Quantity,controls and functions of large woody debris in Midwestern USA streams

Large woody debris (LWD) can increase stream habitat heterogeneity by providing structure, altering flow patterns, enhancing sediment deposition, forming pools and retaining organic matter. In North America, the role of LWD has been studied extensively in streams of mature forests (e.g. Pacific Northwest), but few studies have assessed LWD in streams of younger forests (e.g. Midwestern USA). Our objectives were to: (1) quantify the volume and abundance of LWD in a set of Midwestern streams; (2) evaluate possible factors influencing LWD quantity; (3) identify the functional roles of LWD; and (4) compare LWD levels in the upper Midwest to those elsewhere in North America. In 2002 and 2003, we measured LWD and geomorphological variables in 15 low‐gradient streams draining previously logged watersheds in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Mean (±SE) LWD volume (0.77 ± 0.12 m³ 100 m⁻²) and abundance (33 ± 3 pieces 100 m⁻¹) were 71% and 10% lesser, respectively, than in streams of similar gradient elsewhere in North America. Channel shape (width:depth ratio) explained 30% of the variation in LWD volume (multiple stepwise regression, P = 0.015) while LWD length and length:channel width combined, explained 72% of the variation in LWD density (multiple stepwise regression, P < 0.0001). About 50% of the LWD either stored sediment or stabilized banks and 14% of the LWD formed pools, although pool density was not significantly related to LWD volume or density. LWD levels, overall, were low in upper Midwestern streams, but the relative importance of that LWD to ecosystem function may be magnified in these wood‐poor systems. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Prediction of fire classification for wood based products. A multivariate statistical approach based on the cone calorimeter

Wood has long traditions as a building material, and is often used in construction elements, and as interior and exterior surfaces in the Nordic countries. In most applications, there are reaction to fire requirements to products used as surfaces, e.g. in escape routes and larger public spaces. Most wood products will therefore have to be treated with fire retardant (FR) agents to fulfil the strict requirements to properties connected to heat release and flame spread. Unfortunately, FR agents usually also increase the smoke production, as they cause a more incomplete combustion of the wood. The wood product manufacturers seek to find the optimal amount of FR additives where both heat release and smoke production in the classifying test are within the requirements given in the building regulations. This paper describes models for prediction of the European reaction to fire classes of wood products. The models are based on multivariate statistical analysis, and use test results from the cone calorimeter test as input. The presented models are, with very good precision, able to predict which Euroclass and additional smoke class a wood based product would obtain if it were to be tested in the single burning item test. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Web‐based and Group Learning Environment for Introductory Environmental Engineering

The use of computer‐based technology is becoming more prevalent in the classroom. As a part of an educational research project sponsored by the GE Foundation, strategies for augmenting a course, Introduction to Environmental Engineering (CE 280), were investigated including cross‐disciplinary experiences in teamwork, design, and the use of advanced teaching technologies such as the web. Interactive tools to assist student learning were developed and refined. Efforts have focused on developing an extensive website, web‐based quizzes and homework assignments, and tutorials. Base groups were used to provide both intellectual and emotional support to students. This paper summarizes the development of this course and the impact of rapid feedback on the progression of student understanding.     

In situ polyurethane/silica composite formation via a sol‐gel process

Polyurethane acrylate anionomer (PUAA)/silica composite gels were prepared by the sol‐gel reaction of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (MPTS) incorporated to PUAA gels by using a swelling method. The formation and structure of composites were confirmed by FTIR, X‐ray diffraction, and SEM. As a result, we found that silica components in composites are located within the ionic domains of their gels and interacted with PUAA via hydrogen bonding. This drastically enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites. Mechanical properties are also improved by MPTS, because MPTS improves the dispersibility and adhesion of silica components in PUAA/silica composite gels. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 2327–2334, 2002     

Call admission control schemes under generalized processor sharing scheduling

Provision of Quality‐of‐Service (QoS) guarantees is an important and challenging issue in the design of integrated‐services packet networks. Call admission control is an integral part of the challenge and is closely related to other aspects of networks such as service models, scheduling disciplines, traffic characterization and QoS specification. In this paper we provide a theoretical framework within which call admission control schemes with multiple statistical QoS guarantees can be constructed for the Generalized Processor Sharing (GPS) scheduling discipline. Using this framework, we present several admission control schemes for both session‐based and class‐based service models. The theoretical framework is based on recent results in the statistical analysis of the GPS scheduling discipline and the theory of effective bandwidths. Both optimal schemes and suboptimal schemes requiring less computational effort are studied under these service models. The QoS metric considered is loss probability. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Variation in Malting Quality and Heat Resistance in the Malting Barley Variety “Alexis”

In earlier studies concerning vigour, where subsamples are heat‐treated before germination there was found heat‐sensitive as well as heat‐resistant barley samples. The vigour model developed by Ellis and Roberts and further developed at Carlsberg, could only describe the heat‐sensitive barleys. Seventeen samples of the “Alexis” variety grown widely in Europe were collected from the EBC trials in 1994 in order to see if heat resistance in barley was influenced by different growing conditions. We found both heat‐sensitive samples following the vigour model as well as pronounced heat‐resistant samples, but these were not divided according to growing conditions. The germination curves dependent on heat treatment and germination time were evaluated by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Heat‐resistant barley samples could be differentiated from heat‐sensitive samples already after ½ h of heat treatment at 68°C (12% moisture) and after 3 days of germination. The barley samples were analysed with regard to malting quality. The PCA evaluation of the data divided the samples according to growing location, mainly due to differences in protein and β‐glucan. However, the malting analyses could not describe the differences in heat resistance and sensitivity of the barleys. The biochemical background of the heat resistance found is discussed on the basis of literature. Our findings should give an experimental basis for exploiting a biochemical principle for heat resistance, which is formed during grain filling and consumed during storage and germination.     

Buckling analysis for delaminated composites using plate bending elements based on higher‐order zig‐zag theory

A finite element based on the efficient higher‐order zig‐zag theory with multiple delaminations is developed. The bending part of the formulation is constructed from the concept of DKQ element. Unlike conventional elements, a developed element has its reference in the bottom surface which simplifies zig‐zag terms on formulation. Exact patch solutions are developed on elements which have the bottom reference system. The present element passes proper bending patch tests in the arbitrary mesh configurations in isotropic materials. Zig‐zag formulation is adopted to model laminated plates with multiple delaminations. To assess the accuracy and efficiency of the present element based on higher‐order zig‐zag theory with multiple delaminations, the linear buckling problem of laminated plates with multiple delaminations has been analysed. The results have been compared with three‐dimensional elasticity solutions. The present element works as an efficient tool for analysing the behaviour of the laminated composites with multiple delaminations. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigation of Scale Formation in Heat Exchangers of Phosphoric Acid Evaporator Plants

The primary problem in concentrating phosphoric acid is due to fouling on the tube‐side of the heat exchangers of the evaporator units. Scaling on the heat transfer surfaces occurs because of high supersaturation of phosphoric acid liquor with respect to calcium sulphate. A review of the existing literature reveals that no information is available on heat transfer and on crystallization fouling of industrial phosphoric acid solutions. In this investigation, the solubility of different calcium sulphate types in phosphoric acid solution was studied and its dependency on acid concentration and temperature was investigated. A large number of fouling experiments were carried out in a side‐stream of a phosphoric acid plant at different flow velocities, surface temperatures and concentrations to determine the mechanisms, which control the deposition process. After identifying the effects of operational parameters on the deposition process, a model was developed for prediction of fouling resistances. The reaction of calcium sulphate crystallization followed a second order rate with respect to the supersaturation. The activation energy evaluated for the surface reaction of the deposit formation was found to be 57 kJ/mol. The predicted fouling resistances were compared with the experimental data. Quantitative and qualitative agreement between measured and predicted fouling rates is good.     

Preparation and characterization of polyurethane microcapsules containing n‐octadecane with styrene‐maleic anhydride as a surfactant by interfacial polycondensation

A series of polyurethane microcapsules containing a phase change material (PCM) of n‐octadecane was successfully synthesized by an interfacial polymerization in aqueous styrene‐maleic anhydride (SMA) dispersion with diethylene triamine (DETA) as a chain extender reacting with toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI). The average diameter of microPCMs is in the range of 5–10 μm under the stirring speed of 3000–4000 rpm. Optical and SEM morphologies of microPCMs had ensured that the shell was regularly fabricated with the influence of SMA. FTIR results confirmed that the shell material was polyurethane and the SMA chains associated on core material reacted with TDI forming a part of shell material. The shell thickness was decreasing in the range of 0.31–0.55 μm with the molar ratio of DETA/TDI from 0.84 to 1.35 and the weight of core material increasing from 40 to 80% (wt %). By controlling the weight ratio of PCM as 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80% in microPCMs, it was found using DSC that the T_m and T_c of microPCMs were in the range of 29.8–31.0^oC and 21.1–22.0°C and an obvious phase change had been achieved nearly the same temperature range of that of PCM. The results from release curves of microPCM samples prepared by 1.4, 1.7, and 2.0 g of SMA indicated the release properties were affected by the amount of the dispersant, which attributed to the emulsion effect and shell polymerization structure. The above results suggest that the shell structure of microPCMs can be controlled and the properties of microPCMs determined by shell will perform proper practical usage. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 4996–5006, 2006