Major Scientific Contributions Research Articles

A hydrologic similarity-based parameters dynamic matching framework: Application to enhance the real-time flood forecasting

Conventional hydrological modeling is usually based on the assumption that parameters are statically time-invariant. However, recent studies suggest that the influences of climate change and human interventions have made this hypothesis questionable. Meanwhile, machine learning techniques are increasingly used to extract patterns and insights from the ever-increasing hydrometeorological data. Here, we proposed a hybrid framework (HSPDM) to improve the precision of real-time flood forecasting in response to nonstationary conditions. It utilizes multiple machine learning techniques to dynamically retrieve calibrated hydrological model parameters from historical similar floods, thus continuously obtaining hourly time-variant parameters in real-time flood forecasting operations. Using the Quzhou Basin in China as a case study, the effectiveness and advancement of HSPDM framework was examined. Three schemes, including traditional time-invariant parameters (scheme 1), hourly time-variant parameters (scheme 2), and probabilistic forecasting scheme (scheme 3), were built for comparison purpose. The results were summarized as follows: (1) The proposed framework can successfully identify continuous flood subsequence with a high retrieval accuracy (1.74) and acceptable time consumption (175.05 s) by adopting k-means, K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), and embedding-based subsequence matching (EBSM) method. (2) Compared to scheme 1, scheme 2 provided more reliable forecasting results with higher accuracies, in terms of the general goodness-of-fit (higher NSE value) and reproducing flood peak and flood process. (3) The streamflow hydrographs forecasted by scheme 2 fell exactly in the predictive uncertainty bounds of scheme 3 and even showed superiority compared to a preferred deterministic forecast (Q50) of scheme 3. The major scientific contribution of this study lies in advancing the technique of real-time flood forecasting based on the hourly time-variant model parameters, thereby strengthening our understanding of model behaviors under changing conditions. The proposed framework can also act as a new alternative for flood control and ultimately contribute to the mitigation of flooding disasters.

Efficient Computation of Optimal Thresholds in Cloud Auto-scaling Systems

We consider a horizontal and dynamic auto-scaling technique in a cloud system where virtual machines hosted on a physical node are turned on and off to minimise energy consumption while meeting performance requirements. Finding cloud management policies that adapt the system to the load is not straightforward, and we consider here that virtual machines are turned on and off depending on queue load thresholds. We want to compute the optimal threshold values that minimize consumption costs and penalty costs (when performance requirements are not met). To solve this problem, we propose several optimisation methods, based on two different mathematical approaches. The first one is based on queueing theory and uses local search heuristics coupled with the stationary distributions of Markov chains. The second approach tackles the problem using Markov Decision Process (MDP) in which we assume that the policy is of a special multi-threshold type called hysteresis. We improve the heuristics of the former approach with the aggregation of Markov chains and queues approximation techniques. We assess the benefit of threshold-aware algorithms for solving MDPs. Then we carry out theoretical analyzes of the two approaches. We also compare them numerically and we show that all of the presented MDP algorithms strongly outperform the local search heuristics. Finally, we propose a cost model for a real scenario of a cloud system to apply our optimisation algorithms and to show their practical relevance. The major scientific contribution of the article is a set of fast (almost in real time) load-based threshold computation methods that can be used by a cloud provider to optimize its financial costs.

Bitcoin Price Prediction and NFT Generator Based on Sentiment Analysis

Twitter sentiment has been found to be useful in predicting whether the price of Bitcoin will rise or fall will climb or decline. Modelling market activity and hence emotion in the Bitcoin ecosystem gives insight into Bitcoin price forecasts. We take into account not just the emotion retrieved not just from tweets, but also from the quantity of tweets. With the goal of optimising time window within which expressed emotion becomes a credible predictor of price change, we provide data from research that examined the link among both sentiment and future price at various temporal granularities. We demonstrate in this study that not only can price direction be anticipated, but also the magnitude of price movement with same accuracy, and this is the study's major scientific contribution. Non-Fungible Token (NFT) has gained international interest in recent years as a blockchain-based application. The most prevalent kind of NFT that can be stored on many blockchains is digital art. We did studies on CryptoPunks, the most popular collection on the NFT market, in examine and depict each and every major ethical challenges. We investigated ethical concerns from three perspectives: design, trade transactions, and relevant Twitter topics. Using Python libraries, a Twitter crawler, and sentiment analysis tools, we scraped data from Twitter and performed the analysis and prediction on bitcoin and NFTs.

Gabriel Faivre: his legacy on eutectic solidification

In the honor of Gabriel Faivre (1944-2020), I will present a review of major scientific contributions to the understanding of the dynamics of eutectic growth patterns. From the end of the 1980s, Gabriel Faivre undertook a systematic research in solidification guided by the new concepts of the nonlinear physics of out-of-equilibrium pattern formation. Drawing on his outstanding capabilities as an experimentalist, he refined the method of in situ directional solidification of model alloys. With constant reference to physics and metallurgy, he succeeded in carrying out a high-level research, keen to reach strong qualitative impact and quantitative accuracy. Gabriel Faivre made key discoveries, together with coworkers and young researchers in Paris, and in collaboration with materials scientists and physicists in France and abroad. From symmetry breaking instabilities to eutectic cells and dendrites, over rod-like and labyrinth patterns, full light has been shed onto new phenomena, fascinating to the eye and the mind. During the last decade, Gabriel Faivre mentored an in-depth analysis of interfacial-anisotropy effects on coupled-growth patterns, thus reconciliating the theories of regular eutectics and crystal-orientation dependent eutectic-grain growth. Being both a rigorous scientist and a generous colleague, he left us a vast legacy of prospective research topics in solidification and crystal-growth science. Sharing his knowledge of fine arts and humanities, Gabriel Faivre also instilled the best of intellectual thinking in those who were fortunate enough to work with him.

Professor Bin Xu, a Legendary Pharmacologist in People’s Republic of China

Abstract: Professor Bin Xu was a pioneer pharmacologist of People’s Republic of China, especially anti-cancer drug pharmacology. His expertise ranged from drug efficacy screening, molecular biology, drug targeting and clinical applications. As one of the legendary figures (highest-ranking scientist of pharmacology in China), his contributions to the Chinese pharmacology and pharmaceutical industry were enormous and far-reaching. His long scientific career has greatly contributed and has a strong impact on People’s Republic of China. This article describes the engagement and major contributions of Prof Xu (including childhood history, medical experience, experimental work, pharmacology investigations, graduate education, clinical studies, major scientific contributions, social engagements, and global influence). It is necessary to review his invaluable contributions to China and find new light for the Chinese pharmaceutical industry.

Editorial

Editorial

Consumer Attitudes to the Smart Home Technologies and the Internet of Things (IoT)

This paper focuses on the consumer preferences for the so-called “smart homes” (also known as “smart houses”) which represent a novel addition and a product of the on-going digitalization and the deployment of the Internet of Things (IoT). The major scientific contribution of our study is the empirical model build on the data from the online questionnaire conducted with randomly selected respondents (N = 523) from four European Union (EU) countries and Russia. Even though our results are subject to limitations (no Southern of Northern European countries are included in the scope of this research, which might have yielded different results due to the differences in wealth of citizens and climate in comparison to the Central and Eastern European countries or Germany), they demonstrate that the users included in our sample generally feel inclined to the smart homes technologies and perceive them as a plausible means for improving the safety and security of their lives. On the other hand, some respondents from our sample expressed their concerns over the cybersecurity and technology dependence issues associated with smart homes. It is also apparent that younger respondents (aged 16–35) featured in our research are more worried about their personal data being monitored and analyzed (with a pending threat of leakages). All these results are original and constitute an important scientific value-added to the field of research in smart home technologies and their acceptance by the general public. We demonstrate that the further enhancement of smart homes, and the increase of their popularity and affordability among the customers both in the Central and Eastern European countries and beyond, might depend on the development of the smart grids which these smart homes are an integral part of. The reliability of the smart systems constitutes the key element for achieving the satisfaction of the smart homes residents, and hence needs to be achieved and secured in an effective way. This would ensure the right mix and balance of energy security and efficiency for all customers involved in this process.

Fifteen Years of Continuous High-Resolution Borehole Strainmeter Measurements in Eastern Taiwan: An Overview and Perspectives

As one of the most sensitive instruments for deformation monitoring in geophysics, borehole strainmeter has the capability to record a large spectrum of tectonic and environmental signals. Sensors are usually deployed near active faults and volcanoes and provide high-resolution continuous recordings of seismic and aseismic signals, hydrological variations (rainfall, groundwater level) and natural hazards (tropical cyclones, landslides, tsunamis). On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the installation of the first Sacks–Evertson borehole strainmeter, in central Japan, we present an overview of the major scientific contributions and advances enabled by borehole strainmeter measurements in Taiwan since their installation in the mid 2000s. We also propose a set of future research directions that address recent challenges in seismology, hydrology and crustal strain modeling.

Obituary: Ervedo Giordano, silviculturalist and forest ecologist from the Mediterranean, open to the world and to international forestry

Ervedo Giordano passed away in Rome on April 24, 2021. This note describes some of his major scientific contributions to research in silviculture and forest ecology, and sketches out the remarkable personality and character traits that he displayed throughout his life.

Gerald Lincoln: A man for all seasons.

Gerald Anthony Lincoln died after a short illness on 15 July 2020 at the age of 75years. Gerald was Emeritus Professor of Biological Timing at Edinburgh University and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh. He was an outstanding scientist and naturalist who was a seminal figure in developing our understanding of the neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying seasonal rhythmicity. This review considers his life and some of his major scientific contributions to our understanding of seasonality, photoperiodism and circannual rhythmicity. It is based on a presentation at the online 2nd annual seasonality symposium (2 October 2020) that was supported financially by the Journal of Neuroendocrinology.

Analysis of OpenStreetMap Data Quality at Different Stages of a Participatory Mapping Process: Evidence from Slums in Africa and Asia

This paper examines OpenStreetMap data quality at different stages of a participatory mapping process in seven slums in Africa and Asia. Data were drawn from an OpenStreetMap-based participatory mapping process developed as part of a research project focusing on understanding inequalities in healthcare access of slum residents in the Global South. Descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis were employed to examine the following research question: What is the spatial data quality of collaborative remote mapping achieved by volunteer mappers in morphologically complex urban areas? Findings show that the completeness achieved by remote mapping largely depends on the morphology and characteristics of slums such as building density and rooftop architecture, varying from 84% in the best case, to zero in the most difficult site. The major scientific contribution of this study is to provide evidence on the spatial data quality of remotely mapped data through volunteer mapping efforts in morphologically complex urban areas such as slums; the results could provide insights into how much fieldwork would be needed in what level of complexity and to what extent the involvement of local volunteers in these efforts is required.

Ethical design in social media: Assessing the main performance measurements of user online behavior modification

The growing use of social networks has led to the emergence of ethical and privacy concerns regarding the management of user data and how social networks train algorithms for economic purposes to organize the content shown to users. In this context, the present study aims to define and identify (i) the main concepts and (ii) performance measurements that social networks use to increase user engagement and modify user online behavior from the perspective of ethical design and surveillance capitalism in social media. Since previous research on this issue is scarce, this study bridges this gap in the literature by developing a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) of major scientific contributions made so far in this research area. We identify a total of 10 performance measurements and 4 ethical design measurements used by social media companies to increase user engagement and to achieve user behavior modification online, at times without users’ awareness about this effect. Furthermore, we critically analyze the identified 14 indicators, as previous research suggests that these indicators can generate addiction and modification of user behavior and feelings. The paper concludes with a discussion of important theoretical and practical implications of ethical design in social media for further research; we also question the economic approaches proposed in the business models of digital and social media platforms.

A review of 20 years (1999–2019) of Turkish–French collaboration in marine geoscience research in the Sea of Marmara

This paper retraces the history and main achievements of the ongoing Turkish–French collaboration in marine geoscience research in the Sea of Marmara, which was initiated in the aftermath of the 1999, Izmit and Duzce earthquakes. The collaboration resulted in nine large oceanographic cruises along with six recovery operations involving diverse vessels, and in the participation in two major EU-funded programmes (ESONET-NoE and MARSITE) and to one bilateral project, e.g. the MAREGAMI Project, co-funded by TUBITAK and ANR (the Turkish and French national funding agencies for research, respectively). In this paper, we review the major scientific contributions on the tectonic evolution of the North-Anatolian Fault in the Marmara Region; on the relationships between faulting, seismicity, fluids and ecosystems; and on paleo-seismology and paleo-oceanography in the Sea of Marmara.

Achievements of the Late Professor Teruaki Mukaiyama

This essay illuminates the quintessence of the life of the late Professor Teruaki Mukaiyama, the founding editor of The Chemical Record. It shares first-hand knowledge of his heartfelt and enlightening mentorship as well as his major scientific contributions to the chemical community. It will serve as an ever-lasting message of the didactic guidance and encouragement he provided for the future generations.

Achievements of the Late Professor Teruaki Mukaiyama.

This essay illuminates the quintessence of the life of the late Professor Teruaki Mukaiyama, the founding editor of The Chemical Record. It shares first-hand knowledge of his heartfelt and enlightening mentorship as well as his major scientific contributions to the chemical community. It will serve as an ever-lasting message of the didactic guidance and encouragement he provided for the future generations.

The H in WASH: a reflection on the contribution, style and legacy of Professor Val Curtis

Abstract In this paper we reflect on the contribution, style and legacy of Professor Val Curtis, an important, and sometimes controversial, figure in the water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) sector who sadly passed away on October 19, 2020. Across numerous scientific articles, and several books, and operational programmes, she established herself as a world-renowned scientific expert in the field of hygiene and behaviour change, as well as a major thought-leader in the WASH sector. We identify four major scientific contributions which she made over three decades of research that spanned multiple fields, including engineering, epidemiology, and psychology. Beyond her research, she tirelessly championed hygiene as a public health priority, using her talents as a communicator to secure concrete changes in relevant policy and practice. We are confident that her example, as both a public health researcher, and as a hygiene champion, will inspire future generations of WASH researchers and practitioners to be bold and ambitious.

Agate Genesis: A Continuing Enigma

This review covers the last 250 years of major scientific contributions on the genesis of agates found in basic igneous host rocks. From 1770 to 1955, the genesis question was frequently limited to discussions based on observations on host rock and agate thick sections. Over the next 25 years, experimental investigations examined phase transformations when silica glass and various forms of amorphous silica were heated to high temperatures. This work demonstrated that the change from the amorphous state into chalcedony was likely to be a multi-stage process. The last 40 years has seen modern scientific instrumentation play a key role in identifying the physical and chemical properties of agate. The outcome of this work has allowed limited evidence-based comment on the conditions of agate formation. There is a general consensus that agates in these basic igneous hosts form at <100 °C. However, the silica source and the nature of the initial deposit remain to be proven.

Trevor Alleyne Thorpe: His academic life and scientific legacy

This special review is written to commemorate the life and contributions of Dr. Trevor Alleyne Thorpe, who passed away on May 18, 2020, at the age of 83 yr ( https://www.sivb.org/InVitroReport/issue-54-2-april-june-2020/in-memoriam-4/ ). As part of his academic legacy, Trevor had trained an impressive number of laboratory members—15 PhD students, 14 Master’s students, 25 postdoctoral fellows, and many visiting scientists—who collectively identify themselves as proud members of “Team Thorpe.” This executive summary version of his major scientific contributions was prepared by the team.

SEEKING NOMINATIONS FOR 2021 SID HONORS AND AWARDS

IN OUR PROFESSIONAL LIVES, THERE ARE FEW GREATER REWARDS THAN recognition by our peers. For an individual in the field of electronic displays, the most significant examples of this recognition are awards from SID. Winners of SID awards represent the most notable contributors that have built today's display technology and industry. The Society relies on its members to nominate the individuals most deserving of this recognition. On behalf of SID's Honors and Awards Committee, I invite you to participate in the nomination of worthy candidates for next year's honors and awards. The SID Board of Directors grants awards based on recommendations made by the committee. Seven major prizes are awarded to individuals based on their outstanding achievements. These prizes are as follows: The Karl Ferdinand Braun Prize, SID's most prestigious award, is conferred on an individual for “outstanding technical achievement that has had a significant impact on the display industry.” This prize is named in honor of the German physicist and Nobel laureate Karl Ferdinand Braun, who invented the cathode-ray tube (CRT) in 1897. The David Sarnoff Industrial Achievement Prize is designed to honor “outstanding recipients who have had a profound, positive effect on the commercial display industry over a period of many years and are broadly recognized across the industry.” The Sarnoff Prize was created in honor of RCA visionary David Sarnoff to recognize individuals with a major business impact on the multinational display industry. The Peter Brody Prize is awarded to honor “outstanding contributions of young researchers (under age 40) who have made major and impactful technical contributions to the developments of electronic displays.” It is named for Peter Brody, who was a co-inventor of active matrix technology, which revolutionized modern electronic displays. The Jan Rajchman Prize is awarded for “outstanding scientific achievement or research in the field of flat-panel displays.” This prize, named for the Polish computer pioneer, is specifically dedicated to individuals who have made major scientific contributions to flat-panel-display technology or, through their research activities, have advanced the state of understanding of flat-panel technology. The Otto Schade Prize is awarded for “outstanding scientific or technical achievement in the advancement of functional performance and/or image quality of information displays.” The prize honors RCA engineer Otto Schade, an early pioneer in the development of television. While this prize naturally encompasses achievements in the understanding of human factors in display quality, the prize also may be awarded for technology or algorithms that lead to major advancements in displays' image quality. The Slottow–Owaki Prize is awarded for “outstanding contributions to the education and training of students and professionals in the field of information display.” This honors Professor H. Gene Slottow of the University of Illinois (an inventor of the plasma display), and Professor Kenichi Owaki of the Hiroshima Institute of Technology (an early leader of the pioneering Fujitsu Plasma Display program). The prize recognizes outstanding educational and training contributions by academics in a university setting, authors of books with a significant impact, and others with recognized influence in the education and training of participants in the display industry. The Lewis and Beatrice Winner Award is awarded for “exceptional and sustained service to the Society.” This award is granted exclusively to those who have made major contributions, over many years, to promote the goals and growth of SID. The membership grade of SID Fellow is one of unusual professional distinction. Each year the SID Board of Directors elects a limited number (up to 0.1 percent of the membership in that year) of SID members in good standing to the grade of Fellow. To be eligible, candidates must have been members for at least five years at the time of nomination, with the last three years consecutive. A candidate for election to Fellow is a member with “outstanding qualifications and experience as a scientist or engineer in the field of information display who has made widely recognized and significant contributions to the advancement of the display field over a sustained period of time.” The Special Recognition Award is given annually to a number of individuals in the scientific and business community for distinguished and valued contributions in the information display field. These awards are given for contributions in one or more of the following categories: (a) outstanding technical accomplishments, (b) outstanding contributions to the literature, (c) outstanding service to the Society, (d) outstanding entrepreneurial accomplishments, and (e) outstanding achievements in education. SID membership is encouraged, but not required, for nominees of this award. For more information about the awards or to download a nomination form, go to www.sid.org/About/Awards/IndividualHonorsandAwards.aspx. Detailed instructions and requirements for nomination packages will be available at that site. All 2021 award nominations packages must be submitted by October 15, 2020. Paul Drzaic, Ph.D. Chair, SID Honors and Awards Committee

Using Data Sciences in Digital Marketing: Framework, methods, and performance metrics

In the last decade, the use of Data Sciences, which facilitate decision-making and extraction of actionable insights and knowledge from large datasets in the digital marketing environment, has remarkably increased. However, despite these advances, relevant evidence on the measures to improve the management of Data Sciences in digital marketing remains scarce. To bridge this gap in the literature, the present study aims to review (i) methods of analysis, (ii) uses, and (iii) performance metrics based on Data Sciences as used in digital marketing techniques and strategies. To this end, a comprehensive literature review of major scientific contributions made so far in this research area is undertaken. The results present a holistic overview of the main applications of Data Sciences to digital marketing and generate insights related to the creation of innovative Data Mining and knowledge discovery techniques. Important theoretical implications are discussed, and a list of topics is offered for further research in this field. The review concludes with formulating recommendations on the development of digital marketing strategies for businesses, marketers, and non-technical researchers and with an outline of directions of further research on innovative Data Mining and knowledge discovery applications.