bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability of TEC and improvement of performance
of the IRI model over Ethiopia during the high solar
activity phase
Authors: Asmare Tariku Yekoye
Published: June 2018

Abstract. This paper discusses the monthly and seasonal variation of the total electron content (TEC) and the improvement of performance of the IRI model in estimating TEC over Ethiopia during the solar maximum (2013–2016) phase employing GPS TEC data inferred from the GPS receivers installed at different regions of Ethiopia. The results reveal that both the measured and modeled seasonal diurnal VTEC values start increasing at 03:00 UT (06:00 LT) and attain their peak values (mostly in the time interval of 09:00–13:00 UT or 12:00–16:00 LT). Moreover, both the arithmetic mean measured and modeled VTEC values, generally, show maximum and minimum values in the equinoctial and June solstice months, respectively. The results also show that, even though overestimation of the modeled VTEC has been observed on most of the hours, the model is generally good to estimate both the monthly and seasonal diurnal hourly VTEC values, especially in the early morning hours (00:00–03:00 UT or 03:00–06:00 LT). Moreover, the overall results show that using NeQuick option for the topside electron density is the best option in estimating the TEC variation. It has also been shown that the model does not show a good improvement on its performance in estimating both the monthly and seasonal hourly and arithmetic mean VTEC values. Moreover, the model does not respond to the effects resulting from storm.
An advanced method of contributing emissions to short-lived chemical species (OH and HO2): the TAGGING 1.1 submodel based on the Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy 2.53)
Authors: Rieger Vanessa S. , Mertens Mariano , Grewe Volker
Published: June 2018

Abstract. To mitigate the human impact on climate change, it is essential to determine the
contribution of emissions to the concentration of trace gases. In particular,
the source attribution of short-lived species such as OH and HO2 is
important as they play a crucial role for atmospheric chemistry. This study
presents an advanced version of a tagging method for OH and HO2
(HOx) which attributes HOx concentrations to emissions.
While the former version (V1.0) only considered 12 reactions in the
troposphere, the new version (V1.1), presented here, takes 19 reactions in the
troposphere into account. For the first time, the main chemical
reactions for the HOx chemistry in the stratosphere are also regarded
(in total 27 reactions). To fully take into account the main HO2
source by the reaction of H and O2, the tagging of the H radical is
introduced. In order to ensure the steady-state assumption, we introduce rest
terms which balance the deviation of HOx production and loss. This
closes the budget between the sum of all contributions and the total
concentration. The contributions to OH and HO2 obtained by the
advanced tagging method V1.1 deviate from V1.0 in certain source categories.
For OH, major changes are found in the categories biomass burning, biogenic
emissions and methane decomposition. For HO2, the contributions
differ strongly in the categories biogenic emissions and methane
decomposition. As HOx reacts with ozone (O3), carbon
monoxide (CO), reactive nitrogen compounds (NOy), non-methane
hydrocarbons (NMHCs) and peroxyacyl nitrates (PAN), the contributions to these
species are also modified by the advanced HOx tagging method V1.1.
The contributions to NOy, NMHC and PAN show only little change,
whereas O3 from biogenic emissions and methane decomposition
increases in the tropical troposphere. Variations for CO from biogenic
emissions and biomass burning are only found in the Southern Hemisphere.
Development of an integrated model for the Campaspe catchment: a tool to help improve understanding of the interaction between society, policy, farming decision, ecology, hydrology and climate
Authors: Iwanaga Takuya , Zare Fateme , Croke Barry , Fu Baihua , Merritt Wendy , Partington Daniel , Ticehurst Jenifer , Jakeman Anthony
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Management of water resources requires understanding of the hydrology and
hydrogeology, as well as the policy and human drivers and their impacts. This
understanding requires relevant inputs from a wide range of disciplines,
which will vary depending on the specific case study. One approach to gain
understanding of the impact of climate and society on water resources is
through the use of an integrated modelling process that engages stakeholders
and experts in specifics of problem framing, co-design of the underpinning
conceptual model, and discussion of the ensuing results. In this study, we
have developed such an integrated modelling process for the Campaspe basin in
northern Victoria, Australia. The numerical model built has a number of
components:
Node/link based surface water hydrology module based on the IHACRES
rainfall-streamflow model Distributed groundwater model for the lower catchment (MODFLOW) Farm decision optimisation module (to determine irrigation requirements) Policy module (setting conditions on availability of water based on existing
rules) Ecology module (determining the impacts of available streamflow on platypus,
fish and river red gum trees)
The integrated model is component based and has been developed in Python,
with the MODFLOW and surface water hydrology model run in external programs,
controlled by the master program (in Python). The integrated model has been
calibrated using historical data, with the intention of exploring the impact
of various scenarios (future climate scenarios, different policy options,
water management options) on the water resources. The scenarios were selected
based on workshops with, and a social survey of, stakeholders in the basin
regarding what would be socially acceptable and physically plausible options
for changes in management. An example of such a change is the introduction of
a managed aquifer recharge system to capture dam overflows, and store at
least a portion of this in the aquifer, thereby increasing the groundwater
resource as well as reducing the impact of existing pumping levels.
Sources and behavior of perchlorate ions (ClO4−) in chalk aquifer of Champagne-Ardenne, France: preliminary results
Authors: Cao Feifei , Jaunat Jessy , Ollivier Patrick , Cancès Benjamin , Morvan Xavier , Hubé Daniel , Devos Alain , Devau Nicolas , Barbin Vincent , Pannet Pierre
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Perchlorate (ClO4-) is an environmental contaminant of growing
concern due to its potential human health effects and widespread occurrence
in surface water and groundwater. Analyses carried out in France have
highlighted the presence of ClO4- in drinking water of
Champagne-Ardenne (NW of France), with two potential sources suspected: a
military source related to the First World War and an agricultural source
related to the past use of Chilean nitrates. To determine the sources of
ClO4- in groundwater, major and trace elements, 2H and
18O, ClO3- and ClO4- ions and a list of
39 explosives were analyzed from 35 surface water and groundwater sampling
points in the east of the city of Reims. ClO4- ions were found
in almost all sampling points (32 out of 35) with a max value of
33 µg L−1. ClO4- concentrations were highest in
groundwater ranging from 0.7 to 33 µg L−1 (average value of
about 6.2 µg L−1) against from < 0.5 to
10.2 µg L−1 in surface water (average value of about
2.7 µg L−1). Most of the water samples showing high
ClO4- levels (> 4 µg L−1) were collected near
a military camp, where huge quantities of ammunitions have been used, stored
and destroyed during and after the First World War.
Reservoirs operation and water resources utilization coordination in Hongshuihe basin
Authors: Li Chonghao , Chi Kaige , Pang Bo , Tang Hongbin
Published: June 2018

Abstract. In the recent decade, the demand for water resources has been increasing with
the economic development. The reservoirs of cascade hydropower stations in
Hongshuihe basin, which are constructed with a main purpose of power
generation, are facing more integrated water resources utilization problem.
The conflict between power generation of cascade reservoirs and flood
control, shipping, environmental protection and water supply has become
increasingly prominent. This paper introduces the general situation and
integrated water demand of cascade reservoirs in Hongshuihe basin, and it
analyses the impact of various types of integrated water demand on power
generation and supply. It establishes mathematic models, constrained by
various types of integrated water demand, to guide the operation and water
resources utilization management of cascade reservoirs in Hongshuihe basin.
Integrated water coordination mechanism of Hongshuihe basin is also
introduced. It provides a technical and management guide and demonstration
for cascade reservoirs operation and integrated water management at home and
abroad.
Hydrological regionalisation based on available hydrological information for runoff prediction at catchment scale
Authors: Li Qiaoling , Li Zhijia , Zhu Yuelong , Deng Yuanqian , Zhang Ke , Yao Cheng
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Regionalisation provides a way of transferring hydrological
information from gauged to ungauged catchments. The past few decades has
seen several kinds of regionalisation approaches for catchment
classification and runoff predictions. The underlying assumption is that
catchments having similar catchment properties are hydrological similar.
This requires the appropriate selection of catchment properties,
particularly the inclusion of observed hydrological information, to explain
the similarity of hydrological behaviour. We selected observable catchments
properties and flow duration curves to reflect the hydrological behaviour,
and to regionalize rainfall-runoff response for runoff prediction. As a case
study, we investigated 15 catchments located in the Yangtze and Yellow River
under multiple hydro-climatic conditions. A clustering scheme was developed
to separate the catchments into 4 homogeneous regions by employing catchment
properties including hydro-climatic attributes, topographic attributes and
land cover etc. We utilized daily flow duration curves as the indicator of
hydrological response and interpreted hydrological similarity by root mean
square errors. The combined analysis of similarity in catchment properties
and hydrological response suggested that catchments in the same homogenous
region were hydrological similar. A further validation was conducted by
establishing a rainfall-runoff coaxial correlation diagram for each
catchment. A common coaxial correlation diagram was generated for each
homogenous region. The performances of most coaxial correlation diagrams met
the national standard. The coaxial correlation diagram can be transferred
within the homogeneous region for runoff prediction in ungauged catchments
at an hourly time scale.
Framework for quantifying flow and sediment yield to diagnose and solve the aggradation problem of an ungauged catchment
Authors: Tamang Sagar Kumar , Song Wenjun , Fang Xing , Vasconcelos Jose , Anderson J. Brian
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Estimating sediment deposition in a stream, a standard procedure
for dealing with aggradation problem is complicated in an ungauged catchment
due to the absence of necessary flow data. A serious aggradation problem
within an ungauged catchment in Alabama, USA, blocked the conveyance of a
bridge, reducing the clearance under the bridge from several feet to a
couple of inches. A study of historical aerial imageries showed
deforestation in the catchment by a significant amount over a period
consistent with the first identification of the problem. To further diagnose
the aggradation problem, due to the lack of any gauging stations, local
rainfall, flow, and sediment measurements were attempted. However, due to
the difficulty of installing an area-velocity sensor in an actively
aggrading stream, the parameter transfer process for a hydrologic model was
adopted to understand/estimate streamflow. Simulated discharge combined with
erosion parameters of MUSLE (modified universal soil loss equation) helped
in the estimation of sediment yield of the catchment. Sediment yield for the
catchment showed a significant increase in recent years. A two-dimensional
hydraulic model was developed at the bridge site to examine potential
engineering strategies to wash sediments off and mitigate further
aggradation. This study is to quantify the increase of sediment yield in an
ungauged catchment due to land cover changes and other contributing factors
and develop strategies and recommendations for preventing future aggradation
in the vicinity of the bridge.
A new method for indirectly estimating infiltration of paddy fields in situ
Authors: Xu Yunqiang , Su Baolin , Wang Hongqi , He Jingyi
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Infiltration is one of the major procedures in water balance
research and pollution load estimation in paddy fields. In this study, a new
method for indirectly estimating infiltration of paddy fields in situ was
proposed and implemented in Taihu Lake basin. Since when there were no
rainfall, irrigation and artificial drainage, the water depth variation
process of a paddy field is only influenced by evapotranspiration and
infiltration (E+F). Firstly, (E+F) was estimated by deciding the steady
decreasing rate of water depth; then the evapotranspiration (ET) of the paddy
field was calculated by using the crop coefficient method with the
recommended FAO-56 Penman-Monteith equation; finally, the infiltration of the
paddy field was obtained by subtracting ET from (E+F). Results show that
the mean infiltration of the studied paddy field during rice jointing-booting
period was 7.41 mm day−1, and the mean vertical infiltration and lateral
seepage of the paddy field were 5.46 and 1.95 mm day−1 respectively.
Modelling the ability of source control measures to reduce inundation risk in a community-scale urban drainage system
Authors: Mei Chao , Liu Jiahong , Wang Hao , Shao Weiwei , Xia Lin , Xiang Chenyao , Zhou Jinjun
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Urban inundation is a serious challenge that increasingly
confronts the residents of many cities, as well as policymakers, in the
context of rapid urbanization and climate change worldwide. In recent years,
source control measures (SCMs) such as green roofs, permeable pavements,
rain gardens, and vegetative swales have been implemented to address flood
inundation in urban settings, and proven to be cost-effective and
sustainable. In order to investigate the ability of SCMs on reducing
inundation in a community-scale urban drainage system, a dynamic
rainfall-runoff model of a community-scale urban drainage system was
developed based on SWMM. SCMs implementing scenarios were modelled under six
design rainstorm events with return period ranging from 2 to 100 years, and
inundation risks of the drainage system were evaluated before and after the
proposed implementation of SCMs, with a risk-evaluation method based on SWMM
and analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Results show that, SCMs implementation
resulting in significantly reduction of hydrological indexes that related to
inundation risks, range of reduction rates of average flow, peak flow, and
total flooded volume of the drainage system were 28.1–72.1, 19.0–69.2,
and 33.9–56.0 %, respectively, under six rainfall events with return periods
ranging from 2 to 100 years. Corresponding, the inundation risks of the
drainage system were significantly reduced after SCMs implementation, the
risk values falling below 0.2 when the rainfall return period was less than
10 years. Simulation results confirm the effectiveness of SCMs on mitigating
inundation, and quantified the potential of SCMs on reducing inundation
risks in the urban drainage system, which provided scientific references for
implementing SCMs for inundation control of the study area.
Land Use/Land Cover Changes and Its Response to Hydrological Characteristics in the Upper Reaches of Minjiang River
Authors: Ma Kai , Huang Xiaorong , Guo Biying , Wang Yanqiu , Gao Linyun
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Land use changes alter the hydrological characteristics
of the land surface, and have significant impacts on hydrological cycle and
water balance, the analysis of complex effects on natural systems has become
one of the main concerns. In this study, we generated the land use
conversion matrixes using ArcGIS and selected several landscape indexes
(contagion index, CONTAG, Shannon's diversity index, SHDI, etc.) to evaluate
the impact of land use/cover changes on hydrological process in the upper
reaches of Minjiang River. We also used a statistical regression model which
was established based on hydrology and precipitation data during the period
of 1959–2008 to simulate the impacts of different land use conditions on
rainfall and runoff in different periods. Our results showed that the
simulated annual mean flow from 1985 to 1995 and 1995 to 2008 are
9.19 and 1.04 m3 s−1 lower than the
measured values, respectively, which implied that the ecological protection
measures should be strengthened in the study area. Our study could provide a
scientific basis for water resource management and proper land use planning
of upper reaches of Minjiang River.
Analysis of Spring Flow Change in the Jinan City under Influences of Recent Human Activities
Authors: Liu Xiaomeng , Hu Litang , Sun Kangning
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Jinan city, the capital of Shandong Province in China, is famous for its
beautiful springs. With the rapid development of the economy in recent years,
water demand in Jinan city has been increasing rapidly. The over-exploitation
of groundwater has caused a decline in groundwater level and, notably, dried
up springs under extreme climate conditions. To keep the springs gushing
perennially and sustainably use groundwater resources, the local government
has implemented many measures to restore the water table, such as the Sponge
City Construction Project in Jinan. Focusing on changes in spring flow and
its impact factors in Jinan, this paper analyzes the changes in observed
spring flow in the most recent 50 years and then discusses the causes of
decreases in the spring flow with the consideration of climate and human
activities. Spring flow in the study area was changed from the natural state
to a period of multiwater source management. The artificial neural network
(ANN) model was developed to demonstrate the relationship among spring flow,
precipitation, and groundwater abstraction to predict the variations of
spring flow under the conditions of climate change and human activities. The
good agreement between the simulated and observed results indicates that both
precipitation and exploitation are important influence factors. However the
effective infiltration of precipitation into groundwater is the most
influential factor. The results can provide guidance for groundwater resource
protection in the Jinan spring catchment.
Temporal and spatial variation of hydrological condition in the Ziwu River Basin of the Han River in China
Authors: Li Ziyan , Liu Dengfeng , Huang Qiang , Bai Tao , Zhou Shuai , Lin Mu
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The middle route of South-To-North Water Diversion in China transfers water from the Han River and Han-To-Wei Water Diversion project of Shaanxi Province will transfer water from the Ziwu River, which is a tributary of the Han River. In order to gain a better understanding of future changes in the hydrological conditions within the Ziwu River basin, a Mann–Kendall (M–K) trend analysis is coupled with a persistence analysis using the rescaled range analysis (R/S) method. The future change in the hydrological characteristics of the Ziwu River basin is obtained by analysing the change of meteorological factors. The results show that, the future precipitation and potential evaporation are seasonal, and the spatial variation is significant. The proportion of basin area where the spring, summer, autumn and winter precipitation is predicted to continue increase is 0.00, 100.00, 19.00 and 16.00 %, meanwhile, the proportion of basin area that will continue to decrease in the future respectively will be 100.00, 0.00, 81.00 and 74.00 %.The future potential evapotranspiration of the four seasons in the basin shows a decreasing trend. The future water supply situation in the spring and autumn of the Ziwu River basin will degrade, and the future water supply situation in the summer and winter will improve. In addition, the areas with the same water supply situation are relatively concentrated. The results will provide scientific basis for the planning and management of river basin water resources and socio-hydrological processes analysis.
Fluoride in groundwater: a case study in Precambrian terranes of Ambaji region, North Gujarat, India
Authors: Pradhan Rudra Mohan , Biswal Tapas Kumar
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Fluoride is one of the critical ions that influence the groundwater quality. World Health Organization (WHO, 1970) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS, 1991) set an upper limit of 1.5 mg L−1 in F− concentration for drinking water purpose and above affects teeth and bones of humans. The presence of fluoride in groundwater is due to an interaction of groundwater and fluoride bearing rocks. Fluoride rich groundwater is well known in granitic aquifers in India and elsewhere. Generally, the concentration of F− in groundwater is controlled by local geological setting; leaching and weathering of bedrock and climatic condition of an area. The main objective of the present study is to assess the hydrogeochemistry of groundwater and to understand the abundance of F− in groundwater in hard rock terranes of Ambaji region, North Gujarat. A total of forty-three representative groundwater samples were collected and analyzed for major cations and anions using ICP-AES, Ion Chromatograph (Metrohm 883 Basic IC Plus) and titration methods. The F− concentration in groundwater of this study area ranges from 0.17 to 2.7 mg L−1. Among, twenty groundwater samples have fluoride exceeding the maximum permissible limit as per the BIS (1.5 mg L−1). It is also noticed that residents of this region are affected by dental fluorosis. The general order of the dominance of major cations and anions are Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ and HCO3- > Cl− > F− respectively. Geochemical classification of groundwater shows most of the samples are the alkaline earth-bicarbonate type. The semi-arid climatic conditions of the region, the dominance of granitoid-granulite suite rocks and the fracture network in the disturbed and brittle zone has facilitated the development of potential aquifers and enrichment in F− concentration in this area. The concentration of fluoride is due to high evaporation rate, longer residence time in the aquifer zone, intensive and long term pumping for irrigation.
Study on the influence on water ecosystem by a lake inflow filtration system
Authors: Wu Sushu , Gao Shipei , Hu Xiaodong , Weng Songgan , Guo Liuchao
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Lakes play important roles in the economic-social sustainable development.
However, due to unreasonable development and urbanization in recent years,
lake water pollution and ecological degradation have occurred in China. The
improvement of the lake inflow water quality is very important. A filtration
system includes Gravel filtering system, Aquatic plant area and Ecological
bag area was established. The test river is one of the typical lake inflow
river and located in the river network in the Chang Dang lake, China. Water
quality, zooplankton and phytoplankton in the inflow river were observed form
July to mid-August in order to analyze the general process. The average
removal rate of NH3-N (ammonia nitrogen) TN (total nitrogen) and TP
(total phosphorus) is 28.33, 25.76 and 24.43 %, respectively. The
Pantle-Buck method was used to evaluate the water quality and the B∕T index
was used to evaluate the nutrition situation. The B∕T values were reduced
by 20 % and the SI pollution index was reduced by 11.8 %. Therefore, a
positive effect on the water's ecological restoration was achieved by the
filtration system.
Quantitative analysis on sensitive factors of runoff change in Fenhe watershed based on integration approach
Authors: Wang Deng , Jian Shengqi , Wu Zening , Zhang Zhaoxi , Hu Caihong
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The runoff of the Fenhe River flowed into the Yellow River (RRY) is reducing
significantly due to the influence of climate change and human activities. It
is generating bad situation of shortage of water resources and led to the
deterioration of ecological environment of Shanxi Province. At the same time,
the reduction in RRY causes the runoff reduction in Yellow River and
exacerbated the water resources shortage of the middle area of the Yellow
River. Therefore, it is important to alleviate water shortage and develop the
soil and water conservation measurements and regional water policy by
analyzing the influence of human activities and climate change on the RRY. The existing study quantified the reduction in amount of RRY which caused by
human activities and climate change using statistical methods and watershed
hydrological model. The main results of the study were as follow: Using hydrological variation diagnosis system, the variation
characteristics of long time series of measured annual runoff were analyzed
in Hejin station that is the Fenhe River control station. The results showed
that the runoff of Fenhe River run into Yellow River declined year by year,
in 1971, fell the most obviously. The impact of LUCC on runoff was calculated using the method of area
ratio in the Fenhe River basin. Human activities were major factor in the
reduction of RRY than the climate change, contributed 83.09 % of the
total reduction in RRY, Groundwater exploitation gave the greatest
contribution to the decrease in RRY in the scope of several kinds of human
activity (30.09 %), followed by coal mining (26.03 %), climate
changed contributed 19.17 % of the total reduction of RRY, and the
decrease of precipitation contributed 20.81 %. But the variation of air
temperature and wind speed would result in the increase of the amount of RRY.
The application of Mike Urban model in drainage and waterlogging in Lincheng county, China
Authors: Luan Qinghua , Zhang Kun , Liu Jiahong , Wang Dong , Ma Jun
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Recently, the water disaster in cities especially in Chinese
mountainous cities is more serious, due to the coupling influences of
waterlogging and regional floods. It is necessary to study the surface
runoff process of mountainous cities and examine the regional drainage
pipeline network. In this study, the runoff processes of Lincheng county
(located in Hebei province, China) in different scenarios were simulated
through Mike Urban model. The results show that all of the runoff process of
the old town and the new residential area with larger slope, is significant
and full flow of these above zones exists in the part of the drainage
pipeline network; and the overflow exists in part of the drainage pipeline
network when the return period is ten years or twenty years, which
illuminates that the waterlogging risk in this zone of Lincheng is higher.
Therefore, remodeling drainage pipeline network in the old town of
Lincheng and adding water storage ponds in the new residential areas were
suggested. This research provides both technical support and decision-making
reference to local storm flood management, also give the experiences for the
study on the runoff process of similar cities.
Guidelines for rainwater harvesting system design and assessment for the city of Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Ndiritu John , Ilemobade Adesola , Kagoda Paulo
Published: June 2018

Abstract. As water demand increases rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems are increasingly
being installed for water supply but comprehensive hydrologic design
guidelines for RWH do not exist in many parts of the world. The objective of
this study was to develop guidelines for the hydrologic design and assessment
of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems in the City of Johannesburg, South
Africa. The data for developing the guidelines were mainly obtained from
multiple daily simulations of potential RWH systems in the city. The
simulations used daily rainfall from 8 stations and demands based on the
probable non-potable uses of RWH systems – toilet flushing, air conditioning
and irrigation. The guidelines were confined to systems that would typically
fill up in the wet season and empty towards the end of the dry season of the
same year. Therefore, supply-to-demand ratios ranging from 0.1 to 0.9 were
applied. Two generalized design charts of dimensionless relationships were
developed. One relates the yield ratio with supply-to-demand ratio and
reliability while the other relates the yield ratio with the
storage-to-demand ratio and reliability. Reliability was defined as the
probability of exceedance of annual yield in order to incorporate the large
inter-annual variability of rainfall experienced in the region. The analyses
and design of an example RWH system is used to illustrate the application of
the design charts.
Socio-hydrological implications of water management in the dry zone of Sri Lanka
Authors: Gamage Isurun Upeksha , Jayasena Hetti Arachchige Hemachandra
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Water management plays a vital role in the agricultural economy and living conditions of people in Sri Lanka. Though government and non-government organizations have been readily contributing to water management, it is still inefficient, especially in terms of water allocation, consumption and conservation. To identify factors which could be used to implement integrated water resources management (IWRM), a socio-hydrological study was performed in five areas within the dry zone in Sri Lanka. The study covers a comprehensive analysis of how the household income, demography and education level correlating to water usage, purification and disposal methods. The average household income ranges from LKR 2500 to 15 000 per month. The results show that the average daily usage for drinking, cooking, washing, toiletries and bathing are 3, 5, 10, 7, and 85 L per person, respectively. Majority of the families use dug wells and pipe-borne water as the primary source. Correlation coefficients suggest that higher household income or level of education leads to increased water consumption (R  =  0.91, 0.94). There is no linear relationship between the level of education with the good practices of water purification and disposal. Though these results indicate preliminary assessments based on the dry zone practices, efficient water management could be enhanced by strong socio-hydrological implications through educating people on conservation, usage, disposal practices and health concerns.
Impact of the operation of cascade reservoirs in upper Yangtze River on hydrological variability of the mainstream
Authors: Changjiang Xu , Dongdong Zhang
Published: June 2018

Abstract. As the impacts by climate changes and human activities are intensified,
variability may occur in river's annual runoff as well as flood and low water
characteristics. In order to understand the characteristics of variability in
hydrological series, diagnosis and identification must be conducted specific
to the variability of hydrological series, i.e., whether there was
variability and where the variability began to occur. In this paper, the
mainstream of Yangtze River was taken as the object of study. A model was
established to simulate the impounding and operation of upstream cascade
reservoirs so as to obtain the runoff of downstream hydrological control
stations after the regulation by upstream reservoirs in different level
years. The Range of Variability Approach was utilized to analyze the impact
of the operation of upstream reservoirs on the variability of downstream. The
results indicated that the overall hydrologic alterations of Yichang
hydrological station in 2010 level year, 2015 level year and the forward
level year were 68.4, 72.5 and 74.3 % respectively, belonging to
high alteration in all three level years. The runoff series of mainstream
hydrological stations presented variability in different degrees, where the
runoff series of the four hydrological stations including Xiangjiaba,
Gaochang and Wulong belonged to high alteration in the three level years; and
the runoff series of Beibei hydrological station in 2010 level year belonged
to medium alteration, and high alteration in 2015 level year and the forward
level year. The study on the impact of the operation of cascade reservoirs in
Upper Yangtze River on hydrological variability of the mainstream had
important practical significance on the sustainable utilization of water
resources, disaster prevention and mitigation, safe and efficient operation
and management of water conservancy projects and stable development of the
economic society.
Centralized versus distributed reservoirs: an investigation of their implications on environmental flows and sustainable water resources management
Authors: Eriyagama Nishadi , Smakhtin Vladimir , Udamulla Lakshika
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Storage of surface water is widely regarded as a form of
insurance against rainfall variability. However, creation of surface storage
often endanger the functions of natural ecosystems, and, in turn, ecosystem
services that benefit humans. The issues of optimal size, placement and the
number of reservoirs in a river basin – which maximizes sustainable
benefits from storage – remain subjects for debate. This study examines the
above issues through the analysis of a range of reservoir configurations in
the Malwatu Oya river basin in the dry zone of Sri Lanka. The study produced
multiple surface storage development pathways for the basin under different
scenarios of environmental flow (EF) releases and reservoir network
configurations. The EF scenarios ranged from “zero” to “very healthy”
releases. It is shown that if the “middle ground” between the two extreme
EF scenarios is considered, the theoretical maximum “safe” yield from
surface storage is about 65–70 % of the mean annual runoff (MAR) of the
basin. It is also identified that although distribution of reservoirs in the
river network reduces the cumulative yield from the basin, this cumulative
yield is maximized if the ratio among the storage capacities placed in each
sub drainage basin is equivalent to the ratio among their MAR. The study
suggests a framework to identify drainage regions having higher surface
storage potential, to plan for the right distribution of storage capacity
within a river basin, as well as to plan for EF allocations.
Village-level supply reliability of surface water irrigation in rural China: effects of climate change
Authors: Li Yanrong , Wang Jinxia
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Surface water, as the largest part of water resources, plays an
important role on China's agricultural production and food security. And
surface water is vulnerable to climate change. This paper aims to examine the
status of the supply reliability of surface water irrigation, and discusses
how it is affected by climate change in rural China. The field data we used
in this study was collected from a nine-province field survey during 2012 and
2013. Climate data are offered by China's National Meteorological Information
Center which contains temperature and precipitation in the past 30 years. A
Tobit model (or censored regression model) was used to estimate the influence
of climate change on supply reliability of surface water irrigation. Descriptive results showed that, surface water supply reliability was
74 % in the past 3 years. Econometric results revealed that climate
variables significantly influenced the supply reliability of surface water
irrigation. Specifically, temperature is negatively related with the supply
reliability of surface water irrigation; but precipitation positively
influences the supply reliability of surface water irrigation. Besides,
climate influence differs by seasons. In a word, this paper improves our
understanding of the impact of climate change on agriculture irrigation and
water supply reliability in the micro scale, and provides a scientific basis
for relevant policy making.
Factors Influencing Use of Monsoonsim Business Simulation by UTM Undergraduate Students
Authors: Mohd Yatim Shafudin , Goh Chin Fei , Mohamad Raihanatul Zahirah
Published: June 2018

The study was conducted to investigate the factors that influenced the use of MonsoonSIM business simulation by the undergraduate students of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the (i) relationship between perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment towards attitude to use MonsoonSIM, (ii) relationship between perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment, and attitude to use towards the behavioral intention to use MonsoonSIM (iii) strongest determinants that influenced the students’ attitude to use MonsoonSIM. Two hundred and sixty UTM undergraduate students answered this e-questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analyses were used to evaluate the data. The results of this study showed all the relationships were positively correlated, and that perceived enjoyment was the most significant factor influencing the students’ attitude to use MonsoonSIM. In conclusion, there is a higher possibility for the technology to be used by the users if it includes perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and perceived enjoyment.
n. 8 - DIRETORES DAS ESCOLAS ESTADUAIS DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL: UM RETRATO POSSÍVEL
Authors: Massena Juliana Hass , Luce Maria Beatriz
Published: June 2018

Este artigo põe foco nos diretores das escolas estaduais do Rio Grande do Sul, apresentando uma síntese dos dados examinados na pesquisa “Gestão Escolar Democrática: elementos para uma política de desenvolvimento profissional para os diretores da rede estadual do Rio Grande do Sul”, que investigou a formação, as condições de trabalho e as práticas de gestão democrática com o objetivo de contribuir com elementos que possam subsidiar a concepção de uma política de desenvolvimento profissional para a gestão escolar democrática. A pesquisa, de cunho exploratório, teve como principal fonte empírica as respostas dadas pelos diretores da rede estadual gaúcha às questões do Questionário do Diretor, por ocasião da aplicação das provas do Sistema de Avaliação da Educação Básica (SAEB), em 2015. Os dados consignados pelos próprios os diretores da rede estadual gaúcha possibilitam um retrato multidimensional deste grupo profissional e mostram que os preceitos legais referentes à gestão democrática das escolas estão sendo atendidos. Revela-se  uma configuração francamente favorável de características sociodemográficas, formação e experiência profissional, bem como de aspectos vinculados à gestão e às condições de trabalho, em relativo desalinho com noções apontadas pela crítica às escolas públicas e seus profissionais assim como com algumas alegações do magistério em suas reivindicações. Tal constatação nos remete à importância de futuras pesquisas, qualitativas e aprofundadas, para discutir com os diretores e suas comunidades escolares concepções e práticas de gestão democrática.
Descriptive epidemiology of endemic Classical Swine Fever in Cuba
Authors: Fonseca Osvaldo , Coronado Liani , Amarán Laymara , Perera Carmen L. , Centelles Yosdany , Montano Damarys N. , Alfonso Pastor , Fernández Octavio , Santoro Kleber R. , Frías-Lepoureau María T. , Percedo María I.
Published: June 2018

In Cuba, Classical Swine Fever (CSF) has become an endemic disease since 1993 with several outbreaks each year despite the compulsory vaccination program implemented. To deepen the disease characterization is essential for improving the CSF control measures and to achieve its eradication. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological characteristics of CSF occurrences in Cuba during a seven-year period within the endemic situation. Data on CSF occurrence from January 2010 to December 2016 were analyzed. The seven-year period shows a tendency of the number of affected premises to increase (r=0.31, p=0.005) over time (month). Directional distribution (1SD ellipse) indicated a great dispersion of affected premises by year across the country with a trend to a higher occurrence to the west. It was demonstrated by the negative correlation (r=-0.893, p=0.007) between the longitude of the mean center of the ellipses over the years. The Kernel density indicated that the disease was spatially distributed across the whole country, but four hot spots were found in the western (Pinar del Río and Artemisa) and eastern (Guantánamo and Holguín) regions. The clinical sign most frequently reported in affected premises was fever, followed by loss of appetite, conjunctivitis, and diarrhea. The most frequent observed clinical signs were non-specific, which complicates the disease recognition in the field. The obtained results have a practical importance for improving the efficiency of the CSF control program implemented in the country and contribute to enhance epidemiological surveillance taking into account the risk based principles.
Venous Thromboembolism Prophylaxis in Spine Surgery
Authors: Kepler Christopher K. , McKenzie James , Kreitz Tyler , Vaccaro Alexander
Published: June 2018

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a source of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. A substantial body of literature supports the use of VTE prophylactic agents in patients undergoing lower extremity surgery. Treatment options include early mobilization, mechanical prophylaxis via pneumatic compression devices, pharmacologic agents, and venous filters. No consensus has been established regarding utilization or timing of VTE prophylaxis measures after spine surgery. The risk of VTE in patients undergoing spine surgery is not well characterized and varies substantially by the procedure and degree of neurologic compromise. In addition, the risk of clinically notable VTE must be weighed against the risk of postoperative bleeding and epidural hematoma after spine surgery. A standardized approach to VTE prophylaxis in patients undergoing spine surgery must take into account the available studies of risk factors, choice of prophylactic agents, and timing of prophylaxis.
Effect of ketone bodies on viability of human breast cancer cells (MCF-7)
Authors: KAYA Zuhal , YILMAZ Ayse Mine , YALCIN A. Suha
Published: June 2018

Objective: Cancer cells exhibit an elevated glycolytic phenotypeunder aerobic conditions, which is known as the Warburg effect.Recent studies have also shown that cancer cells are glucosedependentand cannot use ketone bodies as a primary source ofenergy. In this study, we have investigated the effects of ketonebodies on viability of breast cancer cells considering that breastcancer cells would not use ketone bodies as a primary energysource.Materials and Methods: In this study we have used MCF-7cells, which are breast cancer cells that cannot use ketone bodiesas a primary energy source and human foreskin fibroblast cells(HFF) as controls. We measured cell viability in both cells culturedin the presence or absence of glucose as well as the ketone bodiesacetoacetate and beta-hydroxybutyrate.Results: Cell viability was significantly decreased in responseto ketone bodies compared with control media in MCF-7 cellswhereas in control cells (HFF) cell viability was not changed.Conclusion: In light of the data obtained, we suggest thatdietary manipulation with the use of ketone bodies may be a newtherapeutic strategy for breast cancer.
CYP 2D6* 4 polymorphism in Polycythemia vera patients in Turkish population
Authors: OKAT Zehra , UÇAR ÇİFTÇİ Kezban , YAMAN Kübra , TOPLAYICI Selina , KURT Elif , TAGA Yavuz
Published: June 2018

Objective: Many studies have shown the association ofsusceptibility to several cancers with gene encoding enzymes’polymorphisms which engage in xenobiotics’ biotransformation.In this study, the main purpose is to search the relation betweencytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6* 4 polymorphisms and Polycythemiavera (PV) incidence in Turkish population.Materials and Methods: In this research article, 80Polycthemia vera (PV) cases and 76 control samples have beenused for the analysis of CYP 2D6* 4 polymorphism. The researchhas been performed by the methods of polymerase chain reaction(PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP).Results: As a result, when patients and controls werecompared in terms of CYP 2D6* 4 poor metabolizer (PM) andheterozygous extensive metabolizer (HEM) genotype frequency,it has been found that the patients have 1.35% PM and 32.43%HEM frequency, and controls have 2.63% PM and 21.05% HEMfrequency. The correlation between the results of CYP 2D6genotype analysis and the risk of disease in patients and controlswas examined. We found that PM, HEM and extensive metabolizer(EM) genotypes were unrelated with the risk of PV (OR 0.51, 95%CI 0.04-5.71, OR 1.80, 95% CI 0.86-3.75, χ2 1.93, P: 0.164, OR0.61, 95% CI 0.30-1.24, χ2 1.40, P: 0.235).Conclusion: Our results suggested that the CYP 2D6*4 polymorphism, in the studied population, does not play animportant role in PV etiology.
Self-Transcendence and Union in Christ
Authors: Fortin Jean-Pierre ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2018

In Laudato Si, Pope Francis calls for a theology respectful of creation. I here suggest that balancing Karl Rahner’s theology of creation with his sacramental theology brings us closer to providing such a theology. Rahner’s sacramental theology fittingly complements his theology of the incarnation, by highlighting the significance of the redemption of creation accomplished in Christ. Matter and nature are redeemed and must now be listened to because they also have been made to bespeak of the divine re-creative power. Revealing life to be a gift and consecrating all natural beings as creatures endowed with a purpose, the Eucharist leads those taking part in it to perceive in nature a sacrament of God’s love. In the Eucharistic liturgy, they celebrate and reconnect with (their own) nature, which is healed and transformed to become an instrument for God.
Immunophenotypic Variations in Mantle Cell Lymphoma and Their Impact on Clinical Behavior and Outcome
Authors: Aqil Barina , Triska Grace , Frater John , Hassan Anjum , Ruzinova Marianna B. , Cashen Amanda , Reese Yvette , Kreisel Friederike
Published: June 2018

Context.—

Immunophenotypic variations in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) from the classic CD5+/CD10−/CD23−/FMC-7+ immunophenotype have been reported in the literature, but correlation with clinical behavior and outcome has not been fully studied.

Objective.—

To investigate clinicopathologic and prognostic differences between immunophenotypically aberrant MCL and immunophenotypically typical MCL.

Design.—

We evaluated differences in clinical presentation, laboratory parameters, prognostic indices, response to initial treatment, and progression-free and overall survival between patients with aberrant MCL and patients with immunophenotypically typical MCL.

Results.—

There were 158 patients with newly diagnosed cyclin D1 or t(11;14)(q13;q32)+ MCL identified in the original search, of which, 29 patients (18%) showed immunophenotypic aberrancies, with CD23 coexpression being the most common. When compared with 33 randomly selected patients with immunophenotypically typical MCL, statistically significant differences were seen in white blood cell counts (P = .02), in the presence of absolute lymphocytosis (P = .03), in the MCL International Prognostic Index score (P = .02), and in response to initial treatment (P = .04). The “immunophenotypic status” of the MCL was the only independent factor associated with response to treatment (P = .05), but not with the MCL International Prognostic Index score, absolute lymphocytosis, or white blood cell count. No significant differences were seen for progression-free or overall survival.

Conclusions.—

Immunophenotypic variations in MCL are associated with differences in clinical presentation and response to therapy when compared with immunophenotypically typical MCL. However, with current intensive frontline immunochemotherapy, immunophenotypic aberrations do not appear to affect progression-free or overall survival.