Long-wave Research Articles

Swell description for Bonga offshore Nigeria location

The ocean environment offshore West Africa is considered to be mild. However, the generated swell from distant North and South Atlantic during austral winter and summer can reach high wave amplitudes with relatively low wave periods or low wave amplitudes with long wave periods, the later can be a crucial scenario to consider when the assessment of vessel resonance is of importance. Most offshore operations, which include offshore drilling, and installation in West Africa, are carried out from floating systems. The response of these systems and performance are governed by characteristics, such as amplitude and frequency of the wave and swell seas. It is therefore important to fully understand the sea conditions offshore Nigeria. This study covers the description of the swell sea offshore Nigeria using Bonga offshore wave measurements collected from the directional wave-rider (DWR), positioned at the Bonga site off the coast of Nigeria.

Evaluación y selección de líneas avanzadas de arroz (Oriza sativa L.) con alto contenido de zinc en condiciones de riego y secano en Nicaragua

La bioacumulación de Zn en el endosperma de cultivos de alto consumo popular como el arroz tiene gran importancia para resolver problemas de carácter nutricional. La presente investigación consisió en distintas fases de evaluación-selección de líneas avanzadas de arroz con alto contenido de zinc (a nivel de vivero, evaluación de líneas avanzadas y evaluación multi-ambiental en diferentes sitios del país). Los experimentos se establecieron en condiciones de riego y secano en los años 2014 y 2015, en las siguintes localidades: Centro Experimental de Arroz “TAI-NIC”, Jalapa, Posoltega, Masatepe, San Carlos, Pantasma y Dario. El Diseño empleado fue en Bloques Incompletos No Balanceados (Alpha Latice). Se midieron datos de comportamiento agronómico (días a madures, altura de planta, macollamiento, longitud de panícula, peso de grano, rendimiento), calidad de grano y contenido de zinc en el grano pulido mediante la metodología de fluorescencia de rayos X (FRX). De los genotipos evaluados se seleccionaron cuatro que combinan características agronómicas, industriales y nutricionales deseables. Se estableció una relación positiva entre la cantidad de zinc disponible en el suelo y la cantidad de zinc encontrada en grano pulido. Se determinaron diferencias signifi cativas entre los genotipos, ambientes e interacción genotipo*ambiente. Se seleccionaron genotipos que presentan un comportamiento adaptativo amplio y genotipos con adaptación específica para cada condición agroclimática y de manejo. Se identificaron dos mega-ambientes con genotipos en común. En el primero formado por los sitios de Pantasma y Jalapa destaca el genotipo IR31917-45-3-2-1-1SR-5-M (T4). En el segundo mega-ambiente formado por los sitios de Masatepe y San Carlos destaca el genotipo CT18504-4-5-3Vi-2-3P (T14). En los ambientes únicos de Posoltega y Darío los mejores genotipos fueron IR75870- 5-8-5-B-2-B-1SR-8-M (T6) para el primero y CT19298-(100)-1-2- 3-1-4MP (T1) para el segundo. La variable que más influenció la producción fue días a madures, confi rmando la tendencia de que a ciclo más largo, existe mayor rendimiento; y longitud de panícula.

Changes in clouds and thermodynamics under solar geoengineering and implications for required solar reduction

Abstract. The amount of solar constant reduction required to offset the global warming from an increase in atmospheric CO2 concentration is an interesting question with implications for assessing the feasibility of solar geoengineering scenarios and for improving our theoretical understanding of Earth's climate response to greenhouse gas and solar forcings. This study investigates this question by analyzing the results of 11 coupled atmosphere–ocean global climate models running experiment G1 of the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project, in which CO2 concentrations are abruptly quadrupled and the solar constant is simultaneously reduced by an amount tuned to maintain the top-of-atmosphere energy balance and pre-industrial global mean temperature. The required solar constant reduction in G1 is between 3.2 % and 5.0 %, depending on the model, and is uncorrelated with the models' equilibrium climate sensitivity, while a formula from the experiment specifications based on the models' effective CO2 forcing and planetary albedo is well correlated with but consistently underpredicts the required solar reduction. We propose an explanation for the required solar reduction based on CO2 instantaneous forcing and the sum of radiative adjustments to the combined CO2 and solar forcings. We quantify these radiative adjustments in G1 using established methods and explore changes in atmospheric temperature, humidity, and cloud fraction in order to understand the causes of these radiative adjustments. The zonal mean temperature response in G1 exhibits cooling in the tropics and warming in high latitudes at the surface; greater cooling in the upper troposphere at all latitudes; and stratospheric cooling which is mainly due to the CO2 increase. Tropospheric specific humidity decreases due to the temperature decrease, while stratospheric humidity may increase or decrease depending on the model's temperature change in the tropical tropopause layer. Low cloud fraction decreases in all models in G1, an effect that is robust and widespread across ocean and vegetated land areas. We attribute this to a reduction in boundary layer inversion strength over the ocean, and a reduction in the release of water from plants due to the increased CO2. High cloud fraction increases in the global mean in most models. The low cloud fraction reduction and atmospheric temperature decrease have strong warming effects on the planet, due to reduced reflection of shortwave radiation and reduced emission of longwave radiation, respectively. About 50 % to 75 % of the temperature effect is caused by the stratospheric cooling, while the reduction in atmospheric humidity results in increased outgoing longwave radiation that roughly offsets the tropospheric temperature effect. The longwave (LW) effect of the cloud changes is small in the global mean, despite the increase in high cloud fraction. Taken together, the sum of the diagnosed radiative adjustments and the CO2 instantaneous forcing explains the required solar forcing in G1 to within about 6 %. The cloud fraction response to the G1 experiment raises interesting questions about cloud rapid adjustments and feedbacks under solar versus greenhouse forcings, which would be best explored in a model intercomparison framework with a solar-forcing-only experiment.

Net radiative effects of dust in the tropical North Atlantic based on integrated satellite observations and in situ measurements

Abstract. In this study, we integrate recent in situ measurements with satellite retrievals of dust physical and radiative properties to quantify dust direct radiative effects on shortwave (SW) and longwave (LW) radiation (denoted as DRESW and DRELW, respectively) in the tropical North Atlantic during the summer months from 2007 to 2010. Through linear regression of the CERES-measured top-of-atmosphere (TOA) flux versus satellite aerosol optical depth (AOD) retrievals, we estimate the instantaneous DRESW efficiency at the TOA to be -49.7±7.1 W m−2 AOD−1 and -36.5±4.8 W m−2 AOD−1 based on AOD from MODIS and CALIOP, respectively. We then perform various sensitivity studies based on recent measurements of dust particle size distribution (PSD), refractive index, and particle shape distribution to determine how the dust microphysical and optical properties affect DRE estimates and its agreement with the above-mentioned satellite-derived DREs. Our analysis shows that a good agreement with the observation-based estimates of instantaneous DRESW and DRELW can be achieved through a combination of recently observed PSD with substantial presence of coarse particles, a less absorptive SW refractive index, and spheroid shapes. Based on this optimal combination of dust physical properties we further estimate the diurnal mean dust DRESW in the region of −10 W m−2 at TOA and −26 W m−2 at the surface, respectively, of which ∼ 30 % is canceled out by the positive DRELW. This yields a net DRE of about −6.9 and −18.3 W m−2 at TOA and the surface, respectively. Our study suggests that the LW flux contains useful information on dust particle size, which could be used together with SW observations to achieve a more holistic understanding of the dust radiative effect.

Creative Optimization and Industrial Research of Freeze Drying Process of the Cardiomyopeptidin for Injection

Cardiomyopeptidin is a kind of biological drug used in the perioperative period of cardiac surgery, and the main ingredient of it can help to repair myocardial damage. In the production of cardiomyopeptidin for injection, vacuum freeze drying is a key technology. However, it has to face many difficulties such as the long cycle of freeze drying process (78 h) and large deviation of quality in group which reduce the efficiency of product. Currently, the study of freeze drying process of cardiomyopeptidin for injection is rare. The experiments in this paper were conducted by a miniature freeze dryer, cutting down the cycle of freeze drying process to an ideal value (45 h) and diminishing the deviation of quality in group. At present, many key factors of freeze drying process of the cardiomyopeptidin have been investigated, the optimized freeze drying program successfully cuts down the cycle to 36 h in the pilot freeze dryer. Luckily, the research also found a new auxiliary material which could greatly improve the efficiency of freeze drying. This paper provides a new way for the research of freeze drying process of biological drugs.

Biofiltration of methane from cow barns: Effects of climatic conditions and packing bed media acclimatization

The performance of biofiltration to mitigate CH4 emissions from cow barns was investigated in the laboratory using two flow-through columns constructed with an acclimatized packed bed media composed of inexpensive materials and readily available in an agricultural context. The biofilters were fed with artificial exhaust gas at a constant rate of 0.036 m3 h−1 and low inlet CH4 concentration (0.22 g m−3 = 300 ppm). The empty-bed residence time (EBRT) was equal to 0.21 h. Additionally, in order to simulate temperature changes under natural conditions and determine the influence of such cycles on CH4 removal efficiency, the upper part of the biofilters were submitted to temperature oscillations over time. The maximum oxidation rate (1.68 μg CH4 gdw−1h−1) was obtained with the commercial compost mixed with straw. Accordingly, it was considered as packing bed media for the biofilters. The CH4 removal efficiency was affected by the temperature prevailing within the biofilters, by the way in which the cooling-warming cycles were applied and by the acclimatization process. The shorter the cooling-warming cycles, the more oxidation rates varied. With longer cycles, CH4 removal rates stabilized and CH4 removal efficiencies attained nearly 100% in both biofilters, and remained at this level for more than 100 days, irrespective of the temperature at the top of the biofilter, which was – at times – adverse for microbiological activity. The first order rate constant for CH4 oxidation kinetics of the entire system was estimated at 15 h−1. If such rate could be transposed to real field conditions in Canada, home to nearly 945,000 dairy cows, biofiltration may be applied to efficiently abate between 2 × 106 and 3 × 106 t yr−1 of CO2 equivalent (depending on how estimates are performed) from bovine enteric fermentation alone.

Evaluating parents for cane yield in sugarcane breeding using best linear unbiased prediction analysis of progeny data derived from family plots

The success of sugarcane breeding is determined by the choice of parents, crosses made and progeny testing. The objectives of this study were to use best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) to evaluate parents using progeny data obtained from family plots and to determine the proportion of elite parents within the Midlands breeding populations. Data for stalk number, height and diameter, collected from 20 seedling progenies per family plot in each of the three replications, were used to estimate cane yield. Humic soil populations were established at the Bruyns Hill research station, whereas sandy soil populations were planted at the Glenside research station. BLUP analysis was performed using the Statistical Analysis System. Using BLUP estimates, females (82H0397, 96H0259, 98B0460, 98S0290, 98H0590, 98S1362 and N52) and males (02S0639, 82H0397, 97B0272, 98B0460, 98B1889 and N52) produced progenies with significantly (p < 0.05) higher cane yield in humic and sandy soil populations. Humic soil populations produced a higher proportion of elite parents (28.9%) compared with the sandy soil populations (22.5%) probably due to longer cycles of recurrent breeding and selection. Generally, the proportion of elite parents is still low for both humic and sandy soil populations, suggesting that intensive parent evaluation and development is required.

TESTING THE BLACK BOX’S MODEL ON COSMETIC PRODUCTS: A PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE

The demand and consumption for beauty and cosmetic products have increased tremendously over the years and it becomes a phenomenon in Malaysia. Not only because of the K-Wave trend, but also many other factors that lead the young consumers to buy such products. The purpose of this research is to test the effect of marketing stimuli on consumer purchase decision. Also, testing the mediating effect of components of a psychological factor in the relationship between marketing stimuli and consumer purchase decisions. A structured pilot survey implied and 102 respondents participated. Multiple linear regression analyses conducted. The result confirmed that young consumers strongly influenced by marketing activities, perceived brand image and perceived quality except for perceived CEO’s image. Hence, the young consumers did not rely on only on CEO’s image when making a purchase.

Surface Irradiances of Edition 4.0 Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) Energy Balanced and Filled (EBAF) Data Product

Abstract The algorithm to produce the Clouds and the Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES) Edition 4.0 (Ed4) Energy Balanced and Filled (EBAF)-surface data product is explained. The algorithm forces computed top-of-atmosphere (TOA) irradiances to match with Ed4 EBAF-TOA irradiances by adjusting surface, cloud, and atmospheric properties. Surface irradiances are subsequently adjusted using radiative kernels. The adjustment process is composed of two parts: bias correction and Lagrange multiplier. The bias in temperature and specific humidity between 200 and 500 hPa used for the irradiance computation is corrected based on observations by Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS). Similarly, the bias in the cloud fraction is corrected based on observations by Cloud–Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) and CloudSat. Remaining errors in surface, cloud, and atmospheric properties are corrected in the Lagrange multiplier process. Ed4 global annual mean (January 2005 through December 2014) surface net shortwave (SW) and longwave (LW) irradiances increase by 1.3 W m−2 and decrease by 0.2 W m−2, respectively, compared to EBAF Edition 2.8 (Ed2.8) counterparts (the previous version), resulting in an increase in net SW + LW surface irradiance of 1.1 W m−2. The uncertainty in surface irradiances over ocean, land, and polar regions at various spatial scales are estimated. The uncertainties in all-sky global annual mean upward and downward shortwave irradiance are 3 and 4 W m−2, respectively, and the uncertainties in upward and downward longwave irradiance are 3 and 6 W m−2, respectively. With an assumption of all errors being independent, the uncertainty in the global annual mean surface LW + SW net irradiance is 8 W m−2.

Band optimization of passive methane gas leak detection based on uncooled infrared focal plane array.

Current methane gas leak detection technology uses infrared imaging in the medium wave (MW) or long wave (LW) bands, essentially applying cooled infrared detectors. In this study, a simplified three-layer radiative transfer model is adopted based on methane gas detection theory, considering background radiation, atmospheric infrared absorption, gas absorption, and emission characteristics to analyze the contrast of methane gas thermography in different infrared bands. The analysis results suggest that under certain conditions, the 6.6-8.6μm LW band provides higher contrast compared to the 3-5μm MW band. The optimal imaging wavelength band is selected according to imaging contrast advantages and disadvantages, and infrared optical systems and infrared filters are designed and optimized. We build a passive methane gas leak detection system based on uncooled infrared focal plane array detectors. By collecting gas images under different conditions, the imaging detection capabilities for methane gas leaks in the MW and LW bands in a laboratory environment are compared. Finally, the developing trends in methane gas detection technology are analyzed.

Radiative impact of a heavy dust storm over India and surrounding oceanic regions

Efficient management of frequently occurring destructive dust storms requires an in-depth understanding of the extent of impacts of such events. Due to limited availability of observational data, it is difficult to understand/estimate the impact of dust aerosols on the Earth's radiation budget in detail. This study, applies a regional model, Weather Research and Forecasting model with chemistry (WRF-Chem), to investigate the impact of an intense dust storm that originated over the Arabian peninsula during 01–02 April 2015 and transported towards the Indian subcontinent by the westerly winds. Two identical numerical experiments are designed, each for 15 days, one with and another without dust aerosols, to estimate the impact of the dust storm over the Indian subcontinent and adjoining regions. WRF-Chem model reproduced the spatial, temporal as well as the vertical distribution of dust plume reasonably well.Model results show significant changes in aerosol optical, physical and radiative properties due to the dominance of coarse mode aerosols in the atmosphere during the dust storm. Analysis of vertical profiles of particulate matter (PM10) concentration reveals the presence of dust aerosols extending from the surface to altitudes as high as 3–4 km during the dust storm period. The dust storm induced a cooling effect at the surface via reduction in shortwave (SW) radiative flux. A substantial decrease in temperature is also seen at 850 hPa due to dust, indicating a significant impact of dust layer on the atmospheric temperature profile. Atmospheric heating due to dust aerosols in the SW region is found to be compensated up to a large extent by longwave (LW) cooling effect of dust. The net dust induced radiative perturbation at the top of the atmosphere (TOA) over different regions is negative and varied from −2.49 to −0.34 Wm-2, while it is in the range of −0.62 to + 0.32 Wm-2 at the surface.

Improved Representation of Surface Spectral Emissivity in a Global Climate Model and Its Impact on Simulated Climate

Surface longwave emissivity can be less than unity and vary significantly with frequency. However, most climate models still assume a blackbody surface in the longwave (LW) radiation scheme of their atmosphere models. This study incorporates realistic surface spectral emissivity into the atmospheric component of the Community Earth System Model (CESM), version 1.1.1, and evaluates its impact on simulated climate. By ensuring consistency of the broadband surface longwave flux across different components of the CESM, the top-of-the-atmosphere (TOA) energy balance in the modified model can be attained without retuning the model. Inclusion of surface spectral emissivity, however, leads to a decrease of net upward longwave flux at the surface and a comparable increase of latent heat flux. Global-mean surface temperature difference between the modified and standard CESM simulation is 0.20 K for the fully coupled run and 0.45 K for the slab-ocean run. Noticeable surface temperature differences between the modified and standard CESM simulations are seen over the Sahara Desert and polar regions. Accordingly, the climatological mean sea ice fraction in the modified CESM simulation can be less than that in the standard CESM simulation by as much as 0.1 in some regions. When spectral emissivities of sea ice and open ocean surfaces are considered, the broadband LW sea ice emissivity feedback is estimated to be −0.003 W m−2 K−1, assuming flat ice emissivity as sea ice emissivity, and 0.002 W m−2 K−1, assuming coarse snow emissivity as sea ice emissivity, which are two orders of magnitude smaller than the surface albedo feedback.

Cloud Longwave Scattering Effect and Its Impact on Climate Simulation

The cloud longwave (LW) scattering effect has been ignored in most current climate models. To investigate its climate impact, we apply an eight-stream DIScrete Ordinates Radiative Transfer (DISORT) scheme to include the cloud LW scattering in the General circulation model version of the LongWave Rapid Radiative Transfer Model (RRTMG_LW) and the Community Atmospheric Model Version 5 (CAM5). Results from the standalone RRTMG_LW and from diagnostic runs of CAM5 (no climate feedback) show that the cloud LW scattering reduces the upward flux at the top of the atmosphere and leads to an extra warming effect in the atmosphere. In the interactive runs with climate feedback included in CAM5, the cloud LW scattering effect is amplified by the water vapor-temperature feedback in a warmer atmosphere and has substantial influences on cloud fraction and specific humidity. The thermodynamic feedbacks are more significant in the northern hemisphere and the resulting meridional temperature gradient is different between the two hemispheres, which strengthens the southern branch of Hadley circulation, and modulates the westerly jet near 50° S and the upper part of Walker circulation. Our study concludes that the cloud LW scattering effect could have complex impacts on the global energy budget and shall be properly treated in future climate models.

Design of two-DMD based zoom MW and LW dual-band IRSP using pixel fusion

In order to test the anti-jamming ability of mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) dual-band imaging system, a zoom mid-wave (MW) and long-wave (LW) dual-band infrared scene projector (IRSP) based on two-digital micro-mirror device (DMD) was designed by using a projection method of pixel fusion. Two illumination systems, which illuminate the two DMDs directly with Kohler telecentric beam respectively, were combined with projection system by a spatial layout way. The distances of projection entrance pupil and illumination exit pupil were also analyzed separately. MWIR and LWIR virtual scenes were generated respectively by two DMDs and fused by a dichroic beam combiner (DBC), resulting in two radiation distributions in projected image. The optical performance of each component was evaluated by ray tracing simulations. Apparent temperature and image contrast were demonstrated by imaging experiments. On the basis of test and simulation results, the aberrations of optical system were well corrected, and the quality of projected image meets test requirements.

Impact factors and dynamic simulation of tillage-layer temperature in frozen-thawed soil under different cover conditions

Based on a winter field experiment between 2016 and 2017, four treatments (bare land (BL), natural snowfall coverage (NS), 5-cm-deep straw + natural snowfall coverage (SC5), and 10-cm-deep straw + natural snowfall coverage (SC10)) were established to determine the effects of the different treatments on soil temperature at the soil surface and at depths of 10 cm, 20 cm, and 30 cm. The environmental factors of ambient temperature, ambient humidity, water vapor pressure, 10-min wind speed, total radiation, net radiation, and long wave radiation were obtained from the weather station in the study area. Through correlation, multiple regression, and stepwise regression analysis, models for dynamic simulation of the tillage-layer soil temperature were constructed for analyzing the relation between tillage-layer soil temperature and environmental factors. The results showed that the environmental factors were all significantly correlated with tillage-layer temperature at the 0.01 level; when the impacts of other environmental factors were excluded, the correlations decreased significantly. The dynamic simulation models for tillage-layer soil temperature under different coverage conditions were different, and the larger the coverage amount, the fewer the environmental factors that could affect the tillage-layer temperature. The coefficients of determination of the prediction results of the dynamic models for the tillage-layer soil temperature under the four treatments (BL, NS, SC5, and SC10) were 0.8385, 0.7110, 0.7283, and 0.6216, respectively. The prediction had a high accuracy and can accurately depict the dynamic changes of the tillage-layer soil temperature. The results provided a theoretical basis for the efficient utilization of farmland soil water and heat resources. Keywords: farmland cover condition, frozen-thawed soil, tillage-layer temperature, impact factor, dynamic simulation, stepwise regression DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20181102.3068 Citation: Fu Q, Ma Z A, Wang E L, Li T X, Hou R J. Impact factors and dynamic simulation of tillage-layer temperature in frozen-thawed soil under different cover conditions. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2018; 11(2): 101–107.

Spinning projectile’s attitude measurement with LW infrared radiation under sea-sky background

With the further development of infrared radiation research in sea-sky background and the requirement of spinning projectile’s attitude measurement, the sea-sky infrared radiation field is used to carry out spinning projectile’s attitude angle instead of inertial sensors. Firstly, the generation mechanism of sea-sky infrared radiation is analysed. The mathematical model of sea-sky infrared radiation is deduced in LW (long wave) infrared 8 ∼ 14 µm band by calculating the sea surface and sky infrared radiation. Secondly, according to the movement characteristics of spinning projectile, the attitude measurement model of infrared sensors on projectile’s three axis is established. And the feasibility of the model is analysed by simulation. Finally, the projectile’s attitude calculation algorithm is designed to improve the attitude angle estimation accuracy. The results of semi-physical experiments show that the segmented interactive algorithm estimation error of pitch and roll angle is within ±1.5°. The attitude measurement method is effective and feasible, and provides accurate measurement basis for the guidance of spinning projectile.

Перспективы и возможности новых технико-экономических парадигм — новых технологических укладов

The model of long-term technical and economic development of industrial and post-industrial economic systems is constructed. The system consists of several subsystems existing simultaneously. Each new subsystem, embodying a new technical and economic mode, provides a higher level of per capita income. The transition to each new stage of technical and economic development — the transition to the predominance, the dominance of the technical and economic paradigm, and the beginning of the spread of a new technical and economic paradigm occurs at the moment when the upward half-wave of the Kondratiev cycle begins to form. To establish the moments of the onset of the upward halfwaves of Kondratiev cycles and the timing of the start of the spread of new techno-economic modes, econometric models of real per capita GDP in developed countries, including a smooth and cyclic (harmonic) component, were constructed. The average duration of the third cycle in these countries was 51.9 years, the fourth cycle — 49.8 years. Because of the construction of econometric models, it was possible to evaluate the productivity of relic, fourth, fifth and sixth technical and economic paradigms in developed countries. The average value of the maximum productivity of the fourth techno-economic mode was 2594 Geri-Hemis $ 1990, the fifth — 12,245 Geri-Hemis $ 1990, the sixth — 25 374 Geri-Hemis $ 1990. The average contribution to the real per capita GDP of relict modes and the fourth mode in the period of its domination was 5004 Geri-Hemis $ 1990, which corresponds to the value of 161,379 rubles. 2008. The excess of this value in Russia provided isdue to the spread of the fifth technical and economic mode. Its significant contribution to the real per capita GDP of the country began to observe since 2001 and by 2015 reached 47%. Modeling the period of the contribution of the fifth paradigm to Russia’s per capita GDP made it possible to predict the transition to its dominance in 2040. The forecast of the transition to the domination of the fifth mode in the regions of Russia is to include this time from 2010 to 2200. Construction of production functions based on data on per capita GRP over the years made it possible to establish that investment in fixed assets and an increase in the share of employed persons with a higher education can accelerate the spread of the fifth techno-economic mode and have received estimates of their effectiveness in the regions of Russia. A feature of the regions in which new modes did not receive proliferation was the low capitalization of new fixed assets and the increased number of employees of territorial bodies of federal executive bodies.

What can decadal variability tell us about climate feedbacks and sensitivity?

Radiative feedbacks are known to determine climate sensitivity. Global top-of-atmosphere radiation correlations with surface temperature performed here show that decadal variability in surface temperature is also reinforced by strong positive feedbacks in models, both in the long wave (LW) and short wave (SW), offsetting much of the Planck radiative damping. Net top-of-atmosphere feedback is correlated with the magnitude of decadal temperature variability, particularly in the tropics. This indicates decadal-timescale radiative reinforcement of surface temperature variability. Assuming a simple global ocean mixed layer response, the reinforcement is found to be of a magnitude comparable to that required for typical decadal global scale anomalies. The magnitude of decadal variability in the tropics is uncorrelated with LW feedbacks, but it is correlated with total SW feedbacks, which are, in turn, correlated with tropical SW cloud feedback. Globally, water vapour/lapse rate, surface albedo and cloud feedbacks on decadal timescales are, on average, as strong as those operating under climate change. Together these results suggest that some of the physical processes responsible for setting the magnitude of global temperature change in the twenty-first century and climate sensitivity also help set the magnitude of the natural decadal variability. Furthermore, a statistically significant correlation exists between climate sensitivity and decadal variability in the tropics across CMIP5 models, although this is not apparent in the earlier generation of CMIP3 models. Thus although the link to sensitivity is not conclusive, this opens up potential paths to improve our understanding of climate feedbacks, climate sensitivity and decadal climate variability, and has the potential to reduce the associated uncertainty.

Bottom boundary layer forced by finite amplitude long and short surface waves motions

A multiple-scale perturbation approach is implemented to solve the Navier–Stokes equations while including bottom boundary layer effects under a single wave and under two interacting waves. In this approach, fluid velocities and the pressure field are decomposed into two components: a potential component and a rotational component. In this study, the two components are exist throughout the entire water column and each is scaled with appropriate length and time scales. A one-way coupling between the two components is implemented. The potential component is assumed to be known analytically or numerically a prior, and the rotational component is forced by the potential component. Through order of magnitude analysis, it is found that the leading-order coupling between the two components occurs through the vertical convective acceleration. It is shown that this coupling plays an important role in the bottom boundary layer behavior. Its effect on the results is discussed for different wave-forcing conditions: purely harmonic forcing and impurely harmonic forcing. The approach is then applied to derive the governing equations for the bottom boundary layer developed under two interacting wave motions. Both motions—the shorter and the longer wave—are decomposed into two components, potential and rotational, as it is done in the single wave. Test cases are presented wherein two different wave forcings are simulated: (1) two periodic oscillatory motions and (2) short waves interacting with a solitary wave. The analysis of the two periodic motions indicates that nonlinear effects in the rotational solution may be significant even though nonlinear effects are negligible in the potential forcing. The local differences in the rotational velocity due to the nonlinear vertical convection coupling term are found to be on the order of 30% of the maximum boundary layer velocity for the cases simulated in this paper. This difference is expected to increase with the increase in wave nonlinearity.

Early postnatal treatment with clomipramine induces female sexual behavior and estrous cycle impairment

Administration of clomipramine (CMI), a tricyclic antidepressant, in early stages of development in rats, is considered an animal model for the study of depression. This pharmacological manipulation has induced behavioral and physiological alterations, i.e., less pleasure-seeking behaviors, despair, hyperactivity, cognitive dysfunction, alterations in neurotransmitter systems and in HPA axis. These abnormalities in adult male rats are similar to the symptoms observed in major depressive disorders. One of the main pleasure-seeking behaviors affected in male rats treated with CMI is sexual behavior. However, to date, no effects of early postnatal CMI treatment have been reported on female reproductive cyclicity and sexual behavior. Therefore, we explored CMI administration in early life (8–21 PN) on the estrous cycle and sexual behavior of adult female rats. Compared to the rats in the early postnatal saline treatment (CTRL group), the CMI rats had fewer estrous cycles, fewer days in the estrous stage, and longer cycles during a 20-day period of vaginal cytology analysis. On the behavioral test, the CMI rats displayed fewer proceptive behaviors (hopping, darting) and had lower lordosis quotients. Also, they usually failed to display lordosis and only rarely manifested marginal or normal lordosis. In contrast, the CTRL rats tended to display normal lordosis. These results suggest that early postnatal CMI treatment caused long-term disruptions of the estrous cycle and female sexual behavior, perhaps by alteration in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes and in neuronal circuits involved in the regulation of the performance and motivational of sexual behavior as the noradrenergic and serotonergic systems.