bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Impervious Surface on the Spatial Distribution of Urban Waterlogging Risk Spots at Multiple Scales in Guangzhou, South China
Authors: Zhang Hui , Cheng Jiong , Wu Zhifeng , Li Cheng , Qin Jun , Liu Tong
Published: May 2018

An impervious surface is considered one of main factors affecting urban waterlogging. Previous studies found that spatial pattern (composition and configuration) of impervious surfaces affected urban waterlogging. However, their relative importance remains unknown, and the scale-effect of the spatial pattern on urban waterlogging has been ignored. To move forward, our research studied the relationship between spatial patterns on the impervious surface and its subcategories (building and pavement) on urban waterlogging risk spots using Pearson correlation, partial redundancy analysis and performed at three grid scales (1 km × 1 km, 3 km × 3 km, 5 km × 5 km) and the catchment scale based on different spatial resolution land cover maps (2 m, 10 m and 30 m). We identified positively-correlated metrics with urban waterlogging risk spots, such as the composition of impervious surface (i.e., total impervious surface, building, pavement) and the aggregation metric of the total impervious surface at most scales, as well as two negatively correlated metrics (i.e., proximity metric of building, fragmentation metric of total impervious surface). Furthermore, the total variance of urban waterlogging risk spots explained by the spatial pattern of the total impervious surface and its subcategories increased with studied grid and catchment scales while decreasing from a fine to a coarse resolution. The relative contribution of the impervious surface composition and configuration to the variation of urban waterlogging risk spots varied across scales and among impervious surface types. The composition contributed more than the configuration did for the total impervious surface at both grid and catchment scales. Similar to total impervious surface, the composition of buildings was more important than its configuration was at all the grid scales, while the configuration of buildings was more important at the catchment scale. Contrary to the total impervious surface, the configuration of pavement at both the grid and catchment scales mattered more than their compositions did. Furthermore, the composition of the building was more important than that of pavement, but its configuration mattered less. Our study could provide a multi-scale landscape perspective with detailed suggestions for controlling the area of impervious surface and optimizing its spatial configuration in urban waterlogging risk mitigation and urban planning.
A Multi-Risk Approach to Climate Change Adaptation, Based on an Analysis of South Korean Newspaper Articles
Authors: Kang Youngeun , Park Chang-Sug
Published: May 2018

The risks caused by climate change are worsening worldwide, and it is recognized that national and regional responses to climate change are essential. This study therefore explores climate change risks that have been recognized as fatal to people and the environment by analyzing multi-influence factors that appear in multiple risk indicators. The climate change risks in this study are based on 73 existing risk indicators; the frame data for multi-influence risk factors are based on 3098 newspaper articles published over 24 years on the impact of climate change in South Korea. The main outcomes for this study were finding climate change risk trend from newspaper articles regarding climate change impacts through text-mining, and figuring out the multi-risk indicators that are likely to occur at the same time with other risk indicators using network analysis. From the network analysis, we found that the major risk indicators have a high degree of interrelationship among risk indicators, including “increase in mortality rate from disaster”, “increase in flood areas due to coastal flooding”, and “destruction of repair facilities due to flooding (river bank, etc.)”. The main risk indicators derived from this study can therefore be used as a reasonable standard when identifying the main risks posed by climate change and defining future adaptation planning priorities.
A Voting TOPSIS Approach for Determining the Priorities of Areas Damaged in Disasters
Authors: He Yanjin , Jung Hosang
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we investigate the priority determination problem for areas that have been damaged during disasters. Relief distribution should be planned while considering the priorities of the damaged areas. To determine the priorities of the damaged areas, we first define four criteria and then propose a voting TOPSIS (technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution) that utilizes the fuzzy pair-wise comparison, data envelopment analysis, and TOPSIS. Since the voting TOPSIS is based on the voting results of multiple experts, it can be applied to urgent situations quickly, regardless of the consistency of comparison, the number of alternatives, and the number of participating experts. The proposed approach is validated using a real-world case, and this case analysis shows that the voting TOPSIS is viable.
Cost Calculation of Construction Projects Including Sustainability Factors Using the Case Based Reasoning (CBR) Method
Authors: Leśniak Agnieszka , Zima Krzysztof
Published: May 2018

The idea of sustainable development and the resulting environmentally friendly attitudes are increasingly used in construction projects. Designing in accordance with the principles of sustainable development has an impact on the costs of construction works. The authors of this paper proposed an approach to estimate the costs of sports field construction using the Case Based Reasoning method. In their analysis, they distinguished 16 factors that affect the cost of a construction project and are possible to already be described at an early stage of its preparation. The original elements of the work include: consideration of such environmental factors as the environmental impact of the building, materials used, the impact of the facility on the surroundings affecting the amount of implementation costs and development of own database containing 143 construction projects that are related to sports fields. In order to calculate the similarity of cases, different calculation formulas were applied depending on the type of data (quantitative, qualitative, uncertain, no data). The obtained results confirmed that the CBR method based on historical data and using criteria related to sustainable development may be useful in cost estimation in the initial phase of a construction project. Its application to the calculation of the costs that are related to the implementation of sports fields generates an error of 14%, which is a very good result for initial calculations. In the short run, such factors as the impact of the object and the type of materials that are used from the perspective of their influence on the environment may be decisive as far as the costs determined in the life cycle of the building are concerned, as well as the lowest costs of the building construction ensuring the appropriate quality and respect for the environment.
Food for Hope: The Role of Personal Resources in Farmers’ Adoption of Green Technology
Authors: Bukchin Shira , Kerret Dorit
Published: May 2018

Innovative technologies are expected to play a significant role in climate change mitigation and adaptation within the agriculture sector and in global food security. Clearly, however, the value of technological innovations in the agriculture sector is premised on their adoption. Therefore, understanding why farmers differ in their adoption of innovative green technologies is important. In the following paper, we review current literature and set the theoretical framework for suggesting that three important personal resources correlate with agricultural technology adoption: positive emotions, character strengths (including specific ones), and cognitive goal-oriented hope. This study constitutes an important theoretical basis for future practical recommendations for environmental policy, positive psychology, and innovation adoption that may help narrow some of the gaps in technology adoption rates. In addition to its theoretical innovation, the importance of this study lies in its practical value: we focus on variables that are influenced through policy, education, and communication. The theoretical connections between positive psychology and environmental studies emerging from this study should be developed and explored. We hope that this new perspective will motivate future research on these factors within diverse farming communities across different nations.
Growing Urbanization and the Impact on Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Dynamics
Authors: Han Lijian , Zhou Weiqi , Li Weifeng
Published: May 2018

Changes in urban air quality and its relationship with growing urbanization provide an important insight into urban development strategies. Thus, we collected remotely sensed PM2.5 concentrations, as well as urban population datasets, and analyzed the scaling relationship between changes in urban population and concentrations of PM2.5. The majority of large cities in North America and Europe had PM2.5 concentrations which decreased significantly. Only 2.0% of large cities in the U.S. were found to have significant positive trends. PM2.5 concentration trends of less than 0.5 μg/m3·year were found in all large cities of Africa and Latin America. However, PM2.5 concentration trends of more than 1.0 μg/m3·year were found in 56.7% of the large cities in Asia, where only 2.3% of the cities in China were found with significant negative trends, and no cities in India were found with significant negative trends. Large cities in Asia were found with contributions of 4.12 ± 4.27 μg/m3·year per million people, particularly large cities in China (5.40 ± 4.80 μg/m3·year per million people) and India (4.07 ± 3.07 μg/m3·year per million people). Significant negative or positive relationships were obtained between PM2.5 trends and population change rates in large cities of North America (R2 = 0.9195, p < 0.05) or Europe (R2 = 0.9161, p < 0.05). Moreover, a significant inverse “U-type” relationship (R2 = 0.8065, p < 0.05) was found between PM2.5 trends and population change rates in large cities of Asia. In addition, the positive or negative relationships between the trends in population and PM2.5 were obtained in typical low- and mid-income countries (e.g., China and India) or high-income countries (e.g., USA), respectively.
Bridging Humanitarian Responses and Long-Term Development through Transformative Changes—Some Initial Reflections from the World Bank’s Adaptive Social Protection Program in the Sahel
Authors: Béné Christophe , Cornelius Alex , Howland Fanny
Published: May 2018

In the context of increasing climate-related extreme events and other crises, the concept of adaptive social protection (ASP) has been recognized as a potentially effective policy response to reduce the impacts of these shocks and stressors on vulnerable households. The concept is currently being tested at scale by the World Bank in six countries in the Sahel region. Based on conceptual considerations, this paper aims to address three questions: How and to what extent can adaptive social protection be considered transformative? Where does this concept sit along the humanitarian–development continuum? And, how does it relate to resilience? To answer these questions the paper draws on the authors’ exposure to the on-going World Bank ASP program, as well as documents derived from the emerging body of literature on climate- and shock-responsive social protection. Drawing on these different materials the paper first demonstrates that ASP can effectively be considered as a transformative intervention at two different levels: at the system level and at the beneficiaries’ level. The paper also shows how, through its activities designed to strengthen households’ adaptive capacity, an ASP program can contribute to building resilience beyond the short-term coping strategies which humanitarian interventions generally focus on. As such ASP covers a larger spectrum along the humanitarian–development continuum than most other interventions proposed in the context of shock-responsive interventions.
Further Widening or Bridging the Gap? A Cross-Regional Study of Unemployment across the EU Amid Economic Crisis
Authors: Grekousis George
Published: May 2018

The 2008 global economic crisis led to a sharp increase in unemployment with an estimated 210 million people being unemployed worldwide by 2010. This study analyzes the spatio-temporal distribution of unemployment in the European Union (EU) at a cross-regional level between 2008 and 2013 to identify if spatio-temporal patterns of unemployment exist, and if the European regions have suffered similarly during the study period. Various local spatial autocorrelation techniques are applied and results show that unemployment is highly polarized across the EU regions. Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Greece are experiencing high rates of unemployment forming clusters in space and time. By contrast, Germany, Austria, and nearby regions are more resilient to the economic crisis strains thus creating spatial clusters of low rates of unemployment. Spatial autocorrelation increased considerably in 2013 compared to 2008, indicating further polarization of unemployment and a widening gap between the south and the central-north, showcasing that the severe austerity measures imposed in the beginning of the crisis on some countries did not have any positive effect on unemployment mitigation. The paper also discusses interesting cross-regional patterns to assist policymakers and planners to better understand how high rates of unemployment are spreading geographically and thus take preventive measures to alleviate the implications of the phenomenon. The proposed analysis delves deeper into comprehending geographies of change, and related findings can support spatial planning for achieving society’s sustainability.
Contrasting Stakeholders’ Perceptions of Pine Plantations in the Páramo Ecosystem of Ecuador
Authors: Quiroz Dahik Carlos , Crespo Patricio , Stimm Bernd , Murtinho Felipe , Weber Michael , Hildebrandt Patrick
Published: May 2018

The páramo, a collection of Neotropical alpine ecosystems, plays a prominent role in ecosystem services (ESs), providing water supply and regulation, conservation of biodiversity, and carbon storage in soil. The establishment of pine plantations for carbon sequestration and wood production has recently raised questions concerning the possible impact on the páramo’s ES. This study identifies the main stakeholders in this field and compares and contrasts their perceptions of the impact of pine plantations on the páramo’s ES, because the disparity among stakeholders’ perceptions must be addressed to achieve sustainable management. The data were gathered using 56 semi-structured interviews and were qualitatively analyzed. The results show that the main stakeholder groups (landowners, local government officials, foresters, and nature conservationists) acknowledge the important ES of the plantations. The perception of plantation impact varies among and within stakeholder groups, however, on specific functions, such as water provision, carbon storage, erosion prevention, and habitat function for wildlife and natural vegetation. Consideration and integration of these perceptions can help policy makers and organizations develop sustainable policies for the future management of the páramo ecosystem.
The Role of International Entrepreneurial Orientation in Successful Internationalization from the Network Capability Perspective
Authors: Yoon Junghyun , Kim Ki , Dedahanov Alisher
Published: May 2018

Purpose/Research Question: In general, networks have played a role in improving innovation, and early-stage companies adopt an entrepreneurial orientation to secure competitiveness. In other words, the companies would like to penetrate global markets due to the CEO’s international entrepreneurial orientation. In addition, by utilizing their networks, the companies would like to improve their international performance. Relatively few studies have been devoted to investigating the empirical relationships between entrepreneurial orientation, networks, and international performance. In particular, technology-based firms are one of the best samples. Therefore, this study aims to explore the characteristics of the firms and then investigate comprehensively and empirically the relationships between international entrepreneurial orientation, networks, and international performance, based on data from technology-based firms in South Korea. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study analyzes data from technology-based small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using structural equation modeling (SEM). It assumes that networks will play a moderating role in the relationships between international entrepreneurial orientation and international performance. We carried out the survey after conducting interviews with CEOs of SMEs. Findings/Results: International entrepreneurial orientation has a significant effect on international performance. Moreover, the stronger the networks that SMEs have with other stakeholders such as universities, industries, and technoparks, the higher their international performance. With stronger networks, tech-based SMEs have easier access to useful technologies and hence better international performance. Research Limitations/Implications: There are some limitations to this study. First of all, the study relied heavily on quantitative methods, such as surveys. This approach is inadequate for considering individuals’ in-depth opinions. Therefore, future research utilizing both qualitative and quantitative measures needs to be carried out. Second, this study has some academic limitations. In fact, this study considered restricted factors regarding innovation and networks; thus it is necessary to evaluate other variables such as environmental factors (e.g., regulations or support policies) that might be significantly associated with networks and innovation hereafter. Finally, due to the fact that this study was focused on SMEs, it is difficult to generalize the above results. However, this study implies that stronger network ties improve international performance, thus SMEs must establish and reinforce networks to improve the performance.
Adaptive Incremental Genetic Algorithm for Task Scheduling in Cloud Environments
Authors: Duan Kairong , Fong Simon , Siu Shirley W. I. , Song Wei , Guan Steven Sheng-Uei
Published: May 2018

Cloud computing is a new commercial model that enables customers to acquire large amounts of virtual resources on demand. Resources including hardware and software can be delivered as services and measured by specific usage of storage, processing, bandwidth, etc. In Cloud computing, task scheduling is a process of mapping cloud tasks to Virtual Machines (VMs). When binding the tasks to VMs, the scheduling strategy has an important influence on the efficiency of datacenter and related energy consumption. Although many traditional scheduling algorithms have been applied in various platforms, they may not work efficiently due to the large number of user requests, the variety of computation resources and complexity of Cloud environment. In this paper, we tackle the task scheduling problem which aims to minimize makespan by Genetic Algorithm (GA). We propose an incremental GA which has adaptive probabilities of crossover and mutation. The mutation and crossover rates change according to generations and also vary between individuals. Large numbers of tasks are randomly generated to simulate various scales of task scheduling problem in Cloud environment. Based on the instance types of Amazon EC2, we implemented virtual machines with different computing capacity on CloudSim. We compared the performance of the adaptive incremental GA with that of Standard GA, Min-Min, Max-Min , Simulated Annealing and Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm in finding the optimal scheme. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm can achieve feasible solutions which have acceptable makespan with less computation time.
Inflation in Mimetic f(G) Gravity
Authors: Zhong Yi , Sáez-Chillón Gómez Diego
Published: May 2018

Mimetic gravity is analysed in the framework of some extensions of general relativity (GR), whereby a function of the Gauss–Bonnet invariant in four dimensions is considered. By assuming the mimetic condition, the conformal degree of freedom is isolated, and a pressureless fluid naturally arises. Then, the complete set of field equations for mimetic Gauss–Bonnet gravity is established, and some inflationary models are analysed, for which the corresponding gravitational action is reconstructed. The spectral index and tensor-to-scalar ratio are obtained and compared with observational bounds from Planck and BICEP2/Keck array data. Full agreement with the above data is achieved for several versions of the mimetic Gauss–Bonnet gravity. Finally, some extensions of Gauss–Bonnet mimetic gravity are considered, and the possibility of reproducing inflation is also explored.
Neutrino Emissivity in the Quark-Hadron Mixed Phase
Authors: Spinella William M. , Weber Fridolin , Orsaria Milva G. , Contrera Gustavo A.
Published: May 2018

In this work we investigate the effect a crystalline quark–hadron mixed phase can have on the neutrino emissivity from the cores of neutron stars. To this end we use relativistic mean-field equations of state to model hadronic matter and a nonlocal extension of the three-flavor Nambu–Jona–Lasinio model for quark matter. Next we determine the extent of the quark–hadron mixed phase and its crystalline structure using the Glendenning construction, allowing for the formation of spherical blob, rod, and slab rare phase geometries. Finally, we calculate the neutrino emissivity due to electron–lattice interactions utilizing the formalism developed for the analogous process in neutron star crusts. We find that the contribution to the neutrino emissivity due to the presence of a crystalline quark–hadron mixed phase is substantial compared to other mechanisms at fairly low temperatures (≲10 9 K) and quark fractions (≲30%), and that contributions due to lattice vibrations are insignificant compared to static-lattice contributions. There are a number of open issues that need to be addressed in a future study on the neutrino emission rates caused by electron–quark blob bremsstrahlung. Chiefly among them are the role of collective oscillations of matter, electron band structures, and of gaps at the boundaries of the Brillouin zones on bremsstrahlung, as discussed in the summary section of this paper. We hope this paper will stimulate studies addressing these issues.
Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Entry by a Keggin Polyoxometalate
Authors: Wang Xiaoli , Wang Jiao , Zhang Wenmei , Li Boye , Zhu Ying , Hu Qin , Yang Yishu , Zhang Xiaoguang , Yan Hong , Zeng Yi
Published: May 2018

Here, we report the anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) potency and underlying mechanisms of a Keggin polyoxometalate (PT-1, K6HPTi2W10O40). Our findings showed that PT-1 exhibited highly potent effects against a diverse group of HIV type 1 (HIV-1) strains and displayed low cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. The time-addition assay revealed that PT-1 acted at an early stage of infection, and these findings were supported by the observation that PT-1 had more potency against Env-pseudotyped virus than vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSVG) pseudotyped virus. Surface plasmon resonance binding assays and flow cytometry analysis showed that PT-1 blocked the gp120 binding site in the CD4 receptor. Moreover, PT-1 bound directly to gp41 NHR (N36 peptide), thereby interrupting the core bundle formation of gp41. In conclusion, our data suggested that PT-1 may be developed as a new anti-HIV-1 agent through its effects on entry inhibition.
A Novel Hepadnavirus Identified in an Immunocompromised Domestic Cat in Australia
Authors: Aghazadeh Mahdis , Shi Mang , Barrs Vanessa , McLuckie Alicia , Lindsay Scott , Jameson Barbara , Hampson Bronte , Holmes Edward , Beatty Julia
Published: May 2018

High-throughput transcriptome sequencing allows for the unbiased detection of viruses in host tissues. The application of this technique to immunosuppressed animals facilitates the detection of viruses that might otherwise be excluded or contained in immunocompetent individuals. To identify potential viral pathogens infecting domestic cats we performed high-throughput transcriptome sequencing of tissues from cats infected with feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). A novel member of the Hepadnaviridae, tentatively named domestic cat hepadnavirus, was discovered in a lymphoma sample and its complete 3187 bp genome characterized. Phylogenetic analysis placed the domestic cat hepadnavirus as a divergent member of mammalian orthohepadnaviruses that exhibits no close relationship to any other virus. DNA extracted from whole blood from pet cats was positive for the novel hepadnavirus by PCR in 6 of 60 (10%) FIV-infected cats and 2 of 63 (3.2%) FIV-uninfected cats. The higher prevalence of hepadnavirus viraemia detected in FIV-infected cats mirrors that seen in human immunodeficiency virus-infected humans coinfected with hepatitis B virus. In summary, we report the first hepadnavirus infection in a carnivore and the first in a companion animal. The natural history, epidemiology and pathogenic potential of domestic cat hepadnavirus merits additional investigation.
Application of Microbial Technology Used in Bioremediation of Urban Polluted River: A Case Study of Chengnan River, China
Authors: Gao Hong , Xie Yuebo , Hashim Sarfraz , Akhtar Khan Alamgir , Wang Xiaolin , Xu Huiyong
Published: May 2018

Contrary to the constraints in time, investment, and management of the traditional technology for waste water treatment, this paper seeks to propose a more advanced, reliable, and affordable new technology to restore urban polluted rivers to pristine quality levels. The paper also presents new ideas on the selection and use of microbial agents to improve the efficiency of pollution removal. It presents the successful implementation of microbial technology (MT) on Chengnan River, which was heavily polluted before MT implementation. Without artificial aeration, sediment dredging, or complete sewage interception, we directly sprayed a previously configured HP-RPe-3 Microbial Agent into the water body and sediment. We considered the feasibility of MT for treating polluted urban rivers from the perspective of several water quality indices evaluation methods. After the treatment, the concentration of dissolved oxygen (DO) reached 5.0 mg/L, the removal rates of ammonia nitrogen (NH3-N) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reached 20% and 38% respectively, and the average degradation rate of total phosphorus (TP) along river was close to 15%. Also, the Nemerow Index of the river was reduced from 2.7 to 1.9. The Fuzzy Comprehensive Index shows a tendency for improvement from Inferior Grade V to a better grade (approximately Grade III). The color of the river water changed, from black or dark green, to its original color. The results indicate that the bioremediation technology of directly adding microbial agents mainly aimed for the degradation of NH3-N can preliminarily eliminate the black-odor phenomenon of urban rivers, and improve their water quality. It is expected that the MT application, and the concept of how to select the corresponding microbial agents according to main pollutants, can be widely accepted and applied to similar cases.
Prediction of Typhoon-Induced Flood Flows at Ungauged Catchments Using Simple Regression and Generalized Estimating Equation Approaches
Authors: Lee Hyosang , McIntyre Neil , Kim Joungyoun , Kim Sunggu , Lee Hojin
Published: May 2018

Typhoons are the main type of natural disaster in Korea, and accurately predicting typhoon-induced flood flows at gauged and ungauged locations remains an important challenge. Flood flows caused by six typhoons since 2002 (typhoons Rusa, Maemi, Nari, Dienmu, Kompasu and Bolaven) are modeled at the outlets of 24 Geum River catchments using the Probability Distributed Moisture model. The Monte Carlo Analysis Toolbox is applied with the Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency as the criterion for model parameter estimation. Linear regression relationships between the parameters of the Probability Distributed Moisture model and catchment characteristics are developed for the purpose of generalizing the parameter estimates to ungauged locations. These generalized parameter estimates are tested in terms of ability to predict the flood hydrographs over the 24 catchments using a leave-one-out validation approach. We then test the hypothesis that a more complex generalization approach, the Generalized Estimating Equation, which includes properties of the typhoons as well as catchment characteristics as predictors of PDM model parameters, will provide more accurate predictions. The results show that the predictions of Generalized Estimating Equation are comparable to those of the simpler, conventional regression. The simpler approach is therefore recommended for practical applications; however, further refinements of the Generalized Estimating Equation approach may be explored.
Progress in Understanding the Mechanism of CrVI Removal in Fe0-Based Filtration Systems
Authors: Gheju Marius
Published: May 2018

Hexavalent chromium (CrVI) compounds are used in a variety of industrial applications and, as a result, large quantities of CrVI have been released into the environment due to inadequate precautionary measures or accidental releases. CrVI is highly toxic to most living organisms and a known human carcinogen by inhalation route of exposure. Another major issue of concern about CrVI compounds is their high mobility, which easily leads to contamination of surface waters, soil, and ground waters. In recent years, attention has been focused on the use of metallic iron (Fe0) for the abatement of CrVI polluted waters. Despite a great deal of research, the mechanisms behind the efficient aqueous CrVI removal in the presence of Fe0 (Fe0/H2O systems) remain deeply controversial. The introduction of the Fe0-based filtration technology, at the beginning of 1990s, was coupled with the broad consensus that direct reduction of CrVI by Fe0 was followed by co-precipitation of resulted cations (CrIII, FeIII). This view is still the dominant removal mechanism (reductive-precipitation mechanism) within the Fe0 remediation industry. An overview on the literature on the Cr geochemistry suggests that the reductive-precipitation theory should never have been adopted. Moreover, recent investigations recalling that a Fe0/H2O system is an ion-selective one in which electrostatic interactions are of primordial importance is generally overlooked. The present work critically reviews existing knowledge on the Fe0/CrVI/H2O and CrVI/H2O systems, and clearly demonstrates that direct reduction with Fe0 followed by precipitation is not acceptable, under environmental relevant conditions, as the sole/main mechanism of CrVI removal in the presence of Fe0.
Matching Ecosystem Functions with Adaptive Ecosystem Management: Decision Pathways to Overcome Institutional Barriers
Authors: Nanda Amar V. V. , Rijke Jeroen , Beesley Leah , Gersonius Berry , Hipsey Matthew R. , Ghadouani Anas
Published: May 2018

Environmental management strategies aim to protect or repair ecological assets (ecosystems, species) so that their ecological and social values can be preserved. However, creating an effective strategy is difficult because multiple government departments are involved and because water and land use legislation and policy instruments are often fragmented. A key obstacle that is often overlooked is the spatial mismatch between ecological processes and institutional organisation (i.e., legislative framework and government departments). Successful management depends on the ability to cultivate resilient ecosystems through institutional reforms that take into account the complexity of ecosystems while supporting cross-sectoral and scale-dependent decision-making within the science–policy interface. Here, we use a case study approach to illustrate how collective strategic decisions can be made to manage a valued ecosystem situated within an urban matrix. We used a three-step framework to guide our approach and commenced by identifying a range of adaptation measures (i.e., management interventions) and the actors responsible. For each adaptation measure, we then investigated (i) mismatches among ecosystem and institution scales and levels; (ii) institutional barriers; and (iii) the role of actors in decision making. We use this information to identify ‘decision pathways’: i.e., a flexible decision-making platform that assists stakeholders to make strategic short- and long-term decisions. Key insights included the discussion of policy and practical experiences for ecosystem management at different levels and the necessary conditions to provide better alignment between jurisdictional an ecosystem scale to guide decision makers accordingly. We detail the institutional and jurisdictional changes that must be implemented across all levels of governance to protect and support the resilience of environmental assets. ‘Short-term’ decision pathways were preferred among actors and cross-level cooperation at jurisdictional level provided an adequate fit with the ecosystem scale. ‘Long-term’ decisions require substantial change of the institutional framework to enable the implementation of adaptive management. Although challenges at institutional and jurisdictional scales remain, decision pathways promote adaptive ecosystem management through a better fit of jurisdictional and institutional roles/policy and ecosystem-scale processes.
Evaluation of Multiple Satellite Precipitation Products and Their Use in Hydrological Modelling over the Luanhe River Basin, China
Authors: Ren Peizhen , Li Jianzhu , Feng Ping , Guo Yuangang , Ma Qiushuang
Published: May 2018

Satellite precipitation products are unique sources of precipitation measurement that overcome spatial and temporal limitations, but their precision differs in specific catchments and climate zones. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the precipitation data derived from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B42RT, TRMM 3B42, and Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information using Artificial Neural Networks (PERSIANN) products over the Luanhe River basin, North China, from 2001 to 2012. Subsequently, we further explore the performances of these products in hydrological models using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model with parameter and prediction uncertainty analyses. The results show that 3B42 and 3B42RT overestimate precipitation, with BIAs values of 20.17% and 62.80%, respectively, while PERSIANN underestimates precipitation with a BIAs of −6.38%. Overall, 3B42 has the smallest RMSE and MAE and the highest CC values on both daily and monthly scales and performs better than PERSIANN, followed by 3B42RT. The results of the hydrological evaluation suggest that precipitation is a critical source of uncertainty in the SWAT model, and different precipitation values result in parameter uncertainty, which propagates to prediction and water resource management uncertainties. The 3B42 product shows the best hydrological performance, while PERSIANN shows unsatisfactory hydrological performance. Therefore, 3B42 performs better than the other two satellite precipitation products over the study area.
Stability of an Electric Vehicle with Permanent-Magnet In-Wheel Motors during Electrical Faults
Authors: Jonasson Mats , Wallmark Oskar
Published: May 2018

This paper presents an analysis of the stability of an electric vehicle equipped with in-wheel motors of permanent-magnet type during a class of electrical faults. Due to the constant excitation from the permanent magnets, the output torque from a faulted wheel cannot easily be removed if an inverter shuts down, which directly affects the vehicle stability. In this paper, the impact of an electrical fault during two driving scenarios is investigated by simulations; using parameters from a 30 kW in-wheel motor and experimentally obtained tire data. It is shown that the electrical fault risks to seriously degrading the vehicle stability if the correct counteraction is not taken quickly. However, it is also demonstrated that vehicle stability during an electrical fault can be maintained with only minor lateral displacements when a closed-loop path controller and a simple method to allocate the individual tire forces are used. This inherent capacity to handle an important class of electrical faults is attractive; especially since no additional fault-handling strategy or hardware is needed.
Major Activities of Light Electric Scooter Development in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Bing Ming , Yang Mo Hua , Suan Theresa , ITRI
Published: May 2018

Taiwan has more than 13 million registered motorcycles. EPA set the mandate of 2% electric motorcycle to be sold in 2000 and subsidized consumers to buy those clean vehicles were proved not successful and stopped. A smaller, lighter styling electric scooter was then becoming more or less popular in countryside may be categorized as “Small Light Motorcycle” in near future. This article briefly reviews the development of electric scooter during past years and focus on the status, too. There are some new developments of electric scooter with different hybrid concepts show good potential are also introduced.
Design of High Power Lithium Ion Battery for HEV Application
Authors: Yang Mo-Hua , Lin Bing-Ming , Yeh Sheng-Fa , Tsai Jia-Shiuan
Published: May 2018

An 8Ah prismatic lithium ion cell with high current charge and discharge ability has been developed. Due to the safety and cost issues, the power type Li-ion cell was designed by using LiMn2O4 and carbon as cathode and anode materials, respectively. Specific power, discharge rate capability and safety performance of the battery is enhanced through the receipt of material system, electrodes design and new conducting mechanism for the cell structure. The internal resistance of the cell is lower than 2mΩ. The performance tests show the specific power of the new developed cell is over 2000W/kg at 80% SOC. For the rate capability characteristic at room temperature (25 oC), the cell can be retained 93.6% of its initial capacity when discharge at 15C rate (120A). Safety tests including nail penetration, external short circuit and overcharge are investigated. The results show neither explosion nor fire under all safety test conditions. A 14.4V battery module including 4 cells in series and integrated battery management system (BMS) has been developed. The BMS is capable of monitoring cell condition (voltage, temperature and current), charge/discharge management and safety protection. 10 modules (40 cells) are connected in series to achieve a 144V battery system for HEV. The discharge power of this battery system is higher than 12.5kW at 50%SOC, which meets the requirements of HEV applications.
Parametric Modeling of Components for Selection and Specification of Hybrid Vehicle Drivetrains
Authors: Hofman Theo , Steinbuch Maarten , Van Druten Roëll , Serrarens Alex
Published: May 2018

Drivetrain hybridization implies adding a secondary power source (electric machine/battery) to a primary power source (engine/filled fuel tank) in order to improve: fuel economy, emissions, drivability (performance), comfort and safety. Designing a hybrid vehicle drivetrain fulfilling the required vehicle driving functions is therefore a complex task. Many researchers have put effort formulating and developing overall hybrid drivetrain analysis, design and optimization models including top-level vehicle control strategy for optimal fuel economy. This paper seeks to investigate the possibility of overall model simplification for the hybrid drivetrain system including the control strategy. This is performed by describing the component efficiencies and control rules with only a few characteristic parameters that capture the total systems fuel efficiency with sufficient accuracy (~1%). Using these parameters the modeling and simulation process can be done very quickly. The method has been demonstrated on a series -, a parallel - and a series-parallel hybrid drivetrain with specified component technologies, vehicle parameters and drive cycle. The fuel economy and control strategy results are compared with Simulink/Advisor and Dynamic Programming.
Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project Initial Fuel Cell Efficiency and Durability Results
Authors: Wipke Keith , Welch Cory , Thomas Holly , Sprik Sam , Gronich Sigmund , Garbak John
Published: May 2018

The objective of the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Controlled Hydrogen Fleet and Infrastructure Demonstration and Validation Project” is to conduct an integrated field validation that simultaneously examines the performance of fuel cell vehicles and the supporting hydrogen infrastructure. This paper provides initial results in the form of composite data products, which aggregate individual performance into a range that protects the intellectual property and the identity of each industry team, while showing overall industry progress toward technology readiness. Technical insights from the project are fed back into DOE’s research and development program, making this project a “learning demonstration.” Key results to-date include fuel economy, driving range, fuel cell efficiency, and initial fuel cell durability projections based on voltage degradation.
Globally Cool Vehicles: When Only Electric Will Do
Authors: Meyers Dana , Willis Kammy
Published: May 2018

Global Warming, Energy Independence and Healthier Air are the driving forces behind the search for alternative-to-gasoline fueled transportation. Though not as widely publicized, congestion worsens these problems by wasting fuel and generating more emissions while waiting for traffic to move. Myers Motors believes that the easiest and fastest way to zero emissions and energy independence at the least total cost for personal transportation will come through pure electric vehicles. Electric vehicles already run on zero total emissions for those getting their power from hydro, solar, nuclear and wind; this will expand to include clean coal, waves and other technologies we haven't heard of yet. Battery technology exists today to power the range requirements on over half the vehicles in America, yet electric vehicles are more talked about than made. Myers Motors' unique method for introducing electric vehicles to the American public focuses on making highway-speed electrics vehicles available at a reasonable price to promote real world ownership..
Development of a Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle as Low-Floor City Transit Bus
Authors: Choi Uk-Don , Oh Se-Jin , Lee Chang-Hee , Lee Se-Hyun
Published: May 2018

In this paper, simulation and test results of a low floor Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle running in BUSAN city driving mode are presented. Hyundai Heavy Industries Company and Daewoo Bus Corporation have jointly developed a prototype Series Hybrid Electric Bus (SHEB) to evaluate vehicle performance together with fuel economy as a part of feasibility study on hybrid bus operation. It is found that the fuel efficiency of SHEB is 22% higher than that of a conventional internal combustion engine bus and our GENSET control method is quite effective in maintaining that battery’s State of Charge (SOC) during bus driving.
Optimal size of PHEV batteries from a consumer perspective – estimation using car movement data and implications for data harvesting
Authors: Karlsson Sten
Published: May 2018

Due to expensiveness of PHEV batteries, the dimensioning of the batteries is very important. We derive the marginally optimal size from a consumer economics perspective and show that a crucial factor for optimal size and profitability is the marginal annual recharging frequency. We apply the analysis to a small set of Swedish vehicle movement data and demonstrate that the resulting optimal battery is highly dependent on the specific movement pattern of the individual car. We conclude that it is now urgent for the continued development, planning, and estimates of proliferation and impact of PHEVs, that statistical data, today mostly lacking, for the movement patterns of individual vehicles are assembled.
Development for Hybrid MPV Control Strategy
Authors: Peng Hongtao , Li Zheng , Zhu Yu , Xu Pingxing , Shu Yuehong , Shi Yong , Liang Yuan
Published: May 2018

Hybrid MPV control strategy is researched by building simulation model under Matlab/Simulink/Stateflow environment, and auto-generated code is downloaded to vehicle control unit. With this approach, proved by experiment, the development of hybrid MPV control strategy is of high efficiency and reliability, with the performance met the design requirements, and the portability and maintainability of system improved.
Development of Low-Floor Electric Community Bus For Public Transportation and its Demonstration in Toyama City
Authors: Motohira Shigeru , Morino Hiroki , Matsumoto Yasuhiro , Fukuda Masatoshi , Ohmoto Hideo
Published: May 2018

Electric vehicles (EVs) have been developed with the aims of saving energy and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Furthermore, as a single bus can transport many people, buses produce low carbon dioxide emissions per person in comparison with cars. In recent years, community buses have been introduced nationwide to ensure the mobility of senior citizens. Therefore, a low-floor vehicle was adopted as the base vehicle in our latest project. The bus was demonstrated around the center of Toyama City. It was followed a circular route of distance 7.2km, the number of bus stops on the route was 27 and the driving time was 40 minutes per circuit. This demonstration was repeated three to four times a day for 14 days. During the 86 circuits of the demonstration, a total of 1,110 passengers used the bus and the total running distance was 776km. From these results, we concluded that the quantity of carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 37% using our proposed bus in comparison with that of a conventional diesel-engine bus.
Development Of The Energy Management Strategy For A Hybrid Tricycle
Authors: LIN CHIU-FENG , CHUANG MING-GHAO
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this research is to develop an energy management strategy for a hybrid tricycle. The hybrid tricycle has two wheels at the front and one wheel at the rear. The front wheels are driven by in-wheel motors and the rear wheel is driven by an engine power train. The transmission of the engine power train is a Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and a final gear. The engine power train is that on the KYMCO Downtown scooter. By doing this, motorcycle manufactures can upgrade their motorcycles to hybrid tricycles easily. From the engine fuel consumption map, one can learn that engine usually has worse performance in low power zone than that in high power zone. Thus, the idea for the energy management strategy design is to activate the motor when the driver required power is low and to activate the engine when the driver required power is high. Simulations show that the fuel consumption rate of the hybrid tricycle is 26.28 km/L and the fuel consumption rate of an engine tricycle is 20.2 km/L. This shows that about 30% of the fuel can be saved with the developed hybrid tricycle.