bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent changes of relative humidity: regional connection with land and ocean
processes
Authors: Vicente-Serrano Sergio M. , Nieto Raquel , Gimeno Luis , Azorin-Molina Cesar , Drumond Anita , El Kenawy Ahmed , Dominguez-Castro Fernando , Tomas-Burguera Miquel , Peña-Gallardo Marina
Published: May 2017

Abstract. We analyzed changes in surface relative humidity (RH) at the global scale from 1979 to 2014 using both observations and ERA-Interim dataset. We compared the variability and trends of RH with those of land evapotranspiration and ocean evaporation in moisture source areas across a range of selected regions worldwide. The sources of moisture for each particular region were identified by integrating different observational data and model outputs into a lagrangian approach. The aim was to account for the possible role of changes in air temperature over land, in comparison to sea surface temperature (SST), on RH variability. Results demonstrate a strong agreement between the interannual variability of RH and the interannual variability of precipitation and land evapotranspiration in regions with continentally-originated humidity. In contrast, albeit with the dominant positive trend of air temperature/SST ratio in the majority of the analyzed regions, the interannual variability of RH in the target regions did not show any significant correlation with this ratio over the source regions. Also, we did not find any significant association between the interannual variability of oceanic evaporation in the oceanic humidity source regions and RH in the target regions. Our findings stress the need for further investigation of the role of both dynamic and radiative factors in the evolution of RH over continental regions at different spatial scales.
The UKC2 regional coupled environmental prediction system
Authors: Lewis Huw W. , Castillo Sanchez Juan Manuel , Graham Jennifer , Saulter Andrew , Bornemann Jorge , Arnold Alex , Fallmann Joachim , Harris Chris , Pearson David , Ramsdale Steven , Martínez de la Torre Alberto , Bricheno Lucy , Blyth Eleanor , Bell Vicky , Davies Helen , Marthews Toby R. , O'Neill Clare , Rumbold Heather , O'Dea Enda , Brereton Ashley , Guihou Karen , Hines Adrian , Butenschon Momme , Dadson Simon J. , Palmer Tamzin , Holt Jason , Reynard Nick , Best Martin , Edwards John , Siddorn John
Published: May 2017

Abstract. It is hypothesised that more accurate prediction and warning of natural hazards, such as of the impacts of severe weather mediated through various components of the environment, requires a more integrated Earth System approach to forecasting. This hypothesis can be explored using regional coupled prediction systems, in which the known interactions and feedbacks between different physical and biogeochemical components of the environment across sky, sea and land can be simulated. Such systems are becoming increasingly common research tools. This paper describes the development of the UKC2 regional coupled research system, which has been delivered under the UK Environmental Prediction Prototype project. This provides the first implementation of an atmosphere-land-ocean-wave modelling system focussed on the United Kingdom and surrounding seas at km-scale resolution. The UKC2 coupled system incorporates models of the atmosphere (Met Office Unified Model), land surface with river routing (JULES), shelf-sea ocean (NEMO) and ocean waves (WAVEWATCH III). These components are coupled, via OASIS3-MCT libraries, at unprecedentedly high resolution across the UK within a north-west European regional domain. A research framework has been established to explore the representation of feedback processes in coupled and uncoupled modes, providing a new research tool for UK environmental science. This paper documents the technical design and implementation of UKC2, along with the associated evaluation framework. An analysis of new results comparing the output of the coupled UKC2 system with relevant forced control simulations for 6 contrasting case studies of 5-day duration is presented. Results demonstrate that at least comparable performance can be achieved with the UKC2 system to its component control simulations. For some cases, improvements in air temperature, sea surface temperature, wind speed, significant wave height and peak wave period highlight the potential benefits of coupling between environmental model components. Results also illustrate that the coupling itself is not sufficient to address all known model issues. Priorities for future development of the UK Environmental Prediction framework and component systems are discussed.
Patterns and comparisons of human-induced changes on river flood
impacts in cities
Authors: Clark Stephanie , Sharma Ashish , Sisson Scott A.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. This study investigates patterns of current conditions and anticipated future changes in city-level flood impacts driven by urbanisation and climate change. Global patterns relating urban river flood impacts to socioeconomic development and changing hydrologic conditions are established, and world cities are matched to these patterns. Comparisons are provided between 98 individual cities. We use a novel adaption of the self-organizing map method to establish and present patterns in the nonlinearly-related environmental and social variables. Spatiotemporal output maps of prevalent patterns compare baseline and changing trends of city-specific exposures of population and property to river flooding, revealing relationships between the cities based on their relative map placements. Cities experiencing high (or low) baseline flood impacts on population and/or property that are expected to improve (or worsen), as a result of anticipated climate change and development, are identified and compared. This paper condenses and conveys large amounts of information through visual communication to accelerate the understanding of relationships between local urban conditions and global processes, and to potentially motivate knowledge transfer between decision makers facing similar circumstances.
On the Relationship Between Flood and Contributing Area
Authors: Spence Christopher , Mengistu Samson Girma
Published: May 2017

Abstract. While it is well known that the vast majority of the time only a portion of any watershed contributes runoff to the outlet, this extent is rarely documented. The power-law form of the streamflow and contributing area (Q-Ac) relationship has been known for a half century, but it is uncommon for it to be quantified or its controls evaluated. In this study a semi-distributed hydrological model (MESH-PDMROF) that can simulate contributing area and streamflow was employed to compare contributing area and flood frequency distributions in a southern Manitoba, Canada catchment and test the hypothesis that the relationship between a catchment’s floods and contributing area is a power function that influences the form of regional flood-area relationships. The model simulated streamflow reasonably well (Nash Sutcliffe values = 0.62). Modelled estimates of the area contributing to the mean annual flood were much lower (0.3) than those derived from independent topographic analysis (0.9) described in earlier literature, even after bias and error corrections. Estimates of the coefficient and exponent of the Q-Ac power law function ranged from 0.08–0.14 and 0.9–1.12, respectively. Lower exponent values of regional flood frequency curves suggest they are a construct of Q-Ac curves from individual basins. The non-linear nature of this relationship implies any contributing area change will have a profound impact on flood magnitude. The mean annual flood of the major river in this region, the Red, has increased 33 % since 1987. Applying the coefficient and exponent ranges above suggests this is associated with an expansion in contributing areas of 29–38 %. There are implications for the attribution of causes and mitigation of nutrient transport from regional watersheds. However, how physiography and land and water management could change Q-Ac power law exponents is poorly known and MESH-PDMROF does not provide explicit estimates of the spatial distribution of contributing area. These are areas encouraged for future research.
Development of a hydrological ensemble prediction system and a
visualization approach for improved interpretation during typhoon
events
Authors: Yang Sheng-Chi , Yang Tsun-Hua , Chang Ya-Chi , Chen Cheng-Hsin , Lin Mei-Ying , Ho Jui-Yi , Lee Kwan-Tun
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Typhoons are accompanied by heavy rainfall and cause loss of life and property. Hydrological ensemble prediction systems can provide decision makers with hydrological information, such as peak stage and peak time, with some lead time. This information assists decision makers in taking the necessary measures to prevent and mitigate disasters. This study proposes a hydrological ensemble prediction system that includes numerical weather models that perform rainfall forecasts and hydrologic models that produce assessments of surface runoff and the associated flooding. However, the spatiotemporal uncertainty associated with the numerical models and the difficulty in interpreting the model results hinder effective decision making during emergency response situations. Thus, this study also presents an extension of the ‘Peak-Box’ visualization methodology that assists in interpreting the forecast results for operational purposes. A small watershed with area of 100 km2 and four typhoons that occurred from 2012 to 2015 were selected to evaluate the performance of these tools. The results showed that the modified visualization approach improved the intelligibility of forecasts of the peak stages and peak times compared to that of approaches previously described in the literature. The new approach includes all available forecasts to increase the sample size. The capture rate is greater than 50 %, which is considered practical for decision makers. The proposed system and the modified visualization approach have demonstrated their potential for both decreasing the uncertainty of numerical rainfall forecasts and improving the performance of flood forecasts.
Technical Note: Combining Quantile Forecasts and Predictive Distributions of Stream-flows
Authors: Bogner Konrad , Liechti Katharina , Zappa Massimiliano
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The enhanced availability of many different hydro-meteorological modelling and forecasting systems raises the issue of how to optimally combine this great deal of information. Especially the usage of deterministic and probabilistic forecasts with sometimes widely divergent predicted future stream-flow values makes it even more complicated for decision makers to sift out the relevant information. In this study multiple stream-flow forecast information will be aggregated based on several different predictive distributions, resp. quantile forecasts. For this combination the Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) approach, the Nonhomogeneous Gaussian Regression (NGR), also known as Ensemble Model Output Statistic (EMOS) model and a novel method called Beta transformed Linear Pooling (BLP) will be applied. By the help of the Quantile Score (QS) and the Continuous Ranked Probability Score (CRPS), the combination results for the Sihl river in Switzerland with about five years of forecast data will be compared and the differences between the raw and the optimally combined forecasts will be highlighted. The results demonstrate the importance of applying proper forecast combination methods for decision makers in the field of flood and water resources management.
Development of a monthly to seasonal forecast framework tailored to inland waterway transport in Central Europe
Authors: Meißner Dennis , Klein Bastian , Ionita Monica
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Traditionally, navigation-related forecasts in Central Europe cover short- to medium-range lead-times linked to the travel times of vessels to pass the main waterway bottlenecks leaving the loading ports. Without doubt, this aspect is still essential for navigational users, but in light of the growing political intention to use the free capacity of the inland waterway transport in Europe, additional lead-time supporting strategic decisions is more and more in demand. However, no such predictions offering extended lead-times of several weeks up to several months ahead currently exist for considerable parts of the European waterway network. This paper describes the set-up of a monthly to seasonal forecasting system for the German stretches of the international waterways of Rhine, Danube and Elbe rivers. Two competitive forecast approaches have been implemented: the dynamical set-up forces a hydrological model with post-processed outputs from ECMWF general circulation model System 4, whereas the statistical approach is based on the empirical relationship (teleconnection) of global oceanic, climate and regional hydro-meteorological data with river flows. The performance of both forecast methods is evaluated in relation to the climatological forecast (ensemble of historical streamflow) and the well-known Ensemble Streamflow Prediction approach (ESP, ensemble based on historical meteorology) using common performance indicators as well as an impact-based evaluation quantifying the potential economic gain. The following four key findings result from this study: (1) As former studies for other regions of Central Europe indicate, also for relevant stations along the German waterways meteorological forcings dominate initial hydrological conditions in most cases already after the first forecast month. (2) Despite the predictive limitations on longer lead-times over Central Europe, this study reveals the existence of a valuable predictability of streamflow at monthly up to seasonal time-scales along Rhine, Upper Danube and Elbe, while the Elbe achieves the highest skill and value. (3) The more physically-based as well as the statistical approach are able to improve the predictive skills compared to climatology and the ESP-approach. The specific forecast skill highly depends on the forecast location, the lead-time and the season. (4) Currently, the statistical approach seems to be most skilful for the three waterways investigated. The lagged relationship between the monthly/seasonal streamflow and the climatic/oceanic variables vary between one month (e.g. local precipitation and temperature, soil moisture) up to six months (e.g. sea surface temperature). Besides improving the forecast methodology, especially by combining the individuals approaches, the focus is on developing useful forecast products on monthly to seasonal time-scale for waterway transport and to operationalize the related forecasting service.
Sustaining the Ogallala Aquifer: From the Wells to People, A
Holistic CNH Model
Authors: Aistrup Joseph A. , Bulatewicz Tom , Kulcsar Laszlo J. , Peterson Jeffrey M. , Welch Stephen M. , Steward David R.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The impact of water policy on sustaining the Ogallala Aquifer is analyzed using a system-level theoretical approach integrating agricultural water and land use tendencies, changing climate, economic trends, and population dynamics. In so doing, we 1) model the current hyper-extractive coupled natural-human system (CNH), 2) forecast future outcomes of policy scenarios transitioning the current groundwater-based economic system toward more sustainable paths for the social, economic and natural components of the integrated system, and 3) communicate model projections to inform public policies for enhanced sustainability while minimizing the economic pain for the region's communities. The findings corroborate previous studies showing that conservation often leads initially to an expansion of irrigation activities. However, we also find that the expanded presence of irrigated acreage will reduce the impact of an increasingly dryer climate on the region's economy and create greater long-term stability in the farming sector along with increased employment and population in the region. The primary negative aspect of more extensive conservation policies are on the net present value of farmers' current investments in their operations. This study reinforces the salience of interdisciplinary linked CNH models to provide policy prescriptions to untangle and address significant environmental policy issues.
Costs of sea dikes – regressions and uncertainty estimates
Authors: Lenk Stephan , Rybski Diego , Heidrich Oliver , Dawson Richard J. , Kropp Jürgen P.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Failure to consider the costs of adaptation strategies can be seen by decision makers as a barrier to implementing coastal protection measures. In order to validate adaptation strategies to sea-level rise in the form of coastal protection, a consistent and repeatable assessment of the costs is necessary. This paper significantly extends current knowledge on cost estimates by developing – and implementing using real coastal dike data – probabilistic functions of dike costs. Data from Canada and the Netherlands are analysed and related to published studies from the US, UK, and Vietnam in order to provide a reproducible estimate of typical sea dike costs and their uncertainty. We plot the costs divided by dike length as a function of height and test four different regression models. Our analysis shows that a linear function without intercept is sufficient to model the costs, i.e. fixed costs and higher-order contributions such as that due to the volume of core fill material are less significant. We also characterise the spread around the regression models which represents an uncertainty stemming from factors beyond dike length and height. Drawing an analogy with project cost overruns, we employ log-normal distributions and calculate that the range between 3x and x∕3 contains 95 % of the data, where x represents the corresponding regression value. We compare our estimates with previously published unit costs for other countries. We note that the unit costs depend not only on the country and land use (urban/non-urban) of the sites where the dikes are being constructed but also on characteristics included in the costs, e.g. property acquisition, utility relocation, and project management. This paper gives decision makers an order of magnitude on the protection costs, which can help to remove potential barriers to developing adaptation strategies. Although the focus of this research is sea dikes, our approach is applicable and transferable to other adaptation measures.
Reconstruction and Projection of Sea Level Around the Korean
Peninsula Using Cyclostationary Empirical Orthogonal Functions
Authors: Cheon Se-Hyeon , Hamlington Benjamin D. , Suh Kyung-Duck
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Since the advent of the modern satellite altimeter era, the understanding of the sea level has increased dramatically. The satellite altimeter record, however, dates back only to the 1990s. The tide gauge record, on the other hand, extends through the 20th century, but with poor spatial coverage when compared to the satellites. Many studies have been conducted to extend the spatial resolution of the satellite data into the past by finding novel ways to combine the satellite data and tide gauge data in what are known as sea level reconstructions. However, most of the reconstructions of sea level were conducted on a global scale, leading to reduced accuracy on regional levels, particularly where there are relatively few tide gauges. The sea around the Korean Peninsula is one such area with few tide gauges prior to 1960. In this study, new methods are proposed to reconstruct the past sea level and project the future sea level around the Korean Peninsula. Using spatial patterns obtained from a cyclo-stationary empirical orthogonal function decomposition of satellite data, we reconstruct sea level over the time period from 1900 to 2014. Sea surface temperature data and altimeter data are used simultaneously in the reconstruction process, leading to an elimination of reliance on tide gauge data. Although the tide gauge data was not used in the reconstruction process, the reconstructed results showed better agreement with the tide gauge observations in the region than previous studies that incorporated the TG data. This study demonstrates a reconstruction technique that can be used on regional levels, with particular emphasis on areas with poor tide gauge coverage.
Biological data assimilation for parameter estimation of a
phytoplankton functional type model for the western North Pacific
Authors: Hoshiba Yasuhiro , Hirata Takafumi , Shigemitsu Masahito , Nakano Hideyuki , Hashioka Taketo , Masuda Yoshio , Yamanaka Yasuhiro
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Ecosystem models are used to understand ecosystem dynamics and ocean biogeochemical cycles and require optimum physiological parameters to best represent biological behaviours. These physiological parameters are often tuned up empirically, while ecosystem models have evolved to increase the number of physiological parameters. We developed a three-dimensional (3D) lower trophic level marine ecosystem model known as the Nitrogen, Silicon and Iron regulated Marine Ecosystem Model (NSI-MEM) and employed biological data assimilation using a micro-genetic algorithm to estimate 23 physiological parameters for two phytoplankton functional types in the western North Pacific. The approach used a one-dimensional emulator that referenced satellite data. The 3D NSI-MEM with biological parameters optimised by assimilation improved the timing of a modelled plankton bloom in the subarctic and subtropical regions compared to models without data assimilation. Furthermore, the model was able to simulate not only surface concentrations of phytoplankton but also subsurface maximum concentrations of phytoplankton. Our results show that surface data assimilation of biological parameters from two observatory stations benefits the representation of vertical plankton distribution in the western North Pacific.
Glaciological settings and recent mass balance of the Blåskimen Island in Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica
Authors: Goel Vikram , Brown Joel , Matsuoka Kenichi
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The Dronning Maud Land coast in East Antarctica has numerous ice rises that very likely control the dynamics and mass balance of this region. However, only a few of these ice rises have been investigated in detail. Here, we report field measurements of Blåskimen Island, an isle-type ice rise adjacent to the Fimbul Ice Shelf. Blåskimen Island is largely dome shaped, with a pronounced ridge extending to the southwest from its summit (410 m a.s.l.). Its bed is mostly flat and about 100 m below the current sea level. Shallow radar-detected isochrones dated with a firn core reveal that the surface mass balance is higher on the southeastern slope than the northwestern slope by ~ 37 %, and this pattern has persisted for at least the past decade. Radar stratigraphy shows upward arches underneath the summit, indicating that the summit position has been stable over at least one characteristic time of this ice rise (~ 600 years). Ensemble estimates of the mass balance using the input-output method show that this ice rise has thickened by 0.07–0.35 m ice equivalent per year over the past decade.
Una revisión del planteamiento de la defensa por capacidades en España (2005-16)
Authors: Colom Guillem
Published: May 2017

El artículo estudia el planeamiento de la defensa nacional contemporáneo desde la promulgación de la Orden Ministerial 37/2005 que inaugura el planeamiento basado en capacidades hasta la emisión de la Orden Ministerial 60/2015 que lo actualiza, flexibiliza y racionaliza. Se estudiarán las características definidoras de este proceso, se describirá su funcionamiento, se evaluarán sus principales virtudes y limitaciones y se propondrán varias ideas para optimizar los ciclos de planeamiento.
Inversión pública, inversión en defensa y progreso tecnológico: análisis con base en un modelo DSGE
Authors: Jiménez José Lorenzo , Fonfría Antonio
Published: May 2017

El presente trabajo sostiene la importancia de la inversión en defensa, como parte de la inversión pública, en la potenciación de la base industrial y tecnológica del país y en el desarrollo de sectores productivos innovadores. El análisis se realiza a través de un modelo de equilibrio general dinámico estocástico (DSGE). La principal conclusión que se deduce es que el aumento en la inversión pública, cuando es complementaria del progreso tecnológico asociado a la inversión privada, se traduce en un crecimiento de la producción, el empleo, la inversión y la productividad en el conjunto de la economía. En consecuencia, en la medida que la inversión pública en defensa es generadora de innovación y progreso tecnológico, también contribuye de forma positiva al crecimiento del país.
Green Industry in Bangladesh: An Overview
Authors: Reza Alavy Kifait , Islam Md. Shahidul , Shimu Afroza Ahammed
Published: May 2017

Green industry initiative is a major driver towards sustainable industrial development around the world. Bangladesh economy has been targeting a middle-income status by 2021, and for such development to occur, a sustainable development is required, for which a green industry is one of the major drivers. This paper presents an overview of the current scenario of the initiatives taken for a green industry and tries to examine the social economic and environment benefit. This paper also discusses major prerequisites of green buildings as location and transportation, sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality, innovation, regional priority. Apart from these, other opportunities are also discussed in this paper. Bangladesh Government and Bangladesh Bank are also adopting some policies for this development. Finally, some policy suggestions towards an efficient green financing policy for the better nourishment of green industries are provided in this paper.
Pulling back the curtain on 'behind the border' trade costs: The case of EU-US agri-food trade
Authors: Sanjuán Ana I. , Philippidis George , Resano Helena
Published: May 2017

With the rise of anti-free-trade sentiment on both sides of the Atlantic, there is a growing urgency by trade negotiators to conclude the Trans-Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations. The harmonisation of non-tariff restrictions is a key component of the talks, whilst global modelling databases typically lack a price compatible representation of these measures, which lends a degree of bias to ex-ante modelling assessments. In the gravity literature, there is (limited) evidence of non-tariff ad-valorem equivalent (AVE) estimates of agriculture and food, although disaggregated agri-food activities and/or bilateral EU-US route specific estimates are still in relatively short supply. Using panel data, this study consolidates both of these issues, whilst also proposing an ‘indirect’ gravity method as a basis upon which to provide econometric non-tariff AVE estimates compatible with the degree of sectoral concordance typically found in global modelling databases. On a general note, the results revealed the presence of significant behind the border trade costs on both sides of the Atlantic, which exceed their tariff counterparts. Using simple aggregated averages, our estimates are comparable with ‘direct’ gravity method studies. Furthermore, rigorous qualitative and quantitative comparisons on a sector-by-sector basis showed that a number of bilateral non-tariff AVEs are also found to be plausible, although in some cases, with recourse to relevant policy documents and expert opinion, it is debatable whether the EU or the US is more restrictive. Further work could focus on refining the sector specificity of each gravity equation to improve the model's predictive capacity.
Cobweb, a serious pathology in mushroom crops: A review
Authors: Carrasco Jaime , Navarro María-Jesús , Gea Francisco J.
Published: May 2017

Cobweb is a fungal disease of commercially cultivated mushrooms. Several members of the ascomycete genus Cladobotryum sp. have been reported as causal agents. White button mushroom is the most frequently cited host, but a wide range of cultivated edible mushrooms suffer cobweb. The pathology causes production losses and reduces the crop surface available. The parasite produces a great number of harmful conidia that can be released easily and distributed throughout the mushroom farm to generate secondary points of infection. To prevent initial outbreaks, hygiene is of primary importance within the facilities dedicated to mushroom cultivation, while additional measures must be implemented to control and reduce cobweb if there is an outbreak, including chemical and biological methods. This review summarizes and discusses the knowledge available on the historic occurrence of cobweb and its impact on commercial mushroom crops worldwide. Causal agents, disease ecology, including the primary source of infection and the dispersal of harmful conidia are also reviewed. Finally, control treatments to prevent the disease from breaking out are discussed.
Global Malmquist indices of productivity change in Egyptian wheat production
Authors: Elasraag Yahia H. , Alarcón Silverio
Published: May 2017

This study aims to measure the total factor productivity of the main governorates of wheat production in Egypt during the time period 1990-2012 and decompose it into technical change, efficiency change and scale change. We used Global Malmquist TFP index as a non-parametric approach. The results indicated that the contribution of technical change component is more important than the efficiency change component. In fact technical change rose, 25.7%, while efficiency change presented a little decline, 3.7%. The decomposition of efficiency change indicated that the main problem of wheat production in Egypt was scale efficiency that worsened by 5.5%.
Biogas Upgrading Using Ash from Combustion of Wood Fuels: Laboratory Experiments
Authors: Andersson Johan , Nordberg Åke
Published: May 2017

The value of biogas produced at small scale facilities, such as farm scale biogas plants, can increase by upgrading it to vehicle fuel quality. However, commercial upgrading technologies available today are very costly for small scale applications. Ash from combustion of wood fuels has a high content of Ca, which indicates favourable conditions for a high CO2 uptake capacity from biogas. The objective of this study was to assess the CO2 uptake capacity of ash from combusted wood pellets and wood chips in a laboratory scale solid bed reactor using an inlet gas mixture of CO2 and CH4 with the aim to reach > 97 % CH4 in the outlet gas. A gas with a defined composition of 65 % CH4 and 35 % CO2 was passed through a moisturised solid ash bed in an up-flow manner. The gas quality in the outlet gas and the CO2 uptake capacity of the ash was assessed. Bottom ash from combusted wood pellets showed the best uptake capacity of 0.20 g CO2/g dry ash, which is 4-8 higher than studies where municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash was tested. The outlet gas from the ash reactor contained high concentrations of methane (up to 99.6 %) and the gas contained no CO2 until CO2 breakthrough occurred in the ash bed. Furthermore, the pH of the ash was reduced by 2 to 3 units due to the carbonation, which improves the prerequisites for recycling the ash to forestry. It was concluded that an ash bed with Ca rich wood ash has the ability to reach vehicle fuel quality regarding CH4 concentration. Based on the results, a biogas plant of 1 GWh (3.6 TJ) per year would require approx. 650 tonnes of dry wood ash a year with an uptake of 0.20 g CO2/g dry ash and an inlet biogas composition of 60 % CH4 and 40 % CO2.
Challenges in Mixed Ability Classes and Strategies Utilized by ELI Teachers to Cope with Them
Authors: Al-Subaiei Muneerah S.
Published: May 2017

Mixed-ability classes have been found to be one of the greatest detriments to students learning at English language institutions (ELIs). There has been a growing concern over the impacts of the mixed-ability classes calling for a study aimed at suggesting solutions for this situation. This study involves thirty-three female EFL teachers who work in an English language institute (ELI) and their feedback was obtained via questionnaires which were distributed online. The questionnaires addressed this issue on various levels following categories such as teaching and learning, materials, motivation and class management practices. The results indicated that the frequency of the cases of challenges in the teaching of mixed-ability classes was high and thus requiring appropriate solutions. Class management and differentiation strategies were found to be the most effective in mitigating the adverse effects which mixed-learning abilities have on learning successes. The effectiveness of the strategies used had no relation whatsoever to the level of experience of the teachers. Strategies that seem to work best were those that focused on the students or what is referred to as student-centered approach.
Branding a Revolution: Revolutions as Brands and Their Implications for Modern Marketing
Authors: Mostafa Rasha H. A. , Ramzy Omar , Eldahan Omar H.
Published: May 2017

Modern marketing recognizes that many different concepts can fall under the view of marketing, revolutions are no different. This research analyses, through a qualitative review of the literature, if and how revolutions can be considered as brands that can be communicated to its target customers (revolutionaries). Based on the analysis results, foundational premises are established and a theoretical model is developed to be further examined in future research. The originality of the paper is illustrated via focusing on branding revolutions, a concept that is rarely, if ever, underscored in the marketing literature. Furthermore, it sets up the foundation for future research in this direction.
Tourism Impacts on the Quality of Life in Hong Kong
Authors: Yang Huijun , Chan Grace Chan Suk , Li Wenjie
Published: May 2017

This study aims to examine the impact of specific dimensions of tourism impacts on Hong Kong residents’ satisfaction with the quality of life. While factor analysis is used to explore the attributes and dimensions of tourism impacts, multiple regression analysis is employed to determine the tourism impacts on residents’ satisfaction with the quality of life. It is evident from the results that two of the five dimensions of tourism impacts have positive influence on residents’ satisfaction. Image and infrastructure are found to be the important determinant factors in explaining the satisfaction. The impacts of environment, economy, and services in affecting satisfaction seem to be insignificant. In order to maintain tourism sustainability in Hong Kong, the local residents’ perception should be taken into consideration. Recommendations are provided to achieve mutual benefits and harmonious development.
Research on the Social E-commerce Marketing Model Based on SICAS Model in China
Authors: Yan Xiao-Xu , Hu Zhong-Qi , Xu Jie , Liu Jing-Yan
Published: May 2017

With the appearance of the Internet and the further escalation of consumption, a growing number of individuals paid attention to expressing their emotions by commenting, sharing, interacting and so on, for spiritual satisfaction when they were shopping rather than barely pursuing the efficiency. As a result, deeply composed with the social media technologies and the e-commerce, social e-commerce is round the corner. Based on the previously theoretical research and the SICAS consumption model, this paper analyzed the decision-making process of consumers in the era of social e-commerce in detail at first and afterward creatively put forward the ICES marketing strategy model of social e-commerce. Finally we took Red, a social e-commerce company as the subject investigated, using the proposed marketing strategy model to analyze the marketing strategies of Red. The result illustrates that this marketing model has high applications’ value and it can be used for reference for the domestic and foreign social electricity supplier enterprises.
A Comparison of the Online Shopping Behavior Patterns of Consumer Groups with Different Online Shopping Experiences
Authors: Wu Shwu-Ing , Tsai Hsin-Ti
Published: May 2017

The appearance of Internet does not only bring changes to consumption patterns, but also to the business modes of companies, as a result of which Internet has become a perfect sales channel. When a consumer shops online, s/he might be influenced by a huge variety of factors. In this study, ABC model of attitude was adopted to investigate empirically the influences of website characteristics and external stimulus on consumers’ online shopping behavior. A relationship model was also established to compare the differences of consumer groups with different online shopping experiences.Using convenience sampling, a total of 818 valid questionnaires were collected for the purpose of this study. Based on their online shopping experiences, consumers were divided into high frequency and low frequency groups in order to compare their consumption patterns as a group. According to the results, the two groups with different online shopping experiences were significantly different in three relational paths. To be specific: (1) Compared to the low frequency group, consumers in the high frequency group is more significantly positively influenced by website characteristics along the affection path during their online shopping. (2) Compared to the high frequency group, consumers in the low frequency group are more significantly positively influenced by website characteristics along the attitude path during their online shopping. (3) Compared with the low frequency group, a more significant positive influence is found among consumers in the high frequency group between consumer affection and consumer behavior path. These differences in the consumer behavior patterns of groups with different online shopping experiences according to the research results, therefore, could be used as references for online shopping business owners in their formulation of strategies.
Word of Mouth Communication Influence of Online Hotel Room Reservation Confirmation: Case Study of Individual Travelers in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Grace Suk Ha , Hsiao Anna Chun-Hsuan , Tang Irini Lai Fun
Published: May 2017

Hong Kong residents tend to spend their holidays by traveling overseas; hence, they reserve hotels online. Moreover, low-cost carriers have become popular and common, thereby resulting in an increase in the number of individual travelers. Accordingly, the online hotel industry can no longer ignore the potential segment of individual travelers. In addition, word of mouth (WOM) is significant in the decision-making process because of the development of Web 2.0. and Travel 3.0. Furthermore, previous studies were analyzed and only a few focus on the individual traveler perspectives on purchasing hotel reservations online. However, individual travelers have different culture and values compared with the public; the former has its own lifestyle, consumer behavior, and ego. Therefore, the investigation of individual travelers when purchasing hotel reservations online is a valuable research topic. Under all situations, WOM has become one of the crucial factors upon which individual travelers base their travel planning and decision. This study used the interpretivist approach to investigate the respondents’ experiences and views for exploring and understanding individual traveler’s perception. The current study adopted qualitative research toward the effects of WOM communication on purchasing hotel reservations online. To investigate the topic, in-depth interviews were conducted on 15 respondents who are individual travelers and travel alone. The interviews followed a semi-structured format using open-ended questions. Descriptive research was designed to gather the findings. In addition, this study provided the effects of WOM communication on purchasing hotel reservations online from the perspective of an individual traveler. New findings, effects of WOM from an individual traveler’s perspective, and recommendations are provided, thereby providing significant guidance to industrial practitioners to improve and formulate marketing strategies.
Genetic Stability and Disease Resistance Analysis of Hrpzpsta Gene in Transgenic Soybean Lines
Authors: Yu Miao , Wang Peiwu , Song Yang , Feng Yong Qi , Qu Jing , Rong Jie , Zhang Mo , Zhang Zhuo
Published: May 2017

This experiment was carried out to evaluate genetic stability and disease resistance in transformed soybean lines with hrpZpsta gene using PCR analysis, southern blotting, real-time quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and to analyze the resistance against Phytophthora sojae (P. sojae) and Cercospora sojina (C. sojina) after inoculation. The results obtained using PCR and southern blotting analytical methods showed that exogenous gene functional elements were stably inherited in transgenic soybean and hrpZpsta gene was successfully integrated into the soybean genome in a single copy. Results at high-generation (T7, T8) transgenic lines of hrpZpsta revealed that their relative expression of hrpZpsta gene was the highest in leaves followed by roots, and much lower in stems, flowers, and seeds. Activity change rates of peroxidase (POD), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) showed that transgenic lines significantly enhanced receptor species. The resistance of transgenic strains T7 and T8 generations against P. sojae was significantly increased with artificial inoculation methods, and the resistance against C. sojina was increased from susceptibility to the level of resistance. Under natural conditions in the field, the response of T8 transgenic lines to C. sojina reached disease resistance level. There were no significant differences in transgenic lines and recipient variety in maturing stage, leaf shape, flower color, plant height, 100-grain weight and quality content, and the two years average yield of plots increased to 11.59% and 8.19%, which significantly higher than recipient cultivar. The current results provide data support for the release of transgenic lines.
A new species of Novastoa Finlay, 1926 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Vermetidae) from coral reefs of the Pacific Ocean
Authors: Schiaparelli Stefano , Bieler Rüdiger , Golding Rosemary E. , Rawlings Timothy A. , Collins Timothy M.
Published: May 2017

A new species of vermetid gastropod belonging to the genus Novastoa Finlay, 1926, N. rapaitiensis sp. nov., is described from French Polynesia and the Great Barrier Reef, based on morpho-anatomical and molecular data, increasing the recognized extant diversity of this genus from five to six species. The new species is characterized by the largest operculum in the genus to date, with a conspicuous spindle-shaped mammilla that readily distinguishes this species from its congeners. Based on available data, members of the studied populations of N. rapaitiensis sp. nov. are interpreted as a single species, although slight morphological and color differences exist between localities separated by up to 7000 km. The larval development of N. rapaitiensis sp. nov. is inferred to be direct, raising new questions about genetic connectivity and dispersal trajectories across a vast geographic range. Additional molecular data may prove helpful in refining our current knowledge on the morphological variability within this species and verifying the degree of cryptic diversity in this genus.
Revitalizing a Mentoring Program for Academic Librarians
Authors: Farmer Diana , Stockham Marcia , Trussell Alice
Published: May 2017

Many new employees naturally seek out coworkers and informal advisors as a way of learning about their new positions and organizations. However, a formalized mentoring program is a way to meet the needs of new employees and effectively impart the information and advice in a coordinated, ongoing process. This paper focuses on the process of revitalizing a formalized mentoring program in an academic library. Included are details of the process developed by one institution, an extensive bibliography, sample checklists, and assessment tools.
Without Merit: One Library’s Attempt to Put “Merit” Back in “Merit Pay”
Authors: Mozenter Frada L. , Stickell Lois
Published: May 2017

This article outlines a proposal developed at the University of North Carolina of a method for awarding merit pay to librarians. The library has a two-tiered structure that includes faculty who are tenured and others who work on contract. Because of this, the Acting University Librarian created two task forces to investigate ways to make merit pay equitable. Each task force developed a proposal that eventually was merged into one document. This article examines the process of developing a plan for merit pay and library faculty reactions to the plan.
Measuring Quality in Chat Reference Consortia: A Comparative Analysis of Responses to Users’ Queries
Authors: Meert Deborah L. , Given Lisa M.
Published: May 2017

Academic libraries have experienced growing demand for 24/7 access to resources and services. Despite the challenges and costs of chat reference service and consortia, many libraries are finding the demand for these services worth the cost. One key challenge is providing and measuring quality of service, particularly in a consortia setting. This study explores the quality of service provided in one academic library participating in a 24/7 chat reference consortium, by assessing transcripts of chat sessions using in-house reference quality standards. Findings point to both similarities and differences between chat interactions of local librarians versus consortia staff.
Collaboration between Marketing Students and the Library: An Experiential Learning Project to Promote Reference Services
Authors: Duke Lynda M. , MacDonald Jean B. , Trimble Carrie S.
Published: May 2017

As with most academic libraries, declining reference transactions has been a concern at Illinois Wesleyan University’s Ames Library. After grappling with the problem unsuccessfully, librarians sought input from students on how to address this issue. Collaborating with a professor in the Business Administration Department, a two-class series focusing on real-world marketing issues took on the challenge of how best to promote reference services to students. Student-generated surveys and marketing ideas proved useful for making changes to the library’s reference services and for publicizing the service, resulting in an increase in reference transactions between students and librarians.
“Publishers Did Not Take the Bait”: A Forgotten Precursor to the NIH Public Access Policy
Authors: Miller Jonathan
Published: May 2017

This article compares the recent National Institutes of Health (NIH) Public Access Policy (2005–07) with the United States Office of Education policy on copyright in funded research (1965–70). The two policies and the differing technological and political contexts of the periods are compared and contrasted. The author concludes that a more nuanced approach to copyright, the digital information environment, and the support of an energized user community auger well for the success of the NIH policy, but that it is still too soon to tell.
How Scholarly Is Google Scholar? A Comparison to Library Databases
Authors: Howland Jared L. , Wright Thomas C. , Boughan Rebecca A. , Roberts Brian C.
Published: May 2017

Google Scholar was released as a beta product in November of 2004. Since then, Google Scholar has been scrutinized and questioned by many in academia and the library field. Our objectives in undertaking this study were to determine how scholarly Google Scholar is in comparison with traditional library resources and to determine if the scholarliness of materials found in Google Scholar varies across disciplines. We found that Google Scholar is, on average, 17.6 percent more scholarly than materials found only in library databases and that there is no statistically significant difference between the scholarliness of materials found in Google Scholar across disciplines.