Quantification of sewer leakage by a continuous tracer method

2011 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 132-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Prigiobbe ◽  
M. Giulianelli
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Structural Damage ◽  
Laboratory Tests ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Tracer Method ◽  
Catchment Scale ◽  
Chemical Tracers ◽  
Challenging Tasks ◽  
Dry Weather Flow

Water authorities interested in the evaluation of the structural state of a sewer must quantify leakage to plan strategic intervention. However, the quantification of the exfiltration and the localisation of structural damage are challenging tasks that usually require expensive and time-consuming inspections. Herein, we report one of the first applications of the QUEST-C method to quantify the exfiltration in a continuously operating sewer by dosing two chemical tracers, sodium bromide (NaBr) and lithium chloride (LiCl). The method was applied at the catchment scale in a 14-year-old sewer in Rome, Italy. Preliminary laboratory tests, field measurements, and numerical simulations showed that reliable results require the QUEST-C method to be applied to sewers without lateral inflows, during periods of quasi-steady flow, and that the travel time of the NaBr tracer is minimised. Three sewer reaches were tested and the estimated exfiltration, as a fraction of the dry weather flow (DWF), increased from 0.128 in the agricultural area to 0.208 in the urban area. Although our estimates are at the lower end of the range given in the literature (0.01–0.56 DWF), the exfiltration was not negligible, and interventions should focus on the sewers in urban areas. This illustrates the capability of the QUEST-C method to guide strategic intervention at low cost and without an interruption of sewer operation. However, careful interpretation of the results is recommended for sewers with many lateral inflows, where leakage may be overestimated.

scholarly journals Accuracy of the Dynamic Acoustic Map in a Large City Generated by Fixed Monitoring Units

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 412 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Benocci ◽  
Chiara Confalonieri ◽  
Hector Eduardo Roman ◽  
Fabio Angelini ◽  
Giovanni Zambon
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Flow ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Large City ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Life Project ◽  
Noise Data ◽  
Comparable Accuracy ◽  
Monitoring Stations

DYNAMAP, a European Life project, aims at giving a real image of the noise generated by vehicular traffic in urban areas developing a dynamic acoustic map based on a limited number of low-cost permanent noise monitoring stations. The system has been implemented in two pilot areas located in the agglomeration of Milan (Italy) and along the Motorway A90 (Rome-Italy). The paper reports the final assessment of the system installed in the pilot area of Milan. Traffic noise data collected by the monitoring stations, each one representative of a number of roads (groups) sharing similar characteristics (e.g., daily traffic flow), are used to build-up a “real-time” noise map. In particular, we focused on the results of the testing campaign (21 sites distributed over the pilot area and 24 h duration of each recording). It allowed evaluating the accuracy and reliability of the system by comparing the predicted noise level of DYNAMAP with field measurements in randomly selected sites. To this end, a statistical analysis has been implemented to determine the error associated with such prediction, and to optimize the system by developing a correction procedure aimed at keeping the error below some acceptable threshold. The steps and the results of this procedure are given in detail. It is shown that it is possible to describe a complex road network on the basis of a statistical approach, complemented by empirical data, within a threshold of 3 dB provided that the traffic flow model achieves a comparable accuracy within each single groups of roads in the network.

scholarly journals Measurement of Air Pollution Parameters in Montenegro Using the Ecomar System

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
pp. 6565
Author(s):  
Nikola Zaric ◽  
Velibor Spalevic ◽  
Nikola Bulatovic ◽  
Nikola Pavlicevic ◽  
Branislav Dudic
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Quality Measurement ◽  
Field Tests ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Extensive Study ◽  
Laboratory Research ◽  
Time Data ◽  
The Right

Particulate matter air pollution is one of the most dangerous pollutants nowadays and an indirect cause of numerous diseases. A number of these consequences could possibly be avoided if the right information about air pollution were available at a large number of locations, especially in urban areas. Unfortunately, this is not the case today. In the whole of Europe, there are just approximately 3000 automated measuring stations for PM10, and only about 1400 stations equipped for PM2.5 measurement. In order to improve this issue and provide availability of real-time data about air pollution, different low-cost sensor-based solutions are being considered both on-field and in laboratory research. In this paper, we will present the results of PM particle monitoring using a self-developed Ecomar system. Measurements are performed in two cities in Montenegro, at seven different locations during several periods. In total, three Ecomar systems were used during 1107 days of on-field measurements. Measurements performed at two locations near official automated measuring stations during 610 days justified that the Ecomar system performance is satisfying in terms of reliability and measurement precision (NRMSE 0.33 for PM10 and 0.44 for PM2.5) and very high in terms of data validity and operating stability (Ecomar 94.13%–AMS 95.63%). Additionally, five distant urban/rural locations with different traffic, green areas, and nearby industrial objects were utilized to highlight the need for more dense spatial distributions of measuring locations. To our knowledge, this is the most extensive study of low-cost sensor-based air quality measurement systems in terms of the duration of the on-field tests in the Balkan region.

Tenants' Satisfaction in High Residential Building

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
UMMU SHOLEHAH MOHD NOR
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Residential Buildings ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Residential Building ◽  
Real Estate Market ◽  
The Real Estate ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
Considerable Impact ◽  
Residential Living ◽  
Medium Cost

High residential living in Malaysia has not been widely given a significant emphasises in literature despite its increasing scale and significance in the real estate market. The significance of high rise is mainly due the increasing rate of migration from rural to urban. It is estimated a total of 77.2 percent of the Malaysian population lived in urban areas in 2020. Approximately, 30 percent of this urban population lives in strata housing. These percentages are predicted to continue to increase in the future. The emergence of high residential building has been argued as confronting various problems which has considerable impact on this life style. Satisfaction is an important outcome of living in one’s dwelling, although it is not the only consideration. High residential building in Malaysia encountered numerous problems in term of management aspects, legislation aspects, and residents’ satisfaction. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tenants’ satisfaction living in high residential buildings in Klang Valley. The questionnaires survey is conducted amongst 276 tenants at low cost and medium cost HRB using random sampling in HRB located at areas under jurisdiction Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL), Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ), Majlis Bandaraya Shah Alam (MBSA), Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ), Majlis Perbandaran Selayang (MPS) and Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ). The result from this study shows that tenant in medium cost residential building are more satisfied in term of facilities and management as compared to tenants in low cost residential building. Tenants also not disclosed to the existing act and procedure related to high residential building. In conclusion, this study suggested the Local Authority to emphasise the role of tenant. These recommendation hopefully will increase the level of satisfaction amongst the residents in HRB.

scholarly journals Predicting Excavation-Induced Tunnel Response by Process-Based Modelling

Complexity ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Linlong Mu ◽  
Jianhong Lin ◽  
Zhenhao Shi ◽  
Xingyu Kang
Keyword(s):  
Soil Properties ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Inverse Modelling ◽  
Machine Learning Techniques ◽  
Interaction Patterns ◽  
Support Structures ◽  
Interaction Processes ◽  
Excavation Support ◽  
Artificial Neural Network Ann

Potential damages to existing tunnels represent a major concern for constructing deep excavations in urban areas. The uncertainty of subsurface conditions and the nonlinear interactions between multiple agents (e.g., soils, excavation support structures, and tunnel structures) make the prediction of the response of tunnel induced by adjacent excavations a rather difficult and complex task. This paper proposes an initiative to solve this problem by using process-based modelling, where information generated from the interaction processes between soils, structures, and excavation activities is utilized to gradually reduce uncertainty related to soil properties and to learn the interaction patterns through machine learning techniques. To illustrate such a concept, this paper presents a simple process-based model consisting of artificial neural network (ANN) module, inverse modelling module, and mechanistic module. The ANN module is trained to learn and recognize the patterns of the complex interactions between excavation deformations, its geometries and support structures, and soil properties. The inverse modelling module enables a gradual reduction of uncertainty associated with soil characterizations by accumulating field observations during the construction processes. Based on the inputs provided by the former two modules, the mechanistic module computes the response of tunnel. The effectiveness of the proposed process-based model is evaluated against high-fidelity numerical simulations and field measurements. These evaluations suggest that the strategy of combining artificial intelligence techniques with information generated during interaction processes can represent a promising approach to solve complex engineering problems in conventional industries.

scholarly journals Understanding Spatial Variability of NO2 in Urban Areas Using Spatial Modelling and Data Fusion Approaches

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 179
Author(s):  
Said Munir ◽  
Martin Mayfield ◽  
Daniel Coca
Keyword(s):  
Data Fusion ◽  
Spatial Variability ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Dispersion Model ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Spatial Modelling ◽  
City Centre ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
The City

Small-scale spatial variability in NO2 concentrations is analysed with the help of pollution maps. Maps of NO2 estimated by the Airviro dispersion model and land use regression (LUR) model are fused with measured NO2 concentrations from low-cost sensors (LCS), reference sensors and diffusion tubes. In this study, geostatistical universal kriging was employed for fusing (integrating) model estimations with measured NO2 concentrations. The results showed that the data fusion approach was capable of estimating realistic NO2 concentration maps that inherited spatial patterns of the pollutant from the model estimations and adjusted the modelled values using the measured concentrations. Maps produced by the fusion of NO2-LCS with NO2-LUR produced better results, with r-value 0.96 and RMSE 9.09. Data fusion adds value to both measured and estimated concentrations: the measured data are improved by predicting spatiotemporal gaps, whereas the modelled data are improved by constraining them with observed data. Hotspots of NO2 were shown in the city centre, eastern parts of the city towards the motorway (M1) and on some major roads. Air quality standards were exceeded at several locations in Sheffield, where annual mean NO2 levels were higher than 40 µg/m3. Road traffic was considered to be the dominant emission source of NO2 in Sheffield.

scholarly journals Multidisciplinary Approach to Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer: A Comprehensive Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (12) ◽  
pp. 615-622 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tomás Reinert ◽  
Susana Ramalho ◽  
Rodrigo Gonçalves ◽  
Carlos Barrios ◽  
Marcia Graudenz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Endocrine Therapy ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Hormone Receptor ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Locally Advanced Breast Cancer ◽  
Locally Advanced ◽  
Breast Cancers ◽  
Neoadjuvant Endocrine Therapy

AbstractBreast cancer is the most common type of cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide. Hormone receptor-positive (HR+) tumors represent the most common form of this disease, with more than 70% of breast cancers expressing these receptors. Response and benefit to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) varies according to HR expression, with lower responses in luminal tumors as compared with hormone receptor-negative (HR-) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2+) tumors. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy (NET) is an option for selected patients with HR+ locally advanced breast cancer. Neoadjuvant endocrine therapy has a favorable toxicity profile, and is associated with benefits such as having low cost and being more easily available even for cancer care professionals outside major urban areas or tertiary centers. These factors are particularly relevant, as 70% of breast cancer deaths occur in women from low-income and middle-income countries. Additionally, NET is being increasingly explored, not simply to allow for less extensive surgery, but also as a scientific tool, with the use of biomarkers to predict outcomes in adjuvant trials and for the individual patient. This review details the current and most relevant evidence about NET for breast cancer as well as the future directions of this field.

New Results of Using the Light Trap for Collecting Beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera) in the Urban Environment (on the Example of Saratov)

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 72-78
Author(s):  
A.S. Sazhnev ◽  
◽  
V.V. Anikin ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Invasive Species ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Harmonia Axyridis ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Light Trap ◽  
Ecological Groups ◽  
Light Traps ◽  
Adventitious Species ◽  
First Time ◽  
Stegobium Paniceum

The article presents the results of research of the using light traps (luminescent lamp Actinic 6W) for collecting Coleoptera in the Saratov city. Entomological material was collected by the second author in the period from 1.06 to 2.10.2019. In 2019, 52 species of Coleoptera of 22 families from different ecological groups were recorded. A relatively high proportion of adventitious species remains in 17.3– 30.7% of the presented fauna was presented. For two years the 14 species of alien and cryptogenic Coleoptera species were observed, that is 24.5% of the adventive fauna of the Saratov Province. Among invasive species Attagenus smirnovi, Stegobium paniceum, Atomaria lewisi, Harmonia axyridis, Gnatocerus cornutus, and Orchestes steppensis were record for the first time in 2019. It to use bringing on light as one of the available and low-cost ways to identify alien and cryptogenic organisms in urban areas is recommended.

An Innovative Low Cost Well Monitoring Solution: W.A.N.D

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jean Grégoire Boero Rollo ◽  
John Richard Ordonez Varela ◽  
Tayssir Ben Ghzaiel ◽  
Cedric Mouanga ◽  
Arnaud Luxey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Low Power ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Complex Environment ◽  
Sensor Device ◽  
Magnetic Field Measurements ◽  
Pipeline Monitoring ◽  
Harsh Conditions

Abstract Wireless Autonomous Nano-sensor Device (WAND) system is a disruptive cost-effective micro-system for well monitoring. It allows to realize pressure, temperature, inertial, and magnetic field measurements in harsh conditions; it also offers Bluetooth low-power communication and Wireless charging capabilities. Analysis’ results of an industrial offshore pilot realized in Congo (a world first in O&G industry in such complex environment), and major improvements implemented after this pilot are reported in this paper. Accomplished advancements comprise hardware and software developments extending operation lifetime, and simplifying on-site utilization. To date, there is not a commercial solution of this type in the market, the realization of this project is a real innovation allowing practical and low-cost monitoring during well intervention while minimizing the risks associated with standard Rigless intervention. Other applications regarding dry-tree wells on tension-leg platforms (TLP), drilling and completion operations, and pipeline monitoring are being investigated, too.

Reference-free dynamic displacements of railroad bridges using low-cost sensors

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (9) ◽  
pp. 1291-1305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jose A Gomez ◽  
Ali I Ozdagli ◽  
Fernando Moreu
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Dynamic Data ◽  
Train Derailment ◽  
Railroad Bridges ◽  
Cost System ◽  
Railroad Bridge ◽  
Bridge Crossing ◽  
Bridge Responses ◽  
Free Dynamic

Displacements of railroad bridges under service loads are important parameters in assessing bridge conditions and risk of train derailment, according to railroad bridge managers. Measuring bridge responses in the field is often expensive and challenging due to the high costs of sensing equipment. Consequently, railroad bridge managers typically rent or subcontract field measurements to others or choose not to collect dynamic data in the field and make visual inspections. This article studies the use of a low-cost data acquisition platform to measure reference-free dynamic displacements of railroad bridges by combining low-cost microcontrollers and accelerometers. Researchers used off-the-shelf systems to measure accelerations and reconstructed reference-free displacements from several railroad bridge crossing events by running trains with different levels of serviceability in the laboratory. The results obtained from the proposed low-cost sensors were compared with those of commercial sensing equipment. The results show that low-cost sensors and commercial sensing systems have comparable accuracy. The results of this study show that the proposed platform estimates reference-free displacements with a peak error between 20% and 30% and a root mean square error between 10% and 20%, which is similar to commercial structural health monitoring systems. The proposed low-cost system is approximately 300 times less expensive than the commercial sensing equipment. The ultimate goal of this research is to increase the intelligent assessment of bridges by training owners and inspectors to collect dynamic data of their interest with their own resources.

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