/pdf/key-points-for-green-management-of-water-energy-food-in-the-2h6tyk3y.pdf

Key points for green management of water-energy-food in the Belt and Road Initiative: Resource utilization efficiency, final demand behaviors and trade inequalities

A mechanic-electronic sensor for automatic measurement of sediment-laden flow rate from erosion runoff plots

The impact of virtual water trade on urban water scarcity: A nested MRIO analysis of Yangtze River Delta cities in China

A novel classification of virtual water trade for the sustainability of global freshwater resources

Grain trade in Belt and Road (B&R) countries shows a mismatch between the volume and direction of grain flows and actual demand. With economic and industrial development, the water crisis has intensified, which poses a great challenge to the security of world grain supply and demand. There are few studies on the reconstruction of grain trade relations from the perspective of grain economic value. In this paper, a linear optimization model considering opportunity cost is proposed to fill the gap, and it is compared and analyzed with the optimization model considering only transportation cost. The grain supply and demand structures in both optimization results show characteristics of geographical proximity and long-tail distribution. Furthermore, the economic and water resource benefits resulting from the two optimal configurations are compared and analyzed. It is found that the economic benefits generated by grain trade in B&R countries with the consideration of opportunity cost not only cover transportation costs but also generate an economic value of about 130 trillion US dollars. Therefore, considering opportunity cost in grain trade is of great significance for strengthening cooperation and promoting the economic development of countries under the B&R framework. In terms of resource benefits, the grain trade with consideration of opportunity cost saves nearly 28 billion cubic meters of water, or about 5% of the total virtual water flow. However, about 72 billion cubic meters of water is lost for the grain trade with consideration of transportation cost. This study will help to formulate and adjust policies related to the “Belt and Road Initiative” (B&R Initiative), so as to maximize the economic benefits while optimizing the structure of grain trade and alleviating water scarcity pressures.

/pdf/optimization-and-benefit-analysis-of-grain-trade-in-belt-and-1ys4yeyf.pdf

Optimization and Benefit Analysis of Grain Trade in Belt and Road Countries

Driving factors of virtual water in international grain trade: A study for belt and road countries

At present, water resource information management in China is mainly a centralized model, and there exist some problems such as high cost, low efficiency, and data storage insecurity. Blockchain technology provides a good solution which can create an efficient trust mechanism among the links in the process of water resource utilization. It guarantees the security of the data, avoiding the sudden collapse of the central institutions caused by some normal operations of the entire system. Based on a decentralization blockchain, we propose a decentralized water resource information management system for the whole process of “supply-use-consumption-discharge,” which improves the traditional water data storage. Specifically, the monitoring and business data are encrypted by the blockchain and are transmitted using a peer-to-peer network. Moreover, the centralized management mode is changed and part of the management work is dispersed to each node. Thus, decisions and measures can be made and implemented quickly after discovering problems to improve the efficiency of information transmission and management. In addition, two typical blockchain-based application scenarios for water resource management are designed. A blockchain-based approach makes issuing and monitoring water abstraction permits more convenient and obtaining license information more secure and verifiable. A reliable mechanism for tracing water quality ensures the accuracy and reliability of water quality information, enables the detection of locations with inadequate water quality, and clarifies people’s responsibility, thus guaranteeing the water safety of the residents.

/pdf/a-framework-of-blockchain-technology-in-intelligent-water-184j0mxw.pdf

A Framework of Blockchain Technology in Intelligent Water Management

Application of a novel signal decomposition prediction model in minute sea level prediction

An electric motor assembly flowshop (EMAF) is a type of classical mixed-product assembly line that uses automatic guided vehicle (AGV) systems for material handling. To optimise the logistics system configuration and alleviate the impact of the AGV parameters on the efficiency of the EMAF, a modelling and optimisation method based on discrete event simulation (DES) combined with Taguchi orthogonal experimental design was proposed. A DES model of the entire production process for the EMAF was constructed using the Tecnomatix Plant Simulation software package. After optimisation of the principal layout in the DES model, the number of assembly stations was decreased from 13 to 9, and the balance ratio was increased from 65.08% to 84.65%. In addition, the combination of the Taguchi method with the DES model was further developed to achieve the optimal parameter combination of the AGVs in order to allow the AGVs to operate more efficiently under various states. The final overall theoretical throughput was increased from 134 to 295 units within the seven-hour observation period.

/pdf/optimisation-of-the-logistics-system-in-an-electric-motor-15aajf3m.pdf

Optimisation of the Logistics System in an Electric Motor Assembly Flowshop by Integrating the Taguchi Approach and Discrete Event Simulation

Gamma ray attenuation and water level measuring methods were used to design an integrated
automated system to determine the dynamic state of sediment concentration and flow rate in
runoff. The system makes possible the real-time, high frequency, precision and simultaneous
measurements of sediment concentration and flow rate, as well as the storage, retrieve and longdistance
transmission of measured data. The system consists of four subsystems: the automated
sampling subsystem, automated measuring and acquisition subsystem, data
analysis/output/retrieve subsystem and operation/control subsystem. Laboratory application
experiments and tests of the integrated system indicate that the system have such unique
capabilities as short time for high precision measurements, and fast transmission of logged data.
The system is so designed that it can be used not only for measuring sediment concentration and
flow rate in the laboratory experiments of soil erosion study, but also for field research and for onsite
long-term monitoring of soil and water loss from runoff plots.

W S Xia

Papers

Driving factors of virtual water in international grain trade: A study for belt and road countries

A Framework of Blockchain Technology in Intelligent Water Management

Application of a novel signal decomposition prediction model in minute sea level prediction

Optimisation of the Logistics System in an Electric Motor Assembly Flowshop by Integrating the Taguchi Approach and Discrete Event Simulation

An automated system for online measurement of sediment concentration and flow rate in runoff