FORMULA ON ENERGY LOSSES AT THREE-WAY CIRCULAR DROP MANHOLE UNDER SURCHARGE FLOW
1Member of JSCE, Professor, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Eng., National Institute of Technology, Matsue College (14-4 Nishi-ikuma, Matsue, Shimane 690-8518, Japan) E-mail: arao@matsue-ct.jp 2Member of JSCE, Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (15-1 Ginza 6-chome, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-8165, Japan) E-mail: Shunsuke_Hiratsuka@jpower.co.jp 3Honorary Member of JSCE, Professor, Kyushu University (744 Motooka, Nish-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan) E-mail: kusuda@kyudai.jp
Performance of Model Storm Sewer Junctions
The design of an effective storm water junction structure requires calculation of the energy losses, and associated backwater effects, in the vicinity of the junction under anticipated maximum flows in the incoming sewers. In the case of hydraulically inefficient junctions, energy losses due to stream mixing and from drag can lead to surcharged conditions in the conduits. Under these conditions Sangster suggests appropriate energy loss coefficients based on extensive tests on small-scale junction structures in which the inflow and outflow pipes were surcharged. However, efficient storm sewer systems normally operate under free surface conditions. Consequently the experimental program, described in this note, had the following main objectives: 1. To provide data on the relative efficiency of different-shaped junction structures operating under free surface conditions; 2. to investigate junctions having large inlet pipe diameters and small incoming pipe slopes; and 3. determination of suitable modifications to junction geometry in light of recent attempts to improve the performance of some inefficient junctions in an existing sewer system.
Indian Fig Cactus (Opuntia Ficus-Indica (L.) Miller) in the Americas: an Uncertain History
Abstract: 
 Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller is a globally important cactus species with a long history of human use. In addition to the importance of O. ficus-indica as a food for humans and livestock, it also has long served a role in the production of cochineal, a once important textile dye. This cactus also is intimately interwoven into the story of Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (South American cactus moth), one of the best-known examples of biological weed control. In this regard, O. ficus-indica has been a target weed as well as an unintended host in C. cactorum invasion. Although the distribution and human-assisted movement of this cactus throughout much of the world is well documented, surprisingly little has been written about its history and movement within the Americas. Literature associated with Opuntia and their phytophagous pests in North and South America was examined in an attempt to determine the history of O. ficus-indica in the Americas. Available information suggests with some certainty that O. ficus-indica originated in present-day Mexico, but the timing of its introduction to South America is much less clear. Taxonomic difficulties associated with distinguishing among Opuntia species and the long pre-Columbian history of exchange between South American and Mesoamerican cultures are two primary complicating factors associated with dating the dispersal of this species to South America. Additionally, previous evidence in support of a pre-Columbian introduction to South America relied on questionable identification of insect-based textile dyes. These uncertainties are significant because clearer knowledge of the history of O. ficus-indica introduction to South America could provide a more complete biological and ecological context to efforts at managing this species in its native and introduced ranges, particularly with respect to the threat posed by C. cactorum in North American and Argentinean plantations.