José Álvarez García

Bio: José Álvarez García is an academic researcher from University of Extremadura. The author has contributed to research in topics: Quality (business) & Tourism. The author has an hindex of 15, co-authored 89 publications receiving 952 citations. Previous affiliations of José Álvarez García include University of Vigo.

Trends in frequency indices of daily precipitation over the Iberian Peninsula during the last century

Abstract: [1] This study provides the first long-term assessment of changes in precipitation associated with different rainfall categories over the Iberian Peninsula (IP). Using recently digitized data from 27 stations in Portugal and Spain, we have examined trends of precipitation indices for the complete period 1903–2003 and the two subperiods 1903–1953 and 1954–2003. These indices were evaluated seasonally according to five rainfall categories: total rainfall (≥0.2 mm), light rainfall (≥0.2 and <2.5 mm), moderate rainfall (≥2.5 and <7.5 mm), intense rainfall (≥7.5 mm), and very intense rainfall (≥15 mm). For the complete period 1903–2003, we have found that the total number of rainy days and that of light rainfall are increasing at many observatories over the IP for all seasons (except in the western zone of Portugal and the Cadiz gulf, where they are decreasing). Both subperiods show opposite behaviors in fall and spring. During the first (second) subperiod spanning 1903–1953 (1954–2003), we can find a generalized decrease (increase) in the number of rainy days in fall in all rainfall categories. In spring, an increase in the number of rainy days is found mainly for total, moderate, and intense categories for the first subperiod, and a slight decrease during the second. In winter, we have verified a decrease in the number of rainy days mainly for total, moderate, and intense rainfall categories in the second subperiod. Finally in relation to the maximum length of dry spells for both subperiods, most observatories show significant trends opposite those of the total number of rainy days. It is worth noticing that the contrasting evolution of trends found between the first and second halves of the twentieth century could only be characterized in this work following a recent comprehensive digitization of historical Iberian precipitation data from the first decades of the twentieth century.

A 250-year cycle in naked-eye observations of sunspots

Abstract: [1] The state of the sun strongly affects terrestrial phenomena. While the eleven-year solar cycle was recognized in the XIX century, the lack of direct data concerning our star in historical times has made it difficult to determine the characteristics of solar variability on a secular scale. We here construct a series of yearly sunspot numbers as observed by eye in remote times and recorded in historical documents covering the period 165 BC–1918 AD. Using different spectral analysis methods, we find a 250-year cycle which appears to have a solar origin.

Changes in frequency and intensity of daily precipitation over the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract: [1] There is a general consensus within the climate community that any change in the frequency or severity of extreme climate events would profoundly impact nature and society. Such changes can be studied in terms of rainfall indices derived from daily data. The great variability of the rainfall over the Iberian Peninsula and the irregularity of its water regime make any study of the rainfall in this geographical region very interesting. In this work, we contribute some information about the characteristics and distribution of the daily precipitation series over the Iberian Peninsula, in particular the study of trends in series of several selected indices all related to the frequency or intensity of the daily rainfall. Data used are taken from a set of 35 series of daily rainfall in the aforementioned region during the period 1958–1997. The selected observatories constitute a representative sample of the orography and geographical diversity present in the peninsula. From the daily rainfall data, series of frequency and intensity rainfall indices were constructed on the basis of a prior definition of four rainfall categories reflecting certain percentiles of the precipitation distribution in the peninsula: total rainfall (≥0.2 mm), light (≥0.2 mm and <2.5 mm), moderate (≥2.5 mm and <7.5 mm), intense (≥7.5 mm), and very intense (≥15 mm). The indices studied were number of rainy days in each rainfall category, medians and maxima of length of dry spells (both related to the frequency of the precipitation), accumulated precipitation in each rainfall category, proportion of rainfall in each category relative to the total accumulated rainfall, and mean precipitation per wet day in each category (related to the amounts). All the indices were evaluated seasonally. Significant trends in many of the selected series were found. The results for all the indices are coherent and point to an increase of the light rainfall events at the cost of a decrease of more intense events.

Out of the Crisis

Abstract: According to W. Edwards Deming, American companies require nothing less than a transformation of management style and of governmental relations with industry. In Out of the Crisis, originally published in 1982, Deming offers a theory of management based on his famous 14 Points for Management. Management's failure to plan for the future, he claims, brings about loss of market, which brings about loss of jobs. Management must be judged not only by the quarterly dividend, but by innovative plans to stay in business, protect investment, ensure future dividends, and provide more jobs through improved product and service. In simple, direct language, he explains the principles of management transformation and how to apply them.

Research methods in social relations

Abstract: This sales letter may not influence you to be smarter, but the book that we offer will evoke you to be smarter. Yeah, at least you'll know more than others who don't. This is what called as the quality life improvisation. Why should this research methods in social relations? It's because this is your favourite theme to read. If you like this theme about, why don't you read the book to enrich your discussion?

Effects of solar UV radiation on aquatic ecosystems and interactions with climate change

Abstract: Recent results continue to show the general consensus that ozone-related increases in UV-B radiation can negatively influence many aquatic species and aquatic ecosystems (e.g., lakes, rivers, marshes, oceans). Solar UV radiation penetrates to ecological significant depths in aquatic systems and can affect both marine and freshwater systems from major biomass producers (phytoplankton) to consumers (e.g., zooplankton, fish, etc.) higher in the food web. Many factors influence the depth of penetration of radiation into natural waters including dissolved organic compounds whose concentration and chemical composition are likely to be influenced by future climate and UV radiation variability. There is also considerable evidence that aquatic species utilize many mechanisms for photoprotection against excessive radiation. Often, these protective mechanisms pose conflicting selection pressures on species making UV radiation an additional stressor on the organism. It is at the ecosystem level where assessments of anthropogenic climate change and UV-related effects are interrelated and where much recent research has been directed. Several studies suggest that the influence of UV-B at the ecosystem level may be more pronounced on community and trophic level structure, and hence on subsequent biogeochemical cycles, than on biomass levels per se.