20 research outputs found
Macquarie Island Vegetation: Plant species coverage in field plots, determined from photo interpretation
No full textProgress Code: completedStatement: Cover classes were all assigned and extensively checked by Phillippa Bricher. However, the technique likely results in the number of species per plot being under-reported, especially for species commonly found beneath the canopy. The photographs cover approximately half the area of the plot, and 400 point observations are taken of those photographs. Rare or sub-canopy species are frequently excluded.
All locations were recorded using a Trimble Pro XH single-frequency differential GPS. However, the Geoscience Australia MAC1 base station was non-functional for much of the 2008-09 field season, so positions were corrected against the HOB2 base station, located in Hobart, when MAC1 data was unavailable. Corrections made on a 1500 km baseline did little to improve the accuracy of the positions. Not all positions could be corrected. Where a correction was possible, mean horizontal position was 2.26 m. Conservatively, it is reasonable to assume that locations are accurate to less than 5 m.This dataset is a spreadsheet containing plant species coverage for the canopies of vegetation plots on Macquarie Island in the summers of 2008/09 and 2009/10. It was collected as part of AAS 3095, for Phillippa Bricher's PhD thesis.<br/> <br/>350 sites were chosen using a proportional stratified random sampling protocol. We stratified Macquarie Island into seven relatively homogeneous landform classes using an unsupervised fuzzy c-means classification based on variables derived from a 5 m digital elevation model (DEM) and a 2.4 m resolution orthorectified multispectral QuickBird satellite image, captured 15 March 2005. The digital elevation model is described by the metadata record 'Macquarie Island AIRSAR DEM (Digital Elevation Model)' with Entry ID: macca_dem_gis. <br/>The satellite image was provided by Dr Arko Lucieer of the University of Tasmania.<br/><br/>Elevation, slope, wetness index, solar radiation and surface curvature were calculated from the DEM, and a Normalised Difference Vegetation Index was calculated from the satellite image. The proportion of sites in each land form class was determined on the basis of three criteria: area; standard deviation of the NDVI (as a proxy for chlorophyll levels); and a subjective assessment of the likelihood of significant vegetation change. Of the 350 random sites, 288 were visited over the two seasons. The majority of the non-visited sites were inaccessible because they were either on steep slopes or close to breeding seabirds. A few sites were not visited due to time constraints.<br/><br/>The dataset also includes data from 54 sites that had been previously sampled as part of ongoing vegetation studies under AAS 3095 or AAS 1015 and 8 sites purposely selected to capture rare plant communities. 72 sites were visited in both seasons to monitor inter-annual change. The table below shows the number of sites in each category visited in the two field seasons.<br/><br/> Total Random AAS 3095/ AAS 1015 Purpose<br/>2008/09 215 159 52 4<br/>2009/10 207 175 26 6<br/>Both years 350 288 54 8<br/><br/>At each site, a 10 x 10 m plot was laid out and a vertical photograph taken of each corner from a height of 2.7 m. Each photograph covers an area approximately 2.9 x 4.3 m. For each site, the photographs cover a total of 49.9 m2, or half the plot.<br/>A point intercept method was used to estimate percentage cover for each cover class using Coral Point Count (CPCe) software. 100 random points were laid over each photograph, and the cover class under each point was manually identified. Cover classes for the photographs are shown in the data dictionary (file_name.csv). These classes include most vascular plant species (two taxa were identified only to genus-level); and higher-order classes for bryophytes, fungi, algae, lichens, and bare ground. Percentage cover was calculated for all cover classes for each site, and is presented in this dataset.<br/><br/>A data dictionary (available for download with the dataset) describes the fields in the main spreadsheet.<br/><br/>This dataset was collected as part of AAS projects 3095 and 3130. More specifically it relates to:<br/><br/>3095 - Objective 1<br/>Quantify change in terrestrial ecosystems at a range of spatial and temporal scales on Heard and McDonald Islands and Macquarie Island. <br/><br/>3130 - Objective 1 and 5<br/>Collate and collect spatial data in order to establish a baseline map of, and detect changes in vegetation communities on the Windmill Islands and Macquarie Island.<br/>Combine detailed plot-scale data and field photographs with terrain information and high-resolution satellite imagery to identify and map changes in both plant communities and plant stress more efficiently
Consumer opinion on social policy approaches to promoting positive body image: Airbrushed media images and disclaimer labels
No full text© The Author(s) 2015. Disclaimer labels on airbrushed media images have generated political attention and advocacy as a social policy approach to promoting positive body image. Experimental research suggests that labelling is ineffective and consumers' viewpoints have been overlooked. A mixed-method study explored British consumers' (N = 1555, aged 11-78 years) opinions on body image and social policy approaches. Thematic analysis indicated scepticism about the effectiveness of labelling images. Quantitatively, adults, although not adolescents, reported that labelling was unlikely to improve body image. Appearance diversity in media and reorienting social norms from appearance to function and health were perceived as effective strategies. Social policy and research implications are discussed
Mucolytic agents versus placebo for chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
No full textBackground: Individuals with chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may suffer recurrent exacerbations with an increase in volume or purulence of sputum, or both. Personal and healthcare costs associated with exacerbations indicate that any therapy that reduces the occurrence of exacerbations is useful. A marked difference among countries in terms of prescribing of mucolytics reflects variation in perceptions of their effectiveness. Objectives: Primary objective: • To determine whether treatment with mucolytics reduces frequency of exacerbations and/or days of disability in patients with chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Secondary objectives: • To assess whether mucolytics lead to improvement in lung function or quality of life. • To determine frequency of adverse effects associated with use of mucolytics. Search methods: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register and reference lists of articles on 10 separate occasions, most recently in July 2014. Selection criteria: We included randomised studies that compared oral mucolytic therapy versus placebo for at least two months in adults with chronic bronchitis or COPD. We excluded studies of people with asthma and cystic fibrosis. Data collection and analysis: This review analysed summary data only, most derived from published studies. For earlier versions, one review author extracted data, which were rechecked in subsequent updates. In later versions, review authors double-checked extracted data and then entered data into RevMan for analysis. Main results: We added four studies for the 2014 update. The review now includes 34 trials, recruiting a total of 9367 participants. Many studies did not clearly describe allocation concealment; hence selection bias may have inflated the results, which reduces our confidence in the findings. Results of 26 studies with 6233 participants show that the likelihood that a patient could be exacerbation-free during the study period was greater among mucolytic groups (Peto odds ratio (OR) 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.57 to 1.94). However, more recent studies show less benefit of treatment than was reported in earlier studies in this review. The overall number needed to treat with mucolytics for an additional beneficial outcome for an average of 10 months - to keep an additional participant free from exacerbations - was eight (NNTB 8, 95% CI 7 to 10). Use of mucolytics was associated with a reduction of 0.03 exacerbations per participant per month (mean difference (MD) -0.03, 95% CI -0.04 to -0.03; participants = 7164; studies = 28; I2 = 85%) compared with placebo, that is, about 0.36 per year, or one exacerbation every three years. Very high heterogeneity was noted for this outcome, so results need to be interpreted with caution. The type or dose of mucolytic did not seem to alter the effect size, nor did the severity of COPD, including exacerbation history. Longer studies showed smaller effects of mucolytics than were reported in shorter studies. Mucolytic use was associated with a reduction of 0.43 days of disability per participant per month compared with placebo (95% CI -0.56 to -0.30; studies = 13; I2 = 61%). With mucolytics, the number of people with one or more hospitalisations was reduced, but study results were not consistent (Peto OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.89; participants = 1788; studies = 4; I2 = 58%). Investigators reported improved quality of life with mucolytics (MD -2.64, 95% CI -5.21 to -0.08; participants = 2231; studies = 5; I2 = 51%). Although this mean difference did not reach the minimal clinically important difference of -4 units, we cannot assess the population impact, as we do not have the data needed to carry out a responder analysis. Mucolytic treatment was not associated with any significant increase in the total number of adverse effects, including mortality (Peto OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.52 to 2.03; participants = 2931; studies = 8; I2 = 0%), but the confidence interval is too wide to confirm that the treatment has no effect on mortality. Authors' conclusions: In participants with chronic bronchitis or COPD, we are moderately confident that treatment with mucolytics may produce a small reduction in acute exacerbations and a small effect on overall quality of life. Our confidence in the results is reduced by the fact that effects on exacerbations shown in early trials were larger than those reported by more recent studies, possibly because the earlier smaller trials were at greater risk of selection or publication bias, thus benefits of treatment may not be as great as was suggested by previous evidence.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2622237
Mucolytic agents for chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
No full textBACKGROUND: Individuals with chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may suffer recurrent exacerbations with an increase in volume or purulence of sputum, or both. Because of the personal and healthcare costs associated with exacerbations, any therapy that reduces the number of exacerbations is useful. There is a marked difference among countries in terms of prescribing of mucolytics depending on whether or not they are perceived to be effective. OBJECTIVES: PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: to determine if treatment with mucolytics reduces the frequency of exacerbations, days of disability, or both, in participants with chronic bronchitis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or both. SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: to determine if mucolytics lead to an improvement in lung function or quality of life and to determine the frequency of adverse effects associated with mucolytics. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register and reference lists of articles on ten separate occasions, the most recent being in July 2012. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised studies that compared oral mucolytic therapy with placebo for at least two months in adults with chronic bronchitis or COPD. We excluded studies of people with asthma and cystic fibrosis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The review analysed summary data only, the majority from published studies. For earlier versions, one author extracted data, which was rechecked in subsequent updates. In later versions, we double-checked data extraction. We then entered data into RevMan for analysis. MAIN RESULTS: Two further trials have been added to the review for the 2012 update. There are now 30 trials in the review, recruiting a total of 7436 participants. Allocation concealment was not clearly described in the early trials, and selection bias may have inflated the results, which reduces our confidence in the findings of these trials.The likelihood of being exacerbation-free during the study period (22 trials in 4886 participants with a mean duration of 10 months) was greater in the mucolytic group for the double-blind trials (Peto odds ratio (OR) 1.84; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.63 to 2.07). However, the more recent trials show less benefit of treatment than the earlier trials included in this review. The overall number needed to treat with mucolytics to keep an additional participant free from exacerbations over 10 months was seven (NNTB 7; 95% CI 6 to 9). The use of mucolytics was associated with a reduction of 0.04 exacerbations per participant per month (95% CI -0.04 to -0.03) compared with placebo; that is about 0.48 per year, or one exacerbation every two years. There was very high heterogeneity in this outcome (I(2) = 87%) so results need to be interpreted with caution.The number of days of disability per month also fell (mean difference (MD) -0.48; 95% CI -0.65 to -0.30) in 12 trials on 2305 participants. There was no clinically important improvement in lung function or consistent impact on quality of life with mucolytics. Mucolytic treatment was not associated with any significant increase in adverse effects, including mortality (Peto OR 0.75; 95% CI 0.35 to 1.64) in six trials on 1821 participants. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In participants with chronic bronchitis or COPD, treatment with a mucolytic may produce a small reduction in acute exacerbations, but may have little or no effect on the overall quality of life. The effects on exacerbations shown in early trials were larger than those found in the more recent studies. This may be because the earlier smaller trials were at higher risk of selection or publication bias, so the benefits of treatment may not be as large as suggested by the previous evidence.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD001287.pub4/abstractVoR - Version of Recor
The Mediating Role of Appearance Comparisons in the Relationship Between Media Usage and Self-Objectification in Young Women
No full text© 2015, © The Author(s) 2015. The media’s portrayal of women is often sexually objectifying, and greater exposure to objectifying media is associated with higher levels of self-objectification among young women. One reason why media usage may be associated with self-objectification is because women may be comparing their appearance to others in the media. The present study examined (a) the relationship between the usage of different media types (online social media [Facebook], Internet, television, music videos, and magazines) and self-objectification among young women, (b) whether appearance comparison tendencies in general mediated any observed relationships, and (c) whether appearance comparisons to specific types of women on Facebook (self, family, close friends, distant peers, and celebrities) mediated any relationship between Facebook usage and self-objectification. Female participants (N = 150) aged 17–25 years completed questionnaires about their media usage, appearance comparison tendency in general, appearance comparisons to specific target groups on Facebook, and self-objectification. Results showed that Facebook usage and magazine usage were positively correlated with self-objectification and that these relationships were mediated by appearance comparisons in general. In addition, the relationship between Facebook usage and self-objectification was mediated by comparisons to one’s peers on Facebook. These findings suggest that appearance comparisons can play an important role in self-objectification among young women
Influenza vaccine for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
No full textBackground Influenza vaccinations are currently recommended in the care of people with COPD, but these recommendations are based largely on evidence from observational studies with very few randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reported. Influenza infection causes excess morbidity and mortality in COPD patients but there is also the potential for influenza vaccination to cause adverse effects or not to be cost effective. Objectives To evaluate the evidence from RCTs for a treatment effect of influenza vaccination in COPD subjects. Outcomes of interest were exacerbation rates, hospitalisations, mortality, lung function and adverse effects. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Airways Group Specialised Register of trials, and reference lists of articles. References were also provided by a number of drug companies we contacted. The latest search was carried out in May 2010. Selection criteria RCTs that compared live or inactivated virus vaccines with placebo, either alone or with another vaccine in persons with COPD. Studies of people with asthma were excluded. Data collection and analysis Two reviewers extracted data. All entries were double checked. Study authors and drug companies were contacted for missing information. Main results Eleven trials were included but only six of these were specifically performed in COPD patients. The others were conducted on elderly and high-risk individuals, some of whom had chronic lung disease. Inactivated vaccine in COPD patients resulted in a significant reduction in the total number of exacerbations per vaccinated subject compared with those who received placebo (weighted mean difference (WMD) -0.37, 95% confidence interval -0.64 to -0.11, P = 0.006). This was due to the reduction in “late” exacerbations occurring after three or four weeks (WMD -0.39, 95% CI -0.61 to -0.18, P = 0.0004). In Howells 1961, the number of patients experiencing late exacerbations was also significantly less (odds ratio 0.13, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.45, P = 0.002). Both Howells 1961 and Wongsurakiat 2004 found that inactivated influenza vaccination reduced influenza -related respiratory infections (WMD 0.19, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.48, P = 0.0005). In both COPD patient and in elderly patients (only a minority of whom had COPD), there was a significant increase in the occurrence of local adverse reactions in vaccinees, but the effects were generally mild and transient. There was no evidence of an effect of intranasal live attenuated virus when this was added to inactivated intramuscular vaccination. The studies are too small to have detected any effect on mortality. An updated search conducted in September 2001did not yield any further studies. A search in 2003 yielded two further reports of the same eligible study Gorse 2003. A search in 2004 yielded two reports of the another eligible study Wongsurakiat 2004. The author informed us of another report of the same study Wongsurakiat 2004/2. An update search in May 2010 did not identify any new studies for consideration
Inclusive stakeholder engagement for equitable knowledge co-production: Insights from the EU’s Horizon 2020 programme in climate change research
No full textWe develop and apply the concept of equitable knowledge co-production (EKC) by proposing a reflexive framework to support inclusive stakeholder engagement with diverse knowledge-holders. This framework is built on the authors’ experiences of leading three ongoing Horizon 2020 projects, and its goal is to contribute to the realisation of epistemic and recognition justice in the context of large-scale research and innovation projects by raising awareness of how knowledge co-production is carried out during the project proposal and implementation phases
A comic-based body image intervention for adolescents in semi-rural Indian schools: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
No full textAdolescents in India experience body dissatisfaction, however, empirically supported interventions are lacking. This paper describes the protocol for the development, acceptability testing, and cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a six-session comic-based intervention, which aims to improve body image and related outcomes among adolescents in semi-rural Indian schools. If found to be acceptable and effective, UNICEF will disseminate the intervention across schools in eight states of India. The acceptability study will be conducted with 24 students in Classes 6-8 (age 11-14) and nine teachers from Hindi-medium government schools using interviews and focus groups. The subsequent RCT will be conducted with 2400 students, with schools randomized to either the comic-based intervention or lessons-as-usual (control) groups. The primary outcome is body esteem, and secondary outcomes are disordered eating, appearance ideal internalization, body-image-related life disengagement, self-esteem, negative affect, and positive affect. Additional exploratory outcome measures are skin colour dissatisfaction, body hair dissatisfaction, appearance-based teasing, and endorsement of traditional gender roles. These outcomes will be examined at three timepoints: baseline (T1), 1 week-post-intervention (T2), and 12-weeks follow-up (T3). Analyses will compare outcomes in the intervention with the control group. This will be the first study to evaluate a body image intervention for adolescents in semi-rural Indian schools. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.
Drivers and patterns of early retirement in the neoliberal university
No full textThis article increases understanding of university labour processes. The antecedents and characteristics of early retirement schemes implemented by Australian universities between 2010 and 2020 were considered. Twenty-eight schemes were identified across 20 universities. Content analysis of descriptions of the schemes contained in official documents was undertaken. This revealed somewhat common justifications for the schemes, linked to concerns about organisational sustainability/resilience in the face of external threats and the implementation of modernising efforts. Such justifications appeared to be underpinned by similar ageist biases on the part of management. Despite this broad commonality, however, the schemes manifested a multifurcation of possible work-retirement pathways across institutions. Such reorganisation of labour processes, based on ageist representations that potentially place established workers in conflict with others, represents an incongruence between the market-oriented objectives of universities and areas of public policy responding to workforce ageing. It is argued that drawing momentum from emerging conceptions of sustainability and current diversity initiatives such as Athena Swan and Age Friendly Universities it may be possible to sever the link university leadership perceive between the divestment of older workers and the fulfilment of modernising agendas. © The Author(s) 2022
Spatial analysis of changing terrestrial ecosystems in the Windmill Islands and the sub-Antarctic
No full textProgress Code: completedStatement: The values provided in temporal and spatial coverage are approximate only.
Taken from the 2009-2010 Progress Report:
Field work
ASPA135 Bailey Peninsula
Field visits on 22-01-2010, 23-01-2010, and 03-02-2010
No samples collected, no impact on habitats
Data collection consisted of:
- Walking GPS transects with a GPS receiver to create a digital elevation model (DEM) of the area around the central moss beds.
- Taking photos (visible and NIR) of existing quadrat locations
- Flying an electric remote controlled helicopter (UAV) with different cameras to acquire remote sensing imagery
ASPA136 Clarke Peninsula
Field visit on 30-01-2010
No samples collected, no impacts on habitats
Data collection consisted of:
- GPS coordinates
- Photographs (landscape scale)
Robinson Ridge
Field visit on : 24-01-2010, 25-01-2010, and 05-02-2010
Data collection consisted of:
- Walking GPS transects with a GPS receiver to create a digital elevation model (DEM) of the area around the central moss beds.
- Taking photos (visible and NIR) of existing quadrat locations
- Flying an electric remote controlled helicopter (UAV) with different cameras to acquire remote sensing imagery
Red Shed
Field visit on: 21-01-2010, 28-01-2010, 29-01-2010, and 10-02-2010
Data collection consisted of:
- Walking GPS transects with a GPS receiver to create a digital elevation model (DEM) of the area around the central moss beds.
- Taking photos (visible and NIR) of existing quadrat locations
- Flying an electric remote controlled helicopter (UAV) with different cameras to acquire remote sensing imagery
- Thermal camera stills
- Spectral measurementsMetadata record for data from AAS (ASAC) project 3130.<br/><br/>Public <br/>High latitude terrestrial ecosystems are experiencing rapid change, which is most likely caused by climate change, human impacts, and invasive species. Up-to-date and accurate spatial data at a range of scales are of crucial importance for mapping changes in these fragile ecosystems. The aim of this study is to undertake spatial analyses on the changing terrestrial ecosystems of the Windmill Islands, Antarctica and sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island. The study aims to better understand the different processes that result in ecosystem change and with new state-of-the-art high-resolution spatial data we hope to contribute to improved management strategies.<br/><br/>Project Objectives:<br/>Introduction<br/><br/>Environmental threats globally can be categorised into four main types: local impact from human activity and habitat loss; impact from alien species and homogenisation of biota; impact from climate change and impact associated with harvesting and resource extraction. All four types of impacts occur to some degree in the Antarctic region (Hull and Bergstrom 2006, Bergstrom and Selkirk 2007). This project examines change associated with these impacts in Australian Antarctic and sub-Antarctic territories. In particular, we seek to isolate signals of impact from regional climate change from those of other human-induced change within Antarctic and sub-Antarctic terrestrial ecosystems.<br/><br/>This project will develop and apply spatial data collection and analysis techniques for detailed baseline mapping and change detection of vegetation communities on the Windmill Islands and Macquarie Island. We will then employ these cutting-edge techniques to quantify, detect, and understand the impact of changes. In detail, the objectives of this project are to:<br/><br/>Objective 1: Collate and collect spatial data in order to establish a baseline map of, and detect changes in vegetation communities on the Windmill Islands and Macquarie Island.<br/><br/>Objective 2: Create high-resolution digital elevation models (DEM) based on GPS data and airborne laser scanning (LiDAR) of the localities.<br/><br/>Objective 3: Explore ecological relationships between vegetation communities and biologically relevant landscape characteristics and human-induced disturbance using terrain analysis of digital elevation models in a Geographical Information System (GIS) in order to better understand the distribution of and changes in vegetation communities. This will include the development of hydrological terrain analyses to examine the impact of changing snow conditions around Casey on vegetation communities.<br/><br/>Objective 4: Develop and apply new multi-scale field sampling techniques based on field photogrammetry and GPS observations at different scales (from 20cm to 20m) to measure relative percent cover of plant species and vegetation communities. This objective is of key importance to bridge the range of scale levels from small field quadrats to satellite images that cover large portions of the landscape.<br/><br/>Objective 5: Combine detailed plot-scale data and field photographs with terrain information and high-resolution satellite imagery to identify and map changes in both plant communities and plant stress more efficiently.<br/><br/>This project will deliver valuable baseline and temporal data on the impact of environmental change in Australian Antarctic and sub-Antarctic territories. It will improve our understanding of Antarctic and sub-Antarctic landscape ecology and species adaptations. It will provide a predictive GIS model that can forecast the effects of human activities in Antarctica and provide new tools for spatial multi-scale geographic analysis. <br/><br/>Taken from the 2009-2010 Progress Report:<br/>Progress against objectives:<br/>Objective 1:<br/>Windmill Islands moss beds<br/>In the first year of this project we found that the spatial scale of the moss beds (tens of m2) makes satellite imagery (even very high resolution imagery of 0.5 m) unsuitable for mapping their extent in sufficient detail. Due to logistical constraints aerial photography is impractical. Recent developments in the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for remote sensing applications provide exciting new opportunities for ultra-high resolution mapping and monitoring of the environment. This year, we developed a new UAV consisting of an electric remote controlled helicopter capable of carrying three different cameras: visible colour, near-infrared, and thermal infrared for cost-effective, efficient, and ultra-high resolution (less than 5 cm pixel size) mapping of terrestrial vegetation in the Windmill Islands, Antarctica. These three sensors allowed us to map different physical characteristics of the moss beds at resolutions of several centimetres.<br/>We had a very successful season at Casey. We managed to collect spatial data for four different moss sites: ASPA135, Red Shed, Robinson Ridge, ASPA136. We collected the following datasets:<br/>- Very accurate GPS locations for existing moss quadrat sites with a geodetic GPS receiver (cm accuracy).<br/>- For ASPA135, Red Shed, and Robinson Ridge we collected very dense GPS transects and used these data to interpolate high resolution digital elevation models (DEMs).<br/>- For all sites we collected geotagged photographs of all quadrats in addition to geotagged landscape scale photographs.<br/>- For ASPA135, Red Shed, and Robinson Ridge we flew a total of 26 UAV flights collecting visible photography (2 cm pixel size), near-infrared photography, thermal imagery, and video footage for all sites.<br/>- For the Robinson Ridge and Red Shed site we collected spectral signatures of the key moss species and other land cover types (water, rock types, lichen, snow, etc.). The handheld spectrometer was rented from Geoscience Australia.<br/>- On request of Sandra Potter and Tom Maggs, we collected GPS data and UAV photography for the Casey quarry before and after blasting to determine the extent of the blasting zone and to acquire ultra-high resolution imagery of the quarry for management purposes.<br/><br/>Macquarie Island<br/>This project has strong links with AAS project 3095. Phillippa Bricher (UTAS PhD student) and Jared Abdul-Rahman (UTAS volunteer and Honours student) have collected data for Phillippa's PhD project. Data collection for Phillippa's project consisted of geotagged photographs of vegetation plots with Polecam. Jared concentrated on photographing Azorella die-back. Phillippa's data will be used for vegetation classification of the island using satellite imagery and DEMs.<br/>A new WorldView-2 high-resolution satellite image was acquired for the northern half of the island on 26 December 2009. This image will be extremely useful for vegetation classification and change detection.<br/><br/>Objective 2<br/>As noted in objective 1 (above), we collected dense transects of GPS data for three moss bed sites in the Windmill Islands. We interpolated the GPS height values to obtain three very high resolution DEMs (less than 0.5 m). The AAD's LiDAR instrument was not available at Casey or Macquarie Island this season, however, we requested LiDAR data collection at Davis over known moss sites. The data was collected successfully, but it hasn't been processed yet. With this dataset we are hoping to assess the usefulness of LiDAR for mapping of micro-topography. In the meantime we have continued to develop our UAV (externally funded UTAS project). We have built a larger version that is capable of carrying a mini-LiDAR instrument. We hope to employ this UAV LiDAR at our study sites in the Windmill Islands during the 2010/2011 summer season. This novel system will allow us to capture the microtopography of the moss bed areas and will allows us to more accurately model the hydrological conditions (compared to GPS derived DEMs).<br/><br/>Objective 3:<br/>We have already modelled several environmental parameters for the high-resolution DEMs of the Windmill Islands (ASPA135, Robinson Ridge, and the Red Shed). The derivatives include a topographic wetness index, average annual solar radiation, and slope gradient. In combination with the UAV photographs and the close-up quadrat photographs we aim to establish a relationship between the condition of the moss and environmental factors.<br/>Lucieer is currently on Study Leave at ITC in The Netherlands (March - April 2010) and the University of Calgary, Canada (April - May 2010). At these institutes Lucieer is working on a new texture-based classification technique to map healthy tussock slopes on Macquarie Island (as an indicator of island health). Preliminary highlight that this novel image classification technique is very successful at identifying tussock slopes in high resolution QuickBird imagery.<br/><br/>Objective 4:<br/>With the Polecam technique on Macquarie Island and with the UAV photographs in the Windmill Islands we have developed two very novel techniques for multi-scale sampling. These photographic sampling techniques will provide invaluable information for the next phase of the project.<br/><br/>Objective 5:<br/>We aim to further develop our UAV project and use the larger UAV with multiple sensor in future field campaigns. This will allow us to build a multi-temporal dataset of the study areas and detect changes over time. The experiments in this first field season have provided us with important insights for suitable data collection techniques and the collected data are incredibly valuable for addressing the objectives of this project
