bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-Class Disease Classification in Brain MRIs Using a Computer-Aided Diagnostic System
Authors: Siddiqui Muhammad , Mujtaba Ghulam , Reza Ahmed , Shuib Liyana
Published: March 2017

Background: An accurate and automatic computer-aided multi-class decision support system to classify the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the human brain as normal, Alzheimer, AIDS, cerebral calcinosis, glioma, or metastatic, which helps the radiologists to diagnose the disease in brain MRIs is created. Methods: The performance of the proposed system is validated by using benchmark MRI datasets (OASIS and Harvard) of 310 patients. Master features of the images are extracted using a fast discrete wavelet transform (DWT), then these discriminative features are further analysed by principal component analysis (PCA). Different subset sizes of principal feature vectors are provided to five different decision models. The classification models include the J48 decision tree, k-nearest neighbour (kNN), random forest (RF), and least-squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) with polynomial and radial basis kernels. Results: The RF-based classifier outperformed among all compared decision models and achieved an average accuracy of 96% with 4% standard deviation, and an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of 99%. LS-SVM (RBF) also shows promising results (i.e., 89% accuracy) when the least number of principal features was used. Furthermore, the performance of each classifier on different subset sizes of principal features was (80%–96%) for most performance metrics. Conclusion: The presented medical decision support system demonstrates the potential proof for accurate multi-class classification of brain abnormalities; therefore, it has a potential to use as a diagnostic tool for the medical practitioners.
The Impact of Information Culture on Patient Safety Outcomes
Authors: Jylhä Virpi , Mikkonen Santtu , Saranto Kaija , Bates David
Published: March 2017

Background: An organization’s information culture and information management practices create conditions for processing patient information in hospitals. Information management incidents are failures that could lead to adverse events for the patient if they are not detected.

Objectives: To test a theoretical model that links information culture in acute care hospitals to information management incidents and patient safety outcomes.

Methods: Reason’s model for the stages of development of organizational accidents was applied. Study data were collected from a cross-sectional survey of 909 RNs who work in medical or surgical units at 32 acute care hospitals in Finland. Structural equation modeling was used to assess how well the hypothesized model fit the study data.

Results: Fit indices indicated a good fit for the model. In total, 18 of the 32 paths tested were statistically significant. Documentation errors had the strongest total effect on patient safety outcomes. Organizational guidance positively affected information availability and utilization of electronic patient records, whereas the latter had the strongest total effect on the reduction of information delays.

Conclusions: Patient safety outcomes are associated with information management incidents and information culture. Further, the dimensions of the information culture create work conditions that generate errors in hospitals.
Life-Threatening Complications Following Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Renal Biopsy: a Rare Case Report
Authors: Lo Yuan-Hung , Hsiao Po-Jen , Chiu Szu-Han , Wu Kun-Lin , Chang Che-Fu , Chan Jenq-Shyong , Chen Jin-Shuen
Published: March 2017

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous renal biopsy has been a basic tool for the diagnosis of kidney disease, but minor and major complications cannot be completely avoided. Major complications including gross hematuria, renal hematoma and arteriovenous fistula, and usually develop within 24 hours after renal biopsy.

We present an educational case of female having major bleeding complications after renal biopsy with unusual clinical courses. The patient developed hypovolemic shock at 48 hours after renal biopsy along with perirenal hematoma and hemothorax.  

The case highlight the need to remain the major complications in mind for physicians.

Key words: Hemothorax, renal biopsy.
The Treatment Of Alzheimer In The Context Of Musicotherapy
Authors: Caxias de Souza Maurício , Alves Alany Bezerra da Rocha , Lima Dereck Sena de , Oliveira Lúcia Raiza Feitosa Alves de , Silva Juliana Kelly Batista da , De Oliveira Ribeiro Elayne Cristina , Siqueira Lopes Maria Emanuela , Soares Aureliano Andreia , Alves da Silva Givaneide , Oliveira Iasmim Diniz de , Costa de Oliveira Elisangela , Nascimento José Jailson Costa do , Araújo Erick Giovanny da Silva , De Araújo Miranda Wenislayne , Alexandre Bezerra Maria Betânia , Forville Siqueira Camille , Teixeira Lobo Khetlly Ingrid , Silva Maria Fabiana Bonfim de Lima , Mendonça dos Anjos Larissa , Correia Lima Vanderssom , Soares da Cunha André
Published: March 2017

Objective: to explain in the scientific productions about the effects of music therapy in the symptomatic control of Alzheimer's disease.

Method: this is an integrative review with time cut from 1998 to 2017, carried out in the database: Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCO Information Service, Scopus, SciELO, BIREME e LILACS, descriptors: art therapy, Alzheimer disease; music therapy, nursing. Through the search question “The music therapy brings beneficial results for patients with Alzheimer's disease”. The articles were carefully analyzed with an adapted instrument considering their methodological characteristics and levels of evidence.

Results: fourteen articles were selected, twelve in foreign journals and two in national journals on complementary therapy and music therapy in the treatment of dementia/Alzheimer's disease.

Conclusion: Music therapy is effective in controlling anxiety, aggression, agitation and other typical Alzheimer's behavioral symptoms.

 Descriptors: Art Therapy; Alzheimer Disease; Music Therapy. Nursing.
Radio-interferometric Monitoring of FRB 131104: A Coincident AGN Flare, but No Evidence for a Cosmic Fireball
Authors: Shannon R. M. , Ravi V.
Published: March 2017

The localization of fast radio bursts (FRBs) has been hindered by the poor angular resolution of the detection observations and inconclusive identification of transient or variable counterparts. Recently a γ-ray pulse of 380 s duration has been associated with FRB 131104. We report on radio-continuum imaging observations of the original localization region of the FRB, beginning three days after the event and comprising 25 epochs over 2.5 years. We argue that the probability of an association between the FRB and the γ-ray transient has been overestimated. We provide upper limits on radio afterglow emission that would be predicted if the γ-ray transient was associated with an energetic γ-ray burst. We further report the discovery of an unusual variable radio source spatially and temporally coincident with FRB 131104, but not spatially coincident with the γ-ray event. The radio variable flares by a factor of 3 above its long-term average within 10 day of the FRB at 7.5 GHz, with a factor-of-2 increase at 5.5 GHz. Since the flare, the variable has persisted with only modest modulation and never approached the flux density observed in the days after the FRB. We identify an optical counterpart to the variable. Optical and infrared photometry, and deep optical spectroscopy, suggest that the object is a narrow-line radio active galactic nucleus.
Trajectoires post-coloniales de l’assimilation
Authors: Guyon Stéphanie
Published: March 2017

Cet article s’intéresse à la singularité de l’appareil d’État dans les Outre-mer. Il appréhende la manière dont se sont historiquement construites et consolidées des formes singulières d’intervention étatique et de domination bureaucratique dans ces territoires. Tout en dressant un état de la littérature, il plaide pour une analyse du legs colonial attentive à la diversité des processus de décolonisation et à la complexité de leurs chronologies dans les Outre-mer. Loin de naturaliser « la spécificité » de l’État ultramarin, il envisage différents types de mobilisations qui construisent cette exceptionnalité et les processus de politisation ou de dépolitisation dans lesquelles elles s’inscrivent. En s’adossant à la sociologie du guichet, il aborde enfin l’adaptation en pratique de l’action publique dans la rencontre administrative ultramarine.
Performance Evaluation of Public IaaS Clouds for Web 2.0 Applications Using CloudStone Benchmark
Authors: Ahuja Sanjay P. , Soni Neha
Published: March 2017

Web 2.0 applications have become ubiquitous over the past few years because they provide useful features such as a rich, responsive graphical user interface that supports interactive and dynamic content. Social networking websites, blogs, auctions, online banking, online shopping and video sharing websites are noteworthy examples of Web 2.0 applications. The market for public cloud service providers is growing rapidly, and cloud providers offer an ever-growing list of services. As a result, developers and researchers find it challenging when deciding which public cloud service to use for deploying, experimenting or testing Web 2.0 applications. This study compares the scalability and performance of a social-events calendar application on two Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud services – Amazon EC2 and HP Cloud. This study captures and compares metrics on three different instance configurations for each cloud service such as the number of concurrent users (load), as well as response time and throughput (performance). Additionally, the total price of the three different instance configurations for each cloud service is calculated and compared. This comparison of the scalability, performance and price metrics provides developers and researchers with an insight into the scalability and performance characteristics of the three instance configurations for each cloud service, which simplifies the process of determining which cloud service and instance configuration to use for deploying their Web 2.0 applications. This study uses CloudStone – an open-source, three-tier web application benchmarking tool that simulates Web 2.0 application activities – as a realistic workload generator and to capture the intended metrics. The comparison of the collected metrics indicates that all of the tested Amazon EC2 instance configurations provide better scalability and lower latency at a lower cost than the respective HP Cloud instance configurations; however, the tested HP Cloud instance configurations provide a greater storage capacity than the Amazon EC2 instance configurations, which is an important consideration for data-intensive Web 2.0 applications.
A Feasibility Study in Energy Harvesting from Piezoelectric Keyboards
Authors: Page Tom
Published: March 2017

The aim of the study was to investigate as to whether piezoelectric energy harvesting could be a viable contributor to a source of renewable energy for the future. Here, a keyboard usage study was conducted using a data gathering computer program called WhatPulse in which participants and their keyboards were monitored for one week. The results were used in conjunction with power output figures from work done by Wacharasindhu and Kwon (2008) who prototyped a piezoelectric keyboard and found it was capable of producing 650 µJ of energy per keystroke. The results from this study suggest piezoelectric keyboards could not be used to create self-sustaining systems for any of the devices proposed. Further uses for the stored energy have been suggested but the question to the viability of piezoelectric keyboards as a useful energy source looks discouraging. Other applications for the technology could be explored to enhance power output and utilise larger amounts of vibrational energy.
Critical Success Factors in Electronic Health Records (EHR) Implementation
Authors: Bajwa Navneet Kaur , Singh Harjot , De Kalyan Kumar
Published: March 2017

Electronic Health Records (EHR) has been the subject of much academic discussion in recent times. The impact that a successful implementation of EHR can have on a hospital cannot be overstated. Factors which are crucial to successful implementation of an EHR system are commonly known as Critical Success Factors (hereinafter referred to as CSFs). Purpose: The present study investigates the role of CSFs in implementation process of EHR systems in north Indian multispecialty hospitals. Design: The questionnaire has been distributed to 12 hospitals which have been using EHR technology. Findings: It has been concluded that three out of the five CSFs included in the study, play a more important role than the other two factors. Research limitations: The factors have not been considered separately based upon pre-implementation scenario and post-implementation phase. Originality: The study attempts to outline the impact of EHR systems on successful operational performance of hospitals.
A Knowledge Based System for the Selection of Muscles for Gait Phase Detection using EMGs
Authors: Syrimpeis Vasileios , Moulianitis Vassilis , Aspragathos Nikos A. , Panagiotopoulos Elias
Published: March 2017

Purpose: This paper presents the development of a knowledge based system for the detection of gait phases based on EMGs from muscles of the lower limb. Methods: An empirical analysis of the EMG characteristics for the most representative muscle of every muscle group concerning their suitability for the gait phase detection is presented. The same approach is applied to every lower limb muscle where an EMG could be received. The entities and the decision-making mechanism of the knowledge based system is presented in a formal way. Results: A knowledge based system is built upon the knowledge acquired from this analysis. Finally, an example is presented where the developed knowledge based system is used to support the conceptual design of a drop foot correction system. Conclusions: The knowledge based system can be used in the conceptual design of any rehabilitation system for lower limb disabilities using EMG signals from the lower limbs.
Efficient Algorithm for Answering Fuzzy Medical Requests in Pervasive Healthcare Information Systems
Authors: Labbadi Wissem , Akaichi Jalel
Published: March 2017

The progress in mobile devices and wireless networks technologies has considerably contributed to integrate pervasive computing expertise in many domains with the aim of improving the quality of services and users' mobility. However, in many situations, users may face difficult situations, needing faster decisions, where classical systems impose the submission of classic queries in which crisp conditions must be carefully fixed. This inconvenience limits the potential of pervasive applications accessed by users having few times to make the right decisions. To introduce the contributions of this paper, we choose the medical domain as example. We considered a pervasive healthcare application under which physicians haven't enough time to fix carefully their queries in some emergency cases. Therefore, they are allowed to flexibly express their preferences using conjunctive fuzzy queries and to quickly receive best answers anywhere and anytime while treating patients in the shortest time and consequently free resources for eventually other urgent requests. In this work, we consider, in general, the problem of efficiently finding the top-K answers for a conjunctive fuzzy query from the top-N conjunctive query rewritings of the query. In particular, we propose an efficient algorithm called the Top-N rewritings algorithm for finding the top-N query rewritings of a medical conjunctive fuzzy query using a set of conjunctive crisp views. At the best of our knowledge, this algorithm is the first to generate, without computing all possible rewritings, the N best ones ordered according to their satisfaction degrees and that are likely to return the best K-answers for the user fuzzy query. The relevance of a query rewriting is estimated using a second algorithm called the Query-satisfaction computing algorithm proposed to estimate, through the histograms maintained to approximate the distribution of set of values returned by the rewriting and to which fuzzy predicates are related, the pertinence of a conjunctive fuzzy query rewriting rather than accessing the database relations.
A Performance Management Software Integrating the Concept of Visibility of Performance
Authors: Pidun Tim , Croenertz Oliver
Published: March 2017

Applying Performance Management Systems (PMS) in an enterprise often is a cumbersome endeavor. Reasons are missing software structures and the lack of an intuitive visualization of important information. The theory of Visibility of Performance defines the goodness of use of a given PMS and can also can be applied to a PMS software. In this context, the authors evaluate a novel software prototype that deals with the problem of lacking information transfer and visualisation with the result that it is most suitable to generate and transport visible performance information. Moreover, this investigation is a formal verification of the used theory.
K-NN Based Outlier Detection Technique on Intrusion Dataset
Authors: Sahu Santosh Kumar , Jena Sanjay Kumar , Verma Manish
Published: March 2017

Outliers in the database are the objects that deviate from the rest of the dataset by some measure. The Nearest Neighbor Outlier Factor is considering to measure the degree of outlier-ness of the object in the dataset. Unlike the other methods like Local Outlier Factor, this approach shows the interest of a point from both neighbors and reverse neighbors, and after that, an object comes into consideration. We have observed that in GBBK algorithm that based on K-NN, used quick sort to find k nearest neighbors that take O (N log N) time. However, in proposed method, the time required for searching on K times which complete in O (KN) time to find k nearest neighbors (k < < log N). As a result, the proposed method improves the time complexity. The NSL-KDD and Fisher iris dataset is used, and experimental results compared with the GBBK method. The result is same in both the methods, but the proposed method takes less time for computation.
Model Driven Engineering for Quality of Service Management
Authors: M'barek Salwa , Baccouche Leila , Ben Ghezala Henda
Published: March 2017

Real-time applications managing a large number of real-time data require the use of Real-time Database Management Systems (RTDBMS) to meet temporal constraints of both real-time data and transactions. However, a RTDBMS has a dynamic workload and may be frequently overloaded since the arrival times and workloads of user transactions are unpredictable. Therefore, Quality of Service management solutions have been proposed to guarantee the stability of RTDBMS even during unpredictable overload periods. While effective, the design and reuse of these solutions is challenging because they are not formally modeled and there is no tool neither a methodology that helps us design such solutions. To address these issues, the authors propose a design framework based on the Model-Driven Engineering approach providing a modeling architecture, a strategic methodology and a software tool to support modeling and reusing such solutions. The framework is implemented and tested for a real Qos management solution.
Technology-Mediated Synchronous Virtual Education
Authors: Chen Xiaofeng , Siau Keng
Published: March 2017

Many higher education institutions have used Internet technology to develop virtual education for a new generation of college students. In this research, the authors assessed the relative effectiveness of two technology-mediated learning environments for synchronous higher education compared to a traditional face-to-face learning environment. Specifically, they assessed the effects of these three learning environments on interactivity, perceived learning, and satisfaction when different instructional strategies were used. The authors' findings suggest that learning environments interact with instructional strategies to affect the learners' perception of learning and satisfaction. Their findings also support the proposition that the new generation of college students prefer to interact with others using technology.
A Model Driven Engineering Approach to Reduce Large Queueing Networks
Authors: Nasri Ahlem , Bourouis Abdelhabib
Published: March 2017

Modeling complex systems, including discrete event systems, remains a challenge. The complexity and the size of such systems prevent understanding their models. This article proposes an approach for reducing queuing networks large models into smaller ones. The objective is to reduce the analysis as well as the simulation times in addition to the better understanding of the system under study. The basic idea is to divide the model into a set of smaller, hierarchically organized and more manageable sub-models, which are analyzed in isolation. The key contributions of this work are the substitution of each sub-model by a single M/G/8 station and the automation of the decomposition process using model transformation techniques. The main conclusion is that the reduction approach provides exact results for the global mean number of clients and mean residence time at the whole network.
Intraoperative ultrasound-guided enucleation of testicular nodule
Authors: Boschian Riccardo , Liguori Giovanni , Bucci Stefano , Bertolotto Michele , Trombetta Carlo
Published: March 2017

Objective: We report a case of enucleation of a non-palpable right testicular lesion found incidentally at testicular ultrasonography during investigations in a patient with azoospermia. Materials and methods: In 2011 bilateral hypoechoic nonpalpable testicular lesions (5 mm and 3 mm to the right, 3 mm to the left) were found in a 28 years old patient, during diagnostic investigations for azoospermia. In March 2016, ultrasonography showed that the diameter of the right major nodule had grown to 12 mm, characterized by increased vascularization and increased texture. Blood exams showed serum FSH above normal levels with negative oncologic markers. The patients underwent surgical enucleation of the right nodule under ultrasonography guidance. Results: In post operative day 1 a control ultrasonography documented the disappearance of the lesion. Hystopathologic examination diagnosed a Leydig cell tumor, with negative surgical margins. The patient is in good clinical conditions and is under periodic ultrasonographic follow up. Conclusion: Organ sparing surgery represent a good therapeutic option for little intraparenchymal lesions, mostly in young patients in which is preferable to preserve fertility. Intraoperatory ultrasonography represent an important tool for the localization of the lesion.
Biostratigraphic zonation, Imperial Adgo F-28 well, 69°27'22" lat., 135°51'10" long., Northwest Territories
Authors: Norris G ,   Austin and Cumming Exploration Consultants, Braun W K
Published: March 2017

The biostratigraphy on Imperial Adgo F-28 consists of palynostratigraphy and zonation by Dr. Geoffrey Norris and a micropaleontological analysis by Dr. W. Braun. One hundred and six micropaleontological slides and 77 micropaleontological preparations from well
cuttings provided by the Geological Survey of Canada were examined in detail. Samples were meagre in quantity from 50-5,000 feet and absent in the intervals 1200-1250 and 9300-9400 feet. No conventional cores were taken on the well. A continuous zonation based on microflora was established from
10,528 feet (total depth) to near surface. Eight recognizable zones extend from Middle Eocene-Older Paleogene to Neogene. The micropaleontological investigation provides three assemblages . Assemblage I and Assemblage II (surface to 2800 feet) are mainly Neogene and possibly Oligocene in age. The
Haplophragmoides 67 assemblage from 8200 to 9200 feet contained in a restricted marine section, is dated Paleogene. The remainder of the well was barren of diagnostic microfossils due to the presence of a dominantly continental terrestrial deltaic sequence.
Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous dinoflagellate assemblages from Arctic Canada
Authors: Brideaux W W , Fisher M J
Published: March 2017

This paper describes the taxonomy, biostratigraphy and geographic occurrence within the Canadian Boreal Region of an Upper Jurassic-lowermost (Oxfordian-Berriasian) Cretaceous/dinoflagellate cyst assemblage . This association, termed the Borealis Assemblage is
intermediate in age between assemblages described by Johnson and Hills (1973) from older Jurassic rocks and those present in the later Early Cretaceous in these regions. Data has been drawn from three surface and four subsurface (well) sections from the northern Interior Plains-Richardson Mountains
regions and from four seismic shotpoint locations and seven subsurface (well) sections in the Arctic Islands (Sverdrup Basin). The ranges of the new taxa have been determined from comparison with published macrofaunal zonal schemes and from published ranges of selected spore, pollen and
dinoflagellate taxa. Five new dinoflagellate cyst taxa are described: Psaligonyaulax dualis; Pareodinia capillosa; Pareodinia borealis; Horologinella spinosigibberosa; and Lanterna saturnalis. One other species, Gonyaulacysi;a sp. cf. G. cladophora (Deflandre) Dodekova is also associated with the
Borealis Assemblage.
Application of a System for Automated Multidate Landsat Measurement of Suspended Sediment
Authors: Munday J C , Alföldi T , Amos C L
Published: March 2017

Appropriate data reduction techniques for Landsat measurement of suspended sediment have been sought by many authors since the advent of Landsat in 1972. One very recent study aimed at universal methods appropriate for multispectral scanner data is that by Holyer
(1979). Other studies have been referenced in our earlier paper. In this paper we describe a system implemented for Landsat suspended sediment measurement in relation to surface data from the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia. The system is available for testing on surface data from other sites around the
world. The method of data reduction is chromaticity analysis (Mundy 1974a, b) which permits adjustment of atmospheric variations between dates of Landsat over-passes.
 The system has been used to study the distribution, transport, and disposition of suspended sediment in the
Bay of Fundy, the site for a proposed tidal barrage designed to generate electric power. The distribution of suspended sediment in the Bay of Fundy, the site for a proposed tidal barrage designed to generate electric power. The distribution of suspended sediment mapped by Landsat, was used to
calibrate and initialize a numerical model of post-barrage siltation. Also, the transport paths of suspended sediment and the general hydrodynamic character of the flow were determined by visual interpretation of mapped suspended sediment patterns. The bulk of our work has been with
suspended sediment measurement (Amos, 1976; Amos and Alföldi, 1979; Munday and Alföldi, 1979); equally satisfactory results are expected for measurement of secchi disk depth or turbidity. Some preliminary results for the latter variables as well as chlorophyll are given
below.
Measurement of Suspended Solids Using the Landsat-Chromaticity Technique
Authors: Alföldi T
Published: March 2017

The usefulness of remote sensing by satellite has been recognized to be due to its repetitive and synoptic coverage of very large areas of the earth's surface. Less obvious but at least as significant is its ability to provide quantitative data. Whereas many
applications demand visual interpretation of the shape, size, texture, location, etc. of image features, it is those methodologies which remove the heavy burden of expensive and extensive manpower from image analysis, which can be most cost-efficient. The estimation of suspended solids concentration
(SSC) from satellite-borne multispectral scanner (MSS) data depends entirely on spectral/radio-metric instead of spatial information, ant thus, in theory, may be fully automated.
 The chromaticity technique for SSC estimation from Landsat MSS imagery has been developed to
provide a (semi-) automatic means of SSC determination with a measurable degree of accuracy. The technique offers a way to make use of the full extent of Landsat MSS capability. It has the special feature of requiring in situ verification data for one image, and no subsequent sampling for further
images of the same area, which are to be mapped for SSC distribution.
Methods for evaluating speckle-suppressing filters based on edge detection performance
Authors: Adair M , Guindon B
Published: March 2017

Certain techniques are proposed to evaluate speckle-reducing fitters based on edge detection as a performance measure. Since speckle not only masks real edge information but also can trigger spurious edges (artefacts), it is argued that fitters must be gauged
both in terms of real edge recovery and artefact suppression. Agricultural field boundaries observed in airborne SAR images have been used to estimate real edge recovery rates for two adaptive fillers, the Frost and the Lee Sigma fitters. Studies of artefacts, on the other hand, are rendered
difficult with real image data since a precise knowledge of the backscatter properties of surface targets is not available. Therefore, we have used simulated imagery to analyze this problem and, ultimately, to develop overall edge detection performance models for the two fitters in question. Both
the Frost and Lee fitters are adaptivein the sense that they determine the level of spatial averaging at a given image location according to the perceived edge content within the fitter window. Any residual noise remains multiplicative, and, hence, the density and magnitude of artefacts retain a
signal dependence; that is, high artefact levels will be observed in regions of high radar backscatter. Because of this signal dependence, caution must be taken in interpreting the spatial information content of SAR images such as image texture. It is proposed that edge magnitude thresholds be
determined from fitter performance models and first applied to real imagery to eliminate that portion of the overall edge content potentially associated with noise and not with real variability in surface backscatter.
Initial Examination of Radar Imagery of Optical Radiometric Calibration Sites
Authors: Teillet P M , Fedosejevs G , Gauthier D , D'Iorio M , Rivard B , Budkewitsch P , Brisco B
Published: March 2017

In-flight absolute radiometric calibration is critical for multi-temporal and multi-sensor data comparisons. In the case of vicarious calibration of optical sensors based on ground-level measurements, the test site must be well characterized in spatial,
radiometric, spectral, and temporal domains. Remotely sensed data acquired at other wavelengths can contribute to a baseline understanding of ground targets and provide insight into the usefulness of such targets for in-flight calibration of optical sensors. With these considerations in mind,
multi-temporal ERS-1 SAR data have been obtained for White Sands, New Mexico, and Lunar Lake and Railroad Valley playas in Nevada. This paper reports on an initial examination of these SAR image data sets and the significant pattern changes observed in the scenes. It is concluded that surface
roughness, soil moisture and run-off are major factors giving rise to the observed scene characteristics.
Ship Detection by the RADARSAT SAR: Validation of Detection Model Predictions
Authors: Vachon P W , Campbell J W , Bjerkelund C , Dobson F W , Rey M T
Published: March 2017

A statistical approach to point target detection in a clutter background is used to delineate the expected performance of the RADARSAT SAR (C-band HH polarization) for ship detection, and to compare the expected ship detection performance for the various RADARSAT
SAR beam modes. Smaller ships may be detected with decreasing wind speed, increasing incidence angle, and finer resolution. ScanSAR Narrow Far is expected to be a good compromise between spatial coverage and detection probability. We present a quantitative validation of these model predictions based
upon data acquired during a RADARSAT SAR ship detection/validation field program, which was held in March/April 1996 off the coast of Halifax, Nova Scotia. The program included buoy measurements of wind and wave conditions and RADARSAT SAR passes with known ships in each scene. We present validation
of some of the model's key assumptions, in particular those concerning our hybrid C-band HH polarization ocean cross-section model, image probability density function, and ship radar signatures.
Optically-Based Methods for Measuring Seasonal Variation of Leaf area Index in Boreal Conifer Stands
Authors: Chen J M
Published: March 2017

The feasibility of detecting the seasonal variation in leaf area index (LAI) in boreal conifer forests is investigated using optical instruments. The LAI of six stands was measured. They include young and old jack pine (Pinus banksiana) and old black spruce
(Picea mariana) located near the southern border (near Prince Albert, Saskatchewan) and near the northern border (near Thompson, Manitoba) of the Canadian boreal ecotone. LAI values of the stands are obtained by making several corrections to the effective LAI measured from the LI-COR LAI-2000 Plant
Canopy Analyzer (PCA). The corrections include a foliage element (shoot) clumping index (for clumping at scales larger than the shoot) measured using the optical instrument TRAC (Tracing Radiation and Architecture of Canopies) developed by Chen and Cihlar (1995a), a needle-to-shoot area ratio (for
clumping within the shoot) obtained from shoot samples, and a woody-to-total area ratio obtained through destructive sampling of trees. It is found that the effective LAI varied about 5% to 10% in the growing season and the element clumping index remained almost unchanged. The
needle-to-shoot area ratio varied the most, about 15% to 25%, which is of the same order of magnitude as the expected seasonal variability in LAI. This demonstrates that most of the seasonal variation information is contained in the needle-to-shoot area ratio, which can not be measured
indirectly using in situ optical instruments and has to be obtained from a large quantity of shoot sample analysis which is laborious and error-prone. Based on our experience, an improved and convenient shoot sampling strategy is suggested for future studies. The optically based LAI values were
compared with destructive sampling results for three of the stands. Based on error analysis, we believe that optical measurements combined with shoot sample analysis can produce LAI values for conifer stands which are more accurate than destructive sampling results.
From Surfer to Scientist: Designing a Canadian Remote Sensing Service for the Internet Audience
Authors: Langham C W , Botman A M , Alföldi T
Published: March 2017

The World Wide Web site at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing (CCRS) is much more than a passive electronic brochure. With its long tradition and expertise in developing training materials for a variety of knowledge levels, CCRS is ideally placed to exploit the
store front medium that the Internet provides for raising public awareness of remote sensing technology. The CCRS Web site is a multi-faceted didactic tool: providing information to the remote sensing specialist on the latest research; and to the surfer who wants to learn about applications that
promote a sustainable future.
Site Characterization of Mine Tailings at the INCO Copper Cliff Tailings Impoundment area Using casi Imagery
Authors: Lévesque J , Singhroy V , Staenz K , Bolton D
Published: March 2017

Hyperspectral imagery from the Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (casi) in the visible and near infrared was used to characterize mine tailings at the INCO Copper Cliff tailings impoundment area. The
objective of the study described in this paper is to evaluate the usefulness of high spatial and spectral resolution data and analysis techniques for characterizing and monitoring such sites. Flight data were acquired in late August 1996 in 72 contiguous 9 nm wide spectral bands from 400 nm to 950
nm along with a detailed ground survey. The ground survey involved a visual characterization of the site and collection of ground truth spectra using a GER 3700 spectrometer operating between 400 nm and 2500 nm. Images were classified using a spectral matching technique. The site is well
characterized by this technique and independent ground data support these results.
Measuring Clearings and Tree Heights with Stereo RADARSAT Data in a Tropical Environment
Authors: Toutin Th , Amaral S
Published: March 2017

The paper demonstrate the applicability and the superiority of stereo RADARSAT data in a tropical rain forest environment by interpreting and measuring physical characteristics of the forest. Clearings and vegetation cover heights are measured on a fine mode
RADARSAT stereo-pair using a digital stereo workstation. The results, which are good representative values of the truth on the ground, can be used as complementary information with other data to monitor the forest change and preserve the rain forest environment
Spectral Unmixing for Monitoring Mine Tailings Site Rehabilitation, Copper Cliff Mine, Sudbury, Ontario
Authors: Lévesque J , Szeredi T , Staenz K , Singhroy V , Bolton D
Published: March 2017

Hyperspectral imagery from the Compact Airborne Spectrographic Imager (casi) was used to characterize sulphide mine tailings at the Copper Cliff mine in Sudbury, Ontario. The objective of the study was to
evaluate the usefulness fo high spatial and spectral resolution data and their analysis techniques for characterizing mine tailings sitees and monitoring their restoration. Flight data were acquired in late August 1996 in 72 continguous 9 nm wide spectral bands from 400 nm to 950 nm along with a
detailed ground survey. Image data were processed and analysed using the Imaging Spectrometer Data Anaysis System (ISDAS) developed at the Canada Centre for Remote Sensing. The image data were classified using unconstrained linear spectral unmixing. Validation of the unmixing results was achieved by
correlating image fractions to fractions measured on the ground. Five end-members were selected: oxidized tailings, lime, green vegetation, fresh and contaminated water. Results show that image fractions of green vegetation and lime are well correlated with the ground fractions (r-square = 0.96 and
0.92). The lower r-squaare (0.65) of the oxidized tailings endmember could be attributed to the variable concentrations of oxidizing agents (various degrees of oxidation) in the tailings which are difficult to assess visually.
Reviewing the Role of Radar in Mapping Soil Management Practices
Authors: McNairn H , Brown R J , Brisco B , Duguay C , Boisvert J B , Pultz T J
Published: March 2017

Information on soil conservation practices, including tillage practices and crop residue management, is required to accurately estimate soil erosion risk, to establish indicators of soil quality and to predict agricultural loadings to surface waterways. A number
of recent studies have examined the role of radar in providing information on tillage and crops residue management practices. These studies have concluded that microwaves interact with tillage-induced roughness and as a result, radar imagery may provide useful information on type and timing of
tillage. Less is understood about the interaction of microwaves with crop residue cover, but significant correlations between backscatter and residue cover have been observed. This paper briefly summarizes two recent studies which examined the interaction of linearly polarized microwaves (focusing
on C-HH) with tilled and residue covered surfaces. The paper then discusses the role of multi-dimensional SAR configurations, including the use of polarimetric SAR parameters, in more completely defining soil management practices. Preliminary results from the 1994 SIR-C data gathered over southern
Manitoba suggests that cross-polarized responses and enhanced pedestals associated with multiple scattering may be useful in identifying type and amount of residue.
Global Observation of Forest Cover: A CEAS Initiative
Authors: Ahern F , Brown R J , Janetos A C , Langham E
Published: March 2017

The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) was established to provide a forum for communication, cooperation, and coordination of the earth observation programs of member states, and for communications among organizations whose primary interest is the
use of earth-observation data.
 CEOS members have agreed to establish a small number of pilot projects to address issues of great concern to the majority of CEOS members and user organizations. Recognizing that the forests of the Earth play a vital role in several natural
resources, and the build-up of greenhouse gases, Global Observations of Forest Cover (GOFC) was identified for development as a pilot project. The first phase of detailed planning of GOFC took place during a workshop in Ottawa, Canada from July 7 to 10, 1997.
 GOFC will
continue and build on the experience gained by many existing programs. A strategy will be planned to acquire and combine data from high and low resolution optical satellites, and C-band and L-band radar satellites, to enable global coverage to be achieved in a timely fashion, even in areas with
persistent cloud cover. A suite of products to be produced by GOFC has been identified, including: 1) Coarse and fine geocoded optical data; 2) SAR data (C and L band); 3) Coarse land cover; 4) Fine land cover; 5) Fire scars; 6) Forest harvest; 7) Forest functioning; 8) Land cover change in areas of
rapid change.
To accomplish such an ambitious objective will require a highly coordinated effort by numerous agencies participating on a voluntary basis. In this paper we discuss the current status of GOFC, plans for the future, and indicate how interested parties may become
involved.
Selected Geometric and Radiometric Considerations in Quantitative Exploitation of RADARSAT Data for Land Applications
Authors: Lukowski T I , Hawkins R K
Published: March 2017

RADARSAT images produced by the Canadian Data Processing Facility assume that the Earth is elliptical and locally spherical. This can have significant impact on the determination of location from the images and on the correction for antenna pattern that is
performed in the processing. Selected examples show that even at terrain altitudes of 2000 m these can be significant leading to radiometric errors of many dB and location errors of several km.
Indian Remote Sensing Satellite: Geocoding and DEM Extraction
Authors: Toutin Th , Cheng P , Seidel K
Published: March 2017

The present technology does not permit the 7-µm CCD push broom optical sensor to image a region of 70 km. Therefore the IRS -1C satellite use three separate 4096 CCD push broom optical sensor resulting in three array images. Two different methods to
ortho-rectify and mosaic the three IRS-1 array images are presented. Results using the CCRS modelling show an accuracy of about one pixel. Future research at CCRS to integrate the parameters of the three sensors in to a single geometric modelling should give better results (less than one pixel) with
also less GCPs.
Evaluating RADARSAT Stereoscopic Pairs for DEM Generation
Authors: Toutin Th
Published: March 2017

DEM generated from RADARSAT images are evaluated. Results show that the only parameter that has a significant impact on the precision is the type of the relief: 20-25 m and 35-40 m with 90% of confidence for low and moderate relief respectively, whatever the
stereo-pair. It also shows that the base-to-height ratio is not a good indicator for predicting the accuracy with SAR stereo-images.
Elevation Modelling from Satellite Data
Authors: Toutin Th
Published: March 2017

Most geoscientific applications using georeferenced cartographic data need a good knowledge and visualization of the topography of the Earth's surface. For example, mapping of geomorphological features is hardly feasible from a single image; three-dimensional
(3D) information has to be generated or to be added for a better interpretation of the two-dimensional (2D) data.
 Since the early emergence of earth observation satellites, researchers have investigated different methods of extracting 3D information using satellite data.
Apart from a few early stereo-images acquired with hand-held cameras during the Gemini and Apollo missions, the first experiments to extract 3D data using stereo viewing from space began with the Earth Terrain Camera (ETC) flown onboard SkyLab in 1973-74.
 Since these early
experiments, various analog or digital sensors in the visible or in the microwave spectrum have been flown to provide researchers and geoscientists with spatial data for extracting and interpreting 3D information of the earth's surface. Although the shape-from-shading technique can be applied to
optical sensor (OPS) images, stereo-viewing using space camera or digital scanner images was, and still is the most common method used by the mapping, photogrammetry and remote sensing communities.
 However, side-looking synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data gives also the
opportunity to extract 3D information using image-processing techniques appropriate to the nature of the data. With SAR data, three main methods have been developed: radargrammetry, clinometry and interferometry. Radargrammetry (similar to the stereoviewing of optical data) uses two images acquired
from different viewpoints to generate a stereopair and stereoviewing. Clinometry takes advantage of the SAR shading and shadowing in the image, and interferometry uses mainly the SAR signal data instead of the image.
 The paper will review the different methods and sensors
used to extract absolute or relative elevation and assess their performance using the results from various research and commercial organizations. It will also discuss the respective advantages, difficulties and constraints of the sensors, the methods, and the technologies used to take into account
the strength of each. It will also assess how they perform as complementary sources and systems for extracting elevation data in an operational context.
Road Extraction from Stereo RADARSAT Data
Authors: Toutin Th
Published: March 2017

Two stereo pairs generated with fine mode images (F1-F5) and standard mode images (S1-S7) are used to evaluate the potential of RADARSAT-SAR for extracting planimetric features on a PC-based stereo workstation. First, monoscopic and stereoscopic plotting are
evaluated. It is prerequisite to acquire GCPs in stereoscopy since monoscopic collection mode degrades the relative and absolute orientations of the stereo model with a ratio of two to four depending of the stereo geometry. It is more important for smaller intersection angle stereo pairs with
shallow viewing angle, such as F1-F5. The stereo extracted roads are then compared with the roads of the digital topographic maps. Statistical results over a large sample (more than 900 km) show accuracy of about one and two to three radar resolution cells (about 8 m for fine mode and 25 m for
standard mode) with 68% and 90% confidence levels, respectively. These road positioning accuracy results are quite encouraging since they correspond to the 1 : 50,000 map standards. To further increase this accuracy fine modes images with an oversampled pixel spacing should be preferred,
such as the Path Image Plusformat. A comparison with the ortho-rectification process shows that the stereoscopic method to extract planimetric features is four times more accurate since the positioning of features is independent of elevation errors from the stereo compilation or an a-priori existing
DEM.