces and learning is formulated as mappings between some of these spaces. Finally, behavior primitives are introduced as one example of good bias in learning, dividing the learning process into the three stages of behavior segmentation, behavior recognition, and behavior coordination. The formalism is exemplified through a sequence learning task where a robot equipped with a gripper arm is to move objects to specific areas. The introduced concepts are illustrated with special focus on how bias of various kinds can be used to enable learning from a single demonstration, and how ambiguities in demonstrations can be identified and handled.
Exploring Parameter Space in Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Rückstieß Thomas , Sehnke Frank , Schaul Tom , Wierstra Daan , Sun Yi , Schmidhuber Jürgen
Published: March 2010

This paper discusses parameter-based exploration methods for reinforcement learning. Parameter-based methods perturb parameters of a general function approximator directly, rather than adding noise to the resulting actions. Parameter-based exploration unifies reinforcement learning and black-box optimization, and has several advantages over action perturbation. We review two recent parameter-exploring algorithms: Natural Evolution Strategies and Policy Gradients with Parameter-Based Exploration. Both outperform state-of-the-art algorithms in several complex high-dimensional tasks commonly found in robot control. Furthermore, we describe how a novel exploration method, State-Dependent Exploration, can modify existing algorithms to mimic exploration in parameter space.
Soft missing-feature mask generation for Robot Audition
Authors: Takahashi Toru , Nakadai Kazuhiro , Komatani Kazunori , Ogata Tetsuya , Okuno Hiroshi G.
Published: March 2010

This paper describes an improvement in automatic speech recognition (ASR) for robot audition by introducing Missing Feature Theory (MFT) based on soft missing feature masks (MFM) to realize natural human-robot interaction. In an everyday environment, a robot’s microphones capture various sounds besides the user’s utterances. Although sound-source separation is an effective way to enhance the user’s utterances, it inevitably produces errors due to reflection and reverberation. MFT is able to cope with these errors. First, MFMs are generated based on the reliability of time-frequency components. Then ASR weighs the time-frequency components according to the MFMs. We propose a new method to automatically generate soft MFMs, consisting of continuous values from 0 to 1 based on a sigmoid function. The proposed MFM generation was implemented for HRP-2 using HARK, our open-sourced robot audition software. Preliminary results show that the soft MFM outperformed a hard (binary) MFM in recognizing three simultaneous utterances. In a human-robot interaction task, the interval limitations between two adjacent loudspeakers were reduced from 60 degrees to 30 degrees by using soft MFMs.
The NSB control: a behavior-based approach for multi-robot systems
Authors: Antonelli Gianluca , Arrichiello Filippo , Chiaverini Stefano
Published: March 2010

The paper presents an overview on the use of a behavior-based approach, namely the Null-Space-based Behavioral (NSB) approach, to control multi-robot systems in a wide application domain. The NSB approach has been recently developed to control the motion of generic robotic systems; it uses a projection mechanism to combine the multiple, prioritized, behaviors that compose the robotic mission so that the lower priority behaviors do not effect the higher priority ones. In this paper we describe how the NSB approach has been used to control different multi-robot systems (e.g., composed of wheeled and marine robots) to achieve missions such as formation control, entrapping/escorting of targets, control of mobile ad-hoc networks, flocking, border patrol and cooperative caging.
Abstract intelligence and cognitive robots
Authors: Wang Yingxu
Published: March 2010

Abstract intelligence is the human enquiry of both natural and artificial intelligence at the neural, cognitive, functional, and logical levels reductively from the bottom up. According to the abstract intelligence theory, a cognitive robot is an autonomous robot that is capable of thought, perception, and learning based on the three-level computational intelligence known as the imperative, autonomic, and cognitive intelligence. This paper presents the theoretical foundations of cognitive robots based on the latest advances in abstract intelligence, cognitive informatics, and denotational mathematics. A formal model of intelligence known as the Generic Abstract Intelligence Mode (GAIM) is developed, which provides a foundation to explain the mechanisms of advanced natural intelligence such as thinking, learning, and inference. A set of denotational mathematics is introduced for rigorously modeling and manipulating the behaviors of cognitive robots. A case study on applications of a denotational mathematics, visual semantic algebra (VSA), is presented in architectural and behavioral modeling of cognitive robots based on the theory of abstract intelligence.
Hybridisation of Evolutionary Algorithms for Solving Multi-Objective Simulation Optimisation Problems
Authors: Napalkova Liana
Published: March 2010

Hybridisation of Evolutionary Algorithms for Solving Multi-Objective Simulation Optimisation Problems

The paper presents a taxonomic analysis of existing hybrid multi-objective evolutionary algorithms aimed at solving multi-objective simulation optimisation problems. For that, the properties of evolutionary algorithms and the requirements made to solving the problem considered are determined. Finally, a combination of the properties, which allows one to increase the approximation accuracy of the Pareto-optimal front at relatively low computational costs, is revealed.
Inventory Management in Multi Echelon Supply Chain using Sample Average Approximation
Authors: Soshko Oksana
Published: March 2010

Inventory Management in Multi Echelon Supply Chain using Sample Average Approximation

An optimization model of multiechelon supply chain is presented in this paper. The decisions to be made are the amount of beer to be ordered in every echelon of supply chain in each echelon over the time horizon of one year. Since demand of the end customer is stochastic and presented by means of scenarios, the problem is solved by using sample average approximation method. This method uses only a subset of the scenarios, randomly sampled according to the distribution over scenarios, to represent the full scenario space. An important theoretical justification for this method is that as the number of scenarios sampled increases, the solution to the approximate problem converges to an optimal solution in the expected sense. The computational results are presented for two cases. First target level is chosen as a decision variable and then order size is chosen as a decision variable of the problem. The target level strategy is based on making inventory for each echelon; in its turn order strategy is based on determination of optimal order quantity, which is independent from scenarios. However target level strategy provides high service at low cost, but it offers less reality under uncertain demand than order strategy. Practical experiments on finding the optimal SAA parameters are presented in the paper and as well as the analysis of their impact on solution quality.
A Multilayered Self-Learning Spiking Neural Network and its Learning Algorithm Based on ‘Winner-Takes-More’ Rule in Hierarchical Clustering
Authors: Bodyanskiy Yevgeniy , Dolotov Artem
Published: March 2010

A Multilayered Self-Learning Spiking Neural Network and its Learning Algorithm Based on ‘Winner-Takes-More’ Rule in Hierarchical Clustering

This paper introduces architecture of multilayered selflearning spiking neural network for hierarchical data clustering. It consists of the layer of population coding and several layers of spiking neurons. Contrary to originally suggested multilayered spiking neural network, the proposed one does not require a separate learning algorithm for lateral connections. Irregular clusters detecting capability is achieved by improving the temporal Hebbian learning algorithm. It is generalized by replacing ‘Winner-Takes-All’ rule with ‘Winner-Takes-More’ one. It is shown that the layer of receptive neurons can be treated as a fuzzification layer where pool of receptive neurons is a linguistic variable, and receptive neuron within a pool is a linguistic term. The network architecture is designed in terms of control systems theory. Using the Laplace transform notion, spiking neuron synapse is presented as a second-order critically damped response unit. Spiking neuron soma is modeled on the basis of bang-bang control systems theory as a threshold detection system. Simulation experiment confirms that the proposed architecture is effective in detecting irregular clusters.
A Study on the Behaviour of the Algorithm for Finding Relevant Attributes and Membership Functions
Authors: Gasparoviča Madara , Aleksejeva Ludmila
Published: March 2010

A Study on the Behaviour of the Algorithm for Finding Relevant Attributes and Membership Functions

One of the most recent approaches in machine learning is fuzzy rules usage for solving classification problems. This paper describes the algorithm for finding relevant attributes and searching for membership functions. Experimental results are used to clarify - which data sets can be used to automatically gain primary membership functions from primary data. This quality - gaining of membership functions - is one of the pros of the algorithm, because it eases resolution of classification task. The ability to use it with fuzzy data is one more merit. As a result, there are obtained reliable fuzzy classification rules to separate classes. By reconstructing primary membership functions also the number of IF-THEN rules gained from decision tables is reduced up to three times. Four experiments are conducted with different training and testing data set sizes. Conclusions are made about the optimal size of the training and testing data set that is necessary for achieving better results as well as about the data this algorithm is appropriate for. Finally, possible directions for further research are outlined.
Perceptron Architecture Ensuring Pattern Description Compactness
Authors: Jakovlevs Sergejs
Published: March 2010

Perceptron Architecture Ensuring Pattern Description Compactness

This paper examines conditions a neural network has to meet in order to ensure the formation of a space of features satisfying the compactness hypothesis. The formulation of compactness hypothesis is defined in more detail as applied to neural networks. It is shown that despite the fact that the first layer of connections is formed randomly, the presence of more than 30 elements in the middle network layer guarantees a 100% probability that the G-matrix of the perceptron will not be special. It means that under additional mathematical calculations made by Rosenblatt, the perceptron will with guaranty form a space of features that could be then linearly divided. Indeed, Cover's theorem only says that separation probability increases when the initial space is transformed into a higher dimensional space in the non-linear case. It however does not point when this probability is 100%. In the Rosenblatt's perceptron, the non-linear transformation is carried out in the first layer which is generated randomly. The paper provides practical conditions under which the probability is very close to 100%. For comparison, in the Rumelhart's multilayer perceptron this kind of analysis is not performed.
Practice of Web Data Mining Methods Application
Authors: Osipov Pavel , Borisov Arkady
Published: March 2010

Practice of Web Data Mining Methods Application

Recent growth of information on the Internet imposes high demands on the effectiveness of processing algorithms. This paper discusses some algorithms from the field of Web Data Mining which have proved effective in many existing applications. The paper is divided into two logical parts; the first part provides a theoretical description of the algorithms, but the second one contains examples of their successful use to solve real problems. Search algorithms of vague duplicates of documents are currently actively used by all the leading search engines in the world. The paper describes the following algorithms: shingles, signature methods and image-based algorithms. Such methods of classification as a method of fuzzy clustering to-medium (Fuzzy cmeans/ FCM clustering) and clustering by ant colony (Standard Ant Clustering Algorithm SACA) are considered. In conclusion, the experience of the successful application of fuzzy clustering in conjunction with the software toolkit DataEngine to improve the efficiency of the bank "BCI Bank" is described as well as the sharing of the ant colony clustering method in conjunction with linear genetic programming to meet the increasing efficiency of predicting the load on the servers of high load Internet portal Monash Institut.
Usage of Ontologies in Systems of Data Exchange
Authors: Osipov Pavel , Borisov Arkady
Published: March 2010

Usage of Ontologies in Systems of Data Exchange

This paper describes the methods and techniques used to effectively extract knowledge from large volumes of heterogeneous data. Also, methods to structure the raw data by the automatic classification using ontology are discussed. In the first part of the article the basic technologies to realize the Semantic WEB are described. Much attention is paid to the ontology, as the major concepts that structure information on a very high level. The second part examines AVT-DTL algorithm proposed by Jun Zhang which allows one to automatically create classifiers according to the available raw, potentially incomplete data. The considered algorithm uses a new concept of floating levels of ontology; the results of the tests show that it outperforms the best existing algorithms for creating classifiers.
Functional Management of Economy
Authors: Ratnieks Aloizs
Published: March 2010

Functional Management of Economy

This paper discusses the unknown before property of adapting systems which consists in that the adapting system may be operated without any information about its condition. It is necessary to know only some characteristics of its elements. It was found, however, that the economic methods of management have limited possibilities, it is impossible to regulate with their help all those parameters which are not involved in the process of exchange. Another, more universal, economic management method is provided. The economic method of management discussed in the paper enables one to separate the management of economy from labour-management relations and to expand the application field of mathematics in the field of management. The provided management method gives opportunity to get rid of centuries old bureaucracy because it enables one to substitute the considerable part of administrative - bureaucratic apparatus as well as many standard acts with one functional relationship.
Towards Narrowing a Conceptual Gap between IT Industry and University
Authors: Rudzajs Peteris , Penicina Ludmila , Kirikova Marite , Strazdina Renate
Published: March 2010

Towards Narrowing a Conceptual Gap between IT Industry and University

The situation when the number of the students and the popularity of the engineering education in general and IT education in particular is not increasing dramatically due to the fact that there exists an opinion that engineering education is complex and time-consuming from one side and that the graduates are not sufficiently prepared for the industry from another, requires the University to perform a series of actions that can improve the current situation. One of the areas for improvement is the quality of the study programs in the sense of their suitability to ‘customers’, namely Students and Industry. Previous research shows that the knowledge requirements monitoring system and the processes behind it can improve the quality of the study programs, e.g. the results of the Value Network Analysis demonstrate that the Monitoring System can give additional value to both the University and the Industry. Developing a monitoring system prototype requires narrowing the gap between industry and university and introduces new ways of industry-university cooperation.
Mājsaimniecību Ietekme uz Klimatu Latvijā: Oglekļa Pēdas Rādītājs
Authors: Brizga J. , Kudreņickis I.
Published: March 2010

Mājsaimniecību Ietekme uz Klimatu Latvijā: Oglekļa Pēdas Rādītājs

People more and more recognize climate change as one of the main environmental problems and the term ‘carbon footprint’ (CF) has become popular and is now in widespread use. In this paper, the CF concept has been applied to analyse average per capita household Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Latvia. We explore household CF in housing (heating and electricity consumption), transport, food and goods and service sectors, which are the main household environmental pressure areas. This paper provides an understanding of both direct and indirect (embodied) GHG emissions. Results from the study suggest that the average Latvian exceeds its global fair share of GHG emissions - the average per capita GHG in 2006 was 4.35 t CO2e. The highest household emissions arise from housing (37%), mobility (26%) and food consumption (25%), goods and services together account only for 12% of total household GHG emissions. This study, however, does not cover capital investments in infrastructure (roads, public buildings etc.) which could increase total emission by almost a ton. The study emphasizes that attention must be paid to the lifestyles, infrastructure and institutions that result in considerable amounts of carbon being locked up in the household activities through which people meet their everyday needs. The findings also indicate that policies should be targeted at the segments in society responsible for the highest carbon footprints, ie. housing, food and mobility.