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The reinvasion and recruitment of overwintering cyanobacteria in sediments in spring have an important impact on cyanobacterial blooms in summer and autumn, but until now, this process has not been observed in natural water bodies. In this study, wireless sensors and automatic water sample collection systems were used to carry out continuous high-frequency monitoring of cyanobacteria and related environmental indicators in Meiliang Bay, Lake Taihu, during a northwest wind event in spring. The results showed that there were many dormant cyanobacteria seeds in the sediments of Lake Taihu. These cyanobacterial seeds were easily resuspended from sediments, allowing them to reinvade and remain in the overlying water. Simultaneously, the water temperature exceeded the recovery temperature after the northwest wind event and the available light was sufficient to allow the reinvading cyanobacteria to recruit. The circadian photosynthetic rhythm of these recruited cyanobacteria eventually led to a rapid increase in dissolved oxygen in the water body during the south wind phase to a supersaturated state, and periodic diurnal fluctuations of the water body dissolved oxygen saturation curve. This study provided direct evidence for fully understanding the annual cycle of cyanobacterial blooms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of pit-in-pit foundation pit is increasing quickly because of the continuous utilization of underground spaces in urban areas. Based on the co-construction project of Shanghai Museum of Natural History foundation pit and Shanghai Metro Line 13 foundation pit in Shanghai, China, the deformation characteristics of pit-in-pit foundation pit are researched by field observation and centrifugal model tests. The lateral wall displacement of inner foundation pit includes global deformation caused by the outer foundation pit excavation and deflection caused by the excavation of itself. The effect of inner foundation pit excavation on the lateral wall displacement of outer foundation pit and ground-surface settlement is smaller. The two factors affecting the deformation characteristics of pit-in-pit foundation pit, the distance between inner and outer foundation pits (D) and the excavation width of inner foundation pit (Win), are analyzed by centrifugal model tests. The result shows that the maximum lateral wall displacements of inner and outer foundation pits decrease nearly linearly with the increase of D, but increase with the increase of Win. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lahars impose significant secondary hazards on highly populated volcanic islands by remobilizing volcanic ash deposits. Karthala, on Grande Comore Island, is a relatively young and poorly eroded basaltic shield volcano with sporadic occurrence of ash-forming phreatic eruptions. In 2005, two mildly explosive episodes emplaced tephra blankets on the summit area. Heavy precipitation subsequently triggered the repetitive occurrence of small-volume secondary lahars up to 2012. These lahars damaged roads and hundreds of houses, affecting thousands of inhabitants at the foot of Karthala volcano, but were poorly documented at the time of their occurrence. Their future hazard remains unclear as well. This study aims at gaining insights into the main characteristics of these lahars, as well as testing and comparing the effectiveness of two numerical tools to simulate the extent of these small-volume lahars. To understand the physical characteristics of the lahars, we first documented the spatial extent and characteristics of the debris deposits at the foot of Karthala volcano and in the ravines that guided the flows. Our observations suggest that the debris were emplaced by small-scale (volumes ≤ 105 m3), rain-triggered and predominantly low sediment concentration lahars. The spatial extent of the deposits served to calibrate and compare numerical lahar simulations from the widely used volume-limited LaharZ model with simulations from Q-LavHA, a probabilistic flow model originally developed for lava flows. Q-LavHA mitigates some limitations of LaharZ, such as its ability to simulate flow bifurcations and the transition from constrained to unconstrained flow but comparison demonstrates that Q-LavHA typically yielded lower simulation accuracies compared to LaharZ simulations. The obtained accuracy values represent a rather poor performance for both models compared to existing studies on larger-volume lahars on stratovolcanoes, and are inferred to result mostly from difficulties in delineating lahar flow paths on the smooth, poorly eroded topography of the volcanic edifice. We therefore also evaluated the potential to increase simulation accuracy by updating a 10 m resolution Digital Elevation Model (DEM) with channel topography measurements. By using such updated DEMs, the correctly delineated area improved for both models. This approach, however, did not prevent simulations to sometimes miss the hazard-prone position of settlements which were actually affected by the hazard in the past. Our study shows the limitations of numerical volcanic flow simulation strategies on young and poorly eroded volcanic edifices, such as active basaltic shields. The results indicate that accurate topographic representations and detailed documentation of spatial extent of the impacted area and lahar deposit thickness are needed to produce accurate lahar simulations, as well as the further adaptation of existing numerical simulation tools to better suit these particular environmental settings.

Speeding is known to be related to a significant portion of highway collisions. As part of the efforts to seek safety improvements of the California highway network, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) is exploring the implementation issues of automated speed enforcement (ASE). This report provides an overview of Task Order 6212 undertaken by California PATH to assess various issues associated with ASE systems.An ASE system designed for use in work zones was acquired and tested in several field experimental sites, along with several other commercially-off-the-shelf traffic monitoring devices. The objective of the study is to examine the field performance of the equipment in a real-world setting, when evaluated against other comparable traffic devices. The results from the field experiments revealed that traffic speed measurements are likely to yield discrepancies. For considerations of future deployment of ASE, the technologies can be expected to be advanced further. Since all types of sensing devices are susceptible to certain levels of interference and noises in the field, a consistent and robust method of verification and calibration for sensors used for ASE will be essential. From the design point of view, extra measures or techniques can be taken to ensure the robustness and accuracy of ASE systems.The assessment of technical performance of ASE as carried out in this project can provide insights in the process of validating functional characteristics and seeking performance enhancements. The outcome of this study, in conjunction with the experience and knowledge gained by other agencies in their development and implementation of work-zone and general ASE systems will offer valuable support for future ASE implementation.

Liquefaction of seabed sediments under the action of storm waves is an important form of seabed instability, which may cause damage to submarine structures such as pipelines and cables. A commonly used parameter to identify sediment liquefaction is pore pressure. The pressure response of the pore water at different depths of a silty soil seabed under storm waves was monitored by a probe rod in the Yellow River delta. The probe is made of a steel pipe with a length of 8 m and an outer diameter of 10 cm, which is equipped with 10 pore pressure sensors. According to the collected data, under a water depth of 8 m, silty soil seabed liquefaction starts when the significant wave height reaches 0.5 m, and the liquefaction depth is between 3.3 and 3.8 m under waves with a significant wave height of 3.65 m. Seabed liquefaction develops in a top-down manner, and the average development rate of the liquefaction depth is approximately 0.17 m/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of monitoring shrublands to detect and understand changes through time is increasingly recognized as critical to management. This research focuses on ecological change observed over 10 yr of field observation at 126 plots and over 35 yr of the Landsat archive in a shrubland ecosystem. Field data consisting of the fractional cover of shrubs, sagebrush, herbs, litter, and bare ground components were collected to be directly comparable to Landsat time‐series predictions at an ecoregion level. We used these data to test three hypotheses. First, that precipitation and temperature govern changes in the proportions of shrubland components on an interannual time scale. Second, that longer‐term component change is related to climate change. Finally, that change intensity varies by shrubland communities clustered by biophysical conditions. We found that the field observations and Landsat times‐series predictions generally responded similarly to interannual variation in weather, chiefly driven by precipitation. Landsat times‐series data provided a reasonable means of scaling up the findings of the field observations to a larger temporal and spatial window. The results of the analysis indicate that shrubland component change intensity significantly varies by biophysical clusters, and indicate a significant increase in the cover of shrubs and sagebrush in long‐term monitoring plots between 2008 and 2017 and in the Landsat time‐series data across the Wyoming Basin study area from 1985 to 2017 and from 2008 to 2017. Our results indicate that the Landsat time series can be used to answer critical questions regarding the influence of climate change and the suitability of management practices in shrubland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rill network development not only potentially affects hillslope and drainage network evolution, but also causes severe soil degradation. However, the studies on rill network development remain inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the temporal and spatial development of hillslope rill networks and their characteristics based on rainfall simulations and field observations. A soil pan (10.0 m long × 3.0 m wide × 0.5 m deep) on a 20° slope was applied three successive simulated rains at two intensities of 50 and 100 mm h–1. The field observations were performed on two bare hillslope runoff plots (10.0 m long × 3.0 m wide) at 20°. Three typical erosive natural rainfall events were observed in the field, and rills were measured in detail, similar to the laboratory rainfall simulation. The results indicated that with increases in rainfall events, the rill network morphology varied from incipient formation to the maximum drainage network density. Four rill network development indicators (rill distribution density, distance between rills, rill bifurcation number, and confluence point number) exhibited different changes over time and space. Among the four indicators, the rill bifurcation number was the best indicator for describing rill network development. Rill flow energy increased and decreased cyclically on a slope ranging between ~3 and 4 m. Moreover, rill networks on loessial hillslopes generally evolved into dendritic rather than parallel forms. The development characteristics of the rill network were relatively similar between the laboratory simulation and natural field conditions. Over time, rill erosion control measures become increasingly difficult to implement as the rill network develops. The morphology of eroding rills evolved over time and space, which led to corresponding rill network development. Further study should quantify the impacts of rill network development on soil degradation and land development. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All editions of the Highway Capacity Manual have dedicated chapters to analysis of weaving sections. These chapters are taken as the base of action in many regions of the world including Iran. Therefore, this study aims at evaluate and compare the precision and effectivity of models proposed in four recent editions of HCM. Results indicate that in terms of adaptation with observed values in Iranian highways, the third edition performs best in estimating the speed of non-weaving vehicles, edition six in estimating the rate of lane change, and edition five in estimating the rest of variables and the level of service. Consequently, a combined model is suggested which presents more satisfactory results than the evaluated models. In detailed analysis of the evaluated models, it is determined that simultaneous increase of volume ratio and total demand would increase the discrepancies of the output of these models' actual values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common reed (Phragmites australis) is dominant vegetation of temperate coastal wetlands in northeast China. To studying the link between ecosystem respiration (Reco) and its influential factors, a multi-year in-situ experiment was carried out in a newly restored wetland during the growing seasons of 2012 to 2014. Total in-situ Reco was separated into soil microbial and belowground root respiration (Rs + r) and plant respiration (Rplant). The soil microbial respiration rate (Rs) was isolated from Rs + r, making it easier to understand each component of Reco. With the wetland restoration process, the seasonal average aboveground biomass (dry mass) increased from 411.5 g m−2 to 2048.1 g m−2 and the corresponding Reco increased from 751.78 mg CO2 m −2 h−1 to 2612.41 mg CO2 m −2 h−1. Rplant contributed averagely 69% ~ 71% to Reco on the whole seasonal scale and the plant activity was strongly seasonal. With 1 g of aboveground common reed biomass (dry weight), approximately 3.6 mg CO2 would be produced per hour during the sprouting period while it could be as low as 0.3 mg CO2 during plant senescence period. Inundation regime dominated the contribution of Rs to Reco and the flooded contribution would lower the Rs contribution to as low as 11%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Longshore and cross-shore currents in the surf zone were observed on a dissipative barred beach for 20 days using a horizontally mounted acoustic-Doppler current profiler (H-ADCP). This novel deployment strategy allowed for the synoptic measurement of the longshore current at approximately mid-depth at several cross-shore locations. The longshore current data were analyzed with wave and tide level data to show the effect of tidal range on the variation of the longshore current with respect to cross-shore location. The longshore current was higher near the outer bar area than that observed near the inner bar. Moreover, the current became higher during the low tide and lower during the high tide. A longshore current model was proposed using the spring and neap tide data sets and then applied to the remaining observation period during large events of incident wave energy flux. The model with the relative water level luded provided sufficient accuracy to account for the tide effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the link between ecosystem respiration (Reco) and its influential factors is necessary to evaluate the sources of gaseous carbon loss in coastal wetlands. Seablite (Suaeda salsa Pall.) is the main vegetation type pioneering temperate coastal wetlands in northeast China, and is generally an understudied wetland type. To evaluate the influence of environmental factors on Reco, a multi-year in-situ experiment was carried out during the growing seasons of 2012 to 2014. Total CO2 efflux was measured and separated further into soil microbial and belowground root respiration (Rs + r) and plant respiration (Rplant). Reco displayed strong seasonal variation, with effluxes as high as 845 to 1150 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 during summer months and as low as 32 to 111 mg CO2 m−2 h−1 during spring (when new shoots are sprouting) and fall (when plants are senescing) months. Aboveground plant structures contributed on average 79% to total plant biomass, and accounted for most of the Reco measured; i.e., 62–96% was associated as Rplant. Plant activity was strongly seasonal, accordingly driving Reco, with 1 g of soil-emergent S. salsa biomass (dry weight) producing approximately 1.58 mg CO2 per hour toward Reco during mid-summer. When water level was below the soil surface, Rs + r was exponentially correlated to air temperature. Because Reco for S. salsa marsh in the Liaohe Delta is controlled by plant growth cycles, inundation regime, and air temperature, this finding may be applied for national carbon budget estimation purposes from S. salsa wetlands throughout Northeast China and potentially close a key gap in understanding the role of this large wetland area in contributing to respiratory CO2 emissions globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• FBG-based fiber F-P interferometer strainmeter arrays for field observation. • Large-scale, real-time multiplexed strainmeter array features ultrahigh-resolution. • The array in Lijiang has 4.80-pε/√Hz @ 30 Hz resolution with 0.22-m cavity length. • The array in Heqing has 476-fε/√Hz @ 30 Hz resolution with 1.4-m cavity length. • The arrays have successfully recorded daily earth tides and over 100 earthquakes. Mining mass data of the earth's surface deformation is a promising approach for earthquake early-warning, raising an urgent demand for developing large-scale optical fiber strainmeters. This paper presents the implementation and results of large-scale, ultrahigh-resolution, real-time multiplexed fiber Bragg grating-based Fabry-Perot interferometer (FBG-FFPI) strainmeter arrays for field observation. The Pound-Drever-Hall technique locks master and slave single-sideband lasers onto the FBG-FFPI resonance peaks for precise strain measurement. A 10-channel array was successfully utilized for field observation at Lijiang National Seismic Station, which accurately recorded over 100 earthquakes and the earth's daily tide signal. The FBG-FFPIs have a strain resolution of 4.80 pε/√Hz @ 30 Hz with a 0.22-m cavity length. A 4-channel array with a longer cavity length of 1.4 m was also established at Heqing Seismic Station, showing advantageous performances. These results demonstrate the significant potential of FBG-FFPI strainmeter arrays in providing geophysical data for earthquake early-warning and hazard mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roadways adjacent to a mining face are crucial for ensuring safe production, transportation, and the security of personnel. Nevertheless, the anchoring mechanisms and the integrity of the surrounding rock structures of these roadways have frequently been underestimated in mining endeavors. This study, using Xin'an Coal Mine in Gansu as an example, conducted an in-situ analysis of four anchoring methods to examine the axial force fluctuation characteristics and mechanisms of cable anchorage during coal mining. It was found that the lagged prestressed full-length anchorage demonstrated the most effective control. Subsequently, the study revealed the periodic subsidence phenomenon of roadway roofs on both sides of the working face, which is closely associated with periodic weighting. Based on monitoring results, the roadway roof was divided into three zones—'Peak Zone,' 'Valley Zone,' and 'Transition Zone'—using the periodic weighting intervals as units. Finally, the study employed a time-space detection method to observe the development pattern of roadway roof cracks and delamination during the coal mining cycle. The validation results indicated a low accuracy rate for this method. Additionally, the study discussed the applicable conditions for lagged prestressed full-length anchorage, measures to address roof subsidence in the 'Peak Zone,' and considerations for improving the time-space detection method. The research findings offer new insights into the impact of neighboring engineering disturbances on underground space engineering. • Field study of axial characteristics of four anchoring forms for cable bolts. • Revealing the phenomena and causes of roof deformation fluctuations in roadways. • Observing rock mass damage patterns using the time-space detection method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been significant research and developments in recent years for intersection-safety solutions that are intended to alert drivers of hazardous situations by utilizing sensing, computing, and communication technologies. Since the effectiveness of intersection-safety systems depends strongly on driver perception and acceptance of the provided warning signal, the understanding of driver actions under the targeted scenario is a central research topic. One significant safety concern at intersections is the left-turn crossing-path scenarios, where a left-turning vehicle is confronted by oncoming traffic. This paper describes the analysis and synthesis of real-world data for such scenarios observed in field observations. Specifically, traffic interactions in left-turn across-path situations are evaluated to compare data from various intersections with different operation and traffic attributes. The analyzed data were characterized to gain insight into a time gap acceptance exhibited by a population of drivers. The knowledge of driving behaviors can provide the guidelines for future investigation as well as a knowledge basis for the selection of warning criteria to allow timely alerts to drivers in the intended safety applications.

There are several levels of models for the snowmelt process in terms of the snow thermal structure: isothermal, bi-layered and multi-layered models. However, it is difficult to choose the appropriate level of complexity for application because the number of unknown variables is crucial in model handling. One of the major issues in energy balance snow models is the shape of the snow temperature vertical profile. This profile, if taken as a specified function, would simplify a snowmelt model calibration and computation significantly. In this study, in order to determine the appropriate representative snow vertical thermal profile, snow temperature measurements have been performed using five snow thermocouples placed vertically along an observation tower with insulating arms. Also, as a field experimental study of an energy balance snow model, the net radiation, air temperature, relative humidity and wind speed along with the vertical one dimensional snow temperature profile have been observed at a field site in Lake Tahoe Basin. The computational results correspond with the measured snow temperature profile and snow water equivalent reasonably well. It is illustrated that the temperature in the snow near surface (called the "active layer") varies daily, and the lower snow layer (called the "inactive layer") is barely affected by the atmosphere. The results of field observations and the numerical experiments show that the vertical temperature distributions in the active layer, which is the upper layer affected by energy exchange with the atmosphere, generally have an exponential shape during night time under cold weather, while snow pack stays around 0 degrees C during daytime. Both of the results indicate that not only the snow temperature in the top active layer, but also the thickness of snow active layer fluctuates during the snowmelt process. The observation results show that the thickness of the active layer may reach about 60 cm in Sierra Nevada, California. These results provide significant information for the development of appropriate approximations in physically based snowmelt modeling. (C) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Everything seems to oppose modernology and European ethnology (fields of investigation, methodology, purposes…). Both disciplines however shared the same interest for material culture and produced documents which show formal similarity. Without denying the inflexible difference that separates both intellectual productions, this article analyses their apparent and surprising closeness. Proceeding by analogies, the author also questions the place of the observer and how he chooses to compile data. The same feeling of vertigo seems to seize these scholarly activities which tentatively reconcile the detail and the overview, in hopes of restoring the social and material reality of their country.

Whittleia retiella (Newman, 1847) is a threatened salt marsh species of the bagworm moth family Psychidae. For its preservation it is necessary to develop efficient tools to survey its distribution and habitat requirements in order to use appropriate conservation methods. Such tools may be pheromone-based monitoring systems, which have documented efficacy in establishing the occurrence of cryptic insect species in nature. By using gas chromatography combined with electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD), we found two compounds in female W. retiella headspace samples and whole-body extracts that elicited electrophysiological activity in male antennae. Gas chromatograpy coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) operating in electron impact (EI) mode and comparison of the analytical data with those of synthetic reference compounds showed the chemical structures of these putative pheromone components to be (1S)-1-methylpropyl (5Z)-dec-5-enoate and 1-methylethyl (5Z)-dec-5-enoate. Field assays using baits loaded with synthetic compounds revealed that conspecific males were attracted to (1S)-1-methylpropyl (5Z)-dec-5-enoate alone or in combination with 1-methylethyl (5Z)-dec-5-enoate, whereas 1-methylethyl (5Z)-dec-5-enoate neither attracted nor repelled males in the field assays when tested alone. This study shows the potential of using (1S)-1-methylpropyl (5Z)-dec-5-enoate for monitoring W. retiella to gather more detailed information about the geographic distribution and habitat needs of this rare moth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cast-in-place pile foundations are widely employed to support basic infrastructures on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). However, concrete hydration heat substantially affects the thermal stabilization of pile foundations in permafrost regions. In this paper, the thermal characteristics of a cast-in-place pile foundation in a warm (>−1 °C) permafrost region on the interior QTP were studied via field observations and numerical simulations. The temperature field observations showed that the peak temperature of the pile foundation occurred two days after the concrete was poured, and that positive temperatures of the pile foundation lasted 21 days. The temperatures at different depths of the pile foundation dropped below 0 °C 93 days after the concrete was poured. However, even 224 days after the concrete was poured, the temperatures in the pile foundation were still higher than that of the natural ground. Based on the observational data, three-dimensional numerical models were established to analyze the thermal disturbances and the freezing process. The results showed that the thickness of the thermal disturbance annulus around the pile foundation was 1.6 m, namely, twice the pile diameter. It would take approximately 420 days for the temperatures in the pile foundation to recover to approximately that of the natural ground. When the mean annual ground temperature (MAGT) decreased, the thickness of the thermal disturbance annulus around the pile foundation increased, and the freezeback time of the pile foundation decreased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The common black field cricket, Gryllus assimilis (Orthoptera: Gryllidae), damages young plants of red cedar, Juniperus virginiana (Cupressaceae); strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa (Rosaceae); sugarcane, Saccharum officinarum (Poaceae); teak, Tectona grandis (Lamiaceae); upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum (Malvaceae); and, mainly, Eucalyptus spp. (Myrtaceae). The objective of this study was to investigate the biological and behavioral parameters of this insect in the laboratory and in Eucalyptus spp. plantations in Inhambupe, Bahia State, Brazil. The incubation period and the viability of G. assimilis eggs were 11.87 days and approximately 22%, respectively. The duration of the nymphal stage was 62.34 days with approximately 60% of the nymphs obtained in the laboratory being females. The average number of egg batches per female, eggs per female, and eggs per batch per female of this insect were 25.50, 862.17, and 34.65, respectively. G. assimilis females lived for 76.50 days in the adult stage, and 138.34 days in total, from egg through nymph to adult. Males produced three characteristic sounds: one for the marking of territory, one for courtship, and one when alone. G. assimilis fed primarily on weeds but, in their absence, it damaged young Eucalyptus spp. plants. This paper presents important data on the biology and behavior of G. assimilis; this information may encourage additional biological research, laboratory rearing, and integrated management of this pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Field observations were conducted during relatively mild wave conditions at a dissipative barred sandy beach to investigate the cross-shore sediment dynamics from the inner surf zone to the offshore side of the outer bar. Fluorescent sand tracers of five different colors were placed on the seabed at different cross-shore locations, and sand core samples were extracted respectively 11 and 20 days after the placement of tracers. Moreover, nine cross-shore bathymetric/topographic beach surveys were conducted, and the water level, wave, and wind conditions were observed. The objective of this research was to investigate the mechanisms of the on- and offshore-directed sediment transport during the inner- and outer-bar accretion events. The analyzed results revealed that at the inner surf zone, the sediment was dominantly transported in the onshore direction. The sediment was also transported offshore-ward due to the undertow; however, this occurred until the offshore end of the trough region. Overall, the outer bar shape affected the on-offshore sediment transport rate. The sediment movements in the onshore region and offshore region of the outer bar were not related; however, the outer bar was formed with the sediments from both the inner- and outer-bar regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earth pressure against a retaining wall in a jointed rock ground are an important factor for design and construction. A physical model test, extensive numerical studies, and field observations were conducted and comprehensively analyzed. All of the results were integrated and analyzed to develop an earth pressure envelope for the design of retaining walls in a jointed rock ground. For this purpose, the rock mass conditions and induced earth pressures were systematically investigated for different analysis cases. The rock mass conditions were classified using the slope mass rating (SMR) method and divided into six rock mass classes. The induced earth pressures of cases in the same rock mass class were plotted together, and an earth pressure envelope that covers the induced earth pressures in each rock mass class was developed. The developed envelope was compared with field observations, which show that the field results are generally consistent with the developed envelope in the same rock mass class. The study results and developed earth pressure envelope could help to provide a better understanding and design of retaining walls in a jointed rock ground. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water-soluble inorganic ions (WSI), a major component of PM 2.5 , often increased rapidly during the haze event in Beijing. Sulfate (SO 4 2−), Nitrate (NO 3 −), and Ammonium (NH 4 +) are three main components of WSI. Since year 2015, sulfate concentrations in PM 2.5 has gradually decreased owing to the effective control of SO 2 emissions. However, the contribution of nitrate to PM 2.5 has significantly increased during haze events in Beijing at the same time. In this study, a highly time-resolved online analyzer (Monitor for Aerosols and Gases, MARGA) was employed to measure the WSI in PM 2.5 in Beijing from 5 February to 15 November 2017. Three typical haze events during this sampling period were investigated. During heavy pollution episodes in winter, nitrate concentrations increased from 7.5 μg/m3 to 45.6 μg/m3 (45.0% of WSI), while sulfate increased from 4.2 μg/m3 to 20.1 μg/m3 (19.8% of WSI). This indicated that nitrate is more important than sulfate as a driver for the growth of PM 2.5 during the period of heavy air pollution in winter. Nitrate also dominates the increase of WSI in the pollution episodes in autumn, with an average concentration of 52.5 μg/m3, and contributed up to 67% of WSI. The average concentration ratio of NH 4 + to SO 4 2− was higher in autumn (1.02) than that in summer (0.74) and close to that in winter (1.00). This is mainly because the emission control of coal combustion in Beijing and surrounding areas results in an NH 3 -rich and SO 2 -lean atmosphere, which promoted the formation of ammonium nitrate. Our study indicates that nitrate has become the most important component of WSI in PM 2.5 and is driving the rapid growth of PM 2.5 concentrations during heavy pollution episodes in Beijing. Therefore, more efforts shall be made to reduce the nitrogen oxide and ammonia emissions in Beijing and surrounding areas. Unlabelled Image • Nitrate become the main component of PM 2.5 than sulfate during the haze events in Beijing. • High NOx emission, low temperature and low aerosol acidity are the key factors to promote nitrate formation in Beijing. • Molar ratio of NH 4 + to SO 4 2- increased from 1.5 (before 2013) to 3.33 (2017) due to ammonia-rich atmosphere in Beijing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• We analyze pedestrian route choice behavior around obstacles in a simple scenario. • We compare a field study and a virtual experiment with identical setups. • We find qualitatively similar results in both settings. • This helps to validate virtual experiments as a useful methodology. Pedestrians often need to decide between different routes they can use to reach their intended destinations, both during emergencies and in their daily lives. This route-choice behavior is important in determining traffic management, evacuation efficiency and building design. Here, we use field observations and a virtual experiment to study the route choice behavior of pedestrians around obstacles delimiting exit routes and examine the influence of three factors, namely the local distance to route starting points and the pedestrian density and walking speeds along routes. Crucially, both field study and virtual experiment consider the same scenario which allows us to directly assess the validity of testing pedestrian behavior in virtual environments. We find that in both data sets the proportion of people who choose a closer exit route increases as the difference in distance between exit route starting points increases. Pedestrians' choices in our data also depend on pedestrian density along routes, with people preferring less used routes. Our results thus confirm previously established route choice mechanisms and we can predict over 74% of choices based on these factors. The qualitative agreement in results between the field study and the virtual experiment suggests that in simple route-choice scenarios, such as the one we investigate here, virtual experiments can be a valid experimental technique for studying pedestrian behavior. We therefore provide much-needed empirical support for the emerging paradigm of experiments in virtual environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Weld-induced rail squats are studied through a five-year continual field monitoring and numerical simulations. • Different stages in the development of squats were observed in the field monitoring. • The development process is presented, from inhomogeneous material in HAZs to two-lung-shaped squats associated with cracks. • The formation mechanism in terms of dynamic contact force and differential plastic deformation is proposed. • Numerical simulations are performed to verify the pre-cracking process. Weld-induced squats are a major damage type in high-speed railways as well as in conventional railways. They incur high maintenance costs and endanger operational safety. This paper first presents and analyzes five-year continual field monitoring observations and measurements of squats at rail welds. A hypothesis of the formation and development process of the squats is proposed, which includes three steps. Steps 1 and 2 are pre-cracking, and Step 3 is post-cracking. To verify the pre-cracking process, a three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model is then built up to simulate the vehicle-track interaction with detailed consideration of the local wheel-rail frictional rolling contact. Not only dynamic contact forces but also plastic deformation and wear are calculated. Starting from a smooth rail surface with varying yield stress derived from field-measured hardness, the numerical analysis confirms the hypothesis that the varying hardness at heat-affected zones (HAZs) leads to initial V-shaped irregularities due to differential plastic deformation. Afterward, the surface irregularities excite the dynamic longitudinal contact force, which in turn produces a W-shaped surface pattern through further differential plastic deformation. The growth of the W-shaped pattern leads to the formation of squats. This work provides insight into the squat formation process at rail welds and suggests that welding quality control in terms of hardness variation in the HAZs could reduce or even avoid squats. Early detection of squats with dynamics-based methods is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wide longitudinal ridge tillage has significant effects for increasing crop yield. Field observation shows that in the black soil region of Northeast China, wide longitudinal ridge tillage has been widely promoted in the intensive farms on which large agricultural machines are used. However, hillslope soil erosion of wide longitudinal ridge tillage is seldom studied. Therefore, in typical black soil region, in this study, two large natural runoff plots with gentle slope gradient were established in Liangshigou watershed in Keshan County, Heilongjiang Province. One was wide longitudinal ridge tillage with 320 m slope length and 3-m slope width and another was narrow longitudinal ridge tillage with 320 m slope length and 2 m slope width. Ridges were established on a field of silty clay loam (USDA classification). The slope gradients ranged from 2°-7°. According to literature review and field measurements of the wide and narrow ridges in black soil region of Northeast China, the used wide ridges were 15-cm high, 110-cm wide; the used narrow ridges were 15- cm high, 65 cm wide. A laboratory simulated rainfall experiment was conducted in the simulated rainfall hall of the State Key Laboratory of Soil Erosion and Dryland Farming on the Loess Plateau, Yangling City, China. The soil used in the laboratory simulated rainfall experiment was collected in the natural runoff plot. According to the standard of erosive rainfall in Northeast black soil region of China, the simulated rainfall intensities were 50, 75 and 100 mm/h. Each rainfall experiment lasted 60 min. The wide and narrow ridges used in the simulated experiments were consistent with the large natural runoff plot in Keshan County. Based on the runoff plot observation and laboratory simulated rainfall experiments, the differences of hillslope soil erosion between wide and narrow longitudinal ridge tillage in black soil region of China were analyzed. The results showed that under both field runoff observation and laboratory simulation, hillslope soil losses from the wide longitudinal ridge tillage hillslope were 64.4% - 90.4% and 33.2% - 57.9% lower than that from the narrow longitudinal ridge tillage. Field observation indicated that there were significant or strong significant positive correlations among the soil loss, runoff and PI30. The increment of soil loss with runoff and PI30 in narrow ridge-tillage system was larger (P< 0.05) than that in wide ridge-tillage system. The relationship between soil loss and PI30 was power function, while the relationship between soil loss and runoff was linear function (R²＞0.99). Indoor simulated experiments showed that there were linear relationships between soil loss and runoff under two longitudinal ridge tillage systems (R²≥0.81). The increment of soil loss from the wide longitudinal ridge tillage system was lower (P< 0.05) than that from the narrow longitudinal ridge tillage system. Compared with the narrow longitudinal ridge tillage, the reduction of soil loss by wide longitudinal ridge tillage decreased with the increase of PI30; when PI30 was 433.9 - 605.1, the reduction of soil loss by the wide longitudinal ridge tillage was 74.8%-90.4% and when PI30 were 1520.6 and 1708.6, the reduction of soil loss by the wide longitudinal ridge tillage was 64.4%-66.5%. Both field observation and simulated experiments displayed that the wide longitudinal ridge tillage had better effects on controlling hillslope soil erosion, compared with the traditional narrow ridge tillage. Therefore, promotion of wide ridge tillage system might have great significance in protecting Mollisol resources in the black soil region of Northeast China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrodynamic and hydrographic data collected on the inner shelf of Fire Island, NY, over a region of shoreface-connected ridges (SFCRs), are used to describe wind-driven circulation over uneven topographies along relatively straight coastlines. The data reveal a predominantly alongshore flow, under westward wind forcing, with localized offshore current veering over the SFCR crests and an onshore veering over the adjacent troughs. Alongshore momentum balance analysis of the observations reveals that total acceleration (i.e., local and advective) and bottom stress are balanced by wind stress and pressure gradient. A numerical model is used to verify the experimentally derived results and to analyze the cross-shore momentum balance which is not resolved by the experimental data. Analysis of the numerical and field data reveal that the total alongshore pressure gradient force can be considered as the sum of a local and a regional component. The former is correlated with the alongshore advective acceleration that develops over the crest of the ridges resembling a Bernoulli-like pressure-flow relationship. The regional alongshore pressure gradient is related to wind stress with which it maintains a strong, negative relationship. Over the ridge crests the cross-shore veering of the flow is due to mass conservation, associated with a balance between cross-shore advective acceleration and local cross-shore pressure gradient. Under variable wind conditions the regional pressure gradients are more important, as compared to quasi steady-state conditions which increase the influence of the local scale pressure gradient. A time scale of 6 h is found as the temporal scale required for the local pressure gradients to make a significant contribution to the momentum balance. • The hydrodynamic driving force was best described as a combination of wind stress and pressure gradient force. The response of the flow was best described by bottom stress, local acceleration, and advective acceleration. • Current veering over shoreface-connected ridges is driven primarily by two processes: cross-shore variation of alongshore advective acceleration which correlates with a cross-shore pressure gradient and drives flow (described as a Bernoulli-like process), and, bottom frictional-torque. • Advective acceleration is exhibited through high current velocity over SFCR crest and low current velocity over SFCR trough. This distribution of current velocities causes: current divergence at SFCR crest and a local water level set-down, as well as a current convergence and water level set-up over troughs. The water level can thus be described as creating a local pressure gradient response to the distribution of advective acceleration, a process heron described as a Bernoulli-like process. • The total pressure gradient force can be considered as the sum of a local and a regional pressure gradient force. The former is correlated with the alongshore advective acceleration that develops over the crest of the ridges resembling a Bernoulli-like pressure-flow relationship. • Under variable wind conditions the regional pressure gradients are more important, as compare to quasi steady-state conditions which increase the influence of the local scale pressure gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the structural failures and collapse of heritage structures in Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, during the 2015 Nepal earthquake, and presents preliminary findings regarding the causes of failures and collapses. Field reconnaissance was carried out immediately after the main shock (Mw 7.8) on April 25 and the strongest aftershock (Mw 7.3) on May 12. It was observed that the performance of heritage structures was influenced by the combination of several factors, including structural and architecture type, configuration and structural deficiency, local site effects and ground-motion characteristics, age and maintenance level, material quality, etc. It was observed that dome structures performed very well, followed by pagoda (tiered temple), and shikhara structures were found as the most vulnerable structures. Moreover, it was observed that structures that had been seismically retrofitted and well maintained appeared to perform well. Some recommendations are made to improve the seismic performance of the heritage structures in Kathmandu Valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The community outreach programme (COP) is one of the service-learning programmes in Petra Christian University involving many students from the university and abroad. The programme sends these students to live and conduct community developments in small villages in Indonesia. When I became a field supervisor of the COP in 2010 and 2016, I became aware of the multicultural relations among the students and the community. Although the COP mostly focuses on improving community welfare in terms of education, income, sanitation, etc., there are always multiple processes of cultural learning. This article is based on my experiences and personal reflections, supported by data through reflection review, field observation, informal interviews and interactions with the students and the community. For students, a multicultural environment not only provides different experiences but also life lessons in interacting with especially rural communities. Living within the community made the students more empathetic. In turn, the community mostly felt positive about the impact of the programme, which is real and substantial, and the unforgettable moments of interactions with international students. These multicultural relations reveal values of respecting other cultures, developing attitudes, and broadening beliefs between the students and the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: A new approach for investigating snowdrifts around buildings and snow loads on building roofs based on a new facility named the "snow–wind combined experimental facility" is proposed in this paper. First, the method proposed in this paper is convenient and economical, and also the experimental results prove that the method is feasible and reliable. In this paper, only experiments on snowdrift around a cube were chosen for the verification for the sake of generality, but this method could also be adopted for the prediction of snowdrift around complex building environments and snow loads on various shapes of building roofs. Unbalanced, or non-uniform, snow loads caused by snow drifting or sliding in cold regions with heavy snowfalls, can be a serious problem for the building industry. However, the methods for predicting snow distribution still need to be improved. Field observation is the most direct and reliable method to study snow distribution, but because the natural environment is uncontrollable and varies dramatically, sometimes conclusions may be confused under the influence of the many variables in the investigation. This paper proposes a snowing experiment approach using an outdoor snow–wind combined experiment facility for the study of snow distribution. The facility can produce a stable and controllable wind field and snowfall environment. Experiments which focused on snowdrift around a building were conducted during the winter to make an evaluation of the repeatability and reliability of the new approach. Finally, from the analysis of results, it was demonstrated that the experimental facility was stable and that the similarity criterion adopted for the snowing pattern was reliable. Especially, the minimum value of the friction speed ratio was suggested to ensure the test accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A modified typhoon numerical model is proposed based on data measured during the landfall of several typhoons as well as the fitting relationships of typical typhoon field parameters such as the maximum wind speed radius Rmali associated with storm scale field and radial pressure distribution coefficient βrelated to pressure field. The modified model considers the correlation among field parameters and is applicable for the region of Southeast coast of China. Using the field observation data of 57 typhoons from 1971 to 2015 in the Houjia Town meteorological station, Shanghai, the equivalent roughness length of engineering site was optimized as z0 = 0. 095 m. The validation of maximal wind speeds for each typhoon between the observed and simulated results was conducted. Combining the observation data of typhoon tracks and the fitting relationships of typical field parameters，the wind speeds observed by Houjia Town station of four typically stronger typhoons was reproduced by the improved typhoon engineering model. The relative errors of maximum wind speeds between the observations and the model are within 12%. It is demonstrated that the present model is sufficiently reliable for predicting the maximum typhoon winds. Basic wind speeds and profiles of the Houjia Town station and typical engineering sites in the Shanghai region were calculated via the Monte-Carlo stochastic simulation method and the peak over Threshold method. The 10 min mean wind speed at a height of 10 m with the return period of 100 years in the Houjia Town station and the category B exposure (20 = 0.05m) of Shanghai are 31. 51 m/s and 37. 46 m/s with the standard derivation of 2. 05 m/s and 2. 66 m/s, respectively. Moreover, the preferable mean wind profile models for engineering sites with four kinds of category under typhoon winds were suggested after comparing three different wind profile models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Highlights • An equation for estimating the daily UHII max is evaluated with a dataset of 658 days. • Robust and satisfactory estimation of the UHII max under various weather conditions. • A method to apply the equation to building energy simulation is developed and validated. • Implying that the equation and the method have the potential to be applicable to other cities. Abstract The reliable estimation of the urban heat island intensity (UHII) within an urban canopy will benefit a number of fields of research such as urban design, public health, and building energy performance. A diagnostic equation for estimating the daily maximum UHII (UHII max), which is based on routine meteorological data and basic urban properties, was extensively tested with the long-term observations from the metropolis of Nanjing, China. The field measurement has been carried out based on the Local Climate Zone (LCZ) scheme, which is a standardized classification protocol for urban temperature studies. The temperature data set of 658 days collected from six different LCZ classes was used for testing. The results show that the diagnostic equation produced a robust and satisfactory estimation of the daily UHII max under various weather conditions. The overall performance of the equation for Nanjing, that has a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.95°C and a median absolute error (MEAE) of 0.60°C, closely approximates its performance for the 14 cities in northwestern Europe (RMSE = 0.91°C, MEAE = 0.58°C). The results also imply that the equation has the potential to be applicable to other cities. Another attempt in this study was to develop a method to apply the diagnostic equation to building energy simulations (BES). The hourly heat island intensities were derived from the estimated UHII max based on the typical diurnal pattern of UHII evolution. An apartment was modeled with the BES program EnergyPlus to examine the validity of the proposed method. Using the modeled and measured temperature data as the inputs in the EnergyPlus simulations, the annual, monthly, and hourly energy demands for cooling and heating were investigated and compared. For all the six LCZ sites except the large low-rise case (LCZ 8), the impacts of the heat island effects at the neighborhood scale on building energy performance were reasonably evaluated with the method. The limitations and perspectives of the equation and its application to BES have also been discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantitative real-time observations of a tidal bore in a macro-tidal estuary are difficult and dangerous, particularly in large estuaries. Mathematical and numerical models have been used to predict tidal bore advances; however, to date, there have been no validations of large-scale flow patterns. A marine radar can provide valuable real-time information on tidal bore propagation. In this paper, a template matching method using a cross-correlation algorithm was explored to estimate the evolution and celerity of a tidal bore with medium resolution marine radar images. The Qiantang River tidal bore was recorded at two different geographical locations. Characteristic flow patterns were derived and analysed, including temporal changes over a relatively large-scale area. The experimental results showed that the radar-derived celerity and calculated height of the tidal bore were consistent with visual observations in this estuarine zone. Image 1 • Quantitative real-time observations of a tidal bore in a macro-tidal estuary. • Cross-correlation between successive radar images yield instantaneous bore celerity. • Both magnitude and direction of the bore celerity are derived. • Radar-derived results are validated by visual observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The process of blowing snow is important for secondary distribution of water resources in seasonal grassland snow areas because it affects the regeneration, growth, and nutrient circulation of vegetation. This study conducted field observations of blowing snow and snow accumulation in a grassland area typical of northern China. The results showed that in the near-surface area (0 to 100 cm), snow drifting intensity increased exponentially with a mean wind speed of 2 m/s, and that the maximum snow drifting intensity, which was found within 30 cm of the surface, accounted for 89.61% of the total amount of snow drifting within the near-surface area. The snow drifting intensity was strong under conditions of an abundant snow source and sparse vegetation, with an average value of 2.203 g/cm/min. The snow drifting intensity was lower under conditions of an insufficient snow source and higher vegetation coverage, with an average value of 0.545 g/cm/min. In typical grassland areas with a bare surface and sparse vegetation, snow cover is generally thin; the mean snow depth in such areas during the observation period of this study was 4.03 cm, and this constituted the source of the drifting snow. Snow cover was thicker in areas with taller grass and greater vegetation coverage; the mean value of snow depth in such areas during the observation period was 16.56 cm, and this constituted the main snow cover area. The observation results provide basic data to support the estimation of snow cover amount in grassland ecosystems, optimization of the utilization of snow water resources, regularization of snow cover, restoration of vegetation, and prevention and control of snowstorms. Highlights • The process of blowing snow and snow cover were observed. • The relationship between vegetation and snow cover were surveyed. • Snow areas with a bare surface and sparse vegetation are the primary source areas of blowing snow. • Greater vegetation coverage and height are areas of snow accumulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Any scientific attempt to understand, predict, or promote pro-environmental behavior requires an adequate measurement tool for the assessment of pro-environmental behavior. The multidisciplinary interest in pro-environmental behavior has generated a large variety of such tools, ranging from domain-general and domain-specific self-report measures, field observations conducted with the help of informants, trained observers, or technical devices, to behavioral tasks for use in the laboratory. The present review discusses this broad spectrum of existing approaches to the measurement of pro-environmental behavior, their strengths and weaknesses, as well as possibilities to improve upon them. From this review, we deduce several recommendations for the development, selection, and application of measures in pro-environmental behavior research. We conclude by stressing the importance of established and validated measures for a cumulative science of pro-environmental behavior. • Reviews approaches to the measurement of pro-environmental behavior. • Covers self-reports, field observations, and laboratory assessment. • Discusses strengths and weaknesses of measurement approaches. • Recommends measurement approaches and tools dependent on research objectives. • Highlights the need for psychometrically established measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is a key area affecting forecasts of weather and climate in China and occurrences of extreme weather and climate events over the world. The China Meteorological Administration, the National Natural Science Foundation of China, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences jointly initiated the Third Tibetan Plateau Atmospheric Science Experiment (TIPEX-III) in 2013, with an 8–10-yr implementation plan. Since its preliminary field measurements conducted in 2013, routine automatic sounding systems have been deployed at Shiquanhe, Gaize, and Shenzha stations in western TP, where no routine sounding observations were available previously. The observational networks for soil temperature and soil moisture in the central and western TP have also been established. Meanwhile, the plateau-scale and regional-scale boundary layer observations, cloud-precipitation microphysical observations with multiple radars and aircraft campaigns, and tropospheric-stratospheric air composition observations at multiple sites, were performed. The results so far show that the turbulent heat exchange coefficient and sensible heat flux are remarkably lower than the earlier estimations at grassland, meadow, and bare soil surfaces of the central and western TP. Climatologically, cumulus clouds over the main body of the TP might develop locally instead of originating from the cumulus clouds that propagate northward from South Asia. The TIPEX-III observations up to now also reveal diurnal variations, macro- and microphysical characteristics, and water-phase transition mechanisms, of cumulus clouds at Naqu station. Moreover, TIPEX-III related studies have proposed a maintenance mechanism responsible for the Asian "atmospheric water tower" and demonstrated the effects of the TP heating anomalies on African, Asian, and North American climates. Additionally, numerical modeling studies show that the Γ distribution of raindrop size is more suitable for depicting the TP raindrop characteristics compared to the M-P distribution, the overestimation of sensible heat flux can be reduced via modifying the heat transfer parameterization over the TP, and considering climatic signals in some key areas of the TP can improve the skill for rainfall forecast in the central and eastern parts of China. Furthermore, the TIPEX-III has been promoting the technology in processing surface observations, soundings, and radar observations, improving the quality of satellite retrieved soil moisture and atmospheric water vapor content products as well as high-resolution gauge-radar-satellite merged rainfall products, and facilitating the meteorological monitoring, forecasting, and data sharing operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on observational data analyses of a Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) event during the field campaign of the Years of the Maritime Continent Project, we propose a new mechanism for MJO convective initiation and propagation to which mixed Rossby‐gravity waves (MRGs) contribute significantly. The intensive observation captured midtropospheric wind variations associated with MRGs, and those signals propagated westward over the Indian Ocean in the MJO‐suppressed phase. The transition to the MJO active phase follows tight MRG‐convection coupling, which is enhanced when the wavelength becomes shorter due to weak midlevel convergence in the western Indian Ocean. Basin‐scale anomalous midtropospheric moistening caused by MRG shallow circulations also contributes. These processes lead to the lower‐tropospheric MRG wave packet formation and successive triggering of MJO convection, with the eastward MRG group velocity corresponding to MJO propagation. Additional analysis for other MJO cases implicates potential for robustness of this MJO‐MRG relationship. Plain Language Summary: Using the observational data during the field observation campaign, we propose a new mechanism about the initiation and eastward movement of tropical large‐scale cumulus convective systems called the Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) by focusing on one of high‐frequency atmospheric variations in the tropics, mixed Rossby‐gravity waves (MRGs). The activation of MJO cloud systems in the western Indian Ocean follows the strong interaction between MRG dynamics and cumulus convection associated with the wavelength shortening of MRGs and broad moistening in the middle troposphere over the Indian Ocean due to MRG shallow circulations. After these processes, MRG circulations in the lower troposphere successively developed to the east, which explains the eastward propagation of MJO convective systems in the Indian Ocean. This study emphasizes the importance of the multiscale interaction between MRGs and MJO. Key Points: The field campaign captured wind variations associated with MRGs, especially in the midtroposphere during the MJO‐suppressed phaseMJO onset followed tight MRG‐convection coupling linked to wave contraction and MRG‐induced midtropospheric moistening in the Indian OceanMRG wave packet formation at the eastward group velocity causes MJO convection to the east, leading to MJO propagation over the Indian Ocean [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coral-dwelling damselfish Dascyllus reticulatus shows heterosexual cohabitation on branching corals and has been considered to maintain a haremic mating system, where a few males monopolize mating within the group. However, details of the group structure have not been investigated. To clarify the individual-level group structure of D. reticulatus, we conducted field observational surveys on a damselfish population on reefs of Kuchierabu-jima Island, southern Japan. Relatively large D. reticulatus inhabited corals with long branches and wide gaps with a female-biased sex ratio, and they maintained haremic groups where the largest male monopolized mating. In contrast, small adults and juveniles cohabited in higher individual densities on short-branch corals, with no bias in individual sex ratio. Only nine of 26 adult males in the short-branch coral groups showed mating activities. Nineteen of 37 adult females in the short-branch coral groups spawned, and their spawning frequency was lower than that of the females on the long-branch coral. Thus, we observed two contrasting social compositions and mating activities within harem-like cohabitation groups that depended on body size and sheltering coral structures. We observed inter-harem moves by large non-breeding individuals from the short-branch corals to the long-branch corals, implying a conditional use of the two types of groups related to body size. Our observations present a new example of multiple forms of groups in haremic reef fishes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how crop phenology responds to historical climate change is a prerequisite for evaluating crop phenology and future yield responses. Most phenology response investigations are based on the phenology observed under circumstances of varieties changing over time, which then necessitates disentangling the role of climate change from the effect of changing varieties using various models. However, results from such studies are limited by the uncertainties caused by model mechanisms and assumptions and parameter calibration and validation. In this study, phenology observations were made for varieties of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), and spring maize (Zea mays L.) at 11 agro-meteorological observation sites in north China. The varieties observed for each species did not change over a period of at least 15 years. The observations were used to investigate the measured phenology response to climate. Dates of major wheat phenology stages tended to occur earlier due to warming, but the trend in rice and spring maize was not clear. Growth duration was shortened during the vegetative period of winter wheat, but was prolonged during vegetative period of rice and in the reproductive period of winter wheat and rice. Growing degree days (GDD) were generally increased for both vegetative and reproductive periods for all crops except during the vegetative period for winter wheat. We found that most trends in date of phenology stages, duration of growth phases, and GDD were similar to previous reports in which the varieties observed did not remain constant. This indicates that previous reports are likely to have overestimated the effect of cultivar shifting on crop phenology and underestimated the role of climate. Based on our results, growth duration under future warmer conditions may be longer than previously simulated, and hence yield may also be higher than previously estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field observation and research station (network) provides a field test and research platform for the development of practical disciplines such as geography and ecology, which is one of the important contents of the "Double first-class" discipline construction of Lanzhou University. Under the background of the "Double first-class" construction, this paper discusses the objectives, orientation, construction mode and operation mechanism of the construction of the field observation and research station (network) of Lanzhou University in Qilian Mountain area, aiming to make the monitoring network better serve the ecological protection and comprehensive management of Qilian Mountain area, and to support the construction of the "Double first-class" discipline construction in Lanzhou University. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The old walnut (Juglans regia L.) genotype called “Esterhazy II” was well-known in the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy before World War II, and it can still be found in the Austrian, German and Swiss backyard gardens today. Unfortunately, nowadays, vegetatively propagated progenies of the original “Esterhazy II” are not available anymore around the world because walnut grafting started later than this genotype had become well-known. Although various accessions with “Esterhazy II”-“blood“ are available, it is difficult to determine which one can be considered true or the most similar to the original one. In this paper, phenological and nut morphological characteristics of an “Esterhazy II” specimen planted in a Hungarian gene bank were compared to the varieties “Milotai 10” and “Chandler”. Examined characteristics were: budbreak, blossom time, type of dichogamy, ripening time, nut and kernel features. An additional SSR fingerprinting was used to identify identical genotypes and to demonstrate the relatedness of the analyzed “Esterhazy II” genotype to the other Hungarian walnut cultivars. It can be concluded that under the name “Esterhazy II”, several different genotypes can be observed. All the checked characteristics except budbreak fitted well with the previous descriptions. Our results confirmed that the examined “Esterhazy II” genotype shows high similarity to the “original“ “Esterhazy II” described in the literature.