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  • Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering  (4,037)
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  • 1
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
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  • 2
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 563-573 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Risk assessment ; mourning doves ; hunting ; radionuclides ; heavy metals ; lead shot ; cesium
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract Recreational and subsistence hunters and anglers consume a wide range of species, including birds, mammals, fish and shellfish, some of which represent significant exposure pathways for environmental toxic agents. This study focuses on the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Savannah River Site (SRS), a former nuclear weapons production facility in South Carolina. The potential risk of contaminant intake from consuming mourning doves (Zenaida macroura), the most popular United States game bird, was examined under various risk scenarios. For all of these scenarios we used the mean tissue concentration of six metals (lead, mercury, cadmium, selenium, chromium, manganese) and radiocesium, in doves collected on and near SRS. We also estimated risk to a child consuming doves that had the maximum contaminant level. We used the cancer slope factor for radiocesium, the Environmental Protection Agencies Uptake/Biokinetic model for lead, and published reference doses for the other metals. As a result of our risk assessments we recommend management of water levels in contaminated reservoirs so that lake bed sediments are not exposed to use by gamebirds and other terrestrial wildlife. Particularly, measures should be taken to insure that the hunting public does not have access to such a site. Our data also indicate that doves on popular hunting areas are exposed to excess lead, suggesting that banning lead shot for doves, as has been done for waterfowl, is desirable.
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  • 3
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Exposure duration ; survey data ; longevity bias ; angler populations
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract Exposure duration is an important component in determining long-term dose rates associated with exposure to environmental contaminants. Surveys of exposed populations collect information on individuals' past behaviors, including the durations of a behavior up to the time of the survey. This paper presents an empirical approach for determining the distribution of total durations that is consistent with the distribution past durations obtained from surveys. This approach is appropriate where the rates of beginning and ending a behavior are relatively constant over time. The approach allows the incorporation of information on the distribution of age in a population into the determination of the distribution of durations. The paper also explores the impact of “longevity” bias on survey data. A case study of the application of this approach to two angler populations is also provided. The results of the case study have characteristics similar to the results reported by Israeli and Nelson (Risk Anal. 12, 65–72 (1992)) from their analytical model of residential duration. Specifically, the average period of time for the total duration in the entire population is shorter than the average period of time reported for historical duration in the surveyed individuals.
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  • 4
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Risk perceptions ; cultural theory ; psychometric paradigm
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract This paper seeks to compare two frameworks which have been proposed to explain risk perceptions, namely, cultural theory and the psychometric paradigm. A structured questionnaire which incorporated elements from both approaches was administered to 129 residents of Norwich, England. The qualitative risk characteristics generated by the psychometric paradigm explained a far greater proportion of the variance in risk perceptions than cultural biases, though it should be borne in mind that the qualitative characteristics refer directly to risks whereas cultural biases are much more distant variables. Correlations between cultural biases and risk perceptions were very low, but the key point was that each cultural bias was associated with concern about distinct types of risks and that the pattern of responses was compatible with that predicted by cultural theory. The cultural approach also provided indicators for underlying beliefs regarding trust and the environment; beliefs which were consistent within each world view but divergent between them. An important drawback, however, was that the psychometric questionnaire could only allocate 32% of the respondents unequivocally to one of the four cultural types. The rest of the sample expressed several cultural biases simultaneously, or none at all. Cultural biases are therefore probably best interpreted as four extreme world views, and a mixture of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies would generate better insights into who might defend these views in what circumstances, whether there are only four mutually exclusive world views or not, and how these views are related to patterns of social solidarity, and judgments on institutional trust.
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  • 5
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 661-662 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
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  • 6
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 665-667 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
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  • 7
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 679-688 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Air quality ; benchmarking ; best available control technology ; contaminant exposure ; risk assessment
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract Although occupational exposure limits are sought to establish health-based standards, they do not always give a sufficient basis for planning an indoor air climate that is good and comfortable for the occupants in industrial work rooms. This paper considers methodologies by which the desired level, i.e., target level, of air quality in industrial settings can be defined, taking into account feasibility issues. Risk assessment based on health criteria is compared with risk-assessment based on “Best Available Technology” (BAT). Because health-based risk estimates at low concentration regions are rather inaccurate, the technology-based approach is emphasized. The technological approach is based on information on the prevailing concentrations in industrial work environments and the benchmark air quality attained with the best achievable technology. The prevailing contaminant concentrations are obtained from a contaminant exposure databank, and the benchmark air quality by field measurements in industrial work rooms equipped with advanced ventilation and production technology. As an example, the target level assessment has been applied to formaldehyde, total inorganic dust and hexavalent chromium, which are common contaminants in work room air.
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  • 8
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 741-753 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Lethal doses ; cross-species extrapolation ; dose scaling ; RTECS® ; noncancer risk assessment
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract The scaling of administered doses to achieve equal degrees of toxic effect in different species has been relatively poorly examined for noncancer toxicity, either empirically or theoretically. We investigate empirical patterns in the correspondence of single oral dose LD50 values across several mammalian species for a large number of chemicals based on data reported in the RTECS® database maintained by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. We find a good correspondence of LD50 values across species when the dose levels are expressed in terms of mg administered per kg of body mass. Our findings contrast with earlier analyses that support scaling doses by the 3/4-power of body mass to achieve equal subacute toxicity of antineoplastic agents. We suggest that, especially for severe toxicity, single- and repeated-dosing regimes may have different cross-species scaling properties, as they may depend on standing levels of defenses and rate of regeneration of defenses, respectively.
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  • 9
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 781-785 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: RADTRAN ; transportation risk ; routing ; spent nuclear fuel
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract Truck transport of radioactive material (RAM), e.g., spent nuclear fuel (SNF), normally maximizes use of Interstate highways, which are safer and more efficient for truck transport in general. In the estimation of transportation risks, population bordering a route is a direct factor in determining consequences and an indirect factor in determining exposure times, accident probabilities and severities, and other parameters. Proposals to transport RAM may draw intense resistance from “stakeholders” based on concern for population concentrations along urban segments but the length of a route segment is also a determinative factor in estimating the transport risks. To quantify the relative importance of these two factors, a potential route for transport of SNF (strict use of Interstate highways) was selected and compared with a modified version that bypassed urban areas. The results suggest that emphasis on Interstate highways minimizes total route and urban segment risks.
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  • 10
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Threat mitigation ; risk reduction ; attitudes
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract This research explores public judgments about the threat-reducing potential of experts, individual behavior, and government spending. The data are responses of a national sample of 1225 to mail surveys that include measures of several dimensions of public judgments about violent crime, automobile accidents, hazardous chemical waste, air pollution, water pollution, global warming, AIDS, heart disease, and cancer. Beliefs about who can best mitigate threats are specific to classes of threats. In general, there is little faith that experts can do much about violent crime and automobile accidents, moderate faith in their ability to address problems of global warming, and greater expectations for expert solutions to the remaining threats. People judge individual behavior as effective in reducing the threats of violent crime, AIDS, heart disease, and automobile accidents but less so for the remaining threats. Faith in more government spending is highest for AIDS and the other two health items, lowest for the trio of violent crime, automobile accidents, and global warming, and moderate for the remaining threats. For most threats, people are not distributed at the extremes in judging mitigators. Strong attitudinal and demographic cleavages are also lacking, although some interesting relationships occur. This relative lack of sharp cleavages and the generally moderate opinion indicate ample opportunity for public education and risk communication.
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  • 11
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Power frequency magnetic fields ; 60 Hz fields ; EMF ; public perception ; risk communication ; inverse square law
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract The AC electric and magnetic fields associated with high voltage power lines have become a concern as a possible health risk. In most cases the strength of these fields decreases as the inverse square of the distance from the line. In earlier work, we found that laypeople do not understand how rapidly field strength decreases with distance. Most believe that any high voltage power line they can see is exposing them to strong fields. This paper confirms the earlier finding and explores a number of strategies which might be used in risk communications to correct this misperception. We found it relatively easy to provide subjects with a better understanding of the range-dependency of magnetic field strength. Moreover, the quality of this acquisition was apparently independent of the manner in which they were instructed. Such successful instruction is markedly different from the well-established difficulty of teaching people about many qualitative domains, such as physics or ideas in probability. Clearly, while some erroneous beliefs are highly resistant to change, others can be altered quite readily. We suspect that an important distinction between knowledge about the range-dependency of power-frequency magnetic fields and less tractable topics involves the presence or absence of prior folk-theories or “mental models” of the domain.
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  • 12
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 673-674 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
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  • 13
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
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  • 14
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 689-699 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Information asymmetry ; risk perception ; food contamination (JEL D81, D82)
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract It is common in catastrophic food-contamination events that consumers fail to adjust instantaneously to a normal consumption level. One explanation is that consumers only gradually accept new positive information as being trustworthy. The gradual establishment of the trustworthiness of the released information depends on both positive and negative media coverage over time. We examine the individual “trust” effects by extending the prospective reference theory (Viscusi, 1989) to include a dynamic adjustment process of risk perception. Conditions that allow aggregation of changes in risk perceptions across individuals are described. The proposed model describes a general updating process of risk perceptions to media coverage and can be applied to explain the temporal impact of media coverage on consumption of a broad range of goods (food or nonfood). A case study of milk contamination is conducted to demonstrate consumer demand adjustment process to a temporarily unfavorable shock. The results suggest that effects of positive and negative information to adjustment of consumption and risk perception are asymmetric over time.
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  • 15
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 729-739 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Risk perceptions ; cultural theory
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract Cultural Theory, as developed by Mary Douglas, argues that differing risk perceptions can be explained by reference to four distinct cultural biases: hierarchy, egalitarianism, individualism, and fatalism. This paper presents empirical results from a quantitative survey based on a questionnaire devised by Karl Dake to measure these cultural biases. A large representative sample (N = 1022) was used to test this instrument in the French social context. Correlations between cultural biases and perceptions of 20 social and environmental risks were examined. These correlations were very weak, but were statistically significant: cultural biases explained 6%, at most, of the variance in risk perceptions. Standard sociodemographic variables were also weakly related to risk perceptions (especially gender, social class, and education), and cultural biases and sociodemographic variables were themselves inter correlated (especially with age, social class, and political outlook). The authors compare these results with surveys conducted in other countries using the same instrument and conclude that new methods, more qualitative and contextual, still need to be developed to investigate the cultural dimensions of risk perceptions. The paper also discusses relationships between perceptions of personal and residual risk, and between perceived risk and demand for additional safety measures. These three dimensions were generally closely related, but interesting differences were observed for some risk issues.
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  • 16
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: RfD ; uncertainty distributions ; extrapolation factors ; benchmark dose ; critical effect size ; critical effect dose ; human health risks
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract The use of uncertainty factors in the standard method for deriving acceptable intake or exposure limits for humans, such as the Reference Dose (RfD), may be viewed as a conservative method of taking various uncertainties into account. As an obvious alternative, the use of uncertainty distributions instead of uncertainty factors is gaining attention. This paper presents a comprehensive discussion of a general framework that quantifies both the uncertainties in the no-adverse-effect level in the animal (using a benchmark-like approach) and the uncertainties in the various extrapolation steps involved (using uncertainty distributions). This approach results in an uncertainty distribution for the no-adverse-effect level in the sensitive human subpopulation, reflecting the overall scientific uncertainty associated with that level. A lower percentile of this distribution may be regarded as an acceptable exposure limit (e.g., RfD) that takes account of the various uncertainties in a nonconservative fashion. The same methodology may also be used as a tool to derive a distribution for possible human health effects at a given exposure level. We argue that in a probabilistic approach the uncertainty in the estimated no-adverse-effect-level in the animal should be explicitly taken into account. Not only is this source of uncertainty too large to be ignored, it also has repercussions for the quantification of the other uncertainty distributions.
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  • 17
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 805-811 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Gender ; gender theory ; risk perception ; risk research ; methods
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract A substantial body of risk research indicates that women and men differ in their perceptions of risk. This paper discusses how they differ and why. A review of a number of existing empirical studies of risk perception points at several problems, regarding what gender differences are found in such studies, and how these differences are accounted for. Firstly, quantitative approaches, which have so far dominated risk research, and qualitative approaches give different, sometimes even contradictory images of women's and men's perceptions of risk. Secondly, the gender differences that appear are often left unexplained, and even when explanations are suggested, these are seldom related to gender research and gender theory in any systematic way. This paper argues that a coherent, theoretically informed gender perspective on risk is needed to improve the understanding of women's and men's risk perceptions. An analysis of social theories of gender points out some relations and distinctions which should be considered in such a perspective. It is argued that gender structures, reflected in gendered ideology and gendered practice, give rise to systematic gender differences in the perception of risk. These gender differences may be of different kinds, and their investigation requires the use of qualitative as well as quantitative methods. In conclusion, the arguments about gender and risk perception are brought together in a theoretical model which might serve as a starting point for further research.
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  • 18
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
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  • 19
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Benchmark ; mercury ; risk assessment ; epidemiology
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract This paper presents benchmark (BMD) calculations and additional regression analyses of data from a study in which scores from 26 scholastic and psychological tests administered to 237 6- and 7-year-old New Zealand children were correlated with the mercury concentration in their mothers' hair during pregnancy. The original analyses of five test scores found an association between high prenatal mercury exposure and decreased test performance, using category variables for mercury exposure. Our regression analyses, which utilized the actual hair mercury level, did not find significant associations between mercury and children's test scores. However, this finding was highly influenced by a single child whose mother's mercury hair level (86 mg/kg) was more than four times that of any other mother. When that child was omitted, results were more indicative of a mercury effect and scores on six tests were significantly associated with the mothers' hair mercury level. BMDs calculated from five tests ranged from 32 to 73 mg/kg hair mercury, and corresponding BMDLs (95% lower limits on BMDs) ranged from 17 to 24 mg/kg. When the child with the highest mercury level was omitted, BMDs ranged from 13 to 21 mg/kg, and corresponding BMDLs ranged from 7.4 to 10 mg/kg.
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  • 20
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 755-771 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Everglades ; cost-benefit ; economic ; ecological ; entropy
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract Evaluating alternatives for restoring the Everglades involves analysis of a complex ecological and economic system for which current knowledge is limited. Uncertain benefits and impacts are analyzed probabilistically in this paper, following otherwise accepted principles of net present value (NPV) analysis. Ecological benefits and impacts were considered in monetary terms. Probabilities for selected uncertain parameters were found by maximizing entropy. The first ecological risk conceptual model for the Everglades ecosystem was developed to show ecological interactions. “Current Plans” for restoration involve discharge of phosphorus-enriched water from artificial wetlands to relatively pristine Everglades marshes for 3–10 years, risking conversion of the ecosystem to a eutrophic cattail marsh. For two of the three areas studied, alternative “Bypass Plans” were shown to avoid the loss of up to 3000 acres of sawgrass marsh at a cost that is probabilistically justified by the value of the ecosystem preserved. Sensitivity of the results to projected ecological changes, eutrophic marsh valuation, natural marsh valuation, and future values as represented in the discount rate, was examined.
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  • 21
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Sensitivity analysis ; decision making ; uncertainty in model predictions
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract The motivation of the present work is to provide an auxiliary tool for the decision-maker (DM) faced with predictive model uncertainty. The tool is especially suited for the allocation of R&D resources. When taking decisions under uncertainties, making use of the output from mathematical or computational models, the DM might be helped if the uncertainty in model predictions be decomposed in a quantitative—rather than qualitative—fashion, apportioning uncertainty according to source. This would allow optimal use of resources to reduce the imprecision in the prediction. For complex models, such a decomposition of the uncertainty into constituent elements could be impractical as such, due to the large number of parameters involved. If instead parameters could be grouped into logical subsets, then the analysis could be more useful, also because the decision maker might likely have different perceptions (and degrees of acceptance) for different kinds of uncertainty. For instance, the decomposition in groups could involve one subset of factors for each constituent module of the model; or one set for the weights, and one for the factors in a multi-criteria analysis; or phenomenological parameters of the model vs. factors driving the model configuration/structure aggregation level, etc.); finally, one might imagine that a partition of the uncertainty could be sought between stochastic (or aleatory) and subjective (or epistemic) uncertainty. The present note shows how to compute rigorous decomposition of the output's variance with grouped parameters, and how this approach may be beneficial for the efficiency and transparency of the analysis.
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  • 22
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Remediation ; stakeholders ; deliberation ; risk assessment
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract The National Research Council has recommended the use of an analytic/deliberative decision-making process in environmental restoration decisions that involve multiple stakeholders. This work investigates the use of the results of risk assessment and multiattribute utility analysis (the “analysis”) in guiding the deliberation. These results include the ranking of proposed remedial action alternatives according to each stakeholder's preferences, as well as the identification of the major reasons for these rankings. The stakeholder preferences are over a number of performance measures that include the traditional risk assessment metrics, e.g., individual worker risk, as well as programmatic, cultural, and cost-related impacts. Based on these results, a number of proposals are prepared for consideration by the stakeholders during the deliberation. These proposals are the starting point for the formulation of actual recommendations by the group. In our case study, these recommendations included new remedial action alternatives that were created by the stakeholders after an extensive discussion of the detailed analytical results.
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  • 23
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Fish consumption health advisories ; Great Lakes ; reading level ; risk communication ; risk ladders
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract Information format can influence the extent to which target audiences understand and respond to risk-related information. This study examined four elements of risk information presentation format. Using printed materials, we examined target audience perceptions about: (a) reading level; (b) use of diagrams vs. text; (c) commanding versus cajoling tone; and (d) use of qualitative vs. quantitative information presented in a risk ladder. We used the risk communication topic of human health concerns related to eating noncommercial Great Lakes fish affected by chemical contaminants. Results from the comparisons of specific communication formats indicated that multiple formats are required to meet the needs of a significant percent of anglers for three of the four format types examined. Advisory text should be reviewed to ensure the reading level is geared to abilities of the target audience. For many audiences, a combination of qualitative and quantitative information, and a combination of diagrams and text may be most effective. For most audiences, a cajoling rather than commanding tone better provides them with the information they need to make a decision about fish consumption. Segmenting audiences regarding information needs and communication formats may help clarify which approaches to take with each audience.
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  • 24
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 675-678 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
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  • 25
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 715-727 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Rocky Flats ; social amplification of risk ; technological stigma ; property values ; risk perception
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract Public responses to nuclear technologies are often strongly negative. Events, such as accidents or evidence of unsafe conditions at nuclear facilities, receive extensive and dramatic coverage by the news media. These news stories affect public perceptions of nuclear risks and the geographic areas near nuclear facilities. One result of these perceptions, avoidance behavior, is a form of “technological stigma” that leads to losses in property values near nuclear facilities. The social amplification of risk is a conceptual framework that attempts to explain how stigma is created through media transmission of information about hazardous places and public perceptions and decisions. This paper examines stigma associated with the U.S. Department of Energy's Rocky Flats facility, a major production plant in the nation's nuclear weapons complex, located near Denver, Colorado. This study, based upon newspaper analyses and a survey of Denver area residents, finds that the social amplification theory provides a reasonable framework for understanding the events and public responses that took place in regard to Rocky Flats during a 6-year period, beginning with an FBI raid of the facility in 1989.
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  • 26
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Pest risk analysis ; phytosanitary ; quarantine
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) have focused attention on risk assessment of potential insect, weed, and animal pests and diseases of livestock. These risks have traditionally been addressed through quarantine protocols ranging from limits on the geographical areas from which a product may originate, postharvest disinfestation procedures like fumigation, and inspections at points of export and import, to outright bans. To ensure that plant and animal protection measures are not used as nontariff trade barriers, GATT and NAFTA require pest risk analysis (PRA) to support quarantine decisions. The increased emphasis on PRA has spurred multiple efforts at the national and international level to design frameworks for the conduct of these analyses. As approaches to pest risk analysis proliferate, and the importance of the analyses grows, concerns have arisen about the scientific and technical conduct of pest risk analysis. In January of 1997, the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis (HCRA) held an invitation-only workshop in Washington, D.C. to bring experts in risk analysis and pest characterization together to develop general principles for pest risk analysis. Workshop participants examined current frameworks for PRA, discussed strengths and weaknesses of the approaches, and formulated principles, based on years of experience with risk analysis in other setting and knowledge of the issues specific to analysis of pests. The principles developed highlight the both the similarities of pest risk analysis to other forms of risk analysis, and its unique attributes.
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  • 27
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 813-825 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Biologically-based risk assessment ; coke oven emissions ; lung cancer ; unit risk
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract In 1984, based on epidemiological data on cohorts of coke oven workers, USEPA estimated a unit risk for lung cancer associated with continuous exposure from birth to 1 μg/m3 of coke oven emissions, of 6.2 × 10−4. This risk assessment was based on information on the cohorts available through 1966. Follow-up of these cohorts has now been extended to 1982 and, moreover, individual job histories, which were not available in 1984, have been constructed. In this study, lung cancer mortality in these cohorts of coke oven workers with extended follow-up was analyzed using standard techniques of survival analysis and a new approach based on the two stage clonal expansion model of carcinogenesis. The latter approach allows the explicit consideration of detailed patterns of exposure of each individual in the cohort. The analyses used the extended follow-up data through 1982 and the detailed job histories now available. Based on these analyses, the best estimate of unit risk is 1.5 × 10−4 with 95% confidence interval = 1.2 × 10−4−1.8 × 10−4.
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  • 28
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 535-546 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Vulnerability ; robustness ; risk factors ; risk analysis ; system analysis
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract The concept of vulnerability of complex industrial systems is defined and discussed in relation to risk and system survivability. The discussion is illustrated by referring to a number of previous industrial accidents. The various risk factors, or threats, influencing an industrial system's vulnerability are classified and discussed. Both internal and external threats are covered. The general scope of vulnerability analysis is compared to traditional risk analysis approaches and main differences are illustrated. A general procedure for vulnerability analysis in two steps, including building of scenarios and preparation of relevant worksheets, is described and discussed.
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  • 29
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Spatial mobility ; temporal mobility ; activity patterns ; time ; homes ; Iowa
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract Human exposure assessments require a linkage between toxicant concentrations in occupied spaces and the receptor's mobility pattern. Databases reporting distinct populations' mobility in various parts of the home, time outside the home, and time in another building are scarce. Temporal longitudinal trends in these mobility patterns for specific age and gender groups are nonexistent. This paper describes subgroup trends in the spatial and temporal mobility patterns within the home, outside the home, and in another building for 619 Iowa females that occupied the same home for at least 20 years. The study found that the mean time spent at home for the participants ranged from a low of 69.4% for the 50–59 year age group to a high of 81.6% for the over 80-year-old age group. Participants who lived in either one- or two- story homes with basements spent the majority of their residential occupancy on the first story. Trends across age varied for other subgroups by number of children, education, and urban/rural status. Since all of these trends were nonlinear, they indicate that error exists when assuming a constant, such as a 75% home occupancy factor, which has been advocated by some researchers and agencies. In addition, while aggregate data, such as presented in this report, are more helpful in deriving risk estimates for population subgroups, they cannot supplant good individual-level data for determining risks.
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    Risk analysis 18 (1998), S. 557-562 
    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Relative risk ; Mississippi River ; tankers ; expert informants
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract This project describes a methodology for assessing relative risk along a transportation corridor utilizing waterborne transportation on the busiest port area in the world, the lower Mississippi River (from the mouth of Southwest Pass up through Baton Rouge, Louisiana). The paper calculates a relative risk scale, using data obtained from maritime experts, previous research, and existing databases. The research aggregates the vessel traffic data and geographic risk location data to produce relative risk scores for each mile along the River from the mouth of Southwest Pass to the termination of shipping at the U.S. 190 bridge across the River at Baton Rouge. This is done in a very simple and practical way for this initial model: (1) each vessel traveling the Mississippi is classified according to its risk potential for those miles that it passes in route to where it docks, and (2) points along the river are assigned a relative risk score based upon risk variables identified by expérts identified through a standard sampling procedure. The relative risk scores for river miles are combinations of these two factors.
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    ISSN: 1539-6924
    Keywords: Blood levels ; blood concentrations ; exhaled breath ; PBPK ; pharmacokinetic ; sampling
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract Real-world exposure measurements are a necessary ingredient for subsequent detailed study of the risks from an environmental pollutant. For volatile organic compounds, researchers are applying exhaled breath analysis and the time dependence of concentrations as a noninvasive indicator of exposure, dose, and blood levels. To optimize the acquisition of such data, samples must be collected in a time frame suited to the needs of the mathematical model, within physical limitations of the equipment and subjects, and within logistical constraints. Additionally, one must consider the impact of measurement error on the eventual extraction of biologically and physiologically relevant parameters. Given a particular mathematical model for the elimination kinetics (in this case a very simple pharmacokinetic model based upon a multiterm exponential decay function that has been shown to fit real-world data extremely well), we investigated the effects on synthetic data caused by sample timing, random measurement error, and number of terms included in the model. This information generated a series of conditions for collecting samples and performing analyses dependent upon the eventual informational needs, and it provided an estimate of error associated with various choices and compromises. Though the work was geared specifically toward breath sampling, it is equally applicable to direct blood measurements in optimizing sampling strategy and improving the exposure assessment process.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 1-14 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Key words: Exceedance probability ; trend ; stochastic variables ; non-stationarity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract Studying the hypothetical case of a trend superimposed on a random stationary variable, we highlight the strong influence of possible non-stationarities on exceedance probability. After a general outline, the subject is analytically developed using the Gumbel distribution, emphasizing the quick increase of the exceedance probability over time in the presence of weak rising trends, and its sensitive underestimation where the non-stationarity goes unnoticed or is considered negligible. Finally the work is applied to hydrological series of rainfall and river flow.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 53-64 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Key words: Risk ; clustering ; point process ; Poisson ; flood.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract: Since the introduction into flood risk analysis, the partial duration series method has gained increasing acceptance as an appealing alternative to the annual maximum series method. However, when the base flow is low, there is clustering in the flood peak or flow volume point process. In this case, the general stochastic point process model is not suitable to risk analysis. Therefore, two types of models for flood risk analysis are derived on the basis of clustering stochastic point process theory in this paper. The most remarkable characteristic of these models is that the flood risk is considered directly within the time domain. The acceptability of different models are also discussed with the combination of the flood peak counted process in twenty years at Yichang station on the Yangtze river. The result shows that the two kinds of models are suitable ones for flood risk analysis, which are more flexible compared with the traditional flood risk models derived on the basis of annual maximum series method or the general stochastic point process theory.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 33-52 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Keywords: Streamflow ; simulation ; nonparametric
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract A new approach for streamflow simulation using nonparametric methods was described in a recent publication (Sharma et al. 1997). Use of nonparametric methods has the advantage that they avoid the issue of selecting a probability distribution and can represent nonlinear features, such as asymmetry and bimodality that hitherto were difficult to represent, in the probability structure of hydrologic variables such as streamflow and precipitation. The nonparametric method used was kernel density estimation, which requires the selection of bandwidth (smoothing) parameters. This study documents some of the tests that were conduced to evaluate the performance of bandwidth estimation methods for kernel density estimation. Issues related to selection of optimal smoothing parameters for kernel density estimation with small samples (200 or fewer data points) are examined. Both reference to a Gaussian density and data based specifications are applied to estimate bandwidths for samples from bivariate normal mixture densities. The three data based methods studied are Maximum Likelihood Cross Validation (MLCV), Least Square Cross Validation (LSCV) and Biased Cross Validation (BCV2). Modifications for estimating optimal local bandwidths using MLCV and LSCV are also examined. We found that the use of local bandwidths does not necessarily improve the density estimate with small samples. Of the global bandwidth estimators compared, we found that MLCV and LSCV are better because they show lower variability and higher accuracy while Biased Cross Validation suffers from multiple optimal bandwidths for samples from strongly bimodal densities. These results, of particular interest in stochastic hydrology where small samples are common, may have importance in other applications of nonparametric density estimation methods with similar sample sizes and distribution shapes.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 15-32 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Key words: Kalman filtering ; groundwater modelling ; inverse methods ; uncertainty analysis ; state prediction ; parameter estimation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract The popularity of applying filtering theory in the environmental and hydrological sciences passed its first climax in the 1970s. Like so many other new mathematical methods it was simply the fashion at the time. The study of groundwater systems was not immune to this fashion, but neither was it by any means a prominent area of application. The spatial-temporal characteristics of groundwater flow are customarily described by analytical or, more frequently, numerical, physics-based models. Consequently, the state-space representations associated with filtering must be of a high order, with an immediately apparent computational over-burden. And therein lies part of the reason for the but modest interest there has been in applying Kalman filtering to groundwater systems, as reviewed critically in this paper. Filtering theory may be used to address a variety of problems, such as: state estimation and reconstruction, parameter estimation (including the study of uncertainty and its propagation), combined state-parameter estimation, input estimation, estimation of the variance-covariance properties of stochastic disturbances, the design of observation networks, and the analysis of parameter identifiability. A large proportion of previous studies has dealt with the problem of parameter estimation in one form or another. This may well not remain the focus of attention in the future. Instead, filtering theory may find wider application in the context of data assimilation, that is, in reconstructing fields of flow and the migration of sub-surface contaminant plumes from relatively sparse observations.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 65-82 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Key words: Flood flow ; threshold ; generalized Pareto ; Poisson
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    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract This study uses the method of peaks over threshold (P.O.T.) to estimate the flood flow quantiles for a number of hydrometric stations in the province of New Brunswick, Canada. The peak values exceeding the base level (threshold), or `exceedances', are fitted by a generalized Pareto distribution. It is known that under the assumption of Poisson process arrival for flood exceedances, the P.O.T. model leads to a generalized extreme value distribution (GEV) for yearly maximum discharge values. The P.O.T. model can then be applied to calculate the quantiles X T corresponding to different return periods T, in years. A regionalization of floods in New Brunswick, which consists of dividing the province into `homogeneous regions', is performed using the method of the `region of influence'. The 100-year flood is subsequently estimated using a regionally estimated value of the shape parameter of the generalized Pareto distribution and a regression of the 100-year flood on the drainage area. The jackknife sampling method is then used to contrast the regional results with the values estimated at site. The variability of these results is presented in box-plot form.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 97-116 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract : The knowledge of the volume and duration of low-flow events in river channels is essential for water management and the design of hydraulics structures. In this study, both preceding characteristics, X 1 and X 2, are considered simultaneously via two types of bivariate distributions whose marginals are exponential. One of these bivariate distributions has been presented by Nagao and Kadoya (1971) and the other has been used by Singh and Singh (1991) to the study of rainfall intensity and rainfall depth. The results are applied to the low-flow series (“peaks-below-threshold”) of Lepreau River (station 01AQ001) in New Brunswick, Canada. These results show that the model that was successfully employed by Singh and Singh (1991) to study rainfall, presents certain difficulties when a very strong correlation, ρ, between the two random variables X 1 and X 2, exists. The model by Nagao and Kadoya (1971) seems to be more satisfactory for such situations, although this model seems also to be quite sensitive to variations in ρ.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 83-96 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract Many natural porous geological rock formations, as well as engineered porous structures, have fractal properties, i.e., they are self-similar over several length scales. While there have been many experimental and theoretical studies on how to quantify a fractal porous medium and on how to determine its fractal dimension, the numerical generation of a fractal pore structure with predefined statistical and scaling properties is somewhat scarcer. In the present paper a new numerical method for generating a three-dimensional porous medium with any desired probability density function (PDF) and autocorrelation function (ACF) is presented. The well-known Turning Bands Method (TBM) is modified to generate three-dimensional synthetic isotropic and anisotropic porous media with a Gaussian PDF and exponential-decay ACF. Porous media with other PDF's and ACF's are constructed with a nonlinear, iterative PDF and ACF transformation, whereby the arbitrary PDF is converted to an equivalent Gaussian PDF which is then simulated with the classical TBM. Employing a new method for the estimation of the surface area for a given porosity, the fractal dimensions of the surface area of the synthetic porous media generated in this way are then measured by classical fractal perimeter/area relationships. Different 3D porous media are simulated by varying the porosity and the correlation structure of the random field. The performance of the simulations is evaluated by checking the ensemble statistics, the mean, variance and ACF of the simulated random field. For a porous medium with Gaussian PDF, an average fractal dimension of approximately 2.76 is obtained which is in the range of values of actually measured fractal dimensions of molecular surfaces. For a porous medium with a non-Gaussian quadratic PDF the calculated fractal dimension appears to be consistently higher and averages 2.82. The results also show that the fractal dimension is neither strongly dependent of the porosity nor of the degree of anisotropy assumed.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 117-140 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
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    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract Transport of non-ergodic solute plumes by steady-state groundwater flow with a uniform mean velocity, μ, were simulated with Monte Carlo approach in a two-dimensional heterogeneous and statistically isotropic aquifer whose transmissivity, T, is log-normally distributed with an exponential covariance. The ensemble averages of the second spatial moments of the plume about its center of mass, 〈S i i (t)〉, and the plume centroid covariance, R i i (t) (i=1,2), were simulated for the variance of Y=log T, σ Y 2=0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 and line sources normal or parallel to μ of three dimensionless lengths, 1, 5, and 10. For σ Y 2=0.1, all simulated 〈S i i (t)〉−S i i (0) and R i i (t) agree well with the first-order theoretical values, where S i i (0) are the initial values of S i i (t). For σ Y 2=0.5 and 1.0 and the line sources normal to μ, the simulated longitudinal moments, 〈S 11(t)〉−S 11(0) and R 11(t), agree well with the first-order theoretical results but the simulated transverse moments 〈S 22(t)〉−S 22(0) and R 22(t) are significantly larger than the first-order values. For the same two larger values of σ Y 2 but the line sources parallel to μ, the simulated 〈S 11(t)〉−S 11(0) are larger than but the simulated R 11 are smaller than the first-order values, and both simulated 〈S 22(t)〉−S 22(0) and R 22(t) stay larger than the first-order values. For a fixed value of σ Y 2, the summations of 〈S i i (t)〉−S i i (0) and R i i , i.e., X i i (i=1,2), remain almost the same no matter what kind of source simulated. The simulated X 11 are in good agreement with the first-order theory but the simulated X 22 are significantly larger than the first-order values. The simulated X 22, however, are in excellent agreement with a previous modeling result and both of them are very close to the values derived using Corrsin's conjecture. It is found that the transverse moments may be significantly underestimated if less accurate hydraulic head solutions are used and that the decreasing of 〈S 22(t)〉−S 22(0) with time or a negative effective dispersivity, defined as , may happen in the case of a line source parallel to μ where σ Y 2 is small.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 141-154 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Key words: Ground truth ; geostatistical techniques ; areal reduction factor ; Rainfall process ; linear relationship.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract Geostatistical techniques are used to quantify the reference mean areal rainfall (ground truth) from sparse raingaugenetworks. Based on the EPSAT-Niger event cumulative rainfall, a linear relationship between the ground truth considered as the mean area rainfall estimated from the densely available raingauge network and the area rainfall estimated from sparse network are derived. Also, a linear relationship between the ground truth and point rainfall is established. As it was reported experimentally by some authors, the slope of these relationships is less than one. Based on the geostatistical framework, the slope and the ordinate at the origin can be estimated as a function of the spatial structure of the rainfall process. It is shown that the slope is smaller than one. For the special case of one gauge inside a fixed area or a Field Of View (FOV), an areal reduction factor is derived. It has a limit value which depends only on the size of the area and the spatial structure of the rainfall process. The relative variance error of estimating the FOV cumulative rainfall from point rainfall is also given.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 223-245 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Key words: Stochastic differential equation ; spatial data ; irregularly sampled data ; parameter estimation.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract: A second order stochastic differential equation is used for modeling of water-table elevation. The data were sampled at the Borden Aquifer as a part of a tracer experiment. The purpose of the water-table data collection was to determine presence of a water flow. We argue that the water-table surface is a simple plane oscillating up and down in time according to an equation for a stochastic oscillator. We derive the model, estimate its parameters and provide arguments for goodness-of-fit of the model.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 267-283 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Key words: Flood frequency analysis ; TCEV ; non-systematic information ; regional ; statistical gain.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract: Due to the social and economic implications, flood frequency analysis must be done with the highest precision. For this reason, the most suitable statistical model must be selected, and the maximum amount of information must be used. Floods in Mediterranean rivers can be produced by two different mechanisms, which forces the use of a non-traditional distribution like the TCEV. The information can be increased by using additional non-systematic data, or with a regional analysis, or both. Through the statistical gain concept, it has been shown that in most cases the use of additional non-systematic information can decrease the quantile estimation error in about 50%. In a regional analysis, the␣benefit of additional information in one station, is propagated to the rest of␣the␣stations with only a small decrease with respect to the at-site equivalent analysis.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 285-298 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract We present a geostatistically based inverse model for characterizing heterogeneity in parameters of unsaturated hydraulic conductivity for three-dimensional flow. Pressure and moisture content are related to perturbations in hydraulic parameters through cross-covariances, which are calculated to first-order. Sensitivities needed for covariance calculations are derived using the adjoint state sensitivity method. Approximations of the conditional mean parameter fields are then obtained from the cokriging estimator. Correlation between parameters and pressure – moisture content perturbations is seen to be strongly dependent on mean pressure or moisture content. High correlation between parameters and pressure data was obtained under saturated or near saturated flow conditions, providing accurate estimation of saturated hydraulic conductivity, while moisture content measurements provided accurate estimation of the pore size distribution parameter under unsaturated flow conditions.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 247-266 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Key words: Stochastic control ; dynamic programming ; reservoir systems ; hydrologic forecasting ; hydropower ; feedback control ; autoregressive models.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract : As with all dynamic programming formulations, differential dynamic programming (DDP) successfully exploits the sequential decision structure of multi-reservoir optimization problems, overcomes difficulties with the nonconvexity of energy production functions for hydropower systems, and provides optimal feedback release policies. DDP is particularly well suited to optimizing large-scale multi-reservoir systems due to its relative insensitivity to state-space dimensionality. This advantage of DDP encourages expansion of the state vector to include additional multi-lag hydrologic information and/or future inflow forecasts in developing optimal reservoir release policies. Unfortunately, attempts at extending DDP to the stochastic case have not been entirely successful. A modified stochastic DDP algorithm is presented which overcomes difficulties in previous formulations. Application of the algorithm to a four-reservoir hydropower system demonstrates its capabilities as an efficient approach to solving stochastic multi-reservoir optimization problems. The algorithm is also applied to a single reservoir problem with inclusion of multi-lag hydrologic information in the state vector. Results provide evidence of significant benefits in direct inclusion of expanded hydrologic state information in optimal feedback release policies.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 299-316 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
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    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract This paper presents a geostatistical approach to multi-directional aquifer stimulation in order to better identify the transmissivity field. Hydraulic head measurements, taken at a few locations but under a number of different steady-state flow conditions, are used to estimate the transmissivity. Well installation is generally the most costly aspect of obtaining hydraulic head measurements. Therefore, it is advantageous to obtain as many informative measurements from each sampling location as possible. This can be achieved by hydraulically stimulating the aquifer through pumping, in order to set-up a variety of flow conditions. We illustrate the method by applying it to a synthetic aquifer. The simulations provide evidence that a few sampling locations may provide enough information to estimate the transmissivity field. Furthermore, the innovation of, or new information provided by, each measurement can be examined by looking at the corresponding spline and sensitivity matrix. Estimates from multi-directional stimulation are found to be clearly superior to estimates using data taken under one flow condition. We describe the geostatistical methodology for using data from multi-directional simulations and address computational issues.
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    Clean products and processes 1 (1998), S. 1-1 
    ISSN: 1436-722X
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
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    Clean products and processes 1 (1998), S. 3-4 
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    Clean products and processes 1 (1998), S. 21-29 
    ISSN: 1436-722X
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract  Liquid phase hydrocarbon oxidation is one of the principal routes towards industrial organic chemicals. However, low product selectivity and associated by-product formation are major problems in several oxidation processes. As a result of the increasingly stringent environmental regulations, the development of oxidation catalysts has been a major challenge in the last decade. An overview of novel selective and clean oxidation catalysts and processes is presented.
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    Clean products and processes 1 (1998), S. 5-19 
    ISSN: 1436-722X
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract  Process integration is a holistic approach to process design and operation. It emphasizes the unity of the process units and objectives. Therefore, it provides a unique framework for integrating environmental issues with other process objectives such as profitability, yield enhancement, debottlenecking and energy reduction. This paper presents a review of recent advances in the area of pollution prevention through process integration. First, the alternative methods for industrial waste reduction are discussed. Then, process integration is defined and categorized into three main components: synthesis, analysis and optimization. Next, mass integration science and methods are reviewed with special emphasis on their critical role in pollution prevention. Throughout the paper, various tools and techniques are described and illustrated.
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    Clean products and processes 1 (1998), S. 39-48 
    ISSN: 1436-722X
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract  Membrane processes, because of unique, specialized, and cost-effective applications, have the potential of playing a significant role in preventing pollution from occurring in manufacturing plants. Opportunities are seen in resource recovery, species purification, and energy savings. Emerging technologies of membrane reactors that combine separation with reaction in one physical unit are important developments also. In this paper we discuss the scope of membrane technologies in industrial applications as well as hurdles that must be overcome.
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    Clean products and processes 1 (1998), S. 31-38 
    ISSN: 1436-722X
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract  The oxidation of trace organic impurities in ultrapure water by ultraviolet light (UV), ozone, and the combination of UV/ozone is investigated. The emphasis is on the development of a global model to simulate the process that take place in the typical oxidation reactors used in ultrapure water plants. The study also focuses on reaction mechanism for oxidation of multi-component organic impurities. Eighteen organic model compounds are chosen as representative contaminants. The results demonstrate and confirm a significant synergistic effect between UV and ozone oxidation. A mechanism for the synergistic oxidation of organic impurities is proposed and validated with experimental data. The combination of the reaction and the reactor models is used to determine the fundamental kinetic parameters involved in the three oxidation processes.
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    Clean products and processes 1 (1998), S. 49-51 
    ISSN: 1436-722X
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract  Effluents from pigment manufacturing operations contain highly toxic substances. These substances in their pure form are highly valuable industrial raw materials and their loss in the effluents is not only a pollution problem but also one implying economic loss. This article describes an approach, which highlights a policy that can allow elimination of a pollution problem with simultaneous economic benefits through recovery of the pollutants in readily marketable forms. This approach converts serious "liabilities into substantial assets" and is worth adopting in many cases. The case considered here is that of the effluent from a plant manufacturing the pigment, phthalocyanine green (PG). This effluent is highly acidic and contains copper and aluminium in chloride form. There is a serious disposal problem concerning this effluent. The work reported here was focussed on recovering the metal values in this effluent in a form which can be readily marketed. Particularly important is the fact that the aluminium value can be recovered in the form of zeolite 4A, which is an environment friendly additive in modern detergent formulations.
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    Clean products and processes 1 (1998), S. 53-59 
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract  Accumulation of bacterial cells on a transparent electrode was controlled by applying an alternating potential. Live and dead cells on a transparent electrode can be distinguished as blue and red cells, by staining with two fluorescent dyes, propidium iodide (PI) and 4′, 6-diamidino-   2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) and propidium iodide (PI), respectively. Cells of the gram-negative marine bacterium, Vibrio alginolyticus attached to an indium/tin oxide (ITO) electrode were killed by applying a potential of 1.1 V versus saturated calomel electrode in seawater. By applying –0.4 V, 73% of the cells on the ITO electrode were desorbed in 10 min. Changes in pH and generation of chlorine were not observed after applying potentials in the range of –0.4∼1.2 V. After 21 h of immersion in V. alginolyticus cell suspension with the application of an alternating potential of 1.1 and –0.4 V, cells on the electrode were completely killed and the cell number decreased to 20% of that of no potential. Elution of indium and tin was not observed after 10 days application of alternating potential.
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    Clean products and processes 1 (1998), S. 67-69 
    ISSN: 1436-722X
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
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    ISSN: 1436-722X
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Abstract  When Pseudomonas putida No. 69-3 cells, changed as an organic solvent-resistant variant from an organic solvent-sensitive parent, Pseudomonas putida No. 69, were cultivated with 0.01% surfactants, Triton X-100 provided the highest cell growth in the presence of 10% n-heptanol. When strain No. 69-3 was cultivated in a medium containing 10% n-heptanol and various concentrations of Triton X-100, 0.01% Triton X-100 gave the most improved cell growth. Hydrophobicity of the cell membrane did not change in the presence or absence of Triton X-100. However, when strain No. 69-3 was cultivated in a medium containing 0.01% Triton X-100 or without Triton X-100 and the culture broth was centrifuged at 500×g, the decrease in optical density of the supernatant was smaller when the cells were cultivated in a medium containing 0.01% Triton X-100 than when cultivated without Triton X-100. This result suggests that Triton X-100 decreased the degree of aggregation and improved growth.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 155-170 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Keywords: Stochastic inverse model ; conditioning ; transient groundwater flow.
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    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract We investigated the effect of conditioning transient, two-dimensional groundwater flow simulations, where the transmissivity was a spatial random field, on time dependent head data. The random fields, representing perturbations in log transmissivity, were generated using a known covariance function and then conditioned to match head data by iteratively cokriging and solving the flow model numerically. A new approximation to the cross-covariance of log transmissivity perturbations with time dependent head data and head data at different times, that greatly increased the computational efficiency, was introduced. The most noticeable effect of head data on the estimation of head and log transmissivity perturbations occurred from conditioning only on spatially distributed head measurements during steady flow. The additional improvement in the estimation of the log transmissivity and head perturbations obtained by conditioning on time dependent head data was fairly small. On the other hand, conditioning on temporal head data had a significant effect on particle tracks and reduced the lateral spreading around the center of the paths.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 191-204 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Keywords: groundwater flow ; inverse problems ; stability ; geostatistical interpolation ; kriging.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract The Differential System Method (DSM) permits identification of the physical parameters of finite-difference groundwater flow models in a confined aquifer when piezometric head and source terms are known at each point of the finite-difference lattice for at least two independent flow situations for which the hydraulic gradients are not parallel. Since piezometric head data are usually few and sparse, interpolation of the measured data onto a regular grid can be performed with geostatistical techniques. We apply kriging to the sparse data of a synthetic aquifer to evaluate the stability of the DSM with respect to uncorrelated measurement errors and interpolation errors. The numerical results show that the DSM is stable.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 171-190 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Keywords: Self-Calibrated method ; Stochastic hydrology ; Conditional simulation ; Stochastic inversion.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract: A common approach for the performance assessment of radionuclide migration from a nuclear waste repository is by means of Monte-Carlo techniques. Multiple realizations of the parameters controlling radionuclide transport are generated and each one of these realizations is used in a numerical model to provide a transport prediction. The statistical analysis of all transport predictions is then used in performance assessment. In order to reduce the uncertainty on the predictions is necessary to incorporate as much information as possible in the generation of the parameter fields. In this regard, this paper focuses in the impact that conditioning the transmissivity fields to geophysical data and/or piezometric head data has on convective transport predictions in a two-dimensional heterogeneous formation. The Walker Lake data based is used to produce a heterogeneous log-transmissivity field with distinct non-Gaussian characteristics and a secondary variable that represents some geophysical attribute. In addition, the piezometric head field resulting from the steady-state solution of the groundwater flow equation is computed. These three reference fields are sampled to mimic a sampling campaign. Then, a series of Monte-Carlo exercises using different combinations of sampled data shows the relative worth of secondary data with respect to piezometric head data for transport predictions. The analysis shows that secondary data allows to reproduce the main spatial patterns of the reference transmissivity field and improves the mass transport predictions with respect to the case in which only transmissivity data is used. However, a few piezometric head measurements could be equally effective for the characterization of transport predictions.
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  • 59
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 205-222 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Key words: Hale cycle ; luni-solar tidal constituent ; maximum entropy spectrum ; multi-taper method ; harmonic analysis.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract: Cohen and Sweeter (1975) found the 20 to 22-year Hale (double sunspot) cycle signal in the maximum entropy spectra of sunspot and Atlantic tropical cyclone data. Currie (1996) corroborated and extended their analysis, but he argued that this signal is the 18.6-year luni-solar tidal constituent. Currie maintains that Cohen and Sweeter mistakenly conjectured that this long term periodicity was induced by the 20 to 22-year Hale cycle signal. However, no further investigation of periodicity in the extracted wave forms corresponding to the 18.6-year luni-solar signal was conducted. In this study, we follow Currie's signal processing procedures to extract the wave forms corresponding to the 18.6-year luni-solar signal. In order to investigate the periodicity in the extracted wave forms, multi-taper method (MTM) is used for harmonic analysis. Band pass filters are then designed to extract the wave forms corresponding to the individual components identified in the MTM harmonic analysis. The investigation results of the monthly precipitation and Palmer's drought severity index (PDSI) data in three of the midwestern states – Illinois, Indiana and Ohio – show that two periodic components, the 20 to 22-year Hale cycle signal and the other component with periods between 16.9 and 13.5 years, are identified. The bistability phenomenon, which Currie found in these wave forms, is more likely to result from the superposition of these two periodic components, rather than from a nonlinear mechanism. Besides, a periodic component with an approximate period of 33 years is detected.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 397-412 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Key words: dispersion ; particle tracking ; random walks ; overbank flow ; equifinality ; fuzzy calibration
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract: Part 1 of this study assessed the effectiveness of dispersion models based around random particle tracking (RPT) applied an overbank flow in the Flood Channel Facility at HR Wallingford. Several of the RPT models that were used predicted the mixing behaviour of the tracer in the complex channel flow to within an acceptable accuracy. If there is no uniqueness in the model structure which can be used to represent the true system to within the limitations of the available observations, then this implies an inherent degree of ambiguity in our knowledge of the physically based model structure. This suggests that we should be less forthright in the optimisation of each individual model structure, and perhaps investigate more of the parameter combinations for each model which yield feasible simulations of the system. An alternative fuzzy calibration technique is introduced which avoids the optimisation process and takes account of uncertainties in the model structure, parameter sets and observed data in prediction.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 377-396 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Key words: dispersion ; particle tracking ; random walks ; overbank flow ; equifinality.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract: In a special opportunity, detailed measurements of the flow in an overbank flow in the Flood Channel Facility at HR Wallingford were used in conjunction with tracer test data to assess the effectiveness of dispersion models based around random particle tracking (RPT). Ten different RPT models based on different assumptions and levels of information about the nature of the Lagrangian velocity field were investigated. Multiple simulations were used to calibrate variable parameters controlling the average magnitude of the perturbations for each model by comparison with observed concentrations at one cross-section. The calibrated models were then used to predict concentration distributions further downstream. Several of the calibrated models showed close agreement between observed and predicted concentration distributions. The most complex models using the most information about the velocity distributions were no better (and in some cases worse) in prediction than the simplest models investigated. It would appear that our knowledge of the system, despite the quality of the experiments, is too uncertain to infer a precise model structure.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 359-375 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
    Keywords: Key words: Non-homogeneous Poisson model ; parameter estimation ; approximation technique ; Taylor series ; cumulative probability distribution function ; intensity function ; error analysis.
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract: Higher-order approximation techniques for estimating stochastic parameter of the non-homogeneous Poisson (NHP) model are presented. The NHP model is characterized by a two-parameter cumulative probability distribution function (CDF) of sediment displacement. Those two parameters are the temporal and spatial intensity functions, physically representing the inverse of the average rest period and step length of sediment particles, respectively. Difficulty of estimating the parameters has, however, restricted the applications of the NHP model. The approximation techniques are proposed to address such problem. The basic idea of the method is to approximate a model involving stochastic parameters by Taylor series expansion. The expansion preserves certain higher-order terms of interest. Using the experimental (laboratory or field) data, one can determine the model parameters through a system of equations that are simplified by the approximation technique. The parameters so determined are used to predict the cumulative distribution of sediment displacement. The second-order approximation leads to a significant reduction of the CDF error (of the order of 47%) compared to the first-order approximation. Error analysis is performed to evaluate the accuracy of the first- and second-order approximations with respect to the experimental data. The higher-order approximations provide better estimations of the sediment transport and deposition that are critical factors for such environment as spawning gravel-bed.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 317-358 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
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    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract. The similarity between maximum entropy (MaxEnt) and minimum relative entropy (MRE) allows recent advances in probabilistic inversion to obviate some of the shortcomings in the former method. The purpose of this paper is to review and extend the theory and practice of minimum relative entropy. In this regard, we illustrate important philosophies on inversion and the similarly and differences between maximum entropy, minimum relative entropy, classical smallest model (SVD) and Bayesian solutions for inverse problems. MaxEnt is applicable when we are determining a function that can be regarded as a probability distribution. The approach can be extended to the case of the general linear problem and is interpreted as the model which fits all the constraints and is the one model which has the greatest multiplicity or “spreadout” that can be realized in the greatest number of ways. The MRE solution to the inverse problem differs from the maximum entropy viewpoint as noted above. The relative entropy formulation provides the advantage of allowing for non-positive models, a prior bias in the estimated pdf and `hard' bounds if desired. We outline how MRE can be used as a measure of resolution in linear inversion and show that MRE provides us with a method to explore the limits of model space. The Bayesian methodology readily lends itself to the problem of updating prior probabilities based on uncertain field measurements, and whose truth follows from the theorems of total and compound probabilities. In the Bayesian approach information is complete and Bayes' theorem gives a unique posterior pdf. In comparing the results of the classical, MaxEnt, MRE and Bayesian approaches we notice that the approaches produce different results. In␣comparing MaxEnt with MRE for Jayne's die problem we see excellent comparisons between the results. We compare MaxEnt, smallest model and MRE approaches for the density distribution of an equivalent spherically-symmetric earth and for the contaminant plume-source problem. Theoretical comparisons between MRE and Bayesian solutions for the case of the linear model and Gaussian priors may show different results. The Bayesian expected-value solution approaches that of MRE and that of the smallest model as the prior distribution becomes uniform, but the Bayesian maximum aposteriori (MAP) solution may not exist for an underdetermined case with a uniform prior.
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    Stochastic environmental research and risk assessment 12 (1998), S. 413-430 
    ISSN: 1436-3259
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    Topics: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Surveying , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Geography , Geosciences
    Notes: Abstract: Three analyitcal solutions of saltwater intrusion under uncertain hydrologic, hydrogeologic, and pumping conditions are presented. These solutions extends the existing deterministic, sharp interface solutions to stochastic ones. The randomness is represented in terms of statistical measures of mean, standard deviation and covariance. The analysis is based on perturbation using Taylor series expansion. Simulations based on probability distribution are conducted for verification.
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    Power technology and engineering 32 (1998), S. 599-601 
    ISSN: 1570-1468
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
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    Power technology and engineering 32 (1998), S. 625-632 
    ISSN: 1570-1468
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Conclusions Studies conducted on reservoirs and lakes located in mercury-rich provinces of Central Asia, Caucasia, Siberia, and Gorno Altay have indicated that the ecological setting in these regions adds up rather favorably when there is no significant technogenic pollution. The water bodies are characterized by satisfactory water quality. Based on mercury levels in various components of the natural environment, the lands under consideration are close to regions that have not been polluted by man. At the same time, the characteristic features of their metallogenesis dictate a somewhat elevated content of a number of metals in the soil, vegetation, waters, and bodies of bioindicators as compared with standard levels and the characteristics of regions not polluted by man. Lakes and reservoirs play the role of geochemical barrier for compounds of mercury and other metals. A reduction in their concentration in the water occurs primarily due to the sedimentation of suspended matter and sorption of dissolved compounds by bottom sediments. Suspended matter and high-molecular-weight complexes with a natural organic substance are basic forms of migration of heavy metals in the surface waters of the regions under consideration. The bioaccessibility of these forms is reduced. As a result, the level of accumulation of toxic elements in fish is low. The indicated bodies of water have been used for many years by people for purposes of water supply, irrigation, recreation, and fishing. Here, no negative effect of the geochemical setting on people's health has been noted. The laws that have been established enable us to conclude that the natural elevated polymetallic background of an area with no significant technogenic pollution is not an ecological contraindication for hydraulic construction.
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    Power technology and engineering 32 (1998), S. 643-647 
    ISSN: 1570-1468
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Conclusions 1. Pumped water storage of renewable energy sources is an effective method of coordinating the arrivals of renewable energy and consumer's load which are nonuniform in time. 2. The use of water storage makes it possible to increase the firm output of power produced by plants based on RESs. 3. The proposed characteristic makes it possible to optimize the production of plants operating on the basis of RESs and to minimize the volume of the water-storing system.
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    Power technology and engineering 32 (1998), S. 670-673 
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    Power technology and engineering 32 (1998), S. 682-686 
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    Power technology and engineering 32 (1998), S. 740-750 
    ISSN: 1570-1468
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Conclusions The conclusion concerning the significant effectiveness of use of orthogonal turbines at tidal electric power plants, and, to all appearances, at low-head hydroelectric plants, can be drawn on the basis of the above-cited information on new technical solutions for orthogonal turbines and data on the economic advantages offered by these turbines as exemplified by the Mezen'tidal electric plant.
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    Power technology and engineering 32 (1998), S. 385-390 
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    Power technology and engineering 32 (1998), S. 602-611 
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    Power technology and engineering 32 (1998), S. 618-624 
    ISSN: 1570-1468
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    Notes: Conclusions A mathematical model is proposed for the oxygen regime of a stratified reservoir. A model is based on representation of the reservoir on the whole or its layers individually as an ideal mixer. The thermal regime of a stratified reservoir is schematized by a two-layer model-epilimnion and hypolimnion, which provide the plane with a pronounced variation in water temperature (thermocline). In calculating the oxygen regime, the epilimnion and hypolimnion are considered individual reservoirs with their own water balance, which is linked, however, to the water balance of the reservoir on the whole. Characteristic features of the aeration and reaeration of the epilimnion and hypolimnion, and also the selectivity of water intake from the reservoir are considered here. Practical use of the model is illustrated in an example of the calculation of the oxygen regime of a hypothetical stratified reservoir, the characteristics of which are determined on the basis of field data derived from observations on the water bodies of the Zagorsk water-storage power plant. The proposed model can be used to predict the oxygen regime of stratified reservoirs and the ecological feasibility of nature-conserving measures directed toward improving the quality of their water and conserving fauna.
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    Power technology and engineering 32 (1998), S. 648-650 
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  • 78
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    Notes: Conclusions 1. The positive results of grouting cracks in concrete of the upstream face of the Sayano-Shushenskoe dam are not limited to suppression of seepage between elevations 344 and 359 m. Substantial compression of concrete of the first column and beyond the limits of this zone at higher and lower elevations was obtained without advance of the cracks into the depths of the dam during injection of the grout under high pressures, which also prevented seepage. 2. It is necessary to consider well-founded the requirement of limiting additional opening of cracks during grouting to 1.5 mm. 3. When making calculations for estimating the effect of grouting on the SSS of the dam, one should not proceed from the average pressure in the crack being grouted, since its value is difficult to establish. It can tentatively be considered a rigid inserts over the entire front of the crack with a thickness on the upstream face of 1.75–2 mm and converging to 0 in the zone of joint I–II.
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    Power technology and engineering 32 (1998), S. 517-523 
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Conclusions 1. A tendency toward an increase of seepage discharges was observed in the dam foundation and bank abutments up to 1996, having reached 549 liters/sec in 1996 versus 240 liter/sec in 1990 and 190 liters/sec expected according to the design. This indicated the development of decompression of the foundation and grout curtain. 2. After repair works with the use of cement grouts at low upper pool levels, positive changes in the seepage regime did not occur: the hydraulic connection between holes along cracks both with and across the flow remains intact; the tendency toward an increase of discharges and heads behind the grout curtain remains. 3. When designating the technology of carrying out the grouting works and materials for subsequent repair operations, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of the seepage state of the foundation: the amount of opening of the cracks in the foundation, the high seepage velocities, the active reaction to any external actions on the structure, the communication and hydraulic connection between local stretches of the foundation.
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    Power technology and engineering 32 (1998), S. 540-544 
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
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    Topics: Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
    Notes: Conclusions 1. In designing heavy-duty high-head hydraulic facilities, where significant hydrodynamic effects on elements of the hydraulic facility should be expected during operation of dummy spillways and units, it is necessary to perform their dynamic calculation. 2. The MARCHI-designed superstructure of the machine gallery at the Sayano-Shushenskoe hydroelectric power plant is subject to rather vigorous vibrations due, in particular, to the operation of the dam's spillways. Nontraditional structural solutions with respect to the installation of dynamic dampers, which may be adopted after appropriate computational and field investigations, are required for this structure to lower the swings of the oscillations. 3. Development of maximum oscillations in strictly defined areas occurs not as a result of different stiffnesses of the components of the superstructure of the machine gallery at the Sayano-Shushenskoe hydroelectric plant or the stiffness of the reinforced-concrete unit blocks, but most likely due to the mutual effect of various elements of the hydraulic facility as sources of wave oscillations that develop due to the effect of hydrodynamic forces during idle discharges on the toe basin.
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    Power technology and engineering 32 (1998), S. 570-573 
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  • 84
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Corn starch ; loose-fill ; relative humidity ; structural relaxation ; physical properties
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract The physical properties of corn starch loose-fill were examined at various relative humidities (r.h.). After 48 h of storage at both 25 and 50% r.h., only a slight change in the dimension and physical properties of the corn starch loose-fill was apparent. A wet environment (75% r.h. for 48 h), however, caused significant shrinkage and the loss of physical properties. The tensile properties, particularly tensile modulus, sharply increased, while the resilience gradually decreased with storage time. Amorphous X-ray diffraction patterns of corn starch loose-fills were transformed into crystalline patterns due to aging at 75% r.h. after 48 h. These changes were attributed to the structural relaxation, which was accelerated by moisture gain. The T g of corn starch loose-fill decreased with increasing the moisture content in expanded starch. Our proposed model based on Avrami equation was able to describe the time-dependent recrystallization of corn starch by modifying the time-dependent tensile modulus. The growth parameter (n) and time constant (k) for the recrystallization process of corn starch loose-fill were about 3.2 and 8.87 × 10−18 s−1, respectively. If the growth parameter of 3.2 is considered, spherulitic growth of crystallization occurred in the corn starch loose-fill in the wet environment.
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    Journal of polymers and the environment 6 (1998), S. 59-65 
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Oriental lacquer ; exposure test ; fluorescent lamp ; discoloration ; surface analyses
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract Oriental lacquer film was prepared and exposed to a fluorescent lamp. The color difference and gloss of the surface of the film decreased compared to those of film kept in a dark place by irradiation with the fluorescent light. The percentage of discoloration was 7.0% on a relative scale with an irradiation of 3600 h. The surface of the film was characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The oxygen content of the surface increased considerably with the decrease in triene groups with exposure time. These changes were also observed when the film was exposed in a glass or acrylic plate box. The change of the above properties was not observed when the film was kept in a dark place for more than 4800 h. The results suggest that oriental lacquer film deteriorates even under irradiation with visible light.
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    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Biodegradable plastics ; composting simulation ; polyurethane ; 4,4′ diamino diphenyl methane ; environmental toxicity
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract The degradation of a film containing a 4,4′diphenyl methane diisocyanate (MDI) poly(€-caprolactone)-based polyurethane was followed in a test system based on a mineral solid bed designed to facilitate analysis of break-down products released under composting conditions. The use of a mineral solid bed can help extraction and analytical procedures which could be hindered by the heterogeneous nature of compost. The fermentation conditions are typical of the composting environment and generate a powerfully degradative environment. The film fully disintegrated within 30 days of treatment. Analysis on the mineral bed extracts showed that: (i) about 40% of the initial polyurethane was still present in the bed extracts; (ii) this residue was strongly degraded in the poly(€-caprolactone) part, while the urethane part was almost completely recovered (from 80 to 95%, according to the measurement method); (iii) 4,4′ diamino diphenyl methane (MDA), a very dangerous product of MDI, was released during biodegradation. The results indicate that a mineral bed can be employed to study degradation and metabolites formation in solid phase fermentation and that the MDI-based polyurethanes are not susceptible of a full degradation during composting and maintain the potential of a slow release of MDA into the environment after soil application.
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  • 87
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    Journal of polymers and the environment 6 (1998), S. 115-120 
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Polyaromatics ; free-radical polymerization ; biodegradation ; peroxidase
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract Polymers formed from peroxidase-based free-radical polymerization reactions were characterized for rates of mineralization against lignin and humic acid controls. Degradation studies were carried out in soil systems over 202 days and cumulative net CO2 was determined. Whereas mineralization of the humic acid and alkali lignin controls totaled ca. 20% at the end of the test exposure, there was essentially no net mineralization of the hydrolytic lignin control. Mineralization of the test samples totaled 5% for poly(p-ethylphenol) and 11% for poly(m-cresol). At the same time, mineralization of the poly(p-phenyl phenol) totaled 64%. Conversely, the readily biodegradable polymers cellulose and PHB reached values of 91 to 97% in less than 60 days. Our data suggest that the mineralization kinetics of the enzymatically derived polyaromatics mimic those of the naturally occurring heteropolymers.
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  • 88
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    Journal of polymers and the environment 6 (1998), S. 159-173 
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Anaerobic biodegradation ; anaerobic test systems ; cellulose acetate ; polycaprolactone ; polyhydroxybutyrate ; polyhydroxyvalerate ; polylactide ; polyvinylalcohol
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract Anaerobic degradation of eight commercially available biodegradable polymers was compared in two anaerobic tests using digestion sludge, according to ISO 11734 and ASTM D.5210-91. Cotton, polyhydroxybutyrate/hydroxyvalerate copolymer (PHB/PHV), starch blend, thermoplastic cellulose acetate, and cellulose acetate fibers proved to be anaerobically degradable, but only a low extent of degradation was found for polylactide, polyvinylalcohol, and polycaprolactone. Both test methods gave the same overall results, but with the ISO medium, longer lag phases and greater ranges of variation in the results were observed. These effects are presumably due to low concentrations of carbon dioxide in the ISO medium. Carbon dioxide has been demonstrated to be essential for the growth of various anaerobic bacteria, notably homoacetogenic and methanogenic bacteria.
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  • 89
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    Journal of polymers and the environment 6 (1998), S. 9-21 
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Composting ; municipal solid waste ; degradation ; starch ; calcium carbonate ; packaging
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract The compostability of starch–CaCO3 disposable packaging was examined in a source-separated municipal solid waste (MSW) composting facility located in East Hampton, NY. Source-separated MSW:starch–CaCO3 container mixtures of 0 (control), 5, and 20% (by volume) were prepared as feedstock for composting. Compost samples were collected weekly or biweekly during the composting process and examined for fragments of the starch–CaCO3 containers. Changes in compost quality due to the presence of starch–CaCO3 containers were assessed by measuring the nutrient and metal content of the three resultant MSW:starch–CaCO3 composts. Finally, plant growth studies were conducted to examine the composts for possible plant growth inhibition due to the deterioration of the starch–CaCO3 containers. Results showed that portions of the starch–CaCO3 containers were not identified in any of the 5 and 20% sieved and characterized compost fractions 〉 1.3 cm following 1–3 weeks of composting. Mechanical agitation of the waste along with optimum composting conditions were sufficient to initiate the rapid degradation of the starch–CaCO3 composites. Degradation of starch–CaCO3 containers did not affect compost nutrient and trace element content. Grass biomass measurements were performed once weekly over 28 days for grass grown in control (0%), 5%, and 20% starch–CaCO3-containing compost:soil mixtures. Significant differences in grass biomass for these compost:soil mixtures were measured only for the 0 and 20% starch–CaCO3-containing compost:soil mixtures at 28 days (9.07 vs 11.05 g, respectively; P = 0.046).
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  • 90
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    Journal of polymers and the environment 6 (1998), S. 43-58 
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Poly(β-propiolactone) ; microbial degradation ; distribution ; degrading microorganisms ; Bacillus species
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract The distribution of degading microorganisms of high molecular weight poly(β-propiolactone) (PPL), whose individual structural units are similar to those of poly(β-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly(€-caprolactone) (PCL), was examined. Despite the fact that PPL is a chemosynthetic polymer, many kinds of PPL-degrading microorganisms were found to be distributed as resident populations widely in natural environments. A total of 77 strains of PPL-degrading microorganisms was isolated. From standard physiological and biochemical tests, at least 41 strains were referred to as Bacillus species. Microbial degradation of fibrous PPL proceeded rapidly in some enrichment cultures but was not as complete as that of PHB. Most of the isolated PPL-degrading microorganisms were determined to be PCL degraders and/or PHB degraders. Therefore, it can be assumed that mostly PPL is recognized by the microorganisms as PHB or another natural substrate of the same type as which PCL is regarded. Microbial degradation of PPL was confirmed by some Bacillus strains from type culture collections. The similarity of microbial degradation between PPL and PCL was found to be very close.
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  • 91
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Carboxylic acid ; biopolyesters ; daltons
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract The carboxylic acids derived from olive oil, hazelnut oil, sesame oil and hamci(anchovy) oil were evaluated as substrates for cell growth and the production of reserve polyesters by Pseudomonas oleovorans. Poly-3-hydroxy alkanoates containing both saturated(mainly 3-hydroxy-octanoate and 3-hydroxy-decanoate) and unsaturated repeating units with 8 to 20 carbon atoms, or more, were produced in 26 to 61% yields based on cell dry weights. The number average molecular weights of these polymers varied from 45,000 to 68,000 Daltons.
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  • 92
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Nonionic surfactants ; biodegradation ; alkylphenol poly(ethoxylate)s ; alkyl poly(ethoxylate)s ; polyethylene glycol
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract Different bacterial strains able to attack polyoxyethylene-type nonionic surfactants were isolated by enrichment procedure from the surface waters of the Arno River. Alkylphenol polyethoxylates and alkyl polyethoxylates, as well as polyethylene glycols, were degraded and assimilated by bacterial strains in axenic cultures. Degradative routes of polyethyleneoxide chains were investigated by matching each bacterial isolate with several types of nonionic surfactants and polyethers and by the identification of their degradation products isolated during aerobic digestion experiments. In accordance with previous reports, the first attack led to the shortening of the poly(oxyethylene) chains of the nonionic surfactants. It was found that the strains able to degrade PEG segments of nonionic surfactants possess enzymatic systems unable to degrade free PEGs, whereas those degrading the latter substrates cannot degrade PEG segments coupled to hydrophobic moieties.
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  • 93
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    Journal of polymers and the environment 6 (1998), S. 133-141 
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Starch ; loose-fill ; humidity ; aging
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract Loose-fill packaging sponges were extruded from mixtures of 54–62% hydroxypropylated (HP ≍ 5%) amylomaize V (50% amylose) and wheat starches, 17–24% synthetic polymer, ∼13% water, 7% blowing agent(s), and 0.5% nucleating agent. One product made from 28% HP wheat starch, 28% HP amylomaize V starch, 12% ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer, 8% polystyrene (PS), and 3% polystyrene maleic anhydride (PSMA) copolymer, plus the other raw materials, had a compressibility and resilience that matched those of expanded polystyrene (EPS), although its bulk density was four times higher. The starchy sponge showed 16% shrinkage in volume at 90% relative humidity and was 2% soluble in excess water, both at 25°C. After aging for 18 months near 25°C, the HP starchy sponge gave only a trace of fines in a simulated shipping test, compared to 20% fines from a biodegradable, starch-based, loose-fill sponge of commerce.
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  • 94
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    Journal of polymers and the environment 6 (1998), S. 23-29 
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Polyethylene ; polystyrene ; biodegradation ; copolymerization ; hydrolytic degradation
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract 2-Methylene-1,3-dioxepane (MDP) was copolymerized with ethylene (E) at a pressure of approximately 1000 psi and a temperature of approximately 70°C with AIBN as the free radical initiator. The copolymers obtained, poly(MDP-co-E), were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopy, DSC, and GPC. The copolymers contained 2–15 mol% ester units. MDP was also copolymerized with styrene (S) at 120°C with di-t-butyl peroxide as the initiator to prepare the copolymer, poly(MDP-co-S). The number-average molecular weights of both types of copolymers were in the range of 6000 to 11,000, and the weight-average molecular weights were in the range of 9000 to 17,000. The melting temperatures of poly(MDP-co-E) decreased with increasing ester unit content in the copolymer. For the MDP-S copolymers, the glass transition temperatures decreased with increasing ester unit content. Both poly(MDP-co-E) and poly(MDP-co-S) were degraded by methanolysis, and their molecular weights decreased by the expected amounts based on the ester unit content.
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  • 95
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    Journal of polymers and the environment 6 (1998), S. 67-71 
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Polyhydroxyalkanoates ; cofeeding ; octanoic acid ; butyric acid ; monomer composition
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract It is well known that Pseudomonas oleovorans can utilize sodium octanoate for both cell growth and the synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), but it can utilize sodium butyrate only for limited cell growth and not for the polyester formation when this substrate is the sole carbon source. Therefore, these two substrates were evaluated as cofeeds for the possible incorporation of 3-hydroxybutyryl groups in the resulting PHA. When sodium butyrate and sodium octanoate were fed to P. oleovorans as cosubstrates in various proportions, the resultant cell density and polymer content were proportional to the amount of sodium octanoate in the feed. The PHA extracted from cells grown in all combinations of these cosubstrates had similar unit compositions of approximately 8 mole % 3-hydroxyhexanoate, 91 mole % 3-hydroxyoctanoate and 1 mole % 3-hydroxydecanoate. 3-Hydroxybutyrate units were not detected in any of the PHAs isolated, indicating that these units could not be incorporated in the copolymer synthesized by P. oleovorans either because the cell did not synthesize that monomer or, if it did, the PHA synthase could not copolymerize it with the longer chain monomers.
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  • 96
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Starch ; PHBV ; PHA ; plastic ; blends ; biodegradation ; soil ; compost
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract Injection molded specimens were prepared by blending poly (hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate) (PHBV) with cornstarch. Blended formulations incorporated 30% or 50% starch in the presence or absence of poly-(ethylene oxide) (PEO), which enhances the adherence of starch granules to PHBV. These formulations were evaluated for their biodegradability in natural compost by measuring changes in physical and chemical properties over a period of 125 days. The degradation of plastic material, as evidenced by weight loss and deterioration in tensile properties, correlated with the amount of starch present in the blends (neat PHBV 〈 30% starch 〈 50% starch). Incorporation of PEO into starch-PHBV blends had little or no effect on the rate of weight loss. Starch in blends degraded faster than PHBV and it accelerated PHBV degradation. Also, PHBV did not retard starch degradation. After 125 days of exposure to compost, neat PHBV lost 7% of its weight (0.056% weight loss/day), while the PHBV component of a 50% starch blend lost 41% of its weight (0.328% weight loss/day). PHB and PHV moieties within the copolymer degraded at similar rates, regardless of the presence of starch, as determined by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. GPC analyses revealed that, while the number average molecular weight (Mn) of PHBV in all exposed samples decreased, there was no significant difference in this decrease between neat PHBV as opposed to PHBV blended with starch. SEM showed homogeneously distributed starch granules embedded in a PHBV matrix, typical of a filler material. Starch granules were rapidly depleted during exposure to compost, increasing the surface area of the PHBV matrix.
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  • 97
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Biodegradation ; compost ; epoxy-based polyester
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract An epoxy-based thermoplastic polyester, poly(hydroxy ester ether), was incubated under aerobic conditions in a laboratory-scale compost system for 168 days to evaluate its potential for biodegradation. Radiolabeled test polymer [uniformly 14C ring-labeled, poly(hydroxy ester ether)] was incorporated into a mature compost and a sludge-amended compost at a loading of ∼3 mg test polymer/g compost. 14C-Cellulose was used as the positive control and a biologically inhibited control reactor was used to assess abiotic degradation of the test polymer. Degradation of the test polymer was assessed by measuring the amount of 14C-CO2 from each of the test reactors. In addition, at selected time intervals subsamples of the compost were collected and serially extracted with water, methanol, and dimethylformamide to monitor degradation of the 14C-test polymer and provide a partial characterization of the degradation intermediates. Extensive degradation of 14C-poly(hydroxy ester ether) was observed in the test reactors with degradation half-life of the parent polymer (t 1/2) of approximately 32 days. By the end of the study, only 2% of the total 14C activity in the test reactors was attributed to intact polymer, with most of the measurable 14C activity converted to either 14C-CO2 (26% of total 14C activity) or nonextractable products (accounting for ∼60% of the total activity). In contrast to the test reactors, only 3% of the 14C-poly(hydroxy ester ether) added to the biologically inhibited control reactor was mineralized to 14C-CO2. The results obtained from the microbially active and biologically inhibited compost systems indicate that the poly(hydroxy ester ether) polymer was degraded, at least in part, by a biologically mediated process.
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  • 98
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    Journal of polymers and the environment 6 (1998), S. 197-202 
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Starch ; cellulose ; biodegradation ; ISO/DIS 14855:1997 ; ASTM D 5338-92 ; priming effect
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract In order to verify the response of the controlled composting test method (i.e., the ISO/DIS 14855:1997, the ASTM D 5338-92, or the CEN counterpart) to starch at different concentrations, the maximum amount prescribed by the test method (100 g) and lower amounts (60 and 30 g), as if starch were a coingredient in a blend, were tested. After 44 days of incubation (at a constant temperature of 58°C) the biodegradation curves were in a plateau phase, displaying the following final values (referred to a nominal starch initial amount of 100 g): starch 100 g, 97.5%; starch 60 g, 63.7%; and starch 30 g, 32.5%. The data show a CO2 evolution roughly equal, in each case, to the theoretical maximum, indicating a complete starch mineralization. We cannot discern whether the deviations found at lower concentrations are caused by a priming effect. In any case, the extent of the deviations is not high and is acceptable in biodegradation studies. The average biodegradation of cellulose, obtained gathering four independent experiments with 11 biodegradation curves, turned out to be 96.8 ± 6.7% (SD) after 47 ± 1 days. The data indicate that the controlled composting is a reliable test method also for starch and cellulose and, consequently, for starch-based and cellulose-based materials.
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  • 99
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    Journal of polymers and the environment 6 (1998), S. 31-41 
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Polylactic acid ; hydrolysis ; autocatalysis ; polycaprolactone
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract Polylactic acid (PLA) is a hydrolytically degradable aliphatic polyester. The rate of polymer hydrolysis increases with time, and that has been attributed to the high reactivity of the terminal ester and the kinetics of autocatalysis. Hydrolysis is carried out in an acetonitrile/water solution to eliminate any solid-state contributions such as diffusion and crystallinity to the degradation process. A kinetic equation is derived to describe the autocatalytic effect of the increasing carboxylic acid end-group concentration. The results of solution hydrolysis are examined and found to fit the derived equation. Hydrolysis was also carried out with polycaprolactone (PCL) in acetonitrile, where reaction kinetics were found to differ from those of PLA. The PCL polymer required external acid catalysis by the addition of HCl, whereas hydrolysis of PLA was “selfcatalyzed” by the carboxylic acid end-groups.
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  • 100
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    Journal of polymers and the environment 6 (1998), S. 73-78 
    ISSN: 1572-8900
    Keywords: Biodegradation ; chemical modification ; ion exchange ; lignocellulose
    Source: Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
    Topics: Chemistry and Pharmacology , Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering , Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Production Engineering, Mining and Metallurgy, Traffic Engineering, Precision Mechanics
    Notes: Abstract Quaternized, crosslinked sugarcane bagasse can adsorb anionic dyes from textile wastewater. Disposal of dye-saturated adsorbent by composting or land application would require that modifications made to the bagasse do not interfere with its decomposition. The impact of quaternization and crosslinking on bagasse biodegradability was examined. Bagasse in varying states of modification was mixed with soil and monitored for carbon dioxide evolution for four weeks at 27°C. After subtracting the amount of carbon evolved from control soil samples, the net carbon evolved from the bagasse samples was determined and used as a measure of their extent of biodegradation. Biodegradability decreased in the order: bagasse (approx. 60% degraded after four weeks) 〉 quaternized bagasse 〉 quaternized, epichlorohydrin-crosslinked bagasse 〉 quaternized, methylene-bis-acrylamide-crosslinked bagasse 〉 epichlorohydrin-crosslinked bagasse (less than 5% degraded). Crosslinking severely impacted biodegration, probably by preventing the penetration of (hemi)cellulytic and lignolytic enzymes into the interior of the modified bagasse particles. It is concluded that the biodegradability of quaternized, crosslinked bagasse is too low for composting or land application.
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