O uso da técnica de assimilação de dados meteorológicos é extremamente importante para a correção de imprecisões nos dados que compõem as condições iniciais e de fronteira dos modelos de previsão do tempo. Neste trabalho, faz-se uso da técnica de assimilação de dados 3DVAR contida no modelo de mesoescala WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting), o objetivo principal do trabalho é analisar o impacto da assimilação de dados meteorológicos de diversas fontes de dados (GTS – Sistema Global de Telecomunicações, estações automáticas, dados radar) no modelo WRF. Para analisar a consistência da assimilação de dados no WRF verificou-se a diferença entre a análise com e sem assimilação de dados. Confirmando a consistência da mesma, foram realizados os procedimentos necessários para gerar os prognósticos com assimilação de dados para cada caso individualmente. Os experimentos com assimilação de dados foram realizados para cada tipo de dado e em conjunto, possibilitando assim fazer uma análise do impacto que cada dado tem na previsão. Os resultados foram comparados entre si espacialmente utilizando dados do modelo global GFS (Global Forecast System) e satélite da Missão de Medida da Chuva Tropical (TRMM). A variável da precipitação acumulada foi comparada e validada espacialmente com os dados do TRMM, constatou-se para o caso do mês de janeiro uma superestimação dos valores acumulados para algumas regiões e para o caso do mês de abril uma subestimação, isso se deve ao fato da frequência temporal dos dados do satélite TRMM, pois provavelmente elas não foram compatíveis com o horário das precipitações. Quando comparado com o volume de chuva pontual com os dados da estação automática a maioria dos processamentos mostrou-se eficaz. Também no estudo de caso ocorrido no mês de janeiro a inserção de dados assimilados possibilitou uma melhora na intensidade e localização da célula convectiva. As variáveis da temperatura e do vento foram comparadas espacialmente com as análises do modelo GFS. A variável da temperatura ora apresentou valores superiores, ora inferiores ao modelo GFS, mesmo assim os resultados foram satisfatórios, uma vez que, foi possível simular temperaturas superiores antes da passagem do sistema e inferiores após a passagem do mesmo. Para o campo de vento houve uma pequena discrepância em todas as simulações em relação a magnitude, porém a direção do vento foi plotada de forma coerente, simulando até o ciclone presente no caso do mês de abril. Para o perfil vertical da temperatura e temperatura do ponto de orvalho o impacto da assimilação de dados foi pequeno, porém ambas as simulações representaram de forma coesa os perfis quando comparados com o perfil observado. Em suma, o estudo comprova que, embora se tenha algumas incoerências assimilação 3DVAR contribui de modo significativo nas previsões do tempo do modelo WRF. / The use of meteorological data assimilation technique is extremely important for the correction of the imprecisions of observational data for the initial and boundary conditions of weather forecasting models. In the present work it is used the 3DVAR data assimilation technique of the mesoscale model WRF system (Weather Research and Forecasting) aiming the analysis of the impact of the assimilation of meteorological data from several data sources (GTS - Global Telecommunication System, automatic surface stations network and radar) in the WRF model. To analysis the consistency of the data in the WRF assimilation it has been gathered the difference between analysis, with and without data assimilation. Confirming its consistency the procedures required, to generate predictions with data assimilation for each individual case were performed. The data assimilation experiments were performed for each data type as well as including all of them allowing, therefore, the analysis of the impact of each over the forecast. The results were compared and validated using data from the spatially global forecasting model GFS (Global Forecast System), satellite and the mission of the Tropical Rain Measurement (TRMM) data. The cumulative rainfall variable was compared spatially with data from TRMM, where it has been observed, in the case of January, an overestimation of the accumulated values for some regions and an underestimation for the case of April. These have been occurred because of temporal frequency of the TRMM satellite data - which probably because were not compatible with the precipitation time occurrence. Comparison between the accumulated precipitation with data from automatic station presented mostly effective results. Also, in the case study of the January with assimilated data, produced an improvement in the intensity as well as in the location of the convective cell. The wind and temperature variables were compared with the spatially GFS’s analysis. The higher temperature variable values presented alternated, from higher and lower values compared to the GFS results. The results were nevertheless unsatisfactory, because the simulated temperatures presented prior to passing the frontal system and after passing it. For the wind field there was a small discrepancy in all simulations regarding the magnitude, but the wind direction was plotted consistently simulating up to the present in the case of April cyclone. For the vertical profiles of temperature and dew point temperature the impact of data assimilation was small, but both simulations made represented good profiles, compared with the observed values. In summary, the study shows that, although there were some inconsistencies, compared with the observations, the 3DVAR assimilation contributes significantly to WRF model forecasts.

O uso da técnica de assimilação de dados meteorológicos é extremamente importante para a correção de imprecisões nos dados que compõem as condições iniciais e de fronteira dos modelos de previsão do tempo. Neste trabalho, faz-se uso da técnica de assimilação de dados 3DVAR contida no modelo de mesoescala WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting), o objetivo principal do trabalho é analisar o impacto da assimilação de dados meteorológicos de diversas fontes de dados (GTS – Sistema Global de Telecomunicações, estações automáticas, dados radar) no modelo WRF. Para analisar a consistência da assimilação de dados no WRF verificou-se a diferença entre a análise com e sem assimilação de dados. Confirmando a consistência da mesma, foram realizados os procedimentos necessários para gerar os prognósticos com assimilação de dados para cada caso individualmente. Os experimentos com assimilação de dados foram realizados para cada tipo de dado e em conjunto, possibilitando assim fazer uma análise do impacto que cada dado tem na previsão. Os resultados foram comparados entre si espacialmente utilizando dados do modelo global GFS (Global Forecast System) e satélite da Missão de Medida da Chuva Tropical (TRMM). A variável da precipitação acumulada foi comparada e validada espacialmente com os dados do TRMM, constatou-se para o caso do mês de janeiro uma superestimação dos valores acumulados para algumas regiões e para o caso do mês de abril uma subestimação, isso se deve ao fato da frequência temporal dos dados do satélite TRMM, pois provavelmente elas não foram compatíveis com o horário das precipitações. Quando comparado com o volume de chuva pontual com os dados da estação automática a maioria dos processamentos mostrou-se eficaz. Também no estudo de caso ocorrido no mês de janeiro a inserção de dados assimilados possibilitou uma melhora na intensidade e localização da célula convectiva. As variáveis da temperatura e do vento foram comparadas espacialmente com as análises do modelo GFS. A variável da temperatura ora apresentou valores superiores, ora inferiores ao modelo GFS, mesmo assim os resultados foram satisfatórios, uma vez que, foi possível simular temperaturas superiores antes da passagem do sistema e inferiores após a passagem do mesmo. Para o campo de vento houve uma pequena discrepância em todas as simulações em relação a magnitude, porém a direção do vento foi plotada de forma coerente, simulando até o ciclone presente no caso do mês de abril. Para o perfil vertical da temperatura e temperatura do ponto de orvalho o impacto da assimilação de dados foi pequeno, porém ambas as simulações representaram de forma coesa os perfis quando comparados com o perfil observado. Em suma, o estudo comprova que, embora se tenha algumas incoerências assimilação 3DVAR contribui de modo significativo nas previsões do tempo do modelo WRF. / The use of meteorological data assimilation technique is extremely important for the correction of the imprecisions of observational data for the initial and boundary conditions of weather forecasting models. In the present work it is used the 3DVAR data assimilation technique of the mesoscale model WRF system (Weather Research and Forecasting) aiming the analysis of the impact of the assimilation of meteorological data from several data sources (GTS - Global Telecommunication System, automatic surface stations network and radar) in the WRF model. To analysis the consistency of the data in the WRF assimilation it has been gathered the difference between analysis, with and without data assimilation. Confirming its consistency the procedures required, to generate predictions with data assimilation for each individual case were performed. The data assimilation experiments were performed for each data type as well as including all of them allowing, therefore, the analysis of the impact of each over the forecast. The results were compared and validated using data from the spatially global forecasting model GFS (Global Forecast System), satellite and the mission of the Tropical Rain Measurement (TRMM) data. The cumulative rainfall variable was compared spatially with data from TRMM, where it has been observed, in the case of January, an overestimation of the accumulated values for some regions and an underestimation for the case of April. These have been occurred because of temporal frequency of the TRMM satellite data - which probably because were not compatible with the precipitation time occurrence. Comparison between the accumulated precipitation with data from automatic station presented mostly effective results. Also, in the case study of the January with assimilated data, produced an improvement in the intensity as well as in the location of the convective cell. The wind and temperature variables were compared with the spatially GFS’s analysis. The higher temperature variable values presented alternated, from higher and lower values compared to the GFS results. The results were nevertheless unsatisfactory, because the simulated temperatures presented prior to passing the frontal system and after passing it. For the wind field there was a small discrepancy in all simulations regarding the magnitude, but the wind direction was plotted consistently simulating up to the present in the case of April cyclone. For the vertical profiles of temperature and dew point temperature the impact of data assimilation was small, but both simulations made represented good profiles, compared with the observed values. In summary, the study shows that, although there were some inconsistencies, compared with the observations, the 3DVAR assimilation contributes significantly to WRF model forecasts.

Forestry in the UK is dominated by coniferous plantations. Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) are the most prevalent species and are mostly grown in single age mono-culture stands. Forest strategy for Scotland, England, and Wales all include efforts to achieve further afforestation. The aim of this afforestation is to provide a multi-functional forest with a broad range of benefits. Due to the time scale involved in forestry, accurate forecasts of stand productivity (along with clearly defined uncertainties) are essential to forest managers. These can be provided by a range of approaches to modelling forest growth. In this project model comparison, Bayesian calibration, and data assimilation methods were all used to attempt to improve forecasts and understanding of uncertainty therein of the two most important conifers in UK forestry. Three different forest growth models were compared in simulating growth of Scots pine. A yield table approach, the process-based 3PGN model, and a Stand Level Dynamic Growth (SLeDG) model were used. Predictions were compared graphically over the typical productivity range for Scots pine in the UK. Strengths and weaknesses of each model were considered. All three produced similar growth trajectories. The greatest difference between models was in volume and biomass in unthinned stands where the yield table predicted a much larger range compared to the other two models. Future advances in data availability and computing power should allow for greater use of process-based models, but in the interim more flexible dynamic growth models may be more useful than static yield tables for providing predictions which extend to non-standard management prescriptions and estimates of early growth and yield. A Bayesian calibration of the SLeDG model was carried out for both Sitka spruce and Scots pine in the UK for the first time. Bayesian calibrations allow both model structure and parameters to be assessed simultaneously in a probabilistic framework, providing a model with which forecasts and their uncertainty can be better understood and quantified using posterior probability distributions. Two different structures for including local productivity in the model were compared with a Bayesian model comparison. A complete calibration of the more probable model structure was then completed. Example forecasts from the calibration were compatible with existing yield tables for both species. This method could be applied to other species or other model structures in the future. Finally, data assimilation was investigated as a way of reducing forecast uncertainty. Data assimilation assumes that neither observations nor models provide a perfect description of a system, but combining them may provide the best estimate. SLeDG model predictions and LiDAR measurements for sub-compartments within Queen Elizabeth Forest Park were combined with an Ensemble Kalman Filter. Uncertainty was reduced following the second data assimilation in all of the state variables. However, errors in stand delineation and estimated stand yield class may have caused observational uncertainty to be greater thus reducing the efficacy of the method for reducing overall uncertainty.

L'observation adaptative (OA) est une pratique de prévision numérique du temps (PNT) qui cherche à prévoir quel jeu (ou réseau) d'observations supplémentaires à déployer et à assimiler dans le futur améliorera les prévisions. L'objectif est d'accroître la qualité des prévisions météorologiques en ajoutant des observations là où elles auront le meilleur impact (optimal). Des méthodes numériques d'OA apportent des réponses objectives mais partielles. Elles prennent en compte à la fois les aspects dynamiques de l'atmosphère à travers le modèle adjoint, et aussi le système d'assimilation de données. Le système d'assimilation de données le plus couramment utilisé pour l'OA est le 4D-Var. Ces méthodes linéaires (technologie de l'adjoint) reposent cependant sur une réalisation déterministe (ou trajectoire) unique. Cette trajectoire est entachée d'une incertitude qui affecte l'efficacité de l'OA. Le point de départ de ce travail est d'évaluer l'impact de l'incertitude associée au choix de cette trajectoire sur une technique: la KFS. Un ensemble de prévisions est utilisé pour étudier cette sensibilité. Les expériences réalisées dans un cadre simplifié montrent que les solutions de déploiement peuvent changer en fonction de la trajectoire choisie. Il est d'autant plus nécessaire de prendre cette incertitude en considération que le système d'assimilation utilisé n'est pas vraiment optimal du fait de simplifications liées à sa mise en oeuvre. Une nouvelle méthode d'observation adaptative, appelée Variance Reduction Field (VRF), a été développée dans le cadre de cette thèse. Cette méthode permet de déterminer la réduction de variance de la fonction score attendue en assimilant une pseudo-observation supplémentaire pour chaque point de grille. Deux approches de la VRF sont proposées, la première est basée sur une simulation déterministe. Et la seconde utilise un ensemble d'assimilations et de prévisions. Les deux approches de la VRF ont été implémentées et étudiées dans le modèle de Lorenz 96. Le calcul de la VRF à partir d'un ensemble est direct si l'on dispose déjà des membres de l'ensemble. Le modèle adjoint n'est pas nécessaire pour le calcul.L'implémentation de la VRF dans un système de prévision du temps de grande taille, tel qu'un système opérationnel, n'a pas pu être réalisée dans le cadre de cette thèse. Cependant, l'étude de faisabilité de la construction de la VRF dans l'environnement OOPS a été menée. Une description de OOPS (version 2013) est d'abord présentée dans le manuscrit, car cet environnement est une nouveauté en soi. Elle est suivie de la réflexion sur les développements à introduire pour l'implémentation de la VRF.

Evolution of adaptation requires both generation of novel phenotypic variation and retention of a locally beneficial subset of this variation. Such retention can be facilitated by genetic assimilation, the accumulation of genetic and molecular mechanisms that stabilize induced phenotypes and assume progressively greater control over their reliable production. A particularly strong inference into genetic assimilation as an evolutionary process requires a system where it is possible to directly evaluate the extent to which an induced phenotype is progressively incorporated into preexisting developmental pathways. Evolution of diet-dependent pigmentation in birds-where external carotenoids are coopted into internal metabolism to a variable degree before being integrated with a feather's developmental processes-provides such an opportunity. Here we combine a metabolic network view of carotenoid evolution with detailed empirical study of feather modifications to show that the effect of physical properties of carotenoids on feather structure depends on their metabolic modification, their environmental recurrence, and biochemical redundancy, as predicted by the genetic assimilation hypothesis. Metabolized carotenoids caused less stochastic variation in feather structure and were more closely integrated with feather growth than were dietary carotenoids of the same molecular weight. These patterns were driven by the recurrence of organism-carotenoid associations: commonly used dietary carotenoids and biochemically redundant derived carotenoids caused less stochastic variation in feather structure than did rarely used or biochemically unique compounds. We discuss implications of genetic assimilation processes for the evolutionary diversification of diet-dependent animal coloration.

Most existing research on Muslims and transnational Islam originates from Europe. However, the Muslim population in Europe differs from American Muslims in a number of important ways. In this research I aim to address the general paucity in sociological literature that originates from the U.S. and focus on the mosque as a space where American Muslim identity forms and evolves for both first- and second-generation American Muslims. I examine two American mosques in South Florida as the sites of the development of American Muslim identities based on ethnographic data and participant interviews. I find that the research sites perform functions that are consistent with the provision of refuge, resources, and respectability as classified by Hirschman (2004). The mosques I studied demonstrate the use of educational and cultural functions to transfer religious and cultural identity to younger generations of American Muslims. I also find the research sites to be spaces that are inclusive for women and children, which is different from mosques in Muslim- majority countries, but consistent with the findings of other scholars. I find that the two mosques I studied extend institutional services to facilitate linguistic and logistical assimilation of their members, encourage members’ political engagement through sermons, voter registration drives, and meetings with political candidates, and to engage in interfaith outreach efforts as means of assimilation. I find intergenerational differences in attitudes towards women’s spaces and resources at the two mosques. I also find evidence of a shift in norms that indicates greater flexibility and reflection upon the norms of mainstream American society. Finally, I find that second-generation American Muslims experience a move away from parental cultures towards textual “pure” Islam and prefer to adopt a “Muslim first” identity, as some other scholars have noted. While this study sheds light on several themes that weave to create American Muslim identities, there is a need for more in-depth research on the assimilation trajectories of members that belong to diverse or homogenous mosques. The findings from this study also highlight the need for more extensive quantitative analysis of women’s roles and responsibilities in American mosques, as well as intergenerational differences in assimilation in the American Muslim community.

The oxidation of glucose by Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known to follow the sequence: glucose→ gluconic acid→2-ketogluconic acid→pyruvic acid and thence into the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The most striking aspect of this pathway is that the first two oxidative steps do not involve phosphorylated intermediates at the substrate level. In the present study radioactive phosphorus was used in an attempt to elucidate the carbohydrate metabolism of P. aeruginosa. Cell free preparations of P. aeruginosa, obtained by crushing a cell paste in the Hughes press, incubated with added cofactors, ADP and P³² resulted in the formation of labelled ADP and ATP. The presence of glucose or succinate in the reaction mixture greatly depressed the amount of ATP found. The cell free preparations were found to yield ATP as measured in the hexokinase trap, but the formation of ATP was not increased by the addition of glucose, gluconic acid, 2-ketogluconic acid or succinic acid. These results suggested that no net energy was gained by the extract by the oxidation glucose→ gluconic acid→ 2-ketogluconic acid. In manometric experiments it was found that the cell free preparation did not oxidize glucose-6-phosphate, ribose-5-phosphate, α-ketoglutarate, citrate and isocitrate. Glucose was oxidized with the uptake of two atoms of oxygen per mole of substrate. In the presence of ATP, glucose was oxidized with the uptake of only one atom of oxygen. Gluconic acid and gluconolactone were oxidized with the uptake of one atom of oxygen; ATP had no effect on these last two oxidations. From these data two reactions beyond 2-ketogluconate have been postulated. [Formulas omitted] / Science, Faculty of / Microbiology and Immunology, Department of / Graduate

Au Canada, des pratiques ethnocidaires à l’égard des peuples autochtones se sont inscrites dans le sens commun canadien sous la forme de politiques et de normes sociales assimilationnistes. Or, il semble qu’une ambiguïté théorique entoure la «mise à distance» ou la «prégnance» de telles pratiques et des discours qui les étayent. Fait-on face à un phénomène en phase de s’effacer ou de s’accélérer? Il appert en fin d’analyse que les polymorphismes des dispositions assimilationnistes se présentent de manière diffuse à l’intérieur des espaces sociaux canadiens et qu’ils s’inscrivent dans un récit global «colonial d’établissement» généralement fondé sur un horizon normatif libéral. Nous proposons ici «d’extraire» les composantes d’un «discours assimilationniste manifeste» afin de mettre en relief certains procédés discursifs d’importance majeure qui participent au façonnement de la relation entre l’État, les corps sociaux coloniaux d’établissement et les peuples autochtones au Canada.

Solar and other renewable power sources are becoming an integral part of the electrical grid in the United States. In the Southwest US, solar and wind power plants already serve over 20% of the electrical load during the daytime on sunny days in the Spring. While solar power produces fewer emissions and has a lower carbon footprint than burning fossil fuels, solar power is only generated during the daytime and it is variable due to clouds blocking the sun. Electric utilities that are required to maintain a reliable electricity supply benefit from anticipating the schedule of power output from solar power plants. Forecasting the irradiance reaching the ground, the primary input to a solar power forecast, can help utilities understand and respond to the variability. This dissertation will explore techniques to forecast irradiance that make use of data from a network of sensors deployed throughout Tucson, AZ. The design and deployment of inexpensive sensors used in the network will be described. We will present a forecasting technique that uses data from the sensor network and outperforms a reference persistence forecast for one minute to two hours in the future. We will analyze the errors of this technique in depth and suggest ways to interpret these errors. Then, we will describe a data assimilation technique, optimal interpolation, that combines estimates of irradiance derived from satellite images with data from the sensor network to improve the satellite estimates. These improved satellite estimates form the base of future work that will explore generating forecasts while continuously assimilating new data.

This thesis is a study of the Americanization of the Hawaiians.