Preliminary Feasibility Assessment Research Articles

Preliminary feasibility assessment of a targeted, pharmacist-led intervention for older adults with polypharmacy: a mixed-methods study.

Polypharmacy is associated with the prescription of inappropriate medications and avoidable medication-related harm. A novel pharmacist-led intervention aims to identify and resolve inappropriate medication prescriptions in older adults with polypharmacy. To conduct a preliminary feasibility assessment of the intervention in primary care, testing whether specific components of the intervention procedures and processes can be executed as intended. The mixed-methods study was approved by the New Zealand Health and Disability Ethics Committees and public health agency. Patients from a New Zealand general practice clinic were recruited over 4 weeks to receive the intervention. The preliminary feasibility assessment included measures of intervention delivery, patient-reported outcome measures, and perspectives from ten patients and six clinicians. Data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively to determine if a full-scale intervention trial is warranted. The study's progression criteria were based on established research and guided the decision-making process. The intervention met the study's progression criteria, including patient recruitment, retention, and adherence to the intervention procedures. However, several modifications were identified, including: (1) enhancing patient recruitment, (2) conducting a preliminary meeting between the patient and pharmacist, (3) supporting pharmacists in maintaining a patient-centred approach, (4) reviewing the choice of patient-reported outcome measure, (5) extending the 8-week follow-up period, (6) allocating more time for pharmacists to conduct the intervention. The study found the intervention feasible; however, additional development is required before progressing to a full-scale trial. This intervention has the potential to effectively reduce medication-related harm and improve outcomes for older adults with polypharmacy. ACTRN12621000268842 Date registered: 11/03/2021.

Biogeochemical characterization of four depleted gas reservoirs for conversion into underground hydrogen storage.

Depleted gas reservoirs are a valuable option for underground hydrogen storage (UHS). However, different classes of microorganisms, which are capable of using free H2 as a reducing agent for their metabolism, inhabit deep underground formations and can potentially affect the storage. This study integrates metagenomics based on Illumina-NGS sequencing of bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA and dsrB and mcrA functional genes to unveil the composition and the variability of indigenous microbial populations of four Italian depleted reservoirs. The obtained mcrA sequences allow us to implement the existing taxonomic database for mcrA gene sequences with newly classified sequences obtained from the Italian gas reservoirs. Moreover, the KEGG and COG predictive functional annotation was used to highlight the metabolic pathways potentially associated with hydrogenotrophic metabolisms. The analyses revealed the specificity of each reservoir microbial community, and taxonomic and functional data highlighted the presence of an enriched number of taxa, whose activity depends on both reservoir hydrochemical composition and nutrient availability, of potential relevance in the context of UHS. This study is the very first to address the profiling of the microbial population and allowed us to perform a preliminary assessment of UHS feasibility in Italy.

Subsurface drainage outlet detection in ditches and streams with UAV thermal infrared imagery: Preliminary research

Environmental risk assessment of impacts due to agricultural subsurface drainage practices can benefit from information on drainage system outlet locations along ditches and streams. Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) thermal infrared (TIR) surveys may provide a means, through thermal response recognition, to map these subsurface drainage system pipe outlets. Consequently, the objective of this research was to provide a preliminary feasibility assessment on the applicability of UAV TIR imagery for locating these drainage system outlets. Drainage outlet detection with UAV TIR surveys was tested at five sites in Ohio, U.S.A. with a range of waterway sizes from drainage ditch to small and larger streams. There were four key findings from this preliminary study. (1) The UAV TIR surveys detected the ditch/stream water thermal responses associated with drainage system pipe outlets at both a drainage ditch and a small stream. This thermal response is characterized by a ditch/stream water change in apparent radiant temperature (Trad) from upgradient of the outlet to downgradient of the outlet. (2) As shown by one example in this study, the outlet thermal response in cold winter months, when detectable, is likely the reverse of that obtained during warmer periods of the year. (3) The detected thermal response is rather subtle, exhibiting around a 1 °C ditch/stream water Trad change from upgradient of the outlet to downgradient of the outlet. (4) The UAV TIR surveys did not detect thermal responses associated with drainage system pipe outlets at three sites with larger sized streams. Since other factors in drainage ditches and streams may produce water Trad variations that are of the same magnitude of a drainage system pipe outlet thermal response, the use of UAV TIR imagery as a means to map drainage system outlet locations might not be completely practical; however, more investigation is certainly warranted.

Analysis of EU-DEMO WCLL Power Conversion System in Two Relevant Balance of Plant Configurations: Direct Coupling with Auxiliary Boiler and Indirect Coupling

Among the Key Design Integration Issues (KDIIs) recently selected for the DEMOnstration Fusion Power Plant (DEMO), the operation of the Balance of Plant (BoP) Power Conversion System (PCS) has been recognized as a crucial aspect, due to the typical pulsed regime characterizing the fusion power plant. In the framework of the DEMO Water-Cooled Lead-Lithium Breeding Blanket (WCLL BB) concept, three BoP solutions have been recognized to be able to overcome this issue. They rely on different coupling options between the Primary Heat Transfer Systems (PHTSs) and the PCS: an Indirect Coupling Design (ICD) with Intermediate Heat Transport System (IHTS) and Energy Storage System (ESS), a Direct Coupling Design (DCD) with AUXiliary Boiler (AUXB), and a DCD with small ESS. The present paper deals with a preliminary feasibility assessment of the first two solutions. The analysis, carried out with the GateCycleTM code, referred to a preliminary design phase, devoted to the sizing of the main components, and to a second phase focused on the cycle optimization. The study demonstrated the feasibility of the two BoP concepts. They are able to produce a satisfactory average electric power (>700 MW) with an acceptable average net electric efficiency (33.6% for both concepts). For each solution, the main strengths and weaknesses are compared and discussed.

Preliminary feasibility assessment of CDM-based active surveillance using current status of medical device data in medical records and OMOP-CDM

In recent years, there has been an emerging interest in the use of claims and electronic health record (EHR) data for evaluation of medical device safety and effectiveness. In Korea, national insurance electronic data interchange (EDI) code has been used as a medical device data source for common data model (CDM). This study performed a preliminary feasibility assessment of CDM-based vigilance. A cross-sectional study of target medical device data in EHR and CDM was conducted. A total of 155 medical devices were finally enrolled, with 58.7% of them having EDI codes. Femoral head prosthesis was selected as a focus group. It was registered in our institute with 11 EDI codes. However, only three EDI codes were converted to systematized nomenclature of medicine clinical terms concept. EDI code was matched in one-to-many (up to 104) with unique device identifier (UDI), including devices classified as different global medical device nomenclature. The use of UDI rather than EDI code as a medical device data source is recommended. We hope that this study will share the current state of medical device data recorded in the EHR and contribute to the introduction of CDM-based medical device vigilance by selecting appropriate medical device data sources.

Manufacturable 32-Channel Cochlear Electrode Array and Preliminary Assessment of Its Feasibility for Clinical Use.

(1) Background: In this study, we introduce a manufacturable 32-channel cochlear electrode array. In contrast to conventional cochlear electrode arrays manufactured by manual processes that consist of electrode-wire welding, the placement of each electrode, and silicone molding over wired structures, the proposed cochlear electrode array is manufactured by semi-automated laser micro-structuring and a mass-produced layer-by-layer silicone deposition scheme similar to the semiconductor fabrication process. (2) Methods: The proposed 32-channel electrode array has 32 electrode contacts with a length of 24 mm and 0.75 mm spacing between contacts. The width of the electrode array is 0.45 mm at its apex and 0.8 mm at its base, and it has a three-layered arrangement consisting of a 32-channel electrode layer and two 16-lead wire layers. To assess its feasibility, we conducted an electrochemical evaluation, stiffness measurements, and insertion force measurements. (3) Results: The electrochemical impedance and charge storage capacity are 3.11 ± 0.89 kOhm at 1 kHz and 5.09 mC/cm, respectively. The V/H ratio, which indicates how large the vertical stiffness is compared to the horizontal stiffness, is 1.26. The insertion force is 17.4 mN at 8 mm from the round window, and the maximum extraction force is 61.4 mN. (4) Conclusions: The results of the preliminary feasibility assessment of the proposed 32-channel cochlear electrode array are presented. After further assessments are performed, a 32-channel cochlear implant system consisting of the proposed 32-channel electrode array, 32-channel neural stimulation and recording IC, titanium-based hermetic package, and sound processor with wireless power and signal transmission coil will be completed.

Simulations of methanol fueled locomotive engine using high pressure co-axial direct injection system

Methanol has emerged as a strong alternate fuel candidate, which can meet future fuel requirements for locomotive traction. Simulation approach is an excellent tool for preliminary technical feasibility assessment of alternative fuels compared to time consuming experiments. The objective of this study was therefore to assess the feasibility of 90% diesel displacement by methanol (on energy basis) in the ALCO-251 locomotive engines, the workhorse of Indian Railways (IR). In the first phase of this study, base model of ALCO-251 locomotive engine was prepared in 1-D simulation software (GT-Power), which was validated using the experimental data of mineral diesel provided by Research Designs and Standards Organization (RDSO), which is the R&D wing of IR. Locomotive engine works on eight different engine speeds at different notches: 350 rpm (1st Notch), 450 rpm (2nd Notch), 550 rpm (3rd Notch), 650 rpm (4th Notch), 750 rpm (5th Notch), 850 rpm (6th Notch), 950 rpm (7th Notch), 1050 rpm (8th Notch). In the second phase of the study using this validated model, a co-axial injector was used where methanol was used as the primary fuel, and diesel was used as the secondary fuel for pilot injection using Co-axial High Pressure Direct Injection (HPDI) method. For simulations, methanol and diesel injectors were housed in a single injector body of the co-axial injector, but they had individual controls. Co-axial injector was actuated such that first it injected diesel in hot air-environment to initiate the combustion, followed by injection of methanol as the main motive fuel. Base model simulated the engine performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics quite well, which were in good agreement with the experimental data. Pareto optimized dimensions of the co-axial injector were 0.486 mm nozzle hole diameter, and 3 holes for pilot diesel injection, and 0.544 mm nozzle hole diameter, and 5 holes for methanol injection. HPDI of Methanol with Pilot Diesel Injection Model with optimized injector dimensions exhibited in-cylinder pressure curve shapes similar to the base model with similar/ superior torque characteristics, higher brake thermal efficiency, and lower NOx emisssions. Inevitably, 1-D simulation for the locomotive engine represented a potential method to achieve similar/ better engine performance, combustion and emission characteristics via this new fuel injection concept, using high pressure co-axial direct injection system.

ПОДХОД К ПЛАНИРОВАНИЮ РЕСУРСОВ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА МАШИНОСТРОИТЕЛЬНОГО ПРЕДПРИЯТИЯ С ИСПОЛЬЗОВАНИЕМ НЕЙРОННЫХ СЕТЕЙ

Generally, this is the experience of production workers, economists, designers, etc. that used to get a preliminary assessment of feasibility of hardware manufacturing at an enterprise. For a preliminary assessment, it is enough to understand the complexity of the product and available analogues. At the same time, it is not always possible to calculate an accurate production time for the product due to the lack of a complete set of design and technological documentation. The article presents an approach to calculating the production time of hardware using neural networks based on existing data for previous periods and types of hardware using. This approach allows estimating the production time without using accurate data on the design and manufacturing technology. The article also describes the structure of neural networks and defines the training sample. Some experiments were conducted based on the sample data, which allowed determining the initial weight coefficients of the neural network. The software implementation is made in the form of an additional module for an interactive web resource and uses T-SQL.

Ex Vivo Model of Functional Mitral Regurgitation Using Deer Hearts

Transcatheter therapies are emerging for functional mitral regurgitation (FMR) treatment, however there is lack of pathological models for their preclinical assessment. We investigated the applicability of deer hearts for this purpose.8 whole deer hearts were housed in a pulsatile flow bench. At baseline, all mitral valves featured normal coaptation. The pathological state was induced by 60-minutes intraventricular constant pressurization. It caused mitral annulus dilation (antero-posterior diameter increase from 31.8 ± 5.6 mm to 39.5 ± 4.9 mm, p = 0.001), leaflets tethering (maximal tenting height increase from 7.3 ± 2.5 mm to 12.7 ± 3.4 mm, p < 0.001) and left ventricular diameter increase (from 67.8 ± 7.5 mm to 79.4 ± 6.5 mm, p = 0.004). These geometrical reconfigurations led to restricted mitral valve leaflets motion and leaflet coaptation loss. Preliminary feasibility assessment of two FMR treatments was performed in the developed model.Deer hearts showed ability to dilate under constant pressurization and have potential to be used for realistic preclinical research of novel FMR therapies.Graphical abstract figure legend: Deer heart mitral valve fiberscopic and echocardiographic images in peak systole at baseline and after inducing the pathological conditions representing functional mitral regurgitation. In the pathological conditions lack of coaptation between the leaflets, enlargement of the antero-posterior distance (red dashed line) and the left ventricular diameter (orange dashed line) were observed.

Numerical modeling of the interactions between waves and a Jarlan-type caisson breakwater using OpenFOAM

In this study, a wave generation boundary capable of absorbing secondary reflections is embedded in an OpenFOAM-based numerical toolbox to model the wave-structure interactions of a Jarlan-type caisson breakwater (JTCB). Numerical simulations of wave structure interactions of a JTCB have been compared to experimental data where the reflection coefficient, the velocity field and the wave load of the JTCB, are analyzed in detail. It has been found that conventional two-dimensional (2D) simulation will underestimate the reflection coefficient, especially when the value of the nondimensional wave dissipation chamber length is in the range [0.12, 0.21]. This underestimation of the reflection coefficient could be related to an overestimation of the porosity of the perforated wall considered in conventional 2D structure simplifications. A porosity-equivalent 2D structure, whose porosity is the same as that of the three-dimensional (3D) structure, is presented and shown to effectively avoid this problem. In addition, in terms of wave loads, the agreement between the 2D simulation and the experiment has also been improved significantly using the porosity-equivalent 2D structure. Additionally, the interaction process, including the run-up on the back wall and the eddy formation process, is described via the changes of the velocity field and the free surface. Relatively good overall agreement between the calculated values and the experimental values is observed, indicating that this toolbox is useful and efficient for simulating wave-structure interactions of this kind. This study is expected to be useful to engineers concerned with the numerical modeling, preliminary feasibility assessment and conceptual design of JTCBs.

Feasibility Assessment for Production of Sorbents Based on Secondary Carbon Fibers

A preliminary feasibility assessment for recycling composites reinforced with carbon fibers and cloths was performed. The recommended pyrolysis temperature ranges for extracting secondary carbon fiber from the samples were determined using synchronous thermal analysis as 450-500°C for disperse-reinforced composite EPAN-2B and 500-550°C for composite UTZF-2UMN. The sorption properties of the secondary carbon fibers after activation in CO2 were 222.4 m2/g specific sorption area by BET with 80 and 20% micro- and mesopores, respectively. The limiting adsorption volume for UTZF-2UMN composite fiber was 0.1169 cm3/g with a sorption capacity for benzene vapor of 0.134 cm3/g. The sorbents had high characteristic adsorption energies (by the Dubinin—Radushkevich method) that averaged 14.6 kJ/mol, which was only 30% less than primary fiber sorbents. The sample of UTZF-2UMN consisting of carbon cloth and phenol-formaldehyde resin had higher sorption properties with BET specific sorption areas for sorbents made of it that were three times higher than fibers made of EPAN-2B epoxide carbon-fiber plastic. The specific capacity for benzene vapor was 2.2 times higher, which was explained by the EPAN-2B fibers being highly contaminated by mineral impurities.

On producing CO2 from subsurface reservoirs: simulations of liquid‐gas phase change caused by decompression

AbstractCarbon dioxide (CO2) extraction from deep reservoirs is currently important in CO2 enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and may become more important in the future if interim CO2 storage becomes common. In late 2014, we were involved in a production test of liquid CO2 from the Middle Duperow dolostone at Kevin Dome, Montana. The test resulted in lowering the temperature at the well bottom to ∼2 °C, and showed that the well and reservoir had very low CO2 productivity. We have used the CO2 modeling capabilities of the TOUGH codes to simulate the test and to show that liquid CO2 in the reservoir changes to gas phase as the pressure is lowered in the well during production testing. The associated phase change and decompression combine to drastically lower the bottom‐hole temperature, creating the potential for water ice or CO2 hydrate to form. By hypothesizing a relatively high‐permeability damage zone near the well surrounded by lower permeability reservoir rock, we can match the observed pressure, temperature, and production rate. Moving from the Kevin Dome test to the question of CO2 extraction from deep reservoirs in general, we carried out a parametric study to investigate the effects of reservoir depth and transmissivity on CO2 production rate for a prototypical reservoir. Simulations show that depth and high transmissivity favor productivity. Complex phase changes within the ranges of P‐T encountered in typical CO2 production wells affect production rates. The results of our parametric study may be useful for the preliminary feasibility assessment of CO2 extraction from deep reservoirs. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.

A thermo-economic analysis and comparison of pumped-thermal and liquid-air electricity storage systems

Efficient and affordable electricity storage systems have a significant potential to support the growth and increasing penetration of intermittent renewable-energy generation into the grid from an energy system planning and management perspective, while differences in the demand and price of peak and off-peak electricity can make its storage of economic interest. Technical (e.g., roundtrip efficiency, energy and power capacity) as well as economic (e.g., capital, operating and maintenance costs) indicators are anticipated to have a significant combined impact on the competitiveness of any electricity storage technology or system under consideration and, ultimately, will crucially determine their uptake and implementation. In this paper, we present thermo-economic models of two recently proposed medium- to large-scale electricity storage systems, namely ‘Pumped-Thermal Electricity Storage’ (PTES) and ‘Liquid-Air Energy Storage’ (LAES), focusing on system efficiency and costs. The LAES thermodynamic model is validated against data from an operational pilot plant in the UK; no such equivalent PTES plant exists, although one is currently under construction. As common with most newly proposed technologies, the absence of cost data results to the economic analysis and comparison being a significant challenge. Therefore, a costing effort for the two electricity storage systems that includes multiple costing approaches based on the module costing technique is presented, with the overriding aim of conducting a preliminary economic feasibility assessment and comparison of the two systems. Based on the results, it appears that PTES has the potential to achieve higher roundtrip efficiencies, although this remains to be demonstrated. LAES performance is found to be significantly enhanced through the integration and utilisation of waste heat (and cold) streams. In terms of economics on the other hand, and at the system size intended for commercial application, LAES (12 MW, 50MWh) is estimated in this work to have a lower capital cost and a lower levelised cost of storage than PTES (2 MW, 11.5 MWh), although it is noted that the prediction of the economic proposition of PTES technology is particularly uncertain if customised components are employed. However, when considering the required sell-to-buy price ratios, PTES appears (by a small margin) economically more competitive above an electricity buy price of ∼0.15 $/kWh, primarily due to its higher roundtrip efficiency. When considering the two systems at the same capacity, the costs are similar with a slight edge to PTES. Finally, it is of interest that the most expensive components in both systems are the compression and expansion devices, which suggests that there is a need to develop affordable high-performance devices for such systems.

Correlation between tooth size-arch length discrepancy and interradicular distances measured on CBCT and panoramic radiograph: an evaluation for miniscrew insertion.

Introduction: The selection of appropriate sites for miniscrew insertion is critical for clinical success. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate how interradicular spaces measured on panoramic radiograph compare with Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), and how crowding can influence the presence of available space for miniscrew insertion, in order to define a new “safe zones” map. Methods: A total of 80 pre-treatment panoramic radiographs and 80 CBCT scans with corresponding digital models were selected from the archives of the department of Dentistry, Aarhus University. Crowding was measured on digital models, while interradicular spaces mesial to the second molars were measured on panoramic radiographs and CBCTs. For panoramic radiographs, a magnification factor was calculated using tooth widths measured on digital models. Statistical analyses were performed to investigate the correlation between the amount of crowding and the available interradicular space. Visual maps showing the amount of interradicular spaces measured were drawn. Results: The most convenient interradicular spaces are those between the second molar and the first premolar in the mandible, and between the central incisors in the maxilla. However, some spaces were revealed to be influenced by crowding. Conclusions: Calibration of panoramic radiographs is of utmost importance. Generally, panoramic radiographs underestimate the available space. Preliminary assessment of miniscrew insertion feasibility and the related selection of required radiographs can be facilitated using the new “safe zone” maps presented in this article.

67 - A Novel C2 Screw Trajectory: Preliminary Anatomic Feasibility and Biomechanical Assessment

67 - A Novel C2 Screw Trajectory: Preliminary Anatomic Feasibility and Biomechanical Assessment

THE PROBLEMS OF PERFORMANCE MONITORING TO TAKLE THE TASKS OF THE AIRCRAFT CONTINUED AIRWORTHINESS

Improving of the aircraft continued airworthiness system is currently becoming of particular importance applied both to aircraft of domestic and foreign production, used in civil aviation of Russia. This article discusses the background and content of the tasks for long-haul aircraft continued airworthiness, which presents a challenge directly related to the provision of intensive, regular, economically viable, and safe operation of assigned airline fleet. A special place among the problems of continued airworthiness is held by the creation and organization of mechanisms and methods of resource status and age of the assigned airline fleet monitoring to manage its forecasting and timely updates. Not least important among the issues of resource and age structure monitoring to be considered is the need to improve the design of aircraft, taking into account preliminary technical and economic feasibility assessment of its modifications in the interests of the operator. A deep study of the contents of the monitoring allows to develop up-to-date methodological and scientific basis for building an integrated system of aircraft resource management and timing services. This system is developed based on the integrated approach that allows to provide a solution to the entire set of problems presented in this article and faced by professionals and scientists involved in the aircraft maintenance programs development on the stages of their design and manufacturing and long operation of aircraft continued airworthiness.

Self-care Barriers Reported by Emergency Department Patients With Acute Heart Failure: A Sociotechnical Systems-Based Approach

We pilot tested a sociotechnical systems-based instrument that assesses the prevalence and nature of self-care barriers among patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) with acute heart failure. A semistructured instrument for measuring self-reported self-care barriers was developed and administered by ED clinicians and nonclinician researchers to 31 ED patients receiving a diagnosis of acute heart failure. Responses were analyzed with descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Feasibility was assessed by examining participant cooperation rates, instrument completion times, item nonresponse, and data yield. Of 47 distinct self-care barriers assessed, a median of 15 per patient were indicated as "sometimes" or "often" present. Thirty-four specific barriers were reported by more than 25% of patients and 9 were reported by more than 50%. The sources of barriers included the person, self-care tasks, tools and technologies, and organizational, social, and physical contexts. Seven of the top 10 most prevalent barriers were related to patient characteristics; thenext 3, to the organizational context (eg, life disruptions). A preliminary feasibility assessment found few item nonresponses or comprehension difficulties, good cooperation, and high data yield from both closed- and open-ended items, but also found opportunities to reduce median administration time and variability. An instrument assessing self-care barriers from multiple system sources can be feasibly implemented in the ED. Further research is required to modify the instrument for widespread use and evaluate its implementation across institutions and cultural contexts. Self-care barriers measurement can be one component of broader inquiry into the distributed health-related "work" activity of patients, caregivers, and clinicians.

Assessment of locally manufactured small wind turbines as an appropriate technology for the electrification of the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua

This article presents an assessment of the challenges facing the use of small locally manufactured wind turbines as a rural electrification solution for the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. Strongly based on the authors work experience at the non-profit, non-governmental organization blueEnergy, this assessment makes an objective analysis of the technical, social, economic and organizational challenges faced by blueEnergy when using small wind turbines for rural electrification. The article provides detail on the challenges faced and puts forward methodologies and technologies to overcome or to detect and avoid these. Based on the challenges faced, a set of key factors that are essential for the success of small wind turbines in other contexts is proposed, together with two methodologies for a preliminary feasibility assessment.

TH‐C‐141‐08: A Feasibility Study of the Utility of Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI for Treatment Planning and Monitoring Treatment Response in Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy

Purpose: To investigate the feasibility of pulmonary DCE‐MRI in 1) identifying regions of functional lung for lung SBRT treatment planning; 2) assessing tumor response during and after SBRT; and 3) characterizing regions of radiation‐induced lung injury after SBRT. Methods: In this IRB‐approved feasibility study, participants being treated with 3–5 fractions of 12–18 Gy undergo pulmonary DCE‐MRI at baseline, during treatment (1–2 days after first fraction) and post‐treatment (1–2 weeks and then 3–4 months). DCE‐MRI is performed using a clinical 3D DCE‐MRI protocol, that includes T2‐weighted HASTE, T1‐weighted VIBE, and 3D turbo FLASH sequences. The parameters for the 3D turbo FLASH were: TR/TE=2.2/0.84msec, FOV=400mm, 256×208, slice thickness 3.6 mm, 1 excitation, BW=930kHz, FA=10, coronal orientation, temporal resolution=4sec, 42 frames, Gd‐DTPA iv. 0.1 mmol/kg. Time‐intensity curves are derived after motion‐correction, and fit to a two‐compartment plasma/extracellular extravascular space (EES) model to derive pharmacokinetic parameters for the tumor and surrounding treated lung, including kep, the characteristic rate of transfer of contrast tracer between plasma and the EES. The study aims to enroll 20 patients, with a preliminary assessment of feasibility after 7 patients. Results: The first patient was enrolled, and all the 4 MRI studies were successfully completed within the timeframe defined by the protocol, without complications. Images of the lung and tumor were obtained with satisfactory quality for pharmacokinetic analysis. Pharmacokinetic parameter maps based on DCE‐MRI were generated and registered to the corresponding planning 4DCT for each scan. In this first patient, kep in a tumor ROI was 1.09 before treatment, 0.20 after 2 fractions of 18 Gy, and 0.76 two weeks after the final fraction. Conclusion: The feasibility of acquiring and incorporating information from DCE‐MRI into lung stereotactic body radiation therapy has been demonstrated on an initial patient. Quantitative analysis will be performed after accrual of more participants. Kaye Scholar Grant and Siemens Research Partnership Grant

Hydrogeological analysis of the upper Dupi Tila Aquifer, towards the implementation of a managed aquifer-recharge project in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

A preliminary feasibility assessment of managed aquifer-recharge (MAR) techniques was undertaken for Dhaka City, Bangladesh. Considering the top impermeable-layer (TIL) thickness and the land-use classification, four primary MAR techniques have been suggested: (1) soil-aquifer treatment (SAT) for TIL thickness 0–8 m, (2) cascade-type recharge trenches/pits for TIL thickness 9–30 m, (3) aquifer storage, transfer and recovery (ASR/ASTR) for TIL thickness 31–52 m, and (4) use of natural wetlands to recharge water collected from open spaces. The study suggests that recharge trenches and pits will be the most appropriate MAR techniques, which can be implemented in most parts of the recharge area (ca. 277 km2). In case of a recharge trench, the lower parts (15–20 m) that are in direct contact with the aquifer can be backfilled with biosand filters with a reactive layer containing metallic iron (Fe0) to offer pre-treatment of the infiltrated water. In addition to the suggested four techniques, the regional groundwater flow direction, from the northwest and northeast towards Dhaka City, may allow use of the aquifer as a natural treatment and transport medium for groundwater, if spreading basins are installed in the greater Dhaka area.