bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Online appendix 1:Knowledge of diabetes mellitus and its ocular complications amongst diabetic patients attending private and public hospitals in eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa
Authors: Van Staden Diane , Deutshmann Luke P. , Ganas Sameer , Manickam Maxine , Manillal Amishka , Ndlovu Nonjabulo S. , Nkosi N. Gugu , Oduntan Olalekan A.
Published: May 2019

Background: The prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is increasing in South Africa as a result of changes in lifestyles and rising levels of obesity. Knowledge of management protocols for DM may empower patients to better control the disease and prevent secondary complications.Aim: The aim of this study was to determine if there was a difference in the level of knowledge of DM and its ocular complications amongst public and private hospital diabetic patients.Setting: The study was conducted in four private and four public hospitals in the eThekwini Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province.Methods: A cross-sectional survey method was used to collect data from diabetic patients attending selected hospitals. Convenience sampling was used and analysis of descriptive and correlation statistics was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.Results: Participants (N = 370) consisted of 44% males and 56% females with 41.6% being from private and 58.4% from public hospitals. The ages of participants ranged from 20 to 79 years. Although most of the participants (74.8%) were knowledgeable about DM and its management, private sector patients were more knowledgeable about DM management than were public sector patients (p = 0.000). Furthermore, private patients had better knowledge of ocular complications related to DM (p = 0.000). Those (74%) who had previously attended a diabetic seminar had significantly better knowledge than those who had not (p = 0.000).Conclusion: Patients with DM attending public hospitals will benefit from targeted education campaigns or seminars related to diabetes and its complications.
Online appendix 1:A geomorphic and soil description of the long-term fire experiment in the Kruger National Park, South Africa
Authors: Venter Frederik J. , Govender Navashni
Published: May 2019

In 1954, the experimental burning programme into fire research was initiated in the Kruger National Park (KNP), South Africa. It is viewed as one of the last remaining long- term landscape fire experiments in Africa. Throughout the more than five decades of fire treatments in the experiment, numerous surveys (expanding various spatial and temporal scales), research projects (covering biotic and abiotic components) and analyses have been conducted with the aim to assess the impacts of different fire regimes on the savannah biome. The design of the experiment intended to test the effect of season and frequency of burning on vegetation within four major landscapes in the KNP. However, these effects have been partly obscured by factors not fully taken into account by the experimental design, namely, herbivory, artificial water provision and soil variation. Soil variation between replicates in the same landscape, as well as within individual replicates, has raised the issue of the representivity of the trial. This paper provided a description and ranking of the experimental burning trial according to the geomorphic and soil characteristics of each plot in comparison to the surrounding landscape.Conservation implications: The KNP burn plots are one of the largest and longest-running fire experiments on fire ecology in African savannahs. However, studies need to consider the underlying geomorphic and soil template when designing experiments and interpreting results. This work describes the representivity of the plots across, and within, treatments.
Online appendix 2:Guidelines for phytosociological classifications and descriptions of vegetation in southern Africa
Authors: Brown Leslie R. , Du Preez Pieter J. , Bezuidenhout Hugo , Bredenkamp George J. , Mostert Theo H.C. , Collins Nacelle B.
Published: May 2019

Changes in the environment are first observed in changes in the vegetation. Vegetation survey, classification and mapping form the basis on which informed and scientifically defendable decisions on the environment can be taken. The classification and mapping of vegetation is one of the most widely used tools for interpreting complex ecosystems. By identifying different plant communities we are essentially identifying different ecosystems at a particular hierarchical level. Phytosociologists in Europe have been involved in such studies following, in particular, the Braun-Blanquet approach since the early 1900s. In South Africa, such studies were undertaken on a limited basis from the early 1970s and have since then steadily increased. The surveying of the enormous diversity of South African vegetation is one of the objectives of phytosociological studies. The demand for such data has steadily increased over the past few years to guide conservation policies, biodiversity studies and ecosystem management. In South Africa, numerous publications on the vegetation of conservation and other areas in the different biomes have been produced over the last few decades. However, vegetation scientists in South Africa experience unique problems. The purpose of this article is therefore to provide an overview of the history and the specific focus of phytosociological studies in South Africa and to recommend minimum requirements and methods to be followed when conducting such studies. It is believed that the incorporation of these requirements will result in scientifically justifiable research of high quality by phytosociologists in South Africa.Conservation implications: Effective conservation cannot be obtained without a thorough knowledge of the ecosystems present in an area. Consistent vegetation classifications and descriptions form the basis of conservation and monitoring exercises to maintain biodiversity. The incorporation of these guidelines and requirements will facilitate quality phytosociological research in South Africa.
Online appendix 1:Kruger National Park research supersites: Establishing long-term research sites for cross-disciplinary, multiscaled learning
Authors: Smit Izak P.J. , Riddell Edward S. , Cullum Carola , Petersen Robin
Published: May 2019

Researchers interested in studying the effects of fire or herbivory in the Kruger National Park (KNP) often focus their research activities on the experimental burn plots or herbivore exclosure camps, respectively. These are manipulated sites that apply treatments, for example annual fires or total exclusion of fire and herbivores. However, many projects aim to study or monitor patterns and processes emerging under non-manipulated conditions, typically at sites with contrasting geologies and rainfall. Yet, these sites are usually selected in a haphazard and uncoordinated manner for different projects and, as a consequence, it is often not possible to integrate datasets and knowledge. An alternative to the ever-increasing number of unrelated sites scattered across the park are the ‘KNP research supersites’ which have been earmarked to geographically focus future research effort, acting as data-rich, long-term sites for monitoring and research. In this paper, we introduced the four recently established KNP research supersites, which cover the rainfall gradient and geological contrast of the KNP, presenting their rationale, selection criteria and location, along with existing datasets that describe their herbaceous biomass, woody cover, phenology, fire history, levels of herbivory. Additional site-specific datasets, which are already available, or which are in preparation, were outlined together with details for assessing these open-source datasets online.Conservation implications: The KNP research supersites will become increasingly used for research, monitoring and remote-sensing calibration and ground-truthing purposes. Scientists are encouraged to gain from, and contribute towards, these sites, which will facilitate long-term data collection, data-sharing and co-learning and, ultimately, lead to a more integrated, multiscaled and multitemporal understanding of savannahs.
Online appendix 1:Exploring an extensive dataset to establish woody vegetation cover and composition in Kruger National Park for the late 1980s
Authors: Kiker Gregory A. , Scholtz Rheinhardt , Smit Izak P.J. , Venter Freek J.
Published: May 2019

Woody plant cover and species composition play an important role in defining the type and function of savanna ecosystems. Approximately 2000 sites in the Kruger National Park (KNP) were surveyed by F.J. Venter over a period from 1985 to 1989, recording vegetation, soil and topological characteristics. At each of these sites (approximately 20 m × 20 m each), woody vegetation cover and species were recorded using a rapid, Braun-Blanquet classification for three height classes: shrub (0.75 m – 2.50 m), brush (2.50 m – 5.50 m) and tree (> 5.50 m). The objective of this study was to re-analyse the vegetation component of the field data, with a specific focus to provide a spatially explicit, height-differentiated, benchmark dataset in terms of species occurrence, species richness and structural canopy cover. Overall, 145 different woody species were recorded in the dataset out of the 458 species documented to occur in the park. The dataset describes a woody layer dominated by a relatively small number of widely occurring species, as 24 of the most common woody species accounted for all woody species found on over 80% of all sites. The less common woody species (101) were each recorded on 20 sites or less. Species richness varied from 12 to 1 species per site. Structural canopy cover averaged 9.34%, 8.16% and 2.89% for shrub, brush and tree cover, respectively. The dataset provides a useful benchmark for woody species distribution in KNP and can be used to explore woody species and height class distributions, as well as comparison with more recent or future woody vegetation surveys.Conservation implications: The results provided evidence that large-scale, woody vegetation surveys conducted along roads offer useful ecosystem level information. However, such an approach fails to pick up less common species. The data presented here provided a useful snapshot of KNP woody vegetation structure and composition and could provide excellent opportunities for spatio-temporal comparisons.
Online appendix 1:South African National Survey of Arachnida: A checklist of the spiders (Arachnida, Araneae) of the Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve, Limpopo province, South Africa
Authors: Foord Stefan H. , Dippenaar-Schoeman Anna S. , Jocqué Rudy , Haddad Charles R. , Lyle Robin , Webb Peter
Published: May 2019

The aim of the South African National Survey of Arachnida (SANSA) is to document the Arachnida fauna of South Africa. One of the focus areas of SANSA is to survey protected areas to obtain species-specific information, and species distribution patterns for Red Data assessments. Here, we provide the first checklist of the spider species of Lekgalameetse Nature Reserve (LNR) in the Limpopo province of South Africa collected during five surveys between 2009 and 2016 using methods targeting both the ground and field layers. Forty-five families, represented by 168 genera and 268 species, have been collected so far. The most species-rich families were the Salticidae (41 spp.) and Araneidae (38 spp.), followed by the Thomisidae (33 spp.), while 11 families were represented by one species. Information on spider guilds, endemicity value and conservation status are provided. The LNR protects approximately 12.2% of the total South African spider fauna. Two species, Hasarinella distincta Haddad & Wesołowska, 2013 (Salticidae) and Ballomma legala Jocqué & Henrard, 2015 (Zodariidae), are presently known to be endemic to the reserve.Conservation implications: The LNR falls within the Savanna Biome in the Limpopo province. Only five spider species were previously known from the reserve and 263 spp. are reported from the reserve for the first time. Thirteen species are possibly new to science and 2 species represent new distribution records for South Africa.
Genetic Algorithms for Satellite Launcher Attitude Controller Design
Authors: Silva Paulo Renato , Silva Abreu Ivanildo , Almeida Forte Paulo , Costa do Amaral Henrique Mariano
Published: May 2019

For proper attitude control of space-crafts conventional optimal Linear Quadratic (LQ) controllers are designed via trial-and-error selection of the weighting matrices. This time consuming method is inefficient and usually results in a high order complex controller. Therefore, this work proposes a genetic algorithm (GA) for the search problem of the attitude controller gains of a satellite launcher. The GA's fitness function considers some control features as eigenstructure, control goals and constraints. According to simulation results, the search problem of controller parameters with evolutionary algorithms was faster than usual approaches and the designed controller reached all the specifications with satisfactory time responses. These results could improve engineering tasks by speeding up the design process and reducing costs.
FDVRRP: Router implementation for fast detection and high availability in network failure cases
Authors: Lee Changsik , Kim Suncheul , Ryu Hoyong
Published: May 2019

High availability and reliability have been considered promising requirements for the support of seamless network services such as real‐time video streaming, gaming, and virtual and augmented reality. Increased availability can be achieved within a local area network with the use of the virtual router redundancy protocol that utilizes backup routers to provide a backup path in the case of a master router failure. However, the network may still lose a large number of packets during a failover owing to a late failure detections and lazy responses. To achieve an efficient failover, we propose the implementation of fast detection with virtual router redundancy protocol (FDVRRP) in which the backup router quickly detects a link failure and immediately serves as the master router. We implemented the FDVRRP using open neutralized network operating system (OpenN2OS), which is an open‐source‐based network operating system. Based on the failover performance test of OpenN2OS, we verified that the FDVRRP exhibits a very fast failure detection and a failover with low‐overhead packets.
Spatial distribution of environmental indicators in surface sediments of Lake Bolshoe Toko, Yakutia, Russia
Authors: Biskaborn Boris K. , Nazarova Larisa , Pestryakova Lyudmila A. , Syrykh Liudmila , Funck Kim , Meyer Hanno , Chapligin Bernhard , Vyse Stuart , Gorodnichev Ruslan , Zakharov Evgenii , Wang Rong , Schwamborn Georg , Diekmann Bernhard
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Rapidly changing climate in the northern hemisphere and associated socio-economic impacts require reliable understanding of lake systems as important freshwater resources and sensitive sentinels of environmental changes. To better understand time-series data in lake sediment cores it is necessary to gain information on within-lake spatial variabilities of environmental indicator data. Therefore, we retrieved a set of 38 samples from the sediment surface along spatial habitat gradients in the boreal, deep, and yet pristine Lake Bolshoe Toko in southern Yakutia, Russia. Our methods comprise laboratory analyses of the sediments for multiple proxy parameters including diatom and chironomid taxonomy, oxygen isotopes from diatom silica, grain size distributions, elemental compositions (XRF), organic carbon contents, and mineralogy (XRD). We analysed the lake water for cations, anions and isotopes. Our results show that the diatom assemblages are strongly influenced by water depth and dominated by planktonic species, i.e. Pliocaenicus bolshetokoensis. Species richness and diversity is higher in the northern part of the lake basin, associated with the availability of benthic, i.e. periphytic, niches in shallower waters. δ18Odiatom values are higher in the deeper south-western part of the lake probably related to water temperature differences. The highest amount of the chironomid taxa underrepresented in the training set used for palaeoclimate inference was found close to the Utuk river and at southern littoral and profundal sites. Abiotic sediment components are not symmetrically distributed in the lake basin but vary along restricted areas of differential environmental forcings. Grain size and organic matter is mainly controlled by both, river input and water depth. Mineral (XRD) data distributions are influenced by the methamorphic lithology of the Stanovoy mountain range, while elements (XRF) are intermingled due to catchment and diagenetic differences. We conclude that the lake represents a suitable system for multiproxy environmental reconstruction based on diatoms (including oxygen isotopes), chironomids and sediment-geochemical parameters.
MULTI-SOURCED, REMOTE SENSING DATA IN LEVEES MONITORING: CASE STUDY OF SAFEDAM PROJECT
Authors: Bakuła K. , Zelaya Wziątek D. , Weintrit B. , Jędryka M. , Ryfa T. , Pilarska M. , Kurczyński Z.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. In the following study, the authors present the development of a created levee monitoring system – a supplement to the existing programs of flood protection providing flood hazard and risk maps in Poland. The system integrates multi-source information about levees, acquiring and analysing various types of remote sensing data, such as the photogrammetric and LiDAR data obtained from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, optical and radar satellite data. These datasets are used in order to assess the levee failure risk resulting from their condition starting from a general inspection using satellite data and concluding with UAV data usage in a detailed semiautomatic inventory. Finally, the weakest parts of a levee can be defined to create reliable flood hazard maps in case of levee failure, thus facilitating the constant monitoring of the water level between water gauges. The presented system is an example of a multisource data integration, which by the complementation of each system, provides a powerful tool for levee monitoring and evaluation. In this paper, the authors present a scope of the preventative configuration of the SAFEDAM system and the possible products of remote sensing data processing as the result of a hierarchical methodology of remote sensing data usage, thus leading to a multicriteria analysis defining the danger associated with the risk of levee failure.
A MULTI-SOURCE DATA APPROACH FOR THE INVESTIGATION OF LAND SUBSIDENCE IN THE KONYA BASIN, TURKEY
Authors: Calò F. , Notti D. , Galve J. P. , Abdikan S. , Görüm T. , Orhan O. , Makineci H. B. , Pepe A. , Yakar M. , Balik Şanli F.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Groundwater depletion caused by rapid population growth, global climate change, water resources overexploitation is a major concern in many regions of the world. Consequences are not limited to a non-renewable water loss but extend to environmental degradation and geo-hazards risk increase. In areas where excessive groundwater withdrawal occurs, land subsidence induced by aquifer compaction is observed, resulting in severe socio-economic damage for the affected communities. In this work, we apply a multi-source data approach to investigate the fragile environment of Konya plain, central Turkey. The area, which is under strong anthropogenic pressures and faces with serious water-related problems, is widely affected by land subsidence. In order to analyze the spatial and temporal pattern of the subsidence process we use the Small BAseline Subset DInSAR technique to process two datasets of ENVISAT SAR images spanning the 2002–2010 period and to produce ground deformation maps and associated time-series. Results, complemented with meteorological, stratigraphic and piezometric data as well as with land-cover information, allow us to obtain a comprehensive picture of the climatic, hydrogeological and human dynamics of the study area.
FAILURE MECHANISM ANALYSIS CONSIDERS THE HYDROLOGICAL AND SEISMIC CONDITIONS AT CHASHAN SITE IN CENTRAL TAIWAN
Authors: Chung M. C. , Chen C. H. , Tai T. L. , Chen M. M.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. The investigation results of large-scale landslides in the central part of Taiwan from Central Geologic Survey identified a new, largescale landslide in the Chashan Village of Alishan Township, Chiayi County (ID: D160) which has the potential to influence the safety of Chashan Village residents. In coordination with the surface geological survey, Chashan site can be divided into three potential sliding areas (zones A, B and C). The paper uses GeoStudio for evaluating the stability of different hydrological and seismic scenarios. The results of scenario simulation show that: (1) In the normal and high water level scenarios, the safety factor obtained in zone A is greater than 1.0, and the initial judgment belongs to the stable state; (2) In the earthquake scenarios, the A4 potential sliding mass in zone A will be collapsed; (3) Through the scenario simulation, when the water level in zone A rises more than 25 meters or the PGA exceeds 160 gal, it is possible to cause the collapse of A4 potential sliding mass. The result of the study will contribute that the complex phenomenon between the stability of landslides and hydrogeological conditions can be revealed and clarified through the detailed study on the hydrogeological investigation, observation and the numerical simulation.
REMOTE SENSING & GIS INTEGRATION FOR MONITORING THE AREAS AFFECTED BY FOREST FIRES: A CASE STUDY IN IZMIR, TURKEY
Authors: Çolak E. , Sunar A. F.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. A forest fire is stated as an ecological disaster whether it is man-made or caused naturally. İzmir is one of the regions where forest fires are most intensified in Turkey. The study area located at Aegean region of Turkey suffered two forest fires in 2017; Menderes and Bayındır areas. This study presents the integration of remote sensing (Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8 satellite images) and GIS data to map and evaluate the forest burned areas due to both forest fires. For this purpose, different indexes such as Burn Area Index (BAI), Mid Infrared Burn Index (MIRBI), Normalized Burn Ratio (NBR) and Normalized Burn Ratio Thermal (NBRT) Burn Index are applied besides different classification algorithms. The results showed that different vegetation types/zones are being affected. Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8 data are integrated to the GIS established with fieldwork data to analyse and also validate the results. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data produced from ASTER satellite is also overlaid to the outcomes to emphasize the destructed forest areas. The efficiency of using two different satellites are outlined by comparing the accuracy of forest fire maps produced.
“DISASTER RESILIENT SOCIETY WITH YOUTH” PROJECT OF THE CIVIL DEFENCE ORGANIZATION
AIMING DISASTER RISKS REDUCTION
Authors: Eker Y. , Yılmabaşar M.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. The loss of lives, injuries and the damage on economies that occur as a result of disasters is increasing due to the changing nature. People need to adopt themselves to be able to resist against disasters. Nevertheless, minimizing the costs of disasters can achieved not individually but rather by a well-organized social system. This requires a decentralized disaster management system that would allow participation of not only central authorities but also widespread volunteers. Also, pre-emptive cautions to raise public awareness and capabilities about how to struggle against disasters are very important component of being well organized. Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Civil Defence Organization has constituted the “Disaster Resilient Society with Youth Project” to reduce number of loss of life, injuries and economic loss as global targets envisaged in Sendai Framework for Action. This project is being implemented in line with the objects of Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction which is inspired from the principle of “Disaster risk reduction requires an all-of-society engagement and partnership. While the project is managed by Civil Defence Organization, it is implemented by the participation of volunteers. The project is the last phase of a series of projects which have been realized for 35 years in line with the same goal of reducing loss of lives, injuries and economic loss while various concepts targeted to address different levels of the society. The objective of the Project is to firstly choose some individuals and then train them to have disaster consciousness and awareness about disaster management cycle in society. These people would potentially provide support to responding official teams in case of an unexpected disaster. For this reason, the project also involves practical training and practices as complementary to the theoretical education phase. In the first place, a four year road map is determined to improve the project by identifying disruptions and weaknesses compared to similar projects around the world. The establishment of target groups of the Project within youth is important not only to improve the effectiveness of responding phase, but also to maintain a sustainable system for the progression of the Project. In order to encourage and increase the participation of volunteers to the Project, it is planned to issue certificates, badges and prize for those who would be successful during the training phase. In order to achieve the goals of the Project, the project managers seek collaboration of universities, local authorities, central authorities and nongovernmental organizations which are seen as stakeholders.
EVALUATING MOBILE LASER SCANNING FOR LANDSLIDE MONITORING
Authors: Fuad N. A. , Yusoff A. R. , Zam M. P. M. , Aspuri A. , Salleh M. F. , Ismail Z. , Abbas M. A. , Ariff M. F. M. , Idris K. M. , Majid Z.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Landslide is one of the natural disasters that give a huge impact to human life and social-economic development. Landslide needs to be monitored periodically in order to avoid loss of human life and damages of properties. Various methods have been used for monitoring landslide. This aim of the research is to evaluate the potential of mobile laser scanning technique for monitoring of landslide area. The objectives of the research are to acquire three-dimensional surface data of landslide area in different epochs and to analyze the movement of the landslide area using three-dimensional surface deviation and ground surveying techniques. The methodology begins with the GPS survey for the establishment of ground control points for the project area. The total station survey was then carried out to measure the three-dimensional coordinates of twenty well distributed targets located at the project area. The data collection phase was then continuing with the mobile laser scanning survey. The processing of the two epochs data acquired from both techniques was then carried out simultaneously and the methodology concluded with the output comparison analysis for the movement detection of the land slip. The finding shows that the mobile laser scanning provides fast and accurate data acquisition technique of the landslide surface. The surface deviation analysis of the two epochs laser scanning data was capable to detect the movement occurred in the project area. The results were successfully evaluated using the changes of the three-dimensional coordinates of the targets from the two epoch’s ground surveying data.
ADAPTATION TO FLOODING EVENTS THROUGH VULNERABILITY MAPPING IN HISTORIC URBAN AREAS
Authors: Gandini A. , Prieto I. , Garmendia L. , San-José J.-T. , Egusquiza A.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Historic urban areas are complex and inter-reliant systems, vulnerable to natural hazards. Over the recent years, the increase frequency in extreme precipitation events and sea-level rise, have impacted on a large number of historic areas, growing concern over disaster mitigation related to climate change. Most of the changes in the climatological indicators may have adverse impacts on historic areas, leading to physical, social and cultural consequences and should be included in urban planning practice. The importance of addressing cultural heritage in disaster risk has also been included in The Sendai Framework, considering the dimensions of vulnerability, adaptive capacity and exposure through systematic evaluation. Urban planning decisions involve an understanding of complex interactions between different aspects of the city, in its constructive, social, economic, environmental and cultural system. The analysis of these interactions requires a systemic approach as the components operate on different spatial and temporal scales and generate a large amount of data. This information can be used to determine the vulnerability of historic areas by assessing it at the building level, through the creation of typologies representing the building stock, often characterized by similarities and common constructive elements. The comprehension of the information can be supported and homogenized by a multi-scale urban model, to facilitate the understanding of interactions and the link among the different disciplines involved. This paper describes the methodology proposed for vulnerability mapping in historic urban areas, by using a categorization method supported by an information strategy and a multi-scale urban model.
INTER-ANNUAL HEIGHT VARIATIONS OBSERVED BY GPS MEASUREMENTS IN TURKEY
Authors: Gurbuz G. , Jin S.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Turkey is located in Africa-Eurasia-Saudi Arabian plate converged areas with surrounding by the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Apart from its tectonic conditions, the climate is complexly varying according to regions. As an example while in the northern regions floods often endanger human life, and in the middle regions, drought is a serious situation. To understand the Earth system and its temporal changes, a reliable measurement of various geophysical processes and mass redistribution is needed, which are mostly related to the regional water cycle and coupling processes associated with a mass exchange between the oceans, the lands and the atmosphere at seasonal and inter-annual timescales. Nowadays, dense and continuous GPS (Global Positioning System) observations provide direct measurements to capture such signals. In this paper, continuous GPS coordinate time series and inter-annual height variations are obtained and investigated from Turkish CORS network called TUSAGA-Active with more than 140 stations from 01 Jan. 2010 to 01 Jan. 2016 processed by GAMIT/GLOBK software. Results show significant inter-annual variations of GPS height time series with a period of about 2.8 years at most GPS stations. Furthermore, some relationship between inter-annual height and rainfall as well as ENSO index will be further investigated, indicating that inter-annual height variations are mostly related to climate changes, such as drought. These results will contribute to understand continuous GPS measurement signals in Turkey as well as applications in near-real-time geohazards estimations.
CONCEPT MODEL FOR DRONE SELECTION IN SPECIFIC DISASTER CONDITIONS
Authors: Hristozov S. , Zlateva P.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Drones come in huge variety of shapes, sizes and flight characteristics. They can fly in places where no manned aircraft flies or where a person is not desirable to be. Their ability to perform “3D” – here standing for dirty, dull and dangerous. All these properties turn them into a valuable asset into disaster responders’ toolkit. In the very first moments of disaster it becomes confusing for non-experienced person to decide, which drone to be deployed first or to what task to be assigned to. In order to perform their mission in safest and most successful way in this paper we discuss a decision-making model to aid first responders in the early stage of reaction. In particular, a performance mapping model is design as a hierarchical structure with several inputs and more than one output. Several limitations are considered as inputs. On one hand there are “external” factors briefly known a prior – disaster type (wildfire, CBRNE, flood etc.) and weather conditions (wind speed, fog, cloud cover, etc.). On other hand there is certain correlation with some “internal” characteristics such as drone type, flight performance (stall speed, turn radius, flight endurance etc.) and payload capabilities: resolution, accuracy, weight (sensor resolution, size, weight, etc.). Given this and mission type as an output from the model a specific drone and equipment is advised to the first responders. This model can be later on introduced in disaster responders training and documentation helping them to properly utilize their drone fleet, raising preparedness and by so increasing disaster management capabilities and reaction effectiveness.
A STUDY ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF DISASTER INFORMATION CONTENTS FOR THE STORM AND FLOOD DAMAGE INSURANCE MAP
Authors: Kang J. , Yeon S. , Lee J.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Typical types of natural disasters that occur in Korea are damages from heavy rain, storm, and heavy snow. In order to prepare for this, the storm and flood damage insurance program is operated. For this purpose, the risk of these damages is calculated for each region, and the storm and flood damage insurance map is created based on the risk. This map can provide insight into the degree of risk to wind and flood, snow damage, as well as policies to prevent and prepare for each type of natural disaster. In order to support decision-making by utilizing this insurance map, it is necessary to use with disaster Information contents. In order to efficiently construct such disaster information contents, it is possible to utilize public data produced by various organizations. Korea has a public data portal to open various administrative information. The public data portal currently publishes and updates about 25,000 data from 700 organizations. In this study, the linkage system is designed that can construct disaster information contents by collecting public data and processing it so that it can be overlapped with the insurance map. The system automatically links public data to keep up-to-date disaster information content. It is expected that it will be able to prevent and prepare for natural disaster by supporting the decision making of decision makers related to flood damage.
EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS APPROACHES IN SPATIAL DATA COLLECTION OF VRISA AFTER LESVOS EARTHQUAKE
Authors: Kavroudakis D. , Soulakellis N. , Topouzelis K. , Chatzistamatis S. , Vasilakos C. , Papakostantinou A. , Tataris G. , Kalloniatis C. , Rousou O. , Batsaris M. , Chaidas K. , Kalaitzis P.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Efficient and effective spatial data collection is crucial in cases of catastrophic events. Resources efficiency and project effectiveness are two aspects that need special attention especially when there are spatial and temporal constraints. There is limited literature regarding efficiency and effectiveness in spatial data collection approaches. This work elaborates on the collection of spatially-aware data from a diverse scientific group of teams after the catastrophic earthquake of Mw = 6.3 in Vrisa village, Lesvos island in Greece in June 2017. More specific we deal with challenges faced by six teams of experts (Topographic team, House conditions data collection team, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle team, 3D Laser Scanner team, Photogrammetry team and Privacy team). The scientific teams had to collect accurate spatial data for the same area, during a period of 20 days after the earthquake. That was a challenging task due to restrictions in the area and complexity/diversity of spatial data. We present the methodological approaches followed for efficient and effective data-capturing, and we propose a framework of team/data management under concurrent data collection by scientific teams after catastrophic events such as earthquakes.
GEOSTATISTICAL SEISMIC ANALYSIS AND HAZARD ASSESSMENT; UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
Authors: Al-Dogom D. , Schuckma K. , Al-Ruzouq R.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Assessing and analyzing the spatial distribution of earthquake events aids in identifying the presence of clustering and reveals hot and cold spots across the study area. Combining the spatial analysis of earthquake events with other geographical and geophysical parameters leads to more understanding of the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the demographics of the affected population. This study will use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) to examine the spatiotemporal occurrence of earthquake events throughout the Arabian plate and their effect on the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Spatial pattern analysis techniques, including Moran I and Getis–Ord Gi*, were applied to 115 years of earthquakes (1900–2015) that have occurred throughout the Arabian plate. The directional distribution (standard deviational ellipse) of earthquake magnitudes was analyzed to determine the spatial characteristics and the directional tendency of the earthquakes throughout the Arabian plate. Afterword, geophysical parameters of UAE, specifically Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA), fault line distance, slope, soil type, and geology were ranked, weighted based on its contribution and combined using an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to identify and locate seismic hazard zones. The resulted Seismic Hazard Zonation Map (SHZM) was classified to five hazard zones ranging from very high to very low. It has been found that Fujairah city sited in the “very High” zone, Sharjah and Dubai cities located from “High” to moderate zones while Abu Dhabi city stands relatively far from seismic hot spots and major faults and placed in the low seismic hazard zone. The results of this study could help improve urban planning and emergency mitigation strategies in UAE.
LANDSLIDE RISK MANAGEMENT IN THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT OF SANDNES (NORWAY)
Authors: López Mulero D. , Njå O. , López Fernández C.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. The research reported focuses on the multi-causal landslide risk in Sandnes (Norway) in connection with the climate change, the use of the land and the geological/geotechnical properties of the urban subsoil. The municipality is giving special focus on the potential climate change challenges in the development plans of the city and the weather is a significant triggering factor of landslides. The average annual precipitation is 1290 mm and the Norwegian Environmental Agency (NEA) estimates a 10 % increase by 2100 and a 40 % increase for the short-term rainfall (3 h). In addition, the NEA expects sea level to rise between 59 and 89. The study includes records of land use, demographic growth (+1.5 % annually), historical maps and aerial imagery. Events occurred in the past have been inventoried by interviews and document retrieval. Additionally, geological, geotechnical and hydrogeological data from surveys performed in the area have been gathered. The data material is georeferenced in a GIS database for visualization and further treatment. We give special attention to the quality and density of the data to account for the uncertainty and lack of information for certain subareas within the geographical boundaries. This will provide guidance for future work such as soil sampling campaigns. A multi-layered model has been created combining the different aspects studied: elevation, slope, hydrology, historical information and geological data. We model the urban area theoretically affected by the sea level rise and the potential effects on different soils. Finally, the work includes preliminary landslide hazard and vulnerability maps of the present urban plot.
A HYBRID APPROACH FOR PREDICTION OF CHANGES IN LANDSLIDE RATES BASED ON CLUSTERING AND A DECISION TREE
Authors: Ma J. , Tang H. , Wen T. , Liu X.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Forecasting the complex deformation patterns (e.g., displacement, velocity, etc.) of landslides is required to prevent property damage and loss of human lives caused by landslide deformation and failure. In this study, a hybrid approach with clustering and a decision tree is proposed to predict changes in landslide rates. The performance of the hybrid approach is evaluated using multi-parameter monitoring data from the Majiagou landslide, Three Gorges Reservoir, China. A forecasting model consisting of a set of clear, interpretable decision rules was created, and the model achieved a satisfactory accuracy. The results indicate that the hybrid data mining approach can be used to build an explicit representation of the cause-effect relationships hidden in large, complex data sets and generate novel predictions of changes in landslide rates. It is believed that the approach employed in this study could be easily utilized by several categories of users, from beginner to expert, and provide support to improve studies of landslide deformation forecasting. Additionally, the proposed approach could be implemented in other domains characterized by large, complex data sets and cause-effect relationships.
HUMANITARIAN AID DISTRIBUTION FRAMEWORK FOR NATURAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Authors: Mohd S. , Fathi M. S. , Harun A. N.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Humanitarian aid distribution is associated with many activities, numerous disaster management stakeholders, enormous effort and different processes. For effective communication, humanitarian aid distribution activities require appropriate and up-to-date information to enhance collaboration, and improve integration. The purpose of this paper is to develop a humanitarian aid distribution framework for disaster management in Malaysia. The findings of this paper are based on a review of the humanitarian aid process and interviews with disaster management stakeholders. Findings reveal that, poor coordination and lack of good communication among disaster management stakeholders are the major issues within the humanitarian aid distribution process in developing countries. These issues could have adverse consequences for the objectives and success of the humanitarian aid distribution activities in disaster management. Therefore, to reduce these issues, a humanitarian aid distribution framework is proposed to support appropriate deliveries, improve the monitoring process, facilitate team coordination, improve government inter-agency collaboration and improve communication among disaster management stakeholders. The proposed humanitarian aid distribution framework sets out to overcome the food redundancy problem, the uneven distribution of food supply to disaster victims and food insecurity issues in developing countries. It is anticipated that this research will establish a systematic humanitarian aid distribution system by enhancing its process, improving its efficiency and maximising its effectiveness.
SIMULATING INFRASTRUCTURE OUTAGES: AN OPEN-SOURCE GEOSPATIAL APPROACH
Authors: Pala O. , Schrum P.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. Understanding the impact of service outages caused by natural or man-made disasters in utility services is a key part of decision-making in response and recovery efforts. Large-scale outages in the last 15 years, from the 2003 northeast blackout to Hurricane Maria devastating Puerto Rico in 2017, highlighted the importance of tight couplings within and across various utilities. The brittleness of these tight couplings results in long delays in restoring large-scale outages. Such cross-infrastructure effects can make analysis for decision makers and responders far more complex. To facilitate recovery, decision makers need to use specialized Decision Support Systems (DSS) that allow simulation of various alternative enablement options along with their impact on society. In this article, we describe our geo-simulation engine and datasets used for outage modelling. First, we detail our efforts in correcting and completing Electric Power (EP) network for the western US. Next, we explain the architecture and initial implementation of the platform-independent, open-source geospatial simulation engine that we are in the process of developing. Using this engine, we can consider the amount of commodity at the transmission source (power plants) and sinks (substations) and set thresholds at sinks to trigger and simulate outages. For instance, a threshold can be set to trigger an outage at substation level if the available commodity amount drops below 80 % of the demand. Future additions include cross-infrastructure and enablement consequence analysis to provide a complete and transparent DSS to study outages on multiple interrelating infrastructures through scenario-based evaluation criteria.
UNCERTAINTY IN LANDSLIDES VOLUME ESTIMATION USING DEMs GENERATED BY AIRBORNE LASER SCANNER AND PHOTOGRAMMETRY DATA
Authors: Parente C. , Pepe M.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. The purpose of this paper is to identify an approach able to estimate the uncertainty related to the measure of terrain volume generated after a landslide. The survey of the area interested of landslide can be performed by Photogrammetry & Remote Sensing (PaRS) techniques. Indeed, depending on the method and technology used for the survey, a different level of accuracy is achievable. The estimate of the quantity of the terrain implicated in the landslide influences the type of geological and geotechnical approach, the civil engineering project on the area and of consequence, the costs to sustain for a community. According to the experiences and recommendations reported in the ASPRS guidelines, an example of the approach used to estimate volumetric accuracy concerning one of the most important landslide in Europe is shown in this paper. In this case study, the dataset is constituted by a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) obtained by photogrammetric (stereo-images) method (pre-landslide) and another by Airborne Laser Scanner (after-landslide). By the comparisons of Airborne Laser Scanner (ALS) and photogrammetry DEMs obtained from successive surveys, it has been possible to produce maps of differences and of consequence, to calculate the volume of the terrain (eroded or accumulated). In order to calculate the uncertainty of volume, a procedure that takes in account even the different accuracy achievable in the vegetation area is explained and discussed.
SPATIAL CHANGES OF LAND USE PATTERN IN GUZELBAHCE DISTRICT (IZMIR)
Authors: Partigöç N. S. , Tarhan Ç.
Published: May 2019

Abstract. The primary issues related the spatial organization of urban settlements are based on the development of density and land use decisions leading due to the market mechanisms. The current spatial land use pattern of cities have emerged depending various factors such as the migration movements increased rapidly from the 1950s, the rapid and uncontrolled urbanization, the pressures of rent directing the market mechanisms, etc. This urbanization process also has accompanied many problems as the insecure construction for disasters, dense and solid urban texture, various weaknesses or deficiencies of urban infrastructure. As a consequence of the evaluation for social facility areas (gaps in urban area, open and green areas, etc.) as “potential investment areas”, the loss of solid – void ratio and dense built-environment have been experienced in urban centres and also urban development directions. The main aim of this study is to examine the spatial effects of land use decisions between the years of 2002 – 2017 under the influence of the Law 6360 in terms of urban planning discipline. These spatial variations related land use pattern are determined using Google Earth and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). According to the results, it is clearly understood that current land use patterns in Guzelbahce district have changed significantly in 15-years period. The results of analyses related the case area which the urban sprawl has seen are discussed and a variety of policies have been developed.