bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of Automated Maneuvers on the Economic Feasibility of Tidal Energy Farms
Authors: Segura Eva , Morales Rafael , Somolinos José A.
Published: October 2019

The vertiginous increase in the global demand for energy, together with the imbalance between the period during when fossil resources were formed and the rhythm of their consumption, makes it necessary to promote renewable energies in order for energy consumption to coexist with sustainable development. One of the most important challenges as regards renewable energy generation is to be able to move to a new low carbon economy in which energy demands can be met while the levels of CO 2 emitted are reduced. In this respect, most of the energy obtained from marine currents, the most predictable renewable energy source, is located at great depths. In order to take advantage of this energy, different types of technologies are currently being developed whose economic viability necessitates a reduction in costs. The development of automated systems that will allow the orientation and depth of tidal energy converters to change automatically in order to reduce maintenance maneuvers and take advantage of the energy resource in an optimal manner is, therefore, essential. This paper analyzes the economic feasibility of the automation of installation and maintenance maneuvers on tidal energy farms by means of the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and costs. These aspects have been analyzed in the case of the Alderney Race (United Kingdom). The results obtained show that the use of marine current harnessing devices with automated maneuvers has a relatively important economic advantage over those devices designed with the technology that requires manual maneuvers for the installation and operation procedures, thus enabling the cost of energy to be reduced and increasing the profitability of the project.
Examining CEOs’ Moral Reasoning in the Automotive Industry
Authors: García-Ortega Beatriz , de-Miguel-Molina Blanca , Galán-Cubillo Javier
Published: October 2019

This paper examines the moral reasoning trends of CEOs (chief executive officers) in the automotive industry, gauging their relations to ethical behaviors and scandals as well as analyzing the influence of scandals and other factors on their moral reasoning. For such a purpose, we carried out a moral reasoning categorization for the top 15 automotive companies in vehicle production in 2017 by applying Weber’s method to letters written by CEOs for the period 2013–2018. A positive global trend was observed, with some CEOs reaching high levels, although the evolution was uneven without clear patterns and, in the light of facts, not sufficient, at least in the short term. We also found evidence linking the moral reasoning stages with the ethical performance of companies and introduced the concept “tone ‘into’ the top”, reflecting how CEO moral reasoning can be shaped by the company and external factors. This paper stresses the importance of considering the moral tone at the top in relation to company ethical behaviors and the interest of education in business ethics. The outcome is useful for CEOs and other managers seeking to improve corporate social responsibility (CSR) and company ethical performance and to anticipate conflicts as well as to leverage for future research.
Causes and Mitigation Strategies of Delay in Power Construction Projects: Gaps between Owners and Contractors in Successful and Unsuccessful Projects
Authors: Banobi Edwin Thomas , Jung Wooyong
Published: October 2019

Few studies have verified the different causes of project delays between the owner and contractor perspectives. This article’s goal is to find what the causes of delay are and how to mitigate this delay depending on project performance. Thus, this study investigated 82 owner-side experts and 106 contractor-side experts in Tanzanian power construction projects. In successful projects (less than 10% time delay), the owners and contractors weighted similar causes such as vandalism and permits from authorities. They suggested similar mitigation strategies such as close project supervision, capacity building training, and proper logistics management. While in unsuccessful projects (more than 10% time delay), they exhibited many different responses. In particular, contractors weighted the causes incurred by changes in scope, owner’s poor supervision, delays in approval, failure in planning and designing risk more than contractors. Owners weighted the mitigation strategies such as top management support and timely procurement more than contractors. These findings will help project managers to understand owners’ and contactors’ different concerns and develop better solutions. This study mainly contributes to improving delay management in power construction projects in developing countries.
A PESTLE Analysis of Biofuels Energy Industry in Europe
Authors: Achinas Spyridon , Horjus Johan , Achinas Vasileios , Euverink Gerrit Jan Willem
Published: October 2019

Biofuels production is expected to be an intrinsic confluence to the renewable energy sector in the coming years under the European regulations for renewable energy. Key standpoints of the biofuels promotions are the reduction of national carbon emissions and rural deployment. Despite jubilant outlook of biofuels for sustainable development, research efforts still tend to link the biofuel industry and regional growth. The aim of this study is to explore and review the biofuels industry through a socio-political, techno-economic, legal and environmental (PESTLE) analysis approach, and discuss the interrelation between technological facets and sustainable deployment.
The Experience, Dilemma, and Solutions of Sustainable Development of Inclusive Finance in Rural China: Based on the Perspective of Synergy
Authors: Su Taoyong , Yu Yuzhu , Chen Yongheng , Zhang Jian
Published: October 2019

Inclusive finance is an important development direction in the future of finance. The development of inclusive finance in China’s rural areas has provided valuable experience as well as exposing the various limitations of sustainable development. One of the key reasons for such limitations is the existence of cooperative resistance from multiple parties in the finance system. In this study, relevant data from the World Bank Inclusive Finance Database 2011–2017 and the CBRC Website were selected to analyze the current development level of inclusive finance in China in order to perform longitudinal time and horizontal international comparisons. The article summarizes the Chinese experience with inclusive finance and points out the dilemma of sustainable development. Then, based on the new perspective of synergy, the article breaks down financial institutions by type and provides an analysis of the cooperative resistance among the three major parties considering their behavioral motivations. Finally, we put forward the corresponding countermeasures to the dilemma of the sustainable development of inclusive finance in rural China by numerical simulations.
Strategic Value of Agricultural Business Networks in Sustaining Common Goods
Authors: Bullini Orlandi Ludovico , De Martino Elena , Rossignoli Cecilia , Bonomi Sabrina
Published: October 2019

This article aims to highlight the positive relationship between the organizational form of the agricultural business network and common goods, thus seizing their strategic value for the company in terms of protection, development, and sustainable use. The common goods analyzed in this research are of different origins: natural, such as the local environment and biodiversity, and artificial, such as cooperation and communication. To this end, a four-year longitudinal study was conducted to study the relationship between agricultural business networks and common goods. This study provides an in-depth analysis of the literature, which highlights the following as main themes: the sharing of values, the importance of trust and reputation, the central role of adaptive management, learning as participation, and environmental sustainability. The chosen case highlights how agricultural business networks can be considered both an effective tool in the protection and sustainable use of common goods and a tool that allows the development of the commons. Both these aspects have a strategic value for an organization that can derive significant benefits both from common goods developed and from the implemented organizational form and simultaneously protect the environment with strong positive externalities for itself and the community.
Organization Mechanisms and Spatial Characteristics of Urban Collaborative Innovation Networks: A Case Study in Hangzhou, China
Authors: Liu Nina , Wang Jiwu , Song Yan
Published: October 2019

Promoting the development of collaborative innovation networks is crucial for cities to achieve sustainable innovation. Hangzhou was selected as a case study. Based on the cooperation patent data from 2000 to 2017, we examined the scale problem, calculated the topology, and analyzed the coordination mechanisms and spatial characteristics of the topology structure. The results show that in terms of the development trend, collaborative innovation is an important pathway for innovation, and multi-subject collaborative innovation is necessary. Collaborative innovation occurs between enterprises and between enterprises and universities. With regards to topological structure, we found “Zhejiang University as a center, other universities as cores”, with the characteristics of diffusion development and fragmentation. In terms of spatial structure, we observed a networked spatial organization model with multiple centers, such as universities and industrial parks. A circle with a radius of five kilometers around a university was found to be an area of highly concentrated innovation subjects that are synergistically associated with universities. On this basis, the laws are summarized and suggestions are provided to support the research and practice of urban innovation spatial planning in China.
Creative Street Regeneration in the Context of Socio-Spatial Sustainability: A Case Study of a Traditional City Centre in Podgorica, Montenegro
Authors: Perović Svetlana K. , Bajić Šestović Jelena
Published: October 2019

The physical structure of Podgorica was predominantly developed with a traditional planning concept, whereby public open spaces of the city are as important as the city’s architectural objects. The focus of this paper is the perception of a traditional street in the context of sustainable urban regeneration. The aim of this study is to submit a proposal, through the Urban Design course at the Faculty of Architecture in Podgorica, for the physical regeneration of twelve traditional streets (eight street directions) that define the central core of Podgorica, known as Mirkova Varoš. These streets are the sites of social processes, interpreters of cultural and identity values of the society, and primary keepers of collective memory. It was detected that the attractiveness of the case study streets is weakening due to inadequate social and professional engagement in the processes of preservation and regeneration over time and also due to new users’ needs. Global requirements reflect the weakened role of public open spaces as places of social interaction, in favour of primarily closed shopping centres that are the new urban artefacts of the 21st century city. The first phase of this study is related to the theoretical interpretation of regeneration and the role of public space in the context of socio-spatial sustainability. The second phase of the study is directed toward estimating the perception of the current state of the street area in Mirova Varoš, as seen by the case study area users and architecture students, using (1) visual, (2) tactile, and (3) auditory criteria. The obtained results serve as a platform for concrete urban design proposals for sustainable street regeneration that will reflect a stronger socio-spatial interaction between (1) user–place, (2) the place–city system, and (3) local processes–global flows.
The Impact of Career Insight in the Relation with Social Networks and Career Self-Management: Preliminary Evidences from the Italian Contamination Lab
Authors: Secundo Giustina , De Carlo Elisa , Madaro Andreina , Maruccio Giuseppe , Signore Fulvio , Ingusci Emanuela
Published: October 2019

Universities are developing more education initiatives to increase the entrepreneurial mindset of students to enhance the social sustainability and self-employment. Young people should work to increase their managerial and soft skills in order to face the process of innovation and change. This exploratory study identifies some features of the participants in the first edition of the contamination laboratory (CLab) of the University of Salento (Lecce, Italy) whose mission is to develop creativity, soft skills and entrepreneurial mindset. In particular, it aims to investigate the relationship between career insight, social network and career self-management in a sample of University’s students during a training course organized according to the basic principles of Entrepreneurship Education. Data collection is carried out before and after the project. Results highlighted that there are significant differences before and after the course attendance in terms of personal and professional growth. These preliminary results present innovative aspects. From a theoretical point of view, the study laid the groundwork for future research in employability and entrepreneurial skills topics. About the practical implications, the study can provide some suggestions to promote and plan sustainable interventions in order to encourage young entrepreneurship and employability.
Tourism Development in Inner Mountain Areas—The Local Stakeholders’ Point of View through a Mixed Method Approach
Authors: Duglio Stefano , Bonadonna Alessandro , Letey Marilisa , Peira Giovanni , Zavattaro Laura , Lombardi Giampiero
Published: October 2019

Tourism in inner areas, especially in the mountains, is a complex phenomenon due to the different tourist’s needs and to the specific local features that vary considerably from one destination to another. Consequently, a unique tourism development strategy cannot be defined and adopted anywhere. When considering tourism-based territorial development in mountain areas, it is crucial to take the vision of local stakeholders into consideration. To drive different and/or unexpressed opinions towards shared tools, this study analyses the local stakeholder’s point of view using a mixed method consisting of a Delphi method followed by a Group Nominal Technique. The research was performed in Soana Valley, a small mountain community in the Northwestern Italian Alps. It involved 17 local stakeholders divided into three main groups—local administrators (n = 3), hospitality operators (9) and retailers (5). Results show how operators converge on three common aspects—local food product offering, territorial promotion and collaboration among operators, on which the community should focus to build a territorial integrated tourism offering.
Food Security and Dietary Quality in African Slums
Authors: Wanyama Rosina , Gödecke Theda , Qaim Matin
Published: October 2019

More than half of Africa’s urban population lives in slums. Little is known about their nutritional situation, as slums are often underrepresented in standard surveys. This study analyzes issues of food security and dietary quality in East African slums using household-level and individual-level data collected in Nairobi and Kampala. The household food insecurity access scale (HFIAS) is used as a subjective measure of food security. Moreover, calorie availability and different dietary diversity scores are calculated based on 7-day food consumption recalls at the household level and 24-h dietary recalls at the individual level. The large majority of the slum households are food insecure and suffer from low dietary quality. Rates of undernourishment are considerably higher than what country-level statistics report, suggesting that slum dwellers deserve more explicit attention in initiatives to improve nutrition. Household-level indicators are significantly correlated with individual-level indicators for women and children. This means that household-level data, which are easier to collect, can proxy for individual nutrition up to a certain extent when individual-level data are unavailable. Regression models show that household income is one of the main factors explaining dietary patterns. Hence, facilitating access to lucrative employment is an important entry point for improving nutrition in slums.
Geometric Structure behind Duality and Manifestation of Self-Duality from Electrical Circuits to Metamaterials
Authors: Nakata Yosuke , Urade Yoshiro , Nakanishi Toshihiro
Published: October 2019

In electromagnetic systems, duality is manifested in various forms: circuit, Keller–Dykhne, electromagnetic, and Babinet dualities. These dualities have been developed individually in different research fields and frequency regimes, leading to a lack of unified perspective. In this paper, we establish a unified view of these dualities in electromagnetic systems. The underlying geometrical structures behind the dualities are elucidated by using concepts from algebraic topology and differential geometry. Moreover, we show that seemingly disparate phenomena, such as frequency-independent effective response, zero backscattering, and critical response, can be considered to be emergent phenomena of self-duality.
Meteorological and Nutrient Conditions Influence Microcystin Congeners in Freshwaters
Authors: Taranu Zofia , Pick Frances , Creed Irena , Zastepa Arthur , Watson Sue
Published: October 2019

Cyanobacterial blooms increasingly impair inland waters, with the potential for a concurrent increase in cyanotoxins that have been linked to animal and human mortalities. Microcystins (MCs) are among the most commonly detected cyanotoxins, but little is known about the distribution of different MC congeners despite large differences in their biomagnification, persistence, and toxicity. Using raw-water intake data from sites around the Great Lakes basin, we applied multivariate canonical analyses and regression tree analyses to identify how different congeners (MC-LA, -LR, -RR, and -YR) varied with changes in meteorological and nutrient conditions over time (10 years) and space (longitude range: 77°2′60 to 94°29′23 W). We found that MC-LR was associated with strong winds, warm temperatures, and nutrient-rich conditions, whereas the equally toxic yet less commonly studied MC-LA tended to dominate under intermediate winds, wetter, and nutrient-poor conditions. A global synthesis of lake data in the peer-reviewed literature showed that the composition of MC congeners differs among regions, with MC-LA more commonly reported in North America than Europe. Global patterns of MC congeners tended to vary with lake nutrient conditions and lake morphometry. Ultimately, knowledge of the environmental factors leading to the formation of different MC congeners in freshwaters is necessary to assess the duration and degree of toxin exposure under future global change.
Generation and Characterization of a Mouse-Adapted Makona Variant of Ebola Virus
Authors: Chan Mable , Leung Anders , Griffin Bryan D. , Vendramelli Robert , Tailor Nikesh , Tierney Kevin , Audet Jonathan , Kobasa Darwyn
Published: October 2019

Ebola virus (EBOV) is a zoonotic pathogen that poses a significant threat to public health, causing sporadic yet devastating outbreaks that have the potential to spread worldwide, as demonstrated during the 2013–2016 West African outbreak. Mouse models of infection are important tools for the development of therapeutics and vaccines. Exposure of immunocompetent mice to clinical isolates of EBOV is nonlethal; consequently, EBOV requires prior adaptation in mice to cause lethal disease. Until now, the only immunocompetent EBOV mouse model was based on the Mayinga variant, which was isolated in 1976. Here, we generated a novel mouse-adapted (MA)-EBOV based on the 2014 Makona isolate by inserting EBOV/Mayinga-MA mutations into the EBOV/Makona genome, followed by serial passaging of the rescued virus in suckling mice. The resulting EBOV/Makona-MA causes lethal disease in adult immunocompetent mice within 6 to 9 days and has a lethal dose (LD50) of 0.004 plaque forming units (PFU). Two additional mutations emerged after mouse-adaptation in the viral nucleoprotein (NP) and membrane-associated protein VP24. Using reverse genetics, we found the VP24 mutation to be critical for EBOV/Makona-MA virulence. EBOV/Makona-MA infected mice that presented with viremia, high viral burden in organs, increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and lymphopenia. Our mouse model will help advance pre-clinical development of countermeasures against contemporary EBOV variants.
The Methyltransferase Region of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus L Polymerase Is a Target Site for Functional Intramolecular Insertion
Authors: Heilmann Emmanuel , Kimpel Janine , Geley Stephan , Naschberger Andreas , Urbiola Carles , Nolden Tobias , von Laer Dorotheé , Wollmann Guido
Published: October 2019

The L-protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) is a single-chain multi-domain RNA-dependent RNA polymerase. Previously reported attempts of intramolecular insertions of fluorescent proteins into the L-protein resulted in temperature-sensitive and highly attenuated polymerase activity. Here, we describe a novel insertion site that was selected based on in silico prediction. Of five preselected locations, insertion of the fluorescent protein mCherry in the VSV polymerase between amino acids 1620 and 1621 preserved polymerase function even after extended passaging and showed only mild attenuation compared to wildtype VSV polymerase. High magnification fluorescence imaging revealed a corpuscular cytosolic pattern for the L-protein. To confirm that the insertion site tolerates inclusion of proteins others than mCherry, we cloned mWasabi into the same position in L, generating a VSV-LmWasabi, which was also functional. We also generated a functional dual-color-dual-insertion VSV construct with intramolecularly labeled P and L-proteins. Together, our data present an approach to tag VSV polymerase intramolecularly without perturbing enzymatic activity. This L fusion protein might enable future tracing studies to monitor intracellular location of the VSV transcription and replication machinery in real-time life-imaging studies.
Effects of Adjuvants on the Immunogenicity and Efficacy of a Zika Virus Envelope Domain III Subunit Vaccine
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Tai Wanbo , Zhang Xiaolu , Zhou Yusen , Du Lanying , Shen Chuanlai
Published: October 2019

Zika virus (ZIKV), a mosquito-borne flavivirus, has attracted global attention due to its close association with congenital Zika syndrome and neurological diseases, and transmission through additional routes, such as sexual contact. Currently there are no vaccines approved for ZIKV, and thus, there is an urgent need to develop an effective and safe ZIKV vaccine. Domain III (DIII) of the ZIKV envelope (E) protein is an important vaccine target, and a vaccine developed using a mutant DIII of E (EDIII) protein protects adult and pregnant mice, and unborn offspring, against ZIKV infection. Here, we have used immunocompetent BALB/c mice treated with anti-interferon-α/β receptor 1 (Ifnar1) antibodies to investigate whether three adjuvants (aluminum (Alum), monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), and MF59), either alone or in combination, could improve the efficacy of this EDIII subunit vaccine. Our data show that, although vaccine formulated with a single adjuvant induced a specific antibody and cellular immune response, and reduced viral load in mice challenged with ZIKV, the combination of Alum and MPL adjuvants led to a more robust and balanced immune response, stronger neutralizing activity against three recent ZIKV human strains, and greater protection against a high-dose ZIKV challenge. Particularly, the combination of Alum with MPL significantly reduced viral titers and viral RNA copy numbers in sera and tissues, including the male reproductive organs. Overall, this study has identified the combination of Alum and MPL as the most effective adjuvant for ZIKV EDIII subunit vaccines, and it has important implications for subunit vaccines against other enveloped viruses, including non-ZIKV flaviviruses.
Migration of Pharmaceuticals from the Warta River to the Aquifer at a Riverbank Filtration Site in Krajkowo (Poland)
Authors: Kruć Roksana , Dragon Krzysztof , Górski Józef
Published: October 2019

Studies on the presence of pharmaceuticals in water were carried out on the riverbank filtration site, Krajkowo–Poznań (Poland). A preliminary investigation conducted in 3 sampling points showed the presence of pharmaceuticals in both surface water and bank filtrate. Based on the above, an extended analysis was made in July, August and October 2018 and included surface water and wells located at a different distance (5–250 m) and travel time (1–150 days) from source water (Warta River). Firstly, 75 compounds (antibiotics, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, psychotropic drugs, x-ray agents and β-blockers) were tested and 25 of them were detected in the river or bank filtrate. The highest concentrations were observed in source water and then were reduced along the flow path. The sampling points located close to the river (<38 m) are characterized by low removal. Higher removal is visible in wells located 64–82 m away from the river, while 250 m from the river most compounds are completely attenuated. Carbamazepine, gabapentin, tramadol, oxypurinol, fluconazole, and lamotrigine are the most common compounds. Some of the tested parameters occur only in the river water, e.g., iopromide, diclofenac, iohexol, clindamycin, fexofenadine and valsartan. The research shows that at the site, a significant attenuation of pharmaceuticals can be achieved at travel times of 40–50 days and distances of 60–80 m, although higher values are ensured when the well is located more than 250 m away.
Characteristics of Flow Structure around Cylindrical Bridge Piers in Pressure-Flow Conditions
Authors: Carnacina Iacopo , Leonardi Nicoletta , Pagliara Stefano
Published: October 2019

The emerging shift of extreme events, combined with an aging infrastructure and bridges, highlights the potential increase in the risk of damage and catastrophic failure of bridges with climate change. This article analyzes the behavior of the flow and turbulence features in proximity to bridge piers, at two different moments of the scour temporal evolution in free-surface and pressure-flow conditions. Bridge pressure-flow conditions occur when the water depth submerges a bridge deck during extreme events. A circular pier and two rectangular decks of different lengths were used for this research. All tests were carried out in clear water conditions at the sediment critical velocity. This paper studied first the rate of scour temporal evolution and scour morphologies. Second, velocity measurements were taken using a Nortek acoustic Velocimeter at 25 Hz sampling rate in both free-surface and pressure-flow conditions. The average three-dimensional flow velocities, turbulence intensities, Reynolds stress, and turbulent kinetic energy were studies for the cross section corresponding to the center of the pier. The results show that pressure flow conditions accelerate the scour rate. This rate approximately reaches twice the scour in free-surface conditions with a vertical contraction of about 17%. Flow and turbulence measurements clearly exhibit how, under pressure-flow conditions, the additional turbulence and accelerated velocity modifies the flow pattern and circulation, accelerating the scour evolution around the bridge base. While numerous studies exist for pier scour and turbulence in free-surface conditions, pressure flow conditions received limited attention in the past. These results provide essential information for understanding scour mechanisms and for facilitating the design of future structures to increase bridge safety and resilience.
Evaluating the Impacts of Climate Change and Vegetation Restoration on the Hydrological Cycle over the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Yang Shuai , Kang Tingting , Bu Jingyi , Chen Jiahao , Gao Yanchun
Published: October 2019

In recent decades, both observation and simulation data have demonstrated an obvious decrease in runoff and soil moisture, with increasing evapotranspiration, over the Loess Plateau. In this study, we employed a Variable Infiltration Capacity model coupled with scenario simulation to explore the impact of change in climate and land cover on four hydrological variables (HVs) over the Loess Plateau, i.e., evapotranspiration (ET), runoff (Runoff), shallow soil moisture (SM1), and deep soil moisture (SM2). Results showed precipitation, rather than temperature, had the closest relationship with the four HVs, with r ranging from 0.76 to 0.97 (p < 0.01), and this was therefore presumed to be the dominant climate-based driving factor in the variation of hydrological regimes. Vegetation conversion, from cropland and grassland to woodland, significantly reduced runoff and increased soil moisture consumption, to sustain an increased ET, and, assuming that the reduction of SM2 is entirely evaporated, we can attribute 71.28% ± 18.64%, 65.89% ± 24.14% of the ET increase to the water loss of SM2 in the two conversion modes, respectively. The variation in HVs, induced by land cover change, were higher than the expected climate change with respect to SM1, while different factors were selected to determine HVs variation in six catchments, due to differences in the mode and intensity of vegetation conversion, and the degree of climate change. Our findings are critical for understanding and quantifying the impact of climate change and vegetation conversions, and provide a further basis for the design of water resources and land-use management strategies with respect to climate change, especially in the water-limited Loess Plateau.
Water Quality and the Effectiveness of European Union Policies
Authors: Steinebach Yves
Published: October 2019

This article is a first attempt to examine the effectiveness of EU water policies in a comparative perspective. It provides a systematic analysis of the relationship between EU water policies and the quality of national water resources for 17 EU member states over a period of 23 years (1990–2012). The analysis reveals that EU policies have contributed to the water quality in the member states. Moreover, it finds that decentralized implementation processes enhance the effectiveness of top-down policy instruments while not making a significant difference for bottom-up policy instruments. Administrative capacities and (neo-)corporatist arrangement seem to play some, yet only minor, role in determining the effectiveness of EU water policies. This way, the article speaks to the literature on EU compliance and implementation and the broader public policy literature.
The Interplay between Flow Field, Suspended Sediment Concentration, and Net Deposition in a Channel with Flexible Bank Vegetation
Authors: Box Walter , Västilä Kaisa , Järvelä Juha
Published: October 2019

This paper investigates the interplay between the flow, suspended sediment concentration (SSC), and net deposition at the lateral interface between a main channel and riverbank/floodplain vegetation consisting of emergent flexible woody plants with understory grasses. In a new set of flume experiments, data were collected concurrently on the flow field, SSC, and net deposition using acoustic Doppler velocimeters, optical turbidity sensors, and weight-based sampling. Vegetation largely affected the vertical SSC distributions, both within and near the vegetated areas. The seasonal variation of vegetation properties was important, as the foliage strongly increased lateral mixing of suspended sediments between the unvegetated and vegetated parts of the channel. Foliage increased the reach-scale net deposition and enhanced deposition in the understory grasses at the main channel–vegetation interface. To estimate the seasonal differences caused by foliation, we introduced a new drag ratio approach for describing the SSC difference between the vegetated and unvegetated channel parts. Findings in this study suggest that future research and engineering applications will benefit from a more realistic description of natural plant features, including the reconfiguration of plants and drag by the foliage, to complement and replace existing rigid cylinder approaches.
Numerical Prediction of the Short-Term Trajectory of Microplastic Particles in Laizhou Bay
Authors: Ding Yu , Liu Haifei , Yang Wei
Published: October 2019

Microplastic particles are easily captured by microorganisms and enter the food chain, which poses a threat to ecological health. These particles are abundant in coastal areas because of the influence of anthropic activities and the interaction between the sea and land. Although much research on microplastics has been done, predicting the transportation of microplastic particles in coastal zones is still a challenge. In this paper, the trajectories of microplastic particles released from four river mouths around Laizhou Bay are investigated using the lattice Boltzmann method coupled with the Lagrangian particle-tracking method, involving inter-particle and particle-wall collisions. The trajectories of particles released from four river mouths are recorded within 30 days.
Research Trends of Hydrological Drought: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hasan Hasrul Hazman , Mohd Razali Siti Fatin , Muhammad Nur Shazwani , Ahmad Asmadi
Published: October 2019

The frequency and severity of global drought-induced impacts have led to raising awareness of the need for improved river management. Although academic publications on drought have proliferated, a systematic review of literature has not yet been conducted to identify trends, themes, key topics, and authorships. This study aims to evaluate the scientific evidence for the hydrological drought characteristics and the methodologies by performing as a framework. This systematic review performed three-stage screening of literature review for current applicable hydrological drought studies that have been conducted since the year of 2000 concerning methodologies, literature research gaps, and trends, and contribute to future studies. The analysis shows the increasing trends of research and publications in the hydrological drought assessment. The primary research themes are hydrological drought is drought severity, drought vulnerability, and drought forecast. Despite the current research findings, spatial and temporal variability, low flow analysis and regional modelling are the most important to encourage a holistic approach and international collaborations. The finding identified the shortcomings of most research, which are the use of non-standardized methodological and distinct sample sizes, resulting in data summary challenges and unrealistic comparisons.
Analysis of a Flash Flood in a Small Basin in Crete
Authors: Sarchani Sofia , Tsanis Ioannis
Published: October 2019

Climate change will have a greater impact on the severity of flash floods, since precipitation intensity is expected to increase, even in areas where a reduction of precipitation is possible. This change in climate is expected to increase flood wave speed and its flood wave area extent. A case study of a small basin in the island of Crete was conducted to examine this effect, following the calibration and validation of the flow hydrograph of a flash flood event, in order to achieve model verification with the post-flood data. It was found that the most important parameters that affect the timing and magnitude of the peak discharge are the storage coefficient, the impervious rate and the curve number, as well as the time of concentration. Rainfall distribution was examined in different time intervals in order to study the effect of the intensity of precipitation on the peak hydrograph. From the precipitation records and according to the size of the watershed, the time step of the precipitation in the simulation model is recommended to be less than an hour. In other areas around the basin of interest, severe storms known as Medicanes that pass over Crete can produce higher precipitation in shorter time intervals. The impact of climate change scenarios results in an increase on the peak discharge by creating precipitation of higher intensity. Furthermore, the intensification of precipitation due to climate change results in higher flood depths and flooded area extent, as well as wave velocities.
Suitability Mapping for Managed Aquifer Recharge: Development of Web-Tools
Authors: Sallwey Jana , Schlick Robert , Bonilla Valverde José Pablo , Junghanns Ralf , Vásquez López Felipe , Stefan Catalin
Published: October 2019

Suitability maps for managed aquifer recharge (MAR) are increasingly used and hold the potential to be integrated into sustainable groundwater management plans. However, the quality of the maps strongly depends on the input data quality as well as the expertise of the decision-maker. The maps are commonly derived through GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis (GIS-MCDA). To date, there is no common understanding of how suitability mapping should be conducted, as there is considerable variability concerning used GIS data and MCDA methodology. This study presents two web-tools that were conceptualized based on a review of GIS-MCDA studies in the context of MAR suitability mapping. The data retrieved from the review was compiled into a web-based query tool making the MAR- and MCDA-relevant information easily accessible. Based on the most commonly used MCDA practices in the assessed studies, we conceptualized and implemented a second web tool that comprises a simplified web GIS as well as supporting tools for weight assignment and standardization of the criteria. Both web tools will enable decision-makers to engage in MCDA for MAR mapping in a more structured and informed way. As the tools are open-source and web-based, they can facilitate the collaboration between multiple stakeholders and the easy sharing of results.
Numerical Study of the Hydrodynamics of Waves and Currents and Their Effects in Pier Scouring
Authors: Quezada Matias , Tamburrino Aldo , Niño Yarko
Published: October 2019

The scour around cylindrical piles due to codirectional and opposite waves and currents is studied with Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations via REEF3D numeric modeling. First, a calibration process was made through a comparison with the experimental data available in the literature. Subsequently, not only the hydrodynamics, but also the expected scour for a set of scenarios, which were defined by the relative velocity of the current ( U C W ), were studied numerically. The results obtained show that the hydrodynamics around the pile for codirectional or opposite waves and currents not have significant differences when analyzed in terms of their velocities, vorticities and mean shear stresses, since the currents proved to be more relevant compared to the net flow. The equilibrium scour, estimated by the extrapolation of the numerical data with the equation by Sheppard, enabled us to estimate values close to those described in the literature. From this extrapolation, it was verified that the dimensionless scour would be less when the waves and currents are from opposite directions. The U C W parameter is an indicator used to adequately measure the interactions between the currents and waves under conditions of codirectional flow. Nevertheless, it is recommended to modify this parameter for currents and waves in opposite directions, and an equation is proposed for this case.
Regionalization of a Rainfall-Runoff Model: Limitations and Potentials
Authors: Song Jung-Hun , Her Younggu , Suh Kyo , Kang Moon-Seong , Kim Hakkwan
Published: October 2019

Regionalized lumped rainfall-runoff (RR) models have been widely employed as a means of predicting the streamflow of an ungauged watershed because of their simple yet effective simulation strategies. Parameter regionalization techniques relate the parameter values of a model calibrated to the observations of gauged watersheds to the geohydrological characteristics of the watersheds. Thus, the accuracy of regionalized models is dependent on the calibration processes, as well as the structure of the model used and the quality of the measurements. In this study, we have discussed the potentials and limitations of hydrological model parameter regionalization to provide practical guidance for hydrological modeling of ungauged watersheds. This study used a Tank model as an example model and calibrated its parameters to streamflow observed at the outlets of 39 gauged watersheds. Multiple regression analysis identified the statistical relationships between calibrated parameter values and nine watershed characteristics. The newly developed regional models provided acceptable accuracy in predicting streamflow, demonstrating the potential of the parameter regionalization method. However, uncertainty associated with parameter calibration processes was found to be large enough to affect the accuracy of regionalization. This study demonstrated the importance of objective function selection of the RR model regionalization.
Socio-Economic Development of Russia in 2018-2020: Recession Threatening Stagnation
Authors: Frenkel A. A. , Tikhomirov B. I. , Sergienko Ya. V. , Surkov A. A.
Published: October 2019

The article presents the authors’ point of view on the results of the socio-economic development of Russia in 2018 and provides an analytical assessment of forecasts for 2019 and 2020 and estimates for the immediate prospects for the development of the country. The focus is on ensuring the implementation of the May (2018) Decree of the President of the Russian Federation.

The authors analyzed the state and conﬁrmed directions to overcome stagnation, ﬁrst of all, by eliminating the lag in the technological level of production and ensuring the growth in labor productivity, enhancing business, investment and consumer activity, increasing the efﬁciency of capital investments as key factors affecting the growth in the real sector and the knowledge economy, including industrial production , agriculture, capital construction.

The paper highlights the weak links in the current management system and proposes measures to overcome the existing structural crisis. There is a need for a socio-economic policy change that should be aimed at ensuring the health of a nation.

The authors compared Russian and global trends in key development indicators, such as gross domestic product (GDP), industrial production, foreign trade.

A comparative assessment of the 2020 and 2021 forecasts of the considered key macroeconomic indicators (including the real sector of the economy as a driver of socio-economic progress) is presented. The projected in 2019 and 2020 slowdown in the global economy, the expected fall in global trade and the expansion of trade wars and sanctions, as well as the existing import dependence may contribute to the growing negative trend in the Russian economy and lead to stagnation escalating into recession.
Problems of Household Budget Surveys: Regional Experience
Authors: Aichepsheva R. P.
Published: October 2019

The article addresses organizational challenges and methodological issues that state statistical bodies face while preparing for and conducting household budget sample survey (HBS). Among these problems, the author considers the diﬃculties associated with ensuring the quality of HBS results and minimizing the number of respondent refusals to participate in this observation.

According to the author, the range of tasks to be solved includes, among other things, methodological and organizational aspects, such as the need to review certain regulations of the HBS by-laws, search for reserves to reduce the survey program, to change the order of generating sample units, and a number of other provisions. In this regard, the author proposes to decrease the information load on respondents. It includes reducing the time of ﬁlling out the questionnaire, as well as applying an updated approach to the formation of the respondent network. In addition, the author emphasizes the need to increase the level of automation of collecting and processing of primary HBS data.
The Work of the Central Statistical Committee in 1917-1918
Authors: Cherepenina N. Yu. , Dmitriev A. L.
Published: October 2019

The activity of state statistics throughout the revolutionary period of 1917 is uncharted territory in the history of Russian statistics. Using documents from the State Archive of the Russian Federation, the authors examined for the ﬁrst time the last year of the Central Statistical Committee. Unlike other state structures of the previous government, it was not dissolved after the events of October 1917 and continued to operate after the Soviet government moved to Moscow.

The article contains information on the ﬁrst «Soviet» Head of the Central Statistical Committee of the Commissariat of Internal Aﬀairs V.A. Algasov and outlines the work of Professor M.A. Sirinov, who was oﬀered a position of the Head of the Central Statistical Committee by the People’s Commissar of Internal Aﬀairs G.I. Petrovsky. Archive records helped establish the fact that both the authorities of the Central Statistical Committee and some statisticians came up with an idea of founding a new statistical service based on the Central Statistical Committee and gubernia (provincial) statistics. The authors revealed the role of V.V. Stepanov in relocating the Library of the Central Statistical Committee to Moscow. The article describes the clash of opinions that preceded the establishment of the Soviet state statistics, to be speciﬁc the inauguration of the RSFSR Central Statistical Board, which was envisaged to be an independent body, not subordinate to any agency, to ensure the independence of the country’s statistical service.
Méthode de mesure rapide des trois indices de réfraction principaux des minéraux en grains
Authors: Crovisier Jean-Louis
Published: October 2019

Refractive indices of a crystal can be determined using a spindle stage and a modified microrefractometer Zeiss. The crystal, cemented to the tip of the spindle, is immersed in a liquid in the modified cell of the microrefractometer.

The orientation of the indicatrix axis of the crystal is determined by the classical method described by Joel and Garaycochea (1957) using the extinction curve. The principal indices are compared in situ with the index of the liquid, composition of which is modified by injection of another liquid through a microsyringe. A perfect mixing is obtained by two opposited microsyringes. The precision on measurement is given for the third decimal.
The structure and chemistry of hydrous nickel-containing silicate and nickel-aluminium hydroxy minerals
Authors: Brindley George William
Published: October 2019

Les caractéristiques structurales et chimiques des aluminates et silicates hydratés contenant du nickel — caractéristiques qui, pour la plupart, ont été mises en lumière au cours de la dernière décade — sont passées en revue. La grande majorité de ces minéraux ressemblent aux silicates hydratés magnésiens avec substitution à divers degrés de Mg par Ni ; cette substitution est assez aisée du fait de la similarité des tailles ioniques et de l'égalité des charges. On a généralement Ni ≪ Mg ; de tels minéraux sont des formes nickélifères des minéraux magnésiens, c'est le cas en particulier des minéraux de serpentine, de la kérolite (ou talc), de la chlorite (clinochlore) et de la sépiolite. Le cas de Ni ≫ Mg est plus rare et justifie, des appellations spéciales pour les minéraux. Les smectites dioctaédrales contenant du nickel ressemblent à la fois à la montmorillonite et à la beidellite˗nontronite. Les minéraux contenant du nickel ont généralement une structure fortement désordonnée et leur composition peut s'écarter de la stoechiométrie des minéraux magnésiens correspondants. On connaît des structures imparfaites intermédiaires entre la chlorite et la vermiculite, ainsi que des structures intercalées.

Les aluminates hydratés de nickel sont apparentés à l'hydrotalcite et à la pyroaurite et l'on rencontre aussi bien des formes sulfatées que carbonatées.