Parameter estimation of copula functions using an optimization-based method

Application of the copulas can be useful for the accurate multivariate frequency analysis of hydrological phenomena. There are many copula functions and some methods were proposed for estimating the copula parameters. Since the copula functions are mathematically complicated, estimating of the copula parameter is an effortful work. In the present study, an optimization-based method (OBM) is proposed to obtain the parameters of copulas. The usefulness of the proposed method is illustrated on drought events. For this purpose, three commonly used copulas of Archimedean family, namely, Clayton, Frank, and Gumbel copulas are used to construct the joint probability distribution of drought characteristics of 60 gauging sites located in East-Azarbaijan province, Iran. The performance of OBM was compared with two conventional methods, namely, method of moments and inference function for margins. The results illustrate the supremacy of the OBM to estimate the copula parameters compared to the other considered methods.     

Experimental investigations on ultimate bearing capacity of peat stabilized by a group of soil–cement column: a comparative study

The aim of this paper was to determine the ultimate vertical bearing capacity of rectangular rigid footings resting on homogeneous peat stabilized by a group of cement deep mixing (CDM) columns. For this purpose, a series of physical modeling tests involving end-bearing and floating CDM columns were performed. Three length/depth ratios of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 and three area improvement ratios of 13.1, 19.6, and 26.2 % were considered. Bearing capacity of the footings was studied using different analytical procedures. The results indicated that compared to unimproved peat, the average ultimate bearing capacity (UBC) improvement of floating and end-bearing CDM columns were 60 and 223 %, respectively. The current study found that simple Brom’s method predicted the UBC of the peat stabilized with floating CDM columns with reasonable accuracy, but underestimated the UBC by up to 25 % in the case of end-bearing CDM columns. Published laboratory experiences of stabilizing soft soils using soil–cement columns were also collated in this paper.     

Integrated approach of geospatial visualization and modeling for groundwater management in hard rock terrains in Nagpur Urban Area,India

Groundwater management requires complete visualization of aquifer characteristics to understand scientific aspects and hence remains a challenge, especially in hard rock terrains. In the present research paper, a comprehensive approach using 3D stratigraphic model, fence diagrams and numerical modeling has been proposed to understand the groundwater status for effective recharge. The stratigraphy, groundwater flow, and groundwater fluctuations for the period 1999–2010 were analyzed. The total volume of formations, volume of voids, storage capacity, and quantities of recharge of unconfined aquifer system in the Nagpur urban area were estimated. The steady state groundwater flow model of Basalt formation was calibrated to evaluate the subsurface system using Processing Modflow (PMWIN 5.3.2). The calibrated hydraulic head is compared with field observed head. The comparative spatial analysis presents a simple integrated approach in identifying zones with falling groundwater trends suitable for groundwater recharge in hard rock terrain in Nagpur urban area.     

Effects of a low-radiotoxicity uranium salt (uranyl acetate) on biochemical and hematological parameters of the catfish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Clarias gariepinus</Emphasis>

Specimens of Clarias gariepinus were treated with lethal (70, 75, 80, 85, 90, and 95 mg/L) and sub-lethal concentrations (8, 12 and 16 mg/L) of uranyl acetate, a low-radiotoxicity uranium salt. The LC 50 value was registered as 81.45 mg/L. The protein and glycogen concentrations in liver and muscles were decreased in the fish exposed to sub-lethal concentrations. The red blood cell (RBC) and white blood cell (WBC) counts, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and haematocrit (Hct) values were decreased. Different blood indices like mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) were negatively affected. Level of plasma glucose was elevated whereas protein was decreased. The level of calcium concentration (Ca) was declined in the blood of exposed fish whereas magnesium (Mg) remains unchanged. The activity level of glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (GPT) was elevated in exposed fish. These effects were more pronounced in the last period of exposure and in higher concentrations. Results of the present study indicate that uranyl acetate has adverse effects on Clarias gariepinus and causes changes in the biochemical and hematological parameters of the fish.     

Perspectives on survival, phenology, litter fall and decomposition, and caloric content ofAvicennia marinain the Arabian Gulf region

This study was conducted on a naturally growing population in Al-Khor mangrove swamps in Qatar during the years 1993–1995.Avicennia marinais the only mangrove species growing in Qatar and the Arabian Gulf region. The survivorship curve showed that early reproductive stages, starting from flower buds to seedlings, are at-risk relative to juvenile and adult individuals. The survival of adult plants is age-dependent. The phenological cycle indicated that the reproductive period extends from April to October, while vegetative activity occurs throughout the year with minimum growth during late autumn and early winter. Productivity estimated from litter fall showed considerable differences between seasons. Litter fall is bimodal, with the first peak prior to the start of the reproductive cycle and the second peak before the end of summer or early autumn. Total litter fall decreased from a maximum of 188 g m⁻²month⁻¹to a minimum of 80 g m⁻²month⁻¹. Litter decomposition was lower in winter than in the summer months. Calorific content of the decomposing litter was consistent with over 90% of litter energy lost over a 1-year period. The calorific content of buried leaves decreased from 6.0585 kcal g⁻¹dry weight to 0.0532 kcal g⁻¹dry weight after 1 year. Major human impacts on mangrove ecosystems in the region include oil pollution, solid and liquid waste disposal, coastal development, marine dredging, recreation activities, overgrazing, wood harvest, diversion of fresh water runoff and pest control.