Application of spatiotemporal pattern recognition techniques on predicting extratropical transition (and reintensification) of tropical cyclones
Traditional spatial decompositions such as application of Empirical Orthogonal Functions and Principal Components Analysis (PCA) of meteorological field data have received wide attention in numerous forecasting and analysis applications. The method has been used to identify the important spatial patterns in meteorological fields. Defining the variability between various cases of tropical cyclones is another application of the method. We are utilizing spatial and temporal data as a tool to differentiate the TCs that complete and fail to complete extratropical transition in the western North Pacific. It has been shown that EOF Analysis is a promising tool in the prediction of reintensification of TCs after ET
Extratropical transition of tropical cyclones over the Western North pacific. Part II: The impact of midlatitude circulation characteristics
Abstract Two characteristic midlatitude circulation patterns (labeled northwest and northeast) are found to be associated with extratropical transition (ET) of tropical cyclones over the western North Pacific Ocean. Although in both cases the tropical cyclone moves poleward ahead of a midlatitude trough, the primary midlatitude circulation is either that trough or is a large quasi-stationary cyclone to the northeast of the poleward-moving tropical cyclone. Transition into a northwest pattern typically results in the development within 36 h of an intense extratropical cyclone that moves north–northeast. A tropical cyclone that moves into a northeast pattern enters into strong zonal flow between the primary midlatitude circulation and the subtropical ridge to the southeast. These systems move rapidly eastward and do not intensify significantly during the 36 h following transition. In Part I of this study, the ET of Typhoon (TY) David (1997) and the ET of TY Opal (1997) were investigated in terms of the form...
Indian Fig Cactus (Opuntia Ficus-Indica (L.) Miller) in the Americas: an Uncertain History
Abstract: 
 Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller is a globally important cactus species with a long history of human use. In addition to the importance of O. ficus-indica as a food for humans and livestock, it also has long served a role in the production of cochineal, a once important textile dye. This cactus also is intimately interwoven into the story of Cactoblastis cactorum (Berg) (South American cactus moth), one of the best-known examples of biological weed control. In this regard, O. ficus-indica has been a target weed as well as an unintended host in C. cactorum invasion. Although the distribution and human-assisted movement of this cactus throughout much of the world is well documented, surprisingly little has been written about its history and movement within the Americas. Literature associated with Opuntia and their phytophagous pests in North and South America was examined in an attempt to determine the history of O. ficus-indica in the Americas. Available information suggests with some certainty that O. ficus-indica originated in present-day Mexico, but the timing of its introduction to South America is much less clear. Taxonomic difficulties associated with distinguishing among Opuntia species and the long pre-Columbian history of exchange between South American and Mesoamerican cultures are two primary complicating factors associated with dating the dispersal of this species to South America. Additionally, previous evidence in support of a pre-Columbian introduction to South America relied on questionable identification of insect-based textile dyes. These uncertainties are significant because clearer knowledge of the history of O. ficus-indica introduction to South America could provide a more complete biological and ecological context to efforts at managing this species in its native and introduced ranges, particularly with respect to the threat posed by C. cactorum in North American and Argentinean plantations.