bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The greenhouse gas project of ESA’s climate change initiative (GHG-CCI): overview, achievements and future plans
Authors: Buchwitz M. , Reuter M. , Schneising O. , Boesch H. , Aben I. , Alexe M. , Armante R. , Bergamaschi P. , Bovensmann H. , Brunner D. , Buchmann B. , Burrows J. P. , Butz A. , Chevallier F. , Chédin A. , Crevoisier C. D. , Gonzi S. , De Mazière M. , De Wachter E. , Detmers R. , Dils B. , Frankenberg C. , Hahne P. , Hasekamp O. P. , Hewson W. , Heymann J. , Houweling S. , Hilker M. , Kaminski T. , Kuhlmann G. , Laeng A. , v. Leeuwen T. T. , Lichtenberg G. , Marshall J. , Noël S. , Notholt J. , Palmer P. , Parker R. , Scholze M. , Stiller G. P. , Warneke T. , Zehner C.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The GHG-CCI project (http://www.esa-ghg-cci.org/) is one of several projects of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Climate Change Initiative (CCI). The goal of the CCI is to generate and deliver data sets of various satellite-derived Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) in line with GCOS (Global Climate Observing System) requirements. The “ECV Greenhouse Gases” (ECV GHG) is the global distribution of important climate relevant gases – namely atmospheric CO2 and CH4 - with a quality sufficient to obtain information on regional CO2 and CH4 sources and sinks. The main goal of GHG-CCI is to generate long-term highly accurate and precise time series of global near-surface-sensitive satellite observations of CO2 and CH4, i.e., XCO2 and XCH4, starting with the launch of ESA’s ENVISAT satellite. These products are currently retrieved from SCIAMACHY/ENVISAT (2002-2012) and TANSO-FTS/GOSAT (2009-today) nadir mode observations in the near-infrared/shortwave-infrared spectral region. In addition, other sensors (e.g., IASI and MIPAS) and viewing modes (e.g., SCIAMACHY solar occultation) are also considered and in the future also data from other satellites. The GHG-CCI data products and related documentation are freely available via the GHG-CCI website and yearly updates are foreseen. Here we present an overview about the latest data set (Climate Research Data Package No. 2 (CRDP#2)) and summarize key findings from using satellite CO2 and CH4 retrievals to improve our understanding of the natural and anthropogenic sources and sinks of these important atmospheric greenhouse gases. We also shortly mention ongoing activities related to validation and initial user assessment of CRDP#2 and future plans.
The Impact of Multi-Sensor Data Assimilation on Plant Parameter Retrieval and Yield Estimation for Sugar Beet
Authors: Hodrius M. , Migdall S. , Bach H. , Hank T.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Yield Maps are a basic information source for site-specific farming. For sugar beet they are not available as in-situ measurements. This gap of information can be filled with Earth Observation (EO) data in combination with a plant growth model (PROMET) to improve farming and harvest management. The estimation of yield based on optical satellite imagery and crop growth modelling is more challenging for sugar beet than for other crop types since the plants’ roots are harvested. These are not directly visible from EO. In this study, the impact of multi-sensor data assimilation on the yield estimation for sugar beet is evaluated. Yield and plant growth are modelled with PROMET. This multi-physics, raster-based model calculates photosynthesis and crop growth based on the physiological processes in the plant, including the distribution of biomass into the different plant organs (roots, stem, leaves and fruit) at different phenological stages. The crop variable used in the assimilation is the green (photosynthetically active) leaf area, which is derived as spatially heterogeneous input from optical satellite imagery with the radiative transfer model SLC (Soil-Leaf-Canopy). Leaf area index was retrieved from RapidEye, Landsat 8 OLI and Landsat 7 ETM+ data. It could be shown that the used methods are very suitable to derive plant parameters time-series with different sensors. The LAI retrievals from different sensors are quantitatively compared to each other. Results for sugar beet yield estimation are shown for a test-site in Southern Germany. The validation of the yield estimation for the years 2012 to 2014 shows that the approach reproduced the measured yield on field level with high accuracy. Finally, it is demonstrated through comparison of different spatial resolutions that small-scale in-field variety is modelled with adequate results at 20 m raster size, but the results could be improved by recalculating the assimilation at a finer spatial resolution of 5 m.
Assessing the impact of urbanization on urban climate by remote satellite perspective: a case study in Danang city, Vietnam
Authors: Hoang Khanh Linh N. , Van Chuong H.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Urban climate, one of the challenges of human being in 21 century, is known as the results of land use/cover transformation. Its characteristics are distinguished by different varieties of climatic conditions in comparison with those of less built-up areas. The alterations lead to “Urban Heat Island”, in which temperature in urban places is higher than surrounding environment. This happens not only in mega cities but also in less urbanized sites. The results determine the change of land use/cover and land surface temperature in Danang city by using multi-temporal Landsat and ASTER data for the period of 1990-2009. Based on the supervised classification method of maximum likelihood algorithm, satellite images in 1990, 2003, 2009 were classified into five classes: water, forest, shrub, agriculture, barren land and built-up area. For accuracy assessment, the error metric tabulations of mapped classes and reference classes were made. The Kappa statistics, derived from error matrices, were over 80% for all of land use maps. An comparison change detection algorithm was made in three intervals, 1990-2003, 2003-2009 and 1990-2009. The results showed that built-up area increased from 8.95% to 17.87% between 1990 and 2009, while agriculture, shrub and barren decreased from 12.98% to 7.53%, 15.72% to 9.89% and 3.88% to 1.77% due to urbanization that resulted from increasing of urban population and economic development, respectively. Land surface temperature (LST) maps were retrieved from thermal infrared bands of Landsat and ASTER data. The result indicated that the temperature in study area increased from 39oC to 41oC for the period of 1990-2009. Our analysis showed that built-up area had the highest LST values, whereas water bodies had the least LST. This study is expected to be useful for decision makers to make an appropriate land use planning which can mitigate the effect to urban climate.
Responses of vegetation growth to climate change in china
Authors: Li Z. , Zhou T.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Global warming-related climate changes have significantly impacted the growth of terrestrial vegetation. Quantifying the spatiotemporal characteristic of the vegetation’s response to climate is crucial for assessing the potential impacts of climate change on vegetation. In this study, we employed the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and the standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) that was calculated for various time scales (1 to 12 months) from monthly records of mean temperature and precipitation totals using 511 meteorological stations in China to study the response of vegetation types to droughts. We separated the NDVI into 12 time series (one per month) and also used the SPEI of 12 droughts time scales to make the correlation. The results showed that the differences exist in various vegetation types. For needle-leaved forest, broadleaf forest and shrubland, they responded to droughts at long time scales (9 to 12 months). For grassland, meadow and cultivated vegetation, they responded to droughts at short time scales (1 to 5months). The positive correlations were mostly found in arid and sub-arid environments where soil water was a primary constraining factor for plant growth, and the negative correlations always existed in humid environments where temperature and radiation played significant roles in vegetation growth. Further spatial analysis indicated that the positive correlations were primarily found in northern China, especially in northwestern China, which is a region that always has water deficit, and the negative correlations were found in southern China, especially in southeastern China, that is a region has water surplus most of the year. The disclosed patterns of spatiotemporal responses to droughts are important for studying the impact of climate change to vegetation growth.
Erosion Modelling In A Mediterranean Subcatchment Under Climate Change Scenarios Using Pan-European Soil Erosion Risk Assessment (PESERA)
Authors: Cilek A. , Berberoglu S. , Kirkby M. , Irvine B. , Donmez C. , Erdogan M.A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The Mediterranean region is particularly prone to erosion. This is because it is subject to long dry periods followed by heavy bursts of erosive rainfall, falling on steep slopes with fragile soils, resulting in considerable amounts of erosion. In parts of the Mediterranean region, erosion has reached a stage of irreversibility and in some places erosion has practically ceased because there is no more soil left. With a very slow rate of soil formation, any soil loss of more than 1 t ha−1 yr−1 can be considered as irreversible within a time span of 50-100 years. The objectives of this study were i) to estimate the temporal and spatial distribution of soil erosion under climate change scenarios in study area ii) to assess the hydrological runoff processes. In this study, climate data, land use, topographic and physiographic properties were assembled for Egribuk Subcatchment at Seyhan River Basin in Turkey and used in a process-based Geographical Information System (GIS) to determine the hydrological sediment potential and quantify reservoir sedimentation. The estimated amount of sediment transported downstream is potentially large based on hydrological runoff processes using the Pan-European Soil Erosion Risk Assessment (PESERA) model. The detailed model inputs included 128 variables derived mainly from, soil, climate, land use/cover, topography data sets. The outcomes of this research were spatial and temporal distribution of erosion amount in t ha−1 yr−1 or month−1.
Monitoring of rapid land cover changes in eastern Japan using Terra/MODIS data
Authors: Harada I. , Hara K. , Park J. , Asanuma I. , Tomita M. , Hasegawa D. , Short K. , Fujihara M
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Vegetation and land cover in Japan are rapidly changing. Abandoned farmland in 2010, for example, was 396,000 ha, or triple that of 1985. Efficient monitoring of changes in land cover is vital to both conservation of biodiversity and sustainable regional development. The Ministry of Environment is currently producing 1/25,000 scale vegetation maps for all of Japan, but the work is not yet completed. Traditional research is time consuming, and has difficulty coping with the rapid nature of change in the modern world. In this situation, classification of various scale remotely sensed data can be of premier use for efficient and timely monitoring of changes in vegetation.. In this research Terra/MODIS data is utilized to classify land cover in all of eastern Japan. Emphasis is placed on the Tohoku area, where large scale and rapid changes in vegetation have occurred in the aftermath of the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake of 11 March 2011. Large sections of coastal forest and agricultural lands, for example, were directly damaged by the earthquake or inundated by subsequent tsunami. Agricultural land was also abandoned due to radioactive contamination from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident. The classification results are interpreted within the framework of a Landscape Transformation Sere model developed by Hara et al (2010), which presents a multi-staged pattern for tracking vegetation changes under successively heavy levels of human interference. The results of the research will be useful for balancing conservation of biodiversity and ecosystems with the needs for regional redevelopment.
Remote Sensing of High Temperature Events by the FireBird Mission
Authors: Lorenz E. , Mitchell S. , Säuberlich T. , Paproth C. , Halle W. , Frauenberger O.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. More than 10 years after the launch of DLR’s first small satellite BIRD, a follow on project called FireBird was started. Based on the success of the BIRD mission, the main scientific goal- the investigation of high temperature events and their impact on the climatic processes- will be continued but in consideration to the advantages given by the operation of a constellation of two small satellites. The first of these satellites- TET-1- was launched on June 22nd 2012. The launch of the second satellite- BIROS- is scheduled for spring 2016. Both satellites are mainly dedicated to the observation and analysis of high temperature events such as wildfires and volcanoes. The outstanding feature of the FireBird Infrared Instruments is their higher ground sample resolution and dynamic range compared to systems such as MODIS. This enables the detection of smaller fire events and improves the quality of the quantitative analysis. The analysis of the high temperature events is based on the Bi- Spectral Method, which requires also an excellent characterization of the background temperatures. With this the FireBird Infrared Instruments are also suitable to study phenomena with lower temperatures. Following the experience of BIRD, the design of the camera system in the visible bands was changed and with this altering the characteristics of the Bi- Spectral Method. These changes were validated in several experiments and the results will be discussed in this paper. To overcome some restrictions of the small satellite technology, advanced on board processing will be implemented on the FireBird satellites. By implementing the Bi- Spectral Method on board, it is possible to reduce the data stream to a dedicated list of detected high temperature events containing the parameter analyzed. This allows more efficient management of the on board memory and of the downlink capabilities considering also the demand to download selected image data.
Quantification of the terrestrial phytomass and carbon in the mountainous forest ecosystem using remote sensing and in-situ observations
Authors: Patil P. , Dutta D. , Biradar C. , Singh M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The aim of this research was to develop an understanding of how mountainous forests function in relation to forest phytomass and carbon accumulation in the terrestrial vegetation pools which will help develop options for climate change. In this study, the forest phytomass has been assessed in range of subtropical and temperate forest dominated by tree species of Quercus semicarpifolia Sm. and Pinus roxburghii Sarg in Himalayan region Purola tehsil in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state of India. In-situ measurements of the phytomass were taken with clustered sampling approach on a total of 40 plots (0.1 ha each), i.e. in 10 MODIS pixels with 4 plots laid in an individual pixel. The field measured phytomass was found in the range of 67.76 - 1,108 t ha-1. Weighted-area phytomass was estimated at an individual MODIS (MOD13Q1, 250m) pixel where in-situ measurements varied from 207.93 t ha-1 - 1,042 t ha-1. The best fit equation of pixel phytomass values was regressed on red, infra-red and vegetation indices (NDVI) derived from the MODIS data. The correlation between the measured phytomass and NDVI was found significant and maximum in the month of December (R value -0.71, p < 0.01). However, such a relationship was not persistent throughout the year. The R2 value between observed phytomass and predicted phytomass was 0.53. The predicted phytomass based on 250×250 m MODIS data varied from 216.88 - 1,011 t ha-1. The average phytomass density in study area was 470.42 t ha-1 and carbon density 221.09 t ha-1.
Tree number estimation with the use of VHR natural colour orthophotos over a heterogeneous landscape in northern Greece
Authors: Stournara P. , Tsakiri-Strati M. , Siachalou S. , Doxani G. , Mallinis G. , Tsioukas V.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Spatial explicit knowledge regarding the quantity and the spatial distribution of forest parameters is crucial for sustainable forest management, as well as in fulfilling national reporting needs in the framework of international treaties (i.e. Kyoto Protocol, FAO, EFFIS etc). Especially, tree number which can be used for assessing forest tree density (tree number/ha), is among the most important and laboursome parameters to be measured in the field. The aim of this study is to estimate tree number based on the use of nationwide, freely available, very high spatial resolution orthophotos acquired from Greek National Cadastre and Mapping Agency during the 2007-2009 period. The study area is the University Forest of Taxiarchis, which is located in central Halkidiki, Northern Greece. The dominant species of the forest includes both broadleaves (oak, beech) and coniferous species (Black pine, Calabrian pine), which are found in both pure and mixed stands. Tree crown detection was tested on natural color orthophoto bands in several plots. The principal components and intensity-hue-saturation transformations were also applied in order to enhance tree detection accuracy. Local maxima technique was utilized for tree crown detection. Accuracy results were evaluated based on field plot data available from the official forest management plan of the area completed in 2011. Overall, the detection accuracy exceeded 50% which is deemed satisfactory considering also the heterogeneity of the Mediterranean landscape and the limited spectral resolution of the remote sensing data available.
Fusion of hyperspectral and lidar data based on dimension reduction and maximum likelihood
Authors: Abbasi B. , Arefi H. , Bigdeli B. , Motagh M. , Roessner S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Limitations and deficiencies of different remote sensing sensors in extraction of different objects caused fusion of data from different sensors to become more widespread for improving classification results. Using a variety of data which are provided from different sensors, increase the spatial and the spectral accuracy. Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) data fused together with hyperspectral images (HSI) provide rich data for classification of the surface objects. Lidar data representing high quality geometric information plays a key role for segmentation and classification of elevated features such as buildings and trees. On the other hand, hyperspectral data containing high spectral resolution would support high distinction between the objects having different spectral information such as soil, water, and grass. This paper presents a fusion methodology on Lidar and hyperspectral data for improving classification accuracy in urban areas. In first step, we applied feature extraction strategies on each data separately. In this step, texture features based on GLCM (Grey Level Co-occurrence Matrix) from Lidar data and PCA (Principal Component Analysis) and MNF (Minimum Noise Fraction) based dimension reduction methods for HSI are generated. In second step, a Maximum Likelihood (ML) based classification method is applied on each feature spaces. Finally, a fusion method is applied to fuse the results of classification. A co-registered hyperspectral and Lidar data from University of Houston was utilized to examine the result of the proposed method. This data contains nine classes: Building, Tree, Grass, Soil, Water, Road, Parking, Tennis Court and Running Track. Experimental investigation proves the improvement of classification accuracy to 88%.
Geomatics for Mapping of Groundwater Potential Zones in Northern Part of the United Arab Emiratis - Sharjah City
Authors: Al-Ruzouq R. , Shanableh A. , Merabtene T.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. In United Arab Emirates (UAE) domestic water consumption has increased rapidly over the last decade. The increased demand for high-quality water, create an urgent need to evaluate the groundwater production of aquifers. The development of a reasonable model for groundwater potential is therefore crucial for future systematic developments, efficient management, and sustainable use of groundwater resources. The objective of this study is to map the groundwater potential zones in northern part of UAE and assess the contributing factors for exploration of potential groundwater resources. Remote sensing data and geographic information system will be used to locate potential zones for groundwater. Various maps (i.e., base, soil, geological, Hydro-geological, Geomorphologic Map, structural, drainage, slope, land use/land cover and average annual rainfall map) will be prepared based on geospatial techniques. The groundwater availability of the basin will qualitatively classified into different classes based on its hydro-geo-morphological conditions. The land use/land cover map will be also prepared for the different seasons using a digital classification technique with a ground truth based on field investigation.
Solid Waste Management in Greater Shillong Planning Area (GSPA) Using Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for Site Suitability Assessment
Authors: Mipun B. S. , Hazarika R. , Mondal M. , Mukhopadhyay S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. In Shillong city the existing solid waste management system is mobile waste bins (72%). About 12 percent burn the waste generated by them. Door to door collection is about 5 percent. Over 2 percent households throw the wastes in the open space. Another 9 percent households throw their wastes into the waste bins located in the neighbourhood. The local headman takes care about half of the household’s wastes, while Municipality takes care about 34 percent households. About 10 percent households are ignorant about the collection and disposal of wastes. Some NGO’s takes care about 5 percent household’s wastes. Awareness about segregation of waste into organic and non-bio degradable waste is 64 percent and a significant numbers do the segregation. In Shillong Municipality Board (SMB) area collects 45.91% (78.42 MT) waste, outside SMB area collection is 32.61% (45.99 MT) and entire GSPA the percentage of garbage collected is 41percent. The only dumping ground in GSPA is Marten, Mawiong, and the capacity to hold garbage is decreasing due to limited landfill. The sanitary landfill site is 5.0 acres that it is not enough to meet the demand. Out of he total area 170.69 sq. km. (GSPA) only 25.67% is most suitable and 18.58% is unsuitable to set up a new landfill area. Eastern part of the GSPA, is most suitable, which fulfils the entire criterion adopted in this study. In this the best-stated criterion are land cover (vacant space), slope (<15%), proximity to road (400-800m), distance from River (>2000m) and elevation (1300-1500m). The eastern part of the GSPA is most suitable landfill location.
Heterogeneous access and processing of EO-Data on a Cloud based Infrastructure delivering operational Products
Authors: Niggemann F. , Appel F. , Bach H. , de la Mar J. , Schirpke B. , Dütting K. , Rücker G. , Leimbach D.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. To address the challenges of effective data handling faced by Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) a cloud-based infrastructure for accessing and processing of Earth Observation(EO)-data has been developed within the project APPS4GMES(www.apps4gmes.de). To gain homogenous multi mission data access an Input Data Portal (IDP) been implemented on this infrastructure. The IDP consists of an Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) conformant catalogue, a consolidation module for format conversion and an OGC-conformant ordering framework. Metadata of various EO-sources and with different standards is harvested and transferred to an OGC conformant Earth Observation Product standard and inserted into the catalogue by a Metadata Harvester. The IDP can be accessed for search and ordering of the harvested datasets by the services implemented on the cloud infrastructure. Different land-surface services have been realised by the project partners, using the implemented IDP and cloud infrastructure. Results of these are customer ready products, as well as pre-products (e.g. atmospheric corrected EO data), serving as a basis for other services. Within the IDP an automated access to ESA’s Sentinel-1 Scientific Data Hub has been implemented. Searching and downloading of the SAR data can be performed in an automated way. With the implementation of the Sentinel-1 Toolbox and own software, for processing of the datasets for further use, for example for Vista’s snow monitoring, delivering input for the flood forecast services, can also be performed in an automated way. For performance tests of the cloud environment a sophisticated model based atmospheric correction and pre-classification service has been implemented. Tests conducted an automated synchronised processing of one entire Landsat 8 (LS-8) coverage for Germany and performance comparisons to standard desktop systems. Results of these tests, showing a performance improvement by the factor of six, proved the high flexibility and computing power of the cloud environment. To make full use of the cloud capabilities a possibility for automated upscaling of the hardware resources has been implemented. Together with the IDP infrastructure fast and automated processing of various satellite sources to deliver market ready products can be realised, thus increasing customer needs and numbers can be satisfied without loss of accuracy and quality.
New Methods in Acquisition, Update and Dissemination of Nature Conservation Geodata - Implementation of an Integrated Framework
Authors: Tintrup gen. Suntrup G. , Jalke T. , Streib L. , Keck N. , Nieland S. , Moran N. , Kleinschmit B. , Trapp M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Within the framework of this project methods are being tested and implemented a) to introduce remote sensing based approaches into the existing process of biotope mapping and b) to develop a framework serving the multiple requirements arising from different users’ backgrounds and thus the need for comprehensive data interoperability. Therefore state-wide high resolution land cover vector-data have been generated in an automated object oriented workflow based on aerial imagery and a normalised digital surface models.These data have been enriched by an extensive characterisation of the individual objects by e.g. site specific, contextual or spectral parameters utilising multitemporal satellite images, DEM-derivatives and multiple relevant geo-data. Parameters are tested on relevance in regard to the classification process using different data mining approaches and have been used to formalise categories of the European nature information system (EUNIS) in a semantic framework. The Classification will be realised by ontology-based reasoning. Dissemination and storage of data is developed fully INSPIRE-compatible and facilitated via a web portal. Main objectives of the project are a) maximum exploitation of existing “standard” data provided by state authorities, b) combination of these data with satellite imagery (Copernicus), c) create land cover objects and achieve data interoperability through low number of classes but comprehensive characterisation and d) implement algorithms and methods suitable for automated processing on large scales.
Multiple Auto-Adapting Color Balancing for Large Number of Images
Authors: Zhou X.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. This paper presents a powerful technology of color balance between images. It does not only work for small number of images but also work for unlimited large number of images. Multiple adaptive methods are used. To obtain color seamless mosaic dataset, local color is adjusted adaptively towards the target color. Local statistics of the source images are computed based on the so-called adaptive dodging window. The adaptive target colors are statistically computed according to multiple target models. The gamma function is derived from the adaptive target and the adaptive source local stats. It is applied to the source images to obtain the color balanced output images. Five target color surface models are proposed. They are color point (or single color), color grid, 1st, 2nd and 3rd 2D polynomials. Least Square Fitting is used to obtain the polynomial target color surfaces. Target color surfaces are automatically computed based on all source images or based on an external target image. Some special objects such as water and snow are filtered by percentage cut or a given mask. Excellent results are achieved. The performance is extremely fast to support on-the-fly color balancing for large number of images (possible of hundreds of thousands images). Detailed algorithm and formulae are described. Rich examples including big mosaic datasets (e.g., contains 36,006 images) are given. Excellent results and performance are presented. The results show that this technology can be successfully used in various imagery to obtain color seamless mosaic. This algorithm has been successfully using in ESRI ArcGis.
Rice-planted area extraction by time series analysis of ENVISAT ASAR WS data using a phenology-based classification approach: A case study for Red River Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen D. , Wagner W. , Naeimi V. , Cao S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Recent studies have shown the potential of Synthetic Aperture Radars (SAR) for mapping of rice fields and some other vegetation types. For rice field classification, conventional classification techniques have been mostly used including manual threshold-based and supervised classification approaches. The challenge of the threshold-based approach is to find acceptable thresholds to be used for each individual SAR scene. Furthermore, the influence of local incidence angle on backscatter hinders using a single threshold for the entire scene. Similarly, the supervised classification approach requires different training samples for different output classes. In case of rice crop, supervised classification using temporal data requires different training datasets to perform classification procedure which might lead to inconsistent mapping results. In this study we present an automatic method to identify rice crop areas by extracting phonological parameters after performing an empirical regression-based normalization of the backscatter to a reference incidence angle. The method is evaluated in the Red River Delta (RRD), Vietnam using the time series of ENVISAT Advanced SAR (ASAR) Wide Swath (WS) mode data. The results of rice mapping algorithm compared to the reference data indicate the Completeness (User accuracy), Correctness (Producer accuracy) and Quality (Overall accuracies) of 88.8%, 92.5 % and 83.9 % respectively. The total area of the classified rice fields corresponds to the total rice cultivation areas given by the official statistics in Vietnam (R²  0.96). The results indicates that applying a phenology-based classification approach using backscatter time series in optimal incidence angle normalization can achieve high classification accuracies. In addition, the method is not only useful for large scale early mapping of rice fields in the Red River Delta using the current and future C-band Sentinal-1A&B backscatter data but also might be applied for other rice cultivation areas.
Using eCognition to automatically detect and map avalanche deposits from the spring 2009 avalanche cycle in the Tatra mts., Slovakia
Authors: Frauenfelder R. , Lato M. J. , Biskupič M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Here we present results from ongoing work where we apply an object oriented mapping algorithm developed in eCognition in order to automatically identify and digitally map avalanche deposits. The algorithm performance is compared with respect to a selected number of manually digitized avalanche outlines mapped by avalanche experts.
Lava Flow Monitoring Using TET-1 Satellite
Authors: Zakšek K. , Lorenz E. , Hort M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Lava flow monitoring using satellites provides information on the temporal evolution of volcanic activity. It is usually done using metrological satellites because of the lack of more suitable satellites. The advantage of many meteorological satellites is the availability of appropriate spectral bands. For lava flow monitoring are most useful data in spectrum 3–4 μm (MIR) and 9–12 μm (TIR). However, the spatial resolution of meteorological satellites is usually very coarse causing uncertainties in results. Here we present the first long term satellite monitoring of an active lava flow on Stromboli volcano (end of August till the beginning of November 2014) in high spatial resolution (160 m) and relatively high temporal resolution (~3 days). We analysed data from a test satellite TET-1, which is a test satellite developed at DLR. It carries an instrument dedicated to monitoring of high temperature events. MIR band observations are often saturated at the meteorological satellites. This is not the case of TET-1, although their spatial resolution is very fine for a thermal sensor. TET-1 retrieved 27 datasets over Stromboli during its effusive activity. Some of images were cloudy situations, but most of them were very useful for monitoring of the lava flow radiant power.
A comparison of Landsat 8 (OLI) and Landsat 7 (ETM+) in mapping geology and visualising lineaments: A case study of central region Kenya
Authors: Mwaniki M. W. , Moeller M. S. , Schellmann G.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Availability of multispectral remote sensing data cheaply and its higher spectral resolution compared to remote sensing data with higher spatial resolution has proved valuable for geological mapping exploitation and mineral mapping. This has benefited applications such as landslide quantification, fault pattern mapping, rock and lineament mapping especially with advanced remote sensing techniques and the use of short wave infrared bands. While Landsat and Aster data have been used to map geology in arid areas and band ratios suiting the application established, mapping in geology in highland regions has been challenging due to vegetation land cover. The aim of this study was to map geology and investigate bands suited for geological applications in a study area containing semi arid and highland characteristics. Therefore, Landsat 7 (ETM+, 2000) and Landsat 8 (OLI, 2014) were compared in determining suitable bands suited for geological mapping in the study area. The methodology consist performing principal component and factor loading analysis, IHS transformation and decorrelation stretch of the FCC with the highest contrast, band rationing and examining FCC with highest contrast, and then performing knowledge base classification. PCA factor loading analysis with emphasis on geological information showed band combination (5, 7, 3) for Landsat 7 and (6, 7, 4) for Landsat 8 had the highest contrast and more contrast was enhanced by performing decorrelation stretch. Band ratio combination (3/2, 5/1, 7/3) for Landsat 7 and (4/3, 6/2, 7/4) for Landsat 8 had more contrast on geologic information and formed the input data in knowledge base classification. Lineament visualisazion was achieved by performing IHS transformation of FCC with highest contrast and its saturation band combined as follows: Landsat 7 (IC1, PC2, saturation band), Landsat 8 (IC1, PC4, saturation band). The results were compared against existing geology maps and were superior and could be used to update the existing maps.
VESSEL CLASSIFICATION IN COSMO-SKYMED SAR DATA USING HIERARCHICAL FEATURE SELECTION
Authors: Makedonas A. , Theoharatos C. , Tsagaris V. , Anastasopoulos V. , Costicoglou S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. SAR based ship detection and classification are important elements of maritime monitoring applications. Recently, high-resolution SAR data have opened new possibilities to researchers for achieving improved classification results. In this work, a hierarchical vessel classification procedure is presented based on a robust feature extraction and selection scheme that utilizes scale, shape and texture features in a hierarchical way. Initially, different types of feature extraction algorithms are implemented in order to form the utilized feature pool, able to represent the structure, material, orientation and other vessel type characteristics. A two-stage hierarchical feature selection algorithm is utilized next in order to be able to discriminate effectively civilian vessels into three distinct types, in COSMO-SkyMed SAR images: cargos, small ships and tankers. In our analysis, scale and shape features are utilized in order to discriminate smaller types of vessels present in the available SAR data, or shape specific vessels. Then, the most informative texture and intensity features are incorporated in order to be able to better distinguish the civilian types with high accuracy. A feature selection procedure that utilizes heuristic measures based on features’ statistical characteristics, followed by an exhaustive research with feature sets formed by the most qualified features is carried out, in order to discriminate the most appropriate combination of features for the final classification. In our analysis, five COSMO-SkyMed SAR data with 2.2m x 2.2m resolution were used to analyse the detailed characteristics of these types of ships. A total of 111 ships with available AIS data were used in the classification process. The experimental results show that this method has good performance in ship classification, with an overall accuracy reaching 83%. Further investigation of additional features and proper feature selection is currently in progress.
Accelerated sea level rise and Florida Current transport
Authors: Park J. , Sweet W.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The Florida Current is the headwater of the Gulf Stream and is a component of the North Atlantic western boundary current from which a geostrophic balance between sea surface height and mass transport directly influence coastal sea levels along the Florida Straits. A linear regression of daily Florida Current transport estimates does not find a significant change in transport over the last decade, however, a nonlinear trend extracted from empirical mode decomposition suggests a 3 Sv decline in mean transport. This decline is consistent with observed tide gauge records in Florida Bay and the Straits, all exhibiting an acceleration of mean sea level rise over the decade. It is not known whether this recent change represents natural variability or the onset of the anticipated secular decline in Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, nonetheless, such changes have direct impacts on the sensitive ecological systems of the Everglades as well as the climate of western Europe and eastern North America.
Tectonic evolution and high-pressure rock exhumation in the Qiangtang terrane, central Tibet
Authors: Zhao Z. , Bons P. D. , Wang G. , Soesoo A. , Liu Y.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Conflicting interpretations of the > 500 km long, east–west-trending Qiangtang metamorphic belt have led to very different and contradicting models for the Permo–Triassic tectonic evolution of central Tibet. We define two metamorphic events, one that only affected pre-Ordovician basement rocks and one subduction-related Triassic high-pressure metamorphism event. Detailed mapping and structural analysis allowed us to define three main units that were juxtaposed due to collision of the north and south Qiangtang terranes after closure of the Ordovician–Triassic ocean that separated them. The base is formed by the Precambrian–Carboniferous basement, followed by non-metamorphic ophiolitic mélange containing mafic rocks that range in age from the Ordovician to Middle Triassic. The top of the sequence is formed by strongly deformed sedimentary mélange that contains up to > 10 km size rafts of both unmetamorphosed Permian sediments and high-pressure blueschists. We propose that the high-pressure rocks were exhumed from underneath the south Qiangtang terrane in an extensional setting caused by the pull of the northward subducting slab of the Shuanghu–Tethys. High-pressure rocks, sedimentary mélange and margin sediments were thrust on top of the ophiolitic mélange that was scraped off the subducting plate. Both units were subsequently thrust on top of the south Qiantang terrane continental basement. Onset of Late Triassic sedimentation marked the end of the amalgamation of both Qiangtang terranes and the beginning of spreading between Qiantang and north Lhasa to the south, leading to the deposition of thick flysch deposits in the Jurassic.
Table of Contents
Authors: Reinsfelder Tom
Published: April 2015

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Additions to rust and chytrid pathogens of Turkey
Authors: Özaslan Cumali , Erdoğdu Makbule , Hüseyin Elşad , Suludere Zekiye
Published: April 2015

Uromyces bornmuelleri on Bongardia chrysogonum and Physoderma maculare on Alisma plantago-aquatica have been recently discovered in Turkey. Morphological data obtained by light and scanning electron microscopy of identified fungi are presented.
Periconiella liquidambaricola sp. nov. – a new Chinese hyphomycete
Authors: Braun Uwe , Bien Steffen , Hönig Lydia , Heuchert Bettina
Published: April 2015

The new species Periconiella liquidambaricola, collected on living leaves of Liquidambar formosana (Altingiaceae) in Jiangxi Province, China, is described, illustrated and compared with other species of the genus Periconiella. The new fungus is the first
species described from a host belonging to the Altingiaceae. Periconiella liquidambaricola is well characterized by its very long conidiophores and smooth, pale scolecosporous conidia. It has similar conidia to Periconiella lygodii on fronds of Lygodium flexuosum
in India, but differs in having conidia with attenuated to acute apexes and much longer conidiophores with uninflated bases.
Emirati teachers' perceptions of voice handicap
Authors: Said Natour Yaser , Efthymiou Efthymia , Sartawi Abdel Aziz , Almuhairy Osha , Marie Basem
Published: April 2015

Objectives. The purpose of the study was to explore Emirati teachers’ perceptions of voice handicap and to analyze their acoustic characteristics to determine whether acoustic measures of teachers’ voice would verify their perceptions of voice handicap.
Methods. 66 Emirati school teachers (33 males and 33 females, with different years of teaching experience and age) and 100 control participants (50 males and 50 females) underwent vocal assessment that included the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-Arab) and acoustic measures (F0, Jitter%, Shimmer%, SNR).
Results. Significant differences between the teachers’ group scores and the control group scores on the following subscales of VHI-Arab: physical (p = 0.006), emotional (p = 0.004)) and in the total score of the test (p = 0.002) were tested. No significant differences were found among teachers in the three VHI subscales, and the total score regarding gender (functional p = 0.307; physical p = 0.341; emotional p = 0.126; and total p = 0.184), age (functional p = 0.972; physical p = 0.525; emotional p = 0.772; and total p = 0.848), and years of teaching experience (functional p = 0.319; physical p = 0.619; emotional p = 0.926; and total p = 0.638). Significant differences between the teacher’s group and the control group in terms of three acoustic measures: F0= (p= 0.000), Shimmer% (p= 0.000), and SNR (p=0.000) were investigated. Significant differences were found among female and male teachers in F0 (p = 0.00) and SNR (p = 0.007). As for teachers’ age, significant differences were found in SNR (p = 0.028). Teachers’ years of experience did not show significant differences in any of the acoustic measures.
A new pedagogic modules for training graduate student in research methodology
Authors: Magid Hamouda Abdel , Judd Simon
Published: April 2015

Research Methodology is a required course common to most graduate programs globally. The applied research methodology course at the College of Engineering, Qatar University is a compulsory course for all graduate students. In this course, various aspects of the foundation, types and methods of research are covered in the curriculum, along with experimental programme planning, research article writing, data processing and depiction, and the increasingly important (and often contentious) subject of bibliometrics. To fully engage the students with the key course element of the reading and critical assessment of published research papers, active learning is introduced. From the first week, students are actively engaged in the course, with the course mentor establishing the motivation for the course and the palpable benefits offered by it in furthering the research and, on a more practical level, the production of research articles. Active debate during presentations is encouraged, creating a climate conducive to critical thinking which underpins research per se.

A conference is organized as part of the course to familiarize the students with the processes and etiquette of conference paper submission and presentations. This includes call for papers, submission of abstracts through the online system, communication with conference organizers, conference registration, transferring copyright, and full paper submission according to standard paper format. Each author of an accepted paper is given the opportunity to present their work orally in front of a panel of 4 faculty members and the conference participants. Time management and communication skills form a critical part of the assessment criteria. Students are also expected to develop a complete research proposal, again according to strict criteria as befit those instigated by the various funding agencies.

From the course assessment and student course outcomes surveys, it has been found that the interest, engagement and learning curve for students has increased with these novel aspects. In summary, the approach has been interesting and led to further enhancement of the student learning process through the use of different learning styles with varied and innovative teaching techniques.
الذكاء المنظومى واثره على الانجاز الاكاديمي فى ضوء نظرية العبء المعرفى لدى طلاب الجامعة.
Authors: Ahmed Diab Mohamad
Published: April 2015

Systemic intelligence is considered to be the newest type of intelligences recently discovered, as this term came to existence in 2002. It is considered to be the ability to recognize the impact and vulnerability relationships between elements of the system, the realization feedback reciprocity between those elements, the ability to control the elements and development of the system to achieve the best products of the system, and enhance its effectiveness.

The theory of cognitive burden aims to develop the educational model so that the learning process takes place within the working memory, thus limiting the additional cause of a cognitive burden. This theory also aimed at optimal allocation of limited cognitive resources to the working memory of the learner through the formation of cognitive structures in long-term memory in order to bring about learning.

The present study aimed to identify the systemic intelligence and its impact on the academic achievements of students at Hael University in Saudi Arabia. The research sample consisted of 200 male and female students at the university. A gauge of systemic intelligence, a measure of the cognitive burden, a descriptive approach for research, and a statistical treatment using SPSS statistical package program were all utilized in the study.

The results concluded a correlation between systemic intelligence and academic achievement. While there were no significant differences between males and females in the systemic intelligence.