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When developing computational models to analyze the tradeoffs between climate risk management strategies (i.e., mitigation, adaptation, or geoengineering), scientists make explicit and implicit decisions that are influenced by their beliefs, values and preferences. Model descriptions typically include only the explicit decisions and are silent on value judgments that may explain these decisions. Eliciting scientists’ mental models, a systematic approach to determining how they think about climate risk management, can help to gain a clearer understanding of their modeling decisions. In order to identify and represent the role of values, beliefs and preferences on decisions, we used an augmented mental models research approach, namely values-informed mental models (ViMM). We conducted and qualitatively analyzed interviews with eleven climate risk management scientists. Our results suggest that these scientists use a similar decision framework to each other to think about modeling climate risk management tradeoffs, including eight specific decisions ranging from defining the model objectives to evaluating the model’s results. The influence of values on these decisions varied between our scientists and between the specific decisions. For instance, scientists invoked ethical values (e.g., concerns about human welfare) when defining objectives, but epistemic values (e.g., concerns about model consistency) were more influential when evaluating model results. ViMM can (i) enable insights that can inform the design of new computational models and (ii) make value judgments explicit and more inclusive of relevant values. This transparency can help model users to better discern the relevance of model results to their own decision framing and concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) concentrations are fueling anthropogenic climate change. Geologic sequestration of anthropogenic CO 2 in depleted oil reservoirs is one option for reducing CO 2 emissions to the atmosphere while enhancing oil recovery. In order to evaluate the feasibility of using enhanced oil recovery (EOR) sites in the United States for permanent CO 2 storage, an active multi-stage miscible CO 2 flooding project in the Permian Basin (North Ward Estes Field, near Wickett, Texas) was investigated. In addition, two major natural CO 2 reservoirs in the southeastern Paradox Basin (McElmo Dome and Doe Canyon) were also investigated as they provide CO 2 for EOR operations in the Permian Basin. Produced gas and water were collected from three different CO 2 flooding phases (with different start dates) within the North Ward Estes Field to evaluate possible CO 2 storage mechanisms and amounts of total CO 2 retention. McElmo Dome and Doe Canyon were sampled for produced gas to determine the noble gas and stable isotope signature of the original injected EOR gas and to confirm the source of this naturally-occurring CO 2 . As expected, the natural CO 2 produced from McElmo Dome and Doe Canyon is a mix of mantle and crustal sources. When comparing CO 2 injection and production rates for the CO 2 floods in the North Ward Estes Field, it appears that CO 2 retention in the reservoir decreased over the course of the three injections, retaining 39%, 49% and 61% of the injected CO 2 for the 2008, 2010, and 2013 projects, respectively, characteristic of maturing CO 2 miscible flood projects. Noble gas isotopic composition of the injected and produced gas for the flood projects suggest no active fractionation, while δ 13 C CO 2 values suggest no active CO 2 dissolution into formation water, or mineralization. CO 2 volumes capable of dissolving in residual formation fluids were also estimated along with the potential to store pure-phase supercritical CO 2 . Using a combination of dissolution trapping and residual trapping, both volumes of CO 2 currently retained in the 2008 and 2013 projects could be justified, suggesting no major leakage is occurring. These subsurface reservoirs, jointly considered, have the capacity to store up to 9 years of CO 2 emissions from an average US powerplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foliage needle analyses of Abies cephalonica, Loud (Greek fir) from Ghiona, Erimanthos, Kallidromo and Parnassos forests in Greece, are presented and evaluated in relation to the bauxite soil conditions in an attempt to investigate the observed chlorosis phenomenon. It was been found that the Fe levels in the foliage needles suggested low probability for Fe lack in the trees. On the other hand, the strong association of Fe -Ni- Cr found in the Greek fir foliage suggested a distinct influence of the bauxite constituents on the chemical composition of foliage needles. It is known that Fe,Ni, Cr are usual constituents of bauxites deposits encountered in the area studied. pH measurements of the soil samples showed that the soils varied from moderately acid (pH 5.82) to slightly alkaline (pH 7.55). Interestingly Fe, Ni and Cr in the Greek fir foliage of Ghiona forest showed negative correlation with soil pH, demonstrating the influence of pH conditions in the uptake of Fe, Ni, and Cr by the trees. The Parnassos - Ghiona bauxite deposits contain higher amounts of Ni compared to most Greek bauxite ores. However Ni in the Greek fir foliage remained at low levels. Cr showed a similar behavior with Ni, exhibiting high concentrations in samples directly related to Fe oxide rich soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scenario planning traditionally relies on qualitative methods to choose its scenarios. Recently, quantitative decision support tools have also begun to facilitate such choices. This study uses behavioral experiments and structured decision-maker interviews to evaluate the results of “scenario discovery,” a quantitative method that defines scenarios as sets of future states of the world in which proposed policies fail to meet their goals. Statistical cluster-finding and principal component algorithms applied to large databases of computer simulation model results then help users to identify such scenarios. The two experiments examine the results of this process and demonstrate a user preference for increased accuracy and simplicity achieved through rotating the space of uncertain model input parameters, but primarily when the rotated parameters are conceptually similar. Interviews with experts suggest utility for both qualitatively- and quantitatively-derived scenarios. The former were easier to understand and had the most utility for scoping. The latter were perceived as containing more relevant information and having more utility for understanding tradeoffs and making choices among them. Overall, this study suggests the value of quantitative tools for facilitating scenario choice, while also highlighting the importance of formal evaluation in judging the utility of new methods for decision support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine the reliability of measuring ulnar variance on lateral wrist radiographs and to compare this technique with previously described methods. Methods: Ulnar variance was measured in 100 normal wrist radiographs using the methods of perpendiculars, central reference point, and the lateral radiograph by 3 surgeons on 2 occasions. Intraobserver repeatability and agreement between raters and methods were assessed and compared. Results: Intra- and interobserver reliability and agreement were both excellent using all 3 methods within a ± 1.0-mm cutoff. However, there was substantial pairwise disagreement in measures of ulnar variance between all 3 methods. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that, for measurement of ulnar variance, the methods of perpendiculars, central reference point, and lateral radiographic measurement each have clinically acceptable intraobserver repeatability and interobserver agreement. Despite their independent reliability, each method of radiographic determination of ulnar variance had considerable disagreement with the other methods, indicative of inherent inaccuracies in the techniques. The lateral radiograph uniquely allows for visualization of the amount of ulnar head protruding proximal or distal to the concave lunate facet and allows for a rapid estimation of pronosupination, which is known to affect ulnar variance. Clinical relevance: Determination of ulnar variance can be an important component of surgical decision making in various pathological conditions of the hand and wrist. Traditionally, it has been measured through methods using the posteroanterior wrist radiograph, but there are potential shortcomings with these methods, and use of the lateral radiograph may provide a more clinically relevant picture of ulnar variance. This study shows that measurement from the lateral radiograph provides similar reliability to previously accepted techniques. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Study Design: Case Report Background: Injury or weakness of lower abdominal attachments and the posterior inguinal wall can be symptoms of a "sports hernia" and an underlying source of groin pain. Although several authors note conservative treatment as the initial step in the management of this condition, very little has been written on the specific description of non-surgical measures. Most published articles favoring operative care describe poor results related to conservative management; however they fail to report what treatment techniques comprise non-operative management. Case Presentation: The subject of this case report is a professional ice hockey player who sustained an abdominal injury in a game, which was diagnosed as a sports hernia. Following the injury, structured conservative treatment emphasized core control and stability with progressive peripheral demand challenges. Intrinsic core control emphasis continued throughout the treatment progression and during the functional training prior to return to sport. Outcome: The player completed his recovery with return to full competition seven weeks post injury, and continues to compete in the NHL seven years later. Discussion: Surgical intervention has been shown to be effective in the treatment of the "sports hernia." However it is the authors' opinion that conservative care emphasizing evaluation of intrinsic core muscular deficits and rehabilitation directed at addressing these deficits is an appropriate option, and should be considered prior to surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It has been widely argued that during the nineteenth century the English public schools and the Protestant church in Britain played a formative and innovative role in the growth of modern sport through what has been termed «muscular Christianity» an ideology subsequently exported around the globe via British Imperialism. The emergence of neo-muscular Christian groups during the latter half of the twentieth century can be seen as a direct consequence of this historical legacy. Modern-day evangelical Protestant organisations such as Christians in Sport (CiS) in the UK and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and Athletes in Action (AIA) in the US, have resurrected many of the basic theological principles used to promote sport and physical fitness in Victorian Britain. This paper examines the historical and theological development of muscular Christianity and how this has impacted the relationship between sport and religion in twenty first century Britain and North America. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Water Resources / Recursos Hídricos is the property of Associacao Portuguesa dos Recursos Hidricos and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: Sediments samples of the Dobczyce Reservoir (South Poland) were taken in three successive years (2004–06) at 17 points, analyzed for 12 elements by atomic absorption spectrometry. Substantial variations in elemental composition due to hydrological and environmental reasons were found. The use of statistical and chemometric tools enabled objective and effective analysis of the data obtained, both in case of long term observations as well as in terms of interpretation of incidental changes in metal concentrations. The proposed methodology can be useful in: a) dividing monitored territories (lakes, rivers, catchments) into similar and dissimilar areas; b) distinguishing between typical and non-typical contaminants distribution; c) reducing the number of essential analytes and sampling points that should be controlled in the future, without loss of important environmental information. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: Although adolescents'' expectations are accurate or moderately optimistic for many significant life events, they greatly overestimate their chances of dying soon. We examine here whether adolescents'' mortality judgments are correlated with their perceptions of direct threats to their survival. Such sensitivity would indicate the importance of ensuring that adolescents have accurate information about those threats, as well as the psychological support needed to deal with them. Methods: Data from two separate studies were used: a national sample of 3,436 14–18-year-old adolescents and a regional sample of 124 seventh graders and 132 ninth graders, 12–16 years old. Participants were asked about their chance of dying in the next year and before age 20, and about the extent of various threats to their physical well-being. Results: Adolescents in both samples greatly overestimated their chance of dying. Those mortality estimates were higher for adolescents who reported direct threats (e.g., an unsafe neighborhood). Thus, adolescents were sensitive to the relative size of threats to their survival, but not to the implications for absolute risk levels. Conclusions: Contrary to the folk wisdom that adolescents have a unique sense of invulnerability, the individuals studied here reported an exaggerated sense of mortality, which was highest among those reporting greater threats in their lives. Such fears could affect adolescents'' short-term well-being and future planning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Cystic neck swellings in the neck arise from a diverse range of tissues and pathological disorder. The approach to diagnosis relies on a thorough history and an appropriate examination including the internal ENT to exclude an occult primary malignancy. The typical feature of fluctuance is often not elicited because the contents of the cyst can be under tension and transillumination is seldom performed these days. Aspiration and ultrasonography are usual but other imaging such as CT and MRI scanning can be indicated. Definitive treatment is usually surgical excision but with benign disease repeat aspiration can be considered. No intervention can be an option if there is significant co-morbidity, absence of functional or cosmetic impairment or there is reluctance by the patient to undergo surgery. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Neck lumps are a challenging proposition for any surgeon. They also form a substantial component in clinical examinations for higher surgical diplomas. This is because many different diagnostic possibilities exist in a relatively small area. It is a good presumption, especially in an adult, that a neck lump represents malignant disease until proven otherwise which might be arising from an occult primary in the nose, throat or oral cavity. Lesions in these areas might not be readily visualized and so part of the assessment should include an ENT opinion. A thorough history and examination provide important clues to elucidating the cause. This provides for directed imaging and finally biopsy/excision if required. Excision of a malignant lump in isolation can in some circumstances reduce patient survival if any associated primary is not recognized and dealt with, but worse is an incisional biopsy which should only be undertaken as a very last resort as there is a risk of seeding tumour through the neck. A good working knowledge of the anatomy of the neck, a systematic approach to examination of the area and an appreciation of the possible differential diagnoses are vital to acquiring a safe, efficient and effective management strategy. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article discusses the role of Protestant English public schools in codifying the rules for sports during the nineteenth century, focusing especially on the Rugby School under the leadership of headmaster Thomas Arnold between 1828-1841. Topics considered include muscular Christianity in sports and its spread through the British empire; Victorian beliefs regarding morality, sanitation, and health; the decline of the role of the Protestant church in twentieth century British sports; and sports ministry.

• A surrogate modeling framework is developed for building stock energy models. • The surrogate model has hourly time resolution for building load profile studies. • Advanced data engineering and HPC workflow provide high computational efficiency. • Feature engineering and deep learning techniques are applied in the surrogate model. • Two case studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the framework. Surrogate modeling can play a key role in reducing high computational burdens for large-scale physics-based modeling and uncertainty quantification. With the rapid development of large-scale building stock energy modeling, surrogate modeling has also begun to be widely applied in this field; however, most existing surrogate models lack hourly time resolution for regional-scale modeling, which is essential for understanding building demand profiles and grid impacts. Further, there is generally a lack of necessary data and feature engineering frameworks specific to building modeling for efficiently managing large datasets and complex computations. This paper proposes a modeling framework for large-scale (city-/region-scale), high-resolution, high-fidelity surrogate building stock energy models. Our developed framework consists of six modules: (1) building stock energy modeling (ComStockTM and ResStockTM), (2) data engineering for large simulation data, (3) high performance computing workflow, (4) feature engineering, (5) machine learning model development, and (6) model performance evaluation. Two case studies apply the developed framework in both residential and commercial building stock analysis to demonstrate its computational efficiency and surrogate modeling accuracies. Results show that surrogate models, when efficiently trained using the HPC workflow module, reach a high level of modeling accuracy for two case studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: As an occupation, firefighting is replete with images of maleness operating around a series of highly masculinised codes and values most notably comprising: risk/danger, heroism, fearlessness/courage, physicality, and bodily strength. This qualitative study of the UK Fire Service seeks to uncover the ways in which these masculine codes and values were evident amidst the daily working lives of a group of full-time, male firefighters. Placing respondent views at the centre of the research, findings suggest that occupational identities were based primarily upon notions of emotional strength, physical and technical competence and collective understandings of risk and responsibility. A commitment to group solidarity was also central to the masculine identities of respondents, with colleagues in administrative and managerial positions being distanced on account of their non-manual occupational roles. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The attachment mechanism of pandarid adhesion pads is described from observations of their externally ridged structure and internal construction in three species; Pandarus bicolor Leach, 1816, Dinemoura latifolia (Steenstrup and Lutken, 1861) and Echthrogaleus coleoptratus (Guerin-Meneville, 1837). The host''s external skin morphology was also examined, since parasite attachment mechanism and host surface can be considered as components of a single system. The results emphasise the importance of the physical nature of the pad''s surface. This is inferred from the compliance of the cuticle and subsurface structure, and the presence of cuticular ridging. The pads probably prevent pandarids from being dislodged by hydrodynamic drag, by increasing overall adhesion. It is proposed that this is achieved in different ways, by two types of adhesion pad identified here, distinguishable by their external structure and location. Type I pads are suggested to remove interfacial water and increase surface contact by one of two contrasting methods. The ridges may act as tyre treads, by channelling water from the contact surface. Alternatively, the channels between ridges may be hydrophobic and behave as dewetting structures, preventing water from entering in the same way that troughs between surface nodules function to produce superhydrophobicity on lotus leaves. Type I adhesion pads are also suggested to aid attachment by hindering the process of peeling, by which they are thought to be removed by hydrodynamic drag. Type II pads are more likely to function as one-way frictional attachments. Both types of pad appear to be attached passively, since they lack muscles inserting into them. The adhesive mechanism of each, which functions most effectively on hard surfaces, may explain why pads are absent or reduced on pandarids which parasitise the softer, unscaled surfaces of hosts. Pandarids predominantly parasitise the skin and fins of fast-swimming sharks. This may be because the scales are characteristically smaller in these species and are more easily encircled by the primary attachment appendages, the maxillipeds. This is thought to be the first published report to reveal frictional attachment structures from the Crustacea, which have convergently evolved in many terrestrial Arthropoda. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article presents an interdisciplinary project, developed as a collaborative effort by the authors, involving the design of a telescope mirror as it was given to second semester calculus students. Students working in groups of three were given two weeks to complete the project. Solutions and instructor notes follow the presentation of the project. The project covers various mathematical concepts including definite integration, partial fractions, volumes by cylindrical shells, applications of integrals, differentials, first order differential equations, separation of variables, and work.