Analysis Of Environmental Variables Research Articles

Adaptive network-based fuzzy inference model on CPS for large scale intelligent and cooperative surveillance

This paper proposes Cyber-Physical System (CPS) architectures for Large Scale Intelligent and Cooperative Surveillance (ICS) and presents an Adaptive Network-based Fuzzy Inference Model (ANFIM) for reducing the false accident-event report rates of Controller Manager (CM) systems among CPS components. In ICS, sensor nodes detect traffic accident events from general roads and crossroads and transmit event attribute values (car and accident types), time attribute values (date, month, day, year), environmental variable values (weather, temperature, luminous intensity, humidity and sound), and accident event videos to the Controller through WSN mesh networks. Using these pieces of information, the Controller conducts image processing and delivers all sensing data to the CM together with accident-event probability values. The CM conducts data filtering with multi regression analysis utilizing the past accident event database. Centering on the resultant values obtained through the foregoing process, this paper proposes a mathematical model for influence analysis of environmental variables that affect accident events. Based on the model's results, the authors establish a Sugeno Type fuzzy rule base for reducing false accident-event report rates to propose an ANFIM.

What are the effects of wooded riparian zones on stream temperature?

Predicted increases in stream temperature due to climate change will have a number of direct and indirect impacts on stream biota. A potential intervention for mitigating stream temperature rise is the use of wooded riparian zones to increase shade and reduce direct warming through solar radiation. To assess the effectiveness of this intervention, we conducted a systematic review of the available evidence for the effects of wooded riparian zones on stream temperature. We searched literature databases and conducted relevant web searches. Inclusion criteria were: subject - any stream in a temperate climate; intervention - presence of trees in the riparian zone; comparator - absence of trees in the riparian zone; outcome measure - stream temperature. Included studies were sorted into 3 groups based on the scale of the intervention and design of the study. Two groups were taken forward for synthesis; Group 1 studies comparing water temperature in streams with and without buffer strips/riparian cover and Group 2 comparisons of stream temperatures in open and forested landscapes. Temperature data were extracted and quantitative synthesis performed using a random effects meta-analysis on the differences in mean and maximum temperature. Ten studies were included in each of Groups 1 and 2. Results for both groups suggest that riparian wooded zones lower spring and summer stream temperatures. Lowering of maximum is greater than lowering of mean temperature. Further analysis of environmental variables that might modify the effects of the intervention was not possible using the limited set of studies. Wooded riparian zones can reduce stream temperatures, particularly in terms of maximum temperatures. Because temperature is known to affect fish, amphibian and invertebrate life history, the reported effect sizes are likely to have a biological significance for the stream biotic community. Consequently investment in creation of wooded riparian zones might provide benefits in terms of mitigating some of the ecological effects of climate change on water temperature. Considerable uncertainty lies in the environmental variables that may modify the cooling effect of wooded riparian zones, and therefore it is not possible to identify when the use of this intervention for cooling would be most valuable.

Seasonal phytoplankton responses to environmental factors in a shallow Mediterranean lagoon

Phytoplankton community structure was investigated in a 1-year study period from January to December 2006 in the Tunis North Lagoon (South Mediterranean). Twice a month, sampling was carried out from the whole water column. Phytoplankton species composition showed seasonal dynamics following the general environmental variable trends in the study area, with variation in species abundance levels within each season characterised by the presence of different phytoplankton communities. Analysis of environmental variables indicated that phytoplankton-dominant communities were associated with various water physicochemical characteristics, especially water temperature and salinity. Accordingly, significant correlation was recorded between water temperature and dinoflagellates (r = 0.35; p < 0.05) in summer and diatoms (r = 0.69; p < 0.05) in autumn, whereas euglenophytes, cyanophytes and chlorophytes were slightly correlated with temperature in autumn. Salinity was positively correlated with dichtyophytes (r = 0.41; p < 0.05) in winter and with diatoms (r = 0.65; p < 0.05) and euglenophytes (r = 0.57; p < 0.05) in autumn. On the other hand, relationships between high nitrogen nutrient concentration and phytoplankton concentration were recorded for diatoms (r = 0.43; p < 0.05 with NO2; r = 0.49; p < 0.05 with NO3) in winter. Silicate concentration supported proliferation of diatoms (r = 0.58; p < 0.05) in autumn in our study period. In contrast, increase of dinoflagellate concentration was associated with the decrease of these parameters in spring and summer.

The roles of habitat heterogeneity in generating and maintaining biodiversity on continental margins: an introduction

(introduction to Special Issue: The roles of habitat heterogeneity in generating and maintaining biodiversity on continental margins A Contribution to the Census of Marine Life)

&lt;b&gt;Apreciação ergonômica do processo de produção de queijos em indústrias de laticínios&lt;/b&gt;

Este trabalho analisou as variáveis ambientais e a organização do trabalho do processo de produção de queijos em indústrias de laticínios de pequeno porte da região do Sudoeste do estado da Bahia. O ambiente de trabalho foi caracterizado por meio de observações in loco do processo de produção e medição das variáveis ambientais referentes ao ruído, iluminação e temperatura. Os parâmetros quantificados foram avaliados segundo as normas regulamentadoras vigentes, visando ao final ter elementos para proposição de sugestões para os problemas identificados, objetivando assim a melhoria das atividades desenvolvidas nestas indústrias. Os problemas mais sérios encontrados estão relacionados com a postura e com a iluminação inadequada, a qual, em uma das indústrias investigadas, foi inferior aos dois critérios de avaliação empregados. Palavras-chave: Ergonomia, Indústria de laticínios, Conforto ambiental.

Habitat differentiation, hybridization and gene flow patterns in mixed populations of diploid and autotetraploid Dactylorhiza maculata s.l. (Orchidaceae)

Detailed ecological, morphological and molecular analyses were performed in mixed populations of diploid and autotetraploid Dactylorhiza maculata s.l. in Scandinavia. Comparisons were made with pure populations of either diploid ssp. fuchsii or tetraploid ssp. maculata. It was shown that mixed populations are the result of secondary contact between ssp. fuchsii and ssp. maculata. No patterns of recent and local autopolyploidization were found. Morphology and nuclear DNA markers (internal transcribed spacers of nuclear ribosomal DNA) showed that diploids and tetraploids from mixed populations have similar levels of differentiation to diploids and tetraploids from pure populations. Vegetation analyses, as well as analyses of environmental variables, revealed that diploid and tetraploid individuals in mixed populations are ecologically well differentiated on a microhabitat level. Diploids and tetraploids in pure populations have wider ecological amplitudes than they do in mixed populations. Triploid hybrids grew in intermediate microhabitats between diploids and tetraploids in the mixed populations. Plastid DNA markers indicated that both diploids and tetraploids may act as the maternal parent. Based on morphology and nuclear markers triploids are more similar to tetraploids than to diploids. There were indications of introgressive gene flow between ploidy levels. Plastid markers indicated that gene flow from diploid to tetraploid level is most common, but nuclear markers suggested that gene flow in opposite direction also may occur. Similar patterns of differentiation and gene flow appeared in localities that represented contrasting biogeographic regions. Disturbance and topography may explain why hybridization was slightly more common and the differentiation patterns somewhat less clear in the Scandinavian mountains than in the coastal lowland.

Bacterial Community Succession in Natural River Biofilm Assemblages

Temporal bacterial community changes in river biofilms were studied using 16S rRNA gene-based polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) followed by sequence analysis. Naturally occurring biofilms were sampled in 2001 during an undisturbed 7-month low-water period in the River Garonne (SW France). During the sampling period epilithic biomass exhibited a particular pattern: two 3-month periods of accumulation that resulted in two peaks in summer and fall, each at about 25 g ash-free dry mass per square meter. Bacterial community DGGE profiles differed between the summer and fall biomass peaks and shared only 30% common operational taxonomic units (OTUs), suggesting the influence of seasonal factors on these communities. During the second biomass accrual phase, bacterial richness and the appearance of new OTUs fitted a conceptual model of bacterial biofilm succession. During succession, five OTUs (corresponding to Dechloromonas sp., Nitrospira sp., and three different Spirosoma spp.) exhibited particular patterns and were present only during clearly defined successional stages, suggesting differences in life-history strategies for epilithic bacteria. Co-inertia analysis of DGGE banding patterns and physical-chemical data showed a significant relationship between community structure and environmental conditions suggesting that bacterial communities were mainly influenced by seasonal changes (temperature, light) and hydrodynamic stability. Within the periods of stability, analysis of environmental variables and community patterns showed the dominant influence of time and maturation on bacterial community structure. Thus, succession in these naturally occurring epilithic biofilm assemblages appears to occur through a combination of allogenic (seasonal) and autogenic changes.

Marine survival and distribution patterns of two Puget Sound hatchery populations of coho ( Oncorhynchus kisutch) and chinook ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) salmon

To better understand the factors associated with mortality of chinook ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) and coho ( Oncorhynchus kisutch) salmon, we examined data from two nearby hatcheries in Puget Sound, Washington, USA for salmon released from 1969 to 1998. The chinook salmon smolts released from the University of Washington (UW) hatchery were larger than those from Soos Creek hatchery (12.93 g versus 5.17 g) and had higher survival rates (2.21% versus 0.77%), and the Soos Creek coho salmon were larger than UW coho (25.25 g versus 12.60 g) and had higher survival rates (7.15% versus 4.27%), but in neither hatchery nor species did size explain the variation in survival among years. The two populations of each species shared very similar marine distributions, as inferred from patterns of coded wire tag recoveries from fisheries. The correlations in survival rates were significant in all cases, but strongest for UW salmon of both species ( r = 0.70), followed by chinook from the two sites ( r = 0.49), then coho from the two sites ( r = 0.40) and lowest for coho and chinook from Soos Creek ( r = 0.35). These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the period shortly after release affects survival because both populations of chinook salmon and the UW coho were released in May whereas Soos Creek coho salmon were released in April. Analysis of environmental variables indicated some correlations consistent with other investigations (chiefly negative correlations with sea surface temperature in the first summer at sea) but there were also inconsistencies (e.g., correlations at one hatchery or for one species but not the other). Taken together, the results highlight the higher survival rates of coho than chinook salmon, the negligible effect of body size on interannual variation in survival, and the variation in survival between populations from nearby sites.

Ichthyoplankton abundance, distribution, and assemblage structure in the Gulf of Alaska during September 2000 and 2001

Autumn ichthyoplankton assemblage structure in the Gulf of Alaska (GOA) region has not previously been characterized. Ichthyoplankton data from September 2000 and 2001 survey collections were analyzed to describe assemblages in the western GOA, to examine interannual variation in assemblages, and to relate observations to oceanographic conditions. Taxa with the highest frequency of occurrence (2000/2001) included Osmeridae (94/87%), Hexagrammos lagocephalus (57/45%), Sebastes spp. (35/47%) and Bathymaster spp. (27/57%). Through the use of clustering techniques and ordination, three identifiable larval assemblages common to both years were identified. Slope assemblages appeared well defined in both years, while nearshore and mid-shelf assemblages tended to be more loosely associated and variable between years. Analyses of environmental variables (temperature, salinity, water depth, distance from shore, and water transport) suggest ichthyoplankton assemblage structure is affected primarily by bathymetry and circulation. We demonstrate that early autumn ichthyoplankton assemblage structure in the GOA is fundamentally linked to variations in macro- (slope vs. shelf) and meso-scale topography (on-shelf proximity to land masses), and suggest that these intrinsic associations may be modified by spatial and temporal variations in local hydrographic conditions.

태권도 도장 시설 및 장비에 대한 수련생의 인식 분석

This study aims to examine the current condition in Taekwondo gymnasium from a novice`s perspective through research and analysis of environmental variables. It also aims to present basic document that is necessary to operate a gymnasium systemically and scientifically. To achieve the purpose of the study, questionnaires were distributed to ten (10) Taekwondo gymnasiums located in North province of Kyung Ki. The targets of the research are the novices from elementary, middle and high school. From 750 respondents, 727 answers were selected and analyzed for data process. The results are as follows : After analyzing novice`s perception on the condition of facilities and equipment, cooling and heating facilities, resting place, dressing rooms and training equipments, these are given positive ratings. However in the case of supportive sporting goods, toilet and shower room equipments, they have been given a negative evaluation. Based on the results, it is necessary to improve the indirect facilities like supportive sporting goods, toilet and dressing rooms in Taekwondo gymnasium and to invest as soon as possible. It is important for novices to be satisfied with facilities and equipment which are frequently used and positively applied in training. As for the management system, it is important to make a systematic and practical gymnasium operation focusing on novices needs.

Effect of subjective choices on the objective analysis of sea surface temperature data in the tropical Atlantic and Pacific oceans

Many subjective choices are required to perform an objective interpolation (OI) analysis of environmental variables. Herein, we consider the effects on the statistical analysis of sea surface temperature (SST) using (1) a structure function or covariance analysis, (2) different analytical expressions to represent the statistics of the raw data, and (3) different historical SST data sets. The historical data sets are the well-sampled Comprehensive Ocean–Atmospheric Data Set (COADS) and the poorly sampled historical expendable bathythermograph (XBT) data set. Results from these analyses are used to generate error maps for a poorly-sampled, two month XBT array and a proposed well-sampled profiling float array. For the relatively data-rich COADS analysis, decorrelation scales are the same using either the structure function or covariance analyses. Results differ for the data-poor XBT analysis. Representative decorrelation scales in the Pacific (Atlantic) are about 11–14 (6–10) degrees in the zonal direction and 4–7 (3–6) degrees in the meridional direction. As COADS SST data are less precise than XBT SST data, error and signal variances are greater for the former. The choice of analytical fit to the raw data (needed to generate error maps) has a dramatic effect on the resulting uncertainty fields. Gaussian fits, because of their parabolic shape near the origin, result in smaller errors than exponential fits for the same observing array. Finally, the proposed float array can achieve the accuracies needed to resolve satisfactory upper layer heat content changes over larger areas than the present XBT network. © 2000 Ifremer/CNRS/IRD/Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS objective analysis / sea surface temperature / structure function / statistical analysis / objective interpolation

Statistical process control in sediment pollutant analysis

Statistical process control (SPC) is proposed for application to monitoring environmental variables. SPC was used to identify long- and short-term trends and outliers of sediment cadmium (Cd) concentration at an ocean outfall and reference station on the San Pedro Shelf, California. SPC is based on parametric statistics, is easy to calculate, emphasizes visual display, and benefits from a suite of time-tested zone rules to objectively distinguish out-of-control conditions (OOC). Since temporal and spatial trends of sediment Cd obtained from SPC are consistent with conventional methods employed here, the advantages of SPC offer promise in analyses of environmental variables. Comments on management applications and quality control are included.

Environmental Determinants of Spatial Pattern in the Vegetation of Pb-Zn Mines in Southwestern Wisconsin

-Vegetation colonizing Pb-Zn mine waste in Wisconsin in patchily distributed with two distinct communities, open and closed turf. Analysis of environmental variables indicates that the closed turf community occurs in areas of finer soil texture, higher nitrogen and moisture levels and lower Zn concentrations. Open turf occurs on sites of greater environmental stress. Nitrogen mineralization rates are comparable between communities. Significant reduction of environmental stress occurs with advancing successional age. Soil moisture and total N increase with mine age, while Zn concentrations decline. Application of mulch to the open turf increased biomass, but no significant increase occurred after fertilization. This suggests that the factors limiting vegetation success in the open turf are related to the severe environment of the tailings surface, not to nutrient levels. Fertilization produced a biomass increase in the closed turf, but many species were unresponsive to added nutrients, a behavior consistent with characterizing them as stress-tolerant sensu Grime.