bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
AUTOMATED WETLAND DELINEATION FROM MULTI-FREQUENCY AND MULTI-POLARIZED SAR IMAGES IN HIGH TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL RESOLUTION
Authors: Moser L. , Schmitt A. , Wendleder A.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Water scarcity is one of the main challenges posed by the changing climate. Especially in semi-arid regions where water reservoirs are filled during the very short rainy season, but have to store enough water for the extremely long dry season, the intelligent handling of water resources is vital. This study focusses on Lac Bam in Burkina Faso, which is the largest natural lake of the country and of high importance for the local inhabitants for irrigated farming, animal watering, and extraction of water for drinking and sanitation. With respect to the competition for water resources an independent area-wide monitoring system is essential for the acceptance of any decision maker. The following contribution introduces a weather and illumination independent monitoring system for the automated wetland delineation with a high temporal (about two weeks) and a high spatial sampling (about five meters). The similarities of the multispectral and multi-polarized SAR acquisitions by RADARSAT-2 and TerraSAR-X are studied as well as the differences. The results indicate that even basic approaches without pre-classification time series analysis or post-classification filtering are already enough to establish a monitoring system of prime importance for a whole region.
DEVELOPMENT OF A MULTI-SITE AND MULTI-DEVICE WEBGIS-BASED TOOL FOR TIDAL CURRENT ENERGY DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Ang M. R. C. O. , Panganiban I. K. , Mamador C. C. , De Luna O. D. G. , Bausas M. D. , Cruz J. P.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. A multi-site, multi-device and multi-criteria decision support tool designed to support the development of tidal current energy in the Philippines was developed. Its platform is based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) which allows for the collection, storage, processing, analyses and display of geospatial data. Combining GIS tools with open source web development applications, it becomes a webGIS-based marine spatial planning tool. To date, the webGIS-based tool displays output maps and graphs of power and energy density, site suitability and site-device analysis. It enables stakeholders and the public easy access to the results of tidal current energy resource assessments and site suitability analyses. Results of the initial development showed that it is a promising decision support tool for ocean renewable energy project developments.
COMPARISON OF VERY NEAR INFRARED (VNIR) WAVELENGTH FROM EO-1 HYPERION AND WORLDVIEW 2 IMAGES FOR SALTMARSH CLASSIFICATION
Authors: Rasel Sikdar M.M. , Chang Hsing-Chung , Diti Israt Jahan , Ralph Tim , Saintilan Neil
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Saltmarsh is one of the important communities of wetlands. Due to a range of pressures, it has been declared as an EEC (Ecological Endangered Community) in Australia. In order to correctly identify different saltmarsh species, development of distinct spectral characteristics is essential to monitor this EEC. This research was conducted to classify saltmarsh species based on spectral characteristics in the VNIR wavelength of Hyperion Hyperspectral and Worldview 2 multispectral remote sensing data. Signal Noise Ratio (SNR) and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were applied in Hyperion data to test data quality and to reduce data dimensionality respectively. FLAASH atmospheric correction was done to get surface reflectance data. Based on spectral and spatial information a supervised classification followed by Mapping Accuracy (%) was used to assess the classification result. SNR of Hyperion data was varied according to season and wavelength and it was higher for all land cover in VNIR wavelength. There was a significant difference between radiance and reflectance spectra. It was found that atmospheric correction improves the spectral information. Based on the PCA of 56 VNIR band of Hyperion, it was possible to segregate 16 bands that contain 99.83 % variability. Based on reference 16 bands were compared with 8 bands of Worldview 2 for classification accuracy. Overall Accuracy (OA) % for Worldview 2 was increased from 72 to 79 while for Hyperion, it was increased from 70.47 to 71.66 when bands were added orderly. Considering the significance test with z values and kappa statistics at 95% confidence level, Worldview 2 classification accuracy was higher than Hyperion data.
A Multi-Scale Settlement Matching Algorithm Based on ARG
Authors: Yue Han , Zhu Xinyan , Chen Di , Liu Lingjia
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Homonymous entity matching is an important part of multi-source spatial data integration, automatic updating and change detection. Considering the low accuracy of existing matching methods in dealing with matching multi-scale settlement data, an algorithm based on Attributed Relational Graph (ARG) is proposed. The algorithm firstly divides two settlement scenes at different scales into blocks by small-scale road network and constructs local ARGs in each block. Then, ascertains candidate sets by merging procedures and obtains the optimal matching pairs by comparing the similarity of ARGs iteratively. Finally, the corresponding relations between settlements at large and small scales are identified. At the end of this article, a demonstration is presented and the results indicate that the proposed algorithm is capable of handling sophisticated cases.
SCHOOL MAPPING AND GEOSPATIAL ANALYSIS OF THE SCHOOLS IN JASRA DEVELOPMENT BLOCK OF INDIA
Authors: Agrawal S. , Gupta R. D.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. GIS is a collection of tools and techniques that works on the geospatial data and is used in the analysis and decision making. Education is an inherent part of any civil society. Proper educational facilities generate the high quality human resource for any nation. Therefore, government needs an efficient system that can help in analysing the current state of education and its progress. Government also needs a system that can support in decision making and policy framing. GIS can serve the mentioned requirements not only for government but also for the general public. In order to meet the standards of human development, it is necessary for the government and decision makers to have a close watch on the existing education policy and its implementation condition. School mapping plays an important role in this aspect. School mapping consists of building the geospatial database of schools that supports in the infrastructure development, policy analysis and decision making. The present research work is an attempt for supporting Right to Education (RTE) and Sarv Sikha Abhiyaan (SSA) programmes run by Government of India through the use of GIS. School mapping of the study area is performed which is followed by the geospatial analysis. This research work will help in assessing the present status of educational infrastructure in Jasra block of Allahabad district, India.
A TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF URBAN HEAT ISLAND IN BASIN CITY UTILIZING REMOTE SENSING TECHNIQUES
Authors: Chang Hsiao-Tung
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Urban Heat Island (UHI) has been becoming a key factor in deteriorating the urban ecological environment. Spatial-temporal analysis on its prototype of basin city’s UHI and quantitatively evaluating effect from rapid urbanization will provide theoretical foundation for relieving UHI effect. Based on Landsat 8, ETM+ and TM images of Taipei basin areas from 1900 to 2015, this article has retrieved the land surface temperature (LST) at summer solstice of each year, and then analysed spatial-temporal pattern and evolution characters of UHI in Taipei basin in this decade. The results showed that the expansion built district, UHI area constantly expanded from centre city to the suburb areas. The prototype of UHI in Taipei basin that showed in addition to higher temperatures in the centre city also were relatively high temperatures gathered boundaries surrounded by foot of mountains side. It calls “sinking heat island”. From 1900 to 2000, the higher UHI areas were different land use type change had obvious difference by public infrastructure works. And then, in next 15 years till 2015, building density of urban area has been increasing gradually. It has the trend that UHI flooding raises follow urban land use density. Hot spot of UHI in Taipei basin also has the same characteristics. The results suggest that anthropogenic heat release probably plays a significant role in the UHI effect, and must be considered in urban planning adaptation strategies.
MODELLING BIOPHYSICAL PARAMETERS OF MAIZE USING LANDSAT 8 TIME SERIES
Authors: Dahms Thorsten , Seissiger Sylvia , Conrad Christopher , Borg Erik
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Open and free access to multi-frequent high-resolution data (e.g. Sentinel – 2) will fortify agricultural applications based on satellite data. The temporal and spatial resolution of these remote sensing datasets directly affects the applicability of remote sensing methods, for instance a robust retrieving of biophysical parameters over the entire growing season with very high geometric resolution. In this study we use machine learning methods to predict biophysical parameters, namely the fraction of absorbed photosynthetic radiation (FPAR), the leaf area index (LAI) and the chlorophyll content, from high resolution remote sensing. 30 Landsat 8 OLI scenes were available in our study region in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Germany. In-situ data were weekly to bi-weekly collected on 18 maize plots throughout the summer season 2015. The study aims at an optimized prediction of biophysical parameters and the identification of the best explaining spectral bands and vegetation indices. For this purpose, we used the entire in-situ dataset from 24.03.2015 to 15.10.2015. Random forest and conditional inference forests were used because of their explicit strong exploratory and predictive character. Variable importance measures allowed for analysing the relation between the biophysical parameters with respect to the spectral response, and the performance of the two approaches over the plant stock evolvement. Classical random forest regression outreached the performance of conditional inference forests, in particular when modelling the biophysical parameters over the entire growing period. For example, modelling biophysical parameters of maize for the entire vegetation period using random forests yielded: FPAR: R² = 0.85; RMSE = 0.11; LAI: R² = 0.64; RMSE = 0.9 and chlorophyll content (SPAD): R² = 0.80; RMSE=4.9. Our results demonstrate the great potential in using machine-learning methods for the interpretation of long-term multi-frequent remote sensing datasets to model biophysical parameters.
ANALYSIS OF THE PIT REMOVAL METHODS IN DIGITAL TERRAIN MODELS OF VARIOUS RESOLUTIONS
Authors: Šamanović S. , Medak D. , Gajski D.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Digital terrain model (DTM) is the base for calculation of the surface runoff under the influence of the gravity (gravity flow) in hydrological analysis. It is important to produce hydrologically corrected DTM with the removed natural and artificial depressions to avoid numerical problems in algorithms of the gravity flow. The pit removal procedure changes geomorphometry of the DTM. GIS software packages use pit removal algorithm independently of geomorphmetric features of the analyzed area. In need of minimally modified DTM after the pit removal areas, the carving method (deepen drainage routes) and the filling method (fill sink) were analyzed on three different geomorphometric areas (bare mountain range, hilly wooded area and the plain area intersected with the network of the drainage canals). The recommendation is given for the choice of geomorphometric least changing DTM algorithm. The input data are raster data of elevation points created by stereoscopic photogrammetry method in 5x5 and 25x25 meter resolution. Differences have been noticed during the process of creating raster data. The recommendation is given for the choice of the most acceptable method for each type of area on the basis of comparison of the original elevation points with the elevation points in created DTM.
DETERMINING SUITABLE AREAS FOR MORE EFFICIENT HAZELNUT PRODUCTION
Authors: Saralioglu E. , Yildirim D. , Gungor O.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Turkey is the largest hazelnut producer and exporter in the world with approximately 75% worldwide production and 70-75% of world exports, yet according to FAO; annual yield gain rate is significantly lower than Italy and USA. While Turkey produces 0.94 ton/hectare hazelnut, average yield rates for USA, Italy and Spain are 2.6 ton/hectare, 1.68 ton/hectare and 1 ton/hectare, respectively. Hazelnut production in Turkey is primarily concentrated along Black Sea coast centered Giresun and Trabzon provinces. The purpose of this study is to propose a methodology to further improve the efficiency in hazelnut production by determining the most significant geographical criteria and using them for spatial queries and analysis in ArcGIS environment to detect most fertile hazelnut plantation areas. For the study, the Surmene district of Trabzon is selected for pilot region. A thematic map of hazelnut plantation areas created from the classification of WorldView-2 image of the district was used as the base map. Furthermore, a database is created with layers and cost maps using multicriteria decision methods. Detected most suitable areas for hazelnut production area are compared with the present situation. Proposed methodology and the database can be used by officials for better management of hazelnut production in Turkey, therefore in the world.
REMOTE SENSING-BASED DETECTION AND SPATIAL PATTERN ANALYSIS FOR GEO-ECOLOGICAL NICHE MODELING OF TILLANDSIA SPP. IN THE ATACAMA, CHILE
Authors: Wolf N. , Siegmund A. , del Río C. , Osses P. , García J. L.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In the coastal Atacama Desert in Northern Chile plant growth is constrained to so-called ‘fog oases’ dominated by monospecific stands of the genus Tillandsia. Adapted to the hyperarid environmental conditions, these plants specialize on the foliar uptake of fog as main water and nutrient source. It is this characteristic that leads to distinctive macro- and micro-scale distribution patterns, reflecting complex geo-ecological gradients, mainly affected by the spatiotemporal occurrence of coastal fog respectively the South Pacific Stratocumulus clouds reaching inlands. The current work employs remote sensing, machine learning and spatial pattern/GIS analysis techniques to acquire detailed information on the presence and state of Tillandsia spp. in the Tarapacá region as a base to better understand the bioclimatic and topographic constraints determining the distribution patterns of Tillandsia spp. Spatial and spectral predictors extracted from WorldView-3 satellite data are used to map present Tillandsia vegetation in the Tarapaca region. Regression models on Vegetation Cover Fraction (VCF) are generated combining satellite-based as well as topographic variables and using aggregated high spatial resolution information on vegetation cover derived from UAV flight campaigns as a reference. The results are a first step towards mapping and modelling the topographic as well as bioclimatic factors explaining the spatial distribution patterns of Tillandsia fog oases in the Atacama, Chile.
UNDERSTANDING URBAN TRAFFIC FLOW CHARACTERISTICS FROM THE NETWORK CENTRALITY PERSPECTIVE AT DIFFERENT GRANULARITIES
Authors: Zhao P. X. , Zhao S. M.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In this study, we analyze urban traffic flow using taxi trajectory data to understand the characteristics of traffic flow from the network centrality perspective at point (intersection), line (road), and area (community) granularities. The entire analysis process comprises three steps. The first step utilizes the taxi trajectory data to evaluate traffic flow at different granularities. Second, the centrality indices are calculated based on research units at different granularities. Third, correlation analysis between the centrality indices and corresponding urban traffic flow is performed. Experimental results indicate that urbaxperimental results indicate that urbaxperimental results indicate that urban traffic flow is relatively influenced by the road network structure. However, urban traffic flow also depends on the research unit size. Traditional centralities and traffic flow exhibit a low correlation at point granularity but exhibit a high correlation at line and area granularities. Furthermore, the conclusions of this study reflect the universality of the modifiable areal unit problem.
INTERSECTION DETECTION BASED ON QUALITATIVE SPATIAL REASONING ON STOPPING POINT CLUSTERS
Authors: Zourlidou S. , Sester M.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The purpose of this research is to propose and test a method for detecting intersections by analysing collectively acquired trajectories of moving vehicles. Instead of solely relying on the geometric features of the trajectories, such as heading changes, which may indicate turning points and consequently intersections, we extract semantic features of the trajectories in form of sequences of stops and moves. Under this spatiotemporal prism, the extracted semantic information which indicates where vehicles stop can reveal important locations, such as junctions. The advantage of the proposed approach in comparison with existing turning-points oriented approaches is that it can detect intersections even when not all the crossing road segments are sampled and therefore no turning points are observed in the trajectories. The challenge with this approach is that first of all, not all vehicles stop at the same location – thus, the stop-location is blurred along the direction of the road; this, secondly, leads to the effect that nearby junctions can induce similar stop-locations. As a first step, a density-based clustering is applied on the layer of stop observations and clusters of stop events are found. Representative points of the clusters are determined (one per cluster) and in a last step the existence of an intersection is clarified based on spatial relational cluster reasoning, with which less informative geospatial clusters, in terms of whether a junction exists and where its centre lies, are transformed in more informative ones. Relational reasoning criteria, based on the relative orientation of the clusters with their adjacent ones are discussed for making sense of the relation that connects them, and finally for forming groups of stop events that belong to the same junction.
A MODIFIED GENETIC ALGORITHM FOR FINDING FUZZY SHORTEST PATHS IN UNCERTAIN NETWORKS
Authors: Heidari A. A. , Delavar M. R.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. In realistic network analysis, there are several uncertainties in the measurements and computation of the arcs and vertices. These uncertainties should also be considered in realizing the shortest path problem (SPP) due to the inherent fuzziness in the body of expert's knowledge. In this paper, we investigated the SPP under uncertainty to evaluate our modified genetic strategy. We improved the performance of genetic algorithm (GA) to investigate a class of shortest path problems on networks with vague arc weights. The solutions of the uncertain SPP with considering fuzzy path lengths are examined and compared in detail. As a robust metaheuristic, GA algorithm is modified and evaluated to tackle the fuzzy SPP (FSPP) with uncertain arcs. For this purpose, first, a dynamic operation is implemented to enrich the exploration/exploitation patterns of the conventional procedure and mitigate the premature convergence of GA technique. Then, the modified GA (MGA) strategy is used to resolve the FSPP. The attained results of the proposed strategy are compared to those of GA with regard to the cost, quality of paths and CPU times. Numerical instances are provided to demonstrate the success of the proposed MGA-FSPP strategy in comparison with GA. The simulations affirm that not only the proposed technique can outperform GA, but also the qualities of the paths are effectively improved. The results clarify that the competence of the proposed GA is preferred in view of quality quantities. The results also demonstrate that the proposed method can efficiently be utilized to handle FSPP in uncertain networks.
AIRBORNE LIGHT DETECTION AND RANGING (LIDAR) DERIVED DEFORMATION FROM THE MW 6.0 24 AUGUST, 2014 SOUTH NAPA EARTHQUAKE ESTIMATED BY TWO AND THREE DIMENSIONAL POINT CLOUD CHANGE DETECTION TECHNIQUES
Authors: Lyda A. W. , Zhang X. , Glennie C. L. , Hudnut K. , Brooks B. A.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Remote sensing via LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) has proven extremely useful in both Earth science and hazard related studies. Surveys taken before and after an earthquake for example, can provide decimeter-level, 3D near-field estimates of land deformation that offer better spatial coverage of the near field rupture zone than other geodetic methods (e.g., InSAR, GNSS, or alignment array). In this study, we compare and contrast estimates of deformation obtained from different pre and post-event airborne laser scanning (ALS) data sets of the 2014 South Napa Earthquake using two change detection algorithms, Iterative Control Point (ICP) and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). The ICP algorithm is a closest point based registration algorithm that can iteratively acquire three dimensional deformations from airborne LiDAR data sets. By employing a newly proposed partition scheme, “moving window,” to handle the large spatial scale point cloud over the earthquake rupture area, the ICP process applies a rigid registration of data sets within an overlapped window to enhance the change detection results of the local, spatially varying surface deformation near-fault. The other algorithm, PIV, is a well-established, two dimensional image co-registration and correlation technique developed in fluid mechanics research and later applied to geotechnical studies. Adapted here for an earthquake with little vertical movement, the 3D point cloud is interpolated into a 2D DTM image and horizontal deformation is determined by assessing the cross-correlation of interrogation areas within the images to find the most likely deformation between two areas. Both the PIV process and the ICP algorithm are further benefited by a presented, novel use of urban geodetic markers. Analogous to the persistent scatterer technique employed with differential radar observations, this new LiDAR application exploits a classified point cloud dataset to assist the change detection algorithms. Ground deformation results and statistics from these techniques are presented and discussed here with supplementary analyses of the differences between techniques and the effects of temporal spacing between LiDAR datasets. Results show that both change detection methods provide consistent near field deformation comparable to field observed offsets. The deformation can vary in quality but estimated standard deviations are always below thirty one centimeters. This variation in quality differentiates the methods and proves that factors such as geodetic markers and temporal spacing play major roles in the outcomes of ALS change detection surveys.
SPATIAL-TEMPORAL DYNAMICS OF URBAN FIRE INCIDENTS: A CASE STUDY OF NANJING, CHINA
Authors: Yao J. , Zhang X.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Fire and rescue service is one of the fundamental public services provided by government in order to protect people, properties and environment from fires and other disasters, and thus promote a safer living environment. Well understanding spatial-temporal dynamics of fire incidents can offer insights for potential determinants of various fire events and enable better fire risk estimation, assisting future allocation of prevention resources and strategic planning of mitigation programs. Using a 12-year (2002-2013) dataset containing the urban fire events in Nanjing, China, this research explores the spatial-temporal dynamics of urban fire incidents. A range of exploratory spatial data analysis (ESDA) approaches and tools, such as spatial kernel density and co-maps, are employed to examine the spatial, temporal and spatial-temporal variations of the fire events. Particular attention has been paid to two types of fire incidents: residential properties and local facilities, due to their relatively higher occurrence frequencies. The results demonstrated that the amount of urban fire has greatly increased in the last decade and spatial-temporal distribution of fire events vary among different incident types, which implies varying impact of potential influencing factors for further investigation.
EVALUATION OF ANNUAL MODIS PTC DATA FOR DEFORESTATION AND FOREST DEGRADATION ANALYSIS
Authors: Gao Y. , Ghilardi A. , Mas J. F. , Paneque-Galvez J. , Skutsch M.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Anthropogenic land-cover change, e.g. deforestation and forest degradation cause carbon emissions. To estimate deforestation and forest degradation, it is important to have reliable data on forest cover. In this analysis, we evaluated annual MODIS Percent Tree Cover (PTC) data for the detection of forest change including deforestation, forest degradation, reforestation and revegetation. The annual MODIS PTC data (2000 – 2010) were pre-processed by applying quality layer. Based on the PTC values of the annual MODIS data, forest change maps were produced and assessed by comparing with the data from visual interpretation of SPOT-5 images. The assessment was applied to two case-studies: Ayuquila Basin and Monarch Reserve. Results show that the detected deforestation patches by visual interpretation are roughly 4 times in quantity more than those by MODIS PTC data, which can be partially due to the much higher spatial resolution of SPOT-5, being able to pick up small deforestation patches. This analysis found poor spatial overlapping for both case-studies. Possible reasons for the discrepancy in quantity and spatial coincidence were provided. It is necessary to refine the methodology for forest change detection by PTC images; also to refine the validation data in terms of data periods and forest change categories to ensure a better assessment.
CLOUD AND CLOUD SHADOW MASKING USING MULTI-TEMPORAL CLOUD MASKING ALGORITHM IN TROPICAL ENVIRONMENTAL
Authors: Candra D. S. , Phinn S. , Scarth P.
Published: June 2016

Abstract. A cloud masking approach based on multi-temporal satellite images is proposed. The basic idea of this approach is to detect cloud and cloud shadow by using the difference reflectance values between clear pixels and cloud and cloud shadow contaminated pixels. Several bands of satellite image which have big difference values are selected for developing Multi-temporal Cloud Masking (MCM) algorithm. Some experimental analyses are conducted by using Landsat-8 images. Band 3 and band 4 are selected because they can distinguish between cloud and non cloud. Afterwards, band 5 and band 6 are used to distinguish between cloud shadow and clear. The results show that the MCM algorithm can detect cloud and cloud shadow appropriately. Moreover, qualitative and quantitative assessments are conducted using visual inspections and confusion matrix, respectively, to evaluate the reliability of this algorithm. Comparison between this algorithm and QA band are conducted to prove the reliability of the approach. The results show that MCM better than QA band and the accuracy of the results are very high.
Decision support system for emergency management of oil spill accidents in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Liubartseva Svitlana , Coppini Giovanni , Pinardi Nadia , De Dominicis Michela , Lecci Rita , Turrisi Giuseppe , Creti Sergio , Martinelli Sara , Agostini Paola , Marra Palmalisa , Palermo Francesco
Published: June 2016

Abstract. This paper presents an innovative web-based decision support system to facilitate emergency management in case of oil spill accidents, called WITOL (Where Is The Oil). The system can be applied to create a forecast of oil spill events, evaluate uncertainty of the predictions, and calculate hazards based on historical meteo-oceanographic dataset. To compute the oil transport and transformation WITOIL uses the MEDSLIK-II oil spill model forced by operational meteo-oceanographic services. Results of the modeling are visualized through Google Maps. Special application for Android is designed to provide mobile access to public decision makers, scientific community, and citizens.
Estimations of soil fertility in physically degraded agricultural soils through selective accounting of fine earth and gravel fractions
Authors: Nagaraja Mavinakoppa S. , Bhardwaj Ajay Kumar , Reddy G. V. Prabhakara , Srinivasamurthy Chilakunda A. , Kumar Sandeep
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Soil fertility and organic carbon (C) stock estimations are crucial to soil management, especially that of degraded soils, for productive agricultural use and in soil C sequestration studies. Currently, estimations based on generalized soil mass (hectare furrow basis) or bulk density are used which may be suitable for normal agricultural soils, but not for degraded soils. In this study, soil organic C, available nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P2O5) and available potassium (K2O), and their stocks were estimated using three methods: (i) generalized soil mass (GSM, 2 million kg ha−1 furrow soil), (ii) bulk-density-based soil mass (BDSM) and (iii) the proportion of fine earth volume (FEV) method, for soils sampled from physically degraded lands in the eastern dry zone of Karnataka State in India. Comparative analyses using these methods revealed that the soil organic C, N, P2O and K2O stocks determined by using BDSM were higher than those determined by the GSM method. The soil organic C values were the lowest in the FEV method. The GSM method overestimated soil organic C, N, P2O and K2O by 9.3–72.1, 9.5–72.3, 7.1–66.6 and 9.2–72.3 %, respectively, compared to FEV-based estimations for physically degraded soils. The differences among the three methods of estimation were lower in soils with low gravel content and increased with an increase in gravel volume. There was overestimation of soil organic C and soil fertility with GSM and BDSM methods. A reassessment of methods of estimation was, therefore, attempted to provide fair estimates for land development projects in degraded lands.
Arctic soil development on a series of marine terraces on central Spitsbergen, Svalbard: a combined geochronology, fieldwork and modelling approach
Authors: van der Meij W. Marijn , Temme Arnaud J. A. M. , de Kleijn Christian M. F. J. J. , Reimann Tony , Heuvelink Gerard B. M. , Zwoliński Zbigniew , Rachlewicz Grzegorz , Rymer Krzysztof , Sommer Michael
Published: June 2016

Abstract. Soils in Arctic regions currently enjoy attention because of their sensitivity to climate change. It is therefore important to understand the natural processes and rates of development of these soils. Specifically, there is a need to quantify the rates and interactions between various landscape- and soil-forming processes. Soil chronosequences are ideal natural experiments for this purpose. In this contribution, we combine field observations, luminescence dating and soil–landscape modelling to improve and test our understanding of Arctic soil formation. The field site is a Holocene chronosequence of gravelly raised marine terraces in central Spitsbergen. Field observations show that soil–landscape development is mainly driven by weathering, silt translocation, aeolian deposition and rill erosion. Spatial soil variation is mainly caused by soil age, morphological position within a terrace and depth under the surface. Luminescence dating confirmed existing radiocarbon dating of the terraces, which are between  ∼  1.5 and  ∼  13.3 ka old. The soil–landscape evolution model LORICA was used to test our hypothesis that the field-observed processes indeed dominate soil–landscape development. Model results additionally indicated the importance of aeolian deposition as a source of fine material in the subsoil for both sheltered and vegetated trough positions and barren ridge positions. Simulated overland erosion was negligible. Consequently, an un-simulated process must be responsible for creating the observed erosion rills. Dissolution and physical weathering both play a major role. However, using present-day soil observations, the relative contribution of physical and chemical weathering could not be disentangled. Discrepancies between field and model results indicate that soil formation is non-linear and driven by spatially and temporally varying boundary conditions which were not included in the model. To conclude, Arctic soil and landscape development appears to be more complex and less straightforward than could be reasoned from field observations.
Chronic periodontitis with familial aggregation and discordant identical twins
Authors: Grech Sarah Christina
Published: June 2016

Chronic periodontitis is an advancement of gingivitis that involves progressive attachment loss, pocketing, and bone loss around the teeth.  It has been linked to both genetic and environmental factors, making it a multifactorial disease.  This case examines a family of eight siblings with a 50% prevalence of chronic periodontitis. A strong genetic influence is not likely, since one identical twin in this family has chronic periodontitis, while the other twin is unaffected.  Environmental risk factors, including smoking, emotional stress, and poor oral hygiene, are present in all affected individuals, thus appearing to play a significant role in the development of periodontitis in this family.  It is important for a dentist to understand the etiology of the family’s chronic periodontitis in order to provide proper treatment and management of risk factors so that good oral health can be maintained.
Orthodontic treatment as a possible trigger of periodontal disease
Authors: Lin Ann
Published: June 2016

Background: Periodontal disease leads to the deterioration of oral health, including loss of teeth and its supporting structures. It has been established that the cause of this disease is multifactorial, indicating that both genes and environmental factors are intertwined with the formation and progression of periodontal disease. Case Description: Here we discuss the possibility of orthodontic treatment serving as a trigger to an early development of periodontal disease in a patient who has a family history of periodontitis. Between debonding at age 17.5 years and age 28, the patient experienced gradual general loss of attachment on the mandibular arch with the left mandibular canine having exaggerated attachment loss. Between age 28 and 29 years, the patient experienced exacerbated loss of attachment at both mandibular canines. Practical Implications: The occurrence of attachment loss during and after orthodontic treatment should not be overlooked. It is crucial for orthodontists to obtain a family history of periodontal disease and carefully monitor patient’s periodontal conditions throughout the treatment.
Befolkningens holdninger til genetisk epidemiologi illustrert ved spørsmål om fornyet samtykke til 61.426 personer – Helseundersøkelsen i Nord-Trøndelag (HUNT)
Authors: Holmen  m.fl Jostein
Published: June 2016

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Oversikt over helseregistre i Norge
Authors: Cappelen Inger , Lyshol Heidi
Published: June 2016

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Kreftregisteret – fra registrering av kreftinsidens og overlevelse til populasjonsbasert klinisk epidemiologi
Authors: Langmark Frøydis , Norstein Jarle
Published: June 2016

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Etablering av et personentydig Norsk pasientregister: utdrag av høringsbrev og rapport
Authors: Cappelen Inger
Published: June 2016

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Record linkage in occupational cancer studies
Authors: Andersen Aage , Kjærheim Kristina , Lie Jenny-Anne Sigstad
Published: June 2016

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Dødelighet av/med diabetes
Authors: Tverdal Aage , Sjølingstad Arve
Published: June 2016

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Stor användning av registerdata i svensk forskning – en nordisk konkurrensfördel
Authors: Olausson m.fl P. Otterblad
Published: June 2016

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Environmental epidemiology in Norway
Authors: Brunekreef Bert
Published: June 2016

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Ikke-audiologiske helseeffekter av støy
Authors: Aasvang Gunn Marit , Krog Norun Hjertager
Published: June 2016

Denne artikkelen oppsummerer eksisterende kunnskap om helsevirkninger av miljøstøy. Nedsatt hørsel som følge av eksponering for høye lydnivåer blant annet i yrkessammenheng er godt dokumentert, og vil ikke omtales i særlig grad. Denne artikkelen vil først og fremst fokusere på ikke-hørselsrelaterte virkninger av den støy som vi har i omgivelsene, hvor de vanligste støykildene er fra samferdsel og industri. Selv om støyens virkninger på spesielt sårbare grupper, som for eksempel barn, er et viktig tema, vil helsevirkningene som omtales her først og fremst være gjeldende for en generell voksen befolkning. Negative helseeffekter av støy er knyttet til støy som en fysiologisk aktiverende stressfaktor som påvirker adferd, trivsel, kommunikasjon, hvile og søvn. Nyere studier antyder også en sammenheng mellom støy og økt risiko for hjerte-karsykdom.This paper summarises existing knowledge about health effects of environmental noise. Reduced hearing due to exposure to high sound pressure levels, for instance in the work-place, is well documented, and is not a topic of this presentation. The paper focuses on non-audiological effects of environmental noise. Although effects of noise on especially vulnerable groups such as children are important issues, this article focuses on the effects that can be demonstrated in the general population. The most common sources of environmental noise are transport and industry. Adverse health effects are related to noise as a physiologically activating stress factor that influences behaviour, well-being, rest and sleep. Some recent studies do also indicate that there may be a relationship between noise and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
Nettfrekvente elektromagnetiske felt og helseeffekter
Authors: Blaasaas Karl Gerhard , Tynes Tore
Published: June 2016

I denne artikkelen oppsummeres epidemiologisk kunnskap om mulige helseeffekter etter eksponering for nettfrekvente (50/60 Hz) elektromagnetiske felt. Vi har basert oss på et flertall av vitenskapelige arbeider publisert i perioden 2001-2004 og konklusjoner i rapporter og oversiktsartikler fra perioden før 2001. Det er ikke funnet noen etiologisk sammenheng mellom elektromagnetiske felt og kronisk sykdom. Man vet heller ikke sikkert hvilke egenskaper ved de elektromagnetiske feltene som eventuelt kan fremskaffe sykdom. Eventuell latenstid fra eksponering til sykdomsutvikling er også ukjent. Eksponering over 0,4 mT fra kraftlinjer ser ut til å kunne gi en dobling i risikoen for barneleukemi, og basert på metaanalyser kan ikke resultatene avvises som tilfeldige funn. Holdepunktene for en slik sammenheng er likevel begrenset. Ved vokseneksponering har man i enkeltstudier observert risikoøkninger for brystkreft, leukemi, hjernesvulst og amyotrofisk lateralsklerose. Det er også gjort isolerte funn av abort blant kvinner eksponert under graviditeten. For alle disse endepunktene er funnene allikevel ikke tilstrekkelige til å trekke sikre konklusjoner om sammenheng med eksponeringThis review is based on epidemiologic literature in the period 2001-2004 and conclusions in reports and review articles before 2001, regarding power frequency (50/60 Hz) electromagnetic fields and health outcomes. Twotimes increased risks for childhood leukaemia have been observed among children exposed to magnetic fields above 0.4 mT from power lines, and based on meta-analyses these results can not be regarded as chance alone. The evidence for an association is however, still limited. Increased risks of breast cancer, leukaemia, braintumor and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have been observed in isolated studies. Increased risk of spontaneousabortion among women exposed during pregnancy has also been reported. None of the observations for any ofthese endpoints are, however, sufficient for any connection to electromagnetic field exposure.
Alkohol i norsk historie
Authors: Hauge Ragnar
Published: June 2016

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Rusmiddelbruk og dødelighet
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg
Published: June 2016

SAMMENDRAGBruk og misbruk av rusmidler øker risikoen for en tidlig død. Blant kroniske alkoholmisbrukere er overdødelighetenpå omkring 2-3, og størst overdødelighet finner vi mht. levercirrhose, kreft i øvre deler av fordøyelseskanalen,selvmord og ulykker. Akutt beruselse har spesielt betydning for ulykkesdødsfall som drukning ogtrafikkulykker. Epidemiologiske studier har vist at moderat alkoholkonsum gir en redusert risiko for hjertekardødelighetsammenliknet med avholdenhet (en J-formet risikokurve). Disse funnene reiser en viktig debattomkring implikasjonene for folkehelse.På aggregert nivå gir en økning i alkoholkonsumet en beskjeden effekt på samlet dødelighet, men for alkoholrelatertesykdommer, ulykker og selvmord ser man betydelige effekter av endringer i gjennomsnittskonsumet.Stoffmisbrukere har en høyere overdødelighet enn alkoholmisbrukere (RR omkring 5-30), og de vanligstedødsårsakene er overdoser, selvmord og ulykker. Bruk og misbruk av alkohol er betydelig mer utbredt i befolkningenenn narkotika, og størstedelen av rusmiddelrelaterte dødsfall kan knyttes til alkohol. Det er imidlertidusikkert om dette gjenspeiles i opinionen og som argument ved politiske beslutninger og ressursallokeringer.Rossow I. Alcohol, drugs and mortality. Nor J Epidemiol 1996; 6 (1): 37-44. ENGLISH SUMMARYUse and abuse of intoxicants increase the risk of premature death. Among chronic alcohol abusers the excessmortality is in the range of 2-3. Tthe highest excess mortality is found with respect to liver cirrhosis, cancer inthe upper digestive tract, suicide and accidents. Acute intoxication also increases the risk of premature death,particularly drowning and traffic accidents. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a lower risk of deathfrom CHD among light and moderate drinkers as compared to abstainers (the J-shaped curve). These findingshave induced an important debate concerning public health implications. At the aggregate level an increase inalcohol consumption has little impact on all-cause mortality, but changes in per capita consumption are foundto covary significantly with deaths from alcohol related diseases, accidents and suicides.Drug addicts are found to have a higher excess mortality than alcohol abusers (RR in the range of 5-30),and the most common causes of death are overdoses, suicides and accidents. On the other hand, use and abuseof alcohol is far more widespread in the population than narcotics, and most of the substance related deathscan thus be attributed to alcohol. To which degree this is reflected in the public opinion and in politicalstrategies and allocation of resources, may however be questionned.
Beskytter moderat alkoholforbruk mot hjerte-karsykdom?
Authors: Stensvold Inger
Published: June 2016

SAMMENDRAGTre store utenlandske oppfølgingsstudier fra 1994-95 har funnet en U-formet sammenheng mellom selvrapportertalkoholinntak og dødelighet av hjerte-karsykdom. For menn er det vist at tre alkoholenheter(drinker) pr. dag og for kvinner én til to, kan redusere risikoen med opptil 50%. Det synes videre som omeffekten er størst hos eldre personer (over 50 år), og de med minst én viktig koronar risikofaktor. En nyoversiktsartikkel konkluderer med at den gunstige effekten er knyttet til alkoholinnholdet og ikke til andrekomponenter for de ulike alkoholtypene. Det er presentert norske spørreskjema fra 1977 og fram til i dagvedrørende alkohol. Disse er av svært ujevn kvalitet, bl.a. uten spørsmål om mengde alkohol eller type, ogspørsmålene har variert over tid og fra fylke til fylke. Tverrsnittsdata fra Oppland (1986-88) for menn ogkvinner 40-54 år viser en positiv sammenheng mellom alkoholinntak og HDL-kolesterol for begge kjønn ogfor systolisk blodtrykk for menn, sterkest for drikkere av brennevin og øl. For kvinner er det en U-formetsammenheng mellom drikkere av vin og øl og systolisk blodtrykk. Resultater fra en dødelighetsoppfølging(hjerte-kardød) viser en forhøyet risiko for menn som har drukket øl siste uke og en gunstigere risiko for desom har drukket vin/brennevin siste uke i forhold til de som ikke har svart på alkoholspørsmålene.Stensvold I. Does moderate alcohol consumption protect against cardiovascular disease?Nor J Epidemiol ENGLISH SUMMARYThree large prospective population studies from 1994-95 have shown a U-shaped relationship betweenalcohol intake and mortality from cardiovascular disease. For men it was shown that three units a day and forwomen one to two units can reduce mortality risk with 50%. The effect was stronger in older people (above50 years) and those at greater risk for coronary heart disease. The conclusion, in a recent review, was that thebenefit is from alcohol rather than from other components of each type of drink. Norwegian questionnairesfrom 1977 to 1995 on alcohol are commented upon. The quality of these questions varies; many do notaccount for the amount of intake or the type of alcohol, and they have not been identical from screening toscreening and between counties. Cross-sectional results from Oppland (1986-88) for men and women aged40-54 years, indicated a positive relation between alcohol intake and HDL-cholesterol for both sexes, forsystolic blood pressure in men, strongest for consumers of spirits and beer. A U-shaped association betweenintake of wine and beer with systolic blood pressure was seen in women. A follow-up study with cardiovasculardeath as endpoint indicated a higher risk for men drinking beer during the last week, and a lower risk forthose drinking wine/spirits, compared with men not answering the questions about alcohol intake.1996; 6 (1): 69-71.
Primærforebyggende alkoholundervisning i ungdomsskolen: Positive korttidseffekter
Authors: Wilhelmsen Britt Unni , Laberg Jon Chr.
Published: June 2016

SAMMENDRAGEt forebyggende prosjekt om alkohol for 13-14 åringer er gjennomført ved Universitetet i Bergen.Målsettingen for prosjektet var å utsette debutalder for drikking og redusere eksperimentering med alkohol.Elevene deltok i 10 timer prosjektorientert undervisning, som bygget på korrigering av elevenes alkoholforventningerog flertallsmisforståelser om alkohol. Resultatene på kort sikt var positive: Ingen prosjekteleverrapporterte alkoholdebut fem måneder etter prosjektstart. Blant elever som eksperimenterte medalkohol før prosjektstart, ble det registrert en nedgang på 25%. Elever som gjennom prosjektet hadde redusertsine forventninger til alkohol, hadde også redusert alkoholbruk. To ulike strategier for å øke elevenesinvolvering i prosjektet ble prøvd ut, og størst elevinvolvering ble observert når lærere, gruppeledere ogelever fikk klare retningslinjer for sine roller i prosjektet. Videre arbeid med primærforebyggende alkoholundervisningi skolen bør ta utgangspunkt i elevenes egne forestillinger om alkoholbruk. Det er behov forforskning som kan bidra til å sikre varige effekter av alkoholforebyggende tiltak.
Be Creative and Collaborative: Strategies and Implications of Blogging in EFL Classes
Authors: Roy Catherine Karen
Published: June 2016

The 21st century has seen the emergence of blogs as an authentic writing practice that provides students with a sense of immediacy by allowing them to document their lives as stories or to engage their classmates with real or imaginary tales. In this study, Saudi EFL students were asked to post their writing in a blog and collaborate with their peers to edit that writing. This research used Storybird.com to offer students an opportunity to blog on curriculum topics. By sharing their entries with each other, students developed collaboration skills, individual voices, and responsibility for their writing. This research concludes by discussing the project’s implications (the peer collaboration involved gave students ownership of their writing and a better understanding of standards), challenges (time and privacy constraints), recommendations specifically for the Saudi context, and general recommendations for implementing blogging in the curriculum.