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

Fast Computation of the Fitness Function for Protein Folding Prediction in a 2D Hydrophobic-Hydrophilic Model

Protein Folding Prediction (PFP) is essentially an energy minimization problem formalised by the definition of a fitness function. Several PFP models have been proposed including the Hydrophobic-Hydrophilic (HP) model, which is widely used as a test-bed for evaluating new algorithms. The calculation of the fitness is the major computational task in determining the native conformation of a protein in the HP model and this paper presents a new efficient search algorithm (ESA) for deriving the fitness value requiring only O(n) complexity in contrast to the full search approach, which takes O(n2). The improved efficiency of ESA is achieved by exploiting some intrinsic properties of the HP model, with a resulting reduction of more than 50% in the overall time complexity when compared with the previously reported Caching Approach, with the added benefit that the additional space complexity is linear instead of quadratic

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

To address generational poverty, dropout prevention programs must serve those most in need

The Mississippi Delta is a region in the United States that has been strongly impacted by poverty; childhood poverty in particular is especially high. Related to childhood poverty are dropout rates that are a function of both individual and environmental factors. T Price Dooley examined the effectiveness of school programs designed to keep children in school in seven school districts in the Mississippi Delta. He finds that while initially, the programs seemed to have an impact, with students who participated less likely to drop out than those who did not; the program’s effectiveness disappeared when other factors were taken into consideration. He argues that in order for dropout prevention programs to be effective for at-risk youth, they should admit the students who are the most in danger of dropping out and have a mentoring component that is implemented early and often

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,