Sensors

183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hemispheric Lateralization of Event-Related Brain Potentials in Different Processing Phases during Unimanual Finger Movements

by Ling-Fu Meng, Chiu-Ping Lu and Yi-Wen Li

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2900-2912; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042900 - 28 Apr 2008

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 10761

Abstract

Previous functional MRI and brain electrophysiology studies have studied the left-right differences during the tapping tasks and found that the activation of left hemisphere was more significant than that of right hemisphere. In this study, we wanted to delineate this lateralization phenomenon not [...] Read more.

Previous functional MRI and brain electrophysiology studies have studied the left-right differences during the tapping tasks and found that the activation of left hemisphere was more significant than that of right hemisphere. In this study, we wanted to delineate this lateralization phenomenon not only in the execution phase but also in other processing phases, such as early visual, pre-executive and post-executive phases. We have designed a finger-tapping task to delineate the left-right differences of event related potentials (ERPs) to right finger movement in sixteen right handed college students. The mean amplitudes of ERPs were analyzed to examine the left-right dominance of cortical activity in the phase of early visual process (75-120ms), pre-execution (175-260ms), execution (310-420ms) and post-execution (420-620ms). In the execution phase, ERPs at the left electrodes were significantly more pronounced than those at the right electrodes (F3 > F4, C3 > C4, P3 > P4, O1 > O2) under the situation without comparing the central electrodes (Fz, Cz, Pz, and Oz). No difference was found between left and right electrodes in other three phases except the C3 electrode still showed more dominant than C4 in the pre- and post-execution phase. In conclusion, the phenomenon of brain lateralization occur major in the execution phase. The central area also showed the lateralization in the pre- and post-execution to demonstrate its unique lateralized contributions to unilateral simple finger movements. Full article

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151 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Integrated MEMS Gyroscope Array with Higher Accuracy Output

by Honglong Chang, Liang Xue, Wei Qin, Guangmin Yuan and Weizheng Yuan

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2886-2899; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042886 - 28 Apr 2008

Cited by 99 | Viewed by 18472

Abstract

In this paper, an integrated MEMS gyroscope array method composed of two levels of optimal filtering was designed to improve the accuracy of gyroscopes. In the firstlevel filtering, several identical gyroscopes were combined through Kalman filtering into a single effective device, whose performance [...] Read more.

In this paper, an integrated MEMS gyroscope array method composed of two levels of optimal filtering was designed to improve the accuracy of gyroscopes. In the firstlevel filtering, several identical gyroscopes were combined through Kalman filtering into a single effective device, whose performance could surpass that of any individual sensor. The key of the performance improving lies in the optimal estimation of the random noise sources such as rate random walk and angular random walk for compensating the measurement values. Especially, the cross correlation between the noises from different gyroscopes of the same type was used to establish the system noise covariance matrix and the measurement noise covariance matrix for Kalman filtering to improve the performance further. Secondly, an integrated Kalman filter with six states was designed to further improve the accuracy with the aid of external sensors such as magnetometers and accelerometers in attitude determination. Experiments showed that three gyroscopes with a bias drift of 35 degree per hour could be combined into a virtual gyroscope with a drift of 1.07 degree per hour through the first-level filter, and the bias drift was reduced to 0.53 degree per hour after the second-level filtering. It proved that the proposed integrated MEMS gyroscope array is capable of improving the accuracy of the MEMS gyroscopes, which provides the possibility of using these low cost MEMS sensors in high-accuracy application areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Sensors)

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1191 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feature Extraction and Spatial Interpolation for Improved Wireless Location Sensing

by Hyung Keun Lee, Ju-Young Shim, Hee-Sung Kim, Binghao Li and Chris Rizos

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2865-2885; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042865 - 28 Apr 2008

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 9629

Abstract

This paper proposes a new methodology to improve location-sensing accuracy in wireless network environments eliminating the effects of non-line-of-sight errors. After collecting bulks of anonymous location measurements from a wireless network, the preparation stage of the proposed methodology begins. Investigating the collected location [...] Read more.

This paper proposes a new methodology to improve location-sensing accuracy in wireless network environments eliminating the effects of non-line-of-sight errors. After collecting bulks of anonymous location measurements from a wireless network, the preparation stage of the proposed methodology begins. Investigating the collected location measurements in terms of signal features and geometric features, feature locations are identified. After the identification of feature locations, the non-line-of-sight error correction maps are generated. During the real-time location sensing stage, each user can request localization with a set of location measurements. With respected to the reported measurements, the pre-computed correction maps are applied. As a result, localization accuracy improves by eliminating the non-line-of-sight errors. A simulation result, assuming a typical dense urban environment, demonstrates the benefits of the proposed location sensing methodology. Full article

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435 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecularly Imprinted Polymers: Thermodynamic and Kinetic Considerations on the Specific Sorption and Molecular Recognition

by Songjun Li, Xing Huang, Mingxia Zheng, Wuke Li and Kejun Tong

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2854-2864; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042854 - 23 Apr 2008

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 11908

Abstract

This article presents a work aiming at thermodynamically and kinetically interpreting the specific sorption and recognition by a molecularly imprinted polymer. Using Boc-L-Phe-OH as a template, the imprinted material was prepared. The result indicates that the prepared polymer can well discriminate the imprint [...] Read more.

This article presents a work aiming at thermodynamically and kinetically interpreting the specific sorption and recognition by a molecularly imprinted polymer. Using Boc-L-Phe-OH as a template, the imprinted material was prepared. The result indicates that the prepared polymer can well discriminate the imprint species from its analogue (Boc-D-Phe-OH), so as to adsorb more for the former but less for the latter. Kinetic analysis indicates that this specific sorption, in nature, can be a result of a preferential promotion. The imprint within the polymer causes a larger adsorption rate for the template than for the analogue. Thermodynamic study also implies that the molecular induction from the specific imprint to the template is larger than to the analogue, which thus makes the polymer capable of preferentially alluring the template to bind. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Molecular Recognition and Sensors, Including Molecular Imprinting)

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1254 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alpine Grassland Phenology as Seen in AVHRR, VEGETATION, and MODIS NDVI Time Series - a Comparison with In Situ Measurements

by Fabio Fontana, Christian Rixen, Tobias Jonas, Gabriel Aberegg and Stefan Wunderle

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2833-2853; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042833 - 23 Apr 2008

Cited by 103 | Viewed by 14378

Abstract

This study evaluates the ability to track grassland growth phenology in the Swiss Alps with NOAA-16 Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series. Three growth parameters from 15 alpine and subalpine grassland sites were investigated between 2001 [...] Read more.

This study evaluates the ability to track grassland growth phenology in the Swiss Alps with NOAA-16 Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR) Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) time series. Three growth parameters from 15 alpine and subalpine grassland sites were investigated between 2001 and 2005: Melt-Out (MO), Start Of Growth (SOG), and End Of Growth (EOG).We tried to estimate these phenological dates from yearly NDVI time series by identifying dates, where certain fractions (thresholds) of the maximum annual NDVI amplitude were crossed for the first time. For this purpose, the NDVI time series were smoothed using two commonly used approaches (Fourier adjustment or alternatively Savitzky-Golay filtering). Moreover, AVHRR NDVI time series were compared against data from the newer generation sensors SPOT VEGETATION and TERRA MODIS. All remote sensing NDVI time series were highly correlated with single point ground measurements and therefore accurately represented growth dynamics of alpine grassland. The newer generation sensors VGT and MODIS performed better than AVHRR, however, differences were minor. Thresholds for the determination of MO, SOG, and EOG were similar across sensors and smoothing methods, which demonstrated the robustness of the results. For our purpose, the Fourier adjustment algorithm created better NDVI time series than the Savitzky-Golay filter, since latter appeared to be more sensitive to noisy NDVI time series. Findings show that the application of various thresholds to NDVI time series allows the observation of the temporal progression of vegetation growth at the selected sites with high consistency. Hence, we believe that our study helps to better understand largescale vegetation growth dynamics above the tree line in the European Alps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing of Natural Resources and the Environment)

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422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of Organophosphate and Carbamate Pesticide Residues in Cigarette Tobacco with a Novel Cell Biosensor

by Sophie Mavrikou, Kelly Flampouri, Georgia Moschopoulou, Olga Mangana, Alexandros Michaelides and Spiridon Kintzios

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2818-2832; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042818 - 23 Apr 2008

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 12922

Abstract

The conventional analysis of pesticide residues in analytical commodities, such as tobacco and tobacco products is a labor intensive procedure, since it is necessary to cover a wide range of different chemicals, using a single procedure. Standard analysis methods include extensive sample pretreatment [...] Read more.

The conventional analysis of pesticide residues in analytical commodities, such as tobacco and tobacco products is a labor intensive procedure, since it is necessary to cover a wide range of different chemicals, using a single procedure. Standard analysis methods include extensive sample pretreatment (with solvent extraction and partitioning phases) and determination by GC and HPLC to achieve the necessary selectivity and sensitivity for the different classes of compounds under detection. As a consequence, current methods of analysis provide a limited sample capacity. In the present study, we report on the development of a novel cell biosensor for detecting organophosphate and carbamate pesticide residues in tobacco. The sensor is based on neuroblastoma N2a cells and the measurement of changes of the cell membrane potential, according to the working principle of the Bioelectric Recognition Assay (BERA). The presence of pesticide residues is detected by the degree of inhibition of acetylcholine esterase (AChE). The sensor instantly responded to both the organophoshate pesticide chlorpyriphos and the carbamate carbaryl in a concentration-dependent pattern, being able to detect one part per billion (1 ppb). Additionally, tobacco leaf samples (in blended dry form) were analyzed with both the novel biosensor and conventional methods, according to a double-blind protocol. Pesticide residues in tobacco samples caused a considerable cell membrane hyperpolarization to neuroblastoma cells immobilized in the sensor, as indicated by the increase of the negative sensor potential, which was clearly distinguishable from the sensor’s response against pesticide-free control samples. The observed response was quite reproducible, with an average variation of +5,6%. Fluorescence microscopy observations showed that treatment of the cells with either chlorpyrifos or carbaryl was associated with increased [Ca²+]cyt . The novel biosensor offers fresh perspectives for ultra-rapid, sensitive and low-cost monitoring of pesticide residues in tobacco as well as other food and agricultural commodities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilization of Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

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243 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relocating Sensor Nodes to Maximize Cumulative Connected Coverage in Wireless Sensor Networks

by Vedat Coskun

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2792-2817; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042792 - 21 Apr 2008

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 9591

Abstract

In order to extend the availability of the wireless sensor network and to extract maximum possible information from the surveillance area, proper usage of the power capacity of the sensor nodes is important. Our work describes a dynamic relocation algorithm called MaxNetLife, which [...] Read more.

In order to extend the availability of the wireless sensor network and to extract maximum possible information from the surveillance area, proper usage of the power capacity of the sensor nodes is important. Our work describes a dynamic relocation algorithm called MaxNetLife, which is mainly based on utilizing the remaining power of individual sensor nodes as well as properly relocating sensor nodes so that all sensor nodes can transmit the data they sense to the sink. Hence, the algorithm maximizes total collected information from the surveillance area before the possible death of the sensor network by increasing cumulative connected coverage parameter of the network. A deterministic approach is used to deploy sensor nodes into the sensor field where Hexagonal Grid positioning is used to address and locate each sensor node. Sensor nodes those are not planned to be actively used in the close future in a specific cell are preemptively relocated to the cells those will be in need of additional sensor nodes to improve cumulative connected coverage of the network. MaxNetLife algorithm also includes the details of the relocation activities, which include preemptive migration of the redundant nodes to the cells before any coverage hole occurs because of death of a sensor node. Relocation Model, Data Aggregation Model, and Energy model of the algorithm are studied in detail. MaxNetLife algorithm is proved to be effective, scalable, and applicable through simulations. Full article

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553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relative Radiometric Normalization and Atmospheric Correction of a SPOT 5 Time Series

by Mahmoud El Hajj, Agnès Bégué, Bruno Lafrance, Olivier Hagolle, Gérard Dedieu and Matthieu Rumeau

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2774-2791; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042774 - 18 Apr 2008

Cited by 96 | Viewed by 17019

Abstract

Multi-temporal images acquired at high spatial and temporal resolution are an important tool for detecting change and analyzing trends, especially in agricultural applications. However, to insure a reliable use of this kind of data, a rigorous radiometric normalization step is required. Normalization can [...] Read more.

Multi-temporal images acquired at high spatial and temporal resolution are an important tool for detecting change and analyzing trends, especially in agricultural applications. However, to insure a reliable use of this kind of data, a rigorous radiometric normalization step is required. Normalization can be addressed by performing an atmospheric correction of each image in the time series. The main problem is the difficulty of obtaining an atmospheric characterization at a given acquisition date. In this paper, we investigate whether relative radiometric normalization can substitute for atmospheric correction. We develop an automatic method for relative radiometric normalization based on calculating linear regressions between unnormalized and reference images. Regressions are obtained using the reflectances of automatically selected invariant targets. We compare this method with an atmospheric correction method that uses the 6S model. The performances of both methods are compared using 18 images from of a SPOT 5 time series acquired over Reunion Island. Results obtained for a set of manually selected invariant targets show excellent agreement between the two methods in all spectral bands: values of the coefficient of determination (r²) exceed 0.960, and bias magnitude values are less than 2.65. There is also a strong correlation between normalized NDVI values of sugarcane fields (r² = 0.959). Despite a relative error of 12.66% between values, very comparable NDVI patterns are observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing of Natural Resources and the Environment)

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299 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deployment of a Prototype Plant GFP Imager at the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse of the Haughton Mars Project

by Anna-Lisa Paul, Matthew Bamsey, Alain Berinstain, Stephen Braham, Philip Neron, Trevor Murdoch, Thomas Graham and Robert J. Ferl

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2762-2773; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042762 - 18 Apr 2008

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 14512

Abstract

The use of engineered plants as biosensors has made elegant strides in the past decades, providing keen insights into the health of plants in general and particularly in the nature and cellular location of stress responses. However, most of the analytical procedures involve [...] Read more.

The use of engineered plants as biosensors has made elegant strides in the past decades, providing keen insights into the health of plants in general and particularly in the nature and cellular location of stress responses. However, most of the analytical procedures involve laboratory examination of the biosensor plants. With the advent of the green fluorescence protein (GFP) as a biosensor molecule, it became at least theoretically possible for analyses of gene expression to occur telemetrically, with the gene expression information of the plant delivered to the investigator over large distances simply as properly processed fluorescence images. Spaceflight and other extraterrestrial environments provide unique challenges to plant life, challenges that often require changes at the gene expression level to accommodate adaptation and survival. Having previously deployed transgenic plant biosensors to evaluate responses to orbital spaceflight, we wished to develop the plants and especially the imaging devices required to conduct such experiments robotically, without operator intervention, within extraterrestrial environments. This requires the development of an autonomous and remotely operated plant GFP imaging system and concomitant development of the communications infrastructure to manage dataflow from the imaging device. Here we report the results of deploying a prototype GFP imaging system within the Arthur Clarke Mars Greenhouse (ACMG) an autonomously operated greenhouse located within the Haughton Mars Project in the Canadian High Arctic. Results both demonstrate the applicability of the fundamental GFP biosensor technology and highlight the difficulties in collecting and managing telemetric data from challenging deployment environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytosensors: Environmental Sensing with Plants and Plant Cells)

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1912 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Intercomparison of Evapotranspiration Over the Savannah Volta Basin in West Africa Using Remote Sensing Data

by S. Opoku-Duah, D. N.M. Donoghue and T. P. Burt

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2736-2761; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042736 - 17 Apr 2008

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 12006

Abstract

This paper compares evapotranspiration estimates from two complementary satellite sensors – NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and ESA’s ENVISAT Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) over the savannah area of the Volta basin in West Africa. This was achieved through solving for evapotranspiration [...] Read more.

This paper compares evapotranspiration estimates from two complementary satellite sensors – NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and ESA’s ENVISAT Advanced Along-Track Scanning Radiometer (AATSR) over the savannah area of the Volta basin in West Africa. This was achieved through solving for evapotranspiration on the basis of the regional energy balance equation, which was computationally-driven by the Surface Energy Balance Algorithm for Land algorithm (SEBAL). The results showed that both sensors are potentially good sources of evapotranspiration estimates over large heterogeneous landscapes. The MODIS sensor measured daily evapotranspiration reasonably well with a strong spatial correlation (R²=0.71) with Landsat ETM+ but underperformed with deviations up to ~2.0 mm day^-1, when compared with local eddy correlation observations and the Penman-Monteith method mainly because of scale mismatch. The AATSR sensor produced much poorer correlations (R²=0.13) with Landsat ETM+ and conventional ET methods also because of differences in atmospheric correction and sensor calibration over land. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing of Natural Resources and the Environment)

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422 KiB

Open AccessReview

Visible Genotype Sensor Array

by Yuichi Michikawa, Tomo Suga, Yoshimi Ohtsuka, Izumi Matsumoto, Atsuko Ishikawa, Kenichi Ishikawa, Mayumi Iwakawa and Takashi Imai

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2722-2735; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042722 - 17 Apr 2008

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 12082

Abstract

A visible sensor array system for simultaneous multiple SNP genotyping has been developed using a new plastic base with specific surface chemistry. Discrimination of SNP alleles is carried out by an allele-specific extension reaction using immobilized oligonucleotide primers. The 3’-ends of oligonucleotide primers [...] Read more.

A visible sensor array system for simultaneous multiple SNP genotyping has been developed using a new plastic base with specific surface chemistry. Discrimination of SNP alleles is carried out by an allele-specific extension reaction using immobilized oligonucleotide primers. The 3’-ends of oligonucleotide primers are modified with a locked nucleic acid to enhance their efficiency in allelic discrimination. Biotin-dUTPs included in the reaction mixture are selectively incorporated into extending primer sequences and are utilized as tags for alkaline phosphatase-mediated precipitation of colored chemical substrates onto the surface of the plastic base. The visible precipitates allow immediate inspection of typing results by the naked eye and easy recording by a digital camera equipped on a commercial mobile phone. Up to four individuals can be analyzed on a single sensor array and multiple sensor arrays can be handled in a single operation. All of the reactions can be performed within one hour using conventional laboratory instruments. This visible genotype sensor array is suitable for “focused genomics” that follows “comprehensive genomics”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioanalysis in Vivo/in Vitro)

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305 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Working Principle Simulations of a Dynamic ResonantWall Shear Stress Sensor Concept

by Xu Zhang, Jonathan W. Naughton and William R. Lindberg

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2707-2721; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042707 - 17 Apr 2008

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 8207

Abstract

This paper discusses a novel dynamic resonant wall shear stress sensor concept based on an oscillating sensor operating near resonance. The interaction between the oscillating sensor surface and the fluid above it is modelled using the unsteady laminar boundary layer equations. The numerical [...] Read more.

This paper discusses a novel dynamic resonant wall shear stress sensor concept based on an oscillating sensor operating near resonance. The interaction between the oscillating sensor surface and the fluid above it is modelled using the unsteady laminar boundary layer equations. The numerical experiment shows that the effect of the oscillating shear stress is well correlated by the Hummer number, the ratio of the steady shear force caused by the outside flow to the oscillating viscous force created by the sensor motion. The oscillating shear stress predicted by the fluid model is used in a mechanical model of the sensor to predict the sensor’s dynamic motion. Static calibration curves for amplitude and frequency influences are predicted. These results agree with experimental results on some extent, and shows some expectation for further development of the dynamic resonant sensor concept. Full article

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1852 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multidirectional Scanning Model, MUSCLE, to Vectorize Raster Images with Straight Lines

by Ismail Rakip Karas, Bulent Bayram, Fatmagul Batuk, Abdullah Emin Akay and Ibrahim Baz

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2673-2694; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042673 - 15 Apr 2008

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 11748

Abstract

This paper presents a new model, MUSCLE (Multidirectional Scanning for Line Extraction), for automatic vectorization of raster images with straight lines. The algorithm of the model implements the line thinning and the simple neighborhood methods to perform vectorization. The model allows users to [...] Read more.

This paper presents a new model, MUSCLE (Multidirectional Scanning for Line Extraction), for automatic vectorization of raster images with straight lines. The algorithm of the model implements the line thinning and the simple neighborhood methods to perform vectorization. The model allows users to define specified criteria which are crucial for acquiring the vectorization process. In this model, various raster images can be vectorized such as township plans, maps, architectural drawings, and machine plans. The algorithm of the model was developed by implementing an appropriate computer programming and tested on a basic application. Results, verified by using two well known vectorization programs (WinTopo and Scan2CAD), indicated that the model can successfully vectorize the specified raster data quickly and accurately. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Spatio-Temporal Modeling of Solar Radiation, Climate and Biogeochemical Cycles)

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2115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

CMOS Humidity Sensor System Using Carbon Nitride Film as Sensing Materials

by Sung Pil Lee, Ji Gong Lee and Shaestagir Chowdhury

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2662-2672; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042662 - 14 Apr 2008

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 10981

Abstract

An integrated humidity sensor system with nano-structured carbon nitride film as humidity sensing material is fabricated by a 0.8 μm analog mixed CMOS process. The integrated sensor system consists of differential humidity sensitive field effect transistors (HUSFET), temperature sensor, and operational amplifier. The [...] Read more.

An integrated humidity sensor system with nano-structured carbon nitride film as humidity sensing material is fabricated by a 0.8 μm analog mixed CMOS process. The integrated sensor system consists of differential humidity sensitive field effect transistors (HUSFET), temperature sensor, and operational amplifier. The process contains two poly, two metal and twin well technology. To form CN_xfilm on Si₃N₄/Si substrate, plasma etching is performed to the gate area as well as trenches. CN_x film is deposited by reactive RF magnetron sputtering method and patterned by the lift-off technique. The drain current is proportional to the dielectric constant, and the sensitivity is 2.8 ㎂/%RH. Full article

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768 KiB

Open AccessArticle

High Sensitivity MEMS Strain Sensor: Design and Simulation

by Ahmed A. S. Mohammed, Walied A. Moussa and Edmond Lou

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2642-2661; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042642 - 14 Apr 2008

Cited by 53 | Viewed by 17011

Abstract

In this article, we report on the new design of a miniaturized strain microsensor. The proposed sensor utilizes the piezoresistive properties of doped single crystal silicon. Employing the Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, high sensor sensitivities and resolutions have been achieved. The [...] Read more.

In this article, we report on the new design of a miniaturized strain microsensor. The proposed sensor utilizes the piezoresistive properties of doped single crystal silicon. Employing the Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology, high sensor sensitivities and resolutions have been achieved. The current sensor design employs different levels of signal amplifications. These amplifications include geometric, material and electronic levels. The sensor and the electronic circuits can be integrated on a single chip, and packaged as a small functional unit. The sensor converts input strain to resistance change, which can be transformed to bridge imbalance voltage. An analog output that demonstrates high sensitivity (0.03mV/me), high absolute resolution (1μe) and low power consumption (100μA) with a maximum range of ±4000μe has been reported. These performance characteristics have been achieved with high signal stability over a wide temperature range (±50^oC), which introduces the proposed MEMS strain sensor as a strong candidate for wireless strain sensing applications under harsh environmental conditions. Moreover, this sensor has been designed, verified and can be easily modified to measure other values such as force, torque…etc. In this work, the sensor design is achieved using Finite Element Method (FEM) with the application of the piezoresistivity theory. This design process and the microfabrication process flow to prototype the design have been presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intelligent Sensors)

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532 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pathogen Phytosensing: Plants to Report Plant Pathogens

by Mitra Mazarei, Irina Teplova, M. Reza Hajimorad and C. Neal Stewart, Jr.

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2628-2641; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042628 - 14 Apr 2008

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 14754

Abstract

Real-time systems that provide evidence of pathogen contamination in crops can be an important new line of early defense in agricultural centers. Plants possess defense mechanisms to protect against pathogen attack. Inducible plant defense is controlled by signal transduction pathways, inducible promoters and [...] Read more.

Real-time systems that provide evidence of pathogen contamination in crops can be an important new line of early defense in agricultural centers. Plants possess defense mechanisms to protect against pathogen attack. Inducible plant defense is controlled by signal transduction pathways, inducible promoters and cis-regulatory elements corresponding to key genes involved in defense, and pathogen-specific responses. Identified inducible promoters and cis-acting elements could be utilized in plant sentinels, or ‘phytosensors’, by fusing these to reporter genes to produce plants with altered phenotypes in response to the presence of pathogens. Here, we have employed cis-acting elements from promoter regions of pathogen inducible genes as well as those responsive to the plant defense signal molecules salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and ethylene. Synthetic promoters were constructed by combining various regulatory elements supplemented with the enhancer elements from the Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter to increase basal level of the GUS expression. The inducibility of each synthetic promoter was first assessed in transient expression assays using Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts and then examined for efficacy in stably transgenic Arabidopsis and tobacco plants. Histochemical and fluorometric GUS expression analyses showed that both transgenic Arabidopsis and tobacco plants responded to elicitor and phytohormone treatments with increased GUS expression when compared to untreated plants. Pathogen-inducible phytosensor studies were initiated by analyzing the sensitivity of the synthetic promoters against virus infection. Transgenic tobacco plants infected with Alfalfa mosaic virus showed an increase in GUS expression when compared to mock-inoculated control plants, whereas Tobacco mosaic virus infection caused no changes in GUS expression. Further research, using these transgenic plants against a range of different pathogens with the regulation of detectable reporter gene could provide biological evidence to define the functional differences between pathogens, and provide new technology and applications for transgenic plants as phytosensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Phytosensors: Environmental Sensing with Plants and Plant Cells)

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300 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal Variability Corrections for Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer E (AMSR-E) Surface Soil Moisture: Case Study in Little River Region, Georgia, U.S.

by Minha Choi and Jennifer M. Jacobs

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2617-2627; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042617 - 14 Apr 2008

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 11206

Abstract

Statistical correction methods, the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) matching technique and Regional Statistics Method (RSM) are applied to adjust the limited temporal variability of Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer E (AMSR-E) data using the Common Land Model (CLM). The temporal variability adjustment between CLM [...] Read more.

Statistical correction methods, the Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) matching technique and Regional Statistics Method (RSM) are applied to adjust the limited temporal variability of Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer E (AMSR-E) data using the Common Land Model (CLM). The temporal variability adjustment between CLM and AMSR-E data was conducted for annual and seasonal periods for 2003 in the Little River region, GA. The results showed that the statistical correction techniques improved AMSR-E’s limited temporal variability as compared to ground-based measurements. The regression slope and intercept improved from 0.210 and 0.112 up to 0.971 and -0.005 for the non-growing season. The R² values also modestly improved. The Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Leaf Area Index (LAI) products were able to identify periods having an attenuated microwave brightness signal that are not likely to benefit from these statistical correction techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing of Land Surface Properties, Patterns and Processes)

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705 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy-efficient Organization of Wireless Sensor Networks with Adaptive Forecasting

by Xue Wang, Sheng Wang, Jun-Jie Ma and Dao-Wei Bi

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2604-2616; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042604 - 11 Apr 2008

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 10156

Abstract

Due to the wide potential applications of wireless sensor networks, this topic has attracted great attention. The strict energy constraints of sensor nodes result in great challenges for energy efficiency. This paper proposes an energy-efficient organization method. The organization of wireless sensor networks [...] Read more.

Due to the wide potential applications of wireless sensor networks, this topic has attracted great attention. The strict energy constraints of sensor nodes result in great challenges for energy efficiency. This paper proposes an energy-efficient organization method. The organization of wireless sensor networks is formulated for target tracking. Target localization is achieved by collaborative sensing with multi-sensor fusion. The historical localization results are utilized for adaptive target trajectory forecasting. Combining autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model and radial basis function networks (RBFNs), robust target position forecasting is performed. Moreover, an energyefficient organization method is presented to enhance the energy efficiency of wireless sensor networks. The sensor nodes implement sensing tasks are awakened in a distributed manner. When the sensor nodes transfer their observations to achieve data fusion, the routing scheme is obtained by ant colony optimization. Thus, both the operation and communication energy consumption can be minimized. Experimental results verify that the combination of ARMA model and RBFN can estimate the target position efficiently and energy saving is achieved by the proposed organization method in wireless sensor networks. Full article

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625 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomarkers of Contaminant Exposure in Chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.) – Biomonitoring of Major Rivers in the Czech Republic

by Marcela Havelkova, Jana Blahova, Hana Kroupova, Tomas Randak, Iveta Slatinska, Drahomira Leontovycova, Roman Grabic, Richard Pospisil and Zdenka Svobodova

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2589-2603; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042589 - 11 Apr 2008

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 13286

Abstract

Biochemical analysis of organisms to assess exposure to environmental contaminants is of great potential use. Biochemical markers, specifically liver enzymes of the first and the second phase of xenobiotic transformation - cytochrome P450 (CYP 450), ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and tripeptide reduced glutathione [...] Read more.

Biochemical analysis of organisms to assess exposure to environmental contaminants is of great potential use. Biochemical markers, specifically liver enzymes of the first and the second phase of xenobiotic transformation - cytochrome P450 (CYP 450), ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and tripeptide reduced glutathione (GSH) - were used to assess contamination of the aquatic environment at 12 locations near the mouths of major rivers in the Czech Republic. These rivers were the Lužnice, Otava, Sázava, Berounka, Vltava, Labe, Ohře, Svratka, Dyje, Morava and Odra. The indicator species selected was the Chub (Leuciscus cephalus L.). The highest levels of CYP 450 and EROD catalytic activity were found in livers of fish from the Labe (Obříství) (0.32±0.10 nmol mg^-1 protein and 1061.38±545.51 pmol min^-1 mg^-1 protein, respectively). The highest levels of GST catalytic activity and GSH content were found in fish from the Otava (35.39±13.35 nmol min^-1 mg^-1 protein and 4.29±2.10 nmol GSH mg^-1 protein, respectively). They were compared with levels of specific inductors of these biochemical markers in muscle. The results confirmed contamination of some river locations (Labe Obříství, Svratka). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Utilization of Electrochemical Sensors and Biosensors in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)

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325 KiB

Open AccessReview

Conductometric Microbiosensors for Environmental Monitoring

by Nicole Jaffrezic-Renault and Sergei V. Dzyadevych

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2569-2588; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042569 - 11 Apr 2008

Cited by 200 | Viewed by 23479

Abstract

This review presents the principles of conductometric measurements in ionic media and the equivalent electrical circuits of different designs for conductometric measurements. These types of measurements were first applied for monitoring biocatalytic reactions. The use of conductometric microtransducers is then presented and detailed [...] Read more.

This review presents the principles of conductometric measurements in ionic media and the equivalent electrical circuits of different designs for conductometric measurements. These types of measurements were first applied for monitoring biocatalytic reactions. The use of conductometric microtransducers is then presented and detailed in the case of pollutant detection for environmental monitoring. Conductometric biosensors have advantages over other types of transducers: they can be produced through inexpensive thinfilm standard technology, no reference electrode is needed and differential mode measurements allow cancellation of a lot of interferences. The specifications obtained for the detection of different pesticides, herbicides and heavy metal ions, based on enzyme inhibition, are presented as well as those obtained for the detection of formaldehyde, 4- chlorophenol, nitrate and proteins as markers of dissolved organic carbon based on enzymatic microbiosensors. Full article

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455 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Special Fiber Optic Sensor for Measuring Wheel Loads of Vehicles on Highways

by Ramesh B. Malla, Amlan Sen and Norman W. Garrick

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2551-2568; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042551 - 11 Apr 2008

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 11325

Abstract

This paper presents results from an investigation on a special optical fiber as a load sensor for application in Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) systems to measure wheel loads of vehicles traveling at normal speed on highways. The fiber used has a unique design with two [...] Read more.

This paper presents results from an investigation on a special optical fiber as a load sensor for application in Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) systems to measure wheel loads of vehicles traveling at normal speed on highways. The fiber used has a unique design with two concentric light guiding regions of different effective optical path lengths, which has the potential to enable direct measurement of magnitudes as well as locations of forces acting at multiple points along a single fiber. The optical characteristic of the fiber for intended sensing purpose was first assessed by a simple fiber bending experiment and by correlating the bend radii with the output light signal intensities. A simple laboratory load transmitting/fiber bending device was then designed and fabricated to appropriately bend the optical fiber under applied loads in order to make the fiber work as load sensor. The device with the optical fiber was tested under a universal loading machine and an actual vehicle wheel in the laboratory. The test results showed a good relationship between the magnitude of the applied load and the output optical signal changes. The results also showed a good correlation between the time delay between the inner and outer core light pulses and the distance of the applied load as measured from the output end of the fiber. Full article

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1457 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analyzing the Variation of Building Density Using High Spatial Resolution Satellite Images: the Example of Shanghai City

by Xian-Zhang Pan, Qi-Guo Zhao, Jie Chen, Yin Liang and Bo Sun

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2541-2550; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042541 - 11 Apr 2008

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 14244

Abstract

Building density is an important issue in urban planning and land management. In the article, building coverage ratio (BCR) and floor area ratio (FAR) values extracted from high resolution satellite images were used to indicate buildings’ stretching on the surface and growth along [...] Read more.

Building density is an important issue in urban planning and land management. In the article, building coverage ratio (BCR) and floor area ratio (FAR) values extracted from high resolution satellite images were used to indicate buildings’ stretching on the surface and growth along the third dimension within areas of interest in Shanghai City, P.R. China. The results show that the variation of FAR is higher than that of BCR in the inner circle, and that the newer commercial centers have higher FAR and lower BCR values, while the traditional commercial areas have higher FAR and BCR ratios. By comparing different residential areas, it was found that the historical “Shikumen” areas and the old residential areas built before 1980s have higher BCR and lower FAR, while the new residential areas have higher FAR and lower BCR, except for the villa areas. These results suggest that both older building areas and villa areas use land resources in an inefficient way, and therefore better planning and management of urban land are needed for those fast economic growing regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Urban Environmental Monitoring)

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1083 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Classifying Oriental Beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky.) Forest Sites Using Direct, Indirect and Remote Sensing Methods: A Case Study from Turkey

by Alkan Günlü, Emin Zeki Baskent, Ali İhsan Kadiogullari and İlker Ercanli

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2526-2540; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042526 - 9 Apr 2008

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 9512

Abstract

Determining the productivity of forest sites through various classification techniques is important for making appropriate forest management decisions. Forest sites were classified using direct and indirect (site index) and remote sensing (Landsat 7 ETM and Quickbird satellite image) methods. In the direct method, [...] Read more.

Determining the productivity of forest sites through various classification techniques is important for making appropriate forest management decisions. Forest sites were classified using direct and indirect (site index) and remote sensing (Landsat 7 ETM and Quickbird satellite image) methods. In the direct method, forest site classifications were assigned according to edafic (soil properties), climate (precipitation and temperature) and topographic (altitude, slope, aspect and landform) factors. Five different forest site classes (dry, moderate fresh, fresh, moist and highly moist) were determined. In the indirect method, the guiding curve was used to generate anamorphic site index (SI) equations resulting in three classes; good (SI=I-II), medium (SI=III) and poor (SI=IV-V). Forest sites were also determined with a remote sensing method (RSM) using supervised classification of Landsat 7 ETM and Quickbird satellite images with a 0.67 kappa statistic value and 73.3% accuracy assessments; 0.88 kappa statistic value and 90.7% accuracy assessments, respectively. Forest sites polygon themes obtained from the three methods were overlaid and areas in the same classes were computed with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The results indicated that direct and SI methods were consistent as a 3% dry site (19.0 ha) was exactly determined by both the direct and SI methods as a site class IV. Comparison of SI and RMS methods indicated a small difference as the area was highly homogeneous and unmanaged. While 15.4 ha area (open and degraded areas) was not determined by SI but RSM. A 19.0 ha (100%) poor site was determined by the SI method, 14.9 ha (78%) poor site was in Landsat 7 ETM satellite image and 17.4 ha (92%) poor site in Quickbird satellite image. The relationship between direct and SI methods were statistically analyzed using chi-square test. The test indicated a statistically significant relationships between forest sites determined by direct method and Quicbird satellite image (χ² = 36.794; df = 16; p = 0.002), but no significant relationships with Landsat 7 ETM satellite image (χ² = 22.291; df = 16; p = 0.134). Moderate association was found between SI method and direct method (χ² = 16.724; df = 8; p = 0.033). Full article

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1127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Estimation of Stand Type Parameters and Land Cover Using Landsat-7 ETM Image: A Case Study from Turkey

by Alkan Günlü, Fatih Sivrikaya, Emin Zeki Baskent, Sedat Keles, Günay Çakir and Ali İhsan Kadiogullari

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2509-2525; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042509 - 9 Apr 2008

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 14391

Abstract

Remote sensing has been considered a low-cost, large-area coverage forest information resource ideally suited to broad-scale forest inventory objectives. The objective of this study is to determine stand type parameters such as crown closure, development stage and stand types, and land cover obtained [...] Read more.

Remote sensing has been considered a low-cost, large-area coverage forest information resource ideally suited to broad-scale forest inventory objectives. The objective of this study is to determine stand type parameters such as crown closure, development stage and stand types, and land cover obtained from Landsat 7 ETM image and forest cover type map (stand type map). The research also focuses on classifying and mapping the stand parameters with the spatial analysis functions of GIS. In the study, stand parameters determined by forest cover type map and remote sensing methods were compared and contrasted to evaluate the potential use of the remote sensing methods. The result showed that development stage were estimated with Landsat 7 ETM image using supervised classification with a 0.89 kappa statistic value and 92% overall accuracy assessments. Among the features, development stages were the most successfully classified stand parameters in classification process. According to the spatial accuracy assessment results, development stages also had the highest accuracy of 72.2%. As can be seen in the results, spatial accuracy is lower than classification accuracy. Stand type had the lowest accuracy of 32.8. In conclusion, it could be stated that development stages, crown closure and land cover could be determined at an acceptable level using Landsat 7 ETM image. However, Landsat 7 ETM image do not provide means to map and monitor minor vegetation communities and stand types at stand level due to low spatial resolution. High resolution satellite images could be used either alone or with field survey data. Full article

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2386 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Empirical Mode Decomposition Using Support Vector Machines for Multifocus Image Fusion

by Shaohui Chen, Hongbo Su, Renhua Zhang, Jing Tian and Lihu Yang

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2500-2508; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042500 - 8 Apr 2008

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 8446

Abstract

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is good at analyzing nonstationary and nonlinear signals while support vector machines (SVMs) are widely used for classification. In this paper, a combination of EMD and SVM is proposed as an improved method for fusing multifocus images. Experimental results [...] Read more.

Empirical mode decomposition (EMD) is good at analyzing nonstationary and nonlinear signals while support vector machines (SVMs) are widely used for classification. In this paper, a combination of EMD and SVM is proposed as an improved method for fusing multifocus images. Experimental results show that the proposed method is superior to the fusion methods based on à-trous wavelet transform (AWT) and EMD in terms of quantitative analyses by Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) and Mutual Information (MI). Full article

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1475 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inter-Comparison of ASTER and MODIS Surface Reflectance and Vegetation Index Products for Synergistic Applications to Natural Resource Monitoring

by Tomoaki Miura, Hiroki Yoshioka, Kayo Fujiwara and Hirokazu Yamamoto

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2480-2499; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042480 - 8 Apr 2008

Cited by 69 | Viewed by 16634

Abstract

Synergistic applications of multi-resolution satellite data have been of a great interest among user communities for the development of an improved and more effective operational monitoring system of natural resources, including vegetation and soil. In this study, we conducted an inter-comparison of two [...] Read more.

Synergistic applications of multi-resolution satellite data have been of a great interest among user communities for the development of an improved and more effective operational monitoring system of natural resources, including vegetation and soil. In this study, we conducted an inter-comparison of two remote sensing products, namely, visible/near-infrared surface reflectances and spectral vegetation indices (VIs), from the high resolution Advanced Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) (15 m) and lower resolution Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) (250 m – 500 m) sensors onboard the Terra platform. Our analysis was aimed at understanding the degree of radiometric compatibility between the two sensors’ products due to sensor spectral bandpasses and product generation algorithms. Multiple pairs of ASTER and MODIS standard surface reflectance products were obtained at randomly-selected, globally-distributed locations, from which two types of VIs were computed: the normalized difference vegetation index and the enhanced vegetation indices with and without a blue band. Our results showed that these surface reflectance products and the derived VIs compared well between the two sensors at a global scale, but subject to systematic differences, of which magnitudes varied among scene pairs. An independent assessment of the accuracy of ASTER and MODIS standard products, in which “in-house” surface reflectances were obtained using in situ Aeronet atmospheric data for comparison, suggested that the performance of the ASTER atmospheric correction algorithm may be variable, reducing overall quality of its standard reflectance product. Atmospheric aerosols, which were not corrected for in the ASTER algorithm, were found not to impact the quality of the derived reflectances. Further investigation is needed to identify the sources of inconsistent atmospheric correction results associated with the ASTER algorithm, including additional quality assessments of the ASTER and MODIS products with other atmospheric radiative transfer codes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing of Natural Resources and the Environment)

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508 KiB

Open AccessReview

Absorbance Based Light Emitting Diode Optical Sensors and Sensing Devices

by Martina O’Toole and Dermot Diamond

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2453-2479; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042453 - 7 Apr 2008

Cited by 165 | Viewed by 23482

Abstract

The ever increasing demand for in situ monitoring of health, environment and security has created a need for reliable, miniaturised sensing devices. To achieve this, appropriate analytical devices are required that possess operating characteristics of reliability, low power consumption, low cost, autonomous operation [...] Read more.

The ever increasing demand for in situ monitoring of health, environment and security has created a need for reliable, miniaturised sensing devices. To achieve this, appropriate analytical devices are required that possess operating characteristics of reliability, low power consumption, low cost, autonomous operation capability and compatibility with wireless communications systems. The use of light emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources is one strategy, which has been successfully applied in chemical sensing. This paper summarises the development and advancement of LED based chemical sensors and sensing devices in terms of their configuration and application, with the focus on transmittance and reflectance absorptiometric measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photonic Sensors for Chemical, Biological, and Nuclear Agent Detection)

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597 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Downscaling Thermal Infrared Radiance for Subpixel Land Surface Temperature Retrieval

by Desheng Liu and Ruiliang Pu

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2695-2706; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042695 - 6 Apr 2008

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 11964

Abstract

Land surface temperature (LST) retrieved from satellite thermal sensors often consists of mixed temperature components. Retrieving subpixel LST is therefore needed in various environmental and ecological studies. In this paper, we developed two methods for downscaling coarse resolution thermal infrared (TIR) radiance for [...] Read more.

Land surface temperature (LST) retrieved from satellite thermal sensors often consists of mixed temperature components. Retrieving subpixel LST is therefore needed in various environmental and ecological studies. In this paper, we developed two methods for downscaling coarse resolution thermal infrared (TIR) radiance for the purpose of subpixel temperature retrieval. The first method was developed on the basis of a scale-invariant physical model on TIR radiance. The second method was based on a statistical relationship between TIR radiance and land cover fraction at high spatial resolution. The two methods were applied to downscale simulated 990-m ASTER TIR data to 90-m resolution. When validated against the original 90-m ASTER TIR data, the results revealed that both downscaling methods were successful in capturing the general patterns of the original data and resolving considerable spatial details. Further quantitative assessments indicated a strong agreement between the true values and the estimated values by both methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remote Sensing of Land Surface Properties, Patterns and Processes)

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757 KiB

Open AccessReview

Systems and Sensors for Debris-flow Monitoring and Warning

by Massimo Arattano and Lorenzo Marchi

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2436-2452; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042436 - 4 Apr 2008

Cited by 129 | Viewed by 23061

Abstract

Debris flows are a type of mass movement that occurs in mountain torrents. They consist of a high concentration of solid material in water that flows as a wave with a steep front. Debris flows can be considered a phenomenon intermediate between landslides [...] Read more.

Debris flows are a type of mass movement that occurs in mountain torrents. They consist of a high concentration of solid material in water that flows as a wave with a steep front. Debris flows can be considered a phenomenon intermediate between landslides and water floods. They are amongst the most hazardous natural processes in mountainous regions and may occur under different climatic conditions. Their destructiveness is due to different factors: their capability of transporting and depositing huge amounts of solid materials, which may also reach large sizes (boulders of several cubic meters are commonly transported by debris flows), their steep fronts, which may reach several meters of height and also their high velocities. The implementation of both structural and nonstructural control measures is often required when debris flows endanger routes, urban areas and other infrastructures. Sensor networks for debris-flow monitoring and warning play an important role amongst non-structural measures intended to reduce debris-flow risk. In particular, debris flow warning systems can be subdivided into two main classes: advance warning and event warning systems. These two classes employ different types of sensors. Advance warning systems are based on monitoring causative hydrometeorological processes (typically rainfall) and aim to issue a warning before a possible debris flow is triggered. Event warning systems are based on detecting debris flows when these processes are in progress. They have a much smaller lead time than advance warning ones but are also less prone to false alarms. Advance warning for debris flows employs sensors and techniques typical of meteorology and hydrology, including measuring rainfall by means of rain gauges and weather radar and monitoring water discharge in headwater streams. Event warning systems use different types of sensors, encompassing ultrasonic or radar gauges, ground vibration sensors, videocameras, avalanche pendulums, photocells, trip wires etc. Event warning systems for debris flows have a strong linkage with debris-flow monitoring that is carried out for research purposes: the same sensors are often used for both monitoring and warning, although warning systems have higher requirements of robustness than monitoring systems. The paper presents a description of the sensors employed for debris-flow monitoring and event warning systems, with attention given to advantages and drawbacks of different types of sensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sensors for Disaster and Emergency Management Decision Making)

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240 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Personalization of Rule-based Web Services

by Okkyung Choi and Sang Yong Han

Sensors 2008, 8(4), 2424-2435; https://doi.org/10.3390/s8042424 - 4 Apr 2008

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 8619

Abstract

Nowadays Web users have clearly expressed their wishes to receive personalized services directly. Personalization is the way to tailor services directly to the immediate requirements of the user. However, the current Web Services System does not provide any features supporting this such as [...] Read more.

Nowadays Web users have clearly expressed their wishes to receive personalized services directly. Personalization is the way to tailor services directly to the immediate requirements of the user. However, the current Web Services System does not provide any features supporting this such as consideration of personalization of services and intelligent matchmaking. In this research a flexible, personalized Rule-based Web Services System to address these problems and to enable efficient search, discovery and construction across general Web documents and Semantic Web documents in a Web Services System is proposed. This system utilizes matchmaking among service requesters’, service providers’ and users’ preferences using a Rule-based Search Method, and subsequently ranks search results. A prototype of efficient Web Services search and construction for the suggested system is developed based on the current work. Full article

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Sensors, Volume 8, Issue 4 (April 2008) – 47 articles , Pages 2043-2912

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