From leave scale to tree scale: which structural parameters influence a simulated full- waveform large-footprint LiDAR signal?

SilviLaser 2015, La Grande Motte, FRA, 28-/09/2015 - 30/09/2015International audienceWe explored the impact of tree structural parameters on spatial LiDAR signal. We created detailed virtual representations of forest scenes that we subsequently altered structurally and geometrically. We simulated a large-footprint LiDAR signal on the virtual scenes. Alteration of forest scenes impacted the metrics extracted from the backscattered waveforms up to a 136.4% difference

From leave scale to tree scale: which structural parameters influence a simulated full- waveform large-footprint LiDAR signal?

SilviLaser 2015, La Grande Motte, FRA, 28-/09/2015 - 30/09/2015International audienceWe explored the impact of tree structural parameters on spatial LiDAR signal. We created detailed virtual representations of forest scenes that we subsequently altered structurally and geometrically. We simulated a large-footprint LiDAR signal on the virtual scenes. Alteration of forest scenes impacted the metrics extracted from the backscattered waveforms up to a 136.4% difference

The need for international terminology and definitions for texture-modified foods and thickened liquid used in dysphagia management: foundations of a global initiative

Conservative estimates suggest that dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) affects approximately 8 % of the world's population. Dysphagia is associated with malnutrition, dehydration, chest infection and potentially death. While promising treatments are being developed to improve function, the modification of food texture and liquid thickness has become a cornerstone of dysphagia management. Foods are chopped, mashed or puréed to compensate for chewing difficulties or fatigue, improve swallowing safety and avoid asphyxiation. Liquids are typically thickened to slow their speed of transit through the oral and pharyngeal phases of swallowing, to avoid aspiration of material into the airway and improve transit to the esophagus. Food texture and liquid modification for dysphagia management occurs throughout the world. However, the names, the number of levels of modification and characteristics vary within and across countries. Multiple labels increase the risk to patient safety. National standardization of terminology and definitions has been promoted as a means to improve patient safety and inter-professional communication. This article documents the need for international standardized terminology and definitions for texture-modified foods and liquids for individuals with dysphagia. Furthermore, it documents the research plan and foundations of a global initiative dedicated to this purpose

Capsis: an open software framework and community for forest growth modelling

Context :Forest scientists build models to simulate stand growth and forests dynamics. Dedicated computer tools are often developed to implement these models in order to run silvicultural scenarios and explore simulation results. Aims Our objective was to encourage software reuse and simplify model implementation. Methods The scheme was to develop a framework and methodology allowing to simplify the implementation, integration, simulation and comparison of forest models by providing a set of common and standard tools. Results Capsis provides an open and modular software architecture based on various components, allowing to run forest growth simulations and display the results. The benefits of this framework are shown with the Samsara2 model, an individual-based and spatialised tree model. Capsis has been used successfully in many similar projects. In addition, the Capsis methodology defines how developers, modellers and end-users may interact. Conclusion The Capsis framework facilitates collaborative and shared software development. Moreover, it is a powerful way to support scientific animation in the frame of forest science