bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Memory to Ink: Autobiography Project in Portugal
Authors: Zucker Marilyn S
Published: March 2015

This paper outlines a project centered on the teaching of Autobiography and Personal Narrative at the University of Lisbon. The course was an effort to ignite personal/collective empowerment through writing in a country where such writing has long been repressed by a variety of cultural imperatives. Students read autobiographical articles and book excerpts by well-known English language writers, read practically-oriented theoretical pieces, and wrote stories of their own lives prompted by their readings and discussions as they experienced and gained authority through authorship. Their growing self-advocacy registered as the course progressed, evidenced by the detail and reflection, authenticity and complexity of their written work. This article was submitted to the European Journal of Life Writing on 2 April 2013 and published on 20 March 2015.
From Diaries to Blogs: Cultural and Political Networking in Russian Autobiographical Practice.
Authors: Saburova Tatiana , Rodigina Natalia
Published: March 2015

We aim to reveal the transformations of the subject, structure, goals, and functions of autobiographical practice from diary to blog in Russia, its traditions and developments as a specific form of political and cultural networking. The proposed paper is based on the comparison of the diaries of Alexander Turgenev (1784-1845), historian and a journalist, and the blog of Boris Akunin (Georgii Chkhartishvili, 1956-), a writer, translator, historian. Turgenev’s diaries were published as “Chronicle of a Russian” in reputable literary magazines and political journals in the 1830-40s; they contributed to the formation of the intelligentsia and furthered cultural links between Russia and Europe. Akunin expresses his political views on his blog “Love of History”, posting autobiographical notes, travelogues, reflections, correspondence, and photographs. Juxtaposing the diary and blog promises to yield rich insights into Russian cultural practices over time.

 

This article was submitted to the European Journal of Life Writing in May 2014 and published on 16 March 2015.
Dual-MWCNT Probe Thermal Sensor Assembly and Evaluation Based on Nanorobotic Manipulation inside a Field-Emission-Scanning Electron Microscope
Authors: Yang Zhan , Wang Pengbo , Shen Yajing , Chen Tao , Chen Liguo , Huang Qiang , Sun Lining , Fukuda Toshio
Published: March 2015

We report a thermal sensor composed of two multiwalled carbon nano-tubes (MWCNTs) inside a field-emission-scanning electron microscope. The sensor was assembled using a nanorobotic manipulation system, which was used to construct a probe tip in order to detect the local environment of a single cell. An atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilever was used as a substrate; the cantilever was composed of Si3N4 and both sides were covered with a gold layer. MWCNTs were individually assembled on both sides of the AFM cantilever by employing nanorobotic manipulation. Another AFM cantilever was subsequently used as an end effector to manipulate the MWCNTs to touch each other. Electron-beam-induced deposition (EBID) was then used to bond the two MWCNTs. The MWCNT probe thermal sensor was evaluated inside a thermostated container in the temperature range from 25°C to 60°C. The experimental results show the positive characteristics of the temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR).
Properties of Aluminosilicate Refractories with Synthesized Boron-Modified TiO2 Nanocrystals
Authors: Carlucci Claudia , Conciauro Francesca , Scremin Barbara Federica , Antico Antonio Graziano , Muscogiuri Marco , Sibillano Teresa , Giannini Cinzia , Filippo Emanuela , Lorusso Caterina , Congedo Paolo Maria , Ciccarella Giuseppe
Published: March 2015

An efficient microwave supported synthesis, with a reaction time of only one and a half minute, to prepare boron-modified titania nanocrystals TiO2:(B), was developed. The nanocrystals were obtained by hydrolysis of titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) together with benzyl alcohol and boric acid, and the approach did not need surfactants use and a final calcination step. The produced TiO2:(B) nanocrystals were characterized in detail by low magnification Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES), X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD), and a Micro Raman Spectroscopy. One of the obtained samples was then tested as an additive in various amounts in a typical aluminosilicate refractory composition. The effects of these additions in bricks were evaluated, according to UNI EN 196/2005, in terms of thermo-physical and mechanical properties: diffusivity, bulk density, apparent density, open and apparent porosity and cold crushing strength. Bricks' microstructure was analysed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS). The bricks obtained with nanoadditives presented improved mechanical characteristics with respect to the typical aluminosilicates, presumably because of a better compaction during the raw materials' mixing stage.
The Best for Beginning Readers: Geisel Award Celebrates Tenth Anniversary
Authors: Fiore Carole D. , Morris Carla
Published: March 2015

IIn 2016, the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award will celebrate its ten-year anniversary. The tenth award winner, You Are (Not) Small, written by Anna Kang and illustrated by Christopher Weyant, published by Two Lions, New York, was announced at the ALA Midwinter Meeting in February 2015.This occasion provides librarians with an opportunity to look at the “best of the best” books for beginning readers for the past ten years. What trends, if any, have emerged? What is the impact of the award so far?
Everyday Advocacy: It’s How You Say It: Using Value-Based Language for Elevator Speech Awesomeness
Authors: Nemec-Loise Jenna
Published: March 2015

Everyday Advocacy empowers ALSC members to embrace their roles as library advocates by focusing on their daily efforts to serve youth and families. Each lighthearted column features easy-to-implement strategies and techniques for asserting the transformative power of libraries both within communities and beyond them. Contact Jenna Nemec-Loise at everyday-advocacy @hotmail.com with comments and ideas for future topics.
Research Roundup: Crunching Numbers: Make Your Case Using Statistics
Authors: Prendergast Tess , Diamant-Cohen Betsy
Published: March 2015

Reports or presentations about the importance of early literacy or the value of libraries are most valuable when they give a context. For instance, making a point about service to a low-income population is most effective when accompanied by a statistic regarding the number of children in your state who live in poverty or whose parents lack secure employment.
Número Completo jan./mar. 2015 (PDF com Capa e Artigos)
Authors: Rural Extensão
Published: March 2015

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/2318179617403Número Completo jan./mar. 2015 (PDF com Capa e Artigos)
Transcription factor MITF and remodeller BRG1 define chromatin organisation at regulatory elements in melanoma cells
Authors: Laurette Patrick , Strub Thomas , Koludrovic Dana , Keime Céline , Le Gras Stéphanie , Seberg Hannah , Van Otterloo Eric , Imrichova Hana , Siddaway Robert , Aerts Stein , Cornell Robert A , Mengus Gabrielle , Davidson Irwin
Published: March 2015

Microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is the master regulator of the melanocyte lineage. To understand how MITF regulates transcription, we used tandem affinity purification and mass spectrometry to define a comprehensive MITF interactome identifying novel cofactors involved in transcription, DNA replication and repair, and chromatin organisation. We show that MITF interacts with a PBAF chromatin remodelling complex comprising BRG1 and CHD7. BRG1 is essential for melanoma cell proliferation in vitro and for normal melanocyte development in vivo. MITF and SOX10 actively recruit BRG1 to a set of MITF-associated regulatory elements (MAREs) at active enhancers. Combinations of MITF, SOX10, TFAP2A, and YY1 bind between two BRG1-occupied nucleosomes thus defining both a signature of transcription factors essential for the melanocyte lineage and a specific chromatin organisation of the regulatory elements they occupy. BRG1 also regulates the dynamics of MITF genomic occupancy. MITF-BRG1 interplay thus plays an essential role in transcription regulation in melanoma.
"Levende studie – og læringssentra?" Rapport nr. 1: Funksjoner og framvekst
Authors: Danielsen Ådne , Grepperud Gunnar , Roos Gunilla
Published: March 2015

Dette er rapport nummer 1 i et forskningsarbeid som oppsummerer og analyserer erfaringer med lokale studie- og læringssentra (lärcentra) i mindre kommuner i Norge og Sverige. Dette er lokale aktører som har voksnes læring som sin hovedoppgave og som primært er blitt etablert for å styrke kommuner og regioners arbeidsliv. Det har særlig vært arbeidet med å tilbud universitets- og høgskolenivå, men de seinere år har også utdanninger på andre nivå (fagskole/YH-utbildning) fått en sentral plass.

I rapportens første del drøftes og klargjøres hva som særpreger et studie- og læringssenter. Utviklingen over tid har gjort at disse best beskrives og defineres som en lokal aktør som skal:

Ivareta bredden av formell og ikke-formell utdanning for voksne som målgruppe med spesielt fokus på arbeidsliv og høyere utdanning

Være aktiv bidragsyter i lokalsamfunnsutviklingen

Bruken av betegnelsen «studie- og læringssenter» forene de mest vanlige norske/studiesenter) og svenske (lärcentrum) betegnelsene på virksomheten. Disser er videre definert gjennom tre hovedfunksjoner, megler, møteplass og motor, også formulert som 3m.

Meglerfunksjonen innebærer å kartlegge og identifisere utdanningsbehov hos enkeltpersoner, bedrifter og lokalsamfunn for så å koble disse behovene til tilbydere av kompetansehevende tiltak. Møteplassfunksjonen handler om hvordan studie- og læringssentra kan bidra til studiekvaliteten ved å utnyttet sin rolle som fysisk møteplass. Motorfunksjonen handler i hovedsak om et arbeid som går ut på å utvikle målrettede strategier og utviklingstiltak for det vi kan kalle den lokale og regionale kompetansetilstanden.  Det er en stor spennvidde av tiltak her

I rapportens andre del analyseres noen av de utviklingstrekk som har ført til etableringen av studie- og læringssentra i Sverige og Norge. Samlet sett handler det om at kvalifisering av voksne beveger seg fra et sektoransvar til et felles samfunnsansvar. Det pekes her på tre forhold som peker i den retning:

Kunnskap og kompetanse som vekst- og konkurransefaktor

Det etablerte utdanningssystemet er ikke i stand til å ivareta et ideal om  «mer kunnskap til flere».

Den endogene dreiningen i tenkningen om regional utvikling, dvs. at endring må skje nedenfra og i nettverk.
”Levende studie-og læringssentra?" Rapport nr. 2: Kompetensutmaningar i tre rurala regioner
Authors: Roos Gunilla , Grepperud Gunnar , Danielsen Ådne
Published: March 2015

I den här rapporten presenteras delstudie två av tre i forskningsprojektet  ”Utdanning for utvikling - studie- og læringssentrenes rolle og funksjon”. I projektet har vi studerat verksamheten i studie- och lärcentra i två rurala regioner i Norge och en i Sverige i ljuset av en samhällelig, regional och lokal kontext. En viktig utgångspunkt för vårt arbete är att för att förstå skeenden på lokal nivå måste vi ha kunskap om den samhälleliga och regionala kontext som studie- och lärcentra är inbäddade i.

Huvudfokus i den här rapporten är på utbildning i allmänhet och på högre utbildning i synnerhet i 21 kommuner, 12 i Sverige och nio i Norge.  Med hjälp av tillgänglig statistik ges i den här rapporten en bild av den lokala kontext som studie- och lärcentra verkar i, i form utvecklingen av befolkningsantal, näringsliv, arbetsliv och högre utbildning. Här läggs stor vikt vid att om möjligt fånga de längre utvecklingslinjerna.

Tre centrala resultat framträder i analysen av det statistiska materialet. För det första har det skett en centralisering och en regional stratifiering vad gäller såväl befolkningsmässigt som andelen invånare med eller som söker sig till högre (eftergymnasial) utbildning. Vinnare är främst regioncentra och högskole- och universitetskommunerna. Sett i ett längre tidsperspektiv har centraliseringstendenserna accentuerats då ökningen av invånare med eftergymnasial utbildning samt av dem som påbörjar högre utbildning inte motsvarat den ökning som skett på riksnivå eller vid högskole- och universitetskommunerna.

För det andra framträder stora skillnader mellan män och kvinnor vad gäller såväl formell utbildningsnivå som andel högskolenybörjare i samtliga tre regioner, till kvinnornas fördel. Den positiva utveckling som skett står i stort sett kvinnorna för. Skillnaderna mellan könen har blivit större sett i ett längre tidsperspektiv.

För det tredje visar analysen att de yngre invånarna i åldern 18-24 år i en majoritet av kommunerna påbörjar högre utbildning i betydligt mindre omfattning än genomsnittet för riket. 

Avslutningsvis visar analysen att de interkommunala skillnaderna sannolikt är mer uttalade än de interregionala.
"Levende studie- og læringssentra?" Rapport nr. 3: Erfaringer og funksjoner.
Authors: Grepperud Gunnar , Danielsen Ådne , Roos Gunilla
Published: March 2015

Dette er rapport nummer 3 i et forskningsarbeid som oppsummerer og analyserer erfaringer med lokale studie- og læringssentra (lärcentra) i mindre kommuner i Norge og Sverige. Dette er lokale aktører som har voksnes læring som sin hovedoppgave og som primært er blitt etablert for å styrke kommuner og regioners arbeidsliv. Det har særlig vært arbeidet med å tilbud universitets- og høgskolenivå, men de seinere år har også utdanninger på andre nivå (fagskole/YH-utbildning) fått en sentral plass.

Denne rapporten er basert på intervjuer med ledere og medarbeidere ved studie- og læringssentra som omfatter 12 svenske kommuner og 9 norske kommuner.

Rapporten gir et forholdsvis detaljert bilde av studie- og læringssentrenes arbeid, blant annet hvordan de ivaretar de tre hovedfunksjonene megler, motor og møteplass. Det legges både vekt på å fram hvilke resultater man har oppnådd og hvilke utfordringer man står overfor. Det fremkommer at man gjennom disse studiesentrene har rekruttert voksne som ellers ikke ville gått i gang med formell utdanning. Det er en klar overvekt av kvinner som følger studier på høyere nivå, balansen er noe bedre når det gjelder fagskole(YH)- utdanninger. Det fremkommer også at utviklingen av nettbaserte utdanninger utfordrer studiesentermodellen og gjør at man legger større vekt på motorfunksjonen.

Erfaringene og analysene oppsummeres gjennom 11 utfordringer til kommuner og regioners arbeid med kompetanseutvikling:

Identitetsutfordringen – hva skal et studie- og læringssenter være?

Nettverksutfordringen

Samarbeidsutfordringen – forholdet til utdanningsinstitusjonene

Møteplassutfordringen (eller merverdiutfordringen)

Utfordringer knyttet til strategisk kompetansearbeid

Kompetanseutfordringen

Synlighets- og omdømmeutfordringen

Dokumentasjonsutfordringen

Den økonomiske utfordringen

Rekrutteringsutfordringen

Innovasjonsutfordringen
Cultural Adaptability and Organizational Change: A Case Study of a Social Service Organization in Hong Kong
Authors: Nesbit Paul Lester , Lam Elman
Published: March 2015

This article explores the relationship between adaptive culture and organizational change. We report on a longitudinal case study of a non-governmental organization (NGO) in the social service sector in Hong Kong that underwent a two-year quality improvement program. Using the quantitative and qualitative analysis of the adaptability of the organization’s culture prior to and immediately after the change in the program, we explored the effect of culture on the change process as well as the effect of the change on culture. While survey results did not reveal substantial cultural change, interviews and focus groups analysis showed significant improvements in learning processes at the team level as well as the increased adoption of participatory leadership behavior. Nevertheless, the extent of change, particularly in term of organizational level learning, was minor. Implications for research and practice in organizational change and its relationship with adaptive culture are discussed.

Keywords: Adaptability, Organizational Culture, Change

To cite this document: Paul Lester Nesbit and Elman Lam, "Cultural Adaptability and Organizational Change: A Case Study of a Social Service Organization in Hong Kong", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.10, No.4, pp.303-324, 2014.

Permanent link to this document:
http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.12186
Coping as a Moderator of The Relation between Recreation Hassles and Hiker Satisfaction
Authors: Hung Wei-Li , Hsieh Li-Wen
Published: March 2015

The study attempted to explore the relationships among recreation hassles, coping, and hiker satisfaction and to examine the moderating role of coping in the relationship between hassles and satisfaction. Questionnaire surveys were conducted on trails in Yangmingshan National Park in Taiwan in spring 2011. Overall, 316 questionnaires were completed, of which 301 were valid. The results indicated that recreation hassles correlated positively with all coping strategies. Further analysis indicated that the coping behaviors of rationalization significantly moderated the relationship between recreation hassles and hiker satisfaction. The study suggested that an increase in the perceived hassles decreases the satisfaction of hikers. It also indicated that the engagement of the coping strategy of rationalization was likely to decrease the negative effects of hassles on hiker satisfaction. Although a number of studies have discussed a similar argument, relevant empirical works were insufficient. This study clearly confirmed the moderating effect of emotion-focused coping on the relationship between recreation hassles and hiker satisfaction. The study suggests that the Park Headquarters should give the hikers more information on the difficulties and the use of the trails so that the hikers could choose one in accordance with their abilities as well as the frequency of the use of trails.

Keywords: Problem-Focused Coping, Emotion-Focused Coping, Moderating Effects

To cite this document: Wei-Li Hung and Li-Wen Hsieh, "Coping as a Moderator of The Relation between Recreation Hassles and Hiker Satisfaction", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.10, No.4, pp.273-286, 2014.

Permanent link to this document:
http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.12579
Triggering of earthquake swarms following the 2011 Tohoku megathrust earthquake
Authors: Umeda Koji , Asamori Koichi , Makuuchi Ayumu , Kobori Kazuo , Hama Yuki
Published: March 2015

Earthquake swarms, often interpreted to result from fluids invading the brittle seismogenic zone, have seismicity patterns that are significantly different from an aftershock sequence. Following the Mw 9.0 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake, an unusual, shallow normal‐faulting swarm sequence occurred near the Pacific coast in the southeast Tohoku district. An integrated approach combining geophysical and geochemical methods was utilized to establish the presence of aqueous fluids around the seismic source region and their derivation. Magnetotelluric inversion defined an anomalous conductor with a width of 20 km and clearly visible to depths of more than 20 km, extending to the base of the crust. Independent geophysical observations, including seismic, strongly support the suggestion that fluid‐filled porous materials and fluids associated with slab dehydration are present in the convergent plate boundary. In order to provide geochemical constraints on the source of the fluids triggering the swarm activity, new helium isotope data were acquired from gas and water samples around the seismic source region. The observed 3He/4He ratios in these samples are significantly lower than the atmospheric value of 1.4 × 10−6, indicating that the mantle helium contribution is less than 10% of the total helium. Assuming the fluid‐triggered swarm activity, the plausible explanations for the generation of fluids are limited to the following: (1) sediment porosity reduction and from smectite‐illite and opal‐quartz reactions in the subducting deep sea sediments, (2) metamorphism of fore‐arc basin sediments, sedimentary, and/or volcanic rocks detached from the plate, or (3) dehydration reactions in the subducted oceanic crust and/or hydrated mantle below the fore‐arc mantle wedge. Geophysical and geochemical findings suggest metamorphic fluids produced by isothermal decompression of altered sediments accompanying uplift and exhumation. Owing to continued fluid production at depths of ~20 km, the fluids migrate into the seismic source region. The swarm sequence would have been triggered by stress changes associated with the Tohoku‐Oki earthquake, enhanced by vertical metamorphic fluid expulsion from the reaction zone.
Downbuilding salt stocks and sheets quantified in 3‐D analytical models
Authors: Weijermars R. , Hudec M. R. , Dooley T. P. , Jackson M. P. A.
Published: March 2015

The 2‐D concept of diapiric downbuilding is expanded to the third dimension. Our advanced approach shows which range of salt fluxes and sedimentation rates (time dependency included) can explain the formation of upward narrowing diapirs (previously thought of as  < 1), upward widening diapirs (~   > 1), and vertical cylindrical diapirs (~   = 1). In addition to being a nonrigorous measure, does not account for the effect of a regional slope on diapir shape during downbuilding. When a regional topographic slope is absent and lateral changes in sedimentation rate are negligible, our models confirm downbuilding diapirs always develop axisymmetric shapes. However, when the salt source lies on a regional slope, asymmetric diapirs will form. The rate of salt supply from the source and the superposed gravity flow downslope control the flow lines and shape of the advancing salt sheet. In the 2‐D gravity spreading plane, the ratio of source flow to gravity flow strengths can be characterized by a Rankine number. Obstruction of lateral spreading of salt issued from the feeder sources due to sedimentation lifts the salt from its 2‐D spreading plane, which our model simulates by superposing a velocity component normal to the sedimentation surface. We next apply the 3‐D analytical model to an offshore salt sheet in the Gulf of Mexico and analyze which conditions controlled its flow kinematics down the continental slope. Stratal cutoffs at the base of salt combined with the analytical gravity spreading model provide estimates for the dimensional flow rates and the effective viscosity of the Louann Salt.
Observations of hysteresis in the annual exchange circulation of a large microtidal estuary
Authors: Meyers Steven D. , Wilson Monica , Luther Mark. E.
Published: March 2015

A nonlinear relation between the salinity field and the subtidal exchange circulation in the Tampa Bay estuary is demonstrated using observational data from 1999 to 2011. The data are averaged to form mean monthly climatological values of total freshwater discharge (
), axial and vertical salinity gradients, and subtidal vertical shear. Well‐known steady state solutions indicate that the exchange circulation is linearly proportional to the horizontal salinity gradient, assuming a constant vertical eddy viscosity (
). The exchange flow is found to be multivalued with respect to the horizontal salinity gradient, forming a hysteresis loop in parameter space that passes through three dynamical regimes. Regime I is relatively dry with weak salinity gradients and exchange circulation. Regime II is the wet season (June–September) in which all quantities rapidly increase. In regime III, the exchange flow persists even though
and the axial salinity gradient are again low. Gradient Richardson numbers and Simpson numbers also form a loop in parameter space with
remaining subcritical (turbulent) until the wet season when
rises above criticality (weak vertical mixing) where it remains through the end of regime III. The Simpson number is in a narrow range around 0.2, indicating that the horizontal salinity gradient is always a driver of the exchange circulation. The
, estimated from a parameterization of the Richardson number, decreases by almost an order of magnitude from regimes I to II. It remains low during III, indicating that the persistent stratification is insulating the exchange flow from destruction by tidal mixing during this time period.
Mesoscale variability in the habitat of the Humboldt Current krill, spring 2007
Authors: Riquelme‐Bugueño Ramiro , Correa‐Ramírez Marco , Escribano Rubén , Núñez Sergio , Hormazábal Samuel
Published: March 2015

Mesoscale eddies are prominent structures in the world's oceans generating a high degree of spatial and temporal heterogeneity that influences zooplankton distribution. Euphausiids (krill) are a key zooplankton group mainly inhabiting coastal upwelling areas where high productivity, advection, and eddy kinetic energy (EKE) play pivotal roles in the distribution and structure of zooplankton. We analyzed the spatial distribution of the Humboldt Current krill, Euphausia mucronata, in relation to environmental variability and mesoscale circulation during the 2007 austral spring. Using net‐based zooplankton samples, remotely sensed environmental conditions, multivariate analysis, and generalized additive models, we described and tested the effect of oceanographic variability and mesoscale eddies on E. mucronata abundance and biomass. E. mucronata was significantly more abundant in coastal (97%) than oceanic habitats, and more abundant in cyclonic cores (mean: 76 indiv. m−2) than in surrounding waters (mean: 13–29 indiv. m−2). Abundance correlated to current and EKE fields at >10–20 cm s−1 and >50–200 cm2 s−2, respectively, and biomass correlated negatively to sea level anomaly and positively to alongshore winds. Krill abundance and biomass were also strongly coupled to both eddy dynamics and the coastal upwelling regime in spring 2007. Mesoscale eddies may doubly influence the E. mucronata population dynamic by retaining krill within them and, by advection from coastal to oligotrophic regions.
The initiation of lightning in thunderclouds: The possible influence of metastable nitrogen and oxygen molecules in initiating lightning streamers
Authors: Lowke J. J.
Published: March 2015

An examination is made of the possible role of metastable molecules of oxygen and nitrogen to contribute to the difference between the observed breakdown field in air of ~25 kV/cm and the electric fields observed in thunderclouds which generally have a maximum of ~3 kV/cm, which suggest much lower breakdown fields. Analysis of steady state equations for electron, ion, and metastable densities indicates that reductions on the order of a factor of 5 are possible in the electric field necessary to sustain a steady state discharge because of (1) electron detachment from negative ions by the oxygen metastable molecules and (2) increased ionization through deexcitation collisions of electrons with metastable nitrogen vibrational states, assuming high vibrational temperatures of the order of the electron temperature. However, solution of the time‐dependent equations for the particle densities indicates that for a uniform discharge, times on the order of 0.1 s are required for the production of sufficient densities of the metastable particles from initial electron densities of ~1011 cm−3. In such times, electron diffusion would have dispersed electrons from any initial narrow electron pulse postulated to be produced by cosmic rays. It is concluded that the role of the metastable molecules, particularly the nitrogen vibrational states, is unlikely to be significant in the initiation of lightning streamers.
Large charge moment change lightning on 31 May to 1 June 2013, including the El Reno tornadic storm
Authors: Lang Timothy J. , Cummer Steven A. , Petersen Danyal , Flores‐Rivera Lizxandra , Lyons Walter A. , MacGorman Donald , Beasley William
Published: March 2015

On 31 May 2013, a line of severe tornadic thunderstorms (the El Reno event) developed during the local afternoon in central Oklahoma, USA. Within range of the Oklahoma Lightning Mapping Array, the evolution of the event can be separated into three distinct periods: an Early period (before 02:00 UTC on 1 June) when the storm consisted of discrete supercells, a Middle period (02:00–05:00 UTC) when the convection began merging into a linear feature and stratiform precipitation developed, and a Late period (after 05:00 UTC) featuring a mature mesoscale convective system (MCS). Each of these periods demonstrated distinct patterns in the large (>100 C km) charge moment change (CMC) lightning that was produced. During the Early period, large‐CMC positive cloud‐to‐ground (+CG) lightning was produced in the convective cores of supercells. These flashes were small in area (typically <500 km2) and were commonly associated with a sloping midlevel positive charge region in the echo overhang on the storm's forward flank. The Middle period featured a population of larger +CMCs (>500 km2, >300 C km) in the developing stratiform, similar to typical sprite‐parent lightning in MCSs. During the Late period, convective large CMC +CGs ceased and instead large‐CMC negative CGs were produced in and near the MCS convection. These flashes neutralized charge both in convection as well as in adjacent stratiform and anvil precipitation. The results suggest that the CMC metric has potential applications for studying tropospheric weather.
Cloud supersaturations from CCN spectra Hoppel minima
Authors: Hudson James G. , Noble Stephen , Tabor Samantha
Published: March 2015

High‐resolution cloud condensation nucleus (CCN) spectral measurements in two aircraft field projects, Marine Stratus/Stratocumulus Experiment (MASE) and Ice in Clouds Experiment‐Tropical (ICE‐T), often showed bimodality that had previously been observed in submicrometer aerosol size distributions obtained by differential mobility analyzers. However, a great deal of spectral shape variability from very bimodal to very monomodal was observed in close proximity. Cloud supersaturation (S) estimates based on critical S, Sc, at minimal CCN concentrations between two modes (Hoppel minima) were ascertained for 63% of 325 measured spectra. These cloud S were lower than effective S (Seff) determined by comparing ambient CCN spectra with nearby cloud droplet concentrations (Nc). Averages for the polluted MASE stratus were 0.15 and 0.23% and for the cumulus clouds of ICE‐T 0.44 and 1.03%. This cloud S disagreement between the two methods might in part be due to the fact that Hoppel minima include the effects of cloud processing, which push CCN spectra toward lower S. Furthermore, there is less cloud processing by the smaller cloud droplets, which might be related to smaller droplets evaporating more readily. Significantly lower concentrations within the more bimodal spectra compared with the monomodal spectra indicated active physical processes: Brownian capture of interstitial CCN and droplet coalescence. Chemical cloud processing also contributed to bimodality, especially in MASE.
Diurnal patterns in lightning activity over South America
Authors: Ávila Eldo E. , Bürgesser Rodrigo E. , Castellano Nesvit E. , Nicora M. Gabriela
Published: March 2015

Satellite observations of lightning flash distribution data are used to examine the diurnal cycle of lightning activity over the tropical and subtropical regions of South America. A harmonic analysis is used to study the spatial variations in the peak and strength of diurnal lightning activity across this area. Results show that in the northern and central regions of South America, the times of maxima in lightning activity was concentrated from late afternoon to evening hours (between 14:00 and 18:00 local time), which may be associated with the peaking of the local convective activity connected with heating of the surface caused by daytime insolation. In subtropical South America, particularly in the area limited by 25°S, 35°S of latitude and 70°W, 50°W of longitude, the time of maximum lightning activity was shifted to nocturnal hours, extending from close to midnight to early morning hours. This behavior can be associated to the peak in mesoscale convective systems in the region which occurs in the morning hours. The annual flash densities in the tropical and subtropical parts of the continent were found to have comparable magnitudes. However, the contribution of the continental tropics to the global electric circuit dominates over the continental subtropics contribution throughout all seasons, since the surface covered by the tropical region is more than twice the area covered by the subtropical region.
Evidence for different episodes of aeolian construction and a new type of wind streak in the 2016 ExoMars landing ellipse in Meridiani Planum, Mars
Authors: Silvestro S. , Vaz D. A. , Di Achille G. , Popa I. C. , Esposito F.
Published: March 2015

We present evidence for a complex, multigenerational bed form pattern and a new type of wind streak (the ripple streak) in the landing site ellipse of the 2016 ExoMars Entry descent and landing Demonstrator Module (EDM) in Meridiani Planum (Mars). We identified three main groups of bright‐toned bed forms. Population 3, represented by NE‐SW trending bed forms located inside craters, was emplaced by winds coming from the NW or the SE. Population 2, emplaced by strong easterlies, formed by intracrater transverse aeolian ridges (TARs) and N‐S trending megaripples (plains ripples). Population 1 consists of a relict bed form pattern emplaced by winds coming from the north or south. Alternatively, population 1 can represent a sand ribbon pattern that formed together with the plain ripples. We also report the presence of a new type of wind streak, the ripple streak, which is formed by the population 2 bed forms clustered in the wake zone of impact craters. Based on the results of this work, we now know the EDM module is set to land in a complex aeolian environment. Data from the Dust Characterization, Risk Assessment, and Environment Analyser on the Martian Surface onboard the EDM can help to better decipher the wind regime in Meridiani Planum.
Planform evolution of two anabranching structures in the Upper Peruvian Amazon River
Authors: Frias C. E. , Abad J. D. , Mendoza A. , Paredes J. , Ortals C. , Montoro H.
Published: March 2015

We present a study to relate the sinuosity of the main channel and its effect on the dynamics of the secondary channels of anabranching structures. For this purpose, two locations of the Peruvian Amazon River were selected: (1) a site with a medium to high‐sinuosity main channel (MS site: Muyuy, Peru) and (2) a site with a low‐sinuosity main channel (LS site: at the triple boundary between Brazil, Colombia, and Peru). The main channels for both the MS and LS anabranching structures have freedom to migrate in the lateral direction, while at least one of their secondary channels is adjacent to the geological valley. For MS and LS sites, temporal analysis of planform evolution was carried out using 30 years of satellite imagery from which metrics such as width, sinuosity, and annual maximum migration rates of main and secondary channels were calculated. Additionally, detailed hydrodynamic and bed morphology field measurements were carried out, and a two‐dimensional shallow water numerical model was developed. For a medium to high‐sinuosity main channel anabranching structure, the secondary channels present a dominant mechanism for reworking the floodplain, while for the low‐sinuosity anabranching structure, the main channel planform dynamics is dominant. Flow velocities along the main and secondary channels for low, transition, and high‐flow discharges describe that for MS (LS) site, the velocities are much higher along the secondary (main) channels.
Spatial and temporal characteristics of rainfall in Africa: Summary statistics for temporal downscaling
Authors: Kaptué Armel T. , Hanan Niall P. , Prihodko Lara , Ramirez Jorge A.
Published: March 2015

An understanding of rainfall characteristics at multiple spatiotemporal scales is of great importance for hydrological, biogeochemical, and land surface modeling studies. In the present study, patterns of rainfall are analyzed over the African continent based on 3 hourly 0.25° Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) estimates between 1998 and 2012 to produce monthly statistical summaries. The selected rain event properties are multiyear means of precipitation total amount (mm), event frequency (number), rate (mm/h), and duration (h) calculated independently for each calendar month. Analysis of 3 hourly and daily events in the 1998–2012 period suggests that rainfall amount can be summarized using gamma probability density functions. Assuming stationarity, gamma probability density functions of the total depth of 3 hourly and daily events are estimated and then used for temporal downscaling of monthly rainfall estimates (past or future). As a result, we generate 3 hourly and daily rainfall estimates that are pixelwise statistically indistinguishable from the observations while preserving monthly totals. Example scripts are provided that can be used to access monthly statistics and implement downscaling using archival (or projected) monthly rainfall estimates. These statistics could also be utilized for the assessment of rainfall from atmospheric models.
Natural gas price uncertainty and the cost‐effectiveness of hedging against low hydropower revenues caused by drought
Authors: Kern Jordan D. , Characklis Gregory W. , Foster Benjamin T.
Published: March 2015

Prolonged periods of low reservoir inflows (droughts) significantly reduce a hydropower producer's ability to generate both electricity and revenues. Given the capital intensive nature of the electric power industry, this can impact hydropower producers’ ability to pay down outstanding debt, leading to credit rating downgrades, higher interests rates on new debt, and ultimately, greater infrastructure costs. One potential tool for reducing the financial exposure of hydropower producers to drought is hydrologic index insurance, in particular, contracts structured to payout when streamflows drop below a specified level. An ongoing challenge in developing this type of insurance, however, is minimizing contracts’ “basis risk,” that is, the degree to which contract payouts deviate in timing and/or amount from actual damages experienced by policyholders. In this paper, we show that consideration of year‐to‐year changes in the value of hydropower (i.e., the cost of replacing it with an alternative energy source during droughts) is critical to reducing contract basis risk. In particular, we find that volatility in the price of natural gas, a key driver of peak electricity prices, can significantly degrade the performance of index insurance unless contracts are designed to explicitly consider natural gas prices when determining payouts. Results show that a combined index whose value is derived from both seasonal streamflows and the spot price of natural gas yields contracts that exhibit both lower basis risk and greater effectiveness in terms of reducing financial exposure.
Global analysis of approaches for deriving total water storage changes from GRACE satellites
Authors: Long Di , Longuevergne Laurent , Scanlon Bridget R.
Published: March 2015

Increasing interest in use of GRACE satellites and a variety of new products to monitor changes in total water storage (TWS) underscores the need to assess the reliability of output from different products. The objective of this study was to assess skills and uncertainties of different approaches for processing GRACE data to restore signal losses caused by spatial filtering based on analysis of 1° × 1° grid‐scale data and in 60 river basins globally. Results indicate that scaling factors from six LSMs, including GLDAS‐1 four models (Noah2.7, Mosaic, VIC, and CLM 2.0), CLM 4.0, and WGHM, are similar over most of humid, subhumid, and high‐latitude regions but can differ by up to 100% over arid and semiarid basins and areas with intensive irrigation. Temporal variability in scaling factors is generally minor at the basin scale except in arid and semiarid regions, but can be appreciable at the 1° × 1° grid scale. Large differences in TWS anomalies from three processing approaches (scaling factor, additive, and multiplicative corrections) were found in arid and semiarid regions, areas with intensive irrigation, and relatively small basins (e.g., ≤200,000 km2). Furthermore, TWS anomaly products from gridded data with CLM4.0 scaling factors and the additive correction approach more closely agree with WGHM output than the multiplicative correction approach. This comprehensive evaluation of GRACE processing approaches should provide valuable guidance on applicability of different processing approaches with different climate settings and varying levels of irrigation.
Natural variations in calcite dissolution rates in streams: Controls, implications, and open questions
Authors: Covington M. D. , Gulley J. D. , Gabrovšek F.
Published: March 2015

Models of bedrock channel evolution typically assume that chemical erosion is negligible in comparison to mechanical erosion. While this assumption is reasonable for channels in silicate rocks, it is questionable within highly soluble strata such as carbonates. The magnitude and variability of calcite dissolution rates in streams has remained as a critical unknown for models of bedrock incision and karst conduit formation. Here we use U.S. Geological Survey data to estimate calcite dissolution rates from 77 different streams located in a wide range of settings. The calculated rates are commonly on the order of ∼1 mmyr−1, which is 1 to 2 orders of magnitude larger than previous estimates. We also find that is the strongest control on at‐a‐site variability, though some sites also display dilution‐controlled variability. Typically, dissolution rates vary within a relatively narrow range, which has important implications for the relative importance of chemical and mechanical erosion.
Atmospheric carbonyl sulfide sources from anthropogenic activity: Implications for carbon cycle constraints
Authors: Campbell J. E. , Whelan M. E. , Seibt U. , Smith S. J. , Berry J. A. , Hilton T. W.
Published: March 2015

Carbonyl sulfide (COS) has recently emerged as an atmospheric tracer of gross primary production. All modeling studies of COS air‐monitoring data rely on a climatological anthropogenic inventory that does not reflect present conditions or support interpretation of ice core and firn trends. Here we develop a global anthropogenic inventory for the years 1850 to 2013 based on new emission measurements and material‐specific data. By applying methods from a recent regional inventory to global data, we find that the anthropogenic source is similar in magnitude to the plant sink, confounding carbon cycle applications. However, a material‐specific approach results in a current anthropogenic source that is only one third of plant uptake and is concentrated in Asia, supporting carbon cycle applications of global air‐monitoring data. Furthermore, changes in the anthropogenic source alone cannot explain the century‐scale mixing ratio growth, which suggests that ice and firn data may provide the first global history of gross primary production.
The impact of geomagnetic spikes on the production rates of cosmogenic 14C and 10Be in the Earth's atmosphere
Authors: Fournier Alexandre , Gallet Yves , Usoskin Ilya , Livermore Philip W. , Kovaltsov Gennady A.
Published: March 2015

We seek corroborative evidence of the geomagnetic spikes detected in the Near East ca. 980 BC and 890 BC in the records of the past production rates of the cosmogenic nuclides 14C and 10Be. Our forward modeling strategy rests on global, time‐dependent, geomagnetic spike field models feeding state‐of‐the‐art models of cosmogenic nuclide production. We find that spike models with an energy budget in line with presently inferred large‐scale flow at Earth's core surface fail to produce a visible imprint in the nuclide record. Spike models able to reproduce the intensity changes reported in the Near East require an unaccountably high‐magnitude core flow, yet their computed impact on cosmogenic isotope production rates remains ambiguous. No simple and unequivocal agreement is obtained between the observed and modeled nuclide records at the epochs of interest. This indicates that cosmogenic nuclides cannot immediately be used to confirm the occurrence of these two geomagnetic spikes.
Bed load transport monitoring using seismic observations in a low‐gradient rural gravel bed stream
Authors: Barrière Julien , Oth Adrien , Hostache Renaud , Krein Andreas
Published: March 2015

The characterization of bed load transport in rivers is critical for the fundamental understanding and management of fluvial systems. Bed load monitoring based on seismological observations has recently emerged as a viable noninvasive measurement technique. However, applications of this new approach have been hitherto restricted to the case of sediment transport in steep mountain rivers. Here we further develop and evaluate the approach for a lower gradient gravel bed stream in a rural catchment using seismic observations, in situ hydroacoustic measurements of bed load motion (impact‐plate‐type device), and 3‐D hydromorphodynamic modeling. The results of this joint analysis of seismic measurements, hydroacoustic records, and sediment transport simulations show that the seismic monitoring technique for bed load transport characterization is applicable for a broader range of river systems than previously investigated.
Quantifying the sensitivity of maximum, limiting, and potential tropical cyclone intensity to SST: Observations versus the FSU/COAPS global climate model
Authors: Strazzo S. E. , Elsner J. B. , LaRow T. E.
Published: March 2015

Previous research quantified the sensitivity of limiting intensity to SST for observed tropical cyclones (TCs) and for TCs generated by two global climate models (GCMs). On average, a 1° C increase in sea surface temperature (SST) is associated with a 7.9 m s−1 increase in the statistical upper limit of observed intensity. Conversely, a 1°C increase in SST does not significantly affect the limiting intensity of GCM‐generated TCs. The study presented here builds on previous research in two ways: (1) A comparison is made between the statistically defined limiting intensity and the physically defined potential intensity, and (2) a test is performed on the ability of a ∼0.94° resolution GCM to reproduce the observed statistical relationship between potential intensity and SST. Data from NASA's Modern Era Reanalysis are used to approximate the observed sensitivity of potential intensity to SST for the 1982–2008 time period. Results indicate that the sensitivity of potential intensity to SST is not statistically different from the sensitivity of observed maximum or limiting intensity to SST. This result links the statistically defined sensitivity to the physically based theory of hurricanes. Potential intensity is also estimated from the FSU/COAPS GCM. Although the FSU/COAPS model does not capture the observed sensitivity of TC maximum or limiting intensity to SST, the model reproduces the observed sensitivity of potential intensity to SST. The model generates suitable atmospheric conditions for the development of strong TCs, however strong TCs do not develop, possibly as a result of insufficient resolution.
Commodity Racism
Authors: Chin Elizabeth
Published: March 2015

“Commodity racism” is a term that refers to the way in which race and commodities mutually inform one another. The concept was first proposed byMcClintock, who argued that, from the late nineteenth century, racism encoded into commodities and their advertising campaigns was a key tool in the British project of colonization and empire. More broadly, commodity racism encompasses racist modes of the commodification of people – most importantly, slavery – as well as commodities in which racism is embedded. Evidenced in realms as diverse as advertising, toys, sex tourism, and sports, racism is essential to the world of commodities across the globe.