The European vision for oceans and seas—Social and political dimensions of the Green Paper on Maritime Policy for the EU

The EU Green Paper on Maritime Policy is the European response to the new generation of ocean strategies based on science, technology and innovation aimed at new objectives, such as the strengthening of security and access to new resources. The European character of the proposal is found in the presence of social, cultural and historical elements, what is called the “European vision”. The viability of a European vision of the oceans and the idea of maritime empire as an extension of the current concept of empire within the general context of emerging ocean strategies are the elements offered up for debate on this European Union initiative.     

Growth and Production in Posidonia Oceanica (L.) Delile*

Abstract. In situ investigations of growth and production in a stand of Posidonia oceanica (L.) DELILE at a depth of 4 m at Ischia (Gulf of Naples) were carried out over two growing seasons. Posidonia starts to grow in August and an average bundle produces ten leaves in increasing time intervals until May. Growth curves for the leaves are given. Maximum leaf standing crop is in May with 1300 g dry weight per m^-2, leaf area index at this time reaches 22 m² m^-2. Leaf net productivity is highest in March with 12 g dry weight per m² per day. Annual leaf production is estimated as 3110 g dry weight per m², “underground” production as 115 g dry weight per m². About half the leaf production is exported from the system. Adaptive strategies of the growth and production pattern are discussed.     

Review of resource analysis and related studies: Working group,Mathematical Geology,freie Universität Berlin

The working group Mathematical Geology of the Freie Universität Berlin was formed in 1971. We review quantitative methods used by the working group since 1983 to treat mineral exploration problems. The methods applied vary from elementary statistical analysis of multivariate exploration data to optimal strategies for selecting favorable targets, and from multiobjective decision-making for additional drill hole locations to expert systems in exploration.The methods applied are directly related to the level of information at each stage of the exploration process. Special emphasis was placed on the relationship between and evaluation of subjective and objective data. Case studies illustrating the various methods are presented for different kinds of mineral deposits and exploration environments.     

相控阵技术在大气探测中的应用及面临的挑战

摘要： 近年国际上相控阵技术在大气探测领域中的应用有了重要进展,成为雷达气象学研究的又一新热点,并可能成为今后天气雷达发展的重要方向。介绍了相控阵技术在大气探测中应用现状和研究进展,以及近年在气象应用中所获得的最新研究结果,展望了相控阵技术的应用前景,进一步讨论了开展相控阵技术研究所面临的技术挑战和未来发展的方向。为我国开展相控阵天气雷达的研制提供参考。     

Comparative response analysis of conventional and innovative seismic protection strategies

The paper presents a numerical investigation aimed at evaluating the improvements achievable through devices for passive seismic protection of buildings based on the use of shape memory alloys (SMA) in place of conventional steel or rubber devices. To get some generality in the results, different resisting reinforced concrete plane frames were analysed, either protected or not. ‘New’ and ‘existing’ buildings were considered depending on whether seismic provisions are adopted in the building design or not. Base isolation and energy dissipation were equally addressed for both conventional and innovative SMA‐based devices. Fragility analyses were performed using specific damage measures to account for comparisons among different damage types; the results were then used to estimate quantitatively the effectiveness of the various protection systems. More specifically, the assessment involved a direct comparison of the damage reduction provided by each protection system with respect to the severe degradation experienced by the corresponding non‐protected frame. Structural damage, non‐structural damage and damage to contents were used on purpose and included in a subsequent phase of cost analysis to evaluate the expected gains also in terms of economic benefits and life loss prevention. The results indicate that base isolation, when applicable, provides higher degrees of safety than energy dissipation does; moreover, the use of SMA‐based devices generally brings about better performances, also in consideration of the reduced functional and maintenance requirements. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.