bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the Main Hydrodynamic Patterns in Shallow Water Estuaries: The Minho Case Study
Authors: Iglesias Isabel , Avilez-Valente Paulo , Bio Ana , Bastos Luísa
Published: May 2019

Numerical models are key tools to characterize hydrodynamical patterns of coastal environments and anticipate the potential effects of hazardous and extreme events, anthropogenic intervention or climate change. In this work, the openTELEMAC-MASCARET modelling system was selected to represent the dynamics of the Minho estuary, a very shallow estuary located at the Northwestern Iberian Peninsula coast. Calibration and validation results confirm the accuracy of the numerical tool, with small root mean square errors, close to null bias and the close to unit correlation and skill coefficients obtained for water level and currents velocity at several estuarine locations. The obtained results depict a tide dominated estuary with a delay in the tide phase and a marked asymmetry in the tide curve that increases upriver. Additionally, an upstream diminution of M2 and an upstream augmentation of M4 was observed, classifying this estuary as flood-dominated. The represented current patterns show that variations in the intensities of the main driving forces alter the behaviour of the hydrodynamical patterns within the estuary, with a clear dependence on bathymetric and topographic characteristics. During flood events, larger estuarine regions become submerged due to the low margins and the wetland characteristics, highlighting the need for accurate numerical models that can be used as a decision-making support tool for effective and integrated estuarine management.
Linkages between Macrophyte Functional Traits and Water Quality: Insights from a Study in Freshwater Lakes of Greece
Authors: Stefanidis Konstantinos , Papastergiadou Eva
Published: May 2019

Freshwater ecologists have shown increased interest in assessing biotic responses to environmental change using functional community characteristics. With this article, we investigate the potential of using functional traits of the aquatic plants to assess eutrophication in freshwater lakes. To this end we collected macrophyte and physicochemical data from thirteen lakes in Greece and we applied a trait-based analysis to first identify discrete groups of macrophytes that share common functional traits and then to assess preliminary responses of these groups to water quality gradients. We allocated 11 traits that cover mostly growth form and morphological characteristics to a total of 33 macrophyte species. RLQ and fourth corner analysis were employed to explore potential relationships between species, trait composition and environmental gradients. In addition, a hierarchical cluster analysis was conducted to discriminate groups of plants that share common trait characteristics and then the position of the groups along the environmental gradients was assessed. The results showed total phosphorus, chlorophyll-a, conductivity, pH and Secchi disk depth as main drivers of the environmental gradients. Hierarchical cluster analysis showed a clear separation of macrophyte assemblages with discrete functional characteristics that appeared to associate with different environmental drivers. Thus, rooted submerged plants were related with higher Secchi disk depth, conductivity and alkalinity whereas rooted floating-leaved plants showed a preference for enriched waters with phosphorus and nitrogen. In addition, free-floating plants were related positively with nitrogen and increased pH. Although we did not identify specific trait patterns with environmental drivers, our findings indicate a differentiation of macrophytes based on their functional characteristics along water quality gradients. Overall, the presented results are encouraging for conducting future monitoring studies in lakes focused on the functional plant trait composition, as expanding the current approach to additional lakes and using quantifiable functional characteristics will provide more insight about the potential of trait-based approaches as ecological assessment systems.
Actualité de la forêt normande
Authors: Aubert Pierre
Published: May 2019

«Rien ne s'accomplit que dans la durée, rien ne s'acquiert que par la patience, tout se perd par la turbulence.»

Cette affirmation prononcée par M. le Président de la République lors de la célébration du centenaire de «Sciences Po» s'appliquerait tout particulièrement à la forêt ; nul n'ignore en effet que celle-ci est un ensemble vivant complexe lié à beaucoup de passé et gros d'avenir lointain. Durée, patience, solidarité entre les générations en même temps qu'imagination et hardiesse sont les exigences d'une bonne gestion de la forêt ; les futaies, parce qu'elles sont centenaires, portent en elles l'empreinte des heurs et malheurs des époques qu'elles ont traversées.

Présenter la forêt normande telle qu'elle s'offre à nous aujourd'hui oblige donc à porter son regard en arrière dans le temps, puis à saisir le contexte du moment présent pour le dominer et préparer la forêt aux services que demain lui demandera.
La défense et l’invasion du Cotentin en juin 1940
Authors: Nobecourt R.-G.
Published: May 2019

La bataille du Cotentin en juin 1940 -avec laquelle s'achevait l'invasion de la Normandie -doit naturellement être placée dans la situation générale de ces jours d'infortune. Les mêmes éléments pénibles ou honorables qui la tramaient - chez les soldats et chez les civils - s'y manifestent et s'y mêlent. Nous nous bornerons à en rapporter la genèse et le cours tels que nous avons pu les établir d'après les archives du Service historique de l'Armée, de nombreux témoignages recueillis sur place et une visite des lieux mêmes où s'accrochèrent quelques heures de petites troupes fermement encadrées.
Evreux les problèmes de croissance d’une ville moyenne
Authors: El Kamal Jean
Published: May 2019

Jusque-là traditionnelle ville d'administration et de commerce, l'agglomération d'Evreux, doublant sa population en deux décennies, s'est engagée dans un assez remarquable processus de croissance.

Les activités tertiaires assurent leur prépondérance en s'appuyant sur l'action conjuguée du renforcement des services publics et des effets de rattrapage en matière d'équipement, relayés par la montée des niveaux de consommation, illustration à l'échelle locale des modalités du développement national.

L'industrialisation par son rythme d'expansion rapide a été un moteur non moins efficace du dynamisme urbain. Du fait de sa proximité de la capitale et de la mise en œuvre de structures d'accueil favorables, la ville a pleinement profité de la décentralisation industrielle ; parallèlement, elle s'insère dans un système économique de dimension nationale très dépendant du centre de décision parisien.

La progression de l'emploi ne s'est pas toutefois accompagnée de l'élargissement souhaitable du marché du travail. Les difficultés d'intégration sociale des nouveaux citadins sont assez sensibles, en partie suscitées par les déséquilibres spatiaux résultant de l'extension de l'organisme urbain.

Par ses réussites et ses aspects contraignants, l'évolution récente d'Evreux illustre la problématique des villes moyennes françaises.
La pénétration étrangère dans l'industrie haut-normande
Authors: Concato Francis , Thuillier Jean-Pierre
Published: May 2019

Le présent article vise à fournir une image de la situation des entreprises à participation étrangère dans l'industrie de la Haute-Normandie, à partir des statistiques actuellement disponibles. L'hétérogénéité des données (liées à la dualité des sources d'information) et les difficultés méthodologiques inhérentes à la perception de la pénétration étrangère doivent inciter à la circonspection dans l'analyse du phénomène sous examen.

Sous ces réserves, trois conclusions essentielles se dégagent de cette étude. En premier lieu, l'industrie haut-normande constitue un pôle d'attraction de premier plan pour les entreprises étrangères. En second lieu, si l'on considère les origines nationales des capitaux investis, on s'aperçoit que la situation de la Haute-Normandie ne diffère pas sensiblement de celle de l'industrie nationale. A cet égard, l'effet de proximité n'y joue pas un rôle aussi éminent qu'en d'autres régions (Alsace, Lorraine, Nord). Enfin, par le canal des participations en cascade, le capital étranger s'insère dans l'ensemble du tissu industriel régional ; contrairement à une idée trop largement répandue, les petites entreprises industrielles n'échappent pas à la pénétration étrangère, témoignant ainsi du fonctionnement capillaire du capitalisme international.
Marché foncier et valeurs foncières en Basse-Normandie
Authors: Chevalier J.
Published: May 2019

Le marché des terres agricoles en Basse-Normandie se caractérise, durant les trente dernières années par des traits d'une remarquable permanence : peu de terres offertes à la vente, prix toujours très élevés. Mais cette analyse globale masque, en fait, des nuances importantes entre les différentes régions agricoles de la région. Il est donc possible d'esquisser une géographie de la pression foncière qui se transforme avec le temps. Ces caractères ont pesé d'un poids certain sur le processus du développement agricole par le biais de l'endettement foncier et sur l'évolution des rapports sociaux au sein de la société paysanne dont la preuve la plus évidente se lit à travers le déroulement des multiples conflits fonciers qui se sont manifestés dans la région. Ces caractères, aujourd'hui, constituent une des difficultés majeures du développement agricole futur à un moment où l'installation de jeunes agriculteurs apparaît impérative.
L'arithmétique révolutionnaire à Rouen (1789-1799)
Authors: Marec Yannick
Published: May 2019

L'introduction du calcul décimal et du système métrique dans la région rouennaise durant la période révolutionnaire est restée inachevée. L'uniformisation des poids et mesures en usage' sous l'Ancien Régime heurtait trop d'habitudes et trop d'opinions. Aux résistances des mentalités s'ajoutaient des difficultés d'ordre pédagogique. La nouvelle arithmétique rencontrait aussi l'hostilité des contre-révolutionnaires car elle participait à la destruction de l'ancien ét�t social et politique. Les contradictions au sein de la bourgeoisie révolu¬ tionnaire ont également gêné l'application du nouveau système métrologique et de numération qui ne s'est imposé que très lentement à partir de la Monarchie de Juillet.
La participation des entreprises au financement de la formation professionnelle continue : l'exemple de la Haute-Normandie
Authors: Silvestri Ubald , Ribardière Gilles
Published: May 2019

The results of vocational training, financed by the managers are given by statistical data drawn from their declarations sent to the taxes office in the local district where the enterprise is registered. The article tries to analyse these results in Haute-Normandie in a double aim : to point out the main lines of the local development of vocational training compared with the French one, between 1972-78 ; to show and correct, for the year 1977, problems which, because of the data system, bring to an important under-evaluation of what really happens in matter of vocational training specially inside medium and big enterprises.

This correction gives a better approach to vocational training in Haute-Normandie, but not quite perfect as it is quoted in the conclusion.
Factors Affecting Customers’ Experience in Mobile Banking of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Dr. Nazrul , Ahmed Mustafi Mohitul Ameen , Rahman Md. Nafizur , Nower Nowshin , Asef Rafi Md. Mostafa , Natasha Mayisha Tasnim , Hassan Rashik , Afrin Dr. Sharmina
Published: May 2019

Bangladesh is a densely populated country of the world. More than 170 million people live in this country. Mobile banking is a very important and new phenomenon in Bangladesh. In recent years, mobile banking has got highest importance by the customers in the country as it provides immense scope for consumers for banking transactions at any time with the option to access bank’s facilities anywhere of the country. It is a subset of electronic banking, the use of which is increasing day by day in Bangladesh. Hence, this paper aims at indentifying the factors that influence the customer experience in mobile banking in Bangladesh. This study is based on a survey of 231 mobile banking customers of nine private commercial banks of Bangladesh. Literature review identified some factors related to mobile banking like convenient and responsive system, transaction speed and accuracy, reliability, transaction security in ATM booth and technological difficulty that affect customers’ experience in mobile banking systems etc. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the present situation of the mobile banking systems in Bangladesh.
MARKET ANOMALY ANALYSIS: THE DAY OF THE WEEK EFFECT, JANUARY EFFECT, ROGALSKY EFFECT AND WEEKFOUR EFFECT TESTING IN INDONESIA STOCK EXCHANGE (CASE STUDY ON COMPANIES LISTED IN LQ45 INDEX IN 2013- 2017)
Authors: Bagaskara Wendra , Khairunnisa Khairunnisa
Published: May 2019

Financial theory explained that there are four types ofanomalies such as firm anomaly, seasonal anomaly, eventanomaly, and accounting anomaly. Seasonal anomalies aredivided into several parts such as The Day of The WeekEffect, the January Effect, Rogalsky Effect, and Week-FourEffect. The results of research in Indonesia show mixedresults related to this anomaly.The purpose of this research is to test wether The Day ofThe Week Effect, January Effect, Rogalsky Effect, andWeek-Four Effec market anomalyt occurred on theIndonesia Stock Exchange. This research is a study thatuses quantitative research methods with the purpose ofdescriptive-verification. The unit of analysis of this researchis the companies that registered consistently in the LQ45index for the period 2013-2017 using purposive samplingtechnique. This study used 37 research samples for 5 yearsof research and used a different test analysis with SPSSStatistics 25.The results showed that there was an anomaly of TheDay of The Week Effect on the Indonesia Stock Exchangeand there was no anomaly in the January Effect, RogalskyEffect, and Week-Four Effect on the Indonesia StockExchange
Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a saturable absorber for giant chirped pulse generation
Authors: Liu Ji-Shu , Li Xiao-Hui , Qyyum Abdul , Guo Yi-Xuan , Chai Tong , Xu Hua , Jiang Jie
Published: May 2019

Fe3O4 nanoparticles (FONPs) are magnetic materials with a small band gap and have well-demonstrated applications in ultrafast photonics, medical science, magnetic detection, and electronics. Very recently, FONPs were proposed as an ideal candidate for pulse generation in fiber-based oscillators. However, the pulses obtained to date are on the order of microseconds, which is too long for real application in communication. Here, we report the use of FONPs synthesized by a sol–hydrothermal method and used as a saturable absorber (SA) to achieve nanosecond pulses in an erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) for the first time. The proposed fiber laser is demonstrated to have a narrow spectral width of around 0.8 nm and a fixed fundamental repetition rate (RPR) of 4.63 MHz, whose spectra and pulse dynamics are different from the mode-locked lasers reported previously. It is demonstrated that the proposed fiber laser based on a FONP SA operates in the giant-chirp mode-locked regime. The most important result is the demonstration of a pulse duration of 55 ns at an output power of 16.2 mW, which is the shortest pulse based on FONPs for EDFLs reported to date. Our results demonstrate that the FONP dispersion allows for an excellent photonic material for application in ultrafast photonics devices, photoconductive detectors, and optical modulators.
Exploring the Age-dependent Properties of M and L Dwarfs Using Gaia and SDSS
Authors: Kiman Rocio , Schmidt Sarah J. , Angus Ruth , Cruz Kelle L. , Faherty Jacqueline K. , Rice Emily
Published: May 2019

We present a sample of 74,216 M and L dwarfs constructed from two existing catalogs of cool dwarfs spectroscopically identified in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). We cross-matched the SDSS catalog with Gaia DR2 to obtain parallaxes and proper motions and modified the quality cuts suggested by the Gaia Collaboration to make them suitable for late-M and L dwarfs. We also provide relations between Gaia colors and absolute magnitudes with spectral type and conclude that (G − 

) has the tightest relation to spectral type for M and L dwarfs. In addition, we study magnetic activity as a function of position on the color–magnitude diagram, finding that Hα magnetically active stars have, on average, redder colors and/or brighter magnitudes than inactive stars. This effect cannot be explained by youth alone and might indicate that active stars are magnetically inflated, binaries, and/or high metallicity. Moreover, we find that vertical velocity and vertical action dispersion are correlated with Hα emission, confirming that these two parameters are age indicators. We also find that stars below the main sequence have high tangential velocity, which is consistent with a low metallicity and old population of stars that belong to the halo or thick disk.
The Physical Nature of Spiral Wave Patterns in Sunspots
Authors: Kang Juhyung , Chae Jongchul , Nakariakov Valery M. , Cho Kyuhyoun , Kwak Hannah , Lee Kyeore
Published: May 2019

Recently, spiral wave patterns (SWPs) have been detected in 3 minute oscillations of sunspot umbrae, but the nature of this phenomenon has remained elusive. We present a theoretical model that interprets the observed SWPs as the superposition of two different azimuthal modes of slow magnetoacoustic waves driven below the surface in an untwisted and non-rotating magnetic cylinder. We apply this model to SWPs of the line-of-sight (LOS) velocity in a pore observed by the Fast Imaging Solar Spectrograph installed at the 1.6 m Goode Solar Telescope. One- and two-armed SWPs were identified in instantaneous amplitudes of LOS Doppler velocity maps of 3 minute oscillations. The associated oscillation periods are about 160 s, and the durations are about 5 minutes. In our theoretical model, the observed spiral structures are explained by the superposition of non-zero azimuthal modes driven 1600 km below the photosphere in the pore. The one-armed SWP is produced by the slow-body sausage (m = 0) and kink (m = 1) modes, and the two-armed SWP is formed by the slow-body sausage (m = 0) and fluting (m = 2) modes of the magnetic flux tube forming the pore.
X-Ray Timing Studies of the Low-field Magnetar CXOU J164710.2–455216
Authors: An Hongjun , Archibald Robert
Published: May 2019

We report results of X-ray timing analyses for the low-field magnetar CXOU J164710.2−455216, which exhibited multiple outbursts. We use data taken with NICER, NuSTAR, Chandra, and Neil-Gehrels-Swift telescopes between 2017 and 2018 when the source was in an active state. We perform semi-phase-coherent timing analyses to measure the spin parameters and a spin-inferred magnetic-field strength (B

s
) of the magnetar. Using a semi-phase-coherent method, we infer the magnetic-field strengths to be (3–4) × 1013 G at the observation period (∼MJD 58000), and by comparing with previous frequency measurements (MJD 54000) a long-term average value of B

s
is estimated to be ≈4 × 1013 G. So this analysis may add CXOU J164710.2−455216 to the ranks of low-field magnetars. The inferred characteristic age (τ

c
) is 1–2 Myr, which is smaller than the age of Westerlund 1, so the magnetar’s association with the star cluster is still secure. For the low dipole field and the large age, recent multiple outbursts observed from the source are hard to explain unless it has strong magnetic multipole components. We also find timing anomalies around outburst epochs, which suggests that there may be spindown torque applied to the magnetar near the epochs as was proposed in magnetar models.
The Galactic Disk Phase Spirals at Different Galactic Positions Revealed by Gaia and LAMOST Data
Authors: Wang C. , Huang Y. , Yuan H.-B. , Xiang M.-S. , Chen B.-Q. , Wang H.-F. , Wu Y.-Q. , Zhang H.-W. , Tian Z.-J. , Yang Y. , Zhang M. , Liu X.-W.
Published: May 2019

We have investigated the distributions of stellar azimuthal and radial velocity components V
Φ and V

R
in the vertical position–velocity plane Z–V

Z
across the Galactic disk of 6.34 ≲ R ≲ 12.34 kpc and

using a Gaia and Gaia-LAMOST sample of stars. As found in previous works, the distributions exhibit significant spiral patterns. The V

R
distributions also show clear quadrupole patterns, which are the consequence of the well-known tilt of the velocity ellipsoid. The observed spiral and quadrupole patterns in the phase space plane vary strongly with radial and azimuthal positions. The phase spirals of V
Φ become more and more relaxed as R increases. The spiral patterns of V
Φ and V

R
and the quadrupole patterns of V

R
are strongest at −2° < Φ < 2° but negligible at 4° < Φ < 6° and −6° < Φ < −4°. Our results suggest an external origin of the phase spirals. In this scenario, the intruder, most likely the previously well-known Sagittarius dwarf galaxy, passed through the Galactic plane in the direction toward either Galactic center or anti-center. The azimuthal variations of the phase spirals also help us constrain the passage duration of the intruder. A detailed model is required to reproduce the observed radial and azimuthal variations of the phase spirals of V
Φ and V

R
.
Description of a new species of Rhinocoeta Burmeister, 1842 (Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae) from the South African Northern Cape
Authors: Perissinotto Renzo
Published: May 2019

Rhinocoetanamaquasp. nov. is recognised as a separate species from its closest relative, R.cornuta (Fabricius, 1781) after a review and close analysis of specimens recently collected in the semiarid region of the Northern Cape Province, South Africa. The new species can be readily separated from R.cornuta by the drastically reduced tubercle and associated depression on its anterior pronotal margin, particularly in the male. In addition, the general body shape of R.namaqua is more globose than that of R.cornuta, its average total length is larger, and its elytral costae are generally reduced and poorly visible, particularly at the level of the umbones. These characteristics make it practically impossible to separate the two sexes of R.namaqua, without inspection of the internal reproductive organs, as their external morphologies are virtually identical, unlike in R.cornuta. Finally, the aedeagal parameres of R.namaqua exhibit a narrower apex than those of R.cornuta and, in particular, lack the subapical hook-shaped lateral expansions that are so typical of all the other Rhinocoeta s. str. species. The new species appears to be restricted to specific bioregions of the Succulent and Nama Karoo biomes of the Northern Cape, and like all other species of the genus is generally found on or under mammal herbivore dung. Adult activity is limited to short periods immediately after rainfall events, during which individuals fly around and mate, but do not feed on either fruits or flowers.
Students' perception of flipped classroom: A case study for private universities in Jordan
Authors: Aljaraideh Yousef
Published: May 2019

This study examined the male and female students' perceptions of flipped learning system, taking four private universities in the Northern Province in Jordan as the sample of study. Flipped classroom, as an innovative strategy used in higher education, suits the demands of students at a university level, developing their critical thinking and problem solving skills. The current study showed that the students' perceptions of flipped classroom in the Jordanian private universities were high. This study recommended the necessity of using flipped learning technique at universities in Jordan due to its efficiency in developing students' understanding of the curriculum and in motivating them to be become active rather than passive participants in the classroom.
Understanding Preferences: “Demand Types”, and the Existence of Equilibrium With Indivisibilities
Authors: Baldwin Elizabeth , Klemperer Paul
Published: May 2019

An Equivalence Theorem between geometric structures and utility functions allows new methods for understanding preferences. Our classification of valuations into “Demand Types” incorporates existing definitions (substitutes, complements, “strong substitutes,” etc.) and permits new ones. Our Unimodularity Theorem generalizes previous results about when competitive equilibrium exists for any set of agents whose valuations are all of a “demand type.” Contrary to popular belief, equilibrium is guaranteed for more classes of purely‐complements than of purely‐substitutes, preferences. Our Intersection Count Theorem checks equilibrium existence for combinations of agents with specific valuations by counting the intersection points of geometric objects. Applications include matching and coalition‐formation, and the “Product‐Mix Auction” introduced by the Bank of England in response to the financial crisis.
A Distributional Framework for Matched Employer Employee Data
Authors: Bonhomme Stéphane , Lamadon Thibaut , Manresa Elena
Published: May 2019

We propose a framework to identify and estimate earnings distributions and worker composition on matched panel data, allowing for two‐sided worker‐firm unobserved heterogeneity and complementarities in earnings. We introduce two models: a static model that allows for nonlinear interactions between workers and firms, and a dynamic model that allows, in addition, for Markovian earnings dynamics and endogenous mobility. We show that this framework nests a number of structural models of wages and worker mobility. We establish identification in short panels, and develop tractable two‐step estimators where firms are classified in a first step. Applying our method to Swedish administrative data, we find that log‐earnings are approximately additive in worker and firm heterogeneity. Our estimates imply the presence of strong sorting patterns between workers and firms, and a small contribution of firms—net of worker composition—to earnings dispersion. In addition, we document that wages have a direct effect on mobility, and that, beyond their dependence on the current firm, earnings after a job move also depend on the previous employer.
Power in High‐Dimensional Testing Problems
Authors: Kock Anders Bredahl , Preinerstorfer David
Published: May 2019

Fan, Liao, and Yao (2015) recently introduced a remarkable method for increasing the asymptotic power of tests in high‐dimensional testing problems. If applicable to a given test, theirpower enhancement principleleads to an improved test that has the same asymptotic size, has uniformly non‐inferior asymptotic power, and is consistent against a strictly broader range of alternatives than the initially given test. We study under which conditions this method can be applied and show the following: In asymptotic regimes where the dimensionality of the parameter space is fixed as sample size increases, there often exist tests that cannot be further improved with the power enhancement principle. However, when the dimensionality of the parameter space increases sufficiently slowly with sample size and a marginal local asymptotic normality (LAN) condition is satisfied,everytest with asymptotic size smaller than 1 can be improved with the power enhancement principle. While the marginal LAN condition alone does not allow one to extend the latter statement to all rates at which the dimensionality increases with sample size, we give sufficient conditions under which this is the case.
Identification With Additively Separable Heterogeneity
Authors: Allen Roy , Rehbeck John
Published: May 2019

This paper provides nonparametric identification results for a class of latent utility models with additively separable unobservable heterogeneity. These results apply to existing models of discrete choice, bundles, decisions under uncertainty, and matching. Under an independence assumption, such models admit a representative agent. As a result, we can identify how regressors alter the desirability of goods using only average demands. Moreover, average indirect utility (“welfare”) is identified without needing to specify or identify the distribution of unobservable heterogeneity.
Floods types in a mountain catchment: The Ochotnica River, Poland
Authors: Kijowska-Strugała Małgorzata , Bucała-Hrabia Anna
Published: May 2019

This paper presents the results of a study on floods in the Ochotnica River catchment during forty years of hydrological observations (1972–2011). The Ochotnica River is located in the Gorce Mountains, in the Polish Western Carpathians. The characteristics of floods in the Ochotnica River channel were analyzed using limnigraphic records of water levels at the Tylmanowa gauging station and of precipitation based on data from the Polish Institute of Meteorology and the Water Management Station at Ochotnica Górna. Flood types were determined. The predominant type of floods in the Ochotnica River are normal floods with a discharge of 3.80 to 11.94 m³/s in winter and 4.74 to 16.40 m³/s in summer. The dominant recent process is incision, at an average speed of 3.2 cm/year. Similar results have been observed in other mountain rivers in Europe.
The importance of green amenities for small creative actors in Tokyo: Comparing natural and sociocultural spatial attraction characteristics
Authors: Uršič Matjaž , Tamano Kazushi
Published: May 2019

In the last decade, the Japanese authorities have invested considerable effort and economic resources into constructing developmental models that can help build a friendlier environment for the domestic creative economy. Due to Tokyo’s specific natural and sociocultural characteristics, these efforts have had mixed effects on small creative groups. Based on an analysis of spatial attraction factors for individuals from various creative occupations, this article identifies how important green or natural amenities are in comparison with other sociocultural characteristics for small creative groups. The analysis of data acquired through semi-structured interviews indicates that green amenities do not play a primary role in the spatial distribution of small creative groups, but they do play a very important secondary role in cases when creative workers balance similar spatial attraction characteristics in specific areas in Tokyo.
Land-use changes in Slovenia from the Franciscean Cadaster until today
Authors: Gabrovec Matej , Kumer Peter
Published: May 2019

The Franciscean Cadaster from the first half of the nineteenth century is an excellent source for studying land use and its changes. However, to date it has only rarely been used in geographical and historical research at the regional or national level. Setting up a digital database of land use recorded in the Franciscean Cadaster at the level of cadastral municipalities covering all of Slovenia and incorporating it into a geographic information system has provided an opportunity for detailed studies of land-use changes spanning two centuries. This article presents the first analyses of changes in individual land-use types and the typology of changes across two centuries.
Assessment of land-use changes and their impacts on ecosystem services in two Slovenian rural landscapes
Authors: Ribeiro Daniela , Šmid Hribar Mateja
Published: May 2019

This study shows the link between land use, landscape changes, and ecosystem services. Two pilot areas were investigated for how land use changes from 1824 to 2013 affect the provision of ecosystem services. It was found that low-intensity managed traditional land use is disappearing due to the intensification of agricultural production on the one hand, and the retreat of agriculture from unfavorable areas on the other hand. However, such traditional land use contributes to more diverse and more numerous ecosystem services and helps preserve the cultural landscape. Therefore, intensification and overgrowth should be restricted, and less intensive agriculture should be encouraged. The approach presented can be used as a support tool for decision-making in managing and governing landscapes.
Long-term land-use / land-cover changes in Czech border regions
Authors: Kupková Lucie , Bičík Ivan , Boudný Zdeněk
Published: May 2019

This article describes the long-term development of land use and land cover in Czech border regions from 1845 to 2015. It provides an overview of the main works involving Czech border regions and findings by the Faculty of Science at Charles University. The study used the Land Use / Land Cover Changes Czechia (LUCC Czechia 2018) database with six time horizons (1845, 1896, 1948, 1990, 2000, and 2010) and eight categories of land use for approximately nine thousand territorial units, and CORINE Land Cover data for 1990, 2000, and 2006. It also presents a detailed analysis of land-use and land-cover change in one locality in the eastern part of the Krkonoše (Giant Mountains) range, based on land-registry and field-survey data. Development of the LUCC was influenced by the expulsion of ethnic Germans along the western border after the Second World War. The natural conditions in the Czech border areas were identified as another significant factor influencing changes. Changes influenced by these two factors, in combination with several other drivers, are reflected in changes in proportions of land-use and land-cover categories. In the communist period (1948–1990), a significant increase in forests and grasslands accompanied by an extreme decrease in arable land was documented, and the trend of extensification also continued in the transition period from 1990 to 2010.
Uma nobreza não muito regional. O papel político e social dos infanções de Astorga na primeira metade do século XI (1028-1065)
Authors: Sousa Jose Alexandre
Published: May 2019

A través de la documentación tenemos conocimiento de varios momentos de inestabilidad en las tierras occidentales del reino leonés después de la muerte de Alfonso V, en particular en el intervalo que antecedió a la consagración de su hijo como el futuro Vermudo III. Sin embargo, algunos de estos episodios se estarían gestando desde tiempo atrás por diferentes actores sociales, a saber, ciertos miembros de familias condales, como Rodrigo Romaniz, y algunos de los infanzones terrae de que nos hablan esos mismos documentos, como Ecta Rapínatiz y Ero Salítiz.
Estos miembros de las familias de la nobleza local que aquí elegimos analizar se caracterizan por la detentación de la autoridad en sus áreas de influencia —siendo una compañía frecuente de los miembros de las familias condales—, por la movilidad de su actuación política y por protagonizar muchos y variados episodios que atentan contra el patrimonio ajeno, especialmente clerical. La llegada al trono leonés de Fernando I traerá cierto orden social a las tierras del reino, con la devolución, voluntaria o forzosa, de varias de estas propiedades a la iglesia.

[pt] Através da documentação temos conhecimentode vários momentos de instabilidade nas terras ocidentais do reino leonês depois da morte de Afonso V, em particular durante o intervalo que antecedeu a sagração do seu filho como o futuro Vermudo III. Contudo, alguns destes episódios já estariam a medrar em tempos anteriores no seio de diferentes actores sociais, entre os quais, certos membros de famílias condais, como Rodrigo Romaniz, e alguns dos “infanzones terrae” de que nos falam esses mesmo documentos, como Ecta Rapínatiz y Ero Salítiz.
Estes membros das famílias da nobreza local que aqui escolhemos analizar e acompanhar caracterizam-se por deterem uma certa autoridade nas suas áreas de influência —sendo mesmo uma companhia frequente no séquito dos membros das famílias condais—, pela mobilidade da sua actuação política e pelo protagonismo em muitos e variados episódios que atentam contra o património alheio, particularmente clerical. A chegada ao trono de Fernando I trouxe uma certa ordem social aos diversos territórios do reino, com a devolução voluntária, e em certos casos forçada, das propriedades entretanto usurpadas.
La Monarquía Hispánica y el control de los recursos hídricos: hacia la desecación de Las Tablas de Daimiel de 1751
Authors: Celis Pozuelo Alberto , Mediavilla López Rosa , Santisteban Navarro Juan I. , Castaño Castaño Silvino
Published: May 2019

El control de los recursos hídricos fue un objetivo fundamental para la Monarquía Hispánica en La Mancha durante la Edad Moderna. La desecación en 1751 de la superficie encharcada que forma el actual Parque Nacional de Las Tablas de Daimiel, promovida por Fernando VI, es un buen ejemplo de dicho control. Este artículo analiza los principales factores que confluyeron en aquella decisión que supuso la primera gran obra hidráulica de la monarquía borbónica en la cuenca del Guadiana. Para ello se ha estudiado, principalmente, la evolución de los molinos harineros del entorno de Las Tablas de Daimiel durante la Edad Moderna, los conflictos ocasionados por el control del caudal y la climatología de la zona durante la época estudiada. La presión de los molineros sobre el río y el aumento de la aridez provocaron una creciente conflictividad que la monarquía intentó resolver con la desecación. Sin embargo, el principal objetivo fue satisfacer los intereses recaudatorios de la monarquía y los de una serie de ganaderos de la zona vinculados al rey.
Improving the Performance of Hydrogen Sensors with Novel TiO2 Nanotube Arrays Hybrid Structure
Authors: Wei Xiong Bang , Lv Guo Dong , Yang Xiao Hui , Wu Tao , Shi Dong , Huang Wen , Guo Jun Xiong , Gong Tian Xun
Published: May 2019

In this paper, a kind of novel TiO2 nanotube arrays (TNTs) hybrid structure was presented to improve the performance of hydrogen sensors. In this novel structure, palladium functionalized TNTs hybrid nanostructure supported on titanium wire. TNTs arrays was prepared by anodizing Ti wire using a standard electrochemical procedure. Pd nanomaterials were deposited on TNTs. Optimized experiments showed the hydrogen sensor supported on titanium wire showed a good response time of 8 s and high sensitivity of 94.8% at 1.9 vol% H2 at room temperature (25 °C). The research work revealed potential good hydrogen sensitivity of this kind of hybrid nanostructure.
Effect of Sintering Holding Time on Tetragonal Phase Stability of Yttria Stabilized Zirconia Ceramics
Authors: Vignarajah Janani , Murugathas Thanihaichelvan , Ubenthiran Sutharsini
Published: May 2019

In this study, the effect of second step sintering holding time on LTD of 3 mol% yttria tetragonal zirconia polycrystals (3Y-TZP) ceramic was studied. The Zirconia powder was die pressed followed by cold isostatically pressed (CIP) at 200 MPa, and the samples were initially heated to a first step temperature of 1400°C with constant heating rate 10°C/min and the samples were stand still for 1 minute. Then cooled down to the second step temperature of 1200°C and maintained at that temperature for 2 and 10 hours before cooled down to the room temperature. The other sample was sintered by using Single Step Sintering (SSS) at 1400°C for two hours. The phase content in the zirconia samples was measured by using X-ray diffractometer. Average grain size was calculated by using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). The low temperature degradation study was conducted in an autoclave containing superheated steam at 180°C and 10 bar pressures for periods up to 60 hours. Results revealed that the two-step sintering (TSS) effectively controlled the grain growth than SSS and subsequently ageing. Increase in second step sintering holding time from two to ten hours also increased the densification and hydrothermal ageing resistance of Y-TZP ceramics.
Influence of Fine Shot Peening on Mechanical Properties of Orthopedic Plate and Screw
Authors: Ongtrakulkij Goratouch , Khantachawana Anak
Published: May 2019

As the bone fracture is now considered the second most serious disease in the world, a huge number of orthopedic devices for bone healing is being developed. However, there happened to be a number of incidents in which the orthopedic plates were broken inside the body due to inadequate strength. The present study aims to investigate the effects of Fine Shot Peening (FSP) conditions on performances of orthopedic plates and screws. In this research, there are 3 types of medical alloys to be studied namely SUS316 alloy, Ti6Al4V alloy and Ti6Al7Nb. In FSP process, 40 and 80 μm diameter of silica media was selected and utilized. FSP was carried out under the pressure of 0.5 MPa in Nitrogen atmosphere. The study shown that Ti6Al4V alloy with FSP media diameter of 80 μm resulted in 11% increment of bending strength and 40% increment of surface hardness. Regarding the orthopedic screw, the result shown that after applying FSP, the pull out strength from bone could be increased above 76%.
Rice Starch–Based Sponge for Use as Topical Hemostatic Agent
Authors: Punyanitya Sittiporn , Thiansem Sakdiphon , Raksujarit Anirut , Sontichai Watchara , Koonawoot Rungsarit
Published: May 2019

The topical hemostatic agents in surgery are biomaterials that very important for surgeons to stop bleeding in the complicated areas. Currently available hemostatic agents are often expensive, ineffective or raise safety concerns. Synthetic rice starch-based sponge was an inexpensive and promising alternative. In this study, we synthesized and characterized a new hemostatic agent from rice starch and investigated their use as a hemostatic material. The rice starch-based sponge having interconnected pore were synthesized via blending of the rice starch and additive of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and glycerol in hot water, freezing and drying by vacuum sublimation with enlarged porosity and rapid swelling behavior. Characteristics of the final products were then investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS). In vivo studies using 4 rabbits with liver injury showed rice starch-based sponge blood aggregate formation as well as bulk blood coagulation inhibition. The biocompatibility tests showed that this sponge is safe and effective after follow-up for at least 6 months of animal and clinical trial.
Compressive Property and Electrochemistry Behavior of Porous Ti-Nb-Ta-Zr for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Li Bo Qiong , Li Chun Lin , Lu Xing
Published: May 2019

Porous Ti-Nb-Ta-Zr alloys for biomedical applications were successfully fabricated by PM. The microstructure, cycle compressive and electrochemistry behavior were studied. It results that the porous structure of Ti-Nb-Ta-Zr with 0.8 GPa Young’s modulus, 2.7% pseudoelastic strain ratio and-0.44 V corrosion potential in SBF, can be applied to the trabecular bone prosthesis or bone substitute for spinal vertebral body.
Fabrication and Characterization of Porous Bioceramic Made from Bovine Bone Powder Mixed Calcium Phosphate Glass
Authors: Punyanitya Sittiporn , Thiansem Sakdiphon , Raksujarit Anirut , Chankachang Phanlob , Sirisoam Tiwasawat , Koonawoot Rungsarit
Published: May 2019

Bovine bone xenograft was selected bioactive material currently widespread acceptable for using as human bone void filler. In this paper we described a new porous bioceramic block fabricated from bovine bone powders mixed with calcium phosphate glass. The characterized methods were atomic absorption spectrometer, x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersion x-ray spectroscopy, diffusion test, bending test, compressive test and Archimedes’ principle. The final products showed interconnecting pores size range 100 to 500 mm, apparent porosity about 52% and mole ratio of Ca:P as 1.65. The toxic elements such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and lead were lower standard limits of ASTM I (American Society for Testing and Materials International). The samples had a compressive strength more than 400 kg/cm2. So, this object can be useful as an alternative choice for human bone substitute in the vertical compression load bearing area.
Investigation on Performance of Concrete Incorporating Silica Fume and Local UAE Materials
Authors: Sabouni Reem , Abdulhameed Hassan Raad
Published: May 2019

In an effort to reduce the amount of cement in the concrete industry and produce greener concrete, emphasis was put on using several industrial by-products such as silica fume, fly ash and slag as partial replacements for cement in concrete. Due to the enormous number of mega reinforced concrete projects constructed in the United Arab Emirates, it is considered to be one of the largest consumers of high strength concrete in the region. On the other hand, only limited research has been done on high strength concrete incorporating local materials in the UAE. The main objective of this research is to conduct an investigation on the performance of high strength concrete containing silica fume as partial replacement of ordinary Portland cement incorporating superplasticizers and local UAE materials by studying its mechanical properties and durability. The experimental program involved two groups: The first group had a water-to-binder material ratio (w/b) of 0.4, whereas, the second group had w/b = 0.3. For both groups the silica fume replacement percentages were 0 (control mix) 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, and 15 percent. The mechanical properties were tested at 7, 28, and 91 days and the durability tests were performed at 28 days. The results were compared to the control mix and they showed that for all the curing ages studied the use of silica fume as partial replacement of OPC has favorable effect on the compressive strength values and the optimum replacement ratios of silica fume for the tested specimens are found to be at 12.5% and 10% replacement for the w/b ratios of 0.3 and 0.4, respectively. For all the four performed durability tests the replacement of the OPC with silica fume is found to have favorable results and the higher the silica fume percentage replacement of OPC the more favorable the results are. The detailed description of the used mixes and the main conclusions drawn from this research are presented in this paper
Early and Late Compressive Strengths Behaviour of Concrete with Blended South African Extenders
Authors: Akinwale Abiodun Ebenezer , Ikotun Bolanle Deborah , Afolabi Ayo Samuel
Published: May 2019

The use of different supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) has attracted the interest of researchers for years. These materials have their advantages and dis-advantages. The optimal use of these SCMs in concrete may call for blending them together in concrete instead of using them individually. The blend may increase their quality as one disadvantages may be catered for by another one advantages. The present study focusses on investigating the effect of proportional combination of these SCMs on strength development. Three different South African SCMs (Ground granulated blast-furnace slag, Silica fume and Fly ash) were blended at different proportions and used as replacement of cement in concrete. Compressive strength test based on SANS 5860:2006 standard were adopted. The compressive test was performed on 16 different mixes at 7, 14, 28, 90 and 120 days curing periods. The water/cement ratio for all the mix was maintained at 0.5. The compressive strength results are desirable for each curing age at the 30% replacement of cement in which each SCM contributes 10% to the mix, greater strength value at curing age beyond 120 days compared to control sample was envisaged for this sample.