bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low income and ‘poverty lines’ in Norway: a comparison of three concepts
Authors: Borgeraas Elling , Dahl Espen
Published: January 2009

Borgeraas E, Dahl E. Low income and ‘poverty lines’ in Norway: a comparison of three concepts Int J Soc Welfare 2010: 19: 73–83 © 2008 The Author(s), Journal compilation © 2009 Blackwell Publishing Ltd and the International Journal of Social Welfare.

In this article we address the question of how well three concepts of ‘poverty’ correspond with each other. We have compared three different measures of ‘poverty’ in Norway: income poverty and two measures of a minimum budget standard, one scientifically and one politically defined. The three measures rest on different underlying concepts, serve different purposes and yield significantly different poverty lines. If followed by the municipal social services, the governmental norms for social benefits will, paradoxically, leave the beneficiaries in income poverty as defined by that same government. The most generous poverty line of all three measures is provided by the minimum budget standard developed by the National Institute for Consumer Research in Norway, which rests on the assumption that a household's income has to give a sustainable financial situation in the longer run. Neither of the two other poverty measures have this property. All numbers pertain to the year 2005. Some political and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Young children’s sibling relationship quality: distal and proximal correlates
Authors: Kretschmer Tina , Pike Alison
Published: January 2009

Background: Relationships within families are interdependent and related to distal environmental factors. Low socioeconomic status (SES) and high household chaos (distal factors) have been linked to less positive marital and parent–child relationships, but have not yet been examined with regard to young children’s sibling relationships. The present study tested direct associations between these distal factors and sibling relationship quality, as well as examining parenting as a potential mediator and/or moderator.

Method: One hundred and eighteen families with children aged 4 to 8 years were interviewed and completed questionnaires during home visits. Children provided reports about the quality of their sibling relationships via a puppet interview, and mothers and fathers reported on household chaos and their exertion of harsh discipline. Researchers rated parental warmth towards the children. Finally, parental education and household density were assessed as indicators of SES.

Results: Using structural equation modelling (SEM), we found that lower levels of household chaos were related to better quality sibling relationships, and that this link was mediated by maternal warmth and paternal harsh discipline, as well as moderated by maternal harsh discipline.

Conclusion: Household chaos was more strongly linked to relationship quality between family members than SES, warranting further research and practical application. The study of children’s sibling relationships should take into account inter‐relations between proximal and distal environmental factors to fully reveal the complexity of family life.
Both Recent and Pleistocene geography determine animal distributional patterns in the Tuscan Archipelago
Authors: Fattorini S.
Published: January 2009

Cluster analyses, Parsimony Analysis of Endemicity, species–area relationships, Mantel tests, partial Mantel tests and levels of endemism were used to investigate the influence of current geography and paleogeography on the composition of the fauna of the Tuscan Islands, a small archipelago in the Mediterranean. The composition of terrestrial mollusc and tenebrionid beetle faunas was prevalently influenced by Pleistocene conditions. The composition of butterfly (and possibly reptile) island fauna was influenced by both present (Holocene) and Pleistocene factors. Finally, chrysids were influenced only by present factors. On the whole, both present and historical factors concurred to determine present distributional patterns, but their relative influence varied according to the mobility of the group considered. Results provided here give some insights into the treatment of endemics to elucidate historical relationships among areas and add further momentum to a general model of biotic dynamics in landbridge archipelagos.
Bilateral Import Protection, Free Trade Agreements, and Other Factors Influencing Trade Flows in Agriculture and Clothing
Authors: Vollrath Thomas L. , Gehlhar Mark J. , Hallahan Charles B.
Published: January 2009

Many factors shape the global network of bilateral trade including fundamental forces of supply and demand factors and government policies. This study uses the generalised gravity framework to distinguish among the different drivers that either deter or aid partner trade in land‐intensive agriculture and labour‐intensive clothing. The dataset used in the analysis includes bilateral trade among 70 countries in 1995, 2000 and 2005. Collectively, the 70 countries account for 85% of the world’s trade in agriculture and 96% of its GDP. Empirical results lend support to the Heckscher–Ohlin explanation of trade, namely that relative factor endowments motivate cross‐border trade. Results also show that tariffs are not always binding and bilateral free‐trade agreements more often divert rather than create trade.
Internet Access and Farm Household Income – Empirical Evidence using a Semi‐parametric Assessment in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Hung‐Hao , Just David R.
Published: January 2009

There is considerable literature examining individuals’ behaviour with respect to Internet use, but less attention is paid to farm household use of the Internet. Among the few studies on farm households, the emphasis is on the correlation between socioeconomic factors and the adoption of the Internet. Thus, relatively little is known about the association between Internet use and farm household well‐being. In an effort to fill this void, this paper investigates Internet access among farm households and examines the effects of Internet access on farm household income. Given the observed income gap between Internet users and non‐users, we then investigate the extent to which socioeconomic factors may be associated with this income gap. Using a nationwide survey of farm households in Taiwan, a novel econometric model is proposed and estimated employing a semi‐parametric technique. Our results support the conclusion that Internet use improves farm household income. Most of the income gap between adopters and non‐adopters can be explained by the differences in the return of the socioeconomic factors.
Order Distance in Regular Point Patterns
Authors: Miyagawa Masashi
Published: January 2009

This article examines the kth nearest neighbor distance for three regular point patterns: square, triangular, and hexagonal lattices. The probability density functions of the kth nearest distance and the average kth nearest distances are theoretically derived for k=1, 2, …, 7. As an application of the kth nearest distance, we consider a facility location problem with closing of facilities. The problem is to find the optimal regular pattern that minimizes the average distance to the nearest open facility. Assuming that facilities are closed independently and at random, we show that the triangular lattice is optimal if at least 68% of facilities are open by comparing the upper and lower bounds of the average distances.
The Pickup Problem: Consumers' Locational Preferences in Flow Interception
Authors: Zeng Weiping , Hodgson M. John , Castillo Ignacio
Published: January 2009

This article addresses the pickup problem, wherein patrons briefly interrupt their predetermined journeys to obtain a simple good, such as fast food or a video, and then resume their journeys. This is a problem from the class known as the flow‐interception location problems. Traditional flow‐interception location models (FILMs) are used to select service locations such that the intercepted flows are maximized. In these traditional models, only flow quantities are considered; these models do not consider where a pickup is made in a journey. However, in the real world, consumers often wish to obtain a product or service at or near a specific location along their trips. The pickup model (PUP) proposed here considers consumers' locational preferences, providing a much broader, more realistic approach than FILM (a special case of PUP) to problems in the private and public sectors. By considering which patrons are served where, PUP transforms the FILM into a flow‐interception location‐allocation model, providing a fruitful garden for further research. Geographic information systems and optimization engines are integrated to investigate the PUP model in real‐world transportation systems. Reported findings demonstrate that the optimal locations identified by traditional models arise solely from network flow structure, whereas the optimal locations identified by PUP result from trade‐offs between network flow structure and the importance of proximity to preferred locations. One important discovery is that PUP solutions are superior to those of traditional FILMs if consumers have locational preferences. Up‐to‐date, real‐world transportation networks provide a realistic test‐bed for this and other models of the flow‐interception type.
Trends in outcomes for very preterm infants in the southern region of Sweden over a 10‐year period
Authors: Lundqvist Pia , Källén Karin , Hallström Inger , Westas Lena Hellström
Published: January 2009

Aim: To investigate trends in mortality and morbidity in very preterm infants.

Methods: Population‐based perinatal register; liveborn infants 22 + 0 to 31 + 6 gestational weeks were investigated (time period 1995–2004). Time trends for mortality and common morbidities were explored using logistic regression analyses.

Results: Data from 1614 liveborn infants were included. There was an increase in live born infants below 25 gestational weeks, annual odds ratio (OR) 1.15 (95% CI: 1.08–1.23) and a decrease in mortality annual OR 0.82 (95% CI: 0.69–0.98). The rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and sepsis increased during the study period, annual ORs of 1.10 (95% CI: 1.04–1.17) and 1.09 (95% CI: 1.03–1.16). The duration of mechanical ventilation increased for surviving infants <25 gestational weeks (p = 0.003), while the duration of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) increased for infants <28 gestational weeks (p = <0.001). There were no changes in the rates of intraventricular haemorrhages (IVH, 3–4), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP, 3–5), seizures or necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Conclusion: During the 10‐year period changes in mortality and morbidity were most pronounced for infants with GA <28 gestational weeks. The increasing rate of sepsis was present in infants <28 gestational weeks, whereas the increase in BPD was demonstrated in the whole study population <32 gestational weeks.
Assessment, management, and prevention of early childhood caries
Authors: Kagihara Lynette E. , Niederhauser Victoria P. , Stark Marialiana
Published: January 2009

Purpose: To discuss the role of primary care health providers in identifying infants and young children at risk for dental caries during well‐child visits, in providing anticipatory guidance to parents and primary care givers of at‐risk children, and in providing appropriate referrals for the timely establishment of a dental home.

Data sources: The search included the following: Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed, American Academy of Pediatrics Web site, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Web site, and the American Dental Association Web site. The following search terms were used: dental caries prevention, caries process, caries balance, dental home, early childhood caries, oral health disparities, dental caries risk assessment, fluoride varnish, oral health anticipatory guidance. Search was limited to English language sources from 1990 through 2007.

Conclusions: Dental caries is a preventable and reversible infectious disease process, yet it continues to be the single most common chronic disease of childhood. Despite a decrease in caries prevalence and a decrease in untreated tooth decay in 6–19‐year‐olds in the United States, a 15.2% increase in disease was noted among the nation’s youngest children aged 2–5 years. Primary care health providers are uniquely positioned to play a significant role in the prevention of dental caries and are encouraged to complete certification courses in caries risk assessment, intervention, education, and referral.

Implications for practice: Clinicians need to understand the dental caries process, including the process of enamel demineralization and remineralization, and the factors contributing to caries balance. The importance of early identification and intervention for infants and toddlers at high risk for dental caries and primary care health provider‐delivered anticipatory guidance during well‐child care visits cannot be overestimated.
Preventing coronary heart disease and stroke with aggressive statin therapy in older adults using a team management model
Authors: Mason Carol M.
Published: January 2009

Purposes: The purposes of this review were to highlight recent clinical trial results on the safety and efficacy of statin therapy in adults aged 65 years and older and to examine how nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) working together with physicians as a team can better serve the needs of this fastest growing subset of the U.S. population who are at high risk for cardiovascular events including stroke.

Data sources: This report was compiled by reviewing the scientific literature on the safety and efficacy of statin therapy, including effects on cardiovascular, coronary, and stroke endpoints, with particular reference to clinical trial results in older patients.

Conclusions: Recent guidelines emphasize that age alone is not a reason to withhold treatment with statin therapy in older adults. However, despite the evidence highlighted in this review demonstrating that older patients can safely achieve substantial benefit from statin therapy, studies have consistently shown an inverse relationship between age and treatment propensity. Often, older patients have multiple risk factors and many chronic comorbid conditions that seem to complicate and hinder treatment in many busy clinic practices. More extensive guidelines for the use of statin therapy in older patients, incorporating recommendations for treatment targets and developing a framework for the use of statins in stroke prevention, would assist care providers in the management of this high‐risk population. Finally, NPs and PAs are both well educated and well placed to manage patients with chronic stable cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Implications for practice: The implementation of a multidisciplinary team approach to identify at‐risk individuals and provide them with education, counseling, and effective statin treatment will aid efforts to reduce the increased risk for morbidity and mortality associated with CVD in older adults.
Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination With Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial (ONTARGET): Implications for Reduced Cardiovascular Risk
Authors: Liebson Philip R. , Amsterdam Ezra A.
Published: January 2009

The recently published Ongoing Telmisartan Alone and in Combination With Ramipril Global Endpoint Trial (ONTARGET) in patients with vascular disease or high‐risk diabetes, as the largest published comparative trial of these agent classes, provides further evidence concerning the comparison between the angiotensin‐receptor blockers (ARBs) and the angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). In this trial, telmisartan (an ARB) was non‐inferior to ramipril (an ACEI) in reducing fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular events. Moreover, ONTARGET is an example of a high‐quality noninferiority trial. However, the combination of the 2 agents was associated with more adverse effects without an increase in benefit. The study differed from several other comparative studies in which the dose and choice of ACEI was left to individual physicians. Further, in ONTARGET, the ACEI was not titrated to the maximum dose and patients with heart failure were excluded.
Is There a Need to Continue Anticoagulation Following “Successful” Atrial Fibrillation Ablation?
Authors: Levitt Howard L. , Toor Saddad Z. , Coplan Neil L.
Published: January 2009

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common clinically significant arrhythmia worldwide, and its incidence is increasing. There has been increasing interest in ablation therapy to treat atrial fibrillation. One reason some patients undergo AF ablation might be to obviate the need for warfarin therapy, although current guidelines do not support this rationale. The current review shows that it is difficult to define a true “cure” postablation, as many of these patients will go on to experience future paroxysms of AF (either symptomatic or silent). The mechanism underlying embolism in patients with AF is not completely understood, and no long‐term evidence exists that “successfully ablated” patients return to a baseline risk of stroke comparable to an AF‐naive population. The authors recommend continued long‐term anticoagulation post–AF ablation in patients satisfying CHADS criteria for elevated stroke risk.
Neutron Activation Analysis, Atomic Absorption and X‐Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry Review for 2006–2007
Authors: Bédard L. Paul
Published: January 2009

These mature analytical techniques do not show any change in publication level from the previous two years and AAS remains dominant in terms of the number of publications. The last two years have seen fewer technical improvements than in the previous review period. Some interesting papers dealing with uncertainty and quality assurance in INAA were published during 2006–2007. It is suggested that photon activation should be reconsidered because the source of electron accelerators has recently improved. A technique to preconcentrate Se for INAA determination has also been proposed. In the case of AAS, papers on analyte preconcentration continue to be more abundant than those relating to instrumental modification. Sample preparation for AAS is also active and ultrasound‐assisted leaching shows some promising applications. There were an unusual number of reviews concerned with AAS and those important to geological samples are cited here. A technique to preconcentrate Cr in water is presented and a new device to determine As and Se is showing some potential uses. Confocal X‐ray mapping continues to show interesting developments. One group developed a technique to perform XRF inside an oyster and an interesting application of μ‐XRF mapping of sediments is presented. Determination of platinum‐group elements (at μg g1 concentrations) can be carried out very quickly with an improved XRF technique.
GGR Critical Review of Analytical Developments in 2006–2007
Authors: Hergt Janet M. , Bédard L. Paul , Brueckner Stefanie M. , Jochum Klaus Peter , Linge Kathryn L. , Sylvester Paul J. , Wiedenbeck Michael , Woodhead Jon D.
Published: January 2009

In 2005 the Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research editorial team, in the true spirit of scientific endeavour, embarked on an experiment of our own. We decided to trial a new kind of review, somewhat different from those more typically observed in journals, and one that would provide readers with a summary of analytical developments across a broad range of topics appropriate to the Earth sciences. The first contribution of this kind appeared in 2005, and reported on developments in 2003 (Hergt et al. 2005). The second, this time a biennial review, was published in 2006 and reported on highlights of the 2004 and 2005 literature (Hergt et al. 2006). Based on reprint requests, positive remarks at conferences and strong citations we consider the experiment a resounding success and proudly present here the third in this series. This comprises six individual review sections that cover the main analytical technologies and topical application fields in geoanalysis and geochemistry, including geological and environmental reference materials, ICP‐thermal and secondary ionisation‐mass spectrometry, as well as neutron activation analysis, X‐ray fluorescence and atomic absorption spectrometry.
MAKING SPACE FOR GOD: RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE IN MALE ANGLICAN PRIESTS WHO HAVE SOUGHT PSYCHOTHERAPY AND/OR SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
Authors: Bingham Jane
Published: January 2009

abstract  In qualitative psychoanalytically‐informed research the author explores how the internal object‐representational world of six stipendiary male Anglican priests might illuminate the psychological significance of their relationship with God. Viewing personality development as a lifelong process permits a more synthetic view of existing theories of God as maternal object, transitional object or oedipal father. A relationship with God may reinforce a good relationship with primary objects, but when failures in maternal containment have resulted in disturbances of the spatio‐temporal organization of the infant's mind, new experience – including religious experience – will be superimposed on this distorted psychic substrate. When space‐centred thinking dominates, religious objects may offer exogenous structural support to the personality, but in the absence of transformative object relationships they will remain unassimilated. The priestly quest may sometimes be an attempt to establish or repair a triadic internal relationship with a maternal containing object and the symbolic father.
Numerical and Experimental Study of Solidification in a Spherical Shell
Authors: Assis E. , Ziskind G. , Letan R.
Published: January 2009

The present study explores numerically and experimentally the process of a phase-change material (PCM) solidification in a spherical shell. At the initial state, the PCM liquid occupies 98.5% of the shell. The upper segment of 1.5% contains air, which flows in as the solidification progresses. In the experiments, a commercially available paraffin wax is used. Its properties are engaged in the numerical simulations. The investigation is performed for solidification in spherical shells of 20 mm, 40 mm, 60 mm, and 80 mm in diameter at the wall uniform temperature, which varied from 10°C to 40°C below the mean solidification temperature of the phase-change material. Transient numerical simulations are performed using the FLUENT 6.2 software and incorporate such phenomena as flow in the liquid phase, volumetric shrinkage due to solidification, and irregular boundary between the PCM and air. The numerical model is validated versus the experimental results. Shrinkage patterns and void formation are demonstrated. Dimensional analysis of the results is performed and presented as the PCM melt fractions versus the product of the Fourier and Stefan numbers. This analysis leads to a generalization that encompasses the cases considered herein.
An Algorithm Study on Inverse Identification of Interfacial Configuration in a Multiple Region Domain
Authors: Fan Chunli , Sun Fengrui , Yang Li
Published: January 2009

A two-dimensional inverse heat conduction problem to determine the interfacial configuration of a multiple region domain is solved by utilizing temperature readings on the outer surface of the whole domain. The method used is the modified one-dimensional correction method (MODCM) along with the finite element method. The MODCM is a simple but very accurate method, which first solves the multidimensional inverse heat conduction problem based on the simplified one-dimensional model, and the discrepancy in the result caused by this one-dimensional simplification is corrected afterward by an iterative process. A series of numerical experiments is conducted in order to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm. The method can identify the interfacial configuration of the multiple region domain with high accuracy. The average relative error of the identification result is not more than 10.4% when the standard deviation of the temperature measurement is less than 2.0% of the average measured temperature for the cases tested. The number of the measurement points of the inspection surface can be reduced with no obvious effect on the estimation results as long as it is still sufficient to describe the exact interfacial configuration. The method is proved to be a simple, fast, and accurate one that can solve successfully this interfacial configuration identification problem.
Mixed Convection in an Impinging Laminar Single Square Jet
Authors: Aldabbagh L. B. Y. , Mohamad A. A.
Published: January 2009

The effect of Richardson number (Ri=Gr/Re2=Ra/Pr Re2) in a confined impinging laminar square jet was investigated numerically through the solution of Navier–Stokes and energy equations. The simulations were carried out for Richardson number between 0.05 and 8 and for jet Reynolds number between 50 and 300. The jet-to-target spacings were fixed to 0.25B, 0.5B, and 1.0B, respectively, where B is the jet width. The calculation results show that for the jet-to-target spacing of 0.25B, the flow structure of a square single jet impinging on a heated plate is not affected by the Richardson number. For such very small jet-to-target distances the jet is merely diverted in the transverse direction. The wall jet fills the whole gap between the plates with a very small vortex motion formed near the corners of the jet cross section close to the upper plate. In addition, the effect of the Richardson number on the variation in the local Nusselt number is found to be not significant. For higher jet-to-target spacing, the Nusselt number increased as the Richardson number increased for the same Re. In addition, the heat transfer rate increased as the jet Reynolds number increased for the same Richardson number.
Direct Determination of Cadmium Speciation in MSW and Biomass Single Fly Ash Particles Using SR Based µ-XR Spectroscopy Techniques
Authors: Pinzani M. Caterina Camerani , Steenari Britt-Marie , Lindqvist Oliver
Published: January 2009

Cadmium is a toxic metal causing environmental concern in connection with utilization and land filling of ash. Knowledge about the chemical associations of Cd in ash is fundamental in the understanding of its solubility and leachability from the ash. In the work presented here, the content, distribution and chemical forms of Cd on/in individual Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) and biomass fly ash particles have been investigated in situ by Synchrotron Radiation induced μ-X-ray fluorescence, absorption spectrometry (XAS) and fluorescence tomography. These X-ray micro-beam techniques can be used to reveal spatially resolved information about structural and chemical properties of particles. The use of an excitation energy of 27 keV made it possible to detect trace metals, such as Cd at ppm levels, but also other elements, like Ca, K, Cl and Br. Absorption spectra of Cd in the energy range around the absorption edge of Cd (26.71 keV) were recorded for micron-sized spots of ash particles. Fluorescence tomography was then use to establish if Cd compounds are situated on the particle surface (i.e. most prone to leaching) or at some depth within the particle, where they might be more shielded from chemical attack by water. The measurements indicated Cd to be preferably concentrated in some small areas (“hot-spots”) with high concentration (up to 200 ppm) in MSW fly ash particles and in a homogeneous distribution over the whole particle surface in the case of biomass. Comparisons of XAS spectra of fly ashes and reference compounds showed Cd to be present in the oxidation state +2 and mainly as CdSO4, CdO and CdCl2. Although previous studies have indicated Cd to be enriched in the smaller-size ash particles, in this study Cd was found to be reasonably well distributed throughout all the particle sizes investigated. Based on the results obtained, possible reaction mechanisms involving Cd are suggested.
Study of Operation of a Pilot CFB-Reactor in Dynamic Conditions
Authors: Tourunen Antti S. , Saastamoinen Jaakko J. , Ha¨ma¨la¨inen Jouni P. , Paakkinen Kari M. , Hyppa¨nen Timo E. , Kettunen Ari M.
Published: January 2009

The development of a high efficiency CFB power plant (once-through supercritical CFB technology) and the use of alternative fuels require advanced methods of control and knowledge of the dynamic behavior of the furnace. Dynamic response analysis is needed for design of control algorithms in load changes. The operation of a pilot CFB-reactor in dynamic conditions and in load changes is analyzed experimentally and by modeling at different process conditions. Reactivity parameters for different fuels can be extracted from simple dynamic measurements and then used in computations studying operation in load changes. Dynamic studies are also required to see the necessary requirements for the fuel quality and fuel feed system to maintain stable operation. For high volatile coals the fuel feeding must be steadier to keep the variation in the outlet oxygen concentration at some range than with coals with low reactivity or alternatively greater air coefficient is needed to prevent too low O2 concentrations, which can cause an increase in CO emissions. The fuel quality can be characterized by the fluctuation of oxygen concentration in flue gases in steady operation conditions, which depends on the fluctuations in the combustion and in the fuel feed and on operational conditions. The amplitude of the fluctuations was studied. For advanced controls, it is necessary to know the factors affecting the process dynamics, such as reactivity and the behavior of char inventory in bed. This information is also necessary in developing and optimizing the CFB boiler considering emissions, combustion process and furnace scale up.
The Implications of Burning a Blend of Waste Materials in a Fluidised Bed Combustor
Authors: Gulyurtlu I. , Abelha P. , Boavida D. , Seabra J. , Gomes S. , Chaleta N. , Cabrita I.
Published: January 2009

A mixture involving wood, plastics, paper and textile materials was burned in a fluidised bed combustor to monitor the gaseous emissions and to analyse the ashes collected in different locations of the installation. The ashes collected were first analysed to verify the partitioning of heavy metals in different ash streams. They were then subjected to leaching tests to verify the solubility of different components present. There is a growing interest in utilizing wastes, which cannot be recycled for further use, for energy, particularly in Europe as the amounts are great and the cost of depositing them in landfills has become very considerable. These wastes are considered renewable sources and the recent policy is to encourage their use for energy, especially for decentralized energy production. However, these wastes may be contaminated and have to be verified that their utilization for energy does not bring about any adverse consequences on the environment. Each component making up the blend to be used as fuel needs to be analysed to determine not only its composition but also its heating value so that the final blend to be prepared could present minimum risk for emissions of pollutants, ideally less than coal and with a heating value comparable, at least, to that of coal. The results obtained suggest that i) the combustion efficiency was very high, ii) there was an enrichment of ashes with heavy metals in the cyclones compared to the bed material, iii) the gaseous pollutants were below the permitted limits and iv) the ashes did not have tendency for leaching. The mixture could, therefore, be used as a solid fuel in industry as a substitution for coal or heavy fuel oil.
Operational Experience With High Efficiency Cyclones: Comparison Between Boiler A and B in the Zeran Power Plant — Warsaw, Poland
Authors: Lalak Ireneusz , Seeber Joachim , Kluger Frank , Krupka Stanislaw
Published: January 2009

The two 450t/h CFB units of the Zeran heat and power plant in Warsaw, Poland, are nearly identical in design, except for the cyclones. While the first CFB unit Zeran A which was commissioned in 1995 had cyclones of a prior design, the second unit Zeran B, which went into operation in late 2001, was equipped with high efficiency cyclones with the latest technological developments. The impact of the cyclone design is clearly visible in the operational data. Due to the high cyclone efficiency, the internal circulation became much higher and the fineness of the circulating particles was shifted to finer particles. As a result, the heat transfer in the furnace was boosted and the temperature profile became more even. This had a significant positive effect on the emissions, especially NOx and on the limestone consumption, which was considerably reduced.
What You Need to Know to Reliably Handle Waste Coal
Authors: Hossfeld Roderick J. , Craig David A. , Barnum Roger A.
Published: January 2009

Many power producers have been designing for, or switching to waste coal. A major consideration when dealing with waste coal is the design of the fuel handling system. Since waste coal is typically finer and more cohesive and therefore harder to handle in silos, bunkers, chutes and feeders, design of the handling system for reliable, non-stagnant flow is essential. This paper describes a systematic approach to designing and retrofitting handling systems to avoid bulk solids flow problems. Potential trouble areas such as coal hoppers, silos, bunkers, and transfer chutes are discussed. Mass flow and funnel flow patterns that develop in silos and bunkers are presented. Funnel flow results in large stagnant regions, which are a major problem for coals that combust easily and are prone to problems such as arching and ratholing. Mass flow patterns, which eliminate the stagnant coal regions, are also explained. Coal properties and bunker designs that result in mass flow and funnel flow are described. Transfer chute design techniques to avoid pluggages, reduce dusting, and minimize chute wear are discussed. The Panther Creek Energy facility in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania is used as an example where solids flow handling methodologies were used to solve handling problems with anthracite culm. The modifications presented were required for reliable, stagnant-free coal flow, which prevented belt slippage and high belt loading on gravimetric feeders.
Risk Assessment for CFB Projects
Authors: Wagner Charles E. , Lyhus Christian
Published: January 2009

This paper outlines the risk assessment process performed as the due diligence evaluation, which is conducted by independent engineers (IE’s) as the technical advisors to financial institutions arranging project funding. The major elements of the risk assessment are identified and described. In closing a statement is included, which describes the importance of due diligence and how it could be improved for future projects.
A Simplified Three-Dimensional CFD Approach for PEMFC and DMFC Design
Authors: Hong C. W. , Cheng C. H. , Fei K.
Published: January 2009

This paper describes the fundamental theory, algorithm and computation methods to predict the performance of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC) and direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC) using a simplified computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach. Based on the common transport phenomenon inside both fuel cells, the mass, momentum, energy and species equations were derived. Darcy laws were employed to simplify the momentum equation and also to linearize the species equation. The mathematical model was solved in various flow channel designs and some membrane electrode assembly (MEA) options. The major concern is mainly on the cathode side, in the PEMFC case, that dominates the performance deterioration due to potential loss in the flow field. In the case of DMFCs, both anode and cathode sides are simulated. The methanol crossover effect is also included. This virtual performance test bench plays an important role in the prototype fuel cell design. The computer aided design tool is proved to be useful in configuration designs. Additionally, it provides the detailed transport phenomenon inside the fuel cell stack.
Study on Morphological Properties and Mass Transport Parameters of ORR in Recast Ion-Exchange Polymer Electrolyte Membranes
Authors: Lee Kunchan , Ishihara Akimitsu , Mitsushima Shigenori , Kamiya Nobuyuki , Ota Ken-Ichiro
Published: January 2009

We have investigated the effect of the recast temperature, i.e., heat treatment of a polymer electrolyte, on the diffusion coefficient and solubility of oxygen in the electrolyte and also on the morphological properties of recast ion-exchange membranes for improving the cathode activity in PEFCs. The recast membranes were prepared at different recast temperatures from Nafion® and Aciplex® solutions. Based on the chronoamperometric measurements, it was found that the diffusion coefficient and solubility of oxygen were deeply affected by the recast temperature. The diffusion coefficient increased with the decreasing recast temperature while the solubility had the opposite tendency. The water uptakes and ionic cluster size also varied with the recast temperature. Based on the X-ray measurements, it is considered that the differences in the mass transport parameters, the cluster sizes and water uptakes are due to the growth of clusters and crystallinity in the electrolyte.
Metal-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells for Operation at Temperatures of 500–650°C
Authors: Atkinson A. , Baron S. , Brandon N. P. , Esquirol A. , Kilner J. A. , Oishi N. , Rudkin R. , Steele B. C. H.
Published: January 2009

Research within the Centre for Ion Conducting Membranes at Imperial College, London, is aimed at developing an innovative Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell. The main features of this technology involve the fabrication of a thick film PEN structure supported on a ferritic stainless steel substrate. Use of a metal support enables a robust structure to be fabricated, better able to withstand stresses developed during operation. Research has shown it is possible to arrange a processing schedule that allows the deposited electrolyte powder to be sintered into an impermeable thick film (10–20 μm) at temperatures around 1000°C. This relatively low sintering temperature is compatible with the mechanical integrity of the stainless steel support. An anode film is initially deposited on the metal support followed by deposition of the electrolyte powder. Much of the initial development work has been carried out using ceria based electrolytes. The cell is completed by the deposition of a cathode. This paper presents results arising from this programme, and reports on the development and characterisation of both anode and cathode materials, as well as progress in cell development.
Development of a Comprehensive Numerical Model for Analyzing a Tubular-Type Indirect Internal Reforming SOFC
Authors: Nishino Takafumi , Komori Hajime , Iwai Hiroshi , Suzuki Kenjiro
Published: January 2009

A numerical model for analyzing a tubular-type Indirect Internal Reforming Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (IIR-SOFC), which is expected to become one of the most important power generators in the near future, was developed. The model simultaneously treats momentum, heat and mass transfer, fuel reforming, electrochemical phenomena and an electric circuit. Calculations for the gas flow fields inside and outside the cell tube are conducted with a two-dimensional cylindrical coordinate system adopting the axisymmetric assumption. At the same time, the electric current field in the cell tube is calculated with a quasi three-dimensional coordinate system in order to consider the ohmic loss properly. Activation overpotential is also considered using a temperature dependent model. As a consequence of the calculations, details of conditions in the cell and its power generation characteristics were revealed. Serious temperature gradients were generated in the cell under circumstances where the catalyst for reforming was distributed uniformly inside the feed tube. Complicated electric current fields that varied in both the axial and circumferential direction of the cell were observed. In addition, it became obvious that the temperature dependency of the activation overpotential could be the most significant factor governing the power generation characteristics.
Theoretical Investigation of Solar Transmittance of Transparent Honeycombs
Authors: Qiu G. , Riffat S. B.
Published: January 2009

Transparent honeycombs are a type of transparent insulation material (TIM) offering significant benefits in terms of solar energy engineering and energy saving in buildings. Two of the most important characteristics of transparent honeycombs are their solar transmittance for solar radiation and heat loss coefficient for long wave thermal radiation. This paper presents a calculating model for solar transmittance for ideal transparent honeycombs and real transparent honeycombs. Theoretical calculations are compared to measured transmittance of square-celled polycarbonate honeycomb panels with a high degree of correlation. The solar transmittance of real transparent honeycombs is found to be strongly dependent on honeycomb cell hydraulic diameter and specular transmissivity of the honeycomb wall for a solar beam incident at angle φ.
Performance Improvement of Light-Trapping Type Concentrator Modules for Circular Cells
Authors: Koizumi Kenji , Yoshioka Kazuya , Saitoh Tadashi
Published: January 2009

A flat-type concentrator for circular solar cells has been proposed to improve the performance for a conventional flat-plate module with perfectly circular and semi-square Cz silicon cells. Fundamental optical properties of various V-grooves for concentrator modules with circular cells are calculated using a ray-tracing method to optimize the shape of V-groove. Based on these results, yearly-integrated irradiance ratios of the concentrator to a conventional flat-plate module are calculated using meteorological data. By the use of a reflection material with a reflectivity of 94%, yearly-integrated irradiance ratio of an optimized light-trapping type concentrator (LTC) module with circular cells attains to 1.18. Suppose that the LTC module and a conventional module gain the same amount of irradiance, the area of solar cells in the PV module can be reduced to 84.7% compared with the conventional flat-plate module. A LTC module with semi-square solar cells is designed and simulated for module fabrication. Yearly-integrated irradiance ratio attains to 1.25 using a reflectivity of 80%. The area of solar cells in a PV module can be reduced to 80% compared with a conventional flat-plate module.
Technical Training for Women in the PV Field
Authors: Brown Marlene , Stone Laurie
Published: January 2009

Over the past decade, more women have become interested in renewable energy, particularly photovoltaics, but a suitable training environment is difficult to find. Approximately five years ago, Solar Energy International (SEI) started offering classes for women only. The premise is that a women only class provides a friendly atmosphere for women to ask basic questions, take time working with tools and concepts, and practice hands-on activities in a supportive environment. Sandia National Labs has assisted SEI by providing technical content and hands-on instruction. The classes are split between the classroom and the field. This paper will provide an overview of the technical training, safety and the importance of the National Electrical Code® (NEC)®, and accomplishments of the students beyond these classes.
Detecting Sources of Ionizing Radiation in the Waste Stream
Authors: Needham Michael
Published: January 2009

Why is the detection of radioactive sources important to the solid waste industry?: Radioactive material is used extensively in the United States in research, medicine, education, and industry for the benefit of society (e.g. smoke detectors, industrial process gauges, medical diagnosis/treatment). Generally speaking, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and state governments regulate the use and disposal of radioactive materials. Licensed radioactive waste disposal facilities receive the bulk of the waste generated in the United States with exceptions for low-level waste (e.g. medical patient waste) that may be disposed of as municipal waste. According to the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors, Inc (CRCPD)., there has been an increasing number of incidence involving the detection of prohibited radioactive wastes at solid waste management facilities. While the CRCPD acknowledges that the increased incidence may be partially attributed to the growing number of solid waste facilities that have detection systems, undetected sources of ionizing radiation can harm the environment, have a negative impact on employee health and safety, and result in significant remedial actions. Implementing an effective detection/response plan can aid in the proper management of radioactive waste and serve to minimize the potential for negative outcomes.
Power Generation and Superheater Upgrade Project at the Burnaby MSW Plant
Authors: Lakowski Leo , Anderson Russ , Richter Ron , Berz Marcel D. , Britt Michael L. , La Fond John F.
Published: January 2009

Montenay Inc. operates a municipal solid waste (MSW) incinerator plant located in Burnaby, British Columbia. The facility operates three essentially identical boilers that were designed to generate slightly superheated steam at 248°C (478°F) and 3,140 kPa (455 psig). The plant was originally sized to supply process steam for export to an adjacent industrial plant. The fraction of steam that was exported decreased in recent years to about 35% of the production with the remainder being condensed. This has caused Montenay Inc. to initiate a power generation project with the goal to improve the plants energy efficiency and generate additional revenues by purchasing and operating a steam turbine generator. A superheater upgrade was required to raise the final steam temperature to a level that was suitable for use in an efficient steam turbine-generator. Jansen Combustion and Boiler Technologies Inc. (JANSEN) was contracted to perform the process and design engineering for the required boiler modifications. The project work included defining target process conditions, deriving conceptual design options, sizing the new superheater, deciding on material selection, preparing equipment specifications, and supplying the fabrication and installation drawings. The boiler modifications has been implemented in all three units in spring 2003. Power production will start in early summer 2003.
Innovative Water Treatment Design for Turning Wastewater Treatment Effluent Into Boiler Makeup Water
Authors: Castro Donald J. , Stasis R. Peter
Published: January 2009

The Pinellas County Resource Recovery Facility (PCRRF) is a 3,150 tons per day mass burn facility located in Pinellas Park, Florida. Due to local water use restrictions and increasing costs for potable water supplies in central Florida, Pinellas County has continuously sought to reduce potable water usage at its facilities. The PCRRF’s boiler makeup water system represented a prime target. Accordingly, a makeup water pre-treatment system using reclaimed water from a sewage treatment plant as its source, has been installed upstream of the existing reverse osmosis membrane and mixed bed polishing demineralizers. The pre-treatment system consists of a micro-filtration module, followed by a reverse osmosis module, which results in an overall configuration of micro-filtration, two stage reverse osmosis, and polishing demineralization. The system has been operational for approximately six months, and is producing excellent quality makeup water for the facility boilers. This paper will describe the pre-treatment process and its operational results to date.