bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust Strengthening and Westward Shift of the Tropical Pacific Walker Circulation during 1979–2012: A Comparison of 7 Sets of Reanalysis Data and 26 CMIP5 Models
Authors: Ma Shuangmei , Zhou Tianjun 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
In this study, the zonal mass streamfunction Ψ, which depicts intuitively the tropical Pacific Walker circulation (PWC) structure characterized by an enclosed and clockwise rotation cell in the zonal–vertical section over the equatorial Pacific, was used to study the changes of PWC spatial structure during 1979–2012. To examine the robustness of changes in PWC characteristics, the linear trends of PWC were evaluated and compared among the current seven sets of reanalysis data, along with a comparison to the trends of surface climate variables. The spatial pattern of Ψ trend exhibited a strengthening and westward-shifting trend of PWC in all reanalysis datasets, with the significantly positive Ψ dominating the western Pacific and negative Ψ controlling the eastern Pacific. This kind of change is physically in agreement with the changes of the sea level pressure (SLP), surface winds, and precipitation derived from both the reanalyses and independent observations. Quantitative analyses of the changes in the PWC intensity and western edge, defined based on the zonal mass streamfunction, also revealed a robust strengthening and westward-shifting trend among all reanalysis datasets, with a trend of 15.08% decade−1 and 3.70° longitude decade−1 in the ensemble mean of seven sets of reanalysis data, with the strongest (weakest) intensification of 17.53% decade−1 (7.96% decade−1) in the Twentieth Century Reanalysis (NCEP-2) and largest (smallest) westward shift of −4.68° longitude decade−1 (−2.55° longitude decade−1) in JRA-55 (JRA-25). In response to the recent observed La Niña–like anomalous SST forcing, the ensemble simulations from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), with 26 models in the ensemble, reasonably reproduced the observed strengthening and westward-shifting trend of PWC, implying the dominant forcing of the La Niña–like SST anomalies to the recent PWC change.
Cumulus over the Tibetan Plateau in the Summer Based on CloudSat–CALIPSO Data
Authors: Li Yunying , Zhang Minghua 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Cumulus (Cu) can transport heat and water vapor from the boundary layer to the free atmosphere, leading to the redistribution of heat and moist energy in the lower atmosphere. This paper uses the fine-resolution CloudSat–CALIPSO product to characterize Cu over the Tibetan Plateau (TP). It is found that Cu is one of the dominant cloud types over the TP in the northern summer. The Cu event frequency, defined as Cu occurring within 50-km segments, is 54% over the TP in the summer, which is much larger over the TP than in its surrounding regions. The surface wind vector converging at the central TP and the topographic forcing provide the necessary moisture and dynamical lifting of convection over the TP. The structure of the atmospheric moist static energy shows that the thermodynamical environment over the northern TP can be characterized as having weak instability, a shallow layer of instability, and lower altitudes for the level of free convection. The diurnal variation of Cu with frequency peaks during the daytime confirms the surface thermodynamic control on Cu formation over the TP. This study offers insights into how surface heat is transported to the free troposphere over the TP and provides an observational test of climate models in simulating shallow convection over the TP.
Continental Shelf Baroclinic Instability. Part II: Oscillating Wind Forcing
Authors: Brink K. H. , Seo H. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractContinental shelf baroclinic instability energized by fluctuating alongshore winds is treated using idealized primitive equation numerical model experiments. A spatially uniform alongshore wind, sinusoidal in time, alternately drives upwelling and downwelling and so creates highly variable, but slowly increasing, available potential energy. For all of the 30 model runs, conducted with a wide range of parameters (varying Coriolis parameter, initial stratification, bottom friction, forcing period, wind strength, and bottom slope), a baroclinic instability and subsequent eddy field develop. Model results and scalings show that the eddy kinetic energy increases with wind amplitude, forcing period, stratification, and bottom slope. The dominant alongshore length scale of the eddy field is essentially an internal Rossby radius of deformation. The resulting depth-averaged alongshore flow field is dominated by the large-scale, periodic wind forcing, while the cross-shelf flow field is dominated by the eddy variability. The result is that correlation length scales for alongshore flow are far greater than those for cross-shelf velocity. This scale discrepancy is qualitatively consistent with midshelf observations by Kundu and Allen, among others.
Empirical Polarization Distribution Models for CLARREO-Imager Intercalibration
Authors: Goldin D. , Lukashin C. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPolarization effects bias the performance of various existing passive spaceborne instruments, such as MODIS and the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), as well as geostationary imagers. It is essential to evaluate and correct for these effects in order to achieve the required accuracy of the total reflectance at the top of the atmosphere.In addition to performing highly accurate decadal climate change observations, one of the objectives of the Climate Absolute Radiance and Refractivity Observatory (CLARREO) mission recommended by the National Research Council for launch by NASA is to provide the on-orbit intercalibration with the imagers over a range of parameters, including polarization. Whenever the on-orbit coincident measurements are not possible, CLARREO will provide the polarization distributions constructed using the adding–doubling radiative transfer model (ADRTM), which will cover the entire reflected solar spectrum. These ADRTM results need to be validated using real data. To this end the empirical polarization distribution models (PDMs) based on the measurements taken by the Polarization and Anisotropy of Reflectances for Atmospheric Sciences Coupled with Observations from a Lidar (PARASOL) mission were developed. Examples of such PDMs for the degree of polarization and the angle of linear polarization for the cloudless ocean scenes are shown here. These PDMs are compared across the three available PARASOL polarization bands, and the effect of aerosols on them is examined. The PDM-derived dependence of the reflectance uncertainty on the degree of polarization for imagers, such as MODIS or VIIRS, after their intercalibration with the CLARREO instrument is evaluated. The influence of the aerosols on the reflectance uncertainty is examined. Finally, the PDMs for the angle of linear polarization is cross-checked against the single-scattering approximation.
Performance Metrics, Error Modeling, and Uncertainty Quantification
Authors: Tian Yudong , Nearing Grey S. , Peters-Lidard Christa D. , Harrison Kenneth W. , Tang Ling 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
A common set of statistical metrics has been used to summarize the performance of models or measurements—the most widely used ones being bias, mean square error, and linear correlation coefficient. They assume linear, additive, Gaussian errors, and they are interdependent, incomplete, and incapable of directly quantifying uncertainty. The authors demonstrate that these metrics can be directly derived from the parameters of the simple linear error model. Since a correct error model captures the full error information, it is argued that the specification of a parametric error model should be an alternative to the metrics-based approach. The error-modeling methodology is applicable to both linear and nonlinear errors, while the metrics are only meaningful for linear errors. In addition, the error model expresses the error structure more naturally, and directly quantifies uncertainty. This argument is further explained by highlighting the intrinsic connections between the performance metrics, the error model, and the joint distribution between the data and the reference.
Anomaly-Based Weather Analysis versus Traditional Total-Field-Based Weather Analysis for Depicting Regional Heavy Rain Events
Authors: Qian Weihong , Jiang Ning , Du Jun 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Although the use of anomaly fields in the forecast process has been shown to be useful and has caught forecasters’ attention, current short-range (1–3 days) weather analyses and forecasts are still predominantly total-field based. This paper systematically examines the pros and cons of anomaly- versus total-field-based approaches in weather analysis using a case from 1 July 1991 (showcase) and 41 cases from 1998 (statistics) of heavy rain events that occurred in China. The comparison is done for both basic atmospheric variables (height, temperature, wind, and humidity) and diagnostic parameters (divergence, vorticity, and potential vorticity). Generally, anomaly fields show a more enhanced and concentrated signal (pattern) directly related to surface anomalous weather events, while total fields can obscure the visualization of anomalous features due to the climatic background. The advantage is noticeable in basic atmospheric variables, but is marginal in nonconservative diagnostic parameters and is lost in conservative diagnostic parameters. Sometimes a mix of total and anomaly fields works the best; for example, in the moist vorticity when anomalous vorticity combines with total moisture, it can depict the heavy rain area the best when comparing to either the purely total or purely anomalous moist vorticity. Based on this study, it is recommended that anomaly-based weather analysis could be a valuable supplement to the commonly used total-field-based approach. Anomalies can help a forecaster to more quickly identify where an abnormal weather event might occur as well as more easily pinpoint possible meteorological causes than a total field. However, one should not use the anomaly structure approach alone to explain the underlying dynamics without a total field.
Road to Sustainable SHG-Bank Linkage Programme: Formulating Strategies for Managing Credit Risk with Respect to Rural Bengal
Authors: Aluni Sayanee Nayak , Ray Saptarshi 
Published: December 2015

To alleviate poverty and unemployment in villages and to include rural India under a structured financial system, the government, through institutions like National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, has been trying to promote Self Help Groups (SHGs) by financing their projects. These rural SHGs have been financed mostly by the semi-urban bank branches, rural bank branches, Regional Rural Banks, microfinance institutions and regional cooperative banks. However, the financial institutions are burdened with huge losses due to non-repayment of loans availed by the SHGs which leads to accumulation of Non-performing Assets. Moreover, the bank managers are held responsible in case of such default, their superannuation benefits being either curtailed or delayed. This has made them all the more reluctant to further finance the SHGs. This situation adversely affects the birth of new SHGs and the existing groups are forced to embrace local moneylenders at an exorbitant rate of interest. Hence, the government’s effort to financially reach out to the poor through SHGs seems to be a rather difficult task. This article focuses on formulation of strategies for managing credit risk of SHG as an effort to make the SHG-Bank linkage programme sustainable. It is framed from the viewpoint of the banks, concentrating on their approach towards financing SHG projects.
Possible Market for Credit Lines to Mitigate Sudden Stop: Theory and Policy
Authors: Singh Gurbachan 
Published: December 2015

The market for credit lines (CLs) to mitigate the sudden stop of capital flows does not exist in practice. Why? Theoretical findings in this article are as follows. First, the basic reason lies in ‘additional’ agency costs. Second, externalities can play a role but only if agency costs are high. Third, funding liquidity is hardly a problem. Findings on the policy are as follows. Depending on the parameter values, it is an optimal policy to (a) enable the market for the relevant CLs, (b) enable this market and correct it for externalities or (c) let the market not exist. JEL Classification: F3, F4
Trade Openness, Size of Economy and the Saving–Investment Relationship: A Dynamic Analysis for Pakistan
Authors: Umer Faiza , Alam Shaista 
Published: December 2015

The main objective of this study is to examine the saving–investment relationship with the size of economy and trade openness in Pakistan during the period 1960–2011. For this purpose, the study employed vector auto-regression (VAR) to check simultaneity among trade openness, economic growth and saving–investment. Findings of the study confirm a significant positive relationship among trade openness, economic growth, saving and investment of Pakistan in the long run, but these do not establish a significant short-run relationship among trade openness, economic growth, savings and investment. In light of empirical results, the present study suggests that external sector development should be given due importance. For this purpose, the availability of credit should be enhanced properly. This will not only increase the saving rate in the country but also enhance domestic investment. JEL Classification: A11, B12, C13, D14
Revenue Mobilization Effort of Special Category States: The Case of Assam in North-east India
Authors: Dutta Mrinal Kanti , Dutta Parag 
Published: December 2015

Liberal resource transfer from the centre to economically backward states in India has ensured overcoming the mismatch between revenue generated and expenditure commitments of the states. From the point of view of long-term fiscal sustainability of states, however, greater effort to generate enough resources as per the potential of individual states is important, which makes the issue of revenue effort significant. Based on secondary data, this article is an attempt to analyze revenue mobilization efforts of the Government of Assam during 1991–2010. By examining the issues of arrears of uncollected tax and non-tax revenue, cost of collection of different taxes and duties, and cost recovery of different services, the study confirms low-revenue efforts on the part of the state government. The time series regression analysis between ‘per-capita own tax revenue’ and ‘per capita GSDP of the state’ and ‘per-capita revenue expenditure of the state in the previous year’ also confirms low-revenue efforts, necessitating the need of extra tax effort on the part of the state government. JEL Classification: H20, H27, C4
State Fiscal Capacity and Tax Effort: Evidence for Indian States
Authors: Karnik Ajit , Raju Swati 
Published: December 2015

This study analyzes the tax effort of 17 Indian states as a means of creating fiscal space. Four individual state-level taxes—stamp duty and registration fees, state sales tax, state excise duty and motor vehicles tax—are studied as well as the total own-tax revenue of states. Stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) models have been estimated for each of the taxes and for own-tax revenue in order to obtain a measure of inefficiency in tax collection. The data used for the SFA models span the time period 2000–2001 to 2010–2011. The results of the estimation exercises point to technical inefficiency as being the primary reason for states being unable to achieve their potential for revenue collection. Possible reasons for this inefficiency are examined. The estimated tax effort points to large budgetary room that states potentially enjoy for the purpose of raising revenues from existing taxes. Rather disconcertingly, the article notes that the average tax effort seems to be declining over time. JEL Classification: H21, H71
Draft genome sequence of Halopiger salifodinae KCY07-B2T, an extremly halophilic archaeon isolated from a salt mine
Authors: Zhang Wei-Yan , Hu Jing , Pan Jie , Sun Cong , Wu Min , Xu Xue-Wei 
Published: December 2015

AbstractHalopiger salifodinae strain KCY07-B2T, isolated from a salt mine in Kuche county, Xinjiang province, China, belongs to the family Halobacteriaceae. It is a strictly aerobic, pleomorphic, rod-shaped, Gram-negative and extremely halophilic archaeon. In this work, we report the features of the type strain KCY07-B2T, together with the draft genome sequence and annotation. The draft genome sequence is composed of 83 contigs for 4,350,718 bp with 65.41 % G + C content and contains 4204 protein-coding genes and 50 rRNA genes.
Daily Fasting Blood Glucose Rhythm in Male Mice: A Role of the Circadian Clock in the Liver
Authors: Ando Hitoshi , Ushijima Kentaro , Shimba Shigeki , Fujimura Akio 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and hepatic glucose production are regulated according to a circadian rhythm. An early morning increase in FBG levels, which is pronounced among diabetic patients, is known as the dawn phenomenon. Although the intracellular circadian clock generates various molecular rhythms, whether the hepatic clock is involved in FBG rhythm remains unclear. To address this issue, we investigated the effects of phase shift and disruption of the hepatic clock on the FBG rhythm. In both C57BL/6J and diabetic ob/ob mice, FBG exhibited significant daily rhythms with a peak at the beginning of the dark phase. Light-phase restricted feeding altered the phase of FBG rhythm mildly in C57BL/6J mice and greatly in ob/ob mice, in concert with the phase shifts of mRNA expression rhythms of the clock and glucose production–related genes in the liver. Moreover, the rhythmicity of FBG and Glut2 expression was not detected in liver-specific Bmal1-deficient mice. Furthermore, treatment with octreotide suppressed the plasma growth hormone concentration but did not affect the hepatic mRNA expression of the clock genes or the rise in FBG during the latter half of the resting phase in C57BL/6J mice. These results suggest that the hepatic circadian clock plays a critical role in regulating the daily FBG rhythm, including the dawn phenomenon.
Fashion and fandom on TV and social media: Claire Underwood’s power dressing
Authors: Andò Romana 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
This article seeks to discuss the relation between TV series characters, fashion and fandom through social media. It focuses on a specific kind of TV series, quality dramas, and in particular Netflix’s House of Cards (Netflix, 2013–). This series is a model example of the way clothing is a key factor that elicits audience engagement: the fashion universe of the female protagonist, Claire Underwood, is clearly included in the story, contributing to the definition of both the environment and the character. The relevance of style, outfits, clothes and fashion accessories is underlined by several online fandom interactions: audiences talk daily about how particular characters dress or act, check and share information and images about outfits and brands and buy online the products seen on TV. Audience members build and negotiate their gender identity through a performative self-representation, using (buying and wearing) fashion-symbolic materials provided by TV. These practices, now enabled by the social TV phenomenon, allow audiences to engage with the contents in a sort of expanded TV experience, which is the focus of this article. In particular, the aim of the article is to explore the process of fashion appropriation and reworking enacted by the audience with respect to Claire Underwood’s power dressing and to provide evidence as to how TV shows can offer diverse fashion experiences by which individuals can be inspired in representing the self.
A close shave: The taboo on female body hair
Authors: Smelik Anneke 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
In the past two decades body hair has fast become a taboo for women. The empirical data of sociological and medical research reveal that the vast majority of women remove most of their body hair since the beginning of this century. Body hair is typically a marker that polices significant boundaries: between human–animal, male–female and adult–child. Removal or refusal to remove body hair places the female body on either side of the boundary, thus upholding and displacing binary oppositions between fundamental categories. The new beauty ideal requires techniques of control, manipulation and self-improvement. This article first assesses how empirical studies map and confirm existing trends of body hair removal, and then explores indepth the cultural reasons for the development of the normative ideal of a hairless female body. While body hair functions socially as a taboo, it refers psychologically to the realm of the abject. One line of argument places the taboo in the realm of abjection, while another argument attempts to demystify the Freudian anxieties surrounding the visibility and invisibility of the female sex organ. While the hairless body connotes perfected femininity, it simultaneously betrays a fear of adult female sexuality. The hairless body may be picture-perfect, but its emphasis on visual beauty runs the risk of disavowing the carnality of lived life. The hair-free trend of today’s beauty ideals affirms that the twenty-first-century body is a work in progress.
Aké sú postoje žiakov základných škôl na Slovensku k vydre riečnej? What are the attitudes of primary school pupils in Slovakia toward the Eurasian Otter?
Authors: Urban Peter 
Published: December 2015

The aim of this paper was to find out the attitudes of primary school students from all over Slovakia towards the Eurasian otter (Lutra lutra). The survey was carried out in 2013 and 2014. The investigation into pupils’ attitudes was based on a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire contained 20 questions. Primary school pupils were together distributed and received 1,162 questionnaires, of which 258 (22,2 %) were in an electronic version and 904 (77,8 %) in print version. We assessed only complete questionnaires, derived from 1,149 students, 534 (46,5 %) males and 615 (53,5 %) females. Their average age was 11,2 (Min = 10, Max = 15). The results showed that the majority of pupils know about the otter and its food sources. Most information about otters was received from the school, television and the internet. Pupils had positive attitudes toward otters and their conservation. Most of them demonstrated their willingness to engage in the protection of otters.
Philosophy of Ecology as a Specific and Direct Method of Ecological and Humanistic Research and Management
Authors: Vladyková Lubov 
Published: December 2015

The philosophy of ecology is an intersectional, multi-discursive foundation, which covers a vast area characterised by an extensive research agenda, connecting a number of established scientific disciplines. It is our aim to highlight the interdisciplinary character of the problem under discussion, as well as the fact that different conceptions of the philosophy of ecology would be hard to sustain and hard to respect if they did not respond to the findings of latest research, be it in the field of ecology or in the field of philosophy. In order to be able to envisage a future for the Earth that would be sustainable in the long term, we need knowledge and we need to internalise a method for evaluating information, which would enable us to discard irrelevant information in times of critical change.