bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inter-Regional Coordination to Improve Equality in the Agricultural Virtual Water Trade
Authors: Yan Dong , Jia Zhiwei , Xue Jie , Sun Huaiwei , Gui Dongwei , Liu Yi , Zeng Xiaofan
Published: December 2018

Sustainable agriculture in China is threatened by rapid socioeconomic development, urbanization, and climate change. In addition, the distribution of freshwater resources between regions is highly unequal, and water shortages are common in arid regions. The virtual water trade can help to ease water shortages in arid areas by utilizing the comparative advantage of water resources in other areas. However, sometimes the patterns of the virtual water trade do not fit the distribution of water resources and, in these instances, inter-regional coordination would help to improve the level of equality in the virtual water trade. We combined the concept of the Gini coefficient with a multi-objective optimization model to investigate the inter-regional coordination of the virtual water trade in an arid region of China. Agricultural data from different regions of Gansu Province in 2014 were used to explore methods of improving the equality of virtual water flow patterns in the agricultural sector. Three constraints (a crop supply constraint, an irrigation water constraint, and an economic benefit constraint) were set up to investigate the relationship between different challenges and the effects of inter-regional coordination. Our results validated the use of the proposed method in Gansu Province and indicated that it could be applied to other arid regions. Variations in crop supply, irrigation water, and economic benefits were found among the different constraint scenarios, illustrating the trade-offs between water-saving and agricultural objectives. Our results also showed the balance between various factors, including the equality of the virtual water patterns, water-saving measures, and economic benefits. These results support the effectiveness of inter-regional coordination and indicate that the improvement in equality and the adjustment cost should be balanced. Our findings will help to guide the planning of local crop acreages to achieve the best virtual water balance model between regions.
Urban Wasteful Transport and Its Estimation Methods
Authors: Cao Xiangyang , Zhou Bingzhong , Tang Qiang , Li Jiaqi , Shi Donghui
Published: December 2018

The paper studies urban road traffic problems from the perspective of resource science. The resource composition of urban road traffic system is analysed, and the road network is proved as a scarce resource in the system resource combination. According to the role of scarce resources, the decisive role of road capacity in urban traffic is inferred. Then the new academic viewpoint of “wasteful transport” was proposed. Through in-depth research, the paper defines the definition of wasteful transport and expounds its connotation. Through the flow-density relationship analysis of urban road traffic survey data, it is found that there is a clear boundary between normal and wasteful transport in urban traffic flow. On the basis of constructing the flow-density relationship model of road traffic, combined with investigation and analysis, the quantitative estimation method of wasteful transport is established. An empirical study on the traffic conditions of the Guoding section of Shanghai shows that there is wasteful transport and confirms the correctness of the wasteful transport theory and method. The research of urban wasteful transport also reveals that: (1) urban road traffic is not always effective; (2) traffic flow exceeding road capacity is wasteful transport, and traffic demand beyond the capacity of road capacity is an unreasonable demand for customers; (3) the explanation that the traffic congestion should apply the comprehensive theory of traffic engineering and resource economics; and (4) the wasteful transport theory and method may be one of the methods that can be applied to alleviate traffic congestion.
A Crowdsourcing Approach for Sustainable Last Mile Delivery
Authors: Giret Adriana , Carrascosa Carlos , Julian Vicente , Rebollo Miguel , Botti Vicente
Published: December 2018

Sustainable transportation is one of the major concerns in cities. This concern involves all type of movements motivated by different goals (mobility of citizens, transportation of goods and parcels, etc.). The main goal of this work is to provide an intelligent approach for Sustainable Last Mile Delivery, by reducing (or even deleting) the need of dedicated logistic moves (by cars, and/or trucks). The method attempts to reduce the number of movements originated by the parcels delivery by taking advantage of the citizens’ movements. In this way our proposal follows a crowdsourcing approach, in which the citizens that moves in the city, because of their own needs, become temporal deliverers. The technology behind our approach relays on Multi-agent System techniques and complex network-based algorithms for optimizing sustainable delivery routes. These artificial intelligent approaches help to reduce the complexity of the scenario providing an efficient way to integrate the citizens’ routes that can be executed using the different transportation means and networks available in the city (public system, private transportation, eco-vehicles sharing systems, etc.). A complex network-based algorithm is used for computing and proposing an optimized Sustainable Last Mile Delivery route to the crowd. Moreover, the executed tests show the feasibility of the proposed solution, together with a high reduction of the CO 2 emission coming from the delivery trucks that, in the case studies, are no longer needed for delivery.
Symmetric Evaluation of Multimodal Human–Robot Interaction with Gaze and Standard Control
Authors: Jones Ethan R. , Chinthammit Winyu , Huang Weidong , Engelke Ulrich , Lueg Christopher
Published: December 2018

Control of robot arms is often required in engineering and can be performed by using different methods. This study examined and symmetrically compared the use of a controller, eye gaze tracker and a combination thereof in a multimodal setup for control of a robot arm. Tasks of different complexities were defined and twenty participants completed an experiment using these interaction modalities to solve the tasks. More specifically, there were three tasks: the first was to navigate a chess piece from a square to another pre-specified square; the second was the same as the first task, but required more moves to complete; and the third task was to move multiple pieces to reach a solution to a pre-defined arrangement of the pieces. Further, while gaze control has the potential to be more intuitive than a hand controller, it suffers from limitations with regard to spatial accuracy and target selection. The multimodal setup aimed to mitigate the weaknesses of the eye gaze tracker, creating a superior system without simply relying on the controller. The experiment shows that the multimodal setup improves performance over the eye gaze tracker alone ( p < 0.05 ) and was competitive with the controller only setup, although did not outperform it ( p > 0.05 ).
Dynamic Modeling and Experiment Research on Twin Ball Screw Feed System Considering the Joint Stiffness
Authors: Duan Meng , Lu Hong , Zhang Xinbao , Zhang Yongquan , Li Zhangjie , Liu Qi
Published: December 2018

It is of great significance to study the dynamic characteristics of twin ball screw (TBS) feed system to improve the precision of gantry-type dual-driven computer numerical control (CNC) machine tools. In this paper, an equivalent dynamic model of the TBS feed system is established utilizing lumped mass method considering the stiffness of joints. Equivalent axial stiffness of screw-nut joints and bearing joints are both calculated by Hertz contact theory. Furthermore, a friction model is proposed because the friction force of the screw nut affects the stiffness of the joints. Then, the friction parameters are obtained by using the nonlinear system identification method. Meanwhile, a finite element model (FEM) is developed to assess the dynamic characteristics of TBS feed system under the stiffness of joints. Finally, validation experiments are conducted, and the results show that the positions of the nut and the velocities of worktable greatly affect the dynamic characteristics of the TBS feed system. Compared with the theoretical calculation, FEM and experiments indicate that the dynamic modeling proposed in this article can reach a higher accuracy.
Shadowed Sets-Based Linguistic Term Modeling and Its Application in Multi-Attribute Decision-Making
Authors: Wang Huidong , He Shifan , Pan Xiaohong , Li Chengdong
Published: December 2018

For many multi-attribute decision-making (MADM) problems, linguistic variables are more convenient for people to express the attribute values. In this paper, a novel shadowed set-based method is proposed to deal with linguistic terms, where the linguistic term sets are symmetrical both in meaning and form. Firstly, to effectively express the linguistic variables, we develop a data-driven method to construct the shadowed set model for the linguistic terms. Secondly, the Pythagorean shadowed set is defined, and some theorems are subsequently explored. Thirdly, we propose the score function of the Pythagorean shadowed number and develop a new MADM method on the basis of the Pythagorean shadowed set. Finally, a case study of the supplier selection problem is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method, and the superiority of our method is demonstrated by comparison analysis.
Forecasting Electricity Demand Using a New Grey Prediction Model with Smoothness Operator
Authors: Zhao Lianming , Zhou Xueyu
Published: December 2018

A stable electricity supply is the basis for ensuring the healthy and sustained development of a regional economy. Reasonable electricity prediction is the key to guaranteeing the stability and efficiency of electricity supply. To this end, we used a reformative grey prediction model to forecast electricity demand. In order to effectively improve the smoothness of a raw modelling sequence, we employed an existing smoothing algorithm that significantly compressed the amplitude of the random oscillation sequence. Then, an improved grey forecasting model with three parameters (IGFM_TP) was deduced. In the end, a new model was used to forecast the demand for electricity of one city in the western region of China, and comparisons of simulation values and errors with those of GFM_TP, GM(1,1), DGM(1,1) and SAIGM were conducted. The findings show that the mean absolute simulation percentage error of IGFM_TP was 7.8%, and those of the other four models were 12.1%, 12.3%, 11.1%, and 10.1%, respectively. Therefore, the simulation precision of the new model achieved an optimal effect. The proposed new grey model provides is an effective method for electricity demand prediction.
Radial Symmetry for Weak Positive Solutions of Fractional Laplacian with a Singular Nonlinearity
Authors: Wang Xing , Zhang Li
Published: December 2018

This paper is concerned with the radial symmetry weak positive solutions for a class of singular fractional Laplacian. The main results in the paper demonstrate the existence and multiplicity of radial symmetry weak positive solutions by Schwarz spherical rearrangement, constrained minimization, and Ekeland’s variational principle. It is worth pointing out that our results extend the previous works of T. Mukherjee and K. Sreenadh to a setting in which the testing functions need not have a compact support. Moreover, we weakened one of the conditions used in their papers. Our results improve on existing studies on radial symmetry solutions of nonlocal boundary value problems.
Lower Approximation Reduction Based on Discernibility Information Tree in Inconsistent Ordered Decision Information Systems
Authors: Zhang Jia , Zhang Xiaoyan , Xu Weihua
Published: December 2018

Attribute reduction is an important topic in the research of rough set theory, and it has been widely used in many aspects. Reduction based on an identifiable matrix is a common method, but a lot of space is occupied by repetitive and redundant identifiable attribute sets. Therefore, a new method for attribute reduction is proposed, which compresses and stores the identifiable attribute set by a discernibility information tree. In this paper, the discernibility information tree based on a lower approximation identifiable matrix is constructed in an inconsistent decision information system under dominance relations. Then, combining the lower approximation function with the discernibility information tree, a complete algorithm of lower approximation reduction based on the discernibility information tree is established. Finally, the rationality and correctness of this method are verified by an example.
An Intelligent Approach for Handling Complexity by Migrating from Conventional Databases to Big Data
Authors: Ramzan Shabana , Bajwa Imran Sarwar , Kazmi Rafaqut
Published: December 2018

Handling complexity in the data of information systems has emerged into a serious challenge in recent times. The typical relational databases have limited ability to manage the discrete and heterogenous nature of modern data. Additionally, the complexity of data in relational databases is so high that the efficient retrieval of information has become a bottleneck in traditional information systems. On the side, Big Data has emerged into a decent solution for heterogenous and complex data (structured, semi-structured and unstructured data) by providing architectural support to handle complex data and by providing a tool-kit for efficient analysis of complex data. For the organizations that are sticking to relational databases and are facing the challenge of handling complex data, they need to migrate their data to a Big Data solution to get benefits such as horizontal scalability, real-time interaction, handling high volume data, etc. However, such migration from relational databases to Big Data is in itself a challenge due to the complexity of data. In this paper, we introduce a novel approach that handles complexity of automatic transformation of existing relational database (MySQL) into a Big data solution (Oracle NoSQL). The used approach supports a bi-fold transformation (schema-to-schema and data-to-data) to minimize the complexity of data and to allow improved analysis of data. A software prototype for this transformation is also developed as a proof of concept. The results of the experiments show the correctness of our transformations that outperform the other similar approaches.
Performance Comparison of ANFIS Models by Input Space Partitioning Methods
Authors: Yeom Chan-Uk , Kwak Keun-Chang
Published: December 2018

In this paper, we compare the predictive performance of the adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) models according to the input space segmentation method. The ANFIS model can be divided into four types according to the method of dividing the input space. In general, the ANFIS1 model using grid partitioning method, ANFIS2 model using subtractive clustering (SC) method, and the ANFIS3 model using fuzzy C-means (FCM) clustering method exist. In this paper, we propose the ANFIS4 model using a context-based fuzzy C-means (CFCM) clustering method. Context-based fuzzy C-means clustering is a clustering method that considers the characteristics of the output space as well as the input space. Here, the symmetric Gaussian membership functions are obtained by the clusters produced from each context in the design of the ANFIS4. In order to evaluate the performance of the ANFIS models according to the input space segmentation method, a prediction experiment was conducted using the combined cycle power plant (CCPP) data and the auto-MPG (miles per gallon) data. As a result of the prediction experiment, we confirmed that the ANFIS4 model using the proposed input space segmentation method shows better prediction performance than the ANFIS model (ANFIS1, ANFIS2, ANFIS3) using the existing input space segmentation method.
Chlorpyrifos- and Dichlorvos-Induced Oxidative and Neurogenic Damage Elicits Neuro-Cognitive Deficits and Increases Anxiety-Like Behavior in Wild-Type Rats
Authors: Imam Aminu , Sulaiman Nafeesah Abdulkareem , Oyewole Aboyeji Lukuman , Chengetanai Samson , Williams Victoria , Ajibola Musa Iyiola , Folarin Royhaan Olamide , Muhammad Asma’u Shehu , Shittu Sheu-Tijani Toyin , Ajao Moyosore Salihu
Published: December 2018

The execution of agricultural activities on an industrial scale has led to indiscriminate deposition of toxic xenobiotics, including organophosphates, in the biome. This has led to intoxication characterized by deleterious oxidative and neuronal changes. This study investigated the consequences of oxidative and neurogenic disruptions that follow exposure to a combination of two organophosphates, chlorpyrifos (CPF) and dichlorvos (DDVP), on neuro-cognitive performance and anxiety-like behaviors in rats. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats (150–170 g) were randomly divided into four groups, orally exposed to normal saline (NS), DDVP (8.8 mg/kg), CPF (14.9 mg/kg), and DDVP + CPF for 14 consecutive days. On day 10 of exposure, anxiety-like behavior and amygdala-dependent fear learning were assessed using open field and elevated plus maze paradigms, respectively, while spatial working memory was assessed on day 14 in the Morris water maze paradigm, following three training trials on days 11, 12, and 13. On day 15, the rats were euthanized, and their brains excised, with the hippocampus and amygdala removed. Five of these samples were homogenized and centrifuged to analyze nitric oxide (NO) metabolites, total reactive oxygen species (ROS), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, and the other three were processed for histology (cresyl violet stain) and proliferative markers (Ki67 immunohistochemistry). Marked (p ≤0.05) loss in body weight, AChE depletion, and overproduction of both NO and ROS were observed after repeated exposure to individual and combined doses of CPF and DDVP. Insults from DDVP exposure appeared more severe owing to the observed greater losses in the body weights of exposed rats. There was also a significant (p ≤0.05) effect on the cognitive behaviors recorded from the exposed rats, and these deficits were related to the oxidative damage and neurogenic cell loss in the hippocampus and the amygdala of the exposed rats. Taken together, these results provided an insight that oxidative and neurogenic damage are central to the severity of neuro-cognitive dysfunction and increased anxiety-like behaviors that follow organophosphate poisoning.
The Modes of Action of MARTX Toxin Effector Domains
Authors: Kim Byoung Sik
Published: December 2018

Many Gram-negative bacterial pathogens directly deliver numerous effector proteins from the bacterium to the host cell, thereby altering the target cell physiology. The already well-characterized effector delivery systems are type III, type IV, and type VI secretion systems. Multifunctional autoprocessing repeats-in-toxin (MARTX) toxins are another effector delivery platform employed by some genera of Gram-negative bacteria. These single polypeptide exotoxins possess up to five effector domains in a modular fashion in their central regions. Upon binding to the host cell plasma membrane, MARTX toxins form a pore using amino- and carboxyl-terminal repeat-containing arms and translocate the effector domains into the cells. Consequently, MARTX toxins affect the integrity of the host cells and often induce cell death. Thus, they have been characterized as crucial virulence factors of certain human pathogens. This review covers how each of the MARTX toxin effector domains exhibits cytopathic and/or cytotoxic activities in cells, with their structural features revealed recently. In addition, future directions for the comprehensive understanding of MARTX toxin-mediated pathogenesis are discussed.
Human Recombinant Fab Fragment Neutralizes Shiga Toxin Type 2 Cytotoxic Effects in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Luz Daniela , Amaral Maria Marta , Sacerdoti Flavia , Bernal Alan Mauro , Quintilio Wagner , Moro Ana Maria , Palermo Marina Sandra , Ibarra Cristina , Piazza Roxane Maria Fontes
Published: December 2018

Shiga toxin (Stx) producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is responsible for causing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening thrombotic microangiopathy characterized by thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and acute renal failure after bacterially induced hemorrhagic diarrhea. Until now, there has been neither an effective treatment nor method of prevention for the deleterious effects caused by Stx intoxication. Antibodies are well recognized as affinity components of therapeutic drugs; thus, a previously obtained recombinant human FabC11:Stx2 fragment was used to neutralize Stx2 in vitro in a Vero cell viability assay. Herein, we demonstrated that this fragment neutralized, in a dose-dependent manner, the cytotoxic effects of Stx2 on human glomerular endothelial cells, on human proximal tubular epithelial cells, and prevented the morphological alterations induced by Stx2. FabC11:Stx2 protected mice from a lethal dose of Stx2 by toxin-antibody pre-incubation. Altogether, our results show the ability of a new encouraging molecule to prevent Stx-intoxication symptoms during STEC infection.
Human Monoclonal scFvs that Neutralize Fribrinogenolytic Activity of Kaouthiagin, a Zinc-Metalloproteinase in Cobra (Naja kaouthia) Venom
Authors: Khanongnoi Jirawat , Phanthong Siratcha , Reamtong Onrapak , Tungtronchitr Anchalee , Chaicumpa Wanpen , Sookrung Nitat
Published: December 2018

Snake venom-metalloproteinases (SVMPs) are the primary factors that disturb hemostasis and cause hemorrhage in the venomous snake bitten subjects. Kaouthiagin is a unique SVMP that binds and cleaves von Willebrand factor (vWF) at a specific peptide bond leading to inhibition of platelet aggregation, which enhances the hemorrhage. Kaouthiagin is a low abundant venom component of Thai cobra (Naja kaouthia); thus, most horse-derived antivenins used for cobra bite treatment do not contain adequate anti-kaouthiagin. This study aimed to produce human single-chain antibody variable fragments (HuscFvs) that bind to and interfere with kaouthiagin activity for further clinical use. Kaouthiagin was purified from N. kaouthia-holovenom by a single-step gel-filtration chromatography. The purified venom component was used in phage-biopanning to select the kaouthiagin-bound HuscFv-displayed-phage clones from a HuscFv-phage display library. The selected phages were used to infect Escherichia coli bacteria. Soluble HuscFvs expressed by three phage-transformed-E. coli clones interfered with cobra kaouthiagin binding to human vWF. Computerized simulation indicated that HuscFv of two phage-transformed E. coli clones formed contact interface with kaouthiagin residues at or near catalytic site and effectively inhibited fibrinogenolytic activity of the kaouthiagin. The HuscFvs have therapeutic potential as an adjunct of antivenins in treatment of bleeding caused by venomous snakebites.
Rainbow-Like Black-Hole Metric from Loop Quantum Gravity
Authors: Lobo Iarley P. , Ronco Michele
Published: December 2018

Hypersurface deformation algebra consists of a fruitful approach to derive deformed solutions of general relativity based on symmetry considerations with quantum-gravity effects, of which the linearization has been recently demonstrated to be connected to the DSR program by κ -Poincaré symmetry. Based on this approach, we analyzed the solution derived for the interior of a black hole and we found similarities with the so-called rainbow metrics, like a momentum-dependence of the metric functions. Moreover, we derived an effective, time-dependent Planck length and compared different regularization schemes.
Small Animal Models of Respiratory Viral Infection Related to Asthma
Authors: Han Mingyuan , Rajput Charu , Ishikawa Tomoko , Jarman Caitlin R. , Lee Julie , Hershenson Marc B.
Published: December 2018

Respiratory viral infections are strongly associated with asthma exacerbations. Rhinovirus is most frequently-detected pathogen; followed by respiratory syncytial virus; metapneumovirus; parainfluenza virus; enterovirus and coronavirus. In addition; viral infection; in combination with genetics; allergen exposure; microbiome and other pathogens; may play a role in asthma development. In particular; asthma development has been linked to wheezing-associated respiratory viral infections in early life. To understand underlying mechanisms of viral-induced airways disease; investigators have studied respiratory viral infections in small animals. This report reviews animal models of human respiratory viral infection employing mice; rats; guinea pigs; hamsters and ferrets. Investigators have modeled asthma exacerbations by infecting mice with allergic airways disease. Asthma development has been modeled by administration of virus to immature animals. Small animal models of respiratory viral infection will identify cell and molecular targets for the treatment of asthma.
The Challenges of Analysing Highly Diverse Picobirnavirus Sequence Data
Authors: Knox Matthew A. , Gedye Kristene R. , Hayman David T. S.
Published: December 2018

The reliable identification and classification of infectious diseases is critical for understanding their biology and controlling their impact. Recent advances in sequencing technology have allowed insight into the remarkable diversity of the virosphere, of which a large component remains undiscovered. For these emerging or undescribed viruses, the process of classifying unknown sequences is heavily reliant on existing nucleotide sequence information in public databases. However, due to the enormous diversity of viruses, and past focus on the most prevalent and impactful virus types, databases are often incomplete. Picobirnaviridae is a dsRNA virus family with broad host and geographic range, but with relatively little sequence information in public databases. The family contains one genus, Picobirnavirus, which may be associated with gastric illness in humans and animals. Little further information is available due in part to difficulties in identification. Here, we investigate diversity both within the genus Picobirnavirus and among other dsRNA virus types using a combined phylogenetic and functional (protein structure homology-modelling) approach. Our results show that diversity within picobirnavirus exceeds that seen between many other dsRNA genera. Furthermore, we find that commonly used practices employed to classify picobirnavirus, such as analysis of short fragments and trimming of sequences, can influence phylogenetic conclusions. The degree of phylogenetic and functional divergence among picobirnavirus sequences in our study suggests an enormous undiscovered diversity, which contributes to the undescribed “viral dark matter” component of metagenomic studies.
Genetic Characterization of Indubrasil Cattle Breed Population
Authors: Zanella Ricardo , Lago Luísa V. , Da Silva Arthur N. , Pértille Fábio , De Carvalho Nathã S. , Do Carmo Panetto João Cláudio , Zanella Giovana C. , Facioli Fernanda L. , Da Silva Marcos Vinicius G.B.
Published: December 2018

The Indubrasil breed was developed in the Brazilian region called Triângulo Mineiro as a result of a cross between zebu cattle. Initially, it was used as a terminal cross and currently it represents approximately 4.45% of all the Brazilian zebu cattle. Studies were conducted to estimate genetic parameters in the Indubrasil using pedigree information, however, until now, no study has been developed using large-scale genomic markers in this breed. Pedigree information are widely used to investigate population parameters; however, they can neglect some estimates when compared to the use of genomic markers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the population structure and the genetic diversity of Indubrasil cattle using a high-density Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) panel (Illumina BovineHD BeadChip 700k). Levels of genomic homozygosity were evaluated using three different approaches: Runs of homozygosity (FROH), % of homozygosis (FSNP), and inbreeding coefficient (Fx). Further, Runs of Homozygosity (ROH) segments conserved among the animals were investigated to identify possible regions associated with the breed characteristics. Our results indicate that even the Indubrasil breed having a small effective population size, the levels of homozygosity (FROH = 0.046) are still small. This was possibly caused by the cross conducted among different breeds for its development. It suggests no immediate risks associated with loss of genetic variation. This information might be used in breeding programs, for the breed conservation and for the expansion of the Indubrasil breed.
Assessing the Impacts of Population Growth and Climate Change on Performance of Water Use Systems and Water Allocation in Kano River Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad Tajuri , Haie Naim
Published: December 2018

Improving the performance of water use systems (WUSs) is essential for addressing the pressure on water resources for sustainability. Despite the potential impacts of population growth and global warming especially in semi-arid regions, the knowledge and understanding of WUSs and impacts of those main drivers of change on their performance are not available in the Kano River basin (KRB). This paper assesses these impacts on the performance of KRB, using the new and innovative Sefficiency (sustainable efficiency) framework, which incorporates quantity, quality, and beneficial aspects of water use in a comprehensive and systemic manner. We found that performance of the WUSs is sensitive to population growth and global warming under the scenarios considered. Kano River is relatively less sensitive to global warming impacts, while high population growth is dominant. Moreover, their combined effect will result in a reduction of downstream water by 70% and potential demands will far exceed the available supply by 2050. It is recommended that efficient management of water regarding the qualitative as well as quantitative aspects is very critical in KRB. This study can be regarded as the first step, and future studies may adopt the described methodology and can benefit from smart technologies, e.g., sensors and remote sensing.
Numerical Model of Supersaturated Total Dissolved Gas Dissipation in a Channel with Vegetation
Authors: Yuan Youquan , Huang Yinghan , Feng Jingjie , Li Ran , An Ruidong , Huang Juping
Published: December 2018

The recent construction and operation of high dams have greatly changed the natural flood process. To meet the ecological demands and flood control requirements of rivers, dams discharge flow through the flood discharge facility, always accompanied by total dissolved gas (TDG) supersaturation in the water, which is harmful to fish. The purpose of this paper is to explore the dissipation characteristics and prediction methods of supersaturated TDG in water flowing through a floodplain covered with vegetation. A three-dimensional two-phase supersaturated TDG transportation and dissipation model considering the effects of vegetation was established. Using existing mechanism experimental results, the inner dissipation coefficient kin of TDG in vegetation-affected flows was studied, and the quantitative relationships between the inner dissipation coefficient kin and the average flow velocity, average water depth, average water radius, Reynolds number, and vegetation density were characterized. Based on the simulation results, the distribution characteristics of the supersaturated TDG in water around vegetation and in the vertical, lateral, and longitudinal directions of the flume under different flow and vegetation densities were analyzed. A supersaturated TDG transportation and dissipation model for vegetation-affected flow is proposed and can be used to predict the impact of TDG in a floodplain.
Improving Irrigation Water Use Efficiency: A Review of Advances, Challenges and Opportunities in the Australian Context
Authors: Koech Richard , Langat Philip
Published: December 2018

The demand for fresh water is on the increase, and the irrigation industry in Australia is looking to a future with less water. Irrigation consumes the bulk of the water extracted from various sources, and hence the efficiency of its use is of outmost importance. This paper reviewed the advancements made towards improving irrigation water use efficiency (WUE), with a focus on irrigation in Australia but with some examples from other countries. The challenges encountered, as well as the opportunities available, are also discussed. The review showed that improvements in irrigation infrastructure through modernisation and automation have led to water savings. The concept of real-time control and optimisation in irrigation is in its developmental stages but has already demonstrated potential for water savings. The future is likely to see increased use of remote sensing techniques as well as wireless communication systems and more versatile sensors to improve WUE. In many cases, water saved as a result of using efficient technologies ends up being reused to expand the area of land under irrigation, sometimes resulting in a net increase in the total water consumption at the basin scale. Hence, to achieve net water savings, water-efficient technologies and practices need to be used in combination with other measures such as incentives for conservation and appropriate regulations that limit water allocation and use. Factors that affect the trends in the irrigation WUE include engineering and technological innovations, advancements in plant and pasture science, environmental factors, and socio-economic considerations. Challenges that might be encountered include lack of public support, especially when the methods used are not cost-effective, and reluctance of irrigations to adopt new technologies.
Groundwater-Sewer Interaction in Urban Coastal Areas
Authors: Liu Ting , Su Xin , Prigiobbe Valentina
Published: December 2018

In this paper, a study of the potential causes of the occurrence of high concentration of Enterococcus Faecalis in surface water within urban areas in dry-weather conditions (DWCs) is presented. Two hypotheses were formulated: (1) undersized sewer system; and (2) groundwater infiltration into damaged sewer pipes. In both cases, more frequent combined sewer overflows (CSOs) may occur discharging untreated sewage into surface water. To evaluate the first hypothesis, a hydraulic model of a sewer was developed assuming a water-tight system. The simulation results show that CSOs never occur in DWCs but a rain event of intensity equal to 1/3 of one-year return period may trigger them. To evaluate the second hypothesis, a model combining sewer failure with groundwater level was developed to identify the sections of damaged sewer below the water table and, therefore, potentially affected by infiltration. The risk of infiltration exceeds 50% in almost half of the entire network even at the lowest calculated water table. Considering 50% of infiltration distributed throughout that part of the network, CSOs can occur also in DWCs.
Feminicide, Women's Bodies and Impunity
Authors: Freitas Cícero Ferreira , Rolim Neto Modesto Leite
Published: December 2018

Background: One must take into account the conditions that develop the lives of several women who are at risk, above all, in terms of mental health. In addition, Latin American countries dominate the 10 ranking on feminicide.

Objective: To understand the chaotic scenario that haunts the reality of many women around the world. Dark, bloody and restrained are common adjectives to the silent daily suffering they experience.

Results: In general, there’s also a reluctance in some communities to acknowledge violence against women as a problem. Thus, it is noted that such taboos make it difficult to debate the topic. As a consequence, the chauvinism culture silences an already voiceless problem because of the lack of financial support experienced by these women to raise their children. At this stage, demanding justice and upholding the law guaranteeing the right to life of all citizens often seems to be the only way to punish the perpetrators of these women.

Limitations: Although it is a current theme, faced with the situational framework, it is difficult to find evidence about this aspect, it's important to highlight that those vulnerability factors are also risk factors for mental health disorders following assault. It was found that factors such as age, personal characteristics such as the life history of each person, involvement with self-mutilation, participation and support in mental or social services suggest to be more important than the type of aggression as predictors of mental disorders health.

Conclusion: At first sight it seems that it is impossible to give what you do not have for someone who does not want to, but this is only a psychological contradiction if you consider indifference and love, or anger and love, or hatred and love as opposing feelings, as long as those feelings can exist simultaneously. It is necessary for society to reclaim humanity for women to exercise freedom. Because based on what was seen are still cultural patterns, like misogyny, discrimination and the ideal of male superiority that support the guilty of the assaulted rather than the aggressor.
Kinematics of the Isolated Luminous Infrared Galaxy CIG 993
Authors: Cárdenas-Martínez Nelli , Fuentes-Carrera Isaura
Published: December 2018

We present scanning Fabry–Perot interferometric observations of CIG 993, which is an apparently isolated luminous infrared galaxy that also exhibits luminous blue compact and Wolf–Rayet galaxy features, and which also has a high star formation rate. Our high-resolution observations of the Hα emission line allowed us to derive the radial velocity field (VF), the velocity dispersion σ, and the residual VFs of the galaxy. This galaxy exhibits several kinematical components. On the one hand, the velocity gradients detected on the VF can be associated with a rotating disk, which is in contrast to previous results with less spectral resolution. However, the VF, the σ and residual VF show significant deviations from circular motions in the central part of the galaxy that matches a region with high number of Wolf–Rayet and O stars, which is coincident with the blue luminous component of the galaxy. We find narrow and broad velocity components for the ionized gas in the central part of the galaxy. The broad component is evidence of a central outflow related with the ongoing burst of stellar formation. The morpho-kinematical analysis of the galaxy indicates we are only seeing the brightest parts of the galaxy, which correspond to the bulge, a central bar and the beginning of the disk. We believe that CIG 993 is a disk galaxy that harbors important star-forming processes, which are most likely caused by a relatively recent interaction. This could imply that small encounters can change the global characteristics of a galaxy without disturbing the main rotation disk motion or the morphology of the galaxy.
Bound Outflows, Unbound Ejecta, and the Shaping of Bipolar Remnants during Stellar Coalescence
Authors: MacLeod Morgan , Ostriker Eve C. , Stone James M.
Published: December 2018

Recent observations have revealed that the remnants of stellar-coalescence transients are bipolar. This raises the questions of how these bipolar morphologies arise and what they teach us about the mechanisms of mass ejection during stellar mergers and common-envelope phases. In this paper, we analyze hydrodynamic simulations of the lead-in to binary coalescence, a phase of unstable Roche lobe overflow that takes the binary from the Roche limit separation to the engulfment of the more compact accretor within the envelope of the extended donor. As mass transfer runs away at increasing rates, gas trails away from the binary. Contrary to previous expectations, early mass loss from the system remains bound to the binary and forms a circumbinary torus. Later ejecta, generated as the accretor grazes the surface of the donor, have very different morphologies and are unbound. These two components of mass loss from the binary interact as later, higher-velocity ejecta collide with the circumbinary torus formed by earlier mass loss. Unbound ejecta are redirected toward the poles, and escaping material creates a bipolar outflow. Our findings show that the transition from bound to unbound ejecta from coalescing binaries can explain the bipolar nature of their remnants, with implications for our understanding of the origin of bipolar remnants of stellar-coalescence transients and, perhaps, some preplanetary nebulae.
Modified κ-distribution of Solar Wind Electrons and Steady-state Langmuir Turbulence
Authors: Yoon P. H. , Lazar M. , Scherer K. , Fichtner H. , Schlickeiser R.
Published: December 2018

Solar wind electrons are observed to be distributed in velocity space such that they can be empirically fitted with the κ-distribution. Among physical processes that are responsible for the generation of the observed electron distribution is the asymptotically steady-state Langmuir turbulence and the suprathermal electron distribution function associated with such a state. However, the Langmuir spectrum in such a model diverges for infinite wavelength, which is a feature that is intimately linked to the problem of diverging higher-order velocity moments in the standard κ-distribution function. The recent model of a modified κ-distribution with an exponential cutoff resolves the diverging velocity moment problem. In the present paper, it is shown that the model by Scherer et al., which the authors termed the “regularized” κ-distribution, or a variation thereof, also resolves the divergence problem associated with the steady-state Langmuir turbulence. Implications of the present findings in the context of solar wind are also discussed.
TESS Discovery of a Transiting Super-Earth in the pi Mensae System
Authors: Huang Chelsea X. , Burt Jennifer , Vanderburg Andrew , Günther Maximilian N. , Shporer Avi , Dittmann Jason A. , Winn Joshua N. , Wittenmyer Rob , Sha Lizhou , Kane Stephen R. , Ricker George R. , Vanderspek Roland K. , Latham David W. , Seager Sara , Jenkins Jon M. , Caldwell Douglas A. , Collins Karen A. , Guerrero Natalia , Smith Jeffrey C. , Quinn Samuel N. , Udry Stéphane , Pepe Francesco , Bouchy François , Ségransan Damien , Lovis Christophe , Ehrenreich David , Marmier Maxime , Mayor Michel , Wohler Bill , Haworth Kari , Morgan Edward H. , Fausnaugh Michael , Ciardi David R. , Christiansen Jessie , Charbonneau David , Dragomir Diana , Deming Drake , Glidden Ana , Levine Alan M. , McCullough P. R. , Yu Liang , Narita Norio , Nguyen Tam , Morton Tim , Pepper Joshua , Pál András , Rodriguez Joseph E. , Stassun Keivan G. , Torres Guillermo , Sozzetti Alessandro , Doty John P. , Christensen-Dalsgaard Jørgen , Laughlin Gregory , Clampin Mark , Bean Jacob L. , Buchhave Lars A. , Bakos G. Á. , Sato Bun’ei , Ida Shigeru , Kaltenegger Lisa , Palle Enric , Sasselov Dimitar , Butler R. P. , Lissauer Jack , Ge Jian , Rinehart S. A.
Published: December 2018

We report the detection of a transiting planet around π Men (HD 39091), using data from the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS). The solar-type host star is unusually bright (V = 5.7) and was already known to host a Jovian planet on a highly eccentric, 5.7 yr orbit. The newly discovered planet has a size of 2.04 ± 0.05 R
⊕ and an orbital period of 6.27 days. Radial-velocity data from the High-Accuracy Radial-velocity Planet Searcher and Anglo-Australian Telescope/University College London Echelle Spectrograph archives also displays a 6.27 day periodicity, confirming the existence of the planet and leading to a mass determination of 4.82 ± 0.85 M
⊕. The star’s proximity and brightness will facilitate further investigations, such as atmospheric spectroscopy, asteroseismology, the Rossiter–McLaughlin effect, astrometry, and direct imaging.
Czech Defence Policy Assessment in 2017/2018
Authors: Dyčka Lukáš , Procházka Josef
Published: December 2018

The research described in this paper was conducted in the framework of institutional research project Strategic Alternatives (STRATAL) within the Centre for Security and Military Strategic Studies of University of Defence, The Czech Republic. Article assesses the development of Czech Defence policy in 2017 and first half of 2018. Authors analyse key change drivers in external environment (security threats, EU strategic autonomy, transatlantic link). In second step authors evaluate measures taken in political, military, administrative, economical and societal domain in response to key change drivers and highlight related risks to effective defence policy formulation and implementation.
Comparison of Approaches Towards Electronic Warfare
Authors: Hlavizna Petr
Published: December 2018

The article examines the different approaches of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the United States Armed Forces towards Electronic Warfare, the military activity in the Electromagnetic Environment. All reference materials used for this analysis, including the specifics of the Army of the Czech Republic's approach toward the subject area, were obtained from unclassified military sources. It describes, explains and visualizes the individual approaches, and by their comparison it identifies and subsequently emphasizes cases of divergence, including non-compliance in established Czech terms, definitions and abbreviations. It highlights the obsolescence of the still valid military publication Electronic Warfare in the Army of the Czech Republic, the use of which, in its current form, has already been deemed as unfounded and counterproductive. It presents proposals and recommendations for unification of approach towards the Electronic Warfare issues within the Army of the Czech Republic, in order to ensure consistency with the current North Atlantic Treaty Organization policy related to activities in the Electromagnetic Environment. It contributes to better understanding of doctrinal views on the role of Electronic Warfare in execution of combat support tasks in contemporary military operations, thus creating preconditions for elimination of associated misunderstandings in terms of the Army of the Czech Republic.
New host associations and a novel species for the gall-inducing acacia rust genus Ravenelia in South Africa
Authors: Ebinghaus Malte , Maier Wolfgang , Wingfield Michael J. , Begerow Dominik
Published: December 2018

Trees in the genusVachellia(previouslyAcacia) are commonly infected by the gall-inducing rustsRaveneliamacowanianaandR.evansii. Rust galls bearing aecial infections and relating uredinial and telial infections on the leaves of nineVachelliaspecies not previously recorded to be infected byRaveneliaspp. have recently been collected in South Africa. The rust fungi causing these infections were characterised using molecular phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequence data of the LSU and ITS rDNA regions as well as morphological examinations. The host range ofR.macowanianaandR.evansiiwas thus re-assessed and extended from four to nine species and from one to three species, respectively. Application of Principal Component Analyses (PCA) of telial morphological characters provided evidence of an effect of the host species on the teliospore morphology inR.evansii, but only minor effects inR.macowaniana. A novel gall-inducingRaveneliasp. closely related toR.macowaniana, was found onVachelliaxanthophloeaand it is described here asR.xanthophloeae.