Spatial Distribution

We describe the construction of a bio-aerosol monitor designed to capture and record intrinsic fluorescence spectra from individual aerosol particles carried in a sample airflow and to simultaneously capture data relating to the spatial distribution of elastically scattered light from each particle. The spectral fluorescence data recorded by this PFAS (Particle Fluorescence and Shape) monitor contains information relating to the particle material content and specifically to possible biological fluorophores. The spatial scattering data from PFAS yields information relating to particle size and shape. The combination of these data can provide a means of aiding the discrimination of bio-aerosols from background or interferent aerosol particles which may have similar fluorescence properties but exhibit shapes and/or sizes not normally associated with biological particles. The radiation used both to excite particle fluorescence and generate the necessary spatially scattered light flux is provided by a novel compact UV fiber laser operating at 266nm wavelength. Particles drawn from the ambient environment traverse the laser beam in single file. Intrinsic particle fluorescence in the range 300-570nm is collected via an ellipsoidal concentrator into a concave grating spectrometer, the spectral data being recorded using a 16-anode linear array photomultiplier detector. Simultaneously, the spatial radiation pattern scattered by the particle over 5°-30° scattering angle and 360° of azimuth is recorded using a custom designed 31-pixel radial hybrid photodiode array. Data from up to ~5,000 particles per second may be acquired for analysis, usually performed by artificial neural network classification.

The present study examines the process of how tropospheric air enters the stratosphere, particularly in association with tropical mesoscale convective systems (TMCS) which are considered to be one of the causative mechanisms for the observation of extremely low tropopause temperature over the tropics. The association between the phenomena of convection and the observation of extreme low tropopause temperature events is, therefore, examined over the Asian monsoon region using data from multiple platforms. Satellite observations show that the area of low outgoing long wave radiation (OLR), which is a proxy for the enhanced convection, is embedded with high altitude clouds top temperatures (≤193 K). A detailed analysis of OLR and 100 hPa temperature shows that both are modulated by westward propagating Rossby waves with a period of ∼15 days, indicating a close linkage between them. The process by which the tropospheric air enters the stratosphere may, in turn, be determined by how the areas of convection and low tropopause temperature (LTT) i.e. T ≤ 191 K are spatially located. In this context, the relative spatial distribution of low OLR and LTT areas is examined. Though, the locations of low OLR and LTT are noticed in the same broad area, the two do not always overlap, except for partial overlap in some cases. When there are multiple low OLR areas, the LTT area generally appears in between the low OLR areas. Implications of these observations are also discussed. The present analysis also shows that the horizontal mean winds have a role in the spatial distribution of low OLR and LTT.

The behavior of nine lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) living in three social groups at Zoo Atlanta was compared in an indoor holding area versus an outdoor exhibit. Focal animal data were collected for each animal during 15 min observation sessions, alternating between indoors and outdoors. A variety of solitary and social behaviors differed in the two conditions. All individual and social behaviors that showed a difference, except eating, occurred more indoors than outdoors. These included aggressive displays, reclining, self manipulation, and social examination of others. Additionally, the gorillas spent more time closer together in the indoor condition. A variety of other behaviors measured did not change between the two environments. There was a clear effect on behavior of the different housing conditions in which the gorillas were kept. It is suggested that the differences in aggressive behavior may be related to environmental complexity. It is further suggested that zoos should be aware that differences in behavior reported by caretaking staff, researchers and visitors may be a reflection of the differing environmental circumstances in which the animals are observed. 0 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.

Laser ablation is investigated as a microsampling technique for determining the content and spatial distribution of hydrogen and deuterium in zirconium alloys. Zr-2.5wt%Nb (Zr-2.5Nb) material is ablated under vacuum with the 1.06 lm output of a Nd:YAG laser. Elemental H and D in the ablation plume are detected in a time-of-¯ight mass spectrometer (TOF-MS) following photo-ionization via the 1s±2s two-photon resonance near 243 nm. The laser/surface interaction is shown to be characterized accurately by a simple thermal model and the subsequent ablation is consistent with volume evaporation from the melted alloy. Elemental compositions in the ablation plume are found to represent those in the alloy. The analytical capabilities of laser ablation sampling are studied and discussed using various Zr-2.5Nb samples with known deuterium concentration gradients and bulk deuterium content. Crown Ó 1998 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.

. Recently, silver nanoparticles 10-15 nm embedded into silica thin films have been obtained in our laboratory by in situ reduction of Ž . Ž . a suitable silver organometallic compound precursor dissolved in a spin-on-glass SOG solution and subsequently span onto a substrate.

Habitat features influence the ecological interactions and spatial distribution of fish species. For example, water transparency and macrophyte cover, as well as their interaction, can strongly influence predation risk and mortality. Tethering trials were conducted in Lake St. Pierre (Quebec, Canada) to assess the effects of water transparency and macrophyte cover on the mortality risk of eight abundant fish species; Brown Bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), Mooneye (Hiodon tergisus), Emerald Shiner (Notropis atherinoides), Golden Shiner (Notropis crysoleucas), Blacknose Shiner (Notropis heterolepis), Spottail Shiner (Notropis hudsonius), Trout-perch (Percopsis omiscomaycus), and Yellow Perch (Perca flavescens). Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that mortality risk varied substantially among three groups of species having high, intermediate, or low survival rates. Species with spines appeared to have higher survival rates, consistent with the notion that spines deter predators. Cox regression models showed that mortality risk for six of the eight species was influenced by water transparency or an interaction of transparency with macrophyte cover. Mortality risk was generally greatest at low transparency. Variation in water transparency may generate spatial heterogeneity in fish abundance, either through direct effects, such as local reduction in prey numbers by predation, or indirect effects, such as behavioural avoidance of risky areas by prey.

In almost every single application of ionising radiation, the accurate determination of absorbed radiation energy is of great importance. Radiation sensitive gels were first proposed for non-destructive and non-invasive measurements of the spatial distribution of radiation absorbed dose in 1984 [1]. Two different systems were developed but neither of these systems is widely used in practice due to some technical drawbacks. To overcome the problems associated with previous systems a gelatin gel of different composition has been devised and characterised for radiation dosimetry. This system is based on the changes in the optical properties of a transparent gel medium when it is exposed to ionising radiation. The detection material was carefully investigated and the role of each constituent of this system has been studied in order to determine the optimum composition. Gel with this formula has a linear dose response in the range 0.1-30 Gy, this range can be altered to suit other applications by changing the concentration of the active chemicals. The gel sensitivity, defined as the change in optical density per unit radiation dose, was found to be 70×10 -3 cm -1 Gy -1 and the system stability was studied for both pre- and post-irradiation effects. This new formulation allows a convenient, rapid and economic readout method using an optical tomography system operating at visible wavelengths.

We investigated the sediment-related distribution of both nematodes and macrofauna on the Belgian part of the North Sea (Southern Bight of the North Sea) in order to evaluate whether both faunal groups reflect similar patterns in community composition and diversity. Fine-grained sediments (median grain size <200 mm) were inhabited by nematode communities characterised by a low diversity and dominated by non-selective deposit-feeding nematodes. Nematode communities from coarser sediments were significantly different in terms of community composition and diversity. Moreover, all nematode feeding types were present in coarser sediments. These differences were explained by the contrasting biogeochemical processes prevailing in both sediment types, rather than granulometry and food availability per se. Macrofaunal distribution patterns were different from those of the nematode communities and seem to be related to water column processes (SPM loading, food availability, hydrodynamic stress) that promote the establishment of diverse communities in the coarser sediments but not in the finest sediments. This suggests that data on nematodes and macrofauna reveal different, complementary aspects of the factors structuring the benthic ecosystem that can be of importance in assessing the ecological status of the seafloor.

Thailand experiences severe floods and droughts that affect agriculture New techniques, such as Data-Based- Mechanistic modelling ale being developed to study rainfall and river flow to improve flood and drought alleviation policies and practices. Dynamic Harmonic Regression models are used to analyze rainfall and discharge time series across Thailand to define seasonality, trends and to forecast rainfall and discharge and their spatial distribution. Statistical patterns in the frequency of extreme rainfall and flow periods are identified with a view to improving predictions of medium and Longer-Term rainfall and river flow patterns. The results show temporal and spatial variation within the annual rainfall pattern in the study catchments. For example, the seasonality of the rainfall In the south is less pronounced (more equatorial). The discharge seasonal pattern shows stronger Semi-Annual cycles, with the weakest pattern in the south of country, whereas the strongest discharge sea...

In this paper, we have assessed the temporal, spatial and depth related variation of suspended particulate organic matter (POM) in the Bay of Bengal. For this purpose, suspended particulate matter (SPM) samples were collected from eight depths (2 to 1000 m) at 9 locations in the Bay of Bengal during July/August 2001 (Southwest monsoon, SWM), September/October 2002 (Fall Intermonsoon, FIM), and March/April 2003 (Spring Inter-monsoon, SPIM). The SPM samples were analyzed for chlorophyll a (Chl a), particulate organic carbon (POC) and total particulate nitrogen (TPN). The surface concentrations of POC varied from 4.3 to 11.1 µM C, 3.1 to 10.9 µM C, and 4.3 to 9.0 µM C during SWM, FIM, and SPIM, respectively. The levels of SPM, and the concentrations of Chl a, and POC were relatively higher in the offshore compared to the near shore stations, especially during SWM. The POC concentration and its contribution to the SPM were higher in the surface waters, and both decreased with increasing water column depth at most of the stations. The observed decrease with depth of POC indicates heterotrophic uptake and/or dilution by inorganic material, poor in POC. This was also reflected in the C/N ratio which generally increased with water column depth. The relatively low C/N and POC/Chl a ratios, and high Chl a and % POC during the SWM and FIM indicate the presence of relatively fresh POM in the Bay during these two seasons. The observed seasonal differences in the quality of POM appears to be governed by river runoff and the physical forces such as eddies which pump nutrients into the surface waters thereby enhancing biological production.

Mediante el cifrado de fotoheliogramas tomados en la Estación de Montaña de Pamir (resolución espacial de 0.3"), con ancho de banda de 40 nm centrado en los 650 nm, se obtuvo una secuencia de imágenes estandarizadas para el estudio dinámico de detalles de la umbra y la penumbra de la mancha principal del grupo. Se presentan los elementos básicos de la metodología de estandarización, así como los resultados morfológicos y fotométricos obtenidos. Si bien nuestras imágenes muestran, por simple inspección visual, la presencia de filamentos brillantes y oscuros en la penumbra, no se encontró un claro indicio de dos niveles fotométricos de brillo distintivos. Se determinó que el valor característico de la intensidad de la penumbra varía con el tiempo, lo que será investigado posteriormente. Se detectó la presencia de puntos y núcleos umbrales, analizándose su distribución espacial. Se determinó un valor característico del diámetro para los puntos umbrales.

The movement patterns of two chacma baboon troops in the Drakensberg mountains of South Africa were studied over an 18-month period. One of these troops (HIGH) lived on the escarpment slopes (1920-2980 m), while the other (LOW) lived primarily in the montane belt (1560-2000 m). In this paper we analyze the effects of environmental variables on day journeys and home range use. We found the troops to be similar in the temporal patterning of their daily movement, in the resistance of travel speed to variations in local climatic conditions, and in their response to the nutritional bottleneck at the end of the austral winter. While both troops traveled farther as food became scarcer, HIGH troop undertook longer day journeys than LOW troop. This was probably due to the interactive effects of absolutely lower food availability and lower ambient temperatures. HIGH troop traveled farther when food was scarcer and when minimum temperatures were higher. Neither variable accounted for variance in the day journeys of LOW troop. Both troops used some areas of their home ranges preferentially. For LOW troop this preference followed the spatial distribution of food. While the same was generally true for HIGH troop, its home range use was complicated by the adverse temperatures of winter and spring. It abandoned the higher, more productive part of its range once temperatures became severe, returning only after minimum ground temperatures had risen above O~ These usage patterns differ from those described for eastern African baboon populations and reflect both the severity

At the study area of Xigu District in Lanzhou City, using RS & GIS as tools we apply Diversity, Dominance, Fragmentation, Isolation and so on to study the quantitative, fractal and spatial characters of landscapes" structures in the four sub-regions divided by the morphological features. Using the Fractal Theory to establish the fractal structure models, we analyze the complexity and stability of various landscapes" distribution with fractal dimension value. The spatial distribution characteristics of landscape mosaic structure are also expounded. At the end of the paper we discuss the relevant problems on the main factors which control and effect on the spatial pattern of landscapes as well as on landscape optimization and management.

Passive acoustic telemetry was used to monitor the movements of cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) within the Caloosahatchee River estuary in Southwest Florida. Twelve rays were tracked within the river between January 2004 and May 2005 for periods up to 234 days. Linear home range was calculated for all individuals and ranged between 0 and 18.4 km (daily) and 1 and 22.3 km (overall). Ray position within the river was compared to changing water quality parameters throughout the study. Although home range size did not increase with increasing salinity, individ-uals did occur farther upriver with decreasing flow rates and increasing salinity. There were no differences detected between day and night distribution patterns. Movement and presence patterns demonstrated significant use of the estuarine river over all months, indicating that cownose rays in southwest Florida may not undertake long seasonal migrations as established for other parts of their range.

Environmental laws such as the Clean Air Act are administered largely at the state level, with more or less enthusiasm, depending on the state. Here we examine the spatial distributions of four indicators of environmentalism: organizational membership, public opinion, Congressional representation and state-level environmental policy. Public support for environmental protection is strongest in the nation's northeast quadrant and the West Coast. The Dakotas, the intermountain West and the Deep South have the least concern. Level of environmentalism is largely explained by state levels of electricity consumption and education and inversely by political conservatism. Cultural traditions also apparently explain some of the variation across regions. #

The main purpose of this paper is to present the study of tra$c emissions impact on the Lisbon region air quality. Two approaches of emission data generation with high spatial and temporal resolution are presented and compared. Main roads were processed as line sources and hot on-road emissions were calculated based on daily mean tra$c and emission factors distinguished for several road classes and vehicle types. Also, the disaggregation of national CORINAIR inventory has been performed on the basis of statistical information of fuel consumption and population density. The comparison of emission data obtained by these two approaches demonstrates a good agreement for total values, but a signi"cant di!erence for spatial distribution of the data. To ensure completeness of the data, to improve their spatial resolution and also to analyse the impact of the tra$c emissions, a combination of the two approaches was applied to generate the emission data used by a photochemical numerical system to simulate the atmospheric circulation and the air pollution pattern in Lisbon under summer meteorological conditions, having di!erent emission scenarios. It was possible to conclude that an air pollution abatement strategy is urgently needed and it should take into account the strong contribution of road tra$c emissions to the Lisbon air pollution levels.

Proper mixing of reagents is of paramount importance for an efficient chemical reaction. While on a large scale there are many good solutions for quantitative mixing of reagents, as of today, efficient and inexpensive fluid mixing in the nanoliter and microliter volume range is still a challenge. Complete, i.e., quantitative mixing is of special importance in any small-scale analytical application because the scarcity of analytes and the low volume of the reagents demand efficient utilization of all available reaction components. In this paper we demonstrate the design and fabrication of a novel centrifugal force-based unit for fast mixing of fluids in the nanoliter to microliter volume range. The device consists of a number of chambers ͑including two loading chambers, one pressure chamber, and one mixing chamber͒ that are connected through a network of microchannels, and is made by bonding a slab of polydimethylsiloxane ͑PDMS͒ to a glass slide. The PDMS slab was cast using a SU-8 master mold fabricated by a two-level photolithography process. This microfluidic mixer exploits centrifugal force and pneumatic pressure to reciprocate the flow of fluid samples in order to minimize the amount of sample and the time of mixing. The process of mixing was monitored by utilizing the planar laser induced fluorescence ͑PLIF͒ technique. A time series of high resolution images of the mixing chamber were analyzed for the spatial distribution of light intensities as the two fluids ͑suspension of red fluorescent particles and water͒ mixed. Histograms of the fluorescent emissions within the mixing chamber during different stages of the mixing process were created to quantify the level of mixing of the mixing fluids. The results suggest that quantitative mixing was achieved in less than 3 min. This device can be employed as a stand alone mixing unit or may be integrated into a disk-based microfluidic system where, in addition to mixing, several other sample preparation steps may be included. Physics 80, 075102-1 075102-2 Noroozi et al. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 075102 ͑2009͒ 075102-3 Noroozi et al. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 075102 ͑2009͒ 075102-5 Noroozi et al. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 075102 ͑2009͒ 075102-6 Noroozi et al. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 075102 ͑2009͒ 075102-7 Noroozi et al. Rev. Sci. Instrum. 80, 075102 ͑2009͒

The electron and hole mobility of Si complementary metal on oxide field effect transistors (CMOS) can be enhanced by introducing a biaxial tensile stress in the Si channel. This paper outlines several key analytical techniques needed to investigate such layers. Raman scattering is used to measure the strain in the Si channel as well as to map the spatial distribution of strain in Si at a lateral resolution better than 0.5 μm. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is used to measure the surface roughness. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is used to reveal dislocations in the structure, the nature of the dislocations and the propagation of the dislocations. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is used to monitor the Ge content profile in the structure and the thickness of each layer. In the long term, inline nondestructive techniques are desired for epi-monitoring in manufacturing. Two techniques, spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and x-ray reflectivity (XRR), have shown promise at this stage.

Microstructural changes in a metallic oxidation protection coating (Ni-Co-Cr-Al-Y) applied on a nickel base superalloy were investigated by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The changes are due either to thermal mechanical fatigue testing under high thermal gradients or to defined isothermal heat treatments. The coated specimens were quenched from temperatures between 840 and 1100 • C to ambient temperature. The resultant phases, their local distribution and compositions were determined by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and electron diffraction. Phase equilibria at respective temperatures were determined by thermodynamic calculations based on the CALPHAD method. The calculated and experimentally determined phase distributions were compared. A particular microstructural feature, namely the existence and spatial distribution of spherical ␥ Ni 3 Al precipitates in the coating and the diffusion zone between substrate and coating, was used as a postmortem indicator for the maximum temperature experienced by the specimen during testing. This paper gives a road map for developing a microstructural-based temperature calibration for complex metallic materials using thermodynamic simulations.

... the Periadriatic–Drava fault in the marginal zone of Pohorje Mts., 7 km along the southern marginal fault of the Pannonian basin in the vicinity of Karlovac, and 10 km along the branching fault of the Periadriatic–Drava fault marking the southern border of the Kalnik–Ivan ica Mts. ...

Numerical computation of the electric field strength and ionic space charge density in electrode systems consisting of ionizing wire and non-ionizing cylinder, connected to the same DC high-voltage supply and facing a grounded plate, is a difficult problem, which is of interest to several electrostatic processes applications. In a previous study a simple numerical method has been proposed to calculate the spatial distributions of electric field and ionic space charge in a case of a continuum and uniform corona discharge originating at the surface of the wire. The aim of the present paper is to improve the physical model of the corona discharge in this particular electrode configuration, by assuming a more realistic law of charge injection on the wire circumference. The computations were carried out for an ionizing wire of radius r ¼ 0.1 mm, located at different distances h from a metallic tubular support of radius R ¼ 13.4 mm.The initial conditions of the corona discharge took into account the non-uniformity of the charge injection around the ionizing wire electrode. The computational results were compared with those obtained under the assumption of uniform corona discharge. The comparison pointed out that neither the non-uniformity of the electric field nor that of the charge injection can be neglected. They depend on the geometry of the electrode system and affect the distribution of the electric field and of the space charge density in the inter-electrode gap.

In large canal irrigation project areas, integrated management of surface and groundwater resources can improve water use efficiencies and agricultural productivity and also control water logging. Such integrated management requires an estimation of spatial distribution of recharge and ground water flow in the underlying aquifer. Recharge occurs both as percolation losses from fields and seepage losses from the water distribution network. Percolation losses are influenced by weather, soil properties, land use, and canal water and groundwater use. Seepage losses depend on the conditions of flow in the water distribution system. In large irrigation project areas all the factors influencing the recharge of groundwater vary spatially. In this study, a geographical information systems (GIS) is used to map the spatial distribution of recharge which then serves as input to a regional groundwater flow model for simulating the behavior of the underlying aquifer. The basis is that the project...

As the trends in mineral processing move towards the beneficiation of finer grained and more complex ore bodies, so too do the methods needed to understand and model these processes. During the heap leaching of low-grade ore bodies, the crack distribution and mineral dissemination in ore particles are important characteristics that determine the performance of sub-processes, such as the diffusion of reagents in and out of particle pores. Recent developments in X-ray computed tomography (CT) as an advanced diagnostic and nondestructive technique have indicated the potential for the technology to become a tool for the acquisition of 3-D mineralogical and structural data. The spatial distribution of cracks and mineral dissemination in particles derived from a sphalerite ore in the Northern Cape, South Africa, was characterized using a high-resolution industrial X-ray CT system. This paper describes the use of image analysis techniques including image segmentation, which uses a combination of thresholding and other methods to characterize and quantify crack and mineral dissemination in the sphalerite particles. The results are validated with those obtained using traditional techniques such as physical gas (with N 2) adsorption, mercury intrusion porosimetry, SEM and QEMSCAN. A comparison of the effect of different comminution devices (HPGR and Cone crusher) on crack generation is also given.

We model the small-scale clustering of luminous red galaxies (LRGs; Masjedi et al. 2006) in the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS). Specifically, we use the halo occupation distribution (HOD) formalism to model the projected two-point correlation function of LRGs on scales well within the sizes of their host halos (0.016h −1 Mpc ≤ r ≤ 0.42h −1 Mpc). We start by varying P (N |M), the probability distribution that a dark matter halo of mass M contains N LRGs, and assuming that the radial distribution of satellite LRGs within halos traces the NFW dark matter density profile. We find that varying P (N |M) alone is not sufficient to match the small-scale data. We next allow the concentration of satellite LRG galaxies to differ from that of dark matter and find that this is also not sufficient. Finally, we relax the assumption of an NFW profile and allow the inner slope of the density profile to vary. We find that this model provides a good fit to the data and the resulting value of the slope is −2.17 ± 0.12. The radial density profile of satellite LRGs within halos is thus not compatible with that of the underlying dark matter, but rather is closer to an isothermal distribution.

Surface subsidence due to underground mining is a major problem, especially when stratified deposits are completely extracted. Extensively theoretical, laboratory and in situ test investigations have been carried out in many countries to develop mining subsidence prediction techniques. However, to predict subsidence on the large extraction area, complex seam layers, time dependence and three-dimensional (3D) visualization are main difficulties encountered in solving problems. In this research, an integrated system has been developed within Geographic Information System (GIS) for predicting mining subsidence which includes various principal methods to obtain calculation of maximum subsidence, subsidence profiles, and spatial distribution of subsidence with induced large complex underground mining. A case study is presented to demonstrate the capability of the system. As the final result, it is found that the developed system is powerful and effective tool in GIS for complex mining subsidence prediction.

The Galactic star forming region associated with G351.6-1.3 (also IRAS 17258-3637) has been studied at low frequency radio wavebands (1280, 610 and 325 MHz) using the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope, India. The ionised gas component is probed using these radio wavelengths. Six compact radio sources have been extracted from the high resolution

The concentration of people in densely populated urban areas, especially in developing countries, calls for the use of monitoring systems like remote sensing. Such systems along with spatial analysis techniques like digital image processing and geographical information system (GIS) can be used for the monitoring and planning purposes as these enable the reporting of overall sprawl at a detailed level.In the present work, urban sprawl of the Ajmer city (situated in Rajasthan State of India) has been studied at a mid scale level, over a period of 25 years (1977–2002), to extract the information related to sprawl, area of impervious surfaces and their spatial and temporal variability. Statistical classification approaches have been used for the classification of the remotely sensed images obtained from various sensors viz. Landsat MSS, TM, ETM+ and IRS LISS-III. Urban sprawl and its spatial and temporal characteristics have been derived from the classified satellite images. The Shannon's entropy and landscape metrics (patchiness and map density) have been computed in terms of spatial phenomenon, in order to quantify the urban form (impervious area). Further, multivariate statistical techniques have been used to establish the relationship between the urban sprawl and its causative factors. Results reveal that land development (160.8%) in Ajmer is more than three times the population growth (50.1%). Shannon's entropy and landscape metrics has revealed the spatial distribution of the urban sprawl over a period of last 25 years.

A non-linear least-squares (NLS) method is used without regularization to recover the release history of a groundwater contaminant plume from its current measured spatial distribution. The¯ow system is assumed to be one-dimensional, with the plume originating from a known single site. The solution is found to be very sensitive to noise and to the extent to which the plume is dissipated. Although the NLS method is extremely sensitive to measurement errors for the gradual release scenario, it can resolve the release histories for catastrophic release scenarios reasonably well, even in the presence of moderate measurement errors. A number of synthetic numerical examples are analysed. We ®nd that for catastrophic contaminant releases the NLS method may be an alternative to the Tikhonov regularization approach.

Using generalized additive models, we show evidence for nonlinear relationships between various hydrological factors and age-structured catch per unit effort of Atlantic yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) for two fishing fleets. Catchability effects are distinguished from tuna environmental preference effects in the catch per unit effort variability. With respect to catchability, an important nonlinear effect of local fishing effort is highlighted for each fleet. It is interpreted as resulting from a local overfishing phenomenon of adult yellowfin tuna and from vessel fishing tactics (cooperation/spying). The environmental preferences obtained facilitate the interpretation of the hierarchical spatial distribution and age-dependent movements of the yellowfin population. We show that, on a large spatiotemporal scale (the whole ocean), low salinity is a good predictor of yellowfin habitat. Juveniles are mainly distributed in low-salinity waters (<0.035 kg·kg -1 ) when adults extend their range to waters of 0.036 kg·kg -1 . On a mesoscale, adult population annual reproductive transatlantic displacements are probably driven by temperature and salinity gradients to warm and low-salinity locations that are favorable for juveniles. North-south seasonal movements of the population are clearly related to warmwater seasonal oscillations. On a small scale, ocean thermic stability and gradients of sea surface temperature are important physical factors determining yellowfin concentration.

1. 5054 adult beetles of 144 species were collected in a total of 696 1-m 2 collecting trays by knockdown insecticide fogging of 36 different oak trees in closed canopy woodland at Richmond Park, U.K., with three of the trees sampled on each of 12 dates, at 2-to 3-week intervals, between April and October 1984.

Molluscs, both gastropods and bivalves, appear to disproportionately influence the dynamics of salt marsh habitats. Bivalves typically are facilitators positively affecting the growth and survival of marshes, but gastropods may have unanticipated top-down effects through direct consumption of the predominant marsh vegetation, Spartina alterniflora. Natural, elevational differences in S. alterniflora density and morphology also may exert an influence on the spatial distributions of marsh snails. We examined the abundance of both plants and snails across an elevation gradient to determine if similarities or differences existed in the observed distribution patterns. Plant, mainly S. alterniflora, and snail, Littoraria irrorata (Say) and Melampus bidentatus Say, densities were measured along tidal creek to forest transects within the intertidal marshes of three marine-dominated South Carolina inlets. Significant differences in S. alterniflora density among marsh zones were paralleled by similar L. irrorata density differences. A consistent, unimodal pattern with peak L. irrorata density in the "short," dense S. alterniflora mid marsh occurred within each inlet. In contrast, M. bidentatus was restricted almost entirely to the high marsh across all transects and inlets. Densities of L. irrorata and S. alterniflora were positively correlated in the low marsh consistent with the potential importance of culms as a food source and refuge from predators. Littoraria irrorata biomass was significantly different among zones in only one inlet and increased in a shoreward direction in two inlets. Although biomass patterns previously have not been reported for Southeastern US marshes, amounts were consistently greater than expected within the high-marsh zone. In SC, L. irrorata appears to be a conspicuous resident across the entire vegetated marsh and our results suggest previous studies focusing on the marsh near tidal creeks could underestimate appreciably the total population and overall significance of L. irrorata within coastal marshes.

The spatial distributions of contaminant metals (Hg, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu) and a metalloid (As) in vegetable plots and paddy fields located near a large scale Pb/Zn smelter in Hunan province, China, were investigated. Soil located 4 km from the smelter was severely contaminated, with maximum concentrations of Hg, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and As as high as 2.89, 1200, 3350, 41.1, 157 and 93 mg kg À1 , respectively. Concentrations of soil metal and As decreased with distance in the dominant wind direction. Single-factor assessment indicated pollution levels of Hg, Pb, Zn and Cd were most severe, while pollution levels for Cu and As were less severe. Results from a potential ecological risk assessment indicated high risk associated with the soil within a 4 km radius, with the contribution for each contaminant calculated as follows: Cd (70.0%), Hg (19.4%), Pb (4.8%), As (3.0%), Cu (1.7%) and Zn (1.1%). The forest soil in the nearby city park was also affected by the atmospheric depositions from smelting activities. Soil profiles demonstrated the pollutants were mostly accumulated in the upper 20 cm layer. Contamination of the topsoil with Hg, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and As indicated remediation should be considered.

Perennial grasslands that dominated the southwest United States during the past 10,000 years have been desertified to varying extents. Desertification is a temporal phenomenon, defined in this paper as a change in the scale of the spatial distribution of resources. We report here on several indicators of desertification, using bare patch indices as surrogates for direct measures. A bare patch index based on canopy cover, which is relevant for precipitation and wind-driven erosion, is not equivalent to another bare patch index based on soil surface measurements, which is relevant for overland water flowdriven erosion. Per cent grass cover, per cent long-lived grass cover, per cent cover of vegetative reproducers, and a relative preference index all yielded sensitive indicators of desertification. The usefulness of some indicators, such as organic litter, depends upon recent environmental history. Other indicators, such as per cent cover due to grazing-resistant species, appear not to be sensitive to desertification and need further development. Range site type may also be important in determining indicator responses, where some indicators were sensitive to a range site while others were not. Overall, we have identified several sensitive indicators of desertification based on vegetational characteristics in varied range sites in the northern Chihuahuan Desert.

A Geographical Information System (GIS) based methodology has been used to construct the black carbon (BC) emission inventory for the Indian geographical region. The distribution of emissions from a broader level to a spatial resolution of 1°Â 1°grid has been carried out by considering micro level details and activity data of fossil fuels and bio-fuels. Our calculated total BC emissions were 1343.78 Gg and 835.50 Gg for the base years 2001 and 1991 respectively with a decadal growth of around 61%, which is highly significant. The district level analysis shows a diverse spatial distribution with the top 10% emitting districts contributing nearly 50% of total BC emission. Coal contributes more than 50% of total BC emission. All the metropolitan cities show high BC emissions due to high population density giving rise to high vehicular emissions and more demand of energy.

This paper presents some of the findings of the European project, RUROS, concentrating on the effect of microclimatic conditions on the use of open spaces in an urban Mediterranean environment. The findings confirm that there is a strong relationship between microclimatic conditions and use of open spaces. Regarding the users of open spaces, a sensitivity to the summer heat was apparent for the age category >65. The spatial distribution of the interviewees demonstrates that in summer, visitors prefer to sit in shaded areas, whereas in autumn and winter sunlit areas are more popular. Observations of the use of space revealed that air temperature and solar radiation were found to be the most dominant parameters in relation to the use of space, with wind speed and relative humidity having a weak effect. In general, people prefer shaded areas at higher air temperatures. However, as high air temperature is a factor contributing to discomfort, overall presence is reduced when air temperature rises significantly. The preference of sun, differs from season to season, depending on the activities taking place in the areas (either designated or not). The diurnal pattern of the use of space also reveals a strong dependency on meteorological parameters. Regarding the time of maximum attendance, this is found in the evening during summer, while there is a transition of the time of maximum attendance towards noon as the season progresses from summer to winter. Daytime attendance figures of autumn and winter are 300-400% higher than in the summer. The need open spaces cover and the social ties provided may also be traced by analyzing the social composition of the interviewees and the reasons bringing them in the space.

At harvest time, maize (Zea mays L.) has a moisture content too high to be stored, and has to be dried. To control the drying impact on maize characteristics, it is necessary to accurately know the spatial distribution of temperature and moisture content in the kernel, and the kinetics of quality loss in relation to these two factors. To this end, a physical model of heat and mass transfer in a maize kernel was designed. The Fick and Fourier equations were solved by the finite element method (FEM). The real 3D geometry of maize was obtained by NMR imaging and then used to build the mesh needed for the FEM computations. The model correctly describes the evolutions of maize moisture and salt-soluble protein content during fluidized-bed drying with a constant drying air temperature between 50°C and 100°C.

Sebagai kota dengan visi menjadi kota jasa bertaraf international, Jakarta memiliki wilayah segitiga emas sebagai kawasan bisnis utama/CBD, yaitu di sekitar Jl.Sudirman/Thamrin, Jl. Kuningan/Rasuna Said dan Jl. Gatot Subroto DKI Jakarta. Terhitung sejak tahun 1960-an-2007 terdapat 138 gedung tinggi yang berfungsi sebagai perkantoran di CBD. Gedung tinggi yang dimaksud adalah gedung yang secara fisik memiliki 6 lantai atau lebih. Gedung perkantoran di CBD yang baru-baru ini diluncurkan adalah Sudirman Plaza, Menara Kuningan, Menara Satrio, Menara Prima, SCTV Tower dan Sentral Senayan 2. Tren wilayah metropolitan saat ini adalah meluasnya gedung perkantoran ke wilayah pinggiran kota. Gejala perluasan kawasan perkantoran atau office sprawl telah mulai terjadi di berbagai belahan dunia, Robert E.Lang (2003) telah membuktikan dengan melakukan survey di 13 metropolitan dunia dan menemukan kecenderungan penempatan lokasi perkantoran ke wilayah pinggiran kota. Salah satunya di South Florida, perluasan kawasan perkantoran ke wilayah pinggiran terjadi karena beberapa hal, diantaranya misi kota untuk mencapai lingkungan yang berkelanjutan dan makmur, misi ini pada dasarnya bertujuan mewariskan alam dalam kondisi cukup atau lebih baik dari saat ini, untuk itu diperlukan efisiensi dari berbagai hal, diantaranya konsumsi bahan bakar yang digunakan para pekerja untuk mencapai kantor. Di wilayah ini, perluasan wilayah perkantoran juga terjadi karena upah yang didapat pekerja tidak mencukupi untuk tinggal di tengah kota, sehingga harus menetap di pinggiran kota. Kondisi ini menyebabkan kawasan perkantoran yang tadinya terpusat di tengah kota harus bergeser ke pinggiran untuk mendekati kawasan permukiman para pekerja. Kondisi di atas nampaknya sudah mulai terjadi di Jakarta, selain di wilayah CBD, kawasan luar CBD yang paling agresif untuk perkantoran diantaranya di Kelurahan Mampang, koridor Jl. Dewi Sartika, koridor Jl. MT Haryono, koridor S. Parman, koridor arteri Permata Hijau dan koridor Jl. TB Simatupang. Gedung perkantoran di luar CBD yang baru saja selesai pembangunannya adalah Menara Kencana di Jakarta Barat. Pada tahun 2007, Syaukat, SF (2007) menemukan bahwa pada tahun 1985 pola sebaran gedung perkantoran di DKI Jakarta adalah terpusat (core dominated) di wilayah CBD, sementara setelah tahun 1985-2005 mulai tersebar (dispersed) ke luar wilayah CBD. Merujuk pada penelitian ini yang menggunakan klasifikasi sebaran perkantoran berdasarkan Lang (2000), disebutkan bahwa refleksi setiap jenjang klasifikasi Lang (core dominated, balanced, dispersed dan edgeless) di Jakarta berlaku setiap kurun waktu sepuluh tahun. Hal ini berarti dalam sepuluh tahun mendatang terhitung dari tahun 2005, yaitu tahun 2015 pola persebaran gedung perkantoran akan mengarah ke pinggiran kota (edgeless). Masih dari sumber yang sama didapatkan bahwa, umumnya perkantoran yang terletak di luar CBD bertahan di lokasi tersebut karena menghindari kepadatan lalu lintas di CBD,

1) to investigate the spatial distribution of fine roots and its correlation with selected soil properties on an artificial ecosystem dominated by woody vegetation species, and (2) to compare the root distribution to that predicted using a global model for natural ecosystems. Root diameter distribution (≤5 mm), root biomass density (RBD), root length density (RLD), soil pH, soil electrical conductivity and dry soil bulk density were measured on soil core samples (217) collected from a trench wall using a 20×20-cm grid sampling. Approximately 90% of the RBD (mean ± standard error: 0.27±0.027 kg m −3 ) and RLD (1.57±0.023 cm cm −3 ) occurred in the top 40 cm, decreasing exponentially to a maximum rooting depth of 150 cm. RBD exhibited a vertical spatial structure associated with soil pH (p<0.05; r 2 = 0.48), and a random lateral distribution. Coefficients of variation (CV) of RBD were high irrespective of orientation (vertical: 79-200%, lateral: 50-236%). The root extinction parameter β (0.944) for the global model was lower (p<0.05) than that of woodlands (β= 0.964-0.976), indicating a shallow root distribution resembling that of grasslands (β=0.943). The superficial root distribution indicated subsoil chemical constraints to root growth, while high lateral variability was attributed to sparse vegetation. The findings stress the need to account for both vertical and lateral variability of roots for accurate modelling of water use and productivity on certain artificial ecosystems with sparse vegetation.

The behavior of argon and nitrogen, injected into single null diverted Ohmic discharges, has been compared. The screening of the divertor and scrape-off layer plasma is studied by comparing the number of impurity atoms in the core with the number injected by a calibrated gas puff. The effect of the poloidal position of injection on screening has been investigated. The core nitrogen density is dependent of an poloidal position of injection while the argon density is not. The spatial distribution of low charge states in the divertor has also been studied using a multichord visible spectrometer. Initial results of nitrogen modeling with the Monte Carlo code DIVIMP are presented.