bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid knowledge-based expert system and multi-criteria analysis for minimizing erosion and sedimentation due to stormwater in Malaysian construction sites
Authors: Al-Ani Ibrahiem Abdul Razak , Sidek Lariyah Mohd , Desa Mohammed Nor Mohammed , Basri Noor Ezlin Ahmad
Published: February 2013

Malaysia is located in a tropical zone wherein heavy rainfall occurs in all seasons of the year. Land clearing and earthwork activities combined with heavy rainfall and the widely varied topography can result in severe soil loss that shall eventually be deposited into the adjacent water bodies via stormwater. Recently knowledge-based systems have been used in many fields especially when human expertise and data are limited. In the current study, a hybrid knowledge-based expert system and multi-criteria analysis (MCA) were developed to minimize erosion and sedimentation due to stormwater in Malaysian construction sites. This system called the Multi-criteria Erosion and Sediment Control (MCESC) system. The role of MCA is to identify the best stormwater control measure based on specified criteria and the criterion's weight. Data from road construction project in Permas Jaya, Johor Bahru State, Malaysia has been utilized for testing the MCESC system's functionality in solving real erosion and sediment control problem. The MCESC system can be used by engineers, contractors, and decision makers to develop erosion and sediment control plan and environmental management plan for any construction site in Malaysia.
Assessment of sanitary infrastructures and polluting loads in Pojuca river (Brazil)
Authors: Collivignarelli C. , De Felice V. , Di Bella V. , Sorlini S. , Torretta V. , Vaccari M.
Published: February 2013

This study was carried out to quantitatively and qualitatively investigate sources of water pollution in Pojuca river basin, in order to define ameliorative interventions.

The basin of Pojuca river is located in Recôncavo Norte region, immediately northwards from Salvador da Bahia, capital city of Bahia State (Brazil). River Pojuca is the main water body of the region and it represents a very important potential source of water to be used for drinking purposes, in order to face the rapidly growing population of Salvador da Bahia Metropolitan Area.

According to previous studies, its quality did not meet the minimum standards set for surface water withdrawn for potabilization treatment in 2000. In the present study, the most polluting activities have been identified as urban sewage discharges. Wastewater management coverage rate ranged between 30 and 90% in a high number of municipalities in the basin. Wastewaters were commonly discharged on the soil or into it (by means of septic and rudimental tanks) and also urban sewage systems, where existing, often did not convey wastewaters to treatment plants.

Polluting loads were estimated according to a methodology elaborated during the study. The estimation was based on the data collected by the authors through field visits and the ones available in the federal databases (updated to year 2007). It allowed to establish that diffuse loads were major than point loads: point discharges were quite rare, whereas pipelines discharging in water bodies and infrastructures such as septic or rudimental tanks were widespread. Treatment plants and septic tanks presented small removal efficiencies of nutrients. This justified also the high organic and microbiological concentrations registered in the river as well as the high content of nutrients.

Water quality could be improved in order to meet standards for drinking purposes by building new wastewater treatment plants or upgrading the existing ones. In particular, in urban areas dynamic systems for wastewater collection and treatment plants should be built, whereas in rural areas scattered households should be provided with septic tanks.
A comparative assessment of selected raw water intake systems in Rwanda
Authors: Nhapi I. , Nshimiyimana A. J. , Wali U. G. , Anyemedu F. O. K. , Kashaigili J. J.
Published: February 2013

After the genocide of 1994, Rwanda has been struggling to contain urban migration and its pressures on existing facilities. Water supply coverage is low at 76% in urban areas and 68% in rural areas. This implies that huge investments are required to meet the Millennium Development Goals on water supply and sanitation. This study was conducted to assess the existing problems of raw water intake systems at Yanze and Nyabarongo intakes in Kigali; Shyogwe intake in Ruhango District; and Kadahokwa intake in Huye District. The study was in response to high amounts of sediments in raw water which literally clogged the intake systems for a number of days, resulting in erratic water supplies to the residents in the rainy season. The study focused on performance problems of the intake systems, raw water turbidity variations and the assessment of how environmental concerns could be addressed in the design of intake systems in areas of high soil erosion activities. Data was collected through interviews and physical measurements. The study revealed that flooding, intake site selection, erosion, screen clogging, intake protection, high raw water turbidity, inadequacy of raw water supplied to the water treatment plants, and low downstream environmental flows were the main intake problems. The Yanze intake had worst problems with high levels of flooding, erosion, sedimentation, and high raw water turbidity levels. The bank filtration system at Nyabarongo gave the least problems of raw water turbidity. Yanze and Nyabugogo river intakes systems were found to be threatened by decreasing water levels attributed to surrounding upstream landuse activities. It was recommended that proper maintenance of existing structures, landuse management around river intakes, use of well-designed reservoir abstraction systems, increased groundwater abstraction systems (including bank filtration), would greatly improve the performance of intake systems in Rwanda.
Treatment of wastewater from dairy plants using Anaerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor (ASBR) following by Aerobic Sequencing Batch Reactor (SBR) aiming the removal of organic matter and nitrification
Authors: Matsumoto E. M. , Osako M. S. , Pinho S. C. , Tommaso G. , Gomes T. M. , Ribeiro R.
Published: February 2013

Studies on the environmental impacts of the food industry are important because the wastewater produced by these industries contains large amounts of organic matter and nutrients. Nitrogenous compounds released into the environment stimulate the greenhouse effect and threaten biodiversity. Sequencing batch reactors (SBR) have received a considerable amount of attention in recent years and have been used in the treatment of dairy wastewater in bench scale studies. Dairy plants are operated in batch regime and offer a good opportunity for wastewater treatment via sequential batch processes. Accordingly, the present article describes the results obtained in the first 100 days of operation of a system composed of an anaerobic sequencing batch (ASBR) followed by an aerobic reactor operated under SBR mode, for the treatment of wastewater generated by the USP Pirassununga dairy plant. SBR was used as post-treatment of ASBR to remove residual organic matter and to promote the nitrification of the effluent of the ASBR. Within a 24-h cycle, the ASBR removed 91.1 ± 5.0% of organic matter (chemical oxygen demand (COD) total). The initial concentration of total COD was approximately 4.5 g/L, and the organic loading rate was equal to 4.5 kg/m³ day. The SBR was operated for 24 h at a dissolved oxygen concentration of 3 mg/L, and NH4+-N was effectively converted to NO3−-N. At the end of the cycle, the concentration of NO3−-N and NO2−-N was equal to 26.0 ± 20.7 mg/L and 4.9 ± 2.97 mg/L, respectively. The SBR removed 75.5 ± 22.4% of the total total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN-N) of which 50% was converted to nitrate and 9% was converted to nitrite. It is believed that 41% of TKN-N removed may have been assimilated by microorganisms or converted to gaseous nitrogen by the denitrification during the stage of sedimentation. Moreover, phosphorus was also efficiently removed from the effluent, and the concentration of total phosphorous at the end of the cycle was equal to 4.9 ± 0.8 mg/L. Regarding the employment of the effluents from reactors for agricultural reuse, it was not observed sodification risk of soil; however the high values of electrical conductivity indicated a high potential for soil salinization.
Causes and control practices of filamentous foaming in wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Mamais D. , Marneri M. , Noutsopoulos C.
Published: February 2013

Three large Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTP) in Greece with occasional severe foaming were selected in order to evaluate the influence of the recycle of foaming filamentous bacteria from the solids handling processes to their foaming problems. According to the results, a range of 3–39% of the total quantity of viable foaming filamentous bacteria present in biological wastewater treatment stage of the WWTPs was found to be recycled through the underflows of thickening and dewatering processes. In parallel, the feasibility of alternative nonspecific foam control methods was assessed. Within the context of this study two foam control practices were evaluated: (a) the addition of polyaluminium chloride (PAX) to the mixed liquor and (b) the selective wasting of foam from the activated sludge system followed by dewatering. The economic feasibility of each method was assessed by evaluating and comparing the total cost (capital cost and operation and maintenance costs) of each alternative for Psyttalia Sewage Treatment Works, which is the largest WWTP in Greece serving the Greater Athens Area with a treatment capacity of approximately 3.5 million people. The estimated total costs of the two foam control methods were 0.009 and 0.002 €/m3 of wastewater for PAX addition and selective wasting of foam, respectively.
Production of custom-made recycled water for various reuse purposes: lessons learned from one of the world's largest recycling facilities
Authors: Lazarova Valentina , Oelker Gregg , Oelker Wyatt
Published: February 2013

A new concept developed for the successful implementation of integrated resource management in urban and protected areas is the production of ‘designer’ or custom-made recycled water for various reuse purposes. The Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility in El Segundo, California is an excellent example and the only facility in the world and the United States producing five distinct types of recycled water. This paper presents the plant design, critical milestones, water quality challenges faced and problems solved towards consistently meeting the needs of a diverse client base through delivery of a leading-edge range of custom-made recycled waters.
Operation of a submerged aerobic membrane bioreactor for decentralised municipal wastewater treatment in North Africa
Authors: Skouteris George , Arnot Tom C. , Feki Firas , Jraou Mouna , Sayadi Sami
Published: February 2013

A pilot-scale aerobic membrane bioreactor (MBR) was operated for 6.5 months, alongside a full-sized conventional activated sludge (AS) plant, treating high-strength domestic wastewater originating from Sfax in Tunisia. The main target was to investigate whether or not the MBR could produce effluent suitable for unrestricted crop irrigation in Tunisia, a target that the AS plant fails to achieve. Membrane performance analysis and energy benchmarking were also carried out. The MBR did produce irrigation quality water regardless of the mixed-liquor suspended solids (MLSS) or feed concentrations. The average chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal efficiency was 88% at an average MLSS concentration of 4.59 g L−1, and 89.7% at an average MLSS concentration of 9.52 g L−1. During membrane performance evaluation, a maximum sustainable membrane permeate flux of 12.81 L m−2 h−1, at an average mixed-liquor temperature of 24 °C and an average MLSS concentration of 9.21 g L−1 was maintained. Finally, energy benchmarking was carried out; the average energy consumption rate was 8.95 kWh d−1, corresponding to an average specific energy demand (SED) of 3.82 kWh m−3. This is a relatively high value compared to the AS plant, whose SED value is always lower than 3 kWh m−3, but further energy reduction is possible for the MBR as well as the AS plant effluent requires further treatment in order to be acceptable for unrestricted human crop irrigation; hence, additional energy input. The work demonstrates the potential impact of MBRs in decentralised domestic wastewater treatment in North Africa.
Incorporating climate change risk assessment into infrastructure planning
Authors: Nelson Richard E. , Freas Kathy
Published: February 2013

Planning and design for water and wastewater infrastructure is typically based on past climate patterns assuming that these patterns will continue through the design period of the targeted infrastructure. Given the evidence of climate change and increasing uncertainty in hydrometerological events including changes in the intensity, timing, form, and distribution of precipitation and runoff typical design procedures carry a risk of being inadequate through the life cycle of installed infrastructure compromising the flexibility and reliability of water and wastewater infrastructure systems. Incorporating climate risk assessment into infrastructure planning accommodates the emerging need for planning and design of water and wastewater infrastructure to long-term service that protects public health and provides the full service intended.
Stable operation of MBR under high permeate flux
Authors: Liu H. Y. , Freeman B. , Sunano S. , Munehiro N. , Bartels C. , Oda Y.
Published: February 2013

Permeate flux plays a critical role on the stable operation of membrane bioreactor (MBR) system for municipal wastewater treatment. The current commercially available submerged MBR systems, Zenon, Kobota, and Huber, etc. maintained their permeate fluxes at about 20–30 LMH to minimize the fouling potential of the membranes. A pilot scale MBR plant using HYDRASub®/Sterapore SADF® PVDF membrane module was stably operated at flux as high as 35 LMH for about 1 year by optimizing the operating condition of MBR system. The applied high permeate flux also resulted in low specific energy consumption per unit product water. This paper introduced the performance of membrane operated at high flux and discussed the factors affecting the stable operation of MBR. By applying the operating condition to an actual MBR plant, the specific energy consumption could reach a very low level, about 0.46 kWh/m3.
Assessment of design runoff curve number for a watershed
Authors: Mishra Surendra Kumar , Kumar Kansal Ajay , Aggarwal Nishant
Published: February 2013

Estimation of storm event runoff is one of the major activities in applied hydrology for ungauged small watersheds. There exist a myriad computer models in the field of water resources and irrigation engineering and the most comprehensive and popular ones use the Soil Conservation Service (SCS) Curve Number (CN) methodology to determine the rainfall-excess from rainfall event. The SCS-CN method is one of the most popularly used techniques for simplicity reasons. Its parameter CN is a measure of water retention by a given combination of soil and vegetation and it varies from 0 (no runoff) to 100 (total effective rainfall becomes runoff). In this study, considering each day's rainfall and corresponding runoff as an event, the SCS-CN method is employed to long-term daily rainfall-runoff data of Maithon watershed located in Jharkhand (India). A simple approach has been suggested for derivation of the design runoff CN for different durations, wetness conditions, and return periods for use in the SCS-CN methodology. The derived design CN values are tested for their validity using the design runoff estimated conventionally from the observed data.The match between the design CN (for dry condition)-generated runoff and the conventional design runoff is found to be satisfactory for all return periods and rain durations for the studied watershed.
Portable solar desalination system using membrane distillation
Authors: Al-Zahrani S. M. , Choo F. H. , Tan F. L. , Prabu M.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents the development of a portable solar desalination system using membrane distillation (MD) for processing seawater for drinking in remote areas and for emergency situations such as natural disasters. The portable system uses the vacuum MD to desalinate the seawater. Solar energy is being harvested to provide the energy input for the MD. The portable system should be scalable so that numerous systems can be deployed in case of emergency. The system is self-contained and draws all its energy needs from solar energy. A combination of solar PV and solar thermal collectors are being exploited to harness the energy from the sun to power the portable system. The development work focuses on the engineering design of the MD system to optimize the water production within a given frame size for portability and energy availability. The challenge lies in the engineering of an efficient self-contained system that is reliable and ease of maintenance that will provide drinking water for all where clean drinking water is not readily available.
Compact AOP system
Authors: Kunitomo Shinta , Tanaka Toshiharu
Published: February 2013

An all-in-one type compact Advanced oxidation process (AOP) system using UV/O3/TiO2 for water purification has been developed. Since all elements are packed in one case, portability and easy installation are facilitated. The ozonizer in this system is newly designed for generating ozone gas just before injection and the extending life time of electrodes. TOC degradation ability is confirmed by using sodium acetate solution. The performance of this AOP system is demonstrated for hydroponics. This system can kill bacteria in fertilizer solution, increase dissolved oxygen and no influence for fertilizer elements. From the results of tomato hydroponic tests, tomato growth using this system is much faster than without the system. It is clearly turned out that this AOP system is suitable for hydroponics.
Further treatment of ion exchange brine with dynamic vapour recompression
Authors: Vaudevire E. , Koreman E. , Galjaard G. , Trommel R. , Visser M.
Published: February 2013

In the context of the development of the SIX© Ion exchange process, the Dutch water company (PWN) decided to investigate options for treatment of the brine arising from the regeneration of the resin. Main goals for the brine treatment are volume reduction and product recovery (water + NaCl). In this regard a biological denitrification (DNF) aiming at total nitrate removal followed by a nanofiltration (NF) aiming at ion separation (monovalent/bivalent) focused on NaCl re-use were implemented on a pilot scale recovering 80% of the total SIX brine (implying 80%recovery of NaCl). Further NF concentrate minimization and Sodium Chloride reclamation would allow a reduction of the disposal fees and chemical uses and therefore largely increase the overall process sustainability. During operation on a pilot scale with a capacity of 250l/h, the Dynamic Vapour Recompression (DVR) technology has proved itself to be capable to reduce the raw regenerate another 6 to 10 times reaching meanwhile the solubility limits of NaCl and other salts making their recovery on a solid stream possible. The condensate that resides after DVR treatment is low contaminated and is therefore suitable for re-injection upstream the SIX pre-treatment process. Laboratory scale evaporation tests showed that salts would precipitate according to the following order: BaSO4 >BaCO3 > MgSO4 > MgCO3 >CaCO3 > CaSO4 > Na2CO3 > Na2SO4 and NaCl. A sequenced thickening by DVR treatment leads to selective precipitation of BaSO4, BaCO3, MgCO3, CaCO3 and CaSO4 at concentration factor around 8 but beyond a CF of 10 it leads to a more or less simultaneous precipitation of NaCl, Na2CO3 and Na2SO4 without fouling/clogging problems of the DVR. A reuse of a heterogeneous (co)precipitate solid fraction is difficult; however this problem could be countered by further investigation on a temperature controlled precipitation of Na2CO3 and Na2SO4. Cooling down the DVR brine saturated in dissolved sodium chloride, sulphate and bicarbonate to a temperature of 5 °C increases solubility differences between sodium chloride and its two contaminants, making their separation possible.
Case study of treatment of waste water for 17α-ethinylestradiol and microorganisms with UV and photocatalysis in an on-going process of introducing AOP techniques in the Danish water sector
Authors: Madsen H. T. , Søgaard E. G.
Published: February 2013

Failure to obtain a sufficient disinfection of waste water, initiated an investigation of the use of UV light and photocatalysis with TiO2 for treating the waste water. Furthermore, the ability of such a system to degrade endocrine disrupting chemicals was investigated through experiments with the estrogen 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE2). This study found LP UV lamps to be the optimal solution for disinfection, while photocatalysis with TiO2 was found to be the best method for removal of EE2. The experiments were carried out in a mobile test unit with solution volumes of 30 L. By use of data from the real UV system, the effect found in the experiments were extrapolated and used to evaluate the efficiency of the current system.
Higher OPEX enables CAPEX savings – an analysis of the cost effectiveness of the Maynilad NRW management project
Authors: Liemberger R. , Jamora R. , Iglesia J.
Published: February 2013

This paper analyses the NRW reduction efficiency gains made by Maynilad based on NRW strategy design and constant improvement using Miya's know how and experience.

These different stages of project design and budgets have been analyzed:The initial plans prepared in 2006The final business plan prepared in 2008The actual situationThe results confirm that a holistic, well designed, NRW management strategy and sufficient OPEX budgets allow CAPEX reductions and helps to reduce NRW more aggressively than initially planned.
Manila water's experience in the provision of sewerage service in the east zone of Metro Manila
Authors: Baffrey R. , Adis A.
Published: February 2013

In 1997, major improvements were needed in the provision of water and sewerage services in Metro Manila. Only 26% of the population served had 24-hour access to potable water and a mere 3% were connected to adequate wastewater treatment facilities. Coupled with these conditions were issues of high non-revenue water and indiscriminate discharge of untreated wastewater to all major water bodies of the metropolis. As a result, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), the government agency mandated to provide water and sewerage services in Metro Manila, privatized its operation via a public-private partnership. Manila Water Company obtained the exclusive right of providing these services for the East Zone of Metro Manila.

This paper identifies the challenges encountered in providing sewerage services during Manila Water's first 15 years of operation. Poor data availability, lack of available land, fragmented infrastructure planning, and low customer acceptance were among the key challenges that threatened the efficient delivery of service. Consequently, this paper also highlights the resultant strategies employed by Manila Water to address the aforementioned challenges. Implementation of inventive technical solutions, combined with the harnessing of human resources and increased stakeholder awareness, were among the strategies utilized to provide sewerage and sanitation services in the most efficient manner possible.

As of 2012, Manila Water now operates 38 wastewater facilities with a total capacity of 135 million liters per day (MLD) corresponding to 100% septage coverage and 23% sewerage coverage of the East Zone of Metro Manila.
A cost-effective and innovative design of effluent tunnel and disinfection system for the harbour area treatment scheme (HATS) stage 2, Hong Kong
Authors: Lee Harry , Pickles David , Whyte Fergal , Yuen Esther , Ho Lawrence , Chau Henry
Published: February 2013

The effluent tunnel and disinfection system is an integral part of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) Stage 2A for effluent disposal and discharge licence compliance. The original scheme as proposed in the earlier phase of the study had adopted a conventional arrangement consisting of a short effluent tunnel, a large above-ground disinfection tank and connection culverts. After undertaking a value management (VM) exercise, an innovative alternative scheme which comprised an enlarged and lengthened effluent tunnel to provide sufficient retention time for disinfection was proposed, evaluated and adopted. This alternative scheme is an 8.5 m diameter, 880 m long effluent tunnel at 90 m below ground, conveying the effluent from the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works (SCISTW) to the new flow chamber towards south-west of SCISTW, and connecting to the existing outfall drop shaft. Various advantages in landuse planning, environmental, operation & maintenance (O&M) and life cycle cost (LCC) could be achieved.
Case study: a smart water grid in Singapore
Authors: Allen Michael , Preis Ami , Iqbal Mudasser , Whittle Andrew J.
Published: February 2013

As aging water distribution infrastructures encounter failures with increasing frequency, there is a real need for integrated, on-line decision-support systems based on continuous in-network monitoring of hydraulic and water quality parameters. Such systems will form the basis of a Smart Water Grid, allowing water utilities to improve optimization of system operation, manage leakage control more effectively, and reduce the duration and disruption of repairs and maintenance. WaterWiSe is an integrated, end-to-end platform for real-time monitoring of water distribution systems that addresses these needs. This paper describes how WaterWiSe's sensing and software platforms have helped improve the operational efficiency of the water supply system in downtown Singapore.
District-scale water management: impacts on infrastructure, energy, pollution and greenhouse gas emissions
Authors: Myers D. , Grace P. , Calva E. Lopez , Zhang X.
Published: February 2013

This paper explores the impact of water conservation and rainwater harvesting practices implemented at the site or district scale on the infrastructure, energy and water cycles of their larger urban systems. A case study is presented of a conceptual development in a Southeast Asian climate. Two technologies are examined: water-efficient fixtures and appliances and rainwater harvesting and beneficial use. Practices to reduce water consumption at the site or district scale have implications in the larger system, ranging from reductions in water that has to be treated and distributed, reductions in wastewater that has to be collected and treated, and reductions in energy consumed. Similarly, using rainwater for irrigation will reduce the amount of potable water demand, and will have system energy implications. The paper considers performance criteria for the entire water-energy system, including peak runoff, pollutant loads, energy and carbon footprints.
Combined CCTV and leak detection technology for in-service water transmission mains
Authors: Jo Brian youngpyo , Boon Jon
Published: February 2013

The reduction of Non-Revenue Water (NRW) through leakage detection is gaining ever higher significance for well-run water utilities. Tethered leak detection technology has become an essential tool for detecting the presence pinpointing the location as well as estimating the magnitude of leaks in large diameter (300 mm and above) water transmission mains of all pipe materials. For the past 7 years, inline CCTV inspection has also been available for in-service water mains using the Sahara® tethered video inspection system. These two technologies were used independently, which required two surveys for the same pipeline to deliver leak detection and CCTV inspection.

This paper introduces Sahara AV, tethered combined leak detection and CCTV inspection technology designed to deliver multi functions such as leak detection, leak location and CCTV inspection through only one deployment for in-service water mains; recently wall thickness assessment has also been added to the list of technologies which can be mounted on the Sahara system. This paper introduces the Sahara AV system along with its specifications and explains the mechanism adopted to introduce the sensor into the live pipeline. The paper also discusses Sahara case study from Asia describing the benefits and return on investment experienced by clients that have engaged with programs involving Sahara technology.
A 2050 Vision for Colorado's water supply future
Authors: Rowan N. , Hecox E. , Morea S.
Published: February 2013

The last decade has brought many changes to Colorado's water supply outlook. Despite the recent economic recession, the state has experienced significant population growth, and Colorado's population is expected to nearly double within the next 40 years. Other pressures on Colorado's water supply include severe drought, a desire to meet multiple needs (i.e., municipal, environmental, recreational) with existing resources, and impacts to agriculture due to water shortages, urbanization, and transfers to new users. To address these challenges, the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) has undertaken a visioning process to explore solutions to these future water supply challenges. As part of this process, CWCB has led the state in identifying demand and supply strategies to meet the state's future water needs while considering agriculture and the environment. These strategies have been combined into varying portfolios that include methods such as conservation, local water projects, new Colorado River development, and agricultural transfers. This paper details the development and evaluation of these portfolios and describes stakeholder's efforts to balance meeting Colorado's water needs in the future.
Flood alleviation in a heavily urbanized area – Kai Tak Nullah, Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Alan K. L. , Wong Colin K. C. , Lee Robin H. N. , Cho Mike W. H.
Published: February 2013

The existing Kai Tak Nullah flows from Po Kong Village Road along Choi Hung Road and Tung Tau Estate into Kai Tak Development Area before discharging into the Victoria Harbour. Historically its upstream has been subject to flooding under storm conditions and this has had serious repercussions for the adjacent urban areas. A study has been commissioned by the Drainage Services Department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), China to investigate the flood mechanisms and to provide flood alleviation measures by improving the capacity of the Kai Tak Nullah. In addition to flood alleviation, there is a strong public aspiration to rehabilitate the Kai Tak Nullah by a comparatively natural river design. Since the Kai Tak Nullah is located within a heavily urbanized area, traffic and environmental impacts are also highly concerned. The final flood alleviation scheme has thus had to strike a balance among the aforesaid factors with assistance from the hydraulic modelling utilizing InfoWorks Collection Systems (CS) software. This paper presents the public engagement exercise, design considerations, methodologies, and recommendations regarding the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Kai Tak Nullah.
A Polynomial Fitting Improved Bayesian Reconstruction Method for Whole Brain Volumetric MRSI Metabolite Images
Authors: Bao Yufang , Maudsley Andrew
Published: February 2013

In this paper, a polynomial fitting improved Bayesian approach is proposed for the reconstruction of volumetric
metabolite images from long echo time (TE) whole brain proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) data.
The proposed algorithm uses a modified EM (expectation maximization) algorithm that takes into account the partial volume
effects contained inside a thick slice MRSI. It incorporates high resolution volumetric magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) as a priori information. It further integrates the polynomial fitting method to smooth out artificial edges before the
high resolution metabolite images are reconstructed. Our proposed reconstruction method has successfully extended our
existing reconstruction of two dimensional (2D) metabolite images to 3D cases. The experimental results show that resolution
enhanced volumetric metabolite images are reconstructed.
Integrating imperfection of information into the promethee multicriteria decision aid methods: a general framework
Authors: Ben Amor Sarah , Mareschal Bertrand
Published: February 2013

Multicriteria decision aid methods are used to analyze decision problems including a series of alternative decisions evaluated on several criteria. They most often assume that perfect information is available with respect to the evaluation of the alternative decisions. However, in practice, imprecision, uncertainty or indetermination are often present at least for some criteria. This is a limit of most multicriteria methods. In particular the PROMETHEE methods do not allow directly for taking into account this kind of imperfection of information. We show how a general framework can be adapted to PROMETHEE and can be used in order to integrate different imperfect information models such as a.o. probabilities, fuzzy logic or possibility theory. An important characteristic of the proposed approach is that it makes it possible to use different models for different criteria in the same decision problem.
A two-stage flow shop scheduling with a critical machine and batch availability
Authors: Gerstl Enrique , Mosheiov Gur
Published: February 2013

We study a two-stage flowshop, where each job is processed on the first (critical) machine, and then continues to one of two second-stage (dedicated) machines. We assume identical (but machine-dependent) job processing times. Jobs are processed on the critical machine in batches, and a setup time is required when starting a new batch. The setting assumes batch-availability, i.e., jobs become available for the second stage only when their entire batch is completed on the critical machine. We consider three objective functions: minimum makespan, minimum total load, and minimum weighted flow-time. Polynomial time dynamic programming algorithms are introduced, which are numerically shown to be able to solve problems of medium size in reasonable time. A heuristic for makespan minimization is presented and shown numerically to be both accurate and efficient.
A tabu search algorithm for the cell formation problem with part machine sequencing
Authors: Papaioannou G. , Wilson J.M.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents extensions of the IP model where part-machine assignment and cell formation are addressed simultaneously and part machine utilisation is considered. More specifically, an integration of inter-cell movements of parts and machine set-up costs within the objective function, and also a combination of machine set-up costs associated with parts revisiting a cell when the part machine operation sequence is taken into account are examined and an enhanced model is formulated. Based upon this model’s requirements, an initial three stage approach is proposed and a tabu search iterative procedure is designed to produce a solution. The initial approach consists of the allocation of machines to cells, the allocation of parts to machines in cells and the evaluation of the objective function’s value. Special care has been taken when allocating parts to machine cells as part machine operation sequence is preserved making the system more complex but more realistic. The proposed tabu search algorithm integrates short term memory and an overall iterative searching strategy where two move types, single and exchange, are considered. Computational experiments verified both the algorithm’s robustness where promising solutions in reasonably short computational effort are produced and also the algorithm’s effectiveness for large scale data sets.
Pareto simulated annealing for the design of experiments: illustrated by a gene expression study
Authors: Sanchez Penny , Glonek Gary , Metcalfe Andrew
Published: February 2013

Experimental design is concerned with the problem of allocating resources within an experiment to ensure that objectives of the experiment are achieved at the minimum cost. This paper focuses on the generation of optimal or near-optimal designs for large and complex experiments where it is infeasible to carry out an ex- haustive search of the design space. Optimal designs for gene expression studies, aimed at investigating the behaviour of genes, are considered, where the optimality criterion employed is Pareto optimality. We develop an adaptation of the metaheuris- tic method of Pareto simulated annealing to generate an approximation to the set of Pareto optimal designs for large and complex experiments. We develop algorithms that utilise response surface methodology to search systematically for the optimal values of parameters associated with Pareto simulated annealing and performance is evaluated using quality measures.
Bayesian-Based Methods for the Estimation of the Unknown Model’s Parameters in the Case of the Localization of the Atmospheric Contamination Source
Authors: Borysiewicz M. , Wawrzynczak A. , Kopka P.
Published: February 2013

In many areas of application it is important to estimate unknown model parameters in order to model precisely the underlying dynamics of a physical system. In this context the Bayesian approach is a powerful tool to combine observed data along with prior knowledge to gain a current (probabilistic) understanding of unknown model parameters. We have applied the methodology combining Bayesian inference with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) to the problem of the atmospheric contaminant source localization. The algorithm input data are the on-line arriving information about concentration of given substance registered by distributed sensor network. We have examined different version of the MCMC algorithms in effectiveness to estimate the probabilistic distributions of atmospheric release parameters. The results indicate the probability of a source to occur at a particular location with a particular release rate.
Role Of Disspro And Cbsp On Current Seed Supply Situation In Nepal
Authors: Pokhrel Suroj
Published: February 2013

The seed replacement rate of major field crops is very low, about 8%, in Nepal with 92% seed supply of major field crops from informal sector. Different seed production initiatives are undertaken by public and private sectors. However, their role and effectiveness on seed sector development have not been assessed. A review on secondary data related to seed production and usage and primary data collected from different public and private organizations in the year 2011were used to assess the role of District Level Seed Self Sufficiency Program and Community Based Seed Production program on current seed supply situation in Nepal. DISSPRO is the most popular, widely adopted and cheapest seed producing program with annual production of 40.4% followed by CBSP 3.83% of the total certified/improved seeds in the country. The seed production trend of DISSPRO and CBSP is rapidly increasing. Strengthening seed sector through the integration of DISSPRO, CBSP and other seed initiatives together with effective enforcement of seed regulation for quality seed multiplication, distribution and use is necessary for rapid rise on SRR, enhancing crop production and food security in Nepal. The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:13, Jun.2012, Page 53-59 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/aej.v13i0.7588
Weeds Management In Organic Farming Through Conservation Agriculture Practices
Authors: Baral Khagendra Raj
Published: February 2013

Despite weeds are a serious threat to promotion of organic farming, relatively less attention is given to research on weed management. This article explores a scope of integration of conservation agriculture for weed control and soil protection under organic farming. Limitation in the use of agro-chemicals under OF promotes intensive tillage for weed control. Mostly, tillage leads to depletion of organic matter and proneness to erosion in inclined geography. Adoption of conservation agriculture reduces the intensity of soil manipulation thereby creates an unfavourable condition for weed seed germination, reduces the organic matter depletions and soil erosions. Residues on the surface invite weed and pest predators thereby reduced the weed and pest infestations in organic field. Appropriate crop rotations and cover crops management suppress weeds populations with smothering and allopathic effects. Thus, CA integration under OF could be an option for weed, pest and soil management which leads to sustainable organic plant production. The Journal of Agriculture and Environment Vol:13, Jun.2012, Page 60-66 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/aej.v13i0.7589
Diabetes care quality indicators improve upon conversion to electronic health records
Authors: Devkota Bishnu , Reichart B , Armbrecht E , Smith J
Published: February 2013

Introduction: Electronic medical record (EMR) systems have been touted to improve quality and reduce cost of health care delivery. Objectives: To find out whether electronic health record is better than the paper medical records in recording the quality metrics for management of diabetes. Methods: We tested purported benefits in an academic primary care setting with a pilot of 50 randomly selected subjects with Type 2 diabetes with under continuous care by internists before and after EMR implementation. In comparison to the paper chart period, EMR was associated with better outcomes for glycated hemoglobin (A1C), blood pressure (BP), and smoking cessation counseling documentation using a paired analysis technique.Results: Goal BP (130/80) was achieved for 65% of patients during the paper chart period versus 88% in the EMR period (p = 0.007); mean A1c was 7.60 in the paper chart period versus 7.24 in EMR (p = 0.004); smoking cessation documentation rose from 30% to 84% (p < 0.001) between the paper chart and EMR periods, respectively. Change in mean LDL was not statistically significant (p = 0.636) between the two periods. Conclusion: This pilot study provides a favorable indication that EMR implementation contributes to clinical quality improvement and it also illustrates a feasible applied research method that can be employed by many provider organizations who are called up to conduct continuous quality improvement projects for diabetes care. Health Renaissance, January-April 2013; Vol. 11 No.1; 27-32 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i1.7598
Comparative study of efficacy of drotaverine hydrochloride and valethamate bromide with control in first stage of labour
Authors: Dahal P , Banerjee B , Uprety DK , Das BP , Thakur A , Agrawal A
Published: February 2013

Background: Labour is the most perilous journey a woman has to undertake. Painless and short labour is desired by every woman and is a constant aim for obstetrician.Objective: To analyze and compare the efficacy and safety of drotaverine and valethamate with control group on improving cervical dilatation and promoting progress of labour. Method: Three hundred demographically similar women, both primigravida and multigravida with a term pregnancy in established labour were randomly divided into three groups. One hundred women (group 1) were given injection valethamate intramuscularly,100 women (group 2) were given drotaverine and the rest 100 (group 3) were not given any drug. Comparative analysis was carried out as regards to duration of first stage of labour, mode of delivery, maternal side effects and fetal outcome. Results: The mean duration of active phase of labour in group 1, 2 and 3 was 254.29±96.621 min, 178.31±73.412 min and 346.31±123.351 min respectively. The duration of injection to end of first stage of labour in valethamate and Drotaverine group was 228.12±84.626min and 168.89±69.576min respectively (p value<0.0001). The duration of injection to delivery in Valethamate was 249.13± 88.321 min and in Drotaverine was 192.56±75.479min (p value<0.0001). There were no serious maternal and fetal adverse effects in any group but minor side effects were more common in valethamate group. Conclusion: The reduction of the duration of the first stage of labour was apparently more in drotaverine group as compared to valethamate and control group. Drotaverine was found to be safe with minimal or no adverse effect on the mother and the fetus. Health Renaissance, January-April 2013; Vol. 11 No.1; 38-42 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i1.7600
Trends of Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus Cases in Nepal
Authors: Jha N , Niraula SR , Biral DD , Bohara R
Published: February 2013

Health Renaissance, January-April 2013; Vol. 11 No.1; 47-53 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i1.7602
Ultrasound evaluation of muscle and tendon
Authors: Sharma UK , Shrestha BK , Rijal S , Bijukachhe B , Banskota B , Pradhan I , Banskota AK
Published: February 2013

Background: Ultrasound has been shown to be effective in the diagnosis of musculoskeletal pathology, and its use continues to increase. Objective: To evaluate the role of ultrasound in detection of pathology of muscle and tendon, where the facility of advanced imaging modality is not available. Methods: Ultrasound evaluation of muscle and tendon was done in referred 550 patients with clinical history of localized pain or trauma. A detailed clinical history was taken before sonography. The clinical findings and provisional diagnosis were recorded. A routine ultrasound examination included imaging of the affected muscle and tendon. The findings were compared with contralateral limb.Results: Ultrasound showed ailment in 130 patients and was useful to detect lateral epicondylitis in 37 patients, tenosynovitis in 26, tear of muscle or tendon in 23, cystic lesions in 9, abscess in 17, myocysticercosis in 4, radiolucent foreign bodies in 3, muscle hernia in 2 and intramuscular hemangioma in 9 patients. Conclusion: High resolution ultrasound is a rapid and inexpensive technique.It can be used as a first line imaging modality for the musculoskeletal pathology particularly in developing countries with limited imaging facilities. Health Renaissance, January-April 2013; Vol. 11 No.1; 54-61 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i1.7603
Preoperative prophylactic antibiotics in orthopaedic surgery: duration of antibiotic administration
Authors: Shrestha BP , Niraula SR , Nepal P , Khanal GP , Karn N , Chaudhary P , Rijal R , Maharjan R
Published: February 2013

Background: Surgical site infection is one of the most dreaded complications faced by an orthopaedic surgeon. Objective: To find out the effect of duration of prophylactic antibiotics on the rate of surgical site infection in clean elective orthopaedic surgeries. Methods: We conducted a randomized controlled trial involving 207 clean elective orthopaedic patients undergoing surgery. The patients were divided into three groups which received intravenous prophylactic antibiotics for 24 hours, 48 hours and 48 hours followed by 7 days of oral antibiotics respectively. The patients were followed up for three months. Results: There was no significant difference in the rate of surgical site infection among the three groups. Conclusion: We conclude that there is no benefit in prolonging preoperative prophylactic antibiotics beyond 24 hours. Health Renaissance, January-April 2013; Vol. 11 No.1; 62-67 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/hren.v11i1.7604