Showing papers by "The Cyprus Institute published in 2013"

The MACC reanalysis: an 8 yr data set of atmospheric composition

Abstract: . An eight-year long reanalysis of atmospheric composition data covering the period 2003–2010 was constructed as part of the FP7-funded Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate project by assimilating satellite data into a global model and data assimilation system. This reanalysis provides fields of chemically reactive gases, namely carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrogen oxides, and formaldehyde, as well as aerosols and greenhouse gases globally at a horizontal resolution of about 80 km for both the troposphere and the stratosphere. This paper describes the assimilation system for the reactive gases and presents validation results for the reactive gas analysis fields to document the data set and to give a first indication of its quality. Tropospheric CO values from the MACC reanalysis are on average 10–20% lower than routine observations from commercial aircrafts over airports through most of the troposphere, and have larger negative biases in the boundary layer at urban sites affected by air pollution, possibly due to an underestimation of CO or precursor emissions. Stratospheric ozone fields from the MACC reanalysis agree with ozonesondes and ACE-FTS data to within ±10% in most seasons and regions. In the troposphere the reanalysis shows biases of −5% to +10% with respect to ozonesondes and aircraft data in the extratropics, but has larger negative biases in the tropics. Area-averaged total column ozone agrees with ozone fields from a multi-sensor reanalysis data set to within a few percent. NO2 fields from the reanalysis show the right seasonality over polluted urban areas of the NH and over tropical biomass burning areas, but underestimate wintertime NO2 maxima over anthropogenic pollution regions and overestimate NO2 in northern and southern Africa during the tropical biomass burning seasons. Tropospheric HCHO is well simulated in the MACC reanalysis even though no satellite data are assimilated. It shows good agreement with independent SCIAMACHY retrievals over regions dominated by biogenic emissions with some anthropogenic input, such as the eastern US and China, and also over African regions influenced by biogenic sources and biomass burning.

Model calculated global, regional and megacity premature mortality due to air pollution

Abstract: . Air pollution by fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) and ozone (O 3 ) has increased strongly with industrialization and urbanization. We estimate the premature mortality rates and the years of human life lost (YLL) caused by anthropogenic PM 2.5 and O 3 in 2005 for epidemiological regions defined by the World Health Organization (WHO). This is based upon high-resolution global model calculations that resolve urban and industrial regions in greater detail compared to previous work. Results indicate that 69% of the global population is exposed to an annual mean anthropogenic PM 2.5 concentration of >10 μg m −3 (WHO guideline) and 33% to > 25 μg m −3 (EU directive). We applied an epidemiological health impact function and find that especially in large countries with extensive suburban and rural populations, air pollution-induced mortality rates have been underestimated given that previous studies largely focused on the urban environment. We calculate a global respiratory mortality of about 773 thousand/year (YLL ≈ 5.2 million/year), 186 thousand/year by lung cancer (YLL ≈ 1.7 million/year) and 2.0 million/year by cardiovascular disease (YLL ≈ 14.3 million/year). The global mean per capita mortality caused by air pollution is about 0.1% yr −1 . The highest premature mortality rates are found in the Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions (about 25% and 46% of the global rate, respectively) where more than a dozen of the most highly polluted megacities are located.

The role of environmental variables on Aedes albopictus biology and chikungunya epidemiology.

Abstract: Aedes albopictus is a vector of dengue and chikungunya viruses in the field, along with around 24 additional arboviruses under laboratory conditions. As an invasive mosquito species, Ae. albopictus has been expanding in geographical range over the past 20 years, although the poleward extent of mosquito populations is limited by winter temperatures. Nonetheless, population densities depend on environmental conditions and since global climate change projections indicate increasing temperatures and altered patterns of rainfall, geographic distributions of previously tropical mosquito species may change. Although mathematical models can provide explanatory insight into observed patterns of disease prevalence in terms of epidemiological and entomological processes, understanding how environmental variables affect transmission is possible only with reliable model parameterisation, which, in turn, is obtained only through a thorough understanding of the relationship between mosquito biology and environme...

Extreme precipitation events in the Middle East: Dynamics of the Active Red Sea Trough

Abstract: [1] The Active Red Sea Trough (ARST) is an infrequent weather phenomenon that is associated with extreme precipitation, flash floods, and severe societal impacts in the Middle East (ME). Using reanalysis (ERA-Interim) and observational precipitation (Aphrodite and stations) data, we investigate its underlying dynamics, geographical extent, and seasonality. Twelve ARST events affecting the Levant have the same dynamical characteristics as those associated with a major flood in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) on 25 November 2009. Hence, the Jeddah flooding was caused by an ARST, which implies that ARSTs can affect a much larger part of the ME than previously assumed. We present an ARST concept involving six dynamical factors: (1) a low-level trough; the Red Sea Trough (RST), (2) an anticyclone over the Arabian Peninsula; the Arabian Anticyclone (AA), (3) a transient midlatitude upper trough, (4) an intensified subtropical jet stream, (5) moisture transport pathways, and (6) strong ascent resulting from tropospheric instability and the synoptic-scale dynamical forcing. We explain the ARST as the interaction of a persistent stationary wave in the tropical easterlies (i.e., the RST) with a superimposed amplifying Rossby wave, resulting in northward propagating moist air masses over the Red Sea. Our findings emphasize the relevance of the AA, causing moisture transport from the Arabian and Red Seas. The particular topography in the Red Sea region and associated low-level circulation makes the ARST unique among tropical-extratropical interactions. The ARST seasonality is explained by the large-scale circulation and in particular the seasonal cycle of the semipermanent quasi-stationary RST and AA.

Midwater zooplankton and suspended particle dynamics in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre: A stable isotope perspective

Abstract: We used amino acid (AA) compound-specific isotope analysis (d15NAA and d13CAA values) of midwater zooplankton and suspended particles to examine their dynamics in the mesopelagic zone. Suspended particle d15NAA values increased by up to 14% with depth, whereas particle trophic status (measured as trophic position, TP) remained constant at 1.6 6 0.07. Applying a Rayleigh distillation model to these results gave an observed kinetic isotope fractionation of 5.7 6 0.4%, similar to that previously measured for protein hydrolysis. AA-based degradation index values also decreased with depth on the particles, whereas a measure of heterotrophic resynthesis (SV) remained constant at 1.2 6 0.3. The main mechanism driving 15N enrichment of suspended particles appears to be isotope fractionation associated with heterotrophic degradation, rather than a change in trophic status or N source with depth. In zooplankton the ‘‘source’’ AA phenylalanine (Phe) became 15N enriched by up to 3.5% with depth, whereas zooplankton TP increased by up to 0.65 between the surface ocean and midwaters. Both changes in the d15N values of food resources at the base of the zooplankton food web and changes in zooplankton TP drive observed zooplankton 15N enrichment with depth. Midwater zooplankton d15NPhe values were lower by 5–8% compared with suspended particles, indicating this organic matter pool is not a significant zooplankton food resource at depth. Instead, 62–88% of the N sustaining midwater zooplankton is surface derived, obtained through consumption of sinking particles, carnivory of vertical migrants, or direct feeding in surface waters at night.

The summer circulation over the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East: influence of the South Asian monsoon

Abstract: The summer circulation over the eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East (EMME) is dominated by persistent northerly winds (Etesians) whose ventilating effect counteracts the adiabatic warming induced by large scale subsidence. The ERA40 dataset is used to study the vertical distribution of these circulation features, which both appear to be reconciled manifestations of the South Asian monsoon influence. As predicted by past idealized modeling studies, in late spring a westward expanding upper level warm structure and subsidence areas are associated with Rossby waves excited by the monsoon convection. Steep sloping isentropes that develop over the EMME facilitate further subsidence on the western and northern periphery of the warm structure, which is exposed to the midlatitude westerlies. The northerly flow and descent over the eastern Mediterranean have maxima in July that are strikingly synchronous to the monsoon convection over northern India, where the weaker easterly jet favors a stronger Rossby wave response and consequent impact on the EMME circulation. The pronounced EMME topography modifies the monsoon induced structure, firstly, by inducing orographically locked summer anticyclones. These enhance the mid and low level northwesterly flow at their eastern flanks, leading to distinct subsidence maxima over the eastern Mediterranean and Iran. Secondly, topography amplifies the subsidence and the northerly flow over the Aegean, Red Sea, the Iraq—Gulf region and to the east of the Caspian Sea.

Nucleon form factors and moments of generalized parton distributions using $N_f=2+1+1$ twisted mass fermions

Abstract: We present results on the axial and the electromagnetic form factors of the nucleon, as well as, on the first moments of the nucleon generalized parton distributions using maximally twisted mass fermions. We analyze two N_f=2+1+1 ensembles having pion masses of 210 MeV and 354 MeV at two values of the lattice spacing. The lattice scale is determined using the nucleon mass computed on a total of 18 N_f=2+1+1 ensembles generated at three values of the lattice spacing, $a$. The renormalization constants are evaluated non-perturbatively with a perturbative subtraction of ${\cal O}(a^2)$-terms. The moments of the generalized parton distributions are given in the $\bar{\rm MS}$ scheme at a scale of $ \mu=2$ GeV. We compare with recent results obtained using different discretization schemes. The implications on the spin content of the nucleon are also discussed.

Economic crisis detected from space: Air quality observations over Athens/Greece

Abstract: Received 30 November 2012; accepted 24 December 2012. [1] Using both satellite observations of tropospheric NO2 columns and a number of economic metrics, we investigate the impact of the economic crisis (from 2008 onward) on air quality over Greece, and Athens in particular. The multiannual analysis shows that NO2 columns over Athens have been significantly reduced in the range 30–40%. This decline is further supported by surface measurements of atmospheric NO2 mixing ratios. Additionally, the declining local concentrations of NO, CO, and SO2 are associated with an increase in ozone due to reduced titration by NO. In particular, regression analysis revealed that the reduction of NO2 (0.3 � 0.2ppbv y � 1 )a nd SO 2 (0.2 � 0.1ppbv y � 1 ) during the period 2000–2007, significantly accelerated during the economic crisis period (from 2008 onward), reaching 2.3 � 0.2ppbv y � 1 and 0.7 � 0.1ppbv y � 1 , respectively. The strong correlations between pollutant concentrations and economic indicators show that the economic recession has resulted in proportionally lower levels of pollutants in large parts of Greece. Citation: Vrekoussis, M., A. Richter, A. Hilboll, J. P. Burrows, E. Gerasopoulos, J. Lelieveld, L. Barrie, C. Zerefos, and N. Mihalopoulos (2013), Economic crisis detected from space: Air quality observations over Athens/Greece, Geophys. Res. Lett., 40,

Modelling the global atmospheric transport and deposition of radionuclides from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident

Abstract: . We modeled the global atmospheric dispersion and deposition of radionuclides released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident. The EMAC atmospheric chemistry – general circulation model was used, with circulation dynamics nudged towards ERA-Interim reanalysis data. We applied a resolution of approximately 0.5 degrees in latitude and longitude (T255). The model accounts for emissions and transport of the radioactive isotopes 131 I and 137 Cs, and removal processes through precipitation, particle sedimentation and dry deposition. In addition, we simulated the release of 133 Xe, a noble gas that can be regarded as a passive transport tracer of contaminated air. The source terms are based on Chino et al. (2011) and Stohl et al. (2012); especially the emission estimates of 131 I are associated with a high degree of uncertainty. The calculated concentrations have been compared to station observations by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). We calculated that about 80% of the radioactivity from Fukushima which was released to the atmosphere deposited into the Pacific Ocean. In Japan a large inhabited land area was contaminated by more than 40 kBq m -2 . We also estimated the inhalation and 50-year dose by 137 Cs, 134 Cs and 131 I to which the people in Japan are exposed.

MAX-DOAS formaldehyde slant column measurements during CINDI: intercomparison and analysis improvement

Abstract: . We present intercomparison results for formaldehyde (HCHO) slant column measurements performed during the Cabauw Intercomparison campaign of Nitrogen Dioxide measuring Instruments (CINDI) that took place in Cabauw, the Netherlands, in summer 2009. During two months, nine atmospheric research groups simultaneously operated MAX-DOAS (MultiAXis Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy) instruments of various designs to record UV-visible spectra of scattered sunlight at different elevation angles that were analysed using common retrieval settings. The resulting HCHO data set was found to be highly consistent, the mean difference between instruments generally not exceeding 15% or 7.5 × 1015 molec cm−2, for all viewing elevation angles. Furthermore, a sensitivity analysis was performed to investigate the uncertainties in the HCHO slant column retrieval when varying key input parameters such as the molecular absorption cross sections, correction terms for the Ring effect or the width and position of the fitting interval. This study led to the identification of potentially important sources of errors associated with cross-correlation effects involving the Ring effect, O4, HCHO and BrO cross sections and the DOAS closure polynomial. As a result, a set of updated recommendations was formulated for HCHO slant column retrieval in the 336.5–359 nm wavelength range. To conclude, an error budget is proposed which distinguishes between systematic and random uncertainties. The total systematic error is estimated to be of the order of 20% and is dominated by uncertainties in absorption cross sections and related spectral cross-correlation effects. For a typical integration time of one minute, random uncertainties range between 5 and 30%, depending on the noise level of individual instruments.

Modelling the global atmospheric transport and deposition of radionuclides from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear accident.

Abstract: . We modeled the global atmospheric dispersion and deposition of radionuclides released from the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant accident. The EMAC atmospheric chemistry – general circulation model was used, with circulation dynamics nudged towards ERA-Interim reanalysis data. We applied a resolution of approximately 0.5 degrees in latitude and longitude (T255). The model accounts for emissions and transport of the radioactive isotopes 131 I and 137 Cs, and removal processes through precipitation, particle sedimentation and dry deposition. In addition, we simulated the release of 133 Xe, a noble gas that can be regarded as a passive transport tracer of contaminated air. The source terms are based on Chino et al. (2011) and Stohl et al. (2012); especially the emission estimates of 131 I are associated with a high degree of uncertainty. The calculated concentrations have been compared to station observations by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO). We calculated that about 80% of the radioactivity from Fukushima which was released to the atmosphere deposited into the Pacific Ocean. In Japan a large inhabited land area was contaminated by more than 40 kBq m -2 . We also estimated the inhalation and 50-year dose by 137 Cs, 134 Cs and 131 I to which the people in Japan are exposed.

Damage identification in carbon fiber reinforced polymer plates using electrical resistance tomography mapping

Abstract: This study addresses the issue of structural damage identification and location in carbon fiber reinforced polymer plates using electrical measurements. Electrical resistance tomography is presented as a method for structural damage localization in composite parts. A set of electrodes is fixed on the edges of the part and combinations of DC current injections and voltage measurements are applied to the system. The change of voltage between different times in the part’s service life (e.g. start and degraded) are monitored. These sets of measurements are used as input to inversely calculate conductivity maps for the complete composite part and thus indirectly assess its structural health. Such processes are inherently ill-posed. Data post-processing approaches are proposed here to diminish this uncertainty and to conclude to an optimally converge solution of the inverse problem. To assist the process, a material-originating mathematical constraint is introduced. The method is applied on carbon fiber reinfor...

Juniper smoke, skulls and wolves’ tails. The Epipalaeolithic of the Anatolian plateau in its South-west Asian context; insights from Pınarbaşı

Abstract: This paper discusses the only substantive evidence for the Epipalaeolithic of central Anatolia. This evidence allows revised understandings of phenomena often proposed as characteristic of the Epipalaeolithic of South-west Asia including the appearance of sedentism, a putative Broad Spectrum Revolution, intensive plant exploitation and the emergence of distinctive ritual and symbolic practices. It also allows further evaluation of the effect of Late Glacial climate change on human behaviours.

Combined effects of compressibility and slip in flows of a Herschel–Bulkley fluid

Abstract: In this work, the combined effects of compressibility and slip in Poiseuille flows of Herschel–Bulkley fluids are investigated. The density is assumed to obey a linear equation of state, and wall slip is assumed to follow Navier’s slip condition with zero slip yield stress. The flow is considered to be weakly compressible so that the transverse velocity component is zero and the pressure is a function of the axial coordinate. Approximate semi-analytical solutions of the steady, creeping, plane and axisymmetric Poiseuille flows are derived and the effects of compressibility, slip, and the Bingham number are discussed. In the case of incompressible flow, it is shown that the velocity may become plug at a finite critical value of the slip parameter which is inversely proportional to the yield stress. In compressible flow with slip, the velocity tends to become plug upstream, which justifies the use of one-dimensional models for viscoplastic flows in long tubes. The case of pressure-dependent slip is also investigated and discussed.

Lattice investigation of the scalar mesons a 0(980) and κ using four-quark operators

Abstract: We carry out an exploratory study of the isospin one a0(980) and the isospin one-half κ scalar mesons using Nf = 2 + 1 + 1 Wilson twisted mass fermions at one lattice spacing. The valence strange quark is included as an Osterwalder-Seiler fermion with mass tuned so that the kaon mass matches the corresponding mass in the unitary Nf = 2+1+1 theory. We investigate the internal structure of these mesons by using a basis of four-quark interpolating fields. We construct diquark-diquark and molecular-type interpolating fields and analyse the resulting correlation matrices keeping only connected contributions. For both channels, the low-lying spectrum is found to be consistent with two-particle scattering states. Therefore, our analysis shows no evidence for an additional state that can be interpreted as either a tetraquark or a tightlybound molecular state.

Sonographic assessment of changes in diaphragmatic kinetics induced by inspiratory resistive loading.

Abstract: Background and objective Diaphragmatic breathing patterns under resistive loading remain poorly documented. To our knowledge, this is the first study assessing diaphragmatic motion under conditions of inspiratory resistive loading with the use of sonography. Methods We assessed diaphragmatic motion during inspiratory resistive loading in 40 healthy volunteers using M-mode sonography. In phase I of the study, sonography was performed during normal quiet breathing without respiratory loading. In phase II, sonography was performed after application of a nose clip and connection of the subjects to a pneumotachograph through a mouth piece. In phase III, the participants were assessed while subjected to inspiratory resistive loading of 50 cm H2O/L/s. Results Compared with baseline, the application of a mouth piece and nose clip induced a significant increase in diaphragmatic excursion (from 1.7 to 2.3 cm, P < 0.001) and a decrease in respiratory rate (from 13.4 to 12.2, P < 0.01). Inspiratory resistive loading induced a further decrease in respiratory rate (from 12.2 to 8.0, P < 0.01) and a decrease in diaphragmatic velocity contraction (from 1.2 to 0.8 cm/s, P < 0.01), and also an increase in tidal volume (from 795 to 904 mL, P < 0.01); diaphragmatic excursion, however, did not change significantly. Conclusions Inspiratory resistive loading induced significant changes in diaphragmatic contraction pattern, which mainly consisted of decreased velocity of diaphragmatic displacement with no change in diaphragmatic excursion. Tidal volume, increased significantly; the increase in tidal volume, along with the unchanged diaphragmatic excursion, provides sonographic evidence of increased recruitment of extradiaphragmatic muscles under inspiratory resistive loading.

Physically based dynamic run-out modelling for quantitative debris flow risk assessment: a case study in Tresenda, northern Italy

Abstract: Quantitative landslide risk assessment requires information about the temporal, spatial and intensity probability of hazardous processes both regarding their initiation as well as their run-out. This is followed by an estimation of the physical consequences inflicted by the hazard, preferentially quantified in monetary values. For that purpose, deterministic hazard modelling has to be coupled with information about the value of the elements at risk and their vulnerability. Dynamic run-out models for debris flows are able to determine physical outputs (extension, depths, velocities, impact pressures) and to determine the zones where the elements at risk can suffer an impact. These results can then be applied for vulnerability and risk calculations. Debris flow risk has been assessed in the area of Tresenda in the Valtellina Valley (Lombardy Region, northern Italy). Three quantitative hazard scenarios for different return periods were prepared using available rainfall and geotechnical data. The numerical model FLO-2D was applied for the simulation of the debris flow propagation. The modelled hazard scenarios were consequently overlaid with the elements at risk, represented as building footprints. The expected physical damage to the buildings was estimated using vulnerability functions based on flow depth and impact pressure. A qualitative correlation between physical vulnerability and human losses was also proposed. To assess the uncertainties inherent in the analysis, six risk curves were obtained based on the maximum, average and minimum values and direct economic losses to the buildings were estimated, in the range of 0.25–7.7 million €, depending on the hazard scenario and vulnerability curve used.

POMI: a model inter-comparison exercise over the Po Valley

Abstract: The Po Valley (Italy) model inter-comparison exercise (POMI) has been carried out in order to explore the changes in air quality in response to changes in emissions. The starting point was the evaluation of the simulated particulate matter and ozone (O3) modelled concentrations against observations for the year 2005 of the six participating chemical transport models. As models were run with the same configuration in terms of spatial resolution, boundary condition, emissions and meteorology, the differences presented in the models’ results are only related to their formulation. As described in the paper, significant efforts have been made to improve the accuracy of the anthropogenic emissions and meteorological input data. Nevertheless, none of the models using the proposed meteorology succeeded to fulfil the quality performance criteria set in the 2008 Air Quality Directive and in the literature for particulate matter, while also for ozone the results are not very satisfying. Although the overall performances look better for O3 than for particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 μm (PM10), the models tend to exhibit a similar behaviour and show the largest model variability in locations where concentrations are the highest (urban areas for PM10 and suburbs and hilly areas for O3). While differences are significant in terms of standard deviation and bias, the correlation remains quite similar among models indicating that models generally capture well the main temporal variations, especially the seasonal ones. Possible explanations for this common behaviour and a discussion of the differences among models’ results are presented in this paper.

Color Correction for Tone Reproduction

Abstract: High dynamic range images require tone reproduction to match the range of values to the capabilities of the display. For computational reasons as well as absence of fully calibrated imagery, rudimentary color reproduction is often added as a postprocessing step rather than integrated into the tone reproduction algorithm. However, in the general case this currently requires manual parameter tuning, although for some global tone reproduction operators, parameter settings can be inferred from the tone curve. We present a novel and fully automatic saturation correction technique, suitable for any tone reproduction operator, which exhibits better color reproduction than the state-ofthe-art and we validate its comparative effectiveness through psychophysical experimentation. Introduction Recent advances in both capture and display technologies allow images of a much wider dynamic range to be photographed, manipulated and displayed, better capturing the light of natural scenes and giving artists unparalleled freedom. Unlike prevalent consumer imaging pipelines though, no high dynamic range (HDR) standard has yet emerged defining the precise range, format or encoding to be used. As such, HDR data often needs to be compressed for display on most current displays, a process known as tonemapping [15, 2]. The aim of this paper is to preserve the appearance and information content of the image as much as possible while ensuring that it can be displayed on the chosen display device. To achieve that, tonemapping algorithms typically operate on the luminance of the image with little to no consideration for the color information present, leading to noticeable changes in the color appearance of the image, as shown in Figure 1. Commonly, tone compressed images acquire an over-saturated appearance when only the luminance channel is processed [12, 18]. Image appearance models, which can be seen as tone reproduction operators with integrated color appearance management [7, 9, 16], aim to reproduce color appearance, but they are designed with calibrated applications in mind and often come at the cost of higher computational complexity due to spatially varying processing. Despite their accuracy, these factors can limit their general applicability. Some solutions exist for correcting saturation mismatches after tone reproduction [12, 18]. This leads to computationally efficient correction, although we have observed that existing methods tend to create hue and luminance artefacts. Moreover, they require manual parameter selection which is strongly image and tone reproduction operator dependent. Recently, a psychophysical study was conducted for defining an automatic model to derive the parameters necessary for such corrections, but only allows parameters to be predicted when the tone compression or expansion function is global [12]. Instead, we propose a new approach for correcting saturation mismatches after dynamic range compression. We base our algorithm on insights from color science and on the observation that the amount of desaturation can be inferred from the non-linearity applied by the tone curve, irrespective of whether the tone reproduction operator was spatially varying or not. As such, our approach is parameter-free and agnostic to the operator used for mapping the dynamic range of the image or video. We find that our algorithm reproduces saturation significantly better than the current state-of-the-art. Related Work Differences in viewing conditions may result in significant mismatches in perceived color, which can be attributed to idiosyncrasies of the human visual system. To ensure that the appearance of a scene is correctly reproduced on a display, many issues will have to be taken into account, all broadly belonging to the field of color reproduction [8]. Image appearance models can be used to reproduce images as a human observer would see them under given viewing conditions [5, 16]. Such algorithms can be configured to yield calibrated color reproduction, and therefore do not require color post-processing. However, measurements of scene and display conditions are needed as inputs to image appearance models so that the human visual response can be accurately predicted. This requires specialist equipment such as photometers. These algorithms also tend to be computationally expensive, further limiting their use to offline processing. Dynamic range mismatches between scenes and display devices are therefore typically handled by tone reproduction operators. In essence, most of these algorithms focus on one dimension of the color gamut, namely compression along the luminance direction [15, 2]. Appearance effects are often ignored, leading to images which may appear too saturated. This problem can be mitigated by combining tone reproduction and color appearance algorithms [1]. However, this solution still requires calibrated data and measured viewing conditions to drive the color appearance component. A more common approach to saturation reproduction is to post-process the tone-mapped image, manually adjusting saturation to levels that appear plausible. Perhaps the most well-known technique for color correction involves the adjustment of color values by means of a power function, according to user parameter p ∈ [0,1] [18]. Given an original high dynamic range imTonemapped with Li et al. 2005 Corrected saturation reduced Corrected saturation enhanced Tonemapped with Reinhard et al. 2012 Figure 1. The same HDR image was tonemapped with different operators (left [10], right [16]). The left tonemapped image is overly saturated, while the tonemapping algorithm used on the right has reduced the saturation too far. With our method, both images are automatically corrected to have a very similar appearance by considering their relation with the original HDR image. (Source image from Mark Fairchild’s HDR Survey) age with input pixels Mo = (Ro,Go,Bo) specified in some linear RGB color space, and its associated per-pixel luminances Lo, it is first tonemapped with an operator f () that modifies the image’s luminances, Lt = f (Lo). The color-corrected image Mc is then produced with:

Determination of the Δ ( 1232 ) axial and pseudoscalar form factors from lattice QCD

Abstract: We present a lattice QCD calculation of the $\ensuremath{\Delta}(1232)$ matrix elements of the axial-vector and pseudoscalar currents. The decomposition of these matrix elements into the appropriate Lorentz invariant form factors is carried out, and the techniques to calculate the form factors are developed and tested using quenched configurations. Results are obtained for $2+1$ domain wall fermions and within a hybrid scheme with domain wall valence and staggered sea quarks. Two Goldberger-Treiman--type relations connecting the axial to the pseudoscalar effective couplings are derived. These and further relations based on the pion-pole dominance hypothesis are examined using the lattice QCD results, finding support for their validity. Using lattice QCD results on the axial charges of the nucleon and the $\ensuremath{\Delta}$, as well as the nucleon-to-$\ensuremath{\Delta}$ transition coupling constant, we perform a combined chiral fit to all three quantities and study their pion mass dependence as the chiral limit is approached.

A Methodology to Infer Crop Yield Response to Climate Variability and Change Using Long-Term Observations

Abstract: A new methodology to extract crop yield response to climate variability and change from long-term crop yield observations is presented in this study. In contrast to the existing first-difference approach (FDA), the proposed methodology considers that the difference in value between crop yields of two consecutive years reflects necessarily the contributions of climate and management conditions, especially at large spatial scales where both conditions may vary significantly from one year to the next. Our approach was applied to remove the effect of non-climatic factors on crop yield and, hence, to isolate the effect of the observed climate change between 1961 and 2006 on three widely crops grown in three Mediterranean countries—namely wheat, corn and potato—using national-level crop yield observations’ time-series. Obtained results show that the proposed methodology provides us with a ground basis to improve substantially our understanding of crop yield response to climate change at a scale that is relevant to large-scale estimations of agricultural production and to food security analyses; and therefore to reduce uncertainties in estimations of potential climate change effects on agricultural production. Furthermore, a comparison of outputs of our methodology and FDA outputs yielded a difference in terms of maize production in Egypt, for example, that exceeds the production of some neighbouring countries.

Quantifying the poorly known role of groundwater in agriculture: the case of Cyprus

Abstract: Agriculture in the Mediterranean region is constrained by limited water resources and in many countries irrigation demand exceeds the renewable water supply. This paper presents a comprehensive approach to (a) quantify the consumptive green (soil moisture provided by precipitation) and blue (irrigation) water use for crop production, (b) distinguish the contribution of groundwater to irrigation supply and (c) estimate groundwater over-abstraction. A spatiotemporally explicit soil water balance model, based on the FAO-56 dual crop coefficient approach, which includes the computation of evaporation losses of the different irrigation systems, was applied to the 5,760-km2 area of the Republic of Cyprus for the agro-meteorological years 1995–2009. The model uses national agricultural statistics, community-level data from the agricultural census and daily data from 34 meteorological stations and 70 precipitation gauges. Groundwater over-abstraction is quantified per groundwater body, based on the sustainable abstraction rates specified in the Cyprus River Basin Management Plan, as prepared for the EU Water Framework Directive. It was found that, on average, total agricultural water use was 506 Mm3/year, of which 62 % is attributed to green water use and 38 % to blue water use. Groundwater contributed, on average, 81 % (151 Mm3/year) to blue water use and exceeded the recommended abstraction rates by 45 % (47 Mm3/year). Even though the irrigated area decreased by 18 % during the 2008 drought year, relative to the wettest year (2003), total blue water use decreased by only 1 %. The limited surface water supply during the driest year resulted in a 37 % increase in groundwater use, relative to the wettest year, and exceeded the sustainable abstraction rate by 53 % (55 Mm3/year). Overall, the model provides objective and quantitative outcomes that can potentially contribute to the improvement of water resource management in Mediterranean environments, in the light of climate change and expected policy reforms.

Iron deposits in the knee joints of a thalassemic patient

Abstract: The overall prognosis for patients with b-thalassemia has improved considerably during the past decades mainly due to regular blood transfusions, improvements in chelation therapy, and enhanced surveillance with imaging studies examining iron overload and other clinical complications. However, the prolonged survival of these patients leads to the development of other health problems including degenerative diseases such as arthropathies, which require further attention since they have a significant impact on the quality of life. In the current case report, we present a 45-year-old white man with b-thalassemia complaining of non-traumatic pain and restriction in the range of motion of both knees. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tear in the medial meniscus of the left knee as well as iron deposits in both knees. Histological findings confirmed the presence of hemosiderin in both joints. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of macroscopically documented iron deposits in the knee joints of a patient with b-thalassemia using MRI.

Attitudes towards euthanasia in severely ill and dementia patients and cremation in Cyprus: a population-based survey.

Abstract: Background: Population studies on end-of-life decisions have not been conducted in Cyprus. Our study aim was to evaluate the beliefs and attitudes of Greek Cypriots towards end-of-life issues regarding euthanasia and cremation. Methods: A population-based telephone survey was conducted in Cyprus. One thousand randomly selected individuals from the population of Cyprus age 20 years or older were invited to participate. Beliefs and attitudes on end-of-life decisions were collected using an anonymous and validated questionnaire. Statistical analyses included cross-tabulations, Pearson’s chi-square tests and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression models. Results: A total of 308 males and 689 females participated in the survey. About 70% of the respondents did not support euthanasia for people with incurable illness and/or elders with dementia when requested by them and 77% did not support euthanasia for people with incurable illness and/or elders with dementia when requested by relatives. Regarding cremation, 78% were against and only 14% reported being in favor. Further statistical analyses showed that male gender, being single and having reached higher educational level were factors positively associated with support for euthanasia in a statistically significant fashion. On the contrary, the more religiosity expressed by study participants, the less support they reported for euthanasia or cremation. Conclusions: The vast majority of Greek Cypriots does not support euthanasia for people with incurable illness and/or elders with dementia and also do not support cremation. Certain demographic characteristics such as age and education have a positive influence towards attitudes for euthanasia and cremation, while religiosity exerts a strong negative influence on the above. Family bonding as well as social and cultural traditions may also play a role although not comprehensively evaluated in the current study.

Investigation of light and heavy tetraquark candidates using lattice QCD

Abstract: We review the status of an ongoing long-term lattice investigation of the spectrum and structure of tetraquark candidates. We focus on the light scalar meson $a_0(980)$. First steps regarding the study of a possibly existing $c c \bar{c} \bar{c}$ tetraquark are also outlined.

Mechanisms of Climate Variability, Air Quality and Impacts of Atmospheric Constituents in the Mediterranean Region

Abstract: This chapter describes the physicochemical mechanisms that formulate the air quality over the Mediterranean region and the resulted impacts on the regional climate. At first, a detailed description of the teleconnections and regional flow patterns that dominate in the region is provided. The dominant flow patterns during the different seasons of the year determine the transport paths of air pollutants and aerosols towards and across the study area. The analysis on the characteristics of the air pollution transport is separated for the different parts of the Mediterranean region (eastern, western and entire), since the sources of pollutants that reach at different points in the region vary, while specific pollutant transport paths may influence the wider Mediterranean area. Similarities and differences in patterns are discussed. The air quality over the region, as recorded from black/organic carbon, ozone, aerosol observations, is extensively discussed, along with seasonal variabilities and annual trends. There is particular discussion on the suspension of naturally-produced aerosols and especially desert dust particles in the region and their spatial influence on the aerosol levels. At the last part of the chapter, the major impacts of the transport and transformation processes (natural and anthropogenic pollutants) on the regional climate are discussed. The impacts of aerosols are distinguished in direct (the impacts on radiation budget), health (the amounts of inhaled particles and impacts on health) and indirect effects (impacts on clouds and precipitation), are discussed on qualitative and quantitative way.

The summer circulation over the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East: Influence of the South Asian monsoon and mid-latitude dynamics

Abstract: The summer circulation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East (EMME) is dominated by persistent northerly winds (Etesians) whose ventilating effect counteracts the adiabatic warming induced by subsidence prevailing over the eastern Mediterranean. The ERA40 dataset is used to investigate the South Asian Monsoon and mid-latitude influences on the EMME circulation. Consistent with past modeling studies, in late spring an upper level warm structure and subsidence area expanding towards the EMME are identified, attributed to Rossby waves excited by monsoon convection. Steep sloping isentropes develop over the EMME with subsidence mainly over the eastern Mediterranean and Iran, where orographically induced circulation patterns enhance the mid-latitude northwesterly flow and the air mass subsidence along isentropes. These phenomena have a maximum in July and are strikingly synchronous to the convection over northern India where the background state favors a stronger Rossby wave response. The monsoon induced large-scale background state over the EMME is modified by synoptic activity originating in the Atlantic that introduces high frequency variability over the EMME. During ‘etesian outbreaks’ a ridge develops over the Balkans and sharp tropopause folds appear over the Aegean.

Graph-theoretic analysis of scalp EEG brain networks in epilepsy — The influence of montage and volume conduction

Abstract: It is well established that both the choice of recording reference (montage) and volume conduction affect the connectivity measures obtained from scalp EEG. Our purpose in this work is to establish the extent to which they influence the graph theoretic measures of brain networks in epilepsy obtained from scalp EEG. We evaluate and compare two commonly used linear connectivity measures - cross-correlation and coherence - with measures that account for volume conduction, namely corrected cross-correlation, imaginary coherence, phase lag index and weighted phase lag index. We show that the graphs constructed with cross-correlation and coherence are the most affected by volume conduction and montage; however, they demonstrate the same trend - decreasing connectivity at seizure onset, which continues decreasing in the ictal and early post-ictal period, increasing again several minutes after the seizure has ended-with all other measures except imaginary coherence. In particular, networks constructed using cross-correlation yield better discrimination between the pre-ictal and ictal periods than the measures less sensitive to volume conduction. Thus, somewhat paradoxically, although removing effects of volume conduction allows for a more accurate reconstruction of the true underlying networks this may come at the cost of discrimination ability with respect to brain state.

Nucleon generalized form factors with twisted mass fermions

Abstract: We present results on the nucleon form factors, momentum fraction and helicity moment for N f = 2 and N f = 2+ 1+ 1 twisted mass fermions for a number of lattice volumes and lattice spacings. First results for a new N f = 2 ensemble at the physical pion mass are also included. The implications of these results on the spin content of the nucleon are discussed taking into account the disconnected contributions at one pion mass.