Utrecht University

About: Utrecht University is a education organization based out in Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Context (language use). The organization has 58176 authors who have published 139351 publications receiving 6214282 citations. The organization is also known as: UU & Universiteit Utrecht.

The RCP greenhouse gas concentrations and their extensions from 1765 to 2300

Abstract: We present the greenhouse gas concentrations for the Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) and their extensions beyond 2100, the Extended Concentration Pathways (ECPs). These projections include all major anthropogenic greenhouse gases and are a result of a multi-year effort to produce new scenarios for climate change research. We combine a suite of atmospheric concentration observations and emissions estimates for greenhouse gases (GHGs) through the historical period (1750-2005) with harmonized emissions projected by four different Integrated Assessment Models for 2005-2100. As concentrations are somewhat dependent on the future climate itself (due to climate feedbacks in the carbon and other gas cycles), we emulate median response characteristics of models assessed in the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report using the reduced-complexity carbon cycle climate model MAGICC6. Projected 'best-estimate' global-mean surface temperature increases (using inter alia a climate sensitivity of 3°C) range from 1.5°C by 2100 for the lowest of the four RCPs, called both RCP3-PD and RCP2.6, to 4.5°C for the highest one, RCP8.5, relative to pre-industrial levels. Beyond 2100, we present the ECPs that are simple extensions of the RCPs, based on the assumption of either smoothly stabilizing concentrations or constant emissions: For example,

Mutual-information-based registration of medical images: a survey

Abstract: An overview is presented of the medical image processing literature on mutual-information-based registration. The aim of the survey is threefold: an introduction for those new to the field, an overview for those working in the field, and a reference for those searching for literature on a specific application. Methods are classified according to the different aspects of mutual-information-based registration. The main division is in aspects of the methodology and of the application. The part on methodology describes choices made on facets such as preprocessing of images, gray value interpolation, optimization, adaptations to the mutual information measure, and different types of geometrical transformations. The part on applications is a reference of the literature available on different modalities, on interpatient registration and on different anatomical objects. Comparison studies including mutual information are also considered. The paper starts with a description of entropy and mutual information and it closes with a discussion on past achievements and some future challenges.

Multilevel Analysis : Techniques and Applications, Second Edition

Abstract: This practical introduction helps readers apply multilevel techniques to their research Noted as an accessible introduction, the book also includes advanced extensions, making it useful as both an introduction and as a reference to students, researchers, and methodologists Basic models and examples are discussed in non-technical terms with an emphasis on understanding the methodological and statistical issues involved in using these models The estimation and interpretation of multilevel models is demonstrated using realistic examples from various disciplines For example, readers will find data sets on stress in hospitals, GPA scores, survey responses, street safety, epilepsy, divorce, and sociometric scores, to name a few The data sets are available on the website in SPSS, HLM, MLwiN, LISREL and/or Mplus files Readers are introduced to both the multilevel regression model and multilevel structural models Highlights of the second edition include: Two new chapters—one on multilevel models for ordinal and count data (Ch 7) and another on multilevel survival analysis (Ch 8) Thoroughly updated chapters on multilevel structural equation modeling that reflect the enormous technical progress of the last few years The addition of some simpler examples to help the novice, whilst the more complex examples that combine more than one problem have been retained A new section on multivariate meta-analysis (Ch 11) Expanded discussions of covariance structures across time and analyzing longitudinal data where no trend is expected Expanded chapter on the logistic model for dichotomous data and proportions with new estimation methods An updated website at http://wwwjoophoxnet/ with data sets for all the text examples and up-to-date screen shots and PowerPoint slides for instructors Ideal for introductory courses on multilevel modeling and/or ones that introduce this topic in some detail taught in a variety of disciplines including: psychology, education, sociology, the health sciences, and business The advanced extensions also make this a favorite resource for researchers and methodologists in these disciplines A basic understanding of ANOVA and multiple regression is assumed The section on multilevel structural equation models assumes a basic understanding of SEM

Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions

Abstract: The circular economy concept has gained momentum both among scholars and practitioners. However, critics claim that it means many different things to different people. This paper provides further evidence for these critics. The aim of this paper is to create transparency regarding the current understandings of the circular economy concept. For this purpose, we have gathered 114 circular economy definitions which were coded on 17 dimensions. Our findings indicate that the circular economy is most frequently depicted as a combination of reduce, reuse and recycle activities, whereas it is oftentimes not highlighted that CE necessitates a systemic shift. We further find that the definitions show few explicit linkages of the circular economy concept to sustainable development. The main aim of the circular economy is considered to be economic prosperity, followed by environmental quality; its impact on social equity and future generations is barely mentioned. Furthermore, neither business models nor consumers are frequently outlined as enablers of the circular economy. We critically discuss the various circular economy conceptualizations throughout this paper. Overall, we hope to contribute via this study towards the coherence of the circular economy concept; we presume that significantly varying circular economy definitions may eventually result in the collapse of the concept.