Preliminary investigations on the population dynamics of Otolithes ruber (Sciaenidae) on Sofala Bank, Mozambique

Catch length-frequency data of Otolithes ruber (Schneider, 1801) obtained from the "Projecto de Pesca Experimental da RDA" on Sofala Bank, Mozambique, in 1987 were used to estimate growth parameters, mortalities and exploitation rates. The yield-and biomass-per-recruit analyses based thereon suggest that the stock is overfished

The High-zz Universe Confronts Warm Dark Matter: Galaxy Counts, Reionization and the Nature of Dark Matter

We use $N$-body simulations to show that high-redshift galaxy counts provide an interesting constraint on the nature of dark matter, specifically Warm Dark Matter (WDM), owing to the lack of early structure formation these models. Our simulations include three WDM models with thermal-production masses of 0.8 keV, 1.3 keV, and 2.6 keV, as well as CDM. Assuming a relationship between dark halo mass and galaxy luminosity that is set by the observed luminosity function at bright magnitudes, we find that 0.8 keV WDM is disfavored by direct galaxy counts in the Hubble Ultra Deep Field at $>\!\!10\sigma$. Similarly, 1.3 keV WDM is statistically inconsistent at $2.2\sigma$. Future observations with JWST (and possibly HST via the Frontier Fields) could rule out $1.3$ keV WDM at high significance, and may be sensitive to WDM masses greater than 2.6 keV. We also examine the ability of galaxies in these WDM models to reionize the universe, and find that 0.8 keV and 1.3 keV WDM produce optical depths to the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) that are inconsistent at 68% C.L. with current Planck results, even with extremely high ionizing radiation escape fractions, and 2.6 keV WDM requires an optimistic escape fraction to yield an optical depth consistent with Planck data. Although CMB optical depth calculations are model dependent, we find a strong challenge for stellar processes alone to reionize the universe in a 0.8 keV and 1.3 keV WDM cosmology

LANDSAT inventory of surface-mined areas using extendible digital techniques

Multispectral analysis of LANDSAT imagery provides a rapid and accurate means of identification, classification, and measurement of strip-mined surfaces in Western Maryland. Four band analysis allows distinction of a variety of strip-mine associated classes, but has limited extendibility. A method for surface area measurement of strip mines, which is both geographically and temporally extendible, was developed using band-ratioed LANDSAT reflectance data. The accuracy of area measurement by this method, averaged over three LANDSAT scenes taken between September 1972 and July 1974, is greater than 93%. Total affected acreage of large (50 hectare/120 acre) mines can be measured to within 1.0%

Satellite data for surface-mine inventory

To determine the feasibility of satellite data for surface-mine inventory, particularly as it applies to coal, a case study was conducted in Maryland. A band-ratio method was developed to measure disturbed surface areas, and it proved to be extendible both temporally and geographically. This method was used to measure area changes in the region over three time periods from September 1972 through July 1974 and to map the entire two-county area for 1973. For mines ranging between 31 and 244 acres (12 to 98 hectares) the measurement accuracy of total affected acreage was determined to be 92%. Mines of 120 acres (50 hectares) and larger were measured with greater accuracy, some within one percent of the actual area. The ability to identify, classify, and measure strip-mine surfaces in a two-county area (1,541 square kilometers - 595 square miles) of western Maryland was demonstrated through the use of computer processing. On the basis of these results the use of LANDSAT satellite data and multilevel sampling of aircraft and field verification inspections, multispectral analysis of digital data is shown to be an effective, rapid, and accurate means of monitoring the surface mining cycle

Running Into Paper Walls

This piece is speculative of what I would be like as a wife if I was not self-aware of my fear of commitment and vulnerability

Review of the Literature: Analysis of the Effectiveness of Mobile Integrated Health - Community Paramedicine Programs in Reducing Pre-Hospital EMS Calls and Transportations

Pre-hospital Emergency Medical Service (EMS) systems, including fire departments and ambulance transport services, are increasingly overburdened with high call volumes and unnecessary utilization of services leading to provider burnout, depletion of resources and rising healthcare costs. Many local EMS systems have recognized a need for a more sustainable solution to help reduce the number of unnecessary 9-1-1 calls and transportation to the Emergency Department (ED). Local agencies are beginning to expand the role and scope of practice for paramedics through programs referred to as Mobile Integrated Health – Community Paramedicine (MIH-CP). This new branch of medicine aims to provide patient-centered mobile healthcare, resources and education through the utilization of paramedics in the community. MIH-CP programs have taken flight nationwide over the past 10 years and the number of programs continues to rise. There are a variety of styles of programs due to the diverse needs among local populations. This article focuses on summarizing relevant current literature centered around the effectiveness of MIH-CP programs in reducing unnecessary 9-1-1 calls and ambulance transports. The George Fox University online database library and PubMed were used to gather peer-reviewed literature relating to MIH-CP. A review of medical literature revealed that most MIH-CP programs reported success with their interventions, however there is a lack of consistent and uniform methodologies and measurement standards to accurately quantify or compare each program’s level of success. Overall, MIH-CP programs still offer great potential in being a lasting solution to the overwhelmed EMS system nationwide