Academic literature on the topic 'Ecological Applications not elsewhere classified'
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Journal articles on the topic "Ecological Applications not elsewhere classified"
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Cimino, J. J. "Desiderata for Controlled Medical Vocabularies in the Twenty-First Century." Methods of Information in Medicine 37, no. 04/05 (October 1998): 394–403. http://dx.doi.org/10.1055/s-0038-1634558.
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AbstractBuilders of medical informatics applications need controlled medical vocabularies to support their applications and it is to their advantage to use available standards. In order to do so, however, these standards need to address the requirements of their intended users. Overthe past decade, medical informatics researchers have begun to articulate some of these requirements. This paper brings together some of the common themes which have been described, including: vocabulary content, concept orientation, concept permanence, nonsemantic concept identifiers, polyhierarchy, formal definitions, rejection of “not elsewhere classified” terms, multiple granularities, mUltiple consistent views, context representation, graceful evolution, and recognized redundancy. Standards developers are beginning to recognize and address these desiderata and adapt their offerings to meet them.
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Kolden, Crystal A., Alistair M. S. Smith, and John T. Abatzoglou. "Limitations and utilisation of Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity products for assessing wildfire severity in the USA." International Journal of Wildland Fire 24, no. 7 (2015): 1023. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/wf15082.
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The Monitoring Trends in Burn Severity project is a comprehensive fire atlas for the United States that includes perimeters and severity data for all fires greater than a particular size (~400 ha in the western US, and ~200 ha in the eastern US). Although the database was derived for management purposes, the scientific community has expressed interest in its research capacity. As with any derived data, it is critical to understand inherent limitations to maximise the utility of the dataset without compromising the inferences. The classified severity product in particular is of limited use to research due to a lack of both consistency in developing class thresholds and empirical relationships with ecological metrics. Here we review the products available and their development process, and characterise and quantify the limitations of the classified burn severity data product based on the use of highly variable and subjective classification thresholds. We suggest a framework for overcoming these limitations by developing a more robust classified product that will support ecological management and applications. This framework utilises field data to develop consistent, ecologically based thresholds that incorporate existing ecoregion classifications from LANDFIRE or other fire management frameworks already widely integrated into planning efforts.
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Sharma, Ram C. "Dominant Species-Physiognomy-Ecological (DSPE) System for the Classification of Plant Ecological Communities from Remote Sensing Images." Ecologies 3, no. 3 (August 12, 2022): 323–35. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/ecologies3030025.
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This paper presents the Dominant Species-Physiognomy-Ecological (DSPE) classification system developed for large-scale differentiation of plant ecological communities from high-spatial resolution remote sensing images. In this system, the plant ecological communities are defined with the inference of dominant species, physiognomy, and shared ecological settings by incorporating multiple strata. The DSPE system was implemented in a cool-temperate climate zone at a regional scale. The deep recurrent neural networks with bootstrap resampling method were employed for evaluating performance of the DSPE classification using Sentinel-2 images at 10 m spatial resolution. The performance of differentiating DSPE communities was compared with the differentiation of higher, Dominant Genus-Physiognomy-Ecological (DGPE) communities. Overall, there was a small difference in the classification between 58 DSPE communities (F1-score = 85.5%, Kappa coefficient = 84.7%) and 45 DGPE communities (F1-score = 86.5%, Kappa coefficient = 85.7%). However, the class wise accuracy analysis showed that all 58 DSPE communities were differentiated with more than 60% accuracy, whereas more than 70% accuracy was obtained for the classification of all 45 DGPE communities. Since all 58 DSPE communities were classified with more than 60% accuracy, the DSPE classification system was still effective for the differentiation of plant ecological communities from satellite images at a regional scale, indicating its applications in other regions in the world.
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VALDÉS, ÁNGEL. "Northeast Pacific benthic shelled sea slugs." Zoosymposia 13, no. 1 (February 28, 2019): 242–304. http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zoosymposia.13.1.21.
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A compendium of the northeast Pacific benthic shelled sea slugs formerly classified in the paraphyletic group “Opisthobranchia” is provided. These include organisms with internal and/or reduced shells. Shell-less groups such as Nudibranchia or closely related benthic shelled clades such as the Pyramidelloidea and the Siphonarioidea are excluded. The Sacoglossa is not represented by any shelled forms in the northeast Pacific and therefore is also excluded. Descriptions include diagnostic characteristics, species abundance information, geographic and bathymetric ranges, and ecological data (if available). Short remarks for most species and higher taxa provide additional information published elsewhere and/or address outstanding taxonomic or nomenclatural issues. Illustrations of the shells and — in some cases — the live animals are provided. Species are arranged based on current classification schemes and a full list of primary synonyms, location of type material (if known), and type localities of all synonyms are provided for each species. Three new species are described in this paper: Microglyphis michelleae new species, Microglyphis sabrinae new species and Bogasonia jennyae new species. Oscaniella purpurea Bergh, 1897 is here designated the type species of Oscaniella Bergh, 1897
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Miller, Timothy W. "Integrated Strategies for Management of Perennial Weeds." Invasive Plant Science and Management 9, no. 2 (June 2016): 148–58. http://dx.doi.org/10.1614/ipsm-d-15-00037.1.
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Multiple weed control strategies employed in combination can often aid the successful management of perennial weed species. This review article provides examples of integrated control programs that could aid in the management of several invasive perennial weed species that are problematic in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere in North America. The development of an integrated management control program for wild chervil, a relatively recent invader to the Pacific Northwest of the United States and adjacent Canada, provides an example for this process. Through use of mechanical (mowing and tillage), cultural (establishment of competitive vegetation), and chemical (specific herbicides) strategies, control of this short-lived perennial species was greatly improved as compared to foliar herbicide applications alone. Such integrated strategies have been shown to enhance control of many perennial weed species, while potentially reducing the amount of herbicide applied, lessening the possibility of injury to adjacent desirable vegetation and increasing the stability of the ecological community at the site.
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Fernández-Fernández, Naves, Witzell, Musolin, Selikhovkin, Paraschiv, Chira, et al. "Pine Pitch Canker and Insects: Relationships and Implications for Disease Spread in Europe." Forests 10, no. 8 (July 26, 2019): 627. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/f10080627.
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The fungal pathogen Fusarium circinatum (Nirenberg and O’ Donnell) is the causal agent of pine pitch canker (PPC) disease, which seriously affects conifer species in forests and nurseries worldwide. In Europe, PPC is only established in the Iberian Peninsula; however, it is presumed that its range could expand through the continent in the near future. Infection caused by this fungus requires open wounds on the tree, including physical damage caused by insects. Therefore, a relationship probably occurs between PPC and a wide variety of insects. The aim of this review is to outline the taxonomic and ecological diversity of insect species with high potential association with F. circinatum in Europe and elsewhere. The insects were classified as vectors, carriers and wounding agents according to the association level with the PPC disease. In addition, we discuss the insect-mediated spreading of PPC disease in relation to the different phases of forest stand development, from seeds and seedlings in nurseries to mature stands. Lastly, to improve our predictive capacities and to design appropriate intervention measures and strategies for controlling disease dissemination by insects, variables such as geographic location, time of the year and host species should be considered. Our review provides a framework of the multiple factors that regulate the insect–host interactions and determine the success of the infection.
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Zogg, Gregory P., and Burton V. Barnes. "Ecological classification and analysis of wetland ecosystems, northern Lower Michigan, U.S.A." Canadian Journal of Forest Research 25, no. 11 (November 1, 1995): 1865–75. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/x95-201.
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We describe an ecological, multifactor approach to wetland classification in which ecosystem types are identified on the basis of the simultaneous integration of physiography, climate, hydrology, soil, and vegetation. Aerial photographs and field reconnaissance were used to characterize the diversity of wetlands of the 4000-ha University of Michigan Biological Station, northern Lower Michigan. Twenty-eight wetland units, including nutrient-rich swamps, ombrotrophic bogs, and many intermediate types, were identified. Eight wetland ecosystems, composing 79% of the total wetland area, were sampled extensively and classified primarily on the basis of the major glacial landforms and physiographic features of the region. Canonical variates analysis was used to evaluate the distinctness of these physiographically determined units in relation to various biotic and abiotic variables. Wetland types were poorly discriminated by canonical variates analysis of overstory composition data; better separation among types was achieved using ground-flora vegetation, hydrology, or soil characteristics. To demonstrate the utility of the multifactor approach to applications in wetland ecology, vegetation–environment relationships were examined using canonical correspondence analysis. Patterns of ground-flora community composition across all ecosystems were related to substrate characteristics, primarily organic matter composition, in addition to water chemistry and light. The results suggest that a multifactor approach, within a landscape framework, is useful in distinguishing wetlands at local scales, particularly where differences in overstory vegetation among ecosystems tend to be masked by human-caused disturbance. However, the landform-mediated differences in various wetland characteristics that we observed argue for a consideration of landscape-level physiography in classification and management even at broader scales.
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Hong, Juan. "Construction of Mental Health Education Model for College Students Based on Fine-Grained Parallel Computing Programming." Scientific Programming 2022 (July 14, 2022): 1–10. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2022/1695044.
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Psychological education is beneficial in maintaining the psychological health of college students, resolving psychological issues, and creating a harmonious campus and society. Mental health education for college students is a development-oriented basic education activity that contributes significantly to educational quality. To improve the accuracy of college students' mental health assessments, a model for mental health education for college students based on fine-grained parallel computing programming is proposed. This study uses a deep learning algorithm to subdivide the classification of an emotion dictionary, which can be classified by adding negative word lists, polarity conversion dictionaries, and online dictionaries, among other things, based on the theory of ecological instantaneous evaluation. It can be used for both multiclass and detailed emotion analysis. The model is more accurate in assessing the mental health of college students, according to the results of the study. The current emotional state of users can be identified, as well as signs of psychological risk, using emotional analysis of Weibo data, which will become a valuable resource for users seeking clinical psychological consultation in the future.
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Shakri, M. S., M. A. Hafez, and M. A. Adnan. "A Study on Effect of PFA on Stabilized Material Using Direct Shear Test." Applied Mechanics and Materials 548-549 (April 2014): 111–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.548-549.111.
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Pulverized fuel ash (PFA) can be classified as hazardous Coal Combustion by-Product (CCP), which can contributes to the environmental pollution. According to (ACAA 2009), USA itself has produced approximately 125.5 million tons per annual of CCP which merely 56 million tons of these waste by-products has been successfully employed in applications and others still remain untreated. Disposal of these materials in landfills can deduce ecological. Thus, finding the solutions and methods of recycling these waste materials are needed, as it can be used as one of the materials in construction projects, engineering purpose or stabilizing process. Therefore, a study on direct shear test have been conducted and the data collected from this study were compared and analyzed through various methods to find out how does PFA works on improving geotechnical properties.
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Fazli, Ali, and Denis Rodrigue. "Sustainable Reuse of Waste Tire Textile Fibers (WTTF) as Reinforcements." Polymers 14, no. 19 (September 20, 2022): 3933. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/polym14193933.
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Waste tire textile fibers (WTTF), as a by-product (10–15% by weight of tires) of end-of-life tires (ELT) mechanical recycling (grinding), are classified as hazardous wastes and traditionally burnt (thermal recycling) or buried (landfilling), leading to several environmental and ecological issues. Thus, WTTF still represent an important challenge in today’s material recycling streams. It is vital to provide practical and economical solutions to convert WTTF into a source of inexpensive and valuable raw materials. In recent years, tire textile fibers have attracted significant attention to be used as a promising substitute to the commonly used natural/synthetic reinforcement fibers in geotechnical engineering applications, construction/civil structures, insulation materials, and polymer composites. However, the results available in the literature are limited, and practical aspects such as fiber contamination (~65% rubber particles) remain unsolved, limiting WTTF as an inexpensive reinforcement. This study provides a comprehensive review on WTTF treatments to separate rubber and impurities and discusses potential applications in expansive soils, cement and concrete, asphalt mixtures, rubber aerogels and polymer composites.
Dissertations / Theses on the topic "Ecological Applications not elsewhere classified"
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Lin, Xin-Yu. "Lossless image compression for aerospace non-destructive testing applications." Thesis, University of Central Lancashire, 2004. http://clok.uclan.ac.uk/18830/.
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This thesis studies areas of image compression and relevant image processmg techniques with the application to Non-destructive Testing (NDT) images of aircraft components. The research project includes investigation of current data compression techniques and design of efficient compression methods for NDT images. Literature review was done initially to investigate the fundamental principles of data compression and existing methods of lossless and lossy image compression techniques. Such investigation provides not only the theoretical background, but also the comparative benchmarks for the research project. Chapter 2 provides general knowledge of image compression. The basic predictive coding strategy is introduced at the beginning of chapter 3. Fundamental theories of the Integer Wavelet Transform (IWT) can be found in chapter 4. The research projects proposed mainly three innovative methods for lossless compression of NDT images. Namely, the region-based method that employs regionoriented adaptation; the texture-based method that employs a mixed model for the prediction of image regions with strong texture patterns; and a hybrid method that utilizes advantages from both predictive coding and IWT coding. The main philosophy of lossless image compression is to de-correlate the original image data as much as possible by mapping from spatial domain to spatial domain in the predictive coding strategy or from spatial domain to transform domain in the IWT coding strategy. The proposed region-based method aims to achieve the best mapping by adapting the de-correlation to the statistical properties of decomposed regions using the component's CAD model. With the aid of component CAD models to divide the NDT images of aircraft components into different regions based on the material structures, the design of the predictors and the choice of the IWT are optimised according to the specific image features contained in each region having the same material structure. The texture-based method achieves the best de-correlation by using a mixed data model in the region possessing strong texture patterns. A hybrid scheme for lossless compression of the NDT images of aircraft components is presented. The method combines the predictive coding and the IWT. After region-based predictive coding, the IWT is applied to the error images produced for each decomposed region to achieve further image de-correlation by preserving the information contained in the error images with fewer transform coefficients. The main advantages of using the IWT are its multi-resolution nature and lossless property with integer grey level values in images mapped to integer wavelet coefficients. The proposed methods are shown to offer a significantly higher compression ratio than other compression methods. The high compression efficiency is seen to be achieved by not only a combination of the predictive coding and the IWT, but also optimisation in the design of the predictor and the choice of the transform according to the specific image features contained in each region having similar material structures.
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Petra, Mohamad Iskandar. "Novel hardwired distributive tactile sensing system for medical applications." Thesis, Aston University, 2007. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/12240/.
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This thesis described the research carried out on the development of a novel hardwired tactile sensing system tailored for the application of a next generation of surgical robotic and clinical devices, namely a steerable endoscope with tactile feedback, and a surface plate for patient posture and balance. Two case studies are examined. The first is a one-dimensional sensor for the steerable endoscope retrieving shape and 'touch' information. The second is a two-dimensional surface which interprets the three-dimensional motion of a contacting moving load. This research can be used to retrieve information from a distributive tactile sensing surface of a different configuration, and can interpret dynamic and static disturbances. This novel approach to sensing has the potential to discriminate contact and palpation in minimal invasive surgery (MIS) tools, and posture and balance in patients. The hardwired technology uses an embedded system based on Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA) as the platform to perform the sensory signal processing part in real time. High speed robust operation is an advantage from this system leading to versatile application involving dynamic real time interpretation as described in this research. In this research the sensory signal processing uses neural networks to derive information from input pattern from the contacting surface. Three neural network architectures namely single, multiple and cascaded were introduced in an attempt to find the optimum solution for discrimination of the contacting outputs. These architectures were modelled and implemented into the FPGA. With the recent introduction of modern digital design flows and synthesis tools that essentially take a high-level sensory processing behaviour specification for a design, fast prototyping of the neural network function can be achieved easily. This thesis outlines the challenge of the implementations and verifications of the performances.
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Tam, B. K. Y. "A novel actuated digit with tactile feedback for clinical applications." Thesis, Aston University, 2006. http://publications.aston.ac.uk/12247/.
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This thesis describes the work carried out on the development of a novel digit actuator system with tactile perception feedback to a user and demonstrated as a master-slave system. For the tactile surface of the digit, contrasting sensor elements of resistive strain gauges and optical fibre Bragg grating sensors were evaluated. A distributive tactile sensing system consisting of optimised neural networking schemes was developed, resulting in taxonomy of artificial touch. The device is suitable for use in minimal invasive surgical (MIS) procedures as a steerable tip and a digit constructed wholly from polymers makes it suitable for use in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) environments enabling active monitoring of the patient during a procedure. To provide a realistic template of the work the research responded to the needs of two contrasting procedures: palpation of the prostate and endotracheal intubation in anaesthesia where the application of touch sense can significantly assist navigation. The performance of the approach was demonstrated with an experimental digit constructed for use in the laboratory in phantom trials. The phantom unit was developed to resemble facets of the clinical applications and digit system is able to evaluate reactive force distributions acting over the surface of the digit as well as different descriptions of contact and motion relative to the surface of the lumen. Completing control of the digit is via an instrumented glove, such that the digit actuates in sympathy with finger gesture and tactile information feedback is achieved by a combination of the tactile and visual means.
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Maclennan, Ruth. "From the White Sea to the North Sea : journeys in film, writing and ecological thought." Thesis, Royal College of Art, 2017. http://researchonline.rca.ac.uk/2721/.
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In the face of climate change, what can art do? The question is both practical and ethical: a question of art's efficacy, its ways of working, and its uses to audiences. These intertwined questions are articulated in writing and film-making, both of which draw on an empirical method, alongside research into ethics, ecology, film history, the politics of climate change, and critiques of capitalism. I seek to represent the consequences of climate change as they are experienced by the inhabitants of the north of Scotland and Arctic Russia. Through writing and film I document and interpret changing relationships with the sea and the land, thus bringing to light the interplay of climate change with history and memory, and with the social, economic, environmental and political forces that are shaping places and lives. One of the research methods of this PhD is a form of fieldwork, consisting of recorded interviews and informal encounters, filming and note taking, which form the source material for a multi-vocal approach to writing and filmmaking. The written thesis consists of narrations of journeys, both actual and theoretical. I tell stories of journeys to the White Sea in northeastern Russia, and to the north Highlands and islands of Scotland, where the political, economic and environmental upheavals are emblematic of a geopolitical shift north. I examine how ideas of North and of the sea, of nature and landscape, contained in films, oral histories, myths and writings, contribute to contemporary perceptions of place. These ideas are analyzed further through Alexander Dovzhenko’s film Aerograd, and Michael Powell’s The Edge of the World. I shot the two films, Call of North and From Time to Time at Sea, alongside supplementary film works, in Northern Russia and the far north of Scotland, in Caithness, Orkney and during a sailing expedition to the Northern Isles with Cape Farewell. Concomitantly with the first person written narrative, they investigate the camera as a participant-observer, and the implied presence of a future audience. The familiar trope of anthropology whereby the observer influences what is observed is explored here within the context of film. Both the written and film works document disappearance: of individuals and their memories, of species, of ecosystems, of ways of life, of imagined worlds, and of entire societies as well as the vertiginous fear of the future annihilation of human civilization. At the same time a plurality of perspectives and voices are combined to produce polyphonic compositions that resist being reduced to pessimism. The documentation of disappearance is examined and articulated as a distinct response to an ethical and ecological imperative. Meanwhile, the works propose to speak to a future audience –– to speak not to the world as it is but as it could become.
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(9808472), Maryanne Jones. "Assessing the risk from chemical contaminants in the Port Curtis Estuary, Australia." Thesis, 2002. https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Assessing_the_risk_from_chemical_contaminants_in_the_Port_Curtis_Estuary_Australia/13429325.
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"The Port Curtis estuary is a heavy industrial centre and an international harbour. Sources of chemical stressors are many and multiple contaminants anre likely to be transported to the estuary by air and/or water. To assess whether contaminants are accumulating in the estuary and to identify those of potential concern in the Port Curtis estuary a screening level ecological risk assessment (SLERA) and a screening level human health risk assessment (HHRA) were performed." -- abstract.. The Port Curtis estuary is a heavy industrial centre and an international harbour. Sources of chemical stressors are many and multiple contaminants arelikely to be transported to the estuary by air and/or water. To assess whether contaminants are accumulating in the estuary and to identify those of potential concern in the Port Curtis estuary a screening level ecological risk assessment (SLERA) and a screening level human health risk assessment (HHRA) were performed. The basic risk assessment framework developed by the USEPA (1998) was applied in this study. Conceptual models were developed to assist with planning and design of the study. Assessment endpoints were chosen through consultations with experts and stakeholders. For the SLERA, the study area was divided into seven geographical zones. Existing water and sediment data were collated and data gaps identified. Additional data were gathered from two water and sediment surveys conducted by the CRC for Coastal Zone Estuary and Waterway Management. Al, As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn, fluoride, cyanide, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and tributyltin (TBT) were chemicals examined in the SLERA. Chemicals were measured in water and sediments, and in seagrass (Zostera capricorni), oysters (Saccostrea sp.), and mud whelks (Telescopium telescopium). For the HHRA, levels of Al, As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn were measured in fish and shellfish likely to be consumed by humans, namely, barramundi (Lates calcarifer), sea mullet (Mugil cephalus), mud crab (Scylla serrata) and banana prawns (Penaeus merguiensis) and TBT was measured in the edible flesh of mud crab. A compilation of all the data for the SLERA was assessed by comparing the observed water and sediment concentrations with water quality and sediment quality guidelines (ANZECC/ARMCANZ 2000) and comparing the observed contaminant concentrations in biota at study sites with benchmarks derived from concentrations in biota at control sites and the literature. It was found that concentrations of dissolved metals in waters of the Port Curtis estuary were low and below levels of regulatory concern. Concentrations of metals in sediments were also low, except for As, Cr and Ni. However, background concentrations of these metals were high. At some sites, As was higher than background levels, therefore As was included as a contaminant of potential ecological concern (COPEC). Tributyltin and naphthalene concentrations in water and/or sediments also exceeded guideline values and were identified as COPECs. Contaminants found to be enriched in biota in the estuary were Al, As, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, Ni, Se, Zn, and TBT. Possible adverse effects to the assessment endpoints from enrichment of metals in the Port Curtis estuary and from concentrations ofTBT and naphthalene in water/sediments were discussed. For the screening level HHRA, chronic daily intakes (CDIs) of contaminants by adults and children consuming seafood from this region were compared to threshold toxicity values set by regulatory agencies (ATSDR 2001). To account for additivity of other chemicals, a hazard quotient greater than 0.1 indicated contaminant of potential concern (COPC). It was found that Hg in barramundi from this region was a COPC. The inclusion of concentrations in biota was important in the SLERA of the Port Curtis estuary as several metals were accumulating to high concentrations in biota, but were not accumulating to high concentrations in water and sediments. The concentrations of metals in the dissolved form and/or in sediments were determined as being of low ecological risk. The ability of biota to integrate fluctuating concentrations of metals over time and to reflect exposure via dietary uptake meant the inclusion of concentrations in biota allowed a more thorough investigation of the exposure of biota to contaminants in the Port Curtis estuary.
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(10716507), Alexis Margaret Corda. "Advancements of a Silicon-on-Insulator Thermoelectric Sensor for Biomedical Applications." Thesis, 2021.
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Heat can be used as a reliable biomarker of cell metabolism. Assessing changes in metabolic activity is useful to study normal bioactivity or factors which may stimulate or inhibit cell proliferation. Methods which measure the heat of cell metabolism over time must be sensitive to the small changes. Thermoelectric sensors, which work by the Seebeck effect, are one method which has shown adequate sensitivity. This type of sensor directly converts heat energy into electrical energy without the use of a power source. Current research into sensors for cell metabolism may list lengthy, complex, and expensive procedures or include materials with rare or toxic elements. This work establishes a design approach of a silicon-based thermoelectric sensor for cell metabolism measurement which incorporates abundant and non-toxic materials and a simple procedure based on standard MEMS fabrication methods. The foundation for the sensor design is discussed. Fabrication was done using optical lithography, reactive ion etching, and electron beam evaporation which are standard and well known in industry. Sensor quality was characterized successfully based on the defined design parameters. Preliminary data has been recorded on the Coli cell metabolism. Finally, recommendations to improve heat insulation, include sensor calibration, and optimize manufacturing parameters are given for future work on this design to advance sensitivity and commercial potential.
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(5929850), Shengyu Jin. "LASER SHOCK IMPRINTING OF METALLIC MEMBRANES TOWARD SOFT TEMPLATES AND ITS APPLICATIONS." Thesis, 2020.
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Laser shock imprinting (LSI) is a novel fabrication technique capable of manufacturing various membrane materials. This top-down imprinting process can fabricate membranes in high precision, high throughput, and large scalability. It reveals a variety of applications ranging from electronics to photonics, which is beneficial from its reliable and precise modulation of micro/nanostructures.
In this thesis, we firstly proposed and developed a cost-effective LSI process to manufacture hierarchical micro/nanostructured power generators. By combining the conventional soft lithography technique, LSI is well compatible with it to fabricate metal membranes towards soft templates. It is a significant progress from the originally-developed silicon wafer template layout because it effectively reduces the process cost by replacing sophisticatedly developed silicon wafers with low-cost photocurable polymers. In addition, the use of polymer expands the boundary limit of geometrical complexity from simple patterns to hierarchical structures, as a result, we successfully conducted LSI technology to fabricate biomimic leaf structures into metallic membranes with the help of soft SU-8 templates. These fabricated metallic membraned are used as water-driven triboelectric nanogenerators. In addition to the introduction of polymer template, we further developed a successive laser shock imprinting (SLSI) process to fabricate hierarchical nanostructures in a higher resolution. Typically, grating templates are collected via recycling blank discs and used as soft templates. Then multiple times of LSI process are conducted to manufacture membranes into complex nanostructures. The use of blank disc further reduces cost and increase process resolution. The highlight of this part of work is to feature the introduction of metallic thin films on disc template, which plays a significant role during this high strain rate imprinting process. Then, the imprinting mechanism was investigated through the finite element method to validate the experimental findings. Lastly, this soft template LSI process was applied to fabricate low dimensional materials such as nanowires (1D) and nanomembranes (2D), potentially introducing homogeneous and inhomogeneous strain field. Kelvin probe force microscopy was used to directly probe strain-induced changes. This soft-template LSI process reveals a new route of precisely fabricating low dimensional membranes into nanoelectronics systems.
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(8098292), Evan L. Witkoske. "First-Principles Informed Analysis of Thermoelectric Materials for Applications." Thesis, 2019.
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Thermoelectric (TE) devices are useful in niche applications that require reliability and durability, including energy harvesters for sensors, cooling electronics, and power generation at high temperatures. Assessing, optimizing, and implementing materials into practical TE devices and systems have been difficult theoretical and engineering problems. The goal of this research is to develop a first-principles informed approach to analyze thermoelectric materials for potential practical applications.
TE materials and devices are traditionally quantified using a material figure of merit (FOM), zT, and device FOM, ZT. Using full numerical descriptions of band structures and solutions to the Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) in the relaxation time approximation (RTA), we examine how band convergence may or may not increase zT depending on the relative strength of intra- and inter-band scattering. We compute zT vs. a generalized TE quality factor (b-factor) and examine a dozen complex TE materials showing none exceeds the performance of a simple, parabolic energy band. In fact, a plot of zT vs. b-factor appears to be universal. We test this conclusion based on RTA solutions to the BTE using a simple treatment of scattering against more rigorous first-principles approaches.
In addition, we theoretically assess a low-cost TE oxide (2H-CuAlO2), which has durability at high temperatures and is earth abundant, making it attractive for applications. Finally, with an eye towards minimizing the $cost/kW-hr of thermoelectric energy generation, we discuss our approach to a few specific high temperature environments and discuss their viability as practical system level applications.
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(5929577), Christopher J. Cheng. "Novel Applications for Zein Nanoparticles." Thesis, 2018.
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Zein is major nitrogen storage protein that accounts for nearly half of the protein content of the corn grain. As a byproduct of starch and ethanol processing, it is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) and soluble in up to 70% ethanol. Historically, zein has been used for films and coatings. However, usage of the corn protein has diminished in recent years. New advances in food nanotechnology has renewed interest in zein. By forming the protein into stable nanoparticles capable of being dispersed in aqueous solution, zein can be used in many applications ranging from improving stability and digestion of functional ingredients or active biodegradable packaging. Developing novel applications for this protein would then add value to a waste product during the processing of corn.
The formation of hydrophobic zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) would allow for easier dispersion in aqueous systems without further modification to increase hydrophilicity. However, their dispersibility and subsequent stability in aqueous systems is important for its functionality in food. Addition of sufficient ι-carrageenan (ι-CGN) prevented aggregation in the pH range of 5.25 to 6.75 and limited aggregation at pH 7.0. Enhanced stability was attributed to the adhesion of ι-CGN to the nanoparticle surface, as the ZNPs surface charge became significantly negative with introduction of ι-CGN. These particles remained stable for up to 30 days with significantly lower turbidity and greater resistance to gravitational separation when compared to ZNPs alone.
Lutein was encapsulated in zein nanoparticles, and the bioaccessibility was determined by quantifying lutein content after exposure to in vitro gastric and intestinal conditions. It was found that ZNPs provided a protective environment for lutein in aqueous dispersions and would release the carotenoid into the small intestine by rapid breakdown of ZNP structure during intestinal digestion. However, the process or residual components must have limited uptake of lutein into mixed micelles. ZNPs can be a promising encapsulating agent to improve the digestive stability of lutein.
Composite films composed of methylcellulose (MC) and zein nanoparticles (ZNPs) were prepared as a potential biodegradable alternative for synthetic packaging. The effects of ZNP aggregation on mechanical and moisture barrier properties as affected by drying temperature, pH, and stabilizers were tested. The phase separation of composite films was determined to be detrimental to both its mechanical and moisture barrier properties. The drying temperature, pH, and composition of the solvent casting solution all affected the distribution of ZNPs dispersed in MC films. Drying films at 23°C or setting the pH to 6.5 resulted in ZNP aggregation and weaker, brittle films that were poor moisture barriers. The presence of CGN was able to provide stability to ZNPs at both pH 4 and 6.5, thus improving its mechanical and moisture barrier properties.
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(7027802), Scott A. McClary. "Synthesis and Characterization of Copper Arsenic Sulfide for Photovoltaic Applications." Thesis, 2019.
Find full textAbstract:
Global warming poses an existential threat to humanity and is inevitable unless significant efforts are made to eliminate its root causes. The need to replace fossil fuels with renewable sources has been obvious for many years, yet the world still receives the vast majority of its energy from non-renewable reservoirs. Harnessing solar radiation is the most promising route to ensure a carbon-free energy future, as the sun is the sole source of energy that can meet humankind’s energy demands for generations to come.
The most widely recognized technology associated with the sun is a photovoltaic (PV) cell, which converts electromagnetic radiation directly into electricity that can either be used immediately or stored for later use. Silicon-based solar cells currently dominate (>90% market share) the global PV market, driven in part due to parallel research in the microelectronics industry. However, silicon is an indirect bandgap material, resulting in inflexible solar modules, and it requires high capital expenditures and high energy inputs for terawatt scale manufacturing.
The remainder of the commercial PV market consists of thin-film technologies based on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) and CdTe. These materials have a direct bandgap, so they can be used in flexible applications, and they are readily scalable due to their amenability to low-cost, roll-to-roll manufacturing. The power conversion efficiencies of CIGSe and CdTe cells have exceeded 20% and are nearing those of silicon cells, but concerns over the long-term supply of indium and tellurium cast doubt on whether these materials can be deployed at large scales. Alternative materials, such as Cu2ZnSnS4-xSex (CZTSSe), have been researched for many years; the allure of a material with earth abundant elements and properties similar to CIGSe and CdTe was quite enticing. However, recent work suggests that CZTSSe is fundamentally limited by the formation of defects and band tails in the bulk material, and the efficiencies of CZTSSe-based devices have been saturated since 2013.
New materials for the PV market must meet several criteria, including constituent earth abundant elements, outstanding optoelectronic properties, and low propensity for defect formation. In this regard, the copper-arsenic-sulfur family of materials is an attractive candidate for PV applications. Cu, As, and S are all earth abundant elements with sufficiently different ionic radii, suggesting high defect formation energies. In addition, previous computational work has suggested that several ternary phases, most notably enargite Cu3AsS4, have appropriate bandgaps, high absorption coefficients, and high predicted efficiencies in a thin-film PV device. The system must be investigated experimentally, with attention not only paid to synthesis and device performance, but also to characteristics that give clues as to whether high efficiencies are achievable.
This dissertation studies the Cu-As-S system in the context of thin-film photovoltaics, with an emphasis on Cu3AsS4 and detours to related materials discussed when appropriate. The first synthesis of Cu3AsS4 thin-films is reported using solution-processed nanoparticles as precursors. Initial device efficiencies reach 0.18%, which are further boosted to 0.35% through optimization of the annealing procedure. Several limitations to the initial approach are identified (most notably the presence of a carbonaceous secondary phase) and addressed through post-processing treatments and ligand exchange. Cu3AsS4 is also rigorously characterized using a suite of optoelectronic techniques which demonstrate favorable defect characteristics that motivate continued research. The current limitations to Cu3AsS4 performance stem from improper device architecture rather than material properties. Further development of Cu-As-S thin films must focus on identifying and fabricating ideal device architectures in parallel with continued improvements to film fabrication.
This dissertation ultimately demonstrates high promise for Cu3AsS4 as a thin-film PV material. It also may serve as an example for other researchers studying new materials, as the examination of fundamental optoelectronic properties early in the material’s development phase is key to ensure that limited scientific resources are invested into the compounds with the highest potential impact on society.
Book chapters on the topic "Ecological Applications not elsewhere classified"
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Naorem, Anandkumar, Shiva Kumar Udayana, Jaison Maverick, and Sachin Patel. "Soil Microbe-Mediated Bioremediation: Mechanisms and Applications in Soil Science." In Industrial Applications of Soil Microbes, 133–50. BENTHAM SCIENCE PUBLISHERS, 2022. http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/9789815039955122010013.
Full textAbstract:
Bioremediation is a prominent and novel technology among decontamination studies because of its economic practicability, enhanced proficiency, and environmental friendliness. The continuously deteriorating environment due to pollutants was taken care of by the use of various sustainable microbial processes. It is a process that uses microorganisms like bacteria and fungi, green plants, or their enzymes to restore the natural environment altered by contaminants to its native condition. Contaminant compounds are altered by microorganisms through reactions that come off as a part of their metabolic processes. Bioremediation technologies can be generally classified as in situ or ex situ. In situ bioremediation involves treating the pollutants at the site, while ex situ bioremediation involves the elimination of the pollutants to be treated elsewhere. This chapter deals with several aspects, such as the detailed description of bioremediation, factors of bioremediation, the role of microorganisms in bioremediation, different microbial processes and mechanisms involved in the remediation of contaminants by microorganisms, and types of bioremediation technologies such as bioventing, land farming, bioreactors, composting, bioaugmentation, biofiltration, and bio-stimulation.
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Rabari, Aniruddh, Janki A. Ruparelia, and Chaitanya Kumar Jha. "Extremophiles." In Physiology, Genomics, and Biotechnological Applications of Extremophiles, 1–12. IGI Global, 2022. http://dx.doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-9144-4.ch001.
Full textAbstract:
Extremophiles are extreme nature devotees, mostly bacteria and archaea, which bloom with extreme environmental parameters like temperature, pH, pressure, and salinity. Extremophiles are responsible for the beginning of geographical structures throughout the evolution and establishment of all presently known ecological units. They are classified into several categories like acidophiles, alkaliphiles, psychrophiles, thermophiles, xerophiles, piezophiles/barophiles, halophiles, and many more, as given in this chapter. The subsistence of these microorganisms in extreme environments produces extremolytes and extremozymes that have the potential of valued resources for the enlargement of a bio-based economy. In addition to their solicitations, extremophiles offer treasured information regarding the physiochemical limitations of natural life. This chapter mainly evaluates extremophiles, the classification of extremophiles, and their biotechnological applications in grey, white, and red biotechnologies with the perspective of exploring celestial life.
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Mohammed, Semwanga, Nakiguli Fatumah, Nasejje Shadia, Kigozi Abas, Ashraf Nkumba, and Nakimwanyi Shamirah. "Integrated Conservation Approaches for Rescuing, Regeneration and Adaptive Management of Critically Endangered Asteraceae Florae in Africa: A case of Bothriocline auriculata Species in Uganda." In Asteraceae - Characterization, Recent Advances and Applications [Working Title]. IntechOpen, 2022. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.106893.
Full textAbstract:
Among the 62 Bothriocline plant species, Bothriocline auriculata is the only endemic species in Uganda. Although this species is capable of thriving in diverse agroecosystems including mountainous areas, bamboo thickets, montane and tropical rainforests, it is only sited along Mt. Elgon slopes, the species’ native ecosystem. Unfortunately, for the last two decades, the species’ native ecosystem is undergoing very rapid deterioration as the increasing human populations have no option for survival but to clear protective forests and vegetation for arable farming, grazing and settlement. Despite the proven ecological importance of Bothriocline auriculata as a fodder plant, nutrient recycling and biodiversity in contributing to ecosystem balance, the species is declining at unprecedented rates. Consequently, the Bothriocline auriculata is now on the blink of extinction and is classified as critically endangered. This project aimed to rescue and conserve this species to ensure its full recovery, restoration and conservation under protected ecosystems. The specimens were rescued from the native ecosystem and multiplied into 150 juvenile seedlings. The seedlings exhibited a faster growth rate under well-nourished and moist soil conditions and vice versa. The data confirm the species’ ability to thrive in protected ecosystems with favorable weather and soil conditions for ex-situ conservation.