Sewer performance reporting : factors that influence blockages

Managing sewer blockages represents a significant operational challenge for water utilities. In Australia, company-level blockage rates are used to compare the effectiveness of the management strategies of different utilities. Anecdotal evidence suggests this may not be a fair basis for comparison because blockages are influenced by a range of factors beyond management control and that vary from company to company. This issue was investigated as part of a broader research effort on sewer blockage management undertaken in conjunction with the Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) and its members. A Web-based survey was used to collate expert opinion on factors that influence blockage rate. The identified factors were then investigated in an exploratory analysis of blockage-related data provided by two participating utilities, supported by literature reviews. The results indicate that blockage rate is influenced by a range of factors, including asset attributes, climatic conditions, water consumption, and soil type. Since these factors vary from utility to utility, this research supports the assertion that company-level blockage rate is not in itself an appropriate metric for comparing management effectiveness.

Application of GIS in understanding and communicating interaction between environmental parameters and sewer blockages

Sewer main chokes (blockages) are a key performance indicator for Australian water utilities. Blockages caused by tree roots often result in wastewater overflow posing an environmental and health risk and also requiring service interruptions to repair asset. The purpose of the research project outlined in this paper was to understand the role of environmental parameters, in particular soil type and tree density, in determining the propensity of a sewer to become blocked. The paper demonstrates the application of spatial analysis to inform and communicate the results of the analysis. GIS was used to explore the relationship between tree density and previously recorded sewer blockages for a Melbourne utility. Initial results from the research reveal a relationship between increased tree densities and occurrence of sewer blockages. An improved understanding of the influence of environmental parameters on the inherent risk of sewer blockage will enable asset managers to identify those assets requiring proactive management in order to minimise service interruptions, repairs and environmental impacts.

Comparison of eight published static finite element models of the intact lumbar spine : predictive power of models improves when combined together

Finite element (FE) model studies have made important contributions to our understanding of functional biomechanics of the lumbar spine. However, if a model is used to answer clinical and biomechanical questions over a certain population, their inherently large inter-subject variability has to be considered. Current FE model studies, however, generally account only for a single distinct spinal geometry with one set of material properties. This raises questions concerning their predictive power, their range of results and on their agreement with in vitro and in vivo values. Eight well-established FE models of the lumbar spine (L1-5) of different research centres around the globe were subjected to pure and combined loading modes and compared to in vitro and in vivo measurements for intervertebral rotations, disc pressures and facet joint forces. Under pure moment loading, the predicted L1-5 rotations of almost all models fell within the reported in vitro ranges, and their median values differed on average by only 2° for flexion-extension, 1° for lateral bending and 5° for axial rotation. Predicted median facet joint forces and disc pressures were also in good agreement with published median in vitro values. However, the ranges of predictions were larger and exceeded those reported in vitro, especially for the facet joint forces. For all combined loading modes, except for flexion, predicted median segmental intervertebral rotations and disc pressures were in good agreement with measured in vivo values. In light of high inter-subject variability, the generalization of results of a single model to a population remains a concern. This study demonstrated that the pooled median of individual model results, similar to a probabilistic approach, can be used as an improved predictive tool in order to estimate the response of the lumbar spine.

Behaviour of corrugated steel roof cladding under combined wind uplift and racking

During high wind events, crest-fixed profiled steel roof claddings in low-rise buildings can be subjected to combined cyclic wind uplift and in-plane racking (shear) forces. Static and cyclic tests of corrugated steel roof claddings were carried out to investigate the effect of in-plane racking force on the uplift strength, in particular, in relation to the fatigue cracking commonly observed under cyclic wind uplift. The presence of racking force appeared to have insignificant effect on the static and cyclic wind uplift strength. It may therefore be possible to include the diaphragm strength of these claddings in the design of low-rise buildings in a similar manner to valley-fixed claddings. This may lead to a reduction in bracing requirements.

Inside the ‘Hurt Locker’: The combined effects of explosive ordnance disposal and chemical protective clothing on physiological tolerance time in extreme environments

Background Explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians are often required to wear specialised clothing combinations that not only protect against the risk of explosion but also potential chemical contamination. This heavy (>35kg) and encapsulating ensemble is likely to increase physiological strain by increasing metabolic heat production and impairing heat dissipation. This study investigated the physiological tolerance times of two different chemical protective undergarments, commonly worn with EOD personal protective clothing, in a range of simulated environmental extremes and work intensities Methods Seven males performed eighteen trials wearing two ensembles. The trials involved walking on a treadmill at 2.5, 4 and 5.5 km.h-1 at each of the following environmental conditions, 21, 30 and 37°C wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT). The trials were ceased if the participants’ core temperature reached 39°C, if heart rate exceeded 90% of maximum, if walking time reached 60 minutes or due to volitional fatigue. Results Physiological tolerance times ranged from 8 to 60 min and the duration (mean difference: 2.78 min, P>0.05) were similar in both ensembles. A significant effect for environment (21>30>37°C WBGT, P<0.05) and work intensity (2.5>4>5.5 km.h-1, P< 0.05) was observed in tolerance time. The majority of trials across both ensembles (101/126; 80.1%) were terminated due to participants achieving a heart rate equivalent to greater than 90% of their maximum. Conclusions Physiological tolerance times wearing these two chemical protective undergarments, worn underneath EOD personal protective clothing, were similar and predominantly limited by cardiovascular strain.

"Rebirth: Combined art performance"--Shirin Madg & Sweet Sound Ensemble

Vanessa Mafe-Keane was invited to participate as choreographer in Iranian singer Shirin Madg 's project, Rebirth: Combined art performance. This project integrated singing, music, visual-art, film, dance and is based on the dissident poetry of female Iranian poet, Forough Farrokhzad. The choreographic dance movement focused on simple, lyrical, flowing classical dance forms that also incorporated everyday gestures and actions performed by two Queensland dancers, Caitlin MacKenzie and Abby Johnson. The choreographic intention was not to attempt to re-create Iranian dance practices instead, to draw inspiration and reference specific movement qualities. This was achieved through the subtle inclusion of spinning movements and focusing attention on the dancers’ arms and upper torso. This fusion became an underlying theme reflected throughout the choreographic component. Additionally, this project presented an opportunity to draw on past experiences and problem-solve ways to construct choreographic work where the dancers and the musical assemble group could be staged side by side. This experience highlighted differing approaches to rehearsal protocols within disciplines, the practicalities of staging different artists, understanding musical cues and the diversity of audience engagement. Performances: BEMAC Multicultural Centre, Brisbane 06 February 2015 and Helensvale Cultural Centre, Gold Coast 07 February 2015

Combined pharmacotherapy and psychological therapies for post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

BACKGROUND PTSD is an anxiety disorder related to exposure to a severe psychological trauma. Symptoms include re-experiencing the event, avoidance and arousal as well as distress and impairment resulting from these symptoms.Guidelines suggest a combination of both psychological therapy and pharmacotherapy may enhance treatment response, especially in those with more severe PTSD or in those who have not responded to either intervention alone. OBJECTIVES To assess whether the combination of psychological therapy and pharmacotherapy provides a more efficacious treatment for PTSD than either of these interventions delivered separately. SEARCH STRATEGY Searches were conducted on the trial registers kept by the CCDAN group (CCDANCTR-Studies and CCDANCTR-References) to June 2010. The reference sections of included studies and several conference abstracts were also scanned. SELECTION CRITERIA Patients of any age or gender, with chronic or recent onset PTSD arising from any type of event relevant to the diagnostic criteria were included. A combination of any psychological therapy and pharmacotherapy was included and compared to wait list, placebo, standard treatment or either intervention alone. The primary outcome was change in total PTSD symptom severity. Other outcomes included changes in functioning, depression and anxiety symptoms, suicide attempts, substance use, withdrawal and cost. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two or three review authors independently selected trials, assessed their 'risk of bias' and extracted trial and outcome data. We used a fixed-effect model for meta-analysis. The relative risk was used to summarise dichotomous outcomes and the mean difference and standardised mean difference were used to summarise continuous measures. MAIN RESULTS Four trials were eligible for inclusion, one of these trials (n =24) was on children and adolescents. All used an SSRI and prolonged exposure or a cognitive behavioural intervention. Two trials compared combination treatment with pharmacological treatment and two compared combination treatment with psychological treatment. Only two trials reported a total PTSD symptom score and these data could not be combined. There was no strong evidence to show if there were differences between the group receiving combined interventions compared to the group receiving psychological therapy (mean difference 2.44, 95% CI -2.87, 7.35 one study, n=65) or pharmacotherapy (mean difference -4.70, 95% CI -10.84 to 1.44; one study, n = 25). Trialists reported no significant differences between combination and single intervention groups in the other two studies. There were very little data reported for other outcomes, and in no case were significant differences reported. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is not enough evidence available to support or refute the effectiveness of combined psychological therapy and pharmacotherapy compared to either of these interventions alone. Further large randomised controlled trials are urgently required.

The molecular structure of kaolinite–potassium acetate intercalation complexes: A combined experimental and molecular dynamic simulation study

The kaolinite (Kaol) intercalated with potassium acetate (Ac) was prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetry. Molecular dynamic simulation was performed to investigate the structure of Kaol–Ac intercalation complex and the hydrogen bonds between Kaol and intercalated Ac andwater using INTERFACE forcefield. The acetate anions andwater arranged in a bilayer structure in the interlayer space of Kaol. The potassium cations distributed in the interlayer space and strongly coordinated with acetate anions aswell aswater rather than keyed into the ditrigonal holes of tetrahedral surface of Kaol. Strong hydrogen bonds formed between the hydrogen atoms of hydroxyl on the octahedral surface and oxygen atoms of both acetate anions and water. The acetate anions andwater also weakly bonded hydrogen to the silica tetrahedral surface through their hydrogen atoms with the oxygen atoms of silica tetrahedral surface.

Treatment of proximal interphalangeal joint flexion contracture: Combined static and dynamic orthotic intervention compared with other therapy intervention: randomized controlled trial

Purpose To test the effectiveness of static and dynamic orthoses using them as an exclusive treatment for proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint flexion contracture compared with other hand therapy conservative treatments described in the literature. Methods 60 patients who used orthoses were compared with a control group that received other hand therapy treatments. Clinical assessments were measured before the experiment and 3 months after and included active PIP joint extension and function. Results A significant improvement in the extension active range of motion at the PIP joint in the second measurement was found in both groups, but it was significantly greater in the experimental group. Improvement in function (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score) between the first and second assessment was similar in the control and experimental groups. Conclusions Using night progressive static and daily dynamic orthoses as an exclusive treatment during the proliferative phase led to significant improvements in the PIP joint active extension, but the improvement did not correlate with increased function as perceived by the patient.

A new combined surface and volume registration

3D registration of brain MRI data is vital for many medical imaging applications. However, purely intensitybased approaches for inter-subject matching of brain structure are generally inaccurate in cortical regions, due to the highly complex network of sulci and gyri, which vary widely across subjects. Here we combine a surfacebased cortical registration with a 3D fluid one for the first time, enabling precise matching of cortical folds, but allowing large deformations in the enclosed brain volume, which guarantee diffeomorphisms. This greatly improves the matching of anatomy in cortical areas. The cortices are segmented and registered with the software Freesurfer. The deformation field is initially extended to the full 3D brain volume using a 3D harmonic mapping that preserves the matching between cortical surfaces. Finally, these deformation fields are used to initialize a 3D Riemannian fluid registration algorithm, that improves the alignment of subcortical brain regions. We validate this method on an MRI dataset from 92 healthy adult twins. Results are compared to those based on volumetric registration without surface constraints; the resulting mean templates resolve consistent anatomical features both subcortically and at the cortex, suggesting that the approach is well-suited for cross-subject integration of functional and anatomic data.

Combined NIR/MIR analysis: A novel method for the classification of complex substances such as Illicium verum Hook. F. and its adulterants

A novel combined near- and mid-infrared (NIR and MIR) spectroscopic method has been researched and developed for the analysis of complex substances such as the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Illicium verum Hook. F. (IVHF), and its noxious adulterant, Iuicium lanceolatum A.C. Smith (ILACS). Three types of spectral matrix were submitted for classification with the use of the linear discriminant analysis (LDA) method. The data were pretreated with either the successive projections algorithm (SPA) or the discrete wavelet transform (DWT) method. The SPA method performed somewhat better, principally because it required less spectral features for its pretreatment model. Thus, NIR or MIR matrix as well as the combined NIR/MIR one, were pretreated by the SPA method, and then analysed by LDA. This approach enabled the prediction and classification of the IVHF, ILACS and mixed samples. The MIR spectral data produced somewhat better classification rates than the NIR data. However, the best results were obtained from the combined NIR/MIR data matrix with 95–100% correct classifications for calibration, validation and prediction. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the three types of spectral data supported the results obtained with the LDA classification method.