Heuristics‐enhanced geospatial machine learning (SaaS) of an ancient Mediterranean environment

Raw soil core physical data used in machine learning algorithms with corresponding spatial remotely sensed data is an emerging science. Using data derived from soil core samples previously collected in Universal Transverse Mercator zone 50 (Western Australia) and remotely sensed data, a model that predicted ground movement (GM) was developed specific to Australian Standards manual AS 1726–2017. This is the first approach for Australian soils and first in the world for soils older than 200 million yr. The model developed reliably predicted GM with 91.1% accuracy. The error obtained from the prediction is within acceptable limits currently used by engineers in calculations concerning soil classification for engineering purposes. Concerning the remotely sensed data analyzed, accuracy of the Atterberg limits method might be improved if additional information about soil structure (layering and horizon) or other variables (seasonal data) are built into this model. This model can be used to save on construction material costs, reduce the potential for human error associated with data collection and sample manipulation, but also fast-track (by up to 6 wk based on current wait times) building approvals while ensuring compliance to the relevant legislation. This platform also reduces the environmental effects of invasive drilling techniques. A requirement within principles of sustainable building practices, and associated with current standards commonly used by structural engineers who may seek better understanding of soil properties in Australia as a software service (with application potential in North America)

Passive acoustic monitoring of baleen whales in Geographe Bay, Western Australia

Baleen whales were monitored in Geographe Bay, Western Australia between 2008 and 2011 using passive acoustics. We aimed to monitor migratory timing through Geographe Bay, characterise whale vocalizations, and estimate detection ranges of vocalising whales in different background noise conditions. The results indicated that humpback and blue whales migrated through Geographe Bay every year, however the frequency and timing of their vocalisations varied among years. Humpback whale songs changed in composition among years, but most energy was consistently between 200-500 Hz. Blue whale calls were those of the eastern Indian Ocean pygmy blue whale with low quasi-tonal sounds with harmonics ranging from 20-100 Hz and variable down-sweep impulses with frequencies decreasing from ~100 Hz to ~20 Hz. No significant changes in calls were observed among years. Based on a range independent propagation model, the detection range for vocalising pygmy blue whales was estimated to be between 6-8 km, and for humpback whales ~20-30 km. The prevalence of high levels of noise from vessel traffic affected the detection range significantly for passive acoustic monitoring, and would have also affected the capacity for whales to communicate and perceive important cues in their environment

Non-song vocalizations of pygmy blue whales in Geographe Bay, Western Australia.

Non-song vocalizations of migrating pygmy blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus brevicauda) in Western Australia are described. Simultaneous land-based visual observations and underwater acoustic recordings detected 27 groups in Geographe Bay, WA over 2011 to 2012. Six different vocalizations were recorded that were not repeated in a pattern or in association with song, and thus were identified as non-song vocalizations. Five of these were not previously described for this population. Their acoustic characteristics and context are presented. Given that 56% of groups vocalized, 86% of which produced non-song vocalizations and 14% song units, the inclusion of non-song vocalizations in passive-acoustic monitoring is proposed

Mitigation measures to reduce entanglements of migrating whales with commercial fishing gear

The West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery (WCRLMF) transitioned to a quota based fishery, and year-round fishing, which corresponded with a spike in whale entanglements in 2013. This presented industry with a challenging social issue, to reduce entanglements without impacting on the financial benefits that the shift to year-round quota fishing had afforded

Anales de Edafología y Agrobiología Tomo 32 Número 9-10

Aportaciones para un mejor conocimiento de los suelos desarrollados sobre materiales calizos consolidados, por J. L. Moreno Alvarez y T. Badorrey Peracho.-- Estudio biológico y químico de Erica umbellata L., por M. Consolación Salas, Antonio Ballester y Ernesto Vieitez.--Contenido en metales de la nitrito reductasa del alga Chlorella, por J. Cárdenas, F. D. Pineda, F. F. de la Rosa, J. L. Barea y J. Rivas.-- Andosuelos de la provincia de Gerona. I. Estudio de sustancias minerales amorfas, por J. Rodríguez Sanchidrián y F Monturiol Rodríguez.-- Minerales de la arcilla en suelos de la provincia de Granada, por J. L. Martín Vivaldi, E. Galán Huertos y F. López Aguayo.-- Influence of foliar application of macro-nutrient on the plant growth and rnultiplication of viruses. I. Foliar application of nitrogen nutrient to tomato and its effect on host growth and potato virus X multiplication, by Rajendra Singh and Tej Pratap Mall.-- Heterodera Schachtii Schmidt, 1871 (Nematoda: Heteroderidae) en los suelos de las Islas Canarias, por A. Bello y Mª. D. Romero.-- Utiliización de una nueva fórmula de cálculo para la evaporación de Piché en regiones húmedas de España, por Jesús Seco, Angela Calvo y José Garmendía.-- Contribución al estudio de la técnica de Walkley y Black para la determinación de carbono orgánico de suelos, por Luisa Prat Pérez y Benito Sánchez.-- Estudio de la dinámica del crecimiento del limón en el sureste español, por O. Carpena, F. Romojaro, C. Alearaz y S. Llorente.-- Efecto de la aplicación de acetileno y ácido 2-cloroetilfosfónico sobre la fructificación y cosecha del olivo, por A. J. Sánchez-Raya, J. P. Donaire y L. Recalde.—Notas científicas.-- Estudio de fosfatasa ácida en plantas de A tropa belladona L. recogidas en otoño, por M. R. Felipe Antón y N. Velázquez Sánchez.—Notas.-- Nombramiento de Presidente del C. S. I. C.-- Constitución de la nueva Junta de Gobierno del Patronato Alonso de Herrera.-- Nombramiento de Consejeros de Número.-- Nombramiento de Consejeros Adjuntos.-- Designación del Comité Nacional de la Unión Internacional de Investigaciones sobre el Cuaternario.-- Rector de la Universidad de La Laguna.-- Distinción al Pro f. Zorita.-- European Grassland Federation (5th General Meeting).-- Reuniones nacionales.-- 1ª Reunión Nacional del Grupo de Trabajo del Cuaternario.-- Laboratorio de Micromorfología de Suelos.-- Próximo Congreso de Micromorfología.-- Reunión en La Mayora.-- BibliografíaPeer reviewed2019-08.- CopyBook.- Libnova.- Biblioteca ICA

Assessment of the Use of Geographically Weighted Regression for Analysis of Large On-Farm Experiments and Implications for Practical Application

On-farm experimentation (OFE) is a farmer-centric process that can enhance the adoption of digital agriculture technologies and improve farm profitability and sustainability. Farmers work with consultants or researchers to design and implement experiments using their own machinery to test management practices at the field or farm scale. Analysis of data from OFE is challenging because of the large spatial variation influenced by spatial autocorrelation that is not due to the treatment being tested and is often much larger than treatment effects. In addition, the relationship between treatment and yield response may also vary spatially. We investigate the use of geographically weighted regression (GWR) for analysis of data from large on-farm experiments. GWR estimates local regressions, where data are weighted by distance from the site using a distance-decay kernel. It is a simple approach that can be easily explained to farmers and their agronomic advisors. We use simulated data to test the ability of GWR to separate yield variation due to treatment from any underlying spatial variation in yield that is not due to treatment; show that GWR kernel bandwidth can be based on experimental design to accurately separate the underlying spatial variability from treatment effects; and demonstrate a step-wise model selection approach to determine when the response to treatment is global across the experiment or locally varying. We demonstrate our recommended approach on two large-scale experiments conducted on farms in Western Australia to investigate grain yield response to potassium fertiliser. We discuss the implications of our results for routine practical application to OFE and conclude that GWR has potential for wide application in a semi-automated manner to analyse OFE data, improve farm decision-making, and enhance the adoption of digital technologies

Effects of soluble fiber (Plantago ovata husk) on plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins in men with ischemic heart disease

Background: New dietary strategies to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk include the addition of fiber to the diet. The effect of soluble-fiber consumption derived from Plantago ovata husk on lipid risk factors in patients with CVD is unknown. Objective: We compared the effects of soluble fiber (P. ovata husk) with those of insoluble fiber (P. ovata seeds) on plasma lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein (apo) concentrations within a CVD secondary prevention program. Design: In a randomized, crossover, controlled, single-blind design, 28 men with CVD (myocardial infarction or stable angina) and an LDL-cholesterol concentration ≤3.35 mmol/L consumed for 8 wk, under controlled conditions, a low-saturated-fat diet supplemented with 10.5 g P. ovata husk/d or 10.5 g P. ovata seeds/d. Fasting plasma lipid concentrations and polymorphisms of genes involved in lipid metabolism, such as apo A-IV, apo E, and fatty acid–binding protein, were measured. Results: Plasma triacylglycerol decreased (6.7%; P < 0.02), the ratio of apo B 100 to apo A-I decreased (4.7%; P < 0.02), and apo A-I increased (4.3%; P < 0.01) in the P. ovata husk consumers. Compared with the intake of insoluble fiber, the intake of P. ovata husk increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations by 6.7% (P = 0.006) and decreased the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol and of LDL to HDL cholesterol by 10.6% (P = 0.002) and 14.2% (P = 0.003), respectively. Conclusion: In the secondary prevention of CVD, P. ovata husk intake induces a more beneficial effect on the cardiovascular lipid risk-factor profile than does an equivalent intake of insoluble fiber

Fish choruses off Port Hedland, Western Australia

Australian waters are home to a number of vocal species of fish. Cataloguing the acoustic characteristics and temporal patterns of choruses and their locations can provide significant information for long-term monitoring of vocal fishes and their ecosystems. In coastal waters off Port Hedland, Western Australia, two seafloor positioned sea-noise loggers, located 21.5 km apart in 8 and 18 m of water, recorded for an 18-month period. Numerous sound sources were detected, including mooring and vessel noise, humpback whale song and a large variety of fish signal types. Seven fish choruses were identified, occurring predominantly between late spring and early autumn (wet season) and displaying energy from 50 Hz to >4 kHz. Many of these choruses exhibited acoustic characteristics similar to choruses previously reported elsewhere, for some of which the source species or families have been identified. Distinct diurnal patterns in the choruses were observed, associated with sunrise or sunset and in some cases, both. While choruses were predominantly recorded on different days, there were at total of 80 days when more than one chorus was present at the same site. Some pairs of choruses present on the same day exhibited various combinations of temporal and frequency partitioning, while others displayed predominant overlap in both spaces

Effects of soluble fiber (Plantago ovata husk) on plasma lipids, lipoproteins, and apolipoproteins in men with ischemic heart disease

Background: New dietary strategies to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk include the addition of fiber to the diet. The effect of soluble-fiber consumption derived from Plantago ovata husk on lipid risk factors in patients with CVD is unknown. Objective: We compared the effects of soluble fiber (P. ovata husk) with those of insoluble fiber (P. ovata seeds) on plasma lipid, lipoprotein, and apolipoprotein (apo) concentrations within a CVD secondary prevention program. Design: In a randomized, crossover, controlled, single-blind design, 28 men with CVD (myocardial infarction or stable angina) and an LDL-cholesterol concentration ≤3.35 mmol/L consumed for 8 wk, under controlled conditions, a low-saturated-fat diet supplemented with 10.5 g P. ovata husk/d or 10.5 g P. ovata seeds/d. Fasting plasma lipid concentrations and polymorphisms of genes involved in lipid metabolism, such as apo A-IV, apo E, and fatty acid–binding protein, were measured. Results: Plasma triacylglycerol decreased (6.7%; P < 0.02), the ratio of apo B 100 to apo A-I decreased (4.7%; P < 0.02), and apo A-I increased (4.3%; P < 0.01) in the P. ovata husk consumers. Compared with the intake of insoluble fiber, the intake of P. ovata husk increased HDL-cholesterol concentrations by 6.7% (P = 0.006) and decreased the ratio of total to HDL cholesterol and of LDL to HDL cholesterol by 10.6% (P = 0.002) and 14.2% (P = 0.003), respectively. Conclusion: In the secondary prevention of CVD, P. ovata husk intake induces a more beneficial effect on the cardiovascular lipid risk-factor profile than does an equivalent intake of insoluble fiber