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Improving Utilities with Systems Thinking: People, Process, and Technology explores management of water sector utilities from a systems thinking point of view, starting with the complete system and then defining the components, considering the interactions between them, measuring key variables of value creation and impact, making adjustments, and learning. The overall goal is to establish a knowledge-based roadmap for improvement, including practical methodologies based on science and grounded in the real needs of water sector utilities as stewards of a fundamental component of life: water. ISBN: 9781789063134 (Paperback) ISBN: 9781789063141 (eBook)

During the last two decades, the interrelationship between water and energy has become recognized. Likewise, the couplings to food and agriculture are getting increasingly obvious and alarming. In the last year, a record number of extreme weather events have been reported from most parts of the world. This is a visible demonstration how consequences of climate change must be understood and alleviated. The impacts of economics, lifestyle, and alarming inequalities are becoming increasingly recognisable. If the wealthy part of the world is not willing not make radical changes it does not matter what the less wealthy half of the global population will do to meet the climate and resource crisis. The purpose of the book is to demonstrate and describe how climate change, water, energy, food, and lifestyle are closely depending on each other. It is not sufficient to handle one discipline isolated from the others. This is the traditional “component view”. The book defines and describes a systems view. The communications and relationships between the “components” have to be described and recognized. Consequently, the development of one discipline must be approached from a systems perspective. At the same time, the success of the systems perspective depends on the degree of knowledge of the individual parts or disciplines. The catchphrase of systems thinking has been caught in the phrase, “The whole is more than the sum of its parts”. The idea is not new: the origin of this phrase is to be found already in Aristotle's Metaphysics more than 2300 years ago. The text may serve as an academic text (in engineering, economics, and environmental science) to introduce senior undergraduate and graduate students into systems thinking. Too often education encourages a “silo” thinking. Current global challenges can't be solved in isolation; they depend on each other. For example, water professionals should have a basic understanding of energy issues. Energy professionals ought to understand the dependency on water. Economic students should learn more how economy depends on natural resources like energy and water. Economics must include the environmental impact and ecological ceiling of economic activities. ISBN: 9781789062892 (print) ISBN: 9781789062908 (eBook) ISBN: 9781789062915 (ePUB)

Automation is a collection of a whole set of theories and methods to make a system work automatically as intended, in our case the urban water supply system. A critical feature of automation is the feedback principle: a sensor is measuring a certain variable, e.g. a concentration; a computer tests that the measurement is valid; a computer algorithm calculates and decides what should be corrected; a pump or valve or some other device transforms the decision to action. All of this is untouched by human hand. The ‘intention’, or the goal, must be provided to the controller. The key component of automation is the system that can represent any component or process in the water supply system and even the complete system. Automation technology always must be combined with a true understanding of people at all levels. Otherwise, there is a high risk for misunderstandings and failures. Three categories of problems are highlighted, where automation can contribute: uncertainty, feedback, and complexity. A key challenge is the handling of disturbances. Integrated management of the whole urban water cycle will be required in future urban areas to acquire sustainable operations. Automation is a crucial condition to make integration possible in complex systems. HIGHLIGHTS Dealing with uncertainties by online monitoring.; Using feedback at all levels to correct deviations from ‘normal’ operation.; Handling disturbances, particularly in time scales too fast or too slow for human interaction.; Operating complex highly interactive systems as well as small-scale decentralized systems.; Operation of the integrated urban water supply system.

Solar photo-voltaic (PV) and wind offer to bring both clean energy and clean water to remote regions and peri-urban areas in the world, outside the conventional electric grids. One out of seven people has no electric power available that would bring light to the home, cook the food, pump to access water and purify or re-use it. Off-grid systems are scalable and can be designed to any size, from household to village and community levels. The renewable energy cost development is remarkable and can make electric power affordable also for the poorest. Renewables promise an end to the era where energy security is closely related to geopolitics. The expenditure is up-front capital cost while “fuel” is free. With renewables, there is no geopolitical pressure where one country has deposits of a fossil fuel while another does not. This book aims to show how clean water and clean energy are reachable for all while contributing to both a better climate and a healthier life. ISBN: 9781789062953 (eBook)

Background and aim: In the aftermath of a myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary arteries (MINOCA) or Takotsubo syndrome (TS), patients commonly express high levels of stress and anxiety. Current treatment alternatives rarely address these issues. The planned E-health Treatment of Stress and Anxiety in Stockholm Myocardial Infarction With Non-obstructive Coronaries Study (e-SMINC) aims to evaluate the effects of an internet-based intervention, building on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) by comparison with treatment as usual using an RCT approach. This was a small-scale single arm study designed to test the feasibility of the RCT, addressing uncertainties regarding recruitment, data collection, and intervention delivery. Methods: Participant recruitment and screening took place before discharge from the coronary care unit at a large Swedish hospital. Eligible patients were invited to a nine-step psychologist guided, internet-based CBT intervention. The sample size was set in advance to 10 participants completing the intervention. The recruitment and flow of participants were documented and evaluated in relation to seven pre-defined progression criteria. Self-reports of anxiety (HADS-A), stress (PSS-14), cardiac anxiety (CAQ), posttraumatic stress (IES-6) and quality of life (Rand-36), collected at screening, pre-intervention and post-intervention, were analysed descriptively and by effect sizes (Cohen's d). Individual interviews targeting participant experiences were conducted. Results: Six out of seven progression criteria yielded no concerns. Out of 49 patients with a working diagnosis of MINOCA or TS, 31 were eligible for screening, 26 consented to participate, and 14 were eligible with regard to symptoms of stress and/or anxiety. Eleven completed the pre-assessment and were given access the intervention, and 9 completed the intervention. Only the number of patients screened prior to eligibility assessment was slightly lower than expected, indicating possible concerns. Self-reports of anxiety, stress, cardiac anxiety, posttraumatic stress, and quality of life all indicated symptom reduction from pre- to post-intervention, generally showing large effect sizes (d = 0.6–2.6). The general consensus among participants was that the programme was helpful and relevant, and that the personal contact with the psychologist was highly valued. Setting aside time to complete assignments was found critical. Conclusion: Conducting a full scale RCT was found feasible. Inclusion of more study sites and minor amendments to the protocol and intervention were decided to improve feasibility further.

Relocating Beijing's manufacturing industry, a key measure in the strategy for decentralizing Beijing's non-capital functions, may inadvertently increase environmental pressures in the receiving cities. This study develops a quantitative method to comprehensively identify the environmental effects caused by regional industrial relocations. First, a set of relocated industries is selected by considering the relevant policy motivations and sector-specific economic and environmental performance. Second, a discrete choice model is developed to simulate the relocating process, taking economic geographic factors as well as local environmental quality and regulation into account. Third, the Monte Carlo method is used to quantify the potential effects by considering the sectoral efficiencies of resource use and pollutant emissions. Three scenarios are developed for different priorities of economic growth and environmental regulation. The results show that the decentralization strategy is likely to reduce Beijing's industrial output value by between 68 and 176 billion RMB yuan, or 3.9%–10.1% of its annual total. Meanwhile, the decrease in Beijing's industrial water and energy consumption could range from 2.7% to 7.8% and from 6.4% to 8.1%, respectively, while the decrease in industrial emissions from various pollutants could range from 6.7% to 36%. The industrial output from the receiving cities in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region could increase in the range of 0.3%–17% in the scenarios, larger than their change rate of water and energy consumption (0.1%–3.5%) and pollutant emissions (0.1%–7.3%). Environmental pressures may intensify in Tianjin, Langfang, and Shijiazhuang as they are estimated to be the targets for 65% of all relocated industries. Overall, the results imply that the decentralization strategy is a promising approach for promoting regional sustainable development. The study recommends implementing stricter environmental regulations in the receiving cities.

The Chinese government has launched a guideline to lead power plants to more suitable technological pathways for meeting the strict “ultra-low emission” (“ULE”) standards to reduce air pollution emissions of the coal-fired power industry. Considering the complex interrelations between water, energy and emission, a quantifiable method of choosing the feasible technology sets for 6 multi-objective optimizations goals (MOGs) in the concept of water-energy-emission nexus (WEEN) was developed in this study. The results showed that the 16 technology sets can meet the “ULE” which could mitigate at least 72% of the current emissions at the cost of up to 17% increase of water/energy consumption. Specific technology sets were identified for 6 different MOGs with the coordinate consideration of WEEN. The comparisons among the 6 MOGs indicated that (1) the investment cost was not a vital factor in the optimizing procedures; (2) dust reduction was sensitive to the water/energy optimization goal due to the synergic dust removal effects of the desulfurization technologies; (3) the water for WEEN was easier to reduce than the energy for WEEN from the perspective of the tradeoffs of emissions. The identified 12 feasible technology sets for WEEN (-cost) would shed lights on more coordinately policy making process. (Less)

Microglial cells are affected in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and interact with amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques. Apart from memory loss, depression is common in patients with AD. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an anti-depressive treatment that may stimulate microglia, induce neuroinflammation and alter the levels of soluble Aβ, but the effects of ECT on microglia and Aβ aggregation in AD are not known. We investigated the short- and long-term effects of ECT on neuroinflammation and Aβ accumulation. 5xFAD mice received either electroconvulsive stimulation (ECS n = 26) or sham treatment (n = 25) for 3 weeks. Microglia and Aβ were analyzed in samples collected 24 h, 5 weeks, or 9 weeks after the last treatment. Aβ plaques and microglia were quantified using immunohistochemistry. The concentration of soluble Aβ and cytokines was quantified using ELISA and levels of Aβ aggregates were measured with Western Blot. Microglial phagocytosis of Aβ in the hippocampus was evaluated by flow cytometry in Methoxy-X04 injected mice 24 h following the last ECS treatment. Y-maze and Elevated plus maze were performed to study behavior after 5 weeks. We could not detect any significant short- or long-term effects of ECS on Aβ pathology or neuroinflammation, but ECS reduced abnormal behavior in the Elevated Plus maze.

This study highlights the need to increase our understanding of the interplay between sensor drift and the performance of the automatic control system. The impact from biased sensors on the automatic control systems is rarely considered when different control strategies are assessed in water resource recovery facilities. Still, the harsh measurement environment with negative effects on sensor data quality is widely acknowledged. Simulations were used to show how sensor bias in an ammonium cascade feedback controller impacts aeration energy efficiency and total nitrogen removal in an activated sludge process. Response surface methodology was used to reduce the required number of simulations, and to consider the combined effect of two simultaneously biased sensors. The effects from flow variations, and negatively biased ammonium (−1 mg/L) and suspended solids sensors (−500 mg/L) reduced the nitrification aeration energy efficiency by between 7 and 25%. Less impact was seen on total nitrogen removal. There were no added non-linear effects from the two simultaneously biased sensors, apart from an interaction between a biased ammonium sensor and dissolved oxygen sensor located in the last aerated zone. Negative effects from sensor bias can partly be limited if the expected bias direction is considered when the controller setpoint-limits are defined. HIGHLIGHTS Sensor bias needs to be included in control system benchmark studies to shift focus from idealized studies, to realistic assumptions.; Sensor drift direction and magnitude need to be further studied.; Response surface methodology can be used to facilitate assessment of several simultanously biased sensors.

BACKGROUND The U-CARE Heart trial was one of the first randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on self-reported symptoms of anxiety or depression for patients with a recent myocardial infarction. While the effects of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores at 14 weeks postbaseline were not significant, in this study, we investigated possible long-term effects of treatment. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy on self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients 12 months after a myocardial infarction and to explore subsequent occurrences of cardiovascular disease events. METHODS Shortly after acute myocardial infarction, 239 patients (33% female, mean age 59.6 years) reporting mild-to-moderate symptoms of anxiety or depression were randomized to 14 weeks of therapist-guided internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy (n=117) or treatment as usual (n=122). Data from national registries were used to explore group differences in clinical outcomes such as cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular-related mortality for a follow-up period of up to 5 years: group differences in HADS total score 1 year post–myocardial infarction, the primary outcome, was analyzed using multiple linear regression. Secondary outcomes, such as HADS anxiety and depression subscales and the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire total score (CAQ), which measures heart-focused anxiety, were analyzed in the same way. Multiple imputation was used to account for missing data, and a pooled treatment effect was estimated. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for data pertaining to registry outcomes. RESULTS Both groups reported lower HADS total scores 1 year after myocardial infarction than those at baseline. HADS total scores were not significantly different between the treatment and control groups 1 year after myocardial infarction (β=–1.14, 95% CI –2.73 to 0.45, P=.16). CAQ was the only measure improved significantly by internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy when compared with treatment as usual (β=–2.58, 95% CI –4.75 to –0.42, P=.02) before adjusting for multiple comparisons. The composite outcome of nonfatal cardiovascular events and cardiovascular-related mortality did not differ between groups but was numerically higher in the internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy group, who were at slightly greater risk (HR 1.8, 95% CI 0.96 to 3.4, P=.07). Adjusting for previous myocardial infarction and diabetes attenuated this estimate (HR 1.5, 95% CI 0.8 to 2.8, P=.25). CONCLUSIONS Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy was not superior in reducing self-reported symptoms of depression or anxiety compared to treatment as usual at the 1-year follow-up after myocardial infarction. A reduction in cardiac-related anxiety was observed but was not significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons. There was no difference in risk of cardiovascular events between the treatment groups. Low treatment adherence, which might have affected treatment engagement and outcomes, should be considered when interpreting these results. CLINICALTRIAL ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01504191; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01504191 INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.1186/s13063-015-0689-y

This paper presents a modelling study aimed at minimizing the environmental foot print of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) for wastewater treatment. Specifically, an integrated model for MBR was employed in view of the management optimization of an MBR biological nutrient removal (BNR) pilot plant in terms of operational costs and direct greenhouse gases emissions. The influence of the operational parameters (OPs) on performance indicators (PIs) was investigated by adopting the Extended-FAST sensitivity analysis method. Further, a multi-objective analysis was performed by applying the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The results show-up that the sludge retention time is the OP mostly affecting all the investigated PIs. By applying the set of optimal OPs, there was a reduction of 48% and 10% of the operational costs and direct emissions, respectively.

В данной статье мы анализируем функцию падежных окончаний в русском языке с помощью двух лингвистических экспериментов. Целью первого является выяснить, насколько хорошо русскоязычные, проживающие в Финляндии (как носители языка, так и те, для кого русский язык не является родным, но владеющие им на высоком уровне), понимают, к какому падежу или числу принадлежит слово в том случае, если правильная форма является омофоном с хотя бы одной другой грамматической формой. Второй эксперимент призван ответить на вопрос, нужны ли падежные окончания носителям русского языка, чтобы определить синтаксические связи между словами. Полагаясь на результаты первого эксперимента, мы утверждаем, что категория числа в восприятии носителей языка более развита, чем падеж; а результаты второго эксперимента предполагают, что в случае падежного синкретизма, другие факторы влияют на определение синтаксических связей между словами внутри предложения. In this article we analyze the function of case endings in the Russian language by means of two linguistic experiments. In the first one we aim to discover how well Russian speakers living in Finland (native speakers and non-natives highly proficient in the language) understand which case or number a word belongs to when the correct word form is homophonous with at least one other form. The second experiment seeks to answer the question of whether native Russian speakers need case endings to be able to distinguish syntactic connections between words. The results of the first experiment show that the category of number is more developed than the category of case in the perception of the native speakers, while the second experiment suggests that in the event of case syncretism other factors influence the identification of syntactic connections between the words in a sentence.

Water has always been mankind’s most precious resource - there are no substitutes. The struggle to control water resources has shaped human political and economic history. Population growth and economic development are driving a steadily increasing demand for new clean water supplies and it is well documented that lack of access to clean water has major health implications. Many see the water security as the key environmental issue of the 21 st century. Water and energy issues are inextricably linked. Energy is needed to extract water from underground aquifers, transport water through canals and pipes, manage and treat wastewater for reuse, and desalinate brackish and sea water to provide new fresh water sources. Water is crucial for the energy production, for hydropower dams, for cooling of thermal power plants, and for fossil fuel production and processing. Water and energy are the critical elements of sustainable economic development – without access to both of them economies cannot grow, jobs cannot be created, and poor people cannot move out of poverty. On a global basis, neither water nor energy are in short supply. What is in short supply is energy and water at a price that people can afford to buy. We have to find better ways to use the water wisely, in our homes, in agriculture (such as “smart” irrigation), and in industry. Using the water wisely includes producing the potable water and cleaning the wastewater using less energy. Pumping water, pressurizing water distribution systems, and pumping wastewater are major energy consumers. Aeration of activated sludge systems is another major energy consumer. A wastewater treatment plant can also serve as an energy producer. The interest in biogas is increasing and there is a large unused potential in maximizing the production of biogas. Using desalination for water supply is rapidly increasing and this requires huge amounts of energy. Control and automation in water and wastewater operations can contribute to improve the sustainability by smart monitoring systems, disturbance attenuation, using energy wisely and to maximize energy production. Sustainable solutions require that we do not address singles issues in isolation, but have to adopt a systems approach with integrated solutions. The whole system has to be considered, including pure water resources, energy consumption, water usage, wastewater treatment, water reuse, receiving water and possible energy production. Still it must be remembered that technology offers only part of the solution. The attitude towards water consumption may be the crucial ingredient. Furthermore, new approaches to financing, managing and maintaining systems must be developed.

The aim of this paper is to describe the state-of-the art computer-based techniques for data analysis to improve operation of wastewater treatment plants. A comprehensive review of peer-reviewed papers shows that European researchers have led academic computer-based method development during the last two decades. The most cited techniques are artificial neural networks, principal component analysis, fuzzy logic, clustering, independent component analysis and partial least squares regression. Even though there has been progress on techniques related to the development of environmental decision support systems, knowledge discovery and management, the research sector is still far from delivering systems that smoothly integrate several types of knowledge and different methods of reasoning. Several limitations that currently prevent the application of computer-based techniques in practice are highlighted.

Water availability and water demand are not evenly distributed in time and space. Many mega water diversion projects have been launched to alleviate water shortages in China. This paper analyzes the temporal and spatial features of 59 mega water diversion projects in China using statistical analysis. The relationship between nine major basins is measured using a network analysis method, and the associated economic, environmental and social impacts are explored using an impact analysis method. The study finds the development of water diversion has experienced four stages in China, from a starting period through to a period of high-speed development. Both the length of water diversion channels and the amount of transferred water have increased significantly in the past 50years. As of 2015, over 100billionm3 of water was transferred in China through 16,000km in channels. These projects reached over half of China's provinces. The Yangtze River Basin is now the largest source of transferred water. Through inter-basin water diversion, China gains the opportunity to increase Gross Domestic Product by 4%. However, the construction costs exceed 150 billion US dollars, larger than in any other country. The average cost per unit of transferred water has increased with time and scale but decreased from western to eastern China. Furthermore, annual total energy consumption for pumping exceeded 50billionkilowatt-hours and the related greenhouse gas emissions are estimated to be 48milliontons. It is worth noting that ecological problems caused by water diversion affect the Han River and Yellow River Basins. Over 500 thousand people have been relocated away from their homes due to water diversion. To improve the sustainability of water diversion, four kinds of innovative measures have been provided for decision makers: national diversion guidelines, integrated water basin management, economic incentives and ex-post evaluation.

Water and energy are intricately connected in households. The connections mainly appear in three types of residential behavior: bathing, cooking, and cleaning. This study investigated the features of water and related energy consumption in groups with different individual attributes and identified the key groups and types of behavior that correlate with water and energy conservation. A face-to-face interview method was applied to estimate residential water and energy consumption associated with three types of behavior. Regression analysis was applied to the results of 1017 questionnaires to explore the relationships between individual attributes and the amount of water used and associated energy consumption. Chi-square test and extended Mantel-Haenszel test were applied to confirm the relations between individual attributes and behavior. Annual per capita water use for the three types of behavior was 33.6 m3 on average and annual per capita water related electricity consumption was estimated to be 545.7 kWh. The Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.8 with a confidence level of 99%, which indicated a strong correlation between water use and energy consumption. The results showed that 55% of household electricity consumption was coupled with water use in Beijing. Water use and related electricity consumption had a positive correlation with education but a negative correlation with age and family size. Young women under 30 years old with a bachelor degree or above who live alone often use the most water and electricity, 16% and 28% higher than the average. This paper provides a better understanding of urban household consumption and individual attributes.

When a verb is borrowed into Russian, it must adapt to the Russian aspectual system. The borrowed verb takes on the functions of one of the two aspects and often (but not always) forms a correspond...

Статья посвящена анализу употребления конструкции ‘глагол с приставкой под- плюс существительное в винительном падеже без предлога’ (pod-V + NAcc) на материале Национального корпуса русского языка (НКРЯ). В ходе исследования было рассмотрено более 2000 примеров употребления данной конструкции. Основной акцент сделан на развитии существующей методологии исследования семантических и грамматических категорий за счет привлечения обширного, детально проанализированного практического материала. Глаголы рассматривались с точки зрения их грамматической структуры и семантической классификации. Взаимодействие свойств приставки и глагольной основы оценивалось через призму грамматических категорий переходности и возвратности. Выявлены определенные закономерности поведения приставки как релятора, изменяющего концептуализацию ситуации. Выбранный материал НКРЯ был обработан в соответствии с семантической классификацией В. А. Плунгяна, на основе которой была составлена схема радиальных категорий, описывающая взаимоотношения между различными значениями приставки под-.

Nitrous oxide, carbon dioxide and methane are greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted from wastewater treatment that contribute to its carbon footprint. As a result of the increasing awareness of GHG emissions from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), new modelling, design, and operational tools have been developed to address and reduce GHG emissions at the plant-wide scale and beyond. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art and the recently developed tools used to understand and manage GHG emissions from WWTPs, and discusses open problems and research gaps. The literature review reveals that knowledge on the processes related to N2O formation, especially due to autotrophic biomass, is still incomplete. The literature review shows also that a plant-wide modelling approach that includes GHG is the best option for the understanding how to reduce the carbon footprint of WWTPs. Indeed, several studies have confirmed that a wide vision of the WWPTs has to be considered in order to make them more sustainable as possible. Mechanistic dynamic models were demonstrated as the most comprehensive and reliable tools for GHG assessment. Very few plant-wide GHG modelling studies have been applied to real WWTPs due to the huge difficulties related to data availability and the model complexity. For further improvement in GHG plant-wide modelling and to favour its use at large real scale, knowledge of the mechanisms involved in GHG formation and release, and data acquisition must be enhanced.

The coupled relationships among water, energy, and emission, i.e., water-energy-emission nexus (WEEN), are found to be spatial-temporally characterized. This research is aimed at evaluating the spatial-temporal characteristics of the WEEN of the selected 227 coal-fired power plants in China from 2012 to 2014 by employing the entropy weighting method. Firstly, the WEEN performances (the sub-indicators, i.e., the emissions, water for cooling, water for pollutant removal, energy for electricity generation, and energy for pollutant removal) of the plants are computed. Then, each sub-indicator of the WEEN performances is compared at plant level. Finally, the entropy weighting factor is introduced to evaluate the overall performances of WEEN (defined as the WEEN indicator). The results show that NOx and SO2 removal sub-indicators were with the highest entropy weights. Overall, the WEEN indicator improves significantly from 0.21 (2012) to 0.37 (2014), which means the increases of pollutant removal were more significant than the changes in water and energy inputs. The power plants located in Northern China and Central China grids show more significant improvement. This is mainly contributed by the improvement of the three emission sub-indicators and the larger amount of removed pollutants. By evaluating the improvement of WEEN indicators, the overall performances of WEEN with the simultaneous consideration of water, energy and emission are quantitatively addressed, which reflect the technology improvement and the strict policies and regulations behind it. This research provides a quantifiable and integrated way to evaluate and compare the various aspects of WEEN at the plant level.

The key issue in urban drainage (UD) systems, looking from a control engineering perspective, is operation. Measurements, feedback, control and automation are tools to address the challenges. Measurement technology combined with analysis and parameter estimation are used to obtain relevant information for decision and control. The UD control problem is truly multivariable with many sensors and actuators. A major concern is how to define performance indices that reflect requirements from the natural and urban environment and how to translate this into operational variables. This makes the UD system operation a multi-objective control problem.