bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanism Research on Self-Cleaning Filtration of Mixed Plastics in Remanufacture Extrusion Process
Authors: Wang Bo , Zou Yong Gang , Zhang Bing
Published: June 2015

In most cases, recycled plastics include lots of impurities that can not be separated in operation steps of separation and washing. Normally, these impurities should be filtrated in extrusion process with filter plate and single or twin screw extruder. In extrusion process, it is easily for impurities to block the holes of filter plate. So how to improve the performance of self-cleaning can be regarded as a very important requirement for design of filter equipment. Based on FEM simulation, this paper discusses mechanism of filter plate’s blocking, the pressure distribution and deformation of two direct flow filtrations. Specially, a side stream filtration including how to clean itself has been introduced.
Characteristics of Sludge Moisture Content Variation in Sludge Drying Reed Beds
Authors: Deng Xin Nan , Cui Yu Bo , Gao Wei , Chen Rui
Published: June 2015

Sludge moisture content was investigated at different stages during the test. Pilot-scale sludge drying bed and sludge drying reed beds had the same size of 3 m×1 m×1.3 m, and the bed height consisted of a 65 cm media layer and a 65 cm extra height. The media layer is filled with slag (20 cm), gravel (20 cm), coarse sand (5 cm) and quartz sand (24.5 cm) from the bottom in turn. Unit 1 was a conventional sludge drying bed, unit 2 was a sludge drying reed bed. Unit 1 and unit 2 had ventilation pipes which were mounted on the drainage pipes. Unit 3 was a sludge drying reed bed without ventilation pipe. The waste activated sludge was feed into the three units periodically during the experiment. The experiment investigated the sludge moisture content. At the end of the operation, the sludge moisture content in three units decreased by 18.52%, 22.37%, and 20.68%, respectively. It was found that the dewatering effect of the sludge drying reed bed was better than the conventional drying bed. The effect of plant growth on sludge dewatering is greater than the ventilation, but the difference was not significant.
TG-FTIR Analysis of Sewage Sludge: Influence of Moisture and Atmosphere
Authors: Dai Qian Jin , Jiang Xu Guang , Jin Yu Qi , Wang Fei , Chi Yong , Yan Jian Hua , Xu Ai Hua
Published: June 2015

Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), coupled with Fourier transform infrared analysis (TG-FTIR) of sewage sludge was carried out to investigate the influence of moisture and oxygen on gas evolution during pyrolysis of sewage sludge. Wet sewage sludge with moisture of 86.47(wt. %) was collected from Shanghai, China. Wet sewage sludge and air dried sewage sludge were used in TG-FTIR analysis, while combustion (air flow) and pyrolysis (nitrogen flow) were separately introduced to achieve comparison. In condition of dry sewage sludge pyrolysis, there were two peaks representing release of separately moisture and volatile. Weight lost 85% in the temperature range of 25-600 °C while the main volatile matters were released before 600 °C. When air flow was introduced, a third peak of char combustion occurred. Wet sewage sludge made no much difference, except for the relatively outstanding peak of moisture release. Temperature regions for each stage were the same for wet and dry sewage sludge from TG curve. However, from the FTIR analysis, ammonia has two peaks between 50 and 450 °C in pyrolysis while ammonia has only one peak between 50 and 300°C.
Non-Metallic Materials from Waste Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs): Characteristics, Environmental Risk and Recycling
Authors: Yao Zhi Tong , Yuan Wen Yi , Xie Zheng Miao , Tang Jun Hong
Published: June 2015

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the typical and fundamental components of almost all electric and electronic equipments. The mechanical and physical treatment of PCBs generates a large amount of non-metallic materials and thus there is an urgent need to develop alternative treatment methods for them. In this study, the characteristics and environmental risk of non-metallic materials were analyzed. The current recycling methods were investigated as well. The results showed that their chemical components were distinct for the glass fiber/epoxy laminated boards and paper/phenolic laminated boards. The presence of bromine, chlorine, copper, chromium and lead would pose a threat to the environment during its recycling. The current recycling methods included landfill, preparing composites and building materials, pyrolysis and combustion. These methods had their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. The comparative analysis indicated that preparing composites may be an alternative recycling method. Molten salt oxidation (MSO) technology is prospective and need be further studied.
Investigation on Dissolution of Brominated Epoxy Resin Using Ionic Liquid [Bmim]Cl from Waste Printed Circuit Boards
Authors: Xu Min , Wang Jing Wei , Mao Yu Xing , Xie Hong Yong
Published: June 2015

Treatment technology of brominated epoxy resin (BER) is still a big challenge to waste printed circuit boards (PCBs) recycling. In order to make full use of the materials, ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methyl imidazole chloride ([Bmim]Cl) was used to dissolve BER to separate glass fibers from PCB nonmetallic powders. The effects of dissolving parameters including temperature, time and solid/ liquid ratio on the dissolution rate of BER were investigated. The dissolved BER were regenerated and were characterized by FTIR and thermal analysis. Results showed that [Bmim]Cl was a good direct solvent for BER dissolution and at a suitable condition of 170°Cfor 6 hours with solid/liquid ratio of 1: 20 (g/g), nearly 90% of BER in original powders were dissolved. The possible dissolution mechanism was also discussed.
Predicting the Amount of Municipal Solid Waste via Hybrid Principal Component Analysis-Artificial Neural Network Approach
Authors: Safavi Salman , Bateni S. Mohyeddin , Xu Tong Ren
Published: June 2015

Accurate prediction of the amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) is crucial for designing and programming MSW management systems. Reliable estimation of MSW is difficult since many variables such as socio-economic characteristics, climatic factors and standard of living affect it. A number of studies used artificial neural network (ANN) to predict MSW. However, due to the large number of input variables to the ANN, it could not not perform well and generally encountered overfitting. This study takes advantage of the principal component analysis (PCA) technique to reduce the number of input variables to the ANN model in order to overcome the overfitting problem. The proposed PCA-ANN approach is used to predict the weight of MSW in the province of Mashhad, Iran. The utilized experimental data in this study are obtained from the Recycling Organization of Mashhad Municipality archive (http://www.wmo.mashhad.ir). It is found that the PCA approach can successfully decrease the number of input variables from thirteen to eight. The PCA-ANN model (with eight input variables) outperforms ANN (with thirteen input variables) and provides more accurate estimates of MSW as it mitigates the overfitting problem associated with ANN. The root-mean-square-error (RMSE) of MSW estimates reduces from 499000 Kg to 448000 Kg by using the PCA-ANN model instead of ANN.
Situation of WEEE in Two Capitals Beijing, China and Bucharest, Romania: A Comparison
Authors: Zlamparet Gabriel Ionut , Li Jin Hui , Stan Sergiu Dan , Zheng Li Xia
Published: June 2015

The different interests of the two populations towards recyclable waste led to a different scenario: in Romania all types of WEEE have been collected since its entrance into the EU; in China the ‘‘interest’’ in recycling is typically related to large household appliances, with a secondary role are the regulations covering three major issues, namely, take-back issues, controls on hazardous substances in WEEE and the assurance of good environmental management in WEEE plants.
Keywords: WEEE, Collection, Recycling, Regulation, Consumption
Problem and Countermeasure on Promoting the Plastic Bag Ban of USA
Authors: Li Zhong Guo , Richter Justin S.
Published: June 2015

Plastic bag pollution is a growing global environmental concern. Several countries have recently approved bans on the use and distribution of plastic bags. In the USA, 22 of the 50 states have adopted multiple city/county ordinances. Most of these bans are introduced in coastal cities/counties. The local drivers, i.e. economy, geography, benefit, life-style, cost of living, and educational attainment, all impact the level and commitment to plastic bag bans. Currently, battles between support and opposition to these bans are typically financially driven; jobs and environmental health being main impact categories. This paper identifies several problems affecting the complete adoption of plastic bag bans in the USA, and gives some corresponding strategies to enhance the effectiveness and success of policy implementation.
Subacute thyroiditis following influenza vaccine: a case report and literature review
Authors: Momani Munther S. , Zayed Ayman A. , Bakri Faris G.
Published: June 2015

Subacute thyroiditis following influenza vaccination is a rarely reported condition. Here, we review this condition and report the case of a 40-year-old male who developed subacute thyroiditis following the administration of an influenza vaccine containing the (H1N1) pandemic 2009 strain. Interestingly, the patient had history of pericarditis and his HLA typing showed HLA B35. Physicians should be aware of this complication for influenza vaccine and of the relationship of HLA B35 haplotype with the susceptibility to subacute thyroiditis and other autoimmune disorders.
Melioidosis with endocarditis and massive cerebral infarct
Authors: Abdulla Mansoor C. , Alungal Jemshad
Published: June 2015

Endocarditis due to melioidosis is rare. A 60-year-old male was admitted with upper abdominal pain and vomiting for one month. Contrast enhancing computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed multiple hepatic, splenic and pancreatic nonenhancing cystic lesions. Culture of CT guided aspirate from the liver lesion showed growth of Burkholderia pseudomallei. He was started on ceftazidime and cotrimoxazole. Four days after admission patient developed decreased speech and response. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and MR angioram brain showed massive infarct in the middle cerebral artery territory and occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Echocardiogram showed vegetation in the aortic valve. He was diagnosed to have disseminated melioidosis with endocarditis resulting in massive infarct in the middle cerebral artery territory.
Rudolf Bultmann se verstaan van vryheid
Authors: Van Wyk I.W.C.
Published: June 2015

Rudolf Bultmann’s understanding of freedom. This article is a reworked version of a paper delivered at a symposium on the life and work of Rudolf Bultmann who was born on the 20th August 1884. The article deals with Bultmann’s understanding of Christian freedom. Three articles of Bultmann on freedom are presented and evaluated: (1) Grace and freedom – 1948; (2) The importance of freedom for European culture – 1952; (3) The idea of freedom in antiquity and Christianity – 1959. The relevancy of Bultmann’s theology is explained to present-day Afrikaans speaking people. Bultmann’s theology is not only presented as relevant, but also as an important guideline for Reformational thinking. Bultmann is presented as a credible Lutheran theologian. His explanation of the doctrine of justification remains helpful in a context of constant self-justification. Some critical remarks are made from a Reformed perspective.
Artisanal Fisheries in the Ndumo Area of the Lower Phongolo River Floodplain, South Africa
Authors: Coetzee Hendri C. , Nell Werner , Van Eeden Elize S. , De Crom Engela P.
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the status of artisanal fisheries in the lower Phongolo River floodplain in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. A cross-sectional quantitative survey design was used that included the development of a questionnaire and a systematic survey among the five villages bordering the Ndumo Game Reserve. Data were collected over a 5-day period by a group of 16 fieldworkers and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, version 21. The results revealed that fish was the third most consumed protein in the area, that people consumed fish on average twice a week, that at least six fish species (and one recently introduced crayfish species) were consumed regularly, and that most fish were obtained from local vendors, who in turn bought it from local fishermen and -women. Fishing activities also appeared to occur predominantly along the river system and targeted mainly red-breasted tilapia (Tilapia rendalli) and Mozambique tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) and, to a slightly lesser extent, African sharptooth catfish (Clarias gariepinus) and brown squeaker (Synodontis zambezensis).Conservation implications: Given that Ndumo residents predominantly catch fish by means of non-commercial methods, that they do so for reasons of personal consumption and subsistence, and that they mostly target rivers and dams rather than the ecologically sensitive pans in the region, it would seem likely that fishing in the region might be sustainable for the moment. However, it is recommended that studies on the local fish populations and their reproductive rates be conducted so that the actual impact on local fish populations can be determined more accurately. This study serves to provide the necessary baseline data on fish utilisation in the region, which would enable the impact of artisanal fishing on fish reserves in the Ndumo region to be determined once population studies have been completed.
A Concise and Practical Framework for the Development and Usability Evaluation of Patient Information Websites
Authors: Knijnenburg S.L. , Kremer L.C. , Jaspers M.W.M. , Peute L.W.
Published: June 2015

Background: The Website Developmental Model for the Healthcare Consumer (WDMHC) is an extensive and successfully evaluated framework that incorporates user-centered design principles. However, due to its extensiveness its application is limited. In the current study we apply a subset of the WDMHC framework in a case study concerning the development and evaluation of a website aimed at childhood cancer survivors (CCS).

Objective: To assess whether the implementation of a limited subset of the WDMHC-framework is sufficient to deliver a high-quality website with few usability problems, aimed at a specific patient population.

Methods: The website was developed using a six-step approach divided into three phases derived from the WDMHC: 1) information needs analysis, mock-up creation and focus group discussion; 2) website prototype development; and 3) heuristic evaluation (HE) and think aloud analysis (TA). The HE was performed by three double experts (knowledgeable both in usability engineering and childhood cancer survivorship), who assessed the site using the Nielsen heuristics. Eight end-users were invited to complete three scenarios covering all functionality of the website by TA.

Results: The HE and TA were performed concurrently on the website prototype. The HE resulted in 29 unique usability issues; the end-users performing the TA encountered eleven unique problems. Four issues specifically revealed by HE concerned cosmetic design flaws, whereas two problems revealed by TA were related to website content.

Conclusion: Based on the subset of the WDMHC framework we were able to deliver a website that closely matched the expectancy of the end-users and resulted in relatively few usability problems during end-user testing. With the successful application of this subset of the WDMHC, we provide developers with a clear and easily applicable framework for the development of healthcare web-sites with high usability aimed at specific medical populations.

Citation: Peute LW; Knijnenburg SL; Kremer LC; Jaspers MWM. A concise and practical framework for the development and usability evaluation of patient information websites. Appl Clin Inf 2015; 6: 383–399

http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-11-RA-0109
Tropical, oceanic, deep convective cloud morphology as observed by CloudSat
Authors: Igel M. R. , van den Heever S. C.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. An investigation into the physical shape and size of mature, oceanic, tropical, deep convective clouds is conducted. A previously developed CloudSat data-partitioning methodology is used that separates components of cloud objects and measures their various length scales. In particular, the cloud objects are divided into a lower "pedestal" region on which the upper-level "anvil" region sits. Mean cloud objects are discussed in the framework of this morphological partitioning. For single-core clouds, the mean cloud has an anvil width of 95 km, a pedestal width of 11 km, and an anvil thickness of 6.4 km. The number of identified convective cores within the pedestal correlates positively with certain cloud length scales and morphological attributes of cloud objects such as anvil width. As the number of cores increases, the width of cloud objects is observed to grow. Pedestal width is shown to regress linearly to anvil width when a 2/3rd power scaling is applied to pedestal width. This result implies a decrease in the anvil width to pedestal width ratio with growing pedestals and an equivalence between the mass convected through the pedestal top and that into the anvil. Taller clouds are found to be wider. Some of the results obtained using the CloudSat methodology are also examined with a large-domain radiative-convective equilibrium numerical simulation and are found to exhibit similar trends when modeled. Finally, various CloudSat sampling issues are discussed in several appendices.
Complex experiment on stydying the microphysical, chemical, and optical propertires of aerosol particles and estimating the contribution of atmospheric aerosol to Earth radiation budget
Authors: Matvienko G. G. , Belan B. D. , Panchenko M. V. , Romanovskii O. A. , Sakerin S. M. , Kabanov D. M. , Turchinovich S. A. , Turchinovich Y. S. , Eremina T. A. , Kozlov V. S. , Terpugova S. A. , Pol'kin V. V. , Yausheva E. P. , Chernov D. G. , Zhuravleva T. B. , Bedareva T. V. , Odintsov S. L. , Burlakov V. D. , Nevzorov A. V. , Arshinov M. Yu. , Ivlev G. A. , Savkin D. E. , Fofonov A. V. , Gladkikh V. A. , Kamardin A. P. , Balin Yu. S. , Kokhanenko G. P. , Penner I. E. , Samoilova S. V. , Antokhin P. N. , Arshinova V. G. , Davydov D. K. , Kozlov A. V. , Pestunov D. A. , Rasskazchikova T. M. , Simonenkov D. V. , Sklyadneva T. K. , Tolmachev G. N. , Belan S. B. , Shmargunov V. P. , Kozlov A. S. , Malyshkin S. B.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The primary objective of the Complex Aerosol Experiment was measurement of microphysical, chemical, and optical properties of aerosol particles in the surface air layer and free atmosphere. The measurement data were used to retrieve the whole set of aerosol optical parameters, necessary for radiation calculations. Three measurement cycles were performed within the Experiment during 2013: in spring, when the aerosol generation is maximal; in summer (July), when atmospheric boundary layer altitude and, hence, mixing layer altitude are maximal; and in late summer – early autumn, during the period of nucleation of secondary particles. Numerical calculations were compared with measurements of downward solar fluxes on the Earth's surface, performed in the clear-sky atmosphere in summer periods in 2010–2012 in a background region of the boreal zone of Siberia. It has been shown that, taking into account the instrumental errors and errors of atmospheric parameters, the relative differences between model and experimental values of direct and global solar radiation fluxes do not exceed, on the average, 1 and 3%, respectively. Thus, independently obtained data on the optical, meteorological, and microphysical parameters of the atmosphere allows intercalibration and inter-complement of the data and, thereby, provide for qualitatively new information which explains the physical nature of the processes that form the vertical structure of the aerosol field.
Soil moisture influence on the interannual variation in temperature sensitivity of soil organic carbon mineralization in the Loess Plateau
Authors: Zhang Y. J , Guo S. L , Zhao M. , Du L. L. , Li R. J. , Jiang J. S. , Wang R. , Li N. N.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Temperature sensitivity of soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization (i.e., Q10) determines how strong the feedback from global warming may be on the atmospheric CO2 concentration; thus, understanding the factors influencing the interannual variation in Q10 is important for accurately estimating local soil carbon cycle. In situ SOC mineralization rate was measured using an automated CO2 flux system (Li-8100) in long-term bare fallow soil in the Loess Plateau (35°12' N, 107°40' E) in Changwu, Shaanxi, China from 2008 to 2013. The results showed that the annual cumulative SOC mineralization ranged from 226 to 298 g C m−2 yr−1, with a mean of 253 g C m−2 yr−1 and a coefficient of variation (CV) of 13%, annual Q10 ranged from 1.48 to 1.94, with a mean of 1.70 and a CV of 10%, and annual soil moisture content ranged from 38.6 to 50.7% soil water-filled pore space (WFPS), with a mean of 43.8% WFPS and a CV of 11%, which were mainly affected by the frequency and distribution of precipitation. Annual Q10 showed a quadratic correlation with annual mean soil moisture content. In conclusion, understanding of the relationships between interannual variation in Q10, soil moisture, and precipitation are important to accurately estimate the local carbon cycle, especially under the changing climate.
Response of respiration and nutrient availability to drying and rewetting in soil from a semi-arid woodland depends on vegetation patch and a recent wild fire
Authors: Sun Q. , Meyer W. S. , Koerber G. , Marschner P.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Semi-arid woodlands, which are characterised by patchy vegetation interspersed with bare, open areas, are frequently exposed to wild fire. During summer, long dry periods are occasionally interrupted by rainfall events. It is well-known that rewetting of dry soil induces a flush of respiration. However, the magnitude of the flush may differ between vegetation patches and open areas because of different organic matter content which could be further modulated by wild fire. Soils were collected from under trees, under shrubs or in open areas in unburnt and burnt sandy Mallee woodland, where part of the woodland experienced a wild fire which destroyed or damaged most of the aboveground plant parts four months before sampling. In an incubation experiment, the soils were exposed to two moisture treatments: constantly moist (CM) and drying and rewetting (DRW). In CM, soils were incubated at 80% of maximum water holding capacity for 19 days; In DRW, soils were dried for four days, kept dry for another five days, then rewet to 80% WHC and maintained at this water content until day 19. Soil respiration decreased during drying and was very low in the dry period; rewetting induced a respiration flush. Compared to soil under shrubs and in open areas, cumulative respiration per g soil in CM and DRW was greater under trees, but lower when expressed per g TOC. Organic matter content, available P, and microbial biomass C, but not available N were greater under trees than in open areas. Wild fire decreased the flush of respiration per g TOC in the open areas and under shrubs, and reduced TOC and MBC concentrations only under trees, but had little effect on available N and P concentrations. We conclude that of the impact wild fire and DRW events on nutrient cycling differ among vegetation patches of a native semiarid woodland which is related to organic matter amount and availability.
Importance of bitwise identical reproducibility in earth system modeling and status report
Authors: Liu L. , Peng S. , Zhang C. , Li R. , Wang B. , Sun C. , Liu Q. , Dong L. , Li L. , Shi Y. , He Y. , Zhao W. , Yang G.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Reproducibility is a fundamental principle of scientific research. Bitwise identical reproducibility, i.e., bitwise computational results can be reproduced, guarantees the reproduction of exactly the same results. Here we show the importance of bitwise identical reproducibility to Earth system modeling but the importance has not yet been widely recognized. Modeled mean climate states, variability and trends at different scales may be significantly changed or even lead to opposing results due to a slight change in the original simulation setting during a reproduction. Out of the large body of Earth system modeling publications, few thoroughly describe the whole original simulation setting. As a result, the reproduction of a particular simulation experiment by fellow scientists heavily depends on the interaction with the original authors, which is often inconvenient or even impossible. We anticipate bitwise identical reproducibility to be promoted as a worldwide standard, to guarantee the independent reproduction of simulation results and to further improve model development and scientific research.
Assessing the quality of Digital Elevation Models obtained from mini-Unmanned Aerial Vehicles for overland flow modelling in urban areas
Authors: Leitão J. P. , Moy de Vitry M. , Scheidegger A. , Rieckermann J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Precise and detailed Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) are essential to accurately predict overland flow in urban areas. Unfortunately, traditional sources of DEM remain a bottleneck for detailed and reliable overland flow models, because the resulting DEMs are too coarse to provide DEMs of sufficient detail to inform urban overland flows. Interestingly, technological developments of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) suggest that they have matured enough to be a competitive alternative to satellites or airplanes. However, this has not been tested so far. In this this study we therefore evaluated whether DEMs generated from UAV imagery are suitable for urban drainage overland flow modelling. Specifically, fourteen UAV flights were conducted to assess the influence of four different flight parameters on the quality of generated DEMs: (i) flight altitude, (ii) image overlapping, (iii) camera pitch and (iv) weather conditions. In addition, we compared the best quality UAV DEM to a conventional Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)-based DEM. To evaluate both the quality of the UAV DEMs and the comparison to LiDAR-based DEMs, we performed regression analysis on several qualitative and quantitative metrics, such as elevation accuracy, quality of object representation (e.g., buildings, walls and trees) in the DEM, which were specifically tailored to assess overland flow modelling performance, using the flight parameters as explanatory variables. Our results suggested that, first, as expected, flight altitude influenced the DEM quality most, where lower flights produce better DEMs; in a similar fashion, overcast weather conditions are preferable, but weather conditions and other factors influence DEM quality much less. Second, we found that for urban overland flow modelling, the UAV DEMs performed competitively in comparison to a traditional LiDAR-based DEM. An important advantage of using UAVs to generate DEMs in urban areas is their flexibility that enables more frequent, local and affordable elevation data updates, allowing, for example, to capture different tree foliage conditions.
Increasing the sensitivity of electrical impedance to piezoelectric material parameters with non-uniform electrical excitation
Authors: Kulshreshtha K. , Jurgelucks B. , Bause F. , Rautenberg J. , Unverzagt C.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. To increase the robustness and functionality of piezoceramic ultrasonic sensors, e.g. for flow, material concentration or non-destructive testing, their development is often supported by computer simulations. The results of such finite-element-based simulations are dependent on correct simulation parameters, especially the material data set of the modelled piezoceramic. In recent years several well-known methods for estimation of such parameters have been developed that require knowledge of the sensitivity of a measured behaviour of the material with respect to the parameter set. One such measurable quantity is the electrical impedance of the ceramic. Previous studies for radially symmetric sensors with holohedral electrode setups have shown that the impedance shows little or no sensitivity to certain parameters and simulations reflect this behaviour making parameter estimation difficult. In this paper we have used simulations with special ring-shaped electrode geometry and non-uniform electrical excitation in order to find electrode geometries, with which the computed impedance displays a higher sensitivity to the changes in the parameter set. We find that many such electrode geometries exist in simulations and formulate an optimisation problem to find the local maxima of the sensitivities. Such configurations can be used to conduct experiments and solve the parameter estimation problem more efficiently.
TITAN2F: a pseudo-3-D model of 2-phase debris flows
Authors: Córdoba G. , Sheridan M. F. , Pitman E. B.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Debris flows, avalanches, landslides, and other geophysical mass flows can contain O(106–1010) m3 or more of material. These flows commonly consist of mixture of soil and rocks with a significant quantity of interstitial fluid. They can be tens of meters deep, and their runouts can extend many kilometers. The complicated rheology of such a mixture challenges every constitutive model that can reasonably be applied; the range of length and timescales involved in such mass flows challenges the computational capabilities of existing systems.This paper extends recent efforts to develop a depth averaged "thin layer" model for geophysical mass flows that contain a mixture of solid material and fluid. Concepts from the engineering community are integrated with phenomenological findings in geo-science, resulting in a theory that accounts for the principal solid and fluid forces as well as interactions between the phases, across a wide range of solid volume fraction. A principal contribution here is to present drag and phase interaction terms that comport with the literature in geo-sciences. The program predicts the evolution of the concentration and dynamic pressure. The theory is validated with with data from one dimensional dam break solutions and it is verified with data from artificial channel experiments.
Results comparison and model validation for flood loss functions in Australian geographical conditions
Authors: Hasanzadeh Nafari R. , Ngo T. , Lehman W.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Rapid urbanisation, climate change and unsustainable developments are increasing the risk of floods, namely flood frequency and intensity. Flood is a frequent natural hazard that has significant financial consequences for Australia. The emergency response system in Australia is very successful and has saved many lives over the years. However, the preparedness for natural disaster impacts in terms of loss reduction and damage mitigation has been less successful. This study aims to quantify the direct physical damage to residential structures that are prone to flood phenomena in Australia. In this paper, the physical consequences of two floods from Queensland have been simulated, and the results have been compared with the performance of two selected methodologies and one newly derived model. Based on this analysis, the adaptability and applicability of the selected methodologies will be assessed in terms of Australian geographical conditions. Results obtained from the new empirically-based function and non-adapted methodologies indicate that it is apparent that the precision of flood damage models are strongly dependent on selected stage damage curves, and flood damage estimation without model validation results in inaccurate prediction of losses. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of the associated uncertainties in flood risk assessment, especially if models have not been adapted with real damage data.
On the inclusion of GPS precipitable water vapour in the nowcasting of rainfall
Authors: Benevides P. , Catalao J. , Miranda P. M. A.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The temporal behaviour of Precipitable Water Vapour (PWV) retrieved from GPS delay data is analysed in a number of case studies of intense precipitation in the Lisbon area, in the period 2010–2012, and in a continuous annual cycle of 2012 observations. Such behaviour is found to correlate positively with the probability of precipitation, especially in cases of severe rainfall. The evolution of the GPS PWV in a few stations is analysed by a least-squares fitting of a broken line tendency, made by a temporal sequence of ascents and descents over the data. It is found that most severe rainfall event occurs in descending trends after a long ascending period, and that the most intense events occur after steep ascents in PWV. A simple algorithm, forecasting rain in the 6 h after a steep ascent of the GPS PWV in a single station is found to produce reasonable forecasts of the occurrence of precipitation in the nearby region, without significant misses in what concerns larger rain events, but with a substantial amount of false alarms. It is suggested that this method could be improved by the analysis of 2-D or 3-D time varying GPS PWV fields, or by its joint use with other meteorological data relevant to nowcast precipitation.
Climate, runoff and landuse trends in the Owo River Catchment in Nigeria
Authors: Adegun O. , Odunuga S. , Ajayi O. S.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The Owo River is an important surface water source in Lagos particularly to the western section. It is the source of direct water intake for water supply by Lagos State Water Corporation to Amuwo-Odofin, Ojo and parts of Badagry Local Government Areas. This paper examines the complex interactions and feedbacks between many variables and processes within that catchment and analyses the future ability of this semi-urban watershed in sustaining water supply in the face of cumulative environmental change. Stationarity analysis on rainfall, change detection analysis and morphometry analysis were combined to analyse the non-stationarity of Owo River catchment. On rainfall trend analysis, since the correlation coefficient (0.38) with test statistic of 2.17 did not satisfy the test condition we concluded that there is trend and that rainfall in the watershed is not stationary. The dominant land use impacting on the bio-geochemical fluxes is built up area (including structures and paved surfaces) which grew from about 142.92 km2 (12.20%) in 1984 to 367.22 km2 (31.36%) in 2013 recording gain of 224.3 km2 at average growth rate of 7.73 km2 per annum. Total length of streams within the catchment reduced from 622.24 km in 1964 to 556 km in 2010, while stream density reduced from 0.53 in 1964 to 0.47 in 2010 an indication of shrinking hydrological network. The observed trends in both natural and anthropogenic processes indicated non-stationarity of the hydrological fluxes within the Catchment and if this continues, the urban ecosystem services of water supply will be compromised.
Evaluation of drought impact on groundwater recharge rate using SWAT and Hydrus models on an agricultural island in western Japan
Authors: Jin G. , Shimizu Y. , Onodera S. , Saito M. , Matsumori K.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Clarifying the variations of groundwater recharge response to a changing non-stationary hydrological process is important for efficiently managing groundwater resources, particularly in regions with limited precipitation that face the risk of water shortage. However, the rate of aquifer recharge is difficult to evaluate in terms of large annual-variations and frequency of flood events. In our research, we attempt to simulate related groundwater recharge processes under variable climate conditions using the SWAT Model, and validate the groundwater recharge using the Hydrus Model. The results show that annual average groundwater recharge comprised approximately 33% of total precipitation, however, larger variation was found for groundwater recharge and surface runoff compared to evapotranspiration, which fluctuated with annual precipitation variations. The annual variation of groundwater resources is shown to be related to precipitation. In spatial variations, the upstream is the main surface water discharge area; the middle and downstream areas are the main groundwater recharge areas. Validation by the Hydrus Model shows that the estimated and simulated groundwater levels are consistent in our research area. The groundwater level shows a quick response to the groundwater recharge rate. The rainfall intensity had a great impact on the changes of the groundwater level. Consequently, it was estimated that large spatial and temporal variation of the groundwater recharge rate would be affected by precipitation uncertainty in future.
Hydrologic nonstationarity and extrapolating models to predict the future: overview of session and proceeding
Authors: Chiew F. H. S. , Vaze J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. This paper provides an overview of this IAHS symposium and PIAHS proceeding on "hydrologic nonstationarity and extrapolating models to predict the future". The paper provides a brief review of research on this topic, presents approaches used to account for nonstationarity when extrapolating models to predict the future, and summarises the papers in this session and proceeding.
Reliability of a conceptual hydrological model in a semi-arid Andean catchment facing water-use changes
Authors: Hublart P. , Ruelland D. , García De Cortázar Atauri I. , Ibacache A.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. This paper explores the reliability of low-flow simulations by conceptual models in a semi-arid, Andean catchment (30° S) facing climate variability and water-use changes. Depending on water availability, a significant part of surface water resources are diverted to meet irrigation requirements. In return, these water withdrawals are likely to influence the hydrological behavior of the catchment. The value of model-based analyses thus relies on our ability to adequately represent the complex interactions between climate variability, human-induced flow perturbations and crop water use. In this study, a parsimonious hydrological model (GR4J) including a snow routine was combined with a model of irrigation water-use (IWU) to provide a new, 6-parameter model of the catchment behavior (called GR4J/IWU). The original, 4-parameter GR4J model and the 6-parameter GR6J model were also used as benchmarks to evaluate the usefulness of explicitly accounting for water abstractions. Calibration and validation of these three models were performed successively over two different 5-year periods representing contrasted water-use and climate conditions. Overall, the GR4J/IWU model provided better simulations than the GR4J and GR6J models over both periods. Further research is required to quantify the predictive uncertainty associated with model structures, parameters and inputs.
Influence of climate variability on large rivers runoff
Authors: Nurtaev B.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. In accordance with IPCC Report the influence of climate change on the water cycle will increase hydrologic variability by means of changing of precipitation patterns, melting of ice and change of runoff. Precipitation has increased in high northern latitudes and decreased in southern latitudes. This study presents an analysis of river runoffs trends in different climatic zones of the world in condition of climate change.
Modifications to a rainfall-streamflow model to handle "non-stationarity"
Authors: Croke B. F. W. , Shin M.-J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. This paper explores the variation in hydrological response (often termed as non-stationarity, though this is not necessarily the correct use in the statistical meaning of this term) through time for the Bani catchment in Africa (mostly located in Mali). The objective is to identify deficiencies in the ability of the model to capture the variation in the hydrologic response of the catchment, and modify the model to capture this variation. Due to the large catchment area (approximately 103 000 km2), the unit hydrograph component of the model was modified to permit the model to be used at a daily timescale. Further, an additional driver (population growth) needed to be included in order to adequately capture the transition from a perennial to an ephemeral river.
Implication of calibration period on modelling climate change impact on future runoff
Authors: Chiew F. H. S. , Zheng H. , Vaze J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. This paper explores the consideration and implication of calibration period on the modelled climate change impact on future runoff. The results show that modelled runoff and hydrologic responses can be influenced by the choice of historical data period used to calibrate and develop the hydrological model. Modelling approaches that do not take this into account may therefore underestimate the range and uncertainty in future runoff projections. Nevertheless, the uncertainty associated with the choice of hydrological models and consideration of calibration dataset for modelling climate change impact on runoff is likely to be small compared to the uncertainty in the future rainfall projections.
Streamflow predictions in regulated river systems: hydrological non-stationarity versus anthropogenic water use
Authors: Dutta D. , Kim S. , Vaze J. , Hughes J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Streamflow in a regulated river system is highly influenced by storage regulations and anthropogenic water use in addition to climate variability. Thus, changes in climate-streamflow relationships and dominant hydrological processes over time are difficult to quantify in a regulated system without partitioning influence of storage regulation and anthropogenic water uses. This requires a robust regulated river system model, which takes into consideration of both hydrological and man-made flow regulation processes, as well as anthropogenic water uses. In this study, a newly developed large-scale river system model (called "AWRA-R") was used to assess the influence of both anthropogenic and climate variability/change on streamflow non-stationarity in the Murray Darling Basin (MDB). MDB is one of the highly regulated basins in Australia with multiple large and small storages developed primarily for supplying water to irrigated agriculture. The modelling was undertaken for the period of 1950–2010, which includes rapid water resources development and both wet and dry climate. The AWRA-R model was calibrated for a reasonably long period and then, validated on an independent period. The calibrated parameters were used to simulate streamflow under current and pre-development conditions to analyse the streamflow variability and influence of climate variability and anthropogenic development on streamflow trend. This paper briefly introduces the model and the method used for assessing streamflow variability under natural and developed conditions and presents the results and findings.
Quantifying the uncertainties of climate change effects on the storage-yield and performance characteristics of the Pong multi-purpose reservoir, India
Authors: Soundharajan B. , Adeloye A. J. , Remesan R.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Climate change is predicted to affect water resources infrastructure due to its effect on rainfall, temperature and evapotranspiration. However, there are huge uncertainties on both the magnitude and direction of these effects. The Pong reservoir on the Beas River in northern India serves irrigation and hydropower needs. The hydrology of the catchment is highly influenced by Himalayan seasonal snow and glaciers, and Monsoon rainfall; the changing pattern of the latter and the predicted disappearance of the former will have profound effects on the performance of the reservoir. This study employed a Monte-Carlo simulation approach to characterise the uncertainties in the future storage requirements and performance of the reservoir. Using a calibrated rainfall-runoff (R-R) model, the baseline runoff scenario was first simulated. The R-R inputs (rainfall and temperature) were then perturbed using plausible delta-changes to produce simulated climate change runoff scenarios. Stochastic models of the runoff were developed and used to generate ensembles of both the current and climate-change perturbed future scenarios. The resulting runoff ensembles were used to simulate the behaviour of the reservoir and determine "populations" of reservoir storage capacity and performance characteristics. Comparing these parameters between the current and the perturbed provided the population of climate change effects which was then analysed to determine the uncertainties. The results show that contrary to the usual practice of using single records, there is wide variability in the assessed impacts. This variability or uncertainty will, no doubt, complicate the development of climate change adaptation measures; however, knowledge of its sheer magnitude as demonstrated in this study will help in the formulation of appropriate policy and technical interventions for sustaining and possibly enhancing water security for irrigation and other uses served by Pong reservoir.
Assessing uncertainties in climate change impacts on runoff in Western Mediterranean basins
Authors: Ruelland D. , Hublart P. , Tramblay Y.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. This paper investigates the uncertainties linked to climate change impacts on runoff in four mesoscale basins (900 to 1800 km2) in the Mediterranean region. Runoff simulations were based on a daily conceptual model including a snow module. The model was calibrated and validated according to a differential split-sample test over a 20-year period and four competing criterions aiming to represent model structural uncertainty based on the concept of Pareto optimality. Five regional climate models (RCMs) from the Med-CORDEX initiative were used to provide temperature and precipitation projections under RCP8.5 by 2050. The RCMs' inability to realistically simulate reference climate (notably precipitation) led us to apply a monthly perturbation method in order to produce a range of climate scenarios. The structural uncertainty bounds obtained from the hydrological simulations over the reference period showed that the model was able to correctly reproduce observed runoff despite contrasted hydrological conditions in (and in between) the basins. Climate projections were shown to be convergent regarding temperatures, which could increase by about +1 to 3 °C on each basin. In contrast, no clear trends in precipitation could be put in evidence, some RCMs leading to a mean annual precipitation decrease (up to 64%), and others to an increase (up to 33%). The hydrological projections resulted from the combination of the hydrological simulation bounds with the range of climate projections. Despite the propagation of those uncertainties, the 2050 hydrological scenarios agreed on a significant runoff decrease (2–77%) during spring on all basins. On the opposite, no clear trend in runoff could be observed for the other seasons.