Poor Weather Conditions Research Articles

Weather-related Employment Subsidies as a Remedy for Seasonal Unemployment? Evidence from Germany

Many European countries try to reduce seasonal unemployment by subsidizing short-time employment during the winter period. Despite such costly efforts, pronounced seasonal unemployment patterns continue to exist. This puts doubts on the effectiveness of such policy interventions. This paper provides a first empirical assessment of the effectiveness of different subsidy schemes by exploiting the institutional variation in a German subsidy scheme that applies to the construction sector and the variation in local weather and business cycle conditions across 20 years. The findings confirm that generous short-time subsidies reduce individual lay-off probabilities in the case of poor weather conditions. However, the link between weather conditions and seasonal lay-offs is much less strong than expected, making planned capacity reductions the main suspect for causing seasonality in unemployment patterns.

Collecting winter data on U.S. Coast Guard icebreakers

Winter research and monitoring of icebound rivers, lakes, and coastal seas to date has usually involved seagoing civilian scientists leading survey efforts. However, because of poor weather conditions and a lack of safe research platforms, scientists collecting data during winter face some difficult and often insurmountable problems. To solve these problems and to further research and environmental monitoring goals, new partnerships can be formed through integrating efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) with citizen science initiatives. USCG and a research group at Ohio's Bowling Green State University are entering the third year of such a partnership, in which icebreaking operations in Lake Erie using USCG Cutter Neah Bay support volunteer data collection. With two additional USCG vessels joining the program this winter season, the partnership serves as a timely and useful model for worldwide environmental research and monitoring through citizen science and government collaboration.

Yield Stability Of Some Turkish Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes In The Western Transtional Zone Of Turkey

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the yield performance and stabilities of certain winter bread wheat cultivars grown widely in the winter wheat regions of Anatolian peninsula. Eight varieties were grown at 10 locations between 2007 and 2011 cropping seasons, in a field trial arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design with 4 replications. The combined analysis of variance was performed for the data obtained. The significant genotype x environment interactions were further investigated by the regression and the ecovalance analyses. It was concluded that cultivars Kate A1 and Mufit bey were found to be the most stable genotypes for all the environments whereas cultivar Gerek-79 was found to be the best performer for under poor soil and weather conditions.

Seeing hidden objects with millimetre waves

Cameras that take pictures at millimetre wavelengths are spawning a host of new security applications, including screening people and vehicles for hidden objects as well as seeing in poor weather conditions.

The effect of age, gender and attitudes on self-regulation in driving

Self-regulation in driving has primarily been studied as a precursor to driving cessation in older people, who minimise driving risk and compensate for physical and cognitive decline by avoiding driving in challenging circumstances, e.g. poor weather conditions, in the dark and at busy times. This research explores whether other demographic groups of drivers adopt self-regulatory behaviours and examines the effects of affective and instrumental attitudes on self-regulation across the lifespan. Quantitative data were collected from 395 drivers. Women were significantly more likely than men to engage in self-regulation, and to be negatively influenced by their emotions (affective attitude). A quadratic effect of age on self-regulation was determined such that younger and older drivers reported higher scores for self-regulation than middle-years’ drivers. However, this effect was affected by experience such that when experience was controlled for, self-regulation increased with age. Nevertheless, anxious driving style and negative affective attitude were independent predictors of self-regulation behaviours. Results suggest that self-regulation behaviours are present across the driving lifespan and may occur as a result of driving anxiety or low confidence rather than as an effect of ageing.

High temporal resolution monitoring of snow cover using oblique view ground-based pictures

ABSTRACTDue to poor weather conditions including common heavy cloud cover at polar latitudes, daily satellite imaging is not always accessible. Nevertheless, fast events including heavy rainfall inducing floods appear as significant in the ice and snow budget while being ignored by satellite based studies since the slower sampling rate is unable to observe such short phenomena. We complement satellite imagery with a set of ground based autonomous automated high resolution digital cameras. The recorded oblique views, acquired at a rate of 3 images per day, are processed for comparison with the spaceborne imagery. Delaunay triangulation based mapping using a dense set of reference points provides the means for an accurate projection by applying a rubber sheeting algorithm. The measurement strategy of identifying binary information of ice and snow cover is illustrated through the example of a particular flood event. We observe a snow cover evolution from 100% to 44.5% and back to 100% over a period of 2 weeks.

Improving the assessment of ICESat water altimetry accuracy accounting for autocorrelation

Given that water resources are scarce and are strained by competing demands, it has become crucial to develop and improve techniques to observe the temporal and spatial variations in the inland water volume. Due to the lack of data and the heterogeneity of water level stations, remote sensing, and especially altimetry from space, appear as complementary techniques for water level monitoring. In addition to spatial resolution and sampling rates in space or time, one of the most relevant criteria for satellite altimetry on inland water is the accuracy of the elevation data. Here, the accuracy of ICESat LIDAR altimetry product is assessed over the Great Lakes in North America. The accuracy assessment method used in this paper emphasizes on autocorrelation in high temporal frequency ICESat measurements. It also considers uncertainties resulting from both in situ lake level reference data. A probabilistic upscaling process was developed. This process is based on several successive ICESat shots averaged in a spatial transect accounting for autocorrelation between successive shots. The method also applies pre-processing of the ICESat data with saturation correction of ICESat waveforms, spatial filtering to avoid measurement disturbance from the land–water transition effects on waveform saturation and data selection to avoid trends in water elevations across space. Initially this paper analyzes 237 collected ICESat transects, consistent with the available hydrometric ground stations for four of the Great Lakes. By adapting a geostatistical framework, a high frequency autocorrelation between successive shot elevation values was observed and then modeled for 45% of the 237 transects. The modeled autocorrelation was therefore used to estimate water elevations at the transect scale and the resulting uncertainty for the 117 transects without trend. This uncertainty was 8 times greater than the usual computed uncertainty, when no temporal correlation is taken into account. This temporal correlation, corresponding to approximately 11 consecutive ICESat shots, could be linked to low transmitted ICESat GLAS energy and to poor weather conditions. Assuming Gaussian uncertainties for both reference data and ICESat data upscaled at the transect scale, we derived GLAS deviations statistics by averaging the results at station and lake scales. An overall bias of −4.6 cm (underestimation) and an overall standard deviation of 11.6 cm were computed for all lakes. Results demonstrated the relevance of taking autocorrelation into account in satellite data uncertainty assesment.

Insights into explosive activity at closely-spaced eruptive vents using infrasound signals: Example of Mt. Etna 2008 eruption

On 13 May 2008 an eruptive fissure opened on Mount Etna's eastern flank feeding both explosive activity and lava effusion from multiple vents for about 14 months. During the investigated May-September 2008 eruptive period, infrasound recordings from a 4 station-sparse network allowed tracking of the explosive activity in terms of location and dynamics. In order to focus on activity from the eruptive fissure, the infrasonic events generated by the summit craters were selected by using both spectral features and time delays between pairs of stations and excluded from our analysis. Then, to accurately locate events from the fissure, we used a composite method, based on the semblance and brightness functions. This enabled the study of the co-existence of more than one infrasound source and/or its migration along the eruptive fissure. Hence, results permitted us to discriminate the number of active vents and their location along the fissure even when, due to poor weather conditions, it was not possible to access the vents or carry out direct observations. The eruptive activity was characterised by variations in the number of active vents according to the overall intensity of the eruptive event. Variability of the infrasound waveforms highlighted either that distinct vents produced signals with different waveforms, or that single vents generated different events during distinct periods of time, or finally both the previous phenomena. We applied the strombolian bubble vibration model to model waveform differences and attributed the signal variations to bubble radius changes.

Body condition and wind support initiate the shift of migratory direction and timing of nocturnal departure in a songbird

1. An innate migration strategy guides birds through space and time. Environmental variation further modulates individual behaviour within a genetically determined frame. In particular, ecological barriers could influence departure direction and its timing. A shift in the migratory direction in response to an ecological barrier could reveal how birds adjust their individual trajectories to environmental cues and body condition. 2. Northern wheatears of the Greenland/Iceland subspecies Oenanthe oenanthe leucorhoa arrive in Western Europe en route from their West African winter range. They then undergo an endogenously controlled shift in migratory direction from north to north-west to cross a large ecological barrier, the North Atlantic. We radiotracked these songbirds departing from Helgoland, a small island in the North Sea, over an unprecedented range of their journey. 3. Here, we show that both birds' body condition and the wind conditions that they encountered influenced the departure direction significantly. Jointly high fuel loads and favourable wind conditions enabled migrants to cross large stretches of sea. Birds in good condition departed early in the night heading to the sea towards their breeding areas, while birds with low fuel loads and/or flying in poor weather conditions departed in directions leading towards nearby mainland areas during the entire night. These areas could be reached even after setting off late at night. 4. Behavioural adjustment of migratory patterns is a critical adaptation for crossing ecological barriers. The observed variation in departure direction and time in relation to fuel load and wind revealed that these birds have an innate ability to respond by jointly incorporating internal information (body condition) and external information (wind support).

Results and evaluation of a survey to estimate Pacific walrus population size, 20061

AbstractIn spring 2006, we conducted a collaborative U.S.–Russia survey to estimate abundance of the Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens). The Bering Sea was partitioned into survey blocks, and a systematic random sample of transects within a subset of the blocks was surveyed with airborne thermal scanners using standard strip‐transect methodology. Counts of walruses in photographed groups were used to model the relation between thermal signatures and the number of walruses in groups, which was used to estimate the number of walruses in groups that were detected by the scanner but not photographed. We also modeled the probability of thermally detecting various‐sized walrus groups to estimate the number of walruses in groups undetected by the scanner. We used data from radio‐tagged walruses to adjust on‐ice estimates to account for walruses in the water during the survey. The estimated area of available habitat averaged 668,000 km2 and the area of surveyed blocks was 318,204 km2. The number of Pacific walruses within the surveyed area was estimated at 129,000 with 95% confidence limits of 55,000–507,000 individuals. Poor weather conditions precluded surveying in other areas; therefore, this value represents the number of Pacific walruses within about half of potential walrus habitat.

FERTILIZER RATE EFFECTS ON FORAGE YIELD STABILITY AND NUTRIENT UPTAKE OF MIDLAND BERMUDAGRASS

Our objectives were to document effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer rates on forage yields and uptake of N, P, and K by Midland bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] on a Minco fine, sandy loam in southern Oklahoma. After six years of this long-term experiment, forage yield responses to fertilization were mixed and depended on year. Stability analysis indicated forage yields responded positively to N fertilization during favorable weather conditions but negatively during poor weather conditions. Application of 112 kg N ha−1 provided the best yield stability and mean annual forage yield among treatments, 11.5 Mg ha−1, across years. In years with near-average weather conditions, uptake of N, P, and K increased linearly with N application rate. Limited water holding capacity of the soil and high soil P and K may have contributed to the limited yield responses to fertilization in this semi-arid environment.

Developing Information System on Lunar Crescent Observations

We present a progress report on the development of information system of lunar crescent astronomical observations which will be largely accessible for public domain. This consists of calculations of the Moon's ephemeris as well as systematic real-time lunar crescent observations. A well suited small telescope, equipped with a simple digital detector, is connected to a server to provide information on lunar crescent observations. The system has been used and worked well. The only constraint is poor weather condition. Network of small telescopes, installed at various locations in Indonesia, are currently planned to provide plethora of data. In the long term, this will be used to help to determine the astronomical visibility criteria of lunar crescent for Islamic calendar.

Adaptive image enhancement method based on multi-scale Retinex algorithm

This paper presented an adaptive image enhancement approach based on Multi-Scale Retinex (MSR). This method was good at automatic processing on imagery in poor weather conditions,such as frog,rain,thin cloud,or lack of light,to enhance the visual quality. The experimental results approve that this method is effective and generalizable,and suits for many types of images.

Roof-harvested rainwater for potable purposes: Application of solar collector disinfection (SOCO-DIS)

The efficiency of solar disinfection (SODIS), recommended by the World Health Organization, has been determined for rainwater disinfection, and potential benefits and limitations discussed. The limitations of SODIS have now been overcome by the use of solar collector disinfection (SOCO-DIS), for potential use of rainwater as a small-scale potable water supply, especially in developing countries. Rainwater samples collected from the underground storage tanks of a rooftop rainwater harvesting (RWH) system were exposed to different conditions of sunlight radiation in 2-L polyethylene terephthalate bottles in a solar collector with rectangular base and reflective open wings. Total and fecal coliforms were used, together with Escherichia coli and heterotrophic plate counts, as basic microbial and indicator organisms of water quality for disinfection efficiency evaluation. In the SOCO-DIS system, disinfection improved by 20–30% compared with the SODIS system, and rainwater was fully disinfected even under moderate weather conditions, due to the effects of concentrated sunlight radiation and the synergistic effects of thermal and optical inactivation. The SOCO-DIS system was optimized based on the collector configuration and the reflective base: an inclined position led to an increased disinfection efficiency of 10–15%. Microbial inactivation increased by 10–20% simply by reducing the initial pH value of the rainwater to 5. High turbidities also affected the SOCO-DIS system; the disinfection efficiency decreased by 10–15%, which indicated that rainwater needed to be filtered before treatment. The problem of microbial regrowth was significantly reduced in the SOCO-DIS system compared with the SODIS system because of residual sunlight effects. Only total coliform regrowth was detected at higher turbidities. The SOCO-DIS system was ineffective only under poor weather conditions, when longer exposure times or other practical means of reducing the pH were required for the treatment of stored rainwater for potable purposes.

An innovative new spillway for Bruton flood storage reservoir

The Environment Agency implemented a programme of remedial and improvement works at Bruton flood storage reservoir in 2008. As part of the works, an upgrade to the existing spillway was required and this was achieved using a stepped block system designed in accordance with a Construction Industry Research and Information Association special publication. A total of 1869 blocks weighing 900 kg each were needed, presenting a number of challenges, which were overcome through close liaison between the designer, contractor and manufacturer. Despite a tight programme and poor weather conditions over the summer, installation of the blocks commenced in April 2008 and was completed on schedule in September 2008.

Development of High-Power Ka/Q Dual-Band and Communications/Radar Dual-Function Helix-TWT

Future military communication systems on mobile satellite uplink platforms such as ground-based high-mobility vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and aircraft have strict constraints in size, weight, and power. Despite these constraints, these platforms also require ever-increasing data rate and bandwidth for video/imagery transmissions from small aperture terminals. In addition to the communications requirements, more UAV platforms, as an important part of current and future military operations, desire radar capabilities for ground mapping and visibility through poor weather conditions. In 2007, as part of an ongoing effort to meet these demands, L-3 Communications Electron Technologies, Inc. successfully developed a Ka/Q dual-band helix-traveling-wave tube, i.e., the 8923H, that produces 315 W minimum output power at Ka-band (30-31 GHz) and 200 W minimum output power at Q-band (43.5-45.5 GHz). The device was primarily developed to satisfy the Ka/Q dual-band communications requirements with power goals of 300 W minimum at Ka-band and 175 W at Q-band, but in addition, the device can also dual-function as a radar source in the Ka-radar-band (33-36 GHz) with peak power up to 400 W and duty demonstrated up to 50%, all from a single device.

Pricing congestion for arriving flights at Chicago O'Hare Airport

This paper estimates congestion fees for arriving flights at Chicago O'Hare Airport. The analysis finds that the level of congestion is only about a fifth of the magnitude of the congestion associated with departing flights. Congestion is much worse in poor weather conditions, and mitigating these weather delays is a primary objective of the current program to reconfigure the airfield. The analysis finds that the non-linearities inherent in models of congestion mean that even a very modest change in flight patterns reduces delays and congestion fees quite considerably.

Timing and Location of Mortality of Fledgling, Subadult, and Adult California Gulls

We investigated patterns of mortality during post-breeding migrations of California Gulls (Larus californicus) nesting near Laramie, Wyoming, USA. We used 151 recoveries and 647 sightings of banded and patagially-marked gulls to compare ratios of mortalities to observations of live birds (1) during four time periods (early and late fall migration, winter, and spring migration), (2) at two locations (Pacific coast and inland), and (3) among three age-classes of gulls (fledglings, 1- and 2-year-olds, and breeding-age adults). Mortality rates were higher in inland areas (35%) than in coastal areas (15%) and were dependent on season within inland areas, but not in coastal areas. Mortality in inland areas during early fall (21%) was comparable with that in coastal areas (13%) but was higher during late fall (68 vs. 13%) and spring migration (46 vs. 17%). Both fledgling (71%) and adult (64%) gulls experienced high mortality rates during late fall migration, possibly because some gulls were too weak to make their way to the Pacific coast and became trapped by poor weather conditions. Adult gulls also experienced high mortality inland during spring migration; few subadults made the costly migration to and from the breeding area. Some adults also skipped breeding and remained in coastal areas during the breeding season.

Simulation Model for Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Transportation and the Economy in Canada

It is widely argued that severe weather events and episodes of poor weather conditions (cold snaps and heat waves) have significant impact on regional economies and transportation systems. Several studies have focused on quantifying this relation from observed data. However, little has been done to simulate and assess the long-term impacts of climate change on regional transportation systems and economies. This is because of the lack of simulation models that are able to link changes in weather events to transportation system performance and interregional trade flows. This paper reports on the development of CLIMATE-C, a tool for simulation of the assessment of the impact of climate on transportation and the economy in Canada. Linkages between transportation and the economy are handled through a random utility-based multiregional input– output model (RUBMRIO), which predicts interregional trade flows by truck and rail among the 76 economic regions of Canada for 43 commodities. But the influence of weather on transportation is handled through speed adjustment factors that account for the reduction in travel speeds because of changes in the frequency of various weather events. Therefore, changes in the frequency of weather events translate into travel delays, which in turn influence trade flows between regions. Sensitivity analysis with the implemented model illustrated its ability to assess the impact of climate change on transportation and the economy in Canada.

Investigator Group Expedition 2006: Application Of Remote Survey Techniques to Characterise the Benthic Habitats

As part of the 2006 Investigator islands scientific expedition, a mapping survey was carried out to improve what was known about the spatial extent and composition of subtidal benthic habitats surrounding Flinders and Pearson Islands in the Investigator group of South Australia’s west coast. Habitats in the Investigator group are relatively pristine and diverse, and as such have unique conservation value. An initiative to develop a representative system of Marine Protected Areas for South Australia has recognised the biodiversity value of the area by nominating it for inclusion in a new marine park.Previous broad scale mapping of the area was undertaken using 1:100,000 scale satellite imagery and was based on limited ground truthing. In order to fully appreciate the significance of such areas and to properly manage them, more detailed information based on more extensive field validation is required. This study represents an initial step toward providing more detailed benthic habitat maps for this area.A suite of techniques are used to achieve this goal, including on screen digitisation using GIS software, single beam acoustic survey, and the collection of video footage to identify the benthic habitats present. Time limitations and poor weather conditions meant that the most exposed parts of the two islands could not be surveyed as part of this expedition; however, for the remainder of the islands’ coastlines, the subtidal benthic habitats were found to be more varied and spatially complex than previously reported. In addition, seagrass beds in the area were found to be more extensive than previously thought. Seagrasses were found to be growing to depths of up to 30 m.