bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fiscal Decentralization - World Experience and Our Practice
Authors: Stojanović Aleksandar
Published: July 2017

Although it is yet to be systematically investigated where the initiative for fiscal decentralization came from, limited evidence suggests that decentralization offers great opportunities to improve the delivery of public services, and that the result depends on the type of decentralization that has been implemented and the institutions that implement it. Not rare are the examples that decentralization is implemented haphazardly without a proper legal framework and clearly defined rules or is simply imported from another country, without taking into account whether the local authorities in the country are able to carry out their responsibilities. Decentralization is often a matter of political reality, and in itself, it is neither good nor bad.

Fiscal decentralization is especially topical in many countries due to fears of further growth in public spending. Data on the extent of public spending in most countries, especially in the last two decades show the constant increase in public spending in GDP. The results of numerous studies on the subject indicate the high degree of correlation between fiscal decentralization and growth of public spending in a way that centralization is associated with a greater share of public spending in GDP. Therefore, a part of the professional community has long held the view that fiscal decentralization contributes to greater efficiency in the allocation of resources and reduces the amount of public spending.
Tourist Evaluation of Religious Buildings in Montenegro
Authors: Popović Maria
Published: July 2017

In this article value of sacred objects like a resource for development of cultural and religious tourism is being emphased. It ia being described the current state of religious monuments, their wilingness that in existing conditions be functional factors of tourist offer. For research it is being used: qualitative and quantitative methods with which are being described recognized elements of tourist valorization: tourism-geographical location, ambiance, atractiveness and identity, decoration and equipment of the space in tourist wealth. Then, the segmenta of valorisation are being quantified through evaluation of the most representative religious monuments in Montenegro. With this work, we want to draw attention to the value of this heritage and its ability to relatively easy be recognized as a resource of cultural and religious tourism. It is being wanted to explore which segments of tourist valorization can be improved, so on the base of it and incorporated in a system of a tourist offer.
Model of Consumer Behaviour - Feminine Hygiene
Authors: Rihtaršič Tanja , Rihtaršič Matjaž
Published: July 2017

This article starts with a review of different recent theoretical views and positions on culture, menstruation taboos, and ethical consumer behaviour. We performed a quantitative research in England, Germany, Slovenia and Sweden on 1,081 responding female students about the effect of cultural and sociological factors on female consumer behaviour when buying feminine hygiene products. Countries were selected depending on different cultures, religions and consumer behaviour. Based on the acquired results, we established a structural model of female consumer behaviour in the selected countries. This model showed a spiral transfer of cultural limitations and prejudices to the respondent students through the environment.
Presence of Corporate Frauds at a Global Level
Authors: Vranješ Svjetlana
Published: July 2017

The legislative bodies of the countries, members of the accounting and auditing profession, various associations have taken a number of preventive measures and mechanisms for combating corporate criminal activities and financial frauds, but unfortunately, the fact is that even today they often happen in both undeveloped and the most developed market economies. It is therefore essential to pay significant attention to corporate criminal activity and financial frauds that are happening in the business world. The aim of this paper is to show the presence of different forms of corporate criminal activity at a global level, and to display a conceptual framework of criminal activity and motives for their doing. Concluding remarks of this paper provide guidelines for further research and recommendations on how to improve the mechanisms for preventing and detecting criminal activity.
The One-Parameter Odd Lindley Exponential Model: Mathematical
Properties and Applications
Authors: Korkmaz Mustafa Ç. , Yousof Haitham M.
Published: July 2017

In this article, an exponential model with only one shape parameter, which
can be used in modeling survival data, reliability problems and fatigue life
studies, is studied. We derive explicit expressions for some of its
statistical and mathematical quantities including the ordinary moments,
generating function, incomplete moments, order statistics, moment of
residual life and reversed residual life. The model parameter is estimated
by using the maximum likelihood method. A real data application is given to
illustrate the flexibility of the model. We assess the performance of the
maximum likelihood estimators in terms of biases and mean squared errors by
means of a simulation study.
Regioselective 1,4-conjugate aza-Michael addition of dienones with benzotriazole
Authors: Li Zheng , Li Tianpeng , Fu Rugang , Yang Jingya
Published: July 2017

The regioselective 1,4-conjugate aza-Michael addition of dienones with benzotriazole catalyzed by potassium acetate is described. A series of 3-(benzotriazol-1-yl)-1,5-diarylpent-4-en-1-ones were efficiently synthesized under mild conditions. This protocol has advantages of transition-metal free catalyst, high yield and high regioselectivity.
Bank Versus Stock Market Development in Brazil: An ARDL Bounds Testing Approach
Authors: Nyasha Sheilla , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the impact of both bank-based and market-based financial development on economic growth in Brazil during the period from 1980 to 2012. To incorporate all of the aspects of financial development into the regression analysis, the study employs a method of means-removed average to construct both bank-based and market-based financial development indices. Based on the ARDL approach, the empirical results show that there is a positive relationship between market-based financial development and economic growth in Brazil in the long run, but not in the short run. The results also show that bank-based financial development in Brazil does not have a positive effect on economic growth. This applies irrespective of whether the regression analysis is conducted in the short run, or in the long run. The study, therefore, concludes that it is the stock market, rather than banking sector development, that drives long-run economic growth in Brazil.
Critical Mass in the Boardroom of Croatian Banks
Authors: Kramaric Tomislava Pavic , Miletic Marko
Published: July 2017

This paper investigates the influence of gender diversity in the boardroom of Croatian banks on their performance. Specifically, we deal with both management and supervisory boards. Moreover, based on critical mass theory, the authors try to find out what constitutes critical mass. Using a static panel analysis on a sample of all commercial banks that operated in the period 2002-2014, three models were estimated with return on assets (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and net interest margin (NIM) as dependent variables. Board structure variables include gender of the chairperson, size of the board, share of women on the board and four dummy variables constructed on critical mass theory, specifically uniform group, skewed group, tilted group and balanced group. Other controls employed in the model include capital adequacy, the growth rate of assets at the bank level, ownership, age and a crisis dummy. The main finding is that when a critical mass of 20%-40% of women on the management board has been reached, bank performance improves.
A Nutritional Analysis of the Food Basket in BIH: A Linear Programming Approach
Authors: Arnaut-Berilo Almira , Delalic Adela , Huseinbasic Adisa
Published: July 2017

This paper presents linear and goal programming optimization models for determining and analyzing the food basket in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in terms of adequate nutritional needs according to World Health Organization (WHO) standards and World Bank (WB) recommendations. A linear programming (LP) model and goal linear programming model (GLP) are adequate since price and nutrient contents are linearly related to food weight. The LP model provides information about the minimal value and the structure of the food basket for an average person in BiH based on nutrient needs. GLP models are designed to give us information on minimal deviations from nutrient needs if the budget is fixed. Based on these results, poverty analysis can be performed. The data used for the models consisted of 158 food items from the general consumption of the population of BiH according to COICOP classifications, with average prices in 2015 for these products.
Becoming a Hidden Champion: From Selective use of Customer Intimacy and Product Leadership to Business Attractiveness
Authors: Balas Rant Melita , Korenjak Cerne Simona
Published: July 2017

This paper sheds light on factors that support SMEs becoming market leaders on an international scale. Specifically, it studies the hidden champion type of companies, defined as SMEs that hold market leadership in narrow business segments on a regional or wider international scale. The market positioning of hidden champions is defined subjectively by CEOs in such a way that they create a high level of business attractiveness. This explorative study reveals that product leadership and customer intimacy are two blocks that build the business attractiveness of hidden champions. More specifically, the study on data from 93 niche leaders from Central and Eastern Europe showed that product leadership negatively moderates the business attractiveness-performance relationship, while the impact of the combination of product leadership and customer intimacy on the business attractiveness-firm performance relationship is not straightforward and depends on different combinations of these values.
Examining the Relationship between Financial Development and International Trade in Croatia
Authors: Bilas Vlatka , Bosnjak Mile , Novak Ivan
Published: July 2017

This paper examines the relationship between financial development and international trade in Croatia over the period from the first quarter of 1997 and the last quarter of 2015. The autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration is applied to examine the long-run and short-run relationships among the series. The research hypothesis is accepted and the relationship between financial development and international trade in Croatia is established and confirmed. The research results reveal unidirectional Granger causality from financial development to international trade at the 10% significance level, and negative long-run and the positive short-run relationships between financial developments and international trade in Croatia.
VQ-based model for binary error process
Authors: Csóka Tibor , Polec Jaroslav , Csóka Filip , Kotuliaková Kvetoslava
Published: July 2017

A variety of complex techniques, such as forward error correction (FEC), automatic repeat request (ARQ), hybrid ARQ or cross-layer optimization, require in their design and optimization phase a realistic model of binary error process present in a specific digital channel. Past and more recent modeling approaches focus on capturing one or more stochastic characteristics with precision sufficient for the desired model application, thereby applying concepts and methods severely limiting the model applicability (eg in the form of modeled process prerequisite expectations). The proposed novel concept utilizing a Vector Quantization (VQ)-based approach to binary process modeling offers a viable alternative capable of superior modeling of most commonly observed small- and large-scale stochastic characteristics of a binary error process on the digital channel. Precision of the proposed model was verified using multiple statistical distances against the data captured in a wireless sensor network logical channel trace. Furthermore, the Pearson’s goodness of fit test of all model variants’ output was performed to conclusively demonstrate usability of the model for realistic captured binary error process. Finally, the presented results prove the proposed model applicability and its ability to far surpass the capabilities of the reference Elliot’s model.
Analysis and application of two-current-source circuit as a signal conditioner for resistive sensors
Authors: Idzkowski Adam , Gołębiowski Jerzy , Walendziuk Wojciech
Published: July 2017

The article presents the analysis of metrological properties of a two-current-source supplied circuit. It includes such data as precise and simplified equations for two circuit output voltages in the function of relative resistance increments of sensors. Moreover, graphs showing nonlinearity coefficients of both output voltages for two resistance increments varying widely are presented. Graphs of transfer resistances, depending on relative increments of sensors resistance were also created. The article also contains a description of bridge-based circuit realization with the use of a computer and a data acquisition (DAQ) card. Laboratory measurement of the difference and sum of relative resistance increments of two resistance decade boxes were carried out indirectly with the use of the created measurement system. Measurement errors were calculated and included in the article, as well.
Benchmarking the reliability of medium-voltage lines
Authors: Kolcun Michal , Kornatka Mirosław , Gawlak Anna , Čonka Zsolt
Published: July 2017

This paper discusses the problem of reliability of the Polish medium voltage power lines. It presents the benchmarking of power lines and values of SAIDI. The probability density distribution of the medium voltage lines length as well as selected indicators of the MV power lines reliability, being operated by the distribution companies under test, are also introduced. The analysis is based on the actual MV lines and uses the nonparametric method of kernel density estimation.
Generating an AC amplitude magnetic flux density value up to 150 μT at a frequency up to 100 kHz
Authors: Ulvr Michal , Polonský Jakub
Published: July 2017

AC magnetic field analyzers with a triaxial coil probe are widely used by health and safety professionals, in manufacturing, and in service industries. For traceable calibration of these analyzers, it is important to be able to generate a stable, homogeneous reference AC magnetic flux density (MFD). In this paper, the generating of AC amplitude MFD value of 150 μT by single-layer Helmholtz type solenoid, described in previous work, was expanded up to a frequency of 100 kHz using the effect of serial resonance. A programmable capacitor array has been developed with a range of adjustable values from 50 pF to 51225 pF. In addition, the multi-layer search coil with a nominal area turns value of 1.3m2, used for adjusting AC MFD in the solenoid, has been modified by a transimpedance amplifier for use in a wider frequency range than up to 3 kHz. The possibility of using the programmable capacitor array up to 150 kHz has also been tested. An AC amplitude MFD value of 150 μT can be generated with expanded uncertainty better than 0.6% up to 100 kHz.
Enhanced hybrid TV platform with multiscreen, advanced EPG and recommendation enablers
Authors: Kovacik Tomas , Bencel Rastislav , Mato Jan , Bronis Roman , Truchly Peter , Kotuliak Ivan
Published: July 2017

TV watching dramatically changes with introduction of new technologies such as Internet-connected TVs, enriched digital broadcasting (DVB), on-demand content, additional programme information, mobile phones and tablets enabling multiscreen functions etc that offer added values to content consumers. In this paper we propose modular advanced TV platform and its enablers enhancing TV watching. They allow users to receive aside of EPG also additional information about broadcasted content, to be reminded of requested programme, to utilize recommendation and search features, thanks to multiscreen functionality to allow users to take watched content with them or transfer it onto another device. The modularity of the platform allows new features to be added in future.
Technological inductive power transfer systems
Authors: Madzharov Nikolay D. , Nemkov Valentin S.
Published: July 2017

Inductive power transfer is a very fast expanding technology with multiple design principles and practical implementations ranging from charging phones and computers to bionic systems, car chargers and continuous power transfer in technological lines. Only a group of devices working in near magnetic field is considered. This article is devoted to overview of different inductive power transfer (IPT) devices. The review of literature in this area showed that industrial IPT are not much discussed and examined. The authors have experience in design and implementation of several types of IPTs belonging to wireless automotive chargers and to industrial application group. Main attention in the article is paid to principles and design of technological IPTs
Towards Multiple Kernel Principal Component Analysis for Integrative Analysis of Tumor Samples
Authors: Speicher Nora K. , Pfeifer Nico
Published: July 2017

Personalized treatment of patients based on tissue-specific cancer subtypes has strongly increased the efficacy of the chosen therapies. Even though the amount of data measured for cancer patients has increased over the last years, most cancer subtypes are still diagnosed based on individual data sources (e.g. gene expression data). We propose an unsupervised data integration method based on kernel principal component analysis. Principal component analysis is one of the most widely used techniques in data analysis. Unfortunately, the straightforward multiple kernel extension of this method leads to the use of only one of the input matrices, which does not fit the goal of gaining information from all data sources. Therefore, we present a scoring function to determine the impact of each input matrix. The approach enables visualizing the integrated data and subsequent clustering for cancer subtype identification. Due to the nature of the method, no hyperparameters have to be set. We apply the methodology to five different cancer data sets and demonstrate its advantages in terms of results and usability.
Effects of Diverse Dispersion Compensation Formats at Different Data Rates in Light-Wave System
Authors: Malik Deepak , Kaushik Geeta , Wason Amit
Published: July 2017

In this article, diverse dispersion compensating techniques are demonstrated and also examined their performance in the presence of nonlinearites at different data rates in between 2.5 and 20 Gbps. Dispersion compensation formats such as pre-compensation, post-compensation, hybrid (symmetrical) compensation, Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and optical phase conjugation (OPC) are used in single-channel light-wave system. The performance is evaluated on the behalf of different parameters such as Q value, Bit error rate (BER) and eye patterns. It is observed that in dispersion compensation, hybrid compensation format gives better results than the other compensation formats. It is also observed that hybrid compensation format is suitable for high data rates up to 20 Gbps while pre- and post-compensation gives better results up to 15 Gbps and FBG and OPC formats covered better results up to 10 Gbps.
On the End-to-End Performance of a Mixed RF-FSO link with a Decode-and-Forward Relay
Authors: Khanna Himanshu , Aggarwal Mona , Ahuja Swaran
Published: July 2017

In this paper, we investigate the performance of a decode-and-forward relayed mixed radio frequency-free space optical (RF-FSO) dual-hop link. The transmitter to receiver link’s first-hop is a RF channel and the second-hop is a FSO channel. The RF link experiences long-term shadowing and short-term multi-path fading effects, while the FSO channel suffers atmospheric turbulence fading, path loss, and pointing error-induced misalignment fading. The performance of the system is analyzed considering the impact of these parameters. We model the RF link by generalized-K fading distribution and the atmospheric turbulence over the FSO link by the gamma–gamma fading. The expressions in closed form for the outage probability, symbol error rate for the system employing

q

$q$

-ary PSK modulation schemes, and the channel capacity of the system are derived. The obtained numerical results are also depicted by numerical plots.
Airborne geoid mapping of land and sea areas of East Malaysia
Authors: Jamil H. , Kadir M. , Forsberg R. , Olesen A. , Isa M. N. , Rasidi S. , Mohamed A. , Chihat Z. , Nielsen E. , Majid F. , Talib K. , Aman S.
Published: July 2017

This paper describes the development of a new geoid-based vertical datum from airborne gravity data, by the Department of Survey and Mapping Malaysia, on land and in the South China Sea out of the coast of East Malaysia region, covering an area of about 610,000 square kilometres. More than 107,000 km flight line of airborne gravity data over land and marine areas of East Malaysia has been combined to provide a seamless land-to-sea gravity field coverage; with an estimated accuracy of better than 2.0 mGal. The iMAR-IMU processed gravity anomaly data has been used during a 2014-2016 airborne survey to extend a composite gravity solution across a number of minor gaps on selected lines, using a draping technique. The geoid computations were all done with the GRAVSOFT suite of programs from DTU-Space. EGM2008 augmented with GOCE spherical harmonic model has been used to spherical harmonic degree N = 720. The gravimetric geoid first was tied at one tide-gauge (in Kota Kinabalu, KK2019) to produce a fitted geoid, my_geoid2017_fit_kk. The fitted geoid was offset from the gravimetric geoid by +0.852 m, based on the comparison at the tide-gauge benchmark KK2019. Consequently, orthometric height at the six other tide gauge stations was computed from HGPS Lev = hGPS - Nmy_geoid2017_.t_kk. Comparison of the conventional (HLev) and GPS-levelling heights (HGPS Lev) at the six tide gauge locations indicate RMS height difference of 2.6 cm. The final gravimetric geoidwas fitted to the seven tide gauge stations and is known as my_geoid2017_fit_east. The accuracy of the gravimetric geoid is estimated to be better than 5 cm across most of East Malaysia land and marine areas
Prenatal Screening Markers for Down Syndrome: Sensitivity, Specificity, Positive and Negative Expected Value Method
Authors: Durković Jasmina , Ubavić Milan , Durković Milica , Kis Tibor
Published: July 2017

Background: Genetic screening for chromosomopathy is performed in the first trimester of pregnancy by determining fetal nuchal translucency (NT), and the pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and free human chorionic gonadotropin (free-beta HCG) biomarkers in maternal serum. Methods: We tested the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative expected values of each marker with the aim of setting a model for prenatal screening readings. Statistical data treatment has been performed on a sample of 340 pregnant women with positive results of prenatal screening. Results: Sensitivity of PAPP-A was 0.6250 (probability 62.50%), free beta HCG 0.5893 (58.93%), NT 0.1785 (17.85%). Specificity of PAPP-A was 0.5106 (probability 51.06%), free beta HCG 0.5246 (52.46%), NT 0.9718 (97.18%). Positive expected value of PAPP-A was 0.2011 (probability 20.11%), free beta HCG 0.1964 (19.64%), NT 0.556 (55.56%). Negative expected value of PAPP-A was 0.8735 (probability 87.35%), free beta HCG 0.8662 (86.62%), NT 0.8571 (85.71%). The NT marker has a significantly higher specificity, which means that its normal value will significantly reduce the final risk of trisomy 21. The sensitivity of NT is much lower than that of biochemical markers, which means that a pathological value of NT does not have a significant influence on the final risk, i.e. the significantly higher sensitivity of biochemical markers will reduce the final risk of trisomy 21. Conclusion: The analyses stress the importance of using a software which has the possibility to separate the level of a biochemical risk by correlating PAPP-A and free beta HCG and, by adding the NT marker, calculate the level of a final risk of Down syndrome.
Important Biomarkers That Play a Role in the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Process
Authors: Emre Avci , Avci Gulcin Alp
Published: July 2017

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that includes multiple mechanisms such as inflammation, infection, smoking, hypoxia, and lack of antioxidant response can cause oxidative stress. In our study, we aimed to determine the changes in some oxidative stress [malondialdehyde and glutathione] and some cellular immunity markers (neopterin and TGF-b) in patients diagnosed with COPD and determine the damage to the organism. Methods: While the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method (Immuchrom kit, Germany) was utilized to determine MDA, GSH and NP levels, the ELISA method was used for TGF-b levels. Results: All obtained data regarding each parameter were compared with both COPD and healthy individuals and between parameters. There was a statistically significant difference between the control group of healthy subjects and COPD group in all parameters (p<0.05). A negative and correlation between oxidant MDA and antioxidant GSH parameters was determined (p=-0.394). Conclusion: As a result, it was seen that oxidative balance changed in the patient group and cellular immunity increased. When the obtained data and literature are taken into account, these changes occurring in oxidative balance and cellular immunity are of importance in determining the development in the pathogenesis of COPD, treatment op - tions and their risks for heart disease in advance.
Impact factors on cervical dilation rates in the first stage of labor
Authors: Juhasova Jana , Kreft Martina , Zimmermann Roland , Kimmich Nina
Published: July 2017

Aims:

To assess cervical dilation rates of nulliparous and multiparous women in the active first stage of labor and to evaluate significant impact factors.

Methods:

In a retrospective cohort study between January 2007 and July 2014 at the University Hospital of Zurich in Switzerland, we analyzed 8378 women with singleton pregnancies in vertex presentation with a vaginal delivery at 34+0 to 42+5 gestational weeks. Median cervical dilation rates were calculated and different impact factors evaluated.

Results:

Cervical dilation rates increase during labor progress with faster rates in multiparous compared with nulliparous women (P<0.001). Dilation rates exceed 1 cm/h at a dilatation of 6–7 cm, but are very individual. Accelerating impact factors are multiparity, a greater amount of cervical dilation and fetal occipitoanterior position, whereas the use of epidural anesthesia, a higher fetal weight and head circumference decelerate dilation (P<0.001).

Conclusion:

Cervical dilation is a hyperbolic increasing process, with faster dilation rates in multiparous compared to nulliparous women and a reversal point of labor around 6–7 cm, respectively. Besides, cervical dilation is highly individual and affected by several impact factors. The diagnosis of labor arrest or prolonged labor should therefore be based on such rates and on the individual evaluation of every woman.
Biogenic silver nanoparticles from Trichodesma indicum aqueous leaf extract against Mythimna separata and evaluation of its larvicidal efficacy
Authors: Buhroo Abdul A. , Nisa Gousul , Asrafuzzaman Syed , Prasad Ram , Rasheed Razia , Bhattacharyya Atanu
Published: July 2017

The present exploration is focused on the bio-fabrication of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) usingTrichodesma indicumaqueous leaf extract as a reducing agent. The synthesized Ag NPs were productively characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, XRD, and TEM studies. The photosynthesis of Ag NPs was done at room temperature for 24 h and at 60°C. The green synthesis of spherical-shaped Ag NPs bio-fabricated fromT. indicumwith a face centred cubic structure showed average particle sizes of 20–50 nm, which is inconsistent with the particle size calculated by the XRD Scherer equation and TEM analysis. We further explored the larvicidal efficacy of biosynthesized Ag NPs with leaf extracts ofT. indicumagainstMythimna separata. The results showed that Ag NPs (20–50 nm) ofT. indicumpossess good larvicidal activity againstM. separatawith an LC50of 500 ppm. Thus, we can advocate that Ag NPs of 20–50 nm size extracted fromT. indicummay be considered in the pest management programme ofM. separatain future.
Modelling current and future supply and water demand in the northern region of the Seybouse Valley
Authors: Berredjem Abdel-Fatah , Hani Azzedine
Published: July 2017

Water in the Seybouse River basin is getting scarce, yet it is the key to its economic development. A fast growing population, expanding agricultural and industrial sectors and the impacts of climate variability, create demands for new water sources and innovative management of water resources and services. The object of this study is the water resources management in the lower Seybouse basin characterized by a steady increase of water demand to meet different uses. This study takes into account changes in water demand of different urban, agricultural and industrial supply process. Our approach is to integrate data in WEAP modelling software to simulate current and future water balance and then to analyse the situation of water in different scenarios, socio-economic development and climate change to 2050. This software is based on the representation of the feeding system in a form of the network of water demand and supply. Our findings reveal the vulnerability of the region in its ability to the pressures resulting from the increase of needs of different sectors at the horizon of the forecasted period. They also indicate the need for larger mobilization of new resources into the system and lay the foundations for a sustainable water policy in the northern region of the Seybouse valley.
Evaluation of potential dam break flood risks of the cascade dams Mexa and Bougous (El Taref, Algeria)
Authors: Bouchehed Hamza , Mihoubi Mustapha K. , Derdous Oussama , Djemili Lakhdar
Published: July 2017

The implementation of Bougous dam at 5 km upstream of Mexa dam permits to compensate the storage capacity and to reduce sediment yields in the later, however, these advantages must be associated to the fact that the presence of two large dams in the region poses in case of a dam break event a potential threat to human life and property. Indeed, in this study a numerical simulation of the dam break wave propagation resulting from the failure of the two dams was performed using the two-dimensional hydrodynamic model Telemac-2D, in order to estimate the impacts on constructions located in the downstream valley. The simulation results exported to GIS platform allowed the elaboration of cartographic materials depicting the hydraulic characteristics of the flood wave and its arrival times at key locations, which constitute very useful information for the authorities to avoid significant loss in case of the failure of Bougous and Mexa dams.
Using artificial neural network (ANN) for prediction of sediment loads, application to the Mellah catchment, northeast Algeria
Authors: Bouzeria Housseyn , Ghenim Abderrahmane N. , Khanchoul Kamel
Published: July 2017

In this study, we present the performances of the best training algorithm in Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) neural networks for prediction of suspended sediment discharges in Mellah catchment. Time series data of daily suspended sediment discharge and water discharge from the gauging station of Bouchegouf were used for training and testing the networks. A number of statistical parameters, i.e. root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), coefficient of efficiency (CE) and coefficient of determination (R2) were used for performance evaluation of the model. The model produced satisfactory results and showed a very good agreement between the predicted and observed data. The results also showed that the performance of the MLP model was capable to capture the exact pattern of the sediment discharge data in the Mellah catchment.
Variable dynamics of sewage supply to wastewater treatment plant depending on the amount of precipitation water inflowing to sewerage network
Authors: Bugajski Piotr M. , Kaczor Grzegorz , Chmielowski Krzysztof
Published: July 2017

The paper analyzes the effect of precipitation water that inflowing to sanitary sewage system as accidental water on the changes in the total amount of treated sewage. The effects of accidental water supply on the total amount of sewage inflowing to treatment plant were analyzed based on mean daily amounts from the investigated periods and mean daily amounts from incidental supplies. The study was conducted in the years 2010–2015. Six characteristic research periods were identified (one per each calendar year), when the amount of sewage in the sanitary sewage system was greater than during dry weather. The analysis of changes in the amount of sewage supplied to the sewerage system in the six investigated periods revealed that the accidental water constituted from 26.8% to 48.4% of total sewage inflowing to the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). In exceptional situations, during intense rains, the share of precipitation water in the sewerage system would increase up to 75%. Then, the rainwater inflowing the sewerage system caused hydraulic overloading of the WWTP by exceeding its maximum design supply.
Land cover changes in catchment areas of lakes situated in headwaters of the Tyśmienica River
Authors: Grzywna Antoni , Sender Joanna
Published: July 2017

The paper presents the history of land cover changes in the catchment area of lakes situated in the headwaters of the Tyśmienica River. The basis of the study were topographic maps in scale 1:50 000, from 1936 and 2014. We analyzed the quantitative aspect of these changes. The study was conducted in three natural lakes (Rogóźno, Krasne, Łukcze), and in one lake transformed into a storage reservoir (Krzczeń). The technical issues of georeferencing maps in the Geographic Information System (GIS) software are addressed first. In the landscape of Łęczna and Włodawa Lake District, to the end of the 19th century wetlands and bushes dominated. The first type of human pressure on this area was agriculture. Another type of pressure was recreation. In the catchment areas of studied lakes increased mainly the area of buildings and forests. Significantly increased also the length of roads and watercourses. Almost completely disappeared bushes and wastelands. In most of the analyzed basins, the area of wetlands and arable lands decreased. The probable cause of the changes in catchment use was decline in the water table, and thus overgrowing of meadows and wetlands.
Using the modified scalar product approach for testing the direction of seepage through the earth-fill dam in Pieczyska
Authors: Lach Stanisław , Opyrchał Leszek
Published: July 2017

Currently, the problems related to the development of seepage are emerging more and more frequently. For this reason, there is a constant need to improve the existing methods, and to develop new ones, for determining the direction and intensity of the development of seepage processes occurring in earth-fill dams and their foundations. The analysed earth-fill dam is located in Pieczyska in the Kujawy-Pomerania province at 49.115 km from the river mouth of the Brda River. The catchment area is 4.109 km2. The article aims to verify the non-invasive, non-subjective method for examining the direction of seepage through earth-fill dams using the modified scalar product approach, which allows to determine the direction and intensity of the seepage process. A proper analysis of this process can greatly reduce the repair costs (injections or other methods of sealing), and significantly increase the safety of the existing earth-fill dams. In the case of the dam in Pieczyska, in 2010–2015, the two piezometers (located on the left abutment of the dam and denoted as P15A and P60) exhibited a direct hydraulic connection with the upstream water level (the scalar product approach). For the study dam, the “source” piezometer (to which all the piezometers in its surrounding exhibited similar changes in water levels) turned out to be the piezometer P15A. This fact was confirmed both by the number of connections between the individual piezometers and the resulting system of equipotential lines for the dam.
The size of the external patchwork of fields as an indicator of the need for land consolidation and exchange in the villages of the commune of Drzewica
Authors: Leń Przemysław
Published: July 2017

Land consolidation and exchange have a significant impact on improving the spatial structure of rural areas in Poland. Given the fact that agricultural areas in different regions of Poland are characterized by different spatial and technical parameters and different legal and land-ownership-related conditions, it is necessary to conduct investigations and analyses focused on selecting the optimum features describing a given area. As demonstrated by previous studies, the areas located in central Poland are characterized by a defective land ownership pattern with an external patchwork of fields. Therefore, it is necessary to carry out studies to determine the size of that external patchwork of land ownership and to propose solutions for its liquidation. The analyses reported in this article clearly show that in the area studied, priority should be given to land exchange followed by land consolidation.
The size of an external patchwork of fields as an indicator of urgency for land consolidation and exchange on the example of the commune of Lesko
Authors: Leń Przemysław
Published: July 2017

The patchwork of plots is one of the major factors that have a negative impact on both the organization and the level of agricultural production. Excessive fragmentation reduces the intensity of the work and increases the cost of agricultural production, thereby generating lower and lower income.

This paper presents data regarding the share of farmland belonging to non-resident owners in the commune of Lesko, which encompasses 15 cadastral communities. The data studied include the number of plots, their surface areas, and the number of owners. The study was conducted using checkerboard matrix tables which allow one to determine the share of farmland owned by local and out-of-village non-residents. An approach like this allows one to establish a program of exchange of land between these two groups of owners and to eliminate the problematic patchwork of land ownership through land exchange and consolidation.
Inter-region planning and analysis of water resources by using WEAP model Seybouse (Annaba) and Coastal East of Constantine (El-Taref)
Authors: Mansouri Sarra , Ouerdachi Lahbassi , Remaoun Mohamed
Published: July 2017

Water is seen as key factor for development. Its scarcity raises concerns at all scales. In regards to water resources, Annaba and El-Taref are intimately connected, the different activities (groundwater and superficial), focused on increasing supply, have been considered as a response to water demand.

The actual system use of water resources is not able to sustain water needs that are more and more growing in different expansion sectors. Consequently, a strategy should therefore be sought to integrate the various sectoral needs in available water resources in order to reach the economic and ecological sustainability. We will try to respond to this problem by use of Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) model. This study is the first attempt to estimate water demand and analysis of multiple and competing uses of hydro-system in Seybouse’s Wadi basin and to make comparison with proposed water storage estimates. This model was applied according to five different scenarios which reflect the best and worst conditions of the supply and demand, not only to evaluate water demand deficit, but also to help planners to the alternative management.

The model stimulation showed that the area study is sensitive to a serious water scarcity by 2030. It is possible to observe an improvement with integration of other management strategies for a best operating system.
Identification of stagnation reasons in the field of land consolidation in Slovakia compared with the Czech Republic
Authors: Muchová Zlatica , Leitmanová Mária , Jusková Kateřina , Konc Ľubomír , Vašek Andrej
Published: July 2017

Causes of different evolution of land consolidation in the Czech Republic (CR) and Slovakia (SR) are documented and analyzed. Land fragmentation, methodical guidelines, legislative measures, financing and implementation of land consolidation projects are compared. Extensive, broad, complex land consolidation (LC) brings direct and indirect economic, environmental, social and landscape benefits for land owners and communities alike. It is a planning and development tool that is crucial for regional development. Authors focus on success of LC projects (measured by numbers of accepted projects relative to the country size) and their historical backgrounds in both neighbouring countries. Comprehensive land consolidation (CLC) and simple land consolidation (SLC) are examined. Approach to LC is similar in both countries. Demand for solving certain problems (e.g. land fragmentation, ownership fragmentation) is higher in Slovakia. Comprehensive land consolidation projects were initiated earlier in Slovakia than in the Czech Republic. But the current situation is significantly worse in Slovakia than in the Czech Republic. Risk of promoting particular interests resulting in an environment with disrupted dynamics of land consolidation is mentioned. Slovakia has a chance to change current dismal situation in the field of land consolidation only with the support of landowners.
Runoff velocity behaviour on smooth pavement and paving blocks surfaces measured by a tilted plot
Authors: Sedyowati Laksni , Suhardjono Suhardjono , Suhartanto Ery , Sholichin Mohammad
Published: July 2017

Paving blocks have been widely known as an alternative technology for reducing runoff discharge due to their infiltration performance and capability of retarding the flow. Surface configuration of the different paving blocks types and the openings area play important role in decreasing the runoff velocity. In this study, we investigated the surface runoff velocity on two types of paving blocks layers, and a smooth pavement as comparison. The paving blocks type were rectangular blocks, which have 3.2% openings ratio and hexagonal blocks, which have 6.5% openings ratio. We used a tilted plot covering area of 2 × 6 m, equipped by a rainfall simulator to accommodate the variation of surface slope and rainfall intensity. We measured the velocity by using modification of dye tracer and buoyancy method. The data were then tabulated and graphed based on the paving types and the surface slopes. Generally, the velocity-slope relationship has demonstrated that the increase in surface slope leads to the increase in velocity. In this study, the result showed that slope and rainfall intensity simultaneously influenced the velocity (F = 19.91 > Ftable = 5.14; P < 0.05). However, the findings of this study showed a weak relationship between the changes of surface slope and the changes of runoff velocity on the rectangular blocks (R2 = 0.38). The greater slope did not always invariably lead to the greater runoff velocity. It was likely that there was other predictor variable that was not identified before, and need to be further investigated.
Maintaining the water consumption, in an urban system: A probabilistic approach is applied
Authors: Selmani Bouayoune Karima , Boudi El Mostapha , Bachir Aziz
Published: July 2017

An urban system is influenced by many disruptions that may cause failures for it, in the end. In order to maintain continuity of its operations, analysis of its components operation becomes very necessary. To do this, water infrastructure is chosen from its components to analyze the evolution of the water flow, when the population consumes the drinking water. This infrastructure is essential for the urban system and it is used daily by the population. For examining how to maintain water consumption, the evolution of the discharge head (the maximum height reached by the pipe after the pump) is analyzed and monitored. This height is strongly linked to the drinking water rate. Using water is estimated by a Markov model and the futures heights are prevented. This prevention requires the calculation of the transition probability of the water flow used by the population. An example is provided, where it is determined the level of risk. Under this one, the urban system operates in security, against failures.
Application of green blue roof to mitigate heat island phenomena and resilient to climate change in urban areas: A case study from Seoul, Korea
Authors: Shafique Muhammad , Kim Reeho
Published: July 2017

Green blue roof has the potential to reduce the surface temperature of the building in the urban areas. Green blue roof is a new innovative low impact development (LID) practice that has exhibited an option to mitigate the heat island phenomena in urban area. This is the modified form of green roof that has ability to store rainwater in vegetation, soil layer and increases the evapotranspiration rate which decreases the temperature of an area. For this purpose, green blue roof is installed at the Cheong-un middle school building roof, Seoul, Korea. During the different time scenarios the surface temperature from the green blue roof and control roof were analyzed and their results were compared with each other. The results revealed that the surface temperature of green blue roof was much less as compared to control roof under same climatic conditions. From the results it is also concluded that surface temperature value of green blue roof was less than 5°C to 9°C as compared to control roof.
Signing not (or not): A typological perspective on standard negation in Sign Language of the Netherlands
Authors: Oomen Marloes , Pfau Roland
Published: July 2017

The expression of standard negation by means of manual and/or non-manual markers has been described for a considerable number of sign languages. Typological comparisons have revealed an intriguing dichotomy: while some sign languages require a manual negative element in negative clauses (manual-dominant sign languages), in others negation can be realized by a non-manual marker alone (in particular a headshake; non-manual-dominant sign languages). We are here adding data from Sign Language of the Netherlands (NGT) to the picture, and we demonstrate that NGT belongs to the latter group. Still, detailed comparison suggests that NGT patterns differently from other non-manual-dominant sign languages, thereby improving our understanding of the typological variation in this domain. A novel contribution of the present study is that it is based on naturalistic corpus data, showing more variation than often found in elicitation and grammaticality judgment studies of sign languages, but also presenting new problems of interpretation.