Linking the Spectra of Decomposing Litter to Ecosystem Processes: Tandem Close-Range Hyperspectral Imagery and Decomposition Metrics

Efforts to monitor terrestrial decomposition dynamics at broad spatial scales are hampered by the lack of a cost-effective and scalable means to track the decomposition process. Recent advances in remote sensing have enabled the simulation of litter spectra throughout decomposition for grasses in general, yet unique decomposition pathways are hypothesized to create subtly different litter spectral signatures with unique ecosystem functional significance. The objectives of this study were to improve spectra–decomposition linkages and thereby enable the more comprehensive monitoring of ecosystem processes such as nutrient and carbon cycles. Using close-range hyperspectral imaging, litter spectra and multiple decomposition metrics were concurrently monitored in four classes of naturally decayed litter under four decomposition treatments. The first principal component accounted for approximately 94% of spectral variation in the close-range imagery and was attributed to the progression of decomposition. Decomposition-induced spectral changes were moderately correlated with the leaf carbon to nitrogen ratio (R2 = 0.52) and sodium hydroxide extractables (R2 = 0.45) but had no correlation with carbon dioxide flux. Temperature and humidity strongly influenced the decomposition process but did not influence spectral variability or the patterns of surface decomposition. The outcome of the study is that litter spectra are linked to important metrics of decomposition and thus remote sensing could be utilized to assess decomposition dynamics and the implications for nutrient recycling at broad spatial scales. A secondary study outcome is the need to resolve methodological challenges related to inducing unique decomposition pathways in a lab environment. Improving decomposition treatments that mimic real-world conditions of temperature, humidity, insolation, and the decomposer community will enable an improved understanding of the impacts of climatic change, which are expected to strongly affect microbially mediated decomposition.

Nano-pesticides: the lunch-box principle—deadly goodies (semio-chemical functionalised nanoparticles that deliver pesticide only to target species)

Nature contains many examples of “fake promises” to attract “prey”, e.g., predatory spiders that emit the same sex-attractant-signals as moths to catch them at close range and male spiders that make empty silk-wrapped gifts in order to mate with a female. Nano-pesticides should ideally mimic nature by luring a target and killing it without harming other organisms/species. Here, we present such an approach, called the lunch-box or deadly-goodies approach. The lunch-box consists of three main elements (1) the lure (semio-chemicals anchored on the box), (2) the box (palatable nano-carrier), and (3) the kill (advanced targeted pesticide). To implement this approach, one needs to draw on the vast amount of chemical ecological knowledge available, combine this with recent nanomaterial techniques, and use novel advanced pesticides. Precision nano-pesticides can increase crop protection and food production whilst lowering environmental impacts. Graphical Abstract

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Specifics of "amorphous state - crystal" phase transitions in dependence on the samples obtaining method and thermal processing, as well as changes in the structure and close range order in the arrangement of the atoms of Ge20Sb20.5Te51 chalcogenide semiconductors have been studied by the x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. It has been shown that Ge20Sb20.5Te51 films obtained by thermal evaporation on an unheated substrate are amorphous; after heat treatment at 220 and 400 °C, transform into a crystalline phase with a cubic and hexagonal structure. The chemical bonds and the main structural elements that form the matrix of the investigated objects, as well as the changes that occur in them during heat treatment, have been determined.

Ballistic trauma caused by military rifles: experimental study based on synthetic skull proxies

Rifles are often involved in violent deaths such as homicide and suicide. Consequently, expert knowledge and experimental forensic investigations are important to clarify the nature of ballistic trauma when applied to the human head and neurocranium. This study investigated differences in entrance wound morphology with Synbone® spheres which are described as being comparable to human flat bones. A series of ballistic experiments were conducted using two different rifle calibers (5.56 × 45 mm and 7.62 × 39 mm Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)). Synbone® spheres were used for close-range 0.3 m simulated executions as well as at 25 m and 35 m to simulate urban and military engagements. Results were compared with previously published experimental studies using similar military ammunition. In our study, entry wound morphology closely resembles real forensic cases compared to exit wound and overall shape morphology independently of the distance and the caliber. Circumferential delamination was clearly visible with full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds, yielding similar damage pattern morphology to the human crania. This study documented the presence of hydraulic burst or shock in all ten rounds from all three distances. Krönlein shots were also observed in some cases. Synbone® spheres constitute an acceptable synthetic surrogate for ballistic experiments. The present study offers new initial data on the behavior of Synbone® proxies in ballistic testing of military ammunitions; FMJ gunshot injuries to the human head, for distances that have not previously been published, suggesting that efficient tests can take place under these conditions. Further research on experimental ballistics with a larger number of controlled factors and multiple repetitions is recommended to verify the results of this pilot study before applied in forensic simulations.

LED-to-LED wireless communication between divers

<p class="Abstract">For military divers, having a robust, secure, and undetectable wireless communication system available is a fundamental element. Wireless intercoms using acoustic waves are currently used. These systems, even if reliable, have the defect of being easily identifiable and detectable. Visible light can pass through sea water. Therefore, light can be used to develop short-range wireless communication systems. To realize secure close-range underwater wireless communication, the Underwater Optical Wireless Communication (UOWC) can be a valid alternative to acoustic wireless communication. UOWC is not a new idea, but the problem of the presence of sunlight and the possibility of using near-ultraviolet radiation (near-UV) has not been adequately addressed in the literature yet. In military applications, the possibility of using invisible optical radiation can be of great interest. In this paper, a feasibility study is carried out to demonstrate that UOWC can be performed using near-ultraviolet radiation. The proposed system can be useful for wireless voice communications between military divers as well as amateur divers.</p>

LANDSLIDE MONITORING USING CLOSE RANGE PHOTOGRAMMETRY

This paper presents the preliminary results of a simulation study on the production of low cost Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for a landslide study area in Seri Iskandar, Perak. The important objective of this paper is to present the potentiality of Close Range Photogrammetry (CRP) as a data acquisition tool in producing a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) by using data from surface measurement. This method was applied using stereopair photographs captured data from ground level detection, or known as close range photogrammetry with the use of a digital camera mounted on a tripod as a tool for data collection. Close Range Photogrammetry (CRP) applications is useful for mapping of areas that are difficult and risky to point manpower on terrain that consist of steep and dangerous slopes. Conventional methods require measurement using Electronic Distance Measuring (EDM), but this method is very costly and requires a survey team placed on the land site area. The research data were carried out with two different epoch data. The outcome proves that CRP can produce DEM with less cost compared to other methods.

Analisis Perbandingan Ketelitian Model 3D Menggunakan Lensa Normal dan Lensa Fisheye

Dalam pemodelan 3D, salah satu metode yang umum digunakan adalah close range photogrammetry (CRP). Pada umumnya, metode CRP menggunakan lensa normal akibat distorsinya yang tidak terlalu besar. Lensa fisheye memiliki sudut pandang yang lebih besar dibandingkan lensa normal sehingga dapat mengurangi jumlah foto namun memiliki distorsi yang besar sehingga dapat mempengaruhi ketelitian model 3D yang dihasilkan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melakukan pengujian ketelitian geometrik antara lensa normal dan lensa fisheye. Penelitian dilakukan di Kawasan Candi Ratu Boko. Data yang digunakan adalah foto objek candi, 10 titik GCP dan 10 titik ICP. Hasil model 3D lensa normal dan lensa fisheye sudah dapat memvisualisasikan objek dengan baik dari tingkat kedetilan dari struktur yang dihasilkan. Uji geometrik dilakukan dengan membandingkan jarak pada kedua model dengan jarak di lapangan serta ukuran ICP pada kedua model dengan ukuran ICP hasil akuisisi mengunakan total station reflectorless. Kedua uji tersebut menggunakan uji -t dengan tingkat kepercayaan 95%. Uji ketelitian jarak dan koordinat ICP menghasilkan t hitung < tabel sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa ketelitian model 3D lensa fisheye sama dengan ketelitian model 3D lensa normal. Lensa fisheye dapat menggantikan lensa normal untuk pemodelan 3D dalam kondisi lingkungan yang sempit dan terbatas. Distorsi lensa yang besar pada lensa fisheye tidak mempengaruhi ketelitian objek secara signifikan apabila dilakukan proses kalibrasi kamera.