17,065 research outputs found
Technology utilization
Documentation is presented for selected transfer and impact reports provided to the business community, government agencies, and such other requestors as schools, universities, and health services. Statistical data are also included on the characteristics of the TUSC technical searches
Ariel - Volume 3 Number 4
Editors
Richard J. Bonanno
Robin A. Edwards
Associate Editors
Steven Ager
Tom Williams
Lay-out Editor
Eugenia Miller
Contributing Editors
Paul Bialas
Robert Breckenridge
Lynne Porter
David Jacoby
Terry Burt
Mark Pearlman
Michael Leo
Mike LeWitt
Editors Emeritus
Delvyn C. Case, Jr.
Paul M. Fernhof
Predator avoidance in extremophile fish
Extreme habitats are often characterized by reduced predation pressures, thus representing refuges for the inhabiting species. The present study was designed to investigate predator avoidance of extremophile populations of Poecilia mexicana and P. sulphuraria that either live in hydrogen sulfide-rich (sulfidic) springs or cave habitats, both of which are known to have impoverished piscine predator regimes. Focal fishes that inhabited sulfidic springs showed slightly weaker avoidance reactions when presented with several naturally occurring predatory cichlids, but strongest differences to populations from non-sulfidic habitats were found in a decreased shoaling tendency with non-predatory swordtail (Xiphophorus hellerii) females. When comparing avoidance reactions between P. mexicana from a sulfidic cave (Cueva del Azufre) and the adjacent sulfidic surface creek (El Azufre), we found only slight differences in predator avoidance, but surface fish reacted much more strongly to the non-predatory cichlid Vieja bifasciata. Our third experiment was designed to disentangle learned from innate effects of predator recognition. We compared laboratory-reared (i.e., predator-naïve) and wild-caught (i.e., predator-experienced) individuals of P. mexicana from a non-sulfidic river and found no differences in their reaction towards the presented predators. Overall, our results indicate (1) that predator avoidance is still functional in extremophile Poecilia spp. and (2) that predator recognition and avoidance reactions have a strong genetic basis
Development of a fusion adaptive algorithm for marine debris detection within the post-Sandy restoration framework
Recognition of marine debris represent a difficult task due to the extreme variability of the marine environment, the possible targets, and the variable skill levels of human operators. The range of potential targets is much wider than similar fields of research such as mine hunting, localization of unexploded ordnance or pipeline detection. In order to address this additional complexity, an adaptive algorithm is being developing that appropriately responds to changes in the environment, and context.
The preliminary step is to properly geometrically and radiometrically correct the collected data. Then, the core engine manages the fusion of a set of statistically- and physically-based algorithms, working at different levels (swath, beam, snippet, and pixel) and using both predictive modeling (that is, a high-frequency acoustic backscatter model) and phenomenological (e.g., digital image processing techniques) approaches. The expected outcome is the reduction of inter-algorithmic cross-correlation and, thus, the probability of false alarm. At this early stage, we provide a proof of concept showing outcomes from algorithms that dynamically adapt themselves to the depth and average backscatter level met in the surveyed environment, targeting marine debris (modeled as objects of about 1-m size).
The project relies on a modular software library, called Matador (Marine Target Detection and Object Recognition)
No Water, No Energy. No Energy, No Water.
Deloitte Center for Energy Solutions urges businesses to consider the consequences of upward trends in water and energy demand and be prepared with strategies for water stewardship. The report points out that in addition to risk management being a motivator, improved supply chain efficiencies, consumer perceptions, and profitability can result from comprehensive water strategies. Understanding that water is not a free good and considering the interdependence between various stakeholders are key to grasping the consequences of the water energy nexus and acting appropriately
Coral Reef Electronic Chart Initiative, Protecting Corals, Saving Ships
The Office of Coast Survey, NOAA is conducting a pilot project in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary to convert existing coral, marine protected areas (MPA) and other marine GIS information into a format suitable for use with shipboard Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). Specifically, existing data will be converted into Marine Information Objects (MIOs) conforming to IHO S-57 data standards that become a supplemental information layer to be used with Electronic Navigational Charts (ENC) in ECDIS. The project goal is to strengthen marine resource conservation by bringing critical coral, MPA, and other environmental protection-related information to the marine r. This effort will also contribute to an initiative by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) to incorporate nautical chart symbology for coral reefs and MPAs. In particular, designated areas will be symbolized as Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas (PSSAs). This project involves a number of stakeholders (e.g., mariners, hydrographers, conservationists, scientists, and resource managers) who are interested in both safety of navigation and marine environmental conservation
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