title: Improving photo searching interfaces for small-screen mobile computers

authors: Patel, Dynal

subjects: computer science

abstract: In this paper, we conduct a thorough investigation of how people search their photo collections for events (a set of photographs relating to a particular well defined event), singles (individual photographs) and properties (a set of photographs with a common theme) on PDAs. We describe a prototype system that allows us to expose many issues that must be considered when designing photo searching interfaces. We discuss each of these issues and make recommendations where applicable. Our major observation is that several different methods are used to locate photographs. In light of this, we conclude by discussing how photo searching interfaces might embody or support such an approach.

text: Improving photo searching interfaces for small-screen mobile computers In this paper, we conduct a thorough investigation of how people search their photo collections for events (a set of photographs relating to a particular well defined event), singles (individual photographs) and properties (a set of photographs with a common theme) on PDAs. We describe a prototype system that allows us to expose many issues that must be considered when designing photo searching interfaces. We discuss each of these issues and make recommendations where applicable. Our major observation is that several different methods are used to locate photographs. In light of this, we conclude by discussing how photo searching interfaces might embody or support such an approach.

year: 2006

title: Locating whitebait (Galaxias argenteus) eggs via canine scent detection

authors: Cooper, Ashlee Jane

subjects: Dog

abstract: The New Zealand whitebait fishery consists of five species of Galaxiidae fish and constitutes a culturally important commercial and recreational resource for New Zealand. Despite efforts by the Department of Conservation and regional councils, there has been a significant decline in whitebait over the past several decades, with three of the five whitebait species (īnanga, giant kōkopu, kōaro) now classified as 'declining’ and one (shortjaw kōkopu) considered ‘threatened’. Adult fish spawn on riparian vegetation near river mouths during spring tides, the eggs then develop aerially until the following spring tide when they hatch, and the larvae disperse into coastal estuaries. Anthropogenic activities such as flood management, vegetation removal and reduced water quality have led to widespread loss of suitable spawning habitat. Identification of spawning habitat is a key aspect to conserving whitebait species. However, visual surveys for spawning sites are time consuming and spawning areas difficult to predict, as most species do not return to the same spawning site each year. Scent-detection dogs may provide an efficient and effective way of locating whitebait nests, allowing increased protection of spawning areas against disturbance. Four dogs were trained to reliably detect and discriminate giant kōkopu (Galaxias argenteus) eggs from garden snail (Cantareus aspersus) eggs, grass, and blank (no scent) samples within a laboratory-based line-up with a high level of accuracy (≥90% hit rate and ≤10% false alarm rate). Progressing from this, one dog worked on scent line-ups outdoors and demonstrated the ability to reliably detect giant kōkopu eggs (≥90% hit rate and ≤10% false alarm rate), with increasing environmental complexity, as a progression towards application of these dogs for whitebait egg detection in the field. This research provides an opportunity to further explore the use of dogs to detect whitebait spawning sites in the field, potentially providing a new tool for whitebait conservation in New Zealand.

text: Locating whitebait (Galaxias argenteus) eggs via canine scent detection The New Zealand whitebait fishery consists of five species of Galaxiidae fish and constitutes a culturally important commercial and recreational resource for New Zealand. Despite efforts by the Department of Conservation and regional councils, there has been a significant decline in whitebait over the past several decades, with three of the five whitebait species (īnanga, giant kōkopu, kōaro) now classified as 'declining’ and one (shortjaw kōkopu) considered ‘threatened’. Adult fish spawn on riparian vegetation near river mouths during spring tides, the eggs then develop aerially until the following spring tide when they hatch, and the larvae disperse into coastal estuaries. Anthropogenic activities such as flood management, vegetation removal and reduced water quality have led to widespread loss of suitable spawning habitat. Identification of spawning habitat is a key aspect to conserving whitebait species. However, visual surveys for spawning sites are time consuming and spawning areas difficult to predict, as most species do not return to the same spawning site each year. Scent-detection dogs may provide an efficient and effective way of locating whitebait nests, allowing increased protection of spawning areas against disturbance. Four dogs were trained to reliably detect and discriminate giant kōkopu (Galaxias argenteus) eggs from garden snail (Cantareus aspersus) eggs, grass, and blank (no scent) samples within a laboratory-based line-up with a high level of accuracy (≥90% hit rate and ≤10% false alarm rate). Progressing from this, one dog worked on scent line-ups outdoors and demonstrated the ability to reliably detect giant kōkopu eggs (≥90% hit rate and ≤10% false alarm rate), with increasing environmental complexity, as a progression towards application of these dogs for whitebait egg detection in the field. This research provides an opportunity to further explore the use of dogs to detect whitebait spawning sites in the field, potentially providing a new tool for whitebait conservation in New Zealand.

year: 2021

title: Evaluation of land in Wairoa District for potential horticultural development

authors: Rau, Johnathon Taukiri

subjects: land suitability

abstract: The Wairoa District, on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand has less horticultural development than areas to the north and south. The objective of this study was to provide information to help inform landowners who may wish to invest in horticulture which could improve the economic situation of the district.
Field work involving local scale climate mapping and soil characterisation of areas with potential for horticulture in Wairoa District was completed in 2017. Constructed climate and topographical maps with existing soil maps were evaluated against known crop growth requirements to produce crop potential maps identifying areas with potential for crop production. Horticultural crops included in this study include kiwifruit, apples, cherries. Alternative crops include hemp and poppies.
Between mid-April – 31 October 2017, 45 portable iButton temperature loggers were deployed throughout Land Use Capability classes 1-3 in the Wairoa District and were set to record hourly temperature. When regressed against nearby climate stations, long term (18 -26 years) temperature datasets were derived from the short term iButton datasets. MODIS satellite images were also analysed to help identify areas prone to frost. From the long-term datasets local scale chill hour, growing degree days and October frost risk maps were constructed for the Wairoa District. For the central area from Wairoa to Frasertown, chill hours were estimated to range between 600 – 900, growing degree days 1300 – 1400 and October frost risk less than 25%.
From four representative soil types, horizon samples were taken to determine the soils physical properties including each horizons Total Available Water Holding Capacity (TAWHC). Horizon TAWHC for each soil type were summed to give TAWHC to 1 meter which along with 21 years of estimated daily rainfall and potential evapotranspiration were used in a soil water balance model to estimate seasonal crop irrigation requirements. Irrigation estimates for kiwifruit compared well against published values ranging between mean 204 – 247 mm.
The crop potential maps with seasonal crop irrigation estimates can enhance a land owner’s ability to make informed decisions resulting in economic benefit to whanau, community and the Wairoa District.

text: Evaluation of land in Wairoa District for potential horticultural development The Wairoa District, on the East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand has less horticultural development than areas to the north and south. The objective of this study was to provide information to help inform landowners who may wish to invest in horticulture which could improve the economic situation of the district.
Field work involving local scale climate mapping and soil characterisation of areas with potential for horticulture in Wairoa District was completed in 2017. Constructed climate and topographical maps with existing soil maps were evaluated against known crop growth requirements to produce crop potential maps identifying areas with potential for crop production. Horticultural crops included in this study include kiwifruit, apples, cherries. Alternative crops include hemp and poppies.
Between mid-April – 31 October 2017, 45 portable iButton temperature loggers were deployed throughout Land Use Capability classes 1-3 in the Wairoa District and were set to record hourly temperature. When regressed against nearby climate stations, long term (18 -26 years) temperature datasets were derived from the short term iButton datasets. MODIS satellite images were also analysed to help identify areas prone to frost. From the long-term datasets local scale chill hour, growing degree days and October frost risk maps were constructed for the Wairoa District. For the central area from Wairoa to Frasertown, chill hours were estimated to range between 600 – 900, growing degree days 1300 – 1400 and October frost risk less than 25%.
From four representative soil types, horizon samples were taken to determine the soils physical properties including each horizons Total Available Water Holding Capacity (TAWHC). Horizon TAWHC for each soil type were summed to give TAWHC to 1 meter which along with 21 years of estimated daily rainfall and potential evapotranspiration were used in a soil water balance model to estimate seasonal crop irrigation requirements. Irrigation estimates for kiwifruit compared well against published values ranging between mean 204 – 247 mm.
The crop potential maps with seasonal crop irrigation estimates can enhance a land owner’s ability to make informed decisions resulting in economic benefit to whanau, community and the Wairoa District.

year: 2018