Full-waveform inversion of cross-hole ground-penetrating radar data to characterize a gravel aquifer close to the Thur River, Switzerland

Cross-hole radar tomography is a useful tool for mapping shallow subsurface electrical properties viz. dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity. Common practice is to invert cross-hole radar data with ray-based tomographic algorithms using first arrival traveltimes and first cycle amplitudes. However, the resolution of conventional standard ray-based inversion schemes for cross-hole ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is limited because only a fraction of the information contained in the radar data is used. The resolution can be improved significantly by using a full-waveform inversion that considers the entire waveform, or significant parts thereof. A recently developed 2D time-domain vectorial full-waveform crosshole radar inversion code has been modified in the present study by allowing optimized acquisition setups that reduce the acquisition time and computational costs significantly. This is achieved by minimizing the number of transmitter points and maximizing the number of receiver positions. The improved algorithm was employed to invert cross-hole GPR data acquired within a gravel aquifer (4-10 m depth) in the Thur valley, Switzerland. The simulated traces of the final model obtained by the full-waveform inversion fit the observed traces very well in the lower part of the section and reasonably well in the upper part of the section. Compared to the ray-based inversion, the results from the full-waveform inversion show significantly higher resolution images. At either side, 2.5 m distance away from the cross-hole plane, borehole logs were acquired. There is a good correspondence between the conductivity tomograms and the natural gamma logs at the boundary of the gravel layer and the underlying lacustrine clay deposits. Using existing petrophysical models, the inversion results and neutron-neutron logs are converted to porosity. Without any additional calibration, the values obtained for the converted neutron-neutron logs and permittivity results are very close and similar vertical variations can be observed. The full-waveform inversion provides in both cases additional information about the subsurface. Due to the presence of the water table and associated refracted/reflected waves, the upper traces are not well fitted and the upper 2 m in the permittivity and conductivity tomograms are not reliably reconstructed because the unsaturated zone is not incorporated into the inversion domain.

Psychology in Catalonia: 1996-2002

En aquest article es presenta el resum del Report de la Recerca en Psicologia a Catalunya durant el període 1996-2002, publicat l'any 2004 per l'Institut d'Estudis Catalans. A partir de informacions diverses, procedents especialmentd'institucions educatives de nivell universitari, Administració de Catalunya (Departament d'Universitats, Recercai Societat de la Informació, DURSI), i els propis coordinadors de Grups de Recerca -prèviament detectats mitjançant laelaboració d'un qüestionari ad hoc-, s'ha perfilat un mapa de la recerca en Psicologia a Catalunya durant el períodeestudiat, el qual inclou investigadors procedents de les sis Universitats catalanes en les quals s'imparteixen estudis dePsicologia (o, en el cas de la Universitat de Lleida, de Psicopedagogia). Els eixos organitzadors de la informació hanestat les Àrees de Coneixement i les Universitats. La informació recollida s'ha articulat al voltant de diversesqüestions cabdals relatives als Grups de Recerca: Projectes de recerca obtinguts per part de diversos organismes subvencionants, la productivitat contemplada des de la vessant de la publicació d'articles científics, el finançament obtingut per part de diverses Administracions i entitats privades, la infrastructura amb la que compten, les característiques d'arranjament d'aquests Grups, i, finalment, les condicions, valoracions, expectatives i gestió dels recursos dels Grups de Recerca.

Modelling hydrodynamics in the Rio Parana, Argentina : an evaluation and inter-comparison of reduced-complexity and physics based models applied to a large sand-bed river

Depth-averaged velocities and unit discharges within a 30 km reach of one of the world's largest rivers, the Rio Parana, Argentina, were simulated using three hydrodynamic models with different process representations: a reduced complexity (RC) model that neglects most of the physics governing fluid flow, a two-dimensional model based on the shallow water equations, and a three-dimensional model based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. Row characteristics simulated using all three models were compared with data obtained by acoustic Doppler current profiler surveys at four cross sections within the study reach. This analysis demonstrates that, surprisingly, the performance of the RC model is generally equal to, and in some instances better than, that of the physics based models in terms of the statistical agreement between simulated and measured flow properties. In addition, in contrast to previous applications of RC models, the present study demonstrates that the RC model can successfully predict measured flow velocities. The strong performance of the RC model reflects, in part, the simplicity of the depth-averaged mean flow patterns within the study reach and the dominant role of channel-scale topographic features in controlling the flow dynamics. Moreover, the very low water surface slopes that typify large sand-bed rivers enable flow depths to be estimated reliably in the RC model using a simple fixed-lid planar water surface approximation. This approach overcomes a major problem encountered in the application of RC models in environments characterised by shallow flows and steep bed gradients. The RC model is four orders of magnitude faster than the physics based models when performing steady-state hydrodynamic calculations. However, the iterative nature of the RC model calculations implies a reduction in computational efficiency relative to some other RC models. A further implication of this is that, if used to simulate channel morphodynamics, the present RC model may offer only a marginal advantage in terms of computational efficiency over approaches based on the shallow water equations. These observations illustrate the trade off between model realism and efficiency that is a key consideration in RC modelling. Moreover, this outcome highlights a need to rethink the use of RC morphodynamic models in fluvial geomorphology and to move away from existing grid-based approaches, such as the popular cellular automata (CA) models, that remain essentially reductionist in nature. In the case of the world's largest sand-bed rivers, this might be achieved by implementing the RC model outlined here as one element within a hierarchical modelling framework that would enable computationally efficient simulation of the morphodynamics of large rivers over millennial time scales. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Floods of 1986 and 1990 in the Raccoon River Basin, West-Central Iowa, HR-140, 1992

Water-surface-elevation profiles and peak discharges for the floods of 1973 and 1979 are compared to those of 1986 and 1990 in the Raccoon River basin, west-central Iowa. The profiles illustrate the 1979 and 1986 floods on the Raccoon, South Raccoon, and Middle Raccoon Rivers, the 1973 and 1986 floods on Walnut Creek, and the 1986 flood on Willow Creek and Mosquito Creek. The 1986 flood is the largest on record at U.S. Geological Survey streamflowgaging stations on the Middle Raccoon River tributary at Carroll, Middle Raccoon River near Bayard, Middle Raccoon River at Panora, and Walnut Creek at Des Moines. The 1990 flood discharge is the largest on record at U.S. Geological Survey crest-stage gaging stations on Hardin Creek near Farlin and on East Fork Hardin Creek near Churdan. The flood history given in this report describes rainfall conditions for floods that occurred during 1986 and 1990. Discharge for the 1990 flood on East Fork Hardin Creek near Churdan was 1.01 times larger than the 100-year recurrence-interval discharge.

Floods of July 19-25, 1999, in the Wapsipinicon and Cedar River Basins, Northeast Iowa, HR-140

Severe flooding occurred during July 19-25, 1999, in the Wapsipinicon and Cedar River Basins following two thunderstorms over northeast Iowa. During July 18-19, as much as 6 inches ofrainfall was centered over Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Mitchell, and Worth Counties. During July 20-21, a second storm occurred in which an additional rainfall of as much as 8 inches was centered over Chickasaw and Floyd Counties. The cumulative effect of the storms produced floods with new maximum peak discharges at the following streamflow-gaging stations: Wapsipinicon River near Tripoli, 19,400 cubic feet per second; Cedar River at Charles City, 31,200 cubic feet per second (recurrence interval about 90 years); Cedar River at Janesville, 42,200 cubic feet per second (recurrence interval about 80 years); and Flood Creek near Powersville, 19,000 cubic feet per second. Profiles of flood elevations for the July 1999 flood are presented in this report for selected reaches along the Wapsipinicon, Cedar, and Shell Rock Rivers and along Flood Creek. Information about the river basins, rain storms, and flooding are presented along with information on temporary bench marks and reference points in the Wapsipinicon and Cedar River Basins.

Floods of May 17-20, 1999, in the Volga and Wapsipinicon River Basins, Northeast Iowa, HR-140

Record flooding occurred May 17-20, 1999, in the Volga and Wapsipinicon River Basins following thunderstorm activity over northeast Iowa. On Sunday, May 16, between 6 and 8 inches of rain fell during a 24- hour period over portions of Bremer, Butler, and Fayette Counties. Highest rainfall during this 24-hour period was 8.3 inches recorded north of Oelwein in southwest Fayette County. A peak discharge of 29,800 cubic feet per second in the Volga River at Mederville, 53,900 cubic feet per second in the Turkey River at Garber, and 31, 100 cubic feet per second in the Wapsipinicon River at Independence set new peak discharge records. The peak discharge at Garber was greater than a theoretical 500-year flood, and the peak discharge at Independence was the equivalent of a 90- year flood. Information about the basins, rain storms, flooding, and a profile of high water marks are presented for selected intervals along the Volga River, Wapsipinicon River, Crane Creek, Little Wapsipinicon River, and Otter Creek.

Floods of September 15-16, 1992, in the Thompson, Weldon, and Chariton River Basins, South-Central Iowa, HR-140, 1997

Water-surface-elevation profiles and peak discharges for the floods of September 15-16, 1992, in the Thompson, Weldon, and Chariton River Basins, south-central Iowa, are presented in this report. The profiles illustrate the 1992 floods along the Thompson, Weldon, Chariton, and South Fork Chariton Rivers and along Elk Creek in the south-central Iowa counties of Adair, Clarke, Decatur, Lucas, Madison, Ringgold, Union, and Wayne. Water-surface-elevation profiles for the floods of July 4, 1981, along the Chariton River in Lucas County and along the South Fork Chariton River in Wayne County also are included in the report for comparative purposes. The September 15-16, 1992, floods are the largest known peak discharges at gaging stations Thompson River at Davis City (station number 06898000) 57,000 cubic feet per second, Weldon River near Leon (station number 06898400) 76,200 cubic feet per second, Chariton River near Chariton (station number 06903400) 37,700 cubic feet per second, and South Fork Chariton River near Promise City (station number 06903700) 70,600 cubic feet per second. The peak discharges were, respectively, 1.7, 2.6, 1.4, and 2.1 times larger than calculated 100-year recurrence-interval discharges. The report provides information on flood stages and discharges and floodflow frequencies for streamflow-gaging stations in the Thompson, Weldon, and Chariton River Basins using flood information collected through 1995. Information on temporary bench marks and reference points established in the Thompson and Weldon River Basins during 1994-95, and in the Chariton River Basin during 1983-84 and 1994-95, also is included in the report. A flood history summarizes rainfall conditions and damages for floods that occurred during 1947, 1959, 1981, 1992, and 1993.

Audit report on the Great River Regional Waste Authority for the year ended June 30, 2013

Audit report on the Great River Regional Waste Authority for the year ended June 30, 2013

A bioeconomic model for Mediterranean fisherires, the hake off Catalonia (western Mediterranean) as a case study

The theoretical aspects and the associated software of a bioeconomic model for Mediterranean fisheries are presented. The first objective of the model is to reproduce the bioeconomic conditions in which the fisheries occur. The model is, perforce, multispecies and multigear. The main management procedure is effort limitation. The model also incorporates the usual fishermen strategy of increasing efficiency to obtain increased fishing mortality while maintaining the nominal effort. This is modelled by means of a function relating the efficiency (or technological progress) with the capital invested in the fishery and time. A second objective is to simulate alternative management strategies. The model allows the operation of technical and economic management measures in the presence of different kind of events. Both deterministic and stochastic simulations can be performed. An application of this tool to the hake fishery off Catalonia is presented, considering the other species caught and the different gears used. Several alternative management measures are tested and their consequences for the stock and economy of fishermen are analysed.

Rock Island Centennial Bridge, Final Report on Construction of the Mississippi River Bridge Between Rock Island, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa, 1945

The Rock Island Centennial Bridge spanning the Mississippi River between Rock Island, Illinois and Davenport, Iowa was opened to traffic on July 12, 1940. It is a thoroughly modern, four-lane highway bridge, adequate in every respect for present day high speed passenger and transport traffic. The structure is ideally situated to provide rapid transit between the business districts of Rock Island and Davenport and serves not only the local or shuttle traffic in the Tri-City Area, but also heavy through motor travel on U.S. Highways 67 and 150. The Centennial Bridge is notable in several respects. The main spans are box girder rib tied arches, a type rather unusual in America and permitting simplicity in design with pleasing appearance. The Centennial Bridge is the only bridge across the Mississippi providing for four lanes of traffic with separation of traffic in each direction. It is a toll bridge operating alongside a free bridge and has the lowest rates of toll of any toll bridge on the Mississippi River. It was financed entirely by the City of Rock Island with no obligation on the taxpayers; there was no federal or state participation in the financing. But perhaps the most outstanding feature of the new bridge is its great need. A few remarks on the communities served by the new structure, the services rendered, and some statistics on cross-river traffic in the Tri-City Area will emphasize the reasons for constructing the Centennial Bridge.

Missouri River Floods After Action Report, December 20, 2011

In May 2011, very heavy rains combined with above average snowpack caused reservoirs throughout the Upper Missouri River basin to swell. The river carried more water in May and June than it does in an average year. The six Iowa counties bordering the river—Fremont, Harrison, Mills, Monona, Pottawattamie and Woodbury—suffered from major flooding which persisted throughout the spring and summer. On June 2, Governor Terry Branstad issued a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for the six impacted counties. The Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) on June 10 to coordinate State, Federal, private sector, and voluntary agency preparedness and response activities in the affected area. The severity and duration of the flooding presented operational challenges for the SEOC and its partner agencies, which were further complicated by severe weather. The flooding forced the SEOC to conduct simultaneous response and recovery operations for an usually long period of time. The Missouri River floods caused major economic losses in Western Iowa. As a result of these economic losses, President Barack Obama issued a Major Disaster Declaration (FEMA-1998-DR) which made six counties eligible for Federal Public Assistance. The disaster declaration was subsequently amended on October 18, making five counties eligible for Federal Individual Assistance.

Missouri River Flood Coordination Task Force Report, September 25, 2011

The Missouri River floods of 2011 will go down in history as the longest duration flooding event this state has seen to date. The combination of above normal snowfall in the upper Missouri River basin followed by the equivalent of nearly one year’s worth of rainfall in May created an above normal runoff situation which filled the Missouri River and the six main reservoirs within the basin. Compounding this problem was colder than normal temperatures which kept much of the snow pack in the upper basin on the ground longer into the spring, setting the stage for this historic event.

Sharing and Learning= Changing. A real story at the Institute of Public Security of Catalonia

The Institute has professionals with extensive experience in training, specifically with experience in the field of police and emergencies training. Moreover, it also has very talented people. But above all, our institution has public professionals with a desire to serve, who love security and emergency responders and want to provide them with the best knowledge to make them every day better professionals. In the quest for continuous training improvement, its during 2009 when e-learning begins to have a presence at the Institute. Virtual training methodology becomes a facilitator for the training of various professionals, avoiding geographical displacement and easing the class schedule.

Are we living longer but less healthy? Trends in mortality and morbidity in Catalonia (Spain), 1994-2011

Evidence on trends in prevalence of disease and disability can clarify whether countries are experiencing a compression or expansion of morbidity. An expansion of morbidity as indicated by disease have appeared in Europe and other developed regions. It is likely that better treatment, preventive measures and increases in education levels have contributed to the declines in mortality and increments in life expectancy. This paper examines whether there has been an expansion of morbidity in Catalonia (Spain). It uses trends in mortality and morbidity from major causes of death and links of these with survival to provide estimates of life expectancy with and without diseases and functioning loss. We use a repeated cross-sectional health survey carried out in 1994 and 2011 for measures of morbidity; mortality information comes from the Spanish National Statistics Institute. Our findings show that at age 65 the percentage of life with disease increased from 52% to 70% for men, and from 56% to 72% for women; the expectation of life unable to function increased from 24% to 30% for men and 40% to 47% for women between 1994 and 2011. These changes were attributable to increases in the prevalences of diseases and moderate functional limitation. Overall, we find an expansion of morbidity along the period. Increasing survival among people with diseases can lead to a higher prevalence of diseases in the older population. Higher prevalence of health problems can lead to greater pressure on the health care system and a growing burden of disease for individuals.

External forcings, oceanographic processes and particle flux dynamics in Cap de Creus submarine canyon, NW Mediterranean Sea

Particle fluxes (including major components and grain size), and oceanographic parameters (near-bottom water temperature, current speed and suspended sediment concentration) were measured along the Cap de Creus submarine canyon in the Gulf of Lions (GoL; NW Mediterranean Sea) during two consecutive winter-spring periods (2009 2010 and 2010 2011). The comparison of data obtained with the measurements of meteorological and hydrological parameters (wind speed, turbulent heat flux, river discharge) have shown the important role of atmospheric forcings in transporting particulate matter through the submarine canyon and towards the deep sea. Indeed, atmospheric forcing during 2009 2010 and 2010 2011 winter months showed differences in both intensity and persistence that led to distinct oceanographic responses. Persistent dry northern winds caused strong heat losses (14.2 × 103 W m−2) in winter 2009 2010 that triggered a pronounced sea surface cooling compared to winter 2010 2011 (1.6 × 103 W m−2 lower). As a consequence, a large volume of dense shelf water formed in winter 2009 2010, which cascaded at high speed (up to ∼1 m s−1) down Cap de Creus Canyon as measured by a current-meter in the head of the canyon. The lower heat losses recorded in winter 2010 2011, together with an increased river discharge, resulted in lowered density waters over the shelf, thus preventing the formation and downslope transport of dense shelf water. High total mass fluxes (up to 84.9 g m−2 d−1) recorded in winter-spring 2009 2010 indicate that dense shelf water cascading resuspended and transported sediments at least down to the middle canyon. Sediment fluxes were lower (28.9 g m−2 d−1) under the quieter conditions of winter 2010 2011. The dominance of the lithogenic fraction in mass fluxes during the two winter-spring periods points to a resuspension origin for most of the particles transported down canyon. The variability in organic matter and opal contents relates to seasonally controlled inputs associated with the plankton spring bloom during March and April of both years.