bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Fusion Method for Combining Low-Cost IMU/Magnetometer Outputs for Use in Applications on Mobile Devices
Authors: Patonis Photis , Patias Petros , Tziavos Ilias N. , Rossikopoulos Dimitrios , Margaritis Konstantinos G.
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a fusion method for combining outputs acquired by low-cost inertial measurement units and electronic magnetic compasses. Specifically, measurements of inertial accelerometer and gyroscope sensors are combined with no-inertial magnetometer sensor measurements to provide the optimal three-dimensional (3D) orientation of the sensors’ axis systems in real time. The method combines Euler–Cardan angles and rotation matrix for attitude and heading representation estimation and deals with the “gimbal lock” problem. The mathematical formulation of the method is based on Kalman filter and takes into account the computational cost required for operation on mobile devices as well as the characteristics of the low-cost microelectromechanical sensors. The method was implemented, debugged, and evaluated in a desktop software utility by using a low-cost sensor system, and it was tested in an augmented reality application on an Android mobile device, while its efficiency was evaluated experimentally.
A Practical Approach to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Open Dumps through Infrastructure Restructuring: A Case Study in Nanjing City, China
Authors: Ma Jing , Luo Zhanbin , Chen Fu , Zhu Qianlin , Zhang Shaoliang , Liu Gang-Jun
Published: August 2018

A new environmental ban has forced the restructure of open dumps in China since 1 July 2011. A technical process was established in this study that is feasible for the upgrade of open dumps through restructuring. The feasibility of restructuring and the benefit of greenhouse gas emission reductions were assessed according to field surveys of five landfills and four dumps in Nanjing. The results showed that the daily processing capacities of the existing landfills have been unable to meet the growth of municipal solid waste (MSW), making restructuring of the landfills imperative. According to an assessment of the technical process, only four sites in Nanjing were suitable for upgrading. Restructuring the Jiaozishan landfill effectively reduced the leachate generation rate by 5.84% under its scale when expanded by 60.7% in 2015. CO2 emissions were reduced by approximately 55,000–86,000 tons per year, in which biogas power generation replaced fossil fuels Fossil fuels accounted for the largest proportion, up to 45,000–60,000 tons. Photovoltaic power generation on the overlying land has not only reduced CO2 emissions to 26,000–30,000 tons per year but has also brought in continuing income from the sale of electricity. The funds are essential for developing countries such as China, which lack long-term financial support for landfill management after closure.
Who Beats the Dutch Tax Department? Tracing 20 Years of Niche–Regime Interactions on Collective Solar PV Production in The Netherlands
Authors: Kooij Henk-Jan , Lagendijk Arnoud , Oteman Marieke
Published: August 2018

In the past years, Dutch citizens have experimented with various kinds of innovations to organize the collective production of renewable energy, including shared wind power and solar PV installations. Most of these attempts failed mainly due to legal issues and tax rules. Yet, one model for solar PV on collective roofs was implemented more widely, namely the postcode rose (PCR, postcoderoos): a form of cooperative solar PV production within a set of adjacent postcode areas. Set within a broader transition perspective, this article studies the emergence and evolution of the PCR as an example of a successful social innovation in the energy transition, through an innovation biography and mapping of the evolution of the social and institutional network around the innovation. The various attempts for collective solar PV, with different degrees of success and uptake into the regime, present a key aspect of niche development, namely associational work (circulation and mobilization) focused on regime change. In conclusion, the innovation path of the PCR emphasizes the importance of the political and associational in the energy transition and in transition thinking.
How Willing Are Herders to Participate in Carbon Sequestration and Mitigation? An Inner Mongolian Grassland Case
Authors: Zhao Yanyun , Yan Yongzhi , Liu Qingfu , Li Frank Yonghong
Published: August 2018

Reasonable carbon sequestration and mitigation measures play an important role in reducing greenhouse gas emission and realizing regional sustainable development. How willing herders are to participate in carbon sequestration and mitigation directly determines the corresponding implementation effect. Relevant studies mostly focus on forest households and peasant households, but great uncertainty remains regarding herdsman households. Based on a survey of 404 herdsman households in Inner Mongolian grasslands, this study assessed the cognitive level and participation willingness of herders on carbon sequestration and mitigation of grasslands, and investigated the factors influencing their willingness to participate in the activity. We found that the cognitive level of herders on carbon sequestration and mitigation in Inner Mongolian grasslands was relatively low, with 83% of herdsman households having low cognition and 17% in the state of medium cognition. However, herders are mostly willing to take grassland carbon sequestration and mitigation measures, with 60% of herdsman households being willing to participate, 28% moderately willing to do so, and 12% of unwillingness. This pattern was mainly influenced by the impact of carbon sequestration and mitigation on household income, the economic subsidies and the call for ecological environment protection from the government. The herders tend to be willing to participate when they think that the government calls for ecological environment protection are essential. In contrast, they tend to be unwilling to participate if they think the subsidies too low and the negative effect of sequestration measure on income is essential. We found that the family financial income of herders is a key factor limiting the improvement of participation willingness in this area. It is necessary to improve the cognition of herders for the development of carbon sequestration and mitigation projects.
Evolving Temporal–Spatial Trends, Spatial Association, and Influencing Factors of Carbon Emissions in Mainland China: Empirical Analysis Based on Provincial Panel Data from 2006 to 2015
Authors: Chen Weidong , Yang Ruoyu
Published: August 2018

Based on provincial panel data from 2005 to 2016, this paper analyzes evolving temporal–spatial trends, spatial correlation and influencing factors of carbon emissions in China. The results show that there is a great heterogeneity in the evolving temporal–spatial trends of carbon emissions among provinces and regions in China, with the heterogeneity in eastern provinces most obvious. At the same time, there exists significant spatial correlation and agglomeration of carbon emissions in 30 provinces. It is found that the distribution characteristics of carbon emissions are affected by various economic and social factors based on the extended STIRPAT (Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, and Technology) model. Population pressure, affluence, energy intensity, industrial structure, urbanization level and investment in fixed assets can significantly promote the increase of carbon emissions. The technological level and government environmental supervision have significant inhibitory effects on carbon emissions, but foreign direct investment (FDI) has no significant impact. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen environmental supervision and upgrade technology level to promote carbon emission reduction.
Digital Acceleration of Sustainability Transition: The Paradox of Push Impacts
Authors: Townsend Jack H. , Coroama Vlad C.
Published: August 2018

Sustainability requires ongoing reform of resource production and consumption to reduce environmental harms. The main way that Information and Communication Technology (ICT) can address these resource impacts is through digital optimization. Spreng found that optimization of an industrial process either increases energy use or accelerates production or consumption. It was assumed that reducing energy use progresses sustainability, whilst accelerating production or consumption to meet market demand is consumerist and generally detrimental to sustainability. In this paper, we argue that there are two important cases in which accelerating economic processes actually has an essential role in enabling sustainability by ICT: (1) when the process drives the production and adoption of an environmentally beneficial product such as a solar panel, often referred to as “cleantech”, or (2) when the process being increased is specific to the Circular Economy, such as recycling, maintenance/refurbishment, and sharing/reuse e.g., car-sharing, ride-sharing and tool-sharing in the Sharing Economy. The opportunities for ICT4S optimization are thus threefold: not just saving resources with efficiency, but also pushing the adoption of cleantech, and pushing the circulation of resources.
Preventing Conflicts in Sharing Communities as a Means of Promoting Sustainability
Authors: Sabitzer Thomas , Hartl Barbara , Marth Sarah , Hofmann Eva , Penz Elfriede
Published: August 2018

The sharing economy is a new promising trend with many positive outcomes on society and the environment, as it provides potential for sustainable solutions due to the reduction of resource consumption and less waste. However, research and practice show that sharing comes with its own share of problems. People often act selfishly, and in worst-case scenarios try to take advantage of others without contributing to the shared good. To achieve the higher goal of sustainability, it is important that conflicts in the sharing economy are prevented, and a setting is achieved that allows people to easily behave in a cooperative and sustainable way. The present research examines which conflicts emerge in sharing communities (study 1) and community gardens in particular (study 2), and whether regulation can prevent conflicts in large groups. Two exploratory studies were conducted. First, a qualitative study with consumers and non-consumers of the sharing economy revealed that regulatory systems are perceived as important for preventing the exploitation of other community members, but also that cooperation should not be enforced with strict controls and punishment. Rather, problems should be discussed in a democratic group setting, rules and goals should be set up together, and trust should be built. Second, a questionnaire study with community gardeners in Austria confirmed these results, and showed that trust is related to less conflict in community gardens, while harsh forms of regulation are related to a potential for greater conflict. Additionally, the results indicate that soft forms of regulation are related to fewer relationship and task conflicts, better conflict resolutions, a high sense of community, and greater trust in the community. We then discuss how these findings can be used to regulate sharing economy activities and give limitations and directions for future studies.
Energy Assessment of Pastoral Dairy Goat Husbandry from an Agroecological Economics Perspective. A Case Study in Andalusia (Spain)
Authors: Pérez-Neira David , Soler-Montiel Marta , Gutiérrez-Peña Rosario , Mena-Guerrero Yolanda
Published: August 2018

This paper presents a methodological proposal of new energy sustainability indicators according to a novel accounting that follows agroecological and ecological economics criteria. Energy output is reformulated to include manure and thus consider the contribution to fertilization made by pastoral livestock farming to agroecosystems. Energy inputs calculations include the grazing resources. These new definitions and calculations allow for new formulations of the energy return on investment (EROI) as measures of the energy efficiency of livestock farming systems (final EROI and food/feed EROI). The environmental benefit of manure is estimated from the avoided energy cost of using this alternative to inorganic fertilizers (AECM). The environmental benefit of grazing is measured through the energy cost of avoiding cultivated animal feed (AECP) and its impact in terms of non-utilized agricultural area (ALCP). The comparative analysis of different livestock breeding systems in three pastoral dairy goat farms in the Sierra de Cádiz in Andalusia, southern Spain, reveals the analytical potential of the new energy sustainability indicators proposed, as well as the potential environmental benefits derived from territorial-based stockbreeding and, more specifically, grazing activities. Those benefits include gains in energy efficiency, a reduction of the dependence on non-renewable energy, and environmental costs avoided in terms of energy in extensive pastoral systems.
The Changing Urban Landscape of Chinese Cities: Positive and Negative Impacts of Urban Design Controls on Contemporary Urban Housing
Authors: Cheshmehzangi Ali
Published: August 2018

China’s contemporary urban housing is increasingly developed at mass housing scale. In recent decades, it has transformed into large scale urban design approach rather than individual architectural design. This is generally common across major Chinese cities and is also becoming the case in some township regions. The increase in mass urban housing production firstly initiated in early years after establishment of the People’s Republic of China in 1949 and was then increased significantly from the 1970s onwards. Similar to the case of post-war European housing development in the 1950s and 1960s, China experienced a rapid transition and huge demand for new urban housing. The two decades of 1980s and 1990s are known as China’s remarkable era for rapid growth and urbanisation, which was unprecedented not only for China but also globally. In this paper, the focus is on urban design controls and their impacts on housing transitions in China by first analysing common housing typologies as well as their challenges and issues and common practices of urban design for housing projects across major cities of China. This paper argues in favour of alternative routes before concluding on the importance of detailed design and new possibilities for revised and re-evaluated urban design controls. This paper offers a set of analytical views on positive and negative impacts of urban design controls on contemporary urban housing in China. It also adds to existing research focused on urban housing transitions in China and directly linked to sectors of urban planning and urban design. This study concludes with possibilities for new directions, focused on: development of low- to midrise urban housing typology, compact urban development, and avoidance of gated community development.
Influence of Indigenous Spiritual Beliefs on Natural Resource Management and Ecological Conservation in Thailand
Authors: Chunhabunyatip Prompassorn , Sasaki Nophea , Grünbühel Clemens , Kuwornu John K. M. , Tsusaka Takuji W.
Published: August 2018

Understanding how indigenous people manage their natural resources can provide a basis for formulating appropriate policies for natural resources management that benefits them while preserving their cultural beliefs. The objective of this study is to investigate the factors that influence the management of natural resources and the conservation of river ecology by the indigenous people in the Nongchaiwan wetland. We conducted in-depth interviews with 5 key informants and quantitative surveys with 158 households in two phases over a period of 3 years. Ancestral spiritual beliefs that are still salient in the Lower Songkhram River Basin influence natural resources management because they traditionally link people and natural resources. Such spiritual beliefs in the Lower Songkhram River Basin supported the indigenous people to continue conserving the natural resources in their territory. In addition, property rights granted to indigenous people also contribute to the conservation of natural resources. Our findings suggest that policy makers should engage with local beliefs in order to achieve sustainable resource management and, therefore, such practices should be recognized and included in the government’s policies on natural resources management in locations, where indigenous people live for generations.
An Analysis of the Factors behind the Citizen’s Attitude of Rejection towards Tourism in a Context of Overtourism and Economic Dependence on This Activity
Authors: Martín Martín José María , Guaita Martínez Jose Manuel , Salinas Fernández José Antonio
Published: August 2018

New tourism trends, such as vacation rentals websites and low-cost tourism, have generated a new environment of interactions between tourism and the citizens. To this, we must add the fortuitous increase in demand in some touristic destinations. This has derived in situations of rejection in traditionally tourism-dependent environments. In this study, which is focused on the city of Barcelona, we use work-field data to analyze the elements that lie behind the popular aversion to tourism. Assuming a non-forced analysis that takes the Social Exchange Theory as a framework, we have determined that the negative economic effects derived from the increase in the number of accommodations destined for vacation rentals and in the demand lie behind this rejection. The main impacts that are perceived directly from these factors are: the increase in residential rentals prices and a shift from a traditional market to one oriented to the tourist with higher prices. It has also been determined that the most vulnerable population groups are those who manifest a stronger rejection, tenants of apartments in city centers, and citizens with a low/medium income, who perceive rises in the prices and a change in the market focus to a larger extent.
Preinflationary Dynamics of Power-Law Potential in Loop Quantum Cosmology †
Authors: Shahalam M.
Published: August 2018

In this article, I mainly discuss the dynamics of the pre-inflationary Universe for the potential V ( ϕ ) ∝ ϕ n with n = 5 / 3 in the context of loop quantum cosmology, in which the big bang singularity is resolved by a non-singular quantum bounce. In the case of the kinetic energy-dominated initial conditions of the scalar field at the bounce, the numerical evolution of the Universe can be split up into three regimes: bouncing, transition, and slow-roll inflation. In the bouncing regime, the numerical evolution of the scale factor does not depend on a wide range of initial values, or on the inflationary potentials. I calculate the number of e-folds in the slow-roll regime, by which observationally identified initial conditions are obtained. Additionally, I display the phase portrait for the model under consideration.
The Case for Nonlocal Modifications of Gravity
Authors: Woodard Richard P.
Published: August 2018

The huge amounts of undetected and exotic dark matter and dark energy needed to make general relativity work on large scales argue that we should investigate modifications of gravity. The only stable, metric-based and invariant alternative to general relativity is f(R) models. These models can explain primordial inflation, but they cannot dispense with either dark matter or dark energy. I advocate nonlocal modifications of gravity, not as new fundamental theories but rather as the gravitational vacuum polarization engendered by infrared quanta produced during primordial inflation. I also discuss some of the many objections which have been raised to this idea.
Access to Urban Green Space in Cities of the Global South: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Rigolon Alessandro , Browning Matthew H. E. M. , Lee Kangjae , Shin Seunguk
Published: August 2018

This review examines disparities in access to urban green space (UGS) based on socioeconomic status (SES) and race-ethnicity in Global South cities. It was motivated by documented human health and ecosystem services benefits of UGS in Global South countries and UGS planning barriers in rapidly urbanizing cities. Additionally, another review of Global North UGS studies uncovered that high-SES and White people have access to a higher quantity of higher quality UGSs than low-SES and racial-ethnic minority people but that no clear differences exist regarding who lives closer to UGS. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to uncover (1) whether UGS inequities in Global North cities are evident in Global South cities and (2) whether inequities in the Global South vary between continents. Through the PRISMA approach and five inclusion criteria, we identified 46 peer-reviewed articles that measured SES or racial-ethnic disparities in access to UGS in Global South cities. We found inequities for UGS quantity (high-SES people are advantaged in 85% of cases) and UGS proximity (74% of cases). Inequities were less consistent for UGS quality (65% of cases). We also found that UGS inequities were consistent across African, Asian, and Latin American cities. These findings suggest that Global South cities experience similar inequities in UGS quantity and quality as Global North cities, but that the former also face inequities in UGS proximity.
Neutralizing Epitopes and Residues Mediating the Potential Antigenic Drift of the Hemagglutinin-Esterase Protein of Influenza C Virus
Authors: Matsuzaki Yoko , Sugawara Kanetsu , Furuse Yuki , Shimotai Yoshitaka , Hongo Seiji , Mizuta Katsumi , Nishimura Hidekazu
Published: August 2018

We mapped the hemagglutinin-esterase (HE) antigenic epitopes of the influenza C virus on the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the HE glycoprotein using 246 escape mutants that were selected by a panel of nine anti-HE monoclonal antibodies (MAbs), including seven of the C/Ann Arbor/1/50 virus and two of the C/Yamagata/15/2004 virus. The frequency of variant selection in the presence of anti-HE MAbs was very low, with frequencies ranging from 10−4.62 to 10−7.58 for the C/Ann Arbor/1/50 virus and from 10−7.11 to 10−9.25 for the C/Yamagata/15/2004 virus. Sequencing of mutant HE genes revealed 25 amino acid substitutions at 16 positions in three antigenic sites: A-1, A-2, and A-3, and a newly designated Y-1 site. In the 3D structure, the A-1 site was widely located around the receptor-binding site, the A-2 site was near the receptor-destroying enzyme site, and the Y-1 site was located in the loop on the topside of HE. The hemagglutination inhibition reactions of the MAbs with influenza C viruses, circulating between 1947 and 2016, were consistent with the antigenic-site amino acid changes. We also found some amino acid variations in the antigenic site of recently circulating strains with antigenic changes, suggesting that viruses that have the potential to alter antigenicity continue to circulate in humans.
Xenotropic Mouse Gammaretroviruses Isolated from Pre-Leukemic Tissues Include a Recombinant
Authors: Bamunusinghe Devinka , Skorski Matthew , Buckler-White Alicia , Kozak Christine A.
Published: August 2018

Naturally-occurring lymphomagenesis is induced by mouse leukemia viruses (MLVs) carried as endogenous retroviruses (ERVs). Replicating the ecotropic MLVs recombines with polytropic (P-ERVs) and xenotropic ERVs (X-ERVs) to generate pathogenic viruses with an altered host range. While most recovered nonecotropic recombinants have a polytropic host range, the X-MLVs are also present in the pre-leukemic tissues. We analyzed two such isolates from the AKR mice to identify their ERV progenitors and to look for evidence of recombination. AKR40 resembles the active X-ERV Bxv1, while AKR6 has a Bxv1-like backbone with substitutions that alter the long terminal repeat (LTR) enhancer and the envelope (env). AKR6 has a modified xenotropic host range, and its Env residue changes all lie outside of the domain that governs the receptor choice. The AKR6 segment spanning the two substitutions, but not the entire AKR6 env-LTR, exists as an ERV, termed Xmv67, in AKR, but not in the C57BL/6 mice. This suggests that AKR6 is the product of one, not two, recombination events. Xmv67 originated in the Asian mice. These data indicate that the recombinant X-MLVs that can be generated during lymphomagenesis, describe a novel X-ERV subtype found in the AKR genome, but not in the C57BL/6 reference genome, and identify residues in the envelope C-terminus that may influence the host range.
Influenza Virus Infection of Human Lymphocytes Occurs in the Immune Cell Cluster of the Developing Antiviral Response
Authors: Mock David , Frampton Mark , Nichols Joan , Domurat Frank , Signs Denise , Roberts Norbert
Published: August 2018

Monocytes-macrophages and lymphocytes are recruited to the respiratory tract in response to influenza virus challenge and are exposed to the virus during the establishment of immune defenses. The susceptibility of human lymphocytes to infection was assessed. The presence of monocytes-macrophages was required to attain infection of both resting and proliferating lymphocytes. Lymphocyte infection occurred in the context of immune cell clusters and was blocked by the addition of anti-intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) antibody to prevent cell clustering. Both peripheral blood-derived and bronchoalveolar lymphocytes were susceptible to infection. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes were susceptible to influenza virus infection, and the infected CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes served as infectious foci for other nonpermissive or even virus-permissive cells. These data show that monocytes-macrophages and both CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes can become infected during the course of an immune response to influenza virus challenge. The described leukocyte interactions during infection may play an important role in the development of effective anti-influenza responses.
Next Generation Cancer Vaccines—Make It Personal!
Authors: Terbuch Angelika , Lopez Juanita
Published: August 2018

Dramatic success in cancer immunotherapy has been achieved over the last decade with the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors, leading to response rates higher than with chemotherapy in certain cancer types. These responses are often restricted to cancers that have a high mutational burden and show pre-existing T-cell infiltrates. Despite extensive efforts, therapeutic vaccines have been mostly unsuccessful in the clinic. With the introduction of next generation sequencing, the identification of individual mutations is possible, enabling the production of personalized cancer vaccines. Combining immune check point inhibitors to overcome the immunosuppressive microenvironment and personalized cancer vaccines for directing the host immune system against the chosen antigens might be a promising treatment strategy.
Early Investigations and Recent Advances in Intraperitoneal Immunotherapy for Peritoneal Metastasis
Authors: Thadi Anusha , Khalili Marian , Morano William , Richard Scott , Katz Steven , Bowne Wilbur
Published: August 2018

Peritoneal metastasis (PM) is an advanced stage malignancy largely refractory to modern therapy. Intraperitoneal (IP) immunotherapy offers a novel approach for the control of regional disease of the peritoneal cavity by breaking immune tolerance. These strategies include heightening T-cell response and vaccine induction of anti-cancer memory against tumor-associated antigens. Early investigations with chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells), vaccine-based therapies, dendritic cells (DCs) in combination with pro-inflammatory cytokines and natural killer cells (NKs), adoptive cell transfer, and immune checkpoint inhibitors represent significant advances in the treatment of PM. IP delivery of CAR-T cells has shown demonstrable suppression of tumors expressing carcinoembryonic antigen. This response was enhanced when IP injected CAR-T cells were combined with anti-PD-L1 or anti-Gr1. Similarly, CAR-T cells against folate receptor α expressing tumors improved T-cell tumor localization and survival when combined with CD137 co-stimulatory signaling. Moreover, IP immunotherapy with catumaxomab, a trifunctional antibody approved in Europe, targets epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) and has shown considerable promise with control of malignant ascites. Herein, we discuss immunologic approaches under investigation for treatment of PM.
Seasonal Variation of Drainage System in the Lower Ablation Area of a Monsoonal Temperate Debris-Covered Glacier in Mt. Gongga, South-Eastern Tibet
Authors: Liu Qiao , Liu Shiyin , Cao Wulong
Published: August 2018

Seasonal evolution of the subglacial drainage system in the lower ablation area of the Hailuogou glacier ice tongue were revealed by repeated dye tracer (Rhodamine WT) experiments during the 2009 ablation season. Between April and October, 18 dye tracer experiments were conducted by injecting the tracer at one location of the lower ablation area of the Hailuogou Glacier to diagnose the seasonal variation of the subglacial drainage system of this section of glacier ice tongue. Using a simple advection-dispersion model (ADM), the flow velocity, hydrodynamic dispersion coefficient, and degree of tracer spreading were deduced. Tracer transit velocity through the tested subglacial channel varied from 0.148 to 0.555 m s−1 during the 2009 ablation season. Dispersivity showed a relatively high value than that found at other glaciers, which varied between 27.05 and 287.49 m2 s−1. Seasonal changes of these indexes indicated that the subglacial drainage system of the lower ablation area of the Hailougou Glacier is a relatively stable existing system in the case of its longitudinal shape, whereas its hydraulic efficiency is low in the early and late ablation seasons and high during the middle of summer due to subglacial channel expansion.
Simplified Lake Surface Area Method for the Minimum Ecological Water Level of Lakes and Wetlands
Authors: Shang Songpu , Shang Songhao
Published: August 2018

The determination of the rational minimum ecological water level is the base for the protection of ecosystems in shrinking lakes and wetlands. Based on the lake surface area method, a simplified lake surface area method was proposed to define the minimum ecological lake level from the lake level-logarithm of the surface area curve. The curve slope at the minimum ecological lake level is the ratio of the maximum lake storage to the maximum surface area. For most practical cases when the curve cannot be expressed as a simple analytical function, the minimum ecological lake level can be determined numerically using the weighted sum method for an equivalent multi-objective optimization model that balances ecosystem protection and water use. This method requires fewer data of lake morphology and is simple to compute. Therefore, it is more convenient to use this method in the assessment of the ecological lake level. The proposed method was used to determine the minimum ecological water level for one freshwater lake, one saltwater lake, and one wetland in China. The results can be used in the lake ecosystem protection planning and the rational use of water resources in the lake or wetland basins.
Change and Climatic Linkage for Extreme Flows in Typical Catchments of Middle Tianshan Mountain, Northwest China
Authors: Ma Yonggang , Huang Yue , Liu Tie
Published: August 2018

Due to an absence of an essential daily data set, changing characteristics, and cause of flow extremes in the Tianshan Mountains are rarely explored in depth. In this study, daily based long-term meteorological and hydrological observation data were collected in four typical watersheds in the middle Tianshan Mountains; Manne-Kendall trend analysis and Pettit’s test were used to detect the trends and alterations of extreme flow series; Generalized Extreme Value distribution (GEV) and General Pareto distribution (GDP) models were used to describe the probability distributions of annual maximum (AM) and peaks over threshold (POT) series based on daily discharge; and the relationship between extreme flow and climate indices, were also investigated. The findings indicated that, change of the AM series at five hydrological stations experienced positive trends; the POT series generally showed no significant trends, while the peaks over threshold number (POTN) present a positive trend at the five stations. Change points exist in the POT and occurrence time of maximum daily discharge in spring (AM-SPR) series at the Kensiwate (KSWT) station in Manas watershed; the mean extreme flow decreased after 1986, and the occurrence time the annual maximum daily flow in spring significant forward after 1978. The AM series can well fit the GEV distribution, while the POT series fit the GDP distribution better; the GEV model performed worse in estimating flood events with high return period than low return period events. Moreover, acceleration of glacier melting lead to the magnitude and frequency increments of flood in the north slope; intensifying and frequent precipitation extremes are dominate factors of extreme flow variations in south slope watersheds which without large amount of glacier coverage; and continually temperature rising in spring and increased precipitation in winter lead to the change on magnitude and timing of spring extreme floods.
An Effective Kalman Filter-Based Method for Groundwater Pollution Source Identification and Plume Morphology Characterization
Authors: Jiang Simin , Fan Jinhong , Xia Xuemin , Li Xianwen , Zhang Ruicheng
Published: August 2018

The identification of unknown groundwater pollution sources and the characterization of pollution plume remains a challenging problem. In this study, we addressed this problem by a linked simulation-optimization approach. This approach couples a contaminant transport simulation model with a Kalman filter-based method to identify groundwater pollution source and characterize plume morphology. In the proposed methodology, the concentration field library, the covariance reduction with a Kalman filter, an alpha-cut technique of fuzzy set, and a linear programming model are integrated for solving this inverse problem. The performance of this methodology is evaluated on an illustrative groundwater pollution source identification problem. The evaluation considered the random hydraulic conductivity filed, erroneous monitoring data, a prior information shortage of potential pollution sources, and an unexpected and unknown pumping well. The identified results indicate that, under these conditions, the proposed Kalman filter-based optimization model can give satisfactory estimations to pollution sources and plume morphology for domains with small and moderate heterogeneity but cannot validate the transport in the relatively high heterogeneous field.
High-Resolution Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) to Characterize the Spatial Extension of Freshwater Lenses in a Salinized Coastal Aquifer
Authors: Greggio Nicolas , Giambastiani Beatrice M. S. , Balugani Enrico , Amaini Chiara , Antonellini Marco
Published: August 2018

High-resolution electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) with electrode spacing of 1 m proved to be an effective methodology to characterize ephemeral, sparse, and discontinuous freshwater lenses within the almost completely salinized shallow aquifer of the low coastal zone near Ravenna. ERT profiles with a vertical resolution of 0.25–0.5 m, once calibrated with groundwater data (water table depth and electrical conductivity) collected in multi-level sampler systems at the same spatial resolution, are reliable and provide repeatable measurements in time. The ERT methodology allows for fast data acquisition over large areas and it also permits the study of the evolution in time of freshwater availability in coastal zones, which is important for local ecosystems and soil resources. This makes high-resolution ERT a valid tool to aid local stakeholders and decision makers to effectively manage freshwater lenses, and guarantee their preservation or augmentation by means of managed aquifer recharge.
Modeling Approach for Water-Quality Management to Control Pollution Concentration: A Case Study of Ravi River, Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Mazhar , Shoaib Muhammad , Agwanda Paul , Lee Jung Lyul
Published: August 2018

One of the challenging problems of Punjab, the most populous province of Pakistan, is the surface water-quality problem of the Ravi River, which flows through the main cities of the province. At present, the overall status of water quality is very polluted, primarily due to residential and industrial wastewater directly discharged into the Ravi River through a network of drains. Due to the poor quality of the water, the river ecosystem is not favorable for the aquatic and surrounding environment. Hence, management options are proposed to reduce pollution. Therefore, the study was formulated to identify the main sources of pollution along the Ravi River and their potential impact on the course of the river channel. In addition, the study applied a numerical model WASP 8.1 (Water Quality Simulation Program) to discover the best strategy for the improvement of water quality. Through the model simulation it was found that, if the flow at headwater and link canals is increased up to 50%, along with 75% improvement in the pollution concentration of drains through wastewater-treatment facilities, the water quality of the Ravi River can be improved up to an acceptable limit of water-quality standards.
Taxation of Electric Vehicles in Europe: A Methodology for Comparison
Authors: Hauff Karin , Pfahl Stefan , Degenkolb Rolf
Published: August 2018

In Europe, a heterogeneous range of national vehicle taxation systems exists in parallel, so that a simple comparison of electric vehicle (xEV) tax advantages is not straightforward. In this contribution, various European vehicle taxation systems are examined and a methodology is introduced which allows a comprehensible comparison and overview by calculating CO2 based taxation step curves. This methodology provides a powerful tool for benchmarking xEV technologies and analyzing consumer acceptance of xEVs and enables furthermore the discussion about possible future taxation and incentive schemes.
CORS ARCHITECTURE AND EVALUATION OF POSITIONING BY LOW-COST GNSS RECEIVER
Authors: Pepe Massimiliano
Published: August 2018

In recent years, the use of low cost GNSS receivers is becoming widespread due to their increasing performance in the spatial positioning, flexibility, ease of use and really interesting price. In addition, a recent technique of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) survey, called Network Real Time Kinematic (NRTK), allows to obtain to rapid and accurate positioning measurements. The main feature of this approach is to use the raw measurements obtained and stored from a network of Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) in order to generate more reliable error models that can mitigate the distance-dependent errors within the area covered by the CORS. Also, considering the huge potential of this GNSS positioning system, the purpose of this paper is to analyze and investigate the performance of the NTRK approach using a low cost GNSS receiver, in stop-and-go kinematic technique. By several case studies it was shown that, using a low cost RTK board for Arduino environment, a smartphone with open source application for Android and the availability of data correction from CORS service, a quick and accurate positioning can be obtained. Because the measures obtained in this way are quite noisy and, more in general, increasing with the baseline, by a simple and suitable statistic treatment, it was possible to increase the quality of the measure. In this way, this low cost architecture could be applied in many geomatics fields. In addition to presenting the main aspects of the NTRK infrastructure and a review of several types of correction, a general workflow in order to obtain quality data in NRTK mode, regardless of the type of GNSS receiver (multi constellations, single or many frequencies, etc.) is discussed.
Mapping and assessment of cultural ecosystem services of Latvian coastal areas
Authors: Ruskule Anda , Klepers Andris , Veidemane Kristina
Published: August 2018

Mapping of cultural ecosystem services (CES) in marine and coastal areas is still recognised as a conceptually and technically challenging task, due to the difficulties in establishing a link between the biophysical features of the coastal ecosystem and the supply of services such as recreation and tourism, bird watching and enjoyment of other assets of nature. This was also one of the major challenges in ecosystem service mapping for the Maritime Spatial Plan for Internal Waters, Territorial Waters and Economic Exclusive Zone of the Republic of Latvia. Suitability of the coastal areas for marine tourism and leisure activities was chosen as an indicator to map the CES – physical and experiential interactions. The method involved the compilation of field data from a survey of visitors at the beach and on coastal infrastructure, serving as the input for the multi-criteria assessment of CES. Four criteria were applied to assess the suitability of the coastal areas for marine tourism and leisure activities: i) accessibility; ii) proximity to densely populated areas; iii) suitability of the area for a particular (niche) tourism or leisure activity; and iv) recreational use. The selected criteria provide an overall assessment framework, which integrates the ecosystem service potential, benefiting areas, flow and demand aspects. The CES mapping and assessment results were applied to the maritime spatial planning for proposing areas of priority for tourism development, as well as assessing the impacts of the proposed solutions for other uses of the sea. The Latvian approach for mapping of the cultural services in coastal areas was selected as the ESMERALDA case study and examined at the stakeholder workshop in Prague, September 2016.
Embryonic and larval development of the topmouth gudgeon, Pseudorasbora parva (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)
Authors: Zhu Dongmei , Yang Kun , Sun Ning , Wang Weimin , Zhou Xiaoyun
Published: August 2018

The topmouth gudgeon, Pseudorasboraparva (Temminck & Schlegel, 1842), is a small cyprinid fish that inhabits the littoral zones of freshwater habitats throughout Asia and Europe. It is regarded as an invasive species in Europe, but in its native range, in China, as food and as an environmental bio-indicator. In this study, the embryonic and larval development of P.parva was investigated for the first time. The eggs of P.parva are transparent, adhesive and elliptical. The mean size of fertilized eggs was (1.63×1.31) ± 0.04 mm. From fertilization to hatching, embryonic development could be divided into eight stages and 34 phases, and the incubation period lasted for 109.25 hours at 24 ± 1 °C. Newly hatched larvae were 4.1 ± 3 mm in length, and the yolk absorption was completed within six days after hatching. The first and second swim bladders formed at the third and ninth day, respectively. The pectoral fin formed before the hatching stage, followed by the caudal, dorsal, anal and ventral fin formation after hatching. About 20 days after hatching, the morphology of the fry was similar to the adult fish. These findings provide a basis for determining the complete ontogeny of P.parva, as well as facilitate the management and utilization of this fish.
Fabrique et subtilité de la norme de l’évitement de l’impôt chez les spécialistes de l’optimisation fiscale
Authors: Liger-Belair Philippe
Published: August 2018

Bien que la sociologie se soit emparée de la question de la norme sociale de l’évitement fiscal depuis maintenant plusieurs années, le champ des professionnels de l’optimisation fiscale reste largement inexploré. Se démarquant d’une analyse par les illégalismes qui rassemble les pratiques légales parfois transgressives et les pratiques illégales sous un même concept, cet article tente d’expliquer séparément les normes de l’optimisation et de la fraude fiscales chez les spécialistes des grandes entreprises, des banques et des cabinets de conseils. L’auteur s’appuie sur vingt-sept entretiens qualitatifs dans quatre pays différents. Il compare ses résultats à un échantillon de vingt-deux contribuables non-spécialistes pour replacer son analyse au cœur des recherches déjà menées par les sociologues de l’impôt.
Comparación de métodos de cálculo para la obtención de la variable precipitación en un sig.
Authors: Ponte Ramírez Ricardo R. , Bosque Sendra Joaquín
Published: August 2018

No disponible.
Niveles y distribución geográfica de la cobertura sanitaria en España
Authors: Fernández-Mayoralas Gloria , Rodríguez Vicente
Published: August 2018

Tomando como información la Encuesta Nacional de Salud de 1993, en este artículo se analizan los niveles de cobertura sanitaria de la población española, distinguiendo entre modalidades (públicas y privadas) y tipo de cobertura (total, exclusiva y solapamiento). Se identifican, además, los modelos geográficos que se perfilan en la distribución de las modalidades más extendidas. Niveles y distribución de cobertura sanitaria responden a los dos rasgos fimdamentales del sistema de salud español: la práctica universalización de la cobertura sanitaria pública, básicamente a través de la modalidad de Seguridad Social, y el carácter complementario de la cobertura privada, mediante los Seguros Médicos Privados.

[fr] Dans cet article, basé sur les données de l'Enquête Nationale sur la Santé faite en 1993, on analyse les niveaux de l'assurance maladie de la population espagnole en faisant la différence entre les modalités (publiques et privées) et les types de couverture (totale, exclusive et multiple). En outre, on identifie les modèles géographiques qui se dessinent dans la distribution des modalités les plus développées. Les niveaux et la distribution de l'assurance maladie repondent à deux caractéristiques fondamentales du Système d'Assurance Maladie espagnol: l'une correspond à la presque généralisation de l'assurance maladie publique à travers la Sécurité Sociale et l'autre à l'Assurance Maladie des régimes privés comme éléments complémentaires du système.
TEACHING AND RESEARCH ON SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES VIENNA–FH CAMPUS WIEN
Authors: Aichholzer Martin , Fischer Henriette , Hölzl Christian , Österreicher Doris , Pfleger Marc-Patrick , Spitzenberger Edmund , Vill Markus , Ploch Anna
Published: August 2018

INTRODUCTION

The University of Applied Sciences in Vienna has offered university degree programs in the field of construction for more than twenty years and has thus gained great expertise in developing its curriculum. Founded in 1996, the department of Building and Design consists of six university degree programs. A major strength of the department is the possibility to adapt to recent challenges in a timely manner. As shown in Figure 1, in the winter term 2008/2009, the master's degree program, Sustainability in the Construction Industry, was held for the first time; it was transformed into the master's degree program, Architecture—Green Building, in 2016. In 2013/14 the bachelor's degree program, Architecture—Green Building, started with the first students graduating in 2016. For ten years the department has focused on sustainability within the building, planning and designing processes.