bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disconnectable Concrete Spar FPSO
Authors: Sablok Anil , Blundon Andrew , Landbo Trond , Kyoung Johyun , Fowlow Chad , Stromme Svein
Published: November 2016

A floating platform in deep water Eastern Canada is required to withstand iceberg loads and/or be disconnected and towed away only in the event of very large approaching icebergs, leaving the mooring lines and risers in-place, support large topsides and provide large quantities of oil storage in the hull. Additionally, the platform should provide low motion response to storm and ice loads to maximize the operational uptime and facilitate the use of a large number of different riser systems including steel catenary risers (SCR).

This paper presents the details of a Disconnectable Concrete Spar FPSO platform that has been configured to satisfy all the above requirements and is able to be constructed locally in Eastern Canada. The paper describes a number of key features of the Spar shaped hull, mooring and riser systems that are specifically designed to withstand large iceberg loads and other environment loads while maintaining the characteristic low motion response to storm environments. The design helps to minimize disconnection frequency due to approaching icebergs and disconnection may only be required for very large icebergs or ice islands. Additionally, the system has been designed to minimize disconnection and reconnection time.
Applications of Iceberg Profiling Data to Improve Iceberg Management Success
Authors: Bruce Jonathon , Younan Adel , MacNeill Andrew
Published: November 2016

Hibernia Management and Development Company Ltd. (HMDC) sponsored a R&D initiative in 2012 with the objective of obtaining high quality three dimensional iceberg profiles off the east coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. The three dimensional iceberg profiles collected during that program have been used in this work to illustrate the potential benefits to iceberg management which could be realized if towing vessels were outfitted with the equipment required to obtain three dimensional iceberg shapes quickly in the field. Tools have been developed under the further financial support of HMDC to assess the stability of the iceberg in order to identify the preferential towing directions to reduce the likelihood of rolling the iceberg during a tow. A tool has also been developed to allow the user to assess the local shape of the iceberg relative to the towing net to help avoid unfavorable iceberg shapes and slopes. The iceberg shapes have also been used to assess the current iceberg towing net design with recommendations for potential improvements to reduce net slippage during a tow.
Smart Iceberg Management System – Rapid Iceberg Profiling System
Authors: McGuire Peter , Younan Adel , Wang Yahui , Bruce Jonathon , Gandi Muthu , King Tony , Keeping Ken , Regular Kirk
Published: November 2016

High resolution iceberg profiles are an essential element of an intelligent ice management toolkit. This paper describes field work undertaken during the spring and summer of 2015 to test our high resolution, rapid iceberg profiling system and presents some key results obtained.

The profiling system uses a multibeam SONAR for the iceberg keel and a LIDAR for the iceberg sail. The system was used to collect 10 different iceberg profiles in the waters off eastern Newfoundland, ranging in size from 20m to 190m (waterline length). Profiling was performed at a speed of up to 6kts, allowing a 100m (waterline) iceberg to be profiled in under five minutes. The system is able to collect data even when significant vessel roll/pitch is evident and is able to compensate for iceberg movement during the profiling operation. Iceberg profiles created by C-CORE's system are validated by comparison with photographs and also via hydrostatic analysis.
Analysis of Medium-Scale Laboratory Tests on Ice Crushing Dynamics
Authors: Birajdar Pranav , Taylor Rocky , Habib Kashfi , Hossain Ridwan
Published: November 2016

The study of ice loads and associated mechanics is highly important in supporting oil and gas exploration and development in ice-prone offshore regions. While knowledge gaps regarding full details of the dynamic ice structure interaction process remain, substantial research is being carried out over a range of scales to improve understanding of excitation mechanisms for structures subjected to compressive ice loading. The present paper is focused on the first of a new series of medium-scale laboratory tests that have been carried out as a part of a larger program of research aimed at improving understanding of compressive ice failure phenomena and links between the formation of high-pressure zones and the occurrence of ice-induced structural vibrations under controlled conditions. The tests presented in this paper focus on the indentation of ice using a single spherical indenter mounted on a compliant beam system. Nine tests were performed to investigate the effect of ice temperature and indenter size on ice failure processes associated with high-pressure zone formation and evolution during dynamic ice crushing tests. Ice failure events were observed from regular and high-speed video synchronized with LVDTs and load cell data. Observations of ice load dynamics and structural response are discussed, along with corresponding observations of failure processes in the ice. In general it was observed that ice at warm temperatures was more prone to ductile type failure with lower, less dynamic pressures. By contrast, results from tests conducted at colder temperatures were characterized by a combination of spalling and crushing failure, which corresponded more with large-amplitude, sawtooth load cycles, which often resulted in load drop to zero as the rebounding structure cleared the failed ice from around the indenter. In terms of scale effects, it was observed for the same indentation rate and temperature, smaller indenters produced higher amplitude, higher frequency sawtooth loading than was observed for larger diameter indenters.
Initial Operational Experience from the Oblique Icebreaker
Authors: Hovilainen M. , Romu T. , Heinonen T. , Uuskallio A.
Published: November 2016

Baltika, the world’s first oblique icebreaker designed to break ice sideways, left Murmansk on 20 March 2015 and headed to the Russian Arctic. The purpose of the three-week voyage to Kara Sea and the Gulf of Ob was to evaluate the vessel’s icebreaking performance and operational capability through extensive full-scale trials in challenging Arctic ice conditions. In the ice-free Barents Sea, the seakeeping characteristics of the asymmetric icebreaker hull were also evaluated in moderate seas.

Performance trials were carried out in three different ice thicknesses, ranging from 40 cm thick saline sea ice in the Kara Sea to up to 1.22 m thick hard low-saline ice outside the Sabetta LNG terminal in the Gulf of Ob. During these trials, Baltika exceeded her design icebreaking capability of 3 knots in 1 m thick ice in both ahead and astern directions. In addition, the oblique icebreaking mode was demonstrated for the first time, and the vessel performed beyond expectations.

While the main goal of the trial voyage was to confirm Baltika’s icebreaking capability, both the vessel’s crew and the designers gained considerable operational experience during the daily operations in the challenging ice conditions. After the best way to tackle obstacles such as ridged ice fields was discovered, Baltika was found out to be equivalent - sometimes even superior - to conventional icebreakers despite her lower propulsion power.

There have always been those who have doubted the feasibility of the oblique icebreaker concept. The extensive full-scale ice trials in the Russian Arctic have shown that Baltika, the first icebreaker with an asymmetric hull, could not only break ice sideways, but also sometimes out-perform conventional icebreakers in other operational situations as well. The concept is thus seen to hold potential for a number of missions such as escort and port icebreaking and in offshore projects.
GBS LNG Solution for Shallow Arctic Regions
Authors: Stormyr Erik , Egge, Kvaerner Magnus , Khan Altaf , Hunter Phil
Published: November 2016

The Arctic regions offer significant resource bases for energy supplies for the future. The Arctic developments has been challenged during the last years due to relatively high risk and cost levels related to the remote locations, harsh environment and environmental risks. The price of energy has fallen significantly and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) prices has followed the oil market, therefor the development of LNG facilities in the Arctic has to offer substancial cost benefits over what was planned some few years back.

Gas fields in the Arctic can be developed with LNG plants onshore, Floating LNG (FLNG) or by Gravity Based Structure (GBS) LNG solutions. Onshore developments has been the only alternative developed to date but logistical, foundation and lower productivity for construction, hook up and commissioning in arctic conditions has enabled another development concept to be evaluated. FLNG in shallow water and ice infested areas has not yet been considered a feasible development solution.

The GBS LNG concept offers solutions to many of the challenges in developing a large scale LNG plant in the arctic. The self contained GBS LNG based on compact design with integrated topside, Product storage and offloading in one unit can improve the execution of: Construction and integration in a yard instead of in an remote localization with harsh environment large parts of the yearReduced logistical challenges and no ice breaking tansport vessels requiredLocating the GBS LNG in permafrost free siteConcrete GBS can be constructed locally to ensure substantial local contentSecuring the project schedule by working in a controlled environment with established infrastructure and work forceSignificant reduction in bulk quantities due to compact designIntegrated ice barrier and potentially ice management systems in the GBS

The GBS LNG concept has been developed to be a flexible solution where; Train size and number of trains can be accommodated - up to 10 MTPA LNG capacity per GBSLarge flexibility in LNG and condensate storage capacityWater depth ranging from 13-30mDesign one build many - easy hook up for multiple LNG GBSsCooling medium (Air or Water cooled)Driver selection - GT or Electrical driveSelf contained with Living Quarter, Flare and utilities in produced on boardFlare can be installed on GB S

This paper is based on several conceptual and pre-FEED studies for the arctic and sub arctic environment where the GBS LNG solution has been evaluated favourable over the onshore development alternative, especially in location with ice infested waters and were permafrost on land is present.
Surgical pearl on reconstructing surgical defects of the nasal tip
Authors: César Artur , Barros Ana , Santos Paulo , Azevedo Filomena
Published: November 2016

Repairing surgical defects of the nasal tip is challenging, mainly because of the lack of freely mobile skin available peripherally. The Peng flap is a one-stage cutaneous flap that circumvents this difficulty by recruiting skin from the nasal dorsum and sidewall regions. The design produces a tridimensional shape perfectly adapted to the configuration of the nasal tip and allows for an inconspicuous closure of the defect. We present three examples of full-thickness skin defects involving the nasal tip, reconstructed using a modified version of the Peng flap, and present the experience at our department with this surgical technique.
Skeletal muscle microalterations in patients carrying Malignant Hyperthermia-related mutations of the e-c coupling machinery
Authors: Lavorato Manuela , Gupta Pawan K. , Hopkins Philip M. , Franzini-Armstrong Clara
Published: November 2016

We have compared the ultrastructure of skeletal muscle biopsies from patients that have survived a [Malignant Hyperthermia, MH] episode and siblings that test positive for MH susceptibility with those from siblings that tested negatives. The aim is to establish whether life long exposure to the MH-related mutation effects may result in subtle abnormalities even in the absence of active episodes and/or clinically detectable deficiencies. Although a specific ultrastructural signature for MH mutants cannot be demonstrated, an MH related pattern of minor alterations does exist. These include the tendency for micro damage to the contractile apparatus and a higher than normal level of mitochondrial abnormalities.
A Design Method for FES Bone Health Therapy in SCI
Authors: Andrews Brian , Shippen James , Armengol Monica , Gibbons Robin , Holderbaum William , Harwin William
Published: November 2016

FES assisted activities such as standing, walking, cycling and rowing induce forces within the leg bones and have been proposed to reduce osteoporosis in spinal cord injury (SCI). However, details of the applied mechanical stimulus for osteogenesis is often not reported. Typically, comparisons of bone density results are made after costly and time consuming clinical trials. These studies have produced inconsistent results and are subject to sample size variations. Here we propose a design process that may be used to predict the clinical outcome based on biomechanical simulation and mechano-biology. This method may allow candidate therapies to be optimized and quantitatively compared. To illustrate the approach we have used data obtained from a rower with complete paraplegia using the RowStim (III) system.
Microbiological and chemical-physical shelf-life and panel test to evaluate acceptability of liver mortadella
Authors: Tirloni Erica , Stella Simone , Bernardi Cristian , Moretti Vittorio Maria , Bersani Carla , Cattaneo Patrizia
Published: November 2016

This study aimed to evaluate the shelf life of sliced cooked liver mortadella packaged in MAP (70-85% N2, 15-30% CO2) and stored in refrigeration (4°C) or slight thermal abuse (8°C) for up to 49 days (declared best before date 45 days). The proximate composition, aw nitrites and NaCl content were determined at T0. Weekly, samples were submitted to microbiological (TVC, LAB, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Coagulase Positive Staphylococci, Sulphite reducing Clostridia, yeasts and moulds, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp.) and physical-chemical analyses (pH, colorimetric parameters, TVBN, TBARs), in parallel with consumer acceptability tests. The product characteristics (low salt and nitrites concentration, high aw and pH close to 6.5) were not efficient hurdles for microbial growth. No pathogens were detected in the samples; the initial TVC (5.4 Log CFU/g) increased rapidly, reaching values around 8 Log CFU/g at T14 for both the series, and was almost totally composed by LAB, leading to the acidification of the product (pH at T49 = 5.05 at 4°C and 5.24 at 8°C). The other microbiological parameters were below 2 Log CFU/g. The product showed a good protein and lipid stability (TVBN <33 N/100g and TBARs <8 nmol/g at T49). The sensorial quality of liver mortadella was more affected by the storage time than by the temperature. An evident colour modification was detected after T35, when the product was also frequently rejected by the panellists, mainly due to odour. Thus, the shelf life of sliced cooked liver mortadella should be shortened below 30 days.
Delirium, caused by suspending treatment of hypothyroidism
Authors: Hernández-Sandí Alejandro , Quirós-Baltodano David , Oconitrillo-Chaves Michelle
Published: November 2016

Delirium, or acute confusional syndrome, is a set of symptoms whose care involves not only psychiatry, but also many other medical specialties. Being as how the syndrome is caused by multiple factors, it is important to recognize each risk factor affecting the patient in order to anticipate and prevent it. In case of diagnosis, identifying and treating the root cause that triggered is important, given that it has a high rate of comorbidity and an elevated cost of medical care. We describe a case where a patient with hypothyroidism began suffering from delirium due to an abrupt discontinuation of levothyroxine treatment. Previously, the patient was seemingly healthy. After the medical treatment was interrupted, sensory processing and behavior were altered, and symptoms fluctuated, for a short period of time, showing disorientation and memory and language impairment.
Prevalence of asymptomatic neurophysiological carpal tunnel syndrome in 130 healthy individuals
Authors: Alrawashdeh Omar
Published: November 2016

Diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is frequently confirmed by performing nerve conduction studies. Previous studies demonstrated that abnormal nerve conduction study (NCS) is suggestive of CTS among asymptomatic individuals. However, previous studies included individuals with risk factors for the syndrome. A NCS was performed on the median and ulnar nerves in 130 healthy individuals. About 15% of individuals in this study demonstrated electrodiagnostic evidence of carpal tunnels syndrome. Four cases have shown signs of isolated median neuropathy with normal median sensory component. Results indicated that the most widely used method for confirming diagnosis of CTS may have up to 15% of false positives. However, most of those showed changes of minimal CTS. Isolated prolongation of the median motor latency should be investigated further as they are usually classified as moderate to severe CTS and may undergo unnecessary surgeries.
Primary Intimal Sarcoma of the Left Atrium: An Incidental Finding on Routine Echocardiography
Authors: Valecha Gautam , Pau Dhaval , Nalluri Nikhil , Liu Ying , Mohammad Farhan , Atallah Jean Paul
Published: November 2016

Cardiac sarcomas are extremely rare primary malignant tumors of the heart. In this article, we present the case of a 70-year-old female, who was found to have a left atrial mass during a routine outpatient transthoracic echocardiography. Further investigation with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the presence of a bilobulated mass with heterogeneous enhancement. Left atrial myxoma was the first diagnostic consideration, followed by other primary cardiac tumors, and thrombus. The patient subsequently underwent resection of the mass, utilizing cardiopulmonary bypass. Upon pathological examination, the mass was found to be an intimal sarcoma. The objective of this report is to describe a case of this rare disease entity, and to discuss its presentation, pathological findings and management.
Diversity: Negotiating difference in Christian communities
Authors: Naidoo Marilyn , De Beer Stephan
Published: November 2016

This article seeks to present challenges of negotiating difference and diversity in Christiancommunities in South Africa today. It reflects the intersectional nature of racial, gender, ethnicand economic difference, and ways in which land, capital and other power constructs continueto underpin and deepen exclusion. It then considers the status of diversity in Christiancommunities highlighting ways in which the fault lines in society are running throughChristian communities, and how such communities almost spontaneously engage in ‘othering’more naturally than in ‘embracing’. The article proposes the re-conceptualisation of diversitywithin the bigger South African project of socio-economic transformation, and that theconversation about difference and diversity in Christian communities should be brought intodialogue with critical diversity theory, which considers diversity in relation to equity, humanrights and social justice. Finally, the article provides an overview of the contributions that formpart of this collection of articles, tracing how a number of Christian communities seek tonegotiate diversity and difference ecclesially and theologically.
Cheryl de la Rey Dedication – A tribute
Authors: Dreyer Yolanda
Published: November 2016

No abstract available
Albert Pilon’s Scrutiny of Kwasizabantu
Authors: Rousseau P.A.
Published: November 2016

No abstract available.
Promoting literacy through reading programmes for first-year university students
Authors: Shober Dianne
Published: November 2016

University lecturers share a concern for incoming varsity students who lack the literacy competence to succeed in their courses. Given the strong correlation between reading and literacy, the English Department commenced an innovative and effective reading programme which witnessed positive and enthusiastic results. By engaging students in reading select works of fiction, we were able to increase their comprehension, build their vocabulary and inculcate an individual interest in reading literature. This paper discusses the resultant voluntary reading programme that was organised for first-year students enrolled in English language classes, the theoretical methodology of the programme, its implementation and positive results, especially in the students’ improved English course marks. It also explores ways to configure this programme to extend beyond university boundaries into effective community engagement.
Investigating positive leadership, psychological empowerment, work engagement and satisfaction with life in a chemical industry
Authors: Nel Tersia , Stander Marius W. , Latif Juraida
Published: November 2016

Orientation: The predominant theme of this research attends to the role of perceived positive leadership behaviour in relation to employee outcomes (psychological empowerment, work engagement, and satisfaction with life).Research purpose: The objective of this study was to investigate whether perceived positive leadership behaviour could predict psychological empowerment, work engagement, and satisfaction with life of employees in a chemical organisation in South Africa and whether positive leadership behaviour has an indirect effect on employees work engagement and satisfaction with life by means of psychological empowerment. Motivation for the study: The motivation for this study arose from the evident gap in academic literature as well as in terms of practical implications for the chemical industry regarding positive leadership behaviour, psychological empowerment, work engagement and satisfaction with life of employees. Research design, approach and method: A cross-sectional survey design was used with a convenience sample (n = 322). Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the structural relationships between the constructs. Main findings: Statistically significant relationships were found between positive leadership behaviour, psychological empowerment, work engagement and satisfaction with life of employees. Positive leadership has an indirect effect on work engagement and satisfaction with life via psychological empowerment.Practical/managerial implications: This study adds to the lack of literature in terms of positive leadership, psychological empowerment, work engagement and satisfaction with life within a chemical industry. It can also assist managers and personnel within the chemical industry to understand and perhaps further investigate relationships that exist between the above mentioned concepts.Contribution/value-add: It is recommended that leadership discussions, short training programs and individual coaching about positive leadership and particularly psychological empowerment take place.
Linearization and categorification
Authors: Khovanov Mikhail
Published: November 2016

We discuss the notion of linearization through examples, which include the Price map, PageRank, representation theory, the Euler characteristic and quantum link invariants. We also review categorification, which adds an additional layer of structure, in the context of the last two examples.
$p$-адическое броуновское движение
Authors: Zelenov Evgenii Igorevich
Published: November 2016

Дается определение $p$-адического Броуновского движения (Винеровского процесса) и исследуются его свойства. Построено представление для траектории процесса в виде разложения в ряд по базису Ван дер Пута. Показано, что траектории процесса являются 1-Липшицевыми функциями, которые не имеют производной ни в одной точке. Дано определение $p$-адической меры Винера на пространстве непрерывных функций и исследованы ее свойства.
Об экстремумах целевого функционала в задаче генерации однокубитных квантовых вентилей на малых временах
Authors: Pechen Alexander Nikolaevich , Ilin Nikolay Borisovich
Published: November 2016

В настоящей работе исследуются экстремумы целевого функционала задачи генерации квантового вентиля (квантового логического элемента) для двухуровневой квантовой системы на малых временах. Рассматривается проблема существования локальных максимумов целевого функционала, не являющихся глобальными, - так называемых ловушек. Ранее для достаточно большой длительности управления было доказано отсутствие ловушек. В настоящей статье доказывается, что ловушки отсутствуют для почти всех целевых унитарных операторов и гамильтонианов системы при любых, сколь угодно малых длительностях управления. Для оставшегося множества целевых унитарных операторов и гамильтонианов получена новая оценка нижней границы длительности управлений, обеспечивающих отсутствие ловушек.
Библиография: 20 наименований.
An Atlantic streamer in stratospheric ozone observations and SD-WACCM simulation data
Authors: Hocke Klemens , Schranz Franziska , Maillard Barras Eliane , Moreira Lorena , Kämpfer Niklaus
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Observation and simulation of individual ozone streamers are important for the description and understanding of nonlinear transport processes in the middle atmosphere. A sudden increase in mid-stratospheric ozone occurred above Central Europe on December 4, 2015. The GROunbased Millimeter-wave Ozone Spectrometer (GROMOS) and the Stratospheric Ozone MOnitoring RAdiometer (SOMORA) in Switzerland measured an ozone enhancement of about 30 % at 34 km altitude from December 1 to December 4. A similar ozone increase is simulated by the Specified Dynamics-Whole Atmosphere Community Climate (SD-WACCM) model. Further, the global ozone fields at 34 km altitude from SD-WACCM and the satellite experiment Aura/MLS show a remarkable agreement for the location and the timing of an ozone streamer (large-scale tongue like structure) extending from the subtropics in Northern America over the Atlantic to Central Europe. This agreement indicates that SD-WACCM can inform us about the wind inside the Atlantic ozone streamer. SD-WACCM shows an eastward wind of about 100 m/s inside the Atlantic streamer in the mid-stratosphere. SD-WACCM shows that the Atlantic streamer flows along the edge region of the polar vortex. The Atlantic streamer turns southward at an erosion region of the polar vortex located above the Caspian Sea. The spatial distribution of stratospheric water vapour indicates a filament outgoing from this erosion region. The Atlantic streamer, the polar vortex erosion region and the water vapour filament belong to the process of planetary wave breaking in the so-called surf zone of the Northern mid-latitude winter stratosphere.
Low-Level, Liquid-Only and Mixed-Phase Cloud Identification by
Polarimetric Lidar
Authors: Stillwell Robert A. , Neely III Ryan R. , Thayer Jeffrey P. , Shupe Matthew D. , O'Neill Michael
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The measurement of low-level, liquid-only and mixed-phase clouds in the polar regions is a necessary building block to understand the regional surface energy and mass budgets over ice sheets. The unambiguous retrieval of cloud phase from polarimetric lidar observations is dependent on the assumption that only cloud scattering processes alter the transmitted polarization. However, due to clouds varying in range, optical depth, and scatterer size and shape, most atmospheric lidar systems must observe high dynamic ranges in scattered signal strengths. Depending on the polarization component measured, these signals can far exceed the linear range of a detection system. Thus, due to the high optical thickness and predominately low-lying nature of liquid-only and mixed-phase clouds in the polar regions, relative to ice only clouds, a systematic overestimate of the traditional depolarization ratio, which uses the co-polarized and cross-polarized signals, can occur due to the large dynamic range signals. For both liquid-only and mixed-phase clouds, this results in a misidentification of liquid water in clouds as ice, which has broad implications on evaluating surface energy budgets. The Clouds Aerosol Polarization and Backscatter Lidar (CAPABL) at Summit, Greenland employs multiple planes of linear polarization, and photon counting and analog detection schemes, to self evaluate, correct, and optimize signal combinations to improve cloud classification. For example, an examination of observations of liquid-only and mixed-phase clouds at Summit shows as much as a 2 kilometer offset in median cloud height of those identified as liquid due to a systematic bias in photon counting signals. At a constant altitude, more than 94 % of the liquid pixels identified with analog signals can be misidentified as ice with photon counting signals. This results in a possible error of fractional occurrence of cloud liquid of approximately 30 %. It is shown that by observing polarization planes that are non-orthogonal, the dynamic range of observed signals is reduced, the coverage of the expected signal dynamic range is increased, and more linear response can be captured. Using non-orthogonal polarization observations is shown to enhance measurement sensitivity increasing the effective sampling range for CAPABL by as much as 18 % or approximately 1.5 km.
Pyranometer offsets triggered by ambient meteorology:
insights from laboratory and field experiments
Authors: Oswald Sandro M. , Pietsch Helga , Baumgartner Dietmar J. , Weihs Philipp , Rieder Harald E.
Published: November 2016

Abstract. This study investigates effects of ambient meteorology on the accuracy of radiation measurements performed with pyranometers contained in various heating/ventilation systems (HV-systems). It focuses particularly on instrument offsets observed following precipitation events. To quantify pyranometer responses to precipitation, a series of controlled laboratory experiments as well as two targeted field campaigns were performed in 2016. The results indicate that precipitation (as simulated by spray-tests or observed under ambient conditions) significantly affects the thermal environment of the instruments and thus their stability. Statistical analysis of laboratory experiments showed that precipitation triggers zero offsets of −4 W m−2 or more, independent of the HV-system. Similar offsets have been observed in field experiments under ambient environmental conditions, indicating a clear exceedance of BSRN targets following precipitation events. All pyranometers required substantial time to return to their initial signal states after the simulated precipitation events. Therefore for BSRN standard measurements the recommendation would be to flag the radiation measurements during a natural precipitation event and 90 min after it in nighttime conditions. Further daytime experiments show pyranometer offsets of 50 W m−2 or more in comparison to the reference system. As they show a substantially faster recovery, the recommendation would be to flag the radiation measurements within a natural precipitation event and 10 min after it in daytime conditions.
Accuracy, precision, and temperature dependence of Pandora total ozone measurements estimated from a comparison with the Brewer triad in Toronto
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyi , Fioletov Vitali , Cede Alexander , Davies Jonathan , Strong Kimberly
Published: November 2016

Abstract. This study evaluates the performance of the recently developed Pandora spectrometer by comparing it with the Brewer reference triad. This triad was established by Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in the 1980s and is used to calibrate Brewer instruments around the world, ensuring high-quality total column ozone (TCO) measurements. To reduce stray light, the double Brewer instrument was introduced in 1992, and a new reference triad of double Brewers is also operational at Toronto. Since 2013, ECCC has deployed two Pandora spectrometers co-located with the old and new Brewer triads, making it possible to study the performance of three generations of ozone-monitoring instruments. The statistical analysis of TCO records from these instruments indicates that the random uncertainty for the Brewer is below 0.6 %, while that for the Pandora is below 0.4 %. However, there is a 1 % seasonal difference and a 3 % bias between the standard Pandora and Brewer TCO data, which is related to the temperature dependence and difference in ozone cross sections. A statistical model was developed to remove this seasonal difference and bias. It was based on daily temperature profiles from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts ERA-Interim data over Toronto and TCO from the Brewer reference triads. When the statistical model was used to correct Pandora data, the seasonal difference was reduced to 0.25 % and the bias was reduced to 0.04 %. Pandora instruments were also found to have low air mass dependence up to 81.6° solar zenith angle, comparable to double Brewer instruments.
Archive of bacterial community in anhydrite crystals from a deep-sea basin provides evidence of past oil-spilling in a benthic environment in the Red Sea
Authors: Wang Yong , Li Tie Gang , Wang Meng Ying , Lai Qi Liang , Li Jiang Tao , Gao Zhao Ming , Shao Zong Ze , Qian Pei-Yuan
Published: November 2016

Abstract. In deep-sea sediment, the microbes present in anhydrite crystals are potential markers of the past environment. In the Atlantis II Deep, anhydrite veins were produced by mild mixture of calcium-rich hydrothermal solutions and sulfate in the bottom water, which had probably preserved microbial inhabitants in the past seafloor of the Red Sea. In this study, this hypothesis was tested by analyzing the metagenome of an anhydrite crystal sample from the Atlantis II Deep. The estimated age of the anhydrite layer was between 750 and 770 years, which might span the event of hydrothermal eruption into the benthic floor. The 16S/18S rRNA genes in the metagenome were assigned to bacteria, archaea, fungi and even invertebrate species. The dominant species in the crystals was an oil-degrading Alcanivorax borkumensis bacterium, which was not detected in the adjacent sediment layer. Fluorescence microscopy using 16S rRNA and marker gene probes revealed intact cells of the Alcanivorax bacterium in the crystals. A draft genome of A. borkumensis was binned from the metagenome. It contained all functional genes for alkane utilization and the reduction of nitrogen oxides. Moreover, the metagenomes of the anhydrites and control sediment contained aromatic degradation pathways, which were mostly derived from Ochrobactrum sp. Altogether, these results indicate an oxic, oil-spilling benthic environment in the Atlantis II basin of the Red Sea in approximately the 14th century. The original microbial inhabitants probably underwent a dramatic selection process via drastic environmental changes following the formation of an overlying anoxic brine pool in the basin due to hydrothermal activities.
Constraints on glacier flow from temperature-depth profiles in the ice. Application to EPICA Dome C.
Authors: Hermoso de Mendoza Ignacio , Mareschal Jean-Claude , Beltrami Hugo
Published: November 2016

Abstract. A one-dimensional (1-D) ice flow and heat conduction model is used to calculate the temperature and heat flux profiles in the ice and to constrain the parameters characterizing the ice flow and the thermal boundary conditions at the Dome C drilling site in East Antarctica. We use the reconstructions of ice accumulation, glacier height and air surface temperature histories as boundary conditions to calculate the ice temperature profile. The temperature profile also depends on a set of poorly known parameters, the ice velocity profile and magnitude, basal heat flux, and air-ice surfaces temperature coupling. We use Monte Carlo methods to search the parameters' space of the model, compare the model output with the temperature data, and find probability distributions for the unknown parameters. We could not determine the sliding ratio because it has no effect on the thermal profile, but we could constrain the flux function parameter p that determines the velocity profile. We determined the basal heat flux qb = 49.0  ± 2.7 (2σ)m W m−2, almost equal to the apparent value. We found an ice surface velocity of vsur = 2.6 ± 1.9 (2σ)m y−1 and an air-ice temperature coupling of 0.8 ± 1.0(2σ)K. Our study confirms that the heat flux is low and does not destabilize the ice sheet in east Antarctica.
About the possibility of identification of hydrocarbon deposits with the help of NMR
Authors: Ivashchenko Pavlo M. , Bakai Eduard A. , Yurchuk Alexander I.
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The main purpose of this article is to review the theoretical prerequisites of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) application in tasks of search and exploration of hydrocarbon deposits. The identification peculiarities of hydrocarbon deposits in a weak magnetic field of the Earth were analysed. The necessity of using highly directional antennas for providing greater sounding depths as well as the use of absorption spectra of the sought-for minerals as sounding signals were identified and justified. A variant of practical implementation of such a system was examined and examples of practical application of the innovative NMR technology were provided.
Using rainfall thresholds and ensemble precipitation forecasts to issue and improve urban inundation alerts
Authors: Yang Tsun-Hua , Hwang Gong-Do , Tsai Chin-Cheng , Ho Jui-Yi
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Urban inundation forecasting with extended lead times is useful in saving lives and property. This study proposes the integration of rainfall thresholds and ensemble precipitation forecasts to provide probabilistic urban inundation forecasts. Utilization of ensemble precipitation forecasts can extend forecast lead times to 72 h, predicting peak flows and to allow response agencies to take necessary preparatory measures. However, ensemble precipitation forecasting is time- and resource-intensive. Using rainfall thresholds to estimate urban areas' inundation risk can decrease this complexity and save computation time. This study evaluated the performance of this system using 352 townships in Taiwan and seven typhoons during the period 2013–2015. The levels of forecast probability needed to issue inundation alerts were addressed because ensemble forecasts are probability based. This study applied six levels of forecast probability and evaluated their performance using five measures. The results showed that this forecasting system performed better before a typhoon made landfall. Geography had a strong impact at the start of the numerical weather modeling, resulting in the underestimation of rainfall forecasts. Regardless of this finding, the inundation forecast performance was highly contingent on the rainfall forecast skill. This study then tested a hybrid approach of on-site observations and rainfall forecasts to decrease the influence of numerical weather predictions and improve the forecast performance. The results of this combined system showed that forecasts with a 24 h lead time improved significantly. These findings and the hybrid approach can be applied to other hydrometeorological early warning systems to improve hazard-related forecasts.
Seasonal streamflow forecasts for Europe – II. Explanation of the skill
Authors: Greuell Wouter , Franssen Wietse H. P. , Hutjes Ronald W. A.
Published: November 2016

Abstract. Seasonal predictions can be exploited among others to optimize hydropower energy generation, navigability of rivers and irrigation management to decrease crop yield losses. This paper is the second of two papers dealing with a model-based system built to produce seasonal hydrological forecasts (WUSHP: Wageningen University Seamless Hydrological Prediction system), applied here to Europe. Whereas the first paper presents the development and the skill evaluation of the system, this paper provides explanations for the skill. In WUSHP hydrology is simulated by running the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrological model with meteorological forcing from bias-corrected output of ECMWF's Seasonal Forecasting System 4 (S4). WUSHP is probabilistic. For the assessment of skill, hindcast simulations (1981–2010) were carried out. To explain skill, we first looked at the forcing and found considerable skill in the precipitation forecasts of the first lead month but hardly any significant skill for later lead months. Seasonal forecasts for temperature have more skill. Skill in summer temperature is related to climate change and more or less independent of lead time. Skill in February and March is unrelated to climate change. Sources of skill in runoff were isolated with Ensemble Streamflow Prediction (ESP) experiments. These revealed that beyond the second lead month simulations with forcing that is identical for all years (ESPall) produce more skill in runoff than the simulations forced with S4 output (Full Hindcasts). This occurs because interannual variability of the S4 forcing has insufficient skill while it adds noise. Other ESP-experiments show that in Europe initial conditions of soil moisture form the dominant source of skill in runoff. From April to July, at the end of the melt season, initial conditions of snow contribute significantly to the skill, also when forecasts start much earlier. Some remarkable skill features are due to indirect effects, i.e. skill due to forcing or initial conditions of snow and soil moisture at an earlier stage is stored in the hydrological state (snow and/or soil moisture) of a later stage, which then contributes to persistence of skill. Finally, predictability of evapotranspiration was analysed in some detail, leading among others to the conclusion that it is due to all potential sources of skill but mostly to forcing.
Upscaling of soil moisture content from surface to profile: multi-station testing of observation operators
Authors: Gao Xiaodong , Zhao Xining , Brocca Luca , Lv Ting , Huo Gaopeng , Wu Pute
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The accurate assessment of profile soil moisture for spatial domains is usually difficult due to the associated costs, strong spatial-temporal variability, and nonlinear relationship between surface and profile moisture. Here we attempted to use observation operators built by Cumulative Distribution Frequency (CDF) matching method to directly upscale surface observations to profile soil moisture based on multi-station in situ measurements from the Soil and Climate Analysis Network (SCAN). We first analyzed the effects of temporal resolution (hourly, daily and weekly) and data length (half year in non-growing season, half year in growing season, one year, two years and four years) on the performance of observation operators. The results showed that temporal resolution had a negligible influence on the performance of observation operators. However, data length significantly changed the prediction accuracy of observation operators; prediction errors decreased as data length increased from half year (non-growing season) to two years, but accuracy did not further improve at longer interval. A dataset with a two-year duration was therefore used to test the robustness of observation operators in three primary climates (humid continental, humid subtropical and semiarid) of the continental USA, with the popular exponential filter employed as a reference approach. The results indicated that observation operators generally performed better than exponential filter method in both calibration and validation periods. This suggests that observation operators are a robust statistical tool for upscaling soil moisture from surface to profile. The findings here may be applied in the prediction of profile soil moisture from surface measurements obtained via various means, including remote sensing techniques.
Anthropogenic wetlands due to over-irrigation of desert areas;
A challenging hydrogeological investigation with extensive geophysical input
from TEM and MRS measurements
Authors: Behroozmand Ahmad A. , Teatini Pietro , Pedersen Jesper B. , Auken Esben , Tosatto Omar , Christiansen Anders V.
Published: November 2016

Abstract. During the last century, many large irrigation projects were carried out in arid lands worldwide. Despite a tremendous increase in food production, a common problem when characterizing these zones is land degradation in the form of waterlogging. A clear example of this phenomenon is in the Nubariya depression, Western Desert, Egypt. Following the reclamation of desert lands for agricultural production, an artificial brackish and contaminated pond started to develop in the late 1990s, which at present extends for about 2.5 km2. Available data provide evidence of a simultaneous general deterioration of the groundwater system. With the main objectives of (1) understanding the hydrological evolution of the area; (2) characterizing the hydrogeological setting; (3) developing scenarios of artificial aquifer remediation and recharge, an extensive hydrogeophysical investigation was carried out in this challenging environment using Magnetic Resonance Sounding and ground-based Time-domain EM techniques. The integrated interpretation of the geophysical surveys provided the hydrogeological picture of the upper 100 m sedimentary setting, in terms of both lithological distribution and groundwater quality. The information is then used to setup (1) a regional groundwater flow and (2) a local density-dependent flow and transport numerical model to reproduce the evolution of the aquifer system and develop a few scenarios of artificial aquifer recharge using the treated waters provided by a nearby waste-water treatment plant. The research outcomes point to the hydrological challenges that emerge for an effective management of water resources in reclaimed desert areas and they highlight the effectiveness of using advanced geophysical and modeling methodologies.
Analyzing the sensitivity of a flood risk assessment model towards its input data
Authors: Glas Hanne , Deruyter Greet , De Maeyer Philippe , Mandal Arpita , James-Williamson Sherene
Published: November 2016

Abstract. The Small Island Developing States are characterized by an unstable economy and low-lying, densely populated cities, resulting in a high vulnerability to natural hazards. Flooding affects more people than any other hazard. To limit the consequences of these hazards, adequate risk assessments are indispensable. Satisfactory input data for these assessments are hard to acquire, especially in developing countries. Therefore, in this study, a methodology was developed and evaluated to test the sensitivity of a flood model towards its input data in order to determine a minimum set of indispensable data. In a first step, a flood damage assessment model was created for the case study of Annotto Bay, Jamaica. This model generates a damage map for the region based on the flood extent map of the 2001 inundations caused by Tropical Storm Michelle. Three damages were taken into account: building, road and crop damage. Twelve scenarios were generated, each with a different combination of input data, testing one of the three damage calculations for its sensitivity. One main conclusion was that population density, in combination with an average number of people per household, is a good parameter in determining the building damage when exact building locations are unknown. Furthermore, the importance of roads for an accurate visual result was demonstrated.