bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An MPEG-DASH Methodology for QoE-Aware Web3D Streaming
Authors: Kapetanakis Kostas , Zampoglou Markos , Malamos Athanasios G. , Panagiotakis Spyros , Maravelakis Emmanuel
Published: March 2015

Recent advances in web technologies have now created a ubiquitous environment for cross-platform and cross-device multimedia applications. Media files can now be reproduced in a wide range of devices, from mobile phones to desktop computers and web-enabled televisions, using a common infrastructure. This trend towards unifying the technological infrastructure, however, has given rise to a new array of problems resulting from the varying technological capabilities of the different devices and environments. This paper, proposes an adaptive streaming framework for the display of 3D models on a wide range of web-enabled devices. The open, XML-based X3D language for 3D graphics is combined with the MPEG-DASH standard for adaptive streaming. The end result is a framework that can adaptively display 3D graphics in the face of network or computational limitations, and dynamically adapt data flow to maximize user Quality of Experience in any situation.
Precise At-sea Ship System for Indoor Outdoor Navigation (PASSION) Augmentation Using Bluetooth Low Energy
Authors: Tanju Bereket , Sarkani Shahram , Mazzuchi Thomas , Perkowski Joseph , Brong Zachary , Netherton Kaatrin
Published: March 2015

The employment of smartphone sensors for navigation applications and situational awareness on naval ships and in battlefield applications has been demonstrated. The PASSION application uses Wi-Fi, accelerometers, gyroscopes, QR codes, and manual entry on Android and iPhone tracking applications for ships. This paper primarily discusses supplementing the existing implementation with a new augmentation using Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE version 4.0). The characteristics of BTLE segregated ranging using Received Signal Strength measurements are explored. The sensitivity of BTLE RSS measurements to environmental factors such as placement, cases, orientation of the device, orientation of the Smartphone and intervening materials is quantified. Algorithms that employ BTLE measurements within the framework of the overall navigation positioning and tracking problem are discussed. Their possible utilization for situational awareness and collaborative navigation is discussed.
Wireless Femto-Relays
Authors: Nomikos Nikolaos , Makris Prodromos , Skoutas Dimitrios N. , Vouyioukas Demosthenes , Skianis Charalambos
Published: March 2015

The continuous increase in mobile data traffic creates the need for radical innovations in the mobile broadband system design. Heterogeneous networks (HetNets) deployment paradigm is an emerging research trend considered as the most significant aspect for meeting the mobile data challenge, mainly by proposing spectral efficiency enhancements and cell capacity gains from an overall system perspective. Two are the main challenges that dense small cell networks are facing: a) various types of interference mainly caused by unplanned deployments, and b) limited and Quality of Service (QoS)-unreliable wired backhaul links. In this paper, the authors propose a model where femtocells' and relays' complementary characteristics are effectively exploited into femto-relays. More specifically, the authors describe four main functionalities of this model: a) interference protection, b) two-fold backhaul alternatives (i.e. wired and wireless backhaul), c) opportunistic femto-relay selection, and d) full-duplex in-band relaying. To evaluate the anticipated technical impact of the proposed model, targeted simulation results are presented for a campus topology where femto-relays are compared with classic femtocells. Finally, related open issues, such as signaling overheads management, context-aware resource management, and business logic aspects are presented, with emphasis on the femto-relay's real market penetration opportunities in the mid and long-term future.
Traffic-Based S-MAC
Authors: Shiakallis Odysseas , Mavromoustakis Constandinos X. , Mastorakis George , Bourdena Athina , Pallis Evangelos
Published: March 2015

Mobile Peer-to-Peer (MP2P) is a networking paradigm that will be exploited in the future to support technological advances and systems for the efficient provision of multiple services to mobile users. In a general context, the mobile community seeks to invest in on-the-fly services, by minimizing the effort and the increasing mobile users' performance. In this framework, the mobile Ad-Hoc Networks provide mobile nodes the flexibility of operating as flexible networking points, without the use of a centralized entity, where issues such as the energy consumption and the data packets transmission failure arise along with many more. Towards minimizing the factors that contribute to the increased consumption of the energy and the resources, as well as the loss of data, a Traffic-based S-MAC protocol is proposed in this paper to increase the data exchange and preserve the energy conservation, among the nodes in mobile Ad-Hoc Networks. The performance of the proposed protocol was thoroughly evaluated, by conducting multiple experimental results. The results verify the efficient performance of the protocol and indicate fields for further research and experimentation.
Modelling the Dynamics of Trust across a Cloud Brokerage Environment
Authors: Carroll Noel
Published: March 2015

The globalised nature of cloud computing presents us with new challenges towards the development of effective business relationships across a dynamic service ecosystem. While availing of additional service capabilities, organisations are tasked with managing unfamiliar relationships with unfamiliar cloud service providers to generate increased business value. This calls for more attention towards the concept of trust within a cloud service environment. Cloud computing presents new economic and flexible business and technological models which supports the co-creation nature of service quality and ultimately business value. This research examined various methods to assess service quality and service capability assessment. During the course of this work, the author has identified the need to revisit the concept of ‘trust' within a cloud computing context and prescribe a method to model its complexity. The objective of this paper is to argue that, while cloud computing allows organisations to avail of increased service capabilities; it challenges the concept of trust. To support this argument the author presents the Cloud Services Trust Model to explain the dynamics of trust. In doing so, it introduces a notion of a distributed relational structure in service value co-creation. The paper also draws on theoretical developments to highlight the fundamental changes in the nature of service provision and how they impact on the assessment of service value and service quality. The author supports the need for greater transparency in the move towards greater accountability in the cloud ecosystem. The paper applies social network analysis (SNA) to model the trust relationships of a cloud brokerage environment.
Malignant Rhabdoid Tumor of the Liver: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Oita Satoru , Terui Keita , Komatsu Syugo , Hishiki Tomoro , Saito Takeshi , Mitsunaga Tetsuya , Nakata Mitsuyuki , Yoshida Hideo
Published: March 2015

Malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is a rare and aggressive malignancy associated with poor outcomes. MRT of the liver is even rarer, and little information has been described. We report the case of an 8-month-old boy with MRT of the liver. The tumor showed aggressive progression despite a multidisciplinary approach, and the patient died due to multiple organ failure 14 days after admission. Autopsy revealed the liver tumor and multiple metastases with negative immunohistochemistry for INI1/BAF47. A review of 53 cases of pediatric MRT of the liver is provided.
Biweekly gemcitabine and paclitaxel in patients with relapsed or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Sukari Ammar , Al-Hajeili Marwan , Salem Mohamed , Heilbrun Lance , Smith Daryn , Yoo George , Jacobs John R , Lin Ho-Sheng , Kucuk Omer
Published: March 2015

Purpose: We conducted a Phase II, clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a biweekly gemcitabine and paclitaxel (GEMTAX) regimen as second-line treatment in patients with recurrent or metastatic unresectable, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The primary endpoint was response rate. Patients and Methods: Patients with recurrent unresectable or metastatic platinum refractory SCCHN, who had performance status ≤2 and adequate organ function, were eligible. Gemcitabine (3000 mg/m 2 intravenous) and paclitaxel (150 mg/m 2 intravenous) was given on days 1 and 15of 4 weeks cycle, until patients had disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Results: Disease control (partial response [PR] + complete response [CR] + stable disease [SD]) was noted in 19 patients (54%) and overall response (CR + PR) was noted in 8 patients (23%). However, the most frequent response outcomes were progressive disease in 16 patients (46%) and SD in 11 patients (31%). The most frequent Grade 3-4 adverse events were lymphopenia in 38 patients (75%), anemia in 20 patients (39%), and infection in 16 patients (31%). Median progression-free survival was 3.6 months; median overall survival was 6.3 months. Conclusion: The biweekly GEMTAX regimen has statistically significant grade 3 and 4 adverse events and has meaningful clinical activity as a second-line treatment in patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN who have received prior chemotherapy. This regimen may particularly be a useful treatment option in patients who progressed in <6 months of concurrent chemoradiotherapy with high-dose cisplatin and/or have recurrent/metastatic platinum refractory SCCHN.
Extensive vascular occlusions as initial presentations of systemic lupus erythematosis. A case report and review of literature
Authors: Elsharawy Mohamed A , Hasan Manal , Abdul-Rahman Ibrahiem Saeed , Al-Dhofairy Bandar , Elsaid Ayman
Published: March 2015

Widespread arterial and venous thrombosis is a very rare initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We report a case with extensive vascular occlusion as the initial manifestation of SLE. Although these cases have high morbidity and mortality, yet our patient recovered with minimal complications.
A rare case of coronary artery fistula presented with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Smettei Osama Abdalhadi , Abazid Rami Mahmood
Published: March 2015

Coronary artery fistulas (CAFs): Are anomalous connections of the coronary arteries (CA) with major vascular structures or heart chambers. Most of CAFs are incidental findings during invasive coronary angiography (ICA) or computed tomography angiography (CTA). Many patients with CAFs are asymptomatic; only a minority has been associated with various clinical features and outcomes. We have reported a rare CAF complicated with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in 43 years old female Patient who was admitted to our institution with a Diagnosis of Acute Infero-Posterior Myocardial Infarction (AMI). ICA and CTA showed a thrombosed CAF between left main coronary artery and right atrium with totally occluded left circumflex artery by a thrombus extended from the fistula. As there was a high risk associated with immediate intervention, the patient was kept on conservative management with a future plan of catheter-assisted or surgical closure. We have shown a rare case of CAF presenting with AMI that is unusual for such an anomaly, and have highlighted the role of CTA in the diagnosis and management of such rare disorder.
Major contribution of neutral clusters to new particle formation at the interface between the boundary layer and the free troposphere
Authors: Rose C. , Sellegri K. , Asmi E. , Hervo M. , Freney E. , Colomb A. , Junninen H. , Duplissy J. , Sipilä M. , Kontkanen J. , Lehtipalo K. , Kulmala M.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The formation of new aerosol particles in the atmosphere is a key process influencing the aerosol number concentration as well as the climate, in particular at high altitude, where the newly formed particles directly influence cloud formation. However, free tropospheric new particle formation (NPF) is poorly documented due to logistic limitations and complex atmospheric dynamics around high-altitude stations that make the observation of this day-time process challenging. Recent improvements in measurement techniques make now possible the detection of neutral clusters down to ~ 1 nm sizes, which opens new horizons in our understanding of the nucleation process. Indeed, only the charged fraction of clusters has been reported in the upper troposphere up to now. Here we report day-time concentrations of charged and neutral clusters (1 to 2.5 nm mobility diameter) recorded at the interface between the boundary layer (BL) and the FT as well as in the FT at the altitude site of Puy de Dôme (1465 m a.s.l.), central France, between 10 and 29 February 2012. Our findings demonstrate that in the FT, and especially at the interface between the BL and the FT, the formation of 1.5 nm neutral clusters significantly exceeds the one of ionic clusters during NPF events, clearly indicating that they dominate in the nucleation process. We also observe that the total cluster concentration significantly increases during NPF events compared to the other days, which was not clearly observed for the charged cluster population in the past. During the studied period, the nucleation process does not seem to be sulfuric acid-limited and could be promoted by the transport of pollutants to the upper troposphere, coupled with low temperatures.
Aerosol chemistry above an extended Archipelago of the Eastern Mediterranean basin during strong northern winds
Authors: Athanasopoulou E. , Protonotariou A. P. , Bossioli E. , Dandou A. , Tombrou M. , Allan J. D. , Coe H. , Mihalopoulos N. , Kalogiros J. , Bacak A. , Sciare J. , Biskos G.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Detailed aerosol chemical predictions by a carefully designed model system (i.e. PMCAMx, WRF, GEOS-CHEM), along with airborne and ground-based observations, are presented and analyzed over a wide domain covering the Aegean Archipelago. The studied period is ten successive days during the summer of 2011, characterized by the most frequent prevailing wind conditions (Etesian regime). The submicron aerosol load in the lower troposphere above the Archipelago (< 2.2 km altitude) is homogenously enriched in sulfate (average modeled and measured submicron sulfate of 5.5 and 5.8 μg m−3, respectively), followed by organics (2.3 and 4.4 μg m−3) and ammonium (1.5 and 1.7 μg m−3). Aerosol concentrations smoothly decline aloft, reaching lower values (< 1 μg m−3) above 4.2 km altitude. Model performance is found good (according the selected evaluation criteria) for sulfate, ammonium, chloride, elemental carbon, organic carbon and total PM10 mass concentration, indicating a satisfactory representation of the aerosol chemistry and precursors. Higher model discrepancies are confined to the highest (e.g. peak sulfate values) and lowest ends (e.g. nitrate) of the airborne aerosol mass size distribution, as well as in airborne organic concentrations (model underestimation around 50%). The latter is most probably related to the intense fire activity upwind the Archipelago (i.e. Balkan area and Black Sea coastline), which is not represented in the current model application. Overall, the model system shows the best agreement with observations under strong northeastern winds over the Archipelago and up to 2.2 km altitude. The activation of the chemical ageing of biogenic particles is suggested to be used for the aerosol chemistry module, when treating organics in a sufficient nitrogen and sulfate-rich environment, such as that over the Aegean basin. More than 70% of the predicted aerosol mass over the Aegean Archipelago during a representative Etesian episode is related to transport of aerosols and their precursors from outside the modeling domain.
Meso-scale modelling and radiative transfer simulations of a snowfall event over France at microwaves for passive and active modes and evaluation with satellite observations
Authors: Galligani V. S. , Prigent C. , Defer E. , Jimenez C. , Eriksson P. , Pinty J.-P. , Chaboureau J.-P.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Microwave passive and active radiative transfer simulations are performed with the Atmospheric Radiative Transfer Simulator (ARTS) for a mid-latitude snowfall event, using outputs from the Meso-NH mesoscale cloud model. The results are compared to the corresponding microwave observations available from MHS and CloudSat. The spatial structures of the simulated and observed brightness temperatures show an overall agreement since the large-scale dynamical structure of the cloud system is reasonably well captured by Meso-NH. However, with the initial assumptions on the single-scattering properties of snow, there is an obvious underestimation of the strong scattering observed in regions with large frozen hydrometeor quantities. A sensitivity analysis of both active and passive simulations to the microphysical parametrizations is conducted. Simultaneous analysis of passive and active calculations provides strong constraints on the assumptions made to simulate the observations. Good agreements are obtained with both MHS and CloudSat observations when the single-scattering properties are calculated using the "soft sphere" parametrization from Liu (2004), along with the Meso-NH outputs. This is an important step toward building a robust data set of simulated measurements to train a statistically based retrieval scheme.
High resolution and Monte Carlo additions to the SASKTRAN radiative transfer model
Authors: Zawada D. J. , Dueck S. R. , Rieger L. A. , Bourassa A. E. , Lloyd N. D. , Degenstein D. A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The OSIRIS instrument on board the Odin spacecraft has been measuring limb scattered radiance since 2001. The vertical radiance profiles measured as the instrument nods are inverted, with the aid of the SASKTRAN radiative transfer model, to obtain vertical profiles of trace atmospheric constituents. Here we describe two newly developed modes of the SASKTRAN radiative transfer model: a high spatial resolution mode, and a Monte Carlo mode. The high spatial resolution mode is a successive orders model capable of modelling the multiply scattered radiance when the atmosphere is not spherically symmetric; the Monte Carlo mode is intended for use as a highly accurate reference model. It is shown that the two models agree in a wide variety of solar conditions to within 0.2%. As an example case for both models, Odin-OSIRIS scans were simulated with the Monte Carlo model and retrieved using the high resolution model. A systematic bias of up to 4% in retrieved ozone number density between scans where the instrument is scanning up or scanning down was identified. It was found that calculating the multiply scattered diffuse field at five discrete solar zenith angles is sufficient to eliminate the bias for typical Odin-OSIRIS geometries.
Biostratigraphic evidence for dramatic Holocene uplift of Robinson Crusoe Island, Juan Fernández Ridge, SE Pacific Ocean
Authors: Sepúlveda P. , Le Roux J. P. , Lara L. E. , Orozco G. , Astudillo V.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Hotspot oceanic islands typically experience subsidence due to several processes related to migration of the oceanic plate away from the mantle plume and surface flexural loading. However, many other processes can interrupt subsidence, some of which may be associated with catastrophic events. A study of the biostratigraphy and sedimentology of Holocene deposits on Robinson Crusoe Island (RCI) on the Juan Fernández Ridge (JFR) indicated that dramatic uplift has occurred since 8000 years BP, at a rate of about 8.5mm yr-1. This is evidenced by supratidal flats with tepee structures and sand layers containing marine gastropods (mostly Nerita sp.) that are now exposed ca. 70 m a.s.l. The active hotspot is located 280 km further west and the last volcanic activity on RCI occurred at ca. 800 000 years BP. Long-term subsidence is evidenced by deep submerged marine abrasion terraces at RCI. As no direct evidence was found for the existence of a compensating bulge generated by the present hotspot upon which RCI would be situated, it must be concluded that subsidence in the wake of the mantle plume beneath the migrating plate was interrupted by very rapid uplift, but on a scale that did not fully compensate for the previous subsidence. This can be attributed to large-scale landslides followed by isostatic rebound, although this is only vaguely reflected in the low-resolution bathymetry of the area. To determine if this mechanism produced the uplift, a detailed bathymetric survey of the area will be required. If such a survey confirms this hypothesis, it may have implications for the short-term dynamics of vertical variations of oceanic edifices and their related effects on ecosystems and human population.
On the occurrence of annual layers in Dome Fuji ice core early Holocene ice
Authors: Svensson A. , Fujita S. , Bigler M. , Braun M. , Dallmayr R. , Gkinis V. , Goto-Azuma K. , Hirabayashi M. , Kawamura K. , Kipfstuhl S. , Kjær H. A. , Popp T. , Simonsen M. , Steffensen J. P. , Vallelonga P. , Vinther B. M.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Whereas ice cores from high accumulation sites in coastal Antarctica clearly demonstrate annual layering, it is debated whether a seasonal signal is also preserved in ice cores from lower accumulation sites further inland and particularly on the East Antarctic Plateau. In this study, we examine five metres of early Holocene ice from the Dome Fuji (DF) ice core in high temporal resolution by continuous flow analysis. The ice was continuously analyzed for concentrations of dust, sodium, ammonium, liquid conductivity, and water isotopic composition. Furthermore, a dielectric profiling was performed on the solid ice. In most of the analyzed ice, the multi-parameter impurity dataset appears to resolve the seasonal variability although the identification of annual layers is not always unambiguous. A layer counting based on the same principles as those previously applied to the Greenland NGRIP and the Antarctic EPICA Dronning Maud Land (EDML) ice cores leads to a mean annual layer thickness for the DF ice of 3.0 ± 0.3 cm that compares well to existing estimates. The measured DF section is linked to the EDML ice core through a characteristic pattern of three significant acidity peaks that are present in both cores. The corresponding section of the EDML ice core has recently been dated by annual layer counting and the number of years identified independently in the two cores agree within error estimates. We therefore conclude that, to first order, the annual signal is preserved in this section of the DF core. This case study demonstrates the feasibility of determining annually deposited strata on the central Eastern Antarctic Plateau. It also opens the possibility of resolving annual layers in the Eemian section of the DF ice core where the accumulation is estimated to have been greater than in the Holocene.
Glacial–interglacial shifts in global and regional precipitation δ18O
Authors: Jasechko S. , Lechler A. , Pausata F. S. R. , Fawcett P. J. , Gleeson T. , Cendón D. I. , Galewsky J. , LeGrande A. N. , Risi C. , Sharp Z. D. , Welker J. M. , Werner M. , Yoshimura K.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Previous analyses of past climate changes have often been based on site-specific isotope records from speleothems, ice cores, sediments and groundwaters. However, in most studies these dispersed records have not been integrated and synthesized in a comprehensive manner to explore the spatial patterns of precipitation isotope changes from the last ice age to more recent times. Here we synthesize 88 globally-distributed groundwater, cave calcite, and ice core isotope records spanning the last ice age to the late-Holocene. Our data-driven review shows that reconstructed precipitation δ18O changes from the last ice age to the late-Holocene range from −7.1‰ (ice age δ18O < late-Holocene δ18O) to +1.8‰ (ice age δ18O > late-Holocene δ18O) with wide regional variability. The majority (75%) of reconstructions have lower ice age δ18O values than late-Holocene δ18O values. High-magnitude, negative glacial–interglacial precipitation δ18O shifts (ice age δ18O < late-Holocene δ18O by more than 3‰) are common at high latitudes, high altitudes and continental interiors. Conversely, lower-magnitude, positive glacial–interglacial precipitation δ18O shifts (ice age δ18O > late-Holocene δ18O by less than 2‰) are most common along subtropical coasts. Broad, global patterns of glacial–interglacial precipitation δ18O shifts are consistent with stronger-than-modern isotopic distillation of air masses during the last ice age, likely impacted by larger global temperature differences between the tropics and the poles. Further, to complement our synthesis of proxy-record precipitation δ18O, we compiled isotope enabled general circulation model simulations of recent and last glacial maximum climate states. Simulated precipitation δ18O from five general circulation models show better inter-model and model-observation agreement in the sign of δ18O changes from the last ice age to present day in temperate and polar regions than in the tropics. Further model precipitation δ18O research is needed to better understand impacts of inter-model spread in simulated precipitation fluxes and parameterizations of convective rainout, seawater δ18O and glacial topography on simulated precipitation δ18O. Future paleo-precipitation proxy record δ18O research can use new global maps of glacial δ18O reconstructions to target and prioritize regional investigations of past climate states.
A 2600 year history of floods in the Bernese Alps, Switzerland: frequencies, mechanisms and climate forcing
Authors: Schulte L. , Peña J. C. , Carvalho F. , Schmidt T. , Julià R. , Llorca J. , Veit H.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. A 2600 yr long composite palaeoflood record is reconstructed from high-resolution delta plain sediments of the Hasli–Aare floodplain on the northern slope of the Swiss Alps. Natural proxies compiled from sedimentary, geochemical and geomorphological data were calibrated by textual and factual sources and instrumental data. No fewer than 12 of the 14 historically recorded extreme events between 1480 and the termination of the Hasli–Aare Correction in 1875 were also identified by coarse-grained flood layers, log(Zr/Ti) peaks and Factor 1 anomalies. Geomorphological, historical and instrumental data provide evidence for flood damage intensities and discharge estimations of severe and catastrophic historical floods. Spectral analysis of the geochemical and documentary flood series and several climate proxies (TSI, δ18O, tree-rings, NAO, SNAO) identify similar periodicities of around 60, 80, 100, 120 and 200 years during the last millennia, indicating the influence of the North Atlantic circulation and solar forcing on alpine flood dynamics. The composite floodplain record illustrates that periods of organic soil formation and deposition of phyllosilicates (from the medium high catchment area) match those of Total Solar Irradiance maxima, suggesting reduced flood activity during warmer climate pulses. Aggradation of clusters of flood layers with increased contribution of siliciclasts from the highest catchment area (plutonic bedrock) (e.g., 1300–1350, 1420–1480, 1550–1620, 1650–1720 and 1811–1851 cal yr AD) occurred predominantly during periods with reduced solar irradiance, lower δ18O anomalies, cooler summer temperatures and phases of drier spring climate in the Alps. Increased water storage by glaciers, snow cover and snow patches susceptible to melting processes associated with rainfall episodes and abrupt rises in temperature substantially increased surface run-off on slopes and discharges of alpine rivers. This interpretation is in agreement with the findings that the severe and catastrophic historical floods in the Aare since 1670 occurred mostly during positive SNAO pulses after years or even decades dominated by negative SNAO and cooler annual temperatures.
Simulating tsunami propagation in fjords with long-wave models
Authors: Løvholt F. , Glimsdal S. , Lynett P. , Pedersen G.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Tsunamis induced by rock slides constitute a severe hazard towards coastal fjord communities. Fjords are narrow and rugged with steep slopes, and modeling the short-frequency and high-amplitude tsunamis in this environment is demanding. In the present paper, our ability (and the lack thereof) to simulate tsunami propagation and run-up in fjords for typical wave characteristics of rock-slide-induced waves is demonstrated. The starting point is a 1 : 500 scale model of the topography and bathymetry of the southern part of Storfjorden fjord system in western Norway. Using measured wave data from the scale model as input to numerical simulations, we find that the leading wave is moderately influenced by nonlinearity and dispersion. For the trailing waves, dispersion and dissipation from the alongshore inundation on the traveling wave become more important. The tsunami inundation was simulated at the two locations of Hellesylt and Geiranger, providing a good match with the measurements in the former location. In Geiranger, the most demanding case of the two, discrepancies are larger. The discrepancies may be explained by a combinations of factors, such as the accumulated errors in the wave propagation along large stretches of the fjord, the coarse grid resolution needed to ensure model stability, and scale effects in the laboratory experiments.
Efficient Bayesian inference for ARFIMA processes
Authors: Graves T. , Gramacy R. B. , Franzke C. L. E. , Watkins N. W.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Many geophysical quantities, like atmospheric temperature, water levels in rivers, and wind speeds, have shown evidence of long-range dependence (LRD). LRD means that these quantities experience non-trivial temporal memory, which potentially enhances their predictability, but also hampers the detection of externally forced trends. Thus, it is important to reliably identify whether or not a system exhibits LRD. In this paper we present a modern and systematic approach to the inference of LRD. Rather than Mandelbrot's fractional Gaussian noise, we use the more flexible Autoregressive Fractional Integrated Moving Average (ARFIMA) model which is widely used in time series analysis, and of increasing interest in climate science. Unlike most previous work on the inference of LRD, which is frequentist in nature, we provide a systematic treatment of Bayesian inference. In particular, we provide a new approximate likelihood for efficient parameter inference, and show how nuisance parameters (e.g. short memory effects) can be integrated over in order to focus on long memory parameters, and hypothesis testing more directly. We illustrate our new methodology on the Nile water level data, with favorable comparison to the standard estimators.
Soil physical quality changes under different management systems after 10 years in the Argentine humid pampa
Authors: Costa J. L. , Aparicio V. , Cerdà A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. South American countries with the highest surface of land under no-tillage (NT) management are Brazil, Argentina and Chile. In Argentina, 78.5% of the agricultural land is cropped under NT management. Several experiments have confirmed the improvements in soil aggregation and infiltration achieved by NT management in dry-land farming areas associated with increases of bulk density (δb) under NT management. An increase in bulk density implies a reduction of the macro and mesoporosity that is in contradiction with the increased infiltration that occurs at macro and mesopores. We hypothesize that the increase of bulk density in NT management mainly affects the mesopores. We evaluated the evolution of the soil physical parameters in three management systems in four farmers' fields. We found that the reduction in total porosity under NT management is mainly a product of a reduction in the percentage of mesopores in the soil. In this work, the results indicate a modification of some soil physical parameters (porosity, near-saturated hydraulic conductivity, soil structure) due to uninterrupted agricultural production, but the management system did not affect the yields of crop.
Verification of analysed and forecasted winter precipitation in complex terrain
Authors: Schirmer M. , Jamieson B.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models are rarely verified for mountainous regions during the winter season, although avalanche forecasters and other decision makers frequently rely on NWP models. Winter precipitation from two NWP models (GEM-LAM and GEM15) and from a precipitation analysis system (CaPA) was verified at approximately 100 stations in the mountains of western Canada and the north-western US. Ultrasonic snow depth sensors and snow pillows were used to observe daily precipitation amounts. For the first time, a detailed objective validation scheme was performed highlighting many aspects of forecast quality. Overall, the models underestimated precipitation amounts, although low precipitation categories were overestimated. The finer resolution model GEM-LAM performed best in all analysed aspects of model performance, while the precipitation analysis system performed worst. An analysis of the economic value of large precipitation categories showed that only mitigation measures with low cost–loss ratios (i.e. measures that can be performed often) will benefit from these NWP models. This means that measures with large associated costs relative to anticipated losses when the measure is not performed should not or not primarily depend on forecasted precipitation.
An analytical model for wind-driven Arctic summer sea ice drift
Authors: Park H.-S. , Stewart A. L.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The authors present an approximate analytical model for wind-induced sea-ice drift that includes an ice–ocean boundary layer with an Ekman spiral in the ocean velocity. This model provides an analytically tractable solution that is most applicable to the marginal ice zone, where sea-ice concentration is substantially below 100%. The model closely reproduces the ice and upper-ocean velocities observed recently by the first ice-tethered profiler equipped with a velocity sensor (ITPV). The analytical tractability of our model allows efficient calculation of the sea-ice velocity provided that the surface wind field is known and that the ocean surface geostrophic velocity is relatively weak. The model is applied to estimate intraseasonal variations in Arctic sea ice cover due to short-timescale (around 1 week) intensification of the southerly winds. Utilizing 10 m surface winds from ERA-Interim reanalysis, the wind-induced sea-ice velocity and the associated changes in sea-ice concentration are calculated and compared with satellite observations. The analytical model captures the observed reduction of Arctic sea-ice concentration associated with the strengthening of southerlies on intraseasonal time scales. Further analysis indicates that the wind-induced surface Ekman flow in the ocean increases the sea-ice drift speed by 50% in the Arctic summer. It is proposed that the southerly wind-induced sea-ice drift, enhanced by the ocean's surface Ekman transport, can lead to substantial reduction in sea-ice concentration over a timescale of one week.
Whaling in the Antarctic (Australia v. Japan: New Zealand Intervening) (I.C.J.)
Authors: Peel Jacqueline
Published: March 2015

On March 31, 2014, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued its judgment in the case of Whaling in the Antarctic (Australia v. Japan: New Zealand Intervening) (Whaling Decision). In what is perhaps its most important environmental decision to date, the ICJ ordered Japan to halt its whaling program in the Southern Ocean, finding the program lacked scientific merit and breached requirements of the International Convention for the Regulation of Whaling (ICRW).
BG Group Plc v. Republic of Argentina (Sup. Ct. U.S.)
Authors: Trahanas Christina
Published: March 2015

On March 5, 2014, the Supreme Court of the United States (the Court or Supreme Court) rendered its decision in BG Group PLC v. Republic of Argentina (BG Group). Applying principles from judicial review of commercial arbitration awards to the investment treaty context, the Court overturned a decision of the United States Court of Appeals that vacated an investment treaty arbitral award. BG Group is significant because it is the first time that the Supreme Court has reviewed an investment treaty arbitration.
National Commissioner of the South African Police Service v. Southern African Human Rights Litigation Centre (Sup. Ct. App. S. Afr.)
Authors: Tladi Dire
Published: March 2015

On November 27, 2013, the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) handed down a judgment on an appeal from the South African Police Service and Prosecution Authority in National Commissioner of the South African Police Service v. Southern African Human Rights Litigation Centre (the Decision). The Court decided that the South African Police Service is empowered to initiate investigations into alleged crimes against humanity committed in the territory of another state, irrespective of whether the alleged perpetrators are present in South Africa, and ordered the authorities to initiate such investigations.
Effect of terrorism on demand for tourism in Kenya
Authors: Buigut Steven , Amendah Djesika D.
Published: March 2015

This article uses a dynamic panel data model to analyse the effects of terrorism on demand for tourism in Kenya. We use annual data from 2010 to 2013 for a widely dispersed set of 124 countries of origin covering Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa. The result suggests that a 1% increase in fatalities significantly reduces tourist arrivals by about 0.13%. This translates to a reduction of about 2507.5 visitors per year and roughly 157.1 million Kenya Shillings lost in tourism revenue per year for every one unit increase in fatality. Other proxies for terrorism, such as incidence or casualties, have a similar effect, indicating the robustness of the results. On the other hand, previous visits have a strong and positive effect on the level of current arrivals.
National identity and global culture
Authors: Marsonet Michele
Published: March 2015

It is often said today that the agreement on the possibility of greater mutual understanding among human beings has failed. Would have led to the resurgence of long-suppressed hatreds, hatreds that have their source in the differences linked to national identities, ethnic and religious. We would be short before the end of universalistic concepts that have permeated the last centuries. In addition, the skepticism resulting from the growing success of postmodern ideas on the philosophical and political. In fact, if we look at history, the decline of universalistic concepts is not specific to our age. The reassertion of national identities, ethnic and religious is a recurrent phenomenon, which occurs every time some supranational empire, more or less tyrannical, collapses. Neither seems safe to regard the resurgence of identity as a sign of abandonment of cosmopolitanism. Such events have happened in cyclic rhythm in the past and should not cause us to be pessimistic about a renewed success in the future of ideals that point to unite rather than divide, to enhance the factors that unite us as human beings rather than to emphasize the elements that separate us from each other. The loss of confidence in the sophistication, the current decline of universalist ideas are not phenomena whose origin can be traced to intellectual circles. They reflect, rather, the widespread perception that the future can not be better The problem, in short, is not to fight the global society, but to create a just global society. The term “globalization” in recent years has been loaded with negative meanings, has become a sort of fetish which gathers into one the world’s ills. All this is symptomatic of much confusion. You do not ever stress enough the positive aspects of globalization properly understood. Globalization means not necessarily homogenizing force. Globalize not necessarily equivalent to eliminate differences and identities. On the contrary. It may mean, however, give rise to a global society where respect for differences and identity becomes a matter of course. It is often said today that the agreement on the possibility of greater mutual understanding among human beings has failed. Would have led to the resurgence of long-suppressed hatreds, hatreds that have their source in the differences linked to national identities, ethnic and religious. We would be short before the end of universalistic concepts that have permeated the last centuries. In addition, the skepticism resulting from the growing success of postmodern ideas on the philosophical and political.
A global and cooperative professional/academic effort to advocate the value of public relations to organizations and society - How the global alliance is changing the future of the public relations profession
Authors: Falconi Toni Muzi
Published: March 2015

In the fall of 1964, aged 23, the author of this chapter found himself at a 3M Company HQ meeting in Saint Paul (Minnesota) with some ten other international relations professionals. An elderly and just retired William McKnight, legendary founder of what even today is an evergreen success story of a truly ‘communicative’ global company (can the reader think of any other major multinational that has survived and blossomed for a century without going through at least one major crisis?), walks in the room unannounced and amicably mutters: ‘Hey John, who are all these people in the room?’. John (Verstraete, at the time senior vice president for public relations) stands up and says: ‘Bill, these are your public relations people from around the world’. McKnight shakes his head, raises hand to chin, searches in his beard and suggests: ‘Yeah! Sure… Though maybe, before improving our image, they should worry about improving the image of their profession!’. In October 2006, in New Delhi (India), Harold Burson addressed the ICCO Conference in New Delhi (India) (Icco is the global umbrella organization of national agency associations) and expressed utmost urgence for a public relations program for public relations. It’s like the cobblers children, he said. Helas! An ongoing challenge each of us -seasoned professionals or scholars- have faced hundreds of times, in schools, colleges, universities, society at large, companies, governments, non profits…
Albania’s Visa Liberalization - An Outsiders Perspective
Authors: Oelfke Ted
Published: March 2015

The recent liberalization of Albania’s Visa policy on travel is arguably the most positive situation for the Albanian people in decades. They are no longer required to obtain Visas to visit other European countries and places them on equal footing with other European nations in developing both personal and professional relationships. There is no a need to “feel” inferior in any in terms of their ability to travel. This liberalization will undoubtedly provide additional opportunities for both personal and professional travel throughout the region additionally, as witnessed by the tremendous celebrations of the announcement it has also served as a source of pride. However, along with the pride and opportunities the liberalization could have some both short term and some long term negative impacts. This paper will attempt to explore some of both the positive and potential negative impacts of these important changes.
Bismarck’s Orphan: The Modern World and Its Destiny, from “Disenchantment” to the “Steel Cage”
Authors: Ferrarotti Franco
Published: March 2015

The major contribution of Max Weber, according to the author, is to be seen in the concept of the “modern world” and its destiny as a society based on rational calculation. Such modern rationality is technically equipped and formal from a logical point of view. It provides a link between desired social goals and available resources to reach them. It is also a challenge for the decision-making power groups, unable to face the consequences of such rationality that begins as a liberation from traditional values and ends up in some sort of “steel cage”. Weber does not seem capable of suggesting a way out of this social and political contradiction.
Albania, the human factor and sustainable development: a lesson from the present
Authors: Musaraj Arta
Published: March 2015

Albania as all Balkan countries in general, in the past 20 years faced with deep and continuous socio-economic change which resulted not simply in a totally newly shaped economy, but also in new and unexperienced paths of human resources developments. This referring to the qualitative, quantitative and diversification terms, brings the age of new professions and connections between the academic development and advancement and the adaption with the real necessities of the labor market. Adding to this complex and mobile situation the effect on their economy of the last financial crisis, the turbulence level is expected to be increased . Practitioners and researchers must understand connections and make up different scenarios which will face with a very unpredictable environment. Not surprisingly, Albania as some other southwestern European countries, due to the low level of integration into the international financial market, their mainly domestic market for goods and services produced by them, did not suffer the same consequences as other neighboring countries. But even the effect of downsizing their economies will affect Albanian economy too, because the payment balance and foreign trade balance as well as due to the widening of globalization in its domestic economy, which Albania cannot afford to avoid any longer. At the same time, the country must take in consideration the economic structure change and its adoption with the EU countries economic structure. These two main challenges can be afforded with substantial foreign investments and the most attractive resource has proved to be the human one. Sustainable development of human resources for a national sustainable development, requires making pro-active decision regarding their development and planning. The welfare of countries more and more is not being measured by the GDP pro capita, instead it is being used the term” life quality” which calls for decision making process aiming to increase and not simply exploit, which pro-actively develops qualitative human resources . This because a major factor for development is direct foreign investment. This drives Albania as well as other Balkan countries shift from naturally gifted with human resources due to the high nativity toward having attractive human resources in terms of quality and diversity related to actual and future trends of economy structuring and development. The paper deals with issues related to economic and human development by comparing two major factors in the case of Albania: the quality of human resources, role of foreign investments in the Albanian economic development and effects of human resources have on them and the careful planning of human resources development driven by actual and future trends of economic development. At the same time, the paper analyses the necessity to link the didactic offer of universities and high schools and market driving forces.
Development: What’s in a name?
Authors: Baysal Nurcan
Published: March 2015

The article looks into the process of the creation of development discourse in Turkey and its consequences on the field. In the first section of the article, amusing anectodes are given from 1990s during which this process unfolded and gave way to a “project industry” with the EU accession period in Turkey. The focus of the second part is on the evaluation of paradigm shift towards “human development”. Evaulation methods of development projects, numbers, statistics, indexes in this paradigm are critically interpreted. In the last part, field cases from Kavar Region, east of Turkey, are given in order to find answers to questions like what development means for Kavar and the relationship between happiness, dignity and development.