Drought Severity Assessment Based on Bivariate Probability Analysis

Conventionally drought severity is assessed based on drought indices. Recently the Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI) was proposed to assess drought severity based on the precipitation to potential evapotranspiration ratio (P/PET). In this paper RDI is studied as a bivariate index under a set of assumptions and simplifications. The paper presents a simple computational procedure for estimating the P/PET ratio for selected reference periods varying from 3 to 12 months, for any return period of drought. Alternatively, based on this procedure, the severity of any drought episode is rationally assessed. A bivariate probability analysis is employed based on the assumption that P and PET values are normally distributed and often negatively correlated. Examples for the application of the proposed procedure are presented using data from several meteorological stations in Greece. It is shown that the assumption of normality of both P and PET holds for long periods at all examined stations.     

一种基于多代理的演化多目标优化算法

为解决多目标优化中求帕列托最优解集的问题,引入多代理演化的思想.在演化的机制上,每个目标赋予单个代理人,这些代理人拥有各自的演化群体.以各自的单个目标作为演化过程中的评价函数,并且以它们各自选择出的优良解群体的分布作为概率分布,通过代理人的通信将这些概率分布合成,作为产生出下一代解的依据.在一些测试问题上,很少的演化代数内,将解群体收敛到帕列托最优解集.该方法在求解多目标优化问题帕列托最优解集上具有较高的效率.     

基于Schema的Web框架设计

现有Web框架没有充分考虑面向pojo对象的编程和XML到关系数据库的映射,导致系统中pojo对象与数据库关系表和其他对象之间的紧耦合。针对该问题提出一种基于Schema的开发框架,该框架考虑数据库关系表与DTD的依赖,集中且合理地布置系统中的pojo代码,方便service对象调用DAO对象,是一种易于扩展和维护的Web框架。     

叶面积指数遥感反演算法研究

叶面积指数是确定陆表生态系统物质和能量交换大小的重要结构参数之一。本文基于NDVI、RVI的反演模型,结合GDAL影像库和C++语言设计实现相关算法,形成从影像数据到叶面积指数图的处理流程,提高了影像的利用率。经预处理的Hyperion数据测试,算法运行稳定且计算结果精确,为植物长势监测、粮食产量预测提供可靠数据源。     

Semiempirical and ab initio conformational analysis of 2-methylene-8,8-dimethyl-1,4,6,10-tetraoxaspiro[4.5] decane with application of GIAO-SCF methods to NMR spectrum interpretation

The GIAO-SCF method for calculating isotropic nuclear magnetic shielding values has been utilized to explain certain features in the ¹H-NMR spectrum of 2-methylene-8,8-dimethyl-1,4,6,10-tetraoxaspiro[4.5] decane. Population distributions of the low-energy conformers based on their ab initio energies were used to produce weighting factors for the individual calculated shielding values to calculate the weighted average of the shielding values for a complete set of conformers. The differences in ¹H chemical shifts between the hydrogens of the two methyl groups and between the axial and equatorial hydrogens in 2-methylene-8,8-dimethyl-1,4,6,10-tetraoxaspiro[4.5] decane were shown to be due to energy differences between the chair and boat orientations of the six-membered ring and contribution from a twist-boat conformation. Results suggest a hypothesis that intramolecular differences in chemical shift might be calculated to a greater degree of accuracy than chemical shifts calculated relative to a standard.     

SIR-A imagery of Tunisia and its potential for population estimation

The value of Shuttle Imaging Radar images for the estimation of population is considered using a 1981 example for Tunisia. The results are compared with 1975 census data. The results show that the relationship of image areas to population is reasonably strong in areas where settlements are relatively small and have a uniform and low building density.     

Coercivity dependence of a Sm2(Co,Cu, Fe,Zr)17 type alloy on magnetic processing procedure

The results of an investigation into the effects of the magnetic processing procedure on the intrinsic coercivity of a Sm(Co_0.673Cu_0.080Fe_0.222Zr_0.025)_8.92 (217-type) alloy are reported. Two basic types of magnet were investigated: polymer-bonded fine powder magnets and cast (solid) magnets. The fine particles which were processed into polymer-bonded magnets were prepared by two different methods; i.e. by milling or by a hydrogen treatment. The cast magnets were manufactured from selected parts of solidified ingots exhibiting preferrred orientation and along directions parallel to the preferred orientation of magnetization. Magnetic properties and Vickers microhardness measurements on the solid solution treated (1170° C) and isothermally aged (800° C) samples, revealed that there was a clear similarity between the variations of the intrinsic coercivity and microhardness values versus ageing period. This suggests a coercivity mechanism for the present 217-type alloy which is predominantly controlled by general domain wall pinning by a critical dispersion of coherent precipitates. Certain aspects of the intrinsic coercivity against ageing time variations of the variously processed magnets as well as the corresponding microhardness variations have been attributed to a partial conversion of coherent precipitates to semi- or in-coherent particles during processing.     

Heat-induced tenderisation of meat by endogenous carboxyl proteases

The rôle of carboxyl proteases in tenderising meat was investigated by injecting the inhibitors, pepstatin and EPNP, into pre-rigor muscle. The increase in shear force values induced by these inhibitors provided a minimum estimate of the extent to which endogenous carboxyl proteases normally tenderise meat at 60°C.Gel electrophoresis showed that connectin was hydrolysed to a greater extent than other muscle proteins at this temperature and that breakdown of connectin was inhibited by pepstatin and EPNP. Thus it is likely that, when intact, connectin may contribute to the strength of cooked meat.     

Description of Structural Damage Caused by the Terrorist Attack on the Pentagon

On September 11, 2001, an airliner was intentionally crashed into the Pentagon. It struck at the first elevated slab on the west wall, and slid approximately 310?ft (94.5?m) diagonally into the building. The force of the collision demolished numerous columns and the fa?ade of the exterior wall, and induced damage to first-floor columns and the first elevated slab over an area approximately 90?ft (27.4?m) wide and 310?ft (94.5?m) long. None of the building collapsed immediately. The portion that remained standing, even after an intense fire, sustained substantial damage at the first-floor level.     

Online Engineering Education: Learning Anywhere,Anytime

The emergence of worldwide communications networks and powerful computer technologies has redefined the concept of distance learning and the delivery of engineering education content. This article discusses the Sloan Consortium's quest for quality, scale, and breadth in online learning, the impact on both continuing education of graduate engineers as well as degree‐seeking engineering students, and the future of engineering colleges and schools as worldwide providers of engineering education.