bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of various land features using RISAT-1 dual polarimetric data
Authors: Mishra V. N. , Kumar P. , Gupta D. K. , Prasad R.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Land use land cover classification is one of the widely used applications in the field of remote sensing. Accurate land use land cover maps derived from remotely sensed data is a requirement for analyzing many socio-ecological concerns. The present study investigates the capabilities of dual polarimetric C-band SAR data for land use land cover classification. The MRS mode level 1 product of RISAT-1 with dual polarization (HH & HV) covering a part of Varanasi district, Uttar Pradesh, India is analyzed for classifying various land features. In order to increase the amount of information in dual-polarized SAR data, a band HH + HV is introduced to make use of the original two polarizations. Transformed Divergence (TD) procedure for class separability analysis is performed to evaluate the quality of the statistics prior to image classification. For most of the class pairs the TD values are greater than 1.9 which indicates that the classes have good separability. Non-parametric classifier Support Vector Machine (SVM) is used to classify RISAT-1 data with optimized polarization combination into five land use land cover classes like urban land, agricultural land, fallow land, vegetation and water bodies. The overall classification accuracy achieved by SVM is 95.23 % with Kappa coefficient 0.9350.
Hyperspectral remote sensing of paddy crop using insitu measurement and clustering technique
Authors: Moharana S. , Dutta S.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Rice Agriculture, mainly cultivated in South Asia regions, is being monitored for extracting crop parameter, crop area, crop growth profile, crop yield using both optical and microwave remote sensing. Hyperspectral data provide more detailed information of rice agriculture. The present study was carried out at the experimental station of the Regional Rainfed Low land Rice Research Station, Assam, India (26.1400° N, 91.7700° E) and the overall climate of the study area comes under Lower Brahmaputra Valley (LBV) Agro Climatic Zones. The hyperspectral measurements were made in the year 2009 from 72 plots that include eight rice varieties along with three different level of nitrogen treatments (50, 100, 150 kg/ha) covering rice transplanting to the crop harvesting period. With an emphasis to varieties, hyperspectral measurements were taken in the year 2014 from 24 plots having 24 rice genotypes with different crop developmental ages. All the measurements were performed using a spectroradiometer with a spectral range of 350–1050 nm under direct sunlight of a cloud free sky and stable condition of the atmosphere covering more than 95 % canopy. In this study, reflectance collected from canopy of rice were expressed in terms of waveforms. Furthermore, generated waveforms were analysed for all combinations of nitrogen applications and varieties. A hierarchical clustering technique was employed to classify these waveforms into different groups. By help of agglomerative clustering algorithm a few number of clusters were finalized for different rice varieties along with nitrogen treatments. By this clustering approach, observational error in spectroradiometer reflectance was also nullified. From this hierarchical clustering, appropriate spectral signature for rice canopy were identified and will help to create rice crop classification accurately and therefore have a prospect to make improved information on rice agriculture at both local and regional scales. From this hierarchical clustering, spectral signature library for rice canopy were identified which will help to create rice crop classification maps and critical wave bands like green (519,559 nm), red (649 nm), red edge (729 nm) and NIR region (779,819 nm) were marked sensitive to nitrogen which will further help in nitrogen mapping of paddy agriculture over therefore have the prospect to make improved informed decisions.
New Change Detection Techniques to monitor land cover dynamics in mine environment
Authors: Pathak S.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Land use and land cover are dynamic and is an important component in understanding the interactions of the human activities with the environment and thus it is necessary to simulate environmental changes. Land use/cover (LU/LC) change detection is very essential for better understanding of landuse dynamic during a known period of time for sustainable management. Mining is one of the most dynamic processes with direct as well as indirect impact on the environment. Hence, mine area provides ideal situation for evaluating the chronological changes in land-use patterns. Digital change detection of satellite data at different time interval helps in analyzing the changes in the spatial extent of mine along with the associated activities. In present study, various algorithms Iteratively Re-weighted Multivariate Alteration Detection (MAD) on raw data where class wise comparison becomes a difficult proposition and object based segmentation and change detection as post classification comparison were assessed.
Inter Comparison of Atmospheric Correction Models - SACRS2, FLAASH and 6SV Using Resourcesat-2 AWiFS Data
Authors: Pathak V. N. , Pandya M.  R. , Shah D. B. , Trivedi H. J. , Patel K. D. , Sridhar V. N. , Singh R. P.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Remote sensing measurements from space born sensors are strongly attenuated by the scattering and absorption processes through atmospheric molecules, aerosols and gases (ozone, water vapour, oxygen etc). The process of removing the atmospheric interference from the satellite-level signal is called atmospheric correction. Atmospheric correction can be performed through various methods such as, empirical method, semi-physical method, detailed radiative transfer models. Various methods exist for atmospheric correction of available global sensors such as NOAA-AVHRR, MODIS-Terra/Aqua, MERIS, Landsat-TM/ETM etc. However, there was no method available for atmospheric correction of the IRS data sets. A new physics-based model called Scheme for Atmospheric Correction of ResourceSat-2 AWiFS data (SACRS2) has been developed at Space Applications Centre (SAC) specifically tuned for the RS2-AWiFS sensor. This model has been developed from theoretical signal simulations using the 6SV (The Second Simulation of the Satellite Signal in the Solar Spectrum vector version) code. A detail analysis was carried out to perform inter comparison of the results of SACRS2 model with standard atmospheric correction models such as FLAASH (Fast Line-of-sight Atmospheric Analysis of Spectral Hypercube) and 6SV on RS2-AWiFS data. In turn, the performance of all three models was compared to in-situ measurements carried out over an experimental site located in the Kutch desert for seven RS2-AWiFS overpasses. The results showed a fairly good match of reflectance derived by all three correction models with the in-situ measurements.
Generation of 3D Model for Urban area using Ikonos and Cartosat-1 Satellite Imageries with RS and GIS Techniques
Authors: Rajpriya N. R. , Vyas A. , Sharma S. A.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Urban design is a subject that is concerned with the shape, the surface and its physical arrangement of all kinds of urban elements. Although urban design is a practice process and needs much detailed and multi-dimensional description. 3D city models based spatial analysis gives the possibility of solving these problems. Ahmedabad is third fastest growing cities in the world with large amount of development in infrastructure and planning. The fabric of the city is changing and expanding at the same time, which creates need of 3d visualization of the city to develop a sustainable planning for the city. These areas have to be monitored and mapped on a regular basis and satellite remote sensing images provide a valuable and irreplaceable source for urban monitoring. With this, the derivation of structural urban types or the mapping of urban biotopes becomes possible. The present study focused at development of technique for 3D modeling of buildings for urban area analysis and to implement encoding standards prescribed in "OGC City GML" for urban features. An attempt has been to develop a 3D city model with level of details 1 (LOD 1) for part of city of Ahmedabad in State of Gujarat, India. It shows the capability to monitor urbanization in 2D and 3D.
Semantic labelling of urban point cloud data
Authors: Ramiya A. M. , Nidamanuri R. R. , Krishnan R.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Three dimensional urban reconstruction is gaining popularity with the paradigm shift from 2D maps to 3D maps. LiDAR remote sensing is emerging as the main source of 3D spatial data because of its very dense and discrete point cloud. The enormous amount of data collected over natural terrain calls for automatic methods for labelling the point cloud. Semantically labelling the urban point cloud into various features is essential for urban planning and development. In this study,we propose a new object oriented methodology for semantic labelling of urban point cloud data. In addition to the geometrical information from LiDAR, we have used the spectral information for labelling of the point cloud. The coloured point cloud was segmented using colour based region growing algorithm to produce 3D segments. Spectral and geometrical features were extracted from the segments created. The extracted features were classified using different classifier system into five urban classes. The proposed methodology has been tested on LiDAR captured over urban datasets .The results indicate the potential of object based classification for automated 3D point cloud labelling.
In-Season Assessment of Rabi Crop Progression and Condition from Multi Source Data
Authors: Sahay B. , Ramana K. V. , Chandrsekar K. , Biswal A. , Sesha Sai M. V. R. , Rao S. V. C. K.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Timely and accurate information on periodic crop progress and condition is essential to an agricultural country like India. The current study has been carried out with the objective of monitoring the timelines of the sowing of rabi crops viz. wheat and mustard, their progression and condition assessment using data from multiple sources viz. a set of indices derived from remote sensing, meteorological parameters and crop simulation modeling. The study area consists of six districts with significant wheat and mustard crops namely Patiala, Bhiwani, Agra, Bharatpur, Morena and Rohtas, and has been done for three years (2008–09, 2012–13 and 2013–14). The methodology consists of analysis of multi-temporal AWiFS and MODIS datasets of historical and current seasons for the period October to March covering rabi season. Crop simulation for wheat was carried out using DSSAT-CERES crop growth model for assessing crop growth. The results were discussed in terms of crop progression, start-of-the-season and crop condition. As a future scope of this study, thermal indices can be incorporated for further refinement and the same can be extended to larger areas.
Land Use and Land Cover Classification from ETM Sensor Data : A Case Study from Tamakoshi River Basin of Nepal
Authors: Shrestha U. S.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. The mountain watershed of Nepal is highly rugged, inaccessible and difficult for acquiring field data. The application of ETM sensor Data Sat satellite image of 30 meter pixel resolutions has been used for land use and land cover classification of Tamakoshi River Basin (TRB) of Nepal. The paper tries to examine the strength of image classification methods in derivation of land use and land classification. Supervised digital image classification techniques was used for examination the thematic classification. Field verification, Google earth image, aerial photographs, topographical sheet and GPS locations were used for land use and land cover type classification, selecting training samples and assessing accuracy of classification results. Six major land use and land cover types: forest land, water bodies, bush/grass land, barren land, snow land and agricultural land was extracted using the method. Moreover, there is spatial variation of statistics of classified land uses and land cover types depending upon the classification methods. The image data revealed that the major portion of the surface area is covered by unclassified bush and grass land covering 34.62 per cent followed by barren land (28 per cent). The knowledge derived from supervised classification was applied for the study. The result based on the field survey of the area during July 2014 also verifies the same result. So image classification is found more reliable in land use and land cover classification of mountain watershed of Nepal.
Hyperspectral Data for Land use/Land cover classification
Authors: Vijayan D. , Ravi Shankar G. , Ravi Shankar T.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. An attempt has been made to compare the multispectral Resourcesat-2 LISS III and Hyperion image for the selected area at sub class level classes of major land use/ land cover. On-screen interpretation of LISS III (resolution 23.5 m) was compared with Spectral Angle Mapping (SAM) classification of Hyperion (resolution 30m). Results of the preliminary interpretation of both images showed that features like fallow, built up and wasteland classes in Hyperion image are clearer than LISS-III and Hyperion is comparable with any high resolution data. Even canopy types of vegetation classes, aquatic vegetation and aquatic systems are distinct in Hyperion data. Accuracy assessment of SAM classification of Hyperion compared with the common classification systems followed for LISS III there was no much significant difference between the two. However, more number of vegetation classes could be classified in SAM. There is a misinterpretation of built up and fallow classes in SAM. The advantages of Hyperion over visual interpretation are the differentiation of the type of crop canopy and also crop stage could be confirmed with the spectral signature. The Red edge phenomenon was found for different canopy type of the study area and it clearly differentiated the stage of vegetation, which was verified with high resolution image. Hyperion image for a specific area is on par with high resolution data along with LISS III data.
A probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment for Indonesia
Authors: Horspool N. , Pranantyo I. , Griffin J. , Latief H. , Natawidjaja D. H. , Kongko W. , Cipta A. , Bustaman B. , Anugrah S. D. , Thio H. K.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Probabilistic hazard assessments are a fundamental tool for assessing the threats posed by hazards to communities and are important for underpinning evidence-based decision-making regarding risk mitigation activities. Indonesia has been the focus of intense tsunami risk mitigation efforts following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, but this has been largely concentrated on the Sunda Arc with little attention to other tsunami prone areas of the country such as eastern Indonesia. We present the first nationally consistent probabilistic tsunami hazard assessment (PTHA) for Indonesia. This assessment produces time-independent forecasts of tsunami hazards at the coast using data from tsunami generated by local, regional and distant earthquake sources. The methodology is based on the established monte carlo approach to probabilistic seismic hazard assessment (PSHA) and has been adapted to tsunami. We account for sources of epistemic and aleatory uncertainty in the analysis through the use of logic trees and sampling probability density functions. For short return periods (100 years) the highest tsunami hazard is the west coast of Sumatra, south coast of Java and the north coast of Papua. For longer return periods (500–2500 years), the tsunami hazard is highest along the Sunda Arc, reflecting the larger maximum magnitudes. The annual probability of experiencing a tsunami with a height of > 0.5 m at the coast is greater than 10% for Sumatra, Java, the Sunda islands (Bali, Lombok, Flores, Sumba) and north Papua. The annual probability of experiencing a tsunami with a height of > 3.0 m, which would cause significant inundation and fatalities, is 1–10% in Sumatra, Java, Bali, Lombok and north Papua, and 0.1–1% for north Sulawesi, Seram and Flores. The results of this national-scale hazard assessment provide evidence for disaster managers to prioritise regions for risk mitigation activities and/or more detailed hazard or risk assessment.
Instability and change detection in exponential families and generalized linear models, with a study of Atlantic tropical storms
Authors: Lu Y. , Chatterjee S.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Exponential family statistical distributions, including the well-known normal, binomial, Poisson, and exponential distributions, are overwhelmingly used in data analysis. In the presence of covariates, an exponential family distributional assumption for the response random variables results in a generalized linear model. However, it is rarely ensured that the parameters of the assumed distributions are stable through the entire duration of the data collection process. A failure of stability leads to nonsmoothness and nonlinearity in the physical processes that result in the data. In this paper, we propose testing for stability of parameters of exponential family distributions and generalized linear models. A rejection of the hypothesis of stable parameters leads to change detection. We derive the related likelihood ratio test statistic. We compare the performance of this test statistic to the popular normal distributional assumption dependent cumulative sum (Gaussian CUSUM) statistic in change detection problems. We study Atlantic tropical storms using the techniques developed here, so to understand whether the nature of these tropical storms has remained stable over the last few decades.
Seasonal cycle and long-term trend of solar energy fluxes through Arctic sea ice
Authors: Arndt S. , Nicolaus M.
Published: November 2014

Abstract. Arctic sea ice has not only decreased in volume during the last decades, but has also changed in its physical properties towards a thinner and more seasonal ice cover. These changes strongly impact the energy budget, and might affect the ice-associated ecosystems. In this study, we quantify solar shortwave fluxes through sea ice for the entire Arctic during all seasons. To focus on sea-ice-related processes, we exclude fluxes through open water, scaling linearly with sea ice concentration. We present a new parameterization of light transmittance through sea ice for all seasons as a function of variable sea ice properties. The maximum monthly mean solar heat flux under the ice of 30 × 105 Jm−2 occurs in June, enough heat to melt 0.3 m of sea ice. Furthermore, our results suggest that 96% of the annual solar heat input through sea ice occurs during only a 4-month period from May to August. Applying the new parameterization to remote sensing and reanalysis data from 1979 to 2011, we find an increase in transmitted light of 1.5% yr−1 for all regions. This corresponds to an increase in potential sea ice bottom melt of 63% over the 33-year study period. Sensitivity studies reveal that the results depend strongly on the timing of melt onset and the correct classification of ice types. Assuming 2 weeks earlier melt onset, the annual transmitted solar radiation to the upper ocean increases by 20%. Continuing the observed transition from a mixed multi-year/first-year sea ice cover to a seasonal ice cover results in an increase in light transmittance by an additional 18%.
LIDERA – um sistema de apoio à procura eficiente da sustentabilidade na construção civil no Brasil
Authors: Pinheiro Manuel Duarte , Pereira Fernando Do Carmo , Rissardi João Luiz , Schwanz Marcos Vinicius , Góes Jorge Luís Nunes
Published: November 2014

O presente trabalho tem como objetivos apresentar o LiderA, que é um sistema de avaliação voluntário de apoio ao desenvolvimento de soluções e avaliação da sustentabilidade no ambiente construído, bem como expor quais ações são consideradas pelo sistema como linhas de boas práticas no âmbito da sustentabilidade. No artigo são também apresentados sumariamente uma das aplicações do sistema no Brasil em dois hotéis no Rio de Janeiro. São discutidas as potencialidades deste sistema como sendo um apoio à procura eficiente da sustentabilidade na construção no Brasil. Analisa-se que implicações tem estes desafios das estratégias da procura da sustentabilidade, sua utilidade ao integrar as abordagens de engenharia de produção, nomeadamente os instrumentos de produção mais limpa e especialmente a ecologia industrial, na procura eficiente da sustentabilidade das edificações hoteleiras, urbanas, industriais e ecoparques.
Jardins Verticais: potencialidades para o ambiente urbano
Authors: Scherer Minéia Johann , Fedrizzi Beatriz Maria
Published: November 2014

O acelerado crescimento das cidades, com intensificação do uso e ocupação do solo, está levando a uma diminuição das áreas disponíveis para a vegetação, sendo visíveis as perdas de qualidade ambiental. A presença de espaços vegetados favorece um microclima agradável e minimiza os efeitos da ilha de calor urbana. Na escala da edificação, a vegetação pode contribuir para o conforto térmico, reduzindo a necessidade de sistemas de climatização artificial. Os benefícios estéticos e psicológicos também representam uma importante justificativa para o aumento do verde, uma vez que o bem estar do homem está intimamente ligado ao seu contato com a natureza. Desta forma, este artigo tem como objetivo discutir as potencialidades do uso dos jardins verticais como um novo suporte a ser explorado para ampliar as áreas urbanas vegetadas. A metodologia do trabalho está baseada em revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema, na qual são apresentadas diferentes tipologias de jardins verticais, bem como, exemplos realizados utilizando uma das técnicas, as chamadas cortinas verdes, a qual se destaca por também assumir a função de elemento de proteção solar para a edificação. Os resultados demonstram o grande potencial dos jardins verticais para a economia de energia, além dos benefícios sociais, psicológicos e de qualificação dos ambientes de trabalho.
A influência das cores no ganho térmico de superfícies cerâmicas
Authors: Ponce de Leon Amorim Rafael , Viana Monteiro José Rodrigo
Published: November 2014

Em regiões de clima quente e úmido, com elevados valores de temperatura e umidade e altos níveis de radiação solar, recomenda-se o emprego de materiais leves, de superfícies com baixa absortância e, principalmente, o sombreamento das superfícies externas, além da permeabilidade das edificações ao vento. Contudo, observa-se nos novos edifícios, o emprego de materiais com alta inércia térmica e alta absortância, acompanhadas pela redução da vegetação e o adensamento inadequado das áreas construídas, características opostas às recomendações bioclimáticas de projeto. O presente artigo teve início com o desenvolvimento de um projeto de pesquisa PIBIC-EM, que teve por objetivo investigar a influência das cores de revestimentos cerâmicos no ganho térmico do edifício através de registros realizados por termômetro infravermelho e câmera termográfica, demonstrando a necessidade da observação criteriosa da especificação de tal característica no processo de concepção de projeto, e sua consequente contribuição no conforto térmico dos usuários e na eficiência energética do edifício.
Aplicação de análise hierárquica para escolha de sistema de fachadas vegetais em Curitiba
Authors: Edwalto de Lima Junior José , Farias de Medeiros Marcelo Henrique , Tavares Sérgio Fernando
Published: November 2014

As fachadas de edificações localizadas na cidade de Curitiba necessitam de tratamentos adequados às frequentes variações climáticas, caracterizadas pela considerável amplitude térmica ao longo dos dias, e temperatura extrema de frio e calor nas estações bem definidas de inverno e verão. Os sistemas de fachadas vegetais estão se tornando técnicas populares para melhorar o desempenho térmico de edificações, bem como a sensação de conforto dos usuários. Este artigo tem como objetivo escolher, dentre 4 sistemas, o sistema de fachada vegetal mais apropriado à cidade de Curitiba, de acordo com oito critérios estabelecidos. O método utilizado é o Processo de Análise Hierárquica (PAH), criada por Thomas Saaty, que consiste fundamentalmente em tomadas de decisões de multi-critérios. Os resultados indicaram que o sistema de fachada vegetal com manta é a melhor solução com 30.17% de toda pontuação, embora sendo a opção de custo mais elevado e a que mais necessita manutenção.
Inovação em eletrodomésticos: protótipo de um liquidificador
Authors: Portela Lisboa Maria da Graça
Published: November 2014

Este trabalho contém o projeto de desenvolvimento de um produto muito utilizado nas cozinhas das residências e empresas – o liquidificador. Sua concepção é renovada, por meio do design para tornar-se mais prático, atraente aos olhos do consumidor e versátil em sua utilização no preparo de alimentos. A partir da adaptação da metodologia de Baxter foi possível buscar a melhor oportunidade de mercado para o surgimento do novo produto. Chegou-se à conclusão que o projeto é perfeitamente viável sob todos os ângulos que envolvem o design: estética, materiais, funcionalidade e praticidade, custos, produção em série, segurança, manutenção, ergonomia e ecologia. Embora, se acredite que o produto seja perfeitamente viável e atenda as necessidades do mercado, outras variáveis devem influenciar para que o produto tenha sucesso, como a estratégia de vendas e o comportamento do consumidor.
Projeto e desenvolvimento de um jogo didático na área de segurança do trabalho para alunos de engenharia e cursos técnicos
Authors: Dos Santos Carlos Cibelle , Ferreira de Negreiros Raquel , Macena Fontenelle Maria Aridenise
Published: November 2014

O estudo da área de Segurança do Trabalho trouxe, para o ambiente de trabalho, benefícios para as empresas e melhorias no rendimento de seus funcionários. Assim, existem algumas metodologias capazes de auxiliar no processo de conhecimento dessa área. É de total importância que o funcionário comece a aprender e entender os riscos do trabalho no seu período de formação acadêmica. Os jogos didáticos estão inseridos como uma dessas ferramentas que auxiliam na aprendizagem e vem sendo utilizado em sala de aula de diversas universidades com o intuito de ajudar o aluno a fixar o conhecimento de muitas áreas do conhecimento. Dessa maneira, foi feito um estudo para criação de um jogo, chamado Trilha Segura, objetivando mostrar os conceitos de Segurança do trabalho, baseados em conceitos básicos e na NR-18, para os estudantes de cursos de engenharias e técnico. Trata-se de um jogo didático, de perguntas e respostas, que coloca duas equipes concorrentes para avançar numa trilha à medida que forem acertando as perguntas. Para o projeto do produto em questão, foram feitos estudos bibliográficos e pesquisas de mercado, para em seguida ser elaborado o protótipo do jogo.
Desenvolvimento de um produto inovador com planejamento, criatividade e qualidade – o caso do porta esmalte
Authors: Barra Pinto Annabel , Rego Junior Raimundo Alberto , Sirremes Pinto Rochelly , Dantas de Sousa Camara Romario Allysson , Macena Fontenelle Maria Aridenise
Published: November 2014

A competitividade atual, a melhoria continua e a velocidade das informações obriga as empresas a melhorar seus procedimentos organizacionais. A vantagem competitiva está diretamente relacionada à sua capacidade de introduzir no mercado novos produtos e serviços, com conteúdo tecnológico e características de qualidade, desempenho, custo  e distribuição que satisfaçam as exigências dos consumidores. Na literatura são propostas diversas metodologias para o desenvolvimento de novos produtos, cabendo às empresas encontrar ou adequar àquela que melhor se adapte a sua realidade e cultura. Baseado nisso, este trabalho propõe a aplicação da metodologia proposta por diferentes autores no processo de desenvolvimento de um produto de baixa complexidade, como uma experiência didática vivida por um grupo de aluno da disciplina de Projeto de Produto do curso de engenharia de produção.
Créditos
Authors: Duarte Freitas Maria do Carmo
Published: November 2014

Créditos
Súmario Seção Artigos
Authors: Duarte Freitas Maria do Carmo
Published: November 2014

Súmario Seção Artigos
Effects of Patagonian pine forestry on native breeding birds
Authors: Pescador Moises , Peris Salvador
Published: November 2014

Aim of the study: The objective is to assess the influences of the tree stand age and other forestry management practices on species richness, composition, and distribution of the Patagonian pine plantation bird assemblages. Area of Study: The work was carried out in forested plots of Ponderosa pine located at the Lanín National Park (Patagonia, Argentina).Material and Methods: Birds were sampled using 25 m fixed radius point counts, at four plots varying in age, management, and forest structure. Main Results: A total of 2090 individuals belonging to 34 bird species were observed, their numbers vary significantly depending on the different modes of plantation management. The population density of the 14 most abundant bird species was compared among the four plantation plots and ten species don’t show statistically significant differences in their population density among the different forest plots. The California Quail, the White-Crested Elaenia and the Southern House Wren showed higher densities in pine plantations with lower tree densities and fewer cutting treatments. The Diuca Finch had high densities in the younger plantations not subjected to any treatment. Research highlights: Most of these bird species are opportunistic and a few are found more regularly in these non-native woods than in other native forested or afforested areas. Our data suggest that a mixed scenario based on a mosaic of plantation with patches of native deciduous forest may help maximize the bird diversity in the management of northwestern Patagonian plantation landscapes.Keywords: Bird population; diversity; exotic plantations; Patagonia; tree-age.
A comparison of estimation methods for fitting Weibull and Johnson’s SB functions to pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) and birch (Betula pubescens) stands in northwest Spain
Authors: Gorgoso-Varela Jose Javier , Rojo-Alboreca Alberto
Published: November 2014

Aim of study: In this study we compared the accuracy of the Weibull and the Johnson’s SB functions for describing diameter distributions in pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) and birch (Betula pubescens Ehrh.) stands.Area of study: Galicia (Northwest Spain).Material and Methods: A total of 172 diameter distributions in pedunculate oak and 202 in birch stands were finally evaluated. We compared the accuracy of three commonly used estimation methods of the Weibull and four estimation methods of the Johnson’s SB functions for describing these diameter distributions.Main results. For Quercus robur L. stands, the most suitable methods were the Percentiles followed by Maximum Likelihood for the Weibull PDF and the method of Moments for the Johnson’s SB PDF. For Betula pubescens Ehrh. stands, the best fits obtained with the Percentiles and Maximum Likelihood methods were also superior to the method of Moments, whereas the Conditional Maximum Likelihood and method of Moments provided the best results for the Johnson’s SB PDF, depending on the statistic and the value of the location parameter considered.Research highlights: Both distributions were suitable. The results were better for pedunculate oak than for birch stands.Keywords: Knoebel and Burkhart; location parameter; percentiles; maximum likelihood; moments; mode.
Soil properties and understory herbaceous biomass in forests of three species of Quercus in Northeast Portugal
Authors: Castro Marina , Fernandez-Nuñez Esther
Published: November 2014

Aim of study: This paper aims to characterize some soil properties within the first 25 cm of the soil profile and the herbaceous biomass in Quercus forests, and the possible relationships between soil properties and understory standing biomass.Area of study: Three monoespecific Quercus forests (Q. suber L., Q. ilex subsp. rotundifolia Lam. and Q. pyrenaica Willd) in NE Portugal.Material and methods: During 1999 and 2000 soil properties (pH-KCl, total soil nitrogen (N), soil organic carbon (SOC), C/N ratio, available phosphorus (P), and available potassium (K)) and herbaceous biomass production of three forest types: Quercus suber L., Quercus ilex subsp. rotundifolia Lam. and Quercus pyrenaica Willd were studied.Main results: The results showed a different pattern of soil fertility (N, SOC, P, K) in Quercus forests in NE of Portugal. The C/N ratio and the herbaceous biomass confirmed this pattern. Research highlights: There is a pattern of Quercus sp. distribution that correlates with different soil characteristics by soil characteristics in NE Portugal. Q. pyrenaica ecosystems were found in more favoured areas (mesic conditions); Q. rotundifolia developed in nutrient-poor soils (oligotrophic conditions); and Q. suber were found in intermediate zones.Keywords: fertility; biomass; C/N ratio; cork oak; holm oak; pyrenean oak.
Ecological response of Cedrus atlantica to climate variability in the Massif of Guetiane (Algeria)
Authors: Slimani Said , Derridj Arezki , Gutierrez Emilia
Published: November 2014

Aim of the study: The study analyzes the long-term response of Atlas cedar, Cedrus atlantica (Manneti), to climate variability. Area of study: Atlas cedar forest of Guetiane (Batna, Algeria).Material and methods: The dendrochronological approach was adopted. An Atlas cedar tree-ring chronology was established from twenty trees. The response of the species to climate variability was assessed through the pointer years (PYs), the common climate signal among the individual chronologies, expressed by the first component (PC1), the mean sensitivity (msx), and response function and correlations analysis involving the tree-ring index and climate data (monthly mean temperature and total precipitation).Results: The highest growth variability was registered from the second half of the 20th century. The lower than the mean PYs, the PC1, and the msx increased markedly during the studied period. Dramatic increases in the PC1 and msx were detected at the end of the 1970s, reflecting a shift towards drier conditions enhancing an increasing trend towards more synchronous response of trees to climate conditions. The response function and correlations analysis showed that tree growth was mainly influenced by precipitation variability.Research highlights: Our findings provide baseline knowledge concerning the ecological response of Atlas cedar to climate variability in in its southern distribution limit, where a high level of tree mortality has been observed during recent decades, coinciding with the driest period Algeria has ever experienced. This information is vital to support ongoing ecosystem management efforts in the region. Keywords: Atlas cedar; annual growth variability; dieback; dendrochronology.
Land cover fire proneness in Europe
Authors: Pereira Mario Gonzalez , Aranha Jose , Amraoui Malik
Published: November 2014

Aim of study: This study aims to identify and characterize the spatial and temporal evolution of the types of vegetation that are most affected by forest fires in Europe. The characterization of the fuels is an important issue of the fire regime in each specific ecosystem while, on the other hand, fire is an important disturbance for global vegetation dynamics.Area of study: Southern European countries: Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Greece.Material and Methods: Corine Land Cover maps for 2000 and 2006 (CLC2000, CLC2006) and burned area (BA) perimeters, from 2000 to 2013 in Europe are combined to access the spatial and temporal evolution of the types of vegetation that are most affected by wild fires using descriptive statistics and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques.Main results: The spatial and temporal distribution of BA perimeters, vegetation and burnt vegetation by wild fires was performed and different statistics were obtained for Mediterranean and entire Europe, confirming the usefulness of the proposed land cover system. A fire proneness index is proposed to assess the fire selectivity of land cover classes. The index allowed to quantify and to compare the propensity of vegetation classes and countries to fire.Research highlights: The usefulness and efficiency of the land cover classification scheme and fire proneness index. The differences between northern Europe and southern Europe and among the Mediterranean region in what concerns to vegetation cover, fire incidence, area burnt in land cover classes and fire proneness between classes for the different countries.Keywords: Fire proneness; Mixed forests; Land cover/land use; Fire regime; Europe; GIS; Corine land cover.
European Mixed Forests: definition and research perspectives
Authors: Bravo-Oviedo Andres , Pretzsch Hans , Ammer Christian , Andenmatten Ernesto , Barbati Anna , Barreiro Susana , Brang Peter , Bravo Felipe , Coll Lluis , Corona Piermaria , Den Ouden Jan , Ducey Mark J. , Forrester David I. , Giergiczny Marek , Jacobsen Jette B. , Lesinski Jerzy , Löf Magnus , Mason William L. , Matovic Bratislav , Metslaid Marek , Morneau François , Motiejunaite Jurga , O'Reilly Conor , Pach Maciej , Ponette Quentin , Del Rio Miren , Short Ian , Skovsgaard Jens Peter , Soliño Mario , Spathelf Peter , Sterba Hubert , Stojanovic Dejan , Strelcova Katarina , Svoboda Miroslav , Verheyen Kris , Von Lüpke Nikolas , Zlatanov Tzvetan
Published: November 2014

Aim of study: We aim at (i) developing a reference definition of mixed forests in order to harmonize comparative research in mixed forests and (ii) review the research perspectives in mixed forests.Area of study: The definition is developed in Europe but can be tested worldwide.Material and Methods: Review of existent definitions of mixed forests based and literature review encompassing dynamics, management and economic valuation of mixed forests.Main results: A mixed forest is defined as a forest unit, excluding linear formations, where at least two tree species coexist at any developmental stage, sharing common resources (light, water, and/or soil nutrients). The presence of each of the component species is normally quantified as a proportion of the number of stems or of basal area, although volume, biomass or canopy cover as well as proportions by occupied stand area may be used for specific objectives. A variety of structures and patterns of mixtures can occur, and the interactions between the component species and their relative proportions may change over time.The research perspectives identified are (i) species interactions and responses to hazards, (ii) the concept of maximum density in mixed forests, (iii) conversion of monocultures to mixed-species forest and (iv) economic valuation of ecosystem services provided by mixed forests.Research highlights: The definition is considered a high-level one which encompasses previous attempts to define mixed forests. Current fields of research indicate that gradient studies, experimental design approaches, and model simulations are key topics providing new research opportunities.Keywords: COST Action; EuMIXFOR; mixed-species forests; admixtures of species.
EuMIXFOR Introduction: integrating scientific knowledge in sustainable management of mixed forests
Authors: Bravo-Oviedo Andres , Barreiro Susana , Strelcova Katarina , Pretzsch Hans
Published: November 2014

No abstract
Effect of sacral neuromodulation on female sexual function and quality of life: Are they correlated?
Authors: Banakhar Mai Ahmed , Gazwani Yahya , ElKelini Mohamed , Al-shaiji Tariq , Hassouna Magdy
Published: November 2014

Introduction: Sacral neuromodulation (SNM) has become an established therapy for voiding dysfunction. Additional benefits, such as improved bowel functions and bladder pain, have been reported. Improvement in female sexual function after SNM treatment has been suggested; however, reports examining the effects of SNM on female sexual functions are scarce. We evaluate the effects of SNM on female sexual function and its impact on quality of life and analyze any correlation.Methods: Data were collected from January 2010 to May 2012 for all female patients who underwent SNM InterStim (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN) therapy at a single centre in Canada. They were treated for voiding dysfunction, including refractory overactive bladder, frequency-urgency syndrome and non-obstructive urinary retention. Patients were screened by percutaneous nerve evaluation (PNE) to assess their response to therapy using a 4-day voiding diary. Patients who experienced 50% or more improvement in their voiding parameters were permanently implanted. All patients completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and incontinence questionnaires (Urinary Distress Inventory [UDI]-6) preoperatively and 4 months postoperatively.Results: A total of 33 female patients had SNM therapy; 10 were excluded from the study because they were not sexually active. The indications were: refractory overactive bladder in 19, frequency urgency syndrome in 2, and non-obstructive urinary retention in another 2 patients. SNM therapy significantly improved the total FSFI score (p = 0.011); the components of desire and orgasm showed significant improvement (p = 0.014 and p = 0.035, respectively). Age, body mass index, diagnosis, and urinary symptoms did not show significant correlation with FSFI score improvement. Quality of life showed significant improvement after SNM treatment in 5 categories. There was no correlation between improvement in quality of life and FSFI.Conclusion: SNM may improve female sexual function and quality of life, yet there is no correlation between the improvement in FSFI and quality of life.
Toezichthouders op straat
Authors: Terpstra Jan , van Stokkom Bas
Published: November 2014

Toezichthouders op straat

De zorg voor veiligheid wordt niet meer gezien als exclusieve taak van de politie. Naast de politie zijn andere, zowel publieke als private toezichthouders en handhavers werkzaam in de (semi)publieke ruimte. Dit gebeurt niet alleen in Nederland, maar ook in veel andere landen, zowel binnen als buiten Europa. Vaak leidt dat tot een gefragmentariseerd stelsel van handhaving. Het internationale vergelijkende onderzoek dat in dit artikel wordt gepresenteerd, biedt aanknopingspunten om te leren van ervaringen die in andere landen zijn opgedaan. Tevens worden twee opties besproken waarin wordt aangegeven hoe de coördinatie kan worden verbeterd.
Psychometric Validation of the Toronto Mindfulness Scale – Trait Version in Chinese College Students
Authors: Chung Pak-Kwong , Zhang Chun-Qing
Published: November 2014

The Toronto Mindfulness Scale (TMS; Lau et al., 2006) has been widely used to assess the state mindfulness of participants after practicing mindfulness. Recently, a trait version of the Toronto Mindfulness Scale was developed and initially validated (TMS-T; Davis et al., 2009). We further examined the psychometric properties of TMS-T using three hundred and sixty-eight Chinese college students (233 females and 135 males) from a public university in Hong Kong. We found that factor analyses failed to support the existence of two-dimensional structure of the Chinese version of the TMS-T (C-TMS-T). The model fit indices indicated a marginal model fit, and the concurrent and convergent validities of the C-TMS-T were not confirmed. The moderate item-to-subscale fit of the decentering subscale indicated that its structural validity was not satisfactory. In addition, the internal consistency coefficient of the decentering subscale using composite reliability (p = .61) was under the acceptable level. Based on the results, we concluded that the application of the C-TMS-T to the Chinese population is premature. Further validation of the C-TMS-T using another sample of participants is recommended, in particular, individuals with meditation experiences.
Self-Esteem, Coping Efforts and Marital Adjustment
Authors: Bélanger Claude , Di Schiavi Marie-France , Sabourin Stéphane , Dugal Caroline , El Baalbaki Ghassan , Lussier Yvan
Published: November 2014

The main objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between self-esteem, specific coping strategies and marital adjustment. The sample consists of 216 subjects from 108 couples who completed the Dyadic Adjustment Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Ways of Coping Checklist. The results confirm the presence of a relationship between self-esteem, specific coping strategies and marital adjustment in men and women. High self-esteem and marital adjustment are associated with the use of problem solving strategies and less avoidance as a way of coping. Moreover, cross analyses reveal that one’s feelings of self-worth are associated with his/her spouse's marital adjustment. The theoretical implications of these results are discussed.
Individual Differences in Work-Related Well-Being: The Role of Attachment Style
Authors: Lanciano Tiziana , Zammuner Vanda Lucia
Published: November 2014

Integrating theories of adult attachment and well-being at the workplace, the present study tested the role of attachment style in predicting work-related well-being in terms of job satisfaction and job involvement, over and above dispositional trait measures (emotional traits and work-related traits). A sample of workers took part in a correlational study that explored the relationships among a) adult attachment, b) emotional traits, c) work-related traits, and d) work-related well-being indices. The results showed that both secure and anxious attachment style explained workers’ job involvement, whereas the secure and avoidant attachment styles explained workers’ job satisfaction. The current findings thus confirm and expand the literature's emphasis on studying the variables and processes that underlie people's mental health in the work setting, and have implications for assessing and promoting well-being in the workplace.
The Importance of the Instructions in the Use of Draw-and-Write Techniques for Understanding Children’s Health and Illness Concepts
Authors: Lima Ligia , de Lemos Marina Serra
Published: November 2014

Aim

The present study aims to test whether different instructions, when using draw-and-write data collection techniques, can be especially suited for understanding specific aspects of children’s conceptions about health and illness.

Method

This is a mixed-method study and participants were 209 schoolchildren, aged 10 to 12 years, who were asked to draw-and-write following one of two different instructions (A or B) that were related to the concepts of health and illness. Texts were examined through content analysis based on a previously validated coding system (inter-rater agreement of 93%).

Results

Findings suggest that the instruction “what does it mean to you to be sick and what does it mean to you to be healthy?” allows a more direct access to experiences and feelings, and that the instruction “draw and write about what a sick person is and what a healthy person is” is more adequate to elicit children’s knowledge and perceptions.

Conclusion

The study suggests that to elicit children’s concepts of health and illness, relevant for health education and health promotion interventions, the draw-and-write instructions should be phrased in impersonal general terms. In contrast, for clinical interventions, the instruction should be targeted to the child’s direct experience of being ill.