bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The closed state space of affine Landau–Ginzburg B-models
Authors: Segal Ed
Published: September 2013

We study the category of perfect cdg-modules over a curved algebra, and in particular the category of B-branes in an affine Landau–Ginzburg model. We construct an explicit chain map from the Hochschild complex of the category to the closed state space of the model, and prove that this is a quasi-isomorphism from the Borel–Moore Hochschild complex. Using the lowest-order term of our map we derive Kapustin and Li’s formula for the correlator of an open-string state over a disc.
Hopf cyclic cohomology and Hodge theory for proper actions
Authors: Tang Xiang , Yao Yi-Jun , Zhang Weiping
Published: September 2013

We introduce a Hopf algebroid associated to a proper Lie group action on a smooth manifold. We prove that the cyclic cohomology of this Hopf algebroid is equal to the de Rham cohomology of invariant differential forms. When the action is cocompact, we develop a generalized Hodge theory for the de Rham cohomology of invariant differential forms. We prove that every cyclic cohomology class of the Hopf algebroid is represented by a generalized harmonic form. This implies that the space of cyclic cohomology of the Hopf algebroid is finite dimensional. As an application of the techniques developed in this paper, we discuss properties of the Euler characteristic for a proper cocompact action.
Animal Husbandry Practices in Rural Bangladesh: Potential Risk Factors for Antimicrobial Drug Resistance and Emerging Diseases
Authors: Roess Amira A. , Winch Peter J. , Ali Nabeel A. , Akhter Afsana , Afroz Dilara , El Arifeen Shams , Darmstadt Gary L. , Baqui Abdullah H. , _ _
Published: September 2013

Antimicrobial drug administration to household livestock may put humans and animals at risk for acquisition of antimicrobial drug–resistant pathogens. To describe animal husbandry practices, including animal healthcare-seeking and antimicrobial drug use in rural Bangladesh, we conducted semi-structured in-depth interviews with key informants, including female household members (n = 79), village doctors (n = 10), and pharmaceutical representatives, veterinarians, and government officials (n = 27), and performed observations at animal health clinics (n = 3). Prevalent animal husbandry practices that may put persons at risk for acquisition of pathogens included shared housing and water for animals and humans, antimicrobial drug use for humans and animals, and crowding. Household members reported seeking human and animal healthcare from unlicensed village doctors rather than formal-sector healthcare providers and cited cost and convenience as reasons. Five times more per household was spent on animal than on human healthcare. Strengthening animal and human disease surveillance systems should be continued. Interventions are recommended to provide vulnerable populations with a means of protecting their livelihood and health.
Norovirus Genogroup II Gastroenteritis in Hospitalized Children in South India
Authors: Menon Vipin Kumar , Sarkar Rajiv , Moses Prabhakar Devarajan , Agarwal Indira , Simon Anna , Kang Gagandeep
Published: September 2013

The distribution of norovirus (NoV) genogroup II in children < 5 years of age admitted to a south Indian hospital with diarrhea was investigated. Viral RNA extracted from 282 stool samples were screened for NoV GII and positive amplicons sequenced. Twenty-eight (9.9%) had NoV GII infection with a median age of 6 months, with more severe episodes of diarrhea among infected (median Vesikari score 13, interquartile range [IQR] 10–15) than children without infection (median score 10, IQR 8–13, P = 0.002). The study documents NoV GII infections as an important cause of gastroenteritis and the genetic diversity of circulating strains.
Prevalence of Melioidosis in Patients with Suspected Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Sputum Smear Negative for Acid-Fast Bacilli in Northeast Thailand
Authors: Suntornsut Pornpan , Kasemsupat Kriangsak , Silairatana Santi , Wongsuvan Gumphol , Jutrakul Yaowaruk , Wuthiekanun Vanaporn , Day Nicholas P. J. , Peacock Sharon J. , Limmathurotsakul Direk
Published: September 2013

The clinical and radiological features of pulmonary melioidosis can mimic tuberculosis. We prospectively evaluated 118 patients with suspected pulmonary tuberculosis who were acid-fast bacilli (AFB) smear negative at Udon Thani Hospital, northeast Thailand. Culture of residual sputum from AFB testing was positive for Burkholderia pseudomallei in three patients (2.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5–7.3%). We propose that in melioidosis-endemic areas, residual sputum from AFB testing should be routinely cultured for B. pseudomallei.
Using University Ranking Systems to Predict Usability of University Websites
Authors: Hasan Layla
Published: September 2013

This research investigated whether a university ranking system called Eduroute could provide useful information regarding the usability of universities’ websites. A comparison was conducted between the results obtained by Eduroute regarding the ranking of the top three universities in Jordan, and the results obtained by the heuristic evaluation method regarding the usability of the top three universities’ websites. Before employing the heuristic evaluation method, two steps were taken: Investigating the most frequently visited pages on a university’s website from the viewpoint of 237 students, and developing a set of comprehensive heuristics specific to educational websites. Then, five heuristic evaluators were selected and asked to visit all the pages determined by the 237 students using the developed heuristics while evaluating each website. The results proved that the ranking of the three universities at Eduroute was an indicator regarding the overall usability of the sites; the first ranked university at Eduroute had the lowest number of usability problems identified by the evaluators, while the least ranked university had the largest number of usability problems. The heuristic evaluators also identified fourteen common usability problems on the three tested websites related to navigation, design, content, and ease of use and communication.
Information Architecture Analysis Using Business Intelligence Tools Based on the Information Needs of Executives
Authors: Affeldt Fabricio Sobrosa , Da Silva Júnior Sady Darcy
Published: September 2013

Devising an information architecture system that enables an organization to centralize information regarding its operational, managerial and strategic performance is one of the challenges currently facing information technology. The present study aimed to analyze an information architecture system developed using Business Intelligence (BI) technology. The analysis was performed based on a questionnaire enquiring as to whether the information needs of executives were met during the process. A theoretical framework was applied consisting of information architecture and BI technology, using a case study methodology. Results indicated that the transaction processing systems studied did not meet the information needs of company executives. Information architecture using data warehousing, online analytical processing (OLAP) tools and data mining may provide a more agile means of meeting these needs. However, some items must be included and others modified, in addition to improving the culture of information use by company executives.
The Impact of IT Governance on IT Projects -The Case of the Ghana Rural Bank Computerization and Inter-Connectivity Project
Authors: Allassani William
Published: September 2013

This research seeks to analyse the root causes of the massive failures of IT Projects especially in government establishments. This study shows that the successful implementation of IT projects does not lie only Project in Management principles. It answers the question ‘why are IT projects failing despite the application of tried and tested Project Management principles ? The paper also concludes that Project Management principles per se do not guarantee the successful implementation of IT projects, but have to be brought within the principle of IT Governance. Conclusions are drawn from the Ghana Rural Bank Computerization and Inter-connectivity Project, an activity under the Millennium Challenge Account of the Millennium Development Authority to show that IT Governance needs to be inculcated into IT Projects to make its implementation successful.
Do Information and Communication Technology Access and Innovation Increase Outsourcing in Small and Medium Enterprises?
Authors: Alderete María Verónica
Published: September 2013

In this paper we present an econometric model to determine whether an SME (Small and Medium Sized Enterprise)’s probability of outsourcing depends on their levels of innovation and information and communication technology use. The predictions of the econometric model are tested by means of a LOGIT model using a cross section sample of an Argentinean SME for the year 2006. The model predicts that the level of innovation of an SME will significantly influence its probability of outsourcing. Besides, it stresses the negative incidence of the information and communication technologies (ICT) access on the outsourcing decision.
Achieving Maturity (and Measuring Performance) Through Model-Based Process Improvement
Authors: Cestari Jose Marcelo Almeida Prado , Do Valle Arthur Maria , De Lima Edson Pinheiro , Santos Eduardo Alves Portela
Published: September 2013

This paper presents the approach adopted by a software development unit in order to achieve the maturity level 3 of CMMI-DEV and therefore obtaining better performance. Through historical research and secondary data analysis of the organization, the paper intends to answer the following research question: "Could the adoption of maturity/best practices models bring better performance results to small and medium organizations?" Data and analysis conducted show that, besides the creation of indicator’s based management, there are some quantitative performance improvements in indicators such as: Schedule Deviation Rate, Effort Deviation Rate, Percent Late Delivery, Productivity Deviation and Internal Rework Rate
Factores de Riesgo para el Desarrollo de Complicaciones en las Toracostomías Cerradas por Trauma
Authors: Díaz Rocío I , Andrade-Alegre Rafael
Published: September 2013

Introducción

La toracostomía cerrada es un procedimiento quirúrgico considerado sencillo y ampliamente utilizado en pacientes con trauma torácico. Al ser un procedimiento realizado a ciegas, posee mayor probabilidad de complicaciones. En nuestro hospital se colocan alrededor de 315 tubos de tórax por trauma al año. El objetivo de nuestro estudio es determinar, de manera prospectiva, los factores de riesgo para el desarrollo de complicaciones en las toracostomías cerradas por causas traumáticas.

Metodología

Se trata de un estudio prospectivo, observacional tipo cohorte, de corte longitudinal. Durante un periodo de 7 meses, se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos con diagnóstico de trauma torácico cerrado o penetrante y a los que se les colocó un tubo de tórax por esta causa. La muestra consistió de 152 casos. Los datos se recolectaron utilizando el expediente clínico. Las variables fueron analizadas con un nivel de confianza del 95%.

Resultados

Predominó el sexo masculino (86.8%) y la edad promedio fue de 29 años. Un 37.5% de los pacientes presentó un Injury Severity Score mayor o igual a 16. Cuarenta y dos pacientes tuvieron algún tipo de complicación, lo que representa un 27.6% de la muestra. De este grupo, solo 14 pacientes requirieron un segundo drenaje pleural o una toracotomía abierta. La presencia de hemotórax resultó estadísticamente significativa para el desarrollo de complicaciones (p = 0.041), al igual que la incorrecta colocación del tubo de tórax (p = 0.006).

Conclusión

La toracostomía cerrada por trauma tiene una significativa morbilidad. La presencia de hemotórax es un factor de riesgo estadísticamente significativo para el desarrollo de complicaciones al igual que la incorrecta colocación del tubo de tórax. Proponemos la elaboración de un estudio prospectivo utilizando el ultrasonido como guía para la adecuada colocación del tubo de tórax y así determinar su utilidad en la disminución de complicaciones.
Impact of Low Fibrinogen Levels in the Puzzle of Traumainduced Coagulopathy: Is This the Missing Link?
Authors: Meade Peter , Duchesne Juan C , Park Timothy S , Simms Eric , Hoffman Jordan RH , Bock Jiselle M , Wascom Julie , Barbeau James , Jr Norman E McSwain
Published: September 2013

Background

Patients with severe tissue injury and tissue hypoperfusion can present with low fibrinogen levels and signs of hyperfibrinolysis. The role of damage control resuscitation (DCR) in addressing the hyperfibrinolytic aspect of trauma induced coagulopathy (TIC) is unknown. We hypothesize a survival advantage when DCR is used in TIC patients with severe tissue injury and low fibrinogen levels.

Materials and methods

This is a 2 years prospective observational study of TIC patients who received DCR. TIC was defined as initial base deficit = –6 in combination with ISS = 12. Low fibrinogen was considered when serum level <200 mg/dl. Patients were stratified into those with an injury severity score (ISS) <20, and those with an ISS = 20. Variables analyzed between groups included: initial serum fibrinogen, INR, base deficit, intraoperative FFP: PRBC ratio and mortality.

Results

Of 67 patients with TIC, 29 (43.2%) had ISS < 20, and 38 (56.7%) an ISS ≥ 20. Mean ISS was 13.9 vs 32.8 (p < 0.0001) for the ISS < 20 group vs the ISS ≥ 20 group respectively. Mean initial fibrinogen levels for the ISS < 20 group vs the ISS ≥ 20 group was 357.4 mg/dl vs 148.5 mg/dl (p = 0.0007). Intraoperative DCR with FFP: PRBC for the ISS < 20 group vs the ISS ≥ 20 group showed no statistical difference: 1 to 1.12 vs 1 to 1.3 (p = 0.12). Overall mortality after controlling for DCR in the ISS < 20 group was 29 and 73% in the ISS ≥ 20 group (p = 0.0007). In a stepwise logistic regression, low fibrinogen levels was associated with mortality, p = 0.01; OR 1.01 (1.23-11.55) with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.701. The correlation coefficient for ISS vs initial fibrinogen level was –0.5635 (p = 0.0001).

Conclusion

Overall mortality was significantly increased in patients who had an ISS . 20 with low fibrinogen level despite effective DCR. Given the correlated decrease in fibrinogen levels in patients with severe tissue injury, further investigation regarding potential benefits of antifibrinolytic agents in DCR needs further validation.

How to cite this article

Duchesne JC, Guidry C, Park TS, Simms E, Hoffman JRH, Bock JM, Wascom J, Barbeau J, Meade P, McSwain NE Jr. Impact of Low Fibrinogen Levels in the Puzzle of Trauma-induced Coagulopathy: Is This the Missing Link? Panam J Trauma Critical Care Emerg Surg 2013;2(2): 74-79.
Penetrating Pelvic Injury: Cases Analysis
Authors: Díaz-Rosales Juan de Dios , Enriquez-Dominguez Lenin , Díaz-de-Sandi Ricardo , Jasso-de-León Antonio
Published: September 2013

Background

Although, selective nonoperative management of penetrating pelvic injuries is a feasible, safe and effective alternative; lack of advanced imaging studies in developing countries to assess these patients, force us to perform more invasive procedures to treat them.

Study design

Cases analysis performing with patients with penetrating pelvic trauma underwent to laparotomy in General Hospital of Juarez City (Mexico), during January to December 2012.

Results

Among 44 patients with penetrating pelvic injuries and underwent laparotomy were included. There were 27 therapeutic laparotomies, 9 nontherapeutic laparotomies, 8 damage control laparotomies. Small bowel was the most affected organ, follow by both colon and rectum organ. Hypovolemic shock was the major cause of death and surgical site infections were the most common complications.

Conclusion

Despite, that nonoperative management is safe, penetrating wounds with transpelvic trajectory continue having an absolute indication for laparotomy in medical units in developing world.

How to cite this article

de Dios Díaz-Rosales J, Enriquez- Dominguez L, Díaz-de-Sandi R, Jasso-de-León A. Penetrating Pelvic Injury: Cases Analysis. Panam J Trauma Critical Care Emerg Surg 2013;2(2):80-82.
A institucionalização do planejamento na gestão universitária
Authors: Garcia Roselene Garcia , Farias Filho Milton Cordeiro , Herreros Mário Miguel Amin Garcia
Published: September 2013

O artigo tem como objetivo identificar as ações desenvolvidas no processo de planejamento institucional da Universidade Federal do Pará – UFPA e descrever as instruções normativas que desencadearam tal processo. Trata-se de um estudo com ênfase na mudança organizacional. É uma pesquisa qualitativa do tipo exploratória e descritiva e tem como fundamento o método de pesquisa-ação com uso de observação livre e fontes documentais (legislação federal e outras normas internas da Universidade) para construção de evidências. O conteúdo dos documentos foi analisado a partir dos conceitos do processo de institucionalização da teoria institucional para estudos de organizações. Os registros de observação serviram de complemento para descrição e interpretação dos documentos. Os resultados demonstram que a preocupação - processo de planejamento - se institucionalizou nas unidades acadêmicas, porém tal fenômeno encontrou limites e ainda está em estágio de pré-institucionalização em outras unidades, já que o sistema de acompanhamento praticamente não existiu de forma geral, o que compromete o “ciclo do planejamento”. Conclui que houve avanços nas mudanças planejadas e executadas e que as características organizacionais foram modificadas, porém não ocorreu uma mudança organizacional mais abrangente.
Panorama da satisfação dos acadêmicos da faculdade de estudos sociais da Universidade Federal do Amazonas
Authors: Miranda Vanessa da Silva , Da Silva Valéria Epifânio , Carmo Ygor Angelim do , Souza Waldemar Antonio da Rocha de , Rebelo Luiza Maria Bessa
Published: September 2013

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o grau de satisfação dos alunos da Faculdade de Estudos Sociais (FES) da Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM) no que concerne às condições físico-pedagógicas oferecidas em seus cursos. A pesquisa foi realizada com base numa amostra de 310 universitários, sendo 48% do curso de Administração, 26% do curso de Ciências Contábeis e 26% do curso de Ciências Econômicas. Para aferir os dados aplicou-se um questionário com 27 questões, a partir do qual foi possível observar que os atributos referentes aos conteúdos curriculares; instrumentos pedagógicos; mecanismos de avaliação de aprendizagem; relação entre professores e alunos; professores esclarecem dúvidas; e ética dos professores foram avaliados com elevados graus de aprovação, destacando-se como os pilares que sustentam a satisfação com o ensino na instituição pesquisada. No entanto, os acadêmicos demonstraram desaprovação em relação à estrutura física da faculdade, sobretudo, nos aspectos de instalações sanitárias; biblioteca; e salas de aula.
O campo científico na percepção de docentes de uma universidade: entre regras e estratégias de sobrevivência
Authors: Teixeira Juliana Cristina , Cappelle Mônica Carvalho Alves , Perdigão Denis Alves , Antonialli Luiz Marcelo
Published: September 2013

O contexto da pesquisa científica pode ser considerado um campo social, como um universo relativamente autônomo de relações sociais específicas. Se for considerada a concepção de Bourdieu (1989, 1996, 2004a) em relação aos campos sociais, se pode dizer que a sociedade é composta por vários campos diversos, vários espaços que possuem uma autonomia relativa, com regras e características próprias de funcionamento. Cada um desses campos funciona, segundo o autor, como microcosmos sociais que possuem valores, objetos e interesses específicos. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do presente trabalho é analisar a percepção dos docentes acerca das (1) regras e normas do campo científico e acerca das (2) estratégias que empreendem para atuar ou sobreviver neste meio. Quanto aos fins, a pesquisa é descritiva e a abordagem utilizada foi qualitativa. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram docentes da Universidade Federal de Lavras, localizada no interior de Minas Gerais. A coleta de dados se deu por meio de entrevistas pessoais conduzidas por meio de roteiros semi-estruturados. As principais regras do meio científico observadas pelos docentes foram: publicar, relacionar-se e obter recursos. Vários entrevistados se vêem desenvolvendo estratégias para sobreviver neste campo, as quais se relacionam diretamente ao atendimento a tais regras. A busca por reconhecimento dos próprios pares dentro do campo se mostrou significativa, assim como a busca por elementos de distinção. Destaca-se, com o estudo, a demonstração do contexto de pressão vivenciado pelos docentes entrevistados, como a significativa necessidade de publicação.
Cloud and boundary layer interactions over the Arctic sea ice in late summer
Authors: Shupe M. D. , Persson P. O. G. , Brooks I. M. , Tjernström M. , Sedlar J. , Mauritsen T. , Sjogren S. , Leck C.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Observations from the Arctic Summer Cloud Ocean Study (ASCOS), in the central Arctic sea-ice pack in late summer 2008, provide a detailed view of cloud–atmosphere–surface interactions and vertical mixing processes over the sea-ice environment. Measurements from a suite of ground-based remote sensors, near-surface meteorological and aerosol instruments, and profiles from radiosondes and a helicopter are combined to characterize a week-long period dominated by low-level, mixed-phase, stratocumulus clouds. Detailed case studies and statistical analyses are used to develop a conceptual model for the cloud and atmosphere structure and their interactions in this environment. Clouds were persistent during the period of study, having qualities that suggest they were sustained through a combination of advective influences and in-cloud processes, with little contribution from the surface. Radiative cooling near cloud top produced buoyancy-driven, turbulent eddies that contributed to cloud formation and created a cloud-driven mixed layer. The depth of this mixed layer was related to the amount of turbulence and condensed cloud water. Coupling of this cloud-driven mixed layer to the surface boundary layer was primarily determined by proximity. For 75% of the period of study, the primary stratocumulus cloud-driven mixed layer was decoupled from the surface and typically at a warmer potential temperature. Since the near-surface temperature was constrained by the ocean–ice mixture, warm temperatures aloft suggest that these air masses had not significantly interacted with the sea-ice surface. Instead, back-trajectory analyses suggest that these warm air masses advected into the central Arctic Basin from lower latitudes. Moisture and aerosol particles likely accompanied these air masses, providing necessary support for cloud formation. On the occasions when cloud–surface coupling did occur, back trajectories indicated that these air masses advected at low levels, while mixing processes kept the mixed layer in equilibrium with the near-surface environment. Rather than contributing buoyancy forcing for the mixed-layer dynamics, the surface instead simply appeared to respond to the mixed-layer processes aloft. Clouds in these cases often contained slightly higher condensed water amounts, potentially due to additional moisture sources from below.
A case study of sea breeze blocking regulated by sea surface temperature along the English south coast
Authors: Sweeney J. K. , Chagnon J. M. , Gray S. L.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The sensitivity of sea breeze structure to sea surface temperature (SST) and coastal orography is investigated in convection-permitting Met Office Unified Model simulations of a case study along the south coast of England. Changes in SST of 1 K are shown to significantly modify the structure of the sea breeze. On the day of the case study the sea breeze was partially blocked by coastal orography, particularly within Lyme Bay. The extent to which the flow is blocked depends strongly on the static stability of the marine boundary layer. In experiments with colder SST, the marine boundary layer is more stable, and the degree of blocking is more pronounced. The implications of prescribing fixed SST from climatology in numerical weather prediction model forecasts of the sea breeze are discussed.
Heterogeneous reaction of N2O5 with illite and Arizona Test Dust particles
Authors: Tang M. J. , Schuster G. , Crowley J. N.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The heterogeneous reaction of N2O5 with airborne illite and Arizona Test Dust particles was investigated at room temperature and at different relative humidities using an atmospheric pressure aerosol flow tube. N2O5 at concentrations in the range 8 to 24×1012 molecule cm−3 was monitored using thermal-dissociation cavity ring-down spectroscopy at 662 nm. At zero relative humidity a large uptake coefficient of N2O5 to illite was obtained, γ(N2O5) = 0.09, which decreased to 0.04 as relative humidity was increased to 67%. In contrast, the uptake coefficient derived for ATD is much lower (~ 0.006) and, within experimental uncertainty, independent of relative humidity (0–67%). Potential explanations are given for the significant differences between the uptake behaviour for ATD and illite and the results are compared with uptake coefficients for N2O5 on other mineral surfaces.
URBAN AREA EXTRACTION IN SAR DATA
Authors: Aghababaee H. , Niazmardi S. , Amini J.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. In this paper, the performance of different texture measures for detection of urban areas from SAR data is evaluated. The used texture measures are categorized into two groups, the first group include the SAR specific textures and the second one considers the general texture measures. ffmax is selected from the first category and LISA, SRPD, Wavelet measures and fractal dimensions are used as general texture measures. For a better discrimination, all texture measures are calculated and a PCA rotation is applied to them and the first PC is multiplied by the urban inhomogeneity parameter and the obtained image is segmented. The obtained results of this procedure comparing with the K-Means clustering algorithm show the better performance of this algorithm for urban area detection.
RULE-BASED CLASSIFICATION OF A HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGE USING MSSC HIERARCHICAL SEGMENTATION
Authors: Akbari D. , Safari A. R.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The Hierarchical SEGmentation (HSEG) algorithm, which combines region object finding with region object clustering, has given good performances for hyperspectral image analysis. This technique produces at its output a hierarchical set of image segmentations. The automated selection of a single segmentation level is often necessary. In this paper, we propose to use spectral-spatial classifiers at the marker selection procedure, each of them combining the results of a pixel-wise classification and a segmentation map. Then, a novel marker-based HSEG algorithm (that is called Multiple Spectral-Spatial Classifier-HSEG (MSSC-HSEG)) is applied, resulting in a segmentation map. The segmentation results are then used in a rule-based classification using spectral, geometric, textural, and contextual information. The experimental results, presented for a hyperspectral airborne image, demonstrate that the proposed approach yields accurate segmentation and classification maps, when compared to previously classification techniques.
TREE CROWN DELINEATION ON VHR AERIAL IMAGERY WITH SVM CLASSIFICATION TECHNIQUE OPTIMIZED BY TAGUCHI METHOD: A CASE STUDY IN ZAGROS WOODLANDS
Authors: Erfanifard Y. , Behnia N. , Moosavi V.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The Support Vector Machine (SVM) is a theoretically superior machine learning methodology with great results in classification of remotely sensed datasets. Determination of optimal parameters applied in SVM is still vague to some scientists. In this research, it is suggested to use the Taguchi method to optimize these parameters. The objective of this study was to detect tree crowns on very high resolution (VHR) aerial imagery in Zagros woodlands by SVM optimized by Taguchi method. A 30 ha plot of Persian oak (Quercus persica) coppice trees was selected in Zagros woodlands, Iran. The VHR aerial imagery of the plot with 0.06 m spatial resolution was obtained from National Geographic Organization (NGO), Iran, to extract the crowns of Persian oak trees in this study. The SVM parameters were optimized by Taguchi method and thereafter, the imagery was classified by the SVM with optimal parameters. The results showed that the Taguchi method is a very useful approach to optimize the combination of parameters of SVM. It was also concluded that the SVM method could detect the tree crowns with a KHAT coefficient of 0.961 which showed a great agreement with the observed samples and overall accuracy of 97.7% that showed the accuracy of the final map. Finally, the authors suggest applying this method to optimize the parameters of classification techniques like SVM.
BOUNDARY BASED SUPERVISED CLASSIFICATION OF HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGES WITH LIMITED TRAINING SAMPLES
Authors: Imani M. , Ghassemian H.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. One of the most important and challenging problems in supervised classification of high dimensional data is limited available training samples. Using the parametric classifiers is not appropriate in this condition. Thus a new simple nonparametric supervised classifier based boundary samples of each class is proposed in this paper that need no statistic parameter for classification. Accuracy and reliability of this classifier is compared whit other non-parametric classifiers such as Parallelepiped (box), K nearest neighbours (KNN), Artifical Neural network (ANN) and SVM and also a parametric classifier that use only first order statistic, Minimum Euclidean Distance (MED), for different four datasets, AVARIS data, Pavia University, Pavia center and Salinas data. The results of experiments show that proposed classifier in despite of simplicity has appropriate and reasonable efficiency.
A NOVEL METHOD FOR CLOUD DETECTION IN MODIS IMAGERY
Authors: Jouybari Moghaddam Y. , Aghamohamadnia M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Data from the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are being widely used for quantitatively estimating parameters in the study of atmospheric and land surface processes. Cloud detection is a preliminarily important step in remotely sensed image processing for many applications. The main purpose of this paper is classification of MODIS image into four classes including cloudy, semi cloudy, snow and clear areas. In this article, we use a new method for MODIS cloud detection based on spatial analysis and generation four RGB images. Several MODIS data were applied to evaluate the performance of the new algorithm and the results show that the new algorithm was acceptable result.
URBAN EXPANSION MONITORING USING SATELLITE IMAGES BY MEANS OF DECISION LEVEL FUSION OF FUZZY CHANGE DETECTORS
Authors: Mahmoudi S. , Saradjian M. R. , Esmaeily A. , Vajedian S.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. This study investigates urban expansion using satellite images by means of decision level fusion of two different fuzzy change detectors. The aim of this study is taking the advantage of effects of various change detection techniques. These techniques are differentiated by the way they use the dataset which their fusion could lead us to gain complementary outputs and ultimately achieve higher accuracy in change detection. This study focuses on the use of this framework specifically for urban region expansion monitoring. Here outputs of two fuzzy change detectors based respectively on post classification comparison and spectral-temporal combined analysis methods of multi-temporal ASTER images are fused by using Sugeno fuzzy integral operator. Accuracy assessment that has been done by available land cover maps for fuzzy post classification comparison combined fuzzy spectral–temporal analysis and their combination technique has shown improvement of change detection accuracy over each single fuzzy change detector in urban expansion application.
POSITIONING BASED ON INTEGRATION OF MUTI-SENSOR SYSTEMS USING KALMAN FILTER AND LEAST SQUARE ADJUSTMENT
Authors: Omidalizarandi M. , Cao Z.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Sensor fusion is to combine different sensor data from different sources in order to make a more accurate model. In this research, different sensors (Optical Speed Sensor, Bosch Sensor, Odometer, XSENS, Silicon and GPS receiver) have been utilized to obtain different kinds of datasets to implement the multi-sensor system and comparing the accuracy of the each sensor with other sensors. The scope of this research is to estimate the current position and orientation of the Van. The Van's position can also be estimated by integrating its velocity and direction over time. To make these components work, it needs an interface that can bridge each other in a data acquisition module. The interface of this research has been developed based on using Labview software environment. Data have been transferred to PC via A/D convertor (LabJack) and make a connection to PC. In order to synchronize all the sensors, calibration parameters of each sensor is determined in preparatory step. Each sensor delivers result in a sensor specific coordinate system that contains different location on the object, different definition of coordinate axes and different dimensions and units. Different test scenarios (Straight line approach and Circle approach) with different algorithms (Kalman Filter, Least square Adjustment) have been examined and the results of the different approaches are compared together.
COSEISMIC AND POSEISMIC GRAVITY CHANGES OBTAINED FROM GRACE SATELLITE DATA DURING THE POWERFUL TOHOKU-OKI EARTHQUAKE OF 11 MARCH 2011
Authors: Akhoondzadeh M. , Sharifi M. A. , Shahrisvand M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. In this paper, we study the gravitational gradient changes induced 11 March 2011 Mw 9.0 Tohoku-Oki earthquake using data gathered by Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite. Previous studies have demonstrated the capability of GRACE data for observing the coseismic gravity change concerning the Tohoku earthquake. However, we show for the first time that changes of the coseismic and postseismic gravitational gradient components are detectable without doing any post-processing and filtering. It can be seen that the derivative of gravitational potential amplify the high-frequency components of the earth gravity field. Therefore, gravitational gradient changes delineate more clearly the rupture lines and reveal refined mass redistribution features caused by the studied earthquake.
DETECTION OF TREE CROWNS BASED ON RECLASSIFICATION USING AERIAL IMAGES AND LIDAR DATA
Authors: Talebi S. , Zarea A. , Sadeghian S. , Arefi H.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Tree detection using aerial sensors in early decades was focused by many researchers in different fields including Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry. This paper is intended to detect trees in complex city areas using aerial imagery and laser scanning data. Our methodology is a hierarchal unsupervised method consists of some primitive operations. This method could be divided into three sections, in which, first section uses aerial imagery and both second and third sections use laser scanners data. In the first section a vegetation cover mask is created in both sunny and shadowed areas. In the second section Rate of Slope Change (RSC) is used to eliminate grasses. In the third section a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) is obtained from LiDAR data. By using DTM and Digital Surface Model (DSM) we would get to Normalized Digital Surface Model (nDSM). Then objects which are lower than a specific height are eliminated. Now there are three result layers from three sections. At the end multiplication operation is used to get final result layer. This layer will be smoothed by morphological operations. The result layer is sent to WG III/4 to evaluate. The evaluation result shows that our method has a good rank in comparing to other participants’ methods in ISPRS WG III/4, when assessed in terms of 5 indices including area base completeness, area base correctness, object base completeness, object base correctness and boundary RMS. With regarding of being unsupervised and automatic, this method is improvable and could be integrate with other methods to get best results.
EVALUATING DAMAGE ASSESSMENT OF BREACHES ALONG THE EMBANKMENTS OF INDUS RIVER DURING FLOOD 2010 USING REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES
Authors: Ahmad R. , Daniyal D.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Natural disasters cause human sufferings and property loss, if not managed properly. It cannot be prevented but their adverse impacts can be reduced through proper planning and disaster mitigation measures. The floods triggered by heavy rains during July 2010 in Pakistan caused swallowing of rivers causing human, agriculture, livestock and property losses in almost all over the country. The heavy rains in upper part of country were attributed to El-Nina effect. Accumulated water in the rivers floodplain overtopped and breached flood protective infrastructure. Flood damage particularly in Sindh province was caused by breaches in the embankments and even after months of flood recession in rivers, flood water affected settled areas in the province. This study evaluates the role of satellite remote sensing particularly in assessment of breaches and consequential damages as well as measures leading to minimize the effects of floods caused by breaches in flood protective infrastructure. More than 50 SPOT-5 imageries had been used for this purpose and breached areas were delineated using pre and post flood imageries, later on rehabilitation work were also monitored. A total 136 breaches were delineated out of which 60 were in the Punjab and 76 in Sindh province. The study demonstrates the potentials of satellite remote sensing for mapping and monitoring natural disasters and devising mitigation strategies.
Four-dimensional ensemble-variational data assimilation for global deterministic weather prediction
Authors: Buehner M. , Morneau J. , Charette C.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The goal of this study is to evaluate a version of the ensemble-variational data assimilation approach (EnVar) for possible replacement of 4D-Var at Environment Canada for global deterministic weather prediction. This implementation of EnVar relies on 4-D ensemble covariances, obtained from an ensemble Kalman filter, that are combined in a vertically dependent weighted average with simple static covariances. Verification results are presented from a set of data assimilation experiments over two separate 6-week periods that used assimilated observations and model configuration very similar to the currently operational system. To help interpret the comparison of EnVar versus 4D-Var, additional experiments using 3D-Var and a version of EnVar with only 3-D ensemble covariances are also evaluated. To improve the rate of convergence for all approaches evaluated (including EnVar), an estimate of the cost function Hessian generated by the quasi-Newton minimization algorithm is cycled from one analysis to the next. Analyses from EnVar (with 4-D ensemble covariances) nearly always produce improved, and never degraded, forecasts when compared with 3D-Var. Comparisons with 4D-Var show that forecasts from EnVar analyses have either similar or better scores in the troposphere of the tropics and the winter extra-tropical region. However, in the summer extra-tropical region the medium-range forecasts from EnVar have either similar or worse scores than 4D-Var in the troposphere. In contrast, the 6 h forecasts from EnVar are significantly better than 4D-Var relative to radiosonde observations for both periods and in all regions. The use of 4-D versus 3-D ensemble covariances only results in small improvements in forecast quality. By contrast, the improvements from using 4D-Var versus 3D-Var are much larger. Measurement of the fit of the background and analyzed states to the observations suggests that EnVar and 4D-Var can both make better use of observations distributed over time than 3D-Var. In summary, the results from this study suggest that the EnVar approach is a viable alternative to 4D-Var, especially when the simplicity and computational efficiency of EnVar are considered. Additional research is required to understand the seasonal dependence of the difference in forecast quality between EnVar and 4D-Var in the extra-tropics.
Extreme extension across Seram and Ambon, eastern Indonesia: evidence for Banda slab rollback
Authors: Pownall J. M. , Hall R. , Watkinson I. M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. The island of Seram, which lies in the northern part of the 180°-curved Banda Arc, has previously been interpreted as a fold-and-thrust belt formed during arc-continent collision, which incorporates ophiolites intruded by granites thought to have been produced by anatexis within a metamorphic sole. However, new geological mapping and a re-examination of the field relations cause us to question this model. We instead propose that there is evidence for recent and rapid N–S extension that has caused the high-temperature exhumation of lherzolites beneath low-angle lithospheric detachment faults that induced high-temperature metamorphism and melting in overlying crustal rocks. These "Kobipoto Complex" migmatites include highly residual Al–Mg-rich garnet + cordierite + sillimanite + spinel + corundum granulites (exposed in the Kobipoto Mountains) which contain coexisting spinel + quartz, indicating that peak metamorphic temperatures likely approached 900 °C. Associated with these residual granulites are voluminous Mio-Pliocene granitic diatexites, or "cordierite granites", which crop out on Ambon, western Seram, and in the Kobipoto Mountains and incorporate abundant schlieren of spinel- and sillimanite-bearing residuum. Quaternary "ambonites" (cordierite + garnet dacites) emplaced on Ambon were also evidently sourced from the Kobipoto Complex migmatites as demonstrated by granulite-inherited xenoliths. Exhumation of the hot peridotites and granulite-facies Kobipoto Complex migmatites to shallower structural levels caused greenschist- to lower-amphibolite facies metapelites and amphibolites of the Tehoru Formation to be overprinted by sillimanite-grade metamorphism, migmatisation, and limited localised anatexis to form the Taunusa Complex. The extreme extension required to have driven Kobipoto Complex exhumation evidently occurred throughout Seram and along much of the northern Banda Arc. The lherzolites must have been juxtaposed against the crust at typical lithospheric mantle temperatures in order to account for such high-temperature metamorphism and therefore could not have been part of a cooled ophiolite. In central Seram, lenses of peridotites are incorporated with a major left-lateral strike-slip shear zone (the "Kawa Shear Zone"), demonstrating that strike-slip motions likely initiated shortly after the mantle had been partly exhumed by detachment faulting and that the main strike-slip faults may themselves be reactivated and steepened low-angle detachments. The geodynamic driver for mantle exhumation along the detachment faults and strike-slip faulting in central Seram is very likely the same; we interpret the extreme extension to be the result of eastward slab rollback into the Banda Embayment as outlined by the latest plate reconstructions for Banda Arc evolution.
Changes in glacier equilibrium-line altitude in the western Alps from 1984 to 2010: evaluation by remote sensing and modeling of the morpho-topographic and climate controls
Authors: Rabatel A. , Letréguilly A. , Dedieu J.-P. , Eckert N.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. We present time series of equilibrium-line altitude (ELA) measured from the end-of-summer snow line altitude computed using satellite images, for 43 glaciers in the western Alps over the 1984–2010 period. More than 120 satellite images acquired by Landsat, SPOT and ASTER were used. In parallel, changes in climate variables, summer cumulative positive degree days (CPDD) and winter precipitation, were analyzed over the same time period using 22 weather stations located inside and around the study area. Assuming a continuous linear trend over the study period: (1) the average ELA of the 43 glaciers increased by about 170 m; (2) summer CPDD increased by about 150 PDD at 3000 m a.s.l.; and (3) winter precipitation remained rather stationary. Summer CPDD showed homogeneous spatial and temporal variability; winter precipitation showed homogeneous temporal variability, but some stations showed a slightly different spatial pattern. Regarding ELAs, temporal variability between the 43 glaciers was also homogeneous, but spatially, glaciers in the southern part of the study area differed from glaciers in the northern part, mainly due to a different precipitation pattern. A sensitivity analysis of the ELAs to climate and morpho-topographic variables (elevation, aspect, latitude) highlighted the following: (1) the average ELA over the study period of each glacier is strongly controlled by morpho-topographic variables; and (2) the interannual variability of the ELA is strongly controlled by climate variables, with the observed increasing trend mainly driven by increasing temperatures, even if significant nonlinear, low-frequency fluctuations appear to be driven by winter precipitation anomalies. Finally, we used an expansion of Lliboutry's approach to reconstruct fluctuations in the ELA of any glacier of the study area with respect to morpho-topographic and climate variables, by quantifying their respective weight and the related uncertainties in a consistent manner within a hierarchical Bayesian framework. This method was tested and validated using the ELA measured on the satellite images.
A general treatment of snow microstructure exemplified by an improved relation for thermal conductivity
Authors: Löwe H. , Riche F. , Schneebeli M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Finding relevant microstructural parameters beyond density is a longstanding problem which hinders the formulation of accurate parameterizations of physical properties of snow. Towards a remedy, we address the effective thermal conductivity tensor of snow via anisotropic, second-order bounds. The bound provides an explicit expression for the thermal conductivity and predicts the relevance of a microstructural anisotropy parameter Q, which is given by an integral over the two-point correlation function and unambiguously defined for arbitrary snow structures. For validation we compiled a comprehensive data set of 167 snow samples. The set comprises individual samples of various snow types and entire time series of metamorphism experiments under isothermal and temperature gradient conditions. All samples were digitally reconstructed by micro-computed tomography to perform microstructure-based simulations of heat transport. The incorporation of anisotropy via Q considerably reduces the root mean square error over the usual density-based parameterization. The systematic quantification of anisotropy via the two-point correlation function suggests a generalizable route to incorporate microstructure into snowpack models. We indicate the inter-relation of the conductivity to other properties and outline a potential impact of Q on dielectric constant, permeability and adsorption rate of diffusing species in the pore space.