Utility of a scanning densitometer in analyzing remotely sensed imagery

The utility of a scanning densitometer for analyzing imagery in the NASA Lewis Research Center's regional remote sensing program was evaluated. Uses studied include: (1) quick-look screening of imagery by means of density slicing, magnification, color coding, and edge enhancement; (2) preliminary category classification of both low- and high-resolution data bases; and (3) quantitative measurement of the extent of features within selected areas. The densitometer was capable of providing fast, convenient, and relatively inexpensive preliminary analysis of aerial and satellite photography and scanner imagery involving land cover, water quality, strip mining, and energy conservation

Assessment of satellite and aircraft multispectral scanner data for strip-mine monitoring

The application of LANDSAT multispectral scanner data to describe the mining and reclamation changes of a hilltop surface coal mine in the rugged, mountainous area of eastern Kentucky is presented. Original single band satellite imagery, computer enhanced single band imagery, and computer classified imagery are presented for four different data sets in order to demonstrate the land cover changes that can be detected. Data obtained with an 11 band multispectral scanner on board a C-47 aircraft at an altitude of 3000 meters are also presented. Comparing the satellite data with color, infrared aerial photography, and ground survey data shows that significant changes in the disrupted area can be detected from LANDSAT band 5 satellite imagery for mines with more than 100 acres of disturbed area. However, band-ratio (bands 5/6) imagery provides greater contrast than single band imagery and can provide a qualitative level 1 classification of the land cover that may be useful for monitoring either the disturbed mining area or the revegetation progress. However, if a quantitative, accurate classification of the barren or revegetated classes is required, it is necessary to perform a detailed, four band computer classification of the data

Internet and e-Commerce Use by Agribusiness Firms: 2004

In 2001, the dot.com bubble burst and U.S. e-commerce growth slowed. Slower e-commerce growth may signal changes in the use and perceptions of the Internet and e-commerce in agribusiness companies. Agribusiness firm managers were surveyed in 2004 to identify agribusiness use of the Internet and e-commerce and to solicit their perceptions about the Internet and e-commerce. The survey was developed from a similar survey conducted in 1999. In 2004, agribusiness firms were using e-commerce more with their suppliers than with their customers. Perceptions regarding Internet and e-commerce varied by the intensity of e-commerce use. Given the variety of opinions regarding the Internet and e-commerce, e-commerce capabilities in the agribusiness industry will remain highly diverse in the near term.agribusiness, e-commerce, Internet, Agribusiness, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

ADOPTION OF E-COMMERCE STRATEGIES FOR AGRIBUSINESS FIRMS

This paper analyzes the factors guiding Internet and e-commerce implementation by agribusiness firms. The relationship between Internet/e-commerce strategies and manager perceptions on the barriers and factors to e-commerce adoption are analyzed in a supply-chain management framework. Using factor analysis and an ordered Probit model, results indicate that the implementation of Internet/e-commerce strategies is more likely to be adopted in larger firms with a global scope. Also, manager perceptions regarding supply-chain functions influencing transaction costs are more strongly associated with Internet/e-commerce adoption than other functions influencing production costs.e-commerce, supply-chain, transaction costs, factor analysis, order Probit, Agribusiness, Marketing,

E-Business and Distribution Channel Strategies in Agribusiness Industries

The explosion of e-business activity presents many challenges to manufacturers, distributors, and dealers as they select a distribution channel for the delivery of products, services, and information. The expected growth in Internet sales by agribusiness firms is analyzed to provide insight into the selection of an e-business distribution channel. Agribusiness firm managers were surveyed regarding the application and perceived impacts of e-business activity on their firm's operations. Firm characteristics and manager perceptions regarding the impact of e-business activity were analyzed descriptively and in regression analysis to understand the drivers of expected Internet sales growth. Expected Internet sales growth was found to vary by the firm's position in the distribution channel. Yet, firms with greater levels of existing e-communication with either customers or suppliers and with managers perceiving greater ability of e-business activity to improve inventory management and logistics issues have higher levels of expected Internet sales.Agribusiness,

Adoption of Internet Strategies by Agribusiness Firms

This paper explores the factors guiding Internet adoption by agribusiness firms. The relationship between Internet strategies and manager perceptions on the barriers to and catalysts for Internet adoption are analyzed in a supply-chain management framework. Using factor analysis and an ordered Probit model, results indicate that Internet strategies are more likely to be adopted in larger firms with a global scope. Also, manager perceptions regarding the impact of Internet adoption on transaction costs are just as likely to influence adoption as the perceived impacts on more traditional production costs.Internet, E-commerce, Supply-chain, Transaction costs, Ordered Probit, Agribusiness, Research and Development/Tech Change/Emerging Technologies,

Modelling and results for an array of 32 oscillating water columns

As part of an investigation into the feasibility of an offshore combined wind/wave energy converting platform, comprising one or more wind turbines mounted on a floating structure in which a number of oscillating water columns (OWCs) are embedded, testing was carried out on a 1:50 scale model of the wave energy converting component of the platform. The model comprises two legs joined at one end at an angle of 90 degrees. A form of soft latching is implemented through the use of high and low-pressure plenums to which the OWC chambers communicate via air admittance valves. The model was tested in a number of configurations, subject to varying amounts of simulated power take-off damping and over a range of incident regular-wave periods. Platform motions, OWC chamber and plenum pressure and water column motions were recorded for each test. This paper discusses some considerations in the design, construction, instrumentation and testing of the model. Thermodynamic theory describing the flow of air throughout the system, based on the conservation of mass, is developed and related to the motion of the water columns. Representative results from the model testing in the time domain are presented. Finally, some conclusions are drawn from these results

A quantitative comparison of the cost of employing EOR-coupled CCS supplemented with secondary DSF storage for two large CO2 point sources

AbstractThis paper explores the impact of the temporally dynamic demand for CO2 for CCS-coupled EOR by evaluating the variable demand for new (i.e., non-recycled) anthropogenic CO2 within EOR projects and the extent to which EOR-coupled CCS is compatible with the need for baseload CO2 storage options for large anthropogenic point sources. A profile of CO2 demand over an assumed EOR project lifetime is applied across two different storage scenarios to illustrate the differences in cost associated with different EOR-coupled CCS configurations. The first scenario pairs a single EOR field with a DSF used to store any CO2 that is not used to increase oil recovery in the EOR field; the second scenario is designed to minimize storage in the DSF and maximize lower-cost EOR-based storage by bringing multiple EOR projects online over time as the previous project’s CO2 demand declines, making the source’s CO2 available for a subsequent project. Each scenario is evaluated for two facilities, emitting 3 and 6 MtCO2/y. Annual and lifetime average CO2 transport and storage costs are presented, and the impact of added capture and compression costs on overall project economics is examined.The research reported here suggests that the cost of implementing a CCS-coupled EOR project will be more than is typically assumed; in many cases a positive price on CO2 emitted to the atmosphere will be required to motivate deployment of these CO2-based EOR projects, except in the most idealized cases. The reasons for this conclusion are twofold. First, the costs of capitalizing, operating and monitoring a secondary DSF to provide backup storage for CO2 not demanded by the EOR operation can cut sharply into EOR revenues. Second, except in cases where a single firm figures both the CO2 source emissions and the associated EOR recovery on the same balance sheet, the oil production company is not likely to share a significant portion of revenues from the EOR field with the CO2 source. Thus, while EOR-coupled CCS may offer attractive early opportunities, these opportunities are likely only available to a small fraction of the CO2 source fleet in the U.S

Group F Streptococcal Bacteremia Complicating a Bartholin's Abscess

Background: Group F streptococci are Gram-positive cocci typically isolated from wound infections and abscesses. Bacteremia with group F streptococcus is uncommon, and the lower gynecologic tract has not been reported as a source. We report a case of a Bartholin's abscess leading to group F streptococcal bacteremia. Case: A 31-year-old female noted fever and rigors 30 min after manipulation of a 3-day-old vulvar abscess. An empty Bartholin's gland abscess was found on examination, and blood cultures grew β-hemolytic group F streptococci. The patient was treated with ampicillin/sulbactam, symptoms improved, and follow-up blood cultures revealed no growth. Conclusion: Group F streptococci are known to inhabit various body sites and have a predilection for forming abscesses; however, bacteremia is infrequent. They have occasionally been identified in true infections of the genitourinary tract but only very rarely in Bartholin's abscesses. This case of group F streptococcal bacteremia following self-drainage of a Bartholin's abscess constitutes the first such description in the medical literature

Source/Sink Matching for U.S. Ethanol Plants and Candidate Deep Geologic Carbon Dioxide Storage Formations

This report presents data on the 140 existing and 74 planned ethanol production facilities and their proximity to candidate deep geologic storage formations. Half of the existing ethanol plants and 64% of the planned units sit directly atop a candidate geologic storage reservoir. While 70% of the existing and 97% of the planned units are within 100 miles of at least one candidate deep geologic storage reservoir. As a percent of the total CO2 emissions from these facilities, 92% of the exiting units CO2 and 97% of the planned units CO2 emissions are accounted for by facilities that are within 100 miles of at least one potential CO2 storage reservoir