Rethinking Rehabilitation: Application of the SOTE model to soil rehabilitation following salinity and sodicity induced degradation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isaac Kramer ◽  
Yuval Bayer ◽  
Yair Mau
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Experimental Evidence ◽  
Significant Degree ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Test Case ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Parameter Values ◽  
Irrigation Waters

<p>If not carefully managed, use of saline and sodic irrigation waters, a common practice in dryland regions, has the potential to cause significant harm to soils. Application of saline and sodic irrigation waters can lead to reductions in hydraulic conductivity, Ks, the mechanisms of which (e.g., slaking, swelling, clay dispersion) have been the focus of a vast body of scientific literature. The rehabilitation process, by contrast, is far less understood. Despite experimental evidence showing a significant degree of irreversibility, traditionally models have treated the degradation and rehabilitation processes as reversible. We demonstrate how this assumption obfuscates our ability to analyze the risk of long-term degradation and to estimate the resources and time required to rehabilitate. We achieve this by using the SOTE model — a minimalistic model that can be used to study dynamics of soil water content, salinity, and sodicity, as driven by irrigation practices and climatic conditions. Crucially, SOTE also accounts for the feedback between changing salinity and sodicity and soil Ks. This feedback includes irreversible changes in hydraulic conductivity, such that a soil’s history of degradation and rehabilitation informs its future state. We compare SOTE to existing models, which do not include hysteresis in Ks, and demonstrate that SOTE predicts more gradual rehabilitation of degraded soils, in line with the limited experimental evidence that has examined this question. For the test case of a degraded soil in a typical Mediterranean climate, SOTE forecasts that rehabilitation requires 50% more time and water resources, in comparison to models without hysteresis. This difference underscores the need to limit the risk of potential degradation, which SOTE also shows increases by 50% when hysteresis is accounted for. A sensitivity analysis indicates that SOTE is most sensitive to parameters connected to soil texture. The sensitivity analysis further indicates that our results are robust -- under all ranges of parameter values SOTE continues to forecast greater time requirements for rehabilitation and increased risk of soil degradation.</p>

scholarly journals ANALISIS PENGARUH NILAI KONDUKTIVITAS HIDRAULIK DAN DISPERSIVITAS DINAMIK TERHADAP REMEDIASI AIR TANAH MENGGUNAKAN SIMULASI NUMERIK

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-118
Author(s):  
Agus Mochamad Ramdhan ◽  
Arifin Arifin ◽  
Erik Hermawan ◽  
Lambok M. Hutasoit
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Groundwater Remediation ◽  
Flow Simulation ◽  
Pumping Wells ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Close Distance ◽  
High Hydraulic Conductivity

Groundwater remediation is one of the solutions to restore the contaminated groundwater. This study was conducted to determine the effect of hydraulic conductivity and dynamic dispersivity on the groundwater remediation effectiveness. As a case study, in 2020, in an area located in Balikpapan, groundwater remediation will be carried out by injecting water containing NaOH through five wells and pumping it back through five wells to form a cycle. The method used is a numerical simulation consisting of groundwater flow simulation, mass transport, and sensitivity analysis. The results show that it takes 124 to 300 days for the injected NaOH to arrive at the pumping wells. The sensitivity analysis results show that when the hydraulic conductivity value is ten times greater, the time required is reduced to 84 to 172 days. Meanwhile, when the dynamic dispersivity is twice larger, the time required is reduced to 75 to 189 days. These results indicate that the groundwater remediation method will be effective for aquifers with high hydraulic conductivity and dynamic dispersivity values. For the study area, the groundwater remediation is suggested to be carried out by increasing the number of injection and pumping wells with a relatively close distance, i.e., around 10 meters, so that NaOH arrives at the pumping wells more quickly.Keywords: groundwater, remediation, hydraulic conductivity, dynamic dispersivity, numerical simulation

Modelling of Nitrification at the Mogden Treatment Works

1989 ◽  
Vol 21 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 305-314
Author(s):  
J. P. Lumbers ◽  
S. C. Cook ◽  
G. A. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Monte Carlo Simulation ◽  
River Basin Management ◽  
Independent Data ◽  
Activated Sludge Process ◽  
Basin Management ◽  
Alternative Control ◽  
Control Actions ◽  
Parameter Values ◽  
Generalised Sensitivity Analysis

An application of a dynamic model of the activated sludge process is described within the context of real-time river basin management. The model has been calibrated and validated on independent data and then applied to investigate losses of nitrification at the Mogden Works. Monte Carlo simulation and generalised sensitivity analysis were found to be effective ways of identifying appropriate parameter values and their importance. The prediction of unmeasured states such as the autotroph population enabled the effects of alternative control actions to be better understood and the most suitable measures found.

EXPRESS: Effect of genetic liability to visceral adiposity on stroke and its subtypes: a Mendelian randomization study

2021 ◽  
pp. 174749302110062
Author(s):  
Bin Yan ◽  
Jian Yang ◽  
Li Qian ◽  
Fengjie Gao ◽  
Ling Bai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Ischemic Stroke ◽  
Genome Wide Association Study ◽  
Mendelian Randomization ◽  
Visceral Adiposity ◽  
Large Artery ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Genetic Liability ◽  
A Genome ◽  
Increased Risk

Background: Observational studies have found an association between visceral adiposity and stroke. Aims: The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and genetic effect of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) accumulation on stroke and its subtypes. Methods: In this two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study, genetic variants (221 single nucleotide polymorphisms; P<5×10-8) using as instrumental variables for MR analysis was obtained from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of VAT. The outcome datasets for stroke and its subtypes were obtained from the MEGASTROKE consortium (up to 67,162 cases and 453,702 controls). MR standard analysis (inverse variance weighted method) was conducted to investigate the effect of genetic liability to visceral adiposity on stroke and its subtypes. Sensitivity analysis (MR-Egger, weighted median, MR-PRESSO) were also utilized to assess horizontal pleiotropy and remove outliers. Multi-variable MR analysis was employed to adjust potential confounders. Results: In the standard MR analysis, genetically determined visceral adiposity (per 1 SD) was significantly associated with a higher risk of stroke (odds ratio [OR] 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.21-1.41, P=1.48×10-11), ischemic stroke (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.20-1.41, P=4.01×10-10), and large artery stroke (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.22-1.83, P=1.16×10-4). The significant association was also found in sensitivity analysis and multi-variable MR analysis. Conclusions: Genetic liability to visceral adiposity was significantly associated with an increased risk of stroke, ischemic stroke, and large artery stroke. The effect of genetic susceptibility to visceral adiposity on the stroke warrants further investigation.

scholarly journals A Sensitivity Analysis of the SPACSYS Model

Agriculture ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 624
Author(s):  
Yan Shan ◽  
Mingbin Huang ◽  
Paul Harris ◽  
Lianhai Wu
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Wheat Yield ◽  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Water Dynamics ◽  
Ecological Modelling ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Nutrient Inputs ◽  
Nutrient Pool ◽  
Wheat Field

A sensitivity analysis is critical for determining the relative importance of model parameters to their influence on the simulated outputs from a process-based model. In this study, a sensitivity analysis for the SPACSYS model, first published in Ecological Modelling (Wu, et al., 2007), was conducted with respect to changes in 61 input parameters and their influence on 27 output variables. Parameter sensitivity was conducted in a ‘one at a time’ manner and objectively assessed through a single statistical diagnostic (normalized root mean square deviation) which ranked parameters according to their influence of each output variable in turn. A winter wheat field experiment provided the case study data. Two sets of weather elements to represent different climatic conditions and four different soil types were specified, where results indicated little influence on these specifications for the identification of the most sensitive parameters. Soil conditions and management were found to affect the ranking of parameter sensitivities more strongly than weather conditions for the selected outputs. Parameters related to drainage were strongly influential for simulations of soil water dynamics, yield and biomass of wheat, runoff, and leaching from soil during individual and consecutive growing years. Wheat yield and biomass simulations were sensitive to the ‘ammonium immobilised fraction’ parameter that related to soil mineralization and immobilisation. Simulations of CO2 release from the soil and soil nutrient pool changes were most sensitive to external nutrient inputs and the process of denitrification, mineralization, and decomposition. This study provides important evidence of which SPACSYS parameters require the most care in their specification. Moving forward, this evidence can help direct efficient sampling and lab analyses for increased accuracy of such parameters. Results provide a useful reference for model users on which parameters are most influential for different simulation goals, which in turn provides better informed decision making for farmers and government policy alike.

Assessment of clogging in constructed wetlands by saturated hydraulic conductivity measurements

2019 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. 314-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. Licciardello ◽  
R. Aiello ◽  
V. Alagna ◽  
M. Iovino ◽  
D. Ventura ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Hydraulic Conductivity ◽  
Constructed Wetlands ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Pilot Scale ◽  
Laboratory Scale ◽  
Test Method ◽  
Conductivity Measurements ◽  
Multiple Spatial Scales ◽  
Ks Values

Abstract This study aims at defining a methodology to evaluate Ks reductions of gravel material constituting constructed wetland (CW) bed matrices. Several schemes and equations for the Lefranc's test were compared by using different gravel sizes and at multiple spatial scales. The falling-head test method was implemented by using two steel permeameters: one impervious (IMP) and one pervious (P) on one side. At laboratory scale, mean K values for a small size gravel (8–15 × 10−2 m) measured by the IMP and the P permeameters were equal to 19,466 m/d and 30,662 m/d, respectively. Mean Ks values for a big size gravel (10–25 × 10−2 m) measured by the IMP and the P permeameters were equal to 12,135 m/d and 20,866 m/d, respectively. Comparison of Ks values obtained by the two permeameters at laboratory scale as well as a sensitivity analysis and a calibration, lead to the modification of the standpipe equation, to evaluate also the temporal variation of the horizontal Ks. In particular, both permeameters allow the evaluation of the Ks decreasing after 4 years-operation and 1–1.5 years' operation of the plants at full scale (filled with the small size gravel) and at pilot scale (filled with the big size gravel), respectively.

Breeding behaviour of ectotherms at high latitudes: the case of the natterjack toad Epidalea calamita at its northern range limit

Behaviour ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Linda Saare ◽  
Riinu Rannap
Keyword(s):  
Climatic Conditions ◽  
Energetic Cost ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
High Latitudes ◽  
Range Limit ◽  
Photo Identification ◽  
Breeding Behaviour ◽  
Risk Of Predation ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Northern Range Limit

Abstract We explored the breeding behaviour of a threatened amphibian, the natterjack toad, at its northern range limit in Estonia, to determine the extent to which reproduction is affected by harsh and unstable climatic conditions. Using photo identification of specimens, we found that in optimal weather conditions males formed three breeding cohorts, while in adverse conditions only a single cohort occurred and under extreme conditions reproduction was skipped entirely. During the extended breeding season, larger males participated in reproduction throughout the breeding period, while smaller males appeared in later cohorts. Breeding success was related to the calling effort of a male, where larger males had greater mating success than smaller ones. We found that the natterjack toad males exhibit significant plasticity in reproductive behaviour at the northern range limit, which, given the energetic cost of reproduction and the increased risk of predation, allows them to increase their fitness at high latitudes.

scholarly journals Time scale of the largest imaginable magnetic storm

2013 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-23 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. M. Vasyliūnas
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Solar Wind ◽  
Magnetic Storm ◽  
Energy Content ◽  
Horizontal Magnetic Field ◽  
Order Of Magnitude ◽  
Magnetosphere Plasma ◽  
Time Required ◽  
Parameter Values ◽  
Magnetic Field Perturbation

Abstract. The depression of the horizontal magnetic field at Earth's equator for the largest imaginable magnetic storm has been estimated (Vasyliūnas, 2011a) as −Dst ~ 2500 nT, from the assumption that the total pressure in the magnetosphere (plasma plus magnetic field perturbation) is limited, in order of magnitude, by the minimum pressure of Earth's dipole field at the location of each flux tube. The obvious related question is how long it would take the solar wind to supply the energy content of this largest storm. The maximum rate of energy input from the solar wind to the magnetosphere can be evaluated on the basis either of magnetotail stress balance or of polar cap potential saturation, giving an estimate of the time required to build up the largest storm, which (for solar-wind and magnetospheric parameter values typical of observed superstorms) is roughly between ~2 and ~6 h.

scholarly journals Association Between MTHFR Polymorphisms and the Risk of Essential Hypertension: An Updated Meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hao Meng ◽  
Shaoyan Huang ◽  
Yali Yang ◽  
Xiaofeng He ◽  
Liping Fei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Essential Hypertension ◽  
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Mthfr C677t ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Mthfr Polymorphisms ◽  
Southeast Asians ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Meta Analyses

Background: Since the 1990s, there have been a lot of research on single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and different diseases, including many studies on 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) polymorphism and essential hypertension (EH). Nevertheless, their conclusions were controversial. So far, six previous meta-analyses discussed the internal relationship between the MTHFR polymorphism and EH, respectively. However, they did not evaluate the credibility of the positive associations. To build on previous meta-analyses, we updated the literature by including previously included papers as well as nine new articles, improved the inclusion criteria by also considering the quality of the papers, and applied new statistical techniques to assess the observed associations. Objectives: This study aims to explore the degree of risk correlation between two MTHFR polymorphisms and EH. Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, and Wan Fang electronic databases were searched to identify relevant studies. We evaluated the relation between the MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131) polymorphisms and EH by calculating the odds ratios (OR) as well as 95% confidence intervals (CI). Here we used subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, cumulative meta-analysis, assessment of publication bias, meta-regression meta, False-positive report probability (FPRP), Bayesian false discovery probability (BFDP), and Venice criterion. Results: Overall, harboring the variant of MTHFR C677T was associated with an increased risk of EH in the overall populations, East Asians, Southeast Asians, South Asians, Caucasians/Europeans, and Africans. After the sensitivity analysis, positive results were found only in the overall population (TT vs. CC: OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.00–1.30, Ph = 0.032, I2 = 39.8%; TT + TC vs. CC: OR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.01–1.29, Ph = 0.040, I2 = 38.1%; T vs. C: OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.04–1.25, Ph = 0.005, I2 = 50.2%) and Asian population (TC vs. CC: OR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01–1.28, Ph = 0.265, I2 = 16.8%; TT + TC vs. CC: OR = 1.17, 95% CI: 1.04–1.30, Ph = 0.105, I2 = 32.9%; T vs. C: OR = 1.10, 95% CI: 1.02–1.19, Ph = 0.018, I2 = 48.6%). However, after further statistical assessment by FPRP, BFDP, and Venice criteria, the positive associations reported here could be deemed to be false-positives and present only weak evidence for a causal relationship. In addition, when we performed pooled analysis and sensitivity analysis on MTHFR A1298C; all the results were negative. Conclusion: The positive relationships between MTHFR C677T and A1298C polymorphisms with the susceptibility to present with hypertension were not robust enough to withstand statistical interrogation by FPRP, BFDP, and Venice criteria. Therefore, these SNPs are probably not important in EH etiology.

Establishing a Detection Threshold for Acoustic-Based External Leak Detection Systems

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathew Bussière ◽  
Mark Stephens ◽  
Marzie Derakhshesh ◽  
Yue Cheng ◽  
Lorne Daniels
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Detection Threshold ◽  
Leak Detection ◽  
Detection Sensitivity ◽  
Sensitivity Threshold ◽  
Detection Systems ◽  
Threshold Measure ◽  
Full Scale Tests ◽  
Parameter Values ◽  
Very High

Abstract A better understanding of the sensitivity threshold of external leak detection systems can assist pipeline operators in predicting detection performance for a range of possible leak scenarios, thereby helping them to make more informed decisions regarding procurement and deployment of such systems. The analysis approach described herein was developed to characterize the leak detection sensitivity of select fiber optic cable-based systems that employ Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS). The detection sensitivity analysis consisted of two steps. The first step involved identifying a suitable release parameter capable of providing a defensible basis for defining detection sensitivity; the second step involved the application of logistic regression analysis to characterize detection sensitivity as a function of the chosen release parameter. The detection sensitivity analysis described herein provides a means by which to quantitatively determine the leak detection sensitivity threshold for each technology and sensor deployment position evaluated in a set of full-scale tests. The chosen sensitivity threshold measure was the release parameter value associated with release events having a 90% probability of being detected. Thresholds associated with a higher probability level of 95% were also established for comparison purposes. The calculated sensitivity thresholds can be interpreted to mean that release events associated with release parameter values above the sensitivity threshold have a very high likelihood (either 90 or 95%) of being detected.

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