Advanced photogrammetry to assess lichen colonization in the hyper-arid Namib Desert

The hyper-arid central region of the Namib Desert is characterized by quartz desert pavement terrain that is devoid of vascular plant covers. In this extreme habitat the only discernible surface covers are epilithic lichens that colonize exposed surfaces of quartz rocks. These lichens are highly susceptible to disturbance and so field surveys have been limited due to concerns about disturbing this unusual desert feature. Here we present findings that illustrate how non-destructive surveys based upon advanced photogrammetry techniques can yield meaningful and novel scientific data on these lichens. We combined ‘structure from motion analysis,’ computer vision and GIS to create 3-dimensional point clouds from two-dimensional imagery. The data were robust in its application to estimating absolute lichen cover. An orange Stellarangia spp. assemblage had coverage of 22.8% of available substrate, whilst for a black Xanthoparmelia spp. assemblage coverage was markedly lower at 0.6% of available substrate. Hyperspectral signatures for both lichens were distinct in the near-infra red range indicating that Xanthoparmelia spp. was likely under relatively more moisture stress than Stellarangia spp. at the time of sampling, and we postulate that albedo effects may have contributed to this in the black lichen. Further transformation of the data revealed a colonization preference for west-facing quartz surfaces and this coincides with prevailing winds for marine fog that is the major source of moisture in this system. Furthermore, a three-dimensional ‘fly through’ of the lichen habitat was created to illustrate how the application of computer vision in microbiology has further potential as a research and education tool. We discuss how advanced photogrammetry could be applied in astrobiology using autonomous rovers to add quantitative ecological data for visible surface colonization on the surface of Mars.AdLR thanks the support of the grant CTM2015-64728-C2-2-R from the Spanish Ministry of Economy, Industry and Competitiveness.http://www.frontiersin.org/Microbiologyam2017Genetic

The Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems in Marine Mammal Research

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly referred to as drones, are finding applications in several ecological research areas since remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) technology has ceased to be a military prerogative. Fixed-wing RPA have been tested for line transect aerial surveys of geographically dispersed marine mammal species. Despite many advantages, their systematic use is far from a reality. Low altitude, long endurance systems are still highly priced. Regulatory bodies also impose limitations while struggling to cope with UAS rapid technological evolution. In contrast, small vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAS have become increasingly affordable but lack the flight endurance required for long-range aerial surveys. Although this issue and civil aviation regulations prevent the use of VTOL UAS for marine mammal abundance estimation on a large scale, recent studies have highlighted other potential applications. The present note represents a general overview on the use of UAS as a survey tool for marine mammal studies. The literature pertaining to UAS marine mammal research applications is considered with special concern for advantages and limitations of the survey design. The use of lightweight VTOL UAS to collect marine mammal behavioral data is also discussed

NIOSH bibliography of communication and research products 2016

Faced with persistent and emerging health risks in 2016, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) continued its mission to develop and transfer into practice new knowledge about occupational safety and health. Challenges NIOSH faced in 2016 included coal worker\ue2\u20ac\u2122s pneumoconiosis, or black lung disease. Black lung disease cases reached historic lows in the 1990s after the Coal Mine Health and Safety Act became law in 1969 and was amended in 1977. Recent years, however, have seen rising numbers of current and former coal miners diagnosed with the disease. Other diseases became emerging risks for workers in 2016, including Zika virus and the debilitating lung disease obliterative bronchiolitis, which may be a risk for people who work in the coffee processing industry. Throughout the year, NIOSH translated these and other research priorities into informative communication and research products, promoting occupational safety and health for all workers.Suggested citation: NIOSH [2017]. NIOSH bibliography of communication and research products 2016. By Blank A, Fendinger S, Hornback D, Lechliter J. Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2017\ue2\u2c6\u2019140.Journal Articles -- Book or Book Chapters -- NIOSH Numbered Publications -- Proceedings -- Abstracts -- Control Technology Reports -- Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation Reports -- Fire Fighter Fatality Investigation and Prevention Reports -- Hazard Evaluation Reports -- Author Index -- National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA) Index