A simple water balance model was applied to a micro-catchment water harvesting system for a semi-arid area in the North-Eastern part of Jordan. Two Negarim micro-catchment water harvesting systems were built at Al-Khanasri research station. A Randomized complete block design (RCBD) in factorial combination was used with six treatments and three replicates. Each plot was divided into two parts; a runoff area, and a run-on area. Two different treatments were used for the catchment area, these were: compacted (T1) and Natural treatments (T2). Three treatments were used for the run-on area, these were: disturbed (S1), stones (S2), and crop residue mulch (S3). Soil water content was measured over a depth of 0-1 m during the seasons 96-97 in these micro-catchments. In this model; daily rainfall, runoff, and evaporation were used. Runoff was calculated by the curve number method; evaporation was calculated by the Penman equation, the Priestley and Taylor method and the Class A pan approach. The least squares method was used for optimizing model parameters. The performance of the model was assessed by different criteria, such as root mean square error, relative root mean square error, coefficient of determination and the Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency method. The performance of the micro-catchments system was also evaluated. Results showed that with limited but reliable hydrological data good agreement between predicted and observed values could be obtained. The ratio of water storage in a one meter soil depth to the rainfall falling on each catchment indicated that T1S2 and T1S3 have the highest values in size1 plots while T2S1 and T2S2 have the highest values in size 2 plots. Modelling results showed that for all the size 1 plots, the required ratio of the cultivated to catchment area, (C/CA), required to ensure sufficient harvested water, was less than the actual ratio used in the experimental design. For the size 2 plots this was only true for the T1 treatments. Consequently for the majority of plot sizes and treatments, the results showed that a smaller catchment area is capable of providing sufficient harvested water to meet crop growth requirements. The experimental ratio was based on a typical yearly design rainfall for the region having either a 50% or 67% probability of occurrence. Results also indicated that using stones and crop residue as mulch on the soil surface in the cultivated area was effective in decreasing the evaporation rate. S3 was more efficient than S2 as it stored more water due to the higher infiltration rate (12.4 cm/hr) when compared to S2 (4.1 cm/hr).

This thesis presents a series of studies into the responses of people to outdoor thermal conditions experienced over all seasons in the United Kingdom. The aim was to investigate practical methods for predicting human responses to outside weather conditions, which would be useful in predicting effects on human comfort and health. The studies involved both laboratory experiments and field trials. One particular aspect of outside conditions, not usually investigated in laboratory studies, is the contribution of solar radiation. Single subject and thermal manikin studies were used to determine the contribution of solar radiation to human response. In addition to this, a total of 168 subjects responses were recorded during trials at the Loughborough University weather station compound. (latitude 52.47N and longitude 01.11W). The trials were distributed between July 2007 and October 2008. This provided a comprehensive data-base for the evaluation of thermal indices. The thesis is divided into four parts. Part one provides an introduction to the subject and a comprehensive literature review. It also describes equipment, calibration procedures and methods used. Part two quantified the contribution of solar radiation to the heat load on a person. A human subject and a heated thermal manikin were exposed to outdoor thermal conditions, while in light clothing and (for the person) conducting a step test. They were then exposed to identical conditions in a thermal chamber, but without the contribution of the sun. The conditions outside were 23˚C air temperature, 42˚C mean radiant temperature and 54% relative humidity with an average air velocity of 0.75 ms-1. The difference in sweat rate (person) and heat required (manikin) between outdoor and indoor conditions were used to estimate the contribution of the sun. Using three different analyses estimates were 14 Wm-2, 35 Wm-2 and 50 Wm-2 depending upon the assumptions made. Part three describes current thermal indices that can be used to assess the effects of weather conditions on people. It also presents the results of weather station measurements over the time period considered. In chapters 8 and 9 field trials are described which capture both the thermal conditions and human physiological and subjective responses to those conditions. Chapter 10 uses the data collected to provide an evaluation of current thermal indices for predicting human responses. The range of air temperature and relative humidity (at 2 pm) over a year was -2˚C to 29˚C and 34% to 95% respectively. Wind speed varied and was greater in winter and spring than in summer and autumn. Solar radiation was influenced by the altitude of the sun which depended upon season. Mean solar radiation increased from December to June and decreased from June to December. The subjective and physiological responses for 130 people (65 males and 65 females) over a range of outdoor weather conditions are presented. Physiological responses for females generally showed a stronger relationship with environmental variables and subjective responses than those for males. The subjective and physiological responses of four groups (one in each season of the year - involving a total of 38 people), are presented. It was found that there were significant individual differences in response. Part four provides a suggestion for an improved thermal index. The PMV (Predicted Mean Vote) out of four thermal indices (WBGT, PMV, WCI/tch and Twc) had the strongest relationship with environmental variables and physiological responses but had a weak relationship with subjective responses. A PMVoutdoors index was developed to improve the prediction of subjective responses for the outdoor conditions investigated. Conclusions and recommendations for future research are provided.

Observational and modelling studies show that the warming of the Arctic is leading to shrub expansion. This shift in vegetation cover is expected to significantly alter the distribution of snow across the landscape and the interactions between the land surface and the atmosphere. Shrubs capture wind-blown snow, increasing snow depth and decreasing winter water loss through sublimation, and bend beneath the weight of snow, affecting albedo. Snow is highly insulative and affects the soil hydrological and thermal properties. Therefore, as the snow-vegetation-soil interactions is expected to be at the core of feedback loops leading to further shrub expansion, there is a need for models to be able to simulate these processes accurately. Initially using the community land surface model JULES (Joint UK Land Environment Simulator) this study investigates the effects of shrub-tundra on snow and runoff. Alternative formulations of soil processes are proposed, which are better adapted to the representation of subgrid heterogeneity in cold regions than the current model formulation, and evaluated over the Abisko and Torne-Kalix river basins. In addition, a high resolution shrub bending model, which calculates the exposed winter shrub fraction, is developed and parameterised for use alongside the snow cover parameterisation in JULES in order to provide a better representation of shrub-specific processes. This revised JULES more than doubles the efficiency coefficient and halfs the negative bias between modelled and observed runoff in the shrub-tundra Abisko basin. However, the current structure of the model is found to be inadequate for use in investigating the effect of shrub-tundra expansion because it calculates a single energy balance for the snow-free and the snow-covered areas. To address this issue, a distributed three-source (snow-shrub-ground) model (D3SM) is developed. D3SM is evaluated against snow and energy ux measurements from a shrub-tundra basin in the Yukon, Canada, and is found to reproduce snowmelt energetics well. The effects of shrub expansion on the energy balance of the basin during snowmelt are then investigated by increasing the vegetation fraction and canopy height of the current shrub distribution, which is found to be positively correlated with topography. D3SM shows that the most significant effects of shrub expansion in the basin are to reduce the spatial variability of snow depth and to increase the sensible heat flux from the surface to the atmosphere.

Changes in large-scale vegetation structure triggered by processes such as deforestation, wildfires, and tree die-off alter surface structure, energy balance, and associated albedo-all critical for land surface models. Characterizing these properties usually requires long-term data, precluding characterization of rapid vegetation changes such as those increasingly occurring in the Anthropocene. Consequently, the characterization of rapid events is limited and only possible in a few specific areas. We use a campaign approach to characterize surface properties associated with vegetation structure. In our approach, a profiling LiDAR and hemispherical image analyses quantify vegetation structure and a portable mast instrumented with a net radiometer, wind-humidity-temperature stations in a vertical profile, and soil temperature-heat flux characterize surface properties. We illustrate the application of our approach in two forest types (boreal and semiarid) with disturbance-induced tree loss. Our prototype characterizes major structural changes associated with tree loss, changes in vertical wind profiles, surface roughness energy balance partitioning, a proxy for NDVI (Normalized Differential Vegetation Index), and albedo. Multi-day albedo estimates, which differed between control and disturbed areas, were similar to tower-based multiyear characterizations, highlighting the utility and potential of the campaign approach. Our prototype provides general characterization of surface and boundary-layer properties relevant for land surface models, strategically enabling preliminary characterization of rapid vegetation disturbance events.

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited / A low speed wind tunnel investigation was conducted to examine the aerodynamic characteristics of the flowfield around a three percent scale YF-17 lightweight fighter prototype model at high angles of attack using flow visualization and force and moment measurements. Smoke filaments, injected into the wind tunnel test section, were illuminated by a laser sheet to highlight flow phenomena about the model. Force and moment measurements were made using a precision six-component strain gage balance. The investigation marked the first attempt at qualitative flow analysis using the laser sheet flow visualization system recently installed in the Naval Postgraduate School low speed wind tunnel facility. The investigation was undertaken to specifically identify flow phenomena and/or regions of interest that may have bearing on the design and performance of supermaneuverable aircraft. The data indicate a good correlation between the observed flow phenomena and force and moment measurements at various angles of attack, thus establishing the credibility of such experimental investigations for high angle of attack aerodynamic research. / http://archive.org/details/experimentalinve00leed / Lieutenant Commander, United States Navy

Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited / Reissued 30 May 2017 with correction to department on title page. / Relations between China and Japan suffer under the "history issue", an inability to reconcile these nations' relative perspectives on past wartime events. With emphasis on China's construction of the history issue, this thesis analyzes when and why China calls particular attention to Japan's past aggression and the degree to which China's actions have impacted bilateral relations from 1972 to 2016. Using elements from collective memory, national identity, and balance of power theories, this thesis makes four main arguments. First, provocative Japanese behavior revives the collective memories of past trauma and provokes criticism of Japanese politics. Second, when China perceives threats from Japan, it highlights Japan's past atrocities and lack of contrition to contain Japan's ambitions or gain relative power. Third, when collective memory is the main driver in shaping relations, balance of power plays a more supporting role and vice versa. Last, the public's collective memory and the volatile activation of the public's genuine anti-Japanese sentiments were the strongest factors in explaining the downturn of relations. As the United States implements its security strategy in East Asia, understanding historical disputes and their implications on the security status of the region is crucial, as they will affect agreements with our allies. / Major, United States Marine Corps

Challenges surrounding energy have gained increased attention, which is not least reflected in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Energy issues have also become a pressing matter for most countries in the last decades. The reasons for this are not only related to the effects of the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) from fossil fuels and their impact in climate change, but also span through other issues such as security of energy supply with geopolitical considerations and competitiveness of industry. To address these issues, a collection of public policies ranging from the international to local levels have been implemented. Sweden has historically had lower energy prices than its European counterparts, which has resulted in its industry having a relatively higher share of electricity in the total energy use by industry. The share of electricity accounts for 35% of total energy use in Swedish industry. This has led to efficiency measures being overlooked by industry, and the pulp and paper industry is by far the biggest energy user, with a share of 51% of the total energy use by industry. The variation of energy prices, and particularly electricity prices have obvious implications on the competitiveness of this sector. Production of biogas in pulp and paper mills has been gaining attention, and is now the target of an increasing number of scientific studies. The interest for this industry is not only related to security of energy supply and the environmental performance of the biogas itself, but there are also considerations regarding the biogas plant as an alternative to treat the large flows of wastewaters and other waste stream in this sector. There is an estimated biogas production potential of 1 TWh within this industry in Sweden, which accounts for 60% of the current biogas production in the country. Pulp and paper mills commonly rely on aerated biological treatment to deal with waste streams with high organic content This biological process has a high energy demand, and the integration of an anaerobic treatment, along with the use of the biogas for heat and electricity can yield a net positive energy recovery for the combined plant. This project analyses the current energy and material performance of an anaerobic biological treatment combined with an aerobic biological treatment in a recycled board mill. The anaerobic treatment is performed upstream of the aerobic one and removes most of the chemical oxygen demand of the wastewater. Energy and material balances for the plant are presented, and a comparison of the wastewater treatment plant running before and after the start-up of the biogas plant is made. The plant operation with the anaerobic digestion has shown an increased energy use of 9.4% coupled to an increased flow of wastewater of 7.7%. The average biogas production is 72 Nm³/h, which accounts for 440 kWh and is currently being flared. The introduction of AD has largely decrease the organic load in the aerobic treatment, by nearly 50%. This project ends with an optimisation model implemented with the optimisation tool reMIND to investigate potential optimisation strategies for the operation of the combined plant. The model has shown to be adequate to describe electricity use with mean error below 10%. For the biogas production, the mean error was of 16%.

Studien syftade till att undersöka hur arbetstagare hanterar balansen mellan arbetsliv och privatliv samt hur deras gränsdragning sker. Med arbetstagare genomfördes semistrukturerade intervjuer. Resultatet visade att den gränsdragning som fungerade bäst är att ha tydlig gräns mellan arbetsliv och privatliv. Flextid i form av att styra sin arbetstid och stöd från arbetsgivare och familj var faktorer som bidrog mest till att arbetstagarna kunde nå balans. Faktorer som hindrade balansen mest var arbetsbelastning, tillgänglighet utanför arbetstid och tid. Resultatet analyserades sedan utifrån en modell om work-life balance och en teori om gränsdragning. Därefter följer en diskussion kring resultatet utifrån studiens bakgrund, teori, tidigare forskning och egna slutsatser. I slutsatsen belystes vikten av att organisationer och arbetstagare behöver bli medvetna om vad de kan göra för att skapa förutsättningar för god balans, för att arbetstagarna ska kunna utvecklas.

According to climatic models there will be an increase in the amount of greenhouse gases which results in a warming of the earth where the change will be most prominent in the high latitudes. Glaciers mass balance is a good climate change indicator as the response is fast when climate is changing. Glacier mass balance, area of glaciers, elevation line altitude data for 13 glaciers in Scandinavia as well as North Atlantic oscillation (NAO), Arctic oscillation (AO) and sunspot data where gathered and a principle component analysis (PCA) where made. PCA is a multivariate statistical technique with the goal to extract important information and reduce the dimension of data. Three distinct groupings where found within the data set and was identified as extreme years of North Atlantic Oscillation and Arctic Oscillation and one glacier which had the largest area of the 13 glaciers. The PCA explained that all the variables in the data set is correlated with North Atlantic and Arctic Oscillation to about 40 % and we can conclude that there is a regional and local forcing within our data where the regional (NAO and AO) is of more importance for the variance and for the mass balance. / Enligt klimatmodeller kommer en ökning av växthusgaser i atmosfären leda till en ökning av temperaturen på jorden, den ökningen kommer främst att ske på höga latituder. Glaciärer är bra indikation på förändrat klimat på grund av deras korta responstid när klimatet ändrar sig. För tillfället finns det ca 1900 glaciärer utspridda i de Skandinaviska bergen. Eftersom Skandinavien är så avlångt är det en skillnad i meterologiska och klimatiska förhållanden, både i en nord-syd riktning men även i en öst-väst riktning med kontinentala glaciärer i öst och mer marina i väst. Klimat och glaciärdata för 13 olika glaciärer i Skandinavien, 5 från Sverige och 8 ifrån Norge har samlats in och en statistisk analys, principle component analysis (PCA) har gjorts för att se vad som påverkar massbalansen för glaciärerna. De klimat parametrar som har undersökts är Nordatlantsika oscillationen (NAO), Arktiska oscillationen (AO) och solfläckar tillsammans med massbalans, equilibrium line altitude (ELA) och area för glaciärerna. Tre grupperingar har hittats som kan kopplas till olika klimatvariabler och PCA visar extremår för NAO och AO samt en glaciär som har den största arean. PCA analysen visade att alla variabler korrelerade till NAO och AO med omkring 40 % och vi kan dra slutsatsen att det finns en drivande regional och lokal kraft inom vårat dataset där NAO och AO är viktigast för massbalansen.

This study analyzes the link between cause assessment, corporate philanthropy, and dimensions of corporate reputation from different stakeholders' perspectives, using balance theory as a conceptual framework and the telecommunications industry in Austria and Egypt as the empirical setting. Findings show that corporate philanthropy can improve perceptions of the corporate reputation dimensions, but the results vary between customers and non-customers and depend on the country setting. (authors' abstract)