bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximization of Delivery-Based Customer Satisfaction Considering Customer-Job Relationships in a Cellular Manufacturing Environment
Authors: Süer Gürsel A. , Arınsoy Aslıcan
Published: February 2014

In this chapter, the authors propose a mathematical model to maximize overall customer satisfaction subject to minimum satisfaction levels for selected customers. The mathematical model performs cell loading (i.e., assigns jobs to cells). The customer satisfaction is measured in terms of ratio of jobs completed to the total number of jobs from a customer. The proposed model connects jobs to customers. An experimentation was performed with this model in a multi-period rolling environment that tested four different fuzzy rules. Fuzzy rules were used to modify the minimum satisfaction levels for customers in a dynamic fashion in a rolling horizon. Fuzzy rules identify customers with low satisfaction in recent periods and attempt to increase their satisfaction in the following period. The performance of fuzzy rules is compared.
On Designing Robust Kanban Production Control Strategies in Multiproduct Manufacturing Environments
Authors: Olaitan Oladipupo , Rotondo Anna , Young Paul , Geraghty John
Published: February 2014

In this chapter, two Kanban Allocation Policies, Shared (S-KAP) and Dedicated (D-KAP), are analysed to understand how they would perform under different manufacturing scenarios, and the authors identify the merits and demerits of each. To evaluate the performance, a three-stage two product system was simulated under scenarios that provide for different levels of demand variability for each product. When operated under S-KAP, the system contained less Work In Progress (WIP); however, under D-KAP, the system provided more robust service levels as the variability increased. Based on the results from the model, guidelines on how to effectively combine these two policies to achieve the benefits of both in a multiproduct manufacturing system are developed. By partitioning the system at locations that would suit the transformation from one policy to another in a similar fashion to what is obtained in hybrid push-pull strategies, and deploying the policies that match the dominant characteristics at each segment, gives reduced WIP while maintaining service levels.
Lean Manufacturing System Design Based on Computer Simulation
Authors: Bronislav Chramcov , Robert Bucki
Published: February 2014

This chapter outlines the possibilities afforded by computer simulation for the design of a lean manufacturing system. The possibilities of making use of simulation are presented in the form of the case simulation study that was performed within the framework of cooperative ventures between the workplace and an industrial partner. A production line in the Continental Automotive Systems Czech Republic company was developed with the use of the Witness simulation environment in order to maximize production efficiency as well as to eliminate waste and production losses already in the system design phase. The main task was to build up a model of the prepared lean manufacture system and, especially, to propose a number of variants for the spatial location of operators in a production line. On the basis of the predefined requirements of the user, several simulation experiments are suggested.
Cell Design for Transforming the Job Shop Production Process to Lean
Authors: Modrák Vladimír , Semančo Pavol
Published: February 2014

The transformation of production process from batch to flow can be seen as an effective way to optimize material flows in job shop manufacturing environments. This transformation can be successfully adopted only under certain specific conditions, since product layout, typical for one-piece flow production, is not always a better option than the process layout. Accordingly, decision-making rules and principles for this concern are presented in the chapter. Subsequently, a case study on these issues is offered in which methodical procedures for transformation of manufacturing of small to medium-sized lots with aim to reach one-piece flow production are described in detail.
A Management System for Sustainable Lean Implementation
Authors: Van Landeghem Hendrik
Published: February 2014

Lean has become the leading method to pursue productivity improvement in Western companies. However, the rate of success of implementation in industry is overwhelmingly disappointing and not in line with the level of available documentation and support. This chapter describes a back to basics approach to Lean implementation, developed specifically for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). This approach was developed out of many years of research, which is described succinctly. The chapter then delineates the framework of a management system, which uses standard Lean tools embedded in an IT data gathering system. This framework consists of 3 loops that provide the kind of information needed for a sustainable Lean implementation trajectory. Finally, the authors show how the system provides an answer to current gaps in Lean Management.
Integration of MRP Logic and Kanban Shopfloor Control
Authors: Powell Daryl
Published: February 2014

In the 1960s and 1970s, two major thinkers were actively changing the face of manufacturing for decades to come – In the West it was Joe Orlicky with the creation of his MRP concept, whilst to the East it was Taiichi Ohno and the development of Kanban. However, since the two approaches were independently developed for managing production and inventory control, both are often mistaken as mutually exclusive. This chapter addresses the developments in both fields, and through considering the shortcomings of each of the approaches, suggests how MRP logic and Kanban can be combined and integrated to enable a more effective, “hybrid” production and inventory management system that exploits the advantages of each of the techniques. A framework is presented for the integration of MRP and Kanban, which gives details of the purpose of the master production schedule, documents the two primary roles of inventory management considerations, and explains how Kanban operates in such a system in order to eliminate non-value-adding activities and to simplify the production management task. An illustrative case study is also presented in order to give insight to the reader as to how such a “hybrid” system operates in practice, offering practical examples regarding how techniques such as production leveling (Heijunka), net-requirements planning, backflushing, and cost-accounting operate in an integrated MRP-Kanban system.
Lean Transformation in Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Panizzolo Roberto , Bernardel Flora , Biazzo Stefano
Published: February 2014

Lean Thinking is known as a systematic approach to identify and eliminate waste through continuous improvement, flowing the product at the pull of customer in pursuit of perfection. Indeed, a Lean Transformation is a complex organizational journey, which must emphasize the supremacy of the principles as they emerge from practical tools application. In general, the stages of a Lean journey may span the whole company, not only the production departments. The aim of this chapter is to present the factors enabling or disfavoring the Lean Transformation of a firm, along with the most relevant tools or practices to be applied. The chapter is targeted on manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises, which can find there a broad set of indications and prescriptions to keep in mind, before starting any Lean project. The empirical research work has been divided into three parallel sections, Lean Manufacturing, Lean Design, and Lean Office, respectively. In every section, the most important issues about Lean Transformation have been investigated through a Delphi study, which was performed by joining the “Lean Community” research project, sponsored by Confindustria Padova, the Federation of Employers of Padova, Italy. Thereby, the study involved 32 manufacturing SMEs in Northeastern Italy, with a proved and excellent experience on Lean Thinking.
Is Lean Supply an Option for SMEs in the Automotive Industry
Authors: Davis Paul , Geraghty John , Lambert Tony
Published: February 2014

It is widely claimed that the lean supply concept has enabled both buyers and suppliers to engage in collaborative relationships based on mutual dependencies and shared risk and reward. The concept has ultimately allowed both parties to engage in the collective identification and elimination of waste across the broad range of activities that determine the purchasing and supply process. The study ascertains the many internal and external challenges that MSMEs face when trying to achieve equitable amounts of value from the lean supply concept with larger, more powerful suppliers. Internal issues—such as limited purchasing spends, restrictions in the availability of resources, and an inherent fear and distrust of long-term commitment—limit the potential for small firms to embrace the concept. External factors such as power and dependency and a reduced ability to influence the larger players in the market also contribute to the difficulties for MSMEs.
The Role of Lean Production on Organizational Performance
Authors: Kasemsap Kijpokin
Published: February 2014

This chapter introduces the role of Lean Production on organizational performance, thus explaining the management practices of Lean Production of just in time, total productive maintenance, total quality management, cellular manufacturing, and human resource management. The successful Lean Production implementation programs can facilitate the manufacturing organization’s quest for achieving enhanced business performance leading to competitive advantage. This chapter has highlighted some significant revelations about various facets of simultaneous implementation of Lean Production paradigms in the manufacturing organizations. Lean Production implementation dimensions are important to the manufacturing organizations trying to realize manufacturing excellence for competing in the highly dynamic global marketplace. The study also highlights that significant business performance enhancements can be realized through Lean Production implementation over considerable period of time. Organizations should focus on developing the management practices of Lean Production of just in time, total productive maintenance, total quality management, cellular manufacturing, and human resource management in order to achieve better organizational performance.
Gender Differences in the Technology’s Classic Models in Social Network Sites
Authors: Peral-Peral Begoña , Villarejo-Ramos Ángel F. , Sánchez-Franco Manuel J.
Published: February 2014

Social Network Sites (SNS) have very rapidly become part of the daily reality of Internet users in recent years. Firms also use social networks as a two-way communication with their current and potential customers. This exploratory work means to analyze if Internet users’ gender influences the behavior of using social networks. There is a reason for this. Despite Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) acceptance and use being more frequent in men, according to the previous literature, in line with different surveys on the subject, social networks are more used by women. The authors, therefore, analyze in this chapter if there are gender differences in the constructs of technology’s classic models, such as the TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) and the TPB (Theory of Planned Behavior). They use a sample of 1,460 university students.
Mobile Banking
Authors: Arguedas Raquel , Pra Inmaculada , Reina María Dolores
Published: February 2014

For over a decade, financial institutions, driven by advances in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), have been shifting to a new business model that prioritizes new channels for managing customer relationships. These new channels, which are based on the Internet and mobile devices, offer major business and growth opportunities. This chapter looks at the current status of online and mobile banking in Spain from the perspective of both financial institutions and users and compares it to the situation in Europe at large. Following an analysis, it draws a number of conclusions regarding the future prospects of these channels and the areas offering the greatest potential for growth and profitability.
Comparative Study Among New Payment Systems and New Future Trends in Mobile Payments
Authors: Liébana-Cabanillas Francisco J. , Muñoz-Leiva Francisco , Sánchez-Fernández Juan
Published: February 2014

Over the last few years, the payment systems used in business activities have been altered by recent technological developments. Increasingly, more consumers use their mobile phones to do their purchases. Currently, sales through smartphones are an indicator of the growth potential that these new trade and payment methods have in the future society. In this chapter, the authors carry out a theoretical review of the different payment systems, from the most traditional ones to the new payment systems used on the Internet. They also analyze the different security protocols that are currently operational, with the aim of improving consumers’ trust. In this literature review, the authors extract a few implications and recommendations to management of M-Payment-based businesses.
New Perspectives of Mobile Payment Platform for Developing Countries
Authors: Mbinkeu Rodrigue Carlos Nana
Published: February 2014

Mobile phones have become substantially more popular and sophisticated as African consumers have become remarkably comfortable with their use. This chapter shows the impact of the growing adoption of mobile payments as a financial transaction medium for money transfer, retail payments, or micropayments in Africa. Adoption was slow due to the nature of the mobile technology supporting the concept. The author shows how these innovations will continue to improve the quality of life of Africans, especially those in rural areas. He presents M-Pesa as a mobile payment system, which has had great success in Kenya. The author identifies the fundamental principles of success; thus, this enables the author to create an ECOPAY platform, which is an innovative mobile payment platform for emerging markets. The platform provides different types of m-payment like as B2C, B2B, or P2P using the mobile phone or others devices. Each transaction is secure by using encrypted messages and encrypted connections between the devices and the ECOPAY servers. The solution is based on the social and technological environment in developing countries.
'n Ondersoek na die gebruik van musiek as 'n deel van die pastorale begeleiding van die adolessent
Authors: Du Plessis Amanda L. , De Beer Janene
Published: February 2014

An investigation into the use of music as a part of pastoral counselling of the adolescent. Pastoral counselling of the adolescent could be a challenge, because adolescence is a period characterised by emotional fluctuation. During this period of the individual�s life, he or she begins to form his or her own identity and searches for a place in society, apart from the protection of their parents. Adolescents often do not have the necessary skills to deal with repressed emotions. Research shows that music has been used for many centuries in the healing process and that it has had a great influence on the psyche of human beings. For this reason, music can play an effective role in counselling adolescents. Music therapy involves the structural use of music and/or musical elements like rhythm, melody and harmony.
Role of ozone in SOA formation from alkane photooxidation
Authors: Zhang X. , Schwantes R. H. , Coggon M. M. , Loza C. L. , Schilling K. A. , Flagan R. C. , Seinfeld J. H.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Long-chain alkanes, which can be categorized as intermediate volatility organic compounds, are an important source of secondary organic aerosol (SOA). Mechanisms for the gas-phase OH-initiated oxidation of long-chain alkanes have been well documented; particle-phase chemistry, however, has received less attention. The δ-hydroxycarbonyl, which is generated from the isomerization of alkoxy radicals, can undergo heterogeneous cyclization and dehydration to form substituted dihydrofuran. Due to the presence of C=C bonds, the substituted dihydrofuran is predicted to be highly reactive with OH, and even more so with O3 and NO3, thereby opening a reaction pathway that is not usually accessible to alkanes. This work focuses on the role of substituted dihydrofuran formation and its subsequent reaction with OH, and more importantly ozone, in SOA formation from the photooxidation of long-chain alkanes. Experiments were carried out in the Caltech Environmental Chamber using dodecane as a representative alkane to investigate the difference in aerosol composition generated from "OH-oxidation-dominating" vs. "ozonolysis-dominating" environments. A detailed mechanism incorporating the specific gas-phase photochemistry, together with the heterogeneous formation of substituted dihydrofuran and its subsequent gas-phase OH/O3 oxidation, is used to evaluate the importance of this reaction channel in dodecane SOA formation. We conclude that (1) the formation of δ-hydroxycarbonyl and its subsequent heterogeneous conversion to substituted dihydrofuran is significant in the presence of NOx; (2) the ozonolysis of substituted dihydrofuran dominates over the OH-initiated oxidation under conditions prevalent in urban and rural air; and (3) a spectrum of highly oxygenated products with carboxylic acid, ester, and ether functional groups are produced from the substituted dihydrofuran chemistry, thereby affecting the average oxidation state of the SOA.
Single particle diversity and mixing state measurements
Authors: Healy R. M. , Riemer N. , Wenger J. C. , Murphy M. , West M. , Poulain L. , Wiedensohler A. , O'Connor I. P. , McGillicuddy E. , Sodeau J. R. , Evans G. J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. A newly developed framework for quantifying aerosol particle diversity and mixing state based on information-theoretic entropy is applied for the first time to single particle mass spectrometry field data. Single particle mass fraction estimates for black carbon, organic aerosol, ammonium, nitrate and sulphate, derived using single particle mass spectrometer, aerosol mass spectrometer and multi-angle absorption photometer measurements are used to calculate single particle species diversity (Di). The average single particle species diversity (Dα) is then related to the species diversity of the bulk population (Dγ) to derive a mixing state index value (χ) at hourly resolution. The mixing state index is a single parameter representation of how internally/externally mixed a particle population is at a given time. The index describes a continuum, with values of 0% and 100% representing fully external and internal mixing, respectively. This framework was applied to data collected as part of the MEGAPOLI winter campaign in Paris, France 2010. Di values are low (∼2) for fresh traffic and woodburning particles that contain high mass fractions of black carbon and organic aerosol but low mass fractions of inorganic ions. Conversely, Di values are higher (∼4) for aged carbonaceous particles containing similar mass fractions of black carbon, organic aerosol, ammonium, nitrate and sulphate. Aerosol in Paris is estimated to be 59% internally mixed in the size range 150–1067 nm, and mixing state is dependent both upon time of day and air mass origin. Daytime primary emissions associated with vehicular traffic and woodburning result in low χ values, while enhanced condensation of ammonium nitrate on existing particles at night leads to higher χ values. Advection of particles from continental Europe containing ammonium, nitrate and sulphate leads to increases in Dα, Dγ and χ. The mixing state index represents a useful metric by which to compare and contrast ambient particle mixing state at other locations globally.
Characterization of particulate matter emissions from on-road gasoline and diesel vehicles using a soot particle aerosol mass spectrometer
Authors: Dallmann T. R. , Onasch T. B. , Kirchstetter T. W. , Worton D. R. , Fortner E. C. , Herndon S. C. , Wood E. C. , Franklin J. P. , Worsnop D. R. , Goldstein A. H. , Harley R. A.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Particulate matter (PM) emissions were measured in July 2010 from on-road motor vehicles driving through a highway tunnel in the San Francisco Bay area. A soot particle aerosol mass spectrometer (SP-AMS) was used to measure the chemical composition of PM emitted by gasoline and diesel vehicles at high time resolution. Organic aerosol (OA) and black carbon (BC) concentrations were measured during various time periods that had different levels of diesel influence, as well as directly in the exhaust plumes of individual heavy-duty (HD) diesel trucks. BC emission factor distributions for HD trucks were more skewed than OA distributions, with the highest 10% of trucks accounting for 56 and 42% of total measured BC and OA emissions, respectively. A comparison of measured OA and BC mass spectra across various sampling periods revealed a high degree of similarity in BC and OA emitted by gasoline and diesel engines. Cycloalkanes predominate in exhaust OA emissions relative to saturated alkanes (i.e., normal and iso-paraffins), suggesting that lubricating oil rather than fuel is the dominant source of primary organic aerosol (POA) emissions in diesel vehicle exhaust. This finding is supported by the detection of trace elements such as zinc and phosphorus in the exhaust plumes of individual trucks. Trace elements were emitted relative to total OA at levels that are consistent with typical weight fractions of commonly used additives present in lubricating oil. The presence of trace elements in vehicle exhaust raises the concern that ash deposits may accumulate over time in diesel particle filter systems, and may eventually lead to performance problems that require servicing.
Validation of OMI total ozone retrievals from the SAO ozone profile algorithm and three operational algorithms with Brewer measurements
Authors: Bak J. , Liu X. , Kim J. H. , Chance K. , Haffner D. P.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The accuracy of total ozone computed from the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory (SAO) optimal estimation (OE) ozone profile algorithm (SOE) applied to the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) is assessed through comparisons with ground-based Brewer spectrometer measurements from 2005 to 2008. We also make comparisons with the three OMI operational ozone products, derived from the NASA Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS), KNMI Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS), and KNMI OE (KOE) algorithms. Excellent agreement is observed between SAO and Brewer, with a mean difference of less than ±1% at most individual stations. The KNMI OE algorithm systematically overestimates Brewer total ozone by 2% at low/mid latitudes and 5% at high latitudes while the TOMS and DOAS algorithms underestimate it by ~1.65% on average. Standard deviations of ~1.8% are found for both SOE and TOMS, but DOAS and KOE have scatters of 2.2% and 2.6%, respectively. The stability of the SOE algorithm is found to have insignificant dependence on viewing geometry, cloud parameters, total ozone column. In comparison, the KOE differences to Brewer values are significantly correlated with solar and viewing zenith angles, with a significant deviation depending on cloud parameters and total ozone amount. The TOMS algorithm exhibits similar stability to SOE with respect to viewing geometry and total column ozone, but stronger cloud parameter dependence. The dependence of DOAS on the algorithmic variables is marginal compared to KOE, but distinct compared to the SOE and TOMS algorithms. Comparisons of All four OMI products with Brewer show no apparent long-term drift but a seasonally affected feature, especially for KOE and TOMS. The substantial differences in the KOE vs. SOE algorithm performance cannot be sufficiently explained by the use of soft calibration (in SOE) and the use of different a priori error covariance matrix, but other algorithm details cause larger fitting residuals by a factor of 2–3 for KOE.
Insights into Tikhonov regularization: application to trace gas column retrieval and the efficient calculation of total column averaging kernels
Authors: Borsdorff T. , Hasekamp O. P. , Wassmann A. , Landgraf J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Insights are given into Tikhonov regularization and its application to the retrieval of vertical column densities of atmospheric trace gases from remote sensing measurements. The study builds upon the equivalence of the least-squares profile-scaling approach and Tikhonov regularization method of the first kind with an infinite regularization strength. Here, the vertical profile is expressed relative to a reference profile. On the basis of this, we propose a new algorithm as an extension of the least-squares profile scaling which permits the calculation of total column averaging kernels on arbitrary vertical grids using an analytic expression. Moreover, we discuss the effective null space of the retrieval, which comprises those parts of a vertical trace gas distribution which cannot be inferred from the measurements. Numerically the algorithm can be implemented in a robust and efficient manner. In particular for operational data processing with challenging demands on processing time, the proposed inversion method in combination with highly efficient forward models is an asset. For demonstration purposes, we apply the algorithm to CO column retrieval from simulated measurements in the 2.3 μm spectral region and to O3 column retrieval from the UV. These represent ideal measurements of a series of spaceborne spectrometers such as SCIAMACHY, TROPOMI, GOME, and GOME-2. For both spectral ranges, we consider clear-sky and cloudy scenes where clouds are modelled as an elevated Lambertian surface. Here, the smoothing error for the clear-sky and cloudy atmosphere is significant and reaches several percent, depending on the reference profile which is used for scaling. This underlines the importance of the column averaging kernel for a proper interpretation of retrieved column densities. Furthermore, we show that the smoothing due to regularization can be underestimated by calculating the column averaging kernel on a too coarse vertical grid. For both retrievals, this effect becomes negligible for a vertical grid with 20–40 equally thick layers between 0 and 50 km.
A method for colocating satellite XCO2 data to ground-based data and its application to ACOS-GOSAT and TCCON
Authors: Nguyen H. , Osterman G. , Wunch D. , O'Dell C. , Mandrake L. , Wennberg P. , Fisher B. , Castano R.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Satellite measurements are often compared with higher-precision ground-based measurements as part of validation efforts. The satellite soundings are rarely perfectly coincident in space and time with the ground-based measurements, so a colocation methodology is needed to aggregate "nearby" soundings into what the instrument would have seen at the location and time of interest. We are particularly interested in validation efforts for satellite-retrieved total column carbon dioxide (XCO2), where XCO2 data from Greenhouse Gas Observing Satellite (GOSAT) retrievals (ACOS, NIES, RemoteC, PPDF, etc.) or SCanning Imaging Absorption SpectroMeter for Atmospheric CHartographY (SCHIACHY) are often colocated and compared to ground-based column XCO2 measurement from Total Carbon Column Observing Network (TCCON). Current colocation methodologies for comparing satellite measurements of total column dry-air mole fractions of CO2 (XCO2) with ground-based measurements typically involve locating and averaging the satellite measurements within some latitudinal, longitudinal, and temporal window. We examine a geostatistical colocation methodology that takes a weighted average of satellite observations depending on the "distance" of each observation from a ground-based location of interest. The "distance" function that we use is a modified Euclidian distance with respect to latitude, longitude, time, and mid-tropospheric temperature at 700 hPa. We apply this methodology to XCO2 retrieved from Greenhouse Gas Observing Satellite (GOSAT) spectra by the ACOS team, cross-validate the results to TCCON XCO2 ground-based data, and present some comparison between our methodology and standard existing colocation methods showing that in general geostatistical colocation produces smaller mean-squared error.
Measurement of gas-phase ammonia and amines in air by collection onto an ion exchange resin and analysis by ion chromatography
Authors: Dawson M. L. , Perraud V. , Gomez A. , Arquero K. D. , Ezell M. J. , Finlayson-Pitts B. J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Ammonia and amines are common trace gases in the atmosphere and have a variety of both biogenic and anthropogenic sources, with a major contribution coming from agricultural sites. In addition to their malodorous nature, both ammonia and amines have been shown to enhance particle formation from acids such as nitric, sulfuric and methanesulfonic acids, which has implications for visibility, human health and climate. A key component of quantifying the effects of these species on particle formation is accurate gas-phase measurements in both laboratory and field studies. However, these species are notoriously difficult to measure as they are readily taken up on surfaces, including onto glass surfaces from aqueous solution as established in the present studies. We describe here a novel technique for measuring gas-phase ammonia and amines that involves uptake onto a weak cation exchange resin followed by extraction and analysis using ion chromatography. Two variants, one for ppb concentrations in air and the second with lower (ppt) detection limits, are described. The latter involves the use of a custom-designed high-pressure cartridge to hold the resin for in-line extraction. These methods avoid the use of sampling lines, which can lead to significant inlet losses of these compounds. They also have the advantages of being relatively simple and inexpensive. The applicability of this technique to ambient air is demonstrated in measurements made near a cattle farm in Chino, CA.
Determining the optimal nitrogen rate for summer maize in China by integrating agronomic, economic, and environmental aspects
Authors: Wang G. L. , Ye Y. L. , Chen X. P. , Cui Z. L.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The concept of high yield with a goal of minimum environmental cost has become widely accepted. However, the trade-offs and complex linkages among agronomic, economic, and environmental factors are not yet well understood. In this study, reactive nitrogen (Nr) losses were estimated using an empirical model, and an economic indicator and an evaluation model were used to account for the environmental costs of different Nr losses after N fertilizer application. The minimum N rate to achieve the maximum yield benefit (agronomically optimal N rate), maximum economic benefit (economically optimal N rate: economic benefit was defined as yield benefit minus N fertilizer cost), and maximum net benefit (ecologically optimal N rate: net benefit was defined as yield benefit minus N fertilizer and environmental costs) were estimated based on 91 on-farm experiment sites with five N levels for summer maize production on the North China Plain. Across all experimental sites, the agronomically, economically, and ecologically optimal N rates (Nagr, Neco, and Necl, respectively) averaged 289, 237, and 186 kg N ha−1, respectively. Necl management increased net benefit by 31% with a 45% decrease in Nr loss intensity (44%, 60%, and 33% for N2O emission, N leaching, and NH3 volatilization, respectively) and maintained grain yield, compared to Nagr management. Compared to Neco management, Necl increased net benefit by 6%, with a 27% decrease in Nr loss intensity, and maintained economic benefit and grain yield. No differences in Necl were observed between soil types or years, but significant variation among counties was revealed. Necl increased with the increase in N-derived yield with an R2 of 0.80. In conclusion, Necl was primarily affected by N-derived yield and could enhance profitability as well as reduce Nr losses associated with the maize grain yield.
Multidecadal to millennial marine climate oscillations across the Denmark Strait (~ 66° N) over the last 2000 cal yr BP
Authors: Andrews J. T. , Jennings A. E.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. In the area of Denmark Strait (~66° N), the two modes of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and Arctic Oscillation (AO) are expressed in changes of the northward flux of Atlantic water and the southward advection of polar water in the East Iceland current. Proxies from marine cores along an environmental gradient from extensive to little or no drift ice, capture low frequency variations over the last 2000 cal yr BP. Key proxies are the weight% of calcite, a measure of surface water stratification and nutrient supply, the weight% of quartz, a measure of drift ice transport, and grain size. Records from Nansen and Kangerlussuaq fjords show variable ice-rafted debris (IRD) records but have distinct mineralogy associated with differences in the fjord catchment bedrock. A comparison between cores on either side of the Denmark Strait (MD99-2322 and MD99-2269) show a remarkable millennial-scale similarity in the trends of the weight% of calcite with a trough reached during the Little Ice Age. However, the quartz records from these two sites are quite different. The calcite records from the Denmark Strait parallel the 2000 yr Arctic summer-temperature reconstructions; analysis of the detrended calcite and quartz data reveal significant multi-decadal–century periodicities superimposed on a major environmental shift occurring ca. 1450 AD.
Precise temperature calibration for laser heat treatment
Authors: Seifert M. , Anhalt K. , Baltruschat C. , Bonss S. , Brenner B.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. A new induction-heated fixed-point device was developed for calibration of temperature measurement devices typically used in laser heat treatment for the temperature range 1000–1500 °C. To define the requirements for the calibration method, selected measurement setups were compared as well as process data and results of industrial processes were analyzed. Computer simulation with finite element method (FEM) and finite difference method (FDM) was used to optimize the system components and processing parameters of the induction heating of fixed-point cells. The prototype of the fixed-point device was tested successfully, and the first measuring results are presented here. The new calibration method is expected to improve the quality and reproducibility of industrial heat treatment processes with temperature control.
Time-frequency analysis of the sea state with the "Andrea" freak wave
Authors: Cherneva Z. , Guedes Soares C.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The non-linear and non-stationary properties of a special field wave record are analyzed with the Wigner spectrum with the Choi–Williams kernel. The wave time series, which was recorded at the Ekofisk complex in the Central North Sea at 00:40 UTC on 9 November 2007, contains an abnormally high wave known as "Andrea" wave. The ability of the Wigner spectrum to reveal the wave energy distribution in frequency and time is demonstrated. The results are compared with previous investigations for different sea states and also the state with the abnormal Draupner's New Year wave.
Floods and climate: emerging perspectives for flood risk assessment and management
Authors: Merz B. , Aerts J. , Arnbjerg-Nielsen K. , Baldi M. , Becker A. , Bichet A. , Blöschl G. , Bouwer L. M. , Brauer A. , Cioffi F. , Delgado J. M. , Gocht M. , Guzzetti F. , Harrigan S. , Hirschboeck K. , Kilsby C. , Kron W. , Kwon H.-H. , Lall U. , Merz R. , Nissen K. , Salvati P. , Swierczynski T. , Ulbrich U. , Viglione A. , Ward P. J. , Weiler M. , Wilhelm B. , Nied M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Flood estimation and flood management have traditionally been the domain of hydrologists, water resources engineers and statisticians, and disciplinary approaches have abound. Dominant views have been shaped; one example is the catchment perspective: floods are formed and influenced by the interaction of local, catchment-specific characteristics, such as meteorology, topography and geology. These traditional views have been beneficial, but they have a narrow framing. In this paper we contrast traditional views with broader perspectives that are emerging from an improved understanding of the climatic context of floods. We conclude: (1) extending the traditional system boundaries (local catchment, recent decades, hydrological/hydraulic processes) opens up exciting possibilities for better understanding and improved tools for flood risk assessment and management. (2) Statistical approaches in flood estimation need to be complemented by the search for the causal mechanisms and dominant processes in the atmosphere, catchment and river system that leave their fingerprints on flood characteristic. (3) Natural climate variability leads to time-varying flood characteristics, and this variation may be partially quantifiable and predictable, with the perspective of a dynamic, climate informed flood risk management. (4) Efforts are needed to fully account for factors that contribute to changes in all three risk components (hazard, exposure, vulnerability), and to better understand the interactions between society and floods. (5) Given the global scale and societal importance, we call for the organization of an international multidisciplinary collaboration and data sharing initiative to understand further the links between climate and flooding and to advance flood research.
Toward enhanced understanding and projections of climate extremes using physics-guided data mining techniques
Authors: Ganguly A. R. , Kodra E. A. , Banerjee A. , Boriah S. , Chatterjee S. , Chatterjee S. , Choudhary A. , Das D. , Faghmous J. , Ganguli P. , Ghosh S. , Hayhoe K. , Hays C. , Hendrix W. , Fu Q. , Kawale J. , Kumar D. , Kumar V. , Liess S. , Mawalagedara R. , Mithal V. , Oglesby R. , Salvi K. , Snyder P. K. , Steinhaeuser K. , Wang D. , Wuebbles D.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Extreme events such as heat waves, cold spells, floods, droughts, tropical cyclones, and tornadoes have potentially devastating impacts on natural and engineered systems, and human communities, worldwide. Stakeholder decisions about critical infrastructures, natural resources, emergency preparedness and humanitarian aid typically need to be made at local to regional scales over seasonal to decadal planning horizons. However, credible climate change attribution and reliable projections at more localized and shorter time scales remain grand challenges. Long-standing gaps include inadequate understanding of processes such as cloud physics and ocean-land-atmosphere interactions, limitations of physics-based computer models, and the importance of intrinsic climate system variability at decadal horizons. Meanwhile, the growing size and complexity of climate data from model simulations and remote sensors increases opportunities to address these scientific gaps. This perspectives article explores the possibility that physically cognizant mining of massive climate data may lead to significant advances in generating credible predictive insights about climate extremes and in turn translating them to actionable metrics and information for adaptation and policy. Specifically, we propose that data mining techniques geared towards extremes can help tackle the grand challenges in the development of interpretable climate projections, predictability, and uncertainty assessments. To be successful, scalable methods will need to handle what has been called "Big Data" to tease out elusive but robust statistics of extremes and change from what is ultimately small data. Physically-based relationships (where available) and conceptual understanding (where appropriate) are needed to guide methods development and interpretation of results. Such approaches may be especially relevant in situations where computer models may not be able to fully encapsulate current process understanding, yet the wealth of data may offer additional insights. Large-scale interdisciplinary team efforts, involving domain experts and individual researchers who span disciplines, will be necessary to address the challenge.
The CO2 system in the Mediterranean Sea: a basin wide perspective
Authors: Álvarez M. , Sanleón-Bartolomé H. , Tanhua T. , Mintrop L. , Luchetta A. , Cantoni C. , Schroeder K. , Civitarese G.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. The Mediterranean Sea (MedSea) is considered a "laboratory basin" being an ocean in miniature, suffering dramatic changes in its oceanographic and biogeochemical conditions derived from natural and anthropogenic forces. Moreover, the MedSea is prone to absorb and store anthropogenic carbon due to the particular CO2 chemistry and the active overturning circulation. Despite this, water column CO2 measurements covering the whole basin are scarce. This work aims to be a base-line for future studies about the CO2 system space-time variability in the MedSea combining historic and modern CO2 cruises in the whole area. Here we provide an extensive vertical and longitudinal description of the CO2 system variables (total alkalinity – TA, dissolved inorganic carbon – DIC and pH) along an East-West transect and across the Sardinia-Sicily passage in the MedSea from two oceanographic cruises conducted in 2011 measuring CO2 variables in a coordinated fashion, the RV Meteor M84/3 and the RV Urania EuroFleets 11, respectively. In this sense, we provide full-depth and length CO2 distributions across the MedSea, and property-property plots showing in each sub-basin post-Eastern Mediterranean Transient (EMT) situation with regard to TA, DIC and pH. The over-determined CO2 system in 2011 allowed performing the first internal consistency analysis for the particularly warm, high salinity and alkalinity MedSea waters. The CO2 constants by Mehrbach et al. (1973) refitted by Dickson and Millero (1987) are recommended. The sensitivity of the CO2 system to the atmospheric CO2 increase, DIC and/or TA changes is evaluated by means of the Revelle and buffer factors.
Assessment of the structure and variability of Weddell Sea water masses in distinct ocean reanalysis products
Authors: Dotto T. S. , Kerr R. , Mata M. M. , Azaneu M. , Wainer I.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. We assessed and evaluated the performance of five ocean reanalysis in reproducing essential hydrographic properties and their associated temporal variability for the Weddell Sea, Antarctica. The products used in this assessment were ECMWF ORAS4, CFSR, MyOcean UR025.4, ECCO2 and SODA. The present study focuses on the Weddell Sea deep layer, which is composed of the following three main water masses: Warm Deep Water (WDW), Weddell Sea Deep Water (WSDW) and Weddell Sea Bottom Water (WSBW). Moreover, all the ocean reanalysis products analyzed showed limited capabilities in representing the surface water masses in the Weddell Sea. The MyOcean UR025.4 product provided the most accurate representation of the structure of the Weddell Sea water masses when compared to observations. The CFSR and ECCO2 products were not able to represent the WSBW throughout the simulation period. The expected WDW warming was only reproduced by the SODA product, while the ECCO2 product was able to represent the WSDW's hydrographic properties trends. All of these ocean reanalysis systems were able to represent the decrease in the WSBW's density. Our results also showed that a simple increase in horizontal resolution does not necessarily imply better representation of the deep layers. Rather, it is needed to observe the physics involved in each model and their parameterizations because the Southern Ocean suffers from the lack of in situ data, and it is biased by summer observations. The choice of the reanalysis product should be made carefully, taking into account the performance, the parameters of interest, and the type of physical processes to be evaluated.
Does thermal carbonization (Biochar) of organic material increase more merits for their amendments of sandy soil?
Authors: Wu Y. , Xu G. , Sun J. N. , Shao H. B.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Organic materials (e.g. furfural residue) are generally believed to improve the physical and chemical properties of the soils with low fertility. Recently, biochar have been received more attention as a possible measure to improve the carbon balance and improve soil quality in some degraded soils. However, little is known about their different amelioration of a sandy saline soil. In this study, 56d incubation experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of furfural and its biochar on the properties of saline soil. The results showed that both furfural and biochar greatly reduced pH, increased soil organic carbon (SOC) content and cation exchange capacity (CEC), and enhanced the available phosphorus (P) in the soil. Furfural is more efficient than biochar in reducing pH: 5% furfural lowered the soil pH by 0.5–0.8 (soil pH: 8.3–8.6), while 5% biochar decreased by 0.25–0.4 due to the loss of acidity in pyrolysis process. With respect to available P, 5% of the furfural addition increased available P content by 4–6 times in comparison to 2–5 times with biochar application. In reducing soil exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), biochar is slightly superior to furfural because soil ESP reduced by 51% and 43% with 5% furfural and 5% biochar addition at the end of incubation. In addition, no significant differences were observed between furfural and biochar about their capacity to retain N, P in leaching solution and to increase CEC in soil. These facts may be caused by the relatively short incubation time. In general, furfural and biochar have different amendments depending on soil properties: furfural was more effectively to decrease pH and to increase available P, whereas biochar played a more important role in increasing SOC and reducing ESP of saline soil.
A new model of the upper mantle structure beneath the western rim of the East European Craton
Authors: Dec M. , Malinowski M. , Perchuc E.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. In this article we present a new 1-D P wave seismic velocity model (called MP1-SUW) of the upper mantle structure beneath the western rim of the East European Craton (EEC) based on the analysis of the earthquakes recorded at the Suwałki (SUW) seismic station located in NE Poland which belongs to the Polish Seismological Network (PLSN). This analysis was carried out due to the fact that in the wavefield recorded at this station we observed a group of reflected waves after expected P410P at epicentral distances 2300–2800 km from SUW station. Although the existing global models represent the first arrivals, they do not represent the full wavefield with all reflected waves because they do not take into account the structural features occurring regionally such as 300 km discontinuity. We perform P wave traveltime analysis using 1-D forward ray-tracing modelling for the distances up to 3000 km. We analysed 249 natural seismic events that were divided into four azimuthal spans with epicentres in the western Mediterranean Sea region (WMSR), the Greece and Turkey region (GTR), the Caucasus region (CR) and the part of the North Atlantic Ridge near the January Mayen Island (JMR). Events from each group were sorted into four seismic sections respectively. The MP1-SUW model documents bottom of the asthenospheric low velocity zone (LVZ) at the depth of 220 km, 335 km discontinuity and the zone with the reduction of P wave velocity atop 410 km discontinuity which is depressed to 440 km depth. The nature of a regionally occurring 300 km boundary here we explained by tracing the ancient subduction regime related to the closure of the Iapetus Ocean, the Rheic Ocean and the Tornquist Sea.