Monitoring Strategic Hydraulic Infrastructures by Brillouin Distributed Fiber Optic Sensors

We present a case study of a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) hybrid system based on Brillouin Distributed Fiber Optic Sensors (D-FOS), Vibrating Wire (VW) extensometers and temperature probes for an existing historical water penstock bridge positioned in a mountain valley in Valle d’Aosta Region, Northwestern Italy. We assessed Brillouin D-FOS performances for this kind of infrastructure, characterized by a complex structural layout and located in a harsh environment. A comparison with the more traditional strain monitoring technology offered by VW strain gauges was performed. The D-FOS strain cable has been bonded to the concrete members using a polyurethane-base adhesive, ensuring a rigid strain transfer. The raw data from all sensors are interpolated on a unique general timestamp with hourly resolution. Strain data from D-FOS and VW strain gauges are then corrected from temperature effects and compared. Considering the inherent differences between the two monitoring technologies, results show a good overall matching between strain time series collected by D-FOS and VW sensors. Brillouin D-FOS proves to be a good solution in terms of performance and economic investment for SHM systems on complex infrastructures such as hydropower plants, which involve extensive geometry combined with the need for detailed and continuous strain monitoring.

Earth-Skimming Ultrahigh Energy Tau Neutrinos Simulated with Monte Carlo Method and CONEX Code

This paper is aimed at studying the feasibility of building an Earth-skimming cosmic tau neutrinos detector, with the aim of eventually identifying the ideal dimensions of a natural site mountain-valley for the detection of very high energy neutrinos tau range from 1 0 16 eV to 1 0 20 eV , as well as possibly locate one such site in Algeria. First, a Monte Carlo simulation of the neutrino-[mountain] matter interaction as well as the resulting decay of the tau lepton is conducted to determine the optimal dimensions of the mountain as well as the location of the tau decay in the valley. Second, a CORSIKA (COsmic Ray Simulation for KAscade) simulation with the CONEX option is conducted to track the evolution of the almost horizontal air shower initiated by the tau lepton. Many particles are produced, which are part of the shower components: electrons, muons, gammas, pions, etc. The study of the spatial distribution of these particles enables the discovery of the optimal width of the valley, and consequently, the distance at which to lay the detection network.

RESEARCH OF THE NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF FRUITS OF DIFFERENT APRICOT VARIETIES GROWN IN THE PLAINS, FOOTHILLS AND MOUNTAIN-VALLEY FRUIT-GROWING AREAS OF DAGESTAN

Представлены результаты определения содержания сахаров, титруемых кислот, витаминов С и Р, фенольных и пектиновых соединений в плодах абрикоса сортов Дженгутаевский, Краснощекий, Хонобах и Шалах, хорошо адаптированных к почвенно-климатическим условиям равнинной, предгорной и горно-долинной плодовых зон. Цель работы – изучение особенностей нутриентного состава в плодах абрикоса в зависимости от сортовой принадлежности и влияния высотного градиента мест выращивания, расположенных на различных высотах над уровнем моря. Определено наиболее перспективное, богатое ценными компонентами плодовое сырье для производства высококачественной импортозамещающей пищевой продукции. Выявленные сортовые различия биохимических комплексов изученных плодов позволяют объективно оценить их пищевые и вкусовые достоинства. Содержание сахаров и титруемых кислот в плодах абрикосов, выращенных в равнинной плодовой зоне, варьировало соответственно от 8,2 (Дженгутаевский) до 11,5 г/100 см3(Хонобах) и от 1,19 (Хонобах) до 1,54% (Дженгутаевский). В плодах сорта Шалах определено наибольшее количество пектиновых веществ – 0,84%, витамина С – 15,7 мг %, фенольных веществ – 137,1 мг % и витамина Р – 72,5 мг %. Количественное содержание всех идентифицированных нутриентов в плодах различалось в зависимости от почвенно-климатических условий произрастания абрикосов. Природные условия предгорья и горных долин способствуют интенсивному накоплению в плодах абрикоса титруемых кислот, витаминов С и Р, фенольных и пектиновых веществ, а почвенно-климатические условия равнины дают возможность образованию в них большей концентрации сахара. Результаты исследования питательной ценности плодов абрикоса могут быть применены для разработки рецептур новых пищевых продуктов, предназначенных для нормализации деятельности различных систем и восполнения дефицита нутриентов в организме человека. Results of studying of qualitative structure and quantitative content of saccharums, titrable acids, vitamins C and P, phenolic and pectinaceous bonds in fetuses of an apricot of grades Dzhengutayevsky, Krasnoshcheky, Honobakh and Shalakh of the flat, foothill and mountain and valley fruit zones which are well adapted to soil climatic conditions are presented in article. The work purpose – studying of features of formation of nutriyentny structure in apricot fetuses depending on high-quality accessory and influence of a high-rise gradient of the places of cultivation located at various heights above sea level. The problem of the choice of the most perspective rich was solved it is nutritious valuable components of fruit raw materials for production of superfine import-substituting food products. The taped high-quality differences of biochemical complexes of the studied fetuses allow to estimate objectively their alimentary and gustatory advantages. Content of saccharums and titrable acids in the apricots which are grown up in a flat fruit zone varied respectively from 8,2 (Dzhengutayevsky) to 11,5 g/100 см3 (Khonobakh) and from 1,19 (Honobakh) to 1,54% (Dzhengutayevsky). In grade fetuses Shalakh the greatest number of pectinaceous substances – 0,84%, vitamin C – 15,7 mg %, phenolic substances – 157,1 mg % and vitamin P – 72,5 mg % is defined. Quantitative content of all identified nutrients in apricots differed depending on in what soil climatic conditions they grow. An environment of the foothills and mountain valleys promote the strengthened accumulation in apricots of titrable acids, vitamins C and P, phenolic and pectinaceous substances, and soil climatic conditions of the plain gave the chance to concentrate more saccharum in apricot fetuses. The received data on nutritional value of the studied apricots can be applied to development of compoundings of the new foodstuff intended for normalization of activity of various systems in a human body and deficiency restores on nutrients.

Bora Flow Characteristics in a Complex Valley Environment

This paper complements the existing studies of Bora flow properties in the Vipava valley with the study of Bora turbulence in a lower region of the troposphere. The turbulence characteristics of Bora flow were derived from high resolution Doppler wind lidar measurements during eight Bora wind episodes that occurred in November and December 2019. Based on the vertical profiles of wind velocity, from 80 to 180 m above the valley floor, the turbulence intensity related to all three spatial directions and the along-wind integral length scales related to three velocity components were evaluated and compared to the approximations given in international standards. The resulting turbulence characteristics of Bora flow in a deep mountain valley exhibited interesting behaviour, differing from the one expected and suggested by standards. The intensity of turbulence during Bora episodes was found to be quite strong, especially regarding the expected values for that particular category of terrain. The specific relationship between along-wind, lateral and vertical intensity was evaluated as well. The scales of turbulence in the along-wind direction were found to vary widely between different Bora episodes and were rather different from the approximations given by standards, with the most significant deviations observed for the along-wind length scale of the vertical velocity component. Finally, the periodicity of flow structures above the valley was assessed, yielding a wide range of possible periods between 1 and 10 min, thus confirming some of the previous observations from the studies of Bora in the Vipava valley.

Recognition of Values of Traditional Villages in Southwest China for Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Liufang Village

With the implementation of China’s Rural Revitalization Strategy, more and more traditional villages have been developed. However, due to the lack of value awareness, many rural planning policies are unreasonable, and therefore, characteristics disappear. In the past, the value identification of traditional villages mostly stayed in the general value description, which was not enough to highlight the unique overall value of the village. From the perspective of the cultural landscape, taking Liufang village in Liping County of Guizhou Province as an example, this paper interprets the value of cultural landscape from the concept of “long-term interaction between human and nature,” and then carry out three value themes of “settlement landscape of Dong people in the low and middle mountain valley area,” “agricultural landscape and activities of Dong people under traditional rice farming,” and “spiritual landscape of Dong People’s beliefs, systems and customs”. Moreover, by interviewing local residents, this paper summarizes two aspects of Liufang village value consensus—traditional culture and landscape construction, as well as tourism development opportunities and challenges—and analyzes the relationship between them. The new attempt to identify traditional village’s value in this paper lies in the combination of object value and subject perception, which is more conducive to the scientific formulation of traditional village protection and tourism sustainable development strategy.