Enhancing Geospatial Data: Collecting and Visualising User-Generated Content Through Custom Toolkits and Cloud Computing Workflows

Through this thesis we set the hypothesis that, via the creation of a set of custom toolkits, using cloud computing, online user-generated content, can be extracted from emerging large-scale data sets, allowing the collection, analysis and visualisation of geospatial data by social scientists. By the use of a custom-built suite of software, known as the ‘BigDataToolkit’, we examine the need and use of cloud computing and custom workflows to open up access to existing online data as well as setting up processes to enable the collection of new data. We examine the use of the toolkit to collect large amounts of data from various online sources, such as Social Media Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) and data stores, to visualise the data collected in real-time. Through the execution of these workflows, this thesis presents an implementation of a smart collector framework to automate the collection process to significantly increase the amount of data that can be obtained from the standard API endpoints. By the use of these interconnected methods and distributed collection workflows, the final system is able to collect and visualise a larger amount of data in real time than single system data collection processes used within traditional social media analysis. Aimed at allowing researchers without a core understanding of the intricacies of computer science, this thesis provides a methodology to open up new data sources to not only academics but also wider participants, allowing the collection of user-generated geographic and textual content, en masse. A series of case studies are provided, covering applications from the single researcher collecting data through to collection via the use of televised media. These are examined in terms of the tools created and the opportunities opened, allowing real-time analysis of data, collected via the use of the developed toolkit

AN APPLIED PROCEDURE FOR ESTIMATING AND SIMULATING MULTIVARIATE EMPIRICAL (MVE) PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS IN FARM-LEVEL RISK ASSESSMENT AND POLICY ANALYSIS

Research Methods/ Statistical Methods,

Co-Producing a Shared Characterization of Depredation in the Gulf of Mexico Reef Fish Fishery: Comprehensive Report

Depredation, defined as the partial or complete removal of a hooked fish by a non-target species, is a cryptic form of mortality that can affect the accuracy of stock assessments and species management efforts. Accounting for depredation is crucial to minimize uncertainty in stock assessment models and to obtain accurate and reliable fisheries catch data. If these interactions are frequent, failure to properly quantify this form of mortality can lead to the underestimation of reef fish population removals, inappropriate harvest recommendations, and stakeholder unrest. In recent years, depredation has escalated in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) reef fish fishery. Although GoM reef fish fishery stakeholders (fishermen) have actively pushed for resource managers to implement solutions to address these increasingly pervasive interactions, a comprehensive characterization of this issue is lacking, and trends surrounding GoM reef fish depredation – as well as factors that impact depredation – have not been adequately described or evaluated. Therefore, the objective of this project was to co-produce a shared characterization of the impacts of depredation in the GoM reef fish fishery. To accomplish this, we employed a three-phased approach consisting of synthesis (phase 1), survey (phase 2), and feedback (phase 3). During phase 1, we synthesized data from the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) GoM Reef Fish Observer Program, the largest and longest depredation-related dataset available. Marked increases in depredation were shown starting in 2017 for both bottom longline and vertical longline, particularly in the Eastern GoM. To complement the analysis of the commercial sector from phase 1, we designed and implemented an electronic survey of private recreational anglers in phase 2. Survey results demonstrate that anglers across the GoM routinely experience depredation and have identified a variety of influential factors such as geographic location and depth. Surprisingly, depredation has not affected fishing behavior for the majority of those surveyed. Findings from the commercial fishery (phase 1) and private recreational fishery (phase 2) were then presented to a representative group of (predominantly) charter-for-hire fishermen during an in-person, collaborative participatory modeling workshop (phase 3). These stakeholders provided unique insights, suggesting that factors like the length of the red snapper fishing season, recreational angler high-grading, and a diminished GoM shrimp trawl fleet, have led to increases in depredation. Perhaps more importantly, these stakeholders noted a growing disconnect between their on-the-water observations (i.e., increased depredation), and what they perceived as an increasing desire from NOAA Fisheries and the general public to protect all sharks. Notably, these sentiments resulted in a lack of trust with respect to shark science, stock assessments, and resource management. Ultimately, this planning project led to a deeper understanding of shark depredation in the GoM commercial, private recreational, and charter-for-hire fisheries. Project findings formed the basis of a comprehensive Research and Development Plan and an Application Plan. In addition, data and insights from this planning project contributed to a peer-reviewed depredation review (Mitchell et al. 2022), a stock assessment report (Drymon et al. 2022), a manuscript in prep (Duffin et al.), five conference presentations, and three outreach products.

Viral Expression Cassette Elements to Enhance Transgene Target Specificity and Expression in Gene Therapy

Over the last five years, the number of clinical trials involving AAV (adeno-associated virus) and lentiviral vectors continue to increase by about 150 trials each year. For continued success, AAV and lentiviral expression cassettes need to be designed to meet each disease's specific needs. This review discusses how viral vector expression cassettes can be engineered with elements to enhance target specificity and increase transgene expression. The key differences relating to target specificity between ubiquitous and tissue-specific promoters are discussed, as well as how endogenous miRNAs and their target sequences have been used to restrict transgene expression. Specifically, relevant studies indicating how cis-acting elements such as introns, WPRE, polyadenylation signals, and the CMV enhancer are highlighted to show their utility for enhancing transgene expression in gene therapy applications. All discussion bears in mind that expression cassettes have space constraints. In conclusion, this review can serve as a menu of vector genome design elements and their cost in terms of space to thoughtfully engineer viral vectors for gene therapy

Terrestrial Cardiovascular Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Screening, Treatment and Risk Mitigation - Lessons Learned from Space Medicine

The Bellagio II Summit sought to correlate current ISS (International Space Station) Space Medicine practice in the screening/assessment and management of CAD (Coronary Artery Disease) and to identify terrestrial applications for the general population pertaining to primary, secondary and tertiary diagnoses and treatments. We identified current Space Medicine practice for screening and monitoring cosmonaut and astronaut in the pre-, in-, and post-flight mission phases. We will discuss current Space Medicine standards and guidelines in the recognition and monitoring of CAD development, stabilization, and regression

Successful Approaches for the Use of Unmanned Aerial Systems by Surface Transportation Agencies

The past decade has seen ever-increasing attention and resources dedicated to the application and operation of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs). Beginning with issuance of special airworthiness certificates in the experimental category for unmanned aircraft in 2007, up to the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) Modernization and Reform Act of 2012 and creation of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) §107 and §101, the complexity and breadth of applications for UAS technology have flourished. Recognizing the interest and potential benefits to the surface transportation community the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) commissioned Scan 17-01 to accelerate beneficial innovation by facilitating information sharing and technology exchange among the states and other transportation agencies. Results from a desk scan, amplifying questions, and a peer exchange workshop produced conclusions and recommendations in seven topic areas for transportation agencies to consider when getting started using a UAS