bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rossby radius in the Arctic Ocean
Authors: Nurser A. J. G. , Bacon S.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The first (and second) baroclinic deformation (or Rossby) radii are presented north of ~60° N, focusing on deep basins and shelf seas in the high Arctic Ocean, the Nordic seas, Baffin Bay, Hudson Bay and the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, derived from climatological ocean data. In the high Arctic Ocean, the first Rossby radius increases from ~5 km in the Nansen Basin to ~15 km in the central Canadian Basin. In the shelf seas and elsewhere, values are low (1–7 km), reflecting weak density stratification, shallow water, or both. Seasonality strongly impacts the Rossby radius only in shallow seas, where winter homogenization of the water column can reduce it to below 1 km. Greater detail is seen in the output from an ice–ocean general circulation model, of higher resolution than the climatology. To assess the impact of secular variability, 10 years (2003–2012) of hydrographic stations along 150° W in the Beaufort Gyre are also analysed. The first-mode Rossby radius increases over this period by ~20%. Finally, we review the observed scales of Arctic Ocean eddies.
Educação para a sustentabilidade no desenvolvimento de projetos de arquitetura
Authors: Coffi Andrade Amanda , Nerbas Patrícia De Freitas
Published: November 2014

O presente artigo objetiva descrever duas práticas adotadas nas atividades de projeto de arquitetura de uma Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo do Sul do Brasil, a fim de fazer uma análise comparada de dois processos pedagógicos, no que se refere à aplicação das estratégias de sustentabilidade nas atividades práticas de projeto de arquitetura. A pesquisa é de caráter exploratório e o método contempla: revisão bibliográfica, levantamento de dados, a partir de observações participantes e, aplicação de questionários, de acordo com métodos de pesquisa em ciências sociais. Este estudo foi desenvolvido, no período entre 2011 e 2012, durante o transcorrer de duas propostas pedagógicas, adotadas pela Instituição objeto de estudo. Os resultados indicam que as principais barreiras à aquisição do conhecimento estão relacionadas à associação entre teoria e prática nas diferentes disciplinas das atividades de projeto de arquitetura. Quanto à aplicação dos conteúdos, os maiores desafios estão relacionados aos hábitos já estabelecidos no mercado profissional e aos conhecimentos técnicos e inclinação/familiaridade individual na realização de trabalhos interdisciplinares. Como contribuição, o presente artigo pretende fomentar a discussão acerca dos desafios brasileiros, pertinente à formação de agentes humanos responsáveis por conduzir as atividades de projeto de arquitetura à práticas mais sustentáveis.
Prefácio
Authors: Mendes Júnior Ricardo
Published: November 2014

Prefácio
Mensurable Confusion? Wittgenstein’s Meter-Stick and Beyond
Authors: JOLLEY KELLY DEAN
Published: November 2014

I certainly find it easier to recognize the deep continuities within Wittgenstein’s thought, than the real nature of the contrasts: one only comes to recognize these for what they are after prolonged engagement with the two works.

—R. M. White, Understanding Wittgenstein 23
Modeling dominant height growth including site attributes in the GADA approach for Quercus faginea Lam. in Spain
Authors: Lopez-Senespleda Eduardo , Bravo-Oviedo Andres , Alonso Ponce Rafael , Montero Gonzalez Gregorio
Published: November 2014

Aim of the study: To develop a site index model for Quercus faginea Lam. stands.Area of study: SpainMaterial and Methods: Data from 81 growth series collected in plots where Q. faginea was the main species were used for modelling. Different generalized algebraic difference equations (GADA) were fitted from traditionally used models. Richards model was selected and used to expand the parameters with environmental variables.Research highlights: Winter rainfall (WR), annual potential evapotranspiration (PET) and pH were introduced increasing the prediction ability of the GADA. It is strongly recommended to apply the model with ages lower than 80 years because the lack of data above that age makes bias increase and efficiency decrease.Keywords: Site index; Lusitanian oak; environmental variables.
Biomass conversion and expansion factors are afected by thinning
Authors: Enes Teresa Duque , Fonseca Teresa Fidalgo
Published: November 2014

Aim of the study: The objective of this paper is to investigate the use of Biomass Conversion and Expansion Factors (BCEFs) in maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) stands subjected to thinning.Area of the study: The study area refers to different ecosystems of maritime pine stands inNorthern Portugal.Material and methods: The study is supported by time data series and cross sectional data collected in permanent plots established in the North of Portugal. An assessment of BCEF values for the aboveground compartments and for total was completed for each studied stand. Identification of key variables affecting the value of the BCEFs in time and with thinning was conducted using correlation analysis. Predictive models for estimation of the BCEFs values in time and after thinning were developed using nonlinear regression analysis.Research highlights: For periods of undisturbed growth, the results show an allometric relationship between the BCEFs, the dominant height and the mean diameter. Management practices such as thinning also influence the factors. Estimates of the ratio change before and after thinning depend on thinning severity and thinning type. The developed models allow estimating the biomass of the stands, for the aboveground compartments and for total, based on information of stand characteristics and of thinning descriptors. These estimates can be used to assess the forest dry wood stocks to be used for pulp, bioenergy or other purposes, as well as the biomass quantification to support the evaluation of the net primary productivity.Keywords: carbon; softwood; thinning; volume; wood energy; maritime pine.
Replacement of steel cable with synthetic rope in mountain logging operations in Castanea sativa Mill. coppice stands
Authors: Canga Elena , Fanjul Alba , Sanchez-Garcia Sandra , Alonso-Graña Manuel , Majada Juan
Published: November 2014

Aim of the study: The objective of this study was to evaluate skidding from stump area to roadside with a tracked skidder (Caterpillar 3DG XL) using two different types of cable (steel or synthetic).Area of study: NW of Spain.Material and methods: A time study was performed to calculate productivity for the two types of cable and two regression models were fitted to predict the productive and cycle time of the tracked skidder.Research highlights: An increase of 12.53% in productivity (m3/SMH) and improvements in working conditions using synthetic rope were found.Keywords: Chestnut; synthetic rope; time study; tracked skidder.
Evaluating management regimes for European beech forests using dynamic programming
Authors: Rojo Juan Torres , Von Gadow Klaus , Vilcko Frantisek
Published: November 2014

Aim of study: This contribution describes a systematic search method for identifying optimum thinning regimes for beech forests (Fagus sylvatica L.) by using a combination of optimization heuristics and a simple whole stand growth prediction model. Area of study: Data to build the model come from standard and management forest inventories as well as yield tables from the Northern and Western part of Germany and from southern and central Denmark.Material and Methods: Growth projections are made from equations to project basal area and top height.  The remaining stand variables are recovered from additional equations fitted from forest inventory data or acquired from other authors.  Mortality is estimated through an algorithm based on the maximum density line. The optimization routine uses a two-state dynamic programming model. Thinning type is defined by the NG index, which describes the ratio of the proportion of removed trees and basal area with respect to the same proportion  before thinning. Main results: Growth equations fitted from inventory data show high goodness of fit with R2 values larger than 0.85 and high significance levels for the parameter estimates. The mortality algorithm converges quickly providing mortality estimates within the expected range.Research Highlights: The combination of a simple growth and yield model within a Dynamic Programming framework in conjunction with NG values as indicators of thinning type yield good estimates of practical thinning schedules compared to thinning recommendations provided by diverse authors.Keywords: beech (Fagus sylvatica L.); NG ratio; thinning optimization; growth and yield simulation; mortality.
Identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at candidate genes involved in abiotic stress in two Prosopis species of hybrids
Authors: Pomponio Maria F. , Marcucci Poltri Susana , Lopez Lauenstein Diego , Torales Susana
Published: November 2014

Aim of the study: Identify and compare SNPs on candidate genes related to abiotic stress in Prosopis chilensis, Prosopis flexuosa and interspecific hybridsArea of the study: Chaco árido, Argentina. Material and Methods: Fragments from 6 candidate genes were sequenced in 60 genotypes. DNA polymorphisms were analyzed.Main Results: The analysis revealed that the hybrids had the highest rate of polymorphism, followed by P. flexuosa and P. chilensis, the values found are comparable to other forest tree species.Research highlights: This approach will help to study genetic diversity variation on natural populations for assessing the effects of environmental changes.Keywords: SNPs; abiotic stress; interspecific variation; molecular markers.
Effect of seed mass and number of cotyledons on seed germination after heat treatment in Pinus sylvestris L. var. iberica Svob.
Authors: Castoldi Elena , Molina Jose A.
Published: November 2014

Aim of study: We investigated the combined effect of seed mass and number of cotyledons on the seed germination of Pinus sylvestris var. iberica (Iberian Scots pine) in simulated fire conditions.Material and Methods: We used 3,600 fresh seeds extracted from 158 cones obtained from 10 pine trees located at the Biological Station of the Complutense University (Guadarrama mountains, Madrid region). All the seeds were individually weighed and assigned to one of the two following seed mass classes: class I (1.6-12.5 mg) and class II (12.6-145.0 mg). Germination capacity (GC) and mean germination time (MGT) were studied in combined experiments of four different temperatures (100°, 125°, 150° and 175°C) and two exposure times (1 and 5 minutes) together with a control (no treatment). Four replicates of 50 seeds each were used for each treatment and hydrated daily for 14 days to germinate under constant illumination. The number of cotyledons was counted in seedlings.Main results: Germination was depressed at above 125°C for 5 min. GC and MGT were negatively related, and were influenced by temperature and exposure time. Seed mass was found to have a significant effect on GC at some moderate heat treatment but not on MGT. The number of cotyledons was positively correlated to seed mass but there was not found correlated with germination after seed heat treatments.Research highlights: In the case of the Iberian Scots pine, higher seed mass mitigate the negative effects of temperature on seed germination after moderate heat treatment simulating fire.Keywords: Fire disturbance; germination; Mediterranean mountains; Pinus sylvestris L. var. Iberica; temperature.
A comparison of different methods to estimate species proportions by area in mixed stands
Authors: Dirnberger Gerald F. , Sterba Hubert
Published: November 2014

Aim of the study: This paper presents the most appropriate ways to estimate the species proportions by area in mixed stands of Norway spruce (Picea abies L. Karst.) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) by comparing stand level and individual tree level approaches. It also investigates whether different ways of describing species proportions by area can result in different judgments on the over- or under-yielding of species in mixtures.Area of the study: Three triplets of pure and mixed stands of Norway spruce and European beech in three locations in the northeast of Austria are investigated. The three locations differ considerably in slope, bedrock and soil type as well as in site index.Material and Methods: In all 9 plots the coordinates of all trees, their dbh, height, height to the crown base and five year increment were measured. The potentially available areas of individual trees are calculated by Voronoi- diagrams and potential densities are estimated from the comparable pure stands, yield tables, and published equations for maximum basal area and Reineke’s maximum density line.Main results: The species proportions estimated by the individual tree approach with leaf area as growth characteristic gave the best fit with the stand approach with the most appropriate, regional maximum basal area equations. By using various definitions of species proportions, in the worst case the mixing effects on individual species can be seriously over- or underestimated while the mixing effects on the total increment is only negligibly affected.Research highlightsMeasures of species proportions by area are needed for comparing growth per hectare of a species in a mixed stand with that of the same species in a pure standSpecies proportions at the stand level are based on estimates of the species’ potential densities, either in terms of maximum basal area or of maximum stand density indexSpecies proportions at the tree level are derived from the area potentially available (APA) to the individual trees, based on the coordinates of trees in the stands, and on their growth characteristics, such as crown projection area or leaf areaFor the examples of Norway spruce - European beech stands, the species proportions derived according to the individual tree approach using leaf area as growth characteristics fits best with the stand approach using the most appropriate maximum basal area equationsKeywords: Picea abies; Fagus sylvatica; mixture proportion; growth efficiency; mixing effect.Abbreviations used: APA – area potentially available.
Cap a un nou model de relacions laborals?
Authors: Rañé i Blasco Josep Maria
Published: November 2014

El model de relacions laborals espanyol es caracteritza per ser hereu de l’intervencionisme i el proteccionisme paternalista de l’antic model de relacions laborals de la dictadura. En aquest article s’exploren algunes idees sobre les necessitats de modernització del model de relacions laborals, com ara, una negociació col·lectiva amb més poder de les parts i una restauració del poder de les parts, especialment dels sindicats després de la reforma de 2012; potenciar la flexibilitat interna en les empreses, la polivalència, la formació continua i la mobilitat. Obrir la possibilitat d’irradiació dels convenis col·lectius dels àmbits superiors (estatals, autonòmics i/o provincials). Una administració pública i una judicatura que garanteixi  l’equilibri de poder entre les parts.
Evolució del mercat de treball, ocupació no estàndard i baixos salaris a Alemanya
Authors: Leschke Janine
Published: November 2014

Pel que fa a les novetats introduïdes al mercat de treball i els seus resultats, a Alemanya li està anant relativament bé. De fet, i en contra de la tendència europea, Alemanya ha vist augmentar les seves taxes d'ocupació i el descens de la desocupació durant la crisi econòmica. Però, des de les reformes desreguladores de Hartz de principis i mitjans dels anys 2000, l'última dècada ha estat testimoni de l'emergència de formes no convencionals d'ocupació i el creixement del sector de baixos salaris. Un dels objectius de les reformes Hartz era augmentar les oportunitats d'ocupació, entre d’altres en el sector de baixos salaris i especialment en el sector serveis. Els treballadors no estàndard, i entre aquests aquells amb contractes de durada determinada, els treballadors d'agències temporals, els treballadors fixos a temps parcial i els mini-jobbers són els, comparativament, més afectats pels baixos salaris.
El fracàs del model d'ocupació de la Unió Europea. Comentari a les ponències "Crisis i transformació del contracte de ocupació"
Authors: Recio Andreu Albert
Published: November 2014

El comentari està orientat a dibuixar el context general en el qual es desenvolupa la deterioració de les condicions de treball a la Unió Europea. Es debat la diferència entre les polítiques keynesianes de plena ocupació i la revisió de les mateixes per part de la Unió Europea. Especialment la desaparició operativa del concepte de subocupació i la ruptura d'un veritable contracte social inclusiu. Finalment es constata el fracàs social de l'actual política europea d'ocupació.
Organizational Emotional Intelligence and Top Selling
Authors: Giorgi Gabriele , Mancuso Serena , Fiz Perez Francisco Javier
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study is to explore emotional intelligence in association with effective sales performance. The participants involved in this study were sellers in a home furniture company and completed a new tool measuring emotional intelligence at the beginning of their employment with the company. After four months, their volume of sales was calculated and compared with other results. Briefly, evidence from this study indicates that emotional intelligence skills are relevant in association with job performance, particularly relationship management and self-management. The final results support the main hypothesis. Subsequent implications for sales organizations and researchers are discussed.
The Effect of the Psychological Sense of Community on the Psychological Well-Being in Older Volunteers
Authors: Pozzi Maura , Marta Elena , Marzana Daniela , Gozzoli Caterina , Ruggieri Ruggero Andrisano
Published: November 2014

Ageing populations across Europe are increasing. Communities have an important role in not only engaging this segment of the population but also in helping them to make them feel “part of something” (local or global) in order to favour their psychological well-being. The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of volunteering and being connected in one’s community on well-being. The present paper will test an older volunteers’ psychological well-being model. 143 older volunteers completed measures of religiousness, sense of global responsibility, psychological sense of community, generativity, motivation to volunteer and a profile of mood states. Data show that a psychological sense of community has a key role in the study of older volunteerism due to its impact on well-being. Service agencies and administrations can develop campaigns to sustain older volunteerism in order to increase well-being and reduce social costs.
Rasch Measurement in Language Research: Creating the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Inventory
Authors: Walker Miranda J. , Panayides Panayiotis
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this study was to construct a new scale for measuring foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA). It begun with the creation of an extended item pool generated by qualitative methods. Subsequent Rasch and semantic analyses led to the final 18-item Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Inventory (FLCAI). In comparison with the Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS), the FLCAI demonstrated more convincing evidence of unidimensionality and the optimal 5-point Likert scale functioned better. The FLCAI, while 55% the length of the FLCAS, thus more practical for classroom practitioners to administer and analyse, maintains its psychometric properties and covers a wider range on the construct continuum thus improving the degree of validity of the instrument. Finally, test anxiety was shown to be a component of FLCA.
Experiences of those Taking Part in the BeeZee Bodies Family-Based Weight Management Intervention: A Qualitative Evaluation
Authors: Edmunds Laurel D. , Rennie Kirsten L. , King Stuart , Mayhew Helen
Published: November 2014

The need for effective community, child weight management interventions continues. The BeeZee Bodies (BZB) family-based child weight management programme for 7-11-year-olds and 12-15–year-olds has been developed iteratively over five years, with quantitative and qualitative evaluations refining the programmes. The aim of this study was to present the experiences and opinions of those taking part in BZB programmes as part of a real world evaluation. Three focus groups, following a semi-structured protocol, were conducted with 20 participants (15 parents, 5 adolescents) 3 months post-intervention. Analyses were thematic, iterative and underpinned by Grounded Theory. Two themes emerged; (1) programme contents, (2) social interactions, with each sub-divided. Parents described increased appreciation of physical activity and dietary components, improvements in parenting and good relationships with personnel. A wide range of positive personal outcomes and changes within the family were perceived by parents and adolescents including: changes in physical activity take-up, eating habits, portion sizes, and an improved understanding of parenting an overweight child. The parenting skills element further enhanced the social cohesion fostered through attendance. There were opportunities to build new friendships for both parents and adolescents, and for parents to interact with their offspring in a different context, all of which supported behaviour change. The BZB programme was viewed by participants as successful and delivered by engaging personnel. Key strengths were social cohesion generated by including parenting sessions and inclusiveness of the physical activities on offer. BZB has been refined in response to qualitative evaluations and reviews and this process continues.
Quand le Pathos devient Ethos. Esquisse de la dépendance psychosociale contemporaine
Authors: Mondoux André , Ménard Marc , Bonenfant Maude
Published: November 2014

Traditionnellement, les réflexions sur les phénomènes de dépendance gravitent principalement autour d’approches individuelles. C’est bien le corps individuel objectivement souffrant (toxicité) qui induit des états psychologiques produisant à leur tour des comportements individuels qui répètent ces mêmes états de souffrance. Même avec l’apparition de problématiques « sociales » comme le jeu, il est tentant de ramener à nouveau l’analyse autour de la question de l’individu : il y a une « bonne » forme de jeu (raisonnable) et une « mauvaise » forme de jeu (jeu compulsif), la différence relevant d’un principe de responsabilité individuelle ou « locale » (famille, milieu de vie, histoire de vie, etc.). Mais, que se passe-t-il lorsque les comportements pulsionnels sont généralisés (hyperconsommation, hypersexualité, dépendances envers les jeux vidéo et les médias socionumériques, etc.), qu’une société tout entière est traversée par des logiques de jouissance ? Plus encore, que se passe-t-il si ces logiques sont étroitement intégrées à même les strates économiques, idéologiques et politiques du social ? Nous croyons que cette problématique réitère la pertinence d’une approche psychosociologique – voire sociopsychologique – afin d’amorcer la réflexion suivante : est-il possible que certains comportements et certaines logiques sociales aient, en plus des effets néfastes individuels, des effets négatifs pour le social lui-même ? Pour ce faire, il faudra établir les liens et les limites de la filiation entre la psychologie et la sociologie, aborder l’épineuse question de la normativité sociale et tenter de dégager une position objectivante à partir de laquelle des constats pourront être identifiés.
STRESS CHANGES IN CEMENTED BOREHOLE ANNULUS
Authors: Bošković Zvonimir , Čebašek Vladimir
Published: November 2014

Cemented boreholes annulus its stability achieved tightness must be maintained in the continuation phase of drilling, is that in the process of drilling, cementing, production. Preserving stability in the working life of the wells threatened and technological stage of the production process due to the natural development of conditioned stress-laden formation (swelling) and a reduction of fluid volume in the reservoir and operational procedures (from moderate to high pressures and temperatures, as well as - technical interventions (changes type of working fluid, leaking testing, perforating, injection, hydraulic fracturing, other operations). From cement mixture composition depend on the mechanical properties of hardened cement stone. Increase elasticity is associated with a reduction in the compressive strength and must always check that the compressive strength of cement stone ensure the stability of pipes due to well working life.
THE SELECTION OF OPTIMAL CONTOUR OF OPEN PIT "DELICI" NEAR UGLJEVIK
Authors: Stojanovic B. Lazar , Tomic J. Petar , Stevic Z. Mladen
Published: November 2014

In this article are presented the procedures and the results of open pit optimal contour "Delici" choice near Ugljevik, Republic of Srpska. By using of LG 3D algorithm for optimization in the Whittle FourXTM is determined a series of open pit shales based on the various income factors (Revenue factor) with iteration of 0.03 of change in coal prices according to the base price of 2.2 €/GJ. For each contour were calculated the cash flows, and the optimal contour of open pit was determined based on the maximum value of NPV (net present value). The access ramps, transport roads, geometric elements of benches, final slopes and calculations of the exploitation coal reserves were done inside of the optimal open pit contour. After determing of optimal open pit contour it was defined the mine plan, dynamics of exploitation and choice of waste disposal location.
SELECTION CASING MATERIAL DEPENDING OF WELLS FLUID CORROSIVITY
Authors: Bošković Zvonimir , Čebašek Vladimir , Nuhanović Sanel
Published: November 2014

World production of pipes is mainly based on the standards of API. However, this does not obligate you to use exclusively for casing manufactured by API standards. The wells that will exploit the hydrocarbons and aggressive media, install the protective casing made of alloy steel not yet covered by API standards. Running casing operation holds a special place in all phases of the wells because of protective casing account for a high percentage of the cost of drilling and improperly designed pipe string (or damaged by corrosion) increased costs due to repair of the object. If the fluid layer which produce, present aggressive gases (CO2, H2S, Cl), under certain thermodynamic conditions, it may cause significant corrosion of pipe materials. That created openings in the casing string may allow migration of gas. For this reason it is necessary to know the limits specified partial pressures of gases and estimate conditions in which corrosion is expressed.
DEFINITION OF CRACKS FOR THE ULTIMATE DEGENERATION PROCESS OF REVOLVING ELLIPSOIDS
Authors: Lukić Dragan , Zlatanović Elefterija
Published: November 2014

The state of stress around cavities of the revolving ellipsoidal shape (prolate or oblate) in the extreme cases of their degeneration is a very complex problem. Namely, the shape of cavities is defined by an appropriate curvilinear coordinate system, which contains hyperbolic and trigonometric functions. In this paper, the treatment of revolving ellipsoid coordinates has been presented, along with transformations of ellipsoids for corresponding limiting values of their coordinates. Various forms of cracking can be defined through the ellipsoid degeneration process. In addition, the paper is dealing with a definition of the stress state for the limiting cases of degeneration.
Climate change: The necessary, the possible and the desirable Earth League climate statement on the implications for climate policy from the 5th IPCC Assessment
Authors: Rockström Johan , Brasseur Guy , Hoskins Brian , Lucht Wolfgang , Schellnhuber John , Kabat Pavel , Nakicenovic Nebojsa , Gong Peng , Schlosser Peter , Máñez Costa Maria , Humble April , Eyre Nick , Gleick Peter , James Rachel , Lucena Andre , Masera Omar , Moench Marcus , Schaeffer Roberto , Seitzinger Sybil , van der Leeuw Sander , Ward Bob , Stern Nicholas , Hurrell James , Srivastava Leena , Morgan Jennifer , Nobre Carlos , Sokona Youba , Cremades Roger , Roth Ellinor , Liverman Diana , Arnott James
Published: November 2014

The development of human civilisations has occurred at a time of stable climate. This climate stability is now threatened by human activity. The rising global climate risk occurs at a decisive moment for world development. World nations are currently discussing a global development agenda consequent to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which ends in 2015. It is increasingly possible to envisage a world where absolute poverty is largely eradicated within one generation and where ambitious goals on universal access and equal opportunities for dignified lives are adopted. These grand aspirations for a world population approaching or even exceeding nine billion in 2050 is threatened by substantial global environmental risks and by rising inequality. Research shows that development gains, in both rich and poor nations, can be undermined by social, economic and ecological problems caused by human‐induced global environmental change. Climate risks, and associated changes in marine and terrestrial ecosystems that regulate the resilience of the climate system, are at the forefront of these global risks. We, as citizens with a strong engagement in Earth system science and socio‐ecological dynamics, share the vision of a more equitable and prosperous future for the world, yet we also see threats to this future from shifts in climate and environmental processes. Without collaborative action now, our shared Earth system may not be able to sustainably support a large proportion of humanity in the decades ahead.
Laboratory experiments of forced plumes in a density‐stratified crossflow and implications for volcanic plumes
Authors: Carazzo Guillaume , Girault Frédéric , Aubry Thomas , Bouquerel Hélène , Kaminski Edouard
Published: November 2014

The mass eruption rate feeding a volcanic plume is commonly estimated from its maximum height. Winds are known to affect the column dynamics causing bending and hence reducing the maximum plume height for a given mass eruption rate. However, the quantitative predictions including wind effects on mass eruption rate estimates are not well constrained. To fill this gap, we present a series of new laboratory experiments on forced plumes rising in a density‐stratified crossflow. We identify three dynamical regimes corresponding to increasing effect of wind on the plume rise. The transition from one regime to another is governed by two dimensionless velocity scales defined as a function of source and environmental parameters. The results are found consistent with the conditions of historical eruptions and provide new empirical relationships to estimate mass eruption rate from plume height in windy conditions, leading to valuable tools for eruption risk assessment.
Carbon cycle extremes during the 21st century in CMIP5 models: Future evolution and attribution to climatic drivers
Authors: Zscheischler Jakob , Reichstein Markus , von Buttlar Jannis , Mu Mingquan , Randerson James T. , Mahecha Miguel D.
Published: November 2014

Climate extremes such as droughts and heat waves affect terrestrial ecosystems and may alter local carbon budgets. However, it still remains uncertain to what degree extreme impacts in the carbon cycle influence the carbon cycle‐climate feedback both today and the near future. Here we analyze spatiotemporally contiguous negative extreme anomalies in gross primary production (GPP) and net ecosystem production (NEP) in model output of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) ensemble and investigate their future development and attribution to climatic drivers. We find that relative to the overall increase in global carbon uptake, negative extremes in GPP and NEP lose importance toward the end of the 21st century. This effect can be related to elevated CO2 concentrations and higher amounts of available water at the global scale, partially mitigating the impacts of droughts and heat waves, respectively. Overall, based on CMIP5 models, we hypothesize that terrestrial ecosystems might be more resilient against future climate extremes than previously thought. Future work will have to further scrutinize these results considering that various biological and biogeochemical feedbacks are not yet integrated within Earth system models.
Assessing ecosystem response to phosphorus and nitrogen limitation in the Pearl River plume using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS)
Authors: Gan Jianping , Lu Zhongming , Cheung Anson , Dai Minhan , Liang Linlin , Harrison Paul J. , Zhao Xiaozheng
Published: November 2014

The effect of phosphorus limitation on the Pearl River plume ecosystem, where large gradients in both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations exist, is investigated in this process‐oriented study by coupling the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) model with a new nitrogen, phosphorus, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and detritus (NPPZD) ecosystem model. The results of the N‐based only model of Gan et al. (2010) were compared with those of the new NP‐based model for the plume. The inclusion of P‐limitation noticeably reduces the total phytoplankton production in the plume in the P‐limited near and midfield regions of the plume. However, the nitrate in the plume extends farther downstream and forms a broad area of phytoplankton bloom in the N‐limited far field. Moreover, it changes the photosynthetically active radiation and strengthens the subsurface chlorophyll maximum in the near and midfields, but weakens it in the far field. A high N:P ratio of ∼120 in the near field decreases quickly to a low N:P ratio of <13.3 in the far field due to a higher N:P consumption ratio and mixing with ambient waters with a lower N:P ratio. Mortality and coagulation acts as major sinks for phytoplankton production in the near and midfield during the developmental stage of the bloom, but grazing gradually becomes the most important sink for phytoplankton production in the entire plume during the mature stage. It was shown that the magnitudes of the difference between the NP‐based and N‐based cases decrease sequentially for nutrients, phytoplankton, and zooplankton.
Retrieving density and velocity fields of the ocean's interior from surface data
Authors: Liu Lei , Peng Shiqiu , Wang Jinbo , Huang Rui Xin
Published: November 2014

Using the “interior + surface quasigeostrophic” (isQG) method, the density and horizontal velocity fields of the ocean's interior can be retrieved from surface data. This method was applied to the Simple Ocean Data Assimilation (SODA) and the Hybrid Coordinate Ocean Model (HYCOM)/Navy Coupled Ocean Data Assimilation (NCODA) reanalysis data sets. The input surface data include sea surface height (SSH), sea surface temperature (SST), sea surface salinity (SSS), and a region‐averaged stratification. The retrieved subsurface fields are compared with reanalysis data for three tested regions, and the results indicate that the isQG method is robust. The isQG method is particularly successful in the energetic regions like the Gulf Stream region with weak stratification, and the Kuroshio region with strong correlation between sea surface density (SSD) and SSH. It also works, though less satisfactorily, in the Agulhas leakage region. The performance of the isQG method in retrieving subsurface fields varies with season, and peaks in winter when the mixed layer is deeper and stratification is weaker. In addition, higher‐resolution data may facilitate the isQG method to achieve a more successful reconstruction for the velocity retrieval. Our results suggested that the isQG method can be used to reconstruct the ocean interior from the satellite‐derived SSH, SST, and SSS data in the near future.
A subtropical North Atlantic regional atmospheric moisture budget
Authors: D'Addezio Joseph M. , Bingham Frederick M.
Published: November 2014

The synergistic effects of evaporation (E), precipitation (P), and Ekman transport make the Salinity Processes in the Upper Ocean Regional Study (SPURS‐1) region in the subtropical North Atlantic (15–30°N, 30–45°W) the natural location for the world's highest open ocean SSS maximum. Using the MERRA and ERA‐Interim atmospheric reanalyses, we reproduce the mean hydrologic state of the atmosphere over the SPURS‐1 region since 1979 and roughly deduce the change in salinity across the meridional domain due solely to interactions between E‐P and Ekman transport. Our findings suggest a region that is highly evaporative at a mean rate of 4.87 mm/d with a standard deviation of 1.2 mm/d and little seasonality. Precipitation is much more variable with an annual fall maximum around 3 mm/d but only a mean rate of 1.37 mm/d with a standard deviation of 1.46 mm/d. The resulting E‐P variable has a mean rate of 3.50 mm/d with a standard deviation of 1.92 mm/d and matches well with the moisture flux divergence term although the former is typically larger by a small margin. Strong prevailing easterly trade winds generate northward Ekman transports that advect water toward the salinity maximum around 25°N. A short calculation shows that atmospheric moisture dynamics could potentially account for about one third of the change in salinity between 15°N and 25°N giving an estimate of the role that surface freshwater flux plays in the maintenance of the salinity maximum.
Pliocene switch in orbital‐scale carbon cycle/climate dynamics
Authors: Turner Sandra Kirtland
Published: November 2014

The high‐frequency (periods of ~105 years) relationship between carbon and oxygen isotopes in benthic foraminifera—the two proxies most extensively used to reconstruct past changes in Earth's carbon cycle and climate—shows two distinct patterns across the Cenozoic. The first, “glacial‐style,” pattern associates negative excursions in δ13C with positive excursions in δ18O indicative of relatively cold temperatures and greater ice volume. The second, “hyperthermal‐style,” pattern associates negative excursions in δ13C with negative excursions in δ18O indicative of warming. Here I assess the coherence and phasing of these high‐frequency, orbital‐scale cycles (in particular, the ~100 kyr eccentricity period) in δ13C and δ18O from multiple high‐resolution benthic foraminiferal records spanning the last ~65 million years of Earth history in order to identify which of these patterns is most persistent across the Cenozoic and when the switch between these patterns occurred. I find that the glacial‐style δ13C‐δ18O pattern is a feature restricted to the Plio‐Pleistocene, suggesting a fundamental change in the interplay between the carbon cycle and climate associated with the onset of Northern Hemisphere glaciation. This relative stability of the high‐frequency relationship between δ13C and δ18O across most of the Cenozoic persists despite significant secular changes in climate and may suggest a dichotomous response of terrestrial carbon cycle dynamics to orbital forcing with a switch occurring in the last ~5 Myr.
Bayesian inversion of Mualem‐van Genuchten parameters in a multilayer soil profile: A data‐driven, assumption‐free likelihood function
Authors: Over Matthew W. , Wollschläger Ute , Osorio‐Murillo Carlos Andres , Rubin Yoram
Published: November 2014

This paper introduces a hierarchical simulation and modeling framework that allows for inference and validation of the likelihood function in Bayesian inversion of vadose zone hydraulic properties. The likelihood function or its analogs (objective functions and likelihood measures) are commonly assumed to be multivariate Gaussian in form; however, this assumption is not possible to verify without a hierarchical simulation and modeling framework. In this paper, we present the necessary statistical mechanisms for utilizing the hierarchical framework. We apply the hierarchical framework to the inversion of the vadose zone hydraulic properties within a multilayer soil profile conditioned on moisture content observations collected in the uppermost four layers. The key result of our work is that the goodness‐of‐fit validated likelihood function form provides empirical justification for the assumption of multivariate Gaussian likelihood functions in past and future inversions at similar sites. As an alternative, the likelihood function need not be assumed to follow a parametric statistical distribution and can be computed directly using nonparametric methods. The nonparametric methods are considerably more computationally demanding, and to demonstrate this approach, we present a smaller dimension synthetic case study of evaporation from a soil column. The main drawback of our work is the increased computational expense of the inversion.
Credit Migration Matrices
Authors: Schuermann Til
Published: November 2014

This article provides a brief overview of credit migration or transition matrices, which characterize past changes in credit quality of obligors (typically firms). They are cardinal inputs to many risk management applications, including portfolio risk assessment, the pricing of bonds and credit derivatives, and the assessment of regulatory capital as is the case for the New Basel Accord. I address questions of how to estimate these matrices, how to make inference and compare them, and provide two examples of their use: the pricing of a derivative called a
yield spread option
, and the calculation of the value distribution for a portfolio of credit assets. The latter is especially useful for risk management of credit portfolios.
Default Correlation
Authors: Kapadia Nikunj
Published: November 2014

Defaults across firms in the economy are correlated partly because firms are exposed to common risk factors, and partly because of frailty or contagion risk. In modeling joint default risk, several approaches have been introduced. In structural models of default risk, joint default risk may be introduced by allowing assets values to be correlated. In reduced form intensity based models, default intensities can be allowed to be correlated. However, conditional on the default intensity, each default event is independent. Finally, the correlation between defaults may be directly modeled via a copula correlation. We describe and discuss these approaches to modeling default correlation.
Asset–Liability Management for Nonlife Insurers
Authors: Brehm Paul , Venter Gary
Published: November 2014

Asset–liability management for nonlife insurers is more complicated than quotidian duration‐matching analysis of changing interest rates. When stochastic liabilities are correlated with a number of financial variables, enterprise‐wide models are needed to quantify the impacts of possible investment and hedging strategies.
Inequalities in Risk Theory
Authors: Frostig Esther
Published: November 2014

There is a belief that heterogeneity in a portfolio increases its risk. This paper examines if this belief holds. We examine the impact of various types of heterogeneity on risk measures in the individual model, collective risk model, and life insurance. In order to measure heterogeneity, we apply majorization and Schur functions.
Compensation for Loss of Life and Limb
Authors: Grossman Helene L.
Published: November 2014

This article discusses the direct economic costs, indirect economic costs, and noneconomic costs associated with injuries and fatalities. Different methods for putting a value on noneconomic costs, often referred to as
pain and suffering
, are compared, and the types of compensation available for these different costs, including private insurance, public insurance, and the tort system, are examined. Next, a detailed discussion of how the tort system treats compensation for loss of life and limb is given. Finally, this article considers how life and limb are valued in other contexts, such as setting government regulations and assessing health care priorities. The focus is on the United States.
History and Examples of Environmental Justice
Authors: Restrepo Carlos E. , Zimmerman Rae
Published: November 2014

Environmental justice has become an influential policy discourse and analysis tool over the last few decades with particular importance for risk management. This article examines the evolution of the environmental justice movement in the United States, the main research tools used in the field, and their potential use and adaptation for incorporating justice into risk problems. The environmental justice discourse in international policy issues such as climate change and transboundary movements of hazardous and toxic substances, and its use within the sustainable development field are also discussed. Although literature reviews of environmental justice analysis suggest that there is strong evidence of environmental inequities, many research challenges exist related to the measurement of individual and multiple exposures to environmental risks and their link to human health outcomes. Understanding these links among different population groups is an area of active research and represents critical future research directions in the field.
Neural Networks: Construction and Evaluation
Authors: Saithanu Kidakan
Published: November 2014

The use of neural networks (NNs) for process monitoring is discussed. An example illustrating the use of NNs applied to multivariate quality control is provided. The strengths and weaknesses of the NN approach relative to more traditional methods in multivariate quality control are outlined.
Random Evolutions toward Applications
Authors: Koroliuk Vladimir S. , Limnios Nikolaos
Published: November 2014

This article gives a short and elementary presentation of random evolutions toward applications in reliability and quality engineering. At first, an example concerning the dynamical stochastic system in a two state Markov media is presented. A dynamical system in continuous time is presented since nowadays they are widely used in dynamic reliability modeling. Limit theorems in averaging and diffusion approximation scheme for ergodic and nonergodic media are also presented. Remarks on bibliography on further topics related to random evolutions are given.
Relationship between submaximal oxygen uptake, detailed body composition, and resting energy expenditure in overweight subjects
Authors: Pourhassan Maryam , Eggeling Benjamin , Schautz Britta , Johannsen Maike , Kiosz Dieter , Glüer Claus‐Christian , Bosy‐Westphal Anja , Müller Manfred James
Published: November 2014

Objective

We investigated the impact of detailed body composition on aerobic fitness to determine whether regional components of fat mass have independent effects on VO2submax, and whether VO2submax and detailed body composition independently explain variation in REE.

Methods

71 healthy adults (80% female, 20% male, BMI 28.2–43.8 kg/m2) were investigated. Body composition was measured by the four‐compartment model together with whole body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess high and low metabolic rate organs and regional fat depots. VO2submax was estimated at 75% of predicted maximum heart rate.

Results

There was a strong association between VO2submax and FFM and all organ masses except for heart. Skeletal muscle mass accounted for 34.8% of the variance in VO2submax. In addition, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) of extremities explained additional 14.4%. FFM and FM explained 71.3% of the variance in REE. Including the components of FFM and FM, the explained variance in REE increased by about 5.8%; skeletal muscle mass explained 70.0% of the variance in REE and kidney and liver masses explained additional 7.1%. VO2submax correlated with REE. Taking into account body composition, VO2submax did not add to the variance in REE.

Conclusion

FFM is a determinant of both VO2submax and REE. Modeling either REE or VO2submax from individual components of FFM, about 77.1% of variance in REE (by muscle, liver and kidneys mass) and 34.8% of variance in VO2submax (by skeletal muscle mass) could be explained. FM explained additional variance in REE, whereas SAT of extremities added to the variance in VO2submax only. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:397–406, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.