bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and the Supply Chain
Authors: David-West Olayinka
Published: November 2015

Information and communications technology (ICT) is an integral part of supply chain management (SCM) (Anderson, Britt, & Favre, 2007; Subramani, 2004). ICT supports SCM by enhancing supply chain efficiency, effectiveness and competitive advantage at strategic, tactical and operational management levels. Derived from extant literature on the application of ICT in SCM and ICT infrastructure sources, this chapter explores the significance of ICT in the business of SCM and describes the various ICT infrastructures deployed in aid of supply chain collaboration, integration and connectivity. While most related studies focus on organisational perspectives of ICT and SCM like benefits (Auramo, Kauremaa, & Tanskanen, 2005b), buyer-supplier relationships (Bakos & Brynjolfsson, 1993) and so on; the chapter presents a technological viewpoint of ICT and SCM. The chapter explores the function of ICT in SCM and proposes a classification framework of ICT in SCM.
On Efficient Acquisition and Recovery Methods for Certain Types of Big Data
Authors: Avirappattu George
Published: November 2015

Big data is characterized in many circles in terms of the three V's – volume, velocity and variety. Although most of us can sense palpable opportunities presented by big data there are overwhelming challenges, at many levels, turning such data into actionable information or building entities that efficiently work together based on it. This chapter discusses ways to potentially reduce the volume and velocity aspects of certain kinds of data (with sparsity and structure), while acquiring itself. Such reduction can alleviate the challenges to some extent at all levels, especially during the storage, retrieval, communication, and analysis phases. In this chapter we will conduct a non-technical survey, bringing together ideas from some recent and current developments. We focus primarily on Compressive Sensing and sparse Fast Fourier Transform or Sparse Fourier Transform. Almost all natural signals or data streams are known to have some level of sparsity and structure that are key for these efficiencies to take place.
Application of Big Data in Healthcare
Authors: Hoque Md Rakibul , Bao Yukun
Published: November 2015

This chapter investigates the application, opportunities, challenges and techniques of Big Data in healthcare. The healthcare industry is one of the most important, largest, and fastest growing industries in the world. It has historically generated large amounts of data, “Big Data”, related to patient healthcare and well-being. Big Data can transform the healthcare industry by improving operational efficiencies, improve the quality of clinical trials, and optimize healthcare spending from patients to hospital systems. However, the health care sector lags far behind compared to other industries in leveraging their data assets to improve efficiencies and make more informed decisions. Big Data entails many new challenges regarding security, privacy, legal concerns, authenticity, complexity, accuracy, and consistency. While these challenges are complex, they are also addressable. The predominant ‘Big Data' Management technologies such as MapReduce, Hadoop, STORM, and others with similar combinations or extensions should be used for effective data management in healthcare industry.
Big Data and National Cyber Security Intelligence
Authors: Rekha A. G.
Published: November 2015

With the availability of large volumes of data and with the introduction of new tools and techniques for analysis, the security analytics landscape has changed drastically. To face the challenges posed by cyber-terrorism, espionage, cyber frauds etc. Government and law enforcing agencies need to enhance the security and intelligence analysis systems with big data technologies. Intelligence and security insight can be improved considerably by analyzing the under-leveraged data like the data from social media, emails, web logs etc. This Chapter provides an overview of the opportunities presented by Big Data to provide timely and reliable intelligence in properly addressing terrorism, crime and other threats to public security. This chapter also discusses the threats posed by Big Data to public safety and the challenges faced in implementing Big Data security solutions. Finally some of the existing initiatives by national governments using Big Data technologies to address major national challenges has been discussed.
Emerging Role of Big Data in Public Sector
Authors: Manzoor Amir
Published: November 2015

Technological advancements have made it easier to collect and store data. We are generating and storing data on a nearly pervasive basis and across multiple environments including work and home. Big data, a general term for the massive amount of digital data being collected from all sorts of sources, is too large, raw, or unstructured for analysis through conventional relational database techniques. For public managers, big data represents an opportunity to infuse information and technology into the design and management of organizations, personnel, and resources. Although the business sector is leading big-data-application development, the public sector has begun to derive insight to help support decision making in real time from fast-growing in-motion data from multiple sources. This chapter explores the big-data applications associated with the public sector and provide suggestions for follower governments.
Opportunities and Challenges of Big Data in Public Sector
Authors: Aggarwal Anil
Published: November 2015

Data has always been the backbone of modern society. It is generated by individuals, businesses and governments. It is used in many citizen-centric applications, including weather forecasts, controlling diseases, monitoring undesirables etc. What is changing is the source of data. Advances in technology are allowing data to be generated from any devise at any place in any form. The challenge is to “understand”, “manage” and make use of this data. It is well known that government generates unprecedented amount of data (ex: US census), the question remains: can this data be combined with technology generated data to make it useful for societal benefit. Governments and non-profits, however, work across borders making data access and integration challenging. Rules, customs and politics must be followed while sharing data across borders. Despite these challenges, big data application in public sector are beginning to emerge. This chapter discusses areas of government applications and also discusses challenges of developing such systems.
Surveillance and Resistance
Authors: Jones David Martin
Published: November 2015

This chapter provides readers with an overview and discussion of the manner in which the Internet and social media has facilitated movements, ranging from Aryan Nations and the various European Defence Leagues, to the Global Jihadist Movement and anarchist groups. As the phenomenon of netwar and online recruitment evolved after 9/11, extremist movements motivated by illiberal and apocalyptic ideologies have found the Internet a congenial space for organization, dissemination, education and radicalization. This chapter examines the difficulty liberal political democracies have in censoring these groups and the ideas they promote. Civil rights organizations immediately condemn state electronic surveillance as an invasion of civil liberties, and present the liberal democrat with an acute moral and political dilemma. This chapter finally considers the tactics democratic states might prudently adopt in order to preserve the national interest.
Engaging Heads, Hands, and Hearts to Optimize Study Abroad Outcomes
Authors: Talbot Patricia A , Jones Jennifer
Published: November 2015

This chapter poses an innovative framework that can be utilized as a model for study abroad experiences, particularly those situated in developing countries. The model enhances a service learning structure by grounding both classroom study and related field work in the theoretical foundations of critical pedagogy, transformational learning theory, ecological systems theory and critical theory in a manner that sets the stage for success for study abroad students and in-country community members alike. The chapter concludes with a recommended plan for implementation of the framework as well as suggestions for optimizing sustainable outcomes for teachers as they begin work in classrooms of their own.
Study Abroad in Graduate Adult Learning Curriculum
Authors: Hurst Robin Rimmer
Published: November 2015

This chapter illustrates how study abroad experiences can become a key component of an adult learning program. Adult learning educators may face many challenges in the ever changing demographics of the workforce today. Whether a corporate trainer, healthcare professional, literacy and/or English as a Second Language instructor, most adult educators find the need to have a greater understanding of the global environment. Graduate students benefit from international experiences which transform learning by expanding students global perspectives. This chapter explores an inaugural study abroad program in the Adult Learning Graduate Program in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Virginia Commonwealth University. The chapter describes both the challenges and reflections of students and faculty while abroad. Malcolm Knowles' Andragogical framework is the foundation of this study abroad experience. Experiential Learning (Kolbe 1984) and Transformative Learning (Mezirow, 1999) are also explored through students' reflections on the study abroad experience.
Instructional Re-design for an Active Flipped Classroom
Authors: Hosler Kim A.
Published: November 2015

The purpose of this chapter is to present and discuss the instructional design process model -- ADDIE, and nine flipped course design principles, which when used in parallel, offer a means to support the development and implementation of a hybrid or flipped classroom. Discussion of the pedagogical terms hybrid, blended, flipped classrooms, and active learning, are followed by an overview of the instructional design process model ADDIE, along with evidenced-based flipped classroom design principles. A partial example of how these two frameworks may be applied to the re-design of a fully online course into a flipped or hybrid course is demonstrated, and emergent design-consideration questions are offered.
Effective Feedback in Online Learning
Authors: Costello Jane , Crane Daph
Published: November 2015

This chapter discusses the effective use of feedback in online learning. Feedback is an essential component of learning. Faculty and instructors spend hours providing feedback, which is often not used to maximum benefit by the learners. Feedback, related assessment, evaluation and grades, is the comments provided to learners on their work. Guidelines for providing quality feedback are discussed. Types of feedback suitable for a range of contexts are presented. Techniques and technologies that enable detailed feedback to be delivered quickly to learners are discussed. With a little practice, using the methods discussed can reduce the amount of time spent on providing feedback, reduce learner wait time and increase the learner use of the feedback, all desirable outcomes.
Enhancing Active Learning Pedagogy through Online Collaborative Learning
Authors: Maina E. Muuro , Wagacha Peter W. , Oboko Robert
Published: November 2015

Learner-centered learning theories such as active learning and collaborative learning are highly supported by Web 2.0 technologies and they are augmenting traditional teacher-centered approaches. New teaching pedagogies such as flipped classroom have also embraced the use of collaborative learning where students engage in group-based activities during class time and they embark on asynchronous video lectures after the classroom. However, there is little research on how flipped classrooms can support online collaborative learning. In order to improve online collaborative learning and enhance active learning, this chapter provides some literature review on collaborative learning as well as the critical aspects for online collaborative learning. This chapter also discusses how online collaborative learning can be integrated in a flipped classroom. To that end, the authors recommend further research on how specific online collaboration tools can be applied in flipped classroom.
Designing a cMOOC for Lecturer Professional Development in the 21st Century
Authors: Cochrane Thomas , Narayan Vickel , Burcio-Martin Victorio
Published: November 2015

This chapter explores the design of a framework for up-scaling a lecturer professional development strategy based upon communities of practice from pockets of excellence to span across a university utilizing a cMOOC framework. The framework links global experts into an authentic professional development experience via the integration of a range of mobile social media learning technologies. The framework includes a series of triggering events designed to support the development of participants' personal eportfolios and pedagogical practice that can then be optionally validated by external CMALT accreditation. We believe the framework provides a transferable professional development model for other institutions to explore.
IT Security for SCADA
Authors: Rastogi Rahul , von Solms Rossouw
Published: November 2015

SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System) is a cyber-physical system, wherein IT (Information Technology) components work in conjunction with field devices to control a physical process. The security of these IT components becomes crucial in view of the damaging effects that any security breach of these IT components can have on the underlying physical process. In response to this critical issue, various governments across the world have recognized the issue of SCADA security and have initiated the creation of a regulatory framework for mandating SCADA security in their respective countries. This paper provides a brief overview of the cyber-security issues of SCADA and the implications of Stuxnet for SCADA security. The paper reviews the steps taken by the governments of India and South Africa; and it provides guidance to the owners of SCADA regarding SCADA security, as mandated by the Government of India.
Terrorists Tend to Target Innocent Tourists
Authors: Korstanje Maximiliano E.
Published: November 2015

Over last decades, policy makers in tourism and hospitality acknowledged that terrorism was the worse threat to tourism and West because of many reasons. Terrorism not only affects seriously economies generating unemployment and stagnation in international demand, but also triggers an escalation of violence where all advertisement efforts are backfired. Nevertheless, this essay review explores the historical roots of modern tourism and worker unions to see the point of connection between both. What beyond the boundaries of society is called terrorist attack, inside is named “strike”. This review reminds that the origin of terrorism has been coined in West, as a result of capitalism expansion.
Gene Polymorphisms and their Transcripts as Factors for Computerized Assessment of Fracture Risk
Authors: Adamopoulos Panagiotis A. , Pouliakis Abraham , Spathis Aris T , Kottaridi Christine , Karakitsos Petros
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study is the evaluation of osteoporosis related genes and transcription products, demographic and medication data for the estimation of fracture risk in women with osteoporosis. Such estimations are important for the creation of computerized applications similar to the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®). Low cost Internet based tools were used for the creation of anonymised patient record stored in the Cloud, and for an interdisciplinary team to decide on patient inclusion via voice and video conference. 100 female patients with an osteoporotic fracture, on medication or not were included in the study. A series of seven biochemical parameters using the Luminex® technique were measured and genetic characteristics using the microarray Metabone® technique were analysed. The statistical analysis indicated that these new parameters can be important for the estimation of fracture risk; thus computer based risk estimation for fractures could be based on additional molecular data.
Patients' vs. Professionals' Perceptions of Quality of Care in Greek Public Hospitals
Authors: Andricopoulou Ioulia , Toubeki Eirini Margarita , Gialama Foteini , Prezerakos Panagiotis , Avraam Nikolaos , Pavlakis Andreas , Kaitelidou Daphne O. , Maniadakis Nikos , Siskou Olga
Published: November 2015

The aim of the study was to compare the views of health care professionals and patients on the quality of care in Greek public hospitals. Traditionally quality of health care was measured using only professional standards. However, in this study the authors tried to measure also patients' welfare, taking into account the expected gains and losses during the process of care. The study was conducted in hospitalized patients (N=313) and health care professionals (N=278 nurses and doctors) in three public hospitals of Attica. Data collection was conducted with the use of two structured and anonymous questionnaires. Main findings showed great satisfaction from the provided care expressed both from patients and health professionals especially in relation to information concerning their health status, pain assessment and the consent requested for treatment procedures. Both groups were dissatisfied by the assessment of social and psychological needs (of patients) and by the possibility of expressing patients' satisfaction or dissatisfaction from the quality of provided health care.
Identification of a Novel Splice Variant Isoform of TREM-1 in Human Neutrophil Granules
Authors: Baruah Sankar , Keck Kathy , Vrenios Michelle , Pope Marshall R. , Pearl Merideth , Doerschug Kevin , Klesney-Tait Julia
Published: November 2015

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is critical for inflammatory signal amplification. Humans have two forms of TREM-1: a membrane receptor, associated with the adaptor DAP12, and a soluble receptor detected at times of infection. The membrane receptor isoform acts synergistically with the TLR pathway to promote cytokine secretion and neutrophil migration, whereas the soluble receptor functions as a counterregulatory molecule. In multiple models of sepsis, exogenous administration of soluble forms of TREM-1 attenuates inflammation and markedly improves survival. Despite intense interest in soluble TREM-1, both as a clinical predictor of survival and as a therapeutic tool, the origin of native soluble TREM-1 remains controversial. Using human neutrophils, we identified a 15-kDa TREM-1 isoform in primary (azurophilic) and secondary (specific) granules. Mass spectrometric analysis, ELISA, and immunoblot confirm that the 15-kDa protein is a novel splice variant form of TREM-1 (TREM-1sv). Neutrophil stimulation with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, LPS, or PAM(3)Cys4 resulted in degranulation and release of TREM-1sv. The addition of exogenous TREM-1sv inhibited TREM-1 receptor–mediated proinflammatory cytokine production. Thus, these data reveal that TREM-1 isoforms simultaneously activate and inhibit inflammation via the canonical membrane TREM-1 molecule and this newly discovered granular isoform, TREM-1sv.
Diffusion tensor imaging in evaluation of posterior fossa tumors in children on a 3T MRI scanner
Authors: Assis Zarina Abdul , Saini Jitender , Ranjan Manish , Gupta Arun Kumar , Sabharwal Paramveer , Naidu Purushotham R
Published: November 2015

Context: Primary intracranial tumors in children are commonly located in the posterior fossa. Conventional MRI offers limited information regarding the histopathological type of tumor which is essential for better patient management. Aims: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of advanced MR imaging techniques like diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in distinguishing the various histopathological types of posterior fossa tumors in children. Settings and Design: DTI was performed on a 3T MRI scanner in 34 untreated children found to have posterior fossa lesions. Materials and Methods: Using third party software, various DTI parameters [apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity, planar index, spherical index, and linear index] were calculated for the lesion. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were subjected to statistical analysis [analysis of variance (ANOVA)] using SPSS 15.0 software. Results: We observed significant correlation (P < 0.01) between ADC mean and maximum, followed by radial diffusivity (RD) with the histopathological types of the lesions. Rest of the DTI parameters did not show any significant correlation in our study. Conclusions: The results of our study support the hypothesis that most cellular tumors and those with greater nuclear area like medulloblastoma would have the lowest ADC values, as compared to less cellular tumors like pilocytic astrocytoma.
Beyond warfarin: The advent of new oral anticoagulants
Authors: Laroia Sandeep T , Morales Steven , Laroia Archana T
Published: November 2015

New oral anticoagulants (NOAC) are the latest addition to anticoagulant armamentarium. Unlike traditional anti-coagulants like warfarin, lab monitoring and management of bleeding complications secondary to these agents is different. As more and more patients are being switched to these drugs, interventional radiologists in particular will benefit from a clinical review of NOAC.
Use of a vascular sheath for introduction of radiofrequency ablation probe during radiofrequency ablation of osteoid osteoma
Authors: Ahmed Munawwar , Keshava Shyamkumar N , Moses Vinu , Mammen Suraj , Jacob Korula Mani , Madhuri Vrisha
Published: November 2015

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has now become a preferred treatment option for osteoid osteoma. Accurate placement of RFA probe into the nidus of osteoid osteoma is important for good clinical outcome. Various methods and techniques have been described in the literature available. We describe the technique of using a vascular access sheath for introduction of RFA probe after bone drilling, which prevents loss of access to drill track and also serves as a pathway for accurate placement of RFA probe, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the RFA probe tip itself and the surrounding soft tissue.
Spectrophotometric Investigations of Macrolide Antibiotics: A Brief Review
Authors: Keskar Mrudul R. , Jugade Ravin M.
Published: November 2015

Macrolides, one of the most commonly used class of antibiotics, are a group of drugs produced by Streptomyces species. They belong to the polyketide class of natural products. Their activity is due to the presence of a large macrolide lactone ring with deoxy sugar moieties. They are protein synthesis inhibitors and broad-spectrum antibiotics, active against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Different analytical techniques have been reported for the determination of macrolides such as chromatographic methods, flow injection methods, spectrofluorometric methods, spectrophotometric methods, and capillary electrophoresis methods. Among these methods, spectrophotometric methods are sensitive and cost effective for the analysis of various antibiotics in pharmaceutical formulations as well as biological samples. This article reviews different spectrophotometric methods for the determination of macrolide antibiotics.
The IMSI Procedure Improves Laboratory and Clinical Outcomes without Compromising the Aneuploidy Rate When Compared to the Classical ICSI Procedure
Authors: Luna Daniel , Hilario Roly , Dueñas-Chacón Julio , Romero Rocío , Zavala Patricia , Villegas Lucy , García-Ferreyra Javier
Published: November 2015

Purpose

The intracytoplasmic morphologically selected sperm injection (IMSI) procedure has been associated with better laboratory and clinical outcomes in assisted reproduction technologies. Less information is available regarding the relationship between embryo aneuploidy rate and the IMSI procedure. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes and chromosomal status of IMSI-derived embryos with those obtained from intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) in order to establish a clearer view of the benefits of IMSI in infertile patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a total of 11 cycles of IMSI and 20 cycles of ICSI with preimplantation genetic diagnosis. The fertilization rate, cleavage rate, embryo quality, blastocyst development, aneuploidy rate, pregnancy rate, implantation rate, and miscarriage rate were compared between the groups.

Results

Similar rates of fertilization (70% and 73%), cleavage (98% and 100%), and aneuploidy (76.9% and 70.9%) were observed in the IMSI and ICSI groups, respectively. The IMSI group had significantly more good quality embryos at day 3 (95% vs 73%), higher blastocyst development rates (33% vs 19%), and greater number of hatching blastocysts (43% vs 28%), cycles with at least one blastocyst at day 5 (55% vs 35%), and blastocysts with good trophoectoderm morphology (21% vs 6%) compared with the ICSI group ( P < 0.001). Significantly higher implantation rates were observed in the IMSI group compared with the ICSI group (57% vs 27%; P < 0.05). Pregnancy and miscarriage rates were similar in both groups (80% vs 50% and 0% vs 33%, respectively).

Conclusion

The IMSI procedure significantly improves the embryo quality/development by increasing the implantation rates without affecting the chromosomal status of embryos. There is a tendency for the IMSI procedure to enhance the pregnancy rates and lower the miscarriage rates when compared with ICSI.
Subsidence at the "Trébol" of Quito, Ecuador: an indicator for future disasters?
Authors: Toulkeridis T. , Simón Baile D. , Rodríguez F. , Salazar Martínez R. , Arias Jiménez N. , Carreon Freyre D.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. A sinkhole of great proportions was produced in one of the most trafficked zones of Quito. Constructed in the late sixties, this area is of high importance in solving the traffic jams of the capital city. The sinkhole called "El Trebol" started to be generated in the form of a crater, reached finally dimensions of approximately 120 m in diameter and some 40 m of depth, where at its base the river Machangara appeared. The generation of this sinkhole paralyzed the traffic of the south-central part of the city for the following weeks and therefore the state of emergency was declared. Soon the cause of the sinkhole was encountered being the result of the lack of monitoring of the older subterranean sewer system where for a length of some 20 m the concrete tunnel that canalized the flow of the river collapsed generating the disaster. The collapse of this tunnel resulted from the presence of a high amount of trash floating through the tunnel and scratching its top part until the concrete was worn away leaving behind the sinkhole and the fear of recurrence in populated areas. The financial aspects of direct and indirect damage are emphasized.
Groundwater-abstraction induced land subsidence and groundwater regulation in the North China Plain
Authors: Guo H. , Wang L. , Cheng G. , Zhang Z.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Land subsidence can be induced when various factors such as geological, and hydrogeological conditions and intensive groundwater abstraction combine. The development and utilization of groundwater in the North China Plain (NCP) bring great benefits, and at the same time have led to a series of environmental and geological problems accompanying groundwater-level declines and land subsidence. Subsidence occurs commonly in the NCP and analyses show that multi-layer aquifer systems with deep confined aquifers and thick compressible clay layers are the key geological and hydrogeological conditions responsible for its development in this region. Groundwater overdraft results in aquifer-system compaction, resulting in subsidence. A calibrated, transient groundwater-flow numerical model of the Beijing plain portion of the NCP was developed using MODFLOW. According to available water supply and demand in Beijing plain, several groundwater regulation scenarios were designed. These different regulation scenarios were simulated with the groundwater model, and assessed using a multi-criteria fuzzy pattern recognition model. This approach is proven to be very useful for scientific analysis of sustainable development and utilization of groundwater resources. The evaluation results show that sustainable development of groundwater resources may be achieved in Beijing plain when various measures such as control of groundwater abstraction and increase of artificial recharge combine favourably.
Future Deltas Utrecht University research focus area: towards sustainable management of sinking deltas
Authors: Stouthamer E. , van Asselen S.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Deltas are increasingly under pressure from human impact and climate change. To deal with these pressures that threat future delta functioning, we need to understand interactions between physical, biological, chemical and social processes in deltas. This requires an integrated approach, in which knowledge on natural system functioning is combined with knowledge on spatial planning, land and water governance and legislative frameworks. In the research focus area Future Deltas of Utrecht University an interdisciplinary team from different research groups therefore works together. This allows developing integrated sustainable and resilient delta management strategies, which is urgently needed to prevent loss of vital delta services.
Sinking coastal cities
Authors: Erkens G. , Bucx T. , Dam R. , de Lange G. , Lambert J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. In many coastal and delta cities land subsidence now exceeds absolute sea level rise up to a factor of ten. A major cause for severe land subsidence is excessive groundwater extraction related to rapid urbanization and population growth. Without action, parts of Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and numerous other coastal cities will sink below sea level. Land subsidence increases flood vulnerability (frequency, inundation depth and duration of floods), with floods causing major economic damage and loss of lives. In addition, differential land movement causes significant economic losses in the form of structural damage and high maintenance costs for (infra)structure. The total damage worldwide is estimated at billions of dollars annually. As subsidence is often spatially variable and can be caused by multiple processes, an assessment of subsidence in delta cities needs to answer questions such as: what are the main causes? What is the current subsidence rate and what are future scenarios (and interaction with other major environmental issues)? Where are the vulnerable areas? What are the impacts and risks? How can adverse impacts be mitigated or compensated for? Who is involved and responsible to act? In this study a quick-assessment of subsidence is performed on the following mega-cities: Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Dhaka, New Orleans and Bangkok. Results of these case studies will be presented and compared, and a (generic) approach how to deal with subsidence in current and future subsidence-prone areas is provided.
Discussion on the origin of surface failures in the Valley of Aguascalientes, México
Authors: Hernández-Marín M. , González-Cervantes N. , Pacheco-Martínez J. , Frías-Guzmán D. H.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Surface failures have been observed in the valley of Aguascalientes since the early 1980's. Although, groundwater pumping began in the early 1950's but became intensive until the late 1970's, when many of the surface failures appeared. For this reason, surface deformation (surface failures and land subsidence) has been associated to groundwater withdrawal. Recent observations, however, suggest that some of these surface discontinuities are the result of natural geologic stresses rather than those associated groundwater decline, at least in its origin. Geologically, this valley is a tectonic graben flanked by two north-to-south trending normal faults, and seismicity of low intensity has been detected into the valley evidencing that the study area is seismically active. In this work, we present and discuss evidence showing tectonic discontinuities on the surface or at a shallow depth. Evidence presented in this investigation brings up uncertainty about the purely pumping-induced origin of fissuring in the valley, and allows addressing some key questions, for instance, are the surface failures caused by the combined stresses of pumping and tectonism? Is the current tectonism sufficient to cause some surface or deep failures?
Subsidence monitoring with geotechnical instruments in the Mexicali Valley, Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Glowacka E. , Sarychikhina O. , Márquez Ramírez V. H. , Robles B. , Nava F. A. , Farfán F. , García Arthur M. A.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The Mexicali Valley (northwestern Mexico), situated in the southern part of the San Andreas fault system, is an area with high tectonic deformation, recent volcanism, and active seismicity. Since 1973, fluid extraction, from the 1500–3000 m depth range, at the Cerro Prieto Geothermal Field (CPGF), has influenced deformation in the Mexicali Valley area, accelerating the subsidence and causing slip along the traces of tectonic faults that limit the subsidence area. Detailed field mapping done since 1989 (González et al., 1998; Glowacka et al., 2005; Suárez-Vidal et al., 2008) in the vicinity of the CPGF shows that many subsidence induced fractures, fissures, collapse features, small grabens, and fresh scarps are related to the known tectonic faults. Subsidence and fault rupture are causing damage to infrastructure, such as roads, railroad tracks, irrigation channels, and agricultural fields. Since 1996, geotechnical instruments installed by CICESE (Centro de Investigación Ciéntifica y de Educación Superior de Ensenada, B.C.) have operated in the Mexicali Valley, for continuous recording of deformation phenomena. Instruments are installed over or very close to the affected faults. To date, the network includes four crackmeters and eight tiltmeters; all instruments have sampling intervals in the 1 to 20 min range. Instrumental records typically show continuous creep, episodic slip events related mainly to the subsidence process, and coseismic slip discontinuities (Glowacka et al., 1999, 2005, 2010; Sarychikhina et al., 2015). The area has also been monitored by levelling surveys every few years and, since the 1990's by studies based on DInSAR data (Carnec and Fabriol, 1999; Hansen, 2001; Sarychikhina et al., 2011). In this work we use data from levelling, DInSAR, and geotechnical instruments records to compare the subsidence caused by anthropogenic activity and/or seismicity with slip recorded by geotechnical instruments, in an attempt to obtain more information about the process of fault slip associated with subsidence.
Introduction to GPS geodetic infrastructure for land subsidence monitoring in Houston, Texas, USA
Authors: Wang G. , Welch J. , Kearns T. J. , Yang L. , Serna Jr. J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Houston, Texas is one of the places that first employed high-accuracy GPS technology for land subsidence monitoring beginning in the late 1980s. Currently, there are over 170 permanent GPS stations located in the Houston metropolitan area. This article summarizes the current GPS geodetic infrastructure in the Houston metropolitan area, which is comprised of three components: a dense GPS network with 170 permanent stations, a stable Houston reference frame (SHRF14), and sophisticated software packages for post positioning processing. Average land subsidence and groundwater-level altitude changes during the past 10 years (2005–2014) also are presented in this paper.
Estimate of a spatially variable reservoir compressibility by assimilation of ground surface displacement data
Authors: Zoccarato C. , Baù D. , Bottazzi F. , Ferronato M. , Gambolati G. , Mantica S. , Teatini P.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Fluid extraction from producing hydrocarbon reservoirs can cause anthropogenic land subsidence. In this work, a 3-D finite-element (FE) geomechanical model is used to predict the land surface displacements above a gas field where displacement observations are available. An ensemble-based data assimilation (DA) algorithm is implemented that incorporates these observations into the response of the FE geomechanical model, thus reducing the uncertainty on the geomechanical parameters of the sedimentary basin embedding the reservoir. The calibration focuses on the uniaxial vertical compressibility cM, which is often the geomechanical parameter to which the model response is most sensitive. The partition of the reservoir into blocks delimited by faults motivates the assumption of a heterogeneous spatial distribution of cM within the reservoir. A preliminary synthetic test case is here used to evaluate the effectiveness of the DA algorithm in reducing the parameter uncertainty associated with a heterogeneous cM distribution. A significant improvement in matching the observed data is obtained with respect to the case in which a homogeneous cM is hypothesized. These preliminary results are quite encouraging and call for the application of the procedure to real gas fields.
Methods for monitoring land subsidence and earth fissures in the Western USA
Authors: Fergason K. C. , Rucker M. L. , Panda B. B.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Depletion of groundwater resources in many deep alluvial basin aquifers in the Western USA is causing land subsidence, as it does in many regions worldwide. Land subsidence can severely and adversely impact infrastructure by changing the ground elevation, ground slope (grade) and through the development of ground cracks known as earth fissures that can erode into large gullies. Earth fissures have the potential to compromise the foundations of dams, levees, and other infrastructure and cause failure. Subsequent to an evaluation of the overall subsidence experienced in the vicinity of subsidence-impacted infrastructure, a detailed investigation to search for earth fissures, and design and/or mitigation of potentially effected infrastructure, a focused monitoring system should be designed and implemented. Its purpose is to provide data, and ultimately knowledge, to reduce the potential adverse impacts of land subsidence and earth fissure development to the pertinent infrastructure. This risk reduction is realized by quantifying the rate and distribution of ground deformation, and to detect ground rupture if it occurs, in the vicinity of the infrastructure. The authors have successfully designed and implemented monitoring systems capable of quantifying rates and distributions of ground subsidence and detection of ground rupture at multiple locations throughout the Western USA for several types of infrastructure including dams, levees, channels, basins, roadways, and mining facilities. Effective subsidence and earth fissure monitoring requires understanding and quantification of historic subsidence, estimation of potential future subsidence, delineation of the risk for earth fissures that could impact infrastructure, and motivation and resources to continue monitoring through time. A successful monitoring system provides the means to measure ground deformation, grade changes, displacement, and anticipate and assess the potential for earth fissuring. Employing multiple methods, a monitoring strategy utilizes an integrated approach, including both regional and local measurements. Various methods implemented include conventional practices and proven, instrumented in-ground sensing systems. The conventional techniques include repeat optical levelling and global positioning system (GPS) surveys, ground reconnaissance, photo-geological analysis, groundwater monitoring, and tape-extensometers. Advanced techniques include the processing and interpretation of differential interferograms of repeat-pass, satellite-based synthetic aperture radar data (InSAR), borehole tiltmeters, microseismic arrays, excavation of monitoring trenches, and time-domain reflectometry (TDR).
Research on the deformation of a confined aquifer based on Cosserat continuum mechanics
Authors: Xu Y. S. , Zhang N. , Yuan Y. , Shen S. L.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Recent monitoring of land subsidence and soil deformation indicates a new phenomenon where excessive and continuous deformation occurs in the sandy aquifers in Shanghai and the Su-Xi-Chang region of China. It is hard to explain factors contributing to this phenomenon with traditional Cauchy continuum mechanics in which low normal stress in the ground could not cause such large deformation. Steep hydraulic gradient would be formed in the aquifer if groundwater is pumped from densely distributed wells, and shear stresses would develop then. Accumulated shear stress could then lead to deformation of the aquifer or even land subsidence. Accumulated shear stress due to the drawdown of groundwater level is one of the main factors that contribute to deformation within an aquifer. Traditional Cauchy continuum mechanics cannot consider this shear stress because of the hypothesis of equal shear stress in the aquifer unit. Cosserat continuum mechanics can be applied to analyse the mechanism of aquifer deformation controlled by accumulated shear stress by considering the scale effect and the asymmetric distribution of shear stress in the aquifer unit.
3-D land subsidence simulation using the NDIS package for MODFLOW
Authors: Kang D. H. , Li J.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The standard subsidence package for MODFLOW, MODFLOW-SUB simulates aquifer-system compaction and subsidence assuming that only 1-D-vertical displacement of the aquifer system occurs in response to applied stresses such as drawdowns accompanying groundwater extraction. In the present paper, 3-D movement of an aquifer system in responses to one or more pumping wells is considered using the new aquifer-system deformation package for MODFLOW, NDIS. The simulation of aquifer- system 3-D movement using NDIS was conducted with a stress or hydraulic head dependent specific storage coefficient to simulate nonlinear deformation behavior of aquifer-system sedimentary materials. NDIS's numerical simulation for aquifer horizontal movement is consistent with an analytic solution for horizontal motion in response to pumping from a leaky confined aquifer (Li, 2007). For purposes of comparison, vertical subsidence of the aquifer system in response to groundwater pumping is simulated by the both the NDIS and MODFLOW-SUB models. The results of the simulations show that land subsidence simulated by MODFLOW-SUB is significantly larger and less sensitive to pumping rate and time than that simulated by NDIS. The NDIS simulations also suggest that if the total pumpage is the same, pumping from a single well may induce more land subsidence than pumping from multiple wells.
Examples of deformation-dependent flow simulations of conjunctive use with MF-OWHM
Authors: Hanson R. T. , Traum J. , Boyce S. E. , Schmid W. , Hughes J. D.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The dependency of surface- and groundwater flows and aquifer hydraulic properties on deformation induced by changes in aquifer head is not accounted for in the standard version of MODFLOW. A new USGS integrated hydrologic model, MODFLOW-OWHM, incorporates this dependency by linking subsidence and mesh deformation with changes in aquifer transmissivity and storage coefficient, and with flows that also depend on aquifer characteristics and land-surface geometry. This new deformation-dependent approach is being used for the further development of the integrated Central Valley hydrologic model (CVHM) in California. Preliminary results from this application and from hypothetical test cases of similar systems show that changes in canal flows, stream seepage, and evapotranspiration from groundwater (ETgw) are sensitive to deformation. Deformation feedback has been shown to also have an indirect effect on conjunctive surface- and groundwater use components with increased stream seepage and streamflows influencing surface-water deliveries and return flows. In the Central Valley model, land subsidence may significantly degrade the ability of the major canals to deliver surface water from the Delta to the San Joaquin and Tulare basins. Subsidence can also affect irrigation demand and ETgw, which, along with altered surface-water supplies, causes a feedback response resulting in changed estimates of groundwater pumping for irrigation. This modeling feature also may improve the impact assessment of dewatering-induced land subsidence/uplift (following irrigation pumping or coal-seam gas extraction) on surface receptors, inter-basin transfers, and surface infrastructure integrity.
A fusion model used in subsidence prediction in Taiwan
Authors: Wang S.-J. , Hsu K.-C. , Lee C.-H.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The Taiwan Water Resources Agency uses four techniques to monitor subsidence in Taiwan, namely data from leveling, global positioning system (GPS), multi-level compaction monitoring wells (MCMWs), and interferometry synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). Each data type has advantages and disadvantages and is suitable for different analysis tools. Only MCMW data provide compaction information at different depths in an aquifer system, thus they are adopted in this study. However, the cost of MCMW is high and the number of MCMW is relatively low. Leveling data are thus also adopted due to its high resolution and accuracy. MCMW data provide compaction information at different depths and the experimental data from the wells provide the physical properties. These data are suitable for a physical model. Leveling data have high monitoring density in spatial domain but lack in temporal domain due to the heavy field work. These data are suitable for a black- or grey-box model. Poroelastic theory, which is known to be more conscientious than Terzaghi's consolidation theory, is adopted in this study with the use of MCMW data. Grey theory, which is a widely used grey-box model, is adopted in this study with the use of leveling data. A fusion technique is developed to combine the subsidence predicted results from poroelastic and grey models to obtain a spatially and temporally connected two-dimensional subsidence distribution. The fusion model is successfully applied to subsidence predictions in Changhua, Yunlin, Tainan, and Kaohsiung of Taiwan and obtains good results. A good subsidence model can help the government to make the accurate strategies for land and groundwater resource management.
Numerical analysis to determine the impact of land subsidence on high-speed railway routes in Beijing, China
Authors: Ye C. , Yang Y. , Tian F. , Luo Y. , Zhou Y.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. More than 10 high-speed railway routes with top speeds of 300 km h−1 are expected to be operational from Beijing by the year 2020. However, the safety of these routes is affected by the occurrence of land subsidence. This paper focuses on the Beijing–Tianjin Intercity High-Speed Railway (BTR), the first high-speed railway in China, to analyze the operational safety of high-speed railway routes by analyzing both regional land subsidence and local differential subsidence caused by groundwater drawing. The Beijing construction stratum is mainly composed of cohesive soil, and the BTR has a maximum accumulative subsidence of > 800 mm and a maximum subsidence rate of > 80 mm a−1. In this paper, finite-element software ABAQUS is used to analyze groundwater drawdown and land subsidence caused by local water drawing, and its effect on the bearing capacity of railway bridge pile foundations and the orbit concrete supporting course. The analysis provides a technical basis for developing prevention and control engineering measures against land subsidence so as to guarantee the safe operation of these high-speed railway routes.