bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Promising Method of Typhoon Wave Retrieval from Gaofen-3 Synthetic Aperture Radar Image in VV-Polarization
Authors: Ji Qiyan , Shao Weizeng , Sheng Yexin , Yuan Xinzhe , Sun Jian , Zhou Wei , Zuo Juncheng
Published: June 2018

The motivation of this work is to explore the possibility of typhoon wave retrieval (the main parameter is significant wave height (SWH)) for C-band Gaofen (GF-3) synthetic aperture radar (SAR) with a wide swath coverage (>400 km). We aim to establish an analysis of a typhoon wave in the subresolution-scale (approximately 20 × 20 km2) on GF-3 SAR through SAR-measured parameters, including a normalized radar cross section (NRCS) and variance of the normalized SAR image (herein called cvar), which are the basic variables in an empirical wave retrieval algorithm and are independent of visible wave streaks. Several typhoons around the China Seas were captured by Chinese GF-3 SAR in 2017; e.g., Noru, Doksuri, Talim and Hato. The wave fields simulated from the third-generation numerical wave model WAVEWATCH-III (WW3) are collocated with these images. In general, the distribution patterns of the typhoon waves from the WW3 model are consistent with wave fields from the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) at 0.125° grids, indicating that the simulation results from the WW3 model are suitable for our study. In addition to winds retrieved from GF-3 SAR images in vertical-horizontal (VH) polarization, the characteristics of the typhoon wave on vertical-vertical (VV) polarization GF-3 SAR images are studied. It is found that SWH has a linear relationship with NRCS and cvar, however, SWH fluctuates with wind speed at all incidence angles. Based on the analyzed results, we simply tune two empirical wave retrieval algorithms for GF-3 SAR in typhoons. Although the correlation (COR) reaches 0.5 taking account into the NRCS term, a more accurate retrieval algorithm, including more related terms, is anticipated for further development for GF-3 SAR and validated through more typhoon images.
On-Line Learning of Write Strategy for Ultra-Speed CD-RW Optical Recorder
Authors: Yao Leehter , Huang June-Kai
Published: June 2018

An on-line machine learning approach integrating the genetic algorithm (GA) and jitter measurements is proposed to learn the write strategy for the infrared diode of ultra-speed CD-RW recorders. The recording performance differs significantly for the CD-RW discs recorded for the first, second, or third time above. It is difficult to learn one set of write strategy parameters for the infrared diode of ultra-speed CD-RW recorder that satisfies the recording specifications for three different types of discs. The GA is applied to the on-line learning of write strategy. However, the convergence of GA stagnates at the final stage of the learning process due to the fact that the write strategy parameters learned by the GA need to satisfy the recording specifications for discs recorded for the first time, second time and third time within one recording trial. To overcome this difficulty, a scheme called dynamic parameter encoding is proposed. This scheme improves the GA convergence and explores the search space much better than the conventional GA.
Multifunction RF Systems for Naval Platforms
Authors: Moo Peter W. , DiFilippo David J.
Published: June 2018

The evolving role of modern navies has required increasingly higher levels of capability in the Radio Frequency (RF) shipboard systems that provide radar, communications, Electronic Attack (EA) and Electronic Support (ES) functions. The result has been a proliferation of topside antennas and associated hardware on naval vessels. The notion of MultiFunction RF (MFRF) systems has drawn considerable interest as an approach to reversing this trend. In a MFRF system, RF functions are consolidated within a shared set of electronics and antenna apertures that utilize Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology. This paper highlights a number of issues to be considered in the design and implementation of a naval MFRF system. Specifically, the key requirements of the RF functions of interest are first reviewed, and MFRF system design trade-offs resulting from costs and/or performance limitations in existing hardware technology are then discussed. It is found that limitations in hardware technology constrain the implementation of practical MFRF systems. MFRF system prototype development programs that have been conducted in other countries are described. MFRF resource allocation management is identified as an important future research topic.
Design and Test of a New Inductive Force Sensor
Authors: Giesberts Robert , Sluiter Victor , Verkerke Gijsbertus
Published: June 2018

The currently accepted interval of weekly cast changes in the treatment of clubfeet seems unsubstantiated. A force sensor is needed to determine the adaptation rate of a clubfoot to establish what cast change interval would be most effective and efficient. We developed a force sensor based on the principle that the resonance frequency of an LC-tank changes when a metal target is brought in close proximity. A thin rubber ring between the LC-tank and the metal target transformed this proximity sensor into a force sensor. With a static load test and an incremental load test, the performance of the constructed force sensors was characterized. The custom-made sensor showed excellent sensitivity ((1.7±0.8×105) counts/N), resolution ((0.15±0.06) mN), and accuracy ((3.5±3.0) %) for the application. The observed drift was (2.1±0.7) %/log10(h), which is lower than other thin force sensors. Preliminary results of measurements in the treatment of Dupuytren fingers and clubfeet show good functioning for long-term force measurements.
Recent Surface Water Extent of Lake Chad from Multispectral Sensors and GRACE
Authors: Buma Willibroad Gabila , Lee Sang-Il , Seo Jae Young
Published: June 2018

Consistent observations of lakes and reservoirs that comprise the majority of surface freshwater globally are limited, especially in Africa where water bodies are exposed to unfavorable climatic conditions and human interactions. Publicly available satellite imagery has increased the ability to monitor water bodies of various sizes without much financial hassle. Landsat 7 and 8 images were used in this study to estimate area changes around Lake Chad. The Automated Water Extraction Index (AWEI), Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), Modified Normalized Difference Water Index (MNDWI) and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) were compared for the remote sensing retrieval process of surface water. Otsu threshold method was used to separate water from non-water features. With an overall accuracy of ~96% and an inter-rater agreement (kappa coefficient) of 0.91, the MNDWI was a better indicator for mapping recent area changes in Lake Chad and was used to estimate the lake’s area changes from 2003–2016. Extracted monthly areas showed an increasing trend and ranged between ~1242 km2 and 2231 km2 indicating high variability within the 13-year period, 2003–2016. In addition, we combined Landsat measurements with Total Water Storage Anomaly (TWSA) data from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellites. This combination is well matched with our estimated surface area trends. This work not only demonstrates the importance of remote sensing in sparsely gauged developing countries, it also suggests the use of freely available high-quality imagery data to address existing lake crisis.
Proximal Optical Sensors for Nitrogen Management of Vegetable Crops: A Review
Authors: Padilla Francisco M. , Gallardo Marisa , Peña-Fleitas M. Teresa , De Souza Romina , Thompson Rodney B.
Published: June 2018

Optimal nitrogen (N) management is essential for profitable vegetable crop production and to minimize N losses to the environment that are a consequence of an excessive N supply. Proximal optical sensors placed in contact with or close to the crop can provide a rapid assessment of a crop N status. Three types of proximal optical sensors (chlorophyll meters, canopy reflectance sensors, and fluorescence-based flavonols meters) for monitoring the crop N status of vegetable crops are reviewed, addressing practical caveats and sampling considerations and evaluating the practical use of these sensors for crop N management. Research over recent decades has shown strong relationships between optical sensor measurements, and different measures of crop N status and of yield of vegetable species. However, the availability of both: (a) Sufficiency values to assess crop N status and (b) algorithms to translate sensor measurements into N fertilizer recommendations are limited for vegetable crops. Optical sensors have potential for N management of vegetable crops. However, research should go beyond merely diagnosing crop N status. Research should now focus on the determination of practical fertilization recommendations. It is envisaged that the increasing environmental and societal pressure on sustainable crop N management will stimulate progress in this area.
PCR Species-Specific Primers for Molecular Gut Content Analysis to Determine the Contribution of Generalist Predators to the Biological Control of the Vector of Xylella fastidiosa
Authors: Lantero Esther , Matallanas Beatriz , Pascual Susana , Callejas Carmen
Published: June 2018

The European Union (EU) is facing the recent arrival of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Its fast spread has caused great alarm because of the economic impact it implies for the agroeconomy of European countries. Among its insect vectors, Philaenus spumarius has been demonstrated to transmit the bacterium from infected to uninfected trees in the EU, where different measures have been established to control it. One of the proposals to manage this vector is the augmentation of natural enemy populations. However, the identification of candidate predator species is essential if such a management system is to be introduced. The present paper describes a set of species-specific primers designed to detect the presence of P. spumarius DNA in soil arthropod fauna generalist predators’ gut which can reveal candidate species for the pest’s biological control. Such primers have been proven to be a useful and reliable taxonomic tool for P. spumarius identification at any life stage, i.e., nymphs. This rapid and accurate identification is essential for control strategies designed to avoid the spread of the pest and consequently the considerable economic losses it causes in crops.
Comparison of Forecasting India’s Energy Demand Using an MGM, ARIMA Model, MGM-ARIMA Model, and BP Neural Network Model
Authors: Jiang Feng , Yang Xue , Li Shuyu
Published: June 2018

Better prediction of energy demand is of vital importance for developing countries to develop effective energy strategies to improve energy security, partly because those countries’ energy demands are increasing rapidly. In this work, metabolic grey model (MGM), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA), MGM-ARIMA, and back propagation neural network (BP) are adopted to forecast energy demand in India, the third largest energy consumer in the world after China and the USA. The average relative errors between the actual and simulated value are 1.31% (MGM), 1.07%, 0.92% (MGM-ARIMA), and 0.39% (BP). The high prediction accuracy indicates that the prediction result is effective. The result shows that India’s energy consumption will increase by 4.75% a year in the next 14 years. Compared with the 5.1% per year on average in 1995–2016, India’s energy consumption will still continue its steady growth at about 5% growth from 2017 to 2030.
Copula-Based Joint Probability Analysis of Compound Floods from Rainstorm and Typhoon Surge: A Case Study of Jiangsu Coastal Areas, China
Authors: Ai Ping , Yuan Dingbo , Xiong Chuansheng
Published: June 2018

Coastal areas are vulnerable to floods caused by rainstorms and typhoons. It is necessary to ascertain the risk of floods caused by both of these extreme weather events. A conceptual risk model is proposed to evaluate the rainstorm risk, typhoon surge risk, and the compound risk in the coastal areas of Jiangsu Province during the period of 1960–2012. The results of the model show that the typhoon surge risk in the study region is greater than the rainstorm risk. Three Archimedean copulas were used to fit the joint probability distributions of the compound events. The Frank copula and the Gumbel copula proved to be the best-fitting joint distribution function for the Huaibei plain district and the Lixiahe district, respectively. The probability of the extreme compound events not happening is less than 90% in the study region. This means that the flood risk is mainly subject to the encounter of a low-level rainstorm and a low-level typhoon surge. The study shows that the northern region of Jiangsu Province is more vulnerable to the compound risk, and that we should pay more attention to the floods caused by the compound events of rainstorm and typhoon surge.
Compact Multi Bit Slotted C-Scatterer for Threshold Sensitive Chipless Wireless Temperature Sensor
Authors: El Matbouly Hatem , Tedjini Smail , Zannas Konstantinos , Duroc Yvan
Published: June 2018

This paper presents a novel compact scatterer structure for a passive chipless wireless temperature threshold sensor. The structure is based on a single C-scatterer with multiple embedded slots; each slot forms a sub-scatterer dedicated to resonating in one regulated band. This structure has the advantage of increasing the data capacity without increasing the number of scatterers, which results in a more compact sensor size. The sensing principle is based on the detuning of the resonance frequency peaks of the backscattered signal from the slotted scatterer due to temperature variations. For the first time, this work demonstrates the design of a passive chipless sensor while at the same time respecting the conventional radio frequency (RF) emission regulations. The sensor only exploits the allowed bands: European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) and Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM). Sensitivity measurement results show sensitive characteristics in the order of 10−4 GHz/°C in accordance with the theoretical predictions.
A New Conjugation Method Used for the Development of an Immunoassay for the Detection of Amanitin, a Deadly Mushroom Toxin
Authors: Bever Candace S. , Barnych Bogdan , Hnasko Robert , Cheng Luisa W. , Stanker Larry H.
Published: June 2018

One of the deadliest mushrooms is the death cap mushroom, Amanita phalloides. The most toxic constituent is α-amanitin, a bicyclic octapeptide, which damages the liver and kidneys. To develop a new tool for detecting this toxin, polyclonal antibodies were generated and characterized. Both α- and β-amanitin were coupled to carrier proteins through four different linking chemistries, one of which has never before been described. These conjugates were evaluated for their effectiveness in generating antibodies specific for the free toxin, as well as their utility in formatting heterogeneous assays with high sensitivity. Ultimately, these efforts yielded a newly described conjugation procedure utilizing periodate oxidation followed by reductive amination that successfully resulted in generating sensitive immunoassays (limit of detection (LOD), ~1.0 µg/L). The assays were characterized for their selectivity and were found to equally detect α-, β-, and γ-amanitin, and not cross-react with other toxins tested. Toxin detection in mushrooms was possible using a simple sample preparation method. This enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a simple and fast test, and readily detects amatoxins extracted from A. phalloides.
Spatio-Temporal Synthesis of Continuous Precipitation Series Using Vine Copulas
Authors: Callau Poduje Ana Claudia , Haberlandt Uwe
Published: June 2018

Long and continuous series of precipitation in a high temporal resolution are required for several purposes, namely, urban hydrological applications, design of flash flood control structures, etc. As data of the temporally required resolution is often available for short period, it is advantageous to develop a precipitation model to allow for the generation of long synthetic series. A stochastic model is applied for this purpose, involving an alternating renewal process (ARP) describing a system consisting of spells that can take two possible states: wet or dry. Stochastic generation of rainfall time series using ARP models is straight forward for single site simulation. The aim of this work is to present an extension of the model to spatio-temporal simulations. The proposed methodology combines an occurrence model to define in which locations rainfall events occur simultaneously with a multivariate copula to generate synthetic events. Rainfall series registered in different regions of Germany are used to develop and test the methodology. Results are compared with an existing method in which long independent time series of rainfall events are transformed to spatially dependent ones by permutation of their order. The proposed model shows to perform as a satisfactory extension of the ARP model for multiple sites simulations.
Application of Data Mining Technology in the Subject Tactical Teaching of Badminton
Authors: Yang Delin
Published: June 2018

In badminton field tactics teaching, there are problems of not timely, inaccu-rate and incomplete data collection of completion cases, not deep enough da-ta and too few personalized training programs for athletes' tactics. Aiming at solving the above problems, the traditional Apriori association algorithm was optimized, and the algorithm was applied to the acquisition of badminton field tactics case data. Moreover, the multidimensional data mining was con-ducted, thus providing a scientific and personalized teaching plan for bad-minton field tactical teaching. The simulation experiments showed that data mining technology applied to badminton field tactics teaching could effec-tively put forward personalized teaching plan for data support from the tacti-cal point of view, and improve the effect of badminton field tactical teach-ing.
Factors Determining the Use of E-Government Services
Authors: Mensah Isaac Kofi , Vera Piankova , Mi Jianing
Published: June 2018

E-government adoption studies have often focused on predictors determining the use of e-government services from a citizen-specific country without considering other foreign nationals domiciling in such countries. This study, therefore, sought to investigate the willingness of Russian students in China to use e-government services. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was used as the theoretical framework while the data capture and analysis were done with SPSS. The results indicate that perceived ease of use, perceived service quality, trust, and language were significant in determining the willingness to use e-government services. Language also had a positive impact on the perceived service quality and perceived ease of use. Perceived usefulness was however not significant in influencing the willingness to use. Age, gender and education had a significant direct impact on the perceived ease of use of e-government services. These demographic factors were not significant in deciding the perceived usefulness. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Tablets in Primary Schools
Authors: Fokides Emmanuel
Published: June 2018

This article presents the results of a short project in which tablets were used for teaching the respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems to 162 sixth-grade primary school students who were divided into three groups. The first group was taught conventionally using a textbook, while in the second a constructivist teaching method was applied and the teachers actively participated in the process. The third group was also taught using the same constructivist teaching method, but the instruction was technologically enhanced with tablets and an application with augmented reality features. Data was collected by means of evaluation sheets and a questionnaire. The results indicated that students in the third group outperformed students in the other two groups. As for students' misconceptions, the only notable difference was between the third and first group. These results can be attributed to students' strong positive attitude towards the use of tablets, motivation, and enjoyment, as well as to the teaching method. The study's implications are also discussed.
De-Marginalizing Technophilosophy and Ethical Inquiry for an Evolving Technological Society
Authors: Luppicini Rocci
Published: June 2018

How does technoethics help de-marginalize the philosophy of technology (technophilosophy) within academia and society? The first part reviews key academic and technological developments within contemporary technophilosophy defined in terms of its core areas, namely, technometaphysics, technoepistemology, technopraxiology, technoethics, and technoaesthetics. The second part discusses the rapid development of technoethics and the success of technoethical inquiry to illustrate practical ways to leverage technophilosophy within academia and society. The article concludes with recommendations on how to continue developing technophilosophy to target key research areas to build on its success, strategic positioning within academia, and growing relevance within society.
Entrepreneurial Personality: A Configurational Approach
Authors: Mathews Jose
Published: June 2018

Entrepreneurial personality research can be said to be at crossroads as researchers are unable to formulate an approach that has predictive and explanatory powers. The developments in personality research have prompted entrepreneurial personality researchers to suggest a model that is capable of explaining the structure and processes of entrepreneurial personality. The configurational model suggested in this paper draws upon the trait dynamics and the Cognitive-Affective Personality System theory of personality reflecting the features of a total system view of entrepreneurial personality that clearly differentiates the patterns of entrepreneurial and non-entrepreneurial behaviours. Trait theory and the Cognitive-Affective Personality System theory variables delve into the deeper psychological processes to identify the basic structure and the processes of entrepreneurial personality. The configurational dynamics espouse the general pattern of entrepreneurial personality in an interactive and mediating relation among the intra-individual structures including the situation. The configurational dynamics further identify and differentiate the specific entrepreneurial personality constructs that researchers and practitioners frequently refer to.
The relationship between resilience and empowering leader behaviour of nurse managers in the mining healthcare sector
Authors: Tau Babalwa , Du Plessis Emmerentia , Koen Daleen , Ellis Suria
Published: June 2018

Background: The South African mining healthcare sector faces injuries, illnesses including HIV and AIDS and high staff turnover rates. In this sector, nurse managers should create an optimal environment for providing nursing care by motivating, influencing and empowering nurses.Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between nurse managers’ resilience and empowering leader behaviour in this sector.Method: The study employed a quantitative, descriptive and correlational design. The research population comprised 31 nurse managers, 101 professional nurses, 79 enrolled nurses and 79 enrolled nursing auxiliaries who participated in the study. Two questionnaires were used as data collection methods, namely Wagnild and Young’s Resilience Scale Questionnaire to investigate the resilience of nurse managers and the Empowering Leadership Questionnaire to measure empowering leader behaviour of the nurses supervised by a particular nurse manager.Results: Out of 31 nurse managers, 8 had a low level, 19 had a moderate level and 4 had a high level of resilience. According to Hoteling’s t-test the nurse managers in the low resilience group displayed lower empowering leader behaviour as perceived by their team members than those in the high resilience group in terms of the five factors included in the Empowerment Leadership Questionnaire.Conclusion: Respondents with high resilience scores tended to have higher leader empowering behaviour.Recommendations include the strengthening of nurse managers’ resilience through workshops and reflection practices, debriefing and performance feedback sessions.
Circumcision and prevention of HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe: Male genital cutting as a religio-cultural rite
Authors: Rugwiji Temba T.
Published: June 2018

Circumcision originated from ancient religious (biblical) and cultural societies. Study has shown that in both the biblical (Israelite) context and among the Karanga people in Zimbabwe circumcision emerged as a rite of passage for a boy child’s entry into manhood. Modern societies promulgate circumcision as a preventive method against HIV and AIDS. The present study argues that circumcision tends to promote irresponsible sexual behaviour and trivialises the sacredness of sex. (1) To safeguard societies against the belief that circumcision prevents HIV and AIDS. (2) To sensitise societies that abstinence and condom usage will serve as preventive methods against HIV and AIDS. The study utilises two complimentary methods: (1) comparative literary method which examines both biblical and cultural initiation procedures and (2) qualitative research method in which an interview forms part of the data pool. The potential of a scientific contribution towards transforming both the mind and lifestyle can be guaranteed. The number of individuals opting to be circumcised will decline, and abstinence and condom usage should be promoted towards the prevention of HIV and AIDS. In both ancient Israel and among the Karanga people of Zimbabwe, circumcision was performed as a religious and cultural procedure. In both contexts circumcision was regarded as a rite of passage to prepare a boy child for entry into manhood. The article argued that circumcision does not prevent HIV and AIDS. To the contrary, circumcision tends to endorse promiscuity and unprotected sex, with a potential of increasing HIV and AIDS prevalence.
Wilm’s tumor presenting with scrotal varicocele in an 11-month-old boy
Authors: Idowu Bukunmi M , Tanimola Adebayo G
Published: June 2018

This is a case report of Wilms’ tumor which presented with varicocele in an 11-month old infant. The age of the patient and the uncommon mode of presentation are the unique features of this case. This case emphasizes the need to exclude a renal tumor in children with scrotal varicoceles.
Imaging of dentate nucleus pathologies; a pictorial essay
Authors: Bhattacharya Kajari , Pendharkar Hima , Gupta Arun K
Published: June 2018

Dentate nucleus is affected in a wide variety of conditions. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain is the diagnostic modality of choice for delineating the signal characteristics, which helps in narrowing down a vast list of differentials for conditions affecting the dentate. Computed tomography plays an important role, especially for pathologies associated with calcification of dentate nucleus.
On the Apocalypse that No One Noticed
Authors: Krevel Mojca
Published: June 2018

“[W]hat if they gave an apocalypse and nobody noticed?” was the question that Brooks Landon (1991, 239) proposed as the central thematic concern of the 1980s cyberpunk – a movement which today represents a landmark in the development of the science fiction genre. Diverse as they are in their focus and scope, the contributions to this issue of ELOPE, dedicated to the position and role of speculative fiction, and especially science fiction, in a world which is increasingly becoming speculative and science fictional, invariably demonstrate that an apocalypse did indeed take place and went by largely unnoticed.
Occupational Therapy Interventions to Improve Performance of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living for Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hunter Elizabeth G. , Kearney Pamalyn J.
Published: June 2018

OBJECTIVE. We examined the effectiveness of interventions within the scope of occupational therapy to improve the performance of instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) for community-dwelling older adults.

METHOD. We searched and examined the literature (2008 through 2016) using four electronic databases. Fourteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised and synthesized.

RESULTS. Analysis revealed four thematic areas: cognitive, self-management, prevention, and home-based multidisciplinary rehabilitation interventions. Strong evidence supports the use of tailored, multidisciplinary, home-based care programs to support older adults to maintain IADL improvements over time and the use of cognitive interventions to improve memory, executive function, functional status, and everyday problem solving. In addition, strong evidence indicates that tailored home-based preventive sessions were beneficial to mediate functional disability and satisfaction with performance.

CONCLUSION. Evidence supports tailored interventions designed to enhance IADL performance. More studies are needed that focus on IADLs specifically and that use IADLs in their interventions.
The impact of future emission policies on tropospheric ozone using a parameterised approach
Authors: Turnock Steven T. , Wild Oliver , Dentener Frank J. , Davila Yanko , Emmons Louisa K. , Flemming Johannes , Folberth Gerd A. , Henze Daven K. , Jonson Jan E. , Keating Terry J. , Kengo Sudo , Lin Meiyun , Lund Marianne , Tilmes Simone , O'Connor Fiona M.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. This study quantifies future changes in tropospheric ozone (O3) using
a simple parameterisation of source–receptor relationships based on
simulations from a range of models participating in the Task Force on
Hemispheric Transport of Air Pollutants (TF-HTAP) experiments. Surface and
tropospheric O3 changes are calculated globally and across 16 regions
from perturbations in precursor emissions (NOx, CO, volatile organic compounds – VOCs)
and methane (CH4) abundance only, neglecting any impact from climate
change. A source attribution is provided for each source region along with an
estimate of uncertainty based on the spread of the results from the models.
Tests against model simulations using the Hadley Centre Global Environment
Model version 2 – Earth system configuration (HadGEM2-ES) confirm that the approaches
used within the parameterisation perform well for most regions. The
O3 response to changes in CH4 abundance is slightly larger in
the TF-HTAP Phase 2 than in the TF-HTAP Phase 1 assessment (2010) and provides
further evidence that controlling CH4 is important for limiting
future O3 concentrations. Different treatments of chemistry and
meteorology in models remain one of the largest uncertainties in calculating
the O3 response to perturbations in CH4 abundance and
precursor emissions, particularly over the Middle East and south Asia
regions. Emission changes for the future Evaluating the CLimate and Air Quality
ImPacts of Short-livEd Pollutants (ECLIPSE) scenarios and a subset of
preliminary Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) indicate that surface
O3 concentrations will increase regionally by 1 to 8 ppbv in 2050.
Source attribution analysis highlights the growing importance of CH4
in the future under current legislation. A change in the global tropospheric
O3 radiative forcing of +0.07 W m−2 from 2010 to 2050 is
predicted using the ECLIPSE scenarios and SSPs, based solely on changes in
CH4 abundance and tropospheric O3 precursor emissions and
neglecting any influence of climate change. Current legislation is shown to
be inadequate in limiting the future degradation of surface ozone air quality
and enhancement of near-term climate warming. More stringent future emission
controls provide a large reduction in both surface O3 concentrations
and O3 radiative forcing. The parameterisation provides a simple tool
to highlight the different impacts and associated uncertainties of local and
hemispheric emission control strategies on both surface air quality and the
near-term climate forcing by tropospheric O3.
Can explicit convection improve modelled dust in summertime West Africa?
Authors: Roberts Alexander J. , Woodage Margaret J. , Marsham John H. , Highwood Ellie J. , Ryder Claire L. , McGinty Willie , Wilson Simon , Crook Julia
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Global and regional models have large systematic errors in their modelled dust fields over West Africa. It is well established that cold-pool outflows from moist convection (haboobs) can raise over 50 % of the dust over parts of the Sahara and Sahel in summer, but parameterised moist convection tends to give a very poor representation of this in models. Here, we test the hypothesis that an explicit representation of convection in the Met Office Unified Model (UM) improves haboob winds and so may reduce errors in modelled dust fields. The results show that despite varying both grid spacing and the representation of convection there are only minor changes in dust aerosol optical depth (AOD) and dust mass loading fields between simulations. In all simulations there is an AOD deficit over the observed central Saharan dust maximum and a high bias in AOD along the west coast: both features are consistent with many climate (CMIP5) models. Cold-pool outflows are present in the explicit simulations and do raise dust. Consistent with this, there is an improved diurnal cycle in dust-generating winds with a seasonal peak in evening winds at locations with moist convection that is absent in simulations with parameterised convection. However, the explicit convection does not change the AOD field in the UM significantly for several reasons. Firstly, the increased windiness in the evening from haboobs is approximately balanced by a reduction in morning winds associated with the breakdown of the nocturnal low-level jet (LLJ). Secondly, although explicit convection increases the frequency of the strongest winds, they are still weaker than observed, especially close to the observed summertime Saharan dust maximum: this results from the fact that, although large mesoscale convective systems (and resultant cold pools) are generated, they have a lower frequency than observed and haboob winds are too weak. Finally, major impacts of the haboobs on winds occur over the Sahel, where, although dust uplift is known to occur in reality, uplift in the simulations is limited by a seasonally constant bare-soil fraction in the model, together with soil moisture and clay fractions which are too restrictive of dust emission in seasonally varying vegetated regions. For future studies, the results demonstrate (1) the improvements in behaviour produced by the explicit representation of convection, (2) the value of simultaneously evaluating both dust and winds and (3) the need to develop parameterisations of the land surface alongside those of dust-generating winds.
Calculating the aerosol asymmetry factor based on measurements from the humidified nephelometer system
Authors: Zhao Gang , Zhao Chunsheng , Kuang Ye , Bian Yuxuan , Tao Jiangchuan , Shen Chuanyang , Yu Yingli
Published: June 2018

Abstract. The aerosol asymmetry factor (g) is one of the most important
factors for assessing direct aerosol radiative forcing. However, little
attention has been paid to the measurement and parameterization of g. In
this study, the characteristics of g are studied based on field
measurements over the North China Plain (NCP) using the Mie scattering
theory. The results show that calculated g values for dry aerosol can vary
over a wide range (between 0.54 and 0.67). Furthermore, when ambient relative
humidity (RH) reaches 90 %, g is significantly enhanced by a factor of
1.2 due to aerosol hygroscopic growth. For the first time, a novel method of
calculating g based on measurements from the humidified nephelometer system
is proposed. This method can constrain the uncertainty of g to within
2.56 % for dry aerosol populations and 4.02 % for ambient aerosols,
providing that aerosol hygroscopic growth is taken into account. Sensitivity
studies show that aerosol hygroscopicity plays a vital role in the accuracy
of predicting g.
31 years of hourly spatially distributed air temperature, humidity, and precipitation amount and phase from Reynolds Critical Zone Observatory
Authors: Kormos Patrick R. , Marks Danny G. , Seyfried Mark S. , Havens Scott C. , Hedrick Andrew , Lohse Kathleen A. , Sandusky Micah , Kahl Annelen , Garen David
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Thirty-one years of spatially distributed air temperature, relative humidity,
dew point temperature, precipitation amount, and precipitation phase data are
presented for the Reynolds Creek Experimental Watershed, which is part of the
Critical Zone Observatory network. The air temperature, relative humidity,
and precipitation amount data are spatially distributed over a 10 m
lidar-derived digital elevation model at an hourly time step using a
detrended kriging algorithm. This 21 TB dataset covers a wide range of
weather extremes in a mesoscale basin (238 km2) that encompasses the
rain–snow transition zone and should find widespread application in earth
science modeling communities. Spatial data allow for a more holistic
analysis of basin means and elevation gradients, compared to weather station
data measured at specific locations. Files are stored in the NetCDF file
format, which allows for easy spatiotemporal averaging and/or subsetting.
Data are made publicly available through an OPeNDAP-enabled THREDDS server
hosted by Boise State University Libraries in support of the Reynolds Creek
Critical Zone Observatory (https://doi.org/10.18122/B2B59V).
Challenges and design choices for global weather and climate models based on machine learning
Authors: Dueben Peter D. , Bauer Peter
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Can models that are based on deep learning and trained on atmospheric data compete with weather and climate models that are based on physical principles and the basic equations of motion? This question has been asked often recently due to the boom of deep learning techniques. The question is valid given the huge amount of data that is available, the computational efficiency of deep learning techniques and the limitations of today's weather and climate models in particular with respect to resolution and complexity. In this paper, the question will be discussed in the context of global weather forecasts. A toy-model for global weather predictions will be presented and used to identify challenges and fundamental design choices for a forecast system based on Neural Networks.
Seasonal streamflow forecasts for Europe – Part I: Hindcast verification with pseudo- and real observations
Authors: Greuell Wouter , Franssen Wietse H. P. , Biemans Hester , Hutjes Ronald W. A.
Published: June 2018

Abstract. Seasonal predictions of river flow can be exploited among others
to optimise hydropower energy generation, navigability of rivers and
irrigation management to decrease crop yield losses. This paper is the first
of two papers dealing with a physical model-based system built to produce
probabilistic seasonal hydrological forecasts, applied here to Europe. This
paper presents the development of the system and the evaluation of its skill.
The variable infiltration capacity (VIC) hydrological model is forced with
bias-corrected output of ECMWF's seasonal forecast system 4. For the
assessment of skill, we analysed hindcasts (1981–2010) against a reference
run, in which VIC was forced by gridded meteorological observations. The
reference run was also used to generate initial hydrological conditions for
the hindcasts. The skill in run-off and discharge hindcasts is analysed with monthly
temporal resolution, up to 7 months of lead time, for the entire annual
cycle. Using the reference run output as pseudo-observations and taking the
correlation coefficient as metric, hot spots of significant theoretical
skill in discharge and run-off were identified in Fennoscandia (from January
to October), the southern part of the Mediterranean (from June to August),
Poland, northern Germany, Romania and Bulgaria (mainly from November to
January), western France (from December to May) and the eastern side of
Great Britain (January to April). Generally, the skill decreases with
increasing lead time, except in spring in regions with snow-rich winters. In
some areas some skill persists even at the longest lead times (7 months). Theoretical skill was compared to actual skill as determined with real
discharge observations from 747 stations. Actual skill is generally
substantially less than theoretical skill. This effect is stronger for small
basins than for large basins. Qualitatively, the use of different skill metrics
(correlation coefficient; relative operating characteristics, ROC, area; and ranked probability skill score, RPSS) leads
to broadly similar spatio-temporal patterns of skill, but the level of skill
decreases, and the area of skill shrinks, in the following order:
correlation coefficient; ROC area below-normal (BN) tercile; ROC area
above-normal (AN) tercile; ranked probability skill score; and, finally, ROC near-normal
(NN) tercile.
La política exterior de China hacia América Latina y el Caribe en el siglo XXI. Imaginarios y representaciones geopolíticas
Authors: Brito Gisela
Published: June 2018

Las relaciones entre la República Popular China y los países de América Latina y el Caribe han experimentado un incremento sustancial en las últimas dos décadas, fundamentalmente en el ámbito de los intercambios económicos, pero también en el de las relaciones políticas. El propósito de este trabajo es analizar la política exterior de China hacia la región latinoamericana y caribeña desde la perspectiva de la geopolítica crítica. Para ello, en primer lugar, se examinan los imaginarios y representaciones espaciales que configuraron la particular «forma de ver el mundo» del gigante asiático, especialmente los principios de desarrollo pacífico y cooperación de beneficio mutuo, y cómo éstos se proyectan en sus relaciones con otros actores en el escenario internacional. En segundo lugar, se analizan los códigos geopolíticos que orientan la actual política exterior de China hacia América Latina y el Caribe. El texto argumenta que la estrategia subyacente consiste en construir hegemonía inscribiendo a los países de la región en su particular forma de concebir el escenario global, en el marco del interés del gigante asiático por ocupar posiciones de mayor relevancia en el diseño de las reglas de juego del sistema internacional.
Experiences of historical introductions in Majorca: the case of "Ranunculus weyleri" (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: Cursach Joana , Orell Jeroni J. , Rita Juan
Published: June 2018

Conservation translocations did not begin to be documented until the late decades of the twentieth century in Spain. However, there is evidence that some endemic species were translocated in 1958 in Majorca (Balearic Islands) because the blasting of the highest mountain peak on the island for the installation of an American radar station could have endangered the survival of these endemic species. This is the case for Ranunculus weyleri Marès ex Willk., a threatened plant that consists of a few subpopulations with disjoint distribution. The aim of this study was (i) to search the personal documents of the botanist Jeroni Orell Casasnovas (1924-1995) —delegate of the Societat d’Història Natural de les Balears for the protection of the Puig Major flora before the blasting in 1958— to obtain information about this introduction and (ii) to perform a demographic census of its current conservation status. After the introduction in 1958, monitoring of the translocated plants in the following years 1963 and 1964 confirmed that the establishment was successful; currently, this subpopulation consists of 63 adult plants. Overall, the conservation translocation of R. weyleri sixty years ago was successful. Finally, we underline the utility of field notebook data for historical botanists who gathered valuable information but did not publish it elsewhere and the importance of publishing the results of current translocation actions, whether they succeed or not.
Vídeoreportagem transmídia/crossmedia: uma estratégia para o RNTV
Authors: Kneipp Valquíria Aparecida Passos
Published: June 2018

Este artigo teve como objetivo analisar reportagens que destoam do padrão estabelecido pela televisão brasileira, como uma nova possibilidade de narrativa audiovisual, apresentada no telejornalismo regional do Rio Grande do Norte – a videoreportagem transmídia/Crossmedia. Selecionou-se uma série de reportagens exibidas pelo RNTV de Natal, que foram produzidas com uma câmera GoPro. A pesquisa investigou quais as características inovadoras foram incorporadas à narrativa telejornalística?  Os fundamentos teóricos e conceituais calcaram-se em vídeo reportagem, jornalismo transmídia e nas teorias da mídia digital, com as propostas de autores como Canavilhas (2006), Jenkins (2009) e Finger (2012). A metodologia baseou-se em pesquisa bibliográfica e análise audiovisual. Com este estudo foi possível observar que a série analisada apresentou uma narrativa audiovisual diferenciada.
Estudo sobre contribuição da Ciência da Informação em pesquisas sobre Tecnologias Assistivas
Authors: De Souza Osvaldo , Tabosa Hamilton Rodrigues
Published: June 2018

Apresenta, conceitua e discute o tema da mediação da informação relacionando-o ao conceito de tecnologias assistivas, contextualizando a discussão no âmbito das competências da Ciência da Informação (CI). Apresenta uma visão, no recorte cronológico de 2013 a 2016, da contribuição da CI para o alcance de soluções técnico-práticas relativas à problemática abordada, por meio de um levantamento bibliográfico sobre o tema “acessibilidade informacional” em periódicos científicos durante os anos de 2013 a 2016, tendo sido utilizada a técnica de Análise de Conteúdo para analisar e categorizar o corpus documental da pesquisa, com base em seus objetivos gerais. Como resultados, evidencia o baixo nível de contribuição da CI na proposta de soluções para problemas de mediação da informação com o uso de tecnologias e que as publicações são relativamente parcas e os resultados das pesquisas na área poderiam ser bem mais profícuos, se propusessem inovações tecnológicas que efetivamente impactassem no modo como os deficientes, por exemplo, se apropriam da informação e a usam.
Corpo, escola, identidade: rompendo fronteiras de gênero no estágio supervisionado do curso de ciências biológicas
Authors: Gontijo Lucas Salvino , Baia Thainá Rodrigues , Leão Laís De Oliveira , Neto José Firmino de Oliveira
Published: June 2018

O texto apresenta um relato das experiências vivenciadas pelos alunos de Estágio Supervisionado I (ES I) do curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal de Goiás, quando do desenvolvimento do Projeto de Intervenção Pedagógica em uma escola campo de Goiânia.. Foram propostas oficinas com o objetivo de construir de forma dialógica com os alunos da escola campo os caminhos que viessem a pavimentar a formação de uma identidade de gênero, visando à construção de um

ambiente escolar mais harmonioso e menos discriminatório. Foi possível constatar, com a execução deste projeto, que a discussão da temática deve ser recorrente no interior das instituições escolares, levando a

um processo de vigilância constante das práticas pedagógicas desenvolvidas e do material didático empregado, com vista a não disseminar padrões homofóbicos, misóginos e sexistas. Afinal, a escola, na condição de instituição social voltada para a formação humana, deve fazer valer seu papel e mediar a discussão e reflexão crítica das questões de gênero e sexualidade.