Afghanistan in transition: institution and security nexus

After more than a decade of NATO-led intervention, Afghanistan is now transitioning into a fully functioning state. Two main challenges lie ahead as NATO plans to withdraw its forces and turn security over to the Afghan government. The short-term challenge relates to guaranteeing an effective and efficient turnover of power to Afghan authorities. In the longer term, NATO wants to ensure a healthy consolidation of Afghan state institutions. The way in which NATO manages this turnover as well as its role in the transition’s aftermath will have immense implications on the evolution of the Afghan state. As such, the transatlantic alliance, as well as civil and military policy makers, are at a critical juncture in its Afghanistan endeavor. The transition from a stage of acute conflict to that of institutional consolidation will bring about new challenges for Afghanistan across a spectrum of policy issues. In this transition stage, Afghanistan needs not reinvent the wheel in many of the challenges it will face. Istanbul Policy Center in cooperation with USAK and the financial support of NATO Public Diplomacy Division convened a series of panels to further the debate on specific policy challenges facing NATO and the Afghan government during this transition. More specifically, these panels hosted experts in specific fields that we deemed may be critical to a healthy consolidation of the Afghan state. We chose the panel topics to address concrete policy challenges that stand at the security-economics-society nexus and that can lend themselves to specific policy proposals

Seasonality of low flows and dominant processes in the Rhine River

Low flow forecasting is crucial for sustainable cooling water supply and planning of river navigation in the Rhine River. The first step in reliable low flow forecasting is to understand the characteristics of low flow. In this study, several methods are applied to understand the low flow characteristics of Rhine River basin. In 108 catchments of the Rhine River, winter and summer low flow regions are determined with the seasonality ratio (SR) index. To understand whether different numbers of processes are acting in generating different low flow regimes in seven major sub-basins (namely, East Alpine, West Alpine, Middle Rhine, Neckar, Main, Mosel and Lower Rhine) aggregated from the 108 catchments, the dominant variable concept is adopted from chaos theory. The number of dominant processes within the seven major sub-basins is determined with the correlation dimension analysis. Results of the correlation dimension analysis show that the minimum and maximum required number of variables to represent the low flow dynamics of the seven major sub-basins, except the Middle Rhine and Mosel, is 4 and 9, respectively. For the Mosel and Middle Rhine, the required minimum number of variables is 2 and 6, and the maximum number of variables is 5 and 13, respectively. These results show that the low flow processes of the major sub-basins of the Rhine could be considered as non-stochastic or chaotic processes. To confirm this conclusion, the rescaled range analysis is applied to verify persistency (i.e. non-randomness) in the processes. The estimated rescaled range statistics (i.e. Hurst exponents) are all above 0.5, indicating that persistent long-term memory characteristics exist in the runoff processes. Finally, the mean values of SR indices are compared with the nonlinear analyses results to find significant relationships. The results show that the minimum and maximum numbers of required variables (i.e. processes) to model the dynamic characteristics for five out of the seven major sub-basins are the same, but the observed low flow regimes are different (winter low flow regime and summer low flow regime). These results support the conclusion that a few interrelated nonlinear variables could yield completely different behaviour (i.e. dominant low flow regime)

Nonlinear forecasting of stream flows using a chaotic approach and artificial neural networks

This paper evaluates the forecasting performance of two nonlinear models, k-nearest neighbor (kNN) and feed-forward neural networks (FFNN), using stream flow data of the Kızılırmak River, the longest river in Turkey. For the kNN model, the required parameters are delay time, number of nearest neigh- bors and embedding dimension. The optimal delay time was obtained with the mutual information function; the number of nearest neighbors was obtained with the optimization process that minimi- zes RMSE as a function of the neighbor number and the embedding dimension was obtained with the correlation dimension method. The correlation dimension of the Kızılırmak River was d = 2.702, which was used in forming the input structure of the FFNN. The nearest integer above the correlation dimension (i.e., 3) provided the minimal number of required variables to characterize the system, and the maximum number of required variables was obtained with the nearest integer above the value 2d + 1 (Takens, 1981) (i.e., 7). Two FFNN models were developed that incorporate 3 and 7 lagged discharge values and the predicted performance compared to that of the kNN model. The results showed that the kNN model was superior to the FFNN model in stream flow forecasting. However, as a result from the kNN model structure, the model failed in the prediction of peak values. Additionally, it was found that the correlation dimension (if it existed) could successfully be used in time series where the determina- tion of the input structure is difficult because of high inter-dependency, as in stream flow time series. ResumenEste trabajo evalúa el desempeño de pronóstico de dos modelos no lineares, de método de clasificación no paramétrico kNN y de redes neuronales con alimentación avanzada (FNNN), usando datos de flujo del río Kizilirmak, el mayor de Turquía. Para el modelo kNN, los parámetros requeridos son tiempo de retraso, número de vecindarios cercanos y dimensión de encrustamiento. El tiempo óptimo de retraso fue obtenido con la función de información mutua; el número de vecindarios cercanos fue obtenido con la optimización de procesos que minimizan el RMSE como una función del número de vecindarios y la dimensión de incrus- tación fue obtenida con el método de dimensión correlativa. La dimensión de correlación del río Kizilirmak fue utilizado en la formación de la estructura de ingreso de las redes FFNN. La integración cercana sobre la dimensión de correlación proveyó el número mínimo de variables requeridas para caracterizar el sistema y el número máximo de variables requeridas fue obtenido con el número entero por encima del valor (Takens, 1981). Se desarrollaron dos modelos de redes FNNN que incorporan 3 y 7 valores de descargas retrasadas y el desempeño de predicción comparado con el modelo kNN. Los resultados muestran que el modelo kNN fue superior al modelo de redes FFNN en el flujo de pronósticos. Sin embargo, como un resultado del modelo de estructura kNN, el modelo falla en los valores pico. Adicionalmente, se encontró que la dimensión de correla- ción (de existir) podría ser usada eficientemente en series temporales donde la determinación de estructura de ingreso es difícil por la gran interdependencia, como en las series temporales de flujo

Nonlinear forecasting of stream flows using a chaotic approach and artificial neural networks

This paper evaluates the forecasting performance of two nonlinear models, k-nearest neighbor (kNN) and feed-forward neural networks (FFNN), using stream flow data of the Kızılırmak River, the longest river in Turkey. For the kNN model, the required parameters are delay time, number of nearest neigh- bors and embedding dimension. The optimal delay time was obtained with the mutual information function; the number of nearest neighbors was obtained with the optimization process that minimi- zes RMSE as a function of the neighbor number and the embedding dimension was obtained with the correlation dimension method. The correlation dimension of the Kızılırmak River was d = 2.702, which was used in forming the input structure of the FFNN. The nearest integer above the correlation dimension (i.e., 3) provided the minimal number of required variables to characterize the system, and the maximum number of required variables was obtained with the nearest integer above the value 2d + 1 (Takens, 1981) (i.e., 7). Two FFNN models were developed that incorporate 3 and 7 lagged discharge values and the predicted performance compared to that of the kNN model. The results showed that the kNN model was superior to the FFNN model in stream flow forecasting. However, as a result from the kNN model structure, the model failed in the prediction of peak values. Additionally, it was found that the correlation dimension (if it existed) could successfully be used in time series where the determina- tion of the input structure is difficult because of high inter-dependency, as in stream flow time series.  Resumen Este trabajo evalúa el desempeño de pronóstico de dos modelos no lineares, de método de clasificación no paramétrico kNN y de redes neuronales con alimentación avanzada (FNNN), usando datos de flujo del río Kizilirmak, el mayor de Turquía. Para el modelo kNN, los parámetros requeridos son tiempo de retraso, número de vecindarios cercanos y dimensión de encrustamiento. El tiempo óptimo de retraso fue obtenido con la función de información mutua; el número de vecindarios cercanos fue obtenido con la optimización de procesos que minimizan el RMSE como una función del número de vecindarios y la dimensión de incrus- tación fue obtenida con el método de dimensión correlativa. La dimensión de correlación del río Kizilirmak fue utilizado en la formación de la estructura de ingreso de las redes FFNN. La integración cercana sobre la dimensión de correlación proveyó el número mínimo de variables requeridas para caracterizar el sistema y el número máximo de variables requeridas fue obtenido con el número entero por encima del valor (Takens, 1981). Se desarrollaron dos modelos de redes FNNN que incorporan 3 y 7 valores de descargas retrasadas y el desempeño de predicción comparado con el modelo kNN. Los resultados muestran que el modelo kNN fue superior al modelo de redes FFNN en el flujo de pronósticos. Sin embargo, como un resultado del modelo de estructura kNN, el modelo falla en los valores pico. Adicionalmente, se encontró que la dimensión de correla- ción (de existir) podría ser usada eficientemente en series temporales donde la determinación de estructura de ingreso es difícil por la gran interdependencia, como en las series temporales de flujo

Impact of complexity on daily and multi-step forecasting of streamflow with chaotic, stochastic, and black-box models

Despite significant research advances achieved during the last decades, seemingly inconsistent forecasting results related to stochastic, chaotic, and black-box approaches have been reported. Herein, we attempt to address the entropy/complexity resulting from hydrological and climatological conditions. Accordingly, mutual information function, correlation dimension, averaged false nearest neighbor with E1 and E2 quantities, and complexity analysis that uses sample entropy coupled with iterative amplitude adjusted Fourier transform were employed as nonlinear deterministic identification tools. We investigated forecasting of daily streamflow for three climatologically different Swedish rivers, Helge, Ljusnan, and Kalix Rivers using self-exciting threshold autoregressive (SETAR), k-nearest neighbor (k-nn), and artificial neural networks (ANN). The results suggest that the streamflow in these rivers during the 1957–2012 period exhibited dynamics from low to high complexity. Specifically, (1) lower complexity lead to higher predictability at all lead-times and the models’ worst performances were obtained for the most complex streamflow (Ljusnan River), (2) ANN was the best model for 1-day ahead forecasting independent of complexity, (3) SETAR was the best model for 7-day ahead forecasting by means of performance indices, especially for less complexity, (4) the largest error propagation was obtained with the k-nn and ANN and thus these models should be carefully used beyond 2-day forecasting, and (5) higher number input variables except for the dominant variables made insignificant impact on forecasting performances for ANN and k-nn models

Phase-space reconstruction and self-exciting threshold models in lake level forecasting: a case study of the three largest lakes of Sweden

Lake water level forecasting is very important for an accurate and reliable management of local and regional water resources. In the present study two nonlinear approaches, namely phase-space reconstruction and self-exciting threshold autoregressive model (SETAR) were compared for lake water level forecasting. The modeling approaches were applied to high-quality lake water level time series of the three largest lakes in Sweden; Vänern, Vättern, and Mälaren. Phase-space reconstruction was applied by the k-nearest neighbor (k-NN) model. The k-NN model parameters were determined using autocorrelation, mutual information functions, and correlation integral. Jointly, these methods indicated chaotic behavior for all lake water levels. The correlation dimension found for the three lakes was 3.37, 3.97, and 4.44 for Vänern, Vättern, and Mälaren, respectively. As a comparison, the best SETAR models were selected using the Akaike Information Criterion. The best SETAR models in this respect were (10,4), (5,8), and (7,9) for Vänern, Vättern, and Mälaren, respectively. Both model approaches were evaluated with various performance criteria. Results showed that both modeling approaches are efficient in predicting lake water levels but the phase-space reconstruction (k-NN) is superior to the SETAR model

Geleneksel uçhisar evlerinin yapım tekniği

The aim of this study is to create comprehensive and reliable information about construction techniques of Uçhisar houses within construction processes. In order to that purpose, studies about history and general features of Cappadocia and Uçhisar were reviewed. In Cappadocia region, the development of residential settlements through history was surveyed from the previous studies. Gathered information from literature survey and site survey were assessed together and traditional houses which are representation of authentic houses of Uçhisar were selected and investigated. Each structural and architectural element were drawn in detail, analyzed, and classified by their similarities and differences. Relationship between rock-carved places and masonry structures were investigated. Within the scope of thesis, used materials of houses and local discourses were other important concerns. Via the information came out regarding the study, a basic construction processes of traditional Uçhisar house was identified.M.Arch. - Master of Architectur

Seasonality of Low Flows and Dominant Processes in the Rhine River

Low flow forecasting is crucial for sustainable cooling water supply and planning of river navigation in the Rhine River. The first step in reliable low flow forecasting is to understand the characteristics of low flow. In this study, several methods are applied to understand the low flow characteristics of Rhine River basin. In 108 catchments of the Rhine River, winter and summer low flow regions are determined with the seasonality ratio (SR) index. To understand whether different numbers of processes are acting in generating different low flow regimes in seven major sub-basins (namely, East Alpine, West Alpine, Middle Rhine, Neckar, Main, Mosel and Lower Rhine) aggregated from the 108 catchments, the dominant variable concept is adopted from chaos theory. The number of dominant processes within the seven major sub-basins is determined with the correlation dimension analysis. Results of the correlation dimension analysis show that the minimum and maximum required number of variables to represent the low flow dynamics of the seven major sub-basins, except the Middle Rhine and Mosel, is 4 and 9, respectively. For the Mosel and Middle Rhine, the required minimum number of variables is 2 and 6, and the maximum number of variables is 5 and 13, respectively. These results show that the low flow processes of the major sub-basins of the Rhine could be considered as non-stochastic or chaotic processes. To confirm this conclusion, the rescaled range analysis is applied to verify persistency (i.e. non-randomness) in the processes. The estimated rescaled range statistics (i.e. Hurst exponents) are all above 0.5, indicating that persistent long-term memory characteristics exist in the runoff processes. Finally, the mean values of SR indices are compared with the nonlinear analyses results to find significant relationships. The results show that the minimum and maximum numbers of required variables (i.e. processes) to model the dynamic characteristics for five out of the seven major sub-basins are the same, but the observed low flow regimes are different (winter low flow regime and summer low flow regime). These results support the conclusion that a few interrelated nonlinear variables could yield completely different behaviour (i.e. dominant low flow regime)

A comparison of nonlinear stochastic self-exciting threshold autoregressive and chaotic k-nearest neighbour models in daily streamflow forecasting

A nonlinear stochastic self-exciting threshold autoregressive (SETAR) model and a chaotic k-nearest neighbour (k-nn) model, for the first time, were compared in one and multi-step ahead daily flow forecasting for nine rivers with low, medium, and high flows in the western United States. The embedding dimension and the number of nearest neighbours of the k-nn model and the parameters of the SETAR model were identified by a trial-and-error process and a least mean square error estimation method, respectively. Employing the recursive forecasting strategy for the first time in multi-step forecasting of SETAR and k-nn, the results indicated that SETAR is superior to k-nn by means of performance indices. SETAR models were found to be more efficient in forecasting flows in one and multi-step forecasting. SETAR is less sensitive to the propagated error variances than the k-nn model, particularly for larger lead times (i.e., 5 days). The k-nn model should carefully be used in multi-step ahead forecasting where peak flow forecasting is important by considering the risk of error propagation

Quantification of parametric uncertainty of ANN models with GLUE method for different streamflow dynamics

This study describes the parametric uncertainty of artificial neural networks (ANNs) by employing the generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) method. The ANNs are used to forecast daily streamflow for three sub-basins of the Rhine Basin (East Alpine, Main, and Mosel) having different hydrological and climatological characteristics. We have obtained prior parameter distributions from 5000 ANNs in the training period to capture the parametric uncertainty and subsequently 125,000 correlated parameter sets were generated. These parameter sets were used to quantify the uncertainty in the forecasted streamflow in the testing period using three uncertainty measures: percentage of coverage, average relative length, and average asymmetry degree. The results indicated that the highest uncertainty was obtained for the Mosel sub-basin and the lowest for the East Alpine sub-basin mainly due to hydro-climatic differences between these basins. The prediction results and uncertainty estimates of the proposed methodology were compared to the direct ensemble and bootstrap methods. The GLUE method successfully captured the observed discharges with the generated prediction intervals, especially the peak flows. It was also illustrated that uncertainty bands are sensitive to the selection of the threshold value for the Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency measure used in the GLUE method by employing the Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test