bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing a South African organisation within a dual manufacturing and services economy
Authors: Weeks R. , Benade S.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to analyse the nature of the South African dual manufacturing and services economy and the impact thereof on organisations from a management perspective. Problem investigated: Services account for over 65% of South Africa's gross domestic product (GDP) and reflects an escalating trend. The manufacturing sector of the economy is just over 26% of GDP. This by implication implies that the South African economy is dualistic in nature. The economy functions as an integrated component of the global economy, one that is highly competitive and turbulent in nature. The traditional management approach tends to be one based on a mechanistic, analytical and deterministic manufacturing perspective that is no longer effective in dealing with the services economy. Methodology: A literature study is undertaken and a narrative enquiry conducted by means of discussions with 24 South African executives to determine the impact of the dual economy on South African organisations and the influence thereof from a management perspective. The approach adopted was intentionally analytical-descriptive in nature. The narrative enquiry constituted open ended but structured discussions with executives in order to learn from their personal experiences in managing an organisation in what is termed to be the dual South African services and manufacturing economy. Findings: An important conclusion drawn from the study is that traditional paradigms of management that evolved within a mechanistic manufacturing economy is no longer effective for dealing with the unpredictable and disruptive changes of a highly competitive global services economy. A complexity theory based management approach it would appear may be more relevant in dealing with the emergent realities associated with a turbulent services economy. Value of the research: Seen within the context of the changing nature of the global and South African economy, the insights gained from the study could assist executives and managers in exploring alternative paradigms of management that would be more appropriate for dealing with the paradoxical nature of a dualistic economy. Conclusion: Appropriate management paradigms differ in terms of contextual realities confronting managers, namely dealing with ordered and un-ordered contextual conditions. The Cynefin Framework (Kurtz & Snowden, 2003) serves as a means of sense making in finding the most appropriate management response for dealing with the contextual realities associated with a dualistic economy.
A proposed centralised distribution model for the South African automotive component industry
Authors: Naude Micheline J.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: This article explores the possibility of developing a distribution model, similar to the model developed and implemented by the South African pharmaceutical industry, which could be implemented by automotive component manufacturers for supply to independent retailers. Problem Investigated: The South African automotive components distribution chain is extensive with a number of players of varying sizes, from the larger spares distribution groups to a number of independent retailers. Distributing to the smaller independent retailers is costly for the automotive component manufacturers. Methodology: This study is based on a preliminary study of an explorative nature. Interviews were conducted with a senior staff member from a leading automotive component manufacturer in KwaZulu Natal and nine participants at a senior management level at five of their main customers (aftermarket retailers). Findings: The findings from the empirical study suggest that the aftermarket component industry is mature with the role players well established. The distribution chain to the independent retailer is expensive in terms of transaction and distribution costs for the automotive component manufacturer. A proposed centralised distribution model for supply to independent retailers has been developed which should reduce distribution costs for the automotive component manufacturer in terms of (1) the lowest possible freight rate; (2) timely and controlled delivery; and (3) reduced congestion at the customer's receiving dock. Originality: This research is original in that it explores the possibility of implementing a centralised distribution model for independent retailers in the automotive component industry. Furthermore, there is a dearth of published research on the South African automotive component industry particularly addressing distribution issues. Conclusion: The distribution model as suggested is a practical one and should deliver added value to automotive component manufacturers in that it could reduce distribution costs and also may improve customer service.
The information seeking and procurment needs of attendees at an industrial trade show
Authors: Bresler N. C.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to describe what attracts visitors to an industrial trade show, and to profile them. This will enable the show organisers to attract the right mix of exhibitors and fulfil their dual role of satisfying the needs of both attendees and exhibitors and improve the role of exhibitions in the latter's marketing mix. Problem investigated: The research seeks to elicit the attendance objectives of participants in order to ascertain their information seeking and procurement needs. This can be used to improve the marketing communication of both the organisers and exhibitors. Research methodology: The research design is a multi method, descriptive study. A non probability, judgemental sample was drawn; 1020 interviews were conducted per Electra Mining Africa expo in 2004 and 2006. Both open ended and fixed response questions were posed and due to the similarity of responses, 300 per show were analysed. The researcher fulfilled a participant observer role to enhance the validity and reliability of the findings. Findings/implications: The prime reason for visitation was to see what is new, discover, and gather information, and attendees were not disappointed in that. The trade shows attracted an informed, niche audience. Exhibitors gained access to key decision makers with buying influence. Attendees represented all roles in the buying process and intended to buy some capital items exhibited within the following year. Business contacts were made. The attraction and contact efficiency of the exhibition's were high and may result in conversion efficiency. In terms of market and geographical coverage it is a vertical international show. Originality: This paper contributes to limited research conducted on trade shows, especially in South Africa. It is unique in that it describes the effectiveness of an industrial trade show from a demand perspective in order to improve the facilitating role of exhibition organisers. It develops a knowledge base for improved show participation and future comparative studies. Conclusion: For effective communication to take place exhibitors need to align their objectives with those of attendees. Organisers must provide exhibitors with a profile of expected visitors to enhance their performance and improve show participation.
An analysis of audit committee effectiveness at the largest listed companies in South Africa from a CFO and audit committee perspective
Authors: Marx Ben
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate and analyse the effective functioning of audit committees at the largest listed companies in South Africa.Problem investigated: The modern audit committee is often seen as the panacea of the corporate world and as such is looked upon to cure all the financial reporting and control-related problems of entities. Audit committees are, however, not always as effective as they are held to be, as is evidenced by the many well-known corporate scandals and business failures that occurred where audit committees existed and fraudulent financial reporting, audit failures, internal control breakdowns and other irregularities prevailed. The modern audit committee will be of value only if it is properly constituted, is functioning effectively and if its role is clearly understood by all the parties concerned. The research problem investigated stems precisely from this issue, and the paper therefore aims to analyse the effective functioning of the audit committees at the largest listed companies in South Africa. Methodology: The study empirically tested the audit committee practices at the largest listed companies in South Africa. This was done through questionnaires addressed to the CFOs and audit committee chairs. Findings: The study found that audit committees at the largest listed companies in South Africa are well established, properly constituted, have the authority and resources to effectively discharge their responsibilities and consist of members who act independently and who have the right mix of appropriate experience, financial literacy and financial expertise amongst their members. The audit committee's role was found to be generally well understood and supported by the board and the Chief Financial Officers. It was further found that the audit committees are effective in discharging their oversight responsibilities on the board's behalf, with the only real exception being their effectiveness regarding IT-related aspects. Value of research: The study provides valuable information on audit committee practices and the effectiveness of audit committees at the largest listed companies in South Africa. These findings can therefore serve as guidelines for best practice standards for audit committees at other companies and institutions. Conclusion: Audit committees at the largest listed companies in South Africa were found to be well established and according to the views of the CFOs and audit committee chairs to be functioning effectively. Further research regarding the subject field of audit committees should focus on the status and effective functioning thereof at smaller companies, unlisted entities, higher education institutions and public sector entities.
Factors that influence the outcome of information technology projects in South Africa: An empirical investigation
Authors: Marnewick Carl , Labuschagne Les
Published: May 2017

Purpose: In developing countries such as South Africa, many organisations are reliant on information and communication technology (ICT) to provide accurate, relevant and timely information. For organisations to obtain and sustain a competitive advantage, ICT systems are constantly implemented, upgraded, modified or replaced. These initiatives are often managed as projects. While there is an increasing amount of both financial resources and effort being spent on ICT, these projects are not always delivered within the predetermined project constraints. This implies additional time to complete, as well as additional costs, as resources are not released in time to participate in other projects. It is therefore important to understand the factors that influence the outcome of South African ICT projects relative to their original constraints. Problem Investigated: The goal of this article is to determine the factors that influence South African ICT projects, taking into consideration the fact that most current published research on this topic was done within the context of a developed country such as the USA and Europe. Design and/or methodology: The outcomes of ICT projects in South Africa as well as the factors that influence them were determined through an extensive survey. An analysis was done on the factors together with a correlation between the main factors contributing to project outcomes. The purpose of this was to establish if a factor's presence or absence influenced the eventual outcome. Findings: The factors that contribute to a successful outcome are often outside the direct control of the project manager and tend to be complex in nature. One factor that does stand out is that the alignment of projects with business objectives influences their perceived success. Originality/Value: The benefits of this article are that it firstly provides a South African perspective of current ICT project management practices, and secondly, it highlights factors that influence project outcome. Organisations can use this information to improve their current practices. Conclusion: The value of the research results presented in this paper lies in the realisation that project success is not just determined by adherence to best practices or formal processes, but requires an environment and context conducive to business success.
Análise bacteriológica da água de consumo comercializada por caminhões-pipa
Authors: Mendonça Maria Helena Martins , Moraes Roseno Sthefany Angely , Leite Cachoeira Thayany Ruanny , Souza Silva Ákylla Fernanda , Araújo Jácome Paula Regina Luna de , Jácome Júnior Agenor Tavares
Published: May 2017

A garantia do fornecimento de uma água de qualidade destinada ao consumo humano é uma questão relevante para a saúde pública, sobretudo quando a água ofertada é dependente de meios alternativos, como os chamados caminhões-pipa. Entretanto, a grande preocupação quanto a esse tipo de transporte de água está relacionada aos diversos riscos de contaminações que podem ocorrer. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade bacteriológica da água para consumo direto (ingestão) comercializada por caminhões-pipa, destinada ao abastecimento da cidade de Caruaru-PE. Foram analisadas 10 amostras, obtidas de cinco caminhões-pipa, por meio da Técnica dos Tubos Múltiplos, para a identificação de Pseudomonas aeruginosa e do grupo coliforme e, da técnica pour plate, para a contagem de bactérias heterotróficas. Os resultados revelaram a presença dos grupos bacterianos testados na maioria das amostras analisadas. Foi verificado que o tempo era um fator que contribuia para o aumento do índice de contaminação. Conclui-se que esse tipo de comércio acaba fornecendo uma água que não atende aos requisitos de potabilidade e com um alto risco de contaminação, sendo imprópria para o consumo humano.
Estudo da tratabilidade de lixiviado gerado em um aterro controlado
Authors: Vasconcelos Daniela Vidal , Salgueiro Silva Larissa Loureiro , Guerra Igor Lopes , Campos Juacyara Carbonelli
Published: May 2017

O presente trabalho avaliou os processos de coagulação/floculação, adsorção em carvão ativado em pó (CAP) e reação com Fenton para redução da concentração dos poluentes e aumento da biodegradabilidade do lixiviado. No processo de coagulação/floculação foram avaliados o pH (4 a 8) e a concentração de cloreto férrico (100 a 600 mg L-1). No processo de adsorção em CAP, foram avaliadas as concentrações de 0,1-5,0 g L-1 de CAP, e na reação com Fenton, foram avaliadas as relações DQO:H2O2 [1:0,5, 1:1, 1:2 e 1:5], além das relações Fe:H2O2 [1:3, 1:5 e 1:10]. Nas melhores condições obtidas, foi avaliada a biodegradabilidade aeróbia dos efluentes tratados pelo método de Zahn-Wellens. O resultado do processo de coagulação/floculação foi de 22,9% de remoção da DQO e 64% de COT, utilizando 300 mg L-1 de coagulante em pH 4. Na adsorção em CAP, foram obtidas remoções de 69% da DQO, utilizando 5 g L-1 de carvão. Na reação de Fenton, foram alcançadas remoções de 82,3% de DQO (para DQO:H2O2=1:2 e Fe:H2O2 =1:3). Os resultados de biodegradabilidade aeróbia mostraram que apenas o lixiviado tratado com Fenton apresentou uma biodegradabilidade de 12 pontos percentuais maior em relação ao bruto, mostrando a sua potencialidade como pré tratamento ao processo biológico.
Validação de método analítico e de extração do malation em água e solo após nebulização de combate ao Aedes aegypti
Authors: Coleone Ana Carla , Silva Flavio Soares da , Machado Angela Aparecida , Machado Neto Joaquim Gonçalves , Paganini Wanderley Da Silva
Published: May 2017

O mosquito Aedes aegypti é vetor de doenças de grande relevância para a saúde pública, como a dengue, febre amarela, zika e chikungunya. Em áreas urbanas, para o controle dos insetos adultos, é realizada a nebulização a ultrabaixo volume (UBV) do malation. A pulverização pode levar à contaminação ambiental do solo e da água com o inseticida. Objetivou-se ajustar e validar um método analítico para determinação de malation em cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência (CLAE) e determinar o método de extração do inseticida das matrizes água e solo. A fase móvel foi uma mistura isocrática de acetonitrila e água (68:32), à vazão de 1 mL min-1, o volume de injeção de 20 µl e UV a 210 nm. Após fortificação, o analito foi extraído com acetonitrila (ACN) por agitação mecânica nas amostras de solo, e por evaporação das amostras de água, pré-concentrado, redissolvido em ACN e a recuperação foi calculada. O método é simples, específico e adequado para análise do malation com linearidade entre as concentrações de 0,05 e 1,00 μg mL-1 (R2 = 0,999) e limites de detecção de 0,017 μg mL-1, e de quantificação, de 0,051 μg mL-1. A recuperação média do malation da água foi de 97% e do solo, 96%, sendo o método exato e preciso (coeficiente de variação $lt; 8,8%). O método ajustado pode ser utilizado com segurança para quantificação do inseticida em matrizes de água e solo.
Initial development of cowpea plants under salt stress and phosphate fertilization
Authors: Silva Sá Francisco Vanies da , Neto Miguel Ferreira , De Lima Yuri Bezerra , De Paiva Emanoela Pereira , Gheyi Hans Raj , Dias Nildo Da Silva
Published: May 2017

The objective of this work was to study the effects of irrigation with saline water associated with phosphate fertilization on the emergence and early growth of cowpea plants. The assay was conducted in the greenhouse of the Department of Environmental Sciences and Technology of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid (UFERSA) in Mossoró-RN, during October and November of 2015.  The study adopted a randomized block with treatments arranged in a 5 x 3 grid, corresponding to five levels of water salinity (0.5, 1.5, 2.5, 3.5 and 4.5 dS m-1) and three doses of superphosphate, based upon the soil analysis (60%, 100% and 140% of the recommended dose for the crop 60 kg P2O5 ha-1), with five repetitions. The cowpea plants, cv. Paulistinha, were grown in lysimeters with capacity of 8 dm3. During the first 15 days of the initial stage of development the plants were evaluated for emergence, growth and biomass accumulation. The increase in water salinity above 1.5 dSm-1 reduced the emergence, growth and dry matter accumulation of cowpea plants. The increase of 40% in the recommendation of phosphorus fertilization of cowpea increased the growth and biomass accumulation of shoot plants, regardless of salinity.
Nonlinear Dynamical Behaviour in a Predator-Prey Model with Harvesting
Authors: Liu Wei , Jiang Yaolin
Published: May 2017

We investigate the stability and periodic orbits of a predator-prey model with harvesting. The model has a biologically-meaningful interior, an attractor undergoing damped oscillations, and can become destabilised to produce periodic orbits via a Hopf bifurcation. Some sufficient conditions for the existence of the Hopf bifurcation are established, and a stability analysis for the periodic solutions using a Lyapunov function is presented. Finally, some computer simulations illustrate our theoretical results.
Uncertainty Quantification of Derivative Instruments
Authors: Sun Xianming , Vanmaele Michèle
Published: May 2017

Model and parameter uncertainties are common whenever some parametric model is selected to value a derivative instrument. Combining the Monte Carlo method with the Smolyak interpolation algorithm, we propose an accurate efficient numerical procedure to quantify the uncertainty embedded in complex derivatives. Except for the value function being sufficiently smooth with respect to the model parameters, there are no requirements on the payoff or candidate models. Numerical tests carried out quantify the uncertainty of Bermudan put options and down-and-out put options under the Heston model, with each model parameter specified in an interval.
Estimation of a Regularisation Parameter for a Robin Inverse Problem
Authors: Fang Xi-Ming , Lin Fu-Rong , Wang Chao
Published: May 2017

We consider the nonlinear and ill-posed inverse problem where the Robin coefficient in the Laplace equation is to be estimated using the measured data from the accessible part of the boundary. Two regularisation methods are considered — viz. L2 and H1 regularisation. The regularised problem is transformed to a nonlinear least squares problem; and a suitable regularisation parameter is chosen via the normalised cumulative periodogram (NCP) curve of the residual vector under the assumption of white noise, where information on the noise level is not required. Numerical results show that the proposed method is efficient and competitive.
Semilocal Convergence Analysis for MMN-HSS Methods under Hölder Conditions
Authors: Li Yang , Guo Xue-Ping
Published: May 2017

Multi-step modified Newton-HSS (MMN-HSS) methods, which are variants of inexact Newton methods, have been shown to be competitive for solving large sparse systems of nonlinear equations with positive definite Jacobian matrices. Previously, we established these MMN-HSS methods under Lipschitz conditions, and we now present a semilocal convergence theorem assuming the nonlinear operator satisfies milder Hölder continuity conditions. Some numerical examples demonstrate our theoretical analysis.
Severity of Pneumonia in Under 5-Year-Old Children from Developing Countries: A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Bénet Thomas , Picot Valentina Sanchez , Awasthi Shally , Pandey Nitin , Bavdekar Ashish , Kawade Anand , Robinson Annick , Rakoto-Andrianarivelo Mala , Sylla Maryam , Diallo Souleymane , Russomando Graciela , Basualdo Wilma , Komurian-Pradel Florence , Endtz Hubert , Vanhems Philippe , Paranhos-Baccalà Gláucia , _ _
Published: May 2017

Pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children. The objectives were to evaluate the microbiological agents linked with hypoxemia in hospitalized children with pneumonia from developing countries, to identify predictors of hypoxemia, and to characterize factors associated with in-hospital mortality. A multicenter, observational study was conducted in five hospitals, from India (Lucknow, Vadu), Madagascar (Antananarivo), Mali (Bamako), and Paraguay (San Lorenzo). Children aged 2–60 months with radiologically confirmed pneumonia were enrolled prospectively. Respiratory and whole blood specimens were collected, identifying viruses and bacteria by real-time multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Microbiological agents linked with hypoxemia at admission (oxygen saturation < 90%) were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression, and factors associated with 14-day in-hospital mortality were assessed by bivariate Cox regression. Overall, 405 pneumonia cases (3,338 hospitalization days) were analyzed; 13 patients died within 14 days of hospitalization. Hypoxemia prevalence was 17.3%. Detection of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in respiratory samples was independently associated with increased risk of hypoxemia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.4, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.0–5.8 and aOR = 2.5, 95% CI = 1.1–5.3, respectively). Lower chest indrawing and cyanosis were predictive of hypoxemia (positive likelihood ratios = 2.3 and 2.4, respectively). Predictors of death were Streptococcus pneumoniae detection by blood PCR (crude hazard ratio [cHR] = 4.6, 95% CI = 1.5–14.0), procalcitonin ≥ 50 ng/mL (cHR = 22.4, 95% CI = 7.3–68.5) and hypoxemia (cHR = 4.8, 95% CI = 1.6–14.4). These findings were consistent on bivariate analysis. hMPV and RSV in respiratory samples were linked with hypoxemia, and S. pneumoniae in blood was associated with increased risk of death among hospitalized children with pneumonia in developing countries.
Phosphoproteome of Toxoplasma gondii Infected Host Cells Reveals Specific Cellular Processes Predominating in Different Phases of Infection
Authors: He Cheng , Chen Ai-Yuan , Wei Hai-Xia , Feng Xiao-Shuang , Peng Hong-Juan
Published: May 2017

The invasion of Toxoplasma gondii tachyzoites into the host cell results in extensive host cell signaling activation/deactivation that is usually regulated by the phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. To elucidate how T. gondii regulates host cell signal transduction, the comparative phosphoproteome of stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture–labeled human foreskin fibroblast cells was analyzed. The cells were grouped (Light [L], Medium [M], and Heavy [H] groups) based on the labeling isotope weight and were infected with T. gondii for different lengths of time (L: 0 hour; M: 2 hours; and H: 6 hours). A total of 892 phosphoproteins were identified with 1,872 phosphopeptides and 1,619 phosphorylation sites. The M versus L comparison revealed 694 significantly regulated phosphopeptides (436 upregulated and 258 downregulated). The H versus L comparison revealed 592 significantly regulated phosphopeptides (146 upregulated and 446 downregulated). The H versus M comparison revealed 794 significantly regulated phosphopeptides (149 upregulated and 645 downregulated). At 2 and 6 hours post-T. gondii infection, the most predominant host cell reactions were cell cycle regulation and cytoskeletal reorganization, which might be required for the efficient invasion and multiplication of T. gondii. Similar biological process profiles but different molecular function categories of host cells infected with T. gondii for 2 and 6 hours, which suggested that the host cell processes were not affected significantly by T. gondii infection but emphasized some differences in specific cellular processes at this two time points. Western blotting verification of some significantly regulated phosphoprotein phosphorylation sites was consistent with the mass spectra data. This study provided new insights into and further understanding of pathogen–host interactions from the host cell perspective.
Rickettsia australis and Queensland Tick Typhus: A Rickettsial Spotted Fever Group Infection in Australia
Authors: Stewart Adam , Armstrong Mark , Graves Stephen , Hajkowicz Krispin
Published: May 2017

Rickettsia australis, the etiologic agent of Queensland tick typhus (QTT), is increasingly being recognized as a cause of community-acquired acute febrile illness in eastern Australia. Changing human population demographics, climate change, and increased understanding of expanding vector distribution indicate QTT is an emerging public health threat. This review summarizes the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, treatment principles, and future directions of this disease. Increased recognition of QTT will enable consideration of and prompt treatment of R. australis infection by clinicians in Australia.
Seasonal Variation in the Epidemiology of Asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum Infections across Two Catchment Areas in Bongo District, Ghana
Authors: Tiedje Kathryn E. , Oduro Abraham R. , Agongo Godfred , Anyorigiya Thomas , Azongo Daniel , Awine Timothy , Ghansah Anita , Pascual Mercedes , Koram Kwadwo A. , Day Karen P.
Published: May 2017

Understanding the epidemiology of asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum infections is critical for countries to move toward malaria elimination. Using different methods for parasite detection, we evaluated how seasonality, spatial location, and other factors affect the age-specific epidemiology of asymptomatic malaria in Bongo District, Ghana. Asymptomatic prevalence by microscopy decreased significantly from 42.5% at the end of the wet to 27.5% at the end of the dry season (P < 0.001). Using the 18S rRNA polymerase chain reactions (PCRs), all microscopy-negative samples were screened and prevalence of submicroscopic infections also decreased significantly from the wet (55.4%) to the dry (20.7%) season (P < 0.001). Combining detection methods, 74.4% and 42.5% of the population in the wet and dry seasons, respectively, had evidence of a P. falciparum infection. Interestingly in those > 20 years of age, we found evidence of infection in 64.3% of the population in the wet and 27.0% in the dry season. Using both microscopy and PCR, the asymptomatic P. falciparum reservoir peaks at the end of the wet season and infections in all age groups constitute the reservoir of malaria infection. At the end of the wet season, spatial heterogeneity in the prevalence and density of P. falciparum infections was observed between the two catchment areas surveyed in Bongo District. These results indicate that if elimination is to succeed, interventions will need to target not just P. falciparum infections in children but also in adults, and be implemented toward the end of the dry season in this area of West Africa.
Joint Measurements of PM2.5 and light-absorptive PM in woodsmoke-dominated ambient and plume environments
Authors: Zhang K. Max , Yang Bo , Chen Geng , Gu Jiajun , Schwab James , Felton Dirk , Allen George
Published: May 2017

Abstract. DC, also referred to as Delta-C, measures enhanced light absorption of particulate matter (PM) samples at the near-ultraviolet (UV) range relative to the near-infrared range, which has been proposed previously as a woodsmoke marker due to the presence of enhanced UV light absorbing materials from wood combustion. In this paper, we further evaluated the applications and limitations of using DC as both a qualitative and semi-quantitative woodsmoke marker via joint continuous measurements of PM2.5 (by nephelometer pDR-1500) and light-absorptive PM (by 2-wavelength and 7-wavelength Aethalometer®) in three Northeastern U.S. cities/towns including Rutland, VT, Saranac Lake, NY and Ithaca, NY. We compared the pDR-1500 against a FEM PM2.5 sampler (BAM 1020), and identified a close agreement between the two instruments in a woodsmoke-dominated ambient environment. The analysis of seasonal and diurnal trends of DC, BC (880 nm) and PM2.5 concentrations supports the use of DC as an adequate qualitative marker. The strong linear relationships between PM2.5 and DC in both woodsmoke-dominated ambient and plume environments suggest that DC can reasonably serve as a semi-quantitative woodsmoke marker. We proposed a DC-based indicator for woodsmoke emission, which was then shown to exhibit relatively strong linear relationship with heating demand. While we observed reproducible PM2.5-DC relationships in similar woodsmoke-dominated ambient environments, those relationships differ significantly with different environments, and among individual woodsmoke sources. DC correlated much more closely with PM2.5 than EcoChem PAS2000-reported PAH in woodsmoke-dominated ambient environments. Our analysis also indicates the potential for PM2.5-DC relationships to be utilized to distinguish different combustion and operating conditions of woodsmoke sources, and that DC-Heating demand relationships could be adopted to estimate woodsmoke emissions. However, future studies are needed to elucidate those relationships.
Comparison of large-scale dynamical variability in the extratropical stratosphere among the JRA-55 family data sets
Authors: Taguchi Masakazu
Published: May 2017

Abstract. This study compares large-scale dynamical variability in the extratropical stratosphere, such as major stratospheric sudden warmings (MSSWs), among the Japanese 55-year Reanalysis (JRA-55) family data sets. The JRA-55 family consists of three products: a standard product of the JRA-55 reanalysis data, and two sub-products of JRA-55C and JRA-55AMIP. JRA-55C assimilates only conventional observations, whereas JRA-55AMIP runs the same numerical weather prediction model without assimilation of observational data. A comparison of the occurrence of MSSWs in Northern winter shows that compared to the standard product, JRA-55C delays several MSSWs by one to four days and also misses a few MSSWs. JRA-55C also misses the Southern Hemisphere MSSW in September 2002. JRA-55AMIP shows much fewer MSSWs in Northern winter, and especially lacks MSSWs of high aspect ratio of the polar vortex. A further examination of daily geopotential height differences between JRA-55 and JRA-55C reveals occasional peaks in both hemispheres. The delayed and missed MSSW cases have smaller height differences in magnitude than such peaks. The differences include large contributions from the zonal component, which are consistent with underestimations in the weakening of the zonal mean polar night jet in JRA-55C. We also explore strong planetary wave forcings and associated polar vortex weakenings for JRA-55 and JRA-55AMIP. It shows a lower frequency of strong wave forcings and weaker vortex responses to such wave forcings in JRA-55AMIP, consistent with the lower MSSW frequency.
Assessment of co-benefits of black carbon emission reduction measures in Southeast Asia: Part 2 emission scenarios for 2030 and co-benefits on mitigation of air pollution and climate forcing
Authors: Permadi Didin Agustian , Kim Oanh Nguyen Thi , Vautard Robert
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Following Part 1 (Permadi et al., 2017a) which focuses on the preparation of emission input data and evaluation of WRF/CHIMERE performance in 2007, this paper presents Part 2 of our research detailing the quantification of co-benefits resulted in the future (2030) from black carbon (BC) emission reduction measures for Southeast Asia (SEA) countries. The business as usual (BAU2030) projected emissions from the base year of 2007 (BY2007) assuming no intervention with the linear projection of the emissions based on the past decadal activity data (Indonesia and Thailand) and the sectoral GDP growth for other countries. The RED2030 featured measures to cut down emission in major four source sectors in Indonesia and Thailand (on-road transport, residential cooking, industry, and biomass open burning) while for other countries the representative concentration pathway 8.5 (RCP8.5) emissions were assumed. WRF/CHIMERE simulated levels of aerosol species under BAU2030 and RED2030 for the SEA domain using the base year meteorology and 2030 boundary conditions from LMDZ/INCA. The extended aerosol optical depth module (AODEM) calculated the total columnar AOD and BC AOD assuming the internal mixing state for the two future scenarios. Health benefits were analyzed in term of the avoided number of premature deaths associated with ambient PM2.5 reduction while the climate benefits were quantified using the reduction in the BC radiative forcing under RED2030. Under BAU2030, the average number of the premature deaths per 100,000 population in the domain would increase by 30 from BY2007 while under RED2030 the premature deaths would be cut-down (avoided) by 59 from the RED2030. In 2007, the maximum annual average BC radiative forcing in SEA countries was 0.98 W m−2 which would increase to 2.0 W m−2 under BAU2030 and 1.4 W m−2 under RED2030. Substantial co-benefits on human health and BC climate forcing reduction in SEA could be resulted from the emission measures incorporated in RED2030. Future works should consider other benefits such as for the agricultural crop production, and the cost benefit analysis of the measures implementation to provide relevant information for policy making.
An assessment of Ozone Mini-holes Representation in Reanalyses
Over the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Millan Luis , Manney Gloria
Published: May 2017

Abstract. An ozone mini-hole is a synoptic-scale region with strongly decreased total column ozone resulting from dynamical processes. Using total column measurements from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument and ozone profile measurements from the Microwave Limb Sounder, we evaluate the accuracy of mini-hole representation in five reanalyses. This study provides a metric of the reanalyses’ ability to capture dynamically-driven ozone variability. The reanalyses and the measurements show similar seasonal variability and geographical distributions of mini-holes; however, all of the reanalyses underestimate the number of mini-holes, their area, and in many reanalyses their location displays an eastward bias. The reanalyses’ underestimation of mini-hole number ranges from about 34 % to about 83 %. The mini-hole vertical representation in the reanalyses agrees well with that in the MLS measurements and, furthermore, is consistent with previously reported mechanisms for mini-hole formation. The skill of the reanalyses is not closely tied to the ozone fields assimilated, suggesting that the dynamics of the reanalysis models are more important than the assimilated ozone fields to reproducing ozone mini-holes.
Attribution of recent ozone changes in the Southern Hemisphere
mid-latitudes using statistical analysis and chemistry-climate model
simulations
Authors: Zeng Guang , Morgenstern Olaf , Shiona Hisako , Thomas Alan J. , Querel Richard R. , Nichol Sylvia E.
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Ozone (O3) trends and variability from a 28-year (1987–2014) ozonesonde record at Lauder, New Zealand, have been analysed and interpreted using a statistical model and a global chemistry-climate model (CCM). Lauder is a clean rural measurement site often representative of the Southern Hemisphere (SH) mid-latitude background atmosphere. O3 trends over this period at this location are characterised by a significant positive trend below 6 km, a significant negative trend in the tropopause region and the lower stratosphere between 9 to 15 km, and no significant trend in the free troposphere (6–9 km) and the stratosphere above 15 km. We find that significant positive trends in lower tropospheric ozone are correlated with increasing temperature and decreasing relative humidity at the surface over this period, whereas significant negative trends in the upper troposphere and the lower stratosphere appear to be strongly linked to an upward trend of the tropopause height, associated with increasing greenhouse gases. Relative humidity and the tropopause height also dominate O3 variability at Lauder in the lower troposphere and the tropopause region, respectively. We perform an attribution of these trends to anthropogenic forcings including O3 precursors, greenhouse gases (GHGs), and O3 depleting substances (ODSs), using CCM simulations. Results indicate that changes in anthropogenic O3 precursors contribute significantly to stratospheric O3 reduction, changes in ODSs contribute significantly to tropospheric O3 reduction, and increased GHGs contribute significantly to stratospheric O3 increases at Lauder. Methane (CH4) likely contributes positively to O3 trends in both the troposphere and the stratosphere, but the contribution is not significant at the 95 % confidence level over this period. An extended analysis of CCM results covering 1960–2010 (i.e. starting well before the observations) reveals significant contributions from all forcings to O3 trends at Lauder, i.e., increases of GHGs and the increase of CH4 alone all contribute significantly to O3 increases, net increases of ODSs lead to O3 reduction, and increases of non-methane O3 precursors cause O3 increases in the troposphere and reductions in the stratosphere. This study suggests that a long-term ozonesonde record obtained at a SH mid-latitude background site (corroborated by a surface O3 record at a nearby SH mid-latitude site, Baring Head, which also shows a significant positive trend) is a useful indicator for detecting atmospheric composition and climate change associated with human activities.
An update on ozone profile trends for the period 2000 to 2016
Authors: Steinbrecht Wolfgang , Froidevaux Lucien , Fuller Ryan , Wang Ray , Anderson John , Roth Chris , Bourassa Adam , Degenstein Doug , Damadeo Robert , Zawodny Joseph , Frith Stacey , McPeters Richard , Bhartia Pawan , Wild Jeannette , Long Craig , Davis Sean , Rosenlof Karen , Sofieva Viktoria , Walker Kaley , Rahpoe Nabiz , Rozanov Alexei , Weber Mark , Laeng Alexandra , von Clarmann Thomas , Stiller Gabriele , Kramarova Natalya , Godin-Beekmann Sophie , Leblanc Thierry , Querel Richard , Swart Daan , Boyd Ian , Hocke Klemens , Kämpfer Niklaus , Maillard Barras Eliane , Moreira Lorena , Nedoluha Gerald , Vigouroux Corinne , Blumenstock Thomas , Schneider Matthias , Garcìa Omaira , Jones Nicholas , Mahieu Emmanuel , Smale Dan , Kotkamp Michael , Robinson John , Petropavlovskikh Irina , Harris Neil , Hassler Birgit , Hubert Daan , Tummon Fiona
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Ozone profile trends over the period 2000 to 2016 from several merged satellite ozone data sets and from ground-based data by four techniques at stations of the Network for the Detection of Atmospheric Composition Change indicate significant ozone increases in the upper stratosphere, between 35 and 48 km altitude (5 and 1 hPa). Near 2 hPa (42 km), ozone has been increasing by about 1.5 % per decade in the tropics (20° S to 20° N), and by 2 to 2.5 % per decade in the 35° to 60° latitude bands of both hemispheres. At levels below 35 km (5 hPa), 2000 to 2016 ozone trends are smaller and not statistically significant. The observed trend profiles are consistent with expectations from chemistry climate model simulations. Using three to four more years of observations and updated data sets, this study confirms positive trends of upper stratospheric ozone already reported, e.g., in the WMO/UNEP Ozone Assessment 2014, or by Harris et al. (2015). The additional years, and the fact that nearly all individual data sets indicate these increases, give enhanced confidence. Nevertheless, a thorough analysis of possible drifts and differences between various data sources is still required, as is a detailed attribution of the observed increases to declining ozone depleting substances and to stratospheric cooling. Ongoing quality observations from multiple independent platforms are key for verifying that recovery of the ozone layer continues as expected.
The Potential of using Remote Sensing data to estimate Air–Sea CO2 exchange in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Parard Gaëlle , Rutgersson Anna , Raj Parampil Sindu , Charantonis Anastase Alexandre
Published: May 2017

Abstract. In this article, we present the first climatological map of air–sea CO2 flux over the Baltic Sea, based on remote-sensing data: satellite imaging derived estimates of pCO2 and remotesensed wind estimates. The pCO2 estimates estimated using self-organizing maps classifications along with class-specific linear regressions (SOMLO methodology). The estimates have a spatial resolution of 4-km both in latitude and longitude and a monthly temporal resolution from 1998 to 2011. The CO2 fluxes are estimated using two types of wind products, i.e. reanalysis winds and satellite wind products, the higher-resolution wind product generally leading to higher-amplitude fluxes estimations. Furthermore, the CO2 fluxes were also estimated using two methods: the method of Wanninkhof et al. (2012) and the method of Rutgersson et al. (2010), i.e. reanalysis winds and satellite wind products, the higher-resolution wind product generally resulting in higheramplitude fluxes. The seasonal variation in fluxes reflects the seasonal variation in pCO2 and stays similar throughout the Baltic Sea, with high CO2 emissions in winter and high CO2 uptake in summer. All basins act as a source for the atmosphere, with a higher degree of emission in the southern regions (mean source of 1.6 mmol m−2 d−1 for the South Basin and 0.9 for the Central Basin) than in the northern regions (mean source of 0.1 mmol m−2 d−1 and the coastal areas act as a larger sink (annual uptake of −4.2 mmol m−2 d−1 than does the open sea (−4 mmol m−2 d−1). In this study, we find that the Baltic Sea acts as a small source of 1.2 mmol m−2 d−1 on average and that annual uptake has increased from 1998 to 2012.
The Global Energy Balance Archive (GEBA) version 2017: A database for worldwide measured surface energy fluxes
Authors: Wild Martin , Ohmura Atsumu , Schär Christoph , Müller Guido , Folini Doris , Schwarz Matthias , Hakuba Maria Zyta , Sanchez-Lorenzo Arturo
Published: May 2017

Abstract. The Global Energy Balance Archive (GEBA) is a database for the central storage of the worldwide measured energy fluxes at the Earth's surface, maintained at ETH Zurich (Switzerland). This paper documents the status of the GEBA version 2017 dataset, presents the new web-interface and user access and reviews the scientific impact that GEBA data had in various applications. GEBA has continuously been expanded and updated and contains in its 2017 version around 2500 stations with 500'000 monthly mean entries of various surface energy balance components. The database contains observations from 15 surface energy flux components, with the most widely measured quantity available in GEBA being the shortwave radiation incident at the Earth's surface (global radiation). Many of the historic records extend over several decades. GEBA contains monthly data from a variety of sources, namely from the World Radiation Data Centre (WRDC) in St. Petersburg, from National Weather Services, from different research networks (BSRN, ARM, SURFRAD), from peer-reviewed publications, project and data reports, as well as from personal communications. Quality checks are applied to test for gross errors in the dataset. GEBA has played a key role in various research applications, such as in the quantification of the global energy balance, in the discussion of the anomalous atmospheric absorption or in the detection of multi-decadal variations in surface solar radiation, known as global dimming and brightening. GEBA is further extensively used for the evaluation of climate models and satellite-derived surface flux products. On a more applied level, GEBA provides the basis for engineering applications in the context of solar power generation, water management, agricultural production and tourism. GEBA is publicly accessible through the internet via www.geba.ethz.ch. Supplementary data are available at doi:10.1594/PANGAEA.873078.
Itzï (version 17.1): an open-source, distributed GIS model for dynamic flood simulation
Authors: Courty Laurent Guillaume , Pedrozo-Acuña Adrián , Bates Paul David
Published: May 2017

Abstract. Worldwide, floods are acknowledged as one of the most destructive hazards. In human-dominated environments, their negative impacts are ascribed not only to the increase in frequency and intensity of floods but also to a strong feedback between the hydrological cycle and anthropogenic development. In order to advance a more comprehensive understanding of this complex interaction, this paper presents the development of a new open-source tool named Itzï that enables the 2-D numerical modelling of rainfall–runoff processes and surface flows integrated with the open-source geographic information system (GIS) software known as GRASS. Therefore, it takes advantage of the ability given by GIS environments to handle datasets with variations in both temporal and spatial resolutions. Furthermore, the presented numerical tool can handle datasets from different sources with varied spatial resolutions, facilitating the preparation and management of input and forcing data. This ability reduces the preprocessing time usually required by other models. Itzï uses a simplified form of the shallow water equations, the damped partial inertia equation, for the resolution of surface flows, and the Green–Ampt model for the infiltration. The source code is now publicly available online, along with complete documentation. The numerical model is verified against three different tests cases: firstly, a comparison with an analytic solution of the shallow water equations is introduced; secondly, a hypothetical flooding event in an urban area is implemented, where results are compared to those from an established model using a similar approach; and lastly, the reproduction of a real inundation event that occurred in the city of Kingston upon Hull, UK, in June 2007, is presented. The numerical approach proved its ability at reproducing the analytic and synthetic test cases. Moreover, simulation results of the real flood event showed its suitability at identifying areas affected by flooding, which were verified against those recorded after the event by local authorities.