bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantifying importance and scaling effects of atmospheric deposition of inorganic fixed nitrogen for the eutrophic Black Sea
Authors: Varenik A. , Konovalov S. , Stanichny S.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Wet atmospheric depositions have been collected in a rural (Katsiveli) and urban (Sevastopol) location at the Crimean coast of the Black Sea from 2003 to 2008. Samples, 217 from Katsiveli and 228 from Sevastopol, have been analysed for inorganic fixed nitrogen (nitrate, nitrite, and ammonium). Data have revealed almost equal contributions of ammonium (44–45 %) and nitrate (52–53 %) and minor contribution of nitrite (2–4 %) for both rural and urban samples. The volume weight mean concentration of inorganic fixed nitrogen (IFN) in urban samples (2.51 mg N L−1) is about 2-fold of that content in rural samples (1.16 mg N L−1). Seasonal variations in volume weight mean monthly concentrations have been revealed for both locations with maximum concentrations in winter and minimum values in summer, but intra-annual variations are statistically significant for only urban samples. The average annual deposition of IFN with atmospheric precipitations on the surface of the Black Sea is about 0.31 × 106 t N yr−1 (0.75 t N km−2 yr−1), which is on average 39 % of the riverine input. It does vary in space and time. The relative importance of the atmospheric input increases from coastal to open areas and from winter to summer. Deposition of IFN with wet atmospheric precipitations proportionally increases the concentration of chlorophyll a, as it is traced from satellite data. The traced increase in the concentration of chlorophyll a has reached 1.5-fold for mesoscale processes. In case of individual rain events supporting up to 50–60 mg N m−2, the influence of IFN deposition is up to 5 % at the north-western shelf of the Black Sea, where most of the river-born IFN is loaded. In the central areas of the sea, where the amount of IFN in summer is low, the contribution of individual rainfall can reach 35 %. The input of IFN to the Black Sea has potential to enhance 2-fold the level of primary production.
Imprints of climate forcings in global gridded temperature data
Authors: Mikšovský J. , Holtanová E. , Pišoft P.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Monthly near-surface temperature anomalies from several gridded datasets (GISTEMP, Berkeley Earth, MLOST, HadCRUT4, 20th Century Reanalysis) were investigated and compared with regard to the presence of components attributable to external climate forcings (anthropogenic, solar and volcanic) and to major internal climate variability modes (El Niño/Southern Oscillation, North Atlantic Oscillation, Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, Pacific Decadal Oscillation and variability characterized by the Trans-Polar Index). Multiple linear regression was used to separate components related to individual explanatory variables in local monthly temperatures as well as in their global means, over the 1901–2010 period. Strong correlations of temperature and anthropogenic forcing were confirmed for most of the globe, whereas only weaker and mostly statistically insignificant connections to solar activity were indicated. Imprints of volcanic forcing were found to be largely insignificant in the local temperatures, in contrast to the clear volcanic signature in their global averages. An attention was also paid to the manifestations of short-term time shifts in the responses to the forcings, and to differences in the spatial fingerprints detected from individual temperature datasets: it is shown that although the resemblance of the response patterns is usually strong, some regional contrasts appear. Noteworthy differences from the other datasets were found especially for the 20th Century Reanalysis, particularly for the components attributable to anthropogenic and volcanic forcing over land, but also in some of the teleconnection patterns related to the internal variability modes.
Effects of DEM scale on the spatial distribution of the TOPMODEL topographic wetness index and its correlations to watershed characteristics
Authors: Drover D. R. , Jackson C. R. , Bitew M. , Du E.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Topographic wetness indices (TWIs) calculated from digital elevation models (DEMs) are meant to predict relative landscape wetness and should have predictive power for soil and vegetation attributes. While previous researchers have shown cumulative TWI distributions shift to larger values as DEM resolution decreases, there has been little work assessing how DEM scales affect TWI spatial distributions and correlations with soil and vegetation properties. We explored how various DEM resolutions (2, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 50 m) subsampled from high definition LiDAR altered the spatial distribution of TWI values and the correlations of these values with soil characteristics determined from point samples, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) soil units, depths to groundwater, and managed vegetation distributions within a first order basin in the Upper Southeastern Coastal Plain with moderate slopes, flat valleys, and several wetlands. Point-scale soil characteristics were determined by laboratory analysis of point samples collected from riparian transects and hillslope grids. DEM scale affected the spatial distribution of TWI values in ways that affect our interpretation of landscape processes. At the finest DEM resolutions, valleys disappeared as TWI values were driven by local microtopography and not basin position. Spatial distribution of TWI values most closely matched the spatial distribution of soils, depth to groundwater, and vegetation stands for the 10, 20, and 30 m resolutions. DEM resolution affected the shape and direction of relationships between soil nitrogen and carbon contents and TWI values, but TWI values provided poor prediction of soil chemistry at all resolutions.
Land subsidence risk assessment and protection in mined-out regions
Authors: Zhao A. , Tang A.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Land subsidence due to underground mining is an important hazard that causes large damages and threatens to social and economic activities. The China government has started a national project to estimate the risk of land subsidence in the main coal production provinces, such as Heilongjiang, Anhui and Shanxi Provinces. Herein, the investigation methods for land subsidence identification were reported, some types of land settlement are summarized, and some successful engineering measures to mitigate the subsidence are discussed. A Geographical Information System (GIS) for land subsidence risk assessment is developed and is based on site investigations and numerrical simulation of the subsidence process. In this system, maps of mining intensity and risk ranks are developed.
An analysis on the relationship between land subsidence and floods at the Kujukuri Plain in Chiba Prefecture, Japan
Authors: Ito Y. , Chen H. , Sawamukai M. , Su T. , Tokunaga T.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Surface environments at the Kujukuri Plain in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, in 1970, 2004, and 2013, were analyzed and compared to discuss the possible impact of land subsidence on the occurrence of floods. The study area has been suffered from land subsidence due to ground deformation from paleo-earthquakes, tectonic activities, and human-induced subsidence by groundwater exploitation. Meteorological data, geomorphological data including DEM obtained from the airborne laser scanning (1-m spatial resolution), leveling data, and the result of our assessment map (Chen et al., 2015) were used in this study. Clear relationship between floods and land subsidence was not recognized, while geomorphological setting, urbanization, and change of precipitation pattern were found to contribute to the floods. The flood prone-area is distributed on the characteristic geomorphological setting such as floodplain and back swamp. It was revealed that the urban area has been expanded on these geomorphological setting in recent years. The frequency of hourly precipitation was also shown to be increased in the past ca. 40 years, and this could induce rapid freshet and overflow of small- and medium-sized rivers and sewerage lines. The distribution of depression areas was increased from 2004 to 2013. This change could be associated with the ground deformation after the Tohoku earthquake (Mw = 9.0) in 2011.
Regional and local land subsidence at the Venice coastland by TerraSAR-X PSI
Authors: Tosi L. , Strozzi T. , Da Lio C. , Teatini P.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Land subsidence occurred at the Venice coastland over the 2008–2011 period has been investigated by Persistent Scatterer Interferometry (PSI) using a stack of 90 TerraSAR-X stripmap images with a 3 m resolution and a 11-day revisiting time. The regular X-band SAR acquisitions over more than three years coupled with the very-high image resolution has significantly improved the monitoring of ground displacements at regional and local scales, e.g., the entire lagoon, especially the historical palaces, the MoSE large structures under construction at the lagoon inlets to disconnect the lagoon from the Adriatic Sea during high tides, and single small structures scattered within the lagoon environments. Our results show that subsidence is characterized by a certain variability at the regional scale with superimposed important local displacements. The movements range from a gentle uplift to subsidence rates of up to 35 mm yr−1. For instance, settlements of 30–35 mm yr−1 have been detected at the three lagoon inlets in correspondence of the MoSE works, and local sinking bowls up to 10 mm yr−1 connected with the construction of new large buildings or restoration works have been measured in the Venice and Chioggia historical centers. Focusing on the city of Venice, the mean subsidence of 1.1 ± 1.0 mm yr−1 confirms the general stability of the historical center.
Prevention partition for land subsidence induced by engineering dewatering in Shanghai
Authors: Wang J. X. , Liu X. T. , Yang T. L.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Land subsidence in shanghai has been found for more than 70 years. In the early years, it was mainly caused by groundwater exploitation. In recent years, engineering dewatering in shallow ground (within 90 m) has become a major source for land subsidence in the rapid urbanization course. A management partition of land subsidence induced by foundation pit dewatering for the first confined aquifer was suggested.
Liquefaction-fluidization induced land subsidence: impact of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake on reclaimed land around Tokyo bay area, Japan
Authors: Kagawa A. , Furuno K. , Kusuda T. , Sakai Y. , Yoshida T. , Kazaoka O.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The 2011 Tohoku earthquake caused major liquefaction-induced, ground deformation of the reclaimed land surrounding Tokyo Bay. In this area, liquefaction was visibly manifest by sand boils, ejection of sandy water, land subsidence and floating underground tanks. The level measurements show a correspondence between the degree of liquefaction-fluidization and the amount of subsidence. The strata most susceptible to liquefaction are hydraulically emplaced dredged fill and artificial strata on thick uncompacted Holocene deposits. On the other hand, the phenomena of seismic isolation coursed by liquefaction had saved the single-family houses from collapse.
Land subsidence in the San Joaquin Valley, California, USA, 2007–2014
Authors: Sneed M. , Brandt J. T.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Rapid land subsidence was recently measured using multiple methods in two areas of the San Joaquin Valley (SJV): between Merced and Fresno (El Nido), and between Fresno and Bakersfield (Pixley). Recent land-use changes and diminished surface-water availability have led to increased groundwater pumping, groundwater-level declines, and land subsidence. Differential land subsidence has reduced the flow capacity of water-conveyance systems in these areas, exacerbating flood hazards and affecting the delivery of irrigation water. Vertical land-surface changes during 2007–2014 were determined by using Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), Continuous Global Positioning System (CGPS), and extensometer data. Results of the InSAR analysis indicate that about 7600 km2 subsided 50–540 mm during 2008–2010; CGPS and extensometer data indicate that these rates continued or accelerated through December 2014. The maximum InSAR-measured rate of 270 mm yr−1 occurred in the El Nido area, and is among the largest rates ever measured in the SJV. In the Pixley area, the maximum InSAR-measured rate during 2008–2010 was 90 mm yr−1. Groundwater was an important part of the water supply in both areas, and pumping increased when land use changed or when surface water was less available. This increased pumping caused groundwater-level declines to near or below historical lows during the drought periods 2007–2009 and 2012–present. Long-term groundwater-level and land-subsidence monitoring in the SJV is critical for understanding the interconnection of land use, groundwater levels, and subsidence, and evaluating management strategies that help mitigate subsidence hazards to infrastructure while optimizing water supplies.
Research of features related to land subsidence and ground fissure disasters in the Beijing Plain
Authors: Yang Y. , Luo Y. , Liu M. , Wang R. , Wang H.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. This study overviews the development history, current situation, impact, and hazards of land subsidence and ground fissure disasters in the Beijing Plain (BP) and focuses on the disaster distribution and features of disaster-causing mechanisms. Currently, the BP is still in a rapid developmental stage of land subsidence. The development and distribution of land subsidence are affected by various factors including the thickness of Quaternary compressible clay, groundwater overexploitation, and the rapid development of urban construction. The causes of ground fissures in the BP are complex and diverse, with evidence of structure fissures, non-structure fissures, and mixed genesis fissures. Investigations of the Gaoliying ground fissure have shown that this fissure has evidence of fracture activity, with vertical deformation that is more significant than horizontal deformation. Furthermore, this ground fissure has characteristics of inter-annual periodicity and annual jumping. The land subsidence and ground fissures are all under structural control and impact each other, and more severe hazards may be induced under the superimposition of these two types of disasters. Effective measures and suggestions for disaster prevention and control are recommended on the basis of this study.
Characterization of earth fissures in South Jiangsu, China
Authors: Ye S. , Wang Y. , Wu J. , Teatini P. , Yu J. , Gong X. , Wang G.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The Suzhou-Wuxi-Changzhou (known as "Su-Xi-Chang") area, located in the southern part of Jiangsu Province, China, experienced serious land subsidence caused by overly exploitation of groundwater. The largest cumulative land subsidence has reached 3 m. With the rapid progress of land subsidence since the late 1980s, more than 20 earth fissures developed in Su-Xi-Chang area, although no pre-existing faults have been detected in the surroundings. The mechanisms of earth fissure generation associated with excessive groundwater pumping are: (i) differential land subsidence, (ii) differences in the thickness of the aquifer system, and (iii) bedrock ridges and cliffs at relatively shallow depths. In this study, the Guangming Village Earth Fissures in Wuxi area are selected as a case study to discuss in details the mechanisms of fissure generation. Aquifer exploitation resulted in a drop of groundwater head at a rate of 5–6 m yr−1 in the 1990s, with a cumulative drawdown of 40 m. The first earth fissure at Guangming Village was observed in 1998. The earth fissures, which developed in a zone characterized by a cumulative land subsidence of approximately 800 mm, are located at the flank of a main subsidence bowl with differential subsidence ranging from 0 to 1600 mm in 2001. The maximum differential subsidence rate amounts to 5 mm yr−1 between the two sides of the fissures. The fissure openings range from 30 to 80 mm, with a cumulative length of 1000 m. Depth of bed rock changes from 60 to 140 m across the earth fissure. The causes of earth fissure generation at Guangming Village includes a decrease in groundwater levels, differences in the thickness of aquifer system, shallow depths of bedrock ridges and cliffs, and subsequent differential land subsidence.
Continuous monitoring of an earth fissure in Chino, California, USA – a management tool
Authors: Carpenter M. C.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Continuous measurements of deformation have been made in Chino, California across an earth fissure and nearby unfissured soil since 2011 in two buried, horizontal, 150 mm pipes, 51 m long, which are connected by sealed boxes enclosing vertical posts at mostly 6 m intervals. Horizontal displacements and normal strain are measured in one line using nine end-to-end quartz tubes that are attached to posts and span fissured or unfissured soil. The free ends of the tubes are supported by slings and move relative to the attachment post of the next quartz tube. Linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) sensors measure the relative movements. Five biaxial tilt sensors were also attached to selected posts in that line. Relative vertical movement was measured at nine locations along the line in the second pipe using low-level differential pressure sensors. The second pipe is half full of water giving a free water surface along its length. Data are recorded on a Campbell CR10 using multiplexers. The quartz-tube horizontal extensometers have exhibited more than 3 mm of predominantly elastic opening and closing in response to about 32 m of seasonal drawdown and recovery, respectively, in an observation well 0.8 km to the south. The nearest production well is 1.6 km to the west. The horizontal strain was 5.9 × 10−5 or 30 % of the lowest estimate of strain-at-failure for alluvium. Maximum relative vertical movement was 4.8 mm. Maximum tilt in the fissure zone was 0.09 arcdeg while tilt at a separate sensor 100 m to the east was 0.86 arcdeg, indicating a wider zone of deformation than is spanned by the instrumentation. High correlation of horizontal displacements during drawdown, and especially recovery, with change in effective stress supports differential compaction as the mechanism for earth-fissure movement. The continuous measurements of horizontal strain coupled with water-level fluctuations and vertical borehole extensometry can provide a real-time adaptive management tool for restricting pumping if strain approaches the lower limit of strain-at-failure or a stress-strain curve deviates from the previous mostly elastic regimen.
Different scale land subsidence and ground fissure monitoring with multiple InSAR techniques over Fenwei basin, China
Authors: Zhao C. , Zhang Q. , Yang C. , Zhang J. , Zhu W. , Qu F. , Liu Y.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Fenwei basin, China, composed by several sub-basins, has been suffering severe geo-hazards in last 60 years, including large scale land subsidence and small scale ground fissure, which caused serious infrastructure damages and property losses. In this paper, we apply different InSAR techniques with different SAR data to monitor these hazards. Firstly, combined small baseline subset (SBAS) InSAR method and persistent scatterers (PS) InSAR method is used to multi-track Envisat ASAR data to retrieve the large scale land subsidence covering entire Fenwei basin, from which different land subsidence magnitudes are analyzed of different sub-basins. Secondly, PS-InSAR method is used to monitor the small scale ground fissure deformation in Yuncheng basin, where different spatial deformation gradient can be clearly discovered. Lastly, different track SAR data are contributed to retrieve two-dimensional deformation in both land subsidence and ground fissure region, Xi'an, China, which can be benefitial to explain the occurrence of ground fissure and the correlation between land subsidence and ground fissure.
Long-range ground deformation monitoring by InSAR analysis
Authors: Rokugawa S. , Nakamura T.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. InSAR (Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar) analysis is an effective technique to map 3-dimensional surface deformation with high spatial resolution. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capability of InSAR analysis when applied to ground monitoring of an environmental disaster. We performed a time series InSAR analysis using ENVISAT/ASAR and ALOS/PALSAR data and commercial software to investigate subsidence around the Kanto District of Japan. We also investigated techniques for efficient early detection of landslides in Kyushu using time series analysis that incorporated synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. ENVISAT/ASAR data acquired from 2003–2010 and ALOS/PALSAR data acquired from 2006–2011 were used to detect poorly expressed geomorphological deformation by conducting time series analyses of periodically acquired SAR data. In addition, to remove noise caused by geographical feature stripes or phase retardation, we applied median filtering, histogram extraction processing, and clarification of the displacement with a Laplacian filter. The main functions of the InSAR time series analysis are the calculation of phase differences between two images and the inversion with smoothness constraint for the estimation of deformation along the line of sight. The results enabled us to establish criteria for the selection of suitable InSAR data pairs, and provided the final error estimation of the derived surface deformation. The results of the analysis in the Kanto District suggested that localized areas of uplift and subsidence have occurred at irregular intervals in this area. Furthermore, the method offers the possibility of early warning of environmental disasters such as landslide and abrupt subsidence. Our results confirm the effectiveness of InSAR analysis for the monitoring of ground deformation over wide areas via the detection of localized subsidence and landslides.
Mapping and characterization of land subsidence in Beijing Plain caused by groundwater pumping using the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) InSAR technique
Authors: Gao M. L. , Gong H. L. , Chen B. B. , Zhou C. F. , Liu K. S. , Shi M.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. InSAR time series analysis is widely used for detection and monitoring of slow surface deformation. In this paper, 15 TerraSAR-X radar images acquired in stripmap mode between 2012 and 2013 are processed for land subsidence monitoring with the Small Baseline Subset (SBAS) approach in Beijing Plain in China. Mapping results produced by SBAS show that the subsidence rates in the area of Beijing Plain range from −97.5 (subsidence) and to +23.8 mm yr−1 (uplift), relative to a presumably stable benchmark. The mapping result also reveals that there are the five subsidence centers formed by surface deformation spreading north to south east of the downtown. An uneven subsidence patten was detected near the Beijing Capital International Airpor, which may be related to loading of buildings and the aircraft.
Compaction and subsidence of the Groningen gas field in the Netherlands
Authors: van Thienen-Visser K. , Pruiksma J. P. , Breunese J. N.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The Groningen gas field in the Netherlands is Europe's largest gas field. It has been produced since 1963 and production is expected to continue until 2080. The pressure decline in the field causes compaction in the reservoir which is observed as subsidence at the surface. Measured subsidence is characterized by a delay at the start of production. As linear compaction models cannot explain this behavior, alternative compaction models (e.g. Rate Type Compaction Model and Time Decay model) have been investigated that may explain the measured subsidence. Although the compaction models considered in this study give a good match to this delay, their forecasts are significantly different. Future measurements of subsidence in this area will indicate which type of compaction model is preferred. This will lead to better forecasts of subsidence in future. The pattern of over- and underestimation of the subsidence is similar for the compaction models investigated and tested. The pattern can be explained by differences in modeled porosity and aquifer activity illustrating the improvement of subsurface knowledge on the reservoir using subsidence measurements.
Subsidence monitoring network: an Italian example aimed at a sustainable hydrocarbon E&P activity
Authors: Dacome M. C. , Miandro R. , Vettorel M. , Roncari G.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. According to the Italian law in order to start-up any new hydrocarbon exploitation activity, an Environmental Impact Assessment study has to be presented, including a monitoring plan, addressed to foresee, measure and analyze in real time any possible impact of the project on the coastal areas and on those ones in the close inland located. The occurrence of subsidence, that could partly be related to hydrocarbon production, both on-shore and off-shore, can generate great concern in those areas where its occurrence may have impacts on the local environment. ENI, following the international scientific community recommendations on the matter, since the beginning of 90's years, implemented a cutting-edge monitoring network, with the aim to prevent, mitigate and control geodynamics phenomena generated in the activity areas, with a particular attention to conservation and protection of environmental and territorial equilibrium, taking care of what is known as "sustainable development". The current ENI implemented monitoring surveys can be divided as: – Shallow monitoring: spirit levelling surveys, continuous GPS surveys in permanent stations, SAR surveys, assestimeter subsurface compaction monitoring, ground water level monitoring, LiDAR surveys, bathymetrical surveys. – Deep monitoring: reservoir deep compaction trough radioactive markers, reservoir static (bottom hole) pressure monitoring. All the information, gathered through the monitoring network, allow: 1. to verify if the produced subsidence is evolving accordingly with the simulated forecast. 2. to provide data to revise and adjust the prediction compaction models 3. to put in place the remedial actions if the impact exceeds the threshold magnitude originally agreed among the involved parties. ENI monitoring plan to measure and monitor the subsidence process, during field production and also after the field closure, is therefore intended to support a sustainable field development and an acceptable exploitation programme in which the actual risk connected with the field production is evaluated in advance, shared and agreed among all the involved subjects: oil company, stakeholders and local community (with interests in the affected area).
Multiple sensors applied to monitorland subsidence in Central Taiwan
Authors: Hung W.-C. , Wang C. , Hwang C. , Chen Y.-A. , Chiu H.-C. , Lin S.-H.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. During 1992–2013, pumping of groundwater caused large-scale aquifer-system compaction and land subsidence in the Choshui River Alluvial Fan (CRAF) in Taiwan. The subsidence has already endangered the operation of Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR). In this paper, we introduce the multiple sensors monitoring system to study the extent of subsidence in CRAF and its mechanism, including GPS (Global Positioning System), PSI (Persistent Scatterer Interferometry), leveling and multi-layer compaction monitoring well. These sensors complement each other in spatial and temporal resolutions.
The spatiotempora variations rules of Songzao coal mining subsidence based on numerical simulation
Authors: Lu J. , Li Y. , Cheng H. , Tang Z.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. With the increasing demand of coal, coal mining at Songzao makes the area of land subsidence growing larger. Land subsidence in coal mining area not only made large subsided farmland out of production and caused the enormous loss to local agricultural production, but also brought a number of serious problems to the local social economy and ecology Environment. To use Probability-integral Method based on numerical simulation of Songzao Mine, its subsidence simulation data from 1999 to 2009 was obtained. Hence, overlay analysis between Goaf data and the simulation data in 2009, and between field investigation and the simulation data in 2009 were carried out. After the coal mining underground was identified as the crucial cause of surface subsidence. Therefore, the accuracy and feasibility of the simulation data had been verified, and the spatial pattern and spatiotemporal variations conforming to the actual values have been obtained. The results show five main findings. The first indicated that the surface subsidence is mostly located at the top of the Goaf, where the overlap areas between Goaf data and subsidence simulation data have accounted for 93.05 % of Goaf and 65.19 % of subsidence simulation data respectively. The second finding indicated that by end of 2009, the mining subsidence extent had reached about 5087.50 hm2. This area accounts for about 40 % of total of the mining area. The third finding indicated that within 10 years from 1999 to 2009, the influence range of subsidence has expanded about 2340.54 hm2, and the coal mining subsidence rate in Songzao Mine has increased gradually with time. Moreover, average increasing speed of the extent area in the second five years was larger than the first five years (about 75.08 hm2 yr−1 more). The fourth finding indicated that maximum subsidence has increased from 2.0 m in 1999 to 2.5 m in 2004, and then 3.0m in 2009 with subsidence rate of about 0.1 m yr−1. At the same time, the area affected by the subsidence 2.0 m in 1999 was more than twice the area affected by subsidence in 2004. This in return, it was more than 7 times larger than the area affected by subsidence in 2009 of the one affected by subsidence in 2004. Extent of the area affected by the 2.5 m subsidence has also enlarged rapidly. This area has expanded by about 40 times in 2009 than its value in 2004. In addition, the area of subsidence of value 3.0 m has reached about 0.44 hm2 in 2009 from zero value. Finally, the fifth finding indicated that the overall extend of the mining subsidence was much more serious in southern than in northern side of the Songzao Mine. Moreover, it was indicated that the increasing rate of mining subsidence in the western side of the study area was as bigger as in the eastern side between 1999 and 2009. The spatiotemporal variations rules of songzao coal mining subsidence based on numerical simulation could provide reference for the subsequent subsidence prevention and land consolidation.
Modifying the dissolved-in-water type natural gas field simulation model based on the distribution of estimated Young's modulus for the Kujukuri region, Japan
Authors: Nakagawa T. , Matsuyama R. , Adachi M. , Kuroshima S. , Ogatsu T. , Adachi R.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. A simulation model, which covers the part of Southern-Kanto natural gas field in Chiba prefecture, was developed to perform studies and make predictions of land subsidence. However, because large differences between simulated and measured subsidence occurred in the northern modeled area of the gas field, the model was modified with an estimated Young's modulus distribution. This distribution was estimated by the yield value distribution and the correlation of yield value with Young's modulus. Consequently, the simulated subsidence in the north area was improved to some extent.
Research on critical groundwater level under the threshold value of land subsidence in the typical region of Beijing
Authors: Jiang Y. , Liu J.-R. , Luo Y. , Yang Y. , Tian F. , Lei K.-C.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Groundwater in Beijing has been excessively exploited in a long time, causing the groundwater level continued to declining and land subsidence areas expanding, which restrained the economic and social sustainable development. Long years of study show good time-space corresponding relationship between groundwater level and land subsidence. To providing scientific basis for the following land subsidence prevention and treatment, quantitative research between groundwater level and settlement is necessary. Multi-linear regression models are set up by long series factual monitoring data about layered water table and settlement in the Tianzhu monitoring station. The results show that: layered settlement is closely related to water table, water level variation and amplitude, especially the water table. Finally, according to the threshold value in the land subsidence prevention and control plan of China (45, 30, 25 mm), the minimum allowable layered water level in this region while settlement achieving the threshold value is calculated between −18.448 and −10.082 m. The results provide a reasonable and operable control target of groundwater level for rational adjustment of groundwater exploited horizon in the future.
Land subsidence, seismicity and pore pressure monitoring: the new requirements for the future development of oil and gas fields in Italy
Authors: Macini P. , Mesini E. , Panei L. , Terlizzese F.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The Emilia earthquake of 2012 (Italy) stimulated a controversial debate concerning the possibility that the event could have been induced or triggered by underground fluids production. The public discussion led the Italian Government to issue a protocol of guidelines for the monitoring of microseismic activity, ground deformation and reservoir pore pressure. The guidelines will be put into operation as soon as practicable when licensing is being considered, and all data provided by mining operators must be made available to the relevant Authorities. The implementation of an outreach and communication program to local residents and administrative authorities is prescribed, so that the civil and scientific community at large can gain confidence that operations are being managed optimally.
Modelling ground rupture due to groundwater withdrawal: applications to test cases in China and Mexico
Authors: Franceschini A. , Teatini P. , Janna C. , Ferronato M. , Gambolati G. , Ye S. , Carreón-Freyre D.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The stress variation induced by aquifer overdraft in sedimentary basins with shallow bedrock may cause rupture in the form of pre-existing fault activation or earth fissure generation. The process is causing major detrimental effects on a many areas in China and Mexico. Ruptures yield discontinuity in both displacement and stress field that classic continuous finite element (FE) models cannot address. Interface finite elements (IE), typically used in contact mechanics, may be of great help and are implemented herein to simulate the fault geomechanical behaviour. Two main approaches, i.e. Penalty and Lagrangian, are developed to enforce the contact condition on the element interface. The incorporation of IE incorporation into a three-dimensional (3-D) FE geomechanical simulator shows that the Lagrangian approach is numerically more robust and stable than the Penalty, thus providing more reliable solutions. Furthermore, the use of a Newton-Raphson scheme to deal with the non-linear elasto-plastic fault behaviour allows for quadratic convergence. The FE – IE model is applied to investigate the likely ground rupture in realistic 3-D geologic settings. The case studies are representative of the City of Wuxi in the Jiangsu Province (China), and of the City of Queretaro, Mexico, where significant land subsidence has been accompanied by the generation of several earth fissures jeopardizing the stability and integrity of the overland structures and infrastructure.
Spatial-temporal variation of groundwater and land subsidence evolution in Beijing area
Authors: Lei K. , Luo Y. , Chen B. , Guo M. , Guo G. , Yang Y. , Wang R.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Precipitation is the main recharge source of groundwater in the plain of Beijing, China. Rapid expansion of urbanization has resulted in increased built-up area and decreased amount of effective recharge of precipitation to groundwater, indirectly leading to the long-term over-exploitation of groundwater, and induced regional land subsidence. Based on the combination of meteorological data, groundwater level data, interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR; specifically persistent scatterer interferometry, PSI), geographic information system (GIS) spatial analysis method and rainfall recharge theory, this paper presents a systematic analysis of spatial-temporal variation of groundwater level and land subsidence evolution. Results show that rainfall has been decreasing annually, while the exploitation of groundwater is increasing and the groundwater level is declining, which is has caused the formation and evolution of land subsidence. Seasonal and interannual variations exist in the evolution of land subsidence; the subsidence is uneven in both spatial and temporal distribution. In 2011, at the center of mapped subsidence the subsidence rate was greater than 120 mm a−1. The results revealed good correlation between the spatial distribution of groundwater level declines and subsidence. The research results show that it is beneficial to measure the evolution of land subsidence to dynamic variations of groundwater levels by combining InSAR or PSI, groundwater-level data, and GIS. This apprpach provides improved information for environmental and hydrogeologic research and a scientific basis for regional land subsidence control.
Factor analysis on land subsidence in the Nobi Plain, southwest Japan
Authors: Kouda A. , Nagata K. , Sato T.
Published: November 2015

Abstract. The land subsidence of the Nobi Plain largely ceased with the commencement of pumping regulations beginning in 1975. However, a small amount of land subsidence, less than one centimeter, is still observed at the Delta zone in the southwest part of the Plain. The authors attempted to investigate the cause of the small amount of existing subsidence. The alluvial clay layer deposits are more than 15–20 m thick and the withdrawal is small. The decrease of the yearly average groundwater level has not been confirmed. On the other hand, the seasonal change in the groundwater level is clearly observed. This investigation focuses on the seasonal change of groundwater level each year and its relation to the thickness of alluvial clay layer. The Delta zone was divided into several cells and a multiple regression analysis was applied to the seasonal change of the groundwater level and the thickness of alluvial clay layer of the cell. The study concluded that the small amount of land subsidence was caused of drawdown of piezometric head of groundwater every year during the summer.
The Relationship between Corporate Performance and Ownership Structure: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Ersoy Hicabi , Koy Ayben
Published: November 2015

This study investigates the effects of ownership structure on the performance of the listed companies in Borsa Istanbul Stock Exchange 30 Firms (BIST 30). The main hypothesis of our study is that there is a significant relationship between companies' performances and their ownership structures.The statistical population includes 19 non-financial companies in the period of years between 2008 and 2013. The results show that the concentration of the large shares of companies one or a few share holders has a negative effect on related firm’s performance.
Mutual Fund Performance: Evidence From South Africa
Authors: Tan Ömer Faruk
Published: November 2015

This paper aims to evaluate the performance of South African equity funds between January 2009 and November 2014. This study period overlaps with the study period of quantitative easing during which developing economies in financial markets have been influenced severely. Thanks to the increase in the money supply directed towards the capital markets, a relief was experienced in related markets following the crisis period. During this 5-year 10-month period, in which the relevant quantitative easing continued, Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) yielded approximately %16 compounded on average, per year. In this study, South African equity funds are examined in order to compare these funds' performance within this period.Within this scope- 10 South African equity funds are selected. In order to measure these funds' performances, the Sharpe ratio (1966), Treynor ratio (1965), Jensen's alpha (1968) methods are used. Jensen's alpha is also used in identifying selectivity skills of fund managers. Furthermore, the Treynor & Mazuy (1966) and Henriksson & Merton (1981) regression analysis methods are applied to ascertain the market timing ability of fund managers. Furthermore, Treynor & Mazuy (1966) regression analysis method is applied for market timing ability of fund managers.
Editors' Note
Authors: Behler Anne , Reinsfelder Tom
Published: November 2015

None
Canibalia americana y eurocentrismo: relativización de la imaginación del centro en "El Entenado" de Juan José Saer
Authors: Scaramucci Marianna
Published: November 2015

La que aquí propongo es una lectura del tratamiento literario del estereotipo de la América caníbal en El entenado de Juan José Saer (1983), como juego, inversión y problematización del punto de vista que se piensa como único, una inversión que nos obliga a la más radical relativización de la idea de centralidad. Mi propuesta es la de imaginar el texto como una encrucijada de miradas a través de las cuales se pone en tela de juicio la posibilidad del punto de vista unívoco sobre la historia, la de América y la de la conquista, y se pone en duda la validez de un discurso monológico sobre la misma. Esta interpretación se desprende tanto de la herramienta crítica ofrecida por los teóricos de la red modernidad/colonialidad como del análisis proporcionado por el trabajo de Carlos A. Jáuregui sobre las innúmeras declinaciones de la antropofagia en el contexto del continente latinoamericano.
El diario del mayor X, informe clasificado del Descubrimiento y la (Re)Conquista de las Islas Malvinas (en "Las Islas", Carlos Gamerro)
Authors: Destéfanis Laura
Published: November 2015

La novela Las Islas (Carlos Gamerro, 1998) recorre y desarma los discursos de poder que han constituido al Estado argentino, con foco en la guerra de Malvinas y la democracia neoliberal de fines del siglo XX. Este trabajo analiza el diario del mayor X, deformado por el daño psíquico del soldado conscripto que recibió la orden de memorizarlo en plena guerra. El mayor es el militar prototípico que interviene tanto en Malvinas como en la así llamada “guerra sucia”, esto es, la represión bajo dictadura que sistematizó el circuito criminal de secuestro y desaparición. En su diario, Gamerro parodia los relatos de cronistas y exploradores de América y revisita en clave irónica la historiografía republicana.
Interpreting Socialism and Capitalism in China:
Authors: Boer Roland , Li Zhixiong
Published: November 2015

We argue that the dialectic of utopia and dystopia enables an alternative, albeit controversial, way for framing debate over the tensions between socialism and capitalism in China. In doing so, we acknowledge but differ from alternative explanations: Socialism in China has simply become an empty veneer over rampant and unbridled capitalism; capitalism in China is of such a different variety that it is hardly capitalism at all; “socialism with Chinese characteristics” is a prolonged experiment in the New Economic Program. Theoretically, we draw upon Anatoly Lunacharsky, Ernst Bloch, and Fredric Jameson. A significant factor for understanding this dialectic is Bloch's idea of the synchronicity of nonsynchronicity. The next step analyzes the permutations of this dialectic in the Chinese situation of the tension between socialism and capitalism. We propose three formulations: the need for economic and political strength in the face of international forces, the use of capitalism to build socialism, and the fostering of the productive forces of capitalism to provide the basis for the full realization of communism. How these variations manifest the dialectic of utopia and dystopia is the burden of our final section, where we seek to move past simplistic oppositions.
"The Greatest Anti-War Poem Imaginable": Granville Barker’s Trojan Women in America
Authors: Slater Niall W.
Published: November 2015

Harley Granville Barker brought Gilbert Murray’s Euripides to America in spectacular outdoor productions in 1915. Paired with his markedly avantgarde Iphigenia in Tauris, the apparently safer and more "classical" Trojan Women was by no means uncontroversial in the officially neutral United States. A coordinated study of Barker’s staging and the marketing of Trojan Women shows the importance of this production in contemporary and subsequent reception and interpretation of this play. Earlier qualms about its structure and static nature are pushed aside by a new view of Trojan Women as the pre-eminent anti-war play of antiquity, a view still dominant today.
"Oedipus ... The Structure of Funny": Allusions to Greek Tragedy in Contemporary Cinema
Authors: Solomon Jon
Published: November 2015

Although several high-profile European auteurs have created film adaptations of Sophoclean and Euripidean dramas, Greek tragedy as a genre is hardly a mainstay of contemporary cinema. Nonetheless, Francis Ford Coppola designed a tragic end for his Godfather trilogy, and some films that are set in the modern world incorporate ancient tragic themes. Examples are given of these and other films that focus on widely recognized tragic characters, like Oedipus and Medea, make specific verbal allusions to other Greek tragic protagonists or motifs, incorporate major components of tragedy, and attempt to define tragedy itself, most notably in Woody Allen’s Crimes and Misdemeanors.
Effects of Processing Methods on Nutrient Retention of Processed Okro (Abelmoschus Esculentus) Fruit
Authors: T Adepoju, Oladejo , A Adefila, Samuel
Published: November 2015

Non-leafy vegetables are highly perishable products and require good processing treatment to prevent post harvest losses. The common traditional method of their preservation is sun-drying or blanching followed by sun-drying. Okro fruit is generally preserved through sun-drying in Nigeria with little documentation on its nutrient retention. This study was therefore carried out to determine effects of processing methods on micronutrient retention of processed okro. Okro fruit was purchased from Bodija market, Ibadan and divided into three portions treated as raw, sun-dried, and blanched/sun-dried samples. Market sun-dried sample was purchased from the market for comparison. The four samples were analysed for proximate, mineral and vitamin composition using standard methods of AOAC, atomic absorption spectrophotometric and spectrophotometric methods. Edible portion of 100g of fresh sample contained 84.5g moisture, 2.9g crude protein, 0.2g lipid, 2.1g ash, 8.3g carbohydrate, 46.47mg sodium, 102.27mg potassium, 86.37mg calcium, 64.80mg phosphorus, 11.40mg magnesium, 1.63mg iron, 3.70mg zinc, and yielded 41.13kcal of energy. Market sun-dried sample had the highest value of ash and carbohydrate while blanched sun-dried sample had highest gross energy (p<0.05). Fresh okro sample had the highest ascorbic acid (33.02mg) and lowest β-carotene (196.57µg) values (p<0.05). The calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and manganese content of sun-dried sample was significantly higher than other samples (p<0.05) while market sample was significantly higher in sodium, potassium, iron and zinc value compared with fresh, blanched sun-dried and sun-dried samples (p<0.05). Sun-drying seemed to be the better method of okro preservation to retain most micronutrients.
Telemedicine for the Management of COPD—Near Future or a Hazy Idea?
Authors: Piotrowski Wojciech , Górski Paweł
Published: November 2015

In this issue of PiAP we can read the invited systematic review on telemonitoring in COPD by Claudio Pedone and Diana Lelli from Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma [...]