In-field Observations Research Articles

Student field experiences: designing for different instructors and variable weather

ABSTRACTThis study compares the field experience and development of sense of place (in this case, human attributed meanings and attachments to the field area) in geoscience students on three separate course sections of a six-day introductory geological mapping field trip. Students stayed in a small farm station within their 4 km2 field area, worked in groups of three or four, and produced an individual final assessment. Findings from student interviews and pre-post surveys indicated that there were no significant differences in perceptions of the field trip purpose or sense of place between field trip sections, despite differences in instructor pedagogy and sense of place, as well as varied weather conditions. There were significant increases in student sense of place on all field trips, in contrast with previous work on a “roadside” (regional, multi-site) field trip where no significant change in sense of place occurred. In-field observations and instructor interviews identified key characteristics that supported similar sense of place and experiences on all trips: (1) consistent intended learning outcomes, (2) a carefully selected and immersive field area valued by instructors, and (3) an assessment connected to the landscape/field area with flexibility in its implementation, especially when faced with adverse weather conditions.

The Hu\xe1nuco Pampa acoustical field survey: an efficient, comparative archaeoacoustical method for studying sonic communication dynamics

The 2015 acoustical field survey on and around the central plaza platform (“ushnu”) at the Inca administrative complex of Huánuco Pampa advances understanding of Inca communication dynamics and innovates archaeoacoustical methodologies. We detail here a new archaeoacoustics method that cross-compares a sequence of human-performed sound sources along with a standard electronic acoustical test signal across survey points. This efficient and rigorous archaeological experiment produced extensible data and observations regarding Inca-designed site sonics and multi-directional communication dynamics. Our experiment design combines ecologically valid acoustical measurements with subjective researcher-observer data to chart sound transmission and reception of different classes of sound-producers, enabling the identification of environmental contingencies, and the estimation of site acoustical features. Calibrated, multiply repeated sonic test signals were measured from a strategically chosen set of geo-located and photo-documented source and receiver locations in absolute, relative, and subjective terms, simultaneously for each source-receiver pair. This method offers a systematic and comprehensive understanding of site-specific sonic dynamics via in-field observations and data recording, frequency-range comparison across test signals, attention to acoustical metrics and psychoacoustical precedents, and emphasis on practical repeatability for a range of archaeologically relevant sound sources. Our study posits the central platform at Huánuco Pampa as a strategic point for Inca elites to both observe and influence activities across the site, a finding extensible to other such platforms. The prominent architectural platform would serve as a tool for multi-directional communication, as well as to facilitate messaging about elite presence and imperial identity through the projection of sonic-visual displays. Beyond producing data about Huánuco Pampa and Inca architecture, our case-study implementation of this new method demonstrates an efficient and systematic approach to tracing the acoustical contingencies of architectural materials in archaeological contexts.

Design and preliminary validation of a mobile application-based expert system to facilitate repair of medical equipment in resource-limited health settings.

BackgroundOne of the greatest barriers to safe surgery is the availability of functional biomedical equipment. Biomedical technicians play a major role in ensuring that equipment is functional. Following in-field observations and an online survey, a mobile application was developed to aid technicians in troubleshooting biomedical equipment. It was hypothesized that this application could be used to aid technicians in equipment repair, as modeled by repair of a pulse oximeter.MethodsTo identify specific barriers to equipment repair and maintenance for biomedical technicians, an online survey was conducted to determine current practices and challenges. These findings were used to guide the development of a mobile application system that guides technicians through maintenance and repair tasks. A convenience sample of technicians in Ethiopia tested the application using a broken pulse oximeter task and following this completed usability and content validity surveys.ResultsFifty-three technicians from 13 countries responded to the initial survey. The results of the survey showed that technicians find equipment manuals most useful, but these are not easily accessible. Many do not know how to or are uncomfortable reaching out to human resources. Thirty-three technicians completed the broken pulse oximeter task using the application. All were able to appropriately identify and repair the equipment, and post-task surveys of usability and content validity demonstrated highly positive scores (Agree to Strongly Agree) on both scales.DiscussionThis research demonstrates the need for improved access to resources for technicians and shows that a mobile application can be used to address a gap in the access to knowledge and resources in low- and middle-income countries. Further research will include prospective studies to determine the impact of an application on the availability of functional equipment in a hospital and the effect on the provision and safety of surgical care.

Empirical validation and local sensitivity analysis of a lumped-parameter thermal model of an outdoor test cell

This paper presents the experimental validation of a thermal model describing the ZEB Test Cells Laboratory, located at the Gløshaugen campus of NTNU and SINTEF in Trondheim, Norway. Besides, a local sensitivity analysis identifies the parameters and inputs that are most influential on the thermal behaviour of the test cell, in terms of temperature profiles of the internal air and internal surfaces. The analysis shows that, in free-running conditions, the most important parameters and inputs, out of the 49 tested ones, are: the air temperature in the guard zone, the initial temperature(s) of the test cell envelope, the linear dimension of the square window, the solar irradiance on the vertical plane of the window, the depth of the test cell, the thermal conductivity and the thickness of the polyurethane layer in the envelope, the solar direct transmittance of the window, the internal height and width of the test cell, the external air temperature and the electrical power input to the mixing fan. Based on the outcome of the local sensitivity analysis and on in-field observations, some practical measures to improve the quality of the input data provided to a dynamic energy simulation tool, and thus the accuracy of prediction of the temperature evolution of the test cell. Based on the outcome of the local sensitivity analysis and on in-field observations, we propose some practical measures to improve the quality of the input data provided to a dynamic energy simulation tool, and thus the accuracy of prediction of the temperature evolution of the test cell. For example, we suggest monitoring accurately the environmental conditions in the guard zone, which are particularly influential under free-running conditions, and installing a global irradiance pyranometer next to the window in order to reduce the uncertainty related to the entering solar load.

A Modeling System for Monitoring Water Quality in Lagoons

Regular monitoring of key water quality parameters is important for assessing the hydrological status of a lagoon and its management activities. In this study, a new cost-effective technique based on the geo-ecological information-modeling system (GIMS) is implemented employing the combined use of simulation experiments and in-field observations to investigate the problem of optimizing water quality monitoring of a lagoon. The GIMS is accompanied by 39 elements selected in 8 management systems and 31 functional elements, which are described in detail. It is shown that the combined use of model and field observations allows reliable recording of lagoon water quality and optimization of the monitoring regime. Finally, simulation experiments are presented, demonstrating the fidelity of the proposed modeling system to optimize water quality control through regular in-field measurements and simulations.

Surfaces from the Visual Past: Recovering High-Resolution Terrain Data from Historic Aerial Imagery for Multitemporal Landscape Analysis

Historic aerial images are invaluable sources of aid to archaeological research. Often collected with large-format photogrammetric quality cameras, these images are potential archives of multidimensional data that can be used to recover information about historic landscapes that have been lost to modern development. However, a lack of camera information for many historic images coupled with physical degradation of their media has often made it difficult to compute geometrically rigorous 3D content from such imagery. While advances in photogrammetry and computer vision over the last two decades have made possible the extraction of accurate and detailed 3D topographical data from high-quality digital images emanating from uncalibrated or unknown cameras, the target source material for these algorithms is normally digital content and thus not negatively affected by the passage of time. In this paper, we present refinements to a computer vision-based workflow for the extraction of 3D data from historic aerial imagery, using readily available software, specific image preprocessing techniques and in-field measurement observations to mitigate some shortcomings of archival imagery and improve extraction of historical digital elevation models (hDEMs) for use in landscape archaeological research. We apply the developed method to a series of historic image sets and modern topographic data covering a period of over 70 years in western Sicily (Italy) and evaluate the outcome. The resulting series of hDEMs form a temporal data stack which is compared with modern high-resolution terrain data using a geomorphic change detection approach, providing a quantification of landscape change through time in extent and depth, and the impact of this change on archaeological resources.

Mapping salt marsh dieback and condition in South Carolina’s North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve using remote sensing

Marsh dieback, or brown marsh, occurs when areas of salt marsh vegetation either thin or completely die. The exact extent and locations of marsh dieback are often unknown due to the difficulty accessing salt marshes for in-field observations. Remote sensing provides a synoptic view of earth surfaces and helps to highlight vegetation thinning or loss covering large spatial areas. In 2002–2003 there was a marsh dieback event that affected South Carolina. While most research focused on causes of the event, its extent has not been mapped. Using satellite data to extract the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for years between 1999 and 2003, this study calculated the change in vegetation greenness of the North Inlet salt marsh in Georgetown, South Carolina. Results showed where the marsh vegetation increased or was lost/thinned. The northern section of the marsh experienced the most vegetation decline, while the southern end of the mash experienced a gain in vegetation. The region with the least amount of vegetation decline occurred within mid elevations of the marsh. It is likely that the vegetation within higher elevations experienced stress due to hypersalinity, while vegetation within the lower marsh experienced stress from hypoxia leading to increased rates of vegetation decline in these zones. The elevation of marshes in the northern section is low, and a significant decline in NDVI there may signal a decline in marsh health due to rising sea level.

Information from the past: how elderly people orchestrate presences, memories and technologies at home

This paper describes insights from an ethnographic study aimed at understanding the uses and meanings of objects and domestic spaces in the daily practices of older adults. This work was inspired from the awareness that designing suitable domestic technologies which “fit” into seniors’ home environments requires a deep understanding of how elders arrange and give meanings to their domestic spaces and objects. The final goal of this research is to provide insights into the ways older people make sense of products and services in relation to their individual and social well-being at home. Further studies will address applicative implications regarding how to use these insights to design as innovative and as effective products and services. This research involved two hundred and forty-one participants aged over 65 in Italy from different household situations (living alone, with others, in the family home) and in different social contexts (in rural and large urban areas). In-field observations were carried out at homes of the elderly, and data were collected through narrative interviews, home tours (audio and video recorded), photographs of objects and environments and ethnographic field notes. Results showed that several elements at home become a choreography of “fondness objects” which support the remembrance (e.g. mementos) and keep the elderly company (e.g. TV and radio). These objects are often related to meaningful personal memories from past experiences and are “traces” of relationships which are no longer physically present were relevant in some periods of life. Ethnographic data return a clear picture of the elderly like people that actively organize their world starting from their strong need of relationships and selective remembering that supports their emotional lives. Implications and suggestions for designers are also discussed.

Contribution to the knowledge of the coastal vegetation of the SIC IT9110005 “Zone Umide della Capitanata” (Apulia, Italy)

An overview of the coastal vegetation of Site of Community Importance “Zone Umide della Capitanata” (Puglia Region) is here presented. Original relevés were performed in different locations of the site. On the basis of the in-field observations (142 original relevés) and of literature data, 44 plant communities have been defined, belonging to the following classes: Lemnetea minoris, Ruppietea maritimae, Potametea pectinati, Phragmito-Magnocaricetea, Cakiletea maritimae, Ammophiletea, Helichryso-Crucianelletea maritimae, Juncetea maritimi, Sarcocornietea fruticosae, Saginetea maritimae, Thero-Suaedetea, Tuberarietea guattatae, Nerio-Tamaricetea. For each vegetation unit, the distribution area at local and regional level and the relation to habitat types of the 92/43 EEC Directive are provided.

Influence of wheel and rail profile shape on the initiation of rolling contact fatigue cracks at high axle loads

ABSTRACTThe influence of wheel and rail profile shape features on the initiation of rolling contact fatigue (RCF) cracks is evaluated based on the results of multi-body vehicle dynamics simulations. The damage index and surface fatigue index are used as two damage parameters to assess the influence of the different features. The damage parameters showed good agreement to one another and to in-field observations. The wheel and rail profile shape features showed a correlation to the predicted RCF damage. The RCF damage proved to be most sensitive to the position of hollow wear and thus bogie tracking. RCF initiation and crack growth can be reduced by eliminating unwanted shape features through maintenance and design and by improving bogie tracking.

Risk in Schooling: The Contribution of Qualitative Research to Our Understanding of the Overrepresentation of Minorities in Special Education

This article reviews 15 qualitative studies examining factors contributing to the overrepresentation of minorities in special education. Eleven studies constituted numerical surveys of practitioner perspectives, with additional questions that were analyzed qualitatively. Four studies relied on face-to-face interviews or qualitative surveys, in-field observations, and review of students' documents. This review is organized into two main groups of studies—those that investigated stakeholders' explanations only and those that combined stakeholders' perspectives with direct investigation of actual practices. Findings reflected considerable overlap in explanations for disproportionality including poverty, family issues, intrinsic child deficit, and school-based issues such as professional bias regarding socioeconomic status (SES) and race. The article calls for increased use of qualitative studies to unearth the root causes of disproportionality.

Quantitative assessment of developmental levels in overarm throwing using wearable inertial sensing technology

ABSTRACTMotor proficiency in childhood has been recently recognised as a public health determinant, having a potential impact on the physical activity level and possible sedentary behaviour of the child later in life. Among fundamental motor skills, ballistic skills assessment based on in-field quantitative observations is progressively needed in the motor development community. The aim of this study was to propose an in-field quantitative approach to identify different developmental levels in overarm throwing. Fifty-eight children aged 5–10 years performed an overarm throwing task while wearing three inertial sensors located at the wrist, trunk and pelvis level and were then categorised using a developmental sequence of overarm throwing. A set of biomechanical parameters were defined and analysed using multivariate statistics to evaluate whether they can be used as developmental indicators. Trunk and pelvis angular velocities and time durations before the ball release showed increasing/decreasing trends with increasing developmental level. Significant differences between developmental level pairs were observed for selected biomechanical parameters. The results support the suitability and feasibility of objective developmental measures in ecological learning contexts, suggesting their potential supportiveness to motor learning experiences in educational and youth sports training settings.

Horizontal cladding panels: in-plane seismic performance in precast concrete buildings

The paper investigates the in-plane performance of horizontal precast reinforced concrete cladding panels, typically adopted in one-storey precast industrial and commercial buildings. Starting from in-field observations of cladding panels failures in recent earthquakes, the seismic performance of typical connections is evaluated by means of experimental tests on full-scale panels under quasi-static cyclic loading. The failure mechanisms highlight the vulnerability of such connections to relative displacements and, therefore, the need to accurately evaluate the connections displacement demand and capacity. An analytical model is developed to describe the force–displacement relationship of the considered connections and compared to the experimental results. In order to determine the seismic vulnerability of such connections and provide design recommendations, linear and nonlinear analyses are conducted taking as reference a precast concrete structure resembling an industrial precast building. The results of the analyses show the importance of a correct estimation of the column’s lateral stiffness in the design process and how an improper erection procedure leads to a premature failure of such connections.

Evaluation of Shallow Landslides in the Northern Walgau (Austria) Using Morphometric Analysis Techniques

Landslides play a key role in landscape evolution in the Eastern Alps. These geomorphic phenomena are influenced by multiple interdependent and interacting natural and anthropogenic factors. An in-depth evaluation of the spatial distribution of existing landslides enables to gain first insights into potentially hazardous areas. Morphometric analysis techniques of mapped landslides as well as their date of occurrence allow to infer their activity and also potential impacts on affected areas. The prevalent slow moving landslides and inactive slipping areas were mapped and analysed via digital terrain models (DTM), shaded relief images of highly resolved airborne laserscanning (ALS) data and in-field observations. Orthophotos from aerial surveys and ALS data allowed a deferred-time analyses of past landslide occurrences including a record of recent slope movements. All mapped landslides were classified and analysed with geomorphometric indices. Pedological processes, the lithological setting and anthropogenic landscape transformationwere taken into account when interpreting the results. The geomorphometrical evaluation of the sliding areas determine the creation of a multitemporal landslide inventory in the Northern Walgau.

Teachers’ Motivation Related to Teaching and Learning Processes

We use theoretical fields about aspects of the Teaching and Learning processes related to the Motivational Process and reviews elements of the conceptualization of motivation, as a process who involves external/extrinsic and internal/intrinsic components, including elements of interpersonal relationships. The research data are qualitative, using 34 teachers’ field diaries, obtained after the workshops developed with them, complemented with our infield (unsystematic) observations, in three schools, about: their pedagogical practice, motivation, aspects of his/her malaise and well-being, reflections about their self-image and self-esteem, autonomy and cooperation for motivation in education. Their qualitative speeches were pointed on field diaries, complemented with observations, obtained in the meetings with these teachers. They are analyzed by Content Analysis Technique and the categories we found are: 1) Initial conceptions that subjects bring on the subject motivation; 2) Relation between malaise/wellbeing and teacher’s motivation; 3) Relation among self-image, self-esteem and motivation; 4) Cooperation for motivation in the profession. We stress the need and importance of conducting positive aspects related to the subjectivity aspects of the teacher and students’ relationships, remembering that the three components (knowledge, skills and attitudes/affect) interact constantly. We still see that our field research needs to be expanded, with a view to provide continuing education for the teachers (also students and parents) to make them aware of the importance of motivation related to his/her well-being.

Handheld Visual Representation of a Castle Chapel Ruin

We have experienced rapid development in Augmented Reality (AR) systems and platforms in the world of cultural heritage, namely in cultural settings and historical museums. However, we still face a range of challenges to design an AR system that meets the requirements for an AR installation working autonomously in a cultural heritage setting for an extended duration. This article describes the development of two installations for the visualization of a 3D reconstruction of a castle chapel, running autonomously during open hours in the location of a castle museum. We present a convincing 3D visualization running at interactive frame-rates on modern tablets. In one installation, the tablet is connected to a large screen TV for an immersive experience, and, in another, the tablet is hand-held, thus facilitating translational freedom in the chapel. Both installations allow unsupervised usage during museum visiting hours. Based on in-field observations and on-device logging of application usage, user behavior is analyzed and evaluated. Results indicate that users spent a limited amount of time using the application and did not fully explore the visual area of the chapel. In order for the user to spend more time with the application, additional information must be presented to the user.

Remote-Sensed Mapping of Sargassum spp. Distribution around Rottnest Island, Western Australia, Using High-Spatial Resolution WorldView-2 Satellite Data

ABSTRACT Hoang, T.C.; O'Leary, M.J., and Fotedar, R.K., 2016. Remote-sensed mapping of Sargassum spp. distribution around Rottnest Island, Western Australia, using high-spatial resolution WorldView-2 satellite data. Satellite remote sensing is one of the most efficient techniques for marine habitat studies in shallow coastal waters, especially in clear waters where field observations can be easily carried out. However, such in situ observations have certain limitations: they are time consuming, have a limited ability to capture spatial variability, and require an interdisciplinary approach between marine biologists and remote-sensing specialists. The main objective of this study was to survey and map Sargassum beds around Rottnest Island, Western Australia, through a combination of high spatial resolution WorldView-2 imagery, using a validated depth invariant index model for water-column correction, and in-field observations. The combination of field survey data and four classification methods resulted in...

How do you feel, developer? An explanatory theory of the impact of affects on programming performance

Affects---emotions and moods---have an impact on cognitive activities and the working performance of individuals. Development tasks are undertaken through cognitive processes, yet software engineering research lacks theory on affects and their impact on software development activities. In this paper, we report on an interpretive study aimed at broadening our understanding of the psychology of programming in terms of the experience of affects while programming, and the impact of affects on programming performance. We conducted a qualitative interpretive study based on: face-to-face open-ended interviews, in-field observations, and e-mail exchanges. This enabled us to construct a novel explanatory theory of the impact of affects on development performance. The theory is explicated using an established taxonomy framework. The proposed theory builds upon the concepts of events, affects, attractors, focus, goals, and performance. Theoretical and practical implications are given.

Coordination and Information Management in the Haiyan Response: Observations from the Field

The response to the Level 3 disaster of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines involved a large number of organizations providing assistance and support. Coordination structures between a large variety of international and national organizations, the government and the military were established at the national, provincial and local levels. These coordination efforts were accompanied by a significant information management effort, including the needs assessment of the affected population and monitoring and evaluation regarding the response and assistance provided. This paper presents preliminary findings from a research field trip conducted in the aftermath of the Typhoon response by the authors. Interviews were conducted with a broad range of decision makers in various functions in the disaster response organizations and with varying responsibilities. These interviews were complemented with in-field observations and secondary data collection. Preliminary findings show a decreasing complexity and rigidity of coordination structures from the headquarters to the (deep) field, and a corresponding decreasing sophistication of information management. While information management at the headquarters seemed to be targeted in large part towards international advocacy and policy, information management in the field focused on very concrete response actions.

Group Dynamics in Pedestrian Crowds

Recent crowd disasters highlight the importance of properly planning and designing large urban events and public spaces to enhance the safety of people in a crowd during evacuations. Pedestrian crowd dynamics are empirically investigated with an interdisciplinary approach (i.e., social sciences, computer science, and traffic engineering) focusing on the effect of groups and their proxemic behavior and interactions while walking. Empirical evidence achieved from urban in-field observations and laboratory experiments are presented and compared. Results indicate that the proxemic behavior of walking groups has a negative effect on walking speed when flow is irregular (primarily because of the need for members to maintain spatial cohesion during locomotion). These results have important implications for the design of common metrics to characterize spatial interactions among pedestrians and for the validation of models to replicate crowd dynamics that consider the effects of groups under normal and emergency conditions.