A Systems Approach to Assessing Sustainability Capacity in Kalobeyei Refugee Settlement in Turkana County, Kenya

Refugee settlements face several challenges in transitioning from a temporary planning approach to more sustainable settlements. This is mainly due to an increase in the number of forcibly displaced people over the last few decades, and the difficulties of sustainably providing social services that meet the required standards. The development of refugee settlements assumed that forcibly displaced people would return to their places or countries of origin. Unfortunately, displacement situations are prolonged indefinitely, forcing these people to spend most of their lives in conditions that are often deplorable and substandard, and therefore unsustainable. In most cases, the establishment of refugee settlements is triggered by an emergency caused by an influx of forcibly displaced people, who need to be accommodated urgently and provided with some form of international assistance and protection. This leaves little or no time for proper planning for long-term development as required. In addition, the current approach to temporary settlement harms the environment and can strain limited resources with ad hoc development models that have exacerbated difficulties. As a result, living conditions in refugee settlements have deteriorated over the last few decades and continue to pose challenges as to how best to design, plan, and sustain settlements over time. To contribute to addressing these challenges, this study proposes a new methodology supported by Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) and a Systems Modeling Language (SysML) to develop a typical sustainable human settlement system model, which has functionally and operationally executed using a Systems Engineering (SE) approach. To assess the sustainability capacity of the proposed system, this work applies a matrix of crossed impact multiplication through a case study by conducting a system capacity interdependence analysis (SCIA) using the MICMAC methodology (Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification) to assess the interdependency that exist between the sub-systems categories to deliver services at the system level. The sustainability analysis results based on capacity variables influence and dependency models shows that development activities in the settlement are unstable and, therefore, unsustainable since there is no apparent difference between the influential and dependent data used for the assessment. These results illustrate that an integrated system could improve human settlements’ sustainability and that capacity building in service delivery is beneficial and necessary.

ULTIMATE LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY OF CYLINDER DERIVED FROM AUTOFRETTAGE UNDER IDEAL CONDITION

According to the basic theory on autofrettage and according to the 4th strength theory, several parameters and their relations are studied under ideal condition, including σej/σy, the equivalent stress of total stresses at elastoplastic juncture; σei/σy, the equivalent stress of total stresses at inside surface; σej＇/σy, the equivalent stress of residual stresses at elastoplastic juncture; σei＇/σy, the equivalent stress of residual stresses at inside surface; and p/σy, load-bearing capacity of an autofrettaged cylinder. By theoretical study on relations between the parameters, noticeable results and laws are achieved： to satisfy ｜σei＇｜=σy. the relation between kj and k is, k^2lnkj^2-k^2-kj^2＋2=0, when k→∞, kj = √e = 1.648 72, as based on the 3rd strength theory, where k is the outside/inside radius ratio of a cylinder, kj is the ratio of elastoplastic juncture radius to inside radius of a cylinder; If the plastic region covers the whole wall of a cylinder, for compressive yield not to occur after removing autofrettage pressure, the ultimate k is k=-2.218 46 as based on the 3rd strength theory; With k=2.218 46, a cylinder＇s ultimate load-bearing capacity equals its entire yield pressure, or p/σy=21nk/√3; The maximum and optimum load-bearing capacity of an autofrettaged cylinder is just 2 times the loading which an unautofrettaged cylinder can bear elastically, or p/σy=2（k^2-1）/√3 k^2, and the limit of the load-bearing capacity of an autofrettaged cylinder is also just 2 times that of an unautofrettaged cylinder. The conclusions are the same as based on the 3rd strength theory, but some equations are different from each other.

Effect of Optimum Plastic Depth on Stresses and Load-bearing Capacity of Autofrettaged Cylinder

Autofrettage is an effective measure to even distribution of stresses and raise load-bearing capacity for （ultra-）high pressure apparatus. Currently, the research on autofrettage has focused mostly on specific engineering problems, while general theoretical study is rarely done. To discover the general law contained in autofrettage theory, by the aid of the authors’ previous work and according to the third strength theory, theoretical problems about autofrettage are studied including residual stresses and their equivalent stress, total stresses and their equivalent stress, etc. Because of the equation of optimum depth of plastic zone which is presented in the authors’ previous work, the equations for the residual stresses and their equivalent stress as well as the total stress and their equivalent stress are simplified greatly. Thus the law of distribution of the residual stresses and their equivalent stress as well as the total stress and their equivalent stress and the varying tendency of these stresses are discovered. The relation among various parameters are revealed. The safe and optimum load-bearing conditions for cylinders are obtained. According to the results obtained by theoretical analysis, it is shown that if the two parameters, namely ratio of outside to inside radius, k, and depth of plastic zone, kj, meet the equation of optimum depth of plastic zone, when the pressure contained in an autofrettaged cylinder is lower than two times the initial yield pressure of the unautofrettaged cylinder, the equivalent residual stress and the equivalent total stress at the inside surface as well as the elastic-plastic juncture of a cylinder are lower than yield strength. When an autofrettaged cylinder is subjected to just two times the initial yield pressure of the unautofrettaged cylinder, the equivalent total stress within the whole plastic zone is just identically equal to the yield strength, or it is a constant. The proposed research theoretically depicts the stress state of ultra-）high pressure autofrettaged cylinder more accurately and more reasonably and provides the reference for design of （ultra-）high pressure apparatus.

Seismic Capacity Assessment of Existing RC Buildings in The Sudan by Using Pushover Analysis

Recently, the evaluation of seismic performance of existing buildings has received a great attention. Current research works and observations indicate that The Sudan have low-to-moderate seismic regions. Most of existing buildings are designed only for gravity load. The objective of this paper is to assess the seismic performance of existing RC buildings in The Sudan. Four typical buildings were investigated using pushover analysis according to ATC-40. They were designed according to the Regulations for earthquake-resistant design of buildings in Egypt (ESEE) and International Building Code (IBC2012). Results showed that the buildings designed considering by ESEE and IBC2012 loads were found adequate and satisfied the Immediate Occupancy (IO) acceptance criteria according to ATC-40. The comparison of the pushover curve shows that the stiffness of frames is larger when using ESEE Regulations compared to the IBC2012 design. This means that ESEE design procedure provides a greater capability to resist seismic load than the IBC2012 design.

Establishment of ocean dumping area capacity assessment model

Dumping area capacity is mainly affected by the hydrodynamic process （tidal sediment, storm surge and wave, etc.） as well as the size and depth of dumping area. Based on three-dimensional ocean circulation model known as FVCOM （Finite Volume Coast and Ocean Model） and the stochastic dynamic statistical analysis model, taking advantage of dumping ground topography evolution and dumping quantity, the author aims to discuss the influence of hydrodynamic processes and dumping activity so as to built a new model of ocean dumping area capacity. With the data of depth and dumped amount in the dumping area, the changes of bottom topographic which caused by tidal current under the natural condition based on the FVCOM hydrodynamic and sediment module, the author strive to analyze the statistical relation of the changes for dumping amount, tidal current and bottom topographic. Through real data to fit revision coefficient values, which will be regarded as topographic changes reference value affected by wave and storm surges. Thus taking this evaluation as the long-term changes in the dumping capacity. In the premise of setting up the threshold of bottom topographic changes, the dumping area capacity is calculated. Take Yangtze Estuary No. 1 dumping area as an example, As the water depth reduces by 0.5 m annually, the dumping area capacity is about 6.7 million m3/a, the model results are in reasonable agreement with the actual amount. Then the model is validated in Luoyuan Bay dumping area, Shengsishangchuan Mountain dumping area, Dongding dumping area, Dongshan dumping area, and Wenzhou Port dumoin~ area. it is turns out the results are similar to that of the actual observations.

A Study on the Assessment of Sensitivity to Acidification of Waters by Acidification Capacity

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Retrospective Environment Carrying Capacity Assessment and Comparison for Marine Reclamation

For improving the managed level and guiding the environmental management of reclamation engineering, a synthetic assessment method based on cloud theory is applied to evaluate the environment carrying capacity of part of Tianjin Port in this paper. This retrospective assessment of carrying capacity aims to obtain the historical development situation of reclamation domain. The research is meaningful and efficient for judging the feasibility of marine reclamation.

Analytical Framework Model for Capacity Needs Assessment and Strategic Capacity Development within the Local Government Structure in Tanzania

This is a methodological paper prepared by senior academicians, researchers and consultants from renowned universities in Tanzania. The paper provides insights as to how best development agents can approach the challenge of capacity needs assessment and development of capacity building programs in the context of the local government structure in Tanzania. The paper is of original nature and is based on author’s accumulated knowledge and practice in conducting capacity assessments and developing capacity building programs in Tanzania. The paper describes what can be considered to be best practices in conducting participatory capacity assessment through consultative processes which involves most of the key actors who would be engaged in implementing proposed interventions. The paper puts forward an analytical model for capacity assessment and program development in the Tanzanian context. The main features of the model can be summarized as participatory capacity assessment, strategic capacity building program development and complementarity through synergy building with like-minded stakeholders. The operational modality for utilizing the model in developing capacity building programs which among other components has monitoring and evaluation aspects is included. It is recommended that practitioners and development agents should test the model in their working environments to realize its potential benefits including program ownership by stakeholders.

Assessment of the Protective Capacity of Vadoze Zone over Aquifer Systems Using Secondary Geoelectrical Parameters: A Case Study of Kaltungo Area North East, Nigeria

An assessment of the protective capacity of the vadose zone overlyingthe aquifer systems in the Kaltungo area was carried out to determine itsinfluence on groundwater quality. Applying the schlumberger array with amaximum electrode spread AB/2 = 100m through VES, thirty water wellpoints were surveyed using Omega terrameter (PIOSO1) resistivity meter.The field data was first subjected to manual interpretation through curvemarching and then digitized modeled curves using computer software. Theinterpreted data revealed that the area is characterized by eleven differentcurve types representing three to five geo electrical layers. In order toassess the protective capacity of the vadoze zone over the aquifer systems,the longitudinal conductance (S) and transverse resistance (T) (secondarygeoelectric parameters) were computed from the primary data using theDar Zarouk formula. The values of S obtained range from 0.0018 to 0.4056ohms with a mean value of 0.0135 ohms while the values of T range from0.55 ohms to 1195.68 ohms with a mean value of 39.84 ohms. The valuesof S and T obtained reveal that 90% of probed points has poor protectivecapacity, 10 % has moderate protective capacity and 83 % has hightransmissivity, 17 % has intermediate transmissivity. The T and S values areskewed towards poorly protective capacity thus making groundwater in thearea highly vulnerable to contamination from the surface. To achieve goodgroundwater quality in the area, proper completion of newly constructedwells should install protective casing through the entire vadose zone.

Assessment and Analysis of Carrying Capacity of 350 km/h EMUs Operating on Beijing-Shanghai Highspeed Railway

This paper makes an analysis of the impact on the structure of the corridortype train working diagram by increasing the 350 km/h train pairs of Beijing-Shanghai High-speed Railway(HSR).According to the requirements of operation speed diversity,the multi-station receiving characteristics of cross-line trains and different train stopping schemes,this paper proposes a scheme of adding 350 km/h train pairs via computer analysis of carrying capability mode.The scheme is divided into three stages:(1)Initial stage:It is planned to increase trains running at 350 km/h,with 15~26 pairs of trains put into operation;(2)Rapid increase stage:27~142 pairs of 350 km/h trains are put into operation;(3)Full replacement stage:143~195 pairs of 350 km/h trains are put into operation,during which the number of cross-line trains under operation is controlled,the number of cross-line trains in each section is determined,the operation and connection scheme of cross-line trains is adjusted and the train stopping scheme is optimized.The results of this study were used for the adjustment of the train working diagram in the third quarter of June 25,2021 to increase the number of 350 km/h train pairs from 19 to 30 on Beijing-Shanghai HSR.350 km/h trains are evenly arranged during 7:00—19:00 on the train working diagram and 300 km/h trains are arranged by making full use of every time and space,to improve the travelling speed on Beijing-Shanghai HSR as a whole.

Assessing Vulnerability to Drought Based on Exposure,Sensitivity and Adaptive Capacity:A Case Study in Middle Inner Mongolia of China

In this paper,we proposed a framework for evaluating the performance of ecosystem strategies prepared for enhancing vulnerability reduction in the face of hazards due to climate change.The framework highlights the positive effects of human activities in the coupled human and natural system(CHANS) by introducing adaptive capacity as an evaluation criterion.A built-in regional vulnerability to a certain hazard was generated based upon interaction of three dimensions of vulnerability:exposure,sensitivity and adaptive capacity.We illustrated the application of this framework in the temperate farming-grazing transitional zone in the middle Inner Mongolia of the northern China,where drought hazard is the key threat to the CHANS.Specific indices were produced to translate such climate variance and social-economic differences into specific indicators.The results showed that the most exposed regions are the inner land areas,while counties located in the eastern part are potentially the most adaptive ones.Ordos City and Bayannur City are most frequently influenced by multiple climate variances,showing highest sensitivity.Analysis also indicated that differences in the ability to adapt to changes are the main causes of spatial differences.After depiction of the spatial differentiations and analysis of the reasons,climate zones were divided to depict the differences in facing to the drought threats.The climate zones were shown to be similar to vulnerability zones based on the quantitative structure of indexes drafted by a triangular map.Further analysis of the composition of the vulnerability index showed that the evaluation criteria were effective in validating the spatial differentiation but potentially ineffective because of their limited time scope.This research will be a demonstration of how to combine the three dimensions by quantitative methods and will thus provide a guide for government to vulnerability reduction management.

A Bio-inspired Mutual-hook Strategy for the Soft Finger to Improve Load-bearing Capacity and Grasping Stability

Soft grippers have great potential applications in daily life,since they can compliantly grasp soft and delicate objects.However,the highly elastic fingers of most soft grippers are prone to separate from each other while grasping objects due to their low stiffness,thus reducing the grasping stability and load-bearing capacity.To tackle this problem,inspired from the venus flytrap plant,this work proposes a mutual-hook mechanism to restrain the separation and improve the grasping performance of soft fingers.The novel soft gripper design consists of three modules,a soft finger-cot,two Soft Hook Actuators(SHAs)and two sliding mechanisms.Here,the soft finger-cot covers on the soft finger,increasing the contact area with the target object,two SHAs are fixed to the left and right sides of the finger-cot,and the sliding mechanisms are designed to make SHAs stretch flexibly.Experiments demonstrate that the proposed design can restrain the separation of soft fingers substantially,and the soft fingers with the finger-cots can grasp objects three times heavier than the soft fingers without the proposed design.The proposed design can provide invaluable insights for soft fingers to restrain the separation while grasping,thus improving the grasping stability and the load-bearing capacity.

Data-driven Distributionally Adjustable Robust Chance-constrained DG Capacity Assessment

Moving away from fossil fuels towards renewable sources requires system operators to determine the capacity of distribution systems to safely accommodate green and distributed generation(DG).However,the DG capacity of a distribution system is often underestimated due to either overly conservative electrical demand and DG output uncertainty modelling or neglecting the recourse capability of the available components.To improve the accuracy of DG capacity assessment,this paper proposes a distributionally adjustable robust chance-constrained approach that utilises uncertainty information to reduce the conservativeness of conventional robust approaches.The proposed approach also enables fast-acting devices such as inverters to adjust to the real-time realisation of uncertainty using the adjustable robust counterpart methodology.To achieve a tractable formulation,we first define uncertain chance constraints through distributionally robust conditional value-at-risk(CVaR),which is then reformulated into convex quadratic constraints.We subsequently solve the resulting large-scale,yet convex,model in a distributed fashion using the alternating direction method of multipliers(ADMM).Through numerical simulations,we demonstrate that the proposed approach outperforms the adjustable robust and conventional distributionally robust approaches by up to 15%and 40%,respectively,in terms of total installed DG capacity.

Community capacity for sustainable community—based dengue prevention and control:study of a sub—district in Southern Thailand

Objective:To assess the level of community capacity for dengue prevention and control and to study household environments and larval indices in southern Thailand.Methods:A crosssectional survey was designed for the study,enrolling two communities with higher dengue incidence rate than the standard over the past five years.Data gathering was conducted by the dengue leader group(DLG),including 15 leaders and 15 non-leaders trained by the research team.The dengue community capacity assessment tool(DCCAT) for leaders(115 items.14 domains) and non-leaders(83 items,11 domains).Participants were selected by the DLG based on their communities’ dengue risk.In the low-dengue incidence(LDI) community,32 leaders and 177 non-leaders were selected;while in the high-dengue incidence(HDI) community,31 leaders and 199 non-leaders were chosen.Results:The leaders from the LDI and the HDI communities demonstrated high levels of dengue community-capacity(360.47±58.82,416.22±57.72). Non-leaders in the LDI community demonstrated a moderate level of dengue community capacity competence(205.90±60.76),while the non-leaders in the HDI community had a high level (254.78±50.34).Conclusions:These initial levels of dengue community capacity serves as a baseline for diagnosing each community.For a community that needed to improve its capacity, the DCCAT is essential tool to conduct a pre-post intervention assessment or a serial assessment. A participatory approach is taken to enable local communities to carry out anti-dengue efforts on their own,rather than have intervention by an outsider.

Assessment of global solar resource development

With the increasing severity of environmental problems,many countries have set energy transition targets to promote the realization of the Paris Agreement.There has been a global consensus on utilizing solar energy resources as alternatives to conventional sources to support this energy transition.In this regard,analyzing the“location,”“quantity,”and“quality”of global solar energy resources will not only assist an individual country to efficiently utilize these resources but also promote the realization of large-scale intercontinental resource utilization and complementation.This study established the basic database,model methods,and platform tools for global solar energy assessment,Then,a global solar energy resource assessment was conducted,which included the theoretical reserves(TRs),technical installed potential capacity(TPIC),and average development cost(ADC).A comparative analysis of the assessment results for all continents was also performed.After that,based on big data analysis and geographic information system(GIS)calculations,the distribution characteristics of the global solar power TPIC were calculated with the two core indicators,namely the capacity factor and ADC.Furthermore,a data-driven quantitative evaluation of the refined development potential of solar energy resources was performed.Finally,the reasonableness and coincidence analysis of the resource assessment results were verified using data from global and specifically Chinese photovoltaic(PV)bases.

Epidural oscillating field stimulation increases axonal regenerative capacity and myelination after spinal cord trauma

Oscillating field stimulation(OFS)with regular alterations in the polarity of electric current is a unique,experimental approach to stimulate,support,and potentially guide the outgrowth of both sensory and motor nerve fibers after spinal cord injury(SCI).In previous experiments,we demonstrated the beneficial effects of OFS in a 4-week survival period after SCI.In this study,we observed the major behavioral,morphological,and protein changes in rats after 15 minutes of T9 spinal compression with a 40 g force,followed by long-lasting OFS(50μA),over a 8-week survival period.Three groups of rats were analyzed:rats after T9 spinal compression(SCI group);SCI rats subjected to implantation of active oscillating field stimulator(OFS+SCI group);and SCI rats subjected to nonfunctional OFS(nOFS+SCI group).Histopathological analysis of spinal tissue indicated a strong impact of epidural OFS on the reduction of tissue and myelin loss after SCI in the segments adjacent to the lesion site.Quantitative fluorescent analysis of the most affected areas of spinal cord tissue revealed a higher number of spared axons and oligodendrocytes of rats in the OFS+SCI group,compared with rats in the SCI and nOFS+SCI groups.The protein levels of neurofilaments(NF-l),growth-associated protein-43(marker for newly sprouted axons),and myelin basic protein in rats were signifiantly increased in the OFS+SCI group than in the nOFS+SCI and SCI groups.This suggests a supporting role of the OFS in axonal and myelin regeneration after SCI.Moreover,rats in the OFS+SCI group showed great improvements in sensory and motor functions than did rats in the nOFS+SCI and SCI groups.All these findings suggest that long-lasting OFS applied immediately after SCI can provide a good microenviroment for recovery of damaged spinal tissue by triggering regenreative processes in the acute phase of injury.

Vulnerability assessment of water resources to climate change in Chinese cities

Climate change is an inevitable trend,which challenges security of water resources in China,especially in cities.Assessing vulnerability of water resource to climate change in cities has important role for policy makers. The paper constructs a vulnerability function,including exposure,sensitivity and adaptive capacity,according to the vulnerability concept proposed by IPCC,establishes an assessment indicators system of water resources to climate change in cities,and analyzes vulnerability features of Chinese cites based on 655 cities'data in 2006.The vulnerability assessment results show that there are distinctive differences among all the cities,between east,central and west cities,between ordinary,big and mega cities,while there is no statistical significant difference between north and south cities.Based on the research,the paper suggests that strategic emphasis should focus on the central cities and ordinary

Rapid assessment for seismic vulnerability of low and medium rise infilled RC frame buildings

An indexing method for rapid evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of infi lled RC frame buildings in Jordan is proposed. The method aims at identifying low and medium rise residential buildings as safe or in need of further detailed evaluation. Following a rapid visual screening, the building is assigned a Basic Capacity Index(BCI); fi ve performance modifi ers are identifi ed and multiplied by the BCI to arrive at the Capacity Index(CI) of the building. A Capacity Index lower than a limit CI value indicates that the screened building could experience moderate earthquake damage whereas a higher value implies that minor damage, if any, would take place. To establish the basic evaluation parameters; forty RC frame buildings were selected, designed and analyzed using static nonlinear analysis and incorporating the effect of infi ll walls. Effects of seismicity, local site conditions, horizontal irregularities(setbacks and re-entrant corners), vertical irregularities(soft story at ground fl oor level) and overhangs on the seismic performance of local buildings were examined. Assessment forms were designed and used to evaluate and rank 112 sample buildings. About 40% of the surveyed buildings were found to be in need of detailed evaluation to better defi ne their seismic vulnerabilities.

Integrated Assessment of Mineral Resources and Environmentin Mid-South of Shandong Province

On the bases of the field survey and a large number of testing data, we process the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the mine environment in the mid south of Shandong Province using the following grade Ⅰ factors:the surface subsidence in mining area, the three wastes of mine industries, the pollution sources, the surface water pollution, the underground water pollution and the air pollution. By means of emitting factor judgment and water quality indexes, we locate pollution sources, main pollutants, pollution type and pollution grade in the study area. Using the MAPGIS, we draw a zonality map of the mine environment. This paper attempts to offer a concrete example, including valuable assessment method, data and conclusion, for the assessment of mine environment from the integrated assessment of mineral resources and mine environment. This research is oriented towards the sustainable development and the ecological environment optimization.

Risk Assessment Framework and Algorithm of Power Systems Based on the Partitioned Multi-objective Risk Method

针对平均风险指标无法区分高损失-低概率事件及低损失-高概率事件的缺点,提出了电力系统的分割多目标风险分析框架。该框架将电力系统的风险状态细分为低损失、中等损失和高损失3个风险范围,并提出3个损失范围条件风险函数和条件风险概率的概念。采用经典的容量停运表模型,建立了这些条件期望指标的计算方法。对IEEE-RTS及TH-RTS2000系统进行了分割多目标风险评估,研究不同负荷水平下系统风险在3个损失范围的分布及转移情况,并分析损失分割点对系统风险的影响。通过分割多目标风险分析,风险分析者和决策者可以权衡系统的平均风险以及高、中、低损失范围的条件期望风险,从而对系统的风险状况有一个全面和深入的了解。