Mineral lithotype identification on the andrill AND-2A drillcore, antarctica by using ternary mineral rock physics templates built from a self-consistent approach

In this work, wet bulk density ?WBD and compressional wave velocity VP core log data obtained along the AND-2A drillcore are plotted on density-velocity ternary mineral Rock Physics Templates (RPTs) built from a Self-Consistent (SC) micromechanics modelling with the purpose to deter- mine data trends that allow us to assist in identifying mineral lithotypes and lithological features throughout the 1138 m length of the drillcore. The elastic properties of the three dominant miner- als present in the drillcore (mixed clays, quartz, and calcite) and the pore-filling fluid (brine) were used as input data for the SC model. The interpreted lithology is then compared to that obtained from the analysis of the AND-2A drillcore ?WBD and VP log data using Gardner type density-velocity cross plots. Results from both the SC and Gardner methods are in good agreement with the main lithologies present in the AND-2A drillcore already reported in the scientific literature. Our findings also agree well when compared to the lithological description of six selected rock samples obtained at different depths on the AND-2A drillcore. These results suggest that the proposed SC approach could be helpful to assist to identify lithology in scientific drill holes where downhole elastic proper- ties may exist over intervals where portions of the drillcore were not recovered. Furthermore, even when elastic property data sets come from measurements on cores, the SC approach is likewise useful because, from visual analysis alone, lithology can sometimes be difficult to determine, and additional information from the analysis of the elastic properties may provide more insight.

How groundwater time series and aquifer property data explain heterogeneity in the Permo-Triassic sandstone aquifers of the Eden Valley, Cumbria, UK

A novel investigation of the impact of meteorological and geological heterogeneity within the Permo-Triassic Sandstone aquifers of the River Eden catchment, Cumbria (UK), is described. Quantifying the impact of heterogeneity on the water cycle is increasingly important to sustainably manage water resources and minimise flood risk. Traditional investigations on heterogeneity at the catchment scale require a considerable amount of data, and this has led to the analysis of available time series to interpret the impact of heterogeneity. The current research integrated groundwater-level and meteorological time series in conjunction with aquifer property data at 11 borehole locations to quantify the impact of heterogeneity and inform the hydrogeological conceptual understanding. The study visually categorised and used seasonal trend decomposition by LOESS (STL) on 11 groundwater and meteorological time series. Decomposition components of the different time series were compared using variance ratios. Though the Eden catchment exhibits highly heterogeneous rainfall distribution, comparative analysis at borehole locations showed that (1) meteorological drivers at borehole locations are broadly homogeneous and (2) the meteorological drivers are not sufficient to generate the variation observed in the groundwater-level time series. Three distinct hydrogeological regimes were identified and shown to coincide with heterogeneous features in the southern Brockram facies, which is the northern silicified region of the Penrith Sandstone and the St Bees Sandstone. The use of STL analysis in combination with detailed aquifer property data is a low-impact insightful investigative tool that helps guide the development of hydrogeological conceptual models.

Sequential Damage Assessment of the Posterolateral Complex of the Knee Joint: A Finite Element Study

Background. The posterolateral complex (PLC), which consists of the popliteus tendon (PT), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and popliteofibular ligament (PFL), is an indispensable structure of the knee joint. The aim of this study was to explore the functionality of the PLC by determining the specific role of each component in maintaining posterolateral knee stability. Methods. A finite element (FE) model was generated based on previous material property data and magnetic resonance imaging of a volunteer’s knee joint. The injury order of the PLC was set as LCL, PFL, and PT. A 134 N anterior load was applied to the tibia to investigate tibial displacement (TD). Tibial external rotation (TER) and tibial varus angulation (TVA) were measured under bending motions of 5 and 10 Nm. The instantaneous axis of rotation (IAR) of the knee joint under different rotation motions was also recorded. Results. The TD of the intact knee under a 134 N anterior load matched the values determined in previous studies. Our model showed consistent increases in TD, TVA, and TER after sequential damage of the PLC. In addition, sequential disruption caused the IAR to shift superiorly and laterally during varus rotation, and medially and anteriorly during external rotation. In the dynamic damage of the PLC, LCL injury had the largest effect on TD, TVA, TER, and IAR. Conclusions. Sequential injury of the PLC caused considerable loss of stability of the knee joint according to an FE model. The most significant structure of the PLC was the LCL.

Evaluating the Consistency and Continuity of Pixel-Scale Cloud Property Data Records From Aqua and SNPP

The Aqua, SNPP, and JPSS satellites carry a combination of hyperspectral infrared sounders (AIRS, CrIS) and high-spatial-resolution narrowband imagers (MODIS, VIIRS). They provide an opportunity to acquire high-quality long-term cloud data records and are a key component of the existing Program of Record of cloud observations. By matching observations from sounders and imagers across different platforms at pixel scale, this study evaluates the self-consistency and continuity of cloud retrievals from Aqua and SNPP by multiple algorithms, including the AIRS Version-7 retrieval algorithm and the Community Long-term Infrared Microwave Combined Atmospheric Product System (CLIMCAPS) Version-2 for sounders, and the Standard Aqua-MODIS Collection-6.1 and the NASA MODIS-VIIRS continuity cloud products for imagers. Metrics describing detailed statistical distributions at sounder field of view (FOV) and the joint histograms of cloud properties are evaluated. These products are found highly consistent despite their retrieval from different sensors using different algorithms. Differences between the two sounder cloud products are mainly due to cloud clearing and treatment of clouds in scenes with unsuccessful atmospheric profile retrievals. The sounder subpixel cloud heterogeneity evaluated using the standard deviation of imager retrievals at sounder FOV shows good agreement between the standard and continuity products from different satellites. However, impact of algorithm and instrument differences between MODIS and VIIRS is revealed in cloud top pressure retrievals and in the imager cloud distribution skewness. Our study presents a unique aspect to examine NASA’s progress toward building a continuous cloud data record with sufficient quality to investigate clouds’ role in global environmental change.

Application of groundwater modeling to predict the effectiveness of various peat dome restoration methods in Pulang Pisau District, Central Kalimantan Province

A number of Indonesian Peat Hydrological Units (Kesatuan Hidrologis Gambut/KHG) have undergone severe degradation and require an effective restoration measure to increase their ecological, social, and economic function. A peat dome located in Garung village, Pulang Pisau District, Central Kalimantan Province, was selected in this research. It aimed to apply the mathematical modeling to predict the effect of various restoration methods on the sustainability of ecological functions of peak dome in this area and reveal the advantage and disadvantages of each specified method. The groundwater model was performed in this research to simulate the influence of four different restoration methods on the groundwater level of the peak dome. The water budget and the hydraulic conductivity of groundwater assigned in the modeling were derived from the previous research done in the other village within the same Peat Hydrological Units. Meanwhile, the soil property data and the other data related to groundwater and canal properties were obtained from the field measurement at the location during the rainy season. The result of modeling indicates that the restoration method employing a combination of canal backfilling and revegetation affects the most effectively the rising groundwater level of peat dome in the model domain, followed by the individual canal backfilling and canal blocking methods, respectively. The modeling approach enables us to prove the outcome of each applied restoration method toward the area of peak dome having groundwater level lower than 40 cm. In order to be able to apply this model in the other peatland area, a model validation utilizing the field measurement of hydraulic conductivity, groundwater level, and the canal water level is necessary to be carried out throughout the year, particularly during the dry season.

Indoor Air Quality and Overheating in UK Classrooms – an Archetype Stock Modelling Approach

Children spend a large part of their waking lives in school buildings. There is substantial evidence that poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and thermal discomfort can have detrimental impacts on the performance, wellbeing and health of schoolchildren and staff. Maintaining good IAQ while avoiding overheating in classrooms is challenging due to the unique occupancy patterns and heat properties of schools. Building stock modelling has been extensively used in recent years to quantify and evaluate performance of large numbers of buildings at various scales. This paper builds on an archetype stock modelling approach which represents the diversity of the school stock in England through an analysis of The Property Data Survey Programme (PDSP) and the Display Energy Certificates (DEC) databases. The model was used for simulating Indoor-to-Outdoor pollution ratios to estimate indoor air pollution levels (NO2, PM2.5 and CO2) and thermal comfort (overheating) in two climate areas in England: London and the West Pennines. analysis highlighted variations in classrooms’ indoor CO2 levels in different seasons and explored the risk of overheating in relation to a classroom’s orientation.

Quantum Mechanics Enables "Freedom of Design" in Molecular Property Space

Rational design of molecules with targeted properties requires understanding quantum-mechanical (QM) structure-property/property-property relationships (SPR/PPR) across chemical compound space. We analyze these relationships using the QM7-X dataset---which includes multiple QM properties for ~4.2 M equilibrium and non-equilibrium structures of small (primarily organic) molecules. Instead of providing simple SPR/PPR that strictly follow physicochemical intuition, our analysis uncovers substantial flexibility in molecular property space (MPS) when searching for a single molecule with a desired pair of QM properties or distinct molecules with a targeted set of QM properties. As proof-of-concept, we used Pareto multi-property optimization to search for the most promising (i.e., highly polarizable and electrically stable) molecules for polymeric battery materials; without prior knowledge of this complex manifold of MPS, Pareto front analysis reflected this intrinsic flexibility and identified small directed structural/compositional changes that simultaneously optimize these properties. Our analysis of such extensive QM property data provides compelling evidence for an intrinsic “freedom of design” in MPS, and indicates that rational design of molecules with a diverse array of targeted QM properties is quite feasible.

AN INTEGRATED APPROACH BASED ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE USING ANFIS AND ANN FOR MULTIPLE CRITERIA REAL ESTATE PRICE PREDICTION

A relatively high level of precision is required in real estate valuation for investment purposes. Such estimates of value which is carried out by real estate professionals are relied upon by the end-users of such financial information having paid a certain fee for consultation hence leaving little room for errors. However, valuation reports are often criticised for their inability to be replicated by two or more valuers. Hence, stirring to a keen interest within the academic cycle leading to the need for exploring avenues to improve the price prediction ability of the professional valuer. This study, therefore, focuses on overcoming these challenges by introducing an integrated approach that combines ANFIS with ANN termed ANFIS-AN, thereby having a reiteration in terms of ANN application to fortify price predictability. Using 255 property data alongside 12 variables, the ANFIS-AN model was adopted and its outcome was compared with that of ANN. Finally, the results were subjected to 3 different error testing models using the same training and learning benchmarks. The proposed model’s RMSE gave 1.413169, while that of ANN showed 9.942206. Similarly, using MAPE, ANN recorded 0.256438 while ANFIS-AN had 0.208324. Hence, ANFIS-AN’s performance is laudable, thus a better tool over ANN.

IDENTIFICATION OF FACTORS INFLUENCING LAND VALUE FOR STATE'S ASSETS MASS APPRAISAL PURPOSES: EVIDENCE FROM INDONESIA

Land value is an important element in a decision making. The estimation of land value conducted individually based on comparables. This approach often faces difficulties due to the large quantities of such assets with limited capacity of valuers. This research aimed to build a model to effectively identify the main property attributes that shape property value and quantify the effect of unobserved variables on value. We observed 628 property data in Jakarta collected by the Directorate General of State Asset Management (DGSAM) as part of their valuation activities in 2018. The results of this study provide an evidence that structural equation model (SEM) can be effectively used to identify property attributes that significantly affect property value, particularly for valuing state-owned assets.