bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The SSCM: an adaptation of Cameron's Target Decompostition to actual calibration SAR requirements
Authors: Touzi R , Charbonneau F
Published: March 2017

Cameron's coherent target decomposition (CTD) and classification are discussed in the context of SAR, and the limitations of Cameron's classification are examined. It is shown that Cameron's classification leads to a coarse scattering segmentation because of the
large class dispersion that corresponds to a SAR system with about ±5 dB channel imbalance. The application of Cameron's method within known SAR radiometric calibration requirements limits the utility of the classification. A new method, named the symmetric scattering characterization method
(SSCM), is introduced to better exploit the information provided by the largest target symmetric scattering component, under coherent conditions. The SSCM, which expressed the symmetric scattering in term of the Poincaré sphere angles, permits a better characterization of target symmetric
scattering and the generation of coherent scattering segmentation of much higher resolution, in comparison with Cameron's coarse segmentation.
Revising Geological Maps Using RADARSAT-1
Authors: Yan S , Singhroy V
Published: March 2017

RADARSAT-1 images have been used to revise geological interpretations in three test sites. The sites are the rugged mountains in northern Hebei and the central Yunnan provinces in China, and the rugged mountainous rain forested terrains of the Guyana Shield. This
case study demonstrates that careful interpretation of selective beam modes of RADARSAT-1 can add new structural and lithological information, thereby revising existing geological maps.
Validation and calibration of Canada-wide coarse-resolution satellite burned area maps
Authors: Fraser R , Hall R J , Landry R , Lynham T , Raymond D , Lee B , Li Z
Published: March 2017

Satellite-based mapping can provide a timely and efficient means of identifying burned vegetation at continental scales for estimating greenhouse gas emissions and its effects on the terrestrial carbon budget. In this study, we used a sample of 55 Landsat
Thematic Mapper (TM) scenes distributed across Canada to validate and calibrate 1998 and 1999 national-level burned areas maps produced using coarse resolution (~ 1-km) SPOT VEGETATION and NOAA AVHRR imagery. Commission and omissions errors, based on fire events > 200 ha, were found
to be small in the coarse resolution maps (4% and 1%, respectively). However, the coarse resolution burned area estimates were 72 percent larger than the crown fire burned area mapped at 30 m using Landsat TM (11,039 vs. 6,403 ha average area). This bias was attributed to spatial aggregation
effects in which the coarse resolution product included the tree crown fire, partial burn, and unburned fractions of a pixel. A regression calibration model (R2=0.95, p< 0.0005, RMS=3,015 ha, n=155) based on a VGT/TM double sampling approach was derived to correct for the aggregation bias
and to provide Canada-wide estimates of crown fire burned area.
The SSCM for Ship Characterization Using Polarimetric SAR
Authors: Touzi R , Charbonneau F
Published: March 2017

Ship characterization is investigated using the symmetric scattering characterization method (SSCM), which was introduced in [12]. The SSCM method appears to be very promising for ship identification. Identification of ship targets with significant symmetric
scattering is shown to lead to accurate pitch measurement, under certain conditions.
Coarse resolution satellite mapping of insect-induced tree defoliation and mortality
Authors: Fraser R , Latifovic R
Published: March 2017

Insect-induced tree defoliation and the resulting growth and mortality losses represent a significant disturbance in many forested regions. Most defoliation surveys are produced using conventional aerial sketch mapping techniques supplemented by field inspection.
Digital airborne and fine resolution (≤ 100m) satellite imagery has been frequently used, with mixed results, to assess both the extent and severity of defoliation [1-3]. Coarse resolution (~ 1-km) satellite
imagery, with its greater frequency of observation and spatial coverage, could also prove useful for monitoring and mapping large-scale defoliation events. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential for using multi-temporal SPOT VEGETATION (VGT) imagery for monitoring insect defoliation
and mapping subsequent tree mortality. VGT imagery was examined for a severe outbreak of hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria) in Quebec, Canada, which defoliated and killed more than 400,000 ha of balsam fir in 1999 (Fig 1). Multi-temporal change metrics [4] based on reflectance and vegetation
indices were derived using 10-day VGT composites from 1998-2000. A multiple logistic regression model developed using the 1998-2000 metrics could classify forest mortality within a 500-by-700 km study area with a commission error of 33-60 percent and omission error of 0-33 percent, depending on if
the reference surveys were buffered by 2 km (Fig. 2). The logistic model was also applied to simulate a near real-time application for detecting defoliation and monitoring its evolution. A time-series of 1999 change metrics could detect defoliation after July larval feeding with an omission error
rate comparable to that from mapping mortality. However, the number of false detections was 2-3 times greater due to short-term variation in the satellite signal not related to real vegetation changes (e.g., cloud and atmospheric contamination, surface moisture). We conclude that coarse resolution
imagery demonstrates considerable promise for monitoring insect defoliation and should be investigated for a range of defoliators and forest types.
Accuracy assessment of global land cover products derived from satellite data
Authors: Latifovic R , Olthof I
Published: March 2017

Information on land cover distribution at regional and global scales has become fundamental for studying global changes affecting ecological and climatic systems. The remote sensing community has responded to this increased interest by improving data quality and
methodologies for extracting land cover information. However, in addition to the advantages provided by satellite products, certain limitations exist that need to be objectively quantified and clearly communicated to users so that they can make informed decisions on if and how land cover products
should be used. Accuracy assessment is the procedure used to quantify product quality. Some aspects of accuracy assessment for evaluating four global land cover maps over Canada are discussed in this paper. Attempts are made to quantify limiting factors resulting from the coarse spatial resolution
of data used for generating land cover information at regional and global levels. Sub-pixel fractional error matrices are introduced as a more appropriate way for assessing the accuracy of mixed pixels. For classification with coarse spatial resolution data, limitations of the classification method
produce a maximum achievable accuracy defined as the average dominant land cover fraction of the mapped area. Relationships among spatial resolution, landscape heterogeneity and thematic resolution were studied and reported. Other factors that can affect accuracy, such as misregistration and legend
conversion, are also discussed.
Validation of VEGETATION, MODIS, and GOES+SSM/I Snow Cover Products over Canada Based on Surface Snow Depth Observations
Authors: Simic A , Fernandes R , Brown R , Romanov P , Park W
M
Published: March 2017

The ability to accurately map the areal depletion of snow is important for operational decision making (e.g. reservoir management), for correct specification of boundary conditions in Numerical Weather Prediction models, and for modeling atmospheric, hydrological
and ecological processes. A number of satellite-derived snow cover products are available in real-time; however, these can differ considerably due to variations in sensor and platform characteristics, data pre-processing methods and the particular snow cover classification algorithms employed. This
article evaluated the performance of three daily snow cover products over Canada (1) Terra Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) snow cover maps provided at 500m spatial resolution for 2001, (2) National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) GOES+SSM/I snow maps provided at 4km
resolution for 2001 (~30km resolution SSM/I data were used for cloud covered areas), and (3) SPOT-4 Vegetation (VGT) snow maps derived at 1km resolution for 2000. An evaluation of the snow cover products with daily surface snow depth observations collected from almost two thousand
meteorological stations across Canada revealed that the VGT snow product used in this study may not be suitable for snow mapping in Canada due to a significant bias towards mapping snow-free conditions. The MODIS and NOAA products showed similar reasonable levels of agreement ranging from
approximately 80% to 100% on a monthly basis. Somewhat lower agreement was found in January suggesting that better correction for tree and surface shadow effects is needed in current snow cover mapping algorithms. The lowest agreement was seen during snow melt mainly in forest areas.
Comparison of MODIS agreement statistics between sparse and dense conifer regions indicated that the effect of non-representativenes of surface snow depth observations was on the order of 10% disagreement. The NOAA product was found to be most consistent among land cover types and had the
highest percentage of cloud-free pixels.
A Canadian Hyperspectral Spaceborne Mission - Applications and User Requirements
Authors: Staenz K , Hollinger A
Published: March 2017

This paper outlines the mission performance requirements suggested by the User and Science Team for the Canadian Hyperspectral Spaceborne Mission. This civilian mission focuses mainly on sustainability and environmental issues including the key application areas:
forestry, agriculture, geology, coastal and inland waters, and environment (wetlands, climate change, etc.). The mission is currently in its conceptual stage (phase A) to define different mission and instrument scenarios taking into account the established user requirements.
DEM Extraction from High Resolution Imagery
Authors: Toutin Th
Published: March 2017

Digital elevation models (DEMs) extracted from high-resolution stereo images (SPOT-5, EROS and IKONOS) using a three-dimensional (3-D) multi-sensor physical model developed at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing, Natural Resources Canada were evaluated. Firstly,
the photogrammetric stereo-bundle adjustment was set-up with few accurate ground control points. DEMs were then generated using an area-based multi-scale image matching method and then compared to 0.2-m accurate lidar elevation data. Elevation linear errors with 68% confidence level (LE68) of
6.5 m, 20 m and 6.4 m were achieved for SPOT, EROS and IKONOS, respectively. The worse results for EROS are mainly due to its asynchronous orbit, which generate large geometric and radiometric differences between the stereo-images. When these differences are not large (such as in the middle of the
stereo-pair), 10-m LE68 was achieved. Since SPOT and IKONOS DEMs were in fact a digital terrain surface model where the elevation of land covers (trees, houses) is included, the elevation accuracy is performed depending on the land cover types. LE68 of 1-2 m were obtained for bare surfaces and
lakes. However, when compared to sensor resolution, SPOT achieved better results than IKONOS: half-pixel versus 1.5 pixels. On the other hand, LE68 of 4 m to 6.6 m were obtained depending on the forest types (deciduous, conifer, mixed or sparse) and its surface elevation.
From At-Sensor observation to At-Surface reflectance - calibration steps for earth observation hyperspectral sensors
Authors: White H P , Khurshid S K , Hitchcock R , Neville R A , Sun L
Published: March 2017

With the continued development of space borne hyperspectral sensors (CSA HERO, ESA CHRIS-on-PROBA, ESA SPECTRA, NASA SpectraSat) to follow the EO-1 Hyperion sensor, high spectral and spatial Earth observation data will become more readily available to the
research and user communities. With this improvement in spectral and spatial resolution comes the need to have more rigorous image preprocessing. Spectral and spatial registration and radiometric response need to be characterized and applied more frequently, possibly on a scene by scene basis
depending on the stability of the sensor. This requires a system that can evaluate a dataset and determine these parameters efficiently and independently. A pre-processing procedure to transform at-sensor signals to at-surface reflectance for Earth Observation hyperspectral imagery has been
developed at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing / Natural Resources Canada (CCRS/NRCan). This process examines an image cube for bad pixels (stripes) and noise levels, determines spectral (smile effect) and spatial (keystone) registration per pixel, as well as evaluating the image cube for optimal
signal gain and offset, and applies the relevant corrections. Where applicable, a scene-based (vicarious) calibration procedure can also be applied.
Investigation of multiscale product for change eetection in difference images
Authors: Beauchemin M , Fung K B
Published: March 2017

We investigate the potential of multiscale product as a measure for change detection in difference images. The rationale relies on exploiting the cross-scale correlation characteristics of signal and noise. We use Monte Carlo simulations to assess the detection
and localization performances of the multiscale product for the detection of linear features of different widths. Comparisons are made with change detection based on single scale as well as other multiscale combination rules. Preliminary simulation results show that, overall, a good performance
balance is obtained for change detection over the range of SNRs and line widths investigated.
Temporal soil moisture estimates from Radarsat-1 and Envisat ASAR for flood forecasting
Authors: Deschamps A , Pultz T J , Pietroniro A , Best K
Published: March 2017

Estimating the amount of water stored in a soil profile is essential in most water management projects and for assessing the hydrologic state of a basin. It determines infiltration during a rainfall event and controls evapotranspiration
between storms. Rarely, however, are soil moisture data available for model input. In many cases, particularly watershed scale monitoring or modelling, soil moisture is inferred from more easily obtainable hydrologic variables such as rainfall, runoff and temperature.

As such, there is a strong need for procedures to estimate soil moisture in a watershed independently from the models. These procedures must provide not only basin average estimates but also the spatial distribution within a basin in order to meet
the requirements of emerging distributed models. Active and passive microwave imagery are both candidate sources for these data. Active SAR imagery, with its high resolution, is particularly attractive for use in areas of mixed land cover.

This
paper addresses the potential of Radarsat and Envisat ASAR Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to extract information on soil moisture at the watershed scale. Multiple Radarsat and Envisat data acquisitions collected over the Roseau River watershed, located in Manitoba, for the period of September
2002 through June 2003 were analyzed in relation to ground observations and meteorological conditions. A method was then developed to produce soil moisture maps for input to a hydrological model for flood forecasting.
Synthetic Aperture Radar for search and rescue: polarimetry and interferometry
Authors: Lukowski T I , Yue B , Mattar K E
Published: March 2017

The use of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) provides an opportunity to assist Search and Rescue (SAR) in the location of downed airplanes in particular in the northern areas of Canada. This paper presents results of examining the detection of crashed aircraft
targets using airborne SAR data. Considerations for decreasing the number of false targetsusing a combined polarimetric and interferometric analysis have been tested with results indicating a promising approach for target detection using these SAR techniques.
Ecological restoration from space: the use of remote sensing for monitoring land reclamation in Sudbury
Authors: Champagne C , Abuelgasim A , Staenz K , Monet S , White H P
Published: March 2017

The use of spatial information systems has grown over the past decade as a tool for studying ecosystems and the impacts of human activity upon them. The collection of geographic data, however, is often time consuming and expensive. Remote sensing of ecological
processes offers the potential to rapidly produce spatial information over large areas. This study will examine the use of earth-observation data to map the restoration activities in the City of Greater Sudbury. Sudbury has made great progress over the past 25 years in restoring the vegetation cover
that had been destroyed by the effects of mining. Reductions in smelter emissions and a reclamation effort to re-vegetate the area through a large-scale soil liming and tree-planting campaign have resulted in significant land cover change. Preliminary results show that remote sensing data can
produce information on the land cover type and, on the relative health of vegetation in restored areas that are consistent with other field-based studies in this region. Further validation of these results need to be made to determine the local accuracy level that can be achieved using these
methods.
Groundwater flow patterns in Carboniferous sediments of Atlantic Canada
Authors:   Nolan, Davis and Associates Limited
Published: March 2017

This hydrogeological study of the Summerland Basin, British Columbia, is based on existing groundwater records and reports, chemical analysis of groundwater samples from springs, hydrogeological observations, evaluation of the basin groundwater budget, and
computer modelling of groundwater flow and heat transport. No data was available from the deeper parts of the basin, and no identification could be made anywhere of water which had come from great depths. At present the dominant amount of groundwater recharge enters and discharges from shallow flow
systems, and the natural groundwater flow through the deep basin across an 8-km section is estimated to be 3L/s.
Permafrost and ground ice investigation, Mayo, interior Yukon
Authors: French H M ,   Ottawa-Carleton Centre for Geoscience Studies, Pollard W H , Burn C
Published: March 2017

Stratigraphic, geomorphic and ground ice data is presented for the Mayo area in the interior Yukon. The report is preliminary in nature and meant to provide a geological framework for studies of the thermal and hydrological regime in the same area
.
New probabilistic strong seismic ground motion maps of Canada: a compilation of earthquake source zones, methods and results
Authors: Basham P W , Weichert D H , Anglin F M , Berry M
J
Published: March 2017

New probabilistic seismic ground motion maps of Canada, displaying peak horizontal acceleration and peak horizontal velocity at a probability of exceedence of 10 percent in 50 years, have been recommended as the replacement for the 1970 Seismic Zoning Map in
National Building Code applications. This report presents a comprehensive description of the basic earthquake data and the methods employed in deriving the new maps.
Subsurface temperature data from arctic wells
Authors:   GEOTECH Engineering
Published: March 2017

All available subsurface temperature measurements made by industry in the search for hydrocarbons throughout the Mackenzie Delta/Beaufort Sea and the Arctic Islands have been collected and collated.. The data collection has been used to estimate undisturbed rock
temperatures, geothermal gradients and to contour regional temperatures at depths of 1, 2, 3 and 4 km below the surface. A total of 344 wells were included in the study.
Nonconforming Finite Element Method Applied to the Driven Cavity Problem
Authors: Lim Roktaek , Sheen Dongwoo
Published: March 2017

A cheapest stable nonconforming finite element method is presented for solving the incompressible flow in a square cavity without smoothing the corner singularities. The stable cheapest nonconforming finite element pair based on P1×P0 on rectangularmeshes [29] is employed with a minimal modification of the discontinuous Dirichlet data on the top boundary, where is the finite element space of piecewise constant pressures with the globally one-dimensional checker-board pattern subspace eliminated. The proposed Stokes elements have the least number of degrees of freedom compared to those of known stable Stokes elements. Three accuracy indications for our elements are analyzed and numerically verified. Also, various numerous computational results obtained by using our proposed element show excellent accuracy.
A Simple Explanation of Superconvergence for Discontinuous Galerkin Solutions to ut+ux=0
Authors: Roe Philip
Published: March 2017

The superconvergent property of the Discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method for linear hyperbolic systems of partial differential equations in one dimension is explained by relating the DG method to a particular continuous method, whose accuracy depends in part on a local analysis, and in part on information transferred from upwind elements.
Pressure-Correction Projection FEM for Time-Dependent Natural Convection Problem
Authors: Wu Jilian , Feng Xinlong , Liu Fei
Published: March 2017

Pressure-correction projection finite element methods (FEMs) are proposed to solve nonstationary natural convection problems in this paper. The first-order and second-order backward difference formulas are applied for time derivative, the stability analysis and error estimates of the semi-discrete schemes are presented using energy method. Compared with characteristic variational multiscale FEM, pressure-correction projection FEMs are more efficient and unconditionally energy stable. Ample numerical results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the pressure-correction projection FEMs for solving these problems.
COOLING FLOW MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES
Authors:   Road Vehicle Aerodynamics Forum Committee
Published: March 2017

This SAE Information Report has been prepared by the Standards Committee on Cooling Flow Measurement (CFM) at the request of the SAE Road Vehicle Aerodynamics Forum Committee (RVAC). The committee was formed in January 1985 for the purpose of investigating what measuring techniques are used by automotive product manufacturers to determine air cooling air flow rates and, if possible, to synthesize these into a recommended practice report.

Although a great deal is already known about engine cooling, recent concern with fuel conservation has resulted in generally smaller air intakes whose shape and location are dictated primarily by low vehicle drag/high forward speed requirements. The new vehicle intake configurations make it more difficult to achieve adequate cooling under all conditions. They cause cooling flow velocity profiles to become distorted and underhood temperatures to be excessively high. Such problems make it necessary to achieve much better accuracy in measuring cooling flows.

As the following descriptions show, each company or institution concerned with this problem has invested a lot of time and as a result gained considerable experience in developing measuring techniques that appear to achieve reliable results. There is, however, little uniformity at the present time among the methods used by different companies and no indication at this time of a trend towards a simple and universally acceptable measuring technique. If one can make generalizations, it seems that the North American industry appears to use vane anemometers, whereas the European industry appears to favor pressure measurements for determining cooling air flows.

Usually cooling flow measurement makes use of ensemble average calibrations of arrayed sensors. The major drawback of ensemble averaging usage of sensors appears to be the need for prior calibration of each combination of sensor array and radiator/vehicle front-end configuration. While there appears to be a growing interest in also knowing flow distributions—which necessitates the use of a plurality of sensing devices—very little is made of area-averaging techniques.

Given the present state of the technology, this report covers simply an overview of the different measuring techniques deployed in the industry, and it is left to the future to report on developments towards a unified cooling flow measurement method. Appendices A and B present a number of problem statements that were identified during the present CFM review and whose solution would promote a better understanding of cooling flow measurement generally.
TERMINOLOGY
Authors:   Adaptive Devices Standards Committee
Published: March 2017

The terms included in this SAE Information Report have been collected during the development of SAE documents related to standards for the adaptation of vehicles for use by persons with physical disabilities. It includes only those terms that are pertinent to the adaptive devices discipline, leaving to other authorities more common automotive engineering terms. Where several terms have a common meaning in the practice, the Terminology Task Force has attempted to select the most appropriate term.

The Terminology Task Force recognizes that there will be a need to expand and update current terminology as advances in the industry occur, and as related standards documents are completed. Accordingly, they will continue to develop and maintain this document to reflect those changes.
INFRARED TESTING
Authors:   Metals Technical Committee
Published: March 2017

The scope of this SAE Information Report is to provide general information relative to the nature and use of infrared techniques for nondestructive testing. The document is not intended to provide detailed technical information, but will serve as an introduction to the theory and capabilities of infrared testing and as a guide to more extensive references.
Spark Plugs
Authors:   Ignition Standards Committee
Published: March 2017

This SAE Standard applies only to spark plugs used for ground vehicles and stationary engines.

This document is intended to serve as a guide to dimensions common to the majority of current production spark plugs and future applications. It is not the intent of this document to prohibit the manufacture of spark plugs having dimensions differing from those presented. Many applications exist which require specialized or nonstandard spark plugs. It is recommended that this document be used in spark plug design and engine applications wherever possible. Whenever design situations arise that prevent the use of one of these standard spark plugs, a spark plug manufacturer should be contacted for guidance.

Figures 1 to 13 and Tables 1A to 6 show typical configurations of unshielded and shielded spark plug designs, their dimensional characteristics, installation, threaded hole, and spark plug thread sizes.
Aging of Carbon Steel Sheet and Strip
Authors:   Metals Technical Committee
Published: March 2017

This SAE Information Report briefly covers the aging of hot rolled, cold rolled, and coated carbon steel sheet and strip. Its purpose is to provide general information concerning the phenomenon of aging so that associated problems may be recognized.
Medication Use among Veterans across Health Care Systems
Authors: Nguyen Khoa A. , Haggstrom David A. , Ofner Susan , Perkins Susan M. , French Dustin D. , Myers Laura J. , Rosenman Marc , Weiner Michael , Dixon Brian E. , Zillich Alan J.
Published: March 2017

Introduction: Dual healthcare system use can create gaps and fragments of information for patient care. The Department of Veteran Affairs is implementing a health information exchange (HIE) program called the Virtual Lifetime Electronic Record (VLER), which allows providers to access and share information across healthcare systems. HIE has the potential to improve the safety of medication use. However, data regarding the pattern of outpatient medication use across systems of care is largely unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study is to describe the prevalence of medication dispensing across VA and non-VA health care systems among a cohort Veteran population Methods: This study included all Veterans who had two outpatient visits or one inpatient visit at the Indianapolis VA during a 1-year period prior to VLER enrollment. Source of medication data was assessed at the subject level, and categorized as VA, INPC (non-VA), or both. The primary target was identification of sources for medication data. Then, we compared the mean number of prescriptions, as well as overall and pairwise differences in medication dispensing.

Results: Out of 52,444 Veterans, 17.4% of subjects had medication data available in a regional HIE. On average, 40 prescriptions per year were prescribed for Veterans who used both sources compared to 29 prescriptions per year from VA only and 25 prescriptions per year from INPC only sources. The annualized prescription rate of Veterans in the dual use group was 36% higher than those who had only VA data available and 61% higher than those who had only INPC data available.

Conclusions: Our data demonstrated that 17.4% of subjects had medication use identified from non-VA sources, including prescriptions for antibiotics, antineoplastics, and anticoagulants. These data support the need for HIE programs to improve coordination of information, with the potential to reduce adverse medication interactions and improve medication safety.
Non-triggered auroral substorms and long-period (1–4 mHz) geomagnetic and auroral luminosity pulsations in the polar cap
Authors: Yagova Nadezda , Nosikova Natalia , Baddeley Lisa , Kozyreva Olga , Lorentzen Dag A. , Pilipenko Vyacheslav , Johnsen Magnar G.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. A study is undertaken into parameters of the polar auroral and geomagnetic pulsations in the frequency range 1–4 mHz (Pc5∕Pi3) during quiet geomagnetic intervals preceding auroral substorms and non-substorm background variations. Special attention is paid to substorms that occur under parameters of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions typical for undisturbed days (non-triggered substorms). The spectral parameters of pulsations observed in auroral luminosity as measured by a meridian scanning photometer (Svalbard) in the polar cap and near the polar boundary of the auroral oval are studied and compared with those for the geomagnetic pulsations measured by the magnetometer network IMAGE in the same frequency range. It is found that Pc5∕Pi3 power spectral density (PSD) is higher during pre-substorm time intervals than for non-substorm days and that specific variations of pulsation parameters (substorm precursors) occur during the last 2–4 pre-substorm hours.
A chironomid-based mean July temperature inference model from the south-east margin of the Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Zhang Enlou , Chang Jie , Cao Yanmin , Tang Hongqu , Langdon Pete , Shulmeister James , Wang Rong , Yang Xiangdong , Shen Ji
Published: March 2017

Abstract. A chironomid-based calibration training set comprised of 100 lakes from south-western China was established. Multivariate ordination analyses were used to investigate the relationship between the distribution and abundance of chironomid species and 18 environmental variables from these lakes. Canonical correspondence analyses (CCAs) and partial CCAs showed that mean July temperature is one of the independent and significant variables explaining the second-largest amount of variance after potassium ions (K+) in 100 south-western Chinese lakes. Quantitative transfer functions were created using the chironomid assemblages for this calibration data set. The second component of the weighted-average partial least squares (WA-PLS) model produced a coefficient of determination (r2bootstrap) of 0.63, maximum bias (bootstrap) of 5.16 and root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP) of 2.31 °C. We applied the transfer functions to a 150-year chironomid record from Tiancai Lake (26°38′3.8 N, 99°43′ E; 3898 m a.s.l.), Yunnan, China, to obtain mean July temperature inferences. We validated these results by applying several reconstruction diagnostics and comparing them to a 50-year instrumental record from the nearest weather station (26°51′29.22′′ N, 100°14′2.34′′ E; 2390 m a.s.l.). The transfer function performs well in this comparison. We argue that this 100-lake large training set is suitable for reconstruction work despite the low explanatory power of mean July temperature because it contains a complete range of modern temperature and environmental data for the chironomid taxa observed and is therefore robust.
Experimental study on retardation of a heavy NAPL vapor in partially saturated porous media
Authors: Kleinknecht Simon Matthias , Class Holger , Braun Jürgen
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Non-aqueous-phase liquid (NAPL) contaminants introduced into the unsaturated zone spread as a liquid phase; however, they can also vaporize and migrate in a gaseous state. Vapor plumes migrate easily and thus pose a potential threat to underlying aquifers. Large-scale column experiments were performed to quantify partitioning processes responsible for the retardation of carbon disulfide (CS2) vapor in partially saturated porous media. The results were compared with a theoretical approach taking into account the partitioning into the aqueous phase as well as adsorption to the solid matrix and to the air–water interface. The experiments were conducted in large, vertical columns (i.d. of 0.109 m) of 2 m length packed with different porous media. A slug of CS2 vapor and the conservative tracer argon was injected at the bottom of the column followed by a nitrogen chase. Different seepage velocities were applied to characterize the transport and to evaluate their impact on retardation. Concentrations of CS2 and argon were measured at the top outlet of the column using two gas chromatographs. The temporal-moment analysis for step input was employed to evaluate concentration breakthrough curves and to quantify dispersion and retardation. The experiments conducted showed a pronounced retardation of CS2 in moist porous media which increased with water saturation. The comparison with an analytical solution helped to identify the relative contributions of partitioning processes to retardation. Thus, the experiments demonstrated that migrating CS2 vapor is retarded as a result of partitioning processes. Moreover, CS2 dissolved in the bulk water is amenable to biodegradation. The first evidence of CS2 decay by biodegradation was found in the experiments. The findings contribute to the understanding of vapor-plume transport in the unsaturated zone and provide valuable experimental data for the transfer to field-like conditions.
Meteorological factors driving glacial till variation and the associated periglacial debris flows in Tianmo Valley, south-eastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Deng Mingfeng , Chen Ningsheng , Liu Mei
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Meteorological studies have indicated that high alpine environments are strongly affected by climate warming, and periglacial debris flows are frequent in deglaciated regions. The combination of rainfall and air temperature controls the initiation of periglacial debris flows, and the addition of meltwater due to higher air temperatures enhances the complexity of the triggering mechanism compared to that of storm-induced debris flows. On the south-eastern Tibetan Plateau, where temperate glaciers are widely distributed, numerous periglacial debris flows have occurred over the past 100 years, but none occurred in the Tianmo watershed until 2007. In 2007 and 2010, three large-scale debris flows occurred in the Tianmo Valley. In this study, these three debris flow events were chosen to analyse the impacts of the annual meteorological conditions, including the antecedent air temperature and meteorological triggers. The remote sensing images and field measurements of the adjacent glacier suggested that sharp glacier retreats occurred in the 1 to 2 years preceding the events, which coincided with spikes in the mean annual air temperature. Glacial till changes providing enough active sediment driven by a prolonged increase in the air temperature are a prerequisite of periglacial debris flows. Different factors can trigger periglacial debris flows, and they may include high-intensity rainfall, as in the first and third debris flows, or continuous, long-term increases in air temperature, as in the second debris flow event.
Analysis of fire dynamics in the Brazilian savannas
Authors: Mataveli Guilherme Augusto Verola , Silva Maria Elisa Siqueira , Pereira Gabriel , da Silva Cardozo Francielle , Kawakubo Fernando Shinji , Bertani Gabriel , Costa Julio Cezar , de Cássia Ramos Raquel , da Silva Viviane Valéria
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Wildfires play a key role in the ecology of savannas. The Brazilian savannas (Cerrado biome), where the extension of burned areas and amount of fires can be more numerous than in the Amazon, is frequently burned due to natural fires or land-use and land-cover (LULC) changes. Thus, we aimed to understand the occurrence and the dynamics of fires in the Cerrado using active fire, burned area, precipitation, vegetation condition, estimated using the Vegetation Condition Index (VCI), and LULC data derived from orbital sensors. Results show that the Cerrado was, respectively, the second and first Brazilian biome for the occurrence of hotspots and burned area, which are concentrated during the dry season (May to September), especially in September, when the annual deficit in precipitation and extreme vegetation conditions reached maximum indices. Higher densities of hotspots concentrated in the Northern of the biome, while 75 % of the occurrences were found in the natural remnants of the Cerrado. Totals of hotspots and burned area were higher in years of lower precipitation, such as 2007 and 2010. Spatial correlations showed that hotspots and burned area are better correlated with precipitation than vegetation condition, especially in the Central North and Northeast of the Cerrado.
Intravascular T-cell lymphoma in a patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas)
Authors: Lampe Karen , Rudnick Jens-Christian , Leendertz Fabian , Bleyer Martina , Mätz-Rensing Kerstin
Published: March 2017

Abstract. A 9-year-old female captive patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas) presented with poor general condition, inability to stand, petechiae, anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and leukocytosis. Due to poor response to treatment, the animal was euthanized 16 days later. Postmortem examination revealed hemorrhages in several organs and bilateral cerebral infarctions. Histologically, prominent accumulations of large neoplastic lymphocytes in cerebral and meningeal blood vessels were demonstrated within the lesions and in other organs (e.g., bone marrow, ovary, intestine). Immunohistochemically, neoplastic cells expressed CD3 and Ki-67. PCR revealed a lymphocryptovirus (LCV) infection, while Epstein–Barr nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2) could not be demonstrated within neoplastic cells by means of immunohistochemistry. Based on the pathological findings, an intravascular lymphoma (IVL) of T-cell origin was diagnosed. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report on this rare entity in a nonhuman primate.
Effects of wheat stubble on runoff, infiltration, and erosion of farmland on the Loess Plateau, China, subjected to simulated rainfall
Authors: Wang Linhua , Ma Bo , Wu Faqi
Published: March 2017

Abstract. Soil and water losses in agriculture are major environmental problems worldwide, especially on the Loess Plateau, China. Summer fallow management may help to control soil erosion and conserve water. This study investigated the effects of wheat stubble on runoff, infiltration, and soil loss in laboratory plots under simulated rainfall. The treatments comprised wheat stubble cover (WS) and traditional plowing (TP) in runoff plots (4.0 m  ×  1.0 m) with three slope gradients (5, 10, and 15°) under simulated rainfall at 80 mm h−1 for 1 h. The runoff volume from WS plots was significantly less than that from TP. The runoff reduction with WS ranged from 91.92 to 92.83 % compared with TP. The runoff rates varied with the runoff volume in the same manner. The infiltration amount was higher with WS (94.8–96.2 % of rainwater infiltrated) than TP (35.4–57.1 %). The sediment concentration was significantly lower with WS than TP. Compared with TP (304.31–731.23 g m−2), the sediment losses were reduced dramatically in WS (2.41–3.78 g m−2) and the sediment loss slightly increased with slope; however, it was greatly increased as slope increased in TP. These results revealed that the stubble cover was the main factor reducing runoff and sediment losses and improving infiltration and that stubble showed a great potential to control erosion and conserve soil and water resources during the summer fallow period in the Loess Plateau region.
Assessment of NASA airborne laser altimetry data using ground-based GPS data near Summit Station, Greenland
Authors: Brunt Kelly M. , Hawley Robert L. , Lutz Eric R. , Studinger Michael , Sonntag John G. , Hofton Michelle A. , Andrews Lauren C. , Neumann Thomas A.
Published: March 2017

Abstract. A series of NASA airborne lidars have been used in support of satellite laser altimetry missions. These airborne laser altimeters have been deployed for satellite instrument development, for spaceborne data validation, and to bridge the data gap between satellite missions. We used data from ground-based Global Positioning System (GPS) surveys of an 11 km long track near Summit Station, Greenland, to assess the surface–elevation bias and measurement precision of three airborne laser altimeters including the Airborne Topographic Mapper (ATM), the Land, Vegetation, and Ice Sensor (LVIS), and the Multiple Altimeter Beam Experimental Lidar (MABEL). Ground-based GPS data from the monthly ground-based traverses, which commenced in 2006, allowed for the assessment of nine airborne lidar surveys associated with ATM and LVIS between 2007 and 2016. Surface–elevation biases for these altimeters – over the flat, ice-sheet interior – are less than 0.12 m, while assessments of measurement precision are 0.09 m or better. Ground-based GPS positions determined both with and without differential post-processing techniques provided internally consistent solutions. Results from the analyses of ground-based and airborne data provide validation strategy guidance for the Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2) elevation and elevation-change data products.
Main Users’ Evaluation of The English E-Book for Seventh Graders in Secondary Education
Authors: - Fortunasari , Retmono Dwi Rukmini, , Mujiyanto Januarius
Published: March 2017

This paper discusses an evaluation of the English e-book which have been prescribed for use in grade 7 classes by the Indonesian Ministry of National Education in state-owned junior highschools. A 108 items of a modified e-book evaluation checklist was responded by 7 teachers and 96 students. It is to expose their perceptions concerning various aspects of the e-book. Both parties were asked to what extent the e-book had represented all the aspects of the standard of the e-book for English learning. Findings revealed that from 11 indicators, the teachers and the students displayed moderate positive perception in evaluating the nine indicators, namely; the general appearance, design and illustration, topic content, language component, social and cultural context, language skills, flexibility, and vocabulary and grammar. Meanwhile, they perceived negatively in evaluating the last two indicators, namely; the e-book elements and the interactivity. Suggestions are offered for the future revision and/or designing a need-based e-book for young learners of English.
Stirring the Pot: Supporting and Challenging General Education Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Faculty to Change Teaching and Assessment Practice
Authors: Stieha Vicki , Shadle Susan E. , Paterson Sharon
Published: March 2017

Evidence-based instructional practices (ebips) have been associated with positive student outcomes; however, institutions struggle to catalyze widespread adoption of these practices in general education science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (stem) courses. Further, linking ebips with integrated learning assessment is rarely discussed in the literature, even though principles of continuous course design for quality higher education assume the connection of learning outcomes, teaching practices, and assessment. This qualitative action research study documents faculty attempting to utilize ebips and authentic assessment when they were provided support and accountability over multiple semesters. It documents participants' current practices and encourage shifts in both teaching and assessment practices targeting greater student success in stem general education courses. Narrative data drawn from interviews and written reflection describe the impact of structured faculty observation and cross-disciplinary conversation on participants' pedagogical and assessment choices. The faculty participants' voices vividly illustrate our findings: incentives, reflection, mentorship, and collaboration over multiple semesters support changing pedagogical practices and integrating outcomes assessment. While stem-based, the study findings are applicable across the general education curriculum.
Sistema de innovación basado en la red de valor. Diseño orientado a Ia gestión del patrimonio territorial como activo para al desarrollo económico de las Micro y Pequeñas Empresas
Authors: Mollenhauer Katherine , Hormazábal Jose
Published: March 2017

El presente documento enuncia aspectos básicos conceptuales en torno a la ciencia, tecnología e innovación, como complemento al modelo de Sistema Nacional de Innovación aplicado actualmente en Chile y la derivación de éste hacia un nivel regional en el Sistema de Innovación Regional. En este contexto se exponen los fundamentos y aplicaciones del SID_d, atrasé de los cuatro elementos que lo componen: modelo para la innovación, actores, actuaciones y proyectos como buenas prácticas para la innovación.
Cultura, open source y nuevos modos de educar(se)
Authors: Vega Ricardo
Published: March 2017

Este texto busca introducir, abusando del breve espacio comprometido,

algunas ideas y proyectos que ejempliflcan el valor de la cooperación y el

open source en los cambios de las practicas creativas y educacionales.

Vivimos en una sociedad basada en la idea de comperencia, donde se dan

incentivos a las personas para seguir sus intereses individuales. Pensar y

actuar de manera individual y aislada seria ideal si viviéramos solos en una

isla desierra, pero vivimos en sociedades complejas, en constante interacción

entre nosotros, de uno a uno, de uno a muchos, o de muchos a

muchos. Esta noción tiene diversos orígenes, pero es principalmente el

economista escocés Adam Smith quien planteó la idea sobre la maximización

del beneficio individual, lo que da pie a la manera en que vemos

y conformamos una sociedad. Smith plamea que apelando al egoismo de

los individuos para perseguir sus propios intereses se lograría el bienestar

general de la sociedad. Asi, la idea de individuos compitiendo constantemente

se instala en los hábitos sociales de producción como algo

absolutamente natural.