bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Event-Based Simulation Scenario Generation Approach for Autonomous Vehicle Smart Sensors and Devices
Authors: Park Jisun , Wen Mingyun , Sung Yunsick , Cho Kyungeun
Published: October 2019

Nowadays, deep learning methods based on a virtual environment are widely applied to research and technology development for autonomous vehicle’s smart sensors and devices. Learning various driving environments in advance is important to handle unexpected situations that can exist in the real world and to continue driving without accident. For training smart sensors and devices of an autonomous vehicle well, a virtual simulator should create scenarios of various possible real-world situations. To create reality-based scenarios, data on the real environment must be collected from a real driving vehicle or a scenario analysis process conducted by experts. However, these two approaches increase the period and the cost of scenario generation as more scenarios are created. This paper proposes a scenario generation method based on deep learning to create scenarios automatically for training autonomous vehicle smart sensors and devices. To generate various scenarios, the proposed method extracts multiple events from a video which is taken on a real road by using deep learning and generates the multiple event in a virtual simulator. First, Faster-region based convolution neural network (Faster-RCNN) extracts bounding boxes of each object in a driving video. Second, the high-level event bounding boxes are calculated. Third, long-term recurrent convolution networks (LRCN) classify each type of extracted event. Finally, all multiple event classification results are combined into one scenario. The generated scenarios can be used in an autonomous driving simulator to teach multiple events that occur during real-world driving. To verify the performance of the proposed scenario generation method, experiments using real driving video data and a virtual simulator were conducted. The results for deep learning model show an accuracy of 95.6%; furthermore, multiple high-level events were extracted, and various scenarios were generated in a virtual simulator for smart sensors and devices of an autonomous vehicle.
Research for the People, by the People: The Political Practice of Cognitive Justice and Transformative Learning in Environmental Social Movements
Authors: Burt Jane
Published: October 2019

This paper describes how Changing Practice courses, developed by environmental activists in South Africa and based on social learning practice, have seeded cognitive justice action. For the educator-activists who facilitated these courses, it became apparent that we needed a bold emancipatory pedagogy which included cognitive justice issues. This enabled us and the activist-researcher participants to understand the extent to which local, indigenous, and spiritual knowledge had been excluded from water governance. The paper investigates how participants in the ‘Water and Tradition’ change project, established by the Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance (VEJA, engaged with cognitive justice, to demonstrate how African spiritual practice offers a re-visioning of the natural world. Finally, using the tools of critical realist theory, the paper reviews how VEJA bring about transformative social action through their participation in the Changing Practice course.
Productive, Structural and Dynamic Study of the Concept of Sustainability in the Educational Field
Authors: Rodríguez-García Antonio-Manuel , López Belmonte Jesús , Agreda Montoro Miriam , Moreno-Guerrero Antonio-José
Published: October 2019

Sustainable education is currently booming in the teaching and learning processes, although it is not without complexity, due to its various dimensions and the evolution it has undergone to date. The objective of this research is to establish a mapping and scientific evolution of the term “sustainability” in education in the Web of Science database. To do so, a bibliometrical method has been applied, through the analysis of the performance of the scientific production and the evolution of the structure and dynamism of sustainability in education, by means of an analysis of co-words. The total number of references analyzed, after following a debugging process, was 9441. The results show the boom of sustainability in education in recent times, with a great impact on research related to attitudes and sustainability. It can be concluded that a large part of the studies analyzed are of a descriptive nature, with a decrease in the number of exploratory studies, which can give a holistic vision to the subject matter presented, especially regarding the development of the curriculum and the teaching-learning process.
Corporate Social Responsibility as an Antecedent of Innovation, Reputation, Performance, and Competitive Success: A Multiple Mediation Analysis
Authors: Gallardo-Vázquez Dolores , Valdez-Juárez Luis Enrique , Castuera-Díaz Ángela María
Published: October 2019

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) facilitates increased innovation and enhanced reputation and business performance. Small and medium-sized enterprises are commonly acknowledged to be a driver of economic growth, so these firms’ CSR and the competitive advantages it generates are of great interest. This study examined whether corporate managers’ positive predisposition toward CSR initiatives explains their companies’ level of innovation, achieved performance, competitive success, and reputation. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze a sample of 109 companies operating in Spain’s Autonomous Community of Extremadura. The results confirm that companies generally have a favorable orientation toward CSR and this strategy’s benefits include developing and improving firms’ reputation.
A New Methodology for the Development of Appropriate Technology: A Case Study for the Development of a Wood Solar Dryer
Authors: López-Sosa Luis Bernardo , Núñez-González José , Beltrán Alberto , Morales-Máximo Mario , Morales-Sánchez Mario , Serrano-Medrano Montserrat , García Carlos A.
Published: October 2019

This paper introduces a new methodology for the development of appropriate technology that allows satisfying energy needs in rural communities. The methodology integrates the technological development, taking particularly into account the assessment of environmental impacts as well as evaluation of the functionality of the technology. Therefore, it is implemented as a case study in the development of a solar wood-dryer in an artisan community in Mexico. Relevant issues were identified for the success of the methodology, which includes identifying key participants in the community, as well as the use of specialized simulation- and computer-based design tools, and a prior evaluation of the potential environmental impacts through Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the solar wood-dryer. Three geometries of a solar wood-dryer prototype were proposed and analyzed with computer-based simulations, which showed better interior heat transfer than the traditional wood brick-dryer. LCA revealed that the new solar wood-dryer prototype has environmental impacts in all analyzed categories that are 5% or smaller than those of the traditional dryer. Therefore, it was demonstrated that the solar wood-dryer developed with our introduced methodology leads to less environmental impacts compared to those of the traditional wood brick-dryer previously used by the rural community.
Comprehensive Evaluation of the Sustainable Development of Battery Electric Vehicles in China
Authors: Wang Yijiao , Zhou Guoguang , Li Ting , Wei Xiao
Published: October 2019

Due to the rapid growth in the total number of vehicles in China, energy consumption and environmental pollution are serious problems. The development of electric vehicles (EVs) has become one of the important measures for solving these problems. As EVs are in a period of rapid development, sustainability research on them is conducive to the timely discovery of—and solution to—problems in the development process, but current research on the sustainability of EVs is still scarce. Based on the strategic development direction of EVs in China, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were chosen as the research object of this study. The theory and method of the life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) were used to study the sustainability of BEVs. Specifically, the indicators of the life cycle assessment (LCA) were constructed, and the GaBi software was used to assess the environmental dimensions. The framework of life cycle costing (LCC) was used to assess the economic dimensions from the perspective of consumers. The indicators of the social life cycle assessment (SLCA) of stakeholders were constructed to assess the social dimension. Then, the method of the technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) was selected for multicriteria decision-making in order to integrate the three dimensions. A specific conclusion was drawn from a comparison of BEVs and internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs). The study found that the life cycle sustainability of ICEVs in China was better than that of BEVs. This result might be unexpected, but there were reasons for it. Through sensitivity analysis, it was concluded that the current power structure and energy consumption in the operation phase of BEVs had a higher environmental impact, and the high cost of batteries and the government subsidy policy had a higher impact on the cost of BEVs. Corresponding suggestions are put forward at the end of the article.
Eco-Speed Guidance for the Mixed Traffic of Electric Vehicles and Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles at an Isolated Signalized Intersection
Authors: Liu Kai , Liu Dong , Li Cheng , Yamamoto Toshiyuki
Published: October 2019

Although electric vehicles (EVs) have been regarded as promising to reduce tailpipe emissions and energy consumption, a mixed traffic flow of EVs and internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) makes the energy/emissions reduction objective more difficult because EVs and ICEVs have various general characteristics. This paper proposes a low-emission-oriented speed guidance model to address the energy/emission reduction issue under a mixed traffic flow at an isolated signalized intersection to achieve the objective of reducing emissions and total energy consumption while reducing vehicle delay and travel time. The total energy/emissions under different market penetration rates of EVs with various traffic volumes are analyzed and compared. Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed speed guidance model has better performance than those without considering the impact of queues. For a certain traffic volume, the energy/emission reduction effects under speed guidance will increase with an increasing share of EVs. This paper also explores the impact of the time interval for guidance renewal on vehicle emissions in practice.
Alternative Approaches of Summer Milk Sales from Transhumant Sheep and Goat Farms: A Case Study from Northern Greece
Authors: Ragkos Athanasios , Theodoridis Alexandros , Arsenos Georgios
Published: October 2019

Sheep and goat transhumance provides a wide range of ecosystem services (ES). Transhumance-specific dairy products could function as a nexus between the system and the public, incorporating ES which are not remunerated in markets, but in Greece, there are actually no such dairy products. Within this context, the objective of this paper was to present a case study regarding a comparative assessment of three different approaches (supply chains) in milk sales from transhumant farms. The first involved production of cheese on-farm and direct sales to consumers. In the second approach, farmers sold their milk to the same industry throughout the year, where it was mixed with milk from non-transhumant farms. The third approach concerned cheese produced solely from milk of transhumant flocks in a small dairy in the highlands. An assessment framework was developed examining the perceived quality; economic performance of farms; compatibility and; representativeness and contribution of each approach. Based on five in-depth interviews with farmers and dairies, it was found that a combination of the three approaches would be beneficial for farms—to decrease risks—and for the system as a whole, in order to convey the ‘agro-pastoral message’ to wider audiences and to increase the recognisability of transhumance. In addition, the analysis showed that the economic performance of each approach was related more to managerial issues and organizational requirements rather than to the achievement of higher prices and more added value in the first and third approach.
CART-RF Classification with Multifilter for Monitoring Land Use Changes Based on MODIS Time-Series Data: A Case Study from Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Qu Le’an , Chen Zhenjie , Li Manchun
Published: October 2019

The periodic determination of land use changes over large areas is crucial for improving our understanding of land system dynamics. Jiangsu lies at the center of China’s Yangtze Delta and has one of the fastest-developing economies in China. However, it is also a region where serious conflicts exist between the available land resources and the human demand for land. To address these conflicts, it is important to analyze the patterns of land use change in Jiangsu, as they can serve as a useful reference for other rapidly urbanizing regions in China as well as other developing countries. In this study, we propose a method of classification and regression tree-random forest (CART-RF) classification with a multifilter based on time-series Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) imaging data. The proposed method integrates the CART decision tree and the random forest algorithms (CART-RF) to obtain accurate yearly land use data for large areas from multivariate time-series remote sensing data and employs a spatial-temporal-logical filter to exclude any abnormal changes in the multivariate time-series pixel data. The obtained results indicated that (1) the CART-RF classifier is effective for land use classification based on the multivariate time-series MODIS data, with the overall classification accuracy being greater than 90%; (2) the use of the proposed combinatorial spatial-temporal-logical filtering method effectively eliminates most anomalous changes and minimizes the effects of “salt-and-pepper” noise; and (3) from 2000 to 2015, land use in Jiangsu province underwent significant and spatiotemporally heterogeneous changes on a province-wide scale, owing to various factors, such as those related to the economy, location, and government policies. These changes were manifested as continuous expansions in the built-up land at the expense of farmland. While this expansion of built-up land has been very rapid in southern Jiangsu, especially in the region close to Yangtze River Delta, it has been relatively slower in northern Jiangsu.
The Impact of Sustainable Financial Data Governance, Political Connections, and Creative Accounting Practices on Organizational Outcomes
Authors: Ababneh Tha’er Amjed Mahmoud , Aga Mehmet
Published: October 2019

Decision-making and financial information quality are key facets of corporate sustainability. The literature is devoid of inquiries investigating the collective impact of sustainable financial data governance and political connections on creative accounting practices, the quality of financial reporting and decision-making effectiveness. The present study integrates these critical factors by obtaining survey data (n = 180) from publicly listed firms in Amman Stock Exchange, Jordan. By applying partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), this study found that (i) sustainable financial data governance does not influence creative accounting practices, (ii) political connections influences the level of firms creative accounting practices, (iii) creative accounting practices influences the quality of financial and accounting information reporting, and (iv) the quality of financial and accounting information reporting influences firms decision-making effectiveness. Implications, limitations, and future research courses are discussed.
Exploring the Drivers behind Self-Reported and Measured Food Wastage
Authors: Elimelech Efrat , Ert Eyal , Ayalon Ofira
Published: October 2019

Understanding households’ food waste drivers is crucial for forming a coherent policy to meet the sustainable development goals. However, current studies have documented mixed evidence regarding food waste determinants. Most studies have relied on self-reports, assuming they reflect actual behaviors. This study applies a structural equation model that evaluates both self-reported and measured food wastage, and how they are affected by different households’ attributes, attitudes, and behaviors. As such, it also provides a test for the underlying logic that self-reports are a proxy for actual food waste. Results show that measured food wastage is, at best, weakly correlated with self-reports. Moreover, drivers affecting self-reported and measured food wastage are not necessarily the same. Household size affects only measured food wastage. Source separation behavior negatively affects self-reported and measured food wastage, while environmental attitudes have a negative effect only on self-reports. Meal planning, unplanned shopping, and food purchased have no impact on self-reported and measured food wastage. The relation between self-reported and actual food waste and their drivers are even less understood than we thought. The distinction between self-reports and actual waste is crucial for follow-up research on this subject as well as assessing policy measures.
Prospective Life Cycle Assessment of a Structural Battery
Authors: Zackrisson Mats , Jönsson Christina , Johannisson Wilhelm , Fransson Kristin , Posner Stefan , Zenkert Dan , Lindbergh Göran
Published: October 2019

With increasing interest in reducing fossil fuel emissions, more and more development is focused on electric mobility. For electric vehicles, the main challenge is the mass of the batteries, which significantly increase the mass of the vehicles and limits their range. One possible concept to solve this is incorporating structural batteries; a structural material that both stores electrical energy and carries mechanical load. The concept envisions constructing the body of an electric vehicle with this material and thus reducing the need for further energy storage. This research is investigating a future structural battery that is incorporated in the roof of an electric vehicle. The structural battery is replacing the original steel roof of the vehicle, and part of the original traction battery. The environmental implications of this structural battery roof are investigated with a life cycle assessment, which shows that a structural battery roof can avoid climate impacts in substantive quantities. The main emissions for the structural battery stem from its production and efforts should be focused there to further improve the environmental benefits of the structural battery. Toxicity is investigated with a novel chemical risk assessment from a life cycle perspective, which shows that two chemicals should be targeted for substitution.
Symmetry in Applied Continuous Mechanics
Authors: Marin Marin , Băleanu Dumitru , Vlase Sorin
Published: October 2019

Engineering practice requires the use of structures containing identical components or parts, which are useful from several points of view: less information is needed to describe the system, design is made quicker and easier, components are made faster than a complex assembly, and finally the time to achieve the structure and the cost of manufacturing decreases. Additionally, the subsequent maintenance of the system becomes easier and cheaper. This Special Issue is dedicated to this kind of mechanical structure, describing the properties and methods of analysis of these structures. Discrete or continuous structures in static and dynamic cases are considered. Theoretical models, mathematical methods, and numerical analysis of the systems, such as the finite element method and experimental methods, are expected to be used in the research. Such applications can be used in most engineering fields including machine building, automotive, aerospace, and civil engineering.
Metrics with Zero and Almost-Zero Einstein Action in Quantum Gravity
Authors: Modanese Giovanni
Published: October 2019

We generate numerically on a lattice an ensemble of stationary metrics, with spherical symmetry, which have Einstein action S E ≪ ℏ . This is obtained through a Metropolis algorithm with weight exp ( − β 2 S E 2 ) and β ≫ ℏ − 1 . The squared action in the exponential allows to circumvene the problem of the non-positivity of S E . The discretized metrics obtained exhibit a spontaneous polarization in regions of positive and negative scalar curvature. We compare this ensemble with a class of continuous metrics previously found, which satisfy the condition S E = 0 exactly, or in certain cases even the stronger condition R ( x ) = 0 for any x . All these gravitational field configurations are of considerable interest in quantum gravity, because they represent possible vacuum fluctuations and are markedly different from Wheeler’s “spacetime foam”.
Distribution Characteristics and Environmental Control Factors of Lipophilic Marine Algal Toxins in Changjiang Estuary and the Adjacent East China Sea
Authors: He Xiuping , Chen Junhui , Wu Danni , Sun Ping , Ma Xin , Wang Jiuming , Liu Lijun , Chen Kan , Wang Baodong
Published: October 2019

Marine algal toxins, highly toxic secondary metabolites, have significant influences on coastal ecosystem health and mariculture safety. The occurrence and environmental control factors of lipophilic marine algal toxins (LMATs) in the surface seawater of the Changjiang estuary (CJE) and the adjacent East China Sea (ECS) were investigated. Pectenotoxin-2 (PTX2), okadaic acid (OA), dinophysistoxin-1(DTX1), and gymnodimine (GYM) were detected in the CJE surface seawater in summer, with concentration ranges of not detected (ND)–105.54 ng/L, ND–13.24 ng/L, ND–5.48 ng/L, and ND–12.95 ng/L, respectively. DTX1 (ND–316.15 ng/L), OA (ND–16.13 ng/L), and PTX2 (ND–4.97 ng/L) were detected in the ECS during spring. LMATs formed a unique low-concentration band in the Changjiang diluted water (CJDW) coverage area in the typical large river estuary. PTX2, OA, and DTX1 in seawater were mainly derived from Dinophysis caudate and Dinophysis rotundata, while GYM was suspected to be from Karenia selliformis. Correlation analyses showed that LMAT levels in seawater were positively correlated with dissolved oxygen and salinity, but negatively correlated with temperature and nutrients, indicating that the hydrological condition and nutritional status of seawater and climatic factors exert significant effects on the distribution of LMATs.
Rainfall Thresholds for Prediction of Landslides in Idukki, India: An Empirical Approach
Authors: Abraham Minu Treesa , Pothuraju Deekshith , Satyam Neelima
Published: October 2019

Idukki is a South Indian district in the state of Kerala, which is highly susceptible to landslides. This hilly area which is a hub of a wide variety of flora and fauna, has been suffering from slope stability issues due to heavy rainfall. A well-established landslide early warning system for the region is the need of the hour, considering the recent landslide disasters in 2018 and 2019. This study is an attempt to define a regional scale rainfall threshold for landslide occurrence in Idukki district, as the first step of establishing a landslide early warning system. Using the rainfall and landslide database from 2010 to 2018, an intensity-duration threshold was derived as I = 0.9D−0.16 for the Idukki district. The effect of antecedent rainfall conditions in triggering landslide events was explored in detail using cumulative rainfalls of 3 days, 10 days, 20 days, 30 days, and 40 days prior to failure. As the number of days prior to landslide increases, the distribution of landslide events shifts towards antecedent rainfall conditions. The biasness increased from 72.12% to 99.56% when the number of days was increased from 3 to 40. The derived equations can be used along with a rainfall forecasting system for landslide early warning in the study region.
Design Equation for Stirring Fluid by a Stream Pump in a Circulating Tank
Authors: Sawicki Jerzy , Wielgat Paweł , Zima Piotr
Published: October 2019

A circulating tank is a very useful theoretical scheme for many fluid-flow objects in several branches of engineering. The motion of the fluid in such objects can be induced in different ways. A stream pump provides an especially interesting possibility; however, the quantitative description of such devices shows some shortcomings. Such a device is analogous to a jet pump, thus has similar advantages (simplicity of construction, lack of movable elements, insensibility to pollutants) and disadvantages (low efficiency). On the one hand, from the technical viewpoint, one can make use of technical instructions presented in handbooks and offered by producers, and on the other hand by performing calculations using CFD tools. In this situation, it is self-evident that some intermediary method of design, i.e., formally simple, but physically convincing, would be welcome both by theoreticians and by engineers. Such a method is proposed in this paper and takes the form of an algebraic formula, combining the discharge of the stream pump and the discharge of the circulation induced by this stream. This expression, based on the balance between the power of the stream and the power of dissipation, has been experimentally verified with a positive result.
Flood Hazard Mapping Using the Flood and Flash-Flood Potential Index in the Buzău River Catchment, Romania
Authors: Popa Mihnea Cristian , Peptenatu Daniel , Drăghici Cristian Constantin , Diaconu Daniel Constantin
Published: October 2019

The importance of identifying the areas vulnerable for both floods and flash-floods is an important component of risk management. The assessment of vulnerable areas is a major challenge in the scientific world. The aim of this study is to provide a methodology-oriented study of how to identify the areas vulnerable to floods and flash-floods in the Buzău river catchment by computing two indices: the Flash-Flood Potential Index (FFPI) for the mountainous and the Sub-Carpathian areas, and the Flood Potential Index (FPI) for the low-altitude areas, using the frequency ratio (FR), a bivariate statistical model, the Multilayer Perceptron Neural Networks (MLP), and the ensemble model MLP–FR. A database containing historical flood locations (168 flood locations) and the areas with torrentiality (172 locations with torrentiality) was created and used to train and test the models. The resulting models were computed using GIS techniques, thus resulting the flood and flash-flood vulnerability maps. The results show that the MLP–FR hybrid model had the most performance. The use of the two indices represents a preliminary step in creating flood vulnerability maps, which could represent an important tool for local authorities and a support for flood risk management policies.
Techno-Economic Assessment of Air and Water Gap Membrane Distillation for Seawater Desalination under Different Heat Source Scenarios
Authors: Amaya-Vías David , López-Ramírez Juan Antonio
Published: October 2019

Membrane distillation (MD) has a great deal of potential and this is currently being explored by the scientific community. However, this technology has not yet been implemented by industry, and an estimation of final product costs is key to its commercial success. In this study a techno-economic assessment of air gap MD (AGMD) and water gap MD (WGMD) for seawater desalination under different capacities and heat source scenarios was developed. The simplified cost of water (SCOW) method, which estimates investment costs, fixed and variable costs, as well as amortization factors and price influence over time was applied. In addition, experimental data from a laboratory-scale MD desalination plant were also used. The results showed water costs in the range of 1.56 to 7.53 €/m3 for WGMD and 2.38 to 9.60 €/m3 for AGMD. Specifically, the most feasible scenario was obtained for WGMD with a capacity of 1000 m3 daily using waste and solar heat. Finally, the costs obtained for MD were similar to those of conventional desalination technologies at the same scale factor. Therefore, although large-scale pilot studies and optimization of manufacturing processes are needed, MD shows very promising results that should be considered further.
Effects of Tractor Passes on Hydrological and Soil Erosion Processes in Tilled and Grassed Vineyards
Authors: Capello Giorgio , Biddoccu Marcella , Ferraris Stefano , Cavallo Eugenio
Published: October 2019

Soil erosion is affected by rainfall temporal patterns and intensity variability. In vineyards, machine traffic is implemented with particular intensity from late spring to harvest, and it is responsible for soil compaction, which likely affects soil hydraulic properties, runoff, and soil erosion. Additionally, the hydraulic and physical properties of soil are highly influenced by vineyards’ inter-rows soil management. The effects on soil compaction and both hydrological and erosional processes of machine traffic were investigated on a sloping vineyard with different inter-row soil managements (tillage and permanent grass cover) in the Alto Monferrato area (Piedmont, NW Italy). During the investigation (November 2016–October 2018), soil water content, rainfall, runoff, and soil erosion were continuously monitored. Field-saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil penetration resistance, and bulk density were recorded periodically in portions of inter-rows affected and not affected by the machine traffic. Very different yearly precipitation characterized the observed period, leading to higher bulk density and lower infiltration rates in the wetter year, especially in the tilled vineyard, whereas soil penetration resistance was generally higher in the grassed plot and in drier conditions. In the wet year, management with grass cover considerably reduced runoff (−76%) and soil loss (−83%) compared to tillage and in the dry season. Those results highlight the need to limit the tractor traffic, in order to reduce negative effects due to soil compaction, especially in tilled inter-rows.
Investigation into Groundwater Resources in Southern Part of the Red River’s Delta Plain, Vietnam by the Use of Isotopic Techniques
Authors: Van Lam Nguyen , Van Hoan Hoang , Duc Nhan Dang
Published: October 2019

Groundwater in the Red River’s delta plain, North Vietnam, was found in Holocene, Pleistocene, Neogene and Triassic aquifers in fresh, brackish and saline types with a total dissolved solids (TDS) content ranging from less than 1 g L−1 to higher than 3 g L−1. Saline water exists inHolocene aquifer, but fresh and brackish water exist in Pleistocene, Neogene and Triassic aquifers. This study aims at the investigation into genesis and processes controlling quality of water resources in the region. For this isotopic, combined with geochemical techniques were applied. The techniques include: (i) measurement of water’s isotopic compositions (δ2H, δ18O) in water; (ii) determination of water’s age by the 3H- and 14C-dating method, and (iii) chemical analyses for main cations and anions in water. Results obtained revealed that saline water in Holocene aquifer was affected by seawater intrusion, fresh water in deeper aquifers originated from meteoric water but with old ages, up to 10,000–14,000 yr. The recharge area of fresh water is from the northwest highland at an altitude of 140–160m above sea level. The recharge water flows northwesterly towards southeasterly to the seacoast at a rate of 2.5m y−1. Chemistry of water resources in the study region is controlled by ferric, sulfate and nitrate reduction with organic matters as well as dissolution of inorganic carbonate minerals present in the sediment deposits. Results of isotopic signatures in water from Neogene, Triassic and Pleistocene aquifers suggested the three aquifers are connected to each other due to the existence of faults and fissures in Mesozoic basement across the delta region in combination with high rate of groundwater mining. Moreover, the high rate of freshwater abstraction from Pleistocene aquifer currently causes sea water to flow backwards to production well field located in the center of the region.
Designing Aquaponic Production Systems towards Integration into Greenhouse Farming
Authors: Danner Ragnar Ingi , Mankasingh Utra , Anamthawat-Jonsson Kesara , Thorarinsdottir Ragnheidur Inga
Published: October 2019

Aquaponics is a sustainable method of food production, whereby aquaculture and hydroponics are combined in one circular system. A few aquaponics startup companies are emerging in Europe with a limited production area of a few hundred or a few thousand square meters, whereas hydroponics is a common practice in a commercially viable manner most often with production units of several hectares. In Iceland, greenhouse farmers operate on relatively small production units, often between 2000 and 5000 m2. The aim of the present study was, therefore, to develop and design aquaponic production systems towards integration into small greenhouse farming strengthening economic viability and sustainability. Since the local market in Iceland is small and import is relatively expensive due to the distance from other markets, the suitability of commercially available fish feed and the selection of plant species were assessed in relation to production efficiency and available market and resources. The effects of water flow on plant growth and on nutrient utilization in culture water were measured and evaluated. Four aquaponics test systems were designed, built and operated, and results were used to develop a pilot commercial aquaponics system implemented for greenhouse farming in Iceland. One of the test systems was a media filled flood and drain system and the other three were deep water culture systems. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), one of the most popular fish in aquaculture, was reared in all systems, while different leafy greens and fruiting vegetables were grown in the hydroponics. The fish was fed with commercial aquaculture feed made for cod and charr. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was used to assess the effectiveness of feed on fish growth. The FCR observed in this research was between 0.9 and 1.2, within the typical values for tilapia growth in aquaculture. The production of the leafy green plants (e.g., pak-choi) was approximately four times, by weight, that of the production of fish, a similar yield as shown in other researches in the field. The continuous rise of nitrate and phosphate concentrations in the aquaponic system indicated the potential to support even higher crop yield. Long daylength in the summer in Iceland is clearly beneficial for crop production in aquaponics. Based on the results, it is concluded that aquaponics can be a feasible opportunity for greenhouse farming at least to diversify the current business model. Not only can the fish provide an extra income but also the effluent from the aquaculture is easily used as fertilizer for the plants, thus the circular production system offers new innovative ideas for diversifying and value-adding the business further, for example into crayfish production and/or into educational and experience tourism.
Sediment Transport in Sewage Pressure Pipes, Part I: Continuous Determination of Settling and Erosion Characteristics by In-Situ TSS Monitoring Inside a Pressure Pipe in Northern Germany
Authors: Rinas Martin , Tränckner Jens , Koegst Thilo
Published: October 2019

Continuous measurement systems are widely spread in sewers, especially in non-pressure systems. Due to its relatively low costs, turbidity sensors are often used as a surrogate for other indicators (solids, heavy metals, organic compounds). However, little effort is spent to turbidity sensors in pressurized systems so far. This work presents the results of one year in-situ turbidity/total suspended solids (TSS) monitoring inside a pressure pipe (600 mm diameter) in an urban region in northern Germany. The high-resolution sensor data (5 s interval) are used for the determination of solids sedimentation (within pump pauses) and erosion behavior (within pump sequences). In-situ results from sensor measurements are similar to laboratory results presented in previous studies. TSS is decreasing exponentially in pump pauses under dry weather inflow with an average of 0.23 mg/(L s). During pump sequences, solids eroded completely at a bed shear stress of 0.5 N/m². Sedimentation and erosion behavior changes with the inflow rate. Solids settle faster with increasing inflow: at storm water inflow with an average of 0.9 mg/(L s) and at diurnal inflow variation up to 0.6 mg/(L s) at 12:00 a.m. The results are used as calibration data for a sediment transport simulation in Part II.
Probabilistic Hydrological Post-Processing at Scale: Why and How to Apply Machine-Learning Quantile Regression Algorithms
Authors: Papacharalampous Georgia , Tyralis Hristos , Langousis Andreas , Jayawardena Amithirigala W. , Sivakumar Bellie , Mamassis Nikos , Montanari Alberto , Koutsoyiannis Demetris
Published: October 2019

We conduct a large-scale benchmark experiment aiming to advance the use of machine-learning quantile regression algorithms for probabilistic hydrological post-processing “at scale” within operational contexts. The experiment is set up using 34-year-long daily time series of precipitation, temperature, evapotranspiration and streamflow for 511 catchments over the contiguous United States. Point hydrological predictions are obtained using the Génie Rural à 4 paramètres Journalier (GR4J) hydrological model and exploited as predictor variables within quantile regression settings. Six machine-learning quantile regression algorithms and their equal-weight combiner are applied to predict conditional quantiles of the hydrological model errors. The individual algorithms are quantile regression, generalized random forests for quantile regression, generalized random forests for quantile regression emulating quantile regression forests, gradient boosting machine, model-based boosting with linear models as base learners and quantile regression neural networks. The conditional quantiles of the hydrological model errors are transformed to conditional quantiles of daily streamflow, which are finally assessed using proper performance scores and benchmarking. The assessment concerns various levels of predictive quantiles and central prediction intervals, while it is made both independently of the flow magnitude and conditional upon this magnitude. Key aspects of the developed methodological framework are highlighted, and practical recommendations are formulated. In technical hydro-meteorological applications, the algorithms should be applied preferably in a way that maximizes the benefits and reduces the risks from their use. This can be achieved by (i) combining algorithms (e.g., by averaging their predictions) and (ii) integrating algorithms within systematic frameworks (i.e., by using the algorithms according to their identified skills), as our large-scale results point out.
Dynamics of Mesozooplankton Assemblage in Relation to Environmental Factors in the Maryland Coastal Bays
Authors: Oghenekaro Efeturi U. , Chigbu Paulinus
Published: October 2019

The mesozooplankton composition and dynamics in coastal lagoons of Maryland, mid-Atlantic region, USA have received little scientific attention despite the fact that the lagoons have undergone changes in water quality in the past two decades. We compared mesozooplankton abundance and community structure among sites and seasons, and between 2012, a year of higher than average salinity (33.4), and 2013 with lower than average salinity (26.6). It was observed that the composition, diversity, and abundance of mesozooplankton in 2012 differed from those of 2013. Barnacle nauplii were abundant in 2012 contributing 31% of the non-copepod mesozooplankton abundance, whereas hydromedusae were more dominant in 2013 and contributed up to 83% of non-copepod zooplankton abundance. Gastropod veliger larvae were more abundant in 2013 than in 2012 while larvae of bivalves, polychaetes, and decapods, in addition to cladocerans and ostracods had higher abundances in 2012. The abundance and diversity of mesozooplankton were explained by variations in environmental factors particularly salinity, and by the abundance of predators such as bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchelli). Diversity was higher in spring and summer 2012 (dry year) than in 2013 (wet year). The reduction of salinity in fall 2012, due to high freshwater discharge associated with Hurricane Sandy, was accompanied by a decrease in mesozooplankton diversity. Spatially, diversity was higher at sites with high salinity near the Ocean City Inlet than at sites near the mouth of tributaries with lower salinity, higher nutrient levels and higher phytoplankton biomass. Perhaps, the relatively low salinity and high temperature in 2013 resulted in an increase in the abundance of hydromedusae, which through predation contributed to the reduction in the abundance of bivalve larvae and other taxa.
Aquatic Angiosperm Transplantation: A Tool for Environmental Management and Restoring in Transitional Water Systems
Authors: Sfriso Adriano , Buosi Alessandro , Tomio Yari , Juhmani Abdul-Salam , Facca Chiara , Sfriso Andrea Augusto , Franzoi Piero , Scapin Luca , Bonometto Andrea , Ponis Emanuele , Rampazzo Federico , Berto Daniela , Gion Claudia , Oselladore Federica , Cacciatore Federica , Boscolo Brusà Rossella
Published: October 2019

Since the 1960s, the Venice Lagoon has suffered a sharp aquatic plant constriction due to eutrophication, pollution, and clam fishing. Those anthropogenic impacts began to decline during the 2010s, and since then the ecological status of the lagoon has improved, but in many choked areas no plant recolonization has been recorded due to the lack of seeds. The project funded by the European Union (LIFE12 NAT/IT/000331-SeResto) allowed to recolonize one of these areas, which is situated in the northern lagoon, by widespread transplantation of small sods and individual rhizomes. In-field activities were supported by fishermen, hunters, and sport associations; the interested surface measured approximately 36.6 km2. In the 35 stations of the chosen area, 24,261 rhizomes were transplanted during the first year, accounting for 693 rhizomes per station. About 37% of them took root in 31 stations forming several patches that joined together to form extensive meadows. Plant rooting was successful where the waters were clear and the trophic status low. But, near the outflows of freshwater rich in nutrients and suspended particulate matter, the action failed. Results demonstrate the effectiveness of small, widespread interventions and the importance of engaging the population in the recovery of the environment, which makes the action economically cheap and replicable in other similar environments.
EDUCAÇÃO JUDICIÁRIA E A FUNÇÃO SOCIAL DO PODER JUDICIÁRIO: CAPACITAÇÃO DE MAGISTRADOS E SERVIDORES PARA EFETIVA PRESTAÇÃO JURISDICIONAL
Authors: Oliveira Jadir Alves de , Medina Patrícia , Oliveira Gustavo Paschoal Teixeira de Castro
Published: October 2019

Trata-se de escrito resultado de pesquisa exploratória que, utilizando-se do método dedutivo, evidencia a educação como importante coadjuvante do Poder Judiciário para com o acesso à justiça por parte dos(as) jurisdicionados(as), por meio da formação, capacitação e aperfeiçoamento de magistrados(as) e servidores(as)  pelas escolas judiciárias, especificamente em relação à Escola Superior da Magistratura Tocantinense (ESMAT). Valendo-se de abordagem quantiqualitativa, analisando pontos imprescindíveis, como o direito humano e fundamental ao acesso à justiça, e sua previsão normativa em âmbito internacional e interno; do acesso à justiça por parte do Poder Judiciário; da educação ofertada por parte do Poder Judiciário a magistrados(as) e servidores(as); e contribuições da Esmat para o acesso à justiça. Legislação correlata, dados institucionais e doutrina especializada serão devidamente analisados para a confecção da pesquisa.
COMBATE AO AUMENTO DOS SUBSÍDIOS DE PREFEITOS, VICES, SECRETÁRIOS E VEREADORES: A EFICÁCIA DA AÇÃO POPULAR EXIGE FUNDAMENTAÇÃO INFRACONSTITUCIONAL
Authors: Silva Leandro Gomes da , Marques Vinicius Pinheiro
Published: October 2019

Não há como conceber aumentos reais nos subsídios dos agentes políticos em tempos de crise econômica. De um lado cai progressivamente a arrecadação; de outro se impõe a garantia de investimentos mínimos em políticas públicas vitais. Parte das Ações Populares propostas contra esses aumentos, em 2016, foram arquivadas por carência na fundamentação e não alcançaram seu desiderato. Pelo método de revisão de literatura, com uma abordagem teórica, pretende-se demonstrar a eficácia da Ação Popular contra esses aumentos quando baseada em fundamentação infraconstitucional. As bases democráticas a Ação Popular e o advento da internet demonstram sua força para combater atos do legislativo lesivos ao patrimônio. As Leis de Responsabilidade Fiscal, de Diretrizes Orçamentárias e de Orçamentária Anual são o supedâneo ideal para fundamentação, enfatizando o cuidado que se deve ter para evitar confronto com os procedimentos de controle de constitucionalidade concentrado.
EXTENSÃO UNIVERSITÁRIA E SEU PAPEL NA DEFESA E PROMOÇÃO DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS
Authors: Martins Paulo Fernando de Melo , Araújo Junior Carlos Alberto Moreira de , Rodrigues Jacqueline Araújo
Published: October 2019

O presente estudo teve por objetivo promover uma reflexão a respeito do papel da extensão universitária enquanto instrumento de realização do direito humano à educação. Metodologicamente este estudo se valeu da pesquisa bibliográfica a respeito da universidade pública em seu panorama histórico e com relação à sua função social, trazendo debates sobre a universidade operacional e a universidade institucional. Também se utilizou da pesquisa documental acerca das ações de extensão na Universidade Federal do Tocantins (UFT), cadastradas em temas afetos aos direitos humanos. A partir dos dados analisados, foi possível constatar ações direcionadas à promoção dos direitos humanos e emancipação dos cidadãos, mas o baixo quantitativo de ações cadastradas na área temática secundária – direitos humanos e justiça – causou preocupação devido à importância dessa área temática para a construção de condições favoráveis à emancipação dos indivíduos e de uma sociedade menos desigual.
O DIREITO DAS RELAÇÕES PRIVADAS DOS MICROSSISTEMAS JURÍDICOS: UMA PERSPETIVA LUSO-BRASILEIRA (?)
Authors: Morais Daniel de Bettencourt Rodrigues Silva
Published: October 2019

A uma sociedade complexa corresponde uma ordem jurídica complexa. Sendo certo que o movimento recodificador foi questionado nos anos setenta, por Natalino Irti, num texto clássico relativo à “idade da descodificação”, a verdade é que a proliferação de leis especiais aglomeradas em verdadeiros microssistemas ou Estatutos, que englobam normas de vários ramos de direito, constitui uma realidade que, ainda hoje, e após a confirmação da existência de um movimento de recodificação, se mantém no Brasil. A propósito da participação do autor num módulo de pós-graduação relativo ao “Direito das Relações Privadas dos Microssistemas Jurídicos”, na Escola Superior de Magistratura Tocantinense, surgiu este texto, em que se afere a relevância dos microssistemas no direito brasileiro e se procuram reflexos dessa realidade no direito português. Encontram-se diferenças assinaláveis nesta matéria, que resultam da diferente “arquitetura” de ambas as ordens jurídicas.
A MÍDIA E O PROCESSO PENAL NA PRIMEIRA INSTÂNCIA
Authors: Lulia Luciana de Toledo Temer , Araujo Ricardo Manoel Cruz de
Published: October 2019

O presente estudo tem o escopo de analisar se existe correlação entre a mídia, em suas mais diversas manifestações, e a relação processual penal até a sentença de primeiro grau.  O trabalho tem ainda a finalidade de focar as garantias constitucionais dentro do processo penal.