bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Coronaviruses and Their Associations with the Aquatic Environment and Wastewater
Authors: Wartecki Adrian , Rzymski Piotr
Published: June 2020

The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), a severe respiratory disease caused by betacoronavirus SARS-CoV-2, in 2019 that further developed into a pandemic has received an unprecedented response from the scientific community and sparked a general research interest into the biology and ecology of Coronaviridae, a family of positive-sense single-stranded RNA viruses. Aquatic environments, lakes, rivers and ponds, are important habitats for bats and birds, which are hosts for various coronavirus species and strains and which shed viral particles in their feces. It is therefore of high interest to fully explore the role that aquatic environments may play in coronavirus spread, including cross-species transmissions. Besides the respiratory tract, coronaviruses pathogenic to humans can also infect the digestive system and be subsequently defecated. Considering this, it is pivotal to understand whether wastewater can play a role in their dissemination, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. This review provides an overview of the taxonomy, molecular biology, natural reservoirs and pathogenicity of coronaviruses; outlines their potential to survive in aquatic environments and wastewater; and demonstrates their association with aquatic biota, mainly waterfowl. It also calls for further, interdisciplinary research in the field of aquatic virology to explore the potential hotspots of coronaviruses in the aquatic environment and the routes through which they may enter it.
Impact of Climate Change on the Hydrological Regimes in Bavaria
Authors: Poschlod Benjamin , Willkofer Florian , Ludwig Ralf
Published: June 2020

This study assesses the change of the seasonal runoff characteristics in 98 catchments in central Europe between the reference period of 1981–2010, and in the near future (2011–2040), mid future (2041–2070) and far future (2071–2099). Therefore, a large ensemble of 50 hydrological simulations featuring the model WaSiM-ETH driven by a 50-member ensemble of the Canadian Regional Climate Model, version 5 (CRCM5) under the emission scenario Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP 8.5) is analyzed. A hierarchical cluster analysis is applied to group the runoff characteristics into six flow regime classes. In the study area, (glacio-)nival, nival (transition), nivo-pluvial and three different pluvial classes are identified. We find that the characteristics of all six regime groups are severely affected by climate change in terms of the amplitude and timing of the monthly peaks and sinks. According to our simulations, the monthly peak of nival regimes will occur earlier in the season and the relative importance of rainfall increases towards the future. Pluvial regimes will become less balanced with higher normalized monthly discharge during January to March and a strong decrease during May to October. In comparison to the reference period, 8% of catchments will shift to another regime class until 2011–2040, whereas until 2041–2070 and 2071–2099, 23% and 43% will shift to another class, respectively.
Tracking Changing Evidences of Water in Wetland Using the Satellite Long-Term Observations from 1984 to 2017
Authors: Zhang Zhijie , Lei Liping , He Zhonghua , Su Yali , Li Liwei , Wang Xiaofan , Guo Xudong
Published: June 2020

Wetlands have been degrading and reducing under the influences of human activity and climate change. Landsat long-term observations can help us better track the changing evidences of wetland habitats that would be valuable for guiding the restoration and conservation of wetland. In this study, we demonstrated the results of tracking the changing evidence of wetland habitats using Landsat observations from 1984 to 2017 through the case study of Baiyangdian wetland in China. We extracted the open water and classified the wetland habitats using collected 190 scenes from Landsat observations. As a result, we found that the yearly variations of wetland present phasic changes in three phases: 1988–1998, 1999–2011 and 2013–2017. The landscape of wetland habitats presented during 1989–1999 mostly show us the natural spatial pattern with less human disturbance traces compared to that during 2013–2017. The water environment, moreover, changed for the better after the 2010s, which indicated the encouraging effects of the environmental restoration project implemented from the year 2010. The current landscapes of wetland habitats, however, present lots of linear belts that are blocking the water cycles and ecological channels of aquatic plants and animals in the wetland. The areas in the northwestern wing and around the northeastern edge of the wetland are changing to be drier due to cropping activities and are at risk of wetland loss. These historical changing evidences could be a guideline for planning and designing restoration for the wetland.
B-Spline Method of Lines for Simulation of Contaminant Transport in Groundwater
Authors: Bahar Ersin , Gurarslan Gurhan
Published: June 2020

In this study, we propose a new numerical method, which can be effectively applied to the advection-dispersion equation, based on B-spline functions and method of lines approach. In the proposed approach, spatial derivatives are calculated using quintic B-spline functions. Thanks to the method of lines approach, the partial differential equation governing the contaminant transport in groundwater is converted into time-dependent ordinary differential equations. After this transformation, the time-integration of this system is realized by using an adaptive Runge–Kutta formula. In order to test the accuracy of the proposed method, four numerical examples were solved and the obtained results compared with various analytical and numerical solutions given in the literature. It is proven that the proposed method is faster and more reliable than other methods referenced herein and is a good alternative for simulation of contaminant transport problems as a result of these comparisons.
Multipurpose Use of Artificial Channel Networks for Flood Risk Reduction: The Case of the Waterway Padova–Venice (Italy)
Authors: Mel Riccardo Alvise , Viero Daniele Pietro , Carniello Luca , D’Alpaos Luigi
Published: June 2020

Many rivers are increasingly threatened by extreme floods, and effective strategies for flood risk mitigation are difficult to pursue, especially in highly urbanized areas. A flexible and multipurpose use of the complex networks of artificial channels that typically cross these regions can play a role in flood risk mitigation. A relevant example concerns the possible completion of a waterway from Padova to the Venice Lagoon, in North-Eastern Italy. Once completed, the waterway can boost shipping (which is considerably more climate and environment friendly than road transport), can lead to a urban re-composition of the territory and, serving as a diversion canal for the Brenta River, can reduce hydraulic hazard as well. The goal of the present work was to assess this last point. To this purpose, the 2DEF hydrodynamic model was used to reproduce the complex Brenta–Bacchiglione river network. This network includes river reaches, diversion canals, bed sills, pump stations, and control structures that assures the proper operation of the system in case of flood events. The mixed Eulerian–Lagrangian, semi-implicit formulation of the model provided accurate and computationally efficient results for subcritical regimes. The model results showed that the waterway can divert a significant part of the Brenta floodwaters toward the Venice Lagoon, thus reducing flood hazard in the Brenta River downstream of Padova. The benefits also extend to the Bacchiglione River, whose floodwaters can be diverted into the Brenta River through an existing flood canal; indeed, the waterway withdrawal produces a drawdown profile in the Brenta River that allows diverting larger flow rates from the Bacchiglione River as well. Finally, by conveying the sediment-laden floodwaters of the Brenta River within the Venice Lagoon, the waterway could contribute to counteract the generalized erosion affecting the lagoon.
Drought Stress and Livelihood Response Based on Evidence from the Koshi River Basin in Nepal: Modeling and Applications
Authors: Zhu Ran , Fang Yiping , Neupane Nilhari , Koirala Saroj , Zhang Chenjia
Published: June 2020

Drought vulnerability analysis at the household level can help people identify livelihood constrains and potential mitigation and adaptation strategies. This study used meteorological and household level data which were collected from three different districts (Kavrepalanchowk, Sindhuli, and Saptari) in the Koshi River Basin of Nepal to conduct a drought vulnerability analysis. We developed a model for assessing drought vulnerability of rural households based on three critical components, i.e., exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity. The results revealed that Saptari (drought vulnerability index, 0.053) showed greater vulnerability to drought disasters than Kavrepalanchowk (0.014) and Sindhuli (0.007). The most vulnerable district (Saptari) showed the highest exposure, the highest sensitivity, and the highest adaptive capacity. Kavrepalanchowk had the middle drought vulnerability index with middle exposure, low sensitivity, and middle adaptive capacity. Sindhuli had the lowest vulnerability with the lowest exposure, the lowest sensitivity, and the lowest adaptive capacity. On the basis of the results of the vulnerability assessment, this paper constructed livelihood adaptation strategies from the perspectives of households, communities, and the government. Many households in Kavrepalanchowk and Sindhuli significantly depend on agriculture as their main source of income. They need to implement some strategies to diversify their sources of income. In addition, the most important livelihood adaptation strategy for Saptari is improving water conservancy facilities to facilitate the allocation of water.
Use of Aquatic Biota to Detect Ecological Changes in Freshwater: Current Status and Future Directions
Authors: Santos José Maria , Ferreira Maria Teresa
Published: June 2020

Freshwater ecosystems have been severely damaged worldwide by a multitude of human pressures, such as pollution, nutrient enrichment, damming or overexploitation, and this has been more intense over the past five decades. It is therefore important that the impacts of such stressors can be effectively detected, monitored and assessed in order to provide adequate legislative tools and to protect and restore freshwater ecosystems. The use of aquatic biota to detect, measure and track changes in the environment is often known as freshwater biomonitoring and is based on the premise that the presence or absence of biotic assemblages at a given site reflects its degree of environmental quality. For over a century, since the early pollution-oriented indicators, freshwater monitoring has been developing and testing progressively more complex indicator systems, and increasing the plethora of pressures addressed, using different biological groups, such as benthic macroinvertebrates, macrophytes, fish, phytoplankton and phytobenthos. There is an increasing demand for precision and accuracy in bioassessment. In this Special Issue, five high-quality papers were selected and are briefly presented herein, that cover a wide range of issues and spatial contexts relevant to freshwater biomonitoring.
The Mixing Regime and Turbidity of Lake Banyoles (NE Spain): Response to Climate Change
Authors: Serra Teresa , Pascual Josep , Brunet Ramon , Colomer Jordi
Published: June 2020

This study analyses the water temperature changes in Lake Banyoles over the past four decades. Lake Banyoles, Spain’s second highest lake, situated in the western Mediterranean (NE Iberian Peninsula). Over the past 44 years, the warming trend of the lake’s surface waters (0.52 °C decade−1) and the cooling trend of its deep waters (−0.66 °C decade−1) during summer (July–September) have resulted in an increased degree of stratification. Furthermore, the stratification period is currently double that of the 1970s. Meanwhile, over the past two decades, lake surface turbidity has remained constant in summer. Although turbidity did decrease during winter, it still remained higher than in the summer months. This reduction in turbidity is likely associated with the decrease in groundwater input into the lake, which has been caused by a significant decrease in rainfall in the aquifer recharge area that feeds the lake through groundwater sources. As a unique freshwater sentinel lake under the influence of the climate change, Lake Banyoles provides evidence that global warming in the western Mediterranean boosts the strength and duration of the lake’s stratification and, in response, the associated decrease in the turbidity of its epilimnion.
Predicting River Flow Using an AI-Based Sequential Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System
Authors: Belvederesi Chiara , Dominic John A. , Hassan Quazi K. , Gupta Anil , Achari Gopal
Published: June 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) techniques have been successfully adopted in predictive modeling to capture the nonlinearity of natural systems. The high seasonal variability of rivers in cold weather regions poses a challenge to river flow forecasting, which tends to be complex and data demanding. This study proposes a novel technique to forecast flows that use a single-input sequential adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) along the Athabasca River in Alberta, Canada. After estimating the optimal lead time between four hydrometric stations, gauging data measured near the source were used to predict river flow near the mouth, over approximately 1000 km. The performance of this technique was compared to nonsequential and multi-input ANFISs, which use gauging data measured at each of the four hydrometric stations. The results show that a sequential ANFIS can accurately predict river flow (r2 = 0.99, Nash–Sutcliffe = 0.98) with a longer lead time (6 days) by using a single input, compared to nonsequential and multi-input ANFIS (2 days). This method provides accurate predictions over large distances, allowing for flow forecasts over longer periods of time. Therefore, governmental agencies and community planners could utilize this technique to improve flood prevention and planning, operations, maintenance, and the administration of water resource systems.
Assessment of the Environmental Status of the Mangrove Ecosystem in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Samara Fatin , Solovieva Nadia , Ghalayini Thouraya , Nasrallah Zaina Anwar , Saburova Maria
Published: June 2020

In the Arabian Gulf, mangroves play a particularly important role in maintaining biodiversity. Water and intertidal sediments were collected from eight sampling locations in April 2017 to assess the environmental status of the mangrove forest in the Khor al Beida, Umm Al Quwain, which is one of the largest natural mangrove forests in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Khor al Beida is also a breeding ground for the largest Gulf colony of a regionally endemic Socotra cormorant. Total metal concentrations of water and sediments were measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and ranged between 0.001–2.873 mg/L and 0.08–12683.02 mg/kg, respectively. Most metals were within permissible levels, except for copper, iron, aluminum, zinc, and nickel. Hazard Quotient calculations showed low risk to the ecosystem in relation to the presence of heavy metals, with the exception of zinc. Fifty-three diatom species of pennate benthic forms were identified in the intertidal sediments. For the first time in the UAE, diatom composition and diatom diversity values were quantitatively estimated in the surface sediments and a short sediment core. Overall, the assessment suggests that the mangrove forest is currently undisturbed and shows very little anthropogenic impact; yet, protection and conservation efforts are necessary in order to maintain its current status.
A Novel Methodology for Prediction Urban Water Demand by Wavelet Denoising and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System Approach
Authors: Zubaidi Salah , Al-Bugharbee Hussein , Ortega-Martorell Sandra , Gharghan Sadik , Olier Ivan , Hashim Khalid , Al-Bdairi Nabeel , Kot Patryk
Published: June 2020

Accurate and reliable urban water demand prediction is imperative for providing the basis to design, operate, and manage water system, especially under the scarcity of the natural water resources. A new methodology combining discrete wavelet transform (DWT) with an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) is proposed to predict monthly urban water demand based on several intervals of historical water consumption. This ANFIS model is evaluated against a hybrid crow search algorithm and artificial neural network (CSA-ANN), since these methods have been successfully used recently to tackle a range of engineering optimization problems. The study outcomes reveal that (1) data preprocessing is essential for denoising raw time series and choosing the model inputs to render the highest model performance; (2) both methodologies, ANFIS and CSA-ANN, are statistically equivalent and capable of accurately predicting monthly urban water demand with high accuracy based on several statistical metric measures such as coefficient of efficiency (0.974, 0.971, respectively). This study could help policymakers to manage extensions of urban water system in response to the increasing demand with low risk related to a decision.
Bedform Morphology in the Area of the Confluence of the Negro and Solimões-Amazon Rivers, Brazil
Authors: Gualtieri Carlo , Martone Ivo , Filizola Junior Naziano Pantoja , Ianniruberto Marco
Published: June 2020

Confluences are common components of all riverine systems, characterized by converging flow streamlines and the mixing of separate flows. The fluid dynamics of confluences possesses a highly complex structure with several common types of flow features observed. A field study was recently conducted in the area of the confluence of the Negro and Solimões/Amazon Rivers, Brazil, collecting a series of Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) transects in different flow conditions. These data were used to investigate the morphology of the bedforms observed in that area. First, the bedforms were mostly classified as large and very large dunes according to Ashley et al. (1990), with an observed maximum wavelength and wave height of 350 and 12 m, respectively. Second, a comparison between low flow and relatively high flow conditions showed that wavelength and wave height increased as the river discharge increased in agreement with previous literature studies. Third, the lee side angle was consistently below 10°, with an average value of about 3.0°, without flow separation confirming past findings on low-angle dunes. Finally, a comparison between the bedform sizes and past literature studies on large rivers suggested that while several dunes were in equilibrium with the flow, several largest bedforms were found to be probably adapting to discharge changes in the river.
Response of Eutrophication Development to Variations in Nutrients and Hydrological Regime: A Case Study in the Changjiang River (Yangtze) Basin
Authors: Tang Xianqiang , Li Rui , Han Ding , Scholz Miklas
Published: June 2020

Data and literature related to water quality as well as nutrient loads were used to evaluate the Changjiang River (also Yangtze or Yangzi) Basin with respect to its hydrological regime, sediment transport, and eutrophication status. Waterbodies exhibited different eutrophic degrees following the ranking order of river < reservoir < lake. Most of the eutrophic lakes and reservoirs distributed in the upstream Sichuan Basin and Jianghan Plain are located in the middle main stream reaches. During the past decade, the water surface area proportion of moderately eutrophic lakes to total evaluated lakes continually increased from 31.3% in 2009 to 42.7% in 2018, and the trophic level of reservoirs rapidly developed from mesotrophic to slightly eutrophic. Construction and operation of numerous gates and dams changed the natural transportation rhythm of runoff, suspended solids (SS), and nutrients, and reduced flow velocity, resulting in decreased discharge runoff, slow water exchange, and decreased connectivity between rivers and lakes as well as accumulated nutrient and SS, which are the main driving forces of eutrophication. To mitigate eutrophication, jointly controlling and monitoring nutrient concentrations and flux at key sections, strengthening water quality management for irrigation backwater and aquaculture wastewater, and balancing transportation among runoff, SS, and nutrients is recommended.
Susceptibility to Degradation, the Causes of Degradation, and Trophic State of Three Lakes in North-West Poland
Authors: Tórz Agnieszka , Bonisławska Małgorzata , Rybczyk Agnieszka , Nędzarek Arkadiusz , Tański Adam
Published: June 2020

Effective protection of lakes against degradation requires a detailed recognition of the factors leading to their eutrophication. This also pertains to small lakes, which constitute an important element of various ecosystems and are crucial for maintaining biodiversity. Therefore, the aim of the study is to determine the trophic state as well as the susceptibility to degradation of three small lakes in north-western Poland: Maszewo, Starzyca, and Nowogardzkie. This study analyzes the morphometric characteristics of the lakes, the impact of the catchment, their actual trophic state, and phosphorus levels. The analysis showed varying regeneration potentials of the lakes. Maszewo Lake is eutrophic-hypertrophic, nonresilient, strongly exposed to influence from the catchment, with phosphorus levels within the norm. Starzyca Lake is a eutrophic lake, not very resilient to the influence of the catchment, with excessive phosphorus levels. Nowogardzkie Lake is a eutrophic lake with moderate resilience to degradation, but with excessive phosphorus levels, which endangers the functioning of this aquatic ecosystem. In all the lakes, phosphorus supply was predominantly internal. Restoration of these lakes could be performed by completely cutting off the inflow of nutrients, as well as reclamation involving the deactivation of phosphorus (e.g., by precipitation) as well as the removal of the bottom sediments responsible for the internal supply of phosphorus.
Performance of Closed Loop Venturi Aspirated Aeration System: Experimental Study and Numerical Analysis with Discrete Bubble Model
Authors: Mahmud Roohany , Erguvan Mustafa , MacPhee David W.
Published: June 2020

In wastewater treatment plants, aeration plays a significant role as it encourages aerobic respiration of microbes, which are necessary to break down carbonaceous matter in the waste stream. This process can account for the majority of energy use in wastewater treatment plants. The aeration process is also necessary in odor control in lagoons and in the aquaculture industry. Generally, the aeration process is accomplished with compressors or blowers which can be of low efficiency due to ideal gas laws. This study introduces the idea of increasing aeration efficiency by looping water from a reservoir through a piping network which includes a venturi aspirator at its inlet. For this purpose, an experimental study has been conducted in a laboratory setup with a pump which pulls water from a tank, passes it through a Venturi aspirator and a helical piping network intended to increase bubble residence time, before depositing it back into the bulk fluid tank. This same process is modeled computationally, using a discrete bubble method (DBM), with good agreement with experiments. The overall purpose here is to determine the optimal configurations for standard aeration efficiency (SAE) and the standard oxygen transfer rate (SOTR). A parametric study has been implemented using the DBM based on different hydraulic and flow parameters. The model is also used to predict the SAE of a hypothetical aeration system. Results indicate that it is possible to achieve SAE values in the range of surface aerators or submersed jet aerators using the proposed aeration system with less complex components, thereby decreasing overall costs.
Structure and Physicochemical Properties of Water Treated under Methane with Low-Temperature Glow Plasma of Low Frequency
Authors: Ciesielska Aleksandra , Ciesielski Wojciech , Khachatryan Karen , Koloczek Henryk , Kulawik Damian , Oszczeda Zdzislaw , Soroka Jacek A. , Tomasik Piotr
Published: June 2020

Our former studies delivered a strong evidence that water indirectly treated with low-temperature, low-pressure glow plasma of low frequency (GP) changed its structure depending on the atmosphere in which such treatment was performed (air, ammonia, and nitrogen) and on the time of the treatment (0 to 120 min). In every case, water of different physicochemical characteristics and interesting biological functions was produced. Therefore, the relevant studies were extended to treating deionized water with GP under methane. The resulting samples were characterized by means of ultraviolet/visible (UV/VIS), Fourier transformation infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), electron spin resonance (ESR) and Raman spectroscopies, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry, pH, conductivity, and refractive index. The generated samples of water had entirely different physicochemical properties from those recorded for water treated with GP in the air and under both ammonia and nitrogen. The treatment of water with GP under methane did not produce clathrates hosting methane molecules. Thermogravimetry delivered an evidence that the treatment with GP increased the aqueous solubility of methane. That solubility non-linearly changed against the treatment time.
A Fully Implicit Finite Volume Scheme for a Seawater Intrusion Problem in Coastal Aquifers
Authors: Aharmouch Abdelkrim , Amaziane Brahim , El Ossmani Mustapha , Talali Khadija
Published: June 2020

We present a numerical framework for efficiently simulating seawater flow in coastal aquifers using a finite volume method. The mathematical model consists of coupled and nonlinear partial differential equations. Difficulties arise from the nonlinear structure of the system and the complexity of natural fields, which results in complex aquifer geometries and heterogeneity in the hydraulic parameters. When numerically solving such a model, due to the mentioned feature, attempts to explicitly perform the time integration result in an excessively restricted stability condition on time step. An implicit method, which calculates the flow dynamics at each time step, is needed to overcome the stability problem of the time integration and mass conservation. A fully implicit finite volume scheme is developed to discretize the coupled system that allows the use of much longer time steps than explicit schemes. We have developed and implemented this scheme in a new module in the context of the open source platform DuMu X . The accuracy and effectiveness of this new module are demonstrated through numerical investigation for simulating the displacement of the sharp interface between saltwater and freshwater in groundwater flow. Lastly, numerical results of a realistic test case are presented to prove the efficiency and the performance of the method.
Elemental Contaminants in Surface Sediments from Jiulong River Estuary, China: Pollution Level and Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment
Authors: Peter Philomina Onyedikachi , Rashid Azhar , Hou Liyuan , Nkinahamira François , Kiki Claude , Sun Qian , Yu Chang-Ping , Hu Anyi
Published: June 2020

Estuaries, being the transitional zones between freshwater and marine environments, are important for protecting and rehabilitating the aquatic environments. Sediments from freshwater and marine environments were studied in Jiulong River Estuary (JRE) in different years for rare earth elements (REEs) and some environmentally important metal and metalloid elements (MMEs). The concentration of REEs ranged from 0.11 (Tm) to 296.20 mg kg−1 (Ce), while that of MMEs ranged from 0.40 (Cd) to 86,000 mg kg−1 (Al). The temporal analysis indicated an increase of both REEs and MMEs contaminants from 2012 to 2018. Fractionation of REEs and Ce and Eu anomalies indicated natural weathering, erosion processes and changes in redox chemistry at the sampling sites. Spatial structure analysis showed relatively higher levels of both REEs and MMEs in the freshwater sediments. These variations among the sampling sites indicated different land use and anthropogenic activities. The values of enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) indicated anthropogenic sources of accumulation, while, ecological risk assessment (Eix) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) indicated potential hazards for biota due to the accumulation of Pb, Zn and As elements.
Risk-Informed Prediction of Dredging Project Duration Using Stochastic Machine Learning
Authors: Chou Jui-Sheng , Lin Ji-Wei
Published: June 2020

Dredging engineering projects are complex because they involve greater uncertainty from the natural environment, social needs, government policy and many stakeholders. Engineering companies submit tenders that draw on similar cases undertaken in recent years. However, weather, earthquakes, typhoons and other disasters often change landforms. Therefore, evaluating the duration of dredging projects with reference to only a few previous cases is inadequate, often leading to an unnecessarily long construction duration if the scope of the project is not clearly defined at the early phase. The goal of this investigation aimed to estimate project duration at the beginning of construction and the probability of risk. Evolutionary machine learning was used to build a deterministic model of dredging project duration. Monte Carlo simulation was then utilized to establish the probabilistic distribution of the project duration based on historical patterns. The analytical outputs are displayed through a graphical user interface that provides project coordinators with a means of assessing the uncertainty of project duration in the initial phase of the project. This study will provide a practical reference for contractors and the Water Resources Agency.
Tourism in Continental Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands: An Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Perspective
Authors: Mestanza-Ramón Carlos , Chica-Ruiz J. Adolfo , Anfuso Giorgio , Mooser Alexis , Botero Camilo M. , Pranzini Enzo
Published: June 2020

Tourism in coastal areas is becoming increasingly important in Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) as an integrated approach that balances the requirements of different tourist sectors. This paper analyzes ICZM in continental Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands from the perspective of the 3S tourism, and presents its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT). The methodology used was based on a literature review of ten aspects of the highest relevance to ICZM, i.e., Policies, Regulations, Responsibilities, Institutions, Strategies and Instruments, Training, Economic Resources, Information, Education for Sustainability, and Citizen Participation. The results highlight four aspects as strengths (Policies, Responsibilities, Institutions and Citizen Participation), while the most notable weaknesses were Regulations and Education for sustainability. Strategies and Instruments, as well as Information, were identified as opportunities to stand out. The main threats were Economic Resources and Training. Ecuador does not have clearly established public policies that would allow for the integrated management of 3S tourism and be considered as productive, valuable alternatives. It is necessary to consolidate and promote 3S tourism as a State policy and as a means to improve the economies in coastal areas. Finally, Ecuador needs to overcome negative changes in the macroeconomic environment and reverse its current deteriorated image.
An Integrated Approach for Assessing Flood Risk in Historic City Centres
Authors: Ferreira Tiago M. , Santos Pedro P.
Published: June 2020

Historic city centres near watercourses are a specific type of urban area that are particularly vulnerable to flooding. In this study, we present a new methodology of flood risk assessment that crosses hazard and physical vulnerability information. We have selected the Historic City Centre of Guimarães (Portugal), a UNESCO Heritage Site, for developing and testing the defined methodology. The flood hazard scenario was obtained through the hydrologic–hydraulic modelling of peak flows with a 100-year return period, which provided flood extent, depths, and velocities. A decomposition of the momentum equation, using depth and velocity, allowed reaching a final hazard score. Flood vulnerability was assessed through combining an exposure component and a sensitivity component, from field-collected data regarding wall orientation, heritage status, age, number of storeys, condition, and material of buildings. By combining the results of the hazard and vulnerability modules in a risk-matrix, three qualitative levels of flood risk were defined. The individual and crossed analysis of results proved to be complementary. On one hand, it allows the identification of the more relevant risk factors—from the hazard or vulnerability modules. On the other hand, the risk-matrix identified other buildings with a high risk that otherwise would remain unnoticed to risk managers.
Alternative Axial Distances for Spherical Regions of Central Composite Designs
Authors: Onyishi Linus Ifeanyi , Eze F. C.
Published: June 2020

Alternatives to the existing axial distances of the Central Composite Design (CCD) in spherical design using three axial distances were studied. The aim of this study is to determine a better alternative to already existing axial distances whose prediction properties are more stable in the spherical design regions. Using the concepts of the three Pythagorean means, the arithmetic, harmonic and geometric axial distances for spherical regions were developed. The performances of the alternative axial distances were compared with the existing ones using the D and G optimality criteria. The study shows that the alternative axial distances are better using the D and G optimality criteria.
Müslüman Toplumlarda Çağdaş Medeniyet Tartışmaları
Authors: SUNAR Lütfi
Published: June 2020

İslam dünyası son iki yüzyıldır Batı ile bir karşılaşma ve yüzleşme içerisinde bulunuyor. Modernleşme sürecinde Müslüman toplumların tarih, toplum ve benlik tasavvurları çok hızlı bir biçimde değişmiştir. Bu manada medeniyet kavramının tanım ve çerçevesinin önemli bir role sahip olduğu söylenebilir. Zira Batılı modernitenin kurulmasında ve tanımlanmasında merkezi ve hayati bir yeri olan medeniyet kavramı aynı zamanda Batılı olanı diğerlerinden ayırmaya da yaramaktadır. Buradan hareketle Müslüman toplumlarda da zamanla bir medeniyet tarif ve tasavvurunun ortaya çıktığı görülmektedir. Temelde modern tanıma bağlı kalarak, medeniyeti saf ve temiz bir şey olarak tanımlayan bu yaklaşımlar aslında bir taraftan da yanlış bir başlangıç ile yanlış neticelere varmaktadırlar. Bu yazıda medeniyet kavramının çerçevesini ve içeriğini tartıştıktan sonra Müslüman toplumlarda çağdaş medeniyet tartışmalarını ele alacağım.
Una mirada sobre las políticas públicas del Mercosur en materia de cultura
Authors: Baumann María Alfonsina
Published: June 2020

La conformación inicial del Mercosur que proponía abordar la integración económica implicó, indefectiblemente, el avance en el plano de la integración política. En la década del noventa, bajo el lema de mayor competitividad y crecimiento orientado a alcanzar un “efecto derrame”, operó el relajamiento de controles públicos y flexibilidad normativa. Esto conllevó notables beneficios empresariales, pero sin impacto positivo en el conjunto de la población. Paulatinamente fueron surgiendo nuevos enfoques dirigidos a tomar otros rumbos y alentar un “nuevo intervencionismo” para socializar las pérdidas generadas por la crisis. Desde esa perspectiva se volvió necesario orientar en lo político, sobre bases constitucionales, una reconversión y abordar nuevos ejes que posibilitaran avanzar en integración. Progresivamente en el bloque, la dimensión social –la cual se relaciona con la dimensión cultural- fue incorporando “agendas de integración” sobre medio ambiente, cohesión social, participación ciudadana, movimiento de personas, entre otras. Este artículo describe ciertas notas características que evidencian el proceso de integración en el plano cultural del Mercosur y destaca perspectivas teóricas del campo del Derecho y las Relaciones Internacionales desde las que se pueden pensar herramientas que incorporen procesos participativos, en pos de garantizar nuevos derechos y asegurarlos en condiciones de igualdad entre generaciones presentes y futuras.
LABORATORIO DE INGENIERÍA Y CIENCIA DE LOS MATERIALES EN REALIDAD VIRTUAL
Authors: URBAN PETR , SÁNCHEZ CABALLERO EDUARDO , TERNERO FERNÁNDEZ FÁTIMA ÁNGELA , ASTACIO LÓPEZ RAQUEL , MONTES MARTOS JUAN MANUEL , CINTAS FÍSICO JESÚS
Published: June 2020

Realidad Virtual del laboratorio del departamento de Ingeniería y Ciencia de los Materiales y del Transporte, que incluye hotspots de textos, imágenes, páginas web y/o vídeos didácticos que son lanzados haciendo click en determinados elementos del laboratorio. Arranca con una vista del pasillo del laboratorio en 360º pudiendo elegir la entrada en cualquier sala del laboratorio con equipos de un tipo de ensayos, tales como, Dureza, Ensayos mecánicos, Granulometría, Microscopía, Molinos, Preparación metalográfica, Propiedades magnéticas, Pulvimetalurgia y Tratamientos térmicos.

El Recurso puede experimentarse directamente con el navegador en modo 360º tanto en equipos de escritorio como con dispositivos móviles. No obstante, es altamente recomendable una mejor experiencia inmersiva, la cual puede obtenerse ayudándose de unas gafas de Realidad Virtual con las que pueda conectarse mediante Mozilla Firefox (Oculus, HTC Vive, Daydream o Cardboard ).
Survey of human-leopard (Panthera Pardus) conflict in Ayubia National Park, Pakistan
Authors: Awan Nabeel , Yaqub Atif , Kamran Muhammad
Published: June 2020

Wildlife populations are at a risk of extinction mainly because of human-wildlife conflict (HWC). The present study was designed to evaluate the ongoing HWC with special reference to Common Leopard (Panthera pardus) in Ayubia National park through field study as well as a literature-based approach. Questionnaire interview surveys were designed for wildlife officials working in the park and the locals who bear the cost for leopard conflict through livestock depredation and crop damage. The study showed that human-leopard conflict in the study area has been increasing. More than 60% of people considered livestock depredation as the major reason for their negative perception towards the common leopard. Among livestock, goats were more vulnerable which showed that leopards mostly preferred smaller prey. A number of reported human injuries and deaths on account of Human-Leopard conflict in the study area helped conclude that human-wildlife conflict is a significant issue. Mitigation measures may hence be recommended, such as livestock compensation schemes and community-based conservation approaches, etc. It is critical to avoid human-Leopard conflict not only to keep the public and their property safe but also to help conserve this important species of common leopard (Panthera pardus).
Cfd Analysis of Battery Management System for Electrical Vehicle using Nano-Fluids
Authors:   School of Mechanical Engineering, VIT Chennai, India., Srinath A. , Venugopal J. ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, VIT Chennai, India., Harish* R. ,   School of Mechanical Engineering, VIT Chennai, India.
Published: June 2020

All automobile sectors looking at new technologies like electrical vehicles because to control the pollution and decreasing fuel consumption. In the present study, we analyze the flow and heat transfer performance of tesla model battery system and using Nano particles in base fluid. We consider water and ethylene glycol as the base fluid and aluminum oxide and copper oxide particles are dispersed into the primary phase. The investigation is performed by varying the heat source intensity of the battery and flow rate of the nanofluid is also varied. The results are compared by plotting the stream line contours, isotherms, pressure distribution inside the battery. The results show a significant reduction in the temperature distribution inside the battery system using nanofluids.
Assessment and Characterization of Mine Waste and Fly Ash Material for Effective Utilization in Opencast Coal Mines
Authors:   Central Pollution Control Board, East Regional Directorate Kolkata Department of Mining Engineering National Institute of Technology Rourkela - 769 008, India, Sahoo Bishnu Prasad , Sahu Himanshu Bhushan ,   Department of Mining Engineering National Institute of Technology Rourkela - 769 008, India
Published: June 2020

Coal is a major source of nonrenewable energy in India. Most of the Industries depend on the coal to meet the energy demand of the country. Coal mining is invariably associated with the generation of voids. The voids so generated are often filled with overburden (OB) and waste materials. To enhance the utilization, fly ash (FA) is also being used for filling the voids. However, these operations inevitably require excessive planning and control to minimize the environmental impact of mining. In order to evaluate the impact of backfilling the voids with coal mine wastes and fly ash, Overburden and fly ash materials have been collected from Talcher coalfield. The geotechnical characterization study of overburden (OB) sample and OB+30% fly ash samples have been carried out separately for backfilling. After addition of fly ash, it is observed that the permeability is increased but liquid limit, plastic limit, and plasticity index (PI) of the OB are decreased. The maximum dry unit weight of OB mixture decreases while optimum water content increases with the fly ash. The angle of internal friction of OB decreases after addition of the fly ash. Cohesion value of OB sample has not changed much after addition of the fly ash. The grain size analyses results show OB sample is poorly graded. The OB soil type is found to be poorly graded sand of low compressible clay (SP-CL). Similarly, the OB+30% fly ash soil type is of poorly graded sand of low compressible silty (SP-ML) type. The OB and OB+ 30% fly ash contain heavy metals such as Fe and Al in high quantity, mild concentrations of Zn, Cr, and Mn and low amounts of Cu, Co, As, and Se. B and Pb are found below the detection level. The decreasing order of heavy metals in the leachate samples observed to be Fe>Mn>Ni>Cu>Zn>Se>Co>Cd>Cr>As. The major mineral phases in OB and OB+30% fly ash samples are found to be quartz, kaolinite, muscovite, dickite, zinnwaldite, and illite.
3-phase Alternating Current (ac) Induction Motor Sequential Controller: an Instructional Apparatus
Authors:   Instructor, College of Technology and Allied Sciences, Bohol Island State University – Calape Campus, San Isidro, Calape, Bohol, Philippines, Anino Evangelita A.
Published: June 2020

Technology education would require high quality, effective laboratory instruction which involves manipulation of instructional apparatuses. Instructional apparatuses provide students to experience the real field of work. However, due to its inadequacy in the electrical technology laboratory, the instructors experienced difficulty of providing the skills to the students particularly on motor control which involves complex designing and installation that needs a skillful and technically-knowledgeable person. In the interest of alleviating this problem, the researchers design an instructional apparatus that address the needs of the electrical technology students. This study aimed to assemble and assess the performance of the 3-Phase Alternating Current (AC) Induction Motor Sequential Controller and find out its effectiveness as an instructional apparatus. Moreover, it finds out its acceptability level in terms of performance, convenience of use, safety, assembly and cost. This was conducted in Bohol Island State University–Calape, Bohol in the Academic Year 2015-2016 for the improvement of instruction in electrical technology. The respondents of the study were the third year students of Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology, major in Electricity and Technical Experts from BISU system. This study made use of experimental methods of research specifically one group pre-skill test and post-skill test design in developing the apparatus and testing its effectiveness in enhancing the skills of the students. The descriptive design was used in determining the acceptability level of the apparatus supplemented with observation guide to measure its performance level. The result of the study revealed that students’ performance using the apparatus was increased by 52.24%. The acceptability level of the apparatus was rated very high by the respondents, obtaining the average weighted mean of 3.62. The result showed that the apparatus is suitable to be utilized in the electrical technology as a tool for instruction. The researchers highly recommend utilizing the apparatus as a tool for instruction in electrical technology laboratories.
Detection and Labeling of Vertebrae using Deep Learning
Authors:   Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator BE (ETC), ME (Electronics) Communication, Ghate Ms. Priya D. , Salunkhe Ms. Sharda Y ,   Assistant Professor M.E.ETC image processing (Electronics) Communication, Sangar Mrs.Chetana S. ,   Assitant professor ME(Electronics) (Electronics) Communication, Biradar Mrs Dhanashri M ,   Assistant Professor and Academic Coordinator ME EMB (Electronics) Communication, Tayagar Mr. Diwakar M ,   Assistant Professor M.Tech VLSI System Design, Embedded System (Electronics) Communication
Published: June 2020

Inspection, Classification and localization of artificial vertebrae from random CT images is difficult. Normally vertebrates have a similar morphological appearance. Owing to anatomy and hence the subjective field of view of CT scans, the presence of any anchor vertebrae or parametric methods for defining the looks and form can hardly be believed. They suggest a robust and effective method for recognizing and localizing vertebrae that can automatically learn to use both the short range and long-range conceptual information in a controlled manner. Combine a fully convolutionary neural network with an instance memory that preserves information on already segmented vertebrae. This network analyzes image patches iteratively, using the instance memory to scan for and segment the not yet segmented primary vertebra. Every vertebra is measured as wholly or partly at an equal period. This study uses an over dimensional sample of 865 disc-levels from 1115 patients.