Development of a seismic site-response zonation map for the Netherlands

Earthquake site response is an essential part of seismic hazard assessment, especially in densely populated areas. The shallow geology of the Netherlands consists of a very heterogeneous soft sediment cover, which has a strong effect on the amplitude of ground shaking. Even though the Netherlands is a low- to moderate-seismicity area, the seismic risk cannot be neglected, in particular, because shallow induced earthquakes occur. The aim of this study is to establish a nationwide site-response zonation by combining 3D lithostratigraphic models and earthquake and ambient vibration recordings. As a first step, we constrain the parameters (velocity contrast and shear-wave velocity) that are indicative of ground motion amplification in the Groningen area. For this, we compare ambient vibration and earthquake recordings using the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) method, borehole empirical transfer functions (ETFs), and amplification factors (AFs). This enables us to define an empirical relationship between the amplification measured from earthquakes by using the ETF and AF and the amplification estimated from ambient vibrations by using the HVSR. With this, we show that the HVSR can be used as a first proxy for site response. Subsequently, HVSR curves throughout the Netherlands are estimated. The HVSR amplitude characteristics largely coincide with the in situ lithostratigraphic sequences and the presence of a strong velocity contrast in the near surface. Next, sediment profiles representing the Dutch shallow subsurface are categorised into five classes, where each class represents a level of expected amplification. The mean amplification for each class, and its variability, is quantified using 66 sites with measured earthquake amplification (ETF and AF) and 115 sites with HVSR curves. The site-response (amplification) zonation map for the Netherlands is designed by transforming geological 3D grid cell models into the five classes, and an AF is assigned to most of the classes. This site-response assessment, presented on a nationwide scale, is important for a first identification of regions with increased seismic hazard potential, for example at locations with mining or geothermal energy activities.

A Dynamic Theory of Populism in Power

The relationship between populism and democracy is a hotly debated topic. Some believe that populism is inherently bad for democracy because it is anti-pluralist and confrontational. Others argue that populism can reinvigorate worn-out democracies in need of an infusion of greater popular participation. This book advances this debate by examining the empirical relationship between populism in power and democracy. Does populism in power always lead to regime change, that is, the demise of democracy? The answer is no. The impact of populism on democracy depends on the variety of populism in power: the worst outcomes in democratic governance are found under unconstrained populism. This book discusses the conditions that explain how populism becomes unconstrained, and advances a dynamic theory of change that shows how the late victories of populists build on early ones, resulting in greater power asymmetries. The book analyzes five populist presidencies in the Andes. In four of them (Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela), populism became unconstrained and regime change followed. In one case, Colombia, populism in power was contained and democracy survived. The concluding chapter places the Andean cases in comparative perspective and discusses how unconstrained populism in other cases (Nicaragua and Hungary) also lead to the end of electoral democracy. Where populism in power was constrained (Honduras and the United States), regime change did not materialize. This book advances a theory of populism that help us understand how democracies transition into non-democracies. To that extent, the book illuminates the processes of democratic erosion in our time.

Mass of different snow crystal shapes derived from fall speed measurements

Meteorological forecast and climate models require good knowledge of the microphysical properties of hydrometeors and the atmospheric snow and ice crystals in clouds, for instance, their size, cross-sectional area, shape, mass, and fall speed. Especially shape is an important parameter in that it strongly affects the scattering properties of ice particles and consequently their response to remote sensing techniques. The fall speed and mass of ice particles are other important parameters for both numerical forecast models and the representation of snow and ice clouds in climate models. In the case of fall speed, it is responsible for the rate of removal of ice from these models. The particle mass is a key quantity that connects the cloud microphysical properties to radiative properties. Using an empirical relationship between the dimensionless Reynolds and Best numbers, fall speed and mass can be derived from each other if particle size and cross-sectional area are also known. In this study, ground-based in situ measurements of snow particle microphysical properties are used to analyse mass as a function of shape and the other properties particle size, cross-sectional area, and fall speed. The measurements for this study were done in Kiruna, Sweden, during snowfall seasons of 2014 to 2019 and using the ground-based in situ Dual Ice Crystal Imager (D-ICI) instrument, which takes high-resolution side- and top-view images of natural hydrometeors. From these images, particle size (maximum dimension), cross-sectional area, and fall speed of individual particles are determined. The particles are shape-classified according to the scheme presented in our previous study, in which particles sort into 15 different shape groups depending on their shape and morphology. Particle masses of individual ice particles are estimated from measured particle size, cross-sectional area, and fall speed. The selected dataset covers sizes from about 0.1 to 3.2 mm, fall speeds from 0.1 to 1.6 m s−1, and masses from 0.2 to 450 µg. In our previous study, the fall speed relationships between particle size and cross-sectional area were studied. In this study, the same dataset is used to determine the particle mass, and consequently, the mass relationships between particle size, cross-sectional area, and fall speed are studied for these 15 shape groups. Furthermore, the mass relationships presented in this study are compared with the previous studies. For certain crystal habits, in particular columnar shapes, the maximum dimension is unsuitable for determining Reynolds number. Using a selection of columns, for which the simple geometry allows the verification of an empirical Best-number-to-Reynolds-number relationship, we show that Reynolds number and fall speed are more closely related to the diameter of the basal facet than the maximum dimension. The agreement with the empirical relationship is further improved using a modified Best number, a function of an area ratio based on the falling particle seen in the vertical direction.

An empirical relationship between PM2.5 and aerosol optical depth from MODIS satellite images for spatial simulation over Ho Chi Minh city

Air quality in megacities has been a pressing concern of environmental managers and scientists for decades. Indeed, particulate matter (PM), especially PM2.5, is considered a dangerousparticle that is harmful to human health. The current sparse monitoring network in Ho Chi Minh city (HCMC) does not accurately reflect the spatial distribution of fine particles in ambient air. Therefore, this research examines the relationship between ground-based station data and aerosol optical depth (AOD) imagery from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) onboard the Terra/Aqua satellite to establish a PM2.5 distribution map of HCMC. PM2.5 concentration values monitored from two ground stations were collocated by time and space with Terra/MODIS AOD data from the period of 2016-2020. Pairs of values were checked for correlation and then fit to several regression functions. The most suitable function was chosen to simulate the quantified PM2.5distributions in the study area. A high correlation between PM2.5 concentrations and AOD at the wavelength of green light (R2=0.810) was found with a linear regression model. The results showed that the highest concentration of PM2.5 was in February, and the mean value was higher than QCVN 05:2013 (32.5 μg/m3compared with 25 μg/m3, annual mean). These results support the need for essential air quality monitoring in HCMC.

JUNIOR STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN SCIENCE COURSES BASED ON HOTS LITERACY PROGRAM: MODELING OF SCIENTIFIC INTEREST AND ITS RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER COMPONENTS

This study aims to describe the pattern of relationships between several factors supporting interest (interest) in science subjects. Students get an Exercise Program to improve scientific literacy. This training program aims to improve students' scientific literacy skills. The training program is carried out after the teachers receive the training program. The study of students' interest in science was revealed by conducting a survey related to several factors supporting interest in science. Several factors in the study of supporting scientific interests include the role of teachers, parental support, school roles, peer support, physics, chemistry and biology materials. Research participants were taken using random sampling technique, totaling 39 students. The developed scientific literacy assistance program seeks to improve the quality of learning outcomes. The success of the scientific literacy training program is related to students' scientific interest. The results showed that the multiple linear regression model provides a descriptive numerical description of the empirical relationship between the value of interest in science and its supporting components. Likewise, interest has a role in learning achievement.

Environment/Geography and Prosperity/Transparency (E), (4), (7)

This chapter discusses the influence of the environment and geography on prosperity and corruption and reviews some leading empirical works.A direct and robust empirical relationship exists between the environment/geography and the prosperity of nations. For instance, countries located in the inter-tropical or equatorial zone tend to be poorer than those located in temperate zones. Seasonal dynamics lead ecosystems and societies to accumulate and manage more resources, while equatorial species and people tend to consume the available resources immediately rather than storing, accumulating, and reinvesting the excess capital.An abundance of natural resources (i.e. fuels and minerals) tends to generate conditions for rent-seeking and corruption. Venezuela, Nigeria, or Arab countries are examples of countries located on the equator characterised by an abundance of natural resources and by high levels of corruption.

Effect of FW conditions on mechanical and microstructural characteristic of AA6061/SiC/Graphite hybrid composites joint by empirical relationship

Friction welded AA6061 matrix hybrid composite joints were investigated to understand the process effect on the metallurgical properties with the aid of empirical relationships. SiC of 10 % with the standard particle size of 25 µm and 5 % graphite with the particle size of 30 µm were added into the AA6061 matrix. The investigation has 20 sets of experiments as per the matrix designed. Each process condition, namely rotation speed (N), upset load (F), and upset time (T), as well as their impact on joint properties, were investigated individually, with the estimated tensile strength correlated to their corresponding metallographic properties. The observation of this study concludes that the disparity in grain size is mainly affected by the availability of heat sources and the plasticized material during the friction stage and it is highly influenced by rotation speed. Furthermore, the lower level parameters produce the defective joint while the higher-level parameters are attributed to ejecting the extensive amount of hot material from the joint interface. Finer reduction in grain size of 1.5 µm and ample plasticized material consolidation at the optimized welding conditions of 1600 rpm rotation speed, 3.5 kN upset load, and 4 s upset time were attributed to achieving the maximum tensile strength of 167 MPa.

Netizens' behavior towards a blockchain-based esports framework: a TPB and machine learning integrated approach

PurposeBased on the concepts confined in Ajzen's theory of planned behavior (TPB), this study investigates users' attitudes towards adoption of a blockchain-based framework in the esports industry that proposes a scheme of rewarding stakeholders for their invested attention along with blockchain technology's inherent protocols.Design/methodology/approachThe present study uses RStudio (Version 1.3.1093) package RedditExtractoR for scraping and analysis of the discussion referring to the keyword “Verasity” on the Reddit website. The final corpus of 1,913 user comments was considered for the study. Sentiment analysis was initially conducted to explore the semantic orientation of the users concerning Verasity. This was followed by generalized equation modeling to analyze the impact of social media attributed to the users' commenting behavior.FindingsThe study found that Redditors, in general, have a positive attitude towards the adoption of a blockchain-based esports platform. This was validated through the empirical findings. The regression model states that there is a significant positive impact of the positivity in the comments over the Redditors' attitude and in their commenting behavior.Originality/valueThis study offers a new understanding of key contributing attributes of sentiment formation over social media concerning a blockchain-based esports framework. The study also establishes an empirical relationship between the social media attributes and the commenting behavior of Redditors. Finally, the current study offers valuable insights into social media engagements and the selection of highly influential Redditors for practicing marketing managers.

Material characterisation by enhanced resolution in non-stationary thermal wave imaging

In the recent past, quadratic frequency-modulated thermal wave imaging (QFMTWI) has been advanced with a chirp z-transform (CZT)-based processing approach to facilitate enhanced subsurface anomaly detection, depth quantification and material property estimation with enhanced depth resolution. In the present study, the applicability of CZT-based phase analysis for foreign object defect detection in a structural steel sample using QFMTWI is validated through finite element-based numerical modelling rather than experimental verification due to limited available resources. Furthermore, the enhanced defect detection capability of the CZT phase approach is qualitatively compared with the frequency- and time-domain phase approaches using the defect signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) as a quality metric. Also, an empirical relationship between the observed phases and the thermal reflection coefficient is obtained, which recommends the CZT phase as a prominent approach for foreign material defect detection.