bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating Spatial and Temporal Trends in Environmental Indices Based on Satellite Data: A Two-Step Approach
Authors: Colin Brigitte , Mengersen Kerrie
Published: January 2019

This paper presents a method for employing satellite data to evaluate spatial and temporal patterns in environmental indices of interest. In the first step, linear regression coefficients are extracted for each area in the image. These coefficients are then employed as a response variable in a boosted regression tree with geographic coordinates as explanatory variables. Here, a two-step approach is described in the context of a substantive case study comprising 30 years of satellite derived fractional green vegetation cover for a large region in Queensland, Australia. In addition to analysis of the entire image and timeframe, separate analyses are undertaken over decades and over sub-regions of the study region. The results demonstrate both the utility of the approach and insights into spatio-temporal trends in green vegetation for this site. These findings support the feasibility of using the proposed two-step approach and geographic coordinates in the analysis of satellite derived indices over space and time.
Improving Angular Accuracy of a Scanning Mirror Based on Error Modeling and Correction
Authors: Fan Yue , Ma Wenli , Jiang Ping , Huang Jinlong , Chen Kewei , Pan Nian
Published: January 2019

Scanning mirrors appear to be key components in optoelectronic systems for line-of-sight (LOS) stabilization. For improving the angular accuracy of a scanning mirror based on the eddy current displacement sensor measurement, an angular error-correction method is proposed and demonstrated. A mathematic angular error model with physical parameters was developed, and the cross-validation method was employed to determine the reasonable order of the Maclaurin series used in the error model, which increased the exactitude and robustness of the correction method. The error parameters were identified by accurately fitting the calibrated angular errors with the error model, which showed excellent error prediction performance. Based on the angular calculation model corrected by the error model, the closed-loop control system was established to obtain accurate deflection angles. Experimental results show that within the deflection angle of ±1.5 deg, the angular accuracy was improved from 0.28 deg to less than 1.1 arcsec, and the standard deviation for six measurements was less than 1.2 arcsec, which indicates that the angle correction method was effective in improving the linearity of the eddy current sensors and reducing the influence of manufacturing and installation errors.
A Stakeholder Perspective of Port City Sustainable Development
Authors: Lam Jasmine Siu Lee , Yap Wei Yim
Published: January 2019

As world seaborne trade continues to grow, especially in view of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), there is a mounting demand for a sustainable balance among the economic, social, and environmental performance of the port cities involved. This study aims to first conduct a review of existing sustainability frameworks; second, conduct a stakeholder analysis for port city sustainable development. The case studies of two major port cities in China—Guangzhou and Shenzhen, are conducted. According to the findings, a structured framework with main categories of economic, social and environmental indicators would be recommended for port cities. Dealing with diversified stakeholders and their interests is a major challenge for policy makers to overcome but opportunities do co-exist. Policy makers of Guangzhou and Shenzhen have made progress in balancing economic, social, and environmental interests in recent years. This study has taken a step forward in the research area, with a view to provide reference to stakeholders and governments in progressing towards sustainable development in port cities.
Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure and Stock Price Crash Risk: Evidence from China
Authors: Dai Jingwen , Lu Chao , Qi Jipeng
Published: January 2019

We take Chinese A-share listed companies in years 2010–2015 as a sample to examine the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) information disclosure and stock price crash risk using the fixed effect model. The results show that: (1) There is an inverted U-shaped nonlinear relationship between CSR information disclosure and stock price crash risk. That is, as the CSR information disclosure level increases, the CSR information disclosure first aggravates and then reduces the stock price crash risk; (2) under different disclosure motives, there is a significant difference in the impact of CSR information disclosure on stock price crash risk. There is still an inverted U-shaped relationship between mandatory CSR information disclosure and stock price crash risk, but not for the semi-mandatory and voluntary disclosure; (3) the academic independent director has a positive adjustment effect on the relationship between CSR information disclosure and stock price crash risk, while the institutional investor has a negative adjustment effect on the relationship between CSR information disclosure and stock price crash risk. The research is of great significance for promoting the fulfillment of CSR, improving corporate governance and stabilizing the capital market.
Partnership-Based Supply Chain Collaboration: Impact on Commitment, Innovation, and Firm Performance
Authors: Shin Nina , Park Sun Hyun , Park Sangwook
Published: January 2019

With increasing numbers of nodes and links in supply network relationships, understanding partnership management and the required level of collaboration is important for sustainable supply network alignment. This study explores the impact of partnership orientation on partnership commitment and firm performance using a model based on social capital theory and resource dependence theory. It aims to understand the appropriate partnership orientation for the desired level of commitment and firm performance, including innovation, operational, and financial performance. Using a survey of 423 respondents representing three different partnership structure types (supplier, buyer, and parallel-aligned firms’ perspectives), the relationship between partnership orientation and commitment in enhancing firm performance is investigated using structural equation modeling. Additional analysis identifies the moderating role of commitment and investment exchange on performance. The findings show that positive relationships between both investment and contractual-based partnership orientation positively contribute to partnership commitment, but the direct association between partnership commitment and firm performance type varies by partnership structure. Furthermore, (i) investment exchange level moderates the relationship between commitment and innovation and operational performance regardless of partnership structure type, (ii) negative investment exchange signals higher firm performance from the buyer firm’s perspective, and (iii) positive investment exchange is absolutely necessary for financial performance from the supplier firm’s perspective.
Reflecting on Green Infrastructure and Spatial Planning in Africa: The Complexities, Perceptions, and Way Forward
Authors: Cilliers Elizelle Juaneé
Published: January 2019

Spatial planning decision-making is progressively acknowledging that nature-based solutions are substantially beneficial to urban communities and their host cities. This paper is a meta-study of the current state of spatial planning practice in South Africa, with special focus on nature-based solutions and green infrastructure planning. The complexities and perceptions relating to green infrastructure planning in South Africa is presented, based on the findings of nine independent studies conducted between 2014 and 2018. The collective interpretation of these findings are thematically reported on in terms of (i) the concept of Green Infrastructure as perceived from a local perspective, ii2) the functionality of green infrastructure in local (urban and rural) context, (iii) the benefits (and value) of green infrastructure in local context which probe to be contradicting international accepted theory, and (iv) long term planning strategies and opportunities relating to green infrastructure provision in South Africa and Africa. The paper emphasizes the importance of context-based planning based on the unique considerations illustrated in the (South) African case studies which amongst others disproved the green compensation hypothesis and disproved the green proximity principle. As a result, the paper calls on long-term strategies to align green infrastructure as part of mainstream spatial planning approaches, along with value capturing approaches to sensitize decision-makers to prioritize green infrastructure within broader land-use planning approaches.
What about the Migrant Children? The State-Of-The-Art in Research Claiming Social Sustainability
Authors: Boldermo Sidsel , Ødegaard Elin
Published: January 2019

This study aimed to investigate research articles that relate to education for sustainability, primarily in early childhood, in order to describe to what extent a holistic perspective on education for sustainability has been applied, and how the social dimension is conceptualized. The review comprised research articles in Nordic Journals of Education, International Journals of Early Childhood Education, and International Journals of Education/Environmental/Sustainability education. The findings disclosed that researchers within the field of education for sustainability acknowledged, to a large extent, environmental, economic, and social aspects, and thus applied a holistic perspective. This review shows, however, that even if the social dimension were conceptualized as strongly related to topics such as social justice, citizenship, and the building of stable societies, few articles have investigated diversity, multicultural perspectives, or migrant children’s situations in the context of early childhood education for sustainability. This review discloses that the concept of belonging is rarely used in connection to migrants and refugees in research on early childhood education for sustainability. A further argument encourages the inclusion of these aspects in further research which claims social sustainability.
Effects of Substrate on Movement Patterns and Behavior of Stream Fish through Culverts: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Johnson Kyla , Wait Lindsay E. , Monk Suzanne K. , Rader Russell , Hotchkiss Rollin H. , Belk Mark C.
Published: January 2019

Culverts can provide a significant barrier to fish passage by fragmenting fish habitats and impeding the passage success of small-bodied fish. Geographical connectivity is critical to the maintenance of diverse fish assemblages. Culverts with high cross-sectional velocity can cause population fragmentation by impeding passage of small, freshwater fish. Behavioral responses of small fish to high velocities can differ among functional groups, and swimming behavior of many species is not well known. We tested effects of substrate type on swimming behavior in two small, freshwater fish species—southern leatherside chub (Lepidomeda aliciae, a midwater species), and longnose dace (Rhinichthys cataractae, a benthic species)—across three substrate treatments: (1) a bare flume, (2) large flow obstacles, and (3) a natural cobble substrate. Both longnose dace and southern leatherside chub used paths of low velocity and swam in the near-substrate boundary area. Fish in the bare flume and large obstacle treatments swam along the corners of the flume in a straight swim path, whereas fish in the natural substrate treatment used all parts of the flume bed. There was no relationship between passage success of fish and substrate type, fish species, or their interaction. In contrast, substrate type, fish species, and their interaction were significant predictors of passage time. Southern leatherside chub passed through the test section about two to four times faster than longnose dace. Both species took longer to pass through the large flow obstacle treatment compared to the bare flume or natural substrate. The natural substrate created a complex velocity profile with areas of low velocity throughout the entire flume, in contrast to the other two treatments. Our data suggest natural substrates can improve the passage of small fish in high-velocity culverts for both benthic and midwater functional groups.
How Does High-Speed Rail Affect Tourism? A Case Study of the Capital Region of China
Authors: Yin Ping , Pagliara Francesca , Wilson Alan
Published: January 2019

The objective of this study is to analyze the tourism spatial interaction that defines two scenarios, i.e., the actual one with the current high-speed rail (HSR) network, and the future one with an extension of the HSR network, considering as a case study the Capital region of China. The impact of HSR on the spatial distribution characteristics is investigated. The main outcome of this study is that the extension of the HSR network in the future scenario will significantly increase the total tourism spatial interaction and will reduce the spatial difference. What this paper adds to the current knowledge about HSR and tourism is that smaller cities, such as Tangshan, Zhangjiakou, and Chengde, connected via HSR to core cities will benefit the most from the HSR network’s operation. Those cities should take the HSR network as a development opportunity to enhance their attractiveness and strengthen their marketing to achieve sustainable tourism competitiveness. The study found that effects can also be registered on larger cities, but they are smaller. So, larger cities, such as Beijing and Tianjin, should reassess their attractiveness to the tourist market and take corresponding countermeasures. The findings of this study can be used by tourism management authorities to develop short-term and long-term plans.
The Institutional Development of Employment Protection and the Perception of Western Concepts and Values in China
Authors: Liu Tao , Wang Chao
Published: January 2019

This research addresses a challenging issue, employment protection in China, including unemployment insurance, work accident insurance and the concept of co-determination. Although the ideology of Sino-communism seems to share some elective affinity with the comprehensive arrangements of labor protection in modern welfare capitalism, in reality, the mainstream economic elites of post-Mao China enthusiastically embraced neoliberal ideology in the 1980s and 1990s, maintaining a critical attitude towards employment protection policies through the lens of economic efficiency and productivity. However, since the millennium, the ruling elites of China have started to promote a certain version of an inclusive and social market economy, and Western ideas and discourses on employment protection have become prevalent. This paper outlines the institutional reforms, dynamics, mechanisms and constraints in the development of employment protection arrangements in China since the millennium. Further, emphasis is placed on the ideational level, with a special focus on domestic discussions, debates, discourses and interpretations of “co-determination” from several major Western nations including Germany, the Nordic countries, the Anglo-Saxon nations and Japan. Through the academic “barometer,” the future development of employment protection in China is discussed.
Urbanization and Urban Sprawl Issues in City Structure: A Case of the Sulaymaniah Iraqi Kurdistan Region
Authors: Jarah Sivan Hisham Al , Zhou Bo , Abdullah Rebaz Jalil , Lu Yawen , Yu Wenting
Published: January 2019

This novel study explores the driving forces and dynamics of rapid urbanization, highlighting the main causes and effects of urban explosion, environmental disruption, and city pattern transformation. This study was carried out that how urbanization and urban sprawl have influenced the structure of the city of Sulaymaniah in Kurdistan region of Iraq. This is because over the years many urban areas have experienced dramatic growth and population explosion that has resulted in the exhaustion of social amenities in the concerned communities. For this purpose, a qualitative method is used based on in-depth face-to-face interviews with local authority, including planners, architects, and experts of master planning, as well as professors in the academic institutions. This study also utilizes extensive document analysis to present the evolution of urban growth. The findings reveal that the autonomy, political conflict, non-implementation of master plans, and economic prosperity are the driving forces which are accelerating this urbanization process. It is proposed that the practical policies and strategic urban development plans are urgent requirement to control the unplanned urban growth and stimulate the desired sustainable future urban development.
The “Local Town Market Area” in Enna, Sicily: Using the Psychology of Sustainability to Propose Sustainable and Developmental Policies
Authors: Fucà Romina , Cubico Serena , Favretto Giuseppe , Leitão João
Published: January 2019

Ritualization operated by analyzing macro-sectors in a city (e.g., neighborhoods) has concluded irreversibly for condemning some dilapidated areas instead of others. Taking its cue from the scenario of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 11—Make cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable (United Nations)—the realized analysis links a sustainable urban design with the citizens’ role in the city in a particular urban landmark, the “local town market area” (LTMA), with a focus on developing the well-being of the local community, also referred to as the psychology of sustainability and sustainable development. Principal methods of inquiry used, along a geospatial Google-driven investigation, were self-observation and self-assessment, which reflect both the study of self-organizing systems in the context of complexity and systemic theory, choosing to detect the spatial state of a specific area, as it has neither official nor institutional boundaries. The approach to crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) is therefore discussed through the maximizing of the LTMA functional urban unit in Enna, Sicily, to reach the idea of a community that is innovative and participatory.
Revising Emission Responsibilities through Consumption-Based Accounting: A European and Post-Brexit Perspective
Authors: Fezzigna Paola , Borghesi Simone , Caro Dario
Published: January 2019

International trade shifts production of a large amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions embodied in traded goods from the importing country to the exporting country. The European Union (EU) plays a prominent role in the flow of international-related emissions as it accounts for the second largest share of global exports and imports of goods. Consumption-based accountings (CBA) emerged as alternative to the traditional emission inventories based on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines. According to the IPCC criteria, countries where products are consumed take no responsibility for the emissions produced by exporter countries, thus neglecting the emissions embodied in trade. By taking this aspect into account, CBA are considered of great importance in revealing emissions attributed to the final consumer. Using a CBA approach, this paper evaluates the impact of international trade in the EU in terms of CO2 emissions, looking both at the internal trade flows within the EU-28 and at the external trade flows between the EU and the rest of the world during the period 2012–2015. We find that the EU is a net importer of emissions as its emissions due to consumption exceed those due to production. In particular, in 2015 the ratio between import- and export-embodied emissions was more than 3:1 for the EU-28 that imported 1317 Mt CO2 from the rest of the world (mainly from China and Russia) while exporting only 424 Mt CO2. Concerning emissions flows among EU countries, Germany represents the largest importer, followed by the UK. To get a deeper understanding on possible environmental implications of Brexit on UK emission responsibilities, the paper also advances a few hypotheses on how trade flows could change based on the existing trade patterns of the UK. Data analysis shows that a 10% shift of UK imports from EU partners to its main non-EU trading partners (India, China, and US) would increase its emission responsibility by 5%. The increase in UK emission responsibility would more than double (+11%) in case of a 30% shift of UK imports. Similar results would apply if UK replaced its current EU partners with its main Commonwealth trading partners as a result of Brexit.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Surfaces in 2018
Authors:   Surfaces Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Symmetric Magnetic Anomaly Objects’ Orientation Recognition Based on Local Binary Pattern and Support Vector Machine
Authors: Zheng Jianyong , Fan Hongbo , Li Zhining , Zhang Qi
Published: January 2019

In order to identify the orientation or recognize the attitude of small symmetric magnetic anomaly objects at shallow depth, we propose a method of extracting local binary pattern (LBP) features from denoised magnetic anomaly signals and classifying symmetric magnetic objects that have different orientations based on support vector machine (SVM). First, nine component signals, such as magnetic gradient tensor matrix, total magnetic intensity (TMI), and so forth, are calculated from the original signal detected by the flux gate sensors. The nine component signals are processed by discrete wavelet transform (DWT), which aims to reduce noise and make the signal’s features clear. Then we extract LBP texture features from the denoised nine component signals. From the simulation analysis, we can conclude that the LBP texture features of the nine component signals have good interclass discrimination and intraclass aggregation, which can be used for pattern recognition. Finally, the LBP texture features are constructed into feature vectors. The orientations of symmetric ferromagnetic objects underground are identified by SVM based on the feature vectors. Through experiments, we can conclude that the orientation recognition accuracy rate reaches 90%. This suggests that we can obtain the details of magnetic anomalies through our method.
Localized Fault Tolerant Algorithm Based on Node Movement Freedom Degree in Flying Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Guo Qiang , Yan Jichen , Xu Wei
Published: January 2019

Flying ad hoc network (FANET) is a communication network for data transmission among Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). In ad hoc network, the UAVs movement is usually applied to improve network fault-tolerance, but it easily causes the disconnection of communication links, and the success rate is low. In this paper, we propose a local fault-tolerant control algorithm based on node movement freedom degree (LFTMF). Under the constraint of node movement freedom degree, the algorithm transforms the single-connected network into bi-connected network through the autonomous movement of UAVs to improve the fault-tolerant ability of the FANET network. Firstly, the consistency between k-hop cut-points and global cut-points in FANET network is analyzed. Then, based on the k-hop local topology of FANET network, the UAV node movement freedom degree model is established. Finally, according to the location distribution of k-hop cut-points in the FANET network, the bi-connected fault-tolerant network is realized by UAVs cascade movement. Compared with the existing algorithms, simulation results show that the proposed algorithm achieves better performance in success rate, deviation distance, cascade movement ratio and adjustment period.
Acknowledgement to Reviewers of Systems in 2018
Authors:   Systems Editorial Office
Published: January 2019

Rigorous peer-review is the corner-stone of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Mass Spectrometry Analysis and Biological Characterization of the Predatory Ant Odontomachus monticola Venom and Venom Sac Components
Authors: Tani Naoki , Kazuma Kohei , Ohtsuka Yukio , Shigeri Yasushi , Masuko Keiichi , Konno Katsuhiro , Inagaki Hidetoshi
Published: January 2019

We previously identified 92 toxin-like peptides and proteins, including pilosulin-like peptides 1–6 from the predatory ant Odontomachus monticola, by transcriptome analysis. Here, to further characterize venom components, we analyzed the venom and venom sac extract by ESI-MS/MS with or without trypsin digestion and reducing agent. As the low-molecular-mass components, we found amino acids (leucine/isoleucine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan) and biogenic amines (histamine and tyramine) in the venom and venom sac extract. As the higher molecular mass components, we found peptides and proteins such as pilosulin-like peptides, phospholipase A2s, hyaluronidase, venom dipeptidyl peptidases, conotoxin-like peptide, and icarapin-like peptide. In addition to pilosulin-like peptides 1–6, we found three novel pilosulin-like peptides that were overlooked by transcriptome analysis. Moreover, pilosulin-like peptides 1–6 were chemically synthesized, and some of them displayed antimicrobial, hemolytic, and histamine-releasing activities.
Regional Sub-Saharan Africa Total Diet Study in Benin, Cameroon, Mali and Nigeria Reveals the Presence of 164 Mycotoxins and Other Secondary Metabolites in Foods
Authors: Ingenbleek Luc , Sulyok Michael , Adegboye Abimbola , Hossou Sètondji Epiphane , Koné Abdoulaye Zié , Oyedele Awoyinka Dada , K. J. Kisito Chabi Sika , Koreissi Dembélé Yara , Eyangoh Sara , Verger Philippe , Leblanc Jean-Charles , Le Bizec Bruno , Krska Rudolf
Published: January 2019

In the framework of the first multi-centre Sub-Saharan Africa Total Diet Study (SSA-TDS), 2328 commonly consumed foods were purchased, prepared as consumed and pooled into 194 composite samples of cereals, tubers, legumes, vegetables, nuts and seeds, dairy, oils, beverages and miscellaneous. Those core foods were tested for mycotoxins and other fungal, bacterial and plant secondary metabolites by liquid chromatography, coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. The highest aflatoxin concentrations were quantified in peanuts, peanut oil and maize. The mean concentration of the sum of aflatoxins AFB1, AFB2, AFG1 and AFG2 (AFtot) in peanut samples (56.4 µg/kg) exceeded EU (4 µg/kg) and Codex (15 µg/kg) standards. The AFtot concentration (max: 246.0 µg/kg) was associated with seasonal and geographic patterns and comprised, on average, 80% AFB1, the most potent aflatoxin. Although ochratoxin A concentrations rarely exceeded existing Codex standards, it was detected in unregulated foods. One palm oil composite sample contained 98 different metabolites, including 35.4 µg/kg of ochratoxin A. In total, 164 different metabolites were detected, with unspecific metabolites like asperglaucide, cyclo(L-pro-L-val), cyclo (L-pro-L-tyr), flavoglaucin, emodin and tryptophol occurring in more than 50% of composite samples. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), fumonisin B1 (FB1), sterigmatocystin (STC), ochratoxin A (OTA), citrinin (CIT) and many other secondary fungal metabolites are frequent co-contaminants in staple foods, such as maize and sorghum. Populations from North Cameroon and from Benin may, therefore, suffer chronic and simultaneous exposure to AFB1, FB1, STC, OTA and CIT, which are prevalent in their diet.
On Quantization of a Slowly Rotating Kerr Black Hole in Teleparallel Gravity
Authors: Ulhoa Sérgio Costa , Spaniol Ednardo Paulo , Amorim Ronni Geraldo Gomes
Published: January 2019

In this article we calculate the total angular momentum for Kerr space-time for slow rotations in the context of teleparallel gravity. In order to analyze the role of such a quantity, we apply Weyl quantization method to obtain a quantum equation for the z-component of the angular momentum density, and for the squared angular momentum density as well. We present an approximate solution using the Adomian decomposition method (AM), which reveals a discrete characteristic for angular momentum.
Co-Delivery Effect of CD24 on the Immunogenicity and Lethal Challenge Protection of a DNA Vector Expressing Nucleocapsid Protein of Crimean Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus
Authors: Aligholipour Farzani Touraj , Hanifehnezhad Alireza , Földes Katalin , Ergünay Koray , Yilmaz Erkan , Hashim Mohamed Ali Hiba , Ozkul Aykut
Published: January 2019

Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is the causative agent of a globally-spread tick-borne zoonotic infection, with an eminent risk of fatal human disease. The imminent public health threat posed by the disseminated virus activity and lack of an approved therapeutic make CCHFV an urgent target for vaccine development. We described the construction of a DNA vector expressing a nucleocapsid protein (N) of CCHFV (pV-N13), and investigated its potential to stimulate the cytokine and total/specific antibody responses in BALB/c and a challenge experiment in IFNAR−/− mice. Because of a lack of sufficient antibody stimulation towards the N protein, we have selected cluster of differentiation 24 (CD24) protein as a potential adjuvant, which has a proliferative effect on B and T cells. Overall, our N expressing construct, when administered solely or in combination with the pCD24 vector, elicited significant cellular and humoral responses in BALB/c, despite variations in the particular cytokines and total antibodies. However, the stimulated antibodies produced as a result of the N protein expression have shown no neutralizing ability in the virus neutralization assay. Furthermore, the challenge experiments revealed the protection potential of the N expressing construct in an IFNAR −/− mice model. The cytokine analysis in the IFNAR−/− mice showed an elevation in the IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels. In conclusion, we have shown that targeting the S segment of CCHFV can be considered for a practical way to develop a vaccine against this virus, because of its ability to induce an immune response, which leads to protection in the challenge assays in the interferon (IFN)-gamma defective mice models. Moreover, CD24 has a prominent immunologic effect when it co-delivers with a suitable foreign gene expressing vector.
Calibration of SWAT and Two Data-Driven Models for a Data-Scarce Mountainous Headwater in Semi-Arid Konya Closed Basin
Authors: Koycegiz Cihangir , Buyukyildiz Meral
Published: January 2019

Hydrologic models are important tools for the successful management of water resources. In this study, a semi-distributed soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model is used to simulate streamflow at the headwater of Çarşamba River, located at the Konya Closed Basin, Turkey. For that, first a sequential uncertainty fitting-2 (SUFI-2) algorithm is employed to calibrate the SWAT model. The SWAT model results are also compared with the results of the radial-based neural network (RBNN) and support vector machines (SVM). The SWAT model performed well at the calibration stage i.e., determination coefficient (R2) = 0.787 and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE) = 0.779, and relatively lower values at the validation stage i.e., R2 = 0.508 and NSE = 0.502. Besides, the data-driven models were more successful than the SWAT model. Obviously, the physically-based SWAT model offers significant advantages such as performing a spatial analysis of the results, creating a streamflow model taking into account the environmental impacts. Also, we show that SWAT offers the ability to produce consistent solutions under varying scenarios whereas it requires a large number of inputs as compared to the data-driven models.
Overview of Landslide Hydrology
Authors: Sidle Roy C. , Greco Roberto , Bogaard Thom
Published: January 2019

Most landslides and debris flows worldwide occur during or following periods of rainfall, and many of these have been associated with major disasters causing extensive property damage and loss of life [...]
Pump-as-Turbine Selection Methodology for Energy Recovery in Irrigation Networks: Minimising the Payback Period
Authors: Crespo Chacón Miguel , Rodríguez Díaz Juan Antonio , García Morillo Jorge , McNabola Aonghus
Published: January 2019

In pressurized irrigation networks, energy reaches around 40% of the total water costs. Pump-as-Turbines (PATs) are a cost-effective technology for energy recovery, although they can present low efficiencies when operating outside of the best efficiency point (BEP). Flow fluctuations are very important in on-demand irrigation networks. This makes flow prediction and the selection of the optimal PAT more complex. In this research, an advanced statistical methodology was developed, which predicts the monthly flow fluctuations and the duration of each flow value. This was used to estimate the monthly time for which a PAT would work under BEP conditions and the time for which it would work with lower efficiencies. In addition, the optimal PAT power for each Excess Pressure Point (EPP) studied was determined following the strategy of minimising the PAT investment payback period (PP). The methodology was tested in Sector VII of the right bank of the Bembézar River (BMD), in Southern Spain. Five potential sites for PAT installation were found. The results showed a potential energy recovery of 93.9 MWh and an annual energy index per irrigated surface area of 0.10 MWh year−1 ha−1. Renewable energy will become increasingly important in the agriculture sector, to reduce both water costs and the contribution to climate change. PATs represent an attractive technology that can help achieve such goals.
Agricultural Water Policy during Drought: A Strategy for Including Groundwater Permits in Future Irrigation Buyout Auctions in the Flint River Basin
Authors: Mullen Jeffrey D.
Published: January 2019

Georgia’s Flint River Basin has water management challenges from extensive groundwater pumping for agriculture and in-stream flow requirements. The state has experimented with buying out irrigation permits through auctions. Past auctions were relegated to surface water permits. Recently, the state has allowed groundwater permit holders to participate in future auctions. The Flow-Impact Offer (FIO) developed in this paper provides a way to reconcile the disparate impacts of groundwater and surface water withdrawals on in-stream flows when comparing offers in a buyout auction. The techniques suggested here to operationalize the FIO are applicable to other regions of the world as well.
Numerical Analysis of the Impact Factors on the Flow Fields in a Large Shallow Lake
Authors: Liu Haifei , Zhu Zhexian , Liu Jingling , Liu Qiang
Published: January 2019

Wetland acts as an important part of climatic regulation, water purification, and biodiversity maintenance. As an integral part of wetlands, large shallow lakes play an essential role in protecting ecosystem diversity and providing water sources. Baihe Lake in the Momoge Wetland is one such example, so it is necessary to study the flow pattern characteristics of this lake under different conditions. A new model, based on the lattice Boltzmann method, was used to investigate the effects of different impact factors on flow fields, such as water discharge from surrounding farmland, rainfall, wind speed, and aquatic vegetation. Importantly, this study provides a hydrodynamic basis for local ecological protection and restoration work.
Microorganisms Collected from the Surface of Freshwater Lakes Using a Drone Water Sampling System (DOWSE)
Authors: Benson James , Hanlon Regina , Seifried Teresa , Baloh Philipp , Powers Craig , Grothe Hinrich , Schmale David
Published: January 2019

New tools and technology are needed to study microorganisms in freshwater environments. Little is known about spatial distribution and ice nucleation activity (INA) of microorganisms in freshwater lakes. We developed a system to collect water samples from the surface of lakes using a 3D-printed sampling device tethered to a drone (DOWSE, DrOne Water Sampling SystEm). The DOWSE was used to collect surface water samples at different distances from the shore (1, 25, and 50 m) at eight different freshwater lakes in Austria in June 2018. Water samples were filtered, and microorganisms were cultured on two different media types, TSA (a general growth medium) and KBC (a medium semi-selective for bacteria in the genus Pseudomonas). Mean concentrations (colony forming units per mL, or CFU/mL) of bacteria cultured on TSA ranged from 19,800 (Wörthersee) to 210,500 (Gosaulacke) CFU/mL, and mean concentrations of bacteria cultured on KBC ranged from 2590 (Ossiachersee) to 11,000 (Vorderer Gosausee) CFU/mL. There was no significant difference in sampling distance from the shore for concentrations of microbes cultured on TSA (p = 0.28). A wireless bathymetry sensor was tethered to the drone to map temperature and depth across the sampling domain of each of the lakes. At the 50 m distance from the shore, temperature ranged from 17 (Hinterer Gosausee, and Gosaulacke) to 26 °C (Wörthersee), and depth ranged from 2.8 (Gosaulacke) to 11.1 m (Grundlsee). Contour maps of concentrations of culturable bacteria across the drone sampling domain revealed areas of high concentrations (hot spots) in some of the lakes. The percentage of ice-nucleation active (ice+) bacteria cultured on KBC ranged from 0% (0/64) (Wörthersee) to 58% (42/72) (Vorderer Gosausee), with a mean of 28% (153/544) for the entire sample set. Future work aims to elucidate the structure and function of entire microbial assemblages within and among the Austrian lakes.
Raman study of flash-lamp annealed aqueous Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals
Authors: Havryliuk Yevhenii , Selyshchev Oleksandr , Valakh Mykhailo , Raevskaya Alexandra , Stroyuk Oleksandr , Schmidt Constance , Dzhagan Volodymyr , Zahn Dietrich R T
Published: January 2019

The effect of flash-lamp annealing (FLA) on the re-crystallization of thin films made of colloidal Cu2ZnSnS4 nanocrystals (NCs) is investigated by Raman spectroscopy. Unlike similar previous studies of NCs synthesized at high temperatures in organic solvents, NCs in this work, which have diameters as small as 2–6 nm, were synthesized under environmentally friendly conditions in aqueous solution using small molecules as stabilizers. We establish the range of FLA conditions providing an efficient re-crystallization in the thin film of NCs, while preserving their kesterite structure and improving their crystallinity remarkably. The formation of secondary phases at higher FLA power densities, as well as the dependence of the formation on the film thickness are also investigated. Importantly, no inert atmosphere for the FLA treatment of the NCs is required, which makes this technology even more suitable for mass production, in particular for printed thin films on flexible substrates.
Ammonium-tagged ruthenium-based catalysts for olefin metathesis in aqueous media under ultrasound and microwave irradiation
Authors: Gułajski Łukasz , Tracz Andrzej , Urbaniak Katarzyna , Czarnocki Stefan J , Bieniek Michał , Olszewski Tomasz K
Published: January 2019

The influence of microwave and ultrasonic irradiation on the performance of ammonium-tagged Ru-based catalysts in olefin metathesis transformations in aqueous media was studied. Differences in the catalytic activity in correlation with the nature of the present counter ion and the size of the N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand were revealed. The presented methodology allows for preparation of a variety of polar and non-polar metathesis products under environmentally friendly conditions.
ANALYSIS OF CRITERIA SYSTEM MODEL FOR CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT EVALUATION
Authors: Mitkus Sigitas , Trinkūnienė Eva
Published: January 2019

A number of multicriteria decisions must be made during construction investment processes. A number of support systems for multicriteria tasks of construction investment processes are available. Part of them is reviewed in this article. Effectiveness of the construction investment process is greatly influenced by an appropriate formulation of a construction contract. In order to formulate effective construction contract, multicriteria techniques for evaluation and comparison of the contracts must be created. Beside technical, organisational and economic aspects of construction, legal aspects of a construction contract must be also analysed in order to create such techniques. Therefore legal decision‐making systems are also reviewed in the article. A conclusion can be made from the review that decision‐making systems for construction contracts are not available currently. One of the main tasks in the creation of multicriteria support systems is the formation of a multicriteria indicator system.

In this paper the structure of construction contracts are analysed and a hierarchical model of a construction contract is presented. Construction contracts have to be made evaluated and compared to this model. On the basis of this model, significance of indicators should be determined and a multicriteria decision support system should be created in further research stages.
RESEARCH ON PUBLIC LOGISTICS CENTRE AS TOOL FOR COOPERATION
Authors: Jaržemskis Andrius
Published: January 2019

This paper focuses on logistics centre concept and benefits for users. Intermodal benefit, forwarders impact, IT solutions, new transport flows due to synergy, better supply chain management, additional services, cost sharing, economies of scale, quality of the services, know‐how, joint marketing impact, and benefit for growth of third‐party logistics services are presented. The main bottlenecks such as duration of planning logistics centres process, pressure to land use for other purposes and problems caused by legislation are described. Results of pilot study of benefits from business cooperation are presented and concluded as well.
RENEWAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK FOR URBAN RAIL TRANSIT ASSETS
Authors: Bai Wenfei , Liu Rengkui , An Ru , Wang Futian , Sun Quanxin
Published: January 2019

Decision-making surrounding asset renewal is essential for the efficient use of renewal resources and safe operation of urban rail transit. In this study, major problems in the current management of urban rail industries in countries with the same problems as those in China were analysed, and in response, a renewal management framework based on service life estimation was proposed to provide adequate decision-making support for urban rail transit assets. In this framework, the cumulative failure frequency of an asset is used to indicate its health condition, and considering the uncertainties and heterogeneities in the deterioration process of assets, a Poisson–Weibull process model-based methodology was developed to estimate the service and residual lives of each asset, which are then employed in analysing its renewal demand and renewal period. Finally, the model is validated through an empirical study of rail renewal in the Beijing Metro. Our evaluation demonstrates that the proposed framework can estimate each asset’s service life accurately and can be used by asset management personnel to establish reasonable renewal plans and provide decision-making support for a scientifically informed resource allocation, thus mitigating major problems in current management practices.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY: A NEW METHOD TO ASSESS PEDESTRIAN KINEMATICS
Authors: Ptak Mariusz
Published: January 2019

The progress in pedestrian safety enhancement is the result of multi-stage work, which is based mainly on the vehicle enhancement and appropriate traffic organization. However, the full separation of vehicle traffic and pedestrians seem to be impossible nowadays. The paper presents a new method for assessing the influence of vehicle structural components on pedestrian kinematics. An integral part of the method is the relationship, named as the k parameter, which can determinate the geometric property of the pedestrian body movement (kinematics) after a collision. The development of the new algorithm is the answer to the problem of assessing the risk posed by the impact of the vehicle with a high bumper/bonnet reference line (e.g. a Sport Utility Vehicle – SUV) on a pedestrian. The presented method can be a useful engineering tool to assess the safety of vehicles, both brand-new and used. The developed test system binds together a new defined kinematic criterion as well as the existing biomechanical criteria (the assessment of vehicles using pedestrian impactors). The presented method was verified on a compact vehicle and a SUV.
MODELING COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS OF MULTIPHASE FLOWS IN ELBOW AND T-JUNCTION OF THE MAIN GAS PIPELINE
Authors: Doroshenko Yaroslav , Doroshenko Julia , Zapukhliak Vasyl , Poberezhny Lyubomyr , Maruschak Pavlo
Published: January 2019

The research was performed in order to obtain the physical picture of the movement of condensed droplets and solid particles in the flow of natural gas in elbows and T-junctions of the linear part of the main gas pipeline. 3D modeling of the elbow and T-junction was performed in the linear part of the gas main, in particular, in places where a complex movement of multiphase flows occurs and changes its direction. In these places also occur swirls, collisions of discrete phases in the pipeline wall, and erosive wear of the pipe wall. Based on Lagrangian approach (Discrete Phase Model – DPM), methods of computer modeling were developed to simulate multiphase flow movement in the elbow and T-junction of the linear part of the gas main using software package ANSYS Fluent R17.0 Academic. The mathematical model is based on solving the Navier–Stokes equations, and the equations of continuity and discrete phase movement closed with Launder–Sharma (k–e) two-parameter turbulence model with appropriate initial and boundary conditions. In T-junction, we simulated gas movement in the run-pipe, and the passage of the part of flow into the branch. The simulation results were visualized in postprocessor ANSYS Fluent R17.0 Academic and ANSYS CFD-Post R17.0 Academic by building trajectories of the motion of condensed droplets and solid particles in the elbow and T-junction of the linear part of the gas main in the flow of natural gas. The trajectories were painted in colors that match the velocity and diameter of droplets and particles according to the scale of values. After studying the trajectories of discrete phases, the locations of their heavy collision with the pipeline walls were found, as well as the places of turbulence of condensed droplets and solid particles. The velocity of liquid and solid particles was determined, and the impact angles, diameters of condensed droplets and solid particles in the place of collision were found. Such results provide possibilities for a full and comprehensive investigation of erosive wear of the elbow and T-junction of the linear part of the gas main and adjacent sections of the pipeline, and for the assessment of their strength and residual life.