bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How Does Soil Moisture Influence the Early Stages of the South American Monsoon?
Authors: Collini Estela A. , Berbery Ernesto H. , Barros Vicente R. , Pyle Matthew E. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
This article discusses the feedbacks between soil moisture and precipitation during the early stages of the South American monsoon. The system achieves maximum precipitation over the southern Amazon basin and the Brazilian highlands during the austral summer. Monsoon changes are associated with the large-scale dynamics, but during its early stages, when the surface is not sufficiently wet, soil moisture anomalies may also modulate the development of precipitation. To investigate this, sensitivity experiments to initial soil moisture conditions were performed using month-long simulations with the regional mesoscale Eta model. Examination of the control simulations shows that they reproduce all major features and magnitudes of the South American circulation and precipitation patterns, particularly those of the monsoon. The surface sensible and latent heat fluxes, as well as precipitation, have a diurnal cycle whose phase is consistent with previous observational studies. The convective inhibition is smallest at the time of the precipitation maximum, but the convective available potential energy exhibits an unrealistic morning maximum that may result from an early boundary layer mixing.
The sensitivity experiments show that precipitation is more responsive to reductions of soil moisture than to increases, suggesting that although the soil is not too wet, it is sufficiently humid to easily reach levels where soil moisture anomalies stop being effective in altering the evapotranspiration and other surface and boundary layer variables. Two mechanisms by which soil moisture has a positive feedback with precipitation are discussed. First, the reduction of initial soil moisture leads to a smaller latent heat flux and a larger sensible heat flux, and both contribute to a larger Bowen ratio. The smaller evapotranspiration and increased sensible heat flux lead to a drier and warmer boundary layer, which in turn reduces the atmospheric instability. Second, the deeper (and drier) boundary layer is related to a stronger and higher South American low-level jet (SALLJ). However, because of the lesser moisture content, the SALLJ carries less moisture to the monsoon region, as evidenced by the reduced moisture fluxes and their convergence. The two mechanisms—reduced convective instability and reduced moisture flux convergence—act concurrently to diminish the core monsoon precipitation.
Dynamical Effects of Convective Momentum Transports on Global Climate Simulations
Authors: Song Xiaoliang , Wu Xiaoqing , Zhang Guang Jun , Arritt Raymond W. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Dynamical effects of convective momentum transports (CMT) on global climate simulations are investigated using the NCAR Community Climate Model version 3 (CCM3). To isolate the dynamical effects of the CMT, an experimental setup is proposed in which all physical parameterizations except for the deep convection scheme are replaced with idealized forcing. The CMT scheme is incorporated into the convection scheme to calculate the CMT forcing, which is used to force the momentum equations, while convective temperature and moisture tendencies are not passed into the model calculations in order to remove the physical feedback between convective heating and wind fields. Excluding the response of complex physical processes, the model with the experimental setup contains a complete dynamical core and the CMT forcing.
Comparison between two sets of 5-yr simulations using this idealized general circulation model (GCM) shows that the Hadley circulation is enhanced when the CMT forcing is included, in agreement with previous studies that used full GCMs. It suggests that dynamical processes make significant contributions to the total response of circulation to CMT forcing in the full GCMs. The momentum budget shows that the Coriolis force, boundary layer friction, and nonlinear interactions of velocity fields affect the responses of zonal wind field, and the adjustment of circulation follows an approximate geostrophic balance. The adjustment mechanism of meridional circulation in response to ageostrophic CMT forcing is examined. It is found that the strengthening of the Hadley circulation is an indirect response of the meridional wind to the zonal CMT forcing through the Coriolis effect, which is required for maintaining near-geostrophic balance.
Forecasting Pacific SSTs: Linear Inverse Model Predictions of the PDO
Authors: Alexander Michael A. , Matrosova Ludmila , Penland Cécile , Scott James D. , Chang Ping 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
A linear inverse model (LIM) is used to predict Pacific (30°S–60°N) sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs), including the Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO). The LIM is derived from the observed simultaneous and lagged covariance statistics of 3-month running mean Pacific SSTA for the years 1951–2000. The model forecasts exhibit significant skill over much of the Pacific for two to three seasons in advance and up to a year in some locations, particulary for forecasts initialized in winter. The predicted and observed PDO are significantly correlated at leads of up to four seasons, for example, the correlation exceeds 0.6 for 12-month forecasts initialized in January–March (JFM). The LIM-based PDO forecasts are more skillful than persistence or a first-order autoregressive model, and have comparable skill to LIM forecasts of El Niño SSTAs. Filtering the data indicates that much of the PDO forecast skill is due to ENSO teleconnections and the global trend.
Within LIM, SST anomalies can grow due to constructive interference of the empirically determined modes, even though the individual modes are damped over time. For the Pacific domain, the basinwide SST variance can grow for ∼14 months, consistent with the skill of the actual predictions. The optimal structure (OS), the initial SSTA pattern that LIM indicates should increase the most rapidly with time, is clearly relevant to the predictions, as the OS develops into a mature ENSO and PDO event 6–10 months later. The OS is also consistent with the seasonal footprinting mechanism (SFM) and the meridional mode (MM); the SFM and MM involve a set of atmosphere–ocean interactions that have been hypothesized to initiate ENSO events.
Sex Differences in Academic Behaviour
Authors: Sem Tove Thagaard 
Published: January 2008

In this article, I have presented some data on sex differences in academic studies. The basis for my study is a sample of students with the final degree from the gymnasium in the years 1946, 1951 and 1958. The results of the investigation show that many more male than female students graduate from academic institutions. The study of examination grades, length of study and study break reveals much smaller differences in the academic behaviour of men and women. I have suggested that the greater dropout rate for women than for men may be caused by sex differences in family obligations. The data do not provide an opportunity to determine this completely, but the results indicate that marriage and children have a rather small influence on other aspects of academic behaviour. The rather few differences according to sex and family obligations for graduates may be due to selection through drop out, so that those who graduate are the most able and the most motivated to pursue academic studies. I have also suggested that academic institutions may be more egalitarian than other institutions, and, in addition, that both men and women are adjusted to demands for intellectual performance during the school years.
Studies of Time-Use: Problems and Prospects
Authors: As Dagfinn 
Published: January 2008

Studies of time-use are rather commonplace today. Central statistical bureaus in many countries have adopted the technique and are contemplating regular surveys. The idea that measurements of time and time-allocations can be used as general indicators of living conditions is taken up by many. Serious schemes have been developed that propose exchanging the well-known 'money-budget' for 'time-budgets'. Development programs for 'social indicators' all incorporate various measures based on time and time-use. It is fair to say, however, that this field of inquiry is still in its infancy. It has proved possible to obtain data on people's daily use of time with sufficient reliability, but there is an alarming lack of reports on the methodological difficulties involved. The studies performed are typically empirical, fact-finding surveys with little attention given to the theoretical issues involved. The dominant instrument of data-gathering is the '24-hour time diary'. The various studies follow a general pattern which makes comparison possible, but there is a great need for further development of this research instrument. This is readily understood by those who have ventured to use it. The traditional time-use studies are very expensive and require great inputs of both time and money. This paper will not deal with all the problems mentioned. First the concrete reality at hand will be dealt with and thereafter some major methodological problems illuminated. A framework for classifying activities is proposed and, finally, indication is given of how the 'diary approach' can possibly be adapted for inclusion in interview surveys.
The Effect of Environmental-Loading History on the Transverse Strength of GRP Laminate
Authors: Ishai Ori , Mazor A. 
Published: January 2008

Loaded transverse GRP specimens and epoxy references were exposed to different environmental conditions. Tensile strength measurements conducted under exposure and after a drying period yielded the following main conclusions: Current and residual transverse strength was not affected much by cold-water and hot dry air during a short exposure period. Under hot-water exposure, transverse strength showed a significant drop with time, especially beyond 2 days of exposure and above 25% of the preload level. Based on earlier studies, the transverse-strength degradation of GRP specimens is attributable to attack by water molecules on the fiber-glass surfaces and the fiber-matrix interfacial bonds. This process is triggered and accelerated by heat and external loading. 1 Based on strength of reference specimens of Series B-0.
Technocratic Organization and Control
Authors: Burris Beverly H. 
Published: January 2008

Technocracy, a new type of organizational control structure, is defined and analyzed. The culmination of a dialectical process of organizational rationalization, technocracy transcends and integrates earlier forms of organizational control, particularly technical control, bureaucratic control, and professional control. Technocratic organizations are characterized by a flattening of bureaucratic hierarchies, a polarization into 'expert' and 'non-expert' sectors, a substitution of expertise for rank position as the primary basis of authority, a de-emphasis on internal job ladders in favour of external credentialing and credential barriers, flexible configurations of centralization/decentralization, and other related organizational changes. Technocracy is analyzed with regard to its theoretical background, historical development, contemporary manifestations, and socio-political implications.
In Search of Explanations for Bank Performance — Some Finnish Data
Authors: Tainio Risto , Korhonen Pekka J. , Santalainen Timo J. 
Published: January 2008

In this paper, our purpose is to discover the processes which generate bank performance. The study was carried out in two phases among banks of the SKOPBANK Group in Finland. The first phase is based on cross-sectional data consisting of a sample of 79 banks at the beginning of the 1980s. In this phase we have identified three different performance groups and found specific features characterizing them. The second phase is based on sixteen case banks representing these three performance groups. The data there comprise the documented development of the studied banks, and the interview data on the work histories of their managers. Our aim is to broaden and understand the findings based on the analysis of the cross-sectional data, and to develop more dynamic explanations for the variations in bank performance. The major finding of the statistical part of the study is that despite significant differences, there is no combination of environmental and organizational variables leading directly to superior or inferior performance. Based on the case analysis it was concluded, instead, that the performance of the banks studied is highly 'path-dependent'. The four distinct performance paths outlined turned out to have their own particular cycle of events, which was responsible for the observable performance variations and differences. Thus this study suggests that explanations of bank performance are more dynamic and context dependent than most of the previous studies indicate.
Cysticercosis and Salmonellosis in Cattle Caused By Sludge On Danish Farmland
Authors: Haugaard Per 
Published: January 2008

Three cases of infection in which beef tapeworms were transferred to cattle exposed to sewage sludge or septage applied to grass fields are reviewed together with an epizooty of salmonellosis, caused by infected latrine tankwagon used to irrigate a field. Mention is made of proposals on Danish regulations concerning the application of sewage sludge to agricultural soils, and the preventive measures with regard to epidemiological risks which are being discussed. It is concluded that it is possible to apply sewage sludge to agricultural soils without serious infection risks when appropriate preventive measures are taken. In particular raw latrine contents and septage from septic tanks appear to be particularly dangerous when spread on agricultural land.
Fuel in Sewage Sludge Incineration
Authors: Wall H. , Waltz E. , Verdouw A. 
Published: January 2008

As a result of a demonstration project partly sponsored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in cooperation with the Indianapolis Center for Advanced Research, the City of Indianapolis, Indiana, realized a 34% fuel savings for sewage sludge incineration. At the same time, sludge throughput was increased 10%. In addition to these proven savings, operational downtime for repairs was reduced, maintenance costs were reduced, and air pollution was reduced. The air pollution reduction allowed Indianapolis to cancel a $3,000,000 construction program for air pollution abatement. Other cities incinerating sewage sludge in the United States that have initiated the fuel efficient mode of operation have saved even more fuel than Indianapolis. Nashville, Tennessee, reduced its fuel usage 40%; Buffalo, New York, reduced its fuel usage 47% from design expectations; Hartford, Connecticut, reduced its fuel usage 51%; and Jacksonville, Florida has reduced its fuel usage over 50%. These savings result from installing additional instrumentation and controls (often not required at newer facilities), modifying the incinerator operating methods, and training the operators to operate the facilities more efficiently. At Indianapolis, it cost $20,000 per incinerator for instrumentation and operator training. This was ah older plant and required a maximum amount of new controls and instrumentation; however, the payback for this $20,000 was less than three months due to the reduction in fuel use based on an oil price of $0.264 per litre ($1.00 per gallon). In the other cities where instrumentation controls were adequate, the cost for developing the now operating mode and training the operators averaged $75,000 per city.
Identifying and Controlling Landfill Fires
Authors: Stearns Robert P. , Petoyan Galen S. 
Published: January 2008

Factors leading to subsurface landfill fires and fire identification and control techniques are discussed. The paper is oriented towards completed sanitary landfill sites containing active landfill gas (LFG) extraction systems for either recovery or migration control purposes. The fire identification and control techniques discussed can be applied to both developed and undeveloped former landfill sites. The ignition and propagation of subsurface landfill fires are a function of factors which include waste composition and moisture content, available oxygen, and ambient pressure in the area of combustion. Identification and size of a subsurface landfill fire can be determined by unusual or rapid site surface settlement, surface venting of smoke, detection of carbon monoxide in extracted LFG, accumulation of combustion residue in LFG collection header lines, and elevated LFG temperatures. Subsurface landfill fire control techniques include excavation, smothering, and extinguishing with injections of water or inert gas.
Mercury Output From Garbage Incineration
Authors: Reimann Dieter O. 
Published: January 2008

Domestic garbage normally contains 3-4 g Hg tonne-1. Slag and filter dust from garbage incineration contain only small quantities of mercury, which are difficult to leach. About 80-90% of the mercury in the flue gas can be bound in the washings at condensation temperatures of 60-70 °C from a wet scrubber operated at pH 0.5-1.0 in the presence of surplus chloride. In the following neutralization of the flue gas washings with lime c. 30-40% of the mercury can be bound as oxide; the degree of Hg precipitation can be increased to 99% or more by adding small quantities of the precipitating agent trimercapto-s-triazine—TMT 15. The Bamberg Model for controlled depositation of residual materials containing concentrated pollutants consists of mixing the filter dust with neutralization sludge to produce a solid and only slightly permeable product. The usual concentrations of mercury in garbage incineration plants do not present a danger for the operating personnel. The mercury concentration in the residual material and emission is clearly dependent upon the percentage of used batteries, which can account for over 50% of the total mercury.
Mercury Behaviour in Flue Gases
Authors: Bergström Jan G. T. 
Published: January 2008

Mercury in the flue gas from waste incineration is predominantly in the vapour phase at temperatures down to 140 °C. Only a small portion of the mercury is metallic Hg°, most of it is oxidized, which has a high vapour pressure at these gas temperatures. Oxidized mercury is absorbed by fly ash and will be captured on fabric filters. By injecting fly ash and lime before a fabric filter a high degree of collection can be achieved, both for hydrochloric acid and for mercury. Up to 90% of the mercury can become attached to the dust. By optimizing the operation and with efficient dust removal it is therefore possible to limit mercury emissions to less than 0.3 g ton-1 of incinerated waste.
Analysis of Inorganic Pollutants Emitted By the City of Paris Garbage Incineration Plants
Authors: Gounon J. , Milhau A. 
Published: January 2008

The City of Paris has to eliminate 2 million tons of household garbage each year, mainly by incineration with heat recovery, and while doing so wishes to participate fully in the international struggle against acid rain and heavy metal pollution. The City has decided to determine precisely the atmospheric effluent emanating from present industrial plants, and to this effect a comprehensive monitoring campaign was undertaken. The analysis, unique in France because of the exhaustive nature and size of the facilities deployed for the purpose, covered many parameters. The results are that (1) the HC 1 gas concentration in smoke, about 1000 mg m-3, contributing almost one-half of the fallout, was observed at a rate of 10 μg m -3 at 5 km from the plant; and (2) the total heavy metals concentration in a modern plant is about 4 mg m-3 but, excluding Zn, less than 2 mg m-3. Analyses are given for each components Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Ba, Co, Ag and Hg.
Hydraulic Conductivity At a Hazardous Waste Disposal Site: Comparison of Laboratory and Field-Determined Values
Authors: Herzog Beverly L. , Morse Walter J. 
Published: January 2008

The hydraulic conductivity of fine-grained deposits from a waste disposal site in southern Illinois was determined by both laboratory and field tests. Laboratory tests on undisturbed and recompacted samples were performed in a Harvard-type miniature permeameter. Field methods included slug tests analysed by two different methods and recovery tests. Geometric means of hydraulic conductivity determined by the three field methods were similar for each of the geologic units tested. Most average laboratory-determined values were at least one order of magnitude lower than their field counterparts. Slug tests were also conducted on angle holes in an attempt to take into account vertical fractures. Average values from field tests of the angle holes were greater than for the vertical holes, thus leading to the tentative conclusion that the vertical fractures cause the hydraulic conductivity of material to be higher than that indicated by the results from the vertical holes. Results of this study indicate that field tests should be used as the primary method for determining hydraulic conductivity at waste disposal facilities. Laboratory tests should be used to supplement the field tests and provide information on the variability of each material type across the site.
Poly(ether) Urethane Reactivity with Metal-Ion in Calcification and Environmental Stress Cracking
Authors: Thoma Randall J. 
Published: January 2008

Since their introduction to the biomedical community in 1967, polyurethanes have been used in a number of biomedical applications. In chronic applications evidence is now available which suggests that polyurethanes may be subject to various cracking phenomena. Environmental stress cracking and calcification are two phenomena resulting in poly(ether)urethane cracking, which have been shown to be enhanced by ion complexation. Much evidence now exists which defines the ability of poly(ether)urethanes to selectively extract ions, especially calcium ion from solution. Metal ion binding appears to enhance environmental stress cracking and appears to be a first step in the process of calcification.
Chemical Modification of Polyurethanes by Radiation-Induced Grafting
Authors: Jansen Bernd 
Published: January 2008

Basic methods of radiation-induced modification of polyurethanes for biomedical applications and of their characterization are briefly described. The most important works found in literature on radiation grafting of polyurethanes are discussed. The radiation grafting of polyetherurethane films and tubings by the pre-swelling method using various monomers and their physico-chemical characterization are discussed in detail with respect to the antithrombogenic properties of the materials. Novel applications for radiation-modified polyurethanes as drug delivery systems or antiinfectious materials are briefly mentioned.