On quasi-periodic Baroclinic variability in the extratropical circulation

2016 Fall.Includes bibliographical references.A number of recent studies have demonstrated that large-scale extratropical wave activity is characterized by quasi-periodic behavior on timescales of 20-30 days, particularly in the Southern Hemisphere. This phenomenon has been termed the Baroclinic Annular Mode (BAM), and is responsible for the modulation of eddy heat fluxes, eddy kinetic energy, and precipitation on large scales. However, the extent to which this periodic modulation is discernable or significant on smaller spatial scales had not yet been established. Using data from the ECMWF Interim Reanalysis for the period 1979-2014, this study extensively examines the spatial structure of the BAM. Spectral analyses reveal the spatial limitations of the periodic behavior, while lag-correlation analyses reveal the patterns of propagation and development of anomalies that give rise to the observed periodicity. Periodic behavior is more robust in the Southern Hemisphere than in the Northern Hemisphere, but filtering out low wavenumbers from NH data helps clarify the BAM signal. Additionally, it is demonstrated that the BAM appears very differently in two relatively similar global climate models, suggesting further study is needed to determine how modern GCMs capture the BAM. Supplementing our analyses of observed and modeled data is a simple two-way linear feedback model, which is utilized to demonstrate the principal mechanism underlying periodic behavior in the BAM. The model makes it apparent that the BAM can be modeled as a simple linear feedback between baroclinicity and eddy heat fluxes. The periodicity seen on larger scales is a product of differential advection rates affecting the development of spatially overlapping, out-of-phase anomalies. The large-scale nature of the periodic behavior, however, makes it difficult to draw conclusions about the potential utility of the BAM for weather analysts and forecasters, and the limitations of this study limit our ability to describe its role in the climate system. It is hoped that the research presented here will pave the way to future studies which may more thoroughly answer such questions

Enhancing the Fan Experience in the Sport Industry

Much attention has been given lately to the term “fan experience”, often in the context of improved Wi-Fi connectivity, larger video boards, game-day smartphone apps, and entertainment during every stoppage of play (Muret, 2014; Kaplan, 2014). What is often overlooked in this focus on technology is the human element; namely, how game-day staff and team personnel interact with guests. These interactions can include security checkpoints, providing accurate information, crowd management, parking control, access control, and all other guest touchpoints. When staff members work in a culture of service, these guest interactions will reflect positively on your venue

Soccer Marketing in the United States

Soccer is continuing to grow in popularity in the United States. According to the U.S. Soccer Federation, there are more than 4 million players in the US, more than double the number in 1990 (Belson, 2010). The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (formerly SGMA) has found that total participation in soccer had increased nearly 3% annually in 2011 (Physical Activity Council, 2011). According to another SFIA study, however, a shortage of facilities and emphasis on tournament and showcase events may result in potential future downturn in participation (Athletic Business, 2012). There is also a shifting emphasis from tournament and showcase events (winning trophies) to player development, as evidenced by the formation of U.S. Soccer’s Development Academy and US Club Soccer’s National Premier Leagues. In addition, there is an increasing proliferation of the club-centric model. Marketing efforts have primarily focused on two main areas: increased participation, particularly at the youth level (Physical Activity Council, 2011; Hopkins, 2010, Wangerin, 2008) and increased revenue, spectatorship, and competitive success at the Olympic, World Cup, and professional levels (Kuper & Szymanski, 2012; Bondy, 2010; Dure, 2010; Wangerin, 2008; Pons & Standifird, 2007; Southall & Nagel, 2007). The results of these efforts have been mixed (Hopkins, 2010). There are many organizations in the United States whose main goal is to positively impact, market, and manage the growth of soccer at various levels of participation. The present study will summarize the historical, current, and future marketing efforts (including successes and failures) of the following organizations: • U.S. Soccer Foundation • U.S. Club Soccer • U.S. Soccer Federation • Major League Soccer • United Soccer Leagues • American Youth Soccer Organization • United States Adult Soccer Association • National Soccer Coaches Association of Americ

Re-branding: The Case of Southern Miss Athletics

In late July 2011, administrative trademark judges in the US Patent and Trademark Office ruled, in a 2-1 decision, that the University of Southern Mississippi would have to discontinue the use of its Golden Eagle logo because it was too similar in appearance to the University of Iowa Hawkeye (Hinton, 2011). Administrative trademark judge David Bucher wrote in his majority opinion that he backed Iowa\u27s claim that there would be the likelihood of confusion in merchandise sales between the schools and the “the overall similarity in appearance of the marks on the goods, particularly in light of the use of identical color schemes, creates virtually identical commercial impressions (Hinton, 2011). The purpose of this presentation is not to debate the merits of the legal hearing. Rather, the case describes how university administrators, students, alumni, faculty, and other constituents turned a seemingly negative judicial ruling into a positive opportunity to upgrade and improve the university’s brand. An outline of this inclusive process began to emerge when then-President Martha Saunders stated, “You can change the way a product looks, repackage it, put a new wrapper on it, but to brand an organization requires people.” USM engaged a local consulting firm to assist with its rebranding effort, and the importance of focusing on several traditional factors was evident. The present study looks at how the character, pride, authenticity, and strength of the athletic department were incorporated into the new logo and ultimately the university’s identity. Other issues to be addressed are: 1) The timeline for revealing the new logo 2) How other institutions handled similar roll-outs of new logos 3) Logistic issues in using the new logo 4) Costs of implementing the new log

The shear-driven Rayleigh problem for generalised Newtonian fluids

We consider a variant of the classical ‘Rayleigh problem’ (‘Stokes’s first problem’) in which a semi-infinite region of initially quiescent fluid is mobilised by a shear stress applied suddenly to its boundary. We show that self-similar solutions for the fluid velocity are available for any generalised Newtonian fluid, regardless of its constitutive law. We demonstrate how these solutions may be used to provide insight into some generic questions about the behaviour of unsteady, non-Newtonian boundary layers, and in particular the effect of shear thinning or thickening on the thickness of a boundary layer