bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A NEW APPROACH FOR THE SEMI-AUTOMATIC TEXTURE GENERATION OF THE BUILDINGS FACADES, FROM TERRESTRIAL LASER SCANNER DATA
Authors: Oniga E.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The result of the terrestrial laser scanning is an impressive number of spatial points, each of them being characterized as position by the X, Y and Z co-ordinates, by the value of the laser reflectance and their real color, expressed as RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values. The color code for each LIDAR point is taken from the georeferenced digital images, taken with a high resolution panoramic camera incorporated in the scanner system. In this article I propose a new algorithm for the semiautomatic texture generation, using the color information, the RGB values of every point that has been taken by terrestrial laser scanning technology and the 3D surfaces defining the buildings facades, generated with the Leica Cyclone software. The first step is when the operator defines the limiting value, i.e. the minimum distance between a point and the closest surface. The second step consists in calculating the distances, or the perpendiculars drawn from each point to the closest surface. In the third step we associate the points whose 3D coordinates are known, to every surface, depending on the limiting value. The fourth step consists in computing the Voronoi diagram for the points that belong to a surface. The final step brings automatic association between the RGB value of the color code and the corresponding polygon of the Voronoi diagram. The advantage of using this algorithm is that we can obtain, in a semi-automatic manner, a photorealistic 3D model of the building.
THE EARTH OBSERVATION TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER
Authors: Aplin P. , Boyd D. S. , Danson F. M. , Donoghue D. N. M. , Ferrier G. , Galiatsatos N. , Marsh A. , Pope A. , Ramirez F. A. , Tate N. J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The Earth Observation Technology Cluster is a knowledge exchange initiative, promoting development, understanding and communication about innovative technology used in remote sensing of the terrestrial or land surface. This initiative provides an opportunity for presentation of novel developments from, and cross-fertilisation of ideas between, the many and diverse members of the terrestrial remote sensing community. The Earth Observation Technology Cluster involves a range of knowledge exchange activities, including organisation of technical events, delivery of educational materials, publication of scientific findings and development of a coherent terrestrial EO community. The initiative as a whole covers the full range of remote sensing operation, from new platform and sensor development, through image retrieval and analysis, to data applications and environmental modelling. However, certain topical and strategic themes have been selected for detailed investigation: (1) Unpiloted Aerial Vehicles, (2) Terrestrial Laser Scanning, (3) Field-Based Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy, (4) Hypertemporal Image Analysis, and (5) Circumpolar and Cryospheric Application. This paper presents general activities and achievements of the Earth Observation Technology Cluster, and reviews state-of-the-art developments in the five specific thematic areas.
THE AFRICAN GEOSPATIAL SCIENCES INSTITUTE (AGSI): A NEW APPROACH TO GEOSPATIAL TRAINING IN NORTH AFRICA
Authors: Oeldenberger S. , Khaled K. B.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The African Geospatial Sciences Institute (AGSI) is currently being established in Tunisia as a non-profit, non-governmental organization (NGO). Its objective is to accelerate the geospatial capacity development in North-Africa, providing the facilities for geospatial project and management training to regional government employees, university graduates, private individuals and companies. With typical course durations between one and six months, including part-time programs and long-term mentoring, its focus is on practical training, providing actual project execution experience. The AGSI will complement formal university education and will work closely with geospatial certification organizations and the geospatial industry. In the context of closer cooperation between neighboring North Africa and the European Community, the AGSI will be embedded in a network of several participating European and African universities, e. g. the ITC, and international organizations, such as the ISPRS, the ICA and the OGC. Through a close cooperation with African organizations, such as the AARSE, the RCMRD and RECTAS, the network and exchange of ideas, experiences, technology and capabilities will be extended to Saharan and sub-Saharan Africa. A board of trustees will be steering the AGSI operations and will ensure that practical training concepts and contents are certifiable and can be applied within a credit system to graduate and post-graduate education at European and African universities. The geospatial training activities of the AGSI are centered on a facility with approximately 30 part- and full-time general staff and lecturers in Tunis during the first year. The AGSI will operate a small aircraft with a medium-format aerial camera and compact LIDAR instrument for local, community-scale data capture. Surveying training, the photogrammetric processing of aerial images, GIS data capture and remote sensing training will be the main components of the practical training courses offered, to build geospatial capacity and ensure that AGSI graduates will have the appropriate skill-sets required for employment in the geospatial industry. Geospatial management courses and high-level seminars will be targeted at decision makers in government and industry to build awareness for geospatial applications and benefits. Online education will be developed together with international partners and internet-based activities will involve the public to familiarize them with geospatial data and its many applications.
HIGHER EDUCATION IN BALKAN REGION AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE EARTH OBSERVATION
Authors: Lisec A. , Fras M. K.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The needs for spatial data as well as techniques of Earth Observation are changing, and new professional areas are developing very rapidly. In addition, scientific work and its connection with the teaching process have influenced the introduction of new cognitions into the higher education programs in general. Considering these facts, in the period shorter than one decade, the higher education institutions in the Balkan region, which have study programs in the fields of spatial data acquisition, analysis and spatial decisions, have made significant changes of the curricula. In our research, we have analyzed the current higher education programs in the Balkan region having focused on curricula related to the Earth Observation. Due to historical reasons, these curricula have its roots in surveying study programs in the most Balkan countries. The competences of classical surveying higher educational programs have been changing and nowadays include the wider area of spatial data acquisition, geoinformatics. In parallel, we present the current Earth Observation activities in the selected countries from the Balkan region. Based on the results of our research in the framework of the European program Observe, which aims to establish a new Balkan Earth Observation (EO) community of multilevel stakeholders that will make use of state of the art technological developments, products and knowhow from the existing European EO community and industry, we estimate the contribution of advanced higher educational programs to the Earth Observation activities in the selected countries.
ACTIVITIES OF ASIAN STUDENTS AND YOUNG SCIENTISTS ON PHOTOGRAMMETRY AND REMOTE SENSING
Authors: Miyazaki H. , Lo C.-Y. , Cho K.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. This paper reports a history and future prospects of the activities by Asian students and young scientists on photogrammetry and remote sensing. For future growths of academic fields, active communications among students and young scientists are indispensable. In some countries and regions in Asia, local communities are already established by youths and playing important roles of building networks among various schools and institutes. The networks are expected to evolve innovative cooperations after the youths achieve their professions. Although local communities are getting solid growth, Asian youths had had little opportunities to make contacts with youths of other countries and regions. To promote youth activities among Asian regions, in 2007, Asian Association on Remote Sensing (AARS) started a series of programs involving students and young scientists within the annual conferences, the Asian Conference on Remote Sensing (ACRS). The programs have provided opportunities and motivations to create networks among students and young scientists. As a result of the achievements, the number of youth interested and involved in the programs is on growing. In addition, through the events held in Asian region by ISPRS Student Consortium (ISPRSSC) and WG VI/5, the Asian youths have built friendly partnership with ISPRSSC. Currently, many Asian youth are keeping contacts with ACRS friends via internet even when they are away from ACRS. To keep and expand the network, they are planning to establish an Asian youth organization on remote sensing. This paper describes about the proposals and future prospects on the Asian youth organization.
VISUAL TOUR BASED ON PANAROMIC IMAGES FOR INDOOR PLACES IN CAMPUS
Authors: Bakirman T.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. In this paper, it is aimed to create a visual tour based on panoramic images for Civil Engineering Faculty in Yildiz Technical University. For this purpose, panoramic images should be obtained. Thus, photos taken with a tripod to have the same angle of view in every photo and panoramic images were created with stitching photos. Two different cameras with different focal length were used. With the panoramic images, visual tour with navigation tools created.
IDENTIFICATION OF LAND COVER IN THE PAST USING INFRARED IMAGES AT PRESENT
Authors: Šafář V. , Ždímal V.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Czech landscape is an old residential area used by humans since ancient times. People have influenced it since their arrival and various activities in different periods create landscape layers called a palimpsest. Land Cover of one location could have changed several times. The most important reason is meandering and subsequent straightening of rivers, deforestation, relocation and change in soil layers. These changes in the past affected the present management and it is important to identify them. A suitable tool for the determination of different sites is remote sensing in the infrared spectrum, which monitors changes in the vegetation with the support of archival materials. After identifying the different places you can search the archival materials, how the land cover looked in the past. There have been used these archival materials: maps II. and III. military mapping, basic maps and other maps and historical orthophotomap. Czech Republic has a national archive of aerial photographs with aerial photographs from the thirties of the last century maintained by MGHO Dobruska. A comparative analysis of Land Cover shows the increases and decreases in agricultural land, changes in communication line elements, forest losses and increases, comparing the legal and actual status of the forest boundaries and their changes over time, changes in the built areas and links to the surrounding countryside. Land Cover of this study was created primarily with a visual interpretation of each area with their vectorization and assigning attributes to these areas and then comparing each of archival materials.
MODELING SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF A RARE AND ENDANGERED PLANT SPECIES (Brainea insignis) IN CENTRAL TAIWAN
Authors: Wang W.-C. , Lo N.-J. , Chang W.-I , Huang K.-Y.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. With an increase in the rate of species extinction, we should choose right methods that are sustainable on the basis of appropriate science and human needs to conserve ecosystems and rare species. Species distribution modeling (SDM) uses 3S technology and statistics and becomes increasingly important in ecology. Brainea insignis (cycad-fern, CF) has been categorized a rare, endangered plant species, and thus was chosen as a target for the study. Five sampling schemes were created with different combinations of CF samples collected from three sites in Huisun forest station and one site, 10 km farther north from Huisun. Four models, MAXENT, GARP, generalized linear models (GLM), and discriminant analysis (DA), were developed based on topographic variables, and were evaluated by five sampling schemes. The accuracy of MAXENT was the highest, followed by GLM and GARP, and DA was the lowest. More importantly, they can identify the potential habitat less than 10% of the study area in the first round of SDM, thereby prioritizing either the field-survey area where microclimatic, edaphic or biotic data can be collected for refining predictions of potential habitat in the later rounds of SDM or search areas for new population discovery. However, it was shown unlikely to extend spatial patterns of CFs from one area to another with a big separation or to a larger area by predictive models merely based on topographic variables. Follow-up studies will attempt to incorporate proxy indicators that can be extracted from hyperspectral images or LIDAR DEM and substitute for direct parameters to make predictive models applicable on a broader scale.
POST-CLASSIFICATION APPROACH BASED ON GEOSTATISTICS TO REMOTE SENSING IMAGES : SPECTRAL AND SPATIAL INFORMATION FUSION
Authors: Yao N. , Zhang J. X. , Lin Z. J. , Ren C. F.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Classification of remote sensing imagery provides an inexpensive yet efficient approach to land cover mapping. In supervised image classification, training samples are collected through certain sampling schemes, which are used to derive classification rules, aiming for adequate accuracy for the applications at hand. However, in conventional classification methods, the potential of training samples in terms of locational information is not tapped further, confounding the classification accuracy to the limited separability inherent to the given input feature vector. This paper explores two methods pertaining to geostatistics, i.e., simple kriging with local mean and cokriging, to predict class occurrences based on training samples' indicator transforms (location and classes) and spectrally derived class probabilities, thus calibrating the a posterior class probability vectors derived from initial spectral classification. The results showed that classification accuracy is significantly increased by these two methods for utilizing spatial information contained in training samples and initial spectral classification, compared with those obtainable with spectral classification. Moreover, the proposed methods constitute a valuable strategy for making fuller use of information residing in training data for improving spectrally derived classification, which is independent of the specific classifiers initially adopted for image classification.
FOREST RESOURCES STUDY IN MONGOLIA USING ADVANCED SPATIAL TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Amarsaikhan D. , Saandar M. , Battsengel V. , Amarjargal Sh.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The aim of this study is to conduct a forest resources study using optical and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite images. For this purpose, a forest-dominated site around the Lake Khuvsgul located in northern Mongolia is selected. As remote sensing (RS) data sources, panchromatic and multispectral Landsat 7 images as well as ALOS PALSAR L-band HH polarization data are used. To produce a reliable land cover map from the multisensor images, a novel refined maximum likelihood classification based on the spectral and spatial thresholds are applied and for the accuracy assessment an overall accuracy is used. Overall, the research demonstrates that advanced spatial technologies based on optical and microwave RS are reliable tools for different forest studies.
ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES ANALYSIS IN BUCHAREST CITY USING CORONA, SPOT HRV AND IKONOS IMAGES
Authors: Noaje I. , Sion I. G.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Bucharest, capital of Romania, deals with serious difficulties as a result of urban politics: influx of people due to industrialization and development of dormitory areas, lack of a modern infrastructure, absence of coherent and long term urban development politics, continuous depletion of environment. This paper presents a multisensor study relying on multiple data sets, both analogical and digital: satellite images (Corona – 1964 panchromatic, SPOT HRV – 1994 multispctral and panchromatic, IKONOS – 2007 multispectral), aerial photographs – 1994, complementary products (topographic and thematic maps). Georeferenced basis needs to be generated to highlight changes detection. The digital elevation model is generated from aerial photography 1:5,000 scaled, acquired in 1994. First a height correction is required followed by an affine transformation to the ground control points identified both in aerial photographs and IKONOS image. SPOT-HRV pansharpened satellite image has been rectified on georeferenced IKONOS image, by an affine transformation method. The Corona panoramic negative film was scanned and rubber sheeting method is used for rectification. The first 25 years of the study period (1964–1989) are characterized by growth of industrial areas, high density apartment buildings residential areas and leisure green areas by demolition of cultural heritage areas (hundred years old churches and architectural monuments). Changes between the imagery were determined partially through visual interpretation, using elements such as location, size, shape, shadow, tone, texture, and pattern (Corona image), partially using unsupervised classification (SPOT HRV and IKONOS). The second period of 18 years (1989–2007) highlighted considerable growth of residential areas in the city neighborhood, simultaneously with the diminish of green areas and massive deforestation in confiscated areas before and returned to the original owners.
GLACIER SURFACE MONITORING BY MAXIMIZING MUTUAL INFORMATION
Authors: Erten E. , Rossi C. , Hajnsek I.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. The contribution of Polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PolSAR) images compared with the single-channel SAR in terms of temporal scene characterization has been found and described to add valuable information in the literature. However, despite a number of recent studies focusing on single polarized glacier monitoring, the potential of polarimetry to estimate the surface velocity of glaciers has not been explored due to the complex mechanism of polarization through glacier/snow. In this paper, a new approach to the problem of monitoring glacier surface velocity is proposed by means of temporal PolSAR images, using a basic concept from information theory: Mutual Information (MI). The proposed polarimetric tracking method applies the MI to measure the statistical dependence between temporal polarimetric images, which is assumed to be maximal if the images are geometrically aligned. Since the proposed polarimetric tracking method is very powerful and general, it can be implemented into any kind of multivariate remote sensing data such as multi-spectral optical and single-channel SAR images. The proposed polarimetric tracking is then used to retrieve surface velocity of Aletsch glacier located in Switzerland and of Inyltshik glacier in Kyrgyzstan with two different SAR sensors; Envisat C-band (single polarized) and DLR airborne L-band (fully polarimetric) systems, respectively. The effect of number of channel (polarimetry) into tracking investigations demonstrated that the presence of snow, as expected, effects the location of the phase center in different polarization, such as glacier tracking with temporal HH compared to temporal VV channels. Shortly, a change in polarimetric signature of the scatterer can change the phase center, causing a question of how much of what I am observing is motion then penetration. In this paper, it is shown that considering the multi-channel SAR statistics, it is possible to optimize the separate these contributions.
CONSTRUCTION OF DISASTER PREVENTION MAP BASED ON DIGITAL IMAGERY
Authors: Yun H.-C. , Kim J.-B. , Lee J.-S. , Kang I.-J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. As global warming and has caused the number of abnormal changes, lots of damage has arisen recently due to natural disaster. To prevent and cope with these annually repeated natural hazards, the disaster management is required including the systematic management. Currently the national and related agencies are producing the flood hazard map and flood e map in case of disaster management and recovery, and coping with the disaster using them for building recovery plan, grasping disaster status and cause analysis. The hazard map is the one which indicates the calamity danger districts including the degree of risk in general and called the degree of disaster risk map or disaster expectation map and it means the map which marks the hazard zones by estimating the areas to coping with the natural disaster in the inclusive concept. Now that such hazard map should be understood easily from the place of the person concerned in the disaster, the production of new type of map which can be easily understood visually rather than the map by diagram. In this study, new concept disaster prevention map based on digital image and disaster attribute information was constructed. The various disaster information such as the areas of inundation of river, submergence and landslip caused by severe rain storm and typhoon is marked in the hazard information map, and the rescue route and refuge area are also marked by setting the damage-expected areas. The disaster prevention map is able to support quick decision making for disaster management and resident education.
AERIAL TERRAIN MAPPING USING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE APPROACH
Authors: Tahar K. N.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. This paper looks into the latest achievement in the low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technology in their capacity to map the semi-development areas. The objectives of this study are to establish a new methodology or a new algorithm in image registration during interior orientation process and to determine the accuracy of the photogrammetric products by using UAV images. Recently, UAV technology has been used in several applications such as mapping, agriculture and surveillance. The aim of this study is to scrutinize the usage of UAV to map the semi-development areas. The performance of the low cost UAV mapping study was established on a study area with two image processing methods so that the results could be comparable. A non-metric camera was attached at the bottom of UAV and it was used to capture images at both sites after it went through several calibration steps. Calibration processes were carried out to determine focal length, principal distance, radial lens distortion, tangential lens distortion and affinity. A new method in image registration for a non-metric camera is discussed in this paper as a part of new methodology of this study. This method used the UAV Global Positioning System (GPS) onboard to register the UAV image for interior orientation process. Check points were established randomly at both sites using rapid static Global Positioning System. Ground control points are used for exterior orientation process, and check point is used for accuracy assessment of photogrammetric product. All acquired images were processed in a photogrammetric software. Two methods of image registration were applied in this study, namely, GPS onboard registration and ground control point registration. Both registrations were processed by using photogrammetric software and the result is discussed. Two results were produced in this study, which are the digital orthophoto and the digital terrain model. These results were analyzed by using the root mean square errors and mean absolute error to determine the level of accuracy and the precision of photogrammetric products. It can be concluded that the new method of image registration by using the GPS onboard of the UAV produces medium accuracy result compared to the method that uses the ground control point. This new method can be used for the medium accuracy requirements. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle can be used for several applications, which requires a medium accuracy.
FULL WAVEFORM LIDAR EXPLOITATION TECHNIQUE AND ITS EVALUATION IN THE MIXED FOREST HILLY REGION
Authors: Chhatkuli S. , Mano K. , Kogure T. , Tachibana K. , Shimamura H.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. In this paper a full waveform exploitation technique and its evaluation in the mixed forest hilly region is presented. The increment in ground penetration by using the full waveform exploitation technique compared to the discrete LiDAR pulses during autumn and winter season is evaluated. The results showed that the technique used for the full waveform exploitation has effectively increased the ground penetration by 50 % and 20 %, respectively, during autumn and winter in the mixed forest hilly region compared to the discrete return pulses. The accuracy test of the LiDAR derived terrain model constructed from the discrete LiDAR pulses and full waveform LiDAR pulses obtained during autumn and winter has also been performed. The RMSE of the LiDAR derived DTM with 1m grid size constructed from the discrete LiDAR pulses obtained during autumn and winter were 0.73 m and 0.22 m respectively. Likewise, the RMSE of the LiDAR derived DTM constructed from the full waveform LiDAR pulses obtained during autumn and winter were 0.59 m and 0.21 m respectively. The results also showed that by using full waveform return pulses, DTM constructed for both seasons were improved compared to the DTM generated from discrete LiDAR pulses.
SURFACE TEMPERATURE ESTIMATION OF GANGOTRI GLACIER USING THERMAL REMOTE SENSING
Authors: Anul Haq M. , Jain K. , Menon K. P. R.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Land surface temperature (LST) is important factor in global climate change studies, for estimating radiation into heat balance studies and as a control for climate change models. The knowledge of surface temperature is important to a range of issues and themes in earth sciences, climate change and human interactions with environment. In this investigation an attempt has been made to estimate surface temperature from ASTER and Landsat Thermal Band data for the Gangotri Glacier. ASTER and Landsat Calibration had been performed to convert digital numbers to exoatmospheric radiance using published post-launch gains and offsets. The exoatmospheric radiance is then converted to surface radiance by applying the Emissivity Normalization method, assuming the emissivity of the Investigation area is constant (0.97, the emissivity of glacier ice). The surface temperature is then extracted from the surface radiance. Based on images from Oct 1990, 2001 and 2010 mean temperatures of 15.763, 15.893 and 17.154 respectively, are inferred. The extracted temperature data were compared to observed temperatures and showed a good correlation, with differences of 1–2oc.The variability of these retrieved Land surface Temperatures has been investigated with respect snout point, ELA and highest point of Gangotri Glacier determined from the Landsat visible bands and ASTER DEM. The emissivity per pixel is retrieved directly from satellite data and has been estimated as narrow band emissivity at the satellite sensor channel in order to minimize the errors in the land surface temperature estimation of study area.
COASTAL CURRENTS MONITORING USING RADAR SATELLITES BASED ON WAVE TRACKING APPROACH
Authors: Abedini A. , Aghamohamadnia M. , Sharifi M. , Farzaneh S.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Use of high resolution radar imagery for coastal currents monitoring has been known as an active topic in several research institutions. In this study, we demonstrate a new method for coastal currents monitoring based on current tracking by deformed wave reconstruction. The magnitude and shape of the echoes (or waveforms) hold information regarding the surface characteristics that can be described analytically. Accordingly from this shape, several parameters can be construed, by comparing the real waveform with the theoretical curve. Safety in coastal zones containing coastal engineering for construction of ports, marine structures, beach erosion, natural hazards, and environmental problems are the issues related to hydrodynamic studies of currents, waves, and winds. Therefore, monitoring of coastal currents is very important .The ability of the internet to accompany our results to track past and near real-time movements of every coastal waters for monitoring is appropriate. Surface Current Mapping is utilized using an interface to radar altimetry data derived surface currents. Then Data access is available in a number of formats and protocols such as Google Earth KML and so on. In this study Jason1 satellite data has been used as input data for assessing the coastal environment.
HYDROPERIOD CLASSIFICATION OF CERVANTES COOLIMBA COASTAL WETLANDS USING LANDSAT TIME SERIES IMAGERY
Authors: van Dongen R. J. , Behn G. A. , Coote M. , Shanahan A. , Setiawan H.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Geomorphic classification of wetlands relies on information regarding landform and hydroperiod. Additional attributes of wetland size, vegetation cover and salinity can be collected for lower order classification. Hydroperiod is important in determining features that characterize the ecological function of the wetland. This study examines how Landsat time series imagery was used to describe the hydroperiod of wetlands along the coastal zone between Cervantes to Coolimba in Western Australia. Inundation extent maps were derived using 17, Landsat Band 5 images captured between 1988 and 2011. The number of times a wetland basin was more than 10 % inundated was then calculated. This inundation frequency dataset was then the basis for hydroperiod classification. Wetlands were classified as being permanently inundated if they had more than 10% inundation in 12 or more of the 17 images available (approximately 70%). A Landsat image captured 2 weeks prior to field work was used to determine Band 5 thresholds to identify areas of inundation and assess classification accuracy. Field measurements of surface water cover, depth, secchi depth, vegetation cover and salinity were taken across 16 plots located close to inundation boundaries. The accuracy of the inundation maps was highly dependent on the degree of vegetation cover. Mapping accuracy was heavily influenced by vegetation cover and achieved an overall accuracy of 87.5%. The resulting hydroperiod datasets provides an accurate record of inundation frequency which can be used to aid classification of wetlands and also allows changes to inundation frequency over time to be assessed.
MAPPING THERMAL HABITAT OF ECTOTHERMS BASED ON BEHAVIORAL THERMOREGULATION IN A CONTROLLED THERMAL ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Fei T. , Skidmore A. , Liu Y.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Thermal environment is especially important to ectotherm because a lot of physiological functions rely on the body temperature such as thermoregulation. The so-called behavioural thermoregulation function made use of the heterogeneity of the thermal properties within an individual's habitat to sustain the animal's physiological processes. This function links the spatial utilization and distribution of individual ectotherm with the thermal properties of habitat (thermal habitat). In this study we modelled the relationship between the two by a spatial explicit model that simulates the movements of a lizard in a controlled environment. The model incorporates a lizard's transient body temperatures with a cellular automaton algorithm as a way to link the physiology knowledge of the animal with the spatial utilization of its microhabitat. On a larger spatial scale, 'thermal roughness' of the habitat was defined and used to predict the habitat occupancy of the target species. The results showed the habitat occupancy can be modelled by the cellular automaton based algorithm at a smaller scale, and can be modelled by the thermal roughness index at a larger scale.
SEDIMENT YIELD ESTIMATION AND PRIORITIZATION OF WATERSHED USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS
Authors: Vemu S. , Pinnamaneni U. B.
Published: August 2012

Abstract. Soil erosion is the greatest destroyer of land resources in Indravati catchment. It carries the highest amount of sediment compared to other catchment in India. This catchment spreading an area of 41,285 square km is drained by river Indravati, which is one of the northern tributaries of the river Godavari in its lower reach. In the present study, USLE is used to estimate sediment yield at the outlet of river Indravati catchment. Both magnitude and spatial distribution of potential soil erosion in the catchment is determined. From the model output predictions, it is found that average erosion rate predicted is 18.00 tons/ha/year and sediment yield at the out let of the catchment is 22.31 Million tons per year. The predicted sediment yield verified with the observed data. The Indravathi basin is divided into 424 sub-watersheds and prioritization of all 424 sub-watersheds is carried out according to soil loss intensity for soil conservation purpose. Generated soil loss map will be useful to soil conservationist and decision makers for watershed management. Overall 19.71 % of the area is undergoing high erosion rates which are a major contributor to the sediment yield (78.04 %) in the catchment. This area represents high-priority area for management in order to reduce soil losses, which are mostly found in upstream of the catchment. It is indicated that the areas of high soil erosion can be accounted for in terms of steep unstable terrain, and the occurrence of highly erodible soils and low vegetation cover.
The Articular Surface Replacement Implant Recall: A United Kingdom District Hospital Experience
Authors: Whitwell George S. , Shine Ashokan , Young Steve K.
Published: August 2012

We present our experience of the articular surface replacement (ASR) hip and the implant recall process. One hundred and twenty-one ASR components were implanted (21 resurfacing hip arthroplasty (RHA) and 100 ASR/XL modular total hip replacements). At the time of the implant recall in August 2010 there were 111 surviving hips (92%) with a mean follow-up of 44 months. Nine hips had been revised and one had been listed for revision surgery. Ninety-two percent of surviving implants were reviewed in the recall clinics, and blood metal ion levels or ultrasound scans were indicated in 38 hips (34%). Immediately after the recall process seven hips (6 ASR/XL and 1 RHA) were listed for revision and a further 9 were kept under close surveillance. One year after completion of the recall process 23 hips (19 ASR/XL and 4 RHA's) had been revised. A diagnosis of adverse reaction to metal debris (ARMD) was made at surgery in all but two hips. Our current revision rate for ASR RHA is 19% (mean follow-up 62 months, range 29–80) and for the ASR/XL is 19% (mean follow-up 53 months, range 10–80). The 5-year cumulative survival rates with revision for any reason for the ASR/XL, was 80.8% (95% confidence interval 72.0 – 89.5). Given experience elsewhere we expect this rate may increase significantly with time.
Loss to Followup: A Major Challenge to Successful Implementation of Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV-1 Programs in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Kalembo Fatch W. , Zgambo Maggie
Published: July 2012

Purpose. The purpose of this paper was to explore how loss to followup (LFTU) has affected the successful implementation of prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV-1 (PMTCT) programs in sub-Saharan Africa. Methods. We conducted an electronic search from the following databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJs), and PyscINFO. Additional searches were made in WHO, UNAIDS, UNICEF, Google, and Google scholar websites for (1) peer-reviewed published research, (2) scientific and technical reports, and (3) papers presented on scientific conferences. Results. A total of 678 articles, published from 1990 to 2011, were retrieved. Only 44 articles met our inclusion criteria and were included in the study. The rates of LTFU of mother-child pairs ranged from 19% to 89.4 in the reviewed articles. Health facility factors, fear of HIV-1 test, stigma and discrimination, home deliveries and socioeconomic factors were identified as reasons for LTFU. Conclusion. There is a great loss of mother-child pairs to follow up in PMTCT programs in sub-Saharan Africa. There is need for more research studies to develop public health models of care that can help to improve followup of mother-child pairs in PMTCT programs in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Sexual compatibility of the olive cultivar ‘Kalamata’ assessed by paternity analysis
Authors: Seifi E. , Guerin J. , Kaiser B. , Sedgley M.
Published: August 2012

Paternity analysis was used to assess the self-incompatibility of the olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivar ‘Kalamata’ and to identify some compatible pollenisers under a Mediterranean-type climate. Eight microsatellite markers were used for genotyping three ‘Kalamata’ mother trees, 120 embryos, and all potential pollen donors. The identified alleles were analysed using FaMoz software and showed that ‘Kalamata’ was highly self-incompatible. Only three ‘Kalamata’ embryos were assigned to ‘Kalamata’ self-fertilisation, even though it was the most available pollen donor. The alleles were also analysed using NTSYS-pc (version 2.02 k) software and identified 54 potential pollen donors in the study site; however, not all of them were located within the effective pollination distance of the mother trees (30 m in olive). According to the results of this study, ‘Kalamata’ (as a host) was compatible with ‘Barnea’, ‘Benito’, and ‘Katsourela’ (six ‘Kalamata’ embryos assigned in each) but incompatible with ‘Arbequina’, ‘Azapa’, and ‘Picual’ (zero ‘Kalamata’ embryos assigned in each). The olive growers could use some of these compatible pollenisers with ‘Kalamata’ to guarantee good fruit set.
Using a customized search engine to address low health literacy: a program description
Authors: Jurczyk Eva
Published: August 2012

In the provision of health information, it is the structure as much as the content of an information source that can influence a patient's ability to understand and act upon medical guidance. Canada has a commitment to providing equal, quality health care to all citizens, but a barrier to this equality has emerged as health information has gone online. This paper discusses the online information retrieval system in a patient library in a Canadian hospital, the barrier that this system created in connecting patients with health information, and how resources were reorganized to more equitably meet the needs of patients. The example of one information retrieval system provides a new frame through which to evaluate the organization of electronic information in health care settings.
Differentiation of Malignant Melanoma From Benign Nevus Using a Novel Genomic Microarray With Low Specimen Requirements
Authors: Chandler Wells M. , Rowe Leslie R. , Florell Scott R. , Jahromi Mona S. , Schiffman Joshua D. , South Sarah T.
Published: July 2012

Context.—Histologic examination of clinically suspicious melanocytic lesions is very sensitive and specific for the detection of malignant melanoma. Yet, the malignant potential of a small percentage of melanocytic lesions remains histologically uncertain. Molecular testing offers the potential to detect the genetic alterations that lead to malignant behavior without overt histologic evidence of malignancy.

Objective.—To differentiate benign melanocytic nevi from malignant melanoma and to predict the clinical course of melanocytic lesions with ambiguous histology using a novel genomic microarray.

Design.—We applied a newly developed single-nucleotide polymorphism genomic microarray to formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded melanocytic lesions to differentiate benign nevi (n  =  23) from malignant melanoma (n  =  30) and to predict the clinical course of a set of histologically ambiguous melanocytic lesions (n  =  11).

Results.—For cases with unambiguous histology, there was excellent sensitivity and specificity for identifying malignant melanoma with this genomic microarray (89% sensitivity, 100% specificity). For cases with ambiguous histology, the performance of this genomic microarray was less impressive.

Conclusions.—Without microdissection and with quantities of DNA one-tenth what is required for more commonly used microarrays, this microarray can differentiate between malignant melanoma and benign melanocytic nevi. For histologically ambiguous lesions, longer clinical follow-up is needed to confidently determine the sensitivity and specificity of this microarray. Some of the previous technical hurdles to the clinical application of genomic microarray technology are being overcome, and the advantages over targeted fluorescence in situ hybridization assays currently in clinical use are becoming apparent.
Re-Irradiation: Outcome, Cumulative Dose and Toxicity in Patients Retreated with Stereotactic Radiotherapy in the Abdominal or Pelvic Region
Authors: Abusaris Huda , Hoogeman M. , Nuyttens Joost J.
Published: July 2012

The purpose of the present study was to explore the outcome, cumulative dose in tumor and organs at risk and toxicity after extra-cranial stereotactic re-irradiation. Twenty-seven patients were evaluated who had been re-irradiated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) after conventional radiotherapy (CRT). The dose summation of the SBRT and CRT plans was done by dose point calculations accounting for fraction size by the linear-quadratic model. Efficacy and toxicity was scored by looking at the reduction in tumor size, pain and bleeding. Symptomatic response was observed in 96% of the patients. The median maximum SBRT dose to the tumor was 90 Gy3 (range: 42–420 Gy3). The median cumulative dose for the rectum, bowel and bladder resulted in 104 Gy3, 98 Gy3 and 113 Gy3, respectively. No grades 5, 4 and 3 acute and late toxicity was observed. In conclusion: re-irradiation to the same region using extra-cranial stereotactic radiotherapy is feasible and resulted in a 96% symptomatic response with low toxicity.
Self‐assembly of Cytotoxic Peptide Amphiphiles into Supramolecular Membranes for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Zha R. Helen , Sur Shantanu , Stupp Samuel I.
Published: July 2012

Peptide amphiphiles (PAs) provide a versatile platform for the design of complex and functional material constructs for biomedical applications. The hierarchical self‐assembly of PAs with biopolymers is used to create robust hybrid membranes with molecular order on the micron scale. Fabrication of membranes by assembling hyaluronic acid with positively charged PA nanostructures containing anti‐cancer PAs bearing a (KLAKLAK)2 peptide sequence is reported here. Changes in membrane microstructure as the positively charged PA nanostructures vary from cylindrical nanofibers to spherical aggregates are characterized. Results indicate that formation of highly aligned fibrous membranes requires a threshold concentration of nanofibers in solution. Additionally, variation of PA nanostructure morphology from spherical aggregates to cylindrical nanofibers allows membranes to act either as reservoirs for sustained release of cytotoxicity upon enzymatic degradation or as membranes with surface‐bound cytotoxicity, respectively. Thus, the self‐assembly processes of these PA‐biopolymer membranes can be potentially used to design delivery platforms for anti‐cancer therapeutics.
Identification of Sites of Sympathetic Outflow During Concurrent Recordings of Sympathetic Nerve Activity and fMRI
Authors: Henderson Luke A. , James Cheree , Macefield Vaughan G.
Published: July 2012

The sympathetic division of the nervous system is critical for maintaining both resting arterial pressure and for producing changes in regional perfusion required by behavioral state changes. A primary determinant of arterial pressure is the level of vasoconstriction within skeletal muscle. It is well established that there is a tight relationship between dynamic changes in arterial pressure and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) through the workings of the baroreflex. While the central circuitry underlying the baroreflex has been extensively investigated in anesthetized experimental animals, few studies have investigated the central circuitry responsible for the baroreflex in awake human subjects. Recently we were the first to record concurrently MSNA (using microneurography) and brain activity (using functional magnetic resonance imaging) in awake humans in a series of experiments designed to determine the central circuitry underlying the baroreflex in humans. We confirmed that the baroreflex involves activity changes within the nucleus tractus solitarius, caudal ventrolateral, and rostral ventrolateral medulla. Because conditions such as essential hypertension, obesity, and obstructive sleep apnea are all characterized by significant increases in resting MSNA, it is important to understand both brainstem and cortical sites involved in regulating resting levels of MSNA. Future investigations which define cortical sites involved in generating and modulating MSNA are important if we are to understand the underlying mechanisms of many conditions characterized by hypertension. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Location of the Major Ascending and Descending Spinal Cord Tracts in all Spinal Cord Segments in the Mouse: Actual and Extrapolated
Authors: Watson Charles , Harrison Megan
Published: July 2012

Information on the location of the major spinal cord tracts in the mouse is sparse. We have collected published data on the position of these tracts in the mouse and have used data from other mammals to identify the most likely position of tracts for which there is no mouse data. We have plotted the position of six descending tracts (corticospinal, rubrospinal, medial and lateral vestibulospinal, rostral and caudal reticulospinal) and eight ascending tracts (gracile; cuneate; postsynaptic dorsal columns; dorsolateral, lateral, and anterior spinothalamic; dorsal and ventral spinocerebellar) on diagrams of transverse sections of all mouse spinal cord segments from the first cervical to the third coccygeal segment. Anat Rec, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measurements of the Molar Volumes of Liquid Cs  Au Alloys
Authors: Kempf A. , Schmutzler R. W.
Published: July 2012

The paper reports on a method for density measurements, which has been used to measure the densities of liquid Cs  Au alloys up to 800°C. Strong deviations from ideal mixing behaviour have been observed in this system: The excess volume is negative and reaches at 650°C its maximum value of −22.1 cm3/mol near to the stoichiometric composition CsAu, where the mean molar volume is 27.8 cm3/mol. The partial molar volumes of Cs and Au are evaluated from the concentration dependence of the mean molar volume of the mixtures, giving values as large as − 100 cm3/mol for the partial molar volume of Au at low gold concentrations. The concentration dependence of the partial molar volumes is discussed in connection with the transition from metallic to ionic electrical transport in these alloys.
The Reversible Hydration of Carbonyl Compounds in Aqueous Solution. Part I, The Keto/Gem‐diol Equilibrium
Authors: Buschmann Hans‐Jürgen , Füldner Hans‐Hagen , Knoche Wilhelm
Published: July 2012

The equilibrium constants of hydration (given in parenthesis) have been determined for the aliphatic aldehydes acetaldehyde (1.2), propionaldehyde (1.24), butyraldehyde (0.58), Pentanal (0.34), and hexanal (0.41), for the halogenated acetones chloracetone (0.091), fluoroacetone (0.167), and 1,1,1‐trifluoroacetone (35), and for the 1,2‐dicarbonyl compounds 2,3‐butanedione (2.1) and 2,3‐pentanedione (1.7). Comparing the constants shows, that the equilibrium of hydration of carbonyl compounds is determined mainly by the inductive effects of the substituents.