Prediction of Flash Flood Susceptibility of Hilly Terrain Using Deep Neural Network:A Case Study of Vietnam

Flash floods are one of the most dangerous natural disasters,especially in hilly terrain,causing loss of life,property,and infrastructures and sudden disruption of traffic.These types of floods are mostly associated with landslides and erosion of roads within a short time.Most of Vietnamis hilly and mountainous;thus,the problem due to flash flood is severe and requires systematic studies to correctly identify flood susceptible areas for proper landuse planning and traffic management.In this study,three Machine Learning(ML)methods namely Deep Learning Neural Network(DL),Correlation-based FeatureWeighted Naive Bayes(CFWNB),and Adaboost(AB-CFWNB)were used for the development of flash flood susceptibility maps for hilly road section(115 km length)of National Highway(NH)-6 inHoa Binh province,Vietnam.In the proposedmodels,88 past flash flood events were used together with 14 flash floods affecting topographical and geo-environmental factors.The performance of themodels was evaluated using standard statisticalmeasures including Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC)Curve,Area Under Curve(AUC)and Root Mean Square Error(RMSE).The results revealed that all the models performed well(AUC>0.80)in predicting flash flood susceptibility zones,but the performance of the DL model is the best(AUC:0.972,RMSE:0.352).Therefore,the DL model can be applied to develop an accurate flash flood susceptibility map of hilly terrain which can be used for proper planning and designing of the highways and other infrastructure facilities besides landuse management of the area.

Investigation on biological activities for combating desertification in the western shores of Lake Urmia,Northwest Iran

Lake Urmia,Northwest Iran,has confronted a drying procedure in recent years with losing 90%of its water body.The authorities concerned about desertification processes and possible dust events throughout the region.In this regard,the Iranian Natural Resources and Watershed Management Organization has taken ecological measures to plant vegetation using salt cedar(Tamarix ramosissima Ledeb.)shrubs to combat desertification.This study aimed to investigate the vegetation and soil characteristics of natural and plantation stands of salt cedar on the western shores of Lake Urmia.To this end,7 transects were randomly selected with 15 shrubs in natural stands,and 7 transects were randomly selected with 15 shrubs in the plantation parts along the planting rows.Then,vegetative characteristics were examined.Also,soil samples were taken from the vicinity of the shrubs.The results indicated that there was no significant difference between the mean diameter at breast height(DBH)of salt cedar in natural sites.There was a significant difference between the mean number of sprouts per sprout-clumps,mean crown diameter,collar diameter,total height,and also between mean crown diameter and freshness of shrubs among different sites(P<0.05).It was also found that soil variables,such as clay content,organic matter,electrical conductivity(EC),Na^(+),specific absorption rate(SAR),Cl^(-),SO_(4)^(2-),Na^(+),K^(+),and PO_(4)^(2-) are the most significant variable parameters between studied sites.As the results shown,the values of EC,SAR,Na^(+),and Cl^(-)are 6 times higher in the planted stands than in the natural stands of T.ramosissima.Also,the colonization of T.ramosissima in the planted stands is unsuccessful by dramatic drop in the total height and average diameter.Considering the role of soil characteristics in explaining the variance of data and site separation,it seems that these indicators can be applied in executive plans as important indicators to identify suitable planting sites for combating desertification.

A fixed point theorem for Proinov mappings with a contractive iterate

In this paper,we consider the fixed point theorem for Proinov mappings with a contractive iterate at a point.In other words,we combine and unify the basic approaches of Proinov and Sehgal in the framework of the complete metric spaces.We consider examples to illustrate the validity of the obtained result.

The use of the white poplar(Populus alba L.)biomass as fuel

We determined the calorific value of white poplar（Populus alba L.） woody biomass to use it as firewood. The value of 19.133 MJ kg-1obtained experimentally shows that the white poplar can be quite successfully used as firewood. Being of a lower quality in comparison with usual beech firewood, the white poplar has similar calorific value. The white poplar has a calorific density of 30.7 % lower than that of current firewood. That is why the price of this firewood from white poplar is lower accordingly. Also, the prognosis of calorific value on the basis of the main chemical elements, being very close to the experimental value（＋2.6 %）, indicates an appropriate value can be achieved to be used for investigation with the chemical element analysis.

外周层纤毛运动引起的PTT流体流动的热和浓度分析

本文分析了两层纤毛诱导的Phan-Thien-Tanner (PTT)流体的热效应和浓度效应。采用PhanThien-Tanner流体模型模拟呼吸道黏液。由于呼吸道上皮细胞上存在睫状体周液层(PCL)和气道睫状体层(ACL),因此采用两层模型方法进行模拟。采用长波长和小雷诺数近似简化了两层流动问题的数学模型,所得到的带有移动边界的微分方程给出了两层中速度、温度和浓度分布的精确解。采用速度分布计算了压力的变化,并采用沿通道壁面压力梯度的数值积分计算了压力的上升。利用曲线图说明了物理参数对压力上升、速度、温度和浓度分布的影响。结果表明:流体内层(PCL)的速度和温度分布最大,流体外层(ACL)的浓度分布最大。

A Preliminary Study of Three Finishing Materials for Traditional Chinese Furniture

The traditional Chinese furniture evolved as an important part of the Chinese culture and civilization. Alongside design, structure, ornaments, the original finishes applied define the particularities and value of traditional Chinese furniture. This is because wood finishing not only enhances wood natural beauty by colour, gloss and highlighting of wooden texture, but also can be a means of exquisite decoration (e.g. engraved, gilded or painted lacquer works). Chinese lacquer, Tung oil and Chinese wax represent some of the most important finishing materials employed and were, therefore, selected for this study. The paper presents a brief macroscopic, microscopic and FTIR characterization of these materials. These results will be used as starting data in a further study on the ageing properties of these traditional finishing materials, useful for scientific conservation purposes.

New Linkage with Linear Actuator for Tracking PV Systems with Large Angular Stroke

This paper focuses on the development of an optimized photovoltaic tracking system involving low-cost, relative simple mechanisms, with linear actuators able to insure strokes comparable with those resulted when using gear rotary actuators. Starting with a rhombus linkage, with a linear actuator on the diagonal used for the elevation motion till 90°, a new performance solution is generated. This new linkage allows large angular strokes by using an asymmetric rhombus and an eccentrically positioned linear actuator. The paper can be divided in three main parts. Firstly the kinematical modeling of the new linkage is addressed, which permits the establishing of the linkage dimensions according to two adjustable parameters （k2, k5）. Using the resulted correlations, in the second part the linkage synthesis algorithm is developed; the steps followed in this algorithm are presented in a numerical application considering a tracked PV platform, where the azimuthal vertical movement is obtained with the new proposed rhomboidal linkage. In the last part of the paper an analysis is done with the aim of determining the PV platform tracking efficiency （which represents the ratio between the received and the available beam solar energy） using the new linkage, in the meteorological conditions of Brasov, Romania implementation site.

THE MAIN INVARIANTS OF A COMPLEX FINSLER SPACE

In this paper we extend the results obtained in [3], where are investigated the general settings of the two-dimensional complex Finsler manifolds, with respect to a local complex Berwahl frame. The geometry of such manifolds is controlled by three real invari- ants which live on T＇M： two horizontal curvature invariants K and W and one vertical curvature invariant I. By means of these invariants are defined both the horizontal and the vertical holomorphic sectional curvatures. The complex Landsberg and Berwald spaces are of particular into, rest. Complex Berwald spaces coincide with K/ihler spaces, in the two - dimensional case, We establish the necessary and sufficient condition under which K is a constant and we obtain a characterization for the Kghler purely Hermitian spaces by the fact K = W=constant and I = 0. For the class of complex Berwald spaces we have K =W = 0. Finally, a classitication of two-dimensional complex Finsler spaces for which the horizontal curvature satisfies a special property is obtained.

Pharmacological basis for the medicinal use of Michelia champaca in gut, airways and cardiovascular disorders

Objective: To discover the mechanism behind ameliorative effects of Michelia champaca(M. champaca) in gastrointestinal, respiratory and cardiovascular disorders. Methods: Antispasmodic potential was evaluated by trying the M. champaca extract(aqueous:ethanolic) on rabbit aorta, trachea and jejunum in vitro. Isotonic and isometric transducers coupled with Power Lab data acquisition system was used to record the responses of isolated tissues. Results: M. champaca extract relaxed the spontaneous and high K^+(80 mmol/L)-induced contractions of isolated jejunum preparation of rabbit showing a Ca^(2+) channel blocking mechanism. Moreover, extract shifted calcium concentration response curves towards right like standard calcium channel blocker verapamil. In rabbit tracheal preparation, M. champaca relaxed both carbachol(1 μmol/L) and high K^+-induced contractions, likewise verapamil. In rabbit aorta preparation, M. champaca relaxed phenylephrine(1 μmol/L) and high K^+-induced contractions similar to verapamil. Conclusion: M. champaca possesses spasmolytic, airways relaxant and vasodilator actions mediated perhaps due to blocking of Ca^(2+) channels, hence validating its therapeutic usage in diarrhea, asthma and hypertension.

Adjusting the Touristic Educational System to the Exchange of Generation

This paper presents the results of a qualitative research based on a focus group organized within the specializations of Tourism-Services,and Management of FSEAA Brasov,and based on evaluation questionnaires of Management in Tourism courses,organized by SFMT during 2016.In this research,the main features of current graduates(Generation Z born after 1994)were captured,the first generation raised in a digital environment with an online childhood,in relationship with their attitude towards the labor market compared to previous generations(X-born between 1966 and 1976 and Y-Millennials-born between 1977 and 1995),and the need to adapt to the educational system,and the employers’attitude towards these new perspectives,where personal time becomes often more important than the work place.This is a generation of independent people that will change the world!The research has led to conclusions and recommendations at several levels:(1)at a national level-the need to propose some strategies for retaining employment inside the national economy and attracting labor from Diaspora;here an important role can be played within the European funding programs POCU and PNRDP to finance entrepreneurial initiatives;(2)at the employers level-implementing appropriate strategies of attracting and creating loyalty of human resources,of reduction or elimination of seasonality;and(3)at the educational system-strategies to encourage completion of studies at all levels,adapting the system to the needs of new generations,through employers’involvement in the educational process by stimulating the dual vocational education.

Comparative Evaluation of Traditional Susceptibility Testing for MRSA with the PCR Approach

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a multi-drug resistant pathogen, which is responsible for increasing cases of serious diseases, including life-threatening diseases and nosocomial and community-acquired infections. Laboratory identification of MRSA is crucial and essential both for initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapies and for effective infection control strategies that are designed to limit the spread of MRSA. In spite of the availability of commercial kits for MRSA detection in the market, the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommends the use of phenotypic methods, such as the disk diffusion method with oxacillin or with cefoxitin, as well as a serial dilution method with oxacillin. Nevertheless, some studies have shown that results obtained with such phenotypic methods are controversial. The aim of the study described in this paper was to comparatively evaluate the traditional susceptibility testing for MRSA with PCR as the gold standard assay. Analysis of collection (n = 68) isolates of Staphylococcus aureus revealed that the serial dilution method with oxacillin possessed the highest sensitivity (at 100%). In contrast, the disk diffusion methods with oxacillin and cefoxitin showed lower sensitivity (95.83%, 95% CI (78.81%-99.30%)). Furthermore, the borderline value of zone inhibition diameters for cefoxitin might be considered as a risk, and they may give false-susceptible result.

Effects of forest management on biomass stocks in Romanian beech forests

Background: Forest management aims at obtaining a sustainable production of wood to be harvested to generate products or energy. However, the quantitative influence of forest management and of removals by harvest on biomass stocks has rarely been analysed on a large scale based on measurements. Two hypotheses prevail: management induces a reduction of wood stocks due to cuttings, versus no impact because of increased growth of the remaining trees. Using data collected for 2840 permanent plots across Romania from the National Forest Inventory representing^2.5 Mha, we have tested to what extent different management types and treatments can influence the biomass stock and productivity of beech forests, and attempt to quantify these effects both on the short and long terms. Three main types of beech forest management are implemented in Romania with specific objectives: intensive wood production in production forests, protection of ecosystem services (e.g. watersheds, avalanche protection) in protection forests, and protection of the forest and its biodiversity in protected forests. Production forests encompass two treatments differing according to the stand regeneration method: the age class rotation management and the group shelterwood management. Results: We show that forest management had little influence on the biomass stocks at a given stand age. The highest stocks at stand age 100 were observed in production forests (the most intensively managed forests). Consequences of early cuttings were very short-termed because the increase in tree growth rapidly compensated for tree cuttings. The cumulated biomass of production forests exceeded that of protected and protection forests. Regarding the treatment, the group shelterwood forests had a markedly higher production over a full rotation period. The total amount of deadwood was primarily driven by the amount of standing deadwood, and no management effect was detected. Conclusions: Given the relatively low-intensity management in Romania, forest management had no negative impact on wood stocks in beech forests biomass stocks at large scale. Stand productivity was very similar among management types or treatments. However cumulated biomass in production forests was higher than in protection or protected forests, and differed markedly according to treatments with a higher cumulated biomass in shelterwood forests.