Uncertainty propagation in vegetation distribution models based on ensemble classifiers

Ensemble learning techniques are increasingly applied for species and vegetation distribution modelling, often resulting in more accurate predictions. At the same time, uncertainty assessment of distribution models is gaining attention. In this study, Random Forests, an ensemble learning technique, is selected for vegetation distribution modelling based on environmental variables. The impact of two important sources of uncertainty, that is the uncertainty on spatial interpolation of environmental variables and the uncertainty on species clustering into vegetation types, is quantified based on sequential Gaussian simulation and pseudo-randomization tests, respectively. An empirical assessment of the uncertainty propagation to the distribution modelling results indicated a gradual decrease in performance with increasing input uncertainty. The test set error ranged from 30.83% to 52.63% and from 30.83% to 83.62%, when the uncertainty ranges on spatial interpolation and on vegetation clustering, respectively, were fully covered. Shannon’s entropy, which is proposed as a measure for uncertainty of ensemble predictions, revealed a similar increasing trend in prediction uncertainty. The implications of these results in an empirical distribution modelling framework are further discussed with respect to monitoring setup, spatial interpolation and species clustering.     

Monitoring and adaptive management: resolving social and organisational issues to improve information sharing in natural resource management

Adaptive, or 'learning by doing', approaches are often advocated as a means of providing increased understanding within natural resource management. However, a number of organisational and social issues need to be resolved if these approaches are to be used successfully. A case study in the South Island high country of New Zealand is used to review what is needed to support an ongoing community-based monitoring and adaptive management programme. First, the case study is described, paying attention to the social context of the resource management problem. The results of a workshop that explored this problem are then outlined, along with a proposed information flow suggested by participants. Requirements for future steps to resolve these problems (such as information protocols and a multi-stakeholder information system) are discussed. Finally, some broad lessons are drawn from this exercise that could help others developing similar approaches.     

Finding Hope in the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment

Abstract:  Over the past quarter century, a new scientific activity has emerged: collective assessments by large numbers of scientists from different disciplines combining their expertise to better understand human interrelations with nature and to inform policy. The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment exceeded all such assessments before it in both the breadth of its coverage and the depth of its analysis of socioecological system dynamics. The findings are not encouraging. Nearly all ecosystems are being degraded and will continue to be degraded for decades to come even if policy changes are initiated now. For scientists participating in the assessment, the MA had another disconcerting aspect. It clearly shows that our fragmented, disciplinary knowledges cannot simply be combined to form an understanding of a whole complex system. Counterbalancing the despair of the findings and scientific difficulties of aggregating specialized knowledges, the MA demonstrated the potential of a deliberative democratic approach to grappling with complex problems .     

机器学习在材料服役性能预测中的应用

针对材料服役性能预测存在误差大、计算复杂、适用性差等问题,提出了基于数据挖掘的机器学习预测方法。首先阐述了机器学习的应用流程,并总结了常用模型原理及其在材料性能预测中的应用。然后采用多种机器学习模型对RPV钢的辐照性能进行预测,并通过Stacking集成方法提高了模型的预测精度。结果表明,机器学习可用于材料服役性能预测,具有较高的预测精度和可靠性。根据材料服役数据的不同特征选择合适的学习模型,同时进行模型融合和参数优化,可有效提高模型的预测精度及运算速度。     

毒死蜱低剂量重复染毒致学习记忆功能障碍及CREB信号途径的抑制(Repeated Exposures to Low-Level Chlorpyrifos Result in Learning Memory Impairment and Inhibition of the CREB Signal System)

毒死蜱(CPF)是我国推荐使用的低毒有机磷农药之一,目前在全世界广泛应用.选择不引起动物出现全身系统毒性的CPF剂量(1、5、10mg·kg-1)对大鼠连续染毒4周,评价CPF对动物的学习记忆功能和CREB信号通路的影响.结果显示:CPF连续染毒后动物出现记忆能力的损伤,随着染毒剂量的增加,海马、皮质和纹状体CREB及ERKI/Ⅱ磷酸化蛋白表达逐渐减少,这表明ERK/CREB信号通路可能是参与毒死蜱低剂量重复暴露致学习记忆功能改变的重要途径.     

基于空间拟合和神经网络的机场噪声预测集成模型

将集成学习方法引入到机场噪声预测中,提出一种基于空间拟合和神经网络的机场噪声预测集成模型.该模型采用空间拟合算法和BP神经网络算法构建基学习器,然后通过所提出的基于观察学习的异构集成算法将基学习器集成起来,获得集成的机场噪声预测结果.该模型通过集成多个异构机场噪声预测基学习器,能够有效提升预测准确率.实验结果表明,本文所提出的基于观察学习的异构集成算法,较之其他异构集成算法,在解决机场噪声预测问题上准确性更高、容错性更强.     

基于深度学习的大数据空气污染预报

为了更好地反映环境污染变化趋势,为环境管理决策提供及时、全面的环境质量信息,预防严重污染事件发生,开展城市空气质量预报研究是十分必要的.本文针对环境大数据时代下的城市空气质量预报,提出了一种基于深度学习的新方法.该方法通过模拟人类大脑的神经连接结构,将数据在原空间的特征表示转换到具有语义特征的新特征空间,自动地学习得到层次化的特征表示,从而提高预报性能.得益于这种方式,新方法与传统方法相比,不仅可以利用空气质量监测、气象监测及预报等环境大数据,充分考虑污染物的时空变化、空间分布,得到语义性的污染物变化规律,还可以基于其他空气污染预测方法的结果(如数值预报模式),自动分析其适用范围、优势劣势.因此,新方法通过模拟人脑思考过程实现更充分的大数据集成,一定程度上克服了现有方法的缺陷,应用上更加具有灵活性和可操作性.最后,通过实验证明新方法可以提高空气污染预报性能.     

基于机器学习的电热防除冰表面温度变化趋势预测

针对飞机部件周期控制律电加热防除冰的应用,提出基于机器学习以预测电加热防除冰表面温度的变化趋势.依靠大型结冰风洞及其电加热防除冰控制系统完成防除冰试验,获得有效的试验数据,以通、断电周期为分割单元,将试验数据划分成验证集和训练集.根据电热防除冰过程的换热情况,构建样本的特征参数,利用机器学习的有监督学习方式,选择KNN...     

基于SA-ELM的爆破震动速度预测

针对爆破震动速度与其影响因素之间的复杂非线性,结合模拟退火算法(SA)的全局寻优性,提出了一种新的SA-ELM算法.以矿山周边建筑物爆破震动实测数据作为训练样本,选取总药量、最大段药量、测点与爆破点距离、地面震动特性、建筑物震动特性等8个影响因素作为输入变量,建立了爆破震动速度预测的SA-ELM模型.模型训练值和预测值与实测值的均方误差(MSE)分别为0.20和3.26,平均相对误差控制在5％以内,显示出该模型具有良好的训练精度和泛化能力.对比传统ELM模型,SA-ELM模型不但提高了精度和泛化能力,而且降低了隐层节点数变化对训练结果的影响,提高了模型的稳定性.