bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Waterfall Approach and Requirement Uncertainty
Authors: Ruël Huub J.M. , Bondarouk Tanya , Smink Stefan
Published: March 2012

The Waterfall approach has been the dominant approach for enterprise systems (ES) implementation since the 1970s. It offers ES project managers a simple, step-by-step way to make ES projects manageable and minimize drawbacks. The main criticism of this approach centres on its inflexibility regarding requirement uncertainty. In this article, the authors challenge this criticism. By means of an in-depth case study of a Waterfall approach-based ES implementation project within the maintenance department of one of the world’s biggest airline companies, this article will illustrate how it deals with requirements uncertainty and required flexibility in practice.
Teaching Students How to Effectively Work in Virtual Teams
Authors: Kulturel-Konak Sadan , Maurer Clifford R. , Lohin Daniel L.
Published: March 2012

This paper, through the voices of two professors and a student, describes an educational experience that exposed students to virtual teams constructed between Information Technology Project Management classes of two branch campuses of the Pennsylvania State University. This experience focused on overcoming the communication problems of virtual teams in order to strengthen team building dynamics. Since working on virtual teams was the first experience for the students, attempts were made to control some aspects of the virtual team environment by eliminating cultural and time differences. The variable to be in focus was the building of trust in a virtual environment. By eliminating all other variables such as time zones, cultural and disciplinary backgrounds, etc., students could experience the efforts required to build trust in a virtual environment. Students were given pre and post experience surveys. The results indicate that initially many students were very apprehensive about virtual teams; however, after completing the course, most students expressed positive attitudes and a general understanding of techniques to work effectively in virtual teams. In addition, almost all teams commented on how important they felt virtual teams would become in the future as digital technology continues to improve.
Using Realist Social Theory to Explain Project Outcomes
Authors: Cuellar Michael J.
Published: March 2012

In researching IS phenomena, many different theoretical lenses have been advanced. This paper proposes the use of Margaret Archer’s Morphogenetic Approach to Analytical Dualism (MAAD) as a social theoretic approach to explain why social phenomena may occur in a case study. This paper provides a brief overview to MAAD, providing a description of its tenets and methodology for use in an empirical study. As an example, the author applies MAAD to the implementation of Lotus Notes in the Alpha consulting organization as reported by Orlikowski (2000). This approach shows that the differential success of the implementation efforts in the different organizations was due to the diverse cultures and possible experiences with technology found in those organizations. This example shows that the use of this social theory can provide explanatory purchase where social phenomena are involved. For practitioners, it suggests that structural analysis at the beginning of a project may provide direction as to how to make the project more successful.
Service-Oriented Architecture Adoption
Authors: Ciganek Andrew P. , Haines Marc N. , Haseman William (Dave)
Published: March 2012

Service-oriented architecture (SOA) have been adopted by organizations in a wide variety of industries, however, best practices have still yet to mature. This article, which is part of a larger study on SOA, develops a normative decision model introducing key factors that influence the timing and approach of adopting a SOA. The decision model is based on the results of multiple case studies of organizations that had either employed or were considering implementing a service-oriented architecture project. The results indicate that there are four main areas an information technology (IT) manager needs to assess to determine when and how to move towards a SOA: the maturity of relevant standards, the technology gap, the organizational gap, and the nature of the benefits expected from a SOA. Analyzing these results suggest that differences in the business environment need to be considered in the decision of when and how an IT manager should pursue the move to a service-oriented architecture.
Development of M-Government Projects in a Developing Country
Authors: Trimi Silvana , Sevrani Kozeta
Published: March 2012

This paper is a qualitative study regarding m-government in a developing country in Eastern Europe with a poor infrastructure and a democratic history—Albania. To understand why m-government is unavoidable and necessary for Albania, the authors provide an overall picture of the country’s current telecommunication infrastructure, which explains some of the current e-government initiatives, and their level of implementation success and barriers to progress. In addition, this paper presents possible benefits of m-government for Albanians, along with possible future applications, challenges, and issues in their implementation.
A Brief Survey on User Modelling in Human Computer Interaction
Authors: Biswas Pradipta
Published: March 2012

This chapter presents a brief survey of different user modelling techniques used in human computer interaction. It investigates history of development of user modelling techniques and classified the existing models into different categories. In the context of existing modelling approaches it presents a new user model and its deployment through a simulator to help designers in developing accessible systems for people with a wide range of abilities. This chapter will help system analysts and developers to select and use appropriate type of user models for their applications.
Fuzzy Linguistic Modelling in Multi Modal Human Computer Interaction
Authors: Huseyinov Ilham N.
Published: March 2012

The purpose of this chapter is to explore fuzzy logic based methodology for computing an adaptive interface in an environment of imperfect, vague, multimodal, complex nonlinear hyper information space. To this end, based on fuzzy linguistic modelling and fuzzy multi level granulation an adaptation strategy to cognitive/learning styles is presented. The granulated fuzzy if-then rules are utilized to adaptively map cognitive/learning styles of users to their information navigation and presentation preferences through natural language expressions. The important implications of this approach are that, first, uncertain and vague information is handled; second, a mechanism for approximate adaptation at a variety of granulation levels is provided; third, a qualitative linguistic model of adaptation is presented. The proposed approach is close to human reasoning and thereby lowers the cost of solution, and facilitates the design of human computer interaction systems with high level intelligence capability.
Multi Finger Gesture Recognition and Classification in Dynamic Environment under Varying Illumination upon Arbitrary Background
Authors: Mustafa Armin , Venkatesh K.S.
Published: March 2012

This chapter aims to develop an ‘accessory-free’ or ‘minimum accessory’ interface used for communication and computation without the requirement of any specified gadgets such as finger markers, colored gloves, wrist bands, or touch screens. The authors detect various types of gestures, by finding fingertip point locations in a dynamic changing foreground projection with varying illumination on an arbitrary background using visual segmentation by reflectance modeling as opposite to recent approaches which use IR (invisible) channel to do so. The overall performance of the system was found to be adequately fast, accurate, and reliable. The objective is to facilitate in the future, a direct graphical interaction with mobile computing devices equipped with mini projectors instead of conventional displays. The authors term this a dynamic illumination environment as the projected light is liable to change continuously both in time and space and also varies with the content displayed on colored or white surface.
On the Development of Adaptive and User-Centred Interactive Multimodal Interfaces
Authors: Griol David , Callejas Zoraida , López-Cózar Ramón , Espejo Gonzalo , Ábalos Nieves
Published: March 2012

Multimodal systems have attained increased attention in recent years, which has made possible important improvements in the technologies for recognition, processing, and generation of multimodal information. However, there are still many issues related to multimodality which are not clear, for example, the principles that make it possible to resemble human-human multimodal communication. This chapter focuses on some of the most important challenges that researchers have recently envisioned for future multimodal interfaces. It also describes current efforts to develop intelligent, adaptive, proactive, portable and affective multimodal interfaces.
Speech Disorders Recognition using Speech Analysis
Authors: Necibi Khaled , Bahi Halima , Sari Toufik
Published: March 2012

Speech disorders are human disabilities widely present in young population but also adults may suffer from such disorders after some physical problems. In this context, the detection and further the correction of such disabilities may be handled by Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology. The first works on the speech disorders detection began early in the 70s and seem to follow the same evolution as those on the ASR. Indeed, these early works were more based on the signal processing techniques. Progressively, systems dealing with speech disorders incorporate more ideas from ASR technology. Particularly, Hidden Markov Models, the state-of-the-art approaches in ASR systems, are used. This chapter reviews systems that use ASR techniques to evaluate pronunciation of people who suffer from speech or voice impairments. The authors investigate the existing systems and present the main innovation and some of the available resources.
A Surrogate-Based Approach to Reduced-Order Dynamic Stall Modeling
Authors: Glaz Bryan , Liu Li , Friedmann Peretz P. , Bain Jeremy , Sankar Lakshmi N.
Published: March 2012

The surrogate-based recurrence framework (SBRF) approach to reduced-order dynamic stall modeling associated with pitching/plunging airfoils subject to fixed or time-varying freestream Mach numbers is described. The SBRF is shown to effectively mimic full-order two-dimensional computational
fluid dynamics solutions for unsteady lift, moment, and drag, but at a fraction of the computational cost. In addition to accounting for realistic helicopter rotor blade dynamics, it is shown that the SBRF can model advancing rotor shock induced separation as well as retreating blade stall
associated with excessive angles of attack. Therefore, the SBRF is ideally suited for a variety of rotary-wing aeroelasticity and active/passive design optimization studies that require high-fidelity aerodynamic response solutions with minimal computational expense.
Cognitive Analysis of Decision Support for Antibiotic Ordering in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kaufman D. , Bakken S. , Currie L. M. , Sheehan B.
Published: March 2012

Background: Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) are a method used to support prescribing accuracy when deployed within a computerized provider order entry system (CPOE). Divergence from using CDSS is exemplified by high alert override rates. Excessive cognitive load imposed by the CDSS may help to explain such high rates. Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the cognitive impact of a CPOE-integrated CDSS by categorizing system use problems according to the type of mental processing required to resolve them.

Methods: A qualitative, descriptive design was used employing two methods; a cognitive walk-through and a think-aloud protocol. Data analysis was guided by Norman’s Theory of Action and a theory of cognitive distances which is an extension to Norman’s theory.

Results: The most frequently occurring source of excess cognitive effort was poor information timing. Information presented by the CDSS was often presented after clinicians required the information for decision making. Additional sources of effort included use of language that was not clear to the user, vague icons, and lack of cues to guide users through tasks.

Conclusions: Lack of coordination between clinician’s task-related thought processes and those presented by a CDSS results in excessive cognitive work required to use the system. This can lead to alert overrides and user errors. Close attention to user’s cognitive processes as they carry out clinical tasks prior to CDSS development may provide key information for system design that supports clinical tasks and reduces cognitive effort.
Damage Awards Using Intermediate Term Government Bond Funds vs. U.S. Treasuries Ladder: Tradeoffs in Theory and Practice
Authors: Rosenberg Joseph I. , Gaskins Rick R.
Published: March 2012

Valuing damage awards for personal injury or wrongful death requires the application of finance theory to achieve a practical result. Methods for discounting future earnings losses fall into two major categories: Current market rates, which offer greater objectivity, and historical rates, which theoretically offer greater stability of results by averaging away the effect of often volatile “current” market conditions.

The purpose of this paper is to provide a unique ex post comparison of damage awards using distinctive current and historical rates methods that highlight the inherent differences between the two major discounting alternatives. Current market rates methods are represented by a Treasury bond ladder with no instrument rollover, using initial market rates for both discounting and investing damage awards. Historical rates methods are represented by intermediate term government bonds; historical average five-year Treasury yields are used for discounting the damage award, with annual bond rollover required afterwards to maintain the award investment in comparable instruments, creating realized total returns from investing. These alternative methods are compared, ex ante in terms of the present value of the awards, and also ex post, in terms of how well each method's award, based on the same projected lost earnings, is able to support paydowns based on actual lost earnings.

Key findings include: (a) both methods result in widely varying lump sum awards; (b) the idea that historical rates offer greater stability of results over time is empirically unsupportable; (c) that a good measure of methodological accuracy is the relative variance in award present values observed by first discounting and then subsequently investing under each method using the same instruments; (d) that different economic conditions greatly affect the relative ex post accuracy of each method; and (e) that neither method is very accurate in projecting present value of earnings losses upon ex post analysis.
Assessing Economic Damages in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation: The State of Louisiana
Authors: Bartkus James Richard , Wolfson Shael N.
Published: March 2012

This article details the case law, statutes, codes and procedural rules that govern the assessment of economic damages in personal injury (PI) and wrongful death (WD) cases in the state courts of Louisiana. Despite the fact that Louisiana is the only state in the union whose law is founded upon the civil law tradition, practicing forensic economists will find little deviation from standard methodology.
Assessing Economic Damages in Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Litigation: The State of Michigan
Authors: King William D. , Mahoney Michael S.
Published: March 2012

This article discusses the methods by which damages are calculated in personal injury and wrongful death cases in the state of Michigan. It discusses issues relevant to the economic damages expert that are common to all matters of personal injury and wrongful death damages law in Michigan. The areas that are unique to Michigan in estimating damages are discussed in detail with sources cited from both Michigan's statutes and case law. There is a clear separation between estimating the particular components for normal tort claims for personal injury and wrongful death damages and claims arising from automobile accidents. An assessment of noneconomic damages available, as a matter of law to Michigan plaintiffs, is described within the context of personal injury, wrongful death and no-fault automobile injury litigation. The last section presents matters of admissibility of evidence by the damage expert in the course of trial.
Carbonaceous aerosols in China: top-down constraints on primary sources and estimation of secondary contribution
Authors: Fu T.-M. , Cao J. J. , Zhang X. Y. , Lee S. C. , Zhang Q. , Han Y. M. , Qu W. J. , Han Z. , Zhang R. , Wang Y. X. , Chen D. , Henze D. K.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. We simulated elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) aerosols in China and compared model results to surface measurements at Chinese rural and background sites, with the goal of deriving "top-down" emission estimates of EC and OC, as well as better quantifying the secondary sources of OC. We included in the model state-of-the-science Chinese "bottom-up" emission inventories for EC (1.92 TgC yr−1) and OC (3.95 TgC yr−1), as well as updated secondary OC formation pathways. The average simulated annual mean EC concentration at rural and background sites was 1.1 μgC m−3, 56% lower than the observed 2.5 μgC m−3. The average simulated annual mean OC concentration at rural and background sites was 3.4 μgC m−3, 76% lower than the observed 14 μgC m−3. Multiple regression to fit surface monthly mean EC observations at rural and background sites yielded the best estimate of Chinese EC source of 3.05 ± 0.78 TgC yr−1. Based on the top-down EC emission estimate and observed seasonal primary OC/EC ratios, we estimated Chinese OC emissions to be 6.67 ± 1.30 TgC yr−1. Using these top-down estimates, the simulated average annual mean EC concentration at rural and background sites was significantly improved to 1.9 μgC m−3. However, the model still significantly underestimated observed OC in all seasons (simulated average annual mean OC at rural and background sites was 5.4 μgC m−3), with little skill in capturing the spatiotemporal variability. Secondary formation accounts for 21% of Chinese annual mean surface OC in the model, with isoprene being the most important precursor. In summer, as high as 62% of the observed surface OC may be due to secondary formation in eastern China. Our analysis points to four shortcomings in the current bottom-up inventories of Chinese carbonaceous aerosols: (1) the anthropogenic source is underestimated on a national scale, particularly for OC; (2) the spatiotemporal distributions of emissions are misrepresented; (3) there is a missing source in western China, likely associated with the use of biofuels or other low-quality fuels for heating; and (4) sources in fall are not well represented, either because the seasonal shifting of emissions and/or secondary formation are poorly captured or because specific fall emission events are missing. In addition, secondary production of OC in China is severely underestimated. More regional measurements with better spatiotemporal coverage are needed to resolve these shortcomings.
Summertime total OH reactivity measurements from boreal forest during HUMPPA-COPEC 2010
Authors: Nölscher A. C. , Williams J. , Sinha V. , Custer T. , Song W. , Johnson A. M. , Axinte R. , Bozem H. , Fischer H. , Pouvesle N. , Phillips G. , Crowley J. N. , Rantala P. , Rinne J. , Kulmala M. , Gonzales D. , Valverde-Canossa J. , Vogel A. , Hoffmann T. , Ouwersloot H. G. , Vilà-Guerau de Arellano J. , Lelieveld J.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Ambient total OH reactivity was measured at the Finnish boreal forest station SMEAR II in Hyytiälä (Latitude 61°51' N; Longitude 24°17' E) in July and August 2010 using the Comparative Reactivity Method (CRM). The CRM – total OH reactivity method – is a direct, in-situ determination of the total loss rate of hydroxyl radicals (OH) caused by all reactive species in air. During the intensive field campaign HUMPPA-COPEC 2010 (Hyytiälä United Measurements of Photochemistry and Particles in Air – Comprehensive Organic Precursor Emission and Concentration study) the total OH reactivity was monitored both inside (18 m) and directly above the forest canopy (24 m) for the first time. The comparison between these two total OH reactivity measurements, absolute values and the temporal variation have been analyzed here. Stable boundary layer conditions during night and turbulent mixing in the daytime induced low and high short-term variability, respectively. The impact on total OH reactivity from biogenic emissions and associated photochemical products was measured under "normal" and "stressed" (i.e. prolonged high temperature) conditions. The advection of biomass burning emissions to the site caused a marked change in the total OH reactivity vertical profile. By comparing the OH reactivity contribution from individually measured compounds and the directly measured total OH reactivity, the size of any unaccounted for or "missing" sink can be deduced for various atmospheric influences. For "normal" boreal conditions a missing OH reactivity of 58%, whereas for "stressed" boreal conditions a missing OH reactivity of 89% was determined. Various sources of not quantified OH reactive species are proposed as possible explanation for the high missing OH reactivity.
Improved determination of daytime net ecosystem exchange of carbon dioxide at croplands
Authors: Zhao P. , Lüers J.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The eddy-covariance technique is applied worldwide to acquire information about carbon exchange between a variety of ecosystems and atmosphere, but the data acquisition only covers, on average, two-thirds of the whole year due to system failures and data rejection. Therefore, data must be corrected and data gaps must be filled to provide seasonal or annual budgets. The gap-filing strategies, however, are still under discussion within the research community. Presently the major gap-filling methods work quite well for long-time running sites over slow-developing biosphere surfaces such as long-living evergreen forests, but difficulties appear for short-living and fast-growing croplands. In this study we developed a new Multi-Step Error Filter procedure to gain good-quality data as input for different parameterizations of the light response function of plants for two cropland sites (rice and potatoes), and we could prove that the conventional temperature binning approach is inadequate. The presented time-window scheme showed best results with a four-day time window for the potato field and an eight-day time window for the rice field. The influence of vapor pressure deficit was tested as well, but in our case it plays a minor role at both the potato and the rice fields with the exception of the early growing stage of the potatoes. Completing our research, we suggest an innovative method by introducing a Leaf Area Index factor to capture the seasonal vegetation development. With this method we are now able to fill the large gaps between observation periods when conventional methods are invalid.
A two-dimensional model of the methane cycle in a sedimentary accretionary wedge
Authors: Archer D. E. , Buffett B. A.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. A two-dimensional model of sediment column geophysics and geochemistry has been adapted to the problem of an accretionary wedge formation, patterned after the margin of the Juan de Fuca plate as it subducts under the North American plate. Much of the model description was given in a companion paper about application of the model to a passive margin setting; here we build on that formulation to simulate the deformation of the sediment wedge as it approaches the subduction zone. The active margin configuration of the model shares sensitivities with the passive margin configuration, in that sensitivities to organic carbon deposition and respiration kinetics, and to vertical bubble transport and redissolution in the sediment, are stronger than the sensitivity to ocean temperature. The active margin simulation also shows a sensitivity to plate subduction velocity, with higher plate velocities producing less hydrate per meter of coastline than slower velocities or the passive margin configuration. However, the local hydrate concentrations, as pore volume saturation, are higher in the active setting than the passive, as generally observed in the field.
Observed trends of anthropogenic acidification in North Atlantic water masses
Authors: Vázquez-Rodríguez M. , Pérez F. F. , Velo A. , Ríos A. F. , Mercier H.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. The lack of observational pH data has made difficult assessing recent rates of ocean acidification, particularly in the high latitudes. Here we present a time series of high-quality carbon system measurements in the North Atlantic, comprising fourteen cruises spanning over 27 yr (1981–2008) and covering important water mass formation areas like the Irminger and Iceland basins. We provide direct quantification of anthropogenic acidification rates in upper and intermediate North Atlantic waters by removing the natural variability of pH from the observations. Bottle data were normalised to basin-average conditions using climatological data and further condensed into averages per water mass and year to examine the temporal trends. The highest acidification rates of all inspected water masses were associated with surface waters in the Irminger Sea (−0.0018 ± 0.0001 yr−1) and the Iceland Basin (−0.0012 ± 0.0002 yr−1) and, unexpectedly, with Labrador Seawater (LSW) which experienced an unprecedented pH drop of −0.0015 ± 0.001 yr−1. The latter stems from the formation by deep convection and the rapid propagation in the North Atlantic subpolar gyre of this well-ventilated water mass. The high concentrations of anthropogenic CO2 are effectively transported from the surface into intermediate waters faster than via downward diffusion, thus accelerating the acidification rates of LSW. An extrapolation of the observed lineal trends of acidification suggests that the pH of LSW could drop 0.45 units with respect to pre-industrial levels by the time atmospheric CO2 concentrations double the present ones.
Persistent influence of ice sheet melting on high northern latitude climate during the early Last Interglacial
Authors: Govin A. , Braconnot P. , Capron E. , Cortijo E. , Duplessy J.-C. , Jansen E. , Labeyrie L. , Landais A. , Marti O. , Michel E. , Mosquet E. , Risebrobakken B. , Swingedouw D. , Waelbroeck C.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Although the Last Interglacial (LIG) is often considered as a possible analogue for future climate in high latitudes, its precise climate evolution and associated causes remain uncertain. Here we compile high-resolution marine sediment records from the North Atlantic, Labrador Sea, Norwegian Sea and the Southern Ocean. We document a delay in the establishment of peak interglacial conditions in the North Atlantic, Labrador and Norwegian Seas as compared to the Southern Ocean. In particular, we observe a persistent iceberg melting at high northern latitudes at the beginning of the LIG. It is associated with (1) colder and fresher surface-water conditions in the North Atlantic, Labrador and Norwegian Seas, and (2) a weaker ventilation of North Atlantic deep waters during the early LIG (129–125 ka) compared to the late LIG. Results from an ocean-atmosphere coupled model with insolation as a sole forcing for three key periods of the LIG show warmer North Atlantic surface waters and stronger Atlantic overturning during the early LIG (126 ka) than the late LIG (122 ka). Hence, insolation variations alone do not explain the delay in peak interglacial conditions observed at high northern latitudes. Additionally, we consider an idealized meltwater scenario at 126 ka where the freshwater input is interactively computed in response to the high boreal summer insolation. The model simulates colder, fresher North Atlantic surface waters and weaker Atlantic overturning during the early LIG (126 ka) compared to the late LIG (122 ka). This result suggests that both insolation and ice sheet melting have to be considered to reproduce the climatic pattern that we identify during the early LIG. Our model-data comparison also reveals a number of limitations and reinforces the need for further detailed investigations using coupled climate-ice sheet models and transient simulations.
Assessment of spatial and temporal patterns of green and blue water flows in inland river basins in Northwest China
Authors: Zang C. F. , Liu J. , van der Velde M. , Kraxner F.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. In arid and semi-arid regions freshwater resources have become scarcer with increasing demands from socio-economic development and population growth. Until recently, water research and management in these has mainly focused on blue water but ignored green water. Here we report on spatial and temporal patterns of both blue and green water flows simulated by the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) for the Heihe river basin, the second largest inland river basin in Northwest China. Calibration and validation at two hydrological stations show good performance of the SWAT model in modelling hydrological processes. The total green and blue water flows were 22.09 billion m3 in the 2000s for the Heihe river basin. Blue water flows are larger in upstream sub-basins than in downstream sub-basins mainly due to high precipitation and large areas of glaciers in upstream. Green water flows are distributed more homogeneously among different sub-basins. The green water coefficient was 88.0% in the 2000s for the entire river basin, varying from around 80–90% in up- and mid-stream sub-basins to above 95% in downstream sub-basins. This is much higher than reported green water coefficient in many other river basins. The spatial patterns of green water coefficient were closely linked to dominant land covers (e.g. glaciers in upstream and desert in downstream) and climate conditions (e.g. high precipitation in upstream and low precipitation in downstream). There are no clear consistent historical trends of change in green and blue water flows and green water coefficient at both the river basin and sub-basin levels. This study provides insights into green and blue water endowments for the entire Heihe river basin at sub-basin level. The results are helpful for formulating reasonable water policies to improve water resources management in the inland river basins of China.
Precipitation fields interpolated from gauge stations versus a merged radar-gauge precipitation product: influence on modelled soil moisture at local scale and at SMOS scale
Authors: dall'Amico J. T. , Mauser W. , Schlenz F. , Bach H.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. For the validation of coarse resolution soil moisture products from missions such as the Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission, hydrological modelling of soil moisture is an important tool. The spatial distribution of precipitation is among the most crucial input data for such models. Thus, reliable time series of precipitation fields are required, but these often need to be interpolated from data delivered by scarcely distributed gauge station networks. In this study, a commercial precipitation product derived by Meteomedia AG from merging radar and gauge data is introduced as a novel means of adding the promising area-distributed information given by a radar network to the more accurate, but point-like measurements from a gauge station network. This precipitation product is first validated against an independent gauge station network. Further, the novel precipitation product is assimilated into the hydrological land surface model PROMET for the Upper Danube Catchment in southern Germany, one of the major SMOS calibration and validation sites in Europe. The modelled soil moisture fields are compared to those obtained when the operational interpolation from gauge station data is used to force the model. The results suggest that the assimilation of the novel precipitation product can lead to deviations of modelled soil moisture in the order of 0.15 m3 m−3 on small spatial (∼1 km2) and short temporal resolutions (∼1 day). As expected, after spatial aggregation to the coarser grid on which SMOS data are delivered (~195 km2), these differences are reduced to the order of 0.04 m3 m−3, which is the accuracy benchmark for SMOS. The results of both model runs are compared to brightness temperatures measured by the airborne L-band radiometer EMIRAD during the SMOS Validation Campaign 2010. Both comparisons yield equally good correlations, confirming the model's ability to realistically model soil moisture fields in the test site. The fact that the two model runs perform similarly in the comparison is likely associated with the lack of substantial rain events before the days on which EMIRAD was flown.
Technical Note: Detection of gas bubble leakage via correlation of water column multibeam images
Authors: Schneider von Deimling J. , Papenberg C.
Published: March 2012

Abstract. Hydroacoustic detection of natural gas release from the seafloor has been conducted in the past by using singlebeam echosounders. In contrast, modern multibeam swath mapping systems allow much wider coverage, higher resolution, and offer 3-D spatial correlation. Up to the present, the extremely high data rate hampers water column backscatter investigations and more sophisticated visualization and processing techniques are needed. Here, we present water column backscatter data acquired with a 50 kHz prototype multibeam system over a period of 75 seconds. Display types are of swath-images as well as of a "re-sorted" singlebeam presentation. Thus, individual and/or groups of gas bubbles rising from the 24 m deep seafloor clearly emerge in the acoustic images, making it possible to estimate rise velocities. A sophisticated processing scheme is introduced to identify those rising gas bubbles in the hydroacoustic data. We apply a cross-correlation technique adapted from particle imaging velocimetry (PIV) to the acoustic backscatter images. Temporal and spatial drift patterns of the bubbles are assessed and are shown to match very well to measured and theoretical rise patterns. The application of this processing to our field data gives clear results with respect to unambiguous bubble detection and remote bubble rise velocimetry. The method can identify and exclude the main source of misinterpretations, i.e. fish-mediated echoes. Although image-based cross-correlation techniques are well known in the field of fluid mechanics for high resolution and non-inversive current flow field analysis, we present the first application of this technique as an acoustic bubble detector.
Neural Discriminant Models, Bootstrapping, and Simulation
Authors: Tsujitani Masaaki , Iba Katsuhiro , Tanaka Yusuke
Published: March 2012

This paper considers the feed-forward neural network models for data of mutually exclusive groups and a set of predictor variables. We take into account the bootstrapping based on information criterion when selecting the optimum number of hidden units for a neural network model and the deviance in order to summarize the measure of goodness-of-fit on fitted neural network models. The bootstrapping is also adapted in order to provide estimates of the bias of the excess error in a prediction rule constructed with training samples. Simulated data from known (true) models are analyzed in order to interpret the results using the neural network. In addition, the thyroid disease database, which compares estimated measures of predictive performance, is examined in both a pure training sample study and in a test sample study, in which the realized test sample apparent error rates associated with a constructed prediction rule are reported. Apartment house data of the metropolitan area station with four-class classification are also analyzed in order to assess the bootstrapping by comparing leaving-one-out cross-validation (CV).
Comparing and Combining Energy Saving Policies: Will Proposed Residential Sector Policies Meet French Official Targets?
Authors: Giraudet Louis-Gaëtan , Guivarch Céline , Quirion Philippe
Published: March 2012

This paper assesses the impact of French policies for residential space-heating energy consumption, both enacted (tax credits for the purchase of energy efficient durables, soft loans for retrofitting actions, stringent building codes) and anticipated (carbon tax, retrofitting obligation). It uses a hybrid energy-economy model incorporating specific features of energy conservation, notably the rebound effect and some “barriers” to energy efficiency such as split incentives and imperfect information. Forward-looking simulations show that (i) stand-alone policies improve the energy efficiency of the building stock but, with the exception of carbon tax, generate a rebound effect; (ii) interactions among instruments are roughly additive; (iii) a combination of all policies fails to meet Government conservation targets. doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-SI1-12
An Assessment Study of Energy Efficiency Policy Measures for Japanese Commercial Sector
Authors: Takahashi Masahito , Asano Hiroshi
Published: March 2012

Building sector is the highest growing sector in energy demand in Japan at present. There is a strong need to reduce this sectoral energy demand to achieve the national carbon emission target.

This study focuses on Japanese commercial sector and shows model analysis results of energy efficiency policy impacts on the sectoral carbon emission trajectory, using CRIEPI’s bottom-up energy model. The policy cases we analyzed are consistent with those of other EMF25 model teams. The results indicate that, the introduction of low carbon tax has little impact on the sectoral final energy demand and carbon emission trajectory and, on the other hand, enhanced energy efficiency standard and reduced equipment cost of products are very effective on reducing the sectoral energy demand.

doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-SI1-13
The Policy Implications of Energy-Efficiency Cost Curves
Authors: Huntington Hillard G.
Published: March 2012

Energy-efficiency cost curves show the required expenditures for achieving any specific reductions in energy use from the baseline level. When they are applied in a policy setting, the assumptions underlying these schedules need to be carefully evaluated if one is to derive useful conclusions. This paper begins by adopting the cost curve and underlying assumptions used in a previous and highly visible study of the economic potential for energy-efficiency improvements. Adjustments are made to the cost curve to incorporate demographic, economic and market effects that are often included in many energy-economy models. Energy efficiency tends to be more costly with the adjusted than with the original cost curves, due primarily to limits on adoption and to policy program costs. It is hoped that the exposition will allow policymakers more insight into why different results are obtained with alternative behavioral assumptions, even if the technology costs and performances are the same with both approaches.

doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-SI1-2
Energy and Emissions in the Building Sector: A Comparison of Three Policies and Their Combinations
Authors: Comstock Owen , Boedecker Erin
Published: March 2012

Standards, subsidies, and carbon taxes are among the measures often considered to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in the buildings sector. Using a modeling system developed by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, residential and commercial sector standards and subsidies were each modeled with and without a carbon tax to determine if a multipolicy approach would be redundant. A separate case examining a carbon tax was also completed for comparison. Between the two equipment-based policies, subsidies achieved more energy and CO2 emissions reductions at less cost to consumers, as incremental investment costs were shifted to the government. When either of the equipment-based policies was combined with a carbon tax, their energy- and carbon-reducing effects were more additive than redundant.

doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-SI1-3
Modeling Efficiency Standards and a Carbon Tax: Simulations for the U.S. using a Hybrid Approach
Authors: Murphy Rose , Jaccard Mark
Published: March 2012

Analysts using a bottom-up approach have argued that a large potential exists for improving energy efficiency profitably or at a low cost, while top-down modelers tend to find that it is more expensive to meet energy conservation and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals. Hybrid energy-economy models have been developed that combine characteristics of these divergent approaches in order to help resolve disputes about costs, and test a range of policy approaches. Ideally, such models are technologically explicit, take into account the behavior of businesses and consumers, and incorporate macroeconomic feedbacks. In this study, we use a hybrid model to simulate the impact of end-use energy efficiency standards and an economy-wide carbon tax on GHG emissions and energy consumption in the U.S. to the year 2050. Our results indicate that policies must target abatement opportunities beyond end-use energy efficiency in order to achieve deep GHG emissions reductions in a cost-effective manner.

doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-SI1-4
The Value of Advanced End-Use Energy Technologies in Meeting U.S. Climate Policy Goals
Authors: Kyle Page , Clarke Leon , Smith Steven J. , Kim Son , Nathan Mayda , Wise Marshall
Published: March 2012

This study, a contribution to the EMF 25 scenarios on the role of energy efficiency in climate change mitigation, explores the value of technological improvement in the buildings, industry, and transportation sectors in meeting 2050 CO2 emissions mitigation targets in the United States. Six scenarios of future end-use technology evolution are analyzed without any future emissions mitigation policy, and with two linear emissions constraints that begin in 2012 and achieve 50% and 80% reductions from 1990 CO2 emissions levels in 2050.The scenarios show that end-use technologies are important for reducing near-term energy demand and CO2 emissions, and advanced transportation technologies in particular are important for allowing the energy system as a whole to achieve deep emissions reductions in a cost-effective manner. Total discounted economic costs of meeting the emissions constraints are reduced by up to 53% by advanced end-use technologies, and similar cost reductions are observed when the policies allow intertemporal shifting in the emissions pathways (i.e., banking and borrowing). The scenarios highlight the importance of end-use technologies that facilitate electrification and decrease the direct use of hydrocarbon fuels through efficiency improvement, but we stress that end-use technology advancement should be complementary to technology advancement in energy supply.

doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-SI1-5
Subsidizing Household Capital: How Does Energy Efficiency Policy Compare to a Carbon Tax?
Authors: McKibbin Warwick J. , Morris Adele C. , Wilcoxen Peter J.
Published: March 2012

This study uses a general equilibrium model to compare environmental and economic outcomes of two policies: (1) a tax credit of 10 percent of the price of household capital that is 20 percent more energy efficient than its unsubsidized counterpart, assuming half of new household investment qualifies for the credit; and (2) a tax starting at $30 ($2007) per metric ton of CO2 rising five percent annually. By 2040, the carbon tax and tax credit reduce emissions by about 60 1.5 percent, respectively. Assuming other countries impose no carbon price, we find that although the carbon tax reduces U.S. GDP, it improves U.S. household welfare because it reduces world fuel prices, strengthens U.S. terms of trade, and makes imports cheaper. The revenue neutral tax credit reduces welfare but boosts U.S. GDP growth slightly at first. Both policies have similar impacts on the federal budget, but of opposite signs. doi: 10.5547/ISSN0195-6574-EJ-Vol32-SI1-7
Utility impact fees: Practices and challenges
Authors: Mantz Bryan A. , Thomas Henry L.
Published: March 2012

Impact fees and other growth‐related fees have become an important part of the comprehensive financing plans of many utilities. This article explores required and recommended impact fee practices in terms of current laws and accepted standards in the areas of water, wastewater, and reclaimed water impact fee design, accounting, implementation, and use, including techniques for improving the accuracy of impact fee calculations. Strategies are presented that demonstrate the reasonableness of these fees, as is a recommendation that all utilities establish a formal procedure for applicants to submit alternative impact fee calculations. Utility managers should consider the topics discussed in this article to develop—and to have regulators approve—a comprehensive impact fee policy that shows a commitment and intent by a utility to fully comply with all impact fee laws, rules, regulations, and accepted practices.
Effects of particulates on water meter accuracy through expected life
Authors: Buck B. Skyler , Johnson Michael C. , Barfuss Steven L.
Published: March 2012

Many factors can influence the accuracy of water meters, including age, throughput, water quality, and the presence of particulates in the metered water. These factors can affect various types of meters quite differently depending on the meter's design. This article examines the effects of particulates on various types of meters over their estimated life in a controlled environment. The intent of this study was to assess the effect of particulates on new meter performance and identify trends that may typify meter performance and longevity after being subjected to a slug of particulates. Oscillating‐piston (displacement‐piston) meters were most affected by a slug of sand and multijet and fluidic‐oscillator meters were best able to tolerate the sand. Nutating‐disc and single‐jet meters performed better than the oscillating‐piston meters but not as well as the multijet or fluidic‐oscillator meters. The findings of this study will benefit meter manufacturers, those who manage meter replacement programs, users, and those interested in metering water that contains particulates.
UV disinfection of biologically active carbon filter effluent
Authors: Soucie William J.
Published: March 2012

The biological activated carbon (BAC) filters at the Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency (CLCJAWA; Lake Bluff, Ill.) shed heterotrophic plate count (HPC) bacteria, especially when water temperatures exceed 15°C (59°F). Chlorine, previously the only disinfectant applied to BAC filter effluent at CLCJAWA, was augmented with the addition of ultraviolet (UV) reactors in 2004, creating a multiple barrier. An average collimated beam UV dosage of 12 mJ/cm2 was established for 3‐log inactivation of indigenous HPC bacteria, but the equivalent effective reactor dosage was difficult to determine with certainty. This unique UV application reduced 95th percentile BAC filter effluent HPC concentrations from 233 to 3 cfu/mL and the percentage of coliform‐positive samples from 25 to 0.07%. The reactors' medium‐pressure UV lamps remained efficacious at seven times their recommended replacement interval of 3,000 h. This article documents full‐scale HPC and total coliform inactivation in a water plant, describes the use of indigenous HPC concentrations to monitor UV reactor performance, and demonstrates the potential for extended lamp life.
Faith‐based partnerships promoting health
Authors: Rowland Michael L. , Chappel‐Aiken Lolita
Published: March 2012

This chapter examines partnerships between faith‐based organizations and health care institutions and health‐related entities.