Synopsis of current satellite snow mapping techniques, with emphasis on the application of near-infrared data

The Skylab EREP S192 Multispectral Scanner data have provided for the first time an opportunity to examine the reflectance characteristics of snowcover in several spectral bands extending from the visible into the near-infrared spectral region. The analysis of the S192 imagery and digital tape data indicates a sharp drop in reflectance of snow in the near-infrared, with snow becoming essentially nonreflective in Bands 11 (1.55-1.75 micron) and 12 (2.10-2.35 micron). Two potential applications to snow mapping of measurements in the near-infrared spectral region are possible: (1) the use of a near-infrared band in conjunction with a visible band to distinguish automatically between snow and water droplet clouds; and (2) the use of one or more near-infrared bands to detect areas of melting snow

A study to develop improved spacecraft show survey methods using Skylab/EREP data: Demonstration of the utility of the S190 and S192 data

The author has identified the following significant results. This interim report provides a demonstration of the utility of spacecraft acquired Skylab S190A and S190B photography and S192 imagery for mapping areal extent of snow cover in western United States test site areas. The data sample is from the SL-2 mission flown in June 1973. Results of the investigation indicate that areal snow cover extent can be mapped more accurately from the S190A and S190B photography than from any other spacecraft system, including ERTS. The results of a qualitative analysis of the S192 imagery indicate considerable potential for the utility of multispectral snow cover analysis; the potential for distinguishing snow from clouds automatically is particularly significant

Agent-based computational modeling of wounded epithelial cell monolayers

Computational modeling of biological systems, or ‘in silico biology’ is an emerging tool for understanding structure and order in biological tissues. Computational models of the behavior of epithelial cells in monolayer cell culture have been developed and used to predict the healing characteristics of scratch wounds made to urothelial cell cultures maintained in low and physiological [Ca2+] environments. Both computational models and in vitro experiments demonstrated that in low exogenous [Ca2+], the closure of 500mm scratch wounds was achieved primarily by cell migration into the denuded area. The wound healing rate in low (0.09mM) [Ca2+] was approximately twice as rapid as in physiological (2mM) [Ca2+]. Computational modeling predicted that in cell cultures that are actively proliferating, no increase in the fraction of cells in S-phase would be expected, and this conclusion was supported experimentally in vitro by BrdU incorporation assay. We have demonstrated that a simple rule-based model of cell behavior, incorporating rules relating to contact inhibition of proliferation and migration, is sufficient to qualitatively predict the calcium-dependent pattern of wound closure observed in vitro. Differences between the in vitro and in silico models suggest a role for wound-induced signaling events in urothelial cell cultures

An investigation of the visual sampling behaviour of human observers

Visual sampling behavior of human observers for aerospace vehicle design application

The application of Heat Capacity Mapping Mission (HCMM) thermal data to snow hydrology

The application of HCMM thermal infrared data to snow hydrology and the prediction of snowmelt runoff was evaluated. Data for the Salt Verde watershed in central Arizona and the southern Sierra Nevada in California were analyzed and compared to LANDSAT and NOAA satellite data, U-2 thermal data, and other correlative data. It was determined that HCMM thermal imagery provides data as accurate for snow mapping as does visible imagery, and that in comparison with the reslution of other satellite imagery, it may be the most useful. Data from the HCMM thermal channel, with careful calibration, provides useful snow surface temperature data for hydrological purposes. An approach to an automated method of analysis is presented

Health and safety (H&S) awareness and implementation in Botswana's construction industry

Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the level of awareness and implementation of health and safety (H&S) in Botswana’s construction industry. Findings from the research reveal that the level of H&S awareness is low, H&S legislation is not complied with, the management of contractors is not committed to H&S implementation, there is a lack of H&S management systems, procedures, and protocol, and clients and designers do not participate in the implementation of H&S. Recommendations include that the requisite H&S legislation and regulations be promulgated in accordance with the International Labour Office (ILO) recommendations, and that all stakeholders should be equally responsible for the implementation of H&S

Client commitment and attitude to construction health and safety in Botswana

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to present findings of a preliminary survey on the extent to which clients are involved in construction health and safety (H&S) implementation in Botswana

Health and safety (H&S) awareness and implementation in Botswana's construction industry

Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the level of awareness and implementation of Health and Safety (H&S) in Botswana’s construction industry. Findings from the research revealed that the level of H&S awareness was low; H&S legislation was not implemented; contractors’ management are not committed to H&S implementation; there is a lack of H&S management systems, procedures, and protocol; and clients and designers do not participate in the implementation of H&S. In light of the findings, it is recommended that relevant and adequate rules and regulations be promulgated according to the ILO recommendations. It is also recommended that all stakeholders should be equally responsible for the implementation of H&S

A Black Feminist Content Analysis of Gender and Sexuality in Living Single

Between the 1980’s and 1990’s there were many female-centered sitcom television shows like The Golden Girls, Designing Women, and Sex in the City that explored women’s sexuality from an autonomous perspective. However, Black women’s sexuality and the way that gender roles are challenged in sitcoms has yet to be examined as both oppositional and equally significant. This research focuses on the importance of resistant sexual and gender representations in the 1990’s sitcom Living Single. This content analysis is drawn from four episodes in seasons one, two, and three. The study uses a Black Feminist theoretical framework to analyze how Living Single countered stereotypes of Black women’s sexuality. Additionally, this project examines how Living Single challenged gender norms for Black women. The questions that will be explored are: How did Living Single provide alternative representations for Black women’s gender and sexuality? In addition to, why is Black women’s sexual freedom an important representation for television

Aerial surveys of shore-based recreational fishing in Carnarvon and Shark Bay: June to August 2012

Aerial surveys are a useful tool for obtaining data on the spatial distribution of recreational fishing and estimating fishing effort. Following the successful application of this method in the Perth Metropolitan area, aerial surveys were conducted around Carnarvon and Shark Bay from June to August 2012. Recreational shore-based fishers were identified by fishing method (i.e., line fishing, ballooning, netting and spearfishing) and their location geo-referenced. Additional information on non-fishers, camps, boat trailers, vehicles and boats anchored or on the beach was also recorded. A combination of systematic random and stratified random sampling was employed, providing good estimates of fishing effort when conducting 6 and 9 surveys per month in Shark Bay and Carnarvon, respectively