bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The central Andean west‐slope rainshadow and its potential contribution to the origin of hyper‐aridity in the Atacama Desert
Authors: Houston John , Hartley Adrian J. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe west slope of the central Andes exhibits a pronounced rainshadow effect. Precipitation between 15° and 27 °S is dominated by summer convective activity from Amazonia, and data analysis shows that the increase in precipitation with elevation due to the rainshadow effect best fits an exponential correlation. Coupling with limited data from high elevations suggests that the correlation is accurate to 4500 m above sea level (m a.s.l.) and perhaps to 5500 m a.s.l., suggesting that increased precipitation goes unrecorded over the peaks of the western Cordillera. South of 27 °S the precipitation is dominated by winter frontal sources and shows no well‐defined relationship with elevation. The core zone of hyper‐aridity in the Atacama Desert extends from 15 to 30 °S at elevations from sea level to 3500 m a.s.l. Although the Atacama Desert has existed since at least 90 Ma, it is considered that the initial onset of hyper‐aridity was most likely to have developed progressively with the uplift of the Andes as they reached elevations between 1000 to 2000 m a.s.l. coupled with the intensification of a cold, upwelling Peruvian Current between 15 and 10 Ma. Also apparent in the palaeogeographic record are subsequent fluctuations between (semi‐) arid to hyper‐arid conditions that were probably largely controlled by changes in orbital and oceanic forcing. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Were southern Swedish summer temperatures before 1860 as warm as measured?
Authors: Moberg Anders , Alexandersson Hans , Bergström Hans , Jones Philip D. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractTemperature series from Stockholm and Uppsala in southern Sweden indicate that summers from the mid‐18th century until around 1860 were, on average, warmer than the 1961–90 mean. The station histories suggest that the early observations could have been positively biased, for example because of insufficient radiation protection. We investigate if independent support for warm summers in the early period can be obtained from other climate variables. Using stepwise multiple regression analysis we investigate nine potential predictor variables: six air circulation indices, precipitation, air pressure and cloud amount. Three of these variables—cloud amount (the most important one), meridional geostrophic wind, and air pressure—together explain 65% of the June–August temperature variance in the calibration period 1873–2000. Application of the regression relationship back to 1780 shows that the model is equally successful in predicting year‐to‐year temperature variability before 1873 as it is in the calibration period, whereas the low‐frequency component is poorly reconstructed in the early period. This reduced skill is primarily due to poorer data quality of the predictor variables in the early period, in particular the cloud amount series. The observed decadal mean temperatures during 1780–1860 are found to be above the upper limit of a 95% confidence interval that accounts for uncertainties both in the regression relationship and in the cloud amount series. We conclude that the observed temperatures before around 1860 are, therefore, most likely positively biased. The size of this bias cannot be accurately determined from the evidence used here, but seems to be about 0.7–0.8°C for both stations. A comparison with long instrumental temperature series from central Europe suggests a slightly smaller bias (0.5–0.6°C). For more accurate assessment of the Stockholm and Uppsala temperatures, we recommend that extensive homogeneity testing of other long northern European temperature series are undertaken. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
A composite monthly temperature record from Tornedalen in northern Sweden, 1802–2002
Authors: Klingbjer Per , Moberg Anders 
Published: October 2003

AbstractPreviously unexplored observational temperature data for the period 1802–62 from Övertorneå and Kalix in the Tornedalen area in subarctic Sweden (∼66 °N), have been analysed. These early data have been combined with the temperature series from the synoptic weather station in Haparanda, beginning in August 1859, to develop a continuous Tornedalen temperature series with monthly means 1802–2002. The temperature data between 1802 and 1859 have been adjusted to correspond to Haparanda temperatures using information from time periods with overlapping observations, both in the early period and in recently made observations at the original sites. Additional information for homogenizing the series was obtained from temperature series for Vardø, Oulu, and Helsinki. Our judgement is that the reconstructed Tornedalen temperature record is reliable back to November 1832. Before this, the summer (June–August) temperatures in particular are less reliable, whereas data for the other seasons seem to be realistic, at least on decadal time scales. The annual mean temperatures are judged as realistic back to the start of the record.Between 1802 and 2000 there has been a warming trend in Tornedalen at an average rate of 0.099 °C decade−1 or 1.97 °C in total. The total warming explained by linear trends was greatest in winter (2.83 °C) followed by spring (2.17 °C), autumn (1.87 °C) and summer (0.88 °C). The annual warming trend during 1802–1900 was slightly greater than that for 1901–2000. Warming in winter contributed most to the rise in annual temperatures during the 19th century, whereas spring contributed most in the 20th century. The warmest decade was the 1930s, after which a strong cooling trend occurred until the 1970s (−0.325 °C decade−1, 1941–70). Warming then set in again to the end of the series (0.227 °C decade−1, 1971–2002). Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Statistical correction of central Southwest Asia winter precipitation simulations
Authors: Tippett Michael K. , Barlow Mathew , Lyon Bradfield 
Published: October 2003

AbstractSevere drought is a notable feature of the hydrology of central Southwest (CSW) Asia. Although studies have linked the region's interannual precipitation variability to remote forcings that include East Asia jet stream variability and western Pacific tropical convection, atmospheric general circulation models (GCMs) forced by observed sea‐surface temperatures demonstrate little skill in simulating interannual precipitation variability in this region. Here, statistical methods of correcting systematic errors in GCM simulations of CSW Asia precipitation are investigated. Canonical correlation analysis is used to identify model fields related to observed precipitation anomaly patterns. These relationships are then used to predict observed precipitation anomalies. This approach is applied to the ECHAM 4.5 GCM using regional precipitation, upper‐level winds and western Pacific tropical precipitation as predictors of observed CSW Asia precipitation anomalies. The statistical corrections improve the GCM precipitation simulations, resulting in modest, but statistically significant, cross‐validated skill in simulating CSW Asia precipitation anomalies. Applying the procedure to hindcasts with persisted sea‐surface temperatures gives lower, but statistically significant, precipitation correlations in the region along the Hindu Kush mountain range. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Interannual variations of storm tracks in the Southern Hemisphere and their connections with the Antarctic oscillation
Authors: Brahmananda Rao V. , do Carmo Alexandre M. C. , Franchito Sergio H. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractInterannual variations of storm tracks in the Southern Hemisphere (SH) are studied. Large interannual variations are found in the enveloping function of meridional wind ve and these suggest some dominant periodicities. Some of these periodicities are a quasi‐biennial oscillation in the subtropical branch of the winter storm track and the midlatitude spring storm track, a 3 year period and a long period of 8 years. The Antarctic oscillation (AAO) seems to be connected to the interannual variation of storm tracks in the SH. A significant negative correlation between ve and the AAO index in the high latitudes, a positive correlation in the midlatitudes and again a negative correlation in the subtropics are found throughout the year. During the high index phase of the AAO, the low‐level zonal wind shear increases in the region of midlatitude storm tracks and the static stability decreases, increasing the growth rate of baroclinic eddies, i.e. increase of ve (the opposite occurs during the negative phase). This explains the positive correlation in the midlatitudes between ve and the AAO index. In the region of the subtropical storm track during the high index phase the wind shear decreases and the static stability increases, decreasing the growth rates, thus explaining the negative correlation between ve and the AAO index. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Identification of three dominant rainfall regions within Indonesia and their relationship to sea surface temperature
Authors: Aldrian Edvin , Dwi Susanto R. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractThe characteristics of climatic rainfall variability in Indonesia are investigated using a double correlation method. The results are compared with empirical orthogonal function (EOF) and rotated EOF methods. In addition, local and remote responses to sea‐surface temperature (SST) are discussed. The results suggest three climatic regions in Indonesia with their distinct characteristics. Region A is located in southern Indonesia from south Sumatera to Timor island, southern Kalimantan, Sulawesi and part of Irian Jaya. Region B is located in northwest Indonesia from northern Sumatra to northwestern Kalimantan. Region C encompasses Maluku and northern Sulawesi. All three regions show both strong annual and, except Region A, semi‐annual variability. Region C shows the strongest El Niño–southern oscillation (ENSO) influence, followed by Region A. In Region B, the ENSO‐related signal is suppressed. Except for Region B, there are significant correlations between SST and the rainfall variabilities, indicating a strong possibility for seasonal climate predictions. March to May is the most difficult season to predict the rainfall variability. From June to November, there are significant responses of the rainfall pattern to ENSO in Regions A and C. A strong ENSO influence during this normally dry season (June to September) is hazardous in El Niño years, because the negative response means that higher SST in the NIÑO3 of the Pacific region will lower the rainfall amount over the Indonesian region. Analyses of Indonesian rainfall variability reveal some sensitivities to SST variabilities in adjacent parts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
The influence of wind and topography on precipitation distribution in Sweden: statistical analysis and modelling
Authors: Johansson Barbro , Chen Deliang 
Published: October 2003

AbstractTo estimate daily catchment precipitation from point observations there is a need to understand the spatial pattern, particularly in mountainous regions. One of the most important processes occurring there is orographic enhancement, which is affected by, among other things, wind speed and wind direction. The objective of this paper was to investigate whether the relationship between precipitation, airflow and topography could be described by statistical relationships using data easily available in an operational environment. The purpose was to establish a statistical model to describe basic patterns of precipitation distribution. This model, if successful, can be used to account for the topographical influence in precipitation interpolation schemes. A statistical analysis was carried out to define the most relevant variables, and, based on that analysis, a regression model was established through stepwise regression. Some 15 years of precipitation data from 370 stations in Sweden were used for the analysis. The geostrophic wind, computed from pressure observations, was assumed to represent the airflow at the relevant altitude. Precipitation data for each station were divided into 48 classes representing different wind directions and wind speeds. Among the variables selected, the single most important one was found to be the location of a station with respect to a mountain range. On the upwind side, precipitation increased with increasing wind speed. On the leeward side there was less variation in precipitation, and wind speed did not affect the precipitation amounts to the same degree. For ascending air, slope multiplied by wind speed was another important factor. The effect of slope was enhanced close to the coast, and reduced for mountain valleys with upwind barriers. The stepwise procedure led to a regression model that also included the meridional and zonal wind components. Their inclusion might indicate the importance of air mass characteristics not explicitly accounted for. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Recalibration of general circulation model output to austral summer rainfall over southern Africa
Authors: Bartman A. G. , Landman W. A. , Rautenbach C. J. DE W. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractEmpirical techniques are developed to adjust dynamic model forecasts on the seasonal time scale for southern African summer rainfall. The techniques, perfect prognosis and model output statistics (MOS), are utilized to ‘recalibrate’ the CSIRO 9 general circulation model (GCM) large‐scale fields statistically to three equi‐probable rainfall categories for December to February. The recalibration is applied to a GCM experiment where simultaneously observed sea‐surface temperature fields serve as the lower boundary forcing. An optimal canonical correlation analysis model is designed for MOS and perfect prognosis and the 700 hPa geopotential height field is selected as the single predictor field in the two sets of statistical equations that are subsequently used to produce recalibrated rainfall simulations over a 10 year independent test period. MOS produced the higher forecast skill for southern Africa over the independent test period. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society
Inter‐specific variability in organic nitrogen uptake of three temperate grassland species
Authors: Weigelt Alexandra , King Rosalind , Bol Roland , Bardgett Richard D. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractWe tested the inter‐specific variability in the ability of three dominant grasses of temperate grasslands to take up organic nitrogen (N) in the form of amino acids in soils of differing fertility. Amino acid uptake was determined by injecting dual labeled glycine‐2‐13C‐15N into the soil, and then measuring the enrichment of both 13C and 15N in plant tissue after 50 hours. We found enrichment of both 13C and 15N in root and shoot material of all species in both soils, providing first evidence for direct uptake of glycine. We show that there was considerable inter‐specific variability in amino acid uptake in the low fertility soil. Here, direct uptake of amino acid was greater in the grass Agrostis capillaris, which typically dominates low fertility grassland, than Lolium perenne, which inhabits more fertile sites. Direct uptake of amino acid for Holcus lanatus. was intermediate between the above two species. Unlike in the low fertility soil, there was no difference in uptake of either 13C or 15N by grasses in the high fertility soil, where uptake of mineral N is thought to be the major mechanism of N uptake of these grasses. Overall, our findings may contribute to our understanding of differences in competitive interactions between grasses in soils of different fertility status.
Preparing a soil carbon inventory of Saxony‐Anhalt, Central Germany using GIS and the state soil data base SABO_P
Authors: Grabe Matthias , Kleber Markus , Hartmann Klaus‐Jörg , Jahn Reinhold 
Published: October 2003

AbstractTo obtain information on regional soil carbon (C) stocks, we prepared a soil C inventory for the central German State Saxony‐Anhalt. We used the State Soil Database SABO_P (Sachsen‐Anhalt Boden_Profildatenbank), which contains data from 3,600 soil profiles with 16,300 individual soil horizons and combined it with a geographic information system (GIS ArcView). Soil C stocks down to a depth of 100 cm were compiled for the three major soil regions of Saxony‐Anhalt (soil region 2: river valleys and floodplains; soil region 4: pre‐Weichselian moraines, and soil region 6: loess‐covered areas), which represent 83 % of the total state territory. The three major soil regions in Saxony‐Anhalt comprise on average 12.7 (soil region 2), 8.9 (soil region 4), and 12.8 kg C m–2 (soil region 6). Total C content of the area investigated was 191 tg. The typical soils of the region, Haplic Chernozems, contain on average 13.9 kg C m–2. With few exceptions, soil C did not vary significantly within identical taxonomic groups among different soil subregions. However, Chernozems of soil subregion 3 (Wanzlebener Löß‐Plateau; 19.8 kg C m–2) contain significantly more C than the Chernozems of soil subregions 9 (Pollebener, Gerbstedter and Lettewitzer Löß‐Plateau; 12.1 kg C m–2) and 15 (Barnstädter Löß‐Plateau 12.2 kg C m–2). The spatial distribution of C stocks in Saxony‐Anhalt was represented in a map which suggests the existence of a strong link between the geomorphologic position of a given soil and its capacity to store organic C. Within the same taxonomic unit, finer textured soils stored more carbon than coarse‐textured ones.
Skin/bulk nanostructure and corrosion of SiC‐based fibres: a surface Rayleigh and Raman study
Authors: Havel M. , Colomban Ph. 
Published: October 2003

AbstractSiC‐based fibres are complex systems of nanophases. Raman imaging of polished Tyranno SA3 fibre (UBE Industry) sections indicated that carbon species have different concentrations, natures and short‐range order on the fibre core and surface, which results from the production process. The monitoring of the fibre's skin/bulk nanostructure, composition and geometry was performed on sections by Raman and Rayleigh microspectrometry. Owing to the weak light penetration in these materials, Rayleigh diffusion can map the surface geometry. The spatial correlation model applied to the LO SiC Raman mode at ca 969 cm−1 allowed us to estimate the size variation of the small SiC crystallites across the fibre. A model based on the ID/IG Raman peak ratio was used to calculate and map the size distribution of the carbon moieties. The position of the D′ Raman peak at ca 1620 cm−1, which is correlated with the graphite in‐plane lattice contraction or expansion, allowed us to identify the intercalant ions. The fibre's core, which contains non‐aromatic carbon moieties, is corroded much faster than the periphery under an alkaline and oxidative environment (modelled by molten NaNO3 and LiNO3). This is considered to be linked to the nature of these carbon moieties and to their location (at triple points and grain boundaries), which constitutes a direct diffusion pathway. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards a philosophy of strategy: reassessing five critical dilemmas in strategy formulation and change
Authors: Parnell John A. , Lester Donald L. 
Published: October 2003

Abstract

Although there has been a considerable amount of prescriptive research in the strategic management field, top executives are still faced with a number of somewhat philosophical ‘judgment calls’ when formulating strategies for their companies.
Five of these key issues include: (1) approaching strategy as an art or as a science; (2) publicizing strategy content or maintaining its secrecy; (3) seeking strategic consistency over the long term or maintaining flexibility; (4) embracing or avoiding strategic risk; and (5) adopting a top‐down or a bottom‐up approach to strategic planning.
This paper examines the predispositions of managers concerning these challenges and integrates them into four comprehensive philosophical approaches to strategy formulation. Prospects for future research are also presented.

Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategic positioning: a study of the Nordic paper and pulp industry
Authors: Kald Magnus 
Published: October 2003

Abstract

Few perspectives in research on strategy have had as great an impact as Porter's (1980, 1985) framework for strategic positioning. The concepts of cost leadership and differentiation have been used both by practitioners in strategic planning and by scholars as the starting point for empirical studies. This widespread use has probably contributed to the high level of interest in the possibilities and limitations of the perspective.
In this paper, certain central aspects of strategic positioning are examined empirically. The study covers seven business units in two segments of the paper and pulp industry in the Nordic region over a 10‐year period from 1991 to 2000.
Among the aspects discussed are the possibility of strategic change and the possibility of combining strategic position. Other aspects treated are the relationship of the intended strategic position, as declared in the annual reports, to the realized strategic position, as shown by the relative positions of the business units compared to their competitor.
The findings indicate that strategic positions are stable over time and that none of the business units was able to combine the positions of cost leadership and differentiation for a longer period of time. The results also suggest substantial congruence between the intended strategy and the realized strategy, at the units studied.

Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strategic implications for the development of on‐line banking in Spain
Authors: Arbussà Anna , Bernal Enrique 
Published: October 2003

Abstract

The development of on‐line banking has the potential to affect the Spanish banking industry, facilitating the entry of new competitors into the market.
New entrants may choose to specialize in standardized services, where on‐line technology has the potential to give them a competitive advantage and compete against existing players who have a universal banking business model. However, standardized services have low switching costs and therefore on‐line banks may not enjoy the market power that established players currently enjoy.
This paper examines the development of on‐line banking technology, focusing on the strategies developed by two on‐line banks in Spain that have recently entered the market, and documents the strategic responses of the incumbent players.

Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.