bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sulfate and Phosphate Speleothems at Jenolan Caves, New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Pogson Ross E. , Osborne R. Armstrong L. , Colchester David M. , Cendón Dioni I.
Published: February 2016

Sulfate and phosphate deposits at Jenolan Caves occur in a variety of forms and compositions including crusts, ‘flowers’ and fibrous masses of gypsum (selenite), and clusters of boss-like speleothems (potatoes) of ardealite (calcium sulphate, phosphate hydrate) with associated gypsum. This boss-like morphology of ardealite does not appear to have been previously described in the literature and this is the first report of ardealite in New South Wales. Gypsum var. selenite occurs in close association with pyrite-bearing palaeokarst, while the ardealite gypsum association appears to relate to deposits of mineralised bat guano. Isotope studies confirm that the two gypsum suites have separate sources of sulfur, one from the weathering of pyrite (-1.4 to +4.9 δ34S) for gypsum (selenite) and the other from alteration of bat guano (+11.4 to +12.9 δ34S) for the ardealite and gypsum crusts.
The interplay between air temperature and ice mass balance changes in Scărişoara Ice Cave, Romania
Authors: Perşoiu Aurel , Onac Bogdan Petroniu , Perşoiu Ioana
Published: February 2016

This paper examines the short-term relations established between external and cave air temperature in Scărişoara Ice Cave (Romania) and the role they play upon ice genesis and mass balance changes. Geothermal heat and external climate are the main drivers of the cave’s air temperature, but the ice forming and ablation processes modulate its spatial and temporal characteristics. In the winter half-year, cold air inflow leads to the overcooling of the cave atmosphere and walls and ice formation; while in summer, melting of ice acts as strong thermal sink, keeping the air temperature at 0 °C. In autumn and winter, dynamic cooling of the cave atmosphere leads to ice build-up, whereas in summer, the causality is overturned, the cave air temperature being controlled by the melting ice. The existence of a net heat sink in the cave (melting ice in summer in this case), leads to the overcooling of the non-glaciated parts of the cave as well, a phenomenon that can hamper paleoclimatic reconstructions based on stable isotope studies in speleothems.
Vascular plant biodiversity richness and endemo relictness of the karst mountains Prenj–Čvrsnica–Čabulja in Bosnia and Herzegovina (W. Balkan)
Authors: Redžić Sulejman , Barudanović Senka , Trakić Sabina , Kulijer Dejan
Published: February 2016

The complex of karstic mountains Prenj-Čvrsnica and Čabulja in Herzegovina (w. Balkan) is characterized by high level of both geomorphology and biodiversity richness. This has been confirmed by a research of plant communities, their structure and dynamics, which took place throughout several seasons from 2005 to 2008. In the investigated area the vegetation cover, as a reliable indicator for specific karstic circumstances, is being differentiated in a great number of syntaxa (plant communities) that encompass over 2,500 vascular plants. On the surface of about 100,000 ha identified were up to 236 plant associations, 116 alliances and 63 vegetation orders that belong to 34 classes. This amounts 34% of total of vegetation classes at the European level and 100% of so far known vegetation classes in Bosnia and Herzegovina, over 80% of classes at the level of Montenegro and Croatia.There have been identified nearly 450 endemic and relict species, which is why most of the identified communities are endemic and relict ones, not only at the level of association but also at the level of higher syntaxonomic categories, such as alliance and order. The highest diversity level characterizes those communities that make a direct contact with the calcareous geological foundation either in rock crevices or screes on limestone. That high level of floristic and vegetation richness places this area among the most diverse areas both in Europe and whole Mediterranean.That high level of floristic and vegetation richness places this area among the most diverse areas both in Europe and whole Mediterranean. Such pattern of vegetation (syntaxonomy) and floristic diversity confirms the unique role of dinaric-herzegovina karst as a complex of unrepeatable ecological factors on global scale.
Searching for cold-adapted microorganisms in the underground glacier of Scarisoara Ice Cave, Romania
Authors: Hillebrand-Voiculescu Alexandra , Itcus Corina , Ardelean Ioan , Pascu Denisa , Persoiu Aurel , Rusu Andreea , Brad Traian , Popa Elena , Onac Bogdan P , Purcarea Cristina
Published: February 2016

Scarisoara Ice Cave (Romania) hosts one of world’s largest and oldest underground glacier. While no studies were carried out on the existence of microorganisms in this cave’s ice block, our interest is to investigate the presence of microorganisms and their chronological distribution in the cave’s subterranean ice in relationship with past climatic changes. Samples were collected from ice layers of different age (from present to ~900 cal. yrs. BP), and the diversity of embedded microbial communities was assessed by classical cultivation and molecular techniques. The microorganisms from icesediments were cultivated at 4 °C and 15 °C, in the presence and absence of light. Epifluorescence microscopy analysis indicates the presence of autotrophic prokaryotes and eukaryotes in sunlightexposed ice and water samples. Total DNA was isolated from each ice sample and the bacterial and eukaryotic SSU-rRNA genes were amplified by PCR. The chemical composition and organic content of both deeply buried (>10 m inside the ice block) and surface (supra- glacial pond water) habitats were analyzed in relation to their age and organic composition. This study is the first to report on the presence of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms in the subterranean ice block of Scarisoara Ice Cave, thriving in both organic-rich ice and clear ice layers. Phototrophic prokaryotes and eukaryotes were identified in sun-exposed recent ice. The composition of cold-adapted ice embedded microbiota varied with the habitat age and organic content, as resulting from dissimilarities in growth curve profiles at two different temperatures. The presence of bacteria and eukaryotes in all the analyzed samples was asserted by PCR amplification of SSU-rRNA gene fragments. These findings can be further used to reconstruct changes in the microbial diversity over the past approximately 5000 years, in correlation with climatic and environmental changes recorded by the ice block.
Morphological study of Red lake in Dinaric karst based on terrestrial laser scaning and sonar system
Authors: Bonacci Ognjen , Andrić Ivo
Published: February 2016

Red Lake (Dinaric karst, Croatia) is an exceptional karst phenomenon, worldwide known for its beauty and extreme depth. Even so, through the history of Red Lake’s research there were many controversies in the conclusions and the theories concerning its genesis, geomorphology and hydrology. The aim of this work is to give an overview of existing findings about Red Lake as well as to present the newest research results gained with the help of emerging technologies based on terrestrial laser scanning and hydro acoustics. The measuring was conducted during September 2013. A new generation of equipment developed to advance the geoscientific research was deployed during the field work. The gathered data enabled a thorough analysis which led to new important findings on Red Lake. Deployment of Remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) equipped with imaging sonar resulted in the first hydro acoustic survey of the lake. Some of the results confirmed the already known and well documented characteristics of Red Lake whereas others disputed the widely accepted assumptions in the scientific community and the general public. The presented research generated, for the first time, a DEM for Red Lake which allowed a good estimate on the lake’s volume. For the recorded maximum water level at 311 m a.s.l. the volume of water stored is 8.24 x 106 m3. A temperature profile of the lake was recorded during the field work and it offered an insight on possible water mixing through karst conduits near the surface of the water. The application of TLS and ROV sonar systems considerably improved the understanding of Red Lake’s morphology.
Subsurface flux adjustments and speleogenesis as inferred from sediment traps in major Lebanese cave systems
Authors: Nehme Carole , Jaillet Stephane , Delannoy Jean-Jacques , Azouni Mazen , Stephan Rita , Comaty Tony
Published: February 2016

Caves are natural sediments traps that enclose several types of allochtonous and authoctonous deposits. Study of sediments in caves help to reconstitute the hydrological functioning of caves. In Lebanon, Kessarat and Jeita horizontal caves comprise sediments traps related to collapse and/or to passages enlargements with new passages formed during the alluviation process. A speleogenic study combined with the grain-size analysis of the sedimentary sequence in the Junction Chamber (Kassarat cave) and in the Entrance Gallery (Jeita lower cave) helped to identify several stages of sediment deposition and to define types of paleoflow adjustments during and after the ceiling collapse. In this paper, we discuss the control of cave conduits on several processes: i) the flow dynamic adjustments; ii) the spatial and temporal distribution of deposits in the cave systems and, iii) the magnitude of the environmental signal recorded in sedimentary sequences. The study highlights the importance to consider the geomorphological context of sediments traps when interpreting the evolution of subsurface flows and when relating sediment inputs in caves to external environmental changes.
Exploring Relationships Between Karst Terrains and Social Features by the Example of Gömör-Torna Karst (Hungary-Slovakia)
Authors: Telbisz Tamás , Bottlik Zsolt , Mari László , Petrvalská Alena
Published: February 2016

Human-environment relations have some special characteristics on karst terrains, and karstlands are usually less densely inhabited areas principally due to hydrologic, topographic and pedologic reasons. However, the natural factors of karst terrains and socio-economic development are rarely discussed together, and the relationships are usually expressed in qualitative terms. Therefore the aim of this paper is to explore the direct and indirect quantitative impact of natural settings on socio-economic development of karst terrains using GIS-aided, statistical methods as a modern approach within geographic possibilism by the case study of Gömör-Torna Karst (whose Hungarian part is known as Aggtelek Karst, while the Slovakian part as Slovak Karst). Relationships between natural factors (elevation, slope, relative height, distance from significant rivers) and land cover as well as between natural factors and social data (population density, settlement density, mean settlement population, population change, road network density) have been studied by regression analysis in order to determine how strongly these social parameters are influenced by the above natural factors. In certain cases (land cover categories, road network) slope is the best estimator, while in other cases (population density, longterm population change), the distance from significant river provides the best correlation. Many karstlands are depopulating and ageing areas worldwide. So is the case for the Gömör-Torna Karst as well, but there are several interesting questions in connection with it. First, whether it is a recent process or a longterm situation. Second, wether the karst is different from the neighbouring non-karst areas from the viewpoint of demography. Third, whether the karst area is homogeneous from social point of view. Cluster analysis based on demographic changes since 1828 helped to explore inner variations of population scenarios. Certain social characteristics (e.g. unemployment) show a relatively (but only relatively) favorable present position of Aggtelek karst, while the Slovak Karst is economically more disadvantageous. Karst-related tourism is measurable but it has a decreasing trend and it is rather localized around Aggtelek. Human attitude is also an important factor, that is also briefly discussed based on semi-structured interviews with local people.
Ceiling erosion in caves: early studies and Zdeněk Roth as author of the concept
Authors: Bella Pavel , Bosák Pavel
Published: February 2016

Ceiling channels belong to specific geomorphological forms occurring only in caves. Their origin has been commonly connected with the paragenesis. According to review articles, the terms of ceiling channel and paragenesis were defined by Philippe Renault (1958) for the first time. Nevertheless, Zdeněk Roth in his study of morphology and geomorphological evolution of the Domica Cave (southern Slovakia) published in 1937 (in Czech with long French summary) not only described ceiling channels, but he presented also their definition. Roth and other authors used the term later in describing features of several caves in Slovakia and Hungary. Based on original Roth observations, Josef Kunský defined the term generally in his textbook (1950 in Czech, 1956 in Polish and 1958 in French). The description of paragenetic ceiling channels by Renault (1958) can be considered as the first one only in Western European karstology literature.
Hydrochemical properties of springs Slatinski Izvor and Solenica (Republic of Macedonia)
Authors: Gichevski Biljana , Hristovski Slavčo , Mirčovski Vojo , Boev Blažo
Published: February 2016

Hydrochemical properties of water samples from the Slatinski Izvor spring and Solenica spring were analyzed during the period between December 2011 – November 2013. The wider area around the springs belongs to two tectonic units. The first is the Pelagonian horst-anticlinorium and is composed of carbonate rocks. The second is the Western Macedonian zone, and it is composed of non-carbonate rocks. The Slatinski Izvor spring is located on the Pelagonian horst anticlinorium, and the Solenica spring is situated on a fault which separates the two tectonic units. The measurements of the temperature, conductivity and the hydrochemical analysis indicate that both springs have different hydrochemical properties. The major cations in the Slatinski Izvor spring were Ca2+ and Mg2+, and anions were HCO3- and SO42-, the water had temporary hardness and it belongs to calcium hydrogencarbonate water type. The Slatinski Izvor spring had typical shallow and fresh water. The major cations in the Solenica spring were Na+ and Ca2+, and anions were Cl- and HCO3-. The water belongs to NaCl water type which is typical of deep ancient ground water. Hidrokemijske lastnosti izvirov Slatinski izvor in Solenica (Republika Makedonija)Hidrokemijske lastnosti vodnih vzorcev iz izvirov Slatinski izvor in Solenica so bili analizirani v obdobju od decembra 2011 do novembra 2013. Širše območje izvirov pripada dvema tektonskima enotama. Prvi je Pelagonijski horst-antiklinorij in je sestavljen iz karbonatnih kamnin. Druga je Zahodno-makedonska cona in je sestavljena iz nekarbonatnih kamnin. Slatinski izvor se nahaja v Pelagonijskem horst-antiklinoriju, Solenica pa na prelomu, ki ločuje obe tektonski enoti. Merjene temperature in električne prevodnosti ter hidrokemijske analize kažejo na razlike v hidrokemijskih lastnostih obeh izvirov. Glavna kationa v izviru Slatinski izvor sta bila Ca2+ in Mg2+, aniona pa HCO3- in SO42-, voda je imela karbonatno trdoto in pripada kalcij hidrogenkarbonatnemu tipu. Slatinski izvor je imel tipično plitvo in sladko vodo. Glavna kationa v izviru Solenica sta bila Na+ in Ca2+, aniona pa Cl- in HCO3-. Voda pripada NaCl tipu, ki je značilen za globoko, staro podzemno vodo.
Evaluation of the risk associated with karstic processes in Miocene gypsum in south-eastern Madrid (Spain)
Authors: Escolano Félix , Mazariegos de la Serna Alberto , Del Campo Yagüe José María
Published: February 2016

Relief formations characteristic of karstification processes affecting the Miocene gypsum formations existing in south-eastern Madrid have been discovered in that area of the city. These relief formations can pose significant risks to future urban development plans.The purpose of this article is to present an integrated model created from a geomorphological analysis of south-eastern Madrid through aerial photographs, geophysical inspections (microgravimetry) and geotechnical studies (in situ drilling and testing), in order to identify and measure the morphologies associated with karstic processes whose locations, dimensions and geotechnical characteristics are prone to causing damages that could pose a potential risk. The risk analysis is based on a study of the risk factors, focusing on vulnerability and the measurement of structural mitigation measures capable of preventing the damages that could be caused by the interaction between structural foundations and the morphological consequences of karstic processes on the soil.Ocena tveganj povezanih z zakrasevanjem miocenske sadre v jugovzhodnem Madridu (Španija)V jugovzhodnem Madridu je veliko reliefnih oblik, ki kažejo na zakrasevanje miocenske sadre. To predstavlja tveganje, ki ga moramo upoštevati pri urbanističnem načrtovanju. V članku predstavljamo celovit pristop, ki temelji na geomorfoloških analizah aeroposnetkov, mikrogravimetričnih in geotehničnih raziskavah, s katerim smo zaznali in izmerili morfološke značilnosti, ki so povezane z aktivnim zakrasevanjem sadre. Analiza tveganj temelji na študiji dejavnikov tveganja in se osredotoča na ranljivost in oceno uspešnosti strukturnih ukrepov za blažitev vpliva zakrasevanja v prsti na strukturne temelje.
Sociología del parto. Conflictos asistenciales en el marco del "paradigma tecnocrático’”
Authors: Hernández Garre José Manuel , Echevarría Pérez Paloma
Published: February 2016

El objetivo del artículo ha sido explorar, desde la óptica de las propias parturientas, los posibles conflictos surgidos entre las necesidades maternas y las rutinas médicas propias del parto hospitalario e intervencionista. La metodología elegida ha sido la realización de una serie de entrevistas semiestructuradas, cuyos resultados muestran fundamentalmente tres tipos de tensiones asistenciales: la interacción asimétrica, la subordinación tecnológica y la asunción de praxis de “abuso institucional”. La conclusión final ha sido que estamos ante un ritual medicalizado impregnado de vivencias de obediencia pasiva, en el que el miedo al peligro siembra la desconfianza corporal, a la vez que la voluntad de la mujer es moldeada por los expertos. Realidad que las parturientas asumen como inevitable, e incluso demandan, como consecuencia de la seguridad que les aporta el control biotecnológico, una vez asumidos los discursos clínicos que representan al parto como un proceso patológico y de riesgo.
Prevalência de hepatozoonose canina no município de Areia, Paraíba, Brasil
Authors: Bernardino Maria Das Graças da Silva , Meireles Maria Vanuza Nunes de , Silva Edijanio Galdino da , Xavier Fábio Júnior Rodrigues , Satake Fabiana
Published: February 2016

http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2016v29n1p175A hepatozoonose canina é uma doença parasitária de caráter debilitante, imunossupressora e de difícil diagnóstico clínico. A prevalência da doença em cães já foi descrita em vários estados brasileiros, todavia na região Nordeste os estudos ainda são escassos. Em virtude disso, o trabalho objetivou determinar a prevalência da hepatozoonose canina no município de Areia, Paraíba, Brasil. Os cães foram examinados clinicamente e foram colhidas amostras de sangue circulante e periférico (ponta de orelha). Das 151 amostras analisadas, 9,3% dos cães foram positivos para Hepatozoon canis, a partir da visualização de gamontes parasitando neutrófilos. O grau de parasitemia variou de leve a intenso. As alterações hematológicas observadas foram diferentes entre os animais, não apresentando padrão de resposta à infecção. A forma subclínica foi observada em 50% dos cães e os demais apresentaram sinais clínicos inespecíficos. Conclui-se que há a ocorrência da hepatozoonose em cães da área urbana do município. Além disso, os cães infectados com H. canis apresentaram alterações hematológicas e sinais clínicos inespecíficos.
Observed high-altitude warming and snow cover retreat over Tibet and the Himalayas enhanced by black carbon aerosols
Authors: Xu Y. , Ramanathan V. , Washington W. M.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Himalayan mountain glaciers and the snowpack over the Tibetan Plateau provide the headwater of several major rivers in Asia. In situ observations of snow cover extent since the 1960s suggest that the snowpack in the region have retreated significantly, accompanied by a surface warming of 2–2.5 °C observed over the peak altitudes (5000 m). Using a high-resolution ocean–atmosphere global climate model and an observationally constrained black carbon (BC) aerosol forcing, we attribute the observed altitude dependence of the warming trends as well as the spatial pattern of reductions in snow depths and snow cover extent to various anthropogenic factors. At the Tibetan Plateau altitudes, the increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration exerted a warming of 1.7 °C, BC 1.3 °C where as cooling aerosols cause about 0.7 °C cooling, bringing the net simulated warming consistent with the anomalously large observed warming. We therefore conclude that BC together with CO2 has contributed to the snow retreat trends. In particular, BC increase is the major factor in the strong elevation dependence of the observed surface warming. The atmospheric warming by BC as well as its surface darkening of snow is coupled with the positive snow albedo feedbacks to account for the disproportionately large role of BC in high-elevation regions. These findings reveal that BC impact needs to be properly accounted for in future regional climate projections, in particular on high-altitude cryosphere.
Summer fluxes of methane and carbon dioxide from a pond and floating mat in a continental Canadian peatland
Authors: Burger M. , Berger S. , Spangenberg I. , Blodau C.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Ponds smaller than 10000 m2 likely account for about one third of the global lake perimeter. The release of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from these ponds is often high and significant on the landscape scale. We measured CO2 and CH4 fluxes in a temperate peatland in southern Ontario, Canada, in summer 2014 along a transect from the open water of a small pond (847 m2) towards the surrounding floating mat (5993 m2) and in a peatland reference area. We used a high-frequency closed chamber technique and distinguished between diffusive and ebullitive CH4 fluxes. CH4 fluxes and CH4 bubble frequency increased from a median of 0.14 (0.00 to 0.43) mmol m−2 h−1 and 4 events m−2 h−1 on the open water to a median of 0.80 (0.20 to 14.97) mmol m−2 h−1 and 168 events m−2 h−1 on the floating mat. The mat was a summer hot spot of CH4 emissions. Fluxes were one order of magnitude higher than at an adjacent peatland site. During daytime the pond was a net source of CO2 equivalents to the atmosphere amounting to 0.13 (−0.02 to 1.06) g CO2 equivalents m−2 h−1, whereas the adjacent peatland site acted as a sink of −0.78 (−1.54 to 0.29) g CO2 equivalents m−2 h−1. The photosynthetic CO2 uptake on the floating mat did not counterbalance the high CH4 emissions, which turned the floating mat into a strong net source of 0.21 (−0.11 to 2.12) g CO2 equivalents m−2h−1. This study highlights the large small-scale variability of CH4 fluxes and CH4 bubble frequency at the peatland-pond interface and the importance of the often large ecotone areas surrounding small ponds as a source of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
Atmospheric N deposition causes carbon balance gains in a seven year field experiment in subalpine grassland
Authors: Volk Matthias , Enderle Jan , Bassin Seraina
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Air pollution agents interact when affecting biological sinks for atmospheric CO2, e.g. the soil organic carbon (SOC) content of grassland ecosystems. Factors favoring plant productivity, like atmospheric N deposition, are usually considered to favor SOC storage. In a seven year experiment in subalpine grassland under N- and O3-deposition treatment, we examined C-fluxes and -pools. Total N deposition was 4, 9, 14, 29 and 54 kg N ha−1 yr−1 (N4, N9, etc.), annual mean phytotoxic O3 dose was 49, 65 and 89 mmol m−2 projected leaf area. We hypothesized that SOC of this mature ecosystem would not change in control treatments, but that effects of air pollutants on plant yield, net ecosystem productivity (NEP) and SOC content would develop in parallel, leading to SOC content to increase with N deposition. In the control treatment SOC increased significantly by 9 % in seven years. Cumulative plant yield showed a highly significant N effect (+38 % in N54), but no O3-effect. Cumulative NEP did show a strong, yet statistically insignificant, hump shaped response pattern to N deposition with a +62 % increase in N14, and only +39 % increase in N54. SOC had a similar response to N, with highest gains at intermediate N deposition rates (9 and 14 kg N ha−1 yr−1), suggesting an unimodal response, too. We assume the strong, pollutant-independent soil C sink developed as a consequence of the management change from grazing to cutting. The non-parallel response of SOC and NEP compared to plant yield under N deposition is likely the result of increased respiratory SOC losses, following mitigated microbial N-limitation or priming effects, and a shift in plant C allocation leading to smaller C input from roots.
Significant recent warming over the northern Tibetan Plateau from ice core δ18O records
Authors: An W. , Hou S. , Zhang W. , Wang Y. , Liu Y. , Wu S. , Pang H.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Stable oxygen isotopic records in ice cores provide valuable information about past temperature, especially for regions with scarce instrumental measurements. This paper presents the δ18O result of an ice core drilled to bedrock from Mt. Zangser Kangri (ZK), a remote area on the northern Tibetan Plateau (TP). We reconstructed the temperature series for 1951–2008 from the δ18O records. In addition, we combined the ZK δ18O records with those from three other ice cores in the northern TP (Muztagata, Puruogangri, and Geladaindong) to reconstruct a regional temperature history for the period 1951–2002 (RTNTP). The RTNTP showed significant warming at 0.51 ± 0.07 °C (10 yr)−1 since 1970, a higher rate than the trend of instrumental records of the northern TP (0.43 ± 0.08 °C (10 yr)−1) and the global temperature trend (0.27 ± 0.03°C (10 yr)−1) at the same time. In addition, the ZK temperature record, with extra length until 2008, seems to suggest that the rapid elevation-dependent warming continued for this region during the last decade, when the mean global temperature showed very little change. This could provide insights into the behavior of the recent warming hiatus at higher elevations, where instrumental climate records are lacking.
Analyzing bed and width oscillations in a self-maintained gravel-cobble bedded river using geomorphic covariance structures
Authors: Brown R. A. , Pasternack G. B.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. This paper demonstrates a relatively new method of analysis for stage dependent patterns in meter-scale resolution river DEMs, termed geomorphic covariance structures (GCSs). A GCS is a univariate and/or bivariate spatial relationship amongst or between variables along a pathway in a river corridor. Variables assessed can be flow independent measures of topography (e.g., bed elevation, centerline curvature, and cross section asymmetry) and sediment size as well as flow dependent hydraulics (e.g., top width, depth, velocity, and shear stress; Brown, 2014), topographic change, and biotic variables (e.g., biomass and habitat utilization). The GCS analysis is used to understand if and how the covariance of bed elevation and flow-dependent channel top width are organized in a partially confined, incising gravel-cobbled bed river with multiple spatial scales of anthropogenic and natural landform heterogeneity across a range of discharges through a suite of spatial series analyses on 6.4 km of the lower Yuba River in California, USA. A key conclusion is that the test river exhibited positively covarying and quasi-periodic oscillations of bed elevation and channel width that had a unique response to discharge as supported by several tests. As discharge increased, the amount of positively covarying values of bed elevation and flow-dependent channel top width increased up until the 1.5 and 2.5 year annual recurrence flow and then decreased at the 5 year flow before stabilizing for higher flows. These covarying oscillations are quasi-periodic scaling with the length scales of pools, bars, and valley oscillations. Thus, it is thought that partially confined gravel-cobble bedded alluvial rivers organize their adjustable topography with a preference for covarying and quasi-periodic bed and width undulations at channel forming flows due to both local bar-pool mechanisms and non alluvial topographic controls.
Review article: A review and critical analysis of the efforts towards urban flood risk management in the Lagos region of Nigeria
Authors: Nkwunonwo U. C. , Whitworth M. , Baily B.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Urban flooding has been and will continue to be a significant problem for many cities across the developed and developing world. Crucial to the amelioration of the effects of these floods is the need to formulate a sound flood management policy, which is driven by knowledge of the frequency and magnitude of impacts of these floods. Within the area of flood research, attempts are being made to gain a better understanding of the causes, impacts, and pattern of urban flooding. According to the United Nations office for disaster reduction (UNISDR), flood risk is conceptualized on the basis of three integral components which are frequently adopted during flood damage estimation. These components are: probability of flood hazard, the level of exposure, and vulnerabilities of elements at risk. Reducing the severity of each of these components is the objective of flood risk management under the UNISDR guideline and idea of “living with floods”. On the basis of this framework, the present research reviews flood risk within the Lagos area of Nigeria over the period 1968–2012. During this period, floods have caused harm to millions of people physically, emotionally, and economically. Arguably over this period the efforts of stakeholders to address the challenges appear to have been limited by, amongst other things, a lack of reliable data, a lack of awareness amongst the population affected, and a lack of knowledge of flood risk mitigation. It is the aim of this research to assess the current understanding of flood risk and management in Lagos and to offer recommendations towards future guidance.
Causes and consequences of the Sinkhole at "El Trebol" of Quito, Ecuador – Implications to economic damage and risk assessment
Authors: Toulkeridis Theofilos , Rodríguez Fabián , Arias Jiménez Nelson , Baile Débora Simón , Martínez Rodolfo Salazar , Addison Aaron , Carreón Freyre Dora , Mato Fernando , Díaz Perez Carmen
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The so-called "El Trébol" is a critical road interchange in Quito connecting the north and south regions of the city. In addition, it connects Quito with the highly populated "Los Chillos" valley, one of the most traveled zones in the Ecuadorian capital. El Trébol was constructed in the late sixties in order to resolve the traffic jams of the capital city and for that purpose the Machángara river was rerouted through a concrete box tunnel. In March 2008, the tunnel contained a high amount of trash furniture that had been impacting the top portion of the tunnel, compromising the structural integrity. On the 31st of March 2008 after a heavy rainfall a sinkhole of great proportions was formed in the Trébol traffic hub. In the first few minutes, with an initial diameter of 30 meters. The collapse continued to grow in the following days until the final dimensions of 120 meters in diameter and some 40 meters of depth, revealing the Machángara river at the base of the sinkhole. A state of emergency was declared, the cause of the sinkhole was a result of the lack of monitoring of the older subterranean infrastructure where trash had accumulated and damaged the concrete tunnel that channelized the Machángara river until it was worn away for a length of some 20 meters, leaving behind the sinkhole and the fear of recurrence in populated areas. In an intend to understand the causes and consequences of this sinkhole event, rainfall data are shown together with hydrogeological characteristics and a view back to the recent history of sinkhole lineation or arrangement of the city of Quito. The economic impact is also emphasized, where the direct costs of the damage and the reconstruction are presented and compared to indirect costs associated with this socio-natural disaster. These analyses suggest that the costs of indirect financial damage, like time loss or delay, and subsequent higher expenses for different types of of vehicles, are equivalent to many times the costs of the reconstruction of El Trébol.
Brief communication: Impact of mesh resolution for MISMIP and MISMIP3d experiments using Elmer/Ice
Authors: Gagliardini O. , Brondex J. , Gillet-Chaulet F. , Tavard L. , Peyaud V. , Durand G.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The dynamical contribution of marine ice sheets to sea level rise is largely controlled by grounding line (GL) dynamics. Two marine ice sheet model intercomparison exercises, namely MISMIP and MISMIP3d, have been proposed to the community to test and compare the ability of models to capture the GL dynamics. Both exercises are known to present a discontinuity of the friction at the GL, which is believed to increase the model sensitivity to mesh resolution. Here, using Elmer/Ice, the only Stokes model which completed both intercomparisons, the sensitivity to the mesh resolution is studied from an extended MISMIP experiment in which the friction continuously decreases over a transition distance and equals zero at the GL. Using this MISMIP-like setup, it is shown that the sensitivity to the mesh resolution is not improved for a vanishing friction at the GL. For the original MISMIP experiment, i.e. for a discontinuous friction at the GL, we further show that the results are moreover very sensitive to the way the friction is interpolated in the close vicinity of the GL. In the light of these new insights, and thanks to increased computing resources, new results for the MISMIP3d experiments obtained for higher resolutions than previously published are made available for future comparisons as the Supplement.
Heterogeneous glacier thinning patterns over the last 40 years in Langtang Himal
Authors: Ragettli S. , Bolch T. , Pellicciotti F.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. Himalayan glaciers are losing mass at rates similar to glaciers elsewhere, but heavily debris-covered glaciers are receding less than debris-free glaciers or even have stable fronts. There is a need for multi-temporal mass balance data to determine if glacier wastage of debris-covered glaciers is accelerating. Here, we present glacier volume and mass changes of seven glaciers (5 partially debris-covered, 2 debris-free) in the upper Langtang catchment in Nepal of 28 different periods between 1974 and 2015 based on 8 digital elevation models (DEMs) derived from high-resolution stereo satellite imagery. We show that glacier volume decreased during all periods between 2006 and 2015 (2006–2015: −0.60 ± 0.34 m a−1) and at higher rates than between 1974 and 2006 (−0.28 ± 0.42 m a−1). However, the behavior of glaciers in the study area was highly heterogeneous, and the presence of debris itself does not seem to be a good predictor for mass balance trends. Debris-covered tongues have highly non-linear thinning profiles, and we show that local accelerations in thinning correlate with complex thinning patterns characteristic of areas with a high concentration of supraglacial cliffs and lakes. At stagnating glacier area near the glacier front, on the other hand, thinning rates may even decrease over time. We conclude that trends of glacier mass loss rates in this part of the Himalaya cannot be generalized, neither for debris-covered nor for debris-free glaciers.
Detailed Analysis of the Blade Root Flow of a Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine
Authors: Herráez I. , Akay B. , van Bussel G. J. W. , Peinke J. , Stoevesandt B.
Published: February 2016

Abstract. The root flow of wind turbine blades is subjected to complex physical mechanisms that influence significantly the rotor aerodynamic performance. Spanwise flows, the Himmelskamp effect and the formation of the root vortex are examples of interrelated aerodynamic phenomena observed in the blade root region. In this study we address those phenomena by means of Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements and Reynolds Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations. The numerical results obtained in this study are in very good agreement with the experiments and unveil the details of the intricate root flow. The Himmelskamp effect is shown to delay the stall onset and enhance the lift force coefficient Cl even at a moderate angle of attack (AoA ≈ 13°). The results also show that the vortex emanating from the spanwise position of maximum chord length rotates in the opposite direction of the root vortex, what affects the wake evolution.
Combined preliminary-detailed design of wind turbines
Authors: Bortolotti Pietro , Bottasso Carlo L. , Croce Alessandro
Published: February 2016

Abstract. This paper is concerned with the holistic optimization of wind turbines. A new procedure is presented that marries for the first time the overall sizing of the machine in terms of rotor diameter and tower height (often termed preliminary design), with the detailed sizing of its aerodynamic and structural components. The proposed combined preliminary-detailed approach sizes the overall machine, while taking into full account the subtle and complicated couplings that arise due to the mutual effects of aerodynamic and structural choices. As part of the approach, rotor and tower are sized simultaneously, even in this case capturing the mutual effects of one component over the other due to the tip clearance constraint. Result of the procedure, which is here driven by detailed models of the cost of energy, is a complete aero-structural design of the machine, including its associated control laws. The proposed methods are tested on the redesign of two wind turbines, a 2.2 MW onshore machine and a large 10 MW offshore one. In both cases, the optimization leads to significant changes with respect to the initial baseline configurations, with noticeable reductions in the cost of energy.
How Coercive and Legitimate Power Relate to Different Conflict Management Styles: A Case Study of Birjand High Schools
Authors: Riasi Arash , Asadzadeh Nasrin
Published: February 2016

This study investigates the relationship between two sources of organizational power (i.e., coercive and legitimate power) and five conflict management styles (i.e., avoiding, accommodating, competing, collaborating, and compromising style). Results of this study revealed that principals’ coercive power has a positive relationship with avoiding and competing conflict management styles. Since these two conflict management styles both require low levels of cooperation, therefore it is fair to claim that higher degrees of coercive power facilitate the use of conflict management styles that require low levels of cooperation. It was also found that principals’ legitimate power is positively related to accommodating and collaborating conflict management styles. Since both of these styles are associated with high levels of cooperation, therefore it is fair to claim that higher degrees of legitimate power will facilitate the use of conflict management styles requiring high levels of cooperation.
Biofeedback in Grandmothers Raising Grandchildren: Correlations Between Subjective and Objective Measures
Authors: Zauszniewski Jaclene A. , Musil Carol M. , Variath Mary
Published: February 2016

Research shows that 20% of grandmothers raising grandchildren experience stress and depression. Heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback may help grandmothers track and regulate their physiological response to stress. This study therefore examined correlations between coherence scores reflecting HRV and self-report measures of stress, negative emotions, and depressive cognitions in 20 grandmothers raising grandchildren. Higher coherence scores were inversely and significantly correlated with self-report measures, suggesting the need to examine the effects of HRV biofeedback on biomarkers reflecting stress and depression.
Beyond the Self in Self-Regulation—Reaching Beyond Technologies: The Importance of Others and Relationships to Individual Well-Being
Authors: Swingle Mari K.
Published: February 2016

As technologies become increasingly integrated in all aspects of culture, we may be losing our therapeutic pulse on how important true face-to-face and heart-to-heart relationships are to our personal and collective well-being. Social isolation and excessive utilization of i-technology appear to contribute to the development or maintenance of anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, and ADHD. Human engagement risks being eclipsed by the novelty and excitement of the digital age. Current practice indicates that there are potentially positive and even therapeutic applications of technologies for betterment and healing, but that we should be selective in our applications.
Seeing is Believing: Biofeedback as a Tool to Enhance Motivation for Cognitive Therapy
Authors: Peper Erik , Nemoto Sakiko , Lin I-Mei , Harvey Richard
Published: February 2016

Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as applied by behavioral scientists includes strategies for changing negative cognitions that contribute to depression and anxiety. Biofeedback is a useful strategy to demonstrate to clients the mind (cognitive, psychological) to body (physiological) interaction. For example, a cognitive, psychological reaction to a stimuli results in a physiological effects as illustrated by changes in skin conductance or muscle tension. A case example is used to demonstrate an anticipatory psychophysiological response resulting in covert activity of the forearm as a client simply imagines playing the piano.
Multicultural and Diversity Training Considerations for Biofeedback Practitioners
Authors: Harvey Richard , Lin I-Mei , Booiman Annette
Published: February 2016

This report identifies curricular considerations related to multicultural and diversity training. Various models of cultural diversity are discussed that are useful for research, education, and clinical professionals who use biofeedback tools, whether those tools are used to educate clients and students in instructional settings or diagnose and/or treat patients in clinical settings. The report begins by describing a practical framework for discussing terms such as “multicultural” and “diversity training,” and continues with describing curricular components for increasing awareness of diverse cultural perspectives encountered by biofeedback practitioners in various settings.
Did You Ask About Abdominal Surgery or Injury? A Learned Disuse Risk Factor for Breathing Dysfunction
Authors: Peper Erik , Gilbert Christopher D. , Harvey Richard , Lin I-Mei
Published: February 2016

Abdominal surgery or injury may affect breathing and, if the disturbed breathing pattern is maintained, illness may result, as illustrated by two case examples. This report describes the process of learned avoidance of pain through which abdominal surgery may cause dysfunctional breathing. This clinical note is a reminder to clinicians to ask about abdominal surgery or injury during the intake. In cases in which symptoms occurred months after the abdominal surgery or injury, it may be possible to reduce the symptoms through teaching effortless breathing.
Interpersonal Biofeedback: Biofeedback in a Relationship Context
Authors: Kassel Steven C. , LeMay John
Published: February 2016

Marriage and family therapy has had well over 70 years of research and clinical practice. The roots of biofeedback therapy go back to the 1960s for both research and clinical practice. This article reviews both couples therapy and group family therapy to illustrate the integration of psychophysiologically based interventions (interpersonal biofeedback), into relational therapy contexts. It also illustrates the utility of this approach for both clients and clinicians.
In Memoriam: Michael G. McKee, PhD, BCB
Authors: Moravec Christine , McGrady Angela
Published: February 2016

Michael G. McKee, PhD, a past president of the Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, died on October 26, 2015. Dr. McKee served for many years at the Cleveland Clinic as the vice chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology and chair of the Section of Health Psychology and General Psychology, directing a program that focused on diagnosis and treatment of stress-related disorders and enhancement of health and performance. He was internationally recognized for his expertise in biofeedback and served as a consultant to business, health care, education, and athletics. Two of his closest colleagues provide tributes here to Michael G. McKee, the man and his work.
New SMA Short Fibers for Cement Composites Manufactured by Cold Drawing
Authors: Choi Eunsoo , Joo Kim Dong , Jeon Chanyeong , Gin Seungmin
Published: February 2016

This study suggests new shape memory alloy reinforcing fibers manufactured by cold drawing method. This study prepares NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) wires with diameter of 1.0 mm. Then, the wires are elongated by cold drawing and, thus, the diameters are reduced to 0.93 or 0.965 mm, respectively. This procedure introduces prestrain into the wires. When elongated SMA wires are heated, the shape memory effect is activated; this process recovers the deformed length as well as the reduced diameter due to Poisson’s effect. Cold drawn wires with diameters of 0.93 and 0.965 mm recover diameters of 0.018 and 0.024 mm, respectively, with heating. The bulging of the SMA fiber in the radial direction inside cement composites induces confining pressure around the fiber and increases bond strength. When an SMA fiber is heated at the both ends, the heated parts bulge and the fiber shape looks like a dog-bone. Such a dog-bone shaped fiber can provide a geometrical anchoring action that also increases the bond resistance of the fiber. This study conducts pullout tests of SMA fibers to understand their pullout behavior and assess bond stress. The heated fibers and dog-bone shaped fibers increase pullout force compared to those of as-received and cold-drawn fibers. When dog-bone shaped fibers are heated, they show twice the pullout force of dog-bone shaped fibers without heating because geometric anchoring action as well as additional frictional resistance due to confining pressure are activated.