Abstract

Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is probably the most common diagnosis at vertigo clinics. Seasonal cycles of several human illnesses could be attributed variously to changes in atmospheric or weather conditions. In this retrospective study, patients with BPPV from January 2010 to December 2012 were studied, and their charts were reviewed. Statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in patients' numbers among different months of the year. Also there is a significant statistical correlation between the numbers of patients with climatic variations especially the temperature. The present paper discusses the possible explanations for these results which confirms the seasonal variations in BPPV, together with a review of literature to view the possible associations with other disorders that causes such seasonality.

Abstract

A newly developed generic algorithm to assess moisture susceptibility of simplified wall assemblies has been developed within the CIB-W080 WG 2. This group is focusing on guidelines for design for durability of building envelopes. The algorithm is implemented in a publicly available Matlab code. A simplified wall assembly consisting of up to four material elements is considered. Optional vapor retarder and thermal resistances are located between the elements. In this paper modelling of a ventilated cladding is implemented. Using the simplified numerical model, a probability‐based risk analysis using the Monte Carlo method is demonstrated. The risk assessment of the wall assembly considers the interior and exterior climatic load. The moisture transport mechanism accounted for in the analysis is diffusion. The rain load is assumed to be transferred directly to a chosen outer susceptible material element in the construction. An insulated wooden wall structure is analyzed and the probability distribution of the time of wetness is presented for cases using sequence of 31 consecutive climatic years, randomly varying indoor moisture excess, indoor temperature and driving rain leakages.

Abstract

The Development under Climate Change research effort provides a basis for determining quantitative impacts on infrastructure from climate change. This paper provides results of an analysis of sea level rise impacts on road infrastructure in Vietnam. The study utilizes a quantitative approach for determining these impacts through engineering-based models that estimate the impact of sea level rises on road infrastructure. Through this approach, the cost impact of sea level rises on the coastal regions of Vietnam are presented.

Abstract

Climate change may affect inland waterway transport through disturbances in waterway hydrology: longer periods with strong water swells and drops. To allow fully loaded barges, the water level must be neither too high (limited air draught) nor too low (limited draught). Therefore, the water level impacts the load factor of barges and thus the transportation costs. Moreover, in winter, ice jams can paralyze inland waterway traffic on the river. In this paper, the effect of various climatological changes on the capacity of inland waterway in terms of barge transport is examined. The paper focusses on the development of a methodology for assessing the sensitivity of inland waterway systems to climatological changes and takes into account an experts' opinion survey that provides insight into the perceived likelihood of the different scenarios that are investigated. The analysis focusses on the inland waterway systems in Belgium, which has the second highest density of European inland waterways. It enables the integration of inland waterway transport in the intermodal supply chain. The results are related to investment planning and management in inland waterways transport. They are intended to be interesting to researchers and to inland waterways actors developing intermodal transport as well. Peer reviewed

Abstract

Waterways are one of the oldest systems for the transportation of cargo and continue to play a vital role in the economies of some countries. Due to societal change, climate change and the ageing of assets, the conditions influencing the effective functioning of these systems seem to be changing. These changing conditions require measures to renew, adapt or renovate these waterway systems. However, measures with the sole aim of improving navigation conditions have encountered resistance, as the general public, and stakeholders in particular, value these waters in many more ways than navigation alone. Therefore, a more inclusive, integrated approach is required, rather than a sectoral one. Addressing these contemporary challenges requires a shift in the traditional waterway authorities' regimes. The aim of this study is to identify elements in the institutional setting where obstacles and opportunities for a more inclusive approach can be found. Two major waterway systems, the American and the Dutch, have been analyzed using the Institutional Analysis and Development framework to reveal those obstacles and opportunities. The results show that horizontal coordination and a low pay-off for an inclusive approach is particularly problematic. The American case also reveals a promising aspect - mandatory local co-funding for federal navigation projects acts as a stimulus for broad stakeholder involvement. Improving horizontal coordination and seizing opportunities for multifunctional development can open pathways to optimize the value of waterway systems for society. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Waterways are one of the oldest systems for the transportation of cargo and continue to play a vital role in the economies of some countries. Due to societal change, climate change and the ageing of assets, the conditions influencing the effective functioning of these systems seem to be changing. These changing conditions require measures to renew, adapt or renovate these waterway systems. However, measures with the sole aim of improving navigation conditions have encountered resistance, as the general public, and stakeholders in particular, value these waters in many more ways than navigation alone. Therefore, a more inclusive, integrated approach is required, rather than a sectoral one. Addressing these contemporary challenges requires a shift in the traditional waterway authorities' regimes. The aim of this study is to identify elements in the institutional setting where obstacles and opportunities for a more inclusive approach can be found. Two major waterway systems, the American and the Dutch, have been analyzed using the Institutional Analysis and Development framework to reveal those obstacles and opportunities. The results show that horizontal coordination and a low pay-off for an inclusive approach is particularly problematic. The American case also reveals a promising aspect - mandatory local co-funding for federal navigation projects acts as a stimulus for broad stakeholder involvement. Improving horizontal coordination and seizing opportunities for multifunctional development can open pathways to optimize the value of waterway systems for society. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Abstract

Transport greenhouse gas emissions are mainly caused by the use of fossil fuels, e.g., gasoline and diesel. This case study for The Netherlands calculates how alternative fuels, e.g., electricity, hydrogen or biofuels, contribute to policy aims to decarbonize transport. Alternative fuels, produced in various ways, have different carbon (CF), land (LFs) and water footprints (WFs). This study assesses CFs, LFs and WFs for fuels (kgCO"sub"2"/sub"e/m"sup"2"/sup"/m"sup"3"/sup" per GJ), showing differences among fuels dependent on primary energy sources. It calculates CFs, LFs and WFs for four scenarios with different fuels. The biofuel scenario is not attractive. CFs slightly decrease, while LFs and WFs increase enormously. The electricity scenario has small CFs and the smallest LFs and WFs, but this is only when using wind or solar energy. If storage is needed and hydrogen is produced using wind energy, CFs double from 3055 to 7074 kg CO"sub"2"/sub"e, LFs increase from 15 × 10"sup"6"/sup" to 43 × 10"sup"6"/sup" m"sup"2"/sup" and WFs from 3 × 10"sup"6"/sup" to 37 × 10"sup"6"/sup" m"sup"3"/sup" compared to the electricity scenario. The case study shows that wise fuel choices contribute to policy aims to decarbonize transport, although LFs and WFs are also important to consider. These case study results are relevant for sustainable transportation transitions worldwide. Document type: Article