bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Status of Insecticide Resistance in Papua New Guinea: An Update from Nation-Wide Monitoring of Anopheles Mosquitoes
Authors: Koimbu Gussy , Czeher Cyrille , Katusele Michelle , Sakur Muker , Kilepak Lemen , Tandrapah Anthony , Hetzel Manuel W. , Pulford Justin , Robinson Leanne , Karl Stephan
Published: November 2017

Insecticide resistance (IR) monitoring is an important component of vector-borne disease control. The last assessment of IR in Papua New Guinea (PNG) was conducted in 2010. Since then, vector populations have been exposed to higher levels of pyrethroids with the continued nation-wide distribution of insecticide-treated nets. Here, we provide an update on phenotypic IR in four highly malaria-endemic areas of PNG. IR against deltamethrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane was assessed using World Health Organization bioassays. A total of 108 bioassays for each insecticide were conducted screening 2,290 adult female anopheline mosquitoes. No phenotypic resistance was observed. Bioassay parameters agreed well with those observed in other studies that used the same assays and insecticides. These results indicate that the three tested insecticides are still universally effective in PNG. Continued IR monitoring (every 1–2 years) in PNG is recommended to detect reduced susceptibility early and adjust guidelines to prevent widespread resistance.
Dynamic Clinical Algorithms: Digital Technology Can Transform Health Care Decision-Making
Authors: Bell David , Gachuhi Noni , Assefi Nassim
Published: November 2017

Most health care in low-income countries is delivered at a primary care level by health workers who lack quality training and supervision, often distant from more experienced support. Lack of knowledge and poor communication result in a poor quality of care and inefficient delivery of health services. Although bringing great benefits in sectors such as finance and telecommunication in recent years, the Digital Revolution has lightly and inconsistently affected the health sector. These advances offer an opportunity to dramatically transform health care by increasing the availability and timeliness of information to augment clinical decision-making, based on improved access to patient histories, current information on disease epidemiology, and improved incorporation of data from point-of-care and centralized diagnostic testing. A comprehensive approach is needed to more effectively incorporate current digital technologies into health systems, bringing external and patient-derived data into the clinical decision-making process in real time, irrespective of health worker training or location. Such dynamic clinical algorithms could provide a more effective framework within which to design and integrate new digital health technologies and deliver improved patient care by primary care health workers.
Comparison of Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Using Either Natural Octyl Disaccharide-Leprosy IDRI Diagnostic or Phenolic Glycolipid-I Antigens for the Detection of Leprosy Patients in Colombia
Authors: Muñoz Mónica , Beltrán-Alzate Juan Camilo , Duthie Malcolm S. , Serrano-Coll Héctor , Cardona-Castro Nora
Published: November 2017

Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease with a broad spectrum of manifestations. Delays in attaining correct diagnosis permit progressive peripheral nerve damage that can produce irreversible disabilities. Tests detecting antigen-specific antibodies can aid the diagnostic process and potentially detect patients earlier. Reported tests have lacked optimal sensitivity and specificity; however, the need to develop new tests to aid early diagnosis still remains. In this study, we determined the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using natural octyl disaccharide-leprosy IDRI diagnostic (NDO-LID). Serum samples from confirmed multibacillary patients (N = 338) and paucibacillary patients (N = 58) were evaluated and contrasted against samples from individuals without leprosy (100 healthy persons, 36 leishmaniasis or tuberculosis patients). ELISA detecting either antigen-specific IgM, IgG, or the combination of IgG and IgM (with protein A) were conducted. At a sensitivity of 78% among all patients, serum IgM antibodies against the NDO-LID conjugate were detected at a greater level than those recognizing phenolic glycolipid-I antigen (64% overall sensitivity), while providing similar specificity (97% versus 100%, respectively). Given the inclusion of the LID-1 protein within NDO-LID, we also detected conjugate-specific IgG within patient sera at a sensitivity of 81.6%. The use of protein A to simultaneously detect both antigen-specific IgG and IgM isotypes yielded the highest overall sensitivity of 86.3%. Taken together, our data indicate that the detection of both IgG and IgM antibodies against NDO-LID with protein A provided the best overall ability to detect Colombian leprosy patients.
A Lateral Flow Rapid Test for Human Toxocariasis Developed Using Three Toxocara canis Recombinant Antigens
Authors: Yunus Muhammad Hafiznur , Tan Farrizam Siti Naqiuyah , Abdul Karim Izzati Zahidah , Noordin Rahmah
Published: November 2017

Laboratory diagnosis of toxocariasis is still a challenge especially in developing endemic countries with polyparasitism. In this study, three Toxocara canis recombinant antigens, rTES-26, rTES-30, and rTES-120, were expressed and used to prepare lateral flow immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) dipsticks. The concordance of the results of the rapid test (comprising three dipsticks) with a commercial IgG-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (Cypress Diagnostics, Belgium) was compared against the concordance of two other commercial IgG-ELISA kits (Bordier, Switzerland and NovaTec, Germany) with the Cypress kit. Using Toxocara-positive samples, the concordance of the dipstick dotted with rTES-26, rTES-30, and rTES-120 was 41.4% (12/29), 51.7% (15/29), and 72.4% (21/29), respectively. When positivity with any dipstick was considered as an overall positive rapid test result, the concordance with the Cypress kit was 93% (27/29). Meanwhile, when compared with the results of the Cypress kit, the concordance of IgG-ELISA from NovaTec and Bordier was 100% (29/29) and 89.7% (26/29), respectively. Specific IgG4 has been recognized as a marker of active infection for several helminthic diseases; therefore, the two non-concordant results of the rapid test when compared with the NovaTec IgG-ELISA kit may be from samples of people with non-active infection. All the three dipsticks showed 100% (50/50) concordance with the Cypress kit when tested with serum from individuals who were healthy and with other infections. In conclusion, the lateral flow rapid test is potentially a good, fast, and easy test for toxocariasis. Next, further validation studies and development of a test with the three antigens in one dipstick will be performed.
Jornalismo e literatura: uma análise da produção textual do cronista Plínio Marcos no Jornal da Orla, 1999
Authors: De Moura Sergio Arruda , De Almeida Miranda Mozarth Dias
Published: November 2017

Este artigo tem o objetivo de elucidar aspectos do texto de Plínio Marcos publicados na coluna “Janela Santista” no decorrer de 1999. O trabalho cria conexões entre o jornalismo, a literatura e o formato peculiar do cronista. Buscamos, através dos autores pesquisados, entender como o estilo de Plínio se comunica com o jornalismo literário epropõe um novo diálogo com o público utilizando personagens reais e fictícios, até transportando o teatro para o jornal, e, assim, contando a história de outro jeito.
O Diário de Anne Frank: uma compreensão fenomenológica a partir do modo de ser no mundo
Authors: Brito Roque Joaquim Iarley , Xenofonte Mariana Rafael , Lima Raianne Ferreira
Published: November 2017

A vida de Anne Frank deixou vastos conteúdos que podem ser analisados e estudados pela fenomenologia, em especial o período em que passou escondida juntamente com sua família e amigos, entre os anos de 1942 a 1944, que se intercala na Segunda Guerra Mundial. Durante este espaço de tempo, Anne escreveu um diário, onde conta suas alegrias, sonhos e aflições, o qual, após sua morte, foi publicado e tornou-se mundialmente conhecido. Anne viveu durante a maior guerra do século XX, tempo em que houve milhões de mortes e grandes mudanças para a humanidade, consequentemente trazendo também modificações para ela. Por ser judia, Anne teve que viver dois anos escondida das tropas nazistas, em um local conhecido como Anexo Secreto. Tal aprisionamento poderia acarretar na instalação ou não de patologias, visto que se fez
necessária a remodelação das suas vivências, modos de ser e existir. Este trabalho utiliza-se da revisão bibliográfica de teóricos como Husserl, Merleau-Ponty, Heidegger e Boss, que estabeleceram sua linha de pensamento dentro desta área, além de autores como Moreira e Maldonato, que acrescentaram uma nova visão à fenomenologia recentemente. Buscando reafirmar o viés fenomenológico nos escritos de Anne, são apresentados aqui conceitos existenciais, do modo de ser-nomundo e do que é a patologia e a normalidade. Tais conceitos são expostos e relacionados à vida de Anne Frank, tendo como principal material para esta produção o diário escrito pela mesma.
Biomass burning emissions in north Australia during the early dry season: an overview of the 2014 SAFIRED campaign
Authors: Mallet Marc D. , Desservettaz Maximilien J. , Miljevic Branka , Milic Andelija , Ristovski Zoran D. , Alroe Joel , Cravigan Luke T. , Jayaratne E. Rohan , Paton-Walsh Clare , Griffith David W. T. , Wilson Stephen R. , Kettlewell Graham , van der Schoot Marcel V. , Selleck Paul , Reisen Fabienne , Lawson Sarah J. , Ward Jason , Harnwell James , Cheng Min , Gillett Rob W. , Molloy Suzie B. , Howard Dean , Nelson Peter F. , Morrison Anthony L. , Edwards Grant C. , Williams Alastair G. , Chambers Scott D. , Werczynski Sylvester , Williams Leah R. , Winton V. Holly L. , Atkinson Brad , Wang Xianyu , Keywood Melita D.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The SAFIRED (Savannah Fires in the Early Dry Season) campaign took place from 29 May until 30 June 2014 at the Australian Tropical Atmospheric Research Station (ATARS) in the Northern Territory, Australia. The purpose of this campaign was to investigate emissions from fires in the early dry season in northern Australia. Measurements were made of biomass burning aerosols, volatile organic compounds, polycyclic aromatic carbons, greenhouse gases, radon, speciated atmospheric mercury and trace metals. Aspects of the biomass burning aerosol emissions investigated included; emission factors of various species, physical and chemical aerosol properties, aerosol aging, micronutrient supply to the ocean, nucleation, and aerosol water uptake. Over the course of the month-long campaign, biomass burning signals were prevalent and emissions from several large single burning events were observed at ATARS.Biomass burning emissions dominated the gas and aerosol concentrations in this region. Dry season fires are extremely frequent and widespread across the northern region of Australia, which suggests that the measured aerosol and gaseous emissions at ATARS are likely representative of signals across the entire region of north Australia. Air mass forward trajectories show that these biomass burning emissions are carried north-west over the Timor Sea and could influence the atmosphere over Indonesia and the tropical atmosphere over the Indian Ocean. Here we present characteristics of the biomass burning observed at the sampling site and provide an overview of the more specific outcomes of the SAFIRED campaign.
Bifurcation of potential vorticity gradients across the Southern Hemisphere stratospheric polar vortex
Authors: Conway Jonathan , Bodeker Greg , Cameron Chris
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The winter-time stratospheric westerly winds circling the Antarctic continent, also known as the Southern Hemisphere polar vortex, create a barrier to mixing of air between middle and high latitudes. This dynamical isolation has important consequences for export of ozone-depleted air from the Antarctic stratosphere to lower latitudes. The prevailing view of this dynamical barrier has been an annulus compromising steep gradients of potential vorticity (PV) that create a single semi-permeable barrier to mixing. Analyses presented here show that this barrier often displays a bifurcated structure where a doubled-walled barrier exists. The bifurcated structure manifests as enhanced gradients of PV at two distinct latitudes – usually on the inside and outside flanks of the region of highest wind speed. Metrics that quantify the bifurcated nature of the vortex have been developed and their variation in space and time has been analysed. At most isentropic levels between 370 K and 850 K, bifurcation is strongest in winter and reduces dramatically during spring. From August onwards a distinct structure emerges, where elevated bifurcation remains between 475 K and 600 K, and a mostly single walled barrier occurs at other levels. While bifurcation at a given level evolves from month to month, and does not always persist through a season, inter-annual variations in the strength of bifurcation display coherence across multiple levels in any given month. Accounting for bifurcation allows the region of reduced mixing to be better characterized. These results suggest that improved understanding of cross-vortex mixing requires consideration of the polar vortex not as a single mixing barrier, but as a barrier with internal structure that is likely to manifest as more complex gradients in trace gas concentrations across the vortex barrier region.
Chemical characteristics of size resolved atmospheric aerosols in
Iasi, north-eastern Romania. Nitrogen-containing inorganic compounds controlling aerosols chemistry in the area
Authors: Galon-Negru Alina Giorgiana , Olariu Romeo Iulian , Arsene Cecilia
Published: November 2017

Abstract. This study assesses the atmospheric aerosol load and behaviour (size and seasonal dependent) of the major inorganic and organic aerosol ionic components (i.e., acetate, (C2H3O2–), formate, (HCO2–), fluoride, (F–), chloride, (Cl–), nitrite, (NO2–), nitrate, (NO3–), phosphate, (PO43–), sulfate, (SO42–), oxalate, (C2O42–), sodium, (Na+), potassium, (K+), ammonium, (NH4+), magnesium, (Mg2+) and calcium (Ca2+), in Iasi urban area, north-eastern Romania. Continuous measurements were carried out over 2016 by means of a cascade Dekati Low-Pressure Impactor (DLPI) performing aerosol size classification in 13 specific fractions evenly distributed over the 0.0276 up to 9.94 µm size range. Fine particulate Cl–, NO3–, NH4+ and K+ exhibited clear minima during the warm seasons and clear maxima over the cold seasons, mainly controlled by corroboration between factors such as enhancement in the emission sources, changes in the mixed layer depth and specific meteorological conditions. Fine particulate SO42– did not show much variation with respect to seasons. Particulate NH4+ and NO3– ions were identified as critical parameters controlling aerosols chemistry in the area. The measured concentrations of particulate NH4+ and NO3– in fine mode (PM2.5) aerosols were found to be in reasonable good agreement with modelled values for winter but not for summer, an observation reflecting actually the susceptibility of NH4NO3 aerosols to be lost due to volatility over the warm seasons. Clear evidences have been obtained for the fact that in Iasi, north-eastern Romania, NH4+ in PM2.5 is primarily associated with SO42– and NO3– but not with Cl–. However, indirect ISORROPIA-II estimations showed that the atmosphere in the investigated area might be ammonia-rich during both the cold and warm seasons, such as enough NH3 to be present to neutralize H2SO4, HNO3 and HCl acidic components and to generate fine particulate ammonium salts, in the form of (NH4)2SO4, NH4NO3 and NH4Cl. ISORROPIA-II runs allowed us estimating that over the warm seasons ~ 35 % of the total analyzed samples presented pH values in the very strong acidity fraction (0–3 pH units range) while over the cold seasons the contribution in this pH range was of ~ 43 %. Moreover, while over the warm seasons ~ 24–25 % of the acidic samples were in the 1–2 pH range, reflecting mainly contributions from very strong inorganic acids, over the cold seasons an increase to ~ 40 %, brought by the 1–3 pH range, would reflect possible contributions from other acidic type species (i.e., organics), changes in aerosols acidity impacting most probably the gas–particle partitioning of semi-volatile organic acids. In overall, it has been estimated that within the aerosol mass concentration the ionic mass brings contribution as high as 40.6 % with the rest being unaccounted yet.
Experimental study of H2SO4 aerosol nucleation at high ionization levels
Authors: Tomicic Maja , Bødker Enghoff Martin , Svensmark Henrik
Published: November 2017

Abstract. One hundred and ten direct measurements of aerosol nucleation rate at high ionization levels were performed in an 8 m3 reaction chamber. Neutral and ion-induced particle formation from sulphuric acid (H2SO4) as a function of ionization and H2SO4 concentration was studied. Other species that could participate in the nucleation were not measured. The measurements extend the parameter space of measurements described by (Dunne, 2016) (at T = 295 K and RH = 38 %) by expanding to lower H2SO4 concentrations (4x106–3x107 cm−3) and higher ion concentrations (1700–19000 cm−3). The ion concentrations, which correspond to levels caused by a nearby supernova, were achieved with gamma ray sources. Nucleation rates were directly measured with a particle size magnifier (PSM Airmodus A10) at a size close to critical cluster size (mobility diameter of ~ 1.4 nm) and formation rates at mobility diameter of ~ 4 nm were measured with a CPC (TSI model 3775). The measurements show that nucleation increases by around a factor of five when the ionization increases from background to supernova levels under fixed gas conditions. The results expand the parametrization from (Dunne, 2016) to lower sulphuric acid concentrations and higher ion concentrations.
Reviews and syntheses: on the roles trees play in building and plumbing the critical zone
Authors: Brantley Susan L. , Eissenstat David M. , Marshall Jill A. , Godsey Sarah E. , Balogh-Brunstad Zsuzsanna , Karwan Diana L. , Papuga Shirley A. , Roering Joshua , Dawson Todd E. , Evaristo Jaivime , Chadwick Oliver , McDonnell Jeffrey J. , Weathers Kathleen C.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Trees, the most successful biological power plants on earth, build and plumb the critical zone (CZ) in ways that we do not yet understand. To encourage exploration of the character and implications of interactions between trees and soil in the CZ, we propose nine hypotheses that can be tested at diverse settings. The hypotheses are roughly divided into those about the architecture (building) and those about the water (plumbing) in the CZ, but the two functions are intertwined. Depending upon one's disciplinary background, many of the nine hypotheses listed below may appear obviously true or obviously false. (1) Tree roots can only physically penetrate and biogeochemically comminute the immobile substrate underlying mobile soil where that underlying substrate is fractured or pre-weathered. (2) In settings where the thickness of weathered material, H, is large, trees primarily shape the CZ through biogeochemical reactions within the rooting zone. (3) In forested uplands, the thickness of mobile soil, h, can evolve toward a steady state because of feedbacks related to root disruption and tree throw. (4) In settings where h ≪ H and the rates of uplift and erosion are low, the uptake of phosphorus into trees is buffered by the fine-grained fraction of the soil, and the ultimate source of this phosphorus is dust. (5) In settings of limited water availability, trees maintain the highest length density of functional roots at depths where water can be extracted over most of the growing season with the least amount of energy expenditure. (6) Trees grow the majority of their roots in the zone where the most growth-limiting resource is abundant, but they also grow roots at other depths to forage for other resources and to hydraulically redistribute those resources to depths where they can be taken up more efficiently. (7) Trees rely on matrix water in the unsaturated zone that at times may have an isotopic composition distinct from the gravity-drained water that transits from the hillslope to groundwater and streamflow. (8) Mycorrhizal fungi can use matrix water directly, but trees can only use this water by accessing it indirectly through the fungi. (9) Even trees growing well above the valley floor of a catchment can directly affect stream chemistry where changes in permeability near the rooting zone promote intermittent zones of water saturation and downslope flow of water to the stream. By testing these nine hypotheses, we will generate important new cross-disciplinary insights that advance CZ science.
Mechanisms of variability in decadal sea-level trends in the Baltic Sea over the 20th century
Authors: Karabil Sitar , Zorita Eduardo , Hünicke Birgit
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Coastal sea-level trends in the Baltic Sea display decadal-scale variations around a long-term centennial trend. In this study, we analyse the spatial and temporal characteristics of the decadal trend variations and investigate the links between coastal sea-level trends and atmospheric forcing on a decadal timescale. For this analysis, we use monthly means of sea-level and climatic data sets. The sea-level data set is composed of long tide gauge records and gridded sea surface height (SSH) reconstructions. Climatic data sets are composed of sea-level pressure, air temperature, precipitation, evaporation, and climatic variability indices. The analysis indicates that atmospheric forcing is a driving factor of decadal sea-level trends. However, its effect is geographically heterogeneous. This impact is large in the northern and eastern regions of the Baltic Sea. In the southern Baltic Sea area, the impacts of atmospheric circulation on decadal sea-level trends are smaller. To identify the influence of the large-scale factors other than the effect of atmospheric circulation in the same season on Baltic Sea sea-level trends, we filter out the direct signature of atmospheric circulation for each season separately on the Baltic Sea level through a multivariate linear regression model and analyse the residuals of this regression model. These residuals hint at a common underlying factor that coherently drives the decadal sea-level trends in the whole Baltic Sea. We found that this underlying effect is partly a consequence of decadal precipitation trends in the Baltic Sea basin in the previous season. The investigation of the relation between the AMO index and sea-level trends implies that this detected underlying factor is not connected to oceanic forcing driven from the North Atlantic region.
Instrument data simulations for GRACE Follow-on: observation and noise models
Authors: Darbeheshti Neda , Wegener Henry , Müller Vitali , Naeimi Majid , Heinzel Gerhard , Hewitson Martin
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission has yielded data on the Earth's gravity field to monitor temporal changes for more than 15 years. The GRACE twin satellites use microwave ranging with micrometre precision to measure the distance variations between two satellites caused by the Earth's global gravitational field. GRACE Follow-on (GRACE-FO) will be the first satellite mission to use inter-satellite laser interferometry in space. The laser ranging instrument (LRI) will provide two additional measurements compared to the GRACE mission: interferometric inter-satellite ranging with nanometre precision and inter-satellite pointing information. We have designed a set of simulated GRACE-FO data, which include LRI measurements, apart from all other GRACE instrument data needed for the Earth's gravity field recovery. The simulated data files are publicly available via https://doi.org/10.22027/AMDC2 and can be used to derive gravity field solutions like from GRACE data. This paper describes the scientific basis and technical approaches used to simulate the GRACE-FO instrument data.
BUSINNES MODEL OF CORS-TR (TUSAGA-AKTIF)
Authors: Bakici S. , Erkek B. , İlbey A. , Kulaksiz E.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. CORS-TR (TUSAGA-Aktif (Turkish National Permanent GNSS Network – Active)), serves location information at cm level accuracy in Turkey and TR Northern Cyprus in few seconds, where adequate numbers of GNSS satellites are observed and communication possibilities are present. No ground control points and benchmarks are necessary. There are 146 permanent GNSS stations within the CORS-TR System. Station data are transferred online to the main control center located in the Mapping Department of the General Directorate of Land Registry and Cadastre. CORS-TR System was established in 2008 and has been updated in software, hardware, communication and pricing areas from technical and administrative point of view in order to improve the system and provide better service to the users. Thus, the added value obtained from the CORS-TR System has been increased and contributed to the more efficient use of country resources. In this paper, how the technical, administrative and financial studies in the operation of the CORS-TR System were managed with a sustainable business model, studies for solving problems encountered in operating of the system, the cost / benefit analysis of the system and the sharing of experience gained from the perspective of how web-based applications are managed and the business model of the CORS-TR System are explained in detail.
THE USE OF 3D CITY MODELS FORM OBLIQUE IMAGES ON LAND ADMINISTRATION
Authors: Bakici S. , Erkek B. , Ayyildiz E. , Özmüş L.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The article 718 of the civil law saying “The ownership on property includes the air above and terrain layers below to an extent providing benefit. The structures, plants and sources are included in the content of this ownership reserving the legal restrictions” and the cadastre law no. 3402 envisage 3D Cadastre. 3D data is required in order to perform 3D cadastre. To meet this requirement, oblique photogrammetry arises as the main data acquisition method. The data obtained by this method is used as base in 3D Cadastre and Land Administration activities. 3D cadastre required in the context of land administration activities in Turkey demands high resolution aerial oblique images to be used in services such as real estate value assessment & marketing in urban areas, urban planning, unlicensed construction monitoring & city administration and making location data (national address data etc.) intelligent.
TEMPORAL CHANGES OF LAND USE CAPABILITY CLASSIFICATION DEPENDING
ON THE URBAN DEVELOPMENT: CASE STUDY OF TRABZON PROVINCE
Authors: Colak H. E. , Memisoglu T.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Achieving high efficiency by taking advantage of agricultural land at a high level allows the continued vitality of the soil and also contributes to the country's economy. The land with the most fertilizer from agricultural land is generally the first class agricultural land (I.) followed by second (II.) and third class (III.) agricultural lands. It is accepted that all these lands are considered to be protected and various restrictions have been introduced to these lands. Soil conservation, use and development of balanced is possible to be defined in detail by exploiting the developing science and technology possibilities, determination well-defined properties and the implementation of policies by making the necessary plans. For this reason, Trabzon province is selected as the pilot region land use capability of agricultural land classes (especially urban-rural area and plateau) ongoing changes in the past years until today are examined depending on the land use first, second and third class. In this context, satellite images for 2002, 2005, 2009 and 2017 and land use data including the non-agricultural use of the province of Trabzon has been discussed and the temporal changes of agricultural areas depending on land use capability have been examined using Geographic Information Systems (GIS). In all the productive areas of Trabzon Province, the increase in urban-rural development has been examined in detail because of especially the creation of planned areas and the occurrence of construction needs. This study is a small-scale case study and the results are examined and analyzed using GIS.
FRACTIONAL SNOW COVER MAPPING BY
ARTIFICIAL NEURAL NETWORKS AND SUPPORT VECTOR MACHINES
Authors: Çiftçi B. B. , Kuter S. , Akyürek Z. , Weber G.-W.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Snow is an important land cover whose distribution over space and time plays a significant role in various environmental processes. Hence, snow cover mapping with high accuracy is necessary to have a real understanding for present and future climate, water cycle, and ecological changes. This study aims to investigate and compare the design and use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) and support vector machines (SVMs) algorithms for fractional snow cover (FSC) mapping from satellite data. ANN and SVM models with different model building settings are trained by using Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer surface reflectance values of bands 1–7, normalized difference snow index and normalized difference vegetation index as predictor variables. Reference FSC maps are generated from higher spatial resolution Landsat ETM+ binary snow cover maps. Results on the independent test data set indicate that the developed ANN model with hyperbolic tangent transfer function in the output layer and the SVM model with radial basis function kernel produce high FSC mapping accuracies with the corresponding values of R = 0.93 and R = 0.92, respectively.
VULNERABILITY INDEX ASSESSMENT USING NEURAL NETWORKS (VIANN): A
CASE STUDY OF NICOSIA, CYPRUS
Authors: Dindar H. , Dimililer K. , Özdağ Ö. C. , Atalar C. , Akgün M. , Özyankı A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Many scholars have used microtremor applications to evaluate the vulnerability index. In order to reach fast and reliable results, microtremor measurement is preferred as it is a cost-effective method. In this paper, the vulnerability index will be reviewed by utilization of microtremor measurement results in Nicosia city. 100 measurement stations have been used to collect microtremor data and the data were analysed by using Nakamura’s method. The value of vulnerability index (Kg) has been evaluated by using the fundamental frequency and amplification factor. The results obtained by the artificial neural network (ANN) will be compared with microtremor measurements. Vulnerability Index Assessment using Neural Networks (VIANN) is a backpropagation neural network, which uses the original input microtremor Horizontal Vertical Spectrum Ratio (HVSR) spectrum set. A 3-layer back propagation neural network which contains 4096 input, 28 hidden and 3 output neurons are used in this suggested system. The output neurons are classified according to acceleration sensitivity zone, velocity zones, or displacement zones. The sites are classified by their vulnerability index values using binary coding: [1 0 0] for the acceleration sensitive zone, [0 1 0] for the velocity sensitive zone, and [0 0 1] for the displacement sensitive zone.
USING GIS AND AHP FOR PLANNING PRIMER TRANSPORTATION OF FOREST PRODUCTS
Authors: Akay A. E. , Yılmaz B.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Primer transportation is one of the most costly and time consuming forestry activities in extraction of timber from forest lands. Transportation methods are essentially determined based on terrain characteristics, especially ground slope. Besides, unsuitable machine selection and unplanned operations may cause ecological damages such as soil disturbance. Soil damage can lead to long term impacts on forest ecosystem. Thus, the optimum transportation methods should be determined by considering not only economic factors but also topographical factors and soil conditions. In recent decades, some of the advanced features of Geographical Information System (GIS) assist decision makers to solve such complex transportation problems with various constraints. In this study, it was aimed to plan forest transportation operation by using GIS integrated Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) method, considering ground slope, soil type, and available transportation equipment in the region. This method was implemented within the border of İnegöl Forest Enterprise Chief in the city of Bursa in Turkey. Alternative transportation method included cable system, chute system, skidder, and farm tractor. GIS-based method integrated with AHP found that skidder was the optimal transportation method for about 60% of the study area, while farm tractor was the second most suitable method with 25% ground cover. The results indicated that GIS-based decision support systems can be effectively used as rational, quick, and economic tool for forest transportation planning.
FAST SS-ILM: A COMPUTATIONALLY EFFICIENT ALGORITHM TO DISCOVER SOCIALLY IMPORTANT LOCATIONS
Authors: Dokuz A. S. , Celik M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Socially important locations are places which are frequently visited by social media users in their social media lifetime. Discovering socially important locations provide several valuable information about user behaviours on social media networking sites. However, discovering socially important locations are challenging due to data volume and dimensions, spatial and temporal calculations, location sparseness in social media datasets, and inefficiency of current algorithms. In the literature, several studies are conducted to discover important locations, however, the proposed approaches do not work in computationally efficient manner. In this study, we propose Fast SS-ILM algorithm by modifying the algorithm of SS-ILM to mine socially important locations efficiently. Experimental results show that proposed Fast SS-ILM algorithm decreases execution time of socially important locations discovery process up to 20 %.
INTEGRATION OF BIM, WEB MAPS AND IOT FOR SUPPORTING COMFORT ANALYSIS
Authors: Gunduz M. , Isikdag U. , Basaraner M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The use of the Internet is expanding and the technological capabilities of electronic devices are evolving. Today, Internet of Things (IoT) solutions can be developed that were never even imaginable before. In this paper, a case study is presented on the joint use of Building Information Model (BIM), Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. It is a part of an ongoing study that intends to overcome some problems about the management of complex facilities. In the study, a BIM has been converted and displayed in 2D on Google Maps, and information on various sensors have been represented on the web with geographic coordinates in real-time.
INVESTIGATION OF THE AIR QUALITY CHANGE EFFECT ON GNSS SIGNALS
Authors: Gurbuz G. , Gormus K. S. , Altan U.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Air pollution is the most important environmental problem in Zonguldak city center. Since bituminous coal is used for domestic heating in houses and generating electricity in thermal power plants, particulate matter (PM10) is the leading air pollutant. Previous studies have shown that the water vapor in the troposphere is responsible for the tropospheric zenith delay in Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements. In this study, data obtained from the ZONG GNSS station from Türkiye Ulusal Sabit GNSS Ağı (TUSAGA-Active network) in the central district of Zonguldak province, processed with GIPSY-OASIS II and GAMIT/GlobK software using the VMF1 mapping function, which is developed previously and considered to be the most accurate model. The resulting values were examined separately in terms of software. The meteorological parameters obtained from the Turkish State Meteorological Service and the air pollution values obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Urban Planning were analyzed and the zenith delay values were compared. When wet zenith delays of different days with different amounts of PM10 concentrations were examined in succession and under the same meteorological conditions, differences in the range of 20–40 mm on ZTD were observed.
USING AIRBORNE LIDAR DATA FOR ASSESSMENT OF FOREST FIRE FUEL LOAD
POTENTIAL
Authors: İnan M. , Bilici E. , Akay A. E.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Forest fire incidences are one of the most detrimental disasters that may cause long terms effects on forest ecosystems in many parts of the world. In order to minimize environmental damages of fires on forest ecosystems, the forested areas with high fire risk should be determined so that necessary precaution measurements can be implemented in those areas. Assessment of forest fire fuel load can be used to estimate forest fire risk. In order to estimate fuel load capacity, forestry parameters such as number of trees, tree height, tree diameter, crown diameter, and tree volume should be accurately measured. In recent years, with the advancements in remote sensing technology, it is possible to use airborne LIDAR for data estimation of forestry parameters. In this study, the capabilities of using LIDAR based point cloud data for assessment of the forest fuel load potential was investigated. The research area was chosen in the Istanbul Bentler series of Bahceköy Forest Enterprise Directorate that composed of mixed deciduous forest structure.
INVESTIGATING THE SUITABILITY OF MIRRORLESS CAMERAS IN TERRESTRIAL PHOTOGRAMMETRIC APPLICATIONS
Authors: Incekara A. H. , Seker D. Z. , Delen A. , Acar A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLR) which are commonly referred as mirrored cameras are preferred for terrestrial photogrammetric applications such as documentation of cultural heritage, archaeological excavations and industrial measurements. Recently, digital cameras which are called as mirrorless systems that can be used with different lens combinations have become available for using similar applications. The main difference between these two camera types is the presence of the mirror mechanism which means that the incoming beam towards the lens is different in the way it reaches the sensor. In this study, two different digital cameras, one with a mirror (Nikon D700) and the other without a mirror (Sony a6000), were used to apply close range photogrammetric application on the rock surface at Istanbul Technical University (ITU) Ayazaga Campus. Accuracy of the 3D models created by means of photographs taken with both cameras were compared with each other using difference values between field and model coordinates which were obtained after the alignment of the photographs. In addition, cross sections were created on the 3D models for both data source and maximum area difference between them is quite small because they are almost overlapping. The mirrored camera has become more consistent in itself with respect to the change of model coordinates for models created with photographs taken at different times, with almost the same ground sample distance. As a result, it has been determined that mirrorless cameras and point cloud produced using photographs obtained from these cameras can be used for terrestrial photogrammetric studies.
GEOSPATIAL TOOLS FOR PREVENTION OF URBAN FLOODS
CASE STUDY: RIVER OF EL MALEH (CITY OF MOHAMMEDIA – MOROCCO)
Authors: Chaabane M. S. , Abouali N. , Boumeaza T. , Zahouily M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Today, the prevention and the risk management occupy an important part of public policy activities and are considered as major components in the process of sustainable development of territories. Due to the expansion of IT processes, in particular the geomatics sciences, decision-makers are increasingly requesting for digital tools before, during and after the risks of natural disasters. Both, the geographic information system (GIS) and the remote sensing are considered as geospatial and fundamental tools which help to understand the evolution of risks, to analyze their temporality and to make the right decisions. The historic events (on 1996, 2002 and 2010) which struck the city of Mohammedia and having caused the consequent damage to vital infrastructure and private property, require a thorough and rational analyze to benefit from it and well manage the floods phenomena. This article present i) the contribution of the geospatial tools for the floods simulation of Oued of el Maleh city at various return periods. These tools allow the demarcation of flood-risk areas and so to make floods simulations in several scenarios (decadal flood, 20-year flood, 50-year flood, 100-year flood, 500-year flood & also millennial flood) and besides (ii) present a synthesis map combining the territorial stakes superposed on the flood scenarios at different periods of return.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF GIS TO DISPLAY AND ANALYZE THE WATER QUALITY DATA COLLECTED BY A WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK: CASE OF BOUREGREG CATCHMENT, MOROCCO
Authors: Boubakri S. , Rhinane H.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. The monitoring of water quality is, in most cases, managed in the laboratory and not on real time bases. Besides this process being lengthy, it doesn’t provide the required specifications to describe the evolution of the quality parameters that are of interest. This study presents the integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with wireless sensor networks (WSN) aiming to create a system able to detect the parameters like temperature, salinity and conductivity in a Moroccan catchment scale and transmit information to the support station. This Information is displayed and evaluated in a GIS using maps and spatial dashboard to monitor the water quality in real time.
SINKHOLE SUSCEPTIBILITY ANALYSIS FOR KARAPINAR/KONYA VIA MULTI CRITERIA DECISION
Authors: Sarı F.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Sinkholes are being a natural hazard which threads economic and human life. Sudden occurrence characteristic of sinkholes make it unable to escape. There are a lot of factor that activate sinkholes such as geology, irrigation, land use and human related factors. In Karapınar, Konya, there are over 200 sinkholes and this count is getting increased in recent years. Especially active agricultural lands, decreasing ground water level, extreme irrigation by 55267 water wells increase the risk factor of Karapınar. Nowadays, considering the economic contribution of Karapınar to Turkey economy in the field of agriculture, solar energy fields and thermal reactor which will be planned in next few years, prediction of sinkholes and searching for preventation ways are being more important issue. In this study, sinkhole susceptibility map via AHP was carried out for Karapınar in Konya. Slope, land use, elevation, geology, water wells, distance to roads and settlements criteria are included to determine susceptibility. The weights are calculated with AHP for each criterion and generated susceptibility map is overlapped with existing sinkholes. Suggestions and results are shared for this study.
SITE SUITABILITY ANALYSIS FOR BEEKEEPING VIA ANALYTHICAL HYREARCHY PROCESS, KONYA EXAMPLE
Authors: Sarı F. , Ceylan D. A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Over the past decade, the importance of the beekeeping activities has been emphasized in the field of biodiversity, ecosystems, agriculture and human health. Thus, efficient management and deciding correct beekeeping activities seems essential to maintain and improve productivity and efficiency. Due to this importance, considering the economic contributions to the rural area, the need for suitability analysis concept has been revealed. At this point, Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) integration provides efficient solutions to the complex structure of decision- making process for beekeeping activities. In this study, site suitability analysis via Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was carried out for Konya city in Turkey. Slope, elevation, aspect, distance to water resources, roads and settlements, precipitation and flora criteria are included to determine suitability. The requirements, expectations and limitations of beekeeping activities are specified with the participation of experts and stakeholders. The final suitability map were validated with existing 117 beekeeping locations and Turkish Statistical Institute 2016 beekeeping statistics for Konya province.
MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS TO PRIORITIZE SUB-WATERSHED FOR FLOOD RISK ASSESSMENT IN CENTRAL KARAKORAM NATIONAL PARK USING GIS/RS APPROACH
Authors: Syed N. H. , Rehman A. A. , Hussain D. , Ishaq S. , Khan A. A.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. Morphometric analysis is vital for any watershed investigation and it is inevitable for flood risk assessment in sub-watershed basins. Present study undertaken to carry out critical evaluation and assessment of sub watershed morphological parameters for flood risk assessment of Central Karakorum National Park (CKNP), where Geographical information system and remote sensing (GIS & RS) approach used for quantifying the parameter and mapping of sub watershed units. ASTER DEM used as a geo-spatial data for watershed delineation and stream network. Morphometric analysis carried out using spatial analyst tool of ArcGIS 10.2. The parameters included were bifurcation ratio (Rb), Drainage Texture (Rt), Circulatory ratio (Rc), Elongated ratio (Re), Drainage density (Dd), Stream Length (Lu), Stream order (Su), Slope and Basin length (Lb) have calculated separately. The analysis revealed that the stream order varies from order 1 to 6 and the total numbers of stream segments of all orders were 52. Multi criteria analysis process used to calculate the risk factor. As an accomplished result, map of sub watershed prioritization developed using weighted standardized risk factor. These results helped to understand sensitivity of flush floods in different sub watersheds of the study area and leaded to better management of the mountainous regions in prospect of flush floods.
DEFORESTATION DUE TO URBANIZATION: A CASE STUDY FOR TRABZON, TURKEY
Authors: Telkenaroglu C. , Dikmen M.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. This paper inspects the deforestation of Trabzon in Turkey, due to urbanization, between 2006 and 2016. For this purpose, Landsat 7 ETM+ (Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus) images are obtained from United States Geographical Survey (USGS) archive (USGS, 2017a) and their VNIR bands related to this study are utilized. For both years, and for each band, histograms are equalized. Finally, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values are calculated as images. Resulting vegetation indexes are assessed in comparison to the binary ground truth images. A visual inspection is also done with respect to Google’s Timelapse images for each year to validate and support the results.
A PROPOSAL FOR GENERALIZATION OF 3D MODELS
Authors: Uyar A. , Ulugtekin N. N.
Published: November 2017

Abstract. In recent years, 3D models have been created of many cities around the world. Most of the 3D city models have been introduced as completely graphic or geometric models, and the semantic and topographic aspects of the models have been neglected. In order to use 3D city models beyond the task, a generalization is necessary. CityGML is an open data model and XML-based format for the storage and exchange of virtual 3D city models. Level of Details (LoD) which is an important concept for 3D modelling, can be defined as outlined degree or prior representation of real-world objects. The paper aim is first describes some requirements of 3D model generalization, then presents problems and approaches that have been developed in recent years. In conclude the paper will be a summary and outlook on problems and future work.