Flogging a dead norm? Newspaper coverage of anthropogenic climate change in the United States and United Kingdom from 2003 to 2006

The journalistic norm of 'balanced' reporting (giving roughly equal coverage to both sides in any significant dispute) is recognised as both useful and problematic in communicating emerging scientific consensus on human attribution for global climate change. Analysis of the practice of this norm in United States (US) and United Kingdom (UK) newspaper coverage of climate science between 2003 and 2006 shows a significant divergence from scientific consensus in the US in 2003–4, followed by a decline in 2005–6, but no major divergence in UK reporting. These findings inform ongoing considerations about the spatially-differentiated media terms and conditions through which current and future climate policy is negotiated and implemented.     

Perceptible earthquakes in the United Kingdom

Summary. Earthquake occurrence in the United Kingdom is analysed using Gumbel's third type asymptotic distribution of extreme values. Uncertainties in both the parameters and predictions derived from the Gumbel distribution are obtained and it is shown that an earthquake with body-wave magnitude slightly over five is the one most likely to be perceived at any point in the United Kingdom.     

Anglo‐American Electoral Geography: Same Roots and Same Goals,but Different Means and Ends?*

Electoral geographers in the United States and the United Kingdom have similar goals but pursue these through different means. In part, these reflect differences between the two countries' electoral and political systems, but they also reflect different methodological strategies and desired ends. Drawing on the U.K. experience, this article identifies areas for possible expansion in studies of the electoral geography of the United States, which are expressed as five challenges.     

Holocene floodplain metamorphosis in the Midlands, United Kingdom

Many lowland rivers in the United Kingdom, including the Nene, Soar and Severn, have layered floodplains with a basal gravel of Pleistocene or Late glacial age and a structureless silty clay superficial unit burying the entire former floodplain. This burial is illustrated by the existence of variable, mixed and pedologically disturbed sediments and palaeo landsurfaces between the basal gravels and superficial silty clay. This paper presents a comparison of the pre- and post-late Holocene palaeo landsurfaces and palaeochannels using data from the Nene, Soar and Severn valleys. From this comparison it is argued that during the mid to late Holocene (ca 4500 yr BP to 2500 yr BP) floodplains and river channels underwent a metamorphosis. This is indicated by accelerated vertical accretion, a reduction in floodplain relative relief, changed floodplain soil conditions, a reduction in channel W/D ratios and a resultant increase in the silty clay proportion of channel perimeter sediments. There are indications that hydrological change preceded this metamorphosis but the primary cause was an increase in fine sediment supply during the later Holocene and a disequilibrium between channel bed and floodplain aggradation rates resulting in relative incision. This metamorphosis, which is explained in this paper by the proposed stable-bed aggrading-banks model (SBAB), is the key factor in the Holocene evolution of low-energy floodplain systems in the United Kingdom, upon which more subtle short-term fluctuations are superimposed.     

Going Home: The Migration of Puerto Rican-Born Women from the United States to Puerto Rico*

This paper analyzes the migration of Puerto Rican-born women from the United States to Puerto Rico using longitudinal data. We hypothesize that sojourn length in the United States is a function of both structural (macro-level economic and cultural factors) and behavioral (micro-level life-cycle experiences and personal attributes) variables. We test these hypotheses by estimating a proportional hazards model. The parameter estimates of this model indicate that sojourn length in the United States, and thus the decision to return to Puerto Rico, is a function of wage trends and community characteristics on the mainland plus a number of individual attributes that include education, marriage, and childbirth.     

Pn anisotropy studies in northern Britain and the eastern and western United States

Summary. Available seismic refraction data from three different continental areas, northern Britain and the eastern and western United States, has been studied for possible P_n , velocity anisotropy using the methods described by Bamford. There are various deficiencies in the time—distance data used in each case but, while the uppermost mantle beneath northern Britain and the eastern United States seems to be isotropic within the limits of measurement error, there is a small but significant anisotropy beneath the western United States.
Both the amount (up to 3 per cent) and the direction (70–80° east of north) of this anisotropy are very similar to the results obtained in the Pacific Ocean off California. We tentatively conclude that this anisotropy is present as a consequence of the subduction of oceanic lithosphere beneath the western United States.     

The Design of Treatment Wetlands in the United Kingdom: Successes, Failures, and Alternative Approaches

Constructed wetland was first introduced into the United Kingdom in the middle of 1980s,following a visit by a group of scientist to Western Germany.In the past 2 decades,the applications of constructed wetlands in this country have expanded substantially,due to the demand for green technologies and rising cost of fossil fuel energies.This paper reported a statistical investigation of the performances of 78 horizontal flow wetlands,representatives of such system in the United Kingdom.Alternative design equations,based on organic matter removal efficiency,have been developed from Monod kinetics,and the accuracy and reliability of current and alternative design approaches have been examined.     

Methodologies for estimating t*(f) from short-period body waves and regional variations of t*(f) in the United States

Summary. In this paper we discuss some aspects of estimating t * from short-period body waves and present some limits on t* (f) models for the central and south-western United States (CUS and SWUS). We find that for short-period data, with frequencies above 1 or 2 Hz, while the average spectral shape is stable, the smaller details of the spectra are not; thus, only an average t *, and not a frequency-dependent t *, can be derived from such information. Also, amplitudes are extremely variable for short-period data, and thus a great deal of data from many stations and azimuths must be used when amplitudes are included in attenuation studies.
The predictions of three pairs of models for t* (f) in the central and south-western United States are compared with time domain observations of amplitudes and waveforms and frequency domain observations of spectral slopes to put bounds on the attenuation under the different parts of the country. A model with the t * values of the CUS and SWUS converging at low frequencies and differing slightly at high frequencies matches the spectral domain characteristics, but not the time domain amplitudes and waveforms of short-period body waves. A model with t * curves converging at low frequencies, but diverging strongly at high frequencies, matches the time domain observations, but not the spectral shapes. A model with nearly-parallel t* (f) curves for the central and south-western United States satisfies both the time and frequency domain observations.
We conclude that use of both time and frequency domain information is essential in determining t* (f) models. For the central and south-western United States, a model with nearly-parallel t* (f) curves, where Δ t *∼ 0.2 s, satisfies both kinds of data in the 0.3–2 Hz frequency range.     

中美及中国周边海洋国家地缘政治关系时空演化

利用全球新闻媒体数据库对中美及中国周边海洋国家的事件关注度和事件影响力进行测算,刻画中美及中国周边海洋国家间地缘政治关系的阶段演变特征,通过社会网络分析法探索不同阶段中美及中国周边海洋国家地缘政治关系的网络特征及热点国家.研究发现:①1991-2018年中美及中国周边海洋国家地缘政治关系演变划分2个阶段:第一阶段(19...     

Deglacial to middle Holocene (16,600 to 6000 calendar years BP) climate change in the northeastern United States inferred from multi-proxy stable isotope data, Seneca Lake, New York

Climate change in the northeastern United States has been inferred for the last deglaciation to middle Holocene (∼16,600 to 6000 calendar years ago) using multi-proxy data (total organic matter, total carbonate content, δ¹⁸ O calcite and δ¹³ C calcite) from a 5 m long sediment core from Seneca Lake, New York. Much of the regional postglacial warming occurred during the well-known Bolling and Allerod warm periods (∼14.5 to 13.0 ka), but climate amelioration in the northeastern United States preceded that in Greenland by ∼2000 years. An Oldest Dryas climate event (∼15.1 to 14.7 ka) is recognized in Seneca Lake as is a brief Older Dryas (∼14.1 ka) cold event. This latter cold event correlates with the regional expansion of glacial Lake Iroquois and global meltwater pulse IA. An increase in winter precipitation and a shorter growing season likely characterized the northeastern United States at this time. The Intra-Allerod Cold Period (∼13.2 ka) is also evident supporting an “Amphi-Atlantic Oscillation” at this time. The well-known Younger Dryas cold interval occurred in the northeastern United States between 12.9 and 11.6 ka, consistent with ice core data from Greenland. In the Seneca Lake record, however, the Younger Dryas appears as an asymmetric event characterized by an abrupt, high-amplitude beginning followed by a more gradual recovery. Compared to European records, the Younger Dryas in the northeastern United States was a relatively low-amplitude event. The largest amplitude and longest duration anomaly in the Seneca Lake record occurs after the Younger Dryas, between ∼11.6 and 10.3 ka. This “post-Younger Dryas climate interval” represents the last deglacial climate event prior to the start of the Holocene in the northeastern United States, but has not been recognized in Greenland or Europe. The early to middle Holocene in the northeastern United States was characterized by low-amplitude climate variability. A general warming trend during the Holocene Hypsithermal peaked at ∼9 ka coincident with maximum summer insolation controlled by orbital parameters. Millennial- to century-scale variability is also evident in the Holocene Seneca Lake record, including the well-known 8.2 ka cold event (as well as events at ∼7.1 and 6.6 ka). Hemispherical cooling during the Holocene Neoglacial in the northeastern United States began ∼5.5 ka in response to decreasing summer insolation.     

A New Method for Computing the Mean Center of Population of the United States

The mean center of population of the United States is a convenient location used to summarize the population distribution of the United States and how it changes over time. As computed by the U.S. Census Bureau, the center depends on an arbitrary choice of a map projection. We feel that this location should depend only on the population distribution and not on any choices made in representing the data of the distribution. This note discusses a method for computing this location that does not depend on any choices made and describes how the results of this method differ from those of the Census Bureau.     

中美巴印过去300年耕地时空变化的比较研究

本文利用长时间序列数据,对中、美、巴、印四国过去300 年耕地时空变化特征及驱动因素进行了比较分析。结果表明:①四国耕地总量在过去300 年均呈持续增长态势。中国和印度土地垦殖历史悠久,其中,中国在1700-1980s 耕地面积增加了68.21×10⁴ km²,印度在1700-2000 年增加了131.28×10⁴ km²,为中国的1.92 倍;美国和巴西虽然农业起步较晚,但发展迅猛,其中,美国在1700-1950 年的250 年间耕地面积增长了190.87×10⁴ km²,分别是中国、印度增量的2.80 倍和1.46 倍;巴西在1700-2000 年增加了64.57×10⁴ km²,其中近百年的增量为62.82×10⁴ km²,超过了同期其他三国的增加量。②从空间格局变化特征看,近300 年来,中国和印度均是在已有耕地分布格局的基础上向高原及山地丘陵地区扩展;而美国在“西进运动”的影响下,耕地大规模向中西部拓殖;巴西随着向北西部开发的推进,北部、西部地区的耕地急剧增加。③过去300 年推动四国土地垦殖发展最直接的驱动因素是国家政策,但就根本驱动因素而言,中国和印度是人口,而美国和巴西则是国家财政;在农技发展取向方面,中国和印度选择了精耕细作以提高土地生产率;而美国和巴西则选择了机械化以提高劳动生产率。     

移民对中国在美国直接投资的影响研究

基于中国对美国各州的移民和直接投资数据,运用重心模型分析得出：美国华人移民的人口重心和集聚重心均向东北方向移动,中国对美国直接投资的重心变化区域也位于美国东、中部地区,二者在空间上的重叠性和耦合性日益增强。进而运用灰色关联法实证华人移民对中国在美国直接投资的影响处于中等水平,且影响长期稳定。     

Earthquake intensity attenuation pattern in the United States

Summary. Attenuation of earthquake intensities with epicentral distance was studied by analysing the intensity data for 39 earthquakes in the United States. Attenuation of MM intensity ( I ) with distance (Δ km) follows a simple relation of the type log I = log I ₀ - m Δ, where I ₀ is the intensity at the epicentre and m is a constant. Slope m is found to be inversely proportional to the square of the focal depth. Intensity attenuation pattern in the United States in general can be represented by a unified relation I/I ₀= exp [-(0.8999/ h ²+ 0.0014)Δ] where 16km ≤ h ≤ 60km. Intensities were calculated with the help of this equation and a good agreement with the observed intensities were found. A comparative study has also been made between the attenuation relations applicable to India and the United States.     

A Spatial View of How United States Cesarean Section Rates Changed from 1990 to 2014

The overuse of cesarean sections (C-sections) in the United States is a contested issue. The rate of C-section births in 2015 at 32 percent was over double the World Health Organization recommendation of 10 to 15 percent. We employed spatial statistical methods and data visualization techniques to assess the temporal and spatial trends in C-section rates by county across the United States. Although the national rate of C-section remained stable at the beginning and end of this study period, an increase in rates from 1997 to 2009 was reflected simultaneously in national, state, and individual county rates. Local indicators of spatial dependence did not show spatial clustering as being connected to, or driving, the change, yet the visualization methods used here show details on individual county deviance from local temporal trends. By highlighting counties that do not follow the trends of their neighbors, we identify exceptional locations that could help further the study of the determinants of changing C-section rates in the United States. Key Words: cesarean sections, exploratory spatial data analysis, medical geography, spatial statistics.     

An investigation of the regional variations and frequency dependence of anelastic attenuation in the mantle under the United States in the 0.5–4 Hz band

Summary. Studies of teleseismic P -and S -wave amplitudes and spectra in the 0.5–4 Hz band show large variations in the attenuative properties of the upper mantle under the United States. The data indicate that attenuation is greatest under the south-western United States including, but not confined to, the Basin and Range province. The lowest attenuation prevails under the north central shield regions. The north-eastern part of the country, consisting of New England and possibly including a larger area along the eastern seaboard, is characterized by moderate attenuation in the mantle.
The level of the high-frequency energy in short-period seismic waves and the differences between Q values derived from short-and long-period data indicate that Q is frequency dependent. The form of frequency dependence of t * compatible with the data in the 0.5–4 Hz range does not allow a rapid decrease of t * with increasing frequency. Rather it supports a gradual decrease covering the broader 0.1–4 Hz range. The curves of t * versus frequency, for shield-to-shield and mixed shield-to-western United States type paths are parallel with an average difference of 0.2 s in t * in the short-period band, but may diverge towards the long-period band. For both curves t *_p is below 1 s. For shield-to-shield paths t *_p must be below 0.5 s at 1 Hz.     

中美产业技术创新能力比较研究

中美竞争，关键在于科技竞争，核心依托在于产业技术创新。本文基于IPC- NAICS的从专利类别到产业分类的识别体系，以装备制造业和信息通信产业为例，对比分析了中美两国在装备制造业和信息通信产业上的技术创新能力差异。研究发现：（1）中国装备制造业技术创新能力快速提升，但无论是在装备制造业整体技术创新能力上，还是在机械设备、医疗设备、运输设备和电气设备四个子产业技术创新能力上皆显著落后于美国；（2）中国信息通信产业技术创新能力快速追赶美国，尤其在通信设备产业上已实现反超，但在计算机、半导体和仪器测量三个子产业上与美国的差距依然明显。     

2000年以来中国对美国直接投资的时空演变

2000年以来,随着中国外向型经济的快速发展,以及中美经贸合作伙伴关系的不断深化,中国 对美国直接投资规模持续扩大,至2012年,美国已成为接收中国对外直接投资最大的国家。利用地理集中指数和空间自相关,以美国50个州和哥伦比亚特区为研究单元,分析2000-2014年中国对美国直接投资的时空演变过程及发展趋势。结果表明：①2000年以来COFDI在美国地域分布的不平衡程度有所下降,整体逐渐趋向均衡;②美国吸收COFDI的区域差异较大,南部地区总量领先但增速较慢,东北部、中西部、西部地区实力平均但增速较快,整体差距逐渐缩小;③在空间分布上,呈现由沿海向内陆,由南部向中西部扩散的趋势,表现为“以点带线,多点成面”的时空演化过程;④总体来看,COFDI的空间分布存在较弱的空间自相关性,集聚程度尚不显著,呈现“集聚--随机分布--离散”的空间形态,局部区域形成“冷、热区”的分化。     

Geodemographics,visualisation, and social networks in applied geography

This review begins by acknowledging the success of geodemographics as an important area of activity in applied geography. However, it then develops a critique of the conceptual and computational underpinnings of the approach, and argues that changes in data supply and online communication have rendered current practices obsolete. It presents elements of a new perspective, entailing: changes in the specification, estimation and testing of online geodemographic systems; adoption of consultative practices from online folksonomies; automated generation of pen portraits; and ‘on the fly’ visualisation of the outcome of geodemographic classifications.     

Fatal weather-related general aviation accidents in the United States

General, or private and non-commercial, aviation accidents produce more fatalities than any other aviation category within the United States. Despite advances in scientific understanding and technology since the early 1900s, weather causes concern for aviation safety, and little is known about the characteristics of fatal weather-related general aviation accidents. We provide a comprehensive spatiotemporal analysis of fatal weather-related general aviation accidents from 1982 through 2013 using data culled from the United States National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Weather was a cause or contributing factor in 35% of fatal general aviation accidents, of which 60% occurred while instrument meteorological conditions were present. Fatal weather-related general aviation accidents occur most frequently between October and April, on weekends, in early morning and evening periods, and along the West Coast, Colorado Rockies, Appalachian Mountains, and the Northeast. There has been a long-term reduction in weather-related general aviation accidents and fatalities since the 1980s; nonetheless, these accidents are still responsible for nearly 100 fatalities/year in the United States. This study provides pilots, academics, the Federal Aviation Administration, the NTSB, and other aviation organizations with information to advance mitigation efforts aimed at reducing future aviation-related accidents in the United States.