bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Random Subspace and Voting Ensemble Machine Learning Methods for Face Recognition
Authors: Yaman Mehmet Akif , Subasi Abdulhamit , Rattay Frank
Published: November 2018

Biometry based authentication and recognition have attracted greater attention due to numerous applications for security-conscious societies, since biometrics brings accurate and consistent identification. Face biometry possesses the merits of low intrusiveness and high precision. Despite the presence of several biometric methods, like iris scan, fingerprints, and hand geometry, the most effective and broadly utilized method is face recognition, because it is reasonable, natural, and non-intrusive. Face recognition is a part of the pattern recognition that is applied for identifying or authenticating a person that is extracted from a digital image or a video automatically. Moreover, current innovations in big data analysis, cloud computing, social networks, and machine learning have allowed for a straightforward understanding of how different challenging issues in face recognition might be solved. Effective face recognition in the enormous data concept is a crucial and challenging task. This study develops an intelligent face recognition framework that recognizes faces through efficient ensemble learning techniques, which are Random Subspace and Voting, in order to improve the performance of biometric systems. Furthermore, several methods including skin color detection, histogram feature extraction, and ensemble learner-based face recognition are presented. The proposed framework, which has a symmetric structure, is found to have high potential for biometrics. Hence, the proposed framework utilizing histogram feature extraction with Random Subspace and Voting ensemble learners have presented their superiority over two different databases as compared with state-of-art face recognition. This proposed method has reached an accuracy of 99.25% with random forest, combined with both ensemble learners on the FERET face database.
Online Social Networks (OSN) Evolution Model Based on Homophily and Preferential Attachment
Authors: Khan Jebran , Lee Sungchang
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we propose a new scale-free social networks (SNs) evolution model that is based on homophily combined with preferential attachments. Our model enables the SN researchers to generate SN synthetic data for the evaluation of multi-facet SN models that are dependent on users’ attributes and similarities. Homophily is one of the key factors for interactive relationship formation in SN. The synthetic graph generated by our model is scale-invariant and has symmetric relationships. The model is dynamic and sustainable to changes in input parameters, such as number of nodes and nodes’ attributes, by conserving its structural properties. Simulation and evaluation of models for large-scale SN applications need large datasets. One way to get SN data is to generate synthetic data by using SN evolution models. Various SN evolution models are proposed to approximate the real-life SN graphs in previous research. These models are based on SN structural properties such as preferential attachment. The data generated by these models is suitable to evaluate SN models that are structure dependent but not suitable to evaluate models which depend on the SN users’ attributes and similarities. In our proposed model, users’ attributes and similarities are utilized to synthesize SN graphs. We evaluated the resultant synthetic graph by analyzing its structural properties. In addition, we validated our model by comparing its measures with the publicly available real-life SN datasets and previous SN evolution models. Simulation results show our resultant graph to be a close representation of real-life SN graphs with users’ attributes.
Signal Quality Assessment for Transdermal Optical Wireless Communications under Pointing Errors
Authors: Trevlakis Stylianos E. , Boulogeorgos Alexandros-Apostolos A. , Karagiannidis George K.
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we assess the signal quality of the out-body to in-body optical communication link, which can be used as a fundamental enabler of novel biomedical appliances, such as medical implants, as well as biological and chemical components monitoring. In particular, we present a mathematical understanding of the transdermal system, which takes into account the optical channel characteristics, the integrated area limitations of the in-body unit, the transceivers’ pointing errors and the particularities of the optical units. Moreover, to accommodate the propagation characteristics, we present a novel simplified, but accurate, transdermal path-gain model. Finally, we extract low-complexity closed-form expressions for the instantaneous and average signal to noise ratio of the transdermal optical link (TOL). Numerical and simulation results are provided for several insightful scenarios and reveal that pointing errors can significantly affect the reliability and effectiveness of the TOL; hence, it should be taken into account in the analysis and design of such systems.
Enhancing the Production of the Fungal Pigment Aurofusarin in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Westphal Klaus Ringsborg , Wollenberg Rasmus Dam , Herbst Florian-Alexander , Sørensen Jens Laurids , Sondergaard Teis Esben , Wimmer Reinhard
Published: November 2018

There is an increasing demand for products from natural sources, which includes a growing market for naturally-produced colorants. Filamentous fungi produce a vast number of chemically diverse pigments and are therefore explored as an easily accessible source. In this study we examine the positive regulatory effect of the transcription factor AurR1 on the aurofusarin gene cluster in Fusarium graminearum. Proteomic analyses showed that overexpression of AurR1 resulted in a significant increase of five of the eleven proteins belonging to the aurofusarin biosynthetic pathway. Further, the production of aurofusarin was increased more than threefold in the overexpression mutant compared to the wild type, reaching levels of 270 mg/L. In addition to biosynthesis of aurofusarin, several yet undescribed putative naphthoquinone/anthraquinone analogue compounds were observed in the overexpression mutant. Our results suggest that it is possible to enhance the aurofusarin production through genetic engineering.
Impact of Antibiotics on Efficacy of Cry Toxins Produced in Two Different Genetically Modified Bt Maize Varieties in Two Lepidopteran Herbivore Species, Ostrinia nubilalis and Spodoptera littoralis
Authors: Hilbeck Angelika , Defarge Nicolas , Bøhn Thomas , Krautter Michelle , Conradin Constanze , Amiel Caroline , Panoff Jean-Michel , Trtikova Miluse
Published: November 2018

The insecticidal crystal proteins from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) are widely-used biopesticides that are used both as Bt spore-crystal preparations in sprayable formulations and as activated toxins in genetically modified (GM) plants. Models for their modes of action have been proposed but many issues remain unresolved. Among those is the role of commensal gut bacteria in target insect death: previous studies showed that antibiotics attenuate the toxicity of Bt sprays. We tested whether antibiotics interfere with the effects of GM plant-produced Bt toxins in larvae of two Lepidopteran species, the European corn borer Ostrinia nubilalis and the cotton leafworm Spodoptera littoralis. The larvae were reared on artificial diet with or without antibiotics and, thereafter, fed two varieties of Bt GM maize in comparison to conventional non-Bt maize leaves sprayed with antibiotic solution and/or with a Bt formulation. Antibiotics significantly reduced or delayed the toxicity of Cry toxins, although to a lesser extent than previously reported for Bt-sprays. This supports the hypothesis that Cry toxins induce mortality by themselves in the absence of Bt bacteria and spores, and of commensal gut bacteria. However, larvae that were not treated with antibiotics died faster and at a higher rate which was further compounded by plant variety and species sensitivity. These findings support a hypothesis that toxicemia alone can inflict significant mortality. However, in the absence of antibiotics, the gut bacteria likely enhance the Cry toxin effect by inflicting, additionally, bacterial septicemia. This has important implications in field situations where antibiotic substances are present—e.g., from manure of animals from conventional production systems—and for ecotoxicological testing schemes of Bt toxins and nontarget organisms that are often using artificial diets enriched with high concentrations of antibiotics.
Characterizing the Different Effects of Zika Virus Infection in Placenta and Microglia Cells
Authors: Martinez Viedma Maria del Pilar , Pickett Brett E.
Published: November 2018

Zika virus (ZIKV) is a neuropathic virus that causes serious neurological abnormalities such as Guillain-Barre syndrome in adults and congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in fetuses, which makes it an important concern for global human health. A catalogue of cells that support ZIKV replication, pathogenesis, and/or the persistence of the virus still remains unknown. Here, we studied the behavior of the virus in human placenta (JEG-3) and human microglia (HMC3) cell lines in order to better understand how different host tissues respond during infection. We quantified the host transcriptional response to ZIKV infection in both types of cells at 24 and 72 h post-infection. A panel of 84 genes that are involved in the innate or adaptive immune responses was used to quantify differential expression in both cell lines. HMC3 cells showed a unique set of significant differentially expressed genes (DEGs) compared with JEG-3 cells at both time points. Subsequent analysis of these data using modern pathway analysis methods revealed that the TLR7/8 pathway was strongly inhibited in HMC3 cells, while it was activated in JEG-3 cells during virus infection. The disruption of these pathways was subsequently confirmed with specific small interfering RNA (siRNA) experiments that characterize their role in the viral life cycle, and may partially explain why ZIKV infection in placental tissue contributes to extreme neurological problems in a developing fetus.
Host Lipid Rafts Play a Major Role in Binding and Endocytosis of Influenza A Virus
Authors: Verma Dileep Kumar , Gupta Dinesh , Lal Sunil Kumar
Published: November 2018

Influenza still remains one of the most challenging diseases, posing a significant threat to public health. Host lipid rafts play a critical role in influenza A virus (IAV) assembly and budding, however, their role in polyvalent IAV host binding and endocytosis had remained elusive until now. In the present study, we observed co-localization of IAV with a lipid raft marker ganglioside, GM1, on the host surface. Further, we isolated the lipid raft micro-domains from IAV infected cells and detected IAV protein in the raft fraction. Finally, raft disruption using Methyl-β-Cyclodextrin revealed significant reduction in IAV host binding, suggesting utilization of host rafts for polyvalent binding on the host cell surface. In addition to this, cyclodextrin mediated inhibition of raft-dependent endocytosis showed significantly reduced IAV internalization. Interestingly, exposure of cells to cyclodextrin two hours post-IAV binding showed no such reduction in IAV entry, indicating use of raft-dependent endocytosis for host entry. In summary, this study demonstrates that host lipid rafts are selected by IAV as a host attachment factors for multivalent binding, and IAV utilizes these micro-domains to exploit raft-dependent endocytosis for host internalization, a virus entry route previously unknown for IAV.
Viral Proteins U41 and U70 of Human Herpesvirus 6A Are Dispensable for Telomere Integration
Authors: Wight Darren J. , Wallaschek Nina , Sanyal Anirban , Weller Sandra K. , Flamand Louis , Kaufer Benedikt B.
Published: November 2018

Human herpesvirus-6A and -6B (HHV-6A and -6B) are two closely related betaherpesviruses that infect humans. Upon primary infection they establish a life-long infection termed latency, where the virus genome is integrated into the telomeres of latently infected cells. Intriguingly, HHV-6A/B can integrate into germ cells, leading to individuals with inherited chromosomally-integrated HHV-6 (iciHHV-6), who have the HHV-6 genome in every cell. It is known that telomeric repeats flanking the virus genome are essential for integration; however, the protein factors mediating integration remain enigmatic. We have previously shown that the putative viral integrase U94 is not essential for telomere integration; thus, we set out to assess the contribution of potential viral recombination proteins U41 and U70 towards integration. We could show that U70 enhances dsDNA break repair via a homology-directed mechanism using a reporter cell line. We then engineered cells to produce shRNAs targeting both U41 and U70 to inhibit their expression during infection. Using these cells in our HHV-6A in vitro integration assay, we could show that U41/U70 were dispensable for telomere integration. Furthermore, additional inhibition of the cellular recombinase Rad51 suggested that it was also not essential, indicating that other cellular and/or viral factors must mediate telomere integration.
Platycodin D Suppresses Type 2 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus In Primary and Established Cell Lines
Authors: Zhang Mingxin , Du Taofeng , Long Feixiang , Yang Xia , Sun Yankuo , Duan Mubing , Zhang Guihong , Liu Yahong , Zhou En-min , Chen Weisan , Chen Jianxin
Published: November 2018

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is a continuous threat to the pork industry as it continues to cause significant economic loss worldwide. Currently, vaccination strategies provide very limited protection against PRRSV transmission. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop new antiviral strategies. Platycodin D (PD) is one of the major bioactive triterpenoid saponins derived from Platycodon grandiflorum, a traditional Chinese medicine used as an expectorant for pulmonary diseases and a remedy for respiratory disorders. Here, we demonstrate that PD exhibits potent activity against PRRSV infection in Marc-145 cells and primary porcine alveolar macrophages. PD exhibited broad-spectrum inhibitory activities in vitro against high pathogenic type 2 PRRSV GD-HD strain and GD-XH strain as well as classical CH-1a and VR2332 strains. PD at concentrations ranging 1–4 μM significantly inhibited PRRSV RNA synthesis, viral protein expression and progeny virus production in a dose-dependent manner. EC50 values of PD against four tested PRRSV strains infection in Marc-145 cells ranged from 0.74 to 1.76 μM. Mechanistically, PD inhibited PRRSV replication by directly interacting with virions therefore affecting multiple stages of the virus life cycle, including viral entry and progeny virus release. In addition, PD decreased PRRSV- and LPS-induced cytokine (IFN-α, IFN-β, IL-1α, IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α) production in PAMs. Altogether, our findings suggested that PD is a potent inhibitor of PPRSV infection in vitro. However, further in vivo studies are necessary to confirm PD as a potential novel and effective PPRSV inhibitor in swine.
Understanding the Determinants of BnAb Induction in Acute HCV Infection
Authors: Underwood Alexander P. , Walker Melanie R. , Brasher Nicholas A. , Eltahla Auda A. , Maher Lisa , Luciani Fabio , Lloyd Andrew R. , Bull Rowena A.
Published: November 2018

Despite recent advances in curative therapy, hepatitis C virus (HCV) still remains a global threat. In order to achieve global elimination, a prophylactic vaccine should be considered high priority. Previous immunogens used to induce broad neutralising antibodies (BnAbs) have been met with limited success. To improve immunogen design, factors associated with the early development of BnAbs in natural infection must first be understood. In this study, 43 subjects identified with acute HCV were analysed longitudinally using a panel of heterogeneous HCV pseudoparticles (HCVpp), to understand the emergence of BnAbs. Compared to those infected with a single genotype, early BnAb development was associated with subjects co-infected with at least 2 HCV subtypes during acute infection. In those that were mono-infected, BnAbs were seen to emerge with increasing viral persistence. If subjects acquired a secondary infection, nAb breadth was seen to boost upon viral re-exposure. Importantly, this data highlights the potential for multivalent and prime-boost vaccine strategies to induce BnAbs against HCV in humans. However, the data also indicate that the infecting genotype may influence the development of BnAbs. Therefore, the choice of antigen will need to be carefully considered in future vaccine trials.
Non-Structural Protein NSm of Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Is an Avirulence Factor Recognized by Resistance Genes of Tobacco and Tomato via Different Elicitor Active Sites
Authors: Huang Changjun , Liu Yong , Yu Haiqin , Yuan Cheng , Zeng Jianmin , Zhao Lu , Tong Zhijun , Tao Xiaorong
Published: November 2018

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) is one of the most destructive viral pathogens of plants. Recently, a single dominant gene conferring complete resistance to TSWV (RTSW) was identified in Nicotina alata and introgressed into cultivated tobacco (N. tabacum). However, whether the TSWV carries an avirulence (Avr) factor directed against RTSW remains obscure. In the present study, we identified the non-structural protein (NSm), the movement protein of TSWV, which is an RTSW-specific Avr factor, by using two different transient expression systems. Using amino acid (aa) substitution mutants, we demonstrated the ability to induce RTSW-mediated hypersensitive response (HR) of NSm is independent of its movement function. Moreover, key substitutions (C118Y and T120N), a 21-aa viral effector epitope, and different truncated versions of NSm, which are responsible for the recognition of the Sw-5b resistance gene of tomato, were tested for their ability to trigger HR to TSWV in tobacco. Together, our results demonstrated that RTSW-mediated resistance is triggered by NSm in the same way as by Sw-5b, however, via different elicitor active sites. Finally, an Avr gene-based diagnostic approach was established and used to determine the presence and effectiveness of resistance genes in tobacco.
Of Viroids and Prions
Authors: Diener Theodor O.
Published: November 2018

In 2017, Hadidi et al. edited a voluminous monograph entitled “Viroids and Satellites”, in which each known viroid and viroid-like satellite species was described in detail from many perspectives by more than 100 experts from 24 countries. In its 700+ pages, the book is a much needed detailed and reliable compendium of a subject, which, undoubtedly, is still little known by many potential readers. Because most users of the book may be expected to be practical plant pathologists, it appears essential that the book contain, in addition to the detailed viroid and satellite descriptions, one chapter, in which the basic molecular biology of viroids and satellites is described.
The Immunomodulatory and Antimicrobial Properties of the Vertebrate Ribonuclease A Superfamily
Authors: Schwartz Laura , Cohen Ariel , Thomas Jason , Spencer John David
Published: November 2018

The Ribonuclease A Superfamily is composed of cationic peptides that are secreted by immune cells and epithelial tissues. Although their physiological roles are unclear, several members of the vertebrate Ribonuclease A Superfamily demonstrate antimicrobial and immune modulation activities. The objective of this review is to provide an overview of the published literature on the Ribonuclease A Superfamily with an emphasis on each peptide’s regulation, antimicrobial properties, and immunomodulatory functions. As additional insights emerge regarding the mechanisms in which these ribonucleases eradicate invading pathogens and modulate immune function, these ribonucleases may have the potential to be developed as a novel class of therapeutics for some human diseases.
Impact of Out-of-Pocket Cost on Herpes Zoster Vaccine Uptake: An Observational Study in a Medicare Managed Care Population
Authors: Tao Zhuliang , Li Yong , Stemkowski Stephen , Johnson Kelly D. , Acosta Camilo J. , Zhang Dongmu , Fendrick A. Mark
Published: November 2018

Herpes zoster (HZ) vaccination is approved for adults aged 50+ for the prevention of HZ, but it is underutilized. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between out-of-pocket cost and HZ vaccine utilization. Adults aged 65 or older enrolled for at least 12 months in Medicare Advantage/Part D (MAPD) and Medicare Part D only (PDP) plans from 1 January 2007 to 30 June 2014 were selected. Abandonment was defined as a reversed claim for HZ vaccine with no other paid claim within 90 days. Out-of-pocket costs used were actual amounts recorded in the claim. Overall, the HZ vaccine abandonment rate was 7.3%. Mean out-of-pocket costs were higher for individuals who abandoned versus those who did not ($88 (±$55) versus $80 (± $49)). Logistic regression indicated individuals with out-of-pocket costs of $80–$90 were 21% more likely (OR = 1.21, 1.16–1.27 95% CI), and those with out-of-pocket costs >$90 were 90% more likely (OR = 1.90, 1.85–1.96 95% CI) to abandon than those with out-of-pocket costs <$80. The models also suggested that socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic disparities in vaccine abandonment existed. Different vaccine targeting efforts and pharmacy benefit design strategies may be needed to increase use, improve adherence, and minimize disparities.
Spatial and Seasonal Variation of O and H Isotopes in the Jiulong River, Southeast China
Authors: Yang Kunhua , Han Guilin , Liu Man , Li Xiaoqiang , Liu Jinke , Zhang Qian
Published: November 2018

The stable isotope technique of oxygen and hydrogen (δ18O and δ2H) and deuterium excess (d-excess) was used to investigate distribution characteristics in June 2017 and January 2018 in the Jiulong River, southeast China. The results revealed that (1) seasonal isotopic composition was mainly controlled by precipitation. It enriched lighter water isotopes in winter more than in summer because of the aggravating effect of low temperature and great rainfall. (2) Spatial distribution of the North, West, and South River showed increasing enrichment of heavy isotopes in that order. In the high-flow season, the continuous high-flow made δ18O and δ2H homogeneous, despite increasing weak evaporation along water-flow paths in the West and South River. In the low-flow season, there was a decreasing trend in the middle and lower reaches of the North and West main stream and an increasing trend in the South River. (3) O and H isotopic geochemistry exhibited natural and anthropogenic influence in hydrological process, such as heavy rainfall and cascade reservoirs. The results showed that O and H isotopes are indeed useful tracers of the water cycle.
Landscape Drivers and Social Dynamics Shaping Microbial Contamination Risk in Three Maya Communities in Southern Belize, Central America
Authors: Esselman Peter C. , Jiang Shiguo , Peller Henry A. , Buck David G. , Wainwright Joel D.
Published: November 2018

Land transformation can have cascading effects on hydrology, water quality, and human users of water resources, with serious implications for human health. An interdisciplinary analysis is presented, whereby remote-sensing data of changing land use and cover are related to surface hydrology and microbial contamination in domestic use areas of three indigenous Maya communities in Belize, Central America. We asked whether a departure from traditional land-use patterns toward intensified use led to consequences for hydrology and microbial contamination of drinking water, and investigated how social factors in the three study communities may act to ameliorate human health risks associated with water contamination. We showed that a departure from traditional land use to more intensive cultivation and grazing led to significantly increased surface water runoff, and intensified microbial contamination of surface water sources sometimes used for drinking. Results further suggested that groundwater contamination was widespread regardless of land cover, due to the widespread presence of pit latrines, pigs, and cows on the landscape, and that human users were consistently subject to health risks from potential pathogens as a result. Given that both surface and groundwater resources were found to be contaminated, it is important that water distribution systems (piped water from tanks; shallow and deep wells) be monitored for Escherichia coli and treated when necessary to reduce or eliminate contaminants and protect public health. Results of interviews suggested that strengthened capacity within the communities to monitor and treat centralized drinking water sources and increase water treatment at the point of use could lead to reduced risk to water consumers.
A Machine Learning Approach to Evaluating the Damage Level of Tooth-Shape Spur Dikes
Authors: Wei Xianglong , Lu Yongjun , Wang Zhili , Liu Xingnian , Mo Siping
Published: November 2018

Little research has been done on the application of machine learning approaches to evaluating the damage level of river training structures on the Yangtze River. In this paper, two machine learning approaches to evaluating the damage level of spur dikes with tooth-shaped structures are proposed: a supervised support vector machine (SVM) model and an unsupervised model combining a Kohonen neural network with an SVM model (KNN-SVM). It was found that the supervised SVM model predicted the damage level of the validation samples with high accuracy, and the unsupervised data-mining KNN-SVM model agreed well with the empirical evaluation result. It is shown that both machine learning approaches could become effective tools to evaluate the damage level of spur dikes and other river training structures.
Review of Constructed Wetlands for Acid Mine Drainage Treatment
Authors: Pat-Espadas Aurora M. , Loredo Portales Rene , Amabilis-Sosa Leonel E. , Gómez Gloria , Vidal Gladys
Published: November 2018

The mining industry is the major producer of acid mine drainage (AMD). The problem of AMD concerns at active and abandoned mine sites. Acid mine drainage needs to be treated since it can contaminate surface water. Constructed wetlands (CW), a passive treatment technology, combines naturally-occurring biogeochemical, geochemical, and physical processes. This technology can be used for the long-term remediation of AMD. The challenge is to overcome some factors, for instance, chemical characteristics of AMD such a high acidity and toxic metals concentrations, to achieve efficient CW systems. Design criteria, conformational arrangements, and careful selection of each component must be considered to achieve the treatment. The main objective of this review is to summarize the current advances, applications, and the prevalent difficulties and opportunities to apply the CW technology for AMD treatment. According to the cited literature, sub-surface CW (SS-CW) systems are suggested for an efficient AMD treatment. The synergistic interactions between CW components determine heavy metal removal from water solution. The microorganism-plant interaction is considered the most important since it implies symbiosis mechanisms for heavy metal removal and tolerance. In addition, formation of litter and biofilm layers contributes to heavy metal removal by adsorption mechanisms. The addition of organic amendments to the substrate material and AMD bacterial consortium inoculation are some of the strategies to improve heavy metal removal. Adequate experimental design from laboratory to full scale systems need to be used to optimize equilibria between CW components selection and construction and operational costs. The principal limitations for CW treating AMD is the toxicity effect that heavy metals produce on CW plants and microorganisms. However, these aspects can be solved partially by choosing carefully constructed wetlands components suitable for the AMD characteristics. From the economic point of view, a variety of factors affects the cost of constructed wetlands, such as: detention time, treatment goals, media type, pretreatment type, number of cells, source, and availability of gravel media, and land requirements, among others.
An Automatic Irrigation Control System for Soilless Culture of Lettuce
Authors: Liu Zhigang , Xu Qinchao
Published: November 2018

To achieve precise measurement of moisture content in the substrate and intelligent water-saving irrigation, a simple and low cost automatic irrigation control system based on ZigBee wireless network has been developed. A software with irrigation strategy was proposed based on the models of substrate wetting pattern, lettuce root zone and the evapotranspiration. The system could detect substrate moisture in real-time and irrigate automatically according to the threshold of substrate and the irrigation strategy. The average fresh weight per plant under intelligent irrigation are 16.60% and 11.37% higher than manual control irrigation at least in different growth stages in spring and summer, the average drainage rate of intelligent irrigation is 16.08% and 17.06% smaller than manual control irrigation in spring and summer, and the irrigation water use efficiency of intelligent irrigation is 68.03% and 98.61% higher than manual control irrigation in spring and summer. The results show that the system is a promising tool for scientific and rational irrigation decision.
Introduction of an Experimental Terrestrial Forecasting/Monitoring System at Regional to Continental Scales Based on the Terrestrial Systems Modeling Platform (v1.1.0)
Authors: Kollet Stefan , Gasper Fabian , Brdar Slavko , Goergen Klaus , Hendricks-Franssen Harrie-Jan , Keune Jessica , Kurtz Wolfgang , Küll Volker , Pappenberger Florian , Poll Stefan , Trömel Silke , Shrestha Prabhakar , Simmer Clemens , Sulis Mauro
Published: November 2018

Operational weather and flood forecasting has been performed successfully for decades and is of great socioeconomic importance. Up to now, forecast products focus on atmospheric variables, such as precipitation, air temperature and, in hydrology, on river discharge. Considering the full terrestrial system from groundwater across the land surface into the atmosphere, a number of important hydrologic variables are missing especially with regard to the shallow and deeper subsurface (e.g., groundwater), which are gaining considerable attention in the context of global change. In this study, we propose a terrestrial monitoring/forecasting system using the Terrestrial Systems Modeling Platform (TSMP) that predicts all essential states and fluxes of the terrestrial hydrologic and energy cycles from groundwater into the atmosphere. Closure of the terrestrial cycles provides a physically consistent picture of the terrestrial system in TSMP. TSMP has been implemented over a regional domain over North Rhine-Westphalia and a continental domain over Europe in a real-time forecast/monitoring workflow. Applying a real-time forecasting/monitoring workflow over both domains, experimental forecasts are being produced with different lead times since the beginning of 2016. Real-time forecast/monitoring products encompass all compartments of the terrestrial system including additional hydrologic variables, such as plant available soil water, groundwater table depth, and groundwater recharge and storage.
Analysis of Pressure Transient Following Rapid Filling of a Vented Horizontal Pipe
Authors: Li Lin , Zhu David Z. , Huang Biao
Published: November 2018

Rapid filling/emptying of pipes is commonly encountered in water supply and sewer systems, during which pressure transients may cause unexpected large pressure and/or geyser events. In the present study, a linearized analytical model is first developed to obtain the approximate solutions of the maximum pressure and the characteristics of pressure oscillations caused by the pressurization of trapped air in a horizontal pipe when there is no or insignificant air release. The pressure pattern is a typical periodic wave, analogous to sinusoidal motion. The oscillation period and the time when the pressure attains the peak value are significantly influenced by the driving pressure and the initial length of the entrapped air pocket. When there is air release through a venting orifice, analysis by a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics model using ANSYS Fluent was also conducted to furnish insights and details of air–water interactions. Flow features associated with the pressurization and air release were examined, and an air–water interface deformation that one-dimensional models are incapable of predicating was presented. Modelling results indicate that the residual air in the system depends on the relative position of the venting orifice. There are mainly two types of pressure oscillation patterns: namely, long or short-period oscillations and waterhammer. The latter can be observed when the venting orifice is located near the end of the pipe where the air is trapped.
Occlusion in Bottom Intakes with Circular Bars by Flow with Gravel-Sized Sediment. An Experimental Study
Authors: Garcia Juan T. , Castillo Luis G. , Haro Patricia L. , Carrillo Jose M.
Published: November 2018

Obstruction of the racks in bottom intakes due to sediment wedged in the slit of the bars can significantly reduce diverted flow. Notwithstanding the design recommendations that are found in the literature, the problem of rack occlusion continues to occur in built structures. This work focuses on the clogging effects in the circular bars of a bottom rack system using gravels whose median diameter, d50, is close to the spacing between the bars. An experimental campaign including 24 tests, each repeated time times, with six different longitudinal slopes from 0 to 35% and four different specific incoming flow rates, q1, in the range of 0.115 to 0.198 m3/s/m, is presented. The results show the inefficiency of circular profiles in comparison with T-shaped bars. No important influence of rack slope is found that could help to reduce clogging. This works confirms the importance of the selection of bar profile to reduce maintenance labor. A comparison of results with previous works with gravel sediment in T-shaped bars is considered. A methodology to calculate the wetted rack length considering occlusion due to flow with sediment transport is proposed, and the results are compared with those in the bibliography.
Waters from the Djiboutian Afar: A Review of Strontium Isotopic Composition and a Comparison with Ethiopian Waters and Red Sea Brines
Authors: Boschetti Tiziano , Awaleh Mohamed Osman , Barbieri Maurizio
Published: November 2018

Drinking water is scarce in Djibouti because of the hot desert climate. Moreover, seawater intrusion or fossil saltwater contamination of the limited number of freshwater aquifers due to groundwater overexploitation affect those who live close to the coastline (~80% of the population). Despite this, the geothermal potential of the country’s plentiful hot springs could resolve the increasing electricity demand. Strontium isotopes (87Sr/86Sr) are routinely used to determine sources and mixing relationships in geochemical studies. They have proven to be useful in determining weathering processes and quantifying endmember mixing processes. In this study, we summarise and reinterpret the 87Sr/86Sr ratio and Sr concentration data of the groundwater collected to date in the different regions of the Djibouti country, trying to discriminate between the different water sources, to evaluate the water/rock ratio and to compare the data with those coming from the groundwater in the neighbouring Main Ethiopian Rift and the Red Sea bottom brine. New preliminary data from the groundwater of the Hanlé-Gaggadé plains are also presented.
Capacity Building for Water Management in Peri-Urban Communities, Bangladesh: A Simulation-Gaming Approach
Authors: Gomes Sharlene L. , Hermans Leon M. , Islam Kazi Faisal , Huda Sheikh Nazmul , Hossain ATM Zakir , Thissen Wil A. H.
Published: November 2018

Peri-urban areas in the global south are experiencing over-exploitation and contamination of water resources as a result of rapid urbanisation. These problems relate to the ineffectiveness of the underlying institutions in this dynamic, multi-actor context. Institutions need to be considered during problem solving; however, peri-urban communities have limited insight into their institutional context. This research examines the extent to which problem solving capacity can be improved through gaming-simulation methods. A game-based approach is tested in a capacity building workshop with peri-urban communities in Khulna (Bangladesh). A role-playing game designed from game theory models is used to examine local drinking water problems through an institutional lens. Workshop evaluation shows that through role-play, participants learned about strategies in drinking water supply (in both the current and future scenarios) and about the potential to address water quality issues through cooperative groundwater monitoring. Results also show improved problem understanding with regards to institutions, actor strategies, and problem-solving constraints. Participants valued the interactive medium for comparing and evaluating strategies. This paper highlights limitations in game design and its implementation, and offers ways to address this in future applications.
Hydrological Simulation and Runoff Component Analysis over a Cold Mountainous River Basin in Southwest China
Authors: Xuan Weidong , Fu Qiang , Qin Guanghua , Zhu Cong , Pan Suli , Xu Yue-Ping
Published: November 2018

Assessment of water resources from mountainous catchments is crucial for the development of upstream rural areas and downstream urban communities. However, lack of data in these mountainous catchments prevents full understanding of the response of hydrology or water resources to climate change. Meanwhile, hydrological modeling is challenging due to parameter uncertainty. In this work, one tributary of the Yarlung Zangbo River Basin (the upper stream of the Brahmaputra River) was used as a case study for hydrological modeling. Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM 3B42V7) data were utilized as a substitute for gauge-based rainfall data, and the capability of simulating precipitation, snow, and groundwater contributions to total runoff by the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) was investigated. The uncertainty in runoff proportions from precipitation, snowmelt, and groundwater was quantified by a batch-processing module. Hydrological signatures were finally used to help identify if the hydrological model simulated total runoff and corresponding proportions properly. The results showed that: (1) TRMM data were very useful for hydrological simulation in high and cold mountainous catchments; (2) precipitation was the primary contributor nearly all year round, reaching 56.5% of the total runoff on average; (3) groundwater occupied the biggest proportion during dry seasons, whereas snowmelt made a substantial contribution only in late spring and summer; and (4) hydrological signatures were useful for helping to evaluate the performance of the hydrological model.
Potential of Rainwater Utilization in Households Based on the Distributions of Catchment Area and End-Use Water Demand
Authors: Takagi Kaori , Otaki Masahiro , Otaki Yurina
Published: November 2018

In the area where household water use exceeds the capacity of the public water supply, rainwater is considered as one of the alternative water resources. Many researchers studied rainwater potential to cover the specific value of water demand in households having the average catchment area, so that the estimated potential expresses that of the average population. In this research, the possibility of rainwater use for toilets was investigated more realistically using the probability distributions of water demand and catchment area, and precipitation in case of Hanoi, Vietnam. Monte Carlo simulations were conducted throughout this simulation and the distribution of the possibility of rainwater use was estimated. The effect of household size and seasonal variations on the potential of rainwater utilization was also assessed. These results showed that our new approach exhibited that approximately 60% of the households failed to achieve the potential that was estimated using the conventional approach. Therefore, our new approach should be useful to understand the manner in which the potential of rainwater utilization differs in a given area, and it could be applied to other areas for consideration on the rainwater use potential and the suitable tank size when the distributions of variables and precipitation are clear.
Effects of Afforestation on Soil Bulk Density and pH in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Zhang Xiaofang , Adamowski Jan F , Deo Ravinesh C , Xu Xueyun , Zhu Guofeng , Cao Jianjun
Published: November 2018

Sustainable land management requires a clear understanding of the changes in soil quality. In exploring whether afforestation has the potential to improve the soil quality in China’s Loess Plateau, soil bulk density ( ρ s ) and pH were compared under five treatments: three forested treatments (16-and 40-year-old apricot stands, and 40-year-old poplar stands), and individual abandoned and cultivated treatments, serving as the controls. Bulk density across the 0–1.0 m soil profile under the 16-year-old apricot treatment (1.12 Mg m−3) and 40-year-old poplar treatment (1.16 Mg m−3) were significantly smaller than their counterparts under the cultivated (1.20 Mg m−3) and abandoned treatments (1.23 Mg m−3). Soil pH of the cultivated treatment (8.46) was significantly lower than that of the abandoned treatment (8.51) or than that of any forested treatment. The ρ s and pH were both affected by stand age, with the ρ s and pH of the 40-year-old apricot treatment being 0.10 Mg m−3 and 0.05 units greater, respectively, than those of the 16-year-old apricot treatment. Treatment and soil depth appeared to interact to influence the ρ s , but this same interaction did not influence the soil pH. This study suggested that afforestation species and stand age should be taken into consideration to harvest maximum benefits from the afforestation efforts.
Establishing Sustainable Development Goal Baselines for Household Drinking Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services
Authors: Bain Robert , Johnston Richard , Mitis Francesco , Chatterley Christie , Slaymaker Tom
Published: November 2018

The World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), through the Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP), are responsible for global monitoring of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets for drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). The SDGs represent a fundamental shift in household WASH monitoring with a new focus on service levels and the incorporation of hygiene. This article reflects on the process of establishing SDG baselines and the methods used to generate national, regional and global estimates for the new household WASH indicators. The JMP 2017 update drew on over 3000 national data sources, primarily household surveys (n = 1443), censuses (n = 309) and administrative data (n = 1494). Whereas most countries could generate estimates for basic drinking water and basic sanitation, fewer countries could report on basic handwashing facilities, water quality and the disposal of waste from onsite sanitation. Based on data for 96 and 84 countries, respectively, the JMP estimates that globally 2.1 billion (29%) people lacked safely managed drinking water services and 4.5 billion (61%) lacked safely managed sanitation services in 2015. The expanded JMP inequalities database also finds substantial disparities by wealth and sub-national regions. The SDG baselines for household WASH reveal the scale of the challenge associated with achieving universal safely managed services and the substantial acceleration needed in many countries to achieve even basic services for everyone by 2030. Many countries have begun to localise the global SDG targets and are investing in data collection to address the SDG data gaps, whether through the integration of new elements in household surveys or strengthening collection and reporting of information through administrative and regulatory systems.
Inclusion of Modified Snow Melting and Flood Processes in the SWAT Model
Authors: Duan Yongchao , Liu Tie , Meng Fanhao , Luo Min , Frankl Amaury , De Maeyer Philippe , Bao Anming , Kurban Alishir , Feng Xianwei
Published: November 2018

Flooding, one of the most serious natural disasters, poses a significant threat to people’s lives and property. At present, the forecasting method uses simple snowmelt accumulation and has certain regional restrictions that limit the accuracy and timeliness of flood simulation and prediction. In this paper, the influence of accumulated temperature (AT) and maximum temperature (MT) on snow melting was considered in order to (1) reclassify the precipitation categories of the watershed using a separation algorithm of rain and snow that incorporates AT and MT, and (2) develop a new snow-melting process utilizing the algorithm in the Soil and Water Assessment Tool Model (SWAT) by considering the effects of AT and MT. The SWAT model was used to simulate snowmelt and flooding in the Tizinafu River Basin (TRB). We found that the modified SWAT model increased the value of the average flood peak flow by 43%, the snowmelt amounts increased by 45%, and the contribution of snowmelt to runoff increased from 44.7% to 54.07%. In comparison, we concluded the snowmelt contribution to runoff, flood peak performance, flood process simulation, model accuracy, and time accuracy. The new method provides a more accurate simulation technique for snowmelt floods and flood simulation.
Impact of Long-Term Reclaimed Water Irrigation on Trace Elements Contents in Agricultural Soils in Beijing, China
Authors: Hu Yaqi , Wu Wenyong , Xu Di , Liu Honglu
Published: November 2018

The rapid increase of reclaimed water irrigation on agricultural soils requires investigation of its impact on soil health. In this study, a simulation experiment for various lengths of long-term reclaimed water irrigation time (98, 196 and 236 years, respectively) was conducted in the southeast suburb of Beijing, China. Unirrigated soil served as the control. The environmental behavior of seven trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) at different soil depths in 0–600 cm profiles was analyzed. Results showed that the 0–30 and 200–300 cm soil layers were more likely to accumulate trace elements under long-term reclaimed water irrigation, although the accumulation in the 0–600 cm profiles was not particularly obvious. Correlation analysis showed that the trace element concentrations and distribution were significantly related to clay fraction and organic matters (OM), whereas they were not related to redox potential (Eh). The potential ecological risk assessment showed that the long-term reclaimed water irrigation did not result in a significantly increased ecological risk. However, Cd and Hg were identified as the metals with the highest potential ecological risk in the study area and the trace element contents in the top 0–30 cm soil layer should be carefully monitored. Future studies are required to clarify the environmental risks of trace elements under long-term reclaimed water irrigation as they might slowly accumulate in soil with time.