Relationship between Allan variances and Kalman Filter parameters

A relationship was constructed between the Allan variance parameters (H sub z, H sub 1, H sub 0, H sub -1 and H sub -2) and a Kalman Filter model that would be used to estimate and predict clock phase, frequency and frequency drift. To start with the meaning of those Allan Variance parameters and how they are arrived at for a given frequency source is reviewed. Although a subset of these parameters is arrived at by measuring phase as a function of time rather than as a spectral density, they all represent phase noise spectral density coefficients, though not necessarily that of a rational spectral density. The phase noise spectral density is then transformed into a time domain covariance model which can then be used to derive the Kalman Filter model parameters. Simulation results of that covariance model are presented and compared to clock uncertainties predicted by Allan variance parameters. A two state Kalman Filter model is then derived and the significance of each state is explained

Natural Resource Mapping and Land Protection Prioritization for Greenland, NH

This report describes the development of the project team, mapping criteria, and results of natural resource and co-occurrence mapping of the town of Greenland, New Hampshire. Using Geographic Information Systems mapping and analysis, natural resource characteristics were mapped and land parcels were evaluated to determine conservation priorities within the town. Outreach activities were also carried out and planned to distribute information to town decision makers, landowners and citizens and to share the results of the mapping process. The purpose of the work was to help the Seacoast Land Trust and the Town of Greenland better identify land protection priorities in its service region and to foster greater involvement with municipalities. The ultimate end in the process is protection of land through conservation easements, conservation land donation or purchase and education of residents about its resources and the efforts being undertaken to protect critical open lands in the area

Demographic hallmarks of an overbrowsed population state in American ginseng

Effects of high deer herbivory in North America on populations of favored plant browse species have been well-documented, however since less palatable plants now dominate the understory, we asked whether these species could be vulnerable as well, and if so, what symptoms might signal that this was occurring? Using American ginseng (Panax quinquefoliusL.) as our representative less palatable understory plant, we compared two subpopulations within a single natural population that were differentially exposed to browse; one isolated from deer by growing atop a large, flat-topped boulder, and a browse-exposed subpopulation in the surrounding low-lying area. We tested the hypothesis that deer effects would be manifested in all parts of the life history; through reduced growth, survival and reproduction. In turn, we hypothesized that browse would reduce population growth rates, and that differences in stage structure of the population would be produced. Taking advantage of a 20 year record of formal demographic censusing, we showed that browse effects were manifested primarily in reduced size-specific growth, while size-specific fertility and survival were relatively unaffected by exposure to browse. Demographically, these differences in growth were sufficient to drive population size reductions of 4.5%/y in the off rock subpopulation while the on rock plants slowly increased in number. High browse off the rock resulted in high proportions of plants in a stunted juvenile state in the off rock population relative to the on rock plants. A high proportion of juveniles is therefore a clear symptom of an understory subjected to chronic overbrowsing, providing land managers a rapid way to assess whether deer could be impacting understory biodiversity. The sharp demographic contrasts we observed between browsed and unbrowsed subpopulations also implies that promotion of refugia within managed lands will likely become increasingly important management tools for biodiversity preservation as long as unchecked deer populations persis

The effects of sun exposure on carotenoid accumulation and oxidative stress in the retina of the House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

Additional file 1: Tables S1–8. Detailed data tables from each of the experimental comparisons

Demographic hallmarks of an overbrowsed population state in American ginseng

Effects of high deer herbivory in North America on populations of favored plant browse species have been well-documented, however since less palatable plants now dominate the understory, we asked whether these species could be vulnerable as well, and if so, what symptoms might signal that this was occurring? Using American ginseng (Panax quinque- foliusL.) as our representative less palatable understory plant, we compared two sub- populations within a single natural population that were differentially exposed to browse; one isolated from deer by growing atop a large, flat-topped boulder, and a browse-exposed subpopulation in the surrounding low-lying area. We tested the hypothesis that deer ef- fects would be manifested in all parts of the life history; through reduced growth, survival and reproduction. In turn, we hypothesized that browse would reduce population growth rates, and that differences in stage structure of the population would be produced. Taking advantage of a 20 year record of formal demographic censusing, we showed that browse effects were manifested primarily in reduced size-specific growth, while size-specific fertility and survival were relatively unaffected by exposure to browse. Demographically, these dif- ferences in growth were sufficient to drive population size reductions of 4.5%/y in the off rock subpopulation while the on rock plants slowly increased in number. High browse off the rock resulted in high proportions of plants in a stunted juvenile state in the off rock population relative to the on rock plants. A high proportion of juveniles is therefore a clear symptom of an understory subjected to chronic overbrowsing, providing land managers a rapid way to assess whether deer could be impacting understory biodiversity. The sharp demographic contrasts we observed between browsed and unbrowsed subpopulations also implies that promotion of refugia within managed lands will likely become increasingly important management tools for biodiversity preservation as long as unchecked deer populations persist

Collaborative multidisciplinary learning : quantity surveying students’ perspectives

The construction industry is highly fragmented and is known for its adversarial culture, culminating in poor quality projects not completed on time or within budget. The aim of this study is thus to guide the design of QS programme curricula in order to help students develop the requisite knowledge and skills to work more collaboratively in their multi-disciplinary future workplaces. A qualitative approach was considered appropriate as the authors were concerned with gathering an initial understanding of what students think of multi-disciplinary learning. The data collection method used was a questionnaire which was developed by the Behaviours4Collaboration (B4C) team. Knowledge gaps were still found across all the key areas where a future QS practitioner needs to be collaborative (either as a project contributor or as a project leader) despite the need for change instigated by the multi-disciplinary (BIM) education revolution. The study concludes that universities will need to be selective in teaching, and innovative in reorienting, QS education so that a collaborative BIM education can be effected in stages, increasing in complexity as the students’ technical knowledge grows. This will help students to build the competencies needed to make them future leaders. It will also support programme currency and delivery

Archaeological Investigations for the Canyon Hydroelectric Project, Comal County, Texas

During January 1986, the Center for Archaeological Research from The University of Texas at San Antonio conducted a pedestrian survey along portions of a proposed Canyon Lake hydroelectric transmission line right-of-way in Comal County, Texas, for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority. The survey located six prehistoric sites (41 CM 160, 41 CM 161, 41 CM 162, 41 CM 163, 41 CM 164, and 41 CM 166) in the right-of-way, and one historic building complex (41 CM 165) adjacent to but well outside of the right-of-way. Recommendations were made for further testing of the prehistoric sites and background research for the historic site to determine their potential eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places and as a Texas Archeological Landmark. During April 1986, the Center conducted testing at prehistoric sites 41 CM 160, 41 CM 161, 41 CM 162, 41 CM 163, and 41 CM 164. Archival research was done for 41 CM 165. This work was done for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority as required by the Texas Historical Commission. All of the prehistoric sites were found to be lithic quarry sites that are deemed to have little potential for contributing significant new archaeological information. None are recommended as potentially eligible for nomination to the National Register or for Texas Archeological Landmark status. The historic site (41 CM 165) appears to have National Register potential. Further background research, building documentation, and selective testing are recommended, but not as part of this project