Integration of LiDAR and QuickBird imagery for mapping riparian zones in Australian tropical savannas.

Riparian zones are exposed to increasing pressures because of disturbance from agricultural and urban expansion and overgrazing. Accurate and cost-effective mapping of riparian environments is important for managing their functions associated with water quality, biodiversity, and wildlife habitats. The objective of this research was to integrate Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and high spatial resolution QuickBird-2 imagery to estimate riparian zone attributes. A digital terrain model (DTM), a tree canopy model (TCM) and a plant projective cover (PPC) map were first obtained from the LiDAR data. The LiDAR-derived products and the QuickBird bands were then combined in an object-oriented approach to map riparian vegetation, streambed, vegetation overhang, bare ground, woodlands and rangelands. These products were also used to assess the riparian zone width. The overall result was a combined method, taking advantage of both optical and airborne laser systems, for mapping riparian forest structural parameters and riparian zone dimensions. This work shows the accuracy able to be obtained by integrating LiDAR data with high spatial resolution optical imagery to provide more detailed information for riparian zone management

Object-based semi-automatic approach for forest structure characterization using lidar data in heterogeneous Pinus sylvestris stands.

In this paper, we present a two-stage approach for characterizing the structure of Pinus sylvestris L. stands in forests of central Spain. The first stage was to delimit forest stands using eCognition and a digital canopy height model (DCHM) derived from lidar data. The polygons were then clustered (k-means algorithm) into forest structure types based on the DCHMdata within forest stands. Hypsographs of each polygon and field data validated the separability of structure types. In the study area, 112 polygons of Pinus sylvestris were segmented and classified into five forest structure types, ranging from high dense forest canopy (850 trees ha_1 and Lorey´ s height of 17.4 m) to scarce tree coverage (60 tree ha_1 and Lorey´ s height of 9.7 m). Our results indicate that the best variables for the definition and characterization of forest structure in these forests are the median and standard deviation (S.D.), both derived from lidar data. In these forest types, lidar median height and standard deviation (S.D.) varied from 15.8 m (S.D. of 5.6 m) to 2.6 m (S.D. of 4.5 m). The present approach could have an operational application in the inventory procedure and forest management plans

Análisis de las emisiones de CO2 en la producción de las fuentes energéticas utilizadas en el transporte por carretera

La cuantificación de las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero (GEI) y contaminantes atmosféricos del transporte por carretera suele realizarse considerando, exclusivamente, las del tubo de escape de los vehículos. Sin embargo, para poder comparar adecuadamente las fuentes energéticas disponibles, se ha de ampliar el ámbito de cálculo a las emisiones de todo el ciclo de vida de los vehículos y de las fuentes energéticas empleadas. Es decir, se deben cuantificar tanto las emisiones de la fabricación, mantenimiento y desguace de los medios de transporte como las derivadas de la producción (denominado “del pozo al tanque”) y uso de las fuentes energéticas que consuman (o análisis “del tanque a la rueda”). Este artículo muestra la comparación de emisiones de GEI que se producen en el camino (del pozo al tanque, WTT) de las principales fuentes de energía empleadas en el transporte rodado. Así, se comparan los productos derivados del petróleo (gasolina, gasóleo y gases licuados del petróleo) con el gas natural y la electricidad. El estudio se centra en la situación de España en el año 2007. En el caso del gas natural y derivados del petróleo, se incluyen las fases de extracción, transporte, refino o acondicionamiento y distribución hasta la estación de servicio. El cálculo de las emisiones de la generación eléctrica incluye su producción a partir de la matriz energética española de 2007, incluyendo las pérdidas en distribución hasta el punto de consum

Ensayo metodológico de planificación física de una autovía en el Estado Miranda (Venezuela)

La planificación física con base ecológica es fundamental para desarrollar el potencial ambiental y humano de un territorio. Sin embargo, en numerosas áreas de Latinoamérica hay carencias de información territorial que dificultan estos procedimientos. En esta línea, se ha realizado un ensayo metodológico de una planificación física de una autovía hipotética. Para ello se han realizado modelos en SIG (Sistemas de Información Geográfica) de capacidad territorial, riesgos, calidad, fragilidad e impacto ambiental, que se han integrado en una síntesis de planificación territorial. El objetivo final ha sido modelizar un mapa de impedancia o fricción frente a la autovía, para aplicar un algoritmo cost distance / cost path y obtener un trazado de autovía que optimizase la capacidad del territorio y minimizase el impacto ambiental. Se ha consolidado un aprendizaje y una primera transferencia I + D dirigida a la gestión territorial y a la toma de decisiones para diversos países de Latinoamérica

Mean height and variability of height derived from Lidar data and Landsat images relationship

The mean height and standard deviat ion of the height of the forest canopy, derived from lidar data show to be important variables to summarize forest st ructure. However lidar data has a limited spat ial extent and very high economic cost . Landsat data provide useful st ructural informat ion in the horizontal plane and have easy access. The integrat ion of both data sources is an interest ing goal for sustainable forest management. Different spect ral indices (NDVI and Tasseled Cap) were obtained from 3 Landsat scenes (March 2000, June 2001 and September 2001). In addit ion, mean and standard deviat ion of lidar height werecalculated in 30x30m blocks. Correlat ion and forward stepwise regression analysis was applied between these two variables sets. Best correlat ion coefficients are achieved among mean lidar height versus NDVI and wetness for the three dates (range between 0.65 to -0.73). Others authors indicate that wetness is one of the best spectral indices to characterize forest st ructure. Best regression models include NDVI and wetness of June and September as dependent variables (adjusted r2: 0.55 – 0.62). These results show that lidar data can be useful for training Landsat to map forest st ructure but it should be interest ing to opt imize this approach

Lidar and true-orthorectification of infrared aerial imagery of high Pinus sylvestris forest in mountainous relief

Combination of various data sources has been demonstrated more effective than using them separately. Information retrieval is significantly improved by synergies between laser scanner and optical imagery. Digital photography relies on traditional methods for orthorectification in order to accomplish an accurate correspondence with Lidar. We investigated combinatorial techniques in a high pine forest situated in mountainous relief in the Guadarrama Range (Spain). Results have shown critical inaccuracies in the integration of these data, even when obtained simultaneously. We propose the use of Lidar-derived Digital Surface Model in the process of orthorectification of aerial imagery. We hypothesised that the use of true-orthophoto techniques for improving the planimetric accuracy of VHR can be reliable for forestry applications. The methodology slightly improved the geometrical results obtained, though radiometric results might be meaningless. Consequently, other possible solutions are also discussed

High incidence of PTSD diagnosis and trauma-related symptoms in a trauma exposed bipolar I and II sample

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an established comorbidity in Bipolar Disorder (BD), but little is known about the characteristics of psychological trauma beyond a PTSD diagnosis and differences in trauma symptoms between BD-I and BD-II. Objective: (1) To present characteristics of a trauma-exposed BD sample; (2) to investigate prevalence and trauma symptom profile across BD-I and BD-II; (3) to assess the impact of a lifetime PTSD diagnosis vs. a history of trauma on BD course; and (4) to research the impacts of sexual and physical abuse. Methods: This multi-center study comprised 79 adult participants with BD with a history of psychological trauma and reports baseline data from a trial registered in Clinical Trials (https://clinicaltrials.gov; ref: NCT02634372). Clinical variables were gathered through clinical interview, validated scales and a review of case notes. Results: The majority (80.8%) of our sample had experienced a relevant stressful life event prior to onset of BD, over half of our sample 51.9% had a lifetime diagnosis of PTSD according to the Clinician Administered PTSD scale. The mean Impact of Event Scale-Revised scores indicated high levels of trauma-related distress across the sample, including clinical symptoms in the PTSD group and subsyndromal symptoms in the non-PTSD group. Levels of dissociation were not higher than normative values for BD. A PTSD diagnosis (vs. a history of trauma) was associated with psychotic symptoms [2(1) = 5.404, p = 0.02] but not with other indicators of BD clinical severity. There was no significant difference between BD-I and BD-II in terms of lifetime PTSD diagnosis or trauma symptom profile. Sexual abuse significantly predicted rapid cycling [2(1) = 4.15, p = 0.042], while physical abuse was not significantly associated with any clinical indicator of severity. Conclusion: Trauma load in BD is marked with a lack of difference in trauma profile between BD-I and BD-II. Although PTSD and sexual abuse may have a negative impact on BD course, in many indicators of BD severity there is no significant difference between PTSD and subsyndromal trauma symptoms. Our results support further research to clarify the role of subsyndromic PTSD symptoms, and highlight the importance of screening for trauma in BD patients

Correction : Chaparro et al. Incidence, Clinical Characteristics and Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Spain: Large-Scale Epidemiological Study. J. Clin. Med. 2021, 10, 2885

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]

Incidence, Clinical Characteristics and Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Spain : Large-Scale Epidemiological Study

(1) Aims: To assess the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Spain, to describe the main epidemiological and clinical characteristics at diagnosis and the evolution of the disease, and to explore the use of drug treatments. (2) Methods: Prospective, population-based nationwide registry. Adult patients diagnosed with IBD-Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC) or IBD unclassified (IBD-U)-during 2017 in Spain were included and were followed-up for 1 year. (3) Results: We identified 3611 incident cases of IBD diagnosed during 2017 in 108 hospitals covering over 22 million inhabitants. The overall incidence (cases/100,000 person-years) was 16 for IBD, 7.5 for CD, 8 for UC, and 0.5 for IBD-U; 53% of patients were male and median age was 43 years (interquartile range = 31-56 years). During a median 12-month follow-up, 34% of patients were treated with systemic steroids, 25% with immunomodulators, 15% with biologics and 5.6% underwent surgery. The percentage of patients under these treatments was significantly higher in CD than UC and IBD-U. Use of systemic steroids and biologics was significantly higher in hospitals with high resources. In total, 28% of patients were hospitalized (35% CD and 22% UC patients, p < 0.01). (4) Conclusion: The incidence of IBD in Spain is rather high and similar to that reported in Northern Europe. IBD patients require substantial therapeutic resources, which are greater in CD and in hospitals with high resources, and much higher than previously reported. One third of patients are hospitalized in the first year after diagnosis and a relevant proportion undergo surgery

Assigning diameter distribution typologies to an ALS data grid map

distribuciones diamétricas con AL