Digital Commons Network^™

Obstacles In Launching A Participatory Group Discussion And Modelling Process, S. Panebianco, Claudia Pahl-Wostl

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

The combination of model-building and group discussions seems to be a promising approach to support learning processes among stakeholders involved in management problems since it allows combining factual analysis and qualitative and quantitative model simulations with an analysis of subjective perceptions and mental models. However, the step of launching such a participatory process might fail due a lack of willingness of the stakeholders to participate in the process. This paper reports about an attempt to involve a specific group of stakeholders and the problems encountered during this process. Although the stakeholders mentioned different reasons, the most important but primarily hidden …

Application Of Genetic Algorithms For The Optimisation Of Multi-Pollutant Multi-Effect Problems, Stefan Reis, Steffen Nitter, Rainer Friedrich

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

In this paper, crucial aspects of the implications and the complexity of interconnected multipollutantmulti-effect assessments of both air pollution control strategies and the closely related reduction ofGreenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions will be discussed. The main aims of the work described here are to identifythe core problems which occur when trying to apply current state-of-the-art methodology to conductintegrated assessments – in this context, cost-benefit assessment (CBA) as well as cost-effectivenessassessment (CEA) – using sophisticated computer models and propose solutions to the problems identified.The approaches described will display the integrated use of databases, efficient Genetic Algorithms (GA) andalready existing software tools and …

A Methodology For Knowledge Reuse: Application In The Automatic Generation Of Operational Protocols For Wastewater Treatment Plants, Clàudia Turon, Manel Poch, Ulises Cortés

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

During the preliminary stages of many engineering design tasks, the underlying search space isunbounded and inexact. Initial decisions are made when information is incomplete and many goals arecontradictory. This sort of problem appeared in Catalonia for the identification of appropriate wastewatertreatment systems in small communities, as well as for proposing appropriate operational and maintenanceprotocols to these facilities. In this case, the Catalan Water Agency proposed to develop two EnvironmentalDecision Support Systems (EDSS), one to support the selection of the optimal treatment (EDSS-treatment)and another one to support the definition of appropriated operational and maintenance guides (EDSSmaintenance).This paper presents a methodology for …

Integrating Water Quality Models In The High Level Architecture (Hla) Environment, K. -E Lindenschmidt, F. B. Hesser, M. Rode

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

HLA (High Level Architecture) is a computer architecture for constructing distributed simulations.It facilitates interoperability among different simulations and simulation types and promotes reuse ofsimulation software modules. The core of the HLA is the Run-Time Infrastructure (RTI) that providesservices to start and stop a simulation execution, to transfer data between interoperating simulations, tocontrol the amount and routing of data that is passed, and to co-ordinate the passage of simulated time amongthe simulations. The authors are not aware of any HLA applications in the field of water resourcesmanagement. The development of such a system is underway at the UFZ – Centre for …

Numerical Modelling For Studying The Impact Of Urban Air Pollution In Natural Reserves Around Setúbal City, C. Gouveia, R. Cerdeira, J. M. Garcia, M. Nogueira, L. M. R. Coelho

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Numerical modelling was used to study the impact of urban air pollution from Setúbal City intwo important natural reserves. Setúbal is a city in the middle south Portugal with a large residentpopulation, important industry and intense traffic activities. There is an important harbour, which isresponsible for intense heavy vehicle traffic. Setúbal is surrounded by two natural reserves, a mountain(Arrábida) and a river delta (Sado River). There is also an important tourist zone near Setúbal withimportant beaches and tourist activities. The main pollutants considered in this study were SO2, Particles,NOx, CO, and VOC. A range of numerical models there was used …

Investigating Spatial Pattern Comparison Methods For Distributed Hydrological Model Assessment, S. R. Wealands, R. B. Grayson, J. P. Walker

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Distributed hydrological models combine observations and knowledge about a hydrological system to make spatial predictions of hydrological attributes. These models require methods to assess their performance at spatial prediction. The current practice for assessment is simplistic. For qualitative assessment, simulated spatial patterns are compared visually against an observed pattern to assess their spatial similarity. To obtain a quantitative measure of similarity, each individual location is numerically compared to produce either a mean squared error (MSE) or correlation statistic. Both of these comparisons have their limitations. The visual comparison is subjective and the numerical comparison generally ignores the spatial structure of …

Supporting The Strategic Objectives Of Participative Water Resources Management; An Evaluation Of The Performance Of Four Ict Tools, A. Swinford, Brian Mcintosh, P. Jeffrey

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Article 14 of the Water Framework Directive promotes a social learning model of participative planning and creates a broader stakeholder and public constituency for water management. Such natural resource management processes are key testing grounds for the development of new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) tools designed to support wider citizen participation in local and regional governance. Several types of purpose designed ICT tool are available, but there is a distinct lack of empirical research into their design and effectiveness. Strategic objectives performance take the central role in the work reported here. Six strategic objectives of the use of ICT …

Infiltration Of Stormwater In A Rain Garden: Richards Equation Numerical Model And Field Experiment, Alejandro R. Dussaillant

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Traditional stormwater management does not mitigate groundwater depletion resulting from groundwater pumping and reduction in recharge. Infiltration practices, such as rain gardens, offer a potentially effective approach for addressing groundwater depletion. A rain garden is a landscaped garden in a shallow depression that receives the stormwater from nearby impervious surfaces, focusing recharge. We have developed a numerical model that can be applied in rain garden design and evaluation. Water flow through the rain garden soil is modeled over three layers- a root zone, a middle storage layer of high conductivity, and a subsoil lower layer. To continuously simulate recharge, runoff …

An Approach For Calculating The Turbulent Transfer Coefficient Inside The Sparse Tall Vegetation, Dragutin T. Mihailović, M. Budincevic, B. Lalic, D. Kapor

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

The sparse tall grass significantly affects the heat and moisture exchange in the lower atmosphere through the turbulent transfer coefficient inside its environment. Common approaches for calculation of turbulent transfer coefficient inside the tall grass environment are based on the assumption that it depends either on wind speed or mixing length inside the canopy. In this paper we suggested a new approach for calculating the turbulent transfer coefficient inside the sparse tall vegetation. In that sense we first derived an equation for the turbulent transfer coefficient inside the sparse tall grass using the “sandwich” approach for representation of vegetation, then …

Integrated Modeling Of Cadmium And Zinc Contamination In Groundwater And Surface Water Of The Kempen Region, The Netherlands, Bas Van Der Grift, Hilde Passier, Joachim Rozemeijer, Jasper Griffioen

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

Regional modeling of subsurface cadmium and zinc transport in a diffusely polluted area in the south of the Netherlands is the subject of this study. The atmospheric deposition of cadmium and zinc was caused by three zinc-ore smelters (point sources of emission). Agriculture and other sources of heavy metals are small compared to the atmospheric deposition in the vicinity of the smelters. A coupled unsaturated and saturated zone flow and transport model was used to assess and predict reactive transport of cadmium and zinc in three different catchments in the area. For cadmium an extensive set of modeling results is …

Modelling Conditional Correlations In International Tourism Demand, Felix Chan, Michael Mcaleer, Christine Lim

International Congress on Environmental Modelling and Software

International tourism demand, or tourist arrivals, to Australia has recently experienced dramatic fluctuations due to changes in the economic, financial and political environment. However, variations in tourism demand, specifically the conditional variance, or volatility, have not previously been investigated. An analysis of such volatility is essential for investigating the effects of shocks in tourism demand models. This paper models the conditional mean and conditional variance of the logarithm of the monthly tourist arrival rate from the four leading tourism source countries to Australia, namely Japan, New Zealand, UK and USA, using three multivariate static or constant conditional correlation (CCC) volatility …

Toward An Anthropology Of Apotheosis In Mozart's Magic Flute: A Demonstration Of The Artistic Universality And Vitality Of Certain "Peculiar" Latter-Day Saint Doctrines, Alan F. Keele

BYU Studies

It seems there are certain notions held by Latter-day Saints, deviating almost diametrically from those promulgated by orthodox Christianity, that have the power to evoke form certain conservative Christian quarters the most vituperative fulminations. One thinks immediately of the idea expounded by Joseph Smith at King Follett's funeral that humans have the potential to become gods through a process of perfection experienced by the gods themselves. The orthodox response to this notion in the form of the Godmakers films and other manifestations of righteous indignation has been extraordinary. The paradox, however, is this: Scratch the orthodox surface of Christianity, explore …

A Two-Level Engine For Tagalog Morphology And A Structured Xml Output For Pc-Kimmo, Hans J. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

This paper presents a two-level morphological description of Tagalog for use in PC-Kimmo and a mechanism created for updating the results output from PC-Kimmo in order to meet the standards for current database and natural language processing applications.

There are two main research tasks presented in this paper which constituted this project. First, a complete morphological engine for Tagalog is presented. Next, a tool is introduced that takes the morphological engine output and stores it in XML format.

Preface, Paul E. Kerry

BYU Studies

The multidisciplinary appeal and what Goethe called the "generative force" of Mozart's opera The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte, 1791) is abundantly evident in the diversity of perspectives represented in this special issue of BYU Studies: anthropology, art history, comparative literature, the classical tradition, Egyptology, English, German, history, management studies, law, music, religion, theater and media studies, and vocal performance.

Dynamic Element Matching Techniques For Delta-Sigma Adcs With Large Internal Quantizers, Brent C. Nordick

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents two methods that enable high internal quantizer resolution in delta-sigma analog-to-digital converters. Increasing the quantizer resolution in a delta-sigma modulator can increase SNR, improve stability and reduce integrator power consumption. However, each added bit of quantizer resolution also causes an exponential increase in the power dissipation, required area and complexity of the dynamic element matching (DEM) circuit required to attenuate digital-to-analog converter (DAC) mismatch errors. One way to overcome these drawbacks is to segment the feedback signal, creating a "coarse" signal and a "fine" signal. This reduces the DEM circuit complexity, power dissipation, and size. However, it …

An Examination Of Perceptions For Family Acculturation, Family Leisure Involvement, And Family Functioning Among Mexican-Americans, Owen D. Christenson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between acculturation and aspects of family functioning (cohesion and adaptability) and family leisure involvement from Mexican-American parent, youth, and family perspectives. Acculturation of parents, youth, and families was measured using the Bidimensional Acculturation Scale for Hispanics (BAS). Family leisure involvement was measured using the Family Leisure Activity Profile (FLAP). Aspects of family functioning were measured using the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES II). Sociodemographic variables such as age, gender, generation, family size, income, and education were also used to help predict levels of acculturation for family perspectives. The …

Treatment Of Hypertriglyceridemia With Omega-3 Fatty Acids: A Systematic Review, Amanda Gloria Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: To 1) critically appraise available randomized controlled trials (RTCs) addressing the efficacy of long-chain ω-3 fatty acids as a secondary prevention agent of hypertriglyceridemia, and 2) make recommendations for clinical practice.

Data Sources: All RCTs identified from several databases from 1993-2003 were reviewed by two independent reviewers who extracted data from each study and used the previously tested Boyack and Lookinland Methodological Quality Index (MQI) to determine study quality.

Results: Ten studies reported long-chain ω-3 fatty acids to be effective in the treatment of hypertriglyceridemia. The average decrease in triglycerides (TG) was 29%, total cholesterol (TC) 11.6%, very low …

Hearing The Difference: A Computer-Based Speech-Perception Diagnostic Tool For Non-Native Speakers Of English, Justin Reed Shewell

Theses and Dissertations

This project was completed to fill a need in the field of pronunciation teaching and learning by providing a computer-based, speech-perception diagnostic tool that helps determine learners' problem areas in the perception of English speech. Current diagnostic tools are few and very limited in their scope and application in the language classroom. The Perception of Spoken English Test diagnoses learners' specific speech perception problems, alerting teachers to areas that require special attention in a particular course or lesson. This project involved the development, production, piloting, evaluation, and revision of a computer-based instrument in an intensive English program. The data collected …

Load Balancing Parallel Explicit State Model Checking, Rahul Kumar

Theses and Dissertations

This research first identifies some of the key concerns about the techniques and algorithms developed for distributed and parallel model checking; specifically, the inherent problem with load balancing and large queue sizes resultant in a static partition algorithm. This research then presents a load balancing algorithm to improve the run time performance in distributed model checking, reduce maximum queue size, and reduce the number of states expanded before error discovery. The load balancing algorithm is based on Generalized Dimension Exchange (GDE). This research presents an empirical analysis of the GDE based load balancing algorithm on three different supercomputing architectures---distributed memory …

Pressurized Hot Water And Dtpa-Sorbitol, Viable Alternatives For Soil Boron Extraction, Amanda Kathryn Shiffler

Theses and Dissertations

Pressurized hot water and DTPA-Sorbitol are two relatively new soil boron (B) extraction methods with potential to replace the cumbersome hot water extraction. The objective of this research is to produce data in support of acceptance or rejection of these two alternative B extractions. The three soil tests were used to extract B from samples of calcareous sand and silt loam and limed, loamy fine sand treated with 10 levels of B and incubated for 7 and 28 d. As B application increased so did extractable B with each extraction method. High correlations (r of 0.977 to 0.999) were observed …

The Effects Of Premarital Sexual Promiscuity On Subsequent Marital Sexual Satisfaction, Sherie Christensen

Theses and Dissertations

A satisfying sexual relationship is an important aspect of general marital satisfaction. Considering that most people will marry, understanding the factors influencing marital sexual satisfaction becomes important in understanding what makes happy, satisfied relationships and individuals in our society. This study builds on previous research, which has indicated that there are a number of "risky factors" associated with having numerous premarital sexual partners, by demonstrating that there are risks associated with the future marital relationship. Using exchange theory concepts, this study empirically examines the relationship between premarital sexual promiscuity and marital sexual satisfaction. The sample included 313 married males and …

Mechanism Governing The Cellular Susceptibility To Secretory Phospholipase A2, Lauren Blackburn Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

Secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is an important part of apoptosis and disposal of damaged and dying cells. However, healthy cells are not susceptible to attack by sPLA2. Recent studies have focused on membrane properties necessary to induce susceptibility in both artificial and biological membranes. Hydrolysis of phospholipids by sPLA2 requires at least two preliminary steps: first, adsorption of the enzyme to the cellular membrane, and second, movement of a phospholipid into the active site of the enzyme. We determined the effects of susceptibility on each of the two steps and determined the contributions changing the equilibrium constants have on susceptibility. …

The Development Of An Accelerated Testing Facility For The Study Of Deposits In Land-Based Gas Turbine Engines, Jared Wilfred Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

Turbine engine efficiency modeling depends on many parameters related to fluid dynamics and heat transfer. Many of these parameters change dynamically once the engine enters service and begins to experience surface degradation. This thesis presents a validation of the design and operation of an accelerated testing facility for the study of foreign deposit layers typical to the operation of land-based gas turbines. It also reports on the use of this facility in an effort to characterize the change in thermal resistance on the surface of turbine blades as deposits accumulate. The facility was designed to produce turbine deposits in a …

An Examination Of The Meaning Of Family Recreational Storytelling Among Parents And Their Adult Children, Kelly Gagalis-Hoffman

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the role and function of family recreational storytelling across the lifespan from the perspective of parents and their adult children. Twelve adults, (six pairs of adult children and their parents) were interviewed. Questions focused on ascertaining the meaning of storytelling (including the role, purpose, and function) from the perspectives of the parents and children from the same family unit. Interviews were transcribed and themes were identified and reported. Participants reported that stories generated feelings of safety, comfort, and security, and often helped create a sense of importance and belonging for individual family …

Couples Sharing Recovery From A Husband's Addiction To Pornography: A Qualitative Study, Spencer T. Zitzman

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated the therapy process for married couples recovering from addictive use of pornography. The author's proposal was that in conjoint couple therapy, clinicians are able to help organize the relationship to sponsor recovery while helping both members of the relationship heal individually. The prevalence and effects of pornography are discussed through a review of the current literature. Six couples were interviewed following the termination of their treatment in marital therapy to gain a holistic view of the process of recovery and gain groundwork for future development of a concise model of treatment. Results demonstrated that an increase in …

Design Of An Autopilot For Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Reed Siefert Christiansen

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the design of an autopilot capable of flying small unmanned aerial vehicles with wingspans less then 21 inches. The autopilot is extremely small and lightweight allowing it to fit in aircraft of this size. The autopilot features an advanced, highly autonomous flight control system with auto-launch and auto-landing algorithms. These features allow the autopilot to be operated by a wide spectrum of skilled and unskilled users. Innovative control techniques implemented in software, coupled with light weight, robust, and inexpensive hardware components were used in the design of the autopilot.

Coordinated Regional And City Planning Using A Genetic Algorithm, Michael B. Lowry

Theses and Dissertations

Improved methods of planning are needed to deal with today's issues of traffic congestion, sprawl, and loss of greenspace. Past research and recent legislation call for new methods that will consider a regional perspective. Regional planning is challenged with two difficult questions:

1.Is it possible to achieve regional goals without infringing upon the local autonomy of city planners?

2.Is it possible to objectively analyze the thousands, even millions, of land use and transportation plans to find the best design?

Metropolitan regions across the country have made great efforts to answer the first question. Unfortunately, effective methods for harmonizing the goals …

Platinum Group Element Mineralization In "Ballrooms" Of The J-M Reef Of The Stillwater Complex, Montana, Matthew P. Harper

Theses and Dissertations

The J-M Reef of the Stillwater Complex, Montana (a large layered mafic intrusion), is one of the highest grade platinum group element (PGE) deposits known in the world, producing primarily palladium and platinum in a 3.4:1 ratio. "Ballrooms" of the Stillwater Complex are anomalously wide areas within or stratigraphically below the J-M Reef that host platinum group element mineralization. Ballrooms have two typical morphologies (type 1 and type 2); the first is an abrupt thickening of the mineralization that extends below the Reef Package and the second is a gentle widening of the Reef Package and associated reef mineralization to …

A New Approach To Lie Symmetry Groups Of Minimal Surfaces, Robert D. Berry

Theses and Dissertations

The Lie symmetry groups of minimal surfaces by way of planar harmonic functions are determined. It is shown that a symmetry group acting on the minimal surfaces is isomorphic with H × H^2 — the analytic functions and the harmonic functions. A subgroup of this gives a generalization of the associated family which is examined.

Effects Of Friction Stir Processing On The Microstructure And Mechanical Properties Of Fusion Welded 304l Stainless Steel, Colin J. Sterling

Theses and Dissertations

Friction stir processing (FSP) has been utilized to locally process regions of arc weldments in 304L stainless steel to improve the microstructure and mechanical performance. The cast microstructure and coarse delta-ferrite has been replaced with a fine-grained wrought microstructure. Furthermore, twins were introduced throughout the friction stir processed region. Although sub-surface sigma and carbides were introduced during FSP, their presence is not expected to adversely affect the resulting mechanical or corrosion properties of friction stir processed 304L arc welds. The resulting mechanical properties of FS processed weldments were also an improvement over as-welded arc welds. FSP resulted in an increase …