Selecting the geology filter wavelengths for the ExoMars Panoramic Camera Instrument

The Panoramic Camera (PanCam) instrument will provide surface remote sensing data for the ExoMars mission. A combination of wide-angle stereo, multispectral, and high resolution imagery will generate contextual geological information to help inform which scientific targets should be selected for drilling and analysis. One component of the PanCam dataset is narrowband multispectral imaging in the visible to near infrared, which utilises a dedicated set of 12 “geology” filters of predetermined wavelength and bandwidth to view the terrain, and provide information on composition and putative mineralogy. The centre wavelengths and bandwidths of these filters were optimised to account for the highly diverse mineralogical terrains the ExoMars rover will hopefully encounter. Six new alternative test filter sets were created, each optimised for the detection of either: sulfates, phyllosilicates, ferric oxides, mafic silicates, iron absorptions, and minor hydration absorptions. These six filter sets were cross-tested using database mineral reflectance spectra and Mars analogue rock multispectral data to find the best performing filter set. Once selected, the bandwidths of this filter set were also optimised. The filter set optimised to ferric oxide minerals was able to most accurately represent rock multispectral data, as well as capture subtle spectral features of hydrated minerals, including sulfates, phyllosilicates, and carbonates. These filters differ from those used on past missions (e.g., Pathfinder, Mars Exploration Rover) and represent the next evolutionary stage in PanCam instrument development. When compared to past filter sets, the updated ExoMars filters capture rock and mineral spectral data more effectively, enhancing the ability of the ExoMars PanCam to detect lithological and compositional variation within an outcrop

Astrobiological Considerations for the Selection of the Geological Filters on the ExoMars PanCam Instrument

The Panoramic Camera (PanCam) instrument will provide visible–near IR multispectral imaging of the ExoMars rover's surroundings to identify regions of interest within the nearby terrain. This multispectral capability is dependant upon the 12 preselected “geological” filters that are integrated into two wide-angle cameras. First devised by the Imager for Mars Pathfinder team to detect iron oxides, this baseline filter set has remained largely unchanged for subsequent missions (Mars Exploration Rovers, Beagle 2, Phoenix) despite the advancing knowledge of the mineralogical diversity on Mars. Therefore, the geological filters for the ExoMars PanCam will be redesigned to accommodate the astrobiology focus of ExoMars, where hydrated mineral terrains (evidence of past liquid water) will be priority targets. Here, we conduct an initial investigation into new filter wavelengths for the ExoMars PanCam and present results from tests performed on Mars analog rocks. Two new filter sets were devised: one with filters spaced every 50 nm (“F1-12”) and another that utilizes a novel filter selection method based upon hydrated mineral reflectance spectra (“F2-12”). These new filter sets, along with the Beagle 2 filter set (currently the baseline for the ExoMars PanCam), were tested on their ability to identify hydrated minerals and biosignatures present in Mars analog rocks. The filter sets, with varying degrees of ability, detected the spectral features of minerals jarosite, opaline silica, alunite, nontronite, and siderite present in these rock samples. None of the filter sets, however, were able to detect fossilized biomat structures and small (<2 mm) mineralogical heterogeneities present in silica sinters. Both new filter sets outperformed the Beagle 2 filters, with F2-12 detecting the most spectral features produced by hydrated minerals and providing the best discrimination between samples. Future work involving more extensive testing on Mars analog samples that exhibit a wider range of mineralogies would be the next step in carefully evaluating the new filter sets

Developing a congregational health needs assessment: Lessons learned from using a participatory research approach

Background: Health needs assessments help congregations identify issues of importance to them and the communities they serve. Few tools exist, with little known about the processes needed to develop such tools. Objective: Develop a congregational health needs assessment tool and implementation protocol with community, health-care, and academic partners. Methods: Meetings began in August 2018 to develop the Mid-South Congregational Health Needs Survey (MSCHS) and implementation protocol. Pilot testing occurred in December 2018 and feedback from 95 churches was used in modifications. Results: The MSCHS includes: demographics section, a 36-item health index, and the congregation’s top five needs. The implementation protocol includes steps for working with congregation leadership to identify members to complete the survey. Conclusions: Cross-disciplinary partnerships made the creation of the MSCHS and implementation protocol pos-sible. Successes include long-term engagement across partnership sectors, organizational “buy-in,” and development of a common language. These lessons can help others wanting to develop successful multi-sector partnerships

Congregational health needs by key demographic variables: Findings from a congregational health needs assessment tool

Health needs assessments identify important issues to be addressed and assist organizations in prioritizing resources. Using data from the Mid-South Congregational Health Survey, top health needs (physical, mental, social determinants of health) were identified, and differences in needs by key demographic variables (age, sex, race/ethnicity, education) were examined. Church leaders and members (N = 828) from 92 churches reported anxiety/depression (65 %), hypertension/stroke (65 %), stress (62 %), affordable healthcare (60 %), and overweight/obesity (58 %) as the top health needs in their congregations. Compared to individuals \u3c 55 years old and with a college degree, individuals ≥ 55 years old (ORrange=1.50–1.86) and with ≤ high school degree (ORrange=1.55–1.91) were more likely to report mental health needs (anxiety/depression; stress). African Americans were less likely to report physical health needs (hypertension/stroke; overweight/obesity) than individuals categorized as Another race/ethnicity (ORrange=0.38–0.60). Individuals with ≤ high school degree were more likely to report affordable healthcare as a need compared to individuals with some college or a college degree (ORrange=1.58). This research highlights the need for evaluators and planners to design programs that are comprehensive in their approach to addressing the health needs of congregations while also considering demographic variation that may impact program participation and engagement

Developing a congregational health needs assessment: Lessons learned from using a participatory research approach

Background: Health needs assessments help congregations identify issues of importance to them and the communities they serve. Few tools exist, with little known about the processes needed to develop such tools. Objective: Develop a congregational health needs assessment tool and implementation protocol with community, health-care, and academic partners. Methods: Meetings began in August 2018 to develop the Mid-South Congregational Health Needs Survey (MSCHS) and implementation protocol. Pilot testing occurred in December 2018 and feedback from 95 churches was used in modifications. Results: The MSCHS includes: demographics section, a 36-item health index, and the congregation’s top five needs. The implementation protocol includes steps for working with congregation leadership to identify members to complete the survey. Conclusions: Cross-disciplinary partnerships made the creation of the MSCHS and implementation protocol pos-sible. Successes include long-term engagement across partnership sectors, organizational “buy-in,” and development of a common language. These lessons can help others wanting to develop successful multi-sector partnerships