ID: 54802
Title: Identifying degrees of freedom in pushbroom bundle adjustment
Author: Michal Jama, Chris Lewis, Dale Schinstock
Editor: George Vosselman
Year: 2011
Publisher: Elsevier, Vol 66, Issue 4, July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
Keywords: bundle adjustment, Pushbroom camera, Degrees of freedom, DEM, HiRISE
Abstract: An analytical method of detecting and enumerating degrees of freedom (DOF) in bundle adjustment (BA) is developed, and used to analyze several scene geometries for pushbroom cameras. While it is well recognized in the photogrammetric community that BA can be poorly constrained, especially with pushbroom imagery, the literature is absent of techniques to study the DOF in BA except through numerical analysis, which does not delineate them except through the suggestion of their existence in degraded results. The analytical methods presented here provide insight into the DOF. The method is based on finding the singular values, and the associated singular directions, of a Hessian matrix from the minimization process in BA. These directions are scrutinized as possible DOF along which the minimal cost of BA will not change from the true solution. To demonstrate the use of the methods six different scene geometries are analyzed, some of which are commonly employed by current remote sensing satellites. Several of the scene geometries are shown to have multiple DOF beyond the well known scaling and absolute position and orientation that are not recoverable from stereo imagery without exterior orientation control of the cameras or ground control points. As a simple example, the effects of these DOF images from the HiRISE camera on the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter are used along with the associated ephemeris data to demonstrate possible distortions in the results of a terrain reconstruction problem.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54801
Title: Scanning geometry: Influencing factor on the quality of terrestrial laser scanning points
Author: Sylvie Soudarissaname, Roderik Lindenbergh, Massimo Menenti, Peter Teunissen
Editor: George Vosselman
Year: 2011
Publisher: Elsevier, Vol 66, Issue 4, July 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing
Keywords: Incidence angle, Range, Scanning geometry, Individual point quality, Measurement setup
Abstract: A terrestrial laser scanner measures the distance to an object surface with a precision in the order of millimeters. The quality of the individual points in a point cloud, although directly affecting standard processing steps like point cloud registration and segmentation, is still not well understood. The quality of a scan point is influenced by four major factors: instrument mechanism, atmospheric conditions, object surface properties and scan geometry. In this paper, the influence of the scan geometry on the individual point precision or local measurement noise is considered. The local scan geometry depends on the distance and the orientation of the scanned surface, relative to the relative to the position of the scanner. The local scan geometry is parameterized by two main parameters, the range, i.e. the distance from the object to the scanner and the incidence angle, i.e. the angle between incoming laser beam and the local surface normal. In this paper, it is shown that by studying the influence of the local scan geometry on the signal to noise ratio, the dependence of the measurement noise on range and incidence angle can be successfully modeled if planar surfaces are observed. The implications of this model is demonstrated further by comparing two point clouds of a small room, obtained from two different scanner positions: a center positions: a center position and a corner position. The influence of incidence angle on the noise level is quantified on scans of this room, and by moving the scanner by 2 m, it is reduced by 20%. The improvement of the standard deviation is significant, going from 3.23 to 2.55 mm. It is possible to optimize measurement setups in such a way that the measurement noise due to bad scanning geometry is minimized and therefore contribute to a more efficient acquisition of point clouds of better quality.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54800
Title: Radioelemental characterization of fly ash from Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station, Maharashtra, India
Author: Rajeev Menon, P Raja, Deepak Malpe, K S V Subramaniyam and V Balaram
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 12, 25 June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Environmental monitoring, fly ash, radionuclides, thermal power plants
Abstract: Natural radioactivity due to the present of 40K, 238U and 232Th was measured in fly ash samples collected from economizer, aerator and electrostatic precipitator (EP) of the Chandrapur Super Thermal Power Station (CSTPS) using a NaI (TI)-based gamma ray spectrometer. The study indicates an elevated concentration of these radionuclides, especially in the finer ash samples from EP, which may provide an exposure pathway through inhalation of airborne ashes and could probably cause severe environmental and human health problems. The present study gains significance as it provides the requistic basic data on the radionuclides concentration in fly ash from CSTPS for a detailed follow up of environmental monitoring and to formulate effective management strategies.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54799
Title: Live tree biomass and carbon variation along an altitudinal gradient in moist temperate valley slopes of the Garhwal Himalaya (India)
Author: Sumeet Gairola, C M Sharma, S K Ghildiyal and Sarvesh Suyal
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 12, 25 June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Altitude, carbon stocks, live tree biomass, tree density and diversity
Abstract: The carbon (C) stored in the living biomass of trees is typically the largest C pool of the forest ecosystem which is directly impacted by deforestation and degradation. The relationships between diversity, biomass and C stocks at varied altitudes can have crucial implications for the management and conservation of C sinks. The study was undertaken in moist temperate Mandal-Chopta foest of Chamoli District, Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India with the following objectives: (1) to assess live tree biomass and C stocks along an altitudinal gradient; (2) to assess relationship of live tree C density (TCD) with altitude, species richness, diversity and density, and (3) to compare values of live tree biomass and C density of the present study with the earlier reported values in forests of other parts of Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand and India. The total live tree biomass density (TBD) varied from 215.5 to 468.2 Mg ha-1 and TCD varied from 107.8 to 234.1 Mg C ha-1. The average values of TBD and TCD for the study area were 356.8 + 83.0 Mg ha-1and 178.4 + 41.5 Mg C ha-1 respectively. Comparative assessment of the data suggests that these values are similar to the earlier recorded values of C and biomass density for other forests of Garhwal Himalaya and Uttarakhand, but are higher than those reported from most of the other parts of the country. The stem density showed positive correlation with species richness (0.852) and diversity (0.749). No correlation between TCD and diversity was observed. However, statistically significant positive correlation of TCD with altitude (0.579) was observed, which could be attributed to dominance of large conifers and hardwoods at higher altitudes compared to lower altitudes.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54798
Title: Forest dynamics and carbon stocks in Rio Doce State Park- an Atlantic rainforest hotspot
Author: Thiago Metzker, Tereza C Sposito, Mariana T F Martins, Marise B Horta and Queila S Garcia
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 12, 25 June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Aboveground biomass, carbon stock, permanent monitoring plots, tropical forest
Abstract: Tropical forests are significant biodiversity epicentres and work as important modulators of climatic change. In natural cycles, carbon stocks are regulated by vegetation dynamics through the rates fo mortality, recruitment and turnover. This study was conducted in five permanent monitoring plots ( 1 ha each: total 5 ha) in the Rio Doce State Park (RDSP), the most continuous Atlantic Forest remaining in Minas Gerais, Brazil and considered one of the world ' s hotspots. The aboveground biomass ranged from 201 Mg/ha in the primary forest to 92 Mg/ha in the secondary forest. The recruitment rate (1.8) was higher than the mortality rate (1.1); however, the average diameter of dead trees was higher than that of the recruited trees. Not withstanding this result, the internal diametric increment (ingrowth) in RDSP was ompensated by the biomass loss of dead trees, producing positive growht in the annual biomass and increasing their carbon stocks by 1.0 Mg C/ha/yr. Interest in conservation since the 2007 IPCC results. Thus, our study provides data that will help calibrate the use of international methodologies in local projects using data previously collected with a standardized methodology.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54797
Title: Patterns of mammal species richness in India
Author: Krithi K Karanth
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 12, 25 June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Mammals, occupancy, protected areas, species richness
Abstract: This article focusses on uderstanding the patterns of species richness and explaining the observed patterns for Indian primates, carnivores and herbivores. Field observations of local experts and occupancy modelling permit estimation of individual species occurrence, richness within groups, and overall species richness. Average estimated richness was S^?R= 7.2. Protected areas supported higher richness, but forest cover did not (exceptions were herbivores). Species richness decreased with increasing elevation and human densities, but decreased with decreasing human tolerance (exceptions were primates). Species richness patterns vary across taxonomic groups adn accounting for individual species differences will be important in selection of priority conservation areas in India.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54796
Title: Teleost fish- powerful models for studying development, function and dieases of the human eye
Author: Satish Srinivas Kitambi, Gayathri Chandrasekar and Vamsi Krishna Addanki
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 12, 25 June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Development and functioning process, diseases, drug screen, human eye, teleost model
Abstract: The human eye is a highly specialized structure and defects in its development or functioning process have an impact on the quality of life. Different animal models, especially murine models, have been used to identify the key molecular players required for the normal functioning of the eye. This review highlights the importance of the teleost model in dissecting the development, functioning process and diseases of the human eye.
A high degree of consrvation is seen in the development, organization and function of the eye through out vertebrates. Vertebrate teleost models, zebrafish and medaka, have become popular to study various aspects of developmental bioology and genetics. Teleost eye shows high similarity to that of the mammalian eye; for example, as seen in mammals, the retina of zebrafish and medaka shows six types of neurons and one type of glia arranged in three layers. In addition, rapid embryonic development, transparency during early development, and the availability of various biochemical, molecular and genetic techniques applicable on these models facilitate in dissecting the developmental and functioning processes of the eye. The availability of mutants with eye defects in zebrafish and medaka allows the possibility of utilizing these two species as comparative models in gaining rapid understanding of the developmental events of various human diseases. The small size of these fish embryos and their availability in large numbers allow performing medically relevant chemical screens to identify potential drug and /or drug targets for different human eye conditions.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54795
Title: Drought disaster challenges and mitigation in India: strategic appraisal
Author: Anil K Gupta, Pallavee Tyagi and Vinay K Sehgal
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 12, 25 June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Assessment, drought management, mitigation, relief
Abstract: Drought is the most widespread hydro-meteorological syndrome of ' prolonged period of water affecting natural resources, environment and thereby, the people ' Environmental changes, viz. climate change, land-use changes and natural resource degradation have aggravated drought occurrences adn vulnerability, thus disrupting the normal socio-economic settings. All the regions of India suffer with drought incidences of varying periodicity, with 13 states repeatedly declared as drought-prone. Complexities of drought symptons and impacts have sought for an understanding of an ecosystem approach for drought management, rather than as a hardcore meterological discipline. Regions of Rajasthan, Bundelkhand, Karnataka and Orissa are typical examples of drought-related deprivation and resultant conflicts, whereas drought in states like Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Haryana, etc. are the result of improper agriculture practices and poor water management. In this article, the strategies of drought monitoring, data management, impacts and mitigation approach are critically assessed in the Indian perspective. Integration of drought management with the framework on natural resources and climate-change adaptation at different levels have also been discussed.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54794
Title: Fly ash from thermal power plants - waste management and overview
Author: Manas Ranjan Senapati
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 12, 25 June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: Fly ash, particulate matter, thermal power plants, waste management
Abstract: Energy requirements for the developing countries in particular are met from coal-based thermal power plants. The disposal of the increasing amounts of solid waste from coal-fired thermal power plants is becoming a serious concern to the environmentalists. Coal ash, 80% of which is very fine in nature and is thus known as fly ash is collected by electrostatic precipitators in stacks. In India, nearly 90 mt of fly ash is generated per annum at present and is largely responsible for environmental pollution. In developed countries like Germany, 80% of the fly ash generated is being utilized, whereas in India only 3% is being consumed. This article attempts to highlight the management of fly ash to make use of this solid waste, in order to save our environment.
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54793
Title: Spatio-temporal analysis of the droughts of kharif 2009 and 2002
Author: C S Murthy, Abhishek Chakraborty, M V R Sesha Sai, P S Roy
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 12, 25 June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54792
Title: Global partnerships in scientific research and international mega-science projects
Author: V S Ramamurthy
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 12, 25 June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54791
Title: Water and public engagement in science
Author: T N Narasimhan
Editor: P Balaram
Year: 2011
Publisher: Current Science Association, Vol 100, No 12, 25 June 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Current Science
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54790
Title: Taxonomic Revision of Three Hundred Indian Subcontinental Pteridophytes with a Revised Census-List
Author: C R Fraser-Jenkins
Editor: None
Year: 2008
Publisher: Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Taxonomic Revision of Three Hundred Indian Subcontinental Pteridophytes with a Revised Census-List
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54789
Title: Tree survey and allometric models for tiger bush in northern Senegal and comparison with tree parameters derived from high resolution satellite data
Author: Mads Olander Rasmussen, Frank M Gottsche, Doudou Diop, Cheikh Mbow, Folke-S. Olesen, Rasmus Fensholt, Inge Sandholt
Editor: Alfred Stein
Year: 2011
Publisher: Elsevier, Vol 13, Issue 4, August 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation
Keywords: Tree inventory, Field survey, Tree clumping, Image analysis, Allometric models, Remote sensing
Abstract: A tree survey and an analysis of high resolution satellite data were performed to characterise the woody vegetation within a 10 x 10 km2 area around a site located close to the town of Dahra in the semi-arid northern part fo Senegal. The surveyed parameters were tree species, height, tree crown radius, and diameter at breast height (DBH), for which allometric models were determined. An object-based classification method was used to determine tree crown cover (TCC) from Quickbird data. The average TCC from the tree survey and the respective TCC from remote sensing were both about 3.0%. For areas beyond the surveyed areas TCC varied between 3.0% and 4.5%. Furthermore, an empirical correction factor for tree clumpign was obtained, which considerably improved the estimated number of trees and the estimated average tree crown area and radius. An allometric model linking TCC to tree stem crosssectional area (CSA) was developed, which allows to estimate tree biomass from remote sensing. The allometric models for the three main tree species found performed well and had r2-values of about 0.7-0.8.
Location: 231
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 54788
Title: Production and isolation of biosurfactant -sophorolipid and its application in body wash formulation
Author: S Kulkarni and P Choudhary
Editor: Dr P K Wong, Dr R K Trivedy and Dr Sadhana Sharma
Year: 2011
Publisher: Global Science Publications, Vol 13, No 1, 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Asian Journal of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Environment Sciences
Keywords: Biosurfactant, sophorolipid (SL), starmerella bombicola, body wash
Abstract: The yeast Starmerella bombicola was used to produce Sophorolipid which is a biosurfactant through aerobic fermentation. Isolation of Sophorolipid was carried out by solvent extraction method. Characterization was done by determining surface tension and Critical micelle concentration. Results were found to be satisfactory. Body washes were formulated using different concentrations of Sophorolipid. Formualtion containing Cocoamidopropylbetaine and Sophorolipids in the ratio of 3:2 was found to be most
Location: 241
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None