Mapping population change index in Southern Serbia (1961-2027) as a function of environmental factors

Niche analysis methods developed within the biogeography community are routinely used for species distribution modeling of wildlife and endangered species. So far, such techniques have not been used to explain distribution of people in an area, nor to assess spatio-temporal dynamics of human populations. In this paper, the MaxEnt approach to species distribution modeling and publicly available gridded predictors were used to analyze the population dynamics in Southern Serbia (South Pomoravlje Region) for the period 1961-2027. Population values from the census administrative units were first downscaled to 200 m grid using a detailed map of populated places and dasymetric interpolation. In the second step, a point pattern representing the whole population (468,500 inhabitants in 2002) was simulated using the R package spatstat. MaxEnt was then used to derive habitat suitability index (HSI) as a function of gridded predictors: distance to roads, elevation, slope, topographic wetness index, enhanced vegetation index and land cover classes. HSI and environmental predictors were further used to explain spatial patterns in the population change index (PCI) through regression modeling. The results show that inhabiting preference for year 1961 is mainly a function of topography (TWI, elevation). The HSI for year 2027 shows that large portions of remote areas are becoming less preferred for inhabiting. The results of cross-validation in MaxEnt show that distribution of population is distinctly controlled by environmental factors (AUC > 0.84). Population decrease is particularly significant in areas >25 km distant from the main road network. The results of regression analysis show that 40% of variability in the PCI values can be explained with these environmental maps, distance to roads and urban areas being the main drivers of migration process. This approach allows precise mapping of demographic patterns that otherwise would not be visible from the census data alone.     

PID controller frequency-domain tuning for stable, integrating and unstable processes, including dead-time

In the present paper a new tuning procedure is proposed for the ideal PID controller in series with the first-order noise filter. It is based on the recently proposed extension of the Ziegler-Nichols frequency-domain dynamics characterization of a process G_p(s). Measured process characteristics are the ultimate frequency and ultimate gain, the angle of the tangent to the Nyquist curve of the process at the ultimate frequency, and G_p(0). For a large class of processes the same tuning formulae can be effectively applied to obtain closed-loop responses with predictable properties. Load disturbance step responses without the undershoot and reference step responses with negligible overshoot are obtained by analyzing a test batch consisting of stable, integrating and unstable processes, including dead-time and oscillatory dynamics. The proposed tuning makes possible to specify the desired sensitivity to the high frequency measurement noise and the desired maximum sensitivity. Comparison with the optimal ideal PID controller in series with the first-order noise filter is presented and discussed. The extension of the proposed method to the PI controller tuning is direct. Comparison with the optimal PI controller is presented and discussed.     

Classification of dynamic processes and PID controller tuning in a parameter plane

A quadruplet, defined by the ultimate frequency ω_u, the ultimate gain k_u, the angle φ of the tangent to the Nyquist curve at the ultimate frequency and the gain G_p(0), is sufficient for classification of a large class of stable processes, processes with oscillatory dynamics, integrating and unstable processes G_p(s). From the model defined by the above quadruplet, a two parameter model G_n(s_n) is obtained by the time and amplitude normalizations. Two parameters of G_n(s_n), the normalized gain ρ and the angle φ, are coordinates of the classification ρ-φ parameter plane. Model G_n(s_n) is used to obtain the desired closed-loop system performance/robustness tradeoff in the desired region of the classification plane. Tuning procedures and tuning formulae are derived guaranteeing almost the same performance/robustness tradeoff as obtained by the optimal PID controller, applied to G_p(s) classified to the same region of the classification plane. Validity of the proposed method is demonstrated on a test batch consisting of stable processes, processes with oscillatory dynamics, integrating and unstable processes, including dead-time.     

Evidence that Cerambycid Beetles Mimic Vespid Wasps in Odor as well as Appearance

We present evidence that cerambycid species that are supposed mimics of vespid wasps also mimic their model’s odor by producing spiroacetals, common constituents of vespid alarm pheromones. Adults of the North American cerambycids Megacyllene caryae (Gahan) and Megacyllene robiniae (Forster) are conspicuously patterned yellow and black, and are believed to be mimics of aculeate Hymenoptera, such as species of Vespula and Polistes. Adult males of M. caryae produce an aggregation-sex pheromone, but both sexes produce a pungent odor when handled, which has been assumed to be a defensive response. Headspace aerations of agitated females of M. caryae contained 16 compounds with mass spectra characteristic of spiroacetals of eight distinct chemical structures, with the dominant compound being (7E,2E)-7-ethyl-2-methyl-1,6-dioxaspiro[4.5]decane. Headspace samples of agitated males of M. caryae contained five of the same components, with the same dominant compound. Females of M. robiniae produced six different spiroacetals, one of which was not produced by M. caryae, (2E,7E)-2-ethyl-7-methyl-1,6-dioxaspiro[4.5]decane, and five that were shared with M. caryae, including the dominant (2E,8E)-2,8-dimethyl-1,7-dioxaspiro[5.5]undecane. The latter compound is the sole spiroacetal produced by both males and females of a South American cerambycid species, Callisphyris apicicornis (Fairmaire & Germain), which is also thought to be a wasp mimic. Preliminary work also identified spiroacetals of similar or identical structure released by vespid wasps that co-occur with the Megacyllene species.     

Decomposition of a class of linear electrical networks for calculation of total power

A new method of decomposition of linear electrical networks for calculating total power is presented. By an iterative procedure, on the basis of decomposition of the electrical network, the branches containing power sources (voltage and/or current) are selected first until the remaining network becomes passive. Then, one calculates the power dissipated by the decomposed networks supplied by the corresponding power sources. Total power dissipated by impedances of the starting networks is equal to the sum of powers dissipated by impedances of the decomposed networks, under the condition that all impedances Z of the network are either resistive \({\text{Im}}(Z)=0\) or reactive \({\text{Re}}(Z)=0\) or mutually equal.     

Special issue section of clean technology and environmental policy dedicated to SDEWES 2020 conferences

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy -     

5G mobile terminals with advanced QoS-based user-centric aggregation (AQUA) for heterogeneous wireless and mobile networks

In this paper we present an advanced QoS provisioning module with vertical multi-homing framework for future fifth generation (5G) mobile terminals with radio network aggregation capability and traffic load sharing in heterogeneous mobile and wireless environments. The proposed 5G mobile terminal framework is leading to high performance utility networks with high QoS provisioning for any given multimedia service, higher bandwidth utilization and multi-RAT capabilities. It is using vertical multi-homing and virtual QoS routing algorithms within the mobile terminal, that is able to handle simultaneously multiple radio network connections via multiple wireless and mobile network interfaces. Our 5G proposal is user-centric, targeted to always-on connectivity, maximal network utilization, maximal throughput, seamless handovers and performances improvement by using vertical multi-homing, as well as session continuity. The performance of our proposed mobile terminal framework for 5G is evaluated using simulations and analysis with multimedia traffic in heterogeneous mobile and wireless scenarios with coexistence of multiple radio access technologies, such as 3G, 4G as well as future 5G radio access networks.     

Overview of the current activities related to deep geothermal energy utilisation in the Republic of Croatia

Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy - The Pannonian Basin, partly located in Croatia, is well known for its higher-than-average geothermal gradient with good potential for geothermal energy...     

Different Approaches to the Investigation and Testing of the Ni-Based Self-Fluxing Alloy Coatings—A Review. Part 2: Microstructure,Adhesive Strength,Cracking Behavior,and Residual Stresses Investigations

After presenting general facts about Ni-based self-fluxing alloy coatings and describing the wear and corrosion studies in Part 1, Part 2 of the article deals with the review and systematization of the investigations on behavior of these coatings exposed to external mechanical loading (cracking behavior, adhesive strength, fatigue), residual stresses, and microstructure (particle state, phases, porosity, dilution, dissolution) considering the period from 2000 to 2013. The following deposition technologies are included: flame spraying, high-velocity oxy/air fuel spraying, detonation gun spraying, electric arc spraying, plasma spraying, plasma-transferred arc welding, and laser cladding. In addition to the review of investigations on microstructure and effects of external loading and residual stresses, reference is also given to papers describing the application of the Ni-based self-fluxing coatings, as well as to those in which these coatings were used as a reference material or an addition to obtain a composite coating.     

Biomonitoring of mercury in polluted coastal area using transplanted mussels

The Kastela Bay is heavily polluted with inorganic mercury originated from direct discharges from the chlor-alkali plant, which operated in the period from 1950 to 1990. Even though the plant was closed 15 years ago, elevated levels of total mercury are still evident in surface sediments of the bay. In order to assess the availability of remobilized mercury to marine organisms, cultured mussels (M. galloprovincialis) were transplanted from pristine area to Kastela Bay, in the period from September 2000 to March 2001. Mussel samples were collected for the analysis of THg and MeHg in whole soft tissue, gills and digestive gland. Surface sediments and suspended matter were collected for the analysis of THg. Digestive gland was the target organ for the accumulation of THg, while concentrations of MeHg were similar in all analyzed tissues. The percentage of MeHg in mussel tissues (4-27%) was characteristic for the areas contaminated with inorganic mercury. A significant negative correlation was observed between the THg concentration in the tissues and the percentage of MeHg. Concentrations of THg in mussel tissues, which were decreasing from the source of contamination in an anticlockwise direction towards the exit of the bay, were significantly positively correlated to THg content in sediment and suspended particles. Spatial distribution of mercury species (THg and MeHg) in different environmental compartments was in accordance with the prevailing circulation in the bay. Data obtained through 6 months of biomonitoring experiment indicated that digestive gland was more sensitive indicator of THg concentrations in the environment than the whole organism or gills. As for MeHg, all tissues were equally suitable as biomonitors of MeHg concentrations in the environment.