bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on AC FSM used in internal corrosion monitoring for oil & gas pipeline
Authors: Duan Rujiao , Meng Xiangji , Qi Yonggang , Yang Ru , Chen Jinzhong , Wang Haitao
Published: September 2019

This paper explored the possibility of using the AC FSM for internal corrosion inspection of pipeline without destruction. Principle analysis and numerical simulations were used to gain an insight into the AC current distribution in the material and to improve the probes configuration that installed on the outside surface of pipeline. The experimental setup for monitoring based on AC FSM was carried out, the main advantage of which is the currents injected are much smaller over existing commercial systems, the corresponding system security improved. At last, the applications showed that AC FSM system can successfully inspect the defects in the pipelines.
Development of pressure acquisition system for cryogenic receiver
Authors: Wang Kai , Yan Hao , Chen Maozheng , Li Xiaofei , Ma Jun , Wang Yang , Xiang Bin-bin
Published: September 2019

Receiver system is an indispensable signal receiving equipment for radio astronomical observation. By refrigeration, the noise temperature of the receiver is reduced to a great level, and the sensitivity of the receiver is improved. Therefore, the refrigeration link is particularly important. The cryogenic receiver system of radio astronomy usually adopts compressor compressed helium cycle refrigeration mode. When the compressor is in normal operation, the injected helium high pressure is between 280-300 Psi and the low pressure is between 70-100 Psi. The two pressure values will directly affect the refrigeration efficiency of the receiver. Because the compressor and cryogenic receiver system are both on the radio telescope, engineers are unable to check the pressure state at any time during the observation process. Sometimes, because of temporary power failure or pressure reduction, the receiver warms up and so on, which affects the whole receiving system. Combining with the refrigeration system of Nanshan 26-meter antenna, we have established 6 channels of helium pressure acquisition and remote monitoring, which can better ensure the operation of cryogenic receivers.
Fast and accurate open-circuit fault diagnosis method for PWM voltage source inverters in the three-phase PMSM control systems
Authors: Sun Jun , Zhu Min , Zhou Xinxiu , Xu Yufei , Xu Yi
Published: September 2019

Traditional fault diagnosis methods for converter open-circuit faults may present poor anti-interference performance, low detection speed and high misdiagnose rate especially during the motor acceleration. In order to solve the above problem, a new converter single open-circuit faults diagnosis method is proposed in this paper. Firstly, though conducting differential operation for the current variables, the common mode interference can be removed. Based on the differential information, differential currents states observer is designed, which improves the anti-jamming performance of the diagnosis method. Secondly, to avoid misdetection, a variable fault detection threshold is designed. This kind of faults diagnosis method does not need additional sensors or hardware change, and does not require the motor phase currents to be sinusoidal. Besides, the detection index rises rapidly once the fault occurs. Therefore, the application range, detection accuracy, and fault detection speed can be improved simultaneously. Finally, experimental results are presented to demonstrate the correctness of the analysis and the validity of the proposed methods.
Detection of battery capacity degradation based on morphological structure
Authors: Li Lifu , Shi Sheng , Xie Zongxuan , Zhang Xiaofang
Published: September 2019

Owing to the fact that the existing battery capacity degradation detection method ignores the changes of battery internal morphological structure as the cycle number increases, it is hard to predict the rapid capacity degradation of the battery during the cycle process, which leads to errors of the battery capacity degradation detection result. This paper analyzes the changes in the morphological structure of the battery under different cycle numbers by means of tomographic images. At the same time, through the method of numerical analysis, the impact that the battery internal morphological structure change exerts on the battery capacity degradation is quantitatively analyzed, which provides a new way for detecting the capacity degradation of lithium ion battery.
Unified model of Sepic converter in continuous and discontinuous conduction modes
Authors: Shang Yongxiang , Tang Zian
Published: September 2019

Aiming at the problems of the modelling methods for Sepic converter, they were described as in inexact, large amount of calculation and complicated expressions. A suitable hybrid switching model for both continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) is proposed. Firstly, according to the working process of the Sepic converter, the switching conditions of Sepic converter between different working conditions are formulated. Secondly, by introducing the logic proposition and the equivalent translation principle, the switching conditions of the converter in different modes can be transformed into mixed logical inequalities, moreover then, a unified model of Sepic converter in CCM and DCM modes is obtained. Finally, the simulation experiment of Sepic converter operating in CCM, BCM (boundary conduction mode) and DCM modes were conducted, and compared with the state space averaging method, the validity of effectiveness of the proposed approach was shown.
Vehicle identification number – anatomy of error occurrence
Authors: Rak Roman
Published: September 2019

Each vehicle manufactured after 1986 must be identified with a unique VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) by the manufacturer. This is so called individual vehicle identification, which is normally used as a primary data information key in various computer registers and vehicle information systems – in national vehicle registers, in police information systems (both national and international databases of stolen vehicles, etc.), in insurance company databases, leasing companies, in the eCALL technology etc. A VIN identifier error means that the vehicle cannot be found and it looks like everything is OK. The error rate of national and international registers is in the range of 5 % to 20 %. Most VIN errors occur in manual processes during transcribing or copying VINs from documents to information systems. This paper deals with the anatomy of VIN error occurrence in various processes and offers possibilities to eliminate them and improve the quality of the information systems that use VIN identifiers.
Optimizing resistance welding parameters on adhesion strength of C45 steel shaft by using Taguchi method
Authors: Nguyen Minh Tan , Nguyen Van Nhat , Hoang Van Chau , Huang Shyh-Chour
Published: September 2019

Adherence strength of metal coating plays an important role in workability of recovery shaft. This paper presents a Taguchi method combined Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to optimize technological parameters for the adherence strength when restoring C45 steel shaft with a diameter of 100 mm by resistance welding using AISI 1070 filler wire. A set of welding parameters such as welding current (Ih), force (F), welding speed (Vh), is established to obtain the highest adherence strength. The optimal results have shown that the adhesion strength reaches the maximum value when the welding current, force, and welding speed are Ih2 = 7.5 (kA), F1 = 1.7 (kN), and Vh1 = 1.5 (cm / s), respectively. This value is about 90% of parent metal strength; while the metal coating is still maintains hardness as its C45 steel with hardening (50-55HRC).
Springback simulation analysis of angle shape forming of springs based on orthogonal experiment method
Authors: Li Wei , Wang Decheng , Cheng Peng , Liu Xiaoxiao , Zhang Pengfei
Published: September 2019

The springback phenomenon in the angle shape forming process of spring affects the efficiency and accuracy of spring machine adjustment. In this paper, the angle shape forming process and springback process of SWOSC-V material are simulated by finite element analysis software ABAQUS, and orthogonal experiments are designed. According to the simulation results, the importance order and changing trend of each parameter are determined, and the parameters of minimum springback angle and springback law are obtained. It provides a reference for practical application. It is proved that the combination of finite element method and orthogonal experiment can improve the efficiency of finding the springback law.
Water shortage risks from perennial crop expansion in California’s Central Valley
Authors: Mall Natalie K , Herman Jonathan D
Published: September 2019

California’s Central Valley is one of the world’s most productive agricultural regions. Its high-value fruit, vegetable, and nut crops rely on surface water imports from a vast network of reservoirs and canals as well as groundwater, which has been substantially overdrafted to support irrigation. The region has undergone a shift to perennial (tree and vine) crops in recent decades, which has increased water demand amid a series of severe droughts and emerging regulations on groundwater pumping. This study quantifies the expansion of perennial crops in the Tulare Lake Basin, the southern region of the Central Valley with limited natural water availability. A gridded crop type dataset is compiled on a 1 mi2 spatial resolution from a historical database of pesticide permits over the period 1974–2016 and validated against aggregated county-level data. This spatial dataset is then analyzed by irrigation district, the primary spatial scale at which surface water supplies are determined, to identify trends in planting decisions and agricultural water demand over time. Perennial crop acreage has nearly tripled over this period, and currently accounts for roughly 60% of planted area and 80% of annual revenue. These trends show little relationship with water availability and have been driven primarily by market demand. From this data, we focus on the increasing minimum irrigation needs each year to sustain perennial crops. Results indicate that under a range of plausible future regulations on groundwater pumping ranging from 10% to 50%, water supplies may fail to consistently meet demands, increasing losses by up to 30% of annual revenues. More broadly, the datasets developed in this work will support the development of dynamic models of the integrated water-agriculture system under uncertain climate and regulatory changes to understand the combined impacts of water supply shortages and intensifying irrigation demand.
Smart and sustainable urban development in Egypt: the case of Nabta Smart Town
Authors: Antuña-Rozado C , Reda F , El Mahgary Y
Published: September 2019

Nabta Smart Town (NST), in New Borg el Arab, close to Alexandria, is an ambitious project under planning that includes residential and commercial facilities, in combination with high quality “Educational Magnets” capable of creating a dynamic community and generating all sorts of interesting activities. Therefore, the uniqueness of NST is building a fully integrated and inclusive neighbourhood - Educational Magnet, Residential, Commercial (shopping, leisure and entertainment), with Administrative Offices (including high-end security). The initial conceptualization of NST by the local promoters envisions a culture that protects, maintains and recycles within the community. The collaboration of VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd. (VTT) was sought to ensure that the Master Plan (MP) and the buildings of the University, as well as the Residential and Commercial facilities of NST comply with the standards of a modern EcoCity adapted to the Egyptian context. The first phase of the work focuses mainly on carrying an EcoCity Energy Efficiency Feasibility Assessment. Specific methodologies and tools developed by VTT have been used to ensure adaptation of the solutions proposed to the local conditions. This paper discusses the results obtained using the methodology developed by VTT, its applicability at different scales, as well as its replicability potential - not only in other locations in Egypt, but also worldwide.
Processing of use cases for the development of an open platform to support the smart urban development
Authors: Schweigkofler Alice , Follini Camilla , Steiner Dieter , Romagnoli Katrien , Riedl Michael , Matt Dominik T
Published: September 2019

The topic of smart cities is assuming an increasing relevance, both locally and nationally. The key challenge for smart cities and communities is to significantly increase the overall quality of life in urban areas, for the benefit of their inhabitants and economic activities. This process occurs both through the improvement of traditional utility-grids and services, and through the implementation of digital sensor- and communication technologies in the urban ecosystem. In this scenario, the adoption of enabling tools to support the smart urban development, appears crucial to manage processes and data information flows, as well as to permit better communication and collaboration among the involved stakeholders.

This paper describes the development methodology of an open digital platform for smart cities. This platform will be an enabling tool for the smart urban development of a city i.e. will be able to support and encourage the growth of new services for - and with - citizens, companies, tourists, and public administrations. The concept derives from the ongoing research project OPENIoT4SmartCities, funded by the Operational Programme European Regional Development Fund ERDF 2014-2020 (CUP: B11B17000720008) Südtirol/Alto Adige. The main objective is to realise a product-prototype software, for the management of smart services in cities, using IoT.

The platform has been designed based on the specific service needs of Merano, a city in South Tyrol, Italy. The activities regard the identification of concrete use cases in the field of public illumination and water management. In particular, this paper will present the results of previous analysis, consultation meetings and workshops that have been conducted by the research team together with the public administration and local service providers of the city of Merano.
Developing a transition agenda towards a circular economy: the Dutch case of the province of Overijssel
Authors: de Bruijn T J N M , Entrop A G
Published: September 2019

Over the last years, it has become clear that societies need to increase the adoption rate of circular economy principles. Even though the number of circular products, services and building projects is increasing, innovators obviously experience obstacles in their quest towards a more circular economy. Moreover, relatively many governmental organisations still seem to struggle how to effectively stimulate a circular economy. Governments face the challenge to develop a playground in which a linear economy gradually is replaced by circular practices. This paper presents the case of the Dutch province of Overijssel. The key question Overijssel put forward is what the province can do to stimulate innovative practices specifically in the building sector. After a literature study, a research collective brought together highly successful and less successful local and regional examples of circularity. Document study, website analyses and interviews, provided insights on the drivers and barriers. Our analysis shows what actions the province needs to take to further stimulate or at least to maintain the drivers and what to do about the barriers. Our findings are relevant not only to the province of Overijssel, but also to other regions in Europe.
The role and value of local welfare institutions in multicultural areas
Authors: Moseng Kari , Vestergaard Inge , Jensen Birgitte Geert
Published: September 2019

This abstract addresses the role and value of welfare institutions as social structural elements of daily life, framing the informal -but important-meeting between residents in an urban fabric.

The discussion is contextualized through the demolition of the primary school Nordgårdsskolen, a local school serving the area of Gellerup, a social housing area back then framing the life of app. 7.000 people counting more than 80 nationalities in the western part of Aarhus, Denmark. Demographics vary from the rest of the city of Aarhus as 35 %. of tenants are under 18 years of age, meaning that a very high percentage of the local population has direct or indirect relations to schoolchildren and their institution (being parents, siblings, grandparents or other relatives).

Due to integration problems and political pressure, a close-down of two kindergartens and Nordgårdsskolen was decided on in 2007 and the demolition of the school itself took place in 2013 – 42 years after its initiation. This caused distribution of children to a large number of schools not only to the surrounding school districts but also to districts in other parts of the municipality.

In a Danish context the area of Gellerup was considered a highly modern “new town” at its initiation in 1968 – the architect Knud Blach Petersen unfolding international inspirations in terms of local welfare-, cultural- and sports facilities supporting the housing structure and the quality of life of the tenants.

New Towns have always been places characterized by migration: by definition, they have no ‘original’ inhabitants – every resident is a migrant. This situation makes it even more important to gather residents to promote integration.

The aim of the paper is to investigate and discuss the role and value of local welfare institutions not only as centers of service, but also as creators of cohesion, trust and identity.

In the specific case of Gellerup, the paper will unfold the social effects of demolishing Nordgårdsskolen as a physical place of informal meetings in a local multicultural community as Gellerup.
Infrastructure, innovation and industry as solutions for breaking inequality vicious cycles
Authors: Josa Irene , Aguado Antonio
Published: September 2019

Currently, poverty and inequality are crucial social issues around the world. They demand objective evaluations with the purpose of defining policies and prioritizing actions. Most of the times the most important problem lies on the fact that individuals under poverty circumstances or belonging to vulnerable collectives cannot escape these conditions by themselves and need external assistance or interventions. Another added difficulty is that both poverty and inequality can be studied from different angles and require a multidimensional approach whose definition is not straightforward. There exists a vicious cycle defined by a collection of determinants or events that lead to a phenomenon in which various disadvantages work circularly so that it is impossible for individuals or households to break the cycle.

In this context, setting the background in which these vicious cycles arise can be helpful in order to conduct in-depth studies as a first step to establishing possible solutions. Even though many researchers have proposed alternative schemes for the poverty’s vicious circle, none has been introduced for inequality. In this contribution, a meaningful and integrated cycle is defined for inequality at two different levels: first of all, at an individual level; secondly, at a collective level in which a certain group is made vulnerable. This cycle includes similar parameter as those comprised in the poverty cycle such as income, access to education and access to healthcare. However, it additionally places emphasis on other aspects such as participation in politics and access to leadership positions.

Besides, a conceptual and analytical framework is built, whose objective is to describe ways in which infrastructure, innovation and industry can help interrupt the continuation of the cycle. This model integrates a collection of different measures that is to be potentially helpful for policy makers. Additionally, the frame accounts for not only the fight of current existing cycles, but also of future generations ones, hence considering sustainability dimensions.
Identify Optimal Renovation Packages for Residential Buildings: A State-of-the-Art Computational Model
Authors: Kharseh Mohamad , Nägeli Claudio , Wallbaum Holger
Published: September 2019

Renovating the existing building stock has a significant potential to achieve the goal of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the European Union. However, a common European renovation project focuses primarily on improving the thermal performance of the building shell by adding insulation to the opaque surfaces and improve the thermal performance of the windows. The potentially positive contribution of renewable energies (RE) in balance with energy efficiency measures is often underestimated. Consequently, a more holistic approach can contribute to a reduction in total net energy demand up to 40-45% for the entire buildings sector. Thus, in order to achieve the goal of GHG emission reduction in an economic most responsible way, the share of RE in a renovation project needs to be increased. However, building renovation projects are becoming - apparently - more complicated if more factors are considered in the planning of a renovation project. Thus, a computational tool for evaluating hundreds of different renovation options, including the implementations of renewable energy resources, to obtain an optimal or nearly optimal set of renovation options is essential. Therefore, a novel planning tool has been developed within the framework of DREEAM project, a project funded by the European Union within the Horizon 2020 research framework. The DREEAM-Tool has been designed in the way that it helps designers and other stakeholders to plan a renovation project of a single building or even on a multi-building scale. The tool was built in the way to optimize the renovation project taking into consideration the most critical factors in planning and decision-making processes, such as the economic or environmental performance. In other words, the tool combines an energy calculation model for a building or multiple building with an economic and environmental assessment to identify and optimize the most beneficial refurbishment solutions. The current study presents the concept of the DREEAM-Tool and shows examples of how the optimal renovation packages of a considered building will be determined and how this will support designers or buildings owners in decision-making processes.
Primary energy and CO2 emissions implications of different insulation, cladding and frame materials for residential buildings
Authors: Ayikoe Tettey Uniben Yao , Gustavsson Leif
Published: September 2019

In this study, we analyse and compare the primary energy use and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions associated with different insulation, cladding and frame materials for a constructed concrete frame multi-storey residential building in Sweden. Our approach consists of identifying individual materials giving the lowest primary energy use and CO2 emissions for each building envelope part and based on that, modelling different material combinations to achieve improved alternatives of the concrete frame building with the same operation energy use based on the Swedish building code or passive house criteria. We analyse the complete materials and energy chains, including material losses as well as conversion and fuel cycle losses. The analysis covers the primary energy use to extract, process, transport, and assemble the materials and the resulting CO2 emissions to the atmosphere. The results show wide variations in primary energy and CO2 emissions depending on the choice of building envelope materials. The materials for external walls contribute most to the primary energy and CO2 emissions, followed by foundation, roof and external cladding materials. The improved building alternatives with wood construction frames, wood external cladding, expanded polystyrene as foundation insulation and cellulose insulation in the external walls and roof result in about 36 - 40% lower production primary energy use and 42 – 49% lower CO2 emissions than the improved concrete alternative when achieving the same thermal performance. This study suggests that strategies for low-energy buildings should be combined with resource-efficient and low carbon materials in the production phase to mitigate climate change and achieve a sustainable built environment.
Off-Grid Systems
Authors: Pollock E , Kaur H , Shinde R , Batineih S , Dandapath A
Published: September 2019

The term sustainability is frequently associated with our future cities. However, in the most remote and unprivileged corners of the world off-grid systems have already established a new dimension for sustainability. With no infrastructure nor grid connections, off-grid systems offer a way to be self-sustainable and thrive with the least resources. If dealt with proper planning and caution, off-grid systems can be beneficial on a large scale and can also contribute to local integrated networks.

Off-grid systems exist in various forms such as electricity generation, bioenergy, off-grid housing, etc. As sustainability is of global interest the issue of off-grid is reviewed globally in remote locations of India and Jordan. The latest advancements in technology are considered.

Social, economic, and environmental sustainability are central themes of consideration. This paper displays how off-grid systems are advantageous in terms of the basic needs of life e.g. shelter, energy, and food. Included are a wide array of crucial case studies in different continents. The main case studies include biogas plants, and solar electricity in India and Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan.
Optimum tank size for a rainwater harvesting system: Case study for Northern Cyprus
Authors: Ruso Mustafa , Akıntuğ Bertuğ , Kentel Elçin
Published: September 2019

The available freshwater is limited on earth. On the other hand, available water resources on earth have been depleting and being polluted due to climate change and population growth. In order to reduce the risk of water scarcity and water resources contamination, Integrated water resources management (IWRM) is required. IWRM is a concept to manage water resources that aims to balance economic efficiency, social equity, and environmental sustainability. When rainwater harvesting systems (RWHS), one of the techniques of IWRM, are implemented, the stress on water resources is reduced. Since the installation cost of rainwater harvesting systems significantly depends on the size of the rainwater storage tanks, in the implementation of rainwater harvesting, the selection of tank size is one of the main concerns for the feasibility of the system. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of domestic rainwater harvesting systems for a single house. In order to find the optimum storage tank size of the rainwater harvesting system, a linear programming (LP) optimization model is employed. As a case study, the LP model is applied to six regions from semi-arid Eastern Mediterranean island Northern Cyprus, where water resources are limited. The model considers thirty-seven years monthly rainfall data, the roof area of the building, the water consumption per capita, the discount rate, the cost of the rainwater storage tank, and the number of residents. The results of the selected study areas show that the implementation of the RWHS for a single house is infeasible due to the substantial installation costs and maintenance expenses. The financial losses caused by the implementation of the RWHS are found higher than the installation costs and maintenance expenses for all regions. In addition to economic analyses, environmental benefits of the RWHS should be included into the feasibility analysis.
Resource strategies - discussions on remodelling modernistic housing and related social impacts
Authors: Vestergaard Inge , Moseng Kari , Jensen Birgitte Geert
Published: September 2019

A growing tendency to remodel social housing areas can actually be recognized in the Nordic countries. The paper analyses a case where a vulnerable modernistic housing area is remodelled based on social arguments. Through findings it is discussed how more responsible circular strategies can save the inhabitants and the environment from ‘wasting’ already valuable welfare and already existing spatial structures and materials. The starting point is taken in the actual transformation of Gellerup, a New Town area built from 1968 to 1972 in Aarhus. A dramatic demolition has already taken place to avoid social disorder. This was done to provide room for rethinking, for changes in demography and for mixed ownership, and thereby solve several social problems. The process is under development, but already before this remodelling has finished and will perhaps fulfil its purpose, the government and the city council have predicted further demolishment. The tenants are increasingly reacting to this development, which erases their homes and the history of Gellerup. The loss of the areas memories and the fact that they feel they are not involved in decisions regarding their area worry them.
Do Town Planners in England feel a professional responsibility for a climate-resilient built environment?
Authors: Murtagh N , Odeleye ND , Maidment C
Published: September 2019

With global warming already underway and the sense of urgency around climate breakdown growing, delivery of a resilient built environment is critical. Town planners are crucial intermediaries in this work but there is little recent work in the UK exploring their role in climate change resilience. In addressing the gap, the objective of the study was to examine resilience and professional identity of town planners. Interviews were conducted with 19 planners working in England who had at least seven years’ experience. Thematic analysis of the data found a strong professional and public service identity but little awareness of resilience. Many participants were unfamiliar with the concept, with the exception of specific actions such as planning for flood protection, and almost none were aware of resilience thinking incorporating conceptualisation of places as complex, interconnected, dynamic systems. We conclude that the built environment in England is not being prepared for imminent and future climate risks, and that the gaps on climate-resilience pose a threat to the profession’s jurisdiction.
BIM and Energy Efficiency training requirement for the construction industry
Authors: Suwal Sunil , Laukkanen Maaria , Jäväjä Päivi , Häkkinen Tarja , Kubicki Sylvain
Published: September 2019

Construction industry has a wide impact to our built environment. It plays a vital role for governments and supports in both developed and developing economies. The industry supports economic growth of a nation through various trades and activities as well as provides new jobs. It is one of the largest industrial sectors that has a projected output of 13.5% by 2025. Climate change, resource depletion and rapid urbanization are the most severe amongst the challenges we face today. The construction industry alone is responsible for 20% of the global energy consumption and approximately one-third of energy-related CO2 emissions. The industry entails the high energy saving potentials and provides various opportunities to implement sustainable solutions to decrease the environmental impacts and thus lower greenhouse gas emissions. In the construction projects today, we can implement different energy efficiency strategies and products virtually during the planning phases of the construction projects using model based environment and tools commonly known today as virtual design and construction (VDC) as well as building information modeling (BIM). We can accurately simulate and calculate the impacts and thus support the increasing demand of complex high-performance buildings in order to effectively address energy and carbon reduction targets. However, one of the key challenges, the industry faces is the availability of skilled workforce and experts that have enough BIM and energy efficiency skills. The paper addresses such needs and presents the current status of a H2020 project with a focus on defining roles and responsibilities construction project stakeholders have for the energy efficiency measures along the different project phases. It also provides an outlook for the development of the learning outcomes based on knowledge, skills and competence (KSC) framework as well as systematically presents the base for harmonization of the learning outcomes at the EU level.
HOUSING: Dense, high-rise buildings with green, low carbon solutions. Case study: Santiago, Chile.
Authors: Pollock E , Romano S , Kareco J
Published: September 2019

Considering the international relevance of sustainability, Chile has implemented several regulations in the housing area during the last years through the Ministry of Housing and Urbanism. The goal of these regulations is to improve the performance of Chilean cities regarding the three pillars of sustainability (social, economic and environmental). Santiago, as the capital of Chile and the focus of this research, has defined different methods to apply these regulations. However, this city still has challenges to implement them, such as environmental pollution, social segregation and the lack of economic and natural sources. There are different alternatives to overcome the challenges to implement the new sustainable housing guidelines in Santiago, one of them is to rethink the current density, high and sustainable solutions that the buildings have. The main objective of this paper is to describe and analyse the situation of the housing in Santiago considering the density, high-rise buildings with green guidelines and low carbon solutions as analysis parameters. The methodology established to achieve this objective is exploratory-descriptive with the literature review technique. The partial results illustrate that despite the benefits that represent the incorporation of new guidelines related to the increase in density and high-rise and low carbon solutions in housing projects of Santiago, it is important to consider that not all of these are applicable to this city. Each territory has its features (weather, culture, resources and norms), which determine the requirements that the projects need and the real possibilities to implement changes.
Interaction of obligatory regulations and voluntary ecolabels for climate change mitigation in the Finnish building sector
Authors: Holopainen R , Airaksinen M , Bergbom K , Vaarala H
Published: September 2019

This paper compares the existing Nordic Swan Ecolabel criteria for new buildings with the National Building Code of Finland. The added value of the ecolabelling is presented and the role of the ecolabelling as a test bed for upcoming building regulations is introduced.
Development of a Measuring Tool for Walkability in the Street Scale - the case study of Hamburg
Authors: Fallahranjbar Nasimeh , Dietrich Udo , Pohlan Joerg
Published: September 2019

The humanistic approach is a key principle of any urban development with the aim of urban quality improvement. A healthy environment is fundamentally associated with walkable communities. According to a study in 2016 from the Centre for Diet and Activity Research (CEDAR) and the Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit at the University of Cambridge, the health benefits of walking and cycling override the negative impacts of air pollution on health even in highly polluted cities. Additionally, planning walkable cities promote low carbon emission developments. Measuring walkability of the streets makes it possible for the planners and experts to address the quality of the built environment. This paper reports a practical assessment tool, developed in a master thesis, based on decisive walkability features by applying a weighting system to score those features in order to achieve a tangible outcome. For this reason, an examined weighting system from a previous study led by the Institute of Urban Planning and the University of Duisburg-Essen is optimized. Afterward, the proposed tool is applied for measuring the walkability in a selection of different streets in Hamburg, in order to answer the questions of how these Hamburg’s streets differ in their degree of walkability and how their walkability can be improved.
Dynamic of Balkhash lake level under climate change conditions
Authors: Cherednichenko A V , Cherednichenko Al V , Cherednichenko V S , Storozhenko N D , Kozhachmetova E P , Kupchishin A I , Abdrahimov R G
Published: September 2019

The dynamics of the level of Lake Balkhash in conditions of climate change is considered. It is shown that the undisturbed runoff: the rise (decline) of the level occurs during the entire time that the annual amount of precipitation is above (below) the norm. The maximum (minimum) is observed at the moment when the parabola crosses the line of norm from the period of excess (shortage) of precipitation to deficiency (excess) of precipitation.
The mathematical modeling and monitoring for process of a biological sewage treatment
Authors: Kudryavtsev V A , Rychkov S L , Shatrov A V
Published: September 2019

The urgency of present problem is caused by necessity of operative control of biological sewage treatment processes. At present these processes are realizing in aeration tanks of sewage treatment plants both municipal and of large enterprises. A process of biological treatment is being checked by chemical analysis practically by hand. By the way a duration of checking procedure is commensurable with the time the sewage water is passing through an aeration tank. Thus any operative control of sewage treatment is practically impossible. In the present work it is proposed to use for operative control the hardware- software complex (HSC) AQUATEST-AT4M, that is able to produce an analysis of water quality in some minutes. By the way the measurement data give an opportunity to identify a mathematical model of these biological sewage treatment. In this work there are presented the results of experiments and of mathematical modelling of work of the Kirov City communal systems sewage treatment plants (KCS STP).
Forming of minimum water content in the rivers of the Upper Don basin
Authors: Dmitrieva V A , Buchik S V
Published: September 2019

The article analyses, on the example of the river Bityug - Bobrov (Verkhniy Don, Voronezh Region), the dynamics of the absolute low water minimums of the low-water run-off. It demonstrates that, in the current century, due to the increase in summer-autumn and winter water content, the dates of absolute minimums of runoff have been shifting (rounded up to a month) for later periods of summer-autumn and earlier periods of winter low water. The highest recurrence of absolute minimums of the winter low water falls on January, and of the summer-autumn low-water - on September.
The analysis of the long – term dynamic of the amount of atmospheric precipitation on the territory of the republic of Bashkortostan
Authors: Galimova R , Silantyev K
Published: September 2019

The article presents the analysis of long-term dynamics of the amounts of atmospheric precipitation on the territory of the Republic of Bashkortostan for the 30 meteorological stations for the period between 1966 and 2015. The territorial patterns in the distribution of precipitation, the analysis of time variability were described. The trend analysis was used to analyse the time variability, the tendencies on the Republic and its separate regions were revealed. The authors made an attempt to link interannual changes with indices of atmospheric circulation.
Soil vibrations as a reliable recorded characteristic of geodynamics in the dam area of a large hydroelectric power station
Authors: Shumakova E A , Trubetskova M D
Published: September 2019

The paper considers geodynamic within the area of the Zhigulievskaya hydroelectric power station: the signs of present activity of the Zhiguli fault including soil vibrations during water discharges that demonstrate instability of geological environment, the atmospheric phenomena, the risks for the dam and reservoir caused by the activation of geodynamics.
External water exchange of reservoirs of South Ural
Authors: Vtorova A I , Myakisheva N V , Gorbatenko A A
Published: September 2019

Reservoirs are building worldwide for the rational usage of water resources. Engineers create reservoirs for redistribution of runoff both in seasonal and multi-annual regime. The duration of stay of river water in slow water exchange condition is one of the major factors which influences the transformation of the river water and the formation of water resources, which are specific to reservoirs. External water exchange of reservoirs is one the major hydrological and hydro-ecological characteristics. Value of water exchange defines the formation of water mass with determinate properties. Identification of the characteristics intensity of external water exchange of reservoirs allows to make an estimation of the processes under way in the system “river-reservoir” and to decide limnological tasks taking into account the change of climate. The definition of the typical differences taking into account anthropogenic interference in these conditions is especially valid.
The study of long-term fluctuations in the dates of ice formation and ice destruction in the rivers of the Votkinsk reservoir catchment
Authors: Kalinin V G , Chichagov V V
Published: September 2019

A statistical analysis of the dates of ice formation and ice destruction in the rivers of the Votkinsk reservoir catchment was carried out, including testing the hypothesis of randomness for both the full series of observations and their parts; autocorrelation diagnostics of the time series; verification of the homogeneity hypothesis of the series of observations and the aggregate index. The results indicate that there are statistically significant changes in the ice formation and ice destruction dates occurring in recent years in the rivers of the Votkinsk reservoir catchment.
Mathematical modelling of water turbidity in the water body
Authors: Rakhuba A V , Shmakova M V
Published: September 2019

Suspended solids spreading in water reservoir is pre-defined by morphometry of the latter, inflow and outflow location, solids ingress with inflow and meteorological conditions. Configuration particulars of Kuybyshev water reservoir and its large elongation over longitude lead to irregular turbidity spreading and irregular unit flow of sediment. Represented spreading map of max. water turbidity values in Kuybyshev water reservoir is built at hypothetic initiation of bed solid stirring processes in water area. The acquired spreading map of max. water turbidity enables assessing of water areas with the most adverse hydrodynamic conditions that can form the basis to issue further recommendation on actions connected to dredging or damping.
Shallow zones and their role in the ecosystem of the Sheksna Reach of the Rybinsk Reservoir
Authors: Zakonnov V V , Chuiko G M , Zakonnova A V , Tsvetkov A I
Published: September 2019

Based on the materials of monitoring of bottom sediments and a special voyage of the RV Akademik Topchiev in 2016–2018 in the Sheksna Reach of the Rybinsk Reservoir which is a recipient of semi-purified waste waters from chemical and metallurgical enterprises of the city of Cherepovets, the role of the littoral zone in dilution of pollutants in water and their accumulation in bottom sediments in the profundal zone of the flooded channel of the Sheksna River to the settlement of Gayutino has been estimated. The results indicate that runoff and wind-induced currents promote intensive horizontal transfer and dilution of sewages in a shallow zone, and hydrodynamic conditions in a deep-water zone promote vertical sedimentation and irretrievable deposition of pollutants in bottom sediments at depths of more than 6 m. Chemical and biological processes leading to self-purification of industrial and domestic wastewaters and contributing to the maintenance of optimal water quality take place along with the physical processes.
Evaluation of dissolved Fe and Mn fluxes at the water/bottom border for various soil types
Authors: Lomova D V , Kremenetskaya E R , Efimova L E , Terskaya E V , Serenkaya E P
Published: September 2019

On the basis of field experiments the Fe and Mn fluxes for various types of soils were evaluated. It was found that dissolved Fe and Mn fluxes in hydrogen sulphide black silts are significantly lower in the presence of gas bubbles than in their absence.
Scope and structure of diffuse pollution of the Kama reservoir
Authors: Lepikhin A P , Wozniak A A , Lyakhin Yu S , Bogomolov A V
Published: September 2019

The natural hydrochemical regime and technogenic pollution of the upper part of the Kama reservoir are considered. It is shown that the composition of pollutants in industrial pollution is determined by the nature of the activities of enterprises engaged in the discharge of wastewater. The volume and chemical composition of discharged wastewater is taken into account through the reporting form 2-TP (water management). However, the increase in the pollutant volume in the reservoir site turns out to be ten times more than the volume of pollutant discharges from the declared sources. This discrepancy is due to diffuse pollution. The article presents a method for calculating the volume of diffuse pollution of a water body. The uneven distribution of pollution across the width and depth of the water body is shown.
Possible sources of pollution by oil products of water body in karst area
Authors: Buzmakov S A , Andreev D N , Zaytsev A A , Khotyanovskaya Y V , Voronov G A
Published: September 2019

This article is devoted to the study of the content of petroleum products in surface and groundwater in the karst area. The hydrological and hydrochemical features of the Yasyl river, the dynamics of oil content in three hydrological phases in the period from 2016 to 2018 are considered. The time and spatial features of the distribution of petroleum products along the length of the water stream are revealed. The hypotheses of the origin of oil products in a water body were put forward.
Down-regulation of CCR7 via AKT pathway and GATA2 inactivation suppressed trophoblast migration and invasion in recurrent spontaneous abortion†
Authors: Luan Xiaorui , Li Shang , Zhao Jun , Zhai Junyu , Liu Xiaojing , Chen Zi-Jiang , Li Weiping , Du Yanzhi
Published: September 2019

The underlying mechanism of the chemokine-C receptor 7 (CCR7) that leads to aberrant trophoblast migration and invasion in recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) remains unknown. CCR7 is considered crucial for migration and invasion and has been associated with the risk of miscarriage. However, the functional role of CCR7 in RSA is not fully understood. Our study found that CCR7 mRNA and protein abundance were significantly decreased in the villous from RSA patients compared with healthy controls. Knockdown of CCR7 caused a significant reduction of migration and invasion in JAR and JEG-3 cells. Meanwhile, CCR7 functioned as a positive upstream factor of the AKT pathway contributing to the expression of GATA2, promoting trophoblast migration, and invasion via MMP2. Notably, a decreased abundance of CCR7 was positively correlated with the phosphorylation of AKT and with an abundance of GATA2 and MMP2 in human villous specimens of RSA compared with the control group. CCL19, a ligand of CCR7, could promote trophoblast migration and invasion by activating the deregulation of the CCR7-mediated pathway in RSA. We are convinced that CCR7 and its downstream factors may be possible mechanisms for the pathogenesis of RSA.