Do choropleth maps linked with parallel coordinates facilitate an understanding of multivariate spatial characteristics?

Our study has three objectives. We want to investigate (1) whether choropleth maps linked with parallel coordinates help people understand the locations of vulnerable places and the factors making these places vulnerable, (2) whether sparklines that imitate the polylines from a parallel coordinate plot support the understanding of the information provided in that plot, and (3) whether a multiple-view geovisualization approach might be intuitive and useful also for nonexperts. Although we base our work on the functionalities available in the tool called ‘ViewExposed,’ we intend to outline more general conclusions on whether multiple linked views facilitate the understanding of multivariate spatial characteristics. An empirical study with 53 individuals was conducted to obtain insights on these objectives. Our task-based assessment considered the ways in which participants understood the dynamic linking capabilities. Some of the key findings are as follows: (1) even nonexpert users are able to use parallel coordinates linked with choropleth maps; however, only those with extensive inference-making abilities will do so efficiently; (2) parallel coordinates sparklines work as an independent component facilitating the understanding of multivariate data; and (3) the intuitive nature of a multiple-view geovisualization tool is not enough to encourage people to use it.     

Optimization of streamflow measurements by the dilution of the food colorant E110 / Optimisation de la mesure de débit par dilution du colorant alimentaire E110

Abstract

This study presents the measurement of streamflows by constant dilution of a yellow-orange food colorant (E110). Field measurements are carried out in the Doria River, a mountain torrent in the Savoie pre-Alps, France. A limnimetric station installed 12 years ago is periodically calibrated by mechanical and chemical measurements. Moreover, simultaneous mechanical and chemical methods allow the statistical validation of the proposed technique. The main advantages of this method are the lack of toxicity, the absence of visible river colouring, comparable to that of aquatic organic matter, and the low detection limit. This method allows high flow measurement under suitable conditions.     

PUBLICATIONS OF THE IAHS

Abstract

Gauging stations where the stage—discharge relationship is affected by hysteresis due to unsteady flow represent a challenge in hydrometry. In such situations, the standard hydrometric practice of fitting a single-valued rating curve to the available stage—discharge measurements is inappropriate. As a solution to this problem, this study provides a method based on the Jones formula and nonlinear regression, which requires no further data beyond the available stage—discharge measurements, given that either the stages before and after each measurement are known along with the duration of each measurement, or a stage hydrograph is available. The regression model based on the Jones formula rating curve is developed by applying the monoclinal rising wave approximation and the generalized friction law for uniform flow, along with simplifying assumptions about the hydraulic and geometric properties of the river channel in conjunction with the gauging station. Methods for obtaining the nonlinear least-squares rating-curve estimates, while factoring in approximated uncertainty, are discussed. The broad practical applicability and appropriateness of the method are demonstrated by applying the model to: (a) an accurate, comprehensive and detailed database from a hydropower-generated highly dynamic flow in the Chattahoochee River, Georgia, USA; and (b) data from gauging stations in two large rivers in the USA affected by hysteresis. It is also shown that the model is especially suitable for post-modelling hydraulic and statistical validation and assessment.     

On the use of mean monthly runoff to predict the flow–duration curve in ungauged catchments

ABSTRACT

We examine the applicability of predicting the daily flow–duration curve (FDC) using mean monthly runoff represented in its stochastic form (MM_FDC) to aid in predictions in ungauged basins, using long-term hydroclimatic data at 73 catchments of humid climate, in the eastern USA. The analysis uses soil hydrological properties, soil moisture storage capacity and the predominant runoff generation mechanism. The results show that MM_FDC did not distinguish the shapes of the upper and lower thirds of the FDC. The upper third is where the precipitation pattern and the antecedent moisture conditions are dominant, while the lower third is where drought-induced low flows and the evapotranspiration effect are prevalent. It is possible to use the MM_FDC to predict the middle third of the FDC (exceedence probabilities between 33% and 66%). The method is constrained by the catchment flow variability (slope of FDC), which changes in accordance with landscape properties and the predominant runoff generation mechanism.     

Pushover analysis of reinforced concrete frames considering shear failure at beam-column joints

Since most current seismic capacity evaluations of reinforced concrete(RC) frame structures are implemented by either static pushover analysis(PA) or dynamic time history analysis,with diverse settings of the plastic hinges(PHs) on such main structural components as columns,beams and walls,the complex behavior of shear failure at beam-column joints(BCJs) during major earthquakes is commonly neglected.This study proposes new nonlinear PA procedures that consider shear failure at BCJs and seek to assess the actual damage to RC structures.Based on the specifications of FEMA-356,a simplified joint model composed of two nonlinear cross struts placed diagonally over the location of the plastic hinge is established,allowing a sophisticated PA to be performed.To verify the validity of this method,the analytical results for the capacity curves and the failure mechanism derived from three different full-size RC frames are compared with the experimental measurements.By considering shear failure at BCJs,the proposed nonlinear analytical procedures can be used to estimate the structural behavior of RC frames,including seismic capacity and the progressive failure sequence of joints,in a precise and effective manner.     

Removal of Fluoride from Aqueous Solutions by Adsorption Using a Siliceous Mineral of a Kenyan Origin

The problem of high fluoride in water sources in Africa and the rest of the developing world has exacerbated in the latest past due to increasing shortage of water. More people are being exposed to high water fluoride resulting in elevated levels of fluorosis in the societies. Fluoride (F) adsorption from solutions using a siliceous mineral from Kenya (M1) was studied on batch basis and results verified on high fluoride water using fixed‐bed column experiments. About 100% batch F adsorption was achieved at 200 mg/L F concentration, 0.5 g/mL adsorbent dosage, 303–333 K, and pH 3.4 ± 0.2. Based on Giles classifications, F adsorption isotherm was found to be an H3 type isotherm. The equilibrium data was correlated to Freundlich and Langmuir models and the maximum Langmuir adsorption capacity was found to be 12.4 mg/g. Column experiments were conducted for different fluoride concentrations, bed depths, and flow rates. The F breakthrough curves were analyzed using the Thomas model and efficient F adsorption was found to occur at low flow rates and low influent concentrations. The Thomas F adsorption capacity (11.7 mg/g) was consistent with the Langmuir isotherm capacity showing that M1 could be applied as an inexpensive medium for water defluoridation.     

Analyzing the runoff response to soil and water conservation measures in a tropical humid Ethiopian highland

Abstract

Different soil and water conservation (SWC) practices have been implemented in many drought-prone parts of Ethiopia since the 1980s. We assessed the effect of SWC practices on runoff response and experimentally derived and tested the validity of the runoff curve number (CN) model parameter for the tropical humid highland climate of the Kasiry watershed in northwestern Ethiopia. We recorded daily rainfall and runoff depth from 18 runoff plots (30 m long × 6 m wide) representing the five main land-use types with various SWC practices and two slope classes (gentle and steep). CN values were derived using the lognormal geometric mean CN procedure. Runoff was significantly less from plots with SWC measures, with average reductions of 44 and 65% observed in cultivated and non-agricultural lands, respectively. Runoff on plots representing non-agricultural land was relatively accurately predicted with the derived CN method, but predictions were less accurate for plots treated with a SWC practice. We conclude that predicting the effect of SWC practices on runoff requires parameterization with separate sets of CN value for each SWC practice.     

滇西芒市盆地芒棒组软岩的水文、工程地质 特征及其对工程的影响 ——以芒究煤矿为例

滇西芒市盆地是在喜马拉雅构造运动第Ⅱ幕基础上形成的陆相沉积盆地,该盆地中的上新世芒棒组为河湖相沉积体系。根据矿区钻孔资料,芒棒组在工程地质岩组划分上属半固结软岩,可分为砂岩-砂砾岩软弱岩组、粉砂岩软弱岩组和炭质泥岩-煤层软弱岩组3类,各岩组强度依次为P砂-砾＜P粉砂＜P泥-炭。煤层为低—中灰分（15%~25%）、低硫—中硫（0.5%~2.5%）的半暗淡—半亮褐煤,有一定的自燃性。测井数据和曲线显示,煤层视电阻率中等,放射性异常曲线明显与其它围岩不同;抽水试验结果表明,渗透系数k在0.1~0.01m/d 之间 ,降落漏斗影响半径77~119m,煤矿虽然距离芒市河很近,但却无明显的水力联系,证实芒棒组整体透水性较差。矿山勘探、开采持续时间近50年,已形成了一些采空区和废弃采空区,由于距铁路优选线较远（1.5~2km）,不会对大理-瑞丽铁路建设产生明显的影响。     

我国铜产业生命周期增长趋势与需求预测

[摘 要] 随着中国经济的高速发展,国内铜需求持续增加,带动了我国铜产业的不断扩张。本文的 研究基于产业生命周期的理论,利用现有发达国家有色金属产业的生命周期特点的实证支持,采用先期 发达工业化国家成熟且较完整的产业生命周期的经验数据,结合我国实际情况,运用生长曲线模型来剖 析我国铜产业生命周期的发展趋势,预测我国铜产业在2015 年前后增长的极限,届时我国铜需求为800 万t 左右,人均需求量为6～7kg。     

黄土高原陆面过程观测试验的仪器精度和观测误差分析

利用"黄土高原陆面过程观测试验"2009年定西站的平行对比观测资料,分析了微气象观测仪器的精度和观测误差.结果显示:在大多数情况下,A301P型风杯风速计和HMP45D型温湿传感器对风温湿的观测偏差分别不超过±0.10m.s-1、±0.16℃和±1.00%;107型和109型温度传感器对土壤温度的观测偏差分别不超过±0.1℃和±0.03℃;HFP01型热通量板对土壤热通量的观测偏差不超过±11W.m-2;涡动协方差系统(CAST3+Li7500)观测计算得到的感热、潜热和动量通量的偏差分别不超过±8W.m-2、±8W.m-2、±0.02kg.m-1.s-2.此试验对于大气风速、温度、相对湿度、土壤湿度和温度、地表辐射以及地表通量这些要素的观测,相同型号仪器之间的数据都很一致.并且不同型号仪器进行对比观测风速、土壤温度、净辐射、向下长短波辐射和土壤热通量得到的结果也较一致.结果表明,该试验大多数仪器有比较高的精度,仪器之间也比较一致,观测误差较小,基本能够满足陆面过程观测的要求.