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Issue 1, Volume 5,
January 2009
Title of the Paper: Basis of Energy
Efficiency Economical and Ecological Approach Method for Pumping Equipments
and Systems
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Authors: Mircea Grigoriu
Abstract: The paper presents the basis of an original economical and
ecological approach of the pumping systems energy efficiency, offering a
holistic picture of the pumping efficiency, with emphasis in economical and
GHGs emissions mitigation effects. The main contributions consists in the
original energy efficiency evaluation method of pumping equipments, a
particularization of the pumping systems optimal operation characteristic
determination for variable requested flow conditions, and a practical
application for parallel operation variable speed driving adjustment, the
actual most applied system. In the application, there are emphasis economic
and environmental effects, with a special focus on the GHGs emissions. The
paper results application consists in automatic driving operation and in new
pumping optimization operation solution evaluation, including pumps and motors
energy classification, considering the actual international trends and
European Commission commitments in energy and climate changes fields.
Keywords: Energy
efficiency, GHGs emission mitigation, operation modeling, variable speed
driving
Title of the Paper: A Ground-Based
Method for Calibrating Remotely Sensed Surface Temperature for use in
Estimating Evapotranspiration
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Authors: E. W. Harmsen,
V. H. Ramirez Builes, M. D. Dukes, X. Jia, J. E. Gonzalez, L. R. Perez Alegia
Abstract: A method is presented for estimating hourly actual
evapotranspiration from short natural vegetation or agricultural crops. The
method, which can be used to calibrate remotely sensed evapotranspiration,
consists of equating the ET flux equations based on the generalized Penman-Monteith
(GPM) combination method and a humidity gradient (HG) method. By equating the
GPM and HG expressions, a single unknown parameter, either the bulk surface
resistance (rs) or aerodynamic resistance (ra), can be determined. This paper
provides an overview of the technical approach used, and presents results of
comparisons between the new method and eddy covariance systems in Florida and
Puerto Rico. The new method performed well compared to the eddy covariance
systems, and has the advantage of being relatively inexpensive. An example is
presented in which the average surface temperature of a grass-covered field,
located at the University of Puerto Rico Agricultural Experiment Station at
Rio Piedras, PR (located within the San Juan metropolitan area), obtained by
NASA’s airborne Advanced Thermal and Land Applications Sensor (ATLAS), was
corrected to provide accurate estimates of ET using a flux gradient equation.
Keywords:
Evapotranspiration, Penman-Monteith, humidity gradient, eddy covariance,
remote sensing, surface resistance, aerodynamic resistance, surface
temperature
Title of the Paper: Impact Assessment of
Motorway Traffic Noise Using Visualized Noise Mapping Technique
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Authors: Pichai
Pamanikabud
Abstract: The objective of this study is to analyze and assess the impact of
traffic noise from newly expanded Bangkok-Chonburi Motorway, which links
Bangkok-the capital of Thailand to Pattaya-the famous beach resort in the
eastern seaboard of the country, with the utilization of visualized noise
mapping technique in plan view and cross-section of this motorway. The newly
expansion of main roadways of this motorway is to serve the higher demand of
traffic flow on this highway section due to opening of the new Suvarnabhumi
International Airport nearby this motorway. The high speed and higher volume
on this motorway creates the higher traffic noise impact to the vicinity area
around this motorway. Traffic noise data are collected on several locations
along the side of motorway together with traffic characteristics in
simultaneous basis. The physical dimensions of motorway are also measured.
Motorway traffic noise model is then applied with all of the measured
parameters in order to provide prediction results of traffic noise levels from
this motorway, which shows a highly significant in the prediction results
against the measured ones. This model is then used to estimate noise levels on
the uniform grid platform around the study area for both in the plan view
(horizontal plane) and crosssection (vertical plane) of the vicinity area
around the motorway. From the analysis result, this newly expanded motorway
create traffic noise level in Leq(1hr) index higher than the FHWA’s standard
level of 72 dBA and 67 dBA for office building and residential housing
respectively at the location of right-of-way of this motorway. In order to
build the office buildings or residential houses without any barrier and
window protection, the safe building line should be located at about 75 m or
190 m respectively from the right-of-way of this motorway.
Keywords: Motorway,
Visualized noise mapping, Traffic noise, Plan view, Cross-section, Noise
prediction, Motorway noise model, Traffic noise on building, Noise impact
Title of the Paper: Intensity of
Ultra-Violet Radiation as an indicator of Ozone layer thickness in Troposphere
at Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
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Authors: H. O. Al Jeran,
A. R. Khan
Abstract: Troposphere Ozone layer acts as a shield against all ultraviolet
radiation approaching the planet Earth through absorption. It was noticed in
mid 80s that ozone layer has thinned on the poles of the planet due to release
of man-made substances commonly known as Ozone Depleting Substances, (ODS)
into its atmosphere. The consequences of this change are adverse as the
harmful radiations reach to the surface of the earth, strongly influencing the
crops yield and vegetation. These radiations are major cause of skin cancer
that has long exposure to UV radiation. United States Environmental Protection
Agency and European Community have imposed strict regulations to curb the
emission of ODS and phase out schedules for the manufacture and use of ODS
that was specified by Montreal Protocol in 1987. This research program deals
with data analysis of ozone layer thickness and measured ultra-violet
radiation that have been obtained at an altitude of 8 km from Abu Dhabi
Monitoring station. The ozone layer thickness in stratosphere has been
correlated with measured ultraviolet radiation above the Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC). The influence of import of ozone depletion substances for the
last decade and other factors that strongly affect the ozone layer thickness
in stratosphere were discussed in the final report submitted to public. The
dependency of ozone layer thickness on ambient pollutant levels is discussed
in detail.
Keywords: Troposphere,
ultraviolet radiation, Ozone Depleting Substances, Total hydrocarbon compound,
Nitrogen oxides
Title of the Paper: Nutrient Transport
Model in CHAHNIMEH Manmade Reservoirs
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Authors: Seyyed Ahmad
Mirbagheri, Seyyed Arman Hashemi Monfared, Nikos E. Mastorakis
Abstract: A Model for predicting nutrient transport to CHAHNIMEH reservoir is
developed in this paper. Nitrogen and phosphorous have been simulated as the
important parameters in evaluating water quality in the reservoir. Solar
radiation and wind flow are considered in the model. Model uses mass balance
equation to predict a one year period of changing concentrations. Results show
the relative of different types of nitrogen to each other and similar behavior
of phosphorous. Also results show the relative concentration of algal biomass
with nitrogen and phosphorus changes in different times.
Keywords: Nutrient,
CHAHNIMEH, Modeling, Reservoir, Transport, Water movement
Title of the Paper: Peace Parks a Global
Perspective
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Authors: Yu Wang, Jon
Burley
Abstract: Planners and designers are interested in projects that express
spatial ideas and have meaning for the general population. The design of peace
gardens and peace parks is one type of place where designers have
opportunities to express ideas and connect with the public. We examined two
peace related environments: the Dalian World Peace Park in China and the
International Peace Garden on the border between the United States of America
and Canada. Both parks attempt to symbolize peace in a conceptual manner. Both
parks are located on sites of historical significance. Because of their
somewhat remote locations, they can both suffer visitation problems. However
their remote location also makes both parks unique and not as crowded as other
parks. The peace park movement is growing as numerous other peace parks are
being planned around the world.
Keywords: Remembrance;
memorials; recreation; leisure; landscape architecture
Title of the Paper: Inverse Box-Counting
Method and Application: A Fractal-Based Procedure To Reclaim a Michigan
Surface Mine
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Authors: Cyril Fleurant,
Jon Burley, Luis Loures, Wade Lehmann, Jessica Mchugh
Abstract: Planners and designers are interested in replicating biospheric
landscape patterns to reclaim surface mines to match existing natural
landscape patterns. One approach that shows promise is the use of fractal
geometry to generate biospheric landscape patterns. While the measurement of
the actual fractal dimension of a landscape can be difficult, a box-counting
method was developed at AgroCampus Ouest, Angers, France which approximates
the spatial patterns of biospheric landscapes. Essentially the procedure
entails covering a natural object/pattern with a regular grid of size r and
then one simply counts the number of grid boxes, N(r), that contain some part
of the object. The boxes are subdivided and the value of r is progressively
reduced and N(r) is similarly re-measured until some of the boxes become empty
(containing no landscape objects of interest). Then the fractal dimension of
the object is approximated to be the log(N(r))/log(1/r). We illustrate this
procedure by measuring and replicating a stand of trees in the Upper Peninsula
of Michigan and applying the method for a planting plan on a surface mine. Our
study revealed a fractal number of 1.017 (p<0.01), with a mean of 77.4 trees
per 100 m by 100 m stand, and a standard deviation of 34.87 trees per stand.
Keywords: Landscape
architecture, landscape planning, physical geography, landscape ecology,
landscape
Title of the Paper: Evaluation of
Optical and Thermal Properties of Window Glazing
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Authors: Jitka
Mohelnikova, Hasim Altan
Abstract: Optical properties of glazings for window applications serve as
input data for the assessment of visual and thermal comfort in buildings.
Large amount of advanced glazings are used in many building today. Some
special glasses have ability to filter ultraviolet or infrared part of solar
radiation, others reduce transmittance of visible light or on the other hand
antireflective glazings can increase transmittance for visible radiation.
There are also glasses highly reflective for long-wave IR radiation – so
called “infrared or heat mirrors”. These glasses belong into the main group of
glasses recommended for architectural purposes generally called as low-emissivity
glazings. This paper topic is aimed at the classification of low-emissivity
glasses and the comparison of their properties with ordinary glass
transmittance and reflectance.
Keywords: Glazings for
window applications, light transmittance and reflectance, solar transmittance
and reflectance, visible radiation, daylighting, wavelength, glass coatings,
low-emissivity glazings, solar radiation, thermal comfort in buildings.
Title of the Paper: Evapotranspiration
Studies for Nagpur District
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Authors: H. V. Hajare,
N. S. Raman, Er Jayant Dharkar
Abstract: Knowledge of the exact amount of water required by different crops
in a given set of climatic conditions of region is of great help for planning
of irrigation schemes, irrigation scheduling and also for mid term planning in
case of mid season drought. The effective design and management of an
irrigation system requires accurate estimation of crop evapotranspiration. The
method selected for estimating evapotranspiration, however, should produce
good result with a minimum of climatic data and also be applicable over a wide
range of climatic conditions. The multiple correlation and regression analysis
is generally used in hydrology to develop a relationship between three or more
hydrologic variables by studying the dependence among them.
The research work aims to arrive at a suitable empirical model for reasonable
estimation of reference evapotranspiration for Nagpur region (Maharashtra
State). In this research work the observations were recorded at Nagpur
meteorological station are used to calculate the evapotranspiration with the
methods of Blaney-Criddle (BCL), Christiansen Equation(CNM), Hargreaves
Method(HGM), Modified Penman method (MPM), Radiation Method (RAD),
Thornthwaite Method (THW). The results of each method are compared with the
results of the other.
Keywords:
Evapotranspiration Modified Penman Method, Blaney-Criddle, Christiansen
Equation
Title of the Paper: The Influence of
Domestic Hot Water Maximum Consumption on the District Heating Network
Dimensioning
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Authors: Teet-Andrus
Koiv, Alvar Toode, Allan Hani
Abstract: Domestic hot water consumption trends in Estonian apartment
buildings are presented. Changes in domestic hot water consumption profile are
shown. The results of measuring show that the actual maximum consumption
values are substantially less than the design values. A new formula for
calculating the domestic hot water load for dimensioning instantaneous heat
exchangers is recommended. The influence of the new calculation method for
dimensioning the pipes of the district heating network is analyzed; the
results of the calculation of initial and operating costs are presented.
Keywords: Hot water
consumption, consumption profile, dimensioning of heat exchangers, initial and
operating costs of district heating network
Title of the Paper: Timber Defects In
Building: A Study of Telapak Naning, Malacca, Malaysia
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Authors: A. I. Che-Ani,
A. Zaharim, M. F. M. Zain, N. Mohd-Tawil, M. Surat
Abstract: Timber traditional houses can pose a significant image of Malaysian
built environment heritage. It is then crucial for professional to undertake
the responsibility in ensuring the timber houses still in a fair condition. In
judging the building condition, it is good to have a more concrete evaluation,
so that the reliable recommendation can be made within short period of time.
The Prioritize Ranking System is deem fit for this purpose. The streamline
methodology of the system is using the numerical coding for the survey pro
forma. From the prioritize ranking, the data is then used as to foresee the
condition of the house; either dilapidated, fair or good. Furthermore, the
system enable the surveyor to identify the severity index of each defects and
list the element to be repaired in order of priority. The system is tested to
the small-scale timber traditional house namely Telapak Naning. The finding of
the survey is found true in reflecting the current state of the house.
Keywords: Building Survey,
Prioritise Ranking System, Timber Defects
Issue 2, Volume 5,
February 2009
Title of the Paper: Low-Cost Solar
Radiation Sensing Transducer for Photovoltaic Systems
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Authors: S. Gagliano, D.
Neri, N. Pitrone, N. Savalli, G. Tina
Abstract: Measurements of solar irradiance are critical for evaluating solar
energy potential in a given location and for calculating the efficiency of a
solar system (Photovoltaic and solar thermal). In order to maximize the energy
collected by a given Photovoltaic System tracking the position of the sun in
order to expose a solar panel to the maximum radiation level at any given time
is needed: to do so the maximum insulation direction must be determined. On
this regard it is worth to investigate a low-cost solar radiation sensing
transducer, which consists of a structure of green light emitting diodes: this
device should be designed not only to individuate the direction corresponding
to maximum insulation, in order to every timed expose the solar panel to
maximum radiation, but also to measure the beam and the diffuse solar
radiation. In this paper some preliminary experimental results regarding
testing and calibration of a prototype developed in the Idrilab laboratory in
Catania (Italy) are reported.
Keywords: Photovoltaic
System, Tracking System, Solar Radiation, Diffuse solar radiation, Sensing
transducer, low-cost
Title of the Paper: Ecological
Limitations and Sustainable Regional Development in Khorassan Province
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Authors: Majid Yasouri
Abstract: Severe shortage of water resources resulted from unauthorized and
excessive exploitations, population growth, and increase of demand in
different sectors have made the role of this vital material in regional
development more significant. On the other hand, inadaptability of potentials
and capacities and the restriction of water resources as well as the
exploitation procedure have increased the development challenges of the
province due to inappropriate settlement of the population and activities. For
decreasing the imbalance and providing the grounds for stable regional growth
and development and preserving the basic resources of development, the
environment should be reconstructed and the spatial structures and population
and activity settlement to be reviewed.These attributes, as well as improper
settlement of the population and inappropriate activity and exploitation of
the regional resources, have caused severe shortage of water resources (15
critical plains, 44 prohibited plains and 17 free plains). The low rate of
rainfall and its unsuitable distribution have resulted in a higher degree of
evaporation, transpiration and natural isolation as well as severe dispersion
of habitats and spatial disorders. The natural environment, population
settlement policy, production activity and infrastructures affect the spatial
structure of the Khorassan province and are together causing severe imbalance
in the region and destroying basic resources of development. Therefore,
establishing a balance in rate of water consumption and revived water in the
region in tandem with the land use(land preparation) policies is one of the
most important measures which are necessary to be taken in the later phases of
optimal exploitation of water resources(increase of the irrigation yield.
Keywords: Sustainable
development , environmental challenges, Khorasan, water, Ecological,
limitations
Title of the Paper: How does a New Set
of Earned Value Management Schedule Control Work? A Case Study in IRAN
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Authors: Morteza
Shokri-Ghasabeh, Navid Akrami
Abstract: One of the most effective project time and cost controlling systems
is called Earned Value Management (EVM). This system is applied worldwide in
different projects of many kinds. Australia, United States, Canada, United
Kingdom, Sweden and Japan were the pioneers of applying this system and new
reports show that other countries are joining this list. EVM metrics are the
three primary concepts of planned, accomplished and actual work, which are
integrated measures of time and costs. A number of researchers have found that
the time metrics didn't judiciously refer to the schedule performance of a
project. One of the recent improvements to the EVM is the application of new
time metrics (Schedule Variance (time) (SV(t)) and Schedule Performance Index
(time) (SPI(t))), which are based on time units instead of monetary units. A
15-month Iranian pipeline project, called “Ardak-Mashad Water Supply”, was
controlled by the EVM in this paper. The stages of applying the EVM in this
project are described and the difficulties that the EVM team encountered are
also presented. In addition, the paper attempts to clarify the application of
common time EVM metrics and compare them with the new set of time metrics to
interpret the schedule performance of a project. All satisfactory results of
the EVM application, are displayed in this paper.
Keywords: Earned value
management, Pipeline Project, Project control
Title of the Paper: Optimal Water
Network with Zero Wastewater Discharge in an Alumina Plant
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Authors: Chun Deng, Xiao
Feng
Abstract: Zero wastewater discharge has been the ultimate goal of green water
utilization in process industries. To make the water network with zero
wastewater discharge economically beneficial, the system should be optimized.
Alumina industry is a heavy water consumption industry, hence studying water
re-use and zero wastewater discharge (ZWD) for water system in alumina plants
is very important. This paper analyzes a practical water system of an aluminum
plant on the basis of graphical method for ZWD water system. The water system
of aluminum plant features great amount of water loss and consists of several
operation with fixed flowrate constraints. On the concentration-mass load
diagram, the optimal water supply line considering water loss for the water
system with ZWD is constructed. The optimal regeneration water flow rate and
optimal regeneration concentration are targeted. Base on these targets and
local recycling scheme, the optimal water using network with ZWD considering
fixed flowrate constraints is obtained. The alumina plant accomplishes the
goal of zero wastewater discharge and the freshwater saving rate achieves
62.7%.
Keywords: Integration,
wastewater minimization, zero discharge, water system, alumina plant, fixed
flowrate, fixed mass load
Title of the Paper: New Magnetosphere
for the Earth in Future
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Authors: Tara Ahmadi
Abstract: All of us know the earth magnetic field come to be less and this
problem can be a serious problem in future but now we find other problems that
can destroy our planet life or in minimum state can damage it such as FTE
theory , solar activities , reversing magnetic poles, increasing speed of
reversing that last reverse, reducing magnetic strength ,finding leaks in
magnetosphere ,etc. some of these reasons will be factors for increasing the
solar energy that hit to the Earth and perhaps changing in our life and
conditions of the Earth. In this paper , I try to show a way to against to
these problems and reduce their damages to the Earth perhaps The Earth will
repair himself but this repair need many time that humans could not be wait.
In the past time magnetic field was reversed but now we are against to the
other problems that can increase the influence of reversing magnetic field for
the Earth and all these events can be a separated problem for us, these
problem may be can not destroyed humans life but can be cause of several
problems that occur for our healthy and our technology in space. This way is
building a system that produce a new magnetic field that will be in one way
with old magnetic field this system will construe by superconductors and a
metal that is not dipole. This paper explain all the problems in addition to
the way of repair their damages on the Earth and show the suitable shape of
system that can help us for future programs.
Keywords: The Earth's
Magnetic Field-Gadolinium Material-Solar Winds-Reversing Magnetic
Poles-Superconductor Elements-Environment Changing-FTE Theory
Title of the Paper: Regional Estimation
of Site-specific Seismic Response by Spatial Zoning at an Inland Urban Area,
Daegu, in Korea
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Authors: Chang-Guk Sun,
Jin-Soo Shin, Heon-Cheol Chi
Abstract: Most of earthquake-induced geotechnical hazards have been caused by
the site effects relating to the amplification of ground motion, which are
strongly influenced by the local geologic conditions such as soil thickness or
bedrock depth and soil stiffness. In this study, an integrated GIS-based
information system for geotechnical data, called geotechnical information
system (GTIS), was constructed to establish a regional counterplan against
earthquake-induced hazards at an urban area, Daegu, in Korea. To build the
GTIS for the area of interesting, pre-existing geotechnical data collections
were performed across the extended area including the study area and a
walk-over site survey was additionally carried out to acquire surface
geo-knowledge data. For practical application of the GTIS used to estimate the
site-specific seismic response across the area of interesting, seismic
microzoning map of the characteristic site period was created and presented as
regional synthetic strategy for earthquake-induced hazards prediction. In
addition, seismic zonation of site classification according to the spatial
distribution of the site period was also performed to determine the site
amplification coefficients for seismic design and seismic performance
evaluation at any site in the study area.
Keywords: Seismic zonation,
Site effects, Seismic hazard, GIS, Site period
Title of the Paper: Analysis and
Interpretation of Environment Sequence Models of the Hassi R'Mel Field in
Algeria
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Authors: R. Baouche, A.
Nedjari, S. El Adj, R. Chaouchi
Abstract: With a surface area of 400,000 km2, the Triassic Province in Algeria
represents a vast Saharan territory, in which significant hydrocarbon layers
are exploited on the Triassic and Cambrian–Ordovician levels. The Saharan
Triassic consisted of varied continental environments, namely, fluvial, flood
plain, lake, Sebkha, and wind. At the top of Formation I, the lower series of
strata of the Triassic, there are intercalations of volcanic rocks represented
by dolerites. Sedimentation interspersed with periods of no deposition is
thought to have occurred during the Triassic continental; resulting in a
deposition of ground-level strata and the development of a more or less
intense paedogenesis. This paedogenesis is found at the origin of important
unequal discontinuities which can be used for sequential cutting and is also
significantly influenced by climate. In such a context, and during the periods
of no deposition, physicochemical phenomena related to the climate and type of
bedrock occur, leading to the formation of a more or less advanced ground
related to the elapsed time between two phases of sedimentation; this
phenomenon is known as paedogenesis. Formation II is characterized by the
eruptive on the level of the lower member IIa at the base and constituted
primarily of dolerites but the roof is primarily by a channel in a fine sandy
filling. The member IIb is characterized by fluvial facies of channels
prevailing and evolving to the top in a complex of playa or evaporates. This
complex is characterized by a negative polarity at the bottom with a broad
separation of the curves of neutron/density. Formation III is characterized
primarily by an evaporate facies of sebkha type halite which separates by
electro halite benches, with weak Gamma Ray and lower than 10 API. The sonic
signal is relatively constant around 70 µs/ft. This work therefore attempts to
refine the above models by using a well log-based modeling approach (gamma
ray, neutron, sonic, density and resistivity) to examine the evolution of
successions. The stratigraphy obtained using the results of faciologic
analysis established for this purpose on the level of the Hassi R’Mel field is
also used.
Keywords: Reservoir
characterization, paleosols, sequence environments, Triassic Province, Sahara,
Algeria
Title of the Paper: Rerouting Electric
Power Transmission Lines by using Satellite Imagery
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Authors: T. Luemongkol,
A. Wannakomol, T. Kulworawanichpong
Abstract: This paper presents an application of satellite image technology for
rerouting electric power transmission lines. Satellite images produced by
using ENVI software were used as our major tool. Information from remote
sensing and geographic information system (GIS) can be extracted by using
photographs from LANDSAT ETM and topographic map. In this paper, areas of
Nakhon Ratchasima province, north-east of Thailand, were examined for a case
study. The main objective for rerouting electric power transmission lines is
to remove all transmission portions located nearby or passed through a
community.
Keywords: Power
transmission line, extra high voltage system, satellite image technology,
power system planning
Title of the Paper: Industrial and
Commercial Depth-Damage Curve Assessment
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Authors: Ming-Daw Su,
Jui-Lin Kang, Ling-Fang Chang
Abstract: Because of geographic location, Taiwan encounters frequent flood
attack due to typhoon or storm events. Flood hazards usually cause major
damage of assets and casualties where with the high density of population and
economical activities. Flood risk management becomes one of the important
tasks for government. The damage assessment is the basis of flood risk
management and disaster mitigation. The depth-damage curve has been employed
as a major tool for assessing flood damages. Because flood damages may depend
on the types and uses of structures as well as the content in it, the
depth-damage curves will have different characteristics varied with land uses
and region. This paper develops depth-damage curves for industrial and
commercial sectors based on the damage data collected after the flood event of
Nari typhoon (2001). Because different economic activities may possess
different damage characteristics, the industrial and commercial activities are
categorized as manufacturing, service, wholesale, and retail. Each category is
further divided into two sub-groups of small and large-scales. A depth-damage
relationship is developed for each category and subgroup for application in
assessment of regional flood damage.
Keywords: Flood, Flood
Damage, Damage Assessment, Depth-Damage Curve
Title of the Paper: Drip Irrigation
using a PLC based Adaptive Irrigation System
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Authors: S. Shahidian,
R. Serralheir, J. L. Teixeira, F. L. Santos, M. R. Oliveira, J. Costa, C.
Toureiro, N. Haie, R. Machado
Abstract: Most of the water used by man goes to irrigation. A major part of
this water is used to irrigate small plots where it is not feasible to
implement full-scale Evapotranspiration based irrigation controllers. During
the growth season crop water needs do not remain constant and varies depending
on the canopy, growth stage and climate conditions such as temperature, wind,
relative humidity and solar radiation. Thus, it is necessary to find an
economic irrigation controller that can adapt the daily water application to
the plant needs. The dramatic development of Programmable Logic Controllers,
PLCs, and their rather affordable price has made it possible to use them as
stand-alone irrigation controllers. In this paper a PLC is used to adapt the
daily irrigation amount to actual ETc, using a Hargreaves-Samani type
equation. This equation only requires temperature values to calculate
Evapotranspiration. Once the ETc is calculated, then the PLC manages the
irrigation according to the characteristics of the field, the irrigation
equipment and the growth stage of the crop. First year results are very
encouraging and indicate a 12% saving in irrigation water. It was also found
that heat flux form the soil can influence canopy temperature.
Keywords: PLC, irrigation,
automation, Hargreaves, irrigation controller, Evapotranspiration, heat flux,
crop coefficient
Title of the Paper: Sustainable Therapy
Room Surfaces in Acute Mental Health Hospitals
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Authors: Bilge Sayil
Onaran
Abstract: This article is based on the innovations about the recycling of
materials and the design principles of sustainable surface materials in acute
mental hospital therapy rooms. The use of recycled, reusable and local
materials in interiors is a contemporary issue for the sustainability of the
environment itself. The use of sustainable materials is crucial for designing
healthy building interiors and for human health. With this in mind, the aim of
this article is to examine the latest developments about the design principles
of sustainable materials in mental hospital therapy rooms, placing an emphasis
on patient comfort and providing them a homelike environment in order to
accelerate the healing process.
Keywords: Sustainability,
Environment, Architecture, Interior Architecture, Sustainable Materials,
Surface Materials, Healthy Buildings, Mental Hospital, Therapy Room
Issue 3, Volume 5,
March 2009
Title of the Paper: An Approach to
Wicked Problems in Environmental Policy Making
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Authors: Nasser Ayoub,
Rafael Batres, Yuji Naka
Abstract: In environmental policy making, the objectives are part of the
decision-making problem. Policy making for sustainable development involves
problems with lack of clear and definitive problem formulation which are to be
solved by various stakeholders who judge the solutions with different values.
In addition, risks and uncertainties involving future events and risks and
uncertainties associated to the costs, benefits or effectiveness of a given
policy add complexity to the decision making. Because of these
characteristics, modeling and assessment methods alone are not enough to
provide an adequate decision making support. In other words, policy making
involves the existence of “wicked problems. This paper presents an approach to
support the solution of wicked problems in policy making for sustainable
development.
Keywords: Policy making,
policy design, design rational, wicked problems, ontologies
Title of the Paper: The
Industrialization Prospect Analysis of Water Resource Heat Pump Based on
Scenario Planning
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Authors: Lucheng Huang,
Xin Li, Xiaoyang Fu
Abstract: Based on the theory of scenario planning, this paper analyzes the
factors which may influence the industrialization process of water resource
heat pump technology from policy, substitute energy, technology itself and
application fields. With grading by experts from the importance and
uncertainties factors view points in water resource heat pump, two key
uncertainties factors in these factors are found out. Then based on the two
factors, in combination with other determinate factors, the various scenarios
of water resource heat pump technology in direction of the industrialization
process are painted. Finally, as these scenarios, some suitable strategies
about how to promote the industrialization of water resource heat pump
technology in China are put forward in this paper.
Keywords: Scenario
planning Water resource heat pump Response strategies
Title of the Paper: Reverse Logistics
Processes of Multi-Type End-Of-Life Buildings/construction Sites: An
Integrated Optimization Framework
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Authors: A. Xanthopoulos,
D. Aidonis, D. Vlachos, E. Iakovou
Abstract: A significant problem that has emerged in the field of construction
and demolition waste management (C&D), involves the integrated optimization of
the entire C&D waste supply chain. The critical decisions to be made include
among others: (i) the determination of the optimal deconstruction depth for
each EOL construction site before the demolition process, and (ii) the design
of an effective transportation and recovery network for shipping
deconstruction products and waste from deconstruction/demolition sites to
potential recyclers/customers and waste disposal sites. In this context, we
propose a novel integrated model for optimizing the reverse logistics
processes of multi-type end-of-life buildings/construction sites in a single
planning period. An additional innovative feature of the proposed
methodological approach is that the final recipients/recyclers may provide
different pricing policies in a stepwise manner, depending on the quantity of
materials that they receive. Finally, a specific case study is presented in
order to demonstrate the applicability of the proposed decision-making model,
while few interesting managerial insights regarding the behavior of the
optimal solution are obtained and discussed.
Keywords: Construction and
Demolition Waste Management, Reverse Logistics, Mathematical Programming,
Multiple Construction Sites, Different Types of End-of-Life Buildings, Single
Planning Period, Stepwise Pricing Policies
Title of the Paper: Development of
Rating System for Sustainable Building in Malaysia
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Authors: Zuhairuse Md
Darus, Nor Atikah Hashim, Elias Salleh, Lim Chin Haw, Abdul Khalim Abdul
Rashid, Siti Nurhidayah Abdul Manan
Abstract: Existing environmental assessment methods attempt to measure
improvements in the environmental performance of buildings relative to current
typical practice or requirements. The assumption is that by continually
improving the environmental performance of individual buildings, the
collective reduction in resource use and ecological loadings by the building
industry will be sufficient to fully address the environmental agenda. The
choice of the term ‘green building assessment’ is seen as a useful term to
convey this intent. Several environmental methodologies and methods for
evaluating environmental performance of buildings are being currently
developed. In a global scale it is worth mentioning SB (Sustainable Building)
Tool, formerly known as GB Tool (Green Building Tool) which is an
international project coordinated from Canada, LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) a method developed in the USA with a world wide
application and CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Building
Environmental Efficiency), a method developed in Japan. In Europe, some of the
most frequently used include BREEAM (Building Research Establish Environmental
Assessment Method) in the UK and also it is worth mentioning the HQE (High
Environmental Quality) developed in France during the last decade and the
VERDE method developed recently in Spain (Maria Sinou 2006). In this paper
several method will be discuss and will become main references for developing
Sustainable building Tool for Malaysia.
Keywords: Building
Performance, Sustainable, Building Rating, Practice, Assessment
Title of the Paper: Development of
Sustainable Campus: Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Planning and Strategy
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Authors: Zuhairuse Md
Darus, Abdul Khalim Abdul Rashid, Nor Atikah Hashim, Zaidi Omar, Masran
Saruwono, Noraziah Mohammad
Abstract: Malaysia and 178 countries in the world has signed and agreed on
acceptance and implementation of sustainable development on the Agenda 21. It
was reconfirm again in Johannesburg in 2002. The Malaysian Government
commitment can be seen in the Five year development scheme from the sixth up
to the ninth Malaysian Plan which from the year 1990 to 2010. Universiti
Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) as one of government agency will also committed to
implement the sustainable development. It started in the year 1994 when the
Institute of Environmental and Development known as LESTARI was established.
This paper will generally looking at the initiative and strategy taken by
University Kebangsaan Malaysia in planning and developing the sustainable
campus. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia target to achieved the sustainable
campus status in year 2020.
Keywords: Sustainable
Development, commitment, Environment, Facilities, Strategy
Title of the Paper: Continuing
Professional Development (CPD), Education and Training as Part of Technology
for the Learning Process in Malaysian Built Environment
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Authors: Zuhairuse Md
Darus, Fadzil Hassan, Masran Saruwono, Zaidi Omar, Zulkiflee Samad, Fadhil
Muhamad, Noraziah Mohammad
Abstract: Problems associated to the performance, delivery and quality of
product or services emanating from ineffective performance of the human
resource in the Malaysian built environment are a continuing debate. Critics
have been frequent in associating these shortcomings with inadequacies within
the continuing professional development (CPD), education and training
provisions offered to the human resource.
This paper presents the investigations on the underpinning concepts of CPD),
education and training which identify their differences and similarities. This
was on the premise that understanding the similarities and differences are
very important as they significantly influence how the technology is
disseminated and roles that must be to be played by the parties responsible
for their design and delivery. The findings suggest the need to understand
similarities and differences in the application of the meanings of education,
training and CPD are important; but more importantly, they must all be
underpinned with learning. It is imperative that that the parties responsible
for the education, training, learning, development must appreciate learning.
This must be conceived collectively applied within the design and delivery to
the provisions to be effective.
Keywords: Built
environment, human resource, education, training, continuing professional
development (CPD), learning
Title of the Paper: Analysis and
Comparison of Regenerative Technologies of Waste Lubricant
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Authors: Yu-Lung Hsu,
Cheng-Haw Lee, Victor B. Kreng
Abstract: Lubricant is one of the important resources that cannot be disposed
of randomly due to the presence of pollutants. In response to economic
efficiency and environmental protection, there is a growing trend of
regeneration and reuse of waste lubricant. However, the technologies shall be
compared to provide a useful reference for the use of waste lubricant. The
major aim of this paper is to analyze and compare the regenerative
technologies, thus laying a basis for the governmental bodies in policy-making
of lubricant recovery as well as for industrial operators in deciding the
recovery methods.
Keywords: Regenerative
Technologies, Waste Lubricant
Title of the Paper: Development of a
Simplified Model for the Estimation of Hydrological Components in Areas of
Maquis Vegetation in Greece
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Authors: George
Baloutsos, Athanassios Bourletsikas, Evangelos Baltas
Abstract: Gross rainfall, throughfall, stemflow and interception losses were
measured and studied for seven years (1996 – 2002) in an evergreen
schlyrophylous species (maquis) stand of eastern Mediterranean region and
specifically of southern – western Greece. The monthly values were analysed
and compared with the corresponding values of gross rainfall through the year.
Throughfall, stemflow and interception losses were regressed, on a single rain
event scale, against a number of meteorological variables. All the regression
equations were found significant for at least 0.05 probability level. The
models were tested with the data of 2003 by means of comparison of predicted
and observed values of these components. All models yielded satisfactory
estimates, especially from rainfall events greater than 10 mm.
Keywords: Rainfall,
Throughfall, Stemflow, Interception Losses, Hydrological Modeling
Title of the Paper: Performance of
Photovoltaic Thermal Collector (PVT) with Different Absorbers Design
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Authors: Adnan Ibrahim,
M. Y. Othman, M. H. Ruslan, M. A. Alghoul, M. Yahya, A. Zaharim, K. Sopian
Abstract: Much effort has been spent on the development of hybrid PVT, in
order to improve it efficiency of both, thermal and cell. The combination of
thermal and cell efficiencies, which is commonly known as “total efficiency of
the PVT”, is influenced by many system design parameters and operating
conditions. Due to that, seven new design configurations of absorber
collectors are designed, investigated and compared. Simulations were performed
to determine the best absorber design that gives the highest efficiency (total
efficiency). In these simulations, the system is analyzed with various
parameters, such as solar radiation, ambient temperature, and flow rate
conditions. It is assumed that the collector is represented as a flat plate
thermal collector with single glazing sheet. Based on these simulations,
spiral flow design proved to be the best design with the highest thermal
efficiency of 50.12% and corresponding cell efficiency of 11.98%.
Keywords: Photovoltaic
Thermal (PVT), thermal and cell efficiency, absorbers collector, Design
Title of the Paper: Experimental and
Simulation Study on Malaysian Activated Carbon as Adsorbent in a Dual Purpose
Solar System
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Authors: M. A. Alghoul,
M. Y. Sulaiman, K. Sopian, M. Yahya, A. Zaharim
Abstract: Tests to compare and understand the adsorption capability of some
locally produced activated charcoal (coconut shell) samples with methanol were
taken under laboratory conditions. An experimental test rig was set up. Data
obtained from the experiments were fitted to Dubinin-Radushkevitch ( ) and
Dubinin-Astakhov ( ) equations. The results obtained and can be used to select
the most favorable pair. Activated carbon AC-5060 shows the best adsorption
capacity for methanol and the highest coefficient of performance (COP). This
is chosen as the adsorbent in a dual purpose solar adsorption system. The
adsorption system is subjected to parametric analyses. The parameters such as
second adsorber bed temperature, condenser temperature, and mass of ice are
varied and performance evaluated. Malaysian activated carbon is not
significant for ice making in the dual purpose adsorption systems at
condenser- adsorption temperature equal or higher than 35oC. The most
efficient way to improve the dual purpose system under the hot climate is to
search for enhanced adsorbent material in terms of adsorption capacity and
thermal conductivity.
Keywords: Malaysian
activated carbon, adsorption properties, and Equations, coefficient of
performance (COP), dual purpose adsorption system.
Issue 4, Volume 5,
April 2009
Title of the Paper: Runoff Pollution
Treatment Using an Up-Flow Equipment with Limestone and Geotextil Filtration
Media
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Authors: Daniel
Castro-Fresno, Jorge Rodriguez-Hernandez, Andres H. Fernandez-Barrera, Miguel
A. Calzada-Perez
Abstract: Runoff drags pollutant from different urban surfaces causing diffuse
pollution in natural or artificial water bodies. To solve this problem,
several solutions have been developed to purify the run-off water before the
final spill, but still it is necessary to improve the applicability and
efficiency of these systems. The project that is presented in this paper is
focused on developing a System for Catchment, Pre-treatment and Treatment (SCPT)
of contaminated runoff coming from impervious surfaces. The concept of SCPT is
an on-line, up-flow filtration system, with the main elements of pervious
pavements, which are being geotextiles and open grade gravel. The objectives
of this research are to determine the influence of the main factors that
affect SCPT efficiency and to evaluate the effects of SCPT long term use in
its operational behavior.
Keywords: Runoff, up-flow,
filtration, non-point pollution, SUDS, BMP, water quality
Title of the Paper: Cell-based Genetic
Algorithm and Simulated Annealing for Spatial Groundwater Allocation
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Authors: E. Sidiropoulos,
D. Fotakis
Abstract: A genetic algorithm and a simulated annealing approach is presented
for the guidance of a cellular automaton toward optimal configurations. The
algorithm is applied to a problem of groundwater allocation in a rectangular
area consisting of adjacent land blocks and modeled as a cellular automaton.
The new algorithm is compared to a more conventional genetic algorithm and its
efficiency is clearly demonstrated. Also, comparison is made to a simulated
annealing scheme. Finally, the proposed genetic algorithm is combined with
simulated annealing to yield a new hybrid. The presented cell – based
algorithm is different from related algorithms of the literature, as it relies
on local interactions among land blocks. Moreover, it offers a framework for
application to more general and detailed problems.
Keywords: Genetic
algorithm, cellular automata, groundwater, optimization, resource allocation,
land use
Title of the Paper: Modification of an
Absorption Column
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Authors: Davorin Kralj,
Anita Kovac Kralj, Mirko Markic
Abstract: Energy management is becoming an important goal of entrepreneurial
activity.The increasingly limited energy resources demand managers of
organisational systems to perform alternative measures in managing
organisational systems. This article discusses the use of solution heat in
absorption, integrating absorption with distillation, and improving the
distillation column, so that steam is unnecessary for heating the reboiler.
This method of absorber modification is based on the use of solution heat. It
is composed of two steps: 1) First step - Analysing the existing heat
integration of the process 2) Second step - Modification of the absorption
column, by usefully utilizing solution heat during the process. This analysis
of solution heat in an absorber requires profitable integration during the
process, and energy efficiency. The technique is based on the pinch-analysis
method by using a grand-composite curve. Pinch analysis does not guarantee a
global optimum solution, but it quickly proposes good ideas for heat
integration during the process.
Keywords: Solution heat,
integration, pinch analysis, absorber, emission
Issue 5, Volume 5,
May 2009
Title of the Paper: Design of
Experiments: Production of CO2 from Aquilariella Malaccensis Woods via
Pyrolysis-Combustion Process
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Authors: S. K. Kamarudin,
A. Othman, Z. Yaakob, S. R. S. Abdullah, A. Zaharim
Abstract: CO2 is the main source used in conventional radiocarbon dating to
estimate the age of the archaeological wood. However, the production of CO2 by
combustion for conventional radiocarbon dating normally produces minimal
amounts of CO2,, making it difficult to proceed to subsequent processes. Thus,
the objective of this paper is to introduce an integrated-combustion process
on degraded wood that will maximize the production of CO2. Karas or Aqualaria
Malaccensis was taken as case study. 23 response surface central composite
design method was successfully employed for design of experimental (DOE) and
analysis of the results. The number of experimental runs was determined using
the Design-Expert 6.10.0. Karas wood was studied at different temperatures in
a horizontal laboratory tubular quartz reactor. The effect of temperature,
concentration of inert gas supplied during pyrolysis reaction and residence
time taken during the production of CO2 from thermal and oxidative reactions
were studied. The woods were pyrolysed in a thermogravimetry analyser (TGA) at
different heating rates for the active pyrolysis occurrence. From the TGA
results, it were observed that at lower temperature regime (less than 3000C)
decompositon of wood, mainly H2O, CO2 and CO were evolved and at higher
temperature regime, the main decomposition products were oil, H2O, hydrocarbon
gases and lower concentration of CO and CO2. The results indicated that the
production of CO2 increased with the continuous supply of oxygen at high
temperature of pyrolysis and high flow rates of argon within a short period of
residence time.
Keywords: Archaeological
wood, Karas (Aqualaria Malaccensis ), DOE, Integrated pyrolysis-combustion,
ANOVA
Title of the Paper: Comparison of Local
Nusselt Number Between Steady and Pulsating Jet at Different Jet Reynolds
Number
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Authors: Rozli Zulkifli,
Kamaruzzaman Sopian, Shahrir Abdullah, Mohd Sobri Takriff
Abstract: The study was carried out to determine the effect of pulsating
frequencies exiting from a hot circular air jet on the local heat transfer of
a flat impingement aluminium plate. The velocity profile of a steady heated
circular air jet and pulsating air jet at frequencies of 10 and 20 Hz was
measured in the first part of the study. The same set-up was used to measure
the heat flux of the pulsating jet impinging on a flat aluminium plate. The
heat flux of the heated air jet impinging on the plate was measured using a
heat flux micro-sensor at radial positions between 0 to 12 cm away from the
stagnation point. Measurement of the heat flux was used to calculate the local
heat transfer coefficient and local Nusselt Number for steady air jet and for
air jet pulsating frequencies of 10 and 20 Hz. The Reynolds number used were
16 000, 23 300 and 32 000. Results obtained show that the local Nusselt number
calculated at all measurement point for pulsating jet were higher than the
local Nusselt number for steady jet. The results for pulsating jet Nusselt
number was higher than the steady jet Nusselt number for the value of
frequencies measured are due to the higher localised heat transfer. The higher
Nusselt number obtained at localized radial positions can be due to the higher
instantaneous velocity as was shown from the velocity profile plotted in the
first part of the experiment. The relationship between the two results shows
that higher flow velocity and turbulence intensity gives higher localized heat
transfer.
Keywords: Pulsating air
jet, jet frequency, Nusselt number, Reynolds number, heat transfer coefficient
Title of the Paper: Salt Removal
Potential of Turfgrass in Golf Courses in the Mediterranean Basin
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Authors: Jose Beltrao,
Alcinda Neves, Joao Carrasco De Brito, Jose Seita
Abstract: In Mediterranean climates available water is the limiting factor of
plant productivity. Hence, due to the lack of water in the Mediterranean
regions, potable water luxurious uses – are increasingly contested. In order
to solve this problem, non-conventional water resources, like treated
wastewater, drainage water and brackish water resources are gaining increasing
role in the planning and development of water supplies in the irrigation of
golf courses. Generally all these non-conventional water resources are saline.
Hence, the application of excessive amounts of freshwater in saline soils and
the heavy use of fertilizers are techniques used to mitigate soil salinity and
to increase the salt tolerance of turfgrass in golf courses. However, the
intense use of these conventional techniques has attracted public attention
due to the environmental pollution and the contamination of groundwater
resources. In recent years, a new environmentally safe and clean technique,
whereby the salt (ion) removing species are planted in the salt-affected
soils, has been introduced to mitigate the salinity problems. The salt removal
potential of several turfgrass cultivars was evaluated for their efficiency to
remove salts (ions) from the soils under this study. Hence, chloride
concentration of leaves was the studied indicator, once that chlorides are the
most representative salts in this region, due to seawater intrusion. Plant
collection was conducted in several golf courses in Algarve, the southern
region of Portugal. Results of this study show that Lolium perenne ‘Brighstar’
tissues accumulated the largest amounts of chloride leaves, followed by the
Cynodon dactylon chance hybrid ’Tifway 419’. Hence, both could become
potential cultivars, which could be used to control and to combat salinity in
the golf courses of the Mediterranean regions in order to rehabilitate saline
soils, in association to other techniques.
Keywords: Soil salinity,
conventional techniques, phytoremediation, salt removing turfgrass cultivars,
chlorides, salt extraction
Title of the Paper: Solar Chemical Heat
Pump Drying System for Tropical Region
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Authors: M. Ibrahim, K.
Sopian, W. R. W. Daud, M. A. Alghoul, M. Yahya, M. Y. Sulaiman, A. Zaharim
Abstract: Solar assisted chemical heat pump drying system for tropical region
has been studied. A simulation has been done under the meteorological
conditions of Malaysia. The system consists of four mean components, solar
collector (evacuated tubes type), storage tank, chemical heat pump units and
dryer chamber. The monthly efficiency for evacuated tube solar collector has
been predicted to be between the range (59 – 64%) with the deference between
mean collector temperature and ambient temperature 20 ?C. The solar fraction
as a function of solar collector area has been studied. It was found that as
the collector area increases the loss increases and hence the solar fraction
increases. A monthly coefficient of performance for heating (COPh) for
chemical heat pump has been predicted and the maximum value of 1.8 as function
for solar collector area 10 m2 and storage tank size 0.2 m3 were found. Any
reduction of energy at condenser as a result of the decrease in solar
radiation which in the final decrease the coefficient of performance as well
as decrease the efficiency of drying.
Keywords: Evacuated tube
collector efficiency, solar fraction, collector area, chemical heat pump,
coefficient of performance, drying
Issue 6, Volume 5,
June 2009
Title of the Paper: Systems Thinking and
Modern Green Trends
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Authors: Davorin Kralj
Abstract: Experience show that the environment protection and permanent
development as a part of entrepreneur’s philosophy is not carried into effect
enough; this is so because of administrative workers, who were used to make
decisions independently without collaboration of other experts. System
thinking and multi view approaches, which are a must for a successful
establishment of a sustainable business and modern green trends, are of great
importance. Congenial and stimulating atmosphere, promoting relaxed free and
unimpeded activities, work satisfaction and satisfaction with co-operation
with others, are all elements distinguishing excellent performance. The
successful development and implementation of processes innovation in an
organizational system can produce a significant saving in the amount of
business and environment resources and therefore a smaller environmental
impact When implementing changes, employees should be motivated adequately.
The perpetual changes met within the competitive environment require changing
of management processes and present a constant and continuous demand for
improvements in business operations.
Keywords: Environment,
green trends, management, sustainable business, systems thinking
Title of the Paper: Environment Global
Protection to the Polluting Action of Refrigerants
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Authors: Ioan Sarbu,
Olga Bancea
Abstract: In this paper are approached principal aspects of the environmental
pollution, by working fluids of the refrigeration, air-conditioning and
heat-pumping systems and a new utilization strategy of these refrigerants is
described, in accordance with the international legislation. The refrigerants
will be selected in order to be the best adapted for the desired application,
based on few criteria which take into account the thermodynamic and
thermophysical properties, the technological behavior, the cost and the use
constraints. Also, the paper presents a study of the Romanian line up to the
environment, refrigeration and air-conditioning EU legislation with the
recommendation of using ammonia as a very eco-efficient alternative.
Keywords: Working fluids,
pollution, environment protection, nonecological refrigerants, substitutes
Title of the Paper: Advanced Thematic
Mapping: GIS/Neural Networks Application for Tracking Isoseismic Lines
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Authors: Vincenzo
Barrile, Giuseppe Armocida, Francesco Di Capua
Abstract: Possibility of making queries on a spatial database, in order to
obtain a decisional support is one of the most interesting features of GIS
systems. This is possible through the expression of information which are
implicit into database and useful for Geoprocessing operations in order to
make a sort of data clustering. However, it is not sufficient to represent a
priori non-modeling interactions, even if they are present into the
informative layers. Case study presented in this paper just concerns this
category, taking into account tracking of isoseismic lines on a well-known
geographical area. It is very useful in order to generate an affordable map
for seismic risk. Proposed procedure, exploiting Neural Networks, can retrieve
information about isoseismic lines propagation, starting from information
related to examined territory, hypocenter of considered earthquakes, and
seismic intensity calculated by standard procedures. Preliminary results we
obtained have been used in a GIS software in order to create an Artificial
Intelligence informative layer (called OverlayAI). Experimentation carried out
shows a preliminary nature and needs further tests and refinement; however, it
illustrates useful results to realize an operative plan based on perception of
seismic risk in a defined territory.
Keywords: GIS, OverlayAI,
Thematic map, Neural Network, isoseismic lines, earthquakes, seismic hazard
Title of the Paper: Evaluation of SOC
under Different Vegetation Stand Types and Forest Site Status in South China
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Authors: Egbuche
Christian Toochi, Su Zhiyao
Abstract: Forest soils and the nutrients within it are impacted by spatial
activities. The concentration of soil organic carbon (SOC) was evaluated in
different forest management location sites in relation to the environmental
condition and management status of each forest site. Three distinct forest
soils were collected in three locations (0-25 and 25-50cm profiles) of
different forest management regimes in Guangdong Province, China. SOC
concentrations, as well as physical and chemical soil properties were measured
in the laboratory in relation to industrial, urban and protected forest
locations. SOC concentration was highest at the Deqing forest site (30.24±1.35
and 26.65± 2.49) as a state regulated management system than in the industrial
and urban sites. SOC was significantly highest in the Deqing site (48 g/kg).
Duncan’s test of SOC density revealed a critical statistical difference
between Deqing and the other sites. Soil metal concentrations at the Dongguan
industrial site showed significant differences in high amount of copper, lead
and cadmium (15.1±2.67, 42.30±4.91 and 35.09±5.89). SOM concentration
evaluated as sequestration parameter at the Deqing site (47g/kg) was
statistically different from the others. Pearson’s correlation and multiple
comparison analysis on chemical and physical properties indicated critical
differences (0.01 level) between the Deqing site (SOC, SOM, TotN, AvK) and the
Guangzhou site (SOM, TotN, Avk and AvP) compared to the Dongguan site. The
Deqing and Guangzhou forest sites showed attributes of better forest
management systems. We strongly recommend an active effluent discharge policy,
a Nutrient sensitive zones policy, a land Use policy, a Compulsory industrial
implementation best management practices policy; and an Implementation and
mitigation option policy.
Keywords: Land and land
use, Climate change, Urban and Industrial pollution, SOC Concentration, Forest
Management Regimes, Forest stand types, Environmental knowledge, South China
Title of the Paper: Estimating Daily
Evapotranspiration in Puerto Rico using Satellite Remote Sensing
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Authors: Eric. W.
Harmsen, John Mecikalski, Melvin J. Cardona-Soto, Alejandra Rojas Gonzalez,
Ramon Vasquez
Abstract: A technique is presented in which satellite solar insolation
estimates are used to predict daily reference evapotranspiration (ETo) using
the Penman-Monteith (PM), Preistly-Taylor (PT) and Hargreaves-Samini (HS)
methods for Puerto Rico. For this approach, average, minimum and maximum daily
air temperatures were obtained from a regression procedure that depends on
surface elevation and day of the year. The air temperature was adjusted using
actual daily temperatures from several locations in Puerto Rico. Dew point
temperature was assumed to be equal to the daily minimum temperature, and a
value of 1.9 m/s was assumed for wind speed. As an example, ETo was estimated
for March 5, 2009 using the three methods, with the Penman-Monteith method
producing the lowest values. This paper also presents a comparison between
estimated and observed solar radiation from April 1 through June 21, 2009,
which indicates a need for calibration of the solar radiation remote sensing
product. As a practical example application of the use of the methodology, the
Hargraeves-Samani ETo was estimated for a crop season. The crop
evapotranspiration (ET) was estimated by multiplying the ETo by a crop
coefficient (Kc). The goal of the analysis, which considered five different
crops and seven locations, was to determine the cumulative seasonal water
consumptive use. Determination of the seasonal water consumptive use is
valuable for determining water supply infrastructure for farms and irrigation
districts. This research represents a preliminary step in the development of
an ETo product for PR. This product is a potentially valuable tool for
conducting water resource studies and for supporting irrigation scheduling
efforts
Keywords: GOES, satellite,
remote sensing, Penman-Monteith, Priestly-Taylor, Hargreaves-Samani,
evapotranspiration
Issue 7, Volume 5,
July 2009
Title of the Paper: Helping Architects
to Design their Personal Daylight
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Authors: B. Beckers, D.
Rodriguez
Abstract: This communication is based on a seven years experience of teaching
day lighting to graduate architects coming from very different latitudes and
climates. We first created didactic software to help them controlling sun
paths. Later, we developed it gradually to support the common part of the
problem: the geometrical one. With the same knowledge and tool, the students
imagined very different projects, which reflected their different
sensitivities and ideas about light, especially in its chromatic aspect. Their
works confirmed us the evidence that the justified preoccupation about ecology
and sustainability must not obviate the fact that good architecture is, first
of all, an art. The software, “Heliodon”, developed by Benoit Beckers and Luc
Masset, offers synthetic and original representations that allow the architect
to develop its design freely, but controlling simultaneously space and time
aspects. It complements commercial rendering software and is a fundamental
component of a personal theory about light ambiances and color. The results
are very original projects that blend aesthetic expression, geometrical
control and environmental conscience. With this teaching, every architect is
expected to discover his personal daylight. In the near future, the
contributions of architects and urban designers will also be fundamental in
order to extend the studies of solar radiation to large urban areas. The
collaboration between geographers, climatologists and physicists will be
crucial in order to define the appropriate numerical mockups at different
scales.
Keywords: Architecture
project, daylight, solar radiation, geometry, projections, simulation
Title of the Paper: Performance
Evaluation of MPE Rainfall Product at Hourly and Daily Temporal Resolution
within a Hydro-Estimator Pixel
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Authors: Alejandra M.
Rojas-Gonzalez, Eric W. Harmsen, Sandra Cruz Pol
Abstract: A rain gauge network (28 rain gauges) was installed in western
Puerto Rico (PR) within a 4km x 4km GOES satellite pixel. Located within the
pixel is a well monitored sub-watershed of 3.55 km2, referred to here as the
“testbed subwatershed” (TBSW). The rain gauge network was established to
evaluate rainfall estimates from the GOES-based Hydro-Estimator (HE), NEXRAD
radar and the Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere
(CASA) radar network, which has a high spatial resolution (? 200 m).
Furthermore, the rain gauge network will provide a high temporal and spatial
resolution rainfall dataset to be input into a distributed hydrologic model in
the TBSW. The focus of this work is to evaluate the performance of the
Multisensor Precipitation Estimation (MPE) product at 1-hour and 1-day
temporal resolution within the 4km x 4km HE pixel for 2007. The MPE product is
popular within the hydrologic modeling community due to its resolution and
mean field bias correction computations in its coverage. Results for 2007
indicate that the highest rainfall measured by the rain gauges within the HE
pixel area were September with an average and standard deviation of 241.75 mm
and 73.3 mm, respectively; and August with 223.7 mm and 64.66 mm,
respectively. While for the same months the MPE, produced a total monthly
rainfall accumulation and standard deviation of 247.36 mm and 64.4 mm for
September, respectively, and 233.68 mm and 36.54 mm for August, respectively.
The mean and standard deviation daily field bias for these months were 1.08
and 1.5 for September, respectively, and 0.93 and 1.6 for August,
respectively. The bias changed, when considering an hourly analysis, to 1.98
average and 5.45 standard deviation for August and 1.49 average and 3.01
standard deviation for September. Nevertheless the month that produced the
largest mean bias was November with 2.24, and 2.6 standard deviation for daily
rainfall accumulations; and a mean bias of 3.92 and 8.16 standard deviation
for an hourly time step. In this study percentages of detection and false
alarms were determined at two time scales.
Keywords: Multisensor
Precipitation Estimation, NEXRAD products, rainfall variability, mean field
bias
Title of the Paper: Are there Accessible
Environments in Athens, Greece Today?
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Authors: Konstantina
Theresia Vozikis
Abstract: This paper aims to reveal the general goals of Universal Design and
Universal Access according to the normative situation in the European
Community, focusing on the existing situation in Greece. As Athens was the
last European city where (Para-) Olympic Games took place, the results of a
comparative study are presented, revealing accessibility conditions to
buildings of public use in Greece’s capital. Using a study carried out in
1984, the changes regarding Universal Access over the last two and a half
decades are investigated. Building categories such as ministries, hospitals,
higher-degree educational buildings, museums, cinemas and theatres were
visited and re-evaluated with the help of a specific protocol in 2004 and
2009. In the end, the degree of improvement is discussed and conclusions are
drawn.
Keywords: Universal
design, universal access, buildings of public use, disability, survey, Athens
Title of the Paper: Mathematical
Modeling Pollution from Heavy Traffic in Tbilisi Streets
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Authors: Teimuraz
Davitashvili
Abstract: Using mathematical simulation, distribution of concentration of
harmful substances NOx at Rustavely Avenue, the crossroad of David
Agmashenebeli and King Tamar Avenue, where traffic is congested, and for the
whole territory adjoined to the crossroad have been studied. In addition,
there have been investigated influences of traffic-lights at streets'
intersections on the growth of concentration of harmful substances.
Mathematical model of air pollution from traffic is presented. Results of
numerical calculations are given.
Keywords: Air pollution,
mathematical simulation, influences of traffic-lights
Title of the Paper: Evaluating the
Effects of UHI on Climate Parameters (A Case Study for Mashhad, Khorrasan)
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Authors: S. Ghazanfari,
M. Naseri, F. Faridani, H. Aboutorabi, A. Farid
Abstract: Urban expansion, pollution growth, and development of major
industrial activities in metropolitan areas impacted local climates of major
towns. Transforming big cities into heat islands is one of the most important
results of micro-climate change. In this study, variation of some of the
important climate factors (such as precipitation, temperature, relative
humidity, and percentage of cloudiness) was reviewed in order to study
micro-climate changes. The city of Mashhad selected for this study, as
metropolitan area. The study performed by comparing the climate parameters of
this city with the neighboring regions, which placed at the same climate
categories. According to the effective role of rainfall in the urban weather
modification and decreasing of pollutions, rainfall variation will be more
important and sensitive. The result of this research shows that rainfall
variation follows the change of temperature trend. A significant correlation
between temperature and precipitation changes showed the effect of heat island
on urban climate parameters. The urban heat island phenomenon increases the
hot season rainfalls when we have decreasing effects on cold season.
Keywords: Urban Heat
Island, Air pollution, Microclimate change, climate parameters, Metropolitan
areas
Issue 8, Volume 5,
August 2009
Title of the Paper: A Sedimentological
Approach to Refining Reservoir Architecture using the Well Log Data and Core
Analysis in the Saharan Platform of Algeria
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Authors: R. Baouche, A.
Nedjari, S. El Adj
Abstract: Improved reservoir characterisation in the mature oil applied to
Gourara Field of Sahara in Algeria, aimed at maximising both in-field and
near-field hydrocarbon potential, requires a clearer understanding of
sub-seismic stratigraphy and facies distributions. In this context, we present
a regional, high-resolution sequence stratigraphic framework for the Oued
Namouss Field based on extensive sedimentological re-interpretation of core
and wireline log data, combined with core analysis and published literature.
This framework is used to place individual reservoirs in an appropriate
regional context, thus resulting in the identification of subtle
sedimentological and tectono-stratigraphic features of reservoir architecture
that have been previously overlooked. We emphasise the following insights
gained from our regional, high-resolution sequence stratigraphic synthesis:
(1) improved definition of temporal and spatial trends in deposition both
within and between individual reservoirs, (2) development of regionally
consistent, predictive sedimentological models for two enigmatic reservoir
intervals (the Formations I and II), and (3) recognition of subtle local
tectono-stratigraphic controls on reservoir architecture, and their links to
the regional structural evolution of the Province. We discuss the potential
applications of these insights to the identification of additional exploration
potential and to improved ultimate recovery. In this research a procedure was
developed to assess and quantify uncertainties in hydrocarbon estimates
related to depositional facies, petrophysical data and gross reservoir
volumes. This procedure was applied to the Gourara Field, which is a mature
gas field in the Oued Namous Basin, Algeria. The aim was to investigate the
reasons for an unexpectedly high hydrocarbon recovery factor.
Keywords: Famenian,
Strunian Formations, Sequence stratigraphy, Reservoir architecture, Well log
analysis, Algeria
Title of the Paper: Review of
Sustainable Development Indicators. Case Study: Bolivarian Republic of
Venezuela - Statistical Information for Year 2005
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Authors: Anna Gabriela
Perez, Montserrat Hernandez Lopez
Abstract: This study is a review of sustainable development indicators,
especially indicators framework proposed by the United Nations, and examines
the particular case of the environmental quality matrix of the Bolivarian
Republic of Venezuela in 2005. This matrix was used for calculating a second
generation sustainable development indicator: the environmental quality index.
This analysis includes the study of the relationships between economic, social
and environmental variables and the classification of Venezuelan states in
homogeneous groups according to the similarity that they present with the
available information regarding those variables.
Keywords: Sustainable
development, environmental quality indicators, principal components, cluster
analysis
Title of the Paper: Evaluation of the
Bikeability of a Greek City: Case study "City of Volos"
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Authors: Nikolaos Eliou,
Athanasios Galanis, Apostolos Proios
Abstract: Driving a bike in a Greek city is not an easy case. There are no
bicycle facilities available and the bicyclists and the car drivers are not
used to each other in mixed traffic situations. The primary goal of the study
was the evaluation of the road infrastructure and the ability of the
bicyclists to bike safely in the city of Volos. The secondary goal of the
study is the finding of the main problems of the bicycles in the city, the
level of the bicycle use and the purpose of the bicyclists’ daily trips. The
study took place in November 2008. 100 bicyclists participated in the study
and answered a questionnaire of 8 questions, which consisted of more sub
questions. 38 of the participants were students in the University of Thessaly
and the rest citizens of the city. The bicyclists were of different age, sex
and profession, in order to have a more independent sample. The questions
concerned about the road safety of the bicyclists both in bikeways and in rest
of the road network, the road safety level on the intersections’ crossing, the
behavior of the car drivers to the bicyclists, the behavior and the safety
measures of the bicyclists, the amount of the daily bike trips and their
destination. Using a rating scale from 1 to 6, with 1 considering the worst
and 6 the best grade, in the first 5 of the 8 questions of each questionnaire,
the bicyclists put a grade to each question. Finally, calculating the summary
of each questionnaire and the average of the whole sample, with a rating scale
of 5 to 30, with 5 considering the worst and 30 the best road environment, we
evaluated the bikeability level of the city.
Keywords: Bikeability,
Bicycle facilities, Bikeways, Bicyclists’ safety, Bicyclists’ behavior,
Drivers' behavior
Title of the Paper: Urban Planning and
Economic Revitalization of Historic Centers: a MIS-GIS Application
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Authors: Vincenzo
Barrile, Giuseppe Armocida, Francesco Di Capua
Abstract: The historical centers constitute, in every respect, "places of the
memory" and develop, at social level, a refined identifying function. All that
involves the necessity for local Administrations, associations and experts
interested in the local transformation processes in act to read the possible
evolutions and identify effective intervention strategies. In particular the
small historical centres of Calabria constitute an architectural historical
and urban property which often melts with the natural and ambient values of
territorial membership. The developed application (and still in continuous
development) has as principal aim to support the processes of the recovery of
the Calabrian historical centres and the exploitation of the local enterprises
interested to extraction and production of the material necessary to the
recovery with the last purpose to re-propose the typical solutions and the
original typologies in order of an usable conservation and, then,
"sustainable". From a structural point of view, the architecture of the
application has organized in four levels, interconnected between them and
climbable, that are the data base, the MIS component (Management Information
System), the GIS (Geographic Information System) and at last, the multi-user
interface (system manager, private and institutional stakeholders being due in
matter). The so articulate application provides the necessary support both
public administrations, planners, designers, and the sector enterprises.
Keywords: Historical
centers, MIS-GIS, DBMS, Conservation, Recover
Issue 9, Volume 5,
September 2009
Title of the Paper: GIS Application for
Urban Archaeology: Archaeological City Map
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Authors:
Vincenzo Barrile, Giuseppe Armocida,
Francesco Di Capua
Abstract: The Information System of Cultural Heritage (SITBA) conducted by the
Municipality of Reggio Calabria (ITALY), captures, enhances and makes
accessible to a wide audience the complex work of urban archeology conducted
under the scientific direction of Professor Francesca Martorano, from Faculty
of Architecture of the Mediterranean University. Through a careful and
scrupulous examination conducted both on archival material that on literature
was realizesd an instrument - a kind of modern "map" - which allows both to
scholars and citizens more demanding and attentive, to know the location of
archaeological sites in the city, Rhegion Greek, Latin Rhegium until the
Byzantine city. The work, which is the first example in Calabria of
information and dissemination of archaeological, and thus historical, land
knowledge using tools, is directed to the discovery and exploitation of the
urban history of Reggio Calabria through the inventory of archaeological sites
and artefacts discovered so far in the municipality. This allowed the
Municipality, to inhabitants of Reggio who love the roots of their city and
tourists to have a modern instrument that indicates the archaeological
discoveries in the fabric of the town and also inform on the location of those
monuments that have not left any trace except in documents. SITBA has many
aims, one of these very important is to present to the population the great
archaeological property, identifying and exploiting the strong witness
presence of archaeological evidences of town. Another important aim is to feed
and populate Municipal Informative System (SITCO) In the note, in addition to
describing the technical aspects, the integration problematic between and
about different informative systems, adopted technology solutions as well as
future developments of the project, it has considered appropriate to emphasize
the importance and expectations generated by the project by the city Reggio
Calabria.
Keywords: Geomatica, GIS,
DBMS, Totem, Archaeology, Archaeological paper
Title of the Paper: On the Temporal
Evolution of the Vertical Momentum Fluxes within the Marine Atmospheric
Boundary Layer
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Authors:
Costas G. Helmis
Abstract: In the frame of the CBLAST-Low project, the vertical structure of
the Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer (MABL) was studied using remote and in
situ sensing instrumentation at the southern coast of the Nantucket Island,
MA, USA, during 2003. Since a Low-Level Jet (LLJ) was frequently observed at
low heights, it is of interest to examine the modification of the vertical
transport of momentum fluxes and the possible influence on the vertical
structure of the Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE). Thus two cases of a LLJ
development (the 3rd and the 7th of August 2003) were examined, regarding the
momentum transport and the standard deviation of the vertical component of the
wind profiles which is related with the TKE. According to this study an
intense modification of the vertical profiles of momentum fluxes and TKE was
evident mainly above the LLJ core, following the temporal evolution of the
developed LLJ. This fact modifies the vertical turbulent structure of the
marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer as well as the expected levels of TKE
values.
Keywords: Momentum flux,
Marine Atmospheric Boundary Layer, Turbulent Kinetic Energy, SODAR, LLJ
Title of the Paper: Istro-Romanian
Cultural Heritage: The Relevance of the Study of Endangered Cultures
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Authors:
Marghescu Georgeta
Abstract: The Istro-Romanian culture is on the brink of extinction. We are
talking about the culture of one of Europe?s smallest ethno-linguistic groups
living in the Istria peninsula, at the confluence of Croatia, Slovenia and
Italy. The number of the group members is rapidly diminishing. The urgency of
the research concerning Istro-Romanians culture is, therefore, obvious. So far
the Istro-Romanians were researched especially from historical and linguistic
points of views and a systematic study of their culture was never made. This
paper comes as a possible answer to both the urgency of the research of this
culture and, respectively, the need to create a basis for strategies to
maintain the identity of the Istro-Romanians.
Keywords: Cultural
Identity, Istro-Romanians, Environment, Way of life, Tradition and Modern
Title of the Paper: Community
Identification Based on Multispectral Image Classification for Local Electric
Power Distribution Systems
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Authors:
Tatiya Luemongkol, Thanatchai
Kulworawanichpong
Abstract: This paper illustrated an approach of identifying community size in
feeding area of local MV power distribution systems by using satellite image
processing. Information of community size is essential and can be useful to
estimate electric energy used by local customers. Infrared band of satellite
images can be used for this purpose. ENVI and GIS ArcView software are both
working tools in this paper. Satellite images of LANDSAT 7 covered a test area
in Nakhon Ratchasima 2 distribution feeders were employed for test. The
results obtained from the satellite image processing based on ISODATA
unsupervised classification can be used in associative with GIS information of
the power distribution feeder to visualize feeder load allocation in the
community point of view.
Keywords: Multispectral,
Satellite imagery, ISODATA, Unsupervised classification, Minimum square error
Title of the Paper: New Forms and
Directions in Mathematical Modeling of Pluvial Erosion
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Authors:
Petru Cardei
Abstract: This paper presents theoretical results obtained under research
contract about the pluvial soil erosion and landslide prognosis. The presented
results refer to a reformulation of the USLE model in the spirit of
theoretical physics, in order to modeling the pluvial soil erosion phenomenon
as dynamic process. There are many problems to be solved in the direction of
the USLE model formulation in the language of the modern physics: USLE formula
must be express in variables which depends by space and time; the replacement
of the particular physical quantities characteristic of this model with
universal physics quantities (for example, like the hydraulic models for soil
pluvial erosion); the application of the general principles of physics to
modeling the transformation of the geometry of the eroded surface;
introduction of the random elements in the model. Another research direction
is currently redrafting USLE model in terms of vectors. This model divides the
year into time units. The issue presented here is not exhaustive. In this
paper is addressed only the first two problems. To check the results obtained,
is used experimental data obtained using a mobile installation to estimate the
risk of pluvial soil erosion. In aim to replacement the particular USLE model
variables with universal (not particular) physical variables, is used the tool
of the dimensional analysis. The results and their verification, show that the
proposed formulation for USLE is plausible. With this material I hope to
attract in this direction other researchers in the same category of phenomena.
The new formulation can be a start to much new research.
Keywords: Soil, Erosion,
Pluvial, USLE, model, physics, theory
Issue 10, Volume 5,
October 2009
Title of the Paper: Measurements and
Numerical Modeling of Wind Driven Circulation and Pollutant Transport
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Authors:
Asu Inan, Lale Balas, Murat Cetin
Abstract: Antalya Bay is located in the Mediterranean Sea of Turkish coasts.
City of Antalya is one of the major tourism cities of Turkey with an
increasing population. The sea outfall was constructed in the Antalya Bay. In
this study, the currents and wind have been observed and measured. The wave
height distribution, current pattern and pollutant concentration have been
presented. Wind driven currents have been numerically modeled with the
HYDROTAM 3 which is a powerfull tool to simulate hydrodynamics of a coastal
area. The bacterial pollutant transport distribution due to the sea outfall of
Antalya city was numerically modeled.
Keywords: Current, wave,
pollutant, concentration, measurement, numerical modeling, Antalya Bay, sea
outfall, coastal pollution, finite difference, finite element
Title of the Paper: Energy Conservation
with Energy Efficient Lighting
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Authors:
Arvind Dhingra, Tejinder Singh
Abstract: The energy resources of the world are under severe pressure to cope
up with the growing need of energy. The technological changes and changes in
the lifestyle have increased the demand for energy tremendously. With the
resources become scarce and energy costs growing, it becomes imperative for
everyone to save energy or to use the available energy judiciously. The need
is to either find new sources of energy or to use the energy available
carefully. Lighting forms a major chunk of load on our electrical power
system. With the resources become scarce and energy costs growing, it becomes
imperative for everyone to save energy or to use the available energy
judiciously. Energy efficiency in lighting involves building architecture,
selection of proper luminaries and light sources. This paper presents the
study of energy conservation measures adopted in a spinning unit. The payback
period is also calculated.
Keywords: Energy
Conservation, Energy efficient luminaries, HID lamps, Compact Fluorescent
lamps, T5 luminaries, Payback period
Title of the Paper: A GIS Based Model
for the Optimisation of Municipal Solid Waste Collection: the Case Study of
Nikea, Athens, Greece
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Authors:
Christos Chalkias, Katia Lasaridi
Abstract: Waste collection and transport (WC&T) constitutes a large fraction
of the total municipal solid waste (MSW) management costs worldwide. In Greece
currently this may account for 70-100% of the total MSW costs, most of it
being spent on salaries and fuel. It is therefore crucial to improve the WC&T
system through routing optimisation. Geographic Information System (GIS)
technology provides an advanced modelling framework for decision makers in
order to analyse and simulate various spatial waste management problems,
including waste collection. In this study a methodology for the optimisation
of the waste collection and transport system, based on GIS, was developed. A
model in ArcGIS Network Analyst was developed in order to improve the
efficiency of WC&T in the Municipality of Nikea (MoN), Athens, Greece via the
reallocation of waste collection bins and the optimisation of vehicle routing
in terms of distance and time travelled. Two scenarios were compared with the
current empirical collection scheme: S1-collection vehicle routing
optimisation, and S2-reallocation of bins and routing optimisation. Results
demonstrate that both scenarios provided savings compared to the current
situation in terms of collection time (3.0% and 17.0% for S1 and S2
respectively) and travel distance (5.5% and 12.5% for S1 and S2 respectively).
Time and distance reduction relate to similar CO2 emissions and fuel
consumption savings. These figures indicate that GIS based models can offer
significant improvements to the WC&T system and, consequently, to its
financial and environmental costs.
Keywords: Municipal solid
waste (MSW), waste collection, GIS, Network Analyst, routing, route
optimisation, modelling
Title of the Paper: Prediction Model of
Chemical Pollutants Produced by the Road Vehicles
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Authors:
Stelian Tarulescu, Corneliu Cofaru
Abstract: The Brasov city is one of the biggest towns in Romania. In the
central area of the Brasov city can be found the biggest concentration of the
carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, the ozone and the volatile organic
compounds. For intersections’ analysis there were collected data about road
traffic and air pollution in the neighborhood of the road. After collecting
the data, made tables with the traffic values and the values of the three
pollutants were made, according to the intersections from the analyzed route
(nine intersections). For calculus were used the equations corresponding to
the determined polynomial curves, for each pollutant, using the values
obtained experimentally. The working page of the prediction model was made by
grouping the four analyzed situations (depending on season and hour interval).
Keywords: Pollution,
vehicles, prediction, measurement, traffic
Title of the Paper: Air Quality Indices
and their Modelling by Hierarchical Fuzzy Inference Systems
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Authors:
Petr Hajek, Vladimir Olej
Abstract: The paper presents the overview of current methods for air quality
evaluation, i.e. air stress indices and, especially, air quality indices.
Traditional air quality indices are determined as mean values of selected air
pollutants. Thus, air quality evaluation depends on strictly given limits
without taking into account specific local conditions and synergic relations
between air pollutants and other meteorological factors. The stated
limitations can be eliminated e.g. using systems based on fuzzy logic.
Therefore, the paper presents a design of air quality indices based on
hierarchical fuzzy inference systems. Tree and cascade hierarchical fuzzy
inference systems of Mamdani type are proposed as alternative air quality
indices. For selected localities, they provide both the resulting class of air
quality and the degree of membership to each class.
Keywords: Air quality
index, air quality, fuzzy logic, hierarchical fuzzy inference systems
Issue 11, Volume 5,
November 2009
Title of the Paper: Spatial Data
Infrastructure for Groundwater Integrated Management with Application in Three
Case Studies in Romania
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Authors:
Cheveresan Maria Ilinca, Marin-Nelu
Minciuna, Drobot Radu
Abstract: Groundwater resource represents a major component of the
quantitative and qualitative integrated water resource management. In the
context of the climate changes the surface water resources become scarce or
too expensive even within complex hydraulic schemes. Consequently groundwater
resource is extremely valuable for drinking water and other demands for clean
water. In order to have an efficient management, an integrated approach is
needed taking into consideration all aspects that are related to groundwater
resource. GIS offers tools for such an objective like an Enterprise
Geodatabase unitary structure. As EU member Romania has to adopt and apply EU
regulations including technology (like spatial data formats). This paper
presents a standard for storage of data regarding groundwater management at
national level. Three different case studies based on this approach are
presented in order to reveal the use of a common data source for different
models and analysis.
Keywords: Geodatabase,
integrated groundwater resource management, GIS, SDI, conceptual data model,
pollution
Title of the Paper: Croatian Environment
Information System - Estimation of Usage of Environmental Data and Information
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Authors:
Mira Zovko, Jasna Butuci
Abstract: To be successful, environment protection activities require reliable
and timely data and information. Following that active approach in
preservation of environment, Croatian Environment Agency (CEA) has prepared
by-law on Environment Information System. This legal instrument has been
adopted by the Government in June 2008 (Official Gazette 68/08) setting up
structure, content, format, functionality and Environment Information System (EIS)
maintenance manner, together with prescription of data flow mode (delivery
terms, means and obligations). Responsibility for by-law implementation lays
to the Croatian Environment Agency. As institution responsible for
establishment, conduct, development, coordination and maintenance of EIS, in
June 2008, Agency initiated research named: Estimation of usage of
environmental data and information. Main goals of this research were to
determine who is Agency’s audience, what is their field of interest, how
Agency could make modification in presentation of environmental data and
information and also to help to perform education more successfully. Also the
research has defined the usage of data and information from all sources at the
disposal of Agency, as well as usage from other sources established at the
national level. Their responses proved to be of great value that would help
Agency to make its information system more efficient. Research ended by the
end of year 2008 with valuable information that has been used to improve
Agency’s first approach to general public. By targeting specific environmental
topics in the publication, this research provided clearer understanding of
purpose in using environmental data and information. Also user profiles and
their interest for specific environmental topic became more distinctive. All
of these inputs are used to improve access to data and information about the
environment and ultimately Agency’s publication The Environment in Your
Pocket, which is intended for the general public.
Keywords: Environment,
Environment information system, Environmental data, Data base, Indicator,
Education
Title of the Paper: Integrated Land Use
Transportation Modeling Needs and Legislative Mandates
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Authors:
Ardeshir Anjomani
Abstract: Integrated land use transportation models have been evolved as the
primary metropolitan planning vehicle in the last several decades as the world
development and urbanization continues. Urban regions continue planning for
development of their urbanized areas using these modeling processes. Land
use/demographic forecasting models provide the main input for the travel
demand models, yet until recently the rigorous application of such models in
the integrated land use transportation process was scanty except for the
largest metropolitan areas. Such models require consideration of environmental
factors and modeling of metropolitan economic systems. Theoretical and
technological advancement of the last few decades has instigated a new wave of
attention, research and further developments of the models and techniques from
a variety of disciplines. This article briefly discusses the advancements and
provides a guideline for their future improvements. It also discusses
importance of role of national government and legislative mandates in
ascertaining quality of planning process by reviewing some excerpts from U.S.
legislation.
Keywords: Land-use
planning, Integrated transportation models, Land-use and Demographic
forecasting, Legislative mandates, Transportation planning, Metropolitan
development, Environmental concerns, Economic development, Regional
development, Regional policy
Title of the Paper: Ultrasonic
Spectroscopy and Fractal Analysis in the Study on Progressive Aggregation of
Humic Substances in Diluted Solutions
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Authors:
Jiri Kucerik, Martin Drastik,
Oldrich Zmeskal, Anna Ctvrtnickova
Abstract: High resolution ultrasonic spectroscopy was used to study
progressive aggregation and structural changes in diluted aquatic solutions of
humic substances over the concentration range from 0.001 g/L to 3 g/L. For
this purpose, both sodium salts (fulvates) and protonized forms of fulvic
acids and sodium salts of humic acids (humates) were used; the origin of humic
substances covered wide range of sources. Obtained results confirmed
previously published statement about the progressive aggregation of humic
substances in diluted solutions. The method allowing the treatment of obtained
data by fractal analysis was developed and tested. Determined dependency of
fractal dimension on concentration revealed clear differences in mechanisms of
aggregation of individual humic and fulvic samples. In fact the value of
fractal dimension 2.5 was determined for the concentration 3g/L; diluting the
solution caused increasing in fractal dimension value up to 3 for
concentrations around 0.01 g/L. The increase was not the same for all samples,
in fact the most significant fluctuation in this concentration range was
observed for fulvic acids. It was found out that despite the prevalence of
hydrophobic forces in stabilization of humic substances in diluted solutions,
also the nature of the counterion represents one of the crucial factors
playing role in conformation and stability of humates and fulvates. In
accordance with previous observations based on the measurement of lignite
humates, also humates, fulvates and fulvic acids originating from various
sources showed the change in their aggregates properties around the
concentration 1 g/L.
Keywords: Humic and fulvic
acids, aggregation, IHSS, ultrasonic spectroscopy, fractal analysis
Title of the Paper: Development of
Children Aged 1.5-3 Years in Relation with Nourishment in a Children's Nursery
in Romania
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Authors:
Petrescu Cristina, Zavoianu
Laurentiu-Marius, Suciu Oana
Abstract: In the present study we have investigated the anthropometrical
indices (weight, height, thorax perimeter, cranial perimeter, body mass index)
during infancy and their relation to nourishment (food intake, nutritive value
of food). The study was performed on a group of 54 children (27 girls and 27
boys), aged between 1.5-3 years, in a children’s nursery in Tirgoviste,
Romania. The methods consisted of a transverse epidemiological inquiry using
the anthropometrical indices of infant children and a nourishment inquiry,
using the list of food released from the storehouse over 10 days, twice (in
October 2008 and February 2009). WHO Child Growth Standards (Geneva 2006) were
also used to analyze children’s development. The relation anthropometrical
indices – nourishment was investigated by aid of linear regression (SPSS 13
program). The anthropometrical indices indicate a decrease to below the
minimum values for thorax perimeter and body mass index (BMI) in the age group
of 2.5-3 years. According to WHO Child Growth Standards (Geneva 2006), BMIs
for age group 2.5-3 years are < 50 percentages for 11.1% of total investigated
children and 42.18% of children included in this age group. There are not
significant differences of anthropometrical indices between sexes. Nourishment
of children is deficient in milk, eggs, animal fats, vegetables, and excessive
in meat, cheese and vegetable fats, with normal intake of protein, deficient
in carbohydrates and excessive in fats in both periods of the nourishment
inquiry. In the second period of nourishment inquiry, food intake is very
increased in potatoes, fruits and sugar. There is a statistically significant
relation between milk and potatoes with BMI. Milk and potatoes are significant
nourishment predictors of children development. Nourishment predictors of
anthropometrical indices depend on groups of food, children’s age and
nourishment inquiry period. No predictor of cranial perimeter development is
found. In conclusion, there is insubstantial association anthropometrical
indices–nourishment depending on children’s age, group of food and season.
Keywords: Children aged
1-3 years, anthropometrical indices, group of food, relation, predictors
Issue 12, Volume 5,
December 2009
Title of the Paper: Detecting Hornbeam
Trees Phenological Specification of Deciduous Broad Leaf Forest in North of
Iran
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Authors:
Sasan Babaei Kafaki, Asadollahe
Mataji, Seyed Armin Hashemi
Abstract: Phenology has emerged recently as an important focus for ecological
research .The research has performed in selected plots of Guilan Province, in
the North of Iran. The each selected plot area is one hectare. We selected 6
plots of hornbeam trees from 480 to 1170 meters above sea level were
determined in mountainous region .This study was performed on different
altitudes and different aspects .the six sample plots were selected in study
area. Phenological studies were fulfilled during four years as from January
2003 to December 2006 trees by using ground observations and IRS1C/1D -
LISS-IIΙ data in each plot. The statistical analysis One (Way-ANOVA) showed
that there were significant differences between the phonological
characteristics in respect to the different site physiographical
characteristics. Furthermore there were significant negative correlation
between average precipitation and average air temperature and there of the
phonological characteristics. The correlation between average air temperature
and leaf mature and fall date was significantly negative .Appearance of
flowers has usually been begun in this species at the same time of Leaf
appearance and from its beside, in such as a way that it continues as from the
first of the third week of April and will continue up to first week of May.
Leaves in this species complete usually 15 to 20 days after germination
.Fruits mostly become ripe about 70 days after appearance meaning as from the
first of the second week of November up to the end of the third week. Leaves
in this species begin to fall as from the beginning of the fourth week of
November and will continue up to the end of first week of December and
sometimes up to the end of the first half of the December, too. The green-up
of vegetation has advanced in the spring by 1.2 days yr_1 and the dormancy
delayed in autumn by 0.6 days yr_1.The results show that over the study
period, the growing season duration has lengthened by 1.8 days yr_1 in study
region.
Keywords: Leaved period,
Air temperature, NDVI, Leaf abscission, Anthesis, Fruit ripe
Title of the Paper: Evaluation
Biodiversity in Relation to Physiographical Factors in Mountain Forest in Iran
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Authors:
Seyed Armin Hashemi, Sasan Babaei
Kafaki
Abstract: Species diversity is an important characteristic of bio –communities
.Organisms diversity, diversity measurement and hypothesis test in relation to
diversity causes are issues which the ecologist are interested in for long
period .In this research, diversity of plant species in forest region, numbers
of 60 sample plots in 256.00 square meters have been considered in random –
systematic inventory was considered. In each sample plot, four micro-plots in
2.25 square meters in order to study on herbal cover, were executed that
totally 240 micro-plots were considered. At each plot six diversity indices
(Simpson's reciprocal (N2), Shannon's (H1), Hill's (N1),Pielou's(J/) ,Alatalo's
(F), Molinari's (G) ) in relation to physiographical factors (slope,
geographical aspect and altitude from the sea level) were studied. The results
showed that species diversity was the greatest at north aspect and slopes less
than 30% has the most amounts. Factor of altitude from the sea level did not
have meaningful relation with species diversity. Through study on correlation
of the numbers of species in sample plots with indices and also process and
role of indices in different processors of analysis, Simpson's reciprocal
index was suggested as suitable index in this type of studies.
Keywords: Diversity,
Forest, Simpson's index, Slope, Aspect, Altitude
Title of the Paper: Linking Perceptions
and Water Management: Reflections from Cyprus
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Authors:
Rania Papasozomenou, Dimitrios Zikos
Abstract: The predicted effects of climate change on regions with fragile
ecosystems and high dependency on natural resources, such as the Mediterranean
basin, call for an improved and holistic resource management Such a holistic
approach would be enriched by the inclusion of the perceptions of the
appropriators and the decision makers. The aim of this study is to identify
the linkage between perceptions and water management at individual level,
focusing on the case of Cyprus, an island characterised by strict top-down
hierarchies and intense water shortage problems. To realise the aim, 20
in-depth interviews were conducted with students of the University of Cyprus
and locals of Panagia, a village adjacent to a protected area. Additionally,
empirical results were obtained by experimental techniques employed by the
authors. As such a policy experiment on irrigation in the above mentioned
locations was conducted and used as a triangulation means. The preliminary
results illustrate that the perceptions of the sample differ substantially.
These differences shape to a large extend the way water is managed by
individuals but also the notion of water management as a whole.
Keywords: Common pool
resources, water resource, perceptions, water management, policy experiments,
Cyprus
Title of the Paper: A Global Service
Quality Index to Evaluate the Performance and Sustainability in Water Supply
Utilities
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Authors:
Antonio A. L. S. Duarte, Gisela M.
C. Rodrigues, Rui A. R. Ramos
Abstract: Water supply systems are a structural part of public utilities and
as such are vital to the general wellbeing, public health, safe drinking water
use, economic activities and environment protection. The principal objective
of regulation is to protect the interests of users by fostering quality in the
services provided by utilities and ensuring a fair balance in the charges
levied, guaranteeing the essentiality, equity, indispensability, feasibility
and cost-effectiveness principles. The use of performance indicators is widely
recommended as a measure of the utility’s effectiveness and efficiency. In
Portugal, the regulation of service quality is conducted by ERSAR (Portuguese
Authority for the Regulation of Water and Waste), which has decided to define
its own set of performance indicators that is less comprehensive than those
adopted by the IWA (International Water Association). Currently, the adopted
system does not provide a quantitative and integrated evaluation leading to an
overall ranking of utilities’ performance and sustainability. The aim of this
paper is to contribute for the improvement of the Portuguese performance
assessment system, through the development and application of a complementary
methodology to define a global index of service quality (GISEQ) for a given
water supplier in order to achieve accurate performance rates. This
methodology allows a truly quantitative evaluation in which each performance
indicator represents a criterion to be considered and judiciously weighted,
based on the results of an on-line questionnaire proposed to a selected set of
academic and professional experts. The GISEQ values are calculated as a
weighted linear combination of the normalised scores of each performance
indicator, which is one of the most common aggregation procedures available in
the context of multicriteria evaluation. The criteria normalisation process
essentially based on fuzzy sets defined for each indicator, considering the
established ERSAR or legislation standards. An innovative approach to weights
definition was also performed as well as a sensitivity analysis of GISEQ
values to different weighting methods.
Keywords: Water supply
systems; performance indicators; multicriteria analysis; weighting methods;
service quality index (GISEQ)
Title of the Paper: A Comparison of Two
MPPT Techniques for PV System
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Authors:
Nazih Moubayed, Ali El-Ali, Rachid
Outbib
Abstract: In the context of renewable energy, this study treats the case of
the conversion of solar energy, which is one part of non pollutant energy, to
electrical one. In this paper, two different methods are used to maximize the
generated power. Thus, a comparison between the ‘perturb and observe’ control
method and the ‘incremental conductance’ control method are given, analyzed
and discussed.
Keywords: Renewable
energy, solar panel, photovoltaic cell, modeling and control
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