bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Biomass Carbon Stocks over Peat Swamp Forests using Multi-Temporal and Multi-Polratizations SAR Data
Authors: Wijaya A. , Liesenberg V. , Susanti A. , Karyanto O. , Verchot L. V.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The capability of L-band radar backscatter to penetrate through the forest canopy is useful for mapping the forest structure, including above ground biomass (AGB) estimation. Recent studies confirmed that the empirical AGB models generated from the L-band radar backscatter can provide favourable estimation results, especially if the data has dual-polarization configuration. Using dual polarimetry SAR data the backscatter signal is more sensitive to forest biomass and forest structure because of tree trunk scattering, thus showing better discriminations of different forest successional stages. These SAR approaches, however, need to be further studied for the application in tropical peatlands ecosystem We aims at estimating forest carbon stocks and stand biophysical properties using combination of multi-temporal and multi-polarizations (quad-polarimetric) L-band SAR data and focuses on tropical peat swamp forest over Kampar Peninsula at Riau Province, Sumatra, Indonesia which is one of the most peat abundant region in the country. Applying radar backscattering (Sigma nought) to model the biomass we found that co-polarizations (HH and VV) band are more sensitive than cross-polarization channels (HV and VH). Individual HH polarization channel from April 2010 explained > 86% of AGB. Whereas VV polarization showed strong correlation coefficients with LAI, tree height, tree diameter and basal area. Surprisingly, polarimetric anisotropy feature from April 2007 SAR data show relatively high correlations with almost all forest biophysical parameters. Polarimetric anisotropy, which explains the ratio between the second and the first dominant scattering mechanism from a target has reduced at some extent the randomness of scattering mechanism, thus improve the predictability of this particular feature in estimating the forest properties. These results may be influenced by local seasonal variations of the forest as well as moisture, but available quad-pol SAR data were unable to show these patterns, since all the SAR data were acquired during the rainy season. The results of multi-regression analysis in predicting above ground biomass shows that ALOS PALSAR data acquired in 2010 has outperformed other time series data. This is probably due to the fact that land cover change in the area from 2007 – 2009 was highly dynamic, converting natural forests into rubber and Acacia plantations, thus SAR data of 2010 which was acquired in between of two field campaigns has provided significant results (F = 40.7, P < 0.005). In general, we found that polarimetric features have improved the models performance in estimating AGB. Surprising results come from single HH polarization band from April 2010 that has a strong correlation with AGB (r = 0.863). Also, HH polarization band of 2009 SAR image resulted in a moderate correlation with AGB (r = 0.440).
Research on Monitoring the Wetland Landcover Change Based on the Moderate Resolution Remote Sensing Image
Authors: Zhou M , Yuan X. , Sun L.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Wetland is important natural resource. The main method to monitor the landcover change in wetland natural reserve is to extract and analyze information from remote sensing image. In this paper, the landcover information is extracted, summarized and analyzed by using multi-temporal HJ and Landsat satellite image in Zhalong natural reserve, Heilongjiang, China. The method can monitor the wetland landcover change accurately in real time and long term. This paper expounds the natural factors and human factors influence on wetland land use type, for scientific and effective support for the development of the rational use of wetlands in Zhalong natural wetland reserve.
Enhancement of the double flexible pace search threshold determination for change vector analysis
Authors: Azzouzi S. A. , Vidal A. , Bentounes H. A.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Remote sensing is one of the most reliable ways to monitor land use and land cover change of large areas. On the other hand, satellite images from different agencies are becoming accessible due to the new user dissemination policies. For that reason, interpretation of remotely sensed data in a spatiotemporal context is becoming a valuable research topic. In the present day, a map of change has a great significant for scientific purposes or planning and management applications. However, it is difficult to extract useful visual information from the large collection of available satellite images. For that reason, automatic or semi-automatic exploration is needed. One of the key stages in the change detection methods is threshold selection. This threshold determination problem has been addressed by several recent techniques based on Change Vector Analysis (CVA). Thus, this work provides a simple semi-automatic procedure that defines the change/no change condition and a comparative study will be involved together with the previous existing method called Double Flexible Pace Search (DFPS). This study uses Landsat Thematic Mapper scenes acquired on different dates in an Algerian region. First, some training data sets containing all possible classes of change are required and their respective supervised posterior probability maps for each scene are obtained. The selected supervised classifier is based on the Maximum Likelihood method. Then four training sets (two sets from each date) are chosen from their corresponding probability maps based on their spatial location in the original images. The optimal average will be obtained as an average of the thresholds obtained at every set. This work verifies that the proposed approach is effective on the selected area, providing improved change map results.
Evaluation of Future Internet Technologies for Processing and Distribution of Satellite Imagery
Authors: Becedas J. , Pérez R. , González G. , Álvarez J , García F. , Maldonado F. , Sucari A. , García J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Satellite imagery data centres are designed to operate a defined number of satellites. For instance, difficulties when new satellites have to be incorporated in the system appear. This occurs because traditional infrastructures are neither flexible nor scalable. With the appearance of Future Internet technologies new solutions can be provided to manage large and variable amounts of data on demand. These technologies optimize resources and facilitate the appearance of new applications and services in the traditional Earth Observation (EO) market. The use of Future Internet technologies for the EO sector were validated with the GEO-Cloud experiment, part of the Fed4FIRE FP7 European project. This work presents the final results of the project, in which a constellation of satellites records the whole Earth surface on a daily basis. The satellite imagery is downloaded into a distributed network of ground stations and ingested in a cloud infrastructure, where the data is processed, stored, archived and distributed to the end users. The processing and transfer times inside the cloud, workload of the processors, automatic cataloguing and accessibility through the Internet are evaluated to validate if Future Internet technologies present advantages over traditional methods. Applicability of these technologies is evaluated to provide high added value services. Finally, the advantages of using federated testbeds to carry out large scale, industry driven experiments are analysed evaluating the feasibility of an experiment developed in the European infrastructure Fed4FIRE and its migration to a commercial cloud: SoftLayer®, an IBM Company.
A Dynamic Threshold Cloud Detecting Approach based on the Brightness Temperature from FY-2 VISSR Data
Authors: Daxiang X. , Debao T. , Xiongfei W. , Qiao W.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The traditional statistical methods and radiation transfer theory methods for cloud detecting have a high adaptability just only in those areas with a uniform surface coverage and noncomplex terrain. Therefore, adapted to large spatial and temporal scales, in this work a cloud detection method is developed, seeking the main influencing factors of the change of Brightness Temperature(BT) of clear sky and their relationships, researching the change regularity and normal fluctuation range of BT on the basis of function fitting, setting the cloud detecting dynamic threshold depending on the cloud spectral characteristics, and making accuracy assessment in order to ensure higher adaptability and accuracy of this cloud detecting method. In this paper, a dynamic threshold algorithm is presented for cloud detection using daytime imagery from the VISSR sensor on board FY-2C/D/E, which is the first generation geostationary satellite. And the land surface/brightness temperature influence functions are analysis and established, including latitude, longitude, altitude, time, land cover. The theoretical temperature value of clear sky can be calculated through these influence functions. Then, the dynamic threshold cloud detection model is proposed based on the high temporal resolution of VISSR data. Meanwhile, the land surface emissivity is considered as the main factor to the change range of brightness temperature which determines the dynamic threshold for cloud detection. Finally, the dynamic threshold cloud detecting model is evaluated using FY-2C/D/E VISSR data covering China, and the Kappa of dynamic method is maximum, equalling 0.6195, which is much higher than the indexes for the reflectivity and BT fixed methods, equalling 0.4511 and 0.403, respectively. Consequently, the dynamic threshold cloud detecting method provides an important improvement because the spatial, temporal and geographic characteristics were considered into the model.
WPS-based technology for client-side remote sensing data processing
Authors: Kazakov E. , Terekhov A. , Kapralov E. , Panidi E.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Server-side processing is principal for most of the current Web-based geospatial data processing tools. However, in some cases the client-side geoprocessing may be more convenient and acceptable. This study is dedicated to the development of methodology and techniques of Web services elaboration, which allow the client-side geoprocessing also. The practical objectives of the research are focused on the remote sensing data processing, which are one of the most resource-intensive data types. The idea underlying the study is to propose such geoprocessing Web service schema that will be compatible with the current serveroriented Open Geospatial Consortium standard (OGC WPS standard), and additionally will allow to run the processing on the client, transmitting processing tool (executable code) over the network instead of the data. At the same time, the unity of executable code must be preserved, and the transmitted code should be the same to that is used for server-side processing. This unity should provide unconditional identity of the processing results that performed using of any schema. The appropriate services are pointed by the authors as a Hybrid Geoprocessing Web Services (HGWSs). The common approaches to architecture and structure of the HGWSs are proposed at the current stage as like as a number of service prototypes. For the testing of selected approaches, the geoportal prototype was implemented, which provides access to created HGWS. Further works are conducted on the formalization of platform independent HGWSs implementation techniques, and on the approaches to conceptualization of theirs safe use and chaining possibilities. The proposed schema of HGWSs implementation could become one of the possible solutions for the distributed systems, assuming that the processing servers could play the role of the clients connecting to the service supply server. The study was partially supported by Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR), research project No. 13-05-12079 ofi_m.
Validation of aerosol estimation in atmospheric correction algorithm ATCOR
Authors: Pflug B. , Main-Knorn M. , Makarau A. , Richter R.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Atmospheric correction of satellite images is necessary for many applications of remote sensing, i.e. computation of vegetation indices and biomass estimation. The first step in atmospheric correction is estimation of the actual aerosol properties. Due to the spatial and temporal variability of aerosol amount and type, this step becomes crucial for an accurate correction of satellite data. Consequently, the validation of aerosol estimation contributes to the validation of atmospheric correction algorithms. In this study we present the validation of aerosol estimation using own sun photometer measurements in Central Europe and measurements of AERONET-stations at different locations in the world. Our ground-based sun photometer measurements of vertical column aerosoloptical thickness (AOT) spectra are performed synchronously to overpasses of the satellites RapidEye, Landsat 5, Landsat 7 and Landsat 8. Selected AERONET data are collocated to Landsat 8 overflights. The validation of the aerosol retrieval is conducted by a direct comparison of ground-measured AOT with satellite derived AOT using the ATCOR tool for the selected satellite images. The mean uncertainty found in our experiments is ΔAOT550nm ≈ 0.03±0.02 for cloudless conditions with cloud+haze fraction below 1%. This AOT uncertainty approximately corresponds to an uncertainty in surface albedo of Δρ ≈ 0.003. Inclusion of cloudy and hazy satellite images into the analysis results in mean ΔAOT550nm ≈ 0.04±0.03 for both RapidEye and Landsat imagery. About ⅓ of samples perform with the AOT uncertainty better than 0.02 and about ⅔ perform with AOT uncertainty better than 0.05.
Exposer Intensity, Vulnerability Index And Landscape Change Assessment In Olomouc, Czech Republic
Authors: Boori M. S. , Vozenilek V. , Choudhary K.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The objective of this study is vulnerability and exposer intensity due to land use change in Olomouc, Czech Republic. Vulnerability assessment with exposer intensity to land use/cover change is an important step for enhancing the understanding and decision-making to reduce vulnerability. This study work includes quantification of Exposure Index (EI), Sensitivity Index (SI) and Adaptive Capacity Index (AI). EI is based on intensity of land use/cover change, SI and AI based on natural factors such as elevation, slope, vegetation and land use/cover. Vulnerability Index (VI) derived on the quantification of SI and AI and compared from 1991, 2001 and 2013. Comparing of EI and VI for last three decades, settlements have highest vulnerability index due to high socio-economic activities and water have lowest vulnerability index due to less human interferences. Agriculture has highest exposer index and second highest vulnerability, which show its high rate of exploitation and production. In the study areas, vulnerability tends to increase with the increase of exposure to land use change, but can peak off once the land use start to benefit socio-economically from development. Only in this way we can enhance the adaptive capacity of study area to use change of land.
Combined use of SAR and optical data for environmental assessments around refugee camps in semiarid landscapes
Authors: Braun A. , Hochschild V.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Over 15 million people were officially considered as refugees in the year 2012 and another 28 million as internally displaced people (IDPs). Natural disasters, climatic and environmental changes, violent regional conflicts and population growth force people to migrate in all parts of this world. This trend is likely to continue in the near future, as political instabilities increase and land degradation progresses. EO4HumEn aims at developing operational services to support humanitarian operations during crisis situations by means of dedicated geo-spatial information products derived from Earth observation and GIS data. The goal is to develop robust, automated methods of image analysis routines for population estimation, identification of potential groundwater extraction sites and monitoring the environmental impact of refugee/IDP camps. This study investigates the combination of satellite SAR data with optical sensors and elevation information for the assessment of the environmental conditions around refugee camps. In order to estimate their impact on land degradation, land cover classifications are required which target dynamic landscapes. We performed a land use / land cover classification based on a random forest algorithm and 39 input prediction rasters based on Landsat 8 data and additional layers generated from radar texture and elevation information. The overall accuracy was 92.9 %, while optical data had the highest impact on the final classification. By analysing all combinations of the three input datasets we additionally estimated their impact on single classification outcomes and land cover classes.
Fire Monitoring - The use of medium resolution satellites (AVHRR, MODIS, TET) for long time series processing and the implementation in User Driven Applications and Services
Authors: Fuchs E.-M. , Stein E. , Strunz G. , Strobl C. , Frey C.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. This paper introduces fire monitoring works of two different projects, namely TIMELINE (TIMe Series Processing of Medium Resolution Earth Observation Data assessing Long –Term Dynamics In our Natural Environment) and PHAROS (Project on a Multi-Hazard Open Platform for Satellite Based Downstream Services). It describes the evolution from algorithm development from in applied research to the implementation in user driven applications and systems. Concerning TIMELINE, the focus of the work lies on hot spot detection. A detailed description of the choice of a suitable algorithm (round robin approach) will be given. Moreover, strengths and weaknesses of the AVHRR sensor for hot spot detection, a literature review, the study areas and the selected approach will be highlighted. The evaluation showed that the contextual algorithm performed best, and will therefore be used for final implementation. Concerning the PHAROS project, the key aspect is on the use of satellite-based information to provide valuable support to all phases of disaster management. The project focuses on developing a pre-operational sustainable service platform that integrates space-based EO (Earth Observation), terrestrial sensors and communication and navigation assets to enhance the availability of services and products following a multi-hazard approach.
Multi-scale monitoring of landscape change after the 2011 tsunami
Authors: Hara K. , Zhao Y. , Harada I. , Tomita M. , Park J. , Jung E. , Kamagata N. , Hirabuki Y.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The Great East Japan Earthquake (magnitude 9.0; occurred on 11th March 2011) and subsequent huge tsunami caused widespread damage along the Pacific Ocean coast of eastern Honshu, Japan. This research utilizes multi-resolution remote sensing images to clarify the impact on landscapes caused by this disaster, and also to monitor the subsequent survival and recovery process in the Sendai Bay region. The coastal landscape in the target area features a narrow strip of coastal sand barrier, historically stabilized by planted pine groves; backed by a low-lying plain that has traditionally been diked and converted to irrigated rice paddies. Farmsteads on the flat alluvial plain are surrounded by groves called “Igune”, consisting primarily of conifers. MODIS data (250 m resolution) were employed to map the overall extent of inundation and damage on the regional landscape scale. The major damage caused by the tsunami, destruction of coastal pine forests and inundation or rice paddies on the plain, was identified at this level. Progressively finer scale analysis were then implemented using SPOT/HRG-2 (10 m resolution) data; GeoEye-1 fine resolution data (0.5 m) and very fine resolution aerial photographs (10 cm) and LiDAR. These results demonstrated the minute details of the damage and recovery process. Some patches of pine forest, for example, were seen to have survived, and some coastal plant communities were already recovering only a year after the disaster. Continuous monitoring using field work and remote sensing is required for balanced regional strategies that provide for economic and social recovery and as well as restoration of vegetation, biodiversity and vital ecosystem services.
Rice Crop Monitoring and Yield Estimation Through Cosmo Skymed and TerraSAR-X: A SAR-Based Experience in India
Authors: Pazhanivelan S. , Kannan P. , Christy Nirmala Mary P. , Subramanian E. , Jeyaraman S. , Nelson A. , Setiyono T. , Holecz F. , Barbieri M. , Yadav M.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Rice is the most important cereal crop governing food security in Asia. Reliable and regular information on the area under rice production is the basis of policy decisions related to imports, exports and prices which directly affect food security. Recent and planned launches of SAR sensors coupled with automated processing can provide sustainable solutions to the challenges on mapping and monitoring rice systems. High resolution (3m) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imageries were used to map and monitor rice growing areas in selected three sites in TamilNadu, India to determine rice cropping extent, track rice growth and estimate yields. A simple, robust, rule-based classification for mapping rice area with multi-temporal, X-band, HH polarized SAR imagery from COSMO Skymed and TerraSAR X and site specific parameters were used. The robustness of the approach is demonstrated on a very large dataset involving 30 images across 3 footprints obtained during 2013-14. A total of 318 in-season site visits were conducted across 60 monitoring locations for rice classification and 432 field observations were made for accuracy assessment. Rice area and Start of Season (SoS) maps were generated with classification accuracies ranging from 87- 92 per cent. Using ORYZA2000, a weather driven process based crop growth simulation model; yield estimates were made with the inclusion of rice crop parameters derived from the remote sensing products viz., seasonal rice area, SoS and backscatter time series. Yield Simulation accuracy levels of 87 per cent at district level and 85- 96 per cent at block level demonstrated the suitability of remote sensing products for policy decisions ensuring food security and reducing vulnerability of farmers in India.
Multicriteria analysis for sources of renewable energy using data from remote sensing
Authors: Matejicek L.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Renewable energy sources are major components of the strategy to reduce harmful emissions and to replace depleting fossil energy resources. Data from remote sensing can provide information for multicriteria analysis for sources of renewable energy. Advanced land cover quantification makes it possible to search for suitable sites. Multicriteria analysis, together with other data, is used to determine the energy potential and socially acceptability of suggested locations. The described case study is focused on an area of surface coal mines in the northwestern region of the Czech Republic, where the impacts of surface mining and reclamation constitute a dominant force in land cover changes. High resolution satellite images represent the main input datasets for identification of suitable sites. Solar mapping, wind predictions, the location of weirs in watersheds, road maps and demographic information complement the data from remote sensing for multicriteria analysis, which is implemented in a geographic information system (GIS). The input spatial datasets for multicriteria analysis in GIS are reclassified to a common scale and processed with raster algebra tools to identify suitable sites for sources of renewable energy. The selection of suitable sites is limited by the CORINE land cover database to mining and agricultural areas. The case study is focused on long term land cover changes in the 1985-2015 period. Multicriteria analysis based on CORINE data shows moderate changes in mapping of suitable sites for utilization of selected sources of renewable energy in 1990, 2000, 2006 and 2012. The results represent map layers showing the energy potential on a scale of a few preference classes (1-7), where the first class is linked to minimum preference and the last class to maximum preference. The attached histograms show the moderate variability of preference classes due to land cover changes caused by mining activities. The results also show a slight increase in the more preferred classes for utilization of sources of renewable energy due to an increase area of reclaimed sites. Using data from remote sensing, such as the multispectral images and the CORINE land cover datasets, can reduce the financial resources currently required for finding and assessing suitable areas.
COMPLEMENTARY USE OF INFORMATION FROM SPACE-BASED DINSAR AND FIELD MEASURING SYSTEMS FOR OPERATIONAL MONITORING PURPOSES IN OPEN PIT IRON MINES OF CARAJÁS MINING COMPLEX (BRAZILIAN AMAZON REGION)
Authors: Paradella W. R. , Mura J. C. , Gama F. F. , Santos A. R. , Silva G. G. , Galo M. , Camargo P. O. , Silva A. Q.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Now spanning five simultaneous open-pit operations with exploration carried out through open pit benching, Carajás complex encompasses the world´s largest iron reserves. Open pit mining operations in the area can lead to slope instabilities with risks to personnel, equipment and production due to intense excavations in rock products of low geomechanical quality, blasting practices and heavy precipitation. Thus, an effective prediction and management of surface deformations should be a key concern for the mining operations. The ground displacement monitoring techniques in Carajás include surface measurement techniques at discrete points (total station/reflective prisms) and over area using SSR (Slope Stability Radar, a ground based radar). On the other hand, DInSAR techniques are receiving relevance in the mining industry for reasons such a synoptic and continuous coverage without the need for ground instrumentation and a point-to-point good accuracy of measuring displacements (millimeter to centimeter scale) over a dense grid. Using a stack of 33 StripMap TerraSAR-X images acquired over Carajás covering the time span from March 2012 to April 2013, a monitoring approach is discussed based on the complementary use of information provided by DInSAR (DInSAR Time-Series and Persistent Scatterer Interferometry) and surface measuring techniques (total station/prisms, ground-based radar).
FRACTAL DIMENSIONS FOR RADIOISOTOPE POLLUTION PATTERNS BY NUCLEAR POWER PLANT ACCIDENTS
Authors: Saito K. , Ogawa S.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. The radioisotope pollution shows two types of patterns: dry and wet deposits for nuclear power plant accidents. Two surface pollution patterns were analysed by fractal. In Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, surface pollution by wet deposits was estimated to occur. However, actually it was no rain and white crystals were observed on the surface. Then, fractal analysis was carried out for the spatial distribution patterns of radio isotopes on the surface to judge the types of deposits. As a reference, Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident was checked for the spatial distribution patterns of radioisotopes on the surface. The objective patterns by fractal analysis were the surface pollution maps in Fukushima and Chernobyl, Abukuma river watershed map, and NOAA/AVHRR. The calculation of fractal dimensions was carried out with the box counting for binarized images. Fractal analysis results suggested the next conclusions. The radioisotope pollution in Fukushima might occur in both dry and wet deposits. The dry deposit might make the pollution pattern similar to the watershed, while the wet deposit might make the pollution pattern similar to cloud images. Moreover, most radioisotope contaminants might flow on the road in the forest valley and deposit on forest with and without rainfall in Fukushima.
TRACKING VESSELS TO ILLEGAL POLLUTANT DISCHARGES USING MULTISOURCE VESSEL INFORMATION
Authors: Busler J. , Wehn H. , Woodhouse L.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Illegal discharge of bilge waters is a significant source of oil and other environmental pollutants in Canadian and international waters. Imaging satellites are commonly used to monitor large areas to detect oily discharges from vessels, off-shore platforms and other sources. While remotely sensed imagery provides a snap-shot picture useful for detecting a spill or the presence of vessels in the vicinity, it is difficult to directly associate a vessel to an observed spill unless the vessel is observed while the discharge is occurring. The situation then becomes more challenging with increased vessel traffic as multiple vessels may be associated with a spill event. By combining multiple sources of vessel location data, such as Automated Information Systems (AIS), Long Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) and SAR-based ship detection, with spill detections and drift models we have created a system that associates detected spill events with vessels in the area using a probabilistic model that intersects vessel tracks and spill drift trajectories in both time and space. Working with the Canadian Space Agency and the Canadian Ice Service’s Integrated Satellite Tracking of Pollution (ISTOP) program, we use spills observed in Canadian waters to demonstrate the investigative value of augmenting spill detections with temporally sequenced vessel and spill tracking information.
ANALYSIS OF THE SHORELINE POSITION EXTRACTED FROM LANDSAT TM AND ETM+ IMAGERY
Authors: Sánchez-García E. , Pardo-Pascual J. E. , Balaguer-Beser A. , Almonacid-Caballer J.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. A statistical analysis of the results obtained by the tool SELI (Shoreline Extraction from Landsat Imagery) is made in order to characterise the medium and long term period changes occurring on beaches. The analysis is based on the hypothesis that intraannual shifts of coastline positions hover around an average position, which would be significant when trying to set these medium and long term trends. Fluctuations around this average are understood as the effect of short-term changes -variations related to sea level, wave run-up, and the immediate morphological beach profile settings of the incident waves- whilst the alterations of the average position will obey changes relating to the global sedimentary harmony of the analysed beach segment. The goal of this study is to assess the validity of extracted Landsat shorelines knowing whether the intrinsic error could alter the position of the computed mean annual shoreline or if it is balanced out between the successive averaged images. Two periods are stablished for the temporal analysis in the area according to the availability of other data taken from high precision sources. Statistical tests performed to compare samples (Landsat versus high accuracy) indicate that the two sources of data provide similar information regarding annual means; coastal behaviour and dynamics, thereby verifying Landsat shorelines as useful data for evolutionary studies.
Point release wet snow avalanches
Authors: Vera Valero C. , Bühler Y. , Bartelt P.
Published: April 2015

Abstract. Wet snow avalanches can initiate from large fracture slabs or small point releases. Point release wet snow avalanches can reach dangerous proportions when they (1) initiate on steep and long avalanche paths and (2) entrain warm moist snow. In this paper we investigate the dynamics of point release wet snow avalanches by applying a numerical model to simulate documented case studies on high altitude slopes in the Chilean Andes (33° S). The model predicts avalanche flow temperature as well as meltwater production, given the thermal initial conditions of the release mass and snowcover entrainment. As the release mass is small, avalanche velocity and runout are primarily controlled by snowcover temperature and moisture content. We demonstrate how the interaction between terrain and entrainment processes influence the production of meltwater and therefore lubrication processes leading to longer runout. This information is useful to avalanche forecasters. An understanding of wet snow avalanche dynamics is important to study how climate change scenarios will influence land usage in mountain regions in the near future.
Morphology and phylogeny of four new Lactarius species from Himalayan India
Authors: Das Kanad , Verbeken Annemieke , Nuytinck Jorinde
Published: April 2015

Four new species of Lactarius are described from Himalayan India. Lactarius olivaceoglutinus, L. pyriodorus, and L. yumthangensis belong to L. subg. Piperites and L. indochrysorrheus is closely related to some representatives
of L. subg. Russularia. An ITS based phylogeny confirms the phylogenetic placement of the four new species, although the monophyly of neither Lactarius subg. Piperites nor L. subg. Russularia can be confirmed. The ITS data also suggest that the Indian
species are closely related to some European and American species.
Perenniporia koreana, a new wood-rotting basidiomycete from South Korea
Authors: Jang Yeongseon , Jang Seokyoon , Lim Young Woon , Kim Changmu , Kim Jae-Jin
Published: April 2015

A new Perenniporia species, P. koreana, is described based on morphological and molecular data from specimens collected from Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do, Korea. It is characterized by annual resupinate basidiocarps that are very pale brown to yellow when dry. Microscopically,
it has a dimitic hyphal system with dextrinoid and cyanophilous skeletal hyphae, and its basidiospores are ellipsoid, hyaline, thick-walled, smooth, dextrinoid, cyanophilous, (5.9–)6–7(–7.5) × (3.7–)3.9–5.2(– 5.7) μm.
Xylaria thailandica – a new species from southern Thailand
Authors: Srihanant Natthapach , Petcharat Vasun , Vasilyeva Larissa N.
Published: April 2015

A new species, Xylaria thailandica, was collected from dead wood and fallen branches in southern Thailand. This fungus has upright, gregarious, cylindrical stromata that arise from a tomentose stipe and which is internally dark brown to black at the center but yellow around the
perithecia. Its ascospores are inequilateral and with a germ slit that spirals lengthwise.
Phyllachora hainanensis sp. nov. from China
Authors: Liu Na , Wang Le , Huang Gu , Guo Lin
Published: April 2015

A new species, Phyllachora hainanensis on Phyllanthus emblica (Phyllanthaceae), causing tar spots is reported from Hainan Province, China. Phyllachora hainanensis differs from other similar species in the size and shape of ascospores.
First record of Erysiphe syringae-japonicae in Turkey
Authors: Akata Ilgaz , Heluta Vasyl P.
Published: April 2015

Erysiphe syringae-japonicae was reported on leaves of Syringa vulgaris for the first time from Turkey. A short description, distribution, and illustrations for this powdery mildew fungus are provided and discussed briefly.
Analysis of students perspectives and results achieved for first online classes delivered in diploma program, college of education (pilot project)
Authors: Emara Noran Adel
Published: April 2015

College of Education in Qatar University has started a pilot project to improve the quality of learning by delivering one third of Diploma Program courses online. Diploma Program has been previously frozen for one year due to low enrollment and high dropout rates. One the main reasons for freezing the Diploma Program is that the learners who are full time school teachers can't attend all classes on campus. The aim of the pilot project is to provide opportunity for those learners to take one third of their Diploma courses online, participate in online activities with their peers and submit their assignments online. The paper presents the background and the methodological foundations of the project, the learners' perspectives of the online classes, and comparison between the learners' results who attend online classes and others who attend equivalent course taught face-to-face. The paper also presents lines of pedagogical, management, and technological development which will make possible improvement of the initiative to the entire university.
Integrating the curriculum to assist low performing students
Authors: Andrew Cron Charles
Published: April 2015

This has been developed within the context of a secondary school in New Zealand thatis in an area of low economic development and low expectations for many of thecontributing students. This is a multi-cultural community and a suburb of a major city of over a million people. The school harbors over 1600 students spread over five year levels, from year 9 to 13, which is (Grade 8-12.) With so many students arriving at year 9 with abilities in numeracy and literacy far below their age levels, it was felt that a whole new approach was required. The intake is usually around 400 for year 9 each year. A trial was conducted in the school during the academic years of 1997-1999. The results were promising as far as better development especially in literacy. The students in the intake of 2002 were assessed and analysis showed that the bottom 100 had reading levels of 8 years, (Grade 4) and numeracy levels that were similar. It was decided to use highly trained teachers with wide experience to work as a team in the core basic subjects to see if improvement in these areas could be achieved such that, by year 11, when external examinations were held some of them might have a chance to attempt these. They were to be given a two-year program for year 9 and 10 to enable them to join into the mainstream at year 11. Each teacher was to look after one curriculum area and the students were to have their learning sessions within a set building so that movement between classes was better controlled and limited time lost between periods. I was one of these teachers and taught the Mathematics program. As a Senior Leader in the schooI, I had access to records and was able to follow their history through the rest of their time at the school. The results were interesting and unexpected. After attending a recent international course on Integrated Curriculum, it supported the types of learning we were working on several years ago in NZ. There are interesting aspects about this approach to teaching and learning that will be outlined and a general analysis will be shown. Insights to the way in which planning was developed will also be shared , which is supported by recent research and training programs.
Reflections of scientific literacy team members related to use of reading strategies
Authors: Cherif Ellili Maha , Allen Nancy Jane , Al Sabbagh Samah
Published: April 2015

The efficacy of reflection in improving teaching practices has long been recognized. Deconstructing reflective conversations provides a window into thinking; tracking changes in those conversations over time can reveal the level of understanding and levels of growth and development of those involved. This qualitative study analyzes the reflection of teachers participating in a six-week project, the goal of which was to improve reading instruction. It analyses the breadth, depth, and content of their weekly sessions and relates this to observed classroom practice. The sample for this pilot project was eleven teachers in two preparatory schools, one for boys and one for girls. Each team consisted of teachers in science, English, or scientific English from either the seventh or eighth grade level. Each week the groups were given a professional development session focused on some aspect of reading instruction, then collaboratively planned a lesson that one member of the team would teach the following week and that all members would observe. The focus of this study, however, is the collaborative reflection conducted at the first of the next week’s session, in which the team members evaluated and critiqued the lesson. These conversations, paired with the classroom observations of the lesson they were critiquing, revealed what they did and did not understand from the professional development and what was and was not incorporated into practice. The sessions were recorded, transcribed, coded, and entered into frequency charts. This presentation, however, will focus on the qualitative analysis of the sessions – the meaning making – of the interactions of the participants and what these interactions revealed about their learning and teaching of the targeted outcomes. A better understanding of the nature of collaborative reflection can help teachers and teacher educators use reflection to improve the effectiveness of professional development.
To what extent does drama enhance teaching English at Sultan Qaboos University?
Authors: Khalfan Allamki Rahma
Published: April 2015

Teaching English language through performance is one way of teaching that help students to gain several useful skills. Study skills, social and communication skills and cultural expression awareness are three basic skills that drama could enhance students with. Through a sample of 45 students from Sultan Qaboos University, this study conducted to study the extent to which drama enhances teaching English in Oman. Importantly the study investigates that Omani students have as similar attitude toward learning through drama as what other research stated. The students consider drama as a good source, which improves their language skills, encourages them to communicate and helps them to know more about other cultures. However, the study shows that there are some problems encountered by language teachers while teaching through drama such as: Teachers are not having enough background and training in drama and the lack of well designed pedagogic materials that can be used by language teachers. Nevertheless, this study suggests several solutions to avoid the challenges which are providing education students with a course that guide them in teaching through drama, more workshops and lectures are needed to master this technique of teaching and to start apply it in a wider range. Moreover, more research in different educational institutions in Oman is needed to have a better scope on teaching language through drama in Oman.
Re-examination of islamic educational policies and practices from a critical pedagogical perspective
Authors: Rahath Yousef
Published: April 2015

Critical pedagogy has become a central issue of educational discussion because of its fundamental commitment to the development of different culture of education that seeks to transform the authoritarian classroom structures and promotes social justice and human freedom. Even though most of the suggestions contributed by critical pedagogue do have close relationship with some of the Islamic values, Muslim scholars apart from few, haven’t given enough attention to the possible importance of critical pedagogy in an Islamic educational context. Considering this reality, this study has attempted to find a possible philosophical justification for an Islamized critical pedagogy believing that re-examination of contemporary Islamic educational practice and policies from a critical pedagogical perspective is imperative. It is assumed that the analysis of Islamic educational practice from a critical pedagogical perspective will alter Islamic educational practice of today in a more positive sense. Therefore, this study has aimed at 1) identifying the main problems of Islamic educational practice 2) identifying in what ways the Islamic educational practices can be improved with the help of critical pedagogical perspective, 3) highlighting the significance of an Islamic critical pedagogical approach in resolving the educational challenges of the Muslim community. The overall study aspires to draw a number of general conclusions which may be useful to the Islamic educational policy. The research questions raised for this study are addressed from a philosophical perspective. The research employed is an in-depth semi structured interview with two experts in the field of Islamic critical pedagogy. They were chosen due to their in-depth knowledge and understanding of the contemporary Islamic education practice and philosophical ideas of critical pedagogy as well. The interview guideline included 10 open-ended questions which were developed based on the four major issues that address the objectives of the study. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis and critical approach was used to scrutinize the latent assumptions of the theme in focus, i.e., critical pedagogical perspective on Islamic educational practice.
Dynamic assessment strategies and their relationship to annual tests' results with general education teachers
Authors: Saad Khedr Adel
Published: April 2015

The researcher aims to investigate dynamic assessment strategies and their relationship with academic achievement of students with a sample of general education teachers (N=282). They completed dynamic assessment scale. The results of their students were recorded. Using explanatory factor analysis, correlation coefficients the findings indicated that the dynamic strategies of assessment includes: identifying students weaknesses and providing remedial learning, modifying teaching and assessment styles during learning session, monitoring students’ progress, considering students’ preferences of teaching and assessment, assessing students’ understanding of each element of the lesson, discussing student’s suggested ideas, using questions and tasks that help students to learn, reviewing students’ homework, assignments and provide them with feedback. The findings also indicated that the relationships among these strategies and students’ academic achievement were significant. These relationships were high in the case of identifying students’ weaknesses and providing remedial learning, modifying teaching and assessment styles during learning session, reviewing students’ homework, assignments and provide them with feedback and assessing students’ understanding for each element of the lesson. These findings support the orientations of employing dynamic assessment strategies as an effective approach to improve students’ learning.
تصور مقترح لتطوير تقويم أداء أعضاء هيئة التدريس بالجامعات المصرية
Authors: Mohamed Azazy Faten
Published: April 2015

The research aims to improve the assessment tools that are utilized for the purpose of evaluating the performance of faculty in Egyptian universities. The paper focuses on two aspects of the performance assessment and they are: annual evaluation and promotion evaluation. The research is considering international standards for the two types of assessment and it utilized a descriptive method and a survey method that was completed by 80 faculty members at various Egyptian universities. The survey indicated that the current assessment tools for the annual evaluation are not effective and that’s pertaining to the ways it’s done. Although faculty members agreed to its necessity they had some reservations regarding the methods used. Faculty members also expressed dissatisfaction with the promotion assessment. This paper subsequently recommended to restrict the role of the Central Committees to monitor peer-reviewed and accomplished scientific journals and based on each discipline and not to peer-review the articles once more and that’s to eliminate double standards between the peer-reviewers and reviewers of the Promotion Committee. In addition, this paper suggest eliminating the time period between achieving a promotion and that’s for appreciating the value of the one’s work rather than adhering to time periods. The paper suggests that this will constitute an incentive to scholars. The paper proposed various other recommendations to improve the annual performance evaluation for faculty.