bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Emission or atmospheric processes? An attempt to attribute the source of large bias of aerosols in eastern China simulated by global climate models
Authors: Fan Tianyi , Liu Xiaohong , Ma Po-Lun , Zhang Qiang , Li Zhanqing , Jiang Yiquan , Zhang Fang , Zhao Chuanfeng , Yang Xin , Wu Fang , Wang Yuying
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Global climate models often underestimate aerosol loadings in China, and
these biases can have significant implications for anthropogenic aerosol
radiative forcing and climate effects. The biases may be caused by either the
emission inventory or the treatment of aerosol processes in the models, or
both, but so far no consensus has been reached. In this study, a relatively
new emission inventory based on energy statistics and technology,
Multi-resolution Emission Inventory for China (MEIC), is used to drive the
Community Atmosphere Model version 5 (CAM5) to evaluate aerosol distribution
and radiative effects against observations in China. The model results are
compared with the model simulations with the widely used Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change Fifth Assessment Report (IPCC AR5) emission
inventory. We find that the new MEIC emission improves the aerosol optical
depth (AOD) simulations in eastern China and explains 22–28 % of the AOD
low bias simulated with the AR5 emission. However, AOD is still biased low in
eastern China. Seasonal variation of the MEIC emission leads to a better
agreement with the observed seasonal variation of primary aerosols than the
AR5 emission, but the concentrations are still underestimated. This implies
that the atmospheric loadings of primary aerosols are closely related to the
emission, which may still be underestimated over eastern China. In contrast,
the seasonal variations of secondary aerosols depend more on aerosol
processes (e.g., gas- and aqueous-phase production from precursor gases) that
are associated with meteorological conditions and to a lesser extent on the
emission. It indicates that the emissions of precursor gases for the
secondary aerosols alone cannot explain the low bias in the model.
Aerosol secondary production processes in CAM5
should also be revisited. The simulation using MEIC estimates the
annual-average aerosol direct radiative effects (ADREs) at the top of the
atmosphere (TOA), at the surface, and in the atmosphere to be −5.02,
−18.47, and 13.45 W m−2, respectively, over eastern China, which are
enhanced by −0.91, −3.48, and 2.57 W m−2 compared with the AR5
emission. The differences of ADREs by using MEIC and AR5 emissions are larger
than the decadal changes of the modeled ADREs, indicating the uncertainty of
the emission inventories. This study highlights the importance of improving
both the emission and aerosol secondary production processes in modeling the
atmospheric aerosols and their radiative effects. Yet, if the estimations of
MEIC emissions in trace gases do not suffer similar biases to those in the
AOD, our findings will help affirm a fundamental error in the conversion from
precursor gases to secondary aerosols as hinted in other recent studies
following different approaches.
The optical properties, physical properties and direct radiative forcing of urban columnar aerosols in the Yangtze River Delta, China
Authors: Zhuang Bingliang , Wang Tijian , Liu Jane , Che Huizheng , Han Yong , Fu Yu , Li Shu , Xie Min , Li Mengmeng , Chen Pulong , Chen Huimin , Yang Xiu-qun , Sun Jianning
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The optical and physical properties as well as the direct radiative forcings (DRFs) of fractionated aerosols in the urban area of the western Yangtze River Delta (YRD) are investigated with measurements from a Cimel sun photometer combined with a radiation transfer model. Ground-based observations of aerosols have much higher temporal resolutions than satellite retrievals. An initial analysis reveals the characteristics of the optical properties of different types of fractionated aerosols in the western YRD. The total aerosols, mostly composed of scattering components (93.8 %), have mean optical depths of 0.65 at 550 nm and refractive index of 1.44 + 0.0084i at 440 nm. The fine aerosols are approximately four times more abundant and have very different compositions from coarse aerosols. The absorbing components account for only  ∼  4.6 % of fine aerosols and 15.5 % of coarse aerosols and have smaller sizes than the scattering aerosols within the same mode. Therefore, fine particles have stronger scattering than coarse ones, simultaneously reflecting the different size distributions between the absorbing and scattering aerosols. The relationships among the optical properties quantify the aerosol mixing and imply that approximately 15 and 27.5 % of the total occurrences result in dust- and black-carbon-dominating mixing aerosols, respectively, in the western YRD. Unlike the optical properties, the size distributions of aerosols in the western YRD are similar to those found at other sites over eastern China on a climatological scale, peaking at radii of 0.148 and 2.94 µm. However, further analysis reveals that the coarse-dominated particles can also lead to severe haze pollution over the YRD. Observation-based estimations indicate that both fine and coarse aerosols in the western YRD exert negative DRFs, and this is especially true for fine aerosols (−11.17 W m−2 at the top of atmosphere, TOA). A higher absorption fraction leads directly to the negative DRF being further offset for coarse aerosols (−0.33 W m−2) at the TOA. Similarly, the coarse-mode DRF contributes to only 13.3 % of the total scattering aerosols but > 33.7 % to the total absorbing aerosols. A sensitivity analysis states that aerosol DRFs are not highly sensitive to their profiles in clear-sky conditions. Most of the aerosol properties and DRFs have substantial seasonality in the western YRD. The results further reveal the contributions of each component of the different size particles to the total aerosol optical depths (AODs) and DRFs. Additionally, these results can be used to improve aerosol modelling performance and the modelling of aerosol effects in the eastern regions of China.
Marine isoprene production and consumption in the mixed layer of the surface ocean – a field study over two oceanic regions
Authors: Booge Dennis , Schlundt Cathleen , Bracher Astrid , Endres Sonja , Zäncker Birthe , Marandino Christa A.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Parameterizations of surface ocean isoprene concentrations are numerous, despite the lack of source/sink process understanding. Here we present isoprene and related field measurements in the mixed layer from the Indian Ocean and the eastern Pacific Ocean to investigate the production and consumption rates in two contrasting regions, namely oligotrophic open ocean and the coastal upwelling region. Our data show that the ability of different phytoplankton functional types (PFTs) to produce isoprene seems to be mainly influenced by light, ocean temperature, and salinity. Our field measurements also demonstrate that nutrient availability seems to have a direct influence on the isoprene production. With the help of pigment data, we calculate in-field isoprene production rates for different PFTs under varying biogeochemical and physical conditions. Using these new calculated production rates, we demonstrate that an additional significant and variable loss, besides a known chemical loss and a loss due to air–sea gas exchange, is needed to explain the measured isoprene concentration. We hypothesize that this loss, with a lifetime for isoprene between 10 and 100 days depending on the ocean region, is potentially due to degradation or consumption by bacteria.
Hydro-ecological controls on dissolved carbon dynamics in groundwater and export to streams in a temperate pine forest
Authors: Deirmendjian Loris , Loustau Denis , Augusto Laurent , Lafont Sébastien , Chipeaux Christophe , Poirier Dominique , Abril Gwenaël
Published: February 2018

Abstract. We studied the export of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from forested shallow groundwater to first-order streams, based on groundwater and surface water sampling and hydrological data. The selected watershed was particularly convenient for such study, with a very low slope, with pine forest growing on sandy permeable podzol and with hydrology occurring exclusively through drainage of shallow groundwater (no surface runoff). A forest plot was instrumented for continuous eddy covariance measurements of precipitation, evapotranspiration, and net ecosystem exchanges of sensible and latent heat fluxes as well as CO2 fluxes. Shallow groundwater was sampled with three piezometers located in different plots, and surface waters were sampled in six first-order streams; river discharge and drainage were modeled based on four gauging stations. On a monthly basis and on the plot scale, we found a good consistency between precipitation on the one hand and the sum of evapotranspiration, shallow groundwater storage and drainage on the other hand. DOC and DIC stocks in groundwater and exports to first-order streams varied drastically during the hydrological cycle, in relation with water table depth and amplitude. In the groundwater, DOC concentrations were maximal in winter when the water table reached the superficial organic-rich layer of the soil. In contrast, DIC (in majority excess CO2) in groundwater showed maximum concentrations at low water table during late summer, concomitant with heterotrophic conditions of the forest plot. Our data also suggest that a large part of the DOC mobilized at high water table was mineralized to DIC during the following months within the groundwater itself. In first-order streams, DOC and DIC followed an opposed seasonal trend similar to groundwater but with lower concentrations. On an annual basis, leaching of carbon to streams occurred as DIC and DOC in similar proportion, but DOC export occurred in majority during short periods of the highest water table, whereas DIC export was more constant throughout the year. Leaching of forest carbon to first-order streams represented a small portion (approximately 2 %) of the net land CO2 sink at the plot. In addition, approximately 75 % of the DIC exported from groundwater was not found in streams, as it returned very fast to the atmosphere through CO2 degassing.
The impacts of recent drought and fire in lowland Bolivia on forest
loss and regional smoke emissions
Authors: Heyer Joshua P. , Power Mitchell J. , Field Robert D. , van Marle Margreet J. E.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. In the southern Amazon relationships have been established among drought, human activities that cause forest loss, fire, and smoke emissions. We explore the effects of recent drought on fire, forest loss, and atmospheric visibility in lowland Bolivia. To assess human influence on fire, we consider climate, fire and vegetation dynamics in an area largely excluded from human activities since 1979, Noel Kempff Mercado National Park (NK) in northeastern Bolivia. We use data from five sources: the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Collection 6 active fire product (2001–2015) (MODIS C6), Global Fire Weather Database data (1982–2015) (GFWED), MODIS land-cover data (2001–2010), MODIS forest loss data (2000–2012), and extinction coefficient derived from horizontal visibility data from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO)-level surface stations (1973–2015), which is affected by smoke and acts as a proxy for regional fire activity. In lowland Bolivia from 2001–2015, interannual Drought Code (DC) variability was linked to fire activity, while from 1982–2015, interannual DC variability was linked to Bext visibility data. From 2001–2015, the regional extinction coefficient for the southwestern Amazon Bext and MODIS C6 active fire data for lowland Bolivia captured fire seasonality, and covaried between low and high fire years. Consistent with previous studies, our results suggest the extinction coefficient Bext can be used as a longer-term proxy of regional fire activity in southwestern Amazonia. Overall, our study found drought conditions were the dominant control on interannual fire variability in lowland Bolivia, and fires within NK were limited to the cerrado and seasonally-inundated wetland biomes. Our results suggest lowland Bolivia tropical forests were susceptible to human activities that may have amplified fire during times of drought. Human activities and drought need to be considered in future projections of southern Amazonia fire, in regard to carbon emissions and global climate.
Online dynamical downscaling of temperature and precipitation within the iLOVECLIM model (version 1.1)
Authors: Quiquet Aurélien , Roche Didier M. , Dumas Christophe , Paillard Didier
Published: February 2018

Abstract. This paper presents the inclusion of an online dynamical downscaling of temperature and precipitation within the model of intermediate complexity iLOVECLIM v1.1. We describe the following methodology to generate temperature and precipitation fields on a 40 km  ×  40 km Cartesian grid of the Northern Hemisphere from the T21 native atmospheric model grid. Our scheme is not grid specific and conserves energy and moisture in the same way as the original climate model. We show that we are able to generate a high-resolution field which presents a spatial variability in better agreement with the observations compared to the standard model. Although the large-scale model biases are not corrected, for selected model parameters, the downscaling can induce a better overall performance compared to the standard version on both the high-resolution grid and on the native grid. Foreseen applications of this new model feature include the improvement of ice sheet model coupling and high-resolution land surface models.
Technical note: Analysis of observation uncertainty for flood assimilation and forecasting
Authors: Waller Joanne A. , García-Pintado Javier , Mason David C. , Dance Sarah L. , Nichols Nancy K.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The assimilation of satellite-based water level observations (WLOs) into 2D hydrodynamic models can keep flood forecasts on track or be used for reanalysis to obtain improved assessments of previous flood footprints. In either case, satellites provide spatially dense observation fields, but with spatially correlated errors. To date, assimilation methods in flood forecasting either incorrectly neglect the spatial correlation in the observation errors or, in the best of cases, deal with it by thinning methods. These thinning methods result in a sparse set of observations whose error correlations are assumed to be negligible. Here, with a case study, we show that the assimilation diagnostics that make use of statistical averages of observation-minus-background and observation-minus-analysis residuals are useful to estimate error correlations in WLOs. The estimated correlations do not behave as expected; however, analysis shows that the diagnostic can also be used to highlight anomalous observation datasets. Accurate estimates of the observation error statistics can be used to support quality control protocols and provide insight into which observations it is most beneficial to assimilate. Furthermore, the understanding gained in this paper will contribute towards the correct assimilation of denser datasets.
Streamflow forecasts from WRF precipitation for flood early warning in mountain tropical areas
Authors: Rogelis María Carolina , Werner Micha
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Numerical weather prediction (NWP) models are fundamental to extend
forecast lead times beyond the concentration time of
a watershed. Particularly for flash flood forecasting in tropical
mountainous watersheds, forecast precipitation is required to provide
timely warnings. This paper aims to assess the potential of NWP for
flood early warning purposes, and the possible improvement that bias
correction can provide, in a tropical mountainous area. The paper
focuses on the comparison of streamflows obtained from the
post-processed precipitation forecasts, particularly the comparison of
ensemble forecasts and their potential in providing skilful flood
forecasts. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model is used to
produce precipitation forecasts that are post-processed and used to
drive a hydrologic model. Discharge forecasts obtained from the
hydrological model are used to assess the skill of the WRF model. The
results show that post-processed WRF precipitation adds value to the
flood early warning system when compared to zero-precipitation
forecasts, although the precipitation forecast used in this analysis
showed little added value when compared to climatology. However, the
reduction of biases obtained from the post-processed ensembles show the
potential of this method and model to provide usable precipitation
forecasts in tropical mountainous watersheds. The need for more
detailed evaluation of the WRF model in the study area is highlighted,
particularly the identification of the most suitable parameterisation,
due to the inability of the model to adequately represent the
convective precipitation found in the study area.
Aerial and surface rivers: downwind impacts on water availability from land use changes in Amazonia
Authors: Weng Wei , Luedeke Matthias K. B. , Zemp Delphine C. , Lakes Tobia , Kropp Juergen P.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. The abundant evapotranspiration provided by the Amazon forests is an
important component of the hydrological cycle, both regionally and globally.
Since the last century, deforestation and expanding agricultural activities
have been changing the ecosystem and its provision of moisture to the atmosphere.
However, it remains uncertain how the ongoing land use change will influence
rainfall, runoff, and water availability as findings from previous
studies differ. Using moisture tracking experiments based on observational
data, we provide a spatially detailed analysis recognizing potential
teleconnection between source and sink regions of atmospheric moisture. We
apply land use scenarios in upwind moisture sources and quantify the
corresponding rainfall and runoff changes in downwind moisture sinks. We
find spatially varying responses of water regimes to land use changes, which
may explain the diverse results from previous studies. Parts of the Peruvian
Amazon and western Bolivia are identified as the sink areas most sensitive
to land use change in the Amazon and we highlight the current water stress
by Amazonian land use change on these areas in terms of the water availability.
Furthermore, we also identify the influential source areas where land use
change may considerably reduce a given target sink's water reception (from
our example of the Ucayali River basin outlet, rainfall by 5–12 % and
runoff by 19–50 % according to scenarios). Sensitive sinks and
influential sources are therefore suggested as hotspots for achieving
sustainable land–water management.
Forecasting domestic water demand in the Haihe river basin under changing environment
Authors: Wang Xiao-Jun , Zhang Jian-Yun , Shahid Shamsuddin , Xie Yu-Xuan , Zhang Xu
Published: February 2018

Abstract. A statistical model has been developed for forecasting domestic
water demand in Haihe river basin of China due to population growth,
technological advances and climate change. Historical records of domestic
water use, climate, population and urbanization are used for the development
of model. An ensemble of seven general circulation models (GCMs) namely,
BCC-CSM1-1, BNU-ESM, CNRM-CM5, GISS-E2-R, MIROC-ESM, PI-ESM-LR, MRI-CGCM3
were used for the projection of climate and the changes in water demand in
the Haihe River basin under Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 4.5.
The results showed that domestic water demand in different sub-basins of the
Haihe river basin will gradually increase due to continuous increase of
population and rise in temperature. It is projected to increase maximum
136.22 × 108 m3 by GCM BNU-ESM and the minimum
107.25 × 108 m3 by CNRM-CM5 in 2030. In spite of
uncertainty in projection, it can be remarked that climate change and
population growth would cause increase in water demand and consequently,
reduce the gap between water supply and demand, which eventually aggravate
the condition of existing water stress in the basin. Water demand management
should be emphasized for adaptation to ever increasing water demand and
mitigation of the impacts of environmental changes.
A half-baked solution: drivers of water crises in Mexico
Authors: Godinez Madrigal Jonatan , van der Zaag Pieter , van Cauwenbergh Nora
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Mexico is considered a regional economic and political powerhouse because of the size of its economy, and a large population in constant growth. However, this same growth accompanied by management and governance failures are causing several water crises across the country. The paper aims at identifying and analyzing the drivers of water crises. Water authorities seem to focus solely on large infrastructural schemes to counter the looming water crises, but fail to structure a set of policies for the improvement of management and governance institutions. The paper concludes with the implications of a business-as-usual policy based on infrastructure for solving water problems, which include a non-compliance to the human right to water and sanitation, ecosystem collapses and water conflicts.
Conceptual framework to ensure water security in Ukraine
Authors: Gadzalo Yaroslav , Romashchenko Mykhailo , Yatsiuk Mykhailo
Published: February 2018

Abstract. As a result of global climate change against the background of natural water
supply deterioration and river water content reductions, nowadays Ukraine is
facing the problem of environmental degradation of river basins. In light of this, we suggest that achieving an acceptable level of water
security in Ukraine should be defined as the strategic objective of national
water policy. The state of national water security should be evaluated by
its progress in certain sectors. The basic principles of the new water
policy of Ukraine are supposed to be represented in Water Strategy of
Ukraine. Integrated water management by the basin principle should serve as
the main tool for achieving the objectives of water security.
Socio-Hydrological Approach to the Evaluation of Global Fertilizer Substitution by Sustainable Struvite Precipitants from Wastewater
Authors: Kok Dirk-Jan Daniel , Pande Saket , Ortigara Angela Renata Cordeiro , Savenije Hubert , Uhlenbrook Stefan
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Despite Africa controlling the vast majority of the global
phosphate it also faces the greatest food shortages – partially due to a
lack of access to the fertilizer market. A more accessible source of
phosphorus comes from wastewater flows, which is currently lost through the
discharge to open surface waters. Analysing the potential phosphorus
production of urban and livestock wastewater in meeting partial agricultural
demand for phosphorus can improve food security, reduce consumption of
unrenewable phosphorus, reduce pollution, and aid the transitioning to a
circular economy. In this study, a global overview is provided where a
selection of P-production and P-consumption sites have been determined using
global spatial data. Distances, investment costs and associated carbon
footprints are then considered in modelling a simple, alternative trade
network of struvite phosphorus flows. The network reveals potential for
increasing the phosphorus security through phosphorus recycling in
particularly the South Africa, Lake Victoria and Nigeria regions. Given
Africa's rapid urbanization, phosphorus recovery from wastewater will prove
an important step in creating sustainable communities, protecting the
environment while improving food security, and so contributing to the United
Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Participation, Co-Creation, and Public Space
Authors: Foth Marcus
Published: February 2018

A central notion in urban design, urban interaction design, and placemaking is the user of public space, the occupant, resident, citizen, bystander, passer-by, explorer, or flâneur. When the field of human-computer interaction (HCI) first emerged, the disciplines that represented the “human” aspects of HCI included behavioural psychology, cognitive science and human factors engineering. This situatedness begs the question whether the “user” requires different contextualisations beyond the immediate and traditional HCI concerns of the technical interface, that is, beyond usability.
This article aims to illustrate the need for placemakers and urban interaction designers to be transdisciplinary and agile in order to navigate different levels of granularity. This article seeks to practice granular agile thinking by introducing five possible ways to think about the “urban user” and the implications that follow: the user as city resident; the user as consumer of city services; the user as participant in the city’s community consultations; the user as co-creator in a collaborative approach to citymaking, and finally; the user re-thought as part of a much larger and more complex ecosystem of more-than-human worlds and of cohabitation – a process that decentres the human in the design of collaborative cities.
New urban trends towards the use of public space in Turin
Authors: Chiodi Sarah Isabella
Published: February 2018

What do we mean when we talk about public space? We asked this question, among others about the relationship between urban populations and public spaces, to some people in the context of the National Research Program (PRIN 2009) titled ‘Public Spaces, moving populations and urban renewal programs’. This paper reports part of the outcome of the research done within the local unit of Turin (Italy), which has been developed with a set of interviews to local stakeholders and with a field research in the selected areas of the City Centre and the districts of San Salvario and Barriera di Milano.
From the answers of the stakeholders emerged some relevant issues that I analysed through a selected literature about the concept of public space. The result is a sort of catalogue of typical public spaces of the city, as acknowledged by the local stakeholders and by the field research, and analysed through the international literature. The typologies identified are: traditional public spaces, ‘cappuccino’ spaces, weak sociality spaces, new virtual public spaces and the ‘District Houses’, a new type of public space emerging in the city. To identify them, some characteristic pictures of public spaces of Turin and interviews’ pieces are also reported.
However, facing this scenario built on the empirical research, we should mind that the conflicting views of public space depend also on the professional and cultural background of the interviewees, which is such fickle data that it cannot be catalogued. So, the catalogue proposed is not exhaustive, but only indicative of the trend about new perspectives on the meaning of public space which emerged through research conducted in the city of Turin.
Registros de erosão e progradação revelados por radar de penetração do solo (GPR) na barreira regressiva pleistocênica do complexo deltaico do Rio Paraíba do Sul (RJ)
Authors: Da Rocha Thaís Baptista , Fernandez Guilherme Borges , Rodrigues Amilson
Published: February 2018

A estratigrafia e a arquitetura deposicional das barreiras regressivas refletem os processos que ocorreram durante a progradação desse sistema, decorrentes do comportamento do nível relativo do mar e do aporte sedimentar, podendo formar extensas planícies costeiras como no caso do Complexo Deltaico do Rio Paraíba do Sul (CDRPS). A utilização do Radar de Penetração do Solo (GPR) tem possibilitado novas discussões acerca dessas feições a partir da identificação de registros de fases de erosão, eventos de alta energia decorrentes de ondas de tempestade; e retrabalhamento por drenagens e pela ação eólica. O objetivo do presente trabalho é caracterizar as radarfácies e as superfícies erosivas da barreira regressiva pleistocênica do CDRPS, a partir da utilização do GPR, considerando as características geomorfológicas da respectiva planície. Foram utilizadas antenas de 200 MHz em modo Common-offset; e de 80 MHz em modo CMP para correção da velocidade da onda em profundidade. Foram identificadas radarfacies que compõe uma sequência regressiva (f1, f2, f3 e f4); radarfácies associadas ao preenchimento da depressão intra-crista(f5); leques de transposição (f7); barras offshore (f3a); além da identificação das superfícies erosivas. Estes últimos refletores representam interrupções na progradação da planície, correspondente a uma fase ou evento erosivo que, inclusive, se expressa nos truncamentos dos alinhamentos das cristas de praia. Nesse sentido, foi possível identificar radarfácies nas barreiras regressivas que extrapolam a arquitetura deposicional como reflexo apenas da progradação, como os refletores que marcam os registros de fases erosivas, bem como os refletores que permitem avaliar os aspectos da dinâmica geomorfológica, no que se refere á gênese e ao retrabalhamento associado à hidrodinâmica das drenagens localizadas entre as depressões das cristas de praia.
Idades de deposição dos sedimentos da falésia de Itaguaré (Bertioga-SP) determinadas por luminescência opticamente estimulada
Authors: Guedes Carlos Conforti Ferreira , Mendes Vinícius Ribau , Giannini Paulo César Fonseca , Sawakuchi André Oliveira , Nogueira Luciana , Buchmann Francisco S
Published: February 2018

A região da foz do rio Itaguaré, localizada no Parque Estadual da Restinga de Bertioga-SP, apresenta uma miscelânea de processos sedimentares e formas de leito atuais gerados pela ação de marés, ondas e do próprio rio. Ocorrem também depósitos sedimentares quaternários expostos ao longo de falésia de dezenas de metros de extensão por até 4m de altura, formados por processos de ondas análogos aos observados na praia adjacente. Seus depósitos sedimentares são compostos por areias finas, moderadamente a bem selecionadas, com estratificação plano-paralela, tendo em sua porção inferior (~0,5m) icnofósseis de Ophiomorfa nodosa (galerias de Callichirus sp.). Esta sucessão sedimentar é indicativa de deposição sob o espraiamento de ondas, em condições regressivas, e com nível relativo do mar cerca de 1,4±1,0m acima do atual, estimado pela comparação da cota máxima de ocorrência do O. nodosa com o topo da biozona de Callichirus vivente. Duas amostras de sedimentos (Ber-01, basal, e Ber-02, topo) foram datadas por luminescência opticamente estimulada (LOE), com o uso do protocolo Single Aliquot Regeneration-dose (LOE-SAR). O método geocronológico por LOE-SAR indica, por premissa, a idade de última exposição à luz solar que, nesse caso, é a idade de deposição do sedimento. As medidas de dose equivalente ou paleodose obtidas em 18 (Ber-01) e 20 (Ber-02) alíquotas apresentaram baixos valores de dispersão (7,8% e 7,5%, respectivamente), calculados pelo parâmetro overdispersion de distribuição de dados. Esta baixa dispersão é o melhor indicador de que as amostras foram fotoesvaziadas previamente à deposição e soterradas com sinal LOE residual próximo de zero, e que, portanto, os processos de mistura pós-deposicionais são negligenciáveis para a interpretação dos resultados. As idades (Ber-01: 4,4±0,3 ka e Ber-02: 3,6±0,2 ka) são estratigraficamente coerentes e, além disso, compatíveis com as curvas do nível relativo do mar mais aceitas para a região, o que eleva a confiabilidade dos resultados.
Performance Management of a Government Organization: Abu Dhabi’s Experience
Authors: Malik Arshad Ashfaque , Zahir-ul-Hassan Muhammd Kaleem , Alhadhrami Abdelrahman Zaid
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this investigation is to understand how the performance management system (PMS) was implemented and used in a government organization in Abu Dhabi and how the PMS was nestled with specific organizational rationalities and context. This case study used semi-structured interviews and documents and drew upon Ferreira and Otley’s (2009) PMS framework and the Broadbent and Laughlin’s (2009) conceptual model. The former framework was used to understand the functional characteristics and use of PMS in a specific organization and the later model facilitated the understanding of the organizational context and the underlying rationality with respect to PMS. The findings exhibit that the institutionalization of PMS is a slow learning process and needs support of the top management. Specifically, the PMS was implemented in phases spanning over a period of more than five years. There was no unified reward system specifically linked to performance in the PMS and incentives/rewards varied in different divisions. Once implemented at corporate and divisional levels, the PMS was being cascaded down to individual level, to align individual goals/objectives with organizational goals. The paper contributes to the understanding of implementation and operation of PMS within a specific context in Abu Dhabi. The PMS was guided by the context where communicative rationality was dominant and that resulted in the acceptance of PMS by most of the employees. However, the field insights suggest that the case organization needs to invest in the development of human resources to support the operation of PMS.
The Strategic Responses from Sophisticated Investors to Inaccurate Forecast of Financial Analysts
Authors: Lee Kuo-Hao , Powell Loreen M. , Nguyen Lam , Eryilmaz Evren
Published: February 2018

We examine whether there are more information based trading activities that are generated around the time of earnings announcements. We distinguish between the influence of information based traders, especially short sellers, and market information quality through the reaction of participants to new information derived from corporate earnings announcements. We find that informed traders do take advantage of overpriced stocks, and do short stocks before the confirmation of past expectations of future cash flows from corporates. We apply Standardized Unexpected Earnings (SUE) in the method and our result indicates that informed traders are more likely to take advantage of overpriced stocks, using a tool (shorting) that is not traditionally used by unsophisticated investors. We also demonstrate an unique finding that informed traders follow stock analysts not for investing advice, but to take advantage of those unsophisticated investors that buy in to the rhetoric expressed by financial analysts.
Teachers’ Perspectives Surrounding ICT Use amongst SEN Students in the Mainstream Educational Setting
Authors: Abed Mohaned Ghazi
Published: February 2018

At the present time, ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is recognised as a pressing consideration ineducational establishments worldwide. Accordingly, the present research proved to be valuable to teaching staff,teachers in (Special Educational Needs) SEN and leaders in schools. This work’s aim was centred on explaining andexamining the viewpoints and experiences of teachers in regard to the adoption of ICT for learners with SEN (SpecialEducational Needs) in the overall learning setting, and identifying the relationship between inclusion and ICT.Moreover, the various approaches and conditions centred on making ICT more inclusive have been established.Qualitative interviews were carried out with a sample of twenty teachers, the findings of which suggest the adoption ofICT for learners with SEN of all ages; more specifically, computer systems were widely used for word processingalongside writing. ICT may be applied in an effort to fill the void in terms of inclusion whilst accordinglycounterbalancing any contribution and differences in terms of the inclusion of those learners with SEN. However, in aneffort to achieve this, there is a need for teaching to be adapted to the needs of students, with pedagogy needing to beincorporated alongside technology. In regard to further research, suggestions could include more comparableresearches or researches concerning the potential of one-to-one for those students with SEN.
Motocross Injuries in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients
Authors: McIntosh Amy L. , Christophersen Christy M.
Published: February 2018

Motocross is a popular sport in which participants ride a two-wheeled, motorized vehicle on an uneven 2-km track with natural or human-made obstacles. Participants compete at high rates of speed, and children as young as age 4 years compete in age-appropriate groups. Motocross is recognized as a strenuous sport with a high accident rate. Most injuries are musculoskeletal in nature. The most commonly injured areas are the forearm, clavicle, femur, and tibia. Many injuries require surgical treatment. Some patients sustain head trauma with loss of consciousness. Children should have age-appropriate training before participation is allowed. Adult supervision should occur at all times. Appropriate helmet fitting with assistance from an expert is associated with a decreased risk of concussion symptoms. Parents and coaches need to weigh the benefits of participation with the frequency of injuries, missed academic time, and the cost of medical treatment.
The Effect of WhatsApp Chat Group in Enhancing EFL Learners’ Verbal Interaction outside Classroom Contexts
Authors: Minalla Amir Abdalla
Published: February 2018

This study was mainly conducted to examine the possibility of utilizing ‘WhatsApp Group’ in enhancing EFL learners’ verbal interaction. To do this experimental and descriptive methods were used to achieve the objective of this study. A questionnaire and pre- and post- test were adopted as tools for data collection. Samples of two groups (experimental & control) were randomly selected. The results were analyzed with SPSS. Both groups were taught the same content using the traditional way integrated with WhatsApp Chat groups via text message as communicative platforms for practicing outside classroom contexts for what have been taught in the traditional class. However, the participants of experimental group were restrictively interacted via voice messages while the participants of control group were only interacted via text messages. The analysis of the data revealed that the participants who underwent the voice messages on WhattsApp treatment significantly outperformed those who underwent in text messages on WhatsApp. Hence, utilizing voice messages on WhatsApp chat group can be recommended as an efficient technique in enhancing EFL learners’ verbal interactions outside classroom contexts. Because EFL traditional classroom is no longer more appropriate in offering sufficient opportunities for EFL learners’ verbal interaction.
Online Shopping Malls: Behavioral Impacts of Short- and Long-term Store Loyalty
Authors: Miwa Yukihiro , Morisada Makoto , Dahana Wirawan D.
Published: February 2018

This study addresses how customers develop loyalty toward focal stores within an online shopping mall, and how this construct affects behavioral mall loyalty in both the short- and long-term. We employ a type II Tobit model to dynamically capture the short- and long-term impacts of store loyalty on purchase incidence and purchase amount. We further embed this model within a model of store loyalty formation to elucidate its driving factors. Applying the models to purchase history data of new customers in an online shopping mall, we observe that store loyalty has an immediate negative effect on purchase incidence; however, given a purchase, this variable increases the purchase amount in the long-term. Additionally, the formation of store loyalty appears to be significantly affected by gender, age, cumulative purchase amount, cumulative purchase frequency, and time trend. We discuss the implications of these findings for mall owners in an effort to increase revenue contribution of their tenants.
Perceiving the Tourism Image of Italy: A Study of the Destination Image Framework of Italy in the Chinese Market
Authors: Shen Han , Peng Ligang , Usai Antonio
Published: February 2018

Italy, a world class tourist destination, attracts countless tourists and was listed among the top destinations in terms of international arrivals. In recent years, the number of Chinese tourists visiting Italy has increased at an annual growth rate of 18% and Italy was listed as the favorite destination among Chinese outbound tourists. This study conducted a survey of Chinese market to understand the perception of Italy as a tourist destination. A destination image framework was developed on the basis of the data analysis. By the analysis of variance together with a multivariate linear regression analysis, the authors explored the Chinese residents’ reasons for choosing Italy as a tourist destination and the relevant related factors. The findings of this study could have implications for the country’s image marketing.
The Contribution of African Capital Markets in the Diversification of European Investment Portfolios
Authors: Barreto Alexandrino Tavares
Published: February 2018

This study aims to evaluate the contribution of the African capital markets in the diversification of  European investment portfolios. The study used the methodology based on the application of optimization models like Mean Variance (MV), Resample Michaud (RM), SemiVariance (SV), Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) and Filtered Historical Simulation (FHS). In-Sample and Out-of-Sample approaches were used to analyze the data. The study results suggested the existence of a strong correlation between some African capital markets and European capital markets, that is, they tend to move in the same direction. The most important being the diversification of global portfolio with assets of African capital markets generate benefits for both types of investors; that is, it provides benefits in the return and reduce investment risk. Still, the study result suggested that the foreign investors should look for an African capital markets with a chance to maximize their wealth and diversify the investment risk in their portfolios. In the same order, the study result went further to elaborate contribute to on the advantage of the international diversification and furthermore contribute to the literature through application of the Filtered Historical Simulation (FHS) method in the optimization portfolio. This methodology, In addition to producing good results, is more restrained in the composition of investment portfolios than the other methods.
An Empirical Analysis of the Monetary Policy Reaction Function
Authors: Nyumuah Felix S.
Published: February 2018

Monetary policy decisions usually follow a policy rule which shows a consistent response of policy instruments to variations in inflation and economic growth. The aim of this study is to establish the nature of monetary policy in developing countries through the analysis of policy reaction functions. This study uses macroeconomic data from Ghana, a typical developing country. The study employs the Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares Estimation techniques and finds the central bank to follow a backward-looking Taylor rule. The evidence is that the central bank follows some form of policy rule and focuses more on past inflation relative to current or expected inflation. The results also indicate that the Bank of Ghana has been pursuing inflation targeting monetary policy. The central bank follows an inflation targeting rule allowing for output stabilisation. The exchange rate also plays a role in this stabilization effort.
The Impacts of Interest Rate and Exchange Rate Volatilities on the Demand for Money in Developing Economies
Authors: Nyumuah Felix S.
Published: February 2018

Volatilities in the interest rate and the exchange rate cause instability in money demand functions. This study investigates the effect of interest and exchange rates volatilities on money demand in developing countries using time series data of four African countries namely, Equatorial Guinea, Gambia, Nigeria and Uganda. The model used is a conventional log linear money demand function, with money demand specified as a function of income, interest rate, inflation rate, exchange rate, interest rate volatility and exchange rate volatility. The results show that on the whole the interest rate and exchange rate volatilities do not have significant effects on money demand in developing countries. However, the money demand functions of these economies prove unstable. These findings imply that the monetary authorities should resort to inflation targeting monetary policy and employ the interest rate as the policy instrument.
Synergistic Effect of Polysaccharide Gums and Antimicrobial Agents on Susceptibility and Protein Expression of Select Pathogenic Microorganisms in Milk
Authors: Karlton-Senaye Bernice , Adjei-Fremah Sarah , Worku Mulumebet , Williams Leonard
Published: February 2018

The quest for the use of natural ingredients as preservatives and antimicrobial agents is rising. Polysaccharide gums are usually used as emulsifying agents and as preservatives. The objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of five different polysaccharide gums and antimicrobial agents on growth, susceptibility and protein expression of select pathogenic microorganisms in milk. Antimicrobial susceptibility and protein concentration were determined by disc diffusion and Pierce BCA assay, respectively. The proteome pattern and the number of protein spots were determined by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The results showed that xanthan (6.68±0.02 Log CFU/mL) caused the most growth inhibition of Salmonella enterica, compared to the control. Inclusion of pectin led to a significant (P<0.0001) 2-log reduction of Salmonella enterica during a 2-day refrigerated storage (4 oC). The highest inhibition zones (20.50±0.70) was observed in E. coli O157:H7 exposed to carrageenan-maltodextrin-cefixime. The proteome pattern was impacted by the gums with protein band of size 30kDa being the most prominent band. The highest number of protein spots (35) were obtained in locust bean treated samples. These findings indicated that tested gums affected microbial protein expression and were effective in inhibitory activity against tested pathogens specifically Escherichia coli O157:H7, thus gums hold great promise as some antimicrobial agents. Further characterization of protein targets is warranted.
Liquefaction Potential Analysis Along Coastal Area of Bengkulu Province due to the 2007 Mw 8.6 Bengkulu Earthquake
Authors: Mase Lindung Zalbuin
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a seismic response analysis study of liquefiable sites along the northern parts of the coastal area of Bengkulu Province that underwent liquefaction phenomena during the strong earthquake (8.6 Mw) on 12 September 2007. Several investigation tests, including the standard penetration test (SPT) and the soil shear wave velocity test, were conducted at 8 locations. The data were used to simulate the seismic response in order to investigate soil behaviors during the earthquake. In addition, the excess pore water pressure ratio obtained from the analysis was compared with the prediction value calculated from empirical data. The results show that liquefaction can occur at shallow depth layers dominated by loose sand. The results also confirm field evidence collected during the earthquake that was reported in several previous studies. The excess pore water pressure ratio was in good agreement with the predicted value from the empirical approach.