Recovery of forest canopy parameters by inversion of multispectral LiDAR data

We describe the use of Bayesian inference techniques, notably Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and reversible jump MCMC (RJMCMC) methods, to recover forest structural and biochemical parameters from multispectral LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data. We use a variable dimension, multi-layered model to represent a forest canopy or tree, and discuss the recovery of structure and depth profiles that relate to photochemical properties. We first demonstrate how simple vegetation indices such as the Normalized Differential Vegetation Index (NDVI), which relates to canopy biomass and light absorption, and Photochemical Reflectance Index (PRI) which is a measure of vegetation light use efficiency, can be measured from multispectral data. We further describe and demonstrate our layered approach on single wavelength real data, and on simulated multispectral data derived from real, rather than simulated, data sets. This evaluation shows successful recovery of a subset of parameters, as the complete recovery problem is ill-posed with the available data. We conclude that the approach has promise, and suggest future developments to address the current difficulties in parameter inversion

Indications for stenting of coarctation of the aorta in children under 3 months of age

Introduction: Coarctation of the aorta in children under 3 months of age is usually treated surgically. However, there are clinical scenarios in which stenting of native or recurrent coarctation may become necessary in this age group. Case reports: Four cases illustrate possible indications: left ventricular dysfunction increasing the operative risk, thrombus formation after coarctation surgery, patient size (i.e. in premature babies), and retrograde arch obstruction after hybrid palliation of hypoplastic left heart syndrome. In all babies, coarctation stenting was carried out successfully without complications. Conclusion: Coarctation stenting can be carried out safely in small children. Usually, the stent has to be removed or redilated later. Results are encouraging

Utilizing UV-LED pulse width modulation on TiO2 advanced oxidation processes to enhance the decomposition efficiency of pharmaceutical micropollutants

The final publication is available at Elsevier via https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2018.12.065. © 2018 This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/The presence of pharmaceutical and personal care products (PPCPs) in aquatic systems has been a growing cause for concern. Advanced oxidation processes such as UV/TiO2 (ultraviolet light/titanium dioxide) can break down PPCPs into smaller constituents, reducing the pharmaceutical activity. However, this process is limited by low photonic efficiency under UV systems. Controlled periodic illumination (CPI) is a promising solution to overcome the issues concerning low photonic efficiencies. Using a CPI controlled UV-LED/TiO2 process, a mixture of eighteen PPCP compounds were analyzed for their degradation removal on porous titanium – titanium dioxide (PTT) substrates. The kinetic rate constants of PPCPs may be analyzed using multiple regression analysis with parameters such as net charge at experimental pH, solubility, and molecular weight. Negatively charged PPCP compounds were found to have the highest removal compared to neutral and positively charged compounds due to electrostatic attraction forces. Decreasing the duty cycle under CPI or the UV-LED illumination period did not significantly change the individual and cumulative PPCP compound removal, suggesting that the CPI controlled UV-LED/TiO2 processes using PTT substrates were effective in reducing energy requirements without sacrificing removal performance.Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council [STPGP430654-12]Schwartz-Resiman FoundationWaterloo-Technion Research Co-operation Progra

Taxonomie, Phylogenie und Biogeographie der Untergattung Tipula (Tipula) Linnaeus, 1758 (Insecta, Diptera, Tipulidae)

Volume: 127Start Page: 33End Page: 7

Open Math: Communicating Mathematical Information Between Co-operating Agents in a Knowledge Network

OpenMath aims at providing a universal means of communicating mathematical information between applications. In this paper we set out the objectives and design goals of OpenMath, and sketch the framework of a model that meets these requirements. Based upon this model, we propose a structured approach for further development and implementation of OpenMath. Throughout, emphasis is on extensibility and flexibility, so that OpenMath is not confined to any particular area of mathematics, nor to any particular implementation. We give some example scenarios to motivate and clarify the objectives, and include a brief discussion of the parallels between this model and the theory of human language perception