286 research outputs found
Downstream gradients in unit stream power influence log jam location and process domain
Growing calls for the use of natural materials and processes to meet management goals have positioned artificial log jams as a compelling alternative to hard engineering instream and floodplain habitat. Deep uncertainties remain, however, about where and how wood should be placed to best mimic natural river processes. In this study, I test whether at-a-point or downstream gradients in unit stream power, an estimate of a river’s ability to do work, exert control over where and how log jams form. Using field observations of 360 log jams in New Hampshire and Vermont and an additional 320 previously published locations of log jams in Colorado, I find that jams are more prevalent where unit stream power increases in the downstream direction in small watersheds but more prevalent where unit stream power decreases in the downstream direction in larger watersheds. At-a-point unit stream power did not have a consistent relationship with jam presence. The disproportionate number of jams on reaches of increasing unit stream power in small watersheds indicates preferential recruitment on those reaches, likely from erosional processes. At larger drainage areas, jams on reaches of decreasing stream power are more likely to be structured around a key log that is disconnected from the bank and are commonly situated on gravel bars and floodplain margins or trapped on roughness elements. I interpret these results as demonstrating a transition in dominant jam-forming mechanism from (1) jams formed by the recruitment of trees by erosional processes on reaches of increasing unit stream power at smaller drainage areas to (2) jams formed by depositional processes on reaches of decreasing unit stream power at larger drainage areas. This study demonstrates that stream power gradients reflect a physical process that contributes to log jam formation and can help guide engineered approaches to river restoration
Quantum probabilities as Bayesian probabilities
In the Bayesian approach to probability theory, probability quantifies a
degree of belief for a single trial, without any a priori connection to
limiting frequencies. In this paper we show that, despite being prescribed by a
fundamental law, probabilities for individual quantum systems can be understood
within the Bayesian approach. We argue that the distinction between classical
and quantum probabilities lies not in their definition, but in the nature of
the information they encode. In the classical world, maximal information about
a physical system is complete in the sense of providing definite answers for
all possible questions that can be asked of the system. In the quantum world,
maximal information is not complete and cannot be completed. Using this
distinction, we show that any Bayesian probability assignment in quantum
mechanics must have the form of the quantum probability rule, that maximal
information about a quantum system leads to a unique quantum-state assignment,
and that quantum theory provides a stronger connection between probability and
measured frequency than can be justified classically. Finally we give a
Bayesian formulation of quantum-state tomography.Comment: 6 pages, Latex, final versio
Integrating evidence, politics and society: a methodology for the science–policy interface
There is currently intense debate over expertise, evidence and ‘post-truth’ politics, and how this is influencing policy formulation and implementation. In this article, we put forward a methodology for evidence-based policy making intended as a way of helping navigate this web of complexity. Starting from the premise of why it is so crucial that policies to meet major global challenges use scientific evidence, we discuss the socio-political difficulties and complexities that hinder this process. We discuss the necessity of embracing a broader view of what constitutes evidence—science and the evaluation of scientific evidence cannot be divorced from the political, cultural and social debate that inevitably and justifiably surrounds these major issues. As a pre-requisite for effective policy making, we propose a methodology that fully integrates scientific investigation with political debate and social discourse. We describe a rigorous process of mapping, analysis, visualisation and sharing of evidence, constructed from integrating science and social science data. This would then be followed by transparent evidence evaluation, combining independent assessment to test the validity and completeness of the evidence with deliberation to discover how the evidence is perceived, misunderstood or ignored. We outline the opportunities and the problems derived from the use of digital communications, including social media, in this methodology, and emphasise the power of creative and innovative evidence visualisation and sharing in shaping policy
Quantum Bayes rule
We state a quantum version of Bayes's rule for statistical inference and give
a simple general derivation within the framework of generalized measurements.
The rule can be applied to measurements on N copies of a system if the initial
state of the N copies is exchangeable. As an illustration, we apply the rule to
N qubits. Finally, we show that quantum state estimates derived via the
principle of maximum entropy are fundamentally different from those obtained
via the quantum Bayes rule.Comment: REVTEX, 9 page
A Map of the Nanoworld: Sizing up the Science, Politics, and Business of the Infinitesimal
Mapping out the eight main nodes of nanotechnology discourse that have
emerged in the past decade, we explore how various scientific, social, and
ethical islands of discussion have developed, been recognized, and are being
continually renegotiated. We do so by (1) identifying the ways in which
scientists, policy makers, entrepreneurs, educators, and environmental groups
have drawn boundaries on issues relating to nanotechnology; (2) describing
concisely the perspectives from which these boundaries are drawn; and (3)
exploring how boundaries on nanotechnology are marked and negotiated by various
nodes of nanotechnology discourse.Comment: 25 page
Exploring new drilling prospects in the southwest Pacific
A major International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) workshop covering scientific ocean drilling in the southwest Pacific Ocean was held in Sydney, Australia, in late 2012. The workshop covered all fields of geoscience, and drilling targets in the area from the Equator to Antarctica. High-quality contributions and a positive and cooperative atmosphere ensured its success. The four science themes of the new IODP science plan were addressed. An additional resource-oriented theme considered possible co-investment opportunities involving IODP vessels. As a result of the workshop, existing proposals were revised and new ones written for the April 2013 deadline. Many of the proposals are broad and multidisciplinary in nature, hence broadening the scientific knowledge that can be produced by using the IODP infrastructure. This report briefly outlines the workshop and the related drilling plans
Exploring New Drilling Prospects in the Southwest Pacific
A major International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) workshop covering scientific ocean drilling in the southwest Pacific Ocean was held in Sydney, Australia, in late 2012. The workshop covered all fields of geoscience, and drilling targets in the area from the Equator to Antarctica. High-quality contributions and a positive and cooperative atmosphere ensured its success. The four science themes of the new IODP science plan were addressed. An additional resource-oriented theme considered possible co-investment opportunities involving IODP vessels. As a result of the workshop, existing proposals were revised and new ones written for the April 2013 deadline. Many of the proposals are broad and multidisciplinary in nature, hence broadening the scientific knowledge that can be produced by using the IODP infrastructure. This report briefly outlines the workshop and the related drilling plans
Neurobrucellosis in Stranded Dolphins, Costa Rica
Ten striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba, stranded along the Costa Rican Pacific coast, had meningoencephalitis and antibodies against Brucella spp. Brucella ceti was isolated from cerebrospinal fluid of 6 dolphins and 1 fetus. S. coeruleoalba constitutes a highly susceptible host and a potential reservoir for B. ceti transmission
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