Effects of Digitization and JPEG Compression on Land Cover Classification Using Astronaut-Acquired Orbital Photographs

Studies that utilize astronaut-acquired orbital photographs for visual or digital classification require high-quality data to ensure accuracy. The majority of images available must be digitized from film and electronically transferred to scientific users. This study examined the effect of scanning spatial resolution (1200, 2400 pixels per inch [21.2 and 10.6 microns/pixel]), scanning density range option (Auto, Full) and compression ratio (non-lossy [TIFF], and lossy JPEG 10:1, 46:1, 83:1) on digital classification results of an orbital photograph from the NASA - Johnson Space Center archive. Qualitative results suggested that 1200 ppi was acceptable for visual interpretive uses for major land cover types. Moreover, Auto scanning density range was superior to Full density range. Quantitative assessment of the processing steps indicated that, while 2400 ppi scanning spatial resolution resulted in more classified polygons as well as a substantially greater proportion of polygons < 0.2 ha, overall agreement between 1200 ppi and 2400 ppi was quite high. JPEG compression up to approximately 46:1 also did not appear to have a major impact on quantitative classification characteristics. We conclude that both 1200 and 2400 ppi scanning resolutions are acceptable options for this level of land cover classification, as well as a compression ratio at or below approximately 46:1. Auto range density should always be used during scanning because it acquires more of the information from the film. The particular combination of scanning spatial resolution and compression level will require a case-by-case decision and will depend upon memory capabilities, analytical objectives and the spatial properties of the objects in the image

A comparison of four stage and motion picture productions costumes designed by Irene Sharaff.

Irene Sharaff was one of the most important costume designers in the period 1933-1976. She created a prodigious number of costume designs for numerous performance events including seventy-three stage, thirty-two film, eighteen ballet and three television productions. Because of her creative talents, her ability to persuade and her tenacious personality, Irene Sharaff was able to set precedents and establish procedures in costume design which are today considered routine. In recognition of her talents, Sharaff received eight Antoinette Perry nominations, one Antoinette Perry Award, two Donaldson Awards, nineteen Academy Award nominations and five Oscars. Ms. Sharaff designed the costumes for both the Broadway and the motion picture presentations of four productions: The King and I, West Side Story, Flower Drum Song and Funny Girl. She received the critical acclaim for all four productions. This study is a comparison of the methods and techniques Ms. Sharaff used to design these productions. Through a careful study of the available literature, still pictures and interviews, a description of the costumes used for each presentation in each medium is detailed. Modifications in the design, fabric or construction of specific costumes are compared. If any alteration was made, the reason for that alteration is determined. Sharaff is an exceptionally creative artist. Her greatest strength is perhaps her attention to period and stylistic detail. From her earliest designs to her most recent creations, Sharaff has been lauded for creating designs which were correct in appropriateness in style and period. Her perseverance in achieving perfection enabled her to dominate the field of costume design for more than forty years.Ph.D.TheaterFilm studiesUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/162050/1/8907042.pd

Effects of Education, Vaccination and Treatment on HIV Transmission in Homosexuals with Genetic Heterogeneity

23 pages, 1 article*Effects of Education, Vaccination and Treatment on HIV Transmission in Homosexuals with Genetic Heterogeneity * (Del Valle, Sara; Evangelista, Arlene Morales; Velasco, Maria Cristina) 23 page

A Socially Transmitted Disease: Teacher Qualifications and Dropout Rates

33 pages, 1 article*A Socially Transmitted Disease: Teacher Qualifications and Dropout Rates* (Boyd, Corvina Dawn-Hayoolkaat; Castro, Alison M.; Crisosto, Nicolas M.; Evangelista, Arlene Morales; Castillo-Chavez, Carlos; Kribs-Zeleta, Christopher) 33 page