bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Investigation into the Suitability of GGBS and OPC as Low Percentage Single-Component Binders for the Stabilisation and Solidification of Harbour Dredge Material Mildly Contaminated with Metals
Authors: O’Shea Michael , Gray Kim , Murphy Jimmy
Published: April 2019

The occurrence of contaminated materials encountered during harbour dredging is becoming increasingly problematic for harbour and port authorities. The risks to human health, wildlife and port infrastructure of exposure to such contaminants necessitates the removal or containment of such risks. As with contaminated terrestrial sites the solidification and stabilization (S/S) of this material has been proven to be an effective alternative to disposing of contaminants off-site, typically via dumping at sea or in a landfill. Research, to date, on S/S has been focused on heavily contaminated sediments in large industrial ports. However, with tightening environmental regulations, the limits of acceptable contamination are generally decreasing. This means the number of port dredging projects requiring contaminant remediation is increasing. There is now a need to examine the effectiveness of S/S on harbour sites that are mildly contaminated from both an environmental and project feasibility viewpoint. To that end, this study examines the effectiveness of various S/S mix percentages of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) in retarding the leaching of contaminants from a mildly contaminated harbour site.
The Impact of Rapid Urbanization and Public Housing Development on Urban Form and Density in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Larsen Larissa , Yeshitela Kumelachew , Mulatu Tilahun , Seifu Sisay , Desta Hayal
Published: April 2019

Urban development is occurring in many Sub-Saharan Africa cities and rapid urbanization is underway in the East African city of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In an effort to address urban poverty and increase homeownership opportunities for low and middle-income residents, the City Administration of Addis Ababa initiated a large-scale housing development project in 2005. The project has resulted in the completion of 175,000 units within the city with 132,000 more under construction. To understand the impacts of both rapid growth and the housing program’s impact on the city’s urban form, we compared the type and distribution of land uses in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, between 2006 with 2016 using hand-digitized, ortho-rectified satellite images in Geographic Information Systems (GISs). While residential density has increased, overall density has decreased from 109 people/ha to 98 people/ha. We found that between 2006 and 2016, land occupied by residential housing increased from 33% to 39% and the proportion of informal housing decreased from 57% to 38%. Reflecting the country’s economic prosperity, there was a dramatic increase in the presence of single family housing, particularly on the city’s western side. In 2006, only 1% of residential areas were occupied by high-rise condominiums (4 floors or greater) and this increased to 11% by 2016. The majority of the new, higher density residential developments are located near the eastern edges of the city and this outlying location has significant implications for residents, infrastructure construction, and future development.
Numerical Simulation of Crack Propagation in Flexible Asphalt Pavements Based on Cohesive Zone Model Developed from Asphalt Mixtures
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Chen Jian , Lu Guoyang , Wang Dawei , Oeser Markus , Leischner Sabine
Published: April 2019

To give engineers involved in planning and designing of asphalt pavements a more accurate prediction of crack initiation and propagation, theory-based models need to be developed to connect the loading conditions and fracture mechanisms present in laboratory tests and under traffic loading. The aim of this study is to develop a technical basis for the simulation of fracture behavior of asphalt pavements. The cohesive zone model (CZM) approach was applied in the commercial FE software ABAQUS to analyze crack propagation in asphalt layers. The CZM developed from the asphalt mixtures in this study can be used to simulate the fracture behavior of pavements and further optimize both the structure and the materials. The investigations demonstrated that the remaining service life of asphalt pavements under cyclic load after the initial onset of macro-cracks can be predicted. The developed CZM can, therefore, usefully supplement conventional design methods by improving the accuracy of the predicted stress states and by increasing the quality, efficiency, and safety of mechanical design methods by using this more realistic modeling approach.
3-D Design and Simulation of a Piezoelectric Micropump
Authors: Farshchi Yazdi Seyed Amir Fouad , Corigliano Alberto , Ardito Raffaele
Published: April 2019

The objective of this paper is to carefully study the performances of a new piezoelectric micropump that could be used, e.g., for drug delivery or micro-cooling systems. The proposed micropump is characterized by silicon diaphragms, with a piezoelectric actuation at a 60 V input voltage, and by two passive valves for flow input and output. By means of a 3-D Finite Element (FE) model, the fluid dynamic response during different stages of the working cycle is investigated, together with the fluid–structure interaction. The maximum predicted outflow is 1.62 μL min − 1 , obtained at 10 Hz working frequency. The computational model enables the optimization of geometrical features, with the goal to improve the pumping efficiency: The outflow is increased until 2.5 μL min − 1 .
Process Control in Jet Electrochemical Machining of Stainless Steel through Inline Metrology of Current Density
Authors: Yahyavi Zanjani Matin , Hackert-Oschätzchen Matthias , Martin André , Meichsner Gunnar , Edelmann Jan , Schubert Andreas
Published: April 2019

Jet electrochemical machining (Jet-ECM) is a flexible method for machining complex microstructures in high-strength and hard-to-machine materials. Contrary to mechanical machining, in Jet-ECM there is no mechanical contact between tool and workpiece. This enables Jet-ECM, like other electrochemical machining processes, to realize surface layers free of mechanical residual stresses, cracks, and thermal distortions. Besides, it causes no burrs and offers long tool life. This paper presents selected features of Jet-ECM, with special focus on the analysis of the current density during the machining of single grooves in stainless steel EN 1.4301. Especially, the development of the current density resulting from machining grooves intersecting previous machining steps was monitored in order to derive systematic influences. The resulting removal geometry is analyzed by measuring the depth and the roughness of the machined grooves. The correlation between the measured product features and the monitored current density is investigated. This correlation shows that grooves with the desired depth and surface roughness can be machined by controlling current density through the adjustment of process parameters. On the other hand, current density is sensitive to the changes of working gap. As a consequence of the changes of workpiece form and size for the grooves intersecting premachined grooves as well as the grooves with a lateral gap, working gap, and current density change. By analyzing monitoring data and removal geometry results, the suitability of current density inline monitoring to enable process control is shown, especially with regards to manufacture products that should comply with tight predefined specifications.
Effect of High Mixing Intensity on Rheological Properties of Cemented Paste Backfill
Authors: Yang Liuhua , Wang Hongjiang , Li Hong , Zhou Xu
Published: April 2019

Cemented paste backfill (CPB) consists of a mixture of fine particles, mainly consisting of tailings and cement dispersed in water. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce an intensive shearing force into the paste during mixing in order to maintain an equilibrium between agglomeration and dispersion. It is influential for the macroscopical fluidity and rheological properties when changes occur in the microstructure of CPB under shear. However, the research on how mixing affects the properties of CPB is still in its infancy. This paper puts an insight into the relation between the mixing intensity and the rheological behavior of the CPB. It can be demonstrated that two threshold mixing intensities exist in this process. After passing the first or lower threshold, the rheological parameters (yield stress and viscosity) of the paste decrease. After passing the second threshold, a continued increase is observed. The changes in rheological properties are connected with physical and chemical changes in the microstructure of the CPB. The results are discussed in light of the three concepts “structural breakdown”, “thixotropic breakdown”, and “thixotropic behavior” of rheological properties of CPB.
High-Sensitivity Determination of Nutrient Elements in Panax notoginseng by Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy and Chemometric Methods
Authors: Shen Tingting , Li Weijiao , Zhang Xi , Kong Wenwen , Liu Fei , Wang Wei , Peng Jiyu
Published: April 2019

High-accuracy and fast detection of nutritive elements in traditional Chinese medicine Panax notoginseng (PN) is beneficial for providing useful assessment of the healthy alimentation and pharmaceutical value of PN herbs. Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was applied for high-accuracy and fast quantitative detection of six nutritive elements in PN samples from eight producing areas. More than 20,000 LIBS spectral variables were obtained to show elemental differences in PN samples. Univariate and multivariate calibrations were used to analyze the quantitative relationship between spectral variables and elements. Multivariate calibration based on full spectra and selected variables by the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) weights was used to compare the prediction ability of the partial least-squares regression (PLS), least-squares support vector machines (LS-SVM), and Lasso models. More than 90 emission lines for elements in PN were found and located. Univariate analysis was negatively interfered by matrix effects. For potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and boron, LS-SVM models based on the selected variables obtained the best prediction performance with Rp values of 0.9546, 0.9176, 0.9412, 0.9665, and 0.9569 and root mean squared error of prediction (RMSEP) of 0.7704 mg/g, 0.0712 mg/g, 0.1000 mg/g, 0.0012 mg/g, and 0.0008 mg/g, respectively. For iron, the Lasso model based on full spectra obtained the best result with an Rp value of 0.9348 and RMSEP of 0.0726 mg/g. The results indicated that the LIBS technique coupled with proper multivariate chemometrics could be an accurate and fast method in the determination of PN nutritive elements for traditional Chinese medicine management and pharmaceutical analysis.
Putative Effects of Nutritive Polyphenols on Bone Metabolism In Vivo—Evidence from Human Studies
Authors: Austermann Katharina , Baecker Natalie , Stehle Peter , Heer Martina
Published: April 2019

For the prevention and treatment of bone loss related diseases, focus has been put on naturally derived substances such as polyphenols. Based on human intervention studies, this review gives an overview of the effects of dietary significant polyphenols (flavonoids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and stilbenes) on bone turnover. Literature research was conducted using PubMed database and articles published between 01/01/2008 and 31/12/2018 were included (last entry: 19/02/2019). Randomized controlled trials using oral polyphenol supplementation, either of isolated polyphenols or polyphenols-rich foods with healthy subjects or study populations with bone disorders were enclosed. Twenty articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria and the average study quality (mean Jadad score: 4.5) was above the pre-defined cut-off of 3.0. Evidence from these studies does not allow an explicit conclusion regarding the effects of dietary important polyphenols on bone mineral density and bone turnover markers. Differences in study population, habitual diet, lifestyle factors, applied polyphenols, used doses, and polyphenol bioavailability complicate the comparison of study outcomes.
Clinical Management of Intermittent Fasting in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Grajower Martin M. , Horne Benjamin D.
Published: April 2019

Intermittent fasting is increasing in popularity as a means of losing weight and controlling chronic illness. Patients with diabetes mellitus, both types 1 and 2, comprise about 10% of the population in the United States and would likely be attracted to follow one of the many methods of intermittent fasting. Studies on the safety and benefits of intermittent fasting with diabetes are very limited though, and health recommendations unfortunately today arise primarily from weight loss gurus and animal studies. Medical guidelines on how to manage therapeutic intermittent fasting in patients with diabetes are non-existent. The evidence to build such a clinical guideline for people with a diabetes diagnosis is almost non-existent, with just one randomized trial and several case reports. This article provides an overview of the available knowledge and a review of the very limited pertinent literature on the effects of intermittent fasting among people with diabetes. It also evaluates the known safety and efficacy issues surrounding treatments for diabetes in the fasting state. Based on those limited data and a knowledge of best practices, this paper proposes expert-based guidelines on how to manage a patient with either type 1 or 2 diabetes who is interested in intermittent fasting. The safety of each relevant pharmaceutical treatment during a fasting period is considered. When done under the supervision of the patient’s healthcare provider, and with appropriate personal glucose monitoring, intermittent fasting can be safely undertaken in patients with diabetes.
Imbalance between Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Early Pregnancy Is Predictive of Postpartum Depression in a Belgian Cohort
Authors: Hoge Axelle , Tabar Valentine , Donneau Anne-Françoise , Dardenne Nadia , Degée Sylvie , Timmermans Marie , Nisolle Michelle , Guillaume Michèle , Castronovo Vincenzo
Published: April 2019

While studies revealed that the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) and their mediators would be able to regulate several biological processes involved into the development of postpartum depression (PPD), evidence from observational studies remains mixed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between maternal erythrocyte n-3 PUFA, measured in early pregnancy, and the risk of PPD. A Belgian cohort of 72 healthy women was screened. Erythrocyte fatty acids were analysed using gas chromatography. PPD was assessed using the Bromley Postnatal Depression Scale by phone interview one year after delivery. We observed a significant negative association between docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels and the risk of postpartum depression in the adjusted model (p = 0.034). Higher n-6/n-3 and arachidonic acid (AA)/eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) ratios were significantly associated with an increased odds of PPD (p = 0.013 and p = 0.043, respectively). Women with an omega-3 index <5% had a 5-fold increased risk of depressive episode than did those with an omega-3 index ≥5% (OR 5.22 (95% CI 1.24–21.88)). A low n-3 PUFA status, alone and combined with high n-6 PUFA status, in early pregnancy was associated with a greater risk of PPD. Management of maternal n-3 PUFA deficiency can be a simple, safe and cost-effective strategy for the prevention of this major public health issue.
CLE-CLAVATA1 Signaling Pathway Modulates Lateral Root Development under Sulfur Deficiency
Authors: Dong Wei , Wang Yinghua , Takahashi Hideki
Published: April 2019

Plant root system architecture changes drastically in response to availability of macronutrients in the soil environment. Despite the importance of root sulfur (S) uptake in plant growth and reproduction, molecular mechanisms underlying root development in response to S availability have not been fully characterized. We report here on the signaling module composed of the CLAVATA3 (CLV3)/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION (CLE) peptide and CLAVATA1 (CLV1) leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase, which regulate lateral root (LR) development in Arabidopsis thaliana upon changes in S availability. The wild-type seedlings exposed to prolonged S deficiency showed a phenotype with low LR density, which was restored upon sulfate supply. In contrast, the clv1 mutant showed a higher daily increase rate of LR density relative to the wild-type under prolonged S deficiency, which was diminished to the wild-type level upon sulfate supply, suggesting that CLV1 directs a signal to inhibit LR development under S-deficient conditions. CLE2 and CLE3 transcript levels decreased under S deficiency and through CLV1-mediated feedback regulations, suggesting the levels of CLE peptide signals are adjusted during the course of LR development. This study demonstrates a fine-tuned mechanism for LR development coordinately regulated by CLE-CLV1 signaling and in response to changes in S availability.
Smoke-Water Enhances Germination and Seedling Growth of Four Horticultural Crops
Authors: Elsadek Mohamed A. , Yousef Eltohamy A. A.
Published: April 2019

The impact of plant-derived smoke as a promoter of seed germination in many crops is well documented. However, very little is known about (1) the appropriate plant species for smoke-water preparation, (2) the effect of smoke-water on the germination and the post-germination parameters in non-fire-prone environments, and (3) the relative importance of dark and light conditions and their possible effects. To fill these gaps in knowledge, we conducted field experiments to evaluate the effect of smoke-water produced from five plant species—white willow, sage, rice straw, rosemary, and lemon eucalyptus—on the germination and seedling growth of cucumber, tomato, scotch marigold, and gladiolus. The seeds and cormels were soaked in smoke-water under light or dark conditions. The results revealed that the smoke-water treatments derived from white willow and lemon eucalyptus enhanced germination, post-germination parameters, and macro element content whilst also contributing to dormancy-breaking. In addition, these smoke-water treatments significantly reduced abscisic acid content and increased α-amylase activity under light conditions; however, the stimulating effects were absent under dark conditions. In conclusion, we provide new evidence that germination and seedling growth in non-fire-prone environments can be enhanced by plant-derived smoke, and that stimulating impacts depend on the plant species used to prepare the smoke-water.
Comparison on the Aging of Woods Exposed to Natural Sunlight and Artificial Xenon Light
Authors: Liu Ru , Zhu Hanwen , Li Kang , Yang Zhong
Published: April 2019

To investigate the relationship between sunlight and artificial light sources on the weathering of wood, three woods, namely, Tectona grandis L.F. (teak), Stereospermum colais (mabberley), and Dicorynia guianensis (basralocus), were tested under natural sunlight for 733 days and artificial xenon light for 180 h, respectively. A comparison between sunlight and artificial xenon light was made based on surface color changes at various intervals. The results showed that the woods suffered from more severe aging in the artificial xenon light exposure than that in the natural sunlight exposure. At the early stage of exposure, very good relationships were found between 70 days under natural sunlight weathering and 60 h under artificial xenon light weathering. Compared with natural sunlight, about a 30 times faster aging process was identified in the artificial xenon light. However, the linear relationship vanished at the later aging stage. It was found that the color change fluctuated in natural sunlight, while it increased steadily in artificial xenon light. The wood species affected the aging of woods. In natural sunlight exposure, the color change decreased in the order of mabberley > teak > basralocus, while in artificial xenon light exposure, color change decreased in the order of mabberley > basralocus > teak due to the easier volatilization of extractives in artificial xenon light than in natural sunlight.
Partaking of Life: Buddhism, Meat-Eating, and Sacrificial Discourses of Gratitude in Contemporary Japan
Authors: Ambros Barbara R.
Published: April 2019

In contemporary Japan, a Buddhist discourse has emerged that links life and food and centers on gratitude. While the connection between animals and gratitude has a long history in Buddhism, here the meaning of repaying a debt of gratitude has shifted from an emphasis on liberating animals to consuming them with gratitude, thereby replacing anti-meat-eating arguments with a sacrificial rationale. This rationale is also apparent in Partaking of Life, a children’s book written by a Jōdo Shin Buddhist adherent, which has found a receptive audience in Jōdo Shin circles, including the voice-acting troupe Team Ichibanboshi. This article provides a close reading of Partaking of Life: The Day That Little Mii Becomes Meat, followed by historical contexts for Buddhist vegetarianism and discrimination against professions that rely on killing animals, particularly as these themes pertain to Jōdo Shin Buddhism. The essay ends on an analysis of Team Ichibanboshi’s sermon on Partaking of Life.
Bank Competition in India: Some New Evidence Using Risk-Adjusted Lerner Index Approach
Authors: Arrawatia Rakesh , Misra Arun , Dawar Varun , Maitra Debasish
Published: April 2019

Banks in India have been gone through structural changes in the last three decades. The prices that bank charge depend on the competitive levels in the banking sector and the risk the assets and liabilities carry in banks’ balance sheet. The traditional Lerner Index indicates competitive levels. However, this measure does not account for the risk, and this study introduces a risk-adjusted Lerner Index for evaluating competition in Indian banking for the period 1996 to 2016. The market power estimated through the adjusted Lerner Index has been declining since 1996, which indicates an improvement in competitive condition for the overall period. Further, as indicated by risk-adjusted Lerner Index, the Indian banking system exerts much less market power and hence are more competitive contrary to what is suggested by traditional Lerner index.
‘A Poor Prospect Indeed’: The State’s Disavowal of Child Abuse Victims in Youth Custody, 1960–1990
Authors: Jarman Ben , Lanskey Caroline
Published: April 2019

Child abuse in youth custody in England and Wales is receiving an unprecedented degree of official attention. Historic allegations of abuse by staff in custodial institutions which held children are now being heard by the courts and by the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA), and some criminal trials have resulted in convictions. A persistent question prompted by these investigations is that of why the victims of custodial child abuse were for so long denied recognition as such, or any form of redress. Drawing on original documentary research, this article aims to explain why and how state authorities in England and Wales failed to recognise the victimisation of children held in penal institutions between 1960 and 1990, and argues that this failure constitutes a disavowal of the state’s responsibility. We show that the victims of custodial child abuse were the victims of state crimes by omission, because the state failed to recognise or to uphold a duty of care. We argue further that this was possible because the occupational cultures and custodial practices of penal institutions failed to recognise the structural and agentic vulnerabilities of children. Adult staff were granted enormous discretionary power which entitled them to act (and to define their actions) without effective constraint. These findings, we suggest, have implications for how custodial institutions for children should think about the kinds of abuse which are manifest today.
Visceral Encounters: A Political Ecology of Urban Land, Food, and Housing in Dubuque, Iowa
Authors: Chennault Carrie , Klavitter Laura , Sutton Lynn
Published: April 2019

Through a praxis of co-authorship between a university scholar and two community gardeners/organizers/activists, this article showcases the ways in which knowledge, practices, and relationalities emergent in community gardens in Dubuque, Iowa USA directly engage with the politics of food, land, and housing. The authors engage in co-authorship across university and community boundaries to ontologically reframe knowledge production and draw critical attention to the everyday livelihoods and political ecologies experienced within marginalized communities. We use extended conversations and interviews to analyze the food, land, and housing issues that emerge in the context of uneven racial relations and neighborhood revitalization. We then organize our analysis using a Political Ecology of the Body (PEB) framework to consider how people’s bodily, emotional, and social lives impact their relationalities with food, gardening, and neighborhood spaces. Our findings show that community gardening efforts are transforming the Washington and North End neighborhoods—even if these changes appear to outsiders to be small-scale or difficult to measure—while also calling attention to the anti-oppression and anti-racism work that remains to be done. Our co-authorship demonstrates how community gardeners and university partners can work together to contest histories of marginalization and foster more socially just relations.
Stakeholder Perspectives Towards National Parks and Protected Areas in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Tokhais Abdulelah , Thapa Brijesh
Published: April 2019

There is a genuine need to examine stakeholders’ perception of biodiversity conservation and tourism development due to overlapping roles and conflicting priorities among key governmental agencies in Saudi Arabia. The need to understand the role of each stakeholder group will assist to support policy formulation and implementation, along with effective practices. Within this context, the purpose of this study was to examine stakeholder perspectives towards National Parks and Protected Areas in Saudi Arabia. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews from 11 stakeholders’ representative of public, private, and non-governmental organizations from the tourism and conservation community. Findings revealed four main themes—tourism development, management issues, development challenges, and policy concerns. In addition, multiple sub-themes within each were further categorized. Overall, findings highlight the need to form a foundation for sustainable tourism development that aims to conserve biodiversity and provide opportunities for local communities to ensure economic growth. Implications for development in National Parks and Protected Areas in Saudi Arabia are also noted.
Impact of Brownfield Sites on Local Energy Production as Resilient Response to Land Contamination: A Case Study in Italy
Authors: Mecca Umberto , Piantanida Paolo , Prizzon Francesco , Rebaudengo Manuela
Published: April 2019

The decentralization of the production sector crisis following industries in the suburbs have generated a multitude of empty containers in the medium-large Italian cities, which are abandoned, unsafe, and often dangerous for the community. From this arises the need to recover them and transform them into something else. This is not always possible or interesting for the subjects involved in the transformation. When the abandoned space is (even if only partially) polluted, then any hypothesis of transformation is stopped due to the high impact of decontamination costs, which greatly compromise the profitability of the investment. This paper deals with this issue focusing on a complex case study involving the abandoned area and the buildings of a former paint mill in the center of a typical city in the Turin metropolitan area. The suggested hypothesis is to act only on building components and external areas without any ground modification because of its contamination. Moreover, the new planned use (energy production from renewable sources to supply part of the public administration’s needs) does not foresee neither a stable presence of people nor a further consumption of land. The technical analysis of community energy needs and the subsequent economic and financial study lead to a financial sustainability over a period of about 25 years.
A Two-Tier Scenario Planning Model of Environmental Sustainability Policy in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Tser-Yieth , Huang Chi-Jui
Published: April 2019

This study proposes a two-tier scenario planning model, consisting of scenario development and policy portfolio planning, to demonstrate the environmental sustainability policy planning process. Scenario development embodies future scenarios that incorporate the uncertainties regarding the decision values and technological alternatives. Policy portfolio planning is used to assess the selected policy alternatives under each scenario and to develop a robust and responsive plan. We organized first- and second-tier committees of 10–12 experts from diverse professional fields to undertake environmental sustainability policy planning in Taiwan. The first-tier committee generated three scenarios: “live at the mercy of the elements”, “industry convergence”, and “technology pilot”. The second-tier committee ensured that, from cradle-to-cradle (C2C), green supply chain management (GSCM), and industry symbiosis (IS), life-cycle type policies enhance green willingness and capabilities in the businesses. This is the first study to consider the first-tier process with scenario development and the second-tier process with policy portfolio planning for environmental sustainability, and contributes by considering intuitive logics approach-based scenarios and robust policies for extant portfolio plans, providing life-cycle- type policy profiles in environmental sustainability.
Development of a Novel Hybrid Optimization Algorithm for Minimizing Irrigation Deficiencies
Authors: Valikhan-Anaraki Mahdi , Mousavi Sayed-Farhad , Farzin Saeed , Karami Hojat , Ehteram Mohammad , Kisi Ozgur , Fai Chow Ming , Hossain Md. Shabbir , Hayder Gasim , Ahmed Ali Najah , El-Shafie Amr H. , Bin Hashim Huzaifa , Afan Haitham Abdulmohsin , Lai Sai Hin , El-Shafie Ahmed
Published: April 2019

One of the most important issues in the field of water resource management is the optimal utilization of dam reservoirs. In the current study, the optimal utilization of the Aydoghmoush Dam Reservoir is examined based on a hybrid of the bat algorithm (BA) and particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSOA) by increasing the convergence rate of the new hybrid algorithm (HA) without being trapped in the local optima. The main goal of the study was to reduce irrigation deficiencies downstream of this reservoir. The results showed that the HA reduced the computational time and increased the convergence rate. The average downstream irrigation demand over a 10-year period (1991–2000) was 25.12 × 106 m3, while the amount of water release based on the HA was 24.48 × 106 m3. Therefore, the HA was able to meet the irrigation demands better than some other evolutionary algorithms. Moreover, lower indices of root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) were obtained for the HA. In addition, a multicriteria decision-making model based on the vulnerability, reliability, and reversibility indices and the objective function performed better with the new HA than with the BA, PSOA, genetic algorithm (GA), and shark algorithm (SA) in terms of providing for downstream irrigation demands.
Research on the Intergenerational Transmission of Poverty in Rural China Based on Sustainable Livelihood Analysis Framework: A Case Study of Six Poverty-Stricken Counties
Authors: Wu Xiaoying , Qi Xinhua , Yang Shan , Ye Chao , Sun Biao
Published: April 2019

China’s complicated and diverse poverty problems gradually emerged as poverty alleviation efforts deepened and rural urbanization progressed. Among these problems, the intergenerational transmission of poverty (ITP) is the most prominent and is an entrenched issue in rural China. This study selects six typical poverty-stricken counties in the eastern, central, and western regions of China on the basis of geography and uses the transformation matrix method and a regression model to analyze the regional differentiation characteristics of ITP. We further explore its impact mechanisms based on a sustainable livelihood analysis framework with the following results: (1) ITP in rural China exhibits the phenomenon of income-stratified transmission, and the groups at both ends of the low-income spectrum are more prone to having ITP; (2) ITP and the intergenerational mobility of income for different income levels have different spatial distribution characteristics, with these intergenerational relationships exhibiting a reverse variation trend in the eastern region, while exhibiting a codirectional variation trend in the central and western regions; (3) there are differences in the subsistence livelihood capital, which affect ITP in different regions. Financial capital has a significant impact on ITP across all of China. Natural capital has a significant impact on the eastern region, and physical capital plays a significant role in the central region, while the western region is greatly affected by both human and physical capital. In view of the differences in the influence of livelihood capital on ITP in different regions, China should formulate policies to accurately address ITP in order to narrow regional differences and accelerate the comprehensive construction of a financially affluent society.
A Spatial Analysis of the Achievements, in Terms of Regional Development, Accomplished by the Initial EU-Member Cohesion Fund Beneficiaries Using a Synthetic Indicator
Authors: Rodríguez Martín José Antonio , Martín Martín José María , Salinas Fernández José Antonio , Zermeño Mejía Karla Aída , Añaños Bedriñana Karen G.
Published: April 2019

This study proposes construction of a synthetic indicator to measure progress toward the objective of economic and social cohesion among the regions of Spain, Greece, Ireland and Portugal within the framework of European Community Regional Policy and the spatial disparities among these countries. Our aim is to integrate, in a single indicator, a large number of variables defined by the European Commission to monitor improvements in regional development, classified according to the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy to promote smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. To achieve this goal, we use the Pena distance method for the year 2013.
Assessing the Impact of Terraces and Vegetation on Runoff and Sediment Routing Using the Time-Area Method in the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Bai Juan , Yang Shengtian , Zhang Yichi , Liu Xiaoyan , Guan Yabing
Published: April 2019

Terracing and vegetation are an effective practice for soil and water conservation on sloped terrain. They can significantly reduce the sediment yield from the surface area, as well as intercept the sediment yield from upstream. However, most hydrological models mainly simulate the effect of the terraces and vegetation on water and sediment reduction from themselves, without considering their roles in the routing process, and thus likely underestimate their runoff and sediment reduction effect. This study added the impact of terraces and vegetation practice on water and sediment routing using the time-area method. The outflow in each travel time zone was revised in each time step by extracting the watershed of the terrace units and the vegetation units and calculating the water or sediment stored by the terraces or held by the vegetation. The revised time-area method was integrated into the Land change Model-Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (LCM-MUSLE) model. Pianguanhe Basin, in the Chinese Loess Plateau, was chosen as the study area and eight storms in the 1980s and 2010s were selected to calibrate and verify the original LCM-MUSLE model and its revised version. The results showed that the original model was not applicable in more recent years, since the surface was changed significantly as a result of revegetation and slope terracing, while the accuracy improved significantly when using the revised version. For the three events in the 2010s, the average runoff reduction rate in routing process was 51.02% for vegetation, 26.65% for terraces, and 71.86% for both terraces and vegetation. The average sediment reduction rate in routing process was 32.22% for vegetation, 24.52% for terraces, and 53.85% for both terraces and vegetation. This study provides a generalized method to quantitatively assess the impact of terraces and vegetation practice on runoff and sediment reduction at the catchment scale.
Performance Comparison of Conventional and Modified Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) Reactors Treating High-Strength Cattle Slaughterhouse Wastewater
Authors: Musa Mohammed Ali , Idrus Syazwani , Che Man Hasfalina , Nik Daud Nik Norsyahariati
Published: April 2019

Cattle slaughterhouse wastewater (CSWW) with an average chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand of 32,000 mg/L and 17,000 mg/L, respectively, can cause a severe environmental hazard if discharged untreated. Conventional upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor is used in the treatment of slaughterhouse wastewater to meet the discharge standard limit of wastewater discharge set by the Department of Environment Malaysia (DOE). However, at higher loading rates the conventional systems are characterized by slow-growing microorganism resulting in long startup period, surface scum formation, and sludge washout. In this work, the performance of two laboratory scale (12 L) conventional (R1) and modified (R2) UASB reactors treating CSWW at mesophilic (36 ± 1 °C) condition were investigated. Both reactors were subjected to increasing organic loading rate (OLR) from 1.75 to 32 g L−1 day−1. The average COD, BOD5, and TSS removal efficiencies were ˃90%, at an OLR between 1.75 to 5 g L−1 day−1. The study revealed that R1 drastically reduced to 50, 53, and 43% with increasing OLR until 16 g L−1 day−1, whereas R2 maintained 76, 77, and 88% respectively, under the same OLR. Sign of reactor instability was very much pronounced in R1, showing poorly active Methanosaeta spp., whereas R2 showed a predominantly active Methanosarcina spp.
Metrological Complex for Verification and Calibration Optoelectronic Devices, Sensitive in the Infrared
Authors: Shabashkevich B. , Dobrovolsky Yu. , Yuriev V.
Published: April 2019

The complex of metrological equipment for metrological researches of measuring equipment is presented. Purpose — measurement of energy illumination in the spectral range of (0,6—25) μm. The complex has an extended range of measurement of energy illumination and minimal errors of their measurement.
The Results of the Testing of Led Light According to the Method of Measuring the Lighting Engineering Parameters
Authors: Kolesnyk A. , Usichenko D. , Nazarenko L.
Published: April 2019

The paper presents results of the thermographic and numerical analyses of the chosen design of the LED lamp radiator. The LED technology is characterized by the most dynamic development in the ligh ting market. The object of the test is the LED-1 product, which represents the unit module of the multi-module lighting system. Due to high heat fl ux on the small surface of the individual diodes, problems related to the light source cooling become to be one of the basic ones. The parameters of the test modes for the eff ects of changes in temperature are selected taking into account the physical and mechanical properties of the materials used in the manufacture of the product. Tests were conducted in a windless, dark room. Heat was discharged through convection and radiation. The tests in a dark room were conducted. Heat was discharged through convection and radiation. A thermoelectric transducer chromel-copel with dimensions of 400 μm was used to measure the temperature. The temperature was measured by passing a nominal current of 1,67 A through the module. The test results were analyzed and processed. Based on the result it was decided that the works will be continued using the advanced test stand, equipped with the system of the forced air circulation, control and data acquisition system connected with set of the temperature measurers and improved barriers, preventing the interference of the light fl ux with the thermographic measurement.
The results of studies of thermal conditions and lighting parameters of the sample of the LED lamp in the process of robots are given. The ability of LED modules to resist the destructive action of heat has been determined. Inspection of potentially unreliable structural elements, strength of fasteners has been done. The luminous effi ciency of LED modules is calculated by indirect and direct, thermal and optical measurements. For the clarity of the working picture was a measured base spectral characteristic. The case temperature, with basic measurements, was 45 °C, and the ambient temperature was 24,2 °C. Analyzing the measurement results — the deviation of the light characteristics amounted to < 10 %. Bringing measurement results to model drawings in CAD SolidWorks allowed us to create a consistent computer model of the product. The model allows with sufficient accuracy to carry out all the calculations for thermal and mass-dimensional data.
Scientific Basis of Distance Determination Between Objects by the Computerized Systems of Mechanical Quantities Measurement
Authors: Kvasnikov V. , Dudnik A.
Published: April 2019

Nowadays, wireless technologies are increasingly used in information measuring systems. The article will describe the concept of using wireless sensory networks (WSN) as a computerized system for measuring mechanical quantities, namely, the distance (object localization). Wireless sensor networks consist of a large number of sensory nodes that are used to control a particular area. This type of network has become popular due to its application, which includes several areas, such as environmental, medical, industrial, household, agricultural and meteorological.
In this article it is proposed to consider sensor networks as a kind of computerized systems for measuring mechanical quantities, for example, measuring the distance between objects and analyzing the measurement error. It is proposed to describe the mathematical model of this problem, as well as formulate the basic definitions of system elements.
In this work a structural diagram of the measu­ring device of a wireless sensor network, consisting of a sensor, a microcontroller, a power element and a transceiver was constructed. The mathematical model of determination of coordinates in a wireless sensor network is proposed, which includes the distance between adjacent nodes, the number of sensor nodes forming the system of equations and the distribution function. A number of definitions have been introduced that characterize the process of establishing the current state of the node of the sensor network, namely: Defined nodes, Anchor nodes, Units of additional information, Localization problem. The criteria for classification of localization algorithms are defined, namely: data identification, data correlation, node addressing, network management, geographic algorithms. A study of a mathematical model was conducted. The purpose of these studies was to find new alternative methods for determining the distance between objects, which, in addition to the classical means of measuring mechanical quantities, was proposed to use the function of localization of objects of wireless sensor networks. As a result of the research, the error of the localization of the nodes of the sensor network was estimated. The experiment data with the model of the sensor network made it possible to analyze the possible ways to reduce the localization error in further research.
Scheme for Certification of Non-Destructive Testing Personnel, Operating in the Nordic Countries
Authors: Khorlo N.
Published: April 2019

The analysis of the normative document DOC GEN 010, which is regulating the procedure for conducting qualification examinations and the procedure for certification of personnel performing industrial non-destructive testing in the Nordic countries, has been performed. The document was developed by the organization NORDTEST, which is the single organ of the Nordic countries in the field of conformity assessment. The considered document establishes additional requirements for the preparation, content and procedure for conducting qualification examinations and the certification procedure in general, in relation to the current international standard ISO 9712. The scheme provides the qualification level of NDT personnel, which is recognized, and in some cases is regulated by state bodies and consumers of NDT services in Nordic countries.
The Method and the Results of the Direct Comparison of the Laser Interferometers Renishaw Xl-80
Authors: Samoylenko O. , Adamenko O. , Kalynichenko V.
Published: April 2019

The method of the direct comparison of the laser interferometers and method processing of the interferometry measurement results by the least square method (LSM) is present. The additive part of the measurement error for each pair of the interferometers is evaluated and the multiplicative part of the measurement error for each interferometer is evaluated too by LSM. Uncertainty by A tape by LSM is evaluated for all parameters. Results of the comparison of the three interferometers are presented.
Photometer for Measuring the Characteristics of the Light Source with Directed Light Radiation
Authors: Neyezhmakov P. , Tymofeiev E. , Lyashenko О.
Published: April 2019

The accuracy of the measurement of the main photometric characteristic of the emitter determines the error for determining the total light flux of the light sources, especially light emitting diodes, for which it should not exceed 5 per cent. Existing measurement methods with the use of integrated spheres, goniophotometers and goniophotometers of the near field require a great deal of time and have a great deal of value. To eliminate these shortcomings, a method for measuring the characteristics of light sources with directed light distribution is proposed based on the use of a set of meters located in a plane perpendicular to the main direction of the source radiation propagation. On the basis of this method, a photometer for measuring the characteristics of the directional light sources is developed, which allows to quickly, in real time, determine the characteristics of the emitters. The method of determining the parameters of light distribution of directed sources of light for the construction of its photometric body is not required to use a rotary means. Taking into account the significant influence of temperature fluctuations on the characteristics of LED light sources, it is possible will upgrade the proposed method for determining the photometric body of the radiation source in real time and when the temperature changes due to the introduction of additional elements in the future.
Generalized Comparison of the Results of Evaluation of Experts Competence in the Field of Metrology
Authors: Velychko O. , Gordienko T.
Published: April 2019

The article presents the results of research of known methods and methods for assessing the competence of experts in the field of metrology according to established criteria. The results are processed using special techniques and software tools, taking into account the uncertainty of the data and the application of the analytical hierarchy method. A comparative analysis of the results is carried out to assess the convergence and suitability of the methods.