Quantitative Observations Research Articles

The first quantitative joint observation of typhoon by Chinese GF-3 SAR and HY-2A microwave scatterometer

The first quantitative joint observation of typhoon by Chinese GF-3 SAR and HY-2A microwave scatterometer

Assessing causal claims about complex engineered systems with quantitative data: internal, external, and construct validity

AbstractEngineers seek to design systems that will produce an intended change in the state of the world. How are we to know if a system will behave as intended? This article addresses ways that this question can be answered. Specifically, we focus on three types of research validity: (1) internal validity, or whether an observed association between two variables can be attributed to a causal link between them; (2) external validity, or whether a causal link generalizes across contexts; and (3) construct validity, or whether a specific set of metrics corresponds to what they are intended to measure. In each case, we discuss techniques that may be used to establish the corresponding type of validity: namely, quasi‐experimental design, replication, and establishment of convergent‐discriminant validity and reliability. These techniques typically require access to data, which has historically been limited for research on complex engineered systems. This is likely to change in the era of “big data.” Thus, we discuss the continued utility of these validity concepts in the face of advances in machine learning and big data as they pertain to complex engineered sociotechnical systems. Next, we discuss relationships between these validity concepts and other prominent approaches to evaluating research in the field. Finally, we propose a set of criteria by which one may evaluate research utilizing quantitative observation to test causal theory in the field of complex engineered systems.

Denudation outpaced by crustal thickening in the eastern Tianshan

The modern high topography of the Tianshan resulted from the reactivation of a Paleozoic orogenic belt by the India/Asia collision. Today, the range exhibits tectonically active forelands and intermontane basins. Based on quantitative morphotectonic observations and age constraints derived from cosmogenic 10Be dating, single-grain post-infrared infrared stimulated luminescence (p-IR IRSL) dating and modeling of fault scarp degradation, we quantify the deformation in the Nalati and Bayanbulak intermontane basins in the central Eastern Tianshan. Our results indicate that at least 1.4 mm/yr of horizontal crustal shortening is accommodated within these two basins. This shortening represents over 15% of the 8.5 ± 0.5 mm/yr total shortening rate across the entire range at this longitude. This shortening rate implies that the Eastern Central Tianshan is thickening at a mean rate of ∼1.4 mm/yr, a rate that is significantly higher than the average denudation rate of 0.14 mm/yr derived from our cosmogenic analysis. This discrepancy suggests that the Tianshan range has not yet reached a steady-state topography and remains in a transient state of topographic growth, most likely due to limited denudation rates driven by the arid climate of Central Asia.

Long-term, quantitative observations of seafloor hydrothermal venting using an imaging sonar

While connected to the NEPTUNE observatory operated by Ocean Networks Canada (ONC) at the Endeavour Segment of the Juan de Fuca Ridge (http://www.oceannetworks.ca/observatories/pacific), the Cabled Observatory Vent Imaging Sonar (COVIS) recorded an unprecedented long-term (>4 years) acoustic dataset capturing local hydrothermal venting. Processing of the acoustic backscatter data yields three-dimensional (3-D) images of plumes rising tens of meters from black smoker vents on a sulfide structure named Grotto. More importantly, analysis of the Doppler frequency shift in acoustic backscatter yields estimates of the flow rates of those plumes and their volume fluxes. Subsequent calculations based on the vertical variation in volume flux and a theoretical heat-to-volume-flux relationship for buoyancy-driven plumes give estimates of plume heat flux, which are essential for studying the temporal evolution of a hydrothermal system and its coupling with geological, oceanic, and biological processes. In addition to black-smoker plume observations, the ping-to-ping decorrelation of seafloor backscatter recorded by COVIS provides an acoustic indicator of diffuse-flow (i.e., low- temperature, clear hydrothermal discharge) distribution over Grotto and its surrounding areas. Furthermore, acoustic techniques for quantifying the temperature fluctuations, and ultimately, heat flux of diffuse-flow venting are currently under development. [Work supported by NSF.]

Turinio pritaikomumas socialiniame tinkle „Facebook“: Lietuvoje veikiančių bankų atvejis

The aim of this article is to analyze the peculiarities of content marketing and to state content applicability in bank communication in social media. In the theoretical part of this article, we are reviewing the concept of content marketing, its types and features. The empirical part of this article identifies content marketing usage in bank communication on Facebook. Research was carried out by using these methods: qualitative and quantitative content analysis, observation, summarizing and comparison. It was discovered that banks use content marketing in their communication on Facebook. The main types of content were distinguished – photos, links, text and analyzed customer’s feedback, their reactions to the submitted content and cooperation. The insights of this article can be beneficial for businesses and organizations that implement content marketing processes in their communication on social media.

Age-Dependent Responses of Brain Myelin Integrity and Behavioral Performance to Radiation in Mice.

Radiation therapy is widely used to treat primary and metastatic brain tumors, but it may also lead to delayed neurological complications. Oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system produce myelin, and myelin integrity becomes highly vulnerable after brain irradiation. In this study, mice at different developmental stages were used to test the age-dependent sensitivity of myelin formation and maintenance, as well as behavioral performance after whole-brain irradiation (WBI). Mice at postnatal days 21 and 28 and at 2 months received a single dose of 25 Gy WBI. Behavioral tests for general locomotor activity and motor coordination revealed an age-dependent response after WBI. Quantitative observation revealed a sharp decrease in the number of oligodendrocytes beginning at day 1 after WBI, which recovered during different observation intervals in white matter and gray matter in mice of different ages. Myelin basic protein (MBP) staining revealed disparate quantities in an age- and brain-region-dependent pattern between groups after WBI, which was confirmed using Black-Gold staining. In summary, the response to radiation in mice of different ages provided insight into the potential of oligogenesis in microenvironments at respective stages of myelin regeneration, which may reduce central nervous system impairment and optimize the prognosis after radiation treatment.

Habilidades de procedimiento que influyen en la adquisición de hábitos

En la etapa pre-escolar los niños adquieren competencias motrices, procedimentales, sociales, cog- nitivas, comunicativas; todas ellas básicas para el desempeño del escolar y dependientes de la auto- nomía, el contexto, las tareas. El estudio se propuso describir la adquisición de hábitos en un grupo de niños en edad pre-escolar y valorar la enseñanza de acciones procedimentales que fomentan la realización de actividades secuenciales en la participación y el desempeño de los niños. Se realizó una investigación descriptiva secuencial en donde se realizaron registros observacionales cuantita- tivos de habilidades procedimentales de los niños. Así mismo se identificaron conocimientos, per- cepciones, prácticas y necesidades en la enseñanza de acciones procedimentales, mediante grupos focales con los docentes. Finalmente se desarrollaron talleres de actividades secuenciales para la adquisición de hábitos necesarios en actividades cotidianas. Los resultados muestran que hay ne- cesidad de formar a cuidadores y docentes en el proceso de adquisición de hábitos en niños prees- colares por su importancia en el desarrollo posterior. Los talleres apoyaron a niños y docentes en el proceso de aprendizaje y enseñanza de actividades secuenciales. Se concluye que el aprendizaje de la estructuración de hábitos mediante la realización de actividades secuenciales es necesario para el desempeño de actividades cotidianas. La deficiencia presenta riesgo para el posterior desarrollo y desempeño en la ejecución de tareas. Los talleres interdisciplinares para establecer habilidades procedimentales, promueven la identificación y disminución del riesgo.

Protective effect of zoledronic acid on articular cartilage and subchondral bone of rabbits with experimental knee osteoarthritis.

Subchondral bone reabsorption and remodeling are responsible for the initiation and progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Zoledronic acid (ZOL), a third-generation bisphosphonate (BIS), is an inhibitor of bone reabsorption. However, the intervention effect of ZOL on OA has not been fully characterized and remains to be directly demonstrated in animal experiments. The present study examined the microscopic and macroscopic changes in the anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) model of OA in rabbits and evaluated the effects of ZOL on cartilage degeneration and subchondral bone loss. A total of 32 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups: High-, medium- and low-dose ZOL groups, which received an intravenous injection of 250, 50 and 10 µg/kg ZOL, respectively, after modeling, as well as an untreated group. The bone mineral density (BMD) of the knee joint was evaluated by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning immediately after modeling and at 4 and 8 weeks. At week 8, quantitative measurement of cartilage was performed by a specialized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique, including three-dimensional fat-suppressed spoil gradient-recalled sequence and T2 mapping. The rabbits were sacrificed by air embolism after anesthesia and both knee joints were harvested and evaluated by general and histological observation. Toluidine blue and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to assess histological changes in the articular cartilage. Quantitative analysis of cartilage histopathology was performed according to the Mankin scoring system. The BMD of ACLT joints dropped after modeling, which was effectively suppressed by ZOL at the high and medium dose but not the low dose. MRI scans demonstrated that in the untreated group, articular cartilages on ACLT knees were thinner than those on normal knees. The high dose of ZOL preserved the cartilage tissue thickness more efficiently than the medium and low doses. Observation of specimens and pathological slices revealed that the articular cartilage degeneration in the high-dose ZOL group was lightest, while that in the medium- and low-dose ZOL group was moderate, and the untreated group exhibited the most severe defect. The untreated group had the highest Mankin score, whereas the high-dose ZOL group had the lowest score. In conclusion, ZOL increased the subchondral bone density, improved the microstructure and reduced the degeneration of articular cartilage in OA according to morphological as well as quantitative observation. ZOL exerted significant chondroprotective effects in a dose-dependent manner. A favorable chondroprotective effect was induced at the dose of 250 µg/kg. ZOL may represent a novel promising drug to complement the treatment of OA.

Associations between lobster phyllosoma and gelatinous zooplankton in relation to oceanographic properties in the northern Gulf of Mexico

AbstractLobster phyllosoma are known to associate with large cnidarian medusae; however, direct quantitative observations are difficult because gelatinous zooplankton are extremely fragile, and the phyllosoma easily detach from their host when sampled by plankton nets. We provide the first large scale quantitative information of the distribution of this association using an in situ imaging system, with synoptic measurements of water column properties. All phyllosoma were identified as slipper lobsters (Scyllarus chacei) and were associated with previously unreported “hosts” such as small hydromedusae, doliolids, and siphonophores in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Along the shelf, phyllosoma were more likely to be present at greater depths and higher salinities. Approximately 30% of the 347 lobster phyllosoma imaged were attached to at least one gelatinous organism, and salinity and depth were positively related to the probability of attachment on 30 October, but did not show a significant relationship for the other days of sampling. Many of the phyllosoma were larger than the gelatinous organisms to which they were attached, and some gelatinous zooplankton showed damage likely from feeding by the phyllosoma. In this coastal environment, gelatinous zooplankton tended to be more abundant in the same offshore region where phyllosoma occurred, so these gelatinous “hosts” may provide a steady food supply in the more oligotrophic waters on the outer shelf. Similar complex interactions among zooplankton may influence the life histories of other species, hindering our ability to forecast ecosystem level processes until the population level consequences of species interactions are fully understood.

THE EFFECT OF EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND ON POLITENESS AMONG THE STUDENTS OF STAIN JURAI SIWO METRO

Humans are social creatures who need other humans to fullfil their needs, communication and interaction have a crucial role to fullfil those needs. In order to the communication process can proceed smoothly, then at least human need to speak in polite in the communication. Religious norms and the community shows that politeness is necessary to properly maximized. Politeness in the relating of the Holy Qur'an about pronunciation, gestures and vocabulary was polite and adapted to the circumstances (environment). In social life, politeness is usually used to show respect for older people, but it would be better also if used against a fellow or a younger person. Politeness will minimize conflict and hostility. Because of it, the institution is one way of language education. STAIN Jurai Siwo Metro is an Islamic institution, that students have many educational backgrounds and is so different each other. Based on the mapping carried out showed that students of English Department Program, the majority coming from Senior High School (SMA). This study aims to determine the reality of politeness and influence of the educational background to the student politeness in English Study Program STAIN Jurai Siwo Metro. The method used in this research is quantitative descriptive, where interviews, observation and documentation used by researchers in collecting and obtaining data. From the data obtained show that the reality of politeness students have to realize elements of politeness. Furthermore, based on analysis of the data also showed that educational background gives affect student in politeness.

Excited State Dynamics of a Photobiologically Active Ru(II) Dyad Are Altered in Biologically Relevant Environments.

In this study femtosecond and nanosecond time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy was used to investigate the influence of ionic strength and complexity on the excited state dynamics of a Ru(II)-based metal-organic dyad. The bis-heteroleptic complex [Ru(bpy)2(ippy)]2+ (1), where bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine and ippy = 2-(1-pyrenyl-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, is a potent photosensitizer for in vitro photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photodynamic inactivation (PDI) of microorganisms owing to a long-lived triplet excited state derived from a metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (3MLCT) state that is equilibrium with an intraligand (3IL) state. The prolonged lifetime provides ample opportunity for bimolecular quenching of this state by oxygen; thus singlet oxygen (1O2) sensitization is very efficient. In simple aqueous solution, fast cooling within the 3MLCT manifold is followed by energy transfer to an 3IL state, which is facilitated by rotation of a pyrenyl unit about the imidazo-pyrenyl (ip) coannular bond. For solutions of 1 in high ionic strength simulated biological fluid (SBF), a more physiologically relevant solvent that contains a complex mixture of ions at pH 7.4, femtosecond studies revealed an additional excited state, possibly based on an ion-ligand interaction. This new state appearing in high ionic strength SBF was not observable in water, simple buffers, or low ionic strength SBF. These photoinduced dynamics were also affected by the presence of biomolecules such as DNA in simple buffer, whereby relaxation on the picosecond time scale was accelerated from 39 to 18 ps with DNA intercalation by 1. The increased rate of coplanarization of the pyrene and the imidazole units was attributed to DNA-induced conformational restriction of the pyrenyl unit relative to the ip bond. Quantitative changes to excited state decay rates of 1 in solutions of high ionic strength were also observed when probed on the microsecond time scale. Notably, the thermalized excited state decay pathways were altered substantially with DNA intercalation, with access to some states being completely blocked. Experimentally, this manifested in the absence of the slowest microsecond decay channel, which is normally observed for 1 in solution. The quantitative and qualitative observations from this study highlight the importance of employing biologically relevant solvents and potential biomolecule targets when the excited state dynamics and photophysical properties (under cell-free conditions) responsible for the potent photobiological effects are assessed in the context of photodynamic therapy and photodynamic inactivation.

Investigation of the fracture of very thin amorphous alumina film during spherical nanoindentation

Thin amorphous alumina layers (10 to 40nm thick) are processed on sputtered aluminum thin film (500nm) by atomic layer deposition (ALD) at low temperature (85°C). Global methodology combining quantitative experimental observations of fracture and numerical modeling is proposed to obtain the fracture strength of ALD thin film on Al layer. First, mechanical properties of the multilayer specimen are characterized by Berkovich nanoindentation, then fracture of ALD alumina is studied through spherical indentation with various tip radius. Spherical indentation load driven-displacement curves display a plateau (pop-in) at a critical load and critical indentation depth. A statistical approach is used to determine pertinent/fracture parameters from pop-in displacement. Careful SEM and AFM observations of indentation imprint exhibit circumferential cracking in agreement with the assumption that the pop-in event is predominantly controlled by the fracture of the oxide layer on the soft Al film. Finally, a numerical model calibrated with experimental results is used in order to predict both the mechanical response prior to the oxide fracture and a value of fracture strength for ALD alumina thin films.

Experimental and Computational Damage and Ejecta Studies of Pb Explosively Shock Loaded to $$P_{SL} \approx 32$$ P S L ≈ 32 - to 40-GPa

We report results from an experiment on Pb that we explosively shock loaded to $$P_{SL} \approx 32$$ - and 43-GPa, in a single experiment. These $$P_{SL}$$ caused the Pb sample to isentropically release to either a liquid or mixed solid–liquid phase post-shock. The post-shock sample damage and dynamics were diagnosed with proton radiography, which gave quantitative damage data within three distinct regions. The first region is the particle (ejecta) cloud, where we observed that total areal mass ejected from the shocked Pb surface is in-dependent of the peak $$P_{SL}$$ for unsupported (Taylor wave) shockwave loading. The second region, which exhibits spall and cavitation, distends and disperses as the shocked coupon self-similarly expands subsequent to the shockwave impulse and the release into tension. The third region includes undamaged, full density Pb sample. We report quantitative observations from all three regions, and we used the data to evaluate and validate damage and ejecta models, which satisfactorily describe the observed experimental dynamics.

Spectral measurement and modeling of natural rainbows.

Although quantitative observations of rainbow spectra, colors, and luminances are needed for any comprehensive analysis of rainbow scattering theory, very little such data has been published. But new remote sensing tools now make possible the detailed spectral and colorimetric measurement of natural rainbows, which here are defined as bows seen in sunlit rain or water-drop sprays. To measure these often short-lived phenomena, both multispectral tools (colorimetrically calibrated RGB cameras) and hyperspectral tools (imaging spectrometers) are used to examine the spectral and angular fine structure of natural rainbows. Airy theory for aerodynamically flattened drops helps to explain some of these bows' observed features, such as the reduced color gamuts caused by smaller drop sizes and low sun elevations h0. However, other features such as the distinct blues seen in rainbows at higher h0 are not well explained.

SHEAR ZONE DEVELOPMENT AND FRICTIONAL INSTABILITY OF FAULT GOUGE

Earthquakes are typical phenomena of frictional slip of geomaterials in nature. To evaluate slip instability, shear development in a gouge layer or fault material has been investigated. However, the quantitative relationship between slip instability and shear development has not been revealed because of difficulty in quantitative observation of microstructures under high pressure. Hence, we aim to describe shear development in a gouge layer energetically, and discuss the relation between shear development and slip instability. To this end, we calculated shear angles by utilizing experimental data of gouge. As a result, this study reveals that shear bands in a gouge layer develop at lower angles or almost parallel to rock-gouge boundaries toward the occurrence of unstable slip, particularly under low confining pressure. Additionally, variation in Riedel shear angles throughout gouge layers depends on confining pressures: Under low confining pressures, heterogeneous localized shears trigger voluntary increase in strain. On the other hand, under a high confining pressure, gouge layers deform homogeneously, and the whole of samples slips dynamically. Clarification of shear development of geomaterials is useful for evaluating the occurrence of frictional slip such as earthquakes and slope failures.

Quantitative observation of the foraging tunnels in Sitka spruce and Japanese cypress caused by the drywood termite Incisitermes minor (Hagen) by 2D and 3D X-ray computer tomography (CT)

Abstract The cryptic lifestyle of drywood termites makes it difficult to study their foraging behaviour and to detect infestations in hidden regions. In the present research, computer tomography (CT) scanning images were collected over a 1-year observation period of drywood termite Incisitermes minor (Hagen) in order to understand its foraging behaviour and, perhaps, to be able to detect the infestation as early as possible. Sitka spruce and Japanese cypress woods were the test objects. As CT scanning results show, foragers caused distinguished tunnelling patterns based on the physical properties of wood during gallery construction. The foragers primarily excavate along the earlywood in radial direction towards the outer surface of the wood to establish the primary and satellite chambers, followed by mainly superficial (0.3–3.0 cm under the surface) longitudinal expansion with occasional lateral deviations. The development of tunnelling is affected by the physical constraints of knots with their high density, high extractive and lignin contents, reaction wood (compression wood) and wood damage caused by wind.

A Physically Based Two-Dimensional Seamless Reflectivity Mosaic for Radar QPE in the MRMS System

Abstract The U.S. Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) network has provided meteorologists and hydrologists with quantitative precipitation observations at an unprecedented high spatial–temporal resolution since its deployment in the mid-1990s. Since each single radar can only cover a maximum range of 460 km, a mosaic of multiple-radar observations is needed to generate any national-scale products. The Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) system utilizes a physically based two-dimensional mosaicking algorithm of the WSR-88D data to generate seamless national quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) products. For areas covered by multiple radars, the mosaicking scheme first determines if precipitation is present by checking the lowest-altitude observation. If the lowest observed radar data indicate no precipitation, then the mosaicked value is set to no precipitation. Otherwise, a weighted mean of multiple-radar observations is taken as the mosaicked value. The weighting function is based on multiple factors, including the distance from the radar and the height of the observation with respect to the melting layer. The mosaic algorithm uses the physically lowest radar observations with no/little blockage while maintaining a spatial continuity in the mosaicked field. The performance of the MRMS seamless radar mosaic algorithm was examined for various precipitation events of different characteristics. The results of these case evaluations are presented in this paper.

An Observational Study on Canine-assisted Play Therapy for Children with Autism: Move towards the Phrase of Manualization and Protocol Development

Canine-assisted play therapy (CAPT) is an emerging psychosocial intervention for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The present case studies used quantitative observation of experimenter-designated behavioral outcomes to examine the effectiveness of a planned CAPT intervention. By utilizing a coding system with typical and ASD-specific behavioral categories, the verbal and non-verbal social behaviors of two elementary-aged children with ASD as well as intellectual and language impairments at pre-treatment, during CAPT treatment, at post-treatment and at follow-up are systematically coded and analyzed. This study took the first steps toward making CAPT treatment manuals and research protocol available to a wider audience. Their publication will assist in standardizing the technique for replication in research and in practice.

Surveying the distribution and abundance of flying fishes and other epipelagics in the northern Gulf of Mexico using airborne lidar

Flying fishes (family Exocoetidae) are important components of epipelagic ecosystems and are targeted by fishing fleets in the Caribbean Sea and elsewhere. However, owing to their anti-predator behavior and habitats, their ecology, abundance, and distributions are only partially known. From September 20 to October 6, 2011, we conducted a series of surveys over a large area (approximately 75,000 km2) of the northern Gulf of Mexico (87°W–90.5°W, 28°N–30°N). The surveys used an airborne lidar and vessel-based sampling, supported by near real time satellite observations of oceanic conditions. The aerial survey was conducted from a fixed wing aircraft that flew repeated surveys day and night, enabling data collection that was both broad-scale and synoptic. Vessel-based sampling included quantitative visual observations, trawl sampling, and qualitative dip-netting for species identifications. The combined surveys identified large aggregations of epipelagic organisms dominated by flying fishes. Large numbers of jellyfish (Aurelia sp.) and low numbers of numerous other species were also observed. The putative flying fish aggregations had an average length scale of 6.1 km and an average population estimated at 10,000 individuals. While always near the surface, flying fish aggregations were slightly deeper at night than during the day and found most often off the continental shelf in warm water with low chlorophyll concentrations. At least three species were present: Hirundichthys rondeletii (Valenciennes, 1847), Cheilopogon melanurus (Valenciennes, 1847), and Prognichthys occidentalis Parin, 1999. This combination of aerial and surface surveys afforded repeated synoptic, ground-truthed data collection over a large area and indicates that this method could be useful for surveying such mobile epipelagic fishes.

Demonstrating the value of community-based (‘citizen science’) observations for catchment modelling and characterisation

Despite there being well-established meteorological and hydrometric monitoring networks in the UK, many smaller catchments remain ungauged. This leaves a challenge for characterisation, modelling, forecasting and management activities. Here we demonstrate the value of community-based (‘citizen science’) observations for modelling and understanding catchment response as a contribution to catchment science. The scheme implemented within the 42km2 Haltwhistle Burn catchment, a tributary of the River Tyne in northeast England, has harvested and used quantitative and qualitative observations from the public in a novel way to effectively capture spatial and temporal river response. Community-based rainfall, river level and flood observations have been successfully collected and quality-checked, and used to build and run a physically-based, spatially-distributed catchment model, SHETRAN. Model performance using different combinations of observations is tested against traditionally-derived hydrographs. Our results show how the local network of community-based observations alongside traditional sources of hydro-information supports characterisation of catchment response more accurately than using traditional observations alone over both spatial and temporal scales. We demonstrate that these community-derived datasets are most valuable during local flash flood events, particularly towards peak discharge. This information is often missed or poorly represented by ground-based gauges, or significantly underestimated by rainfall radar, as this study clearly demonstrates. While community-based observations are less valuable during prolonged and widespread floods, or over longer hydrological periods of interest, they can still ground-truth existing traditional sources of catchment data to increase confidence during characterisation and management activities. Involvement of the public in data collection activities also encourages wider community engagement, and provides important information for catchment management.