Mapping Apple Orchards in the municipality of São Joaquim (Santa Catarina, Brazil) using Sentinel-2 data

This study carried out a mapping procedure focusing on apple orchards considering the planted area, spatial location, altitude range, slope interval, and presence of anti-hail nets in the city of São Joaquim (Southern Santa Catarina Plateau, Brazil). Spectral images from the Sentinel-2 orbital platform acquired in August 2018 and an enhanced digital elevation model from the Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) were used. In a GIS application configured with the SIRGAS 2000,4 reference system and UTM cartographic projection, Sentinel-2 constellation images and digital elevation models from the SRTM mission and more recently refined with sensor data Phased Array type L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) were added. All images were resampled to a spatial resolution of 10m. The results were validated based on high spatial resolution images available from Google Earth. The results show that São Joaquim has a planted area of 7,974.80 ha, and only 12% use an anti-hail coverage system. The majority of the orchards range from one to five ha and belong to small producers. More than 50% of the orchards are between 1,200 and 1,400 m in altitude, with 45% of orchards located in areas with slopes between 8 to 20%. Interestingly, most of the orchards are concentrated in a radius of up to 20km from the urban center of São Joaquim, where industries and cooperatives are located for packaging, processing, and logistics. This study demonstrated that orbital data from Sentinel-2 can effectively quantify the distribution of apple orchards, being a viable and effective alternative for collecting information for agricultural monitoring. In this way, it enables efficient planning of apple production, such as technical assistance, marketing with producers, and production flow.

A Multi-Stage Approach Combining Very High-Resolution Satellite Image, GIS Database and Post-Classification Modification Rules for Habitat Mapping in Hong Kong

Identification and mapping of various habitats with sufficient spatial details are essential to support environmental planning and management. Considering the complexity of diverse habitat types in a heterogeneous landscape, a context-dependent mapping framework is expected to be superior to traditional classification techniques. With the aim to produce a territory-wide habitat map in Hong Kong, a three-stage mapping procedure was developed to identify 21 habitats by combining very-high-resolution satellite images, geographic information system (GIS) layers and knowledge-based modification rules. In stage 1, several classification methods were tested to produce initial results with 11 classes from a WorldView-2/3 image mosaic using a combination of spectral, textural, topographic and geometric variables. In stage 2, modification rules were applied to refine the classification results based on contextual properties and ancillary data layers. Evaluation of the classified maps showed that the highest overall accuracy was obtained from pixel-based random forest classification (84.0%) and the implementation of modification rules led to an average 8.8% increase in the accuracy. In stage 3, the classification scheme was expanded to all 21 habitats through the adoption of additional rules. The resulting habitat map achieved >80% accuracy for most of the evaluated classes and >70% accuracy for the mixed habitats when validated using field-collected points. The proposed mapping framework was able to utilize different information sources in a systematic and controllable workflow. While transitional mixed habitats were mapped using class membership probabilities and a soft classification method, the identification of other habitats benefited from the hybrid use of remote-sensing classification and ancillary data. Adaptive implementation of classification procedures, development of appropriate rules and combination with spatial data are recommended when producing an integrated and accurate map.

Applying a Random Time Mapping to Mann modelled turbulence for the generation of intermittent wind fields

A new approach to derive a synthetic wind field model which combines spatial correlations from the Mann model and intermittency is introduced. The term intermittency describes the transition from Gaussian to non-Gaussian velocity increment statistics at small scales, where non-Gaussian velocity increment statistics imply a higher probability for extreme values than a Gaussian distribution. The presented new model is named the Time-mapped Mann model. The intermittency is introduced by applying a special random time-mapping procedure to the regular Mann model. The Time-mapping procedure is based on the so-called Continuous-time random walk model. As will be shown, the new Time-mapped Mann field reflects spatial correlations from the Mann model in the plane perpendicular to flow direction and temporal intermittency. In a first wind turbine study, the new Time-mapped Mann field and a regular Mann field are used as inflow to a wind turbine in a Blade Element Momentum simulation. It is shown that the wind field intermittency carries over to the loads of the wind turbine, and, thus, shows the importance of carefully modeling synthetic wind fields.

One dimensional reduced model for ITER relevant energetic particle transport

We set up a mapping procedure able to translate the evolution of the radial profile of fast ions, interacting with Toroidal Alfvén Eigenmodes, into the dynamics of an equivalent one dimensional bump-on-tail system. We apply this mapping technique to reproduce ITER relevant simulations, which clearly outlined deviations from the diffusive quasi-linear model. Our analysis demonstrates the capability of the one-dimensional beam-plasma dynamics to predict the relevant features of the non-linear hybrid LIGKA/HAGIS simulations. In particular, we clearly identify how the deviation from the quasi-linear evolutive profiles is due to the presence of avalanche processes. A detailed analysis regarding the reduced dimensionality is also addressed, by means of phase-space slicing based on constants of motion. In the conclusions, we outline the main criticalities and outcomes of the procedure, which must be satisfactorily addressed to make quantitative prediction on the observed outgoing fluxes in a Tokamak device.

Conceptualizing Vulnerability for Health Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Associated Measures in Utrecht and Zeist: A Concept Map

The COVID-19 pandemic and the associated measures have impacted the health of many. Not all population groups are equally vulnerable to such health effects, possibly increasing health inequalities. We performed a group concept mapping procedure to define a common, context-specific understanding of what makes people vulnerable to health effects of the pandemic and the measures. We organized a two-step, blended brainstorming session with locally involved community members, using the brainstorm focus prompt ‘What I think makes people vulnerable for the COVID-19 pandemic and the measures is…’. We asked participants to generate as many statements as possible. Participants then individually structured (sorted and ranked) these statements. The structuring data was analysed using the groupwisdomTM software and then interpreted by the researchers to generate the concept map. Ninety-eight statements were generated by 19 participants. Sixteen participants completed both structuring tasks. The final concept map consisted of 12 clusters of vulnerability factors, indicating a broad conceptualization of vulnerability during the pandemic. It is being used as a basis for future research and local supportive interventions. Concept mapping is an effective method to arrive at a vulnerability assessment in a community in a short time and, moreover, a method that promotes community engagement.

Public Streets for Multicultural Use: Exploring the Relationship between Cultural Background, Built Environment, and Social Behaviour

<p>Public space is the domain of interest for urban planners and designers and the most important type of public space is streets. Public spaces, and particularly busy streets in urban centres, provide opportunities for people to meet, often by chance. As cities become increasingly multi-cultural in population the use and nature of public space reflects this. The best public spaces cater to the needs of all who use them and in multicultural societies this also means they must meet the expectations of people from different cultures. Many scholars have challenged the tendency for streets to be conceived of as movement channels, often at the expense of their use as social space. Streets have traditionally catered to a broad array of activities including walking, cycling and standing. Streets that facilitate such activities are preferred by the public. Streets in multicultural societies are also where people from different ethnic backgrounds find opportunities to interact. When public spaces are successful, they will increase opportunities to participate in communal activities. Spatial design is a critical success factor for streets; a goal for urban designers must be to create spaces where people from different social and cultural backgrounds value the public spaces they have access to. As cities become more multicultural the challenge is to design and manage spaces that appeal to the breadth of cultures that are represented in the population. Such public spaces are described in the literature as being more public. However, there is presently little information to help planners and designers to realise streets that appeal to people having different socio-cultural backgrounds. The research aims to identify those characteristics that will promote and maintain cultural diversity in the context of neighbourhood commercial streets in New Zealand’s multi-cultural society. The research is undertaken in two stages. “Stage One” makes use of ethnographic fieldwork as a basic method, complimented by structured field observations using a behavioural mapping procedure, and surveys of users of the streets. This stage provides data on specific streets and their usage through three case studies. Stage Two” utilises online surveys that generated data in relation to street visualizations. This stage seeks to understand what design characteristics and furniture arrangements are associated with stationary, social and gathering activities of people and to define design characteristics of footpath spaces preferred by each cultural group and all groups collectively. The main conclusion from this research is that retail activities remain the main concern of people in multi-cultural streets. Management and higher level planning of retail activities on the streets could encourage and motivate possible tenants in order to enrich the retail assortment of the street and provide a means for social and cultural diversity. In addition to business activities, spatial design characteristics are found to have an influence on people’s behaviour and activity. The findings of this research suggest that retail and business activities, together with the design and skilful management of the public areas, could support a broader range of static and social activities among people of various cultural backgrounds. The thesis makes recommendations for urban planners and designers based on the findings of the research.</p>

Public Streets for Multicultural Use: Exploring the Relationship between Cultural Background, Built Environment, and Social Behaviour

<p>Public space is the domain of interest for urban planners and designers and the most important type of public space is streets. Public spaces, and particularly busy streets in urban centres, provide opportunities for people to meet, often by chance. As cities become increasingly multi-cultural in population the use and nature of public space reflects this. The best public spaces cater to the needs of all who use them and in multicultural societies this also means they must meet the expectations of people from different cultures. Many scholars have challenged the tendency for streets to be conceived of as movement channels, often at the expense of their use as social space. Streets have traditionally catered to a broad array of activities including walking, cycling and standing. Streets that facilitate such activities are preferred by the public. Streets in multicultural societies are also where people from different ethnic backgrounds find opportunities to interact. When public spaces are successful, they will increase opportunities to participate in communal activities. Spatial design is a critical success factor for streets; a goal for urban designers must be to create spaces where people from different social and cultural backgrounds value the public spaces they have access to. As cities become more multicultural the challenge is to design and manage spaces that appeal to the breadth of cultures that are represented in the population. Such public spaces are described in the literature as being more public. However, there is presently little information to help planners and designers to realise streets that appeal to people having different socio-cultural backgrounds. The research aims to identify those characteristics that will promote and maintain cultural diversity in the context of neighbourhood commercial streets in New Zealand’s multi-cultural society. The research is undertaken in two stages. “Stage One” makes use of ethnographic fieldwork as a basic method, complimented by structured field observations using a behavioural mapping procedure, and surveys of users of the streets. This stage provides data on specific streets and their usage through three case studies. Stage Two” utilises online surveys that generated data in relation to street visualizations. This stage seeks to understand what design characteristics and furniture arrangements are associated with stationary, social and gathering activities of people and to define design characteristics of footpath spaces preferred by each cultural group and all groups collectively. The main conclusion from this research is that retail activities remain the main concern of people in multi-cultural streets. Management and higher level planning of retail activities on the streets could encourage and motivate possible tenants in order to enrich the retail assortment of the street and provide a means for social and cultural diversity. In addition to business activities, spatial design characteristics are found to have an influence on people’s behaviour and activity. The findings of this research suggest that retail and business activities, together with the design and skilful management of the public areas, could support a broader range of static and social activities among people of various cultural backgrounds. The thesis makes recommendations for urban planners and designers based on the findings of the research.</p>

When Enough Is Really Enough? On the Minimum Number of Landslides to Build Reliable Susceptibility Models

Mapping existing landslides is a fundamental prerequisite to build any reliable susceptibility model. From a series of landslide presence/absence conditions and associated landscape characteristics, a binary classifier learns how to distinguish potentially stable and unstable slopes. In data rich areas where landslide inventories are available, addressing the collection of these can already be a challenging task. However, in data scarce contexts, where geoscientists do not get access to pre-existing inventories, the only solution is to map landslides from scratch. This operation can be extremely time-consuming if manually performed or prone to type I errors if done automatically. This is even more exacerbated if done over large geographic regions. In this manuscript we examine the issue of mapping requirements for west Tajikistan where no complete landslide inventory is available. The key question is: How many landslides should be required to develop reliable landslide susceptibility models based on statistical modeling? In fact, for such a wide and extremely complex territory, the collection of an inventory that is sufficiently detailed requires a large investment in time and human resources. However, at which point of the mapping procedure, would the resulting susceptibility model produce significantly better results as compared to a model built with less information? We addressed this question by implementing a binomial Generalized Additive Model trained and validated with different landslide proportions and measured the induced variability in the resulting susceptibility model. The results of this study are very site-specific but we proposed a very functional protocol to investigate a problem which is underestimated in the literature.

An Integrated Multiscale Simulation Routine to Predict Mechanical Performance from Manufacturing Effects

Structural performance of unidirectional composites (UD) is directly dependent on its ingredient’s properties, ply configurations and the manufacturing effects. Prediction of mechanical properties using multiscale manufacturing simulation and micromechanical models is the focus of this study. Particular problem of coupled dual-scale deformation-flow process such as the one arising in RTM, Vacuum-Assisted Resin Infusion (VARI) and Vacuum Bag Only (VBO) prepregs is considered. A finite element formulation of porous media theory framework is employed to predict the element-wise local volume fractions and the deformation of a preform in a press forming process. This formulation considers coupling effects between macro-scale preform processes and mesoscale ply processes as well as coupling effects between the solid and fluid phases. A number of different micromechanical models are assessed and the most suitable one is used to calculate mechanical properties from volume fractions. Structural performance of the “deformed” geometry is then evaluated in mechanical analysis. An integrated platform is designed to cover the whole chain of analysis and perform the properties’ calculation and transfer them between the modules in a smooth mapping procedure. The paper is concluded with a numerical example, where a compression-relaxation test of a planar fluid filled prepreg at globally un-drained condition is considered followed by a mechanical loading analysis. The development is user friendly and interactive and is established to enable design and optimization of composites.

Expressiveness of an International Semantic Standard for Wound Care: Mapping a Standardized Item Set for Leg Ulcers to the Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine–Clinical Terms

Background Chronic health conditions are on the rise and are putting high economic pressure on health systems, as they require well-coordinated prevention and treatment. Among chronic conditions, chronic wounds such as cardiovascular leg ulcers have a high prevalence. Their treatment is highly interdisciplinary and regularly spans multiple care settings and organizations; this places particularly high demands on interoperable information exchange that can be achieved using international semantic standards, such as Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine–Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT). Objective This study aims to investigate the expressiveness of SNOMED CT in the domain of wound care, and thereby its clinical usefulness and the potential need for extensions. Methods A clinically consented and profession-independent wound care item set, the German National Consensus for the Documentation of Leg Wounds (NKDUC), was mapped onto the precoordinated concepts of the international reference terminology SNOMED CT. Before the mapping took place, the NKDUC was transformed into an information model that served to systematically identify relevant items. The mapping process was carried out in accordance with the ISO/TR 12300 formalism. As a result, the reliability, equivalence, and coverage rate were determined for all NKDUC items and sections. Results The developed information model revealed 268 items to be mapped. Conducted by 3 health care professionals, the mapping resulted in moderate reliability (κ=0.512). Regarding the two best equivalence categories (symmetrical equivalence of meaning), the coverage rate of SNOMED CT was 67.2% (180/268) overall and 64.3% (108/168) specifically for wounds. The sections general medical condition (55/66, 83%), wound assessment (18/24, 75%), and wound status (37/57, 65%), showed higher coverage rates compared with the sections therapy (45/73, 62%), wound diagnostics (8/14, 57%), and patient demographics (17/34, 50%). Conclusions The results yielded acceptable reliability values for the mapping procedure. The overall coverage rate shows that two-thirds of the items could be mapped symmetrically, which is a substantial portion of the source item set. Some wound care sections, such as general medical conditions and wound assessment, were covered better than other sections (wound status, diagnostics, and therapy). These deficiencies can be mitigated either by postcoordination or by the inclusion of new concepts in SNOMED CT. This study contributes to pushing interoperability in the domain of wound care, thereby responding to the high demand for information exchange in this field. Overall, this study adds another puzzle piece to the general knowledge about SNOMED CT in terms of its clinical usefulness and its need for further extensions.