bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling Sediment Yields and Stream Stability Due to Sediment-Related Disaster in Shihmen Reservoir Watershed in Taiwan
Authors: Chiu Yu-Jia , Lee Hong-Yuan , Wang Tse-Lin , Yu Junyang , Lin Ying-Tien , Yuan Yeping
Published: February 2019

Accurate and reliable estimates of sediment yields from a watershed and identification of unstable stream reaches due to sediment-related disaster are crucial for watershed management, disaster prevention, and hazard mitigation purposes. In this study, we added hydrodynamic and sediment transport modules in a recently developed model to estimate sediment yields and identify the unstable stream reaches in a large-scale watershed (> 100km2). The calibrated and verified models can well reproduce the flow discharge and sediment discharge at the study site, the Shihmen Reservoir Watershed in Taiwan, during several typhoon events. For the scenario applications, the results revealed that the contribution (> 96%) of landslides on sediment supply is much more significant than compared to soil erosion (< 4%). The sediment contribution from the upstream of the hydrological station-Yufeng is approximately 36–55% of the total sediment supply for the rainfall events of 25, 50, 100, and 200 years return period. It also indicates that 22–52% of sediment still remain at foot of the slope and the streams, which become a potential source for sediment hazards in the future. Combining with the bed erosion and deposition depths, flow-induced shear stress from the SRH-2D model, and probability of slope failure within 250 m of stream reaches, the relatively stability of stream reaches can be identified. The results could provide the water resource authorities for reference to take precautionary measures in advance on the stream reaches with high-degree instability.
Comparative Study of Hydraulic Simulation Techniques for Water Supply Networks under Earthquake Hazard
Authors: Yoo Do Guen , Lee Joo Ha , Lee Bo Yeon
Published: February 2019

Water supply facilities such as waterworks systems are facilities that supply residential and industrial water essential for humans to live and it is essential for these facilities to be prepared for earthquake hazards. In the present study, new hydraulic analysis procedures that can complement problems in existing model were proposed for performance quantification under seismic hazards. Detailed procedures for estimating the serviceability of water supply networks using pressure dependent demand (PDD) and pressure dependent leakage (PDL) techniques were proposed. The developed methodologies can simulate many pipe leakage and breakage situations more realistically. The methodologies were applied to representative pipe networks to investigate the models and new performance quantification indicators were additionally presented. The developed models are judged to be usable as a basic tool finding for guidelines because they can simultaneously quantify the amount of leakage calculated from the viewpoint of suppliers as well as the water availability of consumers when an earthquake hazard has occurred.
Water Quality Evaluation of the Yangtze River in China Using Machine Learning Techniques and Data Monitoring on Different Time Scales
Authors: Di Zhenzhen , Chang Miao , Guo Peikun
Published: February 2019

Unlike developed countries, China has a nationally unified water environment standard and a specific watershed protection bureau to perform water quality evaluation. It is a major challenge to assess the water quality of a large watershed at a wide spatial scale and to make decisions in a scientific way. In 2016, weekly and real-time data for four monitoring indicators (pH, dissolved oxygen, permanganate index, and ammonia nitrogen) were collected at 21 surface water sections (sites) of the Yangtze River Basin, China. Results showed that one site had a relatively low Site Water Quality Index and was polluted for 12 weeks meanwhile. By using expectation-maximization clustering and hierarchical clustering algorithms, the 21 sites were classified. Variable spatiotemporal distribution characteristics for water quality and pollutants were found; some sites exhibited similar water quality variations on the weekly scale, but had different yearly grades. The results revealed polluted water quality for short periods and abrupt anomalies, which imply potential pollution sources and negative effects on water ecosystems. Potential spatio-temporal water quality characteristics, explored by machine learning methods and evidenced by time series and statistical models, could be applied in environmental decision support systems to make watershed management more objective, reliable, and powerful.
SMALL-SCALE CO-GENERATION FOR BUILDING APPLICATIONS - ENERGY DEMAND ANALYSIS AT DEMONSTRATION SITE AND OPTIMAL SIZING OF THE CHP PLANT
Authors: Kalina Jacek , Skorek Janusz
Published: February 2019

Aspects of using the small‐scale combined heat and power modules in buildings is presented in this paper. At first the problems of energy demand analysis, which is the key point of a co‐generation plant sizing procedure, are discused. Then the demonstration project of a small‐scale co‐generation plant is presented. The plant is fuelled with natural gas, and it supplies energy to a group of three different buildings. Basing on this case, the problems of optimal sizing of a small‐scale CHP plant for a building energy supply system are presented and discussed. Calculation procedures are shown together with the results of sample analysis. The factors influencing the final configuration of the system are indicated.
EFFICIENCY OF PUMP OPERATION IN HYDRONIC HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEMS
Authors: Fahlén Per , Voll Hendrik , Naumov Jüri
Published: February 2019

Developments in pump technology provide new possibilities of improving both the efficiency and the quality of control of hydronic heating and cooling systems. Improved pump efficiency and direct flow control can substantially reduce the drive power to circulation pumps. Measurements show that a simple VSD (variable speed drive) does not unduly degrade the efficiency of commonly used pumps. An example from a residential heat pump installation indicates possible savings of around 30 % of the total drive energy to the heat pump. Another example illustrates how direct flow control can simplify systems and reduce electric drive power in supply‐air conditioning systems.
THE OPTIMISATION OF ENERGY SYSTEMS BY USING 3E FACTOR: THE CASE STUDIES
Authors: Rogoža Artur , Čiuprinskas Kestutis , Šiupšinskas Giedrius
Published: February 2019

Energy systems should be analysed according to principles of sustainable development. The optimality of technical systems usually is evaluated by only technical and economical criteria. But the estimation of these criteria is not comprehensive enough in the case when system life cycle is much longer than the period of reliable economical prognosis. In this paper the criteria set of energy system evaluation and optimisation was expanded by energy and ecological standpoints and a new multiple criteria indicator (3E factor ‐ Energy, Economy, Ecology) was introduced. The application of this factor was demonstrated by two examples: optimisation of the district heating network pipeline replacement periodicity and optimisation of the thermal insulation of the single family house.
HEAT DEMAND UNCERTAINTY EVALUATION OF TYPICAL MULTI‐FLAT PANEL BUILDING
Authors: Jaraminiene Egle , Juodis Egidijus
Published: February 2019

Heat consumption of similar buildings under the same climatic conditions normally shows different values. This phenomenon has not been adequately explored yet. The purpose of the paper was to investigate the reasons and extent of heat demand variability by employing uncertainty analysis. This paper addresses uncertainties of building thermal behaviour by combining simplified heat demand evaluation methods with Monte Carlo sampling method. Output of this analysis provides an insight into the variability of the calculation result due to the variation and input parameters uncertainty. The heat demand variation range due to input parameter variation in line with standard requirements was assessed to be ±22 % of the average value.
NEURAL MODEL OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDING AIR INFILTRATION PROCESS
Authors: Malinowski Pawel , Polarczyk Iwona , Piotrowski Jerzy
Published: February 2019

For the needs of this paper, certain area of issues associated with the infiltration process and neural networks were selected. In the scope of infiltration process, the measurements and analysis of air infiltration through the buildings have shown how difficult this process is in terms of strict mathematical models formulation. In the scope of neural networks, attention was given to multi‐layer perceptrons and systems composed of them. It must be noted that, due to the novelty of this method, a detailed description of the neuron network theory was presented in this paper as well as a thorough discussion of the neuron modelling process. The work was carried out in two stages, with the first stage covering the development of detailed methodology for the construction of neural model and the second stage in which a developed methodology was applied to modelling real objects.
ELECTRONIC DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT IN BUILDING DESIGN
Authors: Gabrielaitis Linas , Baušys Romualdas
Published: February 2019

The problem of managing digital design data including drawings, specifications and other technical data in building design and construction units is a real challenge, especially when there is a need to structure the design information across building design companies. The main difficulty in this information management is the shortage of unified rules (or standards) concerning the ways how the digital design data should be gathered, archived, and preserved in the most efficient way for building design and construction units. The most important issue addressed in this work, is the standardised reference of all design data definitions.
THE OPTIMIZATION OF TRANSPORT FLOWS CROSSING LITHUANIAN CUSTOM-HOUSES
Authors: Jarašūnienė Aldona
Published: February 2019

The importance of the experience of foreign countries, the improvement of the nonnative and law basis according to improvement standards, the employment of means of information are emphasized in the article.

The investigation of road transport distribution on lines showed that the distribution depends on the flow law of arriving vehicles.

It was proved that the distribution of vehicles according to time and the distribution of vehicles on different lines can be defined by the Erlang law of distribution of the 2nd sequence.
THEORETICAL PRINCIPLES AND EXPERIMENTAL DATA TO IDENTIFY STABILITY OF ASPHALT CONCRETE COMPONENTS IN FINALLY DOSED MINERAL MATERIALS
Authors: Sivilevičius Henrikas
Published: February 2019

The duration of asphalt concrete functioning depends on the quality of the asphalt concrete mixture used to pave the road. Grading of hot fractions sieved through technological sieves of asphalt concrete mixture, their pollution with particles of different size as well as stability influence on the quality of an asphalt concrete mixture.

Each j - (j = 1...., m) aggregate mineral material or mixture is made up of two (mineral powder, particle of size less than 0,09 or 0,071 mm, and sand, particle of size from 2 to 0,09 mm or 5-0,071 mm) or three (crushed stone, particle size is larger than 2 or 5 mm) mineral components (i = 1, ..., k) . When required technological operations of asphalt concrete mixture production are carried out, the quantity and stability of any i - component in mineral materials change when they move through an asphalt concrete mixer. The more stable the quantity of mineral components in mineral materials (especially in finally dosed) is, the more uniform the composition of asphalt concrete mixture is produced.

The experiments showed that when asphalt concrete mixture is produced applying a traditional technology in an asphalt concrete mixer of model D-597, D-508-2A, D-645-3 andD-590, sieved hot fractions of 0–5 mm and 5–15 are polluted with particles of different size by more than 10 per cent; and this pollution is neither uniform nor stable.

Following a well-known theory, an average quadratic deviation σ of arithmetic undersized particles sieved through laboratory sieves ~aggregate mineral materials is the greatest when their mean X makes up 50 per cent; therefore, hot fractions of 0–5 mm and 5–15 mm were produced on the experimental data obtained from production as well as regression equations σ = ƒ( X )of statistical indeces of cold mineral powder. The values of average quadratic deviations σ µij of mineral component quantities in those finally dosed mineral materials are obtained from curves drawn according to the regression equations. They can be used to estimate dispersion σ2 Gi of mineral component i in asphalt concrete mixture which depends on the accuracy and stability of technological factors of an asphalt concrete mixer.
ECONOMY OF FUEL-ENERGY RESOURCES ON RAIL-FREIGHT TRAFFIC IMPROVING THE EXPLOITATIONS CHARACTERISTICS OF FUEL CONSUMPTION OF DIESELS
Authors: Lebedevas Sergejus
Published: February 2019

The improvement of the exploitation features of diesel power units oflocomotives is one of the most important aspects solving the problems of saving fuel energy resources (FER) in the rail-freight traffic system. It covers in full the following: the increase of specific fuel economy factors, the optimizaition of load cycles used park oflocomotive diesels and the introduction of informational technologies in operative checking systems and normalizing FER. On the base of modem accounting methods of mathematical simulation on PC the expected reserve of reducing the expenses on the fuel is evaluated for the most frequent type of diesels in Lithuania such us 14Д40Y2 in diesel locomotive M62(2M62). The regulation of units of systems of fuel injection and aeroprovision for the seasonal periods ≪winter-summer≫ and the optimum of their loading accordingly allows to reach fuel economy 1,5–3,0% and 6,5–8,0 %. Rational base of algorithm for automatic checking systems and normalizing FER on enterprises of rail-freight traffic is a method of small incrementations, in combination with the use of databases of the technical characteristics of power units park. Standard draft model similar to accounting-information complex ≪Profil≫ is designed by specialists of Klaipėda university.
PRIORITIZATION OF ROAD PROJECTS — A DISUTILITY BASED APPROACH
Authors: Maitra Bhargab , Azmi Moen , Ibrahim S. N.
Published: February 2019

In order to boost the economic growth India has initiated a massive road infrastructure development programme. However, due to serious constrains in financial resources, non-availability of adequate technical manpower, institutional constraints etc., it is not possible to execute all the necessary road development projects within a short time span. Besides, it is essential to prioritize roads on a logical rational basis and target the development in a phased manner. In the present paper the a methodology has been proposed for the prioritization of road development. Relevant influencing factors for prioritization have been identified and their relative weights have been estimated based on an expert-opinion survey. The total disutilities on existing roads have been measured and the prioritization has been proposed on the basis of estimated total disutility. The methodology demonstrated in the paper is simple and requires data which are either available from secondary sources or may be obtained easily from simple primary surveys.
EVALUATION OF CAR ACCIDENT PARAMETERS DURING COLLISION
Authors: Tautkus Arūnas , Jurkauskas Algirdas
Published: February 2019

According to he literature source [5], almost 47–52% from all carcrashes make collisions of cars. So it is possible to conclude that almost each second a carcrash is a collision.

One of the most important parameters that should be determined during carcrash investigation is the car speed before the accident. Calculation of the parameters in various situations differs. The experts pe1forming the investigation work of car crashes improve or create carcrash investigation methods in various cases.

The methods of speed determination before crashes arc presented in these cases: direct collision, when cars move one after another, direct sided collision and sided sliding collision as well.
REALIZATION EFFECTS OF ENFORCING THE EU REGULATION ON THE INSTALLATION OF RECORDING EQUIPMENT IN VEHICLES
Authors: Limba Rimas , Lazauskas Jonas
Published: February 2019

Preparing to become a member of the European Union Lithuania will have to keep the requirements of the EU Regulation 3821/85 EEC in road transport. It concerns the installation of recording equipment in the vehicles of international transportation and local passenger and freight transport. According to the EU Regulation recording equipment (tachographs) must not be installed in every vehicle and it will be done step by step. About 38 thousand of vehicles will have operating tachographs and for four years it will require about 8 million Lt of investments per year, but the conditions of work and rest of drivers will be improved and the number of accidents will be decreased.
DAMAGE TO CONCRETE BRIDGES DUE TO REINFORCEMENT CORROSION
Authors: Kamaitis Zenonas
Published: February 2019

Corrosion of reinforcement initiated by concrete carbonation and chloride contamination is the most common type of deterioration of concrete bridges. Based on the author's experience a number of cases is reported in which the corrosion of ordinary and prestressed reinforcement as well as the causes and consequences of deterioration observed are presented. Investigations have shown that the main reasons are: insufficient concrete cover, poor quality of concrete, and ingress of aggressive salts. The carbonation depth must be related to the histogram ofrebar cover depths and the probability of their coincidence can be predicted. The monitoring of tendon conditions in prestressed concrete precast post-tensioned segmental bridge decks shows that the voids and the water are often present in the ducts leading to the local rusting of tendons. The wires used in tendons are liable to fail in tension that was observed in some prestressed concrete bridges. Unfortunately, no reliable procedures of determining the condition of prestressing steel in existing structures are available.
THE VIBROACOUSTICAL INDEXES OF THE INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE WHEN THE MASS OF THE DETAILS OF THE CRANKSHAFT DEVICE VARIES
Authors: Juodzevičius Eimantas , Valičnas Valdas
Published: February 2019

The vibroacoustical indexes of the intemal combustion engine retrogress when the mass of the details of the crankshaft device increases. The blatancy of sound pressure, oscillation speed, the whole engine increase very fractionally when mass increases from 0,5 to 16,0 g. This phenomenon increases loads which affect the principal bearings of the crankshaft as well as the uneven distribution of the loads.
THE EVALUATION OF BRAKING EFFICIENCY OF TRACTOR TRANSPORT AGGREGATE
Authors: Janulevičius Algirdas , Giedra Kazimieras
Published: February 2019

The theoretical investigation of the braking process of a tractor transport aggregate is carried out. The influence of the mass of machines on the efficiency ofbraking is set. The dependencies of forces acting the coupler on the trailer and tractor ratio of masses ( λ c ), and on the difference of ratios of the brekable and whole masses of a trailer and tractor (λp -λt), are presented.

The nomogram for operative set and the selection of the main braking parameters of various tractor transpm1s aggregates were established.

With the help of the nomogram it is possible to set: braking efficiency, greatest deceleration, shortest braking distance, greatest common mass of aggregate and acting forces of brakable tractor transport aggregate.
MODELLING OF THE DEPENDENCE OF TRAVEL FREQUENCY ON THE LENGTH AND DURATION OF A JOURNEY. IMPROVEMENT OF CITY PASSENGER TRANSPORT SYSTEMS
Authors: Butkevičius Jonas
Published: February 2019

The carried out research proved that the distribution of urban travel frequency according to the length and duration of a city journey can best be reflected by the Erlang k-distribution function. This function can be employed to predict time by work travel and the time of journeys during the morning rush-hour. The results of the research done by the author show that over 30% of the residents of Vilnius and Kaunas reach work using public transpm1 means. Their travel usually exceeds the normative length, i.e. over 40 min. The obtained statistical data indicate that the current public transpmt systems in Vilnius and Kaunas are inadequate to meet the residents'needs. Therefore the author has suggested a whole complex of various measures to develop the system of the Lithuanian urban passenger Transport. The main improvement measures have been proposed in accordance with the requirements for the passenger Transport as defined by European Economic Community. The implementation of the proposed measures would allow to restore the prestige of the urban passenger transport and encourage its development under the existing market conditions.
THE INVESTIGATION OF DYNAMICS OF MISALIGNED UNITS IN VEHICLE TRANSMISSION
Authors: Turla Vytautas , Iljin Igor
Published: February 2019

In the article the problems related to the dynamics of a mechanic system on misalignment of shafts in radial direction are presented. The object of the investigation is a two-shaft system connected with an elastic centrifugal ring coupling.

Using equations of static equilibrium it was found that an internal moment of resistance to rotation appears in the coupling connecting the radially misaligned shafts. Using Dalamber's principle for the rotational movement the differential equation that describes the rotation of the second shaft has been developed. It was shown that after the perfonnance of the corresponding actions and the introduction of a new variable the said equation is transformed in to an equation which character virtually coincides with the equation describing free oscillations of a mathematical pendulum.

Because the value of misalignment of shafts in the radial direction is small in comparison with other parameters, a small parameter method was used for the solution of this equation. The found solutions show that rotational vibrations with the double frequency of rotational movement are excited in the misaligned mechanical system with an elastic centrifugal ring coupling.

The restrictions ofthe application of a small parameters method have been explored and the limits of its application have been found.
IMPROVING STRATEGIC ORIENTATIONS FOR PROMOTING HOTEL SERVICES USING AN INTEGRATED ROUGH MAGDM MODEL
Authors: Liou James J. H. , Kaklauskas Artūras , Lu Ming-Tsang , Chuang Yen-Ching
Published: February 2019

This study aims to assist decision makers to improve hotel service performance by developing strategic orientations. Strategic orientations are imprecise and subjective: they vary according to domain experts’ opinions and practical experience. This study develops an integrated rough multiple attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) model that supports decision makers to acquire a systematic view of strategic methods for improving performance to the desired level. The model incorporates three methods. First, we use the rough number approach to determine group opinions from the practical experience of domain experts. We then apply the rough decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)-based analytic network process to develop a rough influential network relation map (RINRM). The rough influential weights based on strategic orientations and their corresponding attributes are calculated. Finally, we use the modified complex proportional assessment of alternatives with gray relations (mCOPRAS-G) and the influential weights to calculate the relationship ratio between performance and aspiration level. Our model flexibly assesses the vagueness involved in decision-making, enabling more objective expert estimation of attributes in subjective surroundings than traditional multiple attributes decision-making models. We use the Taiwanese hotel industry as an empirical case study. Our study provides useful information on how to enhance hotel services and achieve optimal performance based upon expert judgments and the RINRM. The results show that customer orientation is the optimal strategy for hotel service promotion.
New and noteworthy boletes from subtropical and tropical China
Authors: Chai Hui , Liang Zhi-Qun , Xue Rou , Jiang Shuai , Luo Shi-Hong , Wang Yong , Wu Lu-Ling , Tang Li-Ping , Chen Yun , Hong Deng , Zeng Nian-Kai
Published: February 2019

The morphology, ecology, and phylogenetic relationships of specimens of the family Boletaceae from subtropical and tropical China were investigated. Four species, Butyriboletushuangnianlaii, Lanmaoamacrocarpa, Neoboletusmultipunctatus, and Sutoriussubrufus, are new to science. Chalciporusradiatus and Caloboletusxiangtoushanensis are redescribed. Caloboletusguanyui is proposed to replace Boletusquercinus Hongo, an illegitimate later homonym. The recently described Tylopiluscallainus is synonymized with the Japanese Boletusvirescens, and the new combination T.virescens (Har. Takah. & Taneyama) N.K. Zeng et al. is proposed. Moreover, Neoboletus is treated as an independent genus based on evidence from morphology and molecular phylogenetic data in the present study, and many previously described taxa of Sutorius are recombined into Neoboletus: N.ferrugineus (G. Wu et al.) N.K. Zeng et al., N.flavidus (G. Wu & Zhu L. Yang) N.K. Zeng et al., N.hainanensis (T.H. Li & M. Zang) N.K. Zeng et al., N.obscureumbrinus (Hongo) N.K. Zeng et al., N.rubriporus (G. Wu & Zhu L. Yang) N.K. Zeng et al., N.sanguineoides (G. Wu & Zhu L. Yang) N.K. Zeng et al. , N.sanguineus (G. Wu & Zhu L. Yang) N.K. Zeng et al., and N.tomentulosus (M. Zang et al.) N.K. Zeng et al.
First description of the immature stages of Dasyhelea alula and a redescription of adults from China (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae)
Authors: Duan Chen , Jiang Xiao Hong , Chang Qiong Qiong , Hou Xiao Hui
Published: February 2019

The fourth instar larva and pupa of Dasyheleaalula Yu, 2005 are described and illustrated using a Scanning Electron Microscope. The adult male and female of this species are redescribed. Immatures were collected from flooded soil near a pond in Xiaojiawan village, Guizhou province, China and reared in the laboratory. The studied material is deposited in the Insect Collection of Zunyi Medical University.
Prebiotic oligosaccharides in early life alter gut microbiome development in male mice while supporting influenza vaccination responses
Authors: van den Elsen L.W.J. , Tims S. , Jones A.M. , Stewart A. , Stahl B. , Garssen J. , Knol J. , Forbes-Blom E.E. , van’t Land B.
Published: February 2019

Beneficial modulation of the gut microbiota is an attractive therapeutic approach to improve the efficacy of vaccine-induced immunity. In this study, mice were supplemented with the prebiotic milk oligosaccharide 2’-fucosyllactose (2’FL) as well as a complex mixture of immune modulatory prebiotic short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (scGOS/lcFOS) from different stages in early life. Adult mice were vaccinated with trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) and both development of the gut microbiota and antibody-mediated vaccine responses were followed over time. Within the control group, female mice demonstrated a larger antibody response to TIV vaccination than male mice, which was accompanied by enhanced cytokine production by splenocytes and a higher percentage of plasma cells in skin draining lymph nodes. In addition, the prebiotic diet improved vaccine-specific antibody responses in male mice. Introduction of prebiotics into the diet modulated the gut microbiota composition and at the genus level several bacterial groups showed a significant interaction effect which potentially contributed to the immunological effects observed. This study provides insight in the effect of scGOS/lcFOS/2’FL in influenza vaccination antibody production.
Comparison of Modified Transtibial and Anteromedial Portal Techniques in Anatomic Single-Bundle ACL Reconstruction
Authors: Han Joung Kyue , Chun Keun Churl , Lee Seong In , Kim Saintpee , Chun Churl Hong
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical, 3-dimensional computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and second-look arthroscopic findings of the modified transtibial technique with those of the anteromedial portal technique in single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (SB-ACLR). Among patients who underwent SB-ACLR from February 2012 to May 2014, 95 patients with a minimum of 36 months of follow-up were included in this retrospective study. Forty-five patients underwent a reconstruction using the modified transtibial technique. Fifty patients underwent a reconstruction using the anteromedial portal technique. Clinical scores and stabilities were recorded preoperatively and at final follow-up. All patients had postoperative computed tomography and the computed tomography parameters, including tunnel position and graft obliquity, evaluated. Additionally, postoperative magnetic resonance imaging and second-look arthroscopy were performed. On the basis of the functional and stability outcomes, all of the patients showed significant improvement after SB-ACLR, with no significant differences existing between the 2 groups (
P
>.05). Tunnel position and obliquity were not significantly different between the 2 groups (
P
>.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups regarding the magnetic resonance imaging and second-look arthroscopy findings (
P
>.05). The tunnel characteristics and clinical results of the 2 techniques were comparable. Given the several advantages of the modified transtibial technique, including its simplicity and patients' greater activity level, it is suitable for anatomic SB-ACLR. [
Orthopedics
. 2019; 42(2):83–89.]
An Improved Adaptive CoAP Congestion Control Algorithm
Authors: Ouakasse Fathia , Rakrak Said
Published: February 2019

The Constrained Application Protocol (CoAP) is one of the most emerging messaging protocols that have successfully fulfilled the need of the lightweight feature required to handle communication between constrained devices in IoT environment. However, these devices are generating a huge amount of messages and notifications which cause the network congestion. Then, the challenge addressed in this paper; consists of designing a suitable congestion control mechanism for CoAP that ensures a safe network operation while keeping the use of network resources efficient. To do so, this paper presents an improved congestion control algorithm for the estimation of a Retransmission Time Out (RTO) value to use in each transaction based on the packet loss ratio and the Round-Trip Time RTT of the previous transmission. A comprehensive analysis and evaluation of simulated results show that the proposed mechanism can appropriately achieve higher performance compared to the basic CoAP congestion control and alternative algorithms based on TCP.
Impact of Teachers on an Australian Community Over Ten Years: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Brawner Derek , Stephens Carrie Ann , Brawner Shelby , Stripling Christopher T. , Eash Neal Samuel
Published: February 2019

The purpose of this study was to use intensive interviews to evaluate the impact of American
teachers on a rural community in New South Wales, Australia from 2005 to 2015. The study
analyzed interviews with 10 participants of the Australian community. Survey participants were
chosen based on their longevity in the community and their community involvement. Two
researchers and a peer reviewer transcribed, coded, and categorized the data into themes
suggested by the interview participants using participatory action research. Results from this
study identified two major themes: impact on student growth and sense of community, and eight
subthemes: student performance, international growth, culture, perceptions and stereotypes,
values, pre and post impressions of American teachers, involvement within the community, and
community acceptance.
High-resolution mapping of vehicle emissions of atmospheric pollutants based on large-scale, real-world traffic datasets
Authors: Yang Daoyuan , Zhang Shaojun , Niu Tianlin , Wang Yunjie , Xu Honglei , Zhang K. Max , Wu Ye
Published: February 2019

Abstract. On-road vehicle emissions are a major contributor to elevated air pollution levels in populous metropolitan areas. We developed a link-level emissions inventory of vehicular pollutants, called EMBEV-Link, based on multiple datasets extracted from the extensive road traffic monitoring network that covers the entire municipality of Beijing, China (16 400 km2). We employed the EMBEV-Link model under various traffic scenarios to capture the significant variability in vehicle emissions, temporally and spatially, due to the real-world traffic dynamics and the traffic restrictions implemented by the local government. The results revealed high carbon monoxide (CO) and total hydrocarbon (THC) emissions in the urban area (i.e., within the Fifth Ring Road) and during rush hours, both associated with the passenger vehicle traffic. By contrast, considerable fractions of nitrogen oxides (NOX), fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and black carbon (BC) emissions were present beyond the urban area, as heavy-duty trucks (HDTs) were not allowed to drive through the urban area during daytime. The EMBEV-Link model indicates that non-local HDTs could for 29 % and 38 % of estimated total on-road emissions of NOX and PM2.5, which were ignored in previous conventional emission inventories. We further combined the EMBEV-Link emission inventory and a computationally efficient dispersion model, RapidAir®, to simulate vehicular NOX concentrations at fine resolutions (10 m × 10 m in the entire municipality and 1 m × 1 m in the hotspots). The simulated results indicated a close agreement with ground observations and captured sharp concentration gradients from line sources to ambient areas. During the nighttime when the HDT traffic restrictions are lifted, HDTs could be responsible for approximately 10 μg m−3 of NOX in the urban area. The uncertainties of conventional top-down allocation methods, which were widely used to enhance the spatial resolution of vehicle emissions, are also discussed by comparison with the EMBEV-Link emission inventory.
EARLINET evaluation of the CATS L2 aerosol backscatter coefficient product
Authors: Proestakis Emmanouil , Amiridis Vassilis , Marinou Eleni , Binietoglou Ioannis , Ansmann Albert , Wandinger Ulla , Hofer Julian , Yorks John , Nowottnick Edward , Makhmudov Abduvosit , Papayannis Alexandros , Pietruczuk Aleksander , Gialitaki Anna , Apituley Arnoud , Szkop Artur , Muñoz Porcar Constantino , Bortoli Daniele , Dionisi Davide , Althausen Dietrich , Mamali Dimitra , Balis Dimitris , Nicolae Doina , Tetoni Eleni , Liberti Gian Luigi , Baars Holger , Mattis Ina , Stachlewska Iwona , Voudouri Kalliopi Artemis , Mona Lucia , Mylonaki Maria , Perrone Maria Rita , Costa Maria João , Sicard Michael , Papagiannopoulos Nikolaos , Siomos Nikolaos , Burlizzi Pasquale , Pauly Rebecca , Engelmann Ronny , Abdullaev Sabur , Pappalardo Gelsomina
Published: February 2019

Abstract. We present the evaluation activity of the European Aerosol Research Lidar Network (EARLINET) for the quantitative assessment of the Level 2 aerosol backscatter coefficient product derived by the Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) onboard the International Space Station (ISS). The study employs correlative CATS and EARLINET backscatter measurements within 50 km distance between the ground station and the ISS overpass and as close in time as possible, typically within 90 min, from February 2015 to September 2016. The results demonstrate the good agreement of CATS Level 2 backscatter coefficient and EARLINET. Three ISS overpasses close to the EARLINET stations of Leipzig-Germany, Évora-Portugal and Dushanbe-Tajikistan are analysed here to demonstrate the performance of CATS lidar system under different conditions. The results show that under cloud-free, relative homogeneous aerosol conditions CATS is in good agreement with EARLINET, independently of daytime/nighttime conditions. CATS low negative biases, partially attributed to the deficiency of lidar systems to detect tenuous aerosol layers of backscatter signal below the minimum detection thresholds, may lead to systematic deviations and slight underestimations of the total Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) in climate studies. In addition, CATS misclassification of aerosol layers as clouds, and vice versa, in cases of coexistent and/or adjacent aerosol and cloud features, may lead to non-representative, unrealistic and cloud contaminated aerosol profiles. The distributions of backscatter coefficient biases show the relatively good agreement between the CATS and EARLINET measurements, although on average underestimations are observed, 22.3 % during daytime and 6.1 % during nighttime.
Measuring methane emissions from oil and gas platforms in the North Sea
Authors: Riddick Stuart N. , Mauzerall Denise L. , Celia Michael , Harris Neil R. P. , Allen Grant , Pitt Joseph , Staunton-Sykes John , Forster Grant L. , Kang Mary , Lowry David , Nisbet Euan G. , Manning Alistair J.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Recent studies suggest oil and natural gas production facilities in North America may be underestimating methane (CH4) emissions during extraction. This, coupled with unusually high CH4 mole fractions observed at coastal sites during onshore winds in the UK, suggests CH4 emissions from oil and gas extraction activities in the North Sea could be higher than previously reported. To investigate if these coastal CH4 enhancements could have come from oil and gas production platforms, we use near-source measurement techniques to estimate CH4 emissions from eight oil and gas production platforms in the North Sea. We estimate the mean CH4 emission from the eight platforms to be 10.1 g CH4 s−1, with a range of 1.1 to 25.0 g CH4 s−1. When matched to production records, individual platforms lose between 0.01 % and 1.58 % of gas production with an average loss of 0.61 % of gas production. However, when the measured platforms are considered collectively, i.e. when the total measured emission is compared to total production of the platforms measured, the CH4 loss is estimated at 0.27 % of gas production. These calculated ranges are at least double the most recently reported loss rates for these platforms, which are currently estimated at 0.13 % of gas production. In fact, the vast majority of reported emissions are due to gas flaring and offshore oil loading, neither of which was taking place at the time of these measurements. If emissions measured here resulted from leakage during normal operation, they represent significant additional emissions (at least 0.27 % of production) above previous estimates of CH4 leakage from off-shore oil and gas production platforms. These emissions are not explicitly included in UK emission inventories. Further research to determine CH4 leakage from all operations occurring at off-shore oil and gas platforms, and how to include them in national emission inventories, is needed.
Reviews and syntheses: Weathering of silicate minerals in soils and watersheds: Parameterization of the weathering kinetics module in the PROFILE and ForSAFE models
Authors: Sverdrup Harald Ulrik , Oelkers Eric , Erlandsson Lampa Martin , Belyazid Salim , Kurz Daniel , Akselsson Cecilia
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The PROFILE model, now incorporated in the ForSAFE model can accurately reproduce the chemical and mineralogical evolution of the soil unsaturated zone. However, in deeper soil layers and in groundwater systems, it appears to overestimate weathering rates. This overestimation has been corrected by improving the kinetic expression describing mineral dissolution by adding or upgrading breaking functions. The base cation and aluminium brakes have been strengthened, and an additional silicate brake has been developed, improving the ability to describe mineral-water reactions in deeper soils. These brakes are developed from a molecular-level model of the dissolution mechanisms. Equations, parameters and constants describing mineral dissolution kinetics have now been obtained for 102 different minerals from 12 major structural groups, comprising all types of minerals encountered in most soils. The PROFILE and ForSAFE weathering sub-model was extended to cover two-dimensional catchments, both in the vertical and the horizontal direction, including the hydrology. Comparisons between this improved model and field observations is available in Erlandsson Lampa et al. (2019, This special issue). The results showed that the incorporation of a braking effect of silica concentrations was necessary and helps obtain more accurate descriptions of soil evolution rates at greater depths and within the saturated zone.
A systematic comparison of bias correction methods for paleoclimate simulations
Authors: Beyer Robert , Krapp Mario , Manica Andrea
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Even the most sophisticated global climate models are known to have significant biases in the way they reconstruct the climate system. Correcting model biases is therefore an essential step toward realistic paleoclimatologies, which are crucial for modelling long-term and large-scale ecological dynamics. Here, we evaluate three widely-used bias correction methods – the delta method, generalised additive models and quantile mapping – against a global dataset of empirical temperature and precipitation records from the present, the mid-holocene (∼6,000 years BP), the last glacial maximum (∼21,000 years BP) and the last interglacial period (∼125,000 years BP). Overall, the delta method performs best at minimising the median absolute error between empirical data and debiased simulations for both temperature and precipitation, although there is considerable spatial and temporal variation in the performance of each of the three methods. We indicate that additional empirical reconstructions of past climatic conditions might make it possible to soon use past data not only for the validation but for the active calibration of bias correction functions.
The influence of water table depth on evapotranspiration in the Amazon arc of deforestation
Authors: O'Connor John , Santos Maria J. , Rebel Karin T. , Dekker Stefan C.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. The Amazon rainforest evapotranspiration (ET) flux provides climate regulating and moisture provisioning ecosystem services through a moisture recycling system. The dense complex canopy and deep root system creates an optimum structure to provide large ET fluxes to the atmosphere forming the source for precipitation. Extensive land use and land cover change (LULCC) from forest to agriculture in the arc of deforestation breaks this moisture recycling system. Crops such as soybean are planted in large homogeneous monocultures and the maximum rooting depth of these crops is far shallower than forest. This difference in rooting depth is key as forests can access deep soil moisture and show no signs of water stress during the dry season while in contrast crops are highly seasonal with a growing season dependant on rainfall. As access to soil moisture is a limiting factor in vegetation growth, we hypothesised that if crops could access soil moisture they would undergo less water stress and therefore would have higher evapotranspiration rates than crops which could not access soil moisture. We combined remote sensing data with modelled groundwater table depth (WTD) to assess whether vegetation in areas with a shallow WTD had higher ET than vegetation in deep WTD areas. We randomly selected areas of forest, savanna and crop with deep and shallow WTD and examined whether they differ on MODIS Evapotranspiration (ET), Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Enhanced Vegetation Index (EVI), from 2001 to 2012, annually and during transition periods between the wet and dry season. As expected, we found no differences in ET, LST, and EVI for forest vegetation between deep and shallow WTD, which because of their deep roots could access water and maintain evapotranspiration for moisture recycling during the entire year. We found significantly higher ET and lower LST in shallow WTD crop areas than in deep WTD during the dry season transition, suggesting that crops in deep WTD undergo higher water stress than crops in shallow WTD areas. The differences found between crop in deep and shallow WTD, however, are of low significance with regards the moisture recycling system as the difference resulting from conversion of forest to crop has an overwhelming influence (ET in forest is ≈ 2 mm day−1 higher than that in crops) and has the strongest impact on energy balance and ET. However, access to water during the transition between wet and dry seasons may positively influence growing season length in crop areas.
Potential evaporation at eddy-covariance sites across the globe
Authors: Maes Wouter H. , Gentine Pierre , Verhoest Niko E. C. , Miralles Diego G.
Published: February 2019

Abstract. Potential evaporation (Ep) is a crucial variable for
hydrological forecasting and drought monitoring. However, multiple
interpretations of Ep exist, which reflect a diverse range of methods to
calculate it. A comparison of the performance of these methods against field
observations in different global ecosystems is urgently needed. In this
study, potential evaporation was defined as the rate of terrestrial
evaporation (or evapotranspiration) that the actual ecosystem would attain if it were to evaporate at
maximal rate for the given atmospheric conditions. We use eddy-covariance
measurements from the FLUXNET2015 database, covering 11 different
biomes, to parameterise and inter-compare the most widely used
Ep methods and to uncover their relative performance. For each of the 107 sites, we isolate
days for which ecosystems can be considered unstressed, based on both an
energy balance and a soil water content approach. Evaporation measurements
during these days are used as reference to calibrate and validate the
different methods to estimate Ep. Our results indicate that a simple
radiation-driven method, calibrated per biome, consistently performs best
against in situ measurements (mean correlation of 0.93; unbiased RMSE of
0.56 mm day−1; and bias of −0.02 mm day−1). A Priestley and Taylor method,
calibrated per biome, performed just slightly worse, yet substantially and
consistently better than more complex Penman-based, Penman–Monteith-based or
temperature-driven approaches. We show that the poor performance of
Penman–Monteith-based approaches largely relates to the fact that the
unstressed stomatal conductance cannot be assumed to be constant in time at
the ecosystem scale. On the contrary, the biome-specific parameters required
by simpler radiation-driven methods are relatively constant in time and per
biome type. This makes these methods a robust way to estimate Ep and a
suitable tool to investigate the impact of water use and demand, drought
severity and biome productivity.