GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) Techniques to Derive Flood Risks Management on Rice Productivity in Gishari Marshland

Floods are phenomenon with significant socio-economic implications mainly for human loss, agriculture, livestock, soil loss and land degradation, for which many researchers try to identify the most appropriate methodologies by analyzing their temporal and spatial development. This study therefore attempts to employ the GIS-based multi-criteria decision analysis and analytical hierarchy process techniques to derive the flood risks management on rice productivity in the Gishari Agricultural Marshland in Rwamagana district, Rwanda. Here, six influencing potential factors to flooding, including river slope, soil texture, Land Use Land Cover through Land Sat 8, rainfall, river distance and Digital Elevation Model are considered for the delineation of flood risk zones. Data acquisition like Landsat 8 images, DEM, land use land cover, slope, and soil class in the study area were considered. Results showed that if the DEM is outdated or inaccurate due to changes in the terrain, such as construction, excavation, or erosion, the predicted flood patterns might not reflect the actual water flow. This could result unexpected flood extents and depths, potentially inundating rice fields that were not previously at risk and this, expectedly explained that the increase 1 m in elevation would reduce the rice productivity by 0.17% due to unplanned flood risks in marshland. It was found that the change in rainfall distribution in Gishari agricultural marshland would also decrease the rice productivity by 0.0018%, which is a sign that rainfall is a major factor of flooding in rice scheme. Rainfall distribution plays a crucial role in flooding analysis and can directly impact rice productivity. Oppositely, another causal factor was Land Use Land Cover (LULC), where the Multivariate Logistic Regression Model Analysis findings showed that the increase of one unit in Land Use Land Cover would increase rice productivity by 0.17% of the total rice productivity from the Gishari Agricultural Marshland. Based on findings from these techniques, the Gishari Agricultural Marshlands having steeped land with grassland is classified into five classes of flooding namely very low, low, moderate, high, and very high which include 430%, 361%, 292%, 223%, and 154%. Government of Rwanda and other implementing agencies and major key actors have to contribute on soil and water conservation strategies to reduce the runoff and soil erosion as major contributors of flooding.

Stress analysis of functionally graded rotating discs: analytical and numerical solutions

This study deals with stress analysis of annular rotating discs made of functionally graded materials（FGMs）.Elasticity modulus and density of the discs are assumed to vary radially according to a power law function,but the material is of constant Poisson＇s ratio.A gradient parameter n is chosen between 0 and 1.0.When n = 0,the disc becomes a homogeneous isotropic material.Tangential and radial stress distributions and displacements on the disc are investigated for various gradient parameters n by means of the diverse elasticity modulus and density by using analytical and numerical solutions.Finally,a homogenous tangential stress distribution and the lowest radial stresses along the radius of a rotating disc are approximately obtained for the gradient parameter n = 1.0 compared with the homogeneous,isotropic case n = 0.This means that a disc made of FGMs has the capability of higher angular rotations compared with the homogeneous isotropic disc.

Effects of Joint Controller on Analytical Modal Analysis of Rotational Flexible Manipulator

Modal analysis is a fundamental and important task for modeling and control of the flexible manipulator. However, almost all of the traditional modal analysis methods view the flexible manipulator as a pure mechanical structure and neglect feedback action of joint controller. In order to study the effects of joint controller on the modal analysis of rotational flexible manipulator, a closed-loop analytical modal analysis method is proposed. Firstly, two exact boundary constraints, namely servo feedback constraint and bending moment constraint, are derived to solve the vibration partial differential equation. It is found that the stiffness and damping gains of joint controller are both included in the boundary conditions, which lead to an unconventional secular term. Secondly, analytical algorithm based on Ritz approach is developed by using Laplace transform and complex modal approach to obtain the natural frequencies and mode shapes. And then, the numerical simulations are performed and the computational results show that joint controller has pronounced influence on the modal parameters： joint controller stiffness reduces the natural frequency, while joint controller damping makes the shape phase non-zero. Furthermore, the validity of the presented conclusion is confirmed through experimental studies. These findings are expected to improve the performance of dynamics simulation systems and model-based controllers.

ANALYTICAL ANALYSIS OF MEMS CAPACITIVE PRESSURE SENSOR WITH CIRCULAR DIAPHRAGM UNDER DYNAMIC LOAD USING DIFFERENTIAL TRANSFORMATION METHOD(DTM)

In this paper, first a circular diaphragm is modeled using the classical plate theory. An analytical solution based on differential transformation method （DTM） and Runge-Kutta method is employed for solving the governing differential equation for the first time. Then the influences of various parameters on central deflection of the diaphragm, stress distribution and capacitance of pressure sensor with a time-dependent pressure are examined. Several case studies are compared with simulations to confirm the proposed method. The analytical results compared with ABAQUS simulation show excellent agreement with the simulation results. This method is very promising for time saving in calculating micro-device characteristics.

Strengthening reinforced concrete beams using prestressed glass fiber-reinforced polymer-Part II:Analytical study

Strengthening reinforced concrete (R. C.) beams using prestressed glass fiber-reinforced polymer (PGFRP) was studied experimentally as described in Part I of this paper (Huang et al., 2005). In that paper, R. C. beams, R. C. beams with GFRP (glass fiber-reinforced polymer) sheets, and R. C. beams with PGFRP sheets were tested in both under-strengthened and over-strengthened cases. The test results showed that the load-carrying capacities (ultimate loads) of the beams with GFRP sheets were greater than those of the beams without polymer sheets. The load-carrying capacities of beams with PGFRP sheets were greater than those of beams with GFRP sheets. The objective of this work is to develop an analytical method to compute all of these load-carrying capacities. This analytical method is independent of the experiments and based only on the traditional R. C. and P. C. (prestressed concrete) theory. The analytical results accorded with the test results. It is suggested that this analytical method be used for analyzing and designing R. C. beams strengthened using GFRP or PGFRP sheets.

Heat transfer study on solid and porous convective fins with temperature-dependent heat generation using efficient analytical method

A simple and highly accurate semi-analytical method, called the differential transformation method(DTM), was used for solving the nonlinear temperature distribution equation in solid and porous longitudinal fin with temperature dependent internal heat generation. The problem was solved for two main cases. In the first case, heat generation was assumed variable by fin temperature for a solid fin and in second heat generation varied with temperature for a porous fin. Results are presented for the temperature distribution for a range of values of parameters appearing in the mathematical formulation(e.g. N, εG, and G). Results reveal that DTM is very effective and convenient. Also, it is found that this method can achieve more suitable results in comparison to numerical methods.

New empirical model to evaluate groundwater flow into circular tunnel using multiple regression analysis

There are various analytical, empirical and numerical methods to calculate groundwater inflow into tun- nels excavated in rocky media. Analytical methods have been widely applied in prediction of groundwa- ter inflow to tunnels due to their simplicity and practical base theory. Investigations show that the real amount of water infiltrating into jointed tunnels is much less than calculated amount using analytical methods and obtained results are very dependent on tunnel＇s geometry and environmental situations. In this study, using multiple regression analysis, a new empirical model for estimation of groundwater seepage into circular tunnels was introduced. Our data was acquired from field surveys and laboratory analysis of core samples. New regression variables were defined after perusing single and two variables relationship between groundwater seepage and other variables. Finally, an appropriate model for estima- tion of leakage was obtained using the stepwise algorithm. Statistics like R, R2, R2e and the histogram of residual values in the model represent a good reputation and fitness for this model to estimate the groundwater seepage into tunnels. The new experimental model was used for the test data and results were satisfactory. Therefore, multiple regression analysis is an effective and efficient way to estimate the groundwater seeoage into tunnels.

Mapping favorable groundwater potential recharge zones using a GIS-based analytical hierarchical process and probability frequency ratio model:A case study from an agro-urban region of Pakistan

In Punjab(Pakistan),the increasing population and expansion of land use for agriculture have severely exploited the regional groundwater resources.Intensive pumping has resulted in a rapid decline in the level of the water table as well as its quality.Better management practices and artificial recharge are needed for the development of sustainable groundwater resources.This study proposes a methodology to delineate favorable groundwater potential recharge zones(FPRI)by integrating maps of groundwater potential recharge index(PRI)with the DRASTIC-based groundwater vulnerability index(VI).In order to evaluate both indexes,different thematic layers corresponding to each index were overlaid in ArcGIS.In the overlay analysis,the weights(for various thematic layers)and rating values(for sub-classes)were allocated based on a review of published literature.Both were then normalized and modified using the analytical hierarchical process(AHP)and a frequency ratio model respectively.After evaluating PRI and FPRI,these maps were validated using the area under the curve(AUC)method.The PRI map indicates that 53%of the area assessed exists in very low to low recharge zones,22%in moderate,and 25%in high to excellent potential recharge zones.The VI map indicates that 38%of the area assessed exists in very low to low vulnerability,33%in moderate,and 29%in high to very high vulnerability zones.The FPRI map shows that the central region of Punjab is moderately-to-highly favorable for recharge due to its low vulnerability and high recharge potential.During the validation process,it was found that the AUC estimated with modified weights and rating values was 79%and 67%,for PRI and VI indexes,respectively.The AUC was less when evaluated using original weights and rating values taken from published literature.Maps of favorable groundwater potential recharge zones are helpful for planning and implementation of wells and hydraulic structures in this region.

An analytical model for pyrolysis of a single biomass particle

Decreasing in emissions of greenhouse gases to confront the global warming needs to replace fossil fuels as the main doer of the world climate changes by renewable and clean fuels produced from biomass like wood waste which is neutral on the amount of CO2. An analytical and engineering model for pyrolysis process of a single biomass particle has been presented. Using a two-stage semi global kinetic model which includes both primary and secondary reactions, the effects of parameters like shape and size of particle as well as porosity on the particle temperature profile and product yields have been investigated. Comparison of the obtained results with experimental data shows that our results are in a reasonable agreement with previous researchers' works. Finally, a sensitivity analysis is done to determine the importance of each parameter on pyrolysis of a single biomass particle which is affected by many constant parameters.

Sensitivity analysis of pull-in voltage for RF MEMS switch based on modified couple stress theory

An approximate analytical model for calculating the pull-in voltage of a stepped cantilever-type radio frequency （RF） micro electro-mechanical system （MEMS） switch is developed based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam and a modified couple stress theory, and is validated by comparison with the finite element results. The sensitivity functions of the pull-in voltage to the designed parameters are derived based on the proposed model. The sensitivity investigation shows that the pull-in voltage sensitivities increase/decrease nonlinearly with the increases in the designed parameters. For the stepped cantilever beam, there exists a nonzero optimal dimensionless length ratio, where the pull-in voltage is insensitive. The optimal value of the dimensionless length ratio only depends on the dimensionless width ratio, and can be obtained by solving a nonlinear equation. The determination of the designed parameters is discussed, and some recommendations are made for the RF MEMS switch optimization.

Performance analysis of parallel gravitational N-body codes on large GPU clusters

We compare the performance of two very different parallel gravitational N-body codes for astrophysical simulations on large Graphics Processing Unit（GPU） clusters, both of which are pioneers in their own fields as well as on certain mutual scales- NBODY6＋＋ and Bonsai. We carry out benchmarks of the two codes by analyzing their performance, accuracy and efficiency through the modeling of structure decomposition and timing measurements. We find that both codes are heavily optimized to leverage the computational potential of GPUs as their performance has approached half of the maximum single precision performance of the underlying GPU cards. With such performance we predict that a speed-up of200- 300 can be achieved when up to 1k processors and GPUs are employed simultaneously. We discuss the quantitative information about comparisons of the two codes, finding that in the same cases Bonsai adopts larger time steps as well as larger relative energy errors than NBODY6＋＋, typically ranging from10- 50 times larger, depending on the chosen parameters of the codes. Although the two codes are built for different astrophysical applications, in specified conditions they may overlap in performance at certain physical scales, thus allowing the user to choose either one by fine-tuning parameters accordingly.

Analytical Research of Temperature Distribution and Thermal Stresses within Circular Micro-hotplates

Micro-hotplate （MHP） technology is one key part in the manufacturing of gas sensors. The pursuit of analytical solutions for the temperature distribution and also thermal stresses within the MHP is of intrinsic scientific interest. In this study, analytical solutions for the temperature field, and both radial and tangential stresses and van Mises stress for circular MHP were obtained. Two geometries were considered： one had a circular heater at the center and the other had a circular heater at the center and an annular heater within the membrane part. Internal heat generation was incorporated in the energy equation for the MHP and different values of convection heat transfer coefficient were used at the upper and lower surfaces of the MHP. It has been shown that the MHP with two heaters can provide more uniform temperature field compared with the MHP with one heater. The main objective of this work is to provide an exact analytical solution for thermal stresses within the circular micro-hcater with a simple geometry as a benchmark, from mathematical point of view, against which the accuracy of new numerical schemes can be checked. To make sure that the analytical procedure is correct, the analytical results are checked against numerical solutions derived from finite element simulation. Since the analytical models for the temperature field and especially for the thermal stresses of MHP ace seldom investigated in the literature, the obtained results are believed to facilitate the design and performance evaluation of MHPs as well.

Human biological monitoring of suspected .ndocrine-disrupting compounds

Endocrine-disrupting compounds are exogenous agents that interfere with the natural hormones of the body. Human biological monitoring is a powerful method for monitoring exposure to endocrine disrupting compounds. In this review, we describe human biological monitoring systems for different groups of endocrine disrupting compounds, polychiorinated biphenyls, brominated flame retardants, phthalates, alkylphenols, pesticides, metals, perfluronated compounds, parabens, ultraviolet filters, and organic solvents. The aspects discussed are origin to exposure, metabolism, matrices to analyse, analytical determination methods, determinants, and time trends.

Parameter design of a liquid-filled sloshing system

The nonlinear governing equations of the liquid sloshing modals in a cylindrical storage tank are established. Through analytical analysis, the analytical expressions of the solutions of this kind of system are obtained. With different parameters, the dynamical behaviors of the solutions are different from the trivial ones. To prevent system instability, two selection principles that the stiffness equations are positive-definite and the nonlinear terms of the system are not regenerative elements are given. Meanwhile, numerical simulations are also given, which confirm the analytical results.

Compact Threshold Voltage Model for FinFETs

A 2D analytical electrostatics analysis for the cross-section of a FinFET (or tri-gate MOSFET) is performed to calculate the threshold voltage.The analysis results in a modified gate capacitance with a coefficient H introduced to model the effect of tri-gates and its asymptotic behavior in 2D is that for double-gate MOSFET.The potential profile obtained analytically at the cross-section agrees well with numerical simulations.A compact threshold voltage model for FinFET,comprising quantum mechanical effects,is then proposed.It is concluded that both gate capacitance and threshold voltage will increase with a decreased height,or a decreased gate-oxide thickness of the top gate,which is a trend in FinFET design.

The AHP-Based Assessment of Public Services With Respect to Different Groups of Customers of Polish Local Government

The situation of the contemporary economic systems is based on their ability to ensure optimal response to the customer needs. There are several important groups of clients, who may determine development processes and who are recipients of public services. They include： residents, entrepreneurs, tourists, and State Treasury. Local governments are equipped with a range of legal instruments to provide public services addressed to the selected clients. The objective of this paper is to present the application of the AHP method to assess the significance of the selected categories of public services for different groups of clients in Poland. The results allow setting priorities for future policy and adjust the tasks to the specific expectations of each group of clients. The model of assessment of public services was built using the analytic hierarchy process （AHP）. Since the 1970＇s, this multicriteria decision-support method has been used by researchers and practitioners in many areas of socioeconomic life. The case study presented in this paper involved 14 experts--public administration workers in one of the districts in Southern Poland. The survey consisted of two stages. First, they assessed--using the AHP--the influence of each group of customers on local development processes. The most important was ＂business＂ （priority 38.7%）, followed by ＂tourists＂ （29.7%）, ＂citizens＂ （26.1%）, and ＂central administration＂ （5.5%）. Second, they evaluated at the five-point Liken scale the influence of over 20 different public services with respect to different groups of clients. The results were aggregated using arithmetic mean and multiplied by the priorities of the clients. The synthesized final score indicated the most significant public activities overall, which were ＂roads＂ （4.16）, ＂transport＂ （3.93）, and ＂tourism＂ （3.84）.