Monitoring Heavy Metals near Wastewater Facility in Delaware Inland Bays Tidal Canal

NOAA National Status and Trends Mussel Watch Report indicate the Delaware Bay has regionally medium levels of Cd and high levels of Pb. Environment New Jersey, a non-profit environmental group, reported the Delaware River, providing drinking water to millions, as the fifth most-polluted river in the country. These concerns resulted in this study monitoring water quality conditions near a wastewater facility in Delaware. Physical water quality parameters were measured, along with heavy metals Cd and Pb. Mean metal levels were consistently low at the wastewater discharge (1.3 μg/L Cd, 5.1 μg/L Pb), and high at the control location (9.2 μg/L Cd and 11.5 μg/L of Pb). Relationships were observed between heavy metals, salinity and pH levels. Results suggest water treated by the facility does not pose heavy metal contamination risks to the Lewes Rehoboth Canal. Further studies are warranted to seek heavy metal sources at the control point, farthest from the waste water treatment facility.

Drinking Water Quality Clinics and Outreach in Delaware Focusing on Educating Master Well Owners

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the authority to regulate the public water systems. The EPA does not have the jurisdiction to regulate private drinking water wells. This leaves approximately fifteen percent of the nation’s population without any regulation being held in place to protect their source of drinking water. With that fifteen percent of the US population having private wells for drinking water, it makes the number of people whose drinking water is unprotected by regulation at a little over 15 million US households. This concern is even more acute in areas with groundwater that is close to the surface. Delaware residents live in a region with low elevation which is very close to the coast with low elevation and the shallow groundwater makes us concern about contaminated well water even more intense. As one of the Water Resources Program partners, we have offered free Drinking Water Quality Clinics to local well owners over the past 4 years in Delaware State University. Since 2009, over 400 Delaware residents have benefited from these clinics. At each clinic, an information session was offered in the evening, with an opportunity to hear from and speak with a drinking water well expert. Participants were given sample bottles and water testing performed the following day included pH, nitrite, nitrate, sulfate, alkalinity, fluoride, hardness, iron, lead, cadmium, arsenic, Total Coliform, and E. coli. Over half of the samples returned out of range values for pH, while 72 returned results positive for Total Coliform and Escherichia coli bacterium. Data are examined for correlations, and improved understanding of local well owners. These tests shared with local well owners insights into what may be wrong with their water. In addition, any tests that came back outside of the normal range were reported to homeowners in writing. Mailed with the written reports were also information specific to what test results were outside of the limits, and actions to take to correct the exact problem the well owners encountered. The data reported here are examined to discuss the correlations of information, and ways that the Drinking Water Quality Clinics have improved our understanding of local wells and ownerships. In conclusion, regular testing on a yearly basis is the most effective way to ensure that public health is maintained.

Impact of Concentration Levels of Atmospheric Pollutants on Local Climate of Delta State, Nigeria

Studies in various regions of the world have revealed that air pollution can have a significant influence on local climate. This study therefore considers the impact of concentration levels of atmospheric pollutants on local climate of Delta state, Nigeria. Monthly and annual averaging of the daily pollutant concentrations and meteorological parameters within the period of investigation was carried out. Descriptive Statistics, correlation analysis, coefficient of determination (R2) analysis and least squares regression analysis of the selected meteorological parameters with CH4 and O3 concentrations for the period of 2003 to 2012 and NO2 and CO2 concentrations for the period of 2011 to 2014 were carried out. The regression relationship was then used to obtain predicted values for the meteorological parameters within the period of investigation. The results of the descriptive statistics of annual averages of CH4, O3, NO2 and CO2 concentrations within the period of investigation revealed that the emission levels breached FEPA and EGASPIN limits. The results of the correlation analysis indicated that CO2 had a strong significant positive correlation with temperature with a correlation coefficient of 0.962, while a moderate negative correlation coefficient of 0.549 was obtained for CH4, and very weak correlation coefficients of -0.167 and 0.077 were obtained for O3 and NO2 respectively. CH4, O3 and CO2 had a moderately significant positive correlation with solar radiation with correlation coefficients of 0.661, 0.571 and 0.656 respectively, while a weak negative correlation coefficient of 0.106 was obtained for NO2. CH4 had a strong significant positive correlation with relative humidity with a correlation coefficient of 0.859, while moderate correlation coefficients of -0.516 and 0.646 were obtained for NO2 and CO2 respectively, and a weak correlation coefficient of 0.345 was obtained for O3. CO2 and CH4 had a strong significant correlation with wind speed with correlation coefficients of 0.951 and -0.906 respectively, while a moderate negative correlation coefficient of 0.518 was obtained for O3, and a weak negative correlation coefficient of 0.317 was obtained for NO2. The predicted values of the meteorological parameters showed a significant level of agreement with their measured values. Therefore, among the atmospheric pollutants postulated as influencing meteorological parameters, CO2 appears to be the most strongly significant in explaining temperature variations in this region of Niger Delta, with correlation coefficient of 96.2% and coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.926, implying that CO2 influenced 92.6% variation in temperature in this part of Niger Delta within the period of investigation.

A Procedure for Trisecting an Acute Angle (Method 2)

This paper presents an alternate graphical procedure (Method 2), to that presented in earlier publications entitled, “A Procedure for Trisecting an Acute Angle” and “A Key to Solving the Angle Trisection Problem”. The procedure, when applied to the 30˚ and 60˚ angles that have been “proven” to be nottrisectable and the 45˚ benchmark angle that is known to be trisectable, in each case produced a construction having an identical angular relationship with Archimedes’ Construction, as in Section 2 on THEORY of this paper, where the required trisection angle was found to be one-third of its respective angle (i.e. DE’MA = 1/3 DE’CG). For example, the trisection angle for the 30˚, 45˚ and 60˚ angles were 10.00000˚, 15.00000˚, and 20.00000˚, respectively, and Section 5 on PROOF in this paper. Therefore, based on this identical angular relationship and the numerical results (i.e. to five decimal places), which represent the highest degree of accuracy and precision attainable by The Geometer’s Sketch Pad software, one can only conclude that not only the geometric requirements for arriving at an exact trisection of the 30˚ and 60˚ angle (which have been “proven” to be not-trisectable) have been met, but also, the construction is valid for any arbitrary acute angle, despite theoretical proofs to the contrary by Wantzel, Dudley, and others.

宽带高频电磁场数据反演方法研究

采用非线性最小二乘法结合蒙特卡罗法,实现宽带高频电磁场椭圆极化率数据的精确反演,确定地下层状介质的真实电阻率和介电常数.反演结果表明,对于均匀半空间和二层介质模型,最小二乘法能够很好地实现反演,而对于三层或更多层的介质,首先利用蒙特卡罗法确定拟合初始模型,再进行最小二乘反演,能够避免收敛到局部极小值,提高了反演的稳定性.为了加速正演响应函数的计算和迭代的速度,采用高密度采样的线性滤波算法,大大加快了该精确反演方法的速度.针对如覆盖区地质填图和土壤调查等大面积确定地质体性质的应用,本文还给出了一种近似反演方法(相位矢量图法),能够快速获取视电阻率和视介电常数,不仅可以为应用提供有用的基础信息,而且可作为精确反演方法的初始模型.

均匀准保角球面参数化

针对闭的或者单边界亏格为0的三角网格,提出一种球面参数化方法.通过立体投影将现有的平面参数化方法推广到球面上,得到一个初始的球面参数化;为了减小变形,引入质心坐标进行全局优化;最后用Moebius变换均匀化最终的球面网格.该方法能够避免立体投影出现三角形折叠的情况,保证最后的映射是双射.通过大量典型的三维模型实验和比较可以看出:文中的参数化方法变形小,在复杂网格的纹理映射中的均匀化效果较现有的保角、保面积变换有明显的改善.

Application of computational fluid dynamic to model the hydraulic performance of subsurface flow wetlands

A subsurface flow wetland(SSFW)was simulated using a commercial computational fluid dynamic(CFD)code.The constructed media was simulated using porous media and the liquid resident time distribution(RTD)in the SSFW was obtained using the particle trajectory model.The effect of wetland configuration and operating conditions on the hydraulic performance of the SSFW were investigated.The results indicated that the hydraulic performance of the SSFW was predominantly affected by the wetland configuration.The hydr...

he adaptive chirplet transform and its application in GPR target detection

GPR has become an important geophysical method in UXO and landmine detection, for it can detect both metal and non-metallic targets. However, it is difficult to remove the strong clutters from surface-layer reflection and soil due to the low signal to noise ratio of GPR data. In this paper, we use the adaptive chirplet transform to reject these clutters based on their character and then pick up the signal from the UXO by the transform based on the Radon-Wigner distribution. The results from the processing show that the clutter can be rejected effectively and the target response can be measured with high SNR.

基于Powell-Sabin细分的参数曲面重建方法

将复杂几何体网格转换为参数曲面是CAD几何引擎设计中的关键问题.针对赋予四边形粗剖分结构的三角网格模型,提出一种基于Powell-Sabin细分的参数曲面重建方法.首先利用均值参数化方法建立每个粗四边形结构MT到参数域D的映射,同时得到D的三角剖分△;然后对△进行一次Powell-Sabin细分得到加细三角剖分△^(S),并且利用MT的几何信息构造二元一次样条函数空间S(△^(S))中的插值函数S;对D均匀采样之后,利用插值函数S得到规则型值点作为参数曲面表面点的近似;最后建立具有光顺性质的能量函数,求解出双三次B样条曲面的控制点网格,完成曲面重建.实验给出了柱面、鞍面等基础曲面和人头模型等自由曲面的重建结果.数值结果表明,与自适应算法相比,所提方法能够捕获由给定三角网格呈现的几何细节,重建复杂模型的点距均方误差减小38%.

A DIAGONAL SPLIT-CELL MODEL FOR THE OVERLAPPING YEE FDTD METHOD

In this paper, we present a nonorthogonal overlapping Yee method for solv- ing Maxwell＇s equations using the diagonal split-cell model. When material interface is presented, the diagonal split-cell model does not require permittivity averaging so that better accuracy can be achieved. Our numerical results on optical force computation show that the standard FDTD method converges linearly, while the proposed method achieves quadratic convergence and better accuracy.

High surface area biocarbon monoliths for methane storage

New energy sources that reduce the volume of harmful gases such as SO_(x)and NO_(x)released into the atmosphere are in constant development.Natural gas,primarily made up of methane,is being widely used as one reliable energy source for heating and electricity generation due to its high combustion value.Currently,natural gas accounts for a large portion of electricity generation and chemical feedstock in manufacturing plastics and other commercially important organic chemicals.In the near future,natural gas will be widely used as a fuel for vehicles.Therefore,a practical storage device for its storage and transportation is very beneficial to the deployment of natural gas as an energy source for new technologies.In this tutorial review,biomaterials-based carbon monoliths(CMs),one kind of carbonaceous material,was reviewed as an adsorbent for natural gas(methane)adsorption and storage.

Leader-Follower UAV Formation Model Based on R5DOS-Intersection Model

This paper proposes a formation of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles(UAVs)based on the R5DOS(RCC-5 and orientation direction)intersection model.After improving the R5DOS-intersection model,we evenly arranged 16 UAVs in 16 spatial regions.Compared with those of the rectangular formation model and the grid formation model,the communication costs,time costs,and energy costs of the R5DOS model formation were effectively reduced.At the same time,the operation time of UAV formation was significantly enhanced.The leader-follower method can enhance the robustness of the UAV formation and ensure the integrity of communication during UAV formation operation.Finally,we conducted a simulation experiment on the model and found that the R5DOS model formation was stable and could maintain the desired formation.The randomly generated UAVs could quickly fly to the formation path in a short time,establish formation,and carry out operations.When the leader fails,the follower could travel to the original trajectory of the failed leader in a short time,replace the leader,and continue to communicate and improve the robustness of the formation.To sum up,the UAV formation based on the R5DOS model has the advantages of long operation time,strong endurance,low communication cost,and stable formation,which is of great significance for research on UAV formation.

Potassium and Manganese Fertilization and the Effects on Millet Seed Yield, Seed Quality, and Forage Potential of Residual Stalks

Millets are important natural grain source for wild and game birds and the domesticated varieties are good sources of grain for human and livestock nutrition as well as summer forage. Unlike sorghum, millet seed has less anti-nutrient factors and is a better choice for animal feed formulations. Pearl millet is an example of such millets and has both forage- and grain-type varieties. However, opportunities exist for dual use of millet for grain and residue for forage. In this study two millets: Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br. (Pearl millet var. TifGrain 102) and Panicum ramosum (L.) (Browntop millet) were evaluated for their response to potassium (K) and manganese (Mn) fertilizer. The experiment was a randomized complete block with treatments in a split-split arrangement. Potassium and Mn were supplied as K fertilizer (0-0-60) and manganese sulfate (MnSO4·2H2O), respectively. Potassium and Mn fertilizer rates and their interaction with each other and variety had no effect on determined parameters. TifGrain 102 grain yield averaged at 5900 kg·ha-1 was significantly greater than 4680 kg·ha-1 obtained for Browntop millet. While grain oil contents were similar, Browntop grain had greater contents of crude proteins. And except for K, Browntop seed had greater contents of all determined macro-and micronutrients. Residual stalks of Browntop had greater forage crude protein, total digestible nutrient (TDN) and lower acid detergent fiber (ADF). Browntop residual material had greater quantities of estimated net energy for growth (NEG), lactation (NEL), maintenance (NME). While TifGrain 102 residual stalks had greater contents of P and K, it had significantly lower contents of Ca, Mg and S compared to Browntop. Overall, while these two millets have shown good potential for dual use, Browntop may offer a better choice for high quality seed and residual stalks for forage.

Singular solitons and other solutions to a couple of nonlinear wave equations

This paper addresses the extended （G′/G）-expansion method and applies it to a couple of nonlinear wave equations. These equations are modified the Benjamin-Bona-Mahoney equation and the Boussinesq equation. This extended method reveals several solutions to these equations. Additionally, the singular soliton solutions are revealed, for these two equations, with the aid of the ansatz method.

A Procedure for Trisecting an Acute Angle

This paper presents a graphical procedure, using an unmarked straightedge and compass only, for trisecting an arbitrary acute angle. The procedure, when applied to the 30˚angle that has been “proven” to be not trisectable, produced a construction having the identical angular relationship with Archimedes’ Construction, in which the required trisection angle was found to be exactly one-third of the given angle (or ∠E'MA = 1/3∠E'CG = 10˚), as shown in Figure 1(D) and Figure 1(E) and Section 4 PROOF in this paper. Hence, based on this identical angular relationship between the construction presented and Archimedes’ Construction, one can only conclude that geometric requirements for arriving at an exact trisection have been met, notwithstanding the theoretical proofs of Wantzel, Dudley, and others.

Storm in the Air： The Battle Over the 1992 Cable Act

Utilizing primary documents available at the George Bush Presidential Library, this study evaluates the veto record of President Bush using a case study as well as quantitative methods. The case study reviews the background and fate of the only veto overridden during his term in office. It finds that the Bush White House had tried on several previous occasions to scrap the legislation, only to have it be reintroduced in each succeeding Congress. By 1992, when George Bush was running for reelection and in trouble politically, his team was unable to stave off defeat. The article likewise assesses the success of the Bush administration in its employment of the veto and compares the veto record of President Bush to previous and subsequent chief executives.

Exact Topological Soliton Solutions to the Strongly Perturbed Family of Sine-Gordon Type Equations

This paper uses the Ansatz method to solve for exact topological soliton solutions to sine-Gordon type equations. Single, double, and triple sine-Gordon and sine-cosine-Gordon equations are investigated along with dispersive and highly dispersive variations. After these solutions are found, strong perturbations are added to each equation and the new solutions are found. In solving both the perturbed and unperturbed sine-Gordon type equations, constraints are imposed on the parameters. The novel contributions of the authors are the soliton solutions to the strongly perturbed sine-Gordon equation and its variations. These results are important to the study of Josephson junctions, crystal dislocations, ultra-short optical pulses, relativistic field theory, and elementary particles.

Gitmo＇s Folly II： Torture, Trials, and Tribulations of US Detention Policy in the Wake of 9/11

Tapping declassified US Senate and Central Intelligence Agency reports, United Nations studies, and other primary sources, this study investigates the etiology, policies, and consequences of US detention policy as a part of the War on Terror. The record of the last two presidential administrations in dealing with detainees at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba （GITMO） and elsewhere is examined and the legal rationale for the tactics used on those in captivity is scrutinized. The study reveals that although certain features of detention policy changed from the George W. Bush administration to the Barack Obama presidency, others remained the same. The benefits of information acquired from detainees is weighed and detention policy itself is evaluated according to fundamental American values.

Taichi Softball as a Novel Chinese Health-Promoting Exercise for Physical Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Taichi softball was voted as one of the most popular health-promoting exercises in the category of ball games, which is attributed to that Taichi softball is not only beneficial for lower extremity-related physical health (e.g., balance, leg strength, and flexibility), but can also develop manipulative skill and hand-eye coordination (eating, bathing, dressing, bathing required manipulative skills, grips movement and strength). However, the positive effects of Taichi softball on physical health have rarely been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the effect of Taichi softball on physical health. Methods: Five electronic databases were used to conduct literature searches. Two review authors independently extracted data in a standardized manner. The methodological quality of studies included was independently evaluated according to the Cochrane Collaboration’s for Assessing Risk of Bias from the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Review Interventions. The standard mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) using more conservative random effects model were calculated. Results: The sample size of 411 participants ranged from 32 to 150 in the RCTs, along with a wide age range from 18 to 75. The length of Taichi softball intervention peri-ods in the eligible studies ranged from 12 weeks to 12 months. The participants in the studies consisted of healthy college students, patients with Type 2 diabe-tes, and older adults from community centers. Six randomized controlled trials were used for the meta-analysis. The aggregated results are in favor of Taichi softball on improving physical health in participants with healthy status and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. The improvement on the primary components of the physical health consisted of handgrip strength (SMD, -0.6, 95% CI -0.84 to 0.36, p < 0.00001), trunk flexibility (SMD, -0.4, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.05, p = 0.03), static (SMD, -0.73, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.51, p < 0.00001) and dynamic balance (SMD, -0.68, 95% CI -1.2 to -0.17, p = 0.009). Conclusions: Taichi softball appears to be beneficial for improving physical health (hand strength, physical balance, flexibility, aerobic endurance, resting heart rate, diastolic and systolic pressures) among healthy adults and patients with Type 2 Diabetes. However, because of the low methodological quality of assessment, ill-designed experimental designs, and small study size, a definite conclusion of Taichi softball improving physical health can be confirmed along with high-quality studies with long follow-up.

Computation of Optical Force on Nanoparticles Using Locally Non-Orthogonal Overlapping Yee FDTD Method

In this paper, a locally non-orthogonal overlapping Yee (OY) FDTD method is proposed in order to accurately calculates the optical force on dielectric and dispersive nanoparticles. It extends our previous work to geometries with sharp corners and dispersive materials. In addition to consistently achieving the smallest errors in comparison to the standard FDTD method, the OY approach is a stable non-orthogonal FDTD method that attains second-order convergence when sharp corners are present.