Inversion algorithms for the microwave remote sensing of soil moisture. Experiments with swept frequency microwaves

Two experiments were performed employing swept frequency microwaves for the purpose of investigating the reflectivity from soil volumes containing both discontinuous and continuous changes in subsurface soil moisture content. Discontinuous moisture profiles were artificially created in the laboratory while continuous moisture profiles were induced into the soil of test plots by the environment of an agricultural field. The reflectivity for both the laboratory and field experiments was measured using bi-static reflectometers operated over the frequency ranges of 1.0 to 2.0 GHz and 4.0 to 8.0 GHz. Reflectivity models that considered the discontinuous and continuous moisture profiles within the soil volume were developed and compared with the results of the experiments. This comparison shows good agreement between the smooth surface models and the measurements. In particular the comparison of the smooth surface multi-layer model for continuous moisture profiles and the yield experiment measurements points out the sensitivity of the specular component of the scattered electromagnetic energy to the movement of moisture in the soil

First Year Computer Science Projects at Coventry University:Activity-led integrative team projects with continuous assessment.

We describe the group projects undertaken by first year undergraduate Computer Science students at Coventry University. These are integrative course projects: designed to bring together the topics from the various modules students take, to apply them as a coherent whole. They follow an activity-led approach, with students given a loose brief and a lot of freedom in how to develop their project. We outline the new regulations at Coventry University which eases the use of such integrative projects. We then describe our continuous assessment approach: where students earn a weekly mark by demonstrating progress to a teacher as an open presentation to the class. It involves a degree of self and peer assessment and allows for an assessment of group work that is both fair, and seen to be fair. It builds attendance, self-study / continuous engagement habits, public speaking / presentation skills, and rewards group members for making meaningful individual contributions.Comment: 4 pages. Accepted for presentation at CEP2

Data documentation for the bare soil experiment at the University of Arkansas

The reflectivities of several controlled moisture test plots were investigated. These test plots were of a similar soil texture which was clay loam and were prepared to give a desired initial soil moisture and density profile. Measurements were conducted on the plots as the soil water redistributed for both long term and diurnal cycles. These measurements included reflectivity, gravimetric and volumetric soil moisture, soil moisture potential, and soil temperature

Computer methods for the reduction, correlation and analysis of space battery test data, phase 2, part 1 Final report, 1 Nov. - 31 Dec. 1967

Computer methods for reduction, correlation, and analysis of space battery test dat

The role of proton precipitation in Jovian aurora: Theory and observation

It was proposed that the Jovian auroral emissions observed by Voyager spacecraft could be explained by energetic protons precipitating into the upper atmosphere of Jupiter. Such precipitation of energetic protons results in Doppler-shifted Lyman alpha emission that can be quantitatively analyzed to determine the energy flux and energy distribution of the incoming particle beam. Modeling of the expected emission from a reasonably chosen Voyager energetic proton spectrum can be used in conjunction with International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) observations, which show a relative lack of red-shifted Lyman alpha emission, to set upper limits on the amount of proton precipitation taking place in the Jovian aurora. Such calculations indicate that less than 10 percent of the ultraviolet auroral emissions at Jupiter can be explained by proton precipitation

Physical and chemical signatures of a developing anticyclonic eddy in the Leeuwin Current, eastern Indian Ocean

A multidisciplinary cruise aboard the R/V Southern Surveyor was conducted in May 2006 to sample a developing anticyclonic eddy of the Leeuwin Current off Western Australia. The eddy formed from a meander of the Leeuwin Current in mid-April 2006 and remained attached to the current until mid-August. In this study, a combination of satellite data (altimeter, sea surface temperature, and chlorophyll a) and shipboard measurements (acoustic Doppler current profiler and conductivity-temperature-depth) were used to characterize the physical and chemical signatures of the eddy. The temperature-salinity properties of the mixed layer waters within the anticyclonic eddy and on the shelf were both connected to that of the Leeuwin Current, indicating the water mass in the eddy is mainly derived from the Leeuwin Current and the modified Leeuwin Current water on the shelf. Above the salinity maximum near the eddy center, there was a regionally significant concentration of nitrate (>0.9 μmol L-1), and the maximum (2 μmol L-1) was at 150 in depth, below the photic zone. Nitrification within the eddy and/or local upwelling due to the forming eddy could be responsible for this high concentration of nitrate near the eddy center which potentially makes the eddy a relatively productive feature in the Leeuwin Current

Trace Contaminant Removal using Hybrid Membrane Processes in Water Recycling

Water recycling plays an essential role in integrated water management, especially in an arid country like Australia but also worldwide [1]. Water recycling, however, has suffered extensive constraints due to "toilet to tap" media campaigns and "yuck factor" attitudes in the community. The support of the community for water recycling projects generally decreases as the personal contact with the recycled water increases [2]. Some of the very valid concerns of the community stem from uncertainties involved in water recycling, such as the issue of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) potentially present in recycled waters or the ever growing group of endocrine disrupting chemicals have been of particular concern to sections of the community. Endocrine disrupters have the potential to interfere with our normal growth, development and reproduction. Modulation of that system could cause severe adverse health effects. Industrial chemicals, consumer chemicals and chemicals in the environment can be endocrine disrupters that mimic, enhance or inhibit the action of hormones [3, 4]. Sewage disposal to water sources may be a major exposure pathway for pharmaceuticals, synthetic and natural hormones, industrial chemicals to humans and wildlife, directly and via the food chain. This concerns disposal of treated effluents and applications of recycled water. This paper aims to address some of the uncertainties and risks involved in recycling technology and aims to stress caution and the need for well designed recycling projects. This risk expands to water treatment in situations where contaminated waters are treated