bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transient work function gating: A new photoemission regime
Authors: Carbajo S.
Published: July 2020

We present the theoretical basis for a new photoemission regime, transient work function gating (TWFG), which temporally and energetically gates photoemission and produces near-threshold photoelectrons with thermally limited emittance, percent-level quantum efficiency, and control over temporal coherence. The technique consists of actively gating the work function of a generalized photocathode using a non-ionizing long-wavelength optical field to produce an adiabatic modulation of the carrier density at their surface. We examine TWFG as a means to circumvent the long-standing trade-off between low emittance and high quantum efficiency, untethered to particle source or photocathode specifics. TWFG promises new opportunities in photoemission physics for next generation electron and accelerator-based x-ray photon sources.
Statistical and modal analysis of surface pressure fluctuations in tornado-like vortices
Authors: Karami M. , Carassale L. , Hangan H.
Published: July 2020

Surface pressure measurement is a general tool for evaluating wind flow qualitatively and quantitatively. Due to its complex temporal and spatial features, modal analysis is an interesting tool to be used for interpretation and discussion. The most common technique for modal representation is proper orthogonal decomposition (POD), also referred to as principal component analysis. However, it is believed that POD sometimes fails to extract meaningful features of the pressure field. To remove the non-physical POD modes and provide a closer physical description of the pressure field, an advanced method independent component analysis (ICA) is applied. Furthermore, these two methods are generalized in the frequency domain, called dynamic POD and dynamic ICA, to provide the temporal evolutions of coherent structures over the spatial domain. Modal analysis is used to isolate the different coherent structures in tornado-like vortices, e.g., wandering, vortex breakdown, and two-cell structure, and find the spectral characteristic of each phenomenon. Moreover, a comparison of modal analysis between the current paper and the previous paper on the velocity field {see Karami et al., [“Coherent structures in tornado-like vortices,” Phys. Fluids 31, 085118 (2019)]} presents new insight into the pressure–velocity correlation of the POD modes.
An investigation on a supercritical aerofoil with a wavy leading edge in a transonic flow
Authors: Degregori Enrico , Kim Jae Wook
Published: July 2020

A compressible large-eddy simulation is performed to study the effects of a wavy leading edge (WLE) applied on a supercritical aerofoil in a transonic flow at Re∞ = 5.0 × 105 and M∞ = 0.7. The wavelength and peak-to-trough amplitude of the WLE used in this study are 5% and 2.5%, respectively, of the mean aerofoil chord. The primary aim of this study is to understand the aerodynamic characteristics of the modified aerofoil over a range of incidence angles. For this reason, a slow heaving motion is imposed where the geometric angle of attack is gradually increased from αg = 2° to 7° without a significant dynamic (added mass) effect, i.e., a quasi-linear range. The new transonic flow study shows significantly different findings (with some similar features) to the previous low-speed flow studies. It is observed in the quasi-linear range that the modified aerofoil achieves a performance improvement at low and moderate angles because of a drag reduction in the leading edge region and downstream of the laminar–turbulent (L–T) transition point. The leading edge (LE) analysis shows that the maximum pressure coefficient remains equal to that of the baseline case only at the trough and peak sections. The relative decrease in pressure at the LE results in the drag reduction. The transonic flow at the LE is analyzed in further detail to show a reversed flow region at the trough and its influence on the boundary layer development over the aerofoil. In addition, the spanwise variation of the boundary layer characteristics over the modified aerofoil is evaluated and analyzed. One of the most notable findings in this paper is that the flow at the trough becomes supersonic even at low angles of attack, and this results in an enhanced LE flow acceleration spread across the span, which seems facilitated by using a short WLE wavelength. This flow behavior is qualitatively explained by using an analogy between a channeling effect and a convergent–divergent nozzle in a transonic flow. Another notable observation is that there is an upstream movement of the laminar–turbulent transition point seemingly related to the flow distortion around the WLE. Interestingly, the flow distortion introduces a three dimensionality into the laminar boundary layer, but it keeps the flow laminar, so the benefits of the laminar supercritical aerofoil are not lost. These LE phenomena have a major impact on the shock structure at high incidence angles where the more energetic laminar boundary layer changes the shock structure over the modified aerofoil. This can be crucial to control the shock buffet phenomenon.
On the role of perceptual similarity in producing visual
metaphors
Authors: Ojha Amitash , Indurkhya Bipin
Published: July 2020

We explore here the role of perceptual
similarity in producing visual metaphors. In the first part of the
study, we characterize visual metaphors and show how perceptual
similarity is used in various kinds of visual metaphors appearing in
advertisements. In the second part, we present two studies that show
that perceptual similarity is intuitively recognized, and
shape-based perceptual similarity is preferred for pictorial
metaphors. Finally, in the third part, we propose a system to
generate visual metaphors based on algorithmic perceptual
similarity.
On why people don’t say what they mean
Authors: Colston Herbert L.
Published: July 2020

The study addresses two problems with recent
psycholinguistic research on why people don’t say what they mean,
(1) possible underrepresentation in research studies of types of
figurative language found in everyday talk, and (2) potential
ecological validity problems due to using standard psycholinguistic
experimental methodologies and inauthentic language materials. In
three experiments, these problems were addressed using authentic
productions of a relatively unexplored figurative language type –
formulaic language, specifically gratitude
acknowledgements, which cover a range of figurativity
(e.g., “don’t worry about it”, through, “anytime”), often using
hyperbole as part of their functioning – a key focus of the present
study. The results demonstrate that speakers use figurative
gratitude acknowledgements to achieve the pragmatic effects of
politeness and esteem display as well as fondness expression, which
are not achieved to the same extents by nonfigurative gratitude
acknowledgements. The particular pragmatics of this figurative form,
the influence of these pragmatic effects on some theoretical
questions, and the broader implications of inclusion of new
figurative language forms, as well as authentic language items and
methods, in research on figurative language production and
pragmatics, are discussed.
The production of verbal irony
Authors: Kreuz Roger J. , Johnson Alexander A.
Published: July 2020

Although verbal irony has been a topic of
interest for researchers studying language comprehension, the
production of irony is also of great interest, since it highlights
the situational, pragmatic, and even cultural factors that affect
language use. Issues of production and interpretation have, if
anything, become even more salient with the rise of email, texting,
and social media. Even though such mediums are conversationally
impoverished, new conventions and nonliteral markers have evolved to
allow verbal irony to both survive and flourish online. This chapter
will provide a review and an assessment of the current state of the
literature on these topics.
Generating metaphors in product design
Authors: Cila Nazli , Hekkert Paul
Published: July 2020

A product metaphor mediates between the
experience process of a user and the generation process of a
designer. A user goes through the stages of perceiving that a
metaphor has been employed in a product, recognizing its target and
source, comprehending why these particular entities are brought
together, and appreciating (or not) this association. A designer has
a particular intention to attain through the product (i.e., target)
and comes up with a meaning to convey accordingly, finds a source
that can assign this meaning to the product, and creates a mapping
from this source to the product. In this chapter, we will first
present a basic framework for metaphoric communication and proceed
by elaborating on the designer side of the model. We will address
each step through presenting our own research findings and/or
analyzing current product metaphors in the market, and transform the
framework into a detailed metaphoric communication model. We will
end the chapter by discussing the model in a broader context of
metaphor generation process and give metaphor producers a summary of
considerations on creating more effective and aesthetic
metaphors.
Rock bottoms, juggling balls and
coalprints
Authors: MacArthur Fiona
Published: July 2020

In comparison with the interest shown in the
difficulties second language (L2) speakers have in understanding
English metaphors, very little attention has been paid to examining
the metaphors they actually produce, particularly in the oral mode.
In this chapter I examine the metaphors used by L2 speakers in
face-to-face interaction with native (L1) speakers or with other L2
speakers, using data from three different sources: the Vienna-Oxford
Corpus of International English (VOICE), the European Corpus of
Academic Talk (EuroCoAT), as well as smaller databases compiled in
the course of other research. I consider the following aspects of
metaphor production in L2 conversation: its frequency, its general
characteristics, its conventionality, and some of the factors that
prompt its use in discourse.
The production of time-related metaphors by people who have
experienced pregnancy loss
Authors: Turner Sarah , Littlemore Jeannette , Fuller Danielle , Kuberska Karolina , McGuinness Sheelagh
Published: July 2020

In this chapter we focus on the ways in
which people who have experienced pregnancy loss use metaphor to
describe the experience, with a particular focus on time-related
metaphor. The data come from an ESRC-funded1 study that investigates the ways in which
people who have experienced bereavement following pregnancy loss
communicate their experiences. We use these data to explore the ways
in which the bereaved (and those who support them) use time-related
metaphors to talk about their experiences and suggest ways in which
such an analysis can be used to provide insight into the experiences
of the bereaved. We conclude by discussing the implications of our
findings for friends, colleagues and relatives.
What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger: the COVID-19 pandemic transforms anonymous citizens into devoted actors (Lo que no nos mata nos hace más fuertes: la pandemia de COVID-19 transforma a los ciudadanos anónimos en actores devotos)
Authors: Gómez Ángel
Published: July 2020

COVID-19 is transforming our lives. We could frame this illness by surrendering to disaster or striving to get over it. We suggest that the pandemic is converting ‘some’ citizens into devoted actors, individuals viscerally connected — fused — to a group who share a sacred value. Since devoted actors are willing to make costly self-sacrifices for their peers and convictions, the virus, instead of ‘killing us’, could well make us stronger.
A highly oriented pyrolytic graphite crystal spectrometer in von Hamos geometry for x-ray fluorescence experiments
Authors: Yang Zhihao , Zhang Zhiyu , Lv Min , Hu Zhimin , An Zhu , Wei Minxi , Zhao Yang , Yang Jiamin
Published: July 2020

A high-resolution x-ray spectrometer has been designed and constructed, using a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite Bragg crystal in von Hamos geometry. The spectrometer was designed to study x-ray fluorescence emissions of Ti, and it covers a detecting energy range from 4000 eV to 5500 eV. The factors affecting the spectral resolution and efficiency of the spectrometer were discussed. In particular, the bending of the spectral lines on the image plate was also corrected, due to the detecting plane not being parallel to the axis of the cylindrically curved crystal. Its performance has been evaluated in a laser–foil interaction experiment. The experimental results indicate that the spectrometer is of good spectral resolution and relatively high efficiency, which enables it as a suitable device for the measurements of high-resolution x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy.
Enhanced laser wakefield acceleration using dual-color relativistic pulses
Authors: Hafz Nasr A M , Li Guangyu , Li Song , Ain Quratul , Gao Kai , Saeed Muhammad , Papp Daniel , Zhu Jianqiang , Kamperidis Christos
Published: July 2020

In a recent article by Li et al (2019 Sci. Adv. 5. eaav7940), experimental results from a dual-color laser wakefield acceleration (LWFA) were presented. In the present paper we, primarily, focus on detailed simulation studies of such a scheme in the self-injection and ionization injection regimes, respectively. The spatiotemporally-overlapped 30 fs dual-color laser pulses are at fundamental (FL, 800 nm, ‘red’) and second-harmonic (SH, 400 nm, ‘blue’) wavelengths. They are (a) co-propagating in an under-dense plasma, (b) relativistically intense (I > 1018 W cm−2) and (c) having relatively high-energy (multi-Joule, loose focusing) and low-energy (sub-Joule, tight focusing), respectively. The basic concept of the scheme is the fact that the depletion length (L
pd) for a relativistic laser pulse in an under-dense plasma has an inverse quadratic dependence on the laser wavelength (∝1/λ
2). Here, first by using a single FL 77 TW/30 fs laser pulse to drive a LWFA, an electron beam was accelerated up to ∼400 MeV from a background plasma having an electron density of 1019 cm−3. Then, by driving the same LWFA by co-propagating ‘blue’ 7 TW/30 fs and ‘red’ 70 TW/30 fs laser pulses, the electron energy reached ∼700–800 MeV (maximum). The simulations confirm that in such a dual-color LWFA scheme, the role of the SH laser pulse is post-accelerating electrons after a rapid depletion of the FL laser pulse in the plasma. Furthermore, the SH pulse assists the ionization-injection of the electrons which is an additional benefit of the dual-color LWFA scheme.
Non-random distribution of vacuoles in Schizosaccharomyces pombe
Authors: Chadwick William L , Biswas Sujoy K , Bianco Simone , Chan Yee-Hung M
Published: July 2020

A central question in eukaryotic cell biology asks, during cell division, how is the growth and distribution of organelles regulated to ensure each daughter cell receives an appropriate amount. For vacuoles in budding yeast, there are well described organelle-to-cell size scaling trends as well as inheritance mechanisms involving highly coordinated movements. It is unclear whether such mechanisms are necessary in the symmetrically dividing fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, in which random partitioning may be utilized to distribute vacuoles to daughter cells. To address the increasing need for high-throughput analysis, we are augmenting existing semi-automated image processing by developing fully automated machine learning methods for locating vacuoles and segmenting fission yeast cells from brightfield and fluorescence micrographs. All strains studied show qualitative correlations in vacuole-to-cell size scaling trends, i.e. vacuole volume, surface area, and number all increase with cell size. Furthermore, increasing vacuole number was found to be a consistent mechanism for the increase in total vacuole size in the cell. Vacuoles are not distributed evenly throughout the cell with respect to available cytoplasm. Rather, vacuoles show distinct peaks in distribution close to the nucleus, and this preferential localization was confirmed in mutants in which nucleus position is perturbed. Disruption of microtubules leads to quantitative changes in both vacuole size scaling trends and distribution patterns, indicating the microtubule cytoskeleton is a key mechanism for maintaining vacuole structure.
Charge transport and quantum confinement in MoS2 dual-gated transistors
Authors: Liao Fuyou , Wang Hongjuan , Guo Xiaojiao , Guo Zhongxun , Tong Ling , Riaud Antoine , Sheng Yaochen , Chen Lin , Sun Qingqing , Zhou Peng , Zhang David Wei , Chai Yang , Jiang Xiangwei , Liu Yan , Bao Wenzhong
Published: July 2020

Semiconductive two dimensional (2D) materials have attracted significant research attention due to their rich band structures and promising potential for next-generation electrical devices. In this work, we investigate the MoS2 field-effect transistors (FETs) with a dual-gated (DG) architecture, which consists of symmetrical thickness for back gate (BG) and top gate (TG) dielectric. The thickness-dependent charge transport in our DG-MoS2 device is revealed by a four-terminal electrical measurement which excludes the contact influence, and the TCAD simulation is also applied to explain the experimental data. Our results indicate that the impact of quantum confinement effect plays an important role in the charge transport in the MoS2 channel, as it confines charge carriers in the center of the channel, which reduces the scattering and boosts the mobility compared to the single gating case. Furthermore, temperature-dependent transfer curves reveal that multi-layer MoS2 DG-FET is in the phonon-limited transport regime, while single layer MoS2 shows typical Coulomb impurity limited regime.
A biomimetic electrical stimulation strategy to induce asynchronous stochastic neural activity
Authors: Formento Emanuele , D’Anna Edoardo , Gribi Sandra , Lacour Stéphanie P , Micera Silvestro
Published: July 2020

Objective. Electrical stimulation is an effective method for artificially modulating the activity of the nervous system. However, current stimulation paradigms fail to reproduce the stochastic and asynchronous properties of natural neural activity. Here, we introduce a novel biomimetic stimulation (BioS) strategy that overcomes these limitations. Approach. We hypothesized that high-frequency amplitude-modulated bursts of stimulation could induce asynchronous neural firings by distributing recruitment over the duration of a burst, without sacrificing the ability to precisely control neural activity. We tested this hypothesis using computer simulations and ex vivo experiments. Main results. We found that BioS bursts induce asynchronous, stochastic, yet controllable, neural activity. We established that varying the amplitude, duration, and repetition frequency of a BioS burst enables graded modulation of the number of recruited fibers, their firing rate, and the synchronicity of their responses. Significance. These results demonstrate an unprecedented level of control over artificially induced neural activity, enabling the design of next-generation BioS paradigms with potentially profound consequences for the field of neurostimulation.
The design and performance of the ATLAS Inner Detector trigger in high pile-up collisions at 13 TeV at the Large Hadron Collider
Authors: Abraham Nicola
Published: July 2020

The design and performance of the ATLAS Inner Detector (ID) trigger algorithms running online on the high level trigger (HLT) processor farm for 13 TeV LHC collision data with high pile-up are discussed. The HLT ID tracking is a vital component in all physics signatures in the ATLAS trigger for the precise selection of the rare or interesting events necessary for physics analysis without overwhelming the offline data storage in terms of both size and rate. To cope with the high expected interaction rates in the 13 TeV LHC collisions the ID trigger was redesigned during the 2013-15 long shutdown. The performance of the ID trigger in Run 2 from 13 TeV LHC collisions exceeded expectations as the pile-up increased throughout the run periods. The detailed efficiencies and resolutions of the trigger in a wide range of physics signatures spanning the entire Run 2 production luminosity data-taking are presented, to demonstrating that the trigger responded well under the extreme pile-up conditions. The performance of the ID trigger algorithms in ever higher pile-up collisions illustrates how the ID trigger continued to enable the ATLAS physics program and will continue to do so in the future.
Probing Neural Networks for the Gamma/Hadron Separation of the Cherenkov Telescope Array
Authors: Lyard E , Walter R , Sliusar V , Produit N
Published: July 2020

We compared convolutional neural networks to the classical boosted decision trees for the separation of atmospheric particle showers generated by gamma rays from the particle-induced background. We conduct the comparison of the two techniques applied to simulated observation data from the Cherenkov Telescope Array. We then looked at the Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves produced by the two approaches and discuss the similarities and differences between both. We found that neural networks overperformed classical techniques under specific conditions.
Emerging local delivery strategies to enhance bone regeneration
Authors: Elangovan Satheesh , Gajendrareddy Praveen , Ravindran Sriram , Salem Aliasger K
Published: July 2020

In orthopedics and dentistry there is an increasing need for novel biomaterials and clinical strategies to achieve predictable bone regeneration. These novel molecular strategies have the potential to eliminate the limitations of currently available approaches. Specifically, they have the potential to reduce or eliminate the need to harvest autogenous bone, and the overall complexity of the clinical procedures. In this review, emerging tissue engineering strategies that have been, or are currently being, developed based on the current understanding of bone biology, development and wound healing will be discussed. In particular, protein/peptide based approaches, DNA/RNA therapeutics, cell therapy, and the use of exosomes will be briefly covered. The review ends with a summary of the current status of these approaches, their clinical translational potentials and their challenges.
Sea surface temperature in coral reef restoration outcomes
Authors: Foo Shawna A , Asner Gregory P
Published: July 2020

Successful restoration of coral reefs depends on the survival of outplanted species. Research shows that outplanting survival is mixed, with outplants often experiencing rapid mortality in response to various stressors. We used published results on outplant monitoring to investigate the role of sea surface temperature in the survival rates of corals. We find that the maximum temperature experienced at an outplanting site is very important in determining outplant survival, with ∼50% mortality occurring if temperatures reach 30.5 °C. Some genera, however, are more tolerant than others. Outplant survival increases when sites experience greater variability in temperature, where outplants are exposed to temperatures both warmer and cooler than the long-term mean. Similar results were found when considering temperature conditions of the site in the year prior to outplanting. Thus, sea surface temperature data can be used as a tool to assess whether a restoration site is appropriate, with sites chosen to increase outplant survival.
Soil indigenous nutrients increase the resilience of maize yield to climatic warming in China
Authors: Deng Xi , Huang Yao , Qin Zhangcai
Published: July 2020

Climate warming leads to crop yield loss. Although investigations have shown the region-specific effect of climate warming on maize yield in China, the determinants of this region-specific effect are poorly known. Using county-level data from 1980 to 2010 for China, we investigated the dependence of yield change under climate warming on soil indigenous nutrients. Analysis of the data indicated an average decrease of 2.6% in maize yield for 1 °C warming. Warming-related yield loss occurred mostly in western China, the North China Plain, and the southwest region of Northeast China. By contrast, climate warming did not decline maize yield in the northern region of Northeast China, south, and southwest China. Summer maize is more sensitive to warming than spring maize. A 1 °C warming resulted in an average loss of 3.3% for summer maize and 1.8% for spring maize. The region-specific change in yield can be well quantified by a combination of soil indigenous total nitrogen (STN), available phosphorus (SAP), and available potassium (SAK). Under climate warming, maize yields in regions with high STN generally increased, while the risk of yield reduction appeared in regions with high SAK. Areas that were vulnerable (defined as a yield loss higher than 1% for a 1 °C increase) to climate warming accounted for 62%, while areas that showed resilience (defined as a yield increase higher than 1% for a 1 °C increase) to climate warming accounted for 27% of the planting area. An increase in nitrogen fertilizer application is expected to reduce the risk of yield reduction in regions with low STN. Our findings highlight soil resilience to climate warming and underline the practice of fertilizer management to mitigate yield loss due to climate warming.
A multidisciplinary approach to archaeological research in Sant’Arsenio (Salerno, Italy): new methodologies and consolidated practices for the knowledge of cultural heritage
Authors: Abate N , Aromando A , Lasaponara R
Published: July 2020

The paper presents the data collected for the municipality of Sant’Arsenio through the use of new open source Remote Sensing and Earth Observation technologies and normal archaeological research techniques. Sentinel-2 data, Google tools and Italian Ministry of Environment resources have been very useful. Multispectral images, high-resolution satellite images and aerial photos were combined with information from historical and modern bibliography and field surveys to maximise information. The study allowed us to discover several areas of archaeological interest and provide their location to the municipality of Sant’Arsenio for their preservation, protection and enhancement.
When 3D Models of Real Environment become 3D Maps?
Authors: Bandrova Temenoujka
Published: July 2020

The report considers the cartographical elements applied in 3D mapping which help a 3D model to become a 3D map: user requirements, map contents, symbol system, accuracy, scale, projections and generalization, different levels of details. The new cartographical elements are added to improve the 3D maps: virtual camera, shades, lights and animation. Such approach will help map makers to represent geo-localization of the represented objects, measurements of the cartographic model and cartographic symbolization for correct information to the users.
Copernicus Climate Change Service
Authors: Buontempo Carlo , Thépaut Jean-Noël , Bergeron Cédric
Published: July 2020

The Anthropocene represents discontinuity in the tight connection that has always linked survival of human societies to the environment around them. But alongside the undeniable human-induced alteration of the global environment the last couple of centuries have given humans an unprecedented ability to monitor, simulate and predict the climate around us.

It is over the course of the last two centuries that technological developments have allowed society to both alter the environment on a global scale and predict how the earth system responds to external and internal changes. Such a set of circumstances calls for a profound rethink of the relationship mankind has with the planet, something that would be impossible without a systematic, and operational production of datasets, tools and information about the past, current and future status of the global climate. Copernicus Climate Change Service aims to fill this gap whilst promoting the transition towards a climate smart society.
Wide-area observations of surface deformation in Mexican urban areas and geothermal fields using ENVISAT InSAR
Authors: Cigna F , Tapete D , Muñiz-Jauregui J A , Garduño-Monroy V H , García O , Jiménez-Haro A
Published: July 2020

There is an increasingly growing literature on the use of advanced multi-temporal Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) to monitor surface deformation with millimeter precision in urban and rural environments, including applications over wide areas spanning hundreds to thousands of square kilometers. In this work, we survey the eastern sector of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, extending from the state of Hidalgo, through Tlaxcala, Puebla and up to Veracruz, for a total of 19,000 km2. The surveyed area includes both the geothermal exploration site of the Acoculco caldera complex, and Los Humeros geothermal field, one of the largest geothermal exploitation sites of Mexico. Using the multi-temporal Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) InSAR method, we process the whole ENVISAT Advanced SAR (ASAR) IS2 image archive acquired in 2003-2010. Estimated subsidence rates are as high as 3.1 cm/year within the region, and a number of land deformation hotspots are identified within the urban areas of Tulancingo, Tlaxcala and Apizaco, the Tecamachalco valley, as well as within Los Humeros caldera. The surveying of such a scientifically interesting test region provides a proof of concept on how to investigate natural and anthropogenic processes in urban and rural areas using big SAR datasets and InSAR methods.
Grasping the global with Digital Earth
Authors: Fargher M
Published: July 2020

This study examined the extent to which adopting a more subject-led approach to teaching with the interactive geospatial tool, the Climate HotMap, can enhance geographical knowledge and understanding of climate change. Findings showed the significance of teachers paying more attention to geography’s central concepts of place, space, interconnection and environment in understanding the impact of climate change on local places but also on the relations between places in the bigger global climate change picture.
Electricity demand monitoring in Japan by using time-series DMSP stable lights images and its application to long-term damage assessment of natural disasters
Authors: Man Duc Chuc , Hiromichi Fukui
Published: July 2020

This paper demonstrates the potential of the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program/Operational Linescan System (DMSP/OLS) stable light imagery for electricity power consumption (EPC) estimation in Japan and long-term damage assessment of natural disasters in term of yearly EPC fluctuation, taking the Japan Earthquake & Tsunami of 2011 as a case study. DMSP stable light data is proved useful for estimation of the economic variables. However, there are several well-known problems with the DMSP including lack of on-board calibration, geometric error, sensor saturation. Many researches have been conducted to develop methods for inter-calibration and saturation correction of DMSP stable light data, but much less effort on geometric correction which should be the first in the pre-processing chain. In term of disaster management, the 2011 Great Earthquake & Tsunami in Japan had severe instant and long-term damages, and DMSP data is potential for long-term damage assessment for the region. In this study, we have: (1) developed a new geometric correction method for DMSP stable light images; (2) developed an EPC estimation method from corrected DMSP data which is then used to derive electricity demand maps for Japan from 1992-2013; (3) performed analysis of correlations between DMSP night light data and GDP and population in Japan; (4) conducted a long-term damage assessment of the Japan Earthquake & Tsunami of 2011 by using the EPC maps in (2). It is found that the proposed geometric correction method gave better correlations between DMSP stable light images of the same year as compared to those of original images and most recent shift-based geometric correction method. Damage assessment reveals that an area of 286.208 km-squared has suffered from the disasters. It caused the EPC of the area drop significantly in 2011 (-42%) and to its lowest level in 2012 (-78%) before starting its recover in 2013.
Assessing below-ground carbon and nitrogen accumulation of green infrastructure using machine learning methods, targeting sub-tropical bioretention basins
Authors: Kavehei Emad , Karim Abdul , Jenkins Graham , Adame Fernanda , Sattar Abdul , Desha Cheryl
Published: July 2020

This study presents an assessment of below-ground carbon dynamics of green infrastructure using artificial intelligence, targeting sub-tropical bioretention basins in South East Queensland, Australia. This extended abstract describes the context for the study and the significance of the work, which was recognised and enabled through the international Microsoft Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Earth Grants (2018 Grant winner). Four different scenarios were tested with three different approaches for modelling of the regression values. The three different machine learning methods were applied to predict belowground carbon and nitrogen, based on soil physical characteristics data entry. The neural network model performed better in predicting both the carbon and nitrogen concentration in all the scenarios. The implication of this study provides a profound shift in the type of platform that can be used, wherein machine learning methods can assist decision-makers in finding low-cost proxies for measuring carbon and nitrogen capture in bioretention basins.
EarthDataMiner: A Cloud-Based Big Earth Data Intelligence Analysis Platform
Authors: Liu Jie , Wang Wei , Zhong Hua
Published: July 2020

Big Earth data mining analysis involves complex data processing, pattern extraction and knowledge discovery processes, and requires easy to use integrated software tools to deal with large-scale data. With the support of Big Earth Data Science Engineering Project (CASEarth) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Strategic Priority Research Program, our team are ongoing developing EarthDataMiner, a cloud-based Big Earth data intelligence analysis platform for scientists in the field of Earth sciences, which brings together cross-domain common models, introduces advanced artificial intelligence algorithms, supports online satellite imagery visually interactive analysis,and achieves efficient task processing through a series of distributed execution systems.
Near real-time detection of abnormal vessels’ behaviours and vessel sourced pollution in Sri Lanka’s maritime zones: An investigation
Authors: Mahindapala W K M
Published: July 2020

The largest ecosystems on Earth are the oceans and it is essential to conserve and sustainably use these vital resources. Waste created by the activities on land and sea, leads to the destruction of the ecosystems. As Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean, with rights to a vast sea area that extends from the shores, it is mandatory to sustainably manage its marine environment. Regular, systematic reviews of the state of marine environment provide an understanding of the various aspects of marine environment change and the implications for sustainability. Space borne platforms provide Earth observation data collected by different types of sensors, at regular intervals for the management of Earth environment. Earth observation data acquired with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology has become useful for the detection of marine pollution during the day and night, regardless of cloud covers. However, availability of near real-time data is important for prompt detection and response. Revisit time of a satellite is an important factor and satellite constellations are used to further improve revisit times, for example, Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellite constellation can provide SAR data with a high revisit time. The research aims to explore the use of near real-time Sentinel-1 SAR data with automated mechanisms, for information extraction that supports early detection of abnormal vessels’ behaviours and vessel sourced pollution in Sri Lanka’s maritime zones.
Community-oriented Sharing Platforms in Space 4.0
Authors: Marin A , Alonso I , Romeo A , Patruno J , Barchetta F , Leonardi M , Sacramento P , Landgraf G , Vermeulen E P M
Published: July 2020

Space 4.0 will bring an enormous wealth of data about our Earth that needs to be well exploited. But how do we bring this wealth to citizens? Space 4.0 is also about the best use of Big Data approaches and the use of the digital information economy as a powerful tool to bring information to citizens. Digital platforms have to excel on 3 main pillars [1]: Technology, Content and Culture. The Thematic Exploitation Platforms (TEPs) are operational today for the Urban, Forestry, Coastal, Hydrology, Food Security, Polar & Geohazards communities. These platforms provide scientists, commercial operators and citizens with an environment where they can share their questions, analysis, results through their investigation, algorithms, products to find new solutions for a better and safer world.
Digital image improvement by integrating mages of different resolutions
Authors: Scarmana Gabriel
Published: July 2020

This proof of concept paper evaluates the performance of super-resolution (SR) imaging when combining a sequence of images of different resolutions. Traditional work in SR requires accurate sub-pixel registration and/or alignment techniques. The assumption is that all the frames in the sequence are captured with a random sub-pixel translation and at the same spatial resolution. However, if there is no relative motion between the scene and the sensor, the super-resolution problem can be approached by integrating images of different resolutions using the image re-sampling ratios as the enhancing factor. This may be the case of using digital zooms whereby a scene of interest is enhanced by integrating the information obtained from capturing said scene at different zoom levels.

Preliminary results of conducting tests on synthetic and real data (scanned images) are presented. In both cases the process under-samples the image of an object of interest within a scene at different resolutions. By integrating these images using an algebraic process an improved composite is obtained containing more spatial information than that provided by simply interpolating on a single image.
GROW Citizens’ Observatory: Leveraging the power of citizens, open data and technology to generate engagement, and action on soil policy and soil moisture monitoring
Authors: Woods M , Hemment D , Ajates R , Cobley A , Xaver A , Konstantakopoulos G
Published: July 2020

Citizens’ Observatories (COs) seek to extend conventional citizen science (CS) activities to scale up the potential of citizen sensing for environmental monitoring and creation of open datasets, knowledge and action around environmental issues, both local and global. The GROW CO has connected the planetary dimension of satellites with the hyperlocal context of farmers and their soil. GROW has faced three main interrelated challenges associated with each of the three core audiences of the observatory, namely citizens, scientists and policy makers: one is sustained citizen engagement, quality assurance of citizen-generated data and the challenge to move from data to action in practice and policy. We discuss how each of these challenges were overcome and gave way to the following related project outputs: 1) Contributing to satellite validation and enhancing the collective intelligence of GEOSS 2) Dynamic maps and visualisations for growers, scientists and policy makers 3) Social-technical innovations data art.
Challenges and Opportunities in Establishing China Infrastructure for Big Biodiversity Data
Authors: Zhu Li , Ma Keping
Published: July 2020

High-quality biodiversity data are the scientific basis for understanding the origin, sustainable utility of biodiversity and dealing with its extinction risk. Gathering big data of biodiversity and mining novel discoveries cross disciplines will lead to the change of the way how life system should be understood, and how biodiversity resources should be utilized sustainably. Therefore, to establish an infrastructure for the big biodiversity data in China is urgently needed. This infrastructure (BioONE) incorporates big biodiversity data from both macro and micro scales, and integrate data service and data mining system. It incorporates BioDatasets, BioMapping, Biotools, BioSevices and BioKnowledge systems. The BioDatasets integrated palaeontology, genomics, traits, taxonomy and habitats. The BioMapping data that come from geography, climatology, remote sensing, environmental science and economy are also included as a comprehensive rasterized dataset being available to the public. It could provide standardized visualization services to our governments to promote the conservation of biodiversity resources and ecological safety. These services will also contribute greatly to exploring the frontiers in the advancement of the biodiversity scientific discoveries and innovations, providing fundamental data products for fulfilling the international biodiversity obligations, the biodiversity monitoring, prevention and control of infectious disease, and ensuring the ecological security and the sustainable development of economy.
Determination of Seed Density of Several Forest Trees Species to Improve the Successful Seed Germination
Authors: Yuniarti N , Nurhasybi
Published: July 2020

The success of tree seed germination for planting programme depends on several factors including tree seed density for seed sowing. The purpose of this study was to determine the seed density based on the level of seed aging to increase the success of seed germination of several forest tree species, namely white jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb) Miq.), bambang lanang (Magnolia champaca Linn.), jelutung (Dyera polyphylla Miq.), kayu bawang (Azadirachta excelsa (Jack) Jacobs), and trema (Trema orientalis Linn. Blume).The seed density treatments covered 5 phases (d0, d1, d2, d3, d4) based on the germination percentage (GP). Seedlots variation was derived from 5 seed aging treatments (0, 48, 96, 144, and 192 hours).The determination of seed density was based on Kartika’s formula (1994).The results showed: (1) seed density of white jabon was 0.1g of seed/300cm2 with pure live seeds (PLS) of 1140 seedlings/ 0.1g of seed; (2) seed density of bambang lanang was 100 seeds/300 cm2 with GP of 58%; (3) seed density of jelutung seeds with 85% of GP was 50 seeds/600cm2; (4) seed density of kayu bawang with 83% of GP was 50 seeds/600 cm2 and (5) seed density of trema with 78% of GP was 100 seeds/600cm2. The longer the time of seed aging, the lower the value of germination percentage. Therefore,the lower the germination percentage, the seed density will be more tight.
EBONY (Diospyros celebica Bakh) CONSERVATION
Authors: Kiding Allo Merryana
Published: July 2020

Eboni (Diospyroscelebica Bakh.) is aspeciesof Diospyros.It isone of the endemic species that distributesonly in Wallacea geographicalregion. Ebony is lowland tree species found in both rain forest and monsoon forest in Sulawesi with various soils types including in Alluvial, Latosols, Mediterranean, and Litosols. In its natural habitat this species associateswitharen (Arengapinnata), rattan and other palm trees.Ebony iswell known as an outstanding tree speciesthat producesdurable, fancy wood withcolorful mixed red and brownish yellow. Because of its superior quality and luxury, ebony has been utilized for high class furniture and house interior. Before trade banning ebony was an important species exported mainly to Japan.High demand in both domestic and foreign markets has lead the overcutting of the ebony and put the extinction of this species. To date, only few ebony treesremaining in Sulawesi natural forest. This species is having struggle of natural regeneration. The data showed that the potential ebony trees in term of IVI decreased dramatically from 92% to 23% during 1970 to 1990. At this moment, it is hard to find the ebony trees in the conservation areas, only a few ebony at poles levels can be found in those areas. Therefore, it is important to conserve the ebony through in situ replanting programs.Before Forest Concession was handed over to private parties in the 70s, the potential of value approached 92% and after management until the 90s, IVI droppedto less than 23%.At present the existence of ebony trees in some ex-processing is only in the pillars form and in the conservation area they can still be found at poles with small diameter. In the future, ebony conservation could be implemented through.
Investigation on Tribological and mechanical behaviour of AA6082—Graphene based composites with Ti particles
Authors: Rajaganapathy C , Vasudevan D , Selvakumar N
Published: July 2020

In the recent years, high strength and low weight materials are being preferred in automobile sectors for fabricating high-speed rotating shafts and machineries. For satisfying dynamic requirements, Aluminium Metal Matrix Composites can be used. In this paper, an attempt has been made to fabricate AA 6082—graphene based Aluminium Matrix Composites reinforced with Titanium (Ti) particles. The effect of increase weight percentage of Graphene and Ti reinforcement on the mechanical characteristics was evaluated. Using tensile tests and surface micro hardness measurements, the fluctuations in mechanical aspects were measured. Tribological characteristics of the Aluminium Matrix Composites were found using pin on disc tribo wear meter, using Silver (Ag) nanoparticles incorporated Jatropha oil as bio-lubricant. Microstructural variations were evaluated by using FESEM which indicated surface tear offs, surface ploughing, demarcations, micro pits, grooves, demarcations, micro cuts and micro tears on the surfaces. The effect of Ag Nano particle addition on Jatropha oil was observed with the fluctuations in Coefficient of friction, specific wear rate and wear mass loss. On increase in reinforcement percentage of G and Ti, specific wear rate was found to decrease and coefficient of friction decreased till 3% by weight reinforcement and beyond 3%, it increased. The surface chemistry modifications were identified using XRD. It was observed that AA6082 Aluminium Matrix Composites reinforced with 3% G and 3% Ti exhibited better mechanical and tribological properties when used with 1% Ag Nanoparticles incorporated Jatropha oil as lubricant.
An open-source platform for interactive collision prevention in photon and particle beam therapy treatment planning
Authors: Hueso-González F , Wohlfahrt P , Craft D , Remillard K
Published: July 2020

We present an open-source platform to aid medical dosimetrists in preventing collisions between gantry head and patient or couch during photon or particle beam therapy treatment planning. This generic framework uses the native scripting interface of the particular planning software to import STL files of the treatment machine elements. These are visualized in 3D together with the contoured or scanned patient surface. A graphical dialog with sliders allows the interactive rotation of the gantry and couch, with real-time feedback. To prevent a future replanning, treatment planners can assess in advance and exclude beam angles resulting in a potential risk of collision. The software platform is publicly available on GitHub and has been validated for RayStation with actual patient plans. Furthermore, the incorporation of the complete patient geometry was tested with a 3D surface scan of a full-body phantom performed with a handheld smartphone. With this study, we aim at minimizing the risk of replanning due to collisions and thus of treatment delays and unscheduled consumption of manpower. The clinical workflow can be streamlined at no cost already at the treatment planning stage. By ensuring a real-time verification of the plan feasibility, the script might boost the use of optimal couch angles that a planner might shy away from otherwise.